Koshkonong Fireworks

Does anyone know if they will take place this year and if so when they will be?

They are scheduled for Sat night, July 9, 2005, around 9:00 P.M. on the north end of the lake.

Norbert Jim Johnson Bio

Norbert Jim Johnson is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a BBA degree in accounting. He is retired from Virchow Krause & Co. a certified public accounting firm, where he was the CEO for 15 years. Mr. Johnson is a licensed Certified Public accountant and is currently the chairman of the State of Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board. He has served on many community and educational boards. Mr. Johnson feels his financial expertise and experience will be of benefit to the Board of Commissioners.

Email questions to:
nj.st.johnson@charter.net

Jeff Folk

Jeff Folk will be running for a 3 year term to the the board on July 30th.

All candidates will be allowed to post info/bio/resume here.

Norbert Jim Johnson

Norbert Jim Johnson will be running for a 3 year term to the the board on July 30th.

All candidates will be allowed to post info/bio/resume here.

Frank Micale

RRKA President and incumbent RKLD Board Commissioner Frank Micale will be running for a 3 year term to the the board on July 30th.

All candidates will be allowed to post info/bio/resume here.

Divers Look for Man in Lake Koshkonong

By James Davison
Gazette Staff

SUMNER TOWNSHIP-Officials who searched Lake Koshkonong on Friday were not able to find an Edgerton man who vanished while swimming Thursday.

Roger A. Brainard, 38, was boating with his 18-year-old son and a friend near the town of Sumner, said Sgt. Tom Rue of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.

"The three were swimming and one person didn't make it back to the boat," Rue said.

Brainard reportedly went underwater and never resurfaced, according to a department news release.

Family members declined to comment on Friday.

Brainard was a good swimmer and went boating and swimming all the time, said a man who was with family members at the scene Friday morning. He did not want to be identified.

"We just want to be able to find him," he said.

The water level in the area is about 3 feet, said Ken Johnson, a Department of Natural Resources engineer who focuses on the lower Rock River.

"The lake is a little low right now because we're in drought-level conditions," Johnson added.

The boat, a Bayliner with an inboard motor, belonged to a friend who lives near the lake but was not present when Brainard disappeared, Rue said.

Several boats with divers from surrounding counties searched for Brainard on Friday morning.

Rue said divers swam back and forth and slowly moved away from their respective boats in a fan pattern in their search.

Search for missing man continues at Lake Koshkonong

(Published Friday, June 24, 2005)

Search efforts continued this morning for a 38-year-old Edgerton man who disappeared while swimming at Lake Koshkonong, said Fort Atkinson Fire Chief Tom Emrick.

Roger A. Brainard was boating Thursday afternoon with two other men near the town of Sumner when he entered the water to swim, according to a Jefferson County Sheriff's Department news release.

He reportedly entered the water and did not resurface, the release stated.

Emrick, who was one of the responding firefighters, said the search was called off

Pontoon Boat Tour of Lake Koshkonong Wetlands

To All;
Please call the number below to sign-up. The RKLD will post your observations for potential inclusion in our contested case hearing.

Jefferson/Rock County

Sunday, August 28 (time TBA)

Partners:
Lake Koshkonong Wetlands Association
WI Wetlands Association

Field trip leaders:
Quentin Carpenter and representatives of Lake Koshkonong Wetlands Association

Call Wisconsin Wetlands Association to register: 608-250-9971

Drought conditions exist in southeastern Wisconsin

(Published Tuesday, June 21, 2005)

Associated Press

Drought conditions exist in southeastern Wisconsin as summer begins, according to the National Weather Service.

Only 6.1 inches of rain have been recorded here since March 1, compared with 16.8 inches of precipitation from March through June 19 last year when there were heavy rains during May.

Last year was the second wettest spring since 1927, the Wisconsin State Climatology Office said, while this spring was the fourth driest in Milwaukee

Web Site Cudos

my compliments on the new web site. simply great. thank you.

Koshkonong boater is frustrated

(Published Friday, June 17, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

I have a weekend getaway cabin on the Rock River. Isn't silt build-up another reason why water levels are decreasing in Lake Koshkonong (Why not dredge?)? If so, why wouldn't the DNR take this into account? I was boating recently and hit a floating tree trunk stuck in the mud. I had to replace my prop. The scary part is my wife, dog and baby all fell and could've been seriously hurt. We were able to slowly putt along and get to the marina. Now I'm very worried about taking my 2-year-old child on the water if the DNR is going to create a situation that's so dangerous.

Three years ago, I ripped out the transom of a different boat and had to junk it because it was beyond repair. Luckily I was alone that time, so no one else was hurt. There should be some accountability by the DNR for its disrespect and total disregard for safety. What are we paying their salaries for, abuse? Who are the top DNR officials, and why aren't they being held accountable?

My neighbors and I are really angry with the DNR's incompetence with regards to water levels. This isn't only dangerous but excessively costly to people just trying to enjoy themselves on weekends on top of paying DNR salaries so they can drive around harassing the masses in their luxury pleasure crafts provided to them by taxpayers.

ROGER HOLLIS
Fort Atkinson

An Email Commending the New Website

Thank you too, Jack, for supporting all our efforts on behalf of the lake!

Mr. Shapiro,
Please accept my heartiest CONGRATULATIONS on a job well done on the RKLD Web site.

Today was the first time I saw the web site and was amazed by how great it looks and how well it navigates, and the way it is laid out and organized.

Indeed a job well done. Thank you

Jack Horbal, Lake Kosh lover

More Email Correspondence

Brian, In reality isn't the water level decreasing because of silt build up & if so why wouldn't the DNR take this into account. I was out boating last week end & hit a floating tree trunk stuck in the mud, had to replace my prop. The scary part is when it happened my wife, dog & baby all fell & could have been seriously hurt. We were able to slowly put along & get to the marina but now I am very worried about taking my two year old child (who loves boating) out on the boat if the DNR are going to create a situation that is so dangerous.

Also, three years ago I ripped out the entire transom of a different boat & had to junk it because it was beyond repair, luckily I was alone that time so no one else was hurt. I think that there should be some accountability by the DNR for there disrespect & total disregard for safety. What are we paying there salaries for, abuse ??? Who are the top DNR officials names & why are they not being held accountable ??? Thx,

###

Lake Koshkonong's Water Level is Accident Waiting to Happen

(Published Wednesday, June 8, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

As a homeowner who lives on the Rock River, I would like to comment on the water level issues we have been dealing with. We are not trying to make Lake Koshkonong into another Lake Geneva, but what we would like is to be able to boat on the lake and the river without damaging our boats and props because the water level is so low. What is so wrong with trying to improve the water levels so boats and boaters can be safe?

Just recently, my husband and I got hung up twice on the lake where we were literally wedged in the rocks. We are very familiar with the lake and river, and this was in an area that is not normally this low or dangerous.

What about all the boaters who are not familiar with the lake or river?

Talk about dangerous, an accident just waiting to happen. I am appreciative that the Rock Koshkonong Lake District is striving to achieve a water level that works for everyone.

We moved to the river/lake to boat-we pay good money to live here and would like to be able to boat and not worry about continued accidents with us and others because the water level is so low. I can't believe we all can't come together to find a water level that is safe for everyone to enjoy.

SARA KNILANS
Edgerton

Efforts of the 'Few' Hurt All in Lake District

(Published Monday, June 6, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

Recently, the Lake Koshkonong Wetlands Association chairman responded to questions by a Gazette reporter relating to the Rock Koshkonong Lake District's request for the 7.2-inch increase in depth: It wouldn't be fair to charge all district property owners for a battle brought on by a few, Rick Persson said (Page 1B, May 24).

Once the correct "few" is determined, the statement could become accurate. Persson would be well advised to look at the facts. The "few" he refers to are (10) wetland owners who've held other lake users hostage for 14 years.

"Many" (4,000) owners of property comprise the district, and thousands visit our lake each year. The wetlands group holds us hostage due to useless winter drawdowns, lower summer levels, obsession with duck hunting and the group's alignment with environmental groups to front for their own narrow interests due to lack of real informed and studied data.

The lake district "many" have paid for and secured this data using the best of experts.

Many, including Persson, spend winters in Florida, fishing and boating where water is much deeper. If Persson would like to open to the public his private property and that of the wetlands groups he represents, he would have credibility. The "many" pay taxes for the $30,000 grants of public monies recently received to study private wetlands.

We're also asked to pay for $60,000 in public monies to armor the private wetlands from erosion so the "few" can enjoy duck hunting.

JERRY RICHARDSON
Milton

Boosting Lake Level Offers Many Positives

(Published Thursday, June 2, 2005)

Editor, the Gazette:

It is with amusement that I read Dan Hinkel's article May 24 regarding the possibility of a nominal tax increase to Lake Koshkonong property owners. First of all, it would seem that any increase would be minimal compared to the positive impact that the proposed water level increase would have in the region. Lake Koshkonong has the potential to be a hidden jewel for all residents in the adjoining area.

An increase in the water level would have a significant impact on the tourist dollars that are spent in the Rock, Jefferson and Dane county area. An increase in the tourist dollars means more tax dollars to support the schools, roads and the entire area. It is likely that an increase in property values as a result of higher and more stable water levels would also bring more tax dollars to support these endeavors.

Science is clearly on the side of the lake district on this issue. This issue is dragging on because of a few wetland owners who are opposing the increased water levels, causing this issue to be heard in our court system.

It is they who are the root of the tax increase for the property owners of the lake district. Scientific data have shown that the increased water level will not impact the wetland areas and a more stable year round water level is clearly better in the long run.

STEVE PROUD
Fort Atkinson

Illinois Man Injured in Watercraft Accident

(Janesville Gazette - Published Monday, June 6, 2005)

FULTON TOWNSHIP-An Illinois man was hurt in a personal watercraft accident Sunday on the Rock River.Maciek Wojtas, 18, suffered an apparent broken leg when his watercraft collided with one driven by a 17-year-old boy on the river near Harbor Recreation, said Henry Sautin, captain of the Rock River Safety Patrol.Marina staff boated ambulance crews out to Wojtas and brought him back to an ambulance on shore. Wojtas was treated and released from Edgerton Memorial Community Hospital.The accident was due to operator inexperience with personal watercraft, Sautin said.

Water Go Bye Bye

As of 2:00pm today, June 1st, 3 of the 6 slide gates were opened. This was ordered by DNR, despite low flows entering Lake Koshkonong, and no precipitation forecast for the remainder of the week.

RKLD must adhere to the current DNR orders to remain in compliance.

Currently, both wicket gates are 100% closed, as are 3 slide gates.

It's been said many times, the Dam can't control high water (remember last spring/summer?), but it can/should be controlling the current low water conditions.

Lakes Edition Newspaper

The Lakes Edition paper is now available on newstands and at businesses thoughout our area.



Please see the RKLD ads placed in sections 1, 2, and 3.

Water Too High

According to the DNR, the water level you see today (June 1) is too high. And, DNR orders nearly prevents stable water levels from ever being achieved on Lake Koshkonong. Editor's comments noted in red.

There appears to be another water level order violation with the Indianford Dam operation. In April, there were four days of apparent violation. Yesterday and today, dam operations again don't follow the water level order.

Monday, May 30, 2005 you report that the lake level is at 776.12 and only two lift gates were open. (DNR Summer target level is 776.20, and we still must drain the lake)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005 you report that the lake level is at 776.15 and no gates are open.

The water level order 3-SD-82-809 as modified by 3-SC-2003-28-3100LR states:

2. E. Three slide gates shall be fully opened (700 cfs calculated flow) and shall remain open whenever the lake elevation exceeds 776.10 feet, MSL (In other words, the minimum is not necessarily the minimum. We can, and will, go lower)
additionally

2. H. 2) Whenever the lake level is at or below 776.20 msl at the US Geological Survey gage station on Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River average daily flow at Fort Atkinson gage station has decreased over the four previous consecutive days, the dam operator shall release no more than least 1.2 times the average daily flow measured at the Fort Atkinson gage station (In other words, when in-flow is decreasing, we still must drain more water than we are receiving)
The gate operation must be corrected immediately. Failure to correct the gate settings or additional failure to follow the water level order can result in WDNR enforcement actions. Please confirm when you open the three gates lift gates.

I noticed that the lake level had been dropping since Monday, May 23, 2005 from 776.29 to 776.07 on Sunday, May 29, 2005. The east wicket gate remained 100% open until Friday, May 27 at which time it was closed to only 50% open - then closed on Sunday, May 29, 2005.

I know that hindsight is 20-20 but there is nothing in the water level order that would prevent you from closing the east wicket gate earlier.

P Susan G. Josheff, PE, PH
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - South Central Region