Lightning Over Viroqua. Thanks to Tony M for the use of the photo.  See his website here

The news is that the calendar is up and functional. The old one was unreliable with different browsers. The new Google calendar should work, although they may not be fully functional with Safari. They say take your chances.

Many organizations already maintain their calendar on Google. For those out there who lack an online schedule, think about it as a way to get your information out quickly and accurately. If you tell me it exists it can also appear on the KickTime calendar. ( admins[at]kicktime[dot]org )

That's the big news. Might also see a change in the left hand column soon. Send an email about what you want to see there. Most likely change would be links to area organizations and businesses with websites.

So far no ads have shown up, I might have goofed on installing the code, but what's the rush?

Sorry if you are going to miss the boot and the watch:

I think it might be a good thing to get a veteran's section on KickTime and have Ed Barlow put together some of his insightful research on the subject. Any other veterans with perspective can join in any time.

And then there is the RSS from the Kickapoo_Free_Press, so if you don't have access to the print paper it is all conveniently online.  If you go to your user preferences and the interface section at the bottom, then you can check the feeds you want and they will appear on the KickTime front page right column.  This helps to collect the latest information from various websites in one place.  Of course if you are far enough along to have a feed reader, all the better.

I think it is important that there is an outlet for community voice and announcement that is not tied to a sponsor. Once money enters the equation the message gets distorted, or at least limited. I believe grassroots volunteer blogging will catch on, and as it catches we will prevail as an important part of what is necessary to maintain a democratic society that has been all but bought from politicos to journalists. Some journalists complain about lack of accountability in the blogosphere (I really do hate that word)--we don't use "real" names, switch identities, change content at will, and are not "real" journalists. Follow on to the full story to get my take on these issues...

Another change non-profit regulations necessitate is that Kicktime cannot be used for political activity/endorsement.  We can have our take on the news, but cannot officially endorse or organize for candidates.  As a result the Democratic Party section has been taken down and stories that contained endorsements/fundraiser information have been deleted.

A final change is the member Oikos has joined on as an editor and will provide news and events from areas south of Viroqua.  He will also return from the march on Washington DC with video that will be posted as soon as bus-lag allows.

All in all it has been a good few months of change and I hope we can continue to include new perspectives and energy through 2007.  Perhaps even someone editing events in the LaFarge/Hillsboro area?