July 31, 2010

Web site for K9 fundraising

There's a new web site that explains the background behind fundraising for Grand Chute's new K9 program. The goal is $30,000. Grand Chute's Kiwanis Club will be donating proceeds from the WestFest celebration.
A patrol dog and handler training is $11,000 and equipment for the dog is an additional $3,000. The additional money will go toward a three year plan of annual maintenance costs which include recertifications, food and veterinary expenses.

Benefits of a K9 unit are:
*Tracking to find lost children and people with medical problems.
∗    Public relations between the police and community. Appearances and demonstrations.
∗    Highly visible deterrent to criminal activity
∗    Tracking and apprehending criminals for prosecution of their crimes.
∗    Locating drugs
∗    Reducing the hours needed to locate people and drugs.
∗    Providing income from recovered cash and property.

The program is also looking for donations from community members. Donations may be used for tax deduction purposes. If you have questions or you want to contact the GCCPAAA, you may do so by contacting:
GCCP AAA c/o Grand Chute Police Department 1900 W. Grand Chute Blvd. Grand Chute, WI 54913 (920) 832-1575

July 28, 2010

Grand Chute WestFest Details

All the latest information on Grand Chute WestFest can be found at www.gcwestfest.com. The festival runs September 10 & 11th.

July 22, 2010

Storm Damage Update From Grand Chute Fire Department

July 21, 2010

Grand Chute Storm Damage Assessment

UPDATED PRESS RELEASE

Early this morning the crews from the Grand Chute Fire Department, Department of Public Works and Town officials began assessing the damage caused by recent storms that moved through our area Tuesday night.

Preliminary damage assessments indicate approximately 34 residents have suffered minor damage to their structures from downed trees, hail and/or wind damage or flooding. Three structures sustained moderate damage, while one home sustained major damage to their roof and surrounding property after a tree went through the roof. Thus far, approximately 50 trees in the Town have been downed by the storms. No total dollar estimates are available at this time.

Residents and business owners are asked to report any known hazards or damages to their property to their local jurisdiction.

WE Energies advised us that almost all Grand Chute customers have their power restored at this time and crews expect to have the remaining 8 customers back up shortly.

The Grand Chute Department of Public Works is continuing to clear streets of debris and fallen tree branches.

The Town of Grand Chute residents are required to contact DPW at 832-1581 if they would like to have their curbside brush piles chipped and picked up.

We urge all citizens to use extreme caution when cleaning up damaged trees that are in close proximity to power lines.

Consumer Safety Note:
When choosing a tree service or cleanup company to assist you with your storm damage, protect yourself from unscrupulous people who may not have your best interests in mind. Never pay in advance. Get more than one estimate and be sure to check credentials.

July 19, 2010

Changes in urbanization communication

The Town Board received an update from the project manager at Omni and Associates regarding the North Boundary Run urbanization project. This project is located in the Houdini School area. The project on schedule and on budget. The company is keeping in close contact with residents to make sure summer parties and events can still be accessed.

The company has new policies in place to keep residents informed after complaints surfaced in the Casaloma West and Twin Willows subdivisions. The Town Board called for better services and products from our engineering firms and subcontractors. So far, I have not received complaints in this subdivision. In fact the Town Board received a letter from one resident thanking the town for keeping roads open over the Fourth of July weekend. The Town Board now receives weekly updates from the engineering firms during the scope of the project.

July 15, 2010

Town enacts new deck ordinances

The Town of Grand Chute recently enacted a set of two new ordinances that deal with outdoor decks for businesses that serve alcohol. These ordinances were a result of Wisconsin's recent state-wide smoking ban. Many bars and restaurants are asking for special exception service to allow alcohol service to outdoor patios and newly designated smoking areas. Bob Buckingham, our Community Development Director, and his staff have research and compiled the ordinances to ensure the safety of residents and make sure minors do not have access areas where alcoholic beverages are consumed outdoors. This allows businesses to accommodate their smoking patrons and gives them a specific set of guidelines to follow.

July 14, 2010

Fun in the Park & 5k Walk

It is International Sarcoma Awareness Week. Dan's House of Hope is sponsoring a 5K walk on July 18th from 10:00am-2:00 pm at Arrowhead Park. The walk begins at 10AM and there will be a picnic at noon. (Bring your own picnic basket).Volleyball and other events will be oganized in the park. Coffee, danish and cookies will be provided prior to the start of the walk. The event will be rain or shine, although it may be canceled if dangerous weather is imminent.

Note: A sarcoma is a type of cancer that develops from certain tissues, like bone or muscle.

July 9, 2010

Gold's Gym to break ground in Grand Chute

On Tuesday, the Town Board approved removing easements and combining multiple lots in the vacant land area near Wisconsin and Badger Ave. This allows Gold's Gym to start construction on their new facility. Gold's Gym is combining their Northland Ave. and College Ave. locations into one central building. The Plan Commission has approved the preliminary plans for the 20,000 sq. ft. gym that will feature state of th art equipment and new programs to keep us in shape.

July 7, 2010

Parks Comprehensive Plan

The Grand Chute Park Commission will meet Monday, July 12th at 5pm. They will be voting on the comprehensive plan of trails and parks, specifically, which ones to fund at this time. The recommendations will be forwarded to the Town Board. One of the parks listed in the comprehensive plan is a dog park on the north end of Gillette Street. Please email me before Monday if you have suggestions on which trails you would like to see completed.