4/23/20 Oregon Observer

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Thursday, April 23, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 43 • Oregon, WI • ConnectOregonWI.com • $1.50

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Reaching an impasse No chief recommendation to police commission for appointment EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

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Low milk prices, reduced production hurting dairy farmers MACKENZIE KRUMME

“In my life, we’ve never had to deal with the uncertainty of, ‘Are you going to get a letter tomorrow saying you have Jeffrey McNeely never thought to reduce production or dump your milk?’ That level of he’d see fresh milk dumped into the uncertainty is a whole different level of stress.” same space he disposes of manure.

Unified Newspaper Group

The third-generation dairy farmer from Brooklyn expected this year to be a rebound year for dairy farmers, after five years of low milk prices resulted in 800 Wisconsin dairy farms closing in 2019.

But COVID-19 shattered that hope.

Two of the largest markets for fluid milk and cheese are school districts and restaurants, which have either closed or been significantly affected

Jeffrey McNeely, Brooklyn dairy farmer by the COVID-19 pandemic. This surplus of milk has resulted in some dairy cooperatives, which oversee milk marketing for their members and handle shipping logistics, asking farmers to produce less milk.

Because cows still have to be milked, that results in farmers

dumping excess. And the milk they sell is at a lower price.

Milk prices had begun to increase in November 2019 and were up to $21.30 per hundredweight (100 pounds) in December. That was up

Turn to Milk/Page 10

Remembering a compassionate leader Wilkening, 74, led Guard through 9/11, wars, natural disasters SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

When a passenger jet slammed into the north tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2011, Al Wilkening took the call to help prepare

Wisconsin’s response in what would soon become a global war.

But it was a more personal message that perhaps had the most impact on him.

As he pulled into the Oregon High Wilkening School parking lot to drop off his daughter on the morning of Dec. 10, 1994, Wilkening noticed a familiar face– a deputy he worked

with as the Commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1990-2002.

“Al, one of your airplanes has blown up over in Milwaukee. I’ve got the helicopter on standby. The governor will meet you at the helicopter in 45 minutes,” Wilkening told the Observer in a 2007 interview.

He spent the next two days in Milwaukee, sorting out what had

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ConnectOregonWI.com website subscriptions begin April 30 Print subscribers will get full access JIM FEROLIE Observer editor

Two months ago, the Oregon Observer announced it would begin to restrict most content on our website to its paid subscribers.

That transition begins April 30.

All three websites for Unified Newspaper Group’s weekly newspapers – the Observer, the Stoughton

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Courier Hub and the Verona Press – will offer both newspaper and web-only subscriptions. Web-only subscriptions are $5 per month, payable by credit card directly on our website.

All subscribers to any of our newspapers will get full website access to all three sites, and connecting your subscription is as simple as entering your email address and password at tinyurl. com/MyOregonObserver or

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Jeffrey McNeely demonstrates how to use the milking machine in the dairy parlor on his Brooklyn farm Sunday, April 19.

T h e O r e g o n Vi l l a g e Board won’t recommend interim police chief Jennifer Pagenkopf to the police commission for a permanent position Monday, Pagenkopf April 20.

Despite the praise trustees gave about Pagenkopf’s performance, especially her handling of the department during the COVID-19 outbreak, the board seemed at odds about involving the public in it and the commission’s decision to hire her.

During its Monday, April 20, meeting, board trustees voiced she has all the qualifications necessary and beyond for the role, but some felt there needed to be more community involvement.

And after the two failed

votes, the board came to a unanimous consensus to inform the police commission they would not be moving forward with the recommendation. It was clear trustees were split on how to involve the community after a lengthy debate – if at all. The measure would have increased Pagenkopf’s salary from $101,543 to $109,513 if appointed.

The second vote would have delayed the village’s recommendation until May 18, so the public c o u l d h ave adequate opportuniCarpenter ties to get to know their new chief. The board would have provided that to the commission as they saw fit.

Village board president Jeanne Carpenter clarified the police commission is the hiring body for the Oregon Police Department.

“The commission does what they believe is best,” she said.

She said at the board meeting Monday this was the first time the commission asked trustees for a

2

April 23, 2020

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Oregon Observer

Leader: Former Gov. Doyle remembers Wilkening for his humorous nature, solid leadership Continued from page 1

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Foundation executive director Jen Carlson

Photo submitted

From left, VFW Wisconsin Senior Vice Commander Jason Johns and US Air Force Maj. Gen. Al Wilkening, both long-time area residents, got to know each other well after Wilkening’s retirement in 2007. times for the state’s military since World War II. “Not only was he a great leader of our National Guard, but he was just a great citizen of Wisconsin and of this country,” Doyle said. “Just a really good human being and someone who just has some remarkable leadership skills.

“You couldn’t ask for more.”

Doyle said he got to know Wilkening in the years before he was governor, through his role as attorney general.

“I was involved in a number of things with the G u a r d , a n d p a r t i c u l a rly after Sept. 11, I had to help coordinate the state law enforcement response,” Doyle said. “Gen. Wilkening was very much at the center of all that. He was organized, he was detailed; an incredibly smart man.”

Doyle said state military forces were under constant stress during the years immediately after 9/11, and Wilkening was the right type of person to lead them, with a humorous, friendly

style never far behind his all-business appearance.

“If you are going to have somebody who looks like a general, you’d cast him … but he had a great smile and sense of humor, and it was part of what his team really needed,” Doyle said.

“There were continuous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq and Kuwait, and many of his soldiers and airmen and airwomen were deployed two, three and sometimes four times.

“When you’re working with some of the most difficult things in the world – life and death matters – having a sense of humor is really critical,” Doyle added.

Four decades of service

An Air Force fighter pilot and flight instructor with more than 3,300 flying hours, Wilkening was born in Freeport, N.Y., on Feb. 1, 1946, graduating from Long Island University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree cum laude in psychology and later, a

Memorial Day Early Deadlines

master’s in guidance counseling and personnel at Mississippi State University in 1973. He married Patricia Lynn Anderson on July 10, 1971, in Brooklyn, and the couple had two daughters, Jessica and Allison.

That August, he joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard, where he commanded the 176th Tactical Fighter Squadron and was deputy commander for operations, 128th Tactical Fighter Wing. In Sept.

2002, he was named adjutant general, responsible for federal and state missions of the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.

Wilkening’s role expanded in March 2003 when Doyle appointed him Homeland Security adviser and chair of the Governor’s Homeland Security Council. After retirement in 2007, Wilkening was also appointed by Doyle to chair the Wisconsin’s Citizens Corps Council. He also served as a senior mentor for the Joint Task Force Commanders Course at Northern Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

normal training to an operational combat air patrol ready to protect the citizens of the upper Midwest.

“A lot of emotions,” he said in that 2007 interview.

“An unforgettable, hectic day … one emblazoned in all of our minds.”

When a tornado devastated the town of Ladysmith on Sept. 2, 2002, it was his first day as state adjutant general, so one of his first duties was boarding a Black Hawk helicopter to fly there and direct the National Guard’s response.

Looking out for his soldiers

Wilkening saw his share of pain and loss, attending 60 funerals of service members, including that of Spc. Michelle Witmer, killed in Baghdad on Easter weekend, 2004, the first Wisconsin National Guard member killed in action since World War II, and the first female soldier to die in combat in the history of the National Guard.

At the time, Witmer’s two sisters were also

Managing emergencies

On the morning of Sept.

11, 2001, Wilkening was the acting adjutant general while his boss was hospitalized for surgery. Driving home from Ft. McCoy, his secretary called, saying a large aircraft had just flown into the World Trade Center.

By the time he got to Madison, the National Guard across the country was “already buttoning down our air bases,” he told the Observer in 2007.

That meant Wilkening had to start transforming units under his command from

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serving in Baghdad – within a few miles of one another – before they were safely extricated, Wilkening recounted in a 2007 interview with the Observer.

“Thankfully, we were able to advise and get the other two daughters to not go back to Iraq,” he said.

Gov. Jim Doyle credited Wilkening and his staff for their compassion and sincerity toward the Witmer family. “(He) and his team really looked out for them, not only in the horrible moments that were happening right afterward, but in the weeks and months and years ahead,” Doyle told the Observer last week. “It was to make sure there was real follow-up with those families. It was really a reflection of the kind of man he was.”

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happened in an accident that took the lives of six airmen, and helping to console the four spouses and 13 children left behind.

Leadership and compassion were all part of what Wilkening was about.

The retired U.S. Air Force Major General died at his Brooklyn home at 74 on Wednesday, April 8, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Serving as Wisconsin’s adjutant general from 2002-07, he led the Wisconsin Army and Air National Guard and the Wisconsin Division of Emergency Management.

Some who knew him professionally remembered him as a leader not only up to the challenge of his times, but one who provided compassionate leadership with a sense of humor.

VFW Wisconsin Senior Vice Commander Jason Johns, an Iraq War veteran and long-time Oregonian, said he feels especially privileged to have gotten to know Wilkening personally in the years after they left uniformed service.

“I will miss the one-toone conversations we had at the Firefly, where he always had that huge smile and laugh as we talked – not as a general to a sergeant, but as one veteran to another, one buddy to another,” he wrote in an email to the Observer last week.

W i s c o n s i n Ve t e r a n s Museum Foundation executive director Jen Carlson said after Wilkening’s retirement, he supported the museum and other veterans organizations.

“He was everything you could ask for in a leader; steadfast, genuine and quite generous – he truly cared about every person he met” she told the Observer in an email last week. “He was a firm believer in our mission, helping to safeguard our veterans’ legacies for generations to come. I am lucky to have known him.”

Former Gov. Jim Doyle, whom Wilkening served under beginning in 2003, told the Observer last week the two remained close friends after Wilkening retired in 2007. He said Wilkening was the right person for the job during one of the most difficult

“He was everything you could ask for in a leader; steadfast, genuine and quite generous – he truly cared about every person he met. He was a firm believer in our mission, helping to safeguard our veterans’ legacies for generations to come.

I am lucky to have known him.”

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Virtual learning will continue for remainder of school year SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

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

78% of all votes cast were absentee KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

A little more than 55% of Oregonians voted in the April 7 election – the overwhelming majority by absentee ballot.

O f t h e a r e a ’s 1 5 , 0 0 0 voters, 8,407 of them participated in the election in the Village of Oregon and Brooklyn, and in the three towns that surround Oregon to the south, north and east. Of those votes, 6,625, or 78%, were done as absentee.

In the Village of Oregon 2,997 voters opted to vote absentee – or 84.5% – either by mailing in their ballots or by filling them out in person before election day at the Village Hall. The village, while it had the largest number of voters, had the lowest turnout percentage of the greater Oregon area, with 53.4% of voters casting ballots.

Town of Oregon had the largest portion of its residents participate in the election, with 1,364 votes – or 60% of its 2,238 registered voters. The town also had almost 80% of those ballots come through as absentee.

Tow n o f D u n n h a d a slightly larger percentage of absentee ballots, with 81% being done via mail or in-person prior to election day. Dunn also had one the higher rates of

3

Schools will remain closed

Spring election

Oregon area sees 55.8% turnout overall

Oregon Observer

April 23, 2020

voter participation, with 2,079 of its 3,579 registered voters casting a ballot.

Town of Rutland saw 54.3% overall, with 744 votes cast. Close to three-quarters of those were done as absentee.

Vi l l a g e o f B r o o k l y n saw the smallest percentage of absentee voters.

Around 62% of voters opted to vote absentee, or 282 votes. The remaining 173 voters who voted in-person did so at the State Bank of Cross Plains, where poll workers operated a drive-thru system that kept people in their vehicles.

The two local contested races in the Oregon area were for the Dane County Board of Supervisors between incumbent Jerry Bollig and opponent Todd Kluever, and a three-way race for two seats for the Town of Oregon board.

Bollig defeated Kluever 3,679-1,561, while incumbents Phil Van Kampen and Arlen Christensen edged out newcomer Jason Marshall.

Oregonians overwhelmingly supported Dane County Circuit Court judge Jill Karofsky for the 10-year state Supreme Court seat over incumbent Daniel Kelly, 6,035-2,169.

They also supported former Vice President Joe Biden over opposing candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, by a margin of 4,304-1,872.

Reporters Emilie Heidemann and Scott De Laruelle contributed to this story.

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It’s virtual learning from here until at least the end of the 2019-20 school year.

That’s the result after Gov. Tony Evers and state Department of Health Services designee Andrea Palm extended the state’s Safer at Home order on Thursday, April 16, keeping all public and private K-12 schools closed for instruction and extracurricular activities.

As part of the order, schools may continue to facilitate distance learning or virtual learning and be used for food distribution and essential government functions. The district started virtual learning on March 30, after its regularly scheduled spring break and week off before that for students.

Though the news was expected by many, it was still disappointing to families, students and educators alike, Oregon School District superintendent Brian Busler wrote in an email to the Observer.

“Closing schools is a decision that is not made lightly,” he said. “While we were also hoping for the option to reopen this year, we understand that the safety and well-being of our community must come first.”

Based on feedback from families, Oregon School District staff have altered the meal pickup schedule for the remainder of the school year, with fewer days, but the ability to pick up more meals.

Starting Monday, April 20, people can pick up breakfast and lunch at the same time on three days (Monday, Tuesday and Friday) rather than five, with a new Tuesday evening pickup time: Monday morning (including meals for Monday and Tuesday) Brooklyn Elementary School: 11-11:45 a.m.

Netherwood/Prairie View Elementary Schools: 10-10:45 a.m.

Rome Corners: 11-11:45 a.m.

Tuesday evening (including meals for Wednesday and Thursday) Brooklyn Elementary School: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Netherwood/Prairie View Elementary Schools: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Rome Corners: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Friday morning (including meals for Friday) Brooklyn Elementary School: 11-11:45 a.m.

Netherwood/Prairie View Elementary Schools: 10-10:45 a.m.

Rome Corners: 11-11:45 a.m.

Breakfast and lunch are available to all area children 18 and under through the Oregon School District. Those planning to participate in food service for the first time are asked to sign up to help plan for quantities.

Contact Sarah at osdmeals@OregonSD.org or 835-4036. People can still participate without signing up.

Village ratifies emergency plan EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

The Oregon Village Board has updated its emergency orders, which granted emergency powers to village administrator Mike Gracz last month.

At its March 16 meeting, the Village Board passed Resoultion 20-11, which delegated powers to village administrator Mike Gracz. Those powers include suspending or canceling village programs, closing or restricting access to village buildings and facilities and canceling meetings.

At its Monday, April 20, virtual meeting, the board adopted resolutions – the first ratifying those actions taken in response to the COVID-19 emergency, and second authorizing the closures of playgrounds and basketball courts to further enforce the state’s “Safer at Home” orders, now extended through Tuesday, May 26.

The emergency resolution further authorizes Gracz to determine which village employees, contractors and vendors are performing essential functions and updates the village’s policies on the use of sick leave by furloughed employees and those using vacation time.

The Oregon Public Library, public works and police department’s front office have all furloughed some of its employees.

Gracz said the above employees will be given the option to be officially furloughed for an unknown time period, or opt to be on leave covered by accrued leave – sick leave, vacation, floating holidays, etc. – until such balances are exhausted or until the furlough period ends. a new Bath Makeover Bath orGetShower system for only $4,995!

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If you’re using a computer, first time users will need to download the Zoom app. Participants will have the option to join via video, or just with audio. If you can’t join via computer audio, you can call in via phone.

People using smartphones and tablets also need to download the Zoom app.

Login/call in information: Meeting ID: 932 064905414

Password: 809090

Calling in: 1-312-626-6799 Zoom village board meetings are televised by OCA Media on Spectrum Cable channel 983 and TDS cable channel 1019.

The public may send written comments to the board on an issue listed in the agenda by emailing phaag@vil.oregon.wi.us. And if you do not have internet access, contact cleck Peggy Haag for accommodations 24 hours in advance of the meeting at 835-6282.

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April 23, 2020

Opinion

Oregon Observer

Letter to the editor

Fall in love with trees on Arbor Day Friday, April 24, is National Arbor Day. As many of us are isolated at home, we can celebrate something very positive: the benefits of trees in our lives.

The Arbor Day Foundation provides endless information online about trees, including lesson plans which children studying at home might enjoy.

I have learned that the first American Arbor Day was originated by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, on which day 1 million trees were planted. By 1920 each state in the U.S. had passed laws to observe Arbor Day. Today at least 45 countries observe the day, with dates varying depending on climate and suitable planting season.

Studies show that office workers with a view of trees report significantly less stress and more satisfaction than those with no view of trees. I find my stress level to be reduced as I gaze at the trees outside my window.

Although I have always had a great affection for trees, I love them even more as they sooth my mind during my home isolation.

Through the process of photosynthesis, trees clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide

and other pollutants, then store the carbon and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The deep roots of trees prevent stormwater runoff and clean our water by absorbing oils, heavy metal particles and other harmful substances that would otherwise be washed down to our curbsides and waterways.

Trees save energy, since properly placed trees reduce air conditioning and heating needs.

Trees benefit wildlife; many different types of animals are found living in trees, including mammals, birds, insects, arachnids, amphibians, and reptiles. Studies show there is less graffiti, vandalism, and littering in outdoor spaces that include trees than in comparable tree-less spaces.

Overall, the beauty of trees increases our property values.

I can’t help but think of Joyce Kilmer’s everlasting poem, which states, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree... Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”

Happy Arbor Day everyone.

Carol Bloom Village of Oregon

Thursday, April 23, 2020 • Vol. 135, No. 43 USPS No. 411-300

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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

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Community Voices

Library still able to serve Oregon from beyond its walls

T

he idea that the library would have to close its doors for more than a month due to a public health emergency was unimaginable at the outset of 2020.

With service to the community at the heart of the library’s purpose, it was devastating to learn that the library would not be able to provide that service in person for the immediate future.

In spite of this challenge, the library continues to fulfill its mission of service. Though the building itself is closed to the public, there are many ways in which the library remains open to our community.

Like so many Oregon businesses and organizations, the library has adapted many of our in-person services to connect with people in new ways and meet new needs.

There are many new ways the library continues to serve the community beyond the four walls of the library building.

To support early literacy, online programs for youth have been added for the first time. Virtual storytime with Ms. Kelly is now offered every Friday at 10 a.m. to share stories, songs and puppets.

An online program for kids up to 18 months and their caregivers to connect has also been added with Ms. Wendy each Tuesday at 10 a.m.

This week, the library offered its first online adult programs, including a book club and a “Journaling for Mental Health” program to respond to the unique challenges of the current situation.

The library continues to explore options for offering additional online programs.

To support families, the Youth Services Librarian has compiled a list of quality resources to help young learners at home, including those available through the library.

To support parents who are helping their children learn at home, there is also a curated list of free websites including educational Way resources for discovering art, book read aloud videos, coding, STEM, virtual field trips and more.

Each weekday, the Library will post simple and fun activities for families to enjoy at home on our Facebook page. New schedules are posted each Monday. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact Youth Services Librarian, Kelly Allen, at kallen@oregonlibrary.org.

Many other library services have already been available remotely for a long time, but they aren’t always as visible since they are being used from home.

One popular resource available through the library is OverDrive.

This service allows community members to download and read e-books and audiobooks on their device by using their library card.

There is even a free app called Libby. which makes this easy to do for smartphones and most devices. Individuals without a library card can get full access to this and the rest of the library’s online resources by registering for a web only card on the library website.

There is a multitude of other online resources that are accessible from the library website.

They allow people to do many things, including reading magazines online, getting craft ideas, finding your next great read, researching your investments and learning a language.

Online art and crafts classes for all ages are available through Creativebug, perfect for those wanting to get creative, stay busy or learn something new while at home. We’re excited to be adding RB Digital, which will provide readers access to over 3,000 digital magazines from the comfort of their home.

AncestryLibrary, usually available only in the library, is temporarily available remotely to allow people to connect with their past through genealogy information including census data, passenger lists and more. To help adults find reliable information, we have added a list of COVID-19 resources, including links to reputable health, financial and business information, to our Research and Discovery page.

The library staff is happy to answer your questions or help get you started with any of these resources. The best way to reach the library during this time is to email orelib@oregonlibrary.org.

You also have the option to call 835-3656 and leave a message.

The library wireless network also continues to be available to the public to provide critical access to the internet. The best spot to get connected is in the parking lot stalls closet to the building or on Waterman Street next to the building.

Until the library’s doors can reopen, the library will continue to provide a range of services for use from the comfort and safety of your home. Visit the library’s website at oregonpubliclibrary. org to learn more.

As always, the library is here to enlighten, entertain and inform. We hope to see you (virtually) soon!

Jennifer Endres Way is the director of the Oregon Public Library.

Letter to the editor

For Earth Day, we should save Oregon’s bur oak April 22 marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. I invite you to celebrate this day by taking a calming walk to 249 N. Main St. to visit Oregon’s Mother Tree, a magnificent 285-year-old bur oak that could qualify as a DNR Wisconsin Champion Tree.

This is your chance to contemplate the majesty of a tree that was an acorn when George Washington was born and a sapling when the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was 100 years old when Wisconsin became a state and 150 years old when Oregon, Wisconsin, was incorporated.

A recent arborist report described this bur oak as “the best tree on the property. It is in great shape for its age. If the root systems are protected, it will survive and live for many years.

This tree is a prime specimen. I highly suggest preserve (ing) this tree. It is an educational icon.”

The tree is in danger of being cut down by the Village to make room for the new Oregon Library.

However, the library property is 2.4 acres, and repositioning the library building on the lot could preserve this tree.

Why protect the tree? First, oaks have deep roots. They absorb rainwater, preventing costly stormwater runoff and basement flooding, which has been a problem in that neighborhood.

Flooding is a very serious issue in Oregon. The Village (tax payers) had to buy six houses on Florida Street because they were ruined due to flooding. The wonderful, new $889,000 Oregon bike path has been under water for years, and relocating it will cost thousands in taxpayer dollars.

Second, the Oregon Public Library defines itself as “a welcoming and safe gathering place

that meets the information, leisure, civic, and cultural needs of a diverse community.” What better way to meet those needs than to have an educational icon on its property, one where people can have cultural activities and leisure under a magnificent tree.

Third, the bur oak is an economic asset to the community. A 2019 Oaktober Fest event took place in Dousman on a property that has a 311-year-old bur oak Champion Tree. The one-day event raised $30,000 from corporate sponsors toward native restoration. Imagine the community gatherings our Oregon tree could inspire, with easy access to Oregon residents and others who would come from afar to see our Champion Tree.

The time to act is now. Preserve this bur oak!

Susan Shedivy City of Fitchburg

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April 23, 2020

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5

‘Don’t turn anyone away’ OAFP expands guest eligibility, scrambles to keep inventory EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

Normally, the Oregon Area Food Pantry accepts new guests if they bring a form of identification, and proof they live in Oregon along with how many people live in their household.

But amid the COVID-19 pandemic, managing director Diane Sliter told the Observer volunteers aren’t turning anyone away — any guest who needs something to eat is eligible.

“If someone feels that they need food, we will provide them with food,” Sliter said.

In March, the pantry saw 20 more families than in February, she said. In April and May, she expects that number to rise significantly.

But anticipated increases will continue to pose challenges for OAFP in how it continues to fulfill needs, Sliter said.

The pantry’s interior shelves are nearly empty, Sliter said.

But on Tuesday, March 21, it announced on its Facebook page it is once again accepting food donations on Saturday, April 25, which will likely help keep items stocked as demand goes up.

But as grocery stores place limits on how much customers can purchase to prevent items from running out, Sliter said OAFP has still been left scrambling.

Guests can come to the pantry during its regular hours, from 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays and 4-7 p.m. every second and last Thursday of each month.

To limit the spread of the illness, the pantry has adapted to offering curbside pickup and prepackaged goods, in place of having them come into the building. When new guests pull up to the pantry, Sliter said, volunteers retrieve prepackaged goods and personal hygiene items like toilet paper, and take it to their vehicle.

OAFP’s delivery boxes include core food items, Sliter said, which typically include mac and

How to help The Oregon Area Food Pantry is once again accepting food donations as of Saturday, April 25. It is also accepting monetary gifts. To donate funds to OAFP, visit oregonareafoodpantry.com and click the “Donate Now” button on the home page.

Food items the pantry especially needs include: Peanut Butter, canned meat, meal in a can, canned vegetables, canned fruit, mac n’ cheese, boxed beef helpers, cereal, breakfast/granola bars, ramen noodles, tortillas cheese, peanut butter, pasta, cereal, soups, as well as the produce from Madison-based nonprofPhotos by Mackenzie Krumme it Second Harvest Food Bank, Roger Mueller fills a bag full of frozen meat for a patron which services pantries around of the Oregon Area Food Pantry on Tuesday, April 7. south central Wisconsin.

The packages, based on family size, are a godsend to pantry guests, Sliter said. “They are very appreciative,” she said.

To help supplement for lack of food donations until March 21, Sliter said she had started an account with Sysco to bring fresh fruits and vegetables into the packages. OAFP also receives pre-filled boxes from Second Harvest Foodbank, which typically include an assortment of produce, Sliter said.

The amount of monetary donations the pantry has received has become what it needs to keep feeding people, Sliter said, as it allows volunteers to still purchase needed food.

More produce may be coming by the way of Anderson Farm County Park. Sliter said volunteers will still plant vegetables in the six raised beds they had placed on the property last spring.

That will give families access to fresh vegetables like onions, kale, green beans and peas, among others.

Kathy Kuehl grabs a treat off the shelf for a patron.

“We are surviving,” Sliter said.

Barb Stock collects fresh bananas for a patron.

Jane Johnson shops for patrons of the Oregon Area Food Pantry.

‘Much needed smiles’ at food pantry Spilde dresses up at OAFP

Photos by Mackenzie Krumme

Carrie Spilde, who is dressed like a milk carton, walks through the Oregon Area Food Pantry finding items for patrons on Tuesday, April 7.

Roughly 10 volunteers from the Oregon Area Food Pantry volunteer on Tuesday, April 7. Food pantries are considered an essential service and are able to stay open under the Safer At Home order.

To get some “much needed smiles,” Carrie Spilde dresses up in a halloween costume each week to distribute food at the Oregon Area Food Pantry.

Spilde has dressed up like a chicken, the man from the game Operation and a milk carton.

The reaction from patrons, and people who pass by the pantry has been very positive Spilde said. She hopes it alleviates a little stress in this already very stressful time, she said.

Spilde said once people heard what she was doing they started donating halloween costumes, so patrons can be prepared for some surprises in the upcoming weeks.

-Mackenzie Krumme

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April 23, 2020

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Oregon Observer

Senior meals available at Ziggy’s Participants should pick up tickets from senior center The Oregon Area Senior Center is now offering meal pick up through Ziggy’s BBQ SmokeHouse and Ice Cream Parlor, 135 S. Main St. F r o m 1 1 : 3 0 a . m . t o 12:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, seniors 60 years of age and older will be able to get up to two meals a day.

Before going to Ziggy’s, seniors must first go to the senior center to pick up a meal ticket, using the parking lot entrance nearest the Masonic Lodge. Staff will complete the necessary paperwork and deliver your ticket in the parking lot.

Once seniors have their ticket, they can go to Ziggy’s, where staff will deliver their choice of meal to the car.

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

Hundreds turned out to the Oregon Area Senior Center for its 19th annual pancake breakfast and bake sale Jan. 27, 2019.

This is a donation-based program, but no money will be collected on-site.

Anyone wishing to make a

For information, call donation can mail a check the senior center at 835made out to the Oregon 5801 or email astone@ Area Senior Center to 219 vil.oregon.wi.us.

Park St. - Mackenzie Krumme

Library provides virtual events A webinar guiding adults through journaling is scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, April 23.

Registration is required and attendance is limited to 12.

Therapist Jullie Tallard Johnson will walk participants through journaling prompts to help with mental health during this interactive online session. Participants can register at oregonpubliclibrary.org.

For information, email Kara Ripley at kripley@ oregonlibrary.org.

The library is hosting virtual storytime at 10 a.m. on Fridays throughout April.

Participants can access the storytime through the Oregon Public Library’s Facebook page. The event is geared for children 6 years old and younger, live songs. with librarian Kelly Allen The library is hosting guiding children through a virtual baby storytime stories, using puppets and geared for babies 18 months

We are keeping tabs on which restaurants are offering carryout and delivery options during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If your establishment is offering curbside pickup, online ordering, delivery options or is closed, we want to hear from you.

The information you share with us will be published once a week in the Great Dane shopper, and intermittently in other Unified Newspaper Group products.

Please send submissions to ungbusiness@wcinet.com.

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church 143 Washington Street, Oregon (608) 835-3554 Pastor Jeffrey Hendrix SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship Holy Communion 2nd & last Sundays

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

File photo by Emilie Heidemann

and younger at 11 a.m. After participants register, Tuesday, April 28. Regis- a link will be emailed to tration is required at https:// them. bit.ly/OplBabyVirtual.

- Mackenzie Krumme

If your organization or business is hosting a virtual event amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we want to hear from you.

As long as the event is free, or low cost and open to the public for viewing on the web, we will include it in our print and web listing.

Please send any events and updates to ungcalendar@ wcinet.com.

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.

Saturday, April 25 WOW: Movie: Eternally Yours (1939) ORE: OHS Soccer vs Memorial Sunday, April 26 WOW: A Day of Worship in Oregon Friday, April 24 ORE: OMS Madrigal Dinner WOW: A Day of Library (2018) Presentations (2018-2020) Monday, April 27 ORE: BKE Musical: Giants in WOW: A Day of Music: the Sky (March 1, 2019)

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.)

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

Calling all restaurants Hosting a virtual event?

Thursday, April 23 WOW: A Day of Senior Center Presentations (20182020) ORE: NKE: Alice the Musical AIRS

Churches

Sounds of Summer Performances ORE: Fine Arts Week: 2019 Drama and Improvisation Tuesday, April 28 WOW: A Day of Library Presentations (2018-2020) ORE: Fine Arts Week: 2019 Music Wednesday, April 29 WOW: A Day of Music: Oregon Community Band

Performances ORE: Fine Arts Week Performances 2019 Drama and Improvisation Thursday, April 30 WOW: A Day of Music: Various Senior Center Performances ORE: OHS Soccer vs DeForest

Hate Is Easy—Love Is Hard Hate can be turned on like the flip of a switch.

Someone cuts us off in traffic and we are cursing them as if they were the devil incarnate.

An unkind word or a slight to our fragile ego can be remembered for years and be a source of resentment we just can’t get over. Political demagogues and bullies are experts at flipping the switch of hatred and resentment. It is easy to convince the native-born that the foreign-born are the source of their problems, or to convince the poor and working-class that the rich are their enemies. Human beings get defensive very easily, even when the offense against us is merely imagined. Unfortunately, hatred and anger are the default mode for many of us. Love, on the other hand,takes work and must be nurtured. We have to work at creating loving relationships, and though we all crave them, we are admittedly prickly. That is,we are prone to giving and taking offense.

Perhaps that is why all of the world’s religions spend so much time and effort trying to inculcate loving kindness and charity. If it were easy and natural there would be no need for it. Work on banishing hate from your life and making your life an expression of love.

–Christopher Simon

Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

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

Sports

7

Thursday, April 23, 2020

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

Prep sports

WIAA BOC cancels spring competition

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Oregon goalkeeper Melia Moyer (right) makes a leaping save on a corner kick in the 2019 Division 2 state championship game. The Panthers will not have a chance to defend their state title after the WIAA canceled all 2020 spring sports competitions and state tournament series.

ADAM FEINER Sports editor

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association stated throughout its process of dealing with the coronavirus pandemic that it would continue to be in alliance with the directives issued

by Gov. Tony Evers in relation to the closure or reopening of schools.

W h e n E ve r s ex t e n d e d t h e

“Safer at Home” order to May 26, he ordered all public and private K-12 schools to remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The possibility of WIAA spring sports looked bleak.

On Tuesday, April 21, the WIAA Board of Control made the decision all spring athletes, coaches, athletic directors and fans feared. The Board of Control voted 10-1 to cancel all 2020 spring sports competitions and

Green light for greens fees Evers allows courses to open Friday with safety measures MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Public and private golf courses across the state got the good news they’d been waiting for when Gov. Tony Evers announced on Thursday, April 16, courses could open for play with restrictions.

Evers extended his “Safer

spring state tournament series.

The decision impacts baseball, softball, boys golf, girls soccer, boys tennis and boys and girls track and field.

“In (Evers’) press conference, I think it was made abundantly clear that spring sports are canceled until June 30,” WIAA Executive Director Dave Anderson said. “We don’t want to lose sight of that fact or confuse that fact in any of our conversations.”

The chance of spring sports competitions took a big hit April 10, when the University of Wisconsin-Madison announced its extension to cancel campus events through June 30. UW’s decision eliminated the possibility of conducting WIAA state tournaments scheduled at campus venues.

The events impacted by the closure included the boys individual and team tennis tournaments scheduled at Madison’s Nielsen

Tennis Stadium on June 4-6 and June 12-13, respectfully; the boys golf championship at Verona’s University Ridge Golf Course on June 15-16; and the softball tournament at Madison’s Goodman Diamond on June 11-13.

The WIAA stated its officials worked on contingency plans for the spring sports season. Some schools began practice before Evers’ first executive order, but

Turn to WIAA/Page 8

Golf

at Home” order until May 26 because of the coronavirus outbreak, but golf courses were given the green light to open on Friday, April 24.

Foxboro Golf Club and The Legend at Bergamont in Oregon will open Friday morning.

Required safety measures include social distancing and paying for a round of golf online or by phone. Many courses are also prohibiting the use of golf carts. Clubhouses, pro Photo by Mark Nesbitt shops and practice facilities Foxboro Golf Club in Oregon was one of the state’s courses that closed when Gov. Tony Evers issued a “Safer at Home” will remain closed. order on March 25. Evers’ new directive allows courses statewide to open Friday, April 24.

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April 23, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Women’s track and field

Beauchaine off to solid start at UWL ADAM FEINER Sports editor

O r eg o n H i g h S c h o o l graduate Lauren Beauchaine believes momentum played a huge part in her freshman cross country season at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

She was looking forward to creating a new wave of momentum after an injury prevented her from competing in an indoor track and field meet.

C OV I D - 1 9 c a u s e d Beauchaine’s comeback to be put on hold.

The 2019 Oregon grad was planning to compete in the Eagles’ outdoor track and field season, but the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference announced on March 16 that the spring sports seasons would be canceled due

to the spread of the coronavirus.

UW-L was set to host the Ashton May Invitational on April 4 to kick off its outdoor season.

“Coming off a strong track season in high school, I was ready and motivated to show how much I had improved,” Beauchaine said. “I was surprised. It was just starting and we thought it would be over by the time the outdoor season began. A lot of people had big hopes for the season, especially the seniors I was close with.”

Beauchaine had a senior season to remember at Oregon.

She won the 3,200-meter run at the Badger South Conference Meet and Sun Prairie Regional and Lake Geneva Badger Sectional.

Her time of 11:06.75 at the sectional broke the 35-year

school record.

Beauchaine went on to finish eighth at the Division 1 state meet in the event, breaking her own school record with a time of 10:57.43.

A four-time letterwinner in cross country and track and field, the former Panther made an immediate impact at La Crosse last fall.

Beauchaine competed in seven of UW-L’s 10 meets on her way to honorable mention all-WIAC honors. She clocked her best time in the 5,000-meter run (18:40.65) in her first meet and won the event with a time of 19:05.6 in a dual against Luther on Oct. 25.

Beauchaine took 14th in her first 6,000-meter race (25:53.3), then shaved off more than two minutes (23:43.9) at UWL’s Tori Neubauer Invitational. She

David Lund/UWL Athletics

Oregon High School graduate Lauren Beauchaine competed in seven of UW-La Crosse’s 10 cross country meets last fall. She won the 5,000-meter run (19:05.6) in a dual against Luther on Oct. 25, 2019.

placed 16th (24:26.0) in the event at the WIAC Championships on Nov. 2, helping the Eagles to a runner-up finish out of eight teams.

“I’d like to make the regional and national teams next year, especially since I was one spot away from making those teams last year,” she said. “I’d love to compete against some

of the best athletes at the national level.”

Any and all WIAC athletic activities, including team practices, are still suspended indefinitely. Coaches can still interact virtually with their athletes, much to Beauchaine’s delight in preparation for her sophomore cross country season.

“Our coaches have been in contact with each of us,” she said. “They’ve done a great job taking individualized approaches to our training. They’ve put together week-by-week plans to get us prepared for cross country, but the training isn’t too intense right now.”

WE KEEP YOU INFORMED

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

WIAA: BOC expands contact days for spring athletes Continued from page 7 all interscholastic training, practices, scrimmages and contests were suspended.

Dr. Kevin Walter, who works for the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and has been a member of the WIAA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee since 2006, advised the Board of Control. He provided the Board with information about where the state is in controlling the outbreak and made recommendations for spring and fall sports.

Walter suggested a possible grace period for sports physicals in the future, and said, “it is too early to make any decisions about fall sports. He also said it is easier to socially distance and control the spread of COVID-19 in golf compared to other spring sports, but the WIAA clarified high school golf teams could not begin practice with courses opening up statewide Friday, April 24.

Anderson recommended the Board of Control cancel the spring sports season, but allow for unrestricted coaching contact in the

summer for spring sports, provided coaches include the current year’s seniors.

His motion passed, as the Board also voted to expand out-of-season coaching to 30 unrestricted contact days for spring sports athletes, pending local health guidelines.

Spring coaches will have 30 unrestricted contact days with their spring athletes, provided they include graduating seniors. Virtual coaching can continue through June 30 (or when state order would allow) before the 30 contact days would begin.

Fall and winter sports contact days are not changed or impacted.

Acclimatization rules must still be followed and contact must follow Gov. Evers’ orders.

“We are not opposed to spring sport coaches continuing contact with their athletes,” Anderson said.

“They are technically in-season until the season is over.”

The Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association is still conducting statewide surveys about a variety of

issues, including paying spring coaches and changes made to grading and graduation dates.

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Pagenkopf: Interim chief has qualifications necessary for role, trustees agree Continued from page 1 recommendation of who to appoint — something they didn’t do upon hiring former chief Brian Uhl. Even though the recommendation didn’t go through, village administrator Mike Gracz said it wasn’t clear when the independent body would reconvene to make its decision about Pagenkopf.

Some trustees hinted constituents wanted more transparency from the Oregon Police Department, likely after years of chiefs coming under scrutiny — one for the mishandling of funds and city property, another for his conduct with a child during a stop.

Trustee Randy Glysch started the debate and said he had no reservations about Pagenkopf being police, but he had reservations about the appointment process.

“That just goes against what I believe is fair,” Glysch said. “On the record, I’m uncomfortable about this process.”

Trustee Jenna Jacobson concurred with Glysch.

“I think Pagenkopf would be an excellent chief … the community would like some input in the process,” she said. “They would like their voices heard in a way they want to be heard.”

Trustee Amanda Peterson also voiced in favor of involving the public.

But Gracz offered the counterpoint that interviewing new police officers is typically a private enterprise. And if the village were to make the effort to recruit candidates besides Pagenkopf, that would be expensive — one trustee said it would cost near $10,000.

U l t i m a t e l y, t r u s t e e s who vied for more public involvement said they d i d n ’t wa n t a d d i t i o n a l expenses.

Some trustees said asking the police commission to involve the public might discourage them from asking for village board opinion’s in the future. Trustee Jerry Bollig also also asked if the board should involve the public in every hiring decision it makes.

“We elicited public comment when we put the budget together,” Jacobson said in rebuttal.

It was trustee David Donovan who offered that the village technically doesn’t even need to make a recommendation to the commission, calling it antagonistic to their process.

“I want them to be a standalone board,” he said.

Bollig said he couldn’t imagine any process bringing the village a more qualified candidate, saying he was blown away by Pagenkopf’s performance.

“We’ve tried her out,” he said.

Paywall: Improvement to coverage on the Internet Continued from page 1 clicking Your Account on the top of any of the websites. Subscribers who have trouble with this process or questions can call our office at 845-9559 or email ungcirculation@wcinet.com.

Over the past several weeks, our newsroom has put extra effort into ensuring these websites are as reader-friendly as possible and worth the price.

This change has come with improvements to our coverage on the Internet, most notably the posting of more stories before they are in print. We have rebuilt our story production at UNG to ensure stories are available online throughout the week.

We have also added content that was previously only available in our printed newspapers, including opinion columns, police reports, weekly upcoming event listings and history.

Stories no longer need to be postdated or delayed to encourage people to subscribe to the printed product.

We recognize that everyone has a preferred way to access news, and now all versions – mobile, print and computer – will be treated equally.

For those who wish to read the Observer digitally in the way we have it printed, we will continue to provide our e-edition – a PDF version of the weekly paper – and it will

now be available to subscribers on Wednesday mornings, before it hits the newsstands.

We also are debuting a newsletter this week that will direct readers to some of our most important stories. All subscribers with an email in our files will receive that email by default, and anyone can sign up to receive the weekly alerts with our top headlines.

Non-subscribers will still be able to access some content. In addition to providing two free stories per month, the Observer will make important breaking and public safety-related news available to everyone without affecting those caps, as well as some submitted items and a few regional stories.

Our social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter will continue to provide some information and lead people to our coverage.

Our ability to continue delivering quality journalism depends on this change, which is becoming more and more common in the industry as advertising revenue declines worldwide. While we have lost print subscribers over the past two years, our website traffic has doubled.

For information or questions on digital subscriptions, please feel free to contact editor Jim Ferolie at ungeditor@wcinet.com or 8459559.

April 23, 2020

Oregon Observer

9

Pagenkopf provides update on 60 day plan EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

When Oregon Police Department interim chief Jennifer Pagenkopf unveiled her 60 day plan for running the department in February, COVID-19 wasn’t on her radar – or anyone else in the village.

Most delays in implementing that plan are because of the illness, Pagenkopf said in a report to the Oregon Village Board.

Some immediate goals Pagenkopf listed included her continued efforts to strengthen the department’s relationship with the Oregon School District and restoring the department’s

image with the community. Because of the illness, Pagenkopf has not been able to meet anyone in person — that was supposed to include staff from OregonCARES and attending a Diversity and Inclusion Council meeting.

But she said she attended an Optimist Club meeting on March 5 and is now a member. She also attended several Dane County Chief meetings and one Oregon Housing Coalition meeting via Zoom teleconferencing software.

A School Resource Officer workshop meeting scheduled for April 14 had to be rescheduled to June, she said.

Strengthening community relations

was one of the top goals Uhl had when he was hired in 2015, with the department having been rocked by scandal under former police chief Doug Pettit. A later successor, Brian Uhl came under village scrutiny for his behavior and comments last fall.

Pagenkopf ’s long term goals included hiring an OPD mental health officer and working with the village’s new Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. That was contingent upon whom the police commission hires for permanent chief. Since the village decided against recommending Pagenkopf to the commission at its Monday, April 20, meeting, it is unclear when the commission will reconvene.

Vruwink, Drew announce candidacy for 43rd assembly district KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Less than a week after the spring election wrapped up, two candidates have announced their intention to run for the 43rd District in November.

Incumbent Don Vruwink (D-Milton), a substitute teacher for the Oregon School District and a former high school teacher at Milton High School, announced his intention to run for a third term for the district after first being elected in 2016. Beth Drew, a Republican also from Milton, announced her candidacy last week.

The district seat represents part of the Village of Oregon, the rural areas east of Oregon and south of Stoughton, as well as the rural areas around Janesville and Fort Atkinson, Milton, Edgerton and Whitewater.

According to an April 15 news release, Drew, a member of Milton’s Town Board, said she “holds fast” to faith, life and leadership through empowerment.

Vruwink In a news release from April 18, Vruwink said he wants to continue to be a strong advocate for residents of the district.

“Experienced leadership is especially critical in times of crisis,” he said. “We must find common good, use common sense and bipartisanship must prevail.”

According to the release, Vruwink, who serves on the rural development and agriculture committees and is a member of the Dairy Task Force 2.0, helped lead legislation that incentivized both

telephone companies to expand rural internet services and farmers to diversify production to include non-traditional products.

Drew has a bachelor’s degree in nursing Drew from Edgewood College and is a certified lactation counselor at her Small Wonders Learning Center, which she started in 1998.

In the release, Drew said she would bring knowledge gained in the healthcare industry and her experiences as a small business owner to the district.

“Coupled with the knowledge of small business development, Drew will help to move the 43rd forward by strengthening our health, business and educational climates,” the release said.

DCF launches tools to help essential workers find child care The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families launched two tools to connect essential workforce families to local and safe childcare, a March 30 news release states.

Healthcare workers and essential state employees can submit requests for care through the department’s updated Child Care Finder, or view up to date availability across the state using its new child care map.

“The value child care provides

to our communities is currently on full display,” DCF Secretary Emilie Amundson said in the release. “We are doing everything in our power to support early childhood educators so they can continue to provide child care to the families of essential workers.”

Providing child care to the families of essential workers is critical to flattening the curve of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, according to the release.

Gov. Tony Evers created the Child Care for Essential Workers Taskforce to address this need, the release states.

Led by DCF, the taskforce worked with the Early Childhood Association (WECA) and Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA) to connect essential workforce families in need of child care with locally available child care resources.

Congratulate Your Graduate!

With 2020 high school graduation ceremonies uncertain, the Oregon Observer is publishing a special keepsake edition of our annual graduation section June 11, 2020, with names and color photos of all Oregon High School graduates.

To add a special message for your graduate, email graduation@wcinet.com, call 845-9559 or fill out our form at connectoregonwi.com.

Deadline: May 22, 2020

Samantha, we’re so proud of you.

Special family rate: $50 color included.

Mom & Dad

10

April 23, 2020

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Milk: Brooklyn farmer says each year, he tells himself next year will be better Continued from page 1 $5.10 from the previous year – a salvation for dairy farmers.

Then, at the end of March 2020, prices plummeted $4 in a week, Mcneely said.

“What really happened is it kind of shocked the whole supply chain,” Mcneely said.

McNeely, whose grandparents started Rollin’ Green Dairy Farm in the 1970s, milks 190 cows a day, producing roughly 16,500 pounds or 1,900 gallons. He received a letter from his co-op, Maple Leaf Cheese Co-op in Juda, to not increase production.

He hasn’t been asked to dump nor reduce production yet.

However, neighboring farmers such as Craig Furseth of Stoughton and Sandy Larson of Evansville have been asked to reduce production. Furseth, who belongs to Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was asked to reduce production by 10% starting May 1 through July 31. Larson, who sells to Grande production facility which makes pizza cheese, was asked to reduce production by 20%.

McNeely said the uncertainty is stressful.

“In my life, we’ve never had to deal with the uncertainty of, ‘Are you going to get a letter tomorrow saying you have to reduce production or dump your milk,’” he said. “That level of uncertainty is a whole different level of stress.”

Several organizations that represent dairy farmers have asked the USDA and local entities to help by buying the excess dairy products from farmers and give them to food pantries, nutritional assistant programs and other sources. And on Friday, April 17, President Donald Trump announced a $19 billion aid package to agriculture farmers.

As farmers wait for aid, the daily operations of dairy farms must remain relatively unchanged – the cows still need to be milked, regardless if there is a reduction in demand.

For McNeely, this means he is still milking his cows twice a day, except for Sunday night which he takes off to spend time with his one year old daughter.

Each cow eats more than 100 pounds of feed per day – and more if they are carrying a calf.

Other expenses like feed bills, electricity, veterinary bills and payroll continue to stack up even as milk prices drop.

McNeely pointed out that each year he tells himself that next year the prices will be better, and he is again giving himself that same reassurance.

“Farmers are resilient, and we will come through this,” McNeely said. “But it does get tough.”

Milk dumping The reduction in demand has resulted in milk dumping around the state and nation.

According to the Wisconsin Farm Bureau and the Wisconsin Cheese Association, it is unclear how much has been dumped, as farmers are self reporting to the WDACTP. But there is plenty of anecdotal evidence.

The owners of Darlington Ridge Farms in Darlington reported dumping 20,000 gallons of milk per day, according to a CNN report. Golden E. Dairy Farms in West Bend reported up to 30,000 gallons of milking dumping, according to a WTMJ-4 news story.

M c N e e l y a n d o t h e r fa r mers report that some cooperatives have agreed to collectively absorb the cost for the milk that is dumped among its members.

But other farmers, such as Sandy Larson, who owns a dairy farm in Evansville, are getting

Did You Know?

Photos by Mackenzie Krumme

Dumping is polluting The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources considers the discharge of raw, unpasteurized milk a pollutant — the same way the discharge of manure is a pollutant to surface water or groundwater.

“Milk contains higher concentrations of nutrients than manure and has high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) which can cause detrimental impact to surface water including fish kills,” according to a March 30 DNR memo.

Jeffrey McNeely bends over to give attention to a calf on his Brooklyn Farm Sunday, April 19.

By the numbers MILK PRICES January 2019 $16.20, 10 cents lower than 2018 February 2019 was $16.30, 70 cents higher than 2018 March 2019 was $17.30 , $1.10 higher than 2018 April 2019 was $17.90 , $1.40 higher than 2018 May 2019 was $18.10, $1.30 higher than 2018 July 2019 was $18.80 $3.40 higher than 2018 August 2019 was $19.10, $2.80 higher than 2018 September 2019 was $19.90, $2.40 higher than 2018 October 2019 was $20.50 ,$2.70 higher than 2018 November 2019 was $22.40, $5.40 higher than 2018 December 2019 was $21.30, $5.10 higher than 2018 January 2020 was $19.40, $3.20 higher than than 2019 February 2020 was $19.10, $2.80 higher than 2019 Numbers sourced from the USDA hit harder.

She said she will receive no payment for the 20% reduction in milk her farm was asked to weather for the rest of April and all of May. The Larson farm has roughly 2,500 cows and sells milk to Grande Cheese Company, which makes cheese for pizza.

“It is hard. It is just a rollercoaster of emotions if you stop to think about it – then it hits you,” Larson said. “Every day, we still have to come to the farm, we still have to get our chores done, we still have to milk them and take care of them. It is at night when you can’t sleep that it hits you – it’s hard.”

Larson and McNeely said farmers are finding alternative ways to reduce production, such as adjusting the ratios of feed – in a way that would not harm the cow, but produce less milk.

Farmers also can feed their calves more milk and start drying cows early – a term that refers to the time before a calf is born where the mother is not milked.

The two last resorts for farmers, Larson said, are selling their dairy cows and dumping their milk.

Cheese plant is a cheese plant While school and restaurant markets are down, there has been around a 40% uptick in grocery sales the last two weeks in March, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO Chad Vincent said on the Midwest Farm Report.

Still, he said that does not make up for the reduction in the two largest markets.

And now that the market has shifted, some processing plants can’t switch operations on a

moment’s notice. Facilities that used to turn out 50 pound bags of shredded mozzarella for restaurants are in the dark while ones that make gallons of milk for grocery stores are weathering the storm.

McNeely said plants that aren’t able to diversify their products can particularly struggle when facing a flooded market.

“Many processors are not set up to produce smaller packaging meant for retail,” he said. “No consumer would buy a 40 pound block of cheese or a barrel of cheese.”

While there is a surplus of milk in Wisconsin, consumers report seeing limited rations of dairy products in grocery stores to prevent hoarding. In an April 2 interview with Pam Jahnke of the Midwest Farm Report, Vincent called on industry leaders for grocery stores to stop limiting the amount of dairy products customers buy.

McNeely, who also has beef cattle at his farm, said he thinks COVID-19 has revealed problems in the large supply chain. He said running plants 24 hours a day and relying on the “just in time inventory” – a strategy to increase efficiency by receiving goods only as they are needed – might not be good for the industry.

“When we go and throw a wrench into a system like this – lets say like what we saw in North Dakota, where the slaughterhouses have to shut down for a couple of days ’cause they have workers that are sick – just a few percentage point swing in the system really affects everything,” Mcneely said.

On the McNeely farm there are roughly 190 dairy cows. Each of those cows continues to need more than 100 pounds of feed a day, regardless of the drop in milk prices.

Photo provided by the USDA

Alternative solutions Starting April 2, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Cheese Makers Association called on the USDA to purchase the excess milk from farmers and redistribute it to food pantries, nutritional assistant programs and other sources.

Under the direction of Gov. To ny E ve r s , t h e Wi s c o n s i n Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection took a similar step the day before, stating USDA needs to secure the $104.8 billion impact agriculture has on Wisconsin’s economy.

“In a time when many people are already food-insecure, it’s more important than ever that we get Wisconsin’s nutritious commodities in the hands of consumers who need them the most,” Evers said in a news release. “I’m hopeful that our federal partners understand the urgency of the need here, and will take action accordingly.”

Two weeks later, the USDA announced its aid package. That is expected to make $16 billion in direct payments to farmers in May and include a mass government purchase of $3 billion in

dairy, produce and meat products, Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said during an April 17 press briefing.

Another initiative that has started out of the calls for action is the Dairy Recovery Initiative.

A nonprofit out of Milwaukee, The Hunger Task Force, teamed up with the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to recover and distribute Wisconsin milk across the state.

The groups will purchase $1 million worth of milk from farmers and distribute it to food pantries, according to an April 15 news release.

McNeely said as solutions are being worked out, he will continue to milk the cows and provide quality food for families.

That’s something dairy farmers have been doing in Wisconsin for decades.

“Buy local,” McNeely said in a message to consumers. “Buy Wisconsin dairy products.”

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

ConnectOregonWI.com

Legals

April 23, 2020 Wanted

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.

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 located 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 started 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 ••• TOWN OF OREGON OFFICIAL NOTICE Advertisement for Bids for Town of Oregon Roads Pulverizing and Repaving Notice is hereby given by the Town of Oregon, Dane County, Wisconsin, that it will receive sealed bids for pulverizing and asphaltic repaving of Town roads.

Sealed bids should be mailed to the Town of Oregon, located at 1138 Union Rd, Oregon, Wisconsin 53575 by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, May 11, 2020.

Bids will be publicly opened and read at the Town Board meeting Monday, May 11, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. Discussion and decision will be voted on by the Town Board on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Due to COVID-19, the meetings may occur remotely via zoom and questions regarding the bid proposal or in-person delivery of bids should contact Town Board Chairman Wayne Ace at 5767281 or wace@town.oregon.wi.us.

Bids are being requested as described below.

To provide pulverizing and asphaltic repaving for the following roads.

1. Lincoln Road (Western Village limits to Fish Hatchery Road – 4,636’ x 22’) 2. Lincoln Road (Fish Hatchery Road to CTH D – 5,544’ x 22’) TRIP funds will be used for this portion.

3. Storytown Road (CTH D/Lincoln to CTH A – 7,518’ to 20’) The Town wishes to have this work completed during the 2020 work session, meaning done prior to October 15, 2020.

Please contact Town Chairman Wayne Ace for the complete bid proposal packet. He can be reached at wace@ town.oregon.wi.us or 576-7281.

Jennifer Hanson, Clerk Town of Oregon 1138 Union Rd., Oregon, WI 53575 608-835-3200 Published: April 23 and 30, 2020 WNAXLP ••• ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS LINCOLN ROAD RECONSTRUCTION AND WATER MAIN EXTENSION VILLAGE OF OREGON DANE COUNTY, WISCONSIN Sealed Bids will be received by Village of Oregon at the Village Hall, 117 Spring Street, Oregon WI 53575-1494 no later than 2:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 7, 2020. Please note that currently the Village Hall is closed to outside visitors unless by appointment so bidders should plan delivery of bids accordingly. Bids will be opened under witness of the Village Clerk and read aloud at the above time and place. Bid results will be publicly made following the bid opening.

Project involves the resurfacing of Lincoln Road from Union Road to western Village limits approximately ¼ mile west of Glenway Road. The project will also include water main installation along Lincoln Road from the water tower to Brynhill Drive and culvert replacement.

Base bid work includes but shall not be limited to approximately 9,000 feet of new street construction along a straight alignment starting at Union Road and extends west past Glenway Road to Village western limits. Lincoln Road from Union Road to Brynhill Drive has an existing 38 foot cross section and will remain as 38 feet on the proposed road edge to edge.

Brynhill Drive to Village limits past Glenway Road has an existing cross section of 20 feet and this section will be widened to a 24 foot cross section edge to edge.

This construction will include pulverizing and resurfacing of the roadway with culvert extensions and culvert replacements. In addition, Lincoln Road will include approximately 1,550 feet of 12-inch DIP water main open cut extension. The water main includes all valves and hydrants as shown on the plan.

Project will include all erosion control, traffic control, restoration and other construction as shown on the plans.

If you need to view any of the bidding documents, please contact Jeff Rau at the Village to make an appointment at 608-835-6290 or jrau@vil.oregon.wi.us The Project Manager for this Project is Jason P. Lietha, P.E., who may be contacted at Ruekert & Mielke, Inc., 4001 Nakoosa Trail, Suite 200, Madison, WI 53714-1380, (608) 819-2600, regarding the Project.

All Work is included in a single prime contract.

Bidding Documents, including Drawings and Specifications, may be examined at the offices of Village of Oregon, and the Consulting Engineer during regular business hours.

Digital project Bidding Documents are available at www.ruekertmielke.com for a fee of $25. These documents may be downloaded by selecting this project from the PROJECT BIDS link under the CLIENT ACCESS tab and inputting Quest #7016859 in the website’s Browse Projects Search field. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@ Questcdn.com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading, and working with this digital project information. QuestCDN is the Issuing Office.

Partial sets of Bidding Documents are not available. Neither Owner, Engineer nor Issuing Office is responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including any Addenda, obtained from other sources. The cost of Bidding Documents is non-refundable. Each entity obtaining Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office will be designated as a Plan Holder of Record. Bids received from entities who are not Plan Holders of Record may be returned as being nonresponsive. Bids will only be accepted from Bidders who purchase Bidding Documents as noted above.

A Bidder’s qualification statement must be delivered to Village of Oregon at least 5 days before the Bid opening date.

Bids shall be accompanied by a Bond or Certified Check payable to Village of Oregon equal to 5 percent of the Bid. If the successful Bidder fails to execute the Contract and furnish payment and performance bonds within 15 days after the award, the Check or Bid Bond may be forfeited to Village of Oregon as liquidated damages.

Construction time is of the essence.

Completion delays are subject to liquidated damages.

Village of Oregon reserves the right to accept the most advantageous Bid, or to reject any and all Bids. Award of Work described herein is subject to the provisions of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Jeanne Carpenter, Village President Peggy Haag, Village Clerk RUEKERT & MIELKE, INC. 4001 Nakoosa Trail, Suite 200 Madison, WI 53714-1380 Phone: (608) 819-2600 Published: April 23 and 30, 2020 WNAXLP ••• VILLAGE OF BROOKLYN REQUEST FOR BIDS ASPHALT SEAL COATING The Village of Brooklyn WI requests sealed bids for chip sealing various streets around the Village. Depending on budgets and prices received, the Village Board will decide how much work will be accepted and done in 2020. The bids shall be turned into Village Hall at 210 Commercial St. or mailed to Village of Brooklyn, P. O. Box 189, Brooklyn, WI. 53521 by 10 a.m. May 8, 2020, and marked “Asphalt Seal Coating bids,” at which time they will be publicly opened at the Public Works office (102 Windy Lane). The work shall be completed between June 6, 2020 and August 31, 2020 and a Certificate of Insurance shall accompany the bid. To receive a copy of the bidding documents, please contact Village of Brooklyn Public Works Department at publicworks@brooklynwi.gov or 608-455-1842.

Published: April 23, 2020 WNAXLP ••• ORDINANCE NO. 20-06 VILLAGE OF OREGON AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING LOCAL ENFORCEMENT OF MEASURES TAKEN TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020, Governor Tony Evers issued Executive Order # 72, declaring a public health emergency in response to the COVID 19 Coronavirus; and, WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation declaring that the COVID 19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency; and, WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, the Village Board of the Village of Oregon determined that a public health emergency threatens the Village and Village residents; and WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020, Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services, State of Wisconsin, issued Emergency Order # 12, entitled the “Safer at Home Order;” and, WHEREAS, on April 16, 2020, Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services, State of Wisconsin, issued Emergency Order # 28, also entitled the “Safer at Home Order;” and WHEREAS, the Village has closed certain public properties in the Village, such as playgrounds and basketball courts, to prevent the spread of the Coronovirus; and WHEREAS, the Village Board as determined that Violations of the Safer at Home Order and certain other measures taken to prevent the spread of the Coronovirus should be unlawful in the Village, and subject to a prosecution in Municipal Court.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Village Board of the Village of Oregon hereby ordains as follows: 1 Section 11.11 of the Village of Oregon Code of Ordinances is created to provide as follows: 11.11. Compliance with COVID 19 Response Measures.

(1) Any violation of Emergency Order # 12, issued by Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Department of Health Services for the State of Wisconsin, on March 24, 2020, is a violation of this section.

(2) Any violation of Emergency Order # 28, issued by Andrea Palm, Secretary-designee of the Department of

Health Services for the State of Wisconsin, on April 16, 2020, is a violation of this section.

(3) Any violation of any order extending or superseding Emergency Order # 12 or Emergency Order # 28 is a violation of this section.

(4) Any person who is present on any Village park or playground that has been posted as closed, and who has not been authorized by the Village to be on the park or playground, is in violation of this section.

2 This ordinance shall be effective upon passage and posting or publication pursuant to law.

The above and foregoing ordinance was duly adopted by the Village Board of the Village of Oregon at its meeting held on April 20, 2020, by a vote of 7 in favor, 0 opposed, and 0 not voting.

APPROVED: By ___________________________ Jeanne Carpenter, Village President ATTEST: By ___________________________ Peggy Haag, Village Clerk Published: April 23, 2020 WNAXLP ••• OREGON SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION “…helping students acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to achieve their individual potential…”

From Oregon School District Mission Statement DATE: MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2020 TIME: 6:30 PM PLACE: OSD Innovation Center, OHS, 456 North Perry Parkway and via Google Hangouts and Conference Call Order of Business Call to Order Roll Call Proof of Notice of Meeting and Approval of Agenda AGENDA A. REORGANIZATION 1. Board Members Oath of Office 2. Election of Officers a. President b. Vice President c. Treasurer d. Clerk B. CONSENT CALENDAR NOTE: Items under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted under one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time the Board votes unless a Board Member requests an item be removed from the calendar for separate action.

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting 2. Approval of Payments 3. Treasurer’s Report, if any 4. Staff Resignations/Retirements, if any 5. Staff Assignments, if any 6. Field Trip Requests, if any 7. Acceptance of Donations, if any: 8. Safety State Grant Drill Report Acceptance C. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Comments Received From the Public Regarding Agenda Items 1. OEA Report 2. Student Report D. ACTION ITEMS 1. Official Designations a. Newspaper b. Resolution regarding Investment of District Funds c. Resolution — Depositories 2. Appointment of Representatives a. CESA #2 Delegate b. Village Park Board c. WASB Delegate d. Board Committees 3. Issuance of Teacher Contracts 4. Issuance of Licensed Non-Represented Contracts 5. Issuance of Administrator Contracts 6. 2020-2021Dane County New Teacher Project Shared Services Agreement E. DISCUSSION ITEMS 1. Committee Reports: a. Policy b. Vision Steering F. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Distance Learning Update 2. Superintendent’s Report G. CLOSING 1. Future Agenda 2. Check Out H. CLOSED SESSION 1. Personnel Matter — Potential Non-Renewals of Individual Contracts Consideration of Adjourning to Closed Session on Item H1 as Provided Under Wisconsin Statutes 19.85(1)(c),(f) & (g) I. ADJOURNMENT Go to: www.OregonSD.org/board meetings/agendas for the most updated version agenda.

In order to comply with Governor Evers’ order that we stay home, and for the safety and wellness of our school community, we ask that members of the public observe the meeting virtually by Google Hangouts (meet.google.com/ rwt-hvkx-joc) or listen by conference call using the number ?+1 605-412-4065 PIN: ?378 619 105#?. We will be limiting the total number of persons physically present to 10 and will have social distancing for those persons.??

We will not have a public comment period, but as always, you are welcome to share your comments with Board members via email or phone. You can find School Board members’ contact information here or call (608) 835-4091 for this information. If you contact Board members prior to 6:00 p.m. Monday, your public comments can be shared at the meeting.

Go to: www.OregonSD.org/board meetings/agendas for the most updated version agenda.

Published: April 23, 2020 WNAXLP •••

PAR Concrete, Inc.

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

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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.

LANDSCAPING. EXPERIENCED in grading, leveling, rock, boulder and decorative retaining walls. Seeding and sod work. Green Gro Design 608669-7879.

LAWN MOWING. Free Estimates.

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LAWN MOWING Residential & Commercial Fully Insured.

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11

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Includes heat, water and sewer.

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10x10=$65-month 10x15=$75-month 10x20=$85-month 10x25=$95-month 12x30=$120-month Call 608-424-6530 or 1-888-878-4244 NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats.

Come & go as you please.

608-873-5088 RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market StreetBurr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240

Pets DARLING AUGGIE puppies! For sale to good honest homes! Raised with children! 3 Blue Merles, 1 male 2 female, $1,300 each. 1 tri colored female $900, 4 weeks old. Mom is 11lb. Toy Australian Shepherd.

Reserve yours now! Dewclawed and will be up to date on shots and vet checked before they leave.

Abner Renno, 1043 Badland Rd, Platteville, WI 53818.

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.

WHITE Germadoodle puppies, cross with purebred white German shepherd female and white Poodle male. 7 females, 6 white $500, 1 tan $1,000. vaccinated and wormed. Will be ready to go by May 2. Send me your phone number and I will call you right back.

Benjamin Lapp, 17792 Cty O, Mineral Point, WI. 53565.

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

Lawn & Garden RIGHT HAND MAN SERVICES Lawn mowing & trimming, etc. Over 20 years experience. 608-208-8630.

Rentals GREENWOOD APARTMENTS. Apartments for Seniors 55+,currently has 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month,includes heat, water, and sewer.

608-835-6717 Located at:139 Wolf St., Oregon, WI 53575 OREGON 2-BEDROOM in quiet, well-kept building. Convenient location. Includes all appliances, AC, blinds, private parking, laundry, storage. $200 security deposit. Cats OK. $750-month. 608-219-6677 Available April 15-May 1.

WAREHOUSE AVAILABLE in Fitchburg. 1,500 sq.ft. with assigned parking. $700 monthly. Ask for Bill 608-444-2986.

UNION ROAD STORAGE 10x10 - 10x15 - 10x20 - 12x30 24-7 Access Security Lights & Cameras Credit Cards Accepted 608-835-0082 1128 Union Road, Oregon, WI Located on the corner of Union Road and Lincoln Road

Office Space For Rent OFFICE/RETAIL Space for rent in Downtown Oregon. Available now.

1274 sqft, $1062 per month or 480 sqft, $400 per month. Heat included in rent. Contact 608-333-4420 or 715891-4784 for showing and further information.

OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT In Oregon facing 15th hole on golf course Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Security System Conference rooms available Kitchenette-Breakroom Autumn Woods Prof. Centre Marty 608-835-3628

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

Feed & Seed ALL KINDS hay 120-220FV, western hay & straw. Delivered. Walter Mathys 608-482-1457.

HAY FOR SALE. Big square and round bales and baleage. 608-5747459.

Farm 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

JENSEN IS ALL IN! Are YOU?

Have a class A CDL?

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

Apply online at www.JensenTransport.com or email info@jensentransport.com and tell us you’re ALL IN! adno=148196

Easily renew your subscription online!

• Driveways • Floors • Patios • Sidewalks

WANTED: HUNTING rifles, shotguns, ammo and related items. Call 608575-9064.

Oregon Observer

www.JensenTransport.com

Follow us on www.facebook.com/thebestdrivingjob

Tell us you’re ALL IN!

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For information call 835-6677.

Agricultural/Farming Services PROTECT YOUR YIELD from soybean white mold and SDS. Ask your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed Treatment. Cost effective.

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12 Oregon Observer - April 23, 2020

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS Unlike other local garden retailers, we like to grow what we sell!

Due to the recent Covid-19 situation: STOU Gh LOCA TOn TI OPEn On In SOOn G !

We ask that you respect others by following the CDC guidelines concerning masks, gloves, and social distancing.

ASK T T GIF ABOU CATES IFI CERT

We are offering extended evening shopping hours for those who want to avoid crowds. We are open until 8:00pm every weekday and until 6:00pm every Saturday and Sunday.

For safety reasons, we reserve the right to limit the number of shoppers in the store.

We have special shopping hours for those 60 and over. 8:00am to 9:30am Monday - Friday.

We are offering phone in for customer pick up or delivery to your door for a fee. The order hotline is 608-719-7400 or by email at kopkesgreenhouse.com

Kopkesgreenhouse.com • Like us on Facebook Support local agriculture! Shop outside the box store.

Directions from Stoughton: Take 138 toward Oregon. Go past Eugster’s Farm Market, one mile and turn right on Sunrise Rd. Go one more mile then turn left on Town Line Rd. Continue on to Sand Hill Rd. (approximately one mile) and turn right.

Directions from Fitchburg: Take Fish Hatchery Road south to Netherwood Road. Turn left and go through Oregon past Walgreen’s to a left on Sand Hill Road.

Directions from Verona: Take Cty. M to Fish Hatchery Rd. Turn right and go to Netherwood Road. Turn left at Netherwood Rd. through Oregon past Walgreen’s to a left on Sand Hill Rd.

April Hours: Shopping Hours

• Senior/Age 60+ Only: Mon-Fri 8:00am-9:30am • General Public Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-8:00pm, Sat 8am-7pm, Sun: 8am-6pm

1828 Sandhill Rd. Oregon, WI 608-835-7569

Quality Bloomers, Reasonable Prices Located in the beautiful Town of Dunn Just east of Oregon, WI

We don’t just sell plants, we sell Soul Food!

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