These are difficult days in Janesville.
On Wednesday, a young mother was murdered in front of her 5-year old son.
By the end of next week, at least 150 people in Rock County, could be left without a home (at least 50 in Janesville), because the energy bill was not paid.
And Thursday was the last day for the GM plant.
Throughout, our public sector employees have risen to their best. The Janesville Police Department, the Rock County Sheriff's Department and the Beloit Police Department did an outstanding job on Wednesday, handling a difficult and unusual situation. In the end, apprehending the suspect unharmed.
And during the brief amount of time since the City was first made aware of the situation involving 98 housing units and over 200 residents, the city and the county joined forces with local organizations to address a problem. Mike Sheridan's office, has now also become involved in helping to get the situation resolved. With all of these people working hard, I am confident that there will be a positive outcome.
However, most any option that is available right now, will be a temporary solution, a bandaid. Bigger and more permanent solutions are still needed.
Still, today, on the warmest (and probably the sunniest) day of the year, I went to the Prairie Park for the Arbor Day ceremony and celebration, and I was glad that I did. This year, Janesville was once again awarded the distinction of a City of Trees. That designation is not automaticly given out to any city that applies. There are requirements that need to be met and I was glad to witness that once again, Janesville qualified. At the Prairie Park, people spoke, boy-scouts conducted the flag ceremony and refreshments were served.
It reminded me that during a snow storm, when all we hope for is that the heater and the snow blower not fail, it can be hard to remember that the clouds will part, the sun will come out, and suddenly it will feel like spring. And in the meantime, we've got to keep each other from freezing.
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