A barb to people who let their wood smoke into the air. >Now that spring has come and we all like to open our doors and windows for its fresh air, it seems that it's not long before strong, rancid wood smoke drifts in to burn noses that are allergic to smoke. So we have to close up doors and windows. I know the fireplaces and fire pits are a big item, but not for me. Can't they save them for winter and fall? - Anonymous>
A major barb to the City of Brodhead >for not replacing or requiring property owners to replace notoriously bad sidewalks in the city. Notoriously bad sidewalks are unsafe sidewalks that are cracked, pocked and/or uneven and/or flood when it rains or the snow melts. I have identified over 40 such sidewalks. The city has ignored sidewalks in Brodhead for over 50 years and I have been after the city for nearly 12 years now to replace or have replaced bad sidewalks. City council members are so afraid of alienating property owners that they continue to ignore the problem. Harry S Truman said, "If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the damn kitchen." If city council members are not going to do their job, then they have no business serving on the council. They should be serving out of a civic duty and not to protect their own purses and wallets and those of their family and friends. - Dave Searles>
I would like to send a blossom to Laura Molitor, Cory Hirsbrunner and Donna Schluesche, >who as third-grade teachers at Parkside school in 1999 had their students write a prophecy of post-graduations plans from Monroe High School in 2008. This past week, students of that 1999 third-grade class received their nine-year-old letters. Speaking as parents of the 2008 MHS graduate and reading our son's third-grade letter was a wonderful experience. This little act of thoughtfulness on behalf of his teachers added another touch of joy to this year's graduation. Thanks so much for holding on to those little letters for nine years. Where does the time go?! - Reid and Cheryl Stangel>
A barb to all the individuals slinging mud >in regard to the city administrator and the Monroe City Council. I have read many of the comments made on the Times.com (most of them anonymous, I might add), and it made me think, what the heck ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Just because an allegation is made does not mean that the person is guilty. Also, for those of you chastising the City Council about hiring this individual, I am sure they did not look that far into their crystal ball to see that this was going to happen. How 'bout we just let the DWD and the investigators do their job? And if you don't like the way things are being run, get your petition signed and run for the offices.
A blossom to everyone associated with the planning of Cheese Days. >I attended a meeting for it the other night and I am amazed (although I should not be) at the number of people that are involved with this event. Again, Green County residents, you continue to amaze me!
A blossom to all the organizers of Breakfast on the Farm. >Again, a huge event with numerous volunteers and supporters. Keep up the good work, I cannot wait to taste the delicious meal!
And although I hate negative comments and run the risk of being tarred and feathered by having two negative comments in the paper, a barb to all the people blaming corn and ethanol >for the rising cost of food, and for those who are also blaming the farmer who is getting record prices for their commodities. Keep in mind, as you eat your supper and read this, the very farmer you are cursing is the same farmer who is producing that food with record costs.
And on that note, a blossom to all the agricultural producers >putting in the time and effort to ensure safe, high quality food and fiber for all of the world. - Jeff Ditzenberger, Monticello>
