3/13/20 Fitchburg Star

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Friday, March 13, 2020 • Vol. 7, No. 1 • Fitchburg, WI • ConnectFitchburg.com • $1

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Inside

City of Fitchburg

New comp plan gives more power to council Page 3 Census Committee aims to count all of Fitchburg Page 5 Promega hosts Spring Art Showcase

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

A view of Goose Lake on a rainy afternoon on Monday, March 9, along the Military Ridge State Trail. The lake’s growth and lack of natural outlets has resulted in repeated flooding on Fitchrona Road in the past two decades.

Looking for an outlet

Page 8

Business

Town of Verona, Fitchburg call for study to solve Goose Lake flooding KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Tingalls builds business, community for 20 years Page 19

T

he winter after Town of Verona resident Steve Sheets and his wife built their home along Goose Lake in 1989, he counted 44 muskrat domes on the top of the ice on the lake.

In order to build the domes, there has to be vegetation within the lake the animals can use as materials, Sheets told the Press earlier this week as he recalled his first year living in the town.

Thirty years later, it’s a

different landscape: Goose Lake, a kettle that sits on Dane County Parks land just east of U.S. Hwy. 18-151 and the Military Ridge State Trail in the township, has grown and encroached 25 feet of Sheets’ backyard – and there are no longer muskrat domes on the ice.

“For the last 10 years, there hasn’t been a one,” he said.

“I’m not a fan of muskrats, but that’s an indication on how the lake had died.”

Goose Lake’s growth, and its subsequent effects of flooding out Fitchrona Road – the

boundary between the City of Fitchburg and the town– has prompted the two municipalities to partner on a hydraulic analysis of the lake, its watershed and downstream conditions into the Badger Mill Creek.

A city document from February requesting consultant proposals for the study seeks answers on how flooding could be reduced in the Fitchrona Road area, as well as an evaluation of existing or new outlet options for Goose

Photo courtesy City of Fitchburg

Flooding at Fitchrona Road has been going on for many Turn to Lake/Page 18 years, as seen in this 2001 photo..

Spring election Wildcats capture state title

All 4 districts have choices in election

School boards, Supreme Court, presidential Page B1 primary also on ballot KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Schools Construction looking up at Forest Edge Page B10

No matter where you live in Fitchburg, you’ll have a local race to vote for April 7.

There’s at least one contested race in all four districts, with each having an aldermanic election. Incumbent Mayor Aaron Richardson, however, has no challengers.

For two of Fitchburg’s three school districts, there will be at least one contested election. In the other, the decision will not be between who gets on, but how long board members stay there.

In all three districts, any new board

members will either work with a new superintendent in June or July or be a part of the hiring process for one.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 7. Sample ballots will be available on the city’s website (follow the Government – City Clerk tab), as well as on myvote.wi.gov.

The April 7 election will also feature the state Supreme Court justice race and the presidential primary for the Democratic party, to decide who will run against President Donald Trump in the November general election.

The two Dane County Board of Supervisor incumbents within the city will also be on the April ballot, but both are running unopposed.

Two of the city races will see a newcomer take the seat, with Dave Herbst and Joe Maldonado competing for an open District 1 spot and Randy Udell and Scott Lehmann running in

Inside More election coverage Pages 12, 13, 15 and 16 District 4.

Two incumbents will also be running to hold their council seats – incumbent Dan Bahr in District 2 is running against Gabriella Gerhardt, and Shannon Strassman is running for her seat for the first time against Dave Carlson after she was appointed in August.

For the Madison Metropolitan School District board, two races will be contested. Seat 6’s race will feature Maia Pearson and Christina Gomez Schmidt on the ballot, and incumbent Nicki Vander Meulen is running for her seat against

newcomer Wayne Strong.

Voters in the Verona Area School District have two seats up for re-election.

One is the at-large seat between incumbent Debbie Biddle and newcomer Bob Ross. In the other, incumbent Kristina Navarro-Haffner, who represents the City of Verona, does not have any challengers.

In the Oregon School District, there are three seats for three candidates, but the choice will be who gets the longer term.

Running in Area II are newcomers Heather Garison and Kevin Mehring; the top vote-getter receives a three-year term, while the runner-up gets two years.

Tim LeBrun, who represents Area III, is the only incumbent running for re-election and is unopposed.

Reporter Scott De Laruelle contributed to this story.

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Fitchburg Star

After-school learning Students and families watch the stop motion animation film made with the help of traveling artist Mark Jones last fall.

A student demonstrates his jelly bean-filled gumball machine.

Photos by Kimberly Wethal

From right, students Natalie Callies, Oskar Smith and Raina Bircher crowd around to pet a snake during the Stoner Prairie Elementary School Innovation Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Stoner Prairie Elementary School held its annual Innovation Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Students presented their research and science projects, and learned from professionals with University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Science Outreach program, which included demonstrations of electricity and meeting reptiles.

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.​

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From left, Verona Area International School student Clara Kasper, Madelyn Beuthien and Mankona Wilson watch with excitement as a baking soda volcano overflows.

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March 13, 2020

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Fitchburg Star

City of Fitchburg

New comp plan gives power to council Commission won’t have to agree to changes in amendments KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

The City of Fitchburg’s new comprehensive plan includes wording to end disagreements between the Common Council and the Plan Commission.

On a vote of 5-2, Tuesday, March 10, the council approved the plan, eight months in the making, with wording added to the Jan. 21 draft to assert its power to change or deny Plan Commission recommendations on future changes or additions to the plan. Under the previous plan, both sides had to agree, and that led to a stalemate of several months in 2018 and 2019 over the North Stoner Prairie neighborhood amendment, broken only by a change in commission membership.

Alds. Dorothy Krause (Dist. 1) and Julia Arata-Fratta (D-2) voted against it, with both opposing the extra council power, and Ald. Anne Scott (D-1) was absent.

The comprehensive plan is a guide that provides a

20-year outlook on the future of a city’s growth, economic development and future financial investments. It is required by state law to be updated every 10 years.

Other changes to the comprehensive plan include a reorganization of the document to simplify it into four sections – both how and where the city will grow, and what pillars and tools available to encourage that growth – and four revisions to the future land use map.

The most debated part was the extra power it gives alders by reducing the commission’s votes to recommendations.

Last summer, the council chose on a split vote to update the comprehensive in a much more compressed process than its first plan. That was done mostly to schedule its adoption for prior to April’s spring election, which will bring at least two new alders.

City attorney Valerie Zisman discouraged the council from making any changes before adoption because doing so could make the city vulnerable to litigation, she said. She explained that state statutes are not written clearly enough to allow either a municipality’s Common Council or Plan Commission to approve a comprehensive plan on their own.

Differing perspectives

Alders appeared to vote based on their experiences with two recent debates between the council and the commission over high-density residential development.

Relatives of Ald. Shannon Strassman (D-3) sued the city last year over an open meetings violation related to a high density South Fish Hatchery Road development proposal.

She said other cities such as Madison and Janesville give the council the final say on comp plan amendments.

“This is not just to not listen to the Plan Commission, this is just to stop the ping-ponging that keeps going on,” she said. “We’ve been having battles over certain properties and certain issues like Stoner Prairie and Fish Hatchery, and there needs to be something final that just ends it.”

Arata-Fratta said she preferred having a check on both bodies so politics don’t drive development.

“The Plan Commission and its members act as a body that will provide checks and balances to the process,” she said.

Ald. Sarah Schroeder (D-3) eventually voted to include the wording, but she, too, expressed concern over alders politicking, as well as potential litigation fees.

“I do worry about alders

being driven by special projects that act as squeaky wheels and not having that a big-picture perspective,” she said. “However, with all those cons, I do think the back-andforth with the residents has been heartbreaking, and that does guide my decision.”

Other changes

The new comp plan also more clearly defines what constitutes a minor amendment and a major update, as well as the processes that guide each type of change.

Another change is allowing more specific categories of

high density. The classification of high density residential zoning can often range between nine to 60 units per acre.

Proposed by Arata-Fratta, she said having categories within the zoning would allow developers to better understand what kinds of development the city is looking for.

“High density starts at nine units, up to the sky,” she said.

“So the idea was how we can create another layer of high density.”

More specific revisions from the previous document

include denoting a 40-acre parcel just west of the Lacy Road and Seminole Highway intersection for an Edgewood College as a potential developable site, despite it being in an area with limited utilities, plus two school sites. One is on the southern border, for a future Oregon School District middle school, and another is for the Milestone Democratic School on Index Road, and a site adjacent to Promega off of Gunflint Trail.

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@ wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.​

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City in brief

• a•

RE-ELECT TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2020 DAN BAHR

Milwaukee will reim- as a redesign of Lacy from Fitchburg helps burse Fitchburg for its offi- Fitchrona Road to Seminole cers’ time, lodging, trans- Highway.

Milwaukee for DNC Promega will be responP o l i c e o ffi c e r s f r o m portation and meals. sible only for the portion the City of Fitchburg will Commerce Park of Lacy Road from just be stationed in Milwaubeyond the quarry drivekee during the Democrat- to be extended ic National Convention in Promega and the City of way south of the road to the July.

Fitchburg are developing Badger Ridge State Trail.

The Common Council a cost-sharing agreement The city will be responsible approved the City of Mil- to extend Commerce Park for the remainder of Lacy Road and its intersection waukee’s request for mutual Drive to Lacy Road. aid assistance on Tuesday, The two entities will with Seminole Highway.

The city’s Board of PubMarch 10. The convention, share the contract, which which is July 13-16, will will involve construction of lic Works and Finance require additional personnel the Commerce Park Drive committee will review the to ensure the event and its from Sub-Zero Parkway agreement prior to council down to Lacy Road, as well voting on it. attendees remain safe.

• a•

• a•

FITCHBURG CIT Y COUNCIL DISTRICT 2 , SE AT 4 q

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Proud graduate of UW-La Crosse and M.P.A from UWMilwaukee Former Legislative Aide for a Democratic State Representative Advocate for local government at the Wisconsin Counties Association Secretary of the Fitchburg Lions Club Common Council President, member of Finance Committee, and Board of Public Works

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March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

Letter to the editor

Vote Dave Carlson on April 7 We are writing to encourage fellow residents of District 3 to elect Dave Carlson as our representative on Fitchburg Common Council.

We have known Dave and his wife Rochelle for more than 30 years, and we were very happy when they moved here in 2016. Dave has always been involved in community affairs through church, youth sports, scouting, and more. He got involved in Fitchburg very quickly, as president of their condo association and as a member of the city’s plan commission.

Dave is honest, thoughtful, and hard-working. We don’t always see eye-to-eye with Dave politically, but we respect his judgment. He listens to what others are saying, and treats everyone with respect.

He has the talent and he’ll put in the time to be a good alder. Please join us in voting for Dave April 7.

Jim and Maureen Anderson City of Fitchburg

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Opinion

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It pays to be energy efficient The average global temperature’s increase, warming oceans and shrinking glaciers are all evidence of climate change.

It is affecting everyone on the planet.

In February 2019, the City of Fitchburg resolved to address global climate change through the use and implementation of clean energy.

The resolution expands upon the City’s 25x25 commitment to obtain 25% of its electricity and transportation fuels from renewable sources by 2025.

As of 2019, the city was already obtaining about 14% of its electricity from renewable sources and has plans to obtain about 10% more in the near future. However, the city’s first choice for meeting these goals is to reduce the amount of electricity and transportation fuels the city consumes.

Resolution R-26-19 also includes goals for reducing community-wide energy use, and there is a good reason for all of us to help. Decreasing your overall energy use by becoming more energy efficient will not only reduce your dependence on fossil fuels and help Fitchburg meet its goals, it will save you money.

Reducing energy consumption is among the cheapest and most sustainable ways to reduce your need for fossil fuels. The best thing about it is there are many ways you can reduce your consumption.

You can easily reduce your energy consumption by modifying your own behavior and by making improvements to your home or workplace.

Start with your own habits by simply turning off appliances or other devices that use electricity when they are not in use.

Use appliances less by opting to manually perform the tasks like

air-drying clothes, turning off the heated dry cycle in your dishwasher, taking shorter showers, shoveling, rather than using a snowblower or raking leaves and sweeping driveways instead of using a leaf blower.

Other significant potential for energy savings can come from turning down your heat in the winter, especially when you’re sleeping or not at home, closing window coverings to insulate and using your air conditioner less in the summer.

Other ideas include carpooling, taking public shared transportation, walking or bicycling instead of driving. The latter two also provide exercise and mental benefits.

Electronics are a huge part of our daily life, and turning off your computer at work or home rather than putting it to sleep is a simple energy saver. Unplugging unused electronics or using smart power strips, will reduce vampire power (consumed when an electronic device is in standby mode).

Another important potential energy-saver is lighting in your home or business. On average, this accounts for around 25 percent of your total energy bill.

LED bulbs and fixtures are pretty much the new normal and should be used to replace older incandescent lighting. LED lighting significantly reduces the energy demand, about 75 percent less compared to older incandescent lighting, while CFL lighting is still somewhat efficient – using about 30 percent less energy than incandescent lighting.

Even if your home is filled with

LED lighting, be sure to only use it when needed. No matter what type of lighting you have, it’s a waste of electricity when it is on and not in use.

To identify the items wasting the most energy and prioritize your efforts, consider having a home or business energy audit. They only cost a couple hundred dollars, and they pay for themselves quickly, as they are likely to identify the major things that can be improved.

The majority of energy consumption comes from your home’s furnace and air conditioner. My wife and I replaced our deteriorating home furnace from a 90 percent efficient furnace, which likely was operating below its rated efficiency, to a 97 percent efficient furnace that operates using a variable-speed fan.

In addition to the added efficiency, we are getting a Focus on Energy rebate for the type of furnace we selected.

We also paired it to our new smart thermostat, which runs the furnace less often when we aren’t home and learns our habits to optimize furnace use.

If your appliances are near the end of their useful life, replace them with Energy Star rated or high-efficiency appliances.

It costs money to replace older less-efficient equipment, but the payback period is shorter than you might think. And while it’s difficult to change habits or break the social norm of driving to work or leaving lights on, but being mindful of the energy you are using will help reduce the need to construct more renewable energy sources and save everyone money.

Nate Ewanowski is a member of Fitchburg’s Resource Conservation Commission.

Letters to the editor

Gerhardt has work ethic to serve city Fitchburg is fortunate to have a candidate like Gabriella Gerhardt running for city council and I urge everyone in District 2 to vote for Gabriella on April 7.

As President and CEO of Madison Children’s Museum, I’ve seen firsthand how Gabriella’s work transformed our organization and the audience we serve. She is a curious and intentional learner who builds knowledge on evidence, observations, and research, and balances it with human, social, and cultural context. Her training as a scientist has set her up to be purposeful with data and her career in nonprofits has set her up to be an empathetic listener.

Gabriella was a key player in the museum’s efforts to better serve a more socio-economically diverse population of families. Her thoughtful work in designing and implementing policy changes to remove barriers to attendance through our Access for Everyone program led to a radical change in our practices and outcomes.

Visits by eligible, under-resourced families grew from 15% to 30% of museum attendees—including children who especially benefit from our enriched educational experiences.

Fitchburg residents and businesses face many diverse challenges and opportunities. With Gabriella’s collaborative and tenacious spirit, work ethic, and commitment to making smart decisions based on evidence and analysis, I’m confident she’ll do great things for the people of Fitchburg.

Debbie Gilpin Village of Cottage Grove

Support Gerhardt on April 7

Vote Dan Bahr for District 2

My name is Julia Arata-Fratta and I am your city council representative for District 2, Seat 3. On April 7, I encourage you to vote for Gabriella Gerhardt for District 2, Seat 4.

I got to know Gabriella last year when I was knocking on doors for my own campaign and she offered to help right away. She is a committed young woman with an interesting background and she cares deeply for our city.

I strongly endorse Gabriella as a candidate because we share similar values and a vision for the type of city we want to live in. We believe there are concrete ways to make Fitchburg a more vibrant community. Gabriella believes that our strength lies in our diversity and we must make sure everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

She is passionate about climate change; community engagement; affordable housing; and promoting responsible, equitable, and inclusive economic growth.

Fitchburg is a diverse and growing community. More than ever, we need experienced, responsible, and caring leaders who can speak up for every resident. Gabriella is a leader with a vision and she represents the future of our city.

Join me in supporting Gabriella on April 7. Vote for her to serve the residents of District 2 and help create an even better Fitchburg for everyone.

It has been a privilege getting to know and work with Dan Bahr over the years. He is committed to helping various causes in and around Fitchburg through his role as Secretary and active member of the Fitchburg Lions Club. He is a dedicated alder for District 2 and community volunteer, and I know him to be thoughtful, hard-working and sincere about helping others in everything he does.

Dan treats constituent service like customer service by listening and advocating for residents. When an issue comes forward, he makes that issue his issue at city hall by working with constituents, city staff, fellow alders, Mayor Richardson and other interested parties to make sure the issue is addressed.

Dan firmly believes in transparency at City Hall and that decisions must be made in a fiscally responsible manner. He is thoughtful about how and where we grow, and wants to make Fitchburg affordable for renters, homeowners, seniors, and the next generation. Dan believes in funding essential public safety services, investing in vulnerable neighborhoods, and environmental sustainability. I know Dan has earned the trust of his constituents during his time on the council by making sure residents are informed and heard at city hall when important decisions are being made. I encourage residents of District 2 to support Dan Bahr for another term and vote for him on April 7.

Julia Arata-Fratta Fitchburg Alder District 2, Seat 3

Alice Jenson City of Fitchburg

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March 13, 2020

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Fitchburg Star

City of Fitchburg

Census Committee aims to count all of Fitchburg Unified Newspaper Group

The 2020 U.S. Census is coming this spring, and Fitchburg city leaders are working to make sure everyone gets counted, Wade Thompson, community development planner for the city of Fitchburg told the Star.

To that end, the city last month formed what’s known as a Complete Count Committee at the recommendation of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Committees like this one are being formed throughout the country to help municipalities coordinate their outreach efforts.

“The federal folks are just trying to help communities get prepared

to participate in the census,” said Thompson.

He said forming the committee wasn’t mandatory, but “it certainly benefits the city, and the more we can do to ensure full participation in the census, I think the better off we’ll be.”

Counts from the census help determine how much funding cities like Fitchburg receive for a variety of government programs and services, as well as things like congressional redistricting.

Meeting for the first time on Thursday, Feb. 26, the city’s committee discussed opportunities to spread the word to Fitchburg residents on the importance of returning their census forms.

Starting this month, census forms

will be mailed out and begin arriving at households across the country according to the U.S. Census Bureau website, with April 1 designated at the federal level as Census Day. Everyone is required to complete their census forms by law, but sometimes getting people to complete their forms accurately and on time can be a challenge. Committee members will be looking for a variety of ways to remind and assist people in the process.

Fitchburg’s Complete Count Committee comprises Thompson, Dorothy Krause, who is both a District 27 supervisor for the county and District 4 alder for the city, Ruth Becker who works for the city clerk’s office, assistant senior center director David Hill

and Elizabeth Prado and Carmen Torres-Kinerk – both neighborhood navigators.

Of particular importance, Thompson said, will be reaching out to the neighborhoods in the north part of the city, which have been historically undercounted. That will be the job of Torres-Kinerk and Prado.

As neighborhood navigators for the North Fish Hatchery Road corridor, they have been working since May to connect residents of those neighborhoods to resources including government and non-profit services related to health and education.

Seniors are another community that could be difficult to count, Thompson said. That’s why outreach to the senior center will be especially important.

City buying energy from solar farm O’Brien project will move city closer to its 25 by 25 pledge KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

The City of Fitchburg has reached an agreement that will move it closer to its goal of 25% of its energy coming from renewable sources by 2025.

The Common Council approved a contract with Madison Gas and Electric to purchase the energy created by one of the 250 kilowatt arrays from the O’Brien solar farm project. That amounts to 1/80th of the total project’s capacity, each year for 30 years, with the potential to double that amount if there’s availability.

“We would like to have done more, but this has been a really popular project,”

mayor Aaron Richardson said. “There’s a lot of businesses that are interested in using this energy, which is also a great thing – it just means we can’t take advantage as much as we would have liked to.”

The O’Brien solar farm is a 20 megawatt project, owned by MG&E and managed by EDF Renewables, that will be constructed on farmland on either side of Seminole Highway south of Lacy Road starting later this year.

The city’s agreement with MG&E will increase the percentage of its energy needs being met to around 23%, with an approximated 495,618 kilowatts being produced by the array each year. According to an energy report provided by Innovative Business Engineering using 2018 data, the city has 13.7% of its municipal energy needs being met by renewable sources.

In 2009, the city pledged to be an

Energy Independent Community and to have at least 25% of its municipal energy needs being met by renewable energy sources by 2025. Last year, the Council pledged to receive 100% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.

Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta had concerns about the 30-year fixed rate the city would be paying. City sustainability specialist Phil Grupe said the fixed rate was what he felt were the better of two models for payment.

The other model would have started the city off with a lower rate, but increased the price by 2% every year, Grupe said.

“We felt that that was a little bit riskier to have an escalation built in when we’re not sure what rates are going to look like over the next 30 years,” he said. “It’s certainly possible that rates could decrease and the finances of this flip, but the historical pattern has not been the case.”

Assessor: 400 commercial properties valued too low City will re-evaluate to create equity in tax base KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

The city will re-evaluate more than 400 businesses after finding that many commercial properties were severely undervalued.

City administrator Patrick Marsh announced the initiative at the Common Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The city assessor, who was hired last year, found discrepancies going back to 2007 due to an employee error and lack of leadership in the assessment department, Marsh later wrote in an email to the Star.

The discrepancies are severe to a point where Marsh told the council Tuesday

they are at a level that concerns him.

Marsh said he couldn’t estimate how much valuations might increase for businesses on average, and said he plans to wait for the assessor to re-evaluate properties before offering a number.

Marsh said the revaluations will ensure there’s equity in the tax distribution within the city and valuations are comparable to surrounding municipalities.

“The key here is fair and equitable among our businesses and residents. With the discrepancies we’ve seen recently that advance several years back, that hasn’t been the case.”

Some of the city’s commercial properties won’t be affected by the revaluation process, which Marsh said would be taking place over the next three months.

Manufacturing companies like Sub-Zero

and Promega are evaluated by the state and are exempt from that process, he said.

Any revaluations that might occur for commercial properties would be reflected on 2021 tax bills. The city won’t be collecting back taxes for incorrect valuations.

In June, business owners will be able to go through the open book process to contest updated valuations.

The city’s valuation of commercial properties was called into question last year by Hy-Vee, Inc. over its Fitchrona Road location. The Iowa-based corporation claimed that the valuation for the store, set at $11.8 million, was too high and should be lowered to $7.5 million.

The company’s lawsuit claimed the property was assessed solely on estimated costs, rather than data of comparable sales.

The committee also identified faith communities as a Hub from which to complete their outreach. That effort will be led in partnership with the Fitchburg Faith Network and City Leaders group. Organized in 2014, the group connects leaders of the city’s churches with city staff for efforts like the census outreach.

Thompson said the committee will be reaching out to local school districts to help them in their efforts, and will use other opportunities around the city, such as putting census reminders at the top of citywide emails and documents.

Renee Hickman can be contacted at renee.hickman@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @ReneeNHickman

Speed limits dropping on Seminole, Syene, McCoy Increased traffic, development prompt changes KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Drivers will need to reduce their speed on parts of Seminole Highway and Syene Road, as lower limits are now in effect.

The Common Council approved speed reductions on both roads at its Feb. 25 meeting. The changes are prompted by the emerging neighborhoods of the roads, where housing and business developments have increased both traffic counts and the number of intersections along the roads.

The changes to speed limits are: • Syene Road between McCoy and Irish Lane: 35 mph • McCoy Road between Syene and County Hwy. MM: 40 mph • Seminole Highway between the city’s northern border and Lacy Road: 35 mph The speed limit on Seminole Highway south of Lacy Road will remain at 50 mph.

Seminole Highway south of Lacy Road sees 3,600

travelers per day, in comparison to 9,800 drivers on the portion north of Lacy going up to the city’s northern border, according to a referral document from city staff.

Many of the roads were considered to be rural when the speed limits were originally set, especially in the case of Syene Road, {span style=”text-decoration: underline;”} the document states{/span}.

“Now there is more traffic, more accesses, more bike and pedestrian traffic all sharing the same space,” the document states. “These conditions coupled with a new fire station and reduced sight distances provide the opportunity for more collisions as motorists require more time to make complex driving decisions.”

According to the document, drivers have already begun to drop their speed on Syene Road to between 35-40 mph on the road north of East Cheryl Parkway. That’s mainly due to environmental factors where homes are just a couple dozen feet from the shoulder, despite the road’s speed limit of 45.

Staff anticipate drivers will exceed the speed limits on Syene south of East Cheryl Road because of the rural design of the road, the document stated.

Fitchburg caregiver charged Fitchburg Chamber business expo set April 16 with abusing a patient MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

A caregiver at a Fitchburg assisted living facility has been charged with abusing an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s.

Nafije Zeka, 50, of Fitchburg, was charged Feb. 20 with intentionally abusing patients causing bodily harm, a Class I felony, which could result in a fine up to $10,000 or up to three-and-a-half years in jail.

Zeka was caught on video slapping, kicking,

spitting at and pulling the hair of an 89 year old patient at Sylvan Crossing Assisted Living at Chapel Valley in Fitchburg, according to a report from WKOW 27.

Zeka was released on a signature bond March 5 and is scheduled for another initial appearance March 23, with a court interpreter. As a condition of her bail, she is not allowed to work as a caregiver in any capacity.

Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

The 2020 Fitchburg Chamber Business expo is set for 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16.

Presented by Summit Credit Union, the free expo will be inside the Wyndham Garden Ballroom, 2969 Cahill Main.

Expo booths are $125 for Fitchburg Chamber of Commerce members. Exhibitors will gain exposure on the chamber’s social media platforms, website and in its newsletter, which is sent to over 4,000 subscribers in the area and on its calendars.

Rates for non-chamber members are available. There is no deadline to sign up.

Businesses who would like

If You Go What: Fitchburg Chamber Business Expo When: 4-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 16 Where: Wyndham Garden Ballroom, 2969 Cahill Main to showcase their products and services as exhibitors can call 288-8284 or email brounds@ fitchburgchamber.com to reserve their spot.

For information, also visit fitchburgchamber.com.

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ConnectFitchburg.com 6 Fitchburg Star Annual Fitchrona Art Crawl returns March 27-28 Star journalists to host ‘Coffee With a Reporter’ March 20 March 13, 2020

Attendees of the crawl may get stamps at each location in a passport, which can be picked up at Yahara Bay Distillery or Miller and Sons Supermarket, 210 South Main St., Verona.

Participants who gets at least five stamps in their passport and return it to either the distillery or supermarket will be entered in a drawing to win a prize basket of locally-made artisanal goods.

For more information, contact Yahara Bay Distillers, 2751050.

Neal Patten can be contacted at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

Marie Fritz Perry puts the finishing touches on her cat portrait at Waggin’ Tails during the Fitch-Rona Art Crawl on Saturday, March 23, 2018.

Bowl to fight hunger to take place Saturday, March 28 What: Bowling Against Hunger When: 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 28 Where: Ten Pin Alley, 6285 Nesbitt Road

NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

The Fitchburg-Verona Rotary Club will host a bowling fundraiser for Badger Prairie Needs Network from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, March 28, at Ten Pin Alley, 6285 Nesbitt Road.

The 9-Pin Tap bowling tournament will benefit Badger Prairie Needs Network and its

Calendar of events Friday, March 13

• 6-9 p.m., Live music: Myles Talbott Dyad, The Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Main, 422-5500 • 6-9 p.m., NERF lock-in for ages 8-12, library, 7291760 • 6-11 p.m., Euchre night, Verona Area International School, 5830 Devoro Road, 845-4200 • 7:15-9:30 p.m., Live music: Saturday Morning Cartel, Yahara Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Road, 275-1050

Saturday, March 14

• 10 a.m., Solomon Carter fuller brain health brunch, Wyndham Garden Fitchburg, 2969 Cahill Main, adrc.wisc.edu • 11 a.m. to noon, Leprechaun traps for ages 4 and older, library, 7291760 •2-5 p.m., Trunk show, Décor, 3000 Cahill Main, 444-0571 • 3-3:30 p.m., Trinity Irish dancers, library, 729-1760 • 7 p.m., St. Patrick’s Day party with Shruggers and El Donk and Acuyuta, Yahara Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Road, 2751050 • 8-11 p.m., Live music: Cindy Set My Hair On Fire/SuperTanker, Funk’s Pub, 5956 Executive Dr., 442-9500

Sunday, March 15

• 11:30 a.m., Warhammer Underworlds tournament, Noble Knight Games, 2835 Commerce Park Drive, 758-9901 • 2-3 p.m., Biggie beads for ages 2-5, library, 7291760

efforts to end food insecurity.

The cost is $30 per bowler or $120 per team of four, which includes bowling, shoes and pizza. Raffle prizes and a 50/50 drawing at the event will also support BPNN. There will be a bag toss set up for anyone who wishes to tag along with the bowlers but not bowl.

Badger Prairie Needs

Monday, March 16

Eagle School, 5400 Gunflint Trail, 270-4290

• 4-5 p.m., St. Patrick’s Day party for ages 5-12, library, 729-1760

Friday, March 20

• 7:15-9:30 p.m., Live Tuesday, March 17 music: Raine Stern, Yaha• 1 p.m., National Weather ra Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Road, 275-1050 Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Office presentation, • 8-11 p.m., Live music: senior center, 270-4290 Nic Adamany, The Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Main, • 4-10 p.m., Live music: 422-5500 Dave Shaub’s Music Adventure with special Saturday, March 21 guest Steve Murray, The • 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Madison Babywearing Main, 422-5500 meeting, library, madison• 6:30-7:30 p.m., Book babywearing.com club: “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” by John • 3-4 p.m., “What’s In My LeCarre, library, 729-1760 Mouth?” challenge for ages 13-17, library, 729• 6:30-10 p.m., Plan Com- 1760 mission, City Hall, 5520 • 7:30-9:30 p.m., Live Lacy Road, 270-4200 music: Skylar Nahn, YahaWednesday, March 18 ra Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Road, 275-1050 • 10-11 a.m., “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural Sunday, March 22 History” by Elizabeth Kol• 9:30-10:30 a.m., Puppy bert, library, 729-1760 yoga ($25), The Puppy • 6-6:30 p.m., Family Den, 3124 Syene Road, pajama storytime, library, 665-3375 729-1760 • Madison Jazz Society • 7-8 p.m., Learn how to concert: Midwestern use Venmo and PayPal, Canines and Happy Feet, library, 729-1760 Wyndham Garden Fitch• 7-8:30 p.m. Fitchburg burg, 2969 Cahill Main, Progress group’s state/ madisonjazz.com county government forum, Monday, March 23 library, fitchburgprog• 6:30-7:30 p.m., “10 Misress@gmail.com takes I Made in My VegeThursday, March 19 table Garden So You Don’t • 10:30 a.m., “2020 CenHave To,” library, 729-1760 sus: Are You Counted?”

Tuesday, March 24 senior center, 270-4290 • 5:30-8:30 p.m., Virtual • 1 p.m., Birding Club reality drop-in for ages meeting, senior center, 13-17, library, 729-1760 270-4290 • 5:45-6:45 p.m., Circle of • 6-7 p.m., “Shopping Sacred Activism, PerenWisely With A Dietitian,” nial Yoga Studio, 5500 E Hy-Vee, madisongosCheryl Pkwy, 288-8448 pel5kfoundation.com, 2920 Fitchrona Road • 7:15 p.m., Birding Club field trip, Fontana Ct. near

Monday, March 30

• 7:30 p.m., Common Council, City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, 270-4200

Wednesday, March 25

• 6-7 p.m., Adult craft evening: perler beads, 729-1760 • 6-7 p.m., Tiny food party for ages 13-17, library, 729-1760 • 7-9 p.m., Committee of the Whole, City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, 270-4200

Thursday, March 26

• 1:30 p.m., Mystery book club: “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” by Joanne Fluke, senior center, 270-4290 • 6:30-7:30 p.m., Understanding your child through the lens of Vedic Astrology, Holistic Moms Network: Madison Chapter, library, madisonwi@ holisticmoms.org

Friday, March 27

• 12:40 p.m., Movie screening: The Two Popes,” senior center, 270-4290 • 5-8 p.m., Fitch-Rona Art Crawl, various locations, 275-1050 • 9 p.m., Live music: Shekinah King, The Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Main, 422-5500

Saturday, March 28

• 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., FitchRona Art Crawl, various locations, 275-1050 • 4-6 p.m., Fitch-Rona Art Crawl conclusion event, Yahara Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesbitt Road, 2751050

• 6-7 p.m., Spring Break staycation for ages 13-17, library, 729-1760

Wednesday, April 1

• 9:30-11:30 a.m., “Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder” workshop for women, senior center, 270-4290 • 7-8 p.m., Learn how to fill out the 2020 census online, library, 729-1760

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Tuesday, April 7

• 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wisconsin Spring Election and Presidential Primary, various polling locations

Wednesday, April 8

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from Unified Newspaper Group, which in turn helps the reporters better serve the community.

The Fitchburg Star staff plan to continue hosting “Coffee with a Reporter” sessions regularly throughout the year and welcome suggestions on times and locations for future discussions.

For information, email Patten at neal.patten@ wcinet.com.

Neal Patten can be contacted at neal.patten@ wcinet.com.

• 6:30-7:30 p.m., Adult craft: string art, library, 729-1760 Thursday, April 2 • 10-11 a.m., Egg dyeing, • 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., ages 1-3, library, 729-1760 Book club: “A Tale for Thursday, April 9 the Time Being” by Ruth • 1:30 p.m., Book club: Ozeki, library, 729-1760 “Madonnas of Lennigrad” • 6:30-8 p.m., Film

by Debra Dean, senior screening: “Monkey King- center, 270-4290 dom,” library, 729-1760 • 4-5 p.m., Fortune teller/ Friday, April 3 cootie catcher making for ages 5-12, library, 729-1760 • 5-7 p.m., Art gallery opening reception: CathFriday, April 10 erine Forde-Quint, Yahara • 4-5 p.m., Egg carton Bay Distillers, 6250 Nesseed planting for ages bitt Road, 275-1050 5-12, library, 729-1760 Saturday, April 4 • 6-9 p.m., Live music: • 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Madison Myles Talbott Dyad, The comic book convention, Thirsty Goat, 3040 Cahill Hawthorn Suites, 5421 Main, 422-5500 Caddis Bend, epguides.

• 8-11 p.m., Live music: com/comics Nic Adamany, The Thirsty • 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Goat, 3040 Cahill Main, Easter egg hunt, Hy-Vee, 422-5500 2920 Fitchrona Road, Saturday, April 11 273-5120 • 8:50 a.m. to noon, • 11 a.m. to noon, Drone Cottontail Classic run, demonstration for ages McGaw Park, 5365 Lacy 9-17, library, 729-1760 Road, cottontailclassicrun.

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What: ‘Coffee With a Reporter’ When: 2-3 p.m., Friday, March 20 Where: Barriques, 5957 McKee Road Info: Email neal.patten@ wcinet.com

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Tina’s Home

JOLLIE TREE Bill Jollie 608-206-2834 • jollietree@aol.com

Network is a volunteer-run agency working to fight hunger and poverty in Verona. The organization provides free community meals and a food pantry.

To register, email fitchburgveronarotaryclub@gmail. com.

For information, visit fitchburgveronarotaryclub.org.

Neal Patten can be contacted at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

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If You Go

If you have story ideas, news tips, concerns about the city or feedback about Star stories, our reporters invite Fitchburg residents to share their thoughts during “Coffee With a Reporter.”

From 2-3 p.m., Friday, March 20, reporters Kimberly Wethal and Neal Patten and group editor Jim Ferolie will be available to hear from citizens at Barriques, 5957 McKee Road.

The three will talk with and listen to Fitchburg residents during the second “Coffee with a Reporter” discussion of the year and will consider potential story ideas generated from the conversations.

These casual feedback sessions allow for community residents to e n ga g e w i t h r e p o r t e r s

If You Go

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Over a dozen artists across Fitchburg and Verona will create a single piece of art together.

Combining numerous art forms and mediums, 17 artists will create live, in real time, a unified work of art during the Fitch-Rona Art Crawl.

From 5-8 p.m., Friday, March 27, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 28, the artists will be demonstrating their individual talents by creating pieces of a larger, single artwork which will be displayed from 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, March 28, at Yahara Bay Distillery, 6250 Nesbitt Road, Fitchburg.

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ConnectFitchburg.com

March 13, 2020

7

Fitchburg Star

Coming up Brain health brunch

The Solomon Carter Fuller brain health brunch recognizes brain health in the African American community.

It is free, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at the Wyndham Garden Fitchburg, 2969 Cahill Main. Participants will learn about healthy aging strategies, caregiver support and Alzheimer’s disease research programs in Madison.

This year’s keynote speaker is Alzheimer’s disease researcher Dr. Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, who will present her talk, “My Story, Your Story: Sharing the Dementia Caregiver’s Journey.”

Register ahead at adrc.wisc. edu/scf2020. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Trunk show

Interior design studio Decor will host a trunk show event from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at 3000 Cahill Main in Fitchburg.

Local artists and other small businesses from the greater Madison area will be showcasing their products and services.

Exhibitors include: Karen Watson-Newlin (artist), Roxie Kriesel (photographer), Jen Knollenberg (goldsmith), Doug Corning (watercolorist), Cathy River (psychic), Jacqueline Schuster and Kay Lies (Nothing Bundt Cakes), Ivonne Ramos (detox/holistic health specialist), Denise Wood (massage therapist), Liz Alvarez (FloorTechs), Jennifer Doescher (Airbnb), Aaron MacDonald (caterer), and DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services Dane County).

10% of proceeds from the event will support DAIS.

For information, call 444-0571. they will guess what it is. Taste can range from sweet, spicy, St. Patrick Day events squishy, or slimy.

As St. Patrick Day approaches, For information, contact the the FItchburg Public Library will library at 729-1760. offer festive activities.

From 11 a.m. to noon Satur- Bring your puppy to yoga day, March 14, children ages 4 Wishing Tree Studio and The and older are welcome to build Puppy Den are teaming up to leprechaun traps to catch lepre- offer a yoga class where puppies chauns. Then, from 3-4 p.m., the are invited to come play from Trinity Irish Dancers are set to 9:30-10:30 a.m. Sunday, March perform.

22, at the Den, 3124 Syene Road.

From 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, Yoga practitioners of all skill March 15, a St. Patrick’s Day and fitness levels are welcome.

Party at the library will include The class costs $25. crafts and games, geared toward Registration is required. Visit ages 5-12. thedogden.com.

For information, contact the Blood drive library at 729-1760.

TriNorth Builders will host Weather service a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, March presentation Meteorologist Tim Halbach 26, in its conference room, 2625 from the National Weather Ser- Research Park Dr. Appointments preferred, but vice Milwaukee/Sullivan Office will discuss the office’s opera- walk-ins are welcome.

For an appointment, call (800) tions at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.

17, at the senior center.

This office has severe weath- org and use the sponsor code: er warning responsibilities for Fitchburg. southeast and south-central Wis- Milwaukee Road consin.

Halbach will share his knowl- Beer Line John Kelly, author of “Railedge about weather forecasting, the office’s operations and its roads of Milwaukee” will present commitment to safety and pro- on Milwaukee Road’s Beer Line at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, at tecting the public.

For information, call 270-4290. the senior center.

Kelly will discuss the heyday ‘What is in my mouth’ of Milwaukee’s beer industry in A taste challenge event has the 1950s as well as the history been opened to the most daring and decline of the 6.2 mile Beer participants. The library is hold- Line branch of the Milwaukee ing a “What is in my mouth” Railroad. challenge from 3-4 p.m. SaturFor information, call 270-4290. day, March 21, geared toward ‘Healthy Bowels, ages 13-17.

Participants will wear a blind- Healthy Bladder’ fold while something edible is The senior center will host a placed in their mouth, and then “Mind Over Matter” workshop

designed to give women with bladder or bowel control issues the knowledge they need to take control of their symptoms.

This program is a three-session workshop for senior women that includes information, group activities and simple exercises to do at home.

The program is 9:3011:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 1, 15 and 29. Cost is $25, with scholarships available, and Includes the workbook. Space is limited.

For information or to register, call 270-4290 by March 25.

Comic book convention

The Madison Comic Book Convention is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 4, at the Hawthorn Suites, 5421 Caddis Bend.

Comics will be for sale, spanning from the golden age to the present era, as well as merchandise and collectibles.

Vendors from three states are scheduled to appear, and dealers will be buying used comics from attendees.

For information, visit epguides.com/comics.

Madison Gospel 5K

The Madison Gospel 5K Run/Walk begins at 1-2 p.m.

Saturday, April 4 at Hy-Vee, 2920 Fitchrona Road.

This is not a typical 5K. It includes a tour with a registered dietitian, who will teach how to be a smart shopper. Wear comfortable clothes you will be able to move in.

Register at madisongospel5kfoundation.com

Annie Marczak, Plymouth Minnesota, won first place for her age group of 60-69.

Get running like a bunny for a good cause April 11 An Easter tradition returns to Fitchburg with the Cottontail Classic, set for 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 11, at McGaw Park, 5365 Lacy Road.

The family-friendly 5K/10K will benefit Tri4Schools and the Fitchburg Lions Club, and is designed as both a competitive race for athletes and a casual race for families. The event will be preceded by a 100 meter kids run at 8:50 a.m.

Following the race will be a family fun expo hosted by the Lions Club, including a bounce house, free pictures with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt.

The cost to participate is $35 in advance or $40 the day of the race, which includes bunny ears and a race shirt.

For a full schedule and registration information, visit cottontailclassicrun.com.

Neal Patten can be contacted at neal.patten@ wcinet.com.

If You Go What: Cottontail Classic When: 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 11 Where: McGaw Park, 5365 Lacy Road Info: cottontailclassicrun.com

RE-ELECT

MAYOR AARON RICHARDSON CHARDSON April 7th

Please vote for me and these candidates on April 7th.

I am supporting Dan Bahr, Dave Herbst, Scott Lehmann and Shannon Strassman for City Council.

They will help me work on realistic ideas, common sense solutions and they have the experience to keep our great city moving forward. We have come a long way in Fitchburg and now is not the time to change direction. Join me in supporting these great candidates in the election.

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8

March 13, 2020

ConnectFitchburg.com

Fitchburg Star

Spring Art Showcase has ‘pARTners’ to inspire EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

The Promega Spring Art Showcase will exhibit pieces over the next three months by three couples – six artists whose works have evolved as a result of their loving, enriching relationships.

The exhibit, titled “pARTners,” kicked off with a symposium in which each artist discussed their creative process Tuesday, March 10, at Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, 5445 E. Cheryl Pkwy.

That was followed by an opening reception hundreds attended — marveling at the various works adorning the building’s interior. The exhibit is displaying until Monday, June 1.

Exhibiting artists are couples Theresa Abel and Tim O’ Neill; Anette Hansen and Andy Rubin; and Cynthia Quinn and John Ribble.

Showcase curator and producer Daniel Swadener told the Star he wanted to highlight how cooperation and partnership is often the key to how an artist finds success.

The artists are all close friends of his, he said, and he wanted their work to tell the story of how their bonds have been enriched as a result of their joint love for the arts.

And, of course, he wanted to highlight how their artwork has grown over the course of their respective relationships.

Abel and O’Neill split their time between Stoughton’s Abel Contemporary Gallery and their Madison based studios.

Abel works in oil paint, silver point drawing and gilding and O’Neill creates furniture pieces with a modern twist, he said during the symposium.

Hansen is a photographer and ceramicist – exhibiting works from both disciplines at the showcase – and Rubin works in print. He said he manipulates and prints over historical images, re-contextualizing them to change the way the viewer might have perceived it.

Both Quinn and Ribble said during the event they have extensive careers as graphic artists, designers and instructors.

But as Quinn experiments with textiles and hand-embroidery, Ribble paints en plein air landscapes, which is French for “in open air.”

Ribble said he started with oil paints, but later transitioned into pastels.

Ancient and modern

Abel’s paintings incorporate compositions that offer her own perspectives of modernism and medieval times.

O’Neill, on the other hand, blends his furniture pieces with a refined modern design, with which he combines solid woods and highly figured veneers, he said at the symposium.

The couple, as evidenced in their pieces, is inspired by all things ancient and new. Abel’s works tell stories with figures and elaborate patterns that draw heavily from her background in the Catholic church and through her love of medieval Italian paintings, she said.

In Abel’s painting titled “Love, Hate & Sorrow” for example,” three women stand

in front of a gold leaf background. Their dresses feature geometrical patterns while their faces are reminiscent of medieval paintings with wide eyes and elongated noses. But their bodies are separated, fragmented by four rectangles. The piece hung on the second floor of the showcase venue.

Abel said during the symposium she uses her medium of art to question the foundations of religion and morality.

“When people consider their own morality, how might that influence their view of morality?” she asked the audience.

“That’s what I think about all the time.”

O ‘Neills interest in anthropology and archeology has led to researching Mayan artwork, African textiles and Chinese sculpture, he said. That has inspired his usage of traditional woodworking techniques, such as carving and burning.

He said he loves the contrast between the rich dark colors the fire leaves behind against the untouched wood.

Reimagining the ordinary

Hansen, being both a ceramicist and photographer, makes forms that are crisp with soothing color schemes and vibrant glazes — as evidenced by the many of her exhibited pieces.

Her “Leaf and Small Bowls” ceramic is an example of such shine, the leaf a bright green and the bowls with the same green exterior and deep teal interior.

Like her partner, Rubin, Hansen has mastered the art of printmaking – the Spring Art Showcase website calls her a self-proclaimed “Jill-ofall-Trades.”

On the venue’s second floor, spectators absorb her three prints of her trash installation — various photos depicting wrappers, bottles and containers on concrete.

During the symposium, Hansen said most of the images are from a single walk.

“People can’t be bothered to take a few extra steps to pick up trash,” she said of what inspired the installation.

Rubin has worked as a master printer for an extensive tenure, from 1989 to 2015 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Tandem Press, but he teaches printmaking at the university, a news release states. His interest has lately been illustrating history and time, but in a way that mirrors how we live.

“Fool’s Pillars,” is a monoprint and birch bark collage

by Rubin.

It’s one of the many prints he has re-contextualized to reflect our impact on the environment, how we are related and how time wears down how we see the world around us, Rubin said during the event.

He added they reflect humor and human folly.

Photo by Emilie Heidemann

Artist Theresa Abel’s paintings adorn a wall of the Promega Spring Art Showcase venue. she could work anywhere and didn’t need much space.

She uses whimsical texture, embroidery threads, beads and hand-dyed fabrics to

make her creations.

For example, “Foraging Crow” is a depiction of the bird on top of a deep blue background with some

lavender embroidery patterns.

The bird sits atop a beaded ground – the beads are of golds, blacks and silvers with strings adorning the piece’s

bottom half. The crow seems to be searching for food.

She said it is especially when she observes the animal’s behaviors and in its natural habitat, she is more invested in what she’s creating.

“I can do a better job as an artist,” Quinn said.

Ribble used to use oil paints, but has transitioned to pastels for his en plein air pieces. He paints landscapes, illustrating the relationship between the sky, the land and the water and how it is all connected.

He said during the symposium he especially enjoys telephone wires and how they break the scene — his composition — into different pieces.

Ribble said it creates a lot of movement. He also likes old buildings and working by streams, next to “fabulous” varieties of plants, shapes and colors.

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Quinn and Ribble have had similar career paths but have veered off to pursue their own studies of art.

It seems nature inspires both of them, as evidenced in their pieces.

It was during a remodel of the couple’s home studio when Quinn began experimenting with textiles and hand-embroidery, she said at the symposium, because

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ConnectFitchburg.com

March 13, 2020

City of Fitchburg

Bisbach hired as Fitchburg public works director

Unified Newspaper Group

Mike Bisbach has brought an extensive background of both landscaping and civil engineering to his position with the City of Fitchburg.

Since he started as the public works director in July 2019, the community Bisbach has welcomed him with open arms, Bisbach said. When he applied, he said it wasn’t long before he was taking on the Fish Hatchery Road construction project or making efforts to help the city, and surrounding municipalities, combat water issues – Lake Barney specifically.

Bisbach said he enjoys the variety the position offers him. He wants to leave behind a legacy of customer service and proactivity, as there is no shortage of city projects.

His goal right now is to prep for Fish Hatchery Construction to begin in April.

More projects he’s working on include the McKee Road project and extending Promega on Commerce Park Drive.

An ongoing feat to tackle is how the city is going to manage its water problems with the onslaught of increased rainfall and a changing climate, but Bisbach said he is ready for the challenge.

Bachelor of Science in civil engineering.

He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as an engineer until 1998, but as he started a family with his wife, Bisbach longed to come back to his hometown, becoming the city’s public works director until 2005.

Bisbach then struck out on his own to start a business – Bisbach Landscape and Professional Services. In addition to civil engineering, Bisbach said he enjoys the art of landscaping and gardening.

Afterward, Bisbach was as a project manager for both the Wisconsin Department of Administration division of state facilities until 2007, subsequently for his father-in-law at Energy Unlimited, helping

to install wood shavings and other means of landscaping across the nation.

“I would survey sites and then determine how we could locate equipment on the site,” Bisbach said. “From there, the economy for his business went south.”

Years later, between two stints with private consulting firm Jewell and Associates, he would open another business, a nursery greenhouse, eventually finding the capital investment wasn’t worth it.

“I always wanted to do it … just wanted to see if it was economically viable or not,” he said.

Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet. com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

Memorial United Church of Christ

8am - 9 am

Potluck Supper & Songs

TOWN HALL

announcement

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5:30pm - 6:30pm

Book Discussion on The Last Week

by Borg and Crossan

273-1008 • www.memorialucc.org

will be in the Dane County Jail, where they w i l l s e r ve a two-year probationary period.

Boyce The positions became available due to retirements and vacancies that occurred in the past year, according to the news release.

Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

Tuesday, March 17 6:00 PM CT

Scriptures & Scones

5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg

Fitchburg resident Tory Boyce, 26, was among seven new deputies sworn into the Dane County Sheriff ’s Department on Monday, Feb. 10.

The ceremony was held in the Jury Assembly Room of the Dane County Courthouse. According to a sheriff’s office news release, the deputies will receive training through the Dane County Sheriff’s Office Jail and Law Enforcement Academies, as well as on the job training.

Their first assignment

Rep. Mark Pocan

Join us Wednesdays During Lent March 11 - April 1

6:30pm - 8:00pm

Boyce joins Sheriff’s Office

740 North Main Street Verona, WI 53593

For more information, call (608) 258-9800

4 VOTE SHANNON STRASSMAN District 3, Seat 6

April 7, 2020

PRIORITIES: 4 4 4 4 4

Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe Listen and Advocate for Residents Hold City Hall Accountable with Taxes Make Fitchburg More Affordable Responsible Growth and Sustainable Development Shannon Visiting with Erin Anderson and Kate Wicker

Shannon Strassman H

“I know Shannon cares about Fitchburg as much as I do and she works hard serving constituents. Please join me in voting for her on April 7th.”

– Mayor Aaron Richardson

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EMILIE HEIDEMANN

Describing himself as fiscally conservative, however, Bisbach said he wants to take on each project responsibly.

“I want people’s dollars to be used wisely and effectively,” he said. “That’s very important to me.”

Since graduating from Iowa-Grant High School in 1986 as salutatorian, Bisbach has had a wide variety of working experience. He’s owned his own landscaping business and worked for his father-in-law, for the states of Wisconsin and Illinois, for a consulting firm, for a greenhouse and for his hometown of Dodgeville, where he still lives.

He attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, graduating in 1991 with his

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10 Fitchburg Star - March 13, 2020

Congratulations Wildc

Madison

Verona Area High School Hockey Roster

Owen Hebgen, Calvin Moioffer, Brady Stebbeds, Carson Lindell, Cale Rufenacht, Lars Brotzman, Nathan Jurrens, Brigham Tvedt, Walker Haessig, Drew Yeager, Keegan Lindell, Derek Iszczyszyn, Noah Ehlenbach, Reece Cordray, Conrad Moline, Anthony Heinrichs, Parker Ploc, Troy Tollefson, Joshua Osting, Tanner Kaltenberg, Leo Renlund, Andrew Aune, Jack Marske, Ryan Ritter, Isaac Thomas, Max Codde, Easton Simpson, Joe Bakalars, Charlie Scadden, Kaden Grant, Viktor Mitchell, Ronan Montgomery-Taylor, Raymond Walsh, Alex Ritter, Cole McDermott, Cael Pertzborn Head Coach: Joel Marshall Assistant Coaches: Brogan Baker, Josh Biser, Michael Dunse, Zach Jones, Scott Mirwald Team Captains: Keegan Lindell, Cale Rufenacht Team Managers: Julia Heinrichs, Caitlyn Ott Conference: Big Eight School Colors: Orange & Black Nickname: Wildcats Athletic Director: Joel Zimba Principal: Pamela K. Hammen Ath. Trainer: Dren Gashi

Verona/Edgewood Gymnastics Roster:

Verona Area High School Wrestler: Jay Hanson

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Oscar Carabe Best, Avery B Conner Arnes Brins, Logan Head Coach:

Nice Season Wildcats!

What a GREAT Year!

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CONGRATULATIONS VERONA WILDCATS!

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Fitchburg Star 11

cats on a great season!

n Metro Lynx Team Roster

strong, Sydney Raaths, Claire Wischoff, Ava Downing, Josie Dragoo, Alina Stiller, Ruby Dykstra, Macy Hall, Grace Bonnell, Hannah bbigale Ahlborn, Mia Goetzke, Lily Waxenberg, Maddy Ahlborn, Sam Olander, Rachel Mirwald, Alina Yazek, Haddie Ryan, Gia Accomando, Kaya Byce, Jenna Culp, Johanna Voss, Ava Jambor, Cara Davis, Ally Jacobson, Stella Raichle, Naomi Held, nson, Hannah Kasdorf, Abby Nutini, Cam McKersie, Erin Sullivan, Maisey Nevins and Neva White.

Chris Anderson, Kathryn Anderson, Rich Feldt, Carolyn Karls and Mike McKersie.

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12

March 13, 2020

ConnectFitchburg.com

Fitchburg Star

Spring election

Friday, March 27 Saturday, March 28

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The Flying Hound Alehouse

improvements made to our district by expressing concerns to the city.

Would you push for any changes to the agreement to annex part of the Town of Madison when it dissolves?

I would like to get out of the agreement since I feel this annexation will be a burden on our current taxpayers and city departments. The decision to annex is a done deal so we must be vigilant with city spending moving forward since increasing costs are inevitable with the annexation.

What responsibility does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

The board of public works and the city engineer staff have made addressing this issue a priority. We are initiating studies on some problem areas like Fitchrona Road. Moving forward, maintaining our stormwater infrastructure is also a major component of the city’s long term stormwater management plan.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

Fitchburg has something to offer for everyone. We have housing and employment opportunities for residents starting their working careers and options for experienced professionals at our outstanding businesses.

Our community center offers great programs for seniors and youth, great bicycle trails and common sense, hard working residents.

CONNECTING BUSINESSES CONNECTING NEIGHBORS CELEBRATING THE ARTS

Hy-Vee

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your district?

• Yo u t h D e v e l o p m e n t : When kids have positive and safe outlets to play, learn, and become leaders, they are safe and more likely to succeed.

• Economic Equity: All residents need access to living wage jobs, convenient transportation, affordable housing, and accessible businesses that meet their needs.

• Strong Partnerships – We must ensure we have working relationships with Madison, Dane County, business, nonprofits, and our three school districts on issues that affect youth and families.

The city put the comprehensive plan process on an eight-month timeline. Do you agree with how this was handled?

T h e p l a n wa s d eve l oped by a thoughtful process around land use and development and served as a model for the region.

Before making drastic changes we must ensure broad engagement and education of all parts of our community and not rush to decisions that may sacrifice valuable insight.

What does the city need to do to ensure equitable access to city services, particularly for those west of Verona Road and in rural areas?

Immediate needs west of Verona Road: 1) walkable food retail access 2) afterschool options for kids 3) quick public transportation.

The city can address 1) and 2) by utilizing the many empty buildings in the area and partnering with providers and 3) through expanding bus routes.

W h a t re s p o n s i b i l i t y does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

We need to ensure that our city infrastructure and services are prepared to not only manage flooding, but prevent it.

If budgets and spending limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg?

I would love to see a large social enterprise business incubator that draws in people from all over the community and provides services that people want and need.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

Fitchburg is a vibrant, growing, and diverse community with a great library, parks, bike paths and people that care about their neighbors.

pr i En ter

Age: 37 Family: Mariam (wife), Aidan (son, 13), Nahya (daughter, 3) Originally from: Milwaukee (0-18) Came to Madison f o r c o l l eg e a n d m ove d to Fitchburg with my wife and first child.

Lived in Fitchburg since: 2009 Education: Maldonado Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, UW-Madison; Master of Arts, Afro American Studies, UW-Madison; Sustainability Leadership Graduate Certificate, Edgewood College; six doctoral credits, Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, UW-Madison Occupation: Community Impact Director, Education Employer/job title: United Way of Dane County Political experience: • Volunteered with local, state and national campaigns as a canvasser, host • Have voted in every local, state, and federal election since 2000 • Registered voters through Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, “Voteless People Is a Hopeless People” program • Served on Dane County implementation team on Racial Justice in Criminal Justice system • Led Opportunity Youth Coalition which includes United Way, law enforcement, school districts, the court system, Dane County Human Services, and nonprofit leaders to prevent 50 youth from re-entry into the juvenile justice system .

Other notable affiliations: • Led large coalition to raise $100,000 in relief aid for victims of Hurricane Maria and managed process of distributing funds to grassroots organizations in Puerto Rico.

• Social Media and Community Outreach Director, Luna’s Groceries • Over 10 years of paid and volunteer direct service work with youth • Eleven-year part time instructor at Madison College Why are you running for alder?

I am a 10 year resident and seven year homeowner in Fitchburg. I am invested here as a dad, mentor, and supporter of my wife’s business. My district is one of the most diverse in Dane County and I want to ensure that the needs of all residents are met.

What are the most important issues facing

N Main St

Joe Maldonado

What are the most important issues facing your district?

• Taxes – (Ask any resident about the increase in the recent tax bill!)

• Maintaining quality Herbst of life for district residents • Keeping solid city services at reasonable costs (roads, water, sewer, garbage pickup) • Pay vigilant attention to our at risk areas of the district.

The city put the comprehensive plan process on an eight-month timeline. Do you agree with how this was handled?

Yes. This could be debated for years. As they say in The Right Stuff, “Light the Candle.” Having a comprehensive plan provides guidance on growth. We need to keep in mind that growth is determined primarily by markets and people desires and not necessarily a city document.

What does the city need to do to ensure equitable access to city services, particularly for those west of Verona Road and in rural areas?

It is the responsibility of the residents and alders to represent the districts needs to ensure we are treated equitably in budget and planning processes. The new park on King James Way, redeveloped Jamestown Huegel Park and the improved water supply system are examples of recent

Age: 59 Family: Wife – Jenny Married 26 yrs Children — Andrew 21 and Jonathan 19 Dogs Loa and Buck Owens Originally from: Frozen Tundra of Park Falls Lived in Fitchburg since: 1987 Education: Bachelor Science Electrical Engineering, UW-Madison 1983 Occupation: Electrical Utility Field and Design Engineer Employer/job title: Realtime Utility Engineers — Director Field Services Political experience: 27 years as volunteer citizen member of Fitchburg Board of Public Works, appointed to two year terms by last eight Fitchburg Mayors. Past Board Member of Jamestown Neighborhood Association.

Other notable affiliations: Member of St. Maria Goretti Parish, longtime youth sports coach Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

Living in the district in the same home for 33 years, I’ve gained knowledge of our district’s unique character, strengths and issues. Serving for 27 years as a citizen volunteer on the Fitchburg board of public works has taught me the importance of maintaining solid basic public services and the relationship to a good quality of life. I am all in for Fitchburg since I live, work, ride my bike and shop in Fitchburg.

t

The Fitchburg Star sent candidate questionnaires to both candidates for a two-year term as alder in District 1, Seat 2 in the City of Fitchburg.

There is no incumbent, as Anne Scott is not running for reelection. Dave Herbst and Joe Maldonado will compete in the April 7 election for the seat.

Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words, with an exception of one question up to 100 words.

They were also allowed to skip two questions.

Dave Herbst

Pa ol iS

Fitchburg District 1 candidate profiles

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March 13, 2020

13

Fitchburg Star

Spring election

Fitchburg District 2 candidate profiles Gabriella Gerhardt The Fitchburg Star sent candidate questionnaires to both candidates for a two-year term as alder in District 2, Seat 4 in the City of Fitchburg.

Bahr is running for his third term on the Common Council after being elected for

the first time in 2017. Newcomer Gabriella Gerhardt is challenging him for the seat.

Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words, with an exception of one question up to 100 words. They were also allowed to skip two questions.

Dan Bahr Age: 41 Family: Single Originally from: Onalaska, Wisconsin Lived in Fitchburg since: 2011 Education: Bachelor’s Political Science, UW-La Crosse and Master’s of Public Administration, UW-Milwaukee Occupation: Government Affairs Associate Employer/job title: Wisconsin Counties Association Bahr Political experience: Elected to Fitchburg Common Council in 2017 and re-elected in 2019. Currently serving as Common Council President and have served on the Finance, Personnel, Transportation and Transit Committees and current Chair of Board of Public Works.

Other notable affiliations: Fitchburg Lions Club Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

I am running for another term because I enjoy working on behalf of constituents and residents throughout Fitchburg. We have accomplished a lot together, but I know there is still work to be done in making our city an even better place to live, play and do business.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

I consistently hear concerns regarding property taxes. Fitchburg is a great place to live, but it is no secret that we are also an expensive community for renters, homeowners, seniors, families and the next generation.

How can the city balance promoting development with the needs of the rural residents?

Fitchburg has a proud tradition of implementing and promoting measured growth.

Our Comprehensive Plan sets the blueprint for where and how we grow, not just for the next ten years, but even more importantly, for decades to come. We recognize growth is inevitable and that people want to live

and work here. I believe we should, and can, embrace our rural heritage as well as our future when making development decisions.

These decisions should not be made in a vacuum between city staff and developers, but also in collaboration with members of the council, neighborhood leaders and nearby residents.

Would you push for any changes to the agreement to annex part of the Town of Madison when it dissolves?

The agreement between the Town, City of Madison and Fitchburg has been set since 2003. We know there will be increased costs to fix, maintain and operate city services that will be paid for by Fitchburg taxpayers. City leaders and staff must prepare for this annexation in a fiscally responsible manner.

What responsibility does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

The City of Fitchburg plays an active role in managing stormwater and flooding. It is critical that our engineers and developers work together to promote environmental sustainability, renewable energy, necessary dredging and responsible growth. We cannot afford to fix oversight or improper engineering after property damage has already occurred.

If budgets and spending limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg?

There is a group of local business, non-profit and community leaders working together to build a performing arts center in Fitchburg. The COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts) would be an asset to our community.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

The people! I am proud to call Fitchburg my home and I have enjoyed getting to know residents in District 2 and throughout the city.

Our community is full of generous, thoughtful and caring citizens and businessowners who give back to their neighborhoods and city in countless ways.

Age: 32 Family: Married to Patrick Gerhardt for seven years.

Originally from: La Grange, Illinois Lived in Fitchburg since: 2015 Education: Bachelor of Science in Geology, Tulane University Occupation: Nonprofit Development Employer/job title: Engagement Programs Gerhardt Manager at Morgridge Institute for Research Political experience: • Campaign volunteer for local, county, state, and national elections • Organizing member of Fitchburg Progress Neighborhood Action Team Other notable affiliations: Girl Scout Leader, Girl Scout Gold Award Committee, Phi Beta Kappa, Emerge Wisconsin alumnus, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Union of Concerned Scientists, Guinness World Record holder for “Most four leaf clovers collected in 8 hours” Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

I will bring a fresh perspective, positive energy and my scientific training to city hall. I want to advocate for progressive policies that bring us toward a future that is vibrant, inclusive, affordable and sustainable. I will proactively communicate with residents through social media, website and in-person listening sessions.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

The upcoming road construction on Fish Hatchery and McKee Roads will significantly affect District 2 residents.

Our district is home to many incredible parks, and it’s important to resolve outstanding park maintenance issues and ensure access. Justifiably, many residents in District 2 also have concerns about neighborhood safety.

The city put the comprehensive plan process on an eight-month timeline.

Do you agree with how this was handled?

The accelerated timeline did not allow for robust community engagement. Only 150 residents attended the community meetings, which represents less than 1% of Fitchburg residents. Although the plan

is strong, minimal community engagement was a lost opportunity to communicate our city’s future, hear the concerns of residents and incorporate feedback.

What does the city need to do to ensure equitable access to city services, particularly for those west of Verona Road and in rural areas?

Regular and proactive communication with residents about city services is key.

Working families are busy and may not have awareness about how the city can serve them. Expanded access to public transportation will allow more residents to easily access city hall, the library and the senior center.

What responsibility does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

The city has an obligation to prepare for the impacts of extreme weather in order to protect the property and lives of Fitchburg citizens. As the city continues to grow and develop, we must preserve greenspace and minimize impermeable surfaces to prevent flooding issues before they begin.

If budgets and spending limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg?

I will lead an effort to develop a climate change resiliency plan. Our current comprehensive plan does not include the phrase “climate change.” In order to prosper in a changing world, we must take stock of the risks Fitchburg faces and develop plans to manage and reduce those risks. This effort will protect the value of city and private property. We can prevent catastrophic man-made events like flooding. We can bring more renewable energy and sustainable development into the city.

Fitchburg already has a reputation for environmental responsibility. We should be a leader in Dane County for climate change preparedness.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

Our strength lies in our diversity. Fitchburg is racially and ethnically diverse.

We enjoy both urban amenities and the character of rural areas. Our neighbors represent various family structures in different life stages. We must make sure all our neighbors have equal opportunity to thrive.

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14 Fitchburg Star - March 13, 2020

Ask the Fitchburg

MORTGAGE BANKING

CHIROPRACTOR

Q. Our kids play sports all year; I’m considering Chiropractic

Q. When is the first mortgage payment due?

A. . This depends on when you close your home loan and if you pay prepaid interest at closing. For example, if you close late in the month chances are your first payment will be due in just over 30 days. Conversely, if you close early in the month, you might not make your first payment for nearly 60 days. That can be nice if you’ve got moving expense and renovation costs to worry about, or if your checking account is a little light.

even though they are not injured. It seems that a lot of pro athletes, including Aaron Rodgers do this, what are your thoughts.

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 Jill Unwin, Lee Unwin, help increase their performance and keep them from being sidelined DC, CCEP BCMT, CSCS 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.

Kathleen C. Aiken

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SENIOR CARE

CREMATION SERVICES

Q. Is There Help For My Dad’s Hearing Loss?

A. About one-third of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have hearing problems.

Q. What would happen if I pre-plan and pre-pay for my cremation, and then I were to die far away from my home area?

A. That’s is an excellent and important question. Jodi can help you with a Travel plan to return your body to your primary residence at NO COST TO YOUR FAMILY FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD! If you travel MORE than 100 miles from home call Jodi to learn how to save your family thousands of dollars and emotional grief.

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About half the people who are 85 and older have hearing loss. Whether a hearing loss is small (missing certain sounds) or large (being profoundly deaf), it is a serious concern.

If left untreated, problems can get worse. Hearing loss can affect your life in many ways.

You may miss out on talks with friends and family. On the telephone, you may find it hard to hear what the caller is saying. At the doctor’s office, you may not catch the doctor’s words. Sometimes hearing problems can make you feel embarrassed, upset, and lonely. It’s easy to withdraw when you can’t follow a conversation at the dinner table or in a restaurant. It’s also easy for friends and family to think you are confused, uncaring, or difficult, when the problem may be that you just can’t hear well. If you have trouble hearing, there is help. Start by seeing your doctor. Depending on the type and extent of your hearing loss, there are many treatment choices that may help. Technology has come a long way! Hearing loss does not have to get in the way of your ability to enjoy life.

579 D’onofrio Dr., #10, Madison, WI 53719 (608) 218-4861 • www.comfortkeepers.com

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DENTIST

REALTOR

Q. What can I do about bad breath?

Q. Is it a good idea to have a real estate agent when buying a home?

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105 N. Main St., Verona • MainStreetDentists.com

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A. It is great idea to have a buyer agent when buying a home - especially in a tight market that we have now in Fitchburg. A buyer needs an agent to find new listings right away and to know what is a good price to write. A buyer agent provides advice on how to deal with a fault found in a home inspection. Also, a buyer agent writes an offer and drafts offer provisions in the buyer’s best interest. A buyer’s agent prepares an estimate of value for the property in question and expresses a Shawn Pfaff professional opinion of the property. A buyer’s agent negotiates on a buyer’s behalf throughout the entire transaction and recommends a course of action to get a buyer the home he/she is competing for. Please contact me at pfaffs@firstweber.com if you›re interested in purchasing a home.

As a Fitchburg Realtor, I can provide you with a no obligation market appraisal of your home. I look forward to hearing from you soon at pfaffs@firstweber.com

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A. First, know that you’re not alone. Bad breath is very common. It affects nearly 80 million Americans. It can be embarrassing, but you don’t need to live with it. Here are some things that you can do at home to help cure bad breath. Brush & Floss Daily: Brushing twice a day will help remove bad breath bacteria from the surface of your teeth. Flossing will take care of bacteria under the gum line, and a quick, gentle scrape of your tongue will swipe off any hiding in the grooves. Snack on Fruits & Veggies: Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables is not only good for your body, it’s good Drs. Kate & John for your oral health, too. We recommend snacking on raw, crunchy carrots, apples, and Schacherl, D.D.S. celery. These healthy, yummy, treats rub off bacteria in between brushings, helping to keep breath fresh. Drink Water: Just like water helps hydrate your body, it also does the same for your mouth.

Water is another way to rinse away bacteria and keep saliva production efficient. Sometimes water just doesn’t cut it, and your mouth is still left feeling dry. This could be a sign of dry mouth, and dry mouth can cause bad breath. Ask your dentist about how to deal with dry mouth. We can offer options. Quit Smoking: Smoking does more than contribute to dry mouth, it can also lead to smokers’ breath. Smoke particles and their smell can stay in the lungs even after a cigarette break, which means the smokers’ breath is prolonged, too.

2985 Triverton Pike Dr., Ste. 200, Fitchburg, WI 53711 pfaffs@firstweber.com • www.shawnpfaff.firstweber.com

PHYSICAL THERAPY

VETERINARIAN

Q. I am interested in your opinion of scar tissue and the pain that can be caused

Q. Increasing daylight and sunshine means Spring is coming, are there any precautions I should take or things

A. A good rule of thumb is that “normal” tissue healing takes approximately 6-8 weeks.

A. Spring brings Nature’s rejuvenation, warmer weather, and the “Spring Cleaning” our houses probably deserve. It’s easy to include our

by it. My scar is over 3 years old. Can you still make changes to the scar?

I should be thinking about for my pet as warmer weather steadily approaches?

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Scar modification is able to begin around 2-4 weeks with significant results throughout the remainder of the healing process. However, once the tissues are fully healed (and the scar tissue has already formed), a common misconception is that the scar will always be present. Not only is the person left with thick, darkened scar tissue, they may also have blood vessels, nerves, muscles or other soft tissue trapped in the scar. There may be chronic pain, lack of circulation, and muscle and soft tissue imbalance related to the density of the scar tissue. Scar mobilization is an important, yet Susan Armstrong, MPT often overlooked, part of the healing process. A skilled therapist will utilize modalities to prepare Physical Therapist the tissue, then a series of skilled manual techniques to modify the adhesions which cause the scar tissue. Significant reduction in the thickness and appearance of scar tissue is usually noticed within a few visits. Contact Stellar Rehab at 608-845-2100 or www.stellarrehab.com today to learn more about the process of scar modification and relief of associated chronic pain.

pets, too. We can “clean up” our act and remove any potentially toxic products or use them more safely and effectively to minimize their accidental ingestion. If using rodenticides (mouse/rat poison) to eliminate uninvited rodent visitors, be aware they are highly toxic to our pets and may cause rapid internal bleeding or neurologic toxicity depending on their formula. Use them in hard-to-reach locations a curious pet won’t have access to, store them securely, and save the package materials (with the formulation!) in case of accidental ingestion. Avoid purchasing “loose” baits that aren’t in a self-contained, disposable apparatus. With warmth comes external parasites. If you aren’t using year-round flea and tick prevention already, now is the time to start! Pay special attention whenever using topical products as dog-specific formulations are toxic to cats. Never use a dog-specific product to treat cats and take care to keep cats away from dogs after they’ve been treated to prevent accidental ingestion of the preventative treatment. If you have curious cats and a snuggly dog, consider switching to an oral product instead. If your dog is showing signs of Spring fever and becoming restless at home, using a Kong filled with frozen peanut butter is an easy solution—but make sure it isn’t sugar free peanut butter. One artificial sweetener, Xylitol, is well-tolerated by humans but in dogs may cause severely low blood sugar levels with the potential for seizures and other neurologic disease. Peanut butter with actual sugar tastes better anyway. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our pets’ health, if you think your pet got into something they shouldn’t have and aren’t sure of potential signs of toxicity, don’t hesitate to call your local veterinarian.

.

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INSURANCE

Q. How can Jonah’s help with my spring cleaning?

A. This is the time of the year where we finally get to open the windows and feel

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Patti Cardarelle

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the fresh air. With that comes spring cleaning. Let us help you sell those “no longer needed” valuables and get cash in your pockets. Do you have things in your basement?

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Use our services and experience to make those cleaning projects a little easier and put extra money in your pocket. Drop off at our Verona location or schedule an appointment for us to come to you. Once listed and sold, we ship the item(s) out and pay you. We assist clients with single items, large collections, downsizing, estates, and even liquidating businesses.

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ConnectFitchburg.com

March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

15

Spring election

Fitchburg District 3 candidate profiles Shannon Strassman The Fitchburg Star sent candidate questionnaires to both candidates for a twoyear term as alder in District 3, Seat 6 in the City of Fitchburg.

Incumbent Shannon Strassman is running for the seat for the first time after being appointed in August 2019 after former Ald.

Dan Carpenter vacated it when he moved out of the district. Newcomer Dave Carlson is challenging her for the seat.

Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words, with an exception of one question up to 100 words. They were also allowed to skip two questions.

Dave Carlson Age: 57 Family: Married (Rochelle) with two children (Tim and Peter, both adults) Originally from: Sioux Falls, South Dakota Lived in Fitchburg since: 2016 Education: M.A., Philosophy, UW-Madison O c c u p a t i o n : C o l l eg e advisor Employer/job title: Carlson UW-Whitewater at Rock County Political experience: Fitchburg Plan Commission Other notable affiliations: President of statewide academic staff organization, president of public library board, president of condo association Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

I believe in giving back and being part of something bigger than myself. As a leader in professional and civic organizations I have demonstrated that I am a patient listener, I have a good grasp of issues, and I am willing to work hard. As an alder, I will devote my time and talents to ensuring that Fitchburg is an attractive and affordable place to live.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

Affordability — we must meet the need for all kinds of housing. Livability — we must make every neighborhood healthy and safe. Sustainability — we must address the causes and effects of climate change.

The city put the comprehensive plan process on an eight-month timeline. Do you agree with how this was handled?

I wish there had been more public

presentations, especially in the final stages. The update seems to preserve our most important commitments, but no last-minute amendments should escape scrutiny just because there is a looming (and self-imposed) deadline.

How can the city balance promoting development with the needs of the rural residents?

Everyone has a stake in this. Our comprehensive plan says we should encourage compact neighborhoods and in-fill development if we want to preserve agricultural and other land outside the urban service area.

What does the city need to do to ensure equitable access to city services, particularly for those west of Verona Road and in rural areas?

Reconstruction of Verona Road has left some gaping holes and barriers. The city might reimagine public transportation for the area, but let’s invite entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders to consider all the new opportunities there are.

What responsibility does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

Fitchburg is not an island; we must work with other municipalities and with the county to address water issues. But we can reevaluate the standards by which we build and maintain our own infrastructure, and we can enlist the aid of every citizen to reduce runoff in their own backyard.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

My wife and I were attracted by the diversity of Fitchburg’s places and people.

We love its mix of urban amenities and wide open spaces that are always just a trail away.

Age: 43 Family: Single mother, daughter Liliana, 9 Originally from: Fitchburg Lived in Fitchburg since: For the better part of 33 years Education: MATC Occupation: Emergency Tech Employer/job title: St. Mary’s Hospital Political experience: Current Alder (District 3, Seat 6), Public Safety and Human Services Committee, Landmarks Committee, Community & Economic Development Authority Strassman Other notable affiliations: Volunteer with Segs4Vets (non-profit, helping veterans regain mobility and independence) Why are you running for alder, and why should people vote for you?

I want to continue as alder because I care about our future. As a single mother, I believe social responsibility is important as our city grows. I feel strongly that the values and voices of all citizens must be heard so future generations can enjoy all Fitchburg has to offer.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

I consistently hear concerns related to density and taxes, as well as traffic, public safety and transparency. We must evaluate development projects and make sure they align with the goals of the community. As an alder, I will seek input from all parties to ensure best outcomes for all.

The city put the comprehensive plan process on an eight-month timeline. Do you agree with how this was handled?

The previous Comprehensive Plan was done very well and properly guided us the past 10 years. With the current update, there was no need to reinvent the wheel and city staff along with elected officials have done an excellent job making sure that citizens had many opportunities to express their views.

How can the city balance promoting development with the needs of the rural residents?

Development is inevitable but it must be responsible and sustainable.

Fitchburg’s success lies in the updated

Comprehensive Plan. Several revisions will allow for flexibility to address needs as they arise while still adhering to the plan. Clear communication will be needed. Working together we can build a united, strong community.

Would you push for any changes to the agreement to annex part of the Town of Madison when it dissolves?

Although this agreement was made in 2003, if changes can still be made, I would see to it that it is a win-win for all.

We know there will be additional costs to taxpayers, so we need to ensure we provide needed services while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.

What responsibility does the city have to manage increasing problems with stormwater and flooding?

We must learn from past experiences and similar cities, and city engineers must collaborate with private developers as well as regulatory agencies like the DNR. This will help Fitchburg escape future damage that has occurred in areas such as Lake Barney. The underlying issue for the majority of damage was lack of maintenance. Making sure drainage ditches are cleared so that water can easily pass through is crucial. We also need to ensure as new developments are built, the storm water run-off is adequately accounted for and discharged appropriately.

If budgets and spending limits did not prevent it, what is one project you would champion to improve the quality of life in Fitchburg?

We should maintain and provide firstrate amenities that make our community even better. I am proud to support the COPA (Community Organizations Promoting the Arts), a group working to build a performing arts center in Fitchburg. I believe the city should be a financial partner in the generational project.

What is the best thing about Fitchburg?

The charm. Fitchburg encompasses a fantastic balance of city and rural. We must hold onto that charm by working with residents and business owners to ensure we continue to be a destination community. Short term goals need to align with long term goals and we need to make sure every voice is heard.

Fitchburg library offers variety of youth events NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

The Fitchburg library offers events for youth of all ages.

S o m e r e c e n t eve n t s h ave included a zen garden making workshop for teens ages 13-17 led by librarian Holly Gray on Thursday, Jan. 9, “Explorastory” for children ages 1-3 led by librarian Lynn Behrend on Wednesday, Feb. 5 and a “Book Boogie” for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2-5 led by librarian Kelly Witt on Friday, Feb. 7.

The zen garden workshop provided teens with sand, shells, miniature rakes and dishes to

create a meditative garden for their bedrooms.

At Exploratory, kids and caretakers were engaged by a variety of sensory and creative activities including crafts, costumes, bubbles, rubber ducks and a floor piano.

The Book Boogie got children moving and shaking to a variety of songs and stories. For one song, everyone was given an egg shaker to rattle. Another song instructed the kids to move around making silly dances until the song shouted “freeze,” stopping the youth still in their tracks.

Neal Patten, community reporter, can be contacted at neal.patten@ wcinet.com.

Photos by Neal Patten

Maddy Dipko makes a craft with her mom Heather at the library’s Explorastory event on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Youth librarian Kelly Witt and Sam Van Driel strike a pose during the silly dance at the library’s Book Boogie event on Friday, Feb. 7.

16

March 13, 2020

ConnectFitchburg.com

Fitchburg Star

Spring election

Udell, Lehmann move on to April contest Jones eliminated during Feb. 18 primary KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Randy Udell and Scott Lehmann will move on to the April 7 election for City of Fitchburg’s District 4 seat.

The two advanced from the primary election held on Tuesday, Feb. 18, where t h ey e d g e d out candidate Lehmann Marc Jones.

Udell received 45% of the votes from the district, with 507, and Lehmann received 31.3%, with 353 votes.

Jones received the remaining 21.3% of vo t e s , w i t h 262 people casting their ballots for Udell him.

Udell, a retired AT&T engineer who volunteers as the treasurer for the state Democratic Party, said he’s running for

the seat because he wants to be a forward-thinking leader for the district. Udell said he and other residents of his district are concerned about climate change and the impact it’s having on the rural areas of Fitchburg, and he’s also concerned with fiscal responsibility.

Lehmann, a crime scene investigation detective for the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, also serves on

the Agriculture and Rural Affairs committee, and he has volunteered as a coach and as a part of the leadership board for his childrens’ football program.

Lehmann said he’s concerned about road conditions and construction timelines in the city, as well as stormwater management and flooding in the Lake Barney area on the southern border with Oregon.

The winner of the April 7 election will get a two-year seat. The incumbent, Janell Rice, who won a one-year seat last April, declined to run again, citing a family matter as her reason for not running.

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.​

Verona Area Board of MMSD Seat 6 candidate profiles Education At-large candidates The Fitchburg Star sent candidate questionnaires to both candidates for the At-Large seat for the Verona Area Board of Education.

Incumbent Debbie Biddle will be running in her first election after she was appointed to the at-large seat in early 2019 after Russell King resigned. Bob Ross is challenging her for the seat.

Candidates were asked to limit their

answers to 50 words, with an exception of one question up to 100 words. They were also allowed to skip two questions.

Due to an error by Fitchburg Star staff, questionnaires were not sent out to candidates with the same length of a response time as normally given for candidates.

Any additional candidate questionnaires that are received will be updated online at ConnectFitchburg.com.

Debbie Biddle Age: 58 Family: Married to Lloyd Biddle (31 years on 5/27). He is the Sr. Associate Pastor at High Point Church. Jason (2012 VAHS graduate) is a Human Resources professional at Access Community Health Centers and Jared (2017 VAHS graduate) is a junior at UW-Madison.

Originally from: Waukegan, Illinois Lived in district since: 2006 Education: MBA from Keller Graduate School of Biddle Management and BA in Finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Occupation: Diversity and Inclusion Consultant Employer/job title: Founder and Chief Consultant at The People company LLC Political experience: Currently a VASD Board of Education member, at-large seat Other notable affiliations: • Africasong, Inc. Board Member & Planning Committee Chair, Since 2016 Annual State of Wisconsin Tribute & Celebration Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Capitol Rotunda • Dane County Office for Equity and Inclusion Advisory Board • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. — Madison Alumnae Chapter Chaplain’s Council Member Economic Development Committee Member Golden Life Member • Madison Downtown Rotary Racial Equity and Inclusion Committee Member Music Committee Member • Meriter Hospital Community Health Impact Committee member Why are you running?

As a school board member, I will continue to work to ensure students are prepared for success in college, the workplace, and life. I want to be part of the effort to ensure excellent education and be a voice for all parents and students. I want to see VASD have teachers that are equipped to teach all students equitably, at high levels and with high expectations, so that every student thrives.

What are the most important issues facing the district over the next three years?

VASD must do all it can to ensure that every student is successful at every stage and that those graduating are college, career and community ready, including: • Maintaining high expectations, rigorous programs and success supports to ensure learning environments are excellent, inclusive and safe for all students.

• Recruiting and retaining diverse educators representative of the student population o

Providing culturally relevant and inclusive curriculum and supports • Supporting and empowering educators in ways that result in their ability to deliver excellent educational experiences is important • What can the district do to close “achievement gaps” between students of color and their white peers?

Closing the achievement gaps requires multidimensional solutions, including: • Ensuring high-standards, materials and learning opportunities; • Fostering wellness through school-based health initiatives, social-emotional learning, and addressing mental health challenges; • Teachers matching the racial and other identities of students; • Access to advanced opportunities; • Culturally relevant assignments; • and research-based, non-discriminatory disciplinary policies and practices.

Do the new attendance boundaries provide enough diversity in schools?

Diversity within the new VASD boundaries is a high priority for families and the school board. The board worked hard with considerable input from the community to ensure diversity is represented at each school. Important to diversity is ensuring the teaching staff is culturally fluent, responsive and representative of the student diversity.

How important is it to ensure students at the two middle schools – with very different facilities – have the same access to programs?

Equitable access to programming for learning and achievement are important.

The facilities don’t have to be identical in order for that to occur. However, we must be thoughtful and plan well, so that all students have equal access to comparable resources in light of their educational needs.

Has the district done a good job of implementing initiatives like personalized learning, the Nurtured Heart Approach and Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports?

Both NHA and PBIS have proven effective ways to engage and support students. Not every school has embraced the programs in the same ways. Yet, there are reports of truly wonderful outcomes between staff and students that have benefited student learning.

Has the district done enough to ensure its schools are safe?

The district regularly reviews and implements plans, policies and procedures to ensure school safety. VASD works collaboratively with local police and community organizations to ensure safe student environments.

The Fitchburg Star sent candidate questionnaires to both candidates for the At-Large Seat 6 for the Madison School Board.

There is no incumbent, as Kate Toevs is not running for reelection. Maia Pearson and Christina Gomez Schmidt will compete in the April 7 election for the seat.

Candidates were asked to limit their answers to 50 words, with an exception of

one question up to 100 words. They were also allowed to skip two questions.

Due to an inadvertent timeline mistake

by Fitchburg Star staff, questionnaires were not sent out to candidates with the same length of a response time as normally given for candidates. Any additional candidate questionnaires that are received will be updated online at ConnectFitchburg. com.

Maia Pearson Age: 32 Family: 3 children, ages 10 and 9 Originally from: Madison Lived in the district since: 1987. Born and raised on Madison’s South side Education: B.A. in International Studies-Cultures in the Age of Globalization from the Pearson University of Wisconsin-Madison Occupation: Revenue Agent Employer/job title: Wisconsin Department of Revenue Political experience: Dane County Dr. MLK Humanitarian Award Commissioner, Prior Serve Wisconsin board member Other notable affiliations: Boys & Girls Club of Dane County, Burr Oaks Neighborhood Association, South Metropolitan Planning Council, Vilas Park Master Plan Resident Resource Group, UW Alumni Association, International Studies Association, UW PEOPLE program Why are you running for the Madison Metropolitan School District Board, and why should people vote for you?

I want to address the generational access to success.

I will advocate and work to ensure that the education system is equitable and safe for students, their families, and for teachers.

As a third generation

Get ConneCted Find updates and links right away.

Search for us on Facebook as “Fitchburg Star” and then LIKE us.

Madisonian, I deeply care about our community and children. I want to see changes in (1) how we think about student safety, (2) how we support community member’s increased investment (3) the focus on the incredible work of our teachers who help students master the content and their own learning process.

I am representative of the connection between our schools and community, so let’s build stronger schools together.

W h a t a re t h e m o s t important issues facing the district?

• T h e a c h i eve m e n t a n d opportunity gaps and the effect on students and the city.

• The decline of district student enrollment.

• Safety of our schools.

Each issue is multifaceted.

The district will need to work with local government, business and community partners to find positive sustainable solutions.

How can the district close to the opportunity gap for

students of color?

• All day 4-year-old kindergarten for earlier access to success.

• Increased teacher autonomy and decision making (including class sizes, curriculum decisions, assessment options) • Expand the conversation about student safety to focus on what makes students feel safe in a classroom instead of focusing on behavior.

Should there be police officers in MMSD high schools? Why or why not?

We all know that the safest neighborhoods are not the neighborhoods with the most police. The safest neighborhoods are the neighborhoods with the best schools. Our job in terms of public safety is to provide everyone with quality education.

Do you agree with how the district handled the superintendent hiring process?

I believe that the district tried to ensure better transparency during the hiring process of the superintendent.

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

March 13, 2020 - Fitchburg Star 17

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

SUNNYSIDE DOG PARK CLOSED

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITIES Earn Cash • Have Fun • Build Skills

Due to wet conditions, Sunnyside Park is closed until further notice

IN-PERSON ABSENTEE VOTING HOURS In-person absentee voting hours for the April 7, 2020 spring election and presidential primary are as follows: March 16th through April 2nd, Monday

through Friday during normal business hours – 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 3rd – 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road.

WATERWAY CLEANUPS

The City of Fitchburg is currently recruiting for a variety of summer employment opportunities. Positions available in Public Works, Parks, and Recreation.

• Program Coordinator • Program Leader • Tennis Instructor • Parks, Streets, & Utility Maintenance Workers Qualifications vary based upon position.

Starting pay $9.25 - $12.75 per hour.

For details and to submit an online application visit: https://bit.ly/2VOVxVk

Hurry! Jobs open until filled.

Waterway cleanups will be held at various locations throughout the City on Saturday, April 4, 2020. More details will be posted soon at http://www.fitchburgwi.gov/2634/Waterway-Cleanups

RECREATION DEPARTMENT Saturday, April 25th, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

To view a list of programs and activities offered by the Fitchburg Recreation Department, visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/fitchburg/Activity_Search Registration is open for spring and summer programs.

Topics include bicycle commuting, gear and equipment, route-planning, road/trail safety, and a general Q & A conversation.

Sustainability bike ride with Bike Fitchburg to follow (weather permitting) Watch for more details coming soon!

SENIOR CENTER

BIKE COMMUTING WORKSHOP

THE 2020 CENSUS IS COMING

The census occurs every 10 years and provides a count of the nation’s population.

The data collected from the census is used

to determine the number of seats each state has in the U.S. House of Representatives and for distribution of billions of dollars in federal funds to local governments.

Watch for an invitation in the mail from the U.S. Census Bureau. After receiving the invitation, complete your census form in March and April to benefit everyone in the City of Fitchburg.

Learn more at www.fitchburgwi.gov/2020Census or 2020census.gov #FitchburgCounts #2020Census

SAVE THE DATE Confidential Paper Shredding, MedDrop & Electronics Recycling Saturday, April 18th, 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Gather up old confidential papers, electronics and meds and join us at Fitchburg’s spring cleanup events, held on City Campus, 5520 Lacy Road. Watch for directional signs for traffic flow.

Shredding is for confidential papers - all other paper products should be placed directly in resident recycling bin for bi-weekly curbside recycling pick up.

Residents can bring up to three boxes of confidential papers.

The Fitchburg Police Dept. will collect unwanted prescription medications

(MedDrop). Enter at the Police Dept. entrance.

Bring small electronics for recycling. Most items can be recycled at no cost. Items with a fee include CRT/flat screen monitors and flat screen TV’s.

New this year, the City has a budget for battery recycling.

Fitchburg residents will be able to recycle up to five pounds of batteries and one car battery, until the City reaches the set limit.

For complete details on the event, visit https://bit.ly/32TxG8H

Like us on

Bird Watching Enthusiasts

Join Meteorologist Tim Halbach, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, on Tuesday, March 17, at 1:00pm to learn about weather forecasting, office operations and the commitment to keeping us safe as it relates to the weather!

Will be meeting at the Senior Center on Thursday, March 19th at 1:00pm to discuss their first evening walk. Walk is scheduled for that same evening at 7:15pm.

Group will meet near Eagle School, 5400 Gunflint Trail.

Dress for the weather, bring a flashlight and be prepared to walk for about 1.5 hours.

Milwaukee Beer Line Gallery and Presentation On Tuesday, March 31st come and learn about the height of Milwaukee’s beer industry in the 1950’s and the history and decline of the 6.2 mile Beer Line branch of the Milwaukee Railroad.

Save the Date Save the date for the Annual Pancake Breakfast – Sunday, April 26, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. - Noon

SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS Syene Road, Seminole Highway and McCoy Road Motorists will notice new signage on Syene Road that reduces the speed limit from McCoy Road to Byrne Road from 45 to 35 mph. The area adjacent to Syene Road has experienced a growth in development over the past 10 years that has increased the amount of traffic along the road. This development, along with a new fire station and concerns from residents, prompted the speed limit change.

Seminole Highway motorists will notice new signs changing the speed limit to 35 mph from Lacy Road to 270 feet north of Sentinel Pass due to new development.

In addition, the entire length of McCoy Road will soon see a speed reduction from 45 mph to 40 mph to reflect the recent speed limit reduction along CTH MM.

REFUSE & RECYCLING INFORMATION

NOW ACCEPTING MAYORAL APPOINTMENT APPLICATION FORMS The City is seeking applications from Fitchburg residents interested in serving on citizen committees. Serving on a citizen com-

Learning Annex 2.0

mittee or commission is a substantial and meaningful opportunity for citizens to participate in city government and to contribute their time, talents and expertise to Fitchburg.

Applications are reviewed by the Mayor for appointment and confirmed by the Common Council. Term lengths range from 2, 3 and 5 years. Applications received will be considered for appointments beginning in April.

View a complete list of committees and commissions: https://www.fitchburgwi.gov/131/ Complete-List-of-Boards-Commissions Complete the application form for consideration here: https://bit.ly/3cymLp5

www.facebook.com/FitchburgWI and Follow us on

@FitchburgWI

Have too much trash for your cart?

Refuse tags are no longer sold at City Hall.

Residents need to contact Pellitteri Waste Systems to pay for additional refuse bags over the phone. Pricing for additional bags is $3.50 each, up to a 32-gallon bag. When full, the bag may not weigh over 50 pounds. This process makes it easier for Pellitteri to know ahead of time how many extra bags to expect on a route.

Refuse tags are not needed for additional recyclables. Additional recyclables that do not fit in the cart can be placed in a clear plastic bag (up to 32-gallon and no more than 50 pounds) and put next to the recycling cart.

Additional recyclables will be collected at no additional charge.

Residents can schedule extra refuse bags by calling (608) 257-4285 any time before 4:00 p.m. on the weekday preceding the next collection day.

Need a new or larger cart?

New homes that need carts for the first time or homes that need replacement carts due to loss, damage, etc. will be charged a one-time fee of $60 per cart payable to Pellitteri Waste Systems. Call Pellitteri at (608) 257-4285

Have LARGE items to dispose of?

Do you have large items to dispose of such as mattresses, bed frames, furniture, TV’s, stereos, microwaves, or other furniture? Call Pellitteri to arrange a special pick-up collection. (608) 257-4285. adno=131326

18

March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

ConnectFitchburg.com

Lake: Problems exacerbated by development to the north, lack of outlets for water flow just across the highway on Nesbitt Road, who used to Lake and a determination of swim in the lake and go fishwhat is an achievable water ing decades ago. level for the lake.

“None of that can you do Among the potential short- today,” he said. term solutions are adding culverts to improve flow across Man-made challenges Sheets said part of the rea18-151 and removing a gravel son Goose Lake has grown road that blocks the lake to in the last 30 years is a result the west.

Town public works director of climate change, which has Chris Barnes said the increas- resulted in increased precipiing water levels in Goose tation.

It’s also been affected Lake aren’t unique to the area. He said increased pre- by development in Goose cipitation is causing levels to Lake’s watershed to the north, rise throughout the Midwest. including the Orchard Pointe “It’s indicative of what we development that includes the see in the other lakes in the Target and Hy-Vee properties area, like Monona, and the in the city, Sheets said. He whole Yahara River area,” expressed those concerns to he said. “The water collects, the Press more than a decade goes into Goose Lake, it fills ago, when the booming 100up and there’s no other capac- acre shopping area to the north ity for the water to go, and it was just beginning to develop.

“We appeared and did a lot just backs up onto the road.”

Other areas of both the of screaming and shouting and town and the city have suf- pounding the table to get them fered from water manage- to do more in the way of retention ponds,” he said. “We had ment issues.

There are several areas of seen the surging of the lake the town near waterways sus- whenever there was a 1-inch, ceptible to flooding, including 2-inch rain – in a one-day White Crossing Road in the period, the lake would surge northwest and Hwy. 69 where sometimes five or six feet – it’s it crosses the Sugar River, gotten worse as we’ve seen Locust Drive and Sunset more rain.”

The lake has two 18-inch Drive in the south side of the man-made culverts on the town. As a result of repeated western side of the lake, which flooding problems in recent send water into a wetland years, the Plan Commission scrape area that was created is working on revising its subduring the construction of the division ordinance to improve 18-151 bypass.

If those two stormwater management culverts become blocked or practices.

In the rural areas on Fitch- full, the lake flows out onto burg’s southern border, multi- Fitchrona Road before water ple jurisdictions are analyzing levels would be high enough another body of water, Lake to drain over the land above Barney. That glacial kettle has the culverts.

A 1997 land plan from the ballooned from 30 acres to as Madison Metropolitan Sewer much as 800, causing signifiDistrict claims a culvert once cant flooding and water table existed underneath a gravel pressure issues in the area, access road leading south from and that has resulted in 25% the road, but neither city staff of crop land being unusable nor Sheets, who was the Veroand residents having to put up na’s town chair from 1999flood barriers and take down 2001, have been able to find trees that died after the roots one. were oversaturated.

Sheets said the chief engiGoose Lake is a kettle, too, neer of MMSD told him the so while it’s still a part of a driveway has existed for many watershed, it has no natural years. But without a culvert in outlets for water to flow out. that driveway, Sheets said, the That means when the water driveway serves as an envilevel increases in Goose ronmental barrier, preventing Lake, there are only two ways water from infiltrating into the for it to leave if culverts aren’t Badger Mill Creek to the west. put in: evaporation into the “The driveway is a dam,” he air or infiltration through the said. “We’ve asked Fitchburg, ground.

Dane County Parks, Town of The city is limited in what it Verona, and they all walked can do to solve flooding with along with me – they went out Fitchrona Road itself – there there, and we showed them – are federal regulations that they went, ‘Oh, yeah, that’s prevent it from being raised really serious. It wouldn’t take under the 18-151 overpass, much to put in a culvert.’” and the state Department of Transportation isn’t planning Finding solutions to do maintenance on the Short-term solutions to bridge for another 25 years, Goose Lake’s outlet problems according to the request for can be solved through culproposals. vert work closer to FitchroFitchrona Road and the na Road, and Fitchburg has area surrounding it near the already gotten started.

18-151 overpass have expeClaudia Guy, environrienced flooding from the mental project engineer for lake for the last two decades. Fitchburg, told the Press in an Most recently, the city closed email the county and MMSD the road due to high water removed a culvert in Februthe same week the city ary near the lift station off reopened the Nesbitt-Fitchro- of Fitchrona Road that was na Road intersection with a impounding water and prenew roundabout in October venting it from leaving the 2019. In 2018, record rainfalls area. caused the road to be closed “We anticipate that this will twice in August. improve flow through the sysThe changes to Goose Lake tem to Goose Lake,” she said. haven’t manifested beyond Last year, the city worked growth and flooding, Sheets with AECOM, an infrastrucsaid, pointing to the health of ture architecture firm, to the lake itself. study Fitchrona Road under Sheets recalled stories from the bypass. That study reca man who used to live near ommended the city include what is now Quivey’s Grove, culverts underneath Fitchrona Continued from page 1

File by Kimberly Wethal

Fitchrona Road is closed near Goose Lake on Aug. 21, 2018, due to flooding from record breaking rains in the county. The road has repeatedly been closed because of flooding from Goose Lake in the last two decades.

Road when it is reconstructed in 2023, Guy said.

In addition to a new outlet for Goose Lake, the study proposal document stated the municipalities would be open to creating connections between the manmade wetland the lake’s water moves to, as well as between the wetland and Badger Mill Creek.

Sheets said any solution for Goose Lake should include removing land barriers that make it difficult for water to flow out of the area.

“I’m just frustrated with the lack of action 15 years ago when we were sounding the alarm,” he said. “They really need to lower these lakes by two feet or more.”

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@ Photo by Kimberly Wethal wcinet.com and follow her on The driveway put in prior to when the Madison Metropolitan Sewer District put Twitter @kimberly_wethal. improvements near Goose Lake acts as an environmental dam for the lake.

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Business

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March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

19

Building brands and community Helping nonprofits, startups has boosted Tingalls over the past 20 years

Tingalls Graphic Design 2939 S. Fish Hatchery Road 268-5525 tingalls.com

EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

What began as a small freelance business in 2000 is celebrating two decades of growth — and serving its community.

In that time, Tingalls Graphic Design, 2939 S. Fish Hatchery Road, has helped more than 1,100 companies and nonprofit organizations build their brands, owner and creative director Tara Ingalls told the Star. Ingalls said around 80%90% of those companies are from the Dane County Area.

She said that’s been one of the greatest joys of owning her business — making a difference.

Tingalls Graphic Design has grown to offer such services as logo and branding design, website design, copywriting and search engine optimization, Ingalls said.

Specifically, companies trust Tingalls designers to conceptualize designs for print, packaging, trade shows, new businesses, infographics and events. Ingalls said that could even extend as far as helping people pick out wearable clothing for business golf outings.

For its work, Tingalls Graphic Design won the InBusiness Magazine’s Executive Choice for best Website Development Company 2015-2019. It also won the Dane

Photo submitted

The Tingalls conference room displays a variety of print collateral, branded promotional items, and package design from past clients.

County Small Business Award in 2016.

Ingalls started in the corporate world, but after she began picking up freelance marketing gigs on the side, her business began to take off.

She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a double major in communication arts and journalism, then worked for a Madison advertising agency.

But she found she wanted something more.

While waiting to take design classes at Madison, Ingalls began working for an insurance company, moving up the ladder to a corporate communications position with its parent business. She then decided to forgo a formal education, instead working for three years to master layout, illustration and photography on the job.

Around 2000, Ingalls married and decided to freelance while still working full time. With networking

Starting with pen and paper enhances quick visual thinking and creative ideas, owner Tara Ingalls said. Graphic designer Nicole Jacobson brainstorms through sketching.

and word-of-mouth advertising, Ingalls was able to effectively market her services to start-ups, small businesses and nonprofits.

By 2003, her business was nearly taking up her house, so she moved Tingalls Graphic Design into a small office.

Today, Tingalls has a staff of around 10 employees.

One of the projects that put the design company on the map, Ingalls said, was branding for Sun Prairie’s

J. Henry and Sons bourbon. Tingalls designed the logo, coasters, its bottle label and website.

Among the company’s work is Community Living Connections, which hired Tingalls to develop its brand identity – including a more welcoming website. More notable nonprofits the business has worked with include The Road Home, Heartland Farm Sanctuary, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services and the Urban League of Greater Madison.

To assist nonprofits on tight budgets and in need of graphic design work, she established the Giving Tree Program, which pairs experienced designers with interns to keep costs down.

She also enjoys the culture she’s come to create with her staff.

Ingalls said because she is quirky and fun, she wants her employees to have fun while at work. She said Tingalls encourages a work life balance, a self-starting attitude, authenticity and clear communication.

“I want my employees to be happy and I want them to come to work and to do a good job,” Ingalls said.

Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie. heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

The Tingalls Team, presented from left to right is Kallie Johnson, graphic designer; Catherine Bell, copywriter; Crystal Brabender, account manager; Tara Ingalls, owner; Nicole Jacobson, graphic designer and Alyssa Daubs, graphic designer. Not pictured is Molly Dermody, office manager.

Fitchburg pharmacist gets state government award JIM FEROLIE Fitchburg Star editor

A Fitchburg pharmacy owner has been recognized for his efforts in shaping state pharmacy legislation and policies.

Thad Schumacher, owner of Fitchburg Family Pharmacy, 3050 Cahill Main, was awarded the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin’s (PSW) 2020 Good Government Award at the Society’s Legislative Day on Feb. 12, society staff confirmed Feb. 26.

The annual award acknowledges a PSW member who has made significant contributions in shaping policies that affect the profession, according to the PSW website.

Schumacher served on

Wisconsin’s Pharmacy Examining Board from 2011 to 2019, and has been chair for the last five years.

During his time on the Board, he led rules revision on prescription delivery and the compounding of sterile medication.

“I was honored to work with such a collaborative and dedicated team on the Pharmacy Examining Board; it was our passion for patients and communities that drove our advocacy and decision-making,” Schumacher said in the release. “I believe that is how all advocacy should function: with the people put first.”

Since leaving the board in July, Schumacher has been invited to testify on several occasions at the Pharmacy Examining Board and in both chambers at the State

Capitol, his release said.

He helped organize fellow pharmacists and pharmacy students to push the board to not change rules around counseling patients and the mailing of prescriptions, and he rallied and testified with colleagues in support of Wisconsin AB 114 and SB 100.

The bills, which have bipartisan support, would regulate pharmacy benefit managers, which negotiate and manage prescription drug prices and benefits for health plans.

Schumacher’s release said the practices of PBMs raise drug prices and have negative effects on pharmacy reimbursements.

Photo by Matthew Margolis Email Fitchburg Star editor Jim Fitchburg pharmacist Thad Schumacher receives the Good Government Ferolie at fitchburgstar@wcinet. Award at the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin’s Legislative Day conference com.​ in February.

20 Fitchburg Star - March 13, 2020

VOTE

Maldonado Gerhardt Carlson Udell FOR

CIT Y

COUNCIL

Dear Fitchburg Residents,

ON

APRIL

7

Fitchburg’s Plan Commission, making decisions for the long-term

I am Ada Deer, a member of the Menominee Nation, alumna of the University of Wisconsin, and long-time Fitchburg resident. I spent my career in service locally as a social worker and professor and

good of the city. As alder he will work hard to make Fitchburg an inclusive community. As we grow, Dave will support innovative ways to create and maintain vibrant, affordable, economically strong, and sustainable neighborhoods.

nationally as head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Randy Udell has spent his adult life in service. He is the elected

I am Frances Huntley-Cooper. I have lived for decades in the Jamestown neighborhood, raising two children into adulthood. I am also a retired social worker of over 26 years and have served both as alder and the first African American elected as mayor of Fitchburg.

Treasurer of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, has canvassed for political candidates all throughout his life, has worked for elected federal officials, and is a retired engineer from AT&T. He is an experienced steward of resources and will not only fiscally direct our

We care deeply about Fitchburg: ensuring that we invest in youth,

local government, but address the needs of his residents, who often

that our neighborhoods are safe, that all our residents can afford to

disproportionately feel the effects of flooding due to climate change.

live and work here, and that our natural resources are protected. This is why we strongly endorse Joe Maldonado (District 1), Gabriella Gerhardt (District 2), Dave Carlson (District 3), and Randy Udell (District 4) for City Council.

We endorse Joe, Gabriella, Dave, and Randy. They have been actively canvassing in their neighborhoods and truly listening to their neighbors’ concerns. On April 7th, we have the opportunity to build a more environmentally resilient, economically just Fitchburg that

Joe Maldonado is a servant to youth and families, building strong relationships and preparing thousands for work and higher education. He can skillfully build partnerships driven by community input and data that create results. His wife, Mariam, built a successful business from the ground up, Luna’s Groceries, meeting a need in the

welcomes diversity and opportunity. Please join us in voting for these Fitchburg City Council candidates on April 7th.

Sincerely, Ada Deer

Frances Huntley-Cooper

community. Joe has the passion and the knowledge to develop solutions to the clearest needs in his district.

Gabriella Gerhardt is a geologist by training and understands that our city must be proactive in addressing climate change locally. She has spent her career in service to community nonprofits like the Madison Children’s Museum and the Morgridge Institute for Research. She is positive, enthusiastic, and will listen to neighbors, ensuring that Fitchburg is a city that works for all our residents.

Dave Carlson has had a long, distinguished career in the UW System and as a community servant. He served diligently on

Joe Maldonado

www.joe4fitchburgwi.com

District 1

Gabriella Gerhardt

www.votegabriella.com

District 2

Dave Carlson

District 3

facebook.com/davecarlsonfitchburg

Randy Udell

District 4

www.randyudellforcitycouncil.com

ENDORSED BY THE DEMOCRATIC PART Y OF DANE COUNT Y Paid for by Joe4Fitchburg, Friends of Gabriella Gerhardt, Friends of Dave Carlson, and Committee to Elect Randy Udell

adno=143441

Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

Mark Nesbitt, assistant sports editor 845-9559 x237 • sportsreporter@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550

Sports

Friday, March 13, 2020

The

1

Fitchburg Star For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectFitchburg.com

Verona boys hockey

Wildcats work overtime Renlund nets gamewinner to give Verona state championship ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Like a center fielder patrolling the outfield, Verona junior Leo Renlund caught an airborne puck from Notre Dame de la Baie goaltender Bo Buckley.

Renlund dropped the puck and fired a shot just under Buckley’s legs 6:17 into overtime to give the Wildcats a thrilling 2-1 win over the top-seeded Tritons in the Division 1 state championship on Saturday, March 7, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Third-seeded Verona advanced to the title game with 1-0 double-overtime victory over second-seeded Chippewa Falls a day earlier in the state semifinals.

Verona 2, Notre Dame de la Baie 1, OT

Renlund ripped off his helmet and tossed it in the air as the celebration began for the Wildcats (25-4), who won their second state title in program history and first since 2014.

“It’s one of the best feelings in the world,” Renlund said. “It’s my

biggest goal for sure. I know there was a little bit of luck involved.

But I can definitely chalk it up to all of the hours in the basement and all the hours of practice, just knowing where I should be.”

Verona coach Joel Marshall wanted the team to celebrate the title like a fine dinner club party after appearing in the state tournament for the third year in a row.

“Going to that fine restaurant and getting that meal you like so much, you always want to go back,” Marshall said. “You always want to go back, but it’s hard to get a reservation.”

The Wildcats won the rubber match against Notre Dame by killing two penalties in the second period and one early in the third.

Instant replay also played a pivotal role in the final. Verona junior forward Walker Haessig had two goals wiped out because of goalie interference, the second call coming with 3:01 left in the third period that could have won the game in regulation.

“Both of them were hard to get through my head that they actually called them off,” Haessig said.

“We just had to keep going and get pucks on the net.”

“It’s definitely heartbreaking to have a goal taken away,” Renlund

Turn to Title/Page 3

Photos by Mark Nesbitt

Verona senior Cale Rufenacht (right) hugs junior Walker Haessig after the Wildcats beat Notre Dame de la Baie 2-1 in the Division 1 state championship on Saturday, March 7, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Madison.

Verona junior Leo Renlund (right) makes a pass in the second period against Notre Dame. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

Edgewood boys swimming

Crusaders claim title, teDuits wins four golds MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

The Edgewood boys swimming team celebrates after winning a second consecutive Division 2 state championship on Friday, Feb. 21, at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium.

Edgewood senior and University of Wisconsin recruit Truman teDuits had a Division 2 state swimming meet to remember after setting two state records and helping the Crusaders repeat as team champions. teDuits won individual state titles in the 200-yard individual medley (1:50.03) and the 100 butterfly (49.52) on Friday, Feb. 21, at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium. His time in the fly tied the state record set by McFarland’s Ryan O’Donnell in 2011.

“Tying that state record was pretty amazing,” teDuits said. “I would have liked to have beat it,

but a tie is pretty good. I’ll take it.”

Edgewood won four individual state titles and touched the wall first in two relays en route to repeating as state champions with 293 points, well ahead of runner-up Cedarburg (265).

The Crusaders won the first four events — diving, the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley to race out to an early lead.

Junior Ben Stitgen won the diving title for the third consecutive year with a score of 483.70. teDuits teamed with senior Alex Moen, sophomore Colin Senke and junior Chase Korb to win the 200 medley relay in a state-record time of 1:33.77, a little more than two seconds

ahead of Baraboo.

“The best part is definitely winning as a team,” teDuits said.

“It takes a whole team, working together, coming together, knowing we had put in so many hours of hard work.”

Senior Nate Frucht, a Boston University recruit, defended his title in the 200 free with a time of 1:41.30, 2.24 seconds ahead of Elkhorn’s Hunter Jonson. Frucht was the runner-up in the 500 free (4:42), a little less than three seconds behind Cedarburg’s Isaac Fleig.

“The second time is just as magical as the first,” Frucht said of winning the 200 free.

“Every single person on the team has to show up and swim

Turn to Edgewood/Page 2

2

March 13, 2020

ConnectFitchburg.com

Fitchburg Star

Madison West boys swimming

Casey-Hrenak, Feller win gold

VA/MH boys swimming

MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Big Eight Conference rival Middleton snapped Madison West’s streak of two straight Division 1 state championships on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The Regents finished fourth at the state meet with 180 points and had two swimmers win state championships at the University of Wisconsin-Natatorium.

Middleton captured the state title (228), just ahead of Waukesha South/Catholic Memorial (222). Fellow Big Eight member Sun Prairie (197) edged West for third.

R eg e n t s s e n i o r I s a a c Casey-Hrenak, a University of Wisconsin recruit, won the 100-yard freestyle state title in 44.97 seconds, 0.48 seconds ahead of Sun Prairie junior Ben Wiegand.

“It’s always been my dream to win a state championship,” Casey-Hrenak said. “I have worked so hard my whole life. That last race, I just wanted to let it all loose. I took it out well and I came back really fast.”

The Regents had expectations of contending for a third straight state team title, but Casey-Hrenak was satisfied as his teammates turned in many season-best times.

“We had a great state meet,” he said. “Everyone else swam amazing.”

Both Casey-Hrenak and Wiegand broke the previous state record in the 50 free.

However, Wiegand took gold with a time of 20.16 seconds and Casey-Hrenak finished second (20.43).

The duo broke the previous record (20.44) set by Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights’ Matt Friede in 2010.

The other title for the Regents came from senior Charlie Feller, a University of Iowa commit, who won the 100 breaststroke in 56.10 seconds, 0.69 seconds ahead of Wiegand.

Photos by Mark Nesbitt

Verona Area/Mount Horeb sophomore Oscar Best finished third in the 100-yard butterfly with a school-record time of 50.25 seconds at the Division 1 state meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium.

Best earns bronze medal in butterfly MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Madison West senior Isaac Casey-Hrenak reacts after winning the Division 1 state championship in the 100-yard freestyle with a time of 44.97 seconds on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the University orf Wisconsin Natatorium.

“It’s always been my dream to win a state championship. I have worked so hard my whole life. That last race, I just wanted to let it all loose. I took it out well and I came back really fast. We had a great state meet.

Everyone else swam amazing.”

Isaac Casey-Hrenak, Regents senior West coach Jack Engleh a r d t s a i d h e wa s n o t surprised Feller won the breaststroke title.

“He’s more of a late-season swimmer,” Englehardt said. “The breaststroke has been our bread and butter.

We probably could have had three kids medal.”

Instead, two of the four

swimmers the Regents had at state in the breaststroke medaled. Freshman Atticus Nordmeyer finished fifth (58.54), senior Ethan Dong placed 15th (59.78) and sophomore Henrik Siemering took 22nd (1:00.94).

The Regents’ 200 free relay team of CaseyHrenak, Feller, Dong and

senior Andrew Fernandez finished second with a time of 1:24.91, just behind Sun Prairie’s top time of 1:23.22.

Feller added a fifth-place finish in the 200 individual medley (1:53.54).

Casey-Hrenak, Feller, Nordmeyer and senior Victor Bulat placed sixth in the 200 medley relay (1:34.33).

The Regents’ 400 free relay team of Bulat, Fernandez and seniors Max Weygandt and Jack Barber also took sixth (3:12.39).

Bulat finished 14th in the 100 butterfly (52.62).

Weygandt placed 16th in the 100 free (48.31) and 200 free (1:46.70). Barber took 18th in the 200 free (1:46.92).

Ve r o n a A r e a / M o u n t Horeb sophomore Oscar Best had a record-breaking performance and won two medals at the Division 1 state meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the University of Wisconsin Natatorium.

Best finished third in the 100-yard butterfly, breaking his previous school record with a time of 50.25 seconds.

The Wildcats finished eighth in the team standings with 92 points. Big Eight Conference rival Middleton captured the state title (228), just ahead of Waukesha South/Catholic Memorial (222).

The Wildcats entered the state meet seeded 11th as a team.

“We focused on trying to get faster from the previous week and let the places work themselves out,” VA/MH coach Bill Wuerger said. “You can’t control how the other teams are doing.”

Best teamed with seniors Kyle Hoppe and Gabe Piscitelli and sophomore Max McCartney in the sixthplace 200 freestyle relay (1:27.01). “ I t ’s a d r e a m c o m e true,” Piscitelli said. “It’s amazing to finish at this

meet with them. The atmosphere was incredible.

Last year, I was just trying to get to sectionals. To win that conference (relay) a couple of weeks ago and get on the podium is amazing.”

Best, Hoppe, Piscitelli and sophomore Luke Bennin took eighth in the 200 medley relay with a school-record time of 1:35.33, one second away from tying Madison West for sixth.

Best added an 11th-place finish in the 50 free (21.60).

J u n i o r B e n We l l n i t z took seventh in the 200 free (1:45.19), .59 seconds away from a medal. He took 11th in the 500 free (4:47.35). Both were lifetime-best times.

Hoppe finished 13th in the 100 fly (52.59) and 18th in the 50 free (22.07).

Senior Owen Rothamer placed 18th in the 100 fly (53.0).

Junior Conner Arneson took 19th in the 500 free (4:52.32) and 24th in the 200 free (1:49.08). Bennin added a 20th-place finish in the 100 breaststroke (1:00.41).

The Wildcats’ 400 free relay team of McCartney, Wellnitz, junior Christopher Lofts and sophomore Nathan Rozeboom finished 20th (3:18.45).

Edgewood: Crusaders race past Bulldogs for Division 2 title Continued from page 1 his best. There is a not a single person who can do this. It’s really a team effort.”

Edgewood and Cedarburg were tied after the eighth event, the 500 free, but the Crusaders surged ahead with a runner-up finish in the 200 free relay and three swimmers in the top nine of the 100 backstroke.

The Crusaders’ 400 free relay team

of teDuits, Frucht, Senke and Moen touched the wall first with a time of 3:08.79, a little more than two seconds ahead of Elkhorn.

Senke finished second in the 100 back (50.82), Moen took third (51.60) and sophomore Davis Petersen placed ninth (56.07). Baraboo’s Aidan Lohr won the title in the back in a state-record time of 48.05, breaking the previous state record set by O’Donnell in 2012.

Edgewood’s 200 free relay team of Moen, Petersen, Korb and Frucht finished second (1:27.06), .1 seconds behind Elkhorn.

Senke added a fourth-place finish in the 200 IM (1:58.45). Korb tied Brookfield Academy’s Adrian Bellido for eighth in the 50 free (22.22).

Petersen tied Sauk Prairie/Wisconsin Heights’ Matthew Loy for eighth in the 200 free (1:48.23).

Verona Area/Mount Horeb junior Ben Wellnitz finished seventh in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:45.19 at the Division 1 state meet. He also finished 11th in the 500 free.

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Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Edgewood senior Truman teDuits dives in at the start of the 200-yard individual medley at the Division 2 state meet.

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3

Metro Lynx girls hockey

Lynx fall to Stars in championship an extra attacker after pulling Armstrong.

ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Metro Lynx 5, Rock County 2

All season long, the Madison Metro Lynx peppered opposing goaltenders with shots from all angles and clogged shooting lanes defensively.

Madison found itself i n u n fa m i l i a r t e r r i t o r y throughout the Division 1 state championship on Saturday, March 7, as the Fox Cities Stars beat the Lynx at their own game in a 5-3 victory at Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Ve r o n a s o p h o m o r e Rachel Mirwald scored two goals in the Lynx’s 5-2 win over the Rock County Fury in the state semifinals on Thursday, March 5.

Fox Cities 5, Metro Lynx 3

The second-seeded Stars (22-7) won their second consecutive state title by avenging a 2-0 loss to the top-seeded Lynx (24-4) earlier this season.

Fox Cities outshot Madison 38-18, finished 2-for5 on the power play and killed all four penalties. “ We g o t i n t o s o m e good shooting lanes, but we missed the net a few times,” Lynx coach Mike McKersie said. “Fox Cities did a great job defensively.

They back-checked really hard and deflected a few shots.”

The Lynx generated four shots in the first period and only one on its first power play.

Fox Cities capitalized on a Madison turnover to mark the board first. Senior forward Maddy Jablonski pounced on a loose puck, skated freely up the left side and beat Madison sophomore goaltender Cam McKersie short-side with 4:22 left in the first.

Stars sophomore defenseman Gwen Gillard scored a little more than two minutes later off a

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Metro Lynx junior Claire Wischhoff (middle) fires a shot on goal between Rock County junior Olivia Combs (left) and senior Sara Nerad. Madison beat the Fury 5-2 in the Division 1 state semifinals on Thursday, March 5, at Veterans Memorial Coliseum. faceoff win by sophomore forward Mckayla Zilisch.

Freshman goaltender Addie Armstrong, who earned the win in the state semifinal against the Rock County Fury, played the final two periods in relief of Cam McKersie, who made three saves. Armstrong finished with 30 saves, while Fox Cities freshman Ella Scriboski made 15 saves.

The Lynx marked the board 34 seconds into the second period. Freshman defenseman Lauren Johnson dished a pass to sophomore defenseman Grace Bonnell in the left slot and Bonnell sent a cross-ice pass to senior forward Sydney Raaths, who beat Scriboski for her 33rd goal of the season.

The Stars answered with a power-play goal a little more than four minutes later, as senior forward

Annika Horman scored off assists from Gillard and senior defenseman Hannah Hiltunen.

Madison then committed three straight penalties and killed the first and third, but not the second.

Fox Cities senior forward Alaina Schauf corralled a shot off the boards and knocked home the rebound with 7:46 left in the second.

The Lynx again trimmed their deficit to one with two straight goals.

Johnson scored in front off an assist from sophomore forward Kaya PeltonByce with 4:41 left before the second intermission.

F r e s h m a n f o r wa r d M i a Goetzke snuck the puck into the back of the net amid a scrum in front 2:04 into the third period.

Raaths and Mirwald assisted on the goal.

Fox Cities got the

Photo by Adam Feiner

Metro Lynx freshman goaltender Addie Armstrong (middle) tracks a shot as sophomore forward Kaya Pelton-Byce (21) deflects the puck. Armstrong made 30 saves in the final two periods of Madison’s 5-3 loss in the Division 1 state championship. insurance goal it sought with 7:33 remaining, as Horman scored off assists from sophomore forward Izzie Murphy and senior

d e f e n s e m a n Ko u r t n ey Koster.

Madison could not get a shot on goal in the final two minutes despite having

Madison split the Badger Conference title with the Fury and Cap City Cougars, and won their ninth straight game in the rubber match against Rock County.

The Lynx started with a bang, as junior forward Ava Jambor scored 1:54 into the game off an assist from Pelton-Byce.

“We had to come out with a lot of energy,” McKersie said. “Our first shift, we got pinned down a little bit.

When our second line went out there, they were rewarded with a hard, gritty goal.”

Bonnell scored a short-handed goal less than three minutes later to make it 2-0.

Mirwald took a pass from senior defenseman Josie Dragoo, streaked down the wing and fired a shot just under the crossbar to give the Lynx a 3-0 lead with 1:30 left in the first period.

“I saw the upstairs was open and I was able to fling it past her ear,” Mirwald said. “It got us going and got our energy up.”

Rock County junior Alyssa Knauf scored with 6:10 left in the second period, but the Lynx answered 24 seconds before the second intermission. Senior forward Hannah Kolpien gathered the puck along the wall and fired a shot that ricocheted off the crossbar and in to extend the lead to 4-1.

Junior Anika Einbeck scored on a breakaway goal with 4:33 left in the third to cut the Fury’s deficit to 4-2.

The Lynx capped the scoring with 1:26 remaining, as Mirwald scored off a pass from Pelton-Byce.

Armstrong made 30 saves for the Lynx, who were outshot 32-19. Madison went 0-for-3 on the power play, but killed all six penalties.

Title: Wildcats’ offense breaks through in double overtime against Chippewa Falls Continued from page 1 added. “We knew if we kept our heads on straight, we could win.

Five-on-five, we knew we were better than them.”

Cale Rufenacht tied the game at 1 with 13:59 left in the third period. Haessig took the puck from behind the goal line, circled past the crease and dished a pass to the senior captain, who crashed the net on the weak side for his 29th goal of the season. “ Wa l k e r m a d e t h e p l a y,” Rufenacht said. “We were on the offense the rest of the game and they were on their heels.”

Notre Dame (25-2-1) scored its only goal with 9:18 left in the first period. Junior Brendan Poshak ripped a wrister from the right wing past Verona junior goaltender Kaden Grant.

T h e Tr i t o n s o u t s h o t t h e Wildcats 31-20 and had golden opportunities on back-to-back power plays midway through the second period. Grant stopped several shots to keep

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Verona senior Cale Rufenacht (left) skates past Notre Dame sophomore Callan Budinger in the Division 1 state championship. Rufenacht scored in regulation in the Wildcats’ 2-1 overtime victory.

Ve r o n a w i t h i n s t r i k i n g d i s tance.

Grant made 14 of his 30 saves in the second period.

“We have so much trust in Kaden,” Rufenacht said. “We just had to block shots, and we knew we would kill it off and eventually go down and get one. We just had to weather the storm.”

Verona 1, Chippewa Falls 0, 2OT Grant and Cardinals sophomore Bridger Fixmer stood on their heads throughout the state semifinal.

Ultimately, the Wildcats’ potent offense broke through, as Haessig knocked in a rebound at the 3:21 mark of the second overtime.

“That was one of the most exciting hockey games I’ve ever been a part of, especially here at the Coliseum,” Marshall said.

“I’m so proud of the way we battled through adversity.”

Haessig netted the game winner amid a massive scrum in the crease. Rufenacht had his shot partially blocked, but Haessig knocked the puck out of midair and into the back of the net to send the Wildcats to the state championship.

“I thought Cale was going to finish it, but the puck popped out to me,” Haessig said. “The goalie made a stick save on the first try, but I batted it in. I couldn’t believe it went in.”

Rufenacht and junior defenseman Josh Osting assisted on Haessig’s 18th goal of the season.

“If it was a different goalie like most we’ve seen this year, we probably would’ve scored three, four or five goals,” Marshall said.

“The way both goalies played, you knew the game winner was going to be an ugly goal.”

Grant stayed cool under

pressure throughout, especially in the first overtime. He made 31 saves for his 10th shutout of the season, and the Wildcats killed two penalties in the fourth period.

“I was dead tired after those two penalty kills,” Grant said.

“We just had to keep pushing. My defense blocked everything when I couldn’t see.”

His counterpart Fixmer finished with 37 saves.

Verona dominated most of the second period, but couldn’t break through despite two power plays.

Fixmer made a sprawling save of senior forward Parker Ploc and denied Rufenacht in the Wildcats’ second power play of the game.

Cardinals sophomore defenseman Carsten Reeg was hit with a delay of game penalty after covering the puck without a stick, but the Wildcats did not generate a shot on their third power play.

Both teams had a scoring chance in the final two minutes of regulation. Chippewa Falls (23-5) could not convert a 2-on1 chance, and Ploc hit the side of the net with five seconds left.

4

March 13, 2020

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Oregon girls basketball

Photos by Eddie Brognano

Oregon players celebrate their 51-46 win over Waukesha West in the Division 2 Janesville Craig Sectional championship on Saturday, March 7. The Panthers advanced to the state tournament for the third time in program history and first since 1980.

Panthers end state drought field goal until the 10:29 mark of the first half.

The Panthers eventually found openings against the Norskies’ extended 2-3 zone and went on a 10-2 run to go ahead 14-10 with 7:09 left. Uhl gave Oregon the lead with a pair of free throws, then drilled her second 3 of the half on the next possession.

Schrimpf recorded steals on consecutive possessions to spark another run. She passed ahead to Uhl for a layup on the first steal, then took it herself for a layup the second time to increase the Panthers’ lead to 22-14.

Schrimpf scored 13 of her 17 points in the second half, while Uhl scored 13 points of her 17 points in the first half.

DeForest senior guard Maggie Trautsch hit 3s on back-to-back possessions to close the first half.

She banked in her second triple at the buzzer to cut the Norskies’ deficit to 23-20 at the break.

ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Forty years of trying to get back to the state tournament came to an end Saturday, March 7, for the Oregon girls basketball team.

The Panthers came back to beat Waukesha West 51-46 in the Division 2 Janesville Craig Sectional championship, securing the program’s third state appearance and first since the second of back-toback experiences in Division 1 in 1980.

Oregon (21-5) avenged last year’s regional loss to DeForest with a 57-46 victory in the sectional semifinals on Thursday, March 5, at Edgewood High School.

The Panthers stymied Reedsburg in the second half on their way to a 57-43 home win in the regional championship Saturday, Feb. 29. Oregon ran away with a 56-41 home victory over Mount Horeb in the regional semifinals a day previous.

Oregon 51, Waukesha West 46

The Panthers shook off a slow start against the Wolverines to punch their ticket to state.

Oregon trailed by double digits in the first half, but scored the final five points to cut its deficit to 20-14 at halftime. Senior guard Kaitlyn Schrimpf scored half of the Panthers’ first-half points, including a 3-pointer during the 5-0 run.

“We played good defense, but every bucket Waukesha West made put a little more pressure on us,” Oregon coach Adam Wamsley said. “But we knew we had a shot when we cut it to six.”

Senior guard Izzie Peterson scored seven of her 11 points in

Oregon senior Kaitlyn Schrimpf (15) drives through an opening in the Reedsburg defense late in the second half Saturday, Feb. 29, in Oregon. The Panthers beat the Beavers 57-43 in a Division 2 regional championship. the second half and classmate Liz Uhl had all 10 of her points after halftime to propel the Panthers to victory. Schrimpf finished with a game-high 18 points.

Oregon 57, DeForest 46

The Norskies, ranked fourth in the final Division 2 Associated Press state poll and the top seed in the top half of the sectional, struggled offensively against the Panthers’ stingy man-to-man defense.

“They run the dribble drive, so our goal was to pressure their guards on the handoffs and passes,” Wamsley said. “We wanted to tire them out and we did. I was

proud of the way we made them work for every shot.”

The lead changed hands four times in the first six minutes of the second half before Oregon, which received honorable mention notice in the final AP state poll and earned the 2 seed in the top half of the sectional, seized control with an 8-0 run.

DeForest trimmed its deficit to one on two separate occasions, but couldn’t corral defensive rebounds down the stretch. Oregon junior forward Megan Bloyer made a layup and Schrimpf drilled a 3-pointer from the left wing to make it 45-39 with three minutes left.

Bloyer finished with seven points and pulled down a gamehigh eight rebounds, five of which came on the offensive end, despite playing with a sprained right shoulder.

“Rebounding is my role on this team,” Bloyer said. “I love to play physical because I’m not very tall. People underestimate me, so I love to use my strength to prove them wrong.”

The Panthers went 11-for-14 from the free-throw line in the final 2:04 to salt the victory and shot 79% (19-for-24) for the game.

Oregon missed its first 10 shots of the game and did not have a

Oregon 57, Reedsburg 43

The Panthers erased a slim halftime deficit by outscoring the Beavers 29-12 in the second half.

Uhl scored a game-high 20 points and knocked down four 3-pointers. Peterson also cracked double figures with 10 points.

Schrimpf and junior Emily Statz added eight and seven points, respectively.

Oregon 56, Mount Horeb 41

The Panthers led 32-18 at halftime and used a balanced scoring attack to down the upset-minded Vikings.

Uhl led the way with a teamhigh 15 points. Schrimpf added 13 points and Peterson had 10.

Bloyer chipped in eight.

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5

Verona/Edgewood gymnastics

Wildcat/Crusaders surprise with state run MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

For the first time in seven years, the Verona/Edgewo o d g y m n a s t i c s t e a m finished the season on the biggest stage at the Division 1 state meet.

The Wildcat/Crusaders placed 10th out of 11 teams in the Division 1 team competition with a score of 134.482 on Friday, March 6, at Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln High School. V/E finished 0.27 points behind ninth-place Marshfield.

“With our qualification to state being completely unexpected, we had no real expectations going into this meet other than to gain the experience of how it all works,” coach Rachael Hauser said. “I was very impressed with the whole team’s performance on Friday. I expected that nerves might get to them, but they actually handled it much better than I thought they would.”

The Wildcat/Crusaders placed second at the Division 1 Middleton Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 29, with 137.300 points.

V/E finished third out of eight teams with 133.925 points at the Big Eight Conference Meet on Saturday, Feb. 22, at Madison Memorial High School.

State meet

Senior Hailey Dohnal finished 16th on the balance beam (9.117) and 22nd in the all-around competition (34.883) on Saturday, March 7, in Wisconsin Rapids. Freshman Ella Crowley took 23rd in the all-around (34.267).

In addition to her top-16 performance on the floor, Dohnal finished 18th on the vault (8.85) and 20th on the balance beam (9.083).

C r ow l ey p l a c e d 2 5 t h on the vault (8.167) and notched a 9.367 score on the beam, 8.833 on the floor and 7.9 on the bars.

Crowley led the Wildcat/

Verona senior Hailey Dohnal won the sectional title on the vault (9.15) and took fourth in the all-around competition (35.20) to qualify for state.

Photos by Mark Nesbitt

Verona/Edgewood gymnastics team members (front from left) Alyssa Fischer, Lily Merrick, (back from left) Noelya Jaime Janaite, Katie Ryan and Hailey Dohnal react after finding out they finished second at the Division 1 Middleton Sectional and qualified for the state meet.

Crusaders in the team competition on the team (9.133) and on the floor (8.867).

Sophomore Alyssa Fischer scored a team-best 8.2 on the uneven bars.

Dohnal had a team-best 8.783 on the vault and sophomore Noelya Jaime Janaite scored an 8.717 on the vault.

T h e Wi l d c a t / C r u s a d ers scored the lowest of all teams at state on the uneven bars (31.733) and the second-lowest on the beam (33.366).

host Cardinals had their streak of eight straight state appearances snapped.

T h e Wi l d c a t / C r u s a d e r s led the Cardinals by 1.425 points going into the final apparatus — the uneven bars.

Middleton had a couple of falls on the balance beam, but Memorial, which trailed V/E by 1.7 points before the final round, va u l t e d a h e a d o f b o t h teams by closing strong on the floor.

Dohnal won a sectional championship in the vault with a score of 9.15. She Middleton Sectional scored a 9.2 on her second Madison Memorial won attempt, but an average is the sectional title with taken from two judges on 138.375 points, while the two attempts.

D o h n a l q u a l i fi e d f o r state in the all-around competition with a fourthplace finish at the sectional (35.20) and Crowley took fifth (34.625).

Dohnal finished second on the floor (9.225) and tied Watertown’s Meghan Hurtgen for third on the balance beam (8.85).

C r ow l ey p l a c e d f o u r t h on the vault with a season-high 8.950, sixth on the floor (8.950), ninth on the balance beam (8.575) and tied Middleton’s Lucy Hellenbrand for 14th on the uneven bars (8.15).

Fischer led the Wildcat/ Crusaders on the uneven bars with an eighth-place finish (8.550), 0.1 points

away from state qualification in the event.

Big Eight Conference Meet

Dohnal paced the Wildcat/Crusaders with a t h i r d - p l a c e fi n i s h o n the floor (9.225). She also took fifth in the all-around competition (34.625), sixth on the vault (8.9) and eighth on the balance beam (8.55).

Freshman Katie Ryan tied Madison Memorial’s Maggie Lee for seventh on the vault (8.85) and classmate Lily Merrick tied for 10th (8.7).

Fischer (8.55) and Crowley (8.5) placed eighth and ninth, respectively, on the

Verona/Edgewood freshman Ella Crowley finished fifth in the all-around competition (34.625) at the Division 1 Middleton Sectional to qualify for state. uneven bars.

Crowley took 10th (32.550) and Jaime Janaite placed 13th (31.50) in the all-around competition.

Madison Memorial won the team title with 140.025 points.

Speed skating

Fitchburg coach, national champ earns USOPC honor ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Fitchburg resident Daniel Greene received the 2019 United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Volunteer Coach of the Year award for his work with the Madison Speedskating Club.

A n a t i v e o f N e w Yo r k , Greene began speed skating at the age of 11. In 1988, he made the U.S. National Developmental Team and was ranked in the top 15 in the country.

Greene quit the National Developmental Team after three months when he realized four more years of work was not going to get him to the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.

After serving as a sergeant in the Marine Corps, Greene

rediscovered speed skating and competed in masters’ events.

He became a two-time national champion in 2018, taking first in his age class in the Long and Short Track National Championships. “ W h e n y o u ’r e t r a i n i n g to make a national team, it becomes a job,” he said. “You lose the love of the sport. When I got back into it, I loved it all over again.”

An unexpected health emergency led Greene to the coaching world. He became a U.S. Speedskating certified coach within six months of suffering a stroke in 2018.

Last year, Greene had seven of his skaters compete in their first meet, 10 compete at regional competitions and eight qualify for the age-class short track national championships.

In addition to speed skating, he coaches flag football and

baseball through the Fitchburg Recreation and Parks Department.

“Because I still skate, I think I can better relate to our athletes because they see me as a peer and not just a coach,” he said. “We work together to reach a common goal. I coach them, whether it’s to get new skills or take it to the next level, whether they want to have fun or work toward an Olympic team.”

Greene’s main goal is to help make the Midwest a central hub for speed skating. He now coaches full-time for the Madison Speedskating Club.

“My calling is to help people get the opportunities I had when I was young,” he said. “I am so humbled by this award.

It’s great for me, my club, U.S. Speedskating and the state of Wisconsin.”

Photo submitted

Madison Speedskating Club coach Daniel Greene was honored by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee with its 2019 Volunteer Coach of the Year award.

6

March 13, 2020

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Kids

Fitchburg Star

All young and games Gaming meetups encourage youth socialization, creativity NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

Slaying an Owlbear, summoning a Woolly Thoctar or pitting a Venusaur against a Magikarp can sound like bizarre tasks, but to a growing number of youths, they’re a part of tabletop and card games that provide a creative and social outlet.

Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering and the Pokémon trading card game are some of the most popular role-playing and strategic games being played today, each having tens of millions of players worldwide.

Children and young adults who want to join in the resurgence of older favorites such as Dungeons and Dragons and be a part of the growth of newer classics such as Magic the Gathering have several opportunities in Verona and Fitchburg.

The Verona library offers Dungeons and Dragons meetups once a month for two age groups: a

Noble Knight Games

Verona Public Library

2835 Commerce Park Drive Fitchburg, WI 53719 758-9901 nobleknight@nobleknight. com Store Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

500 Silent St. Verona, WI 53593 608-845-7180 mostrander@ci.verona.wi.us

tweens group for ages 8-11 and a teens group for ages 12-18; a monthly Pokémon club for ages 6-11; and a Magic the Gathering trading card game group for ages 8-18.

“Tabletop gaming is a way to meet new friends with similar interests,” said Mary Ostrander, youth services librarian at Verona Public Library, 500 Silent St. “It offers an opportunity for kids to develop skills critically and socially.”

The groups, which are geared

toward being a weekday afterschool activity, meet on Wednesdays or Thursdays once a month, always at 4 p.m.

“We welcome all skill levels to our gaming programs no matter if you are a beginner or have played for years. The library wants to give kids and teens a chance to explore their interests and meet people who have similar hobbies,” Ostrander says of the programming.

Kids can also play in clubs at Noble Knight Games, 2835 Commerce Park Drive, Fitchburg, although they might sometimes play alongside adults.

“The majority of clubs we host here currently have more adult players than child players, but are mostly open to players of all

ages,” said Jess Carrier, Noble Knight’s storefront manager.

Located in a 5,500 square foot retail space directly below the city’s water tower, the business opened a physical location in Fitchburg in November 2018, after operating as an online-only business out of Janesville for years.

Noble Knight claims to offer the largest selection of games under one roof in the world.

Its selection includes tabletop games, board games, card games, role-playing games and related accessories and supplies.

It, too, offers meetups for Magic the Gathering and Dungeons the Dragons, in addition to other popular gaming titles such as the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game and Warhammer tabletop strategy game.

The store’s Dungeons and Dragons meetups typically draw about 40 players spread across seven tables. Carrier said the store has been making an effort to coordinate one or two tables per meetup for younger kids. She says typically there are around eight players in the 9-16 age range.

Noble Knight also offers get-togethers to play around a dozen

other games that are growing in popularity.

Marvel Crisis Protocol and Batman Miniature are both tabletop miniatures games set in the wellknown superhero comic book franchises, which Carrier said are age-appropriate for a younger set.

The store also offers workshops for ages 10 and older on how to hand-paint the miniature figures used in such games.

“There are not a lot of games for kids,” Carrier said. “We try to find games for families to enjoy together, but try to make sure it’s not boring for the adults, making them want to stop playing.”

Fo r ga m i n g m e e t u p t i m e s offered by Verona Public Library and Noble Knight Games, visit veronapubliclibrary.org/events or nobleknight.com/brick-and-mortar.

For any game on the Noble Knight events calendar, patrons can visit the store during store hours and staff will teach them how to play, even if it’s outside of the scheduled meetup time.

“We love to see families coming out to play together,” Carrier said. “It can be soothing for the entire family.”

Neal Patten can be contacted at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

Four educational apps for children MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Parents deserve a break. And as moms and dads are snapping photos, checking Snapchat and playing Bejeweled on their own phone, children will often ask for some personal screen time.

A study from the National Institute of Health and Boston University School of Medicine concludes that children can’t learn from devices the way they can in real life – meaning the skills learned from creating a puzzle on an iPad don’t transfer to creating a puzzle on your kitchen table.

If the material is educational, however, such as vocabulary acquisition or reading electronically, it can be beneficial to the child, according to the BUSM study.

So if guardians are looking for 15 uninterrupted minutes to make a phone call or wait in the doctor’s office, here are some educational applications:

Largest national study on screen time for children The federal government, through the National Institute of Health, has launched a study to understand how screen time affects the physical structure of the brain.

Scientists are interviewing more than 11,000 children over the next decade. The study, which is costing $300 million, will look at brain scans of children and see how the brain changes with recurring exposure to screen time.

which according to the 2018 Pediatric Academic Societies study, is similar to the automated version of reading a book.

The controls include blocking specific conThe app the option of narrated slide- tent, turning off a child’s searching ability shows in categories such as science, nature, and monitoring children’s search history. math and space. eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-05/ Audible pas-nsm042618.php With the slogan, “Listening is the new YouTube Kids reading,” Audible, an audiobook app, has With nearly 5 billion videos, YouTube nearly 500,000 titles.

Guardians have the option to purchase is often regarded as the main platform to Epic! view free videos. audiobooks to listen to over and over again, The YouTube kids app has new parent or go through the South Central Library The Epic! App is a free tool offered to librarians and educators. A popular fea- controls that allow guardians to monitor system where listeners are able to check ture of this app is the narrated slideshows, and restrict what children are watching. out free audio books from the library.

ABCMouse

This app has more than 9,000 educational activities in the areas of math, language arts, science and art.

Children can choose between puzzles, games, printable activities, songs and books. There is also a virtual map that tracks how your child progresses through the different levels. It’s recommended for children 2-8 years old, and was the No. 1 choice in a 2019 Good Housekeeping Institute survey.

Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

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March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

7

Social emotional learning prepares students for challenges of outside world

Photos by Kimberly Wethal

Kindergarteners do yoga during a mindfulness session on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Stoner Prairie Elementary School, as a part of the school’s social emotional learning curriculum.

KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Kindergarteners in Jessica Reed’s class do the “dead bug” pose during a mindfulness session.

“When we think about society in general, the amount of anxiety, depression – mental health is a big topic in our society,” she said. “Many, including myself at times, have a hard time coping with emotions and

The Caring Center/ Verona Montessori House

Junior Session June 21-27 Students completing grades 6-8

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Senior Session June 28-July 3 Students completing grades 9-12

new employees.

Stoner Prairie’s Parent Teacher Organization provided the school with a grant to put the room together, purchasing yoga mats, calming light fixtures and tools such as foam blocks to make completing yoga exercises easier for students.

It’s resulted in teaching students how to manage emotions and help regulate their learning, Thompson-Kapp said.

And it’s played a part in reducing office referrals, which allows students to stay in classrooms, rather than be removed as a method of dealing with stress, Thompson-Kapp added.

“It’s not my mission to have this just happen in this space,” she said. “We want it to transfer back into the classroom.”

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.​

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On any given day at Stoner Prairie Elementary School in Fitchburg, students are doing yoga, not only for physical wellness, but emotional wellness, too.

It’s part of a trend in K-12 schools, where educators are not only teaching students academic material, but taking a holistic look at education to include understanding emotions, achieving positive goals and having empathy for others.

Having the social-emotional learning curriculum take shape through Stoner Prairie’s mindfulness room allows staff to address student mental health and teach kids from an early age how to recognize their emotions and manage and work through them, principal Tammy Thompson-Kapp said.

stress and all of the responsibilities that come my way.”

The Verona Area School District, where Stoner Prairie is located, is one of many school districts throughout Wisconsin implementing social emotional learning. Some districts, such as Racine and Adams-Friendship, use it to create safe learning environments for students.

“It’s about teaching the whole child,” a video from the Racine school district on the state Department of Public Instruction’s website says. “It’s about really giving the skills to the students that will help them be successful beyond school.”

According to the DPI’s website, social emotional learning concepts increase test scores by an average of 11 percentile points, and they can help kids develop “soft skills,” which make up the majority of what hiring managers are looking for in

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March 13, 2020

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Kids

Fitchburg Star

3 tips to establishing a successful homework area High school students have a lot on their plates. Today’s parents often lament that kids’ schedules are far more hectic than their own schedules were when they were teenagers. But for many high school students, a familiar foe their parents have no doubt encountered is proving a considerable source of stress.

Homework has long been the bane of high schoolers’ existence.

Studies regarding just how much homework is being assigned to teenagers are somewhat outdated, which makes it difficult to determine just how much work kids are being asked to do after school lets out. A 2014 survey from the University of Phoenix found that high school teachers assign, on average, 3.5 hours of homework per week. Multiply that figure by five, which is the number of different teachers many high school students have in a typical school day, and the survey concluded that high school students may be expected to complete as much

as 17.5 hours of homework per week.

Though the study, which is the only one of its kind to be conducted in recent years, is older, there’s little reason to suspect today’s high school students are being asked to do any less than their predecessors were in 2014.

While parents might not be able to do much to lessen their children’s homework workload, they can take steps to ensure their homes are as homework-friendly as possible. The following are three ways to do just that.

1. Create a communal homework table.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education notes that youngsters who seem reluctant to do their homework may benefit from doing their afterschool work at a communal table. With parents nearby, such students may feel less lonely and may be less likely to procrastinate if they know mom or dad are nearby. Students who

high school students with younger siblings can expect their brothers and sisters to be finished with their homework first. Make sure youngsters recognize the importance of staying quiet until everyone has finished their homework.

Encourage younger siblings to leave the homework area and play quietly or read elsewhere in the home.

are not reluctant to do their home- complete assignments and even work may benefit from working younger siblings can make it hard for teenagers to concentrate quietly in their bedrooms. on their work. Designate a time 2. Clear the area of distrac- each day for homework, ensurtions. ing that the television is off and Distractions like televisions, that devices have been placed on devices that are not necessary to “Do Not Disturb.” In addition,

3. Include a break between school and homework time.

Much like parents may like a few minutes to unwind when getting home from work at night, kids likely won’t want to dive right into their homework after getting home from school. A break between the school day and homework time can help kids clear their heads so they’re more capable of concentrating when they sit down to do their work.

A good work environment at home can help kids live up to their academic potential.

Metro News Service

How to prevent busy kids from overextending themselves Today’s teenagers are busy.

According to the American Time Use Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average high school student spends just under an hour and a half each weekday participating in extracurricular activities that include playing sports, working/volunteering and religious activities.

With so much do and lots of encouragement to participate in their communities, teens can easily find themselves overextended. Extracurricular activities are important, and some have even been linked to improved academ- • L earn the signs of burnout and ic performance. But it’s equally look for them. Even the most important that high school stuoverextended teenager probably dents avoid burnout, which can enjoys many of the activities he adversely affect their academic or she engages in. So it’s unlikely that kids will self-report burnperformance and how much they out to their parents, teachers, enjoy school and other activities. coaches, or other authority figParents can employ various ures. Parents can learn to spot strategies to help busy teenagers the signs of burnout to identify avoid overextending themselves.

if their child is overextended.

According to Understood.org, a website sponsored by 15 nonprofit organizations devoted to helping parents of kids between the ages of three and 20, procrastination, negative attitudes, testiness, difficulty concentrating, and a disinterest in things kids once liked are some

potential indicators of burnout. Parents who notices any of these signs in their children might want to look at their kids’ schedules to see if their children are simply taking on more than they can chew.

• Teach kids time management skills. Time management skills can help kids make effective and efficient use of their time.

Encourage kids who are struggling with their schedules to use a calendar to plan their weeks.

Knowing what’s expected of them each day can help kids develop a plan to get everything done. In addition, when kids make a list of their daily activities, parents can go over that list with them to see if they’re taking on too much. Discuss the calendar with kids, and if kids express feelings of exhaustion or burnout, go through the calendar to see where they can free up some time, even if it means

cutting some activities out of their schedules entirely.

• Teach kids the art of prioritizing.

Parents know that some tasks are more important than others. But kids may not be so savvy. Teach kids how to prioritize, emphasizing that academics always come first. Give kids some credit if they’re initially resistant to dropping some activities, as that can indicate an admirable willingness to commit. But emphasize that school comes first, and that activities that are low priority might need to be sacrificed during the school year. In addition, point out that certain activities that are not school-related can be revisited in the summer, when kids typically have less hectic schedules.

Burnout can be harmful to high school students. Parents can work with their children to ensure they aren’t overextending themselves.

Metro News Service

Get Away Without Going Away

5 family staycation ideas that won’t break your budget and prove you don’t have to go far to spend quality time together.

Visit local landmarks. Just because it’s not a traditional vacation doesn’t mean you can’t pretend to be tourists.

Start by visiting the places you recommend to friends and family from out of town or pick up a city guidebook to uncover hidden spots you may not even know exist.

Make a plan to seek out historic sites, visit local landmarks like museums or try an out-of-the-way restaurant (or two) you’ve never eaten at before.

Camp out in the backyard.

Camping doesn’t have to be done far from home. In fact, it can be done right in your own backyard. Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars and plan a night full of traditional camping activities like roasting s’mores, telling spooky stories by flashlight and trying to identify stars and constellations.

Set up a picnic in the park. Pack a basket with sandwiches, fruit and other treats and head to the park.

You can enjoy a casual meal then take advantage of the open space for a family walk or game of tag before retreating to the playground

to let the little ones expel any leftover energy.

Have a home spa day. If you’re looking for some relaxation but don’t want to splurge on the full spa treatment, plan an at-home oasis instead. Light some candles, run a bubble bath and break out the facial masks and fingernail polish.

Visit an amusement park.

No matter where you live, there’s probably an amusement or water park within driving distance. A quick online search before you arrive can help prepare a strategy for hitting the most popular thrill rides and

waterslides while skipping Find more tips and tricks those that may not provide for enjoying family time quite the same entertain- together at eLivingtoday. ment value. com.

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Kids

March 13, 2020

9

Fitchburg Star

How to foster a love of music How parents can get kids excited in children about brushing their teeth Music enriches people’s lives in myriad Dancing also provides a great reason ways. Age is of no consideration when it to play music. Physical activity set to comes to benefitting from and appreciatmusic can help kids burn off some extra ing music, but it seems that young people energy as they develop their brains, in particular have a lot to gain from music making dance sessions a win-win for education. both parents and children.

According to the New England Board • Embrace opportunities to see live music. of Higher Education, various studies have Kids are often captivated by seeing found that consistent music education can musicians perform in person. When posimprove vocabulary and reading compresible, take youngsters to concerts, local hension skills. In addition, the National music festivals and/or restaurants that Association for Music Education says that showcase local musicians. Such excurresearch has found a significant relationsions may prompt youngsters to want ship between arts participation at school to learn how to play, which can proand academic success. vide a host of additional benefits, even Parents who want their children to reap for especially young children. In fact, a the benefits of being involved with music 1996 study published in Nature found can try the following strategies aimed at that first grade students who took part in fostering a love of music in young people. music classes during art study programs • Turn the television off and turn music experienced marked improvement in on. Exposing youngsters to music is one reading and math proficiency. of the simplest and most effective ways Music enriches peoples lives in various to get them to embrace it. For example, ways, and exposure to music at a young in lieu of turning on the television while age can be especially valuable to children. preparing meals, parents can play music Metro News Service instead. Let youngsters pick their own songs or mix it up by including some of mom and dads favorites as well. Such exposure can be incredibly valuable for youngsters. In fact, a 2016 study from researchers at the University of Southern California found that musical experiences in childhood accelerate brain development. Music is especially effective at helping children in language acquisition and reading.

• Replay kids favorite songs. Another way to build kids enthusiasm for music is to replay some of their favorite songs.

While mom and dad may cringe at the prospect of hearing “Baby Shark” several times in a row, they should take note of how enthusiastic their kids become when hearing a favorite song. And that enthusiasm can benefit their language skills as they listen closely to the lyrics in an effort to memorize the words.

Youngsters may not be so receptive if they dont like what theyre hearing.

• D ance to music. Kids are bundles of energy, and dancing is a fun way for them to expend some of that energy.

76% of children haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam by age

Dental hygiene is an important component of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s an element youngsters rarely embrace with open arms. Parents know that getting kids, especially young children, to brush their teeth is not always so easy. In recognition of that, the American Dental Association suggests the following strategies to make brushing teeth something kids will look forward to.

• M ake it fun. Brushing teeth may not be considered a fun activity, but who’s to say it can’t benefit from a little levity? The ADA recommends turning tooth brushing sessions into dance parties and/or singalongs. Youngsters might be so busy cutting a rug or listening to mom and dad belt out a few hits that they don’t even realize they’re cleaning their teeth at the same time. If singing and dancing aren’t cutting it, then incorporate another fun activity, like reading a child his or her favorite story, into daily brushing sessions. The ADA advises adults and children to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, so activities need not be too advanced. But a fun activity that allows kids to do something other than brush their teeth can be

a great way to help them meet the “two minutes, two times” guideline.

• R eward good behavior. Parents can reward youngsters who brush their teeth without incident by offering praise or allowing them to pick a bedtime book when brushing at night.

• Put kids’ favorite characters to work. The ADA notes that many popular children’s television shows and books have stories about brushing teeth. Watch these stories with your children, then reference the stories and characters if kids are reluctant to brush their teeth. Parents also can find toothbrushes and/or toothpaste that feature kids’ favorite characters to get youngsters more excited to brush.

• B ecome a storyteller. Parents also can make up their own stories, explaining to kids how they can be superheroes who brush away the bad guys that cause cavities.

• Brush alongside your children. Kids love to mimic their parents, so moms and dads can brush alongside their youngsters in the hopes they’ll follow suit.

Metro News Service

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March 13, 2020

Fitchburg Star

Schools

Construction looking up at Forest Edge

2020-21 OSD start/end times School Brooklyn Elementary Forest Edge Elementary Netherwood Knoll Elementary Prairie View Elementary Rome Corners Intermediate Oregon Middle School Oregon High School

‘Green-focused’ K-6 Forest Edge on pace, on budget to open this summer

Start time 7:50 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

7:50 a.m.

8:35 a.m.

8:35 a.m.

End time 2:50 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

2:50 p.m.

3:50 p.m.

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Day length 7 hours 7 hours 7 hours 7 hours 7 hours 7 hours, 15 min.

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SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Perhaps one day, they’ll be able to harness the seemingly endless energy of its elementary school students.

Until then, Forest Edge Elementary School (FES) will perhaps make a name for itself as the first “Net Zero” school built in the state, meaning it will produce more energy than it uses.

Construction is set to be mainly completed in July, with staff slated to move in during late August to prepare for the students’ first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 1. That work has continued steadily throughout the winter months, with both construction and budget on schedule, Oregon School District superintendent Brian Busler told the Observer last week “The weather has been terrific from a construction standpoint,” he said.

The building is designed to efficiently use energy, featuring solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and being strategically located to take advantage of natural light. In the past few weeks, work on those modern features has begun in the bowels of the foundation, with operators drilling out boreholes for the geothermal equipment, according to the latest update from J.H. Findorff & Son construction company.

As its form slowly takes

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SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Photo submitted

This drone photo taken late last year shows the footprint of Forest Edge Elementary School, which is set to open for new students and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

On the Web To find out more about the Forest Edge Elementary School project, visit

oregonsd.org/build shape, workers have been installing fiber cement siding in the west courtyard, which will continue through the rest of the building exterior. Interior, ceiling tile and light fixtures are being installed on the second level, with carpet and final finishes underway. On the first level, drywall is being hung at the administration office.

Construction aside, it’s been a busy nine months getting the school ready for students since groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the school, 4848 Brassica Road, on June 6, 2019.

In September, the district hired Brooklyn Elementary principal and long-time OSD educator Kerri Modjeski as the new school’s first principal.

During the fall, the school board started whittling down a group of

names from more than 200 submitted. In December, more than 2,500 voted on the name, with Forest Edge defeating Nine Springs in a landslide, with around 72 percent of the vote.

Also this fall, the school board approved new boundary agreements with three basic parameters: students would go to the school closest to their home, with an exemption process available to families and simplified busing zones for each attendance area.

Busler said the next step in the process to fill the ranks of students and staff is sending out letters this spring to parents and guardians about which school boundary they’re in, and start the process of exemptions and determining numbers.

While some preliminary hiring of staff has been done in the past few months — given a general idea of how many sections will be needed — he said the remainder will be hired once it’s known how many students will attend each school.

After months of research, discussion and public meetings, the Oregon School District has new, coordinated start and end times for all its buildings for next school year.

With little discussion after some public outcry earlier this year, school board members on Monday, March 9, approved two different start times recommended last month by a 20-member work group that had been studying the issue since December. The changes were spurred by the opening of a new school, Forest Edge Elementary, and the additional transportation coordination that will be required.

The middle school and high school will start later than the elementaries and Rome Corners Intermediate, at 8:35 a.m., and end at 3:50 p.m. K-6 students’ days will start at 7:50 a.m. and be seven hours, ending at 2:50 p.m..

Those followed recommendations that older kids’ days be limited to 7 hours and 15 minutes and done before 4 p.m. and that elementary kids start at 7:50 or 7:55 a.m. and be no more than 7 hours.

That means earlier start times for elementary schools by 10-15 minutes, which had been at either 8 a.m. or 8:05 a.m., though ending times will remain about the

same. Rome Corners’ days are shortened 20 minutes from 3:10 p.m to 2:50 p.m..

Middle schoolers will start 40 minutes later and end 35 minutes later. That will line up the school’s schedule with OHS, which will start 35 minutes later and end 20 minutes later.

The district’s initial plan had been to change elementary school start times to 7:45 a.m. (from 8 a.m. in Brooklyn and 8:05 a.m. at Prairie View and Netherwood Knoll) to sync up K-6 students’ schedules and better line up timing for bus routes so rural students’ rides are shorter.

Some parents, staff and students opposed earlier start times for younger children, and the longer, later school days for older students, noting that it could conflict with after school jobs. The work group was able to work out a compromise.

Superintendent Brian Busler said the ongoing work over determining new start and end times is an example of a complex process the district and community was able to work together on.

“We will move forward together and we will be set for the opening of the 2020-21 school year,” he wrote in an email to the Observer. “This planning process allowed for participation, feedback and ultimately a recommendation that keeps us moving forward while addressing the challenges we face with school start/end times.”

What’s online for OSD students have been honored among the best in Wisconsin in the Scholastic Art Awards: Wisconsin Exhibition. Eight pieces from six students are on display through Sunday, March 15, at the Milwaukee Art Museum after their works were chosen from grades 7-12 students across the state.

Brooklyn Elementary School was awarded a $2,000 Healthy Schools Grant by the Mission:

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OSD: No changes yet from coronavirus

Oregon School District classes and activities will continue as usual for now, as district officials keep a close watch on local, state and national coronavirus updates. In a letter sent to district parents last week, superintendent Brian Busler said health officials were not recommending schools require students or staff to wear masks or gloves, cancel large gatherings or classes.

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Read these and more Ore- Healthy Kids program, a gon School District stories partnership of Children’s Wisconsin and Kohl’s Care. at ConnectFitchburg.com The money will be used to New school + low help purchase materials for growth = tight budget mini hoop houses for the N e x t y e a r ’s O r e g o n school’s garden beds.

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Schools

March 13, 2020

Families say goodbye to schools KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Many of the people who walked the halls and wandered the classrooms at Sugar Creek Elementary and New Century School last weekend had already said goodbye to the schools years or even decades before.

But hundreds of people took one last opportunity to say goodbye Saturday, Feb. 29, with the Farewell to 420 Church Avenue and New Century School event.

It came exactly three months before the buildings will cease to be used for education. As a part of the process of constructing a new high school, six of 11 Verona Area School District schools will be shifting locations for the start of the 2020-21 school year, and the Sugar Creek and New Century buildings and land will be handed over to the City of Verona for redevelopment.

One person, who attended Sugar Creek in the late 1990s and early 2000s, held his yearbooks as he was interviewed

by Fitchburg Area Community Television about his memories.

Another said three of her children all had attended New Century over a span of 13 years.

Yet another was one who not only walked Sugar Creek’s halls in its early years, but got to see what students never did. Charles Dorigan inspected the school in 1976 and noticed the school’s insulation hadn’t been done properly – but he recalled that no one he knew had ever fixed it.

The Farewell event allowed

Photo by Kimberly Wethal

Left, Wesley Cashin, of Cottage Grove, looks at Verona Press newspaper articles and other photos along the wall during the Farewell to 420 Church Avenue/New Century School event on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the two school sites. Wesley and his brother Nolan, behind him, attended with their mother Connie McMahon, who was a student at Sugar Creek Elementary in the late 1980s and early 1990s. the public to walk through the classrooms of both buildings, talk with teachers, look through the school’s history in the form of yearbooks, newspaper clippings and photos and enjoy pieces of cake.

A panel of Sugar Creek educators, who had taught in all of the decades since its opening, shared memories of their time in the building, and a band played live music in the Sugar Creek gym. New Century students who had worked on a project three years ago studying the history of the building directed parents to exhibits and interviewed attendees.

On May 29, the last day of school, current students and

staff will part with the Sugar Creek and New Century School buildings. After that, the only people allowed inside will be the district’s moving company and essential personnel.

Sugar Creek has a 64 year history that started as the Verona Elementary School, which was the district’s only elementary school into the 1980s. It physically grew with the district’s increase in population.

New Century celebrated the building’s 100th anniversary in 2018. The school itself has only been around since the 1990s, but the building originally served K-8 students as the Verona State Graded School. The attached building now known as Sugar

Fitchburg Star

11

What’s online for VASD

Creek was built to accommodate the growing district and, at the time, hold grades 3-8.

N ew C e n t u r y g r a d e s 2 / 3 teacher Larry Gundlach said the event evoked a lot of emotions for him, some of which he hasn’t quite taken the time to process yet. One emotion Gundlach said he does recognize is pride and the good work New Century has done over the years.

“I’m proud of what’s been accomplished in this building,” he said. “It’s a timeless endeavor.”

Sugar Creek principal Todd Brunner said it was inspiring to hear the stories that people brought with them to the event.

Brunner said he’s since heard from a multitude of people, especially his own staff, about how grateful people were that the schools held the event so people could share their memories and see the classrooms for the final time.

“One thing that was inspiring was to hear so many people, parents and staff, talk about what a warm, welcoming school this has always been to families,” he said. “We are still that … that doesn’t go away. We’re moving to a new building, but the people are the same, and the people are what make a school.

“A building is just where you’re housed.”

Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie contributed to this story.

Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.

Read these and more Verona Area School District stories at ConnectFitchburg.com

School start, end times expected to stay the same

Start and end times for the 202021 school year are expected to stay the same – but the Verona Area School District will need to add four or five bus routes to accomplish it.

That’s mainly because a state-mandated study found some students living close to school should not be required to walk.

District to hold first Wellness Fair March 14

The district will hold its first Wellness Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14, at Glacier Edge Elementary School, 800 Kimball Lane.

District families and students from all schools are welcome to attend.

VASD to plan for potential coronavirus outbreak

The Verona Area School District is creating a steering committee to address the recent worldwide coronavirus outbreak. It includes administrative staff, school nurses and medical professionals to provide information regarding the virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19.

VAIS students honored by firefighter foundation

City of Fitchburg firefighters and representatives from the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin Charitable Foundation visited Verona Area International School students Friday, Feb. 28. Addy Roltgen and Stella Roltgen were honored for their drawings featured in the PFWCF’s fire safety and prevention publication.

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