Memorial committee collecting more info on flood plain
By Julia Wolf
The Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial Planning Committee is gathering more information, following their June 17 meeting, after learning last month, that part of the memorial site may sit in a flood plain.
Site surveyor and engineer Mark Erickson met with members of the committee, earlier in the week.
Committee member Jennifer Steen says Erickson has worked with veterans memorials in the Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls area, so he brings experience.
“He’s got a lot of good ideas,” said Steen. “He knows the ins and outs, and the laws and what needs to happen.”
Dave Conrad, committee vice chairman, suggested they get all the information they can, before making decisions, such as whether to move the memorial site closer to the road.
Conrad also says he mentioned to Erickson that the memorial is part of the Town of Lake Holcombe, which Erickson says could make a big difference.
“It opens up more doors to work with it,” said Conrad.
Conrad reported they were expecting to hear back from Erickson in the coming week, about where the flood plain sits. The committee agreed to wait until they have all the facts before moving forward.
Conrad also says now is a time to think on a wishlist of items for the memorial site, to be constructed well into the future, after the memorial is finished.
“He’ll come up with a design, similar to what we already have, but with those wishlist things,” said Steen, of the engineer.
Jim Matacynski, committee chairman, says the idea of the wishlist, is to tentatively plan where the future features will go, so the site can be plumbed and wired for electric access. He says the things currently on the wishlist, from previous conversations, are a meditation garden, a pavilion with a restroom to later be turned into a museum, a trail/river of tears honoring POWs and MIAs, and a bell tower.
Local veterans John and Carol Bell offered to donate a bell that has been passed through their family, for use in a bell tower at the new memorial.
“I guarantee you, it will ring again,” said Mataczynski.
An obelisk with information about the former Holcombe VFW is also planned for the site.
Committee secretary Judy Simpson also suggested something recognizing women veterans be added to the site in the future.
“That could be more immediate,” said member Tim Marshall. “That doesn’t have to be a generation down the road. That can be a lot sooner than a wish.”
Mataczynski also talked about doing something to recognize canines in the future.
Steen also reported she is still looking for donations for raffle baskets and volunteers for the golf outing, Saturday, July 24. Those interested in helping out, can contact Steen at 928-607-9042.
Mataczynski says the final flag pole is sponsored by the Lake Holcombe Lions Club, with townships in the Lake Holcombe School District agreeing to sponsor the others. Individuals in the Township of Estella, are still working to raise money for one of the poles.
