The town of Onalaska Plan Commission approved a permit for a home taxidermy business Tuesday night to Adrien Johnson, the owner of the last house on Highway Z.

Johnson still needs authorization from La Crosse County officials and the full Onalaska Town Board before he can open his shop at W8672 Highway Z. The conditional-use permit OK’d by the commission was granted unanimously and for an indefinite amount of time.

According to stipulations of the town’s permit, Johnson wouldn’t be allowed to tan any hides on his property or conduct any business outside. A dumpster would be required for disposing of waste, and no more than two people could work for the taxidermy business, which could be open seven days a week by appointment.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Johnson said most of his taxidermy business would be on large animals and whitetail deer. He added that he has two neighbors and neither oppose the home business.

Johnson is scheduled to meet with La Crosse County officials June 2 to obtain a conditional-use permit. Although he would need an additional county permit to hang a sign in front of his home, Johnson said he didn’t plan on applying for one.

“I do not plan on having a sign, just because I do plan on having some privacy at my own home,” Johnson said.

Strategic planning

Also Tuesday, the commission elected to appoint administrator Tim Dienger to the town’s strategic planning group and to meet more often with county officials regarding comprehensive plan changes.

Previously, the strategic planning group consisted only of commission member Todd Smith and Town Chairman Stan Hauser. Their major task was ensuring citizens had their information and paperwork in order before seeking a permit from the commission.

But after a vote in March where the La Crosse County Board rejected all of the town of Onalaska’s amendment requests before adopting its own comprehensive plan, town officials said they should be more “pro-active” and meet more frequently with county planners.

Commission members said they wanted Dienger on the strategic planning committee because he is experienced working with county officials. “I welcome his expertise that he brings to the floor” board member Joe Schaller said of Dienger, who accepted his additional workload.

“Sorry, Tim,” Schaller added.