Vernon Broadcaster

wipoet wrote on Mar 28, 2008 11:53 AM:

" Hello occasional neighbors. I'll never forget how excited I was one time to arrive at my cabin and find that three hens had been transported, (I suspect by flood) down to my place. I fed them and enjoyed them, since I wasn't sure where they had come from--until one day I went out and there was just a pile of feathers....Nature bats last again. Anyhow, I just wanted to weigh in, since I have long wanted to be able to be at our cabin long enough to guard and raise some chickens, but since I haven't been able to so far, I bought three Buff Orpingtons from an Amish farmer, took them back to Madison, and raised them for three years very happily "under the radar" in a converted playhouse that made a handy coop. Then, they got to be the rage in Madison (I live on the crowded little Isthmus and have a smallish lot) and so inevitably there came legalization and regulation. That was understandable, though a bit shocking that I had to register them with Homeland Security (because of avian flu threat). My circumsances had changed by then, and my chickens went with the change, but while I had them, all neighbors were well aware, all were very pleased at the extra wonderful fresh eggs, my garden soil got much better, and it seemed to work out well for all involved. As for "terrace gardens," I think they are great too--clearly, one has to be sensible and not block views of traffic, etc. when it does become a public nuisance and danger. Shouldn't that be the real rule? The minute your freedom infringes on other's safety, policy has to be imposed to respect everyone involved. It gets stickier when the problem is differing opinions of beauty. I find good old-fashioned clotheslines beautiful and environmentally-sound. Some people find them tacky-looking and actually outlaw them. In the case of clotheslines, we all benefit by less drain on public power and less pollution, so I think the public good should prevail on the side of the clotheslines there. Maybe growing one's own food by means of chickens and/or vegetables falls in the same category--unless your plantings include poisonous plants like Moonflower vines (very toxic, though beautiful)or your chickens smell up the whole neighborhood (which is very easy to control if you are diligent) you are exercising a constitutionally-protected freedom of pursuit of happiness. I hope we can all reason together. I like the eclectic mix of VC and Viroqua. "

AMEN on the Fence wrote on Mar 3, 2008 10:46 AM:

" Boy, did you hit it right on the head!!! There are so many people that are sick of this segment of our "progressive" little town. They speak of communication and consensus building, as long as it goes their way. If it doesn't, the feet start stompin and the breath is held, and a full blown fit is thrown. When I was growing up, my dad took me to a special place when I acted like that....the woodshed. Only took me a couple of times to figure it out... "

On The Fence wrote on Mar 2, 2008 6:13 PM:

" You know - I have tried to be more than tolerant and open to anything or anyone that comes to Viroqua. I myself am an 'import'. I believe in personal rights for all and I also believe that government; local, state or federal, should intrude in our personal lives as little as possible. Having said that, I would still like to think that there is a definite difference between farm living and living in town. When I grew up, the city properties were well maintained and the yards were perfectly groomed. Neighbors helped each other out and even shared a lemonade or a beer and respected each other's differences. The family that I did have who lived on a farm also took great pride in their farm property and made sure that the lawn that they had was well manicured and that their crops/livestock were well tended to. In my opinion, this all comes down to a matter of pride and willingness to work hard versus carelessness and laziness. It seems that there is a new segment of the Vernon county population that believe natural and healthy means letting nature take over in the form of not bathing, raising fowl in their yards, eating too much garlic so that the skin wreaks of it, allowing overgrowth in front yards and seeing 'beauty' in that, letting their schoolyard look like the school has been closed down for 50 years, believing that women are Godesses and turning their noses up at the more conventional population in the area.

It's seems very sad to me that if folks want to move to an area for it's natural beauty, and if those folks want original residents of the area to lay down and tolerate THEIR way of life, then they should also respect the conventional way of living. I say to the alternative folks who have moved in - "You get what you give". Have some respect!

Sign me,
Fed Up In Viroqua "

treat everyone the same wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:50 PM:

" I hope Gail Frie and Lynn Chakoian can help Viroqua straighten this out. But remember they are the ones that don't want large farms in the country. So, I hope that all people that live in Viroqua that want to raise farm animals in town have to apply for a permit. This should include a plan for what they are going to to do with the manure, witch means if they are going to put it on there gardens they should soil test and determine how much manure and fertilizer they can apply. Complete records should be kept on what is applied and what is harvested. The garden should be retested every four years to moniter the nutrient levels. Also, there needs to be a permit for the housing of these animals. This should be done by a engineering firm. So it is designed to hold the manure safley until it is applied to the garden. You will also have to have a plan to deal with the smell and the noise. Plus plans if the manure could accidentley spill or need to be applied on frozen ground.
If the person can not meet any part of a permit process no permit should be issued. Also do not forget you will also need a LIVESTOCK PREMSISES ID NUMBER. A FARMER IS SOMEONE THAT RAISES CROPS OR LIVESTOCK. If you want to be a city farmer you can deal with THE SAME THINGS COUNTRY FARMERS DO. ORGANIC OR CONVENTIONAL ALL FARMERS ARE FACING MANY OF THE SAME CHALLENGES. The ground water can not tell if the manure that could pollute it is from the city, organic, or conventional farms. The large farms with the nutrient management plans have tested there land and know how much they can apply. Why shouldn't all farmers do the same? "

IMHO wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:54 AM:

" What we are talking about here is personal freedom vs. personal responsibility. It is important to realize that each requires the other to be successful. I do not think that anyone would have an objection to chickens (minus roosters) if they are properly maintained(ie. pens, manure, etc.). A garden properly cared for, front or back yard, is a beautiful thing. A garden that is overgrown with weeds is a reflection of the owners laziness or lack of diligence. If you want the freedom you must exercise the responsibility, something our parents, if they were responsible, should have taught us. "

duubledig wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:41 AM:

" Brian Doocy: I appreciate the respectful, open-minded response. It's not the type of communication we've heard from all others posting responses here.

However, I would note in the Broadcaster article on this subject a couple of weeks ago, there was mention of regulating front yard plants over 3 feet tall. Unfortunately, that would eliminate many attractive flowering plants, sunflowers included.

I have a front yard garden because that's where much of my full sun falls. I have some tomatoes and other edibles in the front yard. But because it's in front I interplant with flowers, keep the walkways clear, and be sure to keep it weeded. I suppose my plantings are outside the norm. But they make me happy, and I try to be pragmatic, and respectful. I don't believe that personal taste is something to be regulated.

Communication, not regulation, is the key. I believe it's biblical principle - but I can't quote line and verse - that if I have an issue with my neighbor, I first take that to my neighbor before taking it to the wider community.

In large part, community values are what draw folks here and keep our economy viable. I hope we can respect our differences, but more importantly, build bridges of understanding. I think plenty of us are open to that. But a few are not, and it's hurting the community. "

Brian Doocy wrote on Feb 27, 2008 8:49 PM:

" I do not believe that those of the opinion, �gardens in the front yard are not such a good idea�, are closed minded. The issue here is what is the �norm� and what does one expect to see within a city limit.

I do not believe that any of the comments written have opposed gardens of any size in the home owner�s backyard. I also have not seen an objection to �sunflowers�. I believe the objections are with the way gardens are maintained. This may not be a problem if those with these gardens would do the �novel thing� of wedding their gardens. Also keeping plantings clear of public walkways may be showing respect and kindness to your neighbors.

A beautiful flowering plant that is overgrown by weeds takes on the appearance of said weed and the beauty is lost. As such, a home or garden that is not maintained also looses its beauty in the mess of weeds and disrepair. As for the cords of wood that some want to store in their front yards, it is similar to a garage full of unused or unwanted objects that becomes a wonderful place for rodents to take up residence.

Closed-minded I am not, as some may want to think. I am pragmatic and can see that if a home or a city takes on the look of distress others with resources to help grow this micro economy in Vernon County may pass. Just look up the demographics and judge for yourself.
"

Re: city / country wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:19 AM:

" I was at the Karst presentation at WTC the other night and at no time did any of the presenters state that farmers can't spread manure. The point of the presentation was that our geology requires that we consider the possible effects on groundwater resources when creating nutrient management plans for farmers. Were you actually there? And if you really believe that the issue of a couple of backyard hens is similar in scope to living next to 2500 hogs, I really have to questions your judgement. "

To: City and Country wrote on Feb 27, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Actually, I was thinking the same thing but I was thinking about the corporate feed lots that were passed. How ironic, considering that now they want to outlaw a few chickens and vegetables? These big farms have neighbors, too. Their health and property values don't matter somehow? As far as long -reaching effects and "safeguards" are concerned, didn't Jersey Valley teach us anything? The only difference I see, is in Viroqua, people aren't hurting anyone unless there really is a drop in property values. That is arguable, as some people might actually enjoy living next to someone who has a few chickens and vegetables. I would be one of them, and I spend countless hours keeping up the appearance of my property. The huge corporate farms have the potential for long-reaching health and property value consequences. So, why is it ok for them and not individuals? Could it possibly be "big money" and a "good ole boys" network? Please tell me we don't base what is right on that. Never mind, I'd have trouble believing you anyway. "

city / country wrote on Feb 26, 2008 2:13 PM:

" The same people who are raising chickens and planting gardens in Viroqua were at the meeting last night telling farmers they can't spread manure. I do belive these same people were out there saying that large farms would deteriorate land values and the smell would kill people that live distances that can be measured in miles. I feel for the next door neighbors to these chicken coups and weed gardens. The distance can be measured in feet. You guys can't have it both ways. "

To: Safe Food wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:52 AM:

" You talk about others "pressing their agenda" at the expense of others? You want to take away people's basic rights and then have the arrogance to tell them they can "buy" everything? How about if you do absolutely nothing for yourself and pay someone else to do absolutely everything, not because you want to, but because the law and other people force you to? I have the good fortune to live next door to someone who grows organic food and who is gracious enough to share it. Their yard is immaculate. Growing food, etc. is not synonymous with people who don't take pride in their property. How narrow-minded can you be? It's attitudes like yours who poisons our community. I have a novel idea for you. You raise or don't raise what you want on your own property and let others do the same. If someone offends you that much by not having their yard identical to what YOU think is right, maybe if you try respectfully talking to them and trying to work together as neighbors, this won't be a problem, to either one of you.... "

Grand Zealot wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:40 AM:

" Dag Nabbit, they are on to us boys! Someone has figured it out that we have a "GRAND PLAN"! Now we will have to find a new "secret" meetin spot. And just when I thought we could get away with our diabolical scheme to drive down the property values in those "Roundup Ready , mow it to the ground" neighborhoods. Now we will have to grow our sunflowers in our underground lair... wait...sunflowers won't grow without sun ... will they? And what will we do with the next bus load of "Zealots?" We will have no place to house them and no food to feed them unless our "GRAND PLAN" is carried out.
You can't be serious, although I am afraid you are. A "GRAND PLAN?"
If you open your mind just a wee little bit I bet you will find some pretty neat people with lots of talent that have moved here as part of the "same thinking" crowd. And on that point, aren't we just a tad bit hypocritical to attack folks who are trying something other than the "cookie cutter, same as my neighbor" yards that make the outskirts of Milwaukee or Chicago look horrible. Have you ever driven past these developments that look like row after row of Holiday Inns? Now that is an eyesore.
Same thinking? I believe this county is full of same thinking folks long before the "Zeaolts" arrived. That is part of the problem. I believe what some people are really upset about with this issue and others is that we now have people who live here that are NOT "same thinking."
I believe if you read Mr. Shonka's words in this story he is conceding that there are issues of infringment that need to be considered but there should be a way to accomplish what both sides of the issue are asking for. I believe that is called a compromise.
By the way, I am not one of the "Zealots". I was born and raised on small dairy farm and we raised so many potatoes and vegetables and stacked so much wood (on the porch - Oh my gosh!) when I was a kid I swore I would never do that when I grew up, but if these folks want to live that lifestyle, the same lifestyle so many small farmers lived for 150 years, I think it is great. After all, isn't that what made this community great to begin with?
No, I dont think we should allow agriculture in the city but we should be able to find a way to let some people take a little different approach in their own yard that isn't terribly intrusive. "

Here's a grand idea.... wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:57 AM:

" Why not plow up the playground at the Pleasnat Ridge school, it would be a great improvement. Plus there is a fence around the property, your food would be super safe! "

safe food wrote on Feb 26, 2008 6:42 AM:

" You people have all the SAFE food you want to have at the Viroqua Food Coop, after all, isn't what that organization is all about? This is another classic example of pressing your agenda at the expense of others. No need to have any concern how these little eyesores affect your neighbors property value. In fact, it's probably part of the GRAND PLAN. Drive down property values so more of the same thinking zealots can move in. Maybe we should just set up a 3 block area somewhere in this city and declare it Old McDonalds farm, do what you want with it!!!

Remember, Roundup is the great equalizer. "

Nature lover wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:49 PM:

" "Cosmic psycho babble"? Please, if you are uninformed & scared of learning something new, don't take it out on someone who is obviously concerned about our food supply & the ability to produce our own food. This should concern you (unless you don't eat). Take this opportunity to learn something new. Expand your horizons. "

WOWWWW....dubbledig wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:18 AM:

" whoa....now there is a bunch of cosmic pscyho babble..must have been an extra long session at the Driftless... "

duubledig wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:34 PM:

" I'm pleased to see that this issue remains on the table. Viroqua needs to take some time to get informed before making decisions that very well may be a regrettable step backward. In a changing environment, raising food on your own city property - yes, even in the front yard - may be the wave of the future, and a necessary step toward food security and community building.

An Urban Agriculture Conference will be held in Milwaukee Feb 28 thru March 1. This event is timely and could provide some sorely needed perspective. Urban agricultural experts from around North America will be present.

In part, the conference will address the barriers to urban agriculture, some of which have been under discussion in Viroqua. It presents a forum for a wide range of often disconnected stakeholders: producers, researchers, city planners, developers, community organizations, etc. to address the most important and controversial issues of poverty alleviation, environmental and waste management, local economic, social and community development and global warming.

Before we think about regulating against front yard gardens and back yard chickens, consider the following...

There is a quiet revolution stirring in our food system. It is not happening so much on the farms that still provide us with the majority of our food; it is happening in cities, neighborhoods, and towns like Viroqua. It has evolved out of the basic need we all have to know our food, and to have some sense of control over its safety and security. It is a revolution that is providing poor people with an important safety net where they can grow some nourishment and income for themselves and their families. And it is providing an oasis for the human spirit where neighbors can gather, preserve something of our culture through native seeds and foods, and teach our children about food and the earth. This is happening in small gardens, under railroad tracks and power lines, on rooftops, at farmers� markets... Urban agriculture has the potential to address a multitude of issues: economic, environmental, personal health, and cultural.

Viroqua officials needs to realize that urban agriculture supports food security and healthy nutrition. It provides employment and income. It can turn wastes into a productive resource.
It can positively impact the greening and cleaning of the micro-climate. It provides a powerful learning experience for school children. And it creates community. Ever talk with your neighbor about your garden?

But even if no one from our town gets a chance to attend, let's all please consider that this discussion is important, and we all face some similar issues. We all want to eat and know that the food is good. We all want to live in an attractive community. We all want to be able to be self-sufficient and not be a burden on others. And if you show an interest in my garden, I'm more than willing to share some seeds, or give you a slice of an attractive "front yard" tomato, or pass on some eggs and a smile.
"

Martin G. wrote on Feb 22, 2008 7:58 AM:

" Seems like if the City needs more storage, the purchase of this land would be a good move. It is much less expensive than new construction. If you don't like what your City Administration is doing...Then get involved. Attend a meeting. Participate in your local government. People can criticize, but most won't step up to the plate and attempt to do the work any better. "

City HA wrote on Feb 20, 2008 1:55 PM:

" Come on Viroqua. good thinking take another building or buildings off the tax roll. You guys are out of control!!! "

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