Mailbag: 7/24

No reason to fear backyard chickens

Don’t be afraid of the chickens, Baraboo. As I have learned more about this opportunity, I have become convinced that there are many ways backyard chickens can benefit Baraboo residents who want to raise them, and few reasons for other residents to fear them.

Raising more food in our own backyards increases the safety and security of our local food supply. Chickens that eat weeds, bugs and regular feed are healthier than those in large commercial operations, and produce eggs that are more healthful for us to eat. They produce waste that can be used to make our gardens productive and is safer than many of the chemicals currently being sprayed on many lawns and gardens.

The fees for permits and inspections involved in establishing and maintaining a backyard flock cover the city’s expenses, yet are not prohibitively expensive for the homeowner who wishes to invest in raising chickens. Such families and individuals who go to the trouble of building coops that can pass inspection, and comply with city and state regulations, will be motivated to care responsibly for their flocks.

This will include making suitable provisions for their safety from predators and for their care during family vacations. Concerns about chickens escaping their coops and running rampant around the city are exaggerated, since a loose chicken will probably be swiftly dealt with by the many dogs and cats that roam about our neighborhoods.

As veteran chicken keeper and backyard chicken supporter Liz Nevers has pointed out, unlike a stray dog or cat, a wandering chicken can be made into soup.

We do not all, as one recent letter writer implied, have the option of living in a rural setting if we want to raise chickens without getting neighbors and city government involved in the process.

The Baraboo backyard chicken ordinance, however, will give many homeowners the option of having vibrant, productive yards that contribute to the well-being of their families, and to the sustainability of the Baraboo community.

 

Joan Wheeler, Baraboo

 

 

Hiring interpreters a bad idea

 

Reading the article recently in the BNR in regard to the need for bilingual services and hiring of interpreters for those immigrants who do not speak English, I do not agree with the hiring of interpreters, as those people should learn the English language if they decide to live and work in America.

By doing so, the better way, in my view point, would be to hire teachers to teach them and therefore it would be employment for the teachers and a benefit for those to learn. I’m quite sure if we as Americans were entering Mexico or other Latin countries to make our homes and receive the benefits there, interpreters would not be hired for us. So why should we cater to those coming to our country in so many ways.

Another thing, if you work here, you should spend your money where you earn it, to help our economy and not to be sending it back home to their countries.

Going back, to learning English and reading that these folks don’t have time to go to classes to learn, is a "cop-out," as many folks here, work, have a family and go to night school to increase their learning habits in many ways. Or should we, as Americans, all learn the Spanish language, so we are able to talk to these immigrants and understand them?\ I do not think so.

 

Helen Cady, Reedsburg

 

 

No money? So stop spending

A few weekends ago I had the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital during a business trip, and took some time to take in the some of the monuments.

I’ve been to them many times over the years, but never tire from the long walks to get to them because I’m energized by the inscriptions I see on the walls of the Lincoln, Jefferson and Washington monuments and am reminded of the great sacrifices made by so many at the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials.

But this time, something very simple I read from the brochure at the Washington monument really stuck with me.

It was this: "Construction stopped in 1858 due to lack of funding. It stood unfinished for 18 years ... "

Horror of horrors, not having enough money for a project, so waiting for a time when funding is available.

Did an 18-year delay in construction of this monument take anything away from what it means or how great it is? Of course not.

We ought to examine more closely, as citizens, the great thrift on which this country and government was founded and built, and realize that when we don’t have money for something, we need to just stop spending.

There is no other alternative. No individual, business community or country has ever spent themselves into prosperity, and the current spending patterns of our government have no historical background to support that they will work. Indeed, the spending patterns as currently projected may very well bring us to a financial place from which our country will never recover.

And the answer has been on the Mall in Washington all along. When there is no money, stop spending.

 

David Vander Schaaf, Baraboo

 

 

Homeless Shelter in need of help

Contractors are making progress on the Homeless Shelter at 214 First St., with, hopefully, an opening only months away.

Generous gifts have allowed us to pay bills, but unforeseen costs, partially due to meeting code requirements, have resulted in more costs than we are able to meet at this time.

Costs of heating, plumbing, concrete and electric in the amount of $61,000 are have not been met, even though we are receiving donations daily.

We have applied for grants and are making other efforts to raise additional funds including public fundraising and exploring benefit performances for the shelter.

Considering the total costs that will be incurred with meeting code requirements, completion of the project is estimated at an additional $60,000.

The contractors, Baraboo businesses, have each rebated a portion of the bill to help us.

We are again appealing to any group or sponsor or individuals that can help us meet the costs that we are incurring to establish a homeless shelter.

Ideas for fundraising and help to meet our obligations will be much appreciated. We are a 501 C 3 non-profit.

 

Al Zipsie, treasurer, Homeless Haven: P. O. Box 339, Baraboo; Laurel Leonard, president; board members: Betty Krueger, Dick Scully, Dave Leonard, Rachel Spreckels