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WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 2021
Novy thrives on connections with students and staff Albrecht principal takes over as superintendent on July 1 By Margaret Plevak CORRESPONDENT
BECKY MALKOW The Independent-Register
Prom goes on at Brodhead High School
Brodhead High School prom was held outdoors on Saturday, May 1, at the high school. In the front row are paiges Aubrey Gulden and Dustin Moe. In the second row from left are Cora Hafen, Kyleigh Raupp, Ellie Yates, Kiarra Moe, Jersey Medenwaldt and Madisyn Kail. In the third row from left are Gage Boegli, Brady Malkow, Owen Leifker, Brady Bruns, Seyler Weeden and Josiah Engen.
BECKY MALKOW The Independent-Register
The Brodhead senior prom court is all smiles. In the front row from the left are Nataley Bump, Kassy Berget, Jenna Ils, Madelynn McIntyre, Bailey Matthys and Hailey Elmer. In the back from left are Connor Green, CJ Kamholz, Christian Wilkins, Braden Cook, Devon Anderson and Grant Gretebeck.
BECKY MALKOW The Independent-Register
VOL. 161 • NO. 20
BECKY MALKOW The Independent-Register
Gage Boegli and Kyleigh Raupp were named ju- Connor Green and Madelynn McIntyre nior prom king and queen. were named senior prom king and queen.
Earlier this year during a typically busy day, Albrecht Elementary School Principal Dave Novy was wrapped up in his office — literally. Children and teachers alike got to wind plastic wrap around Novy in his chair as a reward for their reaching a goal in the school’s annual reading program. And it wasn’t his first time serving as an incentive to students. “I love showing our students that I can have just as much fun at school as they do,” Novy said in an email conversation. “One of our ultimate goals for our students is to develop a love of reading books. If I can help students develop that love and enjoyment by getting taped to the wall or having my hair shaved into a Mohawk, I’m all for it!” Though he admits there are days he can’t seem to get out of the office, Novy is a familiar face in the hallways, classrooms and playground at Albrecht, talking with children. He believes it’s as important for students to see their principal during the day as it is for him and teachers to get to know students and families.
“The most important thing we can do is to develop positive relationships with our students. They need to know we care about them and want them to succeed,” he said. “If the students Dave Novy know the adults in our school care about them and know what they enjoy outside of school time, they will want to work for their teachers and want to make them proud.” Come July 1, Novy will be leaving Albrecht to take over as Brodhead School District superintendent, replacing current Superintendent Leonard Lueck, who’s retiring after eight years in the position. The school board approved Novy’s new contract last month. “Dave is very knowledgeable and on top of the latest trends in education. He is also very creative when problem solving issues,” said Lueck, who’s worked with Novy for 16 years. “Dave has been a fantastic educational leader. His building is always at the forefront of the district initiatives.” Novy has been in education for 28 years, 19 at Albrecht. He also served three years as an elementary school principal in Owen, Wisconsin. His wife, Kirsten, is the director of Brodhead School
See NOVY, Page 4
School board OKs middle school lighting, gym projects Improvement projects totaling $137,991 are slated at Brodhead schools as board members recently OK’d several buildings and grounds proposals. The biggest ticket item is $78,000 for improved lighting at Brodhead Middle School. “They are energy-efficient lights that will save the district money, reduce work load and are better for the environment,” Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in an email. Lighting at Albrecht Elementary School and all exterior lights already were replaced last summer, Lueck said. The middle school gym also will see several improvements, including $15,200 to redo the gym floor, $12,000 to repaint and take down old sports signs, $8,664 for four new glass basketball backboards and $12,255 for six new electric winches for lowering and raising the basketball hoops, according to information Lueck provided. “The middle school gym is sorely due for an upgrade,” he
said. “All equipment in there is severely out of date. … The floor surface is very slippery and needs to be resurfaced. The baskets have old metal backboards and the mechanical lifts do not work well.” At Brodhead High School, projects will include cleaning and recoating the gym floor ($3,950) and residing the baseball dugouts ($6,000). At the elementary school, projects will include connecting the sidewalks between 4K rooms ($900), a cement pad for the bike racks ($700), and walling off the west section of the computer lab ($322). The buildings and grounds projects are being paid for “with surplus budget money and must be completed/paid for by June 30,” Lueck said. Several additional projects could be undertaken, if there are funds available, Lueck said. Those projects include cabinets for classrooms and replacing older blinds at the elementary school and exterior doors at the middle school and high school.
Page 2
THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Capitol report
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Workforce housing solutions making their way through Capitol Both sides of Wisconsin’s political aisle are circulating legislation to increase affordable housing as a way to tackle workforce issues. Statewide housing supply is at historic lows. Median home prices continue to rise and apartment rent increases are outpacing wage growth. The situation is spurring possible fixes from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and GOP lawmakers. Median home prices surged in March as housing supply continues to shrink compared to last year, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association’s most recent monthly analysis. Total listings of homes for sale fell about 37 percent over the last year, pushing median prices up over 10 percent to nearly $230,000 over that same period. Wisconsin employers are
struggling to recruit workers unless the surrounding area has attractive and affordable housing options, according to a brief from the WRA. “Unless this workforce housing problem is fixed, Wisconsin will be unable to keep and attract the skilled workers necessary for our economy to thrive,” the WRA wrote. GOP Rep. Rob Summerfield said houses are selling within 24 hours in the small, northwestern city of Bloomer where he’s from. Housing has been an issue there, he said. Summerfield authored Assembly Bill 156, which would create a 4 percent state tax credit for the development of new rental housing for people within 61 to 100 percent of an area’s median income. It would also provide a 10-year restrictive covenant
to be recorded on the rental housing units to ensure they remain affordable. He said employers in the region are expanding, but they need help getting workers to move to the rural area. “But to get people to move up, there’s no housing stock. There’s nothing. And the price range is really low — the real fixer-uppers — or the really high-end,” Summerfield said. “So we’re trying to encourage the middle ground for families and people to move to the area.” The bill is in the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. Its sister bill, SB 172, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Revenue. Summerfield said he’s hopeful the respective committee chairs will take them up soon. Meanwhile, Senate
Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, recently highlighted workforce housing as one of two problems facing the state’s business community. The Senate Committee on Housing, Commerce and Trade had scheduled a hearing on the topic for today. “I think it’s a dual problem: it’s having the workforce available, making sure they’re willing to work but then also, when you attract people into your area, making sure that they can actually find a house or find a rental unit to move in,” he told a recent WisPolitics.com luncheon. LeMahieu voiced support for streamlining regulations on building homes and affordable housing. Summerfield said his bill is just “one piece out of many” that could help with the workforce housing crisis
facing the state. Evers is also addressing the problem in his latest budget plan, which the Joint Finance Committee is reviewing. Evers’ initiatives are aimed at increasing the supply of workforce housing. The governor is calling for increasing the percentage of housing allowed in a mixeduse tax incremental district from 35 percent to 60 percent. The extra 25 percent has to be workforce housing. His plan would also increase funding from $42 million to $100 million for the Wisconsin Housing & Economic Development Authority’s state housing tax credit program and give $50 million for local housing development funds. “We’re going to see what Joint Finance does,” Summerfield said of the governor’s proposals.
“Because I think the more and more discussion we have, and more and more ideas out there, hopefully, we can get some progress made on this workforce housing.” Rep. Amy Loudenbeck, R-Clinton, is a co-sponsor of the workforce housing legislation and serves on the Joint Finance Committee. She said she has not had any discussions with Joint Finance Committee members about workforce housing. For more, visit WisPolitics. com.
information. ~~~~~~~~~ Brodhead United Methodist Church, 501 First Center Ave., Brodhead, 608-897-2515. Pastor Rev. Kook Ho Kim. Pastor’s office hours: Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Church office hours: Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. We are handicapped accessible. In-person worship at 9 a.m. Sundays. Website: brodheadumc.org. Facebook: United Methodist Church of Brodhead. Services live-streamed on Facebook Sundays at 9 a.m. and air on cable Channel 988 on Sundays at 11 a.m. Christian education online. Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Lenten worship on Facebook at 6 p.m. March 17. ~~~~~~~~~ Congregational United Church of Christ, E201 23rd St., Brodhead. Pastor Bill Wineke. Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service; Communion every Sunday.
Quilting/crafts workshop at 9 a.m. Wednesdays. ~~~~~~~~~~ Footville Church of Christ, on County B in Footville (117 Church St.). John Thomson, preaching minister. 608-876-6736 or 608-466-4710. Sunday worship and kids church at 10:30 a.m. Website: footvillechurchofchrist.org. Find us on Facebook:@ footvillechurchofchrist. Services are live-streamed every Sunday. ~~~~~~~~~ Grace Independent Baptist Church, Highway 81, 3/4 mile east of junction with 11, Brodhead. Donald Adams, pastor. 608-8978454. 9:30 a.m. Sunday school; 10:30 a.m. morning worship; 6 p.m. evening service. Wednesday 6 p.m. service. ~~~~~~~~~ Harvest Community Church, 519 E. Beloit St., Orfordville. 608-879-2640. Sunday worship services 10 a.m. ~~~~~~~~~ Hilltop Community
Church, 101 S. Jackson St., Albany, 608-214-3180. Pastor Kevin R. Phillip. Sunday worship 10 a.m.; adult Christian Bible study Sunday 9 a.m.; children’s Sunday school 9 a.m. (September through May). ~~~~~~~~~ Zion United Methodist, N2350 Church St., Juda. 608-934-5398. Rev. Kelly Jahn. Worship at 10:45 a.m. Sunday school at 9:30 a.m. for all ages. ~~~~~~~~~ Oakley-Union United Methodist, W2388 Gerber Road, Juda. 608-934-5398. Rev. Kelly Jahn. Worship service at 9 a.m. Sunday school for 4 to 12 years of age is held during the worship service. ~~~~~~~~ Living Word Church, Pastor Russ Doebler, 3825 S. County Highway T, www. livingwordwi.org, ptl@ livingwordwi.org, 608897-8246. Sunday morning worship at 10 a.m. (live streamed on website); Sunday evening IMPACT youth group from 6 to 8
p.m.; Prayday at 7 p.m. Tuesdays; men’s prayer, 6 to 7 a.m. Fridays. ~~~~~~~~~ Luther Valley Lutheran Church, ELCA. 7107 S. Luther Valley Road, Beloit. 608-879-2934. Sunday worship at 9 a.m. and Sunday school at 10 a.m. ~~~~~~~~~ New Horizon United Methodist Church. Ran Yoo, pastor. 1726 S. Murphy Road, just off Highway 11 between Orfordville and Footville. 608-876-6256. Sunday worship services at 9 a.m. All are welcome. ~~~~~~~~~ Orfordville Lutheran Church. 608-879-2575. Interim pastor. Sunday: 9 a.m. worship with Communion; Sunday school; 10 a.m. fellowship; Thursdays 9-11 a.m. CUP Pantry. ~~~~~~~~~ Plymouth United Methodist Church, 5614 S. County Highway H, Orfordville. 608-879-2156. Sundays 9 a.m. church services.
The Capitol Report is written by editorial staff at WisPolitics.com, a nonpartisan, Madison-based news service that specializes in coverage of government and politics, and is distributed for publication by members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
Church directory St. Augustine Catholic Church, 280 Haberdale Drive, Footville. 608-8766252. Father Paulraj Sellam. Sundays 8 a.m. Mass. ~~~~~~~~~ St. Paul Catholic Church, 39 Garfield St., Evansville. 608-882-4138. Father Paulraj Sellam. Saturdays 5 p.m. Mass, Sundays 11 a.m. Mass. stpaulevans@gmail. com. ~~~~~~~~~ St. Patrick Catholic Church, Albany. Father Michael Moon, pastor. 608862-3400. Tuesday 8 a.m. Mass. Parish nurse hours: Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ~~~~~~~~~ St. Peter Lutheran Church, Pastor Tyler Swiderski. 1708 W. Sixth Ave., Brodhead. Worship at 9 a.m. Sundays, with a live feed available at stpeterlutheranbrodhead. org. Adult Bible class at 10:15 a.m. Sundays. Church council and Ladies Aid meetings held at 10 a.m. second Sunday of the month. For more information, call 608-5774825. ~~~~~~~~~ St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 1005 W. Second Ave., Brodhead, part of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, Monroe. 608-325-9506. Msgr. Larry Bakke, pastor. Mass at 8 a.m. Wednesday. ~~~~~~~~~ St. Victor Catholic Church, part of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, 1760 14th St., Monroe. 608-3259506. Msgr. Larry Bakke, pastor. Mass at 5:15 p.m. Tuesday (livestreamed via
Directory sponsored by:
Body Crafters Auto Body Repair, Inc. 608-897-8447
392240
2508 1st Center Ave. Brodhead, WI
www.stclaregreencounty. org), 8:30 a.m. Thursday (school only, livestreamed), 5:15 p.m. Thursday, 8 a.m. Friday (livestreamed), 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. Sunday and 10 a.m. Sunday (livestreamed). We are fully accessible for people with disabilities. Facebook: St. Clare of Assisi Parish. ~~~~~~~~~ Albany United Methodist Church, 500 Park St., Albany; 608-862-3206; Pastor Tom Moe; Sunday services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.; Recorded service at 9 a.m. on Albany UMC Facebook page. Children’s Sunday school at 8:45 a.m. (September through May); adult Bible study at 8:45 a.m. ~~~~~~~~~ Bethany Lutheran Church, 16529 W. Church Road, Brodhead. 608-897-4158. Pastor Richard Thickpenny. Sunday school and adult class, 8:45 a.m.; worship service, 10 a.m.; Holy Communion first and third Sundays of each month. ~~~~~~~~~ Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 405 E. Ninth Ave., Brodhead, 608897-2341, Rev. Peder Johanson, pastor. Website: bethlehembrodhead. org. On-site activities are suspended due to the pandemic. Sunday worship at 9 a.m. (go online at bethlehembrodhead.org for details). For pastoral care, call 608-346-2676 or email pastor@bethlehembrodhead. org. ~~~~~~~~~ Brodhead Church of the Nazarene, 1004 13th St. Rev. Dave Krohn, pastor. 608-897-9277. Pre-prayer service 8:45 a.m. (Sunday morning), children’s church 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study 6:30 p.m. (church basement); third Saturday each month (free Movie Night 6:45 p.m.); third Sunday each month (fellowship dinner after service). Sunday school all ages – 9 a.m. family worship - 10 a.m. Wednesday nights 6:30-7:30 p.m. - Caravan for children through age 12 and adult Bible study. Call pastor for
Brodhead Community Calendar Check out what is happening in the Brodhead area for the week!
6 | Thursday
7 | Friday
8 | Saturday
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Varsity golf at Evergreen, noon Varsity softball vs. East Troy, 5 p.m.
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Field Day, Albrecht Elementary School
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to noon Varsity softball at Big Foot, 10 a.m.
9 | Sunday
10 | Monday
11 | Tuesday
12 | Wednesday
Brodhead library closed
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Brodhead Middle School Fine Arts Night, 7 p.m.
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Varsity golf at Prairie Woods, 3:30 p.m. High school co-ed track meet at Clinton, 4:30 p.m. Varsity softball at Clinton, 5 p.m. Brodhead Finance Committee meeting, 5:45 p.m.
Brodhead library curbside pickup and open by appointment, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Brodhead School Board meeting, 7 p.m.
VIEWPOINT
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Page 3
In my opinion
High school sports needs more officials, better fan behavior After months of working with state government, education and health leaders, schools in all 50 states have been given the go-ahead to resume high school sports at some level of competition. Schools in the District of Columbia were the last to receive the green light on April 1. This is great news and signals that a return to normalcy may be on the horizon by the time schools begin sports and activities this fall. Unfortunately, there is an ever-increasing issue that could put a kink in the returnto-play plans in Wisconsin and across the country — a shortage of officials, as in referees and umpires, that borders on catastrophic in some sports and in some parts of the nation. The shortage of officials in high school — and middle school — sports has been
not enough people to officiate all scheduled games. According to the National Association of Sports Officials, registration of officials across the country is down about 30 percent this year. In Oregon, the number of football referees has By KARISSA NIEHOFF dropped 34 percent compared and DAVE ANDERSON to last year, and volleyball is down 45 percent. In a football a growing concern for officials association in several years; however, the California, nearly two-thirds COVID-19 pandemic has of its members opted out of moved the issue to heightened officiating this year. levels. Tennessee and Georgia In some cases, schools have reported declines in that have waited months baseball umpires. In one and months to “play ball” county in Georgia, one have had to cancel games or middle school had to cancel reschedule games. There are its baseball season due to a so many contests occurring, lack of umpires. with some states currently In some cases, the number playing football and other of available officials has sports they were unable to declined due to health-related offer last fall, coupled with reasons — people opting regular spring sports now out this year because of the underway, there simply are pandemic.
As vaccinations increase and the optics improve, many of these individuals hopefully will return. For other officials, however, the pandemic was a secondary concern compared to the verbal abuse they receive from fans — mostly parents. It is particularly hard for rookie officials to overcome the verbal shots they hear from parents. In an article in the Salt Lake City Deseret News, Jeff Cluff, assistant director in charge of officials for the UHSAA, had the following to say about unruly fans in his state: “Parents are out of control … Because of the club and super-league culture, they think these games mean everything; we don’t look at it that way in high school. Kids are learning, the officials are learning, the coaches are learning. We have lots of people who are interested in
officiating. If we could keep these officials, we’d be fine.” Schools in Wisconsin need two things: 1) more individuals to consider officiating high school sports and 2) an improvement in fan behavior so that officials don’t have to deal with verbal abuse and can feel good about continuing to officiate. Despite the fun and rewards that come with officiating high school sports, no one wants to continue if they are continually berated by fans. The WIAA and NFHS has been actively recruiting officials for four years through its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign. More than 50,000 individuals have expressed interest in officiating during this time. However, more individuals are desperately needed to keep the games going for the millions of students in middle school and high school sports. Anyone
can sign up today to become a WIAA licensed official at https://www.wiaawi.org/ Officials/Become-an-Official. More importantly, let’s do all we can to keep the men and women who are currently giving of their time to officiate middle school and high school sports. The next time you think about yelling at the referee during a high school contest, don’t! There is hope on the horizon that the pandemic will not keep kids off the playing fields and courts much longer. Let’s make sure boorish behavior doesn’t keep officials off the same fields and courts. Karissa Niehoff is the executive director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Dave Anderson is the executive director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Letter to the editor Community challenge urges support for fire victims By now we have all heard that the Herrera family lost their entire home and vehicle in a fire. How devastating that must be. So many in our community have helped out already. That’s awesome! If you haven’t yet helped and would like to, or would like to do more, please join in on the “7 Day Chamber Challenge.” I challenge all local Brodhead Chamber members to lend a helping hand just one more time. (You may have seen my Facebook post extending this effort for another seven days.) A gift card from your business, or purchasing one from any local business (winwin) will allow the Herrera family to purchase items they
need. Food, gas, oil changes, hardware, hair care — the list goes on. Gift cards can be dropped off at FIBS North, mailed to Janet Cook at FIBS North, 906 W. Exchange St., Brodhead, WI 53520 or I can up gift cards. (Call 608-214-1871.) I’m looking to chamber members to be an example and lead the way for a successful challenge. There’s nothing more important than a community behind their community. Not a chamber member? You are welcome to join in. As of April 28, a big thank-you goes to Decatur Dairy, Bridges Bar & Grill, Pinnow Hometown Pharmacy and FIBS North for their donations. Janet Cook Brodhead
The IndependenT-RegIsTeR “Committed to the communities we serve.”
Slices of life
Editor: Jenny Sharp Advertising Sales: Jim Bruce and Rhonda Marshall Office Manager: Joyce Chrisbaum
Too many goodbyes left to say By
JILL PERTLER Columnist
All the utilities are still in his name. More goodbyes, once I get to those tasks. His wallet, driver’s license, watch and glasses. No one needs them anymore. No one can use them. I should get rid of them. I suppose I should say goodbye. Instead they sit in the drawer next to my bed. Sometimes I hold them before sleep or right after waking. Eventually I’ll be ready to say goodbye, but not quite yet. I’ve yet to transfer car titles. More goodbyes. I still have his vehicle. Probably should sell it at some point. Another goodbye. His tools. What do I do with his tools? I don’t know
how to use them. My kids may want them at some point. Do we keep them just in case, or do we say goodbye? I donated most of his clothes to charity. His closet is empty, reminding me daily of that goodbye. I packed his shoes up, also for donation. They are still in the basement waiting for my goodbye. I hope to move soon. Saying goodbye to the home where we raised our family will be significant. There is the wall where we measured each child’s height as they grew from toddlerhood to the teen years. There is the kitchen table where we ate our family meals. There are bedrooms where we read nighttime stories and said our prayers. There is the dining room table where we shared special Thanksgiving and Christmas meals with extended family. There are the bathrooms and kitchen, which he rebuilt from scratch when we first
moved here 20 years ago. There is the backyard where I planted raspberries, asparagus and my cherished hosta gardens. It’s the same place he built a paver patio and walking path. The backyard was our project. It was our haven. One of them, at least. I need to move forward. He’ll come with me, I know that to my core. The house is just a house. Still, I’ll have to say goodbye to it. I have to say goodbye to a lot of things; I already have. But there is more to do. More goodbyes to accomplish. I hate each one, but it is inevitable. It has to be done. So on I go. Jill Pertler is an awardwinning syndicated columnist, published playwright, author and member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
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It’s been five months. Five long months, but there are still so many things to do. So many goodbyes left to say. Most of them are symbolic and silent, but they are goodbyes nonetheless. Between just him and me. Everyone else has said their goodbyes in their own way. They were done long ago. I’m far from done. I don’t think I’ll ever be done saying goodbye. I wouldn’t want to be, honestly. Saying a final goodbye would be too hard. I’m not ready for that. I won’t ever be. Still, there are things to do — goodbyes, if you will. I have to shut off his phone. I plan to do that soon. We’ve transferred all the photos and videos off of it. No one calls him anymore. In fact the phone hasn’t been charged for a few weeks, so there’s no reason, really, to keep the account. No reason except it’s one more difficult goodbye to get through.
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Page 4
THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Brodhead Police report April 25 • 10:18 a.m., police responded to the 1100 block of 1st Center Avenue for a report of disorderly conduct — a subject receiving harassing text messages. Subject did not give further information regarding offenders; informational case pulled. April 26 • 7:10 a.m., police responded to the 700 block of 12th Street for a report of a hit and run, car versus dog. This matter remains under investigation. • 9:25 p.m., Police responded to the 1300 block of West Second Avenue for a report of suspicious activity — a suspicious car parked outside the residence. This matter remains under investigation.
April 27 • 7:24 a.m., subjects were verbally warned in the 200 block of East Fourth Avenue for illegal burning. April 28 • 10:27 a.m., police responded to the 800 block of Eighth Street for a report of a traffic crash — a subject backed into a parked car. Contact with parties involved was made, and no citations were issued. • 11:07 a.m., police responded to the 1200 block of 17th Street for a report of suspicious activity — an unoccupied vehicle with the doors open. Contact with registered owner was made, and no evidence of suspicious activity was found. • 11:26 a.m., police responded to the 2500 block of
West Fifth Avenue for a report of a traffic crash — a subject side-swiped another vehicle. As this incident occurred on private property, no citations were issued. • 10:36 p.m., police responded to the 1100 block of 1st Center Avenue for a report of two dogs at large. Officers were unable to catch the April 29 • 4:48 a.m., police responded to the N400 block of East Second Avenue for the report of an animal problem — dogs running at large. The owner was contacted; numerous violations were addressed pending follow-up investigations. • 12:29 p.m., Police responded to the 2500 block of West Fifth Avenue for the report of disorderly conduct
with a motor vehicle — a subject driving recklessly in a parking lot. Contact was made and a warning was issued. • 12:53 p.m., an 18-year-old Beloit woman was cited in the 2500 block of West Fifth Avenue for a hit-and-run traffic crash. April 30 • 11:16 a.m., police responded to the 300 block of Fourth Street for the report of an animal problem — a dog running at large. The owner was contacted and a warning was issued. May 1 • 6:40 a.m., police responded to the 800 block of First Street for an animal problem — a dog running at large. Police were unable to apprehend the dog.
• 9:21 a.m., police responded to the 500 block of East Exchange Street for the report of a domestic problem. This matter remains under investigation. • 2:38 p.m., Police responded to the 2200 block of West Fifth Avenue for the report of a code violation — a dirt bike operating on the roadway. Contact was made and a warning was issued. • 5:45 p.m., police responded to the 1100 block of 1st Center Avenue for the report of a gas drive-off. Upon investigation, it appeared to be an oversight. The driver returned to pay for the fuel. • 7:13 p.m., police responded to the 1200 block of West Third Avenue for the report of an animal problem — a barking dog. The owner was contacted and a warning was
issued. • 9:03 p.m., police responded to the 900 block of West Exchange Street for the report of a code violation — loud music. Police were unable to locate the source of the violation. • 11:21 p.m., police responded to the 300 block of Fourth Street for a curfew violation — several subjects out after city ordinance curfew. Contact was made and warnings were issued.
Investigation resulted in the driver, Kaylee J. Schofield, 24, of Verona, being arrested for operating while under the influence (alcohol), second offense and for bail jumping (misdemeanor). Schofield was cited for operating after revocation (traffic crime), failure to install an ignition interlock device (traffic crime), possession of open intoxicants in a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without insurance and operating a motor vehicle with a defective headlamp. Schofield was booked into the Green County Jail and was later released pending a mandatory court appearance after the posting of bond.
ing her seat belt. Threewitt sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital by EMS. The vehicle sustained disabling damage and the airbags deployed. The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Green County Crime Stoppers Anyone with information on the incidents the police still have under investigation are encouraged to contact Green County Crime Stoppers at 800-422-7463 or the Brodhead Police Department at 608-897-2112.
Green County Sheriff’s report April 26 Warrant arrest At approximately 9:39 p.m., deputies responded to the 100 block of North Mill Street in the town of Cadiz for a report of a male subject acting suspiciously. Investigation resulted in Christopher A. Humphrey, 35, of Browntown, being arrested for a Lafayette County warrant for failure to appear. Humphrey was turned over to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office. April 29 Motor vehicle crash — property damage At approximately 4:06 a.m., deputies located a vehicle in the W700 block of Golf Course Road in the town of Decatur. The vehicle had moderate front-end damage from a recent crash. Investigation revealed that at approximately 5 p.m. April 27, a vehicle driven by David A. Scofield Jr., 32, of Brodhead, reportedly swerved to avoid deer and struck a tree. Scofield reported not being injured and not wearing his seat belt. The vehicle sustained moderate damage with no airbag deployment and was later removed from the
• Novy
scene. Scofield was cited for failure to notify law enforcement of a crash, operator possess open intoxicants, operate while suspended and operate motor vehicle with no insurance. He was provided a court date. Motor vehicle crash — property damage At approximately 10:40 a.m., deputies observed a single-vehicle crash in the W4400 block of County Highway W in the town of Exeter. The vehicle, driven by Michael A. Konopacki, 78, of Chesterton, Indiana, struck a rock in the roadway. Konopacki and passengers reported wearing seat belts and not being injured. The vehicle sustained moderate damage with no airbag deployment and was towed from the scene. Criminal arrest At approximately 10:39 p.m., deputies, along with officers from Belleville Police Department and the New Glarus Police Department, responded to the N9600 block of Argue Road in the town of Exeter for a 911 call.
Investigation resulted in Kevin W. Waggoner, 61, of New Glarus, being arrested for felony bail jumping. He was held at the Green County Jail pending court. April 29 Motor vehicle crash — property damage At approximately 5:09 p.m., deputies responded to W6500 Wisconsin Highway 39 in the town of New Glarus for a single-vehicle crash. Investigation revealed that a vehicle driven by Mary H. Campbell, 66, of Avoca, was eastbound on Wisconsin 39, when she swerved to avoid a deer and entered the north ditch, striking a post. Campbell reported not being injured and wearing her seat belt. The vehicle sustained moderate damage with no airbag deployment and was towed from the scene.
single motorcycle crash with injuries. Investigation revealed that Steven A. Steiner, 28, of Browntown, was operating a motorcycle and traveling westbound when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The motorcycle then exited the roadway and entered the ditch, where it overturned. The motorcycle sustained severe damage and was towed from the scene. Steiner sustained injuries in the crash and he was not wearing a helmet. Steiner was flown via Med Flight to the UW Hospital in Madison due to injuries sustained in the crash. Investigation resulted in Steiner being cited for operating while under the influence (alcohol), second offense. Steiner was released pending a mandatory court appearance.
May 1 Motorcycle crash/OWI second offense At approximately 12:35 p.m., deputies, Green County EMS and the Browntown Fire Department responded to the W9500 block of County Highway MM in the town of Cadiz for a report of a
May 2 OWI second offense/bail jumping arrest At approximately 12:13 a.m., deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation in the N9500 block of County Highway J in the town of York.
Motor vehicle crash At approximately 2:10 p.m., deputies and Green County EMS responded to the N4200 block of Wisconsin Highway 69 in the town of Monroe for a report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries. Investigation revealed that Elizabeth E. Threewitt, 19, of Monroe, was traveling northbound when her vehicle exited the roadway and collided with a guardrail. Threewitt reported that she was wear-
Motor vehicle crash At approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies, Green County EMS and the Monticello Fire Department responded to the W6800 block of County Highway C in the town of Washington for a report of a motorcycle versus deer crash. Investigation revealed that Aron R. L. Thompson, 30, of Monticello, was traveling eastbound when a deer entered the roadway and collided with his motorcycle. Thompson was wearing a helmet and eye protection. Thompson sustained non-life threatening injuries in the crash and was transported to an area hospital by EMS. The motorcycle sustained disabling damage and was removed from the scene. The deer was found deceased. All persons arrested or cited are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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District’s Library Media Center. The couple has two children. Cameron, a recent University of Wisconsin-Whitewater graduate, is the community health coordinator for Gunderson Hospital in Boscobel. Daughter Caitlin is in her third year of nursing school at Carroll University in Waukesha. While Novy doesn’t remember seeing much of the principal around the elementary school he attended in Hillsboro, Wisconsin, he does have fond memories of teachers who made an impact. His fifthgrade teacher taught him to appreciate history and hooked him on finding out more about a topic through reading. “I was lucky enough to land my first teaching job in my hometown, replacing (her) after she retired,” he said. “I am forever grateful to her for finding ways to understand what drove my interests.” His elementary school’s graduating class had 40 students, and Novy said he knew every classmate. Many of the teachers had taught students’ siblings and even their parents. “I love the fact that a small school allows such wonder-
ful connections with families, which is so important in elementary education,” he said. Novy said Albrecht has worked hard to be “a school that strives to develop a student population of creative thinkers and problem solvers.” Since 2015, the school has earned the “exceeds expectations” rating on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s State Report Card, which measures schools on academic achievement, including student growth in the areas of math and reading, and postsecondary readiness. He’s seen some regression of students last year because of the coronavirus pandemic, which hampered typical interventions from teachers. “It’s also been tough to see the struggles of our staff as they try to balance virtual learners, safety protocols and incredibly long hours of preparation work. It’s taken a big toll on our school staff because we haven’t been able to do any of the team-building activities we have typically done together,” he said. Krissie Blumer, first-grade teacher at Albrecht, calls Novy’s leadership remarkable
SUBMITTED FILE PHOTO The Independent-Register
Albrecht Elementary School Principal Dave Novy is wrapped in plastic at the conclusion of a successful reading program earlier this school year. Students and staff members were able to put “the wraps” on Novy as an incentive for meeting reading goals. Novy will take over as Brodhead School District superintendent July 1.
and inspiring. “He provides amazing support to his staff and has a clear vision of what makes our school the best it can be,” Blumer said in an email. “Dave is the type of person who builds relationships effortlessly,” Kate Hipenbecker,
a counselor at Albrecht, said in an email. “He is calm, approachable and genuine.” Those are traits she thinks will serve him well as superintendent. “He will build trust with educators in the district and the community at large,” she said.
Novy said his goals as superintendent will be similar to those he has now, and he’s looking forward to working with the school board and administrative team. “I want to continue the great things we already have going in the schools across our dis-
trict,” he said. “My short-term goal is to introduce myself to stakeholder groups and start building trusting and collaborative relationships. I am lucky to have a very good administrative team that has been together for a while and a supportive school board that always puts student learning and success as the top priority.” He wants to continue developing a district target-based learning system that has been in the works for the last few years, and notes the district is due to create a new five-year plan for priority areas. Additionally, a three-year referendum runs through the next school year. “We will need to look into the future to develop a better understanding of what resources our district needs in order to continue providing the quality programs we currently offer,” he said. And he still plans to continue building relationships with students. “A bonus of being a superintendent will be to continue connecting with our youngest learners and visiting as often as I can.”
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Briefs
THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Brodhead students garner honors Several Brodhead High School students were honored as Students of the Month for April: Ashley Lahaie, Kiarra Moe, Amanda Visger, Isaiah Bishop, Kaydence Demrow, Hans Wenger, Marcus McIntyre, Jackson Fields, Molly Reginold and Taylor Midthun. Softball teams put up plenty of runs in opener Recreational softball players returned to the fields Sunday, May 2, with three games in the Sunday night church league. • United Methodist-Albany defeated Church of God, 12-9 • UCC defeated United Methodist-Brodhead, 11-8 • Luther Valley defeated Living Word, 21-18
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Meal program set to run during summer school A summer meal program through the Brodhead School District will be open to resident students 18 and younger at no charge on weekdays from June 7 through July 2, which is during the summer school session. Meals — breakfast and lunch for the next day — will be handed out at each building at the end of each day’s summer school session, Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in an email. The school district is reimbursed by the government for every meal served, with the hope that there will be enough participation for the program to pay for itself, he said. The board has not discussed a meal program beyond July 2, Lueck said.
Back in action – briefly Top: Brodhead’s McKenna Young makes a tag on a close play at home during the April 29 game against Beloit Turner. The game barely got started before it had to be called due to the discovery of a Turner player testing positive for COVID-19. The game was suspended until a later date. Right: Abbie Dix collects a grounder during the top of the first inning. Bottom right: Madisyn Kail makes a throw in from center field during the April 29 game.
PHOTO SUBMITTED Brodhead Independent-Register
Seventh-graders study trees
Brodhead Middle School students in Annette Smith’s seventh-grade science classes visited the MJ Blackford Arboretum on April 30 to learn about trees. They completed a blackout bingo card with riddles for a collection of trees.
University ensembles present virtual concerts The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Music Whitewater Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra have made their final concert available virtually for viewing through May 13. Overlapping this release will be the release of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble’s endof-year concert. That performance was to be released on Monday, May 3, and available for viewing through May 16. Tickets for both concerts are on sale and can be purchased by going online to tickets.uww.edu. Single viewer tickets are $13, and family viewing tickets are $26. Ticket holders will be sent a link to the performance via email. The Whitewater Symphony Orchestra is the flagship orchestra at UW-Whitewater. The WSO is a full orchestra and includes woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings. In addition to performing two to three concerts each semester, the Symphony Orchestra tours semi-annually. Repertoire selections focus on standard symphonic masterworks but include a variety of works from the classical period to modern day. Each year, student concerto soloists are selected to perform with
the orchestras through the annual concerto competition and members of the music faculty at UW-Whitewater make guest solo appearances with the orchestras. As part of the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra concert, WSO will perform “Overture in G Minor” composed by Anton Bruckner, Franz Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony”, and Symphony No. 82 “The Bear” composed by Joseph Haydn. Chamber Orchestra will also perform two pieces, “Capriol Suite” by Peter Warlock and “Sinfonia concertante” for cello and strings composed by Leonardo Leo. Christopher Ramaekers is the director of orchestras at UW-Whitewater, music director of the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra, artistic director of the Davis Theater Concert Series for Access Contemporary Music and associate conductor of the Chicago Composers Orchestra. During the 2018-19 season he was interim assistant conductor of the Quad-City Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Quad-City Youth Orchestras. He has been music director of the Orchestra of St. Vincent’s and the Hyde Park
Youth Symphony, principal conductor of the Ravenswood Community Orchestra and spent nine summers as director of orchestras at Camp Encore/ Coda in Sweden, Maine. As a guest conductor, he has appeared with the Kalamazoo Symphony, Skokie Valley Symphony, Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra, Lake Forest Civic Orchestra, Ensemble Dal Niente and the Chicago Opera Vanguard. Ramaekers will conduct all pieces for both orchestras in the concert. The UW-Whitewater Symphonic Wind Ensemble is the premiere wind and percussion ensemble on campus. It is open by audition to all qualified students, regardless of major. SWE has distinguished itself internationally, nationally and regionally. Honors include being the first university band from Wisconsin to perform at Carnegie Hall. The Symphonic Wind Ensemble has performed by invitation at conventions of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, College Band Directors National Conference and the National Association of Music Educators. The ensemble re-auditions every semester. SWE will be performing a
wide array of compositions, including “Four Scottish Dances” composed by Malcolm Arnold and arranged by John P. Paynter; “La Procession du Rocio” composed by Joaquin Turina, arranged by Alfred Reed; “Suite Francaise” composed by Darius Milhaud; “Speak to Me” composed by Dana Wilson; and “Cathedrals” composed by Kathryn Salfelder. Glenn C. Hayes is in his 34th year as director of bands at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. His responsibilities include conducting SWE, Chamber Winds, University/Community Band and the Warhawk Marching Band. Hayes’ teaching areas include graduate and undergraduate conducting, wind literature, secondary instrumental music methods, student teacher supervision and marching band techniques. His previous teaching positions include Moorhead (Minnesota) State University, Bowling Green (Ohio) State University, Greater Muskegon (Michigan) Catholic Schools and Grand Blanc (Michigan) Community High School. “I always seek out the
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THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Young Cardinals team eager to compete in strong Rock Valley Conference By Trenten Scheidegger CORRESPONDENT
When the Brodhead-Juda baseball team last stepped on the field, they had finished with a 7-17 record, only the third time the team had eclipsed seven wins in the last decade. Although the season was not great, it was one of the better seasons the Brodhead-Juda team has posted in quite some time. Outside of their 12-win season in 2017, the Cardinals had only earned one other seven-win season in the last 12 years. Fifth-year head coach Aaron Guilbault, has been at the helm for two of those three seasons. Prior to the cancellation of the 2020 season, the Cards were projected to have one of their best seasons in years, as the team continued to trend in the right direction following the 2019 season. Brodhead-Juda has gradu-
ated two senior classes since then, however, leaving quite a few unknowns on the roster. “It was difficult to see last year’s squad have to forgo a season,” Guilbault said. “We had a great mix of talented seniors to go along with the up-and-comers we have this year. Certainly a missed opportunity and for the kids it’s a tough one to take, but hopefully, we come out on the other side better for it, and not take anything for granted.” Still, Guilbault remains optimistic about this spring’s squad. “Our team defense is much improved and look to keep us in games this year,” the coach said. He expects upperclassmen in seniors Chase Harnack, Connor Green and Cade Walker, along with junior Brady Malkow to give the team a solid base to build around. “We are going to rely
BECKY MALKOW PHOTOS The Independent-Register
Left: Less than 24 hours after his final game as the Cardinals’ quarterback, Brodhead High School senior Cade Walker started on the mound for the Cardinals in their season opener of the 2021 baseball season. The boys suffered an 11-0 defeat to Evansville at home in the May 1 game. Right: Cardinals senior Connor Green takes a cut at a fastball in the May 1 season opener.
heavily on these four guys to lead and set the example for the underclassmen” Guilbault said. Outside of those four, the struggles for Brodhead-Juda will be establishing the rest of their lineup and discovering who they are as a team. “We don’t have a lot of depth this year, so we will look for a lot of players to fill various roles,” he said on the team’s depth and what is arguably its biggest weakness. Brodhead-Juda baseball has always had talented athletes in the program, but one of the biggest challenges that comes with being a Cardinal is the competition you will face in the Rock Valley Conference. “The Rock Valley is BECKY MALKOW PHOTO The Independent-Register one of the toughest confer Cardinals second baseman Ryan Searls makes a ences in D2 here in Wisconthrow to first baseman Jackson Fields for an out in the sin” Guilbault said. “Beloit May 1 game. Turner and Jefferson always seem to reload, and Coach Gregory has a solid squad in Edgerton that I think will compete near the top.” Growth Opportunities nities - N Now ow H Hiring! iriing! Despite the tough competition, Guilbault is optimistic • 12 to 14 days out about his crew. • 4 days off in a row “I think we will surprise • Make Great Money with Benefits some teams and our goal is • Will Train simply to go out and compete every day for seven innings APPLY NOW! and trust the process; the rest www.jensentransport.com will take care of itself.” Call Tim Jensen for an Interview today: Overall, the Cardinals are 1-800-772-1734 EOE just happy to be back on the diamond playing baseball. “Feels great to be back.” He said. “I know the staff was itching to get some great weather and be out on the di-
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BECKY MALKOW PHOTO The Independent-Register
Cardinals senior Chase Harnack avoids the runner and turns a double play in Saturday’s game against the Evansville Blue Devils.
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amond. We have been working quite a bit in the off season, so we are raring to go.” When Brodhead-Juda finally did return to the diamond on Saturday, May 1, they found themselves right back in the thick of the RVC competition as they hosted the Evansville Blue Devils. Evansville had a two-game head start on the Cardinals, and it appeared to pay off as they took control from the
very beginning. Eventually, the Cards fell to the 10-runrule as Evansville went home with an 11-0 victory. Although it may not be an ideal start to the season, Guilbault and the squad knew they would suffer through some growing pains as they find their identity. The Cardinals will have a shot at redemption when they travel to Jefferson High School to face the top team in
the RVC on Thursday, May 6. The schedule does not appear to be doing the Cardinals any favors, but that will not change throughout the entire season, as they will face good teams until the end. With only three seniors on the roster, Guilbault will learn a lot about this program’s future throughout the year. How they approach this season could impact the team’s success in years to come.
Blackhawk Tech continues to offer choices for class format Registration is now open for summer and fall courses at Blackhawk Technical College. The college, which has been open for in-person, hybrid and online course offerings since last June, plans to continue leaving the choice for class format in the hands of its students. “We have experienced zero community spread on our campuses due to our safety protocols and precautions,” BTC President Tracy Pierner said in a news release. “We continue to offer safe, hands-on, flexible education in a supportive 393404
environment.” Blackhawk instituted increased cleaning protocols, increased air exchange, requires facemasks and adheres to social distancing. These measures have allowed the college to continue operations with minimal interruptions to teaching and learning, the release said. The college has locations in Janesville, Milton, Monroe and Beloit. Class delivery options include MyEdChoice. This option allows students to choose how they attend each class and does not lock
them into one format, the release said. In a MyEdChoice class, students have the option to participate in the classroom at a set class time, live during class time using video conferencing, or online at any time. Students can mix and match how they attend class or pick the option that works best for them. Prospective students looking to learn more can go online to Blackhawk.edu/get-connected to get more information, schedule a campus visit, or apply for admission.
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Page 7
Boys wrap up spring season with big win Left: Brodhead High School senior Cade Walker kicks off the ball for the final game of the season April 30. The Cardinals defeated Parkview-Albany, 64-6. Below: Devon Anderson picks up a fumble for the Cardinals during Friday’s game. BECKY MALKOW PHOTOS The Independent-Register
BECKY MALKOW The Independent-Register
Aidyn Vondra runs for a touchdown in the Cardinals’ landslide win over Parkview-Albany on April 30.
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Above: Brodhead’s Braden Cook and Colton Buttke celebrate a score against Parkview-Albany. Right: Ben Knuth pressures the Parkview-Albany quarterback and tips the pass.
Thursday, May 6 • Live music at Bullquarian Brewhouse, Monroe, 6 p.m., Eric Peter Schwartz
Friday, May 7 • Citywide garage sales, Monroe • Monroe Arts Center Concert Series features The Sharpe Family Singers (access free at monroeartscenter.com/ performances) • Green County Conservation League Gun Show at SLICE Arena, Monroe, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. • Cruise In Night with live music, Attica Bar, Albany, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (every Friday through September) • New Glarus Farmers Market at Bank of New Glarus/Sugar River Bank Branch, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
BECKY MALKOW PHOTO The Independent-Register
No. 28 Connor Green, middle, elevates to knock down a pass attempt in Friday’s game.
Saturday, May 8 • Citywide garage sales, Monroe • Monroe Arts Center Concert Series features The Sharpe Family Singers (access free at monroeartscenter.com/
performances) • Green County Conservation League Gun Show at SLICE Arena, Monroe, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Ladies Day Out at Hawk’s Mill Winery, Browntown, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. • Live music at Horseshoe Inn, Monroe, 5:30 p.m., The OB’s Sunday, May 9 • Monroe Arts Center Concert Series features The Sharpe Family Singers (access free at monroeartscenter.com/ performances) • Live music at Bailey’s Run Vineyard, New Glarus, 2 p.m., Shekinah King Monday, May 10 and Tuesday, May 11 • No events scheduled Wednesday, May 12 • Live music at Bullquarian Brewhouse, Monroe, 6 p.m., Blarney Tones • Live music at New Glarus Fest Haus, New Glarus, 6:30 p.m., Two County Lines
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THE INDEPENDENT-REGISTER
Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Volunteers discover new populations of rare orchids and milkweeds Officials at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced recently that new populations of some of Wisconsin’s rarest plants, including orchids and milkweeds, are among the discoveries made by trained volunteers for the department’s Rare Plant Monitoring Program. Their discoveries are featured in the program’s recently released 2020 annual report and include: • A new population of calypso orchid, a state threatened plant, found in a white cedar swamp near Crandon. Fewer than five calypso populations remain in Wisconsin, and dozens of surveys in recent years for the plant had failed to find any. • The return of the federally threatened eastern prairie white fringed orchid to a site where it had not been seen in six years despite annual surveys. • New populations of the state endangered purple milkweed were found in Kenosha
County and at two other sites in western Wisconsin. More than 14% of Wisconsin’s 2,366 native plant species are considered rare, meaning they are listed as endangered, threatened or special concern. Fifty-nine trained volunteers dispatched to locations around the state last year submitted 265 reports of rare plants they found, including 58 populations in areas of Wisconsin where they have not been documented before. More than 200 reports were status updates on plants at locations where they had been historically known. “Our volunteers provide a huge amount of data that allows us to keep tabs on more rare plant populations than we would otherwise be able to,” said DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program coordinator Kevin Doyle. “Without their information we wouldn’t have as good an idea of what sites are becoming degraded or what populations are languish-
Farm breakfast moves to fairgrounds Organizers at the Green County Ag Chest have announced that the 41st annual Green County Breakfast on the Farm is scheduled for Saturday, May 29, at the Green County Fairgrounds in Monroe. The Green County Breakfast on the Farm is held annually in May and is usually hosted by a farming family from Green County. Last year, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 health crisis and is now scheduled to resume, but at the fairgrounds. The change in venue made it easier for the 2021 event committee to plan for the event on short notice, according to a news release. “We understand that not everyone is comfortable getting together just yet. That’s what made the Green County Fairgrounds the obvious alternative for our event,” breakfast chairman Craig Kamholz said in the release. “If you support Green County agriculture and you’re comfortable getting together, you can dine with us. “If you want to show your support for ag, but you have safety concerns, you can still receive the same hearty breakfast by driving through.” The Green County Breakfast on the Farm will be held from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Meals are $7. Children 5 and younger eat free but must be present and with a paid adult at the time of purchase. Tickets may be purchased at the gate on the day of the event. Potential attendees are encouraged to view the event poster and map found online at greencountyagchest.com for directions on parking and the drive-thru. Anyone interested in volunteering or hosting a vendor, craft or educational table should email info@greencountyagchest.com.
ing, and where we need to take management action to help protect those plants.” Since 2013, the DNR’s Rare Plant Monitoring Program has trained and sent volunteers to check on the health and size of rare native plant populations. The volunteer program is the largest source of rare plant data in Wisconsin and unique in the Midwest for its breadth of surveys statewide. Become a rare plant monitor The required training to become a 2021 Rare Plant Monitoring Program volunteer is now available online. Participants are trained in surveying techniques, including how to accurately estimate large plant populations, assess habitat condition and use GPS coordinates to locate and mark rare plant populations. Plant identification training is not provided. For more information, go online to dnr.wisconsin.gov.
Money sense
Investors can nurture their portfolios with these tips On April 22, we observed Earth Day, an occasion that has inspired millions of people over the decades to take steps to clean up our world. Of course, your physical surroundings are important, but you also operate in other “ecosystems” — social, cultural and political. And you’ll need to consider your investment environment, too. How can you improve it? Here are a few suggestions: Avoid “toxic” investment strategies The dangers of pollution helped drive the creation of Earth Day. As an investor, you also need to watch out for “toxins” — particularly in the form of unhealthy investment techniques. For example, chasing after “hot” stocks can burn you. In the first place, by the time you’ve heard of them, they may already be cooling off. Second, and probably more important, these hot stocks just may be wrong
Rock County sets community • Concerts vaccination clinic The Rock County Public Health Department is partnering with Walgreens to offer two community vaccine clinics in Rock County. One clinic was held May 2, while the other is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the Rock County Job Center, 1900 Center Ave. in Janesville. The clinic is open to anyone age 18 and older, and there will be no charge to the patient. The Moderna vaccine will be offered and a follow-up clinic will occur four weeks later (on June 5) to administer the second dose, according to a department news release. Identification and insurance are helpful, but no one will be turned away without it, the release said. Appointments are pre-
ferred, but walk-ins will be welcome as long as vaccine supply lasts. People may register through links available on RockCountyShot.com under “Where Do I Go?” then “Where are the Community Clinics?” If you have questions or need a ride to a vaccine clinic, call 608-352-6727. For the latest information about COVID19 in Rock County, visit the Rock County Public Health Department website at www. co.rock.wi.us/publichealth and follow the department on social media @rockcountyphd. Local COVID-19 information is also available on the Rock County Coronavirus Response and Recovery Hub at www.co.rock.wi.us/ c19hub.
CHELSEY LUNDEEN PHOTO VIA WISCONSIN DNR The Independent-Register
The state Department of Natural Resources announced that new populations of some of Wisconsin’s rarest plants, including orchids and milkweeds, are among the discoveries made by trained volunteers for the department’s Rare Plant Monitoring Program.
for the investment mix that’s appropriate for your needs. Another toxic investment strategy: trying to “time” the market by “buying low and selling high.” No one can really predict when market highs and lows will occur, and if you’re always jumping in and out of the investment world, you’ll likely waste time and effort — not to mention money. Instead of looking for today’s hottest stocks or guessing where the market is heading, try to create and follow a long-term investment strategy based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Reduce waste From an environmental standpoint, the less waste and garbage we produce, the better it is for our planet. As an investor, can you find “wasteful” elements in your portfolio? It’s possible that you own some investments that may be redundant — that is, they are virtually indistinguishable from others
you may have. Also, some investments, due to their risk profile or performance, no longer may be suitable for your needs. In either case — redundancy or unsuitability — you might be better off selling the investments and using the proceeds to purchase others that can be more helpful. Recycle wisely Recycling is a major part of the environmental movement. At first, though, you might not think the concept of recycling could apply to investing. But consider this: If you own stocks or mutual funds, you may receive dividends, and, like many people, you may choose to automatically reinvest those dividends back into the stocks or funds. So, in a sense, you are indeed “recycling” your dividend payments to boost your ownership stakes — without expending additional resources. And, in fact, this can be quite an effective and efficient way to increase your
wealth over time. Plant some “trees” Planting trees has always been a key activity among boosters of the environment — with the recognition that their efforts will take years, or even decades, to reach fruition. When you invest, you must sometimes start small. By purchasing a limited amount of an investment and nurturing it over the years by adding more shares, you may one day have achieved significant growth. (Keep in mind, though, that there are no guarantees — variable investments such as stocks can lose principal.) By making these and other moves, you can create a healthy investment environment — one that can help you achieve your longterm goals. This column is written on behalf of Edward Jones and appears here courtesy of the firm’s local representatives. Readers are advised to consult a professional for specific advice.
(Continued from page 5)
SUBMITTED PHOTO The Independent-Register
UW-Whitewater’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble is one of the most accomplished collegiate bands in the country. In addition to Carnegie Hall, the group has been invited to play at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England, and has played to thunderous applause and standing ovations at the Chicago Symphony Center. The ensemble’s end of the year concert will be presented virtually through May 16.
highest quality music for the ensemble,” Hayes said. “For this concert and under these circumstances, I chose music that was either a standard in the wind band canon or a new work that is superb music. “I also endeavor to have composers from a variety of backgrounds, gender identification and ethnicity. Particularly for this semester I wanted to include music from or representative of other countries. We cannot travel as much as we might want to, but music can ‘take’ us anywhere. Thus, we have Spain, France, Italy, England and a bit of good old American jazz.”