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to offer help, hope.......................... 3

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Jobless residents hold on as state seeks unemployment fixes....... 4-6

SHOPPING NEWS

Area farmers pitch ideas for state policy initiatives................................ 5

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Obituaries GEORGE D. HENNING George Duane Henning, age 90, of Brodhead, passed away Feb. 18, 2021, while at his home.

George was born on Dec. 13, 1930, in Eau Claire County, the son of George and Myrtle (Campbell) Henning.

George was married to Joan Astle on Oct. 23, 1970, in Rockford, Illinois.

George worked for over 36 years for JACO, transporting GM-made vehicles, before his retirement in 1991.

George was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed Richard Petty and later, Kyle Busch. George loved to work on his

vehicles at home and loved tending to his yard.

George is survived by his wife, Joan; seven children, Dennis Henning, Dean (Marie) Henning, Darris (Tammy) Henning, Dianne Henning, Kelly (Rose) Raupp, Kim Ann Raupp and Georgia Henning (Brad Davis); 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one brother,

William Henning.

George was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Garrett Henning; a great-granddaughter, Mariah Henning; and his sister-in-law, Ellen Henning.

Cards and condolences can be sent to the family and mailed to the DL Newcomer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 26, Brodhead, WI 53520.

Per George’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home is assisting the family. For more information, go online to dlnewcomerfuneralhome.com or call 608-897-2484.

Boot camp offers training for child care providers Green County Development Corp. is offering an eight-week Childcare Boot Camp program for those new to the child care business and for existing business owners who are looking to improve or grow.

The free virtual classes will be held at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays starting March 2.

In addition to the classes, participants will have access to individual

planning with professional business consultants and networking with class presenters and classmates.

“The Childcare Boot Camp covers a wide variety of topics, giving you a solid foundation in all aspects of running your child care business,” according to a news release. “We bring together specialists in a broad array of pertinent subject areas to present relevant, timely information in their

respective fields.”

On May 1, a daylong Safety Saturday workshop will be held to provide the education needed for people to work in a child care facility, including CPR and first aid training, licensing rules and regulations and preventing child abuse and neglect.

To sign up for the boot camp program, go online to greencountyedc. com or call 608-328-9452.

PATRICIA A. WALMER Patricia Ann Walmer, age 77, of Brodhead, passed away while surrounded by her family and after a long courageous battle with cancer on Feb. 14, 2021.

Patricia was born Dec. 4, 1943, in Milton, Wisconsin, the daughter of Paul and Rose (Langer) Brown.

Patricia married Rowland Walmer on Feb. 20, 1965, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Milton. Rowland preceded her in death on April 20, 2018.

Patricia worked on the family farm, waitressed at Sandburr and worked at Brodhead schools as a custodian for 29 years before retiring in 2015. Patricia loved gardening, playing her accordion and dancing and was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Brodhead.

Patricia is survived by her children, William Walmer, Janet (Randy) Schliem and Anna (Andrew) Jubie, all of Brodhead; four grandchildren, Nathan (Daytona) Schliem, Nicholas (Nathalie) Schliem, Matthew Nordeng and Haleigh Jubie; one great grandchild, Char-

lotte Schliem; five siblings, Charles Brown, Mike (Betsy) Brown, Joanne (Dave) Kyle, Steve (Karen) Brown and Raymond (Lisa) Brown and many nieces, nephews

and other relatives.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rowland, in 2018; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn Brown.

Memorials can be directed to the family in her memory and can be sent to the DL Newcomer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 26, Brodhead WI 53520.

Private family services will be held with burial concluding at the Avon Township Cemetery. The DL Newcomer Funeral Home in Brodhead is assisting the family.

Go online to dlnewcomerfuneral home.com or call 608-897-2484 for more information.

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The Independent-Register - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 • 3

PHOTO SUBMITTED Brodhead Independent-Register

Brodhead middle schoolers give gift of hope While “traveling” to Africa in their geography studies in Stephanie Tresemer’s class, Brodhead Middle School seventh-grade students learned about a young girl named Beatrice from Uganda. Beatrice was given the gift of a goat through Heifer International. Students were given the opportunity to make a monetary

donation to Heifer International, and upon doing so, they signed their names on a tarp of the world that dates back over 20 years of BMS students making such donations. This year’s class raised $152 and decided to purchase a goat, chickens and seeds.

Rock County seeks public input about health needs The Rock County Public Health Department, in partnership with the Health Equity Alliance of Rock County is looking for input for a community health assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to understand the current health needs of those who work, live, and play in Rock County and to help identify where and how to improve the health of our community.

The community health assessment survey is one way department and alliance officials are gathering information about Rock County’s health.

The short survey asks about personal health and community health.

“The responses collected from this survey are confidential, and give valuable insight into what community members are experiencing and how they feel about health,” according to a news release. “We invite everyone who lives, works and plays in Rock County to take the community health assessment survey.”

The survey is available going online to bit.ly/3tEFxnn for English and to bit.ly/3p4AVn1 for Spanish.

The online survey is available

through April 15.

To receive a paper copy of the survey, call 608-373-8903 to determine the closest pickup location.

Once completed, the results of the survey, along with other data collected, will be made available to the public. The results will be used to inform which health priorities are selected for the five-year Community Health Improvement Plan.

For more information about the community health assessment or the survey, send an email to HEARCoor dinator@co.rock.wi.us.

Utility officials offer ways to keep warm and save money Officials at Alliant Energy are offering tips for customers to stay warm and safe while reducing their energy usage.

“While demand for natural gas has increased, Alliant Energy is projecting sufficient supply to meet the needs of natural gas and electric customers and is prepared to keep the lights on and gas flowing,” according to a news release.

“Crews are always prepared to respond to any event that impacts energy services to its customers.”

Alliant officials encourage customers to apply if they need financial assistance with their energy bill. Customers needing support to help pay their bill should call 211 or visit alliantenergy.com/ener gyassistance for details about available options, including the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Hometown Care Ener-

gy Fund.

Customers also are encouraged to track their energy usage through My Account. By setting up usage alerts, customers get notified when they use a specific amount of energy and avoid surprises on their bills.

Here are tips for customers to stay warm, reduce energy usage safely and maintain inside temperatures as furnaces are running more to keep homes warm.

• Turn your thermostat down at night and when you’re away.

• Open shades during the day to let the sun come in. Close the shades at night to help retain heat.

• Seal windows and block drafts around doorways.

• Turn off fans. Kitchen and bath ventilating fans can blow out heated air if

they are left on.

• Keep garage doors closed.

• Limit opening exterior doors.

• Make sure air vents and radiators are not blocked or obstructed.

• Keep the intake and exhaust clear of ice and snow.

• Do not use your oven or a grill to heat your home.

Alliant Energy offers additional energy saving suggestions at alliantener gy.com/energyefficiency and power housetv.com. More safety information is available at alliantenergy.com/safety.

If customers experience an outage or would like to check on the status of an outage, they can visit alliantenergy.com/ outage or call 800-255-4268.

Alliant Energy provides electric service in Albany and electric and gas in Orfordville.

Snappers schedule features 60 home games The Beloit Snappers 2021 season will feature 120 games, including 60 in Beloit, between May 4 and Sept.

19, Major League Baseball officials announced last week.

Beloit Baseball also announced that the team will play the entire 2021 season as the Snappers before completing their anticipated rebrand prior to the 2022 season.

“Under the new Professional De-

velopment License system, Major League Baseball offered our franchise the opportunity to work with their branding, merchandising and marketing teams to become the first affiliate to partner directly with them to unveil a new team identity in 2022,” team President Jeff Jurgella said in a news release. “It is a win-win for our organization. The history of the Snappers will be honored with a full-season

send-off and our organization will have the opportunity to tap into the talent and resources of Major League Baseball to bring the name selected by fans through the fan vote to life in even bigger and better ways.

“We’re excited to announce the full schedule for the Snappers Farewell Season ... ”

See SNAPPERS, Page 6

State Fair group offers scholarships

The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is offering $1,000 scholarships for use during the second semester of the 2021-’22 school year. Third- and fourth-year college students pursuing a dairyrelated or food science degree at one of Wisconsin’s four-year universities are eligible to apply.

Applicants will be evaluated on involvement and leadership in dairy-related activities, scholastic achievement and career objectives.

Finalists will be interviewed in April, with the recipients to be recognized at the Wisconsin State Fair.

The application is available by going online to wsfdairypromo.

org/scholarships. The application deadline is Friday, March 19. For more information, contact Liz Matzke at programassistant@ wsfdairypromo.org.

The Wisconsin State Fair Dairy Promotion Board is made up of individuals passionate about promoting Wisconsin’s $45.6 billion dairy industry during the Wisconsin State Fair. The board provides educational opportunities for fair attendees while also managing the Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill and Blue Ribbon Dairy Products Auction.

For more information, go online to wistatefair.com.

News from Parkview in Orfordville:

Viking Times THURSDAY, FEB. 25

• Orfordville library open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Parkview School District Public Relations Committee meeting, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26

• Orfordville library open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; storytime at 11 a.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27

• Orfordville library open 9 a.m. to noon

SUNDAY, FEB. 28

• Orfordville library closed

MONDAY, MARCH 1 • Orfordville library open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 • Orfordville library open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• Parkview School District Policy Committee meeting, 5:30 p.m.

• Parkview girls varsity volleyball at Horicon, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 • Orfordville library open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Wisconsin’s jobless pushed to brink as ideas swirl for mending torn safety net

By Bram Sable-Smith WPR/WISCONSIN WATCH

Brandon Cacek filed for unemployment insurance in mid-March last year after losing his substitute teaching job due to the pandemic.

He’s still waiting for that crucial aid 11 months later.

“I keep leaving out hope that I’m going to get some kind of assistance through this,” said Cacek, 40, a Marine Corps veteran and father of two in Marinette. “But the longer this goes on, the less hope that lingers.”

Nearly every person who has reviewed Cacek’s case has found no reason to deny him compensation, he said. That includes an administrative law judge who ruled on Dec. 28 that Cacek qualifies for benefits dating back to March 5.

But Cacek remains stuck on an obstacle course that has kept thousands of Wisconsinites from quickly receiving compensation after losing work as the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development wades through a record number of claims during the pandemic. The crisis has exposed a hopelessly antiquated computer system that literally cannot answer phones and print compensation checks at the same time.

Even after the judge ruled in his favor, Cacek was advised to hold off on claiming two additional weeks of payments for fear that amending his initial claim would spur another department review, he said.

“I’m seriously not in a position financially for any further delays,” Cacek said. “I’m losing all credibility with my creditors. I got nothing left.”

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers and the GOP-controlled Legislature have spent months blaming each other for the agency’s shortcomings as they stalemate in addressing many of Wisconsin’s challenges. In January, Evers called a special session of the Legislature to overhaul the state’s unemployment system.

The Legislature gaveled in as required by law, only to immediately adjourn until Wednesday, when it advanced a bill to start the process of replacing the state’s antiquated claims system.

The Evers administration largely attributes DWD’s shortcomings to its antiquated, inefficient computer

system for processing claims — relying on 1970s-era technology that previous administrations never upgraded. Republicans agree that Wisconsin should replace the system, but questions loom about how and when the state will pay for it.

Labor experts say such an overhaul would take time, and that Wisconsin could take additional steps to more quickly repair its torn safety net. Those include making filing claims more user-friendly — as other states have done during the pandemic — by waiving restrictions Republicans enacted last decade to limit access to benefits.

The extra red tape is tripping up legitimate claimants and slowing down processing systemwide, said Victor Forberger, supervising attorney for the University of Wisconsin’s Unemployment Compensation Appeals Clinic.

“There are now errors popping up all over the place. Those errors now have to be corrected,” Forberger, who has represented Cacek and dozens of other struggling claimants during the pandemic, told a state Senate committee last month. “And that’s leading to more administrative sludge. It’s making it harder to get things fixed.”

Old technology ‘a complete shock’ DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek — who replaced her ousted predecessor in September — said she was in “complete shock” when she discovered how inadequate Wisconsin’s claims processing technology is. Pechacek made those comments in January as her department offered reporters a glimpse of the state’s slow-moving and confusing system.

The department’s IT system requires sequential testing and programming, meaning that new benefits programs — such as those adopted by Congress during the pandemic — must be programmed one at a time, adding months to claims processing. The flood of claims in 2020 required DWD to rehire retired employees who knew COBOL, a 60-year-old programming language rarely taught outside of behind-thetimes state agencies.

The system cannot perform mul-

tiple tasks at once, said Neeraj Kulkarni, DWD’s chief information officer. The state’s unemployment help center, for example, must stop taking calls by 5:30 p.m. daily so software can begin writing checks to claimants by 6 p.m., Kulkarni said — a major hurdle to carry out Republican lawmakers’ push to expand call center operating hours.

Congress’ temporary expansion programs add further stress to the system, said Adam Nisporic, a benefits supervisor for the department.

DWD manually adjusted more than 250,000 claims in 2020 — more than quintuple amounts from some more typical years, Nisporic said.

His team shifted from 16 full-time staffers before the pandemic to 140 — part of a broader DWD expansion that cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars.

The creaky technology pushed at least one adjudicator to quit.

“It was all a big mess,” said John, who said he briefly worked for the department through Alorica, an international work-at-home customer service contractor. He asked for his last name to be withheld so as not to jeopardize future employment.

John described a system requiring multiple logins, toggling between various portals and “really, really old school” software. After two weeks of training in January, John said he was given 10 cases to work on while under supervision.

He quit the next day, saying the hassles weren’t worth the $16 hourly wage. Frustrated, he noticed WPR and Wisconsin Watch’s previous investigations of the state’s jobless aid crisis and contacted a reporter to vent.

DWD says replacing the claims system would cost up to $90 million, and in his two-year budget announced recently, Evers asked the Legislature to earmark $79.5 million for the project.

Instead, Republicans want Evers to first find money himself. Returning to Evers’ special session on Wednesday, the powerful Joint Finance Committee cleared legislation that would require DWD “to seek and exhaust any federal funding available to use for the project,” before requesting funds from lawmakers.

ANGELA MAJOR/WPR, FOR WISCONSIN WATCH Brodhead Independent-Register

Brandon Cacek, 40, stands outside of his home in Marinette earlier this month. The husband and father of two lost his substitute teaching job last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has waited 11 months for the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development to deliver unemployment compensation. An administrative law judge ruled in December that Cacek qualifies for benefits dating back to March 5. “I’m seriously not in a position financially for any further delays,” Cacek says.

The bill needs approval from the She credited the modernized sysAssembly and Senate before land- tem with easing the rollout of new benefits programs such as those ening on Evers’ desk. acted last year by Congress. But, Kohl cautioned, upgrading technolCalls for more fixes But software upgrades won’t ogy without paying close attention fix everything, as other states have to programming can lead to disaster.

Making claims filing simpler learned. Michigan’s technological overhaul a decade ago resulted in also averts filing mistakes that false allegations of fraud against slow down processing, Kohl said. tens of thousands of claimants — (Wisconsin’s DWD says it’s adleaving many in financial ruin. dressing that issue. In December, it Agency staffers did not verify announced a plan to simplify appliwhether the automatically flagged cation language, although Forberger claims were actually legitimate. contends that the proposed changes That same system backlogged early don’t go far enough.)

But even more helpful for Michin the pandemic.

Rachael Kohl, director of the Uni- igan’s jobless, Kohl said: Gov. versity of Michigan Law School’s Gretchen Whitmer’s series of exWorkers’ Rights Clinic, called ecutive orders which, among other Michigan’s unemployment system See JOBLESS, Page 5 upgrade a “double-edged sword.”

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The Independent-Register - Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 • 5

Local chapter plays a part in forming Wisconsin Farmers Union policy initiatives The Wisconsin Farmers Union South Central Chapter offered the most policy resolutions for consideration by any chapter at the recent WFU state convention.

The South Central Chapter covers Green, Rock and Lafayette counties.

“A key part of any convention is the policy discussion, through which the organization lays out what it stands for and what issues it wants to bring to the attention of Congress, the Wisconsin Legislature and the general public,” according to a news release from the South Central WFU chapter.

The policy resolutions were considered by and voted on more than 200 delegates who attended the virtual convention.

Dozens of policy initiatives were eventually passed, including one that calls for an overhaul of the Federal Milk Marketing Order system to create greater market transparency and permit farmers to capture more of the value in the dairy supply chain. Another initiative supports allowing farmers to sell on-farm processed poultry directly to consumers, including at farmers markets In response to the pandemic, WFU also demanded hazard pay and safety protections for farmworkers and people working in meatpacking plants and other processing facilities.

Various social justice reforms also were proposed, including ones promoting a living wage for food system workers, felons’ voting rights and rural opportunity and education.

For more information, go online to wisconsinfarmersunion.com/policy.

Welcome sight

A robin takes a drink from a heated birdbath near a home in the Kettle Moraine State Forest outside of Whitewater recently. Because many robins migrate south for the winter, sightings of them during the colder months is often believed to be a sign that spring is not far behind. But some do remain in Wisconsin — if they believe there are enough food sources to sustain them — according to the Madison Audubon Society.

(Continued from page 4)

AL NEWS RE

75¢

Page 1 - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 / The Independent-Register

Proudly Serving Green County for 160 Years

Independent• Register The

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2020

VOL. 160 • NO. 38

COVID-19 outbreak sends high school students home WWW.INDREG.COM • PAPER@INDREG.COM

District, health officials continue monitoring as classes go online until Sept. 18

Green County public health of- for the high school, to last through fore school started and later learned Brodhead Superintendent Leonard COVID-19 in any setting involves ficials reported Monday that seven Sept. 18, according to a post on the that one high school student had Lueck said in the news release. the same basic public health prinBrodhead High School students district’s Facebook page. tested positive as of Sept. 4, ac“The school board will be dis- ciples: detection of cases, isolation have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Brodhead School District cording to the health department cussing their next steps at the Sep- of ill persons, contact tracing, quarThe school district immediate- was made aware of a student gath- news release. tember 9th board meeting,” Lueck antine of cases and close contacts, ly implemented a full virtual plan ering that occurred the weekend belaboratory testing and infection “The district completed contact said. tracing and sent home approximate“The Green County Public control measures in the setting to ly 25 students that were considered Health Department is working with prevent additional transmission.”

Public health and school district to be close contacts at school,” the Brodhead School District leaderrelease said. “The district was also ship and staff to conduct a thor- staff members remain in daily comable to identify several students ough investigation to track, trace munication.

“Additionally, surveillance that had been in attendance at the and contain the virus,” said RoAnn student gathering and these stu- Warden, health officer. “We want for ill students or staff are being dents were sent home as well.” to assure the community, students tracked by the schools and reportSince then, several more students and staff of Brodhead High School, ed regularly to public health,” the who had attended the gathering have and their family members, that ex- release said. “School and public tested positive, prompting the health tra steps are being taken to protect health staff are working together department to identify the situation students and staff to minimize the to identify close contacts, notifying close contacts of their potential as an outbreak, the release said. spread of COVID-19.”

The high school was to undergo According to the release, “In- exposure, and asking them to quara deep cleaning Sept. 8 and Sept. 9, vestigation of an outbreak of antine.”

Brodhead student’s project helps children in Haiti Walk set for Sept. 26

COURTESY PHOTO The Independent-Register

Green County Public Health is opening COVID-19 testing sites in Brodhead, Monroe and New Glarus. Preregistration is required for the free drive-thru service.

County sets free COVID-19 screening Green County Public Health officials have announced that beginning Sept. 9, Green County will have three COVID-19 community testing sites.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available for anyone 5 years of age and older.

Individuals who need to be tested are asked to register online prior to getting tested. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone, according to a health department news release.

Testing will be available while supplies last at the drive-thru sites, which are at the Monroe National Guard Armory, the former Brodhead Fitness Center and the Swiss Center of North America in New Glarus.

Anyone 5 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.

People who can be tested at their doctor’s office are encouraged to do so, the release said.

To register for testing, people are asked to follow these steps: • Pre-register for your test as

close to the day of your appointment as possible at: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a084caaad23a5f94-green • You will receive an email with a QR code; bring this code to the testing site on your smart device or printed out.

• If you need assistance with registering, staff on site will be available to help you.

Testing is recommended for: • Individuals experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with a person with COVID-19, regardless of symptoms • Individuals without symptoms who have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get a COVID-19 test for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Green County, visit the Green County Public Health website at gcpublichealth.org and on Facebook.

Residents also may contact the health department at 608-328-9390 or send an email to info@greencountywi.org.

Brodhead High School senior Kaitlyn Welsh is turning to the local community to help children and families in Haiti.

As her senior project, Welsh is organizing the Walk for Family on Saturday, Sept. 26. The two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the start of the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead.

Community members also may opt to participate by taking their own walking route and collecting donations for the cause, Welsh said in a news release.

The walk will raise money for One Gift, One Child, a ministry of former Brodhead residents Natalie and Pierre Charlotin. Natalie Charlotin is a Brodhead graduate.

“One Gift, One Child serves to prevent orphans and reunite families in the impoverished country of Haiti,” the news release said. “As a ministry, it provides orphaned children, or those put in orphanages by their families, safety from abuse, poverty, rejection, slavery, trafficking and hatred.

“Their end goal is to provide every child a safe environment and eventual reunion with their family. If they do not have a family, they are placed into a foster home that allows them a safe, loving environment to grow up in.”

To receive a Walk for Family sponsor sheet or get more information, send an email to Welsh at welshkai@ brodhead.k12.wi.us. Sponsor sheets and monetary donations will be collected on or before Sept. 26 and presented to the Charlotins for One Gift, One Child.

To make a donation online, go to livingwordwi.org and click on “giving,” then on “give now” and change the designation from “general offering” to “special offering.”

For more information about One Gift, One Child, go online to onegiftonechild.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Independent-Register

The Independent-Register, proudly serving the Brodhead community for 160 years.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2020

Proudly Serving Green County for 160 Years

Independent• Register The

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2020

VOL. 160 • NO. 38

COVID-19 outbreak sends high school students home WWW.INDREG.COM • PAPER@INDREG.COM

District, health officials continue monitoring as classes go online until Sept. 18

Green County public health of- for the high school, to last through fore school started and later learned ficials reported Monday that seven Sept. 18, according to a post on the that one high school student had Brodhead High School students district’s Facebook page. tested positive as of Sept. 4, achave tested positive for COVID-19.

The Brodhead School District cording to the health department The school district immediate- was made aware of a student gath- news release. ly implemented a full virtual plan ering that occurred the weekend be“The district completed contact tracing and sent home approximately 25 students that were considered to be close contacts at school,” the release said. “The district was also able to identify several students that had been in attendance at the student gathering and these students were sent home as well.”

Since then, several more students who had attended the gathering have tested positive, prompting the health department to identify the situation as an outbreak, the release said.

The high school was to undergo a deep cleaning Sept. 8 and Sept. 9,

Brodhead Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in the news release.

“The school board will be discussing their next steps at the September 9th board meeting,” Lueck said.

“The Green County Public Health Department is working with Brodhead School District leadership and staff to conduct a thorough investigation to track, trace and contain the virus,” said RoAnn Warden, health officer. “We want to assure the community, students and staff of Brodhead High School, and their family members, that extra steps are being taken to protect students and staff to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the release, “Investigation of an outbreak of

COVID-19 in any setting involves the same basic public health principles: detection of cases, isolation of ill persons, contact tracing, quarantine of cases and close contacts, laboratory testing and infection control measures in the setting to prevent additional transmission.”

Public health and school district staff members remain in daily communication.

“Additionally, surveillance for ill students or staff are being tracked by the schools and reported regularly to public health,” the release said. “School and public health staff are working together to identify close contacts, notifying close contacts of their potential exposure, and asking them to quarantine.”

most recent job separation of a claimant rather than 18 months of work history and make it easier for businesses to avoid charges to their unemployment accounts due to pandemic-related layoffs, Forberger said.

The Legislature did temporarily waive Wisconsin’s work search

See JOBLESS, Page 6

• Albany Comet News • THURSDAY, FEB. 25 -Albertson Memorial Library curbside pickup for high-risk patrons, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 26 -Albertson Memorial Library full circulation and limited computer service, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 -Albertson Memorial Library closed SUNDAY, FEB. 28 No events scheduled MONDAY, MARCH 1 -Albertson Memorial Library curbside pickup, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2 -Albertson Memorial Library curbside pickup for high-risk patrons, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Brodhead student’s project helps children in Haiti Walk set for Sept. 26

COURTESY PHOTO The Independent-Register

Green County Public Health is opening COVID-19 testing sites in Brodhead, Monroe and New Glarus. Preregistration is required for the free drive-thru service.

County sets free COVID-19 screening close to the day of your appointment as possible at: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a084caaad23a5f94-green • You will receive an email with a QR code; bring this code to the testing site on your smart device or printed out.

• If you need assistance with registering, staff on site will be available to help you.

Testing is recommended for: • Individuals experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with a person with COVID-19, regardless of symptoms • Individuals without symptoms who have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get a COVID-19 test for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Green County, visit the Green County Public Health website at gcpublichealth.org and on Facebook.

Residents also may contact the health department at 608-328-9390 or send an email to info@greencountywi.org.

Brodhead High School senior Kaitlyn Welsh is turning to the local community to help children and families in Haiti.

As her senior project, Welsh is organizing the Walk for Family on Saturday, Sept. 26. The two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the start of the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead.

Community members also may opt to participate by taking their own walking route and collecting donations for the cause, Welsh said in a news release.

The walk will raise money for One Gift, One Child, a ministry of former Brodhead residents Natalie and Pierre Charlotin. Natalie Charlotin is a Brodhead graduate.

“One Gift, One Child serves to prevent orphans and reunite families in the impoverished country of Haiti,” the news release said. “As a ministry, it provides orphaned children, or those put in orphanages by their families, safety from abuse, poverty, rejection, slavery, trafficking and hatred.

“Their end goal is to provide every child a safe environment and eventual reunion with their family. If they do not have a family, they are placed into a foster home that allows them a safe, loving environment to grow up in.”

To receive a Walk for Family sponsor sheet or get more information, send an email to Welsh at welshkai@ brodhead.k12.wi.us. Sponsor sheets and monetary donations will be collected on or before Sept. 26 and presented to the Charlotins for One Gift, One Child.

To make a donation online, go to livingwordwi.org and click on “giving,” then on “give now” and change the designation from “general offering” to “special offering.”

For more information about One Gift, One Child, go online to onegiftonechild.org.

- Denotes a community event. * Denotes Albany School event. For more information, please call 608-862-3225.

Right: Natalie Charlotin, a Brodhead High School graduate, holds one of the special needs children who has received care through One Gift, One Child in Haiti. Charlotin is a founder of One Gift, One Child. Kaitlyn Welsh, a Brodhead High School senior, is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit One Gift, One Child. Members of the organization work to provide medical care and safe homes for Haitian special needs children, who are often abandoned.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Independent-Register

The Independent-Register, proudly serving the Brodhead community for 160 years.

VOL. 160 • NO. 38

COVID-19 outbreak sends high school students home WWW.INDREG.COM • PAPER@INDREG.COM

said. Changes that could simplify processing in Wisconsin, he said, include eliminating requirements to: register with the Wisconsin Job Service, attend a re-employment services training and declare an “able and available” status for fulltime work each week.

The agency could also extend deadlines to file appeals and submit reports, investigate only the

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3 -Albertson Memorial Library full circulation and limited computer service, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

75¢

Page 1 - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 / The Independent-Register

Green County Public Health officials have announced that beginning Sept. 9, Green County will have three COVID-19 community testing sites.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available for anyone 5 years of age and older.

Individuals who need to be tested are asked to register online prior to getting tested. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone, according to a health department news release.

Testing will be available while supplies last at the drive-thru sites, which are at the Monroe National Guard Armory, the former Brodhead Fitness Center and the Swiss Center of North America in New Glarus.

Anyone 5 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.

People who can be tested at their doctor’s office are encouraged to do so, the release said.

To register for testing, people are asked to follow these steps: • Pre-register for your test as

Right: Natalie Charlotin, a Brodhead High School graduate, holds one of the special needs children who has received care through One Gift, One Child in Haiti. Charlotin is a founder of One Gift, One Child. Kaitlyn Welsh, a Brodhead High School senior, is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit One Gift, One Child. Members of the organization work to provide medical care and safe homes for Haitian special needs children, who are often abandoned.

District, health officials continue monitoring as classes go online until Sept. 18

Green County public health of- for the high school, to last through fore school started and later learned ficials reported Monday that seven Sept. 18, according to a post on the that one high school student had Brodhead High School students district’s Facebook page. tested positive as of Sept. 4, achave tested positive for COVID-19.

The Brodhead School District cording to the health department The school district immediate- was made aware of a student gath- news release. ly implemented a full virtual plan ering that occurred the weekend be“The district completed contact tracing and sent home approximately 25 students that were considered to be close contacts at school,” the release said. “The district was also able to identify several students that had been in attendance at the student gathering and these students were sent home as well.”

Since then, several more students who had attended the gathering have tested positive, prompting the health department to identify the situation as an outbreak, the release said.

The high school was to undergo a deep cleaning Sept. 8 and Sept. 9,

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WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2020

WWW.INDREG.COM • PAPER@INDREG.COM

COURTESY PHOTO The Independent-Register

District, health officials continue monitoring as classes go online until Sept. 18

Green County public health of- for the high school, to last through fore school started and later learned ficials reported Monday that seven Sept. 18, according to a post on the that one high school student had Brodhead High School students district’s Facebook page. tested positive as of Sept. 4, achave tested positive for COVID-19.

The Brodhead School District cording to the health department The school district immediate- was made aware of a student gath- news release. ly implemented a full virtual plan ering that occurred the weekend be“The district completed contact tracing and sent home approximately 25 students that were considered to be close contacts at school,” the release said. “The district was also able to identify several students that had been in attendance at the student gathering and these students were sent home as well.”

Since then, several more students who had attended the gathering have tested positive, prompting the health department to identify the situation as an outbreak, the release said.

The high school was to undergo a deep cleaning Sept. 8 and Sept. 9,

Brodhead Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in the news release.

“The school board will be discussing their next steps at the September 9th board meeting,” Lueck said.

“The Green County Public Health Department is working with Brodhead School District leadership and staff to conduct a thorough investigation to track, trace and contain the virus,” said RoAnn Warden, health officer. “We want to assure the community, students and staff of Brodhead High School, and their family members, that extra steps are being taken to protect students and staff to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the release, “Investigation of an outbreak of

Green County Public Health is opening COVID-19 testing sites in Brodhead, Monroe and New Glarus. Preregistration is required for the free drive-thru service.

COVID-19 in any setting involves the same basic public health principles: detection of cases, isolation of ill persons, contact tracing, quarantine of cases and close contacts, laboratory testing and infection control measures in the setting to prevent additional transmission.”

Public health and school district staff members remain in daily communication.

“Additionally, surveillance for ill students or staff are being tracked by the schools and reported regularly to public health,” the release said. “School and public health staff are working together to identify close contacts, notifying close contacts of their potential exposure, and asking them to quarantine.”

County sets free COVID-19 screening

Brodhead student’s project helps children in Haiti COURTESY PHOTO The Independent-Register

Green County Public Health is opening COVID-19 testing sites in Brodhead, Monroe and New Glarus. Preregistration is required for the free drive-thru service.

County sets free COVID-19 screening Green County Public Health officials have announced that beginning Sept. 9, Green County will have three COVID-19 community testing sites.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available for anyone 5 years of age and older.

Individuals who need to be tested are asked to register online prior to getting tested. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone, according to a health department news release.

Testing will be available while supplies last at the drive-thru sites, which are at the Monroe National Guard Armory, the former Brodhead Fitness Center and the Swiss Center of North America in New Glarus.

Anyone 5 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.

People who can be tested at their doctor’s office are encouraged to do so, the release said.

To register for testing, people are asked to follow these steps: • Pre-register for your test as

close to the day of your appointment as possible at: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a084caaad23a5f94-green • You will receive an email with a QR code; bring this code to the testing site on your smart device or printed out.

• If you need assistance with registering, staff on site will be available to help you.

Testing is recommended for: • Individuals experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with a person with COVID-19, regardless of symptoms • Individuals without symptoms who have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get a COVID-19 test for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Green County, visit the Green County Public Health website at gcpublichealth.org and on Facebook.

Residents also may contact the health department at 608-328-9390 or send an email to info@greencountywi.org.

Walk set for Sept. 26

Brodhead High School senior Kaitlyn Welsh is turning to the local community to help children and families in Haiti.

As her senior project, Welsh is organizing the Walk for Family on Saturday, Sept. 26. The two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the start of the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead.

Community members also may opt to participate by taking their own walking route and collecting donations for the cause, Welsh said in a news release.

The walk will raise money for One Gift, One Child, a ministry of former Brodhead residents Natalie and Pierre Charlotin. Natalie Charlotin is a Brodhead graduate.

“One Gift, One Child serves to prevent orphans and reunite families in the impoverished country of Haiti,” the news release said. “As a ministry, it provides orphaned children, or those put in orphanages by their families, safety from abuse, poverty, rejection, slavery, trafficking and hatred.

“Their end goal is to provide every child a safe environment and eventual reunion with their family. If they do not have a family, they are placed into a foster home that allows them a safe, loving environment to grow up in.”

To receive a Walk for Family sponsor sheet or get more information, send an email to Welsh at welshkai@ brodhead.k12.wi.us. Sponsor sheets and monetary donations will be collected on or before Sept. 26 and presented to the Charlotins for One Gift, One Child.

To make a donation online, go to livingwordwi.org and click on “giving,” then on “give now” and change the designation from “general offering” to “special offering.”

For more information about One Gift, One Child, go online to onegiftonechild.org.

Right: Natalie Charlotin, a Brodhead High School graduate, holds one of the special needs children who has received care through One Gift, One Child in Haiti. Charlotin is a founder of One Gift, One Child. Kaitlyn Welsh, a Brodhead High School senior, is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit One Gift, One Child. Members of the organization work to provide medical care and safe homes for Haitian special needs children, who are often abandoned.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Independent-Register

The Independent-Register, proudly serving the Brodhead community for 160 years.

Brodhead Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in the news release.

“The school board will be discussing their next steps at the September 9th board meeting,” Lueck said.

“The Green County Public Health Department is working with Brodhead School District leadership and staff to conduct a thorough investigation to track, trace and contain the virus,” said RoAnn Warden, health officer. “We want to assure the community, students and staff of Brodhead High School, and their family members, that extra steps are being taken to protect students and staff to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the release, “Investigation of an outbreak of

COVID-19 in any setting involves the same basic public health principles: detection of cases, isolation of ill persons, contact tracing, quarantine of cases and close contacts, laboratory testing and infection control measures in the setting to prevent additional transmission.”

Public health and school district staff members remain in daily communication.

“Additionally, surveillance for ill students or staff are being tracked by the schools and reported regularly to public health,” the release said. “School and public health staff are working together to identify close contacts, notifying close contacts of their potential exposure, and asking them to quarantine.”

SPONSORED BY:

Brodhead student’s project helps children in Haiti

VOL. 160 • NO. 38

COVID-19 outbreak sends high school students home

si

Green County Public Health officials have announced that beginning Sept. 9, Green County will have three COVID-19 community testing sites.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available for anyone 5 years of age and older.

Individuals who need to be tested are asked to register online prior to getting tested. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone, according to a health department news release.

Testing will be available while supplies last at the drive-thru sites, which are at the Monroe National Guard Armory, the former Brodhead Fitness Center and the Swiss Center of North America in New Glarus.

Anyone 5 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.

People who can be tested at their doctor’s office are encouraged to do so, the release said.

To register for testing, people are asked to follow these steps: • Pre-register for your test as

nT

i

Waiving Walker-era restrictions?

The pandemic struck about a decade after Republicans under Gov. Scott Walker toughened rules for accessing unemployment insurance in the name of limiting fraud and saving money.

Wisconsin and other states began to limit access to jobless compensation after a flood of claims during the Great Recession forced them to borrow from the federal government to keep their unemployment trust funds solvent. Under that transformation, states required claimants to clear a series of bureaucratic hurdles to prove they weren’t committing fraud — rather than starting with a presumption of innocence, labor experts in Wisconsin, Michigan, New Jersey and Florida told WPR and Wisconsin Watch.

An April New York Times analysis found that all but seven states shrank the percentage of laid off workers receiving benefits between 2007 and 2019. Wisconsin saw about 50% of its jobless receive benefits in 2007; that shrank to just 30% in 2019.

“The (Walker) administration’s goal was to turn unemployment on its head and they succeeded,” Forberger said in an interview.

“The whole point now is to deny the claim.”

Wisconsin’s trust fund balance stood at about $1 billion in early February. That’s down from nearly $2 billion before the pandemic

struck, but far better than funds for for federal aid. the 18 states now borrowing from Cacek then waited four months the federal government to pay un- for DWD to schedule a hearing to employment insurance. appeal his denial, leaving him in limbo with thousands of other WisDisability changes consinites appealing denials. delay payments He and his wife are surviving Walker’s changes included a on a collection of small income 2013 Wisconsin law disqualify- streams as he waits on DWD. She ing people on federal disability — also receives some disability assiswhich currently pays an average of tance and earns a few dollars pro$1,277 per month — from access- viding child care for the couple’s ing state unemployment compensa- neighbors. A few thousand dollars tion when they lose part-time work. in state rental assistance and federCritics say the ban discriminates al stimulus checks have helped the against people with disabilities. couple stay in their home; a veterThat’s what first tripped up Ca- ans program called Heat for Heroes cek when the pandemic cost him has helped with utilities. Cacek his substitute teaching job. Cacek also collects empty cans for cash. experiences seizures that limit him Without new legislation, Wisto part-time work, allowing him to consin’s roughly 175,000 people receive federal disability aid since who receive federal disability as2017. DWD initially applied the sistance will remain ineligible for ban not only to regular unemploy- unemployment insurance once the ment insurance, but also to Con- pandemic ends. Evers’ budget progress’ pandemic compensation, poses to repeal the restrictive 2013 which Cacek sought. The agency law. reversed course in July, following Other Walker-era restrictions an investigation from Wisconsin include increased work search reWatch and WPR. That allowed dis- quirements for aid recipients. Conability recipients to collect the tem- fusion surrounding those and relatporary federal aid, but the agency ed requirements often kicks claims has slowly processed those appli- into adjudication, which DWD says cations. takes 21 days on average to resolve.

DWD then denied Cacek’s claim, which could be related to confusion Pandemic prompts over one question on the applica- rule waivers tion, he was told. He is not alone: Several states have cut their DWD has taken months to deter- workload by waiving such rules mine many claimants’ eligibility during the pandemic, Forberger

390636

things, temporarily waived a requirement that officials investigate every job separation in the 18 months before a claimant files.

The waiver lasted just months, however, before a Michigan Supreme Court ruling in October invalidated Whitmer’s orders. Before the ruling, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency “only had to get information from the (current job separation) causing the unemployment benefits to be able to move forward on the claim,” Kohl said. “So that was a huge way to remove the backlog in the system.”

Whitmer, a Democrat, later forged a deal with the Republican-controlled Legislature to restore some, but not all of the unemployment provisions invalidated by the court ruling.

Forberger, the Madison attorney, testified at a Senate committee hearing last month that Wisconsin should start the years-long project to modernize its claims system, but doing so is “not going to fix anything right now.”

close to the day of your appointment as possible at: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a084caaad23a5f94-green • You will receive an email with a QR code; bring this code to the testing site on your smart device or printed out.

• If you need assistance with registering, staff on site will be available to help you.

Testing is recommended for: • Individuals experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with a person with COVID-19, regardless of symptoms • Individuals without symptoms who have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get a COVID-19 test for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Green County, visit the Green County Public Health website at gcpublichealth.org and on Facebook.

Residents also may contact the health department at 608-328-9390 or send an email to info@greencountywi.org.

HE

Right: Natalie Charlotin, a Brodhead High School graduate, holds one of the special needs children who has received care through One Gift, One Child in Haiti. Charlotin is a founder of One Gift, One Child. Kaitlyn Welsh, a Brodhead High School senior, is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit One Gift, One Child. Members of the organization work to provide medical care and safe homes for Haitian special needs children, who are often abandoned.

N EWSPA SUBMITTED PHOTO The Independent-Register

The Independent-Register, proudly serving the Brodhead community for 160 years.

AlbAny Mini MArt

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Page 1 - Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020 / The Independent-Register

Proudly Serving Green County for 160 Years

Independent• Register The

Walk set for Sept. 26

Brodhead High School senior Kaitlyn Welsh is turning to the local community to help children and families in Haiti.

As her senior project, Welsh is organizing the Walk for Family on Saturday, Sept. 26. The two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the start of the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead.

Community members also may opt to participate by taking their own walking route and collecting donations for the cause, Welsh said in a news release.

The walk will raise money for One Gift, One Child, a ministry of former Brodhead residents Natalie and Pierre Charlotin. Natalie Charlotin is a Brodhead graduate.

“One Gift, One Child serves to prevent orphans and reunite families in the impoverished country of Haiti,” the news release said. “As a ministry, it provides orphaned children, or those put in orphanages by their families, safety from abuse, poverty, rejection, slavery, trafficking and hatred.

“Their end goal is to provide every child a safe environment and eventual reunion with their family. If they do not have a family, they are placed into a foster home that allows them a safe, loving environment to grow up in.”

To receive a Walk for Family sponsor sheet or get more information, send an email to Welsh at welshkai@ brodhead.k12.wi.us. Sponsor sheets and monetary donations will be collected on or before Sept. 26 and presented to the Charlotins for One Gift, One Child.

To make a donation online, go to livingwordwi.org and click on “giving,” then on “give now” and change the designation from “general offering” to “special offering.”

For more information about One Gift, One Child, go online to onegiftonechild.org.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 9, 2020

VOL. 160 • NO. 38

COVID-19 outbreak sends high school students home WWW.INDREG.COM • PAPER@INDREG.COM

District, health officials continue monitoring as classes go online until Sept. 18

Green County public health of- for the high school, to last through fore school started and later learned ficials reported Monday that seven Sept. 18, according to a post on the that one high school student had Brodhead High School students district’s Facebook page. tested positive as of Sept. 4, achave tested positive for COVID-19.

The Brodhead School District cording to the health department The school district immediate- was made aware of a student gath- news release. ly implemented a full virtual plan ering that occurred the weekend be“The district completed contact tracing and sent home approximately 25 students that were considered to be close contacts at school,” the release said. “The district was also able to identify several students that had been in attendance at the student gathering and these students were sent home as well.”

Since then, several more students who had attended the gathering have tested positive, prompting the health department to identify the situation as an outbreak, the release said.

The high school was to undergo a deep cleaning Sept. 8 and Sept. 9,

ER

P

Brodhead Superintendent Leonard Lueck said in the news release.

“The school board will be discussing their next steps at the September 9th board meeting,” Lueck said.

“The Green County Public Health Department is working with Brodhead School District leadership and staff to conduct a thorough investigation to track, trace and contain the virus,” said RoAnn Warden, health officer. “We want to assure the community, students and staff of Brodhead High School, and their family members, that extra steps are being taken to protect students and staff to minimize the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the release, “Investigation of an outbreak of

COVID-19 in any setting involves the same basic public health principles: detection of cases, isolation of ill persons, contact tracing, quarantine of cases and close contacts, laboratory testing and infection control measures in the setting to prevent additional transmission.”

Public health and school district staff members remain in daily communication.

“Additionally, surveillance for ill students or staff are being tracked by the schools and reported regularly to public health,” the release said. “School and public health staff are working together to identify close contacts, notifying close contacts of their potential exposure, and asking them to quarantine.”

Brodhead student’s project helps children in Haiti COURTESY PHOTO The Independent-Register

Green County Public Health is opening COVID-19 testing sites in Brodhead, Monroe and New Glarus. Preregistration is required for the free drive-thru service.

County sets free COVID-19 screening

!

• Jobless

PETER MISCHKA Brodhead Independent-Register

Green County Public Health officials have announced that beginning Sept. 9, Green County will have three COVID-19 community testing sites.

Free COVID-19 testing will be available for anyone 5 years of age and older.

Individuals who need to be tested are asked to register online prior to getting tested. This is to ensure a smooth and efficient process for everyone, according to a health department news release.

Testing will be available while supplies last at the drive-thru sites, which are at the Monroe National Guard Armory, the former Brodhead Fitness Center and the Swiss Center of North America in New Glarus.

Anyone 5 to 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the COVID-19 test on their behalf.

People who can be tested at their doctor’s office are encouraged to do so, the release said.

To register for testing, people are asked to follow these steps: • Pre-register for your test as

close to the day of your appointment as possible at: www.signupgenius. com/go/70a084caaad23a5f94-green • You will receive an email with a QR code; bring this code to the testing site on your smart device or printed out.

• If you need assistance with registering, staff on site will be available to help you.

Testing is recommended for: • Individuals experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

• Individuals who have been in close contact (within 6 feet for about 15 minutes) with a person with COVID-19, regardless of symptoms • Individuals without symptoms who have been instructed by public health or a health care provider to get a COVID-19 test for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

To stay up-to-date on COVID-19 in Green County, visit the Green County Public Health website at gcpublichealth.org and on Facebook.

Residents also may contact the health department at 608-328-9390 or send an email to info@greencountywi.org.

Walk set for Sept. 26

Brodhead High School senior Kaitlyn Welsh is turning to the local community to help children and families in Haiti.

As her senior project, Welsh is organizing the Walk for Family on Saturday, Sept. 26. The two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the start of the Sugar River Trail in Brodhead.

Community members also may opt to participate by taking their own walking route and collecting donations for the cause, Welsh said in a news release.

The walk will raise money for One Gift, One Child, a ministry of former Brodhead residents Natalie and Pierre Charlotin. Natalie Charlotin is a Brodhead graduate.

“One Gift, One Child serves to prevent orphans and reunite families in the impoverished country of Haiti,” the news release said. “As a ministry, it provides orphaned children, or those put in orphanages by their families, safety from abuse, poverty, rejection, slavery, trafficking and hatred.

“Their end goal is to provide every child a safe environment and eventual reunion with their family. If they do not have a family, they are placed into a foster home that allows them a safe, loving environment to grow up in.”

To receive a Walk for Family sponsor sheet or get more information, send an email to Welsh at welshkai@ brodhead.k12.wi.us. Sponsor sheets and monetary donations will be collected on or before Sept. 26 and presented to the Charlotins for One Gift, One Child.

To make a donation online, go to livingwordwi.org and click on “giving,” then on “give now” and change the designation from “general offering” to “special offering.”

For more information about One Gift, One Child, go online to onegiftonechild.org.

Right: Natalie Charlotin, a Brodhead High School graduate, holds one of the special needs children who has received care through One Gift, One Child in Haiti. Charlotin is a founder of One Gift, One Child. Kaitlyn Welsh, a Brodhead High School senior, is organizing a fundraising walk to benefit One Gift, One Child. Members of the organization work to provide medical care and safe homes for Haitian special needs children, who are often abandoned.

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6 • Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 - The Independent-Register

IMAGE COURTESY WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, VIA WISCONSIN WATCH Brodhead Independent-Register COBURN DUKEHART/ WISCONSIN WATCH Brodhead Independent-Register

A screenshot shows what an adjudicator with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Amy Moreland is seen on the balcony of her apartment in Madi- sees when working on an unemployment claim. DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek — who reson. Moreland received unemployment aid after losing her job as a placed her ousted predecessor in September — said she was in “complete shock” when she discovered bartender and events coordinator due to the pandemic. She briefly how inadequate Wisconsin’s claims processing technology is. returned to work during the summer when bars opened for outdoor seating, but she was again laid off in November as cold weather arrived. After she applied a second time for compensation, her account (Continued from page 5) was locked for possible fraud, and she waited 13 weeks for the Wisrule, and DWD extended the waiv- Vos, R-Rochester, said his col- General cautioned that at least $36 consin Department of Workforce Development to verify her identity.

• Jobless

IR

Legal Notices

STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT GREEN COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF GREEN COUNTY, INC., A Wisconsin Nonstock Corporation 305 2nd Street P.O. Box 398 Monroe, WI 53566 Plaintiff, vs.

CHRISTINA TWAY 1202 E. 6th Avenue Brodhead, WI 53520 and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHRISTINA TWAY 1202 E. 6th Avenue Brodhead, WI 53520, Defendants.

Code No. 21-CV-21 Case: 30404 Foreclosure SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, to Defendants Christina Tway and Unknown Spouse of Christina Tway: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that the Plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. Within forty (40) days after February 17, 2021, you must respond with a written demand for a copy of the Complaint. The demand must be sent or delivered to the Court, whose address is: Green County Clerk of Circuit Court, Green County Justice Center, 2841 6th Street, Monroe, Wisconsin 53566, and to Todd W. Schluesche, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is: 250 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 106, Monroe, Wisconsin 53566. You may have an attorney help or represent you.

If you do not demand a copy of the Complaint within forty (40) days after February 17, 2021, the Court may grant Judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the Complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the Complaint. A Judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A Judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you may own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.

Dated this 11th day of February, 2021.

SCHLUESCHE FIELDS, S.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, Habitat for Humanity of Green County, Inc. By: Electronically signed by Todd W. Schluesche Todd W. Schluesche State Bar No. 01024392 Address: 250 N. 18th Avenue, Suite 106 Monroe, WI 53566 Phone: 608-325-2500 The Independent Register 2/17, 2/24, 3/3/2021 WNAXLP 390308

Town of Avon Regular Monthly Meeting Avon Town Hall Tuesday March 2nd, 2021 – 7:30 p.m.

Agenda: 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Minutes from February’s Meetings 5. Treasurers Report from February 6. Basement Windows a. Discussion b. Action 7. Election Results from February 16th 8. Meet the Candidates on Website a. Discussion b. Action 9. Important Dates a. March 24th - Audit b. April 6th – Spring Election c. April 13th – April Monthly Meeting d. April 20th – Annual Meeting i. Items for Agenda 10. Swear in date for Elected Board Members a. Discussion b. Action 11. Wescott Trailer a. Discussion 12. Road Work a. Discussion 13. Payment of Bills 14. Chairman’s Comments 15. Adjournment Maybe additional posting that will be posted 24 hours in advance.

The three posting places in the Town of Avon are Debbie Jean’s, Sugar River Bank, and the Avon Town Hall.Due to the lobby of the Sugar River Bank being closed, we will be using the Piggly Wiggly in Brodhead as a temporary posting location.

Stephanie Schwartzlow Avon Town Clerk The Independent Register 2/24/2021 WNAXLP 390608 AGENDA BRODHEAD SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING Wednesday, March 3, 2021 DISTRICT OFFICE BOARD ROOM TBD [approximately ten minutes after final interviews] I. CALL TO ORDER II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE III. ROLL CALL AGENDA IV. SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH/DISCUSSION V. ROLL CALL VOTE TO CONVENE IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO WI. STS. 19.85 (1) (c) a. Staffing VI. ACTION ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS VII. ADJOURNMENT The Independent Register 2/24/2021 WNAXLP 390515

er this month. But the state still requires claimants to register with the Wisconsin Job Service and attend training.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s oneweek wait for benefits, another Walker-era restriction, disqualifies it from collecting a $1.3 million weekly federal reimbursement for unemployment under Congress’ stimulus.

State lawmakers waived the waiting period in April, but the waiver expired on Feb. 6. The Legislature included a fresh waiver in legislation that Evers vetoed this month. That wide-ranging bill would have also limited Evers’ emergency powers and given the Legislature control over federal COVID-19 relief funds — among other provisions Evers opposed.

DWD announced Feb. 17 that it had taken “the first step” toward waiving the waiting period through an emergency rules process. And the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee proposed its own temporary waiver — through March 13 — in the legislation advanced Feb. 17.

Evers’ budget calls for making unemployment claims “less complicated” and to expand eligibility and speed the processing. The proposal would permanently eliminate several restrictions, including: the one-week waiting period, a maximum earnings threshold to qualify for benefits and work search requirements.

But Assembly Speaker Robin

leagues may “start from scratch” on billion in federal unemployment relief could have been paid improptheir own budget. erly through Nov. 7, with much of that going to fraud. DWD issued six Fraud fears add delays Like thousands of others, Amy fraud warnings to Wisconsinites reMoreland, 38, waited weeks to see ceiving unemployment last year.

Fraudulent claims historicalextra federal aid added to her modest unemployment benefits after los- ly make up just 1% of Wisconsin ing work in March. But the former claims, Pechacek told WPR’s The Madison bartender and events co- Morning Show, acknowledging that ordinator had little trouble with the it and other states are increasingly state’s filing system itself. She brief- seeing fraudsters seek a cut of fedly returned to work during the sum- eral pandemic relief. A Google partmer when bars opened for outdoor nership has helped DWD to flag susseating, but she was again laid off in picious activity such as claims comNovember as cold weather arrived. ing from international IP addresses After one go-around with filing or multiple claims filed under mulfor unemployment, Moreland ex- tiple names but the same bank acpected to file a second claim without count number, Pechacek said.

On Feb. 3, Moreland said a caller a hitch. But two weeks into her payments, DWD placed a hold on her from DWD informed her that someaccount — the same one she had one in Kentucky tried to access her been using throughout the pandemic account, and the system locked the — until the department could verify account immediately.

“Ideally it would be like when her identity.

After multiple calls, she was told the bank sees suspicious activity on to await a call from the fraud depart- your account and then they lock it and call you,” Moreland wrote in an ment.

“I have a state REAL ID. I have email. “So the first part happened my birth certificate. I have my So- (they locked it), but the 2nd part just cial Security number. I have my took 13 weeks I guess.”

She finally received $1,100 in her passport. I have everything that I can to prove that I am me, and it bank account on Feb. 3. She and doesn’t matter,” Moreland said in others expect to wait several more weeks for DWD to program its IT late January.

A variety of fraudsters have tar- system and deliver the supplemental geted state unemployment systems benefits Congress approved in Deduring the pandemic, including cember.

During her wait, she enrolled in Wisconsin’s. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector an online social work program at Madison Area Technical College, living off of student loans. She (Continued from page 3) knows the loan debt could offer future headaches.

The Snappers will begin the sea- Monday will serve as a league-wide “But right now I just have to do son on the road May 4 through May off day throughout the season to al- what I can to survive,” she said.

9 in Appleton playing against the low for easier team travel.

In Marinette, Cacek said he’s Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. They To allow for teams to play as many staying busy as his wait for compenwill host the South Bend Cubs in Be- games as possible, the Midwest sation nears a year. That includes loit May 11 through May 16 for their League will not hold playoffs in 2021. helping his children navigate online home opener series.

To limit travel during the middle school. He noted proudly The Snappers schedule will con- COVID-19 pandemic, the Snap- that one of them made the honor clude on Sept. 19 with the conclusion pers will play 19 of their 20 series roll last quarter. Cacek also makes of a six-game road series against the against teams in the High-A Central delivery runs for his local food panLake County Captains.

League’s West Division. Stadium try and helped organize a gift drive A six-game series format will be capacity limits are expected to be im- for local children at Christmas. The maintained throughout the 2021 sea- plemented for the 2021 season and time away from work also allowed son with the Snappers playing games will be announced leading up to the him to get much-needed back surTuesday through Sunday each week. season. gery.

“I’m hoping that something with unemployment comes through in the next few months — that allows me to kind of recover and get myself at least back in the black,” he said.

Laurel White of WPR contributed to this report. The story comes from a partnership of Wisconsin 115 Center Street Watch and WPR. Bram Sable-Smith P.O. Box 507 is WPR’s Mike Simonson Memorial Investigative Reporting Fellow Durand, IL 61024 embedded in the newsroom of Wis815-248-2188 consin Watch (wisconsinwatch.org), www.countryfinancial.com/tyler.hoffman which collaborates with WPR, PBS Wisconsin, other news media and tyler.hoffman@countryfinancial.com the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Get a quote Communication. All works created, published, posted or disseminated

by Wisconsin Watch do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of AFFP | Financial Representative 388856 UW-Madison or any of its affiliates.

• Snappers

Crop insurance that grows with you.

Tyler Hoffman

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BRODHEAD SCHOOL DISTRICT Notice of Vacancy • Part-Time Food Service

Albrecht Elementary kitchen is looking for a part time food service worker. Hours are 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Duties include but are not limited to; prepping meals for lunch, serving children in the lunch line, and some dishwashing. It would be a plus to be comfortable working in a fast paced environment.

Job description available upon request and application forms are available on the District website at www.brodhead.k12.wi.us.

Send completed application to: Food Service Director Dana Wyttenbach at dwyttenbach@brodhead.k12.wi.us or mail to 2501 W. 5th Ave., Brodhead, WI 53520.

Application deadline: Position open until filled.

The School District of Brodhead does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, creed, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry, pregnancy, marital or parental status, physical condition or disability or any other category protected by law in its programs or activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 2501 W. 5th Ave., Brodhead, WI 53520, (608) 897-2141.

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employment Employment

8 • Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021 - The Independent-Register

AARP offers community improvement grants AARP Wisconsin is inviting community organizations and local governments across the state to apply for the 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant program through April 14. The grants will fund “quick-action” projects that spark change across Wisconsin and the entire country.

The grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods and rural areas to become great places to live for people of all ages. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand, or tens of thousands for larger projects.

“We are thrilled to bring this grant opportunity back to Wisconsin in 2021 and we encourage all eligible organizations to apply,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Sam Wilson. “We’ve seen tangible results from the AARP Community Challenge grant program supporting communities in Wisconsin as they make quick changes and inspire long-term progress.”

“Previous grants have led to impressive results. This year, in response to pressing needs and important social movements, we are bolstering our support for projects that focus on diversity and inclusion as well as those that aid in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer, said in the release.

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 560 grants through the Community Challenge to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The program provides direct support to all community types, with nearly 40% of past projects benefit-

ing rural communities, 20% going to suburban locations and 40% improving urban places.

AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, directly engage volunteers and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: • Ensure a focus on diversity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community.

• Support local recovery from the coronavirus pandemic with an emphasis on economic development and improvements to public spaces and transportation services.

• Create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities.

• Deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bike-ability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements.

• Support a range of housing options that increase the availability of accessible and affordable choices.

• Increase civic engagement and demonstrate the tangible value of “Smart Cities” with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.

In addition to these outcomes, AARP welcomes submissions that describe other local needs and innovative ideas for addressing them.

The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities.

Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The application deadline is 7 p.m.

Central Time April 14. All projects must be completed by Nov. 10. To submit an application and view past grantees, go online to www.AARP. org/CommunityChallenge.

356758

Ice-cold fun Ice Castles-Wisconsin, located near Lake Geneva, is likely well on its way to a successful season given the cooperation from Mother Nature by way of cold temperatures. At right, Evan, Elyssa and Evelyn Vander Molen of the Chicago area take advantage of an ice chair for a memorable photo.

The family said they tried for three years to get tickets to the Ice Castles. Above, Carly and Brayden Waitzman of Vernon Hills, Illinois, hold hands as they ride down an ice slide. For more information, go online to icecastles.com.

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College news Edgewood College notes academic honors Several area students earned fall semester honors at Edgewood College in Madison. Full-time students who achieve at least a 3.5 GPA for the semester are eligible for the honor.

Students are listed by hometown.

• Albany: Madison Peters • Brodhead: Kathryn Goecks, Jordan Naramore, Mariah Wuthrich • Brooklyn: Ariel Foesch, Sophia Grady, Brianna Richards

• Juda: Triniti Elmer, Taylor Golackson • Monroe: Curtis Leuzinger, Michaela Snider, Montana Steinmann • New Glarus: Anika Beutler Local students achieve dean’s list, honor roll University of Wisconsin Oshkosh officials have announced students who qualified for the fall dean’s list and honor roll across all three campuses (Oshkosh, Fond du Lac and Fox Cities).

To qualify, students must have been enrolled in at least 12 credits and achieve a minimum 3.3 GPA for the honor roll and a minimum 3.75 GPA for the dean’s list.

Students are listed by hometown.

• Brodhead: Janell Moore, junior, dean’s list; Alexis Oliver, sophomore, dean’s list; Carisa Purdue, freshman, dean’s list; Levi Visger, senior, honor roll • Orfordville: Rachel Miller, senior, dean’s list; Hailey Rowley, freshman, honor roll

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