Boat Inspectors to be at Yahara Lakes Boat Landings for the Holiday Weekend

Boat inspectors to be at Yahara Lakes boat landings from

Friday July 1 through Monday July 4

Effort aims to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species

Dane County watercraft inspectors will be educating boaters and conducting free courtesy boat checks from Friday July 1 through Monday July 4 on Lakes Mendota, Monona, Waubesa and Kegonsa to assure that boaters do not accidentally spread Eurasian water-milfoil, zebra mussels, and other aquatic invasive species.

            The inspectors, who are a mix of paid Dane County Office of Lakes and Watersheds staff and volunteers, will be rotating among several of the busiest boat landings to help boaters understand Wisconsin’s invasive species laws and what they must do before leaving.

            “Dane County is a great place for fishing and boating. By following simple steps, we can preserve the quality of our lakes for future generations to enjoy,” said Dane County Executive Joe Parisi. 

Invasive species can crowd out native species, disrupt lake ecosystems, and interfere with boating, fishing and other recreation. The main way that invasive species and fish diseases such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) spread to new waters is aboard boating and fishing equipment and live fish or water moved from one waterbody to another.

The inspectors, who have been trained through Wisconsin’s Clean Boats, Clean Waters program, will demonstrate the required prevention steps boaters must take, provide stickers for boaters to place on their trailer posts to remind them of these steps, and will talk about Wisconsin invasive species and VHS laws.  “Watercraft inspection is one of the important steps that we are taking to implement Dane County’s Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Control Plan,” said Sue Jones, Dane County Watershed Management Coordinator.  The Plan is available at http://danewaters.com/resource/InvasiveSpecies.aspx

      Boaters, anglers, and others enjoying Wisconsin waters are required to: 

·         INSPECT boats, trailers, and equipment.

·         REMOVE all attached aquatic plants and animals.

·         DRAIN all water from boats, vehicles, and equipment.

·         NEVER MOVE plants or live fish away from a waterbody.

*Limited exceptions apply.  Visit http://www.dnr.wi.gov/  and search for “bait laws”

Bird Feeder Workshop for Kids

Please join in the fun at Schumacher Farm Park on Sunday, July 17 from 2-4 p.m. for a Bird Feeder Workshop for Kids. The cost is $15.00 and $10.00 for members and everything is included! Register before the July 14 deadline at www.schumacherfarmpark.org.

American Transmission Company Announces Second Round of Open Houses for Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project

American Transmission Company is continuing a multi-year public outreach process for the proposed Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project with the second in a series of informational open houses in late June for residents and other stakeholders to review potential corridors for the proposed 150-mile, 345-kilovolt line from north of LaCrosse to northern Dane County. The public is invited to attend an open house  on Thursday, June 30 at the Waunakee Middle School from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.

A map and additional information about The Badger Coulee Transmission Line Project is available at www.BadgerCoulee.com.

This Tuesday is Tour de Waunakee

Rescheduled from earlier this month, this Tuesday (June 28th) Village Administrator Todd Schmidt will be leading the "Tour de Waunakee".  This bike tour will highlight the various Village projects which are taking place this spring. The tour will leave shortly after 5PM from the Ripp Park shelter. The ride will last about  1.5 hours, and will be a relatively slow, easy ride on flat surfaces. A bike officer from the Waunakee PD will join us and help us get across those busy intersections. Please join us! It's a great chance to learn more about what's happening in Waunakee and get exercise all at the same time.

Woodland Project Update

Click on this link to view the latest project update for the Woodland Dr. construction project: http://www.egovlink.com/public_documents300/waunakee/published_documents/Public%20Works%20Documents/WoodlandProjectUpdate/062311%20to%20063011_Complete.pdf.

Congratulations to Award Winning Suttle-Straus

Congratulations to Suttle-Straus for winning 22 outstanding achievement awards at the 2011 Graphics Excellence Awards.  This statewide competition was hosted by the Printing Industries of Wisconsin, where Suttle-Straus was one of 800 entries from printing firms across the state.  You can check out their outstanding work at www.suttle-straus.com!

Red Cross Fundraiser

American Legion Post 481, 5337 West River Road, Waunakee (located behind Taylor's Liquor on Highway 113) will hold an Old Fashioned Picnic/Potluck starting at 1:00 p.m. on July 4. Brats, beans, potato salad provided. Bring a dish to share or canned goods for the food pantry. Suggested donation to feast is $5. Music by Country Renegades form 2-6 p.m. Meat and prize raffles throughout the afternoon. Come help raise money to assist the tornado, flood and fire ravaged areas of our country. The Red Cross is always there for those in need.

COMMUNITY BAND PATRIOTIC CONCERT

The Waunakee Community Band will present its annual patriotic concert at 7:00 p.m. at the gazebo in Village Park on June 30. The American Legion Post 360, the Waunakee Scouts and Uncle Sam will be participating. All veterans will be honored.

The Waunakee-Westport Lions will serve their annual delicious sandwich dinner starting at 5:00 p.m. Edward Jones Investments will provide ice cream sandwiches during the concert.


Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. In case of rain, the concert will be in the High School Performing Arts Center. The next concert is July 14.

Woodland Drive Construction Update from Project Engineer

Work Completed since last update: June 9, 2011 to June 16, 2011

The utility companies, (TDS, Charter, MG&E – Gas, MG&E – Electric, Waunakee Utilities, and Alliant Energy) continue to relocate their facilities in preparation for the Woodland Drive project. The utility work will continue through the month of June. Moore Surveying started construction staking (layout) throughout the project. Voegeli Landscaping along with Meise Construction started installing erosion control throughout the project limits. The mobilization of equipment, staging equipment, and traffic control was on going.

Anticipated work schedule for next week: June 16, 2011 to June 23, 2011

The mobilization of equipment, staging equipment and traffic control will continue throughout the project. Moore Surveying will continue construction staking (layout) throughout the project. Voegeli Landscaping along with Meise Construction will continue to install erosion control throughout the project. Interstate Tree will start clearing and grubbing (tree removal) throughout the project. Meise Construction will start pavement removal and common excavation (grading) from Mill Road to the north project. Utility Line Openings (exploratory underground work) will begin throughout the project to explore potential storm sewer conflicts. H&K Contracting will start the sanitary sewer and watermain work from Mill Road to the north project limits. This will include a water outage the morning of June 27, 2011, and June 29, 2011, more information will be supplied by Waunakee Utilities – Water Department.

Summary:

Starting tomorrow the contractor will be removing the asphalt pavement from Mill Road to Manchester Crossing, access will be maintained for residents living on Emerald Grove Lane, but the road will be closed to through traffic, and all other traffic will be required to use Mill Road or CTH M to access Woodland Drive. The contractor will be placing the asphalt pavement material near Foggy Mountain Pass for future use on this project. Starting Monday June 20, 2011 the sanitary sewer and watermain work will begin in the section described above. Residents living on Emerald Grove will have access into their homes. The contractor will perform this section in Phases. The first phase will begin at the north project limits moving south to Emerald Grove Lane and access into and out of Emerald Grove Lane will be from the south on Woodland Drive via Mill Road or CTH M. This is anticipated to be complete in 4-5 days. The second phase will be from Emerald Grove Lane south to Mill Road and access into and out of Emerald Grove Lane will be from the north on Woodland Drive via Mill Road or CTH Q. A temporary gravel road will be in place from Woodland Drive to Emerald Grove Road to accommodate this work. This is anticipated to be complete in 4-5 days. A changeable message board will be placed on Emerald Grove Lane to notify residents what direction to enter and exit. All remaining traffic will be required to use Mill Road to access Woodland Drive from the north and CTH M from the south. It will be very difficult to get through this section of Woodland Drive and delays are to be expected. In addition the contractor will be removing trees throughout the project limits, and anticipates completion of this work by mid week. When the sanitary sewer and watermain work are complete the contractor will begin the grading operations in this section of roadway. This involves removing the existing roadway base and rebuilding the roadway structure with gravel.

Village Projects Bike Tour Rescheduled for June 28th

The RESCHEDULED Village Bike Tour will be held on June 28th at 5:00 p.m. starting at Ripp Park near the park shelter.  This is a reschedule from the rain/heat cancellation a couple of weeks ago.  The tour will provide an inside look at both current and future municipal projects occurring in Waunakee.  The bike ride should last about an 1.5 hours.  Anyone who has interest in learning about the projects and/or enjoys bike riding is welcome to come! Feel free to e-mail me with questions: tschmidt@vil.waunakee.wi.us.

Areas of Complete Road Closure for Woodland Drive Project

Meise Construction Inc. and its subcontractor, H&K Contracting, are scheduled to install Sewer and Water Main on Woodland Drive between the North End of Project and Mill Road in the next two weeks. First three to Five days next week, work will start 400' West of Emerald Grove Lane (end of the project) and stop just short of the intersection of Emerald Grove Lane. During this time we are asking all residents, Police, Fire, Ambulance, Refuse Service, Mail Carriers, and others to enter Emerald Grove Lane from the either Mill Road or Woodland Drive to the East of Emerald Grove Lane. Message boards will be placed stating this information at Emerald Grove Lane & Mill Road.

As Sewer and Water are completed in the above area, a temporary road will be created approximately 100' West of Emerald Grove to allow residents and others to enter or Exit Emerald Grove onto Woodland Drive. At this time, we will be asking everyone to enter or exit Emerald Grove from the West of Woodland Drive. No access will be given from Mill Road or Woodland Drive East. During this phase, we will be completing Sewer, Water and Storm Sewer in this area.

Library Garden Tour

The Friends of the Library Garden Tour is June 24-25 at six area gardens from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. rain or shine. Tickets, $6 in advance or $7 the days of, are available at the Waunakee Public Library and the Village Hall.

Community Band Concert

The Waunakee Community Band will play their second concert of the 2011 summer season on Thursday, June 16th at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Park gazebo. The Waunakee Optimists will have supper available starting at 5:30 p.m. - Philly cheese steak sandwiches, cream puffs, chips, soda and water. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. In case of rain, the concert will be in the High School Performing Arts Center. The next concert will be June 30th.

Waunakee Police Department June 2011 Newsletter

Brewers Cards Available:

This summer Waunakee Police Officers will again be handing out Milwaukee Brewers baseball cards to children. The cards have pictures of current Milwaukee Brewers baseball players on the front and a children’s safety message on the back. The program started the week of May 23 and runs through the week of August 29, for a total of fifteen weeks. 

Each week officers will have two new Brewers cards to hand out, for a total of thirty baseball cards for the children to collect.  Kids are encouraged to approach officers and ask for cards.

Waunakee Police Burglary Prevention Tips:

Thanks to concerned neighbors and alert home owners, three persons were arrested by the Waunakee Police Department over the weekend of June 3 in two separate burglaries.

Please read the following tips and call the police if you observe any suspicious activity. If you are ever wavering on whether to call in suspicious activity, please don’t hesitate to call. We will respond and check out the situation.   

1. Light the outside of your home to make it more visible to your neighbors.Outside motion detector lights are a great idea.
2. Trim bushes near doors and windows to reduce hiding places for burglars.
3. Lock all doors and windows. Many burglars are opportunistic, and are simply looking for an open/unlocked door or window. It only takes a couple of minutes for a burglar to enter through an unlocked door or window and take your valuables.
4. Install deadbolt locks and peepholes on all outside doors. Make sure you can unlock all doors quickly from the inside without a key to allow a quick escape from a fire.
5. Install locks on all windows and sliding glass doors. Screens and storms should be latched on the inside. Include locks on garage and basement windows.
6. Don’t keep expensive jewelry, collectables, or large amounts of cash in plain sight within your home.
7. Keep a list of your valuables and their serial numbers. A videotape, photograph, or sales receipt will help with documentation. If items can be marked or engraved, mark them with your last name or driver’s license number. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
8. Don’t advertise your absence. Never leave a message on your answering machine that says you are away for a few days or on vacation. Before you leave set interior lights on timers. Have someone pick up the mail and newspapers, set out trash, mow the lawn and shovel driveway and walks.
9. Close your garage door. An empty garage says you’re not home. Thieves can easily steal bikes, lawn mowers, snow blowers and other valuables. Burglars could close the garage door and take their time burglarizing your home.
10. At night close your drapes, blinds and window treatments as a deterrent.
11. If you have an alarm use it at all times, especially setting it at night before you go to bed. If you do not have an alarm, consider purchasing one.
12. Try to keep a telephone near your bed.
13. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight. Don’t store the vehicle title within the car.
14. If possible install a garage door opener with a light. A remote opener and lighted garage will help you enter and leave your home safely.
15. When approaching or leaving your home, look for suspicious persons or vehicles.
16. Never leave keys hidden under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other secret hiding spots. Burglars know where to look for hidden keys. 
17. Citizens are strongly urged to call police anytime they see suspicious activity. Waunakee Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The MOST important thing you can do is call the police to report a crime or suspicious activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of ANONYMOUS eyes.
18. DO NOT enter your home if think someone is inside. Notify the police immediately.

In addition to these prevention tips, Waunakee Police Dept offers the following ways that citizens can help the police department.

1. If your alarm or your neighbor’s alarm goes off, call the police.
2. Call the police for suspicious noises or suspicious persons in your yard or a neighbor’s yard.
3. If you think you see a suspicious person or vehicle, call the police.
4. Try to obtain good description of possible suspects as well as good description of involved vehicles including plate numbers.
5. Call the police when you observe activity at a neighbors’ residence when you know they are not home.
6. If you see a neighbor’s door or window ajar, open or broken, call the police.
7. Be cautious when approached by persons that say they are lost or claiming to be a contractor, especially if they are very intent of entering your home. They may be “casing” your house or distracting you while someone else enters your home.

If you are home and a burglar confronts you:

1. Try to remain calm, and comply with the burglars’ instructions.
2. Remember your life is more valuable than any property.
3. Try to memorize a detailed description of the suspect.
4. When the subject leaves, call police by dialing 911.

If your home is broken into:

1. DO NOT enter; the suspect may still be inside.
2. Use a neighbor’s phone or cell phone to call police.
3.  Do not touch anything or clean up until the police arrive and inspect for evidence.
4. Write down any license plates of suspicious vehicles in the area.
5. Note any suspicious persons in the area.

In addition the Waunakee Police Dept offers vacation watches of the exterior of your home if you know you are going to be out of town. To participate in the vacation watch program residents are asked to stop at the Waunakee Police Dept to fill out the form or complete the form online and drop it off before you leave Waunakee. The following is a link to the vacation watch form on our website. http://www.waunakeepd.org/Vacation.html

Reminder: " Slow Down" Yard Signs Available

Safe Communities in partnership with the Waunakee Police Department, is conducting its annual Slow Down Campaign.  Yard signs will pop up in yards across Dane County reminding motorists to “Slow Down, Watch for Kids.”

Why should we slow down?  The faster vehicles travel, the more likely crashes are to occur and the more severe the injuries will be. Children are especially vulnerable in these situations.  Injuries and deaths associated with child pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents increase significantly with small increases in speed.  Collisions occurring at 20 mph result in death approximately 5% of the time and approximately 30% of victims suffer no injury at all. At 30 mph, 45% are KILLED and most are injured. At 40 mph, 85% are killed and all are injured.

According to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, pedestrian injuries are the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children ages 5 to 14. Each year in the United States, nearly 900 children ages 14 and under die from pedestrian/vehicle injuries and another 24,000 are injured in traffic-related crashes.

If you're interested in posting signs in your yard or neighborhood, they will be available for pick up while supplies last at the Waunakee Police Department 205 N. Klein Dr.

Questions can be sent to newsletter@waunakeepd.org   Questions submitted may be featured in future newsletters.  The person submitting the question will not be identified.

Woodland Construction Update - Woodland Drive

Woodland Drive will be under construction throughout the summer. This will have impacts on traffic and subdivision access. In order to keep the public updated on this project, I will post weekly project construction updates which are supplied by the Project Engineer.

Weekly Construction Update

Traffic Impact: Woodland Drive will be closed to through traffic from CTH M to Manchester Crossing. The construction limits are from 200-feet south of Cobblestone Lane to 200-feet south of Manchester Crossing. This closure will be in effect for the duration of the construction project. The anticipated completion date is September 30, 2011. Motorist can expect to encounter daytime flagging operations and potential delays. Access will be maintained through the work zone for residents and emergency vehicles. The best way to access Woodland Drive for the first two weeks will be Mill Road or CTH M.

Work Completed since last update: June 2, 2011 to June 9, 2011June 2, 2011 to June 9, 2011 -  The utility companies, (TDS, Charter, MG&E – Gas, MG&E – Electric, Waunakee Utilities, and Alliant Energy) continue to relocate their facilities in preparation for the Woodland Drive project. The utility work will continue through the month of June.The utility companies, (TDS, Charter, MG&E – Gas, MG&E – Electric, Waunakee Utilities, and Alliant Energy) continue to relocate their facilities in preparation for the Woodland Drive project. The utility work will continue through the month of June.

The Department awarded the contract to Meise Construction, Inc. (Prime Contractor) and the contract has been executed. The Woodland Drive Improvement project will begin Monday June 13, 2011.

Anticipated work schedule for next week: June 9, 2011 to June 16, 2011 The Department awarded the contract to Meise Construction, Inc. (Prime Contractor) and the contract has been executed. The Woodland Drive Improvement project will begin Monday June 13, 2011. Anticipated work schedule for next week: June 9, 2011 to June 16, 2011June 9, 2011 to June 16, 2011 The mobilization of equipment, staging of equipment and traffic control will begin.The mobilization of equipment, staging of equipment and traffic control will begin.

Moore Surveying will start construction staking throughout the project limits.Moore Surveying will start construction staking throughout the project limits. Voegeli Landscaping along with Meise Construction will install erosion control throughout the project limits.Voegeli Landscaping along with Meise Construction will install erosion control throughout the project limits. Meise Construction will start removing trees (clearing and grubbing) throughout the project limits.Meise Construction will start removing trees (clearing and grubbing) throughout the project limits. Meise Construction will start pavement removal and grading operations (common excavation) from Mill Road to the north project limits.Meise Construction will start pavement removal and grading operations (common excavation) from Mill Road to the north project limits. Utility Line Openings (ULO) will begin throughout the project limits to explore potential storm sewer conflicts.Utility Line Openings (ULO) will begin throughout the project limits to explore potential storm sewer conflicts.

Summary: Starting Monday, there will be construction activity occurring on the project from Mill Road to Manchester Crossing. The survey firm working on the project will be working the length of the site. Additionally, the contractors will be removing trees and installing silt fence along the entire length of the project. As soon as this initial work is completed, the contractors will begin grading the road from Mill Road to the north project limits. When this work begins, it will be very difficult to get through this part of the project and delays are excepted. Access will always be maintained for the residents and businesses but the roadway will be closed to through traffic.Starting Monday, there will be construction activity occurring on the project from Mill Road to Manchester Crossing. The survey firm working on the project will be working the length of the site. Additionally, the contractors will be removing trees and installing silt fence along the entire length of the project. As soon as this initial work is completed, the contractors will begin grading the road from Mill Road to the north project limits. When this work begins, it will be very difficult to get through this part of the project and delays are excepted. Access will always be maintained for the residents and businesses but the roadway will be closed to through traffic.

What's New at Schumacher Farm Park?

Schumacher Farm Park is a living history park and nature conservancy located on top of the hill on County Highway 19 just east of Waunakee.

Schumacher Farm Park has a new map and many upcoming events for the whole family to enjoy!

Scoopie Night at Culvers in Waunakee

Date:  June 30, 2011
Time:  4:00 p.m.
Place: Waunakee Culvers, 900 East Main Street
          (Highway 19)

Eat, Drink and Raise Money for Schumacher Farm Park. It's the easiest fundraiser ever. All proceeds will help us purchase walkie talkies and a weed whacker. Schumacher Farm Park is located directly across the street. We hope to see you there.

Village Projects Bike Tour Delayed Again Due to Weather

Unfortunately it appears that today's going to be another hot and potentially rainy day. The forecast shows a 50% chance of thunderstorms (particularly in the afternoon). So, I will look to reschedule the Tour de Waunakee for a later date. Stay tuned, as I hope to have the event happen some time in the next couple of weeks.

Do You Have Space or Land to Advertise?

The Village of Waunakee participates in an on-line state-wide building and sites database as a resource for anyone looking to locate or relocate a business here in the Village. This system is called “Locate In Wisconsin”, and can be found on-line at www.locateinwi.com. Our goal is to list every single available space and every available piece of land so that those hunting for locations in Waunakee can easily find them in one place. Those using the database can search by size, location, cost per square foot, amenities, access to transportation and more.

In order for this system to be successful, the Village needs cooperation from all of those who have space or land to advertise. Village staff are available to help make the process of listing properties easy. We will even do it for you; everything from taking photos to determining lot dimensions. Best of all, this service is free of charge, no matter how big or small your listing might be. Whether it is a 500 square foot office in the back corner, or a prominent 100,000 square foot building right on Main Street. Whether you are currently using a listing agent (note – this does not replace your listing agent, but does help direct traffic to your listing), or are for the first time looking to put something on the market… it SHOULD be listed on this system!

If you have any available property and/or space and would like to have it listed on locateinwi.com please contact Ashley Greiber at Village Hall at agreiber@vil.waunakee.wi.us or 608-850-2830. 

Tour de Waunakee POSTPONED

Due to day-long potential for rain and thunderstorms, along with unpleasant temperatures and humidity, the planned Village Projects Bike Tour with Village Administrator Todd Schmidt scheduled for this afternoon will be rescheduled. A planned rain-date had been scheduled for this Wednesday, however current forecast shows a high of 96 degrees with chance of more thunderstorms. Stay tuned to Waunablog and the Village website for updates on Tuesday and Wednesday about the rescheduling plans. Questions may be directed to Todd Schmidt at 850-5227 or tschmidt@vil.waunakee.wi.us. Sorry for any confusion this may cause, and thanks for understanding.

PARADE OF HOMES

Make plans to attend the Madison Area Builders Association 2011 Parade of Homes running June 11th through the 26th. This year's event will take place in the Southbridge addition of Waunakee Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Wisconsin Congresswoman and Minority Leader Visit

Back on May 19th the Village Center hosted a couple special guests – Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. They specifically visited our Village Center to highlight the services offered to the seniors in our community. Baldwin and Pelosi were given a tour of the facility by Senior Services Director Cindy Mosiman and Community Services Director Sue McDade, and then held a press conference regarding Congress’ Medicare proposals. Attached are a couple pics from the event. Regardless of your political views, this was a great event to spotlight our spectacular Village Center.

Tour de Waunakee

Join Village Administrator, Todd Schmidt in the Spring 2011 Village Projects Bike Tour on Monday June 6th, at 5PM beginning at Ripp Park. The tour will show riders the various municipal projects both currently taking place and future projects as well. The tour will last about an 1.5 hour ride. Can't wait to see you there! It's a great chance to learn more about what's happening in Waunakee and get exercise all at the same time.

FATHER'S DAY ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Schumacher Farm Park will be sponsoring a Father's Day Ice Cream Social
complete with pick-your-own garden berries and old-fashioned lawn games.
Come on out and enjoy the fun!

Date:      June 19th

Time:      2:00-4:00 p.m.

Place:     5682 Highway 19, Waunakee

Cost:      $3.00/$2.00 Members