Ran on Friday, July 13, 2007
Vandals blow up more rural mailboxes in three-county spree
By Leader-telegram Staff
MENOMONIE — A recent mailbox destruction spree continued with two more mailboxes reported blown up in Dunn County shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday.
The mailboxes were destroyed in the town of Red Cedar on Highway E, east of Menomonie.
Exploded CO2 cartridges were found in the area by a Dunn County Sheriff's Department deputy investigating the incident, according to department reports. The cartridges contain pressurized gas.
According to Lt. Mike Tietz, an actual explosive device was used in the latest mailbox vandalism.
Eight to 10 mailboxes were destroyed in Dunn County late Monday night or early Tuesday, most of them on Highway 64 from the Chippewa County line west to Highway 25 and south to Wheeler. Other mailboxes were damaged in Chippewa and Eau Claire counties.
Donna Doering, who lives on Shellamie Drive in the town Washington just south of Eau Claire, discovered her metal mailbox exploded in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
She noticed charred pieces of debris on the ground. "Something exploded," Doering said. "Not sure what though."
She said she thinks she was a target because her rural home is far off the road and her family wouldn't hear the explosion.
Most of the damage earlier in the week appeared to have been done by large bottle rockets or some other type of firework.
In some cases small grass fires occurred around the mailboxes.
One firework was found unexploded in a mailbox Tuesday.
"These kinds of incidents typically increase around the Fourth of July holiday," Tietz said. "But actual explosive fabrication as in the most recent incident is more troubling in that the danger is significantly increased when those responsible move from general fireworks to building explosives."
According to Dunn County Sheriff's Department reports, a dark-colored truck with an unknown man was seen stopped by a mailbox Tuesday on 370th Avenue in rural Eau Claire County. The man put blue electrical tape on the mailbox.
A sheriff's officer found an orange firework in the mailbox that had not been lit. It is believed the suspect was scared off before lighting the firework.
The incidents remain under investigation.
Anyone with information about the identity of those responsible or who has seen suspicious activity is urged to contact their local sheriff's department. Call the Dunn County confidential tipster line at (715) 231-2907.
Friday, July 13, 2007
PDM Bridge laying off workers temporarily
Ran on Friday, July 13, 2007
PDM Bridge laying off workers temporarily
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
A delay in the design of a Columbus, Ohio, bridge has led a steel production company in Eau Claire to lay off 25 of its local workers.
PDM Bridge announced it must temporarily lay off 10 percent of its Eau Claire workforce, effective Monday, because there is no work to be done.
Jeffrey Remsik, a spokesman for PDM, said the company has waited as long as possible to lay off the employees, but bridge designers have delayed the project six months, making it impossible for the company to currently employ the workers.
"We're simply forced to make layoffs because we don't have work for them to do," Remsik said.
Company officials are unsure how long the layoffs will last but anticipate it will be several weeks. They say the length will be dependent upon the resolution of the engineering issues in Columbus.
"We do not know how long it will take to resolve the engineering issues," said Phil Hoilien, plant manager at PDM's Eau Claire facility, in a statement. "But we will call our employees back to work as soon as possible."
The company will ask employees to voluntarily take time off; if not enough workers step forward, cuts will be made based on seniority.
Remsik said he thinks some of the employees, most of whom have been with the company for 15 to 20 years, will voluntarily take time off to work on projects at home or enjoy the summer months.
PDM has not had layoffs in the past 14 years and typically works on 10 to 15 projects at once.
The layoffs will not affect other projects the company is working on, Remsik said.
"Our business is strong," Hoilien said. "We continue to actively bid for new projects. We plan to continue our growth in the months and years ahead."
PDM employs 500 people in its three plants in Eau Claire, Wausau and Palatka, Fla. Neither of the others will have layoffs and will not be affected by the layoffs at the Eau Claire plant.
PDM Bridge laying off workers temporarily
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
A delay in the design of a Columbus, Ohio, bridge has led a steel production company in Eau Claire to lay off 25 of its local workers.
PDM Bridge announced it must temporarily lay off 10 percent of its Eau Claire workforce, effective Monday, because there is no work to be done.
Jeffrey Remsik, a spokesman for PDM, said the company has waited as long as possible to lay off the employees, but bridge designers have delayed the project six months, making it impossible for the company to currently employ the workers.
"We're simply forced to make layoffs because we don't have work for them to do," Remsik said.
Company officials are unsure how long the layoffs will last but anticipate it will be several weeks. They say the length will be dependent upon the resolution of the engineering issues in Columbus.
"We do not know how long it will take to resolve the engineering issues," said Phil Hoilien, plant manager at PDM's Eau Claire facility, in a statement. "But we will call our employees back to work as soon as possible."
The company will ask employees to voluntarily take time off; if not enough workers step forward, cuts will be made based on seniority.
Remsik said he thinks some of the employees, most of whom have been with the company for 15 to 20 years, will voluntarily take time off to work on projects at home or enjoy the summer months.
PDM has not had layoffs in the past 14 years and typically works on 10 to 15 projects at once.
The layoffs will not affect other projects the company is working on, Remsik said.
"Our business is strong," Hoilien said. "We continue to actively bid for new projects. We plan to continue our growth in the months and years ahead."
PDM employs 500 people in its three plants in Eau Claire, Wausau and Palatka, Fla. Neither of the others will have layoffs and will not be affected by the layoffs at the Eau Claire plant.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Teen uses word of mouth to get business
Ran on Thursday, July 12, 2007
Teen uses word of mouth to get business
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
STANLEY — Some childhood hobbies fizzle and fade into memory. Chevy Studler's high school hobby is as obvious as the painting on the wall and will remain that way. In fact, it is the painting on the wall.
The 17-year-old has been commissioned around his hometown of Stanley to paint large murals on the walls of local businesses.
His first one was at a bar and liquor store, American Pride on Broadway street in Stanley. It was a replica of Joe Rosenthal's famous World War II photograph of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima.
After the success and popularity of that painting, Studler's work began to snowball in interest.
American Pride lunch patron Liz Naylor of Stanley watched while Studler painted the patriotic-themed piece earlier this year.
"For such a young man, he's very talented," she said. "He has a good future ahead of him."
Fellow patron and town resident Mary Kirschner agreed.
"It is beautiful — very gorgeous," she said.
Studler got the mural job in the tavern after bar owner Darold Wall approved a sample of his work. He has since asked Studler to create three more paintings in the bar and some in his home.
John McLoone, owner and publisher of the Stanley Republican, was so impressed with the painting in the bar, he had Studler paint a large version of the nation's bird, the bald eagle, in the newspaper's office.
"I like eagles," McLoone said. "It looks cool; we get a lot of compliments on it; people come in just to see it."
Americana-themed paintings aren't the only work Studler does.
"I can paint anything," he said when Naylor asked him if he could paint a butterfly in her home.
Phil Miller has a private airport and hangar outside Stanley. On an airport wall there, Studler will recreate planes being built.
Right now he's working on a blue and white plane called the "Titan Tornado" on a blue and green background and has clearance to paint three more aviation-themed pieces. The owner and airport names are integrated into the painting in a graffiti style. "My favorite part is the graffiti," Studler said.
He uses brushes to freehand most of the pieces, and has started using an airbrush technique. Studler buys all of his supplies with a portion of the money he earns painting. He is saving the rest of the money for college tuition.
Studler hopes to go to a technical college in Wyoming to study automotive body work after he finishes his last year of high school at Stanley-Boyd in 2008.
His mother, Di Studler, is proud of each of her three sons, but is especially anxious to see her youngest son be the first to go to college.
"I'm very proud of him," she said. "I definitely encourage him."
Schmidt can be reached at 833-9203.
Teen uses word of mouth to get business
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
STANLEY — Some childhood hobbies fizzle and fade into memory. Chevy Studler's high school hobby is as obvious as the painting on the wall and will remain that way. In fact, it is the painting on the wall.
The 17-year-old has been commissioned around his hometown of Stanley to paint large murals on the walls of local businesses.
His first one was at a bar and liquor store, American Pride on Broadway street in Stanley. It was a replica of Joe Rosenthal's famous World War II photograph of the raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima.
After the success and popularity of that painting, Studler's work began to snowball in interest.
American Pride lunch patron Liz Naylor of Stanley watched while Studler painted the patriotic-themed piece earlier this year.
"For such a young man, he's very talented," she said. "He has a good future ahead of him."
Fellow patron and town resident Mary Kirschner agreed.
"It is beautiful — very gorgeous," she said.
Studler got the mural job in the tavern after bar owner Darold Wall approved a sample of his work. He has since asked Studler to create three more paintings in the bar and some in his home.
John McLoone, owner and publisher of the Stanley Republican, was so impressed with the painting in the bar, he had Studler paint a large version of the nation's bird, the bald eagle, in the newspaper's office.
"I like eagles," McLoone said. "It looks cool; we get a lot of compliments on it; people come in just to see it."
Americana-themed paintings aren't the only work Studler does.
"I can paint anything," he said when Naylor asked him if he could paint a butterfly in her home.
Phil Miller has a private airport and hangar outside Stanley. On an airport wall there, Studler will recreate planes being built.
Right now he's working on a blue and white plane called the "Titan Tornado" on a blue and green background and has clearance to paint three more aviation-themed pieces. The owner and airport names are integrated into the painting in a graffiti style. "My favorite part is the graffiti," Studler said.
He uses brushes to freehand most of the pieces, and has started using an airbrush technique. Studler buys all of his supplies with a portion of the money he earns painting. He is saving the rest of the money for college tuition.
Studler hopes to go to a technical college in Wyoming to study automotive body work after he finishes his last year of high school at Stanley-Boyd in 2008.
His mother, Di Studler, is proud of each of her three sons, but is especially anxious to see her youngest son be the first to go to college.
"I'm very proud of him," she said. "I definitely encourage him."
Schmidt can be reached at 833-9203.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Man says board took wind out of his sales
Ran Tuesday, July 10 2007
Man says board took wind out of his sales
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-telegram Staff
An Eau Claire businessman said he's having a hard time selling windmills as a source of electricity because the Eau Claire County Board has placed restrictions on the energy alternative in private homes.
Wind energy uses windmills and wind turbines to generate electricity into homes.
At tonight's county Planning and Development Committee meeting, businessman Zeus Stark plans to call attention to a county ordinance that he said is not in compliance with state law.
"Next Step Energy Systems has provided Eau Claire County with a model wind ordinance that will provide for public health and safety without unduly restricting the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of small wind systems," according to information provided by the company.
Stark said Wisconsin law states no municipality shall restrict the installation or use of a wind energy system unless it presents a danger, significantly increases the cost or allows for an alternative.
Five months ago, the Eau Claire County Board adopted an ordinance that Stark said creates a "huge cost increase and make(s) it almost impossible to use wind energy," he said.
Planning and Development Director James "Mel" Erickson said the limits initially were placed based on aesthetics, the possibility of a tower falling and becoming a hazard and the increasing desire home owners have for energy alternatives.
"We're looking at the possibility of wind energy systems popping up in residential areas," Erickson said.
The main conflict, Stark said, is the county requires a mono-pole construction instead of a lattice tower.
A mono pole is one thick, rod using one contact point and requiring a crane for initial installment and future maintenance.
A lattice tower has multiple contact points with the ground and uses cables for support.
Stark said both towers are safe, but the lattice tower is easier to construct and maintain because it can be climbed without the use of a crane.
Previously the lattice construction was allowed.
Man says board took wind out of his sales
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-telegram Staff
An Eau Claire businessman said he's having a hard time selling windmills as a source of electricity because the Eau Claire County Board has placed restrictions on the energy alternative in private homes.
Wind energy uses windmills and wind turbines to generate electricity into homes.
At tonight's county Planning and Development Committee meeting, businessman Zeus Stark plans to call attention to a county ordinance that he said is not in compliance with state law.
"Next Step Energy Systems has provided Eau Claire County with a model wind ordinance that will provide for public health and safety without unduly restricting the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of small wind systems," according to information provided by the company.
Stark said Wisconsin law states no municipality shall restrict the installation or use of a wind energy system unless it presents a danger, significantly increases the cost or allows for an alternative.
Five months ago, the Eau Claire County Board adopted an ordinance that Stark said creates a "huge cost increase and make(s) it almost impossible to use wind energy," he said.
Planning and Development Director James "Mel" Erickson said the limits initially were placed based on aesthetics, the possibility of a tower falling and becoming a hazard and the increasing desire home owners have for energy alternatives.
"We're looking at the possibility of wind energy systems popping up in residential areas," Erickson said.
The main conflict, Stark said, is the county requires a mono-pole construction instead of a lattice tower.
A mono pole is one thick, rod using one contact point and requiring a crane for initial installment and future maintenance.
A lattice tower has multiple contact points with the ground and uses cables for support.
Stark said both towers are safe, but the lattice tower is easier to construct and maintain because it can be climbed without the use of a crane.
Previously the lattice construction was allowed.
DNR manager made his mark in the area
Ran on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
DNR manager made his mark in the area
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
Wisconsin lost a natural resources historian when Dave Weitz died Sunday night, said people who knew the longtime Department of Natural Resources public affairs manager.
"The DNR, natural resources and communications truly was in his genes," said Dave Carlson, who hosts an outdoor show "Northland Adventures" on WQOW-TV (Channel 18). "Dave lived it, breathed it, talked it."
Weitz, 63, died unexpectedly Sunday night in his sleep, according to the DNR.
Buzz Sorge, a DNR lake management planner, worked with Weitz for 21 years and can't believe his friend died so suddenly.
"You talk to somebody on Friday, leave for the weekend and expect they're going to be there Monday," Sorge said. "In this case, David isn't going to be here."
His DNR work the past 28 years left a mark on people in the community, said Scott Humrickhouse, DNR regional director in Eau Claire.
"Dave was a deeply committed public servant, believed in what he did and he did it well," Humrickhouse said.
Humrickhouse knew Weitz for more than 20 years and worked closely with him for the past 15 years.
"Dave was a real professional, but more than that, he was a real friend," he said. "The folks in Wisconsin really lost a friend."
John "Duke" Welter of Eau Claire, chairman of the Natural Resources Board's Stewardship Reauthorization Subcommittee, knew Weitz for years.
"Dave was a person who had a first-rate understanding of the history behind a lot of Wisconsin resource issues," he said.
"What I found to be really valuable, when you needed some historic background on an issue. Dave could put his finger on that information."
Weitz's interest in the DNR may have stemmed from his father, Chauncey Weitz, who was a DNR conservation warden.
"He's always been about as loyal to the DNR as anybody I've ever met," said Jim Mense, chairman of the Conservation Congress in Dunn County.
Weitz was a newspaper reporter before joining the DNR
DNR manager made his mark in the area
By Keighla Schmidt
Leader-Telegram staff
Wisconsin lost a natural resources historian when Dave Weitz died Sunday night, said people who knew the longtime Department of Natural Resources public affairs manager.
"The DNR, natural resources and communications truly was in his genes," said Dave Carlson, who hosts an outdoor show "Northland Adventures" on WQOW-TV (Channel 18). "Dave lived it, breathed it, talked it."
Weitz, 63, died unexpectedly Sunday night in his sleep, according to the DNR.
Buzz Sorge, a DNR lake management planner, worked with Weitz for 21 years and can't believe his friend died so suddenly.
"You talk to somebody on Friday, leave for the weekend and expect they're going to be there Monday," Sorge said. "In this case, David isn't going to be here."
His DNR work the past 28 years left a mark on people in the community, said Scott Humrickhouse, DNR regional director in Eau Claire.
"Dave was a deeply committed public servant, believed in what he did and he did it well," Humrickhouse said.
Humrickhouse knew Weitz for more than 20 years and worked closely with him for the past 15 years.
"Dave was a real professional, but more than that, he was a real friend," he said. "The folks in Wisconsin really lost a friend."
John "Duke" Welter of Eau Claire, chairman of the Natural Resources Board's Stewardship Reauthorization Subcommittee, knew Weitz for years.
"Dave was a person who had a first-rate understanding of the history behind a lot of Wisconsin resource issues," he said.
"What I found to be really valuable, when you needed some historic background on an issue. Dave could put his finger on that information."
Weitz's interest in the DNR may have stemmed from his father, Chauncey Weitz, who was a DNR conservation warden.
"He's always been about as loyal to the DNR as anybody I've ever met," said Jim Mense, chairman of the Conservation Congress in Dunn County.
Weitz was a newspaper reporter before joining the DNR
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