Letters to the editor

Dear editor, A lot is going on in Sauk Prairie. Generous citizens and leaders have put forward projects to improve community life; however we may have the opportunity to enhance these proposals further. I believe that sustainability and repair of the environment in general and the climate in particular are criteria we need to use in evaluating all the proposals before us - whether it be by our schools, our villages, our healthcare system, our businesses and even our individual families. Southern Wisconsin may be spared some of the worst impacts of climate change in the near term, with heavy rainstorms and flooding being the most immediate risks to our local area. But global climate effects on nature and the oceans are already indirectly threatening us and seem likely to reduce the life potential of our children and grandchildren wherever they live. The proposed projects, including the new Sauk City library, the school district’s facilities upgrade and swimming pools project, the new park-recreation development, and the recreational trail bridge over the Wisconsin River, have as their common goal improving quality of life for the long-term future. But without our immediate attention and concerted response to climate change, that long-term future looks bleak. We cannot responsibly evaluate these projects without asking ourselves these questions: Do they contribute to the ecological sustainability of all of Sauk Prairie, including the natural world? Do they help repair the ongoing environmental and climate damage caused by our current local infrastructure and consumption? If our projects as currently designed do not meet these needs and do not respond to the futures of our grandchildren, we shouldn’t hesitate to revise them. By aiming at a future in Sauk Prairie that insists on the immediate and long-term care of our environment, we will more likely ensure that the work of the many leaders who have prepared these proposals will be a resilient example for generations. Sincerely,   Tom Sullivan Prairie du Sac   February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month As a parent/guardian, you want to see your child happy and safe in their relationships. Here are ideas on preventing abuse and supporting teens in unhealthy relationships:  1. Model healthy relationships: Youth learn a lot by observing those around them; those they respect can especially make a great impact! 2. Use teachable moments in the media: Ask them what they think about how relationships are portrayed, how they want to be treated, and how they could support a friend that’s getting hurt by a partner. 3. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right with their relationship, address it with them: They may be uncomfortable discussing it so beginning the conversation with love and concern, not blame or anger, will help. 4. Help them find resources: Our kids don’t always want to talk to us so help them identify other people they could talk to, such as a school counselor, health care provider, www.LoveisRespect.org, or Hope House. If you have questions or concerns regarding relationships for your child or yourself, Hope House is available 24/7 to help with safety planning, emotional support and finding resources: 1-800-584-6790. Learn about getting involved, such as wearing orange on February 11th, at www.hopehousescw.org/teen-dating-violence.   Sarah Campbell Youth Advocate/Educator at Hope House of South Central Wisconsin