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Taking the Rustic Roads less traveled

By Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

There was a time when traveling in Wisconsin meant a ride through quiet open spaces and small roads, many unpaved and lined with the open country land and farms. But through the years, times and industry have changed and some have become paved multi-lane venues filled with advertising signs while others are Interstate highways that encourage us to get everywhere faster.

The days of the open country were fast disappearing when, in 1973, the state Legislature created the Rustic Road program to help retain some of the picturesque roads throughout the state.

Although the plan was created in 1973, it wasn’t until 1975 that Rustic Road No. 1 was designated. It’s located just north of Medford and crosses hills and valleys formed by the last Wisconsin glacier, which covered the area nearly 12,000 years ago.

So, what exactly makes a road a Rustic Road? According to Wisconsin DOT staff, it must have outstanding natural features along its borders, including such things as rugged terrain, native vegetation, and wildlife, along with open areas with agricultural vistas that make the road unique.

In the introduction to the 2024 Wisconsin Rustic Roads Guide, Governor Tony Evers

shared his views. “Rustic Roads take us to quiet scenes that define our state. These less-traveled routes show us the lakes that glaciers left behind and the bluffs they left untouched. They span our varied forests and tour our diverse agricultural heritage. No matter how you travel these roads, or in what season, please enjoy the beauty of our state and the people you meet along the way,” Evers said.

To become a Rustic Road, it must be nominated by residents who recognize the beauty of the area and quality of the road, and there cannot be any plans for the road to undergo major improvements that would change its characteristics. The road may be dirt, gravel, or paved, or a combination of these road surfaces. The roads have a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour, but in some areas the speed limit is even less, especially in curvy or hilly areas. It makes sense as there is no reason to hurry while out enjoying the countryside.

Rustic Road applications are voted on at board meetings in the fall and spring. A signed resolution of support from the community is required as part of the application. It can take several weeks up to several months depending on when an application is received.

It’s easy to find roads in the program, as they are marked

with brown and yellow signs identifying them with the number the road has been assigned and, usually, the length of the road listed at the start of the road.

This year, two new Rustic Roads were created:

• R-125 is in northwest Wisconsin in Bayfield and Sawyer counties. It has both paved and unpaved sections along its 9.4-mile route. It includes glacial till deposits, some wetlands rich with native species of greenery, and several lakes along the route. With a closed forest canopy, it offers a cool, quiet backwoods feel and is located just

east of the American Birkebeiner Trail, the site of America’s largest cross-country ski marathon.

• R-126 is in Walworth County, north of Highway 20 near East Troy. It’s only 3.6 miles in length and has a paved surface, but is a beautiful route with sweeping agricultural vistas, preserved farms and woodlots. The route includes the Honey Creek Streambank Protection Area, a 251-acre public recreation area that offers hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing, birding, and, in the winter,

See ROADS, Page 5

Gov. Evers, DWD announce nine counties achieved record-low unemployment

Rock County among those that achieved a record-low rate in September 2024

Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced on Oct. 23 that nine counties across the state, including several counties in Northern Wisconsin, showed the lowest rates of unemployment on record. Counties with record-low unemployment include Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Door, Langlade, Oconto, Pepin, Rock, and Sawyer, with unemployment rates being as low as 1.9% and no higher than 2.7% in these select counties. Last week, DWD announced new record-high employment during September 2024. This is the fifth consecutive

monthly record for state employment, highlighting the unprecedented number of workers participating in Wisconsin’s economy.

“Record-low unemployment in nine counties, including eight largely rural northern counties, is no small feat, and it certainly is no accident,” said Gov. Evers. “These record-breaking numbers represent real working families, businesses, and communities across our state and are a testament to our state’s hard-working people, our innovative industries, and our efforts to reduce barriers to work for folks to succeed and stay in the workforce, such as access to job training, child care, transit, housing, and more. As we continue to highlight 2024 the Year of the Worker in Wisconsin, we’re excited to be celebrating the strength of our state’s world-class workforce and look forward

to continuing our efforts to ensure our economy and workforce maintain this positive momentum.”

DWD also released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for September 2024. According to DWD, preliminary employment estimates for September 2024 showed Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.9%, which is 1.2 percentage points below the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. In addition, the state’s labor force participation rate increased to 65.6% in September while the national rate stayed at 62.7%.

to 3,044,800 jobs.

“Record-breaking low unemployment across nine largely rural counties, many of them in Northern Wisconsin, shows that the economy we are building provides real opportunities for workers,” said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. “All areas of Wisconsin and all sectors of our economy – agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and more – benefit from connecting employers with a skilled workforce and ensuring a level field for success.”

According to BLS, record-low unemployment rates for counties in September 2024 include:

• Ashland, 2.4%

• Bayfield, 2.5%

• Burnett, 2.6%

• Door, 1.9%

Additionally, non-seasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

• Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary September 2024 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in all 12 metropolitan statistical areas over the month; rates decreased in all 12 areas over the year.

• Municipalities: Preliminary September 2024 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 34 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month; rates decreased in all 35 cities over the year.

• Counties: Preliminary

September 2024 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 70 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties over the month; rates decreased or stayed the same in 71 counties over the year.

Data included in the announcement can be accessed at Wisconomy.com.

A full list of current employment statistics and local area unemployment statistics for September 2024 and a full list of non-seasonally adjusted local area unemployment statistics for all 72 counties in Wisconsin for September 2024 are available online.

Additionally, the state continues to see a historically high number of nonfarm jobs. Nonfarm jobs have increased 30,800 over the year

• Langlade, 2.7%

• Oconto, 2.3%

• Pepin, 2.0%

• Rock, 2.5%

• Sawyer, 2.5%

BOYD/WISCONSIN DOTRock Valley Publishing

This rustic road, flanked by fences, is shown in the midst of the leaves changing colors.

American Heart Association offers healthy Halloween tips

With Halloween and trickor-treat festivities ready to take center stage in the upcoming days, the American Heart Association, a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, has several tips to make the holiday and safe and healthy one.

Whether you’re having a party with friends or trickor-treating in the neighborhood, with a little creativity, you can find ways to include some healthy options in the mix. For the trick-or-treater:

• Fill up first. What kid doesn’t want to eat their favorite candy right when it goes into their trick-or-treat bag? Having a healthy meal before your kids go trickor-treating can reduce their temptation to snack while walking or to overindulge because their tummies will be full.

• Bag the monster bag. Choose or make a smaller collection container for your child and steer clear of the pillowcase method. If you encourage kids to only take one piece of candy from each house, they’ll be able to visit

more houses in the neighborhood.

• Get moving. Get some exercise by making Halloween a fun family activity. Walk instead of driving kids from house to house. Set a goal of how many houses or streets you’ll visit, or compete in teams to do as many as you can. Bring a bottle of water and a flashlight, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

• Look before you eat. Check expiration dates and inspect all edibles before allowing children to eat them. Don’t let children eat anything with questionable or unknown ingredients, especially if they have food allergies.

• Have a plan. Halloween, and Eat Smart Month in November, can be a great time to talk with kids about moderation and making smart eating choices.

Plan in advance how much candy they’ll be allowed to take at each house, keep and eat. If they’re old enough, let them help decide what to do with excess candy. See our suggestions later on in this

article.

For the party host:

• Up the fright factor Serve healthyvsnacks dressed up in the Halloween theme. There are lots of creative ideas being shared online at this time of year, such as banana ghosts, apple monster mouths, carrot witch fingers and candy-corn-colored fruit popsicles or parfaits!

• Play with food. Incorporate healthy foods into party activities, such as decorating oranges like jack-o’-lanterns and bobbing for apples.

• Keep ’em on their feet. Include plenty of physical activities, such as a zombie dance party, three-legged monster race, spider crawl or pumpkin toss.

• Rethink the drink. Don’t forget that cutting back on sugary treats includes soda and sugar-sweetened beverages. Offer water, unsweetened tea, 100% juice or fatfree/low-fat milk instead. Make a Halloween-themed punch from sparkling water and a splash of 100% orange juice, garnished with plenty of orange slices and black grapes or blackberries.

For the stay-at-home crew:

• No self-service. Hand out treats to each trick-or-treater – one per child – instead of letting them decide how much to take. If you have more than one item, ask them to choose which they prefer. This can help you get control of your Halloween budget, too.

• Avoid the whole mess. Want to avoid candy altogether, not to mention masses of kids at your door? Dress your family up in costumes and go see a movie or deliver healthy Halloween treats to your local police or fire station, nursing home or children’s hospital.

• Be that house. You don’t have to pass out candy on Halloween. Start a new tradition and give out healthier treats or non-edible items. Don’t worry, we’re not talking about toothbrushes! Get creative and keep it colorful and kid-friendly.

Some ideas include: different varieties of oranges, juice boxes (of the 100% juice variety), snack-sized pretzels, popcorn or trail mix, sugar-free gum, glow sticks,

bouncy balls, mini plush toys, crayons and coloring books, stickers, stamps or scary treats like spider rings and vampire teeth. What to do with excess candy? Afraid you’ll be dealing with an excess of Halloween treats until long after Valentine’s Day? Here are some ideas for enjoying the evening’s haul responsibly and getting rid of leftover candy:

• Let each child keep enough candy to have one or two pieces a day for one or two weeks ‒ long enough for the excitement to wane. Throw away, donate or repurpose the rest.

• When your child asks for a piece of candy, pair it with a healthy snack: an apple, a banana, some nuts or celery with peanut butter.

News briefs

Veterans Appreciation Lunch coming to Albany

The Albany and Monroe Lion’s Clubs and the Green County Veterans Service Office are sponsoring the annual Veterans Appreciation Lunch on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Albany Lion’s Club Building, 402 N. Cincinnati Street, on the northeast side of Albany.

Active duty personnel, Veterans, their spouses and widows or widowers of deceased Veterans are invited.

There will only be one seating this year, at noon. There will be no reservations taken. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

New Glarus Brewing broke ground

On Oct. 29, the New Glarus Brewing Company, located at 2400 WI-69, New Glarus, hosted a ground-breaking ceremony.

• “Buy back” candy from your child with money or tokens they can trade in for a fun activity: a day at the zoo, an afternoon playing at the park, ice skating or a day at the pool.

Some dentists’ offices have buy-back or trade-in programs, too.

• Save it for holiday baking.

• Save it to fill the piñata at the next birthday celebration or give out with Valentine cards.

• Use it in an arts and crafts project or to decorate a holiday gingerbread house.

• Donate excess candy to a homeless shelter, children’s hospital or care package program for troops overseas.

A familiar sweet treat from home can be comforting at the holidays.

issued and are subsequently cured by the voter before 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election, the MBOC must meet no later than the following Monday at 9 a.m. to process the cured provisional ballots. This is a public meeting and requires applicable notice.

The Footville Village Clerk’s office will be assisting Absentee voters at Prairieview Manor, 111 Commercial Drive, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

If an absentee voter cannot be assisted during this session, the absentee ballot will be mailed to the voter.

Trick or treat hours set for Orfordville Trick or Treating for the Village of Orfordville will be on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.

As New Glarus Brewing continued to grow it became necessary to build additional hospitality, brewing, distilling, and retail facilities to match the visitor demand. It also became necessary to provide additional parking facilities to ensure that New Glarus can once again safely accommodate visitors on weekends.

Brewery Founder and President Deb Carey, Brewmaster Dan Carey, and Project Architect Katherine May (Carey) gave brief statements.

Footville announces polling location, hours

At the Presidential General Election to be held on Nov. 5, 2024, in the Village of Footville, the following polling place location will be: Footville Municipal Office, 261 North Gilbert St., Footville.

Polling places are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

All polling places are accessible to elderly and voters with disabilities.

If anyone has any questions concerning the polling place, contact the municipal clerk: Shawna March, 261 North Gilbert St., 608-876-6116

At the close of voting on Election Day, pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.84, the Election Inspectors will convene as a joint meeting of the Local Board of Canvassers and the MBOC for the purpose of conducting the local and municipal canvasses pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§7.51 and 7.53(1). This meeting will be open to the public pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81-89.

Notice of Meeting of MBOC to Process Rehabilitated Provisional Ballots: If provisional ballots have been

Trick or treat hours set for Footville

Trick or Treating for the Village of Footville will be on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be Truck or Treat at the Footville Church of Christ from 4:30 to 6:15 p.m.

Juda School board reveals Oct. 9 minutes

The Juda School District held their board meeting on Oct. 9.

Things accomplished:

• Regretfully accepted the resignation of Amber Williams as Spanish teacher.

• Mrs. Davis reviewed with the Board the activities that have taken place which included Homecoming, Red Cross Blood Drive and Cheese Days. The band was not able to march in the Cheese Days Parade due to the weather.

• Dennis Pfingsten reminded the Board of the School Board State Convention which will be held Jan. 22 to 24, 2025 in Milwaukee.

• Laura Powers and Courtney Marins will be up for reelection in April 2025.

• Mrs. Davis updated the Board on upcoming events.

• An update was given on the upcoming referendum. The final community meeting was held on Oct. 23 in the school cafeteria.

• The annual meeting to set the tax levy was held on Oct. 18 in the South Computer Lab.

• There will be a joint School Board Meeting with Brodhead, Monticello, Albany and South Wayne in Brodhead on Nov. 6.

• No Executive Session was needed.

UWW reveals local marching band members

A total of 136 students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater are members of the Warhawk Marching Band for the 2024-25 academic year.

The following local student musicians are part of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Warhawk Marching Band for the 2024-25 academic year:

• David Aguilar Hernandez, from Janesville, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the trombone section.

• Dane Athens, from Beloit, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the Baritone section.

• Hailey Baumann, from Edgerton, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the trumpet section.

• Lucas Bernhardt, from Edgerton, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the Baritone section.

• Milo Brown, from Janesville, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the Piccolo section.

• Aster Haynes, from Janesville, who is studying Computer Science at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the percussion section.

• Vinny Jenski, from Janesville, who is studying Public

Policy and Admininistration at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the alto saxophone section.

• Cheyenne Kepler, from Beloit, who is studying Information Technology at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the Color Guard section.

• Hayden Lee, from Janesville, who is studying Human Resource Management at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the alto saxophone section.

• Audrey O’Leary, from Janesville, who is studying Early Childhood Education at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the Trumpet section.

• Liv Rockers, from Janesville, who is studying Music

at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the color guard section.

• Carter Ward, from Beloit, who is studying Music at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the clarinet section.

• Megan Weber, from Janesville, who is studying General Business at UW-Whitewater, and is part of the clarinet section.

The Warhawk Marching Band performs at all UW-Whitewater football regular season home games and other select campus and community events during the fall semester. UW-Whitewater hosts the annual Wisconsin School Music Association

Juda Schools will be going to referendum

By Traci Davis SUPERINTENDENT AT JUDA SCHOOL DISTRICT

The Juda School District will be going to referendum on Nov. 5. This referendum will be for operating costs. After a failed referendum in the spring of 2024, the District had community input meetings and many discussions over what was needed. There is still one question, but it has two parts. The first part is a $350,000 recurring (meaning it stays in the base formula, not that we get an additional $350,000 each year) for operational expenses. Those expenses include the inflationary impact on operating costs, restoring revenues reduces by the revenue limit, staff retention such as salary and benefits, maintain-

ing curriculum and programs, technology and the everyday cost of operating a school.

The second part of the question asks for $150,000 non-recurring for projects.

This would go through the 2028-2029 school year. A building facility study was completed in the spring of 2024 and projects were prioritized depending on need.

Some of the high priority needs were HVAC maintenance, water pump replacement, boiler replacement, parking lot replacement and drainage issues, security camera system upgrades and stage flooring replacement. Many of the items are priorities because of safety and maintenance of the building. The tax implications for the referendum do not in-

crease the amount we are asking for compared to last year. The mill rate for the 2024-2025 school will be 10.31 if the referendum passes. The mill rate was 10.96 in the 2023-2024 school year. The tax levy for the 2024-2025 school year will be $1,916,485, which is that same as the tax levy for the 2023-2024 school year.

Everyone asks what will happen if the referendum fails. We already have reduced our staff by not having a math interventionist. We have gone down a bus route and have combined positions as much as we can. We will have to make difficult decisions on staffing and programming if the referendum fails. The District has been working on maintaining a

sound financial position and a failed referendum would compromise that position.

This fall, there are 137 referendum questions in the state by small, medium and large schools. We know that this fall there are a lot of decisions to be made during the fall elections. At this time schools have limited choices to receive the funding that is needed to continue to provide instruction, programs, safe buildings and staffing for our schools.

Information can be found at the Bank or the post office, our Facebook, Instagram and website for more information. You can also call or email me at anytime with your questions. Please call 608-934-5251 or email at davis@judaschool.com.

Rock County Administrator Smith announces resignation

Rock County Administrator Josh Smith announced Oct. 14 that he will be resigning from his position effective Friday, Nov. 15. Smith has accepted the position of Senior Associate Vice President for Finance at the Universities of Wisconsin.

Smith issued the following statement:

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as County Administrator for the last 10 years and to have been entrusted with the stewardship of services for county residents. The 15 years I have worked for Rock County have

been the most professionally fulfilling of my career.

“While it is difficult to leave, I have determined the time has come both for me to seek new challenges and for the County Board to have a new voice providing guidance. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish during my tenure, and I hope that my leadership has contributed to the well-being of the organization and those we serve. At the same time, I am confident that the next County Administrator will bring new ideas that will help move the county forward. I feel

the timing of my departure, shortly following adoption of the 2025 budget and in the middle of the County Board term, will be least disruptive and give the Board time to identify a successor.

“I owe much thanks and credit to the county’s outstanding department heads and staff, who are well positioned not only to see the county through this transition, but also to address the numerous challenges that await the county in the coming months and years.

“I appreciate all the support the County Board, coun-

(WSMA) State Marching Band Championships every October.

Last season, the Warhawk Marching Band performed at halftime of a Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field.

The marching band is one of several musical ensembles at the university. In addition to Lambeau Field, UW-Whitewater’s ensembles perform in other famous venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Symphony Center in Chicago, and at venues in Germany, Poland and England.

The Warhawk Marching Band is directed by Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a professor of music in the university’s College of Arts and Communication who has also held the role of director of bands since 1987. He is the second person in history to be inducted into the WSMA Marching Band Hall of Fame. Tobie Wilkinson, senior lecturer of music in the college, leads UW-Whitewater’s percussion studio and serves as associate director of the marching band.

To learn more about the Warhawk Marching Band, visit the band’s web page.

Patients needing blood

rely on committed donors

The American Red Cross is highlighting the ongoing need for blood and platelet donors as festive schedules ramp up this fall. Eligible individuals − especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets are encouraged to make a donation just ahead of the holiday season.

Blood supply momentum must remain steady, as the Red Cross has worked this month to recover blood products uncollected due to recent hurricanes. Any disruption in the ability to collect blood can lead to an impact on routine and lifesaving medical care.

The seasons may change but the need for blood donors stays the same. Give blood or platelets and make a big difference in someone’s life by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Green County

Albany

• Wednesday, Nov. 20: 1 to 6 p.m., Albany Elementary School, 309 Vinton St.

Brodhead

• Monday, Nov. 4: Noon to 5 p.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 405 E. 9th Ave.

Juda

• Thursday, Nov. 21: 1 to 6 p.m., Juda High School, N2385 Spring St.

New Glarus

• Saturday, Nov. 16: 8 a.m. to noon, New Glarus Area EMS, 401 3rd St.

Rock County Beloit

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Noon to 5 p.m., Beloit Life Center, 2170 Murphy Woods Road

Clinton

• Monday, Nov. 11: 1 to 6 p.m., St. Stephens Family Center, 716 Shu Lar Lane

Evansville

• Wednesday, Oct. 30: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Evansville High School, 640 S. Fifth St.

• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Noon to 6 p.m., Creekside Place Community Center, 102 Maple St.

Janesville

• Friday, Nov. 1: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., UW-Rock County Wells Cultural Center, 2909 Kellogg Ave.

• Tuesday, Nov. 12: 2 to 6 p.m., UAW 95 Union Hall, 1795 LaFayette St.

• Monday, Nov. 18: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Janesville Masonic Center, 2322 E. Milwaukee St.

• Tuesday, Nov. 19: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Blackhawk Technical College, 6004 S. Cty Rd G

Milton

• Friday, Nov. 15: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., St. Mary’s Center, 837 Parkview

ty staff, and the community have provided me over the years.”

Kevin Leavy, Chair of the Rock County Board of Supervisors, said, “Josh will be truly missed as the leader of this organization. He truly was dedicated to the county and the residents. His calm demeanor helped in making tough decisions a little easier. He was very thoughtful and informative when preparing and presenting the budget. He was an asset that will be missed. We will keep the public informed as we move through the process.”

Rock Valley Publishing, LLC has an opening for an experienced ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE in our Brodhead/Evansville market.

Duties include:

• Calling on current clients

Developing

Attending

UW-WHITEWATER PHOTO/CRAIG SCHREINER Rock Valley Publishing

The Warhawk Marching Band performed at halftime of the UW-Whitewater football game at Perkins Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 22.

WDVA awards $550,000 to veteran nonprofits

Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) Secretary-designee James Bond announced $550,000 in grants were awarded to 15 nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance, entrepreneurship training, or other services to Wisconsin veterans and their families.

“I am thrilled that WDVA can help these nonprofits with their innovative work on behalf of our state’s veterans,” said Secretary-designee Bond. “These grants will help provide mental healthcare, basic amenities, job training, assist veteran entrepreneurs, and more. Wisconsin is lucky to have so many folks stepping up for those who have served in the armed forces.”

The grants are from two programs: the Veteran Non-

Zombie debt is defined as debt that has been “raised from the dead,” so to speak. It could even be something you never owed at all.

When a person doesn’t pay a debt, the lender will take action – by phone, letter, or even a court case – to collect the money they are owed. In some cases, though, the debtor simply can’t pay or can’t be found. In other cases, the debtor files for bankruptcy and, depending on the kind of debt owed, the debt may be put on hold, renegotiated or discharged completely.

Sometimes, this old debt comes back to life.

Some of the most common scenarios of zombie debt are the following:

• Unpaid debts that are beyond the statute of limitations when you can be taken to court for payment

• Unpaid debts you owe but forgot about

• Unpaid debts wiped out with bankruptcy

• Debts you already settled with the creditor

• Fraudulent charges from identity theft

• Fake debts “creditors” claim you owe as part of a scam

How does debt come back to life?

Creditors often remove old

profit Grant, available to all registered nonprofits that serve veterans, and the Veteran Entrepreneurship Grant, open to nonprofits that specifically provide entrepreneurship or technical, business, or other assistance to veteran entrepreneurs to improve employment outcomes.

This year ’s Nonprofit Grant recipients ($250,000 in total) are:

• Community Outreach Temporary Services (Outagamie) received $19,735 to reduce veteran homelessness by maintaining a community facility with capacity for over 80 residents, of which 10-15 percent are historically veterans.

• Fox Valley Veterans Council (Outagamie) received $25,000 for their Vet-

debt from their ledgers and sell it to third-party collectors. In some cases, the debts are legitimate, but in other cases, they aren’t. When debts are sold and re-sold, the records may be incomplete or inaccurate. Think of it as a game of “telephone.” The more times a debt is passed around, the more chance that the related information is wrong.

When debt collectors call

The legal treatment of old debt will depend on where you live and the type of debt in question. Depending on the law, debt collectors are not allowed to sue for old debt if the statute of limitations has expired, however, they are still allowed to contact you and ask to pay off the old debt. Check the statute of limitations for each U.S. state and Canadian province for more information.

However, if you start to make payments or acknowledge the debt in some way, the action may restore the collection agency’s legal right to take the matter to court. Never agree to make a payment on a debt you aren’t sure about, even if the collection agency puts pressure on you for payment.

The best way to start is by doing a thorough investigation. Search through old re-

erans Emergency Assistance Program, which provides immediate financial aid to veterans and their families for housing, utilities, food, transportation, dental care, and other essential needs.

• Heroes for Healthcare (Milwaukee) received $25,000 to recruit, align, and incentivize transitions from military medical roles into civilian healthcare. Partners with healthcare providers to align veterans into open jobs and training programs; aligns previous training and advocates to maximize credits given for previous medical experience to expedite the transition process.

• Indianhead Community Action Agency (Rusk) received $25,000 to provide programs and services to low-income and at-risk veter-

cords to find bank statements and notices of payment.

Gather as many facts as possible about the debt in question. Next, within 35 days of initial contact and without acknowledging the debt is yours, ask the creditor for a debt validation letter. The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) requires the debt collection agency to provide you with written proof of the debt’s validity or a judgment against you, as well as the name and address of the original creditor if the debt was resold. Once this information is gathered, determine if the debt is really yours and if it still needs to be paid.

If you determine the debt was yours, but you already paid it, write a letter to the collections agency and demand that they cease contact. Include proof of payment if available. The collections agency is legally required to stop contacting you under the FDCPA.

If you determine the debt is not yours or is invalid, write a letter challenging its validity and where applicable, include any proof you may have.

If you determine you do owe the funds and you can pay the debt, resolve the issue by first getting a payment agreement in writing and then eliminating your unresolved debt.

ans, with an emphasis on supporting homeless veterans.

• Lost Creek Ranch (Pierce) received $25,000 to provide equine therapy and post-program supports including scholarships, work-to-ride, and volunteer programs. The 6-week “Ride On” equine-assisted therapy program focuses on anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

• Milwaukee County War Memorial (Milwaukee) received $25,000 to support the “Veterans Operations Center” (VOC), which provides incubator-style support to small start-ups serving Veterans and provides $500,000 annually in in-kind services to Veterans.

• The River Food Pantry (Dane) received $5,265 to provide meals and community space for Dane County

If you determine you do owe the funds, but you can’t pay the debt, you can pursue debt relief through bankruptcy or credit counseling.

When deciding what route to take, keep in mind that once a debt is past the statute of limitations, collectors can no longer sue you to get payment. In addition, the FDCPA stipulates that any unpaid debts should be removed from a person’s credit score after seven years. If you decide to begin paying or pay in full an old debt, it could restart the statute of limitations and affect your credit.

For more information

Learn more about ways your identity can be compromised without you even knowing it.

If you need to contact a collection agency to dispute a debt, request a debt validation letter or ask the collection agency to cease contact, use these templates on Consumer. gov.

Remember that while most debt collection agencies are legitimate, there may be times when a scammer is phishing for information. For more information on how to avoid this scheme, visit BBB.org/ AvoidScams. If you’ve been targeted by a debt collection scam, be sure to report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker.

Veterans and families, working with the Vets Connect program.

• Trinity Equestrian Center (Eau Claire) received $25,000 for equine and relationship-focused therapy facilitated by a team consisting of a licensed mental health therapist, a certified horse professional, and horses that have been highly effective in treating PTSD, depression, anger, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The funding will focus on supporting Trinity’s full-time Veteran Wellness Program, called “Find Your Fit,” and the newest initiative, “Brave Beyond Service: The Female Veteran’s Empowerment Network.”

• Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin (Racine) received $25,000 to provide services for homeless and at-risk Veteran households, including provision of food, clothing, shelter, and other basic needs. The program includes 15 “Tiny Homes” for homeless Veterans and its supporting food pantry, “The Marketplace.”

• Wisconsin Veterans Network (Milwaukee) received $25,000 to provide immediate financial assistance and other support to at-risk Veterans, with the bulk of resources allocated to rent/mortgage assistance and utility expenses.

• Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans Memorial Project (Clark) received $25,000 for mental health treatments for veterans engaged in Highground Veteran Retreats, creative arts programs, support groups,

and suicide prevention efforts, with an emphasis on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma (MST). This year’s Entrepreneurship Grant recipients ($300,000 in total) are:

• Ashland Area Development Corp (Ashland) received $27,105 for their Veteran Entrepreneur training program, which includes free classes in business development, resources, and networking.

• Develop America Inc. (Milwaukee) received $73,000 to expand the efforts of their Veterans Connect program to support the growth of Veteran minority-owned or/and Social and Economically Disadvantaged Individual-owned businesses in Wisconsin. The program connects existing veteran-owned businesses with additional services.

• Fox Valley Technical College Foundation (Outagamie) received $99,895 to provide Innovation Accelerator training for two cohorts (Winter 2024 / Spring 2025) involving entrepreneurship training, networking, mentoring, and seed funds ($1,000) for program graduates.

• Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation (Milwaukee) received $100,000 to promote veteran entrepreneurs through Guided Business Planning courses and regional small-group seminars, provides laptops and QuickBooks access, and distributes seed money to select participants upon graduation.

Police news

Bryan A. Wirts

Sex offender relocated to Janesville

According to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Bryan A. Wirts relocated to Rock Valley Community Programs, 203 W. Sunny Lane, Janesville, on Oct. 28. Wirts was convicted in Dane County of 1st Degree Sexual Assault on Oct. 18, 1990, Case 90CF818, and 2nd Degree Sexual Assault on Oct. 13, 2005, Case 05CF1547.

While residing at 203 W. Sunny Lane, conditions of Wirts’ supervision include, but are not limited to: No unsupervised contact with minors; No contact with victim; Not to consume drugs; Comply with Standard Sex Offender Rules; Cooperate with Electronic Monitoring; Comply with all requirements and be a lifetime registrant of the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registration Program.

The Rock County Sheriff’s Office is not responsible for the placement of this sex offender in any manner; however, by law, they are required to provide public notice. For further information regarding the placement of this offender, please contact the Department of Community Corrections at 608-758-6075 or refer to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Sex Offender Registry website, www. WISTAYSAFE.gov.

RCSO reveals name of deceased man in incident at fairground

The Rock County Medical

Examiner ’s Department is releasing the name of the individual that died following an incident at the Rock County Fairgrounds on Oct. 19. The incident was reported to authorities at or around 10:24 a.m. The individual can be identified as: Timothy R. Gillitzer, 59, of Milton.

Mr. Gillitzer was pronounced deceased at a local hospital on Oct. 19. A forensic examination was completed on Oct. 20. Preliminary results of the examination confirm that Mr. Gillitzer died as a result of injuries sustained in the incident. Additional testing is underway at this time. This incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department.

RCSO reveals name of man who died in motor vehicle accident

The Rock County Medical Examiner’s Department is releasing the name of the individual that died following a motor vehicle accident on Oct. 19. The incident occurred near North River Road and West Highway 14 in the Town of Janesville, and was reported to authorities at or around 11:35 a.m. The individual can be identified as: Kevin R. Bahe, 58, of Darlington.

Mr. Bahe was pronounced deceased at the scene on Oct. 19. A forensic examination was completed on Oct. 20. Preliminary results of the examination confirm that Mr. Bahe died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Additional testing is underway at this time. This incident remains under investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Rock County Medical

aminer’s Department.

cross-country skiing. At the end of Bell School Road –one of two roads included in the route – is the former Bell School No. 7, a one-room schoolhouse built in 1853 that has been converted to a private residence.

Other local rustic roads

There are several Rustic Roads in the Southern Lakes area for visitors to explore and enjoy including three off of Highway 50 – two east of Lake Geneva, and one to the west.

Those who have driven past these yellow and brown signs and wondered what they meant might want to explore as fall is an ideal time to do so.

The road with the Rustic Road Sign R-12 is Back Road. How appropriate that a road that follows a curving route of hills and valleys and passes through a peaceful back countryside is

named Back Road. From Highway 50, Back Road makes its way to the community of Lyons and crosses the White River. It ends at Highway 36. Nearby and easily accessible is Rustic Road R-11, which also travels between highways 36 and 50 and features a large, wooded area filled with oak, maple and hickory trees.

Of the four rustic roads near Lake Geneva, a favorite for many is Snake Road – known as R-29 – west of the city. Watch carefully for the turn onto Snake Road, which is a small, winding path that follows the shoreline of Geneva Lake until it reconnects with Highway 50 in the Town of Geneva. The lake itself is only visible in a few areas, but the natural beauty of the countryside, with plenty of curves, floral displays, tall trees, and split-rail fencing is a sight

to see.

“As a motorcyclist riding on Snake Road, it is wonderful because of all the curves and turns and how you feel like you are in such a faraway, secluded area when you are actually right near downtown Lake Geneva,” shared Candace Faur Wawak, a Delavan resident.

“For a motorcyclist who loves nature, in the spring, it’s a beautiful ride for the fresh green of the trees and the bright flowers. In the fall, Snake Road is the best of the fall colors. At any time, it’s the way the sun comes through the leaves on the trees and the light plays across the road. It’s mesmerizing,” she added.

Preservation is key

Although the Rustic Road designation comes from the state, local governments retain jurisdiction over the road, giving them the flexibility to maintain the road in its current rustic state, if safety and drivability are maintained.

To preserve a Rustic Road’s charm and special features, residents, visitors, and local governments are encouraged to:

• Keep Rustic Road improvements to a minimum to avoid disturbance of vegetation, cultural, or other special sites.

• Preserve the natural and scenic characteristics of land along Rustic Roads with zoning, building setback regulations, access control, sign control and other tools.

• Keep the driving speed lower (45 MPH max).

• Discourage industrial, high-density residential and most commercial development.

• Encourage the development or continued presence of commercial establishments compatible with a Rustic Road, such as antique shops, craft shops, rock shops, and produce markets.

• Bury electric power and communication lines on private easements where possible. Where it is not possible, add lines on existing poles or towers.

• Utility installations shall strive to preserve or restore the route’s rustic quality.

• Identify with roadside markers any historical names, structures, places, and events which complement and enhance the road’s rustic character.

To learn more about the

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Rock Valley Publishing

This display of flowers, at left, was in full bloom recently along a new rustic road in the area, outside of East Troy.

Each rustic road in the state has signs sig naling the beginning – which includes the route number and length (inset) – as well as where the designation ends.

A variety of sights can be seen traveling along the rustic road routes including barns.

program or to nominate a road, go to WIRusticRoads@dot.wi.gov or call 608-267-3614.

The 2024 Wisconsin Rustic Roads Guide, published by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in co-operation with the Rustic Roads Board, may be requested in hard copy or downloaded from www.wisconsindot.gov.

JESS ELL/WISCONSIN DOT Rock Valley Publishing Rustic roads throughout the state are worth a drive any season but fall might be the best choice.

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Rock Valley Publishing

SANDRA LANDEN MACHAJ Rock Valley Publishing

It ‘s a jungle at Albany library

By Laura Roth

with song: “In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight!” We danced! We jumped! We roared! We napped! (Well, not

really!) The whole hour was focused on lions.

We started with the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. We’ve been reading this story every time, so the kiddos are getting pretty good at retelling the story all on their own. (This is an important preschool skill.)

Then Miss Caitlyn read The Library Lion and How to Care for Your Lion. We traced lines between lions (Another important skill.) and pretended to nap again.

Finally, we made lion portraits using corn husks, hot glue, and a lion’s face cut out of brown paper. Messy and a ton of fun.

Next week we’re starting off our “Know-vember: The More You Know!” using the nonfiction books at AML: Dogs, Deer and Dolphins. There will be some paper folding and maybe even a water colored dolphin. Definitely a maze featuring the letter D.

As always, Albertson Memorial Library’s PreSchool Story Time meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m., before the library is officially open. We’re always looking forward to meeting new friends. C’mon and join us.

— OPEN HOUSE —

Ranch Style 3 BedRoom, 3 BathRoom home 450 West Liberty Street, Evansville, WI 53536

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to noon.

PROPERTY DETAILS: Brick exterior, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, ranch style, 2,385 finished square feet, clean and move-in ready, hardwood floors, finished family room in basement.

LISTING AGENT: Kale George – George Real Estate, LLC, 608-774-0440.

LARGE PUBLIC AUCTION

SATURDAY, NOV. 2 • 9 A.M. START 107 PAUL STREET, ELBURN, IL

ITEMS: Vintage Signs, Advertising Pieces, Pop Machines, Auto Parts, Furniture, Beer Lights, Antiques & Collectibles, & More! THE ESTATE OF TOM DIETZ & FAMILY See website for full content & terms.

Brian DeBolt Auction Service, Inc.

Brian DeBolt, Plano - Since 1987 • IL #440000595 • 630-552-4247 Call me for all your real estate and auction needs! For more pictures & information, visit Facebook or our website: www.deboltauctionservice.com

PUBLIC AUCTION

Poll reveals what matters to Gen Z

Volunteering opportunities make a big difference to Gen Z when evaluating job prospects, according to a multi-generational Ipsos poll conducted for Junior Achievement USA, a nonprofit provider of educational programs for K-12 students.

According to the survey of 2,294 adults, 72 percent of Gen Z want to work for companies that offer employees opportunities to volunteer. Additionally, 87 percent of Gen Z believe companies that offer volunteer opportunities for employees strengthen the community while 79 percent believe such companies would be good to work for.

Junior Achievement of Wisconsin (JA) is reporting the survey results as it celebrates the impact of its community volunteers for International Make a Difference Day, observed every year on the fourth Saturday of October.

“Volunteering reminds us of the importance of community connections,” said Junior Achievement of Wisconsin President, Julie Granger.

“Whether in a classroom or local JA event, our volunteers tell us that the experience of coming together to do something good for their community is a great way to make new friends, connect with people who share common interests, and come away feeling better about themselves and their ability to make a difference.”

Despite the perception of Gen Z being more focused with online connections than in-person ones, the Junior Achievement survey indicated that Generation Z is just as inclined to volunteer as other generations with 66 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they have volunteered, compared to 66 percent of Baby Boomers, 57 percent of Millennials, and 54 percent of Generation X.

Junior Achievement offers flexible, fun volunteer opportunities both in and out of the classroom. Just bring oneself and JA provides the rest including training and materials. If interested in making a difference in the lives of young people in Dane,

Dodge, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk, or Walworth Counties, or to learn more, visit wisconsin.ja.org or call the local JA office at 608-288-8201.

Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA learning experiences are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on lessons that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, Junior Achievement is expanding its reach to 18-to25-year-olds to provide young adults with critical life skills.

Since 2021, Junior Achievement volunteers have taught life skills learning experiences for 18,206 students in the greater Madison metropolitan area. For more information, visit Wisconsin.ja.org.

DNR: It is a good time to take on the night

Halloween is almost here, a time when thoughts might turn to spooky domains and creatures of the night. Not to be left out of the seasonal fun, the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine has tales of nighttime animals and eerie glowin-the dark mushrooms sure to give anyone a smile, if not a fright.

“Night Watch” sheds light on the habits of several diurnal species, animals active at night such as opossums and raccoons. The article will even reveal a way to help stop the stink if a pet has an unfortunate encounter with another night walker, the skunk.

In “Behold the Glow-inthe-Dark Mushroom,” one can read about a unique plant that puts on quite a show after dark. The jack-o-lantern mushroom uses biolumines-

cence to light up the night. Find these stories and more in the fall digital edition and in the print issue, too. Get it

delivered when subscribing online, or call 1-800-6789472 to sign up, renew or give as a gift.

RCHS announces board leadership transition

The Rock County Historical Society (RCHS) announced a leadership transition following the resignation of its president, DuWayne Severson, which was effective on Oct. 7. As part of this transition, at a special Board meeting on Oct. 10, several officers were elected by the Board of Directors to new leadership roles to ensure the organization’s continued success and smooth operation.

Don Handrow, former Board Vice President, has been appointed as the new President of the RCHS Board of Directors. Handrow brings a wealth of leadership experience to the role. He has served as Vice President of Product Development at Prent Corporation in Janesville for more than 32 years.

“It is an honor to step into the role of President for the Rock County Historical So-

ciety. I look forward to continuing our important work of enriching and engaging the communities in Rock County through collecting, preserving, and disseminating the unique history and heritage of our area,” Handrow said.

“Together with our dedicated team, we will keep moving forward to create exhibits, tours and events that resonate with members of our community.”

In addition, Rachel Andres, who previously held the position of Board Secretary, was elected Vice President.

The Board elected Catherine Barton to serve as Secretary, moving from the role of Special Appointee on the Board’s executive committee.

Severson had served on the RCHS Board in the past, most recently as treasurer from January 2023 until May 2024, when he was elected

Board President. The Board and RCHS Executive Director Tim Maahs thank Severson for his service.

Community members who are interested in becoming involved in RCHS are invited to visit www.rchs.us. RCHS is seeking volunteers, members, and sponsors.

Home to six uniquely different historic sites on a 3.5acre campus in the historic Look West Neighborhood, the Rock County Historical Society’s mission is to bridge past and present through capturing and sharing stories about Rock County, Wisconsin. Its sites include the award-winning Lincoln-Tallman Museum, RCHS Museum and Visitor Center, newly renovated Stonehouse, Archives and Preservation Facility, Tallman Carriage House, and Frances Willard Schoolhouse.

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: Everything in this sale is in good condition. This will be a large sale auction. Plan to attend! MIKE SMITHEE, OWNER

TERMS: Cash or good check. Have positive ID. Not responsible for items after sold.

AUCTIONEERS: Rob Young, IL #441000593, 815-632-8000; Kevin Conklen, Sale Manager, 815-590-8027.

CASHIER: Dianne Behrens. CLERK: Cheri Lockhart.

PHOTO COURTESY DNR Rock Valley Publishing

When nighttime falls, raccoons are ready to roll.

PHOTO SUBMITTED Rock Valley Publishing

Children made lion por traits using corn husks, hot glue, and a lion’s face cut out of brown paper.

Forum announces Salute to Local Government award winners

The Wisconsin Policy Forum is proud to announce its 2024 Salute to Local Government award winners, as we recognize the best of our state’s public-sector agencies and workers. The 32nd Annual Salute will celebrate the benefits that public sector ingenuity and excellence bring to taxpayers and communities throughout Wisconsin.

Award categories recognize local governments and school districts for innovative problem-solving, advancing racial equity, and public-private cooperation, as well as individuals in the public sector for excellence, as leaders of the future, and for lifetime achievement.

An additional award category, in partnership with UW-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs, recognizes innovative performance in state government. Eligibility for Salute awards is for accomplishments or individual performance from our last nomination deadline until the present.

“At a time when partisan campaigns are fighting about the future of our politics, the Salute to Local Government is a reminder of the great things happening in the here and now,” said Wisconsin Policy Forum president Jason Stein. “The Salute gives us an opportunity to set aside our differences for a day and give the state’s best public servants the thanks that they don’t always hear.”

This year’s Salute will be held Nov. 13 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.

This year’s award recipients are:

Innovative approach to problem-solving

UW-Milwaukee, Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and MobiliSE, FlexRide Milwaukee: FlexRide Milwaukee is an on-demand workforce transportation service connecting residents of Milwaukee neighborhoods with suburban job centers. It was launched as a pilot program in 2022 to address the spatial mismatch between city residents and suburban jobs. The service provides an ondemand solution to access hundreds of job locations that exist beyond the reach of transit. The FlexRide app works like Uber or Lyft: users enter their pick-

up and drop-off locations and are given a location to meet the FlexRide vehicle. They pay by credit or debit card or by purchasing vouchers with cash. After launch in 2022, ridership grew consistently, providing proof of concept that helped secure a $4.2 million grant from the State, a $1.3 million grant from Milwaukee County and funding from Waukesha County. Thus far, FlexRide Milwaukee has provided more than 90,000 rides to 5,000 Milwaukeeans, accessing 185 different job locations.

La Follette/Gladfelter Award for Innovation in State Government Office of the State Public Defender, Adam Plotkin: As director of government and public affairs for the Office of the State Public Defender, Plotkin played a key role in creating the Criminal Justice Budget Coalition. It also includes the Department of Justice, elected District Attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys, and the Director of State Courts Office. Its purpose is to examine state budgetary needs from a system-wide perspective, identifying individual requests that support the work of all stakeholders. Indicators of success since the coalition’s inception include an increase of 65 new assistant district attorneys; an increase in the public defender rate paid to private attorneys taking cases from $40 an hour to $100 an hour; and significant pay raises for public defenders and district attorneys. All of these changes were advocated for many years individually but ultimately were realized with the coalition approach.

Effort to Advance Racial Equity

Whitewater Unified School District, Community ESL Program of Whitewater:

The Whitewater Adult ESL program provides English language instruction to area adults to help them better connect with the community and support their families. In addition to improving English language skills, students are able to work towards citizenship, learn basic computer literacy, and get information about local resources. The school district supports the ESL classes by providing a location, staff, and textbooks. The program

also offers child care – staffed by bilingual adults who themselves grew up in Whitewater in Spanish-speaking households – to assist youth with homework and provide activities. Despite recent, highly publicized controversy about immigrants arriving in Whitewater, this program shows how the community is seeking to serve all of its residents and to advance racial equity.

Intergovernmental cooperation

Milwaukee Public Schools, Milwaukee Area Technical College, and UW–Milwaukee, M³: As a collaboration between Milwaukee’s three urban public education institutions, M³ (M-Cubed) seeks to ensure student success, in part by helping to connect learning to careers and improving student transitions between educational institutions. As the partnership approaches the close of its first decade, 700 MPS 12th-graders have earned 8,000 college credits at UW-Milwaukee or Milwaukee Area Technical College as part of M³ College Connections, saving almost $2.6 million in tuition. Meanwhile, nearly 900 MPS 11thgrade students in 2024 took advantage of M³ Milwaukee Direct Admit, which allows juniors at any MPS high school to apply for free and be accepted into MATC and UWM. Nearly 1,000 MPS college-bound seniors participated in the first two years of Smart Start, which engages MPS students interested in college during the spring and summer before college, then helps them navigate starting at Milwaukee Area Technical College or UW-Milwaukee.

David G. Meissner Award for Public-Private Cooperation Rusk County and OakLeaf Clinics, Rusk County/OakLeaf Clinics Rural Healthcare Partnership: In January of 2023, Prevea announced the closure of clinics in northwest Wisconsin, including one in Ladysmith. This closure would have left only one healthcare option in the county. Rusk County leaders quickly recognized the need to intervene and acted on it, purchasing the former Prevea Clinic building in Ladysmith in April and securing a lease with OakLeaf Clinics to operate it starting in May. The

county worked closely with OakLeaf to ensure that there would be no loss in services or providers with this transition. The lease agreement between Rusk County and OakLeaf outlines a buyback plan by which OakLeaf plans to take ownership of the building within five years. This undertaking is a testament to the good that can happen when public and private sector groups come together to work toward a common goal: providing access to quality healthcare.

Norman N. Gill Award for Individual Excellence

Milwaukee County, Shakita LaGrant-McClain: Since be-

ing appointed in 2020 as Executive Director of Milwaukee County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), LaGrant-McClain has helped to transform the delivery of those services in the county. She championed a new Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center, scheduled to open in 2025, improving access to resources and services that address social determinants of health.

LaGrant-McClain is committed to helping address the county’s housing challenges, spearheading efforts to build new affordable housing. She has launched initiatives in the realms of public safety and youth services, while over-

seeing major changes in the county’s behavioral health care system, capped by the opening of the county’s new Mental Health Emergency Center, a joint venture with four private health systems, in 2022.

Jean B. Tyler Leader of the Future Milwaukee County, Isaac Rowlett: As Strategy Director for Milwaukee County, Rowlett has led its first enterprise-level strategic planning effort in two decades. This initiative was followed by his successful integration of the County’s annual budget process with its strategic

Friday, Nov. 8 • 1 p.m.

DIRECTIONS TO PROPERTY: ½ mile north of Evansville on Highway 14 to W. Elmer Road, west to end of road. Property is vacant land located at end of W. Elmer Road to the west. Watch for George Auction signs.

AUCTION LOCATION: Creekside Place – 102 Maple Street, Evansville, WI 53536. Luncheon & refreshments will be complementary, beginning with registration at noon.

TERMS: 5% buyer’s fee. $10,000 earnest money cash or personal check, balance due at closing in 45 days or less. Successful bidder required to sign a standard offer to purchase with no contingencies. All announcements made day of sale take precedence over printed material. Seller may accept or reject any and all bids.

— ESTATE AUCTION #1 —

DIRECTIONS:

Travelall, IH Travelall Panel Truck, 1956 1/2-ton Short Box Pickup, 1953-1955 IH R10 1-ton Pickup, 1958 or 59 IH110 1/2-ton Long Box Pickup, 1953 or 54 IH 1/2-ton Short Box Pickup, 1958 or 59 IH B120 3/4-ton Long Box Pickup, (3) IH Scout All-Wheel Drives and 1937 IH School Bus.

IH TRUCK PARTS: Lg. Assortment of Hoods, Fenders, Body Sides, Short Box, Manual Transmission, Radiators, Rims and Much More.

CARS: 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible (Sharp!), Ford Fairlane Parts/Project Car.

TRUCKS/TRAILERS/BOAT: 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Duramax Diesel 3/4-ton 4x4 Crew Cab Pickup, 1984 GMC 1-ton Truck with 10 ft. Box & Hoist, Doo Little Tandem Axle 16 ft. Trailer with Elec. Hoist & Ramps (Sharp!), Tandem Axle Skidsteer Trailer, IH Long Box Single Axle Trailer, Shasta Older Collectible Travel Trailer, Dunphy Imperial Robalo with Johnson Tracker 25 Outboard Motor with Accessories & Trailer (Very Nice!).

SHOP RELATED: Rigid Table Saw, (2) Craftsman Radial Arm Saws, Walker Turner Lathe, Rigid Mitre Saws, Air America Air Compressor, Coleman Air Compressors, Delta & Craftsman Drill Presses, DeWalt Double Compound Mitre Saw, Delta Table Saw, Wood Ripper Specialty Saw, Ryobi Band Saw, Power Tools, Craftsman Wrenches, Socket Set, Woodworking Tools, Scaffolding, Qty. of Alum. Decks, Alum. Ladders, Metal Brake, Craftsman Toolboxes, Rolling Carts, Lg. Asst. of Hardware, Lights and Much More. ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES: McCormick & IH Signs, Qty. of Farm Metal Signs, Cast Iron Tractor Seats, IH Refrigerator & Freezer (Unique), 1950s Kitchen Table with Chairs, (3) Walking Plows, Farm Primitives, Galv. Dbl. Wash

real estate

ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE

Rock Valley Publishing is looking for a PartTime Advertising Sales Executive. Approximately 20 hours per week. We publish newspapers, shoppers, and niche publications throughout the stateline. You have the opportunity to sell into all Rock Valley Publishing. L.L.C. publications, making your paycheck much larger!

For immediate consideration send resume/job history to: Vicki Vanderwerff, Director of Advertising Email: vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com Fax: (262) 725-6844

Home Improvement

JACK OF ALL TRADES.US Gutter Cleaning, weatherizing, yard cleanup, carpet cleaning, Christmas lights, painting, honey-do-list. 608-897-2410

Misc Services

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-948-3442

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-888-355-6955 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Tree Service

HAILE TREE SERVICE licensed and insured, aerial bucket and stump removal. 24 hr. emergency service. 608-879-9014

v

Automobiles

1977 OLDSMOBILE CUTLAS BROUGHAM Mint condition. $11,000, OBO. Call 262-3794161.

1990 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD Coral. Florida car no rust. 1 owner. 45k miles. $11,000. OBO. Call 262-379-4161.

2004 MONTE CARLO Mint condition. Mechanically sound. $10,000. OBO Call 262-3794161.

Bicycles

MONGOOSE MOUNTAIN BIKE

Like new, rides great, bigger tires mounted on it. Asking $90. Call 815-391-4060.

Boats

1997 17’ SYLVAN PRO SELECT FISHERMAN. 100 hp Mariner outboard motor, front & rear anchormates & Biminy top. Trolling motor, fish locator, boat & motor cover, 2 live wells, radio, rod storage, batteries & battery chargers, asst. life jackets, additional extras, Shorelander trailer. Call 262-643-8017.

ALL ALUM. SMALL pontoon boat. Elec. start motor + trailer. Putting away for winter, will sell at $6500 OBO. Hurry-Call George, 608-897-4177.

Motorcycles

1994 350 SUZUKI CLIMBER Asking $1700. Call/text (262) 210-3147

Announcements

CLASSIFIED IN-COLUMN ADS cannot be credited or refunded after the ad has been placed. Ads canceled before deadline will be removed from the paper as a service to our customers, but no credit or refund will be issued to your account.

DISCLAIMER NOTICE This publication does not knowingly accept fraudulent or deceptive advertising. Readers are cautioned to thoroughly investigate all ads, especially those asking for money in advance.

Burial Needs

7 CEMETERY PLOTS Willing to sell as a group or individually. Located at Roselawn Memory Gardens 3045 WI-67, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. This is a private sale. Contact Randy, the seller at randy@slpublishers.com.

Misc. For Sale

DONATE YOUR CAR, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-888-4252108 today!

MOVING SALE Kitchen Table & 4 chairs, Gun Cabinet, 2 Patio Sets, New Lawn Spreader, 4x9 trailer. Call 608-295-9655

Sports/Classic Cars

1952 CHEVY PICKUP Solid Nevada truck, runs great. $19,750. (262) 949-6997.

Trucks & Trailers

2000 GMC SIERRA ext. cab, short box. 218000 miles. Good runner. $2,000 OBO 262-7582710.

2006 V8 DODGE PICK UP 4 door, new tires, sharp! East Coast truck-no rust. runs great. $6,500. OBO 224-361-3059.

2009 FORD F150 LARIAT Super Crew. 118,000 miles. Exc. cond. Always garaged. Blue with Beige. Leather. $14,000. OBO. Call or text 815-824-2121.

Office of the Green County Clerk

To the voters of Green County Notice is hereby given of a general election to be held in the several wards and districts in Green County, on November 5, 2024 at which the officers named below shall be chosen.

The names of the candidates for each office to be voted for, whose nominations have been certified to or filed in this office, are listed under the title of the office and under the appropriate party or other designation, together with any referendum questions submitted to a vote, in the sample ballot below.

INFORMATION TO VOTERS

Upon entering the polling place and before being permitted to vote, a voter shall:

• state their name and address

• show an acceptable form of photo identification*

• sign the poll book**

*If a voter does not have acceptable photo identification, the voter may obtain a free photo ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

**If the voter is unable to sign the poll book due to disability, a poll worker may write the word “exempt.”

If a voter is not registered to vote, they may register to vote at the polling place serving their residence if the voter provides proof of residence. Where ballots are distributed to voters, the initials of two inspectors must appear on the ballot.

Upon being permitted to vote, the voter shall enter a voting booth or go to a machine and cast their ballot. The vote should not be cast in any manner other than specified here. Sample ballots or other materials to assist the voter in marking their ballot may be taken into the booth and copied. The sample ballot shall not be shown to anyone so as to reveal how the ballot is marked.

A voter who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the voter’s minor child or minor ward.

An election official may inform the voter of the proper manner for casting a vote but the official may not advise or indicate a particular voting choice.

Ballot ID: 2942

Notice of General Election and Sample Ballots - November 5, 2024

Assistance for Voting

A voter may select an individual to assist in casting their vote if the voter declares to the presiding official that they are unable to read, have difficulty reading, writing, or understanding English, or that due to disability are unable to cast their ballot. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the voter’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the voter. If a voter is unable to state their name and address, an assistant may also do so for the voter.

Voting for President and Vice President

A vote for candidates for President and Vice President is a vote for the presidential electors of those candidates. A writein vote for President and Vice President must designate the name of a presidential candidate. A write-in vote for a candidate for President only will be counted. A write-in vote for a candidate for Vice President only will not be counted.

Where Optical Scan

Voting is Used

The voter shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to the name of the candidate of their choice for each office for which they intend to vote. To vote for a person whose name does not appear on the ballot, the voter shall write in the name of the person of their choice in the space provided for a write-in vote and fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to the write-in line. When voting for President and Vice President, the voter shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to the set of candidates (ticket) for president and vice president for whom they intend to vote. To vote for a Presidential ticket that does not appear on the ballot, the voter shall write in the names of persons of their choice in the spaces provided and fill in the oval or connect the arrow next the write-in lines. On referendum questions, the voter shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to “yes” if in favor of the question, or the voter shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to “no” if opposed to the question.

Official Ballot

Partisan Office and Referendum November 5, 2024

Spoiling Ballots

If a voter spoils an optical scan ballot, they shall return it to an election official who shall issue another ballot in its place, but not more than three ballots shall be issued to any one voter. If the ballot has not been initialed by two inspectors or is defective in any other way, the voter shall return it to the election official who shall issue a proper ballot in its place.

After Voting the Ballot

After an official optical scan ballot is marked, it may be inserted in a security sleeve so the marks do not show. The voter shall then insert the ballot in the voting device or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. If a central count system is used, the voter shall insert the ballot in the ballot box or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. The voter shall leave the polling place promptly. The following is a sample of the official ballot:

Arianna L.Voegeli, Green County Clerk

NOTICE OF REFERENDA

November 5, 2024

STATE OF WISCONSIN

Referendum Election Details

At an election to be held in the several towns, villages, wards, and election districts of the State of Wisconsin on November 5, 2024, the following proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin will be submitted to a vote of the people: 2023 Senate Joint Resolution 71 ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION

To renumber and amend section 1 of article III; and to create section 1 (1) of article III of the constitution; relating to: eligibility to vote in Wisconsin (second consideration).

Whereas, the 2021 legislature in regular session considered a proposed amendment to the constitution in 2021 Senate Joint Resolution 32, which became 2021 Enrolled Joint Resolution 13, and agreed to it by a ma-

City of Brodhead, Ward 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Notice to voters: if you are voting on Election Day, your ballot must be initialed by two (2) election inspectors. If you are  voting absentee, your ballot must be initialed by the municipal clerk or deputy clerk. Your ballot may not be counted  without initials (see end of ballot for initials).

General Instructions: If you make a mistake on your ballot or have a question, ask an election inspector for help (absentee voters: contact your  municipal clerk).

To vote for a name on the ballot, fill in the oval next to the name like this:

To vote for a name that is not on the ballot, write the name on the line marked "write-in" and fill in the oval next to the name

United States Senator Vote for 1

Tammy Baldwin (Democratic)

Eric Hovde (Republican)

Phil Anderson (Disrupt The Corruption)

Thomas Leager (America First)

write-in:

Representative in Congress District 2 Vote for 1

Mark Pocan (Democratic)

Erik Olsen (Republican)

write-in:

Representative to the Assembly District 50 Vote for 1

Jenna Jacobson (Democratic)

jority of the members elected to each of the two houses, which proposed amendment reads as follows:

SECTION 1. Section 1 of article III of the constitution is renumbered section 1 (2) of article III and amended to read:

[Article III] Section 1 (2) Every

Only a United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district who may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum.

SECTION 2. Section 1 (1) of article III of the constitution is created to read:

[Article III] Section 1 (1) In this section:

(a) “Local office” means any elective office other than a state or national office.

(b) “National office” means the offices of president and vice president of the United States, U.S. senator, and representative in congress.

(c) “Referendum” means an election at which an advisory, validating, or ratifying question is submitted to the electorate.

(d) “State office” means the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state superintendent of public instruction, justice of the supreme court, court of appeals judge, circuit court judge, state senator, state representative to the assembly, and district attorney.

SECTION 3. Numbering of new provision. If another constitutional amendment ratified by the people creates the number of any provision created in this joint resolution, the chief of the legislative reference bureau shall determine the sequencing and the numbering of the provisions whose numbers conflict. Now, therefore, be it resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution is agreed to by the 2023 legislature; and, be it further Resolved, That the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution be submitted to a

vote of the people at the election to be held on the first Tuesday of November, 2024; and, be it further Resolved, That the question concerning ratification of the foregoing proposed amendment to the constitution be stated on the ballot as follows:

Ballot Text

QUESTION 1: “Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?”

Explanation

The Wisconsin Constitution provides that “[e]very United States citizen age 18 or older who is a resident of an election district in this state is a qualified elector of that district.” Wis. Const. art. III, § 1. That language is repeated in Wisconsin statute. Wis. Stat. § 6.02(1).

The referendum question would modify the language in Wis. Const. art. III, § 1 to provide that “only” a U.S. citizen 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote, and it would specify that only such individuals may vote in an election for “a national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum.” It also would add definitions of what “local office, “national office,” “referendum,” and “state office” mean. 2023 Wis. S.J. Res. 71.

A “yes” vote would vote to modify existing article III, section 1 of the Wisconsin Constitution to provide that “only” a U.S. citizen 18 or older who resides in an election district can vote “in a national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum.”

A “no” vote would vote not to change Wis. Const. art. III, § 1 of the Wisconsin Constitution.

NOTICE OF REFERENDA

November 5, 2024 SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA Referendum Election Details TAKE NOTICE that a referendum election shall be held on November 5, 2024 in the School District of Juda for the purpose

Referendum

To vote in favor of a question, fill in the oval next to "Yes," like this:  To vote against a question, fill in the oval next to "No," like this:

State

"Eligibility to vote. Shall section 1 of article III of the constitution, which  deals with suffrage, be amended to provide that only a United States citizen  age 18 or older who resides in an election district may vote in an election  for national, state, or local office or at a statewide or local referendum?"

of approving or rejecting a Revenue Cap Resolution adopted by the School Board of said District on August 14, 2024. The Revenue Cap Resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION TO EXCEED REVENUE CAP COMMENCING WITH THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Juda, Green County, Wisconsin, that the final school district budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year shall include the following amounts in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area. The referendum ballot will ask District electors: “Shall the School Board of the School District of Juda be authorized to exceed the revenue limit under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by an amount of $350,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 for the 2024-2025 school year through the 20282029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area as provided in the foregoing resolution?” A “yes” vote is in favor of the resolution set forth above and Continued on next page

District Attorney Vote for 1

Craig R. Nolen (Republican)

write-in:

SAMPLE

Rich Johnson (Republican)

write-in:

(We The People)

write-in (President)

write-in (Vice President)

County Clerk Vote for 1

Arianna Voegeli (Democratic)

write-in:

County Treasurer Vote for 1

Dawn Marie Sass (Democratic)

Jayne M. Butts (Republican)

write-in:

Register of Deeds Vote for 1

Deanna Miller-Young (Republican)

write-in:

Notice of General Election and Sample BallotsNovember 5, 2024

Continued from previous page is a vote to approve exceeding the so-called “revenue cap” imposed on the District’s school budget beginning with the 202425 school year under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by the following amounts: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

A “no” vote is opposed to the resolution and is a vote to deny exceeding the so-called “revenue cap” imposed on the District’s school budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by the following amounts: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Traci Davis, Superintendent. Done in the City of Monroe, on October 21, 2024.

Arianna L. Voegeli, Green County Clerk

LIST OF ADDITIONAL REFERENDA

2024 GENERAL ELECTION

Green County, WI

Town of Albany

Question: Shall the person holding the office of TOWN CLERK in the Town of ALBANY be appointed by the town board?

Yes

No

Town of Spring Grove

Question: Shall the person holding the office of clerk in the Town of Spring Grove be appointed by the town board?

Yes

No

Albany School District Question: Shall the School District of Albany, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 20242025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?

Yes

No

Independent Register 10/30/2024

GREEN COUNTY POLLING PLACES

Juda School District

Question: Shall the School Board of the School District of Juda be authorized to exceed the revenue limit under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by an amount of $350,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 for the 2024-2025 school year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area as provided in the foregoing resolution?

Yes

No

Monroe School District Question: Shall the School District of Monroe, Green County, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,500,000 per year for four years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2027-2028 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of maintaining current programming, services, class sizes and elective offerings and sustaining the current replacement schedule for technology, curriculum and textbooks?

Yes

No

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING FOR CITY OF BRODHEAD

Notice is hereby given that on Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. The Common Council will meet in the City Council Chambers 1111 W 2nd Avenue and Virtually via GoToMeeting for the purpose of holding a PUBLIC HEARING on the PROPOSED BUDGET for 2025. The proposed budget is available for inspection at the City Hall, 1111 W 2nd Avenue, Brodhead, WI from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, a copy of the budget is available at the Brodhead Memorial Public Library, 1207 25th Street.

The following is a summary of the Proposed 2025 Budget.

Dated: October 21, 2024

Keri Miller, Treasurer City of Brodhead

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/486946253

You can also dial in using your phone. Access Code: 486-946-253 United States: +1 (872) 240-3212 The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP

TOWN OF SPRING VALLEY

NOTICE OF VOTING EQUIPMENT PUBLIC TEST

There will be a public test of the electronic equipment that will be used at the Tuesday, November 5, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION. The test will be held on Friday, November 1, 2024 at 10 am at the Orfordville Fire Station Meeting Room, 173 N Wright St., Orfordville, WI. All residents are invited to attend this public test.

Dela Ends Town of Spring Valley, Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463402

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT GREEN COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DENNIS T. STROMMEN Deceased.

Notice to Creditors (Informal Administration) Case No. 24-PR-81 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for informal administration was filed. 2. The decedent, with date of birth May 28, 1957 and date of death August 25, 2024, was domiciled in Green County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 1403 18th Street, Brodhead, WI 53520. 3. All interested persons waived notice.

4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is January 29, 2025. 5. A claim may be filed at the Green County Register in Probate, Green County Justice Center County Courthouse, 2841 6th Street, Monroe, Wisconsin.

Electronically signed by Jennifer Prien Probate Registrar October 17, 2024

Attorney Todd W. Schluesche Schluesche Fields S.C., 250 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 106 Monroe, WI 53566 608-325-2500 Bar Number 1024392

The Independent Register 10/30, 11/6, 11/13/2024 WNAXLP 463491

All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters. ALL POLLING PLACES WILL OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.

TOWNSHIP ADDRESS

Adams Town Hall, N5705 Biggs Road, Argyle, WI 53504

Albany Town Hall, N6065 County E, Albany, WI 53502

Brooklyn Town Hall, 400 Main Street, Brooklyn, WI 53521

Cadiz Town Hall, W8445 County B, Browntown, WI 53522

Clarno Town Garage, W6126 County B, Monroe, WI 53566

Decatur Town Hall, 1408 14th Street, Brodhead, WI 53520

Exeter St Marys Church Hall, 227 Frederick Street, Belleville, WI 53508

Jefferson Juda Community Center, N2350 County Rd S, Juda, WI 53550

Jordan Town Hall, W8495 Highway 81, Argyle, WI 53504

Monroe Town Hall, N3302 Monroe Road, Monroe, WI 53566

Mt. Pleasant Zwingli United Church of Christ, 416 E. Lake Avenue, Monticello, WI 53570

New Glarus Town Hall, 26 5th Avenue, New Glarus, WI 53574

Spring Grove Town Hall, N2475 Highway GG, Brodhead, WI 53520

Sylvester Town Hall, N4505 Highway 59, Albany, WI 53502

Washington Town Hall, W6113 County C, Monticello, WI 53570

York Town Hall, N8105 Postville Road, Blanchardville, WI 53516

VILLAGE ADDRESS

Albany Village Hall, 206 N. Water Street, Albany, WI 53502

Belleville Village Hall, 24 W. Main Street, Belleville, WI 53508

Brooklyn Village Hall, 210 Commerial Street, Brooklyn, WI 53521

Browntown Village Hall, 110 S. Mill Street, Browntown, WI 53522

Monticello Village Hall, 238 N Main St. Monticello, WI 53570

New Glarus Village Hall, 319 2nd Street, New Glarus, WI 53574

CITY ADDRESS

Brodhead Brodhead City Hall, 1111 W. 2nd Avenue, Brodhead, WI 53520

Monroe City Hall, 1110 18th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566

At the close of voting on Election Day, pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.84, the Election Inspectors will convene as a joint meeting of the Local Board of Canvassers and the MBOC for the purpose of conducting the local and municipal canvasses pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§7.51 and 7.53(1). This meeting will be open to the public pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81-89.

The Independent Register 10/30/2024

BUDGET PUBLICATION, 2024-25 School District of Brodhead

In accordance with s. 65.90 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Board of Education of the School District of Brodhead presents the budget summary printed below. Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the School District of Brodhead that the budget hearing will be held at the Brodhead High School Auditeria, on the 28th day of October, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Detailed copies of the budget are available for inspection in the District Office at 2501 W 5th Avenue, Brodhead, WI.

In accordance with s. 65.90 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Board of Education of the School District of Brodhead presents the budget summary printed below. Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the School District of Brodhead that the budget hearing will be held at the Brodhead High School Auditeria, on the 28th day of October, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. Detailed copies of the budget are available for inspection in the District Office at 2501 W 5th Avenue, Brodhead, WI.

EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF REFERENDUM SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ALBANY NOVEMBER 5, 2024

Referendum Election Details

At an election to be held in the School District of Albany on November 5, 2024, the following proposed Revenue Limit Resolution of the School Board will be submitted to a vote of the people:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET TO EXCEED REVENUE LIMIT BY $1,250,000 PER YEAR FOR THREE YEARS FOR NON-RECURRING PURPOSES

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Albany, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin that the revenues included in the School District budget be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses.

Ballot Text

The question will appear on the ballot as follows:

“Shall the School District of Albany, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?”

Explanation

The referendum election ballot will ask District electors to vote “yes” or “no” on the referendum election question as set forth above.

A “yes” vote on the question is a vote to authorize the School District of Albany budget to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses.

A “no” vote on the question is a vote to deny the School District of Albany the authority to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses.

In the event a majority of the electors voting on the question vote “yes”, the District will be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses; if a majority vote “no” on the question set forth above, the District will not be so authorized.

Location and Hours of Polling Places

Information as to the location of the polling places is available in the District Office at 309 Vinton Street, Albany, Wisconsin. All polling places will be open at 7:00 A.M. and will close at 8:00 P.M. All polling places are accessible to elderly and disabled voters.

If you have any questions concerning your polling place, contact the municipal clerk:

TOWN OF ALBANY

TOWN OF BROOKLYN DEB CLINE CHRIS GALLAGHER N6065 CTY RD E, ALBANY 400 W MAIN ST, BROOKLYN 608-558-4787 608-455-6411

TOWN OF DECATUR TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT EMMA BRUGGER JONI WAELCHLI-BUEHL PO BOX 333, BRODHEAD N6903 MARSHALL BLUFF RD, 608-897-4965 MONTICELLO 608-938-4657

TOWN OF SYLVESTER VILLAGE OF ALBANY

CATRINA BENNETT MICHELLE BREWER N4416 DUTCH HOLLOW RD, 206N WATER ST, ALBANY MONROE 608-862-3240 608-751-6743

TOWN OF MAGNOLIA GRACEANN TOBERMAN 13343 W CTY RD B, BRODHEAD 608-751-6743

Notice of Meeting of the School District Board of Canvassers

By no later than 9 a.m. on the Tuesday after the election, the school district board of canvassers shall convene, pursuant to the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 19.84, for the purpose of conducting the school district canvass pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 7.53(3). This meeting will be open to the public pursuant to Wis. Stat. §§ 19.81-89.

Information to Electors

Upon entering the polling place and before being permitted to vote, an elector shall:

• state their name and address

• show an acceptable form of photo identification*

• sign the poll book**

*If an elector does not have acceptable photo identification, the elector may obtain a free photo ID for voting from the Division of Motor Vehicles.

**If the elector is unable to sign the poll book due to disability, a poll worker may write the word “exempt.”

If an elector is not registered to vote, they may register to vote at the polling place serving their residence if the elector provides proof of residence.

Where ballots are distributed to electors, the initials of two inspectors must appear on the ballot.

Upon being permitted to vote, the elector shall enter a voting booth or go to a machine and cast their ballot. The vote should not be cast in any manner other than specified here. Sample ballots or other materials to assist the elector in marking their ballot may be taken into the booth and copied. The sample ballot shall not be shown to anyone so as to reveal how the ballot is marked.

An elector who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the elector’s minor child or minor ward. An election official may inform the elector of the proper manner for casting a vote but the official may not advise or indicate a particular voting choice.

LEGAL NOTICES

Assistance for Voting

An elector may select an individual to assist in casting their vote if the elector declares to the presiding official that they are unable to read, have difficulty reading, writing, or understanding English, or that due to disability are unable to cast their ballot. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector.

Where Paper Ballots are Used On referendum questions, the elector shall make a mark (X) in the square next to “yes” if in favor of the question, or the elector shall make a mark (X) in the square next to “no” if opposed to the question.

Where Optical Scan Voting is Used

On referendum questions, the elector shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to “yes” if in favor of the question, or the elector shall fill in the oval or connect the arrow next to “no” if opposed to the question.

When using an electronic ballot marking device (“Automark,” “ExpressVote,” Clear Access or “ImageCast Evolution-ICE”) to mark an optical scan ballot on referendum questions, the elector shall touch the screen or use the tactile pad to select “yes” if in favor of the question, or the elector shall touch the screen or use the tactile pad to select “no” if opposed to the question.

Where Touch Screen Voting is Used

On referendum questions, the elector shall touch the screen at “yes” if in favor of the question, or the elector shall touch the screen at “no” if opposed to the question.

After Voting the Ballot

After an official paper ballot is marked, it shall be folded so the inside marks do not show, but so the printed endorsements and inspectors’ initials on the outside do show. The elector shall deposit the voted ballot in the ballot box or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit and shall leave the polling place promptly.

After an official optical scan ballot is marked, it shall be inserted in the security sleeve, so the marks do not show. The elector may insert the ballot in the voting device and discard the sleeve or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. If a central count system is used, the elector shall insert the ballot in the ballot box and discard the sleeve or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. The elector shall leave the polling place promptly.

After an official touch screen ballot is cast, the elector shall leave the polling place promptly.

Spoiling Ballots

If an elector spoils a paper or optical scan ballot, they shall return it to an election official who shall issue another ballot in its place, but not more than three ballots shall be issued to any one elector. If the ballot has not been initialed by two inspectors or is defective in any other way, the elector shall return it to the election official who shall issue a proper ballot in its place.

The elector may spoil a touch screen ballot at the voting station before the ballot is cast.

The following is a sample of the official ballot:

The following is a sample of the official ballot:

Official Referendum Ballot

November 5, 2024

Official Referendum Ballot November 5, 2024

but the official may not in any manner advise or indicate a particular voting choice. On referenda questions when voting by paper ballot, the elector shall make a cross (X) in the square at the right of “yes” if in favor of the question, or the elector shall make a cross (X) in the square at the right of “no” if opposed to the question. On referenda questions when voting by marksense ballot, the elector shall complete the arrow at the right of “yes” if in favor of the question, or complete the arrow at the right of “no” if opposed to the question. On referenda questions when voting by optical scan ballot, the elector shall fill in the oval at the right of “yes” if in favor of the question, or fill in the oval at the right of “no” if opposed to the question. On referenda questions when voting by touchscreen ballot, the elector shall depress the button next to “yes” if in favor of the question, or depress the button next to “no” if opposed.

The vote should not be cast in any other manner. If the elector spoils a ballot, he or she shall return it to an election official who shall issue another ballot in its place, but not more than three ballots shall be issued to any one elector. Except for touchscreen ballots, if the ballot has not been initialed by two inspectors or is defective in any other way, the elector shall return it to the election official, who shall issue a proper ballot in its place. Not more than five minutes’ time shall be allowed inside a voting booth or machine. Sample ballots or other materials to assist the elector in casting his or her ballot may be taken into the booth and copied. The sample ballot shall not be shown to anyone so as to reveal how the ballot is marked.

After an official paper ballot is marked, it shall be folded so the inside marks do not show but so the printed endorsement and inspectors’ initials on the outside do show. The elector shall leave the booth, deposit his or her folded ballot in the proper ballot box, or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit, and the elector shall leave the polling place promptly.

After an official marksense or optical scan ballot is marked, it shall be inserted in the security sleeve so the marks do not show. After casting his or her vote, the elector shall leave the booth, insert the ballot in the voting devise and discard the sleeve, or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. If a central count system is used, the elector shall insert the ballot in the ballot box and discard the sleeve, or deliver the ballot to an inspector for deposit. The elector shall leave the polling place promptly.

After an official touch screen ballot is marked, the elector shall leave the polling place promptly.

An elector may select an individual to assist in casting his or her vote if the elector declares to the presiding official that he or she is unable to read, has difficulty reading, writing or understanding English or that due to disability is unable to cast his or her ballot. The selected individual rendering assistance may not be the elector’s employer or an agent of that employer or an officer or agent of a labor organization which represents the elector.

The following is a facsimile of the official ballot:

OFFICIAL REFERENDUM BALLOT SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA GREEN COUNTY, WISCONSIN NOVEMBER 5, 2024

NOTICE TO VOTERS: THIS BALLOT MAY BE INVALID UNLESS INITIALED BY TWO (2) ELECTION INSPECTORS. IF CAST AS AN ABSENTEE BALLOT, THE BALLOT MUST BEAR THE INITIALS OF THE MUNICIPAL CLERK OR DEPUTY CLERK.

INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS: IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE OR HAVE A QUESTION, SEE AN ELECTION INSPECTOR. (ABSENTEE VOTERS: CONTACT YOUR MUNICIPAL CLERK.)

If you desire to vote for the resolution set forth below, fill in the oval beneath the question to the right of the word “YES” or if you desire to vote against said resolution, fill in the oval beneath the question to the right of the word “NO”.

Notice to Voters: If you are voting on Election Day, your ballot must be initialed by two election inspectors. If you are voting absentee, your ballot must be initialed by the municipal clerk or deputy clerk. Your ballot may not be counted without initials. (See end of ballot for initials).

Notice to Voters: If you are voting on Election Day, your ballot must be initialed by two election inspectors. If you are voting absentee, your ballot must be initialed by the municipal clerk or deputy clerk. Your ballot may not be counted without initials. (See end of ballot for initials).

Instructions to Voters

If you make a mistake on your ballot or have a question, ask an election inspector for help. (Absentee voters: contact your municipal clerk).

To vote in favor of a question, make an "X" or other mark in the square next to "Yes," like this: ☒

To vote against a question, make an "X" or other mark in the square next to "No," like this: ☒

School District

Question: Shall the School District of Albany, Green and Rock Counties, Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by $1,250,000 per year for three years, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year and ending with the 2026-2027 school year, for non-recurring purposes consisting of operational and maintenance expenses?

Yes

No

RESOLUTION TO EXCEED REVENUE CAP COMMENCING WITH THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Juda, Green County, Wisconsin, that the final school district budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year shall include the following amounts in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

Question

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Kurt Soderberg, District Administrator.

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Kurt Soderberg, District Administrator.

Done in the School District of Albany on October 30, 2024 Carrie A. Anderson District Clerk

Done in the School District of Albany on October 30, 2024 Carrie A. Anderson District Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463282

-Page 5 of 5- (TYPE B NOTICE)

FACSIMILE BALLOT NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA REFERENDUM ELECTION NOVEMBER 5, 2024

OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT CLERK OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA

Notice is hereby given of the referendum election to be held in the School District of Juda on the 5th day of November, 2024 at which the referendum question set forth in the sample ballot below shall be determined.

INFORMATION TO ELECTORS

Upon entering the polling place, a voter shall state his or her name and address, show an acceptable form of photo identification and sign the poll book before being permitted to vote. If a voter is not registered to vote, a voter may register to vote at the polling place serving his or her residence, if the voter presents proof of residence in a form specified by law. Where ballots are distributed to voters, the initials of two inspectors must appear on the ballot. Upon being permitted to vote, the voter shall retire alone to a voting booth and cast his or her ballot, except that a voter who is a parent or guardian may be accompanied by the voter’s minor child or minor ward. An election official may inform the voter of the proper manner for casting a vote,

Shall the School Board of the School District of Juda be authorized to exceed the revenue limit under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by an amount of $350,000 beginning with the 20242025 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 for the 2024-2025 school year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area as provided in the foregoing resolution?

YES NO

The Independent Register 10/30/2024

OF ORFORDVILLE

LOCATIONS AND HOURS OF POLLING PLACE

At the November 5, General Election, in the Village of Orfordville, the following polling place locations will be used for the wards indicated: LOCATION WARDS

Orfordville Village Hall Wards 1 & 2

303 E. Beloit Street

Orfordville, WI 53576

THE POLLING PLACE WILL BE OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.

If you have any questions concerning your polling place, contact the municipal clerk.

Sherri Waege Village Clerk 608-879-2004

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICES

ARGYLE WI 53504-9611

STATE OF WISCONSIN

Village of Orfordville Rock County

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review for the Village of Orfordville, Rock County, Wisconsin, shall hold its first meeting on November 19, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Village Hall at 303 E. Beloit Street, Orfordville, WI 53576. Please be advised of the following requirements to appear before the Board of Review and procedural requirements if appearing before the board:

1. No person will be allowed to appear before the Board of Review, to testify to the Board by telephone, or to contest the amount of any assessment of real or personal property if the person has refused a reasonable written request by certified mail of the assessor to enter onto property to conduct an exterior view of such property being assessed.

2. After the first meeting of the Board of Review and before the Board’s final adjournment, no person who is scheduled to appear before the Board of Review may contact or provide information to a member of the Board about the person’s objection, except at a session of the

Board. Open book shall occur no less than 7 days prior to the Board of Review.

3. The Board of Review may not hear an objection to the amount or valuation of property unless, at least 48 hours before the board’s first scheduled meeting, the objector provides to the Board’s clerk written or oral notice of an intent to file an objection, except that upon a showing of good cause and the submission of a written objection, the Board shall waive that requirement during the first 2 hours of the Board’s first scheduled meeting, and the Board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days with proof of extraordinary circumstances for failure to meet the 48-hour notice requirement and failure to appear before the Board of Review during the first 2 hours of the first scheduled meeting.

4. Objections to the amount or valuation of property shall first be made in writing and filed with the clerk of the Board of Review within the first 2 hours of the Board’s first scheduled meeting, except that, upon evidence of extraordinary circumstances, the Board may waive that requirement up to the end

EXHIBIT C

(Type C Notice)

NOTICE OF REFERENDUM ELECTION SCHOOL DISTRICT OF JUDA

TAKE NOTICE that a referendum election shall be held on November 5, 2024 in the School District of Juda for the purpose of approving or rejecting a Revenue Cap Resolution adopted by the School Board of said District on August 14, 2024.

The Revenue Cap Resolution reads as follows:

RESOLUTION TO EXCEED REVENUE CAP COMMENCING WITH THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of the School District of Juda, Green County, Wisconsin, that the final school district budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year shall include the following amounts in excess of the revenue limits imposed by Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

The referendum ballot will ask District electors: “Shall the School Board of the School District of Juda be authorized to exceed the revenue limit under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by an amount of $350,000 beginning with the 2024-2025 school year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 for the 2024-2025 school year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area as provided in the foregoing resolution?”

A “yes” vote is in favor of the resolution set forth above and is a vote to approve exceeding the so-called “revenue cap” imposed on the District’s school budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by the following amounts: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

A “no” vote is opposed to the resolution and is a vote to deny exceeding the so-called “revenue cap” imposed on the District’s school budget beginning with the 2024-25 school year under Section 121.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes by the following amounts: $350,000 each year on a recurring basis for the purpose of paying District operating costs including curriculum, utilities, technology, insurance, professional development and staffing needs, and by an additional $150,000 each year through the 2028-2029 school year on a non-recurring basis to pay costs of capital projects including, but not limited to, boilers, parking lot improvements, building maintenance and repairs and upgrades to the Career and Technical Education services area.

Persons with questions regarding the referendum election should contact Traci Davis, Superintendent. School

NOTICE FOR LEGAL DEADLINE CHANGE

The legal notice deadline for this paper will be changing to FRIDAYS at 3:30 p.m. beginning November 8, 2024 for the following week’s paper 462913

of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days. The Board may require objections to the amount or valuation of property to be submitted on forms approved by the Department of Revenue, and the Board shall require that any forms include stated valuations of the property in question. Persons who own land and improvements to that land may object to the aggregate valuation of that land and improvements to that land, but no person who owns land and improvements to that land may object only to the valuation of that land or only to the valuation of improvements to that land. No person may be allowed in any action or proceedings to question the amount or valuation of property unless the written objection has been filed and that person in good faith presented evidence to the Board in support of the objections and made full disclosure before the Board, under oath, of all of that person’s property liable to assessment in the district and the value of that property. The requirement that objections be in writing may be waived by express action of the board.

5. When appearing before the Board of Review, the objecting person shall specify in writing the person’s estimate of the value of the land and of the improvements that are the subject of the person’s objection and specify the information that the person used to arrive at that estimate.

6. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the Board by telephone, or object to a valuation if that valuation was made by the assessor or the objector using the income method of valuation, unless no later than 7 days before the first meeting of the Board of Review the person supplies the assessor with all the information about income and expenses, as specified in the assessor’s manual under s. 73.03 (2a), Wis. stats., that the assessor requests. The Village of Orfordville has an ordinance for the confidentiality of information about income and expenses that is provided to the assessor under this paragraph that provides exceptions for persons using information in the discharge of duties imposed by law or the duties of their officer or by order of a court. The information that is provided under this paragraph, unless a court determines before the first meeting of the board of review that it is inaccurate, is not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1), Wis. Stats.

7. The Board shall hear upon oath, by telephone, all ill or disabled persons who present to the Board a letter from a physician, surgeon, or osteopath that confirms their illness or disability. No other persons may testify by telephone unless the Board, in its discretion, has determined to grant a property owner’s or their representative’s request to testify under oath by telephone or written statement.

8. No person may appear before the Board of Review, testify to the Board by telephone, or contest the amount of any assessment unless, at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the board, or at least 48 hours before the objection is heard if the objection is allowed under s.70.47 (3) (a), Wis. stats., that person provides to the clerk of the Board of Review notice as to whether the person will ask for the removal of a member of the Board of Review and, if so, which member, and provides a reasonable estimate of the length of time the hearing will take.

Notice is hereby given this 21st day of October, 2024.

Sherri Waege Village Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463333

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT GREEN COUNTY

BCG EQUITIES,

Defendant(s)

Publication Summons And Notice (Small Claims)

Case No. 2024SC000325

Publication Summons and Notice of Filing

TO THE PERSON(S) NAMED

ABOVE AS DEFENDANT(S):

You are being sued by the person(s) named above as Plaintiff(s). A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above.

The lawsuit will be heard in the following Small Claims court: Green County Courthouse Telephone Number of Clerk of Court: 608-328-9433

Courtroom/Room Number:

Address: 2841 6th Street, Monroe, WI 53566 on the following date and time:

Date: 11/18/2024

Time: 10:00 a.m.

If you do not attend the hearing, the court may enter a judgment against you in favor of the person(s) suing you. A copy of the claim has been sent to you at your address as stated in the caption above. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate (property) you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

You may have the option to Answer without appearing in court on the court date by filing a written Answer with the clerk of court before the court date. You must send a copy of your Answer to the Plaintiff(s) named above at their address. You may contact the clerk of court at the telephone number above to determine if there are other methods to answer a Small Claims complaint in that county.

If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability to participate in the court process, please call (262) 741-7012 at least 10 working days prior to the scheduled court date. Please note that the court does not provide transportation.

Electronically signed by JACOB L. HAMS 10/21/2024 262-641-3715

Bar Number 1118647

Dobberstein Law Firm, LLC 225 S. Executive Dr. Suite 201 Brookfield, WI. 53005

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463334

NOTICE OF A MEETING OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE BRODHEAD SCHOOL DISTRICT

(a joint meeting with other School Boards)

Meeting Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 Meeting Time: 7:00 p.m.

Meeting Location: 2501 West 5th Ave., Brodhead, WI 53520 (High School LMC)

On November 6, 2024, the school boards of each of the following public school districts will hold a joint meeting for the primary purpose of conducting school board member training and development:

• The Albany School District

• The School District of Black Hawk

• The Brodhead School District

• The Juda School District

• The Monticello School District

The following topics will be addressed during the joint meeting:

• Introductions and an Overview of the Prior History and Benefits of Collaboration among the School Boards Participating in the Joint Meeting

• Wisconsin Open Meetings

Law Challenges for School Boards and School Districts

• Rules of Order and Related Procedures for School Board Meetings

• Suggestions for Orientation/ Onboarding Processes for Newly Elected School Board Members

The above-noticed joint School Board meeting and school board training and development session will begin at 7:00 p.m.

and will be conducted in open session.

From 6:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., the School Board members and other school district officials who attend may engage in a pre-meeting social gathering at which no substantive business of the School Board will be discussed or otherwise conducted.

Even though it is expected that more than half of the members of the School Board of the [Brodhead School District] will attend the above-noticed joint meeting and training and development presentation, the members of the School Board who are present will not be making any decisions or otherwise taking any official action (e.g., by motion and vote) in their collective capacity as a School Board.

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463516

TOWN OF AVON

LOCATION AND HOURS OF POLLING PLACE

At the General Election to be held on November 5, 2024 in the Town of Avon the following polling place will be used: Avon Town Hall 16513 W Beloit Newark Road, Brodhead WI. THE POLLS WILL OPEN AT 7:00 A.M. AND WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 P.M.

If you have any questions concerning your polling place, contact the municipal clerk, Stephanie Schwartzlow 608-921-3656 clerk@townofavonwi.gov

The polling place is accessible to elderly and disabled voters.

Photo I.D. is in effect. Bring your I.D. when you come to vote.

You can view the exact ballot for your residence at https://myvote.wi.gov/

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463540

TOWN OF AVON Meeting of Electors

NOTICE IS HERE BY GIVEN that on November 12, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. the Town of Avon, Rock County, Wisconsin will hold a public hearing on the town’s proposed 2025 budget at the Avon Town Hall, 16513 W Beloit Newark Rd, Brodhead, WI. Immediately following the public hearing, a Special Town Elector Meeting will be held to approve the 2024 total town tax levy to be collected in 2025. The summary of the budget is available for review at the public posting locations. For a review of the detailed budget contact the clerk for an appointment.

Stephanie Schwartzlow Avon Town Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463541

TOWN OF ALBANY

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC October 29, 2024

Notice is hereby given that the optical scan tabulation voting equipment to be used at the General Election on Tuesday November 5, 2024 in the Town of Albany, will be conducted at the Town Hall, N6065 County Hwy E, Albany, WI on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

Posted 10/30/2024

Deb Cline, Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30, 11/6/2024 WNAXLP 463542

NOTICE

TOWN OF ALBANY 2024 GENERAL ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that the 2024 General Partisan Election in the Town of Albany will be held at the Town Hall, N6065 County Hwy E, Albany, WI on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Posted 10/30/2024

Deb Cline, Deputy Clerk

The Independent Register 10/30/2024 WNAXLP 463543

planning and performance management processes, a historic first for Milwaukee County. He also spearheaded the creation of the County’s first-ever set of nested strategic plans at the department and office levels. Rowlett played a pivotal role in the creation of County Executive David Crowley’s first policy agenda, helped to guide the distribution of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal COVID relief aid, and managed the county’s first collaborative research with the City of Milwaukee to explore opportunities for service sharing between the two governments.

James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement City of Oshkosh, Mark Rohloff: Since 2008, Rohloff has been city manager of Oshkosh, following stints as city administrator of Berlin and town administrator of Grand Chute. Rohloff’s tenure in Oshkosh has included accomplishments such as creating the city’s first strategic plan, implementing the city’s downtown redevelopment plan, successfully negotiating to retain a Fortune 500 company headquarters for Oshkosh Corp., and negotiating redevelopment of a downtown site for the Milwaukee Bucks’ affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, League Mutual Insurance, and the Wisconsin City-County Management Association. Rohloff was instrumental in helping forge the coalition of local governments that successfully advocated in 2023 for state lawmakers to increase aid to municipalities and counties via the shared revenue program. In addition to his role with the city, Rohloff is has been an adjunct faculty member in the Master of Public Administration program at UW-Oshkosh.

James R. Ryan Lifetime Achievement (Posthumous) Racine County, Jonathan Delagrave: Racine County suffered a tragic loss in June with the unexpected death of County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, who suffered a heart attack while jogging. He was 51. A graduate of Case High School, Delagrave dedicated most of his professional life to improving the community where he grew up. He started with Racine County in 2003 in the Human Services Department before becoming director in 2010; he was elected county executive in 2015 and re-elected again in 2019 and 2023. His legacy includes his work on economic development, infrastructure development, and mental health services for Racine County. His accomplishments were only surpassed by his kindness and his inclusive and visionary leadership style. Delagrave’s commitment to collaborating with partners across the political spectrum was evidenced by the outpouring of condolences and praise for his leadership from Republicans and Democrats alike following his untimely passing. The Wisconsin Policy Forum is the state’s leading source of nonpartisan, independent research on state and local public policy. As a nonprofit, their research is supported by members including hundreds of corporations, nonprofits, local governments, school districts, and individuals. Visit wispolicyforum.org to learn more.