Valley Sentinel - 02-23-2023

Spring Green, Wisconsin

State Biennial Budget Season: Back and Forth Community Calendar: Live Music, Dancing, Trivia & more!

Sauk County Gardener: Starting Sweet Potatoes Inside

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New book and virtual launch for ‘A Brave And Lovely Woman’, about the life of Frank Lloyd Wright’s mistress Mamah Borthwick

Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

Taliesin Preservation and the University of Wisconsin Press have announced the release of the first detailed portrait of famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s mistress, Mamah Borthwick, in a new book about her life. Mark Borthwick, a distant relative, sheds light on the life of a woman who was an energetic, intelligent, and charismatic figure in her own right.

Borthwick's book, A Brave and Lovely Woman, presents a detailed portrait of a fascinating and complex woman who traveled from the American prairie to Europe, Scandinavia, and even Japan. She also earned a master's degree when few women even attended college and translated writings by a key figure of the early feminist movement. She is best known for her shocking murder at Taliesin, the renowned Wisconsin home that Wright built for her. A Brave and Lovely Woman offers an important corrective to the narrative of Wright and Borthwick.

Little of Wright's life and work has been left untouched by his many admirers, critics, and biographers. However, the woman who stood at the center of his emotional life, Mamah Borthwick, has fallen into near obscurity. Mark Borthwick aims to change that by re-

centering Mamah Borthwick in her own life. She was a complicated figure who was at once a dedicated mother and a faithless spouse, a feminist and a member of a conservative sorority, a vivacious extrovert, and a social pariah.

The book has already received much advance praise from experts in the field.

Carrie Rodamaker, executive director of Taliesin Preservation, said, "An incredibly well-written and deeply researched portrayal of Mamah Borthwick. So much of her life has focused on her tragic ending without knowing more specifically who she was as a person: strong, intelligent, and fiercely brave. While her life indeed ended tragically early, there is no doubt that her brave and lovely spirit is still embedded in her home, Taliesin."

Anthony Alofsin, author of Wright and New York: The Making of America’s Architect, noted that "the author’s patient assiduous research and clear, straightforward presentation offer muchneeded corrections to the narrative of Borthwick and her important relationship with Frank Lloyd Wright.”

Alice T. Friedman, author of Women and the Making of the Modern House, added, "meticulously researched and full of information drawn from newly discovered sources, this book is the first to restore Mamah Borthwick—a highly educated, vibrant, and well-connected woman—to her proper place in the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright and in the history of twentieth-century feminism.”

Neil Levine, author of The Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright and The Urbanism of Frank Lloyd Wright, praised the book

as a "highly readable narrative combining social and cultural history that elaborates upon earlier studies mainly by means of newspaper reports and stories, both previously known and newly discovered.”

The book can be pre-ordered at www. taliesinpreservation.org/product/abrave-and-lovely-woman, with signed copies limited. The virtual release and Q&A with the author, hosted by Taliesin Preservation, University of Wisconsin Press, and Mark Borthwick, will take place on Tuesday, March 14th, from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm (CT). Book purchase is not required, and registration is available at www.taliesinpreservation.org/event/abrave-and-lovely-woman-virtual-bookrelease.

Mark Borthwick served as the director of the U.S. Asia Pacific Council at the East-West Center. He is also the author of Pacific Century: The Emergence of Modern Pacific Asia. More information about the author and the book can be found at: www.mamahborthwick.com.

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The Spring Green Community Library (230 E. Monroe Street, Spring Green) will also host a Zoom party to watch the virtual release and Q&A event. The event will be held in the library's Community Room on March 14th, at 6:30 p.m.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced that Prem Meats, a popular meat shop in Spring Green and Prairie du Sac, has issued a voluntary Class I recall for packaged pasties sold at retail.

The DATCP says the recall has been initiated based on evidence collected

Taylor Scott, Managing Editor during routine inspection activities, which shows that the products were produced without an approved formula and without the benefit of inspection. The affected products carry a mark of inspection with establishment No. 350 and include: Beet pot pie, 1-lb. individually packaged with package code 90105; Chicken pot pie, 1-lb. individually packaged with package code 90104; Beef

pasty, 1-lb. individually packaged with package code 90103; Chicken broccoli pot pie, 1-lb. individually packaged with package code 90133. The package codes can be found directly below the barcode on product labels.

"Our labels on the pies at the Sauk location had the wrong plant number on it, therefore the state asked that we recall the product. There is absolutely no risk to

consumers, and the only issue with them is a technicality with our label print," said Marty Prem, of Prem Meats. "We have items back in stock and anticipate no issues moving forward."

This is a Class I recall, which is classified as a recall with reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause continued on page 6

'Absolutely no risk to consumers', Prem Meats and DATCP announce voluntary recall of pasties, pot pies after label mix-up

WisPolitics — Budget time at the state capitol with tax cuts and aid to local governments atop the to-do list

By WisPolitics.com

Gov. Tony Evers' first budget after reelection lays out his plans on two big issues -- tax cuts and aid to local governments.

Now it will be up to the Republicancontrolled Legislature to make revisions to his plans.

The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee, stacked in Republicans' favor, will do most of the heavy lifting in changing Evers' two-year budget plan.

If all goes according to the usual schedule, the Legislature will send a revised document back to the governor around July 4, and then he will decide whether to sign it with partial vetoes or veto the whole thing. So far, Evers has done the former, not the latter. And with a $7 billion surplus greasing the skids and the semblance of bipartisan cooperation, many expect Evers to once again sign a budget bill after his line-item vetoes.

Evers has put down his markers on two big issues:

—Evers wants to dedicate 20 percent of future state tax collections to boost shared revenue by more than $576 million while also allowing local governments to levy a higher sales tax of their own.

He backed pleas from Milwaukee officials

to allow the county to levy an additional 1 percent sales tax on top of the 0.5 percent imposed now. The new revenue would be split equally between the county and the city.

Meanwhile, other counties would be allowed to double their local sales tax to 1 percent. Besides Milwaukee, about 25 cities with populations of more than 30,000 would be able to impose a new 0.5 percent sales tax.

In both cases, voters would have to approve the higher sales taxes through a referendum.

Currently, Wisconsin imposes a 5 percent sales tax, while counties can impose an additional 0.5 percent. Local governments also raise revenue through property taxes with state-imposed caps on their levies.

“The state must fulfill our obligation to ensure our local partners can meet basic and unique community needs alike, and this historic investment will ensure that we do,” Evers said.

—The Democrat governor also is proposing $1.2 billion in tax cuts geared toward the middle class, parents, seniors and students plus two pro-business items: a full repeal of the personal property tax, a move that would save businesses $200 million in

the first year after implementation; and expansion of a research tax credit, which would reduce state revenues $80.5 million over the biennium.

Meanwhile, Evers is again calling for capping existing tax breaks for manufacturers and investors, items his office said would raise an additional $995 million over the two-year budget.

Evers proposed similar moves in his last budget proposal only to see GOP lawmakers reject both proposals, knocking them as unnecessary tax hikes that would hurt businesses. The governor pitched his overall plan as an effort to make the state tax code more fair.

“I’ve said all along that we’d deliver real, responsible tax relief targeted to the middle class and working families — not spending big on breaks for the wealthiest 20 percent of earners in our state who don’t need the extra help affording rising costs,” Evers said, alluding to a GOP plan to move the state to a flat tax.

Evers had already laid out the heart of his income tax cut plan aimed at the middle class during his successful reelection bid. One new component is a call to exempt from state taxes student debt loan forgiveness. President Biden’s move to cancel up to

Capitol Report — Marklein: The Legislature Will Write THE State Budget

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, Governor Tony Evers delivered his budget address. This is the Governor’s list of ideas. It was not the state budget.

The legislature will write THE state budget as we always do. The state budget will fund our priorities, address our obligations, cut taxes and prepare Wisconsin for the future. We will continue to protect the state’s checkbook.

We’ve been here before. Two years

ago, the Governor delivered a similar, gargantuan pile of paper full of wish list items, non-fiscal policy and exorbitant spending during his budget address. In the 1800+ pages we got this week, we see a similar litany of ideas that spends a lot of taxpayer money and could, potentially, dig us into a black hole for the future.

Just like last time, the legislature will write the state budget starting from the base budget. This means we will use the last budget’s appropriation amounts as the

BY THE NUMBERS

starting point for the next budget. From there, we will determine where we need to make additional investments, adjustments or create new programs. A wish list approach to budgeting rarely balances.

The last budget was arguably one of the best state budgets in recent history. It was passed with both Republican and Democrat votes. Bipartisan feedback told us that we did a great job of listening, funding our priorities, addressing our obligations and planning for the future. Governor Evers had no choice but to sign the budget we wrote and then campaigned on it as his own all last fall.

We are on the same path that took us to a very good result. For weeks, members of the legislature, especially the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC), have been meeting with stakeholders, holding listening sessions, studying programs, seeking information and doing the research necessary to write the state budget.

We will be holding public hearings and agency briefings to hear from constituents and stakeholders in the coming months. We will be asking a lot of questions, studying the results of past investments and devising plans to address challenges and opportunities.

The budget bill will be skinny. We will not be adding all kinds of non-fiscal policy to the state budget. I firmly believe that policy decisions must be made through the full legislative process that includes bill

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$20,000 in student loans has been blocked by several lawsuits, and the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in two of the cases later this month.

Evers’ budget will include provisions that would adopt federal tax changes to ensure those who get debt relief aren’t subject to state taxes. According to the governor's office, more than 300,000 Wisconsinites have been approved to have some of their loans forgiven.

Republicans will no doubt put their imprint on the spending plan now before them. And there will be a lot of attention and rhetoric around tax cuts and aid to local governments. But with state finances in such good shape, many are betting that all sides will get at least a little of what they want.

For more, go to www.wispolitics.com

The Capitol Report is written by the editorial staff at WisPolitics.com, a nonpartisan, Madison-based news service that specializes in coverage of government and politics.

drafting, co-sponsorship, introduction, a public hearing and committee vote before a vote on the floor. This process allows us to fully vet policy, improve it and receive feedback from the general public before it becomes law rather than burying it in a huge spending bill.

The state budget will also have an eye on the future. Every state budget is biennial, meaning it is designed to fund our government for two years. However, much of the spending is ongoing and if we do not pass a state budget bill that is signed into law, the current budget remains in effect. Therefore, we must craft a state budget that is realistic for future projections and economic changes. We cannot predict everything, but we can take firm steps to protect our checkbook from out-of-control, black-hole spending.

Again, the Governor’s budget address is a list of ideas. It was not the state budget. None of these things are law. If you really like one of his ideas, please let me know. If you don’t like one of his ideas, please let me know.

The bottom-line is that the legislature will write THE state budget and your input is an important part of this discussion. We may not be able to do everything, but we will fund our priorities and address our obligations. Again, a wish list approach to budgeting does not necessarily balance. I will always protect your tax dollars before I sign-off on a state budget.

Considine: Statement on Gov. Evers’ Budget Proposal

I am excited to see Governor Evers’ proposed investments in areas such as education, the environment, and mental health.

Wisconsinites need and deserve a state government that values quality education, preserving our natural resources, and access to health care. Through Governor Evers’ budget, we can see these values put into action.

The budget includes a total of $2.6 billion for our public K-12 schools. This proposed investment is historic, as it is the largest increase in general state aid since the revenue limits were imposed. State investment means that districts will not need to rely on referendums. We all want to stop our property taxes from increasing. Fully funding our schools on the state level accomplishes that. The $2.6 billion includes funding for school-based mental health, reading and literacy programs, special education, and universal breakfast and lunch. These investments will help support Wisconsin’s

kids, who are the future of our state.

We also see large investments in our environment in this budget. The threshold for legislative review of Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grants would be doubled to $500,000. This program is successful and shows how much we care about maintaining the state’s natural resources for all to enjoy. Members of the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) have been able to stop these purchases of land via anonymous objection. Governor Evers’ budget would require any member who opposes a stewardship project to state the nature of their objection publicly. This allows for needed accountability. The budget also includes investments in the clean energy workforce, forest regeneration and management, invasive species prevention, clean water initiatives, and more.

I am encouraged to see a significant in-

“Fool's Spring” (2023) Photo, by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

Our recent "fool's spring" revealed more than the grass in the area. A recent drive down the Village's section of Rainbow Road in Spring Green revealed some rather large potholes. Spring Green Public Works Director Adam Reno didn't respond by press time regarding patch and repair schedule, but Village Clerk/Administrator Wendy Crary said, "The Village portion of Rainbow Road is tentatively scheduled as a future project once WI DOT moves forward with the USH 14 project and potential intersection design changes for Rainbow Road/USH 14. The upcoming Village projects currently scheduled for 2023 are West Jefferson Street (Wood – Washington), West Monroe Street (Cincinnati – Washington), & North Lexington (Monroe – Daley)."

Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green)

Rep. Dave Considine (D-Baraboo)

(Not) Meeting Our Needs — Dancing With Delusion

“America has a way of dancing with its own delusion,” is a line in the poem “Greenwood” by Jasmine Mans included in The 1619 Project created by Nikole Hannah-Jones.

I did a lot of research while I was writing the series “Our Fragile Democracy.” One of my objectives for that series was to recount the American march toward “liberty and justice for all” especially as it related to voting rights. The rhetoric surrounding proposed election fraud in the 2020 election and the rush to codify new voting regulations prior to the 2022 election made me curious about our history of voting rights, of which I only had a vague knowledge.

What I described in those columns was for the most part the good part, the progress made toward inclusion and equality for all. It was among the part of our history most easily found and, honestly, the most easy to read.

Like many of you, however, the recent rush by some to ban books has encouraged me to read and/or reread some of those banned books to try to determine why some among us believe they should not be read. While in that pursuit, the above quote hit me like a ton of banned books, “America has a way of dancing with its own delusion.”

The 1619 Project is one of the books that has been banned in many communities. It

is only one of the books I have read in the last year that has been hard to read. These books were hard to read because they highlighted many of the dishonorable and horrible things that are a documented but often hidden part of our history. There are two sides to every story. Throughout our history there have been those who have been determined to bring us to a more culturally inclusive and equal future, just as there have been those who have fought tooth and nail to stop it. Until we have thoroughly investigated both sides, however, we don’t have the whole story, and if we don’t have the whole story we risk living in delusion.

The hard to read side of history is one many of us have been spared because it wasn’t in our high school or college textbooks. Many of the banned books have to do with that missing history. Banning the reading or discussion of this history because it might make you feel bad is one of the most insane things I can think of. To ban a book on the pretense that the actions of ancestors will necessarily impart guilt to the current generation is absurd. For the current generation to pretend that hurtful actions carried out by their ancestors need to be struck from history in order to ensure a conflict-free future is equally absurd. There is a two-sided escape from reason embedded in these positions. We need to

Driftless Grace — A common thread

While I wish I could sit in an empty room and write beautiful prose on my laptop for eight hours straight, such a thing has never happened. What’s more likely is that I’ll finish work some afternoon and find myself thinking of a few paragraphs I could get down. (Then I’ll edit that section to within an inch of its life, but that’s another story.) At the moment, anyway, writing is something I tinker away at rather than the center around which my day revolves. This is informed by – and in direct competition with – another activity. I recently bought my first-ever embroidery kit. My walls are decorated with finished embroidery, but until last month I had

never taken part in what seems like a mysterious (if not magical) craft. After finishing the kit, I am, in a word, hooked.

I was hoping I wouldn’t like embroidery. Hobbies can be expensive, and I might regret not spending those hours on other projects. But I’m afraid that I really enjoyed my first attempt. I liked the predictability of how the thread behaved and the excitement of slowly seeing a design take shape. The process added some color to a gray January.

It also brought up some thorny questions. Was I still being creative if the pattern was pre-printed on the fabric? Would it be better to do the whole kit in one day, learning a new skill without seeming to

Considine: Statement on Gov. Evers’ Budget Proposal

continued from page 2

vestment in our local communities by increasing shared revenue. The budget would allocate 20% of the state’s sales tax revenue to send back to our local communities. As long as I have represented the people of the 81st Assembly District, I have heard from

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local leaders about how the lack of shared revenue has impacted our communities. Shared revenue can be invested in many ways including EMS funding, local road improvements, and district attorney recruitment and retention. The funding levels that municipalities have received in past years

read these books, absorb them, then act to make sure some of what we learn there never happens again – that is what ensures our future.

Other books that have been banned focus on developing an awareness and acceptance of the growing openness and the rich diversity of cultures and lifestyles that have always existed but have also been hidden. Some seem to think that accepting this diversity is a danger to the culture that has always had the privilege of existing in the open. That is erroneous zero-sum thinking; elevating awareness and acceptance of one culture need not diminish another. Zerosum thinking can never take us to a better place any more than accepting a one-sided and rosy picture of our American history can.

I came across a meme on Facebook recently that expresses why acknowledging the full facts of our history and the need to reserve judgment on varying lifestyles is so important:

“There is a reason some don’t want students to read tough literature: stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world through oppressed or marginalized eyes changes your life. It creates empathy and better understanding and often…solidarity.”

There is also a quote by Charles Scribner Jr. that I posted on my wall several years

take too much time? The answers I reached were yes and no respectively. There might

ago. “Reading is a means of thinking with another person’s mind; it forces you to stretch your own.”

Graphic Designer

Julianna Williams

Commentary/Opinion Column

Beverly Pestel

not be a lot of room for creativity, but I was

are not sustainable. We must fulfill our obligations to municipalities so that they can meet community needs.

There are so many investments to be excited about in the proposed 2023-25 biennial budget.

Whether you are excited or not, please

Some days I think my mind has stretched beyond its ability to cope, and I have to put the book down for a while and head out to the woods with the chainsaw. Three hours with the chainsaw leaves me ready to put it down and pick the book up again; there are all kinds of pain.

Toward solidarity, see you at the bookstore.

Beverly is a retired professor. She lives in a remodeled farmhouse and tends 40 acres of woodland in Richland County. When not in the woods she spends her time reading, writing and enjoying the beauty of the Driftless Area.

still finding out what talents I could bring to an age-old craft. And tinkering away at the kit, a few stitches at a time, became the highlight of my midwinter evenings.

Like embroidery, writing takes a long time to be fully realized. I might like the stitches or words I add one day but then find out the next day that I need to remove them. I’m just grateful that I have a choice: there’s no deadline, no hurry. I can take comfort in doing a little bit at a time.

Grace Vosen is a writer and conservation educator living in Spring Green. She blogs about both the human and nonhuman communities of our region at DriftlessGrace.com.

share your thoughts on the budget either in the JFC listening sessions or my listening sessions. The dates for these listening sessions will be released soon. I believe this budget would move our state forward so that our state can prosper for many years to come.

Deadlines: The display and classified advertising dead- line is Monday at noon for that week. If you would like our design team to design the ad then please allow extra time for the creative process and proofing.

Commentary/Opinion Column

Barb Garvoille

Commentary/Opinion Column

Grace Vosen

Have graphic design experience or interested in meetings, events or writing and becoming a community contributor? Let us know. Thank you to all of our contributors for believing in our community.

On certain topics in areas of great community interest, the editors of the Valley Sentinel may take positions they believe best represent and serve the interests of the community. Any opinions or positions taken by the editorial board are separate and distinct in labeling and substance from the community journalism that appears in the rest of the publication and does not affect the integrity and impartiality of our reporting.

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Letters submitted for consideration are subject to fact-checking and editing for space and clarity. Submissions must have a compelling local community interest. Letters to the editor must fit within a 500-word limit, and include name, city and phone number. Phone numbers are for office use only and will not be published. Letters of a political nature, without chance of rebuttal, will not be published the week before an election.

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From time to time the editorial board may select letters to the editor of a particular compelling community interest where a public figure or accountable public action is the recipient of criticism and allow, in the same issue, the subject of the criticism chance for rebuttal, with expounded independent input. The format shall be point, counterpoint and expert analysis. This community discussion shall serve as a moderated dialogue that presents multiple views of important community topics.

Grace Vosen, Columnist

Grace Vosen

Beverly Pestel, Columnist

Beverly Pestel

COmmunitycalendar

Events for February 24 - March 9

Saturday, February 25

Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning. Preorders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact into.

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

LIVE MUSIC: Bob's Your Uncle 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green bobsyouruncle.band Bob's Your Uncle debuts at the General Store! This acoustic trio performs unique harmony-driven covers plus some originals, accompanied by guitars and bass. No cover, donations appreciated.

Thursday, March 2 cont.

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, March 3

St. Luke Fish Fry 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM St. Luke Catholic Church - Plain,1240 Nachreiner Avenue, Plain stlukecatholicchurchplain.com Stop by for our fish fry! Carry out available.

Saturday, March 4

Game Day with The Friends Of The Kraemer Library

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain Come play cards, sequence, qwirkle, blokus & more! Bring a game to play or join a group. No registration is needed. Just come in! Snacks and non-alcoholic dri nks will be provided.

Euchre Tournament / Fundraiser 4:00 PM Grandma Mary's Cafe, 175 U. S. Highway 14, Arena springgreenlibrary.com Arena Aces will be having a euchre tournament for our winter fundraiser. We are inviting all skill level and age euchre players. It will be a $25 entry fee with $10 going to prize money. A paid entry fee also includes pork sandwhich. Registration will start at 3:30 and we hope to have cards flying at 4:00! Bring quarters there will be a euchre pot. Also a drawing for a Gearhead Bow!

Drag Show Fundraiser for RV Arts 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Enjoy an awesome drag show featuring the region's top performers and hosted by Diva Beverly Hillz. All ages show at 3pm for $15, 21+ Show at 7pm for $30. Purchase tickets online. Money raised goes to River Valley ARTS in supporting the arts and artists in the River Valley Area.

Sunday, February 26

Winter Yoga 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Radiant Spirit Yoga, S7163 County Rd. G, Hillpoint ruralremedy.com Contact Emily for pricing at embenzgmail.com This series will help you build a regular movement and mobility practice based in the yoga traditions. Regular mindful movement can reduce your susceptibility to injury, contribute to your longevity, help you find some freedom, and just feels darn good.

LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic “Gentle” Jam 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spring Green Community Center 117 S. Washington St. Spring Green springgreencommunitycenter@gmail.com Free event This practice style jam is for learners and generous experienced players to make music together. We will practice leading songs, taking breaks, learning riffs, integrating our instruments with others, and generally making music with the expectation of learning and having fun.

Monday,

February 27

Open Mic 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Join us the fourth Monday of every month for an Open Mic, hosted by Dylan Harris. We’ve got the mics, the plug-ins, the piano - you bring the music! Whether you want to play solo, sing to a back up, or get the band together, this is the place. So come on out and show your stuff, or just support the folks on stage. No cover, but tips for our host are always welcome!

Tuesday, February 28

Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain kraemerlibrary.org Fun stories, songs, and themed activities each week for children and their caregivers. Stories and songs 20-30 minutes followed by craft/activity. Children under 6 must be accompanied.

Movies, Munchies and More: Respect 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Every Tuesday at 1pm, come to the Library for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and either a movie or a presentation. Movie Synopsis: Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a young child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom. “Respect” is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice and become the Queen of Soul. (Rating: PG-13).

Wednesday, March 1

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

WORKSHOP: Basic Skills for Garment Construction, Alterations, and Mends

4:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com . Registration is closed for this event. Check online for the form. The 3-week course will be conducted by Nancy Cullen and Marge Hottmann and will give you as much one-to-one assistance as possible. These classes will provide you with some tips and practice to learn or improve your sewing skills.

Thursday, March 2

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock

Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Introduction to Mahjongg 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Learn Mahjongg, not the online tile matching game, but the American version that took the states by storm inthe 1920s, from the group you have seen playing around town at either the General Store or Arcadia. The group will share equipment and information, so nothing is needed to get started. New players are welcome! Registration is required for this event, find information online.

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.

Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning. Preorders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact into.

Mindfulness: Discussion and Practice (Zoom Only) 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM . Virtual Event springgreen.com Our meetings will include discussions and short mindfulness exercises/practices. We will explore sitting, standing, lying down and moving mindfulness experiences. Find the zoom link online.

Cabin Fever Dance 9! 11:00 AM . Lone Rock Community Building, 214 Broadway St., Lone Rock For more info search Lone Rock American Legion on Fascebook Back after a 2-year hiatus...the Cabin Fever Dance!! This annual fundraiser has it all! Food, soda, beer, live and silent auctions, homemade pie auctions, purse auctions, meat raffles, 50/50 raffles, bingo, bands and hundreds of locals that absolutely love our Veterans!

Soul Purpose 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com Soul Purpose performs at the Spring Green General Store in March! Join us for some fun, lively and soothing acoustic music that will make you smile on a late winter's day. Soul Purpose features four singer/musicians and will be performing familiar arrangements of popular music, standards, oldies and much more. No cover; donations appreciated! See SoulPurposeGroup on Facebook for more.

Terry "Max" Maxwell Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser Trivia Night! 2:00 PM Arthur’s Supper CLub, E4885 US-14, Spring Green Call Kasey (608)604-5833 to sign up $100 per team (4-6 players). Bucket raffles 50/50. Drink specials & appetizers.

LIVE MUSIC: The Iowans 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com

Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door Spirit lifting, soul searching songs from the Driftless, The Iowans are a pair of first cousins who have been creating and inspiring each other since childhood. Transplanted from the fertile soil of rural Northeastern Iowa, now hailing from the musical vortex of Viroqua, Katie and Christina weave together whimsical, nostalgic and moving sounds with their clawhammer banjo, guitar and organic vocal harmonies.

Sunday, March 5

Cancer Benefit for Tammy Burkhalter 1:00 PM Baron Brooks, 122 East Jefferson Street, Spring Green Look up Baron Brook’s on Facebook for more info 50/50 Raffle, Basket Raffle & Meat Paddles. Thank you for your support!

Monday, March 6

Trivia Night 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Join us for a night of Trivia! Kyle Adams will host as we put teams together for a contest of trivia. Come for the prizes, stay for the fun! First Question at 7:00 - and it should last about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Tuesday, March 7

Winter Family Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain kraemerlibrary.org Fun stories, songs, and themed activities each week for children and their caregivers. Stories and songs 20-30 minutes followed by craft/activity. Children under 6 must be accompanied.

Teen Game Day 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Come try out video games, board games and more! Designed for middle and high school aged teens.

Movies, Munchies and More: The Oscars Edition 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Every Tuesday at 1pm, come to the Library for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and either a movie or a presentation. On March 7th, listen to the Annual Meeting of the Friends of the Library group as well as enjoy the movie, The Fabelmans (2022). Movie Synopsis: Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth (Rating: PG-13).

Sap Moon Stargazing 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Hillside Farm, Savanna Institute savannainstitute.org Spring Green Campus Event. Sausage, Cheese and the Sap Moon. Limit 30 people. Registration required. Tickets $60/eac Celebrate the Full Sap Moon by learning to pair local ingredients on an agroforestry inspired charcuterie board and sharing ancestral stories to warm our souls. Stargazing with telescope and binoculars led by John Heasley of Driftless Stargazing. If the stars align, there may be some alternative tree sap tasting. Products by local artisans. Learn more and buy tickets online.

Spaghetti Dinner 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Arthur’s Supper CLub, E4885 US-14, Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com Sponsored by the Spring Green Lions Club. Dine-in, Drive-thru and Carry Out Available. Adults: $8 advance -or- $9 at door, Children (K-8): $6 advance -or- $7 at door. For more information or tickets you can call Jim Thering at 608-588-7088.

Wednesday,March 8

All Ages Storytime 10:30 AM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Bring the whole family to the library for a morning of song, stories, movement, and fun!

The Community Calendar is curated and designed by Julianna Williams. Events are subject to change, always check ahead for up-to-date information on any events you are interested in.

Events for February 24 - March 9

Thursday, March 9

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock

Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Introduction to Mahjongg 1:00 PM 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Learn Mahjongg, not the online tile matching game, but the American version that took the states by storm inthe 1920s, from the group you have seen playing around town at either the General Store or Arcadia. The group will share equipment and information, so nothing is needed to get started. New players are welcome! Registration is required for this event, find information online.

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.

WHAT’S HANGINg ? ongoing art exhibitions

River Valley High School art exhibit at the Spring Green Community Library

Open until February 28th Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green

CIVICS & SERVICES CALENDAR

This calendar is a place listing (for free) the typical meeting dates for area governmental bodies, and Please email us with these meetings, or use the form on our Community Calendar page — let's build community together: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

February 27:

River Valley School District: Strategic Planning Community Workshops 7:00

PM River Valley Middle School Library, 660 W. Daley Street, Spring Green

The River Valley School District is updating its Strategic Plan, which will provide a game plan for its bigger- picture decision making over the next five years. The District needs a Strategic Plan that reflects community interests-you ARE the River Valley School District! As part of that goal, please attend one of the following strategic planning workshops. Each workshop which will be guided by our strategic planning consultant and have a similar program.

February 28:

Village of Arena: Plan Commission Public Hearing

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . Village Hall, 345 West Street, Arena villageofarena.net

March 1:

River Valley School District: Strategic Planning Community Workshops 7:00

PM Grandma Mary's Cafe, 175 US Highway 14, Arena

March 4:

Monday-Thursday: 10 AM - 7 PM Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM

Saturday: 9 AM - 1 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green The show consists of artworks by high school students in grades 9-12 from a number of different visual arts courses. “Students in these visual arts courses come with a variety of knowledge and talent,” says their instructor, Kasey Maxwell. “My goal is to help them build fundamental skills while providing a safe space to investigate new subjects. Students are encouraged to explore several different mediums while finding personal influence and making connections between art and their everyday lives.”

Friends of the Library Book Collection 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org The Friends of the Spring Green Community Library will accept donations of gently used books for resale on Saturday. Donations of no more than four boxes are preferred. Proceeds from book sales help support library programs and other amenities. Damaged books, encyclopedias, textbooks, and instruction manuals are not accepted, and the Friends reserve the right to limit the quantity of items accepted and/or refuse donations that do not meet library needs.

March 6:

MEETING: Spring Green Library Board Meeting 5:00 PM Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org The Library Board of Trustees meets each month, typically on the first or second Tuesday, at 5 PM. Changes to this schedule are posted at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. The meetings are open to the public.

MEETING: Lone Rock Library Board Meeting 5:30 PM The community is invited to attend all library board meetings. Meetings are the first Monday of each month unless otherwise noted. Agendas for the meetings are placed in the Post Office and two other locations around the community for review by the community.

March 7:

MEETING: Arena Village Board Meeting 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Village Hall, 345 West Street, Arena villageofarena.net Arena typically holds board meetings the first tuesday of the month.

March 8:

River Valley School District: Strategic Planning Community Workshops 7:00 PM (VIRTUAL MEETING) Meeting ID: 856 2818 1106 Passcode:224723 Phone: 1-312-626-6799/

MEETING: Village of Spring Green Board Meeting 7:00 PM Virtual event vi.springgreen.wi.gov

MEETING: Village of Plain Board Meeting 7:00 PM 510 Main Street, Plain . villageofplain.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, Arrogance.

It only took him a day – it was totally predictable and totally despicable.

Gov. Evers gave his budget address on Wednesday and Friday Sen Marklein came out with this: “Governor Tony Evers delivered his budget address. This is the Governor’s list of ideas. It was not the state budget. The legislature will write THE state budget as we always do. The state budget will fund our priorities, address our obligations…”

The arrogance of Marklein is sickening. THE budget, indeed. And THE “budget

Dear Editor,

Village residents of Arena need to pay attention to what was/is happening in our community.

Here are a few examples of the current administration’s shortcomings. 1.) Over spending of taxpayer monies without consideration of future implications. 2.) Not planning properly for Village projects resulting in cost overruns. 3.) Voting against being more open by video and audio recording meetings even though it has the technology to do so. 4.) Misleading residents by not wording the recent refer-

Dear Editor,

Here is my response to the letter from Steve Jahnke:

1.) We welcome and encourage the residents of Arena to come to our meetings. We welcome them to sign up for Public Comments and voice their ideas and concerns. We encourage them to call the members of the board, the president, the committee chairs and/or the clerk to discuss concerns and ideas and get on the agenda for the meetings!

2.) The EMT Referendum was approved for the ballot in a well publicized special meeting 8/23/22. The wording used was the same as that which was used in 2020 for the same referendum. The wording was checked in 2020 by the village attorney. The dollar amounts

continued from page 1 serious, adverse health consequences or death. However, the DATCP states no illnesses have been reported as a result of consuming these products.

"The classes are decided on the federal level, and there is no gray area within these classes. Even though our recall was solely based on a misprinted number on a label, it is considered a Class I since

will fund our priorities, and address our obligations,” Marklein says. Oh, don’t think for a minute that “our” means us, the taxpayers and residents of rural Wisconsin. It means him, his rich buddies, his rich donors, and the corporations that buy his favors sending most of our tax dollars their way or socking them away until a Republican governor will let them give those funds to another Foxconn.

“The last budget was arguably one of the best state budgets in recent history,” the senator says. In saying so he means the budget that left our schools underfunded, our roads and bridges in disrepair, and

endum properly and not following proper procedure with the referendum. The referendum should have been approved first by the DOR, then voted upon by the Village. Not the other way around. This is one example of the administration and Clerk either not knowing or, ignoring procedure. Things have been done by this administration but not planned properly. One example, the construction of the Village shop cost more than projected. Just one of the additional costs was over $30,000 more being added to Village debt as the

were changed to reflect the current economy. Some additional explanatory wording was included to make sure the voters knew the effect of their vote. The Village of Arena residents approved the Referendum by 2 votes on 11/8/22. The Department of Revenue (DOR) put the Referendum in question due to a wording issue. The Village of Arena 2023 budget was passed after a Public Hearing on 11/15/22 without the Referendum because the DOR indicated that it wasn't likely to approve it. The DOR approved the Referendum after the Public Hearing. A resolution to amend the budget to include the Referendum failed at the 12/6/22 Village of Arena Board meeting because the budget had already been posted. The Board did pass

'mislabels' are included in the Class I category. The discovery was made during a label audit," added Marty Prem.

The DATCP advises that consumers who have purchased these products should discard them immediately and that anyone with signs or symptoms of a foodborne illness should contact their doctor. Consumers with questions about this recall can contact Gavyn Prem, Prem Meats, at (608) 588-2164.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

WE'RE LOOKING FOR INTERNS AND COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

Looking for a challenge?

We are looking for interns/volunteers who want to be in the unique position to learn the nuts and bolts of a news media publication that started from the ground up.

You will have the chance to make an impact at the ground level of a startup and see the effect of your work and ideas carried out with a lot of flexibility, in an environment and creative culture you can help influence and create.

Available subject areas:

EDITORIAL/JOURNALISM SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING/MARKETING

GRAPHIC DESIGN/PAGE DESIGN/LAYOUT DISTRIBUTION/CIRCULATION/CRM MNGMT PODCASTING/AUDIO PRODUCTION

AND MORE!

We are a new, all volunteer local news source that holds a strong belief that by working to keep our communities informed and engaged on a variety of topics including arts & culture, events, community news and serving as a watchdog for our local governmental bodies, we can help create a strong identity for our community and ignite positive growth and change throughout the area.

Interested? Send us your area(s) of interest and a resume to: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

thousands still without broadband. The legislatures budget left our schools, local, and county governments resorting to referendums forcing residents to vote to increase their property taxes because Sen. Marklein and his Republican buddies in the legislature refuse to give our tax dollars back to our communities.

We dare not forget that the majority of the improvements we have seen in the last months and into this year are a result of federal dollars put into the hands of Gov. Evers by Democrats in the U.S. Congress. Thank whatever god you believe in that the legislature was not able to get their

cost of laying the driveway was not considered in the original plan.

Certain residents were either ignored or had to follow different procedures when expressing interest in becoming involved and asking for seats on committees because of who they were.

The funding for Well #2 also includes monies for maintenance for Well #1. Why? Because there were no monies set aide for Well #1 maintenance. It was spent. This also adds to the Village debt load.

What this administration does not understand is that every decision made to-

the 2023 EMT Funding Agreement for 2 full-time EMT employees. In addition, Village of Arena Trustees participated in and collaborated with Fire Board members at the January 2023 Fire Board Meeting where funding for a third EMT position was provided through rate adjustments.

3.) The population of Arena Village is 847 people. The Village can't afford to fund everything. We had to eliminate a police officer position to meet the needs of the community and stay within the levy limits. We fund the entire police department even though the Town of Arena and all of the surrounding municipalities get the benefits without contribution. Perhaps the Town of Arena should contribute to the police, and the

hands on these funds – they sure tried. And if any of us forget that it is THE budgets that Sen. Marklein and his Republican buddies in the legislature have written over the years that have resulted in the demise of UW-Richland and possibly other campuses to come – then, I guess we deserve to lose them.

“The budget will be skinny,” he says. This in the face of a $7.7 billion surplus. I can’t even think of a response to that that could be printed.

Beverly Pestel Rockbridge, Wisconsin

day, affects Village taxpayers for years. The Village is essentially broke. In a Village of 800 people, politics has no place in Village government.

Common sense and inclusion does.

So, get concerned and pay attention. Get a CF-1 form, fill it out and run for office in April as a write in candidate. In Wisconsin, you need to be registered for a write in candidacy. You have until the Friday before the April election to do so.

Paul Pustina Arena, Wisconsin

Village could then afford to contribute more to Fire/EMS.

4.) The snarky comment about who is running the Village is patently ridiculous. Our Clerk/Treasurer does a wonderful job of managing the day-to-day workings of the Village. She is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and is doing exactly what she was hired to do. We are lucky to have her.

5.) Never forget that the Village President and every Trustee is a Village resident, unlike Mr. Jahnke, so everything we do affects us as well. We do our very best to always act in a way that will result in the best for our Village.

Kristen Shea Arena, Wisconsin

CLASSIFIEDS

Healthcare Employment Opportunities

*Director of Marketing – full-time management position

*Director of Obstetrics – full time nursing management position

*CRNA – work 3 weeks on and one week off with above market rates!

*RN Float Nurse – .6 FTE Premium Pay Weekender position and a .75 FTE evening/night shift position. Employment Bonus Eligible!

*ICU RN – .9 FTE evening/night shift position. $4,500 Employment Bonus Eligible!

*OB RN – .9 FTE evening/night shift position. $4,500 Employment Bonus Eligible!

*RN Emergency Department – .6 to a .9 FTE p.m./night shift position open with 12-hour shifts. Employment Bonus Eligible!

*RN – .5 FTE p.m. shift position in our Nursing & Rehab Center

*Certified Nursing Assistants – part-time positions available in our Nursing & Rehab Center on day, evening and night shifts, $3,000 Employment Bonus included!

*Behavioral Health Therapist – seeking a part or full time LCSW.

*Hospice Chaplain – per diem position working 5 to 10 hours per month.

*Occupational Therapist – full-time OT position working in Home Health and in the Schools.

*Physical Therapy Assistant – .8 FTE in our Home Health Services Department.

*Physical Therapy Assistant – .8 to 1.0 FTE combination position working in Home Health and Outpatient Services!

*Speech Therapist – .6 FTE Day shift position.

*MRI Imaging Technologist – .5 to a 1.0 FTE day shift position. Up to a $5,000 Employment Bonus, prorated based on FTE!

*Imaging Technologist – full-time night shift position. Up to a $5,000 Employment Bonus, prorated based on FTE!

*Imaging & Lab Technologist – full-time position working 4 -10 hour day shifts in our family practice clinics.

*Respiratory Therapist – part time day and evening/night shifts available.

*Med Tech/MLT or CLS – .5 FTE position in our lab department.

*Operating Room Technician – .8 FTE day shift position. $3,000 Employment Bonus eligible!

*Patient Access Specialist – .5 to .6 FTE p.m./night shift & a .8 FTE night shift position!

*Clinic CMA or LPN – .8 FTE day shift positions in our Dodgeville Specialty Clinics & our Barneveld/Mt. Horeb Family Practice Clinic.

*Environmental Services Staff – full and part time p.m. and night shift positions. $1,000 Employment Bonus!

To find out more detailed information about all open positions and to apply, go to our website at www.uplandhillshealth.org

Upland Hills Health, 800 Compassion Way, Dodgeville, WI 53533

Reflections from Lost Horizon Farm — Attire on the Farm

Each edition, retired dairy farmer Barb Garvoille brings her musings on dairy farm life from her own years of experience on Lost Horizon Farm with her late husband Vince “Mr. Farmer” Garvoille. This mooving memoir focuses on 1980-2000, join Barb as she rises with the herd.

Cattle make manure that they walk in, run over, lay on, and drag their tails through; they are never totally clean. Unlike more fastidious animals that will toilet in a particular corner or area, cows eliminate anywhere. From time to time, a cow may cough while eliminating and propel excrement in an amazing trajectory. Urine from the cow travels a good distance from the animal to the ground, flows in a voluminous stream and can create an expansive spray pattern. Keeping these facts in mind, a person can understand that working with cows is not an occupation for those who cannot tolerate getting dirty.

Generally, farmers have two categories of clothing: farm clothes and town clothes. Farm wives may have two corresponding types of laundry baskets also. I did!

Clothes usually started out as town clothes and, as they aged or developed flaws, became farm clothes. It matters little to the producers in the enterprise — the cows — if a person's clothes match, are in style, or have a few holes. To the cows, it is all about human approach and attitude. Waterproof, high topped, steel-toed rubber boots were the best choice for

milking and for farm chores. This type of footwear could be easily slipped off and rinsed out. That needed to happen when cows defecated in one's boot (The initial warmth was pleasing in the wintertime!). Leather boots with a good tread offered

better support, but they would get wet in the milk house, and the acid in the manure would make the leather deteriorate quickly. Rubber boots would last until they split, usually in the spot where they were bent when a person milked. Steel toes benefitted human toes and the rest of the appenage when a cow shifted position and unintentionally stepped on one’s foot. When a person was milking, clothing had to be loose enough to allow a wide range of motion but not so billowy that it might get caught on a piece of equipment or frighten a cow. Whatever was worn would not come out of the barn clean. When a person was bent over in the stanchion putting a milking machine on a cow, she might swish her tail and its switch would brush a swath of moistened manure across one's back. Sometimes a cow would have been laying on a cow patty (also called a chip). When she was urged to get up for milking, even if one then brushed most of the manure off, the person would still be obliged to slide past a dirty flank. Cows would be eliminating at various times; whenever a person was near the cow's posterior, one stood a good chance of being splashed or splattered. When feeding or pushing up feed in the manger, the friendlier cows might stretch forward to nose a person and so inadvertently decorate one's clothing with a bit of regurgitated cud or bovine drool. When bottle feeding calves, the sucking process would cause generous amounts of bubbly, sticky, milky saliva to accumulate on

The Sauk County Gardener

Starting Sweet Potato Slips

“My dream is to become a farmer. Just a Bohemian guy pulling up his own sweet potatoes for dinner.”

— Lenny Kravitz

Here we are on the brink of March and hopefully, spring weather. Although the weather in the Baraboo Bluffs is not very spring-like yet, there are some plants I’m starting now for my garden. This year I want to start my own sweet potato slips. Normally, I would purchase my slips, but I happen to have a sweet potato on my counter that sprouted. Seeing as Mother Nature has taken the lead, I’m going to try and start my slips instead of buying them. I also have a little gardening buddy (a.k.a. my grandson) who likes to help me with my gardening projects, and this is a simple and fun project for kids.

There are a couple different methods to start sweet potato slips and March is the perfect time to start them. A sweet potato slip is simply a rooted sprout from a mature sweet potato. The traditional method is to suspend a sweet potato in water. To use this method, you’ll need a jar and some toothpicks. Inspect the sweet potato to determine what is the root end. You may see tiny roots on one end of the sweet potato, and it will typically taper to a point. This is the end you put into the jar first. The other end is the sprouting end. Insert toothpicks into the sweet potato so the sprouting end is suspended above the jar. Then, fill the jar with water and place it in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights on a heat mat. Keep the water level mid-way up the potato and change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots will develop first and then the sprouts will start to form. Once you have sprouts 5-6”

the bottle nipples. The saliva would get on a person's hands and end up being wiped on one's jeans.

Jeans were a wardrobe necessity. Although durable, repetitive bending would be hard on the garment's knees and the crotch. Fortunately, cows never laughed when a person's jeans ripped up the middle during a milking! Long before it was a fashion trend and people paid money to have jeans that looked faded, worn or torn, farmers had jeans with holes, rips, and discolored splotches. Chlorine-based sanitizers took the color out of fabric, iodine and manure made lasting stains, and failing to clear a fence or a calf panel or sliding too close to an exposed bolt guaranteed ragged garment rips (and sometimes skin abrasions or punctures too).

Hats and gloves needed to be plentiful and varied. There were leather gloves for fencing chores, yellow cotton gloves accentuated by red cuffs (bought by the box and referred to as “chore gloves”) for most other activities, and heavily lined insulated gloves for driving tractors and doing outdoor tasks in wintertime. Lost Horizon Farm had an extensive and somewhat historic collection of summer farm caps and winter stocking hats from seed com and implement dealers. It was best to have headgear that was either tight fitting or tied down because a head covering that blew into the barnyard and was trampled or that sailed under a piece of machinery and was run over was never quite the same.

The prime requirements for a cold weather barn coat, jacket or coverall were

tall, you can separate the slips so they can be transplanted. Using this method, it should take about 6-8 weeks to produce slips.

Another technique is to start sweet potato slips in soil. Select a container with drainage holes and fill it with potting soil or seed starting mix. Consider using a rotisserie chicken tray (for one potato) or a foil cake pan (for multiple potatoes). Moisten the soil and then nestle the sweet potatoe(s) into the soil so the potato is covered about half way. Use the lid to catch excess water. Keep the soil moist as the roots and sprouts form. Place the containers in a sunny, warm window or on a heat mat with grow lights to help speed up the process. Typically, it will take about a week for the sweet potato to root. In a couple more weeks, you’ll start to see sprouts grow from the top. Once the sprouts are 5-6” tall, carefully remove

that it was both warm and washable. These items were the heftiest, and their weight was not just due to their insulated construction.. Because it was impractical to launder winter outerwear every day, over time they accumulated the “barniest” of clothing accouterments. A source of bemusement to us was an acquaintance whose formerly tan coveralls were so soiled and stiffened with manure, grease, and oil that we were convinced that they had never seen the inside of a washing machine and probably stood up by themselves when removed!

During extremely cold weather, Mr. Farmer would don an extra lengthy stocking hat with holes for the eyes and mouth and a roofed opening for the nose. Wearing this winter wardrobe item, he looked like a bandit ready for a heist. When hauling manure on very windy days, a turn could bring a wind-assisted shower of manure from the implement’s beaters toward the tractor operator. To be prepared for such conditions, Mr. Farmer strapped on a supplemental piece of headgear with a heavy duty clear plastic shield that could be pulled down over his face. Mr. Farmer then attained the look of a surgeon in the operating theater.

Barb has called Lost Horizon Farm, just north of Spring Green, her home for the past 43 years. She is fond of all creatures (including snakes). Her joy stems from being able to be outdoors every day observing and treasuring the plant and animal life on her small piece of this planet. She loved milking cows and is proud to have been a dairy farmer.

them from the sweet potato by twisting or cutting off at soil level.

For either method, the slips will not have any roots once you’ve removed them from the mature potato. Remove the bottom leaves and place the slips in a jar of water to “root” them. They should start to develop roots in a couple days. Using heat and light will speed the process. Keep the jar full of fresh water. The slips are ready to plant once the roots are several inches long. When it’s warm enough to plant outside and the danger of frost has passed, they should be planted 12-18 inches apart and about 4 inches deep. One potato can produce a dozen or more slips and each plant will produce 3-5 potatoes. Figure out how many potatoes you’d like and then let the potatoes continue to produce sprouts until you have as many as you wish to grow. Enjoy this fun project and get a leg up on your spring garden.

Jeannie Manis Wisconsin Certified Master Gardener

Barb Garvoille, Columnist

Barb Garvoille

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille

A cow "chip". Competitive cow chip throwers would be desirous of such a dried, almost perfect frisbee-like chip!

Photo contributed by Barb Garvoille

A Minneapolis Molline cap and chore glove. Why one glove? The dominant hand's covering always wore out first. Lost Horizon Farm had lots of orphan left-handed chore gloves.

An Outdoorsman’s Journal

Mark Walters, Columnist

Hello friends, This week I was over in Calumet County near Stockbridge, hunting sturgeon with a bunch of my friends on Lake Winnebago. As you may be aware, I suck at actually harvesting a sturgeon with a spear, but as you are about to read, my friends and I are very good at having lots of fun in our attempt.

Friday, February 10th

High 34°, Low 27°

A lot of people in the great white/ brown north are concerned about driving there trucks on the ice this winter. Sometimes I am, today I was not. I had both the pups, Ruby and Red along and got on the ice at Calumet County Park and we had a convoy of 11 people and our plan was to cut holes, place shacks and have fun.

Two of my very good friends in this group are Dean Bornemann and his 25-year-old daughter Hailey. Dean and Hailey are addicted to golden retrievers and have two of Ruby’s pups. Finley is going on 4 and Rudy is Red’s sister, so you could say it was a family reunion. I might add that at 10-months, Rudy is the most impressive looking golden I have ever seen.

Today, Kevin Bornemann who is Dean’s brother had a sled saw along and he cut 4 holes about as smoothly as it could be done. I had a chainsaw and cut my own and after we were done, I neglected the majority of my responsibilities and participated in a social experience with the gang. When they left, I casually began my work which was outfitting my 13x8 Eskimo Shack to both live in and spear. I

finished my work about 2 hours after dark and realized I had forgot most of my food at home and “dined” on a tube of Ritz and a Pabst Blue Ribbon

So I am sitting in my shack and about 7:30 an earthquake started on Lake Winnebago the likes of nothing I have ever seen. In my shack, the spearing hole is the size of a bathtub, the whole shack is moving for 2 solid hours and my spearing hole has major waves and eruptions, the dogs did not enjoy this show.

Saturday, February 11th

High 42°, Low 29°

Even though I know I do not need a spear because I will not see a sturgeon to throw my spear at, I am up long before daylight.

I put a 20x40-foot tarp over my shack and what would be a major wind began. I have harvested one sturgeon in about 15-years of trying, forgot to buy a tag at least 3 times (purchase must be made by Oct 31st, change the law to January 1st, more tags will be sold and the money goes to good use).

So in our shacks is husband and wife couples, families and Bob Javenkoski. These folks are from the Kaukauna area except for Leon and Alicia Duffrin who are from up by Winter. When 1:00 came it was time to quit looking down a dark hole that is over 17-feet of water and start cooking really good food and perhaps even participate in some tasty beverages. We had bacon wrapped venison, bear steak and shish ka bobs. Not a whole lot of veggies in our diet but a dam fine feast.

Dean Bornemann is 59, the most athletic adult that I have ever met and about as much fun as you can find in one person. Dean is swimming to Alcatraz this summer and doing all kinds of nationally recognized biathlon stuff that normal people avoid.

We had as much fun as about 15 or so people can have on the ice today.

Sunday, February 12th High 48°, Low 30°

My spear does not need sharpening. Red loves looking down the hole. Though we had a couple of neighbors on the ice harvest a sturgeon our group did not see one. Our highlight in my shack for Dean, Hailey and myself was seeing 2 minnows. Apparently Dean caught some rare virus or something of the sort because as Hailey and I observed him, it appeared he was either going to fall in the hole or have a stroke. We put him in a chair for a long nap and he saw the same amount of sturgeon that the rest of the group saw. About all I can say about that is, it’s a good thing he wasn’t doing a biathlon

today or the next day for that matter. We pegged out the fun meter once again!

Sunset

Follow along the adventures of Mark Walters, a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in Necedah, Wisconsin. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman’s Journal, in 1989. It includes hunting, fishing, lots of canoeing and backpacking. He currently writes for around 60 newspapers. He hopes you enjoy reading about his adventures!

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Photo contributed by Mark

This sled saw is powered by a 13 hp motor and cuts with a 42 chainsaw bar.

The Hunt for a Sturgeon

Photo contributed by Mark Walters Red was fascinated with searching for sturgeon.

Photo contributed by Mark Walters

Our spearing group living large on Lake Winnebago near Stockbridge.