Cheese Country Realty

Check out our new home

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 02:44:00 +0000

Cheese Country Realtors has been on hiatus while Brenda completed design of our website. Things over there are looking good, so pop over and take a peek:

MonroeAreaRealEstate.com

Part of the redesign includes rolling the blog into the website itself. This has been something on our wishlist for a while, and it is great to finally have everything under one roof so to speak.

If you want to go to the blog page itself, that is our News section on the website. This link will take you directly there.

We are leaving this blog behind in the interest of keeping everything in one place. If you have subscribed to the RSS feed for this blog, just pop over to the redesigned site and resubscribe.

We'll see you around Cheese Country!

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:19:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a two unit investment property in Albany.

Finally, a fully rented investment property that cash flows! This two unit residential property in Albany has updates including a new roof and furnace in last 2 years. There is a large yard and off street parking. There are separate meters and private entrances. The location is great, close to downtown and Sugar River as well as near a village park. As the end of our tax year approaches, this is a great property to use for investment or in a 1031 exchange.

January and February Green Cty Wi Real Estate Market report

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:35:00 +0000

I realized today that it has been a while since we did a comparative market report for the Green County, WI area:

45 homes sold though the MLS in January and February of 2011,
The homes were on the market for an average of 102 days,
The average sale price was $116,028,
The median sale price was $109,900,
The highest priced property sold was $363,587,
The lowest priced property sold was $10,000.

Let's compare with January and February of 2010:

21 homes sold through the MLS in January and February of 2010,
The homes were on the market for an average of 141 days,
The average sale price was $158,385,
The median sale price was $129,900,
The highest priced property sold was $333,500,
The lowest priced property sold was $57,500.

Our interpretation of these numbers? The average and median home prices have dropped due to the larger number of less expensive foreclosure homes that have been moving. 22 of these 45 homes sold in January and February were under $99,999.

These numbers also mesh very well with what we have been seeing personally in the real estate market so far this year - things are starting to move again. This is not only true for single family homes. When we look at commercial properties, 4 sold through the MLS in January-February of this year, but only 1 in the same time last year. 3 parcels of vacant land sold this year compared to one last year; 3 multi-family properties have sold this year compared to none last year. The only class that sold better last year was condos: 1 this year compared to 4 last year.

Taking a look at the future, there are 17 single family properties currently pending sale in the MLS. That means that all contingencies have been removed and the parties are just waiting for the closing date. 22 single family homes are also listed as having an offer that still has contingencies. We like seeing those kinds of number in Green County again.

Let's keep real estate recovery going here in Cheese Country.

Things to Do Around Monroe

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 02:45:00 +0000

So, what is going on in the Monroe and Freeport region this weekend?

~ All aboard! Come to the Lena-Winslow High School this Saturday or Sunday for the model train show and swap meet. Admission is free, donations accepted.

~ Monroe Art Center hosts Marty Rayburn and Full Circle this Saturday. The show is at the Monroe High School PAC starting at 7:30.

~ Get out of the house and see a first sign of spring. Rainbow Fleece Farm hosts Cabin Fever Yarn on the Farm on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am until 4 pm. Fiber fanatics can come out to view the new yarns; bring the family to "ooooohhh" over the newly born sheep. Rainbow Fleece Farm is at W7181 Hustad Valley Rd., New Glarus. Call Patty Reedy at 608.527.5311 for more information.

~ SLICE in Monroe has open ice skating this weekend. Lace up and practice your twirls on Friday from 5:00-8:00, Saturday from 6:00-9:00, and Sunday from 4:15-6:45 pm. Costs are pretty minimal at $5 for skating and $2 rentals.

~ If you'd rather twirl on wheels, Roller Den in Monroe has a Talent Night this Saturday from 7 to 10 pm. Put together an act and go to town. Admission is $7.

~ Lend a helping hand at a community non-profit this Saturday. Monroe Theatre Guild has been working hard at the renovations in their building. MTG members and community people have been helping to reduce the costs of the renovations by pitching in and doing tasks that don't require contractors. This Saturday is a big day as MTG is carpeting the walls of the new black box theater for acoustical purposes. Come on down to the MTG building on 16th Ave on Saturday morning from 9 am to noon to help out. Luis will be there, so say hi and pitch in.

~ Remember to support your locally owned restaurant, coffee shop or pub if you feel like dining out this weekend. You don't have to travel and hour or more to the cities for a quality dining experience. Keep your money doing good work locally by spending it a locally owned eatery. From cafe to gourmet, coffee shop to dinner with all the trimmings, there are wonderful options in the Green County and Stephenson County area.

So, where we will see YOU around Cheese Country this weekend?

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:34:00 +0000

This week's featured property is four bedroom home near Cadiz Springs.
Your own oasis! Find absolutely privacy just minutes from town with this 40 acre retreat with a Swiss Chalet home. Perched on the side the hill overlooking Skinner Creek, this property features 20 acres of pristine woodland and 2o acres of flat pasture bordering the creek.
Rare and familiar wildlife is in abundance: eagles, sandhill cranes, turkey, deer, towering oaks, wild orchids, private orchard, native grasses, rare pines, limestone bluffs.

The open floor plan home features an expansive great room with soaring ceiling, Douglas Fir beams, and expansive views across the woods and valley. There are two fireplaces, one in the living room and one in the lower level master suite. Four full bedrooms include a master suite with patio doors and attached private parlor. Both the kitchen and the bathrooms have been renovated; lower level bath features cedar plank walls, jetted tub and oversized tiled shower. Multi-level decks wrap around the home.

This property is so unique. Land like this does not come on the market often, and the home shows the quality throughout in the details.

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:26:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a commercial lease in Monroe.

This commercial space has a great location in the historic Eugene Hotel building on southwest corner of Monroe's Downtown Square. This is a well traveled, busy location with both foot traffic and automobile traffic. Parking spaces are directly in front of the building, and the public parking ramp is only half a block east.

There are wide open spaces waiting for your vision. Retail space, dining, pub, or service industry - this lower level space could be anything. The main floor tenants include retail collectibles and jewelry as well as a nail spa and insurance agent.

Call Luis at 608-214-5797 to look at this historic building.

Square footage is approximate. LEASE ONLY

Tax Deductions for Homeowners

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 17:43:00 +0000

Home ownership has always been a source of tax benefits and deductions. Whether you purchased your first home in 2010 or have been a long time homeowner, remember the following items when doing your taxes or talking with your tax accountant. Any or all of them may be deductible for your 2010 tax year:

Mortgage interest.
Points purchased.
Private mortgage insurance.
Real estate and property taxes.
A portion of your moving expenses if you relocated for work.
Home improvements made specifically for medical reasons.

Restrictions may apply for who may take deductions for some of these items. Talk with your tax accountant or visit the IRS website for more information.

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:57:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a brick home in Monroe.

They don't make homes like this anymore! This home is classic perfection inside and out.

A full brick Colonial, this home has 4-7 bedrooms. There are three main floor rooms with closets can be bedrooms if you need the space for a large family. Otherwise, use them like the current owner: home office, family television room, toy room. The master bedroom is truly a retreat from it all. There is a private balcony patio, a tiled bathroom with soaking tub, an alcove waiting for a chaise lounge and a truly enormous 11x9' walk-in closet.

There are oak floors throughout the home, and the original woodwork is beautifully maintained. In the living room, enjoy the stone fireplace with cherry mantle.

The retreat feel continues as you step outside. The fabulous 3 season porch lets you enjoy the view of the landscaped yard even when the rain falls or the mercury dips. It opens to patio and deck that are the ideal place for entertaining in pleasant weather.

Come see this one of kind, classic quality executive home today. Call Brenda or Luis at 214-5796 to set up a showing.

Volunteers needed

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:49:00 +0000

Brodhead is gearing up for their Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibit later this year.

"Key Ingredients" takes a look at America's food traditions, and the exhibit in Brodhead will naturally feature information regarding the food stories of the southern Wisconsin area. In addition to the exhibit itself, "Key Ingredients" will feature special programs like Gadget Night, where locals can try to stump the experts with unusual kitchen gadgets, and community gatherings like Strawberry Sundae Saturday.

None if this is possible without locals pitching in to help with the exhibit, though. If you are able, consider helping out with any or all of the program. To volunteer, give Lea Brockman, the project manager, at lea@offthepath.com or (608) 897-9027.

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:46:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a 10 acre parcel of land in between Argyle and Blanchardville.

No covenants! This 10 acre lot near Yellowstone State Park and Yellowstone Golf Course will be the perfect place to build your dream. Plan your home to enjoy the long views of the countryside. The lay of the land will accommodate a walk-out if you like, and all utilities are at the road.

Benefit Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:25:00 +0000

Last week, the Eberle family lost so much in a fatal fire in Clarno. Not only has their home and all of their belongings crumbled into ashes, but Randy Eberle lost his life.

Our community is coming together to help out the Eberle family in so many ways. There is an ongoing collection drive to help the family begin to reconstruct their lives. There is a Facebook Event Page set up, and it has items the family needs including sizes for clothing. Drop off household goods and clothing for the family at any of the following local businesses:

Zweifel Construction
Carter and Gruenewald
RT Movies and More

There is also a fundraising event for the Eberle family this week Wednesday at Ludlow Bar in Monroe. The spaghetti dinner will start at 5 pm, and The Jimmys take the stage at 8 pm for a show. Half of all food sales that evening at the Ludlow will go directly to the Eberle family. Check out the Facebook page for this event as well.

If you cannot make the fundraising event or you would rather give funds directly to the Eberle family, there is a charitable account in place at Woodford State Bank. You can stop in to make a deposit in person or, if it is easier, mail your donations to the bank:

Woodford State Bank
Attn. Eberle Donations
P.O.box 766
Monroe,Wi 53566

However you can help this family in their time of need, thank you.

Congratulations!

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:28:00 +0000

Today's blog post is our favorite type - a congratulations to one of our sellers.

Mike and Beth, congratulations on selling your home! We wish all of our sellers could be as easy to work with as you have been. Good luck with your move and enjoy your new state.

Things to Do Around Monroe

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:11:00 +0000

Those of us here in Cheese Country are always game for something to do. Will we see you at any of these events in the upcoming week?

~ The Monroe Chamber of Commerce Business After 5 event will take place at Orchid International this month. Come learn all about the new technologies in development at Orchid. The event goes from 5 until 6:30 tonight, Wednesday.

~ Come down to the Monroe Theatre Guild Community Arts building Downtown on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 pm for another Clean Up Night. Can you push a broom or move a chair? You have just the skills needed to help with the ongoing renovations at MTG. Other construction skills are always welcome too! If Thursday doesn't work, how about Saturday from 1o until noon? Come for one or both and have fun while helping out a great cause. Community support at these work days helps MTG to reduce the costs for the renovations, so contribute this way if you can't comfortably give financially to their campaign for an improved building.

~ Lace up your hockey skates! Head down to Freeport any Thursday evening for the rest of winter for a free hockey night. Read Park in Freeport is home to an outdoor ice arena, and Thursdays from 6:30 until 9 are reserved for a pick-up hockey game. There is no cost for this, but you must sign a waiver before playing. Contact the Park Department at 815-233-6114 for a waiver.

~ Homegrown talent is something we have an abundance of here in Green County. Come out to MAC this Friday and Saturday evening to the Showcase of Talent. Showtimes are at 7:30 both evenings, and tickets are $10. Purchase your tickets in advance or at the door. The Showcase of Talent is hosted at the Monroe High School PAC this year. If you can't make it, tune in to Big Radio as they will be broadcasting Saturday's show live on the air.

~ We here in Cheese Country really support each other, so come out to Flannery's Wilhelm Tell Club on Saturday starting at 4 pm for a musical event that is raising money to help the Kleeman family of New Glarus get back on their feet after a devastating fire earlier this month. The Kleemans lost both their home and their business in this fire, so come enjoy some music and camaraderie, bid high on the silent auction items, pick up some raffle ticket and do what you can to help.

~ You know we always are up for a good pancake breakfast. Immanuel Lutheran Church on Pearl City Rd in Freeport is hosting their this week. On the menu are buttermilk pancakes, sausage, applesauce and beverages. Unique to this breakfast is the fact that it also a booksale, so browse the selection before or after eating. Adults $6.50, children $5.

~ Sports, sports and more sports. Yes, the Packers are going to the Superbowl, but don't forget about all our of local youth athletes. Come out and support the home team in any of the upcoming games or matches.

~ Thespians, are you ready for the auditions for Monroe Theatre Guild's upcoming production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"? Auditions take place on Thursday, February 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 and on Sunday Feb. 6 from 1-3 at the MTG Community Arts Building in Monroe. There are roles for four men and two women over the age of 18 (must be out of high school).

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:23:00 +0000

Quality, location and style - this 3 bedroom tri-level has it all! Start with the location, a great spot near the golf course and schools. The backyard is private and quiet, a country feel while having all the town amenities. The landscaping was redone this spring to open up the yard while adding areas for shrubs and flowers. The entire yard has been fenced in with high quality materials: coated steel in the front, vinyl privacy on the side and heavy vinyl coated chain in the rear. Newer steel siding means that you won't need to plan for expense for many, many years.

Walk inside, and you will continue notice the quality. Large stone fireplaces with oak mantles, new oak trim through the entire home, Techline shelving, heavy duty laminate in the kitchen, tile floored entrance...the list keeps going. The comfortable, open floor plan flows easily from living room to kitchen and dining to the bright, south facing sunroom. There are two fireplaces on the main floor, one in the living room and one in the kitchen. Upstairs, there are two bathrooms including an en suite master bath. The master bedroom also has an attached three season porch and closets with Techline shelving.

On the lower level of the property, there is a large family room with more Techline shelving and a gas stove. The laundry room also has lots of storage with the shelving, and there is another separate storage room as well. The homeowner is including a home warranty for your peace of mind. Many updates have been done just this spring, so come take a good look at this one!

Snow Shoe Walk and Wine Tasting event

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 18:46:00 +0000

The Friends of the Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area are once again sponsoring a Snow Shoe Walk and Wine Tasting event this winter.

If you don't snow shoe, hikers are welcome to participate in this event as well. If for some reason we get another snow melt, this event will transform to a winter hike instead of snow shoe walk.

Tickets are on sale now for the February 19th event. The walk starts at noon and snow shoers will enjoy the trails through the park while stopping to sample wines at various tasting stations. The wines are sponsored by Brennan's Market, and they always bring a nice variety.

Tickets are $20 per person, and children under 15 are free. To purchase tickets or for more information, email info@cadizsprings.com or call Larry at 608-558-2289.

Real Estate Market Statistics for Green County for 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0000

2010 has drawn to a close, and now we can get our first look at solid numbers regarding the strength of the real estate market here in Green County in the last year. I pulled this chart because I found it interesting when we compared 2010 not only to 2009, but also to the years prior.

Housing Statistics by Quarter in Green County, WI

Number of Home Sales

2005    -    438
2006    -    399
2007    -    370
2008    -    298
2009    -    325
2010    -    317

Median Price

2005    -    $137,750
2006    -    $152,400
2007    -    $139,900
2008    -    $131,050
2009    -    $127,000
2010    -    $127,500

I am very hopeful that things are coming back to normal. Our median home price is only $10K down from the normal of 2005, and it grew, though slightly, from 2009. This shows nice stabilization in our prices and hopefully heralds the end of decline on the market as a whole.

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:34:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a commercial building in Monroe.

Just renovated! All new flooring is in this investment property just off of Monroe's historic Downtown Square. New furnace, new water heater and other improvements make this a good buy. 2338 square feet on the main floor will accommodate any business. Use the upper level for your business as well, or turn into apartment for your home or a rental. Off street parking spaces in the covered portico. Opportunities abound with this property!

Survey for area entrepreneurs

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Green County Development Corporation is looking ahead to the next year and a project to help developing entrepreneurs get their businesses started on a solid footing. To help determine where the largest needs are locally, they have put together a short survey. If you are currently a local entrepreneur or are thinking of starting a small business here, please take five minutes out of your day to complete this survey and provide important information to GCDC.

Complete Survey Now

Thanks for taking the time to help get this project off the ground. Please spread the word about this survey if you can.

By the way, if you are a current or aspiring small business owner in the area, don't forget about GCDC's monthly Entrepreneurs and Inventors Club meetings!

Housing Outlook for the 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:51:00 +0000

Wisconsin Real Estate Magazine has an in-depth report on the economic and housing outlook for Wisconsin in 2011.

We'll let you read the full details for yourself, but here are a few interesting quotes:

"But house prices are now roughly in line with fundamentals like incomes, interest rates, and rents. For example, for much of the 80s and early 90s national house prices were about 3 to 3½ times the median household income. During the boom the ratio peaked at about five, but now we are back in step with historic norms."

The bust has been very difficult for our nation, but the rate of increase in the early part of this century simply was not sustainable. Having prices back to historic norms is a very good thing for our nation as a whole.

"Wisconsin’s economy and housing markets are continuing the recovery we noted last year. Statewide, our unemployment rate is 7.8 percent, 2 points below the national average. Even our worst-hit metropolitan areas like Janesville and Racine are outperforming the really hard-hit labor markets..."

This statistic is not helpful if you are one of the 7.8 percent. However, as a whole, it speaks to the robust nature of our economy compared to the rest of the nation. Confidence will help growth, and growth is what we need to fully recover from the recession.

"Some of our smaller metropolitan areas like Eau Claire and Green Bay, though still affected, have seen less of a boom and bust cycle than the rest of the country, and nothing close to the highly volatile markets in states like California and Florida."

This echoes something we have been saying for years: real estate is nothing but local. Just because there are enormous declines in Las Vegas or entire subdivisions nearly vacant in California does not mean that buyers here can expect to get houses for half of their 2006 values. And no, cash offers don't mean sellers will accept 50 cents on the dollar either.

"Housing prices in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, have stopped their decline and appear to have stabilized. "

Again, this is something that we have been seeing locally. Prices do appear to have stabilized across the board. The challenge now is to help sellers accept the reality of today's fair market value instead of longing for the pricing of four years ago.

We do recommend reading the entire report. It is a very readable work and a very informative one.

Things to Do Around Monroe

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Come out, come out, wherever you are! Time for an update on what is going on in the area in the upcoming week:

~ New Glarus hosts their annual Winter Veteran's Rally. Events start Thursday evening and go throughout the weekend.

~ There will be live music at both Baumgartner's in Monroe and Toffler's in New Glarus this Saturday evening. Baumie's will feature blues with Glenn Davis. Toffler's has The Rowdy Prairie Dogs.

~ Film noir fans, take note of the upcoming series at Lindo Theater in Freeport. "Maltese Falcon" is showing this Saturday at 1 pm and 7 pm. The event is in conjunction with Highland Community College, and each showing will have an introduction before the movie and a discussion after. $5 per movie or $20 for the entire series. Other films to be shown in the series this spring will be "Double Indemnity", "Murder, My Sweet", and "The Third Man". Purchase tickets to the entire series, and you'll also get tickets to the bonus showing of "Swing Time" in April.

~ LeRoy Butler is speaking at the Monroe Chamber of Commerce dinner on January 20. The event will be at Peppercorn Banquets and Catering (aka The Mansion). Tickets are still available: $50 for Chamber members, $75 for non-members.

~ Tickets are on sale now for the Monroe Community Showcase of Talent at the Monroe Arts Center. The show takes place later this month on January 28 and 29.

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 20:35:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a 3 bedroom home on 40 acres.

Not a drive-by! Designed by an award winning local architect, this artisan built home overlooking a private valley on 40 acres lies tucked behind 10 greenhouses.

The three bedroom, three bathroom home is filled with light, built-in storage, quality details, and natural woods. A two story atrium overlooks organically maintained valley - nature lover's paradise! Quality abounds in the details in this home from the variety of natural and rare woods used to the construction details like 12 gauge wire in the entire home or the solid red elm siding.

Paradise awaits outdoors. A hot tub sits within steps of the house and overlooks the entire valley. There is a cleverly created outdoor amphitheater that has is ideal for concerts or performance art. Host gatherings and spend time at the large fire pit. This is a perfect retreat, available fully furnished. With private entrances to the main house, two bedrooms and the lower level, this home would be ideal for a bed and breakfast or for housing a home business.

Ten greenhouses sit between the house and the road. These are part of the current owner's herb business. Take over this turnkey business and start your own work at home adventure. Combined with the natural land and over 180 berry plants to establish a CSA, small vineyard or market gardener. This property is ideal for any hobby horticulturist. Rare plants, over 350 species of herbs and established grapevines dot the landscapes.

A second building site with separate septic, electrical and driveway are also on the property. This is presently the site of a concrete pad with a mobile home. This is currently leased to a caretaker in exchange for property management and greenhouse assistance.

This is a rare opportunity to own a unique home and parcel of land within minutes of Monroe. Do not be fooled by driving by - this one is a true gem.

Help the Red Cross locally

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:18:00 +0000

Green County Red Cross is having a training event for volunteers on January 22 and 23. This event is for people who are interested in helping with the Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

The Disaster Action Team is on call after hours to assist victims of local disasters such as fires or flooding. If you are able to be on call is one out of every four weeks, have a desire to help people in a disaster situation and the ability to work in stressful situations while being caring and compassionate, are willing to work with a team to provide the best assistance to people affected by disaster, the Green County Red Cross needs you.

The training takes place at the Swiss Colony West Facility at 851 1st Ave in Monroe. There is an overview from 8:30 am until noon on Friday, then more specific training on shelter operations from 1 until 4:30 pm. On Saturday, there will be training on casework procedures all day from 8 am until 5 pm.

If this is something that you are able to help with, you can register via email or phone: disastertrain@arcbadger.org or 877-618-6628 x254.

Giving back to the community is always a good thing.

Things to Do Around Monroe

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Don't let the cold winter weather keep you at home this weekend. Here is a sampling of local events and things to do:

~ Come down to the Monroe Theatre Guild's STAGE building tonight from 6 until 8 pm for a clean up party. Construction is well underway with the renovations there, and help is needed with some general tasks. No special constructions skills or ability required. If you can move a chair or pick up some trash, you have the skills MTG needs tonight.

~ The Jimmy's are playing at 8 pm this Thursday at Toffler's in New Glarus.

~ Movie night! Come to the Goetz Theater in Monroe or the Lindo Theater in Freeport to enjoy a movie this weekend. The Goetz is showing Tangled, True Grit, Tron Legacy and Gulliver's Travels. Head to the Lindo to enjoy Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Fighter, Gulliver's Travels, How Do You Know, Little Fockers, Tangled, The Tourist, Tron Legacy, True Grit, and Yogi Bear 3D. Check the theaters' websites for showtimes.

~ Toe pick! SLICE in Monroe has open skate times this weekend. Practice your figure 8's from 5 until 8 pm on Friday or 3:45 to 6:45 pm on Saturday. The cost to skate is only $5. If you don't have your own skates, rentals are available for $2 or purchase a $10 discount card for unlimited free rentals for the skate season.

~ This Saturday, the Freeport Public Library is holding a Free Book Day. Stop in between 11 am and 2 pm to pick up a copy of Playing with the Enemy. The author, Gary Moore, will be on hand to sign copies as well.

~ It is not too late to register the kids for winter basketball programs through the Park and Rec departments in both Monroe and Brodhead. The 2nd and 3rd grade program starts in Brodhead on Saturday, and registrations must be turned in by Friday. In Monroe, 3rd to 6th grade program starts on Monday. Call the local Park and Recs for more information and registration.

~

Property of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:36:00 +0000

This week's featured property is a split-level ranch in Monroe.

Bring the family home! This comfortable split level home located on a quiet street has all you need. 3 bedrooms, main floor laundry, living room with fireplace, family room, refinished wood floors, generous storage area, 2 car attached garage, spacious eat-in kitchen, bright rooms filled with natural lightening. The landscaped yard has plenty of room for kids, grandkids, pets or more gardens.

Opening at Frehner Gallery

noreply@blogger.com (Brenda) — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 18:02:00 +0000

There is a new exhibit opening at Frehner Gallery in the Monroe Arts Center this week.

Mixed Media Time Four is, as the name implies, a exhibit featuring mixed media works by four artists. The artists each take their experience in painting, drawing, or photography and then add found objects into either the main work as embellishment. The result and then each add elements of found objects either into the main field of work or as an embellishment for framing. The result is mixed media works on great interest.

The artists, Randall Scott Zuber, Russell Gardner, Richard LeDuc, and Jim Salter, are all from the Green County and Dane County area. They work in media of acrylics, oils, photography and ink drawings.

The opening for this exhibit is on Friday evening from 5 pm until 7 pm. There will be an artist's talk at 5:30. Refreshments will be provided, and this event is free as are all Frehner Gallery exhibits.