IN THE NEWS - 2010

Local residents favor no wake zone on river - Several people testified in favor of the slow, no-wake zone in the Narrows of the Upper Dells during a public hearing last week at the Kilbourn Public Library. The Department of Natural Resources held a hearing June 22 for the emergency no-wake zone ruling. Nine residents and four DNR officials attended, and six of the people registered to talk. All spoke in favor of the no-wake zone. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/28/10)

Panel speculates on river’s future - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River hosted a four-person panel discussion Wednesday at the H.H. Bennett Studio to discuss the future of the Wisconsin River corridor in Wisconsin Dells. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/26/10)

More challenges coming to preserving waterways - People are increasingly building near water and looking to water as renewable energy, and with that more challenges will be made to Wisconsin's public trust doctrine that preserves the state's waterways for shared use, a former state Department of Natural Resources lawyer told attendees at the Mirror Lake Association annual meeting June 19. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/26/10)

Stewards choose contest winners - During a presentation ceremony Wednesday, May 26 at the Kilbourn Public Library, the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River announced the winners of its fifth annual Art and Photo Contest. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/1/10)

No-wake zone long overdue - Thanks to the Natural Resources Board, the summer of 2010 and future summers should be a safer one on the Wisconsin River. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/7/10)

Stewards' forum to discuss river's future - As photographer Bill Pielsticker and his project chronicler Tracy Madison prepare a rephotography exhibit for the H.H. Bennett Studio, the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River are busy planning a related forum to discuss the past, present and future of the Dells river corridor. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/4/10)

Riverfest races to success - Even though the final tally of how much money was raised for the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River is not determined, Riverfest chairwoman Debbie Kinder said the event was a success in that everyone had a good time and no one got hurt. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/21/10)

No wake zone hearing set - The Department of Natural Resources Board will hold a meeting April 27 in Green Bay that could decide the fate of an emergency ruling for a slow, no wake zone in the Narrows of the Wisconsin River. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/26/10)

Guide reveals fishing secrets of the river - "The river will give up its secrets." That's what fishing guide Jim Steyer told the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River Wednesday night before sharing some of his own secrets. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/27/10)

No wake zone may be put at Narrows on river - The Wisconsin Dells Council passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Eric Helland to proceed in seeking an emergency ruling to create a no wake zone in the Narrows of the Wisconsin River. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/17/10)

IN THE NEWS - 2009

Decade makes changes - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River formed in this decade and are raising voices trying to protect the river. The task should be one of concern to everyone in the area. (Wisconsin Dells Events 12/30/09)

Adolph Priester Memorial Fund - Adolph Priester of Columbus, WI died on November 26, 2009. He was born and raised in Wisconsin Dells and spent many summers driving boats and guiding tours on the Upper Dells. In his memory, his family has established a Stewards of the Dells Memorial Fund. (12/5/09)

Stewards hope for no wake zone by summer - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River hope to have a no wake zone in effect at the Narrows by next summer. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/25/09)

Stewards petition DNR - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River were one of more than 200 individuals and groups to submit written and verbal comments to the Department of Natural Resources last month concerning a proposed Stewardship Fund rule. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/4/09)

Stewards to host second wine and cheese festival - A first time, downtown event that drew 400 people last year is back for seconds. JustAgame Fieldhouse is hosting its second annual Dells Wine and Cheese Festival Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m.Owner Dave Royston said the festival will be similar to last year, but won’t be exactly the same. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/30/09)

Stewards to do yellow, ducky race - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River hope to add something new to next year’s Wo-Zha-Wa festival: A rubber duck race. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/26/09)

Team does a 'then and now' of Bennett's work - Local photographer Bill Pielsticker and photographer/writer Tracy Madison have taken on a tremendous task: Attempting to reshoot some of H.H. Bennett’s most well known photographs of the Dells area. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/26/09)

Lakes group reveals successes - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River heard success stories from Petenwell and Castle Rock Stewards President Rick Georgeson, Wednesday. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/2/09)

Happy Birthday to you, Kilbourn Dam - People marveled at the longevity of the Kilbourn Dam during an open house Thursday at the Wisconsin Dells Community Center. The event marked the dam’s 100-year history and was sponsored by the Dells Country Historical Society. (Wisconsin Dells Events 8/19/09)

Stewards demand no wake in Narrows - No buoys warn of the boating dangers in the Narrows on the Wisconsin River, even after it was reported that the state Department of Natural Resources would take action to put them there, and the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River will be drafting a resolution of support for the buoys to encourage their placement in a timely manner. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/25/09)

Bank files foreclosure on resort - The First National Bank of Berlin has filed suit to foreclose on the Grand Cambrian Resort, but developer Mac McDonald said he is not worried. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/8/09)

Grand Cambrian settles permit challenge - The Grand Cambrian developers, the Concerned Citizens of Newport, the Wisconsin River Alliance and the Department of Natural Resources have reached a settlement that allows one barrier to the condominium and hotel development. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/17/09)

Stewards give awards for photos and art - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River held its annual student art and photo contest awards presentation at its meeting Wednesday night. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/3/09)

Huey visits Stewards - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River had a special guest April 29 before talking about its new tax exempt status and Riverfest. Linda Bethke, of Soaring Eagle Wildlife Rehabilitation, was the guest speaker, and she brought her great horned owl Huey along to talk about bird rehabilitation. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/6/09)

Stewards to promote Wine and Cheese Festival at Riverfest - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River continued to make plans March 25 for next month's Dells Riverfest. Riverfest committee chairman Easton Dreher and President Deb Kinder proposed an idea to the Stewards that would tie Riverfest — an event that won't likely turn a profit — to one of the group's yearly fundraisers. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/1/09)

Newport passes shoreline protection - The Newport town Board approved a Shoreland buffer protection ordinance Monday night that is less stringent than the nearby Wisconsin Dells' ordinance, but more restrictive than Columbia County's. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/14/09)

Row, row, row - A new festival featuring kayak races has just been added to the Dells' year-round list of special events, and it's only a month and a half away. The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River have spearheaded an effort to organize the First Annual Dells Riverfest, which will take place Saturday April 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/4/09)

Dells to prohibit signs by river - The Wisconsin Dells Business Improvement District recommended prohibiting off-premises signs visible from the river and reviewing any on-premises signs that might be visible from the river during its meeting Wednesday. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/28/09)

Stewards debate fundraising ideas - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River brainstormed fundraising ideas and goals for 2009 - including a possible kayak race and River Festival - during its first meeting of the year January 28. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/4/09)

IN THE NEWS - 2008

DNR to put buoys at Devil's Elbow - Department of Natural Resources Regional Warden Barb Wolf visited the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River Wednesday night to discuss what her department is doing to secure buoys for the dangerous passageway. The department is hoping to have the buoys installed by the end of next year. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/26/08)

Ordinance for riverfront signs may change - The Wisconsin Dells Council's Legislative Committee asked the Business Improvement District Committee to review requests for signs along the river in its district and prohibit signs along the river in other areas of the city. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/15/08)

Stewards to help secure easement - When the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River established itself in 2006, its mission was to preserve and protect the scenic, historic, geological and archaeological features and ecological well-being of the river. Wednesday night, more than two and a half years later, President Debbie Kinder announced the group will have its first chance to accomplish that mission. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/26/08)

Speakers air pro and con of resort - A state Division of Hearings and Appeals Judge heard 11 people state their opposition to the Grand Cambrian Resort development along the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River, while six stated their support. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/13/08)

Hearing on resort plans starts - Lawyers presented their opening statements at a hearing Monday on the state's environmental permits for the Grand Cambrian Resort in Wisconsin Dells. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/10/08)

Stewards consider by-law changes - Proposed changes to the by-laws of the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River may affect who is making the group's decisions in coming years. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/3/08)

Newport committee approves shoreland buffer protection ordinance - A handful of town residents attended Newport's public hearing and Planning Committee meeting Tuesday on a proposed Shoreland Buffer Protection Ordinance. (Wisconsin Dells Events 8/23/08)

Park awaits funds - Lake Delton residents will have to wait several more months, or perhaps a year, for Lake Delton to establish a park at the old Newport Resort, as it awaits a decision on a grant application through the Stewardship Fund. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/12/08)

DNR warns boaters of debris - The Department of Natural Resources warns boaters that the majority of the debris washed downstream from the Lake Delton area by floods, is still present in and along the Wisconsin River from Lake Delton to approximately the Columbia Power Plant. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/05/08)

Sewer commission to cover pipe in the river exposed by floods - The Wisconsin Dells Lake Delton Sewerage Commission gave MSA Professional Services the go-ahead to repair an outfall pipe at the wastewater treatment plant on Bowman Road at a meeting Friday. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/02/08)

River fills with silt from lake - Area businessmen whose livelihoods depend at least in part on the Wisconsin River gave mixed reviews Monday of how the Wisconsin River is faring after heavy rain caused Lake Delton to overflow and race down the Wisconsin River. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/02/08)

Builder may be cited by DNR for cutting trees along river - When the Department of Natural Resources investigated the site of a proposed development on Hillside Drive in Lake Delton, they discovered that the developer had illegally removed several trees along the Wisconsin River corridor. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/24/08)

Author describes schemes and intrigues behind dam - The Kilbourn Dam defines the Dells, said historian and author Richard Durbin to about 50 people at the Community Center. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/21/08)

Stewards volunteer to protect rare plants along river - By the time Tom Meyer finished his presentation on rare plants along the Dells river corridor Wednesday evening, about a dozen members of the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River were volunteering to protect the species. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/3/08)

Grand Cambrian gets OK to Build - Barring a motion to deny by the Wisconsin Dells Common Council on Monday, Grand Cambrian Resort has the city's full approval for its first phase of development after the Community Development Authority, Plan Commission and Finance Committee gave their approval Wednesday. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/19/08)

Grand Cambrian presents building plans - The Grand Cambrian Resort presented its first building project to the Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission Wednesday, but a decision on the plans for the 56 units will not come until a joint meeting of the commission and the Community Development Authority April 16. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/12/08)

Eagles return to Dells, just like tourists - About 30 area residents gathered at the Stewards' meeting Wednesday to hear Jeb Barzen review his research on eagles in the Sauk Prairie area and link it to the population in Wisconsin Dells and even community development. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/1/08)

Activists say resort project will harm Wisconsin River Natural Area - Hiroshi Kanno doesn't buy it - not for a minute. Contrary to what the developers of the proposed $160 million Grand Cambrian Resort on the lower dells of the Wisconsin River claim, Kanno says, there's just no way a massive condominium-hotel with two waterparks won't end up harming the river. (Capital Times 3/26/08)

DNR issues permits for resort - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved permits Friday for the Grand Cambrian Resort in the Lower Dells near the Sugar Bowl. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/19/08)

Lake Delton closes on park - The village of Lake Delton completed the purchase of about six acres of rivershoreline beach property Feb. 15 and plans to develop the first public park on the Wisconsin River. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/5/08)

Book recounts contentious story of building of Kilbourn Dam - Historian Rick Durbin, who previously wrote the book "The Wisconsin River: An Odyssey Through Time and Space," has donated a new book to the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River, called "The Kilbourn Dam: A Tale of Hopes, Dreams and Schemes." (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/5/08)

Upham Woods invites visits - Every winter when business slows, the officials at Upham Woods take time to review their programming schedule. When doing that naturalists Mandy Evers and Melissa Zeckmeister found a significant gap. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/2/08)

Lyndon says no to development - The town of Lyndon ran short of parking and chairs Thursday when about 30 area residents visited Lyndon's Zoning Board meeting to air concerns about a proposed development on 147 acres at Highway N and Hall Road, along the Wisconsin river corridor. (Wisconsin Dells Events 1/26/08)

Donations enable moth spraying - Thanks to more than $15,000 in donations, the DNR will be able to protect nearly 3,000 acres of forest in the Dells area from some hungry and invasive visitors this May. (Wisconsin Dells Events 1/8/08)

IN THE NEWS - 2007

Grand Cambrian draws protest - About 100 people filled the council chambers in the Wisconsin Dells Municipal Building to register opposition to the granting of a permit by the Department of Natural Resources for the Grand Cambrian Resort Thursday night. (Wisconsin Dells Events 12/22/07)

DNR to hear comments on resort - The Department of Natural Resources will hold a public informational hearing Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Wisconsin Dells Municipal Building, 300 La Crosse St., regarding the proposed Grand Cambrian Development. (Wisconsin Dells Events 12/19/07)

Ho-Chunk researcher relates history of nation in Dells area - Although much of the Ho-Chunk Nation's history is not committed to paper - as its traditions opt to pass it down orally - the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River invited a Ho-Chunk researcher to its Nov. 28 meeting to discuss the Nation's history in the Dells area. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/8/07)

Stewards to work with trust - Since Frank and Mariana Weinhold successfully established a conservation easement on Louis' Bluff this June, the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River have hoped to become a fundraising entity for other landowners to do the same. Following a meeting of Natural Heritage Land Trust earlier this month, where it agreed to expand its efforts to consider more Dells projects, the Stewards' dream has finally come true. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/24/07)

Grand Cambrian Resort gets changes in agreement with city - The Grand Cambrian Resort development received an amendment to its development agreement at Monday's meeting of the Wisconsin Dells City Council, but not without an attempt to modify it further. (Wisconsin Dells Events 11/21/07)

Runoff causes most pollution in waters - With the frequency of construction in the Wisconsin Dells area, and the knowledge that soil is the No. 1 pollutant to the state's waterways, the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River invited a River Alliance representative to its meeting Wednesday to discuss stormwater runoff and soil erosion. (Wisconsin Dells Events 10/31/07)

RiverWalk heads east and west - After nearly two hours of deliberating whether to extend the next phase of the RiverWalk east or west, the Wisconsin Dells Business Improvement District Committee compromised by planning to spend next year designing options for both. (Wisconsin Dells Events 10/13/07)

Studio benefits from Bennett's photographs in 3-D - On Saturday, a group of 54 Bennett fans and river buffs congregated at H.H. Bennett Studio to experience the first ever stereoscopic 3-D slide show of Bennett's work screened in Wisconsin Dells. The event acted as a fundraiser for Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River and H.H. Bennett Studio as the groups split the proceeds of each $50 ticket. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/26/07)

BID floats ideas for more RiverWalk - About a dozen people advised the Business Improvement District on where the third phase of the RiverWalk should go in the Dells at a meeting Wednesday night. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/15/07)

Newport lets wake issue rest - Following a discussion involving two Dells Boat Tours employees Tuesday, members of the Newport Town Board agreed to let the wake issue on the river rest until further problems arise. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/15/07)

Group celebrates conservation of Louis' Bluff - About 80 people gathered at the Frank and Mariana Weinhold residence Wednesday to celebrate the conservation of Louis' Bluff. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/8/07)

Stewards to raise funds for easements - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River hope to become a fundraising entity for area landowners seeking a conservation easement. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/5/07)

Newport proposes river rules - Attempts to enact a slow no wake ordinance on a portion of the Wisconsin River that runs through the towns of Newport and Delton have stalled, but one Newport town supervisor continues to advocate for other local ordinances to make the river safer. (Wisconsin Dells Events 8/25/07)

Group sues over Cambrian permits - Last week, the Concerned Citizens of Newport filed two petitions that call into question the construction site of Grand Cambrian Resort and the Department of Commerce's process of examining stormwater runoff, soil erosion and sediment control. (Wisconsin Dells Events 8/8/07)

Lake Delton approves option for park - "It's a dream come true," said Gordon Priegel of Lake Delton's plans for a boat launch and park off County A, on the site of the Old Newport Resort. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/28/07)

Dells starts third phase of RiverWalk - The Wisconsin Dells Business Improvement District Committee approved a 2008 capital budget proposal Wednesday that would allocate $80,000 of city funds for the design engineering of the third phase of the RiverWalk. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/28/07)

Ho-Chunk Reclaim Mounds at Highway 16 Wayside - In an emotional ceremony Monday afternoon, the Ho-Chunk Nation reclaimed the Kingsley Bend Wayside Effigy Mounds in a state-agreed transfer from the Department of Transportation. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/6/07)

Easement to protect Louis' Bluff - The Natural Heritage Land Trust purchased a conservation easement to protect Louis' Bluff this week. The 133.5-acre property, in the town of Lyndon in Juneau County, includes more than 7,000 feet of undeveloped shoreline on the Wisconsin River, all within the Dells of the Wisconsin River State Natural Area. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/2/07)

Stewards tackle river use, beauty - Thanks to the information provided by water safety panelists on Wednesday evening, the Stewards of the Dells of Wisconsin River may take action by promoting informational buoys near the Narrows and providing scenic beauty pamphlets at boat landings. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/20/07)

Stewards to object to condos - The Lyndon Town Board may hear from members of the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River at its April 5 meeting in response to a proposed development that may intrude on the area along the river. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/30/07)

Town of Delton residents plan future, see threats - Development of the Wisconsin River corridor was a key issue at the planning session. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/10/07)

Stewards aim to be useful - Members of the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River brainstormed recently on how to make their organization useful to landowners, government officials and river users, as well as on how to respond to developmental threats. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/7/07)

Dells extends shoreline zone - The Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission approved a 200 foot setback in developments along the Wisconsin River on land that will be annexed in the future. (Wisconsin Dells Events 3/3/07)

Stewards to focus on development issues - Most of the members of the Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River want to focus on development issues along the Wisconsin River, according to information released at a meeting Wednesday. (Wisconsin Dells Events 2/3/07)

IN THE NEWS - 2006

Developing the Dells -- Will They Leave the River Alone? - Wisconsin River Alliance feature on the Stewards, focusing on development issues in the river corridor. (Wisconsin Rivers Fall 2006)

Zoning code to control river land - The city of the Dells wants more control of land along the river, not less, in its new zoning code, the Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission indicated Oct. 11. (Wisconsin Dells Events 10/21/06)

Stewards plan to raise money - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River approved by-laws and discussed electing officers for the group, as well as made plans for an art and music festival to raise money for their organization. (Wisconsin Dells Events 9/2/06)

State river alliance praises Stewards - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River heard a presentation from the Wisconsin River Alliance and heard what resources and advice the organization had to offer to the local group. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/29/06)

River agency gives Stewards advice - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River heard a presentation by a state agency dedicated to preserving the Wisconsin River, discussed their involvement at the Wisconsin Dells City Plan Commission meeting and brainstormed ideas of what to do next. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/1/06)

City draws plans for new TIFS - The Wisconsin Dells Finance Committee staked out new lines for the three existing tax incremental financing districts, added a fourth TIF and reviewed financing for and revenue from the proposed Grand Cambrian Resort development on the Lower Dells. (Wisconsin Dells Events 7/24/06)

Condo plans OK'd despite protest - The city of Wisconsin Dells Commission approved plans for annexation and development for the Cambrian Development at their meeting Wednesday, despite objections from people in attendance. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/17/06)

Stewards to object to condos - The Stewards of the Dells of the Wisconsin River adopted a mission statement and made plans to attend an upcoming Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission meeting to protest a development off Lynch Road. (Wisconsin Dells Events 6/3/06)

Developer wants TIF district - Cambrian Development asked the Wisconsin Dells Plan Commission and council's finance committee in a joint meeting Tuesday night to establish a $167 million tax incremental financing district for its planned development. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/13/06)

Group seeks more river protection - About 30 people gathered at Vertical Illusions and took the first steps in forming a group to protect the Wisconsin River at the Dells. The group, which will be called the Stewards of the Wisconsin River, will meet again on Wednesday, May 10 at 7 p.m. Before that meeting, a steering committee composed of Tracey Baggot, Bill Brown, Jean Brew, Easton Dreher, Leander Hagan, Kristin Helland, Hiroshi and Arlene Kanno, Debbie Kinder, Mary Larson and David Simerson are to write a mission statement. (Wisconsin Dells Events 5/6/06)

Dells Events Editorial: The river needs protection - The Dells of the Wisconsin River is not the same as it once was, and it needs more protection. (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/15/06)

Chula Dock OK'd despite concerns - Two people spoke against a new dock at Chula Vista Resort, but the Wisconsin Dells Common Council approved it Monday (Wisconsin Dells Events 4/12/06)