Thanks to volunteers for hard work on campaigns

I wish to thank all those who worked so hard in Sauk County to secure the victories for president-elect Obama, for State Rep. Steve Hilgenberg, and newly-elected State Rep. Fred Clark.

It was a first for Baraboo to have a Democratic campaign office. The energy and enthusiasm that it drew spilled out into the street and spread across Baraboo and the county. It was something to behold.

There were scores who made the calls, canvassed, posted yard signs, or otherwise gave of their time, talents, and resources. There are many that deserve special thanks. Here are a few: Sarah Shorder, Greg Packnett, Susan and Cliff Anderson, Nancy Bildsten, Carolyn Kohloff, Cynthia Kaufman, Tom Scharbach, Rob Nelson, Bob Johnson, Susan Knower, Donna Miller, Nick Kelly, the Baraboo High gang of Michael, Nathan, Devinn, and Kreisha, Bill Smith, Barb Bair, Barb Baker, Sue Holmes, Marty Preston, Bob Fogt, Mary Louis Symond, Barbara Morford, Nate Timm.

In the end the county presidential campaign garnered 5,700 more Democratic votes than 2004 and, though there are many factors for this, chief among them is the willingness and commitment to work together for a common and surpassing goal.

Greg Sacra,

Baraboo

Be smart and prepare in advance for winter

Winter is coming, and with it comes the need to prepare and make changes in our daily routines. We see animals preparing for the coming season some, by "bulking up" while others build food caches. Other species prepare for the coming cold by simply leaving and going to a more suitable climate. Some humans moved to wintering grounds while most build up their winter reserves.

It is good to be prepared for what we are confident is coming. The unexpected things that we don't prepare for cause us the most frustration. Last spring's flooding taught many of us that we need to have plans in place in the event a catastrophe strikes. Winter is no exception.

We should be prepared for whatever comes our way. We all need to have a disaster preparedness kit. Winter kits may be a little different than summer kits, but their purpose is the same; to help us deal more comfortably with unfortunate circumstances that may come our way. Disaster preparedness kits for our homes are important and should include a sleeping bag or blanket to help us stay warm. We also need to have a safe, portable source of heat.

Survival experts have found that the amount of heat given off by a candle in an enclosed area can keep water from freezing. Any time there is a flame used as a heat source, it's important to have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Having a heat source is important for avoiding hypothermia.

Disaster preparedness kits for home are important. We should also have a kit in our cars. Preparedness kits for cars should include a blanket, heavy socks and mittens, a heat source, a First Aid kit, a fireproof container in which to warm a liquid such as water, some high energy food such chocolate bars, a flashlight, a small shovel, and a tow rope or strap. The major traffic pile up on I90/94 last winter that stranded motorists near Madison should serve as a reminded that disasters can strike anyone at any time.

The best way that any of us can address a catastrophe is to be prepared for it. Preparedness kits are important tools to have at your disposal. They may be life savers or they may mean the difference between discomfort and pain, or worse.

Be Red Cross ready by making a kit, making a plan, and being informed. To learn more, visit the American Red Cross Badger Chapter at www.arcbadger.org or by phoning (608) 356-0943 in Sauk County, (608) 742-3656 in Columbia County, or toll-free (877) 618-6628.

Tim Lowe,

Red Cross Badger Chapter,

Sauk County District Office director

Here's hoping Obama tackles energy issues

Congratulations to President-elect Obama and his supporters. Although I was not a backer of Mr. Obama, I still wish him and his family well. A lot of you worked very hard to get him elected. I am urging those of us who opposed his election to give him a fair chance.

He and the Democratically-controlled Congress will be able to enact almost any legislation and regulations they wish. I expect it will take one to two years to see the full effects of their agenda. One of the first things he will have control over immediately is how the recent "economic rescue plan" is carried out. That law gave a great deal of control of those funds to the Treasury secretary. I believe this will give all of us a first look at President Obama's governing style and priorities.

We all know he has a lot to deal with, as does any incoming president. One issue I will be hoping to see he understands is that the nation still needs to develop its natural resources to power our energy needs, both short term and long.

I understand gas prices have dropped drastically in recent weeks. I know there are a number of reasons why. However, we must not get sucked into believing that our energy supply streams are safe and stable. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Please help me keep the politicians' feet to the fire on this subject or they will simply leave it be until the next crisis hits. I remind you the United States will be using fossil fuels for decades to come. The question is how and from whom do we get it and who will process it to a consumer product?

I am further hoping that those who supported Mr. Obama will not just walk away now that the election is over. You now have an obligation to find ways to participate in moving this country forward. One area of particular interest is in the military.

I hope he finds a way to reach out to his younger constituents and encourage them to back his position as commander in chief. He has promised to reduce the level of stress on the military. One of the fastest ways is by tapping the support of those bright, young Americans, that voted for him, to join the Armed Forces. By encouraging those people, the military will have a much easier time meeting its recruiting goals while growing the size of the force. By recruiting from a larger pool of people the military will be able to keep its high standards, without issuing as many waivers that so many in Congress had been upset about. How Mr. Obama approaches this issue will also tell us a lot about what we can expect of him as commander in chief.

Wayne Lain,

Baraboo