Spring Green, Wisconsin
Thursday, February 10, 2022 | Vol. 3, No. 6 FREE, Single-Copy
Inside this edition
Briefs: APT Managing Director stepping down
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Community Calendar: Live music, yoga, book club and more
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Arena board takes up recycling fee increases, ordinance changes, sewer project updates Adeline Holte, Editorial Intern The Village of Arena Board of Trustees held its regular monthly board meeting on Feb. 1. Among some of the topics discussed during the meeting were talk of the ongoing gravity sewer project, updates on the Arena home talent baseball team and recycling fee increases. The first item on the agenda was an update on the home talent team regarding status, insurance, and scheduling. The team will be presumed to go from May 26 and estimated to go on until August 4, with the team planning on only doing a Thursday night league, with plans to do the Sunday league in 2023. The next item on the agenda was the evaluation and recommendation regarding the Gravity Sewer Facility Plan, and reevaluating the cost difference, as costs have started to rise. Andy Zimmer of MSA, the village engineering firm, stated that he and Greg Gunderson had begun with seven options on what to do, and now are down to two. The first option was to get new pumps and a new generator on the Pine Street Lift Station upgraded to 15 HP pumps, which can still fit with the existing piping, as well as some minor control panel upgrades to accommodate the pumps. The final cost would total $1,004,000. The second option was to essentially replace the entire station, by building a new one and keeping the old one but transferring everything to the new at a new location. “You can build a new one, keep the other one in service and just switch over,” Zimmer stated. The final cost for this option would be $635,000. It was said though, that
the lifecycle cost would essentially be the same over 20 years. Zimmer said that they feel the first option would be the most efficient over time. Sharon Street sewer upgrades were also discussed. In November MSA stated that until they completed the previous analysis, they would leave the gravity sewer in its current position to keep costs down. The geotechnical investigation report that had been provided to the board indicated that there was currently water between 3-10 feet below ground, compared to late 2018 and 2019, when the water was at ground level. The geotechnical investigation report also provided information that the pavement can be put back in, though they will have to deal with dewatering. The manhole number 22 was also added to the cost, with the total ranging from somewhere between $642,000 to $689,000. Also discussed was the construction budget, which was originally $840,000. With the lift station upgrades, the gravity sewer cost, and the sewer rehabilitation, the new budget comes to $1.17 million. The difference would be $330,000. Next discussed was the sewer rehabilitation. Sewer defect analysis and prioritization were televised in 2021, which provided a map and a priority table. The east of Village Edge Road was not evaluated. It was stated that they did not find much infiltration when televising the mains because it had not been an incredibly wet year, though there are two “red” areas as well as four “peach-colored” areas that are considered now as a priority for lining to be fixed. With the manhole investigation and prioritization, it was stated that up to
80% of inflow and infiltration comes through the manholes, and that there are eight manholes shown in “red” that either need to be repaired or replaced. The rehab target budget came in at $300,000 where they would be starting at the top of the priority list and working their way down. “Start at the worst first,” Zimmer explained. The updated tentative project schedule for the sewer rehabilitation has the facility plan being submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) this month, completion of design plans, specs and permits in March, the bid process taking place in March and April, with the village awarding the bid in early May. Contracting and shop drawings are expected between May and June, with the actual sewer construction and rehab happening June 2022 through May 2023. The project’s DNR funding application is due in Sept. 2022 and the loan should close in Feb. or March 2023. MSA also stated that they will come back in March to confirm a detailed cost estimate to rehabilitate the red and peach lining and manholes, and how much the $300,000 budget will be able to fix these problems. The Dane/Iowa Facility Planning and the Town and Country Engineers will also be discussing the topic with them to make sure they are updated on the plans for the lift station. It was also stated that they will bring the topic back to the village for approval if costs adjust at all. A motion was made by Trustee Kathy Stoltz and seconded by Trustee Chuck Burch to accept the proposal recommendation on the first option
for the gravity sewer facility plan on the lift station options. The motion carried. Next on the agenda was new business, where a motion was made by Trustee Kristen Shea to approve the 2022 Mary Jones Memorial Celebration: Temporary Class ‘B’ Alcohol License for July 8 through the 9 for a fireworks and street use permit, which is contingent upon temporary operator licenses as well as an insurance certificate. The motion was seconded by Stoltz. Also in new business was the discussion of an ordinance relating to restrictions on Special Class ‘B’ Fermented Malt Beverage Picnic or Special Event License for the home talent games. The board discussed whether they should change the ordinances to remove the fencing requirement for consuming alcoholic beverages at the baseball games. The clerk will bring back to the board a draft ordinance that would remove the requirement for the fence, while keeping in place a requirement that ID’s need to be checked. Wristbands or hand stamps will be used at large events. Also discussed in new business was a motion to accept a resolution regarding recycling fees. The motion was made by Stoltz and seconded by Burch. The garbage and recycling fees would increase by $.05 a month. A roll call vote was made and Trustee Paul Pustina was opposed, stating that there already were too many line items on the utility bill. The motion passed 4 to 1. The next regular monthly board meeting will be March 1.
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Commentary/Opinion
Thursday, February 10, 2022
Katie Green’s The Plain and Simple Correspondent: Under the Surface Katie Green, The Plain and Simple Correspondent
Update A few weeks ago I fell and sustained compression fractures in my spine. This has hampered my freewheeling but orderly life, and for the foreseeable future I may not be able to write regularly. I hope others will step up to fill the gap with heart-felt contributions to uplift our communities in the River Valley.
Looking out over this little village on a cold Sunday morning, all appears to be orderly and serene. Happily, the temperatures hover thirty above zero, not twenty below. The grip of winter is loosening, slowly but surely. Bells summon the faithful to St. Luke's church, our bird feeders summon the hungry feathered ones to a feast. To my delight, for once a titmouse doesn't hasten away with a beak full of suet but lingers on a nearby branch long enough to have her portrait taken. The remaining snow is criss-crossed with many tracks of the critters that roam the neighborhood while humans are in dreamland at night. It is amusing to see how the dainty squirrel tracks become
Katie Green large, misshapen ovals like that of elephants. I want to stay in this mood, extending the cloud of unknowing, not inquiring into the sadder details that certainly could taint the rosy picture. What is happening in the homes around, across, and below me is shrouded in mystery to a certain extent.
I do know of some suffering of the old and ill. But I can't help but speculate beyond those I am acquainted with. I am a creature of my upbringing and want to empathize, to help. The mostly gentle, loving guidance provided by my parents included thinking for myself and making my own choices, even though female. (Still somewhat unusual for that time). That freedom occasionally became traumatic for us all as I bumbled toward adulthood. Keep your mind open, be curious, explore, they said. Trial and error. These lessons circle back around nearly every day. When I heard a recent interview with Jeffrey A. Sachs, U. of Nova Scotia professor of Law and Politics, enumerating all the ways thought control is being introduced by new laws in many states, most of them in the South or Midwest, it was not exactly news, but so disheartening I could cry. Book banning, teachers not allowed to teach science or answer questions students have, not allowed to set their own curriculum, classrooms wired to enable spying on what goes on there, “bounty” paid to folks – not even parents – to rat on teachers who want to nurture the curiosity and wonder of children and thereby find they violate the new laws. No privacy for children to discuss what perhaps they can't within the bosom of their own families for fear of reprisals. As one of my sons remarked sadly, it's like a race to the bottom. These controlling impulses must be inborn, as they seem to have existed forever. Public readings of the “Magnificat” of Mary, mother of Jesus, as written up in the Gospel of Luke, was banned from public readings in Central and South America in the 1970s and '80s by various dictators and church officials after the mothers of disappeared family members chose it as their anthem. Not the portion where Mary accepts that she shall bear a child despite having no husband, but the fiery part that identifies with the poor and downtrodden. An economy that works for everyone. That is still not popular with politicians or some malign interpreters of theology. I hear Mary's song, do you?
Photo contributed by Katie Green A titmouse doesn't hasten away with a beak full of suet but lingers on a nearby branch long enough to have her portrait taken. Along the south porch of our house as the drifts recede, to my astonishment the green pointed spears of daffodils are pushing above ground. Already? They take me by surprise every Spring and embody HOPE. Under the surface, free of the burden of our human sins, beats the renewing heart of the Universe. The energy of renewal brings up the sap that will enable us to crusade against nonsense.There may come a time when it may be possible to clamp electrodes on a person's skull and tune in on what the brain is thinking in order to control it, but until then I shall generate a plethora of organic, free-range thoughts. My prayer is that we all unite to meet the challenge of bringing about the best of all possible worlds. Is it possible to create societies where no one will be forgotten or outcast, hungry, without a home, forced to negotiate the hurdles of life alone? We could begin the experiment right here. Now.
… I have been writing for fun and profit, mostly the former, since childhood. Most of the newspapers I have written for have died as people’s ways of accessing “information” has changed. I won’t say information chains have “evolved” because that implies improvement over traditional print, which I often doubt. The offer to write for Valley Sentinel has been a dream come true, in that I was granted complete freedom to write about what is important to me and I hope relevant to you in some way. Long may this little paper prosper! Yes, I am opinionated, but my writings are meant to be in the interests of a more loving, better functioning world for all. Should you wish to contact me with comments, corrections, suggestions, etc. I can be reached at greengal2@charter.net.
Letter to the Editor: Growing old ain’t pretty, but it shouldn’t be awful Dear Editor, We all will hopefully have the great fortune to grow old. And to live in a place where we feel safe and secure. I dipped my toe into the senior residential world when I needed to find a place for my mom while I would be away for 10 days. I arranged for her to “check in” to what they call respite care a few days before my scheduled departure to make sure she settled in ok. She did not, and due to health
On the cover Winter Barn, 11" x 14" Oil painting (2022) by Jen Salt
From the artist: Here's a painting of a long barn in winter, which is located just outside of Gotham, part of the ongoing Sixty West Art Project The oil painting is one of the many landmarks along the beautiful Wisconsin River on Highway Sixty West. — Jen Salt Jen Salt is an artist who lives in a place she calls “Crow’s Lair Cottage” – just outside of Spring Green, where she’s lived for over half a decade. “The Wisconsin River was the draw to move here and I’ve never looked back, coming from a big city. This is home.” Submit your art work for consideration: editor@valleysentinelnews.com
issues that arose that I feared wouldn’t be treated, I decided to cancel my trip and take her back home to the house she has lived in for nearly 60 years. It was a lovely facility. It was part of her health care organization. It was located near her regular doctor at her nearby clinic. It was somewhat affordable. But something just didn’t feel right. I have no evidence of malfeasance, just that gut feeling. Today, I read an eye-opening, heart-
wrenching piece by Bill Lueders, editor of The Progressive, about the tragic eviction of his mother from a senior residence in New Berlin where she had lived for over 10 years. Please take the time to read this important article to learn how senior care facilities are illegally evicting people with no notice, causing chaos for all involved. The seniors in our society deserve much better. We need to care for the most vulnerable in our communities.
It is criminal not to. — Claudia Wood Highland and Milwaukee, WI ... Editor's note: Lueders' piece can be read at progressive.org/evicting Lueders has also been giving updates at wisconsinexaminer.com/author/billlueders
LTE: State budget surplus should allow us to bet big on rural WI Two weeks ago, Wisconsin’s nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau just announced that the state will have a $3.8 billion budget surplus. That’s about $2.9 billion more than what was expected this year. What great news! As you might expect, there will be elected politicians of every stripe– conservative, liberal, Republican, and Democrat, the Legislature, the Governor–rushing to take credit for the bonus. Ignore them. As the saying goes: Success has many fathers. Failure is an orphan. What really matters is how our elected
leaders in Madison are proposing to deploy these funds. As a taxpayer, I would be extremely upset to see one penny of this surplus be hoarded by the state in a “rainy day” fund or wasted on a tax cut to the rich or on corporate welfare, as has happened with every state budget of the past 10 years. Instead, to our legislators in Madison, I’d say this: Bet big on rural Wisconsin. This surplus is a once and a lifetime opportunity to guarantee our small town way of life stays strong for another generation. If it were up to me, I would use this surplus as a
downpayment on rural Wisconsin’s future. Invest in housing, mental health services, build child care capacity, fix our roads, clean our water, and keep our rural school districts alive and thriving. There’s no other investment that will get more bang for your taxpayer bucks than investing in rural communities. The state government should go all in for rural Wisconsin. –Tripp Stroud, Clyde, WI Candidate for Wisconsin’s 17th State Senate District
Commentary/OpInIon/brIeFs
Thursday, February 10, 2022 Page 3
Senator Howard Marklein — Capitol Update: Positive outlook for agriculture Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) Agriculture has been a major topic of conversation in the State Capitol lately. The recent presentation by the Dairy Innovation Hub (DIH) was followed by the annual Ag Economic Outlook Forum at the University of Wisconsin and Ag Day at the Capitol hosted by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation (WFBF) and other partners. The legislature will also be taking action on a couple of key ag-related initiatives that we have been working on for a very long time. In case you missed it, I recently wrote a column on the DIH’s presentation of new research projects in the State Capitol. Visit my website to take a look. I am very encouraged by the collaborative, cutting-edge work these campuses are doing and I am proud to continue supporting their efforts to keep Wisconsin a Dairy Superpower. I am also encouraged by the economic reports detailed at the Wisconsin Ag Economic Outlook Forum at the University of Wisconsin. I always look forward to the research and analysis shared at the forum because it is a comprehensive view of ag economies and predictions for future challenges and opportunities. The analysis this year tells me that there is a positive outlook for ag. Nationwide, the 2021 net farm income forecast is 24% above the 20 year
average at $116.8 billion. Paul Mitchell, Director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute and faculty member at UW Madison said that “the average US farmer is going into 2022 in a solid financial position.” He said that most of the 2021 farm income increase was from corn, soybeans and livestock. The increases experienced by farmers are coming from both selling product and government assistance. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Wisconsin farmers have received a lot of assistance. The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program pumped $1.22 billion into Wisconsin. Nearly $45 billion was pushed into ag in 2020 nationwide. A lot of farmers used their positive financial position to pay down debt and prepare for the future. But, they are also paying more for production because input prices are increasing. For example, fertilizer prices have tripled over the last 12 months. Mitchell said that over the last couple of weeks, prices have started to level and he is hoping we are seeing the end of the price spike. Each year, I am anxious to hear about the prognosis for the dairy industry. Herd consolidation continues and Wisconsin has lost about a third of our dairy farms in the last seven years. However, this has not affected the size of the overall herd. We still have the same number of cows in Wisconsin.
Senator Howard Markelin Domestic demand continues to increase for all products because consumers are still staying home and cooking rather than going out to eat. This has kept cheese consumption relatively flat because restaurants typically serve more cheese than the average consumer chooses to cook at home. Yogurt continues to be a growth category and butter consumption is way up. Fluid milk consumption continues to decline. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis at UW Madison said that the demand for exported dairy products is larger than ever. He is analyzing a 17.5-18% increase monthto-month compared to previous years across all dairy product categories. Our
products are being shipped all over the world, but China and Mexico are some of our biggest customers. The legislature is also taking action on Ag Exports. The Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), which I co chair, will be approving $558,400 for the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to promote agricultural exports on behalf of Wisconsin. The legislature set aside this funding in the state budget and required DATCP to work with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to put together a plan to actively promote the export of agricultural goods to other countries. The agencies returned with a plan to provide technical expertise, market research and market development resources. They will be organizing international trade missions and inbound reverse buyer missions in which we invite buyers to Wisconsin to experience our products to place orders with our producers. Again, there is a very positive outlook for ag in Wisconsin right now. I will continue to monitor this extremely important industry in my communities and work with local farmers to remove obstacles and provide resources. It is an honor to represent the hard-working farm families, ag businesses and rural communities in the 17th Senate District.
In Other News/Briefs
APT Managing Director stepping down On Feb. 9, American Players Theatre (APT) announced that Managing Director Carrie Van Hallgren would be departing APT at the end of the 2022 Hill Season.
"I am immensely proud of all that this theater has accomplished in my time here, and I know that there are even brighter days ahead for our theater in the woods," said Van Hallgren in a statement. "It has been a privilege and joy to serve this institution and you, our extraordinary audience." This season will be Van Hallgren's eighth as managing director.
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APT awarded nearly $1 million in grants On Feb. 2, Gov. Tony Evers announced that American Players Theatre (APT) will be recieving $971,360 through the Tourism Capital Investment Grant Program for major tourism-related capital improvement projects across the state that "help promote, maintain, or bolster Wisconsin's tourism industry." According to the statement, the grant will be used to expand and revitalize the theatre parking lot by replacing insufficient lighting with new LED lighting, expanding the parking lot to accommodate an additional 75 cars, installing a swale to manage storm water runoff and paving the portion of the lot that accommodates accessible parking.
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Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”
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Whether it's Valentine's Day, Galentine's, some self care or a romantic night any time of the year — here are some popular picks and advice from local experts: RUTH SCHREINER OF PRAIRIE FLOWERS AND GIFTS
says that oriental lilies, roses and tulips are always popular and suggests her Fantastic Fragrance bouquet. ALI KAUSS OF ALI KAUSS ADORNMENT
says her brass heart earrings are super popular. "Super fun for someone to make for herself or another to buy for HER!" PAM CHEHADE OF PAMELA'S FINE JEWELRY
says heart jewelry and diamonds are most popular of course. Children often buy small pieces or earrings for their mom. CARRIE WALSH OF COUNTRY CROSSROADS FLORAL AND GIFTS
says a dozen roses and chocolates are most popular. "Red roses are a statement of love and are absolutely stunning."
Convivio's romantic wine picks DOMAINE BERTHIER SAINT AMOUR 2019 Called the "spirit of seduction," this ruby red wine is a no-brainer for Valentine's Day. Notes of cherry and a hint of spice; will complement any fancy or laid-back dinner. DOMAINE SKOURAS MOSCOFILERO 2020 A white from Greece that's lightly floral, citrusy, interesting enough to drink on its own or with food. Pair it with a poem referencing Greek lovers! VILLA WOLF PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2021 The latest vintage of everyone's favorite pink wine.
LIOCO INDICA RED TABLE WINE 2019 Another beautiful red label—this time featuring a topographical map of the Californian county in which it was produced. Buy it for Valentine's Day, but drink it on any occasion. Slightly jammy, good for the California wine lover who's looking for something new. QUERENA CAVA BRUT ROSÉ Light pink sparkler that makes a great aperitif or pairing with dark chocolate after dinner.
LOVE STORY THAT YOU WISH WAS YOUR LIFE:
The Bookshop of Second Chances, Jackie Fraser LOVE STORY THAT WILL MAKE YOU SOB:
Me Before You, Jojo Moyes LOVE WORTH WAITING FOR:
Persuasion, Jane Austen LOVE, AS YOU WISH:
The Princess Bride, William Goldman I'LL GIVE YOU THE STARS:
Stardust, Neil Gaiman BOW CHICKA WOW WOW
Anonymous Sex, edited by Hillary Jordan and Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan Written anonymously by 27 famous and acclaimed authors
Arcadia's romantic Book picks
Review: 'All This Beauty' — Discussing new EP, love with artist Camela Widad Adeline Holte, Editorial Intern “Find your song, it always brings you back, proof of a winding path but you’re always on track.” Local Wisconsin artist Camela Widad lets her vocals soar on her latest EP, “All This Beauty” released in December. One of her songs, “Beautiful You,” captures the subtle yet welcoming feel of a Wisconsin day, wrapped up in sweet lyrics and a catchy melody that stays stuck in your head long after you first hear it. Widad is a Spring Green native, who writes folksy, meaningful music that can make anyone smile or tap their foot. Widad grew up in Spring Green, but traveled around the country as an actress before turning her ear to music. Widad has been all over the country with her albums and acting, and that shows in her songs, in their adventurous, bold nature. Now back in Spring Green, she continues to make those adventurous and inviting songs, which is very present in her new EP. “Leave the bad vibes outside,” the singer says in “Beautiful You,” which is exactly what you’ll do after you listen to Widad’s folksy EP. The EP contains five songs, each with its own unique sound and style. “Chasing Beauty” is the second track on “All This Beauty” and features an upbeat song with meaningful and well thought out lyrics; lyrics that make you want to relax on your porch and enjoy a summer Wisconsin day or go adventuring out on the trails and take in the beauty of nature, as Widad says on the track with the lyric: “I’ve been walking miles and miles/chasing beauty.” If you need a song to inspire your travels and adventures. “Chasing Beauty” is the perfect fit. My personal favorite off the album was the fourth track: “Just the Two of Us.” With a sweet, inviting and almost nostalgic tone, Widad nails the feeling of comfort, intimacy, and the intricate details of love. The song is sweet and subtle, with some incredible vocal work and lyrics that make you want to cuddle up to your special someone, especially with the lyrics: “when you come close I feel the mellow rhythm of your heart/it takes my soul back home/hey baby, let's reach for those stars.” With the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many artists and creators had to adjust their style of creating and brainstorming as the world went virtual. Widad, who wanted to release
these songs on her EP, decided she would remedy this by taking a course to learn how to record her music at home, and contacting two producers she had previously worked with to see if they would help her out virtually, by sending the tracks back and forth. Bob Welsh and Derek Euston, from the Green Room in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, agreed to it, and they got to work on producing and recording the tracks for “All This Beauty”. Because she had to work from home, Widad did not have a studio to go and record her songs. So, the artist converted her bedroom closet into a makeshift studio, complete with clothes to block out any unwanted sounds while she recorded. Widad says she is currently working on another project with The Figgs’ Pete Donelly that we will get to hear in May 2022, and yet another one for 2023. Widad does a phenomenal job of making each song on this EP unique, interesting, and catchy in its own way. The range of instruments and vocal infusions take you to a new place with each song and leave you thinking about them afterward. “All This Beauty” manages to feel new and nostalgic all at once. It can feel like a hug from an old friend or that first step out the door on a new adventure. Widad does a fantastic job of incorporating feeling and passion into her music. Even if folk isn’t really your cup of tea, you still will most likely find enjoyment in “All This Beauty.” The EP is available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and all other streaming platforms. ... Valley Sentinel: Your EP is titled “All This Beauty” — what does “beauty” mean to you in this sense? Camela Widad: I spent a lot of my life running. I didn’t know if I was running toward or away from something until one day I realized I was searching. I think now I know I was searching for beauty, in all things. It took me a while to figure out that in my heart, I am nourished by beauty; a sunrise, someone's spontaneous laughter, the generosity of a stranger, a majestic mountain range as you’re driving into it from an hour away and color, lots of color! Beauty is everywhere if we slow down enough to take in its presence and I have found my life is better when I choose to focus on the beauty - in all of its forms - in my life. VS: It’s perhaps not a stretch to call this an EP of love songs, what makes the perfect love song? CW: Yes, if you take my definition of beauty and expand the definition of love, then “All This Beauty” absolutely is a collection of love songs. “Beautiful You” is a love song to yourself when you need to remember what a miracle you are, even with all the scars. Then there’s a love song to my endless search, in the song “Chasing Beauty”. “Just the Two of Us” was a song I wrote as a love letter to someone I had not met yet, sort of a message in a bottle, but then turned into an homage to couples who have been together for decades. “Forever and Always” is a platonic love song that taps into loyalty, community and crazy joy. “Good Life”, the most simple song on the EP, is a love song to life and all the simple
moments that we long for, but may not know we do, until they are gone. VS: You’ve mentioned how COVID has affected musical artists and the creative process, do you think it has changed how we all love as well? Can music help? CW: OH, wow, that is a deep question. I think COVID has brought to the surface much of what we have needed to look at in our lives, a sort of painful and powerful mirror. How we love in the 21st century, seemed to be on a fast track to losing intimacy; we were so busy, work work work, family strains, money strains, even dating online has lost intimacy. As a culture life’s demands seemed more important than human politeness and dignity and I think we’re still walking through that together. These times have forced many of us to slow down, get more connected to those we love and take no moment for granted, knowing we may not have tomorrow. Some people are thriving in that and some are struggling. As a mother, I loved these last 2 years but as performing artist and concert goer myself, it was torture. As an artist I have always craved my alone time, but this is getting crazy! Many of us have learned to record at home so we could keep going and at this point the amount of new music releasing shows what happens when artists get a chance to immerse themselves in their “creative juice”! I also took this last year to create a much stronger online community for my fans through a private FB Group for folks on my mailing list, called the Warriors of Love Tribe and a new Patreon page, where I spend time creating weekly and monthly content making the best of “how” we can connect right now. Music is everywhere in my life; at the gym, when I take a shower, when I’m cooking dinner, when I’m driving, family celebrations . I mean, I may be biased, but music helps EVERYTHING! …did I mention my EP is on sale on my website? ;) VS: Would you say this EP reflects personal experiences? If we may ask, what inspired you? CW: Some of the songs on “All This Beauty” started out as song prompts from a songwriting game I was in with artists all over the US, just one or two words and I had to write a song. So fun. I had to fit ‘northern lights’ into a song. You’ll have to listen to the EP to find which song! :) One of them was what I call “I’m coming clean!” songs, where I am radically honest with myself about how I feel or how I see things - that was definitely the song “Chasing Beauty”. I am an unconventional woman and live an unconventional life. Living for outside validation was never gonna work.
At times I can get crippling self doubt and I use tools to get around it, sometimes that’s writing a song to get it out of my system. With “Beautiful You”, I was wondering what I would tell myself if I was being supportive and loving instead of listening to the inner critic, and the lyrics just tumbled out, ‘Find your song, it always brings you back. Proof of a winding path, but you’re always on track. No more apologies. Perfectly Imperfect, Just be.” “Good Life” is my heart and soul. I know that probably sounds trite, but really it is. The opening lyrics say it all and the chorus reminds me to be grateful. I live for love. I think we all do in our own sweet, weird and messy ways. VS: What do you hope people will take away from this EP? CW: Joy, empowerment, fun, new favorite song! If you find a new favorite, please email me and tell me - I love to hear your stories. I love it when my music makes its way into your life. I have so many songs that have become the “soundtrack of my life”. What an honor for mine to make their way into yours. “Beautiful You” is the perfect driving song. “Good Life” is a great song for a first dance or for a wedding dance. “Forever and Always” is a perfect group song, read: pub song that you all sing REALLY LOUD together, stomping the floor and yelling on the “HEYS”! Before this EP was released, I had “Just the Two of Us” on my phone as a rough memo recording. A close friend was playing my previous release “Warriors of Love” for her Mother in hospice but also wanted this one to play for her and did not care that it was a voice memo. I still tear up today knowing that something I gave to the world helped another person transition gently, surrounded by love in her last days. I am so fortunate. VS: If you had to pick one song from your EP that someone should add to a playlist for a romantic evening with a loved one, which would it be? CW: Definitely “Good Life”.
Page 6
Community
Thursday, February 10, 2022
COmmunitycalendar Events for February 10 - February 24 Thursday, February 10 BOOK CLUB: Jeanine Cummins and Guillermo Arriaga discuss "American Dirt" 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Virtual Event . readinutopia.com/events . Join us for a virtual book club event with best-selling author Jeanine Cummins for the paperback release of her novel, American Dirt. A little about the book: Forced to flee, Lydia and Luca find themselves joining the countless people trying to reach the United States from Acapulco. Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to? Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green . springgreengeneralstore.com . The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome. Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green . ninasdepartmentstore.com . Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.
Friday, February 11 Ridgeway Pine Relict Workday: Cutting and Burning Brush 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM . RSVP for location . Looking to get outdoors, learn more about state natural areas and contribute to helping them thrive? Join us for an upcoming workday! No skills are needed as you will be trained onsite. For questions or to RSVP, contact Mary Kay Baum at marykbaum@gmail.com or 608-935-5834
Saturday, February 12 February Yoga Classes with Rural Remedy 9:00 AM- 10:30 AM . S11105 Fairview Rd Spring Green (lower barn) . ruralremedy.com . Group yoga classes for all levels. Winter themes include low back care, general joint mobility and cultivating an intentional, whole breath. Sounds good, right? 3-class session for $50 or 6-classes for $95 Class will be shortened 2/26 due to the special Yoga Nidra workshop. Pricing is alwavs flexible. Trade or creative barter is always welcome. Email embenz@gmail.com for more info. Pop-Up Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM . S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . The Spring Green Farmers Market is continuing in the Spring Green Community Public Library Lot through the winter every Saturday morning. Pre-orders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact information. Vineyard Snowshoe Tour & Wine Tasting 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr, Muscoda . $38 per person, $18 if you bring your own equipment . wildhillswinery.com . Join us for a one-hour snowshoe tour through the vineyard followed by a wine tasting of Wild Hills Wine! Get out into nature this winter and explore the beauty and splendor of Wild Hills Winery’s 81-acre estate with 16 acres of vineyard and 8 acres of orchards. All equipment included. Guests will learn about the unique terroir of the Driftless Area and the history of cold-climate grape cultivation. This experience is a perfect blend of agritourism, activity and fun! Must present a valid ID for wine tasting. Please dress warm and ready to explore in the snow! Valentine’s Wine Tasting 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM . Convivio, 122 N Lexington St, Spring Green . We've picked out several romantic wines to share with you for a Valentine’s Day tasting. We’ve invited one of our favorite wine aficionados, Kitty, to walk you through them! She is a great resource if you have any burning wine questions. VFW Steak and Chicken Fry 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Arena VFW Post 9336 514 Willow Street, Arena . Dine in and carryout. $13.00 for Steak or $8.00 chicken breast with baked potato, baked beans, salad, roll and desert. Call 608.753.2225 with questions
Wednesday, February 16 BOOK CLUB: "The Sentence" by Louise Erdrich 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Virtual Event . readinutopia.com/events . The Sentence is unlike any other Erdrich novel in one important sense: it happens in a contemporaneous time frame. The book opens on All Souls Day, November 2, 2019, and concludes on the same date a year later. It is intensely immediate.Erdrich is observing, processing and writing in the blurry blink of an eye. In most other ways it is quintessentially an Erdrich book: filled with richly drawn characters, issues about the long history of Indigenous indignities, the spirit world, blunt-talking mature women, family drama, fierce humor, and a surfeit of love.
Thursday, February 17 Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green . springgreengeneralstore.com . The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome. Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green . ninasdepartmentstore.com . Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm. LIVE MUSIC: Slowpoke Songwriters Round 7:30 PM- 9:30 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . Featuring Elise Nicole, Annie Emmenegger, and Sophia Landis. Tim Eddy curates this series, throughout this fall and winter, of singer/songwriters from the Driftless Area. Support local artists by joining us for a night of original music with several songwriters, all on the stage together, sharing their music round robin style. No cover, but tips for artists are always welcome. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.
Saturday, February 19 ATV Club Annual Winter Kid’s Fisheree 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM . 6147 US Highway 14, Spring Green . Wildlife Forever ATV Club's Annual Winter Kid's Fisheree! 50/50 Raffle, Silent Auction, and Chili Cook Off. 100% of the proceeds will go *TBD. $10.00 to enter for Chili Cook Off. All children 15 & under fish for FREE! Prizes for all participants. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. No RSVP. $20 for an individual to sponsor a child, $50 for a business to sponsor a child.While you’re there, you can learn about Wildlife Forever ATV Club and feel free to fill out a Membership Application - If you would prefer to complete an application in advance, you can stop by Trader's Bar & Grill to sign up! If you have any questions please contact Diane dianemariehalverson@gmail.com We hope to see you there! February Yoga Classes with Rural Remedy 9:00 AM- 10:30 AM . S11105 Fairview Rd Spring Green (lower barn) . ruralremedy.com . Group yoga classes for all levels. Email embenz@gmail.com for more info. Pop-Up Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM . S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . The Spring Green Farmers Market is continuing in the Spring Green Community Public Library Lot through the winter every Saturday morning. Pre-orders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact information. Vineyard Snowshoe Tour & Wine Tasting 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM . $38 per person $18 if you bring your own equipment . wildhillswinery.com and scroll to EVENTS . 30940 Oakridge Dr Muscoda . Must present a valid ID for wine tasting. Please dress warm and ready to explore in the snow! POSTPONED UNTIL APRIL: John Nichols, "Coronavirus Criminals and Pandemic Profiteers 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM .Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com LIVE MUSIC: Lou Shields 7:30 PM- 10:00 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . $10 in advance/$15 at the door . Lou Shields continues the tradition of American music with a solo-performance that pulls in styles of days-gone-by. Using his 1931 National Resonator Guitar or Banjo accompanied by a unique front porch style of foot percussion and harmonica, he uses his voice as an extension of the past. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required.
Wine & Chocolate Pairing 5:30 PM- 7:00 PM . $21 per person . wildhillswinery.com and scroll to EVENTS . 30940 Oakridge Dr Muscoda . Join Wild Hills Winery and Driftless Chocolates for a decadent night of locally crafted and delicious wine and chocolate pairings. Guests will enjoy five samples of Wild Hills wines and five rich and delectable Driftless Chocolates bonbons and truffles. An early Valentine’s Day treat for your Sunday, February 20 sweetie or the perfect night out with friends, our Wine & Chocolate Pairing will be an evening of perfect indulgence in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Must be 21 to book. IDs Annual River Valley FFA Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM . checked prior to tasting. Arena VFW, 514 Willow St, Arena . Adults $6.00; Children 5-10 $3.00; Children 4 and Under Free. Menu includes Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Coffee, Cheese, Monday, February 14 Milk, and Juice.Profits are used towards River Valley FFA Career and Development Events, Leadership Workshops, and Scholarships. LIVE MUSIC: A Night of Romance - with Jambidextrous 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . slowpokelounge.com . At Monday, February 21 Slowpoke, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend our Valentines day than a night of romantic dancing to Jazz Standards . And who better to create the soundtrack of the Did You Know? RV History 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM . Spring Green Community Center, 117 evening than our favorite jazz combo, Jambidextrous, featuring local favorites Rob S Washington St, Spring Green . www.springgreen.com . Join the Spring Green Area Steffen, Erik Johnson, Ted Frank, and special guest, Jud Swenson. Life is too short to skip Chamber of Commerce and learn about the history of the River Valley Area! We have the dancing. And love is too important. $10 in advance. Proof of vaccination required speakers from Sauk County Historical Society, Lone Rock, Arena, Plain, and Spring for all Slowpoke events. Green!
Tuesday, February 15 Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM . Kraemer Library, 910 Main St, Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Come join us for 45 minutes of fun-filled interactive stories, songs and rhymes! Meet new friends, sing songs, and have fun! Enjoy a story session that encourages a love of reading and fosters the development of early literacy skills. Ages 0-5. Masks encouraged.
Wednesday, February 16 FUNtivity Kits 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . Drop by to pick up a "FUNtivity" grab-and-go activity. Kits are geared toward children and families. While supplies last outside the parking lot entrance. February Yoga Classes with Rural Remedy 6:00 PM- 7:30 PM . S11105 Fairview Rd Spring Green (lower barn) . ruralremedy.com . Group yoga classes for all levels. Email embenz@gmail.com for more info.
Tuesday, February 22 Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM . Kraemer Library, 910 Main St, Plain . kraemerlibrary.org . Come join us for 45 minutes of fun-filled interactive stories, songs and rhymes! Meet new friends, sing songs, and have fun! Enjoy a story session that encourages a love of reading and fosters the development of early literacy skills. Ages 0-5. Masks encouraged.
Thursday, February 24 Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green . springgreengeneralstore.com . The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome. Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jefferson St. Spring Green . ninasdepartmentstore.com . Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.
Community
Thursday, February 10, 2022 Page 7
COVID-19 Dashboard 1,360,503 Positive Cases
Wisconsin Summary
+18,695 from 2/2
Cases as of 2/9/2022
4,132,266 Negative Test Results +37,861 from 2/2
11,483 Deaths +229 from 2/2 Updated: 2/9/2022 /2022
Vaccine Summary Statistics
covid case activity level
Updated: 2/9/2022
This graph shows information on case burden and trajectory. Burden (case rate) is the total number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Wisconsin residents in the last two weeks. Trajectory is the percent case change from the previous to the current week. These are different from Community Transmission Level, which is the total confirmed cases per 100,000 persons reported in the past 7 days. Case activity is a combination of burden and trajectory over the prior two weeks.
Iowa County
3,477,850
341,097
Total doses administered
Pfizer doses administered
Moderna doses administered
Johnson & Johnson doses administered
1,892,179
1,034,644
833,056
24,479
Total boosters administered
Pfizer doses administered
Moderna doses administered
Johnson & Johnson doses administered
These two core measures are measures of herd immunity in Richland, Sauk and Iowa County. We do not yet know what level of vaccination leads to herd immunity for COVID-19, or how current or future variants might affect herd immunity. We know based on other diseases that herd immunity is likely at least 60%, and if more transmissible variants become more common, that threshold may become higher, so the current target range is 60-90%. -Adapted from Madison Public Health and Dane County
+66 from 2/2 +77 from 2/2 +0 from 2/2
Richland
+113 from 2/2 +150 from 2/2 +1 from 2/2
5,023 Positive Cases 16,086 Negative Tests 25 Deaths
5,264,257
Vaccine Data
county level weekly statistics Richland County 3,718 Positive Cases 10,925 Negative Tests 39 Deaths
9,083,204
Sauk County
+302 from 2/2 +344 from 2/2
15,517 Positive Cases 47,798 Negative Tests 102 Deaths
+3 from 2/2
Updated: 2/9/2022
Target Range
59.4%
64.6% Percent with at least one vaccine dose
56.7%
61.0%
Percent fully vaccinated
Percent fully vaccinated Target Range
Iowa 69.9% Percent with at least one vaccine dose
66.8% Percent fully vaccinated
Cases per zip code Cases as of 2/9/2022
Business/Professional
Directory Richland County rk
J J
Updated: 2/9/2022
Lower %
Higher %
Total Lawn Care 17.6%
and
Snow Removal
30.5%
Sauk County
•Natural double shredded oak bark mulch Ages 5-11 - $30/yard •Colored decorative mulch Red-Brown-Gold-Orange - $30/yard •Free delivery to the River Valley area (min. 2 yards) •Other landscape supplies available! Gravel-Boulders-Screened Topsoil-Sand, etc.
Graphic by Anna Stocks-Hess
M-F Sat 8am-5p 8am -noo m n E4792 Kennedy Rd.
and
Iowa County James Harwood •608-588-2453• Ages 5-11
Target Range
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
Percent of Wisconsin residents ages 5-11 who have received at least one dose by county
o d ty W re5-11 aliAges u u s Q • lly In ates •Fu e Estim e •Fr
Sauk
We offer complete landscape and lawn care service •Full Landscaping from start to finish •Lawn Mowing We’ re y •Plantings stop our on sho e •Grading & Seedings p! Ages 5-11 •Bark Spreading •Limestone & Boulder Retaining Walls
24.1%
Dane County
55.5%
Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose Ages 5-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44
Updated: 2/9/2022 25.7% 59.7% 58.8% 63.0%
45-54
68.4% 71.0%
55-64 65+
77.7% 85.7%
Data From: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
“The good stuff.”
Page 8
Outdoors & Recreation
Thursday, February 10, 2022
An Outdoorsman’s Journal Mark Walters, Columnist
Clark County Squirrel Hunt Hello friends, I have often written about the fifty falls in a row that I have hunted deer in northern Juneau County while camping with family and friends and how four people evolved from a tent to 25 people putting up a steel pole barn for two weeks on public land and then taking it down. When it was just my father, the late Robert Walters, and my brothers Tom and Mike and then Jeff Moll, we would camp next to some Milwaukee guys that were very tough and a whole heck of a lot of fun. Those guys were Lynn Halboth, Tony Wagner and the late Larry Sowle. All three of my eventual pals are about 14-years older than me and took me under their wing when I turned 18 and would stay at camp after my family left. I cannot write about all of the things they taught me or about all the places that they took me, but exactly fifty years later we are still great friends. RIP Larry! So what am I getting at here? All three of these guys ended up living in Clark County near Willard and I had not seen them since COVID hit, so we needed an excuse to laugh a lot. I came up with a dandy and that was that I could hunt squirrel on Lynn’s 116 acres of pure paradise and at night we could socialize.
Friday, January 28th High 22, Low 1
as the three of us sat in Lynn’s kitchen and talked and laughed for a long time. Next we headed over to JJ’s Bar and Grill for a top notch fish fry and then we went over to Willard, where my good friend Dean “Shoe” Lesar, longtime publisher of the Tribune Record Gleaner, had purchased Freddies Bar and we had a great time speaking with a lot of good people about hunting, fishing, farming and everything in between.
Saturday, January 29th High 19, Low 7
I don’t know if you are aware of this, but squirrel are not very active on cold January days. This morning I would be carrying my Remington 597 .22 and Lynn would be shooting a Winchester single shot .22-caliber rifle. We were both in kind of rough shape and right away Lynn got his UTV stuck in a snow drift, then he realized the 4 wheel drive wasn’t working. Next we had to walk a very long ways across a field that had some pretty deep snow drifts that my old pole climbing buddy (Lynn was a lineman for AT&T) did not like. Once he fell over in a snow drift and it was pure luck that he got upright. So we hit the woods — that is chalk full of deer and squirrel sign — but all the squirrel are hiding on us. Eventually we made it back to Lynn’s home without firing a shot and, after a snooze, I hit the woods by myself. No squirrel action and back to camp at dark, zero festivities tonight.
Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist The rewards of a successful squirrel hunt.
Sunday, January 30th High 21, Low 4
In all honesty Tony, Lynn and I have a I am a cured man, wandering the woods great connection. When I arrived today at first light and to be perfectly honest, every squirrel in Lynn’s woods was safe loving it. When I was a young boy, I was
Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist Lynn Halboth enjoying a squirrel hunt on his Clark County property.
Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist This single shot Winchester 22 is Lynn Halboth’s choice for squirrel.
as good a squirrel hunter as you could find. Five kids living with just a dad made the .22 and the forest my best friend. I kept having those memories this morning and I also loved exploring the winter version of a Wisconsin forest with heavy wildlife sign. My first real action of this THREE day hunt came with five squirrels in a group of oaks and I am glad I was not being videoed, as I was missing. I explored further into the forest and saw gray on white — “squirrel on snow” — I did my sneak and the dang squirrel kept going on the other side of the oak tree. I was patient, after 15 minutes it stuck its head out and I sent him to the frying pan. I felt like I just threw a touchdown pass for the Packers. I kept exploring and once again I saw gray on white. I did a sneak, played the
same game, took a shot and out of the old oak tree tumbles squirrel number two. At this point I’m thinking, “who needs Aaron Rogers? I can handle the job.” My last last squirrel was the best yet. I saw it running on the snow a hundred yards away. It climbed a tree. I made a sneak, in all honesty it was a 50-yard shot. I figured, “what do I have to lose? I am already the next quarterback to take the Packers to the Super Bowl.” I squeezed the trigger and “walla, we just won the Super Bowl.” Lynn still has not recovered from Friday night and told me he will call when I can make my next visit! —Sunset
Want to read more?
Check out previous weeks’ columns at www.outdoorsmansjournal.com
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