CARDINAL COLUMNS
MARCH 2017
s s e C C A DENIED Also Inside:
Students at Work pg. 4 Open Mic Night pg. 9 Tarot Readings pg. 25
Contents
Local
Sports
pg 3-4 Bryanna’s Bakery Mr. Fond du Lac Student Employment
pg 5-6 Golf Team Dance Team Trap Team Robotics Team
Java and Jams
pg 9-12 An exploration of Open Mic Night at Annie’s Fountain City Cafe
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The Cardinal Columns magazine is a student-operated newsmagazine with a functioning editorial board and is supervised by an experienced adviser. The magazine operates as an open forum for the student body of Fond du Lac High School. Students have been trained in press law and journalism ethics to ensure journalistic excellence is achieved. Opinion pieces with bylines reflect the opinion of the author. Opinion pieces without bylines reflect the opinion of the staff. To view our full editorial policy, go to CardinalColumns.org/EditorialPolicy to learn more.
Contents
Access Denied
Culture
pg 15-18 Transgender students feel the effect of discrimination and threats of violence, but the situation hasn’t improved
Opinion
pg 23-29 Horoscopes Tarot Cards Beauty Buffs Reviews
pg 30 Advice Column
Masthead ADVISER Matthew Smith
Web Manager Taryn Schwind
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robert Brown
Social Media Manager Alyssa Keller
MANAGING EDITOR Noah Burdett
Copy Editors local: John Haas sports: Nicole Pomplin culture: Vyla Shea opinion: Camryn Oestreich
ART DIRECTOR Austin Scott Sports Editor Donovan Katarincic CULTURE EDITOR Sydni French
SPECIAL THANKS Mason Sonnenburg Cameron Warnke Andres Christian Associated Press Student Press Law Center PRINTED BY Action Printing
REPORTERS James Linstrom, Allie Woebbeking, Duncan Corbin, Skiler Heideman, Jensyn Ronca, Kyle Larson, Mason Biever, Eliana Torres, Alex Launders, Bailey Briester, Sara Edgren, Casey McKeough
DISTRIBUTED BY Fond du Lac Journalism Department
LOCAL EDITOR John Haas OPINION EDITOR Brianna Burgess
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Local
SLICE OF HEAVEN Pastries on Park Avenue Taryn Schwind, Web Director
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hen walking through the door of Bryanna’s Bakery, warm feelings wash over you as the aroma of a variety of different sweets perk up your mood. The case full of delicious pastries gleams under the lighting as if it’s waiting for you to make a tough decision. Bryanna’s Bakery on Park Avenue is a well known bakery for many locals in the Fond du Lac area. It’s owned and operated by Jose Miranda, and he spends most of his time creating mesmerizing creations for any occasion. The bakery features an array of French pastries such as cannolis, macaroons, cream puff swans, cakes, cookies, creme brulee and a few other baked goods. The pricing is another bonus about
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the bakery; everything is very reasonable and will have you coming back for more. “I go there at least once a week ever since my ex-boyfriend brought me there,” junior Kiara Meitzner said. ”I always get an emoji cookie when I go..” In Meitzner’s opinion, Bryanna’s Bakery has great customer service which has never disappointed her. When Meitzner first stopped in the bakery a few years ago she purchased a donut and recalls it being one of the best donuts she has ever tasted . Many students also enjoy spending their lunch and release hours going to get fresh pastries as well. “I think Bryanna’s Bakery may not be the most comfortable place to stay at and eat in, however the shop looks quite invit-
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ing.” Junior Kiernan Koepke said, ”Also, on another note the food appears and tastes quite appetizing,” Koepke felt there are a lot of choices, too many in fact, but they all looked quite good. He found out about the shop through his brother and had eaten a cannoli for the first time when visiting the bakery about a week ago. Koepke isn’t sure how often he will be going to Bryanna’s Bakery, but he hopes it will be soon. Whether it’s just for a treat or something for a special occasion Bryanna’s bakery is certainly the place in Fond du Lac to go.
Local
WHO’S THE BEST IN FOND DU LAC? Eleven young men to compete to find out who’ll take home the title of Mr. FDL Bailey Breister, Reporter
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here are few places in Fond du Lac to see spectacles such as the performances by the gentleman in the Mr. Fond du Lac competition. Attendance offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, 11 acts consisting of singing, dancing and skits performed by Fond du Lac High School’s best from each grade. Contestants include students from all four grades competing to find out who will be the best. They will compete in beach wear, formal wear and in talent segments while joining together for performances of
piano playing, singing, guitar playing, juggling and lip reading. “I decided to compete because I aspire to publicly perform often,” Sophomore Simon Mueller said, whose talent will be juggling, “people can look forward to my body rolls.” Along with the fabulous talents by the gentlemen, there will be much humor, supplied by the hosts, Donovan Katarincic
and Will Mockert, who will be providing context -- and a little extra fun -- to the happenings. This must-attend event will be held at 7 p.m. on Mar. 23 at the Fond du Lac High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $5 ahead of time or $7 at the door. Proceeds benefit senior class activities such as prom and the senior banquet.
STUDENT EMPLOYEES Balancing a job and school Alyssa Keller, Reporter
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enior Wendie Strizek babysits everyday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and once a week she babysits overnight. “Sometimes I babysit overnight and I get tired during the school day,” Strizek said. As a result of a busy life, junior Kay Speidel decided to go with a seasonal job at Little Farmer. Having a job taught her the importance of being prepared, the positive effects of discipline and that personal growth is determined by one’s choices and attitude. Students are at an age where they feel expected to work, balance school and be an adult. Balancing school work and a social life can be tricky especially if students are working late on school nights then coming home to do homework. At Fond du Lac High School, a survey was sent out showing 68 percent of students have a job while 32 percent don’t. Student reasonings for having a job were mostly all
related to wanting money. But the answers for why students don’t want a job has a wide variety of answers from being too young to having too busy of a lifestyle. Fourty-four percent of Fond du Lac High School students surveyed said they don’t work in a fast food place while 27 percent said they do. The other 29 percent answered the question saying they do not have a job. Students’ jobs range in their variety of places. Whether it’s fast food, grocery stores, working as a CNA or working with children, all jobs can make a person more responsible and independent. The survey shows that the most common amount of hours students are getting is 11 to 15 hours a week. The second most common amount was 20 or more hours a week. With working many hours during the school week comes the potential for a student to feel drained and even fall behind in class work. Having a job isn’t always easy and can get
stressful to the point where it’s draining; but some jobs are rewarding and make you feel better. “When I’m having a bad at school all I can think about is how happy the kids are going to be when I get there,” Strizek said. The Wisconsin labor laws state that minors under 18 years old are required a 30 minute break when working six consecutive hours. Minors ages 16 and 17 must have 8 hours of rest between one shift and the next shift. Employees 18 years and older are not required to have a break after working 6 hours like minors. Minors are required to also get a work permit. Jobs play a big part in students’ lives from the struggling to find one, balancing a job and school and not having one because they’re already too busy. “I would definitely recommend getting a job, even to those students who are trying to balance a busy lifestyle,” Speidel said.
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Sports
SPORTS AROUND FONDY Golf Team Update
team to continually improve and get Snow Cannot Stop This Team better. “There are lots of people and he golf team is feeling very new opportunities present themselves optimistic this season with their to get acquainted with others you usunew simulator that they have ac- ally wouldn’t.” quired and are now using daily. The -Mason Biever, Reporter location of this simulator is to be kept secret. “The golf simulator has helped our team a lot so far as we have been able to keep the feel of our swing when Dance Team Stepping Up we can’t be outside,” senior Jonathan ondy’s Dance Team is looking Bensen said. “It doesn’t give the most for a new variety of people with any accurate readings for distance and amount of dancing skills and experiother small details, but helps keep the ence. As long as you come with motiteam sharp and ready for the season,” vation, dedication and a good attitude, The first day on the course is the Dance Team welcomes you to join planned for Mar. 27 and the team can- the team. not wait to get out to Rolling Mead- There will be an informational meeting ows and play some golf. on Tuesday Apr. 4 in the community -Duncan Corbin, Reporter room at Fond du Lac High School from 4 to 5 p.m. for those who are interested in trying out for the upcoming season. Paperwork needed to join the team for the season will be given to the attendShooting for Success ees. During the meeting, each person he Fond du Lac High School Trap Shooting team encourages newcomers and fans of the sport to become involved. With practice starting in spring, your opportunity to check it out is now--if you haven’t already. With the weather clearing up, the season is looking at favorable weather and the team is hoping for a great season. All participants involved in the trap shooting team are armed with a hunter safety license and if they’re without a firearm, there are options provided by the team to access one. With a league fee of $285 and guns and other additional fees, the fans of the sport take everything seriously. They’re true professionals, with the dedication of true athletes. “See, it’s either hit or miss, it’s all quantitative and not qualitative,” three year shooter Sam Sweetman said. Determination to do better and strive for the best is what has driven the trap
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Dance Team Tryouts
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Trap Shooting
can meet and get to know the coaches and their potential teammates. Although dance experience is recommended, it’s not a requirement. In May, there will be Open Gyms every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. dedicated to teaching people the basic skills needed to succeed and excel on the team. “A way people can come prepared for tryouts is to come to the open gyms that the team is offering,” dancer Brianna Pierce said. Tryouts for the team will be held on May 30 and 31. Anyone planning on attending tryouts should come wearing athletic clothing to be completely prepared for the given dances. “I really enjoyed being apart of the team this year,” Pierce said. “I had so many great experiences with the team this year and I’m looking forward for more experiences in the future.”
-Vyla Shea, Copyeditor
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Trap team shoots in the snow Mar. 6, 2017 photo courtesy: Camryn Oestreich
Sports
photo courtesy: Fondy Fire
THE ROBOTICS TEAM
Building the future and cool robots by Eliana Torres, Reporter
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ondy Fire Robotics Team 2194 has been round for 11 years having been established since 2006. Lori McEathron wanted her child, Carter, to become exposed to science and technology for future career pathways. In 2006 they attended the Midwest Regional FIRST Robotics Competition, soon McEathron became fond of the idea of starting their own team. Mceathron started the team at Moraine Park Technical College in the integrated manufacturing center. They recruited children within the community to join the team. They all came together in 2007, the same year they had their very first competition. Currently the the robotics team is be-
ing largely supported by Mark Holthus, an engineer for John Deere, and his wife, Pat. Mark has helped many children have successful experiences in the program. “Just go for it. great learning experience. good opportunities,” Senior August Schuett team 2194 co-captain said. Schuett is a dedicated member of four years, Schuett started building robots in seventh grade and officially joined the Fondy Fire team during freshman year. Schuett plans on attending college to become an astrophysicist. Robotics have helped guide Schuett in choosing a career path and encourages everyone to give robotics a shot.
“ I did not realize being on the robotics team would impact my life so much.” The robotics team meets every day of the week except for Friday and Sunday They have ended their building season and are currently preparing for the upcoming US FIRST 2017 Wisconsin Regional Robotics Competition at the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena near the Bradley Center. It will take place March 23 through March 25. Fondy Fire will also be attending Seven Rivers Regional FIRST Robotics Competition at La Crosse Civic Center taking place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Apr. 14 and Apr. 15.
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FEATURES FEATURES
OPEN MIC NIGHT DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH TRANSGENDER DISCRIMINATION
A V A
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An exploration of Open Mic Night at Annie’s Fountain City Cafe by John Haas, Local Editor Photos Courtesy Camryn Oestreich, Copy Editor
S ARE K N I R D “THE OOD IS F E H T , GOOD ON’T D E W , D GOO OPLE. E P E R U PRESS OME IN C T S U J THEY GOOD A E V A AND H TIME.” ulver Annie C
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ean Grohall carried bongos and Trevor Lindgren held a mandolin as they made their way to the microphone. Little did the audience know that Lindgren was concealing a kazoo which would be whipped out and buzzed at various points while showcasing his four fast-paced original songs for the first time. “In trying to do a solo, the sound kind of drops,” Lindgren said. “I had a kazoo in my car.” CARDINAL COLUMNS.ORG
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he unorthodox twist seemed to be received with head-bobbing and foot-tapping from the audience. “I’ve been trying to go more pop. I started in orchestra, then went to ska and bluegrass. I’ve been all over the map with styles, but mostly I’m trying to focus on pop,” Lindgren said. This was the first time the pair of friends performed as one of the acts for an Open Mic Night at Annie’s Fountain City Cafe. Though they have performed together in the past, they hadn’t practiced these songs together prior. “It’s usually no big deal,” Grohall
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said. “This was more nerve-racking than a lot of shows I’ve played.” However, the two smiled after the performance. “Everyone needs a creative outlet and it’s good fun,” Lindgren said. “You don’t gotta be the best always.” Such were the sentiments and atmosphere which colored the wholly-accepting experience of the sixth Open Mic Night at Annie’s Fountain City Cafe on Feb. 20. Those in attendance, both performers and customers alike from Fond du Lac and surrounding areas, found a night of enjoyment in a one-of-a-kind venue. Annie’s Fountain City Cafe sits
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rooted at 72 S Main St. and beckons with a red neon trim glow at night. Upon entering the cafe around 6:30 p.m., an air of preparatory excitement for performances at the open mic is immediately revealed. The string lights hang above the open-concept coffee bar and produce a warming ambience over the counter seats and the chairs lining the wall, all facing a corner to the right. It’s here that a stool, twin speakers, a music stand and a microphone await the commencement of the two hour event held on Wednesday nights. The customers lined up to place orders, found spots to station themselves or mulled around to peruse the tasteful decorations intricately interwoven into the living, down-to-Earth character of the cafe. The employees seemed eager to please and a call could be heard for another pot of coffee by the voice of Annie Culver, the cafe’s owner. The busy Wednesday night was not anything new for her. “I would say from the beginning we have consistently had large crowds,” Culver said. “At least 50 a night have been coming in.” It wasn’t long after the first scheduled open mic night via Facebook invite on Jan. 11 that things were picking up; coincidentally, this was the day before the cafe’s one-year anniversary. “I think that the social media really fueled that at least to remind people,” she
said. “The thing I find exciting is the young people that are coming.” “It’s bringing in people who have never been here before,” Culver said. “That is kind of second. I think the important thing for us is that we’re providing an opportunity for people to come out and play that want to play. I think that it’s good for something to do.” Culver takes pride in the atmosphere that has been created for both performers and customers, and it has offered a great return. “We have seen the same people coming, and I think that they’re having fun,” she said. “I think Annie’s is providing a comfortable space for them to come and hang out. I think it’s a good vibe.” This is shown in the ways of vocal praise and unspoken understandings from those who make return visits. “I hope that’s why people are coming back,” Culver said. “I hope it’s because we are treating them well. The drinks are good, the food is good, we don’t pressure people. They just come in and have a good time.” A 16-year-old from Fox Lake moved to the microphone with her acoustic guitar to brave being the first performer of the night. Her name is Sienna Nichole and she sound-checked while Blane Dille, a rep-
resentative from Mike’s Music, manned the equipment of the setup. It was then the night began. Nichole started with two Taylor Swift songs, “Begin Again” and “Stay Stay Stay,” respectively, followed by an original entitled “Wrong” and an untitled song which was created the day before accompanied by a switch to ukulele. “It’s nice to be able to get myself out there. It’s an amazing feeling,” Nichole said. “It’s the thrill of being on stage. I enjoy being a solo artist and doing my own thing.” Another duo, a woman and a man who held a guitar, went to the performance spot while the cafe staff hustled about busily taking drink and food orders. The duo rounded out their set with a slow, ominous fingerstyle guitar piece which immediately turned all heads and produced phone cameras from pockets and purses. Afterwards the cafe remained quiet for a while. Jonathan Koepsell, a Fond du Lac resident, followed and played two songs, starting with a cover of “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash. “I like to call it open practice,” Koepsell said, preceding his performance. “Fond du Lac kind of sucks for live music,” he said. “Just the fact that there’s anything going on is great.”
The premise of acceptance stayed fixed throughout the night’s performances. An audience member, who had been sitting at a table in front of the performance area, took in the experience from the beginning until the 8:30 p.m. end time. “It’s really cool,” Kierstyn Krohn said. “It’s genuinely a new experience because we don’t get out of Dodge often.” Krohn is from Waupun and had come to watch her friend perform. After that, she decided to stay for the entirety of the event. It was Krohn’s first time experiencing the Open Mic Night at Annie’s Fountain City Cafe, and she felt it was highly possible she will be coming back. “It’s a lot of fun hearing people come out,” she said. “You don’t get those types of experiences in Waupun.” An announcement of the end time was made after a few more performers, and people began to walk out into the night again. The difference was they had been exposed to a general contentedness, a welcoming feel and a unique experience in the heart of downtown Fond du Lac on a weeknight. By first hand experience and word of mouth, customers have started to look forward to the two hours of live music at Annie’s on the coming Wednesday nights paired with good company and resulting satiation.
“IT’S NICE T O BE ABLE TO GET MYSELF OUT TH ERE. IT’S AN AMA ZING FEELING,” Sienna Nic hole
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DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH Kimberly Richardson
by Brianna Burgess, Opinion
Editor
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rom a young age, senior Kimberly Richardson was always an artist in many aspects. Throughout her life, she was always drawing since she could remember, and in fourth grade, she asked for her own violin for Christmas. “I just really remember loving the sound of string instruments,” Richardson said. “I don’t specifically remember why I wanted to play the violin over the other instruments; probably because it was the most popular.” While Richardson wasn’t always in fine arts, she recounts being in orchestra for eight years, choir for four years, theater for three years, and officially in the arts program for one year. Each of the arts had its own idiosyncrasies that were all appealing, so it was a given that she joined all of them. Her only regret was not joining band. Richardson attempted to learn the Photo courtesy : Duncan Corbin trombone to join band this school year, but it simply didn’t work out. Though band didn’t work out for Richard “I tried so hard to learn the tromson, she still encourages everyone to try and bone,” she said. “It was just so completely get into the fine arts. different compared to ... any of the instru “I’ve had quite a few hard things ments I play.” happen in my life ... and I feel like the one
thing that I’ve used is music. Not necessarily playing or singing ... but even listening to music is even therapeutic. So that’s had a huge impact on my life for sure,” Richardson said, and though she admitted that being in the fine arts requires time and patience, she still encourages everyone to join. “I think [the fine arts] have made me more of a people person. I’ve always been chit-chatty and talk to anyone, but I definitely think that being part of big ensembles like choir has made me not shy about doing anything,” she said. “You meet so many people [in the fine arts]. ... Almost all of my friends I met through the fine arts program and we’re so close. And these aren’t just friends that I’m not going to talk to after high school-- I’ll probably talk to these people for the rest of my life or try to keep in touch.” Getting into the fine arts for the camaraderie and fun is easier than most people would think. According to Richardson, you simply have to go for it. “If it’s playing an instrument, you just have to pick it up and start. It’s going to be really, really hard at first, but the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. ... Every person is their own worst [critic], like, we judge ourselves more than other people judge us most likely.”
Kevin Acevado Santos by James Lindstrom, Staff Writer
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enior Kevin Acevedo Santos moved to Fond du Lac from his home in Puerto Rico 2 ½ years ago to start his freshman year of high school in the US. Acevedo came to America to care for a sick relative, and stayed for the opportunities. “The schools are better here,” says Acevedo. Surprisingly, one of Santos’s favorite things about living here is the snow, something most people have learned to take for granted. Santos was also surprised by all of the holidays that were not celebrated where he was from, like April Fools and Fat Tuesday. Santos visits Puerto Rico from time to time to visit his father. “That’s enough for me,” Santos
Will Mockert by Noah Burdett,
Managing Editor
H
e sat with a relaxed yet attentive posture with his hands out in front, each answer given with deep thought, his facial expressions showed sincerity you can tell he’s used to giving meaningful responses. Will Mockert is a senior at Fond du Lac High School, many know him for the various roles in school productions including a role in the upcoming community theater production “Man of LaMacha” directed by Steve Wilson. Mockert has amazed many on stage with his talents under the spotlight, but what a lot of people don’t know is the many ways he shines. “Theater is just fun for me, I don’t look at it like that’s what i want my career to be like in the future it’s just... something i like to do on the side,” Mockert said. Mockert balances
says. One of Santos’s highest aspirations in his life is to become a music teacher. He has been a percussionist at Fond du Lac High School for about a year and a half, and plans to major in music education in college. This year, he started taking lessons with Scott Elford, the percussion instructor here at Fondy. “Kevin exhibits the kind of passion that it takes to be a great instructor,” Elford said. “Originally wanting to play trombone, and considering that he has come this far having played percussion for only two years, with hard work and determination, he has what it takes to be a great percussionist.” Santos Photo Courtesy: James Linstrom looks forward to continuing on his musical career at UW-Oshkosh this fall.
an intense schedule of AP classes and volleyball. During volleyball’s off-season, he focuses on theater. “Success is when you give something your best effort and you see the end product. . .if you kind of maximize or at least attempt to maximize your own potential and you work hard and you do what you need to do and you make your goals a reality that’s success,” Mockert said After high school, Mockert plans on attending post-secondary school to focus on civil and environmental engineering. Where he will learn how to design cities and different types of infrastructures to be as eco-friendly and efficient as possible, while also curbing additional damages from natural disasters, such as flooding, where the water would drain away from the cities quickly and passively. “I want to help design facilities and systems that will help society kind of behind the scenes. . .so that in the future when we have eight [to] nine billion people on this planet, we can effectively support all of them.”
Photo courtesy: Duncan Corbin
access denied.
Transgender students feel the effect of discrimination and threats of violence, but the situation hasn’t improved Robert Brown, Editor-in-Chief
Oppression. Harassment. Violence. THREE IN TEN TRANS PEOPLE WERE FIRED FROM THEIR JOB
54 PERCENT
OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN VERBALLY HARASSED
ONE IN TEN
TRANS STUDENTS WERE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED
2015 UNITED STATES TRANSGENDER SURVEY, NATIONAL CENTER FOR TRANSGENDER EQUALITY
arper, a non-binary student, shares that they and many trans students are not free from bullying. “I feel safe from violence, but not from harassment,” Harper said. Harper was provided anonymity to help to reduce the risk of being outed and further harassment and curb threats of possible violence. “[What makes me feel uncomfortable is] people using slurs to each other jokingly. . especially the f slur. . . almost treating the [trans] community as a joke,” they said. Harper even said that they heard people claim to be transgender in various social groups. Harper heard slurs and jokes that negatively portrayed trans students in their morning classes. 15
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“I don’t feel like it’s purpose-
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ful hatred, but more like kids just don’t understand what they’re saying is not O.K. and hurtful. . . you can’t laugh about someone’s identity and who they are,” Harper added. Oppression. Harassment. Violence. These words are familiar to many trans students, who are at heightened risk for discrimination, hatred, violence and emotional distress, including depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. With same-sex marriage permitted in July 2015 in a landmark Supreme Court decision, gay rights prevailed in the United States. However, Trans rights still lacked behind in victories that others cherished. States across the country have introduced legislation dubbed “bathroom bills,” designed to require transgender students and transgender adults that use public restrooms to use the restrooms that correspond to their sex at birth, with sex referring to the genitals and
chromosomes of the person. These bills also strip anti-discrimination laws and ordinances that prohibit discrimination in the workplace, at businesses and in public areas for all LGBTQ+ people. Here at Fondy, the grey areas, including the actual policy on bathrooms and locker rooms, have become overwhelming. Elliott, a non-binary student that does not use pronouns and is also provided anonymity, feels as if students don’t realize that a lack of openminded thinking hurt trans individuals. “It’s a lot of ignorance that makes me feel the most uncomfortable,” Elliott said. “People have ideas that are really binary.” Quinn Salas, a binary trans student that identifies as a woman,
you can’t laugh about someone’s identity and who they are.
said she doesn’t necessarily feel the most cisions above us have been made and are in comfortable or safe at the school. place and are going to stay in place. . . so we “Personally, I do not feel safe at the don’t have to change it again,” Jurgella said. school mainly due to outside-of-school so- When asked about whether or not he was cial media interactions with students at the referring to the “bathroom bill” legislation school and conversations that aren’t very sup- making the rounds in other states, like Senate portive of trans folks,” she said. “. . .walking Bill 582 that was introduced in Wisconsin in down the halls, something could happen to 2015, he confirmed that he was and went me.” on to say things are in flux at the state and She, out of fear, has stayed home federal levels. “I have not been made aware from school to of anyone in imavoid possible haminent danger at rassment. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE this point, so I “Recently, my think we have the attendance was THAT DECISIONS ABOVE US ability to make really bad, bethis decision as a cause I had re- HAVE BEEN MADE AND ARE group when the ally bad anxiety new school year about coming [to IN PLACE AND ARE GOING TO comes,” he said. school],” she said. “It takes about “It’s starting to STAY IN PLACE. . . SO WE DON’T a month and a feel a little more half [to change comfortable, but HAVE TO CHANGE IT AGAIN a policy],” SuI still don’t feel reperintendent Dr. ally safe here yet.” James Sebert said. Harper, Elliott and Quinn, in their “It starts with a workshop, a first read and a experiences, have heard and seen trans insults second read,” he said. Sebert added that the throughout the high school that may go un- policy currently in place could be 29 years punished. old, having been dramatically amended in The anti-discrimination policy of 1988. the Fond du Lac School District protects The Board of Education will hold students from discrimination, but falls short it’s annual meetings to revisit all policies of from including gender expression and gender the Fond du Lac School District after the identity, with gender identity being some- school year has concluded. It is unclear if the one’s sense of being versus gender expression board will consider changing the policy if the being how one conveys that identity. These state and federal governments are still indecitwo additions, advocates say, are crucial in sive on the topic. stopping harassment of trans students, main- When asked, Harper responded ly due to the language that is already there. with a simple and stern “yes” regarding Stating that the school district refrains from whether or not trans students felt at risk at discriminating from race, ethnicity or sexual the school. The feeling of the board being orientation means that the lack of language out of touch with the students resonates with stating that freedom of gender identity and trans students all too well. gender expression is neither acceptable or In the case of the Public Facilities unacceptable leaves the void of legal dis- Privacy & Security Act, or House Bill 2 in crimination that can happen on the school North Carolina, proponents of the bill cited district’s watch. Even though anti-bullying crime reports that were used as evidence to policies deter bullying in a general sense, justify the passing of the bill. The cases inteachers or staff members may ask a student volved sexual predators wearing feminine to change or to refrain from certain actions clothing to “break existing laws,” as NPR rethat may pertain to gender expression, such ported in May of last year. as wearing a skirt, wearing makeup, among Through legal battles at the state other things. and federal levels, including a two-way law Board of Education President Mark suit between the Department of Justice and Jurgella said in an interview with the Cardi- the government of North Carolina, the long nal Columns that the board is cautious in process of repealing the bill started in North taking steps. Carolina with the Democrat Gov. of the state “We want to make sure that the de- at the helm. On March 7, news came that
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the Department of Justice will consider dropping the lawsuit against House Bill 2, clearing the preliminary injunction the Justice Department had on the bill. The Alabama Privacy Act, commonly referred to as Senate Bill 1 or SB1, although permits mixed-gender bathrooms, requires an attendant to be present to “answer questions” and “prevent criminal conduct” in the bathroom. The eight-page bill is unclear whether the attendant is on-duty at all times or whether the attendant is directly in the bathroom or directly outside. In 2015, the Wisconsin legislature held hearings regarding the so-called “bathroom bill,” but when confronted by resistance, it was supposedly amended to include the school’s choice to offer gender-neutral bathrooms. Senate Bill 582 was read for the first time, but the joint resolution failed and the bill was not up for vote in the legislature. For some, gender-neutral bathrooms may not benefit them. As Quinn identifies as a woman, she would not feel as comfortable using a gender-neutral bathroom as she would feel the most comfortable using the women’s bathroom. “It can definitely be beneficial, but not very beneficial to me,” Salas said, noting that she doesn’t feel comfortable in the men’s bathroom either. “It is frowned upon [when I use the women’s bathroom]. They [the administration] say ‘Hey, you know not to do that,’” Salas said. When asked about the failure of amending the school district’s policy on discrimination and the possible passage of a “bathroom bill” in Wisconsin, she said that a “fierce resistance” would be necessary to make trans voices heard. On the contrary, Harper and Elliott are non-binary, so neither one would feel comfortable in the existing bathrooms. Currently, the only “unisex”, or mixed-gender bathrooms, are in the nurse’s office inside the Main Office at the high school, in addition to the staff bathrooms. But, this presents an issue, as cisgender students have 14 bathrooms, one men’s and one women’s in each pod upstairs and downstairs, one men’s and one women’s in the Commons, one men’s and one women’s in the Music Department and one men’s in the men’s locker room and one women’s in the women’s locker room, making it difficult for trans students to walk
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2015 UNITED STATES TRANSGENDER SURVEY, WITH MORE THAN 29,000 RESPONDENTS
all the way down to the Main Office, use the bathroom and walk to their classes in five minutes. It may feel embarrassing for a trans student to do so much work just to relieve themselves. That is why the some students wait until the end of the school day to use the restroom. Staff can easily deny trans students access to the staff bathrooms, as there is no current policy for accommodation for these students. In addition to bathroom hardships, many of the “bathroom bills” state changing rooms are to be used by a single sex, as Senate Bill 582 explains, poses the question of where would trans students change if they are uncomfortable with the facilities in place or they are required to use a facility they do not feel fits their identity. As to all controversial topics, there is pushback from all sides. BuzzFeed reported in August 2016 that a cisgender student in Pennsylvania claimed that she was being discriminated 17
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against due to the Obama administration guidelines to allow trans students use restrooms and locker rooms they felt most comfortable with using. “I am a woman, and I identify as a woman, and you can’t make me change in front of someone who I don’t identify with, who is physically male,” student Sigourney Doyle said at a meeting. She is referring to transgender students that were born as a man that identify as a woman changing in the women’s locker room, which makes her feel uncomfortable. She then started sitting out of her gym class, citing her discontent with the policy. “I also feel nothing against transgenders [sic],” Doyle said. “I know some and I don’t have anything wrong with them. I would just not like their rights to overrule my own. We are equals. They are not better and I am not better,” she said. In an open letter to state legislatures
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across the country, various organizations like the National Education Association (NEA), the American Academy for Pediatrics, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) denounced the legislation, conveying their displeasure with the bills across the country. “Transgender kids are already at heightened risk for violence, bullying and harassment, and these bills exacerbate those risks by creating a hostile environment in one of the places they should feel the safest and most supported. In addition, students who would be affected by these bills are among our most vulnerable to experiencing depression and engaging in self harm, including suicide.” All three Fondy students encourage activism and coming together to show that the transgender community’s voice is loud and trans allies are by their side.
DURING REPORTING ON TRANSGENDER DISCRIMINATION, MADISON METROPOLITIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT TWEETED REGARDING THE ISSUE, ADDRESSING “INCLUSIVENESS” AND THE REASONING BEHIND IN ACCOMODATING TO GENDER-NEUTRAL STUDENTS AND OTHER TRANS INDIVIDUALS THROUGHOUT THE STUDENT BODY.
these bills exacerbate those risks by creating a hostile environment in one of the places they should feel the safest and most supported. IN ADDITION TO MADISION, OSHKOSH WEST, A SCHOOL WITHIN THE FOX VALLEY ASSOCIATION AND WITH MULTIPLE CLUB PARTNERSHIPS WITH FOND DU LAC, HAS GENDERNEUTRAL BATHROOMS TO MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT SAFE AND AS PASSIVE AS POSSIBLE.
staff can easily deny trans students access to the staff bathrooms, as there is no current policy for accommodation[s]. . .
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Opinion
Human Functions Do Not Equal A Privilege Everyone uses the bathroom, so mind your own business and keep your nose in your stall
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he Alabama Privacy Act states that mixed gender bathrooms must be monitored by a person to ensure the bathroom is used “appropriately” and they must answer any questions asked. Session Law 2016-3 House Bill 2 in North Carolina requires single-sex bathrooms and for each person to use the bathroom that aligns with their biological sex. Senate Bill 6 in Texas is in the process of going through Texas’s legislative system, which is almost identical to North Carolina’s bills. All of these have been dubbed “bathroom bills.” Most of the conversations surrounding transgender rights have eventually led to the one thing everyone has their minds on-- bathrooms. The idea of different genitalia occupying the same bathroom (NOT in the same stall) is repulsive to some, but in reality, it isn’t any of their business who is using what bathroom. People are confusing the definition of “transgender” and “rapists.” Transgender people don’t identify as the gender they were assigned at birth, and therefore, if someone tells you they are a trans woman, she is a woman, and vice versa. Therefore, it only makes sense that they should use the bathroom with which they identify, not to rape people. Women go in the women’s bathroom, and men go in the men’s bathroom.
People are not defined by what’s between their legs. Gender, in essence, is a social construct that we’ve built around genitalia. Genitalia do not (or, at least, should not) define how a person acts and interacts with others. Biological females and biological males to act in a feminine and masculine manner, respectively, but this simply isn’t how society works. Tomboys and feminine guys are a prime example of this socially acceptable way of breaking the gender construct, as both categories are expected to grow out of it with age. It only makes sense for people to not conform to a social construct, as not everyone fits perfectly into “good” and “bad” categories when judging their personality and actions. Following this logic, it makes sense to provide bathrooms to people who don’t identify within the social construct. It makes sense to allow people to use the bathroom they want to. But people accuse men of
"PEOPLE ARE CONFUSING THE DEFINITIONS OF 'TRANSGENDER' AND 'RAPISTS.'"
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acting transgender. They theorize men will enter women’s bathrooms wrongfully and sexually harass and assault women. But rape is rape, regardless of gender and bathroom laws. Nothing is stopping men now from going into bathrooms to rape. Letting transgender people use the bathroom they want does not legalize rape. We also have to acknowledge the sexism in these arguments. They aren’t concerned about rape in general, as there isn’t any objection to transgender men, transitioned or not, using the men’s bathroom. We don’t talk about older men raping young boys. This is simply a thinly-veiled way of hiding one’s transphobia. Although some states have exceptions for gender-neutral bathrooms, this doesn’t completely solve the issue. Yes, some people don’t identify as a girl or a boy (and this has been prevalent throughout history), but this doesn’t solve the problem for people who identify within the binary. This still bars them from using the bathroom they’d like and puts them in danger of outing themselves as transgender by using the genderneutral bathroom.
"TO PUT IT SIMPLY, THE WORLD ISN'T GOING TO END IF YOU SHARE A BATHROOM WITH A TRANSGENDER PERSON."
Opinion T o put it simply, the world isn’t going to end if you share a bathroom with a transgender person. Chances are, you probably have and didn’t realize it, as most transgender people use stalls and don’t share that stall with anyone else. B e hind closed doors, the Fond du Lac Board of Education is hesitant to take any action to protect transgender students or even acknowledge that there is a substantial problem at all. There are over a dozen transgender students who don’t feel comfortable using the bathrooms in the schools. Gender identity and gender expression is still excluded from our anti-discrimination policy after countless attempts to work with the Board of Education to include it. This means that anyone, staff or students included, can legally discriminate against transgender individuals in the Fond du Lac School
District and our school board is idling on the topic. They are telling transgender students that they are not welcome here. And to you, President Mark Jurgella, you claim that you see no imminent danger for transgender students when one of our editors identifies as transgender and attempted suicide last year due to the discrimination they faced from peers and teachers. That same editor also refuses to go to the bathroom in the high school due to the fact that they don’t feel comfortable going in either bathroom. This means that editor is holding their bladder for 7+ hours a day (and they like to stay hydrated), which is simply unhealthy and putting them at risk for multiple health complications. President Jurgella, you say that you’re waiting for state or federal intervention to avoid having to revise anything, and frankly, you’re just being lazy, not efficient. You waiting for legal discrimination on a state or federal level regarding bathrooms does not mean gender identity and gender expression can’t be in the anti-discrimination policy now, or even if such a law were to be introduced in Wisconsin. Bathrooms and feeling safe and respected in a classroom are two different things. We aren’t going to stand for it anymore. Many staff members of the Cardinal Columns feel uncomfortable knowing that the Fond du Lac Board of Education is continuing this cycle of discrimination. It’s unacceptable, and to truly be proud of our school and school district, we must make it a safe place for everyone.
Noah Burdett, Managing Editor
Brianna Burgess, Opinion Editor
Robert Brown, Editor-in-Chief
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CULTURE
HOROSCOPES TAROT CARD READING BEAUTY BUFFS
Culture
ARIES
You will find yourself getting rid of that angry feeling, Aries. Accept the people and environment around you, you can’t change ev-
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TAURUS Remind yourself of your goals and aspirations this week, Taurus. You will be finding yourself losing all sense of motivation, don’t let it
GEMINI You will be taking a lot of inventory of your life this week, Gemini. Try to focus on what you need rather than what you want.
LEO You will find great satisfaction for yourself this week, Leo. Do what you are passionate about and amplify it. Bring your friends along too.
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CANCER You will be feeling very romantic this week Cancer, whether you have a significant other or not. Fancy yourself and freshen up with a new haircut or some new clothes.
VIRGO
You will be very motivated this week. Try and use this to motivate your friends and family as well. The weekend will surely be fun, Virgo.
Culture
LIBRA You will find yourself being very balanced this week, Libra. The planets will align and your creativity will be at
SCORPIO
Your emotions will get the best of you this week, Scorpio. You will be finding yourself overthinking things that do not deserve it. Sit back and relax, all will be well.
SAGITTARIUS This week will be the week you finally feel energized after being tired for so long. Expect to rest well and eat healthy, you will be feeling great by the weekend, Sagittarius.
AQUARIUS This week the planets will align in your favor. On Monday you will conquer something that you have been wanting to conquer and it will give you good graces throughout the entire week.
CAPRICORN Have you been taking good care of yourself, Capricorn? This week should be focused on you. Take a deep breath and stop stressing over things that can be stressed over at a later time.
PISCES This is your week for romance, Pisces. Monday you may receive news that will lighten your heart. Wednesday expect your romantic life to take a turn for the better.
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Culture
TAROT TAROT IN THE DECK Telling the future one card at a time by Casey McKeough, Report
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he Sun card turned my skepticism about reading upside down. I was visiting Angels Forever in Appleton to get a feel for the place, but I definitely was not a believer. Looking at Tarot Cards, it is hard to believe that any of it is true. That was before I took a seat and Rachel, my Tarot card reader, flipped over the first card, the one meant to describe me, and it was The Sun. Tarot (Teh-ro) readings are a way of telling the past, struggles going on in the present, and what has happened in the past. Each reading is individual to each person and what each person wants to know about themselves There are 78 cards in a deck, and
each represents something different and specific. Wands, Pentacles, Cups, Swords and the individual spectacles. Each element has 2-10 and an Ace, Page, Knight, King, and Queen. The individuals are The Fool, Magician, High Priestess, Empress, Emperor, Hierophant, Lovers, Chariot, Hermit, Justice, Hanged Man, Death, Temperance, Devil, Tower, Sun, Judgement. To be correctly read for each unique question or situation, different formations are used. Each formation sets the cards up in an order to be informative and answer the specific problem at hand. The Celtic Cross Formation is the most popular from. The Celtic Cross Formation shows the present, past, then the future.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE OF TAROT IS TO REMEMBER THAT THE CARDS ARE MIRRORS."
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With the Celtic Cross, the first card shown is the card that shows the present day struggles. The second card shown is how to fix the task or problem that is being faced. Then the third card shown shows how the future will be if you follow what the solution card tells you. The most important rule of Tarot is to remember that the cards are mirrors, what you put into the reading is what you get back. It is like a weather forecast, not the weather. But, like the weather forecast, the cards have a foundation of truth.
Culture
The Cup stands for each person’s spirit, wishes, fears, and all other feelings.
Justice stands for not only being able to critize, but also being courteous enough to praise others as well.
The Wand stands for the power of growth and change.
THE MOST IMPORTANT DETAILS ARE HIDDEN IN THE BACKGROUND The Sword stands for each person’s independence. In Each indivisual thoughts and opinions.
Death shows the oppertunity to put things to rest; Knowing you must let go in order to start new.
The Pentacle stands for each person’s talent and wealth. The Pentacle also stands for possibilites for you to take hold of.
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REVIEWS FIFTY SHADES DARKER Culture
Fifty Shades Better
by Duncan Corbin, Reporter
V
alentine’s Day heated up with the premiere of the follow up to Fifty Shades of Grey. This movie did many things right: it had a stellar cast, in-depth acting, and gorgeous cinematography. An element that made this movie even better than the last is that it had multiple layers of suspense and mystery behind side characters and even Christian himself. The characters feel more in depth this time around thanks to the dialogue and acting, making for a more engaging viewing experience. Rather than the original which was a movie that you didn’t have to pay attention to, this movie had you en-
better due to some solid screenplay writing. In the last movie the dialogue was static and one dimensional and the movie was just a bland sexploitation flick, in this movie the characters are more fleshed out and have more emotion to them than just being constantly sexually aroused all the time. If you like sexy, suspense filled movies then this is for you. Photo Courtesy: Universal Pictures gaged with every frame. This is such a better effort by every The characters in the original had one involved over the first movie and if you no chemistry, in this movie you feel for the can watch this then do it. characters and are able to connect with them
LA LA LAND LOOKS LAUDABLE Photo Courtesy: Black Label Media
Worth the watch by Vyla Shea, Copy Editor
S
et in modern day Los Angeles, La La Land is a movie about two people who strive to become successful doing the things that they love the most. La La Land stars Emma tone who plays Mia and Ryan Gosling who plays Sebastian. While trying to maintain their relationship, Mia and Sebastian strive to do the things they love in a city that breaks hearts and crushes careers and dreams. Mia is a striving actress and Sebastian is a devoted jazz musician. Both of these interests are difficult to incorporate into a
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stable career but while bringing the viewers on an emotional-rollercoaster, they make it happen. La La Land is an amazing movie that pulls at your heartstrings with its fantastic emotional plot by portraying reallife struggles. This movie illustrates how people strive for things but they don’t always turn out the way they were supposed to. With it’s passionate dialogue, the movie keeps the audience intrigued and always wanting and waiting to know what will happen next. The music played throughout the movie is by far one of the best aspects within the movie. Although it didn’t end how most people hoped it would, the movie is definitely worth the watch.
ASK TARIENE AND GENNA
Opinion
An advice column created to answer YOUR questions! Want your question to be featured? Submit yours at: http://bit.ly/2kKNvdy
Dear Tariene and Genna, What do you do if you have a huge assignment due next hour, but you don’t have it done? -Late Assignment
Dear Late Assignment, Hope that your teacher forgot the assignment was due or that your teacher is sick. -Tariene and Genna
Dear Tariene and Genna, If you work as a security guard at a Samsung store, are you a guardian Dear Looking For Work, of the Galaxy? -Looking No, you would be considFor Work ered a firefighter. -Tariene and Genna Dear Tariene and Genna, What should I do if my ex’s best friend kissed me? -Kissed
Dear Kissed, We advise that you shouldn’t let it happen again because it isn’t a nice thing to do to your ex, even if you strongly dislike them. Don’t be the person that bounces around friend groups; that’s just not classy. -Tariene and Genna
Dear Tariene and Genna, Why do we keep getting marked absent during Cardinal Time over and over. -Absent
Dear Absent, We think you wouldn’t be marked absent if you would just show up to class. -Tariene and Genna
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Fondy High Bullseye
Each issue, the Cardinal Columns throws a dart at a map of Fond du Lac, Wis. and searches for a story where the dart lands. For this issue, the dart landed on the intersection of Cty. Rd. V/U.S. Hwy. 45 and U.S. Hwy. 151. Photo Courtesy: Ducan Corbin (all)
CONSTRUCTION DRIVING PEOPLE MAD AT MAD MAX W Robert Brown, Editor-in-Chief hen speeding past the Cty Rd. V/U.S. Hwy. 151/U.S. Hwy. 45 intersection at 55 mph, you probably don’t think of the businesses along the route. The Mad Max Convenience Store in Fond du Lac on the southeast side stands snug between the tripartite of the newly-constructed roundabouts, overpass and Cty. Rd. V to its side. With many months of construction complete and many traffic headaches, the so-called “partial cloverleaf interchange” is open for traffic, accompanied by the roundabouts, the County V overpass and a new addition to U.S. Hwy. 45 (signed Park Ave.) connecting Fond du Lac Ave. and Cty. Rd. V via two six-foot lanes, northbound and southbound, to a roundabout. Many severe traffic accidents can be avoided as per the implementation of a series of roundabouts, reducing conflict points from 32 in a conventional intersection to eight, in turn, reducing the risk for a head-on collision due to the traffic flow in a roundabout being one way. They are clearly
signed and easy to follow, eliminating the need for stop signs or traffic lights. Regardless, motorists can still be deceived. The lack of roadway signage for Mad Max can cause drivers to miss the exit for the gas station and convenience store. Unlike its Johnson St. counterpart, the 151/45/V exit does not have signs outlining lodging, food or gas available in the area. Mad Max employee Brooke Fryman said that drivers were confused by the construction and may overlook the store. “I think the weather hurt [the business] just as much as the construction did,” Fryman said. When asked about the lack of indicators for commuters to exit for the gas station, “[Signage] would definitely help,” she said. The fluctuating Wisconsin winter hasn’t helped business either. “I’m going to be optimistic that business will pick up again,” Fryman said. “In winter, people don’t want to go out and about as much,” she said. And although the construction hin-
dered traffic through the area, not everything was at a halt. “Most of our business is from [Cty. Rd.] V,” Fryman noted. According to Fryman, Mad Max plans to open a cafe at the location serving food and various beverages. With the proximity of the trail lateral to 151, she hopes that joggers will stop in. Since 2000, Mad Max has served Wisconsin with its first location in West Bend and an opening of a second location in Sheboygan, subsequently. After the acquisition of O’Connor Oil in 2014, Mad Max inherited a “fuel hauling transport division and wholesale gas jobbership,” a jobbership being a seller that purchases gasoline from refiners to sell to gas stations. In this case, Mad Max is the gas station. Currently, Mad Max owns 10 locations in Wisconsin and The Stretch restaurant and truck stop on Pioneer Rd. on the north border of Fond du Lac. In addition to the Cty. Rd. V and Pioneer Rd. locations, Mad Max also serves Fond du Lac from its Fond du Lac Ave. location.