Lake Holcombe Town Board - Miscommunication causes friction

In what meteorologists called an “explosive” aurora borealis event, the night sky was ablaze with shades of green, crimson, pink and even purple, while stars peaked through at viewers who turned out in droves to witness the Oct. 10 occurrence. Some spots, like Mill Yard Park in Cornell, were the perfect spot to see the northern lights, which occurred because of solar energy, giving photographers an eye and camera full. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

When it first began, it was agreed that the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial would fall under the Town of Lake Holcombe, as an ADHOC Committee. Members of that committee were chosen and bylaws written, with fundraising and business carrying on over the last few years.

Recently, it came into question if there should be something more in place for the committee, as suggested by chair Jim Mataczynski, who is also the town treasurer, so future generations know what was agreed and how things operate. Building on that, town supervisor Doug Olson sent an email that stated he wanted to “add the creation” of a memorial to the next agenda.

Those belonging to the Holcombe Area Veterans Memorial Planning Committee, assumed that meant the whole enterprise would be shut down and a new committee put in place. As such, there were a lot of emotions that passed between the members and the board.

Olson says he never meant for the email to be taken the way it was, that it is simply a proposed committee structure, with suggestions on how to proceed. He wants to see a few changes, for the reason that money being funneled into a charitable organization such as the town, has to be documented.

“That’s why it has to be organized,” said Olson. “That’s all I’m trying to accomplish with this. Period.”

Brian Guthman, town chairman, says he believes there should be some things done, such as posting the memorial meetings for the public. He also asked that the committee take the suggestions, make their own changes and bring them back before the board to approve.

The memorial is somewhat unique, since it involves eight townships within the Lake Holcombe School District.

Guthman also thanked those who are part of the memorial efforts and asked them to consider the ultimate goal.

“We want to build a memorial for our veterans,” he said.

Also present at the meeting, was Mark Bergh, who is an owner with R2B Growers greenhouse, located past the former bus barn.

“It’s a substantial cost to heat that one building annually,” said Bergh.

That’s why RB2 wants to partner with ABITS, which does “crypto mining.” Crypto coin is a group of computers that solves an algorithm and once that is solved, they mine bitcoin. ABITS had looked at a few sites around the area, but nothing panned out.

If approved, ABITS would install one pod of computers, with a chiller next to each.

“They draw a tremendous amount of energy,” said Bergh, adding that they could utilize that extra energy to heat the nearby greenhouse. “It’s a positive for us and it’s a cost savings for them.”

However, Chippewa Valley Electric, who is on board with the plan, would need to install a substation to handle the power requirements. Noise from the pods would consist of something like the hum of a clothes washer running constantly, with no more outdoor lights needed than for security.

“In my eyes, it’s non-invasive to the community,” said Bergh.

The board agreed they’d be interested in hearing more, before approving or denying the project.

“I just think it would be a good thing for the community, a good thing for us and create some jobs,” said Bergh.

Bergh also requested a variance for a driveway permit at the intersection of 264th Street and 274th Avenue, for a 75-foot setback off 274th, which was approved by the board.

The board also approved the annual contract with the Chippewa County Humane Association, for $1.15, per capita. Clerk Tracey Larson did report that while this proposal did not change from last year, the contact could be higher next year, as the association hasn’t raised rates since 2020, and that they are lower than other surrounding shelters.

It was also agreed to hold the budget hearing Thursday, Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m., followed by an electors meeting, with the regular meeting following that.