PARKS REOPEN AFTER STORM
West Carson Park Drive and Rod & Gun Park are now reopened. After the windstorm on May 24 a lot of debris remained to be cleaned.  The city plans to have all the remaining hanging branches and fallen trees cleared out in time for weekend picnics and a triathlon on Sunday. Although the parks will be open to the public by this coming weekend, the months ahead will involve removing more debris on other public property. The Leader-Telegram said there will be several months of work for other wooded public land.  The storm took more than 2,000 trees and it could take years to plant replacements.  City foresters will need a larger budget in order to replenish the wooded land. City expenses for the replanting of fallen trees may need to come from grants or community groups that would like to plant replacements.

MENOMONIE OKs URBAN CHICKENS
On Monday night, Menomonie City Council chose to allow chickens to be kept in an urban setting, approving an ordinance proposed months ago. Although a couple residents reacted negatively to the plan, the council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance. Residents choosing to raise chickens cannot take the responsibility lightly. City inspection of the property must be approved to receive a license. Residents will be required to buy an annual chicken license for $10 with an initial fee of $35 if they wish to raise the farm animal in the city. In addition, the ordinance allows single-family and two-family homes five chickens. The chicken coops must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from any residential structure. The plan does not allow slaughtering or breeding with the backyard setting because of potential health concerns. Meanwhile, our sources inform us that Eau Claire is seething with jealousy.