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12/5/19 Oregon Observer

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Thursday, December 5, 2019 • Vol. 135, No. 23 • Oregon, WI • ConnectOregonWI.com • $1.25

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Dorn asks for $1M in TIF 3 new buildings would be on Richards, North Main EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Deja Smith listens as fellow Multicultural Student Union member questions the ethics of reading the N-word out loud from books at an MSU meeting at Oregon High School on Thursday, Nov. 14.

Gaining influence Multicultural Student Union educating teachers, students about difficulties students of color still face

and backgrounds, “What have you experienced?” She didn’t have to explain her question or provide detail before seven of them immediately raised their hands. The students, all members of the Multicultural Student Union, which Monroe founded a year ago, each listed racist MACKENZIE KRUMME remarks, microaggressions and cultural Unified Newspaper Group appropriations they had witnessed or expeAs Carlie Monroe stood in front of rienced over the past week alone. One year ago, at the first MSU meeting, about 20 students at Oregon High School last month, the senior asked her fellow six students of color sat around that circle students, representing a variety of races

If You Go

The Village of Oregon is considering spending nearly $1 million to help a redevelopment project on North Main Street get started. The Dorn Plaza project – which the Village Board approved a general development plan for in 2016, and again this past May – would be located on the corner of West Richards Road and North Main Street. The plan calls for a three-phase development t h a t w o u l d ev e n t u a l l y move the current Dorn True Value Hardware and Hometown Pharmacy to another location on the

same parcel of land. The first phase would add a three-story building with 30 apartments above a 12,000 square foot retail space. The GDP is part of a three-step process called a planned district development that allows for different types of building uses and zoning variations on a single site. On Monday, Dec. 2, village administrator Mike Gracz updated the board on the village’s analysis of the project. The board took no action on the project, but rather provided some direction for how to analyze it going forward. Trustees discussed how quickly the village could and should pay the $950,000 in tax-increment financing the developer has asked for and how this project would fit in with o t h e r ex p e c t e d o b l i g a tions the village has in the

Turn to Dorn/Page 3

What: Multicultural Student Union weekly meetings When: Alternating times of 11:25 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Thursdays Where: Oregon High School, 456 N. Perry Pkwy Info: Carlie Monroe, carlie. monroe@oregonsd.net

Turn to Multicultural/Page 12

Two openings on board this spring Odorico, Feeney will not seek re-election; LeBrun to run again SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

When voters in the Oregon School District go to the polls on Tuesday, April 7, two familiar names will not be on the school board ballot. One of those has been on the board for most of the past for 16 years. Courtney Odorico, a former board president, and Barb Feeney will not seek re-election to their school

board seats, both told the Observer in emails in late November. Odorico was first elected to the board in 2003, representing the City of Fitchburg in Area II, and later was chosen as its president before being defeated in 2014 by former board president Charles Uphoff. She reclaimed her board seat three years later after Uphoff declined to seek re-election, running unopposed. Feeney was first elected in 2014 to represent Area II (towns of Blooming Grove, Dunn and Rutland) when she defeated incumbent Lee Christensen, and three years later ran unopposed. LeBrun was first elected in 2017,

when he defeated first-term incumbent Gwen Maitzen to represent Area IV, consisting of the Village of Brooklyn and the towns of Oregon, Montrose, Brooklyn and Union. The spring election will take place Tuesday, April 7. The election will feature candidates from the Village of Oregon and Brooklyn, City of Fitchburg and Town of Rutland and Oregon, in addition to the school board, as well as races for Dane County supervisor and a presidential primary. Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott. delaruelle@wcinet.com.

Courtesy Village of Oregon

A site plan for the proposed mixed-use development on the Dorn Hardware site.

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December 5, 2019

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Oregon Observer

Library hosts STEAM inspired after school program NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

E ve r y Tu e s d a y w h e n Oregon schools are in session, a group of 5 to 11 year old students gather at the library after school for Eureka Jr Club. The club, led by youth services librarian Kelly Allen, focuses on STEAM inspired programming — science, technology, engineering, art and math. On Tuesday, Nov. 26 Allen led several students in a perler beads craft.

Perler beads are small colorful plastic beads that are first assembled into a design on a spiked plastic tray. Once placed onto the spiked design trays, one side is ironed, fusing the beads together into an ornament by slightly melting them. Allen had many designs available for students to choose from including a fox, dolphin, penguin, octopus, ice cream cone, star and heart. Contact Neal Patten, Community Reporter at neal. patten@wcinet.com.

Prairie View Elementary School student Gigi Syse made a bead octopus.

Photos by Neal Patten

Perler beads take time and patience, as local students Alijah Simpson and Gigi Syse learned.

Youth services librarian Kelly Allen uses an iron to fuse the beads together.

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Kylie Jones worked hard on making an emoji-style smiling ice cream cone.


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December 5, 2019

Oregon Observer

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Village of Oregon

Rosewood Avenue apartments enter final review stage Planning Commission to consider design, landscaping EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

The Planning Commission will review what could be the final step in the public approval process for an apartment project on Rosewood Avenue at its December meeting this week. The project at 124 Rosewood Ave. would be three stories and house around 56 units, public

works director Jeff Rau wrote the Observer in an email in November. Located west of the Sleep Inn and Suites hotel, it’s an area in “significant need” of apartments, he said. In October, the Oregon Village Board approved a general development plan for the project, which sets the overall scope, site configuration and uses for the project and provides the developer with assurances it can build as long as its final plan meets those criteria and other contingencies. The final step, the specific implementation plan, addresses

building design, landscaping, lighting, utilities and other details. After the commission reviews it, the plan would advance to the Village Board, which could approve it. The proposed SIP “closely resembles” the approved GDP, the plan states. Proposed minor changes include removing several parking spaces from the drainage easement on the eastern corner of the lot. The plan features 52 underground parking spots and an exercise and community room on the ground floor of the complex.

The plan shows what a letter from the developer calls an urban appearance, with a flat roof and a brown, beige and grey color scheme. Each ground floor would have a patio and each unit on the second and third floor will have a balcony. The commission meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Village Hall, 117 Spring St. They are typically set for the first Thursday of the month. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

Village in brief Oregon Parks map The Planning Commission will consider reviewing a zero lot line certified survey map for a duplex in the Oregon Parks Neighborhood Addition at its Thursday, Dec. 5, meeting. The duplex would be located at Lot 110 of the neighborhood addition.

Jaycee Park West gets $80k in donations Library’s LINKcat Oregon Youth Softball, Baseball contribute funds EMILIE HEIDEMANN Unified Newspaper Group

Oregon Youth Softball and Baseball appeared at the Monday, Dec. 2, Oregon Village Board meeting to present large donations to the Jaycee Park West project. Representatives of the Oregon Youth Softball and Baseball boards

Village in brief

subsequently presented checks for $20,000 and $60,000, respectively. The $4 million project plan feat u r e s t wo m u l t i - u s e fi e l d s f o r lacrosse, football and rugby. It also adds four baseball and softball diamonds. Fundraising for Jaycee Park West began in September, with the village planning to spend $3.5 million of the full $4 million. The community would cover the remaining $500,000, trustee Randy Glysch told the Observer in a September

from the waste receiving station, a memo from public works director Jeff Rau states. At the Monday Dec. 2, meeting, the village chose Gilbank Construction of Clinton.

Wastewater award

A 2019 waste receiving upgrade project will cost the Village of Oregon $258,000. Bidding closed in November for the project, which features improveBill Faust ments for a new dump station for vactor truck waste, acknowledgment upgrades to the existing The Village of Oregon waste receiving station acknowledged the death and an upgrade to the last month of an Oregon pump and new forcemain staple – Bill Faust. Tr u s t e e s c o m m e n t e d to the headworks building

email. Other donations made previously include $100,000 from Oregon Community Bank – the largest donation the bank had ever made – $12,000 from the Oregon-Brooklyn VFW Post 10272 donated and $5,000 from Mike and Karin Victorson. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie. heidemann@wcinet.com or follow her on Twitter at @HeidemannEmilie.

on how Faust and the rest of his family have made a positive impact on the community through their business, Bill’s Food Center. “They are very generous folks,” trustee Randy Glysch said of the Faust’s family, at the meeting.w

improvements for the Legend at Bergamont Phase 5B development. At its Monday, Dec. 2, meeting the board passed the improvements as outlined in a letter by construction company Ruekert-Mielke from October. Watermain, sewer The letter includes projects which were completed improvements T h e Vi l l a g e o f O r e - on Augusta Drive, Interg o n vo t e d i n favo r o f lachen Avenue, Riviera w a t e r m a i n a n d s e w e r Street and Cypress Way.

catalog down for update Unavailable Dec. 6-10 Every cat needs a nap now and then. LINKcat, the online catalog for area public libraries, will be offline for a scheduled software update from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 10. This will affect all public libraries in the seven-county South Central Library System. During this offline period, patrons will not have access to the catalog to place new holds, but will be able to pick up existing holds. Due dates on library items will be extended and overdue fines will not incurred, according to a library news release.

Library eBooks and eAudiobooks will be available through Wisconsin’s Digital Library at wplc.overdrive. com. Patrons may still visit their local library to check out and return items during regular hours of operation. Library staff will also be available to help patrons locate materials on their shelves. Once the update is complete, patrons will be able to use LINKcat to access the same services as before. While there will be changes to the look of the site, they will be minimal, according to a news release. For information, call the library at 835-3656. - Mackenzie Krumme

Food pantry changes hours for holidays EMILIE HEIDEMANN

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working with his partners wo u l d ex t e n d i t t o 1 2 to see who wanted to be years. a part of it. Dorn had said Email Emilie Heidemann once he started the projat emilie.heidemann@ ect, it would be developed wcinet.com or follow her by Verona based KSW on Twitter at @HeideConstruction, which promannEmilie. vided the GDP documentation in May. The question for trustees, Gracz said, was how much of the increment generated the board would be willing to send back. The request would have required sending back 100 percent, which would pay Serving the Community Since 1961 off the project in 10 years, 167 N. Main St., Oregon something Dorn staff was workable. Limiting the HOURS: payback to 80 percent, which the board favored, Monday, Tuesday and Friday

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future — including the library. TIF is a public financi n g t o o l t h a t a l l ow s a municipality to collect increased taxes on new o r i m p r o v e d d ev e l o p ments from multiple taxing jurisdictions. It can be used, among other ways, to clear or renew aging or neglected property, to make an area of a municipality competitive or to close a gap in financing capability. T h e v i l l a g e ’s fi n a n cial adviser has analyzed whether the project could cover the TIF request, Gracz told the board. It still needs to determine

whether it meets the “but for” test required of every TIF project — that is, the project would not happen “but for” the funding. Phase I, which would build the new building and expand the parking lot is valued at $5 million, Gracz told the Observer after the meeting. Gracz told the board the analysis showed paying that amount over five years would not be feasible. Dorn’s president Tom Dorn told the Observer in February 2018 the project was on the “back burner” for him at the time, but he was in the process of

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Continued from page 1

according to a pantry flyer. Email Emilie Heidemann at emilie.heidemann@wcinet. com or follow her on Twitter The Oregon Area Food at @HeidemannEmilie. Pantry has changed its distribution and collection hours for the upcoming holiday season. In December, OAFP will be open from 9-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 31; 4-7 p.m. Thursdays, Dec. 12 and 19. There will be no distribution the week of Dec. 23-27, Unified Newspaper Group


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December 5, 2019

Opinion

Oregon Observer

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Letters to the editor policy Unified Newspaper Group is proud to offer a venue for public debate and welcomes letters to the editor, provided they comply with our guidelines. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. They should also contain contact information – the writer’s full name, address, and phone number – so that the paper may confirm authorship. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be printed under any circumstances. The editorial staff of Unified Newspaper Group reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and appropriateness. Letters with libelous or obscene content will not be printed. Unified Newspaper Group generally only accepts letters from writers with ties to our circulation area. Letters to the editor should be of general public interest. Letters that are strictly personal – lost pets, for example – will not be printed. Letters that recount personal experiences, good or bad, with individual businesses will not be printed unless there is an overwhelming and compelling public interest to do so. Letters that urge readers to patronize specific businesses or specific religious faiths will not be printed, either. “Thank-you” letters can be printed under limited circumstances, provided they do not contain material that should instead be placed as an advertisement and reflect public, rather than promotional interests. Unified Newspaper Group encourages lively public debate on issues, but it reserves the right to limit the number of exchanges between individual letter writers to ensure all writers have a chance to have their voices heard. This policy will be printed from time to time in an abbreviated form here and will be posted in its entirety on our websites.

See something wrong? The Oregon Observer does not sweep errors under the rug. If you see something you know or even think is in error, please call 835-6677 or email oregonobserver@wcinet.com so we can get it right.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 • Vol. 135, No. 23 USPS No. 411-300

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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

Puppies and the challenges they bring are poor Christmas gifts

I

t may be tempting for parents to get a puppy for their kids as a special Christmas gift. We have probably all seen TV programs and holiday movies where that scene played out joyfully on screen. And there was always a happy ending. Christmas puppies often do not have happy endings. Raising a puppy is a lot Antolec of work on a daily basis even under the best conditions. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season combined with the complications of our Wisconsin winter weather make proper raising of young dogs at this time of year unlikely for most people. My first dog was 8 weeks old, and I blundered my way through raising her, but my next four dogs were adopted at about 18 months. The latter was far easier. The modern American family seems busier than ever. Typically, both parents work full time, and the kids are away at school during the day and are being transported to and from athletic and social activities on weeknights and weekends. That leaves little time for the daily requirements of a puppy. The holiday season has its own challenges that compound the difficulty of fulfilling the daily needs of a puppy. There’s the Christmas buying frenzy, increased social and family gatherings, then New Year’s Eve and the post-Christmas debt blues. The weather brings additional challenges, including potty training, socialization and being consistent with outdoor walks. Potty training is a nearly universal frustration I hear among my puppy owning clients. There’s the soiling inside the home, ruined carpets and rugs, and having to let the puppy out frequently. Cold and sloppy Wisconsin winter weather is a powerful disincentive to fast and effective potty training. Optimal potty

training means taking the puppy out every hour or so during waking hours, regardless of the weather, treat in hand, and rewarding the puppy upon the completion of elimination. Then it is best to linger outside for a while to make sure the puppy has completely finished the job. When it is cold, wet and windy puppies want to hurry up and return to the house. So do the owners, and that is often the kernel of poor housetraining habits. Pulling on the leash is another common complaint. Wearing a collar and being tethered to a human being is not a natural behavior for dogs, and a puppy must learn this as a skill. A good way to teach a puppy is to take them for several short walks each day. That is easier said than done when a family has a busy schedule to begin with, and then add holiday activities to it. Cold temperatures and slippery footing are disincentives to the daily work required to instill good walking manners. Using food rewards during the training process is very profitable, but it’s more difficult when wearing thick gloves or fuzzy mittens. Removing them during leash walks results in numb fingers and shorter walks in order to just be done with it. Sometimes an owner might just skip the walk on a particular day because of an ice storm, or a lack of time due to snow removal obligations. Puppies do not enjoy frozen paws, either, or the chemical salts spread on sidewalks and streets alike, which sting their pads. Once back inside the home the puppy will lick those pads unless owners put booties on their feet or wash puppy paws upon returning home. That, too, becomes another bother, and may result in fewer walks. Lack of socialization is another concern, and perhaps the most serious. The puppy brain develops on a daily basis, and the primary socialization period occurs

from roughly six to 12 weeks. Most puppies are brought into the home at eight weeks. That leaves only four weeks, during the coldest part of the winter, to thoroughly socialize a puppy. Consider what the socialization process entails, and then consider how the vast majority of us hunker down for the winter. By this age, a puppy should be introduced to at least 200 people, according to “Before and After Getting a Puppy,” by veterinarian and behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar. More is better. Puppies also should be introduced to a wide variety of walking surfaces, locations, social activities, tools, equipment, animals and so on. Introductions must be safe and fun for the puppy. A Christmas puppy who is not well socialized will likely become an anxious and fearful adolescent by spring. Many such dogs I work with at six or seven months of age were Christmas season puppies. Socialization requires effort, but trying to reduce anxiety and fear through behavior modification is much more difficult. The initial joy of receiving a puppy as a Christmas gift may soon fade, in the same way a child may quickly lose interest in those expensive spiffy new toys you bought. By spring, the adolescent young dog who has been developing behavioral issues might be surrendered to a shelter. Shelters are full of such dogs, and euthanasia due to behavioral issues is the most prevalent cause of death among healthy dogs. I suggest waiting until early spring, plan ahead, seek out a veterinarian and a force-free trainer. Prepare to bring a puppy into your life as you would prepare to have a baby. Then everyone will be set up to succeed. Happy Holidays! Daniel H. Antolec, CBCC-KA is the owner of Brooklyn-based Happy Buddha Dog Training and is a member of Pet Professional Guild.


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December 5, 2019

‘Writer’s Block’ MACKENZIE KRUMME

Annual holiday play set for Dec. 13 at the senior center

In the past, staff have dressed up as Tasmanian devils and Energizer bunnies all riding along next to reindeer, she said. What: Annual holiday play: Writer’s Lunch will also be served, includBlock ing roasted turkey in gravy, rice pilaf, When: 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13 creamed corn and peanut butter frostWhere: Oregon Area Community ed brownies. There is also a meatless Center, 219 Park St option or beef taco salad available upon request. Info: 835-5801 Reservations for lunch must be made by Monday, Dec. 9, but are not Brickner’s imagination on what it is required for the play. like to come up with a play. For more information, call the cen“The goal of the play is to be ridic- ter at 835-5801. ulously funny and we manage to do Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackthat,” Stone told the Observer. enzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

If You Go

Unified Newspaper Group

It is the “biggest event of the year” assistant director Anne Stone said, and it’s coming to the Oregon Area Senior Center. The annual holiday play, “Writer’s Block,” is set for 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13. Senior center director Rachel Brickner writes the play each year, and staff members are the actors. In the past, the play has attracted as many as 100 audience members. This year’s story plot dives into

‘Host a family’ for the holiday Local organization seeking volunteers MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Host a Family is seeking donations and volunteers for the holiday season. Each year, more than 1,000 presents are distributed to families in Stoughton, Oregon and McFarland through the sponsorship program. “The need in the community has never been greater, so I’m hoping those who can will give,” Host A Family board member Sue Schadewald wrote in a news release. “Many recipients have told us how grateful they are, because these are the only gifts their children get for the holidays,” she said. For 27 years, HAF has matched families in need with sponsors who want to give through its website, hostafamily.org.

When sponsors fill out the online form, they will receive a profile of a family with age-appropriate gift suggestions for their children, in addition to a requested gift card or item for the family. Gift prices range from $40$50 and hosts can designate online how many children they would like to sponsor. “Some of the most requested items from families applying to be sponsored include gift cards for food or gas, as well as warm clothing or educational toys for the little ones,” Schadewald said. Dane County Health and Human Services, churches and schools refer many of the families in need to HAF, she said. “The commonality among them is that all are challenged in finding the basics like food and shelter,” Schadewald said. “Some are homeless. Many are experiencing short-term financial crises.” To help with distribution, visit

On the Web To sponsor a family for the holiday season, visit:

hostafamily.org hostafamily.org to register for a time to volunteer at Lakeview Church, 2200 Lincoln Ave. Volunteers help with checking in packages, sorting gifts and assisting clients with packages. To contribute, visit smile.amazon. com and designate “Host-A-Family” as a charity of choice. A percentage of the buyer’s eligible purchases will be donated to HAF. Tax-deductible donations also can be sent to the Host-a-Family Program, P.O. Box 295, Stoughton, Wi 53589. Tax receipts are available upon request. For information, visit hostafamily. org. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

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Oregon Observer

Free Holiday meals delivered to area residents MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

For twenty years the Oregon Brooklyn Lions Club has been hand delivering holiday baskets to residents’ homes to brighten the season. The baskets for both Thanksgiving and Christmas include ingredients to make a full holiday spread, including ham, potatoes, pie, milk and buns. This year, the Christmas deliveries are set to take place at various times on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Lions Club goes through the Oregon Area School District and the Oregon Area Senior Center for names and addresses for suggestions of people who should get the free service.

Holiday meal recipients To suggest a family or person for the free holiday meal delivery contact Noriko Stevenson or Carol Bausch at the senior center by Friday, Dec. 13 at 835-5801. Every year the Lions Club gives away about 50 baskets, Arlen Milestone, Lions Club member said. To suggest a family or person for the free holiday meal contact Noriko Stevenson or Carol Bausch at the senior center by Friday, Dec. 13 at 835-5801.

OASD orchestra performs at Barnes and Noble O r eg o n A r e a S c h o o l District orchestra stu dents are holding a free performance next week. What: OASD orchestra Between 2-4 p.m. Sunconcert day, Dec. 8, people can When: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, visit Barnes and Noble, Dec. 8 7433 Mineral Point Where: Barnes and NoRoad, Madison, which ble, 7433 Mineral Point will host the concert. Road, Madison Students from all levels of orchestra are welInfo: fotooregon@gmail. come to participate, in com addition to their family members who play an instrument. fotooregon@gmail.com. For information, email - Mackenzie Krumme

If You Go

Bucky Badger at this year’s K-9 breakfast MACKENZIE KRUMME

If You Go

Unified Newspaper Group

What: OPD K-9 Breakfast When: 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: Oregon Fire Department, 131 Spring St. Info: Sgt. Dave Elsner at 835-3111

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Craft Fair Saturday, December 7, 2019 • 9am to 2pm

“Chef Bob.” For information, call Elsner at 835-3111.

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

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Proceeds benefit local missions of St. John’s.

TODDLE-IN NURSERY Large Group $ 20 each

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Dec. 7th, 2019 • 7a.m. - 12p.m. 131 Spring Street, Oregon, WI

CHRISTMAS TREES

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Open Mon-Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 9am-7pm Until Dec. 22nd

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Oregon Police Department’s 11th Annual

Large Selection of Premium Balsam & Fraser Fir & Pines, Wreaths & Garland Reasonably Priced

Friendship Room, 625 E. Netherwood, Oregon

For more information contact Barb Carter at carterbarbjohn@yahoo.com

Photo by Emilie Heidemann

Kim and Wesley Atkinson, 2, both of Oregon, enjoy some breakfast at the 10th annual K-9 Breakfast with Santa in 2018.

Pancake es • Sausage • Beverages • Omelettes by Ch hef Bob

A ALL YO CAN EAT! YOU A Police E Oregon Meet VEND t’s K9 Officer Departmen ults $5 for Ad s (4-12) $3 for kid r and unde 3 s kid FREE for

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Bring your Bill’s Food receipts to Ce support K9 nter Vende Stuffed K9 Vende stocking stuffers

Bucky will visit 9:00 - 10:00 am! The use of this image is approved by the UW–Madison Office of Trademark Licensing

All proceeds will go directly to the Oregon Police Department K9 Fund.

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training for Vende, its German shepherd K-9 officer. Local officers and firefighters will prepare and serve the food for attendees. Sgt. Dave Elsner said the annual event is a good way for the public to interact with the police and fire department.” “They can see us work as a team to benefit a program that is a great asset to the community,” he said in a news release. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, beverages and omelettes made by

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The annual K-9 Breakfast returns to raise money for the Oregon Police Department K-9 fund. From 7 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the Oregon Fire Department, 131 Spring St., visitors can enjoy an all you can eat breakfast with local first responders. Santa is planning to visit from 8-11 a.m. and will get some company from another beloved big red fella. Bucky Badger is set to attend the breakfast for the first time, and is scheduled from 9-10 a.m. The cost is: $5 for general admission, $3 children for ages 4-12 and free for children three years of old and younger. All proceeds benefit the department’s K-9 fund, which supports equipment, services and


6

December 5, 2019

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Coming up

Churches

Open mic night

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

and lunch. Orchestra concerts Proceeds benefit local missions of St. The Oregon Area Orchestra School The Oregon Area Progressives will district’s orchestras are have three perhost an open mic night 6-8 p.m. Friday, John’s Lutheran Church. For information, contact Barb Carter formances in December. Dec. 6, at Firefly Coffeehouse and ArtiThe Brooklyn orchestra and choir san Cheese, 114 N. Main St. at carterbarbjohn@yahoo.com have a joint performance at 6:30 p.m. This month’s topic is “Naming and Monday, Dec. 9, at the Brooklyn Gym, Addressing Racism in Our Commu- ‘Santa Day’ Santa is coming to Brooklyn 11 a.m. 204 Division St. nity.” Mr. Harry Hawkins, Executive The Oregon High School orchestra Vice President of Madison’s Center for to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Brooklyn Urban Leadership Development will be Methodist Church, corner of Rutland concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the OHS Performing Arts the main speaker. Avenue and Hwy. 92. For information visit, oregonareaproParticipants can take pictures with Center, 456 N Perry Pkwy. Netherwood Knoll Elementary gressives.org. Santa in addition to a free “regifting Orchestra and choir are set to perform at center,” and a children’s free store, with Tree lighting and chili 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the PAC. The Christmas tree lighting and chili gift wrapping available for kids 12 and For information, contact the Friends dinner is set for 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, under. of the Orchestra at fotooregon@gmail. The event will also feature free craft com. Dec. 6, at Triangle Park and Oregon Fire Station, 131 Spring St. projects, and the church will have a conSensory storytime Santa plans to arrive via fire truck. cession stand available. Everyone is welcome to enjoy stories, Then participants are asked to go to the For information, call 455-1385. songs, movement activities and yoga at fire station for chili and hot dogs. the Sensory Storytime 10-10:30 a.m. Bring a non perishable food item for Brooklyn tree lighting The third annual Brooklyn tree light- Thursday, Dec. 12, at the library. the food pantry. The small group storytime include For information, visit oregonwi.com ing is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at visual supports, sensory activities, fidthe Brooklyn Community Building, 102 Craft Fair gets and orientations that are great for St. John’s Lutheran Church is set to N. Rutland Ave. children with sensory sensitivities. There will be hot chocolate, a family host a craft fair 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. SaturThe event is geared for ages 5 and day, Dec. 7, at St. John’s, 625 E. Nether- movie night, cookie decorating, crafts younger and is in partnership with the and the tree lighting. wood Road. library and Oregon Area School District. For information, visit brooklynrecreThe craft fair will include arts and For information, contact Kelly Allen crafts, home party vendors, baked goods ation.org at kallen@oregonlibrary.org.

Community calendar Thursday, Dec. 5 • 1 p.m., Identity Theft: Protect and Prevent, senior center, 835-5801 • 4-6 p.m., Artist opening reception, Firefly Coffeehouse and Artisan Cheese, 114 N. Main St., 835-6238 • 9:30 a.m., Memory Cafe (first Thursday of the month), Sienna Crest Corporate Offices, 845 Market St., 835-5801 • 6 p.m. “Craftivism,” library, 8353656

Friday, Dec. 6 • 8 a.m. to noon, Veterans assistance, senior center, 266-4158 • 10 and 10:30 a.m., Family storytime and Stay and Play, library, 835-3656 • 12:45 p.m., Health Talk: Diabetes, senior center, 835-5801 • 5:30 p.m., Christmas tree lighting and chili dinner with Santa, Triangle Park, Janesville Street, oregonwi. com

Saturday, Dec. 7 • Noon to 2:30 p.m., Sew What?!, library, 835-3656 • 1-2:30 p.m., Eat pizza and Mario Cart, Oregon Youth Center, 110 N. Oak St., 835-3656 • 5:15 p.m., Tree lighting Village of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Community Building, 102 N. Rutland Ave.,brooklynrecreation.org

Monday, Dec. 9 • 6:30 p.m., Village of Brooklyn board meeting (second and fourth Monday), Village Hall, 210 Commercial St., 455-4201

Tuesday, Dec. 10 • 9-11 a.m.., Food distribution and collection, Oregon Area Food Pantry, 107 N. Alpine Parkway, oregonfoodpantry@hotmail.com • 1-3 p.m., Last session of “Technical help with Gil,” senior center, 835-5801

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

Thursday, Dec. 5 WOW: Progressives Open Mic (Oct. 5) ORE: NKE Spring Musical: Alice the Musical (April 26) AIRS Friday, Dec. 6 WOW: Village Board Meeting (Dec. 2) ORE: School Board Meeting (Nov. 25) Saturday, Dec. 7 WOW: Movie: Made for Each Other (1939) ORE: LIVE: Boys Basketball vs Stoughton (Dec. 7) Sunday, Dec. 8 WOW: First Presbyterian Church Service ORE: BKE: Giants in the Sky (March 1)

Monday, Dec. 9 WOW: LIVE: Village Board Meeting (Dec. 2) ORE: LIVE: School Board Meeting (Dec. 2) Tuesday, Dec. 10 WOW: Library Presentation: Fire Safety (Nov. 20) ORE: LIVE: Girls Basketball vs Edgewood (Dec. 10) Wednesday, Dec. 11 WOW: Oregon Community Band (Nov. 19) ORE: Boys Hockey vs Beaver Dam (Dec. 7) Thursday, Dec. 12 WOW: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (Dec. 6) ORE: Four Seasons Musical Showcase (April 12, 2018)

Wednesday, Dec. 11 • 4-6 p.m., Online Selling, senior center, 835-5801 • 5 p.m., Library Board meeting, library (second Wednesday), 8353656

Thursday, Dec. 12 • 9 a.m., Senior center executive board (second Thursday), senior center, 835-5801 • 4-7 p.m., Food distribution and collection, Oregon Area Food Pantry, 107 N. Alpine Parkway, oregonfoodpantry@hotmail.com

Friday, Dec. 13 • 11 a.m., Annual Holiday Play: “Writer’s Block,” senior center, 8355801

Monday, Dec. 16 • 2:15 p.m., OHS Orchestra Seasonal Players concert, senior center, 835-5801

Senior center Monday, Dec. 9 Rustic Tomato Bean Soup Dinner Roll Broccoli Tuesday, Dec. 10 Chicken Strips with BBQ Sauce Roasted Brussels Sprouts Coleslaw Wednesday, Dec. 11 Baked Mostaccioli Garlic Bread Stick Mixed Greens with Dressing Green Beans Tropical Fruit Raspberry Sherbet MO – Veggie Mostaccioli NCS – SF Ice Cream Thursday, Dec. 12 Lunch at Ziggy’s Smokehouse and Ice Cream Parlor! Drop in between 11:30 AM and1:00 PM Friday, Dec. 12 Roasted Turkey in Gravy Rice Pilaf Creamed Corn Cranberry Sauce Fruit Cocktail Peanut Butter Frosted Brownie MO – Veggie Chicken in Gravy NCS – SF Pudding SO — Beef Taco Salad

Monday, Dec. 9 Morning: Reflexology 9:00 CLUB 10:30 StrongWomen 10:30 Dominoes 1:00 Weight Loss Support 1:30 Bridge Tuesday, Dec. 10 8:30 Zumba Gold Advanced 9:30 Ride to Food Pantry 9:45 Zumba Gold 12:30 Sheepshead 12:45 Silver Sneakers Wednesday, Dec. 11 9:00 CLUB 9:00 Stamp Camp 12:15 Shopping at Pick-N-Save 1:00 Euchre 4:00 Online Selling Class Thursday, Dec. 12 8:30 Zumba Gold Advanced 9:00 Pool Players 9:00 COA Meeting 9:45 Zumba Gold 10:30 StrongWomen 12:30 Mahjongg Friday, Dec. 13 9:00 CLUB 9:00 Gentle Yoga At Maitri Center 120 N. Main St. 9:30 Blood Pressure 11:00 Holiday Play

Brooklyn Lutheran Church 101 Second Street, Brooklyn (608) 455-3852 Pastor Rebecca Ninke SUNDAY 9 a.m. Holy Communion 10 a.m. Fellowship Community of Life Lutheran Church PO Box 233, Oregon (608) 286-3121, office@ communityoflife.us Pastor Jim McCoid SUNDAY 8:45 a.m. Education Hour, 10 a.m. Worship at 1111 S. Perry Parkway, Oregon Brooklyn Community United Methodist Church 201 Church Street, Brooklyn (608) 455-3344 Pastor George Kaminski SUNDAY 9 a.m. Worship (Nov.-April) 10:30 a.m. Worship (May-Oct.)

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church 143 Washington Street, Oregon (608) 835-3554 Pastor Jeffrey Hendrix SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship Holy Communion 2nd & last Sundays First Presbyterian Church 408 N. Bergamont Blvd. (north of CC), Oregon, WI (608) 835-3082 - fpcoregonwi. org Pastor Kathleen Owens SUNDAY 10 a.m. Service 10:15 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Fellowship 11:15 a.m. Adult Education Memorial UCC 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg (608) 273-1008, memorialucc. org Pastor Kristin Gorton SUNDAY 8:15 and 10 a.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ECLA

Central Campus: Raymond Road and Whitney Way SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 8:15, 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Worship West Campus: Corner of Hwy. PD and Nine Mound Road, Verona SUNDAY - 9 & 10:15 a.m., 6 p.m. Worship (608) 271-6633 Hillcrest Bible Church

752 E. Netherwood, Oregon David Bartosik, Lead Pastor (608) 835-7972, www.hbclife.com SUNDAY 8:30 a.m. worship at the Hillcrest Campus and 10:15 a.m. worship with Children’s ministries, birth – 4th grade Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church

651 N. Main Street, Oregon Pastor: Fr. Gary Wankerl (608) 835-5763 holymotherchurch.weconnect.com SATURDAY: 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY: 8 and 10:15 a.m. Worship People’s United Methodist Church 103 North Alpine Parkway, Oregon Pastor Jason Mahnke

(608) 835-3755, www.peoplesumc.org

Communion is the 1st & 3rd weekend SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship and Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. Worship St. John’s Lutheran Church

625 E. Netherwood, Oregon Pastor Paul Markquart (Lead) (608) 291-4311 SATURDAY - 5 p.m. Worship SUNDAY - 8, 10:30 a.m. Worship Vineyard Community Church

Oregon Community Bank & Trust, 105 S. Alpine Parkway, Oregon Bob Groth, Pastor (608) 513-3435, welcometovineyard.com SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship

Zwingli United Church of Christ – Paoli

At the intersection of Hwy. 69 & PB Pastor Rich Pleva paoliucc.com, (608) 225-1278 SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Family worship

Support groups • Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, First Presbyterian Church, every Monday and Friday at 7 p.m. • Relationship & Divorce Support Group, State Bank of Cross Plains, every other Monday at 6:30 p.m. • Navigating Life Elder Support Group, People’s United Methodist Church, 103 N. Alpine Pkwy., every first Monday at 7 p.m. Who Is Your Neighbor? Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan in the context of being asked by an “expert in the law”what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus throws the question back onto the man, asking him “What is written in the law?”to which the man replies“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and,Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Luke 10:27 NIV) After telling the man that he has answered correctly, this expert then asks“And who is my neighbor?” The well-known story of the good Samaritan follows,where a priest and a Levite both ignore a man who has been beaten,robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road, but who is then helped by the Samaritan.In a study done with seminary students at PrincetonTheological Seminary in 1973,Darley and Batson found that students, even after being reminded of the story of the good Samaritan,were likely to ignore a person in need if they were in a hurry.This doesn’t speak highly of our altruistic impulses if we are only willing to help when it won’t inconvenience us, but we all know the struggle of wanting to help someone but feeling that our other obligations are a higher priority.Perhaps the moral of this story is not simply that we should be willing to help a stranger in need (who is after all, our neighbor), but more importantly that we shouldn’t be in such a hurry.Slow down and take time to notice the needs of those around you. –Christopher Simon


ConnectOregonWI.com

December 5, 2019

Oregon Observer

7

‘Day of purple’

Photo by Justin Loewen

Attendees of the Oregon Community Band fall concert reverently listen to a performance of “On Dress Parade March” by William Paris Chambers in the Oregon Middle School cafeteria on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Photos by Mackenzie Krumme

Oregon High School students along with students from Rome Corners Intermediate and Oregon Middle School dressed in purple on Nov. 21 in recognition of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day.

Every year Linda Plymesser dresses up on Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day in remembrance of her late husband, Vern.

OHS educator creates pancreatic cancer awareness MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Five years ago, Linda Plymesser made herself a promise to spread awareness about pancreatic cancer. Her husband, Vern Plymesser, died of pancreatic cancer June 9, 2014. As a special education paraprofessional in the Oregon Area School District for 20 years, Plymesser used her resources at the district to do just that. Since 2014, she has organized “Purple Day,” at Oregon High School. She encourages everyone to wear purple on national Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day, which this year fell on Thursday, Nov. 21. More than 50% of staff and students wear purple to show awareness for the third most common type of cancer. This year, Rome Corners Intermediate School

Linda Plymesser and her husband Vern, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2014.

and Oregon Middle School also joined in on the awareness campaign. At the age of 73, Vern died just three months after being diagnosed. Plymesser said the key is early detection. Her husband was in pain for more than a year before he was diagnosed by doctors. Plymesser said she is grateful when she sees her colleagues and students with purple hats, beads, shirts or socks. She feels like the word is getting out there about a cancer that is known as the “secret killer.” “There are probably parents at home asking ‘Why do you have to wear purple today?’” Plymesser said. Students and staff also create information posters, and one year held a bake sale that raised more than $150 towards pancreatic cancer research. For information on the next pancreatic cancer awareness day, contact Linda Plymesser at lmp2@oregonsd.net. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

Photo by Justin Loewen

By the time Michele Moede and the rest of the Oregon Community Band had turned their sheet music to their final song, LeRoy Anderson’s “A Christmas Festival,” they had donned a variety of festive garments at the end of the band’s fall concert.

Community harmonies JUSTIN LOEWEN Observer correspondent

The sounds echoing out of Oregon Middle School on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 19, was an exclamation of the village’s musical talents, as the Oregon

Community Band kicked off their 39th year with a fall concert. Attendees brought their own chairs and piled around lunch tables in the school cafeteria to hear the band give their best under the direction of Jim Baxter.

Holiday deadlines Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Great Dane Shopping News Display Advertising: Wednesday, December 18 at 3pm Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 19 at Noon

Thursday, December 26, 2019 Community Papers Display & Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 19 at Noon

Wednesday, January 1, 2020 Great Dane Shopping News Display Advertising: Monday, December 23 at 3pm Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 26 at Noon

Thursday, January 2, 2020 Community Papers Display & Classified Advertising: Thursday, December 26 at Noon

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845-9559, 835-6677 or 873-6671

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Our offices will be closed December 25, 2019 and January 1, 2020


8

Thursday, December 5, 2019

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

Sports

Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

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

Girls basketball

Golden Beavers dam up Panthers ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Three-time defending state c h a m p i o n B e av e r D a m h a s become the gold standard when it comes to girls basketball in the state of Wisconsin. The Golden Beavers are a program Oregon coach Adam Wamsley and his team look at as a beacon of success to follow in the future. Last year, the Beavers became the fifth program in state history to accomplish a threepeat, as they finished the season 27-1 and ranked 14th in the espnW 25 Power Rankings. Wamsley admitted his team “has a lot to work on” before the Panthers can consistently compete with teams like the Beavers. Oregon’s ballhandlers were constantly pressured into turnovers by Beaver Dam in a Badger Conference crossover game at the Kohl Center on Tuesday, Nov. 26, resulting in a 70-46 loss. Oregon (1-2) had turnovers on seven of its first nine possessions, as the Beavers bothered the Panthers with a suffocating full-court press and quick hands. “We let them dictate what we wanted to do,” Wamsley said. “They’re one of the best teams in the state regardless of division, and I give them a lot of respect. “I know we’re better than what we showed. Hopefully this is something we can learn from and improve upon.” Kaitlyn Schrimpf made a layup to get Oregon on the board at the 14:46 mark. The Panthers cut their deficit to three on three separate occasions in the first half, but Beaver Dam (3-0) extended its lead each time. The Beavers ended the first half on an 18-5 run to lead 33-17 at intermission. Matyson Wilke drilled back-to-back 3s and made a pair of driving layups during the run. Beaver Dam used an 11-1 run to make it 44-20 with 14 minutes

Photos by Adam Feiner

Oregon senior guard Liz Uhl (32) defends Beaver Dam junior Matyson Wilke during the first half Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Kohl Center. The Panthers lost 70-46. left. The Beavers had a 9-3 run over the next three minutes to extend its lead to 30. Oregon’s reserves outscored Beaver Dam’s reserves by nine in the final five minutes. Every Panther who played in the game scored, a silver lining moving forward.

“They work hard day in and day out to help us get better,” Wamsley said. “I’m not surprised because it’s a great group to coach top to bottom. I’m happy they were able to get on the Kohl Center court and contribute.” Schrimpf paced Oregon with a team-high 11 points. University

Girls hockey

of Illinois-Springfield recruit Liz Uhl added eight points, and Jaelyn Nedelcoff scored five points off the bench. Emily Mortenson was 4-for4 from the free-throw line, Ellie Koopman canned the Panthers’ only 3-pointer, and Izzie Peterson was held to two points.

Wilke, a junior who has offers from 18 Division I schools, recorded a game-high 17 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Natalie Jens helped with 14 points. UW-Milwaukee commit Jada Donaldson added 12 points, and Carley Burchardt reached double figures with 10 points.

Girls hockey

Icebergs still searching for consistency and first win ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Photos by Adam Feiner

Icebergs goaltender Aven Gruner (left) makes a save early in the third period against the Cap City Cougars on Monday, Nov. 25, at The Ice Pond at Waunakee. The Stoughton freshman made 16 saves in the Icebergs’ 9-0 loss.

With a new coach and players from six different high schools, the Icebergs girls hockey co-op is still figuring itself out, particularly in net. Stoughton junior Abby Seybold played the first period Monday, Nov. 25, against the Cap City Cougars co-op, and freshman Aven Gruner finished the game — a 9-0 loss at The Ice Pond at Waunakee. “They made a lot of good first saves and tracked the puck nicely. I liked what I saw from them,” Icebergs coach Zoe Kurth said. “We just have to work on clearing the house in front of them to give our goalies a little more of a break.” Seybold finished with 13 saves in the first period, and Gruner recorded eight saves apiece in the second and third. The Icebergs had a pair of 2-on-1

breakouts early in the first period, but could not capitalize against Cap City goaltender Lexi Holman. “We were hoping to take advantage of some loose pucks and get down in our zone,” Kurth said. “We wanted to mark the scoreboard. We thought that might light a fire under us.” The Cougars marked the board with 13:10 left in the first period. Camille Baker took a pass from Zephryn Jager and sent a wrister from the left point past the outstretched glove of Seybold. Abrie Deprey scored on a slapshot from the right point with 6:24 left in the opening period. Cap City scored a pair of back-breaking goals late in the first. Lauren Bliefernicht went coast-tocoast and banked a centering shot off Seybold’s left pad and in with 2:39 left in the period. Sixty-six seconds later, Amanda Bauer found Jager in front for a goal.

The Icebergs were called for icing just 10 seconds into the second period, and the Cougars made them pay. Olivia Thompson scored eight seconds later off a pass from Jager. Bliefernicht found Brynna Banuelos for a goal right in front of the net with 9:30 left in the second. The Icebergs had a pair of power-play opportunities and recorded five shots in the period, but couldn’t take advantage. Instead, the Cougars capitalized on a pair of Icebergs’ penalties. Deprey ripped a wrister over Gruner’s left shoulder with 6:21 left in the second, and Jager snuck in a rebound with 1:12 left before the second intermission. Riley Ledford capped the scoring with 11:09 remaining. The Icebergs could not convert despite a 5-on-3 advantage in the final 2:09.

Turn to Icebergs/Page 9


ConnectOregonWI.com

December 5, 2019

Oregon Observer

9

Wrestling

Panthers hope to move up in conference ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Some of Oregon’s wrestlers are known commodities, while others are brandnew to the sport and eager to make an impact. The Panthers return four letterwinners from last year’s squad that finished seventh in the Badger South Conference and did not qualify an individual for the Division 1 state tournament. One of the known commodities, senior Nate Hall, is hoping for a bounceback season at either 195 pounds or 220 pounds. He was a sectional qualifier as a sophomore, but had his junior year wiped out by injury. Michael Schleim qualified for sectionals at 138 last season, and coach Ned Lease said the sophomore is “primed to make an impact.” “Nate Hall and Michael Schleim both have their sights set on the Kohl Center,” Lease said. “Others do as well, but we’ll wait and see.” Fellow sophomores John Ruth and Cooper King are

expected to anchor the Panthers in the middle weights. Ruth qualified for sectionals at 152 last season and “has grown a lot in the offseason,” according to Lease. The ninth-year coach said King was “fearless as a freshman” at 160. All of Oregon’s freshmen are new to wrestling. The Panthers will also have four girls competing this season. Oregon begins its season with a Badger South Conference dual at home against Fort Atkinson on Friday at 7 p.m. The Panthers will compete in four tournaments and two Badger South duals before a Jan. 14 matchup against Stoughton, which has won two straight Division 1 team state championships. “Every opponent gets our best match,” said Lease, a 2001 graduate of perennial small-school power Fennimore. “But the defending state champs in Division 1 will be the biggest test.” The Panthers will comp e t e i n t h e D iv i s i o n 1 Sun Prairie Regional and O c o n o m ow o c S e c t i o n a l with the hope of sending individuals to state.

Photo by Adam Feiner

The Oregon wrestling team returns four letterwinners from last season’s squad. They are (from left) John Ruth, Cooper King, Michael Schleim and Nate Hall.

Boys roundup

Oregon basketball, swimming win season openers Sophomore guard Ryne Panzer scored a team-high 17 points to lead the Oregon boys basketball team to a 60-56 win over Greenfield at the West Allis Central Shootout on Friday, Nov. 29. The Panthers jumped out to a 23-18 lead at the half. Junior point guard Erik Victorson added 16 points, four assists and a team-high three steals. Sophomores Bryce Kerns and Brandon Kerns scored 10 and eight points, respectively. “It felt really good to get out to a good start and get the first win,” Oregon coach Chris Siebert said. “I thought we really moved the ball well and had a high number of assists. We were

really unselfish.” The Panthers led by as many as 13 points in the second half, and made 10 of 13 free throws to help seal the victory. “In the second half, we got complacent a little bit and got lackadaisical on the defensive end,” Siebert said. “We definitely have to defend better.”

Swimming

Oregon won eight of 11 events to earn a 94-75 Badger South Conference road victory over Milton on Friday, Nov. 29. Blake Anderson won the 200-yard freestyle (2:02) and 100 backstroke (1:04.52) for the Panthers. David Stevenson finished first in the 100 free (55.12) and 100 breaststroke (1:09.93). Connor Braatz won the the 200 individual medley (2:24.30)

and 100 butterfly (1:03.13). Blake Pankratz won the 500 free with a time of 5:57.86. The Panthers’ 400 freestyle relay team of Anderson, Braatz, Pankratz and Forest Garty won with a time of 3:50.41.

Hockey

O r eg o n w e n t 1 - 1 - 1 a t t h e Sheboygan Tournament, as it bounced back from a 4-3 loss to Brother Rice (IL) in the season opener Friday, Nov. 29, with a 5-3 win over Ashwaubenon a day later. The Panthers lost to Waupaca 5-4 on Sunday, Dec. 1, at the Sheboygan Lakers Ice Center. O r e g o n ’s P a r k e r S c h i m d t scored off an assist from Ben Wiedholz in the first period against Brother Rice to give the Panthers an early lead. The Crusaders tied the game at 1 in the

Icebergs: Three goaltenders play in Fond du Lac tournament Continued from page 8

Fond du Lac Tournament

The Icebergs (0-5, 0-2 Badger Conference) lost to Northland Pines 6-1 on Friday, Nov. 29, and the Fox Cities Stars (13-2) and the Warbirds Co-op (4-3) on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Blue Line Family Ice Center in Fond du Lac. Oregon junior Izzy Newton scored at the 16:56 mark of the third period off an assist by Rachel Louis against Northland Pines. Cora Zimmerman made 21 saves. The Eagles outshot the Icebergs 27-22. Aeryn Olson scored on a power play just 2:14 into the

second period to cut Fox Cities’ lead to 3-1, but the Stars responded with five straight goals to seize control. Sydney Schipper scored at the 14:26 mark of the second. Schipper and Hallie Hefel assisted on Olson’s goal. The Stars outshot the Icebergs 40-6. Seybold made 27 saves. Gruner made 40 saves, but the Warbirds scored two straight goals in the middle of the third period to edge the Icebergs. Hefel scored just 2:12 into the third to tie the game at 2. Samantha Nelson scored off assists by Newton and Olson at the 10:37 mark of the third. Newton scored off an assist by Hefel with 1:37 left in the first period.

second period. Oregon junior Spencer Buskager scored off assists from Colton Eyers and Adam Franken in the third, but Brother Rice scored late in the period to force a shootout. The Panthers fell 2-1 in the shootout. Wiedholz scored two third-period goals and Franken had two assists to propel the Panthers past Ashwaubenon. Laszlo Orosz scored 46 seconds into the game off a pass from Franken. Buskager scored 27 seconds into the second period to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead. Trey McKee scored off assists from Eyers and Franken to give Oregon a 3-2 lead at the 10:15 mark of the second, but the Jaguars tied the game late in the period. Wiedholz scored his first goal

off an assist from Joe Roemer at the 9:42 mark of the third period. Wiedholz scored again 31 seconds later off a pass from Alex Barnish. Oregon goaltender Colton Dailey had 28 saves. Wa u p a c a ’s B r a e d e n R y a n scored the game-winning goal at the 5:11 mark of overtime to top the Panthers. Buskager scored off an assist from Roemer to give the Panthers a 1-0 lead at the 2:28 mark of the second period. Wiedholz and Schmidt scored in the second, but the Comets responded after both goals to tie the game at 3. Orosz scored in the third period off assists from Franken and McKee to tie the at 4 and send the game to overtime. Dailey finished with 25 saves.

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10

December 5, 2019

ConnectOregonWI.com

Oregon Observer

Obituaries Linda J. Svanda Linda J. Svanda, age 77, of Oregon, passed away peacefully, on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, at St. Mary’s Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Jan. 3, 1942, in Rockford, Illinois, the daughter of Floyd and Virginia King. Linda graduated from Rochelle High School in 1960 and then earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Northern Illinois University in 1964. She and the love of her life, Larry Svanda, were united in marriage on Aug. 1, 1964, at the Methodist Church in Rochelle, Illinois. In her early years, Linda loved working on her family farm with her parents. She was proud to drive tractors with her dad in the field and work side-by-side with her mom in the kitchen making huge meals for the threshing teams. It was there that she developed many life passions like gardening, canning/cooking, sewing, teaching, and serving others like Jesus, following in her parents’ footsteps. These things were near and dear to her heart. After graduation, Linda was initially a home economics teacher in Galena, Illinois. During the early years of raising a family, she was blessed to be at home with her children, eventually returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher when she and Larry moved to Oregon, Wisconsin. She remained in this role for decades as she touched the lives of generations of students with her love and dedication. Linda was a faithful member of the People’s United Methodist Church in Oregon. As a member there, she served

Legals NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR ACQUISITION OF A BANK BY A BANK HOLDING COMPANY AND MERGER OF BANKS Bosshard Financial Group, Inc., La Crosse, Wisconsin, intends to apply to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to merge with Northern Bankshares, Inc., McFarland, Wisconsin. We intend to acquire control of McFarland State Bank, McFarland, Wisconsin. Oregon Community Bank, a subsidiary of Bosshard Financial Group, Inc., with its main office in Oregon, Wisconsin, also intends to apply to the Federal Reserve Board for permission to merge with McFarland State Bank, McFarland, Wisconsin and establish branches at the locations of, McFarland State Bank, McFarland, Wisconsin. The Federal Reserve considers a number of factors in deciding whether to approve the application/notice including the record of performance of banks we own in helping to meet local credit needs. You are invited to submit comments in writing on the applications to Colette A. Fried, Assistant Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60604. The comment period will not end before December 21, 2019 and may be somewhat longer. The Board’s procedures for processing applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. Part 262. Procedures for processing protested applications may be found at 12 C.F.R. 262.25. To obtain a copy of the Federal Reserve Board’s procedures, or if you need more information about how to submit your comments on the applications, contact Alicia Williams, Vice President of Community Development and Policy Studies, at (312) 322-5910; to request a copy of an application, contact Colette A. Fried at (312) 322-6846. The Federal Reserve will consider your comments and any request for a public meeting or formal hearing on the application if they are received in writing by the Reserve Bank on or before the last day of the comment period. Published: November 21 and December 5 and 19, 2019 WNAXLP *** CONDENSED MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL VILLAGE BOARD MEETING OF THE OREGON VILLAGE BOARD SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 Substance of the Special meeting of the Oregon Village Board proceedings held on September 23, 2019 at 5:50 p.m. with Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter presiding. Present: Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter, Trustees: Jerry Bollig, Randy Glysch, Cory Horton, Jenna Jacobson, and Amanda Peterson. Other Matters: Closed session pursuant to Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.85 (1) (c) to continue considering performance evaluation information relating to the Police Chief. To view a complete copy of the minutes for this meeting visit www.vil.oregon.wi.us. Submitted by Clerk, Peggy Haag Approved: November 18, 2019 Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP

Linda J. Svanda

as an usher, choir member, church treasurer, care team leader and food pantry volunteer. People’s Church was her second home and second family. She brought love and joy to everyone she met. The love and support that she offered over the years to others came back to her ten-fold in the past three years as her friends rallied and supported her and Larry through her health challenges. A blessing beyond measure. While Linda excelled at all her roles in life, it was being “grandma” that was her heart’s greatest treasure and where she shined the brightest. She was thrilled to cook with, sew with, make music with and follow all her grandchildren’s activities. Countless trips were made to cheer in the stands, take pictures to make photo albums and support them in any way. Linda will be remembered for her kind and gentle heart, beautiful smile, lovely laugh and dedication to her family and those she loved. Linda is survived by husband, Larry Svanda of Oregon, Wisconsin; son, Todd (Betsy) Svanda of Portland, Michigan; daughter, Renee’

*** CONDENSED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE OREGON VILLAGE BOARD, OCTOBER 7, 2019 Substance of the Regular Meeting of the Oregon Village Board proceedings held October 7, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. with Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter presiding. Present: Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter, Trustees: Jerry Bollig (left at approx. 6:10 p.m.), Randy Glysch, Cory Horton, Jenna Jacobson, and Amanda Peterson. Approved: 1. 2020-2021 Senior Center Agreement 2. Village of Oregon Municipal Court Deposit Schedule 3. 07-252019 Meeting Minutes from Joint Meeting with Village Board and Towns and Oregon Area Fire/EMS District. 4. Vouchers dated 10-07-2019 in the amount of $541,058.59. 5. Declared Miscellaneous Computer Equipment at Village Hall as surplus. 6. Vandewalle & Associates proposal dated 08-22-2019 in the amount of $4,900 to prepare the General Development plan for the new library project. 7. 2020 Staley Plumbing & Heating Co. Inc. Heating, Ventilation and Air Condition maintenance contract in the amount of $18,876 billed monthly at $1,573 per their proposal #331 dated 08-22-2019. 8. Creating a Safe Exchange Zone in the Police Department parking lot. 9. ES&S Election Equipment and Software purchase (Express Vote Machines) in the amount of $10,335. 10. Approve Municipal Judge Beth Cox’s request to allocated funds in the 2020 court budget to provide additional funding of $5,820 for increased responsibility for the Court Greeter Position effective January 1, 2020. 11. Senior Center Administrative Assistant Job Description. 12. Certified Survey Map for a duplex at 1026-1030 Vinyard Dr (Lot 51 Rustic Vinyard). Appointments: Trustee David Donovan to Finance Buildings & Facilities Committee, Personnel, Public Safety & Protection Committee, and the Council on Aging effective November 1, 2019. Licenses Approved: Approved NEW Operators’ License for Christina O’Connor – Oregon Bowl. Approved RENEWAL Operator’s License for Samantha R. Lyon – Headquarters. Public Appearances: There were none. Other Matters: Closed session pursuant to Wis. State Statutes 19.85 (1) (c) to continue considering performance evaluation information relating to the Police Chief. To view a complete copy of the minutes for this meeting visit www.vil.oregon.wi.us. Submitted by Clerk, Peggy Haag Approved: November 18, 2019 Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP *** CONDENSED MINUTES OF THE FIRST 2020 BUDGET MEETING OF THE OREGON VILLAGE BOARD & JOINT MEETING WITH THE PARK BOARD OCTOBER 7, 2019 Substance of the First 2020 Budget meeting of the Oregon Village Board proceedings held October 7, 2019 at 7:02 p.m. with Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter presiding. Present: Village Board President Jeanne Car-

(Tony) Frey of Cross Plains, Wisconsin; as well as six grandchildren, Caroline Svanda, David Svanda, Catherine Svanda, Christine Svanda, Logan Frey and Mahala Frey. She is also survived by two brothers, Giehl (Mary Beth) King of Lake Ridge, Virginia and Dale (Cathy) King of Kings, Illinois; and brother-inlaw, David (Debra Coy) Svanda of Clarksville, Maryland. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Floyd King and Mary Virginia King. A Celebration of Life will be held at People’s United Methodist Church, 103 North Alpine Parkway, Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, with Pastor Jason Mahnke presiding. A luncheon for all family and friends will be held at the church immediately following the service. Burial will be held at a later date at Big Mound Cemetery in Illinois. Visitation will be held at Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Care, 1150 Park Street, Oregon, from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2019, and also at church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday. Memorials may be made in Linda’s honor, to People’s United Methodist Church, the Oregon Senior Center or the Oregon Food Pantry. Linda’s family would like to thank all the surgeons, doctors, nurses, and therapists at St.Mary’s Hospital of Madison, and Skaalen Rehab Center in Stoughton for all the care and support. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. 835-3515

penter, Trustees: Jerry Bollig (arrived at 8:48 p.m.), Randy Glysch, Cory Horton, Jenna Jacobson, and Amanda Peterson. A Joint Meeting between the Village Board and Park Board began at 7:40 p.m. Park Board Members Present: Village Board Representative: Cory Horton, Chamber Representative: Judy Knutson, Richard Korth, School Board Member Tim LeBrun, and Mark Miller Approved: 1. 2020 Preliminary Police Budget Items. 2. 2020 Preliminary Senior Center Budget Items. 3. Requesting a proposal from Rettler Corporation for Design and Construction Oversight of Highlands of Netherwood Park and adding construction of restroom facilities to the project. 4. Including $3.0 million borrowing in a future Village borrowing package to complete the entire $4.0 million Jaycee Park West Improvement Project once the $500,000 fundraising goal has been met. 5. Including and purchasing ($244,000) additional property (located on the east side of North Alpine Parkway) from the Oregon School District and finalizing the Concept Plan in the 2020 budget. 6. Including General Fund Parks Budget in Preliminary 2020 Budget. 7. Including Park Fund in Preliminary 2020 Budget. 8. Including Playing Fields Fund in 2020 Preliminary Budget noting the Capital Improvements should be increased to $1.3 million (from $1,050,000) to incorporate constructing bathroom facilities into the Highlands of Netherwood Park project. To view a complete copy of the minutes for this meeting visit www.vil.oregon.wi.us. Submitted by Clerk, Peggy Haag Approved: November 18, 2019 Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP *** CONDENSED MINUTES OF THE SECOND 2020 BUDGET MEETING OF THE OREGON VILLAGE BOARD, OCTOBER 14, 2019 & JOINT MEETING WITH THE OREGON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD & CABLE TV COMMITTEE Substance of the Second 2020 Budget meeting of the Oregon Village Board proceedings held, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. with Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter presiding. Present: Village Board President Jeanne Carpenter, Trustees: Jerry Bollig, Randy Glysch, Cory Horton, Jenna Jacobson, Amanda Peterson. There was no quorum present for the Cable TV Committee. A Joint Meeting with the Library Board began at 5:11 p.m. Present: Village Board Representative Randy Glysch, Coral Goplin, Jennifer Nelson, Kyle Severson, and Laura Shtaida Approved: 1. 2020 Preliminary Library Budget Items. 2. 2020 Preliminary Cable TV Budget Items. 3. Approve an option – known as Option #3 (a) – Increase contingency by $66,800 and keeping the average property tax home increase below $90.00. 4. Ehler’s (Village’s Financial Advisor) Financial Plan. 5. $2,000 in additional funding allocated to Oregon Youth Center’s 2020 Budget. 6. 2020 Preliminary Administrative Section Budget Items. 7. 2020 Preliminary Public Works Budget Items including market wage adjustments for three (3) Public Work Department Employees. 8. 2020 Pre-

Leona V. Barrett Leona V. Barrett, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019. She was born on April 21, 1933, in Genoa City, Wisconsin, to the late Walter and Alma (nee Hoppe) Krohn. Leona graduated from Lake Geneva Badger High School in 1951, participating in mixed choir, dramatics and Future Homemakers of America. On May 9, 1953, she was united in marriage to the late John A. Barrett at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva Wisconsin. They were married for 64 years. Leona’s life reflected her faith in God, love of her family, gardening, cooking and home decor. She was a true homemaker. A s a y o u n g wo m a n , Leona was a bookkeeper for Wisconsin Southern Gas Company. When John enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, she moved to Carswell Airforce Base, in Ft. Worth, Texas to be with him. She returned with John to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 1956 to build their first home together and to start a family. Leona was an active member of First Congregational Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva, where she served on the first of many women’s guilds. In 1971, she and John moved to Oregon, Wisconsin when John accepted a transfer with the Wisconsin Power and Light Co. (Alliant Energy). Leona joined the Oregon School District for many years

liminary Special Fund Budget Items. 9. 2020 Preliminary Water Budget. 10. 2020 Preliminary Sewer Budget. 11. 2020 Preliminary Budget, including proposed tax levy, and setting 11-18-2019 as the date for the Budget Public Hearing. 12. Hiring Attorney Patrick Fiedler (Hurley Burish Attorneys) – Engagement for Investigative Services. 13. Hiring The Riseling Group. 14. Declare Election Automark Machines surplus. To view a complete copy of the minutes for this meeting visit www.vil.oregon.wi.us. Submitted by Clerk, Peggy Haag Approved: November 18, 2019 Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP *** MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THE OREGON SCHOOL DISTRICT HELD ON NOVEMBER 11, 2019 The regular meeting of the School Board of the Oregon School District was called to order by Board President Steve Zach at 6:30 PM on November 11, 2019, in the OSD Innovation Center at the Oregon High School in the Village of Oregon, Dane County, Wisconsin. Upon roll call, the following Board members were present: Ms. Barb Feeney, Ms. Courtney Odorico, Ms. Ahna Bizjak, Mr. Troy Pankratz, Mr. Tim LeBrun and Mr. Zach. The following Board members were absent: Ms. Krista Flanagan. Administrators present: Dr Brian Busler, Dr. Leslie Bergstrom, Ms. Jina Jonen, Mr. Andy Weiland, Ms. Erika Mundinger, Mr. Jon Tanner, Dr. Candace Weidensee, Mr. Jim Pliner, Ms. Kerri Modjeski, Ms. Dawn Goltz, Mr. Chris Kluck, Ms. Kim Griffin, Ms. Anna Seidenstricker, Ms. Mary Hermes, Mr. Brad Ashmore, Dr. Shannon Anderson, Ms. Stephanie Snyder Knudtson and Ms. Katie Heitz. Proof in the form of a certificate by the Oregon Observer of communications and public notice given to the public and the Oregon Observer and a certificate of posting as required by Section 19.84 Wisconsin Statutes as to the holding of this meeting was presented by Mr. Zach. Mr. Zach announced that at the conclusion of the meeting, the Board would be moving into closed session and would not be returning to open session. Ms. Bizjak moved and Mr. LeBrun

Leona V. Barrett

as a teacher’s aide. Leona enjoyed working to help the teachers and students of Oregon. She and John retired in 1992 and they built another home outside of Tomahawk, Wisconsin. She enjoyed living in the Northwoods for several years fulfilling a dream she and John had. In 1999, John and Leona moved to Pardeeville, Wisconsin. to build their final home and be closer to family. Over the years, together, she and John enjoyed church functions, home improvement projects, camping with family and friends, and many fishing trips to Canada. Leona is survived by one son, Matthew (Dawn) Barrett of Poynette, Wisconsin; two daughters, Pamela (Wade) Engelhart of Oregon, Wisconsin and Cheryl Barrett (Kurt Kaiser) of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Breanna (Colin) Beney, Courtney Barrett, Jacob (Amanda) Engelhart, Noah Engelhart, Christian, Carson and Caelyn Kaiser. She is also

seconded the motion to proceed with the meeting as posted. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote 6-0. A. CONSENT CALENDAR: Ms. Feeney moved and Mr. Pankratz seconded the motion to approve the following items on the Consent Calendar: 1. Approval of Minutes: October 28, 2019 Board Meeting 2. Approve payments in the amount of $950,960.10 3. Treasurer’s Report: None 4. Staff Resignations/Retirements: None 5. Staffing Assignments: None 6. Field Trip Requests: a. Spanish Immersion Weekend in Bemidji, MN February 20, 2020 — February 23, 2020. b. DECA Leadership Conference to Camp Gray, December 13, 2019 — December 15, 2019. 7. Acceptance of Donations: Brooklyn Methodist Church in the amount of $300 for OSD student needs Old National Bancorp in the amount of $1000 for Tools for Schools — playground Bruning Foundation in the amount of $10,000 for the Oregon High School PAC 8. Safety State Grant Drill Report Acceptance — None Motion passed 6-0 in a unanimous voice vote. B. COMMUNICATION FROM PUBLIC: None C. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1. OEA Report — none 2. Student Representative Report — Cubby Vandermause introduced himself and will be serving as the second semester student representative. D. ACTION ITEMS: 1. Change December Board Meeting from December 9 to December 16: Mr. LeBrun moved and Ms. Bizjak seconded the motion to change the December Board meeting to December 16th. This will allow administration to gather the feedback from the December 2nd, December 7th and December 12th parent listening sessions on school start times, transportation and attendance area boundaries. Motion passed 6-0 by unanimous voice vote. E. INFORMATION ITEMS: 1. Social Emotional Learning Up-

survived by a sister-in-law, Marilyn Desing; and many relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents, Walter and Alma Krohn; mother-in-law, Margaret Barrett (nee Bingham) and father-in-law, Miles Barrett; three brothers and a sister-in-law, Walter Krohn Jr., Roger Krohn and Fred (Marion) Krohn; and nephews, Dale Krohn and Mike Millard. Vi s i t a t i o n w i l l t a k e place at Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Care, 1150 Park St., Oregon, Wisconsin from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019, and at Good Shepherd by the Lake Lutheran Church, 1850 US-51, S t o u g h t o n , Wi s c o n s i n from 9111 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, 2019. A Memorial Service at church will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday. Christian burial at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin will be held at 3 p.m. We would like to thank the caring staff, residents and her friends at the Milestone Senior Living facility for their compassionate care and friendship. Online condolences may be expressed at gundersonfh.com. Mom ~ Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure. Love you always and forever, your loving family. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. 835-3515

date: Janet Pliner and Michelle Kretschman presented an update to the Board regarding their work in the District as Social Emotional Learning Coaches. 2. Equity Update: Dr. Bergstrom and Dr. Weidensee provided an update to the Board on the equity work that the District is engaging in. 3. School Naming Update: Ms. Mundinger and Ms. Sharkus updated the Board on the video that will be produced to educate students and the voting process that will be used for students to vote for the name of Elementary School #4. 4. Superintendent’s Report: F. CLOSING: 1. Future Agenda: Discussion was held. 2. Check Out: Board members had an opportunity to give updates. At 7:48 PM, Mr. Zach announced that the Board would recess before moving into closed session. Ms. Bizjak moved and Mr. LeBrun seconded the motion to move into closed executive session as posted, and announced by Mr. Zach. In a roll call vote, the following Board members voted yes: Ms. Bizjak, Mr. LeBrun, Ms. Feeney, Ms. Odorico, Mr. Pankratz and Mr. Zach. Motion passed 6-0. The Board was in closed session at 7:55 PM. G. CLOSED SESSION: 2. Deliberations Regarding Use of Public Properties on County Highway MM, Fitchburg pursuant to Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(e). Discussion Held. Mr. Pankratz left the meeting at 8:54 PM due to conflict of interest in the next agenda item. 1. Conferring with Legal Counsel about potential Post-Retirement Benefit pursuant to Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(e) and Wis. Stats 19.85(1)(g). Discussion Held. H. ADJOURNMENT: Ms. Bizjak moved and Ms. Feeney seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed 5-0 by unanimous voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 9:42 PM. Krista Flanagan, Clerk Oregon School District Published: December 5, 2019 WNAXLP ***

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December 5, 2019

Obituaries

Lost & Found

Marleen Bell Marleen Bell of Green Valley Arizona passed away on Oct. 30, 2019 at the age of 83. She was born to Elmer A. and Leona (Payne) Markham on July 5 in Lime Ridge, Wisconsin. She graduated from Oregon High School. She received her baccalaureate degree in music from Milton College Wisconsin in 1958, and studied Speech Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate School, and CSU Northridge California, where she also did ASL interpreting, and tutoring for the deaf. Marleen taught in public schools as well as Privately in Wisconsin and California. She later became a Court Reporter in Houston, Texas until retiring in 1988. Marleen has lived in Green Valley since 2000. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter DA. She also was a volunteer at the Tubac Center of the Arts, and an active member of her Church, St. Francis

in the Valley Episcopal. She was a talented organist, and was often the organist for her own church. She also filled in at various local Churches wherever she lived. She was an avid birder, she loved reading, traveling, camping, and music. She was a gourmet cook, and a gracious hostess. Her husband Dr. David G. Bell preceded her in death. They were married for 58 years. She is survived by her daughter Kathleen (Mike) McCutchen, Ypsilanti, Michigan; son John (Kim) Bell Amado, Arizona; one brother Robert J. (Mary) Markham Oregon, Wisconsin; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition Marleen had 11 step-grand-children, and 23 step-great-grand-children. And numerous 4-legged grand-pups over the years. A Memorial Service was held at St. Francis in the Valley Episcopal Church on Sunday Nov. 10, 2019

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Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin. CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE IS Noon Friday for The Great Dane and Noon Monday for The Oregon Observer unless changed because of holiday work schedules. Call now to place your ad, 873-6671 or 8356677.

FRENCHTOWNSELF-STORAGE Only 6 miles South of Verona on Hwy PB. Variety of sizes available now. 10x10=$65-month 10x15=$75-month 10x20=$85-month 10x25=$95-month 12x30=$120-month Call 608-424-6530 or 1-888-878-4244

COLUMBUS ANTIQUE MALL & CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MUSEUM “Wisconsin’s Largest Antique Mall!” Customer Appreciation Week 20% off December 2-8 Enter daily 8am-4pm 78,000SF 200 Dealers in 400 Booths Third floor furniture, locked cases Location: 239 Whitney St Columbus, WI 53925 920-623-1992 www.columbusantiquemall.com

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

Miscellaneous WOOD STOVE with chimney for sale. 608-732-7083.

RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240

SEASONED SPLIT OAK, Hardwood. Volume discount. Will deliver. 608609-1181.

Lawn & Garden

SELF-STORAGE lock-and-leave dry metal pole barn, gravel floor, rural Verona, 4000 sqft, only $400/month. 608-848-2345.

42" SNOW BLOWER ATTACHMENT for John Deere Series 100 Tractors. Hardly used. $850. 608-692-1315. ARIENS DELUXE 30 snow blower, 305cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 30" wide, 2 stage snow blower. Remote axle lock drive, electric start, heated handle bars, excellent condition, $795. 608-623-2789.

Wanted

Office Space For Rent

WE BUY Junk Cars and Trucks. We sell used parts. Monday thru Friday 8am-5:30pm. Newville Auto Salvage 279 Hwy 59, Edgerton 608-884-3114

OFFICE/RETAIL Space for rent in Downtown Oregon. Available December 1. 1274 sqft; $1062 per month. Heat included in rent. Contact 608-333-4420 or 715-891-4784 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

Rentals

ROSEWOOD APARTMENTS for Seniors 55+. 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month. Includes heat, water and sewer. Professionally managed. Located at 300 Silverado Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589. 608-877-9388

0750 ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGON/BROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900

Horses LOOKING TO buy all types of horses andor ponies. Riding or not. Cash paid. 262-930-9271.

Livestock HERD OF 50 Holstein milk cows. Black and white, red and white. Mostly A.I. Bred. Low SSC and high butter fat. Platteville. 608-778-2555. WANTED: CONSIGNORS for the upcoming PAPA Alliance Black hided Feeder Calf and Yearling sales at Bloomington Livestock Exchange, Bloomington, WI. Sale dates are December 6 and January 3. Call and get on the early listings for whichever sale works best for you. No dairy crosses. For information contact Greg May 608-5740719 or BLE 608-994-2020.

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 SIOUX GRAIN BIN, 27 ft. diameter, 6 ring high, drying floor, unloading auger, dismantled, $5,500, also 27 in. drying heater with fan, used 1 season, $2,900. Wanted: Portable band saw mill. Bennie Herschberger, 47189 Maple Ridge Rd., Boscobel, WI. 53805, 608-391-1220.

Real Estate FARMETTE FOR sale near Platteville: 4 bedroom brick house with buildings, a few acres. Also, up to 60 acres of land. Can be used for farming or residential housing. 608-732-5052.

ALL ADS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER.

Get

ConneCted

VERONA OFFICE Space for Rent. 1000 sqft. 3 separate offices, reception area, bathroom, storage, offstreet parking and room for your sign on the building. Call or text Mike at 608-577-3766.

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

11

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

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

SNOW BLOWER. 22 horsepower Husqvarna tractor complete with 40-inch snow blower, 42-inch lawn mower, and Precision Trailer. Located in Stoughton. 608.438.3380.

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

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December 5, 2019

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Oregon Observer

Multicultural: Teachers more ready to respond to ‘F-word’ than racial slurs Continued from page 1 showing support for their peers and sharing stories. Now, the group numbers 40 in all and regularly draws 20 students or more every Thursday. But today it is more than a support system, Monroe said. The organization is gaining influence and the three pillars are meant to make OASD a supportive, safe and comfortable place for all students. It pledges to tutor, create awareness for white educators and be a support network for students of color in a district where 87.2% of students self identify as white, according to the state Department of Public Instruction. Monroe and other MSU students frequently meet with principal Jim Pliner and OHS counselor Alyssa Pon-Franklin to discuss ways in which the district can be more inclusive. In September, Monroe spoke at the annual Welcome Back Conference, where she presented to the entire Oregon School District. And Monday, Dec. 2, the group delivered a formal presentation at an all staff OHS faculty meeting with an informational PowerPoint, educational activities and personal testimonies from five students. MSU students regularly tutor others to close the opportunity gaps and are spreading their services to Rome Corners Intermediate and Oregon Middle School. Pon-Franklin is the only educator of color at OHS, not including the aides or janitors, she said. Soon, the avid MSU supporter said she will be leaving the district to accept a position at University of Wisconsin-Madison. At the group’s first meeting, she recalled, she asked the students if they were comfortable in the building. “Every single student said they felt like they didn’t belong,” Franklin said. Today, however, the voices of MSU are amplified and students hope to be heard from school to school to ensure all students feel as if they belong. MSU students welcome everyone in the building to their meetings to learn and share stories, and it is partially why they used the word “multicultural.” At last month’s meeting, there were white students participating, plus three white teachers, Pliner and the shool’s police officer observing. “I’m very supportive of our Multicultural Student Union,” Pliner wrote to the Observer in an email. “This is a wonderful group of students who have so many strengths. The MSU helps provide a voice for students and it is important that these stories are heard. The stories there reaffirm the importance of the work that we, as a school and as a district, have committed to doing. The stories also convince me that we have more work to do.”

Presentation to OHS faculty: ‘I’m disappointed’ MACKENZIE KRUMME Unified Newspaper Group

Photo by Mackenzie Krumme

Carlie Monroe presents at an all staff faculty meeting at Oregon High School on Monday, Dec. 2. Part of her presentation included how teachers should respond when they hear a student make a racist remark.

Sharing stories

At MSU meetings, students share their personal stories with one another and discuss current events and issues. During the Nov. 14 MSU, a female student from India said she had been asked two weeks earlier if she was an African exchange student. Then, after sharing a water bottle with a peer, she heard someone say, “Don’t drink out of that bottle now, Indians have diseases.” At least three black students rhetorically wondered why white students always wanted to touch their hair and ask why they don’t talk more “ghetto.” Another student, who self identified as Asian, said she faced another peer who yelled “ching chong” to her multiple times in a classroom. MSU member Deja Smith said she hears remarks like this often. And sometimes students claim they are just trying to be funny or didn’t have the intention of making a hurtful statement. But Smith, who has a black father and white mother said that it doesn’t matter the intention. “Just don’t say it,” she said. Students also talked about Marlon Anderson, Madison West High School security guard, who was fired and subsequently hired back after public outcry when a student called him the N-word and he repeated the word to instruct the student not to use it. They also discussed the ethics of reading the N-word out loud from a book like, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Spreading awareness

The microaggressions and racist remarks the students discuss need to be addressed in the moment, Monroe told the Observer. One way MSU students plan to address this is by bringing awareness and educational tools to teachers. First, they invite teachers to their meetings every week. They want their stories to be heard and they want teachers to intervene in the classroom when

Tutoring available If parents or students would like a tutor from the Multicultural Student Union contact Carlie Monroe at carlie.monroe@oregonsd.net. they hear things like, “You can be our Spanish dictionary,” or “That is so gay.” “It is important for (educators) to know that is is not the job of a student color to be teaching their peers,” Monroe said. “It bothers me a lot seeing a student saying a biggoted comment and the students around are the ones saying, ‘It is not OK.’” Smith told the Observer the club hopes to see teachers intervene more readily when they hear an inappropriate comment, rather than shy away from it. “Some teachers are more ready to intervene after hearing an F-bomb than they are from hearing the N-word,” Smith said after an MSU meeting. Monroe said students also want to hear the positive contributions people of color have made to the United States rather than just learning about slavery, the Trail of Tears and Japanese concentration camps in the United States during World War II. “The idea of, ‘Oh, I’m not good enough,’ starts at a young age,” Monroe said. “If kids are not hearing about the positive contributions people of color have made to America, they are going to think they haven’t made any.” Making the classroom a place for all students involves adjusting the curriculum, Monroe said. “I want these kids to be as successful as needed – but the things with a school like Oregon, we don’t focus on culturally relevant teaching. We don’t talk about the contributions people of color have made to society which is incredibly important when teaching students of color.” Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie.krumme@wcinet.com.

The Multicultural Student Union has been growing its presence steadily over the past year. O n M o n d a y, D e c . 2 , they delivered a presentation at an Oregon High School faculty meeting for the first time, along with structured activities. “I’m very disappointed,” Carlie Monroe, the group’s founder said to start the meeting. Educators listened s i l e n t l y, a s M o n r o e explained that students of color felt unsafe and often further marginalized by actions and lack of action by the faculty. After Monroe’s initial PowerPoint about the steps teachers should take when they hear a microaggression, she turned the floor over to five students – one senior and four freshmen – to share stories the way other students have at previous faculty meetings. Wi t h m i c r o p h o n e s i n hand, the students went down the line sharing stories of anonymous students who have felt put down by teachers. “ I d i d n ’t ex p e c t t h i s from you,” one was told after a student received a high test score. Another broke down in tears, unable to fully share her story, about feeling “unsafe” in school.

Principal Jim Pliner and Monroe had worked together the previous day to set up details of the meeting. He told the Observer student voice is powerful and important and that teachers found it to be the most impactful aspect of the faculty meetings. O H S s t a ff c o m p l e t e d two activities during the meeting. First, teachers had to match sayings or phrases with possible interpretations such as: “As a woman, I understand what you experience as a minority,” to a statement like “I’m not racist, because I’m oppressed like you.” Next, faculty had four discussions points that they were meant to talk a b o u t i n a t wo p e r s o n group. One example: “When people discuss microaggressions, a common response is that they are ‘innocent acts’ and that the person who experiences them should ‘let go of the incident’ and ‘not make a big deal out of it.’ Another: Alvin Pous saint refers to the cumulative impact of experiencing microaggressions as ‘death by a thousand nicks.” With both statements, faculty were asked whether they agreed and why. Contact Mackenzie Krumme at mackenzie. krumme@wcinet.com.

Send it in! We like to send reporters to shoot photos, but we can’t be everywhere. And we know you all have cameras. So if you have a photo of an event or just a slice of life you think the community might be interested in, send it to us and we’ll use it if we can. Please include contact information, what’s happening in the photo and the names of people pictured. You can submit it on our website at ConnectOregonWI. com, email to editor Jim Ferolie at ungeditor@wcinet.com or drop off a electronic media at our office at 156 N. Main St. Questions? Call 835-6677.

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