Inside this edition
BEST OF THE RIVER VALLEY 2021 RESULTS
Wednesday, June 2, 2021 Vol. 2, No. 22
Spring Green, Wisconsin
Free, Single-Copy
Judge allows investigation of potential bias in Cardinal-Hickory Creek decision Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief A Dane County Judge is set to potentially overturn permits for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission lines, if environmental groups can prove at least one out of the three approving Public Service Commission (PSC) regulators
held a conflict of interest when approving the project. The Driftless Area Land Conservancy (DALC), out of Dodgeville, along with various other environmental groups, sued the Army Corps of Engineers earlier this month, to stop the permitting of
the $492 million power line project that would span throughout Iowa and Southwestern Wisconsin. DALC and the other suing parties assert the Army Corps violated federal law when it failed to take an in-depth look at environmental impacts these power lines
would have on surrounding lands, water and wildlife—some of the power lines are set to be built along the Mississippi River. The groups say the Corps did not conduct an independent investigation of the
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River Valley Class of 2021 cross the stage towards the future Photos by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief
River Valley High School’s Class of 2021 graduated in an outdoor ceremony on May 29. The ceremony is typically held in River Valley High School’s new gym, but was held outdoors on the football field this year due to COVID-19 precautions. “Your community is what helps you through something like a global pandemic, your community is there to help when things get hard, and even though we were six feet apart, it took all of us — students, staff, small businesses and community members to come together as one to help keep our community moving forward,” shared Class of 2021 Secretary Anna Deibert in her senior speech. Top: The Class of 2021 sit in their caps and gowns waiting to walk across the stage and receive their high school diplomas on May 29. Bottom: The first student to walk across the stage, Cole Amble, high fives fellow classmates after the River Valley High School graduation ceremony on May 29.
American Players Theatre 2021 season is underway, capacity upped American Players Theater American Players Theatre’s (APT) in-person season began May 14 with Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop in the 201-seat indoor Touchstone Theatre. The first performance of James DeVita’s world premiere of An Improbable Fiction took the Hill Stage on May 27. These two plays will run in repertory until The Mountaintop closes on June 19, and An
Improbable Fiction closes on June 26. These will be the first in-person performances since APT was forced to cancel the 2020 season, and the company is beyond thrilled to be welcoming audiences back to the theater. Seats have been added to performances within the 25% capacity cap, and tickets are available now for most performances of these first two plays at americanplay-
ers.org, or by calling the APT Box Office at 608-588-2361. Filmed performances of the plays will be available for people who can’t make the trip to APT this year. More information at americanplayers. org/apt-at-home. May 14 – June 19, Touchstone Theatre The Mountaintop
By Katori Hall Directed by Ron OJ Parson The night before his assassination, Martin Luther King, Jr. returns to the Lorraine Motel after delivering his last impassioned speech. A mysterious maid delivers his room service, though she seems to have more on her agenda than
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OPINION
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
Total police officers, academy graduates in Wisconsin at 10-year low Peter Cameron, The Badger Project The number of law enforcement officers in the state and the number of law enforcement academy graduates here have fallen to their lowest points in at least a decade, according to data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Wisconsin has about 13,600 law enforcement officers at the moment. That’s down from a decade high of nearly 16,000 in 2012. And the state graduated only 766 people from law enforcement academies in fiscal year 2020, according to the most recent data from the state’s DOJ. That number has been dropping gradually since a decade-high 954 people graduated from academies in fiscal year 2012. Although the decreases are small, they are occurring while the state’s population is on the rise. Wisconsin grew from about 5.7 million to about 5.9 million in the last decade, according to the U.S. Census. That’s an increase of about 4%. The struggle to put officers on the road is “real,” said Paul Olson, police chief of the 11-officer department in the little village of Winneconne near Oshkosh. “We have a difficult time and a lot of that I believe is the lack of candidates in the (law enforcement) field,” he said. David Bauer, the police chief of the 13-officer department in Dodgeville, about an hour west of Madison, said job openings that used to receive 30-40 applications five years ago are now bringing in only a dozen or so. Benjamin Bliven, police chief of the 79-officer department in Wausau, said his force is at full-strength for “the first time in a long time.” “We do not hire someone just for the sake of filling the position,” he said. “There have been some recruitments in which we had enough applicants to fill the positions, but we decided not to fill the positions because candidates did not meet our standard.”
‘Cop crunch’
The “cop crunch” is not a new phenomenon, said Meghan Stroshine, an associate professor of social and cultural sciences at Marquette University who studies policing, but it has accelerated in recent years as law enforcement has come under greater public scrutiny. The rise of cell phone and bodycam videos showing killings and abuse in
Photo via The Badger Project Chiefs lament difficulty in filling positions; cities innovate to try to reduce surge in violence, stress police custody has forced a national conversation on law enforcement in the country. “All of those have contributed to a very difficult climate for potential officers,” Stroshine said. “You just have a lot of people who are not interested in that scrutiny.” Bauer, a 30-year-veteran of the Dodgeville Police Department, noted that police are increasingly asked to respond to non-criminal matters such as mental health crises and homelessness. “In being asked to do all those things, that leads to a lot of extra stress,” Bauer said. “Guys say that’s not what I trained to do.” “I think there are probably less stressful jobs out there,” he said with a chuckle. Patrick Solar, a longtime police chief in Illinois who now is an associate professor in the criminal justice program at UW-Platteville, said “cops are
Photo via The Badger Project, Data from the Wisconsin Department of Justice
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leaving in droves.” “Every police agency that I know is screaming for good applicants,” he said. “We get weekly calls from police agencies (searching for recruits). They’re starved.”
‘Perfect storm’
For smaller police departments like Dodgeville, which serves a city of about 5,000, longer periods between filling officer positions generally doesn’t mean a lack of cops on the street, said Bauer. But it often means paying officers overtime to cover shifts, which can lead to higher costs for the city. Bauer and his hiring team have had to be more proactive in hiring, including actively recruiting, rather than just waiting for applicants. That effort draws hours away from policing, he said. The issue has become severe at an unfortunate time. The pandemic year of 2020 saw a huge surge in homicides and other violent crimes across the country. Milwaukee suffered a record 189 homicides in 2020, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and homicides and shots fired increased in Madison too. Scholars believe several factors coalesced to create the “perfect storm” for violent crime, Stroshine said, including the pandemic and its impacts on society, the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis, and the resulting protests, riots and unrest. Solar was critical of anti-police sentiment that exploded last year, saying “that’s only going to hurt the people that need the police the most, and nobody sees this.” “The people who need the police the most, who have no other options for their own personal safety and the safety of their children, are poor people in
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urban areas,” he said. “And generally speaking, those are people of color. Those are the ones who are being hurt by all this anti-cop stuff.” Yet police remain very popular in Wisconsin. In the Marquette Poll in August of state residents, cops were viewed favorably by 76% of respondents and unfavorably by only 13%. In an attempt to reduce violence in the community and from police, to improve community policing and to reduce stress on police, departments in Wisconsin and beyond are trying new things. The city of Madison recently launched a team of “Alternative Emergency Responders” consisting of paramedics and crisis workers to answer mental health emergencies. Madison Police receive about 7,000 mental health calls per year, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a press release announcing the team in March. Borrowing another idea from the city of Madison, law enforcement departments in the city of Wausau and Marathon County have partnered with a local health system to embed crisis counselors with police partners to better handle mental health calls. Officials there estimate the crisis teams save the city and the county a combined $2 million per year, and free up police hours for other matters. “We know that an armed officer is not always the best response to every emergency call for many reasons,” Rhodes-Conway said in the release. “Only a small portion of these calls involve a person who is a danger to themselves or others. This leaves a lot of room for an alternative response team.” The Badger Project is a nonpartisan, citizen-supported journalism nonprofit in Wisconsin.
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Community
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
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High temperatures and humidity on the way: how to stay safe Jeffrey Jelinek, Sauk County Emergency Management Director (Baraboo) As summer heat builds in many parts of Wisconsin, Sauk County Emergency Management and Public Health are urging everyone to be aware of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to take protective safety measures. Sustained temperatures near or in excess of 90 degrees pose a risk of heat-related illness and death, especially when humidity levels exceed 65 percent. The risk is highest for older adults and individuals with chronic illnesses, or for individuals taking medications that
inhibit perspiration and the body’s natural cooling process. General symptoms of heat exhaustion include fainting, rash, fatigue and nausea. Skin may become clammy and moist or hot and dry. The onset of heat stroke can be rapid and may progress to life-threatening illness within minutes. If heat-related symptoms appear, immediate actions should be taken to reduce body temperature. The following actions are recommended when temperatures are above 90 degrees:
• Drink more fluids during hot weather to avoid dehydration. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration. • Spend the hottest part of the day in a cool, preferably air-conditioned place • Do not plan strenuous activities during the warmest part of the day. • Use fans to increase ventilation unless temperatures exceed 90° (at which point fans become ineffective in reducing heat-related illness) • Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath to reduce body tem-
Home Talent Baseball: Plain A’s defeated by Sauk Prairie
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO THIS SUMMER? Inspired by Convivio’s summer playlist, submitted by you and curated by Valley Sentinel — Let’s put together a community playlist for those floats on the river or that evening enjoying wine out on the patio or around a fire with friends and family and more.
via Pat Mahoney Sauk Prairie scored three runs in the sixth inning. S Koenig and Slotty all moved runners across the plate with RBIs in the inning. Connor earned the victory on the pitcher’s mound for Sauk Prairie. The pitcher surrendered one run on three hits over six innings, striking out 11 and walking zero. Zach Cady took the loss for Plain A’s. The bulldog lasted five and a third innings, allowing four hits and four runs while striking out four and walking one. Brock Mahoney started the game for Plain A’s. The righthander
went two and two-thirds innings, allowing one run on four hits, striking out one and walking zero Koenig started the game for Sauk Prairie. Koenig went three innings, allowing zero runs on one hit, striking out three and walking zero Cole Mahoney led Plain A’s with two hits in three at bats. Slotty went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Sauk Prairie in hits.
To submit your songs, please email us at editor@valleysentinelnews.com or message us on Instagram @VS_Wisconsin.
Let’s try to keep it mostly recent and up and coming. Bonus points for local and regional artists! Submit your song ideas through June and be on the lookout for our Spotify code in print the first couple weeks of summer.
The Plain A’s next game is at Mazomanie on June 6 at 1:00.
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.
peratures. In addition, wet clothing has a cooling effect. • Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors and move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day. • Make sure animals have cover from the sun and have plenty of water available. At the present time, no cooling centers will be opened. For more information on heat-related health concerns, visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ climate/weather/heatillness.htm
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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
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Editorial Policy
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. .
Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”
Letter to the Editor Policy
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. Valley Sentinel is a free, weekly single-copy news publication, available on newsstands in the area. Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas.
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Editors may feature opinion columns written by public figures, members of the public or other publication staff. Columns reflect the opinions of the individual contributors and do not represent positions of the publication. Guest columns of an anticipated length more than 500 words should seek prior editor authorization. . Subscribe Want the paper delivered to your home or business? Subscribe online at valleysentinelnews. com/subscribe or subscribe annually with your name, phone number, address and $30 sent to: Valley Sentinel, PO Box 144, Spring Green, WI 53588
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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, june 2, 2021
COmmunitycalendar Events for June 3 - June 16 Thursday, June 3 Stitch and Bitch 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S Albany Spring Green . www.springgreen.com . Join us at the long table, enjoy the company and get some work done! Family Fun Fair 5:00 PM to close . Firemans Park, Lone Rock WI . $20-$25 . Call (608) 604-3537 . A Family Fun Fair will be held in Lone Rock. Sponsored by The Keg & Kettle. Local Night: Hank Dedrick 5:30 PM - 8:00PM . The Shed/Post House Garden , 123 N Lexington Street,119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green . Come out and spend your Thursday evenings with some local music and local food. The food cooked on the grill on the patio is from our many local vendors in Spring Green and surrounding towns, and the musicians are from the River Valley area. Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . $10 cash only . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine & Yoga every Thursday in the Vineyard with certified Yoga Instructor Lara Carpenter.
Friday, June 4 Spring Art Tour 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM . Blanchardville and Mazomanie . www.springatour.com. 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. Wine Down Fridays: Beth Kille 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . www.wildhillswinery.com. 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. Live music every Friday! Enjoy the sounds of local musicians and singer-songwriters outdoors on the patio. Food and drink specials. Family Fun Fair 5:00 PM to close . Firemans Park, Lone Rock WI . $20-$25 . Call (608) 604-3537 . A Family Fun Fair will be held in Lone Rock. Sponsored by The Keg & Kettle. Author Talk and Workshop: KaNikki Jakarta 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM . Online . www.driftlesswritingcenter.org. The Driftless Writing Center is sponsoring a Zoom reading by award-winning writer KaNikki Jakarta. This free public reading will be followed by a community open mic. Spring Green Nights at APT — An Improbable Fiction 8:00 PM . 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green . $25 for River Valley School District Residents . www.americanplayers.org. While we weren't able to host our annual Spring Green Night Potluck to celebrate the start of the season with our River Valley neighbors, we hope that you will still come visit APT. Use promo code SG21 at checkout, or mention it to the Box Office
Saturday, June 5 2021 Iowa County Drive Through Dairy Breakfast 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM . 815 Fair St, Mineral Point . $5 per person . www.facebook.com/iowacountydairypromotion. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, milk, cheese, yogurt & Culvers Frozen Custard. The Growlers 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage! Spring Fish Boil 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Kaul Park, State Hwy 130 & St Killians Rd, Lone Rock . Suggested donation: $15.00 per person & $7.00 per child 12 years and younger . Call (608) 583-5685. Food and entertainment! Donnie Reyzek band will be performing. Family Fun Fair 5:00 PM to close . Firemans Park, Lone Rock WI . $20-$25 . Call (608) 604-3537 . A Family Fun Fair will be held in Lone Rock. Sponsored by The Keg & Kettle.
Sunday, June 6 50 Bird Shoot 10:00 AM . Spring Green Rod and Gun Club, S12314 County Rd G, Spring Green . www.sgrodngun.com. 50 Bird shoot open to public to support the River Valley Trap Team. Family Fun Fair 5:00 PM to close . Firemans Park, Lone Rock WI . $20-$25 . Call (608) 604-3537 . A Family Fun Fair will be held in Lone Rock. Sponsored by The Keg & Kettle. Open House at Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage 1:00 PM 4:00 PM . E9982 Fern Dell Road, Lake Delton . FREE . www.sethpeterson.org. Join us for guided tours to find out more about Frank Lloyd Wright and Seth Peterson. Scott Stieber & Don Myers 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!
Tuesday, June 8 Liza's Lagoon Local Day for Arena Residents! 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . 17 and under FREE *must have waiver signed by parent/guardian18+ pay half price! (regular admission $10) 12 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult . www.wiriverside.com/lizas-lagoon. 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. Pizza on 14: Music & Pizza— Carla Pustina 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Herbs Spices & More, 7352 US Highway 14, Arena . www.herbsspicesandmore.com. Singing while you enjoy delicious brick oven pizza and wine, beer. Spring Green Nights at APT — An Improbable Fiction 8:00 PM . 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green . $25 for River Valley School District Residents . www.americanplayers.org. While we weren't able to host our annual Spring Green Night Potluck to celebrate the start of the season with our River Valley neighbors, we hope that you will
still come visit APT. Use promo code SG21 at checkout, or mention it to the Box Office staff when you order by phone: 608-588-2361.
Wednesday, June 9 Story Time at South Park 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join Ms Christi at Spring Green's South Park for a fun morning of summer Story Time! Cruise in to Avoca 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM . Whiskey Row Saloon, 403 Front Street Avoca . www.whiskeyrowsaloon.com. Classic 50s/60s DJ and burger specials sponsored by Whiskey Row Saloon. Every other Wednesday through August.
Thursday, June 10 Local Night: Point 5 5:30 PM - 8:00PM . The Shed/Post House Garden, 123 N Lexington Street, 119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green . Come out and spend your Thursday evenings with some local music and local food. The food cooked on the grill on the patio is from our many local vendors in Spring Green and surrounding towns, and the musicians are from the River Valley area. Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . $10 cash only . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine & Yoga every Thursday in the Vineyard with certified Yoga Instructor Lara Carpenter.
Friday, June 11 Wine Down Fridays: Mastodon DS 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . www.wildhillswinery.com. Join Mastondon DS for a Dub, slow reggae, and downtempo set. Wine down and chill at Wild Hills Winery! Live music every Friday! Enjoy the sounds of local musicians and singer-songwriters
Saturday, June 12 Carle and Cacti Story Hike at the Spring Green Preserve 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM . Jones road Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org . We'll read an Eric Carle story or two about using our senses to discover the world around us. Then we'll use those skills as we take a stroll through the "Wisconsin Desert," home to cacti and other flora and fauna rare to our area! Bluegrass Jam 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S Albany Spring Green . www.springgreen.com . Come to play, come to listen. Come to teach, come to learn. Or just hang out & enjoy the people and the music. Mylers Talbott Dyad 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!
Sunday, June 13 Story Time at South Park 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join Ms Christi at Spring Green's South Park for a fun morning of summer Story Time! Open House at Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Seth Peterson Cottage 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . E9982 Fern Dell Road, Lake Delton . FREE . www.sethpeterson.org. Join us for guided tours to find out more about Frank Lloyd Wright and Seth Peterson. Spring Green Community Center Open House 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . 117 South Washington Street . Call (715) 340-1288. We are repoening the Spring Green Community Center. Refreshments will be served and all are welcome. Madtown Mannish 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!
Monday, June 14 Take & Make Craft Kits: Yarn Birds 11:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Drop by the library to grab a Take and Make Yarn Bird! These kits are created with adults in mind (all are welcome to them!) and contain materials needed to complete the project. Kits are available first come, first served, while supplies last. Spring Green Community Group for Racial Juatice 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM . Daley St and Park Rd Spring Green . Contact sgcommunitygroup@gmail.com. The Community Group for Racial Justice is a discussion and action group that meets
Tuesday, June 15 Story Time at South Park 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join Ms Christi at Spring Green's South Park for a fun morning of summer Story Time! Tails & Tales Ourdoor Storytime 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM . Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain . www.kraemerlibrary.org. Storytime lasts between 30 minutes and aimed for ages 0-6 with themed songs and stories.
Wednesday, June 16 The Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament 10:00 AM . House on the Rock Resort, 400 Springs Dr, Spring Green . Call (608) 588-2054. Registration is at 10 AM and the shotgun starts at 11 AM. The day will include a lunch catered by Prem Meats with appetizers durning the awards. Story Time at South Park 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join Ms Christi at Spring Green's South Park for a fun morning of summer Story Time!
‘s 1ST ANNUAL
BEST OF LOWER WISCONSIN
THE
RIVER VALLEY SPRING GREEN AREA 1 2 READER POLL 20 BREAKING DOWN WALLS AND SHARING THE BEST THE VALLEY HAS TO OFFER.
Here we go After a nearly two month long process, we want to formally welcome you to the results of the 1st Annual Best of the River Valley reader poll! Again, drawing inspiration from cities like Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee, we were excited to facilitate this reader poll that showcases the community’s voice in sharing the best of what our area has to offer to our community and those who visit it. Let’s get into the nitty gritty. Only the date range of June 2020 - May 2021 was considered for the poll. Exceptions were given to COVID-cancelled events that are annual and due to return. Residents could only vote once, popular write-ins were added to the poll, most of the categories were limited to the
Valley (Arena, Lone Rock, Plain and Spring Green), with some exceptions. The greater area was included, more or less 15-20 miles around the Valley, and there were questions that specifically stated regional. Over nearly two months, through weeks of nominations and almost a month of polls being open, hundreds of you voted on your community favorites for 2021. There were upsets, there were certainties and there were ties. Online exclusive editorial content including editors’ picks, honorable mentions and more will be available online within a couple days of this publication. Best of the River Valley is not only a complement to existing guides that help community and newcomers alike navigate our area, but also a time to share where you believe the area is
headed, what the area needs to focus on, and also a place to brag about your business or your favorite Old Fashioned, with a healthy competitive spirit. So we created categories and questions we felt represented a good cross section of the community, its services and where it’s going. We hope it is thought-provoking and leads to not only celebration, but also new experiences and constructive conversations about what’s next for the community. Throughout the Best of the River Valley process we talked to dozens of businesses and residents, and a familiar sentiment kept coming up: if you know, you know. So that’s our 2021 Best of the River Valley theme: if you know, you know. However, it’s not our goal to
reinforce that, it’s our goal to break those walls down — hence the wrecking ball above. We can’t count the amount of times even many locals hadn’t heard of the cool stuff (it’s a technical term), events, things and places that exist in the Valley, but those that know, know. But it’s time to share and we can’t thank all those that did enough! That sharing of cool stuff, events, things and places is why we’ll be listing not only the winners, but all of the nomination’s online, it’s why we’re doing some editors’ picks and honorable mentions — so we can all go out and try new things and maybe we’ll have a brand new favorite next year. Ultimately, this is YOUR poll, YOU decided the winners.
And here they are —
OUTDOORS & LEISURE BEST BODY OF WATER FOR RECREATION
#1 WISCONSIN RIVER
BEST PLACE TO GET FIT
#2 DEVIL’S LAKE (BARABOO)
#1 LEXINGTON FITNESS #2 HIKING THE SPRING GREEN PRESERVE
#3 LAKE WISCONSIN #3 WISCONSIN RIVER
BEST CAMPGROUND
#1 WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #2 BLACKHAWK LAKE RECREATION AREA #3 COX HOLLOW/TWIN VALLEY CAMPGROUND
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BEST SLEDDING HILL
#1 SPRING GREEN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE #2 ST. LUKE’S PLAYGROUND #3 HUDSON ROAD X BECKMAN ROAD HILL (ARENA/MAZOMANIE)
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
ARTS & CULTURE BEST LOCAL VISUAL ARTIST
SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW THE RESULTS ONLINE!
BEST FREE ENTERTAINMENT OPTION
#2 SUE JOHNSON #3 COLLEEN OTT
#1 LOCAL NIGHT AT THE SHED
BEST ART GALLERY
#2 SUMMER MUSIC AT WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT
#1 SPRING GREEN ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR #2 LONE ROCK’S 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION
#3 DENNIS ALFRED PHILLIPS ART TO WEAR
BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN/ BAND
#1 URINETOWN (RVHS) #2 THIS WONDERFUL LIFE (APT)
BEST LOCAL AUTHOR
#1 A DAY IN THE PARK (4PETESAKE)
BEST MUSIC VENUE
#2 DEER VALLEY GOLF COURSE (BARNEVELD)
#1 SH*TTY BARN #2 WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #3 POST HOUSE GARDEN
#3 BEATLEFEST
#1 THE SPRINGS GOLF COURSE AT THE HOUSE ON THE ROCK RESORT
#1 JAMES DEVITA
#3 KATIE GREEN
#2 BOBFEST
BEST GOLF COURSE
#2 JAKE’O
#2 KATHY STEFFEN
TIED,#3 HOLIDAMES: TANGLED IN TINSEL (APT), THE TURN OF THE SCREW (APT)
BEST REGIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL
#1 JANNA JOHNSON
#3 SUGAR MAMA AND THE RENT CHECK
#3 RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL FAIR
BEST LOCAL PLAY/MUSICAL
#1 GALLERY ART ON 23 #2 NO RULES GALLERY
#3 GENERAL STORE ‘JAMS’
BEST HOLIDAY/ SEASONAL EVENT
#1 NICK RINGELSTETTER
BEST TRAILHIKING/BIKING
#1 SPRING GREEN PRESERVE BLUFF HIKE #2 PINE CLIFF TRAIL (GOV. DODGE STATE PARK) #3 ICE AGE TRAIL
#3 SPRING GREEN MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
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Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
BEST MURAL
#1 LIVE ART WALL/GRAFFITI ATOMIC STUDIO MURALSPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE (NICK RINGELSTETTER/VARIOUS)
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER
#1 ALICIA FEINER/COPPER ANTLER #2 MOLLY DUCHARME
#2 CENTER STAGE - GARD THEATER (E.LEE)
#3 JANNA JOHNSON
NOMS & NIGHTLIFE BEST FOOD EVENT
BEST APPETIZER
#1 SMOKE IN THE VALLEY
BEST BURGER
#2 LOCAL NIGHT AT THE SHED
#2 CHEESEBURGER, RING’S BAR
#3 WHITE SCHOOL COLLECTIVE PIZZA PARTY
#3 CHEESEBURGER, VINTAGE BREWING COMPANY (SAUK CITY)
#1 DEEP-FRIED CHEESE CURDS, BOB’S BITCHIN’ BBQ (DODGEVILLE)
BEST WINGS
#2 COCONUT SHRIMP, LONE ROCK BISTRO AND TAPROOM
#3 THE WOODS
GRILL
#1 SIDNEY BAKES #2 QUALITY BAKERY (DODGEVILLE)
BEST FOOD TRUCK/FOOD POP-UP
#3 THE PAPER CRANE, ARCADIA BOOKS
BEST PLACE TO GET COFFEE
#1 BUTTERNUT ROAD COFFEE TRUCK
#1 SHIFFLET’S BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILLE, WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #2 ROOKIES (MAZOMANIE)
#3 CHEESECURDS, THE WOODS BAR AND
BEST BAKERY
#1 BURGER, BARON BROOKS
#1 JOSE’S AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD TRUCK (BARABOO) #2 BUTTERNUT ROAD COFFEE TRUCK #3 ENOS FARMS TACO STAND
BEST REGIONAL BEER
#2 THE PAPER CRANE, ARCADIA BOOKS
#1 SPOTTED COW, NEW GLARUS #2 WARPED SPEED, LAKE LOUIE #3 FATTY BOOMBALATTY, FURTHERMORE BEER
#3 BREWHAHA ROASTERS
BEST BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH SPOT
#1 400 SPRINGS RESTAURANT
BEST NEW RESTAURANT
#1 LONE ROCK BISTRO AND TAPROOM
#2 SPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE #3 ANITA’S CAFE
Page 3
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
BEST FRIDAY FISH FRY
#1 ANITA’S CAFE
BEST PIZZA
#1 THE SHOPPE AT HERBS SPICES & MORE
#2 PREM MEATS & CATERING #2 WHITE SCHOOL COLLECTIVE #3 LONE BISTRO AND TAPROOM #3 THE WOODS
BEST STEAK
#1 ARTHUR’S SUPPER CLUB
BEST RESTAURANT
#2 THE WOODS
#2 LONE ROCK BISTRO AND TAPROOM
#3 ARENA VFW STEAK FEED
BEST PLACE FOR DANCING
#1 SH*TTY BARN
#3 THE WOODS
BEST WEDDING VENUE
#2 KEG AND KETTLE
#1 SHIFFLET’S BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILLE, WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT
#1 WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #2 SUGARLAND BARN #3 OCTAGON BARN
#3 ARTHUR’S SUPPER CLUB
BEST BAR
#1 BOB’S BITCHIN’ BBQ (DODGEVILLE)
BEST REGIONAL SUPPER CLUB
#2 I-DIEHL TAP
#1 GREEN ACRES (SAUK CITY) #2 HI POINT STEAKHOUSE (RIDGEWAY) #3 ARTHUR’S SUPPER CLUB
#3 BARON BROOKS
BEST OLD FASHIONED
#1 ARTHUR’S SUPPER CLUB #2 LONE ROCK BISTRO AND TAPROOM
BEST REGIONAL WINERY
#2 SPURGEON VINEYARDS & WINERY (HIGHLAND)
#3 SHIFFLET’S BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILLE, WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT
BEST SUBS/ SANDWICHES
#1 SPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE
#1 WOLLERSHEIM WINERY (PRAIRIE DU SAC)
#3 BALANCED ROCK WINERY (BARABOO)
BEST OUTDOOR DINING
#2 SUBWAY
#1 SHIFFLET’S BAR & RIVERSIDE GRILLE, WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #2 THE SHED
#3 CRAPPIE SHOP
#3 WHITE SCHOOL COLLECTIVE
oot & aboot BEST DAY TRIP
#1 LAKE WISCONSIN #2 DOWNTOWN MADISON #3 FERRY BLUFF
BEST PUBLIC PARK
#1 GOVERNOR DODGE STATE PARK #2 NORTH PARK, SPRING GREEN #3 PLAIN COMMUNITY PARK
Page 4
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
BEST HOTEL
#1 SPRING GREEN MOTEL #2 HOUSE ON THE ROCK RESORT
BEST ALL-AGES HANGOUT
#3 ROUND BARN LODGE
BEST TOURIST ATTRACTION
#1 WISCONSIN RIVER #2 WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #3 POST HOUSE GARDEN
#1 AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE #2 HOUSE ON THE ROCK
BEST/MOST BEAUTIFUL LOCAL SPOT
#3 WISCONSIN RIVER
#1 WISCONSIN RIVERSIDE RESORT #2 THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE SHOT TOWER, TOWER HILL STATE PARK #3 SPRING GREEN PRESERVE
SHOPPING BEST AREA BOOKSTORE
#1 ARCADIA BOOKS #2 OCOOCH BOOKS & LIBATIONS (RICHLAND CENTER)
BEST HARDWARE STORE
#1 DOERRE HARDWARE #2 EDERER’S DO IT BEST #3 MAZO HARDWARE
BEST CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
#1 NINA’S DEPARTMENT STORE #2 BARGAIN NOOK
BEST PLACE FOR JEWELRY
#1 PAMALA’S FINE JEWELRY #2 OPAL MAN
#3 SPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE
#3 ALI KAUSS ADORNMENT
BEST GAS STATION
#1 KWIK TRIP, BLACK EARTH
BEST CHEESE FACTORY
#2 RITE-WAY PLAZA, SPRING GREEN
#1 ARENA CHEESE FACTORY #2 CEDAR GROVE CHEESE #3 CARR VALLEY (LA VALLE)
#3 PLAIN KWIK STOP
BEST SPORTING GOODS/TACKLE STORE
#1 CRAPPIE SHOP #2 PAPPAS’ TRADING POST
BEST PLACE TO BUY MEAT
#1 PREM MEATS & CATERING #2 STRAKA MEATS #3 HOMETOWN SUPERMARKET
Page 5
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
BEST PLACE TO GET GROCERIES
#1 HOMETOWN SUPERMARKET
BEST SHOP FOR GIFTS
#1 SPRING GREEN GENERAL STORE
#2 PREM MEATS & CATERING #2 NINA’S DEPARTMENT STORE #3 EDERER’S DO IT BEST #3 COUNTRY CROSSROADS FLORAL
SERVICES BEST ATTORNEY
BEST AUTOBODY SHOP/ AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
BEST BANK/ CREDIT UNION
#1 MICHAEL CURRAN
BEST DENTAL PRACTICE
#2 TOM KELLEY
#2 ADVANCED FAMILY DENTAL
#3 DAVID SAPERSTEIN
#3 RICHLAND FAMILY DENTAL (RICHLAND CENTER)
#1 GEORGE’S AUTOBODY
BEST ELECTRICIAN
#2 NORMS ELECTRIC
#3 RINGBROTHERS
#3 BERRY ELECTRIC
#1 PEOPLE’S COMMUNITY BANK
BEST FLORIST
#1 BOWDATIOUS SALON #2 STYLE STATION
#3 B-STYLE FLORAL & GIFTS (MAZOMANIE)
BEST HEATING & COOLING COMPANY
#2 JASON SCHLUTER CONSTRUCTION
BEST AREA HOSPITAL/ CLINIC
#3 KRAEMER KITCHEN KABINETS
BEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
#1 FEINER CONSTRUCTION
#1 NATE FRANK HEATING & COOLING #2 NACHREINER PLUMBING AND HEATING #3 THERMO DYNAMICS
#3 CHANGEZ SALON
#1 FEINER CONSTRUCTION
#1 COUNTRY CROSSWORDS FLORAL #2 PRAIRIE FLOWER AND GIFTS
TIE, #3 WCCU CREDIT UNION, STATE BANK OF CROSS PLAINS
BEST CARPENTRY OR REMODELING COMPANY
#1 ALT ELECTRIC
#2 LOUIS’ AUTO SERVICE
#2 ROYAL BANK
BEST PLACE TO GET A HAIRCUT
#1 VILLAGE FAMILY DENTAL
#1 SAUK PRAIRIE HEALTHCARE HOSPITAL (PRAIRIE DU SAC) #2 RIVER VALLEY CLINIC, SAUK PRAIRIE HEALTHCARE (SPRING GREEN) #3 UPLAND HILLS (DODGEVILLE)
BEST PLUMBER
#1 FOSTER PLUMBING & REPAIR
#2 KRAEMER BROTHERS
#2 NACHREINER PLUMBING & HEATING
#3 KUHSE CONSTRUCTION
#3 HOTTMANN PLUMBING
Page 6
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
BEST SENIOR LIVING RESIDENCE
#1 MEADOWS ASSISTED LIVING AND MEMORY CARE
BEST LANDSCAPING/ LAWNCARE
#2 GREENWAY TERRACE
#1 J&J TOTAL LAWN CARE AND SNOW REMOVAL #2 FEINER ENTERPRISE #3 OLSON TOON, INC.
BEST TAX SERVICE
#1 MS TAX & ACCOUNTING #2 ZANDER TAX AND BOOKKEEPING
BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENT/OFFICE
#1 MICHAEL OLSON, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE #2 PLETZER INSURANCE AGENCY #3 STATE FARM
#3 MICK BARYENBRUCH
BEST VET CLINIC
#1 SPRING GREEN ANIMAL HOSPITAL
BEST NAIL SALON
#2 THE NAIL SALON SG
#2 DODGEVILLE VETERINARY SERVICE
#3 LUCY’S HAIR & NAIL SALON
#3 RIVER VALLY VETERINARY CLINIC
BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT/ OFFICE
#1 RHONDA ROTT, CENTURY 21, SPRING GREEN
#1 BOWDATIOUS SALON
BEST EVENT/ WEDDING DJ
#2 CENTURY 21, SPRING GREEN
#1 OVER THE MOON WEDDINGS & MIDNIGHT DIVAS DJ, JONI JOHNSON-KROPP #2 DOC’S ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT
#3 ASHLEY STRAKA, CENTURY 21, SPRING GREEN
#3 SCOTT SIEWERT, FULL TILT DJ’S
AGRICULTURE BEST AREA CSA
BEST FARM
#1 ENOS FARMS #2 MY FINE HOMESTEAD (BLUE RIVER)
#1 CATE’S FAMILY FARM #2 ENOS FARMS #3 MEIX-CREEK DAIRY
#3 STEADFAST ACRES
EXTRAS FAVORITE ELECTED OFFICIAL
#1 GOVERNOR TONY EVERS #2 PLAIN VILLAGE PRESIDENT RAY RING
MOST OVERRATED THING IN THE VALLEY
#3 STATE SENATOR HOWARD MARKLEIN
MOST UNDERRATED THING IN THE VALLEY
#1 RIVER VALLEY SCHOOL FAIR #2 SPRING GREEN PRESERVE
#1 THE MULLET TREND #2 THE COLDEST IN THE NATION SIGN IN LONE ROCK #3 HOUSE ON THE ROCK
THING THE VALLEY IS WORST AT
#1 REALIZING ITS FULL POTENTIAL #2 BEING DIVIDED/FACTIOUS
#3 WISCONSIN RIVER #3 BEING WELCOMING Page 7
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
THING THE VALLEY IS BEST AT
#1 KINDNESS/HELPING #2 TOURISM #3 RALLYING AROUND ATHLETICS/ EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
BIGGEST THING WE SHOULD MAKE HAPPEN SOON
#1 KWIK TRIP #2 AFFORDABLE HOUSING #3 PARKS AND REC PROGRAM (INTERMUNICIPAL)
FEATURED BEST OF
A Brandy Old Fashioned sweet from Lone Rock Bistro. The Old Fashioneds at Lone Rock Bistro placed second for Best Old Fashioned.
A view of Spring Green from the bluffs at the Spring Green Preserve after a prescribed burn. The Spring Green preserve won Best Trail, placed second in Best Place to Get Fit, placed third in Most Beautiful Local Spot, among other awards.
A view of the mural on the side of the Spring Green General Store, which won Best Mural. Artists are various from the community, with major contribution by Nick Ringelstetter, who won Best Visual Artist.
A view of the Wisconsin River from the HWY 14 bridge looking south. The river won Best Body of Water for Recreation, placed third for Best Place to Get Fit, won Best All-Ages Hangout, among other awards.
Owner Sam Sveum at the window of Butternut Road Coffee Truck, which won Best Place to Get Coffee.
View of the Wisconsin River from the Wisconsin Riverside Resort. This view won Most Beautiful Local Spot.
Page 8
Valley Sentinel’s 2021 Best of the River Valley
Community
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
Page 5
APT sees seasons for both Touchstone, Hill Theater continued from page 1 a simple meal. As their conversation progresses, true intentions come to light in a story that proves that a person doesn’t need to be superhuman to be a hero. Featuring Gavin Lawrence and Sola Thompson. May 27 – June 26, Hill Theatre An Improbable Fiction By James DeVita Directed by Tim Ocel The world-premiere staging of James DeVita’s new play, told largely in Shakespeare’s own words. It’s plague time, and Shakespeare’s characters are out of sorts (and out of work). Several of our favorites reunite at The Boar’s Head Inn to celebrate life, and ruminate on the state of the world. Featuring Tracy Michelle Arnold, Sarah Day, Chiké Johnson, Brian Mani, Melisa Pereyra and Ronald Román-Meléndez. Artistic Director Brenda DeVita said, “We are so incredibly grateful that the world is moving in the right direction and we are able to be working on these stories for our audience. Just thinking about being back in our theaters – on our Hill
– after the year we’ve had, is such a relief. We can hardly contain our excitement! The past year we were doing everything in our power just to stay connected to each other, and find some hope, some joy and some inspiration. And now to be together in person?! So we have a wonderful, original season planned. And, to be honest it will be a little weird that our rotating repertory has dropped from eight plays at a time to two at a time. But I also think there’s opportunity in this structure - first and foremost SAFETY. But also some things we have not been able to do in the past. So we are going to exploit all the changes and warm up to this idea of normalcy again. The actors and artists are so excited to be back, and to perform for our incredible audience again.” 2021 Ticketing Tickets are currently on sale for The Mountaintop and An Improbable Fiction. Tickets for the second rep – An Iliad and Rough Crossing – will go on sale to the general public on June 7. Tickets to the rest of the 2021 Summer Season plays will go on sale 3 – 4 weeks before the first performance. For more information on the 2021 season, visit americanplayers. org.
Safety Protocols on the APT Grounds Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, safety protocols will be in effect in APT’s theaters, as well as on the grounds. The current protocols are included below. -Masks will be required in the theaters and other indoor spaces. -We ask that people socially distance from people outside of their party. Picnic tables will be distanced to accommodate. -APT’s ticketing software will be automatically distance seats in the theaters when tickets are purchased. -In case of illness, we ask patrons not to attend their performance, and to contact the Box Office for options. For the latest in safety updates, visit americanplayers.org/covid-rules. The 2021 Plays In the Hill Theatre May 27 – June 26 An Improbable Fiction By James DeVita Directed by Tim Ocel July 1 – August 7
Rough Crossing By Tom Stoppard Directed by William Brown From an original play by Ferenc Molnár August 12 – September 11 Cymbeline By William Shakespeare Adapted by Marti Lyons & Sara Becker From an original adaptation by Henry Woronicz Directed by Marti Lyons In the Touchstone Theatre May 14 – June 19 The Mountaintop By Katori Hall Directed by Ron OJ Parson June 25 – August 15 An Iliad By Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare Translated from Homer’s The Iliad by Robert Fagles Directed by John Langs August 26 – October 3 A Phoenix Too Frequent By Christopher Fry Directed by Keira Fromm
Big win for suit against Army Corps of Engineers, PSC in Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission lines decision continued from page 1 project and did not consider alternatives, but instead relied solely on information from federal agencies. The groups also assert that former PSC Commissioner and decision-maker for the Cardinal-Hickory Creek lines, Mike Huebsch, had a conflict of interest in the decision to approve a permit, due to interactions or relationships with an owner of the project, and that Huebsch should have recused himself in the vote. In addition, the groups claim Rebecca Valcq, PSC Chair, had perceived conflicts of interest due to her prior employment with WEC Energy Group, which is a majority owner of American Transmission Company, one creator of the Cardinal-Hickory Creek lines. “This ruling has many implications for our case. Recall that our primary rationale for opposing this line is that the environmental and social costs of the line are not worth the gains – energy demand
is flat or declining in Wisconsin, the line would be “open access” and as such would carry fossil fuel energy,” said DALC in a statement regarding the court’s decision. “There are green energy solutions currently available that are less expensive and less environmentally detrimental. We will continue to provide good research for the courts to rule on the merits of the approval.” Circuit Court Judge Jacob Frost ruled last Tuesday that the suing groups will be allowed to investigate for a conflict of interest. Frost ruled if the plaintiffs can prove conflict of interest in at least one of the three voting PSC members, he will overturn the project’s permit and the case will be sent back to the PSC. “The right to an impartial decision maker is fundamental to due process,” Frost said in his ruling. “Violation of that right would taint the entire proceeding. The original ‘OK’ for the project was given in August of 2019.
Local. Natural. Delicious. We strive to serve specialty coffee and baked goods created with ingredients that are locally sourced, all natural and sustainable. Our schedule is posted each week on social media.
Get in touch with us today! www.butternutroadcoffee.com butternutroadcoffeetruck@gmail.com 608-459-5016 Butternut Road Coffee Truck butternutroad_coffeetruck Butternut_Road
Coffee & News A collaboration by Valley Sentinel & Butternut Road Coffee. Stop by the coffee truck starting midweek to pick up a copy of Valley Sentinel with your coffee, while supplies last.
While the case could return to the PSC for another vote, original approver, Huebsch has since been replaced by Tyler Huebner, an engineer and former director of Renew Wisconsin, a non-profit organization focused on clean and solar energy in the state. “So let’s celebrate that the judge agrees with our position that the perceived conflict of interest by Commissioner Huebsch is truly a big problem – and if it’s true, the whole process is tainted,” said DALC. “But now we must work to fairly and completely gather the evidence to prove this conflict of interest did exist.” Frost ruled the groups had until August 2021 to gather proof of conflict. Howard Learner, the president and executive director for the Environmental Law and Policy Center, an environmental law advocacy group out of Chicago, is the lead attorney for the Plaintiffs. The PSC declined to comment, per state agency policy, according to PSC Communications Director Jerel Ballard.
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Stop by Tortilleria
Zepeda to purchase
FRESH tortillas Saturday June 5 1pm to 5pm 304 S Oak St, Lone Rock, WI
Page 6
Community
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
RV Golf advancing to sectionals RV Baseball continues season
Photo by Mike McDermott, Contributor Connor Fields, an RV Golfer putts at the DodgePoint Country Club. The RV golf team has finished its regular season and will advance to WIAA Sectionals June 8.
Photo by Mike McDermott, Contributor The one and only Jaydon Rose, an RV Varsity Baseball player, catches during a recent game.
River Valley Varsity girls soccer sees two wins out of four games Photo via Kellie Roske A shot of the RV Girl’s soccer team from May 24.
RV Girls Soccer 5-24-21 Varsity: RV 0, Lakeside Lutheran 7 Saves: Vivian Jensen 16 JV: RV 0, Lakeside Lutheran 4 Mercedes 10 5-25-21 RV 0, Richland Center 5 5-26-21 RV 4, Galena 1 Goals: Kylie Morrey 2, Emily Noble, Leah Deibert
Assists: Leah Deibert 2, Kylie Morrey 1 Saves: Vivian Jensen 6 5-27-21 RV 9, Prairie du Chien 1 Goals: Anna Deibert 3, Leah Deibert 3, Kylie Morrey, Emily Wille, Starr Camacho. Assists: Leah Deibert 2, Svea Youngquist, Frankie Rosenberg, Anna Johnson, Kylie Morrey Saves: Vivian Jensen 2, Mercedes Hurley 9
Weekly School Activities Varsity Girls Soccer Prairie du Chien High School 5 p.m. June 3
Junior Varsity Softball River Valley High School 6:30 p.m. June 3
Track and Field Boscobel High School 5 p.m. June 3
Varsity Baseball Lancaster High School 5 p.m. June 4
Varsity Softball River Valley High School 5 p.m. June 3
Junior Varsity Baseball Lancaster High School 5 p.m. June 4
Varsity Softball (Double Header) River Valley High School 9 a.m. June 5
Junior Varsity Baseball (Double Header) South Park 11 a.m June 5
Boys Golf Prairie du Chien CC 9 a.m. June 8
Varsity Baseball (WIAA Regional) River Valley High School 4:45 p.m. June 10
Junior Varsity Softball North Park 9 a.m June 5
Varsity Softball Randolph High School 5 p.m. June 7
Varsity Girls Soccer TBD June 8
Track and Field Prairie du Chien HS TBD
Varsity Baseball (Double Header) River Valley High School 11 a.m June 5
Track and Field Platteville High School 3 p.m. June 8
Varsity Softball TBD June 9
Business/Professional
Directory ork ity W ured l a •Qu lly Ins ates •Fu e Estim e •Fr
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M-F Sat 8am-5p 8am -noo m n E4792 Kennedy Rd.
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Snow Removal
James Harwood •608-588-2453•
•Natural double shredded oak bark mulch - $30/yard •Colored decorative mulch Red-Brown-Gold-Orange - $30/yard •Free delivery to the River Valley area (min. 2 yards) •Other landscape supplies available! Gravel-Boulders-Screened Topsoil-Sand, etc.
We offer complete landscape and lawn care service •Full Landscaping from start to finish •Lawn Mowing We’ re y •Plantings stop our on sho e •Grading & Seedings p! •Bark Spreading •Limestone & Boulder Retaining Walls
Reserve a spot in our business/professional directory! Add $30 to any ad order or as a stand-alone ad and you’ll be added to the next week’s business/professional directory. Business card sized (2 col./5.125” x 2.81”), full color ad. Perfect for top-of-mind awareness. Want to run it every week? $750 for 6 months, $1000 for 1 year (26% discount, $19.23 /week).
Community
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
COVID-19 Dashboard
Page 7
Wisconsin Summary
610,224 Positive Cases
Cases as of 6/1/2021
+1,265 from 5/25
2,946,827 Negative Test Results +14,610 from 5/25
7,094 Deaths +96 from 5/25
Vaccine Summary Statistics Updated: 6/1/2021
5,782,655
5,166,869
Administered
Allocated
2,790,737
2,167,329
Pfizer doses administered
208,626
Moderna doses administered
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
1,322 Positive Cases +8 from 5/25 8,397 Negative Tests +11 from 5/25 16 Death +0 from 5/25
Richland
Sauk
Target Range
46.9%
Iowa County
2,055 Positive Cases +9 from 5/25 11,851 Negative Tests +55 from 5/25 12 Deaths +2 from 5/25 Sauk County 5,933 Positive Cases +19 from 5/25 36,300 Negative Tests +157 from 5/25 49 Deaths +1 from 5/25
49%
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
42.8%
42.7%
Percent fully vaccinated
Target Range
Percent fully vaccinated
Iowa
Target Range
55.5%
Percent with at least one vaccine dose
49.2%
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 6/1/2021
Updated: 6/1/2021
Lower %
Higher %
Richland County Ages 12-15
19%
Iowa County Ages 12-15
Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose
22.7%
Sauk County
Ages
12-15
Ages 12-15 16.5%
16-17
Dane County Ages 12-15
Graphic by Whitney Back
48%
18-24
25-34
35-44 45-54 55-64 65+
Updated: 6/1/2021 19.4%
32.5%
38.1% 44.1%
52.4%
54.4%
65.2%
83.2%
Data From: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
“The good stuff.”
Page 8
Community
WednesdaY, june 2, 2021
Three-week closure starts June 9 for US 14/Commercial Street in Mazomanie Steven Theisen, WisDOT Communications Manager Signed detour route follows WIS 78 to Sauk City, US 12 then WIS 60 to Spring Green. Starting Wednesday, June 9, US 14/Commercial Street near County
KP in Mazomanie will be closed to all traffic until late June. Through traffic should follow the signed detour route of WIS 78 to Sauk City, US 12 then WIS 60 to Spring Green. Access will be maintained to local residences and business-
es. Crews will install storm sewer pipes under the highway near County KP. The closure and work operations are weather dependent and subject to change. The US 14 reconstruction project is scheduled for com-
pletion in late September 2021. Information on this project can be found at projects.511wi.gov/ us14/. Follow Southwest Region construction projects on Twitter at @WisDOTsouthwest.
Anna Deibert chosen out of 10 graduates to receive Veterans For Peace Scholarship David Giffey, Veterans for Peace Ten members of the River Valley High School Class of 2021 wrote essays competing for a cash scholarship awarded by Veterans For Peace Chapter 25. Winner of the essay contest was Anna Deibert. Members of the senior class were asked to write an essay on the topic “Why I Believe War Is Not the Answer.” Deibert was filmed recently at River Valley High School. Her appearance was part of a YouTube video available be-
ginning Monday, May 31, and co-sponsored by Veterans For Peace and The Progressive magazine. The video will be posted for streaming on the Veterans For Peace website (madisonvfp.org) and The Progressive’s YouTube channel. Deibert’s essay said in part, “In an age where global unification is of the utmost importance, there could be no better time to declare that war is not the answer.” In addition to discussing the consequences of war, the essay decried hate crimes, prejudices and racism
as “alienating other individuals based solely on their country of origin, race, or appearance.” The essay concluded: “The only thing war will do is divide us, cause us to see differences in each other as ways to bring us down rather than lift us up. We need unity and love, not war.” Veterans For Peace began awarding essay scholarships at River Valley High School in 2008. Deibert’s winning essay was announced at Scholarship Awards Night May 21. Other high schools where Veterans
For Peace offers scholarships and conducts essay contests include Dodgeville, Baraboo, Wisconsin Heights, Richland Center, Muscoda, Boscobel and Madison. Essays in the 2021 Veterans For Peace scholarship competition at River Valley High School, in addition to Deibert, were written by Emily Kane, Kylee Sebranek, Alex Harrah, Matthew Gostomski, Kelsey Olson, Starr Camacho, Alicyn Stephens, Isaac Prem and Sophia Haas.
Waterfowl go for a stroll near Wilson Creek Pottery
Photo via Wilson Creek Pottery Lucy and Poncho, a duck and goose duo from a neighboring farm went for a stroll down Highway WC near Wilson Creek Pottery last week. The waterfowls are new to the Valley and were captured and returned to their owners. The duo got their names from a follower of Wilson Creek Pottery.
YO
I S P WAN L E H TE UR
D!
EMTs and EMS Drivers
needed for the Plain District Contact Tracey for more info:
608-574-9700