Valley Sentinel - 08-25-2021

Inside this edition

Art from around the Valley: Jen Salt’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’

Live Music, Theater and more in our Community Calendar

RV Fall Sports Kick Off

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Pages 4-5

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Spring Green, Wisconsin

Wednesday, August 25, 2021 Vol. 2, No. 34 FREE, Single-Copy

Despite COVID challenges Car Show comes roaring back into downtown Spring Green Photo by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief

With the rain (mostly) holding off, downtown Spring Green was packed with people, music, food and — of course — cars Aug. 21 for the Spring Green Car Show.

Put on by the Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce annually, this year COVID led the car show to be distanced more than in years past, with reminders that masks were encouraged at each entrance.

Another big change this year was the decision to not award trophies due to the crowds that gather during the ceremony, with the Chamber stating they usually offer over 80 trophies.

4PeteSake updates the community on what’s next after COVID cancellations, how to help Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief 4PeteSake has yet to meet its fundraising goal after its board decided to cancel its Day in the Park that was set for Aug. 15 this year, based on public health concerns. This is the second year in a row the Day in the Park event has been cancelled due to COVID. “We feel with the rise in cases of the Delta Variant, we can’t run the event safely for all that would attend. Even though it’s an outdoor event, we have many kids that come and also older people that may have health issues we don’t know about,” said the 4PeteSake Board in a statement. “We do not want to be responsible for spreading the virus anymore than it already has.”

The organizers moved forward with their planned Run/Walk/Bike on Aug. 15

and has various fundraisers planned for the Fall.

Valley Sentinel spoke with Jean Alt, of 4PeteSake, to talk about what the next steps are for the organization that helps those in need in the community.

Valley Sentinel: Can you tell us a bit about the fundraisers that you were able to hold for this cycle and if they met your goals?

Jean Alt: We were only able to hold the run/walk/bike event on The Day in the Park on August 15. We also sold t-shirts, glassware and other 4PS “stuff” including a 50/50 raffle at 3 Local Nights at The Shed. There is a golf outing at The House on the Rock Resort on Friday, Sept.17 and we have room for a few more teams for that event. We are planning on having a Silent Auction and Buy it Now on Oct. 16. We haven’t confirmed the place for

that yet, but will let everyone know when that happens.

Each year at the Day in the Park, we have a Silent Auction and Buy it Now area in the pavilion at the park. Community people, artists, and businesses all donate items to this auction. We have collected many items over the summer and want to hold the event so we don’t hold those items over to next year. We will send out more specific information about it as the plan evolves. We will possibly have a Winter fundraiser, but that is just in the planning stage.

The White School and Homecoming had a pizza fundraiser on Sunday and it went very well.

With these fundraisers, we have not yet met our fundraising goal for this year.

We have had many, many wonderful

donations from people near and far and will continue to depend on those this Fall and Winter. People have been very generous especially after learning The Day in the Park was canceled.

VS: Where does 4PeteSake go from here?

JA: We will continue helping those in need as our mission states: 4PeteSake provides relief to distressed River Valley residents who face extraordinary financial needs and who are unable, through no fault of their own, to provide for themselves.

We pay it forward each year as the money raised goes to pay for the needs in the community in the next year.

Depending on how things go with the fundraisers this Fall, we may or may not

See page 5

Sauk County Board of Health encourages COVID-19 vaccination, recommends masks Sauk County Public Health COVID-19 vaccination is the leading public health strategy to end the pandemic, and the best path forward to save lives, provide safe in-school learning, and get us all back to doing what we love. Getting vaccinated prevents severe illness, hospitalization, and death; it also helps reduce the spread of the virus in our communities.

Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant. Past COVID-19 infection does not assure protection from the Delta variant, so people who have had past COVID-19 infection are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.

As of August 19th, 51.8% (33,409) of

Sauk County Residents have been fully vaccinated.

Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases in Sauk County. On July 1st, Sauk County’s 7-day average of newly confirmed cases was less than 1 case/day. On August 19th, the 7-day average was 11 newly confirmed cases/day. The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from COVID-19 and the Delta variant is to get vaccinated. The vaccine breakthrough rate, or % of fully vaccinated individuals who got COVID-19, is currently 0.3% in Sauk County.

What is concerning is that % of new cases in the 0-9 age group is increasing.

Previously only 5% of confirmed cases in Sauk County were in children ages

0-9. So far in the month of August 2021, 13% of our newly confirmed cases were in children ages 0-9. These children are too young to get vaccinated and rely on those around them being vaccinated and taking preventive actions to protect them from COVID-19.

Sauk County is currently in a high level of community transmission, therefore Sauk County Public Health in accordance with the CDC and WI DHS strongly recommend that everyone, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask in public indoor settings.

“We, the Sauk County Board of Health, are concerned by the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in Sauk County. High vaccination coverage reduces the spread of the virus and can help to prevent new

and possibly more concerning variants from emerging. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. If you aren’t vaccinated yet, we encourage you to please, do your part to make Sauk County a healthy place to live by getting vaccinated,” urges Pat Rego, RN and Sauk County Board of Health Chair.

For more information, visit: •Sauk County COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth/covid-19-vaccination-sites •Sauk County Public Health Coronavirus Page: https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/ publichealth/coronavirus

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opinion/Community

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

Plain and Simple Correspondent— Lament For A World in Chaos Katie Green, Contributor

As I begin this essay, Afghan refugees have just landed in Wisconsin at Ft. McCoy Army base, located between Sparta and Tomah.

Where these unfortunate individuals will be placed to try to establish a new life in the USA is anyone’s guess at this point, but Madison is one obvious site. There are already citizens of Afghan heritage living there and it would make life more bearable for the traumatized displaced persons to be near others who speak their language, understand their native culture, and could be most helpful in assisting the process of eventually feeling at home here.

In the past few weeks as the situation in Afghanistan worsened, I was entertaining the thought that perhaps the village of Plain could sponsor a family or two or a few individuals, but upon further reflection rejected that idea. The Bavarian German Catholic community culture here is so tightly knit that it is hard to weasel one’s way into it even if you are a native-born white Protestant American, and would pose mountainous barriers to assimilation for anyone from a war-torn foreign country who is dark, probably Muslim, and traumatized already. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I imagine they would be defeated, unutterably lonely and disheartened here in this backwater home of the sometimes-free and sometimes-brave. ( This is not a strong criticism of Plain, just the way it is here in a hamlet that resists change.)

My opinion is based on a close reading and study of teacher/therapist Mary Pipher’s excellent 2002 book, The Middle of Everywhere: Helping Refugees Enter the American Community. Pipher has been

involved for years as a mentor and friend in resettlement efforts in Lincoln, Nebraska, which was a location chosen by the US government for placing many asylum-seekers fleeing Vietnam and African countries before 9/11. She writes, “After September 11 we are all refugees from what was once our America.” My caveat to her statement is that groups such as African-Americans, First Peoples, LGBTU, Latinos and Asian-Americans born in this country have never really felt accepted and safe, generally speaking, let alone after 9/11.

I am just back from a family reunion in Northern California, where there are thousands of desperate refugees from forest fires, with more being added to the homeless and dispossessed every day as the fires rage on. New hurricanes and floods in the South are swelling the ranks of those who, thanks to the climate changes bringing on more and graver weather events, must reconstruct life anew. I myself have felt like a refugee off and on for much of my life, truthfully, since I have moved so many times in my life. These moves were motivated by the primary breadwinner’s work, and he found it easier to adjust than I or our children as we tried to sink down roots, however temporarily, in the new port from the storm.

Add to political and climate tragedies the current illness, death, and fear of same from Covid and the subsequent dislocations caused by loss of work by millions, and there is much reason for melancholy in the land. In fact, how to stave off hopelessness in the face of world-wide Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome is a task similar to Sysiphus’s punishment of rolling

Photo contributed by Katie Green

a boulder uphill for eternity. Each time he got to the top of the hill, the boulder would roll back down.

Every time we deal with one difficult situation, another crops up to take its place. How to cope?

Well, lamenting as a first step seems to bring some relief. I noticed on my favorite folk music radio program this week how many of the songs are laments in some form. I think of Bruce Springsteen’s “My City of Ruins”, and the many sad songs connected to immigration and post-war injury and other major losses that listeners to the program ask for repeatedly.

We seem to need to wallow in our sorrows for a time before picking up the pieces and moving on. I think it is wise psychologically to

reserve some time to memorialize the dead, the dying, bowing before the hard fact of how brief is the stay on earth for every living thing and how many troubles there are sure to be along the way.

The next step? Whatever works. Turn empathy into humanitarian action. Accentuate the positive, as the 1944 hit popular song said, written during the dark days of WW II. “You got to accentuate the positive, Eliminate the negative, Latch on to the affirmative, Don’t mess with Mr. In-between.”

Good luck.

Village of Arena public works projects delayed following special meeting Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief The village of Arena’s secondary well project hit a bump after the village engineering firm was unable to complete a design plan for the project by the planned Aug. 17 special meeting.

The special meeting was held for the

board to discuss project plans with MSA, the village’s engineering firm, and financing options with Elhers, the village’s accounting firm, for a secondary well and well house project.

Andy Zimmer, the new team lead for MSA, said due to recent turnover the con-

tracts for the project were not completed by Aug. 17, and expects them to be prepared by the September regular board meeting.

The board discussed with representatives from Ehlers various financing options for the projects, and due to timing limitations, Elhers recommended the board seek a bank

loan with the People’s Community Bank.

The village will use a Bond Counsel, Quarles & Brady, to write up contracts for the loan.

The board will continue discussing the project timeline and contracts at its Sept. 7 meeting.

Employment opportunities KRAEMER BROTHERS IS HIRING! Project Manager (PM)/Estimator

Duties: • Manage multiple projects in various stages of planning and construction • Prepare and manage detailed schematic budget ing and estimating • Project administration of projects to ensure accordance with design, schedule, and budget • Coordinate subcontractor bids Requirements: • 5+ years of Project Manager/Estimator experience • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering • Commercial construction experience • Understanding of our self-performed trades: carpentry, masonry, concrete, and ironwork is beneficial.Successful candidates should be familiar with estimating software, have strong client service orientation, demonstrate outstanding communication and organization skills.

Please send your resume to: Kraemer Brothers, LLC 925 Park Ave Plain, WI 53577 Email: jobs@kraemerbrothers.com Phone: 608-546-2411

Construction Superintendent Duties: •Management of construction activities •Ensuring compliance with design, schedule and budget requirements •Coordinating company performed trade work • Overseeing multiple subcontractors Requirements: • 5+ years of field management experience • Supervisory experience • Commercial construction experience • Experience in one of our self-performed trades: carpentry, masonry, concrete, and ironwork Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate prior success in working effectively as a team with project owners, architects, and subcontractors. Must possess the leadership abilities to achieve top-flight results.

Salary will be based on experience.

EEO/AA employer.

Now Hiring!

CleanPower is looking for a bank cleaner in Spring Green.

Work is Monday thru Saturday for 1.25 hours after 5:30pm.

This job has a flexible start time! Wage is $10 per hour.

Apply direct at www.cleanpower1.com by clicking careers at the top or call 608-213-9863 for more info.

EEO/AA Employer

arts & culture

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

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Community Art: Jen Salt’s ‘Dog Days of Summer’

Dog Days of Summer are the hot, sultry, humid days of summer. Now that we are approaching summer’s edge and onto autumn, we can (almost) say goodbye to those hot, sticky days!

Prince (pictured here) is a six year- old English Shepherd who resides with his family, Loraine and Rod Anding on a farm near Arena. He was five months old when he came to live with them and switched from a barn dog to a house dog in a short time. He has a beautiful life here and goes to Florida with the Andings for the winter. Rod says Prince has never done anything wrong and is their companion, guard dog and all around good boy. Every dog should be so lucky!

Medium: Oil —Jen Salt, Spring Green Jen Salt is an artist who lives in a place she calls “Crow’s Lair Cottage” just outside of Spring Green, where she’s lived for five and a half years.

“The Wisconsin River was the draw to move here and I’ve never looked back, coming from a big city. This is home.” ...

Valley Sentinel welcomes local artists across all mediums to share their work with the community. Send your submissions to: editor@valleysentinelnews.com Meet the Maker: Jen Salt Jen Salt will be exhibiting her paintings throughout September during regular library hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday

Rural Musicians Forum to present ‘Three Jazz Masters’, Himmelfarb’s sculpture in Wyoming John Christensen, Rural Musicians Forum

Rural Musicians Forum is delighted to present “Three Jazz Masters Pick Up the Beat,” a unique concert on Sept 5, 2:30 pm at the Town of Wyoming Garage.

The concert will feature the Rodrigo Villanueva Experimental Jazz Trio plus other guest artists performing on artist John Himmelfarb’s KB-3 truck sculpture.

The core trio includes Rodrigo Villanueva, composer, percussionist and Professor of Jazz Studies at Northern Illinois University

with guitarist, Fareed Haque and bassist, John Christensen.

Rodrigo has composed a few original compositions that are inspired by the incredible sounds available in the KB-3 Sculpture, and has also arranged well-known jazz standards to be performed during the concert incorporating sounds from Himmelfarb’s KB-3 sculpture.

Art pieces, especially sculptures, are traditionally objects to be looked at without touching. The wonderful thing about John Himmelfarb’s KB-3 Truck Sculpture is that it is meant to be touched, and played on — as a musical instrument. Himmelfarb said that he first began thinking about the possibility while building the second such sculpture, when he noticed the sonority of many of the objects he was welding together. Trained as a classical musician before becoming an artist, and after listening to several contemporary percussion performances, he became convinced that his trucks could be used musically.

As an artist with studios in Spring Green and Chicago, John Himmelfarb’s work is exhibited nationally and locally including installations in the permanent collections of the Chazen Museum of Art at University of Wisconsin and the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. His truck sculptures have been exhibited nationally and at Farm

Photos via John Himmelfarb Above: John Himmelfarb’s KB-3 at the Wyoming Town Hall. At Left: Himmelfarb and KB-3.

Art D’Tour/Fermentation Fest, and, most recently, as part of Madison Music Day, at the jazz club Café Coda.

The Town of Wyoming Garage is located at 6294 State Hwy 23 in Spring Green. General admission tickets are $12 per person and free for students Tickets may be purchased

Contact us

PO Box 144 Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588 USA (608) 588-6694 editor@valleysentinelnews.com valleysentinelnews.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Nicole Aimone Managing Editor Taylor Scott Legal Editor Gary Ernest Grass, esq.

at RuralMusiciansForum.org or at the door.

Please bring lawn chairs and comply with current COVID precautions.

This concert is also made possible with generous support from the Spring Green Area Arts Coalition, the Wisconsin Arts Board, and from BlueStem Jazz Madison.

Deadlines: The display and classified

Valley Sentinel is published in Spring Green, Wisconsin every Wednesday by Lower Wisconsin River Valley Sentinel, LLC. ISSN 2694-541X (print) — ISSN 2694-5401 (online) Interns Graphic Design/Pagination Anna Stocks-Hess Graphic Design/Infographics Whitney Back Editorial Adeline Holte Graphic Design/Editorial Nicole Hansen

advertising deadline is Monday at noon for that week. If you would like our design team to design the ad then please allow extra time for the creative process and proofing.

Ad team: ads@valleysentinelnews.com

Editorial Matthew L. Beyer Editorial Adam Meyer Distribution/Photography Kalen Scott Regular Contributors Arts & Culture/Editorial Bill Gordon

Arts & Culture/Editorial Alison Graves Arts Jen Salt Columns Grace Vosen Sports Mike McDermott

Our team will be growing and changing as we settle into publishing regularly, please stay in touch. Thank you to all of our contributors, by name and by pen, for believing in our community.

Editorial Policy

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

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Letters submitted for consideration are subject to fact-checking and editing for space and clarity.

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

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Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”

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Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas.

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Editors may feature opinion columns written by public figures, members of the public or other publication staff. Columns reflect the opinions of the individual contributors and do not represent positions of the publication. Guest columns of an anticipated length more than 500 words should seek prior editor authorization. .

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From time to time the editorial board may select letters to the editor of a particular compelling community interest where a public figure or accountable public action is the recipient of criticism and allow, in the same issue, the subject of the criticism chance for rebuttal, with expounded independent input.

The format shall be point, counterpoint and expert analysis. This community discussion shall serve as a moderated dialogue that presents multiple views of important community topics. .

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Community

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

COmmunitycalendar Events for August 26 - September 8 Thursday, August 26 Wyoming Valley School Tour 11:00 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 State Road 23 Spring Green . Free . www.wyomingvalleyschool.org. Tour times are 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Our tours are free to the public and casual. The rehabilitated historic project is finally complete. Come visit the only public elementary designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Homecoming - American Wine Project Dinner with Convivio 6:00 PM . Homecoming, 242 N Lexington St., Spring Green . $75 per guest . www.homecomingspringgreen.com. Reservations are required. Outdoor event! Inside if rain. Reserve your seat today!

Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . $10 cash only . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine & Yoga every Thursday in the Vineyard with certified Yoga Instructor Lara Carpenter.

Local Night: Jambidextrous 5:30 PM - 8:00PM . The Shed/Post House Garden, 123 N Lexington Street, 119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green . Come out and spend your Thursday evenings with some local music and local food. The food cooked on the grill on the patio is from our many local vendors in Spring Green and surrounding towns, and the musicians are from the River Valley area.

Friday, August 27 Healthy Soils Hold Water Field Day 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM . Stapleton Farm, 5952 County Road Z, Spring Green . Free .Join us to discuss practices that benefit your farm and help water infiltrate into your soil. See how no-till drilling, cover crops and pasture renovation practices conserve soil and nutrients on Joe’s farm, and witness the results in real time with a rainfall simulator.Get an earthworm’s view of the field from a soil pit and learn how to assess your own fields’ soil health; you will be able to take a free soil health test kit back to your farm, compliments of a grant from DNR to improve soil health and water quality.

Wyoming Valley School Tour 11:00 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 State Road 23 Spring Green . Free . www.wyomingvalleyschool.org. Tour times are 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Our tours are free to the public and casual. The rehabilitated historic project is finally complete. Come visit the only public elementary designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wine Down Fridays: Andy Braun 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . Free . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine down and chill at Wild Hills Winery! Live music every Friday! Enjoy the sounds of local musicians and singer-songwriters outdoors on the patio. Food and drink specials.

Church of Cash 7:00 PM . Mazomanie Performing Arts Pavilion,116 Brodhead St., Mazomanie . www.churchofcashmusic.com. Whether you are an ‘ol timer that grew up listening to Mr. Cash in your tractor or a young soldier driving your tank across the deserts of the Middle East with the Man in Black in your headphones, the Church of Cash will bring his music, with style and energy to fans everywhere.

Saturday, August 28 Spring Green Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM . S230 E. Monroe St Spring Green . www.facebook.com/SGFMarket. Local farm fresh produce, coffee, fresh baked goods, honey, soaps & lotions, bedding plants, cut flowers, maple syrup and more.

Master Naturalist Volunteer Training 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM . Schurch-Thomson Prairie, 8624 Reilly Rd, Barneveld . $275, scholarships may be available . www.wimasternaturalist.org/trainings/volunteer-training/. Get your Master Naturalist certification while exploring the prairies of the Driftless. Educators from The Prairie Enthusiasts will lead the class, and a wealth of experts will join us along the way.

Playing Through the Pandemic: APT Artists on How they Do It Webinar 11:00 AM . Virtual . www.americanplayers.org. There's more to an APT visit than just the plays. Get the whole story with our Beyond the Plays events - a series of talks, tours and fascinating insights into the plays, the people and the theater itself.

Wyoming Valley School Tour 11:00 AM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 State Road 23 Spring Green . Free . www.wyomingvalleyschool.org. Tour times are 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. Our tours are free to the public and casual. The rehabilitated historic project is finally complete. Come visit the only public elementary designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Jambidextrous 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!

CANCELED Acoustic Jam 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green . www.springgreengeneralstore.com. A longstanding jam for Acoustic musicians, held on the fourth Saturday of every month, these performers enjoy an audience and if you’d like to play along, please bring your instrument.

Sunday, August 29 Ice Cream Social 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM . Westland Promenade,116 Brodhead St., Mazomanie . www.mazomaniehistory.org. Join us for ice cream! Hosted by Mazomanie Historical Society.

Better Daze 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!

Monday, August 30 Grab and Go: Mystery Makers 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. What's in the bag?? It's a real mystery, even to us! Drop by the library starting TODAY to pick up YOUR mystery maker bag and get making with the variety of supplies inside. Also included is an ideas sheet and booklist to spark your creativity. Designed for kids, but this program great for all ages. And when you are finished, send us a picture of your creation! Kits are available while supplies last.

Tuesday, August 31 Pizza on 14 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM . The Shoppe, 7352 Hwy 14, Arena . Pizza from our wood-fired oven and live music every Tuesday.

Wednesday, September 1 Cerqua Rivera Orchestra 6:00 PM . Sh*tty Barn, 506 E Madison St, Spring Green . www.shittybarnsessions.com. Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre is a multicultural company that creates new dance and music to explore strong personal narratives. We build partnerships across Chicagoland to engage a diverse audience: sparking dialogue, reflecting diverse experiences, inspiring new perspectives. Advance tickets sold out.

That said, tickets often come up that people can't use. Check website or socials for the latest details about ticket availability.

Music in the Park 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . White Mound County Park, 3S7995 Whitemound Dr, Hillpoint . $5 per car . www.wildhillswinery.com. Sauk County Parks and Recreation presents Music in the Park! Join us for live music from Jake'O. Bring a picnic, blanket or lawn chair with your family and friends.The fee is only $5 per vehicle, unless you have the Sauk County annual sticker. State park stickers are not valid.

Thursday, September 2 Iowa County Fair 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM .900 Fair Street, Mineral Point . Adult daily $10, Youth (8-12) daily - $5, 7 & under - free, Adult season - $40, Youth season - $15 . www.iowacountyfair.com. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule.

Wine & Yoga 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . $10 cash only . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine & Yoga every Thursday in the Vineyard with certified Yoga Instructor Lara Carpenter.

Local Night: Betetr Daze 5:30 PM - 8:00PM . The Shed/Post House Garden, 123 N Lexington Street, 119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green . Come out and spend your Thursday evenings with some local music and local food. The food cooked on the grill on the patio is from our many local vendors in Spring Green and surrounding towns, and the musicians are from the River Valley area.

APT: Spring Green Night 8:00 PM . American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green . $25 . www.americanplayers.org. Join us for our Spring Green night for Cymbeline. River Valley School district residents only. Use promo code SG21 at checkout.

Friday, September 3 Iowa County Fair 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM .900 Fair Street, Mineral Point . Adult daily $10, Youth (8-12) daily - $5, 7 & under - free, Adult season - $40, Youth season - $15 . www.iowacountyfair.com. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule.

Wine Down Fridays: Scott Wilcox 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Wild Hills Winery, 30940 Oakridge Dr. Muscoda . Free . www.wildhillswinery.com. Wine down and chill at Wild Hills Winery! Live music every Friday! Enjoy the sounds of local musicians and singer-songwriters outdoors on the patio. Food and drink specials.

Saturday, September 4 Iowa County Fair 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM .900 Fair Street, Mineral Point . Adult daily $10, Youth (8-12) daily - $5, 7 & under - free, Adult season - $40, Youth season - $15 . www.iowacountyfair.com. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule.

Spring Green Farmers Market 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM . S230 E. Monroe St Spring Green . www.facebook.com/SGFMarket. Local farm fresh produce, coffee, fresh baked goods, honey, soaps & lotions, bedding plants, cut flowers, maple syrup and more.

3 Souls 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!

Sunday, September 5 Iowa County Fair 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM .900 Fair Street, Mineral Point . Adult daily $10, Youth (8-12) daily - $5, 7 & under - free, Adult season - $40, Youth season - $15 . www.iowacountyfair.com. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule.

Myles Talbott Dyad 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!

Harrisburg School & Museum Open House 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Harrisburg One-Room School House, E7646 Cty Rd. B, Spring Green . www.harrisburgtroyhistoricalsociety.org. Tour a restored one-room school house and view agricultural items of years ago, veterans display and replica of an old kitchen.

Rural Musicians Forum: Three Jazz Masters Pick up the Beat 2:30 PM . Town of Wyoming Garage, 6294 State Hwy 23, Spring Green . $12, students free . Rural Musicians Forum is delighted to present “Three Jazz Masters Pick Up the Beat,” a unique concert at the Town of Wyoming Garage. The concert will feature the Rodrigo Villanueva Experimental Jazz Trio plus other guest artists performing on artist John Himmelfarb’s KB-3 truck sculpture.

Psycherelic 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM . Trader's Bar and Grill Island Campground, 7608 Wittwer Rd, Arena, . www.facebook.com/Psycherelic.rocks. Psycherelic is a band of with a playful stage energy and tremendous intensity, performing everything from classic rock favorites to blues and soul. Come and hang out with them at the tiki bar by the river.

Four Play 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage! Fireworks at dusk!

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

Community APT: Spring Green Night 8:00 PM . American Players Theatre, 5950 Golf Course Road, Spring Green . $25 . www.americanplayers.org. Join us for our Spring Green night for Cymbeline. River Valley School district residents only. Use promo code SG21 at checkout.

Sunday, September 6 Iowa County Fair 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM .900 Fair Street, Mineral Point . Adult daily $10, Youth (8-12) daily - $5, 7 & under - free, Adult season - $40, Youth season - $15 . www.iowacountyfair.com. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule.

CANCELED BeatleFest 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green . www.springgreengeneralstore.com.

Hard Tellin 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music continues on the River Stage!

Reminder The risk of participating in a certain activity depends on many factors. Because of this, there’s no way to assign risk levels to certain actions. That’s why it’s important to consider your own situation and the risks for you, your family, and your community.

Here are some of the questions you can ask and consider before venturing out.

Is there substantial to high transmission of COVID-19 in your community?

Do you take everyday actions to protect yourself from COVID-19?

Will you potentially be in close contact with someone who is sick or someone who is not wearing a mask (and may be asymptomatic)?

Page 5

Run/Walk/Bike and various fundraisers still held, but 4PeteSake asks for help in reaching goal continued from page 1 have a Fall funding round. We absolutely will have a funding round in the Spring.

Despite the setback of not having the Day in the Park for two years, we will persevere and continue to help those in need.

VS: Despite 4PeteSake Day in the Park being cancelled, how can people help or get involved?

JA: People can get involved by participating in the events we have planned or by donating to the organization. Donations are accepted online at www.4petesake.com or by mailing a check to PO Box 577, Spring Green, WI 53588. If anyone wants to have a fundraiser for us, we will gladly talk about and see what can be arranged.

Are you fully vaccinated?

Are you at increased risk of severe illness?

Will you be in close contact with people outside of your household? Are they fully vaccinated?

Here are some important guidelines to help ensure everyone’s safety: Get vaccinated.

Stay at least 6 feet away from other people when possible.

Wash hands frequently.

Wear a mask.

Stay home when sick.

Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces when possible.

Data from: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm Community Calendar curated by Whitney Back, from events submitted by the community

Photo contributed by Jean Alt 4PeteSake Run/Walk/Bike participants line up at North Park in Spring Green.

View across the Valley as rain breaks and Western smoke leads to stunning sunsets Photo contributed by Aaron Jacobus

A beautiful view of the sunset from the Arena boat landing on Tuesday, Aug. 24 after scattered storms broke shortly before last light. The spectacular view was visible across the Valley.

Send us your favorite views at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

In other news

Local. Natural.

Delicious.

Spring Green Community Library looking for board memebers The Spring Green Library is seeking applications for local community members to serve on its Board of Directors.

We strive to serve specialty coffee and baked goods created with ingredients that are locally sourced, all natural and sustainable.

Additional information about the board and an application can be found at www.springgreenlibrary.org.

Applications are due by Sept. 3.

Our schedule is posted each week on social media.

Governor gives young resident vaccine incentive

Coffee & News

Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Heath Services (DHS) recently announced state residents who receive their at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine can receive a $100 visa gift card.

Residents 12 and up are eligible for the reward, and vaccinations must be received Aug. 20-Sept. 6 at a Wisconsin vaccine provider.

Residents can visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/100.htm or call 844-684-1064 to sign up for the reward.

Get in touch with us today! www.butternutroadcoffee.com butternutroadcoffeetruck@gmail.com 608-459-5016 Butternut Road Coffee Truck butternutroad_coffeetruck Butternut_Road

A collaboration by Valley Sentinel & Butternut Road Coffee.

Stop by the coffee truck starting mid-week to pick up a copy of Valley Sentinel with your coffee, while supplies last.

Page 6

Community

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary

649,636 Positive Cases

Cases as of 8/24/2021

+9,388 from 8/17

3,122,855 Negative Test Results +32,380 from 8/17

7,549 Deaths +66 from 8/17

Vaccine Summary Statistics Updated: 8/24/2021

6,026,120 Administered

3,357,830

2,416,980

Pfizer doses administered

251,310

Moderna doses administered

Johnson & Johnson doses administered

Vaccine Data

These two core measures are all measures of herd immunity in Richland, Sauk and Iowa County. We do not yet know what level of vaccination leads to herd immunity for COVID-19, or how current or future variants might affect herd immunity. We know based on other diseases that herd immunity is likely at least 60%, and if more transmissible variants become more common, that threshold may become higher, so our current target range is 60-90%.

-Madison Public Health and Dane County

Richland County

1,410 Positive Cases +25 from 8/17 8,455 Negative Tests +47 from 8/17 16 Death +0 from 8/17

Richland

Sauk

Target Range

52%

Iowa County

2,186 Positive Cases +26 from 8/17 12,416 Negative Tests +82 from 8/17 13 Deaths +0 from 8/17 Sauk County 6,368 Positive Cases +108 from 8/17 37,897 Negative Tests +226 from 8/17 53 Deaths +1 from 8/17

55.8%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

52.4%

49.3%

Percent fully vaccinated

Target Range

Percent fully vaccinated

Iowa

Target Range

61.4%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

58.9%

Percent fully vaccinated

Percent of Wisconsin residents ages 12-15 who have received at least one dose by county

Cases per zip code Cases as of 8/24/2021

Updated: 8/24/2021

Lower %

Higher %

Richland County Ages 12-15 36.2%

Iowa County Ages 12-15

Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose

47.8%

Sauk County Ages 12-15

Ages

12-15

40%

16-17

18-24

Dane County

Ages 12-15 74.2%

Graphic by Whitney Back

25-34

35-44

Updated: 8/24/2021 40.2%

47.1% 47.5%

51.8%

45-54 55-64 65+

Data From: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm

59.6%

61.5%

71.2% 84.5%

SPORTS

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

Page 7

Football Preview: Blackhawks look to compete coming off 7-2 record last year Despite a tough loss to start the season, the River Valley Blackhawks Varsity Football team is looking to come back hard after a 7-2 record last year (5-0 conference), in a season mired by COVID that cancelled their postseason hopes.

Losing 20 letterwinners and welcoming 20 letterwinners back, the Blackhawks are working hard to transition players to new key positions.

Key senior losses include: the powerhouse Will Bailey, Tyler Nachreiner, Aaron Christensen, Sam Cady, Isaac Prem, Roman Jensen, Ethan Klukas, Jesse Day, Cole Stiemke, Josh Burt, the one and only Jaydon Rose, and is rounded out by Kalen Scott.

Key offensive returnees include: Zach Gloudeman (RB), Landen Alt (WR) and Ryan Norton (OL), with key defensive returnees including: Zach Gloudeman (LB), Ethan Wickman (DL), Zack Vickerman (DL), Kameran Smith (DB).

With the returning Zach Gloudeman (RB/LB) and Ryan Norton (OL) having been named to All-Conference.

“We lost many key seniors with two and three years of varsity experience to graduation from the 2020 team,” said Head Coach Tim Eastlick. “Our returning seniors will use their experience and leadership to quickly bring our juniors into the fold as quickly as possible.”

Photo via Tim Eastlick River Valley Blackhawks Football team photo. Row 1 L-R: Zack Eames, Kale Lissy, Landon Radtke, Kameran Smith, Jack Myers, Landon Clary, Zach Vickerman, Zach Gloudeman, Ethan Hillebrand, Landen Alt, Max Solomon. Row 2 L-R: Ayden Horton, Trey Schulte, Ethan Wickman, Cole White, Dylan Schmid, Braden Prochaska, Kody Durand, Jacob Bindle, Cailub Schultz. Row 3 L-R: Kaleb Esser, Jessen Runyan, Tyler Willoughby, Cale Sorg, Logan Willis, Daniel Yanke, Zach Lomasney, Hunter Auliff, Evan Alt, Ryan Norton. Row 4 L-R: Bryrick Goebel, Mason Peterson, Rece Rhoades, Hayden Tafs, Brett Bindl, Jackson Thier, Ashton Scott, Logan Nabors, Brady Myers. Row 5 L-R: Coaches Jason Sprecher, Kevin Billington, Kyle Heckendorf, Tim Eastlick, Taylor Jahn, Tim Liegel, Dan Machovec, Chadd Maxwell.

This is Tim Eastlick’s 19th year as coach. This year he is joined by Assistant Coaches Kevin Billington (Defen-

sive Coordinator LB), Kyle Heckendorf (QB – Passing Coordinator), Tim Liegel (JV Coach), Dan Machovec (Defen-

sive Line), Chadd Maxwell (Defensive Backs), Taylor Jahn (Offensive Line) and Jason Sprecher (JV Coach).

Cross Country Preview: Q&A as Krey takes over as coach, team brings back 12 letterwinners With Fall sports season starting at River Valley High School, Valley Sentinel spoke with Brian Krey, the new Boys and Girls Cross Country coach on what to expect this season: Valley Sentinel: What should the community be looking forward to while watching this season? Any breakout athletes to watch?

What are some of your goals for the season?

Brian Krey: I am excited to take over a great program. We have 22 members on our team (14 girls and 8 boys). I’m excited that we have 12 letter winners back - 6 girls and 6 boys, which will provide experience and leadership for the season.

Returning letter winners include (Name,

Grade, Letters Earned): Boys: Julius Ross, Senior, 3; Eli Johnson, Senior, 2; Ethan Wastlick, Senior, 2; Josh Maes, Senior, 2; Mason Henkel, Senior, 1; TJ Strine, Junior, 1 Girls: Madison Krey, Senior, 3; Anna Johnson, Senior, 3; Abi Cummings, Senior, 3; Madeline Hutnik, Senior, 1; Kylie Morrey, Junior, 2; Caitlin Wastlick, Sophomore, 1.

Our team is going to be a great blend of veterans and newcomers on our boys and girls teams.

Our senior boys are beginning to understand what it takes to compete each week,

The River Valley Blackhawks Varsity Football team fell in a tough home loss, 14-42, Aug. 20 in their season opener against Madison Edgewood.

Blackhawks Head Coach Tim Eastlick provided these comments to media after the game: Question: Did Madison Edgewood bring anything to the game you didn’t expect?

Tim Eastlick: Edgewood was very athletic and physical in both the offensive and defensive line. We didn’t match their intensity there and it hurt us.

Q: What did they do to take control?

How did you try to stop them?

TE: Edgewood was able to take advantage of some of our mistakes and turn them into scores. Our boys battled and gave a solid effort. I

believe that we learned a little bit about ourselves in this loss.

Q: Ethan Wickman was at QB. How has that transition worked and what do you expect to see from him as the season progresses?

TE: Ethan has worked hard to get himself in a position to be our starting QB. We know there will be some growing pains with a first year QB, however, Ethan has shown a willingness to put in the work to improve.

Q: How did it feel to get back to regular season after the ‘COVID year’ last year?

TE: It felt great getting back to an August Friday night under the lights.

Q: What are the Blackhawks working on this week?

TE: We will continue to work on our

and have have the knowledge of what it takes to get through an entire season, so I would fully expect us to improve on our places/finishes as a team compared to the last few years. Pairing our veterans with freshman Noah Radtke and Connor Grant - who both had success at the MiddleSchool level - should have our boys team in the mix at each race.

On the girls’ side, we bring back six letter winners that bring optimism and positivity that really energizes and encourages our entire squad. New runners this fall include (grade in parenthesis): Jayla Maier (12), Bobbi DuCharme (10), Emma Anding (10), Sara Clary (10), Aubrey Frazier (9), Grace Morrey

(9), Alex Bandell (9), and Alana Merritt (9).

I also expect our girls team to improve our place/finish as a team compared to the last few years. I believe our newcomers will make a big impact this season - and hope that our varsity lineup changes each week based on every runner (veterans and newcomers) gaining more confidence and courage each week.

Bobbi and Jayla are coming off great track seasons, and hope the momentum from this past spring carries forward to this fall.

Our goals this fall are to not only improve our running ability but to gain confidence & courage each day, work as a team, and commit to working hard each practice

Blackhawks face tough loss in Varsity Football season opener versus Madison Edgewood

Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor No. 14, Kameran Smith of River Valley, moves to down the football after a punt on special teams at the Aug. 20 season opening game versus Madison Edgewood. offensive and defensive execution.

We will strive to have a more balanced attack on Friday.

Q: Next opponent and what to expect?

TE: Lancaster will be running more

a Spread and a 3-4 defense. They seem to have good size and are very athletic on both sides of the ball.

Lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

School activities this week Cross Country: Varsity Meet UW River Falls Thursday, August 26, 4:00 p.m.

Football: Varsity River Valley High School Friday, August 27, 7:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV2 Tournament Dodgeville High School Monday, August 30, 4:00 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Viroqua High School Tuesday, August 31, 5:00 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity River Valley Elementary School Field Thursday, August 26, 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Invitational UW Stout Saturday, August 28, 8:00 a.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity River Valley Elementary School Field Monday, August 30, 5:00 p.m.

Football: 7th Grade 918 S. Blue Mounds Rd, Mount Horeb, WI Tuesday, August 31, 5:30 p.m.

Soccer: Boys JV River Valley Elementary School Field Thursday, August 26, 6:45 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Amherst High School Saturday, August 28, 11:00 a.m.

Football: JV River Valley High School Monday, August 30, 5:30 p.m.

Football: 8th Grade 918 S. Blue Mounds Rd, Mount Horeb, WI Tuesday, August 31, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Invitational UW Stout Friday, August 27, 8:30 a.m.

Soccer: Boys JV Amherst High School Saturday, August 28, 1:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV Tournament Dodgeville High School Tuesday, August 31, 4:00 p.m.

Cross Country: Middle School Practice Begins Wednesday, Sept. 1, 3:30 p.m.

“The good stuff.”

Page 8

SPORTS/outdoors & recreation

WednesdaY, august 25, 2021

RVRC Girls Swim Team kick off the season strong with second place finish in Milton Last Saturday the River Valley/Richland Center Co-op (RVRC) Girls Swim Team swam at the Milton Invite. The RVRC swimmers started the season out strong, finishing in second place out of nine teams that participated in the event. Coach Mike Nachreiner said, “It was great to see all the swimmers do very well today. They have been working very hard with two practices a day to get ready for this first meet. I am happy to see their hard work payoff”.

RVRC started the meet strong with a 3rd place finish in the 200 Medley Relay with Lily Saperstein, Beverly Harper, Megan Nachreiner and Bobbi DuCharme. RVRC’s best finish in the meet was 1st place by Beverly Harper in the 50 yard freestyle with a time of 26.26. RVRC had 21 individual entries and 20 out of the 21 scored points for RVRC. Emily Nachreiner said, “It was a total team effort to take the second place today. Besides 20 out of 21 scoring in individual events, all three

relays finished 5th place or better”.

Team Scoring: 1.Milton 434 2.River Valley/Richland Center 275 3.Lodi / WI Heights 245 4.Janesville Parker 242 5.Beloit Memorial 238 6.Jefferson/Cambridge 224 7.Stoughton 215 8.Edgerton/Evansville 173 9.Delevan Darien 103 Relay Teams scoring points: 3rd Place in 200 Medley Relay: Lily Saperstein, Beverly Harper, Megan Nachreiner and Bobbi DuCharme.

5th Place in 200 Free Relay: Kris Langrehr, Marissa Needham, Lily Saperstein and Beverly Harper.

4th Place in 400 Free Relay: Bobbi DuCharme, Marissa Needham, Megan Nachreiner and Kris Langrehr.

Scoring in Individual Events: Kris Langrehr finished 8th in the 200 yard freestyle and 8th in the 100 yard breaststroke.

Marissa Needham took 10th place in the 200 yard freestyle and 13th in the 100 yard butterfly.

Charlotte Ferstl won 13th place in the 200 yard freestyle and 11th in the 500 yard freestyle.

Bobbi DuCharme finished 7th in the 200 Individual Medley and 6th place in the 100 yard freestyle.

Erin Glasbrenner took 11th in the 200 Individual Medley.

Beverly Harper won 1st place in the 50 yard freestyle and 2nd place in the 100 Individual Medley.

Grace Tjossem finished 14th in the 50 yard freestyle.

Lily Saperstein took 8th place in the 100 yard butterfly and 7th place in the 100 yard backstroke.

Megan Langrehr won 14th place in the 100 yard freestyle and 15th in the 100 yard breaststroke.

Photo by Emily Nachreiner Freshman Lily Saperstein executing one of her turns in during the 100 yard butterfly.

Megan Nachreiner finished 4th place in the 500 yard freestyle and 6th place in 100 yard backstroke.

Alivia Glasbrenner took 9th in the 100 yard breaststroke.

Alexis Webb finished 11th in the 100 yard breaststroke.

The Sauk County Gardener — Creating a Late Summer Blooming Pollinator-Friendly Garden Jeanie Manis, Sauk County “The flower doesn’t dream of the bee.

It blossoms and the bee comes.”

- Mark Nepo At this time of year when I’m out in my perennial flower beds, I have alot of opportunities to observe butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Over the years, my husband and I have endeavored to plant flowers, bushes, and trees that are not only beautiful for us to look at, but also beneficial to pollinators. I never seem to have too much trouble finding plants that bloom in the spring or summer, but I do struggle somewhat when it comes to late summer and fall blooming plants. We all know about the beautiful garden mums for this time of year, but there are so many more flowers that can provide color and the nectar that our pollinators need.

Creating a pollinator garden (or adding pollinator plants to your existing garden) can help provide food for pollinators and shelter from weather and predators. Some great native flowers to consider for late summer/fall blooms include: Aster, black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia spp.), goldenrod (Solidago spp.), sunflower (Helianthus), Hyssop (Agastache), Stonecrop (Sedum spp.), and Blazing Star (Liatris spp.). Purple coneflower

(Echinacea purpurea) and yellow coneflower (Ratibida pinnata). These native flowers not only provide blooms July through September, both bees and butterflies are attracted to these taller perennials. If you have a shady spot, consider planting the red cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) or great blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) to provide color and nectar in late summer/early fall. Finally, flowering herbs, such as oregano, are also great sources for nectar as well. After planting, mulch the area with shredded leaves to help conserve water, minimize weeds, and provide a place for bumblebees and other beneficial insects to live. Before planting, take note of their height and soil and water requirements to make sure you select ones that will work in your garden.

Eliminate the use of pesticides as much as you can. Most plants can handle some insect damage and most pesticides do not discriminate between good and bad insects. Many of the insects that are feeding on your plants are food for birds and other wildlife as well. If you find it necessary to use a pesticide, use the ones that are less toxic to bees and other beneficial insects. Apply the pesticide when the flowers are not flowering and/or in the evening when it’s cooler, as there is less insect activity on the plants at that time.

In addition to selecting plants that can provide nectar, add water in the way of a birdbath, fountain, or small puddling area for the pollinators to visit. It should be close to the plants you want them to visit and easy for you to observe and access for refilling the water as needed. If you’re creating a puddling area, the container should be shallow, such as a terra cotta saucer set right on the ground or a low, shallow birdbath. Fill the container with dirt or sand to provide landing spots. You can also add some rocks or sticks.

Then keep the soil moist; if it’s hot and dry, you’ll probably have to fill it daily (thus the reason to have it where you can easily see and reach it.) In your birdbath, consider adding landing pads as well for the butterflies and bees. We use wine corks in our birdbaths as they float, and it gives us a reason to enjoy a nice bottle of wine as well.

At the end of the season, resist the urge to cut back those perennials for the winter. Instead, they leave them standing to provide winter interest, food for the birds, and a home for the beneficial insects that overwinter in your garden debris. There are a variety of butterflies, moths, bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects that need your garden debris to survive the winter so wait until spring to do completely clean up your garden.

To learn more about pollinators and attracting them to your garden, visit

Photo contributed by Jeanie Manis https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/ articles/pollinators/ or download this publication: https://cdn.shopify. com/s/files/1/0145/8808/4272/ files/G4001.pdf. The publication “Supporting native bees: Our essential pollinators” has an extensive list of native trees, shrubs, and flowers along with their bloom time, average height, light requirements, and soil moisture needs.

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 calling the University of Wisconsin Madison Division of Extension Sauk County office at 608355-3250.

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