“Even the folks who don’t graduate, the data suggests that they’re benefiting from the program, if they’re in it for a period of time and experience some treatment or levels of success before they end up dropping out of the program.”
Mark Schroeder, Outagamie County circuit judge
a
Treatment courts not just a ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card
Kelli Arseneau Appleton Post-Crescent | USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
APPLETON – Friday mornings in Outagamie County Circuit Court Branch 7 look different than a typical courtroom setting. h The morning starts out with conversation, jokes and laughter. Judge Mark Schroeder enters and banters with people in the room. It feels more like a classroom than a courtroom. h Court begins at 9 a.m., but not always on the dot. Court participants sit in the jury box, while county staff from various departments take seats at the counsel tables and in the gallery. Once it’s time to start, Schroeder’s tone becomes serious and he calls up court participants, one by one, to discuss how the previous week has gone.
The program is the Outagamie County Mental Health Court. It is an opportunity for people with mental health diagnoses to havechargesreducedordismissed,oravoid incarceration upon successful completion of the program.
People who have graduated from the program say it helped them turn their lives around.
JohnHendricksofAppletonparticipated
in the Mental Health Court from April 2022 to February of this year.
“I ended up there because mentally, I wasn’t really stable. ... I was just making the wrong choices. And I don’t think I would have gotten any better, I would have gotten in way more trouble, if I didn’t do the program,” Hendricks said.
Discussion in court shifts between lighthearted and serious.
Sometimes participants had difficult weeks, with stresses in their personal life and relapses. Some become tearful and voice frustrations with themselves. But through it all, there is support and camaraderie in the room. See
Kendra Meinert Green Bay Press-Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
CRANDON - If Friday night was indeed the final chapter in KISS history in Wisconsin, it felt a little like a storybook ending. It seemed both fitting and unbelievable that the End of the Road World Tour that has been zigzagging the planet since 2019 finally found its way down a two-lane road to an open field in the northwoods of Wisconsin as the band counts down the final 25-plus showsofwhatithassaidwillbeitslast go-around.
Eat your heart out, Tokyo, London and Budapest. Only at a gig at Crandon International Raceway, affectionately known by race fans as “The Big House,” could you see see Gene Simmons spew blood, Paul Stanley shake his tush and overhear this on your way to your car at night’s end: “Be careful. There’s some cowpies through here.”
Itwasaneveningthatmergedthousands of race fans in town for the weekend-long 54th Polaris Crandon World Championships and 8th Red Bull Crandon World Cup with thousands of KISS fans sporting vintage tour T-shirts as far back as 1976’s “Destroyer” for a concert put on by Forest County Potawatomi Community. You could hear the sound of off-road racing next door as Foghat’s “Slow Ride” played on the grounds while long lines of concertgoers waited to get in with their lawn chairs.
For all the spectacle onstage — enough fireworks, flames, pyro and “RockandRollAllNite”confettiforhalf of Forest County — there was a certain rustic charm to the remote setting. The night sky made the lasers and towering video screens of Simmons, Stanley, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer really pop, and a cool and breezy first evening of September felt like it could carry old-school rock anthems like “Shout It Out Loud” and “Detroit Rock City” all the way through Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.
KISS co-founders Stanley and Simmons seemed to embrace the smalltown setting. After attending the groundbreaking in the morning for one of their Rock & Brews restaurants at
See KISS, Page5A
tuck school property or elsewhere?
Reader question: Is there any movement by Neenah to establish a senior center at the Shat-
Answer: Neenah has no formal plans to build or establish a senior center, but the concept has been and continues to be discussed.
Mayor Jane Lang said that during the development of a master plan for Arrowhead Park, there has been an "extensive amount of conversation" about how to use the community space at the park.
"Until the plans are more formalized, it would be a bit premature to state definitively that we’re creating a senior center or community center there or elsewhere in the city," Lang said. "There are no funds allocated for a senior center or community center at this point."
Former Mayor Dean Kaufert created a buzz in late 2021 when he suggested using $1.2 million
in federal money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) as seed money for a Neenah senior center or community center. Kaufert, however, never actually budgeted funds toward the effort, and neither has Lang.
Neenah received $5.5 million in ARPA funds, and it has $2.15 million remaining. About $1.4 million tentatively has been assigned to public safety costs in 2024, leaving $750,000 unallocated. The city must budget the money by the end of 2024 and spend it by the end of 2026.
As for establishing a senior center at the Shattuck school property, that also is not in the works.
Developer Umer Sheikh recently agreed to purchase the property from the Neenah Joint School District for $500,001. He envisions creating 34 to 48 market-
It’s time to respect the working people of America
It’s Labor Day. The one day of the year set aside tohonortheworkingpeople of America. But the real story is what’s happening with workers the rest of the year. Recent polls (Gallop) and statistics from the US Department of Labor show that interest in unions and organizing activity is at its highest point in 60 years. As we navigated our way through COVID, a new
phrase entered our vocabulary: The Essential Worker. But too many working people felt they were either exploited or considered expendable by their employers. This led many workers to rediscover the advantages of union representation.
Those workers already in unions have been forced to exercise their right to strike to gain the wages, benefits, respect and dignity they deserve. Striking performers and delivery workers have been making big national headlines. But other
rate apartments in the Shattuck building and 50 to 60 single-family homes on the balance of the property.
"I don't have any plans to create a Neenah senior center at this point," Sheikhsaid,addingthat's not to say he wouldn't consider the possibility going forward.
Though Neenah doesn't have a senior center, the city annually contributes tax dollars — $16,500 in 2023 — to support the Y-Senior Friends program at the NeenahMenasha YMCA. Neenah residents also are welcome at the Menasha Senior Center, 116 Main St., Menasha. Post-Crescent reporter Duke Behnke answers your questions about local government. Send questions to dbehnke@gannett.com or call him at 920-9937176.
striking workers include, journalists, correctional workers, professors, tech workers, autoworkers and baristas just to name a few.
In Wisconsin, brewery workers (Leinenkugels) and dairy workers (New Dairy Select Milk) have made the difficult decision to go on strike in order to achieve an equitable contract. No one ever decides to go “on strike” unless they believe they have exhausted all other options. After decades of
See LETTERS, Page6A
Continued from Page 1A
It’s no “get-out-of-jailfree card,” said former Mental Health Court coordinator Robyn Van Bogart. The program is rigorous, and requires participants undergo therapy, maintain absolute sobriety, participate in outreach events with the community and more.
Discussion in court shifts between lighthearted and serious. Sometimes participants had difficult weeks, with stresses in their personal life and relapses. Some become tearful and voice frustrations with themselves. But through it all, there is support and camaraderie in the room. Participants applaud each other for their successes, and staff offer words of encouragement when someone’s week did not go as hoped.
Mental Health Court is just one model of a slew of treatment courts across the state.
Outagamie County also has a Veterans Treatment Court and a Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court — which is separated into two tracks, one for OWIs and one more focused on drug addictions. The county will start a family recovery treatment court in September.
Brown County offers the same types of treatment courts, with some slight variations on criteria, in addition to a juvenile treatment court for people ages 17 to 21 and a heroin/opioid treatment court — which was the first of its kind in the nation when it was implemented in 2015, said Brown County Criminal Justice Services manager Mark Vanden Hoogen.
Other counties with highly populated cities — like Milwaukee, Dane, Eau Claire and La Crosse — similarly have a variety of treatment courts. The programs are scarcer in more rural parts of the state. These courts all have the same goal: to replace traditional methods of punishment for criminal behavior with rehabilitation.
Success stories show benefits of treatment courts
When Outagamie County started its Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court in 2009, Judge John Des Jardins was skeptical.
“My initial reaction to that was it was just an excuse to be soft on crime,” Des Jardins said.
If he was going to be against something, Des Jardins decided, he should learn more about it first. So he sat in on a day of drug court.
“It just totally blew me away, how effective it seemed to be,” he said.
Des Jardins, who retired from Outagamie County Circuit Court in 2021, had at the time already spent more than 30 years working in the criminal justice system, as a district attorney in Outagamie and Oconto counties, then as a judge in Outagamie County.
On the day Des Jardins sat in, sometime around 2010, one participant was graduating. The person’s family shared how the participant had turned their life around since starting the program, and it hit Des Jardins — treatment courts can really help a person change their behavior.
“As a judge, you know,
you’re sentencing people, and you just realize, well, I’m punishing the person. And the rehabilitation that takes place in prison or incarceration, oftentimes it just does not work at all, doesn’t even come close to transforming the person’s life,” Des Jardins said.
Inspired by what he saw, Des Jardins started the county’s Veterans Treatment Court in 2010.
In 2012, Outagamie County implemented its Mental Health Court. In 2019, the county expanded its Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court Program to include a separate OWI track, primarily for people who might be functioning in their daily lives but struggle with alcoholism and have received their fourth or subsequent OWI.
The Family Treatment Court will help parents who have active cases in Child Protective Services and who have substance use disorders regain parental rights. Unlike the other treatment courts, it will not require a parent to face criminal charges, Outagamie County Judge Mitchell Metropulos said.
Treatment courts started in Dane County
Wisconsin’s treatment courts date back to 1996, when Dane County implemented its adult drug court. Wisconsin’s first veterans court started in 2009 in Rock County, and Eau Claire County developed the state’s first mental health treatment court in 2011.
Like Outagamie County, Brown County’s drug court started in 2009, followed by a veterans court in 2012, and its mental health and heroin courts in 2015. OWI court was implemented in 2018 and family recovery court in 2020. Brown County’s newest treatment court, the Juvenile Treatment Court, was piloted in 2021 and fully implemented earlier this year, Vanden Hoogen said.
Both counties have seen significantly lowered rates of recidivism by people who have gone through a treatment court program.
h In 2022, Brown County’s average rate of recidivism three years after exiting a treatment court program was 36%.
h For that same year, Outagamie County’s rate of recidivism for graduates three years out of Veterans Treatment Court was 26%; for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court, 27%; and around 48% for Mental Health Court, according to county data.
h By comparison, a 2018 study from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections found the average rate of re-arrests in Wisconsin in a three-year period after release from prison was 52%.
Treatment courts are not only more helpful than jail time for helping a person turn their life around,butarealsoabetter alternative for taxpayers.
“Opposed to spending, you know, $55 a day in jail, these programs are a fraction of the cost,” said Bernie Vetrone, director of Outagamie County Criminal Justice Treatment Services. It’s more productive to society for a person to be working, paying taxes and engaging in their community than sitting in jail, Brown County’s Vanden Hoogen said.
Darek Nash of Neenah went through Veterans
Treatment Court beginning in 2021 through May of this year. Nash was in the Marines from 2008 to 2013. After leaving the Marines, he began using drugs and fell into a cycle of selling drugs to support his own addiction, engaging in “reckless behavior” for about five years, he said.
“I ended up getting a lot of charges for selling drugs. I sat a year in jail. I was homeless. At times I wasn’t homeless, but I didn’t take care of the places I was at, I broke a lot of my family down, you know, burnt a lot of bridges. I stole things, I did things I would never normally do,” Nash said. “It was a pretty rough multiple years.”
Nash was accepted into Veterans Treatment Court as part of his sentence following his yearlong jail stay.
Now, he lives with his girlfriend and their 6month-old baby, and works as a maintenance technician at a factory in Little Chute.
“I don’t think I would be where I’m at today if I did not have veterans court, I guarantee it,” Nash said. “If I would have just been thrown in jail or prison, I probably wouldhavecontinuedthe crap that I was doing before.”
How treatment courts work
Treatments courts offer individualized programs, molded to fit each participant’s needs.
Schroeder said that in Outagamie County Mental Health Court, determining what types of therapy and resources each participant will benefit most from can be a challenge for him and the treatment court staff.
“Trying to figure out what their needs are, what the available resources are for a particular individual and how to balance the treatment needs they have against trying to avoid disrupting those parts of their life that are stable — while also trying to protect the public from any sort of meltdowns or crises moments — that’s a difficult thing to do,” Schroeder said. “It’s not easy, and there’s some trial and error involved, unfortunately, at times.”
Participants go through phases of their programs that change based on their goals and needs, said Beth Robinson, deputy director of Outagamie County Criminal Justice Treatment Services.
“You might be focusing first on basic needs — housing, food, shelter — but then you’re shifting into treatment needs, and then you’re shifting into errors in thinking, and then you’re shifting into employment education goals,” Robinson said.“Itreallydependson where they are in the program.”
For example, in Outagamie County Mental Health Court, participants go through five phases before graduation.
During the first two phases, they must attend court weekly and complete requirements like going to medical and dental appointments and creating a budget.
Starting in phase three, they attend court biweekly and enroll in group therapy, which can involve one or more of various programs, like Moral Reconation Therapy — a type of therapy that involves learning
how to change thinking processes and make better choices — or anger management group therapy.
By phase five, they only need to attend court once a month, and maintain a stable routine.
All of Outagamie County’s treatment court programs include five phases and involve regular drug and alcohol testing, Robinson said.
On average, Outagamie County Mental HealthCourtandtheOWI track of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court take an average of about 20 months to complete. Veterans Treatment Court and the primary Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court track have a slightly longer average of around 25 months, Robinson said.
See TREATMENT, Page4A
Nash said each phase in veterans court was progressively more challenging, as he was given more freedom but had more responsibilities expected of him. However, the longer he spent in the program, the more he grew in confidence.
“When you feel more comfortable and stuff like that, you can open up about the problems you had,”Nash said. “I did open up, and I got a lot off my chest, and I got the help that I needed.”
Veterans Treatment Court is the only one of the county’s treatment courts that pairs each participant with a mentor, Robinson said. Veterans court mentors have to be graduates of the program for a year. Nash said he plans to return as a mentor once he is eligible.
Treatment court teams consist a presiding judge, a court coordinator, a representative from the district attorney’s office, a representative from the public defender’s office, probation agents, and sometimes other county staff. Some treatment court programs have court weekly, while others meet twice a month.
Josh Hopkins, behavioral health investigator for the Outagamie County Sheriff’sOffice,sitsinweeklyonMental Health Court. He said he believes having a law enforcement representative participating in the court is crucial.
“We are building rapport with these clients that have very high needs. And that rapport becomes very crucial when there’s welfare checks or things like that that need to be done,” Hopkins said. “In the past, law enforcement who are directly involved with Mental Health Court can really go out and do welfare checks and things like that on participantsthatwithotherofficersmaynotbe successful, but when they see a familiar face, it tends to be more impactful and more beneficial.”
While participants are expected to follow the rules, missing a therapy appointment or failing a drug test does not mean automatic expulsion from the program. Schroeder said the program aims to give “treatment responses” to relapses, and helps provide participants with the tools to find success and keep moving forward even when they take a
step back in recovery.
“Success on this stuff isn’t linear,” Schroeder reminded a frustrated court participant during Mental Health Court on July 28.
Brown County had 96 active participants in its treatment courts and 53 graduations in 2022, according to the county’s annual report. During the existence of each of Brown County’s treatment courts, 59% of all participants made it through the program to graduation.
In Outagamie County, the treatment court graduation rate differs vastly between programs. The OWI track of Drug and Alcohol Treatment court has an 89% graduation rate; the Veterans Treatment Court, 81% graduation,. Meanwhile, the rate for the drug track of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court is 41% and Mental Health Court is just 21%, Robinson said.
A person in a treatment court program may not finish for a variety of reasons — they may voluntarily drop out of the program, or get kicked out if they refuse to engage in treatment or commit new crimes, or they may simply run out of time on their probation sentence, Schroeder said.
“Even the folks who don’t graduate, thedatasuggeststhatthey’rebenefiting fromtheprogram,ifthey’reinitforaperiod of time and experience some treatment or levels of success before they end up dropping out of the program,” he said.
VandenHoogensaidhe’sseenpeople who were terminated from treatment court programs still take what they learned during their time and apply it to their lives, even though they were not able to be successful in completing the full program.
There are limitations to who can participate
Treatment courts are not available to everyone in the justice system dealing with addictions or mental health issues.
According to Outagamie County data, between 2014 and 2021, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Court accepted 147 of 431 referrals. The most common reason for denial was that a person was convicted of a violent offense, followed by being deemed a high risk to the community.
But people can also get turned away
from treatment courts for not being a resident of the county in which they’re charged, or if they scored low on the COMPAS test, an exam that assesses a person’s risk of reoffending.
They also need to be sentenced to a lengthy enough period of extended supervision, otherwise they won’t have time to complete the program.
VanBogart,whosincesteppingdown asMentalHealthCourtcoordinatornow works as a clinical therapist with Outagamie County Crisis, said court coordinators consider a variety of factors when determining if someone can be accepted into Mental Health Court.
“We look at violence on a case-bycase basis, because we are obviously in our community, and we need to understand the ability or the potential of reoffending,” Van Bogart said. “So when we look at somebody who may have had a violent offense, we’re looking at intent to harm someone, whether there was a weapon involved and whether they were treated and medicated at that time.”
Some people turn down the opportunity to go through a treatment court when they are sentenced, because it involves more work than a traditional sentence.
“The supervision in those courts are much more intensive, and there’s a lot more requirements. And a lot people are like, ‘well, I’d rather just sit my two months in jail than do that,’” Vetrone said.
Sometimes,defenseattorneysadvise clients that it might not be in their best legal interest to go through the program, if they are unlikely to adhere to regular drug tests and close supervision, Vetrone said.
Reforming the justice system
As someone who had a 40-year career in the courtroom as a prosecutor and judge, Des Jardins acknowledged that the justice system needs improvements.
“We need to be smarter in our justice system, not just harsh … but smarter in dealing with addictions that can be treatable and restore that person, rather than sending people into a place where they learn more about drugs and addictions,” Des Jardins said. “We want them to be a kinder and nicer person, but in these places, it’s cruelty and aggression
and brutality that rules the roost when you’re incarcerated. Kindness is not part of the prison system.”
Part of the issue is negative perceptions of addictions that can lead people to the criminal justice system, Vanden Hoogen said.
“When people see someone that has an addiction issue, they see a criminal, they see someone that doesn’t care. But if people consider looking at addiction as, like, the common cold — it’s an illness,” Vanden Hoogen said.
As an example, Vanden Hoogen pointed to the heroin epidemic that stemmed from people getting addicted to prescription opioids for medical issues. He said he’s heard many stories where people immediately became addicted to a drug the first time they tried it. Addiction is not an issue that only affects a certain type of person; it can happen to anyone.
Schroeder said he would like to see growth in the size of Outagamie County’s treatment court programs, but said he is not sure about the likelihood of that.
Treatment courts require funding — Outagamie County was planning for a family recovery court years ago, Metropulos said, but the project was suspended due to a lack of funding. It wasn’t until the county received a three-year grant in late 2022 that official preparations for the court were able to be made.
“It’s certainly going to be a part of the criminal justice system, as we continue to try to figure out to strike a balance between which folks need traditional outcomes, like formal probation supervision without a treatment court component, or incarceration or other punitive sanctions like fines, versus those folks that we can try to get at some of the underlyingissueswiththesupervisionofa court through a treatment court setting,” Schroeder said. “Because that’s the whole idea, to try to get at the underlying issues that get these folks out of the revolving door and continually coming back into the system on preventable crimes, if we’re able to help them unpack their trauma, their addiction issues and mental health concerns.”
Contact Kelli Arseneau at (920) 2133721orkarseneau@gannett.com.Follow her on Twitter at @ArseneauKelli.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel Carter in nearby Wabeno, they stopped for ice cream at Yeti’s Drive-In once they got to Crandon.
Still wearing the beaded medallions presented to them by the Potawatomi at the groundbreaking, they posed for photos with staff, customers and a poster that read “Are You Yeti to Lick It Up?”
Nobody was having more fun than Paul Stanley during the show
Once the makeup went on and the lights went down, they transformed from two guys in sneakers to rock stars in platform boots. After a thunderous 15-minute opening performance by Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company came the signature KISS intro.
“Crandon, you wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world. KISS!”
It was another 10 minutes, as crew appeared to wrangle the huge curtain with the band logo on it before KISS walked out and launched into “Detroit Rock City” at 9 p.m. For the next hour and 45 minutes, it was well-oiled, overthe-top machine that is a KISS show.
The theatrics are a familiar and much-loved schtick. Lead singer Stanley, the affable host for the evening, with the stage prancing and hand to the ear to the crowd. Simmons with all the tongue flashing and finger pointing, each one aimed with precision at the cameras onstage. Every pose, every movement is camera-worthy.
The real marvel is that after 50 years, KISS is still doing it — and doing it well and with such joy. Stanley seemed to be having a ball all night, especially on “Shout It Out Loud” and when trading guitar licks with Thayer on “Calling Dr. Love.” Singer, ever the cool Catman behind the drums, delivered a blistering solo on “Psycho Circus,” and then did “Beth” closer to night’s end.
As they ripped through one oldschool classic after another, from “Heaven’s on Fire” to “I Love It Loud” to “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” it was impossible not to feel like you were witnessing the end of an era. Bands with that kind of staying power and passion across generations are a rarity.
Stanley introduced “Lick It Up” as a song from 1983. “I wasn’t even born then,”saidafanintherowbehind—and
then sang along to every word.
KISS Army turned out in force in all ages and with face paint
David Moravetz, Green Bay, went to his first KISS concert in 1979 and has seen every tour that has come through the area since. It was the face paint that hooked him when he got his first album at age10. His17-year-old son, John, surprised him with tickets to the Crandon show. It was his first time seeing them live.
Even for somebody like David Moravetz, with all the albums, the pinball machine, the rooms full of memorabilia and a closet of tour T-shirts, the chance to see the band in Crandon felt special.
“They play huge venues all around the United States. They go to Europe andplay200,000or100,000peopleand they come here to 20,000 or 30,000 in a little town in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “You would never think that would happen.”
Nathan Boravich, a Potawatomi tribal member from Green Bay, has been a fan since he was10. His first concert was KISS at Lakeview Arena in Marquette, Michigan. Friday night was his second time seeing the band. He bought his father-in-law, Gary DuFresne, of Iron
Mountain, Michigan, tickets for his birthday. They both rocked face paint.
“This is huge for us,” Boravich said of Forest County Potawatomi landing such a giant act. “I think it’s pretty cool that they’re able to get up there at the age that they’re at and still put on a cool show.”
Simmons, who just turned 74 on Aug. 25, hammed it up with media and fans during press interviews prior to the groundbreaking ceremony in Wabeno but talked seriously about KISS coming to the End of the Road of its touring career.
“The idea is to get off that stage before it’s a joke. We introduce ourselves with, ‘You wanted the best, you got the best. The hottest band in the world. KISS.’ Why would you do that if you don’t have the goods?” he said. “We’ve all seen bands that have stayed onstage too long. Have some dignity. Deeply, deeply grateful for this amazing life. Get off the stage. All things have to come to an end.”
Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-4318347 or kmeinert@greenbay.gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @KendraMeinert.
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corporate dominance, workers have seen a shift in their favor.
Despite changes in technology and modern advances, working people today just want to be given a fair chance to earn a living and provide for their families. Today’s unions offer people the best hope to do that!
Mark Westphal, Neenah, President Fox Valley Area Labor Council AFL-CIO
Our economy needs renewed faith in the American worker
Representative Mike Gallagher mistakenly overlooks that what he calls “an existential struggle with China” is really a self-inflicted wound. It’s due to our own corporate decisions and trade policies.
Chinahasmaderemarkableeconomic progress since two famines in my lifetime. Our trade policies boosted their economic growth until their economy grew to number two in the world.
For over a century, many American and European industrialists put on rose colored glasses when they envisioned “the China trade.” For example, shoe manufacturers thought about their profits in terms of selling a billion pairs of shoes to China.
In the 1980s, Deng Xao Ping converted China’s socialism toward free trade with the world, and multinational corporations took advantage of cheap Chinese labor. Ignoring “Made in the USA,” companies downsized American factories and accelerated worker layoffs because of the tremendous profits they achieved from “Made in China.” Wall Street soared despite each U.S. plant closing.
Iwantourcongressmantotonedown the rancorous rhetoric against China and to support President Biden’s approach. His administration strives toward renewed faith in the American worker’s successful market competition with the Chinese on a level playing field.
Steven Gargo, Appleton
Republicans should stand up for democracy before it’s too late
While watching the first Republican Presidential debate, I could not help but imagine the infamous “Octomom” raising eight babies, all crying and wailing for a diaper change at the same time. Admittedly, it was somewhat entertaining, although very disturbing that ideas spawned by fear, bigotry and hate were cheered by the audience.
When asked if they would support a Trumpcandidacy,eveniffoundguiltyof criminal conspiracy, a sextet of wannabe sucklings quickly raised their hands. Only Christie and Hutchinson declared Trump unfit to be President.
The debate was held when local Republicans in Wisconsin gather for their annual corn roasts.
I can only imagine that they were “all ears” when candidates declared that politicians, not women, should make decisions about women’s bodies, and when anti-LGBTQ+, anti-education DeSantis boasted about his Florida leadership.
Were roasters breathlessly hoping to hear deniers claim that there is not a “kernel” of truth in the belief that the U.S. has a long and sadly increasing history of misogyny, racism, and bigotry?
Did the local party members experience “Rapture” when six debaters vowed to support Trump because, “Aw shucks,” the Jan. 6 violent attack on democracy was just a “tourist attraction?”
Politicians like Trump, DeSantis, Johnson, etc. lead the Republican charge against decency, fairness, and equality, but it is local grass roots Republicans, supporting them with “husky”voices, who must wake up from being asleep at the wheel of democracy … before there is no democracy left to defend.
Stephen Hermes, Kimberly
See LETTERS, Page7A
Funding diversity in UW system is important to changing times
When the governor requested a much-needed two-year $305 million increase for the UW system, the Republican legislature refused to approve $32 million of that amount. These funds were to promote more diversity, equity and inclusivity in student bodies, with faculty and with staff.
Why would the Republican majority be against UW schools adapting their curricula to better reflect the contributions of a wider array of people; recruiting from a broader pool of faculty applicants, and providing students of all racial and ethnic identities needed support that will contribute to their college success?
Assemblyman Voss says these programs are divisive and promote racebased hiring. They’re a waste of taxpayer money. (This from the person who OK’d spending many thousands of public funds on the Gableman fiasco). He also said that diversity and inclusion workers are “burrowed like ticks on every single college campus.”
What makes this nonsensical position more ironic is Rep. Born’s suggestion that this amount could be restored if the UW system would partner with the Legislature in using these funds to promote workforce development. What the heck does he think that DEI programs have as one of their key goals? More diverse graduates prepared to work successfully in an increasingly diverse society.
We have a huge budget surplus. There’s more underlying this DEI issue. I think our reactionary legislature resents (and is threatened by?) the world of academia. Maybe that’s why Wisconsin public universities are the eighth worst funded in the country.
Jeff Zdrale, Neenah
AASD not being proactive in helping those with obesity
Did you know the health insurance for the Appleton Area School District is now a self-funded plan? That’s right. Now they have more control on what is and isn’t covered for medical and prescription coverage.
This is important to know because if
the AASD was serious about serving their employees and families, they can. Sadly, this isn’t the case. This year I have asked, no, I begged for help in having Wegovy covered with a weight loss program. They went so far as to have a consultant contact me to seeifIwasagoodcandidateforaweight loss plan including Wegovy. They said I was, but AASD took no action.
I am an obese 41-year-old male with a family history of heart disease. In December of 2022 at 370 pounds, I made the decision to try and lose weight. I work out at regularly at Anytime Fitness. Yet, I am stuck at 335 pounds. My mental health is suffering just as much as my physical health.
Through this, AASD has shown they don’t care. Obesity is a disease. Yet, AASD will not cover any treatments for it. I suppose they think it will be less expensive to cover my funeral. Hopefully, someone reads this and will understand how helpless some obese people feel. Especially knowing there are new medications out there that can help with their health, but not able to get it.
AASDmustchangeandtreatthisdisease like any other disease.
Dennis Johnston, Appleton
Teachers need support and respect, not attacks
When I worked in the public school system as a counselor years ago, I felt very respected by the students and their parents. I felt fortunate to be working in a school.
Today, I feel as though our teachers are under attack for who they are and what they do. Now teachers experience disrespect from students and parents regularly.
It’s time to start showing more respect for teachers. Teaching is an indispensable profession and an incredibly challenging job. Think of controlling and teaching, by yourself, 24 or more students! It can be a very difficult task, especially if kids are taught that teachers don’t deserve respect.
Let’s put more energy into supporting teachers and school staff, and treating them with the respect we all want. Get to know your child’s teachers by volunteering in some way.
The vast majority of teachers go into the field because they want to make a positive difference in a child’s life. Let’s help them do that.
Deb Skyrms, Neenah
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wonder how solar farms get electricity to your home? Here’s how.
Karl Ebert
Journal Sentinel
Steve Greidanus, generation engineering manager at Alliant Energy, uses a comparison to a tree. Each panel, he said, is like a leaf collecting the sun’s energy. The string cables tie together the power created by each panel, similar to how branches collect energy for a tree.
A solar panel at Alliant Energy’s Springfield solar farm in the Town of Lomira. The nearly 900-acre, 100-megawatt solar project will create enough solar energy to power approximately 25,000 homes when construction is completed later this year.
The change in Wisconsin’s rural landscape is getting harder to miss.
Interspersed with the state’s seemingly endless sea of crops and red barns are row upon row of shiny panels producing energy to power thousands of Wisconsin homes.
Five massive solar farms have gone into operation since 2020, when Wisconsin’s first large-scale solar system came online in Manitowoc County. Combined, the electricity they produce can power about 130,000 homes. That number will more than triple by the end of next year, when another 13 that are now under construction will have been commissioned.
Including solar arrays that are either proposed or already approved by the state Public Service Commission, utility-scale solar energy will in the relatively near future be able to power nearly one-third of the 2.8 million housing units that the U.S. Census Bureau estimates are in Wisconsin. And that doesn’t include the explosion of smaller installations, from residential rooftops to community solar parks.
Although solar farms are becoming an increasingly common sight, how they convert energy from the sun to electricity for the home can be hard to understand. Here’s a step by step look at how it works:
Photovoltaics: It all begins with the sun
Burning at 27 million degrees, the sun throws off immense amounts of energy. We can feel it on our skin or on an asphalt road on a hot summer day.
That energy that arrives as light is composedofphotons,tinypacketsof energy that on their own don’t have an electric charge. But certain substances are struck by light and undergo a reaction that releases electrons, which is referred to as photovoltaics.
In a solar panel, that substance is an interconnected array of siliconebased wafers that have a positive side and a negative side. That allows the electrons to flow, creating an electrical current.
How many cells are in each panel canvarybasedonitsdimensionsand whether it has cells on both sides.
Richard Ryman
Green Bay Press-Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
GREEN BAY – The Green Bay Packers doubled down this year on filling their non-football rosters.
The Packers held multiple job fairs, more than usual, in an effort to make sure they have enough workers to cover contingencies. A job fair was held last week in the Johnsonville Tailgate Village at Lambeau Field. Others are scheduled for Sept.12 and Sept.19, same time and place.
Avarietyofjobsareavailable,including in the Packers Pro Shop, guest services, Packers Hall of Fame, stadium tours, security, facilities and Titletown departments. Food service provider Delaware North also is hiring.
The Packers, as do many employers, face a challenging worker shortage. Guest services manager Keith Cronin
said that at one time applicants would wait up to two hours for an interview at job fairs, but even before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, turnouts were dropping.
“I think we tapped out the market,” he said.
Cronin said his department needs 200 people to be fully staffed on game days. They can be something short of that and still provide needed services. The most they’ve had is 198, and on any givenSunday—orMonday,orThursday or even Saturday — not everyone can make it to Lambeau Field.
“With a group size that big, we will never be 100% staffed on game day,” he said. “This is my 16th season and we’ve never ever been fully staffed. We aim high to make sure we have enough to cover the must-have positions.”
The pandemic hasn’t helped matters.
A guest services assistant aids a fan during Green Bay Packers training camp on Aug. 1 in Ashwaubenon. The Packers are hiring a wide variety of workers for the coming season.
SARAH KLOEPPING/ USA TODAY NETWORKWISCONSIN
INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
We look at companies within 14 industries of local interest to review their
Reg Wydeven Guest columnist
Last week, I wrote about musicians being worried about artificial intelligence creating new music using their fabricated voices. Well, singers aren’t the only ones worried.
Jane Friedman is an author who has written several books and has consulted about working in the writing and publishing industry. She recently told CNN that a customer looking for more of her work bought a book she wrote on Amazon – the only problem is, she didn’t write it. The book was one of several that had titles similar to the subjects she typically writes about, but the text read as if someone had used a generative AI model to imitate her writing style.
“When I started looking at these books, looking at the opening pages, looking at the bio, it was just obvious to me that it had been mostly, if not entirely, AIgenerated,” Friedman said. “I have so much content available online for free, because I’ve been blogging forever,soitwouldn’tbehardtogetanAItomimicme.”
Friedman posted about her experience on X (formerly Twitter), and several authors responded saying they’d had similar experiences. Amazon removed the fake books being sold under Friedman’s name and said its policies prohibit such imitation. The fake books were also added to Friedman’s profile on the literary social network Goodreads, but then were removed after she publicized the issue.
Friedman is just one of many authors concerned about AI technology, like ChatGPT, which is capable of creating large volumes of text that appears authentic. They do not want their work being used to train AI models, which could then be used to imitate them, and put them out of a job.
As I mentioned in last week’s article, in July, U.S. lawmakers met with members of creative industries to
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Two-sided,orbifacial,panelscancapturelightenergy that’s reflected off the ground.
The electricity produced by a solar panel is direct currentelectricity,thesametypeofelectricitythatyou get from a battery. But that’s not what powers our homes, schools and workplaces. That means the current needs to go through several transformations before it becomes the alternating current, or AC, power that is delivered to our homes.
Stringing the solar panels together
Rowsofsolarpanelsareconnectedbystringcables, wires that run the length of a row of solar panels and then feed into a combiner box, where the power is collected and then sent on to the next step, an inverter.
Steve Greidanus, generation engineering manager at Alliant Energy, uses a comparison to a tree. Each panel, he said, is like a leaf collecting the sun’s energy. The string cables tie together the power created by eachpanel,similartohowbranchescollectenergyfora tree.
Converting battery power DC to AC
Welcome to the inverter, a device that the U.S. Department of Energy calls “one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system.”
This is where the now combined electricity gets convertedtoalternatingcurrent,thetypeofelectricity we use in our homes.
Large solar farms use multiple inverters to collect power from the string cables, convert it to low-voltage AC current, and then send it down the line via underground cables to the next step, where all of that power is combined.
A single connection to the power grid
Thecombinationofpowersourceshappensatsubstations,thelaston-sitestepbeforeitgoestotheelectric grid.
It’s also where the AC power that flows from the in-
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A lot of workers throughout the economy rethought their lives and made changes. Cronin speculates that some dedicated game-day workers rediscovered the joys of watching the Packers at home as fans.
“I think people who really liked what they did for us, they had a year off as a fan and they thought, maybe I don’t need to come back,” he said.
Starting pay for guest services jobs is $15, and employees get a free meal on game days. Among requirements: Shifts generally are eight hours, a lot of standing is required, especially for ushers, who also must know where seats and bathrooms are in their sections, and be able to keep their finger on the pulse of fan behavior. Bad weather must be endured.
Usher is just one of about six categories of jobs in guest services, Cronin said. Applicants must pass a background check before they are hired.
New workers get to break in with a staff-friendly schedule this season. There are only two night games at Lambeau Field — on Sept. 28, a Thursday, and Dec.
discusstheimplicationsofartificialintelligence.Jeffery Harleston, general counsel and executive vice president of business and legal affairs for Universal Music Group was in attendance. As a witness in the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting, he called for a federal “right of publicity”– the intellectual property right that shields a person’s likenesses, such as their voice and name. He also indicated that all “AI-generated content” should be labeled as such.
The Authors Guild, a non-profit advocacy group for authors, also participated in the hearing. CEO Mary Rasenberger asked for legislation to be drafted to protect writers from AI. Similar to Harleston’s request, she called for the legislation to include rules that would require AI companies to be transparent about how they train their models.
Rasenberger told CNN that, “Generative AI is being used to replace writers – taking their work without permission, incorporating those works into the fabric of those AI models and then offering those AI models to the public, to other companies, to use to replace writers. So, you can imagine writers are a little upset about that.”
They sure are. An open letter from the Authors Guild, which was signed by more than 10,000 authors, including James Patterson, Roxane Gay and Margaret Atwood, called on AI industry leaders like Microsoft,MetaandOpenAI,thecreatorofChatGPT, to obtain consent from authors when using their work to train AI models, and to compensate them fairly when they do.
“Millions of copyrighted books, articles, essays, and poetry provide the ‘food’ for AI systems, endless meals for which there has been no bill,” the letter reads in part. “It is only fair that you compensate us for using our writings, without which AI would be banal and extremely limited.”
I’m guessing they didn’t use AI to generate the letter.
Reg Wydeven is a partner with the Appletonbased law firm of McCarty Law LLP. He can be reached at pcbusiness@postcrescent.com.
verters is boosted by transformers to a higher voltage to match that of the nearby transmission line that ties the solar farm into the electric grid.
This is an added step compared to what happens with rooftop solar arrays, where an inverter converts the battery power to an AC current that matches the power that runs through the electric meter.
Somesolarprojectscanbetiedintoanexistingsubstation, but large developments typically require construction of a new substation, said Eric Udelhofen, vice president of development at OneEnergy Renewables in Madison.
From the farm to the home
Industry experts like to compare the electric grid to a road system that’s composed of an interconnected network that’s designed to carry different amounts of traffic.
Smaller solar arrays can be hooked up to local electric networks, akin to a county trunk road, but when it comes to the big solar farms the electrons are pushed to the electric “interstate,” a network of high voltage lines that move electricity across the region, said Tom Dagenais, director of system planning at Pewaukeebased American Transmission Corp.
The location of these high voltage lines plays a significant role in determining where solar farms are built.
Before the electricity gets to your home, it flows throughanothersubstationthatreducesthevoltageto thelowerandsaferlevelsusedinhomesandbusinesses.
Buying a piece of the solar power pie, sort of
If someone subscribes to a utility’s solar energy project, you’re paying for the generation of the power, but not for the electricity it produces.
Because it is co-mingled with all of the other power sources that freed the grid, there is no way to know where or how the electricity that arrives in your home was produced.
Dagenaisusesaswimmingpoolanalogytoexplain. “It’slikeusingagardenhosetofillawadingpooland then it rains,” he said. “Once the water is in the pool, there’s no way to separate it based on where it came from.”
3, a Sunday. The Packers have no home games on holidays this season.
“The holiday seasons hurt us, the night games hurt us, also the team’s performance can prevent people from wanting to be here,” Cronin said.
Job interviews take 20 to 30 minutes. Some of that time is spent making sure applicants understand what the jobs entail. “We like to tell them what the job is and the expectations,” Cronin said. “You’re not just there to watch the game.”
The Packers have employed more than job fairs to find workers. The human resources department contacted job sites, colleges and universities. “We’re trying to cast a bigger net,” Cronin said.
As with many things involving the Packers, it’s not always about the money or the inconvenience or the job. Sometimes its just about being around other Packers fans.
“We had a retired married couple that drove from Rice Lake and worked every game. They had perfect attendance,” despite the 312-hour drive, one way, Cronin said.
Contact Richard Ryman at rryman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @RichRymanPG, on Instagram at @rrymanPG or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RichardRymanPG/.
QWhat do chief executive officers and chief operating officers actually do? — D.E., Providence, Rhode Island
A A company’s CEO is its top-ranking employee and decision-maker and is charged with determining the best strategy for the company for long-term success. The position is overseen by the company’s board of directors, who represent owners and shareholders.
The CEO is also generally a company’s spokesperson, communicating with employees, customers, shareholders and the media — getting the public and investors interested in the company and confident about its future.
The chief operating officer (COO) is typically the secondhighest-ranking manager in a company, responsible for implementing its strategy. The COO will manage day-to-day operations, dealing with customers and employees in sales, marketing, finance and other departments. While the CEO is more externally focused, the COO often focuses more internally.
Together with the chief financial officer (CFO), the CEO and the COO work to keep the company financially healthy. ***
Q I saw a company announce major layoffs — but then its stock went up. Shouldn’t the stock have fallen? — T.I., Peoria, Arizona
A It all depends on investor sentiments and expectations. If investors see the layoffs as another nail in a struggling company’s coffin, the stock may fall. But if they see the move as encouraging, perhaps because the company is cutting costs and will now be leaner, they may be more interested in buying shares; that can boost the stock price.
Layoffs are painful for those let go, but they can be smart moves for companies if they’re able to shrink payroll expenses while still being able to profit and grow.
Want more information about stocks? Send us an email to foolnews@fool.com.
There are two key approaches to studying stocks in order to find promising investments: fundamental analysis and technical analysis. It’s worth learning about both and how they differ.
Fundamental analysis is best suited for finding appealing long-term investment opportunities. Shares represent an actual ownership stake in a real business, and investors examine a company’s fundamentals to understand exactly what that will mean. As you study a company, you’ll be assessing factors such as its financial health, competitive advantages, management quality, profitability and growth potential. You’ll evaluate how much cash and debt it has, whether its profit margins and market share are growing, and how it can grow further.
If you’re a value-oriented investor, you aim to buy stocks at prices below their intrinsic — or fair — values.
You might use valuation tools such as price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios or discounted cash flow calculations to
get an idea of a stock’s fair price.
Technical analysis, on the other hand, tends to focus on short-term investing. It’s also backward-looking, basing expectations of future stock behavior on past behavior. Using graphs and charts of stock price movements and trading volumes, analysts look for patterns that are deemed promising. Technical analysis tends to ignore many factors that affect a company’s performance, such as its cash flow, debt load, growth prospects, country of operations and so on. Investors using it may not even know what a particular company they buy shares in actually does.
There can be contentious disagreement between practitioners of fundamental and technical analysis, and academic studies don’t draw unanimous conclusions. But the investing approaches of many great investors, such as Warren Buffett and Peter Lynch, employ fundamental analysis — and you might want to favor it for long-term investing as well.
Technical analysis might offer some short-term insights, but you’re more likely to build long-term wealth by studying great companies, investing in them at good prices and hanging on for many years.
I trace my roots back to 1941, when six craftspeople banded together to make beautiful wallets and billfolds. I began as Gail Leather Products and was later renamed Coach. I was sold to dessert specialist Sara Lee in 1985, but it spun me off in 2001. In 2017, I changed my name to reflect my multiple luxury brands — such as Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman. I’ve recently agreed to acquire Capri, which has brands such as Versace, Jimmy Choo and Michael Kors. I employ around 10,800 people and was recently valued at $7.5 billion. Who am I?
Think you know the answer? We’ll announce it in next week’s edition.
My most regrettable investing move was simply not starting sooner. Starting in one’s 50s is probably not the best strategy, but I’m hoping that 10 to 15 years will be still enough time to make a difference. I suppose with the right portfolio, that would be possible. That’s the tricky part. — T.H., online
The Fool Responds: Way, way too many people have made the same regrettable move. According to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances conducted by the Federal Reserve, the median retirement savings for a family led by someone aged 45 to 54 — and who had retirement savings accounts — was around $100,000. That’s not a lot. Per another government report, only 84% of those aged 45 to 59 had some retirement savings, and only 45% felt they were on track.
You’re right that even in your 50s, you can still greatly improve your future financial health. If you invest, say, $15,000 annually for 15 years starting at age 50 and it grows by an average rate of 8%, you’ll end up with around $440,000 by age 65. (If you’d started a decade earlier, though, you’d have nearly $1.2 million — it’s definitely best to start early.)
Don’t invest too aggressively or recklessly, though, lest you lose ground instead of gaining it. A simple low-fee S&P 500 index fund is often best. Learn more at Fool.com
The Motley Fool Take A Giant Growing Bigger
Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) recently reported a solid fiscal fourth quarter (which ended June 30), with revenue up 8% year over year and net income up 20%. That’s pretty good for a company already valued at around $2.4 trillion.
There are multiple reasons to be bullish about Microsoft. First, many of its enterprise software products are the gold standards in their respective fields, such as Microsoft 365 for office productivity. The markets for those products are expected to grow by double-digit percentages through 2030.
Second, Microsoft is bringing generative artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to its business software. For instance, Microsoft 365 Copilot leans on generative AI to write content in Word, analyze data in Excel and draft emails in Outlook.
Third, Microsoft Azure is gaining market share in cloud computing; CEO Satya Nadella credits the company’s strength in hybrid computing, AI supercomputing infrastructure and AI developer services. Azure’s exclusive partnership with ChatGPT creator OpenAI should continue to draw new business to the platform, too. With Microsoft’s recent price-tosales ratio of 11.4 a bit above its five-year average of 10.3, the stock is not a screaming bargain. For now, you might add this blue-chip stock to a watch list — or if you can’t wait, keep your initial position small. (The Motley Fool owns shares of and has recommended Microsoft.)
LAST WEEK’S TRIVIA ANSWER
I trace my roots back to 1923, when some bros founded me to sell textile remnants. I moved on to making pencil boxes and school supplies, and debuted my first toys in the 1940s. My history features iconic toys such as Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe; my brands today include Transformers, Play-Doh, Nerf, My Little Pony, Power Rangers and Magic: The Gathering. I acquired Milton Bradley in 1984, Tonka in 1991 and Wizards of the Coast in 1999. I’m based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and my market value recently approached $9 billion. Who am I? (Answer: Hasbro) 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.
Credit access, large savings are factors
Russ Wiles Arizona Republic
PHOENIX – Some of the traits that separate affluent households from those that struggle might surprise you. It’s not necessarily a high-paying job, an Ivy League college degree or even the best Wall Street advice that distinguishes financial haves from have-nots. It’s often more about getting the basics right and making the right connections.
A recent McKinsey & Co. report highlighted five key aspects of financial inclusion, which the consulting company defines as access to services that can help people build wealth. The report focused on African American households, but this checklist could apply to all people seeking to improve their finances.
Making everyday transactions
Millions of Americans don’t have access to basic checking and savings accounts, which is why the McKinsey report underscored the importance of being able to make safe, affordable transactions like depositing paychecks in these and other traditional ways.
Many poorer households rely on check-cashing services that might charge a fee of 3% or so, as well as money orders and high-interest payday loans. Even for people who have checking accounts, low-balance fees can take a toll, as can ATM fees, the report added.
Partofthebankingproblemreflectsa lack of branches in communities of color, McKinsey argued. However, this could be less of a problem in the future, as branches have been disappearing rapidly anyway and fewer Americans visit their banks in person all that often. Digital finance offers opportunities for getting more people included, but traditional banking services remain important.
Having access to credit
To some degree, you need to be able to borrow money to make money. This is
certainly true of homeownership, which mostpeoplecan’taffordwithoutamortgage.
The McKinsey report cited access to credit as critical, noting that car ownership often is more expensive for low-income households too. The report asserted that Black car buyers often are offered more costly auto loans than white car buyers while being denied loans more often, partly reflecting lower credit scores. Without an auto loan, you might not be able to afford the type of vehicle that can get you readily to a new, better job.
While McKinsey focused on African Americans, other groups also face challenges, including Latinos, rural residents, the LBGTQ+ community and recent immigrants. In fact, Latinos are close to Black households in terms of median wealth, the Census Bureau reported recently, with Asian American household incomes modestly above those of white households.
In general, homeowners report much higher wealth than renters, a median $305,000perhouseholdcomparedwith $4,100, according to the Census Bureau.
Maintaining insurance policies
Insurance can be critical on the path to financial improvement, not only by guarding against catastrophic losses and expenses but allowing you to qualify to own certain assets. The obvious example again is homeownership. Without the ability to obtain and maintain property insurance, you probably won’t be able to get a mortgage.
The report made special note of health insurance, which affluent households are more likely to have. For example, the median wealth of households where all members have health coverage was $156,600 as of 2019, more than seven times the $21,550 reported for households in which some or all members lack coverage, according to the same census report. Noninsured households also struggle more with medical debts.
Also important are life, disability and other types of coverage. Many of these safeguards are easy to obtain through payroll deductions, assuming a person is offered such options through work.
Saving for big goals, rainy days
The McKinsey report highlighted the need to build a cushion of assets that can be used for anything from paying unexpected bills to saving for retirement. But millions have no such cushion. Only 48% of adults surveyed recently by Bankrate.com said they have enough emergency savings to cover three months or more of expenses.
Credit cards now carry average interest rates above 20%, and Americans collectively hold more than $1 trillion in card balances. This largely reflects the inability of people to set aside money in liquid savings accounts.
Successful saving is all about developing the habit over time, said Greg McBride,Bankrate’schieffinancialanalyst. He suggests getting started by making regular contributions, such as through direct deposit from your paycheck, into an online savings account.
If you spend all of the income you earn, you won’t accumulate any wealth. The goal for everyone should be setting aside at least a little money from each paycheck and directing it into a savings or investment account. From there, you can start thinking bigger.
Homeownershipisakeystep,asresidential properties provide shelter and typically increase in value over time. But the list of other wealth-building vehicles includes stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement plans, and rental properties.
Accumulating wealth can have an intergenerational impact that’s often overlooked. For example, only 8% of Black families leave inheritances to their children, compared with 26% of white families, according to McKinsey. Overall, Black families have accumulated about 24% of the wealth of white households and Latinos are at 23%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
In addition to the dollars involved, older family members who achieve investment success can serve as role models, instilling in younger generations the skills and attitudes that tip the scales in their favor.
Expert: Salaried workers as fill-ins could hurt Ford-UAW relationship
Phoebe Wall Howard Detroit
DETROIT − Amid talk of labor strikes, many salaried white-collar workers are wondering whether they have the right to not cross a picket line, in support of lower-paid colleagues.
The Detroit Free Press, a part of the USA TODAY Network, reported that Ford Motor Co. has been preparing its salaried workers to assume jobs in parts depots in case of a strike.
So the issue of what is – and isn’t allowed – in a strike situation is top of mind.
Can a company require salaried workers to cross a picket line?
“Generally speaking, if the salaried worker is not represented by a union, and most aren’t, yes,” said Michelle Kaminski, an associate professor of labor relations at Michigan State University.
If white-collar workers are unionized, and they have a clause in their contract that allows for not crossing a picket line, then they should be fine, said Erik Gordon, a professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
What’s the consequence of not crossing a picket line?
h “Nonunion workers who refuse to cross picket lines generally can be terminated,”Gordonsaid.“Iftheygenuinelyareintimidatedbypicketers,thecompany can allege a violation of labor law, but unless picketers block access to the premises or there is a credible threat of violence, picketers have a lot of latitude to make noise and hurl personal insults.”
h “If (nonunion workers) refuse to follow the direction they’ve been given by management, they could potentially lose their job if the company wanted to take such drastic measures,” Kaminski said. “They could be fired for refusing to
SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America hold a “National Day of Solidarity” rally Aug. 22 outside Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif. The AFL-CIO and its affiliates participated in the event. SAG-AFTRA has been on strike since July 14, and the Writers Guild since May 2. ROBERT HANASHIRO/USA TODAY FILE
accept an assignment.”
h Sympathy strikers can be permanently replaced, Kaminski said. Depending on their rank in an organization, some will retain the right to be put on a preferred recall list for a limited period of time. Many people consider being fired and being permanently replaced as the same, though technically different, Kaminski said.
What about salaried workers who don’t want to cross picket lines?
A number of salaried workers still do their work from home, which removes the physical requirement of crossing a picket line to report to do the job. The Free Press asked the Detroit Three automakers for their input.
h GM spokesman David Barnas told the Free Press: “The safety and security of our employees is the guiding principleduringanybusinesscontinuityplan. For competitive reasons, we don’t share specific details of our business continuity planning.”
h Ford spokeswoman Jessica Enoch declined to comment.
h Stellantis spokeswoman Jodie Tinson declined to comment
What is the downside to prepping salaried workers to do UAW jobs?
“You’re going to have people drive forklift trucks who are now designing fuel injection systems,” said Harley Shaiken, professor emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, and an expert on automotive labor. “This is an ill-considered move. And then assume you’re going to be able to keep it secret when it carries this kind of emotional charge for many workers? The odds of a leak are 100%.”
If a company like Ford wanted to protect its supply flow to emergency responders for vehicle parts, for example, company leaders can sit down with the union and negotiate an exception for one parts depot and have UPS drivers pick up parts for transport, Shaiken said. This would likely be a far cheaper alternative than flying salaried workers around the country.
“This (Plan B strategy) challenges the good relationship that Ford has had with the UAW in recent years,” he said. “That didn’t drop out of the sky. It was built by both sides knowing that there can be sharp differences but you resolve them through bargaining. Ford has the
best relationship of any of the Detroit automakers. You can destroy that very easily when you’re in critical negotiations. That’s not trivial.”
Labor experts, including Shaiken, whose grandfather worked for Ford at the Rouge plant, questioned why Ford was starting to make a contingency plan two months before the contract deadline of Sept.14.
Unquestionably, we have seen that these are unusually tense negotiations, but we’re looking at the opening weeks, Shaiken said.
“Look at what happened with the Teamsters and UPS, they broke off negotiations and they couldn’t even agree who walked away from the table. Then eight or nine days before the deadline, (Teamsters General President) Sean O’Brien said, ‘I see a straight line to the picket line.’ A few days later, the CEO of UPSsendsanemailwitharealproposal, O’Brien looks at it and says, ‘We can talk.’ They both go back to the table and in one day they settle a contract that both sides are applauding now. It still needs to be ratified.”
Why do union members refuse to cross other picket lines?
h In most cases, union members consider refusing to cross another union’s picket line a matter of solidarity, Gordon said. “Beyond solidarity, there is practicality. The next time it might be the members’ own union that is on strike, and they hope for reciprocity – that the union they helped will return the favor.”
h When a company’s workers are members of different unions, the effect of honoring picket lines is greater than theeffectofjustoneunionstriking,Gordon said. “The effect is a powerful tool on the union side of labor negotiation.”
h If a union’s bargaining agreement included a no-strike clause, it cannot encourage its members to refuse to cross another union’s picket line – that would be a sympathy strike banned in the agreement, Gordon said. The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists had a nostrike clause and told its members that crossing the Writers Guild of America picket lines was solely an individual decision, Gordon said.
*Behm,Larile 66Appleton 31-AugBrettschneiderTrettin-Nickel 08-Sep11AM FaithLutheranChurch RiversideCemetery
*Bratz,ElizabethT. 75Poplar 29-Aug- 16-Sep4:00PM StoneArchBrewpubChen,ZhuYing 77Neenah 25-AugKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome -- - -
*DeBruin,Robert“Bob” 88Kaukauna 31-AugVerkuilenVanDeurzenFamilyFuneralHome 09-Sep3PM Kaukauna St.MaryCatholicCemetery
*Dykhuis,Richard 75Appleton 27-AugValleyFuneralHome -- -Franzke,CarolAnn 81Appleton 25-AugValleyFuneralHome
08-Sep3PM ValleyFuneralHome -
*Fuderer,Mavis 93Greenville 31-AugValleyFuneralHome 07-Sep3PM ValleyFuneralHomeGreenville-
*Harwood,Paul 78Appleton 28-AugValleyFuneralHome 06-Sep11AM St.BernardCatholicChurch -
*Hermann,Michael 67Appleton 26-AugValleyFuneralHome -- - -
*Hintz,Josephine“Bea” 87Neenah 27-AugKessler-FahrenkrugFuneralHome 06-Sep11AM Neenah OakHillCemetery
*Jochman,JosephJohn 83Wauwatosa 14-Aug- -- - -
*Jones,Randy 67Appleton 28-AugValleyFuneralHome 05-Sep4-7PM ValleyFuneralHome -
*Keller,RobertG. 72Appleton 30-AugVerkuilen-VanDeurzenFamilyFuneralHome-- -Klein,KathleenE. 81Appleton 30-AugValleyFuneralHome 07-Sep1PM ValleyFuneralHome HighlandMemorialPark
*Krueger,DavidE. 87Appleton 29-AugWichmannFuneralHome 06-Sep11AM FaithLutheranChurch HighlandMemorialPark
*Lauko,JosephStephen 74Kaukauna 01-Aug- -- - -
*Nelson,Janet 89LittleChute 26-AugVerkuilenVanDeurzenFamilyFuneralHome 09-Sep12:30PMLittleChute -
*Oppeneer,BrianKeith 53Appleton 29-JulWichmann -- - -
*Prosser,Lois 92Menasha 24-AugWichmannLaemmrichChapel 11-Sep11AM - RestHavenCemetery
*Radtke,Helen 83Weyauwega 28-AugLewinFuneralHome
*Rothe,Jane 67Menasha 27-AugWestgorFuneralHome
05-Sep11AM Weyauwega OakwoodCemetery
05-Sep5:30PM NewHopeLutheranChurch -
*Schumacher,CarlM. 86Kimberly 01-SepJansenFargoFuneralHome 08-Sep12PM HolySpiritParish-DarboysiteHolyNameCemetery
*Seelow,Therese“Tina”(Dobbe)60Neenah 30-AugMuellerFuneralHome 05-Sep6PM ImmanuelLutheran-Neenah -
*Stafford,KenneyL. 88Neenah 29-AugWestgorFuneralHome -- - GreenlawnMemorialPark
*Wicinske,John 75Waupaca 26-JulHollyFuneralHome 09-Sep1PM HollyFuneralHome-WaupacaCentralWIVeteransMem.Cem.
* Additional information in display obituaries Obituaries appear in print and online at postcrescent.com/obituaries NameAgeTown,
APPLETON - Brian K. Oppeneer, a well known and respected attorney, passed away on July 29, 2023, at the age of 53.
Brian was born in Appleton on July 27, 1970, son of Keith and Shirley Oppeneer. He was a graduate of Appleton East High School where he was Class President and still holds records in pole vaulting. He enrolled at Tulane University on a Track and Field Scholarship.
He enjoyed time spent at the lake house on the Chain O’ Lakes. Not only did this give him time to become an excellent water skier. This training would serve him well since he translated it into snow skiing where he became quite prolific. Brian finished his undergraduate studies at St. Olaf College in Minnesota. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Marquette University Law School.
He spent his time practicing law, most recently in Charlotte, North Carolina. During his time in North Carolina, he was also a volunteer fire fighter for Teega Kay. He later moved to Boca Raton, FL. Brian’s specialty was Labor and Employment Law. Brian was employed by the National Labor Relations Board as a field attorney but spent the majority of his career working for Fortune 500 companies providing daily guidance to executives, human resources, and operations management. His bar admissions included Wisconsin, Texas, and North Carolina.
Brian is survived by his parents: Keith and Shirley Oppeneer; his son, Scott; former wife: Lauren; brother: Greg (JoAnn) Oppeneer; and an aunt Jean Jacosbson.
Funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, September 15, 2023, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 10 am until the time of the Mass.
APPLETON - Richard
A. Dykhuis, age 75 of Appleton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was born on April 7, 1948 to the late Simon and Muriel (Easter) Dykhuis in Hallock, Minnesota. On September 9, 1967 he married Muriel Christenson. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and worked for many years as an accountant in the paper industry. Dick loved being outdoors, fishing or out working in his shop. He enjoyed gardening; it was the closest to farming he could get in the city. He had a love for antique tractors and went to several tractor shows. Dick loved to spend time with is grandchildren above all else. He is loved and will be missed.
He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Muriel, children; Eric (Cassandra) Dykhuis, Jeffrey (Kathryn) Dykhuis and Renae (Craig) Solverson, grandchildren; Amy, Natalie, Roman, Nora, Ellie, Wyatt, Anna and Cailin. Dick is further survived by his brother, Bill (Marge) Dykhuis, nieces and nephews; Debra, Michele, Lisa, Brent, Tim, Tammy and Duane as well as other relatives and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Bryan Dykhuis and sister, Beverly (Richard) Kukowski.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, the family would like donations in Richard’s memory be made to: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center Appleton ICU unit for the wonderful care given to Dick as well as their special neighbor, Al Cummings for everything you have done for them.
KAUKAUNA - Joesph
MENASHA - Jane N. Rothe, age 67 of Menasha, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully late Sunday, August 27, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 5:30 P.M. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at New Hope Lutheran Church, 1850 American Drive, Neenah. A visitation will be held at church from 3:30 P.M. until the hour of service, and will continue after the service until 7:00 P.M. For a full obituary, please visit www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
APPLETON - Larile Behm, age 66, of Appleton, passed away on Thursday, August 31st, 2023 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Appleton. A funeral service will take place at 11 am on Friday, September 8th, at Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton. Friends may visit at the church of Friday from 9 am until 10:45 am. A complete obituary will appear in Wendesday’s Post Crescent.
MENASHA - Lois Norma Prosser 92, passed away on Thursday August 24, 2023 as a resident of Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha. Wi. Lois was born in Menasha on June 14, 1931. Her family were long standing members on The Congregational United Church of Christ in Neenah where she was baptized and remained an active member until she died.
She was predeceased by her parents David and Blanche Prosser, brother David (Gladys) Prosser. Lois enjoyed working with children as she was a private nurse for infant care for 20 years. She also worked at several major department stores in both the Milwaukee and Neenah/ Menasha areas until she retired.
Following retirement, she devoted several years to caring for her e mother Blanche. She is further survived by cousins Joseph (Marie) McAllister of Campbellsport, Wi., Haven (Paula) Ready of Surprise, Az., Ms Gail Prudhomme (the late Dennis) of Niagara, Wi. and Jerry Occhietti of Norway, Mi.
She will be missed by a long list of friends especially those of her church where she was one of the oldest active members.
Stephen Lauko died unexpectedly on August 1, 2023. Born in Kenosha, WI. Son of Stephen & Verneil (Weaver) Lauko. Joe was a member of St. Anthony’s church and had attended Kenosha School district. He enjoyed bowling with his brother & father and had played the saxaphone for a short time while in school. As a young adult he moved to and settled in Kaukauna, WI. He married young and had 3 beautiful daughters.
After years of traveling the country as an “over the road” truck driver, he decided to stay local and was employed by Waste Management until he retired in 2012.
Joe enjoyed fishing, riding his motorcycle, camping, his poker machines and watching the Green Bay Packers play each week while on the phone with his brother.
In addition to Joe’s parents, he is proceeded in death by his brother, Richard “Dickie” Lauko and his second love, Donna VanDenWildenberg. Joe is survived by his daughters, a son who he shared with Donna and his younger brother, Donald Lauko, of Kenosha, WI.
Funeral services being held privately with family.
The family would also like to express their thanks and appreciation to her loving care givers Cindy Hoffman and Marilyn Kostrzak. They would also like to acknowledge to all of the staff at Prairie Home /Joy House for the thoughtful and kind assisted living and hospice care that they gave her Visitation will take place on Monday Sept. 11th at The Congregational United Church of Christ 1511 Nicolet Blvd. Neenah, Wi.
From 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. followed by a memorial church service conducted by Paster Jeannie Dougles.
Final interment will take place at Rest Haven Cemetery 1206 CTH-O, Neenah, Wi. Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral & Cremation Services has been entrusted with Lois's arrangements.
Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com
Joseph John Jochman
WAUWATOSA - Joseph John Jochman passed away, peacefully, on August 14, 2023. Services will be held on Friday, September 8, 1 PM, at Guardian Angel Chapel, St. Camillus, 10101 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, WI 53226. In his honor, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association.
His full obituary can be read at www.krausefuneralhome.com.
David E. Krueger
APPLETONDavid Krueger, age 87 of Appleton, passed peacefully on Tuesday morning, August 29, 2023. He married Edith Korb in 1961,and the couple has spent many happy years together. The funeral service for David will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church, located at 601 E. Glendale Avenue in Appleton. He will be placed at rest at Highland Memorial Park. For more information or to share a memory of David, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.
APPLETON - Michael
G. Hermann, age 67 of Appleton, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023. He was born on January 16, 1956 to the late Robert and Joyce (Griesbach) Hermann. As a young boy, he spent time working the family dairy farm. Mike moved out to Arizona where he worked in warehouse distribution for the grocery chain Frys Corp. He enjoyed football, and during his time in Arizona, he cheered on the Cardinals, but was always a Packer fan, he was also a NASCAR fan. After his retirement, he returned home to Wisconsin.
He is survived by his brothers and sisters; Richard Hermann, Carl Hermann, Ronald (Diana) Hermann, Larry Hermann, Kathy Hermann, Deb Dickrell and Rose Hermann as well as his son, Erich McCormack, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He will be missed by his very good friend, Mary Sciano-Cain.
Preceding Michael in death are his parents. A graveside prayer service will be held at Highland Memorial Park at 10:00am on Friday, September 8, 2023.
KAUKAUNA - Robert “Bob” D. De Bruin, age 88 years, of Kaukauna, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023 in the comfort of his home with family at his side. Bob was born on October 4, 1934 in Little Chute, the son of the late Henry and Laura (Boser) De Bruin. He was the eighth child of sixteen in the De Bruin family clan.
Bob proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955 (Korean War Veteran). Bob enjoyed the Northeast Wisconsin Old Glory Honor Flight Mission 53 on October 23, 2019. He was a 68 year member of the American Legion Jacob Coppus Post 258 of Little Chute.
Elizabeth T. Bratz
POPLAR - Elizabeth T. Bratz, 75 of Poplar, WI died on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at St. Lukes Hospital in Duluth, MN.
Elizabeth was born on September 18, 1947 to Agnella (Leiby) and John Hanamann in Appleton, WI.
She married Roger Bratz October 5, 1985 in Appleton, WI. Elizabeth was employed the majority of her life as a seamstress first with Zwickers Knitting Mill in Appleton and then with Aquila Knitting Mill in Superior until its closing.
She enjoyed the outdoors camping with Roger, sewing, and was a very avid reader. Elizabeth was passionate about her grandchildren, spending time with them, teaching them how to cook and educating them every chance she had.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Jerome and John Hanamann.
Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Roger; her son, Clayton Opsahl; her daughter, Jackie (Bryon) Arndt; her granddaughters, Aurorah, Ambrosia and Arieonna Arndt, Olivia, Izabella, and Amelia Opsahl; her sisters, Margaret “Mugs” (Kenneth) Powers and Shirley (Ronald) Elkendier; her brother, Joseph (Suzan) Hanamann and numerous nieces and nephews
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Stone Arch Brewpub in the taproom, 1004 S. Olde Oneida St., Appleton, WI.
Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th St. is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.downsfh.com
Randy Jones
APPLETON - Randy Jones, age 67, of Appleton, passed away on Monday, August 28th following complications of a stroke. He was born on February 20th, 1956 in Oshkosh, son of Robert and Esther (Juedes) Jones. He graduated from Oshkosh North, later attending Fox Valley Tech and Lakeland College. On May 28th, 1982, Randy married Laurie Gaab, and they settled in Appleton.
Randy worked in the paper and printing industry, retiring early at the age of 60. After his retirement, he took a welding course and made many yard decorations for himself and his family. Randy’s favorite times were spent sitting on his patio in the sun, grilling, and listening to music.
Randy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Laurie, their three children, Jenn, Lisa, and Bob (Sonya) and their daughter Carly Jones, all of Appleton, one brother, Warren (Lynn) Jones, a sister, Linda (Jack) Verwiel; brothers-in-law, Mark (Barb) Gaab, Dan (Dawn) Gaab, and Bob (Kay) Gaab; sisters-in-law, Ellen Svacina, Tammi Gaab, and Jean Leonard; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law, Dick and Mary Gaab; brother Dennis Jones, and brothers-in law-Scott Gaab and Todd Leonard.
LITTLE CHUTE - Janet Nelson, 89, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023. Janet was born on September 24, 1933 to Rueben and Alice (Sipher) Bacon. On September 29, 1951 she was united in marriage to Richard Nelson, and they were married 71 years until Richard passed in 2021, together they enjoyed Polka dancing. Janet retired from Theda Clark after many years working in the lab. She enjoyed camping and crocheting. Janet is survived by her children; Jean (Jim) Simon, Robert (Diane) Nelson, six grandchildren; Tony (Cristy) Simon, Philip (Krystyn) Simon, Andrew (Andrea) Simon, Lucas (Stacy) Simon, Amber (Louis) Arceo and Brandon (Katie) Nelson, 18 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard and her siblings.
A memorial service for Janet will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. central time, at the Verkuilen Van Deurzen Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com
Robert married the former Janice Wierschke on July 27, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kaukauna. Bob started his foundry work at Giddings & Lewis in Kaukauna. Bob retired in October of 1996 from Bank One (Chase) Bank in Appleton and enjoyed working at U.S. Venture following his retirement.
Bob loved the outdoors and putzing around in the garage, basement or the yard. He was always on the go and it was difficult for him to sit still. Bob and his siblings were avid card players, especially enjoying a hand of cribbage or sheepshead. The family holds on to the memories that were made over 40 years up north by Rollingstone Lake and the time together fishing to catch the keepers.
Bob and Janice were charter members of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Kaukauna and current members of St. Katharine Drexel Parish. They enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul in Kaukauna. He enjoyed attending all of his children and grandchildren’s activities. Bob was a caring, faithful and gentle soul, his family meant the world to him! Bob is survived by his loving wife and “honey bun” of 66 years, Janice De
A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St.,Appleton,WI from 4:00pm to 7:00 pm.
“You fill my heart with gladness, Take away all my sadness, Ease my troubles, that’s what you do.” Love, Laurie
Bruin; his dear children and grandchildren: Kathy (Steve) Kasper – Charles Jr. Kasper and LaKisha Jackson-Kasper; Lori (Steve) Dunphy – Jody (Bob Frankel) Dunphy; Steve De Bruin – Tyler (Kaitlin) De Bruin, Ashley (Cory) Nackers and Mitchell De Bruin; Brian (Denise) De Bruin – Katie De Bruin and Amanda De Bruin; Debbie (Pete Swiggum) De Bruin – Brett Backhaus and Brady Backhaus; Diane (Dan) Handrich – Andrew (fiancée Megan Krajewski) Handrich and Brittany Handrich; five great grandchildren: Kaliyah Stewart, Beverly Dunphy Frankel, Emma, Gavin and Elise Nackers. He is further survived by his siblings: Gordon De Bruin, Elaine Van Cuyk, Judy Menting and Vic (Jean) De Bruin; sisters-in-law: Juanita De Bruin, Carol De Bruin and Barbara (Don) Van De Loo and brother-in-law: Dan (Mary Ann) Wierschke. He is further survived by eight godchildren, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; Janice’s parents: Emmett (Clara Schwalenberg) Wierschke; siblings: Donald (Maryanne), Toby (Pat), Dorothy Hawley, Lloyd, Harry, John and Lee De Bruin; half-brother: Melvin (Virgie) DeBruin; half-sisters: Clara (Roman) Simon, Genevieve (Henry) Van Schyndel and Evelyn (Martin) Van Schyndel; brothers-in-law: Casey Van Cuyk, Jim Menting and Glenn Wierschke.
The Mass of Christian burial for Robert will take place at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at St. Katharine Drexel – St. Mary’s Site, 119 W. 7th Street, Kaukauna. Fr. Ben Pribbenow will be officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Church from 1:00 pm until 2:45 pm. Bob will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Kaukauna with military honors. A memorial fund has been established in his name.
A special thank you to ThedaCare Hospice for allowing Bob to be at home. The family would like to thank Fr. Ben Pribbenow for his visits.
Mavis Fuderer
Robert G. Keller
APPLETON - Robert
GREENVILLE - Mavis E. Fuderer, age 93, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 31, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 26, 1930 to the late Robert and Estella (McMullen) Bahr. Mavis worked as a Grant Administrator for Immunologist Dr. Jordon Fink at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She cherished spending time with her family and friends. Mavis’s love for life radiated from herjust as the sparkle and bling she loved to wear. She lived life to the fullest. All who met her were blessed by the stories she would share.
She is survived by her loving children; Robert (Lisa) Erdman and Kathleen Jungbluth, grandchildren; Alisa Jungbluth, Robert Erdman and Erick Erdman. Mavis is further survived by her brother, Donald (Gail) Bahr as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, Adam Fuderer, grandson, Jacob Jungbluth and her brother, LeRoy (Marianne) Bahr.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at Valley Funeral Home, N1858 Greenville Dr., Greenville from 1:00pm until 3:00pm, with a funeral service to follow at 3:00pm, Pastor Larry Creamer officiating. Entombment will take place on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Forest Home Cemetery, Milwaukee,WI.
The family would like to thank the staff at Dimensions Living, especially Bob for the wonderful care given to Mavis during her time there.
“Bob” Keller, 72, passed away from Congestive Heart Failure and COPD on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at his residence in Appleton in the comfort and support of his siblings and his son, Scott.
Bob was born in Appleton to Charles Edward Keller and Rosemary (VandenBoom) Keller on November 16, 1950. They preceded him in death.
Bob worked at Georgia Pacific Converting in Oshkosh until his retirement. Then, he enjoyed a little stint delivering Meals on Wheels until his health began to fail. Bob loved meeting up with his acquaintances at Black Bear Restaurant where he went twice a day. His frequent visits from his longtime friend, Clayton Verhagen, were a highlight of his day. Bob also enjoyed the beautiful flower arrangements planted in his yard by his next-door neighbors, Sue and Ottis.
Bob will be missed by his son, Scott, and his 6 siblings: Don (life partner, Sabena), Ed “Buck” (Tina), Gary (Vicki), Anne (Tricia), Kathy Lenz, and Jack (Cathy); 14 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
A private family service will be held for Bob at a later date. Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with assisting the family with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bob’s honor to your favorite charity.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Compassus Hospice for their continued care these past couple of weeks.
WEYAUWEGA - Helen Radtke age 83 of Weyauwega, recently residing in Menasha, passed away on August 28, 2023. Helen was born on August 26, 1940 to the late John and Verona Krablien. On May 12, 1962 Helen was united in marriage to Tom Radtke. They were married for 60 years before Tom proceeded her in death on January 15, 2023.
Helen spent her childhood in Fremont where her parents owned the local grocery store. After graduating from Weyauwega High School, Helen worked for AT&T. For many years Helen worked for the Weyauwega Post Office, delivering mail on Star Route. Helen along with her family owned Radtke’s lanes in Weyauwega. After selling the bowling alley Helen worked at Guardian Insurance and then ThedaCare.
Helen is survived her children Kim (Steve) Schueller, Brad (Rachel) Radtke, Lynn Radtke, Tonia (Lance) Mathews; grandchildren Kendra (Adam) Radtke, Brooke (Juanito) Vasquez, Louis Mathews; sister Betty (Bob) Endres; brother-inlaw Bob (Shirley) Radtke; sister-in-law Jean Morrow; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to Helen’s parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband Tom, and her brother Bob Krablien.
The Funeral Mass for Helen will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at 11:00 am at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 105N. Lincoln St., Weyauwega with a lunch to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am to 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to remember Helen with a memorial gift to a charity of your choice.
NEENAH - Kenney L. Stafford, age 88, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born on February 26, 1935 to the late Kenneth and Edith (Gray) Stafford. After graduating from high school, Kenney joined the U.S. Air Force. He later went on to work for Kimberly Clark as an electrician for 40 years. He married Janice Miller on June 18, 1955, and they were blessed with three children. Kenney was a longtime, active member at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Neenah. He also enjoyed volunteering at the Bethesda Thrift Store in Neenah. Kenney loved spending time outdoors, especially when he was with his family at Post Lake. He was known to be an excellent handyman who could fix almost anything. Kenney will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband and a wonderful father and grandfather.
Kenney is survived by his children Lee (Nanci) Stafford, Pamela (James) Vorland, and Joe (Laurie) Stafford; grandchildren: Colby (Rachel Hinkley) Vorland, Corey (Dawn Heraly) Vorland, and Aaron Stafford; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Janice Stafford as well as his parents.
A private service will be held at the Westgor Funeral Home. Kenney will be laid to rest next to his wife at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Neenah. Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Avenue, Neenah (920) 722-7151
Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
Paul Harwood
APPLETON - Paul Alan Harwood, 78, of Appleton passed away unexpectedly on August 28, 2023, at UW Health University Hospital, Madison. He was born on October12, 1944, in Appleton to the late Carson and Janet (VandenBush) Harwood. He served his country in the United States Navy as an electronics specialist from 1965-1969. While he was stationed in the Philippines, he met and married Magdalena Fulgueras, and they welcomed their first son, Paul Jr. After Paul’s honorable discharge, he returned to the Fox Valley, and he and his wife welcomed their second son, Michael. During this time, Paul started his electronics repair business, H & H TV.
On February 12, 1994, Paul married Sharon Roehrborn, and they were able to enjoy 29 years together. They traveled in their RV across the United States and enjoyed spending time in the outdoors. Biking was a huge part of their lives. Paul even rode his bike across the State of Wisconsin. His varied interests were photography, collecting and identifying rocks, watching the Packers, and taking long day trips driving around Wisconsin. Paul’s greatest love was his grandchildren and spending time with his family.
Paul is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons, Paul (Kathie) Harwood and Michael (Michelle) Harwood; stepson, Robert (Karen Holcomb) Roehrborn; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Breanne), Steven (Stephanie), Paige, Alisha (Casey), Samantha (Forrest), Morgan, Carson, and Sophia; great-grandchildren, Erika, James, Brystol, Judson, Ainsley, and Hallie; sisters, Ann Nienhaus and Barbara Fulcer, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are his parents, sister, Elizabeth Wolff, and brother-in-law, Chuck Fulcer.
Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 9:00 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am, and military honors will follow the Mass at church. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Appleton, at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, memorials in Paul’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or St. Bernard Catholic Church.
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of UW Health Hospital in Madison for all of their compassion and care.
KIMBERLY - Carl Schumacher, age 86 of Kimberly, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 1, 2023. Carl was born January 3, 1937 in Combined Locks, son of the late John and Harriet (Kemps) Schumacher. He attended and graduated from Kimberly High School in 1956. On June 14, 1958 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna, he married the former Joan Weyenberg. The couple spent sixty-five years together and raised two daughters.
For over forty years Carl worked at Kimberly Clark in Neenah. The first several years there he worked in the mill, and upon his retirement he held the title of Safety Coordinator. Carl was member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and sang with the Appleton Fox Valleyaires Chorus for sixty-six years. He sang baritone in several local quartets including Grin ‘n’ Tonics and The Unlawful Assembly. His other passions were church and community service and woodworking.
He is survived by his loving wife Joan; two daughters: Kim (James) Swinghamer and Kay (Brian) Walcheck. He will also be missed by his adoring granddaughters: Erin (Joel) Greenya, Kelly (Sean) McCord, Morgan (Mark McCormick) Walcheck, and Sydney (fiancé Riley Hutter) Walcheck. His great-grandchildren are Nora and Eli Greenya and Olivia McCord. Other survivors include his sister Joan (Willy) Wollenberg; a brother-in-law: Marv (Bev) Weyenberg; and a sister-in-law Joyce Bauman. Additional survivors include Joan’s sisters-in-law: Joyce Weyenberg and Fee Weyenberg, and Carl’s sister-in-law Joan (Clyde’s Joan) Schumacher.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Harold, Lorraine, Marvin, Clyde, Myrt, as well as brothers-in-law Glenn Weyenberg and Bill Weyenberg.
The funeral liturgy for Carl will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Holy Spirit Parish – Darboy Site located at W2806 County Road KK. Fr. Carl Schmitt will officiate and burial will take place at Holy Name Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will take place directly at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.
For more information or to share a memory with the family, please visit www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com.
Josephine “Bea” Hintz
NEENAH - Our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Josephine Beatrice “Bea” Hintz, age 87, of Neenah, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Bea was born in Fond du Lac on March 14, 1936, daughter of the late Leonard and Ida (Merril) Fick.
Bea married Erich Hintz on November 13, 1954, in Menasha. He preceded her in death on February 18, 2006.
Bea lived a very full and interesting life. She came from humble beginnings and was the best mom ever to her five children. Christian education was very important to Bea and she made sure her children were able to attend Trinity Lutheran School and Fox Valley Lutheran High School. Along the way, Bea was an avid supporter of their athletic programs, including Fans of the Foxes, and anything else with which the kids were involved. Bea was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Neenah, for over 50 years. She was the first female rural route mail carrier in Neenah for many years. Bea loved to sing and dance. Erich and Bea were members of the Merry Makers Dance Club and Bea sang with the Y-nots for many years. She also taught water aerobics at the local YMCA. Family reunions, both the Hintz and Fick ones, were special times for her. Many great pool parties were held in the backyard at Bea and Erich’s house on Caroline Street. Bea loved her children’s spouses and friends, treating them like her own. Whenever any of The Great Eight or the great grandchildren came to visit, Bea’s eyes lit up. She loved them all so much. Bea was well-known for her chocolate candies, Christmas cookies and her card making abilities. Many people were blessed to receive these gifts over the years.
Bea is survived by her loving children: Nancy (Mark) Goodman, Neenah; Jeff (Junille) Hintz, Neenah; Stan (Darby) Hintz, Beaver Dam; Randy (Stacia) Hintz, San Tan Valley, AZ.; and Bev (Brian) Modrzewski, Junction City, WI. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: aka “The Great Eight”, Kristina Goodman, Allie (Brian) Elmer, Tierney (Lawrence) Potter, Caleb (Lauren) Hintz, Josiah Hintz, Amanda (Jordan) Caldwell, Laura (Shane) Marcotte and Kirsten (Calvin) Hackbarth as well as great-grandchildren: Easton and Blake Elmer; Jobea, Abbott, Emmareese and Lauden Potter; Noah and future sibling Hintz; Claire Caldwell; Ryker and Quinn Marcotte.
In addition to her husband, Bea was preceded in death by all of her siblings. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday September 6, 2023, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 1390 Breezewood Ln., Neenah with Pastor Nathaniel Buchner officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established. The Kessler-Fahrenkrug Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To view Bea’s funeral via livestream please follow the link below: https://venues.vimeo.com/1687987511082?lang=en-US
Bea’s children would like to thank Kathy Rathsak for always being such a wonderful friend and helper to our Mom.
The family would also like to thank the staff at CopperStone Assisted Living. Bea greatly enjoyed her friends there, especially Sharon, as well as her time spent living there for the past two years.
John Wicinske
WAUPACA - John Matthew Wicinske, age 75, passed away on July 26, 2023, in Neenah, Wisconsin. He was born on December 3, 1947, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to John and Lorraine Wicinske. John met his true love, Sandra Kluba, just months before graduating from high school in 1966, and the couple married on August 12, 1967, in Appleton, Wisconsin. John and Sandy shared 53 years of love and memories until her passing in 2021.
John (or “Jock” as family and friends often called him) lived a fulfilling life, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting impact on those who knew him. During his life, John displayed unwavering dedication and commitment. He served his country faithfully in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, demonstrating immense bravery and valor in the face of adversity.
Following his military service, John continued to serve the community on the Appleton Fire Department, dedicating himself to ensuring the safety and well-being of others. As Battalion Chief, his exemplary leadership and selflessness inspired those he worked with and earned him the admiration and respect of his peers through his retirement in 2001.
Family was at the core of John’s life, and he was a loving and devoted father to his two children, Shelley (Jolie Snow) Wicinske and John (Claire) Wicinske. John’s sister, Judy Gosha, remained a steadfast presence in his life, providing love and support throughout his life. He cherished every moment spent with them and instilled in them the values of compassion, integrity, and resilience.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandra Wicinske (Kluba), his parents, John and Lorraine Wicinske, his brother, Jeffery Wicinske, brother-in-law, Mike Gosha, and parents-in-law, George and Olive Kluba. Their memories will forever be treasured in the hearts of those who loved them.
In addition to his professional achievements and dedication to his family, John will be fondly remembered for his warm smile, compassionate nature, and the positive impact he made on the lives of countless individuals.
A memorial service to celebrate John’s life will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM. A memorial visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the time of service.
As we say goodbye to John, let us carry his legacy in our hearts, remembering the love and kindness he shared with all those around him. May he and Sandy rest in eternal peace together.
There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains.
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
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fll up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy fake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep.
But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.
ROBERT FROST
Xavier routs Freedom and more takeaways from Week 3
Ricardo Arguello, Dan Kohn and Mike Sherry Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
Appleton North remains undefeated after a 21-19 victory over Fond du Lac and both Xavier and Fox Valley Lutheran are 2-1 after victories Thursday and Friday.
Here are a few takeaways from Week 3 of the high school football season for Appleton schools.
Defense comes through for Appleton North
A late defensive surge allowed Appleton North to escape with a win over a desperate Fond du Lac team.
Fond du Lac had the ball at North’s 45-yard line with just over a minute left on a potential game-winning drive.
Brock Arndt had a key tackle on third-
and-6 and teammates Sean Hansen and Daniel Garrigan helped swat away a Connor Klapperich pass on fourth down that secured the victory for the Lightning (3-0, 1-0 Fox Valley Association).
The defensive stand was in question after a fourth quarter that saw North squander a 21-6 lead as Fond du Lac scored a pair of touchdowns in just under four minutes.
North coach Rob Salm said his message was clear and to the point to his defense.
“One play at a time,” Salm said. “You havetoplayashardasyoupossiblycan. Don’t get caught up in emotion and you’re thinking about the situation. That takes away from you being able to execute. Just be who you are. Play your position the best that you possibly can — and this means a lot to you — so lay it on the line. Walk off the field feeling good about what you were doing out there and you can be happy with it. And
See FOOTBALL, Page2C
Ricardo Arguello and Dan Kohn
Appleton Post-Crescent USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
APPLETON − A pair of Fox Valley Association heavyweights remain undefeated to lead Week 3 takeaways from Fox Valley area high school football. Rockets show moxie in holding off Appleton East
Down its two best players and trailing going into the fourth quarter, Neenah relied on a stout defense and freshman quarterback Ashton Van Beek to rally for a 27-15 win over Appleton East on Thursday in the Fox Valley Association football opener at Pickett Field. Rockets starting quarterback Evan Vanevenhoven and running back Grant Dean missed the game due to injury, and it showed early. Dean, who injured his ankle a week ago, is expected back
next week, while Vanevenhoven may miss a few more games after injuring his wrist in the season opener. East jumped out to an 8-0 first-quarter lead and led for much of the game. The Patriots led 8-7 at intermission and
GREEN BAY – Josiah Deguara hasn’t even reached the end of his first contract with the Green Bay Packers and already he has been elevated to fatherly figure.
A year ago, he was a young tight end with basically one year of experience after missing all but two games during his rookie season because of a torn ACL. He was playing behind 38-yearold Marcedes Lewis and 28-year-old Robert Tonyan, and sharing snaps with Tyler Davis, who like Deguara was 25 years old. But over the course of 11 months, Lewis and Tonyan weren’t re-signed, the Packers drafted tight ends Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft in the second and third rounds, respectively, and Davis was lost for the 2023 season with a torn ACL
After the roster cutdown to 53 on Tuesday, the Packers’ tight ends were Deguara and two rookies.
It was clear general manager Brian Gutekunst was going to add a tight end but, rather than add a veteran, he claimed Ben Sims, another rookie, off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings. And to top it off, he signed rookie Henry Pearson and first-year pro Austin Allen to the practice squad.
So, it is Deguara with 35 games played and the rest zero.
“It’s a numbers game, and it’s not my job to figure it out,” Deguara said Thursday. “You just never know what they’re going to do.”
Sims caught the Packers’ eye while at Baylor
The addition of Sims wasn’t a wild swing in the dark.
The Packers liked him enough during their college evaluations to use one of their 30 allowed pre-draft visits on the former Baylor tight end. Though not as developed physically as the 6foot-6, 253-pound Musgrave and the 6-5, 259-pound Kraft, the 6-412, 250pound Sims ran the 40-yard dash at his pro day in an eye-opening 4.58 seconds, which would have ranked third among all participants at the scouting combine.
Freshman Ashton Van Beek ran for three touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass for Neenah in its victory over Appleton East on Thursday in Appleton. WM. GLASHEEN/ USA TODAY NETWORKWISCONSIN See FVA, Page2C
15-14 after three quarters. “This is a really good win,” Rockets coach Steve Jung said. “We ground out a good win down our two best offensive
Simsisn’ttheeliteathletethatMusgrave is and doesn’t have the outstanding combination of size and short-area quickness Kraft showed, but he is the kind of long-armed speed merchant Gutekunst is trying to provide new starting quarterback Jordan Love. “He’s another big, big athlete who can run very fast,” Gutekunst said. “I think what he was able to do in thelastthreeweeksforMinnesotawas he really improved his game in some areas that gave us a lot of confidence to put that claim in.” Sims wasn’t drafted, but the Vikings paid him a $10,000 signing bonus and guaranteed $100,000 of his salary, which means they had to bid high to get him to sign with them. It’s not known if the Packers were a bidder also,buttheVikingssawhimasacomplement to a veteran group led by T.J Hockenson
Jim Owczarski
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Bucks have again set the stage for Alex Antetokounmpo to rejoin the organization as a member of its G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. The 22-year-old was signed and waived by the Bucks, which allows the team to maintain his GLeague rights. Hoops Hype, a USA TODAY property, confirmed Antetokounmpo was signed by the team and The Athletic reported he was waived. Antetokounmpo would be eligible for a guaranteed bonus of up to $75,000 if he’s a member of the Herd for 60 days. The youngest brother of the Bucks’ Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Alex starred at Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay. He was originally acquired by the Herd via trade with Toronto on July 25, 2022. The Bucks then signed and waived him before training camp began, which allowed him to receive a bonus last season. Antetokounmpo played 32 games for the Herd last season.
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they went out and played with passion and that’s what you need from them in that situation.”
Arndt, who finished with 10 total tackles and also caught a15-yard touchdown pass at tight end, said North did what it had to do to get the win.
“It’sjustagreatfeeling,”hesaid.“One more step in the right direction to a conference title. Takes grit down there and that’s what we love. It shouldn’t have been that close but we know how to battle and trust our teammates that we’re going to do it and we did it.
“It’s that mentality of ‘win.’ Everybody hates losing and we had that win mentality in us and everybody is going to fight no matter what goes on and cross it out and start back new and come back out there fighting.”
Fond du Lac entered the game 0-2 and was desperate to get a win. That kind of situation makes a team dangerous and Salm knew the Lightning would get the Cardinals’ best effort.
Fondy scored on Klapperich touchdowns from 66 yards and 1 yard in the latter portion of the fourth quarter to make the final minutes critical for both teams.
“Coming into the season you knew Fond du Lac was a very talented group. They got a coach and staff that really works hard at it and we knew we were goingtogettheirbestpunch,”Salmsaid.
“Having played two tough games and then the start of the FVA, they didn’t want to be 0-3. So we knew we were going to get their best. So I was proud of how our kids came out and executed to start.”
Kritzer continues solid start
North quarterback Luke Kritzer has flown under the radar to start the season, and maybe that’s a good thing.
The senior took his lumps as a junior but those growing pains have paid off tremendously. Kritzer finished 18-of-27 for 177 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The numbers were solid, but his familiarity with the offense and ability to pinpoint his passes on short and intermediate routes helped the North offense hum along.
Kritzer’s season totals reflect his maturation: a 70.2 completion percentage (40 of 57), 558 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions. He’s also runtheballefficientlywith28carriesfor 120 yards and a score.
“I can’t say that his progress has surprised me simply because I know how hard Luke works at the game and how
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players. Our defense made stops in the fourth quarter and our offense finished it, so I’m super proud of our kids.”
Van Beek rushed for three scores and threw for another as he helped Neenah overcome a couple of early turnovers and a third-quarter interception.
“He made a couple mistakes, turned the ball over,” Jung said. “He threw an interception, but he stayed the course and stayed tough in there. He didn’t get rattled by it, and then he drove us to victory.
“That was really important. It was good for our confidence. When you’re down your two best offensive players and you have a freshman leading you and you come out with a W, that’s a big FVA win.”
Tyson leads Kimberly past Oshkosh West
Kimberly’s run game took a positive step forward Thursday, finishing with 240 yards on 39 attempts and four touchdowns in the team’s 34-10 victory over Oshkosh West at Titan Stadium.
The win improves Kimberly to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the FVA.
Gavin Tyson had 151 yards on 25 carries and scored three touchdowns with Marcus Doucette adding 82 yards on 10 attempts and a score.
much it means to him,” Salm said. “But his efficiency has been really incredible to start the season. So, his development weknewhehadsomenicereceiversthis year and our offensive line was going to be older and a little more improved, so felt like we had some good balance. Still, it takes someone to orchestrate all that and Luke is doing a great job with that.”
Xavier shuts down Freedom
The Hawks scored 28 points in the first quarter and rolled to a surprisingly easy 48-3 win over Freedom in a Bay Conference/North Eastern Conference crossover matchup in Freedom.
Xavier (2-1) held Freedom (2-1) out of the end zone after the Irish had scored 77 points the first two weeks in victories over Waupaca and Seymour.
“We’re a veteran team defensively,” Xavier coach Dave Hinkens said. “We got nine kids that started last year on, I thought, a pretty good defense. Week 1 (vs. Luxemburg-Casco) we didn’t see what we thought we were going to see — give them credit, they’re a really good team — but last week against FVL, who’saveryexplosiveoffensivefootball team, we played really good pass coverage there and again here. We’re very talented in the back end of our defense.”
Carter McGlone scored on a 4-yard run to cap the opening drive for the Hawks, who converted a fourth down to extend the drive. Xavier immediately got the ball back when Freedom failed to field the ensuing kickoff, and the Hawks scored on a 26-yard pass from Reid Hietpas to Brendan Bruen.
“Any general that leads his troops into battle expects to be victorious, but we didn’t anticipate that, no,” Hinkens said of leading 28-3 after one quarter. “We knew it was going to be hard-
Kimberly’s defense was led by Cody Obermann, who had seven total tackles and an interception.
Menasha bounces back in big way
Menasha erupted for 42 points in the first half to cruise to a 58-14 Fox River Classic Conference South victory over Manitowoc at Calder Stadium on Friday.
Logan Liegl had two rushing touchdowns of 8 yards apiece and also had touchdown passes to Ryan Johnson and Ty Schwartzkopf of 30 and 40 yards, respectively.
Elijah Gigl had a pair of short touchdown runs and Jeremiah Zank added a pair of third-quarter touchdowns for the Bluejays (2-1, 1-0), who lost last week to Neenah.
Mistakes hurt Polar Bears in loss to SPASH
Grant Chandonais had three touchdown passes, including two to receiver Amon Konopacki, in SPASH’s 26-10 victory over Hortonville at Akin Field in a Valley Football Association opener Friday.
Point (2-1) led 14-0 into the second quarter before the Polar Bears answered with a field goal from Colin Wendt and a blocked punt that led to a 1-yard touchdown plunge from Hortonville quarterback Broden Butzin.
Hortonville, which was coming off a 13-0 victory over Pulaski, could only muster116totalyardsagainsttheSPASH
The forward played about 22 minutes per game for the Bucks’ G League affiliate, shooting 24.7% from behind the 3point line and 37.2% overall in averaging 5.8 points per game. He also averaged 3.1 rebounds.
fought. We have a lot of confidence in what we do. That first fourth down on our side of the field, we took a risk on that obviously and converted on that. We went in and scored, got the first turnover and hit them on a play that we haven’t run yet this year. Got ahead 14 and it really built momentum for us and a lot of pressure went off our shoulders onto theirs at that point.”
Isaiah Des Jardins added a 60-yard touchdown run and Evan McCormick broke off a 64-yard TD run later in the first quarter. Des Jardins added a 33yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Matthew Potter led Xavier with 119 yardson20carries.DesJardinsfinished with 103 on six carries and McCormick had 96 on four attempts.
Xavier held Freedom quarterback Drew Kortz to 72 yards passing.
Patriots push Neenah to the limit
Appleton East gave undefeated Neenah all it could handle in a 27-15 Fox Valley Association loss at Pickett Field on Thursday.
The Patriots led the Rockets 15-14 after three quarters after a 37-yard touchdown run from Kyreese White.
Neenah (3-0, 1-0) responded with a pair of touchdown runs from freshman quarterback Ashton Van Beek to pull out the comeback win.
East was on the verge of getting another score early in the fourth after Alex Thompson picked off a Van Beek pass but the Neenah defense held firm to allow its offense a chance to retake the lead.
ThePatriots(1-2,0-1)wereledbyfullback Brandon Moua, who carried 15 times for 50 yards.
“There’s definitely some good things,” Patriots coach Mark Kromme-
defense. The Polar Bears (1-2, 0-1) also threw three interceptions.
“Yeah, you can’t have those kinds of mistakes,” Hortonville coach Nicholas Reichart said. “Just little details for us going forward. That’s been the message all year and hopefully we can figure it out going forward.
“For us, we have to continue to work hard. I’m a simple guy and when it comes to football, you have to be physical and you have to play with high effort. We just got to do it more consistently and we have to take care of the football. That was kind of our biggest issue tonight.”
Doriot, Ghosts continue strong start
Finnley Doriot had three more touchdown passes and Kaukauna’s defense held Oshkosh North to 137 yards of total offense in its 35-0 blanking of the Spartans.
Parker Schuh caught six passes for 120 yards for the Ghosts (3-0, 1-0 Fox Valley Association), including a 58-yard score in the second quarter. Aiden Reardon also had 71yards on10 carries with a touchdown to lead Kaukauna’s rushing attack,whichfinishedwith269yardson 37 carries.
Around the North Eastern Conference
Wrightstown rallied from an early setback to beat visiting Winneconne
The Bucks still have one open roster spot for training camp, which begins Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 23, when regular-season rosters must be set by 4 p.m.
nacker said. “Some things to be happy about, but again kind of similar to Week 1,there’sjustsomethingswhereweshot ourselves in the foot and just didn’t execute in some key spots.
“This one was on us just not taking advantage of some opportunities. We just need to be a little more focused, we have to know our roles, we have to play to the whistle on every single snap. Everything is about effort. Effort is a choice. We just didn’t have that at times.”
Krommenacker said not converting after the big interception hurt.
“There were definitely some highlights, defense getting a huge turnover in the second half,” he said. “That was really a momentum changer. But really, it came down to us not converting on a couple fourth downs and that was really the difference in the game.
“They’re definitely a good team. They get after it on offense and do some unique things. We really had a really good plan on defense and executed it in some key spots, but it came down to a couple of big plays that we didn’t cash in on, especially on offense on third and fourth downs where we didn’t get the job done. I’m proud of the kids. I think we’ve proven we have some potential, but again potential doesn’t mean anything if you can’t bring it on the field and be completely focused and execute when it comes to Thursday night football.”
Egan powers Fox Valley Lutheran
Jack Egan scored on runs of1,11and 6 yards in leading Fox Valley Lutheran to a 42-20 victory over Shawano. The win improves FVL to 2-1 overall and 1-0 in the North Eastern Conference.
Egan totaled 178 yards on 28 carries. He has 295 yards on 63 carries and five touchdowns this season.
Liam Heiges also had two touchdown passes and finished 19-of-32 for 279 yards passing. He hit Lucas Papendorf on a 67-yard strike in the fourth quarter. Papendorf finished with two catches for 113 yards.
Appleton West falls to D.C. Everest
Thomas Schueppert had a 16-yard touchdown catch from freshman quarterback Conner Navis late in the fourth quarter in West’s 52-7 loss to undefeated D.C. Everest. The loss drops West’s record to 0-3 overall and 0-1in the Valley Football Association.
The Evergreens (3-0, 1-0) scored 31 points in the first quarter on the strength of two Cayden Bengston touchdowns and a 42-yard interception return for a score from Blake Postler.
34-13. Winneconne defensive back Ethan Mathe had a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown to give the Wolves a 7-0 lead, but Wrightstown led 20-7 at the half. Trevor Vande Hey, a junior quarterback, had three rushing touchdowns covering 51,1and 3 yards and Aiden Humphreys added an 87-yard score for the Tigers. Landon Helphrey also had a short rushing touchdown for Wrightstown (3-0, 1-0 NEC). ... Little Chute (3-0, 1-0) also remains undefeated with a 29-6 victory over Seymour. Mustangs quarterback Charlie Vanden Burgt accounted for all of Little Chute’s touchdowns, scoring on a short keeper and throwing three touchdown passes, including strikes of 31 yards to Tyler Fischerand33yardstoCooperEffa.Brady Polk had Seymour’s lone score on a 54-yard run.
Around the Fox Valley
Kameron Zielke accounted for five touchdowns in Weyauwega-Fremont’s 50-7 victory over Manawa. He had two touchdown passes and also scored on runs of11,1and 24 yards. Brayden Arndt also scored on a 60-yard run for the Warhawks (3-0, 1-0 CWC Large). ... Shiocton got its first win of the season in a 7-0 shutout of Spencer/Columbus Catholic. The Chiefs’Jordan Jahnke had a 24-yard touchdown run in the third quarter to account for the lone score. ... Waupaca also tallied its first win with a 50-14 pounding of Denmark.
MADISON – Wisconsin’s Nathanial Vakos is only a sophomore, but he is wise to the ways of the world when it comes to college kickers. Coming out of Avon High School near Cleveland, Ohio University was the only FBS program to offer him a scholarship.
Vakos made the most of that opportunity and earned freshman All-American status from College Football News. He entered the transfer portal in January and voilà, he had more than 10 scholarship offers.
Being a proven talent at the Division I level made all the difference.
He had about a week to decide and chose UW over Cincinnati. “I think it was the best choice for my future,” he said. “Obviously it’s a great academic school, big-time football, big connections coming out of here, great coaching staff. I think we’re going to have a really good season this year.”
This week the Badgers’ starting kicker spoke to the Journal Sentinel about his expectations for this season, his start in football and his journey to Wisconsin.
Nathanial Vakos owes his start in football to his club soccer coach
Vakos’ path in life would have been much different without his club soccer coach, Attila Csiszar. It was Csiszar who told the high school’s football coach about an incoming freshman with a strong leg.
“I went to a practice and started hitting some balls and was pretty good at it for my first time, so they were like come try out for the team,” Vakos said. “I went to a couple of camps and slowly improved from there.”
Vakos went on to serve as Avon’s kicker for four seasons while also playing on the soccer team. He made 260 straight extra points and 18 for 25 on field goal attempts, capping his high school days with secondteam all-state distinction as a senior.
Luke Fickell had a chance to get Vakos at Cincinnati
In addition to Ohio, Vakos also had an offer from FCS Indiana State coming out of high school and walkon opportunities from Cincinnati and Virginia Tech.
Cincinnati offered its scholarship to a transfer with two years of college experience, so Vakos passed on the chance to join a program that was coming off a national playoff appearance.
“I wanted to go somewhere where they were betting on me and believed in me and that’s obviously where they’re going to give you the money to do that,” Vakos said.
He hit 22 of 27 attempts last season at Ohio. He was 4 for 6 on attempts between 40 and 49 yards and1for 3 with a 55-yarder on his attempts from at least 50 yards. In his final game, Vakos hit three field goals in a 30-27 overtime victory over Wyoming in the Arizona Bowl. His 46-yarder with 4 seconds left in regulation forced overtime.
Kicking in Big Ten, Camp Randall Stadium will present new challenges
Kicking is such a science that Vakos will have to take into account differences between the field he played on at Ohio and the one he’ll kick off of most of the time this season.
“The field is pretty crowned,” he said of the Camp Randall Stadium turf. “It’s got a big slant so it changes up your steps a little bit because you’re going uphill on one side and downhill on the other.”
Vakos will also kick in much larger stadiums than
Find coverage of Saturday’s season-opening game between Wisconsin and Buffalo online and in Monday’s e-edition of the newspaper.
the ones in the Mid-American Conference. Larger stadiums offer more tunnels and openings for wind to enter and affect playing conditions.
“The wind is always swirling in (Camp Randall), which makes your job a little harder, but over the past couple of months I feel like I’ve gotten used to it,” he said. “I haven’t been struggling with it that much so far.”
Vakos has set high standards for himself
What does a successful season look like for Vakos?
He said it starts with hitting all his attempts inside 40 yards. The goal is 90% for 45 yards or longer and 80% for kicks of at least 50 yards.
“Ifyou’retryingtohita50-yarder,you’vegottotreat your extra points like you’re hitting a 50-yarder,” he said. “If you hit it the same every time, it’s not going to change.”
“Awesome from beginning to end on the complete order
Marty K.
Jeff Potrykus
Nebraska at Colorado, Saturday
Once bitter rivals in the Big Eight/Big 12, the teams have met just twice since Nebraska moved to the Big Ten before the 2011 season. Colorado won both meetings — 33-28 in 2018 in Lincoln and 34-31 in overtime in 2019 in Boulder. Both teams have first-year coaches — Deion Sanders at Colorado and Matt Rhule at Nebraska.
Iowa at Penn State, Sept. 23
An interesting crossover game as both teams could compete for the title in their respective divisions. Penn State officials have designated this game a Whiteout. Iowa has won the last two meetings, by 20 points in 2020 in State College and by three points in 2021 in Iowa City. Four of the last five meetings have been decided by single digits.
Ohio State at Notre Dame, Sept. 23
Former Ohio State linebacker Marcus FreemanreturnedtoColumbuslastseason as Notre Dame’s rookie head coach. The Buckeyes handed Freeman and the fifth-ranked Irish a 21-10 loss. The Irish could have a significant edge at quarterbackthistimewithWakeForesttransfer Sam Hartman leading their offense.
Illinois at Purdue, Sept. 30
Thisgamewon’tmakenationalheadlinesbutitshouldbeanintriguingbattle because of the head coaches. Bret Bielema hired Ryan Walters as the defensive coordinator at Illinois in 2021. Walters helped build a terrific defense in his two seasons in Champaign and parlayed that work into the head coaching job at Purdue.
Iowa at Wisconsin, Oct. 14
The Badgers closed to within14-10 by driving 75 yards on seven plays on their final possession of the first half in the teams’ meeting last season in Iowa City. Iowa’s defense held UW to 43 yards on 29 plays in the second half en route to a 24-10 victory. The Hawkeyes have lost their last three games at Camp Randall
Stadium — by 24, 2 and 20 points.
Penn State at Ohio State, Oct. 21
Penn State has won the Big Ten one time since the inception of the league title game in 2011. That came in 2016 and the Nittany Lions upset Ohio State, 2421, en route to winning the East. The Buckeyes have won the last six meetings.
Ohio State at Wisconsin, Oct. 28
Some UW fans are speculating this could be a matchup of two unbeaten teams, giving the Badgers the opportunity to make a statement on a national stage. Ohio State is one of the helmet schools Luke Fickell was brought in to beat. Can he take down his alma mater in his first chance since taking over at UW? The Buckeyes have won the last nine meetings, though only two of those games were played in Madison and both went into overtime.
Michigan at Penn State, Nov. 11
The Wolverines scored four times — three touchdowns and one field goal —
in the final 26 minutes, 12 seconds to pull away for a 41-17 victory last season in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines are 2-5 in their last seven trips to State College. Iowa at Nebraska, Nov. 24
Fans of Big Ten West Division teams know the Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers loathe each other. The Hawkeyes won seven consecutive meetings (2015-21) before Nebraska stunned Iowa in the teams’ 2022 regular-season finale. Iowa could have clinched the West title with a victory but instead suffered a 24-17 home loss to the Cornhuskers, who came in 2-6 in the league and 3-8 overall.
Ohio State at Michigan, Nov. 25
Will this game decide the East Division championship? Ohio State reeled off eight consecutive victories (2012-19) in the series, but Michigan is on a twogame roll. The Wolverines have outscored their rivals by a combined 87-50 in the last two meetings. Michigan has rushed for a combined 549 yards and nine touchdowns in the two victories.
Todd Rosiak Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MILWAUKEE–TheMilwaukeeBrewers turned to a familiar face Friday as teams were allowed to expand their rosters by two players.
Utility man Owen Miller was recalled Friday from Class AAA Nashville along with left-hander Clayton Andrews in advanceofabigseriesagainstthePhiladelphia Phillies at American Family Field, giving manager Craig Counsell another versatile position player to deploy off the bench.
“I would expect Owen to be used largely in small pieces later in games,” Counsell said. “That’s where you’re going to find him mostly used.”
Miller, a Fredonia native, was a big contributor in May with a career-high
hitting streak of13 games (.408 average) but he saw his productivity and playing time drop off before he was ultimately optioned out Aug. 2.
He hit .276 with two home runs and11 RBI over 20 games for the Sounds.
“I was in this position last year with Cleveland coming down the stretch, playing meaningful baseball,” said Miller, who has hit .264 with five homers and 27 RBI in 86 games with the Brewers.
“It’s something special. I’m here to bring good vibes and hopefully we can make a push here the last month. I was able to play every day — a little outfield, a little first, a little second. Just seeing pitching every day, being able to work on some stuff in the cage and get everything fine-tuned.
“When I got the call to come back up here I knew I was ready. I’m excited.”
Andrews is likely to be a one-game callup with Counsell confirming Colin Rea will make a spot start Saturday in place of the injured Adrian Houser.
In recalling Miller and Andrews, the Brewers opted against bringing up top prospects Tyler Black and Robert Gasser,aswellasinfielder/designatedhitter Keston Hiura.
Counsell hopes Donaldson can make an impact
Counsell also offered his thoughts on the signing of third baseman Josh Donaldson to a minor-league contract Thursday.
“He hasn’t played in six weeks here, so we’ve got to get him some at-bats and get him ready to play,” Counsell said.
“We’ll see how long that takes and then we’ll get him here.
“Anytime you’re trying something like this there’s a lot of unknowns and a big range of outcomes. But (his experience and presence) are the reasons we were interested and we hope that there’s an ability to make an impact in some big games.”
Teheran recovery update
Counsell also said that right-hander Julio Teheran will throw a bullpen session in Milwaukee before heading out to make a second rehab start for Nashville after suffering a hip impingement in July. Teheranallowedsevenhits,fourruns andawalkandhitabatterwhilestriking out four over 21⁄3 innings in his first rehab start Thursday.
FRIDAY BREWERS 7, PHILLIES 5
Todd Rosiak
Journal Sentinel
WISCONSIN
MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers’ 34th come-from-behind victory in 2023 might also wind up being one of their most memorable when all is said and done.
“It was a crazy game,” conceded manager Craig Counsell after having just watched his team rally for four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 7-5 on Friday night at American Family Field.
The Brewers fell behind one batter into the game, took a two-run lead in the fourth and then saw the bullpen blow it in the top of the eighth before the offense utilized a patient, fundamental approach at the plate — and some major good fortune — to tilt the momentum back in Milwaukee’s favor in the bottom of the inning.
“That felt like playoff baseball right there,” said Owen Miller, whose at-bat off the bench against Jeff Hoffman ended up being the most important of the game.
“September is where everyone gets excited,” added Tyrone Taylor, who also came off the bench in the eighth and factored into the rally. “As a player I try to treat every game as if it’s the same. We want to win every game. But at the same time we know that this is what it all comes down to. At the end of the day, this is where you find out whether you’re going to be in the playoffs or not.
“We’re going to continue to show up one game at a time, try to be our best selves and see what happens.”
The craziness unfolding late was madeevenmoreentertainingbythefact that right around the same time in Cincinnati the Reds were completing a comeback of their own that they’d ultimately win in walk-off fashion, 3-2 over the Chicago Cubs in the nightcap of the teams’ doubleheader.
The Cubs won the opener. So if the Brewers had lost and the Cubs had swept, they’d have seen what was a three-game lead in the National League Central standings trimmed to 112 games by night’s end.
Instead, Milwaukee gained a halfgame and at 75-59 is 3 1⁄2 games in front of Chicago.
“We haven’t had one like that,”Counsell said. “But there’s going to be different ways to win games. It’s not always the same. Tonight we did it a little differently, but it’s a win.”
The Brewers have taken 10 of 13 — with all three losses in that stretch coming by a single run — and can clinch the tiebreaker over the Phillies (who are in the top wild-card spot at 74-60 with a victory either Saturday or Sunday.
Here are three takeaways from the victory.
Taylor, Miller deliver in crunch time
Good teams get contributions in big moments from unexpected players, and such was the case for the Brewers in the eighth.
After having had the air sucked out of the ballpark when the Phillies scored four times in the top of the frame, Milwaukee’s offense came right back against a pair of tough relievers in José Alvarado and Jeff Hoffman.
Rookie Andruw Monasterio started things off with a single against the hardthrowing lefty Alvarado. After a groundout by Christian Yelich, William Contreras singled and Carlos Santana walked to load the bases.
That brought Taylor to the plate as a pinch-hitter for Sal Frelick, with Counsell going for the lefty-righty matchup.
Taylor fell behind in the count, 1-2, before battling back to draw a walk that made it a 5-4 game.
Shortstop Willy Adames douses third baseman Owen Miller after the Brewers’ 7-5 victory over the Phillies on Friday night. BENNY SIEU/ USA TODAY SPORTS
Alvarado exited at that point for the right-handed Hoffman, who fanned Willy Adames to get to within one out of emerging with the lead.
That brought Miller to the plate, and playing in his first game for the Brewers since July 31 he worked a five-pitch atbat from Hoffman that he capped with a ground ball to third base.
Most everyone expected Alec Bohm to field the ball, run over and step on third and end the inning. Instead, the ball trickled under his glove as he attempted the backhand and rolled slowly down the left-field line as Contreras and SantanascoredtogivetheBrewersa6-5 lead.
“With the bases loaded right there I knew he was probably to come at me right there, didn’t want to walk me,”Miller said. “It was 2-2, he threw a slider and I was glad to put the bat on it and just put a little pressure on them.
“I didn’t know if he was maybe going to go to third with it or maybe go to first, but once I heard the crowd get kind of loud there I figured that it got by him.”
The play was then capped by Taylor scoring all the way from first, diving in head-first and touching the plate with his left hand just ahead of the tag attempt to give the Brewers a valuable insurance run.
Devin Williams made his second chance count
The Brewers held a 3-1 lead going to the eighth when things began spiraling.
The Phillies used a leadoff walk and thenapairofsinglestopulltowithin3-2 against Joel Payamps, who recovered to
retire the next two batters before Counsell turned to closer Devin Williams for his first four-out save opportunity since May 28.
“That’s what it called for,” Williams said. It didn’t go well, as Trea Turner hit the third pitch he saw from Williams — a hung changeup — over the wall in left to give Philadelphia the 5-3 lead and Williams his fourth blown save.
“It was a little rushed getting ready, but other than that it was fine,”said Williams, who finished the inning off a batter later by getting Bryce Harper to tap out.
Williams then happily sat through the long bottom of the eighth. Trevor Megill was also warming up, but Counsell went back to his closer.
“Iftherewasanotherpitchingchange by them or the inning kept going then we were going to probably pull the plug on it,” Counsell said.
Williamsrespondedwithano-drama ninth, getting a strikeout, flyout and then groundout from Bohm to end it and improve his record to 8-3.
“It’s nice when the offense can pick us up and give me another chance to take it home,” Williams said.
Peralta was outstanding again
Brewers starter Freddy Peralta would have won for the sixth consecutive time were it not for Turner’s homer.
As it was, the right-hander settled for his 14th quality start after allowing two hits, a run and no walks with 10 strikeouts over his six-inning, 94-pitch outing.
Over his last seven starts, Peralta has posted a 1.71 earned run average and WHIP of 0.79 with 69 strikeouts while limiting opposing batters to a collective .158 average.
“He was so, so good,” Counsell said. “He just got in a rhythm, and it was like, an effortless rhythm. A lot of execution. The fastball was really good. Everything was working and that made it really tough on them.
“Excellent, excellent effort.”
live weekly Packers show.
Continued from Page 1C
The Vikings wound up keeping four tight ends and waiving Sims, hoping to sign him to the practice squad once he cleared waivers. But the Packers stepped in and put in a claim, which they were awarded Wednesday, giving them Deguara and three rookies on the 53-man roster.
“It's crazy,” Deguara said. “I’m just going to have to step up as a leader and show them the ropes. I mean, Tucker and Luke have done a great job already. Ben seems like a good guy. It will pick up pretty quick now, but I know Minnesota runs an offense the same as we do.”
Both coach Matt LaFleur and Vikings coach Kevin O’Donnell worked under Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay, and so some of the things Sims was doing in Minnesota translate to what LaFleur is doing here. Sims got his playbook as soon as he arrived and did a few things in practice.
Now he’ll spend his holiday weekend with his nose in his tablet trying to learn all the differences in LaFleur’s scheme.
There aren’t any Hockensons or Lewises to guide him through his transition, but Deguara has been around long enough that he can help him navigate the rough spots. At the same time, he has three other rookies around him who are experiencing the run-up to the regular season for the first time.
“I think I’m in a really good spot,” Sims said. “We’re a really young room. We’re three rookies who can work off each other and help coach each other and we can learn and grow and develop together, which is kind of exciting. The other room I was in there was some age and some veterans. They both have
The program, presented by Cellcom and Packerland Home Improvement, will be held at The Fox Club inside Neuroscience Group Field – home of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers – in Grand Chute. The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. Kuhn, a fan favorite who spent nine seasons in Green Bay, will get us ready for the Packers’ 2023 season through a fun and interactive discussion with cohosts Brett Christopherson and Ricardo Arguello. Plus, register to win some great prizes, including autographed photos and more. Doors open at 4 p.m., and admission is free. Can’t make it? Watch live online at
their perks, but I’m blessed to be in this situation.”
Three young tight ends provide speed
Speed at the tight end position is not
something the Packers have had a lot of since Jermichael Finley’s career ended prematurely in 2013. At Baylor, Sims ranks first in receiving touchdowns (12), second in receptions (78) and fourth in receiving yards (785) among tight ends. He played in a high-octane passing
clubhouselive.com, facebook.com/ packersnews or on our USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin YouTube channel. Online viewers can ask questions in real time. Find more show information at facebook.com/clubhouselive.
game his first two seasons and then transitioned into a pro-style offense implemented by new offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes. Sims caught 31 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns as a senior but spent a lot of time blocking for Baylor’s 10th-ranked running game.
During the Vikings’ preseason, he caughtthreepassesfor53yards,including a 33-yard deep ball from Nick Mullens against Tennessee. Most importantly, he played 86 snaps on offense and29onspecialteams,allowinghimto get a lot of game experience.
“It’s a good learning experience, my first couple of NFL games,” Sims said. “I had some good moments, and I think I had some moments (that need) improvement. But I was pleased with the way I was coached. I was pleased with the guys, the older group in Minnesota. They let me lean on them a lot.
“So, I was really fortunate to have a group of vets that helped me and really went out of their way to be there for me.”
The Packers won’t need Sims to play a big role, but if he’s active on game day, he’s going to have to contribute on special teams.
Expecting him to be ready to have a role on offense against Chicago in the season opener Sept. 10 isn’t realistic, but if it’s needed, Deguara will do whatever is necessary to help him out.
In fact, all the rookies are going to need to be around Deguara because their life is about to change dramatically.
“Obviously,gettingintogamesisalittle bit different,” Deguara said, “and being the only one that’s played in a game, you just try to prepare them as much as you can. But the game experience will prepare them more than anything I’ll do.
“Now, it’s just getting games under their belt and getting experience.”
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Governor cites impact on rescue efforts after Idalia Will
WASHINGTON – Republican Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office said Friday that he had “no plans” to meet with President Joe Biden when the president traveled to Florida on Saturday to survey damage from Hurricane Idalia, suggesting that doing so could hinder disaster response.
“In these rural communities, and so soon after impact, the security preparations alone that would go into setting up such a meeting would shut down ongoing recovery efforts,” DeSantis spokesman Jeremy Redfern said in a statement. Idalia made landfall Wednesday
morning along Florida’s Big Bend region as a Category 3 storm, causing widespread flooding and damage before moving north to drench Georgia and the Carolinas.
DeSantis preemptively heading off a meeting contradicts Biden himself, who, when asked after an event at the White House on Friday whether he would meet with DeSantis during his trip to Florida, replied, “Yes.”
It’s also a break from the recent past, since Biden and DeSantis met when the presidenttouredFloridaafterHurricane Ian hit the state last year, and following the Surfside condo collapse in Miami Beach in summer 2021. But DeSantis is now running for president, and he only left the Republican primary trail last week with Idalia barreling toward his state.
White House spokeswoman Emilie Simons responded, “President Biden
and the first lady look forward to meeting members of the community impacted by Hurricane Idalia and surveying impacts of the storm.”
“Their visit to Florida has been planned in close coordination” with the Federal Emergency Management Agency “as well as state and local leaders to ensure there is no impact on response operations,” Simons said in her own statement.
The politics of putting aside rivalries following natural disasters can indeed be tricky.
Another 2024 presidential candidate, Republican former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, was widely criticized in GOP circles for embracing thenPresident Barack Obama during a tour of damage 2012’s Superstorm Sandy did to his state. Christie was even asked about the incident last month, during the first Republican presidential debate
in Milwaukee.
Both Biden and DeSantis at first said helping storm victims would outweigh politics, but DeSantis began suggesting that logistical problems could complicate a presidential visit as the week wore on.
“There’s a time and a place to have political season,” the governor said before Idalia made landfall. “But then there’s a time and a place to say that this is something that’s life threatening, this is something that could potentially cost somebody their life, it could cost them their livelihood.”
ByFriday,thegovernorwastellingreporters of Biden, “one thing I did mention to him on the phone” was “it would be very disruptive to have the whole security apparatus that goes” with the president “because there are only so many ways to get into” many of the hardest hit areas.
is
and
Jordyn Noennig
Most know cheese and beer are synonymous with Wisconsin culture — and some might argue the game sheepshead is in those ranks as well. h Though the trump card game is lesser-known outside the state, it’s a family tradition for many Wisconsinites. Milwaukee’s Common Council even made a proclamation in1983 that sheepshead was the official game of the city. h And there’s more than one way to play sheepshead in Wisconsin. If you tell someone you play “five-handed, picker and jack of diamonds,”they might ask if you are from Watertown or Green Bay. h How did sheepshead gain such a hold here? We looked at that question, and the game’s history, for our What the Wisconsin series that answers readers’ questions about our state and its people.
There is not a clear history of when and where sheepshead, or schafkopf (its German name), was created.
According to “A Field Guide to Sheepshead” by Erica Rosch, the earliest accounts of the game are in the1500s, in a Wendish country in what is now western Germany.
The earliest found written rules of the game date to1896, and official modern rules were written by the Bavarian Schafkopf Association in 1989 in Munich, Germany.
Accordingtoapopularstory,disgruntledpeasants invented the game, giving king cards a power ranking below queens, jacks, aces and 10s.
A De Pere teen diagnosed with juvenile arthritis now wants to spread
Benita Mathew Green Bay Press-Gazette USA TODAY NETWORK – WISCONSIN
DE PERE — In 2016, Mira Leurquin had a surgery that she didn’t know would change her life.
Leurquin, now 18, was performing a front handspring, which she had done many times before in gymnastics practice. But this time she tore her meniscus and had to have surgery to fix it. Her recovery was supposed to be quick, but Leurquin’s knee just wasn’t healing properly.
Herkneeandjointsstartedtoflareup and became painful, so Leurquin went back to Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists clinic in Green Bay after surgery. That’s when her doctors realized she had arthritis at age 12.
Leurquin is one of 6,000 kids in Wisconsin who have juvenile arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Leurquin was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis in children.
Dr. Paul Tuttle, a pediatric and adult rheumatologist at OSMS who treated Leurquin, has treated patients with ar-
thritis as young as 2 years old.
In the first few months, the pain was so unmanageable that Leurquin had to be in a wheelchair at times. Now, she competitively dances and is back to running on her school’s cross-country team.
Leurquin’s diagnosis is not usually how juvenile arthritis is discovered, Tuttle said. Normally, the symptoms appear gradually over months or over a year, so it can take time to make the final diagnosis.
See ARTHRITIS, Page3D
Regular infusions were a part of Mira Leurquin’s treatment for juvenile arthritis. Diagnosed at age 12, Leurquin is one of 6,000 kids in Wisconsin who have the disease. PROVIDED BY MIRA LEURQUIN
First day in a new place can be intimidating, but ‘you can do this’
Do you remember your first day of school? It was so very long ago, but I’ll bet you remember how you felt that day. There was probably a little bit of excitement, a little bit of fear, a little trepidation. Will people like me? Will I make friends? Can’t I just stay at home and not do this?
Life has a way of repeating itself. Now you are heading to a new community and wondering how it will be. Will they like me? Will I make friends? Will it feel like home?
You can almost hear your mother’s voice saying, “You can do this.”
Continued from Page 1D
Why it’s called sheepshead
There are also different stories as to how it got its name.
Oneisthatthegame’sscorewasoriginally kept by marking lines that eventually looked like a sheep’s head.
A different story is that sheepshead was once called das schaffkopf, meaning barrel or tub head, which is what they played the games on in southern Germany and Austria.
As Germans moved to Wisconsin, they dropped an “f” and the name became schafkopf, or sheepshead.
Wisconsin family traditions keep sheepshead tradition alive
The game has been passed down from generation to generation as children learned to play from their parents.
“My first memory playing sheepshead is at my grandma’s house with my dad, grandpa, two uncles and my mom,” said Erich Gunther, who runs the sheepshead tent at German Fest.
Tim Wachter teaches sheepshead at German Fest, where people from all over Wisconsin and beyond come to play the game.
“There are pockets where they play it in other states, even as far down as Texas, but for the most part it’s just alive here in Wisconsin,” Wachter said.
Wisconsin’s large German immigrant population played a role in keeping the game alive here. Rosch in her book specifically credits the large breweries founded by German immigrants as a reason why so many people played it in Milwaukee. She said master brewers would gather after the workday in a brewery rathskeller for a game of sheepshead.
“They brought a strong community spirit and a zest for competition and camaraderie characterized by their favorite game, sheepshead,” Rasch wrote.
Dennis Staral has been playing for 70 years.
“The only way it got passed down is by generation by generation. I learned from my parents, they learned from their parents, they learned from their parents,” Staral said. “Over the last 20 years it’s been put on the internet and that helps a lot, too.”
He is now working with the Nicolet Recreation Department to hold sheepshead beginner classes. He also holds one of the nation’s largest sheepshead tournaments at Nicolet High School. The attendance for the 27th annual Glendale Open Sheepshead Tournament in April was around 180 players.
While he has seen a decline in the number of players over the years — peak attendance was 290 in 2010 — he hopes that the next generation will continue to play the game.
“It’s a good reason to gather with friends, and make new ones, too,” he said.“It’sagreatgame,andI’dliketosee it live on.”
Milwaukee sheepshead and Wisconsin sheepshead are different
There are many versions of sheepshead around the world. And when it comes to a five-player game, there’s a difference between the Milwaukee version and the game played throughout the rest of the state.
In Milwaukee, five-handed “call an ace” is the most popular version. OutsideMilwaukee,mostpeopleplay“picker and jack of diamond.”
Both versions use 32 cards out of the standard 52-card deck, with 2s through 6sremoved.Andthetrumpsuit—anestablished set of cards that are more powerful than others — is any diamond, jack or queen. The difference is in “call
First, in preparation for starting school, your mom had looked at what things you needed and took you shopping to get them. You probably got new crayons, a big pencil, new shoes, some new outfits, perhaps a hand-me-down lunch box – and maybe you even got a haircut for the big day.
A good orientation is important, so you probably went to the school a couple of days ahead of time to walk through and get the lay of the land.
“What a big place,” you thought, “I’ll never learn my way around.”
When that morning arrived, you tried to hold back your unease. You didn’t want to be a scaredy-cat. Mom made you a good breakfast, then, she took you to school, dropped you off and left. You were on your own. You nervously sat at your desk and tried to keep yourself busy. Soon, you
held your head up and started chatting with the person at the desk next to you. At lunch, you met more kids and after school, when you were walking home, maybe you met someone who eventually became your dearest friend for many years to come.
Now, as you are heading to a new community, prepare by looking at what things you need and “go shopping” around your house to get them. Set yourself up by choosing just what you need and not hauling all kinds of extra stuff that you will never use. You will want what it takes to furnish your living area, as well as some cherished treasures. Be practical. Everything you take should have a purpose and a place. And yes, because it brings you joy can be a reason to take something, but perhaps not 47 of those somethings.
Set yourself up for success by check-
ing out the new community several times ahead, maybe have some meals there. You will be more comfortable if you become familiar with your new surroundings.
The most important thing you can do once you arrive is to hold your head up, get out there and meet people. Soon, you’ll be chatting with the person at your table at lunch, meeting someone on the way to the mailbox, joining in a game of cards or an art project. You may soon meet your new dearest friend. Yes, the first day of a new adventure is a little bit exciting, but also a bit scary.
As Mom told you many years ago, you can do this.
Jean Long Manteufel writes a column on the first Sunday of each month about life changes associated with aging. Send your questions to Jean@TransitionsWithJean.com
an ace,” the picker calls an ace suit to find their partner. In “picker and jack of diamond”the picker and the player with the jack of diamonds are automatically partners.
How to play sheepshead
Here is how to play call an ace.
The highest trump are the queens, starting with the queen of clubs, then queen of spades, queen of hearts and queen of diamonds. The jacks are the next highest, in the same order. The ace of diamonds is the next highest trump, followedbythe10,king,9,8and7ofdiamonds.
The goal for each hand for one team (the pickers, described later) is to get at least 31 points to not lose double, and 61 points out of a possible 120 to win that hand.
The point values are as follows:
h Ace: 11 points
h 10: 10 points
h King: 4 points
h Queen: 3 points
h Jack: 2 points
h 9, 8, 7: 0 points
Every player is dealt six cards. Two cards, called the blind, are placed facedown in the middle.
The player to the left of the dealer has the first chance to pick the blind and place it in their hand. If they pass, the next person has the chance to pick the blind.
Whoever picks the blind will then
“bury” two of their cards (from their hand or the blind) that will be counted later as points in their hand. The goal is to bury cards with large point values.
Thepickerwillthen“callanace”ofan off suit (clubs, hearts or spades) that they have in their hand. The player with that ace will be their partner. Only the person holding the ace knows it before the card is played.
Once the blind is buried, the game begins as the player to the left of the dealer leads a card. The late Robert Strupp from Milwaukee, who wrote the book “How to Play ‘Winning’ 5 Handed Sheepshead,” offers these tips for leading:
h The picker usually leads trump
h The picker’s partner should also lead trump
h If playing “call an ace,” the opposition should lead the called ace suit
Everyone must follow the suit of the card played. If the called suit is led, the playerwiththeaceofthatsuitmustplay that card, even if they have other cards of the suit. If any player cannot follow suit, they typically play a trump card to try to win that trick, or round of five cards played.
The player with the highest card takes the trick. In sheepshead, trump cards (queens, jacks and diamonds) beat any other card.
Once someone takes a trick, they put those five cards face down in their pile of cards to be counted later. They also get to lead the next trick.
of
sheepshead, in which
What’s What the Wisconsin?
Is there something about Wisconsin that’s been puzzling you? We’ve got experts who know how to find answers to even the smallest (and sometimes the most interesting) questions. When we can, we’ll answer with stories. Submit your question at bit.ly/whatthewisconsin.
Once an entire hand — six tricks — is played, each team counts their cards. What one loses depends on what their group decides. It could simply be points or poker chips. Historically, players would bring pennies to pass around the table as they lost. That has gone up to nickels, then dimes, and sometimes now quarters. At a tournament, players play a set number of hands before a game ends, usually 10 or 15. Casual games usually end with someone calling “last hand” before dealing.
As players become more advanced, they can do more to double scores including playing “doublers” after a round where no one picks the blind, or “blitzing,” which is when someone has the two black queens and doubles the point values for that hand. Players can double the points with a “crack” or “wrap” if they are not the partner of the picker and think they can beat them. The partner can “re-crack,” doubling the points again (so quadrupling), if they think they can beat the person who called “crack” or “wrap.”
Confused yet? The game has a lot of its own terminology.
For example, when someone throws an ace or 10 to their partners to give them points, it’s called “schmear.”
If no one picks the blind, players can simply move on to the next round, or they could play a “leaster,” where players try to get the least number of points while still taking a trick. Players typically determine what they’re going to do before the game begins.
“Mauer” means you should have picked the blind and you didn’t.
“We always took it as calling someone ‘chicken,’” Gunther said.
If there are not five players available, it is common to play four- and threehanded versions of the game, in which players are dealt more cards.
There are also six-, seven- and eighthanded versions, but in Wisconsin it is more common for players to take turns being dealt in and grabbing a beer while they are not playing, according to Strupp’s book.
I asked you, dear readers, to answer this question, “How would you answer a person who says that organized religion is the source of the world’s problems?”
Here are some parts of your wonderful answers:
“The obvious reply is to point out most of the heinous evil perpetrated on mankind by the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Pol Pot, Ivan the Terrible, Genghis Khan and Nero were not motivated by organized religion. It also would be difficult to blame organized religion for most of the serious threats facing our world today, such as extreme weather events, disease and weapons of mass destruction. It’s far better to put a spotlight on how much good organized religion does in the world.
Every day the combined humanitarian and relief efforts of Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and all faith traditions provide food, clean water, clothes, housing, education and medical care for those in crisis and need all over the world. There are no perfect human beings and therefore no perfect institutions run by them.
Appleton Post-Crescent
Atlas hosts Women Leaders Program Saturdays in September
The Atlas Science Center will offer its second annual Women Leaders Program for girls featuring local female STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) mentors. Held over four Saturdays in September, workshops feature hands-on activities and conversation.
Epidemiology and microbology will be covered Sept. 9. Mentors are Sabrina Mueller-Spitz, biology professor from UW-Oshkosh and Jena McNiel, public health nurse from the Appleton Health Department.
On Sept. 16, girls will have a look at engineering and atmospheric science. Mentors are Kim Acord, quality engineer and Tamiris Menu Nubile, manager of mechanical services both from Voith Paper Inc and Deanna Donohoue, professorofchemistryatLawrenceUniversity.
Mentors Michelle A. Whilm, DDS from Whilm Dental and Jillian Steffek, Director of Engineering at Oshkosh Corporation will present information on dental science and engineering on Sept. 23.
On Sept. 30, mentors will bring engineering and meteorology to life. Presenting the program are Raegan Allen, Research and Engineering Director at Kimberly-Clark and Alexis Staniec, meteorologist from WFRV-TV.
Programhoursare2to4:30p.m.Limited space is available. Registration is
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“It’s very subtle typically but it does buildonitselfandbecomemoreobvious over time,” Tuttle said.
Parents should look for symptoms, including:
h Prolonged stiffness in the morning.
h Limping or walking like an elderly person.
h Stiff joints.
h Swelling, redness, or warmth.
“These are signs there could be inflammation within the joints and it’s not just growing pains,” Tuttle said.
The painful, autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s tissues, causing inflammation in joints and other areas of the body.
“It’s not related to age or injury,” Tuttle said. “There’s this confusion the body has where the body starts attacking itself causing this inflammation.” Turning her diagnosis into advocacy
In the first couple years, Leurquin was still in a lot of pain. She had to stop playing sports and couldn’t really do everyday activities.
Leurquin’s teachers worked with her to make accommodations if she was having a flare-up one day. If she couldn’t go to gym class in the morning because of her arthritis, she could sit out and join
It’s easy to focus on the negative. But for every person who abuses their religious authority there are far more like Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. who use religion as a force for good. I pray you will see the problems caused by organized religions are far exceeded by the good works that they do.” — From M in Bayport, NY
MG: Well said. Tommy and I would ask our audiences to make a list of the people who had hurt humanity most deeply in the last century and who had helped humanity the most in the last century. Their lists were always the same: Hitler, Stalin, and Mao. Their lists of the helpers was also identical: Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King and Gandhi. We would point out that all the evildoers were anti-religious and all the good deed-doers were not only religious but were professionally religious. We then asked our audiences to make a list of the people or organizations that have hurt and helped their local communities the most. The hurters were the gangs and pushers and the helpers were the local churches and religious folk who ran soup kitchens and homeless shelters.
Our conclusion was that the last tolerated prejudice in our country is the prejudice against organized religion and
$15 per person, $10 for museum members or $5 for those with any government assistance program. Register at atlassciencecenter.org.
Noon Hour Philosophers announces fall lineup
Noon Hour Philosophers has announced its schedule for the fall 2023 season. The group meets at noon Wednesdays at First English Lutheran Church, 326 E. North St., Appleton. Meetings are free and open to the public.
For any schedule changes or updates, visit “Noon Hour Philosophers”on Facebook.
The schedule is as follows:
Sept. 6: Erin Comer, Education and Collections Manager, History Museum at the Castle, “In the Footsteps of Photographer T. P. Bingham.”
Sept 13: George Schroeder, Executive Director of Hearthstone Historic House Museum “Oktoberfest and Beyond: Thoughts on the German-American Experience in Appleton and Wis.”
Sept 20: Aaron Scherer, Director of the Paine Art Center and Gardens, Oshkosh, “Our Impetus for Beauty.”
Sept 27: Chris Shaw, Appleton Utilities Director, “Appleton’s Wastewater Treatment and the Environment.”
Oct. 4: Mark Jenike, Lawrence University Professor of Anthropology, “Type II Diabetes: Outcomes, Causes, Prevention Strategies.”
Oct. 11: Linda Morgan-Clement, Ret. Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life and Chaplain to the University, “Where the
the people who find faith, hope, and charity through the communities of faith that still knit together the fabric of hope in our nation and our lives. Thank you for seeing this. Good work, M.
“I believe the problems of the world are mostly caused by people, so as long as an organized religion has people in it, it will be subject to all the same vanities, cruelties and atrocities of which humanity is capable. A religion can ground you and it gives you a language through which to pray. To be able to articulate the prayers, myths, culture, traditions and sacramentality of a personal God can be an invaluable source of comfort in anyone’s life and binds communities of faith together. Add to that the benefits of a community that gathers regularly, and prays together, supports each other, gently rebukes and forgives each other in hard times.
Communities have their problems too, of course, because well, you know, people, but I believe most organized religions at least try to make the world better. From the Italian writer Carlo Carretto:
How baffling you are, oh Church, and yet how I love you!
How you have made me suffer, and yet how much I owe you!
I would like to see you destroyed, and yet I need your presence.
You have given me so much scandal
and yet you have made me understand what sanctity is.
I have seen nothing in the world more devoted to obscurity, more compromised, more false, and yet I have touched nothing more pure, more generous, more beautiful.
How often I have wanted to shut the doors of my soul in your face, and how often I have prayed to die in the safety of your arms.
No, I cannot free myself from you, because I am you, though not completely.
And besides, where would I go?
Would I establish another?
I would not be able to establish it without the same faults, for they are the same faults I carry in me.
And if I did establish another, it would be my Church, not the Church of Christ.” — From R in Queens, NY
MG: Beautiful and true. We must admit our sins and the sins of our institutions without destroying the communitiesoffaiththatwillintheenddeliverus and save us with God’s grace/hesed.
Send all questions and comments to The God Squad via email at godsquadquestion@aol.com. Rabbi Gellman is the author of several books, including “ReligionforDummies,”co-writtenwith Fr. Tom Hartman. Also, the new God Squad podcast is now available.
722-1920.
Spirit Moves: when traditional religious categories fall apart.”
Oct. 18: Bonnie Buchanan about her book, “Words, Women and Wednesdays.”
Oct. 25: Claudena Skran and Adam Galambos, Faculty at Lawrence University, New Business Major
Nov.1: James Bowman, Fox Cities Advocates for Public Education, “Fully Fund Fox Cities Schools.”
Nov. 8: Kevin Sutterlin, Musical Director of Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra
Nov.15: Walter Rugland, Retired CEO, Thrivent “How the Fox Cities Communities built the Performing Arts Center.”
Nov. 22: Victoria Folse, President of Ripon College, “Ripon College: The Next 175 Years.”
Ultimate Ladies Day is Sept. 9 in Neenah
Downtown Neenah will host Ultimate Ladies Day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 9. Participants receive a brunch box and fashion show at the DoubleTree by Hilton Neenah.
The ticket price of $45 includes a brunch, swag bag, a gift, prize drawings, and afternoon activities, including music bingo.
Participants also are encouraged to provide donations of new robes, socks, sweatpants,fleecethrowblankets,stuffies, etc. to support YouthGo’s “Cover Me In Cozy” program. Those who donate will receive an extra entry into a door prize drawing.
Register online at neenah.org or 920-
in extracurricular activities after school instead.
“It was hard,” Leurquin said. “I was very exhausted and tired — I would come home, sleep, eat dinner, do homework, then go to bed and go to school and do it all over again.”
At first, her treatment involved infu-
sions every eight weeks, and she tried different medications. Now she is in remission and takes one pill a day.
Leurquin used to not be able to walk herself to the bathroom because of the pain. Now, she’s able to work two certified nursing assistant jobs, run, and
Sole Singers to hold concert for 57th reunion
The Sole Singers will mark their 57th reunion with a concert Sept.10 at Riverview Gardens, 1101 S. Oneida St., Appleton. The event begins with Mass at 11 a.m. led by Father Tome Downs, the founding director. A short concert will follow. The public is welcome to attend. The youth group was based out of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Combined Locks. They sang at Masses, performed concertsandrecordedalbumsfrom1967 to 1983.
Former group members are invited to attend a gathering on Sept. 9. To attend, email Steve Kuper at steve@ilstrategies.com or call 920-993-4405.
Sole Singers’ sister groups have been invited to join the celebration, including WeTogether,SouthBend,Indiana;Spirit Inc. Davenport, Iowa; Life Unlimited, Orlando, Florida and Daybreak Singers, Appleton.
Volunteer Fox Cities launches capital campaign
APPLETON – Volunteer Fox Cities has launched a capital campaign. The goal is to raise $1 million to purchase a 6,958-square-foot building at 16 Tri Park Way in Appleton.
The volunteer center opened in 1993 and has outgrown its current site. To donate to the campaign, visit volunteerfoxcities.org. For more information, email info@volunteerfoxcities.org.
dance without any or just a small amount of pain most days.
One of the hardest things about living with arthritis as a teenager is its invisibility, she said.
Some days while Leurquin was dealing with an unbearable amount of pain, no one could tell and thought she was doing fine.
“Some people expect it in older people,” Leurquin said. “I know people could be in wheelchairs or we could be walking and we look like a normal teenager, but we’re probably still in pain and you just can’t really see it.”
Leurquin is heading to Carroll University in the fall to give back the care shereceived.Sheplanstobecomeaninfusion nurse to support kids facing similar experiences that she did.
She credits the nurses and doctors at OSMS for supporting her and showing her how to cope with her juvenile arthritis. Now she wants to do that for others.
She has already become a regular speaker at events by the Arthritis Foundation in Wisconsin and a leader at support camps for kids with arthritis. Sharing her story empowers her, she said.
“Just knowing that I felt alone but being able to see there’s arthritis groups now and connect with people on this and let them know they’re not alone,” she said.
Benita Mathew is a health and science reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. Contact Benita at bmathew@gannett.comorfollowheron Twitter at @benita_mathew.
The climate change lawsuit won by 16 Montana youth is only start of the fight for environment
In June, 16 young Montanans filed a constitutional climate lawsuit against the state of Montana, stating they had a right to a clean and healthful environment. The youth allege that the state of Montana, by supporting a fossil fuel-driven energy system that worsens the climate crisis, is violating their constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment,” to seek safety, health, and happiness, and to individual dignity and equal protection of the law.
Article IX, Section1of the Montana
state constitution reads, “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.” The young people received guidance from Our Children’s Trust law firm.
On Aug. 14, a Montana judge agreed. Some say this ruling may have a long-lasting impact on other lawsuits in motion regarding similar constitutional rights in several other states. A similar case will soon be heard in Oregon
It’s fitting that our recent conversation about civil discourse in politics and policymaking happened over lunch at Culver’s. After all, it’s one of the few institutions in Wisconsin that nearly everyone can agree on. Over ButterBurgers earlier this year in Hartland, we met to discuss the future of the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison, where we serve as director and a member of the board of visitors, respectively.
One-by-one they shared what Ronnie Grace means to them.
“I would not be doing this work had Uncle Ronnie not taken me under his wing,” said Justin Roby, director of finance and human resources for Diverse & Resilient, an LGBTQ+ support and advocacy organization.
“Ronnie is the epitome of what a Black, gay man should be. He’s educated, loving, understanding, and all-inclusive, and he’s never disrespected anyone on their journey,” said Joshua Jones, a longtime friend.
“Ronnie is a treasure to the community, and even now, he just keeps giving
During our wide-ranging talk, one topic animateduslikenothingelse:theLaFollette School’seffortstopromotecivildiscoursein itsplannedcurriculumforanewundergraduatemajorinpublicpolicy. Therewewere,twopeoplefromdifferent backgrounds finding common ground on a topic important to both of us, not just as an academic or a businessman, but as Americans. Like many, we have grown frustrated with the polarization and rancor that has come to dominate politics and policymaking. This is why we are in lockstep when it comestoviewingthepromotionofcivildiscourseasoneofthemosturgentactionsthe LaFolletteSchoolcantakegoingforward.
We are not the only Wisconsinites who feelthisway.Lastyear,theLaFolletteSchool helpedtohostfourpublicforumsacrossthe statewhereweinvitedpeoplefromallpoliticalperspectivestojoinconversationsabout the issues that concern them. We learned many things during our tour, but one of the biggesttakeawayswasthatthereisadesire across Wisconsin for thoughtful and respectful conversations about the issues of theday.Thevoterswetalkedtowantpolicymakers to work together in a bipartisan mannertosolvesociety’sproblems.
We called this the “Main Street Agenda Project,” and we found that participants treated each other with respect and dignity, evenwhentheyhelddifferentviewsonpub-
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Nobel Peace Prize winner testified about climate change at trial
Steven Running, professor emeritus of ecosystem and conservation sciences at the University of Montana, and Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, distinguished professor and John P. Holton Chair of HealthandtheEnvironment,University of Wisconsin-Madison, and co-winners of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize for their workontheIntergovernmentalPanelon ClimateChange,wereattheJunetrialin Helena, MT. They are also members of the National Academy of Sciences and Medicine, respectively.
Running testified about how humancaused climate change is amplifying the hydrologic cycle, whereby wet areas are getting wetter and dry areas are getting drier. Snowpack seasons are shortening resulting in the drying of mountain forests leading to increased intensity and frequency of wildfires, not just in Montana but in many areas of the country. Running described an increasingly dire situation of wildfires getting more severe and more frequent in western North America — causing health impacts across the nation — as heavy fossil fuel use continues to churn out emissions at levels that continue to accelerate global heating.
Along with more severe wildfires, Montana is experiencing more extreme heat days, droughts, flooding, warming of rivers and streams, and declining winter snowpack. The namesake glaciers of Glacier National Park are melting. Specifically, Running noted that Montana air temperatures are rising 0.42degF per decade since 1950, and
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back and advising those seeking it,”said Gerry Coon, director of grants and budget support at Diverse & Resilient.
At least a dozen people took to the stage at a recent community gathering to let Grace know how much he is appreciatedandlovedashetakesonthelatest challenge in life: Stage 4 liver and bile cancer.
Like many, I was shocked when I heard the news. I met Grace over a decade ago when we discussed what it was like being a gay man living with HIV and how far treatments have come since the 1980s when he was first diagnosed. HIV went from being called a ‘death sentence’ to a disease where medications are allowing people to live long, productive lives.
Grace is a HIV prevention program coordinator and peer navigator for Diverse & Resilient where he pushed for more testing and prevention. For those who are positive, he works to make sure they are on the proper medications and eat correctly. For those with negative results,heworkswiththemtogetonmedication that helps prevent infections. HIVisavirusthatattacksthebody’simmune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
licpolicy.Theymodeledtheverycivilbehaviorthatisofteninshortsupplythesedaysin politics,thenews,onsocialmediaandeven sometimesoncollegecampuses.
Americans find discussing politics stressful, trust at all-time low
Infact,mostAmericanswantsomething differentfromthestatusquo.Nearlysix-intenU.S.adultssaytheyfindpoliticalconversations stressful, less than a third of Americanstrusteachother,trustinpoliticalinstitutions is at an all-time low, and some researchers warn that polarization has reacheddangerouslevels.
A lack of frank public policy conversations is bad for society, but it is also bad for college campuses, especially if students don’tfeeltheabilitytofreelydiscussideason campus. A recent UW System survey suggestedthatstudentsrefrainfromexpressing their views on controversial topics at times because they worry about the reaction of students from different political backgrounds.
While the vast majority of UW-Madison students felt respected by faculty and instructors, we must provide an enriching educational environment where students’ politically conservative, independent, and liberalvoicesareheardintheclassroom.It’s how we learn from each other and discover that there are far more perspectives out there.It’showpoliticaldiscoursehappens.
Elevating civility at this moment in time isoneoftheclearestwayswebelievetheLa Follette School can embody the Wisconsin Idea, the foundational UW-Madison princi-
ple that education should make an impact outsideoftheclassroom.
For a start, La Follette is now developing classeswhereUW-Madisonstudentswillbe able to process and debate controversial publicpolicytopicsinawaythatencourages dialogue and difficult conversations. We hope this will become a centerpiece of the school’s undergraduate major in public policy that we are currently developing. The major—which would be the first of its kind forUWSystem—planstoemphasizeskillsin political negotiation and compromise, as well as data analytics and policy analysis methods. We know there is strong interest among UW-Madison undergraduates for this type of education. The major would buildontheLaFolletteSchool’sfourdecades of training graduate students to become nonpartisan,evidence-informedleaders.
Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, therearenootherpublicpolicyschoolsinthe countrybuildingcivildialoguesoclearlyinto theirundergraduatecurricula.Ifwecanlead the way for other public policy schools to take this up in their own institutions, we all willbenefit.
The UW System is putting attention on this important topic too. System President Jay Rothman has instituted It’s Just Coffee events with students across UW schools to encourage conversation from a variety of political perspectives and backgrounds. UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin isalsoleadingonthisissue,connectingcivil dialogue, free speech, and belonging on campus.Meanwhile,theDiscussionProject atourSchoolofEducationtrainsfacultyand instructors to create welcoming, engaging,
spring snowmelt is 2 weeks earlier since 1950. And Montana isn’t the only state experiencing extreme weather events due to fossil fuel combustion.
One only needs to look at the catastrophic wildfires in Maui that started on August to see what’s coming for many areas of the country that have failed to take aggressive action to address climate change impacts. It only takes a spark to start a deadly chain reaction that leads to tragedies like those experienced in Lahaina, Maui. Sadly, Hawaii isn’t the only state experiencing the impacts of severe droughts. There are currently wildfires burning thousands of acres in Texas, Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. And there’s no end in sight unless we fully
We also discussed the stigma associatedwithHIV,somethinghe’sdedicated his life to reducing. HIV still disproportionately impacts young Black gay men. About 40% of young African American men who have sex with men are HIV positive. He is also a mentor and father figure to young gay men in Milwaukee struggling to figure things out.
An ‘Energizer Bunny’ attitude about battling HIV/AIDS
Roby, 32, said Grace took him out to eat and had a real heart-to-heart conversation that changed his life when he told him to apply for his position at Diverse & Resilient, a group that works to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of Black and brown LGBTQ+ communities throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
“He was already my mentor, but he gave me the confidence to apply when I didn’t even think I was ready, and it changed my life because it allowed me to give back like he has for so many years. Since we first met, he’s always treated me like family, which means even having difficult conversations when I wasn’t doing what I was supposed to,” Roby said.
Roby made a surprise announcement at the Aug. 20 gathering: the ‘Libation Lounge,” a room used as a community gathering space at Diverse & Resilient, would be renamed the “Grace Lounge.”
and academically rigorous classroom environmentsthroughdialogueandlistening. This all may seem ambitious, but don’t call it Pollyanna-ish. Universities like UWMadison have a responsibility to work toward the betterment of society, and they have helped tackle many major challenges before. If the La Follette School can help movetheneedle,it’sworthdoing.
Our 2022 Main Street Agenda Project helpedtounderscorehowurgentthismatter isinWisconsin,wheremorethan60percent ofresidentsreportedthattheylackedconfidence in the federal government and more thanhalflackedconfidenceinthestategovernment,accordingtotheschool’sfirst-ever PolicyPoll.In2024,wehopetoserve,again, as a community convener to identify areas for policy compromise and to promote civil discourse.
As an educator and a businessman, we recognizethatitisfareasiertotalkaboutissueswithpeoplewhotendtoagreewithyou. But,inschoolandintheworkplace,thereis immense value in debating and listening to peoplewho—quitefrankly—don’t.
JustlikeaButterBurger,we’dliketothink this is something nearly everyone in Wisconsincanagreeon.
SusanWebbYackeeisaprofessorofpublic affairs and director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs at UW-Madison. CurtS.Culveristhenon-executivechairman ofMGICInvestmentCorp.anditsprincipal subsidiary, Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation (MGIC), the nation’s leading private mortgage insurer. He is a founding member of the La Follette School’s Board of Visitors.
wildfires, smoke conditions, and extreme temperatures can damage the lungs and brains of children, which are still developing, more than they can those of adults. She also described the emotional impact of experiencing such extreme conditions, testifying that they amount to adverse childhood experiences. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, such experiences can have lifetime impact. So what can we do? Let’s start with our governments. Instead of streamlining approvals of new coal-generated power plants, look first to other energy sources. Solar. Wind. Nuclear. Geothermal. All are viable energy sources that will help all states grappling with very real consequences for climate change. Then, let’s look at our own actions. Aretherethingswecanbedoingasindividuals to reduce our carbon footprint? There are many things we can do to do our part to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.
address the climate crisis.
Young people already suffering from climate change
Patz observed other testimony at the trial that is important for young and old alike. Psychiatrist Lise Van Susteren testified that there are significant increases in anxiety, depression, despair and a growing feeling of anger and powerlessness among our young people. The mental health impacts are just starting to surface. Imagine the lasting impact that the Maui wildfires will have on generations to come. And there will be many more wildfires that will impact scores of people of all ages if we fail to act.
Pediatrician Lori Byron testified that
Coon credited Grace for helping to reduce HIV and sexually transmitted disease rates among young, Black gay men and improving the health outcomes of those living with HIV by serving as a role model. He called Grace a “selfless person” with an “Energizer Bunny” mentality regarding advocacy for the gay community.
Jones brought the house down when he sang Patti LaBelle’s “You Are My Friend.”
“The thought of you helps me carry on.When I feel all hope is goneI see the world with brand-new eyes.Your love has made me realizeMy future looks bright to me,Oh, because you are my friend.”
Jones, 35, said he chose to sing because Grace has been his friend since he was a teenager. Jones said that letting people know they are respected while they can receive that love is what friendship is all about.
It’s a valuable lesson. If someone is going through something, tell them how much they mean to you because tomorrow is not promised.
Friends and family members talked about how Grace helped them in multiple ways, from being a shoulder to cry on to finding them housing when they were put out by family members when they came out. Giving Grace his flowers while he could appreciate them was beautiful, and I would like to see more acts of kindness like this in our city.
When the 16 young people in Montana went up against the fossil fuel industry and bureaucracy, some thought it was a publicity stunt. But they prevailed due to the overwhelming climate science experts who have been warning everyone for years about the impacts. We hope the results of this trial can accelerate the political momentum needed to bring about a net-zero carbon emissions and climate stabilized world.
StevenRunningisprofessoremeritus of ecosystem and conservation sciences at the University of Montana. Jonathan Patz, MD, MPH, distinguished professor and John P. Holton Chair of Health and the Environment, University of Wisconsin-Madison. They were co-winners of the2007NobelPeacePrizefortheirwork on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Grace didn’t give a speech at the event. Instead, he soaked up all the accolades, dished out plenty of hugs, and shed a few tears. He plans to travel to MDAndersonCancerCenterinHouston in mid-September for potentially lifesaving cancer treatment. h Brenda Coley: Activism started at a young age h Janice Toy: Unconditional love helped launch a legendary performer h Tyra Neal: A trans pioneer, the first to legally change name in Wisconsin h Dynasty Scott: A nurse who celebrated and provides safe spaces for LGBTQ community
“I just got out of the hospital today and came straight here,” Grace told the crowd. “This is why I survived and lived the life I’ve lived for the last 20-plus years. I’m just overjoyed right now; you don’t know what this is doing for my spirit.”
How to help: A Go-Fund-Me campaign is underway to help defray expenses for Grace’s treatment in Texas.
James E. Causey started reporting on life in his city while still at Marshall HighSchoolthroughaMilwaukeeSentinel high school internship. He’s been covering his hometown ever since, writing and editing news stories, projects and opinion pieces on urban youth, mental health, employment, housing and incarceration. Email him at jcausey@jrn.com; follow him on Twitter @jecausey
Uhlig
Lit Wisconsin is a sporadic series of stories in which we highlight the work of writers of Wisconsin or those with ties to the state.
Today we learn about Kathy Buchen, a retired librarian from Menasha who primarily writes cozy mystery stories set in Door County.
About the author
Buchen has been writing stories since she was in elementary school and has been penning full-length novels for 30 years. She grew up in Appleton and graduated from Xavier High School and the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. She earned her master’s degree in library science and worked at libraries in Appleton and Waupaca before retiring from the Menasha Public Library in 2021.
She’s written eight Rhiannon Nolan novels set in Door County. The heroine Rhiannon is named after an “elusive, changeable and magical woman” of Celtic mythology, Buchen wrote on her
ThedaCare Regional Medical CenterNeenah: Is looking for volunteers to help in the women’s center, at the information desk and in the intensive care unit waiting room. Training is provided. Contact: Sara, Sara.Reybrock@thedacare.org or 920-454-5571
St. Paul Elder Services: Is seeking volunteers from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays to help with the Memory Reflections community class. The volunteer would assist with lunch and the afternoon program. This would be a weekly commitment. Contact: Josie, josiet@stpaulelders.org or 920-7666020
Make the Ride Happen: Is seeking volunteers to provide transportation to older adults during the week so they
website,andshegetsinto all kinds of mischief while solving murders across Door County. Now Buchen continues the series with Rhiannon’s daughter, Tabby, and Tabby’s punk rocker friend, Krystal, doing the investigating.
CozymysterystoriesstirupBuchen’s storytelling impulses. “I feel faintly guilty having such rollicking fun writing my mysteries when others struggle with writer’s block,” she said in an email interview. “When I was working at the library and raising my family, who have givenmealotofmaterialformybooks,I sometimes woke up at 2 in the morning with my head on the (keyboard) because the next chapter was burning in my brain, begging to get onto the page.”
Buchen self-publishes her books. “It is discouraging to get a publisher,” she said. “In the past, I got so many rejectionsIcouldn’tcountthem,soIdecided, along with most writers of cozy mysteries, to self-publish.”
Self-publishing gives her the freedom to write what she wants. She said she has tried to write romances and thrillers, genres that tend to have com-
can get to essential services, such as the grocery store, pharmacy, dentist and medical appointments. Drivers are eligible to receive $.31 per mile during their route. You choose when you would like to drive. Contact: Jan, 920-8329360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org
Appleton Area School District: Is looking for help with registration, setup, course support and medal presentation at the Fox Valley Tough Kid Challenge on Oct. 7. This obstacle course and fundraiser runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Highlands Elementary School in Appleton. Sign up at signupgenius.com/ go/30e044ca9a629a7f94-tough1#/.
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
DEAR ABBY |ABIGAIL VAN BUREN
Dear Abby: I lost 15 years of my daughter’s life when her mother left the state we were living in without my knowledge. We had a boy and girl during our 15 years of marriage and had agreed to joint custody. We weren’t supposed to move more than 50 miles from each othersothekidswouldbeclosetobothofus.
Once my daughter turned 10, I didn’t see her again until she was 25. When I finally located her, I realized they had moved down South. When we reunited, I learned that some of my relatives knew where my daughter was, and said nothing.
I recently went through a bout with cancer. Because my son thought I was going to die, he decided to clear his conscience. He admitted that at age 13, he told my ex to go ahead and leave the state so I couldn’t have a relationship with my daughter. I love both my kids equally, but now I feel betrayed by my son. Any suggestions?
Sad Dad in the Midwest
Dear Dad: So your spouse used advice from her 13-year-old son to take your daughter and disappear, and even though some of your relatives knew you were searching for your child, they kept mum? I have heard of dysfunctional families, but yours takes the cake.
Was your son’s motive for telling his mother to leave while he stayed behind with you because of sibling rivalry? Although he was immature at the time, from my perspective, I agree it was a be-
trayal. Getting past this may involve many months of counseling and the help of a licensed family therapist. If that’s what you want, start now.
Dear Abby: I have a young adult neighbor who is a talented mechanic. He builds model autos and tries them out up and down our street. His latest is a threewheel motorcycle, which he drives in the wrong direction, without a helmet. He also revs its motor constantly. I’m worried our street will become a hangout for more motorcycle enthusiasts.
I’m also concerned that if I ask him to stop, he’ll get angry. I approached him once and reminded him of safety issues, but at that time he wasn’t racing his motor. It’s worse now because the noise is distracting, and he repeatedly passes my home. What would be a good neighborly response to this?
Irritated in Missouri
Dear Irritated: Ask your other neighbors if they, too, are bothered by the noise. If the answer is yes, then approach the young man as a group and explain that, while his mechanical abilities are admirable, the noise when he revs his engine is distracting, and it would be appreciated if he didn’t do it in the area of your homes. If this doesn’t remedy the problem, check the noise ordinances in your community to see if he is violating any of them. (The answer could be as simple as the young man installing a muffler on his bike.)
Contact Abby at www.DearAbby.com
mercial appeal, and it just didn’t work. “IdecidedtostickwithwhatI’mgood at,whichislight,feel-goodcozymysteries with a lot of humor and no angst.”
prepare them for their new homes. Morning, afternoon and evening shifts available. Volunteers younger than 18 must be with a parent or guardian. Training is provided. Contact: volunteers@savingpawswi.com
St. Vincent de Paul Neenah/Menasha: Is looking for volunteers to sort incoming donations during a 2- to 3-hour shift. Donation hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact: 920-7271766, ext. 3 or volunteercoordinator@svdpneenah.com
Community Benefit Tree: Is seeking volunteers to help process donated items. Clean the item, ensure it is in good condition and working properly and label it with the proper store code. Contact: office@communitybenefit-
All times listed are Eastern/Pacific Time. Shows air one hour earlier in Central/Mountain Time.
Is She the Wolf?
Netflix h New Series
In this reality/dating series from Japan, a group of 10 people are all looking for love. But hidden among the women is at least one saboteur. Is she really falling for one of the men, or is she the “wolf”?
Special Ops: Lioness
Paramount+ h Season Finale
The espionage thriller led by Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman finishes its first season.
The Chosen
The CW, 8 p.m. h Season Finale
In the final episode of the season, Jesus (Jonathan Roumie) leaves Capernaum for Samaria and meets with a woman at Jacob’s well.
Professor T
Check local station(s) for day/time
h Season Premiere
The British crime drama is back for Season 2, with criminologist Professor Jasper Tempest (Ben Miller) and the team untangling a series of knotty crimes ranging from an unexplained fire in a student block to the mystery of an entire family found dead in their home. Meanwhile, Professor T is dominated and perplexed by the women in his life, from his mother to the love of his lifeto his new therapist
Billions
Showtime, 8 p.m.
Chuck (Paul Giamatti) embarks on a case with ties to Prince (Corey Stoll), forming his newest attempt to bring down his foe.
When Calls the Heart
Hallmark Channel, 9 p.m.
Rosemary (Pascale Hutton) and Lee’s (Kavan Smith) baby has brought up memories of Rosemary’s own mother, and questions about her past. Meanwhile, the kids feel left out of the hot springs with all the tourists.
About the book: ‘Game of Scones’
In “Game of Scones,” Tabby and Krystal, the second generation of Door County sleuths, get caught up in murder. The two punk rockers are also nurses, and the mystery they are called to untangle has a medical twist.
The story gets started when Tabby suspects that a death at the Cana Island Lighthouse, deemed an accident by authorities, is a murder. She drags Krystal into a labyrinthine mystery of seedy Door County life, having to interrogate a long list of “meddlers, villains, criminals, manipulators and murderers” along the way. Also along the way, readers get some Door County recipes for scones, cherry pies and other baked goods.
How to buy ‘Game of Scones’
“Game of Scones” and many of Buchen’s other books are available at libraries in and around Door County. Readers can buy paperback copies for $15 on Amazon.com and members of Kindle Unlimited can download them for free. Her books also are for sale at Novel Bay Booksellers in Sturgeon Bay.
tree.org or 920-422-1919
Jake’s Network of Hope: Is seeking volunteers ages 13 and older to pack diapers and process donations. Groups welcome. Contact: outreach@jakesnoh.org
Aurora Health at Home Hospice: Is seeking individuals to sew memory bears from clothing. Contact: Jayne.Syrjamaki@Aurora.org or 920252-5146
Fox Valley Literacy: Is seeking tutors to help adult students learn English through reading, writing, spelling and conversation. A teaching background or foreign language is not required, training is provided. Contact: Paola, paola@foxvalleylit.org or 920-991-9840 volunteerfoxcities.org, 920-832-9360
Renovation Resort Showdown
HGTV, 9 p.m. h Season Finale
In “It’s Anyone’s Competition!,” all four vacation rental cabins are completely transformed and the teams are surprised with one last “Rock the Dock” challenge. This is their final chance to impress Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler before the top team walks away with bragging rights and $100,000!
Unforgotten
Check local station(s) for day/time
h Season Premiere
As this British cold-case crime drama returns for its fifth season, Sinéad Keenan now leads the cast as DCI Jessica “Jess” James. In the opener, Jess joins DI Sunny Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) to investigate the discovery of human remains in a newly renovated antique home in West London. The ghost of much-loved former colleague Cassie Stuart, who died in the Season 4 finale, looms large over the team, and Jess knows there will be big shoes for her to fill, while Sunny’s grief puts a strain on his relationship with his fiancée, Sal (Michelle Bonnard).
Van der Valk
Check local station(s) for day/time h Season Premiere
Season 3 of this crime drama brings a new day and a new dawn to Amsterdam Police Commissioner Piet Van der Valk (Marc Warren) as he welcomes two new sergeants to the team: the hotshot but impulsive Eddie Suleman and technical whiz Citra Li
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Daily Bridge Club
By FRANK STEWART
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”
— Lewis Carroll
“How many times have you bid to the best contract,” a club player asked me, “while having no idea what you were doing?” He showed me today’s deal.
HOROSCOPE |SANCTUARY | For more: www.sanctuaryworld.co
Aries (March 21-April 19).
After a six-week retrograde, we bet self-love is your new top priority!
Taurus (April 20-May 20).
Venus’ retrograde stirred up drama on the home front, but certain grievances had to be shared!
Gemini (May 21-June 21).
Social life felt a bit stagnant? Blame Venus retrograde!
Cancer (June 22-July 22). Resource reevaluation? Lessons in love and money were delivered. Reflect upon personal takeaways
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22). You’ve recently reevaluated how you present yourself to the world. Debut your new look!
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Have the past six weeks felt a bit ... uninspired? You question creative and romantic dreams.
Libra (Sept.23-Oct. 23). Who really has your back? This question was answered during Venus’ retrograde! Now, rebuild your network!
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Venus saw you reevaluating your public reputation! Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Wrestling with recent epiphanies? Retrograde saw you reevaluating your desires, your
Unscramble these Jumbles,
mission, your hopes and dreams!
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You severed ties with energy vampires. Better is on the way!
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Recent relationship breakdowns or breakthroughs? Venus is offering closure!
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20). Regaining some control? You were losing the plot!
“In a penny game, my partner and I got to 6NT. I opened two clubs and jumped to 3NT to show 25 to 27 points, balanced. He next bid four clubs. He thought that was Stayman; I thought it was the Gerber aceasking convention, so I replied four diamonds, showing, I thought, all four aces. We still landed on our feet; he bid 6NT.”
“I believe many pairs would treat a bid of four clubs as Gerber,” I said, “and four diamonds as Stayman. It’s a matter of partnership agreement. Did you make your slam?”
“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.”– Lewis Carroll
“How many times have you bid to the best contract,” a club player asked me, “while having no idea what you were doing?”
He showed me today’s deal.
“We ran out of luck in the play,” my friend said ruefully. “West led the queen of diamonds. I won with the ace, unblocked my A-Q of spades, led a club to dummy’s king and cashed the K-J of spades, pitching a low diamond and a low heart.
“In a penny game, my partner and I got to 6NT. I opened two clubs and jumped to 3NT to show 25 to 27 points, balanced. He next bid four clubs. He thought that was Stayman; I thought it was the Gerber ace-asking convention, so I replied four diamonds, showing, I thought, all four aces. We still landed on our feet; he bid 6NT.”
“Next I took the A-Q of clubs. When West discarded, I conceded the fourth club to East. I set up my fifth club, but spades had split 5-2, and East had a spade to cash. It was mighty unlucky that he happened to hold five spades as well as four clubs.”
“I believe many pairs would treat a bid of four clubs as Gerber,” I said, “and four diamonds as Stayman. It’s a matter of partnership agreement. Did you make your slam?”
“We ran out of luck in the play,” my friend said ruefully. “West led the queen of diamonds. I won with the ace, unblocked my A-Q of spades, led a club to dummy’s king and cashed the K-J of spades, pitching a low diamond and a low heart.
“Next I took the A-Q of clubs. When West discarded, I conceded the fourth
By David L. Hoyt and Jeff
club to East. I set up my fifth club, but spades had split 5-2, and East had a spade to cash. It was mighty unlucky that he happened to hold five spades as well as four clubs.” I had to tell my friend that 6NT was makeable. After he takes the A-Q of spades, he can take out insurance by playing a low club from both hands. He wins East’s heart shift, leads a club to the king, takes the A-Q of spades and wins the rest without difficulty.
South dealer N-S vulnerable
“Toyou,it’sthe
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