Star News editorial year in review for 2009

Everyone has opinions about something and over the last 12 months, The Star News editorial board has printed more than 100 editorials on a wide range of issues.
Some of the opinions called people to action, some praised locals for doing good, and others chastised governments and bureaucrats for poor choices.
In case you missed them, the following is a review of 52 weeks of Star News opinions:

On January 8, members of The Star News editorial board called for a regional water discussion. “What many people don’t realize is that despite northern Wisconsin being covered with lakes, ponds and swamps, for many places in the region there is simply not enough ground water to go around.” The board also called for review of policies which allowed the wrong student to be picked up from school in Medford.

On January 15, members of The Star News editorial board raised questions about reforms proposed in the election process. “While many of the wrinkles have been ironed out, there’s room for improvement to earn back voter confidence.” The board also called for continued investment in the city’s tourism economy through the room tax grants.

On January 22, members of The Star News editorial board reacted to President Barack Obama’s inaugural address. “President Obama issued a call to arms for Americans and it is a call that all of us would do well to hear.” The board also called on new board members to be included in the district administrator hiring process.

On January 29, members of The Star News editorial board weighed the benefits and negatives of a proposed 4,000 cow dairy locating in the Town of Little Black. “As with any change there will be impacts, the key will be in striking a balance so that what is new does not drive out what already is good about our communities.” The board also called on closure for the Jean Viken case. “Justice is an empty cup for those who grieve, yet through justice there is the possibility of closure.”

On February 5, members of The Star News editorial board called for increased recognition of arts in the community. “The arts give us a way to escape and dream and stretch our boundaries and through encouraging the arts we make an important investment back into our community.” The board also urged caution for use of a new rule which allows aldermen to appear by phone if they need to do so to meet a quorum requirement.

On February 12, members of The Star News editorial board questioned what else the city council did not know about in regard to the surplus money in the hotel/motel room tax fund. “The real question in all of this is just what other secrets are being kept from council?” The board also called for improving access to emergency services.

On February 19, members of The Star News editorial board toasted the retirement of police chief Ted Bever. “While the TV show on Bever's career might lack some action, it was not always Mayberry in Medford.” The board also praised the Medford Area Chamber of Commerce for their Women’s Weekend event.

On February 26, members of The Star News editorial board asked for a reason to support the Medford school referendum. “Give us a reason to vote in favor of this project. Tell us why we should come to the polls and vote yes.” The board also called for federal stimulus money to be spent in rural areas.

On March 5, members of The Star News editorial board called for restraint in proposing new rules for all dairy farmers to make life difficult for a proposed 4,000 cow farm to locate here. “Mandating an environmental impact study for every 700 cow herd is like mandating a colonoscopy be performed at every high school sports physical. While there is a chance that something serious could be found, it is a costly and invasive procedure.” The board also praised events in the community and those who worked to achieve them.

On March 12, members of The Star News editorial board praised Staff Sgt. Zachary Rhyner on earning the Air Force Cross. “When his country called, Rhyner did not hesitate to serve.”

On March 19, members of The Star News editorial board called for more discussion to take place on a proposed inmate work program. “So long as the desire to save a buck on jail expenses is balanced against the purpose of locking people up in the first place and the needs of the community as a whole, the proposal deserves further consideration.” The board also praised the curling club for hosting a national event in Medford.

On March 26, members of The Star News editorial board praised the cooperative efforts of area groups in hosting complimentary events in the community. “When community activities can work together and compliment one another the success can be outstanding.” The board also called for a new regional ground water study to be done.

On April 2, members of The Star News editorial board mourned the death of Dr. Walther Meyer. “Many towns have memories of the days when country doctors made house calls. Only one community was blessed with Dr. Walther Meyer.” The board also called on people to make a choice and vote in the upcoming election.

On April 9, members of The Star News editorial board called for a settlement between property owners and sportsmen in the Pirus Road shooting range issue. The board also called on the community to not forget the needs of the school district despite the failed referendum. “Faced with the defeat of this referendum, the district is still left with a four decade old pool that does not currently meet the newly enacted federal safety requirements for the drainage system.”

On April 16, members of The Star News editorial board praised a plan to increase the state’s beer tax. “While no one likes to pay more taxes, the cost of drunk driving and alcohol abuse is a tremendous burden on taxpayers, both in the direct costs and the societal costs of dealing with the consequences of abuse.” The board also called for increased regulation in pet breeding operations.

On April 23, members of The Star News editorial board commented on the results of the Leadership Medford presentation comparing Medford with Mauston. “While it should come as little surprise that Medford, in the diplomatically worded opinions of those in the class, came out as the superior of the two communities.” The board also laid out the challenges facing the new school district administrator.

On April 30, members of The Star News editorial board ran essays from area students which were the winners in the local Voice of Democracy contest.

On May 7, members of The Star News editorial board reacted to the community support that came forth following the fire at Holy Rosary School. “Sometimes it takes something bad to happen to realize what is good.” The board also called for more information about the center of excellence planned for Northcentral Technical College in Medford.

On May 14, members of The Star News editorial board opposed an effort at the state level to not require publication of meeting notices in the official state newspaper and the long-term impacts of reducing government accountability. “Imagine how much easier it will be for local elected officials and petty government bureaucrats if the public was excluded from government interaction.” The board also praised the training and reaction of local emergency responders to an ammonia leak in downtown Medford.

On May 21, members of The Star News editorial board reminded people of the tragedy that can quickly follow from drinking and driving. “With high school diplomas and driver’s licenses in hand, the decision of whether a young person will drink and drive this weekend is ultimately theirs. Let us hope our graduates take away from our communities both the knowledge to succeed and the maturity to make responsible decisions as they enter adulthood.” The board also praised the work done by the Jump River Ladies Aid Society which celebrated its centennial anniversary.

On May 28, members of The Star News editorial board ran the speeches given at area graduation ceremonies.

On June 4, members of The Star News editorial board called for increased regulation of the payday loan industry. “It is easy to blame those in debt for getting themselves in the situation, however by allowing unconscionable interest rates on loans to the lowest levels of our society we are in fact condoning the creation of wage slaves who instead of owing their souls to the company store owe it to the payday lending store in the strip mall down the block.” The board also encouraged people to strike out and use the job losses that came with the economic downturn as a reason to strike out on their own and start new businesses.

On June 11, members of The Star News editorial board encouraged people to slow down and avoid getting a traffic ticket while driving on a newly reconstructed portion of city street. “It boils down to using common sense and safe driving skills. Don’t speed, don’t drink and drive, don’t putz with your radio or cell phone and end up swerving all over the road and be sure to wear your seat belt.” The board also praised the organizers of the annual rodeo event.

On June 18, members of The Star News editorial board called on reform of the state’s budget process and an end to an over-reliance on the sales tax. Wisconsin’s budget process is broken, however there seems to be little political will in the leadership of either party to fix it.” The board also called for health care reform and emphasized the need for access to care for everyone.

On June 25, members of The Star News editorial board called on city leaders to work to ensure Hurd chose to consolidate their facilities here. “In a time when so many of us are focused on where our next paycheck will come from, it is important to look to the future.” The board also called on people to use caution with fireworks on the 4th of July.

On July 2, members of The Star News editorial board praised the earmarks gotten by Congressman Dave Obey to help construct a new dental clinic in Medford. “Dave Obey is not Santa Claus ready to hand out government money to all who ask for it, but instead carefully picks those projects and programs which will provide the greatest good to people in both his district and by extension all Americans.”

On July 9, members of The Star News editorial board praised the Taylor County jail inmate program. “As the saying goes, idle hands are the devil’s workshop, and from a very practical sense, having inmates out working and going to bed tired at night translates into less discipline issues in the jail.”

On July 16, members of The Star News editorial board called for the city to close the garage door loophole, which allows people to build garages before building homes. “Residential streets should be places where people live not where they store their stuff.” The board also called for increased openness in the budget process.

On July 23, members of The Star News editorial board said it is only a matter of time before a school referendum comes back to voters. “Instead of a pre-budget committee, Medford schools need a pre-referendum committee to identify and recommend cuts to the board and set the benchmarks for when a referendum will be sought.” The board also praised positive economic growth in the Medford community.

On July 30, members of The Star News editorial board called on people to attend the upcoming Taylor County fair. “In a time when it would be easy to just try to get by, the fair board is taking a leap of faith and forging ahead. Let us hope the gamble pays off for them and that they piggyback from there to other facets of the fair. The board also called for language learning to be expanded into the lower grades.

On August 6, members of The Star News editorial board called on the county board to look to the future for leadership as members reach retirement level. “Late fall is the traditional time to file paperwork for the spring election, but now is the time for the next generation of leaders to start thinking about stepping up and running for the board.” The board also praised the achievement of a local playwright in earning the Robert E. Gard Foundation Award for Excellence.

On August 13, members of The Star News editorial board called on a free and open debate on health care reform without fear-mongering rhetoric. “The health reform efforts being promoted by President Obama’s administration are not perfect, nothing crafted by mankind is, but it is an effort to do something other than sit around and hope the problem disappears on its own.” The board also called on elected officials to balance budgets without blindly hacking and slashing.

On August 20, members of The Star News editorial board called for more information in the Northcentral Technical College’s Green Institute plan. “The documents presented to the county so far have a heavy amount of sales pitch and not a lot of concrete information.” The board also praised the opening of the new dialysis center.

On August 27, members of The Star News editorial board opposed a plan by some on county board to shift tourism duties to the informational technology department. “The question of course, is if the IT department personnel have so much free time to take on such significant tasks as web development and ongoing updates, then why do we have so many highly paid staff members in the IT department?”

On September 3, members of The Star News editorial board commented on the changing face of the American workplace. “Longevity is not necessarily a benefit in this brave new world, but instead the focus is on value and performance and work accomplished.” The board also cautioned against shifting a county budget shortfall to the villages with cuts in police support.

On September 10, members of The Star News editorial board called on the full county board to have input on the proposed expansion at Northcentral Technical College. “For the proposed deal between Northcentral Technical College and Taylor County to work both the college and the county need to show their work and conduct their discussions, plans and negotiations in the open with the full county board rather than piecemeal across a series of subcommittees.” The board also complained about the city allowing the flower baskets on Main Street to go brown before Labor Day weekend.

On September 17, members of The Star News editorial board called on insurance companies to release rate information sooner rather than later. “While a complete overhaul of how healthcare is paid for is the long-term solution, just being able to know and compare rates ahead of time would go a long way in allowing people to make informed healthcare decisions.” The board also praised the downtown cultural arts series.

On September 24, members of The Star News editorial board called on Northcentral Technical College to remember area environment in Green Institute idea. “It seems obvious any development with the lofty goals and a name of the Green Institute should strive for making as little impact on the campus woods as possible.” The board also called on the state to seek alternatives to deal with operating while intoxicated offenses.

On October 1, members of The Star News editorial board called on the city to not blacktop the five-foot boulevards between the curb and the sidewalks when Hwy 13 is rebuilt in 2012. “More hard surface means more runoff which means that rather than getting trapped and filtered by the sturdy grasses developed to thrive along highways, the salt, sand, grime and oil of the road will get flushed into the nearest storm sewer and dumped into the Black River every time it rains.” The board also called for environmental reform in Wisconsin.

On October 8, members of The Star News editorial board took the opportunity during newspaper week to point out the benefits of newspapers over other forms of media. “Considering how the broadcast media and Internet folks have been quick to declare newsprint dead, we want to just say that word of our demise has been greatly exaggerated.” The board also called on community members to do their part to help when times are tough.

On October 15, members of The Star News editorial board pointed out flaws in a proposal by a state representative to save newspapers by giving property tax exemptions. “Newspapers will always be proud to pay their fair share of the property tax to support the schools and other governmental bodies we spend so much time reporting on.” The board also called on the city to rethink its investment strategy.

On October 22, members of The Star News editorial board questioned the wisdom of the state consolidating home inspection in rural portions of the state into regional offices rather than through contracted local inspectors. “Of course regardless of the outcome the state will continue to cash the checks for the permit fees regardless of if the inspection was done.” The board also praised Medford schools and Taylor County Health Department for choosing to close schools in the city following a flu outbreak. The board raised the question of if it is time for term limits in Wisconsin.

On October 29, members of The Star News editorial board stated a convicted murderer shouldn’t get better medical care than the people working in the state and paying the bill. “The solution is to make sure access to affordable health care is available for everyone and not just for those who have either committed crimes or who hold public office.” The board also called on the state to make real efforts to encourage people with drinking problems to seek help.

On November 5, members of The Star News editorial board called on people to contact elected officials at the state and national level and tell them we need to keep America’s farming infrastructure strong. “Dairy crises are nothing new and unfortunately, the cycle of these crises is growing closer and closer together, the plight of farmers continues to be a struggle with a very uncertain future. The board also praised the efforts of those who brought The Wall That Heals to Medford.

On November 12, members of The Star News editorial board praised election reform efforts for the state supreme court races. ““Quid pro quo” is the law of the land when it comes to politics in an age when the depth of a candidate’s pocketbook is as or more important than the depth of their beliefs in the issues of the day.” The board also praised veterans for their continuing service to our country.

On November 19, members of The Star News editorial board expressed disagreement with a proposal to ban feeding of ducks in the city park. “Rather than criminalizing kids and grandparents for connecting with wildlife, the city should instead be looking at some bigger issues facing the community such as ways to promote community growth or making the community more friendly for people to move here.” The board also called on hunters to be safe during the deer hunt.

On November 26, members of The Star News editorial board called for the federal government to enact health care reform for all Americans. “Fairness would say the fundamental right of health care enjoyed by everyone else, should be extended to those who are footing the bill for everyone else.” The board also called on the school board to look to the future of the pool.

On December 3, members of The Star News editorial board reminded people to support Taylor County United Way and other nonprofit agencies when deciding on their charitable giving. “Those small amounts add up quickly when we all share in the load of making sure those in need in our communities have their needs met.” The board also reminded people to shop for value and patronize local vendors this holiday season.

On December 10, members of The Star News editorial board called on politicians to stop meddling in the deer hunt. “Compromises must be made between competing constituencies, but sound science should trump the purely political motives of those who are attempting to make hay by jumping on an anti-DNR bandwagon.” The board also made suggestions for ways to make the holiday bright.

On December 17, members of The Star News editorial board praised Hurd for the recent completion of a multi-million dollar plant upgrade in Medford. “A bright future for Hurd, like any area manufacturer, translates to a bright future for Medford and bodes well for the eventual economic recovery of the entire region.” The board also called on the county to keep service to veterans in the forefront in the discussion on how to replace the county’s veterans’ service officer.

On December 24, members of The Star News editorial board raised questions about a proposed change in the Medford School District food service. “There are plenty of questions that school board members need to ask before seeking to solve a problem which may or may not exist.” The board also praised the inmate to work program at the Taylor County Jail.