Lodi Wisconsin | Lodi Valley News

River Currents

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
7/21/09
by Gary Engberg
©2009 Gary Engberg Outdoors

These days, outdoor activities, outdoor organizations, and the “outdoors” in general are competing for the youth and young of today to join and become active participants in the many different and diverse groups that have one thing in common. That one thing is a love and appreciation of the beauty and splendor that being outside and participating in any of the many outdoor activities bring to those who have learned to appreciate the many joys that nature gives us for enjoyment.

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The term and concept of the outdoors encompasses many different and diverse groups and also the solitude, wonderment, and peace that it can bring to an individual in activities as simple as hiking, camping, nature viewing, outdoor photography, kayaking, and canoeing. The outdoors is a general concept that includes so many different activities besides the fishing and hunting that most people think of when you mention the outdoors. I know many people who I consider “outdoors people” that have never fished or hunted. But, they rarely spend an off day indoors no matter what the season is and if they are alone or with others. The “outdoors” is really a life-style or mode of thinking that affects your leisure time and much of what you do in your spare time. Read more »

Town of West Point 2009 Citizen of the Year

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, Wisconsin
July 17, 2009

Patti receiving her award from Town of Westpoint Chairman Dean Schwarz

West Point – The West Point Area Historical Society and Commission is pleased to announce that one of its founding members, Patti Schuknecht, was recently awarded the Town of West Point ’s 2009 Citizen of the Year award during a ceremony at the town’s monthly board meeting on Wednesday, July 8th, 2009. A certificate recognizing the contribution Patti has made to the Citizens of the Town of West Point and to all who have an interest for the history of and the genealogy of former residents of the West Point area, was presented.

Patti was one of the driving forces behind organizing and instituting the West Point Area Historical Commission and Society. Patti and her husband, Bob, live on Chrislaw Road . http://www.townofwestpointareahistoricalsociety.org/.

Lodi Area Needs Network (LANN)

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/16/2009

We are Jon & Chris Plumer. We own and operate the Karate America karate school here in Lodi. We have recently formed a charitable organization called the Lodi Area Needs Network or LANN. What we plan to do with LANN is organize periodic
food drives to help supply the local food pantry here in Lodi. Our other main activity will be to host an annual Thanksgiving dinner for those who either can’t afford to, have no family in the area or for elderly folks who are not capable of preparing such a mean any longer. We will also be offering delivery that day to older folks who are unable to join us. Paster Mike Lee has so generously offered to let us use the kitchen and dining area at First Luthern Church on Pleasant Street. What we are in need of is donations for food and help in getting the word out to those in need. We’re hoping to have them call with reservations so we have some idea of how much food and help we’ll need. Please contact us if you can help in any way.

A Market – A Musing

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Goldie The Chicken visits Lodi Valley Farmers Market

7/15/2009
Lodi, WI Wisconsin

By Gail Lamberty

Last Friday’s Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market was your chance to “Talk to the Animals.” In conjunction with the Lodi Fair, we thought we might have some critters join us for the afternoon. Many folks stopped by the market table to chat with Two Toes, Flap Jack, Goldie and Peanut. The chickens and the pygmy goat at the market stole the hearts of big and little kids alike.

Two Toes, Flap Jack and Goldie are 8 week old chicks with glorious plumage. The “chicken whisperer” was there to reassure them there were there to be admired for their beauty. The chicks seemed to like the pretzels almost as much as Will and Tyler their handlers for the day. Pam, our master gardener, raided her own chicken coop to give them a day at the market. Many thanks, Pam, to you and your grandsons. Read more »

Fishing Has No Boundaries and the Take an Adult Fishing Event

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Nice Smallmouth Bass

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/14/2009

This past weekend was the fourteenth annual Fishing Has No Boundaries (FHNB) event for physically challenged and disabled individuals. FHNB was started in 1986 in Hayward, Wisconsin and now has over two dozen chapters nationally in 23 states. There are Wisconsin chapters in; Hayward, Eagle River, UW-Oshkosh, Chippewa Valley, Madison, and Fond du Lac.

Fishing Has No Boundaries took over Governor Nelson State Park with almost 100 participants and over 300 volunteers who are the one’s who make this great event possible. The participants pay a nominal fee with a portion of the fee going to the national organization for the development of new chapters. The disabled anglers get two days of fishing and fun on the water with experienced guides and anglers, boats and pontoons that can accommodate wheelchairs, bait, boxed lunches and beverages for two days, adaptive fishing gear for those who need it, safe dock loading, FHNB hats and T-shirts, and fish cleaning. After Saturdays fishing, the Yahara Fishing Club puts on its fabulous fish fry for all the participants and volunteers using many of the fish caught that day. Read more »

Property Assessments in a Declining Market

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/14/2009

FROM: WI Dept. of Revenue website http://www.dor.state.wi.us/ – July 10, 2009
Property Assessments in a Declining Market

Everything I read and hear in the news media tells me housing values have dropped over the past year so why hasn’t my assessment dropped?
Wouldn’t my property taxes go down if the assessor lowered home values in our community?
The family across the street was foreclosed on by the bank who sold their home for a lot less than the assessed value. Isn’t that proof my assessment should be lowered?
Why am I paying taxes on an assessment that’s higher than my property is worth? Read more »

A Market – A Musing

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Is that Larry beneath the Hat?

Lodi WI, Wisconsin
7/8/09

By Gail Lamberty

The wagon came and circled. It wasn’t followed by war whoops or shooting. It was surrounded by generosity and kindness instead.

Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market and the Lodi Area Food Pantry have been partners for a number of years in providing fresh produce to the elderly, shut-ins and those among our community who are experiencing rough times. Donations from the market on Friday are stored in two coolers in the market barn and distributed on Saturday am. Read more »

River Currents

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Gary's New Puppy

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/7/2009

My New Roommate and Companion

Many of you readers have sent me wonderful and heart-touching letters and emails over the years when I have had to put a dog down and more recently when my last Labrador, Bo, passed away last December. Dogs and their stories, many of them sad and tear-jerking, strike a common bond with many people from many different walks of life in today’s world.

I have written about my Labs and their escapades both good and bad over the last two decades. My dogs are my family and only dog owners can feel the heartache and joys that they bring to you in a life that is way too short. Throughout all my writing, stories about losing a companion bring me more emails and letters than anything that I do in the world of the outdoors. Dogs of all breeds and kinds are a common thread between so many of us. Losing a life-long pet is one of the worst things that can happen to a dog owner and brings all of us to tears when facing this terrible time. You never completely get over the loss of a dog that you have raised and spent year’s together hunting and enjoying the outdoors. The bond is a strong one and many who don’t have dogs don’t understand this powerful relationship. Read more »

Lodi’s Dynamic Duo

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi Valley Farmers Market Fridays 2pm to 6pm

7/6/2009
Lodi, WI Wisconsin

Lodi Area Food Pantry + Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market = One Fabulous Dynamic Duo for Lodi.

Last Friday at the Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market, donations and vendors filled two huge coolers with fresh produce for the elderly, shut in and folks in need for the Lodi Area Food Pantry. That alone is outstanding generosity and only in Lodi can the story get even better!

For a mere $10, you can buy a very classy market bag. Last Friday Lodi Valley Farmers’ Market /Lodi Area Food Pantry bags were introduced as a fund raiser for the market and the pantry. Read more »

A Market – A Musing

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
7/1/2009
By Gail Lamberty

When we scheduled the “get grilling” market for Friday June 25^th were not thinking of grilling our own hides. It was a scorcher! Never to be called “wimps” our vendors showed up in good spirits with garden goodies galore! The first beans and (probably) the last asparagus were at the vendor booths. As always, you can get the expected and unexpected at the Lodi market. Read more »

River Currents

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Hanson's 52" Madison Chain Muskie

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
6/30/2009
by Gary Engberg
©2009 Gary Engberg Outdoors

Understand Fish Movement Through the Seasons for Success

Last week’s hot weather has raised local water temperatures to mid summer temperatures of 75 to 80 degrees. The warmer water has allowed all fish species to finish their spawning and recuperate for the rigors of this annual ritual. Even the last fish to spawn (largemouth, catfish, bluegills, and sunfish) are recovered and feeding heavily in local lakes and rivers.

What warm water, weed growth, and post spawn fish when all put together mean that fish are active, aggressive, and hungry. The metabolism of fish has been raised and most fish must regularly feed just to maintain their weight. The young fish of the year are trying not to be eaten themselves while feeding non-stop for their own growth. If you can now find fish, they should be willing biters! Read more »

Payment Relief In Sight for Those Struggling With Student Loan

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
6/30/2009

Madison, Wis. People struggling to make student loan payments may find welcome relief beginning July 1, when a new income-based repayment option becomes available. This new option allows certain lower income borrowers with federal student loans, regardless of when they first borrowed, to make monthly payments based on how much they earn, rather than the amount they owe. Read more »

Lodi Blue Lightening U11 Girls

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI
06/28/09

Lodi Blue Lightening U11 Girls
The 5th grade U11 Girls Lodi Blue Lightening soccer team would like to thank its coaches, sponsors, and parents for another terrific soccer season! The girls finished undefeated and in first place in their MAYSA Classic Division. Congratulations Lodi Blue Lightening!!

Front Row: Samantha Lindloff, Taylor Levihn, Skye Baron, Aidan Campbell, Kayla Rolli, and Kailey Shields.
Back Row: Assistant Coach Karl English, Alison Roach, Chyann Schmidt, Karli English, Jordyn Kellogg, Molly Ness, Grace Lee, Alison Kramer, Kennedy Herbsleb, and Coach Tim Herbsleb.

BioBlitz Summary Gibraltar Rock

Rating 3.00 out of 5

Lodi, WI Wisconsin
6/23/09

A wide variety of citizens enjoyed the BioBlitz event at Gibraltar Rock Natural Area.

Approximately 20 citizens joined six biologists for the “BioBlitz” held at Gibraltar Rock on Saturday June 13^th. Although the biologists are still finalizing their reports, they were very happy with the results of their species inventories. The DNR-owned Gibraltar Rock and adjoining private lands (with landowner consent) were surveyed for plants (including lichens) and animals (birds, mammals). Citizens from the area were invited to join the biologists as they undertook their species surveys.

Gibraltar Rock and adjoining lands houses a variety of habitats, including deep woods, meadow, prairie remnant, shrubby field, bluff face, woodland edge, and leatherleaf bog. This variety of natural communities provide habitat for a wide diversity of plant and animal species. A total of 58 bird species were identified at the site. The DNR ornithologists (bird specialists) Mike Mossman and Sumner Matteson did the breeding bird survey starting at 5am. Mossman reported, “Most unusual breeding birds were Acadian Flycatcher (state-threatened) and Broad-winged Hawk (common up north but in southern WI breeds only in large upland forest tracts). Overall, we found a good complement of forest interior and generalist birds (e.g., Broad-winged Hawk, Acadian Flycatcher, Wood Thrush, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ovenbird, Pileated Woodpecker) a good community of shrub-loving species in the old fields and woods edge (Alder Flycatcher, Blue-winged Warbler, Field Sparrow, Black-billed Cuckoo, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Towhee), and a few open-country and grassland obligates (Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow). A good mix of birds responding to a good mix of habitats embedded within a pretty healthy landscape of forest, shrub habitat and agriculture. Read more »

Stefanie Reinhold – Equine Wellness Specialist

Rating 4.00 out of 5

Lodi, Wisconsin-5/12/09
by Carole Roche

For Stefanie Reinhold, a certified equine massage practitioner and horse wellness expert, it is Cody, her 17 year old Paint, who has continued to provide day-to-day proof of the life-changing results of equine body work. “Cody had been left at a horse rescue group several years ago due to a chronic bucking problem which made him unadoptable, “ said Reinhold. “I began to work with him and quickly suspected that he must be suffering from pain and discomfort in his back. My vet confirmed that he was generally healthy, and after three months of equine bodywork and gymnasticizing, he was well enough to carry a rider without discomfort.” Read more »