Thursday, April 16, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 42 • Oregon, WI • ConnectOregonWI.com • $1.50
Buy Local in Oregon
Gerlach Wholesale Flooring
112 Janesville Street, Oregon, WI 53575 Phone: 835-8276 • Fax: 835-8277 Mon., Fri. & Sat. appointment only Tues. & Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.,
adno=152098
Oregon Observer The
Oregon School District
Official still hoping for graduation OSD summer school is in jeopardy SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
Oregon High School seniors are scheduled to walk across the gymnasium dais in just under two months – Sunday, June 13. Whether the restrictions now in place preventing large gatherings because of the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted by then is
unknown, but Oregon School District officials are still hoping for the best with graduation and summer school. At Monday night’s school board Zach meeting, president Steve Zach – an OHS alumnus – said he and superintendent Brian Busler have been talking about ways to still have a ceremony that resembles the school’s tradition.
“We’d like to do anything possible to try to continue to have some physical presence graduation as a go-away for the seniors, particularly since you’ve been separated the whole semester, basically,” he said. “The obvious reaction right now would be to cancel it, but we’re going to see how this develops, and if there’s any means by which we can do something in terms of a physical graduation. We understand the importance of that ceremony for (seniors),” Zach added.
District officials are still considering whether it’s practical – or possible – to hold summer school classes. Gov. Tony Evers ordered all schools closed in March, and the district has been teaching students at home using virtual learning. He followed that up with a March 24 Safer at Home order, which restricts travel, work and gatherings of non-household members. Busler said after the state stayat-home order expires April 24, he anticipates school districts will
receive more direction from the state on if and when schools can reopen. OSD summer school is scheduled to begin Monday, July 6. “We feel a little bit behind the game with summer school,” he said. Busler said the district administrative team is scheduled to discuss their options at a Tuesday, April 14, meeting, and a “go/no go” decision will be made no later than the Monday, May 11, school board meeting.
Clocked in Bill’s employees say extra appreciation helps during COVID pandemic MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group
As a grocery store clerk working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, Eileen Durkin, who works at Bill’s Food Center said she’s focusing on grateful customers. Grocery stores remain open amid the Gov. Tony Ever’s Safer At Home order, as they are deemed essential businesses. Like Durkin, clerks around Wisconsin continue to clock in. And despite the health risks of being exposed to the illness, more are on the way.
“Everybody who works here knows that we are essential and need to be open.” Travis Mobley, Bill’s Food Center manager With schools and many restaurants closed, grocery stores have seen a spike in customers, incentivising stores to hire more employees. Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, is hiring 150,000 workers — and 4,200 in Wisconsin — according to a news release. Kroger Co.’s Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. — which owns Pick n’ Save — is hoping to hire 2,500 employees, according to its website. Part of the sudden
Turn to Grocery/Page 9
Photo by Mackenzie Krumme
Oregon School District superintendent Brian Busler walks toward what will be the library of Forest Edge Elementary School. The library has large floor-to-ceiling windows and is known as “the nest.”
Making a new home in the ‘nest’ The Oregon School Board had a chance to conduct a walking tour of the new K-6 elementary school under construction in the booming Terravessa development in Fitchburg on
Monday, April 6. The project started The school at 4848 Brassica Road, with a groundbreaking June 6, 2019, is expected to open for classes on and has continued without disruption Monday, Sept. 1. through the winter season, and now - Scott De Laruelle the coronavirus pandemic.
Transportation bottled up this summer Photo by Mackenzie Krumme
Eileen Durkin checks-out a customer at Bill’s Food Center on Saturday, April 11.
U.S. 14 closures, Janesville/Park among projects EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group
The Village of Oregon and the surrounding area are in for a summer of traffic disruptions. While the state’s “Safer at Home” order remains in place, public works director Jeff Rau said, any construction projects taking place should have minimal impacts on residents and people passing through the village. But once norm a l t r a ffi c r e s u m e s , a
Photo by Emilie Heidemann
The Department of Transporation’s bridge project on U.S. Highway 14 commenced Monday, April 6. combination of state, local and out-of-the-area projects could make commuting difficult. One of those is the $1.6 million rebuild of the intersection of Janesville and Park streets, which is on the agenda for the Monday,
April 20, meeting of the Village Board, as a bond sale is needed to finance the project. Another major project is the state Department of Transportation’s replacement of bridges at U.S. Hwy. 14, which began April
6 and will restrict access to the highway at both Hwy. 138 and County Hwy. MM and cut off the direct link to Stoughton for two months. Others that could cause headaches are the reconstruction of Lincoln Road, on the border between the village and the Town of Oregon, and even the rebuild of the Fish Hatchery Road in the City of Fitchburg, which could send traffic to alternate north-south routes between Oregon and Madison. Rau said the Janesville and Park Street intersection rebuild will commence as soon as the Village Board approves the bond sale.
Turn to Construction /Page 9
2
April 16, 2020
ConnectOregonWI.com
Oregon Observer
Oregon School District
OHS ‘virtual’ state stamp champs SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
Oregon High School seniors Lauren Denu and Eden Meidl, had a pair of wins in the top categories in this year’s 2020 Wisconsin Jr. Duck Stamp Contest; two of 14 winning entries from OHS artists. Their artwork will now go to Washington, D.C. for the national event on Friday, April 17, and both are eligible for a scholarship and a chance to become the artists of the printed Federal Junior Duck Stamp that sells nationally. It’s the second year in a row an OHS student has won the overall title, following then-freshman Sam Derrick’s 2019 designation. This year, the contest divided the top honor into two categories — hyper-realism, won by Meidl’s rendition of a green-winged teal, and artistic rendition, which Denu won with her impression of a drake mallard in snow. The judging was a bit different this year as well, according to a Tuesday, March 31, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service news release, with judges from Necedah National Wildlife Refuge working from home during Wisconsin’s Safer At Home Order. “With art in hand, staff were able to virtually view each piece to complete the judging portion of the competition from home,” the news release read. Art teacher Michael Derrick, in his 25th year at the school, said OHS artists have been entering the competition for over 15 years. “It’s a great project to learn about our environment and conservation, as well as meeting many state and national standards in art,” he wrote the Observer in an email. “We have had some incredible realistic pieces over the years. This year’s group are incredible kids, not just as artists, but as people as well. I couldn’t be any prouder… they are what keep me going as a teacher and coming back.” Denu said painting realistically is not an easy task, but credited some good advice from Mr. Derrick. “The most important thing (is) paint what you see, not what you think it should look like,” she wrote in an email to the Observer. “I took this advice and painted multiple layers of colors until I got it to look how I wanted. Once I was
Photos by Mackenzie Krumme
The Easter Bunny made an appearance at the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District parade on Thursday, April 9.
A thank you to healthcare workers Despite cold temperatures Oregon families came out to honor local healthcare workers. On Thursday, April 9, the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District planned a parade that glided through the streets — starting near the Oregon Area Food Pantry and ending at the fire station. As the ambulances, firetrucks and police cars drove through the city families came to the edge of their lawns to wave to first responders. Many people held up “thank you” signs nodding to the healthcare employees who continue working to stop the spread A boy stands on his lawn with a “thank you” sign during the Oregon of COVID-19. Area Fire/EMS District parade. The parade was to honor the healthcare -Mackenzie Krumme workers in Oregon and across the country.
a new Bath Makeover Bath orGetShower system for only $4,995! Event!
A family bundles up with blankets as they wait for the parade.
(608) 835-0900
ZERO Down,
152 Alpine Pkwy, Oregon www.muellerdental.com
Payments, & Interest FOR 18 MONTHS! Senior & Previous Customer Discounts!
Serving the Community Since 1961 167 N. Main St., Oregon
2
HOURS:
$100
Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8 am-12 noon; 1:30 pm-6 pm
Walmart or Amazon Git Card 3 with your FREE in-home estimate!
Wednesday 8 am-12 noon; 1:30 pm-5 pm; 7-9 pm RIN
(608)-338-1170 www.madcitybaths.com
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=152363
G
DEN
TISTR Y FOR THE
ENTIRE
Saturday 8 am-11 am
ILY AM
Dr. John E. Breitbach
F
Proudly Serving the Oregon Area for Over 22 Years!
adno=150464
CA CALL TODAY!
finished, I went back in with colored pencils to add finer detail.” Junior Zoe Schultz said she felt a bit of pressure to live up to the past successes of OHS artists, but was able to work through that, and kept improving her project, week by week. “It was perfecting and constantly changing shapes and colors, but it also took the encouragement from my art teacher Mr. Derrick as well as feedback and determination I got from the students around me,” she wrote the Observer in an email. “Overall, it taught me that hard work is only the beginning of creating something wonderful.” Meidl, who was in the competition for the first time, said the project opened her mind to not only her capabilities as an artist, but also as part of a young generation to help educate the world about conservation and wildlife. “I am so thankful for that experience,” she wrote in an email to the Observer. “To be able to be immersed in a classroom that is so passionate about their creations is truly an amazing artist experience.” Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott. delaruelle@wcinet.com.
BREITBACH CHIROPRACTIC
Mueller Dental
1
Artwork submitted
OHS senior Lauren Denu won Best of Show in the “artistic rendition” category with her impression of a drake mallard in snow.
835-5353
www.breitbachchiropractic.com
adno=150461
A member of the Oregon Area Fire/EMS District shows a heart symbol to the audience.
Artwork submitted
OHS senior Eden Meidl’s rendition of a green-winged teal won Best of Show in the “hyper-realism” category.
ConnectOregonWI.com
April 16, 2020
Oregon Observer
OMS using ‘pass/ no pass’ for the 2nd semester Change will affect seventh and eighth grade students
Photo by Mackenzie Krumme
Carlene Bechen collects Roger Mueller’s ID for curbside absentee voting on the Tuesday, April 7 election in Oregon.
Bollig holds on to county seat KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
Incumbents will keep their seats after two contested elections in the Oregon area. Jerry Bollig won another term representing the Dane County Board of Supervisors’ District 31 against opposing candidate Todd Kluever, 3,679-1,561, after results from the April 7 election were tabulated Monday, April 13. And in the Town of Oregon, where there were three candidates for two seats, incumbents Arlen Christensen and Phil Van Kampen defeated Jason Marshall to keep the spots. All other races in the Oregon area only had one person running for them, if there were candidates at all. In the Village of Brooklyn, three board seats were up for re-election, but just one incumbent, Dan Olson, chose to run again. In the Village of Oregon, all three incumbents – Bollig, Amanda Peterson and David Donovan – will stay. And for the Oregon School District, three candidates will fill three seats. The Area II candidate with more votes, Heather Garrison, gets a three-year term, with Kevin Mehring
getting a two-year term. In the Town of Rutland, incumbents Deana Zentner and Nancy Nedveck were unopposed. The Town of Dunn had no local elections this year. In the statewide Supreme Court justice race, Oregonians overwhelmingly supported Dane County District Court judge Jill Karofsky over incumbent Daniel Kelly, a Scott Walker appointee. Karofsky was endorsed by several unions and prominent Democrat politicians for the position, which is nominally nonpartisan. She appeared to have won the 10-year seat as results were announced Monday night, with 54 percent of the vote, according to reporting from several statewide and national news outlets. In the Village of Oregon, she received 2,854 votes to Kelly’s 893, and won in the Village of Brooklyn 225-79. In the three surrounding towns, she got 2,956 votes to Kelly’s 1,197. In the statewide presidential primary, which former Vice President Joe Biden won by a 2-1 margin, he received the most votes than any other primary candidate from Oregonians. Biden received 2,000 votes from Village of Oregon residents, 151 from Village of Brooklyn and 2,153 from town voters. The next closest candidate, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, got 884 votes in
the Village of Oregon, 90 in the Village of Brooklyn and 898 from voters in the town. Sanders had been the only other candidate still actively in the race at the time of the April 7 election, and he suspended his campaign the next day. While all ballots had to be either returned in person or postmarked by April 7, they had until April 13 to arrive in the mail because of postal delays related to the election, which has had record numbers of absentee ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberly_wethal.
FACTORY DIRECT
OSD in brief The Oregon school board approved staffing changes recommended by administrators for the 2020-21 school year at its Monday, April 13, meeting, adding around $380,00 to the budget through a variety of new and changed positions. Two positions, a full-time sign language paraprofessional and full-time K-12 special education teacher are legally required, and the board will also add an assistant director of instruction, which is essentially a reallocation of Leslie Bergstrom’s deputy superintendent position as she transitions to the superintendent role July 1. The district is also adding a full-time administrative
In the statewide presidential primary, which former Vice President Joe Biden won by a 2-1 margin, he received the most votes than any other primary candidate from Oregonians. Biden received 2,000 votes from Village of Oregon residents, 151 from Village of Brooklyn and 2,153 from town voters.
intern at Oregon Middle School to handle the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) programming. Other new positions approved were two full-time classroom teachers and one reading paraprofessional at OMS, and a full time-counselor and associate principal at Oregon High School.
Window Blowout SALE!
The school board maintained a tradition – and social distancing – by distributing cupcakes for the traditional celebration of members who are leaving the board. Serving in their final school board meeting of the year Monday night were Courtney Odorico and Barb Feeney, who did not seek reelection.
$2,995!
ZERO Down,
Unified Newspaper Group
More than 900 Oregon residents were without power for more than an hour on Thursday, April 9, after a tree fell and hit a power line. At approximately 1:57 p.m., Alliant Energy got the notification about power outages in the downtown areas, Scott Reigstad, spokesperson for
the energy company told the Observer. Staff from the company were able to restore power by approximately 3:11 p.m. Reigstad said the areas that were affected included Janesville Street, Main Street, Hickory Court, Jefferson Street and North Oak Street. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.
EXCEPTIONAL PRICING - We're In This Together! AGRICULTURE • SUBURBAN • COMMERCIAL • HOME • HORSE • UNIQUE
Contact us for a FREE
consultation!
YOU CAN RELY ON CLEARY - A warranty or promise is only as good as the company that backs it up! There is more to Cleary than just a pickup truck. • Debt Free • Best Warranties • We Manufacture & Construct Our Product • Custom Designs & In-House Engineering
FEATURING:
800-373-5550 • ClearyBuilding.com
VERONA, WI 608-845-9700
4 Log Home kits selling for BALANCE OWED, FREE DELIVERY
Payments, & Interest FOR 18 MONTHS! Senior & Previous Customer Discounts!
1)Model#101Carolina $40,840…BALANCEOWED$17,000
2
2)Model#203Georgia $49,500.. BALANCEOWED$19,950
BONUS!
3)Model#305Biloxi
Get a Patio Door installed for Free!
Virtual cupcakes
MACKENZIE KRUMME
PAY THE BALANCE OWED ONLY!!! AMERICAN LOG HOMES IS ASSISTING JUST RELEASED OF ESTATE & ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT ON HOUSES.
1
Buy 7 or More Premium Windows
Fallen tree causes power outage for 900 households
ESTATE SALE - LOG HOMES
Get a Houseful of Windows for
3
$36,825.. BALANCEOWED$14,500
4)Model#403Augusta $42,450.. BALANCEOWED$16,500 NEW - HOMES HAVE NOT BEEN MANUFACTURED
(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=152362
Garrison to get 3-year seat on school board
Oregon Middle School students in grades 7-8 will be on a pass/no pass grading system for the second semester, the Oregon School District announced Thursday, April 9 in an email to parents. Students earning a passing grade will receive course credits. All Oregon High School students are also on a pass/ no pass system for this semester, announced April 3, due to the disruption caused by school closings from the coronavirus pandemic. The change will protect the academic progress and advancement of all students who have been negatively impacted, wrote
deputy superintendent Leslie Bergstrom. “Schools across the c o u n t r y, h i g h s c h o o l s and colleges alike, have embraced pass/no pass grading to reduce the stress and anxiety that grades and grading can bring during school closures,” she wrote. “We understand this situation is challenging in many ways. Our overall focus is to keep students engaged and connected during the pandemic.” Bergstrom said third quarter standard scores will be posted for OMS students in mid-April as planned, and the school will also post proficiency scores for standards at the end of the fourth quarter. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.delaruelle@wcinet.com.
adno=151356
Spring election
New positions
3
Make any plan design changes you desire! Comes with Complete Building Blueprints & Construction Manual Windows, Doors, and Roofing not included BBB NO TIME LIMIT FOR DELIVERY! A+ Rating
*OFFER NOT AVAILABLE TO AMERICAN LOG HOME DEALERS
adno=152368
4
April 16, 2020
Opinion
Oregon Observer
ConnectOregonWI.com
Community Voices
New reality full of ups and downs and eye openers
A
ll our lives have changed dramatically in the last month. Like you, the Oregon Area Senior Center staff is adjusting to the new reality. Because the center delivers meals to home-bound older adults and arranges for them to receive needed items like groceries and medications, it is considered an essential business. Staff is at the center during the time necessary to package and send out meals, and new, dedicated volunteers have stepped up to help make that happen. We miss our usual crew of volunteers (generally older adults who are at higher risk right now), but we are glad to have the new helpers, as it would be a Herculean task without them. Like most organizations these days, much of the rest of the senior center’s work is being conducted remotely now. We have plans about who is physically at the center and when, with the goal of reducing the risk of having too many of us exposed at once. We have all mastered the art of checking phone messages from home, attending video conference calls and making our home computers do what the computers in our
offices typically do. In the last month, I have been jotting down my observations and feelings about my new reality, which Brickner is not so different from everyone else’s. I wonder how universal my experiences are. It is challenging to do my work in a completely different way. It was kind of fun at first to have the whole building to myself – playing my music and not having any interruptions – and it was amazing how productive I was. After the first few days the fun was gone and the building just seemed bleak. There was no energy anymore. Working at home is not any easier. It requires much more energy to work when you are out of your routine than it did to work in the old familiar framework. It’s also much more apparent to me that Wisconsin seriously needs to invest in rural broadband internet access. I’ve noticed it is easier to lose track of what day it is. This is
made worse by my husband’s belief that the daily newspaper should wait in the garage for 24 hours before it comes in to be read. I am thankful he is conscious of the potential for contamination but also even more confused about what day it is when the paper is always a day off. At least I can take comfort that I must have married the right person, because even after many, many hours together in our small house we still enjoy each other’s company. All of this isolation has highlighted the importance of social connections to our well-being. I hope people develop an appreciation for what many older adults experience daily as a result of challenges with transportation, physical mobility, etc. Maybe we as a society will be more sensitive to the loneliness of others after this. Like everyone else, I worry about things, including what would happen if Dr. Anthony Fauci were to get sick. He is amazing and inspiring. Anybody who thinks that older adults should step aside needs to watch this guy. I think he might be the most trusted
voice in America right now when it comes to the battle against COVID-19. I also worry it is going to be very difficult to get an accurate Census count this year, which is unfortunate, because funding for many programs (including programs that local seniors rely on) is dependent on those numbers. It has been inspiring to see there are a lot of selfless people in this community. When our staff decided to recruit younger volunteers to deliver meals to our more home-bound older adults and allow our higher risk volunteers to stay safer at home, we sent emails to a limited group to fill 42 delivery shifts. Those shifts were filled in less than 17 hours. It’s also great to see older adults are not as technology averse as their younger counterparts might think. Many, many Zumba Gold class participants were willing to download the Zoom app and figure out how to use it in order to be able to continue to attend our Zumba Gold classes. I came up with a few other curious observations. I wonder whether this will result in any readjustment to
how people are compensated in this country. Should we really be paying big name athletes millions of dollars to sit idle while some of our most essential workers struggle to make a living wage? I wonder if this is the time to consider letting my bangs grow out – it’s either that or cut them myself or allow a family member close access to my face with scissors. None of these options is appealing. I am thankful I never got around to sorting out and donating all of the games and puzzles in my basement. Ultimately, I miss my old reality. I miss seeing my co-workers in person. I miss the happy hum at the center. I miss hugging my mom, scheduling a haircut, going into the grocery store without weighing the risks and so much more. I hope everyone I know and love remains unscathed by this disease. I wish the same for all of you. Rachel Brickner is the director of the Oregon Area Senior Center. She can be contacted at rbrickner@vil.oregon.wi.us or 835-5801.
Legislative Opinion Thursday, April 16, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 42 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
Front-line workers should be priority
A
s we fight the coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we lawmakers give support to the people on the front lines. This means our state’s hospitals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and other health care providers. They risk their own health every day to go to work, along with the health of their families. Any legislation that is taken up by the Assembly and Senate in response to Covid-19 must ensure that Wisconsin hospitals have the resources to continue operation and it should be a priority. My sister Elaine has been furloughed from Marshfield Clinic as a result of reductions in elective care. Even without reductions to elective procedures, hospitals in Wisconsin still do not have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to meet the current demand from Covid-19. Shortages of PPE will certainly impact our hospitals when they re-start regular operations and begin to recover from the tremendous financial losses mounting every day. The Assembly and Senate are set to take up legislation this week to alleviate problems
caused by the pandemic. I joined my colleagues in asking legislative leaders for three things: To increase procurement of personal proVruwink tective equipment; provide paid sick time for health care workers who contract Covid-19; and provide hazard pay and full health care coverage for all health care workers. As of Monday, 3,438 people in Wisconsin tested positive for Covid; 993 people were hospitalized; and 154 died, the largest numbers being in Milwaukee and Dane counties. In Wisconsin, hospitals large and small are facing significant cash-flow problems as a result of having to cancel elective procedures under government order to protect the public health. With this order, hospital revenue losses are estimated to be around $170 million per week in Wisconsin. These weekly revenue losses are expected to be $266 million when you add in health system physicians and clinic services. Cash-flow problems
for hospitals and clinics result in reductions in workforce and access to care, two consequences Wisconsin cannot afford. We in the Legislature know that support from the federal government will not be enough to ensure our state’s hospitals are protected from this crisis. It is unknown how much funding, if any, Wisconsin health care providers will receive from the federal CARES Act. Governor Evers has recognized this need and prioritized hospital funding in his Covid response proposal, including $75 million in supplemental payments to hospitals. Any and all financial resources the Legislature can provide to hospitals are needed. Other state legislatures and governors have already allocated hundreds of millions to support hospitals and health care providers. I want to make sure our community hospitals survive. The people on the front lines deserve our support. We must make them a priority. Don Vruwink (D-Milton) is the state Assembly representative for District 43, which includes part of Oregon.
UNG Reporter Amber Levenhagen (1994-2019)
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
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.
ConnectOregonWI.com
April 16, 2020
5
Oregon Observer
Connemara light show To keep families entertained during a time of self-quarantine and the Safer at Home order, a house on Connemara Lane created a light show to watch from your car. The light shows runs 8-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 1350 Connemara Lane in Oregon. From the car,
participants can tune into 92.5 and listen to a variety of songs that are choreographed to the lights. According to the Connemara Lane Facebook post the organizers add new songs each week so participants will never watch the same show. -Mackenzie Krumme
Organizers add different songs each week so participants can watch a different light show every time they come.
Photos by Mackenzie Krumme
Each week 8-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday people can watch a light show from their car at 1350 Connemara Lane.
A surprise from the Easter Bunny The Easter Bunny surprised families on Saturday, April 11, with chocolates from The Chocolate Caper. The team made roughly 60 deliveries throughout Oregon including houses and nursing homes where seniors saw the guest through the window. -Mackenzie Krumme
Photos by Mackenzie Krumme
The Easter Bunny greets two children as they deliver chocolates from the Chocolate Caper on Saturday, April 11.
A boy greets the Easter Bunny from his porch.
ConneCted Find updates and links right away.
A family receives chocolates from the Easter Bunny.
Two siblings look through their door at the Easter Bunny who delivered chocolates from the Chocolate Caper.
Search for us on Facebook as “Oregon Observer” and then LIKE us.
EMERALD INVESTMENTS MINI STORAGE 5'x10' $38 Month 10'x10' $60 Month 10'x15' $65 Month 10'x20' $80 Month 10'x25' $90 Month At Cleary Building Corp. 190 S. Paoli St., Verona WI (608) 845-9700
adno=80447
Get
Grow
MOREL MUSHROOMS 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
GOURMET MUSHROOMS
The Easter Bunny delivers chocolates to a resident at Sienna Meadows.
Aimee Bailey visits her mother through the window at Sienna Meadows as the Easter Bunny delivered chocolates.
P.O. BOX 515 CN9 * GRATON, CA 95444
www.gmushrooms.org Spawn Guaranteed
adno=152366
6
April 16, 2020
ConnectOregonWI.com
Oregon Observer
Oregon restaurants open for carryout and delivery Please email ungbusiness@wcinet. Ziggy’s BBQ Smokehouse and com if you’d like to be added to this Ice Cream Parlor list. Offering: Curbside pick up, delivery Hours: 3-8 p.m.Tuesday-Sunday Open
Headquarters Bar and Grill Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up, including draft beer, delivery, Easter dinner pre-order Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Firefly Coffee House and Artisan Cheese Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
La Rocca’s Pizzeria
Señor Peppers Mexican Restaurant Offering: Carryout and delivery Hours: 3:30-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 3:30-8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
JL Richards Prime Meats and Catering
Sonny’s Kitchen
Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Lil’ Buddy’s Popcorn
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, delivery Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Pizza Pit Offering: Carryout, delivery Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Subway Offering: Carryout Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cousins’ Subs
Offering: Carryout, curbside pick up, Offering: Carryout, delivery delivery Hours: 4:30-10 p.m. Monday-Thurs- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday; 4:30-10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday day-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Pizza Hut
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
Offering: Carryout, curbside pickup Adjusted hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m
Charlie’s on Main
Oregon Frozen Yogurt
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
Mulligan’s Irish Pub and Grill
Offering: Carryout Hours: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
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
Creative cupcake by local baker Brooklyn native takes second at statewide decorating contest
Churches All Saints Lutheran Church 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg (608) 276-7729 Interim pastor SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. classic service 10:45 a.m. new song service Brooklyn Lutheran Church 101 Second Street, Brooklyn (608) 455-3852 Pastor Rebecca Ninke SUNDAY 9 a.m. Holy Communion 10 a.m. Fellowship Community of Life Lutheran Church PO Box 233, Oregon (608) 286-3121, office@ communityoflife.us Pastor Jim McCoid SUNDAY 8:45 a.m. Education Hour, 10 a.m. Worship at 1111 S. Perry Parkway, Oregon Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church 201 Church Street, Brooklyn (608) 455-3344 Pastor George Kaminski SUNDAY 9 a.m. Worship (Nov.-April) 10:30 a.m. Worship (May-Oct.)
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church 143 Washington Street, Oregon (608) 835-3554 Pastor Jeffrey Hendrix SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship Holy Communion 2nd & last Sundays First Presbyterian Church 408 N. Bergamont Blvd. (north of CC), Oregon, WI (608) 835-3082 - fpcoregonwi. org Pastor Kathleen Owens SUNDAY 10 a.m. Service 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Fellowship 11:15 a.m. Adult Education Memorial UCC 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg (608) 273-1008, memorialucc. org Pastor Kristin Gorton SUNDAY 8:15 and 10 a.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ECLA
Central Campus: Raymond Road and Whitney Way SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 8:15, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Worship West Campus: Corner of Hwy. PD and Nine Mound Road, Verona SUNDAY - 9 & 10:15 a.m., 6 p.m. Worship (608) 271-6633 Hillcrest Bible Church
752 E. Netherwood, Oregon David Bartosik, Lead Pastor (608) 835-7972, www.hbclife.com SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. worship at the Hillcrest Campus and 10:15 a.m. worship with Children’s ministries, birth – 4th grade Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church
651 N. Main Street, Oregon Pastor: Fr. Gary Wankerl (608) 835-5763 holymotherchurch.weconnect.com SATURDAY: 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY: 8 and 10:15 a.m. Worship People’s United Methodist Church 103 North Alpine Parkway, Oregon Pastor Jason Mahnke
(608) 835-3755, www.peoplesumc.org
Communion is the 1st & 3rd weekend SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship and Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship St. John’s Lutheran Church
625 E. Netherwood, Oregon Pastor Paul Markquart (Lead) (608) 291-4311 SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 8, 10:30 a.m. Worship Vineyard Community Church
Oregon Community Bank & Trust, 105 S. Alpine Parkway, Oregon Bob Groth, Pastor (608) 513-3435, welcometovineyard.com SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship
Zwingli United Church of Christ – Paoli
At the intersection of Hwy. 69 & PB Pastor Rich Pleva paoliucc.com, (608) 225-1278 SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Family worship
Support groups
Photos submitted
Brooklyn native Elizabeth Peltekian (back right) recently participated in the Creative Cake and Cupcake Decorating competition in Milwaukee. Peltekian took second place in the cupcake division. She is a Baking and Decorative Arts student at Madison College.
Elizabeth Peltekian took second place in a statewide cupcake decorating contest March 9-11. Seven technical colleges competed
— Peltekian represented Madison Area Technical College. The competition took place at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee and
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 16 WOW: Sounds of Summer Compilation 2019 ORE: NKE Orchestra Concert (March 2) AIRS Friday, April 17 WOW: A Day of Senior Center Presentations (2018-2020) ORE: PVE Orchestra Concert (Feb. 18) Saturday, April 18 WOW: Movie: Gone with the Wind (1939) ORE: BKE Musical:
Giants in the Sky (March 1, 2019) Sunday, April 19 WOW: A Day of Worship in Oregon ORE: OMS Madrigal Dinner 2019 Monday, April 20 WOW: LIVE: Village Board Meeting ORE: OHS Soccer vs Stoughton (Sept. 24) Tuesday, April 21 WOW: A Day of Library Presentations (2018-2020) ORE: Fine Arts Week
Performances 2019 Poetry and Dance Wednesday, April 22 WOW: Eternally Yours (1939) ORE: Fine Arts Week Performances 2019 Drama and Improvisation Thursday, April 23 WOW: A Day of Music: Various Senior Center Performances ORE: Fine Arts Week Performances 2019 Music
Brooklyn native Elizabeth Peltekian (right).
was hosted by the Wisconsin Bakers Association. -Mackenzie Krumme
Concert postponed The annual Maggie Mae and the Heartland Country Band fundraiser for area veterans scheduled for April 25 at the Oregon High School PAC has been postponed. The Observer will run a notice when it’s rescheduled. - Scott De Laruelle
• Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, First Presbyterian Church, every Monday and Friday at 7 p.m. • Relationship & Divorce Support Group, State Bank of Cross Plains, every other Monday at 6:30 p.m. • Navigating Life Elder Support Group, People’s United Methodist Church, 103 N. Alpine Pkwy., every first Monday at 7 p.m.
Do the Good You Can Human beings know how to help each other. We rise to the occasion after natural disasters,for instance, and demonstrate that we are at our best when our fellow humans need us most. But why can’t we do this all the time? What keeps us from reaching out and helping others in the mundane give and take of our everyday lives? Or why do we sometimes fail to rise to the occasion in certain crises, such as helping refugees from war-torn regions. The fact that we sometimes help and other times look away or just plain refuse to help is perhaps an indictment of our moral sentiments, the feelings of empathy and sympathy which move us to help. Sometimes our heartstrings are pulled and we rise to the occasion and other times we fail to do so. Social Psychology offers some clues to this puzzle. It turns out that what is referred to as bystander apathy (not helping when you see someone in need) can be overcome by 1) noticing that someone needs help; 2) interpreting the situation as one where you could be helpful; 3) taking responsibility for helping; 4) developing a plan (or deciding what should be done); and 5) implementing the plan. It’s not terribly complicated. Most of us could be doing more to help our sisters and brothers in need. – Christopher Simon
ConnectOregonWI.com
April 16, 2020
7
Oregon Observer
State parks closed until further notice Unprecedented crowds, litter and vandalism have prompted the closure of 40 state parks, forests and recreational areas, according to a Thursday, April 9, release from Gov. Tony Evers. The areas will close starting at the end of the day until further notice. The Department of Natural Resources had made all registration fees voluntary as of March 19, to encourage people to spend time outdoors during the COVID-19 public health emergency, although camping, park offices, visitor centers and non-essential buildings were closed. “I wanted to keep state parks open for the public to enjoy during this
challenging time, which is why outdoor activity is listed as an essential activity under the Safer at Home order,” Evers said in the April 9 release. “Unfortunately, growing difficulty with ensuring social distancing compliance, dwindling cleaning supplies and mounting trash are some of the challenges faced by our state parks staff. We have to address the growing public health and safety concern and protect Wisconsinites.” The areas closed include the Capital Springs State Recreational Area, Lake Kegonsa State Park and New Glarus Woods State Park. Others in the south central region are Aztalan State Park, Belmont
Mound State Park, Cadiz Springs State Recreational Area, Cross Plains State Park, Devil’s Lake State Park, Fenley State Recreational Area, Governor Dodge State Park, Governor Nelson State Park, Lower Wisconsin Riverway, Mackenzie Center, Mirror Lake State Park, Natural Bridge State Park, Nelson Dewey State Park, Rocky Arbor State Park, Sauk Prairie State Recreational Area, Tower Hill State Park, Wyalusing State Park, Yellowstone Lake State Park, Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area, Pewits Nest State Natural Area, Parfrey’s Glen State Natural Area and Dells of The Wisconsin River State Natural Area. - Mackenzie Krumme
Photo by Justin Loewen
As of Friday, April 10, state parks around Wisconsin are closed to prevent spread of COVID-19. From right, Hattie Sherstad, 2, Louisa George, 4, and Naomi Sherstad, 5, of Oregon stand in front of the larger of two bonfires at Anderson Farm County Park on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.
Woodward Community Media
$1,000,000 Local Community Advertising Grant TODAY AND TOMORROW...
We are standing with you!
Small businesses are the heart and soul of our country. As an employee-owned company, we understand that these are challenging times for all small businesses. In a show of support, Woodward Community Media has established a one million dollar advertising matching grant fund to assist locally owned businesses during this most challenging time. We are committed to helping our locally owned businesses reach their customers and relaunch their businesses in the weeks to come. We invite all to apply today for a matching grant.
What you need to know:
• We will provide up to $1,000,000 of matching advertising dollars. Grant funds can be used toward print or website advertising in your local Woodward Community Media publication. • Dollar-for-dollar matching grants are available for a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $10,000 of matching funds each month. Program does not apply to previously scheduled ads. • Grants will be awarded for use within the months of April, May and June. Woodward Community Media advertising terms and conditions apply. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your publication partner or its advertising department.
Apply today at WoodwardCommunityMedia.com/Grant
adno=152428
8
Sports
Thursday, April 16, 2020
The Oregon Observer For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectOregonWI.com
Adam Feiner, sports editor
845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com
Mark Nesbitt, assistant sports editor 845-9559 x237 • sportsreporter@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550
Prep sports
Cancellation of events at UW-Madison impacts WIAA spring tournaments ADAM FEINER Sports editor
The University of Wisconsin-Madison a n n o u n c e d F r i d a y, A p r i l 10, it is extending the cancellation of campus events through June 30, which eliminates the possibility of conducting WIAA state tournaments scheduled at campus venues this spring. The events impacted by the closure include the boys individual and team tennis tournaments schedu l e d a t N i e l s e n Te n n i s Stadium on June 4-6 and
June 12-13, respectfully; the boys golf championship at University Ridge on June 15-16; and the softball tournament at Goodman Diamond on June 11-13. T h e d e c i s i o n t o ex t e n d the closure addresses the ongoing concern and efforts to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. At its special meeting on March 19, the WIAA Board of Control resolved to postpone any decision to cancel the spring sports seasons and spring state tournaments to a later date
or until new developments arise and new information becomes available. The Board of Control will conduct its scheduled meeting on April 21 via video conferencing and will discuss options for the remainder of the spring sports seasons and summertime contact. The WIAA will continue to be in alliance with the directives issued by Gov. Tony Evers in relation to the closure or reopening of schools.
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Swinging for the fences
Oregon eighth-grader Luke Kupcho hits a pitch from his father during a hitting practice on Friday, April 3, in Oregon. Kupcho is one of four Oregon players on the 14U Silver Sluggers traveling team in Middleton. The other Oregon players on the team are Brady Bacon, Emmet Marcin and Hayden Derlein.
College baseball
Pliner reflects on half a decade at Winona State ADAM FEINER Sports editor
Having already graduated, Andrew Pliner was in the midst of enjoying his redshirt senior baseball season at Division II Winona State University. The Warriors were headed back to Minnesota from a spring trip to Florida when Pliner’s life as a student and athlete intersected. On March 12, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference suspended all spring conference events and championships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, two days after Winona State played what would be their final game of the season. On the morning of March 15, the NSIC Board of Directors voted unanimously to cancel the remainder of the spring sports season. The Warriors’ home and conference opener against the University of Minnesota-Crookston was scheduled for noon the same day. “It didn’t feel real at first, but I understood,” said Pliner, who graduated from WSU with a degree in molecular biology. “It was disappointing because we had a really experienced team we were excited about. “It was an emotional time for everybody, especially the seniors. It was something we didn’t expect, but had to accept. Ultimately, I think it was a good decision.” Thus ended a long and consistent run for Pliner at Winona State. The fifth-year outfielder started 121 of 135 collegiate games, while the Warriors went 67-88 over his final four years.
Photo courtesy Winona State Athletics
Andrew Pliner, a 2015 Oregon High School graduate, started 121 of 135 games during his college career at Winona State University. Pliner hit .277 (108-for-390) in his first three seasons, but had just six hits in 45 at-bats as a senior. He finished his career with 29 multi-hit games and 13 multi-RBI games, 78 runs, 54 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, 14 doubles and six home runs. In addition to his consistency at the plate, Pliner excelled in the field. He recorded 32 of his 239 career putouts and did not have an error as a senior. The 2015 Oregon High School graduate and son of OHS principal Jim Pliner had seven assists
“It didn’t feel real at first, but I understood. It was disappointing because we had a really experienced team we were excited about. It was an emotional time for everybody, especially the seniors. It was something we didn’t expect, but had to accept. Ultimately, I think it was a good decision.” Andrew Pliner to just five errors in his time at WSU. “I have to thank Jake Soule and the Oregon baseball program for setting me up to be successful
at the next level,” Andrew Pliner said. “So many people there helped me develop into the player I became.”
Pliner, who made the NSIC All-Academic Team in 2018 and 2019, said he would like to attend medical school next fall, possibly close to home at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I love baseball; I’ve played it since I was 4 years old,” he said. “I look back at the bonds I formed with all my teammates. I’m really grateful I went to Winona. It was a great place for baseball and for me to get a great education. It was a perfect fit.”
ConnectOregonWI.com
April 16, 2020
Oregon Observer
9
Grocery: Workers exposed to ‘hundreds of strangers a day’ Continued from page 1 increase in demand is that early on, some customers were buying large quantities of storable items such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, resulting in stores rationing purchases and empty shelves. Travis Mobley, a manager at Bill’s Food Center, said the first 7-10 days were like the apocalypse, with aisles usually filled with canned goods, toilet paper and hand sanitizers sitting empty. In the week following the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, customers were coming in daily, hoarding groceries, he said. The Observer previously reported that Ross Berndt-Kindschi who has worked at Bill’s for 10 years, usually orders between 12-25 cases of items for the store like soaps, bleach and hand wipes. On March 13, he ordered 200. And with increased numbers of shoppers flocking to grocery stores, clerks are continuously exposed to strangers. According to an April 12 article in the Washington Post, reports of clerks contracting COVID-19 are on the rise. Two long term employees at Bill’s said in the midst of this sudden strain on the grocery industry, what makes their job a little easier each day is the kindness from customers. Durkin, who has worked
Did You Know? On April 8, the United Food and Commercial Workers International (UFCW), which represents 1.3 million people in the United States and Canada, called on the Centers for Disease Control to issue standards that protect frontline workers in grocery stores, pharmacies and food processing plants and food and drug supply chain, according to its website. The call to action read in part — “it is absolutely critical that the CDC do more to help protect front line workers who are at daily risk of being infected.” The suggestions for grocery stores and pharmacies include limiting the number of customers in a store to 20-30% of the store’s capacity, and mandate all employees wear personal protective equipment like gloves and masks. Photo by Mackenzie Krumme
Grocery workers at Bill’s Food Center help customers get the food they need on Saturday, April 11.
Bill’s Food Center Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Address: 787 North Main St. # 1 Phone: 835-3939 Website: billsfoodcenter.com at Bill’s for 26 years, said during the pandemic, people appreciate her work on a deeper level. “I’ve never been appreciated this much in a job — not in my whole life,” she said. She said she gets daily text messages and calls from family and friends to check in on her. Customers usually say thank you at the end of a transaction, but now they
look her in the eye and tell her how appreciative they are and to stay safe. Mobley said the extra thank you helps when employees are coming in contact with hundreds of strangers a day. “Everybody who works here knows that we are essential and need to be open,” Mobley said. The thankfulness from the customers goes a long way in
making us feel like we are doing what we should be doing.” Mobley, who has worked at Bill’s for 17 years, both customers’ and employees’ habits have changed since the beginning of the pandemic. At Bill’s Food Center, there are masks and gloves available for all employees. Staff have also ordered plexiglass to put in between checkers and customers and are in the process of getting stickers on the floor to ensure customers stand six feet apart. Durkin said she doesn’t like to wear the gloves or a mask, but she washes her hands regularly. Mobley wears a mask at all times, but also prefers to wash
his hands over the nonlatex gloves. As of Friday, April 10 Mobley reports that customers are adhering to social distancing orders and coming in to buy $200-$300 worth of groceries at a time. They are voluntarily staying six-feet apart. Mobley said for him, this is a relief. “You feel more comfortable because everyone else around you is doing the same thing you are and caring about other people’s health,” he said. Durkin, at age 68, said she tries not to think about being infected with COVID-19. She is in the age range that is most susceptible to the virus, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. But she goes to work to continue to serve
her community, getting people the food that they need, she said. Initially, Mobley said he thought it was inevitable he would get the virus and his wife was concerned about him going into work. But both Mobley and Durkin said if they didn’t want to be working they wouldn’t — reporting there were several employees who stopped coming in out of fear of contracting the virus. Molbey said in a time of record unemployment, he is happy to be working. “Even though we are in harm’s way it is a job and I feel thankful,” he said. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@ wcinet.com.
Construction : Once normal traffic resumes, drivers face difficult commutes lane of traffic will remain open at all times, the memo states. Work will take place on a bridge above County MM during this closure. Temporary roadway and crossover work will also take place for this closure, and last into September, according to the memo.
Continued from page 1 That had been scheduled for March 16, but trustees canceled that meeting after the state and county began taking actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which was declared a pandemic on March 11. “We’ve put the brakes on a lot of things,” Rau said. “Right now, there is kind of this great unknown.”
Lincoln Road
The reconstruction of Lincoln Road will go from Union Road to the western boundary of the Legend of Bergamont golf course. That project will include 1,200 feet of a 12-inch water main that will connect to Oregon’s water tower, Rau said. Rau said scheduling for that project isn’t known yet, as it is still in the design phase. But it will result in road closures, he said, which will likely cause disruptions for drivers later in the summer. “We have a lot of people who use Lincoln Road as access to the village,” he said. “That will be finalized within the next few weeks.”
Janesville-Park
During the rebuild of the Janesville-Park intersection, Rau said, access will be reduced, but not eliminated. He said the village will maintain single lane traffic throughout the construction process. The project will add traffic lights and left-turn lanes on all approaches. It also features dual approach lanes on Janesville from both directions and pedestrian crossing islands at the center of Janesville Street. It also includes reconstruction of the pavement and curb on Janesville Street from Kwik Trip to the intersection and of Park Street south from the intersection to Lexington Drive. Sidewalks and paths will connect to the U.S. Hwy. 14 roundabouts, and the village is adding two new water mains and sanitary sewers. Rau said the four lanes on Janesville Street will drop to two throughout the 12-week project, he said, and Park Street might have temporary closures, but there will be
The Janesville and Park street intersection will get a dedicated left turn lane and traffic signals. detour and alternative routes and drivers will still be able to access affected businesses. The project is scheduled to be finished by Labor Day for the start of the 2020 school year. The village had considered the possibility of a roundabout, as required by the state, but the village chose
traffic signals after that plan received overwhelming support from 40 public meeting attendees in summer 2019.
U.S. 14 bridges
The closures at U.S. 14 are part of a DOT project to replace six bridges between Oregon and Madison. The deck at 138/Janesville is part of the first
phase, which began Monday, April 6, requires both northbound and southbound lanes to be closed, Rau said. Both lanes of traffic along 14 will be rerouted to the on/off ramps and through the roundabouts, and travel under the bridge won’t be allowed. This will last until mid-June, he said.
Graphic courtesy of the Village of Oregon
A c c o r d i n g t o a D OT memo, signage will be placed along U.S. 14 and County MM to alert the traveling public of the WIS 138 closure. We s t b o u n d a n d e a s t bound U.S. 14, the memo states, will have a lane closure between WIS 138 and the Madison Beltline. One
Fish Hatchery
The $20.3 million Fish Hatchery reconstruction started April 1. The project has been split into two summer phases and will reconstruct all six lanes of both north- and southbound Fish Hatchery Road. During the project, there will be one lane going each way, and there will be temporary intersection closures.
10
April 16, 2020
Obituaries
Oregon Observer
Al Wilkening Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Al Wilkening, age 74, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at his home in Brooklyn, Wisconsin after a fierce battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Freeport, N.Y., on Feb. 1, 1946, the only son of the late Albert M. Wilkening and Madeline E. Wilkening (Wanser). He married Patricia Lynne Anderson on July 10, 1971, in Brooklyn, Wis., and had two daughters, Jessica Elise and Allison Celeste. Al graduated from Massa p e q u a H i g h S c h o o l , N . Y. , in 1963. He graduated from Long Island University (C.W. Post) in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree cum laude in psychology. He completed his master’s degree in guidance counseling and personnel at Mississippi State University in 1973. He is also a distinguished graduate of the National Security Management Course, which he completed in 1989. Al enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1968 and was commissioned a second lieutenant on March 28 of that year. Following pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, he served as a flight training instructor at Columbus Air Force Base, MS, until May 1973. In August 1973, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He served in a variety of command and staff positions including as commander of the 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron and deputy commander for operations, 128th Tactical Fighter Wing, until November 1990. During this period of military service, he was also employed as a human resource professional and manager for two Wisconsin corporations. From December 1990, to August 2002, he s e r ve d a s D e p u t y A d j u t a n t General for air, the commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. He was named Adjutant General by Governor Scott McCallum and assumed office on Aug. 9, 2002. On March 18, 2003, Governor Jim Doyle appointed him Homeland Security Advisor and chairman of the Governor’s Homeland Security Council. He served in these positions until his retirement on Sept. 1, 2007. General Wilkening was a command pilot with more than
Legals TOWN OF RUTLAND OFFICIAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS FOR TOWN OF RUTLAND ROADS PULVERIZING AND PAVING Notice is hereby given by the Town of Rutland, Dane County, Wisconsin, that it will receive sealed bids for pulverizing and for asphaltic concrete paving of several Town roads. A portion of the projects below is part of the LRIP program. Bids should be submitted to Town Clerk Dawn George at 4177 Old Stage Rd., Brooklyn, WI 53521 by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2020. Clerks email clerk@town. rutland.wi.us for questions. Bids will be publicly opened on May 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Town Hall located at 785 Center Rd. It is anticipated that the Bids will not be awarded until the Board meeting on May 5, 2020. Bids on the projects may be awarded individually or in combination. Bids are being requested as described below. To provide pulverizing and asphaltic paving for the following roads: Old Stone Road (Lake Kegonsa Rd. to the bridge — 4000 x 22 Lake Kegonsa Rd. (Old Stage Rd. to County Road A. 12480 x 22 Paving shall consist of a base course of 2 inches and a surface course of 1 ½ inches. The paving width is 22 feet. After the existing pavement is pulverized, the Town of Rutland will complete all of the preparatory work on the base necessary for the contractor to do the paving. Bids should include the cost of butt joints. Use the specifications below for all bids. If you have questions, please contact lead patrolman Nels Wethal at 608577-5691. Asphalt Specifications: The hot mix asphalt base coat layer (2) shall be 3LT 58-28S. The hot mix asphalt surface coat layer (1½) shall be 5LT 58-28S. Quotes for the pulverizing shall include the estimated square yardage and the cost per square yard. Quotes shall specify the number of tons of bituminous pavement to be used, and the per ton cost of the bituminous pavement material.
Al Wilkening
3,300 flying hours in the T-41, T-37, T-38, O-2A, OA-37, and A-10 aircraft. His military awards include the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and others. Major General Wilkening completed a 39-plus-year military and civilian career on Sept. 1, 2007, as Adjutant General of Wisconsin, where he was responsible for both the federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management. Following Retirement, Al was selected to Chair two Wisconsin Volunteer Organizations. He received a Department of Defense appointment as Chair of the Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and was appointed by Governor Doyle to Chair Wisconsin’s Citizens Corps Council. He completed these assignments in January 2009. He also served as a consultant to Oshkosh Defense, a division of the Oshkosh Corporation and as a consultant and senior mentor for senior military officers attending the Joint Task Force Commanders Course at Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. Al served on the Board of Advisers for the North Central Group. He also served on the Campaign Executive Committee for the Wisconsin Historical Society Foundation. He continued to be an active member of the Badger Air Community Council. Al had been inducted into the Massapequa, New York High School Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Air
TERMS AND CONDITIONS The successful bidder will provide the Town of Rutland an umbrella certificate of insurance in the minimum amount of one million dollars before beginning work. The Town of Rutland reserves the right to reject any or all bids. SPECIFICATIONS: All work and materials supplied under this proposal shall conform to the current Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction and any special provision s of the Wisconsin Division of Highways, Department of Transportation. CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES The work schedule will be one mutually agreed to by the Town and the successful bidder. All work shall be completed no later than August 1st of this year. The contractor will be responsible for all traffic control in accordance with current Wisconsin Division of Highways, Department of Transportation Standards. The Town reserves the right to have material samples tested to ensure compliance with standards. Contractor shall guarantee the paving for a period of not less than one year from the date of the paving. Any defects as determined by the Town within this period shall be corrected by the successful bidder at their expense. PAYMENT The contractor shall provide the Town tickets showing the ticket number, date and time, the type of material and the net weight. Tickets must be from a certified scale. Published: April 16 and 23, 2020 WNAXLP *** TOWN OF RUTLAND ADVERTISEMENT FOR SEALCOATING (CHIP SEALING) BIDS PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Town of Rutland is seeking bids for 2020 sealcoating (chip sealing) of several Town roads as identified below. Bids should be submitted to Town Clerk Dawn George at 4177 Old Stage Rd., Brooklyn, WI 53521 by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2020. Clerk’s email – clerk@ town.rutland.wi.us for questions. Bids will be publicly opened on May 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Town Hall lo-
National Guard Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church. Throughout his life Al enjoyed road trips across America with his family, spending February in Marco Island, Fla. with friends, gardening and swimming. Al cherished family events: family vacations, teaching the grandchildren to swim, cooking out, and entertaining. He especially enjoyed Easter egg hunts and Halloween fright walks on the path through the woods that he lovingly prepared for the grandchildren. His heart swelled with pride when attending the kids’ sporting, dance or musical events. Al is survived by his wife, Pat; his daughter, Jessica and her children, Cole, Carsten and Keira; his daughter, Allison (Mike) and their sons, Jameson and Anderson; his sister, Susan (Ed); his sister, Nancy (David); his brother-in-law, Dick (Julie); his sister-in-law, Jan (Jim); and his brother-in-law, Denny (fiancé Sherry); as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Madeline; his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Marian Anderson; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Erfurth. A tentative visitation will be held at Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Care, 1150 Park St., Oregon from 4 — 7 p.m., on Friday, July 24, 2020, and a tentative memorial service with military honors will be held at People’s United Methodist Church, 103 N. Alpine Parkway, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, July 25, 2020, with fellowship, food and refreshments to follow. Interment will be private at Mount Hope Cemetery in Brooklyn. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al’s name may be given to the Wisconsin Historical Foundation, the Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church or the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Special thanks to Dr. Mulkerin, his team and the incredible staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Your compassion and care will always be remembered with deep gratitude. Online condolences may be made at www. gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608) 835-3515
cated at 785 Center Rd. It is anticipated that the Bids will not be awarded until the Board meeting on May 5, 2020. 1. Project Description The Town may choose to do only the highest priority roads, depending on cost and budget considerations. Bidders may wish to arrange a road inspection trip with the Town‘s patrolmen to better understand individual project needs and to prepare a more accurate quote. Lead Patrolman Nels Wethal may be reached at 608 577-5691. The possible candidates for 2020 seal coating are: 1. N. Union Rd. – 6125' x22'' 2. Union Dane Rd. – 4646' (west half) 3. Shady Willow Rd. — 2900' x 18' 4. Hildreth – 600' x 17' 5. Fahey Hts. (Truman, Eisenhower, Roosevelt, Carter, Hoover Streets) – 6650' x 22' 2. Specifications: Based on use of 3/8" aggregate length and width of each road proposed estimated gallons of oil proposed to be used and cost per gallon of oil to be applied (gal./sq. yd) estimated number of tons of stone to be used and the cost per ton of stone all quotes to include power brooming prior to application of the seal coat 3. The award will be based on the proposed cost the proposed materials to be used, the references submitted and the warranties provided. The Town Board will determine which proposal is deemed to be in the best interests of the Town. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids. The successful bidder, upon notification, must provide the Town with a Certificate of Insurance naming the Town as an additional insured. a statement holding the Town harmless from any litigation or claims resulting from the execution of this bid. 4. Scheduling The Town wishes to have this work completed during the 2020 road work season, meaning done prior to September 1. 2020. Attach a proposed time schedule showing how soon the work can be start-
ConnectOregonWI.com Donald John Kapusta Donald John Kapusta, 94, of Oregon, died on April 9, 2020. He was wintering in Georgia at the time of death and passed peacefully with loved ones at his side. Don was born on Feb. 10, 1926, on a farm in Lynn, Wisconsin to Martin and Marie Kapusta. He was one of eight children and worked on the family farm until serving in the U.S. Navy on a supply ship from 1945-1946. Don married his childhood friend, Elnor VerHagen, in Marshfield, in 1949. He worked at a shoe factory in Marshfield for over 20 years before moving to Oregon in 1965. Don and Elnor raised three children while he worked as a carpenter for Findorff until retirement in 1988. He loved instruments — buying, selling, playing and making them. Don was a bargain hunter and collected curious old things. He was always working on a project, was a lifelong bowhunter and found great joy spending time with his family and playing music around a campfire at “the shack.” Don was a parish member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon. He is survived by his three children, Richard (Jane) Kapusta of Mazomanie, Sharon (Randy) Kapusta of Jekyll Island, Ga., and Joel (Jen) Kapusta of Oregon; six
Donald John Kapusta
grandchildren, Sunshine (Jim) Buchholz, Shawna Bong, Nick (Sami) Kapusta, Brett Kapusta, Kyle Kapusta and Jenna (Nelson) Torres; and two great-grandchildren, Walden and Della. Don was preceded in death by his wife, Elnor; and siblings, Joe, Frank, Eddie, Annie, Andy, Steve and Alley. A private family service will be held and burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Oregon. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Don’s memory. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street 835-3515
Russell Clayton Bergeland Russell Clayton Bergeland, age 64, of Brooklyn, passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, April 6, 2020. He was born in Madison, on Oct. 14, 1955, the first child of Ralph and Anita (Smith) Bergeland. He graduated from Oregon High School in 1974. Russell spent his life farming and working with animals. He farmed with his Grandma Smith in Brooklyn, where they raised cattle and crops until her death in 2002. He then worked for Marshall Farms custom planting and harvesting. He was an avid horseman and loved working with and training them. He enjoyed being outdoors and giving wagon rides with his horse team. Russell never hesitated to help his friends with chores if they needed it. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. Russell is survived by his mother, Anita of Brooklyn; siblings, Tracy Bergeland of New Glarus, Reid (Wendy) of Brooklyn and Eliot (Michelle) of Brooklyn; and his nieces, Taylor, Katie, Grace, Ava and
ed after bid acceptance, and how many days or weeks it will take before completion. 5. Payment Payment to the contractor will be made within 30 days of the completion of the seal coating and an approved inspection by the Town. Dawn George, Clerk Published: April 16 and 23, 2020 WNAXLP *** NOTICE OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW FOR THE VILLAGE OF OREGON Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review for the Village of Oregon, Dane County, Wisconsin, shall hold its first meeting on Monday, May 18, 2020, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Oregon Village Hall Board Room or the possibility of a Zoom video meeting. SOME OF THE FOLLOWING TERMS MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES DUE TO COVID-19. UPDATES WILL BE MADE ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.VIL.OREGON.WI.US AND REGULAR POSTING BOARDS LOCATED AT THE VILLAGE HALL, OREGON PUBLIC LIBRARY, AND UNITED STATE POST OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Please be advised of the following requirements to appear before the board of review and procedural requirements if appearing before the board: 1. No person will be allowed to appear before the board of review, to testify to the board by telephone, or to contest the amount of any assessment of real or personal property if the person has refused a reasonable written request by certified mail of the assessor to view the property. 2. After the first meeting of the board of review and before the board’s final adjournment, no person who is scheduled to appear before the board of review may contact or provide information to a member of the board about the person’s objection, except at a session of the board. 3. The board of review may not hear an objection to the amount or valuation of property unless, at least 48 hours before the board’s first scheduled meeting, the objector provides to the board’s clerk written or oral notice of an intent to file an objection, except that upon a showing of
Russell Clayton Bergeland
Claire. He was preceded in death by father, Ralph. The family deeply appreciates the wonderful care given to Russell by Rhonda and Dennis LaFlash. They made his illness much easier for all of us, especially Russell. A private burial was held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Brooklyn. A celebration of Russell’s life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street 835-3515
good cause and the submission of a written objection, the board shall waive that requirement during the first 2 hours of the board’s first scheduled meeting, and the board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days with proof of extraordinary circumstances for failure to meet the 48-hour notice requirement and failure to appear before the board of review during the first 2 hours of the first scheduled meeting. 4. Objections to the amount or valuation of property shall first be made in writing and filed with the clerk of the board of review within the first 2 hours of the board’s first scheduled meeting, except that, upon evidence of extraordinary circumstances, the board may waive that requirement up to the end of the 5th day of the session or up to the end of the final day of the session if the session is less than 5 days. The board may require objections to the amount or valuation of property to be submitted on forms approved by the Department of Revenue, and the board shall require that any forms include stated valuations of the property in question. Persons who own land and improvements to that land may object to the aggregate valuation of that land and improvements to that land, but no person who owns land and improvements to that land may object only to the valuation of that land or only to the valuation of improvements to that land. No person may be allowed in any action or proceedings to question the amount or valuation of property unless the written objection has been filed and that person in good faith presented evidence to the board in support of the objections and made full disclosure before the board, under oath, of all of that person’s property liable to assessment in the district and the value of that property. The requirement that objections be in writing may be waived by express action of the board. 5. When appearing before the board of review, the objecting person shall specify in writing the person’s estimate of the value of the land and of the improvements that are the subject of the person’s objection and specify the information that the person used to arrive at that estimate.
6. No person may appear before the board of review, testify to the board by telephone, or object to a valuation if that valuation was made by the assessor or the objector using the income method of valuation, unless the person supplies the assessor with all the information about income and expenses, as specified in the assessor’s manual under s. 73.03 (2a), Wis. stats., that the assessor requests. The Village of Oregon has an ordinance for the confidentiality of information about income and expenses that is provided to the assessor under this paragraph that provides exceptions for persons using information in the discharge of duties imposed by law or the duties of their officer or by order of a court.The information that is provided under this paragraph, unless a court determined that it is inaccurate, is not subject to the right of inspection and copying under s. 19.35 (1), Wis. stats. 7. The board shall hear upon oath, by telephone, all ill or disabled persons who present to the board a letter from a physician, surgeon, or osteopath that confirms their illness or disability. No other persons may testify by telephone unless the Board, in its discretion, has determined to grant a property owner’s or their representative’s request to testify under oath by telephone or written statement. 8. No person may appear before the board of review, testify to the board by telephone, or contest the amount of any assessment unless, at least 48 hours before the first meeting of the board, or at least 48 hours before the objection is heard if the objection is allowed under s.70.47 (3) (a), Wis. stats., that person provides to the clerk of the board of review notice as to whether the person will ask for the removal of a member of the board of review and, if so, which member, and provides a reasonable estimate of the length of time the hearing will take. Notice is hereby given this 16th day of April, 2020. Peggy Haag, Clerk Village of Oregon Posted: April 17, 2020 Published: April 16, 2020 WNAXLP ***
ConnectOregonWI.com
April 16, 2020 Wanted WANTED: HUNTING rifles, shotguns, ammo and related items. Call 608575-9064.
Willis Lee “Bill” Reindahl Willis Lee “Bill” Reindahl, age 92, passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, April 6, 2020. He was born on July 6, 1927, to Victor and Eva (Bethel) Reindahl. Willis graduated from Oregon High School in 1945. He served his country for two years in the U.S. Army. In 1948, he and his father started VC Reindahl and Son Trucking and Stone. Willis married Beverly Peterson on March 3, 1950, at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They lived in Oregon their entire married life. Willis retired in 2000 when his son took over the business. He continued to help out when he could and enjoyed b e i n g o u t d o o r s . Wi l l i s planted a garden every year enjoying the fresh produce he harvested. He went on trips to casinos with his friends and enjoyed sharing a beverage with them. An avid Cubs fan, Willis also enjoyed watching the Packers and Badgers. His family held a special place in his heart and looked forward to spending time with them. Willis is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Beverly; daughter, Karen Truesdell; and son, Rick (Robin). He is further survived by his sisters, Ruth ( R o d n ey ) A n t h o ny a n d Norma Winch. granddaughters Jami (Austin), Amy (Matt), Angela (Bret) and
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
Help Wanted
Willis Lee “Bill” Reindahl
Cheyanna (Dillon); grandsons Quinn, Cody, Colton (Cierra); great-grandsons, Chance (Agnes), Louis (Haley), Xavier (Haely), and Logan; great-granddaughters, Ella, Aurora and Adalyne; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughters, Pam Ragan and Zoe Thiessen; grandsons, Scott and Troi; and great-granddaughter, Faith. A private graveside service with military honors were held at Prairie Mound Cemetery in Oregon. A Celebration of Willis’s life will take place at a later date when family and friends c a n ga t h e r t o g e t h e r i n remembrance. You were our rock. We will miss and love you always. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. 835-3515
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. 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. 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 A&B ENTERPRISES Light Construction Remodeling No job too small 608-835-7791 ART’S LAWNCARE: Mowing, trimming, weed control, fertilizing. Rough mowing available. 608-235-4389. WANTED WALNUT trees. 18" in diameter or larger, in your yard or elsewhere. ALSO doing tree trimming and removal with competitive pricing. 608-402-3552. LAWN MOWING Residential & Commercial Fully Insured. 608-873-7038 or 608-669-0025.
Pets GOLDENDOODLE PUPPIES for sale. 3 reds, 7 tans, shots and dewormed, ready to go 5-1-20, $525 each. 17878 W. Mound Rd. Platteville, WI 53818. KING CHARLES Cavalier puppies, 2 males, first shots, wormed, vet checked, $750 each. 608-732-8002.
Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin.
Carlene Ann (Thornton) Riley
Lawn & Garden LAWN MOWING. Free Estimates. Good Work. Fair Price. 608-873-5216.
Rentals
Carlene Ann (Thornton) Riley
there will be no funeral. Burial will be in the Lutheran South Cemetery in Stoughton. Memorials may be gifted in Carlene’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice. A heartfelt thank you to Alice, her wonderful caregiver and companion for the last five years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Care 1150 Park St. 835-3515
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
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 OREGONB/ROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900
Livestock TEN BEEF cows, due in May and June, 4 Parks, 7 Angus, $1,250 each. 17878 W. Mound Rd., Platteville, WI 53818.
RUTH ELMER TRUST DAN ELMER (608)669-2618
4637 Rutland Dunn Townline Road, Oregon, WI 53575
Ending Tuesday, April 21st
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
JENSEN IS ALL IN! Are YOU?
Have a class A CDL?
Is helping your country and others part of who you are?
D1-AT200320_142943
PAR Concrete, Inc. adno=152365
• Driveways • Floors • Patios • Sidewalks Phil Mountford 516-4130 (cell) 835-5129 (office)
HAY FOR SALE. Big square and round bales and baleage. 608-5747459.
On-Line Only Auction
RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240
Tell us you’re ALL IN!
ALL KINDS hay 120-220FV, western hay & straw. Delivered. Walter Mathys 608-482-1457.
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
TRACTORS – COMBINE & HEADS – SKID LOADER – TILLAGE PLANTING – HARVESTING – SEMI TRACTOR – TRAILERS – BINS
NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088
www.JensenTransport.com
Feed & Seed
Farm
Find updates and links right away.
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
Follow us on www.facebook.com/thebestdrivingjob
NEW FACTORY Built Homes 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980, HORKHEIMER HOMES Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985.
WILL HAVE brown laying hens for sale all summer, $2.00 each. 17878 W. Mound Rd., Platteville, WI. 53818.
Search for us on Facebook as “Oregon Observer” and then LIKE us.
DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337
Apply online at www.JensenTransport.com or email info@jensentransport.com and tell us you’re ALL IN!
Real Estate
Get Connected
adno=148196
Carlene Ann (Thornton) Riley, age 84, of Madison, passed away at home, on Monday, April 6, 2020. She was born on June 2, 1935, in Madison, the daughter of Ralph “Rufus” and Eleanor (Spilde) Thornton. Carlene graduated from Oregon High School in 1953. She married Edward Riley Jr. on Dec. 31, 1969. After high school, Carlene began her career with Wisconsin Power & Light in Madison and later transferred to the Oregon location, retiring in 1992. C a r l e n e wa s a n av i d Packers fan. She was an excellent piano player and loved her canine companions. Carlene is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Culp of Oregon; nieces, Karlene (Rick) Huckstadt of Lodi and Karen Culp of Madison; nephew, Steven (Cynthia) Culp of Oregon, Wis.; great-niece, Faith Majors-Culp; brother-inlaw, Kenneth “Bud” Ricker; nieces, Lori (James) Evans, Linda (Jimmy) Lavender and Lisa (Michael) Young all of Alabama; many cousins, other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; many friends, including her very special friend, Sharon. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed; parents; infant sister, Cecilia Thornton and sister, Rita Ricker; brother, Dale Culp; and brother-in-law, Robert (Vera) Riley. Per Carlene’s request,
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.
adno=152364
Obituaries
11
Oregon Observer
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 Help Wanted - Truck Driver PROTECT YOUR YIELD from soybean white mold and SDS. Stoughton Trucking is looking for local flatbed driver. Must have Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed Treatment. Cost effec- 1 year experience in flatbed, two years tractor trailer experitive. Proven results. headsupST.com/plant20 or 866/368 9306 ence. With medical card, home every night, weekends off, medical -dental insurance, short term disability and life insurance. Call Curt at 608 873 2922 Monday-Friday adno=152361
DIRECTIONS: From the North edge of Oregon on Main St. to Netherwood St. (Catholic Church), East 1 mile, or West of Stoughton 4 miles on State Hwy 138 to Sunrise Rd., North 1 mile to Rutland Dunn Townline Road, West 1½ miles. NOTE: For on-line bidding, complete listing and photos log onto www.georgeauction.com. Skidloader available for loading. VIEWING: April 16th – 20th 9:00am – 6:00pm or call Dan for appointment. CHECKOUT: April 22nd 9:00am – 5:00pm or by appointment. COMBINE & HEADS: 1997 Case IH 2366 Axial Flow, Hydrostatic, 30.5L-32 Front Tires, 14.9-24 Rear Tires, Case IH Monitor, 4973 Engine Hrs., 3415 Separator Hrs., S.N. JJCO185761; Case IH 1044 4 Row 38” Corn Head; Case IH 1020 Platform 20’, S.N. JJCO331776; EZ Trail 680 Head Mover (1yr. Old). TRACTORS: Case IH 5088 Diesel, MFWD, Synchro Tri-Six Transmission, CAH, 20.8-38’s, 18.4-38 Bolt on Duals, 1yr. Old 18.4-26 Front Tires, 6667hrs., S.N. 2540009U008568; Case IH 885XL Diesel MFWD, 4spd. Trans. w/Hi, Low & Reverse, CAH, 18.4-30 Rear & 12.4-24 Front Tires, 9 Front Wts., 5248hrs.; IH 986D CAH, 18.4-38’s Hub Duals, 8030hrs; IH 966D Cab w/Heat, 18.4-34 Clamp-on Duals, 8000hrs., 2500hrs. on Overhaul; IH 706 Gas WF, Year-A-Round Cab, 6700hrs. w/IH 2000 Loader 6’ Bucket; Farmall Super M, NF, 12volt; Farmall M, NF, Needs Work. PLANTING: JD 7200 Max Emerge 2, 8 Row 38”, Hyd. Fold, Fluted Coulters, No Fertilizer, S.N. A07200B303385; JD 8000 Series 13’ Double Disc Drill, No Grass Seed; Tebben 3pt. 13’ Cultivator. TILLAGE EQUIPMENT: Glencoe 7 Shank 9’ Soil Saver; Kent Disc-O-Vater Series V Field Cultivator, 18’ Hyd. Double Fold w/5 Bar Harrow; Kasco 7 Shank 10’ Chisel Plow; IH 720 3pt. 5-16 Variable Width Automatic Reset Plow; IH 700 3pt. 4-16 Automatic Reset Plow; IH 475 20’ Disc; (2) IH 153 3pt. 4 Row 38” Cultivators; IH 3pt. 4 Row Rotary Hoe. OTHER MACHINERY: Miller Pro Model 2160 Poly Floor Hyd. Gate Manure Spreader; IH 21A 40’ PTO Hyd. Lift Elevator; NH 256 Hay Rake; Woods RB800 3pt. 8’ Blade; Knowles 8 Ton Running Gear; Surge Model 30-2 PTO 120/240 Generator on Wheels; 300gal. PTO Field Sprayer w/28’ Booms; IH 550 Chopper w/2 Row Corn Head; H&S 20’ Feeder Wagon w/Dolly Wheel; IH 50 13’ Stalk Chopper; Farmhand Feedmaster Mixer Mill; MM 8’ Grain Drill w/Grass Seed; Hutchinson 60’/6” PTO Auger w/Transport; 60’/4” Auger on Transport w/Motor; Little Giant 20’ Galvanized Single Chain Elevator w/Motor on Transport; M-C 2 Row Stalk Chopper; Worksaver 3pt. PTO Post Hole Digger; Ford 3pt. 6’ Mower; 3pt. Stack Mover. GRAVITY BOXES: Kory Model 1851 Gravity Box, Unverferth 14’ Hyd. Fertilizer Auger, w/Kory 6072 Gear; DMI E280 Gravity Box w/DMI Gear; Kory 185 w/Kory 6072 Gear; EZ Flow 300 w/Hiniker Gear; EZ Flow 220 w/Kory 6072 Gear. SEMI TRACTOR & GRAIN TRAILER: 1992 International Single Cab, Cummins M11 Diesel, Automatic Transmission, Single Axle, 12,489hrs., 233,149miles; 2013 Jet 25’ Single Hopper Bottom, Roll Tarp, 525bu. Corn, 600bu. Soy Beans, GVWR 40,000; GOOSE NECK TRAILER: 1995 P&J 25’ 7 Ton Gooseneck Flat Bed w/Beaver Tail w/Fold-up Ramps. SKID LOADER: Case 1825 Gas, Material Bucket, 3400hrs. GRAIN DRYER & STORAGE GRAIN BINS: Farm Fans CF/AB-190 Continuous Flow or Batch, New Clocks; 9800bu. Storage Bin, 4” Sweep Auger w/Vertical Discharge Auger; Brock 1000bu. Wet Bin w/Auger; Schuld-Bush 4 Ton Bulk Bin w/ Auger; 800bu. Ear Corn Crib. MILKING EQUIPMENT: Surge Vacuum Pump; Mueller D-IVF-50 50gal. Fre Heater; Surge 600gal. Cylinder Model 80706 Cooler; Surge SS 2” Pipeline 86 Stanchion Barn; Feed Room 15’ & 43’ Single Chain Elevators; Choremaster Barn Cleaner. SCHOOL BUS: 2000 Thomas, MD3060 Automatic Transmission, EF1SB215 Diesel Engine, 77 Passenger, 7387hrs. 140,700miles. MISC.: 100gal. Fuel Tank; New GPI 12volt Fuel Pump; Steel Cattle Gates; Steel Posts; Manual Tire Changer; 3pt. Hyd. Wood Splitter; Grain Aerator; Pro Lift Riding Lawnmower Hyd. Jack. Reg. WI Auctioneers: Dean George #486 (cell 608-751-5703), Kale George #2811 (office 608-882-6123) Reg. IL Auctioneer: Kale George #441002280 – 11211 North Union Road, Evansville, WI 53536 Terms: No Buyers Fee. Cash, Cashier’s Check or Wire Transfer. 4% courtesy charge for purchases using credit card. All sales final. Not responsible for accidents or losses. For Complete listing and photos log onto www.georgeauction.com adno=151951
12 Oregon Observer - April 16, 2020
Kopke’s Greenhouse is now open for the season, but it is not business as usual. As a locally-owned, agriculture business that grows the majority of our product for direct sale to our customers, we humbly accept our responsibility as an ‘essential business’. Due to the COVID-19 situation, we are implementing the following changes for the added safety for our employees and our customers:
Expanded Shopping Hours
o Senior/Age 60+ Only: Mon-Fri 8:00am-9:30am o General Public Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-8:00pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun: 8am-6pm
Social Distancing and Safety Measures o o o o
We will limit the number of customers in the store to ensure safe shopping and proper distancing. Shopping carts and checkout devices are sanitized after each use. Conveniently visible distance markings in our checkout area. Limited contact with staff.
Convenient Shopping Alternatives o Email and Phone ordering o Curbside Pickup o Local Delivery for a reasonable fee
For the most up-to-date details, please visit our website at www.kopkesgreehouse.com. Unlike many of our competitors and big-box style stores who buy in, rather than grow, most of what they sell, we are Dane County’s largest greenhouse that sells what we grow, direct to our consumers. We also offer an extensive selection of garden vegetable plants from Arugula to Zucchini, including a wonderful variety of USDA Certified Organic plants (Certified by N.I.C.S., Viroqua, WI) grown by hand, right here at our farm facility.
Here are a few tips you can use to make your shopping experiences a success:
o Please plan ahead to expedite your shopping time as a courtesy to others. o Please respect the space of others while in our store. o When visiting our greenhouse, we ask that you please observe CDC guidelines for social distancing, facecoverings, and gloves. o The best times to avoid crowds are early evenings and rainy days.
Thank you for your patience as we work out the details and improve our processes this season. We appreciate you supporting a small, family-owned and run business. And we count on you for our survival. Things will be a little different this year, but we will do the best we can to make your gardening experience successful!
*Order HOTLINE Phone Number: 608-719-7400 *Order HOTLINE email address: sales@kopkesgreenhouse.com
adno=152124
1828 Sandhill Rd. • Oregon, WI 53575 (Located in the Town of Dunn) Main Phone Number: 608-835-7569