On, Wisconsin!

This is an excerpt from an article in the Baraboo paper this morning. It illustrates the realities and priorities of Wisconsin, and can stand on its own. I did, however, highlight the most important point. The photo is of the downtown area during the flood.

ROCK SPRINGS - Two years after historic Baraboo River flooding devastated many homes and put the village business district under water, Rock Springs is somewhat diminished, but moving forward, community leaders say.

The area around Fireman's Park was lively Saturday afternoon as residents and visitors joined in the second Flood Fest ...

Signs of early June of 2008 when, after days of heavy rains, the river defeated local residents' fight to contain it with sandbags are still visible. Many homes north of downtown have been removed due to flood damage. Two flood-damaged buildings near downtown still stand, but are empty.

Rock Springs had a population of about 425 people before the flood and that is now down to 366, he said. With buildings and people lost, he wondered what affect it will have at tax time.

"It was about $1 million (property value) lost," said Trustee Lisa Zautke.

Busser said the business district is active with two village bar and grills that survived. In December, United Cooperative shut down the village convenience store...