Lake Holcombe Town Board; Comprehensive Planning Committee underway

Clerk Tracey Larson explains to the board Sept. 8, how much easier it would be to get a debit card for Town of Lake Holcombe expenses, instead of always using her personal card and getting reimbursed. Members had no problem with that and gave the go ahead. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

It’s official, a Comprehensive Planning Committee has been formed, to address what direction the Town of Lake Holcombe wants to go in the future. The committee was approved Sept. 8, during a regular town board meeting.

Supervisor Doug Olson again went over the proposal from the West Central Regional Planning Commission, who will guide the committee in the planning for $25,000, paid upon completion. After he advertised that he was looking for people to join the committee, Olson said he had solid people express interest.

It was important to Olson to have viewpoints from all aspects of Holcombe, so, forming the committee, are Darrell Hornick, Lake Holcombe Improvement Association member; Bill Kochevar, owner of Silent Waters Campground; Don Crank, agricultural operator; Mark Cigan, owner of Mark’s Marine; Tom Rocque, owner of Rocque Ridge Guides & Outfitters, and fire/EMS volunteer; and David Staudacher, lifelong resident/town board supervisor.

The planning deals with housing, economic opportunities and transportation, and will be tailored to fit Holcombe’s needs, such as preserving natural resources, while growing the business and residential community. Typically, the process takes about 18-months, since the West Central Commission would not start until after the first of the year.

Planning consists of multiple meetings for the committee, with their final plan presented at a public hearing, before it is up for approval by the town board.

“I would move to move forward with it,” said Olson. There was also good news about communications, as town board chairman Brian Guthman reported that Bruce Jones, Town of Marshall chairman, heard that because of the pleas to state representatives over the lack of cell phone reception, the next tower built in the state is to be in the area.

“We’ll see if they go by their word,” said Guthman. “That’s the only thing, really, that can make things better.”

A number of years ago, there was a space across from Mark’s Marine, where there was permission to construct a tower, with electric put in, but for some reason, it never became a reality.

“I don’t know why that couldn’t happen next week,” said Guthman.

He also said, despite rumors it’s not happening, Dollar General is still working on getting a store in Holcombe. Those in charge of the work have certified maps of the area, and their next step is to submit plans to the state.

“I just had a building permit request from them today,” said clerk Tracey Larson.

“It takes time,” said Guthman. Guthman also said the Fire Board share for the town will be $67,549, out of the $215,000 budget, for the department.

“If we’re successful in putting a satellite station here, does our contribution change?” asked Olson.

Guthman said no, that the cost will be spread over the entire assessment, as the station is simply an extension of the department, which will hopefully reduce response time and insurance rates.

“That seven miles is a real big deal,” said Guthman. As for the Wayside Beach, which has recently been closed, even though Chippewa County says it’s safe, Guthman says that isn’t always the case.

“They only check for ecoli,” said Guthman, adding that the beach area is at times riddled with blue-green algae, which can make humans sick and is fatal for dogs. “It’s nasty stuff.”