Valley Sentinel - 09-01-2021

Inside this edition

Community Calendar: Theatre, live music, and more!

Volleyball + other school activities

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Spring Green, Wisconsin

Birding Report: Hummingbirds, Nighthawks and Warblers Page 8

Wednesday, September 1, 2021 Vol. 2, No. 35 FREE, Single-Copy

Blackhawks thunder to a huge win as the Fall sports season moves into full swing Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor Lightning flashes in the background in the final minutes of play as the River Valley Blackhawks Varsity Football team takes on the Lancaster Flying Arrows at home as a large storm rolls in Aug. 27.

After coming off a hard loss last week, the Blackhawks thundered to a 32-8 win against the Flying Arrows. They play Platteville this Friday, 7pm at home.

More sports coverage continued on page 7.

American Players Theatre opened two more plays in August Oedipus and The Taming of the Shrew adaptations still to come in the fall American Players Theatre (APT) opened two more productions in August. A new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, adapted by director Marti Lyons and APT’s Director of Voice and Text, Sara Becker from an original adaptation by Henry Woronicz opened in the 1,089-seat outdoor Hill Theatre Saturday, August 17.

APT’s Artistic Director Brenda DeVita said of the production: “We are so thrilled to be working on this production of Cymbeline. It’s a play APT has only produced once before, and this adaptation

by Director Marti Lyons and our Director of Voice and Text, Sara Becker, featuring an incredible cast of women – it truly opens up new facets of the play. The story very much feels like a fairy tale, and it’s so much fun to play with those tropes and kind of turn them upside down, and inspect what’s relevant and true and exciting about this often-overlooked Shakespeare play.

And it shouldn’t be overlooked. Because ultimately, it’s a play about forgiveness.

Who deserves it? Is anything truly unforgivable? How do you hold people accountable for their misdeeds, whether they’re trivial or dangerous? Those are questions we, as a society, are asking every day, and it could not feel more timely. I can’t wait for our audience to see it and dig into those questions.”

Christopher Fry’s A Phoenix Too Frequent directed by Keira Fromm began its run in the 200-seat Touchstone Theatre on Thursday, August 26 with opening night on Saturday, August 28 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now for both Cymbeline and A Phoenix Too Frequent.

For people who can’t make the trip to APT in person, filmed versions of the plays are available online through the closing date of the in-person production.

More information can be found at americanplayers.org/apt-at-home.

For more information on 2021 tickets, visit americanplayers.org. Masks are currently required in the indoor Touchstone Theatre. For the latest safety updates, visit americanplayers.org/covidrules.

The 2021 Plays

August 12 – September 11, Hill Theatre Cymbeline

By William Shakespeare Adapted by Henry Woronicz Directed by Marti Lyons When his daughter Imogen secretly marries Posthumus, a good man without financial means, King Cymbeline banishes Posthumus in a fury. In Rome, missing his wife and his home, Posthumus meets Iachimo, who plants a seed in his mind that Imogen will be unfaithful to him in his absence. In despair, Posthumus contacts his servant Pisanio with orders to murder Imogen, but the servant instead disguises her as a page and smuggles her out of

court and off on a great Shakespearean adventure. Featuring: Tracy Michelle Arnold, Gina Daniels, Sarah Day, Alys Dickerson, Elizabeth Ledo, Colleen Madden, Melisa Pereyra and Lisa Tejero.

August 26 – October 3, Touchstone Theatre A Phoenix Too Frequent

By Christopher Fry Directed by Keira Fromm In ancient Greece, Dynamene is prepared to die from grief over the death of her husband and has barricaded herself, fasting, in his tomb. She has brought her faithful servant along to die with her (a plan that said servant is not 100% on board with). But it’s not long before Dynamene is distracted from her death wish by the arrival of a handsome soldier, Tegeus, providing a foil for her grief in this comedy about love and expectations. Originally slated for the 2020 season. Featuring Phoebe González, Tyler Meredith and Christopher Sheard.

September 19 – October 9, Hill Theatre Oedipus

By Sophocles Adapted & Directed by David Daniel A plague has descended on Thebes, and the citizens insist that King Oedipus do something to save them. The king sends his brother, Creon, to an oracle to determine how to lift the sickness in their city, and he comes back with an answer (although an oracle’s answer is seldom a simple thing): find the murderer of the previous King Laius, and when the

killer is punished, the plague will lift.

Oedipus sets out immediately to do so, and what he discovers spurs a reckoning that reverberates through the centuries.

A Greek murder mystery that explores the many facets of human nature and relationships.

Featuring Gavin Lawrence as Oedipus.

Also featuring La Shawn Banks, Sun Mee Chomet, Ted Deasy, Corey Jones, Samantha Newcomb, Triney Sandoval.

Thallis Santesteban and Marcus Truschinski.

October 14 – November 14, Touchstone Theatre The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare Adapted & Directed by Shana Cooper In Padua, the wealthy Lucentio stumbles across a woman he immediately believes to be the love of his life. The problem is that said woman, Bianca, already has multiple suitors. And to complicate matters further, she will not be allowed to marry until after her sister, Katherine, has walked down the aisle herself. Kate is a bit of a wild card, though, and marriage is not on her mind.

So Lucentio and Bianca rope in a gold digger, Petruchio, who agrees to pursue Kate. This infamous will-they-won’t-they couple engages in the usual fray in a brand new way in this five-actor adaptation of the classic Shakespearean comedy.

Featuring Alejandra Escalante and Daniel Molina as Kate and Petruchio. Also featuring Casey Hoekstra, Colleen Madden and James Ridge.

Additional COVID-19 vaccination dose offered in Richland County to immunocompromised Tracy Thorsen, Director and Rose Kohout, Health Officer, Richland County Health & Human Services Certain immunocompromised people are recommended and eligible to get an additional dose of Pfizer (ages 12 and up) or Moderna (ages 18 and up) COVID-19 vaccine following a completed series. This includes people who have: ●Been receiving active cancer treatment for

tumors or cancers of the blood. ●Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system. ●Received a stem cell transplant within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system. ●Moderate to severe primary immunodeficiency (such as DiGeorge syndrome,

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome). ●Advanced or untreated HIV infection. ●Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, transplant-related immunosuppressive drugs, cancer chemotherapeutic agents classified as severely immunosuppressive, tumor-necrosis (TNF) blockers, or other drugs that may suppress your immune response.

Eligible individuals may receive an additional COVID vaccine dose at FREE COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS being held in Richland County. Starting September 1 these Wednesday vaccination clinics will be moved to Richland County Health & Human Services, 221 W. Seminary Street, Richland

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opinion

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This week’s The Plain & Simple Correspondent: Gimme Shelter Katie Green, Community Contributor

slice of cold, seedless watermelon at the end of a long, hot day where everything else went wrong. If we go down, we might as well go down loving and enjoying the goodness of this earth.

That love on which some stubbornly rely is being lifted up daily in stories of heroic rescues carried out by people of courage and empathy amid terrible confusion, even while the counter narratives of selfishness and exploitation refuse to go away. Untroubled by common sense or restraint, the majority party in our State legislature just voted $680,000 (for starters) to again beat the dead horse of the 2020 presidential election results, while many others are emptying their pockets to send funds and supplies to rebuild lives and homes, to help refugees recover from the heartaching losses of war, fire, flood, etc., all of whom are urgently needing shelter and succor.

The need specifically for shelter for all God’s creatures, has intensified greatly since the book and song referred to above were written. A report from United Way reprinted by the investigative journalism organization, Wisconsin Watch, explains the struggle people with incomes below the poverty level have just to attain the basics, people who are working, but whose low-paying incomes don’t cover necessities. The reasons are many, as you are doubtless aware. To recap a short list: the pandemic reduced or destroyed careers and wiped out savings; unlike in the past, individuals and families caught in poverty rarely can climb into the middle class without help anymore; elders, who in other times moved into smaller homes or in with relatives near the end of life, are aging in place with in-home care, so their homes don’t turn over on the market; a growing population of citizens is outstripping what new construction can provide for (especially true since the recession and collapse of the economy in 2006-9 laid off many construction workers, who never returned to the trades); the cost of construction materials is 30-45% higher

than just a few years ago, due in large part to hiccoughs in the supply chain brought on by the COVID pandemic. As a result of these and other forces, the cost of purchase or rental has skyrocketed beyond the ability of many to pay. So what are they to do besides live on the streets?

To focus on our hamlet of Plain, the town board months ago agreed that affordable housing was a need even in our small, seemingly affluent populace. To my knowledge, there has been no followup. The only new construction we have is a large housing development by the golf course with half acre lots, designed for upper middle class and wealthy folk.

It would be possible, naturally, to set aside one or more of those lots to build a cluster of garden cottages of modest dimensions, but has the thought been entertained? These would be as tiny as the cabin I and five other humans lived together in during my youth, or the small homes that city dwellers and suburbanites used to think was adequate.

There are colonies of these undersized houses springing up all over the country now, and a whole neighborhood of them near Viroqua.

The official Tiny Houses are most frequently on wheels, which some regulations classify as RVs, usually run about 200-300 square feet of space, and can be beautiful as well as compact. I’ve seen illustrations of really classy designs.

Our friend Doug Kraemer has built several of these, each one a work of art. If you are of a nomadic bent, don’t require a fixed address or more room than you can frugally occupy, these are for you. They cannot be lived in fulltime in Wisconsin, as of this writing, but small houses of under 800 square feet are legal to build in Sauk County.

In Arena, the abandoned public grammar school has been bought by an entrepreneurial fellow who is retrofitting the building for small business and has received a grant to turn one section into

normal circumstances, this would be a problem. But right now, it is potentially catastrophic: There is overwhelming evidence that the risks associated with the vaccines are minute, and that the vaccines are highly effective against severe disease caused by the pandemic. They are a critical tool in our fight against this horrific virus. But many Wisconsin residents, egged on by

Tucker Carlson et al, need to be convinced of this. (Only 50% of eligible recipients in Juneau County, for example, have been vaccinated.) At least some of those residents would listen to Senator Marklein if he declared his strong belief in the safety, efficacy, and vital importance of the vaccines. In short, he could save lives. But he refuses to do it.

Of course, it is extremely improbable that

he hasn’t received the shots. Assuming he has, there is only one way I can account for his obstinate silence: He prefers staying in power to saving lives. I cannot think of a more compelling reason for voting him out at the first opportunity.

Sen. Howard Marklein, (R-Spring Green) One of the most important aspects of my job as State Senator of the 17th District is to understand the needs of our community and the viewpoints of constituents. As an elected official, it is impossible to always agree with every constituent on every issue, but it is important for me to hear your perspective and understand the issues you face regarding our current state laws.

My schedule tends to be quite full – and I like it that way. My top priority is always being accessible to you and to meet you where you are. My office in the Legislature is based in Madison, but when I’m not there I want to be available to you in the district.

Sometimes that means my evenings and weekends are filled with town gatherings, small business events, citation presentations, County Fairs, or meetings with local residents.

I always encourage constituents to reach out

to my office or speak with me at community events with issues on state related matters.

As an elected official, it is vital for me to keep my finger on the pulse of our community and I want to hear your input on legislative issues.

In the same manner, as the summer ends and the school year begins, I want to encourage you to connect with your local school board members on educational decisions in our local school districts. Our children are going back-to-school, and big decisions are being made.

Southwest Wisconsin has many dedicated community leaders who currently serve on our local school boards. Just as my job is to represent the needs of our community in the Wisconsin State Senate, their job is to represent the needs of residents in our public school system. They spend many long hours ensuring that every student in their district receives the best education possible. We are fortunate to have people give their time to

serve in this way.

Your school board members are working hard to be accessible to you as they consider policies for the 2021-2022 school year. They want to hear your perspective as parents and grandparents, so it’s important to speak with them on your ideas or concerns. Consider attending your local board meetings where you can directly see them debate and decide policies. These events are the best way to influence the educational decisions that impact our students. Do you have concerns or suggestions on curriculum? Extracurricular activities? Facilities? COVID-19 policies?

Budgetary decisions? Discipline? Classroom resources? School safety plans? Staff trainings? Your elected school board members want to know.

If you need assistance locating the contact information for your school board member or school board meetings, please contact my team and we will be happy to help you.

These boards make important decisions for our districts and I want to ensure you have the proper information to connect with them.

Remaining in touch is the best way to stay up-to-date on all the work they are doing on behalf of our students.

So as we say goodbye to the summer and say hello to the back-to-school season, I want to thank all of our school district officials, including school board members, teachers, and support staff for their continued dedication to educating our future generations. These individuals give their time and talents to their roles. They are dedicated to providing the best education possible for our kids, and they want to hear your opinion.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can provide information or assistance on any state related matter. Please call 608-266-0703, email Sen.Marklein@legis. wisconsin.gov or write to me at PO Box 7882, Madison, WI 53707.

Janis Ellis, Wisconsin Examiner

welfare of the people, the country?

The Bill of Rights places a high priority on individual freedoms — the bedrock of our democracy that we value and guard zealously. Those rights are why we are proud to be Americans. They are why we, and so many before us, have been willing

From Wisconsin Watch, an investigative journalism organization, comes this pithy quote: “...basic needs: shelter, food, technology, transportation, and health care. Local businesses have a hard enough time finding workers; that task is harder when potential employees can’t find a decent place to live.” Right.

So let’s take a gander at the first need, for shelter. Way back in 1969, “Gimme Shelter”, a song by the Rolling Stones, prophetically tolled the bells, loudly warning of many ills that now preoccupy us fifty years later.

Ooh, a storm is threatening My very life today If I don’t get some shelter Ooh yeah I’m gonna fade away The song went went on to list war, fire, flood, rape, and murder that are “only a shot away”, but ends by saying, “I tell you love, sister, is only a kiss away.” Well, that sounds more hopeful.

And it makes me think of an only slightly younger, satiric novel, published in 1971— Love in the Ruins: subtitled: The Adventures of a Bad Catholic at a Time Near the End of the World, by a Southern Gothic writer/philosopher, Walker Percy (1913-1990). He was equally prescient in this dystopian tale at imagining the storm-tossed, fractious times that have frighteningly evolved for real and beset us today. And while it is true that by postponing serious climate measures for too many generations, so that “the climate change future is upon us”, as Mother Jones writes, and by continually fumbling our role in world politics, we have inched ever closer to the end of the world Percy’s book described.... contemplating it is enough to drive you crazy and lose faith in that big, fat human brain we are so proud of. However, it is also still true that there is always a possibility of demonstrating love despite all our mistakes. It’s like consuming a big

Photo contributed by Katie Green Doug Kraemer and his Tiny House. affordable housing units. What a brilliant idea! And one that has been copied in many communities. Multi-storied schools, such as one in Sauk City, have been converted into apartments that are far more energy efficient than single storied structures can ever be.

A cave, a nest, tent, hovel, gypsy caravan –a place to stash a little stuff, a sanctuary to fix up to one’s liking, a retreat from the cold, hard world, maybe a few feet of soil nearby for a garden. What the dictionary definition of home calls “a congenial environment.”Is this so much to ask of a very wealthy society to make sure everyone has a home who wants it?

Here at our house we are perpetrators of that annoying type of seniors who resist bailing out to “retirement communities”, where one’s every need is attended to save the desire for immortality. Nor will we show up at our children’s doors, suitcase in hand. Be patient. We’re superannuating fast, and our sweet little home and tangled garden of goodness will be up for grabs after the ghostly robed figure carrying a scythe comes calling. Meanwhile, keep those kisses of love coming strong.

Letter to the Editor: Marklein refuses to disclose COVID vaccine status Dear Editor: Did you know, in at least one way, Senator Howard Marklein is further right, and considerably less forthright than Donald Trump?

In common with Tucker Carlson, Marklein refuses to reveal if he has been vaccinated against Covid 19. (Call his office at 800 978-8008 or at 608 2660703, to confirm this accusation.) Under

—David Frank, Spring Green

Sen. Howard Marklein — Big Decisions on Back-To-School

COVID brings front and center the tug between individual rights and the public good

It seems that getting control of the coronavirus has brought front and center the question: When should an individual’s right become more important than what is in the best interest of the health and

to lay down our lives to protect and safeguard our democratic way of life.

The Constitution is also clear about the limitations of our individual rights.

No one has autonomous ownership of individual rights. Each of us shares those rights with every fellow American.

Therefore, they are not to be exercised in a vacuum. We simply are not free to do what we want with reckless abandon, not caring about how our actions might affect others.

While the Constitution has many safe-

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WednesdaY, september 1, 2021 Page 3 opinion/Community COVID brings front and center the tug between individual rights and the public good continued from page 2 guards for individual rights, it also has guardrails to secure and protect the public interest. Every level of government is free to enact laws to do so, and those laws govern our behavior in many aspects of our daily lives.

While you are free to buy and own a car, you are not free to drive it on public roadways without meeting certain requirements: a valid driver’s license, valid car registration and current automobile insurance should you damage someone else’s car, property or person.

Even your personal behavior is governed by laws when operating a car. You must wear your seatbelt, observe speed limits and you can’t drive intoxicated.

If you are found to be in violation of any of these safeguards that protect the public, there are serious consequences.

School districts all across America require proof that children are immunized against the most communicable childhood diseases: diphtheria, tetanus pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Most responsible parents start the immunization process within the first few months of a child’s life.

Children whose parents have chosen not to vaccinate them, exercising their individual parental rights, are not and should not

be allowed to put other children at risk.

Yes, there has been some controversy over vaccines, but the vaccination requirements for children attending public schools prevail.

So, here we are facing the greatest and maybe one of the most costly controversies of our time: When should individual rights be more important than the public interest in getting COVID under control?

Why should anyone be allowed to spread a health-threatening, life-altering and deadly virus simply because it is their right not to take a vaccine or wear a mask?

While each of us has the right to make that decision as we function in our own private space, we do not have the right to practice that behavior in a public place, putting others in harm’s way.

You can run the risk of infecting yourself all day long, and deal with any consequences in your home on your property.

But the government has the right to restrict your access to public places when you refuse to adhere to rules, regulations or mandates.

This virus is not only making our fellow Americans critically ill and taking many lives unnecessarily, it is hurting our lives and this country in so many other ways.

Our health care system is being pushed to the brink. The economy, while rebounding, is still a long way from where it needs

to be. Our public schools are in disarray, putting the education of some of the most vulnerable children at risk.

We are all familiar with the freedom of speech analogy. Yes, we all have the right to speak freely. But we do not have the right to speak lies and untruths that cause harm to the public. The famous example: You can’t cry “fire” in a crowded theater, possibly causing a stampede where people could be injured or killed, when there is no fire.

That brings us to the other damning place in which we find ourselves when it comes to effectively getting the coronavirus under control: the false and reckless speech coming out of the mouths of elected officials and other leaders, downplaying the dangers of the virus and the need to take the vaccine or wear a mask.

Many of those same elected officials, leaders and media personalities have quietly taken the vaccines themselves.

The individual right to speak freely, irrespective of facts and truths, is being practiced at the expense of the public good. Fear and resistance surrounding the vaccine is causing high infection rates and increasing deaths among the unvaccinated — many of whom have sworn allegiance to elected officials pushing politics in a healthcare crisis.

As much as we value and want to protect

our individual rights, we should be just as concerned about protecting the welfare of the public — doing those things that are, and will be, good for us all.

We have met challenges many times before, choosing to do what was in the best interest of our fellow Americans and this country. We have done it during wars, natural disasters, and during other local, regional and national crises as we faced them. COVID is no different.

Getting COVID under control in this country is in all of our best interests — in every aspect of our lives.

The author, Janis Ellis, holds three advanced degrees from the UW-Madison.

The column first appeared in the Missouri Independent, which is part of States Newsroom, along with the Wisconsin Examiner, in a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.

The Wisconsin Examiner is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news site offering a fresh perspective on politics and policy in our state. As the largest news bureau covering state government in Madison, the Examiner offers investigative reporting and daily coverage dedicated to the public interest. We take our inspiration from the motto emblazoned on a ceiling in our state Capitol: “The Will of the People Is the Law of the Land.”

Sauk Prairie Healthcare to offer free COVID vaccines at Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw in Prairie du Sac Eligible individuals can receive $100 gift card incentive through new state program Sauk Prairie Healthcare will be administering COVID-19 vaccinations during the Annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw event on September 4 from 11AM – 2PM. Healthcare workers will be available for vaccinations at the Wellspring location (at the corner of Lincoln and 1st Street), which is adjacent to the event.

Healthcare providers will administer either first or second doses, as needed, of the Pfizer vaccine to eligible individuals age 12 and older. The U.S. FDA (Food & Drug Administration) recently granted Pfizer full approval of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Shawn Lerch, CEO of Sauk Prairie Healthcare, explained how the timing of this event is ideal. “As summer comes to an end, school

is starting and businesses look to bring more people back to the workplace. It is more important than ever to ensure as many people as possible in our community have received their needed COVID vaccinations to slow the spread of the disease. With the Delta variant on the rise, we need a higher percentage of the population to be vaccinated as this will protect everyone in the community.”

Lerch also explained the role he sees of the professionals at Sauk Prairie Healthcare. “We receive many, many good questions about the COVID vaccines from our patients and the community, and part of our role as health care providers is to share information and help educate everyone on the science behind the vaccines. It’s important to know that mRNA vaccines are the result of many years of research – they are far from experimental.

And now it is great news that the FDA has fully approved the Pfizer vaccine. We expect Moderna not to be far behind in its FDA approval.”

The new Wisconsin incentive program coincides with this event. “The state is now offering a $100 Visa gift card to any person in the state who gets their first shot of a vaccine from a Wisconsin provider through Sept. 6 – so it counts if people receive their first vaccination at the event this Labor Day Weekend!”

Lerch also shared, “We encourage everyone at this fun event to come say hello, and get their vaccination if they need to get one. No appointment is needed and there is no cost at all!”

Event Details

Sauk Prairie Healthcare administration of FDA-approved Pfizer COVID vaccinations:

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 the Sauk Prairie Healthcare Wellspring location, 80 1st Street, Prairie du Sac (corner of 1st Street and Lincoln Avenue, adjacent to Marion Park in Prairie du Sac, the location of the Wisconsin State Cow Chip event).

• September 4th • 11AM – 2PM • There is no fee to receive the FDA-approved Pfizer COVID vaccination • Individuals 12 and older are eligible to receive the vaccination • No registration is needed – just walk in!

• Eligible individuals may take part in the new Wisconsin program. The state is offering a $100 Visa gift card to any person in the state who gets their first shot of a vaccine from a Wisconsin provider Aug. 20 through Sept. 6.

More information at: 100.wisconsin.gov.

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Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”

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Community

WednesdaY, september 1, 2021

COmmunitycalendar Events for September 2 - September 14 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/whats-going-on/. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for the full event 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: Better 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 - 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/whats-going-on/. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for the full event 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/whats-going-on/. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for the full event 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!

Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM . Marion Park , Grand Avenue & First Street, Prairie du Sac . www.wiscowchip.com. Come join us for our Annual Wisconsin State Cow Chip Throw on Labor Day weekend! Please visit our website for the full event schedule.

Friends of the Library Book Collection 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. The Friends of the Spring Green Community Library will accept donations of gently used books for resale the next two Saturdays, September 4 and 11, from 10 AM to noon. If possible, volunteers ask that people with last names beginning with A-L come on September 4, and last names beginning with M-Z come on September 11.

Sunday, September 5 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/whats-going-on/. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for the full event 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!

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 8:00 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/whats-going-on/. Join us for The Iowa County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for the full event schedule.

Ridgeway Pine Relict Workday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM . Ridgeway, WI . www.dnr.wisconsin.gov. Ridgeway is known for its pine relicts that have northern plant species. We will be collecting seeds this month. If you have any questions, please call Mary Kay Baum, at 608-935-5834.

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

Wednesday, September 8 Special Storytime 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join us for a very special Storytime with APT's David Daniel! This storytime will take place outside on the library's east lawn. Seating pads provided for children; adults, please bring a blanket or chair to sit on.

Thursday, September 9 Richland County Fair - Free Gate 9:00 AM . 23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center .

Ages 16+ (includes seniors) $8 daily, $18 season, Ages 6-15 $3 daily, $9 season, Ages 5 & under, free . www.fair.co.richland.wi.us/fair/. Join us for The Richland County Fair!

Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule. Unlimited Rides by Wristband – 5:00pm – 9:00pm Local Night: Sugar Moma & The Rent Check 5:30 PM - 8:00PM . The Shed/Post House Garden, 123 N Lexington Street, 119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green . Come out and spend your Thursday evenings with some local music and local food. The food cooked on the grill on the patio is from our many local vendors in Spring Green and surrounding towns, and the musicians are from the River Valley area.

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

Monitoring Stream Quality: Demonstration and Results 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM .

Cates Family Farm, 5992 County Road T, Spring Green . www.driftlessconservancy.org.

The Lowery Creek Watershed Initiative, a community partnership coordinated by the Driftless Area Land Conservancy, once again is hosting monthly gatherings that are part field trip and part socializing. In this session, join Mike Degen, Jean Unmuth and Dick Cates to see how streams are monitored statewide by Water Action Volunteers and learn how local results relate to land management and climate trends.Sessions are free, although a donation is encouraged. Group size is limited to 30.

Son Little 6:00 PM . Sh*tty Barn, 506 E Madison St, Spring Green . www.shittybarnsessions.com. 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.

Friday, September 10 Richland County Fair 8:00 AM . 23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center . Ages 16+ (includes seniors) $8 daily, $18 season, Ages 6-15 $3 daily, $9 season, Ages 5 & under, free . www.fair.co.richland.wi.us/fair/. Join us for The Richland County Fair!

Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule. Unlimited Rides by Wristband – 6:00pm – 10:00pm Hard Tellin 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM . Wisconsin Riverside Resort, S13220 Shifflet Road Spring Green . www.wiriverside.com/entertainment. Summer music finishes out the season on the River Stage!

Wine Down Fridays 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.

64th Annual WIld West Days 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM . Lions Park, Mazomanie . www.mazowildwestdays.com. Music, fireworks, rides and much more!

Saturday, September 11 Richland County Fair - Children’s Day 9:00 AM . 23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center . Ages 16+ (includes seniors) $8 daily, $18 season, Ages 6-15 $3 daily, $9 season, Ages 5 & under, free . www.fair.co.richland.wi.us/fair/. Join us for The Richland County Fair! Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule. Unlimited Rides by Wristband – 12:00pm – 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.

64th Annual WIld West Days 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM . Lions Park, Mazomanie . www.mazowildwestdays.com. Music, fireworks, rides and much more!

Friends of the Library Book Collection 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. The Friends of the Spring Green Community Library will accept donations of gently used books for resale the next two Saturdays, September 4 and 11, from 10 AM to noon. If possible, volunteers ask that people with last names beginning with A-L come on September 4, and last names beginning with M-Z come on September 11.

Abaddon’s End Debut Concert 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM . Traders Island,7608 Wittwer Rd, Arena . www.facebook.com/AbaddonsEndBand. Join us for our first show! There will be food and accessible bar at the facilities right next to the Wisconsin river. This show is free of charge, however the band will gladly accept donations. Pre-show entertainment will be provided by Bad Rabbit Productions and our very own DJ Rex. Abby Jeanne 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM . SlowPoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . $15 advance tickets, $20 at the door . www.slowpokelounge.com. In Abby’s own words, “I am just a product of a haunted jukebox and the golden heart degenerates. Nothing beats writing the narrative for the cosmic radio and thriving off of the lust for life.

Dreams, schemes and traveling the world. It’s Rock N’ Roll for the dreamers soul.” Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

Sunday, September 12 Richland County Fair - Family Day 9:00 AM . 23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center .

Ages 16+ (includes seniors) $8 daily, $18 season, Ages 6-15 $3 daily, $9 season, Ages 5 & under, free . www.fair.co.richland.wi.us/fair/. Join us for The Richland County Fair!

Live music and events throughout the day. Please visit our website for a breakdown schedule. Unlimited Rides by Wristband – 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Community arts & culture 2021 Saint Luke’s Sommerfest 11:00 AM . St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 1240 Nachreiner Ave, Plain . www.stlukecatholicchurchplain.com. Join us as we gather to celebrate our parish with food, live music, raffles and fun! Please visit our website for a full list of activities.

64th Annual WIld West Days 12:00 AM - 3:00 PM . Lions Park, Mazomanie . www.mazowildwestdays.com. Music, fireworks, rides and much more!

Monday, September 13 Spring Green Community Group for Racial Justice 7:30 PM . North Park, Daley Street and Park Road Spring Green . Contact sgcommunitygroup@gmail.com for more information. The Community Group for Racial Justice is a discussion and action group that meets at North Park in Spring Green the second Monday of each month.

Trivia Night 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM . SlowPoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . www.slowpokelounge.com. Join us for a night of Trivia! Kyle Adams will host as we put teams together for a contest of trivia. Come for the prizes, stay for the fun! Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

WednesdaY, september 1, 2021

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

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)?

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?

Data from: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community.htm

Stay home when sick.

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

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

Wash hands frequently.

Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated indoor spaces when possible.

Wear a mask.

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

In other news

Tuesday, September 14 Outdoor Storytime: Trucks 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org. Join us for our all-ages storytime, where we will tell stories, sing songs, and have lots of fun! A take-home activity will be provided. Meet on the library's east lawn.

Page 5

Spring Green Community Center closed to public meetings The Spring Green Community Center is now closed to public meetings and public events have been cancelled, due to COVID-19. Events that have been canceled at this time include the potlucks, drum circle and paint group.

The center will remain open for private meetings.

The River Valley Area Community Garden 2022 Plots available The River Valley Area Community Gardens (RVACG) is currently renting out plots for the 2022 Spring/ Summer season.

For first time gardeners 20x20 plots are available for $30, 10x20 plots for $20 or 10x10 plots for $10, for the entire season.

Registration forms are available online at www.rvacg.org, via email at info@rvacg.org or in hard copy from the info box at the community gardens, located at 900 N Westmor St in Spring Green Spring Green Arts Lab looking for Artists to teach community classes The Spring Green Arts Lab is looking to gauge interest on local artists who are interested in teaching classes.

Arts Labs is in the initial stages of offering training specifically for artists who would like to teach.

If you are interested in teaching a workshop or class, contact Terry Kerr at artslabspringgreen@gmail.com and if you are interested in attending a training on how to teach a workshop or class, visit artslabspringgreen.org to fill out a survey.

River Valley ARTS announces logo contest winner River Valley ARTS, (formerly Spring Green Area Arts Coalition) recently announced Gwyn Bisbee as the winner of their new logo contest.

Gwyn is a graphic designer who recently moved to the area from Milwaukee with her husband Stuart. They welcomed their baby Willow in April. In addition to being a talented and skilled designer, Gwyn is also an avid quilter and an outdoor enthusiast.

According to River Valley ARTS board president Melinda Van Slyke, ‘We received many outstanding submissions for our logo contest, and the job of the selection committee was very hard! That being said, we were thrilled with Gwyn’s submission.

Additionally, we are also looking forward to welcoming Gwyn into our artist community.’

River Valley ARTS (Advocacy, Resourc-

es, Training, Scholarships) is a group that provides financial support for artists as well as arts and cultural organizations.

River Valley ARTS embraces the performing arts, literary arts, visual arts and crafts as well as local and regional history and culture in the River Valley communities of Spring Green, Plain, Lone Rock and Arena. More information can be found at www.SpringGreenArts.org.

Photo contributed by River Valley ARTS The new logo for River Valley ARTS, designed

by Gwyn Bisbee.

Richland County updates community on vaccine availability in the area continued from page 1 Center. APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME & WALK-INS ARE WELCOME! To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-8821.

The Department of Health Services (DHS) has advised that at this time, fully vaccinated people who are not moderately or severely immunocompromised do not need an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose. As more information on additional or booster doses for the general public becomes available, DHS will update the public. It is important that until further guidance is released, those who are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 infection have adequate opportunity to get access to an additional dose.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS Populations who are now “currently eligible” to receive the vaccine include ALL WISCONSINITES 12+. The following vaccine clinic partners are currently offering vaccines in Richland County: ●The Richland Hospital and Clinic offers Walk-In COVID-19 vaccinations: Mondays from 8am-5pm Tuesdays from 8:30-10:30am Fridays from 8am-5pm Currently eligible populations will also be offered a vaccine during hospital or clinic appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-1820. ●The Spring Green Medical Center and Muscoda Health Center offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations and also offers vaccines during clinic appointments. ●Richland County Health & Human Services and Emergency Management offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations:

Wednesdays from 8:30am-4:30pm September 1st and ongoing at a NEW LOCATION Richland County Health & Human Services 221 W. Seminary Street, Richland Center To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-8821. ●The Center Pharmacy offers walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations at their new location on Orange Street. To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-8918.

COVID-19 TESTING The following partners are currently offering COVID-19 testing in Richland County: ●The Richland Hospital and Clinic offers walk-in COVID-19 testing to symptomatic individuals or those who have been exposed to COVID-19 only. To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-1820. ●Richland County Health & Human Services and Emergency Management will begin offering FREE drive-thru COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals (preferred) on Mondays starting August 30th from 9-11am at the Richland County Fairgrounds. ●The Center Pharmacy offers COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals (preferred) from 9-11:30am daily. To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-8918.

COVID-19 BOOSTER VACCINATIONS Populations who are now “currently eligible” to receive the COVID-19 booster vaccine includes moderately or severely immunocompromised people 12 years and older. The following vaccine clinic partners are currently offering booster vaccines in Richland County: ●The Richland Hospital and Clinic offers walk-in COVID-19 booster vaccinations: Mondays from 8am-5pm

Tuesdays from 8:30-10:30am Fridays from 8am-5pm Currently eligible populations will also be offered a booster vaccine during hospital or clinic appointments. To schedule an appointment, please call 608-647-1820. ●The Spring Green Medical Center and Muscoda Health Center offers COVID-19 booster vaccinations during clinic appointments. ●The Center Pharmacy offers walk-in COVID-19 booster vaccinations at their new location on Orange Street. To schedule an

appointment, please call 608-647-8918.

For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, follow Richland County Health & Human Services on Facebook or consult the following websites: Richland County: https://covid.co.richland. wi.us Wisconsin Department of Health Services: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Local. Natural.

Delicious.

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

Our schedule is posted each week on social media.

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

Coffee & News A collaboration by Valley Sentinel & Butternut Road Coffee.

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

Page 6

Community

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary

661,239 Positive Cases

Cases as of 8/31/2021

+11,603 from 8/24

3,155,149 Negative Test Results +32,294 from 8/24

7,599 Deaths +50 from 8/24

Vaccine Summary Statistics Updated: 8/31/2021

6,101,712 Administered

3,416,133

2,431,498

Pfizer doses administered

254,081

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

1,438 Positive Cases +28 from 8/24 8,523 Negative Tests +68 from 8/24 16 Death +0 from 8/24

Richland

Sauk

Target Range

52.6%

Iowa County

2,219 Positive Cases +33 from 8/24 +114 from 8/24 12,530 Negative Tests 13 Deaths +0 from 8/24 Sauk County 6,509 Positive Cases +141 from 8/24 38,220 Negative Tests +323 from 8/24 53 Deaths +0 from 8/24

56.5%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

53.1%

49.9%

Percent fully vaccinated

Target Range

Percent fully vaccinated

Iowa

Target Range

62%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

59.5%

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 8/31/2021

Updated: 8/31/2021

Lower %

Higher %

Richland County Ages 12-15

38%

Iowa County Ages 12-15

Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose

50.2%

Sauk County

Ages

12-15

Ages 12-15 41.4%

16-17

18-24

Dane County

Ages 12-15 75.9%

Graphic by Whitney Back

25-34

35-44

Updated: 8/31/2021 42.1%

48.5% 48.5%

52.7%

45-54 55-64 65+

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

60.6%

62.3%

71.8% 84.7%

Sports

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

Page 7

Blackhawks take lightning quick lead to best the Flying Arrows, 32-8 The River Valley Blackhawks Varsity Football team took the field by storm Aug. 20, coming back after a hard prior week loss to win 32-8, in week two against the Lancaster Flyer Arrows at home.

Valley Sentinel circulation/photojournalism intern and ‘21 RV/Football alumnus Kalen Scott, was able to ask Eastlick the following questions after the game: Kalen Scott: How does it feel to beat Lancaster again this year?

Tim Eastlick: It was a good team win against a quality opponent. Our team had a good week of practice and they were able to stay with the game plan and play with a better level of intensity.

KS: Do you think that there is more to work on after this big win against a team that is known to be historically tough?

TE: We have plenty of work to do to be able to play at the level the team is capable of playing at.

KS: How did you feel seeing your first year starting quarterback throw that 90 yard touchdown pass, along with that big 32 yard pass?

TE: It is always nice to see your athletes have success. Ethan [Wickman] and Landen [Alt] seem to have a good connection out on the field.

KS: What changed in the defense to hold Lancaster to 8 points, compared to the 42 points scored by Edgewood the previous week?

TE: Lancaster had a couple of drives that they threatened to score but our defense was able to make some plays and keep them out of the endzone. We were a bit better [this week] but still have room for improvement in the run and pass game [on offense]. We were able to rush for 166 yards on 36 attempts and pass we were 8-15 for 223 yards.

KS: What are you working on specifical-

Photo by Kalen Scott, Circulation/Photojournalism Intern No. 2, Ethan Wickman, hands off to No. 22, Landon Clary, far right, who runs in for a Blackhawks touchdown on Aug. 27 at home against the Lancaster Flying Arrows. ly this week with Platteville in mind?

TE: We will continue to work on getting better on both sides of the ball and special teams. We have a long way to go, but with work and determination these young men can be a very good team as

we continue on in the season. Platteville will be well coached and ready for us on Friday night. They have solid players on both sides of the ball.

Lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Blackhawks Volleyball kicks off season at SPRAWL Mariah Hill, Head RVHS Volleyball Coach This past week the River Valley Varsity Volleyball team made the annual trip back to UW Stout after missing last year due to COVID. SPRAWL is where the season officially kicks off. After a few scrimmages, the team really gets the feel of being back in the gym and playing full on matches.

We went 3-4 during the two day event, finishing 14th overall out of about 40 teams. The competition is very competitive and we played some really good volleyball throughout.

We had our ups and downs over the

course of action, but overall I am proud of how the team played and the things we worked to improve on to get us ready for conference play.

We really did some great things. Learning to play with a fast paced offense, playing with 2 setters, and learning to play with each other and find that trust on the court.

We have a very experienced team this season and I look to see us only get better and better the more practice and work we put in.

Senior Anabelle Willoughby and Juniors Morgan Brickl and Brooke Anderson led the Blackhawks in kills this

weekend. Willoughby had 25, Brickl had 24, and Anderson led with 26.

Senior Kate Hanson had 58 setter assists and Anderson had 40.

Junior Katie Hahn had 9 blocks.

Junior Libero Brianna Zaemisch had a strong 68 defensive digs with Brickl right behind her with 64.

The team also racked up an impressive 54 service aces.

This week we have our first conference match up at Richland Center on Thursday.

We follow that with a Saturday tournament in Mukwonago.

Photo contributed by Mariah Hill Junior Morgan Brickl(#2)and Senior Lydia Kersten(#13) put up the block while Senior Anabelle Willoughby(#12) waits defensively.

School activities this week Soccer: Boys JV Game Dodgeville High School Thursday, Sept. 2, 5:00 p.m.

Swimming: Girls Varsity Meet Lodi High School Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV2 Match Richland Center High School RCHS Gym - Court 3 Thursday, Sept. 2, 5:45 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game Dodgeville High School Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:45 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV Match Richland Center High School Thursday, Sept. 2, 5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Match Richland Center High School- RCHS Gym Thursday, Sept. 2, 7:15 p.m.

Swimming: Girls JV Meet Lodi High School Thursday, Sept. 2, 6:00 p.m.

Football: Varsity Game River Valley High School Thursday, Sept. 3, 7:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls Varsity Invitational Mukwonago High School Thursday, Sept. 4, 8:00 a.m.

Cross Country: Varsity Invitational Darlington High School Thursday, Sept. 4, 8:45 a.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game River Valley Elementary School Field Soccer Thursday, Sept. 7, 5:00 p.m.

Football: JV Game Platteville High School Football Field Thursday, Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m.

Football: 8th grade Game 101 School Street, Lodi, WI Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m.

Soccer: Boys JV Game River Valley Elementary School Field Soccer Thursday, Sept. 7, 6:00 p.m.

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

“The good stuff.”

Page 8

outdoors & recreation

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021

The Sauk County Gardener: To cut back or not – that’s the question Jeannie Manis, Wisconsin Certified Sauk County Master Gardener

It seems that we may be finally getting a break from the heat and humidity. I’m hoping so, as mid-60- to mid-70-degree temperatures will help my tomatoes finally start to really ripen well. I was concerned I wasn’t going to have enough ripe tomatoes for this past weekend’s Tomato Tasting event sponsored by the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association. There were nearly 30 different varieties that were brought in to display and taste! I brought in 13 varieties from my own garden.

Attendees were able to taste samples and vote for their favorites. There was a tie for first – ‘Tomatoberry’ and ‘Malachite Box’, second place went to ‘Sungold’ and ‘Paul Robeson’ won third. If you are looking for a new variety or two to try in your garden next year, consider these delicious and beautiful tomatoes.

With all my tomatoes starting to come in, it’s hard for me to keep up with processing all of them. We eat as many as we can fresh, but that doesn’t even make a dent in the number of tomatoes I pick in the garden. If you are experiencing the same problem and have room in your chest freezer, consider freezing them whole until you have time to work with them. It is important to note you should use the

tomatoes only for cooking or seasoning as they will not be solid when thawed. I wash, core, and freeze them with the skins on them. When they are thawed, the skins slide right off making it much easier than blanching.

Since all of my tomatoes are needing to be dealt with, it’s hard to get out in my perennial beds. Now is the time of year when spring and summer blooming plants start to look straggly and tired. When I do have time to visit the perennial beds, it’s hard to resist just cutting everything back. Knowing what and when to cut back is important and can help break up your garden maintenance into more manageable chunks.

Deciding what and when to cut back falls into three categories – (1) Should be cut back, (2) Shouldn’t be cut back, and (3) It depends. Here are a few that fit in the first category that “Should be cut back” to prevent disease: Monarda (bee balm) and tall Phlox (both get powdery mildew), plants that look ratty/dead, plants that provide homes for pests, such as Hosta’s (dead leaves provide homes for slugs to overwinter), or plants that don’t provide any winter interest.

Don’t cut back perennials that are evergreen or low growing – Hellebore or

Heuchera are two that come to mind. Also, leave standing perennials that need their foliage to provide insulation for their roots – Chrysanthemums, Agastache (anise hyssop), or Kniphori uvaria (red-hot poker).

Plants that fall into the “It depends” category are ones that are late emerging in the spring such as butterfly weed and balloon flowers. Leave them standing or cut them back to 2-3 inches high so you are less likely to accidently plant over the top of them or dig them out. Plants that provide food or habitat for birds and beneficial insects in the winter such as Echinacea (cone flower) and Rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan) also fit in the “It depends” category. Finally, consider leave standing plants that have excellent fall color or provide winter interest such as ornamental grasses, Baptisia (false indigo), and Sedum.

Once you’ve decided what you should leave standing and what can/should be cut back, get out your handy bypass pruners.

Only cut your perennials back after they are dormant – this is typically after a couple hard frost. Once your plants are done blooming, they need their foliage left standing a while to put energy back into their bulbs, corms, tubers, tuberous

roots, rhizomes, and roots. Remove any materials that are diseased and dispose of them in your trash or bury them – just don’t put them in your compost as most of our compost piles do not get hot enough to kill the various plant diseases. Cut your plants back to 2-3 inches above the crown of the plant. This will help prevent your plants’ dead foliage from becoming havens for fallen, blowing leaves. If you get too many leaves piling up, the leaves can provide homes for mice and voles. Also, some perennials may emerge sooner in the spring than they should because they are fooled into thinking it’s warmer than it really is. If you can’t complete your cutting back in the fall, do it as soon as the snow melts in the spring. Fall is just around the corner; instead of trying to hurry and cut everything back before winter, selectively cut back your perennials, and use the rest of your time to enjoy the cooler fall days.

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 608-3553250.

Birding Report: Hummingbirds, Nighthawks and Warblers are on the move. See what’s next as waves of birds fly south Ryan Brady, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program Biologist Migration is on full steam ahead. A favorite of many, common nighthawks have begun winging their way south statewide. Flocks have been small so far but check the evening skies for bigger numbers over the next few weeks.

Peak flights often occur in late August across the north and early September farther south. Look for another aerial insectivore, chimney swifts, around the same time of day. Although swifts in the north are departing now, flocks of hundreds can be seen flying near roost sites for the next month in the south.

Warbler migration is firmly underway, especially across the north. Many Tennessee warblers are now being seen there, as well as the first Bay-breasted and blackpoll warblers among 20+ other species. Southern counties aren’t seeing the brunt of the warbler migration yet but now is definitely the time to start checking favorite parks and forests for warblers, as well as other migrants now arriving, such as

Philadelphia vireo, Swainson’s thrush and yellow-bellied flycatcher. Other flycatchers are also moving through, including Olive-sided, alder, willow and least, as well as eastern wood-pewee and eastern kingbird.

American robins, red-winged blackbirds and some other familiar backyard birds are less visible now as they abandon territories, flock up and roam more widely across the landscape.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds and Baltimore orioles remain common feeder visitors, although some, especially adult males, have already departed. Don’t be surprised to see northern cardinals, blue jays or other birds that appear completely bald this time of year. This is the normal replacement (molt) of the head feathers. Some backyard birds that may still be nesting include American goldfinch, northern cardinal, mourning dove, cedar waxwing and barn swallow.

Water-based habitats continue to offer great birding this time of year. Great blue and green herons, great egrets,

American and least bitterns, swallows, swans, ducks and shorebirds all may be seen. Male ducks are undergoing molt now and will look like the duller females this time of year. Mallards, wood ducks and blue-winged teal are three of our most common species in many areas. Believe it or not, some goose migration back into Wisconsin is only about two weeks away.

Rare birds have been few since our last report. Buff-breasted sandpipers were found in multiple locations, including sod farms that provide the drier, short-grass habitat they prefer.

The week’s best find, however, was a white-winged dove in Sheboygan county. Over the week ahead, Sunday and then again Wednesday-Thursday are forecast to feature cooler north winds favorable for active migration and new species statewide. Although some birds are leaving us, birding activity should only get better over the next 3-4 weeks.

Get out to enjoy it, and help us track the migration by reporting your finds to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding!

Photo by Ryan Brady Now is a great time to attract ruby-throated hummingbirds to your backyard with a wellmaintained feeder of sugar water or native wildflowers.

Share your sightings Have any rare or beautiful local bird sightings this week to share?

Let us know the identification and location.

Share them with us at: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

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