March 20, 2008
And More From the News Desk...
Additional News Stories:
Pierce Pepin Cooperative has new president
Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services appointed Larry Dokkestul the cooperative's new president and chief executive officer effective March 1. Board Chairman Ron Johnson made the announcement during the cooperative's annual meeting Saturday, March 15. Dokkestul has served as interim president and CEO since September 2007 when Steve Healy resigned.
"Larry's leadership qualities and extensive cooperative business experience make him the right person to step into this position. He has demonstrated he can act and react quickly, keeping the best interests of the cooperative, its members and employees in mind. We are confident he can lead this organization into the future," said Johnson.
Dokkestul joined Pierce Pepin in March 2000 as vice president of members and diversified services. His responsibilities included overseeing the load management program, appliance sales and service, Pierce Pepin Propane Services, the co-op's subsidiary, and most recently, the new Energy Sense program.
"I've been progressively involved with many aspects of the cooperative during my past eight years and fortunate to participate in a variety of career development opportunities," said Dokkestul. "My management style is one that supports individual employee development and recognizes the importance of team commitment and accomplishments. I appreciate the board's confidence and look forward to working with the board, members and employees of Pierce Pepin in this role".
Dokkestul, who values the cooperative business model and principles, has worked for cooperatives since graduating from the UW-River Falls with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Agriculture Education. Dokkestul, his wife Nancy, and son Stephen reside in Beldenville, Wis. His oldest son Kevin and family live in Farmington, Minn.
Pierce Pepin Cooperative Services (PPCS) is an energy services cooperative located in Ellsworth, offering electric utility and appliance products and services to homes and businesses. PPCS also offers propane products and services through its subsidiary, Pierce Pepin Propane Services. With a commitment to excellence, innovation and integrity, PPCS is dedicated to helping its communities Live Better®.
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Gerlach completes Navy basic training
Navy Reserve Seaman Recruit Mark J. Gerlach, a 2006 graduate of Prescott High School, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Gerlach completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
The capstone event of boot camp is "Battle Stations". This exercisegives recruits the skills they need to succeed in the fleet. "Battle Stations" is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.
Its distinctly "Navy" flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor.
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Three-car accident Friday evening
On Friday, March 7 at 10 p.m. Prescott Police and emergency vehicles were called to a three vehicle accident at the intersection of Highway 10 and Highway 29.
Vehicles operated by Sheryl L. Mutschler, 52, of Edina, Minn., Cassandra L. Kusch, 16, of Prescott and Katie Langer, 16, of Prescott collided in the intersection.
Mutschler was driving a 2005 Ford eastbound on Highway 10 crossing Highhway 29 and Kusch, driving a 1995 Dodge Neon, made a left turn in front of her. Kusch hit Muschler in the intersection then hit Langer, driving a 2006 Volkswagon Beetle, that was stopped at the light.
No injuries were reported; however there was considerable damage to the vehicles involved. The Mutschler and Kusch vehicles were towed.
Kusch was cited for failure to yield the right of way.
The accident was investigated by Officer Schultz.
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Environmental groups seek approval of wind bill
Facilities providing power from wind would get faster and easier approval under a bill introduced recently by Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Green Bay) and Sen. Jeff Plale (D-South Milwaukee) with the backing of two key environmental groups: Clean Wisconsin and Renew Wisconsin.
"Wind has arrived as an inexpensive, clean and renewable energy source," said Ryan Schryver, clean energy advocate of Clean Wisconsin, the state's largest environmental advocacy group. "Clean Wisconsin has been proud to help two forward-thinking leaders craft a bill that will help wind power spread across the state."
Michael Vickerman, executive director at Renew Wisconsin, said, " Small wind farm proposals currently are forced to wade through a quagmire of overly restrictive local ordinances during the zoning and permitting stages of projects. Many of these local ordinances were designed by small groups of wind opponents to specifically prevent the construction of turbines in the area. This bill puts smaller wind developments on a fair track for consideration and approvals. Renew Wisconsin supports this smart proposal without reservation."
Renew Wisconsin is a statewide group focused on promoting renewable energy.
Under current law large wind power projects receive consideration and approval from the stat Pulic Service Commision. However, smaller projects under 100 megawatts are forced go through a local process that can differ widely from community to community. This has resulted in a patchwork of overly restrictive ordiances that have prevented several wind developments from being built. With so many projects on hold because of these ordinace, Wisconsin may not be able to meet our renwabloe energy goals set forth by Wisconsin's Clean Energy Law.
Sen. Plale and Rep. Montgomery's Sensible Wind Sitting Policy (AB 899/SB 544) will create uniform state standards to guide local units of government in permitting wind projects and will establish a process for wind opponents or developers to appeal decisions to Public Service Commission.
As global warming concerns reach a boiling point, advocates from Clean Wisconsin and Renew Wisconsin say the bill will have a beneficial impact not only on the climate and environment, but on the taxpayers too.
Gov. Jim Doyle's Global Warming Task Force included recommendations to create uniform wind sitting standards as part of their recently release Interim Report.
The legislation has brought together an unusual group of supporters.
"The collection interest groups rallying together to back this legislation speaks volumes about the support for renewable energy in Wisconsin, and the real need to reform our current system for approving wind developments," said Schryver.
"The end result of this bill will be clean, safe and affordable renewable energy for more Wisconsin residents," said Vickerman.
With bipartisan support already lined up, advocates from
Clean Wisconsin and Renew Wisconsin are hoping for a fast track from bill
to law. The bill was debated at an Assembly hearing March 4 and a Senate
hearing March 5 with consideration shortly afterward by the full legislature.
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