By RICHARD MOORE
Over the past several decades, the open government movement has become a powerful force in Wisconsin. Every public official, both right and left, is committed to “letting the sun shine in.”
They don’t hesitate to announce it in press releases, either, especially during the annual celebration of open government known as Sunshine Week.
The truth is, though, the open government movement is in serious trouble. In fact, this is one of the darkest moments in “letting the sun shine in” that we have endured since the movement itself became a popular force in the 1970s, all those press releases notwithstanding.
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Road reconstruction season is fast approaching. The Vilas County traffic safety commission reviewed those areas last week where motorists can expect delays and detours this summer.
One of the longest reconstruction areas will be 12.6 miles of Highway 70 east from Highway 45 to Divide Road in Forest County. This is expected to start in June and not be finished until sometime in August, but no detours will be involved.
One area questioned by Jim Egan, chairman of the town of Washington, was by East Anvil Lake road with a severe drop off on both sides of Highway 70 for approximately 500 feet to the west. It appears no guard rails will be installed but the Wisconsin DOT indicated they “will reach out” to further review the reasons.
For one, this year’s event will have a duathlon format.
Instead of a paddle, bike and run, participants will run six kilometers, bike and then run again.
This is because the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources requires permits to access its boat landings and forest trails.
It caps those permits at 50 people.
Theresa Smith is the executive director of Boulder Junction’s Chamber of Commerce.
“With this particular event, a lot of work goes into and it’s not something we would want to do for just 50 people,” she said.
Smith said the town is limiting the event to 200 racers this year. Already, 75 participants are signed up.
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Portions of Vilas County highways open for travel by ATV/UTV’s only for a limited period from May 1 to October 31 while a number of towns have town roads open all year has caused confusion for both riders and law enforcement.
That could be changed if a recommendation from the county forestry, recreation and land committee moves forward. The committee heard from a number of ATV clubs last week asked for consideration to open those county roads with access all year.
Roger Flaherty spoke for a number of ATV clubs at the committee meeting.
“All county roads that have access to ATV routes should be open all year rather than May to October,” Flaherty said. He was supported by committee member Dan Swiecichowski who also is chair of the county recreational trails safety committee who agreed “they should be open year around.”
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