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Thursday, February 14, 2019 • Vol. 54, No. 39 • Verona, WI • Hometown USA • ConnectVerona.com • $1.25
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City admin resigns Mikorski will be paid for next 6 months, has been here 2 years JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
From right, Verona Area High School sophomore Christopher Lofts and his Jackson’s Crew campaign manager Meghna Krishna stand in front of blood drops on the front window of Miller and Sons Supermarket. The blood drops represent donations to Lofts’ Student of the Year campaign, a seven-week initiative to raise as much money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as he can.
Competing for a cure VAHS sophomore vies for LLS Student of the Year KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
Verona Area High School sophomore Christopher Lofts’ life isn’t so hard, he says, when he looks at the life of a 6-year-old boy named Jackson who’s inspiring him to raise money to find a cure for blood-related cancers. “He’s still a little kid, and despite all of the things he’s been through, he’s pushing through it,” he said. “If
this little kid can do it, then we can all push through our struggles too … it’s motivational to know that everything I’m struggling with in high school is nothing compared to cancer.” Lofts is leading a team of students from VAHS in the inaugural Madison Students of the Year fundraising competition for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), where 6-year-old Jackson is the namesake of the campaign. LLS is a national
organization dedicated to finding cures for blood-based cancers, funding research and improving patient access to affordable care. The campaign began on Jan. 26 and lasts for seven weeks, ending March 14 with the Madison Grand Finale event, where one student’s campaign will be awarded Student of the Year. There are 11 teams from around the
Turn to LLS/Page 8
For the second time in a decade, the City of Verona has decided to part ways with an administrator. While the unanimous vote Monday, Feb. 1 1 , wa s t o “accept the voluntary resignation” of Jeff Mikorski, it clearly was anything but voluntary. Mikorski Mikorski, who was not at the meeting, will be paid for the next six months and will be “Director of Administrative Services” until Turn to Administrator/Page 14
Verona Area School District
Feb. 22 now a school day, no more late starts at high school District announces changes to make up for weather closures SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
Verona Area School District
‘Bright minds’ weigh in on State of the Union
SCOTT GIRARD Unified Newspaper Group
Noah Weibel used to love watching the State of the Union. Since 2013, the Savanna Oaks Middle School social
studies teacher has instead spent those nights copying and pasting student emails into his Twitter for a “Tweet-a-thon.” This year, that brought 53 tweets from students on their reactions to what President Donald Trump was saying Tuesday, Feb. 5. “I’m madly just pumping those out,” he told the Press on the phone. “I feel like I hardly even
watched the actual speech,” he recalled telling his wife one year with a laugh. But Weibel is glad to “see it through their eyes as it’s happening” instead, and said the engagement it brings is among the most rewarding parts of his job. “The cool thing with this environment, it leaves me ever optimistic and hopeful,” Weibel said. “These are some really bright
minds and they say things that are often really on point.” That first year, he was “shocked” at the participation. “It really made me feel better about things going on in the world with how many kids participated,” he recalled. It quickly connected to
Turn to Tweets/Page 7
Verona Area School District students will soon have to pay the price for the four unexpected days off in recent weeks, and it could get worse. All students will now have a school day Friday, Feb. 22, which was scheduled as a staff-only day for professional development. High school students, who have the most time to make up because they have a higher number of instructional hours required by state law, will no longer have previously scheduled
Late start changes High school students will have school beginning at 8:10 a.m. instead of the previously scheduled late starts on the following Mondays: February: 18 March: 4, 18 April: 1, 15, 29 May: 13 June: 10
late starts for the remainder of the year. The district announced the changes in a website post from superintendent
Turn to Weather/Page 3
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April 5, according to a severance agreement the council approved with his resignation. That essentially means he will serve as a consultant, Mayor Luke Diaz told the Press Monday night, and will answer questions as needed to help smooth the transition to the next administrator. He said Mikorski has been helpful in planning the transition so far. Mikorski signed the severance agreement Feb. 5, three weeks after the council met in closed session to discuss his performance. A letter of reference that is part of the agreement states, “Mr. Mikorski always acted in the best interest of the city and performed his job with professionalism, respect and commitment.” Those sentiments are echoed in the “mutual” press
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February 14, 2019
The Verona Press
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February 14, 2019
The Verona Press
City of Verona
Warming center plan reconsidered JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
The extreme weather of the past few weeks led to a decision by the city to open the Verona Public Library as a warming center Jan. 30. It was a sudden executive decision, and Monday, alders discussed whether it should be rethought in the future. No decisions were made, but the Library Board and director Stacey Burkart pointed out that she had been concerned about the safety of getting several staff members to and from work in the severe cold,
which hit windchill temperatures of minus-50 or worse. B u r k a r t a c k n ow l e d g e d t h e library is otherwise a good choice for a warming center, as its many amenities gave people things to do if they were waiting to warm up for an excursion into the cold. But with 200 people there and 30,000 square feet to cover, it required normal staffing levels. Other options the council discussed included using the smaller Verona Senior Center building, the fire station or City Center (or another building where “essential services” would require it to be open regardless and using police or
firefighters to staff a smaller, sectioned-off area of the library. Each had its own concerns. The fire station, for example, chief Joe Giver said, would be a problem if staffers were called out and had to leave the building unattended. A concern with the senior center is being open might encourage seniors to think of it as open normally – as appeared to be the case with the library – and that might be unsafe. Ald. Sarah Gaskell (Dist. 2) said the library is a good place, but “it’s a matter of better planning” to ensure staffing levels are chosen carefully and things like distance
from work and the timing of the weather events are considered. Mayor Luke Diaz said he’d speak with staff about it, and if a policy is determined, it might or might not need to return for council approval. In any case, he said, it’s an important discussion to have. “It speaks to the need that we need to have some pretty good emergency planning,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been talking about unprecedented weather events an awful lot lately.” Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet. com.
Stolen car activity stays on pace with prior years Thefts more common in neighborhoods north of Verona Avenue KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
File photo by Alexander Cramer
Kate Suskey was the general manager of 4 Sisters in Liberty Business Park, which closed this month.
4 Sisters closes After opening in the fall of 2017 among several new eateries in the Liberty Business Park, 4 Sisters Tapas Restaurant has closed its doors. According to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page late Monday night, owners announced “with heavy hearts” that the restaurant has closed after 15 months. “We want to thank all of the wonderful patrons who supported our business … (and) all the kitchen staff and front of the house staff who did such an amazing job in putting out delicious food and drinks,” the post read. “No regrets. The restaurant business can be risky; however had we not taken the chance we would have always wondered what if …”
EMERALD INVESTMENTS MINI STORAGE
Email Unified Newspaper Group reporter Scott De Laruelle at scott.dela ruelle@wcinet.com.
Dean Gorrell Friday, Feb. 8 – the day after schools were closed for icy roads and before another closure Tuesday. School was also closed Jan. 23, 30 and 31. The state requires at least 1,137 hours of instruction for grades 7 through 12, and at least 1,050 for grades 1 through 6. According to the website post, the high school is now 24 hours short of that pace. “And while there still remains a surplus of time scheduled for the elementary and middle schools, we have missed four valuable days of instruction,” Gorrell wrote. For high school students, previously scheduled late start days will now begin at 8:10 a.m. instead of 8:30 a.m. Those dates are: Feb. 18; March 4 and 18; April 1, 15 and 29; May 13; and June 10. Buses will pick students up 20 minutes earlier than the normal time for the rest of the week. Passing time between lunch and the fifth- or sixthhour class will be shortened by two minutes beginning Monday, Feb. 11, and the final day of school – June 12 – will be a full day instead of ending at 1 p.m. as scheduled. “We understand these modifications may create inconveniences and/ or adversely impact some families and students with specific considerations,” Gorrell wrote. “If you have a specific situation that is adversely impacted by these changes, please reach out to your student’s counselor and/or your school administrator.” Gorrell told the school board Monday, before the latest closure, that extending the school year would be especially challenging this year because of the early start in August for 2019-20. “Adding days onto the end would be difficult,” Gorrell said. Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
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Jake and Kate Suskey were approached in 2016 by the owners of a 4 Sisters businesses in La Crosse about opening a similar restaurant in Verona, which they did in October 2017, according to a Press story in December 2017. Jake Suskey served as executive chef in charge of a kitchen that focused on tapas-style small plates, while his wife, Kate was the general manager, overseeing operation. News of the closing spread quickly on Facebook, with more than 30 comments and counting as of press time Tuesday afternoon, many lamenting the loss and complimenting the restaurant’s quality of food, drinks, service and “vibe.”
Dresser said. He added that most of them are “not deterred by police contact,” and often flee officers. “Verona (police department) does have a reputation with this group that we aggressively find them,” Dresser said. The most frustrating part of the phenomena of juveniles stealing vehicles, Dresser said, is their nonchalance toward the consequences of their criminal activity, as they don’t seem to care that charges are piling up on their records, or that they or their passengers are being injured during pursuits. “A 13-year-old girl (said), ‘I’ll just steal another car,’” he said. “The fact that they’re having police contact and being entered into the criminal justice system isn’t deterring them from doing these crimes. And that’s frustrating to us – at times we feel like the kids aren’t being held accountable, where the same kids are doing the same crimes over and over.”
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Thefts of vehicles in Verona in 2018 stayed consistent with prior years, but police frustration with lack of consequences for repeat offenders and demand on the department for assistance with vehicle recovery are continuing to rise. Verona police department Lt. David Dresser told the Press that out of the 12 reports of stolen vehicles in 2018, eight of them were related to criminal activity carried out by a group of around 30 juveniles who live in or close to Madison. The remaining four reports can be attributed to residents having their vehicles repossessed or having gone missing due to civil matters such as miscommunication between family members, he said. That aligns closely with years prior, where there were seven reports of stolen vehicles that were deliberately stolen in 2017 and seven in 2016, Dresser said. Dresser said that for the most part, residents have started to notice the trend and have started to lock their car doors and garages, but the group of juveniles still find people who don’t heed the department’s warning. “They have the ability to find at least eight victims,” he said. “It’s a crime of opportunity, and it’s also a crime that has no
boundaries. It’s not just a big-city issue. It would be easy just to blame this on Madison, but it’s not just a Madison issue – it’s all of Dane County.” Of the eight thefts of vehicles in 2018, Dresser said seven of them were from neighborhoods north of Verona Avenue, with only one from the southern side of the city. He attributes the trend to geographical location and proximity to Madison. Additionally, there were 44 thefts from vehicles in 2018, where cars weren’t stolen but were broken into, totalling around 27 percent of all theft cases. That’s down from 67 cases in 2017, but still higher than 16 reported thefts from vehicles in 2016. Dresser said Verona officers became more involved in stolen vehicle pursuits in 2018, assisting in the recovery and tracking down suspects who flee police on foot. “It seems like there’s a dramatic increase this year of us recovering stolen cars for other agencies, where the operators of these stolen cars will drive into Verona either to steal other cars, or they’ll go to our local gas stations to steal gas,” he said, noting that the Kwik Trip at the corner of County Hwys. M and PB is a common area where suspects bring stolen vehicles because of its proximity to Hwys. 18-151’s onand off-ramps. The department referred charges for nine people in 2018 for thefts of vehicles or operating a vehicle without the consent of the owner – most being juveniles, some with gang affiliations or who drive “in tandem,”
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February 14, 2019
Opinion
The Verona Press
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Letters to the editor
The shutdown is over – for now The extended partial government shutdown brought sharp focus to what the risk of hunger and food insecurity looks like for many hardworking families. While the focus for much of last month was on the nearly 800,000 federal employees who were furloughed or working without pay, the challenge of not earning enough money continues today for millions of Americans, including over 57,000 in Dane County. While the furloughed federal employees will receive back pay, most federal contract workers — janitors, security guards and food servers, many of whom who earn the least — will not get back pay, despite losing 10 percent of their annual earnings during the shutdown. This creates new need and gaps for the emergency food system that includes the Badger Prairie Needs Network. Some were surprised that many affected workers were turning to food pantries. Those of us working to end hunger locally were struck by the similarities between furloughed government workers and 65 percent of the adults who use our local pantry. The typical American worker earns around $44,500 a year. Households earning under $46,000 are eligible to receive federal commodities at the food pantry. That’s right, the typical worker in American qualifies
for food pantry assistance. Consider the minimum wage in Wisconsin: $7.25 per hour. At this rate, working fulltime earns just over $15,000 a year. Many households using the food pantry have multiple wage-earners or are single parents working multiple jobs. The sad reality is, those furloughed federal workers are not special. They are the norm. Watching news coverage of restaurants opening as soup kitchens, pop-up food pantries and GoFundMe pages to help pay the rent was heartbreaking. It was inspiring to see people come together to help their neighbors. While the shutdown is over and those government employees are being paid, the battle against hunger for many more Americans continues. Far too many are working as hard and as long as we can – and we’re still not making it. How can you help? Donate to your local food pantry, volunteer to help, get involved in local government and vote in each and every election. Contact elected officials and tell them to support policies and programs that help families make ends meet, including supporting food assistance programs that are becoming a lifeline for many of our neighbors. Marcia Kasieta Executive Director, Badger Prairie Needs Network
Thursday, February 14, 2019 • Vol. 54, No. 39 USPS No. 658-320
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Community Voices
Consider making donations to charity directly from an IRA
I
am very fortunate to count, among my clients, a number of wonderful people that I enjoy helping and consider friends. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s lifetime of hard work and financial prudence pay off in the form of a satisfying retirement. What I find even more inspiring is the willingness of my clients to give to others. Many of my clients donate extensively to worthy causes, including local organizations like the Badger Prairie Food Arndt Pantry, Verona Area Community Theater and Verona Public Library and to larger organizations like St. Jude and the Humane Society. One of those clients recently called to talk about the donations that he plans to make over the coming year. He makes similar gifts every year and has historically written the checks personally and then listed the amounts as an itemized deduction on his federal tax return. A couple of things have changed that have caused us to adjust his process going forward. Like many Americans, he finds himself in the position of no longer itemizing deductions for the first time in many years. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (tax reform) that passed at the end
of 2017 ushered in a number of sweeping changes to our tax code. One of the stated intentions of the tax reform act was to make it simpler for people to file their taxes, and this was partially accomplished by substantially raising the standard deduction so fewer people would itemize deductions. In the case of my client, who files jointly with his wife, both of whom are over 70, their standard deduction for 2018 will be $26,600, which is far higher than what their itemized deductions would be. While his overall deduction under the new rules will be higher than it was prior to tax reform, without itemizing he would no longer receive a direct tax benefit from his charitable donations. As he is now also over age 70 ½, a new option is available to him for making his charitable donations. A Qualified Charitable Distribution would be a direct transfer of money from my client’s IRA to the qualified charity (or charities) of his choice. He will simply submit instructions as to the amount and charity that he wants to donate to and a check will be issued from his IRA, payable to the charity. Any amount he donates in this manner, up to $100,000 per year, will be excluded from his taxable income for the year but will still count as an IRA distribution and count toward his annual required minimum distribution. This will allow him to still receive a direct tax benefit for making the donation,
even though he will no longer be itemizing deductions. In order to be eligible for a Qualified Charitable Distribution the IRA owner must be over 70 ½, the distribution must otherwise be taxable and it must come from a qualifying IRA account (which can include Inherited IRAs if the other rules are met). The receiving charity must be a 501(c)(3) organization that is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions to be eligible under the rules for a Qualified Charitable Distribution. Private foundations, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations generally do not qualify. As with anything that affects your taxes, be sure to review your specific situation and intentions with a qualified tax advisor prior to making a Qualified Charitable Distribution to make sure you understand the rules and how they will work for you personally. In the case of my client, these are donations that he intended to make anyway but by doing them via a Qualified Charitable Distribution he can continue to receive a tax benefit for doing them. Perhaps you or someone you love can do the same. Trisha Arndt, CFP, is President of Wealth Strategies of Wisconsin Ltd, 901 Kimball Lane, Suite 1400, Verona, WI 53593, 8482400. Securities and Advisory Services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.
Corrections In the Jan. 31 edition of the Verona Press, the location of the Verona Area Community Theater’s show “The Odd Couple” was incorrect. All of the shows take place at the VACT building at 103 Lincoln St. A story in last week’s Verona Press about Epic contained a typographical error that completely changed the meaning of a quote, as well as a pronoun that confused the meaning of an important sentence. The quote from Epic was that the loss of a $624 million federal contract “was not unexpected,” but the story missed the double-negative and said “was not expected.” Later in that story, a sentence was intended to say some members of Congress were “disturbed” by the possibility of a long install, but the wording suggested it was the author of a letter representing the Veterans Administration. The Press regrets these errors.
See something wrong? The Verona Press does not sweep errors under the rug. If you see something you know or even think is in error, please contact editor Jim Ferolie at 845-9559 or at veronapress@wcinet.com so we can get it right.
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February 14, 2019
The Verona Press
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Noel Manor, senior center host Mardi Gras party KIMBERLY WETHAL
If You Go
Unified Newspaper Group
Cherish the Ladies will perform as part of the Verona Area Performing Arts Series Saturday, Feb. 23.
Photo submitted
Celtic royalty returns with Cherish the Ladies Press correspondent
Joanie Madden says the most important thing about putting a band together is finding the right personalities. She ought to know. The leader of the award-winning Irish music group Cherish the Ladies established the all-women quintet almost 35 years ago, and since then the group has become recognized as one of the world’s most renowned Celtic music bands with 16 albums and awards on both sides of the Atlantic. Cherish the Ladies is scheduled to perform in the Verona Area Performing Arts Series at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23. The group is replacing a previously scheduled concert, and is making its second appearance in the series after playing here in 2006. Madden said having great musicians, singers and dancers is important, but it’s critical to have people who get along with one another as well. “When you’re on the road with somebody for 15 or 16 years, you go through all the trials and tribulations of daily life — the ups and downs, the illness and the death of family members — and you become like sisters,” Madden said last week during a telephone interview from County Clare, Ireland. “I would do
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If You Go What: Verona Area Performing Arts Series: Cherish the Ladies When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 Where: Verona Area Performing Arts Center, 300 Richard St. Cost: $32 ($30 for senior citizens; $10 for 17 and under)
selected it as one of the best folk albums of 1985 and the NEA sponsored a Cherish the Ladies tour. The organizers asked Madden to lead it and pare the group down to five artists. “We met on a Wednesday and went out on tour the next day,” she recalled. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be making my living this way, having learned to play music from my father at the kitchen table.” By the time Celtic music and culture had taken America by storm around 1990, fueled by such hits as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance, Cherish the Ladies had established a strong following in the U.S. “From the beginning, we always had dancers with us, long before Riverdance or any of that,” Madden said. “We always saw that as an exciting part of our show, and people loved it.” As the group’s music and career have evolved, Cherish
the Ladies has turned to writing more original material. Its repertoire now is a mix of traditional Celtic tunes and original songs provided by each band member, with Madden and guitarist/vocalist Mary Coogan as the primary composers. “When it comes to written tunes, the trick is to make it sound like it’s been around for 200 years,” she explained. “We all learned this music through our families, and we’d be more worried about what our fathers would think than what the New York Times critic would say about our music.” Along with Madden (flute, whistles and harmony vocals) and Coogan (guitar, mandolin and vocals), the band includes Mirella Murray on accordion, Kathleen Boyle on piano and harmony vocals and Nollaig Casey on fiddle. The group also brings guest singers and dancers on each tour. Singer Kate Purcell and five-time World Champion dancer David Geaney will join the group for its performance here next week. Madden attributed the band’s success to the fact that “we’ve always had great musicians, great singers, great dancers and we have fun with the audience.” “We know how lucky we are to be able to make a living doing what we love to do,” she said. “It’s hard work traveling around as much as we do, but it’s what we love and it’s very rewarding.”
What: Mardi Gras party When: Noon Tuesday, March 5 Where: Noel Manor, 471 Prairie Way Blvd. RSVP: Required by Feb. 22 Info: call 620-6010 or email receptionist@ noelmanorliving.com will be held – not to mention plenty of Mardi Gras beads to go around. For more information, call 620-6010. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
Good Shepherd to host food packaging event Feb. 21-23 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host a Feed My Starving Children food packaging event Feb. 21-23. Volunteers can work in two-hour shifts during the three days of the campaign to package meals for children and families around the world who are food insecure, according to a description of the event. Anyone 5 years and older is welcome to participate. To sign up for a shift, email Chris Brinkman at chrismbrinkman@gmail. com. The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has raised more than $36,000 toward its 2019 goal, but is looking to raise $23,000 more so the congregation can donate 272,000 meals, according to the church’s website. Feed My Starving Children is a Christian non-profit organization
If You Go What: Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack event When: Feb. 21-23 Where: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7291 Hwy. PD Info: email Chris Brinkman at chrism brinkman@gmail.com or visit gslcwi.com
founded in 1987 that has provided 2 billion nutritionally complete meals to malnourished people, according to its website. For more information, visit gslcwi.com. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
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 ConnectVerona.com, email to editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com or drop off electronic media at our office at 133 Enterprise Drive. Questions? Call 845-9559.
Bald Eagle Appreciation Days 6:30-8:30pm Feb. 22-23 Fri. Sat. 9am-3pm and 7-9pm
1600 S. Wacouta Ave., Prairie du Chien, WI
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TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019 - 7:00 PM THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019 - 7:00 PM FINE ARTS CENTER VITERBO UNIVERSITYLA CROSSE, WI 608-796-3100 or www.viterbo.edu/tickets
SOUTH MILWAUKEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 414-766-5049 or www.southmilwaukeepac.org
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anything for my band members and they would do anything for me. “It’s even more important that you get along personally because you are with these people nonstop,” she added. “If there’s a problem between people, that shows in the music.” Apparently Madden organized the right group of women. Cherish has been recording albums and performing concerts since 1985. But its roots go back a couple of years before that. In 1983, folklorist and musician Nick Maloney conceived a plan to celebrate the extraordinary number of American women playing traditional Irish music by staging a three-concert series featuring Irish-American women, and Madden was the first he contacted. That year she had won first place for her age group in the All-Ireland music competition for performance on both flute and tin whistle. “It was a great day for me,” Madden recalled, “because it was actually 25 years to the day since my dad (Joe Madden) had won the All-Ireland on accordion.” She accepted Maloney’s invitation to participate in the concert series, which featured about two-dozen women musicians. After the concert series had ended, the performers assumed that Cherish the Ladies was over. But Maloney convinced the National Endowment for the Arts to fund an album, which turned out so well that the Library of Congress
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Irish music masters to play Feb. 23
Enjoy the traditional final day to splurge before the Lenten promises kick in with a Mardi Gras party hosted by Noel Manor and the Verona senior center on Tuesday, March 5. The event will begin at noon, and will be held at Noel Manor, 471 Prairie Way Blvd. The celebration is free but registration is required. Attendees should register by Friday, Feb. 22 by calling 620-6010 or emailing receptionist@ noelmanorliving.com. Live Cajun-style music will be provided by The Dalton Gang, with a lunch of jambalaya, cornbread a n d K i n g C a ke . F r e e drinks will also be provided and a prize drawing
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Coming up Senior hike Join Al Swain on a snowshoe hike to Donald Park in Mount Vernon starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Participants will meet at the senior center and carpool to the starting location. The group will have lunch at Marcines in Mount Vernon. For information, call Swain at 4971745.
NERF or Nothing
from 3:45-5 p.m., Monday, Feb. 18 at the library. Registration is required. When children are signed up for the first week, they are registered for all seven weeks of the group. Participants are encouraged to have experience with Scratch or other programming languages. For information, call 845-7180.
Board game night The library is hosting a game night from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at Hop Haus Brewing, 231 S. Main St. Librarians will be at the event to teach people to play games. Attendees are welcome to bring their own board games to the event. For information, call 845-7180.
Adults, ages 18 and above are invited to the library for an afterhours, indoor team building game session with NERF blasters from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16. Bring your own NERF blaster – they should be unmodified – because equipment to borrow is limited. Safety glasses and extra darts will Music/movies streaming 101 be provided. Learn about different streaming Participants will need to sign a lia- services often used to listen to music bility waiver and provide proof of or watch TV with a class from 6-8 age with an ID. p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the library. For information, call 845-7180. The class will cover the basics of streaming media, including the Code Quest equipment necessary and what some Children in grades 4-6 can improve of the most popular services are. their coding skills by participating Registration is required. in a seven-week Code Quest group For information, call 845-7180.
Science/engineering night The annual Junior Science and Engineering Night will take place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Promega’s BTCI building, 5445 E. Cheryl Pkwy, Fitchburg. The event was rescheduled from its original date due to weather. High school students with the Project Lead The Way, FFA and the Science and Engineering Clubs will display their projects, some of which will be interactive. The event will also feature raffle prizes. For information, email teachers Hope Mikkelson at mikkelsh@ verona.k12.wi.us or Angie MidthunHensen at midthuna@verona.k12. wi.us.
Drypoint etching Librarian Mark Cullen will be teaching a workshop on drypoint etching of printmaking from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, at the library. Participants will take home a completed printmaking project made out of an upcycled plastic milk jug. All supplies are provided. Registration is required. For information, call 845-7180.
Community calendar Thursday, Feb. 14
• 9 a.m., Senior hike with Al Swain (registration required), senior center, call Swain at 497-1745 • 12:30-4:45 p.m., Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults (registration required), senior center, 8457471 • 3:45 p.m., Dungeons and Dragons (ages 8-11, registration required for all four weeks), library, 845-7180 • 4 p.m., Anime and manga club (grades 6-12), library, 845-7180 • 6-8 p.m., Jim White performance, Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe, 6857 Paoli Road, paolischoolhouseshops.com • 7:30 p.m., VACT’s “The Odd Couple,” Verona Area Community Theater, 103 Lincoln St., vact.org
Friday, Feb. 15
• 10-11 a.m., Computer Questions
Plus… with Rich Bartlett, senior center, 845-7471 • 6:30-8 p.m., NERF or Nothing (ages 18 and older, liability waiver and ID required), library, 845-7180 • 7:30 p.m., VACT’s “The Odd Couple,” Verona Area Community Theater, 103 Lincoln St., vact.org
• 6-8 p.m., Alex and Olivia performance, Paoli Schoolhouse Cafe, 6857 Paoli Road, paolischoolhouseshops.com • 7:30 p.m., VACT’s “The Odd Couple,” Verona Area Community Theater, 103 Lincoln St., vact.org
Saturday, Feb. 16
• 3:45-5 p.m., Code Quest: Sports (grades 4-6, registration required), library, 845-718• 6-8 p.m., Library board game night, Hop Haus, 231 S. Main St., 845-7180
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Badger Prairie Needs Network food drive, Miller and Sons Supermarket, 210 S. Main St., verona.lions@gmail.com • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Prairie Kitchen free community meal, BPNN, 1200 E. Verona Ave., bpnn.org • 1:30-3 p.m., Read to a Dog (ages 5 and older, registration required), library, 845-7180 • 2 p.m., VACT’s “The Odd Couple,” Verona Area Community Theater, 103 Lincoln St., vact.org
Monday, Feb. 18
Tuesday, Feb. 19
• 6-8 p.m., Music and TV streaming 101 seminar (registration required), library, 845-7180
Wednesday, Feb. 20
• 4:30 and 5 p.m., Tech Time with Tim (registration required), senior center, 845-7471
What’s on VHAT-98 Thursday, Feb. 14 7 a.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 8 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Tony Rocker at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7 p.m. – UW Geology at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society Friday, Feb. 15 7 a.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Tony Rocker at Senior Center 5:30 p.m. – 2017 Wildcats Football 8:30 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center Saturday, Feb. 16 8 a.m. – Common Council from 02-11-19 11 a.m. – Vintage Verona
Churches All Saints Lutheran Church 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg (608) 276-7729 allsaints-madison.org Interim Pastor Sunday: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.
Paoli Sunday: 9 & 11 a.m., St. Andrew, Verona Daily Mass, Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m., St. Andrew, Verona
Memorial UCC 5705 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg (608) 273-1008 memorialucc.org Interim Pastor Laura Crow Sunday: 9:30 a.m.
St. James Lutheran Church ELCA 427 S. Main St., Verona (608) 845-6922 stjamesverona.org Pastors Kurt M. Billings and Peter Narum Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday Saturday Worship: 5 p.m. Sunday Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 a.m.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ELCA (608) 271-6633 Madison campus: Raymond Road & Whitney Way, Madison Sunday: 8:30 & 10 a.m.. Verona campus: Corner of Hwy. PD & Nine Mound Road, Verona Sunday: 9 & 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Salem United Church of Christ 502 Mark Dr., Verona (608) 845-7315 salemchurchverona.org Rev. Dr. Mark E. Yurs, Pastor Laura Kolden, Associate in Ministry Sunday school: 9 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m.
Damascus Road Church – West The Verona Senior Center 108 Paoli St., Verona (608) 819-6451 info@damascusroadchurch.com, damascusroadonline.org Pastor Justin Burge Sunday: 10 a.m.
Springdale Lutheran Church ELCA 2752 Town Hall Rd. (off Hwy ID), Mount Horeb (608) 437-3493 springdalelutheran.org Pastor Jeff Jacobs Sunday: 8:45 a.m. with communion
Memorial Baptist Church 201 S. Main St., Verona (608) 845-7125 MBCverona.org Lead Pastor Jeremy Scott Sunday: 10:15 a.m.
Sugar River United Methodist Church 415 W. Verona Ave., Verona (608) 845-5855 sugar.river@sugarriverumc.org, sugarriverumc.org Pastor Gary Holmes 9 & 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship. Sunday School available during worship. Refreshments and fellowship are between services.
The Church in Fitchburg 2833 Raritan Rd., Fitchburg (608) 271-2811 livelifetogether.com Sunday: 8 & 10:45 a.m.
Redeemer Bible Fellowship 130 N. Franklin St., Verona (608) 848-1836 redeemerbiblefellowship.org Pastor Dwight R. Wise Sunday: 10 a.m. family worship Resurrection Lutheran Church – WELS 6705 Wesner Rd., Verona (608) 848-4965 rlcverona.org Pastors Nathan Strutz and Andrew Ewings, and Assistant Pastor Jordan Uhlhorn Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. St. Christopher Catholic Parish St. Andrew Church 301 N. Main St., Verona St. William Church 1371 Hwy. PB, Paoli (608) 845-6613 stchristopherverona.com Fr. John Sasse, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m., St. Andrew, Verona Sunday: 7:30 a.m., St. William,
West Madison Bible Church 2920 Hwy. M, Verona (608) 845-9518 wmbiblechurch.org Pastor Dan Kukasky Jr. Sunday Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. Zwingli United Church of Christ Hwy. 92 & G, Mount Vernon (608) 832-6677 Pastor Brad Brookins Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Zwingli United Church of Christ Hwy. 69 & PB, Paoli (608) 255-1278 paoliucc.com Pastor Rich Pleva Sunday: 9:30 a.m. family worship
How to be a better lover Sports 1 p.m. – 2017 Wildcats Football 4:30 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Common Council from 02–11–19 9 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center Sunday, Feb. 17 7 a.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 9 a.m. – Resurrection Church 10 a.m. – Salem Church Service Noon – Common Council from 02-11-19 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4:30 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Common Council from 02-11-19 9 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center Monday, Feb. 18 7 a.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Tony Rocker at Senior Center 5 p.m. – 2017 Wildcats
Football 9 p.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 10 p.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center Tuesday, Feb. 19 7 a.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 10 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center 2 p.m.– Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Tony Rocker at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Resurrection Church 8 p.m. – UW Geology at Senior Center 9 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society Wednesday, Jan. 20 7 a.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 5 p.m. – Common Council from 02-11-19 7 p.m. – Capital City Band 8 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center
Thursday, Jan. 21 7 a.m. – UW Sleep Presentation at Senior Center 8 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Craig Siemsen at Senior Center 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Lifestyle Modifications at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Tony Rocker at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7 p.m. – UW Geology at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Laura Ingalls Wilder at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Metal Detecting at the Historical Society
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult.” – 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV To love others, you must first love yourself.This starts with accepting yourself, faults and all, and gently nourishing and taking care of yourself. Our primary responsibility is to take care of ourselves. A person whose mental or physical health is seriously impaired will not be able to care for others,so it is vital that we maximize our own health and well-being. Tending to one’s own happiness is also important, because with a sense of joy in our life, we have something worth giving to others, and indeed, others will be drawn to us. People are naturally drawn to happy healthy people. Besides being happy and healthy, we should strive to have an expansive heart that is filled with loving kindness and compassion for everyone.This can be difficult; many people are admittedly hard to love.But by having an open heart that truly desires to love everyone, your kindness and compassion will be mirrored in others.The frown or scowl of the person in front of you is more easily turned around by a gentle smile than by scowling back at them.This is, after all, the purpose of our lives,to love, and to love without limits. – Christopher Simon
Support groups • AA Meeting, senior center, Thursdays at 1 p.m. • Caregivers Support Group, senior center, first and third Tuesday, 10 a.m. • Healthy Lifestyles Group meeting, senior center, second Thursday from 10:30 a.m. • Parkinson’s Group, senior center, third Friday at 10 a.m.
430 E. Verona Ave. 845-2010
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Tweets: Following State of the Union, students can have a ‘deep conversation’ the “socratic discussion” of current events he regularly holds during class to help them connect to the subject matter of history, which can be “really hard” to teach, he said. “For kids, they really care the most about themselves, which I don’t blame them for,” he said. “The kids that struggle the most to connect to the past is because they don’t understand how the past connects to the present.” The “@nweibel” handle features a range of opinions from the students, most featuring a hashtag of “#SOTU19” or “#StateOfTheUnion2019,” which Weibel said allows the students to be part of “the bigger conversation” about national politics. The day after the speech, he said he shows them his feed, which now includes statistics about the number of interactions – clicks, likes, replies, views – with tweets. “Some of the kids are just shocked just to see 340some interactions with their words,” Weibel said. “It really adds value to their voice. “It’s even fun to see some of the irrational comments people will write below,” he added with a laugh. Student opinions on the feed this year included reactions to Trump’s comments about investigations of his 2016 campaign, immigration and partisanship: • Trump is talking about “partisan investigations,”
saying, “There cannot be peace and legislation with war and investigation.” I feel that Trump may not be an unbiased participant in this discussion. #SOTU2019 • Donald Trump is using the gang members to describe a whole group, it’s just not right! #SOTU2019 #StateOfTheUnion2019 • I was quite happy with the opening message. I feel that it acknowledges the wishes of many Americans. It highlighted the growing weariness of the American people when it comes to partisan politics. #SOTU2019 Weibel said he always reads reactions to the speech from the media, and enjoys when what the students say “are the exact same thing” he reads elsewhere. “It really validates that their opinions matter,” he said. “The next day we can have that really rich, deep conversation about what was talked about.” That follow-up is key, Weibel said, as it’s important to help them “synthesize” what they heard and parse out their thoughts on it. He hopes it can have a long-term effect on their political interest and involvement. “Anything that happens outside of the classroom is gold,” he said. “If they’re talking about it at lunch, which around the Tweet-athon they do … that’s when you know you’ve kind of won.” Despite a politically polarized time, Weibel said he
Screenshot via Twitter.com
Savanna Oaks Middle School teacher Noah Weibel tweeted out student reacions to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union speech last week. “loves” teaching social studies, and is happily surprised that he doesn’t hear complaints from parents about broaching the topics of the day with 12- and 13-yearolds. Actually, he said, he’s heard more often that parents’ “lives have become harder because they have to stay more in tune to talk to their kids at the dinner table.” “That’s what I think social studies should be,” he said. “It really engages them i a real conversation instead of making it up.” Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
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LLS: Loft said personal motivation came from hearing story of 6-year-old with cancer Continued from page 1 Madison area competing for the award, including Loft’s team, with a core group of six of his high school peers out of 15 registered members. Working with Lofts is Meghna Krishna, the campaign manager who keeps everything organized, Anna Muncy, one of the group’s top fundraisers, and Sophie Polley and Emma Miller, who have provided support for the campaign through helping plan events and conduct outreach. Jackson was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at age 4. His mother told Lofts the cancer was so advanced they started chemotherapy treatments the day after he was diagnosed, he said. It was listening to that story at a campaign workshop that really “fired up” Lofts in the campaign. “(Jackson’s) very energetic,” he said. “When I met him, I would not have been able to guess he has any kind of cancer because he’s up running around, playing tag with people. He is so loving and happy, despite what he’s been through.” Lofts was nominated to participate in the Student of the Year competition by Dan Weiss, a friend of his mother’s. From there, Amanda Steyer, campaign specialist for Madison Students of the Year for LLS, reached out to him and asked if he’d participate.
If You Go What: Jackson’s Crew Fundraiser When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 Where: The Purple Goose, 101 N. Main St. Info: bit.ly/jacksonscrew What: Jackson’s Dance for Cancer Awareness When: 7-10 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 21 Where: VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison Cost: $10 Info: bit.ly/jacksonscrew Two of Lofts’ grandparents died from cancer, he said, and a cousin has survived a leukemia diagnosis as a teenager, so fundraising to find a cure for a disease that very personal to him. “There was no way I was going to turn it down,” he said. “It’s such an amazing opportunity of a lifetime to help others … it means a lot to myself to know that I’m fighting for something my grandparents would care about, but also so many other people who share the same stories care about, too.” Lofts has an admittedly ambitious goal – raising $50,000 – though he’s raised nearly $9,000 in the first two weeks, with each dollar the equivalent of one vote in the
Student of the Year competition. The money has come together in different ways, from family and friends – his parents have strongly encouraged him with making community connections and calling businesses to ask for support – to donations at Miller and Sons Supermarket, where patrons could fill out blood drops after donating. An upcoming fundraiser at The Purple Goose will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, where 15 percent of the proceeds will be given to Lofts’ campaign. Lofts and his team will also host a ballroom dancing event starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Dance lessons will be held by local instructors prior to the social, which runs from 7:30-10 p.m. that night. The event includes a raffle, with all proceeds going toward the campaign. Lofts said he isn’t doing the campaign just to receive the award – although the accolade would be nice – but because he’s focused on helping find a cure for blood cancers “once and for all.” “It would mean the world to me,” he said. “It’s about helping others.” Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
Photo submitted
Jackson, the namesake of Verona Area High School sophomore Christopher Lofts’ Student of the Year campaign, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at the age of four. Now six, he only has a few more months of chemotherapy treatment left to undergo.
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Verona Press For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectVerona.com
Boys swimming
‘Cats charge to state
PLAYER OF THE WEEK From Feb. 6-12
Rozeboom, Best each set records to lead VA/MH at Middleton sectional MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
It was a record-breaking day for the Verona Area/ Mount Horeb boys swimming team Saturday, Feb. 9, at the WIAA Division 1 Middleton sectional. The Wildcats will send five individuals to the WIAA Division 1 state meet Saturday, Feb. 16, in nine events, including three relays. Mount Horeb senior Shane Rozeboom won a sectional championship in the 50-yard freestyle in a pool-record time of 21.19 seconds. Rozeboom also qualified in the 100 free with a second-place finish (46.95) and will be part of the Wildcats’ 200 and 400 free relays at state. “I felt like I won when I needed to win,” Rozeboom said. “It’s a relief to get that first swim out of the way.” And Verona freshman Oscar Best set a school record by taking second in the 100 butterfly. T h e o t h e r i n d iv i d u al state qualifiers for the Wildcats are Verona senior Aidan Updegrove (200 free, 500 free), Verona sophomore Ben Wellnitz (200 free, 500 free) and Verona sophomore Conner Arenson (500 free). Best qualified in the 50 free with a sixth-place finish of :21.82. Ve r o n a A r e a / M o u n t Horeb took third at the 13-team sectional. It’s the best sectional finish for the Wildcats since 2010 with 301 points. Madison West, ranked No. 1 in the Division 1 Wisconsin Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association state poll, clipped third-ranked Middleton for the sectional team title 384-383.5. One week after taking
Name: Oscar Best Grade: Freshman Sport: Boys swimming
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona Area/Mount Horeb senior Aidan Updegrove finished third in the 500-yard freestyle at the WIAA Division 1 sectional Saturday to qualify for state. third in the 50 free at the Big Eight Conference meet, Rozeboom, a University of Minnesota commit, turned in his best time in the 50 free. “It was exactly the race I wanted to come in here and establish right off the bat,” Rozeboom said. “It really didn’t feel like I was swimming at all it felt so good. It was smooth and right what I was looking for.” B e s t ’s 1 0 0 bu t t e r f l y swim, in :50.66, was .44 seconds away from sectional champion Constain Bensch of Madison West, and put him ahead of Madison West senior Wes Jekel, a University of Wisconsin-Madison commit. “I didn’t know I broke (the school record),” Best said. “It’s special. It’s my goal to break it each year now. I dropped a second, and I beat Wes Jekel, who is a really good swimmer. I was just trying not to freak out and really think about going fast enough racing since I have been having trouble mentally all season.” Coach Bill Wuerger said Best is the first freshman
‘It really didn’t feel like I was swimming at all it felt so good. It was smooth and right what I was looking for.’ - Shane Rozeboom on setting the 50-yard free-record
What’s next Verona Area/Mount Horeb travels to Madison for the WIAA Division 1 state swim meet at 3 p.m. Saturday at the UW-Natatorium. to ever break a school record in the history of the program. “Usually that happens the junior or senior year,” Wuerger said. “With a freshman, who has never been through a season before, you are never really sure what to expect. I’m not surprised he swam as well as he did.” Wu e r g e r s a i d e v e r y swimmer in an individual event and all three relays swam season-best times. The Wildcats also displayed depth in the 500
free, with three of the top five finishers. “ We h ave a d i s t a n c e training group, and they are three of the guys who have been distance workouts all year training for the 500,” Wuerger said of the 500 free trio. “They all dropped a lot of time.” Updegrove finished third in the 500 free in a personal-best time of 4:49.99 and took fifth in the 200 free (1:45.34). Arneson took fourth in the 500 free (4:52.18) and Wellnitz took fifth in the 500 free (4:53.28) and eighth in the 200 free (1:47.14). The Wildcats’ 200 medley relay team of freshman Nathan Rozeboom, juniors Owen Rothamer and Kyle Hoppe and Best finished third (1:39.41). Best set the tone by swimming the lead leg on
Turn to State/Page 12
State qualifiers Shane Rozeboom: 50 freestyle, 100 free, 200 free relay, 400 free relay Aidan Updegrove: 200 free, 500 free, 200 free relay, 400 free relay Oscar Best: 100 butterfly, 50 free, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay Conner Arneson: 500 free, 400 free relay Ben Wellnitz: 500 free, 400 free relay Nathan Rozeboom: 200 medley relay Kyle Hoppe: 200 medley relay, 200 free relay Owen Rothamer: 200 medley relay
Wrestling
Grandau sectional-bound after taking third MARK NESBITT
more.” Grandau (25-12) lost by fall to Sauk Prairie’s Luis Elizondo in 46 seconds in a semifinal match. Sophomore Ben Grandau assured a sectional berth Grandau finished by pinning Middleton’s John third at 126 pounds Ndoyi in 2 minutes, 46 seconds. Saturday, Feb. 9, in Ott said Grandau was in control the WIAA Division from the start. 1 Waunakee region“When Ben is at his best he’s al to qualify for the on the aggressive,” Ott said. sectional. “He’s really good at moving and It’s good to get atGrandau staying on the attack. He never least one guy from the first step to the next step,” let the guy get into a rhythm or co-coach Jason Ott said. “We into his offense.” Waunakee captured the regional were hoping we would get some Assistant sports editor
title 256.5-217 over Sauk Prairie. Verona (33) finished last at the eight-team regional. The Warriors advanced to wrestle Holmen in the team sectional on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Grandau will wrestle in the Division 1 Verona sectional Saturday. The top two wrestlers in each weight class will advance to state. Both freshman Cael Wozniak (138) and senior Jeremy Grim (170) took fifth and were one spot away from qualifying for the Division 1 Verona sectional.
Ott said Wozniak and Ott at moments wrestled solid, but had aspects they would like to take back from the regional. Wozniak lost a quarterfinal match to Waunakee’s Kyle Wilcox 11-4. He bounced back in a fifth-place match to pin Madison Memorial’s Noah St. Aubin in 3:01. He then lost a fourthplace match to Middleton’s Jesus Quechol Ramirez by a major decision 15-7. In a quarterfinal match, Grim
Turn to Wrestle/Page 11
Highlight: Best finished third in the 100-yard butterfly at the WIAA Division 1 Middleton sectional to qualify for state. Best set a school record in the 100 fly and took sixth in the 50 freestyle to qualify for state in two individual events and two relays. Honorable mention: Ben Grandau (wrestling) at 126 pounds pinned Middleton’s John Nyodi in a third-place match in 2:46 at the WIAA Division 1 Waunakee regional to qualify for the sectional. Aalyiah Smith (girls basketball) scored a game-high 20 points and had 10 rebounds to lead the Wildcats to a 61-58 win over La Follete on Friday. Kaden Grant (boys hockey) stopped 21 of 23 shots on goal against Arrowhead. Ava Downing (girls hockey) scored two goals in a 3-2 win against the Bay Area Ice Bears.
Prep sports
Storm wipes two events for Wildcats MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
A snowstorm that dumped six to 10 inches of snow on southern Wisconsin wiped out most of the prep games Tuesday, Feb. 12. The postponements included the Verona boys basketball team’s home game against Madison La Follette. It’s the second time in a week the game has been postponed. Verona will host La Follette at 7:15 Feb. 23. T h e Ve r o n a / M a d i s o n Edgewood gymnastic team’s dual meet against Middleton was also postponed last week. The meet was changed to a triangular meet with the Cardinals and Madison Memorial, scheduled to be made up Wednesday, Feb. 13, at Glacier Edge Elementary School.
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Girls basketball
Verona hangs on against La Follette MARK NESBITT
Big Eight
Assistant sports editor
Verona freshman point guard Aalyiah Smith scored a game-high 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds Friday, Feb. 8, to propel the Wildcats to a 61-58 Big Eight win over Madison La Follette. The Wildcats hit some clutch free throws and came up with a late defensive stop that fueled the victory. “We knew it was going to be a tough game and we had to come out and play strong on both sides of the court,” Smith said. “We are definitely the underdogs. They don’t expect us to do what we did. We just wanted it more.” Verona (12-7 overall, 9-6 Big Eight) received a seventh seed in the WIAA Division 1 Janesville Craig sectional and will host 10th-seeded Waunakee on Friday, Feb. 22, in a regional semifinal. Smith scored on a layup and was fouled with 50.2 seconds left. She knocked down the free throw to convert the conventional threepoint play to give the Wildcats a 59-58 lead. The Lancers had four shots to tie the game in the final minute. Junior guard Rayna Briggs came up with a steal with 37.3 seconds to go to thwart one of the Lancers’ possessions. Both junior guard Rachel Parman and Smith made 1 of 2 free throws in the final 36 seconds to give the Wildcats a three-point lead. La Follette freshman guard Demetria Prewitt missed a desperation layup attempt and Smith grabbed the rebound at the buzzer.
Team Wins Losses Middleton 14 2 Sun Prairie 13 2 Memorial 11 4 La Follette 11 5 Verona 9 6 Madison East 8 7 Craig 5 11 Parker 3 12 Madison West 1 13 Beloit 1 15
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona junior Rachel Parman shoots a 3-pointer Friday against Madison La Follette. Parman scored seven points and knocked down two 3s. “She’s a great player, but everyone has a bad game,” Smith said. Prewitt was held to 4 of 13 shooting and scored a teamhigh 16 points. The Wildcats were coming off an 81-50 loss to Madison Memorial on Feb. 2, which is the worst loss in coach Angie Murphy’s tenure at Verona. “We still made a lot of mistakes, but we made big plays when we needed to,” Murphy said. “Coming off a 31-point shellacking (to Madison Memorial) we watched a lot of film and the kids realized what we have to do to beat teams like this.” Senior Sydney Rae added 10 points and had five rebounds. Briggs pitched in nine and senior guard Ally Kundinger chipped in eight and hit two 3-pointers.
“It’s probably the best game I’ve seen Ally play,” Murphy said. “She played calm, strong and hit some big 3s.” The Wildcats opened the second half with an 8-2 spurt. Rae scored down low about 3 minutes into the second half to give the Wildcats their largest lead at 36-24. The Lancers responded with a 9-0 run culminating in senior guard Kaytlin Eder’s 3-pointer to cut the Wildcats’ lead to 36-33. Midway through the second half, the Lancers hit a trio of 3s, including two by freshman guard Malia Green to give the Lancers a short-lived 44-41 lead. “We found a way to win,” Murphy said. “We didn’t take a lot of plays off. I thought we played one of our hardest games of the year and kept our composure.”
What’s next Verona hosts Beloit Memorial at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday. The Lancers used a 2-3 zone, but the Wildcats found ways to feed the ball into Rae and drive into the lane to create scoring opportunities inside against the zone. “Against the zone you just have to play insideout,” Murphy said. La Follette senior forward Sydni Olson and with about 8 minutes left and freshman forward Evelyn Walker fouled out with about 3 minutes left. After the victory, Smith couldn’t wait to get back to practice and start gearing up for the WIAA Division 1 regional semifinal. “It gives us a ton of energy,” Smith said. “We are pumped and ready to get back to practice so we can beat the next team.”
Photos by Mark Nesbitt
Verona freshman Aaliyah Smith drives to the basket for a layup Friday against Madison La Follette freshman Malia Green. Smith is averaging 21.4 points per game this season.
Verona gets regional rematch with Waunakee MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
The Verona girls basketball team received a seventh seed in the WIAA D iv i s i o n 1 J a n e s v i l l e Craig sectional and will host 10th-seeded Waunakee in a regional semifinal Friday, Feb. 22. Verona (12-7) defeated Waunakee 58-52 in the championship of the Ed Nicholas Holiday Classic Dec. 28. It came one day after the Wildcats knocked off Divine Savior Holy Angels, which was
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ranked No. 10 in Division 1 at the time. The Wildcats are 7-3 in their past 10 games entering the tournament. Freshman point guard Aalyiah Smith, who averages 21.4 points per game, is a key playmaker for the Wildcats with her ability to create offense by driving into the lane. Junior guard Rayna Briggs (14.7 ppg) also has been a key scoring threat who can be counted on for outside shooting. Sun Prairie (15-4) received the top seed in the sectional. If Verona beats Waunakee, the Wildcats could play at second seed Middleton (14-5) in a regional championship game Saturday, Feb. 23. Middleton shared the Big Eight Conference championship with Sun Prairie at 13-2 in league play. Wa u n a ke e i s l e d b y sophomore point guard Elena Maier (14.4 ppg) and senior 5-foot-11-inch forward Maddie Farnsworth (11.7 ppg). The Warriors finished fourth in the Badger North Conference behind champion Beaver Dam, the No. 1-ranked team in Division 2 looking to win a third straight state title.
2019 REGISTRATION STARTS FEBRUARY 1ST Visit veronalittleleague.org for more information
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Verona Little League (VLL) registration opens February 1st and closes on February 28th. The VLL newsletter is available on the website. Senior Sydney Rae scores down low against Madison La Follette’s Demetria Prewitt Friday. Rae scored 10 points.
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February 14, 2019
Girls hockey
Boys hockey
Downing scores winner in OT JEREMY JONES Sports editor
The Madison Metro Lynx girls hockey co-op had an inspiring first period Saturday, Feb. 9, on Senior Day and beat the Bay Area Ice Bears 3-2. “After honoring our six seniors, the girls came out hard and pressed the play,” coach Mike McKersie said. The Metro Lynx were rewarded when a shot by Ava Downing found the back of the net just 5 minutes into the first period. Just a minute-and-a-half into overtime, Metro Lynx junior forward Ava Downing fired a shot from the point that found its way
What’s next The Metro Lynx received the fourth seed and host fifth-seeded Viroqua at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Madison Ice Arena. through traffic and into the back of the net to propel the Lynx to victory. With just under 3 minutes left in the final period and the face off in the neutral zone, the Lynx pulled Parker in favor of an extra attacker and tied the game 2-2. After gaining the zone, the puck moved over to
defenseman Jenna Culp, who fired a quick shot that beat the Ice Bears goalie. “There was a lot of traffic in front and the puck slipped between her legs and into the back of the net to tie the game,” McKersie said. Stymied by Parker early, the Ice Bears were finally able to break through when Madison Anderson was left all alone in front and ripped a shot high over Parker’s shoulder in the second period. Ten minutes later, the Ice Bears scored again to go up 2-1. This time Kallianne Mikesh was all alone in front and got a shot by Parker. In the second, the Lynx found themselves short
handed most of the period but senior goaltender Gwen Parker held tough, stopping shot after shot. “Gwen truly showed why she is one of the best goalies in the state,” McKersie said. Parker saved her best play for the third period, stopping multiple breakaways to give the Lynx a chance. The third-seeded Metro Lynx (9-12-2 overall, 5-4-1 conference) will host fourth-seeded Viroqua (9-10-0, 5-6-0) at 7:30 p.m. Friday inside the Madison Ice Arena. The teams split during the regular season with each team winning on the road.
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Wildcats lose regular season finale to Arrowhead JEREMY JONES
What’s next
Sports editor
Looking at a 10-day break between the regular season finale and the second round of the WIAA playoffs, the Verona boys hockey team slipped in a nonconference game Monday against Arrowhead. Defenseman Nate Jurrens scored with a little more than 7 minutes left in the second period but it was the only goal in a 2-1 loss for the Wildcats. A r r ow h e a d t i e d t h e game with 4:35 left in the second and scored the game-winner goal on the power play with 3:42 left
Verona hosts McFarland (or Oregon) at 7 p.m. Thursday. in the third period. It was the Wildcats’ (17-5-2 overall, 13-1-0 Big Eight) second loss to a non-ranked team this season. Ve r o n a r e c e ive d t h e top seed in its WIAA playoffs bracket and will host the winner of eighth-seeded McFarland and ninth-seeded Oregon at 7 p.m. Thursday.
Big Eight Team Wins Losses Ties Points Verona 13 1 0 26 Sun Prairie 11 2 0 22 Madison West 9 4 0 18 Middleton 8 6 0 16 Memorial 6 8 0 12 Janesville 4 8 0 8 Beloit 2 11 0 4 La Follette/East 0 13 0 0
WE’RE ALL EARS Photos by Mark Nesbitt
Verona freshman Spencer Lokken lost a consolation semifinal match at 145 pounds to Madison Memorial’s Josh Swartz 10-7 Saturday at the WIAA Division 1 Waunakee regional.
Wrestle: Wozniak, Grim just miss sectional berths rolled to a 10-4 win over Sauk Prairie’s Jo Smet. He was then pinned by Waunakee’s Colton Grindle in a semifinal match in 5:20. Grim lost a thirdplace match to Madison East’s Armon Myadze on a fall in 5:02. In a fourthplace match, Grim lost a nail-biter to DeForest’s Jake Barske 9-8. Grim trailed Barske 9-5 late in the third period. He scored on an escape and takedown in the final 20 seconds. “I think with another 10 to 15 seconds he could have forced overtime,” Ott said. Freshman Ashton LaBerge (113) went 1-2 in the regional. He pinned Madison West’s Andres
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Verona hosts the WIAA Division 1 sectional meet Saturday. Villalobos in 3:04. T h e Wi l d c a t s h a d a young team filled with freshman and sophomnores. “It was a rough year at timers,” he said. “The nice thing about having a young team is all of the experience wrestling varsity matches will give them an idea of what it will take to improve next year. They want to get better. I think it will give them a lot of motivation in the offseason to lift weights and get on the mat to improve.”
‘When Ben is at his best he’s on the aggressive. He’s really good at moving and staying on the attack.’ - Jason Ott
Verona senior Jeremy Grim looks to break a hold and escape from Waunakee’s Colton Grindle in a 170-pound semifinal match in a WIAA Division 1 Waunakee sectional. Grim was pinned by Grindle in 5 minutes, 20 seconds and finished fifth.
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Boys swimming state preview
Youth basketball
Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona Area/Mount Horeb senior Shane Rozeboom was the sectional champion in the 50-yard freestyle with a pool-record time of 21.19 seconds Satudray in Middleton.
Rozeboom aims for four state medals MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
Ve r o n a A r e a / M o u n t Horeb senior Shane Rozeboom will enter the WIAA Division 1 state meet Saturday, Feb. 16, with a chance to medal in four events at the UW Natatorium. Rozeboom is seeded fourth in the 100- (46.95) and sixth in the 50-yard freestyle (21.19). Rozeboom took seventh at state in the 50 free last year, missing out on a medal by .04 seconds. Michael Linnihan of Brookfield Central/East is the top seed in the 100 free (45.86). Other state title contenders are Franklin senior James Kostrzewa,
the second seed (46.51), and Madison West senior Isaac Casey (46.67), the third seed. In the 50 free, sophomore Emilio Perez of the Greenfield co-op is the top seed (20.79). “We will keep our fingers crossed that he stays healthy this week,” coach Bill Wuerger said. “He should be in contention.” Rozeboom will also swim on the Wildcats’ 200 free relay, which is seeded fifth (1:27.90) and the 400 free relay, seeded 11th (3:14.90). Middleton has the top time in the 400 free relay (1:24.44) entering the state meet, followed by Sun Prairie (1:25.64) and Madison West (1:26.09).
The defending state champion Regents are the defending state champion in the 200 medley and 400 free relays. Freshman Oscar Best is the sixth seed in the 100 butterfly (50.66) and the 16th seed in the 50 free (21.82). Senior Aidan Updegrove is seeded 12th in the 500 free (4:49.99) and sophomore Conner Arneson is 15th (4:52.18), followed by sophomore Ben Wellnitz, 17th (4:53.28). Updegrove is looking to improve on his 13th-place finish in the 500 free at state last year. He is the 13th seed in the 200 free and Wellnitz is the 24th seed.
the medley relay (backstroke) Saturday. “That event was really nice to get the nerves out of the way,” Best said. “Don’t worry
about disqualifying or false starting. I just had to push my hardest.” Updegrove and Wellnitz teamed with Arneson and Shane Rozeboom to take third in the 400 free relay (3:14.90).
Seventh-grade boys team wins BDL The Verona boys seventh-grade Wildcat basketball club won all three games Sunday at Waunakee Intermediate School to take the Badgerland Development League championship. Columbus has won the last few years consecutively, but this year they were taken down by Verona in the second round
In the Wildcats’ 200 free relay junior Kyle Hoppe, Rozeboom, Best and Updegrove placed fourth (1:27.90). “Shane swam really well on both free relays,” Wuerger said.
game of the tournament. Fourth-seeded Verona, led by head coach Marc Sherry and assistant coach Mike Fulton, took on No. 5 Monona Grove in the first round and defeated them 44-37. The second round was going to be a tough feat after losing to Columbus by six points during the regular season. Verona
played excellent defense, h o w e v e r, a n d N a t h a n Novinska nailed five 3-pointers to lead the Wildcats past Columbs 59-52. Verona then took on No. 2 Waunakee for the championship and a complete-team effort on offense led the Wildcats to a 50-43 win.
fall and become a member of Coach Kelly Bethke’s Viking program. A 5-foot- Alexander 11-inch outside hitter, Alexander was a three-year letter winner for Coach Kelly Annen’s Wildcats. As a senior,
she earned second team All-Big Eight Conference honors after recording 223 kills, 36 blocks and 60 digs. She also received 102 serves and posted 11 service aces for an outstanding Verona outfit that finished the season 33-4. Sophie is the daughter of Abby and Andy Alexander of Verona.
College signing Alexander chooses Augustana
State: Nine individuals, three relays qualify Continued from page 9
Photo submitted
Team members (front, from left) are: Rex Lamb; (middle) Jacob Brierly, Elijah Lagomascino, Jacob Bindl, Amir Trabelsi and Michael Valitchka; (back) coach Marc Sherry, Adam Zak, David Veak, Nate Novinska, Mason Sherry and coach Mike Fulton.
S o p h i e A l ex a n d e r, a standout athlete at Verona Area High School, has announced that she will attend Augustana in the fall of 2019. She plans on being a member of the Vikings volleyball team. She plans to enroll this
Photo by Ed Brognano
Bishop brings intensity
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Verona graduate and Whalers forward/defenseman Jeff Bishop squares off against Thunderbolts forward Evan Siegel in the third period on Friday. Bishop scored twice to help beat the Thunderbolts 9-3 at the Oregon Ice Arena. Bishop is third on the team with 17 goals. He also had 15 assists. The Whalers are now 20-170-0 and sit in fifth place in the Central Divison of the NA3HL. The Whalers are at Marathon Park on Feb. 15-16 but return home Feb. 21 for a home game against the Wausau RiverWolves and Feb. 22-23 against the Granite City Lumberjacks.
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Kids learn life skills A Raising Strong Kids Boot Camp provided teaching opportunities for families gathered at the Verona Public Library Jan. 27. Meghan Skrepenski of Raising Strong Girls Boot Camps led the class with the assistance of her two daughters. The “boot camp” used both physical and mental exercises designed to build the confidence and strengthen the resilience of those in attendance. – Justin Loewen
Photos by Justin Loewen
Kynan Pritchard, 8, holds a fitness pose during the Verona Public Library’s Raising Strong Kids Boot Camp on Jan. 27.
GK Luckas, 6, performs jumping jacks during the Verona Public Library’s Raising Strong Kids Boot Camp.
From left, Gage, 7, and Kara Terrill of Verona take part in an activity at the Verona Public Library.
From left, JoEllen, Chloe, 4, and Alexis Graber, 7, of Verona work together on an activity at the Verona Public Library’s Raising Strong Kids Boot Camp.
Legals NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO VACATE A PORTION OF THE PLAT OF KETTLE CREEK NORTH IN THE CITY OF VERONA, DANE COUNTY, WISCONSIN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by H&H Properties I, LLC, as the owner of all affected property, that it, along with the City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin will apply to the Dane County circuit court pursuant to Wis. Stats. §§236.36236.42 for an order vacating a portion of the Plat of Kettle Creek North, in the City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin including lands dedicated to the public including those for public park and public street purposes, said portion being more particularly described as follows: Lots 89-101, 105-135, Outlot 5, the entire right-of-ways of Windrift Way and Harvey Way and portions of Blue Ice Pass and Zingg Drive, within Kettle Creek North, located in the NW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 10, T6N, R8E, City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin. Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section 10; thence S88°41’29”E, 265.10 feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing S88°41’29”E, 1057.75 feet; thence S00°57’44”W, 370.23 feet; thence N89°02’16”W, 191.00 feet; thence S00°57’44”W, 189.66 feet to a point of curve; thence Southwesterly along a curve to the right which has a radius of 15.00 feet and a chord which bears S46°01’25.5”W, 21.21 feet; thence N88°54’53”W, 307.19 feet to a point of curve; thence Southwesterly along a curve to the left which has a radius of 183.00 feet and a chord which bears S74°47’35”W, 102.68 feet; thence S58°30’03”W, 516.85 feet to a point of curve; thence Northwesterly along a curve to the right which has a radius of 25.00 feet and a chord which bears N72°04’20”W, 37.98 feet; thence N22°38’43”W, 449.73 feet to a point of curve; thence Northerly along a curve to the right which has a radius of 214.00 feet and a chord which bears N10°40’06”W, 88.82 feet; thence N01°18’31”E, 61.80 feet; thence S88°41’29”E, 223.00 feet; thence N01°18’31”E, 120.00 feet; thence N00°39’27”E, 66.00 feet; thence N01°18’31”E, 130.00 feet to the point of beginning. Containing 730,000 square feet (16.758 acres). Dated this 4th day of February, 2019. H&H Properties I, LLC by its Attorneys: MURPHY DESMOND, S.C. By: _____________________________ /s/ Attorney Matthew J. Fleming Published: February 7, 14 and 21, 2019 WNAXLP *** ORDINANCE NO. 19-937 AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING THE HEREIN DESCRIBED PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF VERONA, DANE COUNTY, WISCONSIN The Common Council of the City of Verona, Dane County, State of Wisconsin, by at least a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members, does hereby ordain as follows: Section 1. Territory Annexed. In accordance with Section 66.0217 of the Wisconsin Statutes the following described territory contiguous to the City of Verona and located in the Town of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin is hereby annexed to the City of Verona: LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS AS SURVEYED IN THE TOWN OF VERONA, DANE COUNTY, STATE OF WISCONSIN LANDS TO BE ANNEXED TO THE CITY OF VERONA A parcel of land located in the NE1/4 of the NE1/4 of Section 27, the SE1/4 of the SE1/4 of Section 22 and in the NW1/4 of the NW1/4 of Section 26, all in T6N,
R8E, Town of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin to-wit: Beginning at the Northwest corner of said Section 26; thence S89°34’56”E, 207.05 feet along the North line of said NW1/4; thence S18°15’08”W, 587.77 feet; thence S04°33’06”E, 233.99 feet; thence S85°26’54”W, 33.00 feet; thence N04°33’06”W, 213.55 feet to a point on the Westerly right-of-way line of Range Trail; thence S00°49’04”W, 142.86 feet along said Westerly right-of-way line and a Westerly line of Lot 218, Cathedral Point; thence N88°58’13”W, 1320.74 feet along the North lines of Lot 218, Outlot 2 and Outlot 3, Cathedral Point and the North right-of-way line of Cathedral Point Drive to the Northwest corner of said Outlot 2, also being the Southeast corner of Certified Survey Map No. 14428; thence N00°49’31”E, 966.58 feet along the East line of Certified Survey Map Nos. 14427, 14428 and 14429, the East rightof-way line of Steeple Point way, the East line of Outlot 4, Cathedral Point and the Northerly extension thereof to a point on South line of Lot 3, Certified Survey Map No. 9171; thence N88°43’41”E, 731.75 feet along said South lines of Lot 3, Certified Survey Map No. 9171 and Outlot 1, Prairie Crest; thence N85°06’37”E, 420.27 feet to a point on the South line of Lot 2, Certified Survey Map No. 7393; thence N73°41’25”E, 170.62 feet along the South line of said Lot 2, to a point on the East line of the SE1/4 of said Section 22; thence S00°27’17”E, 364.66 feet along said East line to the point of beginning. The described parcel contains 1,398,481 square feet (32.105 acres). Said parcel is contiguous to the City of Verona, subject to any and all easements and/or right of ways of record. Said parcel contains zero (0) electors and has a population of zero (0). Section 2. Effect of Annexation. From and after the date of this Ordinance, the territory described in Section 1 shall be a part of the City of Verona, Dane County, Wisconsin for any and all purposes provided by law and all persons coming to or residing within such territory shall be subject to all ordinances, rules and regulations governing the City of Verona. Per Chap. 66.0217(14)(a)1 the City of Verona agrees to pay annually to the Town of Verona, for five (5) years, an amount equal to the amount of property taxes that the Town of Verona levied on the annexed territory, as shown on the tax roll under s. 70.65, in the year in which the annexation is final. Section 3. Temporary Zoning Classification. Upon recommendation by the Plan Commission, the territory annexed to the City of Verona by this Ordinance is temporarily designated to be a part of the following district of the City for zoning purposes and subject to all provisions of the zoning ordinance of the City of Verona relating to such district classification and to zoning in the City: Rural Agriculture. Section 4. Voting Districts. The territory annexed shall be within the following voting districts: (a) Aldermanic Districts No. 4 (b) Wards No. 9 (c) Dane County Supervisory District No. 32 Section 5. Severability. If any provision of this Ordinance is invalid or unconstitutional, or if the application of this Ordinance to any person or circumstances is invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other provisions or applications of this Ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid or unconstitutional provision or application. Section 6. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall not be effective and, therefore, the territory described
in Section 1 shall not be considered annexed to the City until the earlier of: (1) LB Land Investments, Inc. consents to the annexation of the territory prior to the conveyance of the territory pursuant to Section 2 of Exhibit B of the executed offer to purchase between the City of Verona and LB Land Investments, or (2) the City of Verona and MREC VH Cathedral Point, LLC acquire the territory from LB Land Investments. The City Council hereby declares that it would not have adopted this Ordinance without the language and contingencies contained within this paragraph. Following satisfaction of the earlier of the contingencies identified in this paragraph, this Ordinance shall be effective upon publication as required by law. Section 7. Supersedes Prior Ordinance. This Ordinance No. 19-937 shall supersede and replace Ordinance No. 18-926 approved by the City of Verona Common Council on October 8, 2018, and Ordinance No. 18-926 shall be null and void. CITY OF VERONA ________________________ Luke Diaz, Mayor ________________________ Ellen Clark, City Clerk Date Adopted: January 28, 2019 Published: February 14, 2019 WNAXLP *** STATE OF WISCONSIN, CIRCUIT COURT, DANE COUNTY, NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INFORMAL ADMINISTRATION) IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HERMAN A. DUERST Case No. 2019PR000078 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: 1. An application for Informal Administration was filed. 2. The decedent, with date of birth October 10, 1924 and date of death October 29, 2018, was domiciled in Dane County, State of Wisconsin, with a mailing address of 6456 County Road M, Verona, WI 53593. 3. All interested persons waived notice. 4. The deadline for filing a claim against the decedent’s estate is May 3, 2019. 5. A claim may be filed at the Dane County Courthouse, 215 S. Hamilton Street, Madison, Wisconsin, Room 1005. Electronically signed by Danell Behrens Deputy Probate Registrar January 29, 2019 Atty. Marilyn A. Dreger 200 W. Verona Avenue Verona, WI 53593 (608) 845-9899 Bar Number: 1001608 Published: February 7, 14 and 21, 2019 WNAXLP *** NOTICE The City of Verona Plan Commission will hold Public Hearings on March 4, 2019 at City Hall, 111 Lincoln Street, at 6:30 PM for the following planning and zoning matters: 1) Zoning text amendment to repeal and recreate Title 13, Chapter 2 relating to the City’s Floodplain Zoning Ordinance 2) Precise Implementation Plan (PIP) amendment for a Planned Unit Development (PUD), known as Festival Foods, to be located at 660 Hometown Circle that would allow for the construction of a 67,177 square foot grocery store. Interested persons may comment on these planning and zoning matters during the public hearings at the March 4, 2019 meeting. The Plan Commission
will make recommendations for these matters, which will then be reviewed by the Common Council for final decisions on Monday, March 11th. Contact Adam Sayre, Director of Planning and Development, at 608-8489941 for more information on these items or to receive copies of the submittals. Maps showing the location of the affected properties may be viewed at City Hall or may be obtained once the applicable copying fee has been paid to the City. Ellen Clark, City Clerk Published: February 14 and 21, 2019 WNAXLP *** CITY OF VERONA MINUTES COMMON COUNCIL JANUARY 28, 2019 VERONA CITY HALL 1. Mayor Diaz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll call: Alderpersons Cronin, Gaskell, Jerney, Kemp, Kohl, Posey, Reekie and Touchett were present. Also present: City Administrator Mikorski, City Planner Sayre, AECOM Engineer Fischer, and City Clerk Clark. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Approval of minutes from the January 14, 2019 Common Council meeting. Motion by Reekie, seconded by Kohl, to approve the minutes of the January 14, 2019 Common Council meeting. Motion carried 8-0. 6. Mayor’s Business: 7. Announcements: 8. Administrator’s Report: * Mayor Diaz and Mr. Mikorski met with State Representative Sondy Pope and Senator Jon Erpenbach on January 15th to begin discussions on potential legislation that would allow us to make corrections to the TID evaluation errors that took place in 2018. 9. Engineer’s Report: 10. Committee Reports A. Finance Committee (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: Payment of Bills. Motion by Kemp, seconded by Cronin, to pay the bills in the amount of $682,521.54. Motion carried 8-0. B. Public Safety & Welfare Committee (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: A Temporary Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage and “Class B” Wine license application from Dale Nickels for the Verona Area Community Theater on February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2019. Motion by Reekie, seconded by Kohl, to approve a Temporary Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage and “Class B” Wine license for the Verona Area Community Theater on February 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, 2019. Motion carried 8-0. (2) Discussion and Possible Action Re: An Intergovernmental Agreement to continue a Police-School Liaison Officer (PSLO) program. Motion by Reekie, seconded by Kemp, to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement to continue a Police-School Liaison Officer (PSLO) program. Motion carried 8-0. C. Plan Commission (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: Ordinance No. 19-937 approving the annexation of 32.105 acres of land located at 2159 Range Trail. Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Reekie, to approve Ordinance No. 19-937 approving the annexation of 32.105 acres of land located at 2159 Range Trail. Mr. Sayre explained that the next two items relate to annexation of the Purple Cow property. Motion carried 8-0. (2) Discussion and Possible Action
Re: Resolution No. R-19-006 approving a certified survey map to create three (3) lots at 2159 Range Trail. Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Kohl, to approve Resolution No. R-19-006 approving a certified survey map to create three (3) lots at 2159 Range Trail. Motion carried 8-0. D. Public Works/Sewer & Water Committee (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: A Professional Services Agreement with D’Onofrio Kottke and Associates for Project 2019-107, Meister stormwater facility dredging. Motion by Touchett, seconded by Kemp, to approve a Professional Services Agreement with D’Onofrio Kottke and Associates for Project 2019107, Meister stormwater facility dredging. Motion carried 8-0. (2) Discussion and Possible Action Re: A Professional Services Agreement with AECOM for Project 2019-108, 2019 stormwater services. Motion by Touchett, seconded by Reekie, to approve a Professional Services Agreement with AECOM for Project 2019-108, 2019 stormwater services. Motion carried 8-0. E. Economic Development Commission (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: Resolution No. R-19-007 approving a loan agreement with Seventeenth Radish, LLC dba Treehouse Programs for an economic development loan in the amount of $51,125.39. Motion by Kemp, seconded by Jerney, to approve Resolution No. R-19-007 approving a loan agreement with Seventeenth Radish, LLC dba Treehouse Programs for an economic development loan in the amount of $51,125.39. Motion carried 8-0. 11. Old Business A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Discussion and any permissible action regarding Fire Chief performance and evaluation and Fire Chief contract. The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and permissible action regarding Fire Chief performance and evaluation and Fire Chief contract as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona; and Section 19.85(1)(e) for the deliberation of or negotiation for purchase of public properties, investment of public funds, or conduct of other specific public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Mayor Diaz explained that this is a continuation of the Fire Department Improvement Plan. Mayor Diaz requested unanimous consent from the Council to convene in closed session for items 11.A. and 11.B. at the same time, with the Council approving a motion to convene in closed session for each item. There were no objections. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Kemp, to convene in a closed session for discussion and permissible action regarding Fire Chief performance and evaluation and Fire Chief contract as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona; and Section 19.85(1) (e) for the deliberation of or negotiation for purchase of public properties, investment of public funds, or conduct of other specific public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Common Council
may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. On roll call: Alder Posey – Aye; Alder Reekie – Aye; Alder Touchett – Aye; Alder Cronin – Aye; Alder Gaskell – Aye; Alder Jerney – Aye; Alder Kemp – Aye; Alder Kohl – Aye. Motion carried 8-0. The Common Council convened in closed session at 7:25 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Touchett, seconded by Reekie, to reconvene in open session at 8:14 p.m. No action was taken by the Common Council in closed session. B. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Discussion and any permissible action regarding City Administrator performance and evaluation and City Administrator contract. The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and permissible action regarding City Administrator performance and evaluation and City Administrator contract as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona; and Section 19.85(1) (e) for the deliberation of or negotiation for purchase of public properties, investment of public funds, or conduct of other specific public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Motion by Kohl , seconded by Gaskell, to convene in a closed session for discussion and permissible action regarding City Administrator performance and evaluation and City Administrator contract as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona; and Section 19.85(1)(e) for the deliberation of or negotiation for purchase of public properties, investment of public funds, or conduct of other specific public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. On roll call: Alder Reekie – Aye; Alder Touchett – Aye; Alder Cronin – Aye; Alder Gaskell – Aye; Alder Jerney – Aye; Alder Kemp – Aye; Alder Kohl – Aye; Alder Posey – Aye. Motion carried 8-0. The Common Council convened in closed session at 7:25 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Touchett, seconded by Reekie, to reconvene in open session at 8:14 p.m. No action was taken by the Common Council in closed session. 12. New Business A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of operator licenses. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Reekie, to approve operator license applications as presented by the City Clerk. Motion carried 8-0. 13. Adjournment: Motion by Kohl, seconded by Cronin, to adjourn at 8:15 p.m. Motion carried 8-0. Ellen Clark City Clerk Published: February 14, 2019 WNAXLP ***
14
February 14, 2019
The Verona Press
City of Verona
City hires new assessor JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
Less than three months after alders scolded the city assessor for an error that cost homeowners more than $100 each, the city has a new contractor in place. The contract of Musser Appraisal was expected to be terminated as soon as Tuesday, after a legal review of the deal approved following a closed session Monday, Feb. 11. The council had almost no comment in the three-minute period before entering another closed session – to discuss the performance of its administrator and fire chief. It simply voted to enter into an agreement with Appleton-based Associated Appraisal Consultants for annual service at a cost of $65,000 per year and a full market revaluation in 2019-20, as required by state guidelines, for $160,000. That total of $420,000 is $80,000 less than Associated’s initial proposal but still $40,000 more than the plan offered by rival Accurate
Appraisal. Mayor Luke Diaz told the Press the decision to go with the more expensive service was based on background checks and references. “We decided to move forward with new tax assessor services to give the people of Verona the service they deserve,” he said. Musser admitted to the council in November his clerical error in submitting information to the state last year led to a TIF district getting marked for a value about $50 million higher than it should have been. As a result, the average taxpayer was charged about $150 more than last year, rather than about $13 more. Musser, who retired as city assessor in Middleton in 2018, is under contract in Milton as that city’s assessor through 2021. He has been the city assessor in Verona since 2015 and was the city’s commercial appraiser for several years before that. Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.
City in brief Fireman’s Park grant The city accepted a grant Monday, Feb. 11, for $192,526 to improve the beach, landscaping and trail connection at Fireman’s Park. That Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant represents half the project cost, but only a fraction of the entire Fireman’s Park upgrade, which is tearing out the old shelter, showers and fencing and installing a splash pad, among other things.
Street rehab bids The city accepted two bids for street rehabilitation work this spring and summer, totaling just under $669,000. The engineer’s estimate for the two projects – asphalt work and bituminous seal coating – was more than $704,000. Automotive 2003 PARK Avenue, 76,000 miles, 1996 Century, 147,000 miles. 608778-6600.
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Administrator: Mikorski received criticism for communication Continued from page 1 release also stipulated in the contract, as well as a list of his accomplishments. No reason was provided on the record for his exit; however, his communication skills and style were a frequently cited concern among elected officials, department heads and others who worked with him, and it was cited in a performance evaluation last year. Six of eight members of the Common Council and the mayor are all new to their post since he was hired in July 2016. Diaz said the council will hold a special meeting Feb. 18 to determine the process for hiring his successor. He said he expects the council to appoint an interim administrator soon, likely with a temporary promotion of a current staff member. He added he will recommend an open hiring beyond that, rather than simply treating the interim tag as an audition, as he said sometimes happens. Public comments were limited after the vote, with Ald. Evan Touchett (Dist. 4) thanking the absent Mikorski for his service and wishing him well and Diaz stating that a press release would be available in the morning. Mikorski did not respond to a Monday night email seeking comment. Mikorski, whose salary was $137,111 annually, had been the city administrator for 2 ½ years, nearly the same amount of time as Shawn Murphy before his similar unceremonious exit in 2009. One major difference, however, was that Murphy had never been given a performance evaluation despite it being part of his contract, while Mikorski did have one for 2017, his first full calendar year on the job. That evaluation showed several deficiencies in Mikorski’s communication and one “below average” mark, for availability to public officials. The Personnel committee at the time, led by then-council president Elizabeth Doyle, wrote that Mikorski could improve his outreach to staff on policies and processes and improve the general information he provides to alders on the longterm implications of financial decisions. The committee asked Mikorski to include “more relevant information” during council meetings and “more outreach with the public” and outside organizations. Diaz said a standard evaluation procedure led to his ousting, beginning with a Personnel committee meeting Jan. 9. A 2018 evaluation was never completed; instead, the council met Jan. 14 to FULL-TIME SHIPPING Clerk & Retail Sales. Must be team player, lift up to 50lb. We will train. Mon.Fri. 9-5 and alternate Sat mornings. Apply in person at Bavaria Sausage. ASSISTANT FARMER. Organic vegetable farm near Evansville, WI seeks FT-PT assistant farmer. Experience operating farm machinery required. Varied, interesting work. Learn more: www.tipiproduce.comemployment.
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Severance in brief • $137,111 annual salary and benefits to be paid through July 31 • Transition to Director of Administrative Services through April 5 • “Mutual press release” regarding voluntary resignation • City to prepare letter of reference discuss his employment in closed session and again Feb. 11. Diaz told the Press one of his top priorities for a new administrator is a person who is interested and capable of making continual improvements to the entire city administration and other departments. He said he wants someone who is “active, energetic and really good at getting things done.”
Changing ‘winds’ Mikorski was hired in July 2016 from a similar position in Morgantown, W. Va., after a four-month search that involved two rounds of finalists because the first group was deemed unsatisfactory. He told the Press at the time he had begun looking for a new position when there was change in the “political winds” in Morgantown – including a lawsuit attempting to remove four members of the City Council. At the time, Mayor Jon Hochkammer said the council was “impressed” by the way Mikorski – a Wisconsin native and UW-Milwaukee graduate – answered questions in his interview. “I think Jeff’s going to be here for a long time,” Hochkammer said then. Mikorski started the following month, diving into the final budget process of finance director Cindy Engelke’s 20-year tenure here. By the time Engelke left at the end of the year, the city had turned over several of its most high-profile and long-serving employees over a 16-month period, including its assessor (34 years), public works director (33 years) and city engineer (30 years). It also lost its two building inspectors and clerk (five years). His predecessor, Bill Burns, had been here six years, and that remains the second-longest term of an administrator in the city’s history. Amid that turnover and the changes on Antiques
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the council, Mikorski presided over several important events and initiatives. Those included the closure of the Epic tax-increment financing district, a protracted and contentious negotiation with the school district over access to the new high school, the hiring of an economic development manager and a human resources manager and increased use of technology throughout city administration.
Jobs on the line The move comes as the city is working on performance improvement plans with at least two other department heads, and on the same night the city hired a new property tax assessment firm after expressing unhappiness with a costly mistake made by its previous assessor. Diaz said it is not an intentional housecleaning, even though he acknowledged some observers might wonder. “This isn’t like we went looking for stuff; stuff came and found us,” Diaz said, noting the “obvious” situations with the assessor and the fire department, in which the firefighters union called for Joe Giver’s resignation after an unrelated investigation of a personnel issue brought up multiple leadership concerns. “It’s holding people accountable, holding people to high standards and making sure the people of Verona have the best services we can provide them,” he added. Giver remains under a performance improvement plan, signed in October, and was the subject of what was at least a fifth closed-session discussion of his performance in three months by the Common Council on Monday. No action was taken. His PIP includes items such as increasing collaboration, ensuring discipline is clear and consistent and improving the overall workplace culture, particularly with regards to harassment. Also under a PIP (from November) is senior center director Mary Hanson. Her PIP refers to improving professionalism and confidentiality in personnel matters and delegating, rather than micromanaging. Mikorski, who signed both of those PIPs, was not under such a plan himself. “The overall direction of the city is good, and we’re smoothing out stuff that should have been done years ago,” Diaz said. Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.
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ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGONBROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900
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
DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337
GOLDEN RETRIEVER puppies and Labrador puppies, AKC, shots, de-wormed, dew claws removed, micro-chipped and vet checked. 608574-6204. License #267233.
Rentals EVANSVILLE 2 Bed-1 bath, 1 car garage. Appliances- Washer/Dryer included. No smoking-pets. $780/month +utilities. Available 1-1-19. 1-year lease +deposit required. 608-444-9173. FOR RENT-VERONA, WI 2-Bedroom Apt., $820/mo, includes heat and all appliances. Off-street parking, On-site laundry. NO PETS. Call 608-556-7331 for showing.
FRENCHTOWN SELF-STORAGE Only 6 miles South of Verona on Hwy PB. Variety of sizes available now. 10x10=$60/month 10x15=$70/month 10x20=$80/month 10x25=$90/month 12x30=$115/month Call 608-424-6530 or1-888-878-4244 NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088
RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240 UNION ROAD STORAGE 10x10 - 10x1510x20 - 12x30 24-7 Access Security Lights and Cameras Credit Cards Accepted 608-835-0082 1128 Union Road, Oregon, WI Located on the corner of Union Road and Lincoln Road
Mobile Homes New Factory Built Homes 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980. HORKHEIMER HOMES Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985.
Office Space For Rent OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT In Oregon facing 15th hole on golf course Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Security System Conference rooms availableKitchenette-Breakroom Autumn Woods Prof. Centre Marty 608-835-3628
Real Estate Wanted SEARCHING FOR a house to purchase in Oregon, price range of $250k-$325k. At least 1,900 sq ft., 3 beds, 2 baths with area for an office. Prefer a finished or mostly basement. Please call 608-235-3368 or email lkaiser5472@gmail.com if you plan to sell soon. Note we have a realtor already.
Feed & Seed HAY, ALFALFA & Grass. Small squares, 900 bales, no delivery. Edgerton 608-884-4498 ALL ADS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER.
ConnectVerona.com
1982 BARBEL 5,500 gal. double conical tanker $20,000; 2017 Wilson hopper bottom $30,000. 608-778-9358.
Hiring Retirees!
Get Connected Find updates and links right away. Add us on Facebook and Twitter as “Verona Press”
Full/Part Time Positions Available
Drive Locally andWages Support your Community •Excellent Badger Bus Offers: •Paid Training • $150 Sign-On Bonus for Van Drivers •CDL Program • $500 Sign-On Bonus for (If Qualified School Bus Drivers •Signing Bonus Applicable) • Paid Training and Available Bonus to get in your CDL •Positions Madison and Verona • Full and Part-Time Positions Available
adno=48080
A p p ly !
Call: 608-255-1551
Apply in Person: 5501 Femrite Drive Madison, WI
Responsibilities will include daily preparation of our golf course. Must have a valid driver’s license. Competitive starting salary and golf privileges! Past golf course experience not required, we provide safety equipment & training.
Contact
Neil Radatz at
608-957-6763 if interested
We’reWgrowing in Fitchburg! E ARE HIRING! We train! Learn a trade!
Project Manager Full-Time - $60,000 Salary Send qualifications to:
Production Assemblers Machine Operators - Fabrication
Excellent Benefits Include: ■
90% Employer Paid Premium for Medical Insurance
■
100% Employer Paid Premium for Dental Insurance
■
Free Onsite Health Facility
■
Free Life and Disability Insurance
■
Pension (We Pay Into Your 401k)
■
Holiday and Vacation Pay
S TA R T I N G WA G E adno=50008
$19.85 /
hour
After 120 days: $20.85 /
hour
FIRST SHIFT MONDAY—FRIDAY: 5:45am – 1:45pm SECOND SHIFT - 4-10’s
Warehouse/Delivery Person Needed
MONDAY—THURSDAY: 2:15pm – 12:15am
Apply Online
Must have excellent driving record & ability to multi task. Duties Include: shipping/receiving/delivering Starting Salary $18/hr. Call 608.845.6403 for more information.
adno=56769
subzero-wolf.com/careers
LOOKING FOR A CAREER CHANGE? JOIN THE CLEARY TEAM!!
W E ’R E G ROW I N G !
NO EXPERIENCE NO PROBLEM
Machine Operators - Fabrication
Free blueprint reading course for Machine Operator positions
Located in Fitchburg, WI Starting Pay: $20.76/hr + up to an additional $ 1.74/hr for incentive pay
2nd Shift
3rd Shift
2pm - 10pm
10pm - 6am
Monday - Friday
Sunday - Thursday
WHY SUBZERO WOLF?
PART TIME MAIL PROCESSOR 20 - 24 Hours per Week Tues., Wed., Fri.
Comprehensive fabrication training provided n State of the art fabrication equipment n Clean, temperature controlled working environment n Excellent employee benefit package n On-site employee clinic and fitness center available n
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Cleary Building Corp. a family owned, debt-free, nation-wide industry leader is currently seeking an energetic, responsible, hard-working, customer service oriented individual to pick up and sort mail; process FedEx packages; and provide back-up phone support. Must have Valid Driver’s License! Join our team of champions!! EEO
www.workforcleary.com 190 Paoli Street, Verona, WI 53593
Early morning hours
www.clconnections.org/careers.php 608.661.7999
NOW HIRING! Electrical Estimator/
APPLY TODAY!!
IS HIRING HIGHLY MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS FOR THE 2018 GOLF SEASON
Community Living Connections Inc is a local nonprofit, supporting adults with developmental disabilities to live their best life in their own home and community. AA/EOE
Apply Locally at: 219 Paoli St., Verona, WI E-mail: Jobs@BadgerBus.com Call: 608-845-2255 or Go Online: BadgerBus.com
Blindbox@wcinet.com or Attn.: Blind Ad P.O. Box 930427 Verona, WI 53593
adno=58218
Help someone else live their best life! • As little as 2 hours/week • • Stay active in the community• • No experience required!•
HAWKS LANDING GOLF CLUB Full & Part-Time Seasonal Staff
Living the good (retirement) life, but want to stay busy?
VERONA DRIVERS WANTED
ALL ADS SUBMITTED SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY PUBLISHER OF THIS PAPER.
adno=58025
Farm
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE IS Noon Friday for The Great Dane and Noon Monday for the Verona Press unless changed because of holiday work schedules. Call now to place your ad, 873-6671 or 835-6677.
adno=55670
FOR SALE: JD 7000 RW dry fertilizer, JD 40 ft. elevator, IH 450 gas, narrow front with New Idea mounted corn picker, JD 444 poly corn head. 608341-9700.
RENT SKIDLOADERS 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.
15
Apply Online: www.subzero-wolf.com/careers We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
WHEN February 13 9:30am February 13 4:00pm
WHERE Wolf Facility, Doors 61&62 2866 Buds Drive Fitchburg, WI 53719
On-site interviews will be conducted after the course. To reserve your spot in the course please call human resources at 608-270-3358 p byy either date. or stop
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Machinery
The Verona Press
February 14, 2019
16 The Verona Press - February 14, 2019
Keep it Local, Right Here In Town!
Supporting ALL Local Businesses! Verona Area Chamber of Commerce 120 W. Verona Avenue, Verona, WI
www.veronawi.com 608-845-5777
adno=50084
adno=15329
Dependable
Banking locally
EVER AFTER
Not Just a Pharmacy
Open the interest bearing checking account that fits your lifestyle today!
Hours
1
adno=57075
for balances of $250,000 and above
M-F 9am-6pm Sat 9am-1pm Closed Sunday
• Crabtree & Evelyn Products • Milkhouse Creamery Candles (HSA cards accepted)
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A MODERN TREATMENT FOR RECEDING GUMS
Over 75 Years Combined Experience Customizing Travel According to Your Needs
Main Street Dentists 105 N. Main St., Verona WI
adno=50081
Janet Rasmussen, Brenda Trainor & Cortney Trainor
Every Day Freshness
adno=50080
Miller & Sons has some of the best fresh produce, quality meats, deli, spirits and more!
Open 7 Days a Week from 6:30am-9:00pm
Oil Changes
Air Conditioning
Collision Repair
221 Paoli St., Verona, WI 53593 Mon, Tues and Thurs: 7:30am - 5:00pm Wed and Fri: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Dr. Kate Schacherl
Email: ofcemainstreetdentists.com Website: www.mainstreetdentists.com
Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
407 E. Verona Avenue, Verona, WI 608.845.6403
If you would like to see your ad in this spot, contact Donna Larson at 845-9559 ext 235 or veronasales@wcinet.com
EVERY Day,
210 S. Main St., Verona • 845-6478
Suspension
adno=50082
608-845-6127
608-845-6880
Transmission Flushes
Stop in and see us today!
The Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST) can help. To learn more, give us a call.
pyramidtravel.net • brenda@pyramidtravel.net
Alignments
Gum recession affects persons of all ages. It may be caused by clenching and grinding your teeth, crooked or misaligned teeth, aggressive brushing, tobacco use, or gum disease. When gum recession occurs, the root structure of your tooth becomes exposed and may be sensitive. Tooth decay may occur along the gum line and damage to tooth roots may occur.
your homebase for travel…anywhere! Serving You Since 1989
600 W. Verona Ave., Verona
Exhausts
Providing Solid Footing Since 1978
We help select your perfect destination!
First Class Service
Tires
608-845-9171
• Willow Tree and More
202 S. Main Street, Verona • 848-8020 Check out www.myhometownrx.com
el thae n! v a r t e W so you c world
Tune-Ups
Complete Auto Service!
SERIES CHECKING 1 Signature Series Checking Annual Percentage Yields (APY) are accurate as of 01/25/2019. APY tiers apply to the following balances: 0% APY on balances of $0.00 to $49,999.99. 0.75% APY on balances of $50,000.00 up to $149,999.99. 1.26% APY on balances of $150,000.00 up to $249,999.99. 1.76% APY on balances of $250,000.00 and above. Rates and terms may change after the account is opened. Minimum deposit to open account is $1,000. Fees may reduce earnings. Signature Series Checking is a Consumer Checking account. Member FDIC
Brakes
adno=50078
1.76
% APY
Shop our excellent selection of gifts while we fill your prescription
Quality Collision Repairs & More!
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IS MORE INTERESTING