Valley Sentinel - 07-11-2024 by Valley Sentinel

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Arena Village Board votes to extend Iowa County Sheriﬀ's

At the July 2 regular board meeting, the Village of Arena Board of Trustees voted to extend its policing agreement with the Iowa County Sheriﬀ’s oﬃce through 2025 and to liquidate surplus police equipment.

In addition to discussing the on-going emergency services issues in the Village, the board also took action on a variety of public works issues, decided against a No Mow May ordinance and heard a report on a water services rebate with Arena Cheese.

Policing Agreement Questions and Extension

Iowa County Sheriﬀ Mike Peterson attended the meeting and answered the board’s questions regarding the policing agreement with the Village — which was instituted after the complete resignation of the Arena Police Department earlier this year.

Trustee Matthew Schroeder questioned

Oﬃce policing agreement, liquidate police equipment

if the minimum of 4 hours of policing would be enough for the village.

“My personal opinion is probably not, but it’s what’s available right now, not only what the village can aﬀord, but what

I can supply for oﬃcer hours without having to hire more people,” Peterson said.

Trustee BeccaRaven Uminowicz followed up Peterson’s response, asking

Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez Visits Local Businesses in Spring Green

On Tuesday, July 2nd, Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez toured four businesses in the Spring Green area, showcasing her dedication to supporting small businesses in Wisconsin.

A former nurse and strong advocate for local enterprises, Lt. Governor Rodriguez began her visit at Brewhaha Roasters. Owners Matt, Pat, and Aaron welcomed her with a cup of their signature Bump N Grind coﬀee before taking her on a tour of their facility. They demonstrated the roasting and bagging process and engaged in a lively Q&A session. The Lt. Governor was particularly impressed by how the Brewhaha team manages the business while maintaining full-time careers as

educators. Following her visit to Brewhaha Roasters, Lt. Governor Rodriguez stopped by The General Store, Arcadia Book Store, and concluded her tour at the American Players Theatre.

if this arrangement is sustainable for a long period of time for both the village and the Sheriﬀ’s oﬃce

“Four hours isn’t too tasking on our staﬃng levels,” Peterson said. “If we start getting into 10 hours a week, 15 hours a week and beyond, then yeah, then we would have to hire more people.” Peterson clariﬁed for the board that the 1,375 calls for service per year statistic, which was discussed at a previous meeting of the board, was regarding calls directed to the Arena Police Department and not calls for service from residents of the municipality

Trustee Melissa Bandell questioned the Iowa County Sheriff’s office current staffing levels, with 43 officers of the recommended 64, from the office’s own reporting. Peterson responded that the department would not be able to hire for a couple years.

Following the discussion with Sheriﬀ

Luukas Palm-Leis, Editorial Intern

Photo by Luukas Palm-Leis, Editorial Intern Iowa County Sheriﬀ Mike Peterson speaks to the Arena Village Board regarding policing for the village at the July 2 meeting.

Photo contributed by Pat Mahoney Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, at center, listens to Brewhaha co-owner Matt Snow as she vists local businesses in Spring Green on July 2.

Capitol Report — Marklein: Two Constitutional Questions on Your August Ballot

In short order, some voters will receive absentee ballots for the August 13, 2024 election and there are two State of Wisconsin Referendum Questions that are on your ballot. The wording of these questions is rather confusing, so I thought I would share more information to help you make a decision on these votes.

Both of the questions on your ballot ask you to decide whether the legislature should have a role in decisions related to the spending of federal funding sent to Wisconsin. This is a relevant question no matter who is Governor and which political party is in the majority. One of the legislature’s primary functions is to oversee the spending of public dollars.

This “power of the purse” is widely understood as the job of the legislature, but legislators in Wisconsin gave up part of this responsibility nearly 100 years ago during the Great Depression.

In 1931, a law was enacted that laid the groundwork for the eventual wholesale delegation of the legislature’s authority over federal funding to the Governor and executive branch. By the 1940s, the legislature had completely abdicated this important role, now an unfortunate status quo that we take for granted. The rationale was that the country was in crisis and the federal funding was needed to address the crisis, but communications among legislators was slow. That may have been true in the 1940’s, but it is not true now.

This argument no longer applies as

modern technology makes it practical for legislators to review spending requests and act quickly.

In addition, the legislature represents people and communities from every corner of the state. When spending decisions are made, everyone deserves a voice via their elected oﬃcials. Right now, the Governor makes decisions about these funds without equal input or representation. This constitutional amendment would enable greater public participation in decisions related to nonroutine federal monies. We need to amend our constitution to restore the legislature’s role in spending decisions related to non routine federal funding. This change will return Wisconsin law to where we started in 1848 and provide a voice for every Wisconsinite, no matter who is in the Governor’s oﬃce.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

I’m Sarah Keyeski, and I’m the Democratic nominee for the 14th Senate District. This is a newly drawn district which now encompasses all of Richland and Sauk County, most of Columbia County, and parts of Dane, Adams, Juneau, and Vernon County.

Today, I’m writing to give you my perspective on the two Referendum Questions that are on the ballot for the August 13, 2024 primary election.

First, let me share that over the past several months, I have spent a lot of time knocking on doors, introducing myself to voters across the 14th District, and listening to their concerns and frustrations with our state government.

But, I have also heard a lot of positive feedback about the impact the state government has had in people’s lives post-pandemic. Speaking with small business owners, I’ve heard about Governor Evers’ Main Street Bounceback grant program, which buoyed small businesses during the height of the Covid pandemic.

On the cover

Despite a social media announcement that fireworks at Lone Rock's 4th of July celebration were going to be moved up an hour or so to take advantage of a small window of a break in storms, they went off at roughly the same time as usual — quickly followed by heavy rain and storms five minutes into the show, leaving watchers scrambling for their cars.

Submit your artwork or photography for cover consideration: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

During the COVID pandemic, billions of dollars were sent to Wisconsin by the federal government. The Governor has had unilateral control over these dollars and has spent them however he wants to without any input from the legislature. He has funded pet projects and politically-motivated ideas. Some of this funding is well-spent, but some is not – and all of it is spent in a way that is most politically advantageous to the Governor. I would rather these funds be discussed and distributed with input from legislators from every corner of our state. There is still a billion dollars of unspent funding sitting in the Governor’s couch cushions that should be distributed to our communities. But he’s holding onto it. Why?

Please consider the implications of this question for the future if roles are reversed. If a Republican were Governor and Democrats hold the majority in the legislature, should the Republican Governor be able to make unilateral decisions without input from legislators? You get to decide. Do you think the legislature should have a role in deciding how federal monies are spent?

Oﬃcial Question #1: “Delegation of appropriation power. Shall section 35 (1) of article IV of the constitution be created to provide that the legislature may not delegate its sole power to determine how moneys shall be appropriated?”

Translation of Question #1: Do you think the legislature should be required to play a role in how taxpayer dollars are spent in Wisconsin?

YES vote – the legislature should have a role in deciding how tax dollars are spent. They should not be able to give this role away to the executive branch. In other words – vote YES – if you want the legislature to be accountable for spending tax dollars.

NO vote – the legislature should not be required to have a role in spending tax dollars. In other words – vote NO – if you are OK with the legislature delegating the power of the purse to the executive branch.

Oﬃcial Question #2: “Allocation of federal moneys. Shall section 35 (2) of article IV of the constitution be created to prohibit the governor from allocating any federal moneys the governor accepts on behalf of the state without the approval of the legislature by joint resolution or as provided by legislative rule?”

Translation of Question #2: Do you think the Governor should be required to have legislative approval for the spending of federal funding that is sent to Wisconsin? YES vote – the legislature must approve all spending of federal funding that is sent to Wisconsin.

NO vote – the Governor should continue to spend federal funding that is sent to Wisconsin without legislative approval. I hope this information is helpful as you prepare to cast your votes. As always, please do not hesitate to connect with me to provide input, ideas or to seek assistance. Send an email to sen.marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0703. I want to hear from you.

I’ve also heard about the child care crisis, and how Governor Evers’ Child Care Counts program helped stabilize our dwindling child care industry, an industry that so many Wisconsin families rely upon.

These timely, decisive program initiatives implemented by Governor Evers are exactly what will be impacted by a change to our constitution with the two proposed amendments.

A little background: Nearly 100 years ago, during the Great Depression, legislators in Wisconsin enacted a law that gave greater authority to our Governor over where emergency moneys from the federal government could be spent

At the time, this was seen as necessary because the country was in crisis in the 1930’s and the federal funding was needed to address the impact of the ﬁnancial collapse quickly; however, communications between legislators in that era were slow, so they were unable to make decisions fast enough to have the needed emergency impact. The change to the law was needed and made sense.

Now, Republican Senator Marklein has suggested, “This argument no longer applies as modern technology makes it practical for legislators to review spending requests and act quickly.”

Oh, if only it were merely an issue of technological advances in communication!

The harder truth is that the party in the majority has all kinds of slick ways to slow down decision making when it does not beneﬁt their political party. Over the past dozen years, we have had a front row seat to this playing out. For example, the Republican party worked hard to obstruct Governor Evers from using the American Rescue Plan Act moneys to help Wisconsinites. They protested, ﬁled lawsuits and passed resolutions condemning him for doing his job. If Governor Evers would not have acted quickly in 2020 and 2021, countless more people would have suf-

fered, due to the pandemic, in our state. Further, the Wisconsin State Legislature was one of the least active legislatures in the nation during the global pandemic. The swift and decisive action of the executive branch ensured that needed dollars were put into Wisconsin communities as quickly as possible.

Okay, back to the two referendum questions. (Please note that the legislature chooses the language of the amendments

without a legal review process to ensure clear language for voters, so I will clarify what they are saying for those of us who don’t speak legalese.)

Question #1 in plain language: Do you think the legislature should be given primary control over how emergency federal dollars are spent in Wisconsin?

provided by legislative rule?”

Question #2 in plain language: Do you think the Governor of Wisconsin should be required to have approval by both houses of the legislature before spending any of the emergency funding the federal government sends to Wisconsin to address a crisis?

When using clear language, you can see that this is a power grab by the legislature. It takes decision making authority away from the Governor and jeopardizes the public’s health and well-being in the face of another emergency. Critically needed funds will be delayed and the government will be “scapegoated” as the problem, when it is a party’s attempt to prevent the government from actually working.

The constitutional amendments on the August ballot directly threaten programs like those the Governor created during a time of crisis, arguably some of the best work we’ve seen from our state government in many years! Let’s be clear, these amendments are an attempt to give Republican legislators sole control over the distribution of federal funds, which could hurt funding for ﬁrst responders, infrastructure funding, childcare funding,funds for Badgercare and even jobs during the next emergency.

In summary, I assert that the legislature should not have sole power over the distribution of federal moneys during a crisis like a natural disaster, and I stand by this statement regardless of the political party in power.

I will be voting “NO” on both constitutional amendments on August 13th, and I encourage you to do the same.

Sarah Keyeski Lodi, Wisconsin

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“Fireworks and Downpour” (2024) Photo, by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green)

Senator Howard Marklein

Sarah Keyeski

Project 2025: The Conservative Promise — Part 7: Human Flourishing

Beverly Pestel, Columnist

I finished the last column with this quote from Project 2025, “Conservatives desire a smaller government not for its own sake, but for the sake of human flourishing.” (pg.6), but they also wrote, “it is necessary to ensure that departments and agencies have robust cadres of political staff.” (pg.33) Ughhh – smaller? OK, but human flourishing is certainly a good thing, so how do they intend to accomplish this flourishing?

“The solution to …problems is not to tinker with this or that government program, to replace this or that bureaucrat…We solve them not by trimming and reshaping the leaves but by ripping out the trees – root and branch.” (pg. 12) Flourishing means no Department of Education, no Department of Health and Human Services, no Environmental Protection Agency, no Homeland Security. Rip all the bureaucratic institutions out, we’ll be better oﬀ without them they say.

Well, maybe not. Section One: Taking the Reins of Government begins this way:

“In order to carry out the President’s desires, political appointees must be given the tools, knowledge, and support to overcome the federal government’s obstructionist Human Resources departments. More fundamentally, the new Administration must ﬁll its ranks with political appointees… When it comes to ensuring that freedom can ﬂourish, nothing is more important than deconstructing the centralized administrative state. Political appointees who are answerable to the President and have decision-making authority in the executive branch are key to this essential task” (Pg. 20, 21)

So, they don’t intend to rip it all out and stop there, they intend to rip it all out and reform it in their image. None of this, by the way, sounds very Eisenhower- or Reagan-like. The closest thing I can think of is, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” But Reagan didn’t ﬁnish that with, “and build a bigger, nastier wall over here.” Be of good cheer, however, all these political appointees will be answerable to the President, and he (don’t kid yourself into

thinking this could ever be a she under their regime) will promise to be responsive to the American people. But not, “…worse yet, the policy plans and preferences of a radical, supposedly “woke” faction of the country.” (pg. 43)

Let’s take a look at this executive branch. In Chapter 2 of Project 2025, “Executive Office of the President of the United States,” they refer to Federalist No. 47 by James Madison, “[t]he accumulation of all powers…in the same hands…may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny.” They write, “Regrettably, that wise and cautionary note describes to a significant degree the modern executive branch.” (pg. 43) Oh, not their planned executive branch, of course, just the one currently held by the “others” as we’ll see.

In the very next paragraph they write, “The great challenge confronting a conservative President is the existential need for aggressive use of the vast powers of the executive branch…meeting that challenge will require a rare combination of boldness…to bend or break the bureaucracy to the presidential will…” Is that not Madison’s deﬁnition of tyranny?

Are you familiar with Newton’s Cradle? The string of swinging balls that collide, reach the end, and repeat the collisions in the opposite direction? It feels like my brain is caught in the middle of that right now. OK, to try to make you swallow this drivel, they claim that the President will employ “self-denial to use the bureaucratic machine to send power away from Washington and

back to America’s families, faith communities, local governments, and states.” (pg. 44) Sure, when has history ever experienced a tyrant who used self-denial as a governing strategy giving away power to others? When have we ever experienced Donald Trump employing self-denial in any context? When you read fundamental contradictions like this in Project 2025 that pile on top of one another over and over again, you know they are lying to you. And you can be quite sure they have a reason for doing so. I just watched an excellent YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson, Politics Chat: June 4, 2024 – worth watching the whole thing but let me quote, as best I can, a pertinent portion. She speaks of the current version of the Republican Party who are the writers of Project 2025

“They are no longer trying to grapple with reality at all, they are ﬂat out lying. First of all, this says that their ideology is hollow. There is nothing there except the attempt to get what they want…they’re taking away your right to self-determination…what they’re saying… is you have to be lied to. You have to be manipulated into doing what they want you to do…that seems to me to be messing not only with the right of human self-determination, but also absolutely with the right of personhood. Not only am I going to steal your right to make political decision, but basic decisions about your humanity…I think we need to call it out…to recognize that the level of dishonesty…is about a dehumanization of those of us they are lying to. We have no right to political self-determination or to human self-determination in their minds…[they believe that] the people [they are] lying to are mine to do with as I wish and that is fundamentally a terrifying idea.”

I need to pause here and let you know that earlier in this video, Richardson talks of things occurring now that should give us hope – especially in the rise of truth-telling media. So hang on to that as well as what I quoted above. Despair and resignation are our enemies, because the writers of Project 2025 want us to believe that we are power-

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less to stop them. We are not – not yet. I’m not going to try to count how many times they maintain that they don’t need experts in areas, just people who will rapidly deploy the President’s wishes. Or how many times they write about removing regulations or establishing modiﬁcations of permitting systems – especially in environmental areas – “aimed at reducing litigation risk.” Remember, they have labeled the nasty environmental activists’ pursuits as “decidedly anti-human.” They can't risk having judges try to stop the President or slow him down.

Finally, in this chapter, we get to the Gender Policy Council, initiated the first day Pres. Biden was in office. Project 2025’s intention is to - “immediately revoke” it. It has to go because according to them “health services” means promotion of abortion, “education” means comprehensive sexuality education. and gender affirming care is too woke. In its place, they write, “[D]eveloping new structures and positions will have the dual effect of demonstrating that promoting life and strengthening the family is a priority while also facilitating more seamless coordination and consistency across the U.S. government.” (pg. 62)

Are you reading what I am? Abortion ban, forced birth, restrictions of women in the workforce, bans on same-sex marriage, bans on the right to deﬁne one’s own gender identity – not just here and there – but seamlessly coordinated and consistent across the U.S. The result, in Richardson’s words - no right to human self-determination from coast to coast.

NOW are you appalled, infuriated, scaredactivated? What are you going to do? Based on what I’ve read so far, inaction is dangerous. And I still have 818 pages of this to go.

If you want to fact check me as I go through this, here is a link so you can read it for yourself:

tinyurl.com/ReadProject2025

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

It's a good problem to have, but again we gotta apologize for the ads. The paper feels unbalanced and we know it. We appreciate every ad and hope you engage with the businesses, organizations and events advertised. This edition really needed to be 16-20 pages — and we had the content for it (we had to hold so many things) — however, with an all volunteer staﬀ and an editor that came back from travel sick, we didn't have the time or bandwidth to lay out 16-20 pages. We'll do better in the future and we're looking for more ways readers and businesses can support our local journalism. Interested in ways to support us? Please let us know: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Nicole Aimone

Managing Editor Taylor Scott

Legal Editor Gary Ernest Grass, esq.

Editorial Policy

Graphic Design Julianna Williams

Democracy, Society & Edu. Columnist Beverly Pestel

Editorial Contributor & Literary Journal Editor (At Large) Alex Prochaska

Editorial Intern Luukas Palm-Leis

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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 ap- pears in the rest of the publication and does not aﬀect the integri- ty and impartiality of our reporting.

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.

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Community Discussion Policy

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.

Beverly Pestel

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

If your house was on fire, would you want the first responders to have to go through a committee before putting out your fire?

No, you wouldn't!

But that is what the two constitutional amendments on the August 13th Primary ballot would ask us to do.

A NO vote keeps the executive branch able to administer federal disaster funds in a timely manner on behalf of all Wisconsinites. A NO vote protects our current constitutional balance of powers.

Senator Marklein’s June 28, 2024’s Capitol Update argues that voters should vote yes in support of the amendments. His argument is ﬂawed. And revealing. The main ﬂaw is his statement that the

Dear Editor,

In his “E-Update” of June 28, 2024, Republican Senator Howard Marklein urges Wisconsin voters to vote “yes” on two state constitutional questions on the August ballot. Taken together, these two state constitutional amendments would require the legislature’s intervention and approval of the governor’s use of federal funds. They would drastically aﬀect any Wisconsin governor’s ability to decide when and how federal funds could and

Dear Editor,

On independence day all Americans should reread the Declaration of Independence to better understand that we're all created equal with equal rights and that government power comes from our consent in voting. But this year we must read on about the “.. the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over the States.” by the King of England.

amendments somehow “provide a voice for every Wisconsinite”. In fact, they take the power to allocate funds in an emergency from a governor who was elected by voters across the state in a statewide election and would put that power into the hands of a small group of legislators on committees. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the same leadership in these committees failed to convene the legislature more than once, and were the least active full-time legislative body in the country during this crisis.

These same committees have a history of blocking appointments by the governor, preventing much needed government action on issues like pollution of our water supply. Many Wisconsin voters are frustrated by the lack of action – but

should be spent, including in cases of emergency and disaster.

Federal aid often requires quick, even urgent, action in cases of public emergency. Consider the recent pandemic. Consider ﬂooding of communities in particularly storm-aﬀected seasons. Consider tornado damage and other disaster relief. When the federal government sends relief but does not specify exactly where or how that aid should be spent, the governor needs the ability to act quickly to

The U.S. Supreme Court [recently] ruled that, according to Justice Sotomayor, “The relationship between the president and the people he serves has shifted irrevocably. In every use of oﬃcial power, the president is now a king above the law.” Therefore; we need to remember how it was for Americans to live under a King. President Biden dissents from this ruling, “...will respect the limits of presi-

the legislative leadership takes no heed of that.

Democracy means the will of the people is represented in government. Democracy is actually protected by a division of powers in government. But as soon as Evers defeated Walker the legislature took steps to take power away from the governor. These amendments are meant to do more of the same.

What is revealed in Marklein’s column are two things that speak to why a vote against these amendments is best for Wisconsin.

First, it is telling that a politician involved in the creation of these amendments which will change our Constitution has to “translate” them because, like usual, they are written on purpose in a

accept the funds and determine how they should be used.

There is no small irony in the fact that it is Republican Senator Marklein, co chair of the powerful Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee, who is urging this yes vote to vastly increase the legislature’s spending powers. Senator Marklein’s committee makes it common practice to kill funding by not acting on requests, leaving funds unspent. On July 5, 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 6-1 against

dential powers,..”, and sees it as a grave danger to our democracy. His opponent has threatened prosecution of his political opponents and many other formerly illegal activities. This Court ruling would make those legal, if they fall under Presidential duties in Article 2 of the Constitution.

To uphold the values of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution we

way to confuse voters. That should make you wary.

Secondly, the Senator reveals a very partisan concern when he states, regarding emergency federal funds, that “all of it is spent in a way that is most politically advantageous to the Governor”. If the Governor makes good decisions on the allocation of emergency funds that the public likes, why is that a problem? It is only a problem if you look at this with a partisan lens, not the lens of the public good. These amendments should be seen for what they are: a partisan power grab that is not in the best interests of Wisconsin. I will vote NO on both amendments.

Damian Barta Spring Green, Wisconsin

Marklein that his Joint Committee acted unconstitutionally in blocking funds for Wisconsin land stewardship projects. Marklein wants to amend the Wisconsin Constitution to give his committee even more power. Don’t let him do it. Vote no on both constitutional amendments on the August Wisconsin primary ballot.

Marilyn Martin Richland Center, Wisconsin

must all work against possible rule by a presidential candidate who believes he is above the law because of the Court ruling. Every American must vote Democratic from the top to the bottom of the ticket on November 5th to preserve the rule of

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

continued on page 8

@gmail.com

Events for July 11 - July 25

Thursday, July 11

COmmunitycalendar

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

Saturday July 13 cont.

Mindfulness: Discussion and Practice 9:30 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.com Our meetings will include discussions and short mindfulness exercises/practices.

Sauk County Fair 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM Sauk County Fairgrounds, 700 Washington Ave, Baraboo saukcountyfair.com Walk In Free Gate - $5/Daily Parking (Parking entrance on Lincoln Street) See online for full schedule of events.

Art Adventures - Glow in the Dark Painting 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM . Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Unleash your creativity as we explore new types of art each week at the library. This week wee will have artists design their own Glow in the Dark Canvas. Age 6+ Recommended.

Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green springgreengeneralstore.com The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

Tech Help 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock lonerocklibrary.wordpress.com rvbroadband.org/techhelp Come on in with any devices or technology you need help with! No appoiontment necessary.

Spring Green Community Wide Garage Sales 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, Community Room, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Sale Headquarters & Friends of the Library Book Sale are at the Library! Find the full list of sales online or at the library!

LIVE MUSIC: Jambidextrous at Local Night 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E Jeﬀerson St, Spring Green Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come to the patio for some great music, delicious food, and ice cold drinks! Stay tuned for updates on music lineup as they continue to book local talent! Music will be 5:30-7:30, with food being served from 4-8. Drinks will be ﬂowing!

Silent Book Club at Arcadia 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Arcadia Books, 102 East Jefferson St., Spring Green readinutopia.com Bring your own book and unite with fellow readers in a low-key social environment. We'll gather at 5:30pm to get settled, get a drink, and share what we're reading for the first 30 minutes. Then we'll have quiet reading time for 1 hour. And finally we'll have time to chat more (or keep reading) at the end.

Midsummer Music: Doug Brown/Maureen McCarty Duo 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds!

Family Adventure Guide: The Camping & Backpacking Edition 6:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, Children’s Room, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Registration is required, link online Dream of sleeping under the stars but not sure how to get started? Learn about equipment, safety tips and best locations for camping and even backpacking with kids. This programs will be aimed at kids: toddler through teens and their caregivers, but anyone is welcome to attend!

Knit Night at Nina’s 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Nina’s Department Store, 143 E. Jeﬀerson St. Spring Green ninasdepartmentstore.com Every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm. All knitters and crocheters are welcome. Store closed after 5:30 pm.

Friday, July 12

Spring Green Community Wide Garage Sales 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, Community Room, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Sale Headquarters & Friends of the Library Book Sale are at the Library! Find the full list of sales online or at the library!

SOLD OUT: LIVE MUSIC — Sh*tty Barn Session 315: DUSK // Ladybird 7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 Advance tickets sold out. That sald, tickets often come up that people can't use, so check out SH*TTY TICKET SWAP, which helps to connect ticket buyers and sellers Dusk is a unique country rock ’n’ roll group that blends their rural roots and love for 60s and 70s soul. Alt-country band Ladybird allows listeners to explore their mind in their new EP. “Lounge Car Love Song” is a breezy tune about two down-on-their-luck train passengers ﬁnding a connection while riding the rails. “Honky Tonk Mama” is a rip-roaring barn burner with a standout half-tempo chorus. Listen to these songs and more!

Saturday, July 13

Yoga at the Library 7:30 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org ruralremedy.com . Before the Farmer’s Market, come to the yard at the side of the Library for a free hour of yoga led by Emily Benz of Rural Remedy! Beginners and all ages welcome. Mats are available as well. July 20 will be Family Yoga!

Spring Green Community Wide Garage Sales 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, Community Room, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Sale Headquarters & Friends of the Library Book Sale are at the Library! Find the full list of sales online or at the library!

Heck’s Vendor/Flea Market 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Heck’s Farm Market, 7266 US Highway 14, Arena For more info look up Heck’s Farm Market on Facebook Various types of vendors to shop every Saturday and Sunday - weather permitting. Vendors must contact Heck’s Farm Market for free registration.

Sauk County Fair 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM Sauk County Fairgrounds, 700 Washington Ave, Baraboo saukcountyfair.com . Walk In Free Gate - $5/Daily Parking (Parking entrance on Lincoln Street) See online for full schedule of events.

Spring Green Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green Spring Green Farmers Market Is a year-round outdoor market oﬀering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods and many other wonderful items. Held outside the Spring Green Community Public Library every Saturday morning.

Old Time Boot Camp 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM White Oak Savanna, 4352 State Road 23, Dodgeville whiteoaksavanna.com Fiddlers, Banjo, Guitar -Players and music lovers converge at White Oak Savanna for Old Time Boot Camp! A day-long series of workshops and performances. Jam stations will be going all day and food vendors will be open. Those who’d like to make a weekend of it will be granted free entry to the Jamboree and Beer Garden event on July 14th. Camp on grounds or stay at a nearby hotel and keep the music going! For full schedule please go online.

Sauk County Fair 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sauk County Fairgrounds, 700 Washington Ave, Baraboo saukcountyfair.com Walk In Free Gate - $5/Daily Parking (Parking entrance on Lincoln Street) See online for full schedule of events.

Backstage Talks: Touchstone Changeover 12:00 PM APT Box Oﬃce, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org $10 | Free with APT Insiders Card

Some of APT's most fascinating work goes on behind the scenes. Learn more about stagecraf, choreography and the machinations of APT. Assistant Technical Director Doug Dion talks guests through a scenic changeover from Wolf at the Door to Te Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool in the Touchstone Teatre. Learn about the changeover process as our amazing Deck Crew does their thing. Guests will meet at the APT Box Oﬃce and head to the Touchstone together.

LIVE MUSIC: Country Legends on the River Stage 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shiﬄet Road, Spring Green wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join outside on the Riverside stage!

LIVE MUSIC: 10 Year Anniversary Party at The Woods Bar & Grill 3:00 PM - 8:00

PM The Woods Bar & Grill, 320 S Oak St, Lone Rock For more info look up The Woods Bar & Grill on Facebook The Woods is hosting their customer appreciation party and will provide all the entertainment you need to have the time of your life! The Elizabeth Mary & Paul Shutler Duo & Sharona and Ray Ray Acoustic Duo join forces for a show you won’t want to miss!

Yolanda Peterson and Mary Jones Memorial 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Community Park, Sharon Street, Arena For more info look up Yolanda Peterson and Mary Jones Memorial on Facebook. Contact David Jones if you would like to join the Parade 608-574-1426 Parade at 3. Home Talent Chicken BBQ 4-7. Home Talent vs Mazo at 7. Fireworks at Dusk.

Sunday, July 14

Sunday Salon 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Post House Garden, 127 E Jeﬀerson St, Spring Green americanplayers.org Free, No tickets required Select Sundays bring the opportunity to chat with APT leadership at Sunday Salons! Visit downtown Spring Green for a free-wheeling (and free-of-charge) chat about whatever might be on your mind.

LIVE MUSIC: July Jamboree & Beer Garden 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM White Oak Savanna, 4352 State Road 23, Dodgeville whiteoaksavanna.com $5 entry fee at the door goes straight to the band We are pleased to welcome The Firesides this Sunday! Join us Noon to 4pm every Sunday in July at White Oak Savanna for a Jamboree and Beer Garden. The White Oak Savanna grounds will be available for hiking, ﬁshing and lawn games. Dance music will be playing in the barn and the lawn will be transformed into a beer garden for relaxing and taking in the sun. Designated jam areas will be available for people looking to play Old-Time Music with their friends. Food will be available from the White Oak Savanna Kitchen and our bar will be open for beverage purchases. (Please note no outside alcohol permitted).

LIVE MUSIC: Countryﬁed on the River Stage 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shiﬄet Road, Spring Green wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join us outside on the Riverside stage!

LIVE MUSIC: Open Old Timey Jam 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . White Oak Savanna, 4352 State Road 23, Dodgeville whiteoaksavanna.com We will be sponsoring several Old Time open music jams this summer. They will be held on the first Sunday of the Month throughout the summer months. They will all be held rain or shine as they will be in a shelter. Most of them will be in the beautifully renovated barn. All Old Time musicians are welcome to come join in. This is a jam for Old Timey fiddle tunes. *Please note this will be happening simultaneously with the Beer Garden on this particular Sunday. Backstage Talks: The Power of Props 4:00 PM APT Box Office, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org $10 | Free with APT Insiders Card Some of APT's most fascinating work goes on behind the scenes. Learn more about stagecraf, choreography and the machinations of APT. Properties Director Nathan Stuber gives a backstage look into the goings on of what goes on stage. Guests will meet at the APT Box Office and head to Bravo together.

River Valley Film Club Presents... 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jeﬀerson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Join us once a month on Sundays (and occasional Mondays) as we screen a movie selected by the River Valley Film Club. Movie titles remain under wraps until showtime, so follow RVFC on Facebook for details. Come 30 minutes before showtime to grab a drink and meet fellow movie-lovers. Bring your own popcorn (or dinner).

Monday, July 15

Monday Morning Mystery 10:30 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Stop by the library for a surprise art or craft themed activity. The adventure is a mystery but with a few options to choose from, there should be something for everyone. You'll go home with an extra mystery activity in a bag to do later too!

Free Family Flick: Kung Fu Panda 4 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org PG. Join this summer's Free Family Flicks! Open to all! Popcorn and lemonade served. Children under 6 must have an adult present. Ben Mulwana and The Village// Alys & the Ark 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jeﬀerson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door Ben Mulwana is a Ugandan-born and raised artist residing in Wisconsin. With songs about love, loss and everything in between, Ben’s band project “Ben Mulwana and the Village” is made of a groovy, rock and soulful sound from a group of amazing musicians. The album “Mr. Mulwana” is about growth, in music, mind and soul.This album is the musical representation of the ups and downs, the struggle and the joy of it all. The show will start with Alys and the Ark, featuring Alys Dickerson, Phoebe Rodriguez, Ron Román-Melendez, and Patrick Michaels.

Events for July 16 - July 25

Tuesday, July 16

Summer Afternoon Storytime 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Story time includes stories and songs followed by a fun themed craft and activity.

Big Splash Water Fun Day 5:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, Side Yard, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Come prepared to get soaked! We'll have lots of water toys, kiddie pools, water balloon races and more! The show will go on if light rain and warm, because-hey! we're gonna get wet anyway! But in case of severe or very cold weather, we will attempt to reschedule. Please check library sites or call for up-to-date information.

Yarn Rocks! 5:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Come to the Library on the first and third Tuesday of the month to meet fellow knitters in the community; come for help (beginner to mid-level knitting help available); come to learn new skills or brush up on current skills; come to get out of the house for a few hours; come for the health benefits (recent research out of Denmark demonstrated the overall health benefits of craft work, including knitting and crocheting).

Midsummer Music: The Firesides 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

We are the River Valley: An Evening of Storytelling 6:00 PM The Octagon Barn, E4350 Horseshoe Rd, Spring Green morrilllectures.org . For more info look up The Morrill Lecture Series on Facebook Join for a powerful evening of storytelling where your friends and neighbors (and maybe even you!) share what it means to be part of the River Valley. This event will invite storytellers from all walks of life to share their personal tales in an intimate and welcoming setting. Whether it's a hilarious anecdote, a heartwarming memory, or a tale of personal triumph, "We are the River Valley" celebrates the power of spoken word and our shared experience of living in this part of the world. Want to tell your story? Looking for 6-8 storytellers to share a story of up to 10 minutes during the event. Let them know if you’d like to share your story!

Talk Backs: August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Following the showing at 7:30 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stick around afer the performance for a candid 20-minute post-show conversation with the actors intimately involved with the play.

Wednesday, July 17

Wednesday Morning Art Class: Tie Dye 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Angel Dreams Studios, E2516 Brace Road, Lone Rock For more info look up Angel Dreams Studios or BillieJo Scharfenberg on Facebook Welcome to Wednesday Morning School Art Class at Angel Dreams Studios! This week we will be creating tie dye masterpieces!!!!! We will discuss the history of tie dye and the diﬀerent techniques used to create speciﬁc patterns. Dyes, rubber bands and string will be provided. Please being 2-3 white, 100% cotton items for dying. Examples of items to bring are t-shirts, pillowcases, sweatshirts. Wisconsin Agroforestry Demonstration Farm Tour 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM North Farm, Savanna Institute, Spring Green Campus, 1327 S Spring Dr, Spring Green savannainstitute.org Register online Come join us for an introduction to Agroforestry on Savanna Institute’s North Farm on our Spring Green Campus. Savanna Institute’s North Farm is located directly north of the Wisconsin River, and contains an almost complete watershed, making it valuable as a site for water quality research, as well as silvopasture and alley cropping approaches. With the largest acreage among the farms, the North Farm is dedicated to demonstrating large-scale commercial farming.

Wednesday Wizardry 10:30 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Join on most Wednesdays thru the summer for fun, often messy, always exciting science adventures! Wednesday Wizardry will explore science with experiments, concoction-making, hands-on fun for kids of all ages!

Midsummer Music: Westerlies 6:00 PM . American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org . Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

Snoreytime 6:30 PM Spring Green Community Library, Children’s Area, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Join us for a cozy evening storytime experience. Put on those PJs and ﬁnd a favorite stuﬀed animal friend. We'll cuddle up with some soothing music and sleepy stories. This storytime is perfect for your sleepy little one or your busy preschooler who's ready to wind down!

Arcadia Book Club discusses "Bear" by Julia Phillips 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM This is a zoom book club meeting readinutopia.com Register online They were sisters and they would last past the end of time. A story about the bonds of sisterhood and the mysteries of the animals that live among us—and within us—Bear is a propulsive, mythical, richly imagined novel from one of the most acclaimed young writers in America.

Talk Backs: Much Ado About Nothing Following the showing at 8:00 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stick around afer the performance for a candid 20-minute post-show conversation with the actors involved with the play.

Talk Backs: The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool Following the showing at 8:00 PM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Stick around afer the performance for a candid 20-minute post-show conversation with the actors involved with the play.

Thursday, July 18

Storytime 10:30 AM Lone Rock Community Library, 234 N Broadway St, Lone Rock lonerocklibrary.wordpress.com Join us every Thursday for storytime!

Tech Help 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Arena Village Hall, 345 West St, Arena rvbroadband.org/techhelp Come on in with any devices or technology you need help with! No appoiontment necessary.

LIVE MUSIC: Still Strummin’ at Local Night 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E Jeﬀerson St, Spring Green Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come to the patio for some great music, delicious food, and ice cold drinks! Stay tuned for updates on music lineup as they continue to book local talent! Music will be 5:30-7:30, with food being served from 4-8. Drinks will be ﬂowing!

Midsummer Music: Daniel Kenneth Libby 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

Friday, July 19

Many Paths to Soil Health: Field Day at Stapleton Farms 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Stapleton Farms, 5952 Co Rd Z, Spring Green .uplandswatershedgroup.com . Please make sure to RSVP plans can be made for LUNCH! Joe Stapleton, Uplands farmer-leader, will host the group at his farm in Spring Green. Joe will give us a tour of the variety of techniques he uses to build soil health on his farm.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover - Camp Out 5:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Bring your favorite (or 2nd favorite) stuffed loved one to the library for a special indoor camp out with fun crafts, songs, and treats! Leave your stuffed friend with us at the library so they can have lots of fun while the library is closed. When you pick them up the next morning, you'll be able to see the fun they had! Pick up from 9-10AM Saturday. Aimed a Children 10 and under. Sign-Up at the front desk or call at 608-546-4201.

LIVE MUSIC — Sh*tty Barn Session 316: LAAMAR // dak duBois 7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 LAAMAR is the latest project led by Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and composer Geoﬀrey Lamar Wilson. Wilson blends his idiomatic inspirations bridging folk, soul, R&B, and country with a constant ear toward racial and social justice issues and the shared human experience. dak duBois is the solo project of Milwaukee-based artist Dak Wright. His sets bring funk-driven jammy overtones and memory-worthy experiences ﬁlled with high-level crowd engagement.

LIVE MUSIC: Shamarr Allen 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door Shamarr Allen is the definition of New Orleans! Allen has influences in jazz, hip-hop, rock, funk rhythms, blues and country. With a scintillating and unique sound, look, and exemplary talents, Shamarr Allen transcends musical boundaries. He is the True Orleans experience!

Saturday, July 20

Yoga at the Library 7:30 AM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org ruralremedy.com Before the Farmer’s Market, come to the yard at the side of the Library for a free hour of yoga led by Emily Benz of Rural Remedy! Beginners and all ages welcome. Mats are available as well.

Heck’s Vendor/Flea Market 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Heck’s Farm Market, 7266 US Highway 14, Arena For more info look up Heck’s Farm Market on Facebook . Various types of vendors to shop every Saturday and Sunday - weather permitting. Vendors must contact Heck’s Farm Market for free registration.

Inside Out Tours 10:00 AM American Players Theater, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org $20 | Free for APT Insiders Put on your walking shoes for one of our most popular events, as expert guides take you on a two-hour walking tour through the shops and around the grounds. Get a peek at APT’s inner workings during our popular two-hour walking tour of the grounds, costume shop, backstage areas and more. You'll see all that goes into making the productions you ultimately see on the Hill and in the Touchstone Theatre.

LIVE MUSIC: Bigtooth 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jeﬀerson St., Spring Green slowpokelounge.com Tickets $10 in advance/$15 at the door After years of sharing festival bills and bumping elbows at open jams, Starr Moss, Trent Cuthbert, Michael Falk, Claire Kannapell and Paul Kienitz have convened to make their own brand of bluegrass-inspired music. Bigtooth, the culmination of this shared history, keeps one hand on the book of bluegrass standards and the other on the songwriting

Sunday,July 21

LIVE MUSIC: Acoustic Jam 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green 608-5880-707 All are welcome- come to play, or come to listen. Kitchen open until 2 pm

LIVE MUSIC: July Jamboree & Beer Garden 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM White Oak Savanna, 4352 State Road 23, Dodgeville . whiteoaksavanna.com . $5 entry fee at the door goes straight to the band . We are pleased to have Line Dancing with instruction by Adam’s Dance Connection this Sunday! The White Oak Savanna grounds will be available for hiking, ﬁshing and lawn games. Dance music will be playing in the barn and the lawn will be transformed into a beer garden for relaxing and taking in the sun. Designated jam areas will be available for people looking to play Old-Time Music with their friends. Food will be available from the White Oak Savanna Kitchen and our bar will be open for beverage purchases. (Please note no outside alcohol permitted).

Intro to the Bach Flower Essences with Jodie 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM North Earth Crystals & Gifts, 13156 Pearl Rd, Spring Green For more info look up North Earth Crystals & Gifts on Facebook There is no charge for this session In this session there will be an overview of the 38 Bach Flower Essence system developed by Dr. Edward Bach, how it works, and some of the history. Jodie will also share essences she has noticed to be aligned with spiritual practitioners, empaths, and spiritual seekers. In addition to Bach Flower Essences, Jodie also uses a variety of Astrological charts and cycles as well as essential oils.

LIVE MUSIC: Just Merl & A Girl on the River Stage 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shiﬄet Road, Spring Green wiriversideresort.com Warm weather, cold cocktails, and great live music! Join us outside on the Riverside stage!

Monday, July 22

Lego Builders 1:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Join us for Lego Builders Club each month for a fun challenge or to free build your own masterpiece! Open to all ages. Children under 6 must have adult at program. We will be meeting in the library's community room.

LIVE MUSIC: Rural Musicians' Forum presents:The Fuse Trio 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Cornerstone Church, Spring Green ruralmusiciansforum.org The Fuse Trio formed in 2014 with the purpose of commissioning/premiering and performing “cross-over” works for saxophone, clarinet, and piano. Their repertoire includes works that mix classical and jazz elements into beautiful sounds.

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

Tuesday, July 23

Continued on page 9

Juggling Silly Stories with Chris Fascione 10:00 AM Spring Green Community Library, Community Room, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org A juggler with silly stories? What could be better!

Some time ago, we announced the soft launch of a semi-regular to regular literary section we've been inspired by other literary compilations to call Lexington & Jeﬀerson

As the pivotal intersection of our community, we envision this as a place that celebrates the cross-section of arts in our greater community.

We envision it as a place of curated and submitted prose, poetry and more that showcase the talents of our community.

What is Lexington & Jeﬀerson?

Each edition we receive submissions of artwork, poetry, prose and other musings that we have trouble placing in the paper on their own and often have to simply hold or regrettably turn down.

We hope this becomes a welcome place for them.

This space will grow and change, as all things do, and we welcome talented individuals, organizations, authors, experts and artists to help curate this section. We are beginning to actively seek to publish an

annual literary journal. If interested, please reach out on ways to help. We may also use this space for arts & culture news and submitted musings that don't quite ﬁt within the bounds of a traditional column, proﬁle or letter to the editor.

Get involved: If you're interested in submitting, curating or have ideas, please do not hesitate at all to submit them to us at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Lexington & Jefferson

In Brief

Wormfarm Institute invites you to submit short poems inspired by the old Burma Shave ads that appeared throughout the U.S. from 1925 to 1963. Selected poems, called PassWords, will be featured on the 2024 Farm/ Art DTour (October 5-14). The DTour is a free, self-guided drive through Wisconsin's working farmland, punctuated by site-responsive artworks, local food markets, roadside poetry, educational Field Notes, and more. The 2024 route is in southern Sauk County. Selected poems will be hand-painted on a series of signs that 20,000+ DTourists from across the Midwest and beyond will read as they drive by. Submission Guidelines

Any writer, hobbyist or professional, may submit up to three entries inspired by any of the following topics: land, sky, farming, transformation, arts and culture, rural-urban ﬂow, food, community, the past, present or future, or something else kindred! Only one entry per person may be selected.

The traditional Burma Shave format is ﬁve very short lines with the last words of the second and ﬁfth lines rhyming. For example:

Farmers and artists

Know how to create

A feast

For the eyes

As well as the plate

—Jeanne Bogardus

While we are mostly looking for poems in the Burma Shave format this year, we will also welcome diﬀerent or internal rhyme schemes, free verse, plays on traditional forms like haiku, or imaginative forms of your own invention.

The only strict guideline is ﬁve lines of up to 20 characters each (including spaces). Whether you’re a traditionalist or provocateur, we look forward to reading your work.

Email entries as a Word Doc to dtour.poetry@gmail.com, subject line: 2024 PassWords. Or mail entries to DTour Poetry c/o Wormfarm Institute, 28 E Main St. Reedsburg, WI 53959. The deadline for submissions is Monday, July 22.

Selection Process

Each poem will consist of six signs: one for each line, and the sixth for the poet’s name and DTour logo. The writer of each selected poem will receive $100 and be featured on the DTour website and social media. All entries will be read by the Wormfarm Team with the ﬁnal decisions made by published poet and Wormfarm’s Director of Programs Philip Matthews.

For more information contact Philip at philip@wormfarminstitute.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

continued from page 4

law. This is the only way to prevent the White House from becoming the center

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent decisions made by certain members of the Arena Village Board, speciﬁcally Brittany Carney, Kathy Stoltz, Melissa Bandell, Kristen Shea, and Village President Kate Reimann. Their actions have raised serious issues that impact the safety and well-being of our community.

The decision to dissolve the Arena Police Department, pushed through without adequate consultation with residents, is deeply troubling. A survey, distributed selectively only to property owners, oﬀered limited options. Trustee Kristen Shea stated that “Renters don’t pay taxes in the Village.” That is why they were not included in the survey. Also, the fact that only one survey per household was sent is another

Dear Editor,

About a year ago, I got a ﬂier in the mail about a Patriotic Millionaires informational meeting. Lured by the free food, I went to that session, and learned it was a group of millionaires who thought they should be taxed more, and were exposing all the tax loopholes they, and other millionaires were using to not pay their fair share of taxes, and indeed, often paid taxes at a lower rate than someone working a blue collar job. They deﬁned rich as anyone with a yearly income of $1 million, and/or assets of $5 million. They also talked about tax loopholes for giant corporations. Across multiple sessions they demonstrated how well

of criminal activity in America. Then with a President and a Congress that does not believe the President is King of America, we can begin to rein in

indication of a ﬂawed process which undermines claims of representing community interests.

The survey had 106 respondents:

32 voted to maintain the Arena PD as it existed prior to Nov. 23rd

28 voted to reduce the PD to a single fulltime oﬃcer

46 voted to dissolve the Arena PD entirely

When the numbers are added and subtracted, a total of 60 people wanted Police protection in some form, while 46 did not. So, why is the Village Board saying the nay votes won?

Since the resignation of the Arena Police Department, citing low morale under the Village Board's inﬂuence, our safety has been jeopardized. A temporary policing agreement with the Iowa County Sheriﬀ’s

meaning tax deductions, originally intended to help small businesses, had been exploited by corporations to save those corporations millions of dollars in tax payments. In Wisconsin, the eﬀects of millionaires and corporations not paying their fair share, while our property taxes have been drastically increasing year after year to make up the shortfall is especially evident. For example, in my city the government’s funding to the county had been cut by $800,000 per year since 2001 once inﬂation was taken into account …this oversight was only mostly corrected this past year. Our school district’s funding had been cut by $4 mil-

LITERARY + ARTS & CULTURE SECTION

Poetic Wonderer

small

written b e s i d e roadsides as yellow and white and pretty as long ago and as forgotten -I amasleep here as a dream in the foothills I ﬁnd the brightness

e a.thomas 08july2024

leading into an afternoon golden light fading - fading always as long ago and as after (before)

the shadows turn the valley to black as green moss darkening without a summer's sound

this radical Supreme Court majority that makes rulings that are antithetical to our Constitution, to the writings of our founders, to legal precedent, and to the spirit of

Department provides minimal coverage, leaving our community at risk due to longer response times. The Board approved a ﬁnal policing contract before even receiving the contract from Sheriﬀ Michael Peterson.

Trustee Brittany Carney’s dismissal of calls along Hwy 14 as irrelevant is concerning. She stated that “Hwy 14 is not part of the Village.”. What about the section within Village limits?

Moreover, the recent Resolution #202409 Declaring Surplus Property-Police Assets, selling the Police equipment and statements made by Trustees Shea, Carney and Bandell, that there will be no Police Department in the future, highlights their disregard for public safety. Trustees Becca Raven Uminowicz and Matthew Schroeder

lion per year since 2009 once inﬂation was taken into account, and the gap is still growing larger every year. Everyone knows the roads in Wisconsin need major work to get rid of the numerous potholes. These unfair tax loopholes for the rich didn’t seem right while our own property taxes have skyrocketed. In response, we formed our own non-partisan group called Economic Equity Now, to both increase awareness of the tax loopholes in existence, and to get our representative elected politicians to enact change in the tax code through voting.

As Morris Pearl wrote in the book How Lies, Loopholes, and Lobbyists Make

the Declaration of Independence. Bill Dagnon Baraboo, Wisconsin

rightfully questioned the lack of transparency and decision-making process surrounding the future of our police services. Residents deserve answers. Why dismantle essential services without a clear plan for improvement? What measures are being taken to address heightened concerns over safety, especially with recent increases in speeds within the Village and on Hwy 14?

I urge the Village Board to reconsider their decisions and engage in meaningful dialogue with all residents to restore trust and ensure our community’s safety remains a top priority.

Sue Pustina Arena, Wisconsin

the Rich Even Richer, “I’m greedy for a country with a basic sense of fairness for my family and me to live in. I’m greedy for a country where good businesses thrive and hard work is valued and fairly compensated. Where people feel safe in their neighborhoods. Where parents can tell their children that they’re going to be okay and really believe it. I want to live in a country with lots of rich people and a huge middle class.” Ensuring the ultra wealthy pay their fair share helps keep the necessities we need to make our cities a great place to live in.

Aaron Dettmann Richland Center, Wisconsin

these

ﬂowers

2024 Farm/Art DTour Open Call for Roadside Poetry Submissions

Events for July 11 - July 25

Tuesday, July 23 cont.

Summer Afternoon Storytime 4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Story time includes stories and songs followed by a fun themed craft and activity.

Midsummer Music: Still Strummin’ 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

Wednesday, July 24

Hoo's Woods Raptor Program 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org Eagle handler, Dianne Moller from Hoo's Woods in Milton WI will share facts and introduce families to 4 local raptors in her care. Open to kids 7+ with a adult. No pets, petting, or service dogs permitted for safety of birds. Due to space issues, tickets will be handed out at the door and will be needed to enter the event. Sponsored by the Friends of the Kraemer Library.

Book Discussion 2:00 PM Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org Every Fourth Wednesday at 2pm, join us for a cup of coﬀee, snack, and a chat about this month's selection. The book is available at the Library a month before the discussion. July: "The House of Broken Angels" by Luis Alberto Urrea.

Midsummer Music: Nath Dresser 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

SOLD OUT: LIVE MUSIC — Sh*tty Barn Session 317: Florry // Mickey Sunshine 7:00 PM 506 E Madison St, Spring Green shittybarnsessions.com Doors open at 6 Advance tickets sold out. That sald, tickets often come up that people can't use, so check out SH*TTY TICKET SWAP, which helps to connect ticket buyers and sellers Florry is a Philly-based country rock outﬁt led by Francie Medosch and featuring a cast of the most daring and tasteful players of the underground. Francie’s songwriting is pointed, personal and current, yet arranged with a keen ear toward the canon of late 20th century outlaw country and rock n’roll. Andrea Di Bernardo started Mickey Sunshine during the Pandemic as a way to cope with the world and her past trauma Part character, part alter-ego, entirely badass, Mickey Sunshine combines intentionally abrasive lyrics with powerful guitars and driving drums to tell a story; painting an honest picture of the inequality that women and femme-presenting people face in the world; the crushing weight of post-capitalism on the working class.

Thursday, July 25

Tech Help 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Plain Kraemer Library, 910 Main St., Plain kraemerlibrary.org rvbroadband.org/techhelp Come on in with any devices or technology you need help with! No appoiontment necessary.

LIVE MUSIC: Nick Ehlinger & His Much More Talented Friends at Local Night 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Post House Garden, 127 E Jeﬀerson St, Spring Green Look up The Shed on Facebook for more info Come to the patio for some great music, delicious food, and ice cold drinks! Stay tuned for updates on music lineup as they continue to book local talent! Music will be 5:30-7:30, with food being served from 4-8. Drinks will be ﬂowing!

Midsummer Music: Paul and Doug 6:00 PM American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Rd, Spring Green americanplayers.org Most weekdays June through August, live acoustic music plays on the grounds to accompany your picnic.

WHAT’S HANGINg ? ongoing art exhibitions

Mike Chamberlin is exhibiting his mixed media art in the Community Room Gallery during the month of July. He discovered his passion for art during his time at Madison East High School and, in the summer of 1979, Mike delved into the sign industry, immersing himself in the intricacies of traditional sign painting, airbrushing, pinstriping, and gold leaf techniques. In 1992, he took the leap and founded his own sign company. Upon retiring in 2021, Mike redirected his artistic focus to showcase pinstriping as a distinctive art form. Experimenting with epoxy resin to add depth and incorporating various types of leaf—gold, silver, copper, variegated—he creates unique pieces. His artistic vision extends to using wood and recycled materials, resulting in one-of-a-kind artworks that blend tradition with innovation. Mike’s work is available for viewing during regular library hours when the Community Room is not in use. Please ask for the key at the circulation desk.

Community Calendar

CIVICS & SERVICES

CIVICS & SERVICES CALENDAR

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

July 11:

Evenings Afield: Prescribed Burning - The Importance of Managing with Fire 6:00 PM- 8:00 PM Cates Family Farm, 5992 County Hwy T, Spring Green vi.springgreen.wi.gov Register online This session will cover factors to consider related to burning, the basic process of doing a "ring fire", and resources that are available to help landowners burn fire-dependent natural communities. Prairies and savannas are fire-dependent communities, but managing with prescribed burns can seem way too risky, complicated, and expensive. This session will cover factors to consider related to burning, the basic process of doing a "ring fire", and resources that are available. We will also discuss the history and culture of fire in Wisconsin.

July 11-13:

Friends of the Library Rummage and Book Sale 2:00 PM Commmunity Room, Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St. Spring Green springgreenlibrary.org

July 15:

Arena Historians Room Open to Public 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Grandma Mary's (Brisbane Hall), 175 US Hwy 14, Arena The Arena Historians room (where the kitchen was in the school) will be open the ﬁrst Sunday of every month. Come visit and enjoy scrapbooks, pictures, and all kinds of things relating to Arena History.

thursday, july 18

featured event: Richland Community Action Team

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Brewer Library - Downstairs, 325 N Central Ave, Richland Center

Want to ﬁnd a way to have more of a voice in meeting our community needs? Come together with your neighbors to share your community concerns and how we can work to solve them.

More info at: economicequitynow@gmail.com

July 24:

Village of Spring Green Board Meeting 7:00 PM . In person and virtual event . 154 N. Lexington Street, Spring Green vi.springgreen.wi.gov

ChamberFest 2024

The Sauk County Gardener

July Garden Pest Management

“Bugs lurk in corners and congregate at boundaries.”

— Bpris Beizer

July has arrived and along with it, its garden pests have arrived as well. Besides the typical garden pests that I have had to contend with in the past, I’m also still trying to ﬁgure out what has been chewing on some of my other plants as I can’t ﬁnd evidence during the day of what insect pest is bothering them.

One of the garden pests to be on the lookout for is Japanese beetle scouts now that the chicory has started to bloom. As I wrote recently, the best way to control them is to destroy as many of the early scouts before they tell the rest of their pesky friends to come visit your garden. Try and visit your garden in the afternoon as that is when they are most active.

Chicory is also a sign to start preventing damage from the squash vine borer (SVB). The damage is caused when the SVB moth lays its eggs at the base of the squash plant and then when the eggs

“July is hollyhocks and hammocks, ﬁreworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden.”

— Jean Hersey

Over the holiday weekend, my hubby and I were able to really get out and work in the perennial gardens. We found a great sale on some shrubs and roses, so we popped some of those in the garden as well. All in all, it was a good weekend except for finally seeing my first Japanese beetles for the summer. There weren’t many – yet, but I will have to be vigilant. I also have to deal with the imported Cabbage Worm moths that are starting to visit my broccoli. With all the rain, my vegetable garden is going gangbusters and even my potted vegetable and flower containers on the deck are getting enough water. I consider myself fortunate to have raised beds for my vegetables as some folks are dealing with very soggy gardens this year. Even though watering might not be a task you

hatch, the larvae bore into the lower stems. This will either weaken or most likely, kill the plant. If your squash, zucchini, and pumpkins suddenly wilt, check the base of the plant to see if you see sawdust-like frass around it. That’s evidence the SVB has arrived. Better yet, take preventative measures early on. First, check out the moths hanging around your plants. The SVB is a moth that is about a half inch long, has a gray or black body with orange-red markings on its abdomen, legs and head. To prevent damage, cover the stems with a barrier such as a piece of old panty hose or aluminum foil. You can also use row covers before your plants start to ﬂower but they must be removed eventually to allow for pollination. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the stalks when the squash vines are small, but it will have to be reapplied after it rains. If you discover you already have damage, you can try and save the plant by slitting open the stem and removing the larvae. Then cover the slit stem with

have to deal with this summer, there are plenty of other garden tasks you can do that will get you out and about in your gardens.

In the vegetable garden, side dress your onions with super phosphate if you haven’t already. I got my onions in the ground a little late so I’m okay to do it now. However, if your onions, garlic, and potatoes are starting to brown and shrivel up, it’ll soon be time to harvest them. Check your beans and peas and be ready to start harvesting them. If you keep them picked, they will continue to produce for quite some time. Keep watch for garden pests. This year, earwigs are particularly problematic for some folks’ cole crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage. My zucchini plants are looking great but I’m also watching for the squash vine borer as they can decimate a crop in no time. Remove your ﬂoating row covers on your squash, cucumbers, and melons as they start to bloom so they can be pollinated. You can also plant lettuce and spinach for a fall crop – just plant it a little deeper than

moist soil above the point of injury so the vine can develop secondary roots. I have had limited success with this method. There are some insecticides that work but timing is crucial so read the labels carefully for proper application. The moth of the imported cabbage worm has also started to show up in my garden. The moth is white, and you’ll see them checking out your various cole or crucifer crops such as broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Once you see the moths, it’s time to inspect the lower leaves of your plants weekly for eggs and larvae. The larvae are velvety green worms up to an inch long with a light, yellow stripe down the back. Handpicking is a good option if you have a small crop and the time to inspect closely. Row covers will work as well and you don’t have to worry about removing them for pollination purposes. You can also apply Bacillus Thuringiensis var Kurstaki or Aisawai (Bt) to early instar larvae. Bt is a naturally occurring, soilborne bacteria that’s been in use since

usual. Or, you can pre-germinate the seeds on a moist towel and then plant. Next week, you can plant beets, Chines capable rutabagas, and turnips for a fall crop – assuming you have room. I typically try to get those planted where my onions were but that might not happen this year as they are still in the ground and growing well. Finally, keep a close eye on your tomatoes for fungal and bacterial diseases such as Septoria leaf spot, early blight, the dreaded late blight, fruit cracking, and more. Prune your tomatoes to ensure good air ﬂow and mulch to prevent your soil from splashing up onto the leaves. Copper fungicides can also help prevent and treat many fungal and bacterial diseases like Septoria leaf spot, Anthracnose, and early blight. If you’re growing tomatoes in pots, make sure they have consistent water to prevent blossom end rot. In your perennial beds, mulch your peony bushes and remove the seed pods. If you want to try your hand at propagating shrubs, now is the time for any spring blooming shrub. Take cuttings

the 1950s for natural insect control. It is non-toxic to mammals, birds, and fish and has a low toxicity to bees. The key to using Bt is to target the early instar larvae and then have good plant coverage. SCMGA will be doing gardening demonstrations at the Sauk County Fair in the Commercial Building on the F.A.M.E. stage. Including: Thursday, July 11 at 5 pm - Propagating Perennials by Division, and Sunday, July 14 at 3 pm - Creating a Butterfly Feeding Station. Looking for some garden inspiration? Join the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association’s (SCMGA) third annual garden tour and visit 7 different gardens on Saturday, July 27 from 9 am to 4 pm. This year, it will be held in the SaukPrairie and Merrimac area. Tickets are $10 prior to the event, $15 day of event. Tickets can be purchased at the Baraboo Chamber of Commerce, Consumers Cooperative, Sauk City and online at https://tinyurl.com/tbewtfhb. You can find full details on the SCMGA’s facebook page.

from stems that are now longer succulent but not yet hardened. Pinch back lateblooming mums by a half inch and fertilize lightly to improve blooms later in the season. If you grow hollyhocks, check for rust and remove any infected leaves to help minimize the spread. As your daylilies stop blooming, you can divide them and irises. Cut the leaves back to about 8 inches after you divide them. Also inspect your iris for any signs of the iris borer. Symptoms include brown leaf tips, signs of dying leaves, streaks that are tan or water-soaked. If you find potential evidence of the iris borer, dig it up and check the rhizomes. Discard any with iris borer caterpillars and tunnels. 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.

Arena Village Board votes to extend Iowa County Sheriﬀ's Oﬃce policing agreement, liquidate police equipment

continued from page 1

Peterson, the board considered extending its current agreement through 2025. The motion to extend the current temporary policing agreement to a full agreement through 2025 carried, with all members in favor except Schroeder and Uminowicz.

Police Equipment Liquidation

The village board also discussed the liquidation of current police equipment. Radios, laptops, weapons, squad equipment, a drone and both police vehicles were included on the list of items to declare surplus.

Uminowicz questioned the pace at which the village was working to sell the police equipment.

“I didn't realize that we were deﬁnitely not willing to look into having a police oﬃcer for Arena, and now we're going to get rid of all of our equipment? It seems premature,” Uminowicz said. “We haven't even done any research on this, have we?”

Schroeder noted that the purchase prices listed on the resolution would not accurately reﬂect the fair market value of the equipment listed. He also questioned if some of the items purchased with grant money may not be able to be sold, as well as if the village ordinance would allow

the board to sell police items without a head of the police department.

Uminowicz re-introduced her discussion about having a future police department.

“I’m concerned that we haven't really talked about the idea of us having a police department… Because we’ve now extended the temporary to permanent, we are not going to have an Arena police department?”

Bandell answered the question, “No.”

Village President Kate Reimann brought up the results of the police survey and Uminowicz again questioned the inclusivity of it.

“It is not oﬀ topic to ask ‘why do we want to dispose of these things, look at these prices, if we have to then buy them again?’” Uminowicz asked.

“The point is, we're not going to,” Reimann responded.

Schoeder, responding to Reimann’s comment, said, “ I didn't know that decision was made either. We're temporarily in an agreement with Iowa County.”

Reimann and Trustee Kristen Shea noted that the police equipment would be unused through 2025.

“These are assets that are just sitting,” Reimann said.

“...in there depreciating, correct,” Shea said, continuing Reimann’s sentence. “So

if we decide in 2025, that we need to have a police oﬃcer or a department of some kind, by that time, these things will have been sitting for another year and a half.”

The motion to declare the police items, excluding grant items and a drone, was carried with all members voting in favor except Schroder and Uminowicz, who voted against.

Village Water and Sewer Projects

The board unanimously voted to accept a quote for $32,400 to perform maintenance on the water tower. This includes cleaning, installing an air bubble mixing system and interior dry paint renovations. This work is to ensure the water tower is in compliance for next year.

A payment application of $19,001.22 for the new wellhouse project was approved by the board. Final installation work includes connection of gas service equipment and commissioning of the new generator. The well house project was anticipated to be completed by June 28, but as of July 2, construction was still ongoing.

The board unanimously voted to approve an extension for the sewer line project’s completion date to July 31. The delay was reported to be due to poor quality work from one of the landscaping subcontractors working on the project,

as well as waiting for Madison Gas and Electric to complete work on natural gas service equipment.

Other board actions

The board also discussed the UScellular oﬀer to purchase the village’s cell tower. In the previous June 7 meeting, the board voted to gather more information before proceeding.

There was no response to an email asking UScellular for purchase information regarding the cell tower. The motion to maintain the current leasing agreement with UScellular carried, with all members in favor except Schroeder who opposed.

The board discussed the previously tabled No Mow May ordinance change. Shea noted that residents can obtain a natural lawn permit that requires inspection.

“One month is clearly not going to make that much of a diﬀerence.” Shea said, casting doubt on the practice of No Mow May.

Uminowicz reminded of all the bees and other pollinators in the month of May, stating, “One month, if you look at your lawn during May, there's a lot of ﬂowers.”

The motion to change the ordinance to allow for No Mow May failed, with all members against, except Uminowicz, who voted in favor, and Schroder, who abstained.

Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certiﬁed Master Gardener

July Gardening Tasks

An Outdoorsman’s Journal: Return of the Canada Gang

Mark Walters, Columnist

Hello friends,

Back in 1982 I was 21 and my brother Mike was 25. Along with my dad, the late Robert Walters, and a family friend, we flew by float plane to Shultz lake which is 55 air miles northwest of Red Lake and absolutely kicked butt on walleye and northern pike. Forty-two years later Chimo Lodge and Outposts, formally owned by my good friends Pete and Elizabeth Hagedorn is owned by Chris and Tammy Leblanc and I am happy to say there is not a flaw in the way this business is run. Mike and I, along with my brother Tom Walters, brother in law Dick Schuster, nephew Trent Schuster, high school and lifelong friends Jeff Moll and Roger Frank and family friend Steve Mellone just returned from 7-days in the promised land.

Saturday, June 15th | High 69°, Low 47°

The theme for the ﬁrst 6 days of this trip would be cold and windy. Not chilling cold, but because of constant winds it wore on a person. We arrived yesterday, camped in Pete and Elizabeth’s back-

yard and flew to Shultz today and fish catching was very good and the mood was even better. Jeff Moll who is entering his 50th year as a Red Brush Hunter “our deer camp” would be my partner for the day and we did well as Jeff won the “big walleye” for the day with for the group. Trent Schuster’s first fish of the trip was caught on a night crawler harness and it was a 39 inch northern pike. Tonight, it was our usual antics of fresh walleye and playing crap on your neighbor, Moll and I saw daylight before calling it a day.

Sunday, June 16th | High 65°, Low 45°

Steve Mellone is the new guy in the group and Steve would have an incredible trip. Today he was fishing with my brother Tom and caught a 40-inch gator which knocked Trent out of the picture by an inch. Steve would see moose and bear on this trip could stay up till the cows come home and is a lot of fun. I mentioned the chill in the air, it was the wind and it would make boat handling, especially while fighting a good fish a very large challenge and every day but the last I wore knee boots and pants instead of sandals shorts.

Monday, June 17th | High 72°, Low 51°

About five years ago much of the bush around Shultz lake burned and we were here in ‘95 when it burned. People often speak poorly about forest fires but let me tell you, the new growth of aspen, birch and jack pine is beautiful and a smorgasbord for the local moose. Today I would be fishing with my 32-year-old nephew Trent Schuster, and we would take a boat from camp, travel to a portage “trail” and then hike to another lake where there is a boat. There are lake trout in this lake as well northern pike and walleye. Over 42 years we have only caught 5 trout and Trent wanted to make it six. Instead of just going after walleye that average 19-20 inches in this lake we rigged up with 4-ounce weights and weights and Trent used a 2-ounce jig with a 4 inch twister tail. We trolled in 60-feet of water and Trent had a hard hit and then an excellent fight by what would be a beautiful 29-inch laker. We had a day to fish and put it on a long stringer in deep water so the eagles would not get it and within one minute two arrived and failed as the trout was too deep to reach.

Next on the Trent Schuster Show was walleye. Numbers wise things were a bit slow, especially when compared to his uncle but in this gang, size matters and while I was catching numerous walleyes between 20 and 24 inches and while Trent was still living in the glory of his trout he was basically just an observer. The size game worked out very nicely when he hooked into a good ﬁsh, and we were being pushed hard by the wind. Trent caught a beautiful 27.25 inch walleye and what is really cool is that no more than 5 minutes after releasing it, he caught another 27-incher.

We ﬁshed hard all day and had a blast and then headed back to camp and baked one of the trout ﬁllets for a snack for the group to go with our supper. On this night crap on your neighbor and lots of laughs kept most of the gang up until there was daylight on the eastern horizon and in all of our minds we were splendidly aware that we had 5 more days of living large.

Live till your heart stops!

Sunset

Citizens are invited to attend a special meeting of the Sauk County Board. The Board will be casting their ﬁnal votes to consider selling the Sauk County Health Care Center to a private company. The nursing home is located on the west side of Reedsburg. The sale of the nursing home is the only item on the agenda.

The meeting will take place on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6 pm on the 3rd ﬂoor of the West Square Building in Baraboo. Citizens are encouraged to speak for or against the sale during public comment at the start of the meeting.

OUR SAUK COUNTY

S A V E Nursing Home!!

The tradition of caring for our elderly and disabled by Sauk County since the 1800s is being threatened by the County They are attempting a rushed sale of the Nursing Hom in a sweetheart deal to a private company (probably a lar corporation) without input f rom taxpayers or input f rom the appropriate County Board committees and before a Board-requested Continuum of Care analysis of county healthcare needs has been completed.

Our seniors, disabled, and veterans of all income levels deserve quality services (privatization almost always results in poorer services & reduction of employee benefits/wages).

Our nursing home is a 5 Star (highest rating) facility ***** Selling the nursing home is about privatizing— not about saving tax dollars!!!

The best way for the Sauk County Board to save property tax dollars, is to stop staffing a jail unit that has been empty since 2022. This would save $2.5 to $3 million of the $8 million property tax dollars budgeted for the jail which is part of the over $16 million budgeted for the Sheriff Department in 2024

$$$ About 90 cents of every dollar spent by the Sheriff Department is funded by property tax.

$$$ Only about 10 cents of every dollar spent by the Sauk County Nursing Home is property tax funded.

In Nov 2022, the 192 bed Huber unit closed leaving only the 177-bed pod B still operating with less than half of the staffed jail beds and a reduced inmate population. The jail staff should have been reduced significantly just like our nursing home staff was reduced when the Sauk County Board eliminated 38 FTES f rom our Sauk County Nursing Home staff in 2023 when a 27-bed unit of the 82-bed nursing home was closed.

Don’t let the County Board sell our County Nursing Home without our input! Our taxpayer dollars buil t it and we have the right to influence this decision!

Here are more facts supporting continued county ownership of OUR Nursing Home:

➢ At the April 11, 2024 Nursing Home Board of Trustees meeting, it was reported that the nursing home had a reserve fund balance of over $10.4 million and its operation only used about $60,000 of property tax dollars in 2023.

➢ 2023 was the best financial performance of the nursing home in many years.

➢ A recent increase in Medicare/Medicaid nursing home reimbursement fees shows that with a similar mix of patients as in 2023, the nursing home income could be more than $1.5 million higher in 2024 than in 2023.

➢ The nursing home building loan will be fully paid in 3 years.

Detter: 608/644-9900

Aaron Evert: 608/643-3442

Tim McCumber, Chair: 608/963-6581

Brent Miller, Administrator: 608/355-3274