4/9/20 Oregon Observer

Oregon Observer The

Subscribe to by calling

1-800-355-1892 or log on

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 41 • Oregon, WI • ConnectOregonWI.com • $1.50

connectoregonwi.com

Spring Election

COVID-19 response

Voting proceeds in pandemic High courts overturn postponement, deadline extension RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Blue tape defines a barrier around the cashier’s desk at Dorn’s True Value on Wednesday, March 25, to encourage customers to stay 6-feet apart.

Preparing for the hit JIM FEROLIE Observer editor

With face masks now commonplace, and a fight over whether to postpone a statewide election, constant change was the norm in Oregon

during the fourth week in which the coronavirus and COVID-19 has turned our lives upside-down. T h e O r eg o n S c h o o l D i s t r i c t switched its high school grading for the rest of the semester to pass/fail and began teaching students through virtual learning, and area churches prepared for virtual Easter services. The number of COVID-19 cases in the country more than doubled to 360,000 as of Monday, April 6, the

Residents stuck at home A community finds ways to pass the time EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

Aimee Bailey is doing her best to keep up a regular routine amid a global health crisis. The Oregon High School teacher is engaged in projects like writing letters to her mother at Sienna Meadows and making things her mother can put in her window. “It’s breaking my heart,” Bailey told the Observer in an

email. “Her hospice nurse is working on video technology so we can communicate with her, which presents its own challenges with a person who has dementia.” Other Oregon residents have experienced a similar challenge of finding a new normal as they hunker down at home to curb the spread of the COVID-19. There has been no leaving for a night out on the town, sitting down with a friend over coffee or visiting loved ones.

number of deaths more than tripled in the past week to 10,000. The illness crept further into Dane County, which reported more than 300 cases as of Tuesday. Updated information on the spread of the virus led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend the use of face masks – even homemade cloth ones – for any public outing. Many people here took

Turn to Quarantine/Page 10

Serving up hope amid a pandemic Chef spearheads efforts to help local farmers, curb food insecurity

Inside Spring scavenger hunt Page 2 Fire/EMS has enough PPE for now Page 3 OHS switches to pass-fail grading Page 5 Updated restaurant listings Page 6

Turn to Time/Page 12

Turn to Poll workers/Page 11

EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

It’s a trying time for individuals and families whose incomes have dwindled, making them unsure about how they will put t h e i r n ex t m e a l o n t h e table. It’s the same for local farmers, who have seen their sales plummet as restaurants have closed and grocery stores limit customers to curb the

spread of COVID-19. But Chef Dave Heide, owner of Charlie’s on Main in Oregon and Lilana’s Restaurant in Fitchburg, is looking to combat those crises in the coming weeks — finding an outlet for beleaguered farmers and families who are struggling with food insecurity, unemployment and homelessness. Liliana’s is working with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dane County and Reach Dane to help get meals out to families and kids in need, Heide said. In the next few weeks, the Charlie’s on Main neighboring Main Event venue will serve as a packing and processing

Turn to Meals/Page 11 151

University of Wisconsin

PLACES like no OTHER

Downtown State Capitol

MADISON Mineral Point Rd

M

University Research Park

Lake Monona

12

ON

14

18 151

FITCHBURG PD

4

151

1. Raven

2. Vista

Fish Hatchery Rd

Oregon dons masks, hunkers down as state COVID-19 death toll spikes

Election Day continued as planned Tuesday, April 7 despite the ongoing threat of COVID-19. I n O r eg o n , a s t e a d y stream of people walked into Village Hall to vote in person, while others placed their absentee ballots in the mailbox or voted curbside. Voters, many of them wearing masks and bringing their own pens with them, stayed six feet apart while poll workers counted absentee ballots. In an effort to halt the possible spread of the virus at voting sites, Gov. Tony Evers issued Executive

Order No. 74 on Monday, April 6, which would have postponed the election until June 9. But by late afternoon that same day, the Wisconsin Supreme Court had overturned the order on a 4-2 vote, stating that Evers lacked the authority to move the vote on his own. More changes came that evening when the U.S. Supreme Court overruled a previous extension of the absentee ballot deadline by a federal judge. That extension would have allowed state clerks to accept ballots postmarked or returned at any time up to 4 p.m. on April 13. After the 5-4 court ruling, absentee ballots had to be postmarked or hand-delivered to municipal clerks by the close of polls at 8 p.m. April 7. But, many

3. Prima

D

7

3

2

UPTOWN

1

5 6 FITCHBURG TECHNOLOGY CAMPUS

14

CONTACT US

NEW YEAR, NEW APARTMENT! 4. Riva

5. Turnberry

6. Tralee

7. Kinsale

120 E. Lakeside Street Madison, WI 53715 www.avanteproperties.com (608) 294-4080

adno=150277

2

April 9, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Oregon’s outdoor scavenger hunt Families have found a way to connect with one another and abide by social distancing restrictions. In Oregon and across the nation neighborhood scavenger hunts have ensued. Families craft different objects like hearts and post them on their window. Then they walk through the neighborhood and try to spot as many objects as they can. The Happy Heart Hunt group on Facebook has more than 240,500 members as of Monday, April 6. In Oregon a scavenger hunt has been circulating through the OPEN Oregon Community Facebook page. There are still three weeks left of the local scavenger hunt: April 5 to 11 the object is a bunny, April 12 to 18 the object is a superhero and from April 19 to 25 the object is a Disney character. -Mackenzie Krumme

If You Go April 5 to April 11: Bunny April 12 to April 18: Superhero April 19 to April 25: Disney character

On March 30, Facebook user Jeannie Voegele posted an Oregon scavenger hunt photo that reads “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Facebook user Brittanie Schewe posted a photo of Mickey Mouse juggling hearts for an Oregon scavenger hunt.

Facebook user Tina Goecks Rockwell posted a photo of hearts crawling up the windows of a home on April 1.

Thank You! The Village of Brooklyn

would like to thank the State Bank of Cross Plains for allowing us to use their drive-thru for elections. adno=151700

Facebook user Scott Michael posted a photo of a tree of hearts on April 4.

Photos submitted

We’re a bank that puts the community first. That’s why we’re proud to support our friends at the Badger Prairie Needs Network (BPNN)! More than a food pantry, BPNN offers free community meals and legal advocacy to fight homelessness and help level the playing field for people with limited financial resources. Join the Oak Bank family today by visiting oakbankonline.com.

During COVID-19, BPNN is open and offering curbside pick-up. Please consider a monetary donation or sign up to volunteer. Visit www.bpnn.org to learn more.

adno=144274

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

April 9, 2020

3

Oregon School District

OHS deals with death of a student Daniel Gomez II died March 25; district providing counseling SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

At a national level, there are shortages of personal protective equipment, which shields first responders and healthcare workers as they work to curb the spread of COVID-19. But in Oregon, chief Glenn Linzmeier told the Observer on Thursday, April 2, he feels comfortable with the amount of PPE the Oregon Area Fire and EMS district has. That includes gowns, surgical masks, non-latex gloves and protective suites, mostly the result of a recent shipment from the state. But, he said, that comfort level is dependent on the amount of calls they get and how long the pandemic lasts. “You don’t know what the volume is going to be — is it six weeks, is it eight weeks that we are going to be in the highest exposure? None of us know,” Linzmeier said. On March 3, eight days before declaring COVID-19, an illness caused by coronavirus, a pandemic, the World Health Organization put out a statement urging manufacturers to increase production of PPE by 40%. “Severe and mounting disruption to the global supply chain caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding and misuse – is putting lives at risk from the new coronavirus and other infectious diseases,” its statement read. Linzmeier said the district is up slightly in calls this year, from 204 to 220. He said the district has a supply for the next month or so and can’t imagine it will deplete all of its stock. One item the department is short on, however, is hand sanitizer. It has only a half-dozen bottles and that goes quickly when first responders are using it more than normal. Hospitals, clinics and first responders are able to tap into the Strategic National Stockpile, which was established in 1999 and is the nation’s largest supply of life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for use in public health emergencies, according to the SNS website. Gov. Tony Evers requested supplies from the SNS and distributed two rounds of PPE to healthcare agencies in the state through the Department of Health

Services — but no one knows when the third round will be deployed. A report from the New York Times on March 31 said the SNS is nearly empty. Oregon Area Fire and EMS received a shipment of supplies on the weekend of March 27 through the DHS. Since the COVID-19 outbreak became a national emergency, Linzmeier said the department has had to change its procedures to prevent first responders from being unnecessarily exposed. In line with recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Dane County EMS, Oregon is only using PPE equipment with patients who show COVID-19 symptoms, such as shortness of breath, dry cough and fever. That also includes a lot of communication on who has to be on a call, what kind of gear they are wearing and what are the symptoms of the patient. Linzmeier used the example of a carbon monoxide detector going off in a residence. Usually, this is a standard call, and first responders suite up and enter a residence. Now, Linzmeier said, there is a lot more communication and that call can look a little different — such as asking residents to come outside and allowing only one first responder inside to expose as little people as possible. “We will risk a lot to save a lot, but we don’t want to expose a lot,” Linzmeier said. “We want to be very cautious, and thoughtful — still do the job thoroughly but want to make sure of the safety for ourselves and others out there.” There are six full time staffers at the Oregon Area Fire and EMS, and roughly 30 part-time, paid on call/on premises employees most of which have another job, Linzmeier said. He said his employees have been questioned by their other employees why they don’t simply stay home and not risk the exposure — but even with that outside pressure and the personal anxiety people are still serving their community. “That the reality of it is that people are afraid of contracting it and bringing it home — but they are still doing their runs,” Linzmeier said. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

Health Clinic closing temporarily Stoughton Health closing indefinitely Saturday, April 4 NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

Stoughton Health will c l o s e i t s O r eg o n c l i n ic indefinitely, beginning Saturday, April 4, due to COVID-19. Stoughton Hospital

S T R U C T U R E S

NE and Western IA 402-426-5022 www.GingerichStructures.com

Wisconsin 608-632-1389

CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN YOUR BACK YARD

We provide the seed and easy to use instructions for preparing an outdoor Morel Habitat. You just sow the seed, maintain the Morel Habitat, and pick and enjoy pounds of fresh Morels

$32.95 + $8. S/H -- ORDER 707-829-7301 adno=151418

Eastern CO 970-230-2052

MOREL MUSHROOMS

Agricultural Garages And More!

providing students with multiple options for contacting staff when in need of support. “Our team has also created new structures for inter department communication when students and families are in need of support or intervention,” he wrote the Observer in an email. “We are working to develop and pilot a student support hotline that we hope to roll out very soon.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

COVID-19 response

Grow

Commercial Equestrian Hobby Shops

like this, the district relies h e av i l y o n i t s t e a m o f professional counselors, social workers and school psychologists, along with other school staff to support the family and friends of the student. “The loss affects the entire school community and we will be checking in with students and staff alike,” he wrote in an email to the Observer. OHS principal Jim Pliner said the district crisis response team has been working diligently to develop systems to support students, including

For more information, announced the closure in a news release on Friday, visit stoughtonhealth.com. Contact Neal Patten at April 3. Oregon Urgent neal.patten@wcinet.com Care Clinic is located at 990 Janesville St. in Oregon and is normally open seven EMERALD INVESTMENTS days a week. MINI STORAGE In the release, Stoughton 5'x10' $38 Month Health recommends Oregon 10'x10' $60 Month residents who suspect they 10'x15' $65 Month might be exhibiting symp10'x20' $80 Month toms of the novel coronavi10'x25' $90 Month rus call the hospital, located At Cleary Building Corp. at 900 Ridge St., at 873190 S. Paoli St., Verona WI 6611 prior to visiting. (608) 845-9700 adno=80447

Fire/ems comfortable with PPE supply — for now

OSD High School Student Services Team Janell Thom Schneider: 835-4370, jts@OregonSD. org Kelly Jurasewicz: 835-4366, kljurasewicz@OregonSD.org Missi Hahn: 835-4367, mkhahn@OregonSD.org Amie Mitchell: 835-4471, ammitchell@OregonSD.org Jodi Peters Schmidt: 835-4369, jlschmidt@OregonSD.org Janet Pliner: 835-4476, jmpliner@OregonSD.org Greg Granberg: 835-4427, gfgranberg@OregonSD. org Allison Oscar: 835-4421, aloscar@oregonsd.org Community Counseling Services Oregon Mental Health: 608-835-5050, www.oregonmentalhealthservices.com Lake City Counseling: 608-661-2829, www.lakecitycounseling.com Crisis Text Hotline Text HELLO to 741741 Free, 24/7, Confidential

ARBORIST WORK HAS BEEN CLASSIFIED AS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS! Tree pruning and removal done during the Winter is a great time for shutdown will receive a 10% discount. pruning or removal of treesand Call or E mail us now for a free evaluation we will E mail you a bid. and shrubs with little damage

PRUNING

Call or E-mail now lawn. for a free evaluation tousthe

and for we will a bid. Call now a E-mail FREEyouevaluation

GOURMET MUSHROOMS

Tim Andrews Horticulturist LLC

www.gmushrooms.org

“Caring for our Green World since 1978” www.tahort.com • tahort@gmail.com

P.O. BOX 515 CN9 * GRATON, CA 95444 Spawn Guaranteed

adno=151419

608-795-9948

adno=150659

File photo by Emilie Heidemann

Oregon Fire Chief Glenn Linzmeier says his department has enough personal protective equipment to last the next month or so, and he can’t imagine the department will deplete all of its stock.

The Oregon High School family is grieving the loss of one of its own after junior Daniel Gomez II died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 25. On Wednesday, April 1 , O r eg o n S c h o o l D i s trict superintendent Brian Busler wrote an email to district parents, informing them of the situation, and detailing counseling available to students. “ We a l l e x p r e s s o u r sincere condolences to the family and friends of Daniel,” he wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gomez family and all in our school community who are touched by this tragedy. The family appreciates all support and has asked for privacy at this time.” Busler said the district’s crisis response team is working to provide supp o r t t o G o m e z ’ fa m i l y and friends with a variety of counseling and support services available through the district and community. In the email, the district provided phone numbers and email addresses for the OHS student services team, community counseling services and crisis hotlines. Information was also provided from the National Association of School Psychologists on helping students cope with grief. Busler said in times

Where to get help

4

April 9, 2020

Opinion

Oregon Observer

ConnectOregonWI.com

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.

Community Voices

Correction In the April 2 edition of the Observer about manufacturing a quote from Jamie Schotliff of Trachte was misheard. The quote should have read, “We are considered essential because the infrastructure of our businesses provides water, waste water, utilities and renewable energy.” Not, “We are concerned about social distancing because the infrastructure of our businesses provides water, waste water, utilities and renewable energy.” The Observer regrets this error.

Thursday, April 9, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 41 USPS No. 411-300

Periodical Postage Paid, Oregon, WI and additional offices. Published weekly on Thursday by the Unified Newspaper Group, A Division of Woodward Communications, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send Address Corrections to The Oregon Observer, PO Box 930427, Verona, WI 53593.

Office Location: 156 N. Main Street, Oregon, WI 53575 Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday Phone: 608-835-6677 • FAX: 608-835-0130 e-mail: ungeditor@wcinet.com Circulation customer service: (800) 355-1892

ConnectOregonWI.com

This newspaper is printed on recycled paper.

General Manager Lee Borkowski lborkowski@wcinet.com Sales Manager Kathy Neumeister kathy.neumeister@wcinet.com Advertising oregonsales@wcinet.com Inside Sales Suzy Schleeper insidesales@wcinet.com Circulation ungcirculation@wcinet.com Classified advertisements ungclassified@wcinet.com Legal advertisements unglegals@wcinet.com

News Jim Ferolie oregoneditor@wcinet.com Sports Adam Feiner ungsportseditor@wcinet.com Business news Emilie Heidemann ungbusiness@wcinet.com Community news Emilie Heidemann communityreporter@wcinet.com Reporters Kimberly Wethal, Mark Nesbitt, Mackenzie Krumme, Neal Patten, Scott De Laruelle, Renee Hickman

In memory UNG Reporter Amber Levenhagen (1994-2019)

Being a journalist during pandemic poses unprecedented challenges

I

’ll never forget the day this pandemic became real for me. It was just another Friday in the office, and the closures started rolling in. First, it was just community events that were postponed or canceled. Next, Gov. Tony Evers issued an order closing all Wisconsin public and private schools. That was the last time I visited my office – March 11. I had read an article a few weeks earlier that concluded it wasn’t a matter of if, but when COVID-19 was going to hit the United States. Expert epidemiologists and scientists told us to prepare for significant disruptions to our livelihoods. So as the world began changing suddenly, I sat in my desk, head in my hands, wondering if this is how it all ends. Then, my fight or flight response took over, and my fingers started typing story after breaking news story about how this was affecting our communities. That’s how it’s been the past few weeks. My body is governed by a journalist, who is in turn, governed by an overwhelming sense of duty. The human in me is nowhere to be found right now, other than likely cowering in a corner, paralyzed and sickened by fear. How visceral it is to be a journalist and an editor with an anxiety disorder during an unprecedented global event of this scope. I’m shaking even as I write this. The following week came the business and local government

closures. In real time, my favorite coffee shops went dark – those were the places where I had found the most inspiration. The local Heidemann businesses I’d already written about suddenly had uncertain financial futures. Worse, there’s nothing to occupy these business owners and employees as they sit at home, forced to wallow in the uncertainty and find creative ways to weather this storm. Their livelihoods – and mine – were indeed disrupted. They were ripped from us. And now we grieve them until we once again find some semblance of “normal.” Will there be the V-shaped rebound most economists are hoping for after this is over, or did some establishments lock their doors for the last time? My heart breaks and stomach churns for the business owners who face this, as they are the blood that pumps through small Wisconsin towns, cities and villages. I can’t even begin to describe the depth of my sorrow for our health care workers, grocery store clerks, janitorial staff and other people deemed essential during this crisis. They, and the communities we serve, are what drives the stories me and my staff write. Our newspapers are buried in COVID-19 coverage for now,

but what about a month or two down the road? It’s hard not to go down that rabbit hole. My work is a welcome distraction from the temptation of reading articles from national news outlets – how COVID-19 ravages one’s body, how some experts say it might take 18 months to find a vaccine and the dire impacts this has had on an already fragile economy. At least my work in local journalism involves finding the stories where people help one another. Those glimmers of hope seem to be few and far between, even as I desperately search for them on my own time – in contacting the people I love and appreciating that the sun is out. That’s another rabbit hole I can’t let myself enter. I had just started to heal from the trauma of losing two loved ones last year, and I now have to face the possibility of losing more. My father, who has been my rock and who keeps me grounded during hard times, has bronchial asthma. This makes him, by definition, someone who is at a high risk of contracting a severe COVID-19 infection. But as long as I am able to hear his laughter– or his voice at all – on the other side of the phone, I will be able to weather this storm. I don’t really have a choice. Emilie Heidemann is the Unified Newspaper Group community and business editor. She is also the Oregon Observer government reporter.

Unified Newspaper Group, a division of Woodward Communications,Inc. A Diversified, Employee-Owned Media Company Good People. Real Solutions. Shared Results. Printed by Capital Newspapers - Madison

NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION

SUBSCRIPTION RATES One Year in Dane Co. & Rock Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48 One Year Elsewhere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59 Oregon Observer Stoughton Courier Hub • Verona Press

Easily renew your subscription online!

It only takes a few clicks to renew your newspaper subscription electronically with our secure site at: connectoregonwi.com

ConnectOregonWI.com

April 9, 2020

Pass/no pass for OHS 2nd semester grades District among others seeking to reduce students’ grading stress SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

High schoolers might have a lot on their minds these days, but now, grade point average won’t be one. Grades will still matter in this second semester, but to help Bergstrom reduce anxiety about grades during this uncertain period of virtual learning, Oregon School District will implement a pass/no pass grading system for all its high school students. Students’ second semester grades will not impact their GPA, which will remain as it is currently. Students earning a passing grade will be awarded course credit. As mandated by the state, schools closed in March to limit the spread of COVID-19, an illness which has sickened more than 1,900 people in the state and 200 in Dane County. In response, the district launched virtual learning for students K-12 on Monday, March 30, so students could keep learning despite not being physically present in classrooms.

On the Web Find out more about the Oregon School District and how it’s handling the coronavirus pandemic at

oregon.sd.org In an email sent to district parents on Friday afternoon, district deputy superintendent Leslie Bergstrom said high schools and colleges around the country are embracing the policy to help reduce student stress about grades. She said some colleges and universities have stated that student admissions will not be negatively impacted by pass/no pass grading this semester as long as students have passing grades. “(This) will protect the academic progress and advancement of all students who are negatively impacted by the pandemic and/or distance learning,” she wrote. “As a school community, our goal is first and foremost the well-being of our students. “We know that if we work together with flexibility and kindness, our students will experience success in this new learning format,” Bergstrom added. In an email to the Observer on Friday, Bergstrom said district officials will next week determine how this change will affect the high school honor roll. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

‘Underwater potato’ sinks competition Oregon science club team places third at regional robotics event Members of the Oregon Science Club showed off some serious spuds skills last month, placing third at the Regional Underwater Robotics Competition in Richland Center March 5. The team’s remote operated vehicle “Underwater Potato” was built and driven by Oregon High School students Blake Pankratz, Odin Beck and Riley Fahey; one of three teams from OHS. Sophomore Carter Johnston said students e n j o y e d bu i l d i n g a n d operating their ROVs but the competition was challenging. “The robot had to be

made correctly, and then the driver had to control the movements all while being under pressure of the clock,” he wrote in an email to the Observer. There are three parts to the competition: an obstacle course modeled after waterway debris cleanup (this year’s national theme), a raceway and an engineering notebook. Sophomore Odin Beck said he enjoyed building the robots, particularly learning a lot of really cool STEM skills, like soldering. The Oregon Science C l u b i s o rg a n i z e d b y sophomore Adam Mikkelson, who is one of the group’s officers, along with Pankratz and Johnston. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.

5

Oregon Observer

Remote yoga classes keep business, community afloat Students use classes to stick with routine RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

Classes at the Wishing Tree Studio have taken on a different look in recent weeks. Instead of a dozen yoga students practicing postures on mats inside the studio in downtown Oregon, students are now scattered all over town, bending and twisting in front of their computers, while on screen, teachers give instructions from their houses, pets occasionally wandering into the shot. With the threat of COVID-19 raging around the world, Wishing Tree Studio co-owners Jo Temte and Kelly Scholz have been using remote classes as a way for their students to stay in touch with a community of yoga practitioners during the quarantine. Temte told the Observer she has family members in the medical field. As a result, she began hearing about the spread of the novel coronavirus in China earlier in the year. “Once it erupted in China, we were concerned,” she said. As more cases of the virus began to appear in Wisconsin, Wishing Tree Studio began following similar procedures to other gyms and fitness studios in the area – spending more time sanitizing the space and no longer sharing any equipment. Yoga classes, which usually take places indoors with groups of people, could potentially be in a highly hospitable environment for virus transmission, Temte said. Students are often close together, and equipment used for yoga practice, like mats and blocks and straps used for support, are often shared between students at a studio. But with the virus spreading, Temte and Scholz made the decision to shut their doors on March 14. “We have a fair number of members who are older and we were really concerned about them,” said Temte.

Technical difficulties

Shortly after Tempte and Scholz closed the studio, they began seeing others offering digital classes, and got feedback from their students — saying they would also be interested in remote offerings. But handling the logistics around the classes was a special challenge. Wishing Tree is using Zoom video conferencing software to livestream classes and allow students to join in,

Photo submitted

Wishing Tree Studio co-owner Jo Temte teaches virtual classes to keep the business afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. which means both the instructors and students had to learn their way around the platform. Some are technical, while others have been more basic, including just finding a space to set up a camera. “I live in this old Victorian house; a good size house but very small rooms,” Temte said. “Getting the camera far enough away to where people can see me is a whole thing.” She said while students can have their cameras on and she can see them doing yoga on their cameras, she can’t see what they are doing closely. That’s difficult when teaching yoga, which involves positions where even small adjustments in the muscles can make a big difference. Because of that, Temte says Wishing Tree instructors try to keep the classes extra gentle when going remote. “That’s what people need right now. People need to be gentle with themselves and you know, keep moving,” she said. But she also says she’s learned new things as a teacher as a result of the new set-up. Having a video to playback has allowed her to notice things about her teaching she’d like to change.

Keeping a routine

For Kate Mason, who has been practicing yoga for about four years, digital yoga classes have been a welcome respite from the anxiety produced by COVID-19 news. Mason said she has taken five of the remote classes so far, and usually shows up for Scholz’s Friday yin yoga class. Yin yoga is a slower-paced style of the practice that combines postures held for longer periods of time and some of the

principles of Chinese medicine. “It’s nice because it’s the same time I always used to do it,” Mason said of the class. “I really rely on the class to just be somewhere else.” She said remote classes aren’t quite the same as the ones she used to take at the studio, because she can’t see the faces of instructors as easily and it can be hard to disconnect from what’s happening in her household. But, she enjoys the ease and comfort of doing the classes in her home. Mason said the ability to log on via Zoom and have the instructor see her keeps her more accountable to her yoga routine than just working with pre-recorded yoga videos.

Staying alive

Despite federal social distancing guidelines extended to April 30 and Wisconsin’s “Safer at Home” order likely to be extended as well, Temte said she still thinks her business will survive. She’s offering her digital classes for free for now, but she said she’s had many students offer to keep paying for their memberships. Tempte said the studio has also applied for government small business relief programs, and is fortunate yoga studios generally don’t have a lot of overhead costs. But she said the studio has benefitted from the common experiences of other yoga instructors who are dealing with similar challenges. “Yoga teachers all over the world are helping each other figure out how to do things with these online platforms,” Temte said. “It’s been amazing to see.”

THE FREEDOM TO BANK FROM ANYWHERE When it comes to your banking, rest easy. Our website and app provide access to all of your accounts and are packed with easy-to-use tools that allow you to maintain control of your finances.

sbcp.bank/freedom

Yeah, we can do that.

©2020 State Bank of Cross Plains. All rights reserved. adno=149668

6

April 9, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Congregations celebrate Easter MACKENZIE KRUMME

their responses.

Unified Newspaper Group

Community of Life Church

Easter services are still on at Oregon churches, except virtually. As one of most highly attended services of the year, local Catholic and Christian churches in Oregon want their congregations to know they can still celebrate the religious holiday. In Oregon churches are adapting to the Stay at Home Order by streaming sermons on Facebook and Youtube. Hillcrest Bible Church is offering a three week series where members try to tackle the question of “where is God in all of this.” And People’s United Methodist Church and Holy Mother of Consolation are offering online and printed resources for Sunday School. Observer reporters reached out to local congregations and asked what they are doing for Easter Sunday. Below is a list of

A pre-recorded Good Friday devotion and short family service celebration will be posted to the churches Facebook. At 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 12 a Facebook live and a pre-recorded sermon will be on the churches Facebook page. The sermon will include worship songs and a link to a Sunday school lesson. https://www.communityoflife.us/

Hillcrest Bible Church

A 30- minute Facebook live event will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, on Hillcrest Bible Church’s Facebook page, which will explain the significance of the Seder Meal. Pastor David Bartosik is also offering a Good Friday service available on Hillcrest’s website. Two services will be available for Easter Sunday. At 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. staff will

offer a streaming service with live prayer week solemnities and celebrations at home. holymotherchurch.weconnect.com and a chat room. Following Easter, Hillcrest Bible Church is offering a three week series where mem- St. John’s Lutheran Church At St. John’s Lutheran Church a virbers and Bartosik will try to address the questions of “where is God in all of this,” tual Easter service will take place a t 1 0 : 3 0  a . m . S u n d a y, A p r i l 1 2 . and what members’ response should be. Members of the congregation have been https://hbclife.com/ encouraged to send in photos of themselves worshiping at home and a slideshow is People’s United Methodist expected to be presented during the service. Church stjohnsoregonwis.org At 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 People’s United Methodist Church People’s Church will offer services on Youtube Live. People’s Church will have three live And at 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12, there will stream services. also be a live streamed service. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9; peoplesumc.org Noon Friday, April 10 and 9 a.m. Sunday, April 12. The services are available on the Holy Mother of Consolation churche’s Youtube channel. Holy Mother of Consolation Church is peoplesumc.org providing families with on-line and printed Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com. resources to assist with observing the holy

Several restaurants in Oregon still open for carryout Please email ungbusiness@wcinet.com if you’d like to Ziggy’s BBQ Smokehouse and Ice Cream Parlor Señor Peppers Mexican Restaurant be added to this list. Offering: Carryout and delivery Offering: Curbside pick up, delivery Hours: 3:30-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3:30Hours: 3-8 p.m.Tuesday-Sunday Open 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Headquarters Bar and Grill

JL Richards Prime Meats and Catering

Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up, including draft beer, Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up delivery, Easter dinner pre-order Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Lil’ Buddy’s Popcorn

Firefly Coffee House and Artisan Cheese

Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

La Rocca’s Pizzeria

Offering: Carryout, delivery Hours: 4:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Pizza Hut

Offering: Carryout Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Closed Sunday

Papa Murphy’s Take N Bake Pizza Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up, delivery Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Oregon Frozen Yogurt

Offering: Carryout, delivery Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up Hours: 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday

Pizza Pit

Mulligan’s Irish Pub and Grill Offering: Carryout Hours: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday

Offering: Carryout, delivery Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Community cable listings Village of Oregon Cable Access TV channels: WOW #983 & ORE #984 Phone: 291-0148 • Email: oregoncableaccess@charter.net Website: ocamedia.com • Facebook: ocamediawi New programs daily at 1 p.m. and repeats at 4, 7 and 10 p.m. and 1, 4, 7 and 10 a.m.

Thursday, April 9 WOW: A Day of Library Presentations (2018-2020) ORE: NKE Orchestra Concert (March 2) AIRS Friday, April 10 WOW: Oregon Area Progressives (March 6) ORE: PVE Orchestra Concert (Feb. 18) Saturday, April 11 WOW: Movie: West Side Story (1961) ORE: BKE Musical: Journey

of the Noble Gnarble (Feb. 28) Sunday, April 12 WOW: A Day of Worship in Oregon ORE: OHS Orchestra Concert (Oct. 21) Monday, April 13 WOW: Village Board Meeting (March 16) ORE: OHS Soccer vs Monroe (Oct 17) Tuesday, April 14 WOW: A Day of Senior Center Presentations (20182020)

ORE: Alumni Basketball (Feb. 23) Wednesday, April 15 WOW: Chamber of Commerce Meeting (March 19) ORE: A Day of Music: Featuring the talent of OHS, OMS, PVE, RCI, BKE, and NKE Thursday, April 16 WOW: A Day of Music: Various Senior Center Performances ORE: OHS Jazz and Percussion Ensemble (March 9)

Meditations on Spring Spring is the time of year when God’s creative hand is perhaps most evident. Buds sprouting from tree limbs and new growth everywhere seems almost miraculous after a long cold winter. The great American poet Robert Frost reminds us, in his poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” that everything in nature is temporary: Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay. We are right to praise God for the beauty of Spring, but at the same time we should realize that everything on this earth is temporary. The brief and fleeting life of the mayfly should remind us that in the cosmic scheme of things, we are the mayfly, here today and gone tomorrow. Enjoy nature’s Springtime show of vibrant color, but realize that this earth is not your final home. –Christopher Simon

Sonny’s Kitchen

Offering: Carryout Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday

Subway

Offering: Carryout Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Cousins’ Subs Offering: Carryout, curbside pickup Adjusted hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m

Charlie’s on Main

Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up, delivery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4-8 p.m.

Chocolate Caper

Offering: Online ordering, local shipping

Closed Ace’s Main Tap -Mackenzie Krumme

Observer’s Helpers List Volunteers can provide basic services MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

The people in the list below have volunteered to be community helpers during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are members of the Oregon community who said they are available for basic services such as grocery shopping, walking dogs and picking up medications. The Observer put out a call two weeks ago after readers contacted the paper about connecting people in need with people who can help — within one week we had over 24 volunteers. There are six volunteers and people who requested help who would like to remain private — the Observer is working with those individuals separately. If you are able to be a “helper” or a person who is in need, please fill out the form on our website. All participants who are willing to share their

information publicly will have their names, contact information and services offered published on our website and in the Hub. Participants who wish to remain private will have the information put on a spreadsheet and emailed to people who have asked for help. If you’d like to be a helper or need help but do not have access to the internet, contact the Unified Newspaper Group office directly at 8459559. If you have any questions or would like to be added to the list please visit ConnectOregonWI.com. Or call our offices at 845-9559.

Devan Bertz

Email: devanb@rocketmail.com Phone: 608-877-6321 Services I can provide: Grocery shopping, pharmacy pickup, yard work. Anything. I do have CNA experience, larger SUV. Days Available: Saturday and Sunday, Available Hours: 8am to 7pm

Margaret Straub

Email: mstraub@frontier. com

Phone: 608-843-3362 Services I can provide: Grocery shopping, running errands, odds jobs Days Available: Available Hours: 4pm-8pm

Linda Nedelcoff

E m a i l : n e d e l c o ff 5 @ yahoo.com Phone: 608-345-3521 Services I can provide: Grocery shopping, delivering, making packages Days Available: Available Hours: 8:00 am — 8:00 pm

Lisa Joyce

Email: qnosmom@hotmail.com Phone: 608-445-2327 Services I can provide: Grocery shopping, delivering meals, yard work-really anything that is needed. I have been working in healthcare for 30 + years as a lab professional. Days Available: Tuesdays, Wed after 3:30, Sat, Sun, Available Hours: Any Tues, Sat, Sun Unified Newspaper Group makes no claims as to the ability or honesty of the people who submit their names for these forms. We are connecting people as a public service only.

Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

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

Sports

7

Thursday, April 9, 2020

The Oregon Observer For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectOregonWI.com

Golf

Play suspended statewide Federal support loan available to courses during pandemic MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Golf courses across Wisconsin came to a standstill despite weather soaring into the high 60s last week. While local course owners and golf professionals agree that Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer at Home” order, which took effect March 25 and closed all nonessential businesses, may have been needed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, they contend the game could go on with safety restrictions. “I’m disappointed in the decision, but I know why he (Evers) made it,” said Jack Gaudion, owner of The Legend at Bergamont in Oregon. “It’s safe to say everyone is losing.” Whether lawmakers open golf courses in the future is a safety decision. Gaudion, who also owns The Legend at Merrill Hills in Waukesha, The Legend at Brandybrook in Wales and The Legend of Bristlecone in Hartland, understands what’s at stake and doesn’t want the virus to spread. He knows there are bigger problems, but golf could be an outlet to help improve the mental health of many Wisconsinites. Gaudion has a clear message he wants to relay to state lawmakers. “It’s not about poor golfers who don’t get to play,” he said. “It’s

about poor workers who don’t get to work. This is way bigger than golf. I want to get people back to work.” The Wisconsin PGA, Wisconsin Golf Association and other organizations have spoken with state representatives about allowing golf courses to open. A petition on change.org requesting courses to be open had more than 60,000 signatures as of Tuesday, April 7. Brook Schmitt, owner of Foxboro Golf Club in Oregon, is a proponent of having courses open with safety restrictions. “I feel like if the parks are open for walking, bike paths are open, and multiple states have golf, I don’t see why we can’t have some people get outside, enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise with some restrictions.” Schmitt has been in the golf business for 36 years and been a PGA member for 31 years. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for getting back on the course is the uncertainty of when COVID-19 will reach its peak. “If I had to close for two months to end it (coronavirus), I would,” Schmitt said. “We have to maintain the golf course with no money coming in and we don’t know when it will end.” Essential activities allowed in Evers’ order are visiting state and public parks, walking, biking, running and disc golf. Gaudion said golf by its nature is a game of social distancing. “There are so many ways Photo by Mark Nesbitt to keep it safe in our minds,” Foxboro Golf Club in Oregon was one of the state’s courses that closed when Gov. Tony Evers issued a “Safer Turn to Golf/Page 8 at Home” order on March 25. The order mandated the closure of all nonessential businesses.

Hockey

NA3HL team coming back to OIA ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Oregon Ice Arena will once again be home to a Tier 3 junior hockey team. The Oregon Tradesmen will begin play in the 2020-21 season, the North American 3 Hockey League announced Wednesday, April 1. “We are excited about the addition of the Oregon Tradesmen to the NA3HL,” NA3HL Commissioner Blake MacNicol said in a news release obtained by the Observer. “They are backed by a tremendous and solid ownership group led by Janesville Jets owner Bill McCoshen. We are confident this team will be a success because of the strong focus on the ladder of development that NA3HL teams share with the NAHL. The team fits perfectly into the NA3HL’s Central Division footprint and I’m sure fans will enjoy the level of play on the ice and the rivalries that will be formed within the landscape.” The Tradesmen are owned by Madison Hockey Partners LLC, which is made up of McCoshen,

Photo submitted

The Oregon Tradesmen will wear white jerseys during home games at Oregon Ice Arena. Eric Petersen, Ben Cowan and Larry Clemens. The group is reviving a dormant NA3HL team, the Evansville (IN) Junior Thunderbolts, that folded after the 2018-19 season. Oregon Ice Arena previously housed the league’s Wisconsin Whalers, who moved to Wyoming in 2019. Don Babineau will serve as the Tradesmen’s head coach. He was the coach and general manager of the Coulee Region Chill last season and previously coached the

Euless (TX) Stars. Clemens, who is the varsity boys hockey coach at Oregon High School, will be the goalie coach. He’s held the same position with Janesville since the team’s inception in 2009. Cowan will be the team’s vice president. The NA3HL, one of two USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III junior leagues, is planning to play its 11th season in 2020-21. More than 130 NA3HL players committed to continue their hockey careers at the

Photo submitted

The Oregon Tradesmen will wear navy jerseys during road games away from Oregon Ice Arena. collegiate level in 2019. “The Oregon Tradesmen will help us build out our integrated player development and advancement model from youth all the way to the NAHL,” McCoshen said. “This unique model will provide 18 and 19-year-old players an opportunity to develop and advance to the NAHL while developing 20-year-old players for NCAA Division III or ACHA Division 1 opportunities. The relationship with and proximity to the Janesville Jets will help us attract

quality players immediately.” The Tradesmen will be the fourth Wisconsin-based team in the league’s Central Division, joining Coulee Region (La Crosse), the Milwaukee Power and Wausau RiverWolves. Oregon will also face the Peoria (IL) Mustangs, Rochester (MN) Grizzlies and St. Louis (MO) Jr. Blues in divisional play. Tradesmen players will also have opportunities to learn skilled trades in partnership with local unions as part of their off-ice development program.

8

April 9, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Football

Oregon quartet to play at D-III level ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Four Oregon seniors will continue their academic and football careers at three different NCAA Division III colleges. Brady Gagner will head northwest to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Jack Daguanno and Adam Yates will head west to the University of Dubuque and Corey Moore will head south to Beloit College. The quartet helped Oregon to a 4-6 record and a Division 2 playoff berth last season. Gagner picked UW-La Crosse over Division II Minnesota State University-Moorhead, as well as D-II Sioux Falls, D-III Macalester College and other D-III schools in Wisconsin. He verbally committed to the Eagles via Twitter on Jan. 6. “I had already been looking for awhile. I started talking with some schools the February before my senior year,” Gagner said. “From there it was deciding which school was best for me. What made it easier was the faith I had in the program at La Crosse. I was more comfortable with the environment there than Moorhead.” Gagner almost never left the field at Oregon. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder was an honorable mention all-Badger South Conference honoree at defensive end, played left tackle and served as the Panthers’ punter.

Photo submitted

Oregon seniors (from left) Brady Gagner, Jack Daguanno, Adam Yates and Corey Moore committed to NCAA Division III schools after their final prep seasons. Gagner plans to start out at defensive end at La Crosse, but said he is willing to move around t o fi t t h e t e a m ’s n e e d s . H e recorded 54 tackles (13 solos), team highs with four sacks and three forced fumbles and tied for the team lead with one fumble recovery in his final season at Oregon. Daguanno will begin his Dubuque career as an athlete. The UD coaches could play him at wide receiver, outside linebacker or safety depending on the program’s depth chart. The 6-foot-3, 190 pounder played tight end and outside

linebacker for the Panthers. He verbally committed to the Spartans via Twitter on Feb. 15. Daguanno also showed interest in UW-Milwaukee, UW-Whitewater, and Rochester Community and Technical College. Carroll and UW-Platteville also showed interest in him. “The academics fit my style of learning,” Daguanno said. “I also picked Dubuque because of the coaches. They were very supportive and made me feel like family.” Yates looked into all of the UW schools before narrowing his choice down to Dubuque

Golf: Courses hope to resume play soon Continued from page 7

Buccaneers over Ripon, St. Norbert and Loras. “It was the closest to home and that was important to me,” he said. “I wanted to be able to drive home on weekends to visit family. Football-wise, they made me feel wanted. It’s a new coaching staff and I liked the plan they have going forward.” The 5-foot-11, 165 pounder was Oregon’s starting free safety last season and anticipates staying at the position in college. He tied for third on the team with 75 tackles (15 solos) and recorded one interception and one tackle for loss in his final prep season.

SUPPORT LOCAL JOURNALISM

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

The vast fairways at The Legend at Bergamont are still in good shape, but do not have to deal with any foot traffic due to the coronavirus. golf before Evers’ order. Schmitt has not hired all of the seasonal employees, but he’s still paying the superintendent to maintain the course. All of Foxboro’s golf leagues are suspended for the time being, including a junior league that has 70 children enrolled. Golf courses across the state are still required to maintain the courses. Mowing the fairways and greens, continued fertilization and chemical application plans are essential. “Golf courses are not like your yard,” Schmitt said. “You can’t just wait until it gets long and mow them. If you neglect a golf course for a month, it becomes a mess.” Small business loans from the state are an option for public golf owners. A new option is the Paycheck Promotion Program, a federally-backed loan program for certain payroll expenses through June 30, with up to eight weeks of forgiveness

for small businesses, certain non-profits and self-employed individuals. The PPP loan was part of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act approved on April 2, which allows golf courses to continue payroll operations. It marks the largest financial support deal in U.S. history. The PPP loan is forgivable if employers retain employees at comparable salary levels prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. The loan also waives all SBA fees and provides deferral on loan repayments for a minimum of six months and up to a maximum of one year. H ow eve r, S c h m i t t i s skeptical of the program because owners may only be able to use certain banks to apply and many are still setting up the application process. “It’s not like if you apply at your bank you will get a check in the mail in two or three days,” he said. “There will be thousands to tens of thousands of applicants.

News, sports and n’t photos you ca get anywhere else! adno=150700

Gaudion said. “Golf can be physically and psychologically positive.” Some safety measures are pulling the cup liner out of the hole so golfers never have to reach into the hole or touch the pin, removing ball washers, rakes and flags, ensuring non-members can pay for a round of golf on the phone or online, limiting golf carts and closing clubhouses. “No one can run a business with just carry-outs forever,” Gaudion said. Another potential safeguard Schmitt said courses could implement is an automatic two-putt rule to eliminate any touching while putting. Each time a golfer reaches the green, it could be an automatic two-putt. “I’m sure 99 percent of the people who signed that petition would be OK with that,” he said. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker originally announced golf courses in the state would be open, but changed his ruling to close courses. There are 13 states that have shut down golf courses, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Michigan. All four of Gaudion’s courses host weddings, but any ceremonies that were reserved for the clubs during this time have been canceled. “I’m not sure when I will get to host a wedding again with 150 or 250 people,” he said. Foxboro did not open for

and UW-Whitewater. He verbally committed to the Spartans via Twitter on March 27. “Both have great coaching staffs, but I loved Dubuque’s,” Yates said. “They contacted me almost every day just to check in on me. I loved the campus on my visit and knew this was a team I wanted to be a part of.” The 6-foot-4, 215 pounder is expected to play tight end at Dubuque, a position he played for Oregon up until his junior year, when he switched to right tackle. Moore verbally committed to Beloit on March 23, choosing the

ConnectOregonWI.com

ConnectOregonWI.com

April 9, 2020

Oregon Observer

9

Dane County

Photos submitted

Oregon Rotary Trail pond adjacent to Netherwood Road by Dawn Weed.

Grant demand spurs funding increase $800K added to support program after hundreds of applications

Snappy Shot Each month, the Oregon Wisconsin Photography Group holds a meeting for all interested local photographers, no matter the skill level. Topics for the meetings include “Portrait photography”, “Mirrorless Cameras” and a popular “Photographic Feedback” segment. The group, which has around 60 members, has photo-taking excursions and focus groups, as well. For information, visit the website at oregonwisconsinphotographygroup.com Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@ wcinet.com.

Find out more For information on the grant program, call 712-3440, email colin@danebuylocal.com or visit danebuylocal. com.

SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

Prompted by an overwhelming response last week from small businesses, Dane County is increasing support for a grant program to help them out during the coronavirus pandemic. On Monday, April 6, county executive Joe Parisi announced the county will increase funding for its Small Business Pandemic Support Grant Program to $800,000 after receiving hundreds of applications since announcing it April 1. The program started out at $250,000, but according to an April 6 news release, by Thursday evening, Dane Buy Local had received 800 applications. Parisi said by more than tripling the funding total, Dane County and Dane Buy Local hope to help more local businesses survive the COIVD-19 public health crisis that has caused many to close. “We want local businesses to know we stand with them and support them,” he said in the news release. “We encourage small business owners throughout Dane County to apply for this funding to help retain

Snowy backyard by Walt Timm. At Lake Michigan in Milwaukee by Gil Helland.

FREE

Bails of hay on a farm field by Sandra Walowit.

Stock Book

employees and cover expenses.” On Wednesday, April 1, Parisi announced Dane County has selected Dane Buy Local to administer the new grant program. The funding is designed to assist businesses retain employees and reduce losses incurred by the pandemic. Dane Buy Local administers the grants and has​ information about the county program at danebuylocal.com. Grants as small as $1,000 will be awarded, and applications will be accepted through June 15, 2020, according to the news release. “The reality that the need is so much greater justifies an increase in funding at this point in time,” said Dane County Board Chair Analiese Eicher in the news release. “Businesses across Dane County need our help. That we can take this action quickly together is yet another example of Dane County leaders coming together in these trying times.”

PAL STEEL New • Used • Surplus

MULTI-METAL DISTRIBUTION CENTER

STAINLESS STEEL & ALUMINUM ROUGH SAWN LUMBER & BUILDING SUPPLIES STEEL ROOFING & SIDING

Bald Eagle by Vicky Pelletter.

FABRICATION • CRANE SERVICE • STEEL PROCESSING 414 3rd Street, Palmyra • 262-495-4453 • www.PalSteel.com

a new Bath Makeover Bath orGetShower system for only $4,995! Event!

Design Homes, Inc.

ZERO Down,

Icicles at the farm by Heather Johnson.

Payments, & Interest FOR 18 MONTHS! Senior & Previous Customer Discounts! 2

Get Connected

$100

Walmart or Amazon Git Card 3 with your FREE in-home estimate!

Find updates and links right away.

Energy-Efficient For A Lifetime Of Savings!

Our HUGE Cost Savings Can Make Your NEW Home

Affordable!

liver We De e To id Statew N, IL M , I W IA,

√ Historically Low Interest Rates! √ Free Custom Plans!

(608)-338-1170 www.madcitybaths.com

CALL TODAY!

Our New “Classic Series” 3-Bedroom Home Starts at Around $95,000!

1. New orders only. Minimum purchase required. Price based on purchase of bath or shower system in white. Walls and base only. Includes basic installation. Does not include tear-out. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. See representative for details. 2.Offer based on bath or shower system in white. Walls and base only. Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc., is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc. under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimate only. Ask for details. New orders only. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the/by the end of the 18 month period or if you make a late payment. 3 (With in-home estimate and product demonstration to homeowner(s). Limit one per household. Electronic gift card (e-gift card) voucher given upon completion of demonstration to be mailed in by homeowner(s). Salespersons do not carry e-gift cards for security reasons. E-gift card valid on in-home visits only, not applicable to Virtual Sales Appointments. Offer not sponsored or promoted by Walmart or Amazon and is subject to change without notice prior to reservation. Allow 2-3 weeks after demonstration to receive e-gift card. E-gift card valued at $100.

adno=151422

(Shown with a few options)

All Brand Names... Like Kohler, Pella & Mohawk

√ Homes in Inventory Ready Now! √ Every Home Built to State Codes

www.DesignHomes.com

800-627-9443

adno=151417

Search for us on Facebook as “Oregon Observer” and then LIKE us.

1

adno=151416

Pipe - Plate - Channel - Angle - Tube - Rebar - Bar Grating, Expanded Metal Sheet - Lintels - B-Decking - Pipe Bollards - Decorative Iron Parts I & H Beams $3 & up per foot

10

April 9, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Cover your face Recent CDC guidance suggests covering your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities. Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected. Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker. Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing. – CDC.gov Tennis courts in Oregon are closed with “do not cross” caution tape on Sunday, April 5.

Photos by Mackenzie Krumme

Quarantine: Nonprofits, fundraisers offer help as more events are postponed Continued from page 1 that advice to heart. As stores, among the few public gathering places left, got more stringent about social distancing, they posted signage urging customers and employees to take more health precautions. People in general continued to exercise outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, sometimes socializing by having conversations from their front lawns. In Oregon, one neighborhood put on a light show as a form of socialization. Meanwhile, American politicians continued to fight over how to provide hospitals and communities with the resources necessary to combat the spread of the disease. They debated project i o n s t h a t C OV I D - 1 9 could claim 200,000 or more American lives this year and how much our efforts to stay at home and practice social distancing might pay off. But with the onset of the illness on average coming two weeks after contracting the virus, President Donald Trump warned the nation that the hardest week was yet to come. Closer to home, a legal battle raged at an ever increasing pace in the days leading up to the April 7 election, leaving many to wonder whether they could – or should – vote in person, whether the absentee ballots they requested

Churches have found virtual ways to connect with members during COVID-19 quarantine.

In downtown Oregon, flower balloons are “planted” near area businesses on Sunday, April 5.

How it spreads The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. — CDC.gov would arrive in time or even whether votes they sent in would be counted. The state Supreme Court overruling the governor’s

executive order to postpone the election to June just 14 hours before polling places opened, and the U.S. Supreme Court overturned

a federal order to extend voting to April 13. Polling places were consolidated as election volunteers were in such short supply, the governor ordered the National Guard to work the polls. Dane County joined the many government and nonprofit efforts to buoy the countless closed or struggling businesses during the pandemic pandemonium, increasing the total allocation to the Small Business Pandemic Support Grant Program from $250,000 to $800,000 in a matter of days after receiving hundreds of responses. And the Madison Community Foundation distributed $4 million to area nonprofits to prepare for extreme needs or make up for

sharply limited fundraising efforts. An Oregon restaurant b ega n p u t t i n g t o g e t h e r meals for area charities and helping farmers sell their produce. More large events in the area announced cancellations, including the postponement of the Dane County Farmers Market’s entire outdoor season, but Oregon’s school district still made no final call on whether school buildings would reopen this spring. Hospitals joined a national project to study using antibodies from r e c ove r e d p a t i e n t s a n d

U W- M a d i s o n r e s e a r c h ers began working on vaccines. And many area dairy farms began dumping unused milk, now in excess with schools no longer setting the demand. Local governments, still needing to take care of business, began meeting again, with the use of teleconferencing software. Oregon fire and EMS reported it has enough personal protective equipment for its current needs but it is short on hand sanitizer. Email Oregon Observer editor Jim Ferolie at oregonobserver@wcinet.com.

FACTORY DIRECT Window Blowout SALE!

Get a Houseful of Windows for

$2,995!

1

ZERO Down,

Payments, & Interest FOR 18 MONTHS! Senior & Previous Customer Discounts! 2

STILL RUNNING OUT TO FETCH THE PAPER?

Buy 7 or More Premium Windows

BONUS!

Get a Patio Door installed for Free!

3

Subscribe to home delivery, and we’ll deliver it to your mailbox for less! Subscribe Online Today and stay in the know with articles and features that keep you interested and interesting!

ConnectOregonWI.com

(608)-338-1170 www.madcitywindows.com

CALL TODAY!

1. New orders only. Price based on purchase of seven (7) Double-Hung white-on-white windows, or seven (7) 2 Lite Sliders, up to 101 united inches. Includes basic installation. Does not include exterior cladding, or lead-safe installation on homes built before 1978. Excludes tax. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. See representative for details. 2.Offer based on premium windows only. Financing available with minimum purchase and approved credit. Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc., is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Mad City Windows & Baths, Inc. under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Any finance terms advertised are estimate only. Ask for details. New orders only. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the purchase balance is not paid in full within the/by the end of the 18 month period or if you make a late payment. 3. Installation only. Offer applies to new orders with minimum purchase required. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Discount issued upon completion of installation and deducted from final invoice. Discount not issued if customer cancels order or if credit is declined. Applicable to installed customers only.

adno=151423

ConnectOregonWI.com

April 9, 2020

Poll workers: Election results will be announced on April 13 Continued from page 1

Photos by Mackenzie Krumme

Olivia Dregne cleans the voting booths after each voter during the Tuesday, April 7 election.

Carlene Bechen collects Roger Mueller’s ID for curbside absentee voting on the Tuesday, April 7 election in Oregon. those who voted Tuesday wo u l d e n c o u n t e r s o m e changes. Measures taken would vary somewhat from polling site to polling site, but might include tape indicating where people should stand for proper social distancing, hand sanitizing and new procedures for checking photo IDs. “You’ll see social distancing built in at every step of the process,” Wolfe said. In Oregon, those measures included a large plastic shield separating voters from poll workers. Wolfe said voters should be prepared to follow the instructions of poll workers when they arrive at the sites.

Other changes to typical Election Day sights included the presence of members of the Wisconsin National Guard at some polling sites. They would be filling in for volunteers who canceled, Wolfe said on Monday, and would be in plain clothes and serving in the communities they are from. No results will be released until Monday, April 13. The Wisconsin Elections Commission has stated that voters requested a record high number of absentee ballots this year — more than 1 million statewide a week before the election. Mack Krumme contributed to this report

Meals: Restaurants working with Boys and Girls Clubs, Reach Dane Continued from page 1

***

Wanted WANTED: HUNTING rifles, shotguns, ammo and related items. Call 608575-9064. WE BUY Junk Cars and Trucks. We sell used parts. Monday thru Friday 8am-5:30pm. Newville Auto Salvage 279 Hwy 59 Edgerton 608-884-3114

RECOVER PAINTING offers carpentry, drywall and all forms of painting. A portion of every job is donated to cancer research. Free estimates, fully insured. Call 608-270-0440. ART’S LAWNCARE: Mowing, trimming, weed control, fertilizing. Rough mowing available. 608-235-4389. LAWN MOWING Residential & Commercial Fully Insured. 608-873-7038 or 608-669-0025.

Pets AKC COLLIE PUPPIES, 5 weeks old, all shots, 6 males, 2 females, $450 each obo. 563-599-6081. BLUE HEELER cross puppies, born February. Nice markings. $20 each. Jacob Miller, 16118 Riley Rd, Boscobel, WI. No Sunday sales. CUTE! MINI-GOLDENDOODLES, Cockapoos, Teddy Bears, Poochons, Cavachons, Cavapoos, Whoodles, Sheepadoodles, $895-$1,895, Lic#484991 Shots, dewormed, Health Cert & Guarantee, House training help. www.SpringGreenPups.com. Brenda, 608-574-7931.

Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin.

Rentals GREENWOOD APARTMENTS. Apartments for Seniors 55+,currently has 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month,includes heat, water, and sewer. 608-835-6717 Located at:139 Wolf St., Oregon, WI 53575 OREGON 2-BEDROOM in quiet, well-kept building. Convenient location. Includes all appliances, AC, blinds, private parking, laundry, storage. $200 security deposit. Cats OK. $750-month. 608-219-6677 Available April 15-May 1. STOUGHTON. TWO-BEDROOM upper apartment with garage and utilities included. $685 per month +security. 608-873-6711 WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE in Fitchburg. 1,500 sq.ft. with assigned parking. $700 monthly. Ask for Bill 608-444-2986. ROSEWOOD APARTMENTS for Seniors 55+. 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month. Includes heat, water and sewer. Professionally managed. Located at 300 Silverado Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589. 608-877-9388

Storage Spaces For Rent ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGON/BROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900

DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337

Help Wanted EXCLUSIVELY ROSES is seeking drivers for Mother’s Day deliveries May 7th, 8th and 9th. Routes go to Chicagoland. $210 Route + Gas. Drivers must use their own vehicle. STRICTLY LIMITED to minivans and cargo vans. Apply at www.erifloral. com. To call us, dial (608) 877- 8879.

NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088

FRENCHTOWN SELF-STORAGE Only 6 miles South of Verona on Hwy PB. Variety of sizes available now. 10x10=$65-month 10x15=$75-month 10x20=$85-month 10x25=$95-month 12x30=$120-month Call 608-424-6530 or 1-888-878-4244 RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240 UNION ROAD STORAGE 10x10 - 10x15 - 10x20 - 12x30 24-7 Access Security Lights & Cameras Credit Cards Accepted 608-835-0082 1128 Union Road, Oregon, WI Located on the corner of Union Road and Lincoln Road

Office Space For Rent OFFICE/RETAIL Space for rent in Downtown Oregon. Available now. 1274 sqft, $1062 per month or 480 sqft, $400 per month. Heat included in rent. Contact 608-333-4420 or 715891-4784 for showing and further information. OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT In Oregon facing 15th hole on golf course Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Security System Conference rooms available Kitchenette-Breakroom Autumn Woods Prof. Centre Marty 608-835-3628

Real Estate NEW FACTORY Built Homes 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980, HORKHEIMER HOMES Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985.

Feed & Seed ALL KINDS hay 120-220FV, western hay & straw. Delivered. Walter Mathys 608-482-1457. HAY FOR SALE. Big square and round bales and baleage. 608-5747459.

Livestock 17 HOLSTEIN steers weaned, $235 each, vaccinated. 608-482-4534. STARTED BEEF calves, $175-$250 each, weaned $325. Vaccinated. 608482-4534.

Farm CALF HUTS, bottles, etc. steel milk cans, etc. Also hay for sale. 608-5687639. RENT SKID LOADERS MINI-EXCAVATORS TELE-HANDLER and these attachments. Concrete breaker, posthole auger, landscape rake, concrete bucket, pallet forks, trencher, rock hound, broom, teleboom, stump grinder. By the day, week, or month. Carter & Gruenewald Co. 4417 Hwy 92, Brooklyn, WI 608-455-2411

HELP WANTED: full-time beef farm help for large beef herd located in Monroe, WI. Some beef experience required. Call 608-558-3024 or 608328-1885.

adno=151420

JOIN EXCLUSIVELY ROSES in Mother’s Day bouquet production April 24th-May 6th in a bright, energetic working environment! We offer flexible shifts, days, evenings and weekends. Up to $16-Hour. Apply at www.erifloral.com. To call us, dial (608) 877- 8879.

Services Photo by Emilie Heidemann

Liliana’s Restaurant will be a distribution site for pre-packaged goods to go to families in need and to those who want to support local farms.

ordering options — though some establishments have closed down altogether. Another challenge is coming up with nutritious food that’s not just pasta, Heide said. But he and chefs from around the county have brainstormed different recipe ideas, which will be different each week – one including roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and charred broccoli. It’s all a matter of working with local farmers to find out what ingredients they have in excess. “We are adapting at a pace we can,” he said. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

A&B ENTERPRISES Light Construction Remodeling No job too small 608-835-7791

JENSEN IS ALL IN!

PAR Concrete, Inc. • Driveways • Floors • Patios • Sidewalks Phil Mountford 516-4130 (cell) 835-5129 (office)

Are YOU?

Have a class A CDL?

Is helping your country and others part of who you are?

Apply online at www.JensenTransport.com or email info@jensentransport.com and tell us you’re ALL IN!

www.JensenTransport.com

adno=151421

site for the meals, as well as kits to support local farmers. People will be able to pick up pre-packaged kits and meals at Liliana’s. “We are trying to get really great, fromscratch cooking,” Heide said of the goal to serve nutritious, fresh and hearty ingredients with recipes to accompany them. The farm kits will cost $50 or $100 depending on their contents, Heide said, the aim being 100 available per week. “So many of these farmers are depending on restaurants to remain open,” he said. “That’s how a majority of our mom and pop farmers make a living.” The public will be able to order the boxes on Monday and volunteers will package them on Saturday afternoons. Volunteers will package the Boys and Girls Club community meals Monday through Friday, to be delivered to drop sites that assist with food insecurity and homelessness in the county. Heide said those will reach 600-800 families who are struggling right now. But one of the challenges Heide said he and staff face with the programs are the ever-evolving regulations, and how quickly they change as a result of new pandemic developments. So far, restaurants in the state are still allowed to offer curbside pickup and online

OREGON SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION “…helping students acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to achieve their individual potential…” From Oregon School District Mission Statement DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2020 TIME: 6:30 PM PLACE: OSD Innovation Center, OHS, 456 North Perry Parkway and via Google Hangouts and Conference Calls Order of Business Call to Order Roll Call Proof of Notice of Meeting and Approval of Agenda REVISED AGENDA A. CONSENT CALENDAR NOTE: Items under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time the Board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the calendar for separate action. 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting 2. Approval of Payments 3. Treasurer’s Report, if any 4. Staff Resignations/Retirements, if any 5. Staff Assignments, if any 6. Field Trip Requests, if any 7. Acceptance of Donations, if any: 8. Safety State Grant Drill Report Acceptance, if any: C. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Comments Received From the Public Regarding Agenda Items 2. OEA Report 3. Student Report D. ACTION ITEMS 1. 2020-2021 Staffing Plan E. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Committee Reports a. Policy b. Vision Steering F. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Election Update 2. Distance Learning Update 3. 2020 Summer School Update 4. Superintendent’s Report G. CLOSING 1. Future Agenda 2. Check Out H. ADJOURNMENT Go to: www.OregonSD.org/board meetings/agendas for the most updated version agenda. In order to comply with Governor Evers’ order that we stay home, and for the safety and wellness of our school community, we ask that members of the public observe the meeting virtually by Google Hangouts (meet.google.com/ qyk-bqef-hxj) or listen by conference call using the number +1 470-228-6418 PIN: 379 200 926#. We will be limiting the total number of persons physically present to 10 and will have social distancing for those persons. We will not have a public comment period, but as always, you are welcome to share your comments with Board members via email or phone. You can find School Board members’ contact information here or call (608) 835-4091 for this information. If you contact Board members prior to 6:00 p.m. Monday, your public comments can be shared at the meeting. Go to: www.OregonSD.org/board meetings/agendas for the most updated version agenda. Published: April 9, 2020 WNAXLP

adno=148196

Wisconsinites had yet to receive their ballots due to a slowed postal system. In her dissent, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg said of these voters, “Either they will have to brave the polls, endangering their own and others’ safety. Or they will lose their right to vote, through no fault of their own.” In their opinion, the majority wrote that, “when a lower court intervenes and alters the election rules so close to the election date, our precedents indicate that this court, as appropriate, should correct that error.” Monday’s chaos only made the task of planning for the election more difficult for municipal clerks. City clerk Peggy Haag told the Observer on Monday afternoon that the Wisconsin Elections Commission had asked her office to prepare as though there would be an election the next day. In the weeks prior to the election, fears about COVID-19 caused thousands of poll workers to cancel their shifts. Many of those poll workers, who volunteer to do tasks such as checking voter registration on Election Day, are older than 65, putting them in the high-risk category for severe infection from COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus outbreak, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because of the shortage of poll workers, which in many areas across the state reached a critical level – some polling places were consolidated. On a press call with the Wisconsin Elections Commission on Monday, administrator Meagan Wolfe said

Legals

11

Oregon Observer

Follow us on www.facebook.com/thebestdrivingjob

Tell us you’re ALL IN!

D1-AT200320_142943

Increase your sales opportunities…reach over 1.2 million households! Advrtise in our Wisconsin Advertising Network System. For information call 835-6677. Agricultural/Farming Services PROTECT YOUR YIELD from soybean white mold and SDS. Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed Treatment. Cost effective. Proven results. headsupST.com/plant20 or 866/368 9306

adno=151415

Oregon Observer 12 Time: People distract with puzzles, crafts, chores

ConnectOregonWI.com

April 9, 2020

Continued from page 1 And all social events have been either postponed or canceled. Life for most Oregonians has ground to a screeching halt. The public is doing its part to flatten the curve of the disease, which the World Health Organization declared a pandemic March 11. But as the public grieves the loss of lives and livelihoods, it has been challenged to find creative ways to pass the time while stuck at home. The Observer received stories from parents with c h i l d r e n , wo r ke r s w h o have gone virtual and those who are now unemployed, among many others. Most said they’ve been engaging in arts and crafts, reading, cleaning and organizing their homes, yardwork, keeping the kids

The Weed family spends some outdoorsy time together. entertained and contacting loved ones. Dawn Weed, an Ore gon-based photographer and stay-at-home mother, told the Observer in an email she has been documenting her family’s experience with social distancing in pictures. She posts her creations on her Facebook page and Instagram. One photo series depicts her children going outside and playing in the mud on the first day of spring,

which was March 21. Another shows her kids playing with dominoes and watching them fall, one by one. Still others show laughs and smiles while her family gathers in the living room. On an Oregon WI Information Facebook post, a commenter identified as Andy Fardy said he is eating, watching television and sleeping — “in that order.” Another commenter, Andrea Weidner, said she is giving her parents, grandparents, friends and other families members calls during this time. She said she’s also spending more time playing board games, doing puzzles, baking and cooking. She added that she was reading more. Gilbert Helland, commenter and founder of the Oregon Photography Group, said he was

reaching out to his neighbors with any help he can provide and working on publishing a book. Bailey said her household is maintaining academics, chores and organization and attending c h u r c h v i r t u a l l y. S h e expressed sorrow for the current situation, but hopes her family can attain a sense of normalcy once the pandemic lifts. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@ wcinet.com or follow her Dawn Weed’s child, and cat, play with dominoes to pass the on Twitter at @Heide- time while stuck at home amid a pandemic. mannEmilie.

Providing the Cress Circle of Care for Generations

206 6 W. Pro ospect Street • Stoughtton, WI

(608) 873-9 9244 4

crressfu uneraalservvice.ccom Photos submitted

Photographer Dawn Weed’s children spend some leisure time on the couch. The photos are how Weed documents her family’s activities as they isolate at home.

adno=151652

T hink LOCAL F irsT ! Would you like to see your ad on this page?

The Distance between us makes us stronger

We can’t wait to see you inside our doors again, but for now, it’s important to practice physical distancing. Tips for curbside pickup: * Plan ahead to limit your visits (2-3 days are advised) * Ask for refills of medication you're not quite ready for (many insurance plans are allowing early refills during pandemic) * Call when you arrive and bypass our recorded message by dialing "0" to reach a team member directly * Leave your pets and family members at home (we will deliver your package to a passenger or back seat window or trunk of your vehicle to maintain physical distance) * Use a credit, debit or benefit card for payment whenever possible * Make a list of non-prescription items needed and call before you arrive (we are happy to shop for you) * Your pharmacist is still accessible to address your questions or concerns over the phone. * Don't worry if you don't own a mobile phone or wish to pay with something other than a credit card We can make arrangements to accommodate. * Please remain in your vehicle while waiting and be patient for your delivery. * Remember your cell phone * At present, we will maintain our normal business hours.As the situation continues to evolve, please call the pharmacy to hear updates for hours of operation.

Beefed up Meat Department featuring custom ground meat & steaks

adno=151633

Large Beer, Wine & Liquor Selection with low prices! Locally made products. Deli • Bakery • Organic selections

Main Street, Oregon • (608) 835-3939

Contact your Account Executive at 608-845-9559

815 North Main Street, Oregon • 608-835-3191 Hours: M-F 9:00-7:00; Sat. 9:00-3:00; Sun. 9:00-1:00

Y o u r L o ca L B u s i n e s s e s T h a n k Y o u !

adno=128023

Since 1978

Visit our Meat Department for Custom Ground Meats and Hand Cut Steaks!’

adno=151425

Locally Owned

We love our customers