Newsletter
October 2025
Stay up to date with the latest news & information for all residents of the Town of Coon.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 10 - Fall Clean Up -- 8:00AM to 5:00PM
October 11 – Fall Clean Up -- 8:00AM to 2:00M
November 8 – Firemen’s Fundraiser Dance -- 4:00PM to Midnight -- Venue in the Valley
November 18 – Town Board Meeting -- 5:30PM
November 18 – Budget Hearing & Special Town Meeting -- 6:15PM
November 18 – Special Town Board Meeting to adopt the levy -- 6:30PM
Community Development Block Grant
After the La Farge dam was canceled quite a few acres of land was returned to the Ho-Chunk Nation. Through that action Vernon County receives about 1.2 million dollars per year. In the past few years the Vernon County Board has put $150,000 into a Community Development Block Grant program. Municipalities can apply for grants up to a $10,000 grant which they must match.
The Town of Coon has successfully used two of these grants to update our town hall and shop. The hall and shop are 40 years old and we continue to identify needed maintenance. This year with the help of Peter Fletcher we replaced three overhead shop doors.
Road Maintenance
In the spring newsletter I reported on the STP Grant we received for reconstructing Sveum Ridge Road. Jewell and Associates Engineering were hired to do all the compliance work required. At our public informational meeting they reported we would need to spend $2.3 million to get the $445,000. Everyone in attendance was opposed to continuing.
After all the flooding issues and now this grant failure it’s time to get back to our road maintenance program.
Bridge Replacement
The Cornell Bridge was replaced this year. That bridge was moved to the west to improve the entry to Highway 14. We just had another final inspection. I believe that is three final inspections.
Engineering for the Dodson Hollow Bridge is in progress. The engineering is cost shared at 80% federal funding and 10% county and 10% local. The Infrastructure Bill increased the construction portion to 100% federal. That bridge is scheduled to be replaced in 2026.
Watershed Councils
The Town of Coon has two watershed councils – the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council and the Bad Axe Watershed. Both watershed groups continue to promote conservation here in the Coulee Region. With the planned decommissioning of the erosion control dams all methods of conservation will become more important. Please check both council websites for meeting sites and dates. There is no cost to attend.
Slowing water at the top of the watershed is the best place to start. The Town of Christiana, the Town of Portland, and the Town of Coon are all at the head of the Coon Creek Watershed. Will it stop flooding – probably not.
History shows us it can help. Back in the 1930’s it was important enough so the federal government set up the Civilian Conservation Corp. For four years there was a camp in the Town of Coon. Many local residents got a job there.
Coon Creek Fire Commission News
Long time Fire Chief Russ Cornford has announced he will not seek re-election at the Coon Valley Fire & Rescue annual meeting in December. He has served most of his 46 years as Chief. Russ will continue to serve as a 1st Responder and fireman.
The Fire Department Fundraising Dance will be on November 8th at the Venue in the Valley this year. Leather & Lace will perform from 4PM to 7PM followed by High Mileage from 8PM to Midnight. Watch for your annual fundraiser letter.
The Fire Commission is currently working on a plan to replace the 35 year old tanker truck. Fire vehicles rarely wear out. They deteriorate from age.
Website & Town Newsletter
Our website has become outdated. We are in the process of updating it. The new site address is www.townofcoon.com. The information on the old website will be reviewed and corrected as needed.
With the website providing more information including the newsletter here is a thought. Quit mailing the newsletter, email to those who provide an email address, and have copies the newsletter at the collection. Please give us your input.
Site Attendant
Joe Cade is our Saturday site attendant. Arnie Koll continues doing most of the Wednesday hours.
Collection Site Guidelines
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This site is for Town of Coon residents and property owners (No friend's garbage).
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We collect general garbage and recyclables on Saturdays from 8:00AM to 2:00PM and Wednesdays from 4:00PM to 8:00PM. No appliances or large items are allowed during these hours.
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General garbage must be bagged. Recyclables should be placed in the proper containers. If you have questions ask the attendant on duty. Joe Cade is our site attendant.
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The Town of Coon has Spring Clean Up on the second Friday and Saturday of April and Fall Clean Up on the second Friday and Saturday of October each year. We collect everything except hazardous chemicals. Call Stacey Sanborn at the Vernon County Landfill for hazardous waste. The number is 634-2900. The Vernon County Landfill accepts appliances weekdays throughout the year.
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The attendant has the authority to not accept your material. Please follow these guidelines.
Note: On October 15th the Wednesday collection hours switch to 2:00PM to 6:00PM till April 2026.
Burning
Right now is a poor time to burn. It is dry and the leaves have started to fall. If you have a need to burn the first thing to do is call Fire Chief Russ Cornford at 452-3077. Should he not be available call Ken Phillips the Assistant Chief at 452-3932. By calling one of these people you could avoid a fire call charge.
If you have interest in becoming a fireman or 1st Responder give Russ or Ken a call.
Site Permits
Call Clerk Sara Rudie at 797-3739 for a site permit application. Sara's email address is towncoonclerk@gmail.com. Mailing address: P.O. Box 523, Coon Valley, WI 54623. The site permit application is also available on the town website.
If you have zoning or local ordinance questions the people to contact is Zoning Committee Chairman Alan Seelow at 608-606-3424 or Zoning Administrator Gary Stendalen at 632-1032.
Road issues or concerns
There is an answering machine at the shop for your convenience. The phone number is 634-3624. Dennis Purvis is our Town Patrolman and the Assistant Patrolman is Gary Stendalen.
Assessor
Our Assessor is Jerry Kins. His address is Jerry Kins, Chimney Rock Appraisals, 18604 78th Ave., Chippewa, Falls, WI 54729, Ph 715-861-3964.
Jerry has informed us he is retiring. Before the end of the year we plan to name a new assessor.
Town of Coon Board
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Chairman: Orlan D. Bakkum – 608-452-3370
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Supervisor: Kevin Mathison - 608-606-6869
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Supervisor: Kevin King - 608-632-1665
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Clerk: Sara Rudie – 608-797-3739
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Treasurer: Jan Ihle – 608-452-3548
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Town Shop - 608-634-3624
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Zoning Administrator: Gary Stendalen - 608-632-1032