Valley Sentinel - 12-16-2021

Inside this edition

Community Calendar

COVID Dashboard

Winter Solstice Observation

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Spring Green, Wisconsin

Thursday, December 16, 2021 | Vol. 2, No. 49 FREE, Single-Copy

The Valley lights up for the holidays as residents and businesses both deck the halls Photos by Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief and Taylor Scott, Managing Editor Residents and businesses all over the Valley are showing their spirit with merry and bright holiday lights.

The Spring Green Chamber of Commerce is hosting Light Up the Valley, a holiday lights competition where residents voted the best decorated house in the area have a chance to win cash prizes that range from $250-500. To see the full list of participants go to: www.springgreen.com Pictured to the right: A home on Highbanks Road in Spring Green is decked out with holiday lights and lawn ornaments, including a radio station playing Christmas music to enjoy the lights.

Pictured to the right, below: Pamela’s Fine Jewelry in downtown Spring Green lit up for the holidays.

Pictured below: A home on Sherwood Drive in Spring Green shines bright with light up deer and a nativity scene.

Arena board meeting sees disputes over minutes and closing on sale of village property Adeline Holte, Intern The Village of Arena Board of Trustees held its regular monthly board meeting on Tuesday Dec. 7. Topics discussed during the meeting ranged from disputes over minutes and attending meetings to the closing of the sale of village property on Oak Street, chicken permits and more.

The meeting started with action to approve the agenda for the meeting. A motion to approve the agenda, excluding item 11A under old business — a request by trustee Paul Pustina to discuss the Nov. 16 special board meeting — was made by trustee and village President Kate Reimann and seconded by trustee Kathy Stoltz. Trustee Jim Doerflinger questioned why they were eliminating 11A. Reimann explained that the minutes from the Nov. 16 special meeting were already in the meeting packet and the meeting had already occurred.

Pustina asserted it was irrelevant to his request to discuss the meeting and expressed disbelief.

Reimann moved into a vote for her motion to approve the agenda excluding Pustina’s item, but the motion failed with only the support of Reimann and Stoltz, with trustees Kristen Shea, Doerflinger and Pustina voting against the motion. Trustees Rachel Maxwell and Charles Burch were absent. The motion to approve the agenda as noticed was then carried without objection, including Pustina’s requested item.

The next item on the agenda was the consent agenda, which included approval of the minutes from the Nov. 2 meeting, the Nov. 16 special board meeting, approval of monthly invoices and biweekly payroll. The consent agenda items passed with all in favor except Pustina, stating his reasoning being that he was not present for the Nov. 16 meeting and was therefore unable to record the meeting.

Under public comment, resident BeccaRaven Uminowicz spoke about the signs on both the west and east side of State Highway 14, asking for someone to put “Welcome to

Arena” or “Have a nice day!” on the signs when they’re not being otherwise used.

“It’s so depressing when we drive down and there’s nothing on our signs,” Uminowicz stated. “We struggle enough as it is with trying to get people to know we’re here.”

Surveyor Nick Jennings had been scheduled to attend the meeting to discuss the certified survey map (CSM) for 516 Oak Street ahead of its sale by the village, but was unable to attend.

Reimann shared that Jennings is working on the CSM and finding lot lines. Reimann then asked for approval from the board in signing off on the CSM once it is completed.

“You’re asking for a motion to approve a CSM that’s not done yet, that we haven’t been able to see?” Pustina then asked.

Village Clerk DeNean Naeger explained they will not be able to close sale on the property Dec. 9 otherwise, and the reason they made the CSM was so the person interested in purchase could see where the lot lines were. Naeger clarified there will be no splitting or changing of the property, the CSM is strictly for the lot lines.

Stoltz then made a motion to approve giving Reimann authority to sign the CSM upon completion for 516 Oak Street. Pustinal was opposed, stating he believed the buyer could wait. The motion was carried.

The board then took up item 11A to discuss the special board meeting held on Nov. 16, per the request by Pustina.

“This didn’t have to turn into such a big deal, I’m really confused as to why you wouldn’t bring it up. My email explains everything,” stated Pustina. “My question is, why wasn’t I contacted?”

Pustina was not able to attend the Nov. 16 meeting and stated that other board members had been contacted or called when they were not able to attend meetings in the past and were able to attend the meeting by phone.

“I am not required to call anybody,” Reimann

stated.

Reimann further stated that Pustina needs to “check his email” in order to stay in contact with board members. Pustina stated that in the future he would appreciate being called.

“I don’t call people, I’m not your secretary, you guys are all adults and know when the meetings are,” interjected Naeger. “I don’t call anybody.”

Pustina then asked if they would be starting a new policy where board members would not be called, discussion again ensued about board members being called in the past and everyone held their ground, with no action proposed.

“I know where everything stands,” said Pustina, as Reimann moved to the next item.

“The point has been made.”

The Nov. 16 special meeting was called by Maxwell and Burch to consider sanitary sewer project options. At the meeting, the board authorized village engineering firm MSA to sign a $4,771 agreement with Giles Engineering Associates, Inc. for sanitary sewer project geotechnical investigation and soil borings, with completion expected by Dec. 22, 2021. At the special meeting, the board also approved moving forward with the first option they were presented for gravity sewer design updates, which was stated as “Sharon Street – South LS to Washington St down Sharon St and up to Pine St.” Under the option, Sharon Street will need to be replaced, which would be covered under the project loan. The project would also replace a manhole located by the ACES building (314 Willow Street), which has “settled out/ obstruction.” The total cost for these projects, which includes sewer rehab/lining, gravity sewer and lift station upgrades, is expected to exceed $839,000. According to the timeline approved, the village will award the final contract March 1, 2022, with construction occurring April 4 – July 15, 2022 and Pine Street lift station upgrades occuring Aug. 1 – Aug. 19, 2022.

A chicken permit for 374 Oak Street submitted

by resident Tricia Green was discussed as well in new business. Reimann stated that she had an issue with the permit, as the owner did not have written consent from the joining properties at the time of the permit, and had not provided the written consent as of the meeting. Naeger stated that the chickens are already on the property and that Green previously had a rooster, in violation of ordinance. Green is currently subject to fines and having the chickens removed. Reimann stated she feels that once Green has consent from her neighbors then she can receive the chicken permit, while acknowledging Green currently possesses the chickens anyway, and that she needs to get permission, otherwise she will have to remove the chickens. The motion to not approve the chicken permit made by Shea was carried.

The board also continued their discussion regarding a new path that will be constructed along Pine Road to West ParkWest Park currently includes a fishing pond, dog park and frisbee golf course. The village was approved for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (CNR) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant they applied for, which includes a 50% match. Public Works Superintendent Mike Schmidt stated he is working with Alliant Energy to figure out the lighting along the path before they move forward with design and layout.

The board also discussed using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a playground structure and swing for the village park on Sharon Street. Design was made for the playground structure and swing set, and it is planned to remove the old wooden play structure that is in poor condition. Motion to approve the structure with ARPA funds was made by Pustina and seconded by Shea, with the motion carrying unanimously.

The next regular village board meeting is scheduled for Jan. 4 at 7 p.m.

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Commentary/Opinion

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Community Column — Katie Green’s The Plain and Simple Correspondent: Comfort Food Katie Green, The Plain and Simple Correspondent When you hear the term “comfort food”, what comes to mind? In the good-for-you category, for me it’s any kind of salad, say, anything with melted cheddar cheese on it, a cup of steaming herb tea on a cold morning, a bowl of chili when it’s ten below outside. In the not-so-good-for-you category it’s carrot cake and crème caramel and berry pies heaped with whipping cream. I’m salivating!

But then the other day I read a review of the book Looking for the Good War:

Katie Green American Amnesia and Violent Pursuit of Happiness, and my eye was caught by the quote “the language deployed to interpret this conflict — [the terrorist strikes of September 11, 2001] — was decidedly old school, the comfort food of martial rhetoric.” Wow! The unconventional usage of a familiar phrase liberated my thinking and sent me off on a mental excursion. What were comfort foods for soul and mind, as well as body? I asked myself.

That very afternoon, sauntering down

off the hill toward the village, I spied a “blue preacher”, as poet Mary Oliver memorably described the Great Blue Heron, poised along the bank of Honey Creek near the bridge. I have seen both the “blue preacher” and the “old Chinese poet”, the blue’s white heron counterpart, on a number of occasions in that slice of the watershed, not to mention schools of little fishes and muskrats. Anyway, I froze mid-step and eyeball to eyeball across a short expanse we contemplated each other for many long minutes until I had to venture slowly onward to make it to the post office before it closed for the day. The noble bird could tolerate only so much proximity, and as the gap closed between us, it unfolded those magnificent wings and flapped downstream in the same slow motion as it stalks the wetlands. This, I decided, was comfort food for the soul.

Hiking into pristine places of delight, not that there are many of those left, can shift one’s focus from troubles and personal cares to new appreciation of majesty and the intricate workings of the natural world. It could be in craggy mountains, prairies and plains where wind sighing in the grasses soothes and calms, by the shores of lakes and oceans where water is always on the move (sometimes gently, sometimes boisterously), or just in your backyard or passing an unmowed vacant lot filled with flora and fauna. If you are “out there”, with eyes, ears, nose, and the sense of touch ready at your command, something interesting is bound to arrest your attention and educate you to delight, humility, and awe.

Other examples of comfort food for the soul are the fireworks that lit up the night sky unexpectedly a week or two ago, no

doubt marking a special occasion for some family nearby, but which transported me mentally to their side to share in the celebration. A stunning sunset out over the valley, that pours into me with vivid color seemingly getting under my skin, inhabiting my inmost self, would be another. Being in the presence of great art does it for me, too – the mother and children paintings of Mary Cassatt, for instance, or the watercolors of Winslow Homer. Listening to and playing or singing music is another, since certain melodies and sonorities give voice to one’s deepest yearnings and powerful emotions.

Perhaps the crowning achievement of bodily soul food is the loving touch of another being, human or otherwise (dogs, cats, horses, other creatures that humans adopt as companions or encounter along the way.) A few times in my life butterflies have alighted on me, several times a bird, and I have felt honored beyond describing. Many a time I have provided a lap for a cat or an over-enthusiastic largish dog (the only kind we have ever cohabited with.) Touch is even better than the morning shower or slipping gratefully into a pure, chilly lake or stream on a steaming summer day. Close, but not quite as powerful, is sharing a meal with others. Even looking through the window of a restaurant or a home and seeing people enjoying each other’s company as they eat supplies a jolt of vicarious warmth to the heart.

Regarding comfort food for the mind, the best menu for me is to reread a muchloved book of prose or poetry, or a play I saw on the stage and can picture vividly as I work through the pages. The exercise is not so much the stimulation and excitement of discovery, as it was when I read it the first time, but an appreciation of the

Photo contributed by Katie Green “Touch, comfort food for the soul” says the author. author’s crafty ability to weave me into his or her spell and revisit the familiar scenes that drew me in the first place.

However it happens, may you be served up a large dish of comfort food as December progresses toward the New Year and find new opportunities for comfort food.

CORRECTION: In the November 18th edition of the Valley Sentinel I incorrectly stated that Julia Child had been a spy.

She wanted to be a spy and applied to be one, but was told her height, 6’2”, would make her too conspicuous, when spies are supposed to blend in by being innocuous and bland-looking. Hence she was relegated to the OSS secretarial pool for the duration of WWII.

Chris Hardie’s Back Home column: Stranded on the rooftop

Chris Hardie, Columnist ‘Tis the season for holiday lights and while I’m no Clark Griswold, I’ve always enjoyed putting up a few exterior decorations.

The interior holiday decorating I leave to my far more capable and creative better half Sherry, with my primary role being bin hauler to and from the basement. But when it comes to hanging lights outside, Sherry defers. That’s more of a nod to the fact that it’s cold outside and there are usually ladders involved.

This year, there was an unusual development when I decided to expand my lighting ambitions and hang lights on a day when I could actually feel my fingers.

The inspiration came when I found a package of roof and gutter light clips that I purchased 10 years ago.

Chris Hardie The focus of those good intentions was the roof and gutter of our winery building which has never been decorated before.

I used an extension ladder to reach the roof and installed clips and lighting that covered nearly three sides of the building. I installed a timer and congratulated myself for a holiday job done six weeks before Christmas.

Sherry also was surprised but a little alarmed that I did not let her know I was going to be climbing on the roof. There are more than 500,000 falls from ladders annually, of which 97% occur at home

or on farms. Most fall victims are older males.

Not only did I fail to be safe but also I made a critical rookie lighting gaffe when I forgot to test all the lights before installing. One string was about a third dark, creating a noticeable gap in my symmetrical line of lights. And the roof clips were no match for a day of gusty winds that loosened several clips, causing another string of lights to sag across the gable.

The next morning, I tackled the issues.

I grabbed a new set of lights, leaned the extension ladder against the gutter and climbed onto the roof again.

Just as I was finishing up, a gust of wind came through that was strong enough to shift the aluminum ladder. Before you could say St. Nick, the ladder fell all the way to the ground, leaving me stranded on the roof.

Unless I wanted to jump, I needed a ground assist. I called Sherry, who was initially mystified as to why I rang and none too pleased that I had interrupted her planned pie baking session and failed once again to let her know I was on the roof.

The ladder was too heavy for her to lift.

She almost fell backward and the ladder nearly crashed through the pane of glass in the front door. In my best helpful voice, I directed her toward the location of a smaller and lighter ladder. She responded by quoting from Proverbs, which roughly translates to “It’s better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with an angry wife.”

If she couldn’t find that ladder, the next option was to find the rope and I could help pull the big ladder up. Or I could consider asking her to throw up a blanket and a pillow.

She found the smaller ladder, but knowing my predilection for sharing stories of my mishaps, she first took a couple of photos of the old fool to document my rooftop dilemma.

She’s right, of course, as she usually is.

How can I not share?

When I started to write this, an old holiday song kept popping into my mind. So

Photo by Sherry Hardie Chris Hardie was trapped on the roof when the ladder fell down. with apologies to Benjamin Hanby — who in 1864 wrote “Up on the Housetop,” one of the oldest secular Christmas songs — here’s my rendition of “Bad Old Chris.”

Up on the rooftop, Chris did go To fix some lights he had placed just so Down went the ladder with lots of noise Leaving him stranded … Christmas joys Ho, ho, ho!

Why did he go?

Ho, ho ho, Why did he go?

Stranded on the rooftop, Hiss, hiss, hiss Stranded on the rooftop Bad old Chris Next came the phone call to Sherry his wife O dear spouse, I’m in some strife Give him a rescue, a ladder or rope Anything to reach the dumb old dope Ho, ho, ho!

Why did he go?

Ho, ho ho,

Why did he go?

Stranded on the rooftop, Hiss, hiss, hiss Stranded on the rooftop Bad old Chris Next comes the scowling of his mate Oh, just see what could be hate There is the ladder and a few choice words Also a frown … Stay with the birds Ho, ho, ho!

Why did he go?

Ho, ho ho, Why did he go?

Hiss, hiss, hiss Stranded on the rooftop Bad old Chris Chris Hardie spent more than 30 years as a reporter, editor and publisher. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and won dozens of state and national journalism awards. He is a former president of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.

Contact him at chardie1963@gmail.com.

Commentary/Regional

Thursday, December 16, 2021 Page 3

Deer caused about three times the reimbursable damage compared to wolves in state last year Nathan Denzin, The Badger Project

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources received claims for more than three times the amount of damage caused by deer compared to wolves last year, a review of DNR records by The Badger Project found.

In a state with over 1.8 million deer and just over 1,000 wolves, that ratio of claims has stayed relatively stable over the last 10 years, according to the DNR. Damage claims from all animals except wolves totaled more than $1.2 million in 2020, according to DNR records. Most claims are requests from farmers for a reimbursement of damages to crops.

The DNR paid out about $850,000 of the $1.2 million in 2020 either because claims were denied, fell under the $500 deductible or because compensation is capped at $10,000 per farm per year.

The majority of the claims, more than $760,000, were attributed to deer. Geese caused the second-most damage with about $230,000 in claims, while bears were blamed for about $200,000 in damage.

Seven animal species are covered under the DNR’s Wisconsin Damage Abatement and Claims Program — deer, bear, turkey, goose, elk, sandhill cranes and cougars.

But no claims have been submitted for cranes or cougars since at least 2010.

In a separate program for wolves, the DNR said it paid out about $200,000 in damages caused by the canines in 2020.

Claims for wolves, elk and geese have increased slightly in recent years, while claims for deer and bears have decreased.

Scott Hygnstrom, a UW-Stevens Point wildlife professor, said prevention strategies have reduced damages caused by deer in Wisconsin.

“Abatement strategies do work pretty well — if we can put in an ounce of prevention to save a pound of cure, that’s a pretty good move in my book,” Hygnstrom said. “I always look at it as an integrated approach — herd management is where we start, but in addition, we have fencing, habitat modification, frightening and scent repellents among other options.”

Hygnstrom was the first coordinator of the WDACP from 1983 to 1985.

Claims under the DNR program cover damage to a wide variety of crops, including commercial seedings, crops that have been harvested but not removed, orchard trees, beehives, livestock and crops or grasses grown for use by a bird hunting preserve, said DNR Communications Director Sarah Hoye.

The DNR does not reimburse for car crashes with wildlife. Deer cause thousands of crashes each year in Wisconsin, according to the DNR, leading to millions in damage.

Wolf damages

The gray wolf remains a flashpoint in Wisconsin, and opponents grumble about the pack predator’s protected federal status on the Endangered Species list, especially when they kill or injure livestock.

The wolf population in the state has slowly grown in the state in recent years, DNR estimates show. But appraised damage by deer is often much greater than wolves — damage claims for deer totaled $760,000 in 2020, more than triple the nearly $200,000 paid out for damage caused by wolves that year.

While wolf damages have risen in tandem with the population since the wolf damage abatement program started in 1985, payments have stayed relatively stable since 2010, at about $150,000$200,000 per year, according to DNR documents.

Damage caused by wolves is mostly to livestock — calves are the most frequent, with nearly $83,000 in damages paid out to farms for 94 missing or dead calves in 2020, according to the DNR. Those 94 calves are equivalent to about .01 percent of all calves in Wisconsin.

“There’s an old phrase, ‘it depends on whose ox is getting gored’, which makes a lot of sense here,” Hygnstrom said. “If you’re a beef producer with wolves in the immediate vicinity that take calves every year, it can still be a big problem.”

Wisconsin is also the only state to compensate hunters for hounds killed or hurt by wolves, with $72,500 paid to hunters in 2020 for dead hounds and another $5,000 for vet fees.

“The majority of those hounds are bear dogs, because bear dogs are taught to (chase) bears in July around the same time wolves are removing pups from dens and establishing rendezvous sites,” Hygnstrom said. “If a dog runs through one of those sites, they will be viciously attacked.”

wins.”

Wildlife damage payments are funded using revenue from hunting license sales, Hoye said. A surcharge is added to each hunting license to pay for the program.

Compensation to farmers can be a direct payment for crops lost or crop protection strategies, according to DNR records.

Trapping and temporary fencing are two common crop protection practices employed by the DNR, while hunting licenses are also granted to cull problem animals.

The largest culling in 2020 was 99 geese by one Dodge County farm, according to DNR documents The Badger Project received in a records request. The second-largest culling was from a farm in Trempealeau County that killed 44 deer.

Damage Payouts

Wildlife damaged more than 3,600 acres of land in 2020, according to the DNR. That’s equivalent to about .02 percent of Wisconsin farmland.

Both non-wolf wildlife claims submitted and compensation paid rose slightly from 2019, but overall both were down from the high point in 2013 when more than $2.1 million in claims were submitted and more than $1.3 million paid out.

Annual claims for deer damages went down nearly $1 million over that time period despite the deer population continuing to expand, according to DNR counts.

“Oftentimes the level of damage tracks with the deer density in the state, and while the population has grown some in the last 10 years it’s been hanging around 1.5 million deer,” Hygnstrom said. “If we can manage our deer densities at proper and acceptable levels, then everyone

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In total, five farms harvested more than 25 deer each, according to DNR records.

“There will always be some farms that have a perfect habitat for deer right next to their land,”. Hygnstrom said. “Oftentimes the best solution is to just have farmers deal with the problem proactively, both to get rid of offending deer and to pacify farmers by assuring them that they have a tool to fix their problem.”

Deer harvested with shooting permits have to be field-dressed before being turned over to the DNR for processing, Hygnstrom said. Those deer are then donated to local food pantries.

The Badger Project is a nonpartisan, citizen-supported journalism nonprofit in Wisconsin.

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 Graphic Design Intern Jen Salt Katie Green Julianna Williams 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.

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Community

Thursday, December 16, 2021

COmmunitycalendar Events for December 16 - December 31 Thursday, December 16 Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green . www.springgreengeneralstore.com . The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

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

Slowpoke Songwriters Round 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . www.slowpokelounge.com . Featuring duos Eric & Bruce Tessmer and Christina Dollhausen & Katie Fassbinder-Getz. Tim Eddy curates this series, throughout this fall and winter, of singer/songwriters from the Driftless Area. Support local artists by joining us for a night of original music with several songwriters, all on the stage together, sharing their music round robin style.

If you would like to take part on stage, please contact Tim Eddy at: pinehill@mwt.net.

No cover, but tips for artists are always welcome. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

Friday, December 17 Live Music: Harmonious Wail 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . www.slowpokelounge.com . Americana flavored Gypsy Jazz on full tilt! Harmonious Wail combines the searing wit, humor and mandolin virtuosity of vintage Jethro Burns performances, the Continental panache of Django and charm of Edith Piath inspired vocals to create a unique musical journey.

“In the gypsy jazz field, no one does it any better than the Madison, Wisconsin based group Harmonious Wail.” -Jazz Review ”Intense playing & sense of purpose that never wavers… a mind altering experience.”

-The Washington Examiner.

Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

River Valley High School Music Department: Disney’s “Newsies: The Musical” 7:30 PM . Gard Theater, 111 E Jefferson St, Spring Green . The River Valley High School Music Department is proud to present Disney’s “Newsies: The Musical” on December 17th at 7:30 pm, December 18th at 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and December 19th at 2:30 pm at The Gard Theater in downtown Spring Green. Tickets are $10 and are now on sale at Arcadia Books in Spring Green or by calling 608-588-3315. “Newsies” is directed

by Sara Young, choreographed by Michael Stanek, and music directed by Becky Schinker. “Newsies” is also a Jerry Awards participating show through The Overture Center in Madison. Thank you for supporting live music and theater in your RV schools!

We hope to see you there!

Saturday, December 18 Pop-Up Spring Green Farmers Market 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM . S230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . The Spring Green Farmers Market is continuing in the Spring Green Community Public Library Lot through the winter every Saturday morning. Pre-orders are recommended. Visit our Facebook or Instagram page or email SGFarmersMarket@gmail.com for a list of participating vendors and their contact information.

Pop Up Shop with Heart of the Sky Fair Trade 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St., Spring Green . www.springgreengeneralstore.com .

Heart of the Sky Fair Trade is a Spring Green based business that specializes in gorgeous, one of a kind items. Melinda will be joining us with a wide variety of kitchen and home goods, scarves, baby items, stocking stuffers, and baskets. Support fair trade, pick up some last minute gifts, and chat with Melinda about her travels!

Baron Brook’s Annual Customer Appreciation Party 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM . Baron Brook's, 122 E Jefferson St, Spring Green . Drink Specials and food/snacks provided.

Thank you for your business! Happy Holidays!

Sunday, December 12 Palm Readings with Jenafer Humphries 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM . North Earth Gifts, 128 S. Albany St. Spring Green . www.northearth.com . Jenafer Humphries has been reading palms for over 30 years. Through hand analysis and intuitive palm reading in the Romany tradition she can reflect on where you are along your path, where you might be going, and provide insight into your life. Jenafer is also the owner of North Earth Gifts, a reiki master, sound healer, spiritual coach, and voice teacher.

Please call 608.588.3313 to reserve your spot. Cost is $60 per half hour.

Tuesday, December 21 Fall Storytime (Indoors) 10:15 AM . Kraemer Library Community Room, 910 Main St., Plain . Indoor Storytime is back! Join us for our Fall Storytime sesson from November 16th - December 21st 2021. Join us for songs, stories, and crafts in the Community Room. Aimed at children ages 0-4 but, all are welcome:) Stories and songs are 20 minutes followed by a themed activity/craft:) Masks are encouraged due to CDC guidelines

Wednesday, December 29 Teen Crafternoon at the Library 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org . Middle and High School aged youth are welcome to join us for music, snacks, games and lots of craft supplies during winter break! Bring your own craft you've been working on or choose from the supplies and instructions we have available.

Crafting not your thing? We'll have board games and other things to do as well!

Friday, December 31 Live Music: New Year's Eve Extravaganza 7:30 PM - Close . Slowpoke Lounge, 137 W Jefferson St., Spring Green . www.slowpokelounge.com . It’s been a tough couple of years, but we’re looking to put it all behind us. Let’s ring in 2022 with style! We’ve got Jambidextrous starting at 7:30, with Rare Element picking up around 9:30. Snacks from Wander Provisions starting at 9:00, and Champagne at Midnight. We’ll jam and dance and exorcise our pandemic blues away. Hors d’oeuvres from Wander Provisions and Midnight Champagne included.

Tickets $30 in advance. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 required for all Slowpoke events.

Live Music: New Year's Eve at The Shed! 8:30 PM - Close . The Shed, 123 N. Lexington St., Spring Green . Come out and bring in the New Year with Sugar Mama and the Rent Check! We have to make up for having to cancel last year, so a rockin' good time is guaranteed. The band would like to request that all attending please be vaccinated.

Live DJ: Flashback to the 80s NYE Party 10:00 PM - Close (No bartime) . Roaring 20s Dining and Social Club, 1170 Main Street, Plain . www.roarin20sclub.com .

608-546-1010 . Music and videos provided by: Audioteknik. Full on 80s "Prom under the stars" decor, retro arcade, drink specials & more! 21+ (sorry kids, adults only).

OPERATION O 7 - HYGIENE 1 .

V O

N . 22 C E D

New Items Needed Shampoo & Conditioner Toilet Paper Deodorant Paper Towels Feminine Hygiene Products Laundry Soap Toothbrushes & Toothpaste Soap/Body Wash New Towels Razors New Socks Brushes & Combs Tennis Shoes Other nonfood hygiene items accepted also!

Drop off locations: Bowd w at wd a ious u us RV Early Learning Center, RV Elementary, RV Middle School, Bowdatious Salon, Inspired Nutrition, Nina's, Royal Bank, Trader's Bar & Grill, Chamber of Commerce Office

All donations will help families in the chool District River Valley School

Wednesday, December 22 Family Storytime 10:00 AM . Spring Green Community Library, 230 E. Monroe St., Spring Green . www.springgreenlibrary.org . Join Ms. Grace for stories, songs, and fun!

Starting in December, we will offer indoor storytime on Wednesdays! There is no sign up required for now, but attendance is limited to 19 people, so get there early to reserve your spot! We do require masks for everyone age 2 and up and will be socially distanced around the room for safety.

Thursday, December 23 Stitch and Bitch 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM . Spring Green General Store, 137 S. Albany St. Spring Green . www.springgreengeneralstore.com . The Spring Green General Store’s Stitch and Bitch handwork group meets Thursday afternoons weekly. All are welcome.

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

Saturday, December 25 FREE Christmas Dinner 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM . The Woods Bar & Grill, 320 S. Oak St Lone Rock . Offering a free Christmas dinner to anyone who would like one. Pick up or delivery available within 2 miles or for curbside pickup. Dinner includes: Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Glazed Carrots, Dinner Rolls and Dessert. Orders must be placed by December 18, call 608.583.2625.

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

Community

Thursday, December 16, 2021 Page 5

COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary

923,968 Positive Cases +34,890 from 12/7

Cases as of 12/15/2021

3,752,101 Negative Test Results +11,947 from 12/7

9,431 Deaths +303 from 12/7 Updated: 12/15 12/15/2021 12/ 15/2021 /2021

Critically High Vaccine Summary Statistics Very High Updated: 12/15/2021 High 4,738,524 3,150,501 8,208,109 319,084 Medium Moderna doses Johnson & Johnson Pfizer doses Total doses Low administered doses administered administered administered

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.

1,317,797

Total boosters administered

Iowa County

17,064 Johnson & Johnson 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

+99 from 12/7 +108 from 12/7 +1 from 12/7

3,164 Positive Cases 14,629 Negative Tests 19 Deaths

560,254 Moderna doses administered

Vaccine Data

county level weekly statistics Richland County 2,466 Positive Cases 10,082 Negative Tests 29 Deaths

740,479 Pfizer doses administered

Richland

+149 from 12/7 +203 from 12/7 +1 from 12/7

Sauk County

+553 from 12/7 +498 from 12/7 +2 from 12/7

9,981 Positive Cases 44,222 Negative Tests 70 Deaths Updated: 12/15/2021

Target Range

Sauk

Target Range

57.7%

62.5%

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

Percent with at least one vaccine dose

54.9%

58.8%

Percent fully vaccinated

Percent fully vaccinated Target Range

Iowa 68.2% Percent with at least one vaccine dose

65.0% Percent fully vaccinated

Cases per zip code

Percent of Wisconsin residents ages 5-11 who have received at least one dose by county

Cases as of 12/15/2021

Updated: 12/15/2021 Lower %

Richland County Ages 5-11

Iowa County Ages 5-11

Higher %

10.4%

Percent of Wisconsin residents who have received at least one dose

25.3%

Sauk County Ages 5-11

Ages

17.2% Dane County Ages 5-11

Graphic by Anna Stocks-Hess

45.6%

5-11 12-17 18-24 25-34 35-44

Updated: 12/15/2021 18.0% 55.7% 55.6% 60.3%

45-54

66.3% 69.3%

55-64 65+

76.3% 85.1%

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

Page 6

Outdoors

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Community Art: Jen Salt’s Art and Poem for the Solstice

Photo by Jen Salt

The Prismacolor design and poem are both of hoarfrost on a cold winter morning.... here in the river valley.

Poem for the Solstice-

Winter solstice observance slated for Frank’s Hill

The public is invited to Frank’s Hill in southern Richland County on Tuesday, December 21st, when the setting sun on the shortest of day of the year will be viewed from a small knoll peppered with effigy mounds in southern Richland County. The property is located on STH 193 just off STH 60 a few miles west of Muscoda and has been the site of many solstice and equinox gatherings in the past. Weather permitting, area residents are invited to join the festivities and remember events of the past year. A moment of silence will be observed for those who have passed away since the last trip around the sun. Following the sunset, attendees are welcome to gather around the campfire to share stories and learn more about Frank’s Hill. Physical distancing is encouraged. Face coverings are optional. The event is sponsored by the Three Eagles Foundation.

Frank’s Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places. A group of unique effigy mounds is situated on the East Ridge where the event will occur, which looks across to the west ridge where a line of small mounds, believed to be calendar mounds, is situated. The site offers a

panoramic vista of the area which once contained the highest concentration of bird effigy mounds found anywhere in the world, including the remnants of the giant Ghost Eagle mound with a wingspan of over ¼ mile. The Ghost Eagle mound factors into the alignment with the setting sun on the winter solstice. Most archeologists agree the mounds were built a thousand or more years ago.

Participants should arrive by 4:00 p.m. to allow for time to hike to the top of the hill. Dress warmly and bring food, drink, and a chair for sitting around the fire.

Directions to Frank’s Hill are as follows; from the north end of the Muscoda bridge at the intersection of STH 80 & 60, drive west on Hwy. 60 for two miles and turn north on STH 193. Park by the first gate on the east side of the road, a short distance from Hwy. 60, and walk to the top of the hill.

To learn more about the solstice event or for directions, contact Dave Martin at (608) 739-4198 or Mark Cupp at (608) 739-2179. Additional information may be found at the Three Eagles Foundation website or Facebook page.

Crystals of hoarfrost scatter Across the landscape and sparkle like diamonds In the early morning sunlight.

It’s the Winter Solstice, 2021 Season’s Greetings The Prismacolor will be part of an exhibit entitled “Altruistic Nature” shown at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum Visitor’s Center in Madison during the months of January and February, 2022.

CLASSIFIEDS Healthcare Employment Opportunities *Director of Heart, Lung & Sleep Services – full-time exempt leadership position, $7,500.00 Employment Bonus! *Respiratory Therapists – full-time or part-time Evening/Night shift positions, 12 hour shifts available during the week days. Also a .6 FTE evening/night weekender shift Premium Pay position! $5,000.00 Employment Bonus available for benefit eligible positions! *Director of DME Services – full-time exempt management position in our Platteville office. *OR Technician - .8 FTE position *RN Med/Surg unit - .75 FTE evening/night shift position *RN Float Nurse –.6 to a .9 FTE evening/night shift position *RN ICU unit - .6 FTE evening/night shift position *RN OB unit - .6 FTE and a .75 FTE evening/night shift position *RN Nursing & Rehab Center - .6 FTE p.m. shift position *Emergency Department Technician - .6 FTE part-time position *Certified Nursing Assistants – part-time positions available in our Nursing & Rehab Center on day, evening and night shifts, $3,000 Employment Bonus included along with a competitive wage and benefits package for part or full time work! *Imaging Technician – premium pay Weekender Program, Day/Evening and a 1.0 FTE p.m. shift position. *MRI Imaging - .5 to a 1.0 FTE day shift position. *Athletic Trainer – full-time AT position. *Health Information Management Supervisor – 1.0 FTE exempt supervisory position. *Revenue Integrity Pricing Specialist – 1.0 FTE position in our Patient Financial Services dept *Environmental Services Staff – full time p.m. and night shift positions. *Sterile Processing Technician - .8 FTE day shift position. *Phlebotomist - .8 FTE day shift position. *Clinic X-ray/Lab Technician - .5 FTE position *Clinic Triage - 1.0 FTE position *Cook & Culinary Aide - .5 to 1.0 FTE part to full-time Cook position & a .5 FTE Aide position

To find out more detailed information about all open positions and to apply, go to our website at www.uplandhillshealth.org.

Upland Hills Health, 800 Compassion Way Dodgeville, WI 53533

Business/Professional

Commercial Project Manager/Estimator

Directory ork y W red t i l a u •Qu lly Ins ates •Fu e Estim e •Fr

J J and

Total Lawn Care

M-F Sat 8am-5p 8am -noo m n E4792 Kennedy Rd.

and

Snow Removal

James Harwood •608-588-2453•

Duties: • Manage multiple projects in various stages of planning and construction • Prepare and manage detailed schematic budgeting and estimating • Coordinate subcontractor bids Requirements: • 5+ years of Commercial Project Manager/Estimator experience • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering • Understanding of our self-performed trades • Familiar with estimating software, have strong client service orientation, and demonstrate outstanding communication and organization skills

Commercial Construction Superintendent

•Natural double shredded oak bark mulch - $30/yard •Colored decorative mulch Red-Brown-Gold-Orange - $30/yard •Free delivery to the River Valley area (min. 2 yards) •Other landscape supplies available!

Gravel-Boulders-Screened Topsoil-Sand, etc.

We offer complete landscape and lawn care service •Full Landscaping from start to finish •Lawn Mowing We’ re y •Plantings stop our on sho e •Grading & Seedings p!

•Bark Spreading •Limestone & Boulder Retaining Walls

Duties: • Management of construction activities • Ensuring compliance with design, schedule, and budget requirements • Overseeing multiple subcontractors Requirements • 5+ years of commercial field management experience • Experience in one of our self-performed trades • Must be able to demonstrate prior success in working effectively as a team with project owners, architects, and subcontractors. Must possess the leadership abilities to achieve top-flight results

For more info visit www.kraemerbrothers.com

Salary will be based on experience EEO/AA employer

Please send your resume to:

Kraemer Brothers, LLC 925 Park Ave | PO Box 219 Plain, WI 53577 Email: jobs@kraemerbrothers.com Phone: 608-546-2411

Thursday, December 16, 2021 Page 7 Sports RV Wrestling Preview: In a position to compete in conference, send individuals to state Daniel Machovec, RVHS Co-Wrestling Coach

Something we have emphasized the past few years is being tough on top. It’s a great way to exhaust your opponent and stop them from scoring points. The start of the season has been pretty eventful. We are competitive in our dual meets and have shown improvement since the first dual.

The community should be watching for a team that really wants to prove they have worked hard. There are multiple kids on the team that want to be at the state tournament, something we haven’t had in two years. The community has high expectations for River Valley Wrestling and so do our wrestlers.

Freshman to watch on varsity this year would be Wyatt Nachreiner and Noah Radtke. They both have plenty of experience wrestling in the youth circuit. As for returning letterwinners, Braden Prochaska, Jacob Bindl, Zach Eames, and Trey Schulte look to show how much they have improved in the off season. Landon Radtke, Cole White, and Brett Bindl are returning sectional qualifiers and want to make that last leap to state.

Wrestling is such an interesting sport.

Wrestlers change weight classes all the time and unfortunately injuries do happen. I don’t want to seem unconfident in our wrestlers, but our goal is one wrestler at the state tournament. We have the potential to bring more, but there is a lot of time between now and then.

I’m most excited to see how we finish in our conference. We have 13/14

Photo via Daniel Machovec Members of the River Valley Wrestling team and cheer. Front Row: (L to R) Hunter Alt, Wesley Hatfield, Wyatt Nachreiner, Noah Radtke, Devlin Krueger.

2nd Row: (L to R) Trey Schulte, Richard Gilbert, Cole White, Braden Prochaska, Jaydon Johnson, Hunter Auliff.

3rd Row: (L to R) Molly Kjos, Paige Hooks, Alister Schmid, Zach Eames, Luke Pape, Jacob Bindl, Brett Bindl, Landon Radtke, Avery Hamburg, Mia Peterson. total spots filled and that’s a major accomplishment on it’s own. That will definitely help us win some duals, but we want to win more matches each dual than our opponent. Our first year we were under .500 as a team and last year we were above .500. I want to see if we can continue to have winning seasons.

Some goals are one state qualifier, win more dual meets than we lose, have fun. It’s a long season. People don’t realize it’s a 6 day a week minimum commitment. We spend A LOT of time together. If you can’t make it fun, it is

definitely a grind.

COVID hasn’t impacted our season too much at all this year. Last year we were limited to roughly 9 competitions.

This year our schedule is filled as if it were a normal year. Some wrestlers have already wrestled more matches this season than last season combined.

I’m hopeful that COVID will not impact us more than the mask mandates at schools/facilities. We wrestled in masks the entire year last year, so the few times we have had to do that this year have been easy adjustments.

The main concern for us going forward is potential loss of matches.

Tournaments are filled with people and obviously that means more potential for COVID. Last year there was a modified state tournament. The only thing that I’m concerned with is potentially losing that tournament/ opportunity for our athletes. It’s been a goal for some of them for a long time.

I’m confident that we will have one because the WIAA made it work last year, so they should be able to make it work this year as well.

River Valley Wrestling places 4th in scramble, two RV wrestlers end up on the podium Daniel Machovec, RVHS Co-Wrestling Coach River Valley wrestled at the Bob Downing Scramble on 12/11/21. We placed 4th out of 20 teams. We had two wrestlers reach the podium.

Landon Radtke was the champion at 145 lbs. Trey Schulte placed 3rd at 152 lbs. Overall the wrestling team fared extremely well. We brought 12 to wrestle and almost all of our wrestlers won a match. We have been working very hard on specific attacks versus our opponents. So many wrestlers want to tie up with us and then we get out of position. We have been working on ways to attack without getting tied up because we are struggling to clear the opponent’s heads and hands defense.

The new approach definitely paid off for our wrestlers this weekend. One thing we need to improve in the future is making sure we are ready for our championship round match. We know the competition is going to be tough in those rounds, but we need to come out ready to wrestle. That’s something we plan to discuss and help improve upon at the Richland Center Invitational next weekend.

106: Jaydon Johnson (5-5) placed 8th and scored 34.0 team points. 113: Wesley Hatfield (5-4) placed 10th and scored 33.0 team points. 120: Wyatt Nachreiner (9-3) placed 6th and scored 43.0 team points. 126: Braden

Prochaska (3-7) placed 10th and scored 33.0 team points. 138: Cole White (7-5) placed 8th and scored 34.0 team points. 145: Landon Radtke (10-0) placed 1st and scored 63.0 team points.

152: Trey Schulte (9-3) placed 3rd and scored 51.0 team points.

160: Hunter Auliff (2-5) placed 12th and scored 20.0 team points.

182: Luke Pape (5-6) placed 8th and scored 34.0 team points.

195: Zach Eames (5-5) placed 4th and scored 48.0 team points.

220: Jacob Bindl (4-8) placed 13th and scored 24.0 team points.

285: Brett Bindl (8-4) placed 5th and scored 51.0 team points.

Photo via River Valley Wrestling

RV-B Girls Gymnastics beats out Jefferson in first dual of the year Claire Eno, RVHS Girls Gymnastics Head Coach This group of girls is so wonderful to work with. They are super supportive of each other and have really grown together since the start of practice. This was our first meet after deciding to not chance the weather last weekend so the girls were full of first meet jitters. We were missing a few due to some ankle injuries or musical practice and will have them back next tuesday for our first home meet. I couldn’t be more proud of how the girls handled themselves despite not having things go their way. We had a few slips on bars setting the tone for the rest of the meet. They gained some confidence back after our 3rd event of the night, floor, which is their favorite event.

That helped us get back in the groove for the last event beam. We have a lot to work on to achieve our goals for the end of the season but the girls should be so proud of themselves and their accomplishments at this meet. The judges and Jefferson really enjoyed watching them and can see how much potential they have. We are looking forward to seeing them continue and gain momentum into the season and show the hard work they have been putting in. We had two freshmen competing in their first high school meet at the varsity level. They both showed where their strengths lie for this team and will do nothing but improve

from here. We also had three seniors competing in their last first meet who we will miss greatly after the season. They have been wonderful assets in the gym, helping the younger girls out at practice with improving skills and routines, as well as encouraging them at the meet.

Varsity Team Results: RVB 122.1 Jefferson 112.45 Varsity Individuals Results: Vault- Sofia Sanftleben and Anya Seffrood tied for 2nd8.2, Katie Forseth 4th 8.1, Emily Noble 5th 7.95, Neveah Parker 10th 7.1.

Bars- Emily Noble 1st 7.350, Anya Seffrood 2nd 7.2, Sofia Sanftleben 3rd 6.75, Katie Forseth 6th 5.5, Nevaeh Parker 8th 5.35 Beam- Sofia Sanftleben 1st 8.3, Emily Noble 3rd 7.55, Nevaeh Parker and Anya Seffrood tied 5th 7.15, Katie Forseth 7th 7.1 Floor- Sofia Sanftleben 1st 8.25, Katie Forseth 2nd 8.2, Emily Noble 3rd 8.15, Anya Seffrood 4th 8.1, Nevaeh Parker 7th 7.55 AA- Sofia Sanftleben 1st 31.5, Emily Noble 2nd 31.000, Anya Seffrood 3rd 30.650, Katie Forseth 5th 28.9, Nevaeh Parker 7th 27.150 JV Results Bars- Stephanie Limmex 3rd 4.55 Beam- Stephanie Limmex 3rd 5.55 Floor Stephanie Limmex 6th 4.750

Photo by Claire Eno Katie Forseth performing her front full dismount on beam.

“The good stuff.”

Page 8

Outdoors & Recreation

Thursday, December 16, 2021

An Outdoorsman’s Journal

Mark Walters, Columnist

The Best Days of Deer Camp Hello friends, This week I am writing to you about some of the experiences at my deer camp (The Red Brush Gang) in northern Juneau County. This would be my 50th year in a row and it was as much fun and as exhausting as one person can handle and still maintain a heartbeat.

Tuesday, November 23rd High 39, Low 24 After opening weekend, our camp which had held 17 hunters - shrinks to six for the midweek days, and on the second and last weekend it grew to 23.

What we do is large area drives using our knowledge of the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge and the Meadow Valley Wildlife Area to push what is generally one mile squared, but can vary in size.

At night we have salsa, cheese and sausage, which is always followed up by an incredible meal that is served between 9 to 11pm.

Basically, our camp is made up of the old timers which are 58 to 69 and our kids, and we have been blessed with a ton of them that love camp. Back when they did not know a compass from a gun scope, we began the training for our deer drives and I was the jerk that was in charge. That was not a job that I liked, but it had to be done. Our drives back in the day, and still to a point, are done while wearing hip boots and using a compass.

The drivers are pushing some of the roughest country imaginable. Swamp that can have water from 3-inches to six-feet and this year it was actually low water, that was our killer. The bog is not even and it was semi frozen and you were either walking on top of it, falling off with a foot or your next step was down two feet.

Yesterday, which was Monday, is generally our most productive driving day of the season and there were 14 of us, 7 pushers and seven standers. At day's end we had spotted two deer for the entire crew, and nothing had been harvested.

We were using two way radios and some of the comments from the gang about the terrain made you feel their pain, sentences like, “never again,” “this is the worst!,” “I’m stuck!,” “o’ my God!,” “get me a helicopter.”

So today after a rather robust evening at the shack the six of us began hunting and our first drive was about two miles long and perhaps 700-yards wide. We saw one deer and it was only a tail. No matter what anyone tells you, my friends in parts of Wisconsin there are a lot less whitetail deer due to the presence of the gray wolf.

So, we get bold and walk two-miles without hunting to set up our last drive of the day. The gang consists of Doug Cibulka, Jeff Moll and myself as standers. Brothers Ryan and Ross Moll and Joey Dushek are the pushers. I am the furthest from the trucks which by smart phone tells us that we are 3.4 miles away from the real world.

Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist Part of the Red Brush Gang taking a break between deer drives!

Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist At 69 Dick Schuster of Poynette is still negotiating the rough terrain.

Photo by Mark Walters, Columnist Members of the Red Brush Gang on a long pull back to the truck.

We are new to this drive and the pushers are moving deer right away. One of our guys has a doe tag and it is his last day at camp and has opened it up. I’m standing on a beaver hut in a spot that I have never seen before.

There is skim ice and the biggest beaver that I have ever seen in my life is very mad at me and on three occasions gets within 20-feet of me. I honestly believe this animal was pushing 80-pounds.

All of a sudden there is 4-deer running as fast as a deer can run to my right, my 300 barks and I think I may have dropped a good-sized doe but have no clue because they all vanished at the same time.

Five minutes later what would be a 3point buck is crossing the same area as fast as a deer can run. The 300 barks four times and the buck disappears and again I do not know for sure if I got it. As daylight fades and the drivers make it to me, I do the job of crossing the flooded marsh and there is my buck and my friends doe.

Both are beautiful animals and after skinning I would see the buck was hit all four times. That is the furthest we ever whacked deer from our trucks and when we got back to camp at 7:30 the Moll Boys cooked up steaks, we had us a fireside chat, and more laughs than some people have in a year.

Six days later 23 of us broke camp with only one more deer but one heck of a bunch of great memories!

—Sunset Follow along each week on the adventures of Mark Walters, a syndicated outdoor adventure columnist who lives in Necedah, Wisconsin. He began writing his column, An Outdoorsman's Journal, in 1989. It includes hunting, fishing, lots of canoeing and backpacking. He currently writes for around 60 newspapers on a weekly basis. He hopes you enjoy reading about his adventures!

Want to read more?

Check out previous weeks’ columns at www.outdoorsmansjournal.com