Trust The Best Scott Stewart & Kathy Bartels KBartels@StarkHomes.com SStewart@StarkHomes.com (608) 512-8487 • (608) 235-2927 adno=20918
It’s your paper! Friday, September 14, 2018 • Vol. 5, No. 7 • Fitchburg, WI • ConnectFitchburg.com • $1
Inside
City of Fitchburg
Agora Art Fair photos
‘Wind in the sails’
Page 2 Alders question ‘holes’ in Fitch-Rona EMS study Page 3 Part 2 of Solar series: City’s usage Page 9
Business
City’s grants support nonprofit programming in ‘priority neighborhoods’ SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
As the Leopold Elementary School students turned the herbs they had just harvested from the nearby woods into an afterschool pesto snack, Katy Clayshulte was feeling “magical.” This spring was Clayshulte’s first as the gardener-in-residence at the school, a position run by Community Groundworks, which offers garden programs at schools throughout Madison. She continued classes with neighborhood
students through the summer, and they’re picking up again this fall as the school year begins. “It’s something they can teach their friends or their family,” Clayshulte told the Star. “Then maybe (they tell me), ‘My mom made kale last night because I told her you can do that with kale.’ Just kind of being able to be little leaders.” Without her, the garden could still be the “unknown” it seemed to be when she began
Turn to Grants/Page 12
The neighborhoods The Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative identified the following three neighborhoods as priority areas for city programming and nonprofit partnerships: • North Fish Hatchery • Verona Road West/Jamestown • Belmar/Dunn’s Marsh
Another tight budget, mayor says
Mendota Springs Dentistry marks two years in Fitchburg
Proposed budget posted on city website Sept. 21
Page 13
SCOTT GIRARD
Sports
Unified Newspaper Group
Verona football rolls by Madison West 35-0 to improve to 3-1 this season Page B1
Schools
Page B7
Photo by Scott Girard
Kids flock to Bucky Badger, who made an appearance at the Fitchburg Technology Campus Back to School Block Party event Thursday, Aug. 23.
Bucky visits Back to School Block Party Ready or not, the end of summer has arrived. But the Fitchburg Technology Campus hosted its annual Back to School Block Party Thursday, Aug. 23, to ensure some fun is had in what little is left of summer. The event featured face painting, a visit from the Fitchburg Police Department’s K-9 unit, live music, Bucky Badger and ended with an outdoor showing of “The Secret Life of Pets.” PRSRT STANDARD ECRWSS US POSTAGE
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Turn to Budget/Page 15
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Bids for new Verona Area High School project come in under budget
If the mayor’s comments last month and the city’s modest growth are any indication, it could be another difficult budget season in the City of Fitchburg. Mayor Jason Gonzalez plans to post his budget proposal on the city’s website Sept. 21. And during the Aug. 14 Common Council meeting, he “put everyone on notice,” telling alders the city would be over its levy limit if it were to grant all operational requests and the capital improvement plan approved earlier this year. “I don’t understand sometimes when people sit up here and talk about how they want to save taxpayer money and stuff, but then they go and add all these ridiculous things to the capital improvement plan,” he told the council. That 10-year planning document does not set any spending, but it forms the basis of capital requests for the budget, such as roads,
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September 14, 2018
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Fitchburg Star
Agora Art Fair celebrates 10 years in Fitchburg Hundreds of people attended the 10th annual Agora Art Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18. The fair featured artists from a variety of backgrounds who work in a variety of media, food trucks, live music and kite flying and bubbles from the Wisconsin Kiters. –Kimberly Wethal
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Ray Blum, of the Wisconsin Kiters, uses a net to create a large bubble for a group of children at the Agora Art Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Kiters bring bubbles for the kids when there’s not a lot of wind to keep kites in the air, he said.
Left: Children jump up to pop a bubble at the Agora Art Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18. Right: Logan AbelGill decorates a wooden snake at the children’s craft center at the Agora Art Fair on Saturday, Aug. 18.
On the web To view more photos from the Agora Art Fair, visit:
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• • • • • • • • • • •
Elyas Ibrahim, 5, plays a lawn game during the Community Party on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Nine Springs Golf Course.
Nine Springs hosts community party Nine Springs Golf Course hosted a community party on Saturday, Sept. 8, to celebrate the end of summer. The event included bounce houses, lawn games, a DJ and a cookout. – Kimberly Wethal
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September 14, 2018
Fish Hatchery Road reconstruction
Fitchburg Star
3
City of Fitchburg
Project will keep traffic lanes open $18 million, 1.5mile construction planned for 2019-20 SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
Fish Hatchery Road will have at least one lane open in each direction throughout its reconstruction next year and in 2020, according to preliminary plans. Those plans, presented at the first public meeting on the project Aug. 22, call for replacing the “deteriorating pavement” and failing retaining walls, as well as solving flooding issues and crashheavy intersections, KL Engineering project manager Samantha Herheim told the dozens of audience members. City of Fitchburg public works director Bill Balke said the city and its consultants are still looking at using asphalt rather than concrete and how to improve connectivity among the surrounding neighborhoods. The project will have an $18 million budget, they said. “(It’s) a roadway that’s going to be looking 50 years into the future of what we are now and what we can be,” he said. The reconstruction of the 1.5-mile stretch between McKee Road and the Beltline is expected to be led by the city after negotiations with Dane County officials stalled. City leaders have said they do not want to assume future maintenance and jurisdiction of the road in return for sharing costs, as the county has been doing
with suburban county trunk highways all over the county. Mayor Jason Gonzalez said at the meeting that taking $2 million from the county in return for that responsibility would be a bad deal. Instead, the city hopes to use a recently expanded tax-increment financing district to pay for the construction now, while keeping duties like snowplowing with the county. “This road has tens of thousands of cars driving down it a day,” Gonzalez said. “This is not a local road, it is a county road, and we’re gonna make it a destination for our city.” He added that the road reconstruction could cover bike and pedestrian access and infrastructure surrounding the road. “We’re gonna be investing not just between the curbs, as the county wants,” he said. The next public information meeting is planned for sometime in November, and planning for the project is expected to continue through March 2019. Construction would begin later that year, mostly with staging, and extend through 2020. That delay allows the city to avoid having construction going on at the same time as major parts of the Verona Road reconstruction, a consultant explained at the meeting. It will, however, coincide with a planned reconstruction McKee Road, which will need to be considered in the scheduling. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
Photo courtesy Fitch-Rona EMS
Fitch-Rona EMS has ambulances stationed in both Verona and Fitchburg.
Alders question ‘holes’ in Fire/EMS study Richardson: ‘It was a waste of $20,000’ SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
A study on combining fire and EMS service in the City of Fitchburg got an icy reception from alders at its presentation Aug. 14. “I was pretty aghast at some of the inaccuracies and some of the things that were in this report,” said Ald. Aaron Richardson (Dist. 3), who sits on the Joint EMS Commission with representatives from the City and Town of Verona. “Frankly, I think that it was a waste of $20,000.” The city authorized up to $30,000 for the study last November (though its final cost was $18,600) to look at potential cost-saving options compared to the current joint EMS district with the city and town of Verona, which has been in operation since 1977. Many of the decisions made in the district come from the nine-member commission, which comprises three voting members from each of the three municipalities. Budgetary and some other major decisions need unanimous approval of the municipalities. Fitchburg has the highest population and usage rate of the three, and has at times questioned the efficiency of the operation, including why
it would have an equal number of commission members to the Town of Verona. The study, created by GWB Professional Services and Elsass Executive Enterprises, considered six options. Consultant Gary Becker told the council Tuesday the “strongest” choice for Fitchburg would be withdrawing from the district to create its own EMS department and contract out with the city and town of Verona. That’s listed as “Option C” in the report. But Verona Mayor Luke Diaz wrote in an email Monday that is “not acceptable,” as “EMS is too critical of a service to outsource without Verona having direct input into the governing body.” He added that Verona’s Common Council would discuss the study at its Aug. 27 meeting. Tuesday, some Fitchburg alders expressed disappointment with the information provided by the consultants. “I was expecting to have some numbers,” said Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta (D-2). Consultant Dan Elsass explained that any hard estimates depended on negotiations with the city and town of Verona on some of the provisions related to withdrawing from the district and would require some assumptions either way. Elsass offered to provide some of that to alders. Fitchburg Mayor Jason Gonzalez, who said earlier in the meeting the
2019 budget is already over the levy limit and therefore will require cuts, said, “There’s probably no action item going to be taken in the near future.” He added that he expected to continue talking with Diaz. EMS director Patrick Anderson took issue with the report in an email to the Fitchburg council that he also shared with the City of Verona. He cited “inaccurate” information about the manner of supervision, day-today oversight, station duties, hiring and budgeting, among other things. The only speaker from the public on the item was also critical, as Fitch-Rona EMS paramedic Lt. Kyle Wells said the study “contains a shocking number of errors.” “We do not feel that this study was done well, and it is a poor representation of the current situation,” Wells, who said he was speaking on behalf of other paramedics, told the Council. “The data here is suspect and there is no rhyme or reason how they reach any conclusion with it.” Ald. Tom Clauder (D-4) said the city could instead have asked FitchRona for the data, as they had always been “right on the money” when he had done so in the past. “There’s a lot of holes in this report,” Clauder said. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
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The City of Fitchburg is planning to reconstruct North Fish Hatchery Road, seen here looking south, from the Beltline to McKee Road beginning in late 2019.
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September 14, 2018
Opinion
Fitchburg Star
Letters to the editor policy Unified Newspaper Group is proud to offer a venue for public debate and welcomes letters to the editor, provided they comply with our guidelines. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. They should also contain contact information – the writer’s full name, address, and phone number – so that the paper may confirm authorship. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be printed under any circumstances. The editorial staff of Unified Newspaper Group reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and appropriateness. Letters with libelous or obscene content will not be printed. Unified Newspaper Group generally only accepts letters from writers with ties to our circulation area. Letters to the editor should be of general public interest. Letters that are strictly personal – lost pets, for example – will not be printed. Letters that recount personal experiences, good or bad, with individual businesses will not be printed unless there is an overwhelming and compelling public interest to do so. Letters that urge readers to patronize specific businesses or specific religious faiths will not be printed, either. “Thank-you” letters can be printed under limited circumstances, provided they do not contain material that should instead be placed as an advertisement and reflect public, rather than promotional interests. Unified Newspaper Group encourages lively public debate on issues, but it reserves the right to limit the number of exchanges between individual letter writers to ensure all writers have a chance to have their voices heard. This policy will be printed from time to time in an abbreviated form here and will be posted in its entirety on our websites.
Friday, September 14, 2018 • Vol. 5, No. 7 Periodical Postage Paid, Verona, WI and additional offices. Published monthly on Friday by the Unified Newspaper Group, A Division of Woodward Communications, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send Address Corrections to The Fitchburg Star, 133 Enterprise Drive, Verona, WI 53593.
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Batteries are everywhere and should be recycled A mericans throw away more than 3 billion batteries each year, according to EPA statistics. This equates to 180,000 tons of batteries that either get sent to landfills or incinerated at garbage facilities. Batteries are present in everyday life. Whether they are small-cell batteries used to power hearing aids, wristwatches and garage door openers or the classic AA batteries found in remote controls, digital cameras and flashlights, batteries are the small source of energy that we depend on. Many people throw these batteries in the trash, and in most cases, it is perfectly legal to do so. Every state besides California allows dry-cell batteries to be thrown into the trash. However, the materials in these batteries – including lead, nickel, cadmium and lithium – can be harmful to human health and the environment if not handled properly. These heavy metals will eventually leach into the environment and harm our natural resources. And putting lithium and lithium-ion batteries in the trash can also pose a risk to garbage collectors and handlers because of the potential for the batteries to catch on fire, especially if damaged by other equipment. Rather than throwing batteries in the trash, we should take them to recycling facilities, where the metals in the batteries can be recycled and reused. Luckily, there are many places that offer battery recycling at little or no cost. Recycling batteries is the most efficient, sustainable and safe way of handling the heavy metals inside the batteries, by breaking down and recovering the material contained within for reuse. It’s important to know which kind
Secondary-cell batteries are commonly called lithium-ion, nickel cadmium, and nickel-metal hydride, and almost all battery recyclers will take them because of the ease of recycling and the value of the materials. Many local places, including Home Depot, Best Buy, Target, Staples and Batteries Plus, have advertised they accept dry-cell rechargeable batteries free of charge. Fitchburg’s annual electronics of batteries you’re attempting to recycling event, scheduled for Sept. recycle, however. 22, provides an opportunity to recyDry-cell batteries, or batteries that cle your rechargeable batteries and don’t contain liquid, come in two all other electronics you might have. main types – single-use and second- Browse Resource Solutions’ website ary-cell, or “rechargeables.” All of at recyclethatstuff.com to learn about them can and should be recycled, the types of electronics they will but depending on the classification, accept at the recycling event. it might be difficult to find the right Another type is known as wet-cell place. batteries, which are primarily found Both types include AA, AAA, C, in your car, boat or motorcycle. and D cell and 9-volt varieties. SinThese must be recycled under state gle-use types also include the small, law. Most of the time, people swap out circular “button” batteries, and secondary-cell batteries include a their old wet-cell battery when they variety used in cell phones, laptops, get a new one, but if you have one power tools, video game controllers lying around, any place that sells vehicle batteries is required to accept and even electric cars. Single-use batteries are the most used batteries. State law limits the common, and they’re typically found charge to $3. in smoke detectors, wall clocks, If you want to reduce overall batremote controllers and many other tery waste in general, look into using devices. They’re often called alkarechargeable batteries instead of the line and lithium batteries. This class single-use ones. Rechargeable batterof battery is difficult to recycle and ies last a lot longer and can actually might require a small fee. save you money in the long run in At least for the rest of the year, spite of the higher up-front cost for Fitchburg residents can recycle these the battery and charger. alkaline and lithium batteries at City So go ahead, collect all of your old Hall. However, because of contamibatteries. Go the extra mile to find nation, improperly prepared batteries and visit a local recycler that accepts and cost, this program might be all types of batteries. discontinued in 2019. Be sure both The environment will thank you. ends of the batteries are taped and you check the label to make sure Nate Ewanowski is a member of Fitchwhat form of battery you are trying burg’s Resource Conservation Commission. to recycle.
Healthy living
You are your best health-monitoring device
U
sing technology to monitor our health is becoming more common. Many of us now use wearable devices to count steps, measure heart rate and track sleep. And future tech advances will bring more ways our health can be improved, from identifying treatments for each individual based on their genes to creating personalized vitamins designed according to your gut bacteria and Konopacki nutrient deficiencies. But it’s important to remember that our bodies already contain the most advanced healing technology on the planet – our natural ability to heal far exceeds anything we’ve been able to produce. One way we can tap into this ability is by changing a perspective, paradigm or mindset to allow for energy optimization in our body. These changes in thought patterns around living and healing can be seen as another form of “mindset technology” and can yield positive results when applied. Imagine a medical technology scenario like this: A smart nanobot sensor placed internally monitors your health data and transmits this information in real time to an AI-powered supercomputer, which can sift through and sort this data according to your unique genetics, microbiome and medical history. Abnormalities are detected,
personalized recommendations are made and you receive a prescription at home via your 3D medical printer. It’s exciting to think about what we might experience in our lifetimes in the way of advances in medical treatment. Along with that, even more exciting to me is changing the way we live so we can reduce reliance on these new treatments and make intelligent prevention a lifestyle. One part of the picture of optimal health and vitality is sleeping well. It sounds simple, but it’s both a cause and a result of good health. That means when you fall asleep, stay asleep and wake up alert and energized. You feel more relaxation and ease in your shoulders, neck and back. While life stressors may not disappear, the way you respond likely changes. You find solutions and avoid being overwhelmed. A feeling of life enjoyment, a sense of purpose and fulfillment and social and family connections is present. There are several advanced healing perspectives we can use to get better life and health outcomes. First, consider upgrading your internal operating system. We understand that our smartphones and computers require regular updates, but most of us don’t know it’s possible to apply this same concept to ourselves. Our nervous system (the body’s OS) can accumulate stress patterns that show as tight muscles, rigid perspectives, etc. Using self-care tools and body work treatments to reset these patterns can be transformative, like hitting ctrl+alt+delete when you
have programs that won’t close on your computer. Second, in order to optimize, we need to do more than seek less of something. Often people will talk about what they want to get rid of: pain, disease, symptoms, or their common experience of poor health. If we are able to shift our focus over time to what it takes to build the opposite (what we want) and create habits around that, managing or treating a symptom or condition can become easier or even at times unnecessary. Lastly, check in with the energy level you are bringing to your life. If you want to make sustainable change, a new source of fuel is required. Whether this comes from releasing stuck or blocked parts of the body, joints, spine or nerves or simply applying a new, fresh perspective to an old problem, having more available energy and the means to consciously and effortlessly apply it can help you achieve extraordinary results. It’s like finding and living from an edge you never knew existed. Along with using the best of medical technological advances to help us benefit from smart, individualized, and more effective healthcare, there’s no substitute for waking up every day and living well. Using mindset technologies that allow for an upgraded, energized and resourceful life will help you do just that. Dr. Laura Konopacki is the owner of Body Wave Chiropractic in Fitchburg.
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Fitchburg Star
September 14, 2018
5
August flooding closes roads, bike trail SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
The record rainfall in Dane County Aug. 20 into Aug. 21 left a few roads closed in Fitchburg for a day or two, and a bike path has remained unusable since. But the city avoided the worst of the area’s damage. Further west, areas like Cross Plains and Middleton reportedly received as much as 15 inches of rain, flooded businesses and washed out roads. And closer, neighboring areas like west Madison and Verona had several areas with standing water and many rescues of motorists and passengers caught up in flash flood rapids, and even parts the Beltline was closed for hours. In Fitchburg, public works director Lisa Coleman reported the department did not have an exact measurement of rainfall from that night, but based on news reports estimated the city got 3 to 5 inches. Staff spent the night out “placing barricades as needed and clearing debris from roadways” along with police and fire. “We also had barricades in areas where the road remained open but water was lapping up against the sides of the road,” Coleman wrote in an email to the Star. “We had a
Photos submitted (above) and by Kimberly Wethal
Fitchrona Road, at left, was closed due to flooding between Lacy and Nesbitt roads. Floodwaters washed away portions of the Capital City bicycle trail, which could be closed for several weeks as crews make repairs and clear trees that fell on the path. culvert blow out and partially collapse Fitchrona Road, and had to make a temporary repair on that.” Fitchburg Police Department Sgt. Edward Hartwick told the Star in an email Aug. 23 that the department received 38 weather-related calls between 4:30 p.m. Monday and 3 a.m. Tuesday, with 35 related to flooded roads, stalled out vehicles stuck in the road or trees down. Fifteen vehicles were towed via requests from the
department, Hartwick said, though “there were likely many more” that were towed after direct calls from drivers to tow trucks. A few manhole covers were displaced around the city, including one near Spoke and Sprocket drives along the Cannonball Path. Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District work crews placed berms to contain any residual water in response to that and other sanitary overflows, also spreading lime “as
a health precaution,” MMSD stated in a news release. The road closures Aug. 21 were on Fitchrona between Lacy and Nesbitt roads – a spot with a history of flooding and that closed again a few weeks later after more rainfall; Seminole Highway between Sentinel Pass and Dawley Drive; and Syene Road north of McCoy Road and south of Post Road. While “Road Closed” signs were posted, some cars could
be seen Aug. 21 trying to drive through the waters. The city asked residents in a news release to “please obey traffic barricades.” Hartwick added that eight other roadways had portions closed for at least a couple of hours overnight Aug. 20, including McKee Road from Spoke Drive to Seminole Hwy., which was affected by flood waters from the Badger State Trail. The Capital City Bike Trail also remained closed between Fish Hatchery Road and the bicycle roundabout intersection, as a portion of the trail was washed out by the storm. There were also downed trees and standing water in that area. “The trail washouts on either side of the Longford Terrace underpass tunnel will require reconstruction which may result in a several week closure of this portion of the Capital City Trail,” the Dane County Parks Dept. said in a news release. Coleman told the Star that as of Aug. 22 she had not received any reports of flood damage to homes or businesses in the city. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
City of Fitchburg
Council sides with neighbors, agrees with medium density Unified Newspaper Group
In a close vote that is not yet the final word, the Common Council sided with residents who objected to a high-density apartment proposal in the North Stoner Prairie Neighborhood. After hours of discussion at the Sept. 11 council meeting, nothing in the neighborhood plan had officially changed, but alders approved an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan with the help of Mayor Jason Gonzalez’s tie-breaking vote. It would prevent anything to the scale of the 182-unit apartment complex that had been proposed for the sixacre parcel. Though that specific development plan already had been voted down earlier in the meeting, the comprehensive plan change was in step with what residents in the nearby Seminole Forest and Lacy Heights neighborhoods had asked for. They told alders Tuesday and in previous meetings the amendment would help rebuild their “trust” in elected officials. Developer Chris Ehlers was surprised the apartment proposal was even discussed Tuesday, let alone voted on, as it had been postponed by the Plan Commission in July with an understanding he would work on a new proposal. “It was never intended to be presented tonight,” devel- Inconsistent approvals oper Chris Ehlers said. In July, the commisHe and the four alders who voted against the change had sion voted to approve three advocated for leaving the other amendments to the
comprehensive plan – two for high-density developments in west-side Orchard Pointe development and a third recognizing previous changes in Fitchburg Center – but denied the Stoner Prairie change. Commission chair Carol Poole, a former District 1 alder, told the council Tuesday that was because the language in the North Stoner plan allows for high or medium density and allows the council to deny any plan it doesn’t like, as alders had done earlier Tuesday when they denied the rezoning required for the 182-unit proposal. Two alders had asked for that proposal to be added to the agenda, Gonzalez explained, despite the commission’s July decision to postpone it and ask the developer for a new plan. Alders eventually voted Tuesday night 5-3 to deny the rezoning request, meaning the developer would have to restart the application for any new proposal for the six acres. Much of Tuesday’s conversation centered on process and affordable housing. The former left alders asking for many clarifications from Zisman, while the latter brought mentions of racism and classism. Zisman said with a new public hearing needed, notice
requirements likely will prevent the comprehensive plan changes from returning to the council for final approval before November. While there was initially some concern about that affecting the other projects up for plan amendments, which couldn’t be approved separately Tuesday, the landowner said he hoped to keep working with the potential developers to keep the proposals alive.
A ‘mistake’ The changes this month started with a little-noticed amendment done last year to accommodate Ehlers. The council had approved changing the comprehensive plan from a limit of fiveto-six units per acre on the property in question to either medium-density – fiveto-nine units per acre – or high-density, which allows for more. The idea was to offset density lost when a church that had been planned for the development moved to a new part of the neighborhood, Ehlers has said. Ehlers said last year’s change allowed for apartments that would bring in more money and create room to build “attainable” housing on a lot across the road in the development, likely around $300,000.
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you know what’s best.” Clauder said the overwhelming input from the neighborhoods convinced him it was the right decision. “I have never seen a neighborhood organize the way they have,” he said. “It’s been unbelievable what they’ve done. Richardson said he didn’t want to “restrict” the possibilities for the developer and city to come to a compromise with the neighbors, though he knew “some of the guidelines we want to work in the future” after hearing from those neighbors. “I don’t think passing it’s the right thing just because it limits the flexibility for the future,” he said. “We can deny projects that come in.”
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Whether that’s considered affordable – there was some disagreement among alders – lower price points is something many have said over the past year they want to bring into the city. But last year’s change had been done without the knowledge of many of the residents in the neighborhoods surrounding the development, and when they found out about it, some asked alders to change it back. Many have said over the past few months, including Tuesday, that they had lost “trust” in their representatives. Carpenter said the amendment in 2017 was a “mistake” that they were trying to fix. “If you vote for (the amendment), then you stand with constituents, you stand with residents,” Carpenter said. “If you stand against it, you’re trying to tell people
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option for high-density, with the understanding that the 182-unit proposal was too much and unwanted by the neighborhood. Alders voted it down nonetheless and later voted for the comprehensive plan change, which would limit Ehlers’ options if he returns with a new plan. The amendment would limit the property to nine units per acre to bring it more consistent with a previously approved neighborhood plan, but it conflicts with what the Plan Commission had approved and sent to the council. City attorney Valerie Zisman told alders changes to the plan, which can only happen once a year, require both the commission and council to approve similar language. That requirement left some alders on the fence initially, as it delayed other plan amendments that were part of the package. Ald. Tony Hartmann (Dist. 4) ended up as the fourth vote in favor of the amendments, and he lamented the process complications. “I hate this conflating of four different amendments into one. This is awful,” he said. “I am gonna have to chomp down and vote for something I am not gonna like either way.” A l d s . To m C l a u d e r (D-4), Dan Carpenter (D-3) and Dan Bahr (D-2), who co-sponsored the amendment, were the other three votes in favor. Alds. Dorothy Krause (D-1), Anne Scott (D-1), Julia Arata-Fratta (D-2) and Aaron Richardson (D-3) were the votes against the amendment.
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Alders sends North Stoner Prairie plan back to commission
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September 14, 2018
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
‘Queen of Willy Street’ art comes to Fitchburg Promega showcase to feature art by late Mona Boulware Webb KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
Promega will be bringing a little bit of Madison’s Williamson Street to Fitchburg this month. Its Fall Art Showcase, curated by Daniel Swadener, will feature the work of Mona Boulware Webb, dubbed “The Queen of Willy Street” for her influence in reshaping that n e i g h b o r h o o d ’s i m a g e through art. After coming to Madison in the 1960s, the Houston native ran an art studio called Wayhouse of Light at 1354 Williamson St., according to Promega’s online biography of Webb. She died in
1998. “I didn’t know her (really) well, but I met her and spent time with her,” Promega art curator Daniel Swadener told the Star. The exhibition will run from Sept. 18 through Dec. 31, also featuring art from the Traveling VSA Wisconsin Exhibition. It can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, 5445 E. Cheryl Pkwy. The opening reception is 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18.
‘Inspiration to a lot of people’ A painter and sculptor, Webb lived in Mexico City during her early adult life, and her art was inspired by its pre-Columbian ceramics, folk carvings, textiles and murals, according to Promega’s biography of her. Her artwork serves as
the link between Promeg a ’s S u m m e r a n d Fa l l 2 0 1 8 ex h i b i t i o n s , b o t h about “Wisconsin creativity,” Swadener said. The summer exhibition, “Madison Mentors, a Reunion of Influential Artists,” features around 100 pieces of Webb’s work, on loan from the Edgewood C o l l eg e G a l l e r y, a l o n g with works from University of Wisconsin-Madison educators Bruce Breckenridge, Bill Weege and Don Reitz, all influential in the Madison art scene in the 1960s. S wa d e n e r, w h o k n ew Webb from living on Williamson Street decades ago, said back then, it had a “rough and tumble” reputation and often “bad press” about motorcycle gangs and fights, and people warned him against living there. But it was Webb who kept everyone in the neighborhood in line, he
If You Go What: Promega Fall Art Showcase 2018 When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 18 through Dec. 31 Where: Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, 5445 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Info: promega-artshow.com said, transforming it into the arts-focused district it is today. “She really got a lot of people involved in making art, and being involved in art (and) using up all that energy that young people have – she made it alright to be crazy and express yourself,” Swadener said. “She really was an inspiration to a lot of people … she really was the spirit of the east side; Willy Street in particular.” Even her building was a work of art in itself, with mosaics and murals on the
exterior, something “you couldn’t just walk by and ignore.” “It was different from anything else,” he said. “You had to know there wa s s o m e t h i n g s p e c i a l going on in there. To walk i n t o t h a t p l a c e wa s a n explosion of creativity.” A n d We b b s t i l l l ive s on in the people that she inspired, who continue to make public art on Williamson Street, around Madison and throughout the county, Swadener said. “If you go down there now, you see things that
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If You Go What: Promega Fall Art Showcase 2018 opening reception When: 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18 Where: Promega BioPharmaceutical Technology Center, 5445 E. Cheryl Pkwy. Info: promega-artshow. com
we sort of take for granted,” he said. “A lot of that is because of Mona, and people like her.” Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
Calendar of events Friday, Sept. 14
• 11 a.m. to noon, Fall crafts (ages 2-5), library, 729-1762 • 4-5 p.m., Perler beads (ages 5-12), library 7291762
• 6-7 p.m., Adult craft evening, library, 729-1763
library, 729-1762 • 12:40 p.m., Movie Day: “Isle of Dogs,” senior center, 270-4290 • 3:30-5 p.m., Make It Snappy: Snap Circuits (ages 5-12, children ages 5-8 require parental guidance, registration required), library, 7291762
Sunday, Oct. 14
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 33rd Wednesday, Sept. 26 Saturday, Oct. 6 annual Kite Fly for Peace, Wednesday, Sept. 19 • 10-11 a.m., Toddler • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago McKee Farms Park, 2930 • 10-11 a.m., Wednesday discoveries (ages 2-5), Steppin’! (ages 60+), Boys Chapel Valley Road, 271morning book discussion: library, 729-1762 and Girls Club of Dane 8265 “The Boys in the Boat” County, 4619 Jenewein • 4-5 p.m., Sphero robotby Daniel James Brown, Road, 270-4290 Monday, Oct. 15 ics (ages 9-12, registralibrary, 729-1760 tion required), library, Saturday, Sept. 15 • 4-5 p.m., Make and Take Monday, Oct. 8 729-1762 Dirt cups (ages 9-12, reg• 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago • 7-8 p.m., Facebook • 4-5 p.m., Read Aloud istration required), library, Steppin’! (ages 60+), Boys 101 class (registration Thursday, Sept. 27 party (ages 5-12), library, 729-1762 required), library, 729and Girls Club of Dane 729-1762 • 10 a.m. to noon, Well1763 Saturday, Sept. 22 County, 4619 Jenewein Tuesday, Oct. 16 ness checks with a nurse, • 5-5:45 p.m., Kitchen SciRoad, 270-4290 • 8-11 a.m., Fall cleanup: Thursday, Sept. 20 ence: DIY cleaning prodsenior center, 270-4290 • 7-8 p.m., Go Big Read Confidential document ucts, library, 729-1760 Sunday, Sept. 16 • 10 a.m. to noon, Welllive stream: “The Death • 1:30 p.m., I Love a shredding, electronics and Life of the Great • 9 a.m., Race for Agrace ness checks with a nurse, recycling and medicine Mystery Book Club: “The Tuesday, Oct. 9 senior center, 270-4290 Lakes” by Dan Egan, 1K and 5K, Agrace Maddisposal, City Hall parking Woman in Cabin 10” by library, 729-1760 ison, 5395 E. Cheryl Ruth Ware, senior center, • 6-7 p.m., Teen playtime • 1-1:45 p.m., Bouncing lot, sstreck@execpc.com (ages 13-17), library, 729Pkwy., agrace.org/event/ babies storytime, library, 270-4290 Wednesday, Oct. 17 • 10:30-11 a.m., Elephant 1762 race-for-agrace 729-1762 • 3-6 p.m. Fitchburg Farmstorytime for Elephant • 10-11 a.m., Yoga buds Wednesday, Oct. 10 • 9:30 a.m. to noon, Walk • 3-6 p.m. Fitchburg Farm- Appreciation Day (ages ers Market – Fall Fest, (ages 2-5), library, 729for Wishes, McKee Farms ers Market – Fall Fest, Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. • 6-6:30 p.m., Family paja- 1762 2-5), library, 729-1762 Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. ma storytime (ages 2-5), • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago Cheryl Pkwy., fitchburgc• 10-11 a.m., Wednesday Road, wisconsin.wish.org Cheryl Pkwy., fitchburgchamber.com library, 729-1762 Steppin’! (ages 60+), Boys morning book discussion, hamber.com • 6:30-7:30 p.m., Makand Girls Club of Dane Monday, Sept. 17 library, 729-1760 Thursday, Oct. 11 • 4-5 p.m., Un-Book club ing advance healthcare County, 4619 Jenewein • 4-5 p.m., Back to school (ages 9-12), library, 729• 7-8 p.m., 3-D print• 10 a.m. to noon, Welldecisions (registration Road, 270-4290 buttons (ages 5-12), ing basics (registration ness checks with a nurse, 1762 required), library, 729library, 729-1762 required), library, 729senior center, 270-4290 Monday, Sept. 24 1763 • 5:30-7:30 p.m., Verona • 7-8 p.m., The Un-Book • 3-6 p.m. Fitchburg Farm- 1763 • 7-8 p.m., Author event: Road Project Quarterly Friday, Sept. 28 Club, library, 729-1762 ers Market – Fall Fest, “Children, Save YourThursday, Oct. 18 Open House, Verona • 11 a.m. to noon, Book Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. selves!” by Ronald J. Road Project Field House, Tuesday, Sept. 18 • 10 a.m. to noon, Wellboogie (ages 2-5), library, Cheryl Pkwy., fitchburgc6200 Nesbitt Road, Suite Berger, library, 729-1760 ness checks with a nurse, • 3:30-6:30 p.m., Prome729-1762 hamber.com Tuesday, Sept. 25 B, projects.511wi.gov/ senior center, 270-4290 ga’s Fall 2018 Art ShowSaturday, Sept. 29 • 4-5:30 p.m., 3-D printed • 10:30-11:15 a.m., Comveronard • 3:30-4:30 p.m., Shoebox case Opening, BioPharkey chains (ages 9-12, • 11 a.m. to noon, SciFooseball (registration maceutical Technology munication innovation stoFriday, Sept. 21 registration required), ence is fun in the lab of required), library, 729Center, 5445 E. Cheryl rytime (ages 2-5), library, • 11 a.m. to noon, Curious 1762 library, 729-1762 Shakhaskiri, library, 729Pkwy., fitchburgchamber. 729-1762 George party (ages 2-5, 1760 • 7-8:30 p.m., Frankencom • 6-7 p.m., “Will it waffle?” • 1-1:30 p.m., Bouncing registration required), (ages 13-17), library, 729- • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago stein Turns 200 film Halloween Babies storySteppin’! (ages 60+), Boys showing: 1931 adaptation, time, library, 729-1762 library, 729-1760 and Girls Club of Dane • 3-6 p.m. Fitchburg FarmCounty, 4619 Jenewein Friday, Oct. 12 ers Market – Fall Fest, Road, 270-4290 Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. • 11 a.m. to noon, Pre• 7 p.m., The Un-Book Cheryl Pkwy., fitchburgcschool Science (ages Club, library, 729-1760 hamber.com 2-5), library, 729-1762 Tuesday, Oct. 2 • 4-5 p.m., Lego challenge • 4-6 p.m., UnBookclub (ages 9-12), library, 729(ages 5-12), library, 729• 6-7 p.m., Project You 1762 (ages 13-17), library, 729- 1762 1762 Friday, Oct.19 Saturday, Oct. 13
Memorial United Church of Christ Check out our all youth and adult programs at memorialucc.org/learn/
5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg 273-1008 • www.memorialucc.org
adno=20436
Worship at 8:15 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. Sunday School at 10:15 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 3
• 9 a.m. to noon, Oak Bank’s Annual Great Pumpkin giveway fundraiser (donations go to Access Community Health Center), 5951 McKee Road, 441-6000 • 11 a.m. to noon, Mad Thursday, Oct. 4 City Violin and “petting • 10 a.m. to noon, Wellzoo” of instruments (for ness checks with a nurse, families with children ages senior center, 270-4290 8 and under), library, 729• 1-2 p.m., Travel show, 1762 senior center, 270-4290 • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago • 3-6 p.m. Fitchburg Farm- Steppin’! (ages 60+), Boys ers Market – Fall Fest, and Girls Club of Dane Agora Pavilion, 5511 E. County, 4619 Jenewein Cheryl Pkwy., fitchburgcRoad, 270-4290 • 10-11 a.m., Toddler art (ages 1-3), library, 7291762 • 6-6:30 p.m., We are in a Book Club! (ages 5-8), library, 729-1762
• Noon to 5 p.m., Friends of the Fitchburg Library used book sale, library, friendsofthefitchburglibrary.com
Saturday, Oct. 20
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friends of the Fitchburg Library used book sale, library, friendsofthefitchburglibrary.com • 1:30-2:30 p.m., Chicago Steppin’! (ages 60+), Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, 4619 Jenewein Road, 270-4290
ConnectFitchburg.com
September 14, 2018
Coming up Chicago Steppin’!
27, at the library. Registration is required. A fall clean-up day will be held from For information, call 729-1763. 8-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, in the city Project You hall parking lot. The clean-up day will feature docTeens age 13-17 are invited to visit ument shredding, electronics recy- the library from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. cling and medicine disposal at no cost, 2, for some “me time.” provided by Pellitteri Waste Systems, There will be activities focused on Resource Solutions Corp. and the Fitch- learning how to handle stress, practicburg police department, respectively. ing mindfulness, and explore different For information, visit fitchburgwi.gov. media styles of art. Snacks and materials will be provided. Author event For information, call 729-1762. Ronald J. Berger, author of the book “Children, Save Yourselves!” will pres- Teen playtime ent about his father and uncle’s survivDon’t let the little kids have all of the al of the Holocaust in Poland from 7-8 fun – the library will host a teen playp.m. Monday, Sept. 24, at the library. time from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9. The book discusses multiple concenThe library will provide activities like tration camps that his father endured Legos, water beads, kinetic sand and and details how his uncle survived out- snacks. side of the camps by claiming he was For information, call 729-1762. Catholic and joining the Soviet Army. Violin ‘petting zoo’ For information, call 729-1760. Students with the Mad City Viola and Shoebox fooseball Violin Studio will be performing a comChildren can learn to make their own pilation of modern and traditional violin shoebox fooseball game from 3:30-4:30 music from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the library. Oct. 13, at the library. Registration is required. After the performance, there will be For information, call 729-1762. a “petting zoo” where children have a hands-on experience with the instruWill it waffle? ments. Test the limits of a waffle maker and For information, call 729-1762. see if it can make lunch, dinner and dessert, in addition to breakfast, from 6-7 Kite Fly for Peace p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the library. The 33rd annual Kite Fly for Peace The cooking class is recommended will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages 13-17. Sunday, Oct. 14, at McKee Farms Park, For information, call 729-1762. 2930 Chapel Valley Road. Hosted by the Wisconsin Kiters, the Sphero robotics event will feature multiple different Children ages 9-12 are invited to play kinds of kites being flown, as well as a with Sphero robotics from 4-5 p.m. kite-making station for children. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the library. For information, contact Paul Fieber The sphere-shaped robots are intend- at 271-8265. ed to help children engage STEAM and Make and take dirt cups coding skills. Registration is required. Children ages 9-12 can learn how to For information, call 729-1762. make dirt cups from 4-5 p.m. Monday, 15, at the library. Advanced healthcare decisions Oct. Librarians will teach children how to An educator from Agrace will present make cook-free chocolate pudding and on how to communicate your final wish- provide toppings like gummy worms. es to your family in case of a health criRegistration is required. sis from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. For information, call 729-1762.
Recycling day
Adults aged 60+ are invited to participate in a “Chicago Steppin’!” class from 1:30-2:30 p.m. each Saturday from Sept. 15 to Oct. 27 at the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, 4619 Jenewein Road. The class is designed to help improve your balance and your dancing skills. For information, call 270-4290.
Back to school buttons Children ages 5-12 can make a button to decorate their backpacks from 4-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17, at the library. All materials will be provided and the event will include “challenges” to inspire creativity. For information, call 729-1762.
Un-book Club The library will offer a new book club that doesn’t have to be about books at all from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Attendees can bring books along to talk about, but are also encouraged to talk about whatever media they like at the moment – whether it be a podcast, blog, magazine or journal. For more information, call 729-1760.
Facebook 101 Learn the basics of Facebook in a one-hour class from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the library. The class will go over the concepts of a profile, messages, adding posts and other content to Facebook. Registration is required. For more information, call 729-1763.
Verona Road open house The Verona Road Project team host one of their four open houses a year from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Verona Road Project Field Office, 6200 Nesbitt Road, Suite B. Team members will be discussing the design and the progress of construction. Maps and exhibits will be on display. The meeting is not formal and attendees can stop in at any time during the two-hour period. For information, visit project.511wi. gov/veronard.
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Fitchburg Star
Night riders Overnight bike trip is Sept. 28
If You Go What: Pick Me Up at the Border! bike ride When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 Where: Starting at Capitol Square facing West Washington Avenue, Madison Info: bikefitchburg. org
KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
What began as a “rebellion” years ago has now become an annual fundraiser for Bike Fitchburg that co-founder Matthew Jones hopes to grow. The overnight ride known as “Pick Me Up at the Border!” starts at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, but it was already an underground tradition before it was adopted by Bike Fitchburg, Jones told the Star last week. It started years ago when a group of cyclists made the 90-mile trip from Madison to the Illinois border and back overnight when it was illegal to be on state trails past 11 p.m. Later, the snowmobile lobby successfully pushed for a change in laws, making legal to ride state trails 24-7. While the legalizing of the journey took some of the thrill out of the ride for some, Jones said, it remains a popular event since the group was asked to take it over a few years ago, and is their biggest fundraiser. “It’s an endurance event, having some sleep deprivation and a lot of miles on sort of rough gravel terrain,” he said. The 90-mile ride starts at the Capitol Square. Much of the road is gravel paths and are not as easy to ride on as
asphalt, Jones said, so riders will need endurance, though any level of rider can participate as long as they have proper lighting equipment and appropriate clothes for a night ride. People can sign up in advance at bikefitchburg. org, on eventbrite.com by searching “Pick Me Up at the Border!” or by showing up the night of the ride. The suggested donation for the ride is $15, with checks made out to Bike Fitchburg. Jones said the money helps the organization grow and fund multiple programs and initiatives, like the portable bike playground debuted earlier this summer. He said in the future, Bike Fitchburg wants to turn the event into something that Fitchburg can claim as their own. “We want to keep it going,” he said. “We want to tie it to Fitchburg and have it be an event that is eventually celebrated by the whole community.”
SAFE COMMUNITIES MADISON-DANE COUNT Y | www.safercommunity.net
Stepping On: A Falls Prevention Class
Farmers Market AGORA AT
FITCHBURG CENTER
T H U R S DAYS , M AY- O C TO B E R
|
3PM - 6PM
5 5 1 1 E . C H E RY L PA R K WAY, F I TC H B U RG Have you fallen or are you limiting your activities because you’re afraid you might fall? Interested in improving your balance to prevent a future fall? It’s never too early to start! Stepping On classes might be right for you! Stepping On is an effective falls prevention program for older adults. Each class is 2 hours and meets weekly for 7 weeks.
F I TC H B U RG M A R K E T.CO M
Fall Fest
Class Information
September 20 • 3-6 p.m.
Build your balance with Stepping On, an evidence-based workshop proven to reduce the rate of falls among participants of the program by at least 30%.
• Culver’s Custard Sundaes from EAGLE School • FREE Carriage Rides • Water Bottle & Tote Bag Handout by Oak Bank • Live Music by Prairie Bayou (Cajun)
Each class is taught by a trained leader and will feature guest speakers who provide information about:
Fall hazards Your fall risk Up-to-date falls prevention information How vision & medication affect falls
Event made possible through a generous donation of the Agora Retailers.
Register Today!
Fitchburg Senior Center 5510 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg
This program made possible by Dane County Area Agency on Aging, United Way of Dane County, WIHA, Fitchburg Senior Center and Sustaining Partners of Safe Communities.
Tuesdays October 2 – November 13 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm To register, call 608-270-4290
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• • • •
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September 14, 2018
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
Gypsy swing fest draws international artists to city 16th annual festival moves outside the barn ALEXANDER CRAMER Unified Newspaper Group
When Maggie Delaney-Potthoff rolled back the doors of the restored 1870s barn on Adams Road, she immediately sighed and said, “Ooh…concerts,” her husband Sims Delaney-Potthoff told the Star. The husband and wife team – who headline the Madison-based gypsy swing band Harmonious Wail – joined with the owners and the restorers of the barn, Anne and Bill Conzemius, to capitalize on their vision, starting the Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest 16 years go. The fest will return at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, and starting again at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Art in the Barn, 5927 Adams Road. Tickets range from $35 to $55 on Friday and from $40 to $60 on Saturday. They are available online and will be available at the door. A small amount of front-row, “sponsorship seats,” have been set aside and are available for
Photo by Samantha Christian
Make-A-Wish volunteer Kourtni Kelley helps Emma Buringa choose a candy prize after playing “Plinko” during the 2016 event. Shown in the background are her parents, Tara and Matt Buringa.
Walking for a cause Walk for Wishes aims to raise $40,000
If You Go What: Walk For Wishes fundraiser event When: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 16 Where: McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Road Info: wisconsin.wish.org
AMBER LEVENHAGEN Unified Newspaper Group
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses, and a fundraiser this weekend will help support that mission. The Walk For Wishes will start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 16, at McKee Farms Park, 2930 Chapel Valley Road. Registration for the various runs and walks opens at 8:30 a.m before the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The 5K and two mile run/ walk start at 10 a.m., the kids dash starts at 11 a.m. and the post-event party starts at 11:30 a.m. There will also be a wheelchair race and activities for kids. Advance registration is free, but pledges through family and friends are
VOT E
NOVEMBER 6 Listening. Planning. Responding Responsibly.
encouraged. Day-of registration is $10 for walkers and $25 for runners. As of Wednesday afternoon, Walk for Wishes had raised nearly $23,000 of it’s $40,000 goal, according to its website. People who collected pledges of $100 and up will be eligible for prizes including t-shirts and sweatshirts, inflatable chairs and gift cards for Meijer, Kohl’s or Amazon. Benvenuto’s Italian Grill and Great Dane Pub and Brewing Company, both in Fitchburg, will donate some proceeds to Make-A-Wish from sales after the races. M a ke - A - Wi s h wa s
What: Midwest Gypsy Swing Fest Where: Art in the Barn, 5927 Adams Road When: 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15 Info: midwestgypsyswingfest.com
purchase by emailing sims@ wail.com. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. with a happy hour hosted by the Wisconsin Brewing Company featuring discounts on wine and beer before the music starts at 7:30 Friday night. The schedule calls for three, 50-minute sets before a campfire jam that “might last all night,” Sims Delaney-Pothoff said. People are invited to camp overnight, and are asked to bring a lawn chairs, blankets and picnic supplies if they’d like. On Saturday, there will be six, 50-minute sets starting at 2 p.m. before the campfire jam at 10:30 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from the Fast ‘n Fresh food cart on Friday
night and the Rodeo Wagon on Saturday, which is when the New Glarus Brewing Company will take over the “barn-pub.” Sims Delaney-Potthoff said organizers have been struggling to grow the festival while maintaining its “charm and gestalt,” and this year he said they’ve hit on a solution: A 40 foot by 80 foot tent on the property will now hold all the concerts while the barn will morph into a combination pub, guitar and merchandise store and site for jam sessions. The fest showcases local, regional and international talent, this year bringing in French-based Roma performers Paquito and Sandro Lorier and the Amsterdam-based Robin Nolan Trio. Nolan played in the first festival many years ago. Gypsy swing music features virtuoso instrumental performances in the style of Django Reinhardt, and Sims Delaney-Potthoff said falling in love with the style is easy. “It’s highly addictive,” the mandolinist said. “The passion and its high integrity... it’s difficult music to play. It’s the passion of it that I love.” Contact Alexander Cramer at alexander.cramer@wcinet. com.
Race for Agrace is Sept. 16
founded in 1980 in Phoenix, Arizona, according to the organization’s website, when a group of people helped a seven-year-old boy named Chris Greicius achieve his wish of becoming a state trooper for a day. Since then, the organization has grown to 62 chapters across the United States with 40 affiliates in 50 countries around the world. More than 6,300 wishes have been granted since 1984, the website said. For more information, visit wisconsin.wish.org.
About Make-A-Wish
If You Go
Proceeds to pay healthcare costs for those in need KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
The second annual Race for Agrace 1-mile fun walk and 5K run/walk is set for Sunday, Sept. 16, as part of an effort to see that all patients receive treatment. Proceeds from the event, which begins at 9 a.m. at Agrace Hospice and Palliative Care, 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., will go toward the organization’s “Care for All” program, which seeks to cover healthcare costs for people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. Agrace marketing and communications director Liz Kopling said many people
Contact Amber Levenhagen at amber.levenhagen@wcinet.com.
for All program,” Kopling said, and with more participants signed up for this year – 650 people as of Monday – What: Race for Agrace she hopes the fundraiser will When: 9 a.m. Sunday, top last year’s total. Sept. 16 Online registration for the race is available through Where: Agrace Hospice Thursday, Sept. 13, at agrace. and Palliative Care, 5395 org/event/race-for-agrace. E. Cheryl Pkwy. Registration is $30 and Cost: $30 includes a T-shirt. Info: agrace.org/event/ In-person registration will race-for-agrace be available from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, at Agrace during early packet pick-up, or the day of the race from who end up using the program 7:15-8:45 a.m. A post-race have primary healthcare cover- reception will be held at the age through Medicare or Med- Agora Pavilion, 5500 E. Chericaid, or don’t have insurance. yl Pkwy. “Because Agrace is a nonprofit, we don’t turn anyone Email reporter Kimberaway,” she told the Star on ly Wethal at kimberly. Monday. wethal@wcinet.com and Last year’s inaugural event follow her on Twitter raised $30,000 for the “Care @kimberly_wethal.
If You Go
Referendum 2018 National prayer event comes to Fitchburg OREGON SCHOOL DISTRICT
Join us at a Community Open House to learn more about the November referendum.
Awaken the Dawn is Sept. 28-29 AMBER LEVENHAGEN
Community Open Houses
Unified Newspaper Group
September 17 | 6:00-7:30 PM October 6 | 10:00-11:30 AM October 15 | 6:00-7:30 PM
All at Rome Corners Intermediate School | 11111 S. Perry Pkwy., Oregon
Dr. Brian Busler, bsb@OregonSD.org
835-4003 (office) | 333-6169 (cell) | 835-6783 (home)
adno=25235
www.OregonSD.org/referendum
A 50-hour national prayer event will stop in Fitchburg later this month. Awaken the Dawn, a movement of worship, prayer and missions, has mobilized a nationwide movement to hold worship events in every state on the same weekend. McKee Farms Park will host one of the two events in Wisconsin, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29. The other, an overnight event, will be
Wisconsin playing music and singing in one- and two-hour sets throughout the day, and a tent for sharing worship What: Tent America and prayer. prayer event The first Awaken the Dawn When: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. was held last Oct. 6-9 on the Friday, Sept. 28 and National Mall in WashingSaturday, Sept. 29 ton, D.C., with nearly 50,000 people sharing worship and Where: McKee Farms prayer in 58 tents around the Park, 2930 Chapel Valley clock, according to the ATD Road website. Tent America 2018 Info: awakenthedawn.org was crafted to simultaneously bring that movement to every state. For more information, visit held at Crimson Way Church awakenthedawn.org. in Elm Grove. The event coincides with Contact Amber Levenhathe Feast of Tabernacles, the Awaken the Dawn website gen at amber.levenhagen@ wcinet.com. explains, with musicians and worship teams from all over
If You Go
ConnectFitchburg.com
September 14, 2018
Fitchburg Star
9
Fulfilling the pledge City closing in on 25 percent clean energy goal; a decade in 21 percent comes from solar Unified Newspaper Group
In the past decade, and increasingly so in the last year, the City of Fitchburg has invested in clean energy sources. It’s now starting to see some of that investment back. While private entities and homeowners are also part of a recent trend within the community of becoming more energy independent, the city government has taken the lead, generating almost 80 percent of the community’s 506 kilowatts of solar energy with five solar arrays. This surge goes back a decade, when the city promised to dedicate itself to energy independence by becoming one of 1,060 cities in the nation to sign on to the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. A year later it approved a 25x25 resolution, meaning that by 2025, around a quarter of the city’s energy needs should be met through clean energy sources. Fitchburg is getting close, now generating 21 percent of its energy needs from solar panels, according to a city news release Monday. The release calculated the value of that energy – generated from solar panels mounted on City Hall, the library, the public works garage and the fire station on Marketplace Drive – at $30,000 annually. With solar panels already on one new fire station and another on the way, that amount should be even higher next year. And at least one alder believes the city can go even further, presenting a proposal July 16 to the Common Council to commit to 100 percent clean energy. A l d . To ny H a r t m a n n (Dist. 4), who has been an advocate for clean energy for the past 15 years and a member of Fitchburg’s R e s o u r c e C o n s e r va t i o n Commission, told the Star days later the switch is just “common-sensical.” “It goes to every part of your life,” he said. “It’s not just, ‘Do you have solar panels” Are the heater and the chiller on at the same time? Is this building not really practical like that?’ People don’t think about the operating costs of living.”
Fulfilling a promise The majority of the energy generated by the city has been installed within the past year. The city’s first work toward its 25x25 pledge began when it installed solar panels capable of producing 12.3 kilowatts on the roof of City Hall in 2009. It added another 9.9 kilowatts to the public works garage in 2011. As of 2012, those panels were able to produce 3 percent of the city’s energy needs. In 2017, the city added more to the roof of City Hall and the public works garage, retrofitted the library and included solar on the
Clean Energy History 2008: Fitchburg’s Common Council authorizes the joining of the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement 2009: Council signs on to a resolution for 25 percent of clean energy by 2025 2010: Fitchburg joins the Green Tier Legacy Communities Charter 2011: Council adopts a resolution to reduce idling of vehicles 2013: City buildings retrofitted for clean energy technology 2016: Fitchburg begins LED street light installations 2017: Fitchburg installs 362 kW of solar power on top of city buildings
‘If we can do things in a renewable way and with low impact to the environment, we’ll all be better off in the long run.’ – Ellen Geisler, sustainability and neighborhood development specialist Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Marketplace Drive fire station’s rooftops for a total of 362 kilowatts worth of new solar panels. The solar panels at City Hall and the library began generating energy in December 2017, and the remaining solar arrays were turned on a month later, according to the news release. Since then, the panels have produced enough energy to move the city within 4 percent of its 25x25 pledge goals. The city will get even closer to fulfilling the pledge with the completion of the east side fire station currently being built on Syene Road, as the building is being constructed to be “solar ready,” according to the release. That station is expected to have a similar number of solar panels as what’s on the Marketplace Drive station, which has 90 kilowatts, department public information officer Meredith Shelton told the Star. Those panels have a life expectancy of 40 years with a savings of $14,000 in one year in energy cost savings, and $500,000 over its lifetime.
Going all out? While a resolution that will commit Fitchburg to 100 percent clean energy could come out within the next few months, city staff are looking at other municipalities in the region to see how feasible the idea is. Ellen Geisler, public works sustainability and neighborhood development specialist, said for now, she’s watching Madison, which committed to its 100 percent clean energy initiative in March 2017, according to the Cap Times, and Middleton, which in July adopted a resolution to use 100 percent clean energy by 2040. In order to accomplish that goal, she said, the city would need to go far beyond just solar panels on the roofs of public buildings. Running an entire city on clean energy is more i nvo l ve d t h a t i t m i g h t sound, Geisler said. In addition to the city powering
Solar panels fill the roof of the Marketplace Drive fire station. The city installed solar panels all of its buildings with producing 362 kilowatts of energy, 21 percent of the city’s needs, in 2017. clean energy, it would have to swap out every vehicle owned by city to be powered by electric. In addition, she said, power for the vehicles would have to come from a clean energy source, rather than simply plugging in vehicles into outlets that receive energy generated from fossil fuels like coal. That would take some serious “shifts in mindset” to achieve, she said. “It’s just not the way we do things right now,” she said.
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More on the way In the meantime, the city is on its way toward meeting its 25x25 pledge years early and has plans to continue to reduce its carbon footprint. After the fire station is complete, the building will be outfitted with solar panels in the same way the west side fire station is. “We need to take care of the environment that we’re living in,” Geisler said. “Fitchburg is growing – the development isn’t going to stop. If we can do things in a renewable way and with low impact to the environment, we’ll all be better off in the long run.” City administrator Patrick Marsh said he is “pleased” with a proactive council that permits the city to make strides toward clean energy initiatives through their investment in infrastructure. He said it’s “the right thing to do,” both financially for the city of Fitchburg and for the Earth. He thinks as the city moves toward clean energy, others within the city will consider it for their energy needs. “We want to be out in front of utilizing clean energy and renewables,” Marsh said. “We do it because it’s a good example for our businesses and residents. We believe that if we can step up and show that it works, maybe the businesses and the homeowners will follow suit.” Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
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KIMBERLY WETHAL
10
September 14, 2018
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
City of Fitchburg
New HR, public works, planning directors begin The City of Fitchburg in their positions over the City of Madison engineer, has three new department past two months. was hired to take over directors who have begun Lisa Coleman, a former as the director of public works and city engineer, succeeding Cory Horton, who left for a private sector position. The daughter of an engineer, Coleman attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for Is Hiring a Warehouse Manager undergrad and has been in engineering for 20 years.
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She began July 30. Sarah Olson, most recently a human resources analyst in Madison and a former assistant in Fitchburg’s department, began as the HR manager Aug. 6. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate got into HR as an “opportunity to help people,” beginning her work in the
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My dad was a civil engineer and worked his whole career for the Madison Water Utility, so I guess municipal engineering is in my blood. What do you enjoy most about the role? I am enjoying getting to know my staff and the other folks who work for the City of Fitchburg. What past experience will be most helpful? I have broad engineering experience, having worked on all kinds of projects. I also have a lot of professional contacts that I can lean on, as well. What are you looking forward to learning about Fitchburg? More about the water supply system. That is one area in which I have not had a lot of experience. What are your goals for your department in the coming year? We have a number of interesting capital projects coming up on the horizon, a big one being Fish Hatchery Road. I want the
project to go well and be an asset when complete for the community. I want to make sure we are resource for ensuring well-planned new developments. I want to establish good relationships with my staff, and try to make our department a great place to work. Public works can be a challenging field, and I want our employees to feel appreciated and supported. I want to establish good working relationships with local contractors who build our projects. How has the job gone so far? Very well but there is a lot to learn! What do you enjoy doing with your time away from the office? I like being outside, reading, and listening to records. I like watching my boys do just about anything. Anything else you’d like the community to know about you? I’m glad to be here, thanks for giving me a chance to work for you!
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bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UW-Madison, and got into planning as a “youngster” attending rural Town Hall meetings. The Star sent a set of questions to each of the new staff members.
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industry in 2005. Sonja Kruesel took over last month as the city planner and zoning administrator after working as the city planner and economic development director in the City of Monona – the same city Fitchburg administrator Patrick Marsh worked in before coming to Fitchburg. Kruesel got both her
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Hometown: I grew up on a farmette in the rural Stoughton area and attended Stoughton High School. I reside in the rural Cambridge area. I love the country! Family: My husband and I have three kids in elementary school that keep us busy with many Olson extra-curricular events. The football season is our favorite. Education: Bachelors in business administration in human resources management from UW-Whitewater. Work background: I’ve been working in human resources since 2005. My first HR experience was with a healthcare organization called Care Wisconsin (formerly Elder Care of Wisconsin). I was hired at the City of Fitchburg as their HR assistant and then went to work with the City of Madison HR department for the last six years. I saw the HR manager role open here in Fitchburg and was very excited. It’s great to be back! How did you get into this line of work? I wanted an opportunity to help people. HR allows me the opportunity to support employees as they make their way
through their career. There’s so much more than just hiring. I want employees and managers to be able to rely on expert HR knowledge and consultation and to feel supported. What do you enjoy most about the role? I really enjoy the people I work with and the community I serve. City staff have always felt like a small family to me. I enjoy looking for ways to be more efficient and more creative with our HR processes. Specifically, in the area of employee engagement and recruitment strategies. What past experience will be most helpful? At Madison, I had the opportunity to look at various HR processes using an equity lens. Myself, along with other stakeholders would look at our vacancies and develop recruitment strategies aimed at eliminating unnecessary barriers for applicants. I had the opportunity to attend many trainings on racial equity and social justice that have given me new ways to look at things. What are you looking forward to learning about Fitchburg? Learning from others and finding ways to make a difference in this community. What are your goals for your depart-
ment in the coming year? To ensure our workforce is representative of the community in which we serve as we have vacancies. I want to cultivate relationships with various organizations in the area that will help us spread the word of our employment opportunities and also to see how we can work together. Another way to get more applicants is to take a good look at any necessary qualifications and asking ourselves, is this truly necessary for the job? An example of this would be eliminating a driver’s license requirement for a job that does not drive as an essential function. I am also hoping to streamline some of our processes and to look for efficiencies. We are implementing two new HR systems that will streamline onboarding and FMLA processing. How has the job gone so far? There’s so much to learn and I’m wearing many hats these days. I welcome the challenge and find it exciting. What do you enjoy doing with your time away from the office? You’ll find me with my family and usually with my camera in my hands. Being outdoors rejuvenates me.
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Hometown: Watertown Family: My husband Cody and our 5-year-old yellow Labrador named Stella. Education: Bachelor’s degree in geography, history and environmental studies; master’s degree Kruesel in urban and regional planning both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Work Background: UW-Extension Center for Community and Economic Development; planner and economic development director for the City of Monona. How did you get into this line of work? Planning has always been a personal interest of mine. I attribute this to attending
rural Town Hall meetings with my family as a youngster and observing community engagement with land use issues and values surrounding downtown character, urban sprawl, and interactions between rural residents and agriculture. I enjoy traveling to learn more about the places people love and call home. Community values and land use conflicts are central to urban planning so the profession was a natural fit for me and I wouldn’t change it. What do you enjoy most about the role? I enjoy the fast pace, diversity of projects and wonderful staff I will be working with. What past experience will be most helpful? Being city planner and economic director for Monona. What are you looking forward to learn-
ing about Fitchburg? Absorbing information about the City’s historic land use patterns and how our future trends will shape the next 20-50 years of Fitchburg’s young life. What are your goals for your department in the coming year? The state-required update of the comprehensive plan is a major goal. The scope of the project is yet to be defined, but will involve updates to statistical information as well as a review of the city’s future land use policies. There will be public input opportunities and the project is expected to take 1-2 years. How has the job gone so far? I love it! What do you enjoy doing with your time away from the office? I enjoy kayak fishing, traveling, running, cooking and watching the Milwaukee Bucks.
September 14, 2018
Unified Newspaper Group
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Wyman Winston, executive director of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, speaks at a press conference announcing $2.1 million in state housing tax credits for two low-income housing projects in the City of Fitchburg and the Town of Madison. Together, the two projects will create 329 units of affordable housing. Gonzalez to write the letter of recommendation required for the developer’s WHEDA grant while in closed session. The council also directed staff to continue negotiating a developer’s
agreement for the project. Another set of tax credits totalling $1.2 million was also announced at the press conference for a Town of Madison low-income housing development planned
Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
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A housing developm e n t t h a t wo u l d b r i n g 160 units of low-income senior housing to Fitchburg has received $932,000 in state tax credits from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. Announced in a press conference Thursday, developer E.J. Plesko and Associates, Inc. will receive the tax credits to help fund the construction of 160 units of low-income senior housing on the corner of Fish Hatchery Road and Traceway Drive. The complex, comprised of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, would include amenities like a wellness and fitness center, community room, in-unit washers and dryers and underground parking. Having the tax credits for the apartments, which will be available to people who make less than 60 percent of the Dane County median income, has made a “big difference” in making the project work financially, David Gevers, vice present for E.J. Plesko and Associates, Inc. told the Star following the press conference. “That provides the equity to put the project together,” he said. “Essentially what we’re doing is we’re building a project which costs a lot more to build than the value of the project ends up being because the rents are reduced.” At the June 26 Common Council meeting, alders expressed support for the $33 million project, and authorized Mayor Jason
for construction by the Alexander Company and Bear Development. Gonzalez, who was not at the Thursday press conference, said in a WHEDA news release that the allocation of the tax credits was “great news” for the city. “This reinvestment will provide high quality, newly constructed, affordable senior and workforce housing,” he wrote. “These two projects are a catalyst for future reinvestment in the North Fish Hatchery Road corridor and Southdale neighborhood.” Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta (Dist. 2), who represented the city at the press conference, said that the construction of the 160 units of affordable senior housing gets the city to one-fourth of its goal for creating 640 such units by 2030. “Fitchburg is committed to working on finding solutions to affordability within our community,” she said.
If you have a photo of an event or just a slice of life you think the community might be interested in, send it to us and we’ll use it if we can. Please include contact information, what’s happening in the photo and the names of people pictured. You can submit it on our website at ConnectFitchburg. com, email to communityreporter@wcinet.com or drop off electronic media at our office at 133 Enterprise Drive in Verona. Questions? Call 845-9559.
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KIMBERLY WETHAL
Send it in!
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Affordable senior housing receives $932K in tax credits
11
Fitchburg Star
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NOW HIRING! Dairyfood USA, one of the largest specialty cheesemakers in North America, has immediate openings on all shifts at our production facility in the heart of America’s Dairyland. Quality Assurance Technician (1st & 2nd shift) – ensures that all products are being produced to acceptable standards by performing line checks, simple lab tests on product samples and related administrative tasks. Production Associate (1st & 2nd shift) - responsible for efficiently packaging various products per specification, while maintaining a sanitary work area and adhering to food safety and quality policies. Smoke Room Operator (3rd shift) - responsible for loading and unloading racks of cheese in automated smoke rooms in addition to cleaning the smoke rooms and associated equipment. Experience in a food processing facility or other related experience is highly desired. We offer a $500 signing bonus, attendance bonus, shift premium of up to a $1.50/hr and a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. Apply in person, or email HR to request an application or to submit your resume. Dairyfood USA, Inc. 2819 County Road F Blue Mounds, WI 53517 (Corner of 18/151 & County Rd F) 608-437-5598 humanresources@dairyfoodusa.com www.dairyfoodusa.com Equal Opportunity Employer.
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12
September 14, 2018
ConnectFitchburg.com
Fitchburg Star
Grants: Awards help array of services from Spanish-language crisis line to student gardens Continued from page 1 there in April. The same could be said for the $6,000 grant the group received from the City of Fitchburg earlier this year. “It was critical,” said Community Groundworks education director Ginny Hughes. “Without the funding we wouldn’t have been able to do the program.” Community Groundworks was one of five nonprofits to receive a grant this spring through the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, which identified three “priority neighborhoods” the city needed to focus its nonprofit partnerships on. The others are Badger Prairie Needs Network, UNIDOS, the Latino Academy of Workforce Development and the Trail to Success program through Chavez Elementary School. The grants were the result of a budget compromise in fall 2017, after Mayor Jason Gonzalez initially proposed cutting all funding to nonprofits. That included $50,000 that had been given annually as a line item to the Boys and Girls Club of Dane County, $10,000 to Badger Prairie Needs Network and the grant process that had been established a year earlier. After public outcry over the proposal and repeated, high-profile public criticism from then-BGC executive director Michael Johnson, the Council approved up to $50,000 in grants through an HNI committee that would evaluate grant applications. Trail to Success coordinator Andrea Herrera, who is a counselor at Chavez Elementary School, told the Star she appreciated the “more equitable” funding of nonprofits in the area, rather than focused on one like BGC. The $10,000 the program received is going toward renovation and reconfiguration of a public space at The Pines apartments, in the High Ridge Trail area off Fish Hatchery Road, where the afterschool academic and enrichment program is held. That will allow the program to eliminate the waitlist it has had since it began in 2016.
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Students work in the garden in front of Leopold Elementary School. The school is working with Community Groundworks and its gardener-in-residence program, which is partly funded by a City of Fitchburg grant.
2018 grants Agency Latino Academy of Workforce Development Madison Metropolitan School District Community Groundworks Badger Prairie Needs Network UNIDOS
Amount Project
“I hate having to say no to families, ‘You’re not in,’ and really there’s about two spaces that ever change over during the year,” Herrera said. “(The grant) is a nice wind-in-the-sails type of feeling of, ‘alright, you’re behind us, we’re not in this alone.’ “It’s nice to see the city is supporting and recognizing and willing to revamp their approach.”
Trail to Success About 100 of Chavez’s 654 students came from The Pines apartments last school year, and the rest come from neighborhoods surrounding the school. Without Trail to Success, many of those students would not have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities as they would not have transportation home. That’s how Herrera, who has been at Chavez for six years, came up with the idea of bringing programming to them, helped by some of the school’s partners like Redeemer City Church and Memorial United Church of Christ. Three days a week are student-focused learning, with community workshops and gatherings for parents — even if their student isn’t in the program — mixed in during the semester. “It’s been great,” Herrera told the Star last week. “I’ve got applications already for this year, families anxious to be a part of the after-school program.” Hererra said there is strong interest again this year, and is hearing excitement from students who have been part of the program in the past when she sees them at school, which has her excited. She said finishing some unused space in the apartment common area will allow the program to almost double the
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$10K Operating costs VRW/Belmar-DM $10K Domestic/sexual violence helpline All number of students it’s able to include from 24, likely sometime early in the second semester. “Back when we started, (The Pines owner) had sort of alluded to this other additional space that if we want to assist in renovating that space, we could use that space as our instruction space,” she said. “When we started, we were like, ‘Yeah, we don’t got money for that.’” She said that the city’s support of a program that benefits families that are “kind of left off on a little island” is great to see. “The enthusiasm from the students to be at that program (is amazing),” Herrera said. “Whatever it is, it’s working for the kids.”
BPNN Badger Prairie Needs Network began receiving funding from the City of Fitchburg to help its operations in 2016. That funding seemed in danger just a year later, when it was cut from the proposed budget. While that was eventually restored, the organization’s annual $10,000 was cut for 2018, replaced with an application process through the Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative. Executive director Marcia Kasieta is glad to still have the city’s support for the food pantry, as Fitchburg residents made up 68 percent of all individuals served in 2017, according to data provided by BPNN in its grant application. The City of Verona, where the pantry is located, provides $20,000 a year in funding. “It would be harder for us (without it),” Kasieta said. “Every time someone sends a donation, I think about, ‘That is time I don’t have to spend raising money.’ If my
time is spent raising money, it’s not spent doing things like doing analysis … and talking to the board about do we need to expand our service area?” The funding is part of the organization’s now more than $200,000 annual operating budget, of which $85,000 is spent on food purchases. The specific goals BPNN cited in its grant application are to increase the number of Fitchburg patrons served by 5 percent, increase access to fresh produce by food pantry patrons and increase the number of Fitchburg children and seniors participating in nutrition education programs by 10 percent. The latter goal covers programming like the Prairie Kitchen Cooking Club for seniors and the ChopChop Club for children. BPNN also proposed making the Fitchburg Senior Center an additional registration point for the senior programming and partnering with the City of Fitchburg to promote the children’s programming at the library or on FACTv.
UNIDOS UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence began operating its Spanish-language hotline service for victims in 2016. With the growing Latino population in the City of Fitchburg, that service is likely going to be needed at an increasing level. The organization, which is based in Fitchburg, noticed the need for Spanish-language crisis services six or seven years ago and began planning how it would function until it was debuted. “It’s a service that is ve r y w e l l - t h o u g h t - o u t , that is researched,” executive director Veronica
Figueroa-Velez told the Star. Prior to the creation of “La Red,” as the telephone line is called, English-language responders would have to call a language interpretation hotline when they received a call from a Spanish-speaker. FigueroaVelez said the caller, often in crisis, is not always able or willing to wait for that connection. “Calling the language line takes time, and people sometimes don’t have time,” she said. Even if they did wait for the interpreter, oftentimes that interpreter was not trained to respond to the situation at hand, leading to misunderstandings or discomfort for the caller talking about a sensitive topic. “You’re not going to get an interpreter who understands the words you’re using,” she said. “Having that elephant in the room is sometimes not the best way to serve people in crisis.” The $10,000 from the City of Fitchburg goes toward paying for the staff on the line when volunteers cannot be used, according to the grant application, covering 1,000 hours at $10 an hour. In its first full year of operation, the hotline received 780 calls who they were able to offer information and referral services. Figueroa-Velez said the distribution of the funding from the city has made it “a little bit harder,” but that they have appreciated the city’s support. “We’re looking forward to working with Fitchburg on funding this program but also in different ways to partner in different ways as well,” she said.
Latino Academy When the Latino Academy of Workforce Development expanded its Spanish-language GED program to Leopold Elementary School last spring, the organization realized the potential the community had for more programming. Co-director Norma Gallegos Valles told the Star those classes brought an “increase in civic engagement” she and the organization hope to capitalize on to make Fitchburg a better place. They’ll spend the $10,000 grant from the city to create resident focus groups – focused on, but not only made up of Latinos – to get feedback on what’s working and what’s needed. “I think this is going to bring a very positive change for the community,” she said. “It’s going to bring upward mobility to all communities.” Valles said they have done similar resident panels in the City of Madison in the past, and it’s offered a “very diverse perspective.” The City of Fitchburg wants that same perspective, she said. “They would like to get input from the community, especially the underserved communities they don’t usually hear from,” she said. The Academy hopes to reach out to 60 different people in Fitchburg for the
groups, which are expected to begin meeting this month or early next. Topics could include transportation, housing and social services, she listed as examples. The meetings would likely include a meal as an “incentive” and child care to ensure people are able to come. The panels are likely to run through the end of the year. Valles said the Madison panels helped spur involvement and interest in general goings-on there. “Our community is very invested, and they want to be part of the bigger picture,” she said. “They felt they were part of something bigger when they participated in these resident panels, and they felt like their needs were finally being heard.”
Leopold garden The Leopold garden has existed for years. But until this grant, Hughes of Community Groundworks said, it “wasn’t being fully used by the school.” “It’s such a big thing to be able to have the experience of growing it, eating it and sharing it,” she said. Clayshulte, a former organic farmer, moved to the Madison area in April and was sent the posting for the position related to the grant by her brother, as she had expressed an interest in the “teaching side … instead of the remoteness of being in the field.” Five months later, she’s been able to give the garden — one of four elementary gardens she works on in Madison — the time and care it needed to turn it into a programming opportunity. She said she quickly saw the students grow, both in their understanding of plants and gardening and in more general terms. “The more comfortable they were with the space, the better behavior and less of me having to come in and be the safety counselor,” she said. “It was really neat to see. “The garden became their teacher more than me.” This fall, she hopes to work with more teachers at the school to get them comfortable with the lessons while also focusing on the culinary connections to gardening and giving the students “ownership” of what they learn there. “What are all the things we can create from just four ingredients, and no electricity?” she said as an example. “(I want to give them) tangible recipes to bring home.” She also wants to find time to hold more community events to allow neighborhood residents and parents to come and work with the garden, helping it reach its “potential.” “We’re trying to make it so people see the garden,” Clayshulte said. “So many people did not know where the garden was – it’s like right in the front.” Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
Business
ConnectFitchburg.com
September 14, 2018
All about the smiles
Fitchburg Star
13
Mendota Springs Dentistry celebrates two years in Orchard Pointe SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
A trip to the dentist’s office can be a bit daunting, no matter how old you are or how often you go. So a visit to see Dr. Vivienne Zhang and Dr. Jason Jacoby at Mendota Springs Dentistry, 6317 McKee Road, is designed to put people at ease, whether they’re coming in for their regular checkup or the first one in much too long. Mendota Springs celebrated its two-year anniversary last month, in a space designed with patients’ comfort in mind, featuring flat screen TVs, Netflix, noise-canceling headphones, pillows, blankets and scented towels in the treatment rooms, as well as a beverage bar and a play area for kids. To provide more flexibility for patients’ schedules, the office is open several nights as week, and one Saturday a month. The practice offers general procedures including fillings, crowns, bridges, implants and dentures, as well as cosmetic procedures such as Invisalign, veneers and whitening. Their philosophy is centered on preventative care, and a proactive approach, Denita Koleva of Mendota Springs Dentistry wrote the Star in an email. “This way, we can prevent issues before they arise,” she wrote. “We take the time to really get to know our patients, (and) our team works collaboratively to create an individualized plan for each of our patients.” And in case you just took a fastball to the face in your baseball league, Mendota Springs also offers emergency dentistry.
Family business The road to Fitchburg for Jacoby and Zhang — who married after meeting in dental school — runs from Madison to New York City and
The team at Mendota Springs Dentistry, lead by Drs. Jason Jacoby and Vivienne Zhang, center. back. In an email to the Star, Jacoby said he was always interested the health field, but recognizing that “smiles are one of the first things people notice about one another,” he decided to pursue dentistry and help people “put their best smiles forward.” Raised in Stevens Point, Jacoby “fell in love” with Madison when attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his undergraduate education before moving on to New York University for his dental degree, where he met Zhang, a native New Yorker. After graduating, they eventually relocated
back to the Midwest, practicing in the Chicago area. They both wanted to open their own practice and “stumbled on Fitchburg” by accident. The couple was on their way north to visit Jacoby’s parents when they decided to stop in the Madison area to revisit some of his old UW-Madison memories. They soon found themselves looking at an empty storefront in Fitchburg, and “immediately knew it would be the best place to open their dream practice where they can serve the greater Madison area,” Koleva said. The couple now lives in
Fitchburg, whose residents Koleva said are to thank for helping them to “grow the practice vastly on the past two years.” “Fitchburg is a wonderful community (and) we have been able to expand from a start up to a fully equipped six-treatment room, state-ofthe-art facility with modern technologies,” she said. “We look forward to continued growth with the help and support of our community.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Mendota Springs Dentistry 6317 McKee Rd., Suite 500, Fitchburg 237-6080 info@mendotaspringsdentistry.com Mendotaspringsdentistry.com Hours: Monday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (once a month) We’re Looking for Land to Dump FREE Wood and/or FREE Wood Chips in Dane County
Uptown TID designed for Phoenix SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
The Uptown neighborhood is closer to getting its “first major corporate tenant” with the establishment of a new tax-increment financing district that could spend millions of dollars to bring it here. Monona-based tech manufacturing company Phoenix has asked the city for help building a new, 50,000-square-foot global headquarters on the northeast side of the city off of Lacy Road and a 10,000-square-foot neutron imaging facility. The project plan for Tax Increment District 13, which the Common Council approved Sept. 11, covers a much broader area, at 65 acres west of U.S. Hwy. 14. But it would authorize spending about $10 million on infrastructure and incentives to bring Phoenix to the city. Ald. Tom Clauder (Dist. 4) said the TID and hard work by staff helped bring Phoenix and the roughly 150 jobs the company projects it will add and
that the company was also considering Madison and Janesville. Representatives from the company told the council Tuesday they plan to expand their workforce with the move and that the jobs average $81,000 a year. TIF is a public funding mechanism that pools the increased taxes from development among all underlying jurisdictions – including the school district and county. It’s generally considered the most potent economic development tool municipalities have. The plan still requires the approval of a joint review board, comprising representatives of those taxing bodies, though JRBs rarely say no. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that meeting will be Sept. 25. The district plan includes an additional 300,000 square feet of commercial development, a prospective hotel development and some retail/residential mixed-use developments. Altogether, the city would be authorized to spend up to $23.5 million on a mix of infrastructure, development incentives and planning, legal and administrative costs to generate a projected increase in value of $132 million throughout the district. Phoenix, founded in Madison in 2005, designs and manufactures
commercial neutron generators used in healthcare, energy and defense sectors. The company has more than 70 full-time and 30 part-time employees, according to the project plan, and expects to grow to nearly 150 total by the end of 2022. The first phase of the company’s growth here would be the imaging facility, which would begin operation in mid-2019. Its headquarters would open in early 2020. The plan calls for street improvements that would include East Cheryl Parkway and new roads, called Greenmarket and Golden Gate. It allows for a total of $20.1 million in development incentives, infrastructure parking structures and sustainability features. Half of that would be to bring Phoenix, including $5 million for a parking structure, $3 million for onsite infrastructure and $2.1 million in developer incentives. Any development incentives in the project would be structured as a “pay as you go,” in which money is paid to the developers only after receiving increased taxes. That leaves the risk on potential developers, rather than the city, Mike Harrigan, the city’s financial adviser, explained.
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14 Fitchburg Star - September 14, 2018
City Hall - Main Line Administration Assessing Building Inspections City Clerk Economic Development
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FITCHBURG ACCESS COMMUNITY TELEVISION (FACTV) OFFERS BUSINESSES LOCAL ADVERTISING Commercial advertising is now available on the Community Channel F2 with FACTv. If your business or organization is interested in purchasing advertising, contact Jeremy Crosby at (608) 270-4226 or Jeremy.crosby@fitchburgwi.gov. FACTv can create a commercial for you or play an existing advertisement that you have!
On October 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm the Common Council will hold a public hearing at Fitchburg City Hall regarding the Mayors proposed 2019 Operating Budget. To access the budget, please use this link: http://www.fitchburgwi.gov/1998/Financial-Records-Reports
SUPPORTING YOUR HEALTH – AT THE FITCHBURG SENIOR CENTER
FALL CLEANUP DAY ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 Features Paper Shredding, Electronics Recycling, and Medicine Disposal Gather up old papers, electronics, and meds and join us at the City of Fitchburg’s fall cleanup events, held on City Campus. • The City and Pellitteri Waste Systems will host a paper shredding event on Saturday, September 22, from 8:00-11:00 a.m. This event provides free shredding and recycling to destroy no more than three boxes of confidential paper documents. • Resource Solutions Corp. will collect old electronics, computers, and appliances for recycling from 8:00-11:00 a.m. Televisions, Freon Bearing Appliances,
PUBLIC HEARING ON MAYORS PROPOSED 2019 OPERATING BUDGET
Large Appliances, Exercise Equipment, and Grills will have an associated recycling fee. • The Fitchburg Police Department has a MedDrop box that will be available between 8:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. to collect unwanted or unused medications. Please place the unwanted medications into a plastic bag for disposal. No sharps will be allowed for collection. Enter at the Police Department entrance of City Hall, 5520 Lacy Rd. The MedDrop box is open to residents from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Stop by the Senior Center every Thursday from 10 am-Noon to visit with a volunteer nurse. Get answers/advice to your general health questions. No appointment necessary. Need a bit of support at your next doctor visit? The Senior Center has trained
Patient Advocates to support you while at medical appointments. Call the Senior Center today (270-4290) & ask to speak with a Social Worker for more information on this program.
RECREATION DEPARTMENT 2018 Fall Recreation Programs are Open for Registration! Go to www.fitchburgwi.gov/recreation and click on “View Activities” to see our list of programs for this fall!
Fall Youth Soccer (Birth Year 2007-2012)
Fall Youth Soccer is here, sign up now! The soccer programs will be 6 weeks long and we are offering two options for nights of the week to join. We offer a Monday night program and a Wednesday night program, with both running from 5:15 pm-6:30 pm. The program will focus highly on training and learning fundamental soccer skills and techniques. We will break up the kids based on age groups and/or skill levels. Each week there will be a focused area or theme that will be carried throughout the practice. At the end of every practice there will be a scrimmage. The program is designed to build up a player’s knowledge of the sport while increasing their confidence both on and off the pitch. Players finishing the 6-week program will leave with a better understanding of the rules and techniques used in soccer, teamwork and sportsmanship while gaining confidence in themselves. • Ages – Birth Year 2007 - 2012 • Day/Time – Mondays or Wednesdays, Sept. 12th – Oct. 22nd from 5:15-6:30 pm • Location – McKee Farms Park • Fee - $40R/$50NR
Dance Classes for Kids
Mrs. Nicole offers a variety of dance classes for kids ages 2-12 years old. She offers Monday classes, Tuesday classes, and Saturday classes. All three days have an end of the year Dance Recital which will be held at the Oregon High School Performing Arts Center. • Classes Offered - Creative Movement (2-3 yrs.), Pre-Ballet 1 (3-5 yrs.), Pre-Ballet 2 (4-6 yrs.), Ballet 1 (5-7 yrs.), Ballet 2 (6-9 yrs.), Ballet 3 (7-10 yrs.), Jazz 1 (4-7 yrs.), Jazz 2 (6-9 yrs.), Jazz 3 (7-10 yrs.), Tap 1 (5-7 yrs.), Tap 2 (7-10 yrs.), Hip Hop (7-12 yrs.), and Lyrical (7-12 yrs.) • Day/Time – Monday Evenings, Tuesday Evenings, and Saturday Mornings, September-March (Over 18 classes plus Rehearsal and Recital) • Location – Fitchburg Community Center • Fee – Ranges from $174-$246 (Recital costumes included)
Pop-Up Preschool (NEW PROGRAM)
Pop Up Preschool with Treehouse Programs is fun, flexible and a great addition to any schedule. This innovative approach to early learning is a way for any child to experience the benefit of a group preschool environment. In each 1.5-hour session, teachers will guide students to approach a different science theme through music, games, reading, math, sensory exploration and art. Sessions will focus on one of our core topics (Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy, Anatomy, Construction & Engineering, Geography, Archaeology, Botany, Meteorology) and are designed so that each time a child participates, they explore the topics in a new way. • Ages – 3yrs – 6 yrs. • Day/Time – Thursdays, October 11 – November 15, 10:30 am-12:00 pm • Location – Fitchburg Community Center • Fee - $75
Spanish for Preschoolers – Welcome to Spanish
Children ages 3-5 learn Spanish vocabulary and basic phrases in a fun and active way with these lively classes. Award-winning teacher, Marti Fechner of Grow into Spanish LLC, incorporates music, movement, games, stories and more to make learning Spanish easy and engaging for preschool-age children. It is easy for children to learn a foreign language at this young age, and SO beneficial. Come try it! It’s a great way to prepare your child for a bilingual future. • Ages – 3-5 • Days/Times – Mondays, September 17 – December 17, 12:45-1:30 pm • Location – Fitchburg Community Center • Fee - $140
Musikgarten
A multi-age (birth-4yrs) music and movement class for the entire family. Sing, chant rhymes, play instruments and musical games, dance and move to familiar songs of childhood. As we play, music learning begins and we build a community of music makers! • Ages – birth – 4 yrs. • Day/Time – Thursdays, November 1 – December 20, 9-9:40 am • Location – Fitchburg Community Center • Fee - $70, $5 discount for siblings
PRESERVATION COMMISSION RECEIVES GRANT – PUBLIC INFORMATION SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 17, 2018 The Landmarks Preservation Commission for the City of Fitchburg was recently selected as an award recipient for an Intensive Survey Grant, financed with Federal Funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, and administered by the Wisconsin State Historic Preservation Office. The grant enables the City to hire a consultant and conduct an intensive survey of the historical and architectural sites in the City of Fitchburg, Wisconsin and portions of the Town of Madison that are to become part of the City by 2022. Survey results will help the Landmarks Preservation Commission gather historic research to help our community share stories on properties that make Fitchburg a great place to live and work. Selected properties identified through the survey may also become eligible for tax assistance through government programs. The Commission’s goals for the survey results are Like us on
to enhance the City database, educate citizens and potentially drive additional tourism to the community. A public information meeting for the project is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2018, in the City Hall Council Chambers – 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg. Joe DeRose of the Wisconsin Historical Society will provide an overview of the grant funding and project consultant, Traci Schnell, will provide an overview of the project and next steps. Community Planner Susan Badtke is leading the project on behalf of the Commission, with special direction from Commission members and Chair Mike Couillard. As the project progresses, information on the project will be available on the City’s website at http://www.fitchburgwi.gov/2156/LandmarksPreservation. Contact Susan.Badtke@fitchburgwi.gov or (608) 270-4256 with questions.
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ConnectFitchburg.com
September 14, 2018
15
Fitchburg Star
Budget: City’s growth forces leaders to weigh priorities, needs as process begins this month Continued from page 1 vehicles, building upgrades and other long-term assets. Finance director Misty Dodge and city administrator Patrick Marsh told the Star on Sept. 12 that while final requests and numbers were still being worked out, departments were unlikely to get everything they had requested with a net new construction of 2.84 percent. Dodge said
increases in the CIP had taken up the entire additional levy limit over last year – without any operational increases factored in. Operations requests include staffing for the police, parks and public works departments, though Marsh and Dodge declined to say specifically what positions were requested before the mayor’s budget was published. “As the budget always
does, it comes down to priorities,” Dodge said. Marsh said department heads, who will present their budget requests to the Finance committee Oct. 2 and 3, understand the challenging budget the city is facing. “There’s several departments that are requesting additional staff,” Marsh said. “The city’s growing, so there’s needs from every department. It’s really across
the board. “Growth is good, but to accommodate that is expensive.” One of the largest expenses to find room for is $345,000 for a third ambulance crew for Fitch-Rona EMS. That was initially planned for last year, but Fitchburg pushed it back a year because of the tight budget then. Alders did, however, leave the budget $208,000 under
On the Web Read more detail on the budget after its public release and see the full budget schedule:
ConnectFitchburg.com the maximum spending allowed last year to cover “the bulk” of that new cost, Dodge said. Other notable capital
requests include the Fish Hatchery Road reconstruction, a new roundabout at the intersection of Fitchrona and Nesbitt roads and phase two of the reconstruction of McKee Road. A public hearing on the mayor’s proposal is planned for the Oct. 9 Common Council meeting, and another public hearing, after alders submit amendments, is Nov. 13.
Ask the Fitchburg
Q. Should I get a 15-year or 30-year term loan? A. This depends on how much you want to stretch
I am getting a lot of pain in my neck when I am riding my bike. Would chiropractic or massage help with this?
A. Whether you are riding a recreational bike, road bike, or
tri bike the neck is forced into a position that puts pressure on the posterior portion of the cervical spine. This position Jill Unwin, Lee Unwin, also forces the neck to remain in a state of continued DC, CCEP BCMT, CSCS contraction that can cause joint and muscle soreness. Chiropractic adjustments will help maintain healthy joint mobility and function. This will help alleviate pain and will prolong your years of cycling. Therapeutic massage will help reduce muscle soreness and reduce any restrictions in the neck caused by that continued contraction. Along with regular chiropractic and massage, exercises would be recommended to help increase strength and mobility in your neck and upper back.
Kathleen C. Aiken
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Q. What is the Corporate Culture of Comfort Keepers? A. At Comfort Keepers, our greatest asset is our dedicated
team of caring professionals. Comfort Keepers employees undergo a rigorous series of interviews before hiring, and, once on board, our team members are extensively trained in the responsibilities and duties required of elderly care. Our team members are happy and motivated to provide excellent quality care for the elderly, physically impaired, and those with dementia. In addition to superior care, we emphasize the importance of treating our clients with the same grace, dignity, and compassion that every person deserves. We are committed to protecting the independence, safety and happiness of seniors and those with disabilities.
Q. What can I do to get my house ready to sell? A. Most sales include an inspection contingency, so walk through
your home prior to listing it to look for potential issues and address them in advance. Repair or replace leaky faucets, any doors that stick, stained concrete, dirty carpeting or dinged up corners of walls and improve your landscaping so your house and lawn is well-kept. Decluttering your home to allow for more space. Paint your home with light or neutral colors to make it feel more comfortable. Use a Shawn Pfaff real estate agent to assist you with expertise in market conditions, marketing strategies and negotiations skills to ensure the sale or your home is as easy and cost-effective as possible. If you’re interested in finding out the value of your home, please visit www.shawnpfaff.firstweber.com.
(608) 628-3275
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PHYSICAL THERAPY
DENTIST
Q. I knew red wine was linked to reducing heart disease. Is it true it may
Q. My 13 year old child is participating in 3 sports this summer.
A. The study on red wine and gum disease was published on February 21, 2018, so it’s recent.
A. This is a scenario that occurs often and usually is tolerated well by the child.
also help prevent gum disease?
(608) 845-6127 105 N. Main St., Verona • MainStreetDentists.com
There are many benefits of participating in multiple sports and the increased amount of exercise is good for the child, but one must keep the following thoughts in mind. As a child grows and the body’s tissues develop, stress and strain to the growth plates of long bones, muscle and soft-tissue injuries, and over-use injuries are common and can contribute to chronic injury and pain. Many children specialize in a sport at an early age and are ‘encouraged’ to pick a sport and excel Susan Armstrong, MPT in it (through school teams, recreational teams, private clubs, traveling teams, summer camps, etc). While this Physical Therapist may build the sport-specific skill of the child, there is a loss of cross-training with this pattern, which commonly leads to an over-use injury. Proper conditioning, a combination of strength, flexibility and core exercises, and building recovery time into the child’s sports program will allow for continued enjoyment of being a multi-sport athlete without risking injury. Contact Stellar Rehabilitation for individualized Physical Therapy care and an exercise program fit to your child’s needs.
Comprehensive Therapy Services 1049 N. Edge Trail • Prairie Oaks (608) 845-2100 • Verona, WI 53593 • www.stellarrehab.com
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Here’s what we know, and it’s a mini-science lesson. Red wine is rich in polyphenols, which are plant-source antioxidants. There’s been a lot of research on the connection between polyphenols contributing to heart health. Recent research in this area has focused on whether polyphenols can also help produce healthy gut bacteria. Gum disease is an oral bacterial infection, so you can see where this is going. In the 2018 study, Spanish researchers examined the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and cavities to see how it stuck to teeth and gums. They found that red wine polyphenols were useful at deterring offensive bacteria from sticking to cells similar to those inside our mouths. Gum disease affects more than half of the U.S. adult population. Research that looks at ways to minimize the bacteria that cause gum disease – especially involving a beverage enjoyed by so many adults – is welcome.
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your budget. If you can afford the higher monthly payments, a 15-year mortgage usually comes with a better interest rate than a 30-year version. Not only will you pay off the house quicker, but you can save a tremendous amount of interest. On the other hand, a 30-year mortgage will cost less per month, allowing you to afford a bigger or nicer house, or one in a better location.
VETERINARIAN
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Q. Why should I microchip my pet (in addition to wearing an ID tag or collar)?
Q. You’re an expert in your line of work interested in joining our Ask a Professional page. What should you do?
A. Over 6 million pets enter shelters every year with less than 20% of dogs and 2% of cats returned to their owners. Microchipping your pet with a unique ID number linked to your contact information is one of the best ways to ensure your pet is identified anywhere in the country. Collars can be lost or removed but chips rarely are. Your veterinarian can easily implant a microchip and can scan your pet’s microchip number regularly to ensure the information is kept up to date.
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16 Fitchburg Star - September 14, 2018
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Mark Nesbitt, assistant sports editor 845-9559 x237 • sportsreporter@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550
Sports
Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
The
1
Fitchburg Star For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectFitchburg.com
Verona football
West cross country
MARK NESBITT
Regents are ranked fifth in Division 1
Verona breezes by West Assistant sports editor
Sophomore running back Jackson Acker might want to take the game ball home to sleep with after his breakout performance Friday. Acker rushed for 83 yards and his first two varsity touchdowns on five carries to lead Verona to a 35-0 Big Eight Conference win over Madison West at Mansfield Stadium. “He has speed and power,” coach Dave Richardson said of the 6-foot, 2 inch, 190-pound Acker. Acker provided a jolt with a 56-yard touchdown run late in the second quarter to give the Wildcats a 28-0 lead at halftime. “It was definitely unexpected,” Acker said. “I was just cutting back inside and pushed off of (offensive lineman Bryce Corning). I was wrapped up by a few people and didn’t expect to break free. “Being able to go out there and perform for your school and show what you’ve got is amazing.” Acker, who played on the freshman football team last year, said the intensity is the biggest difference. If there were any questions about how Verona (3-1) would bounce back after its first loss last week, the Wildcats answered definitively. After rushing for 83 yards as a team in a 26-20 loss to Janesville Craig, the Wildcats showed more balance, piling up 339 total yards, with 186 yards on the ground. Junior running back Haakon Anderson rushed for 29 yards on four carries and two touchdowns, and junior running back Keegan Lindell rushed for 51 yards on five carries. Richardson said with the emergence of Acker, the Wildcats have four really good running backs. “I think with that whole group of running backs, we are just going to give it to the hot guy and the guy they are not respecting,” Richardson said. “We have slowly brought Jackson on board. As a sophomore he has a lot of learning to do.” With the win, Verona moved into a four-way tie for second place with Sun Prairie, Madison La Follette and Craig. Madison Memorial remained unbeaten and a game ahead after it rallied from a 10-point deficit to stun Middleton 30-27 Friday on a 27-yard touchdown pass as time expired. Verona can expect to get tested in the next few weeks. It hosts Sun Prairie at 7 p.m. Friday and Madison Memorial on Sept. 21. The Wildcats are at Madison La Follette on Sept.
JEREMY JONES Sports editor
The Madison West cross country teams are once again among the state’s elite this season. The Regents boys are ranked fifth in Division 1 behind Middleton, Stevens Point, Germantown and Arrowhead and have won every race so far this sesaon. West has yet to fully go head-to-head with defending state champion Middleton yet this season. The Madison West girls are also ranked fifth behind Sun Prairie, Onalaska, Muskego and Waukesha West. The Regents finished second in Verona and won the Madison West Invitaitonal.
Glenn Herold Invitational The boys scored a teambest 30 points to best Verona by 40 on Aug. 25 at the Glenn Herold Invitational in Watertown. All five varsity scorers placed in the top 11 for the Regents led by the 1-2 finish of senior Erik Nuenninghoff and junior Ryan Reed. Nuenninghoff covered the 5k course at Watertown High School in a meet-best 17 minutes, 23.6 seconds. Reed finished 10 seconds later in 17:33.5. Junior Julia Gary finished sixth in 17:46.4. Seniors K a l e b Ko h n a n d M a n i x White placed 10th and 11th in 17:59.8 and 18:00.8, respectively. Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona junior Shay Watson fights for extra yards after catching a pass in the first quarter Sept. 7 against Madison West. The Wildcats won the game 35-0. Cougars stormed back to stun the Wildcats 26-20 at Monterey Stadium Aug. 31. It was the Wildcats’ first loss of the season, and just the second time since joining the Big Eight ConferCraig 26, Verona 20 ence in 2008 that Verona has lost to Anderson ran for two touchdowns the Cougars. Janesville Craig’s Trevion Moore Friday, but Verona couldn’t slam the door on Janesville Craig as the had two long touchdown runs and 28. Junior quarterback Adam Bekx completed 8 of 14 passes for 153 yards, and junior Shay Watson had three receptions for 66 yards.
Verona Invitational
Tressin Kussmaul added 150 yards rushing and one touchdown to help the Cougars rally past the Wildcats for the first time since 2014. The Wildcats allowed Craig to score 13-unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Cougar quarterback Ben Coulter
Madison West was even more dominant Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Verona Invitational, besting Sun Prairie 65-122. N u e n n i n g h o ff fi n i s h e d third to lead Madison West with a time of 16:52.64 and Reed was once again close behind, taking fifth place in 16:54.16. Gary was 14th in
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Oregon football
Panthers open the season 2-2 overall, 1-1 in conference JEREMY JONES
The Panthers caught the Norskies’ defense overpursuing, and Kissling took a reverse 77 yards on the first play from The Oregon football team has opened scrimmage. He sacked DeForest’s quarthe 2018 season (2-2 overall, 1-1 Badger terback on the ensuing possession to help South), beating DeForest and Fort Atkin- Oregon make an early statement. son but falling to Mount Horeb/Barneveld MH/B 41, Oregon 30 and Monona Grove. Just when it looked like Oregon had Oregon 17, DeForest 7 stopped one facet of the Mount Horeb/ Junior running back Matt Kissling Barneveld offense on Aug. 23, the Panrushed for a touchdown and had two thers got burned by another. Oregon gave up 626 yards of offense sacks by halftime Friday, Aug. 16, to help the Oregon football team win a Badger to the Vikings on a dreary Friday evening Conference crossover game 17-7 against in a 41-30 Badger Conference crossover road loss. DeForest. Sports editor
Although, Oregon held senior running back Malik Winston in check for much of the game, Mount Horeb/Barneveld showed plenty of depth at the skill positions, ringing up 366 rushing yards and 260 receiving yards. “We gambled on a couple of defenses and left a few things open and they found our weaknesses,” coach Dan Kissling said. “Obviously, you’ve got to stop Winston first, but they made some adjustments at halftime. They’re a physical team, and they just took it to us in the second half.” Mount Horeb/Barneveld quarterback Ethan Post completed 14 of 22 passes for
260 yards and four touchdowns and ran for 50 yards. Wide receiver Caden Lee caught five balls for 141 yards, including an 80-yard t o u c h d ow n b e f o r e h a l f t i m e a n d a n 18-yard strike midway through the fourth quarter. Winston finished with 170 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The total was half of last season when Winston went off for 343 yards and three touchdowns against the Panthers.
Monona Grove 21, Oregon 7 Defense and special teams allowed
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Verona Area High School
Verona girls swimming
Verona ties Madison West in Big Eight dual MARK NESBITT
(59.06). Stewart and Kenzie Zuehl teamed with Klabough and McCartney to take sixth in the 400 free relay (3:42.90). The Wildcats’ 200 medley relay team of Bennin, junior Kaitlyn Zuhel, Klabough and Kaitlyn Zuehl took second (1:48.82).
Assistant sports editor
Senior Grace Bennin continues to display potential to repeat as a state champion. Last week, she posted a pool and meet record in the 100-yard breaststroke. B e n n i n , a U n iv e r s i ty of Minnesota recruit, won those two titles at the Brookfield Invitational on Saturday and also took first in the 200 individual medley. On Friday, she also had a hand in winning four events in a Big Eight Conference dual against Madison West. Coach Bill Wuerger said he was disappointed with what he believed was the first dual meet tie in the program’s history. “I think the first week of school left us with a little less energy than previous weeks,” he said. Ve r o n a A r e a / M o u n t Horeb is the No. 3-ranked team in the state, behind Middleton and Sun Prairie, according to the Wisconsin Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Division 1 state poll. Wuerger has experimented with various relay combinations, and it helped in the invitational with two relays finishing in the top two.
Verona 85, West 85
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona/Mount Horeb junior Josie McCartney finished third in the 100-yard butterfly Friday in a dual against Madison West. McCartney finished the race with a time of 1 minute, .82 seconds. “The level of competition is always high when we swim at Brookfield,” he said. “Our relays swam much better Friday.”
Brookfield Invitational The Wildcats had five top-five finishes on the way to taking fourth place Saturday at the Brookfield Invitational.
Bennin won the 200 IM (2 minutes, 7.82 seconds) and finished first in the 100 breaststroke (1:04.27). She finished about four seconds ahead of Middleton’s Ally Silvestri in both races. Two-time defending state champion Middleton racked up 454 points to capture the team title. Sun Prairie (372) took second, just ahead of
third-place Madison West (355), which in turn was 54 points ahead of Verona Area/Mount Horeb (301). Wuerger said 24 of the Wildcats’ 36 entries swam faster than their seed times. Bennin teamed with juniors Sara Stewart, Josie McCartney and Kaitlyn Zuhel to take second in the 200 medley relay (1:48.82).
The Wildcats’ 200 free relay team of Bennin, Kaitlyn Zuehl, freshman Kola Klabough and freshman Kenzie Zuhel finished second (1:38.69). Kenzie Zuhel placed third in the 100 free (54.58) and fifth in the 50 free (24.97). Stewart finished third in the 100 backstroke (59.51) and sixth in the 100 butterfly
Bennin helped the team win four events Friday, but VA/MH’s meet ended in an 85-85 tie against Madison West. Bennin won the 50 free (24.27) and the 100 breast (1:06.65). She teamed with Stewart, McCartney and Kaitlyn Zuhel to take first in the 200 medley relay (1:51.65). In the 200 freestyle relay, Bennin teamed with Klabough, Kaitlyn Zuehl and Kenize Zuehl to win in 1:40.45. Kenzie Zuehl finished first in the 200 individual medley (2:16.87) and the 100 free (55.75). Wu e r g e r s a i d t h e r e were a handful of strong swims Friday from Bailey Felsheim in the 200 IM, McCartney in the 100 fly and Ellen Bie in the 500 free. Ve r o n a / M o u n t H o r e b hosts Sun Prairie at 5 p.m.
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Cavaliers win sixth Home Talent League title in 11 years MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
As a veteran, Mike Jordahl always cherishes the chance to spray champagne to celebrate a Home Talent League championship. J o r d a h l w e n t 2 - f o r- 5 with two RBIs on Sunday to lead the Cavaliers to a 6-0 shutout of Evansville at Leota Park. The win helped the Cavaliers (20-2 overall, 6-0 playoffs) clinch their sixth HTL title in the past 11 years. It’s their first title since 2015, when Jordahl was only able to play in one playoff game before returning to college. “It feels great to win this for Burs (Derek Burgenske), Billy (Engelhart), (Nick) Krohn and our older guys,” Jordahl said. “This whole year they talked about retiring, and they wanted to go out on top. If he (Burgenske) does walk away, he went out on top.” Ve r o n a k n o c k e d o f f Cross Plains and Cottage Grove in the round-robin
championship series. Krohn has already retired from playing for the Cavaliers, but now it may be time for Burgenske and Engelhart to step away. Burgenske, who has played 17 seasons with Verona and been a member of all six championship teams, said it’s a long offseason and he didn’t want to comment about whether he would return next spring. “ I t ’s a s s p e c i a l a s ever,” he said. “My dad is gone. Krohn is gone. This was our first year doing it together. We call it the CFO (the Cavs front office). “Everyone did their part and knew their role. It’s so special because we put in a lot of work. We knew we would be a good team. We just didn’t know how good.” Ve r o n a w e n t u n b e a t en at home in the Sunday league. The Cavaliers had to knock off Mount HorebPine Bluff (12-5) and West Middleton (13-5) to win the Western Section and
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona second baseman Klayton Brandt sprays champagne while celebrating with teammates after the Cavaliers beat Evansville 6-0 to win the Home Talent League round-robin championship series. It marks the sixth title for Verona in the past 11 years. get a chance at another title. “We felt like we beat the best two teams to get to the Final Four,” Burgenske said. “When we got to the Final Four, we had already seen some better pitching and hitting already. We
were prepared.” Verona, like it has done all season, got off to a hot start. Burgenske walked to set the table in the first inning and Jordahl lined an RBI double to left to score him. Burgenske was a thorn in
the side of the Jays all day, going 1-for-2 with three walks. The Cavaliers had three stolen bases, led by Burgenske’s two. “We talked about being aggressive and make them make mistakes,” Jordahl said. The Cavaliers scored two more runs in the second after player-manager David Lund beat out an infield single. Derek Murphy walked and Tucker Teskey followed with an RBI single to give the Cavaliers a 2-0 lead. Klayton Brandt, who went 2-for-4 with two RBIs, then blooped an RBI single to center to extend the Cavaliers’ lead to 3-0. That’s all the run support Verona starting pitcher Jason Erxleben needed. Erxleben pitched eight innings of two-hit ball, while striking out six and walking four to earn the win. Kyle Nelson pitched a perfect ninth. Erxleben was strong in the postseason, posting a 5-0 record with a 0.87 ERA with 65 strikeouts in
78 innings. Luke Yapp crushed a triple to center in the sixth. Murphy delivered a twoout RBI single to right to give the Cavaliers a 4-0 lead. The Cavaliers scored one run in the seventh on a groundout by Jordahl and Brandt had an RBI single in the eighth to cap the scoring. “It felt great to do it with these guys,” Brandt said. “It’s been a long season, but it’s been a lot of fun. We knew we had to do a job and we went out and got it done.” Ve r o n a w e n t 4 - f o r 13 hitting with runners in scoring position and pounded out 11 hits. Murphy went 2-for-3 with one RBI and Teskey was 2-for4. “I think one of the strengths of our team is our lineup top to bottom,” Brandt said. “You have to credit everyone in our lineup for having good at-bats and getting timely hits.”
Verona: Wildcats blank Regents in Big Eight Conference game Continued from page 1
Verona 27, Middleton 22 eight-point deficit against the
connected with Eric Hughes on a game-tying 12-yard TD pass with 9 minutes, 50 seconds left in the game. Moore bolted for a game-winning 29-yard TD run late in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
Sophomore defensive back Cam McCorkle and the Verona football team’s defense may want to take a curtain call after propelling the Wildcats to a 27-22 win over ninthranked Middleton Aug. 23. The Wildcats overcame an
Cardinals to pull out a thrilling win. Verona came through with two turnovers on downs in the fourth quarter and McCorkle had a diving interception with 51.5 seconds to go to ice the victory.
Anderson shouldered much of the load offensively, running for three touchdowns, including a game-winning 2-yard TD scamper with 5:02 left in the fourth quarter. Anderson, who had a leaping 42-yard catch on the go-ahead drive, had four receptions for
136 yards.
Verona 40, Parker 2 Verona junior wide receiver Aubrey Dawkins had a monster game Aug. 17, with six receptions for 117 yards and two touchdowns as the Verona rolled to a 40-2 win over
Janesville Parker in its season opener at Monterey Stadium. The Wildcats gashed the Vikings for 231 rushing yards. Anderson rushed for 82 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns. Bekx completed 9 of 14 passes for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
Oregon High School
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Oregon girls tennis
Panthers 8-2 in dual meets this season JEREMY JONES Sports editor
Like several other teams around southern Wisconsin, the Oregon girls tennis team was hit hard by record rainfall last month. Rain forced the Oregon quad against McFarland, Ripon and Portage to be rescheduled twice as well as a Badger South Conference dual against Monroe. D e s p i t e w e a t h e r, t h e Panthers rebounded by b e a t i n g Fo r t A t k i n s o n , Stoughton, Milton, Monroe in conference dual meets and Baraboo in a Badger crossover match. Oregon even played Madison Edgewood as well as anytime in recent memory despite losing that dual 7-0. Senior Isabelle Krier made the move up from No. 2 singles to the top of the lineup this season for the Panthers and has started the season 8-3. Her three losses have all come against quality opponents: Sauk Prairie’s Quinlyn Mack, Milton’s Larissa O’Rourke and Edgewood’s Julia Hess 7-6 (5), 6-1 on Sept. 11. Junior Jordana Burkeland has also jumped out to an 8-3 record to start the season, moving up to No. 2 singles from No. 3 a year ago. All of her losses this season have come in three sets, falling to Sauk Prairie’s Katie Mack, nonconference Aeryn Olson and Morgan Merckx on Sept. 11 by a score of 1-6, 6-3, 6-3. No one has had more success to start the season
Photo by Jeremy Jones
Returning letterwinners for the Oregon girls tennis team (front, from left) are: Anna Donovan, Rachel Depuydt and Gianna Schultz; (back) Sophia Choles, Isabella Krier, Sarah Boerigter, Jordana Burkeland and Ashley Johnson. than junior Anna Donovan and senior Rachell Depuyd t , w h o h a d wo n n i n e straight matches to start the season. Donovan, who moved up from No. 4 singles this year, lost her first match Sept. 11 to Edgewood’s
Aliyah Macdonald in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Depuydt fell 7-5, 6-3 to Edgewood’s Claire Bolton on Sept. 11 at No. 4 singles. Juniors Sarah Boerigter and Gianna Schulz (3-7) have had their share of struggles to open the
season as the Panthers’ top doubles team. The duo has beaten Delavan-Darien, Baraboo and Fort Atkinson to open the season. They have also lost a couple of close matches, falling to McFarland and Edgewood in three sets.
Seniors Sophia Choles and Ashley Johnson are 8-3 after moving from No. 1 to 2 doubles. They beat Monroe’s Cierra Larson and Becky Thoman 6-2, 4-6, 6-0 to help Oregon secure a 6-1 win over the Cheesemakers.
The Panthers have tried a couple different lineups at No. 3 doubles, most recently turning to junior Lauren Gragg and sophomore Jordan Streiff who are 1-2, with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory against Monroe.
Volleyball
Oregon tied atop Badger South with Watertown MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
The Oregon volleyball team is off to a hot start this season, posting an 11-2 record and is tied with Watertown atop the Badger South Conference at 3-0. “We really want to compete this year,” coach Katie Heitz said after the Panthers beat Monona Grove in four sets Aug. 30. “We have a great group of girls that bring it every night. “We set our bar pretty high this year. This is not where we want to end up, so we will keep pushing forward.”
Oregon 4, Stoughton 1 Playing in several nail-biters this season and with many of the team’s players having been together for three years, the Panthers relied on that cohesion in pivotal moments Sept. 6 against Stoughton. Senior outside hitter Leah Rogers had eight kills and 16 digs to lead the Panthers to a 3-1 win, 25-18, 28-26, 23-25, 25-23 over the Vikings. With the win, Oregon improves to 11-2, 3-0 Badger South. “It was an up and down roller coaster night for us, and
we proved to ourselves that we could come out on top on a night like that,” Heitz said. Senior setter Erin Flanagan racked up 23 assists and senior middle blocker Nicole Cochems had a team-high five blocks. Senior Emily Konop had a team-best 20 digs. Bailey Gable notched three aces to lead the Panthers.
Monona Grove invite Oregon went 3-2 and lost a first-round pool play match to Verona 25-23, 25-14 in the Monona Grove Invitational on Sept. 1. The Panthers bounced back to top Madison West 27-25, 25-13 and knocked off Tomah 25-18, 25-17 also in pool play. “We played well to start against Verona and then after we lost the first set; I feel like we had an emotional letdown and couldn’t find our footing in the second,” Heitz said. The Panthers allowed the Silver Eagles to avenge a fiveset loss from two days prior in the semifinal match, beating Oregon in a 24-26, 26-24, 15-8 win. Oregon rolled past Madison La Follette 25-10, 25-15 in a third-place match. Rogers had a team-high 36 kills at the invite. Flanagan
piled up 96 assists, 36 digs and delivered a team-best 12 aces. Konop had a team-high 46 digs and Pearson posted 29 kills. Senior Erin Wriedt posted 10 blocks and senior Lexi Karls added 11 aces.
Oregon 3, MG 2 The Panthers defeated Monona Grove in a see-saw battle that went to five sets, 21-25, 25-19, 25-19, 18-25, 15-10 on Aug. 30. Flanagan finished with 29 assists and Konop had 14 digs. Senior middle blocker Sydona Roberts posted three blocks and Cochems notched seven aces.
Oregon 3, Edgewood 1 Oregon took a 2-0 set lead Thursday, Aug. 23 against Madison Edgewood and didn’t let a loss in the third set derail its victory march, as the Panthers cruised to a 14-point fourth set win. Junior libero Emily Konop had 19 digs, and senior outside hitter Alyssa Milski finished with 24 kills and 16 digs. Senior defensive specialist Brooke Mussehl collected Photo by Mark Nesbitt/ 15 digs, and Flanagan had 34 Oregon senior Bekken Pearson puts down a kill against Madison Edgewood on Aug. 23. The assists and two aces. Panthers are off to an 11-2 start and are 3-0 in the Badger South Conference.
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Madison West High School
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West football
Madison West 1-3 to start Big Eight season MARK NESBITT
the Regents at their own 1-yard line twice in the first quarter on two booming punts. On eight possessions in the first half, the Regents’ average starting position was their own 14-yard line. The best starting drive West had in the first half was at their own 30-yard line. Murphy said he loves seeing his young team battle out of tough situations. “As their careers go on at West they will be through a lot more battles and they need to learn there is a right way and wrong way how to handle those things,” he said. “It doesn’t feel good to lose like that. We will learn a lot from a loss.” Gutknecht ran for 81 yards and threw for 54 yards to lead West.
Assistant sports editor
As the prep football season draws closer to the midway point, Madison West will need to win four of its final five games to become playoff-eligible. Madison West is 1-3 after a 35-0 loss to Verona in the West Side bowl Friday at Mansfield Stadium. With a team featuring six sophomore starters, the Regents are gauging their success on improving game-togame. Coach Brad Murphy said the goal is to get better each week through experience. West is coming off a tough twogame stretch with losses to Verona and Middleton. It won’t get any easier Friday, when the Regents play at Madison Memorial, which sits atop the Big Eight Conference at 4-0 after a stunning comeback to beat Middleton 30-27 last week. Madison West quarterback William Gutknecht has completed 33.3 percent of his passes (17 of 51) for 202 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions through four games. Senior running back Kelvin Opoku-Appoh has rushed for 263 yards and three touchdowns. He also has 12 receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown out of the backfield. On defense, the Regents have been led by Opoku-Appoh at linebacker with a team-high 27 tackles and one sack. Defensive back Matthew McLain (25 tackles), linebacker Sammy Smith (19 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks), defensive lineman Austin Jackson (two sacks) and Carson Meier (two sacks) have proven to be playmakers. “We are in a position now where we just have to get better each week and let the chips fall where they may,” Murphy said. “It’s not about the scoreboard for us right now. It’s about competing and seeing us make our corrections and doing things correctly more often.”
Verona 35, West 0
West 32, East 13 Opoku-Appoh rushed for 263 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead Madison West to a 32-13 win over Madison East Aug. 25 at Lussier Stadium. The game was scheduled for Friday, Aug. 24, but was delayed and relocated because of weather concerns. Opoku-Appoh had touchdown runs covering 49, 11 and 95 yards in the first quarter to lead the Regents. Gutknecht threw for 70 yards.
La Follette 19, West 14
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
West was limited to 109 total yards against the Wildcats. Verona sophomore running back Jackson Acker rushed for 83 yards on five carries and had two touchdowns highlighted by a 56-yard TD run late in the second quarter to give the Wildcats a 28-0 lead at the half. Gutknecht rushed for 49 yards on
Madison West senior running back Kelvin Opoku-Appoh breaks a tackle against Middleton on Aug. 30. The Regents lost the Big Eight Conference game 40-0.
Junior running back Kallion 24 carries. He completed 9 of 20 Middleton 40, West 0 passes for 62 yards. Opoku-Appoh Middleton senior quarterback Buckner ran for 166 yards and two had five receptions for 35 yards. On Bryce Carey threw two touchdowns touchdowns on 13 carries. Field position played a big key defense, he also had eight tackles and ran for another to lead the Carin the first half. Middleton pinned and one sack. dinals to a 40-0 victory.
James-Ragland’s 55-yard breakaway run set up his 7-yard touchdown reception for the go-ahead score of Madison La Follette’s season-opening 19-14 Big Eight Conference victory over Madison West. The Regents’ defense forced two turnovers and held the Lancers to three first downs in the first half. After falling behind 13-6 in the second half, West mounted a comeback. The Regents answered with a 16-play, 73-yard drive - converting two fourth-and-1 plays along the way. The final came on Gutknecht’s 1-yard TD run, and his ensuing two-point conversion put West ahead 14-13. Gutknecht scored two touchdowns. West sophomore running back Nazier Jones rushed for 75 yards on 13 carries. Madison West plays at Mansfield Stadium against Madison Memorial on Friday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.
West girls tennis
West continues tough schedule by beating Verona JEREMY JONES Sports editor
The Madison West girls tennis program qualified for the WIAA Division 1 state tournament a year ago, and also had a top three doubles finish at the individual state
tournament. Coach Ryan Reischel takes over a Regent program to continue those previous successes. And while the team’s 8-7 dual meet record may not look that impressive, Reischel likes where the team is headed.
“Our record overall isn’t great, but when you have a nice program like this, you want as tough a schedule as possible,” Reischel said. “I love the tough competition because I think it will get our girls ready for the tough competion they’ll see at subsectionals on into
the state tournament.” The Regents have played Middleton, ranked fifth), Madison Memorial (sixth), t o p - r a n ke d H o m e s t e a d , second-ranked Divine Savior Holy Angels, 10th-ranked Arrowhead, honorable mention Nicolet and Catholic Memorial,
ranked four in D2. Of the team’s seven losses, one was a 4-3 decision to Middleton and another was a 5-2 loss to Madison Memorial. Arrowhead and Homestad handed the Regents nonconference losses. “ We b e a t A r r ow h e a d
and Nicolet, those two wins right there, would make most team’s season,” Reischel said. “We don’t have a bad loss. “ E v e r y m a t c h w e ’v e been in has been close, except maybe against
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West girls swimming
Sullivan wins two events, leads Regents to draw against Wildcats MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
Madison West sophomore Bridget Sullivan hand a hand in winning two events Friday to help the Regent girls swimming team tie Verona Area/Mount Horeb
85-85 in a Big Eight Conference dual meet. Sullivan, a WIAA Division 1 state qualifier in the 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke last year, won the 100 back in 1 minute, 1.30 seconds. She teamed with freshmen Quinn
Weygandt, Bella Granetzke and Laursen Evy to win the 400 free relay in 3:40.92, which was about 2.5 seconds ahead of the Wildcats. The Regents won six of the 11 events and two of the three relays. In the 200 medley relay,
senior Sawyer Mirus, sophomore Olivia Kabbaz, senior Kami Stark and sophomore Ella Thomas took the top spot in 2:03.45. Granetzke finished first in the 200 free (2:00.4) and Evy won the 100 butterfly in 1:00.04.
Weygandt took first place in the 500 free with a time of 5:29.48. Senior Katrina Marty, an Arizona State recruit and two-time state champion in the 100 back, didn’t swim for the Regents on Friday. Marty also finished third
in 100 fly (55.32) and was part of the Regents’ 200 free relay that placed ninth at state last year for Madison West. The Regents swim at Madison Memorial at 5 p.m Friday, Sept. 14.
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Tennis: Regents are rolling Continued from page 4
Photo by Jeremy Jones
Senior Nolan Look reacts after scoring the game-winning touchdown Aug. 16 on a 4-yard run Friday as Oregon beat DeForest 17-7 in a Badger Conference crossover game.
Oregon: Milton Red Hawks up next for Panthers Continued from page 1 Oregon to hang with Monona Grove for nearly the entire game Friday, Aug. 30. Penalties caught up with the Panthers, who struggled to sustain much offense in a 21-7 loss at John Klement Stadium against Monona Grove. “We did some nice things. We moved the ball at times, but then we kind of fell apart,” Dan Kissling said. “We were our own worst enemy.” Monona Grove scored on its first drive, covering 79 yards on 13 plays before senior running back Jordan Ostrowsky broke free for an 8-yard touchdown run. The Silver Eagles were unable to get anything else going in the first half against the Panthers’ defense. “Honestly, when we watched film, they played fast,” Kissling said. “I don’t think we realized how fast. They got off blocks. They were very aggressive and I think our kids were
a little shell shocked at first.” Sixty-five of running back Ethan Beehner’s 106 yards rushing came on the opening drive of the second half as the Silver Eagle senior carried the ball eight straight times to cap a 65-yard touchdown drive with a 1-yard surge. The score gave Monona Grove a 14-0 lead. The costliest of Oregon’s eight penalties was a holding call in the third quarter that negated a 78-yard touchdown run by Matt Kissling. The Panthers managed to cut the Silver Eagle lead in half on its next possession, however, thanks to a pass interference call on fourth-andthree. That penalty set up a first-andgoal on the MG 6-yard line. On third down, senior quarterback Nolan Look found senior running back Keion Szudy flashing across the front of the end zone on a 5-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown helped Oregon cut the lead to one touchdown, 14-7, with 3:52 remaining in the quarter.
Oregon 40, Fort Atkinson 0 Look had three of his four touchdown passes by halftime Sept. 7 as the host Oregon blanked Fort Atkinson 40-0. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 153 yards and ran for a second-quarter touchdown in the Badger South Conference blowout. “When we play teams that are down, it is still important to play a good game,” coach Dan Kissling said. “We had stretches where we played very well and other times we missed assignments and tackles. We need to improve on this for our next game.” A young team that relies heavily on the run, Fort Atkinson was never able to counter, as sophomore quarterback Avery Rohloff threw three interceptions while only managing 32 yards passing. All three turnovers led to Oregon touchdowns. Carson Smedley and Jack Haefel had second-quarter interceptions, and Matt Kissling added a pick in the third quarter.
Homestead and DSHA.” Reischel said the Regents’ lineup has been consistent, with the exception of trying to mix up the lower part of the order. Sophia Knigge and Camille Vadas have gone 3-8 at No. 3 doubles. “Our No. 1 and 2 doubles have been really consistent, but I’ve been trying different combinations at No. 3 doubles because we’ve lost a lot of close matches and I’m seeing if one combination is just a little bit better than another,” he said. Senior Margaret Lund is only 6-9 at No. 3 singles but she does have wins against Memorial’s Isabella Moore and Verona’s Meghan Samz. Junior Lucy Friedman (11-10) has also been a little up and down at No. 4 singles. “Finding that consistency at the lower end of our lineup is maybe what is separating us from being ranked 11th or sixth in the state,” Reischel said. Sophomore Maddie Bremel 15-6 at No 1 singles is a year removed from qualifying for the WIAA Division 1 individual state tournament as a No. 2 singles player. She added a big win Monday, Sept. 10, knocking Verona junior Meredith Conley off 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Conley entered the match 16-0. “That was a very big win for Maddi,” Reischel said. “She’s had some nice wins this year,but also had
a couple losses to girls that were equal to her.” Reischel said the win was the most comlete gam he has seen from his No. 1 singles player. “I think the difference between today and her six losses, was she her consistency,” Reischel said. “Maddi didn’t rush points and try to hit winners off the approaches. “She served well and didn’t make any errors.” Maddi’s twin sister Abby Bremel (18-3) is playing No. 2 singles and Reischel said you could probably flip a coin in regards to the depth of the player. Abby played to a thirdplace finish as a No. 1 doubles player last year with Laura Nicholas, who graduated. “We moved Abby from doubles to singles to put a little more depth in our singles lineup,” Reischel said. As a result, the Regents’ No. 1 doubles team of mixture Spencer Harrison, who played No. 3 singles last year, and Katie Goetz, who played No. 2 doubles. Reischel said the move was in part facilitated by the desire to get the seniors to state.They are 10-11 on the season. “Our No. 1 doubles team has a lot of good qualities to their game, getting them to bring all those qualities to the table at the same time has been a work in progress,” Reischel said.
Photo by Jeremy Jones
Sophomore Maddi Bremel chases down a shot at No. 1 singles against Verona’s Meredith Conley during their match on Sept. 10. Bremel won the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.
Wildcats: University of Minnesota recruit, Bennin continues to attack record books Continued from page 2 Friday in another Big Eight Conference dual.
Verona 124, Craig 46 Kenzie Zuehl had a hand in winning four races to lead the Verona/Mount Horeb girls swimming team to a 124-46 dual meet win over at Janesville Craig
Sept. 7. Zuehl won two individual races — the 200-yard individual medley (2 minutes, 14.58 seconds) and 100 backstroke (1:02.10). She also teamed with her older sister, junior Kaitlyn Zuehl, sophomore Calina Ackerman and Stewart to win the 200 medley relay in 1:58.39. In the 400
free relay, Kenzie Zuehl joined senior Avery Updegrove, sophomore Gianna Gnewuch and junior Kieran McGilvray to take first with a 3:51.28. “Kenzie swam very well at the All-City Swim Meet this summer, so I was expecting her to make an early impact on our team,” Wuerger said. “She is a
strong and versatile swimmer.” The Wildcats won all 11 races en route to the victory. Kaitlyn Zuehl finished first in the 100 butterfly (1:01.30) and won the 100 breaststroke (1:11.07). McCartney took first in the 200 free (2:02.28) and Stewart posted a 25.41 to win the 50 free. Senior
Grace Bennin finished first in the 500 free (5:14.89). Wuerger said overall, he was happy with the results. Wuerger said Janesville Craig has one of the more unusual pools in the state because there are no gutters at the end walls. “It makes open turns in the breaststroke, butterfly and IM more difficult,” he
said. The Wildcats displayed their depth in sweeping the top three spots in the 100 free and 200 free relay. G n ew u c h wo n t h e 1 0 0 free (56.0) and the Wildcats’ 200 free relay team of freshman Katie Lewicki, McGilvray, sophomore Bailey Felsheim and McCartney took first in 1:47.25.
West xc: Regents off to strong start to season, ranked fifth in Wisconsin Continued from page 1 17:25.31. White (17:34.1) and Kohn rounded out the top five in 20th and 23rd place. The Madison West girls finished second in Verona behind two-time state champion Sun Prairie. F r e s h m a n G e n ev i ev e Nashold covered the 5k
course in a meet-best 18:55.75 but the Cardinals depth was too much to overcome. Madison West scored 94, but finished 60 points behind Sun Prairie, which placed all five varsity scorers in the top 12. Senior Andi Bowman was eighth for the Regents in 20:30 with senior Carson Drury (21:04.32) the only other West runner to
crack the top-20. Freshman Cecily Greblo (21:22.61) and junior Grace Weigl (21:50.01) finished 28th and 38th to round out the top five.
West Invitational The host Regents once again placed all five vars i t y b oy s s c o r e r s n e a r the top 10 and won the
Madison West Invitational on Friday, Sept. 7 at Lake Farm Park. Madison West scored 28 to best Monona Grove, which had a 56. Nuenninghoff crossed the finish line six seconds b e h i n d M o n o n a G r ove senior James Giftos with a time of 16:43.69. Reed was third in 16:44.58 and Gary was fifth in 17:00.41. S e n i o r L u ke Tr e i b e r,
counted toward the final varsity score for the first time, crossed next in seventh place with a time of 17:01.78. Kohn was the fifth and final varsity scorer in 11th place with a time of 17:08.24. The Regent girls helped West double up at Lake Farm Park, scoring a meetbest 42. Monona Grove was second with a 53.
Nashold again led the Regents to a first-place finish in 18:46.18. Bowman was third in 19:50.55. Drury (20:49.37) and Greblo (20:55.4) were n i n t h a n d 1 2 t h . We i gl rounded out the varsity pack in 17th place 21:16.97.
6
September 14, 2018
MMSD
Madison/Oregon schools
Fitchburg Star
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Oregon School District
Madison West Homecoming parade Sept. 21 Theme for the week is ‘The 70s’ M a d i s o n We s t H i g h School will celebrate Homecoming the week of Sept. 17, with the parade, assembly and football game Friday and the dance on Saturday night. The theme for the week of activities is “The 70s,” with Wednesday serving as a “70s vs. 80s” dress-up day. Other dress-up days throughout the week are Sports Day on Monday, Denim Day on Tuesday, Class Colors on Thursday and Regent Pride on Friday. The parade will begin at 1:20 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21, on Chadbourne Avenue, with the assembly to follow at 2:25 in the gym. The football game that night against Madison La Follette will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday’s dance at the school will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold before school and at lunch, and are $5 on Monday and Tuesday, $7 on Wednesday and Thursday and $10 on Friday. No tickets will be sold at the dance, and only West students are allowed to attend.
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
From left, Marjorie Torres and Asia Oats walk toward Rome Corners Intermediate after getting off of the bus on the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 4.
School’s back in session Students in the Oregon School District returned to school for a new academic year on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Parents and students excitedly took first day of school photos outside of Rome Corners Intermediate prior to the beginning of the school day.
M O N O N A TER R AC E P R E S ENT S
Referendum push begins
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Community meetings begin Sept. 17 26 MONDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm Mondays & Thursdays
SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
Gearing up for their third referendum push since 2014, Oregon School District officials have begun their information campaign with community meetings and presentations around the area in preparation for the Nov. 6 vote. The board has set up three 90-minute community meetings for people to ask questions and talk with district officials. They will all be held at Rome Corners Intermediate School, and are 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, 10-11:30 a.m. S a t u r d a y, O c t . 6 , a n d 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15. The mission to inform the public about the referendum is already underway, though. District superintendent Brian Busler said at Monday night’s school board meeting the district had a table set up during r eg i s t r a t i o n l a s t w e e k , where “quite a few” parents stopped by to ask questions.
28 WEDNESDAY MEDITATION AT MONONA TERRACE 12 noon-12:45pm 29 THURSDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm 29 THURSDAY PECHAKUCHA NIGHT 7pm Free Tickets on Eventbrite
DECEMBER 3 MONDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm Mondays & Thursdays 6 THURSDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm 7 FRIDAY WELLNESS TALKS 12 noon-1pm 9 SUNDAY DAYLONG MEDITATION RETREAT 10am-4pm Tickets on Eventbrite 10 MONDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm
OSD community referendum meetings What: Oregon School District community referendum meetings When: 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17; 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6; and 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15 Where: Rome Corners Intermediate School, 1111 S. Perry Pkwy. Info: 835-4000, email superintendent Brian Busler at bsb@oregonsd.net He told board members the district is preparing a one-page “communication update” for them to help answer peoples’ questions in the coming weeks and months, similar to ones given out before the capital referendum in 2014 and the teacher compensation referendum in 2016. District communications director Erika Mundinger
will be at back-to-school events in the coming weeks to share information and is working with OCA Media director Paul Zwicker on an informational video about the referendum that “will be out soon,” Busler said. Busler and board president Steve Zach met with the chamber board, and Busler was the featured speaker at the monthly Chamber of Commerce meeting on Aug. 23 at Headquarters. “(That) kicks off our first official public presentation,” he said before the meeting. Busler said the district is once again working with J.H. Findorff and Sons builders, referendum consultant Joe Donovan and Bray Architects on putting together information to get out to the public on the plan. “We have a strong team put together and our goal is to get the best and most timely information out to the community,” Busler said. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.
13 THURSDAY LUNCHTIME YOGA 12 noon-12:45pm
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Two years after the teacher referendum Oregon School District administrators and staff are seeing the results they hoped for when voters approved a $1.5 million recurring referendum to change the teacher compensation system in 2016.
Verona schools
ConnectFitchburg.com
September 14, 2018
Fitchburg Star
7
New VAHS bids $825K under budget Second pool, turf included, but not road costs SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
The Verona Area school board got some good news Monday night on the cost of constructing the new Verona Area High School building, leaving trustees two weeks to consider whether they can include a second pool and turf fields in the project. Findorff construction manager Aaron Zutz told the board that after the third round of bids, which included the “full scope” of the construction, the project is $825,661 under its budget. That estimate includes a warm-water
community pool at $2 million and turf football and soccer fields for $622,000. It does not, however, include the costs for road land acquisition and other intersection improvements in the area, he told the Press after his presentation. The city’s initial estimates for construction are about $9.4 million, and land acquisition is still being negotiated. That was the topic board members spent three hours discussing in closed session Monday, with no open-session vote or discussion on the topic itself. Board member Tom Duerst questioned the need for a closed session after the Press reported details of the ongoing negotiations last week from an open records request with the City of Verona. “What are we really going into closed session for?” Duerst said
before voting in favor of it anyway. “After this last week’s Verona Press, I feel like pretty much everything is out there.” Board president Noah Roberts and district superintendent Dean Gorrell told Duerst the closed session was still necessary for a “very narrow window of things,” as Gorrell put it. Roberts said it was to “preserve any sort of bargaining leverage we have.” “Although there has been some information that is now public related to negotiations between the district and two private entities, we are still in the midst of negotiations,” he said. “As we move forward, we want to maintain as much leverage as possible.” The vote to go into closed session was unanimous, though board member Russell King was absent from the meeting.
According to emails between city and district employees this summer, S&E Enterprises ownership has asked for at least $2.5 million for the right-of-way necessary to build a road from South Nine Mound Road into the high school site. The Coating Place, meanwhile, has asked for six acres of the recently acquired school forest Stewart’s Woods and $200,000 for 2.3 acres of right-of-way to build a somewhat longer road from Paoli Street into the site. That would bring the total acreage of the woods planned for development or roads leading to development to 11 of the 37 the district owns. Another six acres is owned by the Coating Place and would be available for development in the proposal. The district’s agreement with the city signed in June gives the
Sugar Creek and New Century elementary school land for a $4.5 million contribution to the cost of road improvements. The board also set aside $5.7 million from the closeout of the Epic tax increment financing district to help cover the cost of the pool, which is included in the budget. The board is expected to make decisions on the second pool, turf fields and other potential bid alternatives Zutz said could save up to $1.7 million at its next meeting, which was rescheduled from Monday, Sept. 24, to Wednesday, Sept. 26, because of conflicts with the VAHS back-to-school night for three board members. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
Back to school Students waited excitedly outside the doors of Sugar Creek Elementary School on Tuesday, Sept. 4, for the beginning of the 2018-19 school year. Principal Todd Brunner and other SC staff greeted students and parents at the door, welcoming them and their backpacks full of supplies into the building. Sixth- and ninth-graders also returned Tuesday, while everyone else began school Wednesday.
On the web See more photos from the first day of school at Sugar Creek Elementary School:
ConnectFitchburg.com
Photo by Scott Girard
Mohamed Ali, right, does a handshake with a friend while waiting to walk into school after arriving on the bus on the first day of school, Sept. 4.
District seeks boundary committee members
What’s online
VASD wants diverse group; meetings begin in October
Emails show Woods on table for road deal
SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
A committee to help determine future attendance area boundaries for the Verona Area School District’s elementary and middle schools will begin meeting next month. The committee has not yet been chosen, and a draft letter the district will send to parents later this month stresses that the district is looking to have a group of parents and staff that is “representative of the district’s demographics,” lives in a variety of neighborhoods and includes parents of students from as young as Pre-K up to high school. “The board will strive to have representation across district
demographics, neighborhoods and grade bands and will select among applicants accordingly,” it states. The Verona Area school board discussed the wording of the letter Monday night, as well as meeting dates listed in the letter, showing twice-monthly meetings from Oct. 16 through March. While the dates are not final, officials have said previously meetings would begin in mid-October. Anyone interested in joining the committee is asked to email administrative assistant Tamera Stanley at stanleyt@verona.k12.wi.us or call 845-4309 by Oct. 1. Those who apply are not guaranteed to be accepted, the draft of the letter notes. The committee is expected to use the board’s yet-to-be-finalized criteria to come up with up to three options for the board to vote on for elementary and middle school attendance areas. The boundaries are expected to
be finalized next spring and would go into effect in fall 2020, when the new Verona Area High School building is scheduled to open. At that time, Sugar Creek Elementary School will move to what is now Badger Ridge Middle School, while the middle school will shift next door to the current VAHS building and charter schools are expected to move into the K-Wing. Board member Meredith Stier Christensen stressed the importance of including current high school parents in the process. Though they won’t be affected by the boundaries, they may have a useful “frame of reference,” she said. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
Read these and more Verona Area School District stories at ConnectFitchburg.com: An open records request fulfilled by the City of Verona reveals details of discussions among the city, school district and private landowners toward acquiring property to build a second access road to the new Verona Area High School site. More than one-third of the rustic area known as Stewart’s Woods would be made available for development or roads leading to development under a deal proposed this summer and still being negotiated.
Things to watch in 2017-18 A busy year is ahead in the Verona Area School District. Read about what to keep an eye on this year, both in the classroom and in the big picture, with our preview. The list includes middle school grading changes, personalized learning plans, attendance area boundary discussions and the future of language programming in the district. There are also administration changes at three schools, a reorganization of the student services department and implementation of the strategic plan the school board approved earlier this year.
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