The pile of questions along these lines has grown taller than cattails, so I'm consolidating them into one.

The state Department of Transportation, as you might have read, rearranged its budget priorities, and the medians are far down that list. The state reimburses Racine County for mowing state highway medians, as County Executive William McReynolds pointed out recently, and set aside enough for one cut this year.

Where it's needed for safe visibility, workers will still cut 300 feet from an intersection, said Richard Vydrzal, maintenance supervisor for the DOT's southeast region. Litter control and active searches for potholes have also been reduced, he added. Those with further questions can reach Vydrzal at (262) 548-5936.

One reader had the clever idea to cite the state under noxious weed ordinances. Imagine the look on Gov. Jim Doyle's face as he tore open one of those "YOU HAVE 7 DAYS TO CORRECT THIS" letters.

Rick Heller, Racine's chief building inspector, had the same idea. He was told the law won't allow the city to fine state government.

Is it legal for a city bus driver to be talking on a cell phone while operating the bus?

Hopefully he's just calling to see if the roadway is clear because he can't see over the grassy median. Otherwise it sounds like an unsafe practice.

"Although this behavior is not prohibited by law, it is a violation of company policy," Curtis Garner answered in an e-mail. He's the executive director of Professional Transit Management, which runs Racine's bus system. "All public complaints are thoroughly investigated, and discipline up to and including termination is rigorously applied."

For information on the Belle Urban System, call (262) 637-9000.

Will the broadcast of Racine's prom activities be replayed? I wasn't able to see it this year.

Replays of the Rotary Post-Prom coverage last aired the week after the May 16 soiree, according to staff at the local access channel, CAR 25.

The good news is DVD copies can be bought for $10 each. Call CAR 25 at (262) 619-3506.

Windmill clarification

Sorry if I confused readers last week when answering a question about Wisconsin windmills. In introducing the topic of windmills, I mentioned the ones visible to drivers west of Highway 41 owned by Invenergy. Those aren't connected to We Energies' Blue Sky Green Field project east of Lake Winnebago, which I believe was the focus of the reader's question.

Mike Moore compiles the Glad You Asked column. Call (262) 631-1758 or e-mail:

ask@journaltimes.com