There was no letting up of the east wind that blew briskly across the path around the Falls on Sunday. It continued for the start of the work week. The east wind has had a reputation in literature, weather forecasting and ice sculpture.
A spectacular example of the east wind’s power can be seen in Oconto. With the right conditions, a massive pile of ice can build at the end of the long breakwater reaching into the Bay of Green Bay. One recent report indicated that the pile had reached at least 15 feet.
Although not that high, apparently there is an ice buildup on the west shore of Kelly Lake. A number of the home owners on that side of the lake had to delay putting in their docks.
The effect of the wind was noticeable for northbound traffic Sunday. A number of drivers wondered if it was time for a wheel alignment.
We take notice of the mighty east wind in this part of the country since the prevailing wind is from the southwest. Going outside on a windy day, a person would want to keep his or her back to the wind and face the northeast. Perhaps that is why people in northeast Wisconsin feel so good about living where we do. In normal times, all the other people in Wisconsin are looking our way, or at least we would think that is the case.
Before there was access to technology, we used one guideline, “If the wind was coming from the east, regardless of the type of weather you were having, it was going to be around for a while.” If the snow was blowing parallel to the ground and coming from the east, it was time to shut down school.
That east wind was a factor for a couple of events Sunday at Romy’s Holiday Inn at Kelly Lake. The Holiday Inn is just off the east shore of Kelly Lake, on the opposite side of where that ice would have been piling up, so that was not the issue.
The first event was the Oconto Falls Friends of the Arts season finale, Dorf Kopelle. The 16-member troupe came from points scattered to the wind, but almost all were coming from the south and had to deal with the mighty east wind on the way to the performance.
Ironically, the group was set up on the east side of the ballroom, and at least half of the people in the band were playing wind instruments. Even though that may not qualify as an east wind, it was a powerful performance, enjoyed by the crowd after feasting on the best chicken and tips north of Sheboygan.
Four hours later, that same banquet hall was completely transformed as it was decorated with blue and gold to welcome FFA members and their parents for their recognition banquet. The secretary noted there were 133 members and guests in attendance. Table after table of awards, certificates and scholarships were presented to members and a few honored guests. A multimedia presentation provided visuals to go with the words of the presenters.
Many things stood out. FFA President Mercedes Ondik gave a passionate retirement speech. Recently accepted to MIT in Boston, she remarked that one of the people who reviewed her application pulled her aside at a gathering of incoming freshmen to tell her how impressed she was with Mercedes’ application. “Farming made me stand out,” was the line she shared.
More passion came out at the very end when Mercedes called on Director of Instruction Candie Lehto. She noted that her job was to recruit the best teachers to put in front of students. People make the difference, and two of the best, the two Oconto Falls High School FFA advisers, were leaving for other opportunities.
She noted how difficult it was becoming to attract and hold onto the best and brightest. It no longer was a level playing field. Those districts with growing enrollment could afford to pay a premium for the best and brightest. She encouraged those in the audience to share the story of this concern, but she admitted she was preaching to the choir.
Like the mighty east wind, support for Wisconsin public schools seems to be blowing in the wrong direction. Worst still, when the wind comes from the east, there is little hope that things will change soon. It will take more than a wheel alignment to set things straight.
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