of Juneau County
The Messenger ROYALL FFA HELPS TO “CAN HUNGER”
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VOL 15, NO. 28
Elroy: Page 5 Mauston: Page 4 New Lisbon: Page 6
Necedah: Page 7 Wonewoc: Page 11 Hillsboro: Page 10
County: Page 3 Classifieds: Page 11 Legals: Page 13
THE AWARD WINNING OFFICIAL LEGAL NEWSPAPER OF JUNEAU COUNTY THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2014
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County settles with former employee after seizure BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD At Tuesday's morning meeting of the Juneau County Board of Supervisors, the county agreed to enter into a settlement agreement with a former employee regarding injuries he claimed were the result of work place related injuries. According to the settlement agreement, Josh Czys filed a claim alleging that the County violated his legal rights by failing to accommodate his epilepsy. In his claim he sought damages for personal physical injuries sustained during a seizure at work as well as for lost wages and benefits. The County denies that there was any merit to Czys's claim and further denies they violated his legal rights. They entered into the agreement under the clause of non admission of liability or wrong doing in that execution of the agreement shall not be interpreted as wrong doing. The reason given for entering into the agreement, despite the county's claims of no wrong doing, is that litigation costs would exceed the terms of the settlement agreement. As per the agreement the County of Juneau will pay Czys the sum of $11,000 to compensate him for personal physical injuries sustained arising from having a seizure at work on February 1, 2012. The County will also pay Czys $2,000 in compensation for lost earnings which will be subject to deductions for income and employment taxes. The agreement goes on to state that Czys's legal representation, William Cunningham, will be paid by the County a sum of $4,000. If Czys enters into the agreement and signs it, he will release the County from any claims arising any time before the parties sign the agreement. The agreement does not waive Czys's right to benefits under any worker's compensation law, vested retirement, or rights under the agreement.
No injuries reported when snowmobile hits vehicle BY BETTY WAITS The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office reported that on February 16th, Mitchael Beckwith of Hillsboro, was operating a snowmobile in the Town of Hillsboro and had stopped on the snowmobile trail at a stop sign. He proceeded across Briskey Road and collided with a vehicle driven by Steven Nofsinger, also of Hillsboro. Beckwith stated he had not seen the Beckwith vehicle behind a snow pile. Beckwith and Nofsinger were not injured.
CELEBRATING NATIONAL FFA WEEK Mauston High School was chosen as one of the stops while the National FFA Officer Team was in Wisconsin! This week kicks off celebrations for National FFA Week at several of our area schools. Special sections for Hillsboro and Wonewoc ran in our last edition while Mauston, New Lisbon, and Royall features can be seen on the center and back sections of this edition. Pictured above is Amber Bellows (Vice President) and Charitee Seebecker (President) of Mauston’s FFA with the National FFA Officer Team at the HalfTime Leadership Conference!
Regulations may curb school fundraisers BY EVA MARIE WOYWOD Next school year United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations may impact just what fundraisers occur during the school day as any foods sold must meet the very same strict guidelines which dictate school lunches and snacks. Mauston School District Food Service Director Katina Ziebell explained to board members that she is currently in conversations with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction as to how this would impact the district student clubs such as FFA who often sell their popular milk shakes during the school day. Ziebell did state that DPI is looking at exemptions to the regulations, however no decisions have been made. FDA restrictions on lunches and snacks have already made Ziebell jump hoops in making sure lunches at the school meet guidelines including having to alter portion sizes and recipes. Titled “Smart Snacks”, the USDA rules set limits on calories, sugars, fats, and sodium while encouraging the consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Schools must comply with the law by July 1, 2014. This will include any competitive foods sold through and by student clubs or other non profits at schools during the school day.
According to a USDA website dedicated to the Smart Snack regulations complaint, competitive foods sold must be a fruit; vegetable; dairy product; protein-rich food (meat, beans, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds); whole-grain rich food (first ingredient is a whole grain or product is 50% whole grains by weight); or combo food that has at least ¼ cup fruit and/or vegetable. *Exception until July 1, 2016 – A food is allowed if it contains a minimum of 10% of the Daily Value of calcium, potassium, Vitamin D, or fiber. Nutrient Standards -All competitive foods must meet each of the following nutrient limits. For calories, a maximum of 200 for snacks and sides, and a maximum of 350 for entrees outside of the school lunch program. There may not be more than a maximum of 35 percent of sugar by weight with the exception of some fruits. As for sodium the maximum amount is 230mg and in 2016 that amount will change to a maximum of 200mg. Fat calories is set at a maximum of 35 percent of calories from fat, and a maximum of 10 percent of calories from fat for saturated fats. Beverage - All grade levels may sell water or carbonated water; unflavored low fat milk, flavored or unflavored fat free milk, and soy alternatives; and 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. Size limits for elementary are at 8 ounces while for middle and high school it is 12 ounces.