Inside this edition
Looking for an event? Check out the new community calendar
Art from around the Valley: Jen Salt’s “Frank’s Hill”
Memorial Day water safety tips
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Spring Green, Wisconsin
Wednesday, May 26, 2021 Vol. 2, No. 21 Free, Single-Copy
Sauk County sees record high sales tax, focuses on tourism and placemaking Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief Sauk County is looking towards a historic start to 2021 with reports of record high sales and property tax revenue in just the first two months of the year. At the May 18 regular board meet-
ing, county Finance Director, Kerry Beghin and Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller, gave the board a first quarter financials update, which reported sales tax revenue for January and February up nearly 16% than the first two months of the previous
two years. “These last two months are the highest we’ve ever recorded for sales tax coming in,” said Miller. “Which, if you can explain that to me, I don’t know, I don’t understand it.” In January 2021, the county report-
ed over $613,000 in sales tax revenue, compared to the approximately $595,000 January 2020, approximately an $18,000 difference. February 2021 brought an even higher jump with the county report-
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‘Go outside. Take a snack.’ Wander Provisions opens, offering community the tools to do just that Taylor Scott, Managing Editor Albany Street in Spring Green has a new business, and they want to encourage you to head out and explore the area, snacks in hand. Wander Provisions held a soft opening May 21 and 22, showcasing an abundance of vintage picnic and camping supplies and curated, upscale, locally sourced snacks. “Wander Provisions brings together the best farmers and producers to provide locally sourced and environmentally packaged food for your next adventure in the Driftless region of Wisconsin,” shared owner Kyle Adams. In true locally sourced fashion, the Wander Provisions soft opening featured a wild ramp pistachio pesto tossed with Taste Republic (Madison) gluten free fusilli pasta, Nectar Bakery (Spring Green) baked goods (with wild ramp butter for the biscuits of course), boxes filled with cheese from Landmark Creamery (Belleville), Hook’s Cheese (Mineral Point), Cedar Grove Cheese (Plain), summer sausage from Cates Family Farm (Spring Green), crackers from Potter’s Crackers (Madison), Nutkrack (Madison) pecans, wild ramp pesto dip with Westby Cooper-
Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief Wander Provisions Owner, Kyle Adams, left, chats and checks out customers at the stores open house May 22. The store offers hand-curated, locally sourced snacks, picinic options and vintage recreational items. The store can be found on instagram @Wanderprovisions.
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Village of Plain to see colorful, community oriented art installation Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief At it’s monthly board meeting, the village of Plain heard from leaders at the Wormfarm Institute about an interactive, community oriented art project being constructed in the village over the summer. Wormfarm Institute is responsible for hosting Fermentation Fest and the Art’D
Tour, which is an art tour throughout the state that aims to capture rural communities and farming culture through art. The festival had an art stop in Plain for the first time last year, and will now be returning to include the village in installations the organization is calling “Test Plots” which are interactive,
site-responsive art installations created by architects. Wormfarm Institute partnered with FUNdaMENTAL Designs and Kraemer Brothers Construction to install interactive, colorful ribbons in a prairie field behind the Driftless Extracts corporate building, the idea behind the project being to strengthen community partner-
ships and test different art features for the upcoming 2022 art tours, said Philip Matthews, the Wormfarm Institute director of programs. Three architects and an organizer from FUNdaMENTAL Designs will be living in Plain from June to July to develop the test plot, the three designers include Eli
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Richland County Board adjusts permit fees for incoming solar farm off Highway 130 Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief The Richland County Board made some adjustments to their solar energy permit fees in preparation for a potential solar farm being built in the southeast portion of the county. At its regular May 18 meeting, the board amended it’s ordinance pertaining to permit fees for residential use and solar farm use, as Savion Energy prepares to build a large solar farm on
either side of Highway 130 near the Village of Lone Rock. The amendments adjust the fees for permits from a per solar panel price to a flat rate price for the permit. To obtain a permit for a small residential shed or garage, the flat rate will now be $100, and the flat rate for a use permit for a solar farm will be $750, a large price drop for solar companies. Bindl said if the ordinance had not
been amended to create a flat rate price, Savion Energy would be charged nearly $6 million in just permit fees to bring the solar farm to life in Richland County. “There is a question as to whether they would come or not if we charge $6 million,” said Supervisor Ingrid Glassbrenner, of Richland Center. The solar farm is expected to be approximately 800 acres, starting north
of Highway 14, spanning both sides of Highway 130 all the way to Old Mill Road, where there is an existing electric substation, which Bindl said is a big draw for that specific location. Of those 800 acres, Savion says a minimum of 400 acres will be dedicated to permanent solar energy systems. According to Savion’s application for
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OPINION
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
Rep. Dave Considine column: Shifting to a restorative model Dave Considine, D-Baraboo Dave Considine represents the 81st District in the State Assembly. The 81st District includes Baraboo, Sauk City, Prairie du Sac, Portage, and many other communities. His office can be reached at (608) 266-7746 or via email at Rep.Considine@legis.wisconsin.gov Over the past twenty years, Wisconsin’s prison population has grown twenty percent1. This growing prison population puts a strain on our budget and the people of Wisconsin. Instead of heavily funding prisons we need to fund restorative programs like the Treatment Alternatives and Diversion (TAD) program. Wisconsin’s TAD program allows District Attorneys or
Rep. Dave Considine
judges to offer offenders the opportunity to enter into voluntary substance abuse treatment, case management, or another risk reduction program as
a safe alternative to jail or prison. TAD was implemented in 2005 in Wisconsin and has had a positive impact on many lives. As a member of the Committee on Mental Health, I recognize the trauma that many offenders have faced in their life that led them down the wrong path. I commend Governor Evers’ proposed investment in TAD so we can continue to more towards a restorative criminal justice system. Governor Evers’ proposed 2021-23 Biennial Budget makes a significant investment in the TAD program by more than doubling the TAD funding level over the biennium. This additional funding of $15 million would greatly expand the program and allow programs such as veteran’s courts, mental health courts, and other diversion pro-
grams to be funded through the TAD program. Governor Evers also recommends making statutory language changes related to the TAD program to improve administration, encourage adoption of programs, expand eligibility, and increase the types of programs. According to a Wisconsin DOJ Bureau of Justice Information and Analysis report, our criminal justice system saves $4.17 and $8.68 for every dollar in TAD funding spent on diversion programs. TAD programs are a win-win. They are evidence based programs that save the state money, improve lives, reduce recidivism, make communities safer by holding violent offenders accountable, and reduce disparities. As a state, we need to focus on funding people over prisons.
Gov. Evers Announces Application Dates for $420 Million in Small Business Recovery Grants Tony Evers, Wisconsin State Governor Participating businesses to receive $5,000; grant program to help up to 84,000 Wisconsin small businesses MADISON — Applications for up to $420 million in new Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will open at 8 a.m. Monday, May 24 through 4:30 p.m. Monday, June 7, Governor Tony Evers announced today. The Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants program is a collaboration between the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) and the Department of Revenue (DOR). The effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). The grants will provide as many as 84,000 Wisconsin small businesses with annual gross revenue between $10,000 and $7 million with a flat award of
Gov. Tony Evers
$5,000. “We want small businesses to know that help is on the way, and we’re glad to be able to announce these application dates so we can get these funds to our small businesses as quickly as possible,” said Gov. Evers. “Our businesses will be able to use these funds to restock shelves, catch up
on bills, rehire and retain workers, and help continue keeping folks safe so we can bounce back together.” The governor’s announcement today regarding Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grants reflects the strategy of the new Wisconsin Tomorrow: Building an Economy for All report recently released by the WEDC, which calls for investments that advance economic well-being for individuals and communities. Last year, WEDC provided more than $240 million in grants to help more than 60,000 small businesses cope with losses related to the pandemic. “These new grants are intended to support those small businesses who were hardest hit by the pandemic and who are now poised to make a strong recovery with just a little extra help,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said. The grants are part of Gov. Evers’ plan to use the $2.5 billion the state will receive under the ARPA, which
includes $600 million in funds designated to supporting small businesses. The Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery grants are included in that $600 million. “Both of my parents were entrepreneurs and small business owners, and I followed in those footsteps, so I have personal experience with the many challenges small businesses face. I am so pleased that we are able to provide some relief that will help small businesses recover and, eventually, bounce back further than where they were before the pandemic hit,” said DOR Secretary Peter Barca. The new grants will target Wisconsin small businesses, including those that started in 2020, in sectors that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Individuals and businesses interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Tomorrow Small Business Recovery Grant program by visiting the main page of the Department of Revenue, revenue.wi.gov.
Letter to the Editor: virtual Sauk County rural safety day a success Dear Editor, The year 2021 was a unique year for Sauk County Rural Safety Days. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event was held virtually. We had nearly 1,100 third and fourth graders (last year’s third grade who missed the event due to COVID-19) participate this year. This event would not have been possible without the generous donations and support from our numerous sponsors. We believe that prevention is the best medicine and are so thankful for their support. This year’s event covered the following rural safety topics: chemical, fire, insect/plant, electrical, seat belt/roll over, internet, gun, farm equipment, small/large animal, water, and ATV. This event could not happen each year without generous support from: Allen Steele Company, Inc., Alliant Energy, Bank of Prairie du Sac, Baraboo District Ambulance Service, Baraboo FFA, Baraboo Fire Department, Baraboo State Bank, Baxter Dental, Cardinal IG, Circus World Museum, Compeer Financial, Culvers, D. L. Gasser Construction, Dental Associates, Downtown Family Dental of Baraboo, SC, Farm and Fleet, Foremost Farms USA, Gemini Concepts, Hartje Lumber, Herb Kohl Philanthropies, Hoof Funeral Home, I-Diehl Tap, LLC, Jay’s Power Center, Joey Van Dinter Insurance, Jose’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Kraemer Brothers, Lake Delton Police Association, Lake Delton Water Sports, Inc., MBE CPA’s, McFarlane MFG Co. Inc., McReath Orthodontics, Meyer Oil & LP, Midwest Dental, Mittelstaedt Sports & Marine Inc., Oral Surgery Center, S.C.,
Graphic via Sauk County Health Department
Prairie Clinic, Quartz, Redlin Funeral Home LLC, Reedsburg Area Medical Center, Reedsburg FFA, River Valley FFA, Royal Bank, Sauk County Emergency Management, Sauk County Fairgrounds, Sauk County Home & Community Education, Sauk County Humane Society, Sauk County Sheriff’s Department,
Sauk County UW Extension, Sauk Prairie FFA, Sauk Prairie Healthcare, Scott Construction, Inc., Slama’s Lawn & Sport-Reedsburg, SSM Health-St Clare Hospital, Sunrise Veterinary Services, Swim Reedsburg, United Cooperative, Village Family Dental Associates, S.C., Weston FFA, WI Department of
Natural Resources, WI Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Metals-Reedsburg, and the Wisconsin Poison Center. —Rebecca Szydlowski Public Health Nurse Sauk County Health Department
Community
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
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Spring Green area Chamber hosts BBQ to fundraise post COVID-19
Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief It was a beautiful day to be outside and enjoy delicious food by Prem Meats, music, chatting with friends, making new friends and of course the free tastings! I enjoyed seeing people out enjoying themselves. We all need to have some fun in our lives! The funds raised at all of our events assist the Chamber with promoting our local businesses, hosting events and building community. With our fundraising events, we are able to host events such as Love Local Punch Cards, Scratch Local Gold and throw pizza parties or hand out cookies to businesses as a “pat on the back” for a job well done. We not only try to draw the tourists to our gorgeous River Valley but provide a little fun for the locals also! The local businesses are an amazing group of entrepreneurs and they have preserved through the last year like troopers. All have come out on the other side and are ready for business as usual. The River Valley is an amazing place to live and I am privileged to represent the local members of my Chamber. —Spring Green Area Cahmber of Commerce Director, Julie Jenson. The Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce held a chicken barbaque dinner on May 22 at Prem Meats to fundraise for the Chamber. Official numbers on attendance and money raise have not been released yet.
Contact us
PO Box 144 Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588 USA (608) 588-6694 editor@valleysentinelnews.com valleysentinelnews.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Nicole Aimone Managing Editor Taylor Scott Legal Editor Gary Ernest Grass, esq.
Deadlines: The display and classified
Valley Sentinel is published in Spring Green, Wisconsin every Wednesday by Lower Wisconsin River Valley Sentinel, LLC. ISSN 2694-541X (print) — ISSN 2694-5401 (online) Interns Graphic Design/Pagination Anna Stocks-Hess Graphic Design/Infographics Whitney Back Editorial Adeline Holte Graphic Design/Editorial Nicole Hansen
Editorial Matthew L. Beyer Editorial Adam Meyer Distribution/Photography Kalen Scott Regular Contributors Arts & Culture/Editorial Bill Gordon
advertising deadline 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.
Ad team: ads@valleysentinelnews.com Arts & Culture/Editorial Alison Graves Arts Jen Salt Columns Grace Vosen Sports Mike McDermott
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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
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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.
and impartiality of our reporting.
Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”
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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.
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Community
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
COmmunitycalendar May 27
Stitch and Bitch Spring Green General Store, 137 S Albany Spring Green, WI 53588 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Join us at the long table, enjoy the company and get some work done! Call 608-588-7070 or visit www.springgreen.com for more information.
May 27
Wine & Yoga Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda, WI 53573 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Stairway to Wellness and Wild Hills Winery are pleased to host our weekly WINE & YOGA event. Come for the wine specials...stay for a peaceful and rejuvenating yoga session with certified instructor Lara Carpenter. Find out more about Lara and Stairway to Wellness at stairwaytowellness.com
May 28
Ann Christoffer--Singer Songwriter Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda, WI 53573 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM We are so excited to welcome Ann Christoffer to Wild Hills Winery! Ann Christoffer has been performing professionally for over 20 years. Whether playing solo, or part of a duo or group, Ann is happiest when she is entertaining people. www.wildhillswinery.com
May 29
May 29
May 30
May 30
June 3
June 3
June 4
Hands on Elderberry Planting Field Day Twin Creeks Farm, 6679 State Road 23 Spring Green WI 53588 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Workshop for beginning elderberry growers to learn about cuttings, establishment, planting, and varieties. www.savannainstitute.org/event/hands-on-elderberry-planting-field-day/
June 4
Hard Tellin Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Summer music starts Memorial Weekend! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment
June 4
Rock The Block Whiskey Row Saloon, 403 Front St, Avoca WI 53506 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Join us for a huge weekend of fun! Contact Bruce Adams (608)-739-1733 or (608)-532-6517 for more information. www.facebook.com/Whiskey-Row-SaloonLLC Myles Talbott Dyad Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM Summer music starts Memorial Weekend! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment
June 5
June 5
Stitch and Bitch Spring Green General Store, 137 S Albany Spring Green, WI 53588 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Join us at the long table, enjoy the company and get some work done! Call 608-588-7070 or visit www.springgreen.com for more information.
Family Fun Fair Firemans Park, Lone Rock WI A Family Fun Fair will be held in Lone Rock on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 3, 4, 5 and 6. Call (608) 604-3537 or check online for more information. https://www.facebook.com/events/474210613848120 Spring Art Tour Blanchardville and Mazomanie 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Escape with a road trip to the wonderful world of artists’ studios and personal galleries by visiting the 2021 Spring Art Tour stops June 4-6. Explore unique artist locations while you journey along the hills and valleys of Black Earth, Blanchardville, Blue Mounds, Mazomanie, Mount Horeb, New Glarus and beyond. www.springarttour.com. Beth Kille--Singer Songwriter Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda, WI 53573 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM We are so excited to welcome Beth Kille to Wild Hills Winery! Beth Kille is a 22-time Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) award winning artist from Madison, WI who has been cranking out Americana Rock tunes since 2000. www.wildhillswinery.com Author Talk and Workshop: KaNikki Jakarta Online 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM The Driftless Writing Center is sponsoring a Zoom reading by award-winning writer KaNikki Jakarta at 7 p.m. June 4. This free public reading will be followed by a community open mic. Email driftlesswritingcenter@gmail.com for more info. www.driftlesswritingcenter.org The Growlers Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Summer music continues on the River Stage! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment Spring Fish Boil Kaul Park, State Hwy 130 & St Killians Rd, Lone Rock WI 53556 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Food and entertainment! Donnie Reyzek band will be performing. Suggested donation: $15.00 per person & $7.00 per child 12 years and younger. Call (608) 583-5685 for more information.
May 30
3 Souls Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Summer music starts Memorial Weekend! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment
May 30
2021 Summer Schooling Show Series — Horse Show Timeless Farm, North, 7431 Village Edge Rd, Arena WI 53503 $12/hunter class, $14/jumper class, $20/derby and prix. Champion and Reserve in each division! Ribbons to 8 places! $100 prize money! Contact Stephanie at (608) 575-5508 for more information. www.timelessfarm.com/events
June 6
May 31
Chicken Barbeque Spring Green Community Center, 117 S. Washington Street Spring Green WI 53588 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Join Spring Green American Legion Post 253 this Memorial Day Weekend for some chicken bbq! Call (608) 588-7400 for more information.
June 8
May 31
Back2Back Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Summer music starts Memorial Weekend! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment
Liza's Lagoon Local Day for Arena Residents! Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Do you live in Arena (or have an Arena zip code)? Today is your day for fun and play at Liza's Lagoon! Pavilion, Restrooms and concessions available at Liza's. 17 and under FREE *must have waiver signed by parent/guardian 18+ pay half price! (regular admission $10) 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult www.wiriverside.com/lizas-lagoon
June 8
Story Time at South Park Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green, WI 53588 10:00 AM Join Ms Christi at Spring Green's South Park for a fun morning of summer Story Time! www.springgreenlibrary.org
May 31
June 1
Steps and Sun Salutations - Yoga 830 Daley St, Spring Green, WI 53588 5:15PM - 6:15 PM, FREE (No registration required) Come join me for a walk/talk and a little yoga. We will meet at the elementary parking lot in Spring Green, walk for the first 20-30 minutes in pairs or small groups, and then share sun salutations with some twists. www.emilybenzyoga.com/class-registration Folklore Village Open Mic (Virtual) Online 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Performers and audience members alike are warmly welcome to the Open Mic hosted over Zoom. Send an email to programs@folklorevillage.org if you’re interested in participating and Program Manager Sallie Anna will be in touch with more information and a virtual invitation.
June 6
June 8
50 Bird Shoot Spring Green Rod and Gun Club, S12314 County Rd G, Spring Green, WI 53588 10:00 AM 50 Bird shoot open to public to support the River Valley Trap Team. www.sgrodngun.com Scott Stieber & Don Myers Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green, WI 53588 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Summer music continues on the River Stage! Call (608) 588-2826 for more information. www.wiriverside.com/entertainment
Music & Pizza Herbs Spices & More, 7352 US Highway 14, Arena, WI 53503 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Singing while you enjoy delicious brick oven pizza and wine, beer. www.stayhappening.com/e/music-andamp-pizza-E2ISTMSCF5M
Valley Sentinel’s community calendar is changing — what you need to know, how to submit events Our community calendar is changing! We’re building a print and online community calendar that we hope will become your go to for planning out your weekend or seeing what events are happening this evening in the area. From live music to art classes and more, we want to provide a central resource for the community to look to. From our experience in the field, most publications don’t list paid events in their community calendar, we want to flip that script and create a community calendar that is comprehensive, including every event in one place. This is a soft launch. Many of the events this week have been aggregated from elsewhere, with some businesses already taking advantage of our online form. We will be transitioning to a new format online and in print. As we transition, please use the form online or email us until we implement a new process and online calendar. To submit events go to https://valley-
sentinelnews.com/community-calendar/ or use the helpful tab on our site menu. All events, paid and otherwise, that meet our guidelines will be included. Of course, for more reach please consider featuring your event and/ or consider an ad in print or online. Marketing is an important part of an event budget, we’d be happy to help you get the reach and engagement you’re looking for. If you would like to explore paid advertising options with Valley Sentinel to give your event a boost, visit our advertising page: www.valleysentinelnews.com/advertising-businesses/, email ads@valleysentinelnews.com or call us at 608-588-6694. We will also be offering a business card sized listing in print with a picture and extended event information prominently in the community calendar if you’d like to include an event in our featured events on the community calendar for $25. Some helpful guidelines for sending your event
to Valley Sentinel to be featured in print (online coming soon): Events that we do not publish — The community calendar is curated specifically to provide a benefit for our readers and viewers. As a result, not all events are published and we reserve the right not to publish any submitted event. The following types of events go beyond the scope and mission of Valley Sentinel’s community calendar, and will not be published in print or online: 1. Events outside Valley Sentinel’s coverage area (roughly the Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green, + 15 miles) 2. Passive benefits (e.g “Eat at This Restaurant and % of your bill will benefit This Organization” - we’re happy to help get the word out about these in other ways) 3. Events that are not open to the public 4. Support groups (we are actively considering how to include these in a centralized place,
Voice of the River Valley has a good list in print and we encourage you to pick up a copy) 5. Food or drink sales/discounts 6. Campaign-style promotions for a business’s usual services, although there are some exceptions (e.g. Classes, workshops, fitness/yoga classes, and many kids events etc.) 7. Sales, although there are some exceptions (e.g., library book sales, neighborhood garage sales) 8. Events with an expired registration date Editorial or advertising inquiries Editorial: If you would like to pitch an article idea about your event (or anything, for that matter), you should talk to one of our editors. Feel free to email editor@valleysentinelnews.com or call us at 608-588-6694. Advertising: If you would like to explore paid advertising options with Valley Sentinel to give your event a boost, visit our advertising page: valleysentinelnews.com/advertising-businesses/
Community
WednesdaY, may 26, 2021
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Plain prepares to host three architects over summer to build colorful art in village continued from page 1
Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief A view of the field behind the Leed Building, where an art installation will go just outside of downtown Plain. Liebenow, Julia DiPietro and Cameron Kursel, all from Brooklyn, New York with roots and inspiration from Wisconsin. Matthews said he is unsure of what the final product will look like or a timeline of how long the installation will stay erected in the village, saying the designers will determine this once they investigate the site. “This project continues to evolve,” said Matthews. Wormfarm Institute and FUNdaMENTAL Designs are planning to host various community days throughout the installation process, such as a paint party, which encourages community members to engage with the art structure and come together. “The Village Board was pleased to be selected for this project. It provides yet another way to draw attention to Plain’s beautiful landscapes as well as its quaint and historic aspects,” said Village President Ray Ring, regarding the artwork. The art work is expected to completed
and unveiled on July 24 and July 25, which will include a community day for residents and visitors to interact with and view the installation.
Photo via Wormfarm Institute An example of the ribbon-like, colorful structures that the upcoming Wormfarm Institute and FUNdaMENTAL art installation in the village of Plain will include.
Other actions and discussions
•Public Works Director John Ruhland shared with the board that the department will be constructing a fence around the well water reservoir, because there have been reports of well tampering in neighboring states. •Approved an ordinance authorizing ATV/UTV signage changes in the village. •Appointed Linda Paulus, Mary C. Brey and Nicole Feiner to the Library Board. •Increased billable ours for Strand Associates to 338 for increased work on the new housing development land, which raises the contract costs to $65,500 The village offices will be closed May 31 to June 4. The village will meet for its monthly meeting June 9 at 7 p.m.
Photo via village of Plain The red, dotted box indicated the exact location of the art installation being built in the Village of Plain over the summer.
County board working to solve on-going broadband issues to promote residential growth not just tourism continued from page 1 ing nearly $874,000 in sales tax revenue compared to the same month in 2020 which reported approximately $679,000, an $195,000 difference.
Creating Tourism and Placemaking
Earlier this year, the board approved the rollout of a new branding and marketing campaign, which focuses on uniting the different municipalities of Sauk County, to drive tourism traffic—which creates greater tax revenue. Sauk County Community Development Coordinator Jared Pinkus said the idea of a united branding and marketing plan developed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as he worked closely with the area Chamber of Commerce on how to better support businesses throughout all areas of the county. “The one thing that kind of came up time after time was this idea of a need to work together,” said Pinkus. “We’re not going to compete with Wisconsin Dells, we have people driving to the Dells from all over the midwest, so it’s looking at what else we have to spread them out throughout the county.” Typically, Sauk County is ranked just behind Milwaukee and Dane Counties for tourism revenue, but in 2020 it was ranked second in the state for economic development, according to Pinkus.
“We’ve actually done pretty well compared to other counties,” said Pinkus. “Just like every other county we lost a chunk of revenue during COVID, but the way our health department, county board and local leaders handled it, we actually fared a lot better than other counties. We’re ready to keep building off this success.” While creating tourism traction is a main goal for the attraction heavy county, Pinkus said the county is also aiming to capture people permanently—and the county is currently working on a major project that can make the county more attractive for permanent placemaking—expanding broadband internet access to the ruralest corners of the county. The county has partnered with Reedsburg Utility to provide matching grant funds for broadband expansion throughout the county, with a heavy focus in the River Valley. According to Pinkus, the county and utility company have plenty of funds to make the expansions needed, a lack of labor are creating difficulties in getting fiberoptic up and running. In the coming year, the county and it’s partners plan to rollout a large broadband expansion buildout, which will provide 3,200 homes with broadband access throughout the county. “One thing that we need to work on better at the county level, especially
in Spring Green, is the common theme through all of these conversations—the idea of being left out or second thought,” said Pinkus. “I understand how that might be, or that idea might come around, that’s something we need to work on. You know, broadband and the airport, those are Spring Green or River Valley issues, we’re not working on those things in other communities, but it’s something we need to get better at in the county.”
Other Financials
Begin reported the County is also head of schedule for collected property tax payments, compared to their average collections in previous years. As of April of this year, the county is looking at nearly $31.2 million in uncollected property tax payments, compared to the average $31.5 million left uncollected at the same time in previous years. The county is also ahead in collecting its delinquent tax payments as well, with 38% of outstanding, delinquent taxes collected, Begin said typically that number in May is about 22% collected. “We’re ready to get into budget season,” said Begin.
Stop by Tortilleria
Zepeda to purchase
FRESH tortillas Saturday June 5 1pm to 5pm 304 S Oak St, Lone Rock, WI
Page 6
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
Community
Wander Provisions opens in Spring Green offering specialty snacks, inspiration continued from page 1 ative Creamery (Westby) sour cream, Slide Gourmet Potato Chips (Madison), sparkling non-alcoholic beverages and mixers from Siren Shrubs (Stevens Point), chocolate bars from Roots Chocolates (Wisconsin Dells), various things from Enos Farms (Spring Green), and farmstead soaps from Hazel Hill (Arena). As Adams begins her journey, a rotation of seasonally available local items will be available in store, with preorders available soon online. Once preorders are live, orders will require 24 hours notice to guarantee fulfillment and will be available for pick up in Wander Provisions’ downtown Spring Green location. Adams said she would start slow and build up over the next several weeks to begin offering composed picnic baskets and campfire cooking kits. Not only will Wander Provisions feature non-alcoholic beverages — or “bevies” as Adams playfully refers to them as — but after recently being granted a license by the Spring Green Village Board, the business will also be featuring alcoholic beverages as well. Adams says the selection will grow more “nuanced and bountiful” throughout the summer. “My focus will be Wisconsin beer & canned cocktails packaged to be safe for the river or easily thrown in a backpack/picnic basket,” said Adams. “So after that beautiful canoe or hike you can reward yourself with a cold one. Or for you to drink on a patio ...no judgement here.” Adams emphasized she is open to suggestions from customers and the community as well, promising interesting and exciting beverage options to come. “From the beginning the goal has been to support our food & farming communities in both our town and our state,” said Adams. “I think we’re off to a pretty good start.” Wander Provisions is located at 136 S Albany Street, Spring Green, WI 53588. Hours are available on social media at www.facebook.com/wanderprovisions/ and www.instagram.com/ wanderprovisions/. Preorders will be live soon at www.wanderprovisions. com. “I am ready to make this what I know it can be,” shared Adams. “One step at a time.”
Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief A view of the vintage recreational offerings for sale at Wander Provisions new brick and morter store in Spring Green. The store is located at 136 N Albany St.
Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief
A chalkboard behind the checkout counter at the Wander Provisions storefront shows which local products and producers are available in the store for that day.
Richland County board, area prepares for 400 acres solar farm at the southeastern corner of the county between Lone Rock and Buena Vista continued from page 1 a conditional use permit, which was approved by the county board April 2019, once the farm is up and running it is expected to generate 50 megawatts of renewable energy. That energy will be routed to the existing Lone Rock substation. Construction is expected to begin this summer, and be completed in 2022.
Other actions the board took include: •Honoring the retirement of two Child Support Agency employees. •Honoring the retirement of former
County Clerk, Victor Vlasak, who’s final day in the county was April 30. •Honored the retirement of the county’s first corporation counsel, Benjamin Southwick, whos final day in the county was March 16. •Based a resolution recommending the wearing of masks in all county owned buildings. •Apprvoved the replacement of gymnasium flooring in the UW Campus building, which will be paid from from the UW Richland Center fund. Per the boards rules, the board must approve any purchase over $5,000 for the UW campus.
Community
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
COVID-19 Dashboard
Page 7
Wisconsin Summary
608,959 Positive Cases
Cases as of 5/25/2021
+2,204 from 5/18
2,932,217 Negative Test Results +20,917 from 5/18
6,998 Deaths +27 from 5/18
Vaccine Summary Statistics Updated: 5/25/2021
5,328,515
5,067,919
Administered
Allocated
2,735,363
2,130,965
Pfizer doses administered
Moderna doses administered
201,411
Johnson & Johnson doses administered
Vaccine Data
These two core measures are all 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 our current target range is 60-90%. -Madison Public Health and Dane County
Richland County
1,317 Positive Cases +5 from 5/18 8,386 Negative Tests +42 from 5/18 16 Death +1 from 5/18
Richland
Sauk
Target Range
46.1%
Iowa County
2,046 Positive Cases +10 from 5/18 11,796 Negative Tests +65 from 5/18 10 Deaths +0 from 5/18 Sauk County 5,914 Positive Cases +35 from 5/18 36,143 Negative Tests +182 from 5/18 48 Deaths +0 from 5/18
47.9%
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
41.7%
41.8%
Percent fully vaccinated
Target Range
Percent fully vaccinated
Iowa
Target Range
54.6%
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
47%
Percent fully vaccinated
Percent of Wisconsin residents ages 12-15 who have received at least one dose by county
Cases per zip code Cases as of 5/25/2021
Updated: 5/25/2021
Lower %
Higher %
Richland County Ages 12-15
12.8%
Iowa County Ages 12-15
Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose
19.8%
Sauk County
Ages
12-15
Ages 12-15 11.7%
16-17
Dane County Ages 12-15
Graphic by Whitney Back
41.4%
18-24
25-34
35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Updated: 5/25/2021 15.4%
31%
36.9% 43.1%
51.4%
53.6%
64.4%
82.9%
Data From: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
“The good stuff.”
Page 8
Arts & Culture/ Community
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
Art from around the Valley: Jen Salt’s ‘Frank’s Hill’ Painting via Jen Salt I first climbed Frank’s Hill in Richland County a dozen years ago for the Vernal Equinox celebration. A large group had gathered at the top of the hill near the effigy mounds, along with some of the elders and Frank Shadewald, to watch the sun set, the moon rise and the stars come into view. A bonfire was built as people scattered to admire the beautiful land... slowly, we all were drawn back to watch the sparks drift down the valley, quietly, respectfully. Frank talked about the indigenous people who were there 1,000 years ago and the elders shared their words and blessings to the land. I felt a sense of honor to be there that night and feel that same feeling everytime I return. There’s an energy that can’t be described. Spring Green’s Timm Zumm also commented that one can definitely feel the spirit of the land when walking the mounds. Frank’s Hill, known as the Shadewald Mounds Group is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is cared for through the Three Eagles Foundation, based in Muscoda, since Frank’s passing in 2013. The public is welcome to visit, respectfully and hopefully we’ll all be able to celebrate the Vernal Equinox come September, then the Winter Solstice in December. From Highway 60 west turn onto Highway 193 where you’ll see the 12 conical mounds on the left and the stands of prairie grasses of the effigies on the right. The oil painting pictured here is 18”x24” in size and shows the conical mounds from the bluff facing west. —Jen Salt, Contributor 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 five and a half years. “The Wisconsin River was the draw to move here and I’ve never looked back, coming from a big city. This is home.”
Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care receives a visit
Photos via Elyssa Bennin Meadows Assisted Living and Memory Care would like to thank students from St. John the Evangelist School in Spring Green for delivering handmade spring flower baskets on May 17th. Residents were thrilled to see the children and appreciated the joy they brought with their window visit. We look forward to the day when can all gather together safely again!
Business/Professional
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Sports
WednesdaY, May 26 2021
Page 9
River Valley golf team concludes season with third place ranking 5/17 Wild Rock
Monday, May 17th, RV Golf competed at the Battle at the Rock at Wild Rock Golf Course in the Wisconsin Dells. Wild Rock, home of the Division 1 High School state golf tournament, proved to be a challenging course for the young Blackhawk Team. Eli Johnson led the Hawks with a team best 82.
5/24 The Conference championship was held today
at Viroqua Hills golf course. While placing 4th in the match, River Valley was able to maintain an overall third position for the conclusion of the 2021 season. Noah Kirsch, Lancaster, was overall medalist for the day with a 73
5/19
The final SWC conference match was held at Richland Center’s Quail Run on Thursday, May 19th. River Valley placed fourth again, after Dodgeville, Richland Center, and Lancaster. James Reilly of PDC was medalist with a 34. Eli Johnson led the Hawks with an 45. Luke Snow and Matthew Frederick had season bests 47 and 48 respectively. Ashton Price finished with a 53 and Lars Anding had a 60.
Scores: Eli Johnson - 90 Ashton Price - 93 Luke Snow - 105 Matthew Frederick - 116 Connor Fields - 99
Scores: Dodgeville - 161 Richland Center - 181 Lancaster - 182 River Valley - 193 Platteville - 195 PDC - 198
Dodgeville - 356 Lancaster - 372 River Valley - 387 Platteville - 381 Richland Center - 394 Prairie du Chien - 431 First Team All Conference Eli Johnson
Honorable Mention Ashton Price
Weekly School Activities Varsity Girls Soccer Mueller Pitch - RV Elementary 5 p.m. May 27
Varsity Baseball River Valley High School 5 pm. June 1
Junior Varsity Girls Soccer Mueller Pitch - RV Elementary 7 p.m. May 27
Junior Varsity Baseball River Valley High School 5 p.m. June 1
RV girls softball takes on Cuba City
Varsity Girls Soccer Platteville High School 5 p.m. June 1
Varsity Baseball River Valley High School 5 p.m. May 28
Junior Varsity Girls Soccer Platteville High School 5 p.m. June 1
Junior Varsity Baseball River Valley High School 6:30 p.m. May 28 Varsity Softball River Valley High School 5 p.m. May 28
Varsity Softball Lancaster High School 5 p.m. June 1 Track: JV SWC Conference Prairie du Chien High School June 1
Junior Varsity Softball River Valley High School 6:30 p.m. May 28
Junior Varsity Softball Lancaster High School 6:15 p.m. June 1
Golf Dodge-Point CC 9 a.m. May 29
RV Girls Soccer 5/20/21
Score: RV 1, Driftless United 5
Photo via Matt Snow, Head Golf Coach Pictured left to right, Matthew Frederick, Ashton Price, Luke Snow, Connor Fields, Eli Johnson, golfers for the River Valley Golf team.
Goal: Kylie Morrey (free kick) Our games on Tuesday and Friday were postponed due to field conditions. The highlight on Thursday was the goal scored by Kylie. Svea Youngquist was fouled just outside of the 18 yard box to earn a free kick. Kylie’s shot went over the wall and beat the keeper near post. —Todd Diebert, Girls Soccer Head Coach
Photo by Mike McDermott, Contributor A shot of Katie Hahn, pitcher for the RV girls softball team vs. Cuba City on May 21st.
Outdoors/recreation
Page 10 WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
Annual Birdathon finds 133 species on protected private lands Barb Barzen, Project & Grants Coordinator, Driftless Area Land Conservancy
Call them crazy, but birders like Barbara Morford and Emily Landmann enjoy getting up in the dark to reach the field right as the chorus of birds gets into gear, around 5:30 a.m. The morning of Monday, May 17, they headed to the Jordahl Farm north of Richland Center to go birding for the Driftless Area Land Conservancy’s annual birdathon. From May 14-17, 20 birders visited 20 properties in the River Valley and beyond that the Conservancy protects through conservation easements or ownership, plus four project areas that partnerships they coordinate focus on, including the Lowery Creek Watershed south of Taliesin. The entire birdathon team, dubbed The Prairie DALCons, set out to get a snapshot of how migratory birds use these properties. The Conservancy is using their effort to raise funding for
the organization’s work protecting and managing habitat for birds and other wildlife. The birders agreed it felt good to put their passion to work for sorely needed bird conservation efforts, since many bird populations are in decline. The team found fourteen state-listed Special Concern species and three state-threatened species – Cerulean Warbler, Upland Sandpiper, and Henslow’s Sparrow. Altogether, they found an impressive 133 species. “Since the presence or absence of birds indicates the health of the habitat they depend on”, explained Jen Filipiak, the Conservancy’s executive director, “we are heartened by the glimpse this event gave us of how our protected properties and project areas support birdlife. Over 95% of the bird habitat in southwestern Wisconsin is privately owned, so this event sheds light on the importance of assisting private landowners with managing and
Photo via Barbara Morford Emily Landmann searched for birds at the Jordahl Farm in Richland County.
protecting their land.” The Prairie DALCons are one of 62 birdathon teams participating in the statewide Great Wisconsin Birdathon, coordinated by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin. As an organizational team, proceeds are split between the
Driftless Area Land Conservancy and statewide bird conservation initiatives like the Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas. To donate, visit WIBirdathon.org and designate your gift to The Prairie DALCons. Donations will be accepted until June 15.
The Sauk County Gardener—Lots to do in the garden in June Jeanie Manis “Gardening requires lots of water – most of it in the form of perspiration.” — Lou Erickson This last week’s higher temps and humidity made me think we skipped summer and jumped right to August! I tried as best I could to time my plantings between the bouts of rain and the times of high heat. I wasn’t able to completely avoid the high heat as I spent one afternoon out in my newly installed cutting garden beds planting 50 dahlia bulbs and 30 ‘Stargazer’ and ‘Casa Blanca’ Oriental lilies. I ran out of steam before I could plant the nine rose bushes. I’m still working on getting all my annuals planted and there are some vegetables I need to get planted as well. Now is the time of year when I have way more garden tasks compared to the hours I have to spend in the garden – especially when the heat and rain do not cooperate with my schedule. I am sure many of you feel the same way. For all your plants, it is very important to watch for insects and disease and to water them if they are dry. Insects to keep on an eye out for include the flea beetle, cabbage moth, striped and spotted cucumber beetle, potato leafhopper, Colorado potato beetle and cutworm. Using floating row covers can help. Later this month, Japa-
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nese beetles will start to their annual visit to our gardens. To learn more about managing these insects, visit https://walworth.extension.wisc.edu/ files/2014/04/Vegetable-Pest-Management.pdf. Keep a close watch on your hanging baskets and containers as they will dry out much faster. Simply insert your finger in each of your pots and check to see if they need water. If they are moist, leave them be. If they are dry, give them a drink. Water them until water runs out the bottom of the container if possible. For those with roses or peonies, destroy any diseases foliage/flowers as soon as you discover them. If you had any large clumps of daffodils that didn’t bloom, dig and divide them now. Fertilize perennial beds and spring-blooming bulbs to feed perennials that are actively growing and provide the nutrients bulbs need to form next year’s flowers. Continue pinching back chrysanthemums to encourage bushiness. Stop around the last week of June. You should have finished up most of your dividing of your perennials by now. I do my best to divide in spring but I get behind most years, so I still divide and move my plants if needed throughout early summer. I just accept that they might not look awesome this year. Our gardening friend, Kent, had a situation that resulting in having to move a Hosta he found being
smothered by the neighboring bleeding heart. I was the lucky recipient of this Hosta and we’re hoping it’s an offshoot of his nearby large blue Hosta. The color isn’t as blue as his other Hosta that were near it, but I’m hoping it’s because it was being smothered rather than reverting back to the original mother plant color. Blue or not, I am still excited to get another Hosta for my shade garden. In turn, I dug a couple Brussel sprouts plants for him to transplant and enjoy in his garden that I had planted too close together. They will be much happier with more space to spread out and I was always taught to share. In the vegetable garden, plant and stake your tomato plants. If your plant is spindly, bury it in a trench up to its first set of true leaves. Toss a couple Tums® in the hole/trench to help prevent blossom-end rot (cause by a lack of calcium), place a layer of newspaper, and then mulch or straw around your tomato plants to help retain moisture and prevent soil-borne diseases to splash up on the leaves when watering. Tomatoes (and peppers) also need consistent water to help prevent blossom-end rot. Make sure your tomato plants get plenty of air flow to help prevent future fungal airborne disease by pruning off leaves as needed. It is now warm enough to plant peppers, sweet potatoes and eggplants outdoors.
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Continue to plant successive crops of beans, beets, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. You can also start seeds for Brussel sprouts to transplant into the garden in mid-July. If you have all your chores done, here’s a fun thing to try with peonies. For me, it seems that as soon as my peonies start to bloom beautifully, it rains and knocks all the petals off before I can cut a bouquet. To enjoy peony blooms weeks or months later, cut the flowers when the buds are just starting to show some color and feel like a soft marshmallow. Then strip the leaves off and wrap the entire stem and bud in clear plastic wrap, sealing the ends to minimize moisture loss. Lay them flat on the shelf in your refrigerator. When you want to enjoy them, take them out, unwrap them, give the stem a fresh cut and place them in tepid water in a cool location. It should bloom for about a week once it is rehydrated. That’s it. I’m lucky we have a spare frig in the basement, so I have the perfect location to store mine – right on top of the beer. This week’s article is written by Jeannie Manis, a Wisconsin Certified Sauk County Master Gardener Volunteer. If you have any gardening questions, please contact the Extension Sauk County by emailing to trripp@wisc. edu or calling the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension Sauk County office at 608-355-3250.
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Outdoors/recreation
WednesdaY, May 26, 2021 Page 11
Birding report Ryan Brady, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program Biologist Birdwatchers are delighting in a bounty of song and color as birds continue to return statewide. Baltimore and orchard orioles, scarlet tanagers, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, ruby-throated hummingbirds and other backyard favorites like house wrens, gray catbirds, American goldfinches and red-headed woodpeckers are showing well in most areas. Warblers are moving later than usual this year with large numbers still being seen in the southern tier of the state, only now including later species like Canada, bay-breasted, and Connecticut warbler. Other late-arriving species like blackbilled and yellow-billed cuckoos, common nighthawk, olive-sided flycatcher, and dickcissel have just reached Wisconsin in earnest. Overall, migration is past its peak but will continue for 2-3 weeks. Shorebirds are another bird group to watch right now, particularly at flooded fields, mudflats and coastal beaches. Now being seen are least, semipalmated and spotted sandpipers, black-bellied and semipalmated plovers, shortbilled dowitcher, dunlin, sanderling, ruddy turnstone and Wilson’s phalarope, along with the occasional red-necked phalarope, black-necked stilt, marbled godwit
and American avocet. Look for black and Forster’s terns inland and common and Caspian terns along the Great Lakes. Overhead, raptor migration is winding down but expect to see small swirling “kettles” of immature broadwinged hawks into early or mid-June, along with our various nesting species like bald eagles, Cooper’s and red-tailed hawks, turkey vultures and others. Breeding season is moving along for many species. Resident and early arriving species may already have nestlings or fledged young, including Canada goose, mallard, wood duck, hooded merganser, great horned owl, bald eagle, common raven, mourning dove, northern cardinal, killdeer, great blue heron, sandhill crane and others. Some recent arrivals are also not wasting any time and have already begun nest building or even egg laying, including Baltimore oriole, blue-gray gnatcatcher and yellow-rumped and pine warblers. Unfortunately, birdwatchers and avid bluebird monitors continue to report significantly fewer Eastern bluebirds in the state this year. This species, and several others like Eastern phoebe and hermit thrush, likely suffered major overwinter mortality due to unusually cold and snowy weather in the southern U.S. Some recent rarities include snowy
Photo via Ryan Brady, Wisconsin DNR Now is a great time to find dozens of warbler species in Wisconsin, including nearly a quarter of the world’s population of Golden-winged Warblers. egret, scissor-tailed flycatcher and black-throated gray warbler in Milwaukee County, western kingbird in Door, black vulture in Brown, blue grosbeak in Ozaukee, white-faced ibis in Dodge, harlequin duck in Sheboygan and Eurasian tree sparrow in Bayfield. Late May and early June offer some great birding, so be sure to get out looking for migrants,
rarities or resident birds alike. Celebrate Wisconsin Bird Conservation Week by not only taking time to watch birds but also taking action to help them, like making a window bird-safe, planting native trees and shrubs, or participating in the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. As always, let us know what birds you are seeing at Wisconsin eBird.
Boating responsibility this holiday weekend — water safety tips Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources It’s National Safe Boating Week, and thousands of boaters are expected to hit the water this Memorial Day Weekend. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds boaters that wearing a life jacket could save your life. It is human nature to think drowning can’t happen to you. The majority of people who drown in boating accidents know how to swim but become incapacitated in the water such as being injured or unconscious, exhausted or weighed down by clothing. So far this year, six people have died in boating incidents, and another 22 people died in 2020. Operator inexperience, inattention, recklessness and speeding are the four leading causes of tragic watercraft crashes, and the leading cause of death is drowning. “Safety is an important part of water fun. Most drowning victims on Wisconsin water bodies were not wearing life jackets,” said Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR Boating Law Administrator. “Wisconsin rivers and lakes can be relaxing and familyfriendly places to spend a summer day when you put safety first and respect for the water.” The department does not track all drownings – only those fatalities linked to the use of a recreational activity item, such as a boat, kayak or canoe. Boating incident reports to date for 2021 and previous years are available online here. Statistics show boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety courses are most likely to stay safe on Wisconsin waters. New life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. There are innovative options, such as inflatable life jackets, allowing mobility and flexibility for activities like boating, fishing, paddling or
Photo via Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Statistics show boaters who wear life jackets and take boater safety courses are most likely to stay safe on Wisconsin waters. hunting, and are much cooler in the warmer weather. Follow the basic safety tips below and enjoy Wisconsin’s great lakes and rivers with family and friends.
Local. Natural. Delicious.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
•Sign up now to take an online boater education course. •Always wear a properly fitted life jacket that has a snug fit and is fastened when you’re on or near the water. Life jackets will keep you on top of the water if you walk off an unexpected drop-off, or a wave or current overpowers you or you fall out of a boat. •Enjoy the waters sober and know your limits. Alcohol blurs a person’s judgment, reaction time and abilities. •River shorelines and sandbars pose unseen dangers. Higher, fast-moving water can tax an individual’s boating, paddling and swimming skills. •Keep an eye on the weather and let someone know where you are going. Be ready for the unexpected and always wear your life jacket. More boating safety tips are available on the DNR website.
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Outdoors/recreation
Page 12 WednesdaY, May 26, 2021
An Outdoorsman’s Journal
Mark Walters, Contributor
Florence County Trout Fishing Trip Hello friends, This week’s column is all over the map. My plan was to trout fish in Florence County and sleep in the bed of my truck at night, simple, inexpensive, and adventuresome. I had obtained some information from some very good friends of mine and my plan was to fish Woods Creek and either the Pine or Popple River.
Friday, May 14th High 73, low 31
Woods Creek would be my first destination, I had been told good sized trout and plenty of them. My plan when I arrived in midafternoon was to park my truck and go exploring with my golden retriever Ruby without a fishing pole and find water for the late day bite. On the first trek the water was very shallow and lots of brush, my next two hikes were bigger failures as I did not find the creek but my 4th hike, I did find some decent cut banks and a few holes that were created by dead falls. In reality the real problem was that there is a lack of water and small streams are very shallow. So, the last three hours of daylight I sat on Woods Creek in the deepest section I could find and caught brook trout in large numbers with the biggest being 11-inches. I was using a crawler; Ruby was hanging out with me and life was good but not great. Here is the problem, the brookies were for the most part 6-8 inches and I was very concerned about the mortality rate of some the fish that I was releasing. Shortly before dark I started the hike back to my truck and on the
trail met my very good friends Dwaine and Ann Drewa These folks have been good friends of mine since 2007 when I started Kids And Mentors Outdoors. Dwaine has been Vice President of The Northwoods Chapter, which is the Florence area of KAMO since the beginning and the members of this chapter just voted to say goodbye to Covid 19 and are back at getting kids into the outdoors. Their first event will be held on Saturday July 10th and it will be their Kids Hooked on Fishing Day on Lake Emily. The three of us and Ruby talked until 11:00 pm. under the stars and then they went home and I climbed in the topperless back of my Chevy Hotel and slept until 4:30 and I have to admit it was a bit chilly when I woke got up and went fishing.
Saturday, May 15th High 64, low 31
There was frost on the pumpkin when I started fishing a deep hole in Woods Creek and I immediately caught a fish, unfortunately it was a bullhead as was the next. Then I caught two brookies and then I headed to the Town of Fern’s town hall where my friends Dwaine and Ann and about eight other people had gathered for their annual cleanup day. In other words, I was going to walk down a road and pick up trash for a couple of hours, have a very nice lunch with this group, and hopefully get some new intel on a trout fishing spot. I did get some excellent info and it was Little Bull Falls on the Popple River, actually the entire area, the drought has not been long enough to have an effect on it and even if I did not catch a fish the scenery was incredible. My first two hours of exploring was not overly successful but then it got
Photo by Mark Walters, Contributor Little Bull Falls on the Popple River.
Photo by Mark Walters, Contributor Brook trout love this type of water!
Photo by Mark Walters, Contributor Ruby enjoying her time on the Popple River.
closer to prime time and I made a bold move and waded across Little Bull Falls which was pretty scary especially with a dog to keep alive as well. I set up on a beautiful rock outcropping and the only thing I could hear was water and everything was perfect in my world. At first the bite was nonexistent and then someone hit a light switch and it was brook trout after brook trout. A half hour before dark they quit which really surprised me and at dark, I did the very cool hike back to the truck but wading the falls was diaper filling scary. When I made it to the truck my friends Dwaine and Ann had once again found me and we had a very nice visit. The next morning I was up at 4:30, did the hike, caught some trout, kind of told myself no more wading the falls and did the hike back to the truck.
When I got back to the truck, I met a trout fisherman who saw the KAMO sticker on my truck and now wants to join the Northwoods Chapter. This fella showed me some pictures from earlier in the week of some huge brookies and told me the bite had stopped on Friday, the day I arrived. All’s well that ends well! —Sunset P.S. Checkout KAMOKids.org we do good things!
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