A barb to the neighbors that put their grass clippings down the sewer after mowing. Another barb to the neighbor that has an almost constant fire in his backyard. It is summer, and the air stinks all the time when you go outside. - Anonymous
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A bunch of blossoms to the Green County area business that sponsored Nursing Home Week at Pleasant View Nursing Home in May. Thank you to Beast Buffet, Swiss Colony, Flowers by Kim, Studio 906, Chalet Cheese Co-op, Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus, WI Cheese Group, Rackow Family Sausage, Anytime Fitness, American Inn, American Legion, Heartland Graphics, Vince's Pizza, Papa Murphy's, Pizza Hut, Pomp's Tire, VFW-Monroe, Shopko, Barb's Potato Salad, Leisure Lanes, Monroe Mobil Gas Station, Brennan's, Perk's, Flanagan's Shenanigans, Laurie's Hair Care, Geri's Crafts, Berget Jewelers, Cash's Bar and Grill, Woodford State Bank, Irma's Kitchen Inc., Cost Cutters, and Argyle Lumber. - Jennifer Stollenwerk, Life Enrichment Supervisor, Pleasant View Nursing Home
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A big thorny barb (can you feel it?) to the individual or individuals who stole the hanging flower arrangement I put on my parents' grave on Memorial Day. I put my heart and soul into that purchase, and it broke my heart when I drove over to water it and it was gone. I hope someday that happens to you after you lose your parents. But I guess you've never been taught by your parents the commandment "Thou shall not steal." You are probably laughing while reading this, fine. I firmly believe what goes around comes around. But this is a warning to anyone who hangs flowers at the cemetery. Make sure they are tied down, or plant them. I was too trusting. - Anonymous
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A blossom goes out to all that helped make Green Haven's 19th Annual Mother's Day plant sale a success. We would like to thank all the volunteers and businesses that helped make this event possible by donating their time and services: Ahren's Acres, First National Bank, Roy's Market, Albany Mini Mart, Scherer Moving, Klondike Cheese, Monticello Lionesses, Sylvan and Jan Olson, Minhas Brewery, and all the volunteers who worked the sites in Monroe, Monticello, Albany and New Glarus. We would also like to thank everyone in the community that purchased flowers to support our cause. All proceeds from the sale go directly to fund the programs for individuals and families in Green County affected by abuse and violence. These programs include prevention, education, advocacy, support and services. - Erika Zinke, Economic Advocate/Events Coordinator, Green Haven Family Advocates, Inc.
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A very big blossom to the Monroe Alternative Charter School graduates. You have made us so very proud. Continue to follow your dreams! - Jeff Bakken
•••
Blossoms to the Monroe Times for the front page coverage of our Memorial Day parade and the service at Greenwood Cemetery to honor our veterans. One of the photos captured 89-year-old veteran Alvin Riese. It was his desire to march from Recreation Park, as he has done for more than 50 years, instead of riding on a float carrying other area veterans to the service at Greenwood Cemetery. A special bouquet to Alvin.
To Scott Thompson and the staff at WEKZ ... blossoms to you for the announcements of our events for the Memorial Day services and your support throughout the year.
A huge bouquet to Judge Thomas Vale for his address at the Memorial Day Service.
And blossoms to the citizens of the Monroe area who took the time to remember our fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. - Charles Drnek, Commander, Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post No. 84
•••
A barb to whoever left their dog in the car at Shopko on Wednesday, June 8, when it was 91 degrees out with only one window cracked about half an inch. I sincerely hope that your dog was all right. A barb to Shopko as well, who not only would not page the owner of the vehicle, but wouldn't call the police department or give me the number (I am not from Monroe). Please, do not leave pets or children in the car. If you don't (or can't) take them in to a store, leave them at home! This applies to all seasons, not just summer. - Animal Lover
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A huge blossom to the Monroe Pizza Hut. Thursday morning there were tired crews from our village, crews from the county, crews from Alliant Energy, and many others out trying to open up our streets and restore power after that storm left several blocked with trees. Some had been up most of the night! Monroe's Pizza Hut called the village and asked about getting a hold of as many as possible and where he could deliver several pizzas for these workers to take a break. Although we weren't able to get everyone of course, we got a hold of as many as we could and they were able to have a little time off from the back-breaking work and enjoy a hot pizza lunch. It was totally unexpected but so greatly appreciated. Pizza Hut- thanks so much for your thoughtfulness! - Village of Albany
•••
I would like to give out a huge set of blossoms to all the area law enforcement officers and staff, fire departments and EMS personnel. I sat in the comfort of my home on Wednesday evening and listened to all our area agencies as they went into emergency mode. I was so impressed. Both dispatchers who were working Wednesday evening at the Green County Sheriff's Department - Katherine Vetterli and Eric Berget - handled their jobs like true professionals. They were inundated with 911 calls and were continually dispatching all our area fire departments, EMS responders and officers to help people and property in danger. We are so very fortunate to live and have such a dedicated group of people that will work through anything to keep all of us safe. My compliments to all of you on a job extremely well done. You are a credit to you departments and agencies. - Jerry Mortimer
•••
A huge blossom to Dale Losenegger, president of MBI, for the time and effort he puts into the local high school baseball diamond. It's far and above most diamonds around. I had the privilege of working with Dale several years ago, so I know first-hand his dedication to the project, and to MBI. Great job Dale, and keep up the good work.- Ernie Beutel
•••
A barb to the Monroe Times for not sending a reporter to cover Kyle Bruce at the state golf tournament. There has been full coverage for individuals and teams in any other sport that have made it to state. Yet, this young man worked his tail off to make it to the state finals and all you do is have a small clip written each day about his performance. Just pathetic. Congratulations Kyle on your accomplishment from all past members of the Monroe golf team. -Anonymous
•••
Once again a thornbush the size of his squad car to Fred Kelley and his Monroe Police Department. Since the 25 mph speed limit was posted on Wisconsin 69, I have seen officers standing behind trees and bushes running radar at 6 a.m. in the morning. This past weekend at various times they had three or more squad cars in that area. Really? Was the speed reduced to help with construction or to increase Kelley's ticket ratio? Note that at neither of these times was there construction being done. And, why is it that those of us who are "townies" see Illinois folks go flying through there at 40 or more mph and they don't get ticketed, but a young college student home to Monroe for the summer gets a ticket for two miles over 25? Really? I guess the motto, "Monroe, we bring you back" is only for out-of-towners or out-of-staters. Thank you for clarifying that we don't want to bring back our own successful young people ... One would think there would be many more useful ways department staff could be used. I can think of many better uses: 1) Patrolling the city's parks (maybe then the roughnecks would stay away from Swiss Alps) 2) Patrolling the Square to cut down on the lewd behavior and speeding there. 3) Patrolling the bar areas at bar time - get the drunks off the road and make us all more safe. 4) Or, make some staff work overnights and spend some time in some quiet neighborhoods to keep fragile senior citizens from being victimized in their own homes. Sad that one person, not in law enforcement, can come up with a list of better ways to utilize staff than Kelley and all his plethora of administrative sworn officers and staff. Shame on MPD for once again wasting resources. Perhaps during this term as mayor, Bill Ross, should try to get the city decent leadership at MPD since he is responsible for this one. - B Mee
•••
A barb against Walker, his Republican cronies and the Republican Party of Wisconsin for trying to run phony candidates to force Democratic primaries. Is there no low they will not sink to? Shame on them! Their scheme will waste millions in state tax dollars. It makes them oxymorons.
A barb against the Government Accounting Board for approving petitions for the recall of the three Democratic state senators. The board actually debated for hours on how much fraud was acceptable. As far as most people are concerned, any fraud taints the entire petition for recall. Thanks to Walker and his crony Republican ilk, corruption and fraud is now acceptable; it has become common and is now the standard in Wisconsin. - Dave Searles
•••
An enormous blossom to the gifted artist known as Zoli for bringing his magnificent collection of beautiful carved animals to the Square. They are absolutely incredible works of art that are a joy to behold! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them with all of us and providing such an enjoyable exhibit. The partially hidden mountain goat, monkies, snake and eagle are especially fun. You are indeed a gifted and talented artist. Continued success to you. It is richly deserved. - Anonymous
•••
A bunch of blossoms to the Green County area business that sponsored Nursing Home Week at Pleasant View Nursing Home in May. Thank you to Beast Buffet, Swiss Colony, Flowers by Kim, Studio 906, Chalet Cheese Co-op, Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus, WI Cheese Group, Rackow Family Sausage, Anytime Fitness, American Inn, American Legion, Heartland Graphics, Vince's Pizza, Papa Murphy's, Pizza Hut, Pomp's Tire, VFW-Monroe, Shopko, Barb's Potato Salad, Leisure Lanes, Monroe Mobil Gas Station, Brennan's, Perk's, Flanagan's Shenanigans, Laurie's Hair Care, Geri's Crafts, Berget Jewelers, Cash's Bar and Grill, Woodford State Bank, Irma's Kitchen Inc., Cost Cutters, and Argyle Lumber. - Jennifer Stollenwerk, Life Enrichment Supervisor, Pleasant View Nursing Home
•••
A big thorny barb (can you feel it?) to the individual or individuals who stole the hanging flower arrangement I put on my parents' grave on Memorial Day. I put my heart and soul into that purchase, and it broke my heart when I drove over to water it and it was gone. I hope someday that happens to you after you lose your parents. But I guess you've never been taught by your parents the commandment "Thou shall not steal." You are probably laughing while reading this, fine. I firmly believe what goes around comes around. But this is a warning to anyone who hangs flowers at the cemetery. Make sure they are tied down, or plant them. I was too trusting. - Anonymous
•••
A blossom goes out to all that helped make Green Haven's 19th Annual Mother's Day plant sale a success. We would like to thank all the volunteers and businesses that helped make this event possible by donating their time and services: Ahren's Acres, First National Bank, Roy's Market, Albany Mini Mart, Scherer Moving, Klondike Cheese, Monticello Lionesses, Sylvan and Jan Olson, Minhas Brewery, and all the volunteers who worked the sites in Monroe, Monticello, Albany and New Glarus. We would also like to thank everyone in the community that purchased flowers to support our cause. All proceeds from the sale go directly to fund the programs for individuals and families in Green County affected by abuse and violence. These programs include prevention, education, advocacy, support and services. - Erika Zinke, Economic Advocate/Events Coordinator, Green Haven Family Advocates, Inc.
•••
A very big blossom to the Monroe Alternative Charter School graduates. You have made us so very proud. Continue to follow your dreams! - Jeff Bakken
•••
Blossoms to the Monroe Times for the front page coverage of our Memorial Day parade and the service at Greenwood Cemetery to honor our veterans. One of the photos captured 89-year-old veteran Alvin Riese. It was his desire to march from Recreation Park, as he has done for more than 50 years, instead of riding on a float carrying other area veterans to the service at Greenwood Cemetery. A special bouquet to Alvin.
To Scott Thompson and the staff at WEKZ ... blossoms to you for the announcements of our events for the Memorial Day services and your support throughout the year.
A huge bouquet to Judge Thomas Vale for his address at the Memorial Day Service.
And blossoms to the citizens of the Monroe area who took the time to remember our fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. - Charles Drnek, Commander, Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post No. 84
•••
A barb to whoever left their dog in the car at Shopko on Wednesday, June 8, when it was 91 degrees out with only one window cracked about half an inch. I sincerely hope that your dog was all right. A barb to Shopko as well, who not only would not page the owner of the vehicle, but wouldn't call the police department or give me the number (I am not from Monroe). Please, do not leave pets or children in the car. If you don't (or can't) take them in to a store, leave them at home! This applies to all seasons, not just summer. - Animal Lover
•••
A huge blossom to the Monroe Pizza Hut. Thursday morning there were tired crews from our village, crews from the county, crews from Alliant Energy, and many others out trying to open up our streets and restore power after that storm left several blocked with trees. Some had been up most of the night! Monroe's Pizza Hut called the village and asked about getting a hold of as many as possible and where he could deliver several pizzas for these workers to take a break. Although we weren't able to get everyone of course, we got a hold of as many as we could and they were able to have a little time off from the back-breaking work and enjoy a hot pizza lunch. It was totally unexpected but so greatly appreciated. Pizza Hut- thanks so much for your thoughtfulness! - Village of Albany
•••
I would like to give out a huge set of blossoms to all the area law enforcement officers and staff, fire departments and EMS personnel. I sat in the comfort of my home on Wednesday evening and listened to all our area agencies as they went into emergency mode. I was so impressed. Both dispatchers who were working Wednesday evening at the Green County Sheriff's Department - Katherine Vetterli and Eric Berget - handled their jobs like true professionals. They were inundated with 911 calls and were continually dispatching all our area fire departments, EMS responders and officers to help people and property in danger. We are so very fortunate to live and have such a dedicated group of people that will work through anything to keep all of us safe. My compliments to all of you on a job extremely well done. You are a credit to you departments and agencies. - Jerry Mortimer
•••
A huge blossom to Dale Losenegger, president of MBI, for the time and effort he puts into the local high school baseball diamond. It's far and above most diamonds around. I had the privilege of working with Dale several years ago, so I know first-hand his dedication to the project, and to MBI. Great job Dale, and keep up the good work.- Ernie Beutel
•••
A barb to the Monroe Times for not sending a reporter to cover Kyle Bruce at the state golf tournament. There has been full coverage for individuals and teams in any other sport that have made it to state. Yet, this young man worked his tail off to make it to the state finals and all you do is have a small clip written each day about his performance. Just pathetic. Congratulations Kyle on your accomplishment from all past members of the Monroe golf team. -Anonymous
•••
Once again a thornbush the size of his squad car to Fred Kelley and his Monroe Police Department. Since the 25 mph speed limit was posted on Wisconsin 69, I have seen officers standing behind trees and bushes running radar at 6 a.m. in the morning. This past weekend at various times they had three or more squad cars in that area. Really? Was the speed reduced to help with construction or to increase Kelley's ticket ratio? Note that at neither of these times was there construction being done. And, why is it that those of us who are "townies" see Illinois folks go flying through there at 40 or more mph and they don't get ticketed, but a young college student home to Monroe for the summer gets a ticket for two miles over 25? Really? I guess the motto, "Monroe, we bring you back" is only for out-of-towners or out-of-staters. Thank you for clarifying that we don't want to bring back our own successful young people ... One would think there would be many more useful ways department staff could be used. I can think of many better uses: 1) Patrolling the city's parks (maybe then the roughnecks would stay away from Swiss Alps) 2) Patrolling the Square to cut down on the lewd behavior and speeding there. 3) Patrolling the bar areas at bar time - get the drunks off the road and make us all more safe. 4) Or, make some staff work overnights and spend some time in some quiet neighborhoods to keep fragile senior citizens from being victimized in their own homes. Sad that one person, not in law enforcement, can come up with a list of better ways to utilize staff than Kelley and all his plethora of administrative sworn officers and staff. Shame on MPD for once again wasting resources. Perhaps during this term as mayor, Bill Ross, should try to get the city decent leadership at MPD since he is responsible for this one. - B Mee
•••
A barb against Walker, his Republican cronies and the Republican Party of Wisconsin for trying to run phony candidates to force Democratic primaries. Is there no low they will not sink to? Shame on them! Their scheme will waste millions in state tax dollars. It makes them oxymorons.
A barb against the Government Accounting Board for approving petitions for the recall of the three Democratic state senators. The board actually debated for hours on how much fraud was acceptable. As far as most people are concerned, any fraud taints the entire petition for recall. Thanks to Walker and his crony Republican ilk, corruption and fraud is now acceptable; it has become common and is now the standard in Wisconsin. - Dave Searles
•••
An enormous blossom to the gifted artist known as Zoli for bringing his magnificent collection of beautiful carved animals to the Square. They are absolutely incredible works of art that are a joy to behold! Thank you so much for taking the time to share them with all of us and providing such an enjoyable exhibit. The partially hidden mountain goat, monkies, snake and eagle are especially fun. You are indeed a gifted and talented artist. Continued success to you. It is richly deserved. - Anonymous
