Valley Sentinel - 09-22-2021

Inside this edition

COVID-19: Area ICU numbers and hospital capacity Page 4

Review: Homecoming impresses with farm-totable

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Page 8

River Valley School Fair Times/Events Page 12

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 | Vol. 2, No. 38 FREE, Single-Copy

Nature Conservancy and Wisconsin DNR acquisition adds 301 acres to Devil’s Lake State Park The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy (TNC) announced Tuesday that it has closed on the purchase of 80 acres of forested land adjacent to Devil’s Lake State Park.

Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) finalized the purchase of 221 acres from the same owner. Combined, the 301-acre property sits at the heart of a large expanse of protected land owned and managed

by TNC, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the

DNR. TNC and the DNR have for decades been interested in adding the land to the park, working together to accomplish the purchase and assure the land is protected for the public.

“Partnerships like this are absolutely vital to make these important land acquisitions possible,” says Steve Schmelzer, DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation Management Director. “Devil’s Lake State Park is one of our state’s most

popular parks and conserving more land in the area is critically important to our outdoor recreation economy.”

“We’re thrilled to finalize this rare opportunity to purchase and protect a significant expanse of intact forest and safeguard it from development,” says Elizabeth Koehler, Wisconsin State Director of The Nature Conservancy. “This acquisition will help maintain habitat for wildlife and a rare plant community that’s part of Wisconsin’s natural heri-

tage, while also offering the opportunity to expand a beloved state park.”

The newly acquired land will be open to the public and included in the upcoming Devil’s Lake State Park Master Planning process.

A haven for birds and rare plants

Located within the park boundary, the new property is at the southwest corner of the South Bluff Oak Forest/Devil’s Nose State Natural Area. It is part of a

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Taliesin becomes part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and inspires the state Hospitals in South Central Wisconsin see high patient volumes, limited resources South Central Wisconsin Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition Hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout south central Wisconsin are experiencing a high volume of inpatients, limiting hospital beds and putting a strain on resources.

This serious situation is occurring across the 14 counties of the South Central Wisconsin Healthcare Emergency Readiness Coalition, (SCWIHERC) — which includes Sauk, Iowa and Richland counties. Its member hospitals are asking for our communities’ help.

To better control the situation, the hospitals are urging everyone to continue being vigilant with COVID-19 safety measures, such as receiving any COVID-19 vaccine, masking, and physically distancing where appropriate.

This present high volume of patients spans across critical care areas of the hospitals, like intensive care units (ICU), general medical floors, and emergency departments. With resources stretched, it is becoming more difficult to receive care close to home if you may need it for COVID and non-COVID-related illnesses.

From July 28 to Sept. 1, the total number of COVID-19 hospitalizations increased four-fold in the South Central region. In that same timeframe, there were 5.5 times the number COVID-19 ICU hospitalizations. Many rural hospitals have no or limited ICU capability and are all reliant on the same limited ICU beds in larger cities, including Madison.

While the current high volume in healthcare facilities in the region is a mixture of COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, a rise in preventable COVID-19 admissions is a driving factor. Preventing a further rise in COVID-19 admissions is our focus in this critical time.

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Photo contributed by the Taliesin Preservation Secretary Anne Sayers and Governor Tony Evers unveil the UNESCO World Heritage plaque at Taliesin on September 15th, 2021.

Anne Sayers, Secretary -Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism We take great pride in being the home state of the man that many call America’s Greatest Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

But it’s not just that he was born and raised here, it’s that Wisconsin was his inspiration.

You can see his love and reverence for this very special corner of Wisconsin in all of his work, but most especially here at Taliesin – his home.

While you can find his work across the globe, from New York to Tokyo, there is only one Taliesin, a place where architects today still come to find inspiration.

But it’s not just architects who find inspiration here – Wright’s work inspires anyone looking for connection to food, art, land, music, and even their own

spirituality.

I have been lucky enough to spend a good amount of time here – in the home, on the grounds, and among the surrounding structures and I have to tell you – I am moved – in different ways – every single time I have the privilege of being here.

It’s the way his work can both excite and quiet the mind that draws people in and attracts visitors from all over the world to see this place – his home – nestled in the gorgeous rolling hills of the Driftless Region that he loved so much.

Wright said, “Wisconsin is my somewhere. I feel my roots in these hillsides and I know those of the oak that have struck in here beside me. The oak and I understand each other. Wisconsin soil has put sap into my veins. Why, I should love her as I loved my mother,

my old grandmother, and as I love my work.”

When you visit this place, you can see how much he meant those words.

The UNESCO World Heritage listing will bring even more attention and attract more visitors. That’s a good thing, because we know each visitor will walk away with more meaning in their own lives, but we also know that they will have reason to discover more of Wisconsin while they are here, exploring the many additional ways our state delivers unexpected inspiration and joy.

We are so lucky in Wisconsin because Taliesin is just one of the eight stops along our Frank Lloyd Wright Trail, a self-guided architectural driving tour across southern Wisconsin. It’s a perfect way to explore Wright’s sig-

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opinion/ LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

This week’s Plain & Simple Correspondent — Let Them Eat ...Nothing Katie Green, The Plain and Simple Correspondent

In June some members of the Waukesha School Board voted to opt out of the Federal free food program that provides lunches for low income students who might otherwise go hungry. “They [the children] might grow too soft,” one member was quoted as saying in justification for the vote. Great Jehovah!

I doubt whether that man has ever missed a meal except on purpose, perhaps on a diet to reduce the fat growing between his ears.

Later, after a public outcry, the school board voted 5-4 to continue offering free lunches, which meant that there were still four officials on that board who think it’s acceptable for children to try to learn with little or nothing in their bellies and no calories to fuel their brains. Punishment for being poor.

At the federal level, things are not any better. Fiscal conservatives from both political parties have suggested cutting school lunch programs from the budget. Honestly, what have we come to as a nation? What do we value as a people?

A controversial new book by Isabelle Wilkerson, called Caste, makes a compelling case for the existence of an overarching caste system that provides the structure by which we Americans are assigned places in society, “boxes” we are put in and by which we are ranked in importance. It is like the caste system in India, or that developed by the Nazis in Germany during the 3rd Reich, she writes. I can relate, thinking back to the ways in which I bumped up against the box labeled “Female” from a tender age, and thus was restricted to whatever was the reigning definition of what girl persons could do at that time – what to wear, how to comport myself in public, what to say, what to strive for. At that early stage in life I didn’t realize that others thought they would control my reproductive system when I matured, too. It takes both hands and also my toes to count how many times during the growing-up years I attempted to follow a path unique to me as dictated by an inner voice and heard the phrase, “Girl can’t do that”. That went on at least until I was in my 40s and stopped working for unenlightened employers. Of course females are able to do most anything males can, but will they be allowed to? I feel quite sure that at least four of the Waukesha School Board members looked at poor folk in their district (many of whom may be dark skinned) and concluded that those individuals belong in the box labeled “Unworthy.” Not even granted crumbs from the table.

The fear of food insecurity haunts many species besides our own. The incessant prowl for the next meal is a universal trait.

Try removing a bone from your dog and you might have your hand removed instead.

I watch how the hummingbirds chase not only other hummers from the nectar feeder but any other bird who ventures close by.

It is ridiculous but amusing to see the tiny warriors guarding their supply of nectar

from seed-eaters like woodpeckers, wrens, and chickadees, who are not the least bit interested in sipping nectar. And yet, other bird species share the seed feeders in harmony. Those are the ones to emulate.

I hope it is true here in the River Valley that no person, young or old, lacks for food.

There are many food programs ready to help out those who have fallen on hard times because of COVID or any other reason. Pride and embarrassment might be a barrier, but help is there. But for the grace of God go I. My family scraped hard to get by at certain periods when I was young, and I remember keenly that as a newly-wed it took all my ingenuity to rustle up a balanced meal on our anemic budget, a meal that wasn’t only cheap starch. I also remember the anxiety that accompanied those periods of my life.

That may be the chief reason I am moved to share when we have extra, and followed ancestors into the back yard to grow some of my own foods. As the boy and girl scouts like to say, “Be prepared!”

What I can’t grow in the way of fresh produce in summer is available here at a reasonable cost at the Plain Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Our market is usually stocked by a single family -- father, son, and grandson, Al, Damon, and Morgan Gudenschwager -- who farm in the Hillpoint area. An array of preserves and pickles suggests a pair of vigorous female hands at home, as well, and I stupidly fell into the trap of assuming a woman did the canning. Not so! Damon Gudenschwager “is good at it”, according to his son with a wicked grin, even if he doesn’t particularly like the job.

The farm operates as organically as is feasible, according to Al, a personable chap of venerable years. This means that the occasional worm appears in an apple or strolls across a cabbage. Hey, I don’t mind. Most times the little creepy-crawlers don’t eat much and some of us prefer a bug to ingesting residue of poisons used to make produce antiseptically bug-free. Al was a dairy farmer for a long time, then a seed agent, and now grows veggies and fruit commercially. His son Damon also incubates sedum and cacti in the basement under growlights, and creates beautiful bouquets of cutflowers, plus healthy perennials, and blue-ribbon seasonals like mums to tickle the eye and feed pollinators. The family is energetically experimental in looking for new products that will entice customers.

I asked what the trio did for fun in the wintertime when the stand is closed. Well, the younger two take temporary industrial jobs, but would be relieved not to have to. They are working on a long term goal to expand their growing season by erecting a geothermally-heated greenhouse. Hydroponics, I asked? “No,” Morgan said emphatically, “in the soil.” They were unfamiliar with Cedar Grove Cheese factory’s innovative wastewater treatment system/greenhouse and when told about it expressed enthusiasm for

Photo contributed by Katie Green Al and Morgan Gudenschwager at their stand in Plain on a recent Saturday

visiting it soon. Each one teach one.

Other little individual produce stands pop up here and there seasonally, but I want to know how the food they sell is raised before purchasing, so if there is no one to ask I don’t buy. But I do enjoy checking them out.

One of my favorites is run by two children socking away money for their college education, which they are looking forward to way out on the horizon, years away. Their proud grandma, Jane Gruber Litscher, helps tidy up the stand on occasion. She is a robust and cheerful woman, denim clad, capable hands sorting and stacking, and not afraid of voicing strong opinions. She encourages the cherished young ones to value the rewards of hard work and they are lucky to already be assigned to a favored “box” in our society.

They are White, well on the path toward good education, and have the huge advantage of a fully-functioning, loving family.

They have an excellent chance of thriving, as many children do not.

We get eggs from a couple of other local organic sources. They are beyond compare.

The yolks are outrageously saffron yellow from the funky natural diet eaten by chickens who run free. They make spectacular omelettes and rich mayonnaise. After eating them I can feel my brain cells sending me grateful messages as I digest all the special factors the eggs contain. According to Google, “one egg has only 75 calories but 7 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and 1.6 grams of saturated fat, along with iron, vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids.

The egg is a powerhouse of disease-fighting nutrients like lutein and zeaxanthin.” Those last unpronounceable nutrients enhance

your vision and keep those Irish eyes smiling, as do carrots and other yellow veggies.

My family’s milk and cheeses are also from local sources. As Hurricane Ida and ongoing climate-induced disasters have amply shown, supplies of food can be disrupted for long periods of time, not just electricity and the water systems; and the fact that more than half of the fruit and vegetables we eat are imported from outside the country is a dangerous situation to be in. Four years after Hurricane Maria destroyed 80% of Puerto Rico’s agricultural economy, that island has still not recovered. The article in Bloomberg News from which I quote, made the sensible suggestion that our citizens need to support “sustainable, climate-resilient farming and incentivize smaller-scale local and regional food production.” It also mentioned that long-distance food supply chains, such as airlifting highly perishable, out-of-season berries, produces around 10 times more carbon emissions than foods that can be trucked in, and 50 times more than food that arrives by ship. It goes without saying that locally produced and vended is even better.

Those statistics will inform my winter food buying choices, for sure, when I’ve exhausted what I froze, pickled, and tucked away in our cool basement. Meantime, on a cold winter’s day I’ll thump down the stairs to grab some dill beans and hum Greg Brown’s song “Canned Goods”: “Taste a little of the summer, my Grandma put it up in jars.” I’m that grandma. Damon Gudenschwager is that “grandma”. Why not tuck away a few jars that he and other local farmers put up so you won’t have to go to the trouble.

Letter to the Editor: A Small Business Owner’s Perspective on COVID I’m a small business owner, and an entrepreneur at heart. I’ve started two successful businesses, created jobs, provided value to customers, and I know you have to be scrappy to make it. As a business owner, here’s what I think about COVID: It’s bad for business.

COVID has made a trainwreck of the economy. Have you recently needed to buy a dishwasher? Build a building? Buy fertilizer? Hire staff? If yes, then you

know how much economic pain COVID is causing. All the business owners and farmers I know are losing sleep that COVID price surges, people shortages, and supply chain delays will be the new normal. We can’t let that happen.

So I checked to see what our supposedly pro-business Republican legislature is doing about it. It turns out that they took paid time off from June to September. That’s on top of the

State Senate’s 9-month paid vacation last year, while COVID spread through our state. Short story: They’re not doing much.

To defeat COVID and get business on track again we need the legislature to get their oars in the water. By far the most effective weapons we have to defeat COVID are free, safe, and effective vaccines. As a business owner, I’d like to see the legislature work with Governor

Evers to use everything in the state’s toolbox to vaccinate as many adults as possible, including via mandates.

If I were your State Senator, you can bet that I would skip the summer vacation to work until COVID is defeated. Our economy depends on it.

Tripp Stroud Candidate for Wisconsin State Senate Spring Green, WI

Community Column: Driftless Grace — Current Events Grace Vosen, Contributer

I may have been “living in the moment” a little too much this summer; I didn’t write as much as I should have. Not recording them for posterity feels like a betrayal of the wonderful experiences I’ve had lately.

But it’s also true that writing can feel forced if it’s, well, forced. Rather than try to record experiences as they happen, I will instead see what kind of writing they help generate over time.

What experiences do I mean? I am part

of many communities, both those based on physical location and those based on interests. There were a handful of events happening within each community each week during the summer of 2021. However, they were not part of my experience.

Most of them came and went without my attending.

It’s not that I didn’t like the offerings.

Certainly, I like knowing that I could have attended if I’d wanted to. But it seems that the pandemic has redefined what it means

to have a good time. (Or maybe I’m just developing my own brand of introversion.)

Before 2020, an “event” was something created by an organization, scheduled ahead of time, and held away from home with a group of strangers. This was the kind of event I missed during the pandemic, and which it felt so sweet to return to earlier this year.

I can still appreciate these, but I’m leaving more blank spots on my calendar these days. A spontaneous dinner at a friend’s

house, or morning coffee on the porch, is “event” enough to keep my social brain happy. And if I choose to spend the day alone, I no longer feel like I’ve missed out.

I have become less dependent on organizations to plan my day, choosing to rely on myself and the people close to me. This gives me more time to pursue inward-focused activities like reading, music practice, and — yes — writing.

Maybe I’ll get to record my experiences after all.

opinion

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

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FAQ: After nearly a year publishing we’re looking at what the next year brings

In less than a month Valley Sentinel will celebrate its one year anniversary. We’ve learned a lot in this last year. We also have a lot of questions left as we continue this journey.

Why is it so hard to start a small business? How can we best constructively contribute to building community? How can we inspire young professionals and help the community retain them? How can we help foster a community where people can live, work and play? How can we best get community members the information they need to stay informed, whether it be to go vote or go to a performance? What medium(s) do people want to engage with us on? What do we want Valley Sentinel to look like?

We have all these questions and more — and it’s tiring. It has been both a tiring and inspiring year full of challenges and achievements on many fronts, and we’re looking forward to another year of them. So we’ve put together the questions we hear most from you, to help you understand what it’s looked like each week (and this year) while gathering and reporting, and so you can help us decide what we look like in the next year to come.

About Us/FAQ Started by some 20-somethings with backgrounds in journalism in October 2020, Valley Sentinel is seeking to change how community journalism is done with a hybrid model that focuses on community engagement.

We’re a group of passionate people sharing their time in the name of community. We’re a collective of journalists and aspiring journalists and graphic designers and more from around the Driftless Area and Wisconsin that believe in this community and its potential.

We have former managing editors, editors-in-chief, government reporters and more that wanted to get away from big, corporate journalism and try something else, try something new in journalism — a free newspaper during a pandemic (we must be crazy right? But we can’t think of a better time to help build community).

We’re primarily run by several young professionals trying to build a business that fosters community and create a life in a rural area that is in desperate need of workforce housing, employment opportunities and young family retention. We believe in celebrating both our rural Driftless identity and the arts & culture that makes our community so extraordinary.

We are committed to remaining a free publication in perpetuity with an accessible, hybrid model that allows anyone that wants to read local news to have access to it.

Valley Sentinel is all-volunteer, independently owned

and operated by its editors and is a majority womanowned business.

Are you local?

Well specifically we have interns that live in Spring Green and Arena, we have graphic artists going to school at UW Platteville, an editor that graduated from River Valley and another that covered Sauk and surrounding counties for several years. We’re in the community and always happy to talk, catch us running around delivering papers or covering stories. If you see us out in the community (you can usually tell by the press lanyards) please feel free to ask us to sit down for a cup of coffee in one of the area’s wonderful coffeeshops, we’d love to speak with you — and we’re always happy for the caffeine.

Why a free paper?

Papers obviously aren’t free to print. We literally liquidated what little retirement we had from corporate media jobs, along with some savings bonds (apparently those are still a thing) to start a community newspaper for less than $5,000 because we believe in this community and it’s potential. And that’s it — no investors, no big corporate backing, just lot’s of sweat equity.

We didn’t do it because we knew it would be easy, we knew it would be challenging and we’d need community support — and we can’t thank enough the warm and overwhelming community support we’ve gotten. We’re supported through advertising to keep the presses printing, so we thrive as the community thrives. Please frequent our local businesses and let them know you read Valley Sentinel each week.

The papers are free because we believe in a model that strives to reach people wherever and however they like their news. We reject the failing, walled-garden subscription model of large, corporate newspapers.

We believe that anyone who wants the news, should be able to get the news. We do not believe financial ability should be a barrier to reading local news.

Our papers are always free for single-copy pick up, although we offer subscriptions for those that want to have the paper mailed or delivered.

We believe it is the duty of any forward-thinking and dynamic community newspaper to assist in keeping its community informed and, to that end, to ensure that the news is available to all that seek it.

Community fueled and community focused. We only succeed if the community succeeds.

Why ‘We Care More’?

We chose to invest in the River Valley community

because we believe in rural journalism and the positive force it can be, we believe in this community and the arts, creativity, business, agriculture and recreation that sustains it. We believe the slogan is a representation of that more than anything else. We should all strive to care more, give back and build community, especially in times like this.

Why do you print columns by Sen. Howard Marklein (or Rep. Dave Considine or Sen. Jon Erpenbach or Gov. Evers or ‘X politician’)?

We strive to give a wide variety of viewpoints and topics, which includes, for example, reporting on what State Senator Marklein (R-Spring Green) is involved with in the legislature and at times publishing columns submitted to us. You may not have voted for him or agree with his politics, however, right or wrong, he is Spring Green’s hometown state senator, which necessitates news coverage. Like it or not, Marklein is our hometown state senator for the village we are published in, which comes with more coverage inherently, but also more scrutiny.

We do our best to ensure we publish these items when they have a strong community interest or effect. For every column or article you see published regarding Marklein (or ‘X politician’), there’s just as many or more we’ve chosen not to publish because we don’t believe they hold value to the community.

We try to regularly feature columns from all of the legislators that represent the Valley regardless of political affiliation, while avoiding columns from them that are strictly partisan and that don’t further solutions for our community. As often as we can, we try to feature opposing viewpoints.

How can you feature a story about ‘X’? Doesn’t the big corporate media entity that owns you find that controversial?

We recently received a comment that very warmly welcomed our Pride Month special edition, but was surprised that our corporate backers would allow such an edition. We received similar warm, but surprised comments on our Blaze Orange Board deer hunting special edition.

As we’ve said before elsewhere and we’ll say again, we have no corporate backers. We’re editor-owned, allvolunteer, with no corporate owners and no investors.

Just us and lots of sweat equity.

We’re a completely independent news source. Again, we’ve worked in corporate media covering counties in Wisconsin for national corporations and saw many things that were done just plainly wrong, as we

SUBSCRIPTION

DRIVE

Around a year out from our start of publication, we never expected the dozens and dozens that now subscribe to Valley Sentinel. We are free to pick up in businesses around the area, but in the midst of a pandemic we wanted to be able to offer a service that allowed readers to be safe and not have to go out to get a paper, among the many other reasons people subscribe. We expected maybe a dozen subscriptions, we are free paper after all, and we’ve been surprised and heartened by so, so many more.

In the newspaper industry, this last year was the first in decades that subscription revenue exceeded ad revenue. With postal and gas prices going up, we offer subscriptions at a slight net loss and maintain an ad revenue model because we believe in accessibility

So we’re launching a Subscription Drive to 300 campaign to get Valley Sentinel to that goal of 300 subscribers! and not passing on the cost to our most important asset — our readers.

However, the more subscribers we have (especially those we can deliver to in the local area) the more opportunities unlock for us to be able to bring you bigger and better news each week and stay plugged into the local community without worrying about whether or not we can print.

Want to help distribute Valley Sentinel?

More subscriptions mean more routes, and our distribution intern is back at college so we’re looking for help distributing the paper!

Want to enjoy scenic fall drives or a walk around town and assist in connecting our businesses, subscribers and community? Whether for fun or for volunteer experience, just one village, route, or all of them, we’d be happy to have you! Interested? Email: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

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Recently we received word from our press that costs for materials have risen over 19% in the past few months and that our printing cost will go up accordingly.

If we charged $1 for each copy of Valley Sentinel, just half of the copies that are picked up each week would entirely cover our printing costs — however, we are committed to remaining a free

publication with an accessible, hybrid model that allows anyone that wants to read local news to have access to it. We do not believe financial ability should be a barrier to reading local news.

We may be a free paper, but unfortunately it’s not free to print papers.

Valley Sentinel will stay a free and truly independent and accessible paper. Please frequent our local businesses and let them

300

We’ll update this each week to share our progress. If you’ve been on the fence, if you’ve been thinking about gifting a subscription to family or friends or encouraging them to subscribe, now is the time — and we can’t thank the community and everyone that supports us each week enough.

To subscribe or gift a subscription, send a check for $30 to Valley Sentinel, PO Box 144, Spring Green, WI 53588, visit valleysentinelnews.com/subscribe or scan the QR code.

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What does independent news mean to us? It means NOT influenced by corporations or government, NO big corporate backers, NO corporate umbrella organizations, NO big money investors. Just a handful of people with a dream to build community.

Valley Sentinel is all-volunteer, independently owned and operated by its editors and is a majority woman-owned business.

Community fueled and community focused. We only succeed if the community succeeds.

For more about Valley Sentinel and our model, visit us at valleysentinelnews.com/about

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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.

saw the news sources slipping away from their local communities.

If you think our newspaper looks good, thank our tireless and talented graphic designers. If you notice some spelling or similar errors, blame Adobe’s lack of a decently intuitive spell checker and our lack of adequate sleep in order to make this paper happen each week.

We make editorial decisions with the community in mind, not the bottom line of any major corporation. The buck stops with us, we have no corporate overlords to answer to.

What does independent mean to you?

The textbook definition is “free of influence by government or corporate interests” — so, of course, that is what it means to us. But to us it also means: NO big corporate backers, NO corporate umbrella organizations, NO big money investors, NO larger media group to stifle editorial decisions, and so on. Just a handful of people with a dream to build community.

Are you a non-profit?

We’re not. That doesn’t mean we make a profit though.

We’re all-volunteer, every dollar made is put right back into Valley Sentinel.

Many independent publications have been reorganizing as 501(c)(3) non-profits recently, and we’re watching them with interest to see if it’s a viable model and we encourage them to do what’s best for them.

However, federal Internal Revenue Code bars nonprofit organizations from endorsing candidates for any political office. We believe it would be a disservice to the community to close that door as we may feel, from timeto-time, that it is in the best interest of the community to endorse candidates for political office where common sense and community values prevail.

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Of course! Just shoot us an email after subscribing and let us know that you would prefer delivery electronically rather than a physical copy.

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I have writing, reviews, art, etc. that I want to share with the community, are you accepting submissions?

Of course! We’d love to look at what you have for consideration in print and/or online. Send us an email and we’re happy to take a look. We’re always looking for community contributors.

Contributors Arts & Culture/Editorial Columns Graphic Design/Pagination Bill Gordon Grace Vosen Anna Stocks-Hess Arts & Culture/Editorial Sports Editorial Intern Alison Graves Mike McDermott Adeline Holte Arts Community/Opinion Distribution/Photography Intern Jen Salt Katie Green Kalen Scott Our team will be growing and changing as we settle into publishing regularly, please stay in touch. Thank you to all of our contributors 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. .

Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”

Letter to the Editor Policy

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

Valley Sentinel is a free, weekly single-copy news publication, available on newsstands in the area.

Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas in Sauk, Iowa and Richland counties.

Column Policy

Community Discussion Policy

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Valley Sentinel is published in Spring Green, Wisconsin every Wednesday by Lower Wisconsin River Valley Sentinel, LLC. ISSN 2694-541X (print) — ISSN 2694-5401 (online)

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. .

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.

total hospitals

South Central

Hospital Admissions

Cases Per 1,000 People *

Page 4

# Hospitals with Less Than 7 Days PPE Current

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 92.82

Community

1 day Δ 7 day Δ

153.28

Current

1 day Δ

7 day Δ

3

1

1

Goggles

Total COVID-19 Patients

166

4

-3

Hospitals across the region seeing surge of cases, critical capacity levels 0

-1

Department of Health Services vaccine Coalition (SCWIHERC) is a 1 2 1 49 0 2 Paper Medical Masks webpage. coalition that collaborates with Data last updated: 09/22/2021 33030 PM Local SCWIHERC members signing 29 area hospitals and numerous On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting narrowing this this message include Sauk Prairie other healthcare providers over 14 metric from “7 Days or Less” to “Less than 7 Days.”

Healthcare and The Richland Hospital. counties to prepare for and respond The South Central Wisconsin to emergencies in South Central Healthcare Emergency Readiness Wisconsin.

Ventilator Availability

In fact, COVID-19 infections © 2021 Mapbox © OpenStreetMap requiring hospitalization are Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30027 PM. County population is from the 2018 last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM five-year estimate from Community Survey. resources to Data critical levels. increasing atthea American similar rate to last To receive a COVID-19 vaccine, winter’s surge. With students from please contact your local healthcare pre-K through college returning to providers, orBed visit Count the state COVID-19 Tests and Deaths * classrooms, the Labor Day holiday,

COVID-19 Situational Awareness Update 129,787

1

Gowns

ICU COVID-19 Patients (included and colder weather soon driving in total COVID-19 people indoors, additional increases patient count above) could stretch are expected which

continued from page 1

N95 Masks

Beds Immediately

Available Beds Capacity statement from Sauk Prairie Total Healthcare

Total Positive Tests

759,823 TotalChoose Negative Total Mechanical Ventilators 354 yourTests Healthcare Emergency 26 266 ICU Readiness Coalition region (HERC) TotalSouth Positive 24 Hourthroughout Δ “LikeTests all the -hospitals the region, Sauk Prairie409 Healthcare is operating at critical capacity. Our inpatient unit as well as our Emergency Room are very busy with both COVID19 and non-COVID19 cases. Area hospitals are working toCentral total hospitals

29

7 in post-acute care 241 gether to find placement for patients who can’t be admitted1,775 to their local hospital.Intermediate The situation is Care further complicated by limited availability transitions either to skilled nursing and rehab centers, or home health. In other words, it’sHospital very difficult to find placement for patients who are ready to be discharged from the hospital not 7yetDays able toPPE go home.

Admissions # Hospitals with Lessbut Than Cases Per 1,000 People *

Total Negative Tests - 24 Hour Δ

Medical Surgical

1,177

Total Deaths

Current

107

1 day Δ 7 day Δ

1,383

Current

94

Ventilated Patients (All)

1 day Δ

7 day Δ

Our-healthcare a great deal of pressure and strain for Flow the past 18 months. Healthcare professionalsGoggles are85 doing their best to serve protect1but we need everyone to be part of the solution in our common aim to 92.82 under 153.28 498 and Neg Isolation 2 Total Deaths 24 Hour Δproviders have been 3 1 Total COVID-19 end the pandemic. Our community’s best shot to take the stress off the166 healthcare4system-3is for people to get vaccinated for COVID19 which greatly reduces the likelihood of hospitalizations.”

COVID-19 Situational Awareness Update

Data Last Updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

6

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM

Patients

Choose your Healthcare Emergency Readiness region mo 12Coalition mo All (HERC) South Central

29

—Sauk Prairie Healthcare CEO, Shawn Lerch Gowns

ICU COVID-19 Patients (included in total COVID-19 patient count above)

total hospitals

© 2021 Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

49

0

2

Paper Medical Masks

759,823

Total Negative Tests

6 0K Total Positive Tests - 24 Hour Δ

Cases Per Day

1500 Total Negative Tests - 24 Hour Δ

ICU COVID-19 Intermediate Care Patients (included in total COVID-19 Medical Surgical patient count Negabove) Flow Isolation

1,177

Total Deaths 1000 © 2021 Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Total Deaths - 24 Hour Δ

Beds Immediately 166 4 Available Total Beds

ICU

409 1,491 1,775

2

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30027 PM. County population is from the 2018 500 five-year estimate from the American Survey.

Data Last Updated: 9/22/2021 30034Community PM

26

266

7

241

107

49

-3

0 1,383

85

2

Cumulative Cases

ICU

Total Positive Tests - 24 Hour Δ % Positive Tests and Total Tests 409 Per Day * 50K

Intermediate Care

Total Deaths

1,491

1500

Medical Surgical

1000

80.0%

Apr 1, 20

0

Mar 1, 20 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Dec 1, 20 Mar 1, 21 Jun 1, 21 REQUIRED FOR TESTING 6*NO mo SYMPTOMS 12 mo JunAll 4K

Sep 1, 21

40.0%

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

1,383

200

Total Tests

93.3%

9,328

Spring Green Fire/EMS Station Jun 1, 20

50K8K

Sep 1, 20

Dec 1, 20

Mar 1, 21

West Baraboo

327 Winsted Street, Spring Green 0K6K 6 Registration required for each1,491 test: 1500 www.springgreenems.com 4K

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

Cases Per Day

Total Tests

% Positive Tests

6 1 460.0% Linn St. Baraboo

Apr 1, 20

0.0%PRAIR IE SA UK

9 AM T O 10 A M Dec 1,1, 2020 Mar 1, 21 Jun Sep Dec 1, 201, 21

Sep 2121 Mar1,1,

Reedsburg Ambulance Service

Oct 1, 20

500

300

Jun 1, 21

100

1,177 0

0

Sep 1, 21

AprJul 1,1,20 20

JulOct 1, 20 1, 20

Jan 1, 21

Apr 1, 21

Jul 1, 21

Oct 1, 21

SITES TESTING ALL THOSE IN NEED

SITES WITH SYMPTOMS/EXPOSURE REQUIRED FOR TESTING

Thursdays 9/23 & 9/30 10am-2pm 90 WI National Guard Drive-Thru Event # Hospitals with Less Than Richland County Fairgrounds 23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center 30 Registration preferred for each test: https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov Oct 1,1, 2021 Jan Apr Jul1,1,21 21 Oct 1, 21 Jan Apr1,1,21 21 Jul1, 1, 21 Oct

# Hospitals

80.0%

THURSDAYS

8K W EDNESDAYS

LAK E 0DELT ON 0

1 0 A M T O 12 P M

0 6K

40

SA UK PRA IR IE 60.0%

39

Dells/Delton EMS Mar 1, 20

Jun 1, 20

Total Tests

Sep 1, 20

4K 45 Miller Drive, Lake Delton Registration required for each test: 2K 0 https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/ Mar 1, 20 Jun 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Dec 1, 20

10

500

Mar 1, 21 40.0%

400

0

MON-FRI 9am-11 Center Pharmacy/Boscobel Pharmacy PPE Type 190 N. Orange Street, Richland Center N95 Masks Appointments Required: 608-647-8918

7 Days PPE On Hand

Gowns

Paper Medical Masks

LOCAL VACCINE CLINCS DAYS AND LOCATIONS N95 Masks

Mechanical Ventilators..

Gowns

Ventilated Patients (All)

MONDAY-FRIDAY

8am-5pm Spring Green Medical Center 150 E. Jefferson Street, Spring Green Appointments required: 608-588-7413 Jun 1, 20

300

200 55 Prairie Ave, Prairie du Sac Step 1.20.0% https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/ 0 100 Jun 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Step Jun 2.1,Call 608.643.7603 for an appointment.

Mar 1, 21 21 Sep 1, 21

Sep 1, 20

Dec 1, 20

0.0%

Dec 1, 20

Mar 1, 21

Jun 1, 21

Registration required for each test: 1000 https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/ 500

0 Deaths Per Day

Sep 1, 20

0

1,177 call: 608.355.3290 30 For more information https://www.co.sauk.wi.us/publichealth/ coronavirus

Dec 1, 20

Mar 1, 21

Jun 1, 21

8:30am-4:30pm Richland County Health & Human Services 221 W. Seminary Street, Richland Center Walk-Ins Accepted Appointments preferred: 608-647-8821

Sep 1, 21

Walk-Ins Accepted Appointments preferred: 608-647-6321

PPE Type N95 Masks

For additional information:

Gowns

https://covid.co.richland.wi.us/

Paper Medical Masks

https://www.richlandhospital.com/covid19/

20

Community COVID-19 Testing in Iowa County

0 39

40

20

Sep 1, 21

8:30am-1pm Center Pharmacy 190 N. Orange Street, Richland Center Walk-Ins Accepted Jun 1, 21 Sep 1, 21 Appointments preferred: 608-647-8918

WEDNESDAYS ONLY

1075 N. Wisconsin Ave, Muscoda Appointments required: 608-739-3113

8:30am-5:30pm Data last updated:09/22/2021 33030 PM. On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting Center Pharmacy/Boscobel Pharmacy narrowing this metric from “7 Days or Less” to “Less than 7 Days.”

N. Orange Street, Center Apr 1, 20 Jul 1, 20 Oct 1, 20190 Jan 1, 21 Apr 1, 21 Richland Jul 1, 21 Oct 1, 21 Walk-Ins Accepted Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. Federal changes revised the ventilator definition in 2020 Appointments preferred: 608-647-8918

# Hospitals

Cumulative Deaths

Jun 1, 20

Mar 1, 21

SATURDAY

8am-5pm Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting Muscoda Health Center narrowing this metric from “7 Days or Less” to “Less than 7 Days.”

These sites each use PCR tests FRIDAYS which are sent to a laboratory for Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM to now include a broader range of ventilatory equipment than was formerly reported.

BA RABO O 10 A M T O 12 PM analysis. Results are usually MON-TUES-FRI Sauk County Public Health received in 24-48 hrs, but we 8am-5pm West Baraboo Deaths from COVID-19 Per Day and Cumulative # Hospitals with Less Than The 7 Days PPE On &Hand Richland Hospital Clinic cannot guarantee time frame.

614 Linn St. Baraboo 333 E. Second Street, Richland Center Data 0K last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

MON-FRI 8am-5pm The Richland Hospital & Clinic 333 E. Second Street, Richland Center Appointments required: 608-647-6321

SYMPTIOMS/EXPOSURE THAT NEED A TEST FOR SCHOOL, WORK OR TRAVEL

Paper Medical Masks

Jun 1, 21 Sep 1, 21 SP Healthcare Wellspring Campus 10

Dec 1, 20

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM 20

20

2 PM TO 3 PM # Hospitals

500

% Positive Tests

Cumulative Deaths

20

30

7-Day Avg. % Po.. % Positive Tests

September 2021

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM These sites each use PCR tests which are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are usually received 300 within 2-3 business days, but we cannot guarantee the time frame.

Data last updated: PM. 33030 Federal changes revised the ventilator definition in 2020changes to Data last9/22/2021 updated:33030 9/22/2021 PM. Implementation of federally-mandated to now include a broader range of ventilatory equipment than was formerly reported.

1,177

93.3%

9,328

Mechanical Ventilators..

Ventilated Patients (All)

Jul*SAT-SUN 1, 21 testing Oct needs 1, 21will be evaluated and performed if deemed appropriate by ER or Urgent Care Clinic provider Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. Federal changes revised the ventilator definition in 2020 to now include a broader range of ventilatory equipment than was formerly reported. SITES TESTING THOSE WITHOUT

200

2 PM T O 3 P M Apr 1, 20

Oct 1, 21

94

MONDAYS Total COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized Per Day 100

400

Jul 1, 21

354

Ventilated Patients (All)

400

20 230 Railroad Street, Reedsburg 55 Prairie Ave, Prairie du Sac 0 0 Registration required for each test: Step 1. https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/ Deaths from COVID-19 Per Day and Cumulative # Hospitals with Less Than 7 Days PPE On Hand 39 % Tests and Total Tests Per Day * Step Total Mechanical Ventilators and Ventilated Patients 40Positive https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/ 2. Call 608.643.7603 for an appointment.

PPE Type 1000 10K

Apr 1, 21

RICHLAND COVID-19 COUNTY COVID-19 TESTING TESTING CLINICS CLINCS DAYS AND LOCATIONS

SP Healthcare Wellspring Campus data reporting caused a temporary gap in some data displays for late July 2020.

500 Data last updated:9/22/2021 9/22/2021 30034 30034 PM Data last updated: PM

Deaths Per Day

Cumulative Deaths

TUESDAYS

500

Sep Mar 1, 20Jun 1, 20 Jun 1, 201, 20

Total Tests

Deaths Per Day

20.0%

2K

00K REED SB UR G

Jul 1, 20

Registration required for each test: 40.0% 200 https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/100

1000 Deaths from COVID-19 Per Day and Cumulative

1000

Jan 1, 21

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. Implementation 200of federally-mandated changes to data reporting caused a temporary gap in some data displays for late July 2020.

# Ventilators and Ventillated Patients

Cumulative Cases

10K

Oct 1, 20

9am-11 129,787 355 Richland CountyPatients Drive-Thru Event Patient Type Mechanical Ventilators and Ventilated BA RAB O O 10 A M TO 12 PTotal M Richland County Fairgrounds Total COVID-19 Patients 0 Mechanical Ventilators..

7-Day Avg. %0.0% Po..

23630 Co Hwy AA, Richland Center ICU COVID-19 Patients (in..

300 500 Ventilated Apr 1, 20 preferred Jul 1, 20for each Oct 1, 20 Patients Jan(All) 1, 21 Apr 1, 21 % Positive Tests Registration test: Jun Tests S a 1, u80.0% k21C oSep u n Total t1,y21P ublic Health https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov

SPRING GREEN 5:30 PM TO 6:30 PM

100K

498 90

0

MONDAYS

% Positive Tests and Total Tests Per Day *

0K

85

100

Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified Per Day and Cumulative *20.0% 2K

SUNDAYS

Jul 1, 20

Total Mechanical Ventilators and Ventilated Patients

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 60.0%33030 PM

500

94

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. Implementation of federally-mandated changes to Ventilator Availability data reporting caused a temporary gap in some data displays for late July 2020.

% Positive Tests 107

# Patients

6K

1

2

90

On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting narrowing this

241

# Ventilators and Ventillated Patients

Total Tests

Data Last Updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

1

ICU COVID-19 Patients (in..

354

1

Paper Medical Masks

7

Neg Flow Isolation

2

Total Deaths - 24 Hour Δ

-1

Total COVID-19 Patients

0

7-Day Avg. % Po..

% Positive Tests

Cases Per Day

8K

93.3%

1,177

0

Patient Type

metric from “733030 Days orPM Less” to “Less than 7 Days.”

Data last updated: 9/22/2021

# Patients

9,328

1

Gowns

498

Sauk County Sept 2021 FreeCOVID-19 TESTING SITES 6

0K

1

COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized Per Day BedsTotal Immediately Available Total Beds 355 Patient Type Total COVID-19 Patients Total Mechanical Ventilators ICU COVID-19 Patients (in..

26 266 300

129,787

1,775

3

Ventilated Patients (All) 100

# Ventilators and Ventillated Patients

Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified Per Day and Cumulative * 129,787

10K Total Negative Tests - 24 Hour Δ

7 day Δ

N95 Masks

0

759,823

1 day Δ

Data last updated: 09/22/2021 33030 PM

6 mo 12 All Mar 1, 20moonly Jun 1, 20 29 hospitals Sep 1, 20 in theDec 1, 20 Central Mar 1, 21 JunEmergency 1, 21 Sep 1, 21 Data includes the South Healthcare Readiness Bed Count COVID-19 Tests and Deaths * graphics from: www.wha.org/Covid-19Update Coalition region (HERC).

Data and Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM Total 100K Negative Tests

Current

Total Mechanical Ventilators 200

last updated: 9/22/2021 PM Data Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 33030 PM

Total Positive Tests

1

300 Ventilator Availability Goggles

Total COVID-19 Patients

129,787

Total Positive Tests 50K

1

355

Bed Count

153.28

2

1 day Δ 7 day Δ

# Patients

Cumulative Cases

92.82

-1

# Hospitals with Less Than 7 Days PPE

129,787

Current

COVID-19 Tests and Deaths *

0

On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting narrowing this Total COVID-19 Patients Hospitalized Per Day metric from “7 Days or Less” to “Less than 7 Days.”

Hospital Admissions

100K

1

Data last updated: 09/22/2021 33030 PM

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30027 PM. County population is from the 2018 Positive COVID-19 Cases Identified Per Data Day and Cumulative * last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM five-year estimate from the American Community Survey.

Cases Per 1,000 People *

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM

N95 Masks

The Iowa County Health Department offers free drive thru community COVID-19 testing each10Tuesday, from 9:00 – 11:00 am at the Health and Human Services Center located at 303 West Chapel Street in Dodgeville.

Testing is free and open to anyone over 12 months of age. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with consent. Masks are required. Appointments are not required, but it is requested that those who wish to be tested 0 pre-register at https://register.covidconnect.wi.gov/en-US/ Jun 1, 20 Sep 1, 20 Dec 1, 20 Mar 1, 21 Jun 1, 21 Sep 1, 21

Mar 1, 20

Jun 1, 20

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 30034 PM

Sep 1, 20

Dec 1, 20

Mar 1, 21

Jun 1, 21

Sep 1, 21

Data last updated: 9/22/2021 33030 PM. On Aug 13th, 2020, federal changes revised PPE reporting

metric from “7 Days persons. or Less” to “Less thanUpland 7 Days.” Hills website for information.

Upland Hills Hospital provides COVIDnarrowing testing tothisonly symptomatic See the

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Community

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Page 5

COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary

704,434 Positive Cases +20,718 from 9/14

Cases as of 9/21/2021

3,287,972 Negative Test Results +66,771 from 9/14

7,845 Deaths +83 from 9/14

Critically High Very High High Medium Low

covid case activity level This graph shows information on case burden and trajectory. Burden (case rate) is the total number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 Wisconsin residents in the last two weeks. Trajectory is the percent case change from the previous to the current week. These are different from Community Transmission Level, which is the total confirmed cases per 100,000 persons reported in the past 7 days.

Case activity is a combination of burden and trajectory over the prior two weeks.

Updated: 9/21/2021

6,290,104

Administered

3,553,656

2,473,262

Pfizer doses administered

Richland

Sauk

Target Range

53.8%

+61 from 9/14 +247 from 9/14 +0 from 9/14

Sauk County

+271 from 9/14 +769 from 9/14 +0 from 9/14

7,026 Positive Cases 39,593 Negative Tests 55 Deaths Updated: 9/21/2021

Target Range

57.9%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

Iowa County

Johnson & Johnson doses administered

Vaccine Data

+87 from 9/14 +170 from 9/14 +0 from 9/14

2,354 Positive Cases 12,991 Negative Tests 15 Deaths

263,186

Moderna doses administered

These two core measures are 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 the current target range is 60-90%. -Adapted from Madison Public Health and Dane County

county level weekly statistics Richland County 1,604 Positive Cases 8,840 Negative Tests 18 Deaths

Vaccine Summary Statistics

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

51.3%

54.7%

Percent fully vaccinated

Percent fully vaccinated

Iowa

Target Range

63.0% Percent with at least one vaccine dose

60.7% Percent fully vaccinated

Cases per zip code

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

Cases as of 9/21/2021

Updated: 9/21/2021 Lower %

Richland County Ages 12-15

Iowa County

Ages 12-15

Higher %

40.3%

Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose

52.9%

Sauk County

Ages 12-15

Updated: 9/21/2021

44.4% Dane County Ages 12-15

Graphic by Anna Stocks-Hess

Ages

78.7%

12-15 16-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+

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

45.5% 51.1% 51.0% 55.3% 62.9% 64.3% 73.2% 85.2%

Page 6

Community

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

COmmunitycalendar Events for September 23 - October 6 Thursday, September 23 Sleepy Gaucho // Graham Hunt 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . The Sh*tty Barn, 506 E. Madison St., Spring Green . $20 . shittybarnsessions.com . Sleepy Gaucho follows in the great American artistic tradition that is the rambler's drawl. Panamerican influenced folk music. Graham Hunt's sensibilities are hard to pin down. Garage rock with a bit of country bar rock, a bit of noise pop, plenty of lo fi crooning and groovy rhymes, and even a few radio-ready choruses hidden in. Doors open at 6pm. Check website or socials for the latest details about ticket availability.

Local Night: The Honey Pies 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.

Homecoming Pep Rally/Bonfire Approximately 8 pm (after Volleyball game) . River Valley School District campus, Spring Green . rvschools.org . Students will be in the stands within their classes and community members are welcome to watch the festivities. During the Pep-Rally the 2021 Homecoming Court will be celebrated, and our 2021 Homecoming Royalty will be announced. After the Pep-Rally there will be the Bonfire.

Friday, September 24 School Fair 8:30 AM . River Valley School District campus, Spring Green . rvschools.org . The School Fair will be opening at 8:30 a.m. with the gymnasium exhibits (in the River Valley Middle School gymnasium) along with various livestock exhibits showing behind the middle school. The livestock auction will start at 12 p.m. near the School Fair Pavilion (behind the middle school). Interested bidders may register starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact Shari Graffunder at sgraffunder@rvschools.org or Rachel Eberle at rvfair@rvschools.org with questions. There is no school for students this day.

Homecoming Parade 3:00 PM . Spring Green . rvschools.org . The parade start time is one hour later than prior years. Local businesses and organizations that would like to participate in the parade contact Brent Johnson at 588-2554 extension 2116.

River Valley School District Endowment Fund Homecoming Party 3:30 PM . The Shed/Post House Garden, 123 N Lexington Street, 119 E Jefferson Street Spring Green .

Meet up with friends and support our River Valley students! Food and drinks will be available. Music by the great Janna Johnson-Fuchs. 50/50 raffle. Immediately following the parade until game time. Jefferson Street between The Shed and Baron Brooks will remain closed to allow people to spread out and safely cross the street.

Community Grief Ritual 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 State Hwy 23, Spring Green . This past year we have seen our communities divided. We have lost so many souls to COVID, natural disasters, war and violence.

Come at any time. Whether you are mourning a personal loss or are feeling the pain of the world, the grief ritual provides a safe space to experience and express freely. Masks and COVID vaccination or negative test result required.

Bubbles Brown at The Sh*tty Barn 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM . The Sh*tty Barn, 506 E. Madison St., Spring Green . $15 . shittybarnsessions.com . Spring Green Musician in Residence Bubbles Brown performs a finale show at one of the areas best music venues. 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.

Saturday, September 25 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.

Community Grief Ritual 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM . Wyoming Valley School Cultural Arts Center, 6306 State Hwy 23, Spring Green . This past year we have seen our communities divided. We have lost so many souls to COVID, natural disasters, war and violence.

Come at any time. Whether you are mourning a personal loss or are feeling the pain of the world, the grief ritual provides a safe space to experience and express freely. Masks and COVID vaccination or negative test result required.

5th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM . Sauk & Richland Counties . Free . www.explorehillandvalley.com. The Hill & Valley Exploration Tour is a celebration of rural living and a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant and resilient small farm economy of northern Sauk and Richland counties! On the tour you can easily find local food and art producers, learn about the changing face of rural America, dine at a true farm‐to‐fork country eatery, find hidden gems and visit a historic folk art site.

Don’t forget to bring your cooler to hold all your farm-fresh purchases, an extra sweater and the mud boots; this is country fun — rain or shine!

In-Person Open Studio with Biennial Artist Linda Kelen 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM . 5801 Korback Road, Spring Green . Free . A behind the scenes in person tour of an artist’s studio and a peek at a work in progress. Tour Kelen’s studio where she works in painting, wood prints, chasing/repousse, intaglio. Face masks and RSVP are required.

For more information about Kelen go to: lindakelen-artings.blogspot.com. Email Margaret Buhr at mbuhr@dbqart.org to RSVP. Fermentation Fest 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM . Witwen Park & Campground, S9855 County Rd E, Sauk City . Various prices . fermentationfest.com . A two-day celebration of live culture in all its forms. Fest attendees can enjoy fermentation demos, tastings, a variety of local foods, art activities, and grazing tutorials, as well as performances that range from dance to “Grassical” music in an open-air Tabernacle to Scandanavian cow calling.

Eric Tessmer 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . $10 in advance, $15 at the door . www.slowpokelounge.com . Join us for this special solo performance featuring Eric Tessmer, a Richland Center, Wisconsin native.

An American blues guitarist now residing in Austin, Texas, the Austin Chronicle named Eric Tessmer the best guitarist in the city for 2017–2018, based on their annual poll.

Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

APT Play Talk: Oedipus 11:00 AM . Virtual . Free . www.americanplayers.org . For more on this spectacular play, engage with the artists who created it! Featuring Movement Director Jess Lanius. Register for the live streams, or watch on APT's YouTube channel a few days after recording.

Queers&Peers Craft Time 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM . Brewer Public Library, 325 N Central Ave, Richland Center . Queers&Peers is an LGBTQIA+ and ally support group in Richland Center. Welcome one and all! At this event, we will be chatting about resources available for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies about LGBT issues. Afterward, there will be crafting and snacks. We plan to paint, so feel free to dress in your comfy, not-so-fancy clothes.

Sunday, September 26 5th Annual Hill & Valley Exploration Tour 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM . Sauk & Richland Counties . Free . www.explorehillandvalley.com. The Hill & Valley Exploration Tour is a celebration of rural living and a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant and resilient small farm economy of northern Sauk and Richland counties! On the tour you can easily find local food and art producers, learn about the changing face of rural America, dine at a true farm‐to‐fork country eatery, find hidden gems and visit a historic folk art site.

Don’t forget to bring your cooler to hold all your farm-fresh purchases, an extra sweater and the mud boots; this is country fun — rain or shine!

Poem Homes Open House 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM . 770 N. Westmor St., Spring Green . poemhomes.org . Tour Spring Green's first net zero energy home. Learn how this solar-powered, super-insulated home works. Find out what makes it a prototype for environmentally friendly construction and how to build with non-toxic materials. See how spacious a small modern-style home can be, especially for those who want to “age-in-place”.

Fermentation Fest 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM . Witwen Park & Campground, S9855 County Rd E, Sauk City . Various prices . fermentationfest.com . A two-day celebration of live culture in all its forms. Fest attendees can enjoy fermentation demos, tastings, a variety of local foods, art activities, and grazing tutorials, as well as performances that range from dance to “Grassical” music in an open-air Tabernacle to Scandanavian cow calling.

Piedmont Wine Dinner 4:30 PM . Homecoming, 242 North Lexington Street, Spring Green . $80 . piedmontdinner.splashthat.com . Featuring wines from importer Kermit Lynch, from the Piedmont region of Italy. Six courses, six wines. Doors open at 4:30, with dinner starting at 5:00pm

Tuesday, September 28 Fall Outdoor Storytime 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM . Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain . www.kraemerlibrary.org . Storytimes lasts about 30 minutes (no one gets offended if your child doesn’t last this long!) and is aimed for families with children ages 0-6 with themed songs and stories.

Wednesday, September 29 Family Outdoor Storytime 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org . Join us for stories, songs, and fun. Meet on the library's east lawn. Seating pads are provided for children; adults please bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

APT Talkback: Oedipus 4:00 PM . Virtual . Free . www.americanplayers.org . For more on this spectacular play, engage with the artists who created it! Catch up with the cast!

Register for the live streams, or watch on APT's YouTube channel a few days after recording.

Hike with Mike & Grace: Welsh Hills Prairie 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM . 5607 County Rd C, Spring Green . www.taliesinpreservation.org . Join us for a series of naturalist-led hikes on the landscape that inspired Frank Lloyd Wright. This hike will highlight southwestern Wisconsin’s geology, flora, and fauna as you take in the fresh air and scenic views.

Saturday, October 2 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.

National Solar Tour 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM . 770 N. Westmor St., Spring Green . poemhomes.org . Join people across America who are learning about solar energy as part of the ASES National Solar Tour by touring Spring Green's first net-zero energy home.

Learn what it takes to go green: super-insulation, non-toxic materials, and energy-efficient mechanicals.

Rare Element 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . $15 in advance, $20 at the door . www.slowpokelounge.com . Wisconsin based horn band, RARE ELEMENT performs high-energyinstrumental funk music in a truly unique manner. The band’s highly talented roster coupled with it’s creative and intricate arrangements make Rare Element a must-see act. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

Sunday, October 3 Benefit for Amanda White 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM . The Woods Bar and Grill, 320 S Oak St, Lone Rock . Amanda was diagnosed with inoperable cervical cancer and had incurred large medical bills. Proceeds will help pay bills. 50/50 drawings, meat paddles,

Tuesday, October 5 Fall Outdoor Storytime 10:15 AM - 10:45 AM . Plain Kraemer Library and Community Center, 910 Main St, Plain . www.kraemerlibrary.org . Storytimes lasts about 30 minutes (no one gets offended if your child doesn’t last this long!) and is aimed for families with children ages 0-6 with themed songs and stories.

Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the World 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org .

Eleanor Roosevelt shares with the audience her tragedies and triumphs. Born into the opulent wealth of America’s “Golden Age” she would grow from the shy, homely orphan into a confident, driven woman. Annealed by personal tragedy, she would emerge as a champion of civil rights, author, and stateswoman. She is best summed up by President Harry S. Truman, who dubbed her “The First Lady of the World.”

Community

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 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 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.

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

Page 7

Taliesin honored by UNESCO continued from page 1

nificant impact on his home state –it showcases his boundless vision for good and meaningful living through personal homes, a conference center, a private business, a school, a church, even a warehouse!

The Trail allows visitors to see his vision and work up close, and along the way they have opportunities to experience Wisconsin’s gorgeous outdoors, our fresh culinary scene, our world-

class hospitality, our diverse arts and culture, and so much more that Wisconsin has to offer.

Thank you to Taliesin Preservation, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and all of the volunteers dedicated to preserving Taliesin and providing incredible experiences and programming to help travelers discover the unexpected in Wisconsin.

Congratulations on this worldwide recognition.

Taliesin UNESCO Plaque Unveiling On Sept. 15, the Taliesin Preservation and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation unveiled a new plaque installed at the great architect’s private estate in Spring Green, Wisc, celebrating the site’s inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The event featured special guests, including Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and Secretary-Designee of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Anne Sayers. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) recognizes landmarks or sites for cultural, historical, or scientific relevance. The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy, based in Chicago, IL, spearheaded the serial nomination of eight major works by Frank Lloyd Wright.

The inscription for Wright’s works was announced on July 7, 2019, during the 43rd session of the World Heritage Committee. Wright’s buildings are the first US Modern Architecture to be included on the United Nations’ list of the world’s most significant cultural and natural sites, representing American design for the first time on a global stage. Taliesin was chosen to be a part of this honor as a great example of an organic connection to the surrounding landscape of the driftless region. The inscription is an honorary distinction that provides additional protection of the properties.

“This is an incredible moment for Taliesin Preservation, our sister organization The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and our incredible community of friends, partners and donors. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site we are now officially recognized worldwide for bringing outstanding cultural and natural

heritage to humanity—and we pledge to continue this as a laboratory for living in the 21st century.” – Carrie Rodamaker, Executive Director, Taliesin Preservation “This designation is a great source of national pride, and while eight buildings are included in the inscription, it recognizes the importance of Wright’s work, embodied in every one of his buildings and designs. These sites are not simply World Heritage monuments because they are beautiful. It’s so much more than that. These are places of profound influence, inspiration and connection.” – Stuart Graff, President & CEO, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Taliesin Preservation produces innovative cultural and educational programming at Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s 800-acre estate in the rural Driftless hills of Wisconsin. Taliesin has served as a living laboratory for over one-hundred years, exploring and advancing organic principles in everyday life, where home, community, farm, the arts, education and the environment are deeply connected and work as an integrated whole.

The serial inscription also includes Unity Temple, the Frederick C. Robie House, Hollyhock House, Fallingwater, the Herbert and Katherine Jacobs House, Taliesin West and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and brings greater awareness to and appreciation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s complete body of work.

– Taliesin Preservation

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Community

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Review: Homecoming, new farm-to-table restaurant wows with unique cocktails, fresh food Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief A few weeks ago we finally had the chance to try out Homecoming, the new farm-to-table restaurant in the White School House downtown Spring Green.

It gave me a good excuse to do my hair and makeup, put on a cute outfit and have a night out for the first time in a long time. So I was already excited for the evening, but the food, beautiful ambiance and fun drinks at Homecoming were really what made the night special.

The menu when we went followed the same general idea most of their (ever-changing, seasonal) menus do, it offered the rundown of regular pizzas, margherita, sausage, pepperoni.

It also featured a green goddess or green type pizza with pesto and olives.

The option we chose to share was the Ham Pizza, with locally sourced meat from Seven Seeds Farms, Swiss cheese, onions and plum sauce. It was the perfect mixture of sweet and savory and not something I’d try at any other restaurant, which was nice and refreshing. Plus it came out in minutes right off the wood fire pizza oven, with the infused smokiness and the sweet plum sauce giving it a taste reminiscent of an unparalleled BBQ chicken pizza.

Also a huge fan of their gluten free pizza crust! It makes the restaurant so much more accessible to a variety of people and is something that could truly make or break a pizza — and it made this one. Gluten free crusts are still hard to master, but it’s entirely possible they did.

We also tried the mushroom and Parmesan polenta, it was my first time trying any sort of polenta and wow — I find myself wanting it all the time. I literally crave it now. It’d be a component of the perfect, slightly upscale, cozy fall or winter meal.

That’s kind of the downside of farm-to table, as delicious as it is, there’s no guarantee they’ll have the exact same item again or what you’re craving will be in season. But the ingredients and combos are so good when it’s fresh, I deal

Photos by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief and Taylor Scott, Managing Editor with it, ha.

The only food item we tried that I didn’t really love was the green salad, which featured greens and arugula and a variety of different beets and radishes. I think my dislike for it was more because of my tastes and picky texture preferences rather than the salad. Our other editor very thoroughly enjoyed it and I think someone who enjoys rich, earthy flavors and textures would as well.

We didn’t get to try the desserts they had, all of which had sold out just before we were able to order them (which is telling enough, especially as we were told they had made extra). The options included some sort of fruit crisp with fresh whipped cream and creme brûlée with fresh berries. They both sounded amazing, I’m looking forward to nomming those next time they have them.

The drinks we had were amazing as well, and so beautiful. It matched the beautiful outdoor garden space so well.

I tried the raspberry cosmo and one of the rosés. Everyone at Homecoming was incredibly

helpful in pointing me through their curated wine list to pick the wine that most resembled the moscato I was craving.

Our other editor tried a plum cocktail to complement the plum sauce on the pizza and tried a Negroni cocktail as well. I really liked how diverse and unique their specialty cocktail selections were, it helped you to branch out and try new items that you wouldn’t normally go up to a bar and order.

I should say, I’m a very picky eater, I truly have the diet of a five year old. With that said, anyone that makes the trip to Homecoming will love it. There are plenty of options on the menu that even a picky eater would enjoy (like the cheese/pepperoni/ sausage wood fired pizzas), but the more adventurous diner would still be pleased.

We also got our food so quickly, we’d barely found a spot out in the beautifully lit up garden before all of our dishes and drinks were delivered, always an awesome plus at any restaurant.

The only quirk I’d say needs improvement would be maybe providing some bug spray for people out in the beautiful garden (à la APT) because I got eaten ALIVE out there.

I could feel them biting me during dinner and by the next morning I easily had upwards of 30 bites. So it’d be a nice touch if they provided some to preserve the ambiance, but I’ll definitely spray myself down before leaving the house next time!

It’s also very possible they had some and we missed it, so please tell me if I’m wrong!

With an amazing start to their first few months in business and a lot on their plate moving forward, we’re excited to imagine what the upcoming cold season will look like for Homecoming. The interior of the old school house is beautiful, but we can’t help but envision warm cocktails and mugs of locally-sourced soup around a campfire in the garden. Only time will tell. There’s plenty of local harvest to keep things interesting for a while.

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ARTS & CULTURE

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Page 9

Community Art: Jen Salt’s High Palace at Tulum in Mexico The High Palace, or Pyramid E Castillo, is located on the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Overlooking the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean Sea it is believed that this prominent structure built by the Mayans, served as a beacon to guide incoming canoes to the beach, thirty-nine feet below.

This painting is one of thirteen paintings of my paintings currently at the Spring Green Library Community Room through the month of September.

Medium: Watercolor —Jen Salt, Contributor Jen Salt is an artist who lives in a place she calls “Crow’s Lair Cottage”-just outside of Spring Green where she’s lived for five and a half years. “The Wisconsin River was the draw to move here and I’ve never looked back, coming from a big city. This is home.”

...

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 is exhibiting her paintings throughout September at the Spring Green Community Library, 230 E Monroe St, Spring Green, 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 Painting by Jen Salt

Things get smoky for charity as Smoke in the Valley features meat and live music Photo by Taylor Scott, Managing Editor

The 8th annual Smoke in the Valley was held on Saturday at Prem Meats, E5028 US14, Spring Green, featuring smoked meats and music as the community turned out for charity.

Team “Smoke on This” walked away as this year’s grand champion, voted on by those in attendance.

“Our non profit mission is to assist area youth, clubs and organizations in need. All proceeds are donated back to the surrounding communities,” said organizer Marty Prem, of Prem Meats. “With all the teams and vendors we had 22 tents sampling meats, wines, liquors and more.”

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Page 10 WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Outdoors/recreation

Sauk County’s own Devil’s Lake State Park to grow under new acquisition

continued from page 1

vast expanse of forest that covers the southern flank of the Baraboo Hills, which are embedded in a largely agricultural landscape. The Baraboo Hills were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 in recognition of their outstanding biological and geological resources.

TNC first protected land at the South Bluff Oak Forest area of Devil’s Lake State Park in 1971, working with five landowners to protect a total of 156 acres over the next 20 years. Eventually, all the land was transferred to state ownership in 2007. TNC protected another 251 acres at Devil’s Lake State Park between 1992 and 2010 in collaboration with the state and now owns and manages over 9,500 adjoining acres on the west side of Hwy 12.

Identifying the tract as an important part of the landscape for protection, TNC began negotiations with the owners several decades ago, eventually working with the DNR to help broker the final deal.

The acquisition was also made possible by the Knowles Nelson Stewardship Program. State grants issued by the program provide a crucial tool for public- private

conservation partnerships, especially at a time when more Wisconsinites than ever are turning to the outdoors and our great state parks for recreation and solace.

Additionally, the Hills are a Wisconsin Important Bird Area, supporting some 135 species of breeding birds and providing important stopover habitat for other migratory bird species. They contain more rare species and diverse concentrations of birds than any other similar-sized forested area in southern Wisconsin.

The property also hosts a rare plant community, known as acid bedrock glade, where the underlying bedrock is close to the surface. Within the Hills’ forested system, glades serve as refugia for light-demanding species that are adapted to more open savanna and prairie conditions that were formerly much more abundant in parts of Wisconsin.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we work in 79 countries and

Photo by Emily Mills/TNC The acid bedrock glade at the newly acquired land to be added to Devil’s Lake State Park. territories to create innovative, on-theground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. In Wisconsin, we have worked

with members and donors, landowners, business, public agencies, and communities to conserve more than 236,300 acres in some of Wisconsin’s most beloved and ecologically significant landscapes, including the Baraboo Hills, the Door Peninsula and the forests and wild lakes in the Northwoods. www. nature.org/wisconsin

The Sauk County Gardener — When Frost Arrives in the Garden Jeanie Manis, Sauk County Master Gardener “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

– F. Scott Fitzgerald With October just around the corner, frost is going to inevitably arrive. I’m hoping it holds out a bit longer because I still need to dig many of my geraniums to overwinter in the house and I have to find a winter home for my Caladium.

I started the Caladiums from tubers this spring and they were very slow to emerge, so I’m considering simply moving them indoors and using them as a “houseplant” until next spring.

I recently read an article about how to predict frost that I’m going to test this year. In a nutshell, if it has been a beautiful, sunny day with moderate temps (less than 75 degrees F), clear skies, low humidity, and no wind in the evening, there is a chance that the evening temperatures will drop low enough to cause frost. There are other factors, such as microclimates, that come into play as well, but I should be able to at least get an idea if I need to protect my plants if I forget to check what the local weatherperson says.

Tender vegetables (tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, melons, etc.) in the garden can’t withstand a frost. However, there are several more hardy ones that can handle a light frost if you add a heavy

layer of mulch to keep the ground from freezing around them. It also helps to water well before a frost as moist soil can hold more heat than dry soil, up to five degrees F warmer. Those that can handle a light frost include beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, lettuce, parsnip, arugula, and Swiss chard to name a few. Brussel sprouts, carrots, garlic, kale, peas, radishes, spinach, and turnips can survive a hard frost, so if you’re short on time, wait to harvest these last. Many times, a first frost is followed by a period of frost-free weather so you can save or prolong your harvest and blooms if you cover them during the first frosty nights.

Within a week or two after the first killing frost is the time to plant garlic.

This is typically mid to late September through early to mid-October, so have your bulbs ready to go when the time is right. I enjoy garlic scapes, so I plant the hardneck variety. I bought my initial bulbs last year at the farmers’ market; this year I will be planting some of the bulbs I harvested out of my garden about a month ago. To learn more about recommended varieties for Wisconsin and how to plant and store garlic, visit https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/ articles/garlic-allium-sativum/.

If you plant tender bulbs in your flower gardens and containers, the first killing

frost is a signal to dig them before the ground freezes. For convenience, I’m going to refer to bulbs, corms, rhizomes, and tubers as “bulbs” from here. Here’s a short list of ones that can be saved from year to year with proper care: begonias (tuberous), callas, cannas, dahlias, gladiolus, and elephant ears.

Dig them once the foliage dries up or after a first hard frost. If the foliage is killed by frost, it needs to be dug within a few days to make sure rot-causing organisms do not enter the bulb. Take care to not cut, damage, or bruise the bulbs, as that is where pathogens will enter and cause them to rot during winter storage. Clean off all the loose and excess soil and cut off the stems.

Gently wash them and leave them to dry. However, glad corms should not be washed; just remove the soil after they have dried. Wait until next spring to divide the bulbs and get rid of any damaged ones to avoid the chance of rot during storage. Before you store your tender bulbs, they need to be cured or dried. Most only need 1-3 days, glads and callas are exceptions – they need closer to three weeks. Keep them out of direct sunlight in temperatures 60-70 degrees F where it is well ventilated.

At this time of year, I can cure mine in the garage. I have an old picture frame

with a wire screen that I will place on top of an open tote to help increase air flow. Store the dried bulbs in a nonairtight container in layers of peat moss, sand, vermiculite, coir, or wood shavings about 2-3 inches deep, and ensure they don’t touch. If you like, you can also dust them with an insecticidefungicide just for that particular use.

Put the container in a location where the temps are between 35-45 degrees F with relative humidity around 50%; an unfinished basement or unheated garage where they cannot freeze will many times suffice. Periodically throughout the winter check the bulbs for rot and toss any that shows of spoilage. If they appear to be shriveled or really wrinkled, mist the packing material to prevent them from completely drying out. If they are too moist, let them air dry and then repack in dry material. Use these simple guidelines to make saving some of your favorite flowers easier.

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 608355-3250.

Swifts, Swallows and Broad-Winged Hawks post big numbers Ryan Brady, DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Program Biologist Peak migration of our long-distance, neotropical migrants has passed, though some will be seen through the end of September, especially in the south. These include warm-weather species like hummingbirds, various warblers, indigo buntings, rose-breasted grosbeaks, swallows, catbirds and more. The prevalence of yellow-rumped and palm warblers across the north indicates the transition underway to later, short-distance migrants, as does the arrival of dark-eyed junco, whitecrowned and Harris’s sparrows, rusty blackbird and both kinglets. Other notable landbirds seen this past week were Swainson’s and gray-cheeked thrushes, Philadelphia and blue-headed vireos, northern flickers, red-headed woodpeckers and eastern wood-pewees.

Chimney swifts are staging in large

numbers in far southern counties, including evening roost counts of 1,000+ from Dane and Waukesha. Also impressive from Dane this week were counts of 1,000+ tree swallows and 12,000+ common grackles. Broad-winged hawks moved through in large numbers, highlighted by a count of 400+ in just one hour in Sauk. Some large kettles are possible in the south over the week ahead, as are good numbers of sharpshinned and Cooper’s hawks, merlins and a few peregrine falcons.

Flocks of Canada geese moved in from the north over the past couple weeks.

Duck migration is just beginning to pick up as pintail, wigeon, shovelers, greenwinged teal and a few divers begin to show. Other wetland birds now being seen are herons, egrets, sora, Virginia rail, Wilson’s snipe and piedbilled grebes. Shorebird migration is

generally waning but now is a good time for American golden-plovers, sanderlings, yellowlegs and an occasional red-necked phalarope.

Some recent rare finds include Sabine’s gulls in Douglas and Dane, parasitic jaegers in Douglas, white-winged dove in Milwaukee, red knots in Door, snowy egret in Dane, yellow-crowned night-herons in Milwaukee and Sheboygan, Nelson’s sparrows in Dane, Dodge and Outagamie, and Franklin’s gulls in above-average numbers across multiple counties. The week ahead is forecast to feature cool, dry weather dominated by west and northwest winds, meaning it should be great for bird migration and bird watching! Get out to enjoy the show, and help us track the migration by reporting your observations to www. ebird.org/wi.

Photo by Ryan Brady A sign of the changing season, a Philadelphia vireo forages among the fall colors in Bayfield County recently.

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

SPORTS

WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021 Page 11

Blackhawks don’t let Dodgeville Blackhawks Boys Soccer evens out dodge, claim big 49-8 win season, 5-5-3, with lots of play left

Photo by Mike McDermott, Sports Contributor

Photo contributed by Cory Schmidt, RV Boys Soccer Head Coach

The River Valley Blackhawks Varsity Football team improved to 5-1 after beating the Dodgeville Dodgers, 49-8, Sept. 17.

“Our biggest take away was that we are resilient when things are not perfect. We were good at times and at other times we struggled, however, our boys kept to the game plan and continued grinding the entire game,” said Blackhawks Head Coach Tim Eastlick.

Pictured: Blackhawks QB Ethan Wickman keeps the ball against the Dodgers. “Ethan is a strong runner when he decides things are breaking down around him in the pocket. His pocket awareness is getting better every week,” said Eastlick. The Blackhawks play undefeated Broadhead-Juda for Homecoming on Friday.

We played PDC, Lakeside Lutheran, and Columbus Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. We tied PDC 2-2 with two tallies by Tory Weller. We lost 2-1 against Lakeside Lutheran, with a Goal by Cameron Hanson. We won 3-2 vs Columbus. Goals by Tory Weller (2), and Guidry Ridge.

We have been connecting in the midfield and playing a much better brand of soccer lately. We are looking forward to the second half of our conference season. We are 5-5-3 for the season thus far.

Pictured is Junior Tory Weller.

—Cory Schmidt, RV Boys Soccer Head Coach

RVRC Swim Team get outswam in hard loss to Sauk Prairie Mike Nachreiner, RVRC Swim Team Coach Saturday morning the RVRC Swim Team traveled to Sauk Prairie for another dual meet. Sauk Prairie won the meet 105 to 65. The RVRC squad turned in another good performance against a very good Sauk team. RVRC scored points in 17 out of 20 individual entries.

“Once again, I am very happy with the effort that the RVRC swimmers put into their events. There is no quit in this team,” said Coach Mike Nachreiner. Seniors Molly Peckham, Kris Langrehr, Elizabeth Jewell and Beverly Harper looked real strong in their events. Coach Emily Nachreiner said, “We have a nice group of seniors leading the team. It really helps having a group like this as Seniors leading by example.” Sauk Prairie has a very strong team, but RVRC was able to have a few first place finishes with Bevery Harper in the 50 meter freestyle, Harper again in the 100 meter freestyle and Megan Nachreiner in the 100 meter backstroke.

Volleyball: Middle School Dodgeville Middle School | Thurs, Sept. 23, 4:00 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game Mueller Pitch, RVE Thursday, Sept. 23, 5:00 p.m.

Soccer: Boys JV Game Mueller Pitch, RVE Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV2 RVHS - Old Gym Thursday, Sept. 23, 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV RVHS - New Gym Thursday, Sept. 23, 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls Varsity RVHS - New Gym Thursday, Sept. 23, 6:30 p.m.

Relays scoring points: —200 Medley Relay – 2nd place – Lily Saperstein, Molly Peckham, Megan Nachreiner and Beverly Harper —200 Freestyle Relay – 2nd Place – Molly Peckham, Kris Langrehr, Bobbi DuCharme and Beverly Harper —400 Freestyle Relay – 2nd Place – Bobbi DuCharme, Kris Langrehr, Megan Nachreiner and Lily Saperstein —400 Freestyle Relay– 3rd PlaceGrace Tjossem, Charlotte Ferstl, Alivia Glasbrenner and Marissa Needham Individuals scoring points: —Lily Saperstein finished 3rd in the 200 meter freestyle and 4th in the 100 meter backstroke.

—Charlotte Ferstl took 5th in the 200 meter freestyle and 5th in the 400 meter freestyle.

—Bobbi DuCharme won 3rd place in the 200 individual medley and 2nd place in the 100 meter freestyle.

—Kris Langrehr finished 5th in the 200 individual medley and 2nd in the 100 meter butterfly.

—Beverly Harper took 1st place in

Photo contributed by Mike Nachreiner, RVRC Swim Team Coach Elizabeth Jewell is airborne on her start in the 400-meter freestyle relay at the Sauk Prairie meet on Saturday. the 50 meter freestyle and 1st place in the 100 meter freestyle.

—Alivia Glasbrenner was 4th in the 50 meter freestyle and 4th in the 100 meter breaststroke.

—Megan Langrehr finished 5th in the 100 meter butterfly.

School activities this week Football: Varsity Game River Valley Stadium Friday, Sept. 24, 7:00 p.m.

Trap Team SG Rod and Gun Club Sunday, Sept. 26, 10:00 a.m.

Cross Country: Middle School Lancaster Golf Course Monday, Sept. 27, 4:15 p.m.

Soccer: Boys JV Game Evansville High School Monday, Sept. 27, 4:45 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game Evansville High School Monday, Sept. 27, 6:45 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV2 Riverdale High School Monday, Sept. 27, 5:00 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV Riverdale REMS Building Monday, Sept. 27, 5:00 p.m.

Football: JV Game Broadhead High School Monday, Sept. 27, 5:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Middle School Darlington High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 4:00 p.m.

Football: 7th Grade Baraboo Middle School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:00 p.m.

—Molly Peckham took 5th in the 100 meter freestyle and 3rd in the 100 meter breaststroke.

—Megan Nachreiner was 3rd in the 400 meter freestyle and 1st in the 100 meter backstroke.

Football: 8th Grade Baraboo Middle School | Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Soccer: Boys Varsity Game Richland Center High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:00 p.m.

Soccer: Boys JV Game Richland Center High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV2 Dodgeville High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: Girls JV Dodgeville High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 5:45 p.m.

Volleyball: Varsity Dodgeville High School Tuesday, Sept. 28, 7:15 p.m.

SPORTS/SCHOOL

Page 12 WednesdaY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

River Valley harriers run in the dark at Boscobel in unique race Brian Krey, River Valley Cross County Head Coach The River Valley Cross Country team traveled to Boscobel for the Greg Bell Memorial Night Invitational on Thursday, September 16. This was a unique and fantastic event, as the girls’ race began at 7:50 pm while the boys started at 8:25 with 18 teams participating. The course was lit with permanent and temporary lights, and the atmosphere created by the Boscobel coaches and team was a lot of fun.

The River Valley girls’ team ran great and placed 6th overall. Individually Bobbi DuCharme (20:27) led the girls’ team and placed 14th overall, earning a medal. This was another great performance, as Bobbi swam at the home swim meet at 6 pm in Spring Green, and then made it to Boscobel in time for this race. Freshman Alana Merritt ran her first race of the season and ran a fantastic race, recording a time of 23:08. The rest of the girls’ varsity team ran an excellent race and really stuck to our plan of settling in during the first mile and then really pushing ourselves during the second half of the race. We had a difficult week of practice, and our home invite four days prior to this race - so I was very pleased with how well the girls responded and competed after a tough week both physically and mentally.

Varsity finishers included Caitlin Wastlick (23:44), Abi Cummings (23:47), Anna Johnson (24:49), Jayla Maier (24:49), and Kylie Morrey (27:05). Other girls’ results include Madeline Hutnik (27:27) and Cheyenne Reis (31:18).

The boys’ team placed 13th and was led

by Freshman Noah Radtke, who finished 24th in a time of 18:15. I thought Noah ran a great race, as it is hard mentally and physically to compete after the week of practice we had. He improved his time from Saturday by almost a minute and has a strong desire to improve each day we run. TJ Strine also ran a fantastic race - he practices so hard each day, and I’m happy that he had a personal record by over a minute, finishing in 22:30.

Other varsity finishers for the boys’ team included: Connor Grant (21:33), Mason Henkel (21:33), Ethan Wastlick (21:33), and Josh Maes (22:29).

The Blackhawk Cross Country team’s next race is in Platteville on Saturday, October 2.

Photo contributed by Aaron and Julie Maes Abi Cummings, Alana Merritt, Caitlin Wastlick and Jayla Maier run together at the Greg Bell Memorial Night Invitational Sept. 16.

Photo contributed by Aaron and Julie Maes Josh Maes, Mason Henkel, TJ Strine and Ethan Wastlick run together at the Greg Bell Memorial Night Invitational Sept. 16.

58th River Valley School Fair — Friday, Sept. 23: Show times, auctions and more Show Times Sheep - 8:15 a.m. at Pavilion Goat - 8:25 a.m. at Pavilion Horse - 8:30 a.m. South of High School Parking Lot Beef - 8:45 a.m. at Pavilion Cats, Rabbits, Poultry - 9:00 at Pavilion Swine - 9:15 a.m. at Pavilion Dairy - 10:30 a.m. at Pavilion Auction begins at NOON FOOD STAND at Mr. G Building 6:00 am - 2:00 pm Cheeseburgers & Hamburgers Brats & Hotdogs BBQ Chicken & Savory Pork Doughnuts, Cookies, and Chips Soda, Gatorade, Water

Photo via Shari Graffunder A pig being shown by a student at a previous River Valley School Fair.

AUCTION Buyers may register starting at 10:45 a.m.

Auction starts at Noon Grand champions of each species are sold first, afterwards it’s random order.

Hogs over 270 lbs will be sold at 270 lbs Steer over 1,450 lbs will be sold at 1,450 lbs Sheep over 150 lbs will be sold at 150 lbs

IMPLEMENT AREA North part of Student Parking Lot 8:00 a.m. to Noon Come to see the various agricultural machinery Arts and Crafts Area 9:00 a.m. to Noon Create crafts to show all your friends and family!

Corn Hole and Pumpkin Bowling 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Stop by and enjoy some fun!

Face Painting 9:00 a.m. to Noon You can get many different designs!

Kiddie Tractor Pull (behind MS) 9:00 a.m. to Noon Like to see how far you can get with a weighted wagon? Please give this a try.

Petting Zoo 9 a.m. to Noon Sponsored by the River Valley FFA Alumni and Supporters Organization