The Post-Crescent Oct. 8 2023

WIS. FAMILIES NEED SUPPORT

Carolyn Nelson watches her mother Gloria Mathews and her 5-month-old daughter, Emma. Due to a lack of child care, Carolyn and her husband rely on her mom to drive 2.5 hours to take care of Emma when she needs to work. One of the biggest issues families have been emphasizing is the struggle to access child care. WM. GLASHEEN/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

How is the Legislature stepping up?

Sophia Voight, Jack Kelly Appleton Post-Crescent, Wisconsin Watch

This story was produced as part of the NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab, a consortium of six news outlets covering northeastern Wisconsin.

Over the past seven months, journalists across six newsrooms in the NEW News Lab consortium have talked with northeast Wisconsin families about hurdles they face.

Across 21 stories, families have shared their struggles to secure child care, feed their children, connect with mental health resources and cope with rising senior care costs.

Additionally, families and the people working in the industries they interact with have told us what they would like to see done across the state to alleviate their struggles.

And as these issues play out in the Legislature and the recent budget cycle, we examine how these potential policy solutions compare to what is playing out at the Capitol. Here’s what we found.

Across 21 stories, families have shared their struggles to secure child care, feed their children, connect with mental health resources and cope with rising senior care costs.

Kindergarten students at Suamico Elementary School enjoy their hot lunch in March. During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, a pandemic-era program provided free school lunches for all students. Those federal funds dried up at the beginning of last school year. SARAH KLOEPPING/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

As nearly half a million Wisconsinites face hunger, including 171,469 children, pantries across the state have increasing need for food and toiletry items to serve their community.

Food insecurity affects all ages of people, from children to older adults, across the state. According to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap data, in 2021 people facing hunger in Wisconsin were estimated to need just over $263 million more per year to meet their food needs.

In Ozaukee County, people don’t always recognize there are people in need, said Mark Gierach, executive director of Ozaukee Food Alliance. In 2022, their pantry served an average of about 600 families per month. Now they’re serving about 675 families per month.

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee pantry, which serves an average of 300 students per week, has also seen an increase in need this year.

“In spring of 2022, we were going through 1,500 pounds of food a week. And now we go through about 4,000,” said basic needs coordinator Allie Dorshorst.

With increasing need, we asked food pantries what food they need the most, and what items you can skip. Here’s how to help.

What are the best things to donate to a local pantry?

Pantries often need the following foods:

h Peanut butter

h Canned soup

h Canned fruit

h Canned vegetables

h Canned stew

h Canned fish

h Canned beans

h Pasta

h Rice

Some food banks also accept toiletries and other personal care and household items. Pantries like the Lord’s Cupboard in Oconomowoc said they’re low on items like toothpaste, facial tissue, paper towels and toilet paper.

What are food items that pantries don’t need?

Here are some items you can’t donate:

h Leftovers: Food banks can’t accept

Jake Woodford to run for second term as mayor

community.Ilookforwardtocontinuing to work every day with humility, responsibility, and respect to move our community forward.”

Appleton Mayor Jake Woodford announced Thursday he is running for reelection, seeking a second term.

In his initial announcement, he pointed to the city’s accomplishments to make his case to voters: new housing development, debt management for the city’s funds and adding support to first responder agencies, among other changes.

“Serving my hometown as mayor is an incredible honor,” Woodford said in the announcement. “As we look to the future, we know we’ll be presented with choices to make about our priorities as a

Before becoming mayor, Woodford was a special assistant to the president at Lawrence University. He defeated former alderman James Clemons in the mayoral race April 2020, in a spring election dominated by concerns about the coronavirus pandemic. Woodford succeeded Tim Hanna, who chose not to run for reelection after serving as Appleton’s mayor for 24 years.

Mayoral races in Appleton are nonpartisan. The election for the next mayor will be held April 2, 2024.

Contributing: Duke Behnke.

Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at rloroff@gannett.com.

Some EV, hybrid buyers eligible for instant tax credits

DETROIT – Starting next year, people who want to buy a new or used electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle will be able to get U.S. government income tax credits at the time of purchase.

Eligible buyers, including those who bought an EV or hybrid this year, have had to wait until they filed their federal income tax returns to actually get the benefits.

The Treasury Department says the near-instant credits of $7,500 for an eligible new vehicle and $4,000 for a qualifying used vehicle should lower purchasing costs for consumers and help car dealers by boosting EV sales.

Under the Inflation Reduction Act, which included the credits, buyers can transfer the credits to dealers, which can apply them at the point of sale starting Jan. 1.

CORRECTION

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4, 2023, Page 9A:

Some of the information for Terror on the

an antique passenger train, video screens and computer-controlled sound, lighting and animatronics.

When: Gates open at 7 p.m. on select nights now through Oct. 31.

Plus, the government says people can get the full credits from dealers regardless of how much they owe in federal taxes.

The vehicles have to qualify under guidelines spelled out in the law, and buyers’ incomes have to fall below certain limits.

Dealers have to hold state or local licenses in order to offer the credits, and they must register on an Internal Revenue Service website. After dealers turn in the sales paperwork, dealers can expect to get payments from the government within about 72 hours, officials said.

To be eligible, electric vehicles or plug-ins have to be manufactured in North America. SUVs, vans and trucks can’t have a sticker price greater than $80,000, while cars can’t sticker for more than $55,000.

Used electric vehicles can’t have a sale price of more than $25,000.

Where: National Railroad Museum, 2285 S. Broadway, Ashwaubenon. Admission: Tickets start at $19.99 on select nights. Other nights they start at $24.99, depending on the pass you choose. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, but the box office is also open on the grounds during regular business hours.

Contact: 920-360-9950, terroronthefox.com

Rebecca Loroff Appleton Post-Crescent

Woodford

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Are blinkers required in roundabouts?

State law doesn’t reflect practice

Watchdog Q&A

Reader question: Are there times that turn signals are legally required in a roundabout? Is it legal to pull into an intersection on a green light while waiting to turn left? How far?

Answer: I answered the question about turn signals in roundabouts previously, but it’s worth repeating.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation states in its rules for driving roundabouts that drivers should activate their right turn signal as they approach their exit in a roundabout.

I’m not aware of any state law that regulates turn signals in roundabouts specifically. Rather, state statute 346.34 says drivers shall use their turn signal whenever other traffic may be affected by a turn. It also says the signal shall be given continuously for the last 100 feet before the turn, but that’s not really practical in a roundabout.

Ryan McCord, traffic safety officer for the Appleton Police Department, said he’s never ticketed a motorist for failing to use a turn signal in a roundabout.

“You don’t really ever see people using their signal inaroundaboutorexitingaroundabout,”McCordsaid. “I think more people would think it’s abnormal for somebody to do it.”

Regarding left turns, it is legal to pull into an intersection on a green light while waiting to turn left.

McCord said it’s often the best practice for motorists to see around other cars that might be blocking their view.

“The caveat is that you can’t pull out into the intersection so far that you would obstruct the oncoming traffic that would either be turning left on their side or

obviously any other oncoming traffic that would be continuing through the intersection,” McCord said.

The Wisconsin DOT posted a two-minute video on Facebook that illustrates how to safely make a left turn on green.

Post-Crescent reporter Duke Behnke answers your questions about local government. Send questions to dbehnke@gannett.com or call him at 920-993-7176.

Is Taylor Swift driving up prices for Packers-Chiefs game?

GREEN BAY - Ticket prices for the Packers-Chiefs matchup Dec. 3 are being fueled by star power — and not just because of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl-winning quarterbackPatrickMahomes.

Widespread speculation about Chiefs’tight end Travis Kelce’srelationshipwithpopsuperstarTaylorSwiftcould alsoberesponsible.

Whilewedon’tknowyetifSwiftiscomingtoLambeau Field, the possibility of a celebrity sighting drove ticket pricesupwardsinNewYorkfortheOct.1Chiefs-Jetsgame, andthesamethingcouldbehappeninginGreenBay.

The range of cheapest ticket prices is similar to what it was last August; as of last Friday, they started at $130 to

$196.Averageticketpriceswere$166onFridayasopposed to$161Aug.23. However, these are for single ticket prices. If you’d like tobringafriend,pricesfortworangefrom$152to$295for eachticketasofFriday.

ThegrowthinticketpricesfortheDec.3gameoverthe pastsixweeksismodestpartlybecausetheChiefs’turnat Lambeau already boasted higher-than-average ticket pricesbeforetheseasonstarted.

Thisisforthreereasons:theChiefswontheSuperBowl earlierthisyear,theyarecoachedbyformerPackersassistant Andy Reid and they are the only team Jordan Love startedagainstinhisfirstthreeyearsinGreenBay.

EvenamidKelce’scriticismthattheNFLis“overdoing” theircoverageoftheirrumoredlovestory,theTaylorSwift effectontheNFLisreal.AccordingtoNBC,theChiefs-Jets matchupboastedthehighestaudienceforaSundayshow

since the last Super Bowl with an average of 27 million viewers. An estimated additional two million women and girlstunedin.

The Packers will face off against the Chiefs 7:20 p.m. Dec.3atLambeauFieldandonNBC.

For our look at Packers’ tickets prices, we average the lowest ticket prices at 11 secondary-market websites: Event USA, Gametime, Green Bay Ticket Service, SeatGeek,StubHub,TicketIQ,TicketKing,Ticketmaster,TickPick, TicketSmarter and Vivid Seats. Note that ticket brokerscanaddfeesontopofthepriceslistedhere,soactual costsmightbehigher.

Contributing: Rich Ryman; Cydney Henderson, USA TODAY.

RebeccaLoroffisabreakingandtrendingnewsreporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips andfeedbackatrloroff@gannett.com.

Motorists navigate the roundabout at the intersection of State 47 and Northland Avenue in Appleton. The use of turn signals while exiting a roundabout is required by law but is rare in practice.

WM. GLASHEEN/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

Rebecca Loroff Green Bay

Menasha VFW Post thanks community for their support

Menasha Nicolet VFW Post 2126 would like to thank all who donated food and money to our annual food drive on Sept. 7 and 8. We had a great response. The food pantries were low on supplies and were grateful for the donations from us.

We served five food pantries as well as the Boys and Girls Club in Menasha this year. This would not have been possible without your help.

We would also like to say thank you to the community for all the support you gave us throughout the year at the poppy drive in May and our brat frys in the summer.

The Neenah and Menasha businesses and community have always stepped up to help and we cannot thank you enough for all you do to help out the veterans year after year.

Dave Mix, Commander VFW Nicolet Post 2126, Menasha

Wisconsin needs affordable child care

I write in response to the Post-Crescent’s Sept. 28 article headlined “Child care even harder to find, more expensive than college, report finds.” The lack of affordable childcare is an ongoing problem in Wisconsin, and Gov. Edwards has proposed a partial solution that we should all support. The solution is an extension in 2024 of “Child Care Counts.” “Child Care Counts” was established to help childcare centers survive during the pandemic, and it has proved very successful. It will expire at the end of this year, and we need to extend it, but Republicans in the legislature are opposing the extension.

The cost and scarcity of childcare are huge problems in Wisconsin. A Post-Crescent article published on Feb. 3, 2023 said, “Child care is already unaffordable for most Wisconsin families.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers child care affordable if it takes 7% or less of a household’s income, all children included. Brooke Skidmore, owner and director of New Glarus’ The Growing Tree Child Care Center and WECAN cofounder, said that many families devote 20% to 40% of their household income for one child alone.”

We desperately need affordable

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY

child care in our state. The lack of affordable child care makes it hard for businesses to hire people and hard for families to work themselves out of poverty. Don’t stand by. Contact your legislators and tell them to support the extension of “Child Care Counts.”

David Haas, Appleton

High conflict personalities not recommended for public office

Recommended reading for voters: “Five Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life: Identify Narcissists, Sociopaths, and Other High Conflict Personalities” by Bill Eddy, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Attorney. 2018, 190 pages, paperback. Purchase at Barnes & Noble in Grand Chute, 920-831-7880.

Hitler’s “Targets of Blame” were: Jews, (Romani), disabled, the (developmentally disabled). Trump’s targets are prosecutors, judges, attorneys, generals, commentators — even POWs — witnesses and jury members.

Trump constantly exhibits most of the following characteristics of High Conflict Personalities. Not recommended for public office in any capacity.

Borderline HCP: May launch vicious attacks against their targets; involving physical violence, verbal abuse, legal actions, and acts to destroy personal reputations.

Antisocial (Sociopathic) HCP: Their charismatic charms are cover for their drive to dominate others through lying, stealing, publicly humiliating people. Remorseless, they are said to have no conscience. Great loyalty demanded; none given.

Paranoid HCP: Deeply suspicious, constantly fear betrayal. Imagining conspiracies against them, they often launch preemptive attacks against them.

Histrionic HCP: Publicly exhibit exciting, dramatic personalities. Often tell wild and extreme stories which are usually totally false. Over time, they can become emotionally draining to those around them.

NOTE: Author claims about 80 to 90% of people around us actually are who they claim to be, will deliver on promises they make, and generally follow social norms that make it possible for most of us to live together in reasonable harmony. But, who in his right mind would believe or support a HCP?

Richard E. Schallert, Winneconne

Letters must include your first and last name, address and phone number. Only your name and community will be published. Letters have a 250-word limit. One letter per person in a 30-day time period. To submit letters, email pcletters@postcrescent.com, visit postcrescent.com or mail to P.O. Box 59, Appleton, WI 54912.

NATION & WORLD BRIEFS FROM WIRE REPORTS

Biden says meeting with Xi at APEC summit is a possibility

WASHINGTON–PresidentJoeBiden said Friday that he could potentially meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of next month’s AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco.

“There has been no such meeting set up, but it is a possibility,” Biden told reporterswhenaskedabouttheprospects of a face-to-face meeting with the Chinese leader.

Biden and Xi have not spoken since their meeting last November on the sidelines of the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

White House officials have previously made clear that they hoped the two leaders would soon hold talks, and administration officials have been workingtogettheChinesetoagreetoameeting.

Miss. encourages extra hunting to tame record deer population

RAYMOND, Miss. – Mississippi’s deer population is bigger than ever before,promptingstateofficialstoencouragehunterstocatchanextratargettotal this year.

Mississippi is home to more than 1.5million deer, a state record, according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. In an effort to keep the deer population under control, the department gave hunters the green light Wednesday to grow their harvestsduringthecurrentandupcoming hunting seasons.

“Since there are more deer out there than there has been, there is less food for each individual to get to. That’s why we’re encouraging hunters to take an extra deer this season on their bag limit,” said William McKinley, the wildlife department’s deer program coordinator.

Indonesia denies fires causing blankets of haze in Malaysia

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Indonesia denied Friday that forest and peat fires on Sumatra and Borneo islands were causing the haze in Malaysia, after the neighboring government sent a letter complaining about the air quality and asking to work together to deal with the fires.

Some parts of Malaysia said they experienced smoke from the Indonesian firessincelastweek,buttheIndonesian government denied its fires are the cause.

“Untilnowthereisnotransboundary haze. No cross-border smoke. I don’t know what basis Malaysia uses to make these statements,” Siti Nurbaya Bakar, Indonesian Environment and Forestry minister, told The Associated Press.

Peacekeeping force calls on Kosovo, Serbia to return to talks

PRISTINA, Kosovo – The NATO-led peacekeeping force on Friday called on both Kosovo and Serbia to return to the negotiating table to resolve their issues to prevent violence like the recent shootout between masked Serb gunmen and Kosovo police that left four people dead and sent tensions soaring in the region.

Kosovo Force commander Maj. Gen. Angelo Michele Ristuccia called on both countries to “refrain from inflammatory and counterproductive rhetoric and help to create the necessary conditions forlastingsecurityinKosovoandacross the region.”

In February, the EU put forward a10pointplantoendmonthsofpoliticalcrises. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučic gave their approval at the time, but with some reservations that haven’t been resolved.

China is not direct source of fentanyl in US

Sophia Voight Appleton Post-Crescent

As fentanyl deaths have skyrocketed over the past few years, U.S. Rep. Mike GallagherispointingtoChinaforsupplying the deadly drug to the United States.

Gallagher, R-Wis., is chairman of the House Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which has given him a national platform on China-related issues.

In a recent appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” he said:

“Beating the Chinese as they attempt todoavarietyofthings—undermineour sovereignty, send fentanyl into America killing 80,000 Americans a year, threaten war in the Pacific by threatening to take Taiwan — that to me is the biggest national security issue.”

Here, we’ll fact-check China’s role in getting fentanyl into the U.S. and how many people the drug is killing.

The claim is numerically accurate on fentanyl overdoses but misrepresents China’s role in illicit fentanyl trafficking into the U.S.

Let’s take a look.

Fentanyl deaths are on the rise in the US

When asked for backup, Jordan Dunn, Gallagher’s communications director, pointed us to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s final and provisional data on drug overdoses, saying Gallagher’s 80,000 figure gave a general estimate of the overdose numbers.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that the CDC describes as “50 to 100 times more potent than morphine.” Illegally manufactured versions of the drug have skyrocketed the U.S.’s opioid overdose crisis in the last decade, according to the CDC’s information webpage on fentanyl.

Gallagher’s estimate is close to fentanyl overdose numbers.

According to the CDC, provisional numbers for overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, hit 77,415 between April 2022 and April 2023.

In the latest year for finalized CDC data, 70,601 people died in 2021 from overdoses involving synthetic opioids.

Fentanyl compromises about 90% of the deaths in that category.

Illicit fentanyl is primarily coming into the US from Mexico cartels

Regarding the other part of Gallagher’s claim, that China “sends fentanyl into America,” experts say this is a misleading interpretation of the trafficking of fentanyl into the U.S. Chinese drug producers are primarily creating the chemicals to make fentanyl and sending it to Mexican cartels, not directly to the U.S., said Vanda FelbabBrown, a senior fellow in the foreign policy program at the Brookings Institute think tank.

Early in the U.S. opioid epidemic, China was the primary source of illicit fentanyl but when the Chinese government banned the production of fentanyl in 2019, Felbab-Brown said producers switched to selling chemicals used in the production of fentanyl.

This created a more roundabout way of getting fentanyl into the U.S.

Other reports have reached similar conclusions:

According to a 2022 report from the Congressional Research Service, Chinese traffickers no longer send fentanyl directly to the U.S., instead, chemists send the materials to Mexican criminal organizations who then produce the fentanyl. And according to the 2023 US International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Mexico is now “the source of the vast majority”of illicit fentanyl seized in the U.S.

Our ruling

Fentanyl deaths in the U.S. have spiked in recent years, with over 70,601 overdoses from synthetic opioids like fentanyl occurring in 2021 and an estimated 77,415 occurring in 2022, roughly matching Gallagher’s estimate.

But as far as China’s role in supplying fentanyl to the U.S., Gallagher misses the mark. While China used to be the primary source of illicit fentanyl directly to the U.S., finished products primarily come from Mexico which produces the drug using chemicals from China.

We rate this statement Half True.

2023 migrant deaths spike in El Paso Sector

Paso’s metropolitan footprint.

EL PASO, Texas – Migrant deaths have more than doubled this year along the U.S.-Mexico border in the Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector, reaching the heaviest toll the region has seen since public record-keeping began – 148, compared with 71 in 2022, according to U.S. Border Patrol data.

More than 100 of the deaths occurred between May and September, when El Paso had one of its hottest summers on record with 44 consecutive days of triple-digit heat, according to the National Weather Service.

The U.S.-Mexico border, nearly 2,000 miles across, is considered the deadliest land route for migrants worldwide, with 686 deaths and disappearances recorded last year, according to a report by the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration. About half of those deaths were linked to hazardous crossing conditions in the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts, which cross parts of California, Arizona, and Texas, the U.N. report says.

The latest grim number comes after a wave of record-breaking heat across the Southwest. Rising temperatures play a role in the number of migrant deaths, but researchers say U.S. immigration policy changes that force migrants to try more dangerous routes also contribute.

Families

Continued from Page 1A

Bolstering child care offerings

One of the biggest issues families emphasized was the struggle to access child care.

The Post-Crescent reporter Madison Lammert and Green Bay Press-Gazette reporter Jeff Bollier talked with families who said they paid more for child care than housing, sat on long waitlists at centers and timed pregnancies around child care openings.

The child care industry is currently backed by a pandemic-era program called Child Care Counts, which has stabilized access to child care statewide and supported child care workers with recruitment and retention efforts. The program is set to end in early 2024.

Gov. Tony Evers in his executive budget proposed extending the program, and Democrats on the Joint Committee on Finance proposed allocating $340 million to extend the program in the biennial budget, but Republicans who control the committee blocked the effort.

Child care providers we spoke with said the program was vital to keeping the industry afloat, and a lack of sustainable state funding will force them to significantly increase their rates, lay off staff or close their centers.

Evers’ Child Care Counts program is off the table, but Republican lawmakers proposed their own package of bills to alleviate Wisconsin’s child care crisis. It would decrease required staff-to-child ratios, allow 16-year-olds to take on more roles in child care centers and cre-

The Border Patrol’s El Paso Sector is expected to record its highest-ever number of migrant encounters this year, on pace to top 400,000 and beat last year’s record of nearly 308,000 encounters, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection statistics.

ate loan options for licensed child care providers to make facility renovations or improvements.

During an Assembly hearing on the bills, most child care providers and advocacy groups opposed the measures, though some welcomed more flexibility for their operations amid workforce challenges.

The state Department of Children and Families testified that changing the staff-to-child ratio could create safety concerns and lower the quality of care.

Assembly Republicans passed all the bills in September, but Evers and Democratic lawmakers have continued to push Child Care Counts funding.

School meals for Wisconsin K-12 students

During the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years, a pandemic-era program provided free school lunches for all students.

As those federal funds dried up at the beginning of last school year, Press-Gazette education reporter Danielle DuClos talked to school officials and families about how the end of the program left some families struggling to feed their kids and school nutrition departments underfunded.

As part of a broader $2.6 billion in new spending proposed by Evers in his budget was $120 million to provide universal breakfast and lunch for all Wisconsin students. Evers’ office billed the program as a way to improve student health and reduce hunger and anxiety among Wisconsin kids. It also would have made permanent the pandemicera program that provided free meals to all students.

Republicansnixeditfromthebudget.

The El Paso Sector stretches from Hudspeth County in southwest Texas across New Mexico to the Arizona state line. There are vast areas of desert in New Mexico, but by far the deadliest zone centers on Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, in the desert hills outside El

For the 2022-23 school year — and now the 2023-24 school year — caregivers were required to apply for free or reduced-price meals for their kids. Advocates say this administrative process results in kids going hungry in families that make just a few dollars more than the income thresholds.

Other states, like California and Maine, offer no-cost meals to their students. They used budget surpluses in 2022 to implement those programs.

Mental health resources for Wisconsin kids

Natalie Eilbert, the Press-Gazette’s mental health reporter, spoke with advocates for student mental health who described a drastic lack of providers in schools and long waitlists to see a counselor at a time when public schools are reporting a jump in students seeking mental health services following the pandemic.

Inhis2023StateoftheStateaddress, Evers declared that 2023 would be “The Year of Mental Health”in Wisconsin — a promise he sought to fulfill, at least in part, by proposing $270 million for a student mental health initiative in Wisconsin schools.

The initiative would have made every Wisconsin public school eligible to receive funds “to go toward providing direct mental healthcare, hiring and supporting mental health navigators, and providing mental health first aid and trauma-based care training,” among other things, according to Evers’ office.

Once again, the Legislature’s Republican-controlled budget writing committee dramatically pared back Evers’ proposal.

The final budget contained $30 mil-

All summer, El Paso law enforcement agencies and first responders were called to coordinates near backyards and businesses, as people died seemingly within reach of rescue.

“It’s not new, but it’s a big topic and it’s more numbers,” said El Paso Sheriff’s Office Cmdr. Robert Rojas. “Because it’s not just Mexican nationals trying to cross; you have many different countries of origin. It’s possible that they don’t know the terrain, the climate, or what they are coming into.”

“When you are standing on the dirt, sometimes you don’t see the city because of the mesquite mounds,” said Sunland Park Fire Chief Danny Medrano. “We don’t know if they are given bad directions or if they are hiding. It is difficult to see the city sometimes and you are only half a mile away.”

Deterrence policies and physical infrastructure, such as walls or barriers, will not stop people from trying to make the journey to the U.S., said Brad Jones, professor of political science with the University of California, Davis, and a volunteer with Arizona-based nonprofit Humane Borders.

Migrants will continue to feel compelled to try as long as the factors driving them out of their home countries remain the same, Jones said.

Contributing: Terry Collins and Vanessa Arredondo, USA TODAY; José Ignacio Castañeda Perez, Arizona Republic

lion for school-based mental health initiatives — just 11% of what Evers proposed.

Support for Wisconsin seniors

As Wisconsin nears its “Silver Tsunami,” USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin reporter Benita Mathew spoke with residents in senior facilities experiencing the brunt of the staffing shortage crisis. Residents told us how short staffing has left basic needs unmet, fueling a surge in condition complaints and calls from advocates to ease the worker shortage by boosting worker pay.

To address the issue, the budget lawmakers passed and Evers signed a bill allocating $282 million over two years — a $10 million increase from the last budget — toward Direct Care Workforce Funding to help assisted living providers pay their direct care workers more.

This story is part of the NEW (Northeast Wisconsin) News Lab’s fourth series, “Families Matter,” covering issues important to families in the region. The lab is a local news collaboration in northeast Wisconsin made up of six news organizations: the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Appleton Post-Crescent, FoxValley365, The Press Times, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Watch. TheUniversityofWisconsin-GreenBay’s Journalism Department is an educational partner. Microsoft is providing financial support to the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation and Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region to fund the initiative. The mission of the lab is to “collaborate to identify and fill information gaps to help residents explore ways to improve their communities and lives — and strengthen democracy.”

Lauren Villagran

El Paso Times USA TODAY NETWORK

Border Patrol agent Orlando Marrero- Rubio detains two migrants without proper documentation in Sunland Park, N.M. OMAR ORNELAS/EL PASO TIMES

Key moments in McCarthy ouster

Kochi, Rachel Looker and Javier Zarracina USA TODAY

start … It wasn’t an easy start to 2023 for McCarthy, RCalif.

Even before the 118th Congress convened on Jan.3., trouble for the California lawmaker started to brew when he faced a hint of opposition from several ultra-conservative GOP lawmakers during the selection process for GOP leader last fall.

Several within the party wondered whether they should ditch McCarthy after a poor showing by Republicans in the midterms that resulted in a slim five-seat majority.

Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs, a member of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, challenged McCarthy in the race to serve as GOP leader, but McCarthy ulti-

mately won in a closeddoor meeting among the conference.

2. ‘Groundhog Day’

Then came the vote for speaker – a“Groundhog Day” scenario for McCarthy, who continued to lose ballot after ballot, as a group of 20 detractors refused to support him, instead voting for others, such as Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and Biggs.

3. Concessions, concessions

McCarthy began making closed-door concessions with members of his partyinanattempttopersuade those who voted against him.

5. Debt ceiling debacle

Hard-line Republicans’ frustration grew during McCarthy’s debt ceiling negotiations with President Joe Biden, claiming McCarthy failed to negotiate to leverage spending cuts and reforms.

The deal McCarthy made raises the debt limit on how much the government can borrow until 2025. It also caps annual discretionary spending for two years, keeping non-defense spending levels flat next year and raising it by 1% in 2025.

Members of the House Freedom Caucus denounced the plan and lambasted McCarthy for agreeing to a compromise they claim didn’t go far enough to cut spending.

7. Gaetz comes into action

Just days after averting a shutdown, McCarthy was faced with another threat: Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz introduced a motion to vacate on Oct. 2 that would remove McCarthy from his position as speaker. Gaetz had previously cited several reasons for McCarthy to be ousted, such as not holding votes on issues like term limits forlawmakersorreleasing the full security tapes from the Jan.6 attack on the Capitol. But tensions between the two peaked after Gaetz pressured McCarthy not to work with Democratstoavertashutdown.

After Gaetz introduced his motion, McCarthy responded in a succinct tweet, “Bring it on,” to which Gaetz replied, “I just did.”

8. McCarthy ousted as speaker

Peace of mind

Several concessions included legislation on border security, congressional term limits, key committee assignments for the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus members and one critical House rule change that wouldcomebacktohaunt him – the power for a single member to call for a vote to oust the speaker.

The concessions persuaded some of the ultraconservative detractors to change their vote.

4. 15th time’s the charm

In one of the longest and most chaotic speaker elections since the Civil War, McCarthy won the speakership during the 15th round of votes on the two-year anniversary of the Jan.6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Then came one of the first pushes to oust the speaker, with House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Dan Bishop, R-N.C, telling reporters he would consider bringing the motion to vacate to the floor over the debt ceiling deal.

6. Averting a shutdown

One of the final sticking points for ultra-conservatives was McCarthy’s handling of the appropriations process ahead of a potential government shutdown.

Before the vote to oust McCarthy took place, Republicans were embroiled in contentious debates on the House floor – with some criticizing the former speaker and others defending him. In the end, eight Republicans and 208 Democrats voted to oust him. Gaetz told reporters after the vote that “it’s the benefit of this country that we have a better speaker of the House than Kevin McCarthy.”

9. He says he won’t run again

With government funding levels set to expire on Sept. 30 and zero spending bills passed in the lower chamber, McCarthy ultimately decided tobringacontinuingresolution, or stopgap measure,totheHousefloorfor a vote that would extend government funding to mid-November.

My father always told me, it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish and now we need to finish strong for the American people,” McCarthy said at the time.

Pantries

Continued from Page 1A

The stopgap measure only passed in the lower chamber because it garnered Democratic support.

McCarthy, who served as speaker for 269 days, said in a news conference Oct.3 he leaves his position with a sense of pride, accomplishment and optimism, and that he doesn’t regret standing up for “choosing governance over grievance.” McCarthy said he won’t run for speaker again. He also said there is a “real institutional problem” in the House, citing “a real divide.” His advice for the next speaker? Change the rules.

Contributing: Ken Tran

your leftovers or anything made in your kitchen. The food bank can’t verify the ingredients or the safety of its preparation.

WORK-Wisconsin newspapers and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin are working together to raise enough money from readers and donors to provide 750,000 meals to Wisconsin families through the annual Stock the Shelves campaign.

Each dollar donated equals about four meals, or $10 in food.

h Expired foods: If the food is past its expiration or sell-by date, don’t donate it because it could be unsafe to consume.

h Food with damaged packaging: Don’t donate cans that are dented or bloated, or packaging that is already open.

h Baked goods: Similar to leftovers, pantries can’t confirm the ingredients of baked goods or that they were prepared safely. Food banks often work with local restaurants or bakeries that donate extra baked goods.

Some pantries will not accept items needing refrigeration, especially foods that easily spoil like dairy and meat. Your local pantry might not have the refrigerator or freezer space needed to store those items. Call ahead before planning on dropping off any refrigerated items.

Where can I find a pantry near me?

Feeding America supplies a network of food programs around Wisconsin. For a list of pantries supported by Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, visit feedingamericawi.org/find-help.

Want to help? Here’s how to donate to Stock the Shelves

During October, USA TODAY NET-

The campaign will support communities served by the following newspapers: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Green Bay Press-Gazette, Appleton Post Crescent, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter, Oshkosh Northwestern, Fond du Lac Reporter, Sheboygan Press, Wausau Daily Herald, Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, Marshfield News-Herald, Stevens Point Journal, Door County Advocate and Oconto County Reporter.

Donations will help support people in the same community where the donor lives.

To donate online, visit feedingamericawi.org/stocktheshelvesdonate.

To donate by mail, checks made payable to Feeding American Eastern Wisconsin, ATTN: Stock the Shelves, should be sent to 2911 W. Evergreen Drive, Appleton WI 54913.

Enclose with your contribution the donor’s address with city, state and ZIP code for internal processing, a notation of whether the donation should remain anonymous, whether the donation is in the memory of someone special. Also list the donor’s name as it should appear in a thank-you advertisement to be published in the Thanksgiving editions of USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin’s daily newspapers.

Sudiksha

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said there is a “real institutional problem” in the House, citing “a real divide.” J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE/AP

For 93 years, ‘Blondie’ has been ‘America’s family in the comics’

Hold them side by side.

The “Blondie” comic strip created by Chic Young for Sept. 8, 1930, is told in four frames. A well-dressed playboy, Dagwood Bumstead, with a wiry body and dark, plastered hair, introduces a pert, curly-haired woman to his short, roundish father, a blustering railroad tycoon. At first, Blondie Boopadoop was a “flapper” with a vague behavioral resemblance to Betty Boop – also first released in1930. The early Dagwood was a callow, love-smitten son of rich, judgmental parents.

Exactly 93 years later, the “Blondie” comic strip put together for Sept. 8, 2023, by Dean Young – Chic Young’s son – and John Marshall of Binghamton, New York, unfolds in three frames.

Set in an old-fashioned barber shop, it reveals Dagwood, his hair style and manner virtually unchanged over the course of decades, talking college football with the barber, Mike Morelli. The joke comes when Dagwood disses the barber’s alma mater as the clippers snip away at his signature antenna-like hair.

“Dad and I had the same creative sensibility for funny stuff.” said Dean Young, who started helping out his father, Chic Young, in the1960s, then took over writing the strip when his father died in 1973. “I actually went to college and became an advertising executive in Miami. I flew airplanes for promotions. Once, when I stayed with my parents, Dad asked, ‘Do you want to work them, or do you want to come and work for me?’ Turned out to be a perfect fit.”

“Blondie” is the third-longest-running newspaper comic strip that is still ongoing, after “Gasoline Alley” (1918present) and “Barney Google and Snuffy Smith” (1919-present). None has run as long as “The Katzenjammer Kids,” which lasted 109 years between 1897 and 2006.

Some things change in ‘Blondie,’ others are comfortingly the same

And yet, like many long-running strips, visually, it often looks as if time has stopped for “Blondie.”

A few things have changed material-

ly: Dagwood and Blondie use modern electronic devices and they refer to aspects of the digital world, for instance.

“I did a strip last week on artificial intelligence,” Dean Young said. “It was funny. I liked it. I do lots of strips about what’s going on in the world today. I want to keep it new and keep it relevant.”

In that vein, Young, whose waterside studio is 7 miles from his home in the Tampa Bay area, has bolstered his readership through blondie.com and social media.

“But my favorite is the newspaper,” he said. “We are in global papers in 35 languages with 280million readers.”

Despite the updated outlook, in the world of “Blondie,” hair styles, apparel and furniture seem to have frozen sometime in the 1940s or ’50s.

Blondie is no longer a clownishly ditzy flapper. That changed during the Depression, when she became the family’s domestic rock to Dagwood’s goofy, sandwich-devouring dad and office worker. The couple married Feb.17,1933, and thenceforth pursued middle-class lifestyles after the elder Bumsteads dis-

inherited him.

Dean Young started helping his father write “Blondie” in the 1960s. He took over the job when his father died in 1973, and he’s still at it.

PROVIDED

Although Blondie worked briefly for the Bumstead family early on while engaged to Dagwood, in 1991, she started her own business.

“As for keeping with the times, ‘Blondie’ – like other strips – has always moved along at comic-warp speed, which is sort of like reverse doggie years,” wrote Diane Mason in Tampa Bay Magazine when Blondie took this monumental step. “Seven real years equals one comic year. ... Young’s philosophy all along has been to avoid any material that is controversial. He says he’s not a sociologist, nor is he making a grand political statement.”

Roles updated for the Bumstead family

In fact, Dean Young gradually opened up Blondie’s world beyond the domestic sphere.

“I like to deal mainly with domestic situations, and I primarily stick with eating, sleeping, raising children and making money,” Dean Young told Jud Hurd for “Cartoonist Profiles” in 1986. “I

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don’t want Blondie just to be stuck at home with gags involving her to be limited to that setting alone. I want Blondie to be a complete woman, and I want readers to respect her not only for her ability to maintain a home, but also for her own mind and her own person.”

Blondie and Dagwood’s children, Alexander, born in 1934, and Cookie, who followed in 1941, were allowed to reach their teens. Their personalities and physical appearance have evolved at a glacial pace since the 1950s.

“I have them growing up somewhat,” Dean Young said. “Now they’re in high school, and going to college. They do things that teenagers do.”

The expressive family dog, Daisy, remains the same, but did eventually produce puppies.

Although the strip’s overall look remains almost as Chic Young left it, a series of artists – Jim Raymond, Alex Raymond, Mike Gersher, Stan Drake, Denis Lebrun, Jeff Parker, and Marshall – have drawn it.

“I do the gags and I know how to do a little ‘rough,’” said Dean Young, referring to rough drafts of the cartoons. “John gets the roughs and he interprets them and puts them into his own form, which is beautiful.”

Like other successful comic strips, “Blondie”spawned a pop-culture industry of its own. A series of more than two dozen B movies, starring Penny Singleton and Arthur Lake as the married couple, ran from 1938 to 1950. Books spilled out regularly, from “Blondie and Dagwood’s Snapshot Clue” (1943) to “Blondie’s Cookbook”(1996), along with comic strip collections from1968 to 2012. Radio and TV shows ran periodically from 1939 to 1969.

Among the supporting characters, Mr. Dithers, Dagwood’s boss, and Lou, owner of Lou’s Diner, present strong counterweights to the Bumstead domestic sphere. The familiar running gags – besides the architectural sandwiches, the frequent naps, the slapstick humor, the card-playing, the quarrels and the one-liners – provide a comforting sameness for the reader.

“This is something that most people think of when they think of comic strips,” Denis Lebrun, who drew “Blondie” from 1997 to 2005, told The Washington Post in 1999. “This is America’s family in the comics.”

For ‘Zits’ creator, it’s been ‘a really magical ride’

Victoria Moorwood

Jim Borgman first felt the exhilaration of having other people see his artwork when he was 5 years old.

The Cincinnati native, who would go on to illustrate the award-winning “Zits” cartoons, submitted a drawing to “The Uncle Al Show” as a kindergartner.

“They would hold up drawings that kids did and sent in, and I was always mesmerized by that,” he said of the former children’s TV program.

“I sent in my stuff and I saw my crayon drawing there on ‘Uncle Al’... It was a moment for me,” he added. “That little thrill that you get – maybe we all have it in our own version – what it would be like to have other people see our stuff.”

Borgman fell in love with political cartoons by reading them in The CincinnatiEnquirer.Healsolovedclassiccomic strips like “Peanuts,” “Pogo” and “Calvin and Hobbes.” While attending Kenyon College in Ohio, a friend “connected the dots” for Borgman, showing him that he could make a career out of art.

Borgman began drawing weekly cartoons for the school newspaper, where the thrill of others seeing his work grew.

“I’m not a person who seeks the spotlight in any other way but through my drawings,” he said. “I was excited to be in people’s conversations.”

On to a bigger stage

A week after graduating from college, Borgman started as The Enquirer’s editorial cartoonist.

“I was scared to death,” he remembered. “I had been drawing for this little college newspaper. ... Now I’m on stage in front of a major metropolitan newspaper audience.”

Borgman brought with him a portfolio of 12-15 sketches, which he doubled in his first two weeks at The Enquirer.

“It was a thrilling and scary start, but people were patient,” he said. “Cincinnatians are kind by nature, I think, and forgiving. I guess people saw someone paying attention to their town and trying to draw something lighthearted and thought-provoking about their world.”

Borgman finds his voice

Borgman said he began to feel more confident in his cartoons by 1980.

“I felt like I knew what the inside of homes looked like,” he explained. “I’d grown up there, and I’d moved around the city quite a bit. So, I had a feel for just how life looked through those windows. I think people picked up on that. “

One cartoon that epitomized this feeling for Borgman was of the Cincinnati Bengals’ tiger mascot sitting dominantly on a football field. Borgman’s “Next” cartoon became a symbol of the Bengals’ 1988-89 Super Bowl run.

“It kind of became iconic, and it was everywhere the rest of that season,” he said. “Suddenly it just felt like, ‘OK, we’re really connected here.’”

‘You’ve won the Pulitzer Prize’

Borgman’s work had been submitted for Pulitzer Prize consideration before, but his 1990 portfolio felt different.

Cartooning for The Enquirer, he tackled subjects like Pete Rose’s legal woes; Bengals coach Sam Wyche barring a femalereporterfromthelockerroom;the death of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager with AIDS; and a controversial Robert Mapplethorpe art display.

“All these things were happening, and I felt in the zone,” Borgman said. “I was certainly over the moon (for being a Pulitzer finalist), but in a sense I had a feeling that maybe the stars had aligned and this was my year.”

Borgman won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning in 1991. He remem-

beredthat“eventhevoiceoftheoperator was excited” when he received a phone call from Western Union.

“The aftermath was just so much fun. Everyone you’ve ever known is calling and congratulating you,” he said.

A few days later, Borgman had a humorously humbling moment.

I got a call at home, and it’s this person who says, ‘Hello, this is so-and-so from The New York Times,’” he recalled. “I said, ‘Oh gosh, I’m just so overwhelmed.I’msurroundedbyflowersand balloons and cards, and everybody is treating me like a king.

And she said something like, ‘Well that’s nice. We are just calling to see if you’d like to get home delivery,’”he said, laughing. “Right back down to Earth.”

Borgman and Scott launch ‘Zits’

Borgman and “Zits” writer Jerry Scott wentfromfriendlyacquaintancestocartooning partners in March 1997. Scott joined Borgman on a trip to Sedona, Arizona, where he pitched Borgman his idea.

He said, ‘I’ve been thinking about a comic strip about teenagers. Here’s what I’ve got so far,’” Borgman said. Scott’s sketches were done in a similar style to “Peanuts” characters, Borgman recalled – big heads on little bodies. Borgman went in a different direction, drawing the teens as lanky characters who took up space.

Borgman said Scott saw his drawings and said: “That’s the way the strip should look.”

Zits” debuted in more than 200 newspapers that July. It is widely circulated today and has won best newspaper strip from the National Cartoonist Society three times.

“Thenewspaperindustrywaschanging so much, I feel like we slipped in the door right as it was closing,” Borgman said. “It’s been a really magical ride.” Borgman now illustrates the “Zits” adventures of Jeremy Duncan from his home in Colorado. He and his wife left Cincinnati in 2012, after he left The Enquirer in 2008. Borgman has two daughters and grandchildren who live in Cincinnati, and he still visits the city. “It’s very much in my heart still,” he said. “It’ll always be home, in a way.”

“Zits” illustrator Jim Borgman has been drawing cartoons since college.

PROVIDED/JANET MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY

BUSINESS

Big responsibility for small product

Neenah employees inspect, package Huggies preemie diapers by hand

Becky Jacobs Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN

NEENAH – Before a Huggies diaper ever reaches a hospital and is wrapped around a preterm baby, it is carefully inspected and packaged by hand by an employee in Neenah.

h On Thursday morning, Natalie Schuelke sat at a metal table in Kimberly-Clark’s Prototype and Experimental (KCPX) Facility and picked up a Huggies nano preemie diaper, so small it fit in the palm of her purple gloved hand. First, she looked at the outside, before flipping the diaper over to feel and examine the interior. Next, she folded the diaper and placed it under a silver metal weight to make it easier to package.

After finishing a batch, Schuelke placed the diapers one by one into a red box and passed the package to her tablemate, Patti Ritchey, who provided a second set of eyes. Then, the boxes went through a metal detector for another quality check before it was deemed “ready to ship.”

APPLETON - A new entertainment venue is opening in Appleton just in time for winter.

Lumberjack Johnny’s Axe Throwing and Pinball is opening in November at 2701 N. Oneida St.

The venue also has a location in Ashwaubenon on Waube Lane and is part of Newell Entertainment, a Green Bay entertainment company that also owns Escape Room Wisconsin, The Mega Fun Game Show, Stage Ten Seventeen and The North Pole Experience.

Erick Gyrion, a brand strategist with Newell Entertainment, said opening a new axe throwing lounge in Appleton has allowed the company to look at what they loved and what they wanted to change at the Ashwaubenon location.

As a result the new venue will be much larger — roughly 7,000 square feet — and will feature seven double target axe throwing lanes and 25 pinball ma-

Scheulke and Ritchey did this over and over, with every diaper that reached their table.

“I feel like I’m doing something good for people,” Schuelke said.

See DIAPERS, Page2B

chines. Additionally, Gyrion said the lounge will also have a craft beer bar and a full kitchen, unlike the Ashwaubenon location which only serves King Pin Pizza and chips. He said the Appleton location will

have a food menu that is a cross between “really good bar food and a gastropub.” The menu will feature fried food and some healthier options, he explained.

Right next door to Lumberjack John-

ny’s is an Escape Room Wisconsin location, which Gyrion said was the perfect location for the axe throwing lounge because it allowed them to connect the businesses.

“We thought, what a great way to expand, if we are going to expand into the Appleton area, then right next to our existing property,” he said. “Then we can sort of cross-market and direct our customers between both.”

Opening next door has also allowed Newell Entertainment to expand the escape room and Gyrion said they plan to add a Lumberjack Johnny’s themed room. The official grand opening for the venue is scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 10, the same weekend as the World Axe Throwing League USA Pro-Am. For more information, visit lumberjackjohnnys.com or facebook.com/ LumberjackJohnnysATW.

Alexandria Bursiek Kloehn is a business reporter for the Appleton Post-Crescent. You can reach her at abursiekkloehn@gannett.com .

Construction is underway at

Employees hand inspect and package Huggies nano and micro preemie diapers in the product inspection lab at the Kimberly-Clark Prototype and Experimental Facility on Thursday in Neenah. PHOTOS BY DAN POWERS/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

Huggies micro preemie diapers are hand inspected in the product inspection lab at the Kimberly-Clark Prototype and Experimental Facility in Neenah.

Boxes of Huggies nano and micro preemie diapers sit in the product inspection lab at the Kimberly-Clark Prototype and Experimental Facility

We

Epic Games settles FTC lawsuits surrounding Fortnite play

Reg Wydeven Guest columnist

A few years ago, my kid was heavily into the Fortnite video game. The game is a first-person shooter-styled game, meaning you have the point of view of your player. Your player parachutes into a battleground to combat other players for rewards. You can customize your player and even make him or her perform the latest dance craze.

The game swept the nation by storm and tens of millions of kids across the country played it for hours on end. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, however, Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite, used deceptive tactics to lure kids into playing.

TheFTCclaimsthatEpicviolatedtheChildren’sOnline Privacy Protection Act by gathering the personal information of kids under the age of13 without first receiving their parents’ consent. In a second and separate case, Epic allegedly harmed players by user-interface design choices that the FTC claimed were deceptive.

The Commission asserts that Epic “used dark patterns and other deceptive practices to trick players into making unwanted purchases” and also “made it easy for children to rack up charges without parental consent.” “Dark patterns” refer to the gently coercive design tactics used by numerous websites, games and apps that critics say are used to manipulate peoples’ digital behaviors.

So, in December of 2023, Epic Games settled these cases with the FTC by agreeing to pay $520 million –$275 million for violating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and $245 million in refunds to consumers who were victims of their alleged deceptive practices. In addition, the agreement also prohibits Epic from using dark patterns or charging consumers with-

out their consent. It further forbids the software company from locking users out of their accounts in response to players’ chargeback requests with credit card companies disputing unwanted charges.

“No developer creates a game with the intention of ending up here,”Epic said in a blog post in December after reaching the settlement. “We accepted this agreement because we want Epic to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.”

Last month, the FTC announced that it has now opened the claims process for the more than 37 million potentially affected users who could qualify for a portion of the $245 million settlement fund. Gamers may receive an email from the FTC in the coming weeks with a claim number, or they can go directly to the settlement site and file a claim using their Epic account ID.

To qualify, users must have been charged in-game currency for items they didn’t want between January of 2017 and September of 2022. In addition, parents are eligible for a portion of the funds if their children made charges to their credit cards on Fortnite between January of 2017 and November of 2018. Finally, users whose accounts were locked sometime between January of 2017 and September of 2022 after they complained to their credit card company about wrongful charges are also entitled to participate in the settlement. Claimants must be18 years old, or for younger users, their parents can submit a claim on their behalf.

Users have until Jan.17, 2024, to submit a claim to be included in the settlement class. However, it is not yet exactly clear how much the individual settlement payments will be.

Users are also curious about how long it will take for their claims against Fortnite to be processed. I’m really hoping it’s two weeks. Reg Wydeven is a partner with the Appletonbased law firm of McCarty Law LLP. He can be reached at pcbusiness@postcrescent.com.

Diapers

Continued from Page 1B

The KCPX facility in Neenah is the only place where Kimberly-Clark makes, inspects and packages its Huggies-brand micro and nano preemie diapers. From there, the diapers are shipped to hospitals across the U.S., Canada and beyond.

Neenah employees have made these diapers for the tiniest babies since 2013. Ten years later, the facility’s team has produced 30 million micro and nano preemie diapers, as of this month.

“Until you see our machines and processes you just have no idea,”said Andy Grignon, the facility manager at KCPX. “You see a diaper, it’s like, well how hard is that to make? But the amount of technology and innovation that goes into a diaper is really incredible.”

Kimberly-Clark teamed up with NICU nurses to develop preemie diapers

While micro preemie diapers are for babies who weigh as much as 4 pounds, the smallest Huggies size that Kimberly-Clark makes is its nano preemie diapers, for infants up to 2 pounds.

Emily Schmitz, team leader at the KCPX facility, was part of the group that created the nano diapers in 2017. They worked with nurses in neonatal intensive care units, she said, to ensure the product was practical and helpful for them and the infants they care for.

“Every size is very intentionally designed based off the need for a baby of that size,” Schmitz said.

The inside of a size1diaper, for babies between 8 to 14 pounds, is textured because children that age tend to have runny bowel movements, she said. Meanwhile, the interior of a preemie diaper is smooth and dry, Schmitz said. NICU nurses try to disturb preterm babies as little possible, she said, so the infant needs something comfortable to wear for stretches of time.

Different diapers also have different shapes. A preemie diaper is very narrow and soft to accommodate a baby who is tucked in a fetal position in a bassinet, Schmitz said, while larger sizes are curvy and form to a baby on the move.

The micro and nano preemie diapers also have inspirational words printed on them, like “our hero,” to send a positive message to families with babies in the NICU, according to Schmitz.

“We don’t want parents … or nurses to be worried about the diaper when ... their baby is in the neonatal intensive care unit,”she said. “That’s the last thing on their mind.”

Amanda Evers hand inspects and packages Huggies nano and micro preemie diapers in the product inspection lab at the Kimberly-Clark Prototype and Experimental Facility Oct. 5 in Neenah.

DAN POWERS/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

Employees go through careful steps to help ‘little babies’

Before entering the product inspection lab at the KCPX facility, employees take precautions to keep the diapers and workspace clean.

Workers wear protective glasses, face masks, hair nets and white, long-sleeved shirts. They wash their hands and put on gloves. Then, they disinfect the gloves with hand sanitizer before going to a table in the lab.

Overall, there are about 60 to 80 people who work with the nano and preemie diapers. As they inspect and package each item, employees look for any loose strands and check that components are lined up correctly, while also feeling how soft and flexible the diaper is.

“We’re helping out little babies that need it,” said Joe Hackel, project manager.

Grignon said he likes to tell people, “I really hope you never have to use our products, but if you do, we’re going to be taking good care of you.”

KCPX employees make more than diapers

In addition to Huggies diapers, KCPX employees produce and develop other products for KimberlyClark personal care brands, including Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Depend, Poise and Kotex. The facility is also home to the company’s Flushability Lab, where scientists test what can — and can’t — go down the toilet.

“If you’re a technical person, this is an awesome place to work,” Grignon said, “because it’s like a laboratory and playground for engineers and researchers, and a lot of creative innovation really starts here.” Grignon added, “We are working on things today that … you won’t see on the shelf for multiple years.”

Since its founding in Neenah more than 150 years ago, Kimberly-Clark has invented many items. Kotex menstrual hygiene products and Kleenex facial tissue, for instance, were developed from material used for bandages during World War I. In 1968, the company created Kimbies disposable diapers, and Huggies diapers were introduced a decade later.

Kimberly-Clark’s micro preemie diapers have been made in Neenah since 2013, and the nano size was added four years later.

Sometimes, parents tag Huggies on social media, Schmitz said, and Kimberly-Clark’s sales and marketing teams pass along messages and photos to the KCPX employees who make the preemie diapers.

It gives them “a sense of accomplishment,” she said, “that they’re really helping with promoting the health and development for these babies.”

Don’t Charge Stock Purchases

QIs it smart or stupid to invest in stocks by borrowing against a credit card? — T.M., Bountiful, Utah

It’s not smart.

AThink about it this way: The average credit card interest rate, according to a Forbes Advisor report, was recently a whopping 28%. If you’re paying 28% interest on money you borrowed, you’re going to want to earn more than that on it — a tall order. Over the long term, the average annual growth rate for the stock market has been around 10%; even Warren Buffett’s amazing record just doubles that.

You might luck out with an amazing stock or two, but it’s still hard to top 28%. Apple’s stock has averaged 27% annually over the past five years, while Microsoft averaged 24%. But Starbucks averaged less than 13%, and IBM averaged 6%. You could even lose what you put in: Pfizer averaged a loss of 5%, and Airbnb averaged a loss of over 8%. ***

QWhat are the world’s biggest employers? — F.E., Middletown, Delaware

A Walmart and Amazon.com top the Fortune Global 500 list, with 2,100,000 and 1,541,000 employees, respectively. They’re followed by China National Petroleum (1,087,049), Chinese power company State Grid (870,287), Hon Hai Precision Industry (767,062), China Post Group (752,547), Accenture (721,000), Volkswagen (675,805), the U.S. Postal Service (576,065) and Chinese automaker BYD (570,060). Other major U.S.-based employers include FedEx (518,249), Home Depot (471,600), Target (440,000) and Kroger (430,000).

Some military forces exceed those numbers, though. Per Statista. com, India’s Ministry of Defence recently employed 3 million people, while the U.S. Department of Defense employed 2.9 million and China’s People’s Liberation Army employed nearly 2.6 million.

Want more information about stocks? Send us an email to foolnews@fool.com.

Fool’s School

Financial Terms To Know

There’s a lot of jargon in the financial world. Here are some explanations of terms you’ll likely run across.

• American Depositary Receipt (ADRs) and American Depositary Share (ADSes): Types of securities that allow Americans to easily invest in companies based outside the U.S., such as AstraZeneca and Nokia. An ADR is a receipt for the shares of a foreign-based company held by a U.S. bank, while an ADS is an actual share. ADRs and ADSes trade like stocks on U.S. exchanges, with shareholders entitled to all dividends and capital gains of the underlying stock.

• Basis point: A common way to describe a change in interest rates. One basis point is 1/100th of a percentage point, so half a percentage point can also be described as 50 basis points.

• Institutional investors: Largescale investors using their clients’

money to invest — such as pension funds, insurance funds, hedge funds and mutual funds.

• Prime rate: The interest rate that lenders charge their best, most reliable customers.

• Real return: The inflationadjusted return of an investment. For example, the stock market’s long-term average annual return has been about 10%, while inflation has averaged around 3% over many decades. Subtracting 3% from 10% gives you the real return — approximately 7% annually.

• Sector fund: A mutual fund that invests its shareholders’ money in a particular market sector, such as financial services, energy, telecommunications or banking.

• Special dividend: A dividend that’s not part of a regular (typically quarterly) schedule. Some companies, such as Costco, issue dividends at times of their choosing, when they have ample extra cash they can distribute to shareholders.

• Volume: The amount of a stock (expressed in shares or dollars) that is traded during a particular period.

Learn more in our financial dictionary at Fool.com/terms

Name That Company

Tracing my roots back to 1894, I’m America’s oldest branded poultry company. I began on a family farm in New Jersey and was incorporated in 1927 with the name you might know me by. In 1998, I started raising antibiotic-free birds with all-natural feed. In 2005, I debuted gluten-free nuggets and tenders, and in 2017, I opened the world’s first organiccertified chicken hatchery focused on animal welfare. By 2000, I employed more than 700 people and worked with more than 90 farm families. Today, headquartered in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, I’m a fifth-generation family business now owned by Sechler Family Foods. Who am I?

Think you know the answer? We’ll announce it in next week’s edition.

My Dumbest Investment Valuation Matters

My most regrettable investment move happened long ago. I’d bought shares of Cisco Systems on its way up an incredible climb. I did question then whether it merited its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 200 — and doubted that it was worth that much. I hung on, though. Well, the stock soon crashed, and I lost half my money.

— Y., online

The Fool Responds: Stock valuations really do matter. You might invest in the best stock ever, but if you do so when its price has gotten way ahead of itself, there’s a decent chance the price will fall closer to its intrinsic value in the coming months or years, putting you in the red. If it recovers eventually, your total gain may end up being much less than it would have been had you bought at a lower price.

There’s no way to know for sure exactly what a stock is really worth, but tools such as P/E ratios can offer clues. Cisco’s five-year average P/E was recently 56.8, per YCharts.com — and its five-year median P/E was 18.5. The average P/E of the total technology sector was below 33, per CSIMarket.com. Given those numbers, Cisco’s stock would seem pricey today even if its P/E was 50 or 100. It actually hovered around 18 in mid-September, though, suggesting the stock might be fairly valued now.

The Motley Fool Take Two Solid Index Funds To Consider

We have long recommended low-fee, diversified index funds for many, if not most, investors. Here are two to consider, each of which exists in exchange-traded fund (ETF) form, making it easy to invest. Each has tripled investors’ money over the last decade.

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (ticker symbol: VOO) aims to duplicate the performance of the S&P 500 index, which tracks 500 of the largest U.S. companies. The index fund spreads its dollars across stocks from all 11 market sectors, and it covers about 80% of the entire U.S. stock market. The fund has a very low expense ratio of 0.03%, meaning the annual fee on a $10,000 investment would be just $3. (The Motley Fool owns shares of and has recommended the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF.)

The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (ticker symbol: SPHQ) offers approximately the performance of the S&P 500 Quality Index, which selects the highest-quality S&P 500 companies based on three factors: how effectively each company turns shareholder equity into profits, how high its debt level is compared to shareholder equity and how persistent and sustainable its earnings are.

The Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF invests in 100 stocks, and its constituents are supposed to represent the very best of the broader index. Its expense ratio is 0.19%.

LAST WEEK’S TRIVIA ANSWER

I was formed this year — on April 14 — when two major railroads joined to become the first single-line transnational railway linking Canada, the United States and Mexico. Those two railroads were founded in 1881 and 1887, and each merged with or acquired other rail lines over the years. They were involved in hotels, irrigation systems and other operations, and supported war efforts in both World War I and World War II. Today, I’m headquartered in Calgary, Alberta; I boast about 20,000 route miles and employ around 20,000 railroaders. My market value recently topped $73 billion. Who am I? (Answer: Canadian Pacific Kansas City, or CPKC) Want to Invest? Email us at foolnews@fool.com, and we’ll send you some tips to start investing. Sorry, we can’t provide individual financial advice.

Child care, cars rival cost of college

Surveys show raising teens is getting pricier

Medora Lee

Parents spend a lot of time worrying about how they’ll afford college tuition for their kids someday, but a pair of recent surveys show exorbitant collegelike costs actually come much earlier in life.

In more than half the states, child care costs more than in-state public college tuition, according to lending platform NetCredit.com. Then, comes the price you pay for independent kids. Teencarownershipnowalsocostsmore than in-state tuition at a public university, an analysis by car app Jerry shows.

Everyone already knows raising a child is expensive, but it’s getting even pricier. After two years of elevated inflation, families are feeling pinched more than ever. Overall, for example, parents spend a significant portion of their annual income on child-related expenses. Nationwide, families spend 19% of their annual income on child-rearing expenses, online lending marketplace LendingTree said.

“Ideally, you’d be able to keep child care costs to10% or less of your total income,” said Matt Schulz, LendingTree’s chief credit analyst. “But that’s laughably unrealistic for millions of Americans.”

Child care

On average, child care costs $1,031 a year more than public college tuition, NetCredit said.

NetCredit examined the average annual fees paid for public in-state college tuition and the average cost of child care in each state and calculated the difference between the two. Then, it compared these costs to local average salaries to find the affordability of child care and in-state college tuition in every state.

In 28 out of 50 states, child care tops in-state tuition, it said. Hawaii has the largest gap: Annual child care costs a whopping $15,995 more than a year of

tuition. New York is a close second with a $15, 951 gap between child care and college costs.

At the other end of the spectrum, Vermont’s annual child care costs were $5,423 less than in-state public college tuition, NetCredit said. That’s followed by South Carolina, a distant second, with child care $3,679 below annual tuition.

Demandforchildcarehasriseninthe past couple of decades in line with the number of two-income households, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve.

In 2019, the public policy nonprofit Center for American Progress said about half of U.S. children spend at least some time in a licensed child care facility.

Pair that with the pandemic, which fueled sudden wage growth for child care workers as centers worked to attract and retain workers much like other businesses. As of October 2021, average hourly earnings for child care workers had risen 10.4% to $16.44 from the prior year – on top of already above-average wage growth of 4.3% between September 2019 and September 2020, and much stronger than the 5.8% wage

“No wonder some studies have concluded that shifting economics explains much of the difference in attitudes toward driving and car ownership among millennials and Gen Z.”

Harry Hoenig Of car app Jerry

growth for other workers, it said.

In July, annual child care costs were up 6% from a year earlier, around twice the pace of overall inflation of 3.2%, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said.

Car ownership

It costs $11,378 a year for a teen to own and drive a new car, more than the average annual in-state tuition at a four-yearpublicuniversity,estimatedat $10,940, Jerry said.

To find this, Jerry used AAA’s driving costs calculator and added the difference ($829) in insurance costs between teen drivers and those over 19 years old. It set annual mileage at 10,000, the choice closest to the 7,200miles a year driven by the average teen, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration.

When comparing increases in tuition and the costs of car ownership, it compared the College Board’s tuition in the 2017-18 academic year with the 2022-23 school year, and car ownership costs from the end of 2018 through July 2023. Not every teen gets new wheels, of course, but even owning a used car can add up. The annual $10,276 cost to own a five-year-old Toyota Camry exceeds in-state tuition at the flagship public university in 13 states and is just $664 less than the average for all four-year public universities, Jerry said.

At $14.08 per hour – the average wage for fast food workers, lifeguards, retail salespeople, and amusement and recreation attendants – a teen would have to work 49 hours a week over a 15-week summer, or 14 hours every week for a year, to cover the cost of owning and driving a 2018 Toyota, assuming it’s financed, Jerry said.

“No wonder some studies have concluded that shifting economics explains much of the difference in attitudes toward driving and car ownership among millennials and Gen Z,” wrote Jerry’s Henry Hoenig.

Blame soaring prices for auto insurance, maintenance and car repairs, vehicle prices and parts, and gasoline for rising ownership prices. Since 2018, they’veallrisenatleastthreetimesfaster than tuition at four-year state universities, Jerry said. And don’t expect car ownership to get much cheaper any time soon. “As interest rates continue to climb, this adds a layer of expense per month that consumers should consider when shopping for their next vehicle,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive research. The Fed has projected it will raise its benchmark, short-term fed funds rate one more time this year by a quarter point to a range of 5.5% to 5.75%.

Lightning cords are a flash in the pan

Time to recycle cables as Apple makes change

Apple is finally killing off its proprietary Lightning charging cord for new iPhones and replacing it with the universal standard USB-C.

Anyone who remembers donglegate, when Apple switched from the old 30-pin dock cables to Lightning in 2012, might roll their eyes at yet another change. But this will be good for us and the planet, eventually, because you’ll only have to carry around one cable, not an entire tangle of them.

We have a few hurdles to get over first, though. Right now, you charge pretty much all your gadgets with a USB-C connector, including iPads, MacBooks, gaming devices, headphones, etc. You only need a Lightning cable for iPhones and AirPods.

Starting with the latest iPhone15 and AirPod Pro 2nd generation, Apple is not making separate Lightning connectors anymore. This change comes after new European regulations cracked down on e-waste and mandated a common charger for mobile devices by 2024.

Can I still use my old cable?

You don’t have to do anything different if you’re using an iPhone or AirPods that use a Lightning connector. No, you don’t need Apple’s $29 USB-C to Lightning adaptor.

When it comes time to upgrade to a new iPhone, you’ll need one sleek universal USB-C cable. The good news is you likely already have a couple USB-C cables because it’s industry standard on most other gadgets these days.

But you still have a bit of an issue − what will you do with all those old cords when you’re done with them? If you think, “toss ’em in the trash,”remember, e-waste is a huge issue, not just for the U.S. but for the entire planet.

Why are Lightning cables so bad?

A few years ago, Apple execs argued

Lightning cables will not work on iPhone 15 models. The good news is you likely already have a couple USB-C cables because it’s industry standard on most other gadgets these days. GETTY IMAGES

you for them, but saving the planet comes with its own rewards.

excellent recycling center mapping tool for their Eco-Cycle Washington program, which is entirely free. You can also check Call2Recycle to find a place to take old gadgets near your home.

h Find a nearby Best Buy store: At most Best Buy stores, you can recycle up to three items per household daily (see categories on its website for statespecific info and different limitations on TVs, computer monitors, and laptops). Plus, haul-away options are available for more oversized items in your home.

Some of the recycling has fees attached, but these are generally bigger objects like desktop monitors and TVs. Just bring batteries, cords, and old phones into the store and recycle them for free. Don’t live near a Best Buy? You can mail them your e-waste. They also have a tool that allows you to calculate whether or not your electronics still have value for trade-in.

According to environmental awareness site Roundup.org, only 17% of e-waste gets recycled worldwide.

that ditching Lightning connectors would create “an unprecedented volume of electronic waste.” While Lightning connectors alone don’t pose a massivethreattotheenvironment,theoverall amount of e-waste sure does.

According to environmental awareness site Roundup.org, only 17% of ewaste gets recycled worldwide. Many of these unrecycled electronics sit in our junk drawers, but some end up in landfills, where they leach toxic elements like lead, mercury, and cadmium into the soil and groundwater.

The truth is many of our dead electronics contain useful and valuable metals that we should reuse, like gold, silver, copper and iron.

Now that Apple has changed its tune and replaced its charging connection, the company is a great place to take old chargers and cables. No, they don’t pay

To Apple’s credit, the company has been “a leader in scraping off rare earth metals from its reuse pile to recover these expensive materials,” Marian Chertow, a professor of industrial environmental management at the Yale School of the Environment, told CNN. How do you recycle them?

How should you dispose of that uselessnestofoldcablesyou’vebeensquirreling away in your “cords” box? And for that matter, how are you going to get rid of that old iPhone you’ve been holding onto for no particular reason since 2009?

Here are new options to help free up some junk drawer space without contributing to the landfill.

h Use your local e-waste recycling center: Many cities have dedicated electronics recycling centers, and most states have maps telling where they are. If you live in California, for example, the state has a mapping tool on its website that allows you to search for nearby recycling centers. The state of Washington’s Department of Ecology also has an

h Check out Ridwell’s recycling program: Ridwell is a relatively new weekly service for items that can’t go into traditional recycling centers. (If they aren’t in your town yet, they likely will be soon.) The logistics of it are pretty simple. Ridwell drops off a “Ridwell box” with bags specifically labeled for items like “batteries,” “lightbulbs,” “textiles,” “electronics” or “soft plastics.” On pickup day, you bring that box to the curb, and they scoop up whatever you’ve discarded.

On their site, you can also find what all that discarded material has been recycled into. Your old plastic bags? They are decking now. Your old batteries? They are new batteries now. One note on battery recycling, in general. Used batteries can spark. This is less common with AA or AAA, but that dead 9-Volt battery from your fire alarm in your junk drawer might actually cause a fire. Make sure to tape off the ends of your 9-V batteries before you ditch them.

Jennifer Jolly is an Emmy Awardwinning consumer tech columnist and on-air correspondent. The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. Contact her at JJ@Techish.com.

Obituaries

TODAY’S DEATH NOTICES

*Bonikowske,JoanJ. 86Manawa,WI 04-OctCline&Hanson

13-Oct11:30AM TrinityLutheranChurch TrinityCemetery Brand,StephanM. 70Oshkosh,WI 27-SepKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome -- - -

*Dannecker,SylviaNoel 85Appleton,WI 25-SepWichmannFuneralHomes

13-Nov10:30AM St.Mary-Appleton -

*Erdmann,SusanAnne 64GrandCute,WI 03-OctValleyFuneralHome 11-Oct6:00PM ValleyFuneralHome -

*Forster,BettyJ. 95Hortonville,WI 04-OctO’ConnellFuneralHome -- -*Ganch,EugeneEdmond 93Appleton,WI 05-OctBrettschneiderTrettinNickelFuneralChapel 09-Oct1:30PM MosesMontefioreCemetery MosesMontefioreCemetery

*Gauger,DavidLee 86Appleton,WI 26-SepWichmannFuneralHome -- - -

*Gehr,Joyce 95Neenah,WI 04-OctWichmannFuneralHome

14-Oct12:00PM St.GabrielCatholicChurch HighlandMemorialPark *Gorski,MarvinL. 85Neenah,WI 29-SepWestgor 12-Oct11:00AM St.MargaretMary St.Ladislaus *Herbeck,CarolA. 79Appleton,WI 30-SepValleyFuneralHome -- -*Jansen,PaulW. 67NewLondon,WI 06-OctDahlkeFuneral&CremationCare,Weyauwega-- -*KeatingJr.,JamesP. 89Neenah,WI 01-OctWestgorFuneralHome

10-Oct11:00AM Neenah St.Margaret’sCemetery *Kolbe,EmilA. 88NewLondon,WI 04-OctCline&Hanson 10-Oct11:00AM EmanuelLutheranChurch FloralHillCemetery *Kozlowski,Barbara 79Menasha,WI 03-OctWestgorFuneralHome

12-Oct1:00PM WestgorFuneralHome OakHillCemetery *Krenke,Melvin 88Fremont,WI 05-OctLewinFuneralHome

12-Oct11:00AM ZionLutheranChurch ZionLutheranCemetery Krizenesky,BrianL. 57Brillion,WI 02-OctPielhopWietingFuneralHome,Brillion 08-Oct5:00PM TrinityEv.LutheranChurch*Kunde,RebeccaJoan 55Appleton,WI 04-OctWichmannFuneralHome 13-Oct6:00PM St.PeterEv.LutheranChurch*Larsen,VernonA. 85Shiocton,WI 02-Sep- -- -*Maufort,Elizabeth 88BlackCreek,WI 04-OctMuehl-BoettcherFuneralHome 10-Oct11:00AM StMarysCatholicChurch*Murphy,MichaelB. 81Fremont,WI 01-OctDahlkeFuneral&CremationCare,Weyauwega13-Oct11:30AM St.PeterEv.LutheranChurch*Nehls,RichardP. 85Appleton,WI 02-OctBrettschneiderTrettin-Nickel 06-Oct2:00PM HighlandMemorialPark HighlandMemorialPark

*Pardee,RitaM. 92Appleton,WI 03-OctWichmann 10-Oct11:00AM SacredHeartSherwood*Prahl,BarbaraJ. 84NewLondon,WI 03-OctCline&Hanson 10-Oct10:00AM TrinityLutheranCemetery TrinityLutheranCemetery *Purdy,LauraH. 71Appleton,WI 05-OctKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome 14-Oct11:00AM - OakHillCemetery *Rubbert,JuneD. 60TownofClayton,WI30-SepKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome 10-Oct11:00AM FuneralHome ClaytonCemetery *Schroeder,Shirley 90Appleton,WI 01-OctWichmannFuneralHome 09-Oct11:00AM FaithLutheranChurch HighlandMemorialPark *Sedo,GailHelen 87EauClaire,WI 03-OctWichmannFuneralHomes -- -

*Sinn,John 57Menasha,WI 01-OctWichmann -- -*Turner,MaryLou 95- 29-SepKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome --

*VanDenWyngaard,JuneMary75Kaukauna,WI 05-OctVerkuilen-VanDeurzen --

*Zoern,HelenLorraine 82Appleton,WI 02-OctWichmannFuneralHomes 21-Oct11:00AM WichmannTri-CountyChapel

June D. Rubbert

TOWN OF CLAY-

TON - On September 30, 2023 the angels came down and took June to Heaven. June passed away at Theda Care Medical Center in Neenah with her family by her side after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday October 10, 2023 at the Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home 304 S. Commercial St., Neenah.Visitation will be on Monday at the funeral home from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and also on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Clayton Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Theda Care ICU in Neenah for all the wonderful care given to June and her family while she was there.For the full obituary please visit: kesslerfh.com

* Additional information in display obituaries Obituaries appear in print and online at postcrescent.com/obituaries

SHIOCTON - Dr. Vernon A. Larsen, Shiocton, age 85 passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2023. He was born May 17, 1938 in Ohio. He was raised in Brainerd, MN, son of the late Vernon and Dorothy (Hurley) Larsen. Vern married Mary T. Larsen (Imgrund) in Brainerd, MN in 1958. Together they raised three daughters. He graduated in 1962 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. After graduating, they moved to Menasha, WI where he started his dental practice at 59 Racine Street (Riverside Building) and practiced there for 57 years, retiring in 2019. He loved dentistry and all of his patients Vern belonged to the Wisconsin and American Dental Association and held various positions.

Vern was an avid conservationist and owned and managed the Black Slough Conservation Club.Vern was a sponsor and supporter of Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and many other organizations. He loved the outdoors, wildlife, and nature most of all. He spent many days doing the things he loved: watching nature, hunting, fishing, and boating.

Survivors include two daughters: Catherine Larsen (Bob Pardo) of Menasha, Anne Larsen of Neenah, two grandchildren Erinn Eisch (David) of Neenah and Shannen Larsen Van Alstine of Appleton and a great grandchild Brynnley Eisch, who he lovingly called Verna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his wife Mary T. Larsen, and their daughter Lynn Larsen.

A memorial/ celebration of life will be held on Thursday, October 19th, 2023 at Butte des Morts Country Club, 3600 W. Prospect Avenue, Appleton, WI from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Donations may be made to your favorite wildlife or nature association in Vern’s honor.

APPLETON - David L. Gauger (Dave) (86) of Appleton, passed away on September 26, 2023 in Appleton.

Dave was born on May 29, 1937 to Harry and Esther Gauger in Oshkosh, WI. He grew up in Oshkosh, attending school there and graduating from Oshkosh High School in 1955.

Dave was a 1960 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On September 14, 1963, Dave married Judy Miller at White Bear Lake, MN.

He worked for Amoco Oil Company for 27 years, starting in the Milwaukee office, then Minneapolis and finally moving to Kansas City in 1967 before retiring from Amoco in 1988. Dave then worked in the Materials Management Department at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City for 10 years. Dave and Judy moved from Overland Park, KS back to Appleton, WI in 2007.

Throughout his life, Dave enjoyed woodworking, gardening and home improvement projects. However, his greatest enjoyment most recently was watching his beloved Brewers and Packers.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judy Gauger, his son, Michael Gauger (Marianne), and two grandsons, Sam and Charlie Gauger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Esther Gauger and his brother, Jim Gauger.

He will be fondly and lovingly remembered by his family and many friends. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

NEW LONDON - Barbara Jean Prahl, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. A complete obituary can be found at www. clinehansonfuneralhome.com

APPLETON - Laura H. Purdy, age 71, of Appleton, passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial St., Neenah. Visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. For the full obituary, please visit: kesslerfh.com.

Vernon A. Larsen

Barbara J. Prahl

David Lee Gauger

Laura H. Purdy

Obituaries

Joan J. Bonikowske

MANAWA - Joan J. Bonikowske passed away unexpectedly on October 4, 2023, at the age of 86. Joan was born to William and Frieda (Klingbeil) Johnson on October 13, 1936 in the Town of Little Wolf, confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Sugar Bush, and graduated from Little Wolf High School, Manawa, in 1955. Joan was united in marriage to Thomas Bonikowske at Grace Lutheran Church in 1956 and together they formed a foundation of love and commitment in their 66 years of marriage. Tom preceded her in death on April 4, 2023.

Joan lived most of her life in the Manawa area and was an active partner with Tom in a successful dairy farm operation in Bear Creek that they built together. After retiring from the farm, Joan and Tom built a home in Manawa along the Little Wolf River and enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, taking trips, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. Joan was a very loving and committed wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and was an integral part of her family’s lives and she will be deeply missed.

Joan is survived by her three children and their families: Scott (Jodie) Bonikowske, and their children Alexandria (special friend Jesse), Aaron, Justin (special friend Maddie); Tracy (Dennis) O’Brien, and their children Ashley (Spencer Sauberlich), Austin (fiancee’ Ashley), and Alison; Paul (Jenny) Bonikowske, and their children Megan and Rachel

She is further survived by siblings, Lyle Johnson, William (Linda) Johnson Jr., Ronald (Jean) Johnson, Judy (Ray) Much, and Janice (Dale) Meyer, sister-in-law Arlene Johnson, sister-in-law Julie (Bill) Cotton, and many nieces and nephews, and very special friends Betty and Roger Bonikowske.

Besides Tom, Joan is preceded in death by her parents William and Frieda Johnson, brother Glen Johnson, sister-in-law Nancy Johnson, and Tom’s siblings, Joan Jensen, Dana Arnold, and Holly Bonikowske.

The funeral service will be held Friday, October 13, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Bear Creek, with Pastor Aric Fenske officiating. Visitation will take place at the church beginning at 9 a.m. until time of the service. The interment will be at the Trinity Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the thoughtful family and friends who over the past years have called, visited, or accompanied Joan on outings. We would also like to send a special thank you to JoAnn and Brian Schuelke, Mitch Patri, First Responders/Emergency Personnel, and all those who responded and gave aid to Joan and the family.

Susan Anne Erdmann

GRAND CUTE - After facing a sudden and brief diagnosis with pancreatic cancer, Susan Anne Erdmann, 64, passed away in her Grand Chute home on October 3, 2023, held by the immense love and warmth from her husband Dave, daughter Michele, and son Nick alongside his wife Britney.

Born March 16, 1959 to Harold and Ruth (Wilke) Lorge, Sue was the second-born of four, she was a sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate daughter and sister. Beyond her classically midwestern childhood spent sandwiched between two rowdy brothers, and remembering the loss of her sister Amy, her time here was full in every way. From the second she swooned over Dave’s white ‘67 Mustang Fastback to her final moments, she enjoyed everything life had to offer.

Married June 27, 1980, Sue spent the past 43 years keeping Dave and his shenanigans in line all while sharing a beer, cracking a joke, and making more memories with every passing day. From the all-hands-on-deck home improvement projects and Harley rides to get-togethers and recreating the Old Style beer logo by way of 124 pine trees planted in their own backyard, not a single moment could be described as dull.

Together, Sue and Dave raised, corralled, and cared for their two children, Michele and Nick. She made a home that burst at the studs with activity, excitement, care, and empathy. In typical Sue fashion, she somehow found more time and made more room in her heart when her kids married and had kids of their own. Her three grandsons, Alex, Caleb, and Miles, made her heart swell and her smile light up. She loved them more than can be imagined.

On top of the bustle of raising her family, Sue gave all she could to her career and community. Along with dedicating years to Thrivent Financial, Sue carved out hours to give back to those around her. Sue volunteered with the Hortonville Music Boosters, Outagamie County 4-H, B-Square 4-H Club, and Special Olympics while serving as a member of the area management team.

With Sue, her door was always open. The cookies were always baking. The cribbage was always competitive. Family, friends, neighbors — Sue was a constant for anyone needing an ear to bend, a shoulder to lean on, or a Rice Krispie log for the next big party.

Though much too soon, Sue has reunited with her parents, Hap and Ruth, as well as her younger sister Amy, who’ve all paved this path before her. She’s survived by her husband Dave, daughter Michele Franchini, son Nick Erdmann and daughter-in-law Britney Erdmann, her three grandsons Alex Franchini, Caleb Erdmann, and Miles Erdmann, brother Mark (Patti) Lorge, brother David (Diane) Lorge, cousins, nieces, nephews, and more friends than could ever possibly be counted.

Join us in remembering Sue on Wednesday, October 11, at a showing from 4 – 6 p.m at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond St, Appleton, with a short service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please hold your loved ones close and share your favorite memory of Sue with them.

Marvin L. Gorski

NEENAH - Marvin Leon Gorski passed away on Sept. 29, 2023, after living courageously with prostate cancer for more than 20 years. Marv was born on Aug. 19, 1938, in Mosinee, WI, to Felix Gorski and Veronica Woznicki. The following year, the family moved to Bevent, WI, to live on the family homestead settled in 1888. After graduating from Mosinee High School in 1956, Marv moved to Milwaukee to study engineering at UW-Milwaukee. On Aug. 13, 1960, he married Phyllis Mullen at St. Michael Catholic Church in Wausau. They spent 55 joyous years together until Phyllis’s death in October 2015.

In October 1961, Marv was mobilized to Fort Lewis, WA, as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard 32nd “Red Arrow” Infantry Division. After his service, he and Phyllis returned to Wisconsin, eventually settling in Neenah in 1967. Marv worked in Infant Care Engineering at Kimberly Clark Corporation for 34 years; when he retired in 2001, he devoted even more time to his many interests and hobbies. Marv loved dogs, hunting, photography, old cars, tractors, polka music, and spending time at his and Phyllis’s “piece of heaven”—the Gorski family farm near Bevent. He was a member of the American Legion Hawley-Dieckhoff Post 33, and served as a DNR Hunter Education instructor from 2001, the year he retired, until 2022. He also loved his Polish Heritage, taking Polish language classes throughout his life and visiting Poland (along with 10 other countries) with Phyllis.

His greatest passion, though, was polka dancing. Phyllis shared this passion, and the pair went dancing nearly every week until Phyllis fell ill in 2015. In 2016, Caroline Sondelski came into Marv’s life, and the two of them continued to go dancing whenever the band was playing a style that they both loved.

In addition to Phyllis, Marv was preceded in death by his brother Richard Gorski (Caroline) and his brother-in-law Roger Bramm. He leaves behind his sister, Alvina Bramm, of Neenah; his son, Gregory (Joanne) of Hortonville, and grandchildren, Adam, Anna, and Katherine; and his son, Patrick (Madeline Fisher) of Madison.

Marv hoped to be remembered as a genuine person, and most of all, as a devoted husband to Phyllis. After Phyllis died, Marv found this prayer tucked into her daily prayer book: “I thank Thee, O my God, with all my heart, for all Thou hast done for me. I thank Thee especially for my husband, who with Your help has made possible so many joys and such great happiness in my life. Bless him, Dear God, and love him always and lead him to eternal life.”

A memorial mass for Marv will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 620 Division St., Neenah with Fr. Nonito Barra officiating. A visitation will be held at church from 9:30 A.M. until the hour of service. Marv will join Phyllis in rest at St. Ladislaus Cemetery in Bevent.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W. Doty Ave. Neenah 920-722-7151

Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com

Obituaries

Joyce Gehr

NEENAH - Joyce Gehr (Haanen), age 95, of Neenah, passed away at Heritage Woods on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Joyce was born on November 27, 1927, in Green Bay, to the late Louis and Gertrude Haanen. She married William Gehr on August 20, 1949, at Bay Settlement. She studied at UW Madison, receiving a major in speech and minors in art and English. After a brief teaching career, she devoted her life to raising seven children.

Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a founding member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Joyce was Pro-Life and volunteered her time at the Pregnancy Hotline for many years. She enjoyed many hobbies, including painting, drawing, reading, piano, knitting, crocheting, singing, and writing. Although Joyce struggled with memory loss, it never affected her wonderful personality and great sense of humor.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, Bill; sister, Peg (Jack) Kitslaar; and many loved in-laws.

She is survived by her seven children, Peggy Gehr, Neenah; Steve (Becky) Gehr, New Richmond, WI, and their children Matt (Sarah) Gehr, Meghan (Luke) Ostreko, and Molly Gehr; Connie Keller, Oshkosh, and her children Grace and Andy Keller; Tony Gehr, Neenah; Kris (Gary) Rothenbach, Neenah, and their children, Sam (Anne) Rothenbach and Laura (Judd) Anderson; Jane (Phil Eddleston) Gehr, St. Paul, MN; and Jo Letizia, Oshkosh, and her children, Ryan (Katie) and Robyn Letizia; 12 great grandchildren; and brother, Bill (Peg) Haanen.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 12:00 PM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC CHURCH, 900 Geiger St, Neenah, with Fr. Larry Seidl officiating. Friends may call directly at the church on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of services. Entombment will be at a later date at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Fox Valley Memory Project. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Heritage Woods for their patient and loving care of Joyce.

Rebecca Joan Kunde

APPLETON - The Lord in his wisdom took Rebecca (Becky) Kunde home to heaven on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, after a long, hard fought battle against dementia.

Becky was born on October 10, 1967, in Sioux Falls, SD. She was baptized as a child of God on November 5, 1967, in Raymond, SD, and later confirmed on April 25, 1982, at Bethel Church in Menasha, WI.

She met her husband Joe, working together in the campus library, while earning her degree from UW Oshkosh. They were married on June 22, 1991, in Menasha, WI. They shared a love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping as their favorite activity for the entire 32 years of marriage. Becky also loved gardening and taking care of many family pets.

Becky had a passion to teach and influence young lives. This led her to a rewarding career as an elementary teacher for 28 years, primarily with the Menasha School District which also allowed her to spend special time with her own children during the summer months.

Becky is survived and will be deeply missed by her husband, Joe, along with their children Allison, Aaron (fiancé Lindsey Osborn) and Ben, parents Rev. Donald and Joann Ninmer, brother Jon Ninmer (Erin), mother-in-law Jean Kunde, sister-in-law Chris Kalupa (John), sister-in-law Deb Norton (Tim), along with many other cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and dearly loved friends.

Becky was preceded in death by her father-in-law Richard Kunde, her grandparents, and other extended family members.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at St. Peter Lutheran Church (N2740 N. French Road, Appleton, WI 54913), from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A worship service will follow to honor her life and celebrate her entering the eternal kingdom of God. For online condolences, please visit wichmannfuneralhomes.com.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers who provided such loving care to Becky during her battle with dementia. We especially appreciate the people at Silverstone Memory Care, Moments Hospice, and Care Patrol of the Fox Cities for helping during these final months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to one of the following resources who supported us: Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (respitecarewi.org) Fox Valley Memory Project (foxvalleymemoryproject.org) Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)

James P. Keating Jr.

NEENAH - James P. Keating Jr. - known to family and friends as “Jim” or “Pete” - passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 1st. Jim has been reunited with Sally, his beloved wife of 64 years. He was born in Neenah on February 16th, 1934, to James Sr. and Katherine Keating. He had a strong sense of family and was proud of his deep roots in Neenah and his commitment to the community.

Jim earned a double degree in business and mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin. He spent his career at the Neenah Foundry and was active in the foundry industry, chairman of the Wisconsin chapter of the National Foundry Association and worked with his colleagues from Germany and Alabama to bring state of the art molding and casting technology to Neenah.

Jim was an active volunteer in the community. He served for many years on the board of directors at the Neenah-Menasha YMCA, helping at a time of extensive reorganization and the addition of the Olympic size swimming pool. Among his proudest associations was with the Boy’s and Girl’s Brigade. He served as a leader, a board member, and most importantly as the founder of the canoe club.

Music was one of Jim’s great delights and favorite pastimes. He was a multi-instrumentalist and charter member of the Neenah Community Band. He liked to play boogie-woogie on the piano, play guitar and sing songs by the campfire.

James is survived by his six children: John (Peg) Keating, Michael Keating, James (Sachie) Keating III, Kelly Paul, Mary (John) Keating Baker, and Thomas (Heidi) Keating, and eleven grandchildren: Andrew, Peter, Kevin and Riley Keating; Anna and Klaire Keating; Salomon Paul; Johnny and Betsy Baker; Jack and Rosie Keating.

The family would like to express special gratitude to friends and caregivers Teri Beyer RN and Terry Quirk, and the Valley Nursing Association.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 10th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Neenah. A visitation will be held at the church starting at 10:00 A.M. A reception and lunch will follow the Mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Please direct all expressions of kindness and donations to Jim’s son John Keating at 232 Limekiln Drive, Neenah, WI 54956. They will be directed to the memorial fund.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W. Doty Ave. Neenah 920-722-7151

Condolences: westgorfuneralhomes.com

Emil A. Kolbe

NEW LONDON - Emil Albert Kolbe, age 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 4, 2023 at Theda Clark in Neenah. Emil was born on August 28, 1935 to the late Albert and Loretta (Rohloff) Kolbe. At 18 years old, Emil enlisted in the US Marine Corp and honorably served his country for 2 years. He then went on to serve in the reserves for 4 years. In 1956 Emil married Rose and started a family. Later in life, Emil met his companion, Diane. Together they shared happy years before their passings. He worked at American Can for 42 years, starting as a laborer and later receiving his education at Fox Valley Technical College through the GI Bill- ultimately working his way up to a millwright. Emil was proud life-long member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London.

Emil is survived by his children, Debra (Rusty) Radmer, Susan Kolbe, Kathy Kolbe, Lori (Steven) Glatz, Jayne (Pat) White, Albert Kolbe, Karen (Bob) Chaussee and Dennis Kolbe; grandchildren, Jamie, Becky Jo, Nicole, Cory, Bill, Amanda, Adam and Lindsay (Dale); great-grandchildren, Adalyne, Quinley, Carter, Alex, Adrian, Kyle, Evelyn and Wyatt, siblings; Annette Kettner, Frank Kolbe and Margie (Gil) Kolbe-Mims. He is also survived by Beaner, Nana (Corey) and Dee-Dee, Danny, Bryce, Tyler, Meghan (“Maggot”), as well as nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Rose Kolbe; companion, Diane Cummings; grandson, Jesse Zastrow; siblings, Barbara (Clayton) Gardinier and Ardis (David) LaValley; brother-in-law, Richard Kettner and sister-in-law, Charlene Kolbe.

The Funeral Service for Emil will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Full Military Rites and Burial will be in Floral Hill Cemetery, New London.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the First Responders, the 5thfloor staff at Theda Clark and hospice for their care and compassion shown to Dad.

Obituaries

Barbara Kozlowski

MENASHA - Barbara D. Kozlowski, age 79 of Menasha, passed away suddenly on October 3, 2023. She was born February 24, 1944 to the late Heinz and Carolyne Sopel in Milwaukee. On January 30, 1967, she married Allen Kozlowski.

Barb worked many jobs in her life including that of teacher, realtor, homemaker, and bus driver. She was a member of St. Joe’s Catholic Church in Appleton and will be remembered for her heart of gold. She was a loving, devoted, and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, who had a sassy sense of humor and loved spending time with her family. Barb enjoyed working on puzzles, listening to 1950’s rock-n-roll, and reading Amish books. Her favorite days were Saturdays and she had a soft spot in her heart for Dachshunds.

Barb will be missed by her husband of 56 years, Allen; her children: Brenda Gorges; Robert (Julienne) Butelefski; Connie Niemuth; and Debra (Todd) Lemmens; grandchildren: Miranda and Adam, and their father, Mike Gorges; Ben (Ellen) and Bryan (Becky); Jordan, Rhiannon, and Emerson; Brad (Becky), Amanda (Riley), and Michael (Emily); and great-grandchildren: Vada; Bensen and Lyla; Calvin; and Finn. She is further survived by her brother, Jon Sopel, Sr.; sister, Lorelie (Jim) Sopel; and brother-in-law, Wayne (Deidre) Kozlowski; as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Griffin Niemuth; Allen’s parents, Ann and Bernard Kozlowski; in-laws, Judy, Ken, and Lana; and by her infant brother, Phillip.

A memorial service for Barb will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at Menasha’s Westgor Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service. Barb will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery in Neenah Westgor Funeral Home 1140 Appleton Rd. Menasha 720-0314 Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com

Melvin Krenke

FREMONT - Melvin W. Krenke, age 88, of Fremont, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at ThedaCare Hospital in New London. He was born on February 13, 1935 on the family farm in the Town of Caledonia, WI, the son of the late Edwin and Amanda (Buman) Krenke.

On July 28, 1956, Melvin married Diana Timm at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Hortonville. Melvin farmed his entire life in the Town of Caledonia. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as sexton of the church cemetery and caretaker of the church lawn for many years. He enjoyed fishing, watching sporting events and woodworking projects. His infamous and favorite saying was “Buying and selling are two different things”

Melvin is survived by his wife of 67 years, Diana; two sons, Keith(Dawn)Krenke and Dean (Margaret) Krenke, four grandchildren, Max (Tara) Krenke, Jake (Chelsey) Krenke, TJ (Hannah) Krenke and Carrie Krenke; two great-granddaughters, Liberty and Layla Krenke; a sister-in-law, Sue Krenke; and a brother-in-law George Jones; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his twin brother, Alvin Krenke, three sisters, Irene(LeRoy)Ruppel, Anita(Howard)Drath and ErdineJones; in-laws, Gwen and Leonard Timm and a brother-in-law, Dale(Jan)Timm.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church, E9016 Marsh Rd., Fremont. Pastor Doug Reinders will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am. A memorial fund has been established for Zion Lutheran Church, Caledonia.

Betty J. Forster

Gail Helen Sedo

HORTONVILLE - Betty Jean Forster, age 95, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Care Partners. She was born in Readfield, WI on December 9, 1927 to the late Leonard and Glover (Siewert) Pribbernow. Betty worked at the Outagamie County Hospital as an Occupational Therapist. Later in life, she worked at Hillshire Farms. Betty loved polka dancing, watching reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show, and listening to big band music. She also enjoyed playing cards. Betty treasured her family and loved spending time with them.

Betty is survived by her children: William (Sue) Forster, Black Creek; James (Karen) Forster, Appleton; Michael Forster, Boise ID; Thomas Forster, Black Creek; John (Huntzie) Forster, Appleton; and Mary (Steve) Ziegler, Hortonville; daughterin-law, Cherie Forster; grandchildren: BJ (Laura) Forster, Jeff Forster, Andy (Lisa) Forster, Samantha (Kurt) Mantly, Carly Forster (friend Joe Everhart), and Caitlin Forster; great grandchildren: Morgan, Liam, Ava, Taden, Forest, and Jonah; niece, Beth Ann Pribbernow; and nephew, Steve (Mary) Pribbernow. She is further survived by other relatives and numerous friends. She was loved by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her son, Gerald “Jerry” Forster; the father of her children, William Forster; siblings: Kent Pribbernow and LeVerne Siewert; sister-inlaw, Delores “Dolly” Pribbernow; and nephew, Scott Pribbernow.

In accordance with her wishes, no funeral will be held. Memorials in her memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Mary Lou Turner, age 95, passed away comfortably at her residence on Friday, September 29,2023. Mary Lou grew up with her sisters before WWII in Michigan City, Indiana, spending summers on her aunt’s farm in Delphi. She married the love of her life, Joseph Turner in 1948. Her family grew to 3 boys: James, Michael, and Garry, where they lived in Berkeley, Illinois and Neenah, Wisconsin. Mary Lou began her career with Kimberly-Clark in 1968 and retired in the early 1990’s. When she was not traveling with Joe, she was camping and canoeing on the Wisconsin River with her sister Jeanne in solo canoes they constructed at Mosquito Hill Nature Center.

Mary Lou is survived by her sons and their families: James and Diane Turner, Michael and Sue Turner, and Garry Turner. She is also survived by grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her sisters and their families: Jeanne Hoyle and Joan Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents: Wilber and Maude Blanchard; and her in-laws: Everett and Edna Turner.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 from 10:00am until 11:30am, at Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home, 304 S. Commercial Street, Neenah, Wisconsin 54956.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Court, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, in memory of Mary Lou. https://www.oahs.org/donations.html

We would like to thank all the nurses and doctors that kept our mom comfortable at Theda Clark Hospital, Peabody Manor, ThedaCare At Home Hospice and Cornerstone Caregiving. Online condolences may be given at: www.kesslerfh.com

EAU CLAIRE (FORMERLY APPLETON) - Gail H. Sedo, 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, under the care of Heartland/Promedica Hospice at Heatherwood Memory Care in Eau Claire. She was born on February 23, 1936, in Oshkosh, the daughter of Carl and Veneta Nebel. She graduated from Menasha High School in 1954, and then was united in marriage to Robert J. Sedo on June 9, 1956. They were married 37 years before her husband’s passing. Gail worked many years as a waitress at the Left Guard and then went on to work in the food and catering business. Gail loved to cook and especially bake. She always had a couple of gallon jars full of chocolate chip cookies to share with the neighbor kids or whoever stopped in. Gail will be remembered for the love she had for her children and the time she enjoyed spending with family.

Gail is survived by her children: Scott (Kelly) Sedo, Peggy (Tim) Schiller, and Pam (Paul) Birling; grandchildren: Haley (Brett Koster) Sedo, Kristen (Luke Retzlaff) Birling and Bryan (Brooke) Birling; 5 great grandchildren: Morgan, Carson, Brianna, Brynleigh, and Brogan; other relatives and friends.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother: Carl “Skip” Nebel, and a sister: Nancy Hansen.

Gail’s family is planning a private service and celebration of life at a later date.

Gail’s family would like to express a special thank you to Heatherwood Memory Care staff and a special friend, Kristen Schrader.

Mary Lou Turner

Obituaries

Eugene Edmond Ganch

Carol A. Herbeck

APPLETON - Eugene Edmond Ganch passed away peacefully on October 5, 2023, at the age of 93. Eugene, or Gene, was born in Rákosszentmihály Hungary in 1930. In 1956 he and his future wife, Agnes Markovits, fled their country during the Hungarian Revolution. The Swiss government took them in as refugees and they lived in Basil Switzerland. In 1960 Eugene was offered a job in the paper industry, which brought them to Appleton, Wisconsin where they were embraced by the community. Eugene was an electrical engineer and was passionate about his work. In the early 1980’s while working for Albany International he designed and developed the world’s fastest loom controls for the paper industry. He traveled to Europe and around North America installing this technology. Eugene was an active member of the Moses Montefiore Synagogue where he served the community by maintaining the facilities and grounds. Throughout his life, he loved traveling with his family and close friends. Eugene was a quick-witted and very proud Hungarian who often quoted Hungarian poets, and proverbs in Hungarian as well as Latin. He loved music and was fond of Classical and Roma music especially. Eugene is predeceased by his wife Agnes and his eldest son David. He is survived by his children, Daniel and Susie, her husband Jerod Eisenshtadt, and grandchildren Benelli and NamJin Ganch. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Red Cross. There will be a burial service on Monday, October 9th at 1:30 at the Moses Montefiore Cemetery.

Rita M. Pardee

APPLETON - With aching hearts, we share word of our dear mother’s death. Rita Pardee took a final, quiet breath in the afternoon of October 3, 2023. She was 92 years old.

Rita was born November 26, 1930, to Frank and Eleanor (Kiefer) Bohman. She and her siblings were raised on the family farm north of Brillion. Rita graduated from Brillion High School in 1949. She met Robert (Bob) Pardee on a blind date two years later. They were wed in April of 1953.

APPLETON - Carol A. Herbeck passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023 after battling with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on April 17, 1944 to Emery and Amelia (Meyerhofer) Schilling. On April 25, 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald Herbeck. They cherished 59 years together. After raising three children, Carol worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later, Schubbe Resch Chiropractic. She loved traveling, camping, playing cards, spending time at their Legend Lake cottage and being with their grandchildren – you could always find her at one of the grandkid’s events.

Carol is survived by her husband Don, three children; Kathy (Randy) Andersen, Dave (Tina) Herbeck and Mike (Darcy) Herbeck, six grandchildren; Brett (Ana) Andersen, Eric Andersen, Charlie Herbeck, Sam Herbeck, Emma Herbeck and Leah Herbeck. She is further survived by her three brothers; Roger (Darlyne), Ed (Millie) and Leon (Marge) Schilling.

Family and friends may gather on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at St. Bernadette Catholic church 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton beginning at 9:00am until the time of Mass at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to Fox Valley Memory Project, https://www.foxvalleymemoryproject.org/donate/ or mail to 1800 Appleton Road Menasha WI 54952.

The family would like to thank the entire staff at Primrose Retirement / Memory Care and ProMedica Hospice, for the excellent care they gave to Carol.

Rita was devoted to Bob. She was his quiet strength and partner throughout their 68 years of marriage. They farmed in the Town of Harrison. Rita was happiest working outdoors in the garden, fields, or barn. In later years, the couple took over The Woodshed in Menasha where they restored furniture. Rita often joked that she was the stripper. When they retired, Rita and Bob enjoyed winter months in Texas.

Rita’s legacy as a mother is assured. She raised her four daughters with love and taught values and life skills by example. Her love grew to enfold her daughters’ husbands. She cherished her six grandchildren and delighted in her four great-grandchildren.

She had smiles for everyone, and counted many as her friends.

Left to celebrate Rita’s life and mourn her passing are her daughters and sons-in-law: Susan and Ken Moran; Nancy and Tom Tompkins; Linda and Gil Drewa; and Mary Pardee and Dale Cox. Six grandchildren will miss their Grandma Rita, too: Brent Hauble, Sheila Hauble, Rob (Mary) Tompkins, Brian Tompkins, Nick Drewa, and Kevin Drewa. She also has four great grandchildren: Max, Hannah, Harrison, and Orin. Rita is further survived by her sister, brothers, and cousin who was like a brother: Dolores Krueger, Lawrence (Marcella) Bohman, Clarence (Beverly) Bohman, and Ed (Ruth) Kiefer.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bob; a sister, Helen Bohman; and a brother-in-law, Merlin Krueger.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, October 10, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, N369 Military Road, Sherwood. Visitation will be Tuesday at the church from 9 AM until the time of the Mass. We are grateful for and thank Mom’s attentive care team at The Landings of Kaukauna and St. Croix Hospice.

Richard P. Nehls

APPLETON - Richard Paul Nehls, age 85, of Madison, died Monday, October 2, 2023, at his home in Madison. Richard was born August 24, 1938, in Appleton, the son of the late Raymond and Matilda (Reckin) Nehls. He grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton Senior High School in 1956. He served in the United States Army as a Weatherman in Fairbanks, Alaska. On August 13th, 1966, he was united in marriage to Barbara Notebaart, and the couple enjoyed 57 years together.

Richard graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with a degree in accounting. As a student he was a member,0 and twice elected President of Beta Alpha Psi, National Accounting Fraternity.

He started his career as a CPA with McGladry Hansen Dunn in Des Moines, Iowa. Returning to Wisconsin, he worked for 30 years in his own CPA firm Morton, Nehls and Tierney in Madison. He belonged to the Wisconsin Society of CPA’s and the American Institute of CPA’s.

He was a member of the West Madison Rotary for 27 years and twice President of this organization. He was also a member of Black Hawk Country Club for 37 years.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two daughters, Jennifer Snyder, St. Paul, MN and Sarah Nehls Rikkers, Madison; son and daughter-in-law Paul and Mia Nehls, Japan; 4 grandchildren: Jack Snyder, Ava and Hale Rikkers, and Leila Eileen Nehls; and a sister and brother-in-law Donna and Dennis Short. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Joan Grow, and brother-in-law John Z. Notebaart. A private family service was held at Highland Memorial Park.

Shirley Schroeder

APPLETON - Shirley Ann (Klotzbuecher) Schroeder, age 90, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 1, 2023. She was born December 14, 1932 in Manawa, Wisconsin to Elmer and Elsie (Radtke) Klotzbuecher on the farmstead. Shirley graduated from Manawa High School and started working at Clintonville Community Hospital as a nurse’s aide. She then worked at Four Wheel Drive in Clintonville. Following her employment in Clintonville, she took a job at Aid Association for Lutherans (Thrivent) as a secretary. During that time she met and married Robert (Bob) Schroeder on September 6, 1969. They have lived at their home in Grand Chute since marriage.

Shirley worked at Thrivent for 27 years, going back to Thrivent for a couple years after retirement on a part-time basis. She was an active member at Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, participating and leading bible studies. Shirley volunteered at Gardens of the Fox Cities for many years, being awarded Volunteer of the Year. Shirley and Bob owned a cottage in Winneconne together, and also did much traveling and fishing with family and friends. Shirley was an incredible bowler and did some golfing. She loved her many years of travel to the Amish for flowers and baked goods. Shirley and her husband enjoyed gardening and had a beautiful yard. She was a talented crafter. Shirley and Bob were very active in the care of their great niece, Annie Schraa, watching over her since infancy.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Elsie Klotzbuecher; her in-laws, Oscar and Martha Schroeder; along with her husband’s siblings and spouses.

Shirley is survived and will be missed by her husband, Robert. Her brother Lee (Alice) Klotzbuecher, Manawa, and sister Carol (Lee) Zuberbier, Oshkosh. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Ann from Care Patrol and Barry from Eden Meadows in Oshkosh, for the care and support of Shirley during her final days. Services will be held on Monday, October 9, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church at 601 Glendale Ave, Appleton. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Services to begin at 11:00 AM. Please join us in celebrating the life of Shirley Schroeder. Memorials in Shirley’s name can be given to Faith Lutheran Radio Broadcast or Faith Lutheran Comfort Dog program or just Faith Lutheran Church.

Obituaries

Elizabeth Maufort

BLACK CREEK - Elizabeth “Betty” Maufort, age 88, passed away at Cherry Meadows with family by her side on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Betty was born on December 5, 1934 a daughter of the late George and Agnes (Gerrits) Schreurs.

She was united in marriage to Leonard Maufort on April 19, 1955 in Wrightstown. He preceded her in death on March 27, 2021.

Betty had a strong faith and was proud to be a part of the Christian Mother’s group for many years at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Black Creek. She also taught religious education in the parish to countless children.

She enjoyed bowling with Leonard and her good friends. Attending the many 4-H functions, sporting events of the grandchildren, and attending craft shows was some of the things that she enjoyed the most.

Betty was a farmer’s wife, a wonderful homemaker, and a fabulous cook. She always made sure that her friends and family where well cared for. In addition to being on the farm and taking care of her family, she had also worked for Outagamie Producers Co-Op for several years. Her grandchildren were always near and dear to her heart.

Betty is survived by her children: Richard (Cindy) Maufort of De Pere; Russell (Julie) Maufort of Appleton, Christine Spranger of Greenville; and Mary Maufort of Appleton; grandchildren: Rikki, Toni, Stephanie, Richard Jr., Justin, Taralee, Michelle, Laura, Nicole, and Eric; 21 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Nohr; and other family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; grandson Steven Maufort; brother, Gordon Schreurs; and an infant sister.

Friends may call at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Black Creek on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am with Father Dave Greskowiak officiating.

Online condolences may be expressed to Betty’s family at www.muehlboettcher.com

Special thanks to the Black Creek Rescue Squad, ThedaCare Appleton staff, and Cherry Meadows for the kind and considerate care you gave to Betty.

KAUKAUNA - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of June Mary Van Den Wyngaard of Kaukauna. June passed away peacefully with her family by her side on October 4, 2023, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna.

June was born on June 6, 1948, to the late Martin and Delia Lamers of Appleton. She grew up on a farm with her brother Martin Jr., which contributed to her strong love for animals. June is known for her compassion and love for all innocent creatures, and she opened her heart and home to many dogs and cats throughout her life. On March 14, 1970, June married Glen Van Den Wyngaard and welcomed Jackie, Marty, and Danny into the world. Family meant everything to her, and she enjoyed planning and celebrating holidays and events with them. June had a youthful and feisty energy that added flair and fun to any event she attended. When she wasn’t spending time with her family or her fur babies, Gurdy and Sophi, June enjoyed attending ceramic classes at Ceramic Fever in Little Chute, where she rarely missed a week over the last few decades. Her grandkids loved when she invited them to join her. Her ceramic friends became like family, and June held a special affection for the owner, Joan, and her sister Mary Lou. June’s family would like to express their gratitude to these ladies for providing a welcoming environment that June looked forward to attending for so many years. June was also a big fan of Polka music on Sundays, Elvis, the Hallmark network, “Murder, She Wrote,” and, of course, her daily “stories” that came on each day at 11am. June was an avid reader and filled her home with all the wonderful literature she had read throughout her life. Her family will miss her talented baking skills, such as her famous birthday cookies that she gave to her grandkids each year. Watching the kids fight over her masterpieces brought pure delight to June.

June is survived by her two children: Jackie (Herb Loose) and Danny (Heather) Van Den Wyngaard, her grandchildren: Amanda Loose (Craig), Jordan Loose, Janelle Loose, Joselyn Loose, Sebastian Hayes, Dylan Hayes, Evelynn Hayes, Luke Van Den Wyngaard, and Lilianna Van Den Wyngaard, and multiple grandfur babies, especially Molly Pug, who loved slumber parties with Grandma and never left her side. June is also survived by her dear Aunt Mary Van De Hey, whom she looked up to and respected, as well as cousins Sharon Lamers and Barbara, nephews Brett Lamers, James (Kelly) Lamers, and Billy Lamers, niece Linda Jean (Mike Maki), cousin Rose Marie Hieptas, Eileen, Elaine, and many other cousins, sweet and helpful neighbors, and friends. June, also known as Junebug by those near and dear,

Helen Lorraine Zoern

APPLETON -HelenL. Zoern,82,passed away on October 2, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha. Please visit www. wichmannfuneralhomes.com to view a complete obituary and leave the family a condolence.

Always CLOSETOOUR HEARTS

developed special little friendships with many of Danny’s friends over the years. These young men became like adopted sons, and June enjoyed their visits and laughs.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Luke and Abbie Quella, Jeremiah and Mandy Voigt, Mike and Travis Robach, Bobby and Sarah Stumpf, Ryan Spoehr, and many others for the unconditional love they showed to our mom over the years. Many of her wonderful neighbors, especially her next-door neighbor Aaron Sicker, who would cut the grass, take out the garbage, and offer friendly chats with Junebug. June was preceded in death by her parents, her infant sister Mary, her brother Martin Lamers Jr., her son Marty Van Den Wyngaard, her grandparents, and many other beloved family members and friends.

The family would like to express a huge thank you to the staff at Theda Care Appleton, especially Dr. Marquis, for your compassion, the entire team at the Heart and Vascular Institute in Appleton for the years of amazing care, and Dr. Andrew Pahl for making a significant difference in her quality of life through thorough care. Special thanks from the bottom of our hearts go to the following people: Mike Peterson, Trevor Frank, and Sondra Norder. If it weren’t for you, June wouldn’t have been able to fulfill her final wish of spending her last days among family and friends at St. Paul in Kaukauna. These angels went above and beyond to make a single person’s wishes come true. The two weeks June spent at St. Paul exceeded our expectations. The pure compassion shown by every worker, whether in housekeeping, administration, nursing, or volunteering, speaks to the special group of people blessed by God. We are immensely grateful for the time and care you provided to June, making her final moments on Earth comfortable and special.

We would like to extend an extra special thank you to those who went above and beyond for June: hospice Nurse Corrine, Social Worker Linda, Nurse Hannah, and Nurse Lorrie. You ladies will hold a special place in our hearts for the love and compassion you shared with our sweet June.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, October 12, from 5-8 pm at Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna. Visitation will continue Friday, October 13, 2023 9:30am until the time of funeral mass at 11:30am The funeral will take place on Friday, October 13, 2023 at Holy Cross Parish, 309 Desnoyer St., Kaukauna, with lunch to follow at the Colonial House in Freedom. To leave a condolence online, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com

June Mary Van Den Wyngaard

I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we still are. Call me by my familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used … Play, smile, think of me … All is well.

SCOTT HOLLAND

HENRY

Complete coverage in Sports Extra

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Packers’ Bakhtiari believes he will play next season

has faced the past couple of years.

GREEN BAY – Six days after undergoing arthroscopic surgery to confirm a specific cartilage issue with his left knee, Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari walked into the locker room without a brace, crutches or a cane.

It’s part of the cruel reality Bakhtiari

At some point in the future, he will have another arthroscopic surgery that will end his 2023 season but potentially end his painful journey back to the player he was when he tore his left ACL in a December 2020 practice.

“The human side of it, it took a lot of stress, a lot of time on my end,” he said Friday. “But the clarity is to know that we’re fine, we finally know what the problem is. And we can address the

problem. That’s the, I guess, glass-halffull part of the scenario.

“So that’s where we’re at. That’s the pill I have to swallow.”

Bakhtiari spoke with reporters for more than 30 minutes, answering all questions about the medical aspects of his knee except for when he’ll have his next surgery and the procedure by Brian J. Cole, a renowned Chicago orthopedic

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Kaukauna’s Sam DiPiazza (33) reacts after intercepting a pass late in the

WM. GLASHEEN/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

‘This

Kaukauna beats Kimberly for first time since 2003, ties for FVA lead

Mike Sherry and Ricardo Arguello

Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN

KAUKAUNA – When the final game is over in the 2023 Kaukauna High School football season — and the Ghosts hope that isn’t until late November in Madison — plenty will be said and written about what the Ghosts accomplished these last two weeks.

After shutting out Appleton North 7-0 last week for their first victory over the Lightning

since 2007, the Ghosts ended an even longer drought Friday with an even bigger victory.

Led by a ball-hawking defense that intercepted three passes, Kaukauna beat previously undefeated and No. 1-ranked Kimberly 14-13 to move into a tie for first place in the Fox Valley Association with the Papermakers

The victory ended a 19-game losing streak for Kaukauna against Kimberly and was its first win in the rivalry since 2003. “This one is everything,” said quarterback Finnley Doriot, whose 79-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave the

Ghosts the lead. “My goal has been to beat Kimberly for a long time. I have to praise God for putting us in this situation. For this game to be on homecoming and possibly to win the conference championship, it means everything.”

Kimberly led 7-0 in the first quarter after a 23yard touchdown pass from Carson Pendleton to Brennen Grams, but the Ghosts tied the game in the second quarter on a 6-yard run by Aiden Reardon

See KAUKAUNA, Page4C

Appleton North rolls, Xavier clinches Bay title

ton North offense, with the Lightning managing a combined six points in losses to Kaukauna (7-0) and Neenah (7-6).

It was a mixed night for Appleton teams in Week 8 of the high school football season.

It was good news for Appleton North and Xavier. The Lightning qualified for the WIAA playoffs with a 42-18 victory over Appleton East, while the Hawks clinched the Bay Conference title after dispatching Winneconne 45-19. Appleton East, Fox Valley Lutheran and Appleton West all dropped their games this week. Here’s a recap of Friday’s games.

North offense finds rhythm in win vs. East

The past two weeks were tough for the Apple-

North was back in form Friday, erupting for 28 points in the second quarter to rally from an early deficit and upend the Patriots at Pickett Field and spoiling East’s homecoming game.

The win also helped the Lightning (6-2 overall, 4-2 Fox Valley Association) qualify for the postseason. North hosts Kimberly (6-1, 5-1) in the regular-season finale next Friday.

The North offense finished with relatively modest numbers (193 yards rushing, 83 yards passing), but scored every time they were in the red zone, head coach Rob Salm said.

“Our goal this week offensively was to finish,”

See FOOTBALL, Page5C

fourth quarter to seal the Ghosts’ victory over Kimberly on Friday in Kaukauna.

Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari celebrates a victory against the Chicago Bears, his first and only game this season.

DAN POWERS/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

Tom Silverstein

See PACKERS, Page6C

Fox Valley Lutheran’s Liam Heiges (10) runs for a 46-yard touchdown against Luxemburg-Casco during their football game Friday in Appleton.

DAN POWERS/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

What’s ahead for the Brewers? Here’s a breakdown

MILWAUKEE – For the second consecutive year, the Arizona Diamondbacks came into American Family Field and ended the Milwaukee Brewers’ season. In 2022 it wasn’t that big a deal; the Brewers were simply playing out the string after having been eliminated from the playoff picture several days earlier for the first time since 2017.

On Wednesday, the 5-2 loss that swept Milwaukee out of the teams’ National League wild-card series felt more like it could be the end of an era for the franchise.

Talent-wise, the team is well-positioned for future postseason runs — more “bites of the apple”— with a mix of returning, controllable talent and youngsters moving their way through the minor-league pipeline.

There is major uncertainty, however, and it centers around some of the key components of the team.

The biggest and most important domino that must fall is that of Craig Counsell, who effectively becomes a managerial free agent after the threeyear extension he signed in January of 2020 expires at the end of the month.

At the top of that list after Counsell is likely how to handle the triumvirate of right-handers Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and shortstop Willy Adames, all of whom are arbitration-eligible for one final time before becoming free agents heading into 2025.

The three have been at the foundation of an unprecedented run of success for the Brewers in recent years but it’s likely at least one of the three will be traded away in the offseason.

Arnold will have other important decisions to make that will shape the roster moving forward, with productive veterans like left-hander Wade Miley and outfielder-designated hitter Mark Canha likely to be priorities.

The good news is that there are many young, talented and cost-controlled pieces returning such as right-hander Freddy Peralta ($5.5 million salary in 2024), closer Devin Williams, relievers Elvis Peguero and Abner Uribe, outfielders Garrett Mitchell, Sal Frelick, Tyrone Taylor and Joey Wiemer and infielders Brice Turang and Andruw Monasterio.

Left fielder Christian Yelich had a resurgent 2023, which bodes well moving forward. Left-hander Aaron Ashby ($1.25 million in 2024) should be back to full health after missing the year following shoulder surgery and in the mix for a prominent role on the staff.

And then there’s the talent in the minor-league pipeline beginning with uber-prospect Jackson Chourio, who’s poised to make his major-league debut in 2024.

Infielder Tyler Black and left-hander Robert Gasser figure to make the jump as well, and right-hander Jacob Misiorowski could be in the picture at some point, too, with his 103-mph fastball.

Here’s a breakdown of what things look like moving ahead.

These players have pending options for the 2024 season

OF-DH Mark Canha (team)

LHP Andrew Chafin (team)

LHP Justin Wilson (team)

LHP Wade Miley (mutual)

Canha, along with Carlos Santana, was an impactful trade-deadline acquisition as he became not only one of the team’s most consistent offensive players but one who also afforded Counsell tremendous versatility by being able to play left field, right field and first base as well as serve as the designated hitter.

The two-year, $26.5 million contract he signed with the New York Mets in November 2021 includes an $11.5 million team option for 2024 with a $2 million buyout.

Canha will be 35 early in spring training next February but keeps himself in tremendous shape, is well-regarded in the clubhouse and told reporters following the Game 2 loss he and his family would love to be back in Milwaukee

Chafin, on the other hand, was a huge disappointment after being acquired from the Diamondbacks at the deadline. He has a $7.5 million team option for 2024 that Milwaukee would have zero interest in exercising, leaving the team on the hook for a $725,000 buyout.

Burnes, who has made each of his scheduled 93 starts this past three seasons, may have pitched his last game in a

Wilson ran into buzzard’s luck when, after recovering from Tommy John surgery, he suffered another injury warming up to make his Brewers debut in Atlanta in July.

He turns 37 next August and won’t have pitched in a major-league game since June of 2022. Even still, his team option of $2.5 million might be worth rolling the dice on. If not, the Brewers would owe him only a $150,000 buyout.

Miley will be 37 next season but made a respectable 23 starts and posted a 3.14 ERA – his best since his first goround in Milwaukee in 2018. His value also reaches far beyond the mound; Miley is almost a player-coach in many respects, and he is as respected a veteran as there has been in the Brewers clubhouse in a number of years.

His mutual option is worth $10 million in 2024 with a $1 million buyout. This decision will be interesting on both sides as perhaps Miley believes he will be able to land a multiyear deal worth more and declines his end of it.

Or, maybe, the two sides agree on a new deal.

These players are pending arbitration-eligible

SS Willy Adames

RHP Corbin Burnes

RHP Adrian Houser

LHP Eric Lauer

LHP Hoby Milner

1B Rowdy Tellez

RHP Devin Williams

RHP Brandon Woodruff

This list is a little less than half as longasitwasatthistimelastyear,when the Brewers had an incredible 18 pending arbitration-eligible players.

Burnes, Woodruff and Adames are obviously at the top of the list and the best guess is that Burnes, who should end up with a salary somewhere in the neighborhood of $15 million, will be the Brewers’ best piece of trade bait in the offseason.

It was Burnes who said in spring training that his relationship with the franchise was broken after the Brewers won their arbitration case against him, and he responded with a solid season but not one approaching what he put up in winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2021.

The best assets Burnes has going for him right now are his strikeout stuff and his ability to take the ball every five days (he made every one of his scheduled 93 starts over the past three years), and both of those should be extremely valuable on the open market in the offseason.

One would think Milwaukee would be able to help itself both at the major-

and minor-league level were it to deal him.

“I don’t know,” Burnes said after Game 2 when asked about what he thought the future might hold for him.

“I’m sure I’ll start talking about it over the next couple days.

“You think about the group that you’ve got in here and if we could run it back, we think it would end differently. But yeah, I don’t really know. Those are conversations that I think will be had with the front office and whoever else is involved in that over the next couple of weeks.”

Woodruff and the Brewers, meanwhile, are in a much more nebulous area considering the multiple issues the right-hander had with his shoulder — the latest of which forced him to miss his scheduled Game 2 start in the playoffs and is now sending him to Texas for a second opinion.

Surgery would be devastating news; rest and rehab the much more palatable option. But until a path forward is defined, it’s tough to predict how Woodruff’s 2024 season will look.

Adames, meanwhile, plays a premier position at shortstop, is a run producer (team-leading 24 homers and 80 RBI) and turned in the best defensive campaign of his career. But he also hit a career-worst .217 with a .717 OPS, continuing a downward trend for him at the plate.

There’s no question he was eyeing some of the huge contracts doled out in free agency, but now it’s anybody’s guess what he might earn after 2024. The Brewers could opt to trade Adames and slide Turang to shortstop if they received a strong enough offer.

The possibility also remains that the Brewers and either Woodruff or Adames could come to terms on some sort of an extension, with the leverage now in Milwaukee’s favor.

The next tier in terms of priority would likely be Williams, who developed into an elite closer in his first full season in the role, and Milner, who had a marvelous season as the team’s change-of-pace lefty out of the bullpen.

The Brewers undoubtedly would like to come to agreements with both ahead of time, but the relievers’ performances will dictate both will be paid considerably more than they were in 2023.

Houser, who enters his final year of arbitration, is a safe bet to return for one final run with a team he joined back in 2015. Lauer, meanwhile, is an obvious non-tender candidate after taking a huge step back in 2023. Tellez, likewise, is unlikely to return after injury and underperformance over the final four months tanked what many had believed would be another 30-plus homer season for him.

These players are pre-arbitration eligible

C William Contreras OF Sal Frelick

RHP Trevor Megill

IF Owen Miller OF Garrett Mitchell

IF Andruw Monasterio

RHP Joel Payamps

RHP Elvis Peguero OF Blake Perkins

IF Abraham Toro OF Tyrone Taylor IF Brice Turang OF Joey Wiemer

RHP Bryse Wilson

These players have less than three years of service time, meaning most will re-sign for or have their contracts renewed somewhere around the MLB minimum.

The possible exception could be someone like Contreras, whom the Brewers would be interested in potentially locking into a long-term extension considering the promise he displayed both at the plate and behind it in his first season in Milwaukee.

These players are pending free agents

C Victor Caratini

3B Josh Donaldson

RHP Colin Rea

1B-DH Darin Ruf

1B-DH Carlos Santana

DH Jesse Winker

Of this group, it would come as no surprise to see Rea return, as he’s well thought-of by the organization for his team-first attitude and the job he did in making an unexpected 22 starts and posting a 4.55 ERA overall.

Santana will be 38 and playing in his 15th major-league season in 2024. He was a terrific pickup before the deadline withhisabilitytoswitch-hit,playasolid first base and lead in the clubhouse.

If the Brewers are again unable to find a long-term solution at the position — the search has been ongoing since Prince Fielder departed following the 2011 season — it certainly would be worth exploring bringing Santana back if he’s interested.

Caratini was a solid backup catcher the last couple years and can switch-hit; it’s likely he will attract enough attention on the open market that the Brewers will need to look elsewhere to back Contreras up

Meanwhile, Donaldson’s best days are clearly behind him and the same can be said for Winker

Corbin

Brewers uniform. JOVANNY HERNANDEZ/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

Area teams, individuals competing at state

The 52nd annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association girls state golf championships will be held Monday and Tuesday at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison. Competition begins at 8 a.m. both days in two divisions, with12 teams and 18 individual qualifiers competing in Division 1 and six teams and nine individual qualifiers in Division 2. Competitors will play 36 holes, weather permitting, with 18 holes each day.

Tickets are $9 per day plus online fees and are available online on the WIAA website.

Here’s a look at the teams and individuals who have qualified from the Appleton and Green Bay area: TEAMS

Bay Port

The Pirates are making their seventh trip to state, all in Division 1. They finished 11th last year and their best finish is second during the alternate season in 2020. They were ranked fifth in Division 1 in the latest Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin rankings. Bay Port won the Kimberly Sectional at High Cliff to advance with a 329 team score. Adalyn Johnston shot 75 to finish second and Ava Beranek shot 83 to tie for 10th. Johnston finished in a tie for 18th place at state last season and Beranek tied for 46th place.

Kaukauna

The Ghosts are at state for the second year in a row and the sixth time overall, all in Division 1. They finished eighth last season. Their best finish was seventh place in 2018. They were 11th in Division1in the latest rankings. Kaukauna finished second at the Kimberly Sectional with a 336 total. Charlie Clinefelter shot 79 to finish fifth. McKenna Lowe shot 82 to tie for seventh and Norah Berken shot 83 to tie for 10th. Berken and Lowe both tied for 35th place at state

last season and Clinefelter tied for 46th place.

Green Bay Notre Dame

The Tritons, who are making their 16th trip to state and return for the first time since 2020, drop to Division 2 this year. They won Division 1 titles in 2006, 2007 and 2008 and were second behind Prescott in the latest Division 2 state rankings. Notre Dame shot 346 to win the Notre Dame Sectional at Thornberry Creek at Oneida. Ella Gelb shot 80 to take medalist honors and teammate Sophia Baek shot 84 to tie for second place. Grace Schuh shot 90 to tie for fourth, while Eleanor Van Handel and Megan Gelb both shot 92 to tie for seventh. Baek tied for 50th place at state last season in Division 1.

Appleton Xavier

The Hawks are making their first trip to state since 2019 and their eighth ap-

pearance overall, all coming in Division 2. Their best finish is second place in 2018.TheywereNo.3inDivision2inthe latest state rankings. Xavier shot 361 to finish second at the Notre Dame Sectional. Aliisa Helminen shot 84 to tie for second place. Elizabeth Schubbe shot 90 to tie for fourth and May Shimek shot 92 to tie for seventh. Helminen finished in fourth place at state in Division 2 last season.

Division 1 individuals

Emma Cunningham, fr., Green Bay Prebleco-op: Cunningham won medalist honors at the Kimberly Sectional with a 72 to clinch her spot at state. She also finished second at the Green Bay Preble Regional at Royal Scot with a 77.

Jaelyn Feller, jr., Appleton East: Feller finished in fourth place at the Kimberly Sectional with a 78 to earn the trip to state. She also tied for sixth at the Appleton North Regional with an 84 at Butte des Morts Country Club.

Vivien Ninham, sr., Pulaski: Ninham shot 77 at the Kimberly Sectional to finishinthirdplaceandqualifyforstate. She also tied for fourth at the Green Bay Preble Regional with an 81.

Division 2 individuals

Callee Fink, sr., Winneconne: Fink finished in 11th place at the Notre Dame Sectional with a 93 to grab the final individual qualifying spot. She shot 88 at theLittleChuteRegionalatMidValleeto finish in fourth place.

Regan Hermanson, jr., Marinette: Hermanson shot 91 at the Notre Dame Sectional to finish in sixth place and advance to state. She tied for fifth at the Marinette Regional at Little River Golf Course with a 98.

Morgan Lewis, fr., Seymour: Lewis shot 92 at the Notre Dame Sectional to tie for seventh place and punch her ticket to state. She finished third at the Marinette Regional with a 91.

“Finalist Event” on November 14th!

GRAND PRIZE:

•Authentic Green Bay Packers team jersey with your name.

•Four (4) Club Seats & Four (4) VIP sideline passes to the 12/3/23 Packers

•Special recognition as the “2023 Ultimate Leap Winner” during the Packers game.

•Opportunity to attempt your own Leap during the 12/3/23 Packers game.

WIAA GIRLS GOLF

Xavier’s Aliisa Helminen hits a shot during the WIAA Division 2 sectional golf tournament Tuesday at Thornberry Creek at Oneida golf course in Hobart. WM. GLASHEEN/USA TODAY NETWORK-WISCONSIN

Kaukauna

Continued from Page 1C

Reed Wittman’s interception deep in Kaukauna territory thwarted a Kimberly drive late in the first half, and two plays later Doriot broke free down the left sideline for his touchdown run to put the Ghosts back on top 14-7 after Osvaldo Soto Sanchez booted the extra point with 1:56 remaining before halftime.

Kimberly responded quickly and scoredwith20secondsremaininginthe half on an 11-yard pass from Pendleton to Gavin Tyson. Hunter Berry lined up to kick the game-tying extra point but didn’t get the chance when the snap was a little low and wasn’t handled on a cool, damp night and Kimberly’s attempt to run for two points was stopped a yard short.

The score remained that way for the rest of the game, but there was plenty of tense moments.

Kimberly’s Sawyer Hanlon blocked a 38-yard field goal attempt by Soto Sanchez in the third quarter and Kimberly returned the ball to the 43.

Kaukauna’s John Neumann then intercepted a pass near midfield and returned it for a touchdown, but the score was nullified by a Ghosts penalty on the return.

Kimberly had a final chance to pull outavictoryafterThomasMeyersintercepted a fourth-down pass by Doriot with 3:18 remaining in the game.

Kimberly took over at its own 19 and picked up a couple first downs, but Pendleton was sacked on back-to-back plays to set up a fourth down after the Papermakers used their final timeout. Pendleton’s final pass attempt over the middle was deflected into the air by Isaac Maas and intercepted by Sam DiPiazza with 1:08 remaining to seal the win.

“The way it looked in the first half, they were pushing us around and moving up and down the field,” Kaukauna coach Matt Binsfeld said. “But that’s what we’ve been. We’ve been the team that bends but doesn’t break and our kids don’t quit. I said it previously too, we rotate a lot of kids. We’re fortunate thatwehavealotofkidswhoarebought in and working really hard on defense so we can rest kids and in the second half we come out really strong, playing a lot of kids. It’s terrific, a great effort. Coach (Frank) Martin, our defensive coordina-

tor, does a fantastic job with our kids to give us a chance for this.”

Kaukauna and Kimberly are both 5-1 in the FVA. The Ghosts are 7-1 overall and host Appleton East to close out the regular season. Kimberly is 6-1 overall and plays at Appleton North next week.

“Obviously Kimberly’s the marquee program in the state and again, same as Appleton North, part of the reason this means so much is what they’ve done over the years and what coach has done there,” Binsfeld said. “So it means a ton to us. It was a lofty goal. But our kids weren’t afraid of it. We talked about facing up to this opportunity, not blinking, not flinching, in the face of a great team and we didn’t. We came to play. I’m so proud of our kids.”

Dean’s big day helps Rockets earn playoff berth

Grant Dean rushed for 204 yards on 41 carries and scored both of Neenah’s touchdowns in the Rockets’14-7 victory over Fond du Lac.

The win improves Neenah’s record to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the FVA and secures a berth in the WIAA playoffs for the Rockets.

Dean scored on a pass of 7 yards from Ashton Van Beek in the first quarter and added a 1-yard plunge in the fourth. He also had an interception on defense.

Dean has1,127 yards rushing this season on150 carries with15 rushing touchdowns along with two receiving scores and a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Menasha rebounds

Menasha didn’t wait long to bounce back from its loss to Green Bay Notre Dame, getting six total touchdowns from quarterback Logan Liegl in a 55-7 blowout of Sheboygan North on Friday.

Liegl had four touchdown passes and two rushing in the win. He scored on runs of 7 and 8 yards and also threw two touchdown passes to Parker Wienandt (14, 37 yards), one to Ty Schwartzkopf (21 yards) and one to Jon Younger (6 yards). Liegl finished 8-of-13 for 112

Kaukauna’s Isaac Maas tackles Kimberly’s Carson Pendleton (15) during Friday’s game in Kaukauna.

WM. GLASHEEN/ USA TODAY NETWORKWISCONSIN

yards through the air and also had 53 yards rushing for the Bluejays (6-2 overall, 5-1 Fox River Classic ConferenceSouth).

Jeremiah Zank led the ground attack for Menasha, churning out 162 yards on 20 carries and scoring on a 4-yard run.

Around the Fox Valley Wausau West (7-1, 5-1) held off Hortonville 14-6 in a Valley Football Association game. The Polar Bears scored on Gavin Vallner’s 21-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but it wasn’t enough as their record drops to 5-3 overall and 4-2 in the VFA. ... Wrightstown (7-1, 5-1 North Eastern Conference) held off Little Chute 18-14 to set up a showdown with Luxemburg-Casco for the league crown next week. Aiden Humphreys had a 2-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers the lead for good early in the fourth quarter. ... In Eastern Wisconsin Conference play, Chilton (3-5, 2-4 EWC) kept its playoff chances alive with a 27-7 victory over Roncalli.

BUCKS Middleton ‘close’ to full return after knee surgery

Jim Owczarski

MILWAUKEE - Khris Middleton has been through an injury rehabilitation before, so there’s some familiarity with the sometimes lengthy process it takes to get back on the basketball court at full speed. The Milwaukee Bucks all-star acknowledged Thursday it can be annoying, but it’s no longer frustrating to wait for clearance to be let loose.

“I feel great, it’s just a progression,” he said. “You can’t just get thrown in the fire. That’s how you don’t heal properly or reinjure yourself. Just taking it step by step.”

Middleton had right knee surgery in May, a procedure he said he knew was coming in the middle of last season, and has been working out individually. He has yet to practice in full-team settings since the Bucks opened training camp Tuesday.

Football

Continued from Page 1C

Salm said. “We’ve moved the ball consistently the last two weeks, but didn’t produce points. Tonight we were 6for-6 in red-zone opportunities. The kids worked hard this week and it’s paid off.” North quarterback Luke Kritzer ran for three touchdowns, scoring on runs of 9, 1 and 85 yards and running back Jack Robinson scored on runs of 7 and 9 yards. Christian Pride had a big play on defense, returning an interception 50 yards for a touchdown.

Kyreese White had a 17-yard touchdown run to lead Appleton East (2-6, 1-5). Anthony Burdett had a 19-yard touchdown run for the Patriots with Cameron Scott catching a 47-yard scoring toss from Jacob Weisbach.

Xavier clinches Bay title outright

The Xavier juggernaut continues as

“Just being smart,” Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said Wednesday. “We’ve got time on our side. We’re just being smart and he’s been working diligently to get back, so that’s the plan.”

On Thursday Middleton added, “I think I’m very close.”

“I mean, everything that they mapped out after my procedure and being able to get in the weight room and court, I’ve been right on pace. It’s been slow, but that’s kind of the way they planned it out. But I think everything’s been going great so far, no setbacks. Like I said, I’ve been feeling really good so I’m excited about the next couple days to a week to really start to get after it and hopefully everything goes well.”

The Bucks open the regular season Oct. 26 against Philadelphia at Fiserv Forum and Middleton said it’s the plan for him to be ready to go — but he had to allow for the fact there is a lot of time between now and then.

“Sometimes things change but so far

the Hawks routed Winneconne to extend their winning streak to seven games while also winning the Bay Conference title outright at Rocky Bleier Field.

Xavier (7-1 overall, 6-0 Bay) plays at New London to finish its regular season next Friday.

The Hawks raced to a 24-7 halftime lead in the battle of conference leaders.

Jonah Gentry’s 72-yard touchdown run started the scoring for Xavier with Matthew Potter and Reid Hietpas scoring on runs of 9 and 5 yards, respectively.

Hietpas added touchdown runs in the third quarter of 1 and 22 yards and Isaiah Des Jardins had an 18-yard score to complete the scoring for the high-octane Hawks.

Brady Immel had a touchdown passing and receiving for the Wolves (5-3, 4-2), who also got a touchdown run from Ethan Mathe.

Luxemburg-Casco gets past FVL

Luxemburg-Casco’s run game was front and center in the Spartans’ 35-21

I’ve been on pace with everything that I’ve been doing,” he said. “So, we’ll go over the schedule again, see where I’m at, see how I feel and just keep track of things that way. I don’t want to set a hard date of when I’ll be out there becauseit’sallaboutfeelandcomfort.And they’ve been doing a great job of just making sure every step of the way I’ve been feeling great and feeing like myself. And so far I have been.”

Last year, Middleton missed the first 20 games of the season due to left wrist surgery. He played in seven games before blisters on his feet, an ankle turn and the right knee issue forced him to miss 18 straight games from Dec. 17 to Jan. 21. When he did return to play, he began by coming off the bench for 14 games as his minutes gradually ramped up. Once back in the starting lineup on March 7, he didn’t play in back-to-backs but averaged 30.5 minutes per game and shot 47% from the floor while averaging 19.9 points and 7.0 assists per

victory over Fox Valley Lutheran in a game with North Eastern Conference title implications.

The Spartans (7-1, 6-0 NEC) got a big night from quarterback Max Ronsman, who had 142 yards rushing and touchdown runs of 2 and 38 yards. He was also 10-of-11 for 73 yards passing.

“I told them we need more consistency and what I tried to talk to our guys about,” Fox Valley Lutheran coach Seth Jaeger said. “We showed spurts but, again, you can’t discredit LuxemburgCasco. They’re a great team and they are where they are for a reason. We needed to be more consistent, but our guys they don’t give up and they don’t quit and that’s what I’m proud of them for.”

Fox Valley Lutheran bolted ahead 7-0 in the first quarter on a spectacular 46yard touchdown run from quarterback Liam Heiges. Luxemburg-Casco then scored 28 unanswered points into the third quarter to take command.

Heiges also had a 23-yard touchdown pass to Nic Martin and a 22-yard scoring toss to Trenton Heyn to cap the FVL scoring.

game. He then tweaked the knee in his last regular-season game against Chicago on April 5.

While Middleton played about 35 minutes per game against Miami in the first round of the playoffs, it was clear his lateral movement was affected on defense. He averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 40.6% from behind the 3-point line.

Unlike last year, however, Middleton expects that once he’s cleared to go — he can go.

“I don’t think the plan is to manage it once I’m out there,” he said. “That could change, but hopefully it doesn’t. Just try to listen to them, but as far as I know I should be fine. I don’t think this is a situation where last year we’re trying to protect myself as much as possible.

“I feel like I’m in a great space mentally, body feels great, knee feels great, so I don’t think this is something we should have to manage going down the road.”

FVL is 6-2 overall and 4-2 in the NEC and has qualified for the postseason. The Foxes play at Freedom (4-4, 2-4) next week with the Irish looking to become playoff eligible with a win.

“We’renotfocusedonthepostseason yet,” Jaeger said. “I told them you have to let this one sting, because that’s how you learn. You learn from failure a lot of times more than you do from success. We have our eyes on Freedom and that’s the next step to put us up in a good position with the postseason as far as ranking and move on from there. One game at a time.”

Wisconsin Rapids blanks Appleton West

The Red Raiders outgained the Terrors 361-71 and had 287 yards rushing in a 31-0 win at Appleton West (0-8, 0-6 Valley Football Association). Rapids (1-7,1-5) got touchdowns from Brock Foley, Trevor Martin and Joe Zeman with Jackson Laskowski also catching a 63-yard touchdown pass.

*Subject

RB Taylor, Colts have agreed on a 3-year, $42 million extension

All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts have agreed on a three-year, $42 million extension that includes $26.5 million guaranteed, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the deal.

The Colts (2-2) activated Taylor (ankle) from the the physically unable to perform list Saturday and removed the questionable designation from his sta-

tus for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans (2-2). Taylor returned to practice this week after starting the season on the list and going through an ugly offseason contract dispute.

He missed all of the team’s offseason workouts while rehabbing from ankle surgery and all of training camp.

Taylor was eager Thursday to put the dispute behind him and get back on the field.

“If somebody wasn’t committed, they wouldn’t be here. Right now, I’m here and my No. 1 goal is really to attack this first practice,” Taylor said in his first public comments since June. “It’s been over 290 days, I believe. When you’re

not doing what you love, you’re going to notice it, so my main goal has been to attack this first day.”

NFL may add new international host for game in 2024

LONDON – The NFL could stage a game in yet another international location “as early as next year,”commissioner, Roger Goodell said Saturday.

Goodell spoke at a fans’forum in London, which is hosting three games this season before the international slate switches to Germany for two games in November.

The league recently confirmed that

cities in Spain and Brazil are under review as potential hosts in the future.

“We actually have three or four markets that are here this weekend and next weekend that are interested in hosting a game,” he said.

The NFL declined to comment beyond Goodell’s answers at the fan event.

The league has made an aggressive push internationally by adding a 17th game to the schedule to facilitate games abroad and give teams marketing rights in various countries. — Wire reports

surgeon who specializes in cartilage

He also dove into the toll it has taken on him emotionally and why he refuses to give up, despite being 32 years old and about to undergo his fourth surgery on the knee. Since recovering from the ACL repair and the removal of about 10 to 15% of the cartilage in his knee, Bakhtiari has been in and out of the lineup, constantly dealing with pain and fluid buildup.

Every time the doctors thought they had solved the problem, some other symptomwouldresurfaceandBakhtiari would be back in the same place. It happened again after he played 55 snaps in the Chicago Bears game Week 1 and, after consultation with Cole, Los Angelesbased surgeon Neal ElAttrache and one other specialist, it was determined the femoral condyles — two rounded prominences at the end of the femur — were causing the problem.

“I’m a symptomatic individual for this specific injury, and I need to fix that,” Bakhtiari said of it continually causing him problems. “And it’s just unfortunate. Getting a bunch of opinions. I even went all the way over to the East Coast to talk to another doctor, and talking to Brian, I think we are at a point where we collectively understand what the problem is.

“It is just very unfortunate, because

in my knee and how it is, it’s basically like sandpaper when it rubs. It’s just not smooth, which is creating a lot of fluid. And, you know, I’ve been dealing with a lot of the friction for a long time. And that’s where you see I’m constantly in and then out, I’m out and then I’m in.”

Bakhtiari said he would not be able to return to the field this season and his hope is that he would be ready for the start of training camp. Once the surgery is completed, he will have a long rehabilitation ahead of him, but he said he’s ready to tackle it full steam.

Due to make $21.4 million next year and count $40.5 million against the Packers salary cap, Bakhtiari said he understands it’s possible he could be playing somewhere else next year. But hesaideverythingisonthetableandhis focus is on returning as one of the best left tackles in the NFL.

“I know I can still play and I can still play at a high level and I want to give that to an organization,” Bakhtiari said.

“And to me, I think the greatest achievement other than the personal financial freedom that this game gives is to win a Super Bowl. So that one I would love to have, and that does definitely drive me.”

Bakhtiari indicated the initial injury, which he said occurred when he took a wrong step in practice, caused damage to the condyles, but he said doctors had nowayofknowingwhetherthatwasgoing to cause him problems in the future.

He said the condition doesn’t cause the symptoms he was having in every personand,becauseitrequiresasignificant surgery and recovery time, other

things had to be ruled out. And when he addressed the other issues, either through surgery or rehabilitation, he had some success.

“In the beginning, we knew about the issue when it had happened,” Bakhtiari said. “And the whole goal was, let’s even see if you’re a symptomatic individual. ... There’s a lot of the football players who have this and they’re totally fine.

“Great, OK, so then, as I’m going throughandrehabbingandprogressing, then something else pops up. OK, and now I’ve got address this. And then another thing popped in, and we have to address that. And then, you know, then I’m fighting through trying to make sure I can play as much as I can last year.”

Bakhtiari said he was hopeful this past offseason that his knee issues were behind him because for the first time in two years he didn’t need offseason arthroscopic surgery to correct a problem. He said it allowed him to work out fulltime throughout the offseason and address fully the atrophy that had occurred in his leg while recovering from three surgeries.

He said he did everything possible, including ingesting various natural healing substances emanating from inside and outside the U.S. borders, continually taking drug tests to make sure he hadn’t been given something the NFL had banned.

“I was willing to risk that because I wanted to play,”he said. “The whole goal is to play.

“And then you know, for me, it’s like, I at least I can sleep at night knowing, did

I do everything I could to not have to do this? Yes. Did I try as hard as I could to work with it (the knee). Yes.”

Bakhtiari said it became clear to the doctors that the condyles were the problem because they had cleaned out all the other things they thought might be causing his symptoms.

Bakhtiari had figured out a way in ’22 to manage the knee and finished the season playing in seven of the last 10 games and 11 total. But he said he was constantly recovering from having 4 ounces of fluid removed from his knee, which had become the norm, and that took a toll on him.

“I mean, football, we’re all going to leavewithbumpsandbruises,”Bakhtiari said. “Just give me something that I can work with. But it got to a point where it got too far. And now we need to reel it back because you can’t function with that.”

Bakhtiari’s eyes welled up when he talked about how supportive his wife has been throughout the ordeal and what it meant to him.

When it came to his future, he was more pragmatic.

“I think everything’s on the table,” he said. “I can only control what I can control. They have decisions they need to make for what’s best for the franchise. I understood that the moment I got in here. And I’ve seen every face go. This face is going to go, too.”

If the surgery goes as planned, Bakhtiari might stay, too. But regardless of what happens with the Packers, he expects to be playing football next year.

Legacy Adams left fostered ‘mutual love’

GREEN BAY – They were kindred spirits. Davante Adams’ football roots grew from the basketball court, just like AaronJones.Theteammatesplayeddifferent positions in the Green Bay Packers’ offense, but their route running overlapped.

Nobody teaches route running like Adams, the NFL’s best.

Early in Jones’career, Adams noticed where the Packers running back could improve.Joneswastoomechanicalrunning without the football downfield, not uncommon for tailbacks whose primary job is to carry the ball, not run routes. Adams pulled his teammate aside one day on the practice field and gave him advice that has stuck with him as he’s become one of the league’s top receivers out of the backfield.

Run routes like a basketball player. Break cornerback’s ankles like a crossover dribble. Combine the two sports into one.

“He definitely taught me a lot,” Jones said. “I haven’t been able to get all of it down, but he definitely taught me a lot within your pace to the game, how you can kind of go out there and play basketball, play freely. You don’t have to be so robotic. Then when the opportunity is there, when it presents itself, go make that play that you’ve been doing your whole life.

“I’m a huge fan of Tae because he’s one of the best in the game.”

The Packers are preparing this week to play one of the best in the game as they travel to the Las Vegas Raiders for “Monday Night Football.” Adams will be waiting for them two years after concluding his eight-season Packers career as one of the most prolific receivers in franchise history.

The trade that sent Adams to the Raiders before last season was a prelude to a new era for the NFL’s most storied franchise, coming one year before the team moved on from iconic quarterback Aaron Rodgers. For the Packers, the trade brought a 2022 first-round draft pick used to select linebacker Quay

was selected a first-team All-Pro for the third straight season. Adams is on a similar pace this year, tied for third in the NFL with 33 catches, ninth with 397 yards and tied for fourth with three touchdowns in four games. At 30 years old,hecanstilldominateadefense.Two weeks ago, Adams caught 13 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders lost at home anyway.

This week, Adams is the Packers’ problem.

“I don’t know if there’s a lot to help against a player of that caliber,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “If he’s not the best, he is certainly right there. Every time he goes out on the field, every snap, you betterknowwherehe’saligned.Youbetter have a plan for him. Because he can take over a game. We’ve seen it first hand over the years, and I think some of the plays he’s made this season through four games have been unbelievable, but it doesn’t ever surprise me because I’ve seen him do it for years.

“Just a guy that we’ve got a ton of respect for, not only the player. The person, the competitor, we’re going to have our hands full with him.”

he played for who remain on LaFleur’s staff.

“It wasn’t some big, crazy breakup that people thought it was,”Adams said. “Obviously, it felt like it just because everything seemed good a week ago, and then obviously I was gone. But a lot of love and respect — mutual love and respect — between the Packers and I.”

The Packers’ admiration stems from the legacy Adams left behind. Jaire Alexander is the obvious place to start. His training camp battles against Adams as a rookie are now legendary. There was nobody better than Adams to introduce a first-round cornerback to the trials of covering the NFL’s best receivers. More than once, Adams would enter the locker room after practice only to see Alexander’s face buried in an iPad, learning from the lessons delivered on the field that day.

Walker, and a second-round pick packaged to move up in last year’s draft for receiver Christian Watson. For Adams, it opened a new chapter in his career, one devoid of a future Hall of Fame quarterback throwing him the football, but not the All-Pro numbers attached to his name.

Adams’ arrival with the Raiders didn’t go as expected. A primary motivator was the opportunity to reunite with quarterback Derek Carr, his college teammate and the Raiders’starter at the time. Carr was benched late last season.

He’s the New Orleans Saints’ starter now. Adams has lost more frequently than he ever did in Green Bay. The Raiders are 7-14 since his arrival, far from a playoff contender. Adams still used the opportunity to pad a potential Hall of Fame career for himself, proving it doesn’t matter who throws him passes. In his first season with the Raiders, Adams finished with100 receptions (his fourth in five years),1,516 yards (his second straight with at least 1,500) and an NFL-leading 14 touchdown catches. He

At a podium Thursday almost 2,000 miles away, Adams downplayed the matchup against his former team. It will be strange lining up against someone wearing a Packers helmet, he said, but so much of the roster has changed since his departure. He offered nothing that hasn’t been reported before, indicating the Packers initially made a low-ball offer in the 2021offseason, before the final year of his second NFL contract. If the Packers opened with the offer they eventually brought to the table in the spring of 2022, Adams acknowledged, he would have signed it then, but he also suggested the contract would not have represented a long-term commitment from his perspective.

Even then, the Packers’ future at quarterback was murky, a potential change to Jordan Love visible on the horizon.

Adams said he still holds the Packers in warm personal regard. He contacted LaFleur on the coach’s birthday this offseason. He still connects with coaches

Alexander, the league’s highest-paid corner now, wants to match coverage against an opponent’s top receiver every week. Even still, this matchup is different. After missing the past two games with a back injury, Alexander made clear nothing could keep him off the field Monday night.

“I wouldn’t say it’s like the Super Bowl or the playoffs,” Alexander said, “but it’s kinda like that. It is what it is. I can’t miss this matchup.” Adams’ legacy extends beyond the cornerback he helped foster into a Pro Bowler. More than one Packers star owes the start of their career to the lessons Adams delivered. On the day Jones was drafted in 2017, the Packers selected two more running backs: Jamaal Williams and Devante Mays. Before their first season, veterans in the offense picked a tailback they thought would emerge from that triumvirate. Adams’ choice was Jones. He let the fifth-round rookie know frequently, reminding Jones to not disappoint him. Jones was selected to a Pro Bowl four years later. He’s third among the Packers’all-time rushing leaders, behind Ahman Green and Jim Taylor. It all started with Adams’ vote of confidence.

“Davante was a role model to me,” Jones said. “Somebody I looked up to, like a big brother.”

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver

Davante Adams tip-toes along the sideline after making a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

MARK J. TERRILL/AP

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71-69—140 (-2)

69-71—140 (-2) Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Friday Second Round Leaders

(Note: Tournament is played on three courses.) Matt Fitzpatrick 67c-64a—131 (-13) Nacho Elvira 66a-66b—132 (-12) Grant Forrest 65a-67b—132 (-12)

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Sincerely,

SUNDAYLIFE

STILL ‘HAVING A BALL’

Northwoods town rallies to save world’s heaviest ball of twine

Keith Uhlig Green Bay Press-Gazette | USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN

Over the course of nearly 44 years, a guy living in rural northwestern Wisconsin meticulously collected and wove together pieces of twine to create what is considered to be the world’s heaviest ball of twine. h The giant ball of twine was a defining compulsion in the life of its idiosyncratic creator, James Frank Kotera. As the ball grew to eye-popping proportions, word got out, and people from all over the world made pilgrimages to see the creation, located under a gazebo next to Kotera’s town of Highland home, about 30 miles southeast of Superior. h Kotera, who called himself JFK, could be painfully shy when speaking to strangers, said Terri Nelson, a neighbor and friend. But if anyone asked him about the ball of twine, he would light up and talk, punctuating his sentences with his catch phrase, “Having a ball.” He would demonstrate to strangers how he wove lengths of twine into the ball. But he never allowed anyone else to add to the creation; it had to be done by one man, he’d say.

When Kotera died of cancer in January at age 75, his twine ball weighed 24,100 pounds, a weight that compressed it so that instead of beinground,itwasshapedlikeanegg.Howdopeople know it weighs that much? Because Kotera carefully weighed all the twine he put onto the ballandaddedthetotalhimself.Hewasthatkind of a guy.

Toward the end of Kotera’s life, Nelson began to wonder what would happen to Kotera’s creation after he was gone. She determined that the giant ball of twine needed to be preserved and started to work to make it happen. On Sept. 21, shegainedamajorvictorywhenvolunteersfrom

‘The

Lit Wisconsin is a sporadic series of stories in which we highlight the work of writers of Wisconsin or those who have ties to the state.

Today Lit Wisconsin looks at the work of three collaborators—awriter,aRhinelanderbusinessman,and a hodag historian and author — who have teamed up to provideanewspinontheage-oldtaleofthemythological Northwoods monster. They’ve created a fictional novel titled “The Outhouse Papers: Gene Shepard and the Hodag.”

About the collaborative team

Jerry Shidell was relaxing on the deck of a rented

You can help

Terri Nelson said the fundraising effort will continue to help pay the expenses to preserve James Frank Kotera’s giant ball of twine. People can learn more at gofundme.com/f/ help-us-move-jfks-twine-ball.

a local trucking company and a towing company teamed up to move the ball from Kotera’s property to the land where the Highland town hall, fire department and transfer station are located.

“I wanted to do it for me, because I wanted to

condo on the shore of the Gulf of Mexico with his wife, Julie, when a thought struck him. The Shidells owned a variety of businesses throughout the years in Rhinelander, and currently run Julie’s Book Korner, a used bookstore. Jerry is a former mayor of the town. It’s been a great place for them to live, Jerry thought, and he wanted to give something back. He immediately visualized the hodag, the city’s monstrous mythical mascot, now used as an economic driver which gives the city a sense of identity.

“My initial thought was, ‘Boy, a movie would be great,’” Jerry said. He called a writer he knew from Rhinelander, Mike Skubal, who in various phases of his life was an actor, a playwright, and a newspaper reporter and columnist for the Rhinelander Daily

keep the ball of twine, because it was part of Highland history,” Nelson said.

But as she raised money to help pay for the move, working out the logistics to make it happen, the project took on a bigger significance. It became about more than the ball; it was a way to remember and honor Kotera, who had become a friend and in many ways, a role model to Nelson and others who knew and loved him.

“He was an amazing man. He really was,”Nelson said. “We can’t let people forget that.”

See TWINE, Page2D

Keith Uhlig Green Bay Press-Gazette

This is the hodag as Eugene Shepard imagined it. He created the hodag for the first Oneida County Fair, and using lighting, puppetry techniques, odors and sound, convinced at least some people that the animal was real. COURTESY OF THE RHINELANDER DISTRICT LIBRARY

Terri Nelson, center, stands with volunteers from Lake City Towing and Walt Moss Trucking, who teamed up to move James Frank Kotera's giant ball of twine from his property to a spot on town of Highland land where people can visit it.

COURTESY OF TERRY NELSON

Kotera loved his job as transfer station attendant

Nelson said she first met Kotera in 1980. She often fished at a nearby lake and drove by Kotera’s property and the giant twine ball. She was compelled to stop and look at it. That kind of thing is just up Nelson’s alley, she said, laughing asshetoldthestory.Shelovesquirky,unusual roadside attractions. She and her husband, she said, “once drove two hours to go see a giant snowman.”

But she didn’t get to know Kotera well untilsheandherhusbandmovedtotheir Highland home about eight years ago. They even started contributing to the ball itself.

“We have horses, so we’d give Jim the twine that we had,”she said.

They also got to know Kotera, along withalltheresidentsofthetownofHighland, at the town’s garbage transfer station. Highland doesn’t have a trash pickup service; residents take their garbage tothetransferstation.Koterawastheattendant at the station for years. That work was the other passion in his life.

“He wanted to do his job so well,”Nelson said.

Before moving to Highland, She and her husband lived in other rural areas where they had to use a transfer station, Nelson said. They typically would throw their trash into bins themselves. They quickly discovered that things were different in Highland.

Kotera would greet residents as they pulled into the transfer site, grab their trash and place it meticulously in the various receptacles, making sure they were packed as efficiently as possible, Nelson said. That efficiency meant the town had to do less hauling.

“He saved the town lots of money,” Nelson said.

Kotera retired after being diagnosed with cancer. But by way of thanks for his years of service, town officials changed the name of the transfer station to JFK: James Frank Kotera Transfer Station. It just made sense to locate the giant twine ball adjacent to the transfer station.

‘Having a ball’creating a giant ball of twine

When Nelson and her husband first startedgoingtothetransferstation,Koteracouldn’tbringhimselftospeaktoher. She could tell he was very timid, but she was determined to crack through the barrier. She told her husband she would take the garbage to the transfer station alone, so Kotera would be forced to talk with her.

Itworked,andasshegottoknowKoterabetter,themoreshebegantoappreciate what kind of person he was.

“Alotofpeoplethoughthewasn’tvery smart,” Nelson said. “But I think he was really smart.”

Hodag

Continued from Page 1D

News.

Together they decided that a book would be more practical. They met several times in person after that phone call and together came up with a new storyline that would incorporate the myths that have become lore through the years. Jerry Shidell agreed to pay Skubal to write the book and underwrite the project. Skubal took the challenge and ran with it.

“We agreed on a handshake,” Shidell said.

Once they got going on the story, they brought in Kurt Kortenhof, a historian and author of the nonfiction account, “Long Live the Hodag: The Life and Legacy of Eugene Simeon Shepard.” Kortenhof runs a small publishing company, and he agreed to publish the final product.

“I really loved the book,” Kortenhof said. “It kind of captivated me.”

Who is Gene Shepard?

Shepard was a Rhinelander booster who “created”the legend of the hodag in the early 1900s, essentially convincing the world that the monster was real. He not only invented a backstory about the beast (and wrote about it in a local newspaper), but also created a beast (it moved like a puppet) that he displayed at the first-ever Oneida County Fair.

It was a topnotch sideshow, and some fairgoers left the display thinking that the hodag was real, a monster that Shepard captured in the Northwoods. He encouraged that notion, of course. In earlier years, Shepard was a timber cruiser, a worker who would estimate the amount of lumber that a chunk of forest would yield. As the lumber in-

She said she learned that Kotera was never expected to graduate high school, but he did. Some didn’t think he could holdaregularjob.Heprovedthemwrong again.

NelsonsayssheadmiredthewayKotera found his place in the world.

“Hewashappywithwhathehad,very happy with his simple life, and I think that’s why I liked him,”Nelson said.

After all, she said, it’s a rare person who can find happiness in something like making a ginormous ball from stretches of twine, and maybe that’s a kind of lesson that everybody should learn.

Saving an icon of JFK and the town of Highland

There’s one YouTube video featuring Kotera in which he was asked what will happen with the ball when he’s gone. He tells the interviewer his nephew would take over.

Nelson laughs at that idea. In an area where everybody knows everybody –“forbetterorworse,”shesaid—she’sgotten to know Kotera’s family. His nephew is definitely not the kind of guy who builds extraordinarily large twine balls. In fact, when she asked family members about what they planned to do with it, they really didn’t know. They thought maybe they would bury it in a hole or something, Nelson said.

She asked if it would be OK with them if she started a GoFundMe page to raise money to preserve the ball. Sure, they toldher,goahead.Butwhowouldpayfor that?

Itturnsout,quiteafewpeople.Nelson started the page after Kotera’s funeral with a goal of raising $10,000. Soon contributions started to flow in, often with notes from people sharing their experiences with Kotera and the ball. As of Sept.29thepagehad98donationstotaling $4,810. People have made donations ofabout$2,000throughothermeans,as well, Nelson said.

That’sbeenenoughtohaveaslabbuilt for the ball, and Nelson has ordered construction materials. Once they arrive, volunteerswillbuildagazebo-styleshelter to once again protect the ball. Highland officials plan to build a new office/ shed for the new transfer station attendant along with that structure.

Meanwhile, the ball is protected by a large tarp.

Volunteers from a couple local companies — Lake City Towing and Walt Moss Trucking — moved the ball. The transfer was nerve-wracking, Nelson said.

Sheworriedthestrapsusedtoliftand move the ball would tear it apart. When they didn’t, “I could breathe again,” she said, “and it was the best feeling in the wholeworld....Obviouslytwineholdsup really well.”

dustry began to fade, Shepard bought up acres of clear-cut land. He hoped to make money selling it to farmers, and he used the hodag infamy to get the attention of people from across the country. It worked.

What is a hodag?

Shepard wrote that the hodag had a dragon’s body, a fanged, snarly grin and smelled of “buzzard meat and skunk perfume.” The monster, he continued, was “a terrible brute” with the “strength of an ox,” “the ferocity of a bear” and the “cunning of a fox.”

Shepard didn’t exactly invent the hodag from scratch. According to Kortenhof, the word hodag originated as lum-

berjack slang for a grub hoe (a kind of heavy-duty hoe) or maddox (a kind of flat-faced pick ax). When Shepard was working in the woods, the word had been transferred to a mythological monster/demon that sprung from the spirits of cremated oxen. He took the concept and ran with it, embellishing and burnishing the tale, perhaps even using a water creature from Native American mythology to create the hodag’s look.

About ‘The Outhouse Papers’

The fictional “Outhouse Papers” weaves together a story from Skubal’s

At the same time, Nelson knew what care Kotera took when he built the ball. “He was very dedicated to it. He’d be out there in the rain, even, tying on more twine. He was just very serious about it,” she said. “That thing is solid.”

Nowthatthetwineballisinitspermanent home, Nelson hopes people will come and see it. She plans on having signs installed that explain the ball and give people an idea about what kind of guy created a giant ball of twine.

Whenever Nelson would visit the transfer station, Kotera would be there. He’dgiveareportabouthowmuchtwine he added to the ball in the preceding days, and how much it weighed with the new twine.

I laugh every time I think about it,” Nelson said.

Now she smiles at the thought of the ball being on display at the transfer station.

Jim would be so proud,”she said. Keith Uhlig is a regional features reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin based in Wausau. Contact him at 715-845-0651 or kuhlig@gannett.com. Follow him at @UhligK on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram or on Facebook.

imagination with the legend, real history and Skubal’s memories and experiences in Rhinelander. The fictional story unfolds when a benefactor (based on Shidell) hires a retired newspaper reporter (based on Skubal) to find out the “real” story of the hodag.

As Skubal unwinds his particular tale, his hero finds a cache of papers in a cabin’s outhouse that were written by Shepard. Could it be that the myth was really true? Was Shepard’s trickery actually using his prank to cover up the reality of the monster?

Skubal said one could consider “The Outhouse Papers”as an extension of the gag that Shepard pulled off at the Oneida County Fair.

“There is no truth. The hodag was never real. The whole thing was a prank, and this book is a prank in a way,” Skubal said. “I tried to stay in that vein.” Yet a reader will get interesting and very real nuggets about the hodag along the way. For instance, Shepard’s creature was black. But today the hodag is green. That’s because when the Rhinelander high school chose the hodag as its mascot in the 1930s, its uniforms were green. There was no money to buy black uniforms, so the creature became green to match the school’s jerseys. How to buy

Interested readers can order the book through Amazon, both in physical and e-book form. Copies of “The Outhouse Papers”can also be purchased at several retail stores in the Northwoods region, including Rhinelander retailers such as Julie’s Book Korner, The Hodag Store and Trig’s; and the Wausau shop Janke Book Store. The book retails for $18, $9.99 for the Kindle version. Contact Keith Uhlig at 715-845-0651 or kuhlig@gannett.com. Follow him at @UhligK on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram or on Facebook.

A Lake City Towing wrecker, normally used to tow heavy equipment such as semi trucks, lifts the giant ball of twine from the spot where James Frank Kotera spent 40 years making it. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TERRI NELSON

A flat-bed tractor-trailer truck from Walt Moss Trucking moved the giant ball of twine to the Highland town hall site.

James Frank Kotera stands next to his giant ball of twine. He spent nearly 44 years collecting twine and adding it to the ball. Before he died in January, it weighed 24,100 pounds and became known as the world’s heaviest ball of twine. The weight compressed the ball, giving it more of an egg shape.

Mike Skubal, left, and Jerry Shidell teamed up to produce “The Outhouse Papers: Gene Shepard and the Hodag.” Skubal wrote the book, which offers a fictional take on the hodag mythology, and Shidell underwrote the project and sometimes helped edit the work. COURTESY OF KURT KORTENHOF

Lawrence hosts Indigenous People’s Day event

Monday

Lawrence University will hold its eighth annual Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday on Main Hall Green. The event is free and open to the public.

Held outdoors, the event will feature guest speakers, performances by Appleton Area School District Native American students, and a pow-wow demonstration with singers, drummers and dancers from Oneida Nation. The event is sponsored by Lawrence’s I.D.E.A.S. Division, the Diversity and Intercultural Center, Office of Student Engagement for Activities and Leadership, Lawrence University Native Alliance, Appleton Area School District Diversity and Inclusion Department, and Oneida Nation Tourism.

Indigenous foods will be available for purchase.

Brown Bag Lunch meeting set for Tuesday

Mark J. McGinnis, Outagamie County Circuit Court judge, will host a Brown Bag Lunch program at noon Tuesday in the Branch I courtroom at the Outagamie Justice Center.

RSVP to Debbie Lang at 920-832-5152 or Deborah.lang@wicourts.gov. Lang also can answer questions on using Pexip if you prefer to attend virtually.

Connections Matter looks at issues facing young women

The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region will host a Connections Matters event on Tuesday — which is also World Mental Health Day — to take a closer look at mental health issues girls and young women face.

A panel of mental health counselors and therapists from the Boys & Girls Club of the Fox Valley, Catalpa Health, Fox Valley Technical College’s Counseling and Advising Services and US 2 Behavioral Health Care, will lead the discussion.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Catalpa Health, 4635 W. College Ave., Appleton. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Admission is free, but seating is limited.

For more information or to register, visit womensfundfvr.org.

Healing service offered Wednesday in New London

St. John’s Order of St. Luke Christian healing ministry will host an ecumenical healing service at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Episcopal Church,1513 Pinewood Lane, New London.

The public is invited to this service with guest presenter Rev. Paul Feider, who is well-known for his passion teaching God’s word and bringing a healing touch to many. The theme for the evening will be Receive & Radiate the Love of Jesus.

Rev. Feider was born and raised in Wisconsin. His preparation for priesthood included two years of college at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. He completed his Masters of Divinity degree in Milwaukee followed by his ordination in1977. In1994 he took a year of Anglican

Studies and continued his ministry as an Episcopal priest. He has traveled to Australia, Europe, Guatemala, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, and nationally, teaching and ministering and has authored seven books. OSL groups meet regularly in New London, Appleton and Oshkosh. For more information, contact Jan at oslprayerline@gmail.com.

Reach Counseling to host new awareness event

Reach Counseling will host Utopia, a new event to raise awareness and support for sexual assault survivors, at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Fox Cities Exhibition Center. The event includes dinner, entertainment, and the opportunity to learn more about the services that Reach provides.

According to a news release, in the fall of 2022, the Wisconsin Department of Justice awarded Reach a grant to expand its prevention education, counseling, and advocacy programs. Since then, the organization has gone from serving170,924 to 407,758 Wisconsin residents. As a result, they have doubled their staff, and added a second office, located in Appleton. For more information on sponsorships or to purchase tickets, visit give.reachcounseling.com/event/utopia/ e499072. For more information on providing donations to enhance the silent and live auctions, contact greyson@reachcounseling.com.

AAUW’s used book sale begins Thursday

The Appleton Branch of American Association of University Women will hold its 86th annual used book sale, “Binge on Books!” over several days in October at the Northland Mall, 792 W. Northland Ave., Appleton.

From Oct.12 to 20, most books are priced at $1. Half price days are Oct. 21and 25. Get a bag full for $5 on Oct. 26 and 27, with remaining items free on Oct. 28. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct.18,19 and 20; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 21; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25, 26 and 27; and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 28.

Walk to Remember honors children lost Vida Medical Clinic and Support Services will host Walk to Remember from 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St., Appleton. The public is welcome.

The gathering is intended to remember children lost through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant/childhood death, abortion and other reproductive losses. The event also will offer the opportunity to support others and find healing through others who have experienced similar losses.

Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., with a short walk around the block and St. Pius property at10 a.m. followed by a memorial, ceremony, fellowship and refreshments. Vida offers a variety of free services, support and programming year-round at its center in Appleton for individuals who have had a reproductive, pregnancy or infant loss.

For information or to register, visit vidamedicalclinic.org/walk-to-remember.

Upcoming Events

BESTSELLERS

1. “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Chalice of the Gods” by Riordan, Rick (Disney Hyperion)

2. “The Democrat Party Hates America” by Levin, Mark R. (Threshold Editions)

3. “Fourth Wing” by Yarros, Rebecca (Entangled: Red Tower Books)

4. “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America” by Richardson, Heather Cox (Viking)

5. “Holly” by King, Stephen (Scribner Book Company)

6. “Elon Musk” by Isaacson, Walter (Simon & Schuster)

7. “The Running Grave: A Cormoran Strike Novel” by Galbraith, Robert (Mulholland Books)

8. “You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie” by Marshall, Natalie (Silver Dolphin Books)

9. “You’re My Little Baby Boo” by Marshall, Natalie (Silver Dolphin Books)

10. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Maas, Sarah J. (Bloomsbury Publishing)

11. “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI” by Grann, David (Vintage)

12. “The Wild Robot Protects” by Brown, Peter (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

13. “23 1/2 Lies” by Patterson, James (Grand Central Publishing)

14. “Tom Lake” by Patchett, Ann (Harper)

15. “Astor: The Rise and Fall of an American Fortune” by Cooper, Anderson (Harper)

16. “Haunting Adeline” by Carlton, H D (Hailey Carlton)

17. “Things We Left Behind” by Score, Lucy (Bloom Books)

18. “The Fragile Threads of Power” by Schwab, V. E. (Tor Books)

19. “Icebreaker” by Grace, Hannah (Atria Books)

20. “Assistant to the Villain” by Maehrer, Hannah Nicole (Entangled: Red Tower Books)

IDEASLAB

WATER WORRIES

Why I insisted on returning students to campus during the height of COVID-19

Editor’s note: This is the first installment ofa5-partseriesinwhichformerUniversity of Wisconsin System President Tommy ThompsonandVicePresidentJimLangdon reflect on their experience guiding the system though the COVID-19 pandemic. Wisconsin was one of a few university systems that fully reopened in person in the fall of 2020 after going virtual in the spring of 2020. This was amid nationwide lockdowns in the early days of the pandemic. Here they recount a meeting that happened shortlyafterThompsonwasnamedinterim president on July1, 2020.

Just days after taking office as interim president, I had a meeting with chancellors via Zoom. I was taken aback by several who

CAMPUS, Page5D

Concerns about forever chemicals in drinking water growing

Polling by Marquette University shows a growing number of Wisconsin residents are worried about “forever chemicals” in their water as testing for PFAS has revealed more contamination in private wells and public drinking water supplies.

We partnered with the Marquette Law School Poll to survey Wisconsin residents about their perceptions of PFAS risk and water quality in their communities in June 2022 and 2023. This research is part of a larger, two-year, multidisciplinary collaboration at Marquette University examining multiple dimensions of PFAS contamination and remediation.

The polling shows even though public opinion has polarized a bit around the is-

See WORRIES, Page5D

Iowa panel offers a model for redistricting

For years on end, Wisconsin has been consumed by political and legal battles over redistricting and what our state legislative and federal congressional maps should look like. It would be an understatement to say that Democrats and Republicans haven’t exactly seen eye to eye on the matter.

Since 2021 when the U.S. Census Bureau delivered its apportionment counts for Wisconsin, our state has endured endlesslegalbattles,newmaps,redrawn maps, tossed maps, and court-drawn

See VOS, Page5D

MERRY ECCLES/

Your Turn Amber Wichowsky, David Strifling and Jill McNew-Birren Guest columnists

See

Your Turn Tommy Thompson and Jim Langdon Guest columnists

IDEAS LAB

Worries

Continued from Page 4D

sue, majorities of Republicans and Democrats continue to express concern about PFAS. Moreover, rural residents have become more concerned about the issue, helping to shrink the rural-urban divide in opinion.

We found that many Wisconsin residents are worried about PFAS and that concern has grown over the last year. Roughly 6 out of 10 respondents expressed some level of concern about PFAS contamination in their drinking water in June 2022. Nearly twice as many said they were “very concerned” (31%) than said they were “not at all concerned” (18%). Five percent said they didn’t know. One year later, a greater number – nearly 7 out of 10 – responded that they were “very concerned” (34%) or “somewhat concerned” (35%).

A growing body of scientific evidence links PFAS to increased risk of certain cancers, high blood pressure, low birth rate, developmental delays, and harm to immune and reproductive systems. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that nearly half of the country’s tap water could be contaminated with at least one PFAS compound

More women worried about what PFAS do to the body

Concern is widespread across the state, but a few individual-level differences are worth noting. Wisconsin residents who reported paying attention to

Campus

Continued from Page 4D

opposed reopening in person in the fall due to a perceived lack of resources and policiestoguaranteethehealthandsafety of students and faculty.

In June 2020, my predecessor Ray Cross and the head of the board of regents announced their intention to reopen campuses for the fall 2020 semester.Theyhighlightedaseriesofactivities universities would undertake to provide a safe learning environment, including modifying dining and residence halls, maintaining social distancing, recommendingorrequiringfacecoverings,and creating guidelines for classroom occupancy.

I entered office with a firm understandingoftheuniversity.Ipledgedtobe itsstrongestsupporterand,ifnecessary, biggestcritic.IalsomadeclearIwasnota caretaker but intended to lead. Job one was to prepare the campuses to reopen for the fall 2020 semester.

As my conversation with the chancellors moved into its third and fourth hours, it was apparent these naysayers who wanted to revisit the debate about reopeninghadnotfullyconsideredsteps necessary to reopen nor the threat to the university’smissionifstudentsdeclined to enroll for the fall term.

Itseemedtomeamajorityofchancellors were headed toward one of two options: oppose reopening in-person or schedule another meeting to continue the conversation. Neither alternative was acceptable, so I ended the discussionandannouncedallcampuseswould reopen in-person for the fall 2020 term.

politics, whether there’s an election going on or not, were more worried about PFAS than those who reported paying little or no attention. Women expressed greater concern than men, reflecting a long-standing pattern of gender differences in risk perception more broadly.

In the June 2022 poll, respondents who reported getting their drinking water from public water systems expressed more concern about PFAS and the safety of their water supply than those on private wells. In the June 2023 poll, the difference between the two was smaller and no longer statistically significant. It is possible that recent findings of PFAS contamination in rural communities are shrinking rural-urban differences in perceptions of PFAS risk, though further survey research is needed to assess these changes in public opinion.

Finally, we observe a partisan gap: Democrats and Independents expressed slightly more concern about PFAS than Republicans, all else equal. That said, we should not overstate the difference: majorities of both Republicans (58%) and Democrats (78%) in our June 2023 poll expressed concern about PFAS. And both groups showed a nearly identical bump in concern between 2022 and 2023.

Wisconsin lawmakers approved new standards for drinking water

Last year, Wisconsin lawmakers approved a new drinking water standard for two of the most widely used PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The new standard requires that com-

munities test public water systems for PFOA and PFOS. Water systems that exceed 70 parts per trillion (for either of the chemicals or a combination of the two) must take corrective action. Public water utilities are also required to issue a public notice for any amount over 20 partspertrillion(ppt)anddisclosePFAS levels in their annual consumer confidence reports.

Voluntary tests of private wells conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and others show that PFAS contamination is not just a concern for public water utilities. Nearly 30% of Wisconsin residents rely on private groundwater wells that are not connected to a public water system for their drinking water.

We also asked respondents about their perceptions of safety of the drinking water supply in their community, a question that the Marquette Law School Poll has surveyed several times over the last few years. Because question wording was unchanged, we can compare responses over time.

In 2018, there was a notable uptick in publicconcern,particularlyintheWOW counties and Milwaukee County, likely reflecting discussion of Waukesha’s approved plan to divert Lake Michigan water for public water supply (under an amended court order to comply with radium standards) and how the city of Milwaukee was handling lead in drinking water. We also see increased concern about water quality in 2023 – a 7percentage point increase from the previous year. Concern rose the most in regions of the state outside of Milwaukee and Madison.

Higher education was not prepared for COVID-19. University administrators struggled to respond to the immediate crisis and plan for an uncertain future. Jim Langdon and I were at the center of theUWSystem’sresponsebetweenJune 2020 and March 2022 and offer the following recollections and advice to help tomorrow’sleaderskeepcampusesopen and safe the next time we face a similar public health crisis.

Why reopening during COVID was critical for our students

There were 6 reasons why I was so insistent we reopen:

1.Theoppositionchancellorspresented questions but not compelling reasons why it was unsafe to reopen. My inclination is to make decisions based on possibilities and not doubts and was pleased by the can-do attitude of chancellors whoalsosawahardbutviablepathtoreopening.

2. Making remote learning the new normal would cause some students to

more.

Iowa model a nonpartisan way to restore confidence

Continued from Page 4D

maps. This is not a sustainable path for our state to continue on.

I have always firmly believed that it is the legislature’s duty to draw our electoral maps. Wisconsin’s elected legislators represent every corner of the state, and it’s important that our democratic system incorporates the voice of every Wisconsinite. That is something only the legislature can do; not the governor and certainly not the judiciary.

Inoursystemofchecksandbalances, compromises are necessary, and it’s not fairtothepeopleofWisconsintoliveina state of political limbo, unclear which district they live in. This could lead to thousands of Wisconsin residents switching districts every other year, unable to depend on consistent representation. The constant battles have also been a drain on taxpayers and a continued standstill could cost millions

That is why I recently proposed that we establish an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission to remove politics from the process, restore confidence in our state’s electoral system, and help our state move on from the bitterpartisanbattlesofthepasttwoyears. Our neighboring state to the southwest, Iowa, has employed a nonpartisan, independent redistricting commission for many years and has had great success with this process. Countless Democrats and even our own governor, Tony Evers, have previously endorsed such a system.

In 2019, Evers proposed Wisconsin adopt the “Iowa Model” for redistricting for the 2022 elections. A Milwaukee Journal Sentinel headline read in part, “Want to end gerrymandering in Wisconsin? Tony Evers says look to Iowa.” You can imagine my surprise and disap-

The one exception was the La Crosse-Eau Claire region where concerns about water quality fell slightly over the last year. Eau Claire took action on PFAS contamination of its drinking water wells in late 2021, which could explain the increased confidence in the region’s water supply, and has also sued PFAS manufacturers in a bid to recover its mitigation costs.

Communities – here in Wisconsin and around the world – are working to protect vital water resources. However, communicating PFAS risk is challenging. Wisconsin’s drinking water standard is new and does not yet apply to groundwater. A federal regulation, expected later this year, may set a lower PFAS limit. Testing will likely raise concerns about liability and cost. The Wisconsin Court of Appeals will soon decide a case on whether the state has the legalauthoritytoenforcePFAScleanups pursuant to its authority under the Wisconsin Spills Law. Scientific understanding of the adverse health impacts of PFAS is also evolving.

Addressing contamination and protecting drinking water will require bipartisan cooperation. Wisconsin residents appear ready for such public deliberation and action.

Amber Wichowsky is Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at Marquette University. David Strifling is the Director of Marquette Law School’s Water Law and Policy Initiative and Adjunct Professor of Law. Jill McNew-Birren is Associate Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership at Marquette University.

Tommy Thompson, right, is updated on the latest COVID-related statistics during an operations center meeting Jan. 27, 2021, at UW-Madison. MARK HOFFMAN / MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL

temporarily or permanently abandon their college careers. This was especially true for students who needed access to laboratories and performance spaces to completetheirdegreesandresearch.The system had to do everything in its power toserveallstudentsandadvanceitseducational mission.

3. There would be inequity only opening some campuses. What rationale couldweprovideforwelcomingstudents back to University A but not University B? Could University A handle higher enrollment if University B students transferred there? And what harm would come to University B’s reputation if it was viewed as underperforming compared to University A?

4.Studentsrequiredimmediateinformation so they could enroll with confidence that they would be on-campus in thefall.Theyhadtofindhousing,arrange financing and make all the usual purchases that go along with moving from home to college, and delaying the decision would only make their tasks harder.

5. Time was not a friend. The Univer-

pointment when he and his colleagues rejected our proposal to enact the very plan they originally endorsed. IfEversistrulyinterestedinresolving this issue, why won’t he take yes for an answer? And why did all Assembly Democrats but one vote no on the very proposal they authored, even after we made changes and adopted 7 amendments to address their new-found concerns? I sincerely doubt this is a simple change of heart; more likely, it appears the financial and political calculus has changed. Deep-pocketed donors have recently committed millions of dollars to advocating for judicial-drawn districts. Wisconsin Supreme Court justices shouldn't draw maps Consultants, lawyers, and the political class stand to make a lot of money by a drawn-out fight. But this shouldn’t be about donors or politics. Wisconsin needs and deserves a resolution to this problem, ideally one decided by our legislativeandexecutivebranch,nottheju-

Coming next week

How an innovative testing regime and community outreach made returning to campus a success. Tommy G. Thompson was elected governor of Wisconsin four times, serving from 1987 to 2001. In 2001, he became secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a post he held for four years. He previously served in the State Assembly from 1967 to his election as governor. Jim Langdon served in appointed positions under governors Thompson, Scott McCallum, Jim Doyle, Scott Walker and Tony Evers from 1989-2020, and at UW System from 2020-2022.

sity had less than two months until fall semester. COVID-19 was the singular focus of our first weeks in office, and I concentrated staff on finding solutions to all manner of issues that may arise when classes resumed on campus.

6.AfewchancellorssaidIdidnothave the power to open campuses if they chosetoremainvirtual.IinformedthemI had the law on my side and was exercising my authority and prerogative in the best interests of students and the system. We were opening.

diciary. That is why I proposed the Evers plan to adopt the Iowa model, an independent, nonpartisan redistricting commission, that would be created by thelegislatureandtheexecutivebranch. Inhis2019budgetaddress,Gov.Evers said “People should get to choose their elected officials.” Now, he and his political allies are advocating for state Supreme Court justices to draw our maps, insteadofpursuingthemoredemocratic and representative proposal he initially endorsed. We are simply calling on the governor to stick to his word, take yes for an answer, and work with us to help our state move forward.

The alternative, kicking the can down theroadandcontinuedinstability,isuntenable. Let’s embrace bipartisanship and cooperation so we can get back to the business of governing, from addressing the cost of living, to ensuring our kids have a quality education, and building a strong economy for all Wisconsinites.

Rep. Robin Vos, R-Rochester, is Speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly.

How do we repay our debt to the dead?

What is the best way to honor the dead? Leaving aside the question of whethertheyshouldbecrematedorburied,whatotherritualscomfortyouwhen you seek to find a way to memorialize your dearly beloved? I am particularly interested in rituals you may have invented to pass on to future generations the life lessons you learned from your ancestors. You see, the essential spiritual fact is that we did not come from nobody. We came from them, and that fact establishes a spiritual debt to them for their love and support and nurture and wisdom. How do we repay that debt to the dead?

Hereisanemailthatmightsendusoff into some productive reflections ...

Q: I am a faithful reader of your columnsandyoursandFatherTombefore.I am not so faithful in going to church but that is another matter. The discussion about cremation and burial brings me to

a story to tell. Years ago, the young child ofalocalpastordiedattheageofthree.L was buried close to our family plots. Time passed and the pastor was calledtoachurchinMichigan.Mymother took over tending to L’s grave. She had always taken care of our graves and had trained her sons to plant flowers and do the weeding. In another cemetery, when at the ceremony for a former father-inlaw, upon observing a healthy mess of crabgrass, she said, “don’t ever let crabgrass grow on my grave.” I have tried to live up to that admonition.

Ihavealsotriedtoliveuptoherattention to L’s grave. Every year when I plant flowersonthegravesinourplot,Ialways include L’s. I also send a picture of the gravestone with flowers around it to her parents. They are truly appreciative and have invited me to visit them in Michigan. The father also sent me a book he had written about the death of a child and the relationship to God’s grace. It just supports your position on the worth of visiting graves, the memories that come forth, and the satisfaction of tendingtotheflowers.Ialsoputastoneonmy former sister-in-law’s gravestone as she was Jewish.

Thanks for tending to my beliefs with

your column. — From B

A:Thankyou,dearB,foryourwillingness to tend the flowers and remove the crabgrass.Itisatenderandbeautifulritual that sends a message to many. It sends a message to other families who visit the graves in that cemetery that yoursisafamilythathonorsandremembers the dead. It sends a message to your familythatlovedoesnotasktoberepaid but love deserves to be repaid. All the nights of tending to stuffy noses and all the bandages on scraped knees do not require planting flowers and weeding but in a way they do. It is a message that love is an act of tending to the ones we love.Afterdeathitishard–itisveryhard – to know how we can continue to tend for those who tended to us when they were alive, but love can find a way and flowers are a way.

However,therearecemeteriesthatdo not allow flowers and they can also be places of what I would call organic spiritual remembrance. Here is an example, Q: My brother and husband are both buried at the Prairie Creek Conservation cemetery in Gainesville, Florida. It is a green cemetery where the deceased are buriedinashroudorbiodegradablecontainer. There is no stone marker, but

there is a small, round metal stake pounded into the ground with the name of the person and dates of birth and death. There is also a register that can be used to find out where someone is buried. The cemetery is surrounded by natural woods and foliage. No outside plants or flowers are to be brought in. Friends paid to have a plant dug up and re-planted near my brother. The graves are spaced apart and part of the purpose of the cemetery is to keep the area from being developed. There is one exception to the natural rules and that is a metal arch for Jewish burials. I will be buried thereunderasparkleberrybushnearmy husband. Side note: My husband and I were married in the beautiful lodge on the conservation land. — From J A: I love the sparkleberry bush. Remember that when God appeared first to Moses it was in a bush. Somehow the things that grow remind us of the things that will never die.

Send all questions and comments to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com.RabbiGellmanisthe author of several books, including “Religion for Dummies,” co-written with Fr. Tom Hartman. Also, the new God Squad podcast is now available.

Appleton Area School District: Is seeking volunteers for tutoring programs, such as the United for Reading Success Program and the Math Achievement Partnership, along with other projects. Contact: Julie, bargholtzjulie@aasd.k12.wi.us

Appleton Housing Authority: Is seeking shuttle drivers to take residents to and from the grocery store. Volunteers will pick up residents at their home, take them to the store, wait while they shop, and drive them home when they are done. Total time commitment is 2 to 3 hours each time. Day of the week is flexible. A valid driver’s license is required. Contact: Kari, 920-882-2100 or karig@appletonhousing.org

Aurora Medical Center – Oshkosh: Is looking for volunteers for the Hospital Elder Life Program. Designed to maximize the experi-

ence of older patients and speed up the recovery process, HELP strives to keep patients’minds and bodies active. Specific training provided for daily visitors, mealtime assistance, early mobilization and therapeutic activities. A six-month minimum commitment is required with one 3- to 4-hour shift per week. To apply, visit aurorahealthcare.org/patients-visitors/volunteer.

Outagamie County Mentoring: Is looking for empty nesters to join their team. There are more than 30 kids waiting to be matched with volunteer mentors. Contact: 920-832-5961or hhsmentors@outagamie.org

Children’s Wisconsin: Is looking for certified therapy dog teams to visit with patients and staff at its Fox Valley locations. Teams must be certified by Pet Partners International or Therapy Dogs International. Contact: George, gdavis@chw.org or 920-967-9129

Community Benefit Tree: Is seeking volunteers to help process items donated to the

DEAR ABBY |ABIGAIL VAN BUREN

Young adult refuses to pay for portion of health coverage

Dear Abby: When my husband and I married a year ago, I dropped my health insurance plan and joined his family plan, since he also provides coverage for his children, including one who is an adult.Therewasnoadditionalcosttoadd me.However,monthslater,theinsurance company raised the monthly premium for all employees. When my husband talked to his adult child about helping to pay their share of the premium, they avoided an answer, and the issue was dropped. My husband recently raised the subjectagain,andwasmetwiththesame avoidance and excuses about not working enough hours at their job. They are notafull-timecollegestudent Shortlyafter the conversation ended, this adult child took to social media to rant about what a jerk their dad is for asking them to help pay and also posted several accusations that were untrue. This hurt my husband deeply, and his attempts to communicate are being ignored.

My husband was never heavy-handed about it. He was hoping that, as a young adult, they would understand why they were being asked to assist with their healthcare.Myhusbandnowwantstoremove this adult child from his insurance entirely, and I agree, even knowing the possible ramifications. Does this make us bad people? Is it wrong to ask a young adult to help with the cost of their medical needs?

– Hurting For My Husband Dear Hurting: Your husband’s child may be over 21, but they acted like a kid throwing a tantrum. Instead of appreciating what they have been given, they are demanding more. It would be a mis-

take to continue rewarding bad behavior. It wasn’t wrong to ask a young adult to contribute to the cost of their health insurance. Under the circumstances, removing this “child” from the insurance policy does not make you “bad” people; it makes you intelligent

DearAbby: Ever since we first began dating, I told my wife I never wanted to own a dog. She seemed to be OK with it, but over the last10 years, she has put intense pressure on me to get one. She now says she “doesn’t remember” our original conversation and says she never would have agreed to it.

She works, and I stay at home with the kids, so it would be my responsibility to take care of the pet, which I refuse to do. I feel physically sick around dogs, but because I don’t actively sneeze around them, she thinks I’m making up my sensitivity. She is now rallying the kids against me. We live a transient lifestyle that would force us to kennel the dog for one to three months a year, which would cost money we don’t have. What should I do? – Dogless in Oklahoma

Dear Dogless: Since you are outvoted, ask your doctor to refer you to an allergist. Once that’s dealt with, INSIST before adopting a dog that YOUR CHILDREN be responsible for feeding, walking and training the animal – with penalties if they don’t. As to what to do with the new family member while you’re traveling, either find pet-friendly places to stay or make it your wife’s task to find a boarding situation for “her” dog that won’t break the bank. Contact Abby at www.DearAbby.com

thrift store. Clean the item, ensure it is in good condition and working properly and label it with the proper store code. This is a good opportunity for small groups to work together. Contact: office@communitybenefittree.org or 920-422-1919.

Friends of the Grignon Mansion: Is seeking cashiers for 3- or 6-hour shifts to help indoors in the gift shop and to take admissions outside by the front door. Volunteers will use traditional cash registers and touch screen tablets that are easy to learn. Contact: Cassidy, cmickelson@kaukauna-wi.org

ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah: Is looking for volunteers to fill one shift per week from 8 a.m. to noon in the newly renovated breast care/woman’s health division at the hospital. Complete simple clerical duties, offer wayfinding, drinks and snacks. Full training provided. Contact: Sara, Sara.Reybrock@thedcare.org or 920-4545571, or apply online at thedacare.org/ about-us/volunteers.

Saving Paws Animal Rescue: Is seeking dog care volunteers to clean the kennels, feed, water, walk and socialize the dogs, and work on basic commands to prepare them for their new homes. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts available. Volunteers younger than18 must be with a parent or guardian. Training is provided. Contact: volunteers@savingpawswi.com

St. Joseph Food Program: Seeking a donation attendant to assist people who would like to drop off donations by unloading and providing receipts from 8 to11a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Volunteers also assist with preparing items for pickup or delivery, along with other operational or warehouse assistance. This activity includes lifting and using a pallet jack. Contact: Peggy, plynch@stjoesfoodprogram.org or 920-734-9461, ext. 313

Information provided by Volunteer Fox Cities, volunteerfoxcities.org, 920-8329360

All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time. Shows air one hour earlier in Central/ Mountain Time.

Halloween-Themed

Sitcom Marathon

MeTV, beginning at 12 p.m.

Enjoy six and a half hours of hilariously spooky episodes from The Brady Bunch, Leave It to Beaver, The Beverly Hillbillies, Gilligan’s Island, Mama’s Family The Love Boat and The Andy Griffith Show

The Simpsons FOX, 8 p.m.

Marge (voice of Julie Kavner) feels an overwhelming dread of the empty nest in the new episode “A Mid-Childhood Night’s Dream.”

Ice Airport Alaska

Smithsonian Channel, 8 p.m. h Season Premiere

In the Season 4 premiere, “Arctic Guardians,” a suspected toxic leak grounds a Boeing 737 at Anchorage International, engine trouble endangers the mid-air refueling of the USAF’s most advanced fighter jets, and a discovery at Anchorage customs uncovers clues to an international smuggling ring.

Krapopolis FOX, 8:30 p.m.

Tyrannis and Hippocampus (voices of Richard Ayoade and Duncan Trussell) release the only god they like, Prometheus (guest star Ben Stiller), from his eternity on the rock, only to find he’s friends with Deliria (Hannah Waddingham) in the new episode “Prometheus.”

Yellowstone CBS, 9 p.m.

In “The Remembering,” a new partnership threatens John (Kevin Costner) and the Yellowstone, while Jamie (Wes Bentley) ramps up his political campaign.

Bob’s Burgers

FOX, 9 p.m.

The Belchers make an important casserole and Rudy (voice of Brian Huskey) attends an important dinner in the new episode “The Amazing Rudy.”

Unforgotten

Check local station(s) for day/time

h Season Finale

Can Sunny (Sanjeev Bhaskar), Jess (Sinéad Keenan) and the team bring the clues in the case together and unravel the secrets to solve it?

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial Showtime, 9 p.m.

The final movie directed by William Friedkin follows a U.S. Navy officer who’s standing trial for orchestrating a mutiny after his captain shows signs of becoming unhinged and jeopardizes the lives of his crew. Kiefer Sutherland stars.

Family Guy FOX, 9:30 p.m.

With the brewery under construction, Peter (voice of Seth MacFarlane) takes a new job at the grocery store in the new episode “Supermarket Pete.”

Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein MGM+, 10 p.m. h Series Finale

The true-crime docuseries about notorious 1950s grave robber and serial killer Ed Gein concludes with new reveals and never-before-heard recordings that unravel Gein’s twisted mind. Jack Osbourne’s Night of Terror Travel Channel, 10 p.m.

Jack and guest investigator Jenny McCarthy head to Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford, Illinois. Recent construction at the museum has upset ghosts of the Tinker family, leading to aggressive activity.

“Unforgotten” JONATHAN FORD

God Squad Marc Gellman

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Daily Bridge Club

The fourth suit

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

HOROSCOPE |SANCTUARY | For more: www.sanctuaryworld.co

Aries (March 21-April 19).

Experimenting with a new love language? Romance is in the details!

Taurus (April 20-May 20).

Sharing your creative gifts with the world has true value.

Gemini (May 21-June 21).

You are stepping up your redecorating game to reflect your refined tastes.

Cancer (June 22-July 22). You’re drawn to people who aren’t afraid to have actual conversations. Mutual interests spark new attractions.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22). You desire practical things, built to last. That goes for luxuries AND relationships!

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You can people-please without compromising your integrity!

Libra (Sept.23-Oct. 23). Venus’ entrance to Virgo keeps a lid on a love affair!

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You’re cultivating friendships with staying power!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You are making friends at the top! You might earn yourself a raise or promotion! Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan.

19). Your zone of travel is ideal for adventures off the beaten path!

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). A relationship that began in the summer months gains traction!

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20). Solidifying a partnership? You’re both finally on the same page! Now if you could only stop nitpicking!

BRIDGE |FRANK STEWART

The fourth suit

A reader asks for an explanation of “fourth-suit” auctions, which often appear in my columns.

Today’s auction went easily. North’s jump to three diamonds was forcing, as per his partnership agreement, and South had an easy 3NT bid. North may have considered acting again.

Now say North had held A54, J, AQ8742,1042. He can’t jump to three diamonds, – forcing his hand isn’t strong enough to commit to game – but he wants to invite game. So North needs a way to invite and to force.

A reader asks for an explanation of “fourth-suit” auctions, which often appear in my columns. Today’s auction went easily. North’s jump to three diamonds was forcing, as per his partnership agreement, and South had an easy 3NT bid. North may have considered acting again. Now say North had held A 5 4, J, A Q 8 7 4 2, 10 4 2. He can’t jump to three diamonds, forcing — his hand isn’t strong enough to commit to game — but he wants to invite game. So North needs a way to invite and to force. Many players use a bid of the “fourth suit” to force. North would bid two hearts at his second turn, saying nothing about hearts but asking South to make a further descriptive bid. South would bid 2NT next, and North could then bid three diamonds, forcing. North-South might even reach six diamonds, a fair contract. But suppose South plays at 3NT, and West leads the deuce of hearts: jack, queen, ace. South has eight top tricks, and since he will be safe if diamonds break 3-2, he might lead the king and a second diamond. When West discards, South is in trouble. He can take the A-Q of diamonds and the A-K of clubs, dropping East’s jack. but since the clubs are blocked, South can’t score

Many players use a bid of the “fourth suit” to force. North would bid two hearts at his second turn, saying nothing about hearts but asking South to make a further descriptive bid. South would bid 2NT next, and North could then bid three diamonds, forcing.

North-South might even reach six diamonds, a fair contract. But suppose South plays at 3NT, and West leads the deuce of hearts: jack, queen, ace. South has eight top tricks, and since he will be safe if diamonds break 3-2, he might lead the king and a second diamond.

When West discards, South is in trouble. He can take the A-Q of diamonds and the A-K of clubs, dropping

By David L. Hoyt and Jeff Knurek

East’s jack. but since the clubs are blocked, South can’t score both dummy’s ten and his own queen. He will go down one.

For an extra chance, South tests the clubs first, taking the A-K. Then he can go to the 10 of clubs, come back to the king of diamonds, cash the queen of clubs and take two more high diamonds and the ace of spades in dummy to fulfill the contract.

South dealer Both sides vulnerable

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