мебели   Thanks to increased costs for public services, lower operating budgets, and a dismal economy, the city of Altoona began the new year with two financial challenges: Address the almost $400,000 shortfall in the 2009 budget, then deal with the $1.8 million shortfall still owed on tax increment district (TID) #3, which encompasses River Prairie, between 2010 and 2012. On Monday, January 5, officials held a meeting to update residents on the situation and provide an opportunity for suggestions and feedback.

   Altoona has joined the Citizen Alliance for Strong Communities (CASC) for the Eau Claire area. CASC is a non-partisan organization, meaning it is not affiliated with any political party. Its purpose is to keep local public services in place, decrease the use of property taxes to pay for public services, encourage state funding in local public services and structures, and involve community members in the reformation of the state revenue system.

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   Altoona residents Dan and Judi Malone are working hard to ensure residents have options when it comes to bar establishments in the area. As owners of Happy Hollow Tavern for over three years, they know what it takes to run a successful business. On Wednesday, October 15, the Malones became owners of Tailgates Sports Bar and Grill on Clairemont Avenue in Eau Claire. They are hoping to take the success of their Altoona establishment and use that as a template for this bar.

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   Bike paths, walking trails, bus routes, train lines, flight connections, and roads are all high on some area residents’ transportation wish lists these days.
   At least, that is what a report compiled earlier this year by Clear Vision Eau Claire found. The report, released in July, shows a desire among local residents for “freedom of choice between walking, bicycling, buses, planes, or trains, and personal auto.”
   The report’s findings garnered an attentive audience this week among members of the West Central Wisconsin Rail Coalition, who made the report a main talking point at their monthly meeting Tuesday, September 16. The organization has pressed recently to maneuver passenger rail service into the Chippewa Valley.

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On Saturday, August 16, Altoona residents Karen Barber (far left), Shelly Seeman, son Everett, and Janelle Severson all enjoyed a sunny day on Altoona’s biking and hiking trails. On August 13 and 14, City Administrator Mike Golat and Council Person Colleen Weber attended the 2008 Pedestrian & Bicycle Conference in Eau Claire, where ways to make the city more bike- and pedestrian-friendly were discussed.

   A city official and council person both made appearances last week at a two-day bike and pedestrian conference in Eau Claire, reflecting the city’s recent push toward more bike- and pedestrian-friendly routes and trails.

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   Though the average gas price remains right around $4 a gallon, Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group (WISPIRG) representatives remain hopeful that petroleum problems can be solved by joining forces with Governor Jim Doyle and leaders around the state to develop what WISPIRG calls a “21st Century Transportation System.” In an effort to pull together state and federal leadership, WISPIRG shared a summary report of four key principles with Doyle’s staff on Monday, July 21, where they asked for his solidarity and signature – a call for support that just might help Altoona residents in the long run.

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   One local organization met last month’s much-anticipated federal housing-relief bill with arms wide open.

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Some Altoona residents may have noticed a giant pile of sand in the parking lot of Altoona Hobbs Sports Center. In a collaborative effort between the Altoona School District and the city, the infield at Greg Bement Field will be renovated.

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   During a future land use meeting on Monday, May 19 at the Eau Claire County Courthouse, citizens from municipalities including the city of Altoona, city of Augusta, and village of Fall Creek were given an opportunity to provide input on the future land use of their respective communities. Monday’s meeting was the second of a process that began in January with the initial meeting of communities.

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   An Eau Claire garden center may soon call Altoona home after the Altoona Plan Commission unanimously approved its new site plan at a special plan commission meeting on Monday, May 5. 

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