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Friday, February 12, 2021 • Vol. 7, No. 12 • Fitchburg, WI • ConnectFitchburg.com • $1
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City of Fitchburg
Inside
Administrator resigns Marsh resigns, avoids inquiry into conduct KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
Church donates 35k pounds of food
first immunization, according to data compiled by the New York Times. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that Wisconsin is now leading the nation in the average number of COVID-19 vaccine shots being administered daily — a massive increase that comes as the Evers administration is expanding its rollout to
Fitchburg’s city administrator has resigned, and that has pre-empted an investigation into his conduct. The draft separation agreement with Patrick Marsh after five years with the city was published in the Common Council’s Tuesday, Jan. 12, meeting packet. The Common Council approved its terms Marsh by a vote of 6-0 after a 50-minute closed session, with Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta (Dist. 2) recusing herself and Ald. Joe Maldonado abstaining. There was no discussion by any alders in open session prior to the vote, and Marsh twice declined an invitation to comment despite being present at the meeting. Maldonado told the Star the following day he was not a fan of the options presented to the council in its closed session. Arata-Fratta offered no comment to the Star’s question on Jan. 13. Richardson told the Star on Jan. 8 he was hoping to have a timeline for the hiring process of a new administrator within the same week as the approval of the agreement. In the meantime, Richardson said, city finance director Misty Dodge and director of economic development Mike Zimmerman will work together to fill the city’s top post. Mayor Aaron Richardson told the Star in a phone call Friday, Jan. 8, that Marsh’s resignation came before the city could begin an independent investigation sparked by an arrest in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in late October. He added that the investigation into Marsh’s conduct was intended to focus on behavior not directly related to the arrest, but he didn’t elaborate further. Richardson clarified a week later in an email that Marsh’s resignation “actually had nothing to do” with the incident in South Carolina.” He did not elaborate. Marsh told the Star in a Jan. 15 email that after reading an initial version of the Star’s reporting on the resignation, he believed Richardson had violated the terms of the agreement, which prohibits either Marsh or city officials from disparaging the other. “I want the mayor’s resignation and a public apology in the newspaper,” he wrote. “I will be checking with legal counsel as to whether the mayor’s comments are in violation of the agreement.” Marsh told the Star in a phone
Turn to Vaccine/Page 10
Turn to Resigns/Page 9
Page 2
Schools
Cars line up in the Fitchburg Family Pharmacy parking lot to receive their COVID-19 vaccine doses.
Page 12
‘We will get to everyone’
Amid some delays, vaccine rollout steadily ramps up in city EMILIE HEIDEMANN
Sports
Timeline
Unified Newspaper Group
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Boys swimming: Best, Rozeboom medal at state Page 13
Business
Chef Dave Heide testifies against state assembly bill Page 19
ow that Fitchburgers aged 65 and older can receive their free COVID-19 vaccine, one pharmacy owner said he has a list of “thousands” waiting to get their shots. Thad Schumacher, owner of Fitchburg Family Pharmacy, told the Star that he and staff have set a goal to administer 300 immunizations a week to keep up with the increasing demand. They work 12-hour days, Schumacher said, giving vaccines every five minutes through a curbside service, which the Common Council has since approved to expand. The state Department of Health Services deemed people 65 years of age and older eligible for shots on Jan. 25. In Wisconsin, 87% of people who have died from COVID-19 fall within that age group, state Deputy Health Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk said in a media briefing Friday, Jan. 29. While a majority of the patients Schumcher vaccinates are healthcare providers who became eligible Dec. 14, 2020, he advised those waiting they need only remain calm. “The vaccinators are going to vaccinate until there are no more shots,” Schumacher said. “We
Photo by Emilie Heidemann
Staff at Fitchburg Family Pharmacy work 12-hour days to administer the COVID-19 vaccine, the doses for which currently come from Pfizer. A student prepares a vial for a patient Wednesday, Feb. 10.
will get to everyone.” Around the U.S., people deemed eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are experiencing a similar excitement, with 42,417,617 people receiving shots as of Feb. 9, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of that same day, Wisconsin ranked 11th in the nation and first out of all Midwest states, with 10.3% of its population having been given at least the
Dec. 14: Front line healthcare workers and residents of long term care facilities including nursing homes and assisted living facilities Jan. 18: Fire and police personnel Jan. 25: People 65 years of age and above March 1 (as tentatively planned): People from priority group 1b, including, but not limited to, education and child care staff, those in long-term Medicaid care programs and some public-facing employees
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February 12, 2021
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
Church distributes 35,000 pounds of food
CONNOR DESILETS Star correspondent
Volunteers and church members alike gathered at the City on a Hill Church in Fitchburg for a food drive Feb. 3. People at the drive, which
was open to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis, distributed 35,000 pounds of free food. Those who entered the drive were offered prayers and a box of food containing fresh produce and dairy products. The goal was to provide
food to those in need and those who have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The team of 15 to 20 volunteers and the members of the church planned to continue the drive until all the food was in the hands of those in need.
Photos by Justin Loewen
Fitchburg Senior Center office manager Suzie Jones hands out a cookie during the drivethru “cookie exchange” at the senior center on Wednesday, Dec. 9.
Donations for cookies
chance to catch up with their patrons. Participants of the drive-thru showed up with numerous bags of food pantry items The Fitchburg Senior Center held a and donating the gifts in exchange for a “cookie exchange” drive-thru on Wednes- holiday cookie from Lane’s Bakery and day, Dec. 9, giving senior center staff a Coffee.
JUSTIN LOEWEN Star correspondent
Connor Desilets
Volunteer Jackson Vogel helps loads food boxes in to a car during the food drive at City on a Hill Church in Fitchburg on February 3, 2021.
From left, Fitchburg Senior Center intern Eric Miller, director Jill McHone, volunteer program manager Mandi Miller, social worker Amy Jordan and assistant director David Hill welcome another vehicle to their drivethru “cookie exchange.”
Connor Desilets
Food drive volunteer Adam Zajac holds a sign and directs cars towards the church.
Connor Desilets
Volunteer Colleen Brenkus loads food boxes in to a car.
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Police warn of more phone scams Area mental health providers are again targeted
For the second time in two months, the Fitchburg Police Department received calls from local mental health providers reporting suspicious phone calls from someone identifying themself as a department member. The scam callers used technology to mimic the main police department number and/or provide a local phone number during calls made on Saturday, Jan. 30, according to a FDP news release. Recipients recognized the suspicious nature of the call and ended the contact. Police said
they don’t believe the scammers were seeking any type of medical information. The general premise of the calls was consistent with a common phone scam in which the caller states the call recipient has an arrest warrant or failed to appear for a court case. According to the news release, generally, these types of calls inform the recipient the situation can be handled civilly or criminally and the recipient can settle the matter civilly by purchasing gift cards, wiring money, or providing personal information. In one call made Jan. 30, the scammer requested explicit photos after admitting the call was a scam, according to the news release. In another call, the scammer
provided the recipient with a former address and indicated officers were coming to their old address. Law enforcement officials will never call you and request financial information or payment to avoid arrest, according to the news release. If you receive a phone call from someone identifying themself as a law enforcement officer and requesting money, it is a scam. For a full listing of scam and fraud prevention and reporting resources, visit fitchburgwi.gov/1103/Scams-and-Frauds Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@ wcinet.com.
Mahoney announces retirement from DCSO Dane County Sheriff David Mahoney is retiring in May, after 14 years as sheriff. Mahoney was elected in 2006 and has been with law enforcement for 41 years; 40 of which has been spent at the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, according to a Jan. 18 sheriff’s office news release. Because Mahoney is retiring prior to the end of his four year term, Gov. Tony Evers will be responsible for appointing
Mahoney
his replacement. Mahoney said serving the community and citizens has been a labor of love. “I strive every day to make someone’s life better and to earn the trust of the communities we serve,” he said in the news release. “There have been days of
extreme heartbreak and days filled with great rewards. I just hope I’ve made a difference.” Mahoney said he plans to spend more time with family and will continue to be involved in community-based efforts to advance law enforcement and criminal justice reforms, and moving closer to procedural justice, the release states. -Mackenzie Krumme
Police search for suspect in alleged armed robbery Fitchburg police are searching for a man suspected of robbing the Dollar Tree store, 3038 Fish Hatchery Road, on Fri., Jan. 29. The suspect is described in a department news release as a tall Black male in his 40s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans, a white bandana for a face mask and black gloves. Officers responded to the scene around
3 COVID-19 snapshot from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8 February 12, 2021
8:49 p.m. Jan. 29 and learned the suspect entered, displayed a handgun and demanded money from the cashier, according to the release. The suspect was unable to obtain any money, the release states, and fled the store on foot. Anyone with information related to this incident should contact the Fitchburg Police
Department at (608) 270-4300. They could also call the Fitchburg Police Department’s Anonymous Tipster Line at (608) 270-4321, send a text to 847411 with the Keyword “Fitchburg” or call the Madison Area Crime Stoppers at (608) 266-6014. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.
Fitchburg Star
Cases of COVID-19 in the City of Fitchburg have slowed down within the last month. On Feb. 8, state Department of Health Services data showed there were 2,375 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Fitchburg. (The majority of those are likely recovered cases.) That’s up from 2,081 confirmed cases as from Jan. 4. Starting Wednesday, Dec. 2, the state Department of Health Services started releasing COVID-19 data for cities, villages and townships, as well as school districts and ZIP codes. The state Department of Health Services receives data from county health departments and hospitals that are uploaded into its electronic disease surveillance system by 9 a.m. the day of the report. At 2 p.m., the department releases new information on its website. Cumulative cases are a representation of all cases reported since March 15. The data dashboard can be located at dhs. wisconsin.gov/covid-19/data.htm. — Kimberly Wethal
Fitchburg COVID-19 numbers City of Fitchburg • Average no. of new daily cases within last seven days: 30.57 • Cumulative cases: 2,081 • Change over Monday, Dec. 7: 546 • Percentage positive since March 15: 7.24% • Increase of percentage positive since Monday, Dec. 7: 1.9%
VOTE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16
DAVE HERBST For Fitchburg Alder District 1 - Seat 1
EVERYBODY WINS
Representation District 1 Deserves
VOTE - Tuesday April 6 , 2021
PRIORITIES
My priorities for District 3: - Sensible Density - As a homeowner in the Swan Creek neighborhood, I want Fitchburg to bring the right mix of development to create home ownership opportunities while maintaining our diverse community.
- Financial Restraint to Keep Fitchburg Affordable - Safety for our Residents and Neighborhoods - Cost Effective Climate Change Strategies - Supporting District Youth - Common Sense Growth Strategies - Listen to and Respect All Residents
- Responsible Spending - We must not spend frivolously, and must focus on lowering the tax burden. Property owners deserve tax bill stability and must see a return on the investment of their tax dollars into city services. - Service and Involvement - As a combat wounded veteran, I know that results are better when more of us step up to serve and solve problems together as a community. Everyone in the district deserves the knowledge of community happenings and challenges, input into discussions, and for their ideas to be heard and explored.
CONTACT DAVE
Learn more about Dave’s background and plans for a Fitchburg that works for all on Facebook Herbstfamily@charter.net 608-516-7173 Dave Herbst For Fitchburg City Council
Donate: nick.avg-american.com/donate.html Checks: Committee for Average Americans 5236 Snapdragon Trail Fitchburg, WI 53711
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February 12, 2021
Opinion
Fitchburg Star
ConnectFitchburg.com
Healthy Living
Even in the winter, we can be social outdoors E very year, I see some of my retired patients head south for the winter. But this is the first year I’ve said goodbye to younger people who can now work remotely from a beach-side Airbnb for a few months. I love this idea! We are headed into the final stretch of our first COVID winter. If your social preference is to get together outside but you’re not naturally fluent in cold weather strategy, these months can feel long and isolating. With a month or two of cold weather still left, I’ll give you some inspiration to get through it. First, I’ll show you how people live in one of the coldest cities on the planet. Then we’ll pick up a few tips from a winter camper who sleeps outside on minus-40 degree nights. Last, we’ll go over a few easy things that might make a difference for your outdoor hangouts. The first two examples show it’s possible to adapt,
strategically survive and even thrive and have fun in very cold weather. The coldest permanently inhabited place Konopacki on Earth is the village of Oymyakon in eastern Siberia. It’s seriously cold there. Year-round, 500 people live there, and the average winter temperature is -58 degrees Fahrenheit. In 1924, it fell to a record setting -96.16 degrees. Schools only close when it gets below -62 degrees. People have to use outhouses because it’s impossible to run plumbing pipes through the frozen ground. Cars stay in special heated garages and have to be kept running constantly when outside. Eyelashes can quickly freeze and poke your face. The yearly vegetable growing season is so short, they eat mostly meat
See something wrong? The Fitchburg Star does not sweep errors under the rug. If you see something you know or even think is in error, please contact editor Jim Ferolie at 845-9559 or at fitchburgstar@wcinet.com so we can get it right.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021 • Vol. 7, No. 12
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soups. A little closer to home, we can learn from Scott Oeth. A native Wisconsinite, he now leads trips (year-round) in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. A few times a year he will sleep outside on a frozen lake in the Boundary Waters, on the Minnesota-Canada border. It gets so cold during these nights that he can hear the popping of sap as it freezes in nearby trees. Temps have dropped to minus-40 on these trips. He has a strategy for staying warm and surviving the night. He uses two sleeping bags, one tucked inside the other, with a wind shell over the top. Before going to bed, he will eat something, do squats and pushups and put on extra layers. Once he’s warm, he will crawl into his sleeping bags, as he says it’s much easier to stay warm than to get warm when it’s really cold out. For most of us, an upgraded
winter experience can be much easier than that to achieve. It probably means staying warmer as you’re sedentary (sitting and talking with friends) and dialing in your clothing and gear for activities. Some simple changes and upgrades for getting through this last stretch of our COVID winter include dressing in layers, making sure your feet and hands stay warm, using portable heaters and sitting on a blanket. Dressing in loose, strategic layers should include a wicking layer first – meaning it absorbs moisture and keeps you dry – followed by an insulating layer and a windproof outer shell. To keep your feet warm, wear a thin pair of socks under a heavier pair, making sure your boots aren’t too tight, as that would cut off blood flow and make you feel cold. To keep your hands warm, use one pair of thin gloves with big mittens over them. Actually,
the best way to keep blood flow, and therefore warmth to your hands is to keep your forearms warm. To warm your small outdoor area, try using electric infrared heaters, propane patio heaters or a wood-burning fire pit. Finally, sitting on blanket or cushion will help prevent losing heat. Consider a heated outdoor cushion if temps are more extreme. Make sure you’re out of the wind. For me, any time I’ve made the extra winter effort to host a small outdoor meal or get out to exercise in the elements, it’s felt so worth it. Sometimes it’s even better than a “normal” evening plan. It makes me wonder what parts of our new social ways we might want to continue once COVID has passed. Dr. Laura Konopacki is the owner of Body Wave chiropractic in Fitchburg, and she has training in pediatrics and functional neurology.
Taste the benefits of tap water over bottled
The average Fitchburg residential household spent just over $150 to purchase municipal tap water in 2019. Although that seems like a lot for something as simple and fundamental as water, it works out to less than a penny per gallon and a lot less than spending $1.50 for a bottle of water or even $6 for a case of it. Tap water, especially in the water-abundant Midwest, is extraordinarily inexpensive. It’s probably the cheapest product per pound that you can purchase – and it’s delivered conveniently to your home’s faucets. Perhaps more importantly, it should be consumed over bottled water because it has considerably fewer environmental impacts and has generally fewer contaminants. Americans consumed 14.4 billion gallons of bottled water in 2019, according to research from the Beverage Marketing Corporation. That’s about 330 bottles of water per person. Bottled water is convenient, useful for emergency situations and provides a healthier alternative to soft drinks or juices. Unfortunately, studies have shown that people who drink bottled water are more likely to select another bottled beverage than drink tap water if bottled water is not available. Bottled water affects the environment far more than a tap water system. Studies have shown bottled water systems – including transport, disposal, energy consumption and chemical use – can use anywhere from 10 to 2,000 times more energy than tap water systems. And that doesn’t even factor in
amount of treatment chemicals is added at the rate of about 1 part per million. The chemicals used include chlorine for disinfection of any bacteria that may be present, fluoride for dental benefits and polyphosphates for corrosion control and iron reduction. the use of plastic. In 2016, about 4 Tap water is much fresher than billion pounds of plastic were used to manufacture plastic water bottles. bottled water, which might sit on a Most of these plastic bottles are used shelf or in distribution facilities for days before it gets consumed. The only once and end up in a landfill. Bottled water manufacturers name water that comes out of your tap only takes a few hours to get from the and advertise their product to give aquifer to your faucet. the appearance of superior taste and There are several ways you can quality. However, water quality tests kick the habit of bottled water, and have shown that tap water has the that mostly comes down to convesame water quality as bottled water. nience. In fact, some bottled water manuThe easiest way is to use reusable facturers – including market leaders water bottles and develop a habit of Dasani and Aquafina — simply bottle purified municipal water and sell keeping a filled one on hand. Reusable water bottles are inexpensive it at a profit. Studies on bottled water also have and are commonly given away at events. found harmful contaminants, such Community outings and events as microplastics, arsenic, E.coli baccould consider offering water jugs teria, and funguses, all of which are and environmentally friendly cups regulated in tap water through the EPA. That’s not to say bottled water rather than disposable bottles. Adding more drinking fountains or bottle isn’t regulated, but it’s regulated by filling stations in public places can the Food and Drug Administration, also help. which arguably has fewer requireFinally, being informed on where ments for testing and ensuring that water quality than the EPA does for a tap water comes from and how the water is treated can help build trust. customer’s tap. Some people might avoid drinking Refer to the city’s Water Quality website page to read all about Fitchtap water because they don’t know burg’s water in the Consumer Confiwhere it comes from or how it is dence Report. treated (or not treated). Like other Nate Ewanowski, chair of Fitcharea communities, Fitchburg pumps burg’s Resource Conservation Comwater from the Mount Simon aquimission, is a water supply engineer fer, which is about 1,000 feet below for a consulting firm in Madison and ground. proudly drinks tap water with his This water needs no fancy or sigwife and daughter in Fitchburg. nificant treatment processes. A small
Letter to the editor
Letters to the editor policy
I have known Dave Herbst and his family for many years. We have good conversations, along with seeing him and the family nearly daily, as they walk by our house to Jamestown/Huegel Park with their dogs, or Dave rides around the neighborhood on his bike. Dave is first and foremost a good neighbor, who has a solid pulse on what is happening in the district. He is friendly, outgoing and willing to lend a hand to assist a neighbor. He has business experience
Unified Newspaper Group is proud to offer a venue for public debate and welcomes letters to the editor, provided they comply with our guidelines. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. They should also contain contact information – the writer’s full name, address, and phone number – so that the paper may confirm authorship. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be printed under any circumstances. The editorial staff of Unified Newspaper Group reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity.
Vote for Dave Herbst on April 6
in addition to his knowledge of working with the City of Fitchburg Public Works infrastructure. He is willing to listen to all neighbors’ concerns and will be a vigorous advocate for all residents. Let’s bring a fresh advocate for our district to the Fitchburg City Council in voting for Dave Herbst, District 1 Seat 1 on April 6. Lori Bindl Zahorik Fitchburg
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February 12, 2021
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Fitchburg Star
Letters to the editor
Support Steven Heller for District 2 Alder
particularly the flooding and storm water problems facing the community and the need to properly invest in park maintenance and green spaces. Many residents have been dealing with flooding issues and we believe it is critical that the city support its public works and parks infrastructure to address this problem. In addition, the Common Council in recent years has shifted money out of park maintenance to fund pet projects which are not core functions of the city. We know Steven has the temperament and professionalism to ensure that robust debate does not get personal and we are confident that he will remain collegial, even when other elected officials may disagree with him. Service on the Common Council should be viewed as a public service to the community, not as a second job or a political advancement opportunity. Our Alder should put the core interests of the entire city first, even when those interests conflict with a potential run for higher office, or favorite social causes. After speaking with him, we know that Steven will put the interests of the city and his community members first. John and Sue Easterday Fitchburg
Re-elect Julia Arata-Fratta to District 2, Seat 3
integrity, a native Spanish-speaker, with a graduate degree (and day job) in finance, and with leadership experience both within and outside the city as your representative to the council. She is a gem indeed. Re-elect Julia Arata-Fratta on April 6. H. Tony Hartmann Former Fitchburg City Alder
several boards of directors has earned him praise for his ability to understand both sides of a position while still advocating for his stand. As a certified project manager for 10+ years, Heller has the experience in managing over a dozen multi-million dollar projects, and knows how to get them done on time and under budget. We need an alder who will do their homework, will understand the complexities of budgets and will represent District 2’s constituents’ needs. I urge you to check out Steven Heller’s Facebook page for additional information and then vote for him in the upcoming election in April. I don’t believe you will be disappointed. Tobey Marsceill Fitchburg
Vote for Dave Herbst for alder We are writing to urge folks to consider a vote for David Herbst for alder, District 1. We are long-time neighbors of Dave. We often chat about the neighborhood, the city and public affairs. Funny thing, though, politics almost never comes up. Our talks are always about getting things done, making the neighborhood safer, the city more inclusive, and opening up City Hall for folks who feel marginalized and ignored. “How are things on Monticello (Way),” Dave has often asked. “Well, the young mothers are not too happy about the occasional speeding cars,” I have often said in reply. Point is, Dave as a neighbor and friend will not be much different from Dave as an alder, should voters elect him to office in April. We urge folks to consider making Dave as our next alder, for an engaged and caring City
JOLLIE TREE
I recently had a chance to get to know Nick DiMiceli, a candidate for Alder. Nick is running to continue the professional and fiscally responsible leadership shown by Alder Sarah Schroeder in District 3. These are characteristics that currently come up short in some of Fitchburg’s other City Council members. Recently, several members of the council proposed delaying a series of core city services to fund a teen center with no plan to pay for its operating costs, no private money committed and then commissioned a study to figure out how to pay for the center after construction. That puts the cart before the horse. They did this while many in our community are dealing with skyrocketing property taxes during a pandemic, which has put many of our fellow residents in a financial bind. Certainly, the idea of a teen center has merit, but planning and operational costs should be considered before Fitchburg commits to massive spending. Some of the Alders who supported this type of budgeting, are claiming that they are “fiscally responsible” and “trying to keep taxes low.” The fact is, nothing could be further from the truth. We need to support candidates like Nick who are committed to prioritizing and getting our fiscal house in order. If the city continues to delay core services, major cuts may have to take place if the city faces a recession and revenues decline. Nick will listen to residents and put their interests first. In contrast, several of the current Alders on the Common Council spend their time listening to Madison activists and special interests rather than to the citizens of Fitchburg, who get stuck paying for their reckless fiscal decisions. Nick knows that Fitchburg must have balanced development with more home ownership opportunities. Voters can count on Nick to listen, make their issues his issues, prioritize and put Fitchburg residents first. Nick has committed his life to public service. He earned a Purple Heart while serving in the Army after nearly being killed by a roadside bomb. Nick lives with his partner and two children in the Swan Creek neighborhood, has two master’s degrees and is well qualified to serve. Please support Nick DiMiceli on Feb. 16 in the primary election and again on April 6 in the general election. Rita Burke Henricks Fitchburg
Steven Heller
for Fitchburg city council
vote April 6, 2021
▪ Common sense approach to spending and budgets that provide
Military & Senior Discounts Bill Jollie 608-206-2834 • jollietree@aol.com
council representative and one heck of a nice guy. Jackie Captain and Michael Leon Fitchburg
Support DiMiceli for District 3 Alder
Goals for Fitchburg:
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It has been my very great pleasure to serve alongside and to run against a hard-working public servant, Julia Arata-Fratta. Let me explain; Julia and I were both first elected to the Fitchburg City Council in 2015. In 2016, we both ran for state assembly, to represent Fitchburg and other residents of District 47 (Julia was a very close second). From then on, we worked together closely on many important projects, through the Community and Economic Development Authority, on Fitchburg’s annual budget and capital improvement plan, in our various roles on subcommittees like Finance, Personnel, and Public Safety, and very proudly, on the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative (now underway and growing). While I stepped away after two terms, Julia has continued on, and in 2020, was elected president of the council. A well-deserved honor for such a talented and experienced collaborator. Residents of District 2, you are especially fortunate to have a woman of high
When considering a candidate to vote for in the Fitchburg city council election I look for a person with common sense, integrity, a collaborative attitude and experience in getting work done. I believe I have found such a candidate in Steven Heller. Mr. Heller believes in a common sense approach to budgets and spending while still providing quality services to our citizens. When budgeting, leaders have to choose their priorities and make tough choices. Heller appreciates my concerns regarding budget issues the city faces in terms of keeping a strong bond rating and at the same time Heller understands that the business tax base needs to be expanded in order to keep homeowner property taxes from becoming burdensome. Heller’s successful experience serving on
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There is a new candidate running for District 2 Alder by name of Steven Heller. Steven brings an opportunity for new, professional, inclusive, diverse, and fiscally responsible leadership. Smart budgeting is one of our top priorities. A candidate for office may campaign on smart budgeting, but talking about it and doing it are two different things. There have been decisions made by the common council from a fiscal standpoint that have not been in the best interest of the city. If the city faces a recession and revenue does not come in at its current rate, Fitchburg may face a situation where drastic cuts and/or layoffs will have to take place as the Common Council has spent up to the levy. When budgeting, leaders choose their priorities and make tough choices. Steven understands my concerns regarding budget issues the city faces in terms of keeping a strong bond rating, protecting the taxpayer, and not attempting to satisfy every political or social cause. Steven will ensure that core city services are adequately funded, and that the city is in a healthy fiscal position. We are impressed with Steven’s knowledge of environmental issues,
Vote for Heller for city council
Steven Heller for Fitchburg City Council (608) 575-7820 adno=201118
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February 12, 2021
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
Coming up order to complete “badges” and win prizes. For example, if a reader completes five activity badges, they can win a $5 gift card to Oasis Cafe. Registration is required through Beanstack for individuals and groups. For information, visit fitchburgwi.beanstack.com/reader365.
The application deadline for the 2021 Healthy Neighborhoods grant program is Feb. 22. All interested nonprofit organizations that meet the program’s eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Applicants are also encouraged to review the criteria before Fitchburg Family Pharmacy submitting materials, as changes COVID-19 testing have been made from the 2020 Fitchburg Family Pharmacy program. offers free COVID-19 testing serFor more information, visit vices from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monfitchburgwi.gov/2571/Programs. day through Friday. ‘Read Woke’ program The pharmacy, 3050 Cahill The Fitchburg Public Library’s Main, is partnering with the fedadult winter reading program is eral Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to disseminate a taking place until Feb. 28. The program, “Read Woke,” vaccine when it becomes availchallenges participants to read able as well. books from diverse authors in For more information, call
274-3784.
Digital book displays
If you miss browsing the Fitchburg Public Library’s book display, there’s a virtual solution. The library is featuring digital book displays on its Facebook page. To check out a book, click its image and place a hold in LINKcat. Once you receive a Improvisation techniques notice that your hold is available, presentation From 1-2:30 p.m., the Fitchcall 729-1790 to pick it up. For general information, email burg Senior Center is hosting a virtual presentation about improlibrary.reference@fitchburg. visation techniques. wi.gov. The presentation, facilitated by Winter craft events a University of Wisconsin-MadiThe Fitchburg Public Library son public health student, will get is hosting some winter-themed participants engaged in creative events on its Facebook page at thinking, games and storytelling. 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, and Feb. Registration is required. 26. For information, call (608) 270F o r t h e F e b . 1 9 e v e n t , 4290.
Virtual church services The Star has compiled a list of scheduled virtual church services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If your church is hosting an online event and would like to be included in this listing, please send any pertinent information to ungcalendar@wcinet.com. The listing will run intermittently as space and time allows, and was last updated Wednesday, Feb. 3.
All Saints Lutheran Church
All Saints Lutheran Church, 2951 Chapel Valley Road, hosts virtual services at 9 a.m. Sundays accessible on Youtube and Facebook. Pastor Kristin Woelk delivers each service. For more information, call 276-7729 or visit allsaints-madison.org.
Photo by Neal Patten
Lead Pastor Daniel Owen shows that Blackhawk is “one church, three locations.” Fitchburg is the third location for the church, which is also located in Madison and Middleton.
Hatchery Road, hosts virtual services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sundays accessible at live. cityonahill.co. The church’s worship team and pastors deliver service and invite the Apostolic Faith Church each public to join in each week. Apostolic Faith Church, For more information, 2001 Harley Dr., hosts vir- call 620-5422 or visit cityotual services at 1 p.m. and nahill.co. 8 p.m. Sundays accessible over apostolicfaithmadison. Chapel Valley Church org. Chapel Valley Church, a For more information, mobile church, hosts virtual email cschleicher@afpas- services at 10 a.m. Sundays tor.org. on Youtube, Facebook, and chapelvalley.org Blackhawk Church The church’s worship Blackhawk Church, 9620 team and Pastors Jeremiah Brader Way, hosts virtual and Suzie Genin invite the services at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. public to join in every Sunand 6 p.m. Sundays. day. There are also services For more information for kids accessible at black- email info@chapelvalley. hawkchurch.org/connect/ org or call 515-8855. kidsstudents/kids/online. Videos are geared toward The Church at Christ first and second graders and Memorial are around 20-30 minutes The Church at Christ long. Regular services are Memorial, 2833 Raritan accessible at blackhawk- Road, hosts virtual serchurch.org, the church’s vices at 9 a.m. Sundays at YouTube page and Face- livelifetogether.com/livesbook page. tream or facebook.com/ Those last around one livelifetogether. hour to an hour and fifteen Pastor Jeff Meyer and minutes. Matt Wipperman deliver For more information, services each week on the 8 2 8 - 4 2 0 0 o r v i s i t t h e live stream. church’s website. For more information, c a ll 271-2811 or visit City on a Hill livelifetogether.com. City on a Hill, 2924 Fish
participants will read “Mouse and Mole: A Winter Wonderland” and learn how to make a snow person puppet. For the Feb. 26 event, attendees can hear the story “Small Walt” by Elizabeth Verdick. For information, visit fitchburgwi.gov.
Memorial United Church of Christ
Memorial United Church of Christ, 5705 Lacy Road, hosts virtual services at 9:30 a.m. Sundays. The services are accessible over Zoom or on the church’s Facebook page. To access a Zoom service, visit memorialucc.org and follow the link. For more information, visit memorialucc.org.
Living Water Community Church
Living Water Community Church virtual services can be found at livingwatercommunitychurchinc. com. Services are led by Pastors Cat and Jeff Smith. For more information, email jeffncathyr1@gmail. com.
Black History Month video
The Fitchburg Public Library is hosting a video presentation at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, on its Facebook page for Black History Month. Parents and guardians can learn how to talk to their children and other loved ones regarding race and racism using helpful tips and resources offered during the presentation. For information, visit fitchburgwi.gov.
Mystery book club
The Fitchburg Senior Center “I Love a Mystery Book Club” will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, over Zoom. The club is discussing “Monkeewrench” by P. J. Tracy For information, dmullaly5771@gmail.com
Fitchburg Public Library
What to read in January Bored during the COVID-19 pandem- Castle. The other will be captured in a raid on her village, imprisoned in the very ic? Why not become a bookworm? The Fitchburg Public Library has put same castle, and sold into slavery. together a list of reading recommenda‘Between the World and Me’ by tions for the month of January. Library adult and technical services Ta-Nehisi Coates In a profound work that pivots from the manager Tegan Karow assembled this list. biggest questions about American history ‘The Underground Railroad’ by and ideals to the most intimate concerns Colson Whitehead of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates Cora is a young slave on a cotton plan- offers a powerful new framework for tation in Georgia. An outcast even among understanding our nation’s history and her fellow Africans, she is on the cusp of current crisis. Americans have built an womanhood—where greater pain awaits. empire on the idea of “race,” a falsehood And so when Caesar, a slave who has that damages us all but falls most heavrecently arrived from Virginia, urges her ily on the bodies of Black women and to join him on the Underground Railroad, men — bodies exploited through slavery she seizes the opportunity and escapes and segregation, and, today, threatened, locked up, and murdered out of all prowith him. portion. What is it like to inhabit a Black ‘The Hate You Give’ by Angie body and find a way to live within it? And how can we all honestly reckon with this Thomas Sixteen year old Starr Carter moves fraught history and free ourselves from its between two worlds: the poor neigh- burden? borhood where she lives and the fancy ‘The Warmth of Other Suns’ by suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is Isabel Wilkerson Author Isabel Wilkerson chronicles shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend one of the great untold stories of AmerKhalil at the hands of a police officer. ican history: the decades-long migration Khalil was unarmed. Soon afterward, his of Black citizens who fled the South for death became a national headline. Some northern and western cities, in search for are calling him a thug, maybe even a a better life. From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil’s name. almost six million people changed the Some cops and the local drug lord try to face of America. Wilkerson compares this epic migration to the migrations of intimidate Starr and her family. other peoples in history. She interviewed ‘Homegoing’ by Yaa Gyasi more than a thousand people, and gained Ghana, eighteenth century: two half sis- access to new data and official records, to ters are born into different villages, each write this definitive and vividly dramatic unaware of the other. One will marry an account of how these American journeys Englishman and lead a life of comfort unfolded, altering our cities, our country in the palatial rooms of the Cape Coast and ourselves.
Redeemer City Church
Redeemer City Church, 5356 King James Way, posts its sermons, which take place Sundays at 10 a.m., online at redeemercitychurch.org/ sermons. Services are also filmed live for the Redeemer City Church YouTube channel. For more information, visit the redeemercitychurch.org.
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Healthy Neighborhoods grants
February 12, 2021 - Fitchburg Star 7
Ask the Fitchburg
SENIOR CARE
DENTIST
Q. My teeth are sensitive. What can cause this?
(608) 845-6127
105 N. Main St., Verona • MainStreetDentists.com
Responding to calls for help, cleaning, providing healthy meals, ensuring medications are taken - along with tending to the details of your own life - can keep you busy with little time to spare. However, it takes more than task-oriented duties to keep seniors vital, active and healthy. Elders are happier and healthier when they are active, connected and feel they contribute to the world around them. The engagement of the “whole person” is the unique philosophy behind Interactive Caregiving™. Comfort Keepers knows that elders who need care also want to maintain happy, independent living within their own homes. Comfort Keepers’ goal is to help the seniors do exactly that by interacting with clients physically, mentally and socially, and to enhance the overall health and well- being in their lives.
James Rudolph President & CEO
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579 D’onofrio Dr. #10, Madison, WI 53719 (608) 218-4861 • www.comfortkeepers.com
PHYSICAL THERAPY
CREMATION SERVICES
Cremation Society
Jodi Johnston • 1-608-438-7437 email: jjohnston_4@charter.net www.cremationsocietyofmadison.com
Q. What are the main differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis? A. Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) are the two main types of
arthritis, although there are over 100 varieties of arthritic conditions. OA is commonly referred to as the “wear and tear” arthritis, as it is caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of cartilage of one or more joints. A person with OA will typically have more pain/stiffness/soreness in the mornings or after sedentary periods of time. Crepitus (a creaking or popping feeling) and localized swelling are often noticed in the joint(s). RA Susan Armstrong, MPT is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of joints, tissues and/or Physical Therapist organs. Individuals with RA usually experience periods of flare-ups and periods of relief. RA generally affects multiple joints in the body and is characterized by the destruction of the joint capsule by the person’s own immune system. Physical and Occupational Therapy treatments are specific and very different for each type of arthritis. Contact Stellar Rehabilitation to obtain the correct care for either condition at 608-845-2100 or www.stellarrehab.com .
Comprehensive Therapy Services 1049 N. Edge Trail • Prairie Oaks (608) 845-2100 • Verona, WI 53593 • www.stellarrehab.com
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VETERINARIAN
REALTOR
Q. What steps should I take if I am selling my home this Spring?
Q. Why does my pet’s breath smell so bad, and what can I do about it?
A. Even though the weather is cold, the Fitchburg real estate market remains hot
A. That foul odor coming from your pet's breath may be the sign of dental
1350 S. Fish Hatchery Road Oregon, WI 53575 (608) 835-0551
Certified Public Accountant
MORTGAGE BANKING
Q. How am I supposed to account for my Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan?
Q. What’s the difference between being prequalified and preapproved? A. A quick conversation with your lender about your income, assets and
down payment is all it takes to get prequalified. But if you want to get preapproved, your lender will need to verify your financial information and submit your loan for preliminary underwriting. A preapproval takes a little more time and documentation, but it also carries a lot more weight. Which is better? Think of prequalification as an initial step and preapproval as the green light signaling that you’re ready to start your home search. When sellers review your offer, a preapproval means you’re a serious buyer whose lender has already started the loan process.
117 King St. • Stoughton, WI 53589 608-873-6755 kathy.aiken@associatedbank.com
Q.
A. In the most recent round of stimulus, loans forgiven are considered
David Hennick CPA
232 Chads Crossing, Verona WI 53593 david@davidhennickcpa.com • www.davidhennickcpa.com
CHIROPRACTOR
ADVERTISING
Our kids play sports all year; I’m considering Chiropractic even though they are not injured. It seems that a lot of pro athletes, including Aaron Rodgers do this, what are your thoughts.
Q. I am an expert in my line of work, and I’m interested in advertising in the Ask a Professional series. How can I get more information?
A. Athletic training has changed rapidly in the last decade and in an effort to gain every
edge, today’s professional athletes and teams incorporate every training and rehab technique possible to gain that edge. Regular chiropractic visits for your student athletes will certainly help increase their performance and keep them from being sidelined during the season. Chiropractic can enhance performance through increased range of motion. . Getting all joints such as: hips, knees, elbows, into their natural alignment helps restore range of motion and ultimately increases sports performance. Chiropractic care also helps speed up recovery not just from injuries, but regular wear and tear, more importantly it reduces the need for pain medication. By restoring muscle, joint and nerve function the body can more rapidly repair and regenerate itself. Clinical studies published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal manipulation showed significant improvements in both pain and function with no major adverse side effects Lee Unwin, BCMT, CSCS
102 N. Franklin Street • Verona, WI 53593 (608) 848-1800 • unwinchiropractic.com
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Jill Unwin, DC, CCEP
tax-exempt income with effective date of the CARES Act. Expenses used from proceeds of a forgiven PPP loan are now deductible. Additionally, companies with gross revenue loss of 25 percent in any quarter when compared to 2019, are eligible for a second round of PPP loans. Your tax accountant will know how to account for your PPP loan on your tax return if you provide the correct information. Feel free to give us a call for any of your tax concerns this upcoming tax season.
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2985 Triverton Pike Dr., Ste. 200, Fitchburg, WI 53711 pfaffs@firstweber.com • www.shawnpfaff.firstweber.com
February is National Pet Dental Health Month!
Bryann Bozeman Advertising Sales Consultant
A. It’s simple, just call or email me and I can answer your questions. This is one of the best places to tell your potential clients and patrons what you can do for them! And you’ll reach over 30,000 homes through the Fitchburg Star and the Great Dane Shopping News.
Fitchburg Star & Great Dane Shopping News
veronasales@wcinet.com • 608-845-9559
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disease caused by the buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar on the teeth and under the gum line. Daily brushing with enzymatic veterinary toothpaste and regular prophylactic dental cleanings under anesthesia are the best ways to keep your pet’s teeth healthy.
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- especially for Sellers. If you are thinking about selling your home this Spring, I recommend two important steps prior to listing it to best maximize the monetary amount that you can get for your biggest financial asset. First, price your home at a competitive rate that reflects the demand in our local market, which is limited now. Do not overprice your home by thinking you will leave yourself room to negotiate. Shawn Pfaff Instead, if you price competitively, you will most likely receive many offers from potential buyers. Competing bids lead to higher offers for your home. Second, please contact me. As a Fitchburg Realtor, I can help you determine the best price to sell your home, based on the current market. I will also list and professionally market your home to attract the most buyers. Please contact me at pfaffs@firstweber.com if you are thinking about selling your home this Spring.
Kathleen C. Aiken
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Q. I have been told by the Cremation Society and other funeral homes I need to fill out a State of Wisconsin Authorization for Disposition form. Why is this necessary? A. Great question! In the state of Wisconsin, if you are going to be cremated, your next of kin HAS TO AUTHORIZE YOUR CREMATION or the funeral home can not cremate your body. If you do not have a spouse or a child, it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO FILL OUT THIS FORM. If you have estranged family members who are not in contact to sign at the time of death, You can assign this responsibility to someone else to authorize your cremation by filling out this form. Call Jodi, your local Cremation Advisor to get this FREE Form. (You can also find it online in the state of Wisconsin forms for free to download)
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133 Enterprise Dr., Verona WI • connectverona.com
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Drs. Kate & John Schacherl, D.D.S.
A. If eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee causes dental pain, you may have sensitive teeth. Possible causes of sensitivity include tooth decay, fractured teeth, worn fillings, gum disease, worn tooth enamel, or exposed tooth roots. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment depends on what is causing the sensitivity. We may recommend desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Fluoride gel can be applied to teeth in-office to strengthen tooth enamel to reduce sensation – yes, even for adults. And, gum recession surgical procedures – like the Pinhole Procedure we do at the office – can cover and protect exposed tooth roots and reduce sensitivity. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, ask us how we can help.
Q. How can Comfort Keepers make an impact on the life of an elder? A. It is easy to get caught up in the physical tasks of caring for an elderly loved one.
8
February 12, 2021
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
Relief fund helps Latinx community navigate COVID-19
‘I want to be just like you’
Girl speaks about fundraising for Fitchburg restaurant at Biden’s inauguration MOLLY CARMICHAEL Star correspondent
An 8 year old girl who started a nonprofit to raise funds for a Fitchburg business virtually appeared at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration for recognition of those efforts Jan. 20. And where Belleville resident Morgan Marsh-McGlone originally amassed $50,000 for pay-what-youcan restaurant Little John’s, her appearance garnered an additional $16,000, as well as an anonymous pledge to match the $50,000 amount by March. Marsh-McGlone’s nonprofit, called Morgan’s Lemonaid Stand, has helped fund the 5302 Verona Road business’ efforts to curb food insecurity amid the COVID-19 pandemic. That action is what got her an invitation to Biden’s inauguration, chef and owner Dave Heide told the Star. And Heide said the overall community response to Marsh-McGlone’s actions and words during Biden’s inauguration special, titled “Celebrating America,” have been “exciting.” “Our lemonade stand fundraiser, Little John’s, they give food to families who have food insecurity,” she said, opening the inauguration segment from her family’s home in Belleville. Heide said he and Morgan’s parents were elated, but for Marsh-McGlone it was just like any other interview. She had no idea what an inauguration or who actor
and event host Tom Hanks is, Heide said laughing. Hanks appeared with other celebrities to witness Biden being sworn in as president. It is a step toward the $6 million needed for Little John’s to purchase a commercial kitchen, train veterans to cook and fulfill the restaurant’s mission of providing high-quality, nutritious meals, Heide said. “Every $5 that’s donated is two meals we’re putting out to the community, so this is a huge impact,” Heide said. Heide said Little John’s was specifically put in one of the largest food desserts in Madison. With no grocery stores or restaurants for several blocks, Heide wants to provide not just food, but fully cooked meals to families and local organizations, like food pantries, he said. “In order to take ingredients and turn it into a meal, you need to have time and like space,” Heide said. “If you’re a single mother with three kids trying to work two jobs to pay rent, how much time do you have to cook a meal?” Despite trying to “fight the pandemic,” Heide said the special left him feeling pretty optimistic for what the next few years will look like. Marsh-McGlone’s segment also featured chef José Andrés, who discussed the importance of stepping up and fighting hunger in America. It is something Heide is glad is getting national attention and can hopefully lead to legislation to combat hunger and support local restaurants, he said. But Heide’s favorite part is when the camera cuts back to Tom Hanks from Marsh-McGlone. “Well, thanks, Morgan,” Hanks said to her during the special. “I want to be just like you.”
EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group
Latinx people make up around 7% of the state’s population, and a proportion of neighborhoods in the City of Fitchburg. But that demographic also makes up 11% of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases and 12% of hospitalizations, according to the Latin Consortium for Action Emergency Relief Fund 2020 impact report. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done to fix those percentages, and solve overall issues the Latinx community has faced for decades, some Latin Consortium A c t i o n m e m b e r s t o l d t h e S t a r. They include Julia Arata-Fratta, City of Fitchburg alder; Blatazer De Anda Santana, Latino Academy of Workforce Development e x e c u t iv e d i r e c t o r ; D r. K a r e n Menendez Coller, Centro Hispano of Dane County executive director and Dr. Armando Ibarra of Voces de le Frontera. That begins with the LCA, which got its start providing assistance to Cuban refugees around Dane County in 1983, its website states. The nonprofit has grown to comprise 20 members, and an annual budget of $2.5 million. In March 2020, the organization launched its emergency relief fund to help the Latinx community during the pandemic. The fund, the report states, distributed $1.18 million last year to help its largely undocumented applicants with lost income, as well as costs related to housing, childcare, loans and food. That success resulted in the LCA reopening the fund for 2021, an email release states. T h e r e ’s a n e e d f o r t h e fund, as the pandemic has
Star correspondent
Tri North Builders is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive in Fitchburg from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22. The blood drive will be taking place at 2625 Research Park Dr. inside the conference room, according to an American Red Cross news release. Walk-ins are welcome but
appointments are preferred. Appointments can be made by calling (800) 733-2767 or visiting redcrossblood. org and using the sponsor code “Fitchburg,” the release states Blood donors can visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass to submit initial health and pre-donation information to save up to 15 minutes in line, the release states. For more information visit, redcrossblood.org
People can donate to the 2021 Latin Consortium for Action Emergency Relief Fund by visiting micentro.org. Click “COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund” and scroll down to the “Donate” button. Then, fill out a form that includes your name, email, address and the amount you wish to give. Next, enter your payment information. disproportionately impacted Latinx people statewide and nationally, each LCA member said. Latinx people, according to the report, are more likely to work in essential industries that render them unable to work remotely. And it’s highly probable, the report states, Latinx people live in more multigenerational households that earn 46% less than other demographics. Undoumented immigrants also don’t have access to the same government aid naturalized citizens do, the report states. The impact report additionally points out data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which states Latinx people are 2.8 times more likely to be infected with COVID-19 than their non-Latinx counterparts, and 4.6 times more likely to be hospitalized. Individuals and businesses that meet certain eligibility criteria can receive help from the fund. A n i n d iv i d u a l m u s t b e f r o m Dane County, not have access to a work permit, be ineligible to receive a federal stimulus check and have an emergent need like an upcoming rent payment. Businesses should also be locate d i n D a n e C o u n t y, h ave l o s t income during the pandemic, have an undocumented owner who does not have access to federal and state funds, possess emergent needs and be able to submit tax information. “I am undocumented and I am no one,” an anonymous applicant
Looking to Buy or Sell in Fitchburg?
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Latin Consortium for Action 810 W. Badger Road (608) 255-3018 Micentro.org said of receiving aid in the report. “I can’t receive support from any place, and I need to pay my bills and (find) food for my children. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Another person said they are a single mother of four children who has urgent expenses they struggle to cover amid the pandemic. “I am scared,” she said. Other people said they applied for help because they had gone three weeks without employment, or they were a father of four children who lost his job late last year. Those voices are the reason each member said they hope the fund has even more reach in 2021. Even so, it supplements for what they felt national, state and local governments should have provided in spring 2020. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , o r t o donate to the 2021 fund, visit micentro.org. To find out how to submit an application, call (608) 255-3018 or email reception@ micentro.org. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.
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Screenshot
Morgan Marsh-McGlone, Belleville, who started a nonprofit to raise funds for a Fitchburg business appeared virtually at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration for recognition of those efforts Jan. 20.
Latin Consortium for Action distributes $1.18 million in 2020, report says
ConnectFitchburg.com
February 12, 2021
9
Fitchburg Star
City likely to hire 15 employees because of town annexation Some hires will need to be made before tax levy increases KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The City of Fitchburg will need to budget for at least 15 new employees in the coming years as it prepares to annex part of the Town of Madison. But some of that cost will come before the town dissolves and its tax base is absorbed by Fitchburg and the City of Madison. City finance director Misty Dodge presented that information during an update for alders at a Wednesday, Jan. 27, Committee of the Whole meeting about the many challenges the city will need to prepare for before the October 2022 dissolution of the town, which has been planned for many years. Those challenges also include infrastructure and the city’s tight budgets in the past few years. The new employees would be spread across city departments, including police, the senior center and public works. Many of those will need to start in the months leading up to the dissolution, Dodge said. The Town of Madison’s dissolution is a 20-year agreement with
the cities of Fitchburg and Madison. Annexation of town lands over the past few decades has made it difficult for the town to provide public services and stay solvent. The agreement the jurisdictions signed in 2002 will allocate 196 acres of land to Fitchburg, with the parcels located just south of the Beltline west of Fish Hatchery Road, and west of Rimrock Road in the Southdale neighborhood. The Fish Hatchery Road acquisition will include the Zimbrick complex, which comprises four of its dealerships and its body shop on 16 acres. The Southdale neighborhood south of the Beltline makes up the other 180 and is approximately 50% commercial land, with the other significant piece of it being single-family homes and apartments. The portion being annexed to the city has $120 million in taxable value as of January 2020. Of the 165 parcels being brought into the city, two of them are considered tax-exempt, according to the presentation. Some of the new employees are already included in the city’s 20212030 capital improvement plan. Three are police officers who would start in January 2022, and the rest are a senior center social worker who would start in July 2022, a maintenance worker shared by the public works and parks departments who
City of Fitchburg staffing needs
Department Senior center Public works/Parks Police Clerks I.T. Building inspection Assessing Fire Various Public works Human resources Public works Police
Position Timing Social worker July 2022 Maintenance worker October 2022 Officers (3) January 2022 Election workers November 2022 GIS Coordinator January 2022 Inspector TBD Technician January 2022 Firefighter/Inspector TBD Clerical float TBD Assistant director TBD Part-time specialist January 2022 Engineering technician TBD Supervisory/Command staff TBD
would start in October 2022 and additional election worker staff as the city considers adding a fifth polling location in time for the November 2022 general election. Other new employees Dodge said would be needed but weren’t in the capital improvement plan include a GIS coordinator, a new firefighter/inspector and an assistant public works director. Many of the new jobs do not have a determined start date, according to Dodge’s presentation, but many others will need to be hired prior to the
annexation, which means the city will need to pay for the roles before it has access to an increased levy from the current town properties. Dodge said she also anticipates additional infrastructure costs such as roads, bridges and stormwater utilities, with many of those future costs still unknown. “Infrastructure needs is really the big wild card,” she said. “Generally, when a municipality is nearing its end, it’s not going to invest in its infrastructure, so my gut (feeling) is that the infrastructure that we get will
probably need some maintenance, but we don’t know to what level yet.” Creating further challenges is the lack of approved staff hires in the 2020 and 2021 budget cycles. Mayor Aaron Richardson has limited the number of new staff requests that have been approved in the following year’s operating budgets. Richardson told the alders at the meeting that he thinks the new staff additions will be the most challenging part of annexing parts of the Town of Madison for the 2022 budget. He added he wasn’t yet sure where the city was going to be able to find funds to add hundreds of thousands in revenue to pay new employees in the city’s already tight budget. “I’ve talked for a couple of years now about the cost of the town, and how we can’t do pet projects, and this right here is why,” he said. “These positions are expensive, and they are necessary, and right now, a lot of these departments are already struggling to do what they need to do for our citizens.” Richardson clarified in a tweet on Wednesday, Feb. 3, that he doesn’t plan to hire all of the new positions within 2022, but plans to spread it out over three years. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
Resigns: Agreement pays six months’ salary for total of $76K City in brief Continued from page 1 conversation on Wednesday, Jan. 13, that he had enjoyed his time as the administrator for the City of Fitchburg, but that it was time for him to move on. He did not elaborate on his reasons for resigning in either that call or his follow-up email. The conditions of the voluntary resignation relieve Marsh of his contractual obligation of providing the city with 90 days’ notice of his departure effective Jan. 12. The agreement requires the city to pay him six months’ salary on a bi-weekly basis, totaling $76,667, as well as health insurance. The agreement also prevents Marsh from obtaining future employment with the city and from making any slanderous,
derogatory or disparaging statements about city employees or elected officials in the context of his employment or his separation. In return, Mayor Richardson and human resources department employees are prohibited from disparaging him based on his job performance, employment or separation from the city. Richardson told the Star on Jan. 8 that the process for a voluntary resignation had been initiated by Marsh, himself and city attorney Valerie Zisman. “We all agreed that the best thing for everyone involved is to just go our separate ways, and wish him the best of luck going forward,” Richardson said. Marsh had been on administrative leave since at least
December, after Ald. Gabriella Gerhardt (Dist. 2) advocated for Richardson to do so to protect city staff while the investigation was taking place. The altercation Marsh was reportedly involved in resulted in a person being injured after Marsh refused to wear a mask at a restaurant and became frustrated with wait times, according to police reports. Horry County has charged Marsh with third-degree battery, public intoxication and disorderly conduct, according to online court records. Marsh told the Star in November he trusted the judicial process and was looking forward to the matter being resolved. He had an initial appearance in the case Dec. 1, and the case status was listed
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as “jury trial request” on the online records system as of Jan. 15. While the city searches for a new administrator, Zimmerman will lead his department, as well as public works and planning and zoning and serve as the contact for alders to want to talk to city staff; Dodge will manage her department and assist in the management of all other departments and serve as the contact person for internal communications. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@ wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
Recreation employees to be fully paid Two City of Fitchburg employees who were in danger of being either laid off or transferred to a new department will be able to keep their current roles at least throughout 2021. The Common Council voted during its Tuesday, Jan. 26, meeting to delay the replacement of two vehicles for the recreation department and instead use the funds to make up the funding gap of $17,774 needed to pay recreation director Chad Sigl and assistant director Austin Coss. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting limit on the recreation programs the city can offer resulted in an anticipated $93,000 revenue shortfall in the department this year. In December, the council allocated $75,000 toward Sigl and Coss’ salary away from other portions of the budget of the anticipated revenue shortfall, which covered the majority of the revenue loss.
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10 Fitchburg Star Vaccine: Pharmacy’s goal is to administer 300 shots a week February 12, 2021
Continued from page 1 include free vaccination clinics across the state, according to a Feb. 8 article. Dane County is faring better than the state average – as of Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11.4% of people had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. T h a t ’s ev i d e n c e d b y h ow Fitchburg most public safety officials, and one assisted living facility’s employees and residents have already acquired shots. Police, fire and emergency medical services staff became eligible to receive the vaccine Jan. 18. Fitchburg Police Department deputy chief Matt Laha told the Star officers “had the fortunate opportunity to have providers reach out to us proactively” in the weeks before their eligibility date. He estimated that a large majority of the department has received an immunization — officers could get them from Dane County Emergency Management, Fitchburg Family Pharmacy and other providers. Lindsay Jacobson, Sylvan Crossings Assisted Living and Memory Care assistant director, told the Star that all residents and employees have been offered the vaccine. “They’ve all taken it very well,” she said. “There hasn’t been any side effects or anything. It was a smooth process.” Vaccine rollout still has its delays, challenges and limitations, Schumacher said. But the immunization has minimal side effects, he added – Schumacher had a sore arm when he
When it’s available to me, where can I get vaccinated? Much like the flu vaccine, there will be options for where people who are eligible based on the state’s ranked priority groups can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Wisconsin has over 1,200 COVID-19 eligible vaccinators, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and community-based sites. For now, most healthcare providers are contacting people 65 and older, who became eligible on Jan. 25, according to health provider websites. In Madison, UW Health is notifying people 71 and older, and those 65 and older who are Black, Hispanic or Indigen – all ethnicities that have been harder hit by the pandemic and have been sickened at least at twice the rate of people who are white, according to data from Public Health Madison and Dane County. SSM Health is focusing on 75 and older, and UnityPoint Health-Meriter has told its patients, “we will notify you,” when appropriate.
received his. Fitchburg Family Pharmacy staff currently offers the Pfizer shot, which is stored frozen. Schumacher said once a vaccine vial is thawed, there’s a two-hour time window to either administer it, or put it back in storage before expiration. Even so, the Pfizer shot goes bad after five days, Schumacher said. To remedy that, he and staff give patients their immunizations before the vaccine turns four days old. Another slowdown is the lack of criterion for who in the 65 and older age bracket should receive a vaccine first, Schumacher said. Laha, in a separate interview, said that age group should have been higher on the shot priority list in general.
“We haven’t figured out a way to strategize who is more or less vulnerable to COVID-19,” Schumacher said. He said he gets emails daily where patients detail why they should be put at the “top of the list” for a COVID-19 immunization. More caveats with the vaccine roll-out for Schumacher include 12-hour workdays, and that the state needs to more specifically define how distribution will work in the coming months, Schumacher said, even though it is “doing a great job.” Wisconsin currently has over 1,200 COVID-19 eligible vaccination sites, according to the DHS. Those include healthcare providers, pharmacies, local health
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departments, places of employment, and community-based vaccination sites, according to the DHS. And for now, most healthcare providers are contacting people 65 and older, who became eligible on Jan. 25, according to health provider websites. In Madison, UW Health is notifying people 71 and older, and those 65 and older who are Black, Hispanic or Native American – all ethnicities that have been harder hit by the pandemic and have been sickened at least at twice the rate of people who are white, according to data from Public Health Madison and Dane County. SSM Health is focusing on 75 and older, and UnityPoint Health-Meriter has told its patients, “we will notify you,” when appropriate. Both Laha and Schumacher advised that even though a possible end to the pandemic is on the horizon, mask wearing and social distancing remains the best way to prevent COVID19’s spread. “People should keep in mind that this whole pandemic, as well as the response at which the vaccine was developed is something the world has never seen before,” Laha said. “But we all need to still recognize those health safety protocols.” Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @ HeidemannEmilie. Reporters Mackenzie Krumme and Neal Patten contributed to this story.
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The vaccine ordering and delivery process • The federal government informs the state Department of Health Services how many vaccines Wisconsin will be allocated on a week-by-week basis. • Enrolled vaccinators indicate how many initial doses they can safely store and administer the following week. • DHS generates the recommended number of vaccine doses for each vaccinating entity using an allocation algorithm, which factors in prioritization recommendations from federal and state advisory groups; the state’s federal vaccine allocation for the upcoming week • DHS reviews the results and places orders with the federal government on behalf of providers • Once received, vaccinators are responsible for ensuring vaccine viability. Proper vaccine security, storage, handling and administration are key to ensuring patients receive a viable vaccine. – Department of Health Services
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5CHILDREN TO GIVE BACK WAYS TO TEACH YOUR
In the era of COVID-19, many charitable organizations find themselves in a precarious financial position while experiencing unprecedented demand and could greatly benefit from the generosity of those in their community. This may present an opportunity to instill the value of giving to others in your child. If you’re a parent, here are some ways you can encourage your kids to become budding philanthropists. #1 - TALK ABOUT WHY YOU GIVE Help your child understand the importance of giving to others in need. Talk early and often about why sharing your knowledge, abilities, possessions or wealth matters to you. Instilling a culture of giving in your family is a process—not a one-time event. Remember to embrace the joy of giving, doing your best not to make giving back feel like a homework assignment or chore. #2 - FIND CAUSES YOUR CHILD CARES ABOUT Your child is more likely to develop a habit of giving back when he or she is passionate about the cause. Start by brainstorming the possibilities of who your child can help, such as their classmates, animals, the homeless, or the environment. Then, encourage him or her to identify what talents to offer in service. Does he love to bake? Does she enjoy music or caring for animals? Next, help your child choose one or two charities whose missions reflect his or her interests. Involve older children in the search and vetting process, teaching them how to have confidence that a charity is doing its best to help the cause.
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#3 - GIVE AND VOLUNTEER TOGETHER When your children see you volunteering your time, talent and treasure, they see your values at work. Find ways to involve your children in your own giving. Your children will learn first-hand how rewarding giving to others can feel, and you’ll have the bonus of creating family memories to cherish too. #4 - ENCOURAGE DISCIPLINED SAVING Kids need to learn how to manage their own money in order to become responsible givers as they grow older. When your children get an allowance, or otherwise receive money, they can practice making responsible choices. Introduce the idea of “save, share and spend” — setting aside a portion of their money for the future, a portion to help others and a portion for fun spending. #5 - CREATE A FAMILY FOUNDATION Consider establishing a foundation to fund causes you care about. Formalizing your giving in this way creates ongoing opportunities for you and your children to make a lasting impact on the community. Talk to your financial advisor for advice regarding establishing a foundation and leaving a legacy of service to the next generation.
Aaron Zimmer Aaron Zimmer 608.663.7526 608.663.7526 CFP®, ChSNC®, BFA™ APMA® CFP®, ChSNC®, BFA™ APMA® aaron.j.zimmer@ampf.com aaron.j.zimmer@ampf.com Private Wealth Advisor Private Wealth Advisor capitalwealthcares.com capitalwealthcares.com CA CAInsurance Insurance#1999237 #1999237 Capital Wealth Advisory Group Capital Wealth Advisory Group A private wealth advisory practice A private wealth advisory practice of of Ameriprise Financial Services, Ameriprise Financial Services, LLCLLC Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and CFP (with plaque design) in the U.S. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2021 Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
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Schools
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February 12, 2021
Verona Area School District
Fitchburg Star
11
Madison Metropolitan School District
No police contract through June In-person rollout begins March 9
District to talk with city about future contracts this week
KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The Verona Area School District won’t have a City o f Ve r o n a p o l i c e o ffi cer regularly walking the halls of the high school this school year. T h e d i s t r i c t ’s B o a r d of Education accepted the recommendation of district administrators to not enter into a contract with the city for a police-school liaison officer (PSLO) at its Monday, Feb. 1, meeting. The board didn’t take a vote on the recommendation – a vote would have been required had there been an updated contract for the 2020-21 school year, but the previous one had expired last June without a new one replacing it. Superintendent Dean Gorrell said he had consulted with district director of safety Corey Saffold and incoming superintendent Tremayne Clardy for the recommendation, as well as high school principal Pam Hammen. A large part of the reason, he said, was because of the reduced number of students at Verona Area High School each day throughout the rest of the school year, even after many in-person classes resume later this month. Only around one-third of the school’s population – around 600 students – is expected on campus each day, Gorrell said. Around half of the district’s families have indicated they will prefer their children eat lunch at home, with around only 150 students in the school during each lunch period, reducing the busiest time of the day when police presence is often most needed. Gorrell also cited the growth of the district’s security team at the high school, which has since doubled to have six security members for the
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
The “social stairs” on the southern side of the new Verona Area High School. The stairs, which are both inside and outside of the building, are a place that district administration hope are heavily used by students during lunchtimes or for studying. larger campus. “Given all of that, we don’t believe a contract is necessary,” he said. Gorrell told the board he was planning to meet with city administrator Adam Sayre and police chief Bernie Coughlin later this week to discuss the potential for future contracts for the 2021-22 school year and beyond. Sayre said in a Tuesday, Feb. 2, email to the Press that the city remains willing to work on a new contract with the district. “ Wi t h o r w i t h o u t a n agreement, the City of Verona Police Department is always willing to assist the Verona Area School District (VASD) with any emergency or non-emergency needs or requests,” h e w r o t e . “ T h e Ve r o n a Area High School is part of our community and we will respond to help them in the same manner as we would for any other community member(s).” At the previous board meeting on Monday, Jan. 25, some board members were upset by the sug gested edits made to the draft contract by the city. They suggested the city lacked the desire to compromise with the proposal
the board had made last July. Many of those proposed changes made by the city in the draft contract were sent back to the district in September, where many were either cut out of the contract or modified. The board’s changes in July included codifying the goal of the PSLO from both the district and city’s points of view to ensure they’re the same; ensuring i m p r ove d r e l a t i o n s h i p s between the PSLO and students; and restorative justice provision for students over 17 in an effort to reduce citations and arrests. The city and police department cited department protocols as the reason for taking out other revised provisions of the contract. The city stated having a PSLO work yearround for the school district would be detrimental to the department’s staffing requirements and that the training for the PSLO would not be possible, as it would require the training to be done by the entire department and would create unnecessary staffing and overtime expenses. Board member Meredith
Stier Christensen said she felt forgoing a PSLO contract for the remainder of the school year was a reasonable decision, given the reduction of students on campus and the additional security team members. Board president Noah Roberts added that he was interested in having the board reconsider a dean of students position, which was one of the alternative options to a PSLO that Saffold presented to the board last July. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
Kindergarten students in the Madison Metropolitan School District will be able to attend in-person next month. The district announced in a news release that it was currently planning to bring back kindergarten students to in-person learning March 9, grades 1-2 on March 16 and 4K on March 23. A virtual-only option will be offered for families who prefer to keep their students learning from home. Additional grade levels will be allowed back into buildings based on COVID-19 metrics and guidance from public health experts, the release said. Madison Metropolitan is one of the few school districts in Dane County that is
still all-virtual; many other neighboring districts, such as Verona Area and Oregon, have taken phased-in approaches, starting with elementary school students and then adding older grades within the last few weeks. Next week, MMSD families will be asked to respond to whether they want to send their children back for in-person instruction or continue to keep their learning virtual through the end of the school year, the release said. A livestream was scheduled from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, to answer any questions from district families or students. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@ wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
See something wrong? The Fitchburg Star does not sweep errors under the rug. If you see something you know or even think is in error, please contact editor Jim Ferolie at 845-9559 or at fitchburgstar@wcinet.com so we can get it right.
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February 12, 2021
Oregon schools
Fitchburg Star
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Rare school board primary on Feb. 16
Middle, high schoolers to return Monday Tours scheduled this week for incoming students at both schools
OMS/OHS safety procedures
SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
It’s been a long, strange trip for Oregon middle and high schoolers since they left their classrooms in March 2020, thinking they’d be back in a couple weeks. Nearly a year later, they are finally set to come back on Monday, Feb. 8 – the last of Oregon School District’s students to return to in-person learning as part of its phased restart. Students in grades K-2 returned parttime on Oct 5, and students in grades 3-6 returned Jan. 19. While around a quarter of district students have opted to remain in virtual learning, next week marks the last step in the return to classrooms that began when schools were ordered to close by the state Department of Health Services March 13. During the summer, district officials had been planning on offering in-person school for students in grades 4K-4, but in August, a Public Health Madison and Dane Count y o r d e r a l l ow e d o n l y K-2 education, based on COVID-19 data. And while they are hoping for a smooth transition back to the classrooms, district officials know there will be some challenges to meet for students who have been out of school for nearly a year. At a school board meeting last month, district superintendent Leslie Bergstrom said teachers have developed activities to help students meet their classmates and acclimate to in-person safety procedures throughout the building and grounds. To help get “new” ninth-graders acclimated to Oregon High School, school staff planned a tour of the building on Wednesday, Feb. 3. “There will be a lot of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) lessons at every level to prepare students for safety
Photo submitted
Tanner Regali’s fifth grade class at Rome Corners Intermediate School participate in an activity last month. District students in grades 3-6 returned to in-person learning Jan. 19.
On the Web Find out more about the ‘Panther Pledge’ at
oregonsd.org/ PantherPledge protocol expectations,” she said. While virtual students will continue their routines, returning in-person OMS and OHS students are split in two groups, attending classes every other day in the morning, using a “flipped” teaching model. Teachers will introduce lessons virtually, and then follow up during in-person instruction. Returning students and families will also be asked to commit to the “Panther Pledge, which includes going through a three-part symptom checklist each day, and staying home if not feeling well. Students are also asked to report any positive COVID-19 results or possible exposure that would necessitate quarantining, something virtual students are not asked to do. On buses, students must sit one per seat on the bus and wear masks, and parents or guardians who drop students off are asked to stay in their vehicles. To help keep crowding down, students will enter through different doors. Once in school, masks are required, and students and staff are expected to maintain six feet of physical distancing. School staff will clean frequently touched areas such as desks, tables
and doorknobs throughout the day and each evening Hand sanitizer stations are available in each classroom and throughout the building. Students will sanitize upon entering the classroom, and are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day. There will be no sharing of school supplies, and students must keep their items in a backpack, as lockers will not be used. Students are asked to bring pre-filled water bottles to fill up at individual stations in the buildings, and students will not eat snacks or lunch at school. OMS principal Shannon Anderson said staff have spent the last few weeks engaged in “significant planning around ensuring a safe return to the building,” and have been busy with tours this week for incoming seventh graders and new students. The school has also held virtual conferences for both in-person and virtual students to help with the transition, since all students’ schedules will be changing next week. “(Staff) have been flexible, creative, and focused on providing the best education possible for all students during the pandemic,” she wrote the Observer in an email. “We are also so appreciative of the support and collaboration we have received from our families.” OHS principal Jim Pliner said while the next phase will be “challenging and complex,” his staff are committed to success for every
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• All students expected to do the “Panther Pledge” checklist before school • Masks required on for all • Students and staff are expected to maintain six feet of physical distancing •Staff will clean frequently touched areas throughout the day and each evening •Students will sanitize hands upon entering classrooms • Students enter through different doors to disperse crowds • Students will keep items in backpacks, as lockers are not available • Snacks and lunch will not be eaten at school • Students must sit one per seat on the bus and wear masks
On the Web
Four candidates will be trimmed to two to represent Village of Oregon
Find out more about the Oregon School District at
Oregonsd.org
For the first time since 2014, voters in the Oregon School District will head to the polls for a school board primary election. Josh King, Mary Lokuta, Sheri Pollock and Aaron Zitzelsberger will face off in the primary, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the April 6 election to represent the Village of Oregon on the board. The candidates participated in Oregon Area Progressives’ virtual candidate forum on Feb. 5. During the general election, district voters will only get to cast ballots for candidates in their district, but for the primary, all district voters can vote. Area I representative Steve Zach, who has been on the board since 1999 and has been the president since 2016, announced in December will not seek another term.
The last time the district held a primary election was 2014, when Gwen Maitzen and Justin Zander challenged incumbent Wayne Mixdorf to represent Area IV, which comprises the towns of Oregon, Montrose, Brooklyn and Union and the Village of Brooklyn. Maitzen and Mixdorf advanced to the general election, with Maitzen winning. At the time, then-district administrative assistant Jayne Wick said it was the first time in her nearly 15 years with the district there had been a school board primary. The other open school board seat will be on the April 6 ballot, where incumbent Troy Pankratz faces off against challenger Aaron Heisler to represent Area IV. All school board terms are for three years. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.
King
Pollock
SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
student. “They want normal more than you can imagine.,” he wrote the Observer in an email. “We’ve worked extremely hard to make distance learning successful for students, and have invested a lot of energy into the planning for a return to in-person instruction. “We’re excited to see students at OHS and are ready to take the next step toward normal.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.
Lokuta
Zitzelsberger
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LOCAL CLEARY BUILDING CORP. SALES SPECIALIST RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
to help build a new Veterans Park for the City of Fitchburg
Cleary Building Corp. Building Sales Specialist Nick Urumoglu was recently recognized for outstanding sales performance in 2020. He works out of the company’s Corporate World Headquarters office in Verona, WI. He won Cleary’s Supreme Sales Specialist Award.
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Make a year-end gift and honor a veteran. Please send your donation/contribution to: Fitchburg Veterans Memorial c/o Oak Bank, Attn: Stephanie East 5951 McKee Road, Suite 100, Fitchburg, WI 53719
The award is given to top Cleary sales performers for exhibiting a highly professional sales personality, energy, drive and motivation leading to dedication, leadership and excellence in all aspects of sales.
Pictured above, Cleary’s Nick Urumoglu is presented with his award
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Sports
Mark Nesbitt, sports editor 845-9559 x237 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550
Prep sports
Games return to Dane County Feb. 10 MARK NESBITT Sports editor
Prep games can return to Dane County starting Feb. 10, however don’t expect the WIAA winter sports postseason schedule to change. Public Health Madison and Dane County issued a new order that will go into effect on Feb. 10, that will allow sports games to be played in the county. Players and coaches will still be required to wear masks. The new order will be in place for at least 28 days. The WIAA released the boys basketball seeds and brackets on Sunday, Feb. 7 and the girls basketball seeds and brackets on Sunday, Feb. 1. Verona ARea High School AThletic Director Joel Zimba said no changes are expected in the WIAA postseason schedule. The Verona girls basketball team received a No. 2 seed and will play a regional semifinal against No. 3-seeded DeForest at Baraboo High School on Friday. “I am glad that PHMDC is allowing us to compete in Dane County,” Zimba told the Press in an email. “It’s great for all involved.” Sports that can’t maintain social distancing at all times are limited to 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, not including employees. All sports must have a hygiene policy, cleaning policy and protective measure policy, according to a release by PHMDC. Winter sports teams have taken on increased travel to play games since competitions were prohibited in Dane County for the past 11 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The last game played by a Verona team in the county was the Verona boys hockey team’s 2-1 overtime win over Notre Dame de la Baie Academy in the WIAA Division 1 state championship on March 7, 2020. Zimba told the Press he’s not sure how much more money VAHS has spent this year compared to last season for winter sports transportation to games. “Our goal was to provide an opportunity for our students, which I think that we’ve done, and we will continue to do,” Zimba wrote in an email. “Yes, our budget is taking a heavy hit, but we are managing like every other department is.” When the previous PHMDC issued order No. 12, the seven-day case average of positive COVID-19 cases was 213, and 71 people were hospitalized. As of Monday, Feb. 8, the seven-day case average is 107 and there are 63 people hospitalized. More than 11% of the Dane County population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the release said. Gatherings where food and drink are offered are still being monitored. A gathering indoors with food and drink is limited to 25 people or less. Inside gatherings without food and drink are limited to 50 individuals or less. Outdoor gatherings with food and drink are limited to 100 individuals. A Gathering outside where food or drink is not offered or provided is limited to 150 people. When the new PHMDC order takes effect, Zimba said the hope is that the high school will allow a limited number of fans who are immediate family of student-athletes and coaches to attend games. Practices for the alternate fall season started Feb. 8 for girls swimming, Feb. 22 for volleyball, March 8 for football and girls tennis. Practices for boys and girls cross country are slated for March 15 and boys soccer is set to start practice on March 22.
Friday, Feb. 12, 2021
The
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Fitchburg Star
For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectFitchburg.com
Edgewood boys swimming
Diving for gold once again Stitgen becomes third diver to win four state high school titles MARK NESBITT Sports editor
Completing daredevil-type flips, somersaults and stunts could make many children his age dizzy. For Ben Stitgen, he recalls how a present of a trampoline as a 7-year-old only gave him a training ground to develop into an elite diver. He used that trampoline as a tool to explore his passion for diving even with friends from Seminole Pool in Madison. “That’s when I started doing crazy stunts and flips,” Stitgen said. Stitgen took those early trampoline lessons to heart and used them as a springboard into diving in high school. The Madison Edgewood senior captured his fourth straight WIAA Division 2 state diving championship on Friday, Feb. 5, after scoring 493.10 points, 20.6 points ahead of Cedarburg runner-up Noah Turner at the Waukesha South High School
Photo submitted
Madison Edgewood senior Ben Stitgen became the third diver in the 95-year history of the swimming and dving championships to win a fourth straight WIAA Division 2 state championship. Stitgen celebrated the milestone with Edgewood diving coach Cindy Zocher on Friday, Feb. 5, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium.
Oregon boys swimming
Natatorium. Stitgen joined some elite company in the history of the state diving and swimming championships. He became just the seventh four-time state champion in the same event and only the third diver to accomplish that feat. “Ever since I won my first one, my goal was to stay competitive and win it all four years,” Stitgen said. “I’m really impressed I could do it.” Now, Stigen has a collection of YouTube videos of his highwire diving performances. There were many other highlight moments for the Crusaders. Cedarburg captured the state title to snap Edgewood’s two-year run of gold trophies. E d g ewo o d j u n i o r C o l i n Senek won state championships in the 100-yard butterfly (50.19) and 100 backstroke (49.28). Senek and Stitgen helped the Crusaders finish third in the state meet with 191 points. “I went into the race without an expectation to place,” Senek said. “I was really focused on the work I put into the season. The results today were
Turn to Stitgen/Page 14
Verona/Mount Horeb boys swimming
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona Area/Mount Horeb junior Oscar Best finished third place in the 100yard butterfly with a time of 49.89 seconds at the WIAA Division 1 state meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Oregon junior David Stevenson puts on his swim cap and goggles before swimming the 100-yard breaststroke at the WIAA Division 1 state meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, in Waukesha. Stevenson took 15th-place in the breaststroke with a lifetime-best time of 1 minute, 1.54 seconds.
Stevenson takes 15th at state MARK NESBITT Sports editor
Fo r O r eg o n j u n i o r David Stevenson, the state swimming and diving championships rekindled a hazy feeling from last year. Stevenson was forced to sit out some late-season meets because of a concussion last year. He couldn’t wait to get back
in the pool to see where he stacked up this season. Stevenson finished 15th-place in the 100yard breaststroke at the WIAA Division 1 state swim meet on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. Oregon coach Justin Swran is excited about
Turn to 15th/Page 14
Best, Rozeboom medal at state MARK NESBITT Sports editor
Verona Area/Mount Horeb junior Oscar Best may not have the nickname “Flash,” but he has a story he can tell his grandchildren someday. Best swam in the fastest two races in the 50 free and 100-yard butterfly in the 97-year history of the WIAA Division 1 state swimming and diving championships on Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. Best finished third in the 100yard butterfly (49.89 seconds), the second straight year he’s taken bronze in the fly at state. “I was happy I was able to get
third,” Best said. “I was more worried and focused on my times. My goals were a lot bigger.” Senior Emilio Perez of the Greenfield co-op won a state title in the 100 butterfly in a state-record time of 47.27. “I was a little disappointed because I thought I could have done a lot better,” Best said. “I wasn’t sad by any means.” Best took ninth in the 50 freestyle in a lifetime-best 21.26 seconds, 0.8 seconds faster than his time at the sectional. It was an historic race, as two swimmers broke 20 seconds. Perez also won a state
Turn to Medal/Page 14
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February 12, 2021
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Fitchburg Star
Verona boys hockey
Defending champs one away from state BY MARK NESBITT AND ADAM FEINER The dream of a fourth straight sectional title is still alive for the Verona boys hockey team. The Wildcats defeated Sauk Prairie 4-1 in a WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinal on Tuesday, Feb. 9, in Prairie du Sac. That came after Verona knocked off Tomah/Sparta 5-1 on Friday, Feb. 5, in a Division 1 regional final at Tomah Ice Center. Verona (14-6), seeded second in its sectional, will play fifth-seeded Waunakee for the sectional championship at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at the Onalaska Omni Center. “We typically have 3-4 months to develop things like culture and chemistry, but we’ve had to cram those into a month’s worth of play,” Verona coach Joel Marshall said. “We have the bodies up front, in the back and in net, so as long as we play the way we know we can and stay healthy, we’ll be alright.”
in the second period to fuel the victory. Senior defenseman Nathan Jurrens scored the game-tying goal on an assist by senior Josh Osting at 3 minutes, 10 seconds in the second period. About 4 minutes later, Anthony Heinrichs scored a go-ahead goal on an assist by senior forward Leo Renlund to give the Wildcats a 2-1 lead. Renlund scored on an assist by senior Andrew Aune at 7:47 to extend the lead to 3-1. Sophomore Jack Marske had a third-period goal on a pass by Jurrens. Verona senior goaltender Kaden Grant had 31 saves and the Wildcats outshot the Eagles 34-32.
Verona 5, Tomah/Sparta 1
The defending Division 1 state champions started their postseason with a strong performance against the Timberwolves. Verona jumped out to a 3-0 lead through two periods. Aune started the scoring 4:50 into the game off assists from Marske and junior Verona 4, Sauk Prairie 1 Brady Stebbeds. Sophomore Reece The Wildcats rallied from an early Cordray scored 46 seconds later off one goal deficit by scoring three goals assists from junior Anthony Heinrichs
and Renlund. Osting made it 3-0 just 3:53 into the second period off an assist from classmate Nathan Jurrens. Joe Venner scored off an assist from Evan Long just 21 seconds into the third period to trim the Timberwolves’ deficit to 3-1, but Jurrens converted on the power play 2 minutes later off assists from Cordray and Renlund. Osting added an insurance goal with a little more than 3 minutes left off assists from Aune and Jurrens. Grant finished with 23 saves for Verona, which outshot Tomah/Sparta 47-24. The Wildcats went just 1-for-4 on the power play, but killed five of six penalties. Senior forwards Walker Haessig and Sam Iszczyszyn didn’t show up in the box score, but their respective returns from injury were a welcome sight for the Wildcats. Iszczyszyn had been out 3 weeks, one more than Haessig. “It was sort of a welcome back party for those guys, but I guess it also means we have less excuses now,” Marshall said. “We now have confidence we can score a little easier.”
Edgewood boys hockey
Crusaders’ state run done in by COVID-19 MARK NESBITT Sports editor
There won’t be a rematch between Madison Edgewood and Verona in the WIAA DIvision 2 sectional championship this season after the Crusaders had to forfeit their sectional semifinal game against Waunakee on Tuesday, Feb. 9.
Edgewood (11-5), ranked No. 3 in the Division 1 state rankings and the top seed in the Onalaska sectional, had to forfeit its game because of a COVID-19 situation in the program, Edgewood athletic director Chris Zwettler said. The Crusaders’ sectional semifinal game against Waunakee on Feb. 9 at the
Poppy Waterman Ice Arena in Baraboo was canceled and the Warriors moved on to the sectional final. Edgewood lost a sectional title game to Verona 5-2 last season and the Wildcats went on to win the WIAA Division 1 state championship. This season, the Crusaders knocked off Verona 2-0 and split two games with Fond du
Lac Springs, the top-ranked team in Division 2. The Crusaders rolled to a 7-2 win over Springs on Jan. 28. Edgewood junior forwards J.J. Wiebusch and Cody Menzel were tied as team leaders in points (43). Wiebusch scored 19 goals and 24 assists this season, while Menzel netted 18 goals and racked up 25 assists.
Stitgen: Senek also joins trio on runner-up medley relay Continued from page 13 definitely a product of that training.” Edgewood had seven of its 13 swimmers competing at state. The Crusaders competed in all meets outside of Dane County because of COVID-19 restrictions prohibiting contact and groups more than 10 from gathering indoors. “The things we have overcome this year makes this race so much sweeter,” Senek said. “The energy here and the energy from everyone else is just as much as it would be if not more. Everyone has been through this and obstacles. It’s bringing everyone together in a way that COVID-19 prevented.” Senek teamed with junior Silas Leuthner, freshman Jaxon VandenBrook and junior Davis Petersen to take second in the 200 medley relay
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Edgewood junior Colin Senke won a WIAA Division 2 state championship in the 100-yard butterfly at the state meet on Friday, Feb. 5, at the Waukesha South High School Natatorium. (1:37.34). The Crusaders’ 400 freestyle relay team of VandenBrook, Leuthner, Petersen and Senke finished second (3:14.24), 3.09 seconds behind Cedarburg. Petersen took third in the 500 freestyle (4:54.45), 1.5 seconds faster than his seed time. Petersen and VandenBrook
tied for sixth place in the 200 free (1:47.58). Leuthner placed sixth in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.70), 2.6 seconds faster than his seed time. Senek said the deduction by the Crusader swimmers is inspiring by how driven to succeed they are. Few were more driven than Stitgen. What makes Stitgen’s
feat of winning four diving state titles more stunning is that Edgewood doesn’t have a pool with a diving well. Stitgen for a few weeks traveled three hours to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for two-hour diving practice, because COVID-19 restrictions prohibited him from using facilities in Dane County. When he finally got approval for diving practice at Middleton High School, it made his trek shorter. “I felt great my school allowed me to go 15 minutes away to practice,” he said. Stitgen, a three-time AllCity diving champion, hopes he can add even more YouTube videos to his collection by competing at the next level. Stitgen said he’s looking at diving at several colleges, including Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
15th: Freshman Stluka places 22nd in 50 freestyle event Continued from page 13 the progress Stevenson showed in his first state meet. Stevenson swam a lifetime-best time of 1 minute, 1.54 seconds in the breaststroke. “He derived it after coming off that disruption from last year,” Sawran said. “You can’t ask for much more than that.” Freshman Spencer Stluka took 22nd in the 50 freestyle in a school-record time of 22.05 seconds. He also placed 23rd in the 100 free (49.50). “I expected to break the record
since I was 0.01 of a second away at the sectional,” Stluka said. “I can just hope to go even faster in the next three years. My main goal was the school record. The place was just a side effect of swimming as fast as I could.” The Panthers’ 200 free relay etam of Stevenson, sophomore Josh Weber, senior Connor Braatz and Stluka finished 15th with a season-best time of 1:31.01, a 0.70 of a second faster than the sectional. The Panthers changed up the order of the relay and had Stevenson swim
the lead-off leg and he turned in a lifetime-best split. Stluka was tasked with the challenge of swimming the anchor leg. “Swimming the anchor puts a lot more pressure on you to finish the race,” Stluka said. Stluka said he was hoping to break 49 seconds in the 100 free. “I added a little bit of time,” he said of a 100 free time that was 0.17 seconds slower than the sectional. “No one is ever perfect. Hopefully, next year I can break that school record.”
Medal winners Oscar Best, third, 100-yard butterfly Nathan Rozeboom, fourth, 100-yard breaststroke Luke Bennin, Nathan Rozeboom, Max McCartney, Oscar Best, 200yard freestyle relay, fifth
Top breaststroke times in school history Nathan Rozeboom second 58.13 Luke Bennin third 58.50 Avery Blas eighth 1:01.72
Medal: Verona Area/Mount Horeb finshes 17th as team Continued from page 13 championship in the 50 free with a state-record time of (19.81), as Sun Prairie senior Ben Wiegand, a University of Wisconsin-Madison recruit, took second (19.92). “They are two really good athletes,” Best said. “My time was really good, so I was satisfied with that.” Verona Area/Mount Horeb finished seventh as a team at state with 112 points. It marked the Wildcats’ best finish at state since 2013, and fifth-best in program history. “The boys swam really well at sectionals, so for those who beat their sectional times, it was a huge accomplishment,” VA/MH coach Bill Wuerger said. “It was a different state meet than I’ve ever experienced, from the venue, to the season that preceded it. I’m glad our three seniors, Ben Wellnitz, Conner Arneson and Christopher Lofts got the chance to return to the state meet.” Seeing two swimmers break 20 seconds in the 50 free was a milestone achievement Wuerger didn’t know if he would see in his three decades of coaching. “It’s very exciting for Wisconsin high school swimming,” he said. “People have been waiting a long, long time for that to happen.” Junior Nathan Rozeboom finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke in a lifetime-best time of 58.13, the second-fastest in the history of the program. The Wildcats’ 200 free relay team of juniors Luke Bennin, Rozeboom, Max McCartney and Best took fifth with a time of 1 minute, 26.36 seconds. “The four of us have really been pushing each other all season,” McCartney said. “We knew we could do really well. It’s really nice to see it pay off.” Having fans in the stands provided a jolt of energy as well, he said. “I think the state meet is always a lot of fun because you are racing the best of the best,” McCartney said. “It was nice to have fans back, because it really adds to it. It really was a great atmosphere and really close to last year.” Arneson teamed with Rozeboom, Best and Bennin to place ninth in the 200 medley relay (1:36.32). “We barely beat Sun Prairie and Waunakee last week,” Wuerger said. “It was within a couple tenths of a second. It just went the other way this week. You can’t control how the other teams did. You can only control how you did.” Best said in the medley relay, some teammates had iffy swims. “It was a nice warm-up,” Best said. “We weren’t expecting much out of it.” Bennin finished seventh in the 100 breaststroke in a lifetime-best time of 58.50. The Wildcats now have three of the program’s top eight in the breaststroke who will all return next season. Wellnitz finished 12th in the 200 free (1:46.73) and 17th in the 500 free (4:54.82), both season-best times. Arneson placed 18th in the 500 free (4:55.43) and 24th in the 200 free (1:53.38). McCartney placed 17th in the 200 free (1:48.50) and tied Jude Thrush ofthe Holmen co-op for 20th in the 100 free (49.09). Junior Avery Blas finished 16th in the 100 breaststroke in a lifetime-best time of 1:01.71 and took 21st in the 200 individual medley (2:02.48). The Wildcats’ 400 free relay team of McCartney, senior Christopher Lofts, Arenson and Wellnitz placed 13th (3:17.50), 0.74 of a second faster than their sectional time. Arenson had a lifetime-best time 100 split and Wellnitz had a season-best time split in the 400 relay. “I’m sure we could have done a little bit better with a full season,” Wuerger said. “We are happy to be here and have the opportunity.” McCartney is already looking forward to next year. All four of the swimmers on the 200 free relay team will be back next season. “The goal next year is to try to win and all of us go (20 xeconds) instead of 21,” he said. McCartnery said he can see how much extra work on his strokes can help, even in a shortened season. “You can really see where not breathing (going into the wall) and doing extra dolphin kicks on your underwaters really comes back to pay off in the end,” he said.
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February 12, 2021
Fitchburg Star
15
Girls basketball
Panthers riding high into postseason play BY ADAM FEINER
semifinal Friday.
For the Observer
Oregon 50, Nicolet 37
After two losses to start its season, the Oregon girls basketball team rallied and won its final six regular-season contests. The Panthers edged DeForest 47-42 on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at JustAgame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, then picked up a 50-37 road win over Nicolet a day later. Oregon, seeded fourth in its Division 1 regional, took on fifth-seeded Middleton at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the regional quarterfinals. The winner advanced to play top-seeded Waunakee in the regional semifinals at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12. Second-seeded Verona will play third-seeded DeForest in the other
The Panthers shot just 35% (17for-49) from the field, but raced out to a 25-11 halftime lead en route to a nonconference win over the Knights. Senior guard Jaelynn Nedelcoff led Oregon with 19 points, five rebounds and five steals. Fellow classmate and backcourt mate Maggie Rosemeyer added 10 points, four rebounds and four steals. Senior forward Emily Statz pitched in seven points and 10 boards. Senior Ava Ellegard paced Nicolet with 17 points.
Oregon 47, DeForest 42
The Panthers erased a 26-15 h a l f t i m e d e fi c i t t o b e a t t h e
Norskies in a rematch of last year’s Division 2 sectional semifinal at Edgewood High School. Oregon shot 33% (13-for-40) from the field, but hit 19 of 29 free throws. Senior guard Carleigh Roberts poured in 22 points, made 10 of 13 free throws, grabbed four rebounds and swiped three steals. Statz and classmate Megan B oy e r c o n t r o l l e d t h e p a i n t . Bloyer helped with eight points, 13 rebounds and three steals, while Statz chipped in eight points and seven rebounds. Senior Grace Roth led the way for DeForest with eight points. Classmate Natalie Compe and sophomore Maci Bartels each had seven points.
Photo by Eddie Brognano
Oregon senior Megan Bloyer waits for Aquinas senior Fiona O’Flaherty to jump past before scoring down low in a game earlier this season.
Girls basketball
Boys basketball
Wildcats’ 4-game win streak snapped, 51-39 Verona drops two games to two of the state’s top-10 ranked teams
points and hit two 3-pointers and freshman forward Lyric Burns had seven points. “When we can get out and push that’s definitely to our advantage,” Murphy said. “This is really an unselfish group of girls and they work really well together. We are going to have some turnovers. We are young. They play every possession hard.” Murphy commended Burns for the way she rebounds to get extra possessions for the team. “She goes hard for that basketball,” Murphy said. “She loves to get those boards. It’s nice to have a bunch of girls that you don;t have to yell rebound to or crash the boards because they just do it naturally.”
MARK NESBITT Sports editor
With an eye toward the tournament, Verona girls basketball coach Angie Murphy wanted to schedule as many of the state’s top-10 ranked teams as she could to push her young and talented Wildcat team. The Verona girls basketball team rolled by Janesville Craig 76-51 on Wednesday, Feb. 3, for its fourth straight win. Verona (4-4) then lost to a pair of ranked teams. The Wildcats lost to Freedom, ranked No. 4 in the Division 2 WisSports.net Coaches Poll, 51-39 on Saturday, Feb. 6, and two days later lost to 10th-ranked Arrowhead 50-41. “I think we will continue to get better and grow as a team,” Verona freshman guard Taylor Stremlow said after the win over Craig. “We have a lot of potential. With right now with how we are adjusting and working with all of the practices and COVID-19, I think it will be endless possibilities.” Verona received a No. 2 Baraboo regional seed and will play No. 3-seeded DeForest on Friday in a regional semifinal. “I’m so happy to be playing,” Murphy said. “If we could have had a normal season how much more growth would we be at with this group.” Despite playing only four games before the seeding, Verona was awarded the No. 2 seed ahead of DeForest, which at the time was 10-3. Murphy wasn’t surprised to see the Wildcats land a top-two seed despite
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona freshman guard Taylor Stremlow shoots a jumper in the second half against Janesville Craig on Wednesday, Feb. 3. Stremlow scored a game-high 21 points and led the Wildcats to a 76-51 win over the Cougars. the fact that all regional games will be played at Baraboo High School. “These kids have all played each other a lot in the fall,” she said. “The coaches have a lot of respect for these girls. I think we are seeded where we need to be.” Three of the Wildcats’ four losses are to teams ranked in the top 10 in the state, including No. 4-ranked Brookfield Central. “They have to grow up fast and we are starting to really click,” Murphy said.
Verona 76, Janesville Craig 51
It didn’t take Verona long to solve Janesville Craig’s 2-3 zone on Feb. 3. The Wildcats led by seven points at the half before finding the gaps in the Cougars’ zone en route to a victory. Verona freshman
guard Taylor Stremlow scored a game-high 21 points. At the half, Stremlow said the coaches made an adjustment by moving the guards up more against the Cougars’ 2-3 zone. The WIldcats outscored the Cougars 46-26 in the second half and scored most of their points in the paint. “I was going to work on attacking the gaps better,” Stremlow said. “When I would attack the gaps it would shift their zone more. My teammates did a really good job of moving to get the ball. I think that made the biggest difference, our energy and movement.” Verona freshman guard Reagan Briggs scored 18 points and sophomore forward Paige Lambe added 14 points. Sophomore guard Megan Murphy chipped in eight
Freedom 51, Verona 39
Fourth-ranked Freedom used a big second half surge to topple the Wildcats. Freedom went on a 33-17 second-half run on Saturday, Feb. 6, to snap Verona’s four-game winning streak. Briggs scored a teamhigh 11 points. Lambe added nine points and Ta y l o r S t r e m o ow h a d eight. With the win, Freedom improves to 22-1. Callie Genk led the Irish with a game-high 15 points. Verona shot 40% at the free throw line (8 of 20).
Arrowhead 50, Verona 41
Briggs and freshman Maia Ellis each scored eight points, but the Wildcats couldn’t hang on to a two-point lead at the half on Feb. 8. Arrowhead outscored Verona 29-18 in the second half. Junior Abbi Rupnow and Lambe each chipped in six points.
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona sophomore Gavin Farrell is instructed by coach Reggie Patterson in a game against Janesville Craig.
Verona gets No. 5 regional seed MARK NESBITT Sports editor
The Verona Area High School boys basketball team received a No. 5 seed in the WIAA Division 1 Baraboo regional. The WIAA announced the seeds and brackets on Sunday, Feb. 7. Verona (3-3) will play No. 4-seeded Middlleton (3-2) in a Division 1 regional quarterfinal at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at Baraboo High School. The higher seeded teams in the regional usually host games. However, in Verona’s regional, all games will be played in Baraboo. The six teams in the Division 1 Baraboo regional are all from Dane County. Schools in the county are prohibited from having contact under a previous order by Madison Public Health and Dane County. A new order took What: WIAA Division effect on Wednesday, Feb. 10 1 regional quarterfinal that allows schools to play games in the county, but since Verona vs. Middleton regional seedings and brackWhen: 5:30 p.m. ets were set, the WIAA was Tuesday, Feb. 16 staying with the previous Where: Baraboo High regional host site, Baraboo School High School. Waunakee is the top-seeded team in the regional. Sixth-seeded Oregon (4-6) will play third-seeded Sun Prairie (2-3) at 8 p.m. Feb. 16, after the Verona regional game. Regional semifinal games are slated for Friday, Feb. 19 and the regional final game is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 20, at Baraboo High School. If the Wildcats beat Middleton, they would advance to play top-seeded Waunakee in a regional semifinal on Feb. 19. The brackets will be reseeded prior to sectional semifinals scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, with the sectional finals two days later on Feb. 27. After the regional championship game, the sectional will be reseeded and the brackets will be released on Feb. 14. Three of the five divisions, to be determined at a later date, will play a state tournament at the La Crosse Center Thursday-Saturday, March 4-6. Two other divisions, to be determined, will play a state tournament at Menominee Nation Arena March 4-6 in Oshkosh.
If You Go
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February 12, 2021
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Fitchburg Star
Spring election
Spring election
District 3 candidate questionnaires
Up to three races on ballot
The Fitchburg Star sent questionnaires to all three candidates for a two-year term as alder for the District 3, Seat 5 in the City of Fitchburg. The candidates, Jay Allen, Nicholas (Nick) DiMiceli and Shawnicia Youmas are running for the seat currently filled by Ald. Sarah Schroeder, who has declined to run for re-election after a
single term on the Common Council. DiMiceli is a newcomer in the race, and has not held political office before. Allen is a former mayor and alder in Fitchburg, who also headed up the annual Fitchburg Days festival before it dissolved in 2019. Youmas has reportedly suspended her campaign, based on emails from two people with knowledge
of her campaign, but is still on the ballot on Feb. 16. Youmas was provided with a questionnaire and did not respond. Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words, with an exception of two questions up to 100 words. They were also allowed to skip two questions. — Kimberly Wethal
Nicholas (Nick) DiMiceli
Jay Allen
Age: 35 Family: Partner Sara, daughters Peyton (13) and Kailyn (9) Originally from: Brookfield Lived in Fitchburg since: 2016 Education: Bachelors — Information System Security, American Military University; Masters — Cybersecurity, Pennsylvania State University; Master’s Degree in Jurisprudence of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Law and Compliance Occupation: Senior Cybersecurity Engineer Political experience: None O t h e r n o t a b l e a f fi l i a t i o n s : Wo u n d e d Wa r r i o r Foundation, Seton Hall University School of Law Alumni Association, Information Systems Audit and Control Association
Age: 55 Family: Son, 16; Daughter, 12 Originally from: Indianapolis, Indiana Lived in Fitchburg since: 1985 Education: MSOE, UW-Madison Occupation: Service Manager Employer/job title: Appliance Service Pros Political experience: Served on the Common Council in Fitchburg for 16+ years, Mayor for 2 years. I have served on nearly every city commission and committee. Other notable affiliations: President of Fitchburg Days, volunteer with numerous other organizations in the area.
Essay questions
Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you? I am passionate about transparent government and processes. New development, changes to taxes and property valuation, and issues impacting our neighborhoods need to be discussed in the open with community input. We must spend carefully to take care of our neighbors, and not spend money on solutions searching for problems. What are the most important issues facing your district? Responsible spending is more important now than ever, especially with so many i n o u r c o m m u n i t y fac i n g tough financial hardships because of COVID-19. City government must continue to focus on preserving core city services. Now is not the time for fluff projects and feelgood spending. Every tax dollar deserves results. What role can the city play in helping ensure the safety of its citizens and the health of our businesses as it relates to our recovery from COVID-19? Our city must work with public health officials to obtain vaccines for our most vulnerable neighbors and continue educating community members about their individual responsibilities to minimize their risk to themselves and others. The best way through this is the strength of our community and desire to help one another. What should be the most important traits of the city’s next administrator? Fitchburg deserves a city administrator who reflects the values of our community. Integrity, sensibility and compassion must be demonstrated through their
management style and responsible stewardship of our community assets and needs. Our administrator DiMiceli must be smart and connected to our pulse as a community, and always represent us well. Should the city invest in community centers in highly populated areas of the city? Our community is stronger when there are places we can gather together socially, in service to each other, or for activities for youth and adults. Whether these spaces are buildings, parks or pavilions, we need to ensure we have enough of these wellplaced spaces to promote community togetherness and gathering. City budgets have been tight over the last years. What should the city prioritize with its limited funds? Focus first on the big-picture issues that are most likely to get worse and more expensive if left unattended. We must maintain and expand healthy infrastructure, including reliable public utilities and land management. We must provide city services that our citizens depend on, and we must do it well. How can the city balance p ro m o t i n g d ev e l o p m e n t with the needs of the rural residents? Fitchburg’s geography and density is unique, and we need to preserve the rural portions of our city for those who live there because of its rural appeal. Fitchburg is not the place to be if you want to live in sprawling highrise apartment complexes – responsible growth is critical. What is the best thing about Fitchburg? Our diversity is our strength. I’m proud that our community, especially District 3, is home to people from all walks of life, cultural backgrounds and unique experiences, and is rural in some parts yet feels urban in others. These different backgrounds and preferences create dynamic conversations that lead to great enhancements for everyone. Community conversations help us build upon our common goals and reinforce the integrity of our processes. We can balance our diverse needs by talking to and understanding each other so that the desires of some don’t have to come at the expense of the needs of others.
Essay questions
Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you? I have been disappointed to see the direction the city has gone in some areas since I left office in 2011. I have over two decades of experience in Fitchburg government, and I have the ability to help us get back on track. What are the most important issues facing your district? District 3 has some enormous challenges. In addition to having some of the newest houses, condos and apartments in Fitchburg, it also has some of the oldest. It has the most diverse population of residents, and has a lot of different needs, from transportation, library services, and other basic city services. Many residents in this district rely on public transportation, and, as a result, have limited access to voting, the library, and even a grocery store. We need to make a concerted effort to meet these needs. What role can the city play in helping ensure the safety of its citizens and the health of our businesses as it relates to our recovery from COVID-19? Some things have already been done … limiting access at city hall, social distancing in larger spaces for elections and providing more services online. Most of the rest of the important things are being done through Public Health of Madison and Dane County and by the state. What should be the most important traits of the city’s next administrator? Most importantly, a city administrator needs to grasp the notion that they work for the residents of the city and are not the personal assistant to the mayor. We need to find someone not to be the buddy of developers, but to be an ally of the residents. S h o u l d t h e c i t y i nve s t in community centers in
highly populated areas of the city? Ye s , of course. I have made a few proposals over the Allen years, but the council hasn’t been willing to do it. Some residents have come forth with proposals and fundraising plans, as well, but the answer has always been no. This is decades overdue and needs to be done. City budgets have been tight over the last years. What should the city prioritize with its limited funds? We haven’t done hardly any investment in the lower income areas of the city. No new recreation opportunities, no new services, and no real encouragement for employment expansion. There are people living in this city who really need some help, yet almost all the investment goes into more affluent neighborhoods, while the poorer folks continue to struggle. Their lives matter, too, and it’s time to make the choices that show that we believe it. How can the city balance promoting development with the needs of the rural residents? We have done a number of things to help rural residents. The updated rural residential development criteria is a good step. Helping get the solar farm approved on the O’Brien farm was a good step as well. Other things are rather complicated and won’t fit in this space. I f bu d g e t s a n d s p e n d ing limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg? Not one, but two. I have and would strongly advocate for youth centers on both the west and north sides of the city. Somewhere in the Jamestown neighborhood, and somewhere in the North Fish Hatchery corridor. Nearly every community in Dane County smaller than Fitchburg has managed to do this. What is the best thing about Fitchburg? Our diversity! Fitchburg has long been the most diverse community in Dane County, and I love that about this city. My hope is that we show that, as a community, we value that rainbow, and do what we can to nurture it so it can be vivid.
All Fitchburg voters will have at least one contest on primary ballot KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
District 3 voters will have a primary election next week despite one of the candidates reportedly suspending their campaign. Shawnicia Youmas has decided to not continue with her campaign, according to emails from two sources with knowledge of her campaign. Youmas had not returned multiple calls and emails seeking questionnaire answers as of Wednesday, Feb. 10, but Dist. 1 Ald. Dorothy Krause, who encouraged Youmas to run, told the Star that Youmas rethought the commitment of the race and the seat, particularly in light of having a primary. Her name remains on the ballot, however, along with Nicholas (Nick) DiMiceli and Jay Allen, who both are running active campaigns. Voters will still be able to pick any of the three candidates to move forward to the April 6 general election for District 3’s open alder seat that incumbent Ald. Sarah Schroeder is vacating this spring. The ballot for the Tuesday, Feb. 16, primary also will feature a four-way race for an Oregon School District seat for voters in that district and a six-way race for state superintendent. In Oregon, Josh King, Mary Lokuta, Sheri Pollock and Aaron Zitzelsberger will face off, with the top two vote-getters moving on to the April 6 election to decide who will represent the Village of Oregon on the board. During the general election, voters will get to cast ballots only for candidates in their district. But for the primary, all voters can cast ballots regardless of district. The superintendent position is a nonpartisan office and leads the state Department of Public Instruction. The superintendent also determines the priorities of education at the state level and sits on boards such as the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. The candidates are Jill Underly, Deborah Kerr, Steve Krull, Shandowlyon Shawn Hendricks-Williams, Troy Gunderson, Joe Fenrick and Sheila Briggs. Incumbent Carolyn Stanford Taylor, who was appointed to finish the term left open when Tony Evers was elected governor, won’t run for the seat. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for in-person voting, and any outstanding absentee ballots must be returned to each voter’s respective clerk by 8 p.m. to be counted. Absentee ballots can be dropped off at your polling location on the day of the election, at the clerk’s office prior to the election or in a dropbox, if one exists for a municipality. As in previous years, voters are to provide a state-issued photo ID for in-person and absentee ballots. Acceptable photo IDs include a driver’s license, a U.S. passport or an ID from the state, the Veterans Health Administration, the military or a tribal card. The address on the ID does not have to match the address a person is voting from, according to guidance from the Wisconsin Elections Commission. If voters are registering or re-registering because of an address change at their polling location, they will be required to bring a proof of residence document, which include a utility bill, a lease or a bank statement. It’s recommended to check your registration status and polling location prior to voting. People can check that information on the state election website, myvote. wi.gov. If an address or voting registration cannot be found on the myvote. wi.gov website, people are encouraged to contact their local clerk or the Wisconsin Elections Commission. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
ConnectFitchburg.com
February 12, 2021
Fitchburg Star
17
City of Fitchburg
FMLA, COVID-19 sick leave extended Lacy Road improvement meeting set Feb. 17 Council could revisit possible extensions Feb. 9 KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The City of Fitchburg is extending two leave policies provided by the federal government that expired on Dec. 31. The Common Council unanimously approved city-sponsored extensions for both COVID-19 sick leave for employees who are defined as emergency responders, as well as supplemental sick and emergency family and medical leaves for all other employees, in the absence of federal policies. According to memos included in the Jan. 12 council packet, the sick leave program will last until Thursday, Feb. 12, with the
council planning to bring any potential extensions to the Feb. 9 meeting. First responders will be eligible for additional COVID-19 sick leave hours. Fire department employees will be eligible for 96 hours of leave based on the number of hours employees work on a bi-weekly basis; all other employees defined as emergency first responders will receive 72 hours. Emergency responder employees are defined as all the city administrator; chiefs of police and fire departments and those department’s employees; the director of public works and the department’s field employees; and the information technology director and the department’s personnel. All other full-time employees will be eligible for 12 weeks of
emergency family and medical leave that provides two weeks of fully paid leave and a remaining 10 weeks of pay at a twothirds rate that can be used for qualifying needs due to the public health emergency. Those qualifying needs include when an employee is unable to work because a minor child’s school or place of child care is closed or unavailable. In addition to the family and medical leave, full-time employees who are not defined as emergency personnel will be eligible for 80 hours of COVID-19 sick leave. Any used leave will not be allowed to carryover once the program ends, the memos state. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
The City of Fitchburg will hold a public involvement meeting for improvements to Lacy Road next week. The public involvement meeting, which is scheduled from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, will go over the proposed reconstruction of Lacy Road from Fitchrona Road to Seminole Highway, according to a city news release. Proposed improvements include new curb and gutter features, buffered bike lanes, stormwater improvements and a 10-foot wide path along the northern side of the road. The Lacy Road project is currently in the design phase with construction planned for 2022. A separate but concurrent project will occur at the intersection of Seminole Highway and Lacy Road, the release states. The involvement meeting will include a presentation on the proposed improvements with time for questions from attendees. Attendees are encouraged to participate virtually, with an in-person option
If You Go What: Lacy Road public involvement meeting When: 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17 Where: Virtual and in-person at City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road Info: Email public works director Bill Balke at bill.balke@fitchburgwi.gov; or transportation engineer Andrew McFadden at andrew.mcfadden@ fitchburgwi.gov available at City Hall. Occupancy in the council chamber room remains limited to 10 people because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the city does have overflow rooms for attendees. For more information, email public works director Bill Balke at bill.balke@fitchburgwi.gov; or transportation engineer Andrew McFadden at andrew. mcfadden@fitchburgwi.gov.
KEEP IT LOCAL IN FITCHBURG! Thank You for Your Support!
Thirsty Goat is Fitchburg's Premier Restaurant and Pub! Serving house smoked Brisket, Ribs, Chicken, Polish Sausage and Pulled Pork.
Verona Vision Care
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3050 Cahill Main, #6
6285 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg, WI 53719 Our focus is the safety of our customers and employees! • Bowlers will be spaced out to every other lane maximum of 6 bowlers per group • Bowler’s area sanitized after each group. • Alley, balls and shoes will be sanitized after each use. • Social distancing guidelines in the bar with tables 6 feet apart maximum of 6 people per table
Fitchburg’s hidden gem is open and serving homemade pizza and pasta!! Tuscany will welcome you with a brand-new, warm & cozy look. Tuesday thru Friday from 4-6pm, receive half price for a 1 topping pizza!!! Dine in only Happy Hour 3-6pm Tues-Sat
(608) 274-3784
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-midnight, Sun 12pm-10pm
(608) 845-1010
Check us out at thirstygoatbrew.com
WhatAGreatPharmacy.com
Allowing you to SEE your best through a Unique and Fun Experience!!
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18 Fitchburg Star - February 12, 2021
City Hall - Main Line Administration Assessing Building Inspections City Clerk Economic Development
270-4200 270-4213 270-4235 270-4240 270-4210 270-4246
FACTv Finance Fire Department FitchRona Human Resources Library Municipal Court
270-4225 270-4251 278-2980 275-7148 270-4211 729-1760 270-4224
Parks & Forestry Planning/Zoning Police Public Works Recreation/Community Center Senior Center Utilities
270-4288 270-4258 270-4300 270-4260 270-4285 270-4290 270-4270
5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711 • www.fitchburgwi.gov
WAITING MORE THAN 10 SECONDS? PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR ENGINE. SAVE $ AND OUR AIR. In 2012, Fitchburg began an Idling Reduction Campaign to encourage residents to reduce their voluntary idling - idling when a vehicle is not actually being driven, such as waiting to pick up or drop off passengers/packages, waiting in drive-thru lanes and warming up the engine. Each day, Americans waste approximately 3.8 million gallons of gasoline by voluntarily idling their cars. For every gallon of gasoline used, a vehicle emits, on average, 20 lbs. of CO2. That translates to 13 million tons of CO2 produced annually from voluntary idling! (Diesel engines
emit 15% more CO2 per gallon than gasoline engines.) Recent studies have shown that idling for over 10 seconds uses more gasoline and produces more CO2 emissions than restarting your engine. In addition, idling causes excessive engine wear. If it looks like you’ll be idling for longer than 10 seconds, turn off the engine and restart when you are ready to drive. In addition to wasting fuel, voluntary idling is a significant and easily-reduced source of pollution.Vehicle idling impacts air quality, climate change, health and your pocket book!
SNOW & ICE REMOVAL GUIDELINES FOR CITY OF FITCHBURG PROPERTY OWNERS Property owners are required to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice so that pedestrians can navigate safely. Fitchburg ordinance states: Sec. 27-114.- Snow and ice to be removed from sidewalks. The owner of each lot or part of lot shall remove or cause to be removed all snow and ice which may have fallen or accumulated upon the sidewalk in front of the premises which he/she owns not later than 6:00 p.m. of the day after the same has ceased to fall or accumulate; provided
that when ice has so formed upon any sidewalk that it cannot be removed, then the owner shall keep the same effectively sprinkled with sand, salt or other suitable substance in such manner as to prevent the ice from being dangerous, until such time as it can be removed, and then it shall be promptly removed. The fine for failure to remove snow/ ice is $187. A notice/reminder is typically given to violators on the 1st offense; however, NO warning is given for 2nd & subsequent violations.
♥ SHOW YOUR HYDRANT SOME LOVE ♥ Clear your hydrant and you could win a gift card!
1. “Adopt” a fire hydrant near your residence (or one that simply needs a little attention) 2. Share a before and after photo of your cleared out hydrant during the month of February a.Via email to: fire@fitchburgwi.gov or b.Via Facebook: @FitchburgFireRescue and use #MyAdoptedHydrant ***Make sure you share a street name and nearest cross street***
Everyone who submits a before and after photo will receive an adoption certificate One submittal will be randomly chosen to win a gift card DID YOU KNOW?
Firefighters need up to 5 feet of clearance around a hydrant for hose. If they need to clear snow to access a hydrant, that’s 2 minutes or more they can’t spend fighting the fire.
BE HEALTHY! BE HAPPY!
WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR THIS SERIES OF FUN AND INFORMATIVE SESSIONS! All programs will be offered via Zoom on Fridays from 1:00-2:30 p.m. and will be facilitated by a medical student from the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. Please call 270-4290 for registration. Phone and email address will be requested. February 12th Depression Discussion & Screening For the first hour, a UW Medical student will briefly discuss common presentations of depression followed by a group discussion of coping mechanisms and strategies. Be prepared to share and learn from other members of the community as we discuss helpful tools to help us navigate through life’s challenges. Sign up for depression and anxiety screening following the session. **Call in option available for this presentation and/ or the screenings**
February 19th Introduction to Improvisation Techniques Engage in creative thinking, spontaneous creation and role playing with fun improvisation games. Games include: Giving ‘gifts’, Listening with a ‘different’ purpose, and Storytelling. A UW Medical Student will walk the group through the basic skills used in improvisation. Each game will be followed by debrief & discussion of how the learned tools can be used through daily life. Come prepared to participate and have fun! Previous experience is not required. SAVE THE DATES MARCH 5th, 12th, 19th For the next Be Healthy Be Happy Series topics announced in the March newsletter.
DISPOSING OF LARGE ITEMS
FREE HEALTH & WELLNESS SCREENING
Do you need to dispose of large items such as mattresses, bed frames, furniture, TVs, or microwaves? You MUST call Pellitteri Waste Systems at (608)-257-4285 to arrange a special pickup prior to placing the items at the curb.
Offered by Fitchburg Senior Center in collaboration with the Edgewood College School of Nursing
Date: Thursday, February 18, 2021 Time: 9 am-12:00 pm Location: Fitchburg Senior Center, 5510 Lacy Rd. This FREE screening includes:
Blood sugar check Cholesterol checks Blood pressure Stress assessment Discussion of results Education on staying healthy
Educational materials
Screening by appointment only. All COVID safety precautions will be taken. Call 270-4290 to register.
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www.facebook.com/FitchburgWI and Follow us on
@FitchburgWI
Business
ConnectFitchburg.com
February 12, 2021
Fitchburg Star
Moving ‘Forward’ with speed New athletics complex opens on Marketplace Drive
Forward Athletics 2911 Marketplace Dr. forwardathleticswi.com (608) 770-8932 info@forwardathletics.com
EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group
When Amanda Houdek named her athletics business, she thought of Wisconsin’s motto: “Forward.” Forward Athletics, located at 2911 Marketplace Dr., has been open since the beginning of the month Houdek told the Star. And already, families of all backgrounds flock to the space for sports conditioning courses, strength training and even date nights. As long as they follow health protocols, Houdek said, people also stop by to casually shoot some hoops, golf using a “pretty rad” simulator, relax with some yoga or engage in a high intensity interval workout. “We want (Forward Athletics) to be a space where everyone is moving forward regardless of their speed,” she said. Houdek, also owning CI Pediatric Therapy Centers with locations throughout Dane County, as well as Cosa Boutique, 6350 Nesbitt Road, said she had a lot of support in getting Forward Athletics off the ground amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she had staff from both businesses help bring her idea to fruition. “So many of my family and friends came in and painted, and helped with the flooring,” Houdek said. As a result, Houdek was able to open Forward Athletics earlier than she intended, albeit with a
Forward Athletics opened at the beginning of 2021.
Photos submitted
The field is designed for people who enjoy sports like baseball, softball and lacrosse. “shoestring budget” amid an ongoing economic crisis. Even so, the new business is equipped with indoor amenities like a court, a field with a turfed playing surface, greens with the golf simulator and a studio.
The spacious court offers basketball hoops with glass backboards and nets allowing for volleyball, tennis and pickleball. The field, Houdek said, features a netted enclosure with two batting cages that suit baseball, lacrosse and
softball players. The greens area has the simulator to help golfers with their swings and drives. And the Forward Athletics studio is designed for private instruction, life coaching and personal training sessions, Houdek explained. Both individuals and teams can rent any of the spaces out at varying rates, according to the Forward athletics website. The intent is to provide an inclusive learning environment for athletes young to collegiate, she said, as well as an opportunity to engage in physical activity with proper social distancing and mask wearing. While Houdek said there has yet to be an instance where the basketball court is “full of squeaky shoes and laughter,” she feels excited about the impact Forward Athletics has made on the Fitchburg community. That’s evidenced through how word of the new business has spread mostly through word of mouth, she said, as Forward Athletics has done little advertising. “It’s neat to see new friendships forming,” Houdek said. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie. heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.
Chef Dave Heide speaks out against state COVID-19 bill Testimony helped spur amendment EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group
Last week, chef and restaurateur Dave Heide used his voice to push back on a state bill he felt did little to help small businesses stay afloat amid COVID-19. And that’s one aspect of the advocacy work he is doing. There’s more to come, he said. The owner of Liliana’s Restaurant and the nonprofit restaurant Little John’s testified against Assembly Bill 1 in a Monday, Jan. 11, hearing. He, along with other small business owners and advocacy group Main Street Alliance, asked the Wisconsin State Legislature to eliminate a provision rendering businesses immune to liabilities for not following public health orders. The legislation, an extension of the state’s April 2020 COVID-19 response bill, also included no grant assistance for small businesses, Heide told the Star. “I need your help actually protecting our restaurants, not just trying to protect us from litigation, but trying to help and support us with grants and funds to help get us through this,” Heide said
Screenshot by Emilie Heidemann
Chef Dave Heide testifies against Assembly Bill 1 in a Monday, Jan. 11, hearing. during his Jan. 11 testimony. Those voicing support for the legal immunity provision Jan. 11 included Kwik Trip, the Wisconsin Hotel and Lodging Association and the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. During her testimony, Wisconsin Restaurant Association president Kristine Hillmer said restaurants have been “scapegoated” during the pandemic. “Our industry has become a major fall guy for this pandemic, which also makes us a major target for frivolous lawsuits over exposure to COVID-19,” she said. Officials ultimately amended the liability provision Main Street Alliance manager Shawn Phetteplace
told the Star, he thinks partly because of Heide’s testimony. The new version is significantly “watered down,” he said, to the point of carrying little legal weight. Heide, formerly owning Charlie’s on Main in Oregon, closed that establishment down last fall when he found the business was no longer financially viable because of COVID-19. That, and his overall experience as a restaurateur during the health crisis was the driving force behind testifying, he said. In addition to speaking out against the bill, Heide is working with Main Street Alliance on other efforts to assist local businesses and the greater community in navigating the financial fallout of the pandemic.
Through Little John’s, Heide has coordinated with area nonprofits and organizations to distribute over 3 million masks and “barrels” of hand sanitizer amid the pandemic, Phetteplace said. And Heide has worked to provide over 34,000 meals to food insecure families. He and the Alliance are also in talks with Gov. Tony Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes about ways to keep businesses operational at the state level. F o r n o w, w h i l e t h e amended bill still doesn’t do enough to address the state’s pandemic situation, Phetteplace said, amending the immunity provision was a step in the right direction. “(The bill) does nothing to help me or my workers that I’m working so hard to assist,” Heide said during his Jan. 11 testimony. Heide testified that even though this is the first time officials have gathered in months, he’s been in his kitchens, “rolling up his sleeves” and making sure his employees are supported and customers kept healthy. That will be his priority even as vaccinations start rolling out, he said. “We’ve got the light at the end of the tunnel,” Heide said. “Legislate … so we can get through this safely.”
19
Business in brief Tingalls Graphic Design wins website development award
Tingalls Graphic Design, 2939 S. Fish Hatchery Road #100, announced in a news release last month it received its sixth consecutive award for “Best Website Development Company.” Tingalls won the InBusiness Magazine’s Executive Choice Award again in 2020, the release states, because of how quickly staff pivoted to continue to serve clients amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The honor also recognized the graphic design company’s web design prowess, diver staff and “loyal” client base, the release states.
Agrace donates to area food bank
Agrace, hospice care provider, presented Second Harvest Foodbank with a $51,000 donation last month. According to a news release, Agrace matched funds that “poured in” from the agency’s staff, which they gave to the food bank Friday, Jan. 22. The money will help t h o s e w i l h av e b e e n severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic fallout, the release states.
Sloan Implement at our Mt. Horeb location is looking for an experienced
Ag Sales Representative
to sell new and used Ag and Turf equipment. To view the completed job description and job requirements as well as viewing our competitive benefits package, please go to www.sloans.com. You may apply directly online or send your resume to SMcRae@Sloans.com. Sloan Implement at our Mt. Horeb location is currently looking for an experienced
Service Technician
to perform advanced diagnostics, service repairs and maintenance work on customer and/or dealer-owned agricultural. For all job duties, requirements, and to see our full-time benefit package, please go online to www.sloans.com. If you are interested and qualified for the position, please apply online or in the store. Sloan Implement at our Mt. Horeb location is currently looking for
energetic employees
who have a passion for mechanics and a desire to learn. If you are interested in a service technician apprentice program, please go to sloans.com and apply online or call 608-437-5501. Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer. adno=205053
20 Fitchburg Star - February 12, 2021
Start with the best.
We’re Here in Person and Online! We are working hard to fill your online orders timely. Thank you for your patience!
Store Hours: 6:30am-9:00pm Monday-Sunday 210 S. Main St., Verona
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Your locally owned grocer for 118 years.