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2023 Summer
Hudson City Newsletter - Summer 2023
2023 Issue 2: Summer
Did you know?
Hudson is a city full of readers and book lovers! In 2009, Todd Bol founded the first Little Free Library. Today, there are over 150,000 Little Free Libraries worldwide.
In this issue:
A Note from the Mayor
We’ve Gone Digital!
The Hudson City Newsletter is now mostly electronic, with limited printed copies available at City Hall, the Hudson Library, and several local businesses.
If you’d like to sign up to receive the newsletter digitally, you can do so on the Notify Me page, and sign up for other alerts as well!
Fire Department - Burning Regulations
Now that the weather is finally getting nice out, here are some good reminders on burning within the city, following city code Chapter 110 Open Burning:
- No person shall burn in the open leaves, yard waste, rubbish, garbage, or other household wastes upon any street, court, alley, or private property within the city.
- The use of portable drums, barrels, or containers to burn the above is prohibited.
- Outdoor fires used for cooking and recreational purposes are allowed. These are defined and limited to charcoal and gas grills, freestanding fireplaces (clay or metal), or fire pits.
- Apartment, townhouse, and condominium association rules must be strictly followed when using charcoal and propane grills, freestanding fireplaces (clay or metal), or fire pits.
- Construction and use of fire pits shall meet the following requirements:
- The diameter of the pit shall not exceed three feet.
- The depth of the pit shall be one to two feet deep.
- The rim of the pit shall be lined with rock, concrete, brick, or steel.
- Fire pits shall be a minimum of 20 feet from combustible structures.
- Fire pits must be attended by at least one person 18 years or older when lighting the fire and at all times while the fire is burning.
- A fire extinguisher or water hose must be available nearby at all times.
- Only split firewood, tree limbs or charcoal may be burned in fire pits. No rubbish, yard waste, tires, garbage, household waste, or hazardous materials shall be burned.
- When burning, all burning material shall be completely contained within the fire pit and shall not extend beyond the confines of the fire pit or freestanding fireplace.
- Fire and embers must be completely extinguished before the fire pit is vacated.
Grilling Safety
There’s nothing like outdoor grilling. It’s one of the most popular ways to cook food. But a grill placed too close to anything that can burn is a fire hazard. They can be very hot, causing burn injuries. Follow these simple tips and you will be on the way to safe grilling.
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
- The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Charcoal Grills
There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.
Propane Grills
Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose. A propane leak will release bubbles. If your grill has a gas leak, by smell, or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame, turn off both the gas tank and the grill. If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not move the grill.
If the flame goes out, turn the grill and gas off and wait at least 5 minutes before re-lighting it.
Reading to Dogs is Paws-itively Fun at the Library
Young readers are invited share books with furry friends in the Hudson Area Public Library’s “dog house.”
Every Saturday, kids can read to certified and trained dogs who visit the library: Marley, Fergus, Jake, and Dora. Our four-legged librarians have a special reading room in the children’s department to hang out with kids. We recommend signing up for time slots, but sometimes we can accommodate walk-in readers. Our canine friends read from 10:30-11:45 a.m. every Saturday.
All kids can benefit from reading to a certified dog, but it’s particularly important for reluctant readers or kids who need a confidence boost. It’s less intimidating to read aloud to pups than people, particularly in a classroom of peers. The dogs love the special attention, and kids develop a positive association with reading. For kids who aren’t ready to read, they can simply show dogs the pictures and talk about what they see.
Reading to therapy dogs improves self-esteem and public speaking skills. Studies show both reading and interacting with dogs reduce stress. Kids get twice the benefits when the two activities are combined.
Research shows being around animals can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety. Dogs are particularly good companions because they’re more interactive than most pets. They’re happiest with cuddles, sloppy kisses, and a handful of treats.
The National Reading Trust reports that children and young people who like to read are three times more likely to have better mental health than those who don’t. Stories also help kids understand the world around them; develop perspective; and cope with emotions like anger, sadness, and fear.
Reading shouldn’t feel like a chore or an assignment kids are forced to complete. Marley, Fergus, Jake, and Dora make reading fun.
For more information, call the library at 715-386-3103 and ask for the youth services desk.
Summer Reading Program
The library’s Summer Reading Program kicks off June 15 with a special event at Lakefront Park from 10 a.m. to noon. Families can pick up materials for the program, which offers cool incentives and great prizes just for reading. The kick-off features fun activities, giveaways, and the Little Blue Traveling Zoo. If you can’t make this event, you can sign up at the library whenever it’s convenient.
Throughout the summer, the library has special performances and programs for all ages. Check the website at www.hudsonpubliclibrary.org and follow us on Facebook. Thanks to the Hudson Area Library Foundation for funding these and other programs. All our great events are free!
Becky Eggen Makes the 2023 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll
General Code’s 2023 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll is a special recognition program that celebrates the work and dedication of municipal clerks that do so much for our communities. Nominations can come from other municipal staff or citizens and must include the reasons for nominating the Clerk.
This year, there were more than 300 nominations from 27 states, and our own city clerk, Becky Eggen, received a nomination and made the honor roll. Honorees receive a commemorative pin and certificate. Congratulations, Becky!
Hudson's New Mobile App
Hudson Mobile is the official mobile app for the City of Hudson, Wisconsin. The app provides a connection between the City and its citizens and visitors. Enjoy convenient access to news, meeting schedules and agendas, payments, city alerts, notifications, and more.
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, you'll enjoy convenient access to all the information you need to live, work, and play in Hudson.
You can download the app on Android or Apple by searching for "Hudson Mobile" and looking to the app with the trees, or type in the following on your mobile browser:
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.civicplus.wi_hudson
Apple: https://apps.apple.com/app/hudson-mobile/id1087016128
Water-Efficient Lawn Watering Practices
Summer lawn watering creates large demands on local water utilities. Water supply treatment and storage facilities are often built two, three, and even four times larger to supply additional demands created by lawn watering. This extra capacity is not used for most of the year and adds significant costs to the design, construction, and operation of a water system.
Water customers and communities can save money by using water more efficiently. These water-efficient lawn watering practices can help maintain a beautiful yard and conserve valuable water supplies.
General Information
Adjust sprinklers to water only grass areas and not impervious surfaces such as streets, driveways, and walkways. Mow grass to a height of 2 1/2 to 3 inches. Taller grass shades the roots and soil surface, which helps reduce the amount of water that is lost to evaporation.
Use sprinklers that spray low large drops vs. high fine ones. Use handheld soakers for small trees, shrubs, and plants. Use shut-off nozzles on hoses and repair leaky hoses and fittings.
When to Water
About one inch of water per week (including precipitation) is adequate for maintaining a healthy lawn. Use a can or rain gauge to help determine the amount of water applied by the sprinkling system and supplied by rainfall.
Do not use a fixed schedule for lawn watering. Apply water only when it is needed. Overwatering can promote diseases and affect the health of the lawn. A simple test for determining if grass needs water is to walk on the lawn and if you leave footprints, it may be time to water the lawn. Using a spade or gardening tool to check soil conditions 2 to 6 inches below the surface can provide information on soil moisture and the need to water.
A good soaking once or twice a week is better than watering every day. Allowing the soil to dry between watering will allow the roots to grow to greater depths and help make turf more drought-tolerant.
Best Times for Lawn Watering
Water during the cool part of the day to minimize water lost to evaporation. Early morning hours (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) are the best, and the peak water consumption hours (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) should be avoided.
Avoid watering during midday hours when it is hot and sunny to prevent scalding the turf. Watering at night is not recommended because the lawn stays wet for a long period of time which can promote diseases and affect its health.
Automatic Lawn Watering Systems
An automatic timer is part of most buried sprinkler systems but can be added to any sprinkler system for a very low cost. Automatic timers make it easy to set sprinkling systems to apply specified amounts of water during the best times of the day. Set systems to turn on between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. in the morning. Set the system to turn on for three 10-minute sessions with each session 2 hours apart to improve water infiltration and reduce runoff.
Equip the system with moisture sensors so the system does not turn on when it is raining. Set the automatic timer to water every 3 or 4 days adjusting the time and frequency, as needed, to accommodate changes in seasonal water demand.
Watering Restrictions
Local watering restrictions are sometimes necessary due to limited treatment capacity or reduced water supplies caused by mechanical problems or drought conditions.
Watering practices can help reduce the need for watering restrictions and expensive expansions to the water system. Here are a few recommendations in the event lawn watering restrictions are needed.
- Water less frequently and gradually reduce the amount of water. This will help reduce stress and condition the turf if a total ban on lawn watering becomes necessary.
- Reduce the amount of foot traffic allowed on the lawn as much as possible.
- Allow the grass to grow longer to reduce moisture loss from the soil.
New Lawns and Landscaping Alternatives
- Adding organic matter before seeding will help improve water and nutrient retention.
- Reduce water requirements by using drought-tolerant grass seed and sod.
- Reduce turf areas by planting drought-tolerant trees, shrubs, and plants.
Business Feature: Ethos Performance
Ethos Performance is a physical therapy and sports performance clinic and gym that opened in Hudson in June 2020 and started training clients in 2016. They specialize in rehabilitation for a wide array of musculoskeletal issues. The business also provides sports performance training for athletes of all ages.
Dan Teece and Nate Brine, owners of Ethos Performance, say their favorite thing about having a business in Hudson is the sense of home and community the city brings. “We have worked in this community for roughly 15 years and love the opportunity to provide high-level rehab and wellness options for our clients.”
Ethos Performance has been fortunate to train and work with many high-level athletes and clients who have gone on to succeed at all levels of competition and activities, including clients who play collegiate sports, join the PGA Tour, or finish an Ironman race.
The third year of summer training at Ethos Performance will provide sports-specific training options for all ages. They will continue to provide sports medicine and wellness opportunities for schools and organizations in St. Croix County.
Ethos Performance is a locally owned private practice that works collaboratively with all major healthcare organizations in the area. They provide cost-effective rehabilitation and training options for those looking to recover from injury or those looking to reach their athletic and wellness goals.
Storm Repair Update
The city was recently able to get a bird’s eye view of the repairs made since the September 2021 storm.
Drone footage captured several angles and took pictures and video of the progress of repairs downtown.
Hudson Boat Launch
Photo Credit: Susan Byrne
The new Hudson Boat Launch Facility is now finished.
This new launch can stay open longer under high-water conditions (684 feet) compared to the old launch that needed to be closed at 681 feet. The lot has also expanded, with 12 parking spaces added for a total of 52 stalls.
The price for a Wisconsin state resident is $8.00 to launch. The charge for out-of-state residents is $12.00. The city is now accepting credit card payments to pay for the launch fee. Stations are located adjacent to the boat ramps.
Send Us Your Snaps!
If you have an eye for the city, we want to add your photography to our newsletter! We’re seeking submissions for future issues.
If you want to share your photos of Hudson with us (all seasons needed), please send them with any photo credit you’d like to see, including a URL if you have one, to newsletter@hudsonwi.gov.
We’ll need some shots of the beautiful fall colors for our next issue, like the one you see here, but share anything that you think shows Hudson at its best!
Upcoming Events
Photo credit: Tom Garfin
Octagon House Farmers Market
When: Every Tuesday June - Sept, 3 -6 p.m.
Where: Octagon House Museum; 1004 3rd St.
Details: Fresh squeezed lemonade, live music, jams, jellies, meats, veggies, baked goods, and more. No market on July 4.
Carmichael Farmers Market
When: Saturdays through October, 8 - noon
Where: Faith Community Church lower
parking lot, 777 Carmichael Road
Details: Buy fresh and local with nearly 30 diverse, local vendors and food trucks.
Plaza 94 Farmers Market
When: Thursdays through October, 7:30 - noon
Where: 1800 Ward Avenue
Details: Local farmers market where you can get the freshest produce and farm goods
directly from local growers
Murdered to Death
When: July 14 - 30 (dates and times vary)
Where: The Phipps Center for the Arts
Details: A hilarious spoof of the best of the Agatha Christie traditions, this well-crafted whodunnit twists and turns with side-splitting antics and ever-increasing merriment and
confusion. More details on the event and tickets can be found at thephipps.org
Hudson Booster Days and Fireworks
When: June 29 - July 2
Details: Booster Days is the annual 4th of July Celebration held in Lakefront Park, near historic downtown Hudson, along the scenic St. Croix River. This event draws crowds from Hudson and surrounding counties. Visit hudsonboosters.org for more information and a detailed schedule. Fireworks on July 2 at dusk.
Learn more about all upcoming events on the Hudson Chamber of Commerce website.
Concerts in the Park 2023
The City of Hudson presents Concerts in the Park 2023, a series that runs from June through September at the Lakefront Park Bandshell in Downtown Hudson at 505 1st Street.
All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted on the schedule. On July 2, coinciding with Booster Days, there will be fireworks at dusk.
For up-to-date information, visit the city website and navigate to Community > Parks or click here.