A barb to the City of Monroe >for still not putting in bicycle lanes from the Badger Trail to the Square, or a trail head building in Twining Park. This trail is potentially one of the busiest in the state, funneling millions of bicyclists from the Freeport-Rockford-Chicago metroplex right through our front yard, but still no lanes to get downtown, and no welcome center in Twining. We're bicycle lanes supposed to be part of the 16th Avenue project? Why aren't we throwing out the welcome mat? I swear, does anyone on the City Council know the definition of "economic development?" Or, do we again have to learn from our smaller, savvy neighbors around us - New Glarus, Brodhead, Darlington - and be a follower instead of a leader? While we're at it, why isn't there a decent attractive trailhead and campground for ATVers on the Cheese Country Trail? Most cities would count their lucky stars to be so well located on two trails, so close to big cities in two states. Still, no amenities whatsoever! Get with it, Monroe, let's make this city work. Let's make our location work for us! - A bicyclist (are we, and our money, welcome or not?)>
A glorious blossom to Monroe's Concert on the Square >on July 9, which featured the 80s cover band, Stranded in Iowa! It was great to have music from a younger era; and I think it's an incredible start to help get a wider variety of music enthusiasts to attend our city's summer concerts! Thanks for a fabulous performance! - 80s Music Lover>
This is a barb to the ones who fly on County J. >You are worried about Washington Road being traveled? Well, come and drive on County J. No one looks out for the farmers on County J or the dogs or anything. Pass through guard rails. Won't slow down for tractors or anything. Now you know how it feels. Why does it always have to be County J? - Resident of County J>
A blossom to Europa, >the newest member welcomed by the MCCI. Europa celebrated its first anniversary under new ownership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 11. Stop in and wish owner, Heather Thoman, congratulations on her first year. Welcome aboard. It's great to have a business person like yourself in our community. - Peacock>
A blossom to Nathan Haseleu and family, Jeremy Miller, Joe Hunter, Sheila Berry, Monroe Police Department, Monroe Chamber of Commerce and, of course, all the people who attended >the NASCAR on the Square event on Saturday, July 11. We could not have asked for better weather. I personally appreciate the collaborative efforts in bringing something new to the Square in the form of an event that many children both young and old will not soon forget. Where else can you see race cars with drivers and huge construction equipment in one place? Only on the Square in Monroe. Sincerest of thanks for bringing a sparkle to the eyes of my children and countless others. - Laura>
A barb to inconsiderate neighbors> whose lack of control over their children is stunning and quite loud. I'd like to preface this by saying that I'm a happy individual who has raised two grown kids and adore children. If this was a once-or-twice deal, I'd blow it off. But it seems like every morning when I leave for work, when I come home from work, and especially at night and weekends, I hear a constant barrage of shrieking and yelling and running around screaming at the top of their lungs from these kids. I understand kids like to laugh and have fun and I don't want to come off as the Grinch, but this noise is constant, loud and annoying. I live six houses down the street and It's like they're in my back yard. This past Saturday evening we had company over in the back yard for a cookout and had an honest-to-goodness hard time hearing each other talk with all the screaming and shrieking. I was fed up enough that I went to see what the commotion was all about, and as I turned the corner to my surprise there were four adults just standing there not doing a darn thing to keep the kids from the yelling. I don't know where respect for your neighbors went and when common courtesy died, but this is dreadful. I don't wish to offend these people, but this has been going on for years and I fear it would come off as anti-kid, which is not my intention. I just hope that the parents or friends and families of these parents will read this and in the future will try to show some respect for your neighborhood. - Marianne S.>
A huge blossom to the Monticello celebration >this weekend. The fish boil was wonderful, with our community queens attending. Thanks to the First Response team and the Monticello Police Department for a quick response to our call on Friday night. Thank you all. A big blossom to our Parade Committee. What a wonderful parade this year. Everything was just right. Thanks to the community queens for coming out to enjoy the BBQ chicken, and to the community clubs, Lions, FFA Alumni. The whole weekend was a big success. To the Monticello Police officers, what a wonderful job, as always. - A Well-Satisfied Resident of Monticello, Wis.>
A blossom to all of my friends >that were kind enough to visit me while I was in the hospital after surgery.Mercie, Oliver, Jacob, Jess, Zach, Jenny, Emily, Lori and Melissa and all the kind phone calls of concern. And a special blossom to Dr. Rogerson and Dr. Miller and all the nursing staff >at the Monroe Clinic and Hospital. You were all very kind and made everything go so much easier for me. And thank you to my sister Shana and her friends and our neighbors and my grandparents and aunts and cousins, who are always there when I need them. Thank You. - Casey Arnsmeier >
A barb to the City of Monroe. >On Monroe's west side, at the entry to Piggly Wiggly, the stop signs, warning thru traffic of the pedestrian traffic, are right at the edges of the walkway and do not give drivers sufficient warning. I suggest "Stop Sign Ahead" warnings from both directions, 20 feet ahead. Also, the first parking space in the two lanes directly across from the entry are too close. Both spaces are saved for the handicapped, and many of their vehicles are large, or vans, and thus have to back out into the thru-traffic land. I suggest that, for safety, these two spaces be eliminated. The two-block stretch that passes Piggly Wiggly is, officially, a two-block street - 4th Avenue. The southern block begins between two restaurants and, though it looks like a mere mall entrance, absorbs in-out traffic for the two eating places, a drive-in bank, a drive-up mailbox, the huge grocery store, a florist and a beauty shop. That adds up to a lot of traffic. Plus, it acts as a 6th Street-8th Street shortcut to avoid Highway 69. I suggest "4th Avenue" signs at 6th Street, 8th Street and 7th Street to warn drivers that it is a street.
A blossom to the Monroe Public Library. >I use our wonderful library frequently, and take out a lot of books at one time. Yes, I read most of them, too, even more than once. I often have to make two trips to and from my car, and I thank all of you other readers, old and young, who have helped me tote books and open doors. - Joey Norton, Monroe>
A blossom to the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department, >specifically to the swimming pool staff. Once again they put on another great event for the kids. From the reactions of the kids, the Harry Potter theme was a hit. I want to thank the staff and sponsors for all the work you put into these events. I would also like to thank the Monroe Parks and Rec Department as a whole for having the best parks and events that any city would be envious. - Rob McCarthy>
