The Red Cross looking for local 'heroes'

When disaster hits ... who ya gonna call?

The American Red Cross, that's who. Around here, and everywhere else in the U.S., the organization formed by Clara Barton on May 21, 1881, (and the only Congressionally chartered organization to provide aid to victims of disaster) is a familiar presence -- whether it's after a tornado in Wheatland, a gas explosion in Wauwatosa, or an apartment building conflagration in Racine.

Local Red Cross volunteers helped 297 Racine County residents recover their lives during the past year -- 31 of them from west of I-94. Walworth, Racine and Kenosha Counties are all the responsibility of Racine's Southeastern Wisconsin's Tri-County Red Cross office, which merged with Milwaukee's office 18 months ago.

More than 1,000 victims of local disasters -- house fires, floods, storms, and explosions -- were given shelter, food, financial assistance, and mental health counseling last year.

Right now, the Red Cross is looking for heroes -- people willing to help raise money for the Red Cross. The “Heroes for the American Red Cross” is a grassroots campaign in which local companies, school groups, church groups, civic clubs and individuals pledge to raise money for the local Red Cross chapter. All funds raised will be used to support Red Cross services such as disaster relief, disaster preparedness and training. "All money raised will support your neighbors in Racine County," says Debie Truckey, Community Relations Director of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin.

The campaign will take place the last three weeks this month. Heroes have come up with fun and unique fund-raisers, so be on the lookout for them. The campaign events include:

All of May: O&H Bakery is selling "Red Cross cupcakes."

All of May: The Racine, Mt. Pleasant and Caledonia Fire Departments are offering three chances for people to win dinner and a ride with firefighters in their rig. Tickets are available from the firefighters, RAMAC, Red Cross Office, Corporate Volunteer Council, Chay’s Tae Kwon Do.

Thursday, May 8 : Noodles and Company, 5720 Washington Ave., will donate 25% of the cost of dinners purchased by guests who bring in a Red Cross flyer (copies available by calling 262-554-9997).

Saturday, May 10: Family Fest in Waterford is selling firefighter dinner tickets.

Tuesday, May 20: All McDonald's in Racine (except I-94) will donate 10 cents for every Southern Style chicken sandwich purchase.

Friday, May 23: The Mayor's Cookout, 730 Washington Ave., from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., all proceeds to the Red Cross.

Saturday, May 24: Sam's Club, 6920 Regency Drive, will sell Racine On Board Monopoly for $10, or firefighter tickets for $5.

Sunday, May 25: Ivanhoe's, Ricky's and CasaBlanca in downtown Racine will hold MASH Memorial Day Madness, from 1 to 8 p.m., with bed races, character contests, specialty drinks to benefit the Red Cross.

Some companies with events planned include Johnson Diversey and Johnson Outdoors, which will hold blue jeans days; and Racine County, which is offering a casual dress week in return for employee donations.

Other companies that have signed on as corporate sponsors include: the Bank of Elmwood, Johnson Financial, M&I Bank, Sam's Club, SC Johnson, the Tavern League of Racine, Wal-Mart, Warren Industries, We Energies, WRJN, Fountain Hall and Kreuger Communications.

In addition, many downtown retailers are selling Red Cross squares for $1; purchasers' names will be posted on a square and put up on the retailers' walls. Find your square at RAMAC, Express Employment Professionals, Main Street General Store, JoJo's Toys, JavaVino, Greens and Goods, Copacetic, Common Scents.

Debie Truckey emphasizes that the Red Cross has the highest four-star rating given out by charitynavigator.com, a site that rates non-profits involved in fund-raising; fully 91 cents of every dollar donated goes into disaster relief, education and training; 3% goes into fund-raising, 3% into marketing and the rest into administration. "We emphasize and honor donor intent. For example, the Kenosha tornadoes received an outpouring of support from the community. We honored all designations. And when we received enough funds to cover our costs (which hardly ever happens!) I went back to the donors and told them we received enough money, and asked if I could put the money into our disaster pool in readiness for the next tragedy. In all cases, donors said yes."

Local Democrats want Ryan to do what?

Talk about your fool's errand: The Racine County Democratic Party is asking Rep. Paul Ryan, R-WI, 1st District, to investigate the Bush Administration's interrogation techniques (i.e., what used to be known as "torture" when the other side did it).

Yeah, like that's gonna happen! Hell, don't the Democrats remember that in December, when the House approved a ban on waterboarding, Ryan voted against the legislation (which President Bush had threatened to veto anyway) -- somehow turning his vote into a call for more intelligence funds and fewer earmarks. (Earmarks? Yep, you read me right. See HERE.) If local Democrats wanted real action, they would have turned to Sens. Russ Feingold or Herb Kohl, D-WI, who have both spoken out against the Bush administration's use of torture in the war on terrorism. But, of course, articles of impeachment must originate in the House of Representatives, so ...

Rich Hinderholz, secretary of the Racine County Democratic Party, today sent local media a resolution passed unanimously by the party's executive committee on April 24, a resolution that Michael Shields, chairman of the party says "lays out a prima facie case indicating highest level Executive Branch officials engaged in high crimes and misdemeanors."

Shields writes Ryan: "Your position in the House of Representatives warrants your Constitutional obligation to conduct investigations into matters that may lead to impeachment. Please inform us in writing before our next general membership meeting to be held May 12, 2008, of your reaction to the resolution and your intended course of action. We anticipate your prompt attention to this serious matter."

The complete resolution after the break:

A Resolution Respectfully Requesting Congressman Paul Ryan to Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation into the President’s Decision to Permit “Harsh” Interrogation Techniques against Suspected Terrorists.

Whereas, The United States of America is a nation founded on the rule of law.

Whereas, America’s Constitution and its Amendments delineate the rights of those accused of crimes and prohibits cruel treatment.

Whereas, the nations of the world have adopted the Geneva Conventions which prohibit the cruel treatment of prisoners’ of war.

Whereas, America has signed (agreed to abide by) the Geneva Convention.

Whereas, news reports state that during 2002-03 U. S. Department of Justice employees issued a series of memos (subsequently withdrawn) justifying interrogation techniques some call torture.

Whereas, ABC News reports Vice President Cheney and the heads of the State Department, Justice Department, Department of Defense, and National Security met several times at the White House and authorized physical abuse of prisoners such as slaps and pushes, sleep deprivation, or waterboarding.

Whereas, on April 11, 2008, President Bush told Ms. Raddatz of ABC News that he knew of Cheney’s meetings and approved the harsh interrogation techniques.

Whereas, the United States of America’s Constitution establishes three equal but separate branches of government—Executive, Legislative, and Judicial.

Whereas, said Constitution provides checks and balances between the three branches to take corrective action when one branch exceeds its authority.

Whereas, Congressman Paul Ryan has been elected to the House of Representatives to represent the citizens living in Wisconsin’s First Congressional District.

Whereas, the members of the Democratic Party of Racine County reside in said district.

Now therefore be it Resolved, in consideration of these premises, the members of the Democratic Party of Racine County do hereby respectively request their representative, Congressman Paul Ryan, to motivate his Republican and Democratic Colleagues to conduct a nonpartisan and comprehensive investigation into the treatment of suspected terrorists held by or at the request of America.

Be it further resolved, said investigation to determine the:
1. Identity of the suspected terrorists, the location where they are being held, and why they are being held.
2. Actual interrogation techniques employed.
3. Reason the Department of Justice issued and then withdrew the memos authorizing the harsh treatment.
4. Identity of the government officials who authorized the harsh treatment, and the degree of their involvement in the decision.
5. Possibility of said government officials committing violations of American or International Law.

Be it further resolved, this resolution be forwarded to Congressman Paul Ryan.

Adopted April 24, 2008

Wallaroos arrive at Racine Zoo

Two hill wallaroos have joined the Racine Zoo, arriving from the Sedgwick County Zoo in Kansas. Both are female and will be two-years-old this year. They each weigh approximately 24 lbs.

The wallaroos have completed their quarantine and are on exhibit in the Vanishing Kingdom historic building.

Wallaroos are closely related to kangaroos and wallabies. (Wallaroos fall in between the kangaroo and wallaby in terms of size, hence their name.) They are typically darker on top and have a lighter underbelly. Most wallaroos are only slightly smaller than kangaroos so differentiation can be difficult. The wallaroos at the Racine Zoo can be distinguished from the Zoo’s red kangaroos due to their shaggy grey/brown coat and large black hindquarters.

In the wild, wallaroos typically live on steep embankments, rocky hills and rainforests. They have a lifespan of approximately 15 years and weigh 45-110 lbs. fully grown. They will typically eat grasses, shrubs and herbs.

In July, the wallaroos will join kangaroos, black swans, emus and egrets in the all-new Walkabout Creek immersive exhibit now under construction. This exhibit will allow guests to walk directly through the habitat of these Australian animals.
“We are thrilled to add the wallaroos to our collection and are looking forward to the opening of the Walkabout Creek exhibit this summer. It will be the first immersive exhibit the Racine Zoo has offered and we are anxious to allow visitors such access to our exhibits and our animals,” said Jay Christie, Zoo President and CEO.

The Racine Zoo is open daily. Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The admission price is $4 for adults, $2 for children 3-15, $3 for seniors; children under three and Zoo Members are free.

Meet Racine's seven newest police officers

(L-R: Dwight Meinholz, Ryan Smalkowski, Douglas Cecchini,
Richard Prince, Jessica Shapiro, Steve Jaskowiak and Michael Seeger

Shortly before 2:30 this afternoon, the Racine Police Department reached its full complement of 200 officers. The swearing in of seven recruits -- and the handing out of their badges, which officially marked the beginning of their law enforcement careers -- took place in the department's basement auditorium right after rollcall for the evening shift.

The seven are:

Officer Douglas Cecchini: A native of Racine, he is a graduate of Gateway Technical College with an Associate's degree in Police Science. He and his wife Sarah, have two children, Zach and Emerald.

Officer Steve Jaskowiak: He's from Milwaukee and has a Master's degree in Psychology from Marquette University. He and his wife, Kendra, have a son, Thurston.

Officer Dwight Meinholz: He's a Kansasville native and has an Associate's degree in Fire Science from Gateway Technical College. He and his wife, Renee, have three children: Austin, Taylor and Noah.

Officer Richard Prince: A Racine native, he was previously employed by the Racine County Sheriffs’ Department as a Corrections Clerk. He and his wife,Talia, have a son, Baron.

Officer Michael Seeger: A native of Mt Pleasant, he has a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice from UW-Platteville, and was employed recently with the Racine County Sheriffs’ Dept Water Patrol. His father, Wayne, is a retired Racine County Deputy Sergeant, and his brother, Nick, is a Racine Police officer.

Officer Jessica Shapiro: She is from Racine and has a Bachelors’ degree in Law Enforcement from Minnesota State - Mankato. She got the youngest start of all in law enforcement, having worked as a Police Department intern while still a student at Horlick High School.

Officer Ryan Smalkowski: He is a Caledonia native and has Bachelors’ degree in Criminal Justice and Biological Sciences from UW-Milwaukee. He and his wife, Tiffany, have a son, RJ.

They were sworn onto the police force by City Clerk Janice Johnson-Martin, after congratulatory remarks by Mayor Gary Becker and Police Chief Kurt Wahlen.

Becker noted that they are entering "a risky business," and thanked them for their service. "I'm looking forward to seeing you out in the neighborhood," he said.

Chief Wahlen emphasized the traits he wants the new recruits to bring to the force as problem solvers. "You must have compassion and integrity. You must deal professionally with everyone. You must play by the rules; shortcuts can lose cases.

"Don't lose heart," he said. "You will see things that will haunt you at night."

Police work, he said, "is all about relationships."

Lt. Jerry Baldukas, the department's training officer, explained to me some of what it took for these seven new officers to get this far. Besides a requirement that all applicants have 60 college credits, they had to pass an agility course test, a 54-page Police Officer Selection Test, drug tests, extensive background checks. (It didn't happen with this year's crop of 164 initial applicants, but Baldukas recalled one applicant who had an outstanding arrest warrant and was taken into custody during the agility test.)

In year's past, many police officers came from the military; not this time. But Baldukas isn't worried about their ability to deal with criminals: "Their gun, taser, nightstick and training -- those are the equalizer," he said.

"What we need are people who are good with other people; we can teach them the police skills," he said.

It will, however, be a long time before these new officers take to the streets. First, they have 13 weeks of training at Northeast Technical College in Green Bay, followed by two more weeks of localized training here. Then they begin five months of Field Training with other officers. They won't count for patrol strength, or handle cases on their own, in fact, until early in 2009.

"My daddy's a policeman!"
Officer Douglas Cecchini and his proud family.

Flashinski to challenge Vos for 63rd district seat

It's now official: Linda Flashinski, best known, perhaps, as a former president of the Racine Unified School Board, and later as the district's spokesperson, will run against Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, the 63rd Assembly District's two-term representative.

Here's her announcement:

"Today I am announcing my candidacy for Representative of the 63rd Assembly District because of my belief that this is a time for a new vision for the 63rd. We need a vision that focuses on the needs of those who are struggling in a weakened economy. We need reform in health care delivery so that all people receive the services they deserve at costs that are affordable. We need the increased economic development which KRM could bring to this area. We need more jobs that pay a living wage, and enough work so that young people have hope for the future. We need public education systems that are supported financially and that honor the work of our committed educators. We need protection of the Great Lakes and all of the natural resources in our beautiful state. We need all of this and so much more.

"My goal is to be a voice for the people of the 63rd Assembly District and the state of Wisconsin as we work for needed reform, and for the values that Wisconsinites hold dear. Should I be the one honored to represent the 63rd Assembly District as State Representative, I will listen to constituents, act on their behalf, and represent them well at the state level. I care about Wisconsin, and I commit to working very hard to make a difference."

Her campaign biography lists the following:

B.S. degree from UW-Madison in English Education. Moved to Racine with her husband, Stan, in 1976. She was President of Gifford Elementary PTA, and Co-President of PTA Council. a member of the RUSD Board of Education from 1993-99, and Board President from 1996-99. Some groups she's served: the Racine Heritage Museum, AAUW, PDK, the Festival of Trees, the Root-Pike Watershed Initiative, the Literacy Council, the Kids First Fund, the Wisconsin Legislative Committee for At Risk Children.

Over the years, she has worked as Director of Communication for Racine Unified, Associate Director of Family Service of Racine, Adjunct Instructor in Writing at Gateway Technical College, and teacher at Parkside’s College for Kids. For six years, she has hosted “Education Matters” and “Community Matters” on WGTD.

Lakefront Artists Fair adds rain to the mix

An umbrella was the perfect companion...

"Yes, it's beautiful, but where will we put it?"

Metal masks combined with torches; what's not to like?

Even hand-carved doggies...

...and wearable art until it's time for bed.

"The rain works for me," says Jan Cramer,
selling plants for the Montessori School

A lovely day to enjoy the Root River

It was a full day of activities -- rain be damned! -- at the grand opening of the Root River Environmental Community Center (REC).

Most fun, of course, was "Running the Root," when more than two dozen canoes and kayaks floated downstream all the way to Belle Harbor ... and then paddled back through a light rain.

Rep. Cory Mason explained at brief opening ceremonies that the event was aimed at getting people to think about what a real economic asset the Root River can be. Mayor Gary Becker noted that when the city was developed, the river "was a highway and a sewer." Today, however, he said "we need to get ahead of development, to decide what Racine wants the River to be." Also in attendance was State Department of Administration Secretary Mike Morgan, who helped provide a grant a year ago to help spur river planning and "obtain input on how we clean up our urban waterways." Full schedule of events HERE.

The area paddled was the proposed River District, whose boundaries are roughly the railroad bridge just upstream of REC to the mouth of the river, and the lands adjacent to the river along that route.

Among the points of interest for canoeists and kayakers were:

--The idea of placing a riverwalk between Sixth and Main Streets. The idea is that the river's edge would be vegetated and the riverwalk would be adjacent to the green space, about 15-20 feet wide, accommodating walkers and bicyclists.

--The large retaining wall at Water Street isn't going anywhere -- it's part of the sewer system infrastructure. However, it is not attractive, and the idea of creating a fabric mural created to cover the wall has been suggested.

--Belle Harbor's marina is silting in, and not viable for larger boats. Saturday's boaters were asked what kind of land use they would suggest for that property.

At the Belle Harbor Marina, under the State Street bridge

Cory Mason and his family.

Sec. Mike Morgan and Alderman Terry McCarthy

What the smartly-shod kayaker wears on her feet...

Fred, 3, ready for his first kayak ride ever

May 3 also marks the opening of this year's fishing season

Pancake Day!

Here are our pictures from Kiwanis Pancake Day. Make sure you scroll down to the bottom to read about the event's most enthusiastic fan!

First, batter is dropped on the hot skillet...

When ready, the pancake is tossed high into the air...

Was there any doubt he'd catch it?

A full house -- in more ways than one.

Cortesia Perez, 2, gets her first taste.
"She'll want to come back -- tomorrow," said her Mom.

"Where'd it go," asks Mayor Gary Becker...

This one didn't get away. As for others...

And now, meet Al Mueller, Pancake Day's biggest fan:

Pancake enthusiasts unite in Racine each year on the first Saturday in May. This is not news. After all it’s been going on for over 50 years.


What is news is that every year since its inception Kiwanis Pancake Day has seen Al Mueller. In fact, Pancake Day has seen Al show up for each of his meals every year on that special Saturday. That’s right; Al Mueller buys enough tickets for Pancake Day to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. All pancakes, all day. He even brings his wife Judy for dinner and treats his son to the delicious tradition. Al's family doesn’t quite share passion for pancakes: they come only once during the day.

Al doesn’t stop at his initial serving. He wants to support our local Kiwanis so he always gets seconds and sometimes thirds. He positions himself near the serving line in order to eliminate travel time back and forth to his table. When asked what motivates this mission, Al throws a look that comes only from a wise, hard-working Racine native (we all know the look) and answers, “I love pancakes!”

Ah, yes…pancakes…comfort food.

--By Monte Osterman

Free Comic Book Day!

Today is Free Comic Book Day! The Vault of Comics and Toys at 1626 Douglas Ave. is participating in the national event, which is what it sounds like. Show up at the store and you can get free comics. Among the comics available at The Vault include: kids comics, Hulk and Iron Man, Salem Queen of Thorns, Transformers and several others.

The Vault is open until 5 p.m. today. The new store, located near the Sausage Kitchen, opened in March.

Was it Racine or New Orleans Friday night?

David Figge of the Racine Kilties played on Main Street

It was the second First Friday of the year, and it couldn't have started out on a better note

Sixth Street merchants were smiling -- no, absolutely beaming -- at having gotten their street back again on Thursday, the first phase of this year's construction work completed. Not just on time, but almost a week early.

The afternoon's nasty weather was barely a memory. The streets were dry, the sky was the bluest of blues and the sun was shining. Music came from everywhere: jazz from a pick-up twosome the far end of Sixth, bluesy tunes from Monument Square, heavy metal at the lower end of Main; Irish folk, blues -- even a lone trumpet! -- and who knows what else inbetween. (Would you believe some Civil War soldiers?) Racine was a poor name for downtown; for a while it felt more like New Orleans.

Shoppers and music lovers wandered around, into this store, listening to that music. Mothers with sleepy kids; a dad showing his three-year-old what an orange 1957 (I'm guessing) BelAir hardtop Chevrolet in mint condition looks like. (Very, very sharp!) It wasn't a large crowd at the start, but it was an enthusiastic one.

Unfortunately, it was cut short by a little rain after not quite two hours. The smart browsers went inside to continue enjoying the music. The wimps -- me, in other words -- headed home on the Vespa, hoping to avoid the wife's "I told you it was going to rain."

Some scenes from the evening:

Gary and DeAnn Lekas in Monument Square

Jim Bednarek filling in for the babysitting Bennett Carl on Sixth

Paul Kaye in JavaVino's courtyard

Cheryl McCrary and the Heir-Born Praise Band, from Nesting

Jeff Ward, inside Molly MaGruder

Kids made pottery keepsakes at Fired Up!

Dad found the car of his dreams parked on Main Street;
( daughter unimpressed)

Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the Racine Heritage Museum

Racine Police getting seven new officers Monday

The Racine Police Department will swear in seven new officers Monday, bringing the force's complement to 200. Briefly.

The seven -- six men and one woman -- range in age from 23 to 39. All have passed their psychological and physical tests, and been interviewed by Chief Kurt Wahlen. They will be sworn in by the City Clerk at 2 p.m. Monday in the Police Department auditorium.

Just don't expect to see them patrolling Racine's mean streets any time soon. After a week here tending to administrative and human resource issues, being issued firearms, and getting fitted for uniforms, all seven will head to Northeast Technical College in Green Bay for 520 hours -- 13 weeks -- of recruit school training, followed by two more weeks of localized training here.

To become a police officer in Wisconsin, applicants must have completed at least 60 college credits. Although districts sometimes waive this requirement, Racine does not, according to departmental spokesman Sgt. Bernie Kupper. "They may have an associate's or bachelor's degree in anything under the sun," he said. As to their weapons experience, "they may never have hunted, handled a firearm or ridden in a squad car."

Officers earn $60,000 after two years. New recruits are paid 80% of that.

Today, the department has 193 officers, compared to its budgeted complement of 199. But this brief moment of being full-staffed won't last long: the department has one retirement scheduled for May 30, and two or three more during the latter part of June and July, according to Sgt. Kupper.

Pulliam's successor in Georgia earning $285,000,double the salary RUSD expects to pay her

Whatever contract Racine Unified offers its choice for superintendent, Barbara Moore Pulliam, it will pale in comparison to that given her successor at the Clayton County Schools in Jonesboro, Ga., a district outside of Atlanta.

Pulliam, who was chosen here last week from a field of three finalists the board winnowed down from 20 candidates presented by its search firm, is expected to be offered a salary in the range of $144,000 a year, plus benefits -- the same paid the district's last superintendent, Thomas Hicks, who was pushed out last August. Negotiations, presumably, are under way.

Meanwhile, Pulliam's successor in Jonesboro, John W. Thomposon, who took office Monday, is getting $285,000 a year.

According to Georgia Senate President pro tem Eric Johnson, quoted Thursday in the Atlanta Journal Constitution: “I was outraged to finally see the contract with Clayton County’s new part-time School Superintendent. Even though he was declared unqualified by the accrediting agency, he will now receive $285,000 and a car and driver for 133 work days a year."

Pulliam resigned as Clayton County superintendent last July, after 3 1/2 years. When she took the job there the district was on probation, but it came off probation under her tenure.

Since she left, however, things haven't gone well. On March 15, the National Accreditation Commission board voted unanimously to revoke the 52,800-student district's accreditation on Sept. 1. And two days ago, two advisors appointed by Gov. Sonny Perdue to help save its accreditation, called the current school board dysfunctional and resigned.

While the selection process was under way here in Racine, there had been reports that the Clayton County board wanted to rehire Pulliam. We don't know whether those reports are true or not -- but why she would have wanted to leave Georgia behind to take on Racine's difficulties becomes more clear.

But first, Sixth Street was our historic Plank Road

There's a phone line down at the bottom...

Like an archaeological dig, Racine's Sixth Street utility work and repaving project is exposing the city's history. Unlike archaeologists, however, the construction crews are destroying what they find.

Not that there is much to save, beyond some rotting planks and brick pavers upon which the city's commercial reputation was built; even a hollowed piece of wooden water pipe here and there. All have been uncovered by the Sixth Street road construction crews -- and for the most part unceremoniously hauled away to the landfill to be crushed and buried.

Sixth Street, layer by layer...

Some of the bricks have been recovered by adjoining storefront owners. Alongside the construction path today, a few small piles of rotting planks -- four or five feet long, maybe 6" by 8" in dimension -- lay by the sidewalk.

Kate Remington, whose concrete art studio overlooks -- and shortly will become part of the reconstruction project -- brought it to our attention Thursday morning. She took a portion of a plank to the mayor, suggesting that a cross-section of the road would make an interesting historical marker along the street.

Kate Remington, with a plank road remnant

Indeed, a glance deep into a 15-ft. pit, at the bottom of which workers this morning had uncovered a working telephone line -- normally, all utilities are buried no more than three feet deep -- clearly showed the street's evolution. There were remnants of the old wooden plank highway, the brick paving stones above that, railroad tracks on top of the brick, and then the cement we're used to.

Yes, we said wooden plank highway.

Kate Remington directed our attention to an Historic Sixth Street Business District Walking Tour Guide, a slim pamphlet published in 1990 by the Racine Landmarks Preservation Commission. It described how Congress appropriated funds in 1838 for a "military highway" from Racine to Janesville, and how the Racine-Rock River Plank Road was constructed in 1848, "the year Wisconsin became a state and Racine became a city."

The following material comes from that pamphlet. It was written by Don Rintz.

"In 1834 Gilbert Knapp laid claim to about 140 acres of land lying both north and south of the Root River and the western shore of Lake Michigan. These lands were platted in 1836 as the Village of Racine...

"Much of Racine was then a forest. A few log cabins and even fewer frame houses might be seen here and there in the woods, but most of the early buildings were in a clearing south of the river at the foot of Main Street. Thea area around Sixth or Seventh Streets was 'way out of town.'

"But it became a way into town when, in 1838,Congress appropriated money for a military highway from Racine to Janesville and onward to Sinipee on the Mississippi River. The easterly section of the government road ran along the route of what is now Washington Avenue an connected at Campbell Street (now Grand Avenue) with Sixth and Seventh. They became principal routes into Racine and out again on the west. Sixth Street became very nearly as important as Main, and commercial development, rather than continuing south on Main Street, turned the corner along the south side of the public square and ran west along Sixth.

"The Historic Sixth Street Business district, as a result, was the second area of the city to develop commercially...

" 'As an inducement for neighboring towns to trade' in the city, the first county history explained, 'Racine took an advanced and liberal position in relation to road improvements.' The Racine-Rock River Plank Road Company was organized by a number of the city's leading citizens on March 6, 1848 -- in the year Wisconsin became a state and Racine became a city.

All that's left from 1848's commercial thoroughfare

"The highway came to be known as the Janesville Plank Road, and it is said to have been the first roadway constructed of planks to be laid westward from the shores of Lake Michigan. It began at Main Street and ran from the square along Sixth and out the government road. The plank pavement was considered a great improvement, a boon to travel and shipping. Stagecoaches used it daily, carrying passengers and mail on a regular schedule, and farmers drove their wagons in to the city filled with sacks of grain or piled high with hay, to be dumped for sale in the public square.

"The plank road was responsible in no small part for the growth of the City of Racine and, most particularly, of the Sixth Street business district...

"The Historic Sixth Street Business District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on March 24, 1988."

Ryan rips Fed for cutting interest rates again

U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan got his Alan Greenspan on today with a fiery press release criticizing the Fed's latest interest rate cut. Ryan wants to pass a law that would force the Fed to focus on inflation and price stability, as opposed to economic growth. He blames the low interest rates for rising food and gas prices.

Here's the release:

Ryan on Rate Cuts: Enough is Enough

WASHINGTON – On the heels of yet another interest rate cut, Wisconsin’s First District Congressman Paul Ryan today announced plans to introduce legislation that would recommit the Federal Reserve to controlling inflation. Since last September, the Fed has slashed the federal funds rate down to 2%. Congressman Ryan has been outspoken with his concerns on inflation, as interest rate cuts have persisted in the face of rising prices.

While dealt a bad hand, the Fed has been unsuccessful in balancing their dual – and often contradictory – mandate of both short-term economic growth and long-term economic stability. Congressman Ryan has sought to set our monetary policy back on sound economic footing with the introduction of The Price Stability Act of 2008. This legislation would give the Federal Reserve a single mandate: price stability. The Price Stability Act would not alter the tools at the Fed’s disposal, but rather direct the Fed to make their overriding policy goal that of controlling inflation.

As the negative impact of our monetary policy becomes increasingly clear to Americans, Congressman Ryan has issued the following statement:

"Enough is enough. The continued rate cuts from the Federal Reserve have fueled price increases across the board. Inflation is an insidious threat to our economic well-being: it wipes away savings; it eats away at the paychecks of working people; and it devalues the quality of life of those living on fixed incomes.

"Congress bears some of the responsibility for the Fed’s recent actions. The Congressional mandate given to the Fed must be reexamined. The Price Stability Act would refocus our monetary policy to tackling inflation. Our economic challenges require bold solutions – and this commitment to sound money is a vital component to strengthening our economy."

Mason, Turner calling for eight-lane interstate

Update: I'll leave the original post, but here's a clarification. Mason and Turner are calling for an eight-lane interstate from the Mitchel airport exit to the Illinois border. In other words, they are in favor of four lanes in each direction, which means one new lane in each direction. They are not in favor of a 10-lane interstate as I first wondered.

In talking with Mason, he explained the state is in a comment period on the project. Some people are advocating for keeping the interstate at three lanes in each direction. Mason said he supports four lanes because it will help economic development in Racine County and create more construction jobs for local residents to help build the highway.

It's also worth noting the project will "unbraid" the frontage roads through Racine County. This is critical to future development, because the current configuration of the frontage roads prevents serious development along the I in the county.

More will be out on this tomorrow when Mason and Turner hold their press conference.

Here's the original post:

Rep. Cory Mason sent out a press release this morning titled, "Racine Leaders to Call for Maximizing Economic Impact of I-94 Reconstruction."

The release then adds: "Local Leaders Support 4 Lane Expansion" and "Four Lanes a Better Option."

So what does this mean? It seems like Mason and Rep. Bob Turner, whose name was also on the release, are in favor of adding four lanes to I-94 from Milwaukee to the Illinois border. If true, that would make the interstate a Los Angeles-esque 10 lanes through Racine County.

I wrote Mason's office for further explanation, and will update when I hear back from them.

The state is already planning to add two lanes to I-94 once it completes the Marquette Interchange project. The interstate expansion is expected to cost $1.9 billion.

Since Mason's plan is touted as an "alternative" to the state plan, it seems like he is calling for a bigger project. He's scheduled a press conference for Friday morning with representatives from the highway construction unions and local job training agencies.

Perhaps a larger roads project is a way to generate jobs for the area.

On the 5th anniversary of 'Mission Accomplished'

That was then...

U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-WI, issued this statement today:

"Five years ago today, the President stood on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln beneath the now infamous “mission accomplished” banner. But five years later, with the image of the president under that banner etched into the memories of so many Americans, our brave men and women remain bogged down in Iraq in a war that is jeopardizing our national security, damaging our military, and provoking regional instability. This anniversary marks yet another year of the administration’s failure to address the global threat posed by al Qaeda.

"The State Department Country Terrorism report released yesterday serves as yet another reminder that al Qaeda continues to be the greatest terrorist threat to the U.S. and is reconstituting its capabilities. Congress should not wait for the next anniversary before fixing the Administration’s mistaken priorities. For the good of our military and national security, and for the stake of stability in the Middle East, we must safely redeploy our troops from Iraq and refocus on those who attacked us on 9/11."

More on the Country Terrorism report HERE.

And a review of what's happened in Iraq and Afghanistan since Bush declared, "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended," is HERE.

Students rally for immigration rights

The cadence blared out from megaphones, and got the time-honored response:

"What do we want?"
"JUSTICE!"
"When do we want it?"
"NOW!!!"

Several hundred students, mostly high schoolers, filled the south half of Monument Square at 8 a.m. this morning, for a brief rally demanding immigration rights. Then they marched up Sixth Street, past U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan's office -- he wasn't in -- and back around to Festival Hall, where six buses waited to take them to Milwaukee for an even bigger rally.

The only elected official I saw was Racine Mayor Gary Becker, who said, "Let's demand respect for everyone in the community." When asked whether all those kids shouldn't have been in school, the mayor said the event "is a good learning experience. I'd take my kids out of school for this."

Meanwhile, the Journal Sentinel reported today that Wisconsin's Wisconsin's Hispanic population grew faster last year than the nation's, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

In the past year, the state's Hispanic population grew 4.3% to 271,830. The state's percentage gain was greater than the national Hispanic growth rate of 3.3%.

"The Hispanic population here grew the most of any minority group - 41% from 2000 to 2007. With Hispanics constituting 4.9% of the state's population, Wisconsin ranks 32nd for its percentage of Hispanics and 24th for total Hispanic population," the J-S reported. The full story is HERE.