A big blossom to Jerry Ellefson> and his crew for the great report received from the state again on the operation of the wastewater treatment plant. Jerry runs a real tight ship and sees that every tax dollar he has is spent very wisely. Just remember, citizens of Monroe, that when you push the handle and the bowl clears out, that's not the end of it, it's only the beginning! - Gene Hasse, Monroe>
A huge barb to the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and The Monroe Times >for printing the story of the arrest of a federal fugitive. That "fugitive" (of Hispanic descent) has lived in this country since he was 4 years old. He was schooled here, has a driver's license and has worked for all his adult life. His wife (who is a legal citizen and expecting their first child soon) says he has no criminal record. His neighbors say he is quiet and courteous. Either because of Brian Gray's reporting or the police chief's quotes, I thought I was reading about a dangerous felon! I hope that $1 million database nets real criminals the same way that a $12 million, $14 million or $18 million courthouse will speed up the cases. In the mean time, a man's reputation is ruined, lawyers must be paid, employment is lost and a young wife may be a single mom who will most certainly need government assistance. - Joanne Upmann, Monroe>
A blossom to everyone who helped with the Memorial Day >program. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. No one has a clue about how much dedication is involved in planning the Memorial Day program. We wish to thank all of the Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, leaders, parents of the Scouts, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2312 members, American Legion Unit 84 members and any other resident of Green County who helped with the early-morning shift, Avenue of Flags, decorating the graves and participants in the parade and service. We appreciate the youth getting involved. Thanks goes to the committee that put together the program, to all of our speakers, the Monroe High School band and the firing squad from Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2312. Thanks goes to the VFW Ladies Auxiliary for serving coffee, juice and rolls before the service, the American Legion for hosting the potluck, and do not forget the volunteers who helped take the Avenue of Flags down Monday afternoon. Thank you who helped put together the wreaths for the graves. If we missed anyone, please forgive us. THANK YOU TO ALL! - Bev Stuckey, VFW Post 2312 Ladies Auxiliary President; Donna Douglas, American Legion Unit 84 Auxiliary President.>
Blossoms and bouquets to The Monroe Times editor, Jeff Rogers, and the entire staff f>or the awesome coverage of the Memorial Day services and all of the support you give our organizations with the publicity that helps us inform the community so citizens can join in the parade, placing of wreaths on veterans graves and attending the Memorial Service at Greenwood cemetery. They say a photo is worth a thousand words, so many blossoms go to Brenda Steurer >for capturing those precious moments. We want to send a blossom also to our local radio station, WEKZ news staff and to Patty Adamson, >for coordinating the press release and making sure they are aired on a timely basis. Thanks for always cooperating with our announcements and press releases. Honoring our veterans who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that we sometimes take for granted will never be forgotten - thanks to your service to our entire community. - Donna Douglas, President, Monroe American Legion Post 84 and Unit 84 Auxiliary; Bev Stuckey, President, VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 2312>
A barb against the DNR, >which requires cities, towns and villages, as well as private property owners, to control thistles on their properties and then does not control thistles along the Sugar River State Trail. - Dave Searles, Brodhead>
A barb to Alliant Energy Co. >I compare your company to pleasant tasks like dealing with death and taxes. Your concerns for your customers are cold and heartless, to say the least. With living expenses beyond a reasonable household's bare ability, you show no compassion or understanding. Why don't you CEOs give yourselves another raise and increase our rates more, just for the heck of it? This way you can turn the thumb screws tighter. - D.J. Bright, Monroe>
A blossom to Twining Valley Home> for hosting a health fair for its residents. It is nice to see that they are concerned about the health of the residents there to host this event. Good job!
A blossom to all the volunteers and officers >who will be directing traffic and parking this weekend at the Breakfast on the Farm, to be held at Schwarzenberger Farms. This is probably one of those thankless tasks that also is probably one of the most important. Remember, if you are visiting the farm today, be patient. There will be thousands of people there. Enjoy your breakfast!
Another blossom to the Schwarzenberger >family for hosting this event. The other day I went by, and the farm looks awesome. If you run into the Schwarzenbergers, remember to thank them for hosting this event, as it is a huge undertaking. Also, a big blossom to all the volunteers who cook and serve the meal and handle all the other tasks associated with this.
A blossom to the nurses and doctors and staff that work in emergency rooms >across the nation. I never realized how amazing these people were until recently. I know all our health professionals are important, but these elite people deserve a bouquet of blossoms.
A blossom to Wendy Erb >for taking the initiative to inform us of the challenges that face herself and many others every day. I am glad she found the courage to speak up, and to not worry so much about what other people might think. We often forget, or just don't realize, the things we take for granted are extremely important to other people. Way to go Wendy!
A bit of a barb to the folks >out there who still believe that ethanol production is the leading cause of food and fuel prices going up. Folks, the corn that is used in popcorn and tortilla and many other consumables is not the same type of corn used in the production of ethanol. How's 'bout we blame $130 barrels of oil for the rising costs of fuel and foods?
A blossom to Tina and Bruce Duemler, and Dale and Karen Signer, >for their work with good sound conservation practices. Congratulations on your awards!
And with "June is Dairy Month" just around the corner, a tanker full of blossoms to all the dairy producers in Green County >and all around the world, for providing us with nutritious and delicious dairy products. - Jeff Ditzenberger, Monticello>
