Valley Sentinel - 12-09-2020

Spring Green, Wisconsin

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020 Vol. 1, No. 8 Free, Single-Copy

Boys Basketball kicks off their season

Spring Green lights up for holidays

Mike McDermott

The River Valley boys basketball team opened the season with a 48-43 home win over Platteville on Friday night. While many of the typical amenities you would hope to find at a high school basketball game were noticeably missing - no band, no raucous student section, no popcorn the action on the floor provided a welcome escape from the heaviness of living with COVID-19.

Both teams came out of the gate slowly, getting their first taste of real competition for the season. After two early closerange baskets and a free throw by Zach Gloudeman staked RV to a 5-0 lead, the hometown boys went cold and Platteville started to find the range from beyond the arc. Seven of the first eight baskets for the Hillmen came from long range; that’s basketball in the modern era. But, as the saying goes, “You live by the three, you die by the three.” Those hot shooters would likely cool off as the game played out.

Coach Thatcher’s squad had quite a few good looks at the basket in the first half, but more shots rattled out than settled into the net, forcing RV to play catch up. A strong drive to the basket by Preston Hying cut the deficit to 17-13 late in the half, but the Hillmen would outscore Valley 10-5 the rest of the frame, taking a 27-18 halftime lead into the locker room.

Photos by Quincy Aston-Lott, Managing Editor The Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce hosted Holiday Fireworks at North Park Dec. 5. The event, part of this year’s Country Christmas celebrations, allowed for holiday celebrations while social distancing.

Top: The Christmas tree and decorations are lit up on Dec. 5 as the village kicks off the holidays.

Bottom: Visitors gather in small groups or inside their cars to watch the winter fireworks show at North Park on Dec. 5.

See page 7 See page 6

Arena village board discusses financial future/EMS program Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief The Village of Arena discussed it’s capital improvement plan and the on-going obstacle in funding its fire and EMS department at its Dec. 1 meeting.

The board discussed the priority of needs for different projects in the village under the 20212026 Capital Improvement Plan.

“This is just a starting point… you can change things around… This is fluid, just because you approve it tonight doesn’t mean it’s set in stone, it’s just to give you an idea of money being spent per year and where your priorities are at at this time,” said the village’s engineer, Kathy Jennings with MSA. Discussion ensued regarding prioritizing improving the village lift station or installing a second well for the village and if the DNR had been consulted enough regarding either project.

Public Works Superintendent, Michael Schmidt encouraged the board to approve the plan, and continue to revisit it as results from a water study come in, which could be helpful in determining priority for different projects.

“The water study will be done for next month’s board meeting? I guess maybe that’s the better spot to start, we can conditionally approve this or even switch to the lift station first [before installing a second well] and then have a more honest discussion with the priorities at next month’s meeting once we have the water study, perhaps then we can have a more structured conversation with the DNR too.” said Schmidt.

Village Board President, Kate Reimann stated the village is in the same position as its last meeting regarding the on-going failure to fund the joint village and township fire and EMS programs. Following the failure of a referendum in the November election, the village cannot afford to pay the full 48% of funds it is responsible for the program.

Reimann said the village has made large budget cuts in multiple areas, totalling $67,000.

Discussion then ensued between Trustee Kathy Stoltz and Arena Town Chair David Lucey regarding what Fire and EMS agreement the village and the township are currently operating under, with Stoltz contending the original agreement made

is still valid. Lucey contended that the situation had evolved beyond the original agreement, with both parties agreeing their agreement needs to be updated.

“I still believe there is an agreement in place and until such things are done to amend that agreement, it’s still in place, that’s my thoughts on it,” Kathy Stoltz.

Trustee Tara Hill voiced concerns over the program itself, and the inability to recruit and retain members.

“Financial aside, I have concerns regarding retention and all that based on some of the stuff I’ve shared previously… I had mentioned concerns regarding retention, the feedback I got is that, from previous EMT’s is the reason they won’t work for us, or come back, or we can’t retain them is because of current management [of the EMS department], that to me seems like a problem,” said Hill. “The feedback I got was it’s based on management… we’re not going to be able to keep the EMT’s anyway if there’s a management issue.”

Lucey pushed back on that assertion, sharing

his confidence in EMS Director Courtney Norton.

A disagreement ensued between Hill and Lucey, with Hill sharing her experiences, while Pustina urged the discussion to stay on track.

“Right now we need to sit down and figure this out.” Pustina. “The door has been opened, as far as changing the [joint fire/ems agreement] agreement. The village board voted to change the agreement this year. That door has been opened, and I just don’t feel it’s right to close that door.”

The board also accepted the resignation of Trustee Bill Hanson and approved $894 in attorney fees for a recently settled lawsuit that asserted the village was in violation of public records law.

In other news At the village of Spring Green Dec. 2 board meeting, the board voted to continue with annual Arts and Crafts show, contingent on the status of the pandemic at the time, according to Clerk Wendy Crary.

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opinion/editorial

WednesdaY, Dec.9, 2020

EDITORIAL Let’s consider tangible actions we can take to improve our area Later this week Valley Sentinel will be sending out short questionnaires to the villages and their elected officials in the River Valley area.

These questions will seek to inspire forward-thinking actions that can be taken to help our area not only thrive, but survive. We would encourage the surrounding municipalities, townships and even residents to engage as well.

It is perhaps most important, this year more than ever, to first identify the challenges facing each community and the area in general, now and those that are anticipated into the next year. This continuing pandemic and the social, medical and economic problems — among others — are creating obstacles and adversity that are unparalleled in living memory and it is important to be cognizant of those challenges, while also facing solidly towards the future .

Thus, the first question might be, what are three major obstacles facing your community that will need to be acted on in this next year?

What actions are needed to resolve them? This year has exposed cracks and weaknesses in our institutions that our local communities are not immune to, it’s important that we address them so that we can indeed look forward.

The second question might be, what are three projects that are feasible that could be started, or even completed, in the next year that would better your community? Even better if they involve cooperation and coordination between our greater community.

The hope is that these questions, and others, might spur on some community discussion and unite disparate groups to come together to achieve common goals.

For our general community members, let’s find ways to get involved and help further those conversations along.

Write letters to the editor and community columns, speak during public comment at meetings, run for office.

Let’s start thinking of our resolutions for the next year, it’s that time and it’s been a year.

We’ll put something more formal together next week, but starting thinking of ideas to better our greater community. Ideas that could be implemented in 1, 3 or 10 years. 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? Think on that, we want to gather ideas that will bring our community together and build it up, ideas that start those conversations towards something bigger

— you never know what might happen.

Reporter Column: This year has been different Nicole Hansen, Intern This year has been different. That’s an understatement, isn’t it? For me, it started at a party in Milwaukee. Not to be dramatic, or premonitive, but after the ball dropped and the clock struck midnight, it seemed as though everything that could’ve gone wrong, did go wrong. This trend, of course, has continued throughout the year.

I am a Senior at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, and the introduction of Covid-19 had a pretty immediate effect on my classes. About halfway through the second semester of my Junior year, everything went online. For some classes, this meant professors decided that they could give more work, while others eliminated a lot of what they were going to have us do, likely for the benefit of everyone’s mental health. To my surprise, I found this change to be much easier than expected. However, it was actually this semester that has thrown me off the most, as there was no normalcy to start off the beginning of classes. You know that shift from winter break or summer, where you have to start getting up, getting ready, and actually walk to classes? That no longer exists. And we did not have that shift to get used to classes this semester, which has affected my sense of motivation and tested my time-management skills more than I had ever expected. It is also frustrat-

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ing to be attending college at this time, as it feels as though you are paying to teach yourself and you can’t help but feel like you got cheated out of many college experiences that you will never have the opportunity to make up for in the future. It also does not help that we are still paying for these hypothetical experiences, as tuition and segregated fees are still being paid in full, despite the fact that we are doing everything online.

Once Covid-19 hit Wisconsin, I also lost the Human Resources Internship that I had. Apart from my mourning of the loss of free tea provided by this company, this was incredibly stressful as a college student since internships are so important for getting hired after graduation. Ever since then, finding an internship or job has been a seemingly impossible task. There are few available positions posted online and some employers seem to no longer be providing the nicety of a rejection, instead opting for radio static. I was lucky enough to find this internship position, for which I am very grateful.

As Covid-19 has caused so many changes throughout this year, the issues of racism and police brutality have proven to be unaffected. Therefore, as a result of the racist attitudes that still inflict our nation, this summer was filled with clashes between protestors fighting for equality and the police. While I stayed inside due to the nature of the

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pandemic, I could see and hear these protests from my apartment windows.

Looking around downtown Madison, you can still see many of the artifacts as a result of these demonstrations, such as murals painted on boarded windows.

Gloom and doom aside, I think there are also some good things that we have gotten out of this pandemic. I have learned how to actively make time for people, including myself. Before, this seemed to happen naturally, but now it is more difficult to find times that work for you and everyone else, and you miss a lot of what happens in other people’s lives by not being able to be around them in person. However, this has made me appreciate talking to loved ones even more. It seems as though the conversations that I have with people have gotten deeper and more meaningful. Instead of asking someone how they are and them just replying “good”, they actually talk about what is going on in their lives.

Going outside has also been something that I have come to appreciate a lot more. While I am pretty cautious about taking risks during the pandemic, a walk down State Street is always refreshing and grounding. It seems strange that this is a thing that I need to actively make time to do, as this occurred daily before.

Innovation and adaptation seem to have become the main themes of this year. Covid-19 requiring us to work

from home means that technology had to become an even larger part of our lives. While this has been great for the production of new and better technologies, there is already this expectation of always being available that comes with technology. This can cause more stress now that it is the main, and sometimes, only way to communicate with loved ones. With this in mind, take it easy on yourself and others. Try to be understanding of people who are not able to adapt as easily.

On a side note, has anyone else had their sleep schedule thrown off once or twice by this quarantine? I’ve always been a night owl, so maybe that’s just me, but it seems as though not having to physically go to work, classes, or be able to go out and see people has messed with my circadian rhythms.

Also, what is an outfit these days? I often find it difficult to get out of my pajamas and put on what my uncle calls, “civilian clothes”, when I am just getting up to attend an online lecture that we do not need our cameras on for. I think that this lack of routine has contributed to a lot of the stress, frustration, and time-management issues many people have been dealing with.

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opinion/editorial

WednesdaY, Dec.9, 2020

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It’s simple: Use Medicaid surplus to continue COVID-19 operations Sen. Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green

As we near the end of 2020, Wisconsin faces the stark reality that Federal funds for COVID-19 operations in our state will not be funded unless the Federal governments acts. The likelihood of Congress reaching an agreement before the Christmas holiday is bleak.

The Wisconsin State Senate has come up with a simple, efficient and effective plan to take care of Wisconsin and cover our needs until the Federal government takes action. We need to use our significant surplus in Medicaid funds to continue testing, tracing and COVID-19 operations in January.

This plan is simple because the Medicaid program currently has a projected surplus of $269 million by the end of March 2021,

even with increased expenses for the state. We generally know how much we need to continue operations to test, trace and take care of Wisconsinites in January and we have plenty of funds to do this without taking funding from other priorities.

We know that it will cost us $7 million to continue funding the National Guard’s testing operations through January. We also know that the state is sending approximately $13 million to county public health departments for tracing each month. The field hospital at State Fair Park in Milwaukee County is another possible expense, even though it is significantly under-utilized right now. As of this writing (12/4/20), there are eight (8) patients receiving care at this facility.

This plan can be executed easily and efficiently. The Governor and one of his agencies simply need to request funding from the legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) in a 13.10 motion.

The committee convenes, discusses the request and votes on the proposal and any changes the committee seeks to make.

Then the funding is allocated.

This plan does not need to go through the full legislative process. It does not require legislation, a hearing, an executive session and floor sessions in both houses. It is extremely efficient and effective as we face the stark reality that funding for these operations will end in less than a month.

Both Governor Tony Evers and the State Assembly have proposed detailed, complicated leg-

islation that includes much more than this simple response. While many of these ideas and provisions have merit and should be done, they are not as urgent as providing the funding necessary to continue taking care of our citizens.

I believe that this simple approach is the right way to go as we near the end of the calendar year. The Governor must make a request immediately and the JFC must meet to allocate funding.

We need to act. This is a way to do what needs to be done quickly, efficiently and effectively for everyone in Wisconsin.

As always, please do not hesitate to connect with me to provide input, ideas or to seek assistance. Send an email to sen. marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov or call 608-266-0703.

Letter to the Editor: Erpenbach responds to Marklein’s COVID plan

Dear Editor: I am glad to hear that Senator Marklein has finally come to the realization that COVID-19 is a significant issue in Wisconsin. In early October, Marklein told constituents in an electronic newsletter that hospitals were not overrun and there was no correlation between a rising number of infections and hospitalizations or deaths; even as the fall surge was, in fact, filling our hospitals to capacity and positive

cases soared.

Our funding from the federal government ends December 30th. We have been waiting since April, almost 8 months, for Senator Marklein and his colleagues in the majority to have a plan in place when that happens. The plan that he proposes, to use a surplus in our Medical Assistance fund, is just not a good idea. Wisconsinites are facing economic uncertainty, it wouldn’t be fiscally responsible to

raid funds used to provide health care to the elderly, disabled and low-income families during a global pandemic.

In addition, Senator Marklein and his colleagues could have had an additional $1 billion available had they decided to bring our federal tax dollars home to Wisconsin through an enhanced federal matching rate in that very same program. For years, they have put politics ahead of fiscal responsibility.

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.

Governor Evers proposed a commonsense bill that mirrors what Senator Marklein and his colleagues already voted for in April. I just don’t see why they refuse to come to the floor to give small businesses, doctors and hospitals the certainty they need heading into the New Year.

Sincerely, JON ERPENBACH State Senator 27th District

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Est. 2020 igne conflatum “Forged in Fire”

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opinion/editorial

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020

State’s Budget Challenges Come into Focus Wisconsin Policy Forum Next year, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and newly elected lawmakers likely will confront the state’s toughest budget challenge since 2011. To balance the next two-year state budget, we find the state’s main fund would need to spend down its reserves by nearly $400 million even in the unlikely event that elected officials reject every new spending request from state agencies. The state does have substantial reserves to lean on but also faces massive additional costs for state health programs for those in need.

When Gov. Tony Evers unveils his proposed 2021-23 budget early next year, he will do so amid elevated unemployment, slowing state tax collections, and the spending pressures created by an ongoing pandemic and increased demand for social services. How well will the state’s finances hold up to the strain?

To examine this question, the Wisconsin Policy Forum started with the state’s projected increases in tax collections along with its base spending levels. After including routine adjustments for debt payments and employee compensation but excluding all new spending requests by state agencies, we find general fund spending is currently projected to exceed revenues by $373.1 million in the two-year budget running from July 2021 to June 2023. To make up the difference – equal to about 1% of spending over the two years – the state would have to spend down reserves, adopt spending cuts or tax increases, delay payments for certain obligations, or draw on some other new source such as additional federal aid.

Our bare-bones tally did not factor in the projected expense of maintaining current services within Medicaid health programs – more than $1.1 billion over the next two years – or include additional spending on pandemic response, state aid to K-12 schools or local governments, prisons, or the University of Wisconsin System. New spending in at least some of these areas appears inevitable, particularly in the case of Medicaid, and will add to the challenge substantially.

In one bright spot, the state expects to finish the current 2021 fiscal year with reserves of roughly $2 billion – much more than was expected a year ago or was available in the past two recessions. However, Evers has proposed spending $541 million on pandemic response in the coming months and GOP lawmakers have proposed up to $100 million, which if approved in either case would reduce that total.

For now, these are mere projections and all forecasts should be taken with great caution in this volatile time. Further action by the federal government might improve the state’s position specifically or the economy more broadly while federal inaction and a spike in coronavirus cases could cause the economy – and state budget – to deteriorate even more.

The coming Storm

Our analysis starts with the Nov. 20 budget report from the Department of Administration, which presents its own version of the state’s fiscal gap. According to longstanding custom, the report’s 2021-23 budget projections include all the spending requests made by state agencies, even though the report acknowledges it is “highly unlikely” that all of them will be approved.

To address that, this brief takes the general fund net appropriations for 2022 and 2023, subtracts new agency requests, and then compares that potential spending to projected tax and fee revenues for each of those years (see Table 1). We find the next state budget has a potential shortfall, or structural deficit, of $520.1 million in year one that is only partly made up in the second year of the budget, leaving the state with a $373.1 million shortfall for the full

2021-23 budget cycle. As laid out in the table, that shortfall would grow considerably if a huge projected increase in public assistance costs is taken into account, and even further if the governor and lawmakers provide additional funds for K-12 education and other programs.

As Figure 1 shows, the potential short-

for public assistance programs like Medicaid, which have seen a surge in enrollments due to the economic downturn and higher unemployment. Medicaid represents the single biggest driver of new state spending and, as a joint federal-state program, the state has less discretion to make changes and spending cuts in this area.

fall heading into the 2021-23 budget is the largest in years. It is important to note that, rather than final amounts, the chart shows the potential shortfall or surplus heading into each budget cycle before elected officials approve measures that would affect it, such as new spending, tax cuts or increases, or the use of reserves.

This structural deficit calculation includes some routine spending adjustments for the state’s debt service and employee compensation costs. Yet it does not factor in any potential tax credit payments for the Foxconn project in Racine County or additional costs

As Table 1 shows, the state Department of Health Services estimates that Medicaid will require an additional $1.15 billion in state general purpose revenue and related funds over the next two years – more than twice as much as just two years ago. The expected increase is due to a number of factors such as changes in federal reimbursement rates and patient usage levels, but mainly reflects the growth in enrollments.

Together, the existing structural deficit in the state budget and the cost to continue Medicaid services at current levels add up to a more than $1.5 billion potential shortfall

over the two years. The table also shows that adding just half the dollar increase for K-12 schools that was included in the current state budget plus 1% annual growth in other GPR spending such as prisons and the UW System would push the gap above $2 billion.

Closing the Gap

To close its potential budget gap, the state could turn to several potential sources besides the usual spending cuts or tax increases. Most notably, on June 30, 2021, the state is projected to have combined balances of roughly $2 billion in its general and rainy day funds – the most in decades (see Figure 2).

However, that amount would be reduced if the state spends the $541 million proposed by Evers or $100 million proposed

by Republicans on COVID-19 response this year. In addition, state officials may not want to commit all of the state’s remaining reserves in the next budget given the uncertainty surrounding the length of the pandemic and its economic fallout.

In addition to its reserves, the state might be able to draw on funds from a potential new federal coronavirus relief package to help close the gap. State elected officials also could consider expanding Wisconsin’s Medicaid program using additional funds available through the federal Affordable Care Act, which would save a projected $588.3 million over the two-year budget, according to DHS. However, the prospects for a new federal aid package are uncertain, and state lawmakers have repeatedly rejected proposals to expand Medicaid.

With the pandemic still spreading, all of these projections remain awash in uncertainty. On the one hand, the state’s tax collections could falter or dire new spending needs could develop. On the other, the situation could also improve if a vaccine and additional federal legislation help to bring about a recovery.

There is little question, however, that state officials will face difficult choices next year as they seek to overcome the budget gap and the dire effects of COVID-19. The state has faced major shortfalls before – including in 2009 and 2011 – but in both those years one party controlled the governor’s mansion and Legislature. The present difficulties must be addressed by a divided government amid mounting political polarization, suggesting the state may be facing its most arduous budget deliberations in recent memory.

The Wisconsin Policy Forum is a statewide nonpartisan, independent policy research organization with offices in Milwaukee and Madison. We provide informed analysis of critical policy issues affecting local governments, school districts, and the state of Wisconsin. Our research and facilitation activities encourage elected officials and community leaders to find effective, data-driven solutions to pressing policy challenges, and promote productive discussion among the public and private sectors.

Arts & Culture/Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020

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APT Review: ‘This Wonderful Life’ gives highlights of holiday classic You’ll want to cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa (spiking it with brandy is optional) for “This Wonderful Life,” APT’s re-telling of the Christmas Classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

I’ll admit, I’m not a huge fan of the original film, so I wasn’t too excited for this adaptation, but wow—Nate Burger completely changed my mind. His single handed performance of this work was exactly the thing I needed to get into the Christmas spirit, while getting me in the mindset to think deeply about what the holidays really represent.

This adaptation gave a perfect highlights reel of the original story, I personally was more enthralled with the story told this way than the original. It was humourous and modern where it needed to be, but in a way that never dulled or took away from the seriousness of the overarching story—a defeated man standing on the edge of suicide on Christmas Eve. This careful crafting of light and dark as the story moved forward helped to keep the audience engaged, and ensured that quick emotional connection to characters that single actor was portraying—that’s not something I’ve ever experienced before in a performance, and this balancing act that Burger pulled off was impressive.

Burger seemed to effortlessly slip between the various characters of the show, while convincingly playing his role of someone who loves the story and is just excited to be sharing it. The fourth wall breaks Burger brought made the story feel more relatable.

The emotional connecton Burger elicited from the audience guided us to understand the deeper meaning of the story—and made it so convincing that it turned around on me, reminding me that whether you see it daily or not, everyone has silent cheeleaders in their corner, and that we are that silent cheerleader for others, often without even realizing. As we learned in the show, this story was never about Christmas, but all the other days of the year.

Overall, bravo to Burger and the APT staff who worked on this, your show was beautifully constructed and was just what I needed to get into the holiday spirit. You made me forget, for just a moment, that I was in my own living room and this was Zoom.

—Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Emilie Conlon, Editor-in-Chief Top: A cozy photo of Conlon’s viewing of “This Wonderful Life” Bottom: A screenshot of Nate Burger performing characters in the virtual holiday show “This Wonderful Life.”

Photo via APT Trying to get into the holiday spirit after just experiencing the hottest November on record, while also dealing with a pandemic has, in my opinion, proven fairly difficult.

Therefore, I was thrilled with the opportunity to watch APT’s adaptation of the screenplay for the beloved holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, appropriately titled, “This Wonderful Life”. Upon watching this play by Steve Murray, conceived by Mark Setlock, directed by William Brown, and featuring the brilliant and dynamic Nate Burger, I was transcended into the town of Bedford Falls.

Dressed in a red sweater and set in

front of a black curtain, Burger’s comedic and witty rendition of this holiday classic makes simple, yet clever use of props and sound effects to convey insightful meaning to this reenactment. Throughout this dramatic retelling, Burger seamlessly alternates between narrative, character acting and commentary to convey the plot of this holiday classic. Using dramatic facial expressions, movements, stage directions and imitating every character from the movie with impressive accuracy, he reflects the mood of each scene with descriptive precision. In this way, Burger brings this story to life, transporting you to the very movie

he is describing, allowing you to picture every scene.

Taking place in Bedford Falls, a fictional small town in the United States, the plot of this story follows the main character, George Bailey, as we see his life in flashbacks while angels Franklin, Joseph, and Clarence provide background explanations on other characters and events that have led up to George Bailey contemplating suicide. After a series of disappointing events, George finds himself standing on a bridge on Christmas Eve, preparing to jump. Just before George ends it all, Clarence, George’s guardian angel, jumps in and screams for help. George saves him and as they dry off, he tells Clarence that he wishes he were never born. Clarence grants him this wish and shows George what life would have been like for everyone without him. After seeing what a great life he had actually lived and all of the people he had helped, George begs for his life back. Clarence obliges and George returns to his family to find that his problems have been solved by his loved ones and many other citizens of Bedford Falls.

APT explains the plot, saying, “All the characters of Bedford Falls wrapped up like a gift and presented by Nate Burger. He’s a man giddily obsessed with It’s a Wonderful Life and he’s thrilled to play each role, adding sparks of wit and wisdom as he goes. A story for all times, kindling our hearts with the fundamental goodwill the best holidays embody.”

When first viewing this play, I wondered what exactly the point of this was. Watching someone describe a story to me while simultaneously playing all of the characters seemed like a strange concept. However, the more I watched, the more I got wrapped up in the story, and I could not help but to appreciate the enthusiasm and level of detail provided by the portrayal of these iconic characters, as well as the ever so familiar plot. There was also the element of seeing this story through someone else’s eyes with rich detail and witty commentary, that only furthered my appreciation for this story. The feeling of nostalgia brought on by this performance runs deep, and I am not ashamed to admit that at one point, I paused to make a cup of hot chocolate and turn on a virtual fireplace.

—Nicole Hansen, Intern

Card Shower For

Carol Olson

Celebrating her 90th Birthday on December 18th!

Carol Olson c/o Greenway Manor 501 S. Winsted St. Spring Green, WI 53588

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Arts & Culture/Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020

APT Review: Holidames: Tangled in tinsel Nicole Hansen, Intern

Finding it difficult to get into the holiday spirit this year? Looking for inspiration to get that festive feeling back? Well look no further than APT’s Holidames: Tangled in Tinsel. APT’s Sarah Day, Tracy Michelle Arnold, and Colleen Madden come together to create this Christmas-inspired collection of play performances, sketches, poems, and songs. Many of these are classics that many are likely already familiar with, while some of these are brand new.

With festive backgrounds, transitions, and topics, this performance is a one-stop-shop for relatable and relevant Christmas content. Opening with a classic Christmas song, these three reminisce about their favorite A Christmas Carol memories as actors.

The first piece is a performance of an A Christmas Carol scene which utilizes costumes, hair, and makeup impeccably. Next is a quaint poem about nature, followed by a parody of “We Three Kings”, titled, “We Three Dames” which proved to be a fun and relatable song.

The next piece reflects on a little girl who wrote to a New York newspaper to ask if Santa Claus exists, from which she gets a heartwarming response. Following this is the classic poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” which is accompanied by illustrations as though you were reading it from a story book. A holiday-themed craft tutorial comes next in this sequence. The longest sketch is a bit eclectic. The concept for this one is that Mrs. Cratchit, Bob Cratchit’s wife, is now a vlogger in an effort to improve upon herself during the pandemic. She interviews Mrs. Fezziwig to talk about hosting, the topic of this particular episode. During this, a fight occurs which appears to summon the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. The ghost then gives a speech to end the dispute and everyone learns a valuable lesson.

They then transition into a poem about the New Year, sing a song, and then say goodbye.

Photos via APT Bottom: A screenshot of the “Holidames” virtual Holiday show fro

APT describes the play saying, “APT royalty Sarah Day, Tracy Michelle Arnold, and Colleen Madden unite for a world-premiere show. There is singing and celebration; holiday hilarity and poignant prose spun from Christmas-

es past. A patchwork quilt of seasonal cheer, each square a joyous revelry. We can’t think of a better trio to warm your soul and lighten your lockdown.”

While this play was fun and filled with holiday cheer, I did find some

things that I did not care for. It can sometimes be difficult to tell when they are in character and when they are talking about their own thoughts or memories. It can also sometimes feel a lot like you are just listening into a zoom conversation, which I did not really appreciate given that it is supposed to be a performance. There were also some confusing aspects, specifically during the sketch with Mrs. Cratchit, Mrs. Fezziwig, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. During this sketch, Mrs. Cratchit is making a vlog show and Mrs. Fezziwig is wearing a Packer jersey. Meanwhile, they are speaking in British accents and talking about Mr. Scrooge. This is kind of confusing, as the references they are making have nothing to do with the setting that they seem to be adding to this portrayal.

They also go from a breakdown due to the stress of the pandemic, to insulting each other, to criticizing Dicken’s one-dimensional female characters, to the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come telling them that everything will be alright. There is a lot of jumping around in this conversation and it can be difficult to tell what you got out of this conversion as a viewer. I feel as though they came across a lot of important conversation topics, but they did not address them well or as much as they should have if they were going to bring them up. I could not tell if they were going to discuss mental health, sexism, or regrets.

Overall, I would say that this play contains a lot of great acting, holiday spirit, and even some useful tips. With relatable and relevant content, this play is a feel-good performance that could be a lot of fun to watch with your quarantine buddies. While it is not your average play, it is still a good, light-hearted performance that will hopefully be able to lift your spirits during this unusual holiday season.

Santa Zooms into the Valley for Holiday visits Continued from Page 1

Photos contributed Sierra Harris, 5, of Richland Center, on a Zoom call with Santa. The Spring Green Area Chamber of Commerce put together this opportunity due to COVID-19.

Sports

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020

Page 7

RV Boys Top Hillmen in Season Opener Continued from Page 1

Will Bailey drained a three pointer on the first possession after the intermission and the Valley boys turned up the heat on defense. An offensive rebound and sweet layup by Tyler Nachreiner cut the lead to 29-27 with 14:00 left. Shortly after, Hying tied the game on a great feed from Gloudeman and momentum was shifting to the RV side. Platteville would hang in until midway through the second half when Valley made a run that put them in the lead for good. Landen Alt sparked the rally, making back to back jumpers from long range, followed by fast break baskets from Hying and Gloudeman as the RV press was taking a toll on the Hillmen. This 10 point flurry put the Blackhawks up 41-35 and allowed them to coast home with a 48-43 win.

Here’s Coach Thatcher reflecting on his team’s performance in the opener; “I’m sure there was a little truth to us having some first game jitters. We’re definitely still trying to get into basketball shape, as well as step into new roles for most of the kids. “We were playing with lineups that haven’t spent a ton of time together yet, not to mention first varsity experiences for some of these guys. I was extremely pleased with how we settled into the second half and responded to halftime adjustments.”

Preston Hying led River Valley scoring with 16 points, Zach Gloudeman added 10, and Tyler Nachreiner and Landen Alt tossed in six apiece. Isaac Vorwald of Platteville led all scorers with 20 points. The Blackhawks owned the boards for the evening, out-rebounding the Hillmen 45-34, with Gloudeman and Nachreiner grabbing 15 and 10 respectively.

The Blackhawks will be back in action at Richland Center on Friday. While attendance at games is limited for the foreseeable future, you can catch all home games live on RVTV, or watch them later on the River Valley School District’s YouTube Channel.

Photos by Mike McDermott, Contributor The River Valley Varsity Boys Basketball team defeated the Platteville Hillmen 45-34 in their first game of the season.

Winter Sports Preview Valley Sentinel asked RV Winter Sports coaches about what they expect for the upcoming season and about how COVID-19 has impacted their sports and athletes.

Below are answers from Luke Thatcher, the Boys Basketball coach and Dan Machovech, the Wrestling Coach.

Valley Sentinel: Did you have any comments or quotes as we start out the season?

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

Any breakout athletes to watch? Should we expect to see River Valley athletes at State contests this winter sports season? What are you most excited about regarding this season? What are some of your goals for the season?

Luke Thatcher: I think we offer a brand of basketball that is pretty fun to watch. We like to extend the floor, and our kids play very hard. Tyler Nachreiner, Will Bailey, and Zach Gloudeman all received post-season awards last year, and will continue to build on their resumes. The thing I’m most excited about is just the opportunity to provide some type of normalcy during this time. Most of our athletes have spent about half of their life working at their sports, so I’m just glad we get the chance to do anything.

VS: How has COVID affected your season so far? How do you anticipate COVID

affecting the season as it progresses?

LT: Practices and games are certainly run a little different. Obviously having to wear masks comes with challenges to communicate. We give more breaks in practices to use hand sanitizer and breathe a little. We make sure everyone is spaced out a little more, and athletes/coaches have screeners and temperature checks before every practice/contest. We have all accepted what we need to do to play, and I think everyone is just greatful for the opportunity to do something.

VS: The school board recently decided to continue the same policy regarding spectators that was used in the fall, what challenges do you anticipate will come with this policy and indoor winter sports? Does limits on spectators factor into the atmosphere and any strategy you may have?

LT: Obviously we are at a very different time now then the beginning of fall sports, but I think we have the facilities to space everyone out appropriately. I think the bigger challenges and frustrations will come from a lack of consistency throughout our conference with some teams allowing up to 4 tickets/athlete, and some are saying 0 spectators. Obviously no student section or pep band greatly changes the atmosphere, but I do think everyone is just grateful to get a chance to play.

VS: Now that the policies have been set, by the WIAA and the school board, do

you believe winter sports will be able to be conducted safely and consistently?

LT: I sure hope so. I do worry about the consistency from school to school, but I believe everyone is doing there best to make this happen. I think everyone understands how delicate the situation is, and are being very cautious.

VS: With games starting this week (and several contests already postponed), did you have any general quotes/comments/ concerns/reassurance to offer regarding the winter sports season?

LT: The kids (and coaches) are all very grateful to be able to get together and compete while being as safe as possible.

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

Dan Machovech: They should be looking forward to a team that is going to compete and try to continually grow River Valley Wrestling. Our numbers have declined over the past few years, but we are on a mission to bring a full line up every night again. This is a difficult task, but it is one of our main goals for the future of this program.

VS: Any breakout athletes to watch?

DM: Jimmy Jennings, Keeghan Kjos, Cole White, Landon Radtke, and Jackson Gilbert.

VS: Should we expect to see River Valley athletes at State contests this winter

sports season?

DM: If the previous wrestlers continue to work their hardest, they all have a shot at going to state this year. Jimmy Jennings is our only wrestler with state tournament experience. He went as a sophomore.

VS: What are you most excited about regarding this season?

DM: I’m excited to see the hard work these athletes have put into this sport pay off. It is our second year as head coaches and we are trying to bring a new mindset to the program. It will be interesting to see what the team looks like four years from now.

VS: What are some of your goals for the season?

DM: This is a different year. Originally, I’d say get as many of our wrestlers to the state tournament as possible and place top 5 in multiple tournaments. However, the realistic goal right now is to get as many quality matches in before the tournament season starts. We are limited to competitions and the focus has to be on getting quality matches in at each dual.

VS: How has COVID affected your season so far? How do you anticipate COVID affecting the season as it progresses?

See page 8

“The good stuff.”

Page 8

Sports

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020

RV Wrestling takes on Lancaster

Continued from Page 7

DM: It has shifted the mindset for a lot of our coaches/athletes. We are focusing on one day at a time knowing that this could change at any second. Being a football coach as well, I have been through most of the COVID situations that possibly could come up. That’s been advantageous for us in my opinion. The athletes have truly embraced the one day at a time mentality and worked extremely hard each night. It will definitely impact us because we will not get our normal 40-50 matches a year. We will be lucky to get 15 each before tournament season.

VS: The school board recently decided to continue the same policy regarding spectators that was used in the fall, what challenges do you anticipate will come with this policy and indoor winter sports? Does limits on spectators factor into the atmosphere and any strategy you may have?

DM: Wrestling is definitely a sport where a large crowd pumps you up. All eyes are on you and it really motivates you to wrestle. However, knowing that each dual meet could be your last seems to be motivating our athletes enough right now. So, the atmosphere isn’t the same, but at least we get opportunities to compete.

VS: Now that the policies have been set, by the WIAA and the school board, do you believe winter sports will be able to be conducted safely and consistently?

DM: I feel like they will be conducted safely and consistently. There are some rules that don’t exactly match with our sport, but we expected that and are working through them. We are constantly trying to find ways to be creative and follow all guidelines that have been established. We understand that safety is the number one priority.

VS: With games starting this week (and several contests already postponed), did you have any general quotes/comments/ concerns/reassurance to offer regarding the winter sports season?

DM: Our AD has done a great job of finding us matches and redoing the schedules. Originally, we were scheduled for every Saturday being a competition. We felt like that should change and the ADs rescheduled all the matchups for us. We have been adjusting weigh ins and competitions to be earlier to help out with longer competition times as well.

Businesses!

RV Varsity Wrestler Landon Radtke takes on a Lancaster Wrestler at the Dec. 4 match.

Activities this week Freshman Girls Basketball Albany High School 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10

Freshmen Girl’s Basketball Shullsberg High School 1 p.m. Dec. 12

JV Girls Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 10

JV Boys Basketball Mauston High School 1 p.m. Dec. 12

Varsity Girls Basketball River Valley High School 7 p.m. Dec. 10 Freshmen Boys Basketball Richland Center High School 6 p.m. Dec. 11 JV Boys Basketball Richland Center High School 6 p.m. Dec. 11 Varsity Boys Basketball Richland Center High School 7 p.m. Dec. 11 Varsity Boys Basketball Mauston High School 2:45 p.m. Dec. 12 JV Girls Basketball Mauston High School 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12 Varsity Girls Basketball Mauston High School 6 p.m. Dec. 12

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CHRISTMAS DINNER

Freshmen Boys Basketball Mauston High School 1 p.m. Dec. 12

The woods bar & Grill

Freshmen Boys Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 15

Call to schedule delivery within 2 miles or for curbside pickup.

JV Boys Basketball River Valley High School 6 p.m. Dec. 15

Orders must be placed by December 18!

Girls JV Basketball Prairie du Chien High School 6 p.m. Dec. 15

Dinner will include:

Boys Varsity Wrestling Sparta High School 7 p.m. Dec. 15 Girls Varsity Basketball Prairie du Chien High School 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 Boys Varsity Basketball River Valley High School 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15

11am-2pm | Christmas Day

Mashed potatoes Green bean casserole Glazed carrots Dinner rolls Dessert

320 S Oak St Lone Rock, WI 608-583-2625

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Page 10 WednesdaY, dec. 9, 2020

Outdoors/recreation

Community

WednesdaY, Dec. 9, 2020 Page 11

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Community

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COVID-19 Dashboard Wisconsin Summary Cases as of 12/8/2020

+27,133 from 12/1

15.9%

418,446 Positive Cases

84.1%

2,207,950 Negative Cases

3,806 Deaths +386 from 12/1

+51,540 from 12/1

Iowa County

Richland County 927 Positive Cases

+42 from 12/1

9,079 Negative Cases

+201 from 12/1

10.7%

89.3%

13 Deaths -1 from 12/1

7,747 +13 from Negative 12/1 Cases

1,391 Positive +85 from 12/1 Cases

5 Deaths

+0 from 12/1

Editor’s Note: Richland County Health Department is investigating a single misreported COVID-19 death that appeared in the data provided by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services last week.

The -1 death reflects a correction of the data. There were no additional reported deaths in the last seven days in Richland County due to COVID-19.

Sauk County 3,878 11.4% Positive Cases 30,284 88.6% Negative Cases

+606 from 12/1

Graphic by Whitney Back

19 Deaths +1 from 12/1

+265 from 12/1

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