By DAVID KRIER
After several months of discussion and public input, the city of Boscobel, Chamber of Commerce and Boscobel Developers have agreed on a new city brand: “Boscobel: Wisconsin’s Outdoor Recreation Destination.” It replaces “Wild Turkey Hunting Capital of Wisconsin,” which had been in place since the 1980’s.
“At the Chamber marketing committee, we have discussed how the July 4th celebration would make a wonderful launching point for the rebranding, and we plan to have the new visitors website up and running by then,” said Tim Jacobson, Boscobel Economic Development Director.
On Monday night the Common Council agreed to spend $8,600 on four new entrance signs to the city, as well as a makeover of 12 directional signs pointing to important Boscobel landmarks. All would feature the city’s new logo, which incorporates a pair of bicyclists, whitetail deer and canoeists in a color scheme very similar to the existing logo seen on city vehicles and downtown park benches.
Boat landing
The Council also approved the formation of a new Boat Landing Commission three and a half months after the city purchased the boat landing from Grant County for $1.
“We need to get things going,” said Mayor Steve Wetter. “They need to start moving on this right away so they can begin having meetings on what we’re going to do out there.”
Wetter has suggested campsites at the landing, removing concrete slabs, and a possible landing fee.
“From what I understand there will be no fees collected out there this year,” said Ald. Barb Bell.
“That’s what we’ve got to decide,” responded Wetter.
“I’ve been recommending we go slow out there, not rush into anything, and get it right,” said City Administrator Arlie Harris.
“Absolutely, that makes sense,” said Bell.
Named to the commission are:
• Chairman Steve Fritz, the newest member of the Common Council;
• Vice Chairman Jerry Vial, the newest member of the Park Board and an avid Wisconsin River catfisherman;
• Secretary Todd Stenner, Boscobel Police Chief;
• Scott Teuber, owner of Wisconsin River Outings;
• Jen Borzick, owner of Tall Tails Sports & Spirits;
• Joel Leonard, board member with the Wisconsin River Trails Project; and
• Local fisherman Bruce Bausch.
City licenses
The Council approved annual liquor, bartender, cigarette, pool table, mobile home and salvage licenses. While everything was approved without comment, a question did arise when it comes to special events in alleys behind city taverns, such as the Pour House’s annual September party and other customer appreciation parties held in alleys behind Boscobel bars.
Wine walks illegal
“(Police Chief) Todd (Stenner) informed me that beer and wine walks are no longer legal in Wisconsin, and that’s when the parking lot thing came up,” Harris said. “What we’re talking about is a special event two or there times a year. The question was if it’s legal to grant a picnic license for these events.”
In April the Wisconsin Department of Revenue issued a new edition of “Wisconsin Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco Laws for Retailers” that addresses beer and wine walks for the first time with language that appears to state the events are not permissible under state law.
“Wine walks are illegal, they always have been,” said Pete Madland, the executive director of the Tavern League of Wisconsin.
However, it appears the occasional outdoors drinking events in Boscobel are not.
“After doing some research we’ve determined that a tavern’s liquor license application should include everywhere they’re going to sell liquor, including alleys and parking lots,” Harris said. “Nothing will change except that it will now be legal.”
“It really shouldn’t be a big deal, except that it will now be legal, which should make everyone happy,” said new City Attorney Ben Wood.
In other action, the Council:
• Approved a $3,000 UDAG loan to Greg Patchak, Beeman Patchak Funeral Home, for a new roof and plumbing repairs. The loan is to be repaid over five years at 1.25 percent interest;
• Approved the successful completion of a one-year probationary period for third shift police officer Sid Kirschbaum;
• Approved a request from BMZ Church to close Buchanan Street for Vacation Bible School July 26-30.
