Valley Sentinel - 12-16-2020

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020 Vol. 1, No. 9 Free, Single-Copy

Holiday scenes around the Valley

School Board explores sale of forest in Arena Quincy Aston-Lott, Managing Editor

Photos by Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief To: A home on Sherwood Drive in Spring Green is decked out in holiday lights as part of the Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce Light Up the Valley holiday decoration contest.

To find a full map of contest homes in the River Valley area, visit www.springgreen.com Bottom: A holiday themed inflatable of Grogu,“The Child,” also known as Baby Yoda from “Star Wars: The Mandalorian” sits outside a home on N Wood Street in Spring Green.

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The River Valley School Board discussed the impact of COVID-19 on teachers, students and families, the potential sale of school forest property and the district’s policy for facilities naming rights at its board meeting Dec. 10.

The Board considered a recommendation to open up for sealed bids the sale of 120 acres of school forest property in the Town of Arena for no less than $4,000/ acre. River Valley School Board member Mark Strozinsky, representing Area 5, all of Richland County in the district except the Village of Lone Rock; Town of Bear Creek, stated that at least eight people in the district have discussed this option with him and have all expressed that they would like the district to keep the property.

After discussion, the board approved a motion to offer the property for sale, 4-3, with Jennings, Bettinger, Young and River Valley School Board member Dan McGuire, representing Area 4, Village of Lone Rock, voting in the affirmative. River Valley School Board members Deb Nelson, representing Area 2, Town of Arena, Strozinsky and Kiley Cates, representing Area 8, Town of Wyoming, voted against the motion. River Valley School Board members Frederic Iausly and Jeff Maier were absent from the meeting.

River Valley School District Endowment Fund Grants are being awarded to teachers during a “COVID-19 Relief Matching Grant” initiative, with requests encompassing new software, books, virtual learning, 3D printers, standing desks, sensory learning equipment, digital subscriptions to various resources, virtual field trip to opera, music stands, speakers, literacy and

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Sauk County looking to redistribute housing loan funds Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief The Sauk County Board is forced to reevaluate its Community Development Block Grant funding allotment after developers of a low-to-medium income apartment development in Reedsburg pulled out of the project.

The county had allotted approximately $280,000 in CDBG to assist Common Wealth Corporation of America, a developer out of Fond du Lac, to renovate the former South Elementary School in Reedsburg to become workforce and senior housing for low-income residents.

County Board Chairmen Tim McCumber, of Merrimac, reported at the board’s Dec. 15 meeting that develop-

ers were unable to follow through on the housing development, leaving the funds up for grabs.

The county is required to allot the funding by Jan. 1, or it will be returned to the state funding pool, leaving 16 days from Tuesday’s meeting to find a use for the funds.

McCumber said he, Supervisor Wally Czyupryko, of Lake Delton, and Community Coordinator Jared Pinkus have met with representatives in Sauk City to determine if Jaycee Park would be an eligible candidate. The county has also met with representatives in Lake Delton regarding a senior housing development being constructed there,

and have met with representatives from Plain regarding a new housing development in the village.

The Reedsburg project was expected to redevelop the former elementary school into 48 affordable housing units, ranging from one to three bedroom options, with rent between $320-$923.

While the county was planning to provide almost $284,000, the developer would have contributed $480,000.

Funding requests

At Tuesday’s meeting, the board approved two resolutions requesting additional funding for county agencies in the upcoming biennial state budget.

The board unanimously approved a resolution in support of an additional $27.4 million to be added to the budget to fund county and tribal Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC).

“This is just letting the state know we want more funding for our ADRC,” said Supervisor Dennis Polivka, of Spring Green.

The resolution also supported changes to the distribution for ADRC funding, such as distributing funding based on ADRC establishment date, adjusting funding on need basis, or adjust for cost of living increases.

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opinion/editorial

WednesdaY, Dec.16, 2020

EDITORIAL Start planning your 2021 resolutions — for our community As we head into 2021, let’s take a moment to consider what the goals and resolutions of our area should be. Our area has so much to offer. However, we talk with readers every day about issues and opportunities that face our area: from flooding and groundwater issues, to a rural brain drain, to attracting and retaining young people, creating jobs in our community, ensuring we have workforce housing, creating recreation and leisure opportunities, to properly and adequately fostering the arts and much, much more —

all currently in the face of COVID-19.

This year has been very different indeed.

We’ve had to adapt and change in some ways and in other ways we’ve had to cut back on our experiences, cut back on community events and social opportunities. Some changes are here to stay, some changes are a reflection of finding better ways to connect.

But, in the interest of a thriving community and burgeoning social capital, we cannot let entropy take hold. We must promise ourselves that the events we cancelled this year will return when it is safe, bigger and

River Valley Think Tank

Valley Sentinel sent out the below short questionnaire to the villages and their elected officials in the River Valley area.

We want to inspire forward-thinking actions and solutions to issues that can be taken to help our area not only thrive, but survive.

We encourage the surrounding municipalities, townships and residents to engage as well.

—What are a few major obstacles/issues facing your community that will need to be acted on in this next year? Next three years? Next five years?

—What actions are needed to resolve them?

—What are a few projects that feasibly could be started, or even completed, in the next year that would better your community?

—Are there areas for cooperation and coordination between our greater community?

—What are some forward-thinking opportunities and initiatives that your community should have on their agenda? What’s the next big endeavor to better your community?

—What are ways community members can get involved?

We want your responses! Let’s start finding solutions, together.

Email us at editor@valleysentinelnews.com or send us a letter: Valley Sentinel, P.O. Box 144, Spring Green, WI 53588 or give us a call at 608-588-6694.

The most constructive responses will be printed in Valley Sentinel before the end of the year.

better and more collaboratively than ever before. We must promise ourselves that we will look to one another and seek opportunities to come together to create new events and traditions, that we will fight entropy and strive for something better.

To that end, continuing our line of non-traditional editorials, we want to gather ideas that will bring our community together and build it up, ideas that start those conversations towards something bigger.

Below we have a couple opportunities listed to start those conversations. The first is

more formal and starts out by asking our elected officials, and then our residents, for comprehensive solutions to problems facing our communities. The second is more informal and asks you to submit your standalone ideas to better our greater community, whatever they may be.

Please take a few minutes to shoot us an email, letter or call. Your solution, your idea, could positively change our community for so many and ensure it thrives into the future.

Thank you.

River Valley Resolutions

Everyone has a great idea or two (or more) to better our greater community. We’ve all looked at a problem or had that moment of inspiration or wished we had a service or opportunity here in our area.

Do you have an idea that you’ve told no one else? An idea or two that’s been bouncing around in your head for awhile? An idea that might seem preposterous, but it just might work if someone knew? An idea you’ve only told your hunting buddies or your bridge club or your dog?

Do you have ideas that could be implemented in 1, 3 or 10 years that would put the River Valley area on the map as a place to live, work and play?

We want your ideas!

Submit your standalone ideas and let’s get the conversations going, let’s start a feedback loop of impulses and ideas that lead to action that betters our community.

Let’s start building community, together.

Email us at editor@valleysentinelnews.com or send us a letter: Valley Sentinel, P.O. Box 144, Spring Green, WI 53588 or give us a call at 608-588-6694.

The best responses will be printed anonymously in Valley Sentinel just after the New Year.

Legal Editor Column: What to make of claims of election fraud Gerry Strang, esq, Legal Editor I will assume, Gentle Reader, that it is not too late to write about claims of fraud in the 2020 presidential election.

Particular allegations and legal cases come and go, but there are always new claims, new cases. I’ve been an election official and an international election observer, and I’ve even practiced a little election law, so I’ve been curious to examine some of the legal actions in particular claiming fraud.

I get a flood of emails every day telling me about new evidence of new fraud. The very fact of so many stories with fraud in the headline is enough to give the impression that fraud is all about, and that seems to be the game: the stories themselves are unlikely to persuade anyone who’s not already a believer. There’s nonsense about “quantum blockchain watermarks’’ and secret foreign servers with the “real” election count that make no sense at all, mixed in with real reports about small, irrelevant mistakes by poll workers, and serious problems in Puerto Rico, which last I checked had zero electoral votes.

Some of the stories use fake experts.

Conspiracy maven Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai posted an hourlong video on YouTube proving fraud with scattergrams: maths educator Matt Parker destroyed his claims in ten seconds, as he did earlier claims regarding “Benford’s Law.” Just as fake experts meet their kryptonite in review by real experts, fake lawsuits designed to promote an idea of fraud, rather than actually win, meet their fate in courts. The record changes daily, but at my last count, Trump’s team won one case (to keep a count he lost the same) and has lost 45 to 50 others. The courts, often by judges named by Trump himself, excoriated his attorneys for filing cases

with no evidence and often no sound law behind them. Some of the suits lasted only hours. Many of the attorneys quit. Many have been reported to their respective bars for pursuing fake lawsuits. This is the strongest indicator that the 2020 elections were overall fair: if there were evidence of fraud, shouldn’t Trump’s lawyers have shown it to the courts when asked for it?

One of the cases I looked at in detail was the original action in the Wisconsin Supreme Court filed by the Wisconsin Voters Alliance (WVA). The WVA case instantly drew a swarm of amicus (friend of the court) briefs on the other side. As one of them pointed out, the WVA and its lawyers had raised similar claims in other courts and have been shot down every time. But let’s address this case briefly on its merits.

The issue identified in WVA’s petition is so broad as to be meaningless: whether officials failed to conduct the election “in accordance with Wisconsin law,” though, forgetting this, it also cites federal law in some of its numerous theories. Centrally, a private group gave millions in grants to Wisconsin cities to help people vote safely during the pandemic. Before the Wisconsin Elections Commission, the WVA argued that this was bribery. Now they drop that argument and say private grants to cities are illegal. They claim the money targeted Democrat-leaning areas. And they claim that the WEC gave incorrect guidance to local election boards, authorizing them to violate a half-dozen electoral laws. They identify no particular votes that were miscast or miscounted, but based on analysis of public data, estimate tens of thousands of bad votes.

Many of these claims cannot survive basic scrutiny. The WVA cites laws that sometimes provide no support for their position or even seem to contradict it.

The briefs on the other side go after the WVA’s petition like a school of piranhas. Even trying to be as neutral as possible, one can taste blood in the water. The City of Milwaukee’s brief says it’s crazy to argue cities cannot take private grants, as it has been doing for a century. The law backs it up. The private group that gave the grants points out that scores of smaller towns in redder parts of the states also got its money. The NAACP explains that the WVA’s “expert” is really a partisan crackpot whose methods have been debunked by real academics, and whose opinions are not reliable enough to be considered evidence in Wisconsin courts. Some of the briefs point out that the WVA waited until the last minute to make some of these arguments, and already lost on some of the others, giving up their procedural rights to make the claims now — and now are filing in the wrong court.

Finally, the order the WVA seeks: to nullify the entire election and have the Republican legislature appoint Wisconsin’s presidential electors, would be unwarranted on the facts, contrary to present law, and probably unconstitutional.

The most recent lawsuit ruling in the Wisconsin Supreme Court, on Dec. 14, was against the Trump campaign, 4-3, with conservative justice Brian Hagedorn joining three liberal justices in the majority.

Not only did Hagedorn join the majority, he wrote the opinion and used his own concurrence to rip apart Trump’s arguments. Most interesting thing was the minority writers, who sort of hinted they would be pro-Trump on the merits, but did not pin themselves down on anything but to disagree with the majority on its reasons for throwing out the case. They wanted to signal to voters that they were party

line conservatives and not be labeled RINOs, or whatever the equivalent is for nonpartisan races, but they also could never have gone along with Trump on throwing out the election, because it would show a complete lack of judicial integrity. So they complained about the case being thrown out for a couple of specific reasons (not convincingly in my view) and sort of fudged on the fact that they still would have had to agree with at least one other reason for denying relief at the end of the day.

A lot of the lawsuits share a common weakness. If you think an election commission’s interpretation of a rule is wrong, you can file a lawsuit as soon as the decision is made, to keep it from being applied in an election. It is generally not kosher to wait and see if you lose the election, and then try to throw out only votes that went against you afterwards because of a problem you foresaw six months earlier. All of the present lawsuits I’ve seen try to revive arguments that lost before the election by reframing them slightly.

Is there anything good in any of the suits? Possibly, but if so, it probably would have been identified by independent legal experts by now.

This should not be taken to imply anything about the people behind the lawsuits. Really smart people can believe sincerely in things that are really really dumb. But it’s hard to imagine many lawyers embracing the theories of these suits, or real experts embracing their factual analysis. Whatever the authors may intend, the lawsuits are themselves a kind of soft fraud on the public. For those who read them, they show how thin any claims of voter fraud really are, but for those who only read sympathetic reports about it, they can look like proof that our election system failed.

It didn’t.

opinion/Arts & Culture

WednesdaY, Dec.16, 2020

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Review: Taylor Swift’s latest albums hold Wisco roots Taylor Swift truly blessed her fans this year by gracing two sister albums for them to enjoy: folklore and evermore. Swift is notorious for always writing or co-writing all of her songs and creating lyrical masterpieces, folklore and evermore are no exception.

The albums delve into a different style for Swift, a richer, deeper, more precise album with folk melodies and gentle, soft instruments that linger in your mind long after hearing the songs.

In folklore, we listen to Swift sing about two young lovers in betty, cardigan, and august. Swift’s soft, whimsical voice in cardigan forces you to feel every bit of pain from Betty’s perspective as she recalls her old fling, James.

August follows the love affair between James and an unnamed girl, and the innocent longing the unknown girl feels for him. Swift jumps into James’ perspective in betty, singing about James’ apology to Betty after the affair

with the august girl. Swift said she created these characters to tell a story with and named them after her friends’ kids. This is a different yet welcomed change from the singer, who wrote based off personal experience in her past albums. The difference in perspective also appears in illicit affairs, where the narrator of the story longingly tells her forbidden lover: “don’t call me kid, don’t call me baby.” The bridge makes us feel like Swift is singing from experience, when she is actually singing from the perspective of a character she has created. This just adds to the wide variety of talent Swift possesses. In exile, Swift and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, sing to each other passionately about their failed relationship, an experience that neither share together. Swift said she just enjoys writing breakup songs.

Swift and Vernon, hailing from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, worked together on both folklore, and its sister album

evermore. Swift and Vernon continue with the character theme in evermore, where Swift sings about a cheating husband getting what he deserves in no body, no crime and ivy, where the character is torn between her betrothed and another man. She also demonstrates this in champagne problems, where a woman who denies a marriage proposal is deemed to have “champagne problems,” when she really struggles with a mental illness. Swift describes the two albums as “sister albums,” and proves just how close they are. Both have folk roots, both have an array of beautifully crafted characters, and both feature Wisconsin’s very own Vernon. Vernon and Swift co-wrote a large number of songs on both albums, and collaborate vocally on a few, as well. Exile from the folklore album features both musicians singing back and forth to one another, and they do the same on evermore’s title song.

With the pandemic and social distancing being in play, Vernon and Swift recorded their song exile in different places, Vernon recording his part in his Fall Creek, Wisconsin studio, April Base. Alongside Vernon, Swift also co-wrote with Aaron Dessner, who shares a band called The National with Vernon. Swift also features The National on her song in evermore called coney island. It is unknown whether Swift recorded any of her songs in Wisconsin, but we know for sure that Vernon did.

Either way, folklore and evermore have a small bit of a Wisconsin touch from Vernon, and considering how beautiful both albums are, we can take that as a giant compliment.

—Adeline Holte, Intern

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Photos via Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions Documentary Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, left, virtually joins Taylor Swift, right, for an acoustic performace of “exile” in the Disney+ documentary, “Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions.”

Contact us

PO Box 144 Spring Green, Wisconsin 53588 USA (608) 588-6694 editor@valleysentinelnews.com valleysentinelnews.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Emilie Conlon Creative Director Morgan Marlenga Managing Editor Quincy Aston-Lott Legal Editor Gerry Strang, esq.

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Our team will be growing and changing as we settle into publishing regularly, please stay in touch. Thank you to all of our contributors, by name and by pen, for believing in our community.

Editorial Policy

On certain topics in areas of great community interest, the editors of the Valley Sentinel may take positions they believe best represent and serve the interests of the community. Any opinions or positions taken by the editorial board are separate and distinct in labeling and substance from the community journalism that appears in the rest of the publication and does not affect the integrity

Letter to the Editor Policy

Letters submitted for consideration are subject to fact-checking and editing for space and clarity.

Submissions must have a compelling local community interest. Letters to the editor must fit within a 500-word limit, and include name, city and phone number. Phone numbers are for office use only and will not be published. Letters of a political nature, without chance of rebuttal, will not be published the week before an election.

and impartiality of our reporting.

Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”

Valley Sentinel is a free, weekly single-copy news publication, available on newsstands in the area.

Covering Arena, Lone Rock, Plain, Spring Green and the surrounding areas.

Column Policy

Editors may feature opinion columns written by public figures, members of the public or other publication staff. Columns reflect the opinions of the individual contributors and do not represent positions of the publication. Guest columns of an anticipated length more than 500 words should seek prior editor authorization.

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Community Discussion Policy

From time to time the editorial board may select letters to the editor of a particular compelling community interest where a public figure or accountable public action is the recipient of criticism and allow, in the same issue, the subject of the criticism chance for rebuttal, with expounded independent input. The format shall be point, counterpoint and expert analysis. This community discussion shall serve as a moderated dialogue that presents multiple views of important community topics.

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Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

Sauk County supports additional state funding in county agencies continued from page 1 Sauk County belongs to the Eagle Country ADRC, which includes Juneau, Richland and Crawford counties. It is one of 12 multi-county ADRC’s in the state, along with 34 single-county ADRC’s and seven tribal ADRC’s.

ADRC director, Susan Blogdett said state funding for ADRC’s has been stagnant since 2008, and if the state allocates additional funding to the agencies, the county could receive and additional $200,000 in annual funding.

In addition to a resolution supporting additional state funding, the county passed a resolution extending its contract with The Shed in Spring Green to continue providing congregate meals for the senior meal program.

“The citizens, the elderly down there really enjoy these meals and the opportunity to get together, once we are able to do that again,” said Polivka.

The county unanimously passed a similar ordinance supporting an additional $4 million designated for Child Support Agencies in the state, each fiscal year of the 2021-23 budget.

Photos by Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief Sauk County Board members applaud county staff and employees at the Dec. 15 board meeting.

Hiring Process

Brent Miller, the County Administrator reported the county is at the final steps of hiring a Public Health Officer, following the resignation of former Health Officer Tim Lawther in October.

Miller said the hiring of a candidate is dependent on a background check.

According to Miller and the Wisconsin Counties Association, Sauk County is one of 11 other counties currently going through a hiring process for the same position.

“So we are battling with other counties in the state right now to fill that position,” said Miller.

McCumber took time to thank and provide support to county staff during a less than normal year.

“As we wrap up this season, it’s been a unique year to say the least, I just want to state that I am very very proud of all of our staff in the county,” said McCumber.

[currently in quarantine],” said Glasbrenner. “One thing we just talked about today: it’s difficult to find six sub[stitute teachers] for an extended amount of time.”

Blakley iterated that he doesn’t believe COVID spread is happening at the high school, due to strong policies, but rather off campus. He also shared the results of a survey of students that expressed concerns about the home/schoolwork burdens virtual learning imposed.

“Our D/F lists are at an all-time high at the high school and middle school levels, it’s never been this high in the history that I’ve been here,” said Blakley. “Stress level [for students] is at an all-time high, morale is at an all-time low.”

A discussion ensued regarding the best ways to engage students on Wednesdays, which are currently held virtually. Blakley said the issue is continuing to be evaluated, while River Valley Middle School Principal James Radtke touched on several solutions focused on individual student help being considered.

The board also considered and approved a recommendation to the board for a second reading of policies regarding school board elections, board member qualifica-

tions, board member resignations and policy dissemination. There were no changes since the first reading and all policy changes were minor updates and clarifications.

The board additionally took up discussion and recommendation to the board for first reading of various policies, including: Naming District Facilities or Fields, Public School Open Enrollment, Goal Setting, Fines, Loss, or Damage to Materials, Student Fees and Fines, Acceptable Use of Networked Computers, Electronic Mail, and Internet Safety Policy, Safety Program, Buildings and Grounds Inspection and Buildings and Grounds Maintenance.

School Board President Kathy Jennings shared that an individual had approached the district and was interested in naming a facility and the district lacked a clear policy on the matter. Jennings said River Valley School District Business Manager Brian Krey put together a policy that includes: “Any person nominated must be deceased for three (3) years prior to the Board’s selection of the name for the facility.”

Additional criteria outlined that a “facility may be named after a person provided: The person demonstrated exemplary moral character. The person demonstrated

outstanding leadership. The person made a significant contribution to education or the community. Other criteria the Board determines relevant or appropriate.”

River Valley School Board Vice President John Bettinger, representing Area 9, Village of Plain, expressed concern regarding the scrutiny the naming of a facility after an individual or company would cause and the prospect of being forced to revoke the naming and returning any proceeds received in the process of naming if issues were to arise.

River Valley School Board member Sara Young, representing Area 6, Village of Spring Green, asked if the policy was “specifically not related to a gift, is it related to a gift, [and] could it be either one?”

Jennings and Krey clarified that the policy in question is related specifically to naming and any gift that related to naming would have to follow this policy and the district’s advertising policy as well.

The board ended the public meeting by adjourning to a closed session for discussion of district administrator and administrator annual evaluations and recommendations for contract renewals and for an update on 2019-20 expulsions.

School board discusses COVID impact, board policy continued from page 1

math manipulatives and more. The grants totaled $19,451.

“We can’t thank the Endowment enough for their sponsorship and hard work on these things,” said River Valley School District Administrator Loren Glasbrenner.

Glasbrenner informationally presented Sauk County’s recommendation that “close-contact” quarantines remain at the “gold standard” of 14 days, as opposed to some neighboring counties switching to 10 days, with a few evaluating switching to 7 days.

River Valley High School principal Darby Blakley shared his frustrations regarding how disheartening it has been to make calls to students to tell them they need to quarantine and will have to miss out on sports and activities, and to teachers to tell them they need to quarantine and will be unable to see family over the holidays.

“It’s been really tough, a lot of tears,” said Blakley.

Blakley reported 47 students and 5 staff members at the high school were asked to quarantine in the two days prior to the board meeting.

“The percentage is right around 20%

In other news Music Boosters Culver’s Fundraiser

The River Valley Music Boosters sold $6,595 in Culver’s gift cards from their recent fundraiser, according to Booster Club President, Karen Scott. Of the sales, 15% will go back to the River Valley Music program.

Butternut Road Coffee Truck Chirstmas giveways

From 4:30-7 p.m. Dec. 18, the Butternut Road coffee truck will host a “Coffee for Christmas” event at the Stage Shop in Spring Green.

The event will feature free hot chocolate for kids, Christmas cookie packages from Quality Bakery and Butternut Road Coffe Truck merchandise, including Christmas gift packages.

Gift packages are availabe for pre-order at www.butternutroadcoffeetruck.com.

People’s Community Bank food drive

The deadline for the “Fill and Empty Table” food drive and fundraiser through People’s Community Bank out of Mazomanie has been extended to noon Dec. 19.

Donations will be given to a variety of local food pantries and can be dropped off at the drive-up window at any People’s Community Bank locations.

For a list of locations, visit www.peoplescommunitybank.com/Branches/

Lone Rock Board meets for December The Lone Rock Village Board met for its regular board meeting Dec. 8.

The meeting kicked off with Trustee Dan Quinn reporting the village attorney found Town and Country Sanitation to be in violation of its contract with the village. The board voted to withhold December payments, and to have the village attorney contact the company by phone, email and mail to inform them of the situation.

The board voted to adopt a public participation plan for its upcoming comprehensive plan, part of which includes surveys for the public to take regarding the plan.

The board then heard reports from different committees and departments,

including the library, which Caitlin Opatik reported that the library remains open during COVID-19, but visits are down. The library has a new drop off box.

Other actions and discussions at the board meeting include: —Approving an Operators License for the owner of the new restaurant, Lone Rock Bistro and Tap Room, and Keg and Kettle.

—Discussion of new internet options for the Village, which is currently at the slowest speed available.

—Floride will be removed from the village’s water supply begining Jan. 1, 2021

Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

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Iowa County health dept. requests virus vigilience during holidays Iowa County Health Department Iowa County - The Health Department confirms 38 cases were added over the weekend bringing the current COVID-19 confirmed case count in Iowa County to 1,469. Recent cases are in persons in the following age ranges: 0-17 (4), 18-25 (8), 26-35 (5), 36-45 (4), 46-55 (7), 56-65 (4), 66-75 (4) and 86+ (2). The number of individuals that have recovered is 1,277, meaning 192 active cases. Cases are in all age ranges and across the entire county.

For a breakdown of the location of positive cases. See https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/county.htm. These maps show existing COVID-19 case and death data by municipalities (cities, towns, and villages), zip code tabulation areas, and school district boundaries.

“Now is the time to be persistent with following public health recommendations. Every act of prevention matters and will continue to be important as Christmas arrives,” states Debbie Siegenthaler, Director, Iowa County Health Department. “We were very concerned about the impact of Thanksgiving-related gatherings on transmission. We are very encouraged to see that our data has not seen huge spikes we were concerned with.

Even though the case numbers are not at the levels in prior weeks, case numbers are still at a very high level,” noted Siegenthaler. “Our health care and public health workers continue to need the help of the community in slowing spread so that hospitals can continue to meet patient needs,” Siegenthaler urged.

Case activity in Iowa County is in the very high activity category, along with our neighbor counties in south central Wisconsin. You can find the Disease Activity Dashboard at the Wisconsin DHS website. “What remains clear is that we must assume anytime we leave our home, we

should anticipate we will come in contact with coronavirus,” added Siegenthaler.

An important focus continues to be individuals at a high risk who we recommend remain home as much as possible.

Factors that place you at higher risk include having an underlying health condition, including asthma, obesity, compromised immune system due to conditions like cancer, HIV or AIDS, and serious chronic illnesses like kidney, heart, lung or liver disease. In addition, older adults, over the age of 60, are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are unsure if you are high risk, please reach out to your health care provider. See also https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/ covid-19/risks.htm

Continued recommendations:

• Limit indoor gatherings to 10 people or less • Limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people or less • Post-pone or cancel all non-essential events, gatherings and travel · Wear a cloth face covering in public settings · Stay at least 6 feet away from other people when you leave your home · Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Covid-19 vaccination planning is underway in Iowa County. Healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities will be the first to receive the vaccine.

We understand that some people may be nervous or have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines – this is totally reasonable. Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for the coronavirus family for years, so they did not

need to start from scratch.

Vaccine approval is driven by science.

The FDA, CDC, and independent advisors review all vaccine safety and effectiveness data before any vaccine is approved or allowed for distribution. COVID-19 vaccines are going through all the same steps in the trial phases that all vaccines go through to get the full FDA vaccine license and approval. As researchers have been working intensely to develop and test the vaccine, they have been transparent in sharing data, holding live hearings, and pausing trials when it’s been important to slow down. Like with all vaccines, after a COVID-19 vaccine is made available to the public, the FDA and CDC will continue to closely monitor the vaccine to help ensure any issues are immediately addressed. Visit CDC’s website for more information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/vaccines/safety.html All of this has given us trust and confidence in vaccination – a critical tool in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and healing our communities move forward.

“We have sacrificed so much in 2020 to keep our loved ones and community safe.

While we know getting vaccinated isn’t always comfortable, you can play a big role to support Iowa County by keeping yourself and your family up-to-date on immunizations – including the seasonal flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine once it is available. By staying updated on immunizations, we can make sure our sacrifice and efforts to fight COVID-19 keep everyone safe,” Siegenthaler stated.

Local Community testing for the remainder of December:

Chapel Street in Dodgeville. · Lafayette County: Wednesday, December 23 from 11:00 am – 1:00pm at the Ames Road Multipurpose Building at 11974 Ames Road in Darlington · Iowa County: Wednesday, December 30 from 11:00 – 1:00 at the Health and Human Services Center located at 303 West Chapel Street in Dodgeville.

Testing is free and open to anyone (age 5+) who feels they have a need to be tested. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with consent.

Appointments are not required, but it is requested that those who wish to be tested pre-register at https://register. covidconnect.wi.gov.

People should consider visiting the testing site if: * They have had close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. * They have COVID-19 symptoms * They have regular exposure to a large number of people (i.e., people who work in grocery stores) * They work closely with high-risk populations (i.e., healthcare workers, people who work with people who are incarcerated, people who work in long-term care facilities) There are additional testing sites in southwest Wisconsin in Grant, Lafayette and Richland counties. Visit the Iowa County COVID-19 website and/or follow our Facebook page for a list of weekly testing opportunities in southwest Wisconsin.

Upland Hills Hospital continues to provide COVID testing. Please see the Upland Hills website for information on getting tested at their facility.

· Iowa County: Thursday, December 17 from 11:00 – 1:00 at the Health and Human Services Center located at 303 West

COVID-19 Testing Information Sauk County Mondays from 11am to 1pm at Spring Green Fire/EMS 2 Step Online Registration & Appointment REQUIRED: www.springgreenems.com Tuesdays from 8am to 12pm at Reedsburg Ambulance Service Online Registration REQUIRED: www.register.covidconnect.wi.gov *Note: Even if you have previously registered via covidconnect site, you must re-register each time you are tested.*

Wednesday from 4:30pm to 8pm at Merrimac Fire & Rescue Appointments REQUIRED: Call (608) 393-3205 2 Step Online Registration & Appointment REQUIRED: 1. Complete questionnaire at www.register.covidconnect.wi.gov 2. Call (608) 643-7603 to schedule appointment. Call MondayFriday 8am-4pm *Note: Even if you have previously registered via covidconnect site, you must re-register each time you are tested. Enter the car line from Water St to Lincoln Ave, then follow the yellow directional signs to check in station located at 55 Prairie Ave. Vehicles with more than one person in them are welcome but each person MUST have pre-registered and have scheduled an appointment.*

Fridays from 8am to 12pm at Circus World Parking Lot (testing conducted by Baraboo Fire & EMS *No testing on 12/25 & 1/1 Online Registration only. Unable to accept phone calls 2 Step Online Registration & Appointment REQUIRED: www. forms.gle/uXHPPe86hiosRHbN8

Iowa County December 17th & 30th from 11am to 1pm at Health and Human Services Center Testing is free and open to anyone (age 5+) who feels they need to be tested. Minors must be accompained by a parent or guardian with consent. Appointments are not required, but it is requested that those who wishto be tested pre-register at www.register. covidconnect.wi.gov.

Richland County Tests will be available on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE basis.

December 21st from 9am to 12pm at Richland County Fairgrounds January 4th from 9am to 12pm at Richland County Fairgrounds January 7th from 9am to 3pm at Richland County Fairgrounds January 11th from 9am to 12pm at Richland County Fairgrounds January 14th from 9am to 3pm at Richland County Fairgrounds January 18th from 9am to 12pm at Richland County Fairgrounds

Page 6

Arts & Culture/Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

Swift’s latest album reminiscent of earlier career continued from page 3

A little over four months after the surprise release of her last album, folklore, Taylor Swift released her second surprise album, evermore. Much like the preceding “sister” album, this album dives deep into her folk roots while embracing the songwriting that many of Swift’s fans miss from her country days, and something that has been somewhat buried since her Fearless album. While folklore and evermore stylistically stray a bit from recent releases, such as reputation, 1989, and Red, the narratives of love, loss, and healing are as present as ever over the course of these 15 tracks.

This album has a lot of highs, but also some real lows. It seems as though Swift was struggling to focus on just what she wanted this project to be.

However, it is apparent that as a songwriter and performer, she is going for a more mature, indie feel. Features from HAIM, the National, and Justin Vernon, bring some interesting sounds to interrupt our expectations based on what we are used to hearing from Swift. Overall, I would say this album is a success, not only from a musical perspective, but also from a creative one. Since her jump from country to pop, Swift seems to have lost some of her originality, but this album, especially paired with folklore, helps bring that front and center again.

In the lead-off track, “willow”, Swift utilizes nature metaphors to reflect on a past, toxic relationship. Lyrics such as “The more you say, the less I know”, reveals a relationship built around mistrust and deceit. Something that will certainly hit home for many listeners, as well as following up on previous themes in Swift’s discography. Utilizing gentle melodies and vocals reminiscent of her music prior to her 1989 album, this song brings back many of the themes and sounds that many have come to associate with Swift’s music.

In a stark change of pace, the next song, “champagne problems”, lyrically details the immediate fallout for her ex after a declined marriage proposal.

Champagne purchased in celebra-

Photos via Taylor Swift Instagram, Republic Records A photo of the track list from Taylor Swift’s newest album evermore. tion is quickly turned into a coping mechanism, and we slowly see the expectations of the night devolve into a sad train ride home with a bottle of Dom Perignon, originally intended to be shared amongst friends and family. This song is a stark change of pace from the typical themes we’ve seen in her past music, of being broken up with or feeling lost in a toxic relationship, and instead makes herself the villain. Instrumentally, this song uses clear and simple chords to portray the mode of this kind of “chick-flick” narrative.

While the first two songs on this album are strong, and seem to have themes consistent with Swift’s repertoire, and styles similar to what she aimed for on this project, “gold rush” is a bit of a miss. It enters with an angelic, string and piano driven melody, but that is soon overtaken by a drum-led bass line, which dominates the rest of the song. Considering the somewhat rustic, folksy feel that Swift seems to be going for with this album,

this song feels misplaced and perhaps a little over-produced. The lyrics themselves are rather simple and repetitive, especially compared to the intense feelings brought forth by the previous two tracks. This song is far more reminiscent of her more recent, electronic dance tracks than most of this album.

Another song that I would consider to be kind of a dud was “coney island”, featuring The National. While this is a sad song, instead of eliciting emotion, it feels like it drones on for a while, trying to make a point, but never really getting to it. Overall, this is a pretty sleepy track that seemed better suited for a soundtrack to a movie or TV show.

We can see Wisconsin native, Justin Vernon appear on folklore’s “exile” with Swift, and similarly, the closing title track, “evermore”, is the only track that officially features Vernon/ Bon Iver on Swift’s most recent album. On this track, he joins Swift with beautiful, almost stark vocals. Around the midpoint of the song, he appears

with a very sudden shift in tempo and instrumentation. Upon doing so, he and Swift begin trading off vocal lines, creating this chemistry and emotion that results in strong feelings of passion that I did not expect. This track provides a great sense of closure, as it discusses moving on from the pain and emotional trauma that many of the tracks on Folklore and evermore address.

Justin Vernon, also known as Bon Iver, was deeply involved in the production of evermore. Although he is only officially featured on the closing title track, “evermore”, he is also involved in the production of four other tracks, namely “ivy”, “marjorie”, “cowboy like me”, and “closure”. While it is most present in “evermore”, his appearances can be distinctly heard throughout various mediums, such as backing vocals in “ivy” and “cowboy like me”, as well as the triangle, drums, banjo, and electric guitar. Much of his work was created in his recording studio, April Base, in Fall Creek, WI, right outside of Eau Claire, WI. Vernon has become a superstar in his own right with the indie-folk scene, with his album, For Emma, Forever Ago, considered a rite of passage by many fans of the genre.

Personally, I am not a big Taylor Swift fan, however, I do love Justin Vernon. Overall, I did enjoy giving evermore a listen, and I felt that this album had a better overall production, maturity, and songwriting quality than was provided to us on its sister album.

If you are interested in looking into the production of evermore’s sister album, folklore, you can find a documentary recently published on Disney+. Meanwhile, if you are interested in exploring more of Justin Vernon’s work, I would especially recommend his albums For Emma, Forever Ago, Bon Iver, 22, A Million, and his most recent full album, i,i.

—Nicole Hansen, Intern

Editor’s Pick Valley Sentinel recommends checking out the song exile, featuring Bon Iver, on folklore.

Plain village board looks towards 2021 Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief The Plain Village Board met for its regular meeting Dec. 9 with only one member, Merry Ann Riek, absent.

The meeting kicked off with reports from committees from the previous month. Trustee Brian Brey reported the River Valley Joint Municipal Court saw 63 defendants in November, which generated approximately $3,400 in revenue from fines.

There were a variety of other fines and violations, include a number of $10 fines for failing to wear a seatbelt, or not having proof of insurance. Other violations over the last month include speeding, animal at-large, operating while intoxicated (OWI) and not hav-

ing a valid driver’s license.

Trustee Tracey Brent reported that the police department spent $3,400 for a new squad car computer, and $1,750 for a new AED. The library saw over 600 visitors this month, and renewed the mask policy through December. Brent also reported the Library Committee discussed replacing lights inside the community room and outside the library.

Brent said there is a possibility the digital sign outside of the library will need to be replaced.

Brent reported a new ambulance for the EMS program had been purchased.

Village President Ray Ring reported that Strand Engineering has reviewed

initial plans for housing lots being developed by Kevin Kreamer of Logtown Development, and provided a list of recommended and necessary changes.

Village Clerk, Sheila Carver reported that 2021 dog licenses are now available for purchase. Residents are required to purchase a license by April 1 , 2021 to avoid late fees or fines from the police.

Other actions taken at the meeting includes: —Setting the date for a village caucus at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 2021.

—Approving the contract for 2021 police services from the village of Spring Green.

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Celebrating her 90th Birthday on December 18th!

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Sports

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

Page 7

River Valley Girls basketball meets Belmont Mike McDermott, Contributed The River Valley girls basketball team tipped off their home season last Tuesday night, hosting the Belmont Braves. The Blackhawks came into the game having played just once, a season-opening loss at Lancaster. The Lady Braves, on the other hand, won their only contest of the year over Southwestern. Coach Brent Johnson brings three starters back from last season, including senior Emily Esser, and sophomores Brooke Anderson and Charlotte Ferstl. Along with senior Ava Liegel, the returning starters would play key roles in what turned out to be a hard-fought 36-33 loss.

Belmont came out of the gate quickly, scoring the first six points of the game.

Charlotte Ferstl got the Blackhawks on the board with two free throws. Shortly after trading baskets from the field, Emily Esser picked up a loose ball and her difficult driving layup closed the gap to 8-6. From that point, midway through the first half, Belmont would go on a 14-5 run as they opened up their largest lead of the night at 22-11. With halftime approaching, RV chipped away at the lead, and Esser’s jumper from the left side of the lane to cut the deficit to seven. If they were going to get back into this game, the Blackhawks would need to get a few more shots to drop and take care of the ball.

The energy at the start of the 2nd half was much better for the Blackhawks, notching points on three of their first four possessions. Capping off the run was a beautiful feed from Lindsey Wallace to Esser, on a back cut to the basket. Her easy layup made the score 22-20 and

Photos by Mike McDermott, Contributor Emily Esser, No. 5, right is on the defense against the Belmont Braves Dec. 8. The Blackhawks fell to the Braves 36-33.

Valley was right back in the game. A Belmont free throw was offset by Ave Liegel’s three-pointer and we were all knotted up at 23. The Lady Braves grabbed the lead again and held onto it until back to back baskets by Katie Hahn and Brooke Anderson helped RV pull even at 31-31. A nifty reverse layup by Esser gave Valley their first lead of the game with 2:05. Belmont countered with a deuce of their own to tie it up again. A Blackhawk turnover gave the ball back to Belmont, and Mia Hodg-

Activities this week Gymnastics Sauk Praire High School 6 p.m. Dec. 17

Freshmen Boys Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 21

JV Girls Basketball Adams-Friendship High School 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17

JV Boys Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 21

Varsity Girls Basketball Adams-Friendship High School 7 p.m. Dec. 17

Varsity Boys Basketball River Valley High School 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21

High School Musical Dress Rehersal RVHS Old Gym 7 p.m. Dec. 17

Boys Varsity Wrestling Viroqua High School 7 p.m. Dec. 22

High School Musical RVHS Old Gym 7 p.m. Dec. 18 & 19 2:30 p.m. Dec. 20 *Note: The musical is not open to the general public for viewing due to COVID-19 and will be available for virtual viewing at a later date.

JV Girls Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 22 Varsity Girls Basketball River Valley High School 7:30 p.m. Dec. 22

School Board Elections

On April 6, 2021, an election will be held for three school board seats, including school district areas number five, seven and eight.

Area No. 5, represents the town of Bear Creek in Sauk County included in the School District and all portion of Richland County included within the School District except the Village of Lone Rock. The Area No. 5 incumbent is Mark Strozinsky, who has filed non-candidacy paperwork and will not run for re-election, according to Paula Wedige, District Administrative Assistant.

Area No. 7, represents the portions of Sauk County included in the School District except the Villages of Plain and Spring Green and except that portion of the Town of Bear Creek in said School District. The Area No. 7 incumbent is Frederic H. Iausly.

Area No. 8, being all that portion of the Town of Wyoming included in said School District. The Area No. 8 incumbent is Kiley Cates, who will be running for re-election as the incumbent, said Wedige.

A Campaign Registration Statement and a Declaration of Candidacy, must be filed no later than 5 p.m., on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, in the office of the school district clerk.

If a primary election is necessary based on number of candidates, the primary will be held on Feb. 16, 2021.

son was able to get free for a dagger of a three with 16 seconds remaining. River Valley could not get off a good shot before the buzzer, and the 36-33 loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Having trailed most of the game, the RV girls showed a lot of heart in scratching back into the lead; unfortunately, Belmont made one big shot when they needed it. Here’s Coach Brent Johnson talking about his team’s performance: “Obviously, a tough loss. I thought we got really good, high quality shots but couldn’t

finish. The kids battled the whole game; we just came up short. I’m confident the team will learn from this game and get better.”

Emily Esser led the Blackhawks in the scoring column with 12, Charlotte Ferstl had eight, and Brooke Anderson added five points.

The Thursday night game scheduled vs. Platteville was postponed.

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Page 8

Sports/Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

Winter Sports Preview Valley Sentinel asked RV Winter Sports coaches about what they expect for the upcoming season. Below are answers from Girls Basketball Coach Brent Johnson.

Valley Sentinel: What should the community be looking forward to while watching this season?

Brent Johnson: River Valley returns to three starters from last year’s team. Returning point guard Emily

Esser enters her Senior season as the veteran on the team after starting every game as a Junior. Esser is joined

by Sophomores Charlotte Ferstl and Brooke Anderson both who started the majority of the games last season.

Senior Ava Liegel adds experience as a part-time starter from last year’s squad.

River Valley will be looking to get competitive in the ultra-talented SWC conference. If the young players can

take the next step and jell with the Seniors on the team, River Valley will be [able] to win games in the SWC. VS: Any breakout athletes to watch?

BJ: Senior guard Emily Esser leads the Blackhawks in games started and is the returning leader in assists. Sophomore forward Charlotte Ferstl was the second on the team in scoring (5.4ppg) and rebounding (6.0 rpg). Ferstl also led the team in blocks with a total of 22

as a Freshmen.

Sophomore Brooke Anderson led the team in made three point shots and is the returning leader in steals Seniors Ava Liegel, Sophia Haas, and Jayden Schaller bring experience to the Blackhawks as all three have been contributors with Liegel leading the way with five starts a season ago.

Carolers bring holiday spirit to Greenway Manor

Photos Contributed by Mark Scoles

Carolers from Christ Luthern Church in Spring Green visited Greenway Manor on Sunday to sing Christmas songs to the residents from outside.

Top: Masked carolers gather outside of Greenway Manor on Sunday to sing Christmas songs.

“With the use of a microphone the residents heard the beautiful Christmas music perfectly,” said Mark Scoles, Greenway Manor Director.

Bottom: Residents gather to watch and listen to carolers.

continued from page 1

Photos by Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief Left: A home on Lexington Street in Spring Green is decorated for the Chamber of Commerce decoration Contest. Right: A home in Spring Green is decorated to look like a scene from “The Grinch Stole Christmas”

Outdoors/recreation

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

Page 9

Wisconsin DNR announces wolf season begins Nov. 6, 2021 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced the official wolf season will begin Nov. 6, 2021.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will delist gray wolves from the federal list of endangered species on Jan. 4, 2021, returning management authority to the lower 48 states and tribes.

Under Wisconsin law, when the wolf is delisted, the state’s annual hunting and trapping seasons shall resume.

The recovery of gray wolves is a triumph of the Endangered Species Act and stands as a testament to the cooperation of federal, state and tribal agencies, as well as other conservation partners working together to support wolf recovery. The most recent monitoring effort indicated a minimum of 1,034 wolves in Wisconsin, primarily across the northern third of the state and the Central Forest region.

The DNR has successfully managed gray wolves for decades and will continue to follow the science and laws that influence our management. All wolf management, including hunting and trapping, will be conducted in a transparent and deliberative process, in which public and tribal participation is encouraged.

Once wolves are removed from the federal list of endangered species, the DNR will work collaboratively and transparently to create a new wolf management plan to reflect our increased understanding of the biological and social issues relevant to wolf

Photo via Wisconsin DNR Under Wisconsin law, when the wolf is delisted, the state’s annual hunting and trapping seasons shall resume. Following federal delisting, the gray wolf season in Wisconsin will begin Nov. 6, 2021. Until the official season goes into effect, it remains unlawful to shoot a wolf unless there is an immediate threat to human safety. However, if on private land, you can shoot and kill wolves that are in the act of killing, wounding or biting a domestic animal. management. The new plan will ensure sustainable management of Wisconsin wolves for the future.

In addition, the DNR will also create a new Wolf Management Plan Committee, a group comprised of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, tribal interests and conservation perspectives representing diverse interests.

The existing wolf management plan, originally approved in 1999, was reviewed and updated in 2007 and helped guide recovery efforts in the

state.

Following delisting – and until the official season goes into effect – it remains unlawful to shoot a wolf unless there is an immediate threat to human safety. However, if on private land, you can shoot and kill wolves that are in the act of killing, wounding or biting a domestic animal.

Although gray wolf management will be under state authority in early 2021, implementing a wolf season requires adequate time not only to develop a science based harvest quota but also to

engage the public and tribal partners in the development of a season plan that adequately reflects the interests of diverse stakeholders throughout Wisconsin. As such, the DNR is focused on planning a wolf season that begins Nov. 6, 2021.

The federal delisting of wolves on Jan. 4, 2021, once again provides Wisconsin the ability to implement an integrated wolf conflict abatement program. Each instance of wolf conflict is unique, and the DNR works with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services to assess the best management approach on a case-by-case basis.

Going forward, the department will be able to implement the most effective abatement measures as wolf conflicts arise, including both nonlethal and lethal options where necessary.

As a reminder, under Wisconsin law, when the wolf is delisted, the state’s annual hunting and trapping seasons shall resume. In the meantime, the DNR will continue to partner with USDA-Wildlife Services to address wolf conflicts in Wisconsin.

If you suspect wolves in the depredation of livestock, pets or hunting dogs, or if wolves are exhibiting threatening or dangerous behavior, contact USDA-Wildlife Services staff immediately.

If in northern Wisconsin, call 1-800228-1368 or 715- 369-5221; if in southern Wisconsin, call 1-800-433-0663 or 920-324-4514.

Pheasant Stocking Provides Hunting Opportunities This Holiday Season iday hunt in Columbia, Dane, Jefferson, Rock, Sauk and Waukesha counties from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2021.

Hunters are reminded to practice social distancing, refrain from congregating in large groups, to travel only within their home communities and to follow all existing recommendations and guidelines from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Visitors are also encouraged to wear masks in situations where social distancing is difficult.

For more information regarding pheasant hunting in Wisconsin, visit the DNR website.

Catherine Koele, DNR fire prevention specialist MADISON, Wis. – With a little less than a month left in the statewide pheasant season, hunters looking to spend more time afield this holiday season will find eight properties in central and southern Wisconsin stocked with 1,440 pheasants during the week of Dec. 21.

Although operational changes related to COVID-19 reduced the number of pheasants released during this year’s holiday hunt, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) pheasant program continues to provide ample opportunities for hunters.

Pheasant season in Wisconsin runs until Jan. 3, 2021.

“We selected properties near population centers to provide the opportunity to the most pheasant hunters possible,” said Alaina Gerrits, DNR Assistant Upland Wildlife Ecologist. “The department hopes this late-season stocking will provide an opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors during the holidays.”

Properties to be stocked before the holiday season include: Mud Lake Wildlife Area, Columbia County Mazomanie Unit of Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, Dane County Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kenosha County Brooklyn Wildlife Area, Dane & Green Counties

Where to Hunt

Photo via Wisconsin DNR Hunters will find additional opportunities for pheasant hunting as the season draws to a close.

Avon Bottoms Wildlife Area, Rock County Waterloo Wildlife Area, Jefferson County Sauk Prairie Recreational Area, Sauk County Vernon Wildlife Area, Waukesha County Quality pheasant hunting opportunities exist throughout Wisconsin, including wild pheasant hunting where suitable habitat exists and previously stocked public lands. All hunting regulations and bag limits apply through the season’s end. Check out the 2020 combined hunting regulations for more

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information.

Hunters are reminded to practice TAB-K while afield: T - Treat every firearm as if it is loaded A - Always point the muzzle in a safe direction B - Be certain of your target and what’s beyond it K - Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot In addition, hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange while hunting to increase visibility with other hunters.

Blaze orange is required during open firearm deer seasons, including the hol-

Want Valley Sentinel delivered to your home/business? Send a check with your name, address and $30 to: Valley Sentinel PO Box 144, Spring Green, WI 53588.

Hunters can use the DNR’s Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Gamebird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT) to locate cover suitable for ruffed grouse and woodcock, managed dove fields and properties stocked with game farm pheasants.

FFLIGHT allows hunters to use aerial maps, topography and measuring tools to easily navigate and identify areas of interest and make their trips more productive and enjoyable. To learn more about FFLIGHT, visit the DNR website.

Hunters should also check out Hunt Wild Wisconsin, the DNR’s mobile hunting application, to explore properties, regulations, document tracks and more. Hunt Wild Wisconsin has many of the same features as FFLIGHT but in a mobile-friendly application. To learn more about Hunt Wild Wisconsin, visit the DNR website.

Or visit: valleysentinelnews.com/subscribe to pay using a credit card, debit card or paypal.

Outdoors/recreation

Page 10 WednesdaY, dec. 16, 2020

DNR reminds snowmobilers to ride responsibly Catherine Koele, DNR fire prevention specialist

MADISON, Wis. – With winter fast approaching, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding snowmobilers to ride safely.

Wisconsin continues to offer some of the best snowmobiling opportunities around, especially in the northern part of the state. With more than 200,000 registered snowmobiles hitting the state’s 25,000 miles of groomed trails across the state each winter, safety is a critical part of the ride.

Snowmobiling got off to a deadly start at the beginning of the year. There were 19 snowmobile fatalities between January and March 2020, with three of those involving someone under the age of 18. As the snow begins to fly again, it’s important to think smart before you start.

“We’re fortunate to have access to incredible winter recreation opportunities across Wisconsin,” said DNR Conservation Warden Lt. Martin Stone.

“But we have to remember to stay safe.

Alcohol, excess speed, driver inexperience and operator error are the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities, so make sure to brush up on these safety rules and regulations before you head out this winter.”

Winter’s fluctuating temperatures, snowfalls and snowmelts have made for often changing terrain and mixed conditions on snowmobile trails. The DNR does not monitor conditions

phone and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.

Dress appropriately, carry a first aid kit and navigation tools.

Take a snowmobile safety course.

Visit the DNR Safety Education webpage Take a snowmobile safety course.

Visit the DNR Safety Education webpage for details and to locate a class or take an online course.

Ice Safety

Photo via Sauk County GIS Map of Sauk County snowmobile trails and suggests snowmobilers contact local fishing clubs, snowmobile clubs or outfitters to inquire about the ice conditions.

The DNR reminds the public that any person who is at least 12 years old and who is born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 is required to have a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate in order to operate a snowmobile in most areas. Operators must carry the certificate while riding and display it to a law enforcement

officer when requested. View more snowmobile regulations here.

Ensure a safe and enjoyable season by following these tips:

On the trails

Don’t drink and ride.

Stay on marked trails and routes.

Always wear your helmet and safety gear.

Slow down and use extra caution at night.

Travel with a friend, carry a cell

Remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions.

Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions locally on the lake or river you want to traverse.

Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.

Do not travel in unfamiliar areas.

Slow down when traveling at night.

Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice.

Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.

For additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips or to register your snowmobile, visit www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/ topic/Snowmobile. The DNR wishes all winter recreationalists a safe and enjoyable ride.

Photo via Richland County Snowmobile Alliance Map of Richland County snowmobile trails

Photo via Iowa County Snowmobile Alliance Map of Iowa County snowmobile trails

Help wildlife by planting native landscaping Catherine Koele, DNR fire prevention specialist MADISON, Wis. – Now is the time to start planning native landscaping to help birds, pollinators and other wildlife next year.

Adding just a few native plants can not only help provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds and other wildlife but can increase your chances of watching wildlife.

Rain gardens with specialized native wetland plants can also help handle stormwater on a property and help keep lakes, rivers and groundwater clean.

“Late fall and winter are a good time to get started planning for your native landscaping next year,” said Amy Staffen, a DNR conservation biologist who shares several tips for native landscaping she even practices in her yard Visit the DNR’s Native Plants webpage for a step-by-step native landscaping guide, a video showing tips for landscaping through fall and winter and an expanded list of

resources.

“Planting seeds in later fall or winter, including on top of the snow, will help them have a higher germination rate come spring,” Staffen said. “Ordering native plants or seeds now will give you the greatest selection to help meet your landscaping goals.”

Staffen’s “Native Plants for Beginners” list and a plant list for birds from bird expert and DNR Conservation Biologist Ryan Brady are featured in Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine’s winter issue, along with a list of plants for monarch butterflies by the Wisconsin Monarch Collaborative and Madison Audubon.

These colorful plant lists are available for download from DNR’s Native Plants webpage. Subscribing to the magazine now through Feb. 1, 2021, will deliver the guides right to your mailbox, where you’ll also find other great features such as recommendations for winter hikes and snowshoe trails.

The annual Field Notes publication is also included in the Winter issue. It is packed with short stories and photos of DNR Natural Heritage Conservation staff, partners and volunteers protecting endangered species and state natural areas.

Why Native Landscaping?

Native plants that evolved in Wisconsin have by far a greater ability to fuel life up the food chain than nonnative plants like ornamental trees and flowers, which are common in many yards. That’s because native plants have evolved along with the insects that eat them, and the insects are better able to digest the native plants.

Providing more native habitat for birds is particularly important. A landmark 2019 study by seven leading bird conservation organizations, including the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology, confirmed a nearly 30% loss in the number of breeding

birds in North America since 1970.

Other research has pointed to habitat loss and degradation as two key drivers of the declines. One study showed, for example, that East Coast suburban neighborhoods where less than 70% of native vegetation remains — and that means most neighborhoods — the birds do not have the insects and seeds they need to eat and are having trouble reproducing.

And it’s not just birds. Steep declines over the past 20 years in the eastern and western U.S. monarch butterfly populations and populations of many pollinators and other insects have put a premium on adding habitat to private land, which constitutes 85% of Wisconsin’s 34.8 million land acres.

Learn more about why a growing number of Wisconsinites are digging into native landscaping in “All in to Boost Birds,” in the Fall 2020 issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine.

Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020 Page 11

In print and online, we have advertising solutions to help your business reach and engage with our community.

Let’s Build

Community Together Based on the numbers we got back...

Valley Sentinel was read by

1 in 6 adults

in our coverage area in just our first week

Valley Sentinel had over 1,230 readership in print and in our e-edition in just our first

Want to reach our readers over multiple weeks?

We offer a 50% off rate to subsequent ad insertions made in the same ad order!

Contact our ad team at: ads@valleysentinelnews.com 227 users visited

In just our first week publishing (10/21/20-10/27/20):

our website

~41%

week and growing

(estimated via the Circulation Verification Council national average readers per edition)

For 1,014 pageviews

of users spent more time on our site than the national average for news sites

Your ads reach further — We post our e-edition on our Facebook page, we’ve reached over 8,741 readers in the last 28 days! (11/03/20-12/01/20)

Print Ads

Visiting an average of over

(www.journalism.org - Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, US, Average Minutes Per Visit, October-December 2014-2018.)

5 pages per visit

Regular Rate

$50

Eighth page, single-placement, full color print ad Ad sizes: 1 col./2.563” W x 8.25” H (portrait) 2 col./5.125” W x 4.125” H (landscape)

$400

Full page, single-placement, full color print ad

Ad size: 4 col./10.25” W x 16.5” H

$200

$100

Half page, single-placement, full color print ad

Quarter page, single-placement, full color print ad

Ad size: 4 col./10.25” W x 8.25” H (landscape)

$150

Ad sizes: 2 col./5.125” W x 8.25” H (portrait) 4 col./10.25” W x 4.125” H (landscape) 3 col./7.69” W x 5.5” H (square)

Premium, front page bottom banner, single-placement, full color print ad Ad sizes: 4 col./10.25” x 1.75”

Online Ads

Reach your customers wherever they read their news: Add $25 to any print ad order and get a week of online ads on our website!

Medium Rectangle Online Ad - $25 — Standard, most common online ad size, 300x 250px, week-long placement on our front page and 3+ online stories. Linked to your website or custom URL. $25 if added to print ad order / $50 otherwise.

Half Page Online Ad - $50 — 300x 600px, week-long placement on our front page and 3+ online stories.

Linked to your website or custom URL. $50 if added to print ad order / $100 otherwise.

Billboard Online Ad - $75 — 970x 250px, week-long home page “take over” placement on our front page and 3+ online stories. Linked to your website or custom URL. $75 if added to print ad order / $150 otherwise.

Sponsorships $25 Want to sponsor a subscription?

Weekly Email Newsletter Digest

Reserve a spot in our business/professional directory!

Add $30 to any ad order or as a stand-alone sponsorship and you’ll be added to the next week’s business/professional directory AND you’ll ensure someone that wants a paper gets it delivered to their home. Business card sized (2 col./3.25” x 1.86”), full color, static but updated annually or optionally each time you run a separate display ad.

Our weekly email newsletters have, over the last month (Oct.-Nov. 2020), averaged 70.2% — over 4x the industry average open rate!

Our readers are engaged! Over the last month, our newsletters averaged 22.7% — almost 8x the industry average click through rate!

Perfect for top-of-mind awareness.

Want to run it every week? $750 for 6 months, $1000 for 1 year (26% discount).

One week sponsorship of our weekly email newsletter digest sent out to our opt-in subscribers.

$150 Monthly Section – Online and Print

Sponsorship online and in print of individual category section:

– Community – Business – Government

– Sports – Outdoors & Agriculture – Arts & Culture

$25 Events Stories on Snapchat

24 hour sponsorship of Snapchat story events

Every penny goes to our subscription fund and right back to our community.

General Information Subscription Fund Your advertising not only provides top-of-mind awareness for your organization, but it also directly benefits our community. $5 of every ad sale goes to our community subscription fund, so that anyone that wants the news has access to the news.

Technical Valley Sentinel is 4 columns, with a printable area of 10.25” by 16.5”. All single insertions shall be open rate – $8.34 per col. inch. Regular rate – $6.06 per col. inch. Bundled subsequent print display ad placements shall be 50% off when made in the same ad order. Front page bottom banner shall be the only front page ad. Premium placement ads have individual fixed rate.

Issues/political ads will always be charged at the open rate. Regular rate will only be offered contingent on regular advertising or multiple ad buys. Rates subject to change.

Flat Design Fee $25 Need us to create an ad or re-work an ad for you? Our graphic designers are happy to design or revise ads for you at a flat design fee. This fee is applied automatically if an ad needs design or camera ready adjustments.

Display/Classified Ad Deadlines The display and classified advertising deadline is Monday at noon for that week’s edition. If you would like our design team to design the ad then please allow extra time for the creative process and proofing.

Community

Page 12 WednesdaY, Dec. 16, 2020

COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary Cases as of 12/15/2020

+23,950 from 12/8

16.4%

442,396 Positive Cases

83.6%

2,259,792 Negative Cases

4,122 Deaths +316 from 12/8

+51,842 from 12/8

Iowa County

Richland County 981 Positive Cases

+54 from 12/8

9,268 Negative Cases

+189 from 12/8

11.2%

1,503 Positive +112 from 12/8 Cases

88.8%

13 Deaths +0 from 12/8

7,807 +60 from Negative 12/8 Cases

5 Deaths

+0 from 12/8

Sauk County 4,051 11.6% Positive Cases 30,824 88.4% Negative Cases

+504 from 12/8

Graphic by Whitney Back

22 Deaths +3 from 12/8

+173 from 12/8

Data From: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm