Gus Makes the Newspaper!

Our very own Gus, the cute little bear that greets folks at the end of our drive in WI, has made the newspaper. Now, we think it is kind of funny for him to sometimes hold his "Go Away" sign instead of his "Welcome" sign. Evidently, not everyone sees it that way though. Gus appeared on the editorial page of the Sawyer County Record on September 6th, unbeknownst to us. In case you can't read the fine print, here is what the editors had to say:

"Is this the message we want to see at the ends of driveways in the Northwoods? Yes, it's a free country, but our reputation as a friendly place to live and recreate is in jeopardy when property owners post signs on the roadside telling people to "go away," no matter how "cute" they are. There are two letters from readers on this page questioning the welcome visitors receive in our area. Hayward has always been a friendly place. Let's try to keep it that way and show our visitors the respect they deserve. It's time to lose the "Wisconsin full, go home!" bumper stickers."

We don't know who took Gus's picture and decided to bring him to the attention of the paper's editorial staff. Our various neighbors have enjoyed seeing him, and all of them that we spoke to agreed with us that his "Go Away" sign is kind of funny. We are not on a main drag, so we aren't sure how many Wisconsin visitors he has actually offended and chased away. Maybe a realtor showing the available lot next door took offense. In any event, it is kind of amusing to us, as well as ironic, that we (essentially visitors to Wisconsin ourselves) are being challenged to "get with the program." I think I'll write a letter to the editor in reply.