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It’s your paper! GeigerRealtors.com Friday, February 9, 2018 • Vol. 4, No. 12 • Fitchburg, WI • ConnectFitchburg.com • $1 Jason Geiger

(608) 277-2167 adno=553453-01 Inside Fitchburg Police Department 12 vehicle thefts so far in 2018 Page 3 Brecklin Schools is new OSD task force says new schools needed soon chief Page 8 Former Lt. began with department in 1999 Pisani to leave SCOTT GIRARD Stoner Prairie Unified Newspaper Group

Page 9 Chad Brecklin wasn’t sur- prised by the range of emo- tions he felt when he got a Sports phone call Jan. 17 from the chair of the Police and Fire Commission informing him he’d been chosen for a promotion. Photo by Amber Levenhagen Sandra Thompson looks to her daughter, Evelyn, as they together finish gluing part of Evelyn’s Valentine’s Day craft. “Obvious- ly there’s excitement, and there’s Sweet hearts for sweethearts anticipation leading up The Fitchburg library’s storytime room to the phone Brecklin teDuits crowned Bad- quickly filled with families during the Valen- Inside call when tine’s Day craft activity on Feb. 2. you have a window of time ger South champ for Youngsters were able to make paper More photos from the Valentine’s crafts at the library where you’re expecting it,” Edgewood swimming heart crafts, including hats and puzzle Brecklin said. “Then you piece hearts, before leaving with a candy Page 10 kind of have that realiza- butterfly. tion of like, ‘Well there’s Page 17 a whole lot of work to do.’ Then there’s proba- Community bly a dash of apprehension More smiles: Dental clinic opens at BGC thrown in there, like, ‘What have I just gotten myself Clauder works HELU WANG resource, as well,” Okazaki into?’” Super Bowl security Unified Newspaper Group told the Star. “It’s a great Brecklin, who spoke with fit for both sides.” the Star on his eighth day Page 18 Michael Johnson The clinic, at 4619 Jene- as the chief of the Fitch- recalled how excited a wein Road, is the organi- burg Police Department, patient was on the opening zation’s second; the first said his first seven days in Business day of the new dental clinic is located in the Salvation the role since being sworn after she got her first teeth Army at 630 E. Washing- in Wednesday, Jan. 24, had cleaning in over 20 years. ton Ave., Madison. The gone well. Her’s and other patients’ staff – three full-time “I’m hoping to string joy is the Boys and Girls dentists, two hygienists together several more sev- Club of Dane County and about 50 volunteers en-day increments, if not CEO’s reward for nearly – serves more than 3,000 longer,” he added with a five years of work initiat- patients each year. So far, laugh. ing a dental clinic in the 50 patients have signed The 44-year-old former Allied Family Center loca- up at the Fitchburg clin- lieutenant has spent most of tion, where many children ic. Okazaki expects to see his career here in Fitchburg, have had limited access to about 1,500 patients in the first joining the department dental clinics because of near future. as a patrol officer in 1999 high cost. One of the clinic’s fea- after four years with the “It will improve the Photo by Helu Wang tures is providing afford- Oregon Police Department. number of days that kids The new clinic has three patient rooms and an X-ray able dental care to both He lives in New Glarus, are in schools,” Johnson machine, which is expected to serve over 1,500 patients in Medicaid and uninsured where he grew up, with his said. the near future. patients. Okazaki said wife and two children. Chalet Ski and Patio The clinic is a partner- although there are thou- The PFC chose him over ship with More Smiles Wisconsin, Fitchburg is assessment found a signif- sands of providers within fellow finalist Kelly Kent, reopens after storm Wisconsin, a nonprofit the right place to continue icant need in the commu- the area, only 30 percent a captain in the Oshkosh damage last fall organization offering low- offering services to under- nity. of dentists in Dane County Police Department. A third cost dental services. For served populations. “The community has a accept Medicaid patients. finalist, Eric Atkinson of Jeff Okazaki, executive Okazaki said More high need for dental care, The clinic fills the gap Page 23 Smiles Wisconsin’s and we can serve as a director of More Smiles Turn to Clinic/Page 20 Turn to Brecklin/Page 19

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adno=558051-01 - ConnectFitchburg.com February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 3 City of Fitchburg 12 cars stolen so far in 2018 or a confrontation with a home/vehi- Thefts took a steep rise cle owner.” Staffing after Labor Day, many Stolen vehicles The rise is part of a countywide trend, with Verona already experi- involve juvenile suspects 2016: 24 encing three vehicle thefts in 2018 2017: 67 and Madison had 57 in the month of SCOTT GIRARD 2018*: 12 January. The police department held a press conference Jan. 24 to high- restructure Unified Newspaper Group * through morning of Feb. 6 light the problem on behalf of the The City of Fitchburg has seen Dane County Chiefs of Police Asso- a sharp increase in car thefts that ciation. began around Labor Day last year A news release from the depart- “We’re not here to blame the vic- and has continued into the new year. ment said that “almost all of these tims, we’re here to educate the pub- approved As of the morning of Feb. 6, 12 cases have involved or show the lic and ask that you … take preven- cars had been stolen this year — markings of juvenile suspects.” tative measures and help us,” deputy “As the CEO of the city … 10 in January and two in February, “Also of concern are the fact chief Don Bates said at the press Zimmerman will be I’m charged with putting Fitchburg Police Department Sgt. some of these cases have involved conference. “Lock your vehicles, new assistant city forward the best product for Edward Hartwick told the Star in an burglaries in which suspects have keep your doors shut, and if you this council.” email. entered occupied homes overnight hear something, make sure you call administrator While it satisfied the That follows 67 car thefts last to take keys and then remove vehi- the jurisdiction you live in.” alders enough to receive year, 37 of which occurred after cles from garages,” the release said. SCOTT GIRARD unanimous approval, some Sept. 1, according to the depart- “The behaviors and actions of these Contact Scott Girard at ungreport- Unified Newspaper Group were still worried about the ment. That’s up 180 percent from juveniles in many of these cases [email protected] and follow him on perception, especially inter- the 24 stolen in 2016. could lead to disastrous consequenc- Twitter @sgirard9. A new internal staffing nally, of favoritism. es, whether it be a fatal traffic crash structure within the city “If I’m a city employee, will remove some duties I’m saying, ‘How come I from the city administrator. didn’t get a chance?’” said Members of the Com- Ald. Tom Clauder (D-4). mon Council unanimously Alds. Dorothy Krause approved the creation of a (D-1) and Julia Arata-Frat- Community and Economic ta (D-3) expressed similar Development Department concerns, though Clauder to bring together three pre- and Krause both specifical- viously separate depart- ly said they were comfort- ments, Jan. 23. As part of able with Zimmerman in that change, a position of that position. assistant city administrator/ “I think those are good director of community and moves, I just want to make economic development will sure we don’t have prob- oversee the planning and lems either internally or zoning, economic devel- people outside that com- ALL YOUR opment and public works plain that didn’t have a departments. chance to apply for a job,” HEARTNEEDS Economic development Krause said. director Mike Zimmer- “The candidate’s good, man was expected to take the process stunk,” Clauder over that role and continue added later in the discus- to oversee the economic sion. Exceptional heart care ismorethan just medicine…true healing calls out for more. Listening. Questions development department. The change adds about answered. Personal connection. Families made to feel included. At SSM Health, we call it Presence. It is $15,000 to the 2018 bud- “It really brings three how we care for our patients that makes adifference. We strive every moment to bring that full circle areas together that do a get that will be absorbed by lot with development and the surplus balance in the of care to life and provide something truly special: All your heart needs. growth in the city,” said water, sewer and stormwa- Ald. Aaron Richardson ter budgets. (Dist. 3). “This helps pro- Ald. Dan Bahr (D-2) said Watch our story and download a free SSM Health vide clear direction.” the change was an opportu- Some were hesitant nity to offer “more custom- Understanding Atrial Fibrillation (A-Fib) guide at: during the discussion, er-service driven” decisions ssmhealth.com/heart though, at the prospect of in the city. the new role being given “We have such a bright

to Zimmerman without an future in Fitchburg,” Bahr adno=558675-01 open application process. said. “We need to have a City attorney Valerie Zis- balance between zoning man said the changes could and planning … and also of be classified as a change of economic development. We job duties, which would not have some great opportuni- require opening the hiring. ties.” Administrator Pat Marsh AGREATRATEYOU CAN echoed that thought. Contact Scott Girard at “We’re just changing the [email protected] way we do business with and follow him on Twitter TAKE TO THE BANK! our current staff,” he said. @sgirard9. Oak Bank is offering CertificateofDeposit (CD) Specials foralimited time! Professional Tax Preparation Call now to schedule an appointment with an experienced tax professional. Baker & Launder, S.C. 17 month CD 1.50% APY*

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(608) 575-8761 • [email protected] adno=553492-01 ConnectFitchburg.com 4 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Opinion Being salt wise can help environment Election, administration tepping onto my apartment manufacturer’s recommended set- building’s front steps a few tings to avoid over-softening your Snights ago, I instantly noticed water. (Fitchburg’s water contains changes make sense an annoying, gritty feeling under 16 grains of hardness per gallon.) my shoes. Industrial solutions for large o election is perfect. but it’s a sensible and probably long I lifted my foot and quickly buildings will not only reduce the Fans of history might recall overdue adjustment that will help determined the source was a dense amount of salt in wastewater but Nthe phrase made famous hone and clarify the duties of each layer of salt spread on my front much salt is being used in Wis- could end up saving businesses (though not originated) by Winston person involved. steps. It had done its job melting consin during the snowy winter money by reducing the amount of Churchill: “Democracy is the worst There are many ways cities can be snow and ice, but I wondered months. I was surprised to learn salt purchased. MMSD offers grant form of Government except for all structured, and this change doesn’t whether that much was necessary. that last year alone the state of and rebate programs to businesses those other forms.” blow up what Fitchburg has been Later that evening, I observed Wisconsin used 669,807 tons of to help offset the costs of purchas- Given that building over the years. Instead, it the culprit: a pickup truck spread- salt at a cost of more than $40 ing more efficient equipment. nearly undeniable focuses the duties on three main pil- ing excessive amounts of salt in a million. These numbers don’t even Using the right amount of salt is truth, I have to lars of running an organization – per- parking lot with a salt spreader. take into account the salt used by as safe as oversalting, and less salt say the changes sonnel and finance, development and After seeing this, I started think- cities, counties, towns, businesses on roads equals less in the water. made by the City infrastructure and leadership. ing about the amount of salt used or homeowners. Once salt is dissolved, it’s tough to of Fitchburg to The mayor and Common Council, on our roadways, sidewalks and The problem is rain and snow- get it out. It washes off roads and change political of course, provide the leadership, and parking lots, and how it affects our melt carry that salt directly into sidewalks into local waterbodies terms and its inter- the new title of assistant administrator region’s waterways. Some quick Wisconsin’s water resources, and into drinking water. nal government takes over infrastructure and plan- internet research on the Wisconsin where it dissolves into the water It might seem like a small con- structure were ning to go with its existing duty of Salt Wise and Madison Metro- and permanently pollutes almost tribution to use slightly less salt on the worst idea … Ferolie economic development. That leaves politan Sewage Districts websites half a trillion gallons of surface your driveway or improve the effi- except for anything else. everything else to the administrator, yielded lots of practical informa- water and groundwater. ciency of your water softener, yet In other words, they’re the best who essentially can focus on running tion on how to use salt wisely. Thankfully, MMSD is working these small changes, when done by we’re going to get, and I very much the office and making sure everything I learned the Salt Wise program with customers to combat the salt enough individuals, can drastically appreciate them. is paid for. has a straightforward, five-step problem. Specifically, they want to reduce the impacts of salt. Reduc- The first set seems innocuous on T hese make a lot of sense, with approach to combating overuse of reduce salt used in water softeners ing salt also improves water quality the surface – staggered elections, an the person responsible for bringing in salt. It can be summed up in three and industrial processes. and protects the health of freshwa- extra year for future mayors – and businesses also responsible for mak- words: “Shovel, Scatter, Switch.” Improving the efficiency of ter organisms and pets. might even be harsh at first, with ing sure it’s thoughtfully planned and That means shovel the snow water softeners reduces the dis- If nothing else, do what I did and some alders forced to run two years the infrastructure is there. as soon as possible to prevent charge of salt into wastewater. An tell your property manager that less in a row in 2019 and 2020. But Fitch- That promotes good communica- compaction, scatter minimal salt estimated 100,000 water soften- salt can do the job. burg, a much younger city than any of tion and teamwork. with space between the individual ers discharge water to the Nine If everyone does their part to its peers in the area, has badly needed Back to the history lesson for a grains and switch to a different Springs Wastewater Treatment improve their practices – from that change for 35 years. moment. Churchill, as many know, de-icing agent when the tempera- Plant, comprising more than half homeowners, governments, busi- Previous elections have been a Wild was a hero in England during World ture drops below 15 degrees and the salt from all sources. nesses, to private applicators – our West free-for-all, easily comparable War II but a mess of a politician salt is no longer effective. One way to lower salt usage water will be safer and cleaner for to the U.S. House of Representatives, before and after. That’s the nature of Their approach talks about opti- is to optimize or replace your years to come. where the whole two-year term can politics, and an extreme example of mizing your water softener to use current water softener, which can be a campaign. Because everyone ran how it should be – someone who’s less salt, which is something I’d reduce salt use by 27 percent and Dakota Dorn is the City of Fitch- at the same time each time around, good for the constituency in one never really thought much about. 48 percent respectively. I’ve also burg’s environmental engineering there has been little sense of stability, situation might not be in a different It can be hard to grasp just how learned it’s important to follow the technician and GIS specialist. as evidenced by the fact that only one situation. of the last four mayors has served To that, I see a parallel in Mayor more than a single two-year term and Jason Gonzalez, who has gotten Correction only two of Fitchburg’s 12 mayors himself into some embarrassing sit- Due to the reporter looking at an incor- have served more than two terms. uations with his mouth, his temper rect agenda item on a landfill development It’s a job that has increasingly pro- and his campaign tactics in his first 10 last month, it reflected the incorrect devel- moted burnout, frustration, gridlock months in office. For all the bad press Friday, February 9, 2018 • Vol. 4, No. 12 opment and location under discussion. and resentment simply because of its he brought – and there was plenty – Periodical Postage Paid, Verona, WI and additional offices. The correct one, @Edge Live/Work, off structure. these changes he led will get far less Published weekly on Friday by the Unified Newspaper Group, of Hwy. MM, would include 542 units. The second set of changes, which attention but have a much greater A Division of Woodward Communications, Inc. The story in January’s Star included a pho- ultimately come down to promoting a impact, and they’ll be universally POSTMASTER: Send Address Corrections to long-term staffer to assistant admin- positive. The Fitchburg Star, 133 Enterprise Drive, Verona, WI 53593. to of the unrelated Fitchburg Townhomes. Comments from interim public works istrator, inspired a hateful anonymous Bravo. Office Location: 133 Enterprise Drive, Verona, WI 53593 director Bill Balke about the Townho- letter to our office from someone who Phone: 608-845-9559 • FAX: 608-845-9550 mes development were removed from the clearly misunderstood the nature of Jim Ferolie is the editor of the Star. e-mail: [email protected] online version. The Star regrets the error. the switch. It’s no stroke of brilliance, Circulation customer service: (608) 845-9559 ConnectFitchburg.com This newspaper is printed on recycled paper. Don’t get fooled by every health claim you see General Manager Lee Borkowski e’re a month into the New of catchy phrases or words to persuade Calling something clean implies other [email protected] Year, and in the past month, you they’re “healthy,” which somehow foods are dirty or inferior, which isn’t Wsocial media, Pinterest and makes them better than other foods. true, either. Choosing whole or minimal- Sales Manager magazines have bombarded me with Here are some key words to watch out ly processed foods is certainly a good Kathy Neumeister salads, diet-friendly this, sugar-free that for that are used to grab your attention goal to strive for, but enjoying a cheese- [email protected] and snacks that are low in all the things – but often may not mean much at all in burger doesn’t make you “bad” either. we’re not supposed to eat. terms of your long-term health. Display Advertising I usually don’t mind this overabun- Low-carb Donna Larson dance of healthier No regrets Our bodies need a good balance of [email protected] options – whether We often have regrets or feel guilty fats, protein and carbohydrates. Our Dawn Zapp over the top or not for eating foods when we’ve given bodies actually prefer carbohydrates for [email protected] – because, hey, some- ourselves restrictions on what foods are its main energy source. Catherine Stang times I find some allowed. Restrictions lead to overeating Certainly, we need to choose whole- [email protected] good recipes to try! and binging on the things we’re trying grain carbohydrates most of the time to Plus, I love it when to avoid. keep us satisfied and provide nutrients Classifieds people start to focus Rather than setting yourself up for we need, but we’re not doing our bodies Diane Beaman on making more failure, give yourself permission to have any favors by seeking low-carb foods. [email protected] nutritious choices. Hoerr your favorite foods once in a while. Just Diet approved Circulation But this year, because it’s not a black bean brownie, Carolyn Schultz I’ve been seeing a little bit too much doesn’t mean you should have regrets Diets, in general, don’t work when it [email protected] of diets attached to the recipe name, for eating a slice of cake that isn’t com- comes to sustaining long-term weight such as “Cleansing Apple Smoothie” or pliant with all the diets. loss. That’s because making a blanket News “Whole30 Vegetarian Power Bowls.” recommendation for everyone negates Jim Ferolie The recipe that really took me over the No refined sugar the fact that each of us has highly indi- [email protected] top was when I recently saw a descrip- It says “sugar-free” or “doesn’t con- vidualized and different needs. tion for Coconut Flour Cookies. After tain refined sugar,” but does it contain When determining whether a diet-plan Sports the description listed the scrumptious coconut sugar, honey, maple is right for you, ask yourself whether Jeremy Jones peanut butter and chocolate nestled syrup or agave nectar (just to name it includes all five food groups, if it [email protected] into each cookie, it listed that they were a few)? All of these are added sugars includes foods you’ll enjoy eating for a also Paleo, low-carb, gluten-free and that didn’t occur naturally in the food lifetime, if the foods are readily available Assistant Editor dairy-free. They were described as being product. where you shop, if your favorite foods Scott Girard “delicious and healthy and come without Whether the sugar on the ingredient are included and if it fits into your bud- [email protected] regrets.” list comes from sugar cane, corn, beets get and lifestyle. Reporters But they’re still cookies! Does any- or coconut, it’s still added sugar we need If you can’t answer these with a yes, Anthony Iozzo, Alexander Cramer, Helu Wang, body else see the irony in this? to limit. the diet is most likely too restrictive and Just because the coconut cookies Amber Levenhagen, Scott De Laruelle, Bill Livick not something you’ll beable to maintain check the boxes on a large majority of Clean eating for long. Unified Newspaper Group, a division of dietary restrictions or diets right now, When a product makes the claim that Kara Hoerr, is the registered dietitian Woodward Communications,Inc. does not make them healthy. Whether a it used “clean ingredients,” it gives the A dynamic, employee-owned media company cookie is advertised as being diet-friend- food a “health halo,” and many make the at the Fitchburg Hy-Vee. Contact her at ly or not, it’s still a treat that should be assumption that it’s, therefore, a healthy [email protected] or 273-5125. Good People. Real Solutions. Shared Results. This information is not intended as medical Printed by Woodward Printing Services — Platteville enjoyed sparingly. choice. Especially for treats, this isn’t Recipes and foods can list all kinds advice. Please consult a medical profession- the case. al for individual advice. ConnectFitchburg.com February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 5 City of Fitchburg Golf program could collaborate with Nine Springs partnership with nearby Leo- the golf course and the com- First Tee operated pold Elementary School, munity to positively impact here in 2011-13 according to the letter. the lives of children,” the let- The first year of the ini- ter states. tiative, expected to start this The golf course was a SCOTT GIRARD spring, would provide a pilot hotly debated topic just four Unified Newspaper Group learning center after-school years ago, when the city con- program for 12 kids, which sidered redesigning it as a The regional branch of an would grow into a 150-per- park in an area that is in need international golfing non- son summer outreach pro- of more parkland, according profit organization could gram later this year. In the to the city’s parks plan. Ulti- soon partner with Nine fall, there would be a two- mately, strong support from Springs Golf Course – again day-per-week after-school golfers at the 9-hole course – to provide an after-school program for 24 kids. and a promise from those program. In the winter, First Tee who run it to offer more First Tee of South Cen- would look for a potential community programming tral Wisconsin first reached site at the golf course for a led the council to keep it as a out to the city in November permanent facility to build golf course. about its interest in a partner- toward a summer program The Parks Commission ship with the city and Nine location for 100 kids. Until recommended approv- Photo by Scott Girard Springs to provide three that facility is built, First Tee al of the idea Feb. 1, and Mayor Jason Gonzalez speaks at a Jan. 30 Mayor’s forum in Madison. years of programming at the requested to use the Nine the Finance Committee is golf course on North Fish Springs clubhouse for pro- expected to consider it Feb. Hatchery Road. gramming. 13. According to the letter sent “Our goal is to dramatical- Gonzalez talks Fitchburg by First Tee, Nine Springs ly increase what the impact Contact Scott Girard at was a site for the program of a vital community asset [email protected] from 2011-13. The First – Nine Springs – has on the and follow him on Twitter Tee program already has a surrounding communities by @sgirard9. at Jan. 30 Madison forum serving as a bridge between a successful public-private Madison applied for but Among six mayors endeavor. was not chosen as a finalist. on chamber panel Mayor Jon Hochkammer Gonzalez said Fitchburg Spring election of Verona said he expects needs to attract new kinds SCOTT GIRARD the need for collaboration of businesses to the city, as Unified Newspaper Group to increase in the coming well. State Supreme Court primary set for Feb. 20 years. “The biggest thing that Voters will have a chance The only item on the Court Judge Rebecca Dallet, Fitchburg was among the “I believe in the future we need in Fitchburg … is to narrow the list of can- spring primary ballot in the Sauk County Circuit Court six cities represented at a much more collaboration there’s really no entertain- didates for State Supreme City of Fitchburg has three Judge Michael Screnock Jan. 30 mayor’s forum in will have to occur not only ment,” he said. “Other than Court justice on Tues- candidates for the seat being and attorney Tim Burns. Madison. with municipalities but with to go there and sleep there’s day, Feb. 20. The top two vacated by Justice Michael The three candidates Mayor Jason Gonza- the private sector,” Hoch- nothing to do in Fitchburg.” vote-getters in the primary Gableman. They are Mil- spoke at a forum Monday, lez, joined by mayors kammer said. He mentioned that the will be on the April 3 ballot. waukee County Circuit Jan. 22, in Milwaukee. from Madison, Middleton, Hochkammer also men- city is trying to “reshape” Monona, Stoughton and tioned Fitch-Rona EMS its parkland dedication Verona, told a crowd of – which serves the Town system to work on creative about 100 several things and City of Verona and the options with developers that Don’t miss our special Kids! section in the that make Fitchburg special. City of Fitchburg – and the provide more than green March 9th issue of the Fitchburg Star. Those include the mix Madison Metro bus line to space. of rural and urban areas, a Epic Systems as examples Citing Fitchburg’s We also publish a Kids! supplement that high number of small busi- of what those partnerships “responsible growth” nesses and being “pleas- can create. and “diversity of housing we insert into the Oregon Observer, antly positioned” between “None of us, inde- options available,” Gonza- Stoughton Courier Hub and Verona downtown Madison and pendently, could provide lez said he wants to con- Epic Systems in Verona. that level of service at the tinue improving the three Press on March 8th. That’s over 19,000 homes! The event, organized cost that we do without that “vibrant” entrances to the by the Greater Madison collaboration,” he said of city – Rimrock Road, Fish We feature a wide variety of articles Chamber of Commerce, the EMS district. Hatchery Road and Verona covering summer activities, day trips, local asked the mayors to discuss The City of Fitchburg is Road. He also said he hopes transportation, developing undertaking a study, how- that in five years, “I’m not events and other kid and family-related and attracting a workforce, ever, to look at splitting the the mayor.” topics. Watch for Kids! encouraging affordable district and creating a joint “(I want to be) finding housing and collaboration first-EMS department. a line of succession and Kids! supplement is also posted on among municipalities. The mayors also stressed grooming future leaders in Gonzalez pointed to the the importance of quali- the city to take over,” he our community websites. example of the Verona ty-of-life features, such as said. Road Business Coalition, walking or bike paths to Ad Deadline is Monday, February 26, 2018 which has “built a sense of attract a younger workforce. Contact Scott Girard at community among the busi- Madison Mayor Paul Soglin [email protected] Contact Donna Larson at 845-9559 or [email protected] nesses along that corridor” said those types of ameni- and follow him on Twitter during the five-year-long ties were a major compo- @sgirard9. reconstruction project, as nent of Amazon’s search for a new headquarters, which Memorial United Church of Christ Love Of Neighbor, PIZZAMAZING. Love Of Children, 16 YEARS OF AWARD-WINNINGPIZZA. $ 9.99 FREE! Love Of Creation after 9 Cheese Bread with any 16”6 One-Topping Pizza $25 order or more. The United Church of Christ has a vision Valida Only After 9p.m. of a world for all. In this world all are OnlineO code:9991T Online code: CHEESE welcomed, everyone is loved and justice Fetalicious® Ask aboutour is inherent. $6 Buck Lunch deals! PleasePlease mention mention coupon coupon when when ordering. ordering. One coupon, PleasePlease mention mention coupon coupon when ordering. 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Sunday School at 10 a.m. adno=553490-01 LOCALLYOWNED AND OPERATED 608848-4877 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg 3191 Muir Field Road • Fitchburg, WI 53719 273-1008 • www.memorialucc.org Late Night Delivery. Dine-in. Carry-out. Catering. *Gluten-Free Crustismade offsite, but pizzas mayshare equipment with items containinggluten. We accept Credit Cards, Business Checks, Charge Accounts &Cash. Sorry, no Personal Checks. tPlease no ethatproducts andpricing may vary by location. Pricing is subject to change. $10 minimum for delivery. adno=553476-01 ConnectFitchburg.com 6 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Memory Cafe The senior center will kick off the first cafe If You Go March 15 What: Memory Cafe Where: Fitchburg senior HELU WANG center, 5510 Lacy Road Unified Newspaper Group When: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 15 The senior center will Info: 270-4292 host a Memory Cafe for people with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other years, or more than 300 dementias. people. Through a partnership The cafe’s goal is to with the Alzheimer’s Asso- provide a supportive and ciation, the Fitchburg senior engaging environment center will kick off the cafe where those people can Photo by Alexander Cramer at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, get together with their care Lucy, 3, and Wyatt Formanek, 5, work on an experiment during the Winter Science activity at the Library on Jan. 19. March 15. partners. Wisconsin has more than Activities are chosen and 14 memory cafes, accord- sometimes led by partici- pants; some with the whole Winter Science at the library ing to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wis- group and some in smaller ALEXANDER CRAMER froze Lego men in ice cubes and then handed them out consin, which defines a groups depending on inter- Unified Newspaper Group to groups whose task became freeing the Lego from his Memory Cafe as a gather- ests. For example, Tai Chi icy bonds. ing place for people with to improve balance, dis- If you walked into the Fitchburg library at just the They submerged him in water, stirred it to see if that memory loss, Alzheimer’s cussing artwork, creative right time on Jan. 19, you would’ve seen something pret- would make a difference, and then added ingredients or dementia and their care- projects, games, guest pre- ty unusual: about 20 kids from middle-school aged to as like salt and sugar to gauge the effect. givers. senters on an array of sub- young as two shaking plastic bags with all their might. As the activity wrapped up and the kids filed out, the Demographic projections jects, storytelling and sim- This wasn’t just for exercise: the bags were filled with carnage they left behind became apparent. But Garvey from the Wisconsin Eco- ply sharing among friends. what would become ice cream from a recipe library had a smile on her face as she began to clean up, and it nomic Development Cor- For information, call assistant Kristin Garvey found while researching activi- was easy to remember how much fun the kids had been poration project a three-per- David at 270-4292. ties to do for the library’s Winter Science program. having doing science minutes earlier. cent increase of senior Contact Helu Wang at helu. Garvey also led the group in an experiment to see if Contact Alexander Cramer at alexander.cramer@ citizens over the next four [email protected].​ they could melt ice faster than it normally does. She wcinet.com.​ Packers tailgate tour benefits Badger Prairie Needs Network Tickets on sale this week Tuesday, April 10. Karate America and Little Caesars Piz- Freeman, who led the NFL in receiving za. Online purchases will be available at If You Go in 1998, will be joined by current play- tailgatetourverona.eventbrite.com. HELU WANG ers Blake Martinez, Kenny Clark and Ty General admission tickets cover access What: 2018 Green Bay Packers Tailgate Unified Newspaper Group Montgomery and fellow alumni Bubba to the Q&A session and tailgate party Tour Franks, and Rob Davis. activities. Premium tickets are $40 and Where: Verona Area High School, 300 Three current Green Bay Packers and Activities will include food stands, live include food and beverages, a collector’s Richard St. three alumni – including Packers Hall of music, player autographs, face painting, poster and player autographs. Famer Antonio Freeman – will visit Vero- games, a photo booth, a raffle and a live All proceeds will support BPNN to When: 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April. 10 na this spring as part of a benefit for the auction. Packers president Mark Murphy continue its food pantry, free community Tickets: $10 (premium passes $40) Badger Prairie Needs Network. will also lead a Q&A session, and players meal and other activities. Info: BPNN.org/packerstailgate Tickets go on sale this week for the will toss Tailgate Tour footballs. For information, visit Tailgate Tour, which will stop at the Vero- Tickets are $10 and will be available at BPNN.org/packerstailgate. na Area High School, 300 Richard St., on 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at local businesses, Contact Helu Wang at helu.wang@ including Miller and Sons Supermarket, wcinet.com.

Calendar of events‌ ‌Friday, February 9‌ library (ages 9-12), 729- • 10:30-11 a.m., Toddler • 6-6:30 p.m., UNBook- ‌Saturday, March 10‌ rytime, library, 729-1760‌ • 4-5 p.m., Olympic Game 1760‌ dance party (ages 1-3), club, library (ages 9-12), • 2 p.m., Kids movie: ‌Wednesday, March 21‌ Night, library (ages 5-12), library, 729-1760‌ 729-1760‌ Wonder, library, 729-1760‌ ‌Friday, February 16‌ • 10:30-11 a.m., Toddler 729-1760‌ • 6-7 p.m., Paper craft, ‌Thursday, March 1‌ • 11-11:45 a.m., Fractured library, 729-1762‌ ‌Monday, March 12‌ dance party, library, 729- ‌Saturday, February 10‌ fairy tales storytime, • 6-7 p.m., Sphero Robot- • 9:30-10 a.m., Preschool 1760‌ library, 729-1760‌ • 7-8 p.m., Android basics ics for Teens, library (ages • 1-3 p.m., LEGO build, , library, 729-1762‌ storytime, library, 729- • 6-6:30 p.m., UnBookclub library (ages 5-12), 729- • noon to 5 p.m., Used 13-17), 729-1762‌ 1760‌ (ages 9-12), library, 729- 1760‌ book sale, library, friend- ‌Thursday, February 22‌ ‌Friday, March 2‌ • 6-7 p.m., Canvas tape 1760‌ soffitchburglibrary.com‌ ‌Sunday, February 11‌ • 10:30 a.m., Adventure • 4-5 p.m., Bake cookies, painting, library, 729-1762 • 6-7 p.m., Art salon: bead • 4-5 p.m., No sew scarf storytime (ages 2-5), library (ages 9-12), 729- crafts, library, 729-1762 • 1-3:30 p.m., Valentine’s making (ages 9-12), library, 729-1760‌ ‌Tuesday, March 13‌ Day card making, library, 1762‌ ‌Thursday, March 22‌ library, 729-1762‌ • 11 a.m. to noon, Cook- • 11-11:45 a.m., Lapsit sto- 729-1760‌ ‌Saturday, March 3‌ rytime, library, 729-1760‌ • 1-1:45 p.m., Bouncing ‌Saturday, February 17‌ book club, library, 729- ‌Monday, February 12‌ 1760‌ • 10-10:30 a.m., Lion or Wednesday, March 14 babies, library, 729-1760 • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Used lamb storytime, library • 10-11 a.m., Toddler art, Friday, March 23 • 9:30-10 a.m. or 11-11:30 book sale, library, friend- • 1-1:45 p.m., Bouncing a.m. (ages 2-5), Pre- babies (ages 0-1), library, (ages 2-5), 729-1760‌ library, 729-1762 ‌• 4-5 p.m., Breakout chal- soffitchburglibrary.com‌ lenge, library, 729-1762 school storytime, library, 729-1760‌ ‌Monday, March 5‌ ‌Thursday, March 15‌ 729-1760‌ • 2-3:40 p.m., Kids movie: My Little Pony, library, • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Home • 10-11 a.m., Preschool • 10-10:30 a.m., Spring ‌Saturday, March 24‌ • 11:45 a.m., Black history 729-1760‌ improvements, library, art, library (ages 2-5), storytime (ages 2-5), • 1-3 p.m., LEGO build, video screening, senior 729-1763‌ 729-1760‌ library, 729-1760‌ library, 729-1760‌ center, 270-4290 ‌ ‌Monday, February 19‌ ‌Friday, February 23‌ • 3:30-5 p.m., Snap cir- • 9:30-10 a.m. or 11-11:30 ‌Wednesday, March 7‌ ‌Monday, March 26‌ ‌Tuesday, February 13‌ • 11-11:45 a.m., Book cuits at the library, library, a.m., Preschool storytime • 10-11 a.m., LEGO build, 729-17602 • 9:30-10 a.m., Preschool • 11-11:45 a.m., Lapsit sto- (ages 2-5), library, 729- Boogie (ages 1-5), library, library (ages 2-5), 729- storytime (ages 2-5), rytime (ages 0-2), library, 1760‌ 729-1760‌ 1760‌ ‌Friday, March 16‌ library, 729-1760‌ 729-1760‌ • 6:30-7:30 p.m., Escape • 4 p.m., Canvas tape • 6-6:30 p.m., Book club, • 11 a.m. to noon, Book • 12:30 p.m., Cultural • 6-7 p.m., Blackout poet- room, library, 729-1762‌ painting for tweens (ages library (ages 5-8), 729- Boogie (ages 1-5), library, event series, senior cen- ry (ages 13-17), library, 9-12), library, 729-1760‌ 1760‌ 729-1760‌ ter, 277-8118 729-1760‌ ‌Tuesday, February 20‌ ‌Monday, February 26‌ • 4-5 p.m., World record • 11-11:45 a.m., Lapsit sto- ‌Thursday, March 8‌ ‌Tuesday, March 27‌ ‌Wednesday, February • 11 a.m., Preschool can- challenges, library, 729- rytime (ages 0-2), library, • 10:30-11:30 a.m., Com- 1762 • 11-11:45 a.m., Lapsit sto- 14‌ vas tape painting (ages rytime, library, 729-1760‌ 729-1760‌ munication innovation sto- Sunday, March 18 • 10-11 a.m., Toddler art, 2-5), library, 729-1760‌ rytime, library, 729-1760‌ Wednesday, March 28 library (ages 1-3), 729- • 5 p.m., READ to a dog • 8 a.m. to noon, Pancake 1760‌ (ages 5-12), library, 729- ‌Tuesday, February 27‌ • 1-1:45 p.m., Bouncing breakfast, senior center, • 10-11 a.m., STEAM 1760‌ babies, library, 729-1760‌ open build, library, 729- • 6-7:30 p.m., 3-D Print- • 9:30-11:30 a.m., Play- 277-8118 Doh Palooza (ages 2-5), • 1:30 p.m., REACH Book 1762 ing for beginners, library ‌Wednesday, February ‌Monday, March 19‌ (ages 9-12), 729-1762‌ 21‌ library, 729-1760 ‌ Club: Astoria by Peter Thursday, March 29 Stark, senior center, 270- • 9:30-10 a.m., Preschool • 10-11 a.m., Book dis- ‌Wednesday, February • 4-5 p.m., Afternoon art, ‌Thursday, February 15‌ 4290‌ storytime (ages 2-5), library, 729-1762 cussion: Orange is the 28‌ library, 729-1760‌ • 6 p.m., String art, library New Black: My Year in a ‌Friday, March 9‌ • 6-7 p.m., Harry Potter (ages 13-17), 729-1762‌ • 10-11 a.m., Toddler art, Woman’s Prison by Piper library (ages 1-3), 729- • 6-9 p.m., Tween lock-in, ‌Tuesday, March 20‌ Game Night, library, 729- • 6-6:30 p.m., Guys read, Kerman, library, 729-1760‌ 1760‌ library, 729-1762‌ • 11-11:45 a.m., Lapsit sto- 1762 ConnectFitchburg.com February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 7 DIY succulent plant terrarium Teenagers made succulent plant terrarium, at the library, where they learned about how to take care of succulent plant.

Photos by Helu Wang Will Simonson and Jameson Smith water their terrariums. Emily Godwin and Bronte Perkins make a terrarium at the library.

Coming up For information, call 729-1762. overlooked issues with home Teenagers ages 13-17 can Olympic Game Night remodeling such as proper ven- spend an evening of painting from Art salon: bead crafts Children age 5-12 can partici- No sew scarf making tilation and potential comfort 6-7 p.m. Friday, March 12, at the The library calls all crafters pate in a “Winter Olympics” from Children ages 9-12 can make a changes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. library. ages 9 through adult to spend an 4-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the their own scarves from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the library. They can create a fun work of evening at the library’s art salon library. They can make their own Friday, Feb. 16, at the library. No Staff from Project Home will art with just paint, tape and a can- from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, March torches and compete in a variety sewing is required. present how to avoid these issues vas. Registration is required. 21 to make yarn crafts. of games. For information, call 729-1762. in future. To register, call 729-1762. This fine arts program will be For information, call 729-1760. For information, call 729-1763. a bonding experience for a parent Used book sale Toddler art Black History Month Tax return help and their children. The Friends of Fitchburg Children ages 1-3 can explore For information, call 729-1762. In honor of Black History Library will hold a used book sale People can benefit from free and play with fun art materi- Month, the senior center will from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. and simple tax return help by als from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Breakout challenge screen a 15-minute video docu- 16 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat- making a 45-minute appointment March 14, at the library. Teenagers ages 13-17 can par- menting African American ath- urday, Feb. 17, at the library. on Fridays, Feb. 23, March 9 and They will practice fine motor ticipate in an escape program letes in the 1936 Olympics at There will be a wide variety March 23, at the senior center. skills as they engage in process from 4-5 p.m. Friday, March 23, 11:45 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12. books of fiction, nonfiction, mys- To reserve, call 270-4290. art. Parents are encouraged to at the library. The video features 18 African tery, children’s and audio books stop in at various times through- They will solve clues and puz- American athletes who repre- at low prices. Proceeds will go Sphero robotics for teens out the hour. Smocks or “messy zles, open locks and escape. sented the United States. Afri- toward supporting the library’s Teenagers ages 13-17 can learn clothes” are recommended. Registration is required. can-Americans dominated the materials and programs. about and play with Sphero robots For information, call 729-1762. To register, call 729-1762. popular track and field events. For information, visit from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 1, Many American journalists hailed friendsoffitchburglibrary.com. at the library. Snap Circuits at the library Cultural event series the victories of Jesse Owens and They can control the spherical Kids ages 5-12 who are inter- The senior center will host a other African-Americans as a Escape room robots with a smartphone or tab- ested in learning how electronics variety of cultural events and blow to the Nazi myth of Aryan Participants ages over 18 can let. work can participate in a circuit music throughout 2018. supremacy. join an escape room from 6:30- For information, call 729-1762. science program from 3:30-5 The cultural event series aims For information, call 270-4290. 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19, at the Bake cookies p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the to build an understanding of Blackout poetry library. They can solve clues and library. the diverse cultures and artistic puzzles to open locks to escape Kids ages 9-12 can come to the During the program, kids will expressions in the community, as Children ages 13-17 can create the room. library to mix up some cookie have the opportunity to construct well as to bring an appreciation of their own blackout poetry from For information, call 729-1762. dough from 4-5 p.m. Friday, Feb. a circuit projects using Snap Cir- different traditions from around 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the 2. cuits. Those attending the pro- the world. library. Paper crafts They’ll measure and mix, then gram will be provided with a A traditional Indian dance They can grab a marker, a page Crafters ages 9 and older can can take it home to bake. Regis- colorful manual with pictures and music event will kick off from a book and make it their participate in an art salon mak- tration is required. explaining how to build the proj- the series at 12:30 p.m. Monday, own poetry. ing paper crafts from 6-7 p.m. To register, call 729-1762. ects, and children’s staff will be March 26, at the Oak Hall room. For information, call 729-1760. For information, call 277-8118. Wednesday, Feb. 21. This fine arts Therapy storytime around to help. 3-D Printing for beginners program is a bonding experience Space is limited and registra- for parents and children. Children ages 2-5 and their tion is required. Kids ages 5-8 STEAM Open Build Children ages 9-12 can learn For information, call 729-1762. caregivers can participate in a will require parent guidance Kids ages 5-12 can spend a the basics of 3-D printing from Communication Innovation sto- during the program. morning of engineering from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, Android basics rytime from 10:30-11:30 a.m. To register, call 729-1762. 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, at the library. People can learn about the Thursday, March 8, at the library. at the library. They will learn about 3D print- Android smartphone operating A licensed speech-language World record challenges They will build and create with ing and Tinkercad to get start- system from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, pathologist and occupational ther- Teenagers ages 9-12 can try to a variety of materials. ed creating their own designs. Feb. 21, at the library. apist of Communication Innova- beat world records from 4-5 p.m. For information, call 729-1762. Space is limited and registration The workshop will cover the tions Pediatric Therapy Services Friday, March 16, at the library. is required. basics of smartphones or tablets. will present how to enhance chil- Challenges will include how Afternoon Art To register, call 729-1762. To register, call 729-1763. dren’s language skills through many T-shirts a person can put on Kids ages 5-12 can drop in at reading, incorporate songs and in one minute. the library for an afternoon of art String art Cookbook club motor activities with books. For information, call 729-1762. from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, March Children ages 13-17 can create People can bring their favorite For information, visit 29. crafts using wood, nails and string bread to the library, along with therapymadison.com. Pancake breakfast They will explore different at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the the cookbook recipe from 11 to Tween lock-In The senior center will host its art media and make a take home library. noon Thursday, Feb.22, at the annual Pancake Breakfast from 8 project. For information, call 729-1762. library. Teenagers ages 9-12 can spend a.m. to noon Sunday, March 18. For information, call 729-1762. Fractured fairy tales story- The cookbook club will sample a lock-in night at the library from There will be scrambled eggs, everyone’s contribution and dis- 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 9. sausage, pancakes, apple sauce, Harry Potter Game Night time cuss the recipes. Butter, utensils There will be pizza, treats and juice and coffee. Kids ages 9-12 can celebrate The cost is $7 for adults and $4 Children ages 2-5 can listen and beverages will be provided. movie. Space is limited and regis- their favorite wizard with a night for children under 10 years old. to fairy tales from 11-11:45 a.m. For information, call 729-1763. tration is required. of Harry Potter-themed games All proceeds will benefit Fitch- Friday, Feb. 16, at the library. To register, call 729-1762. from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March Home improvements burg seniors. The storytellers will put a silly 29, at the library. Canvas tape painting F twist on classic fairy tales. People can learn about often or information, call 277-8118. For information, call 729-1762. ConnectFitchburg.com 8 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Oregon schools Open enrollment seats down Task force: New SCOTT DE LARUELLE it’s less important to us, Unified Newspaper Group and we’re starting to have the space crunch, so we’re Continued growth with- starting to turn it back.” in the Oregon School Dis- Weiland noted that the trict means better finances district gets around $11,000 schools needed soon for the district, but fewer from the state for each stu- Group to give could see a referendum on Monday, Feb. 12, meeting. two successful referenda. chances for students outside dent living in the district, a new school or schools as All options that will be The most recent one, a of Oregon to open enroll compared to $7,000 for recommendation to soon as this fall. presented include building teacher compensation refer- here. students who open enroll “Taking action now will a new elementary school endum in 2016, was for $1.5 As open spots in the dis- from elsewhere. A large board Feb. 12 prevent our children from and either a new intermedi- million per year to help the trict are increasingly being portion of the open enroll- experiencing overcrowding,” ate or middle school, and all district adjust pay scales to taken up by residential ment spots for next year – SCOTT DE LARUELLE Busler wrote. but one involve some grade reflect market conditions and growth, Oregon School 42 – are in either 4K or kin- dergarten, with little space Unified Newspaper Group The letter refers to a reconfiguration among the the post-Act 10 recruiting Board members approved 10-member task force the schools, the letter explained. environment. the lowest amount of open in elementary or middle Voters in the Oregon school board created last Jan- In an email to the Observ- That came on the heels of enrollment spots in recent school, and more room at School District could see a uary to take a long-term look er on Tuesday, Busler said a $56 million capital proj- history. the high school level after referendum for new schools at growth and how to best the recommendation did not ects referendum in 2014 that Space for 110 open the recent additions there. as soon as this fall. proceed with any expansion mention specifically where passed by a 2-to-1 margin, enrollment students was District director of human A district task force has of existing schools or con- a school should be built, but just two years after a $33 mil- set aside Monday night by resources Jina Jonen said concluded new schools are struction of new ones. The identified two areas — the lion capital projects referen- the school board; down 61 open enrollment numbers needed within the next few district is faced with a student Village of Oregon and Lacy dum failed by a large margin. spots from last year, and are reached by figuring res- years to avoid overcrowding. population expected to rise Road interchange. The 2014 referendum the fewest number in the idential growth and capac- The district’s three elemen- 50 percent by 2030 – mostly Busler said he anticipates passed largely because of the district going back to the ity in the district, and said tary schools and intermediate from developments planned the school board reviewing reduced cost to residents, as 2012-13 school year. In there is no net increase to (grades 5-6) school will be in Fitchburg and west of the the ideas and “likely select- it was timed to “hit” when spring, open enrollment staffing due to open enroll- “out of capacity” within two village of Oregon. ing a hybrid of few ideas.” the district was shedding debt spaces can increase, but ment plans. She noted the years, according to an infor- The task force, which met by paying off earlier projects. legally the board must set board will talk staffing in mational letter prepared by frequently throughout 2017, Impact uncertain While more expensive over- a minimum number in Jan- April, and could make other district superintendent Brian pared down 12 options to four If there is indeed a fall ref- all, it only cost $36 per year uary. recommendations then. Busler. And since building possible “paths’” the district erendum on new schools, it of $100,000 in property val- The open enrollment “We may be coming for new schools requires a voter could take, and will present could have a bigger financial ue, versus $50 for the previ- period runs this year from additional staff in April, referendum, district voters those to the school board at its impact than the district’s last ous attempt. Feb. 5 to May 30. based on residential growth, District business man- but not this open enrollment ager Andy Weiland said in recommendation,” she said. notes to board members the The district allows prior- “spigot is starting to close” ity admission for siblings Submit an idea on district open enrollment, of students already open for MMSD stories as the district is “starting to enrolled in the district. run out of space.” Once a student is open Do you have a sto- “Before we were grow- enrolled, they do not have ry idea for something ing, we used open enroll- to re-enroll. CALL IT YOUR we should cover or take ment to survive, to some photos of in the Madison degree, so we had some Email Unified Newspaper Metropolitan School Dis- flexibility with our bud- Group reporter Scott De NO trict? Whether it’s a new get,” he said. “Now that Laruelle at scott. Home Sweet program at Cherokee, we’re seeing some growth, [email protected]. MORTGAGE state report card scores GUESS-I-CAN-AFFORD-MY-DREAM-HOUSE for Leopold and Chavez or a student at Madison Available spots at OSD CLOSING West who deserves some School year Resident spots Open enrollment spots 1 recognition, we’d love to hear your ideas and 2012-13 454 204 COSTS 1 cover more of what’s 2013-14 426 182 H O M E going on in Fitchburg’s 2014-15 462 221 MMSD schools. You can also submit photos from 2015-16 467 194 school events for us to 2016-17 401 129 include on this page. WITH A SUMMIT MORTGAGE, YOU’LL GET: Please email any ideas 2017-18 738 171 to communityreporter@ 2018-19 1,052 110 • A FREE preapproval, so you know how much house you wcinet.com. can afford BEFOREM DEC.SA 1ST • Local service for the life of the loan 608-620-6010O VE V ING INBY • Access to check your loan status online

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Countyregisterofdeeds. ©Summit Credit Union2018. adno=553822-01 471 Prairie WayBlvd. •Verona, WI •608-620-6010 •noelmanorliving.com ConnectFitchburg.com Verona schools February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 9 Pisani leaving Stoner Prairie Survey, focus groups Principal reassigned to services and other duties that remain Approach. The Partners Active- part of five-year plan to be determined, according to his let- ly Learning, or PALs, program also district office at end of ter. underwent a change after the 2015-16 ‘Community’s’ Pisani thanked families for their school year that drew complaints from On the web school year support during his time at the school, some parents and former students. document could Read the full story about the and wrote that his “commitment to But the school also received the high- strategic planning process: SCOTT GIRARD the children of our district and their est score among the district’s attendance define achievement, ConnectFitchburg.com Unified Newspaper Group success remains steadfast” in his new area schools on the 2016-17 “school equity goals role. report cards” issued by the state’s Stoner Prairie Elementary School “I am so very grateful to have had Department of Public Instruction. will have a new principal for the the opportunity to serve as the prin- Pisani’s letter said the district will SCOTT GIRARD 2018-19 school year. cipal of Stoner Prairie Elementary provide more detail on the process for Unified Newspaper Group who has experience with Mike Pisani, who School and to work alongside you and finding his successor in the coming strategic plans in her past began at the school in our wonderful staff on behalf of all weeks. Most of the long-term role with the Special Olym- fall 2013, announced of your children,” Pisani wrote. “As I “I will do everything I can to planning in the Verona Area pics of Southern California, Jan. 10 in a letter to reflect on the work we have done over accommodate a very smooth transi- School District over the past said she’s excited to have parents and staff that he the last four and a half years as well tion for the next Stoner Prairie prin- couple of years has revolved more guidance through a requested a reassign- as Stoner Prairie’s future, I believe the cipal as well as the staff, students and around building the new plan. ment and superinten- time is right for everyone for a new parents,” he wrote. high school and its other “You really need to have dent Dean Gorrell had Pisani leader.” The Star has an outstanding open buildings. that concrete plan at a higher approved the change. Pisani’s time at the school includ- records inquiry, filed in late Decem- This spring, the district is level that really everyone in Beginning July 2, Pisani will work ed criticism from some parents of ber, related to Pisani’s role change. broadening the conversation the district can understand,” in the central office providing sup- discipline practices during the dis- about its future by producing Kloepping said. port on data and assessment, student trictwide transition to initiatives like Contact Scott Girard at ungreport- a five-year plan to outline Seattle-based consultant services, professional development Positive Behavioral Interventions [email protected] and follow him on broad priorities for educa- Mary Fertakis will be paid and Supports and the Nurtured Heart Twitter @sgirard9. tion, facilities and budgets $100 an hour up to $30,000 for the district. to help guide the process, This strategic planning something she said she’s process started last month “thrilled” about. and is expected to run Fertakis, who spent 22 through May. years a school board in Tuk- “We know what our build- wila, Wash., before finish- ing’s going to look like in ing her tenure in November three years,” school board 2017, went through strategic vice president Meredith Sti- plans three times during that er Christensen said. “But the time. She said her “heart and really important educational, passion” in the process has foundational work is going become “incorporating an to come from this plan.” equity lens” into the plan- That could mean defining ning process. goals for student achieve- “We can’t just be doing ment, equity, community things the way we used to, outreach or personalized because we are serving a dif- learning, among other ferent population,” Fertakis things. told the board by telephone District director of instruc- at its Jan. 22 meeting. “Both tional equity and bilingual our students and our com- programming Laurie Burgos munities are changing.” said it would be important to Roberts told the Press that reach out to underrepresent- Fertakis’ involvement, espe- ed communities among the cially in the focus groups district’s population. That’s with staff and students, will especially true given the be key to the “integrity” of document’s expected focus the process, allowing staff on equity, she added. and students to speak more But Stier Christensen candidly than they would and school board president with their boss or teacher Noah Roberts told the Press asking the questions. in a wide-ranging interview He and Stier Christensen this week they don’t want said they look forward to the Photo by Scott Girard to “taint” what the plan document providing a base Amy Siebert, left, helps her daughter Leah, 8, draw in chalk outlines for a tree in the winter scene. includes or what the com- for future board members munity has to say. to understand past decisions “If I was sitting on a focus and help guide their future Stoner Prairie Paint Night group, I would have opin- ones. ions,” Stier Christensen said. “Without a cohesive plan, A paint night event at Stoner Prairie Elementary School last week raised $1,600 for the school’s “artist in residen- “It’s not the board’s docu- we’re scattering our energy cy” program. Art teacher Tina Johnson wrote in an email that the program will bring professional artists from varying ment, it’s the community’s.” into the wind,” Stier Chris- backgrounds to the school to collaborate with students. One of the first projects will be a mural next year in collabora- Those focus groups are tensen said. tion with Dane Arts Mural Arts, which specializes in working with student and community groups. part of the district’s planned “It holds everyone outreach, along with a new accountable for what they’re committee and a community doing,” Roberts added. survey, all taking place this Roberts acknowledged What’s online month. that not all of the feedback Stier Christensen and will be positive, but said Read these and more Verona Area School District stories at ConnectFitchburg.com: Roberts, both of whom that’s fine with him as it will 12 VASD staff get National Board Certification joined the board in April provide a “healthy part” of 2016, said they’ve been hop- how the district can get bet- The Verona Area School District had more staff members achieve National Board Certification in 2017 than any oth- ing to have a strategic plan ter. er district in Wisconsin. to guide decision-making in “It’s also recognizing That 12 teachers here decided to put in the “overwhelming” amount of time in the one- or two-year process to place since they began their where we can improve,” receive the certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards isn’t really a surprise. It’s exactly service. Roberts said. “That’s what a 2015 change in the district’s salary schedule was designed to encourage. “It isn’t an option,” Stier extremely critical in any TWI policies provide path for expansion Christensen said. “This is a organization that’s trying necessary step we need to to improve what they do, The Two Way Immersion program took another step toward expanding to K-8 Monday with a set of policy approvals. take.” especially in education we Now, it just needs its students to keep growing up. should always be looking Administrators began publicly discussing last fall how the now K-4 program could expand beyond elementary Guidance for all at how can we improve our school. The program, which began in the 2013-14 school year, will be opt-in at the middle school level for any students District public informa- service to our students and who went through TWI here, a similar program elsewhere or come from a native Spanish-speaking home. tion officer Kelly Kloepping, our staff.” It will continue in its current form next year with fifth grade and expand to a full K-8 program by 2021-22. Exploration Academy gets three-year charter extension Exploration Academy will continue as the Verona Area School District’s only charter high school for three more years. The school board unanimously approved a three-year charter contract renewal Jan. 22, and it’s likely the last for the Math-O-Matic school. The vote, along with the school’s governing council in December, came with the expectation the school will fold into a program within Verona Area High School once the charter expires. Tutoring Perception survey sent out Feb. 8 Verona Area School District families and staff will have the opportunity once again this month to share their thoughts Serving the Madison Metro Area on how the district is functioning and where it’s headed. (262) 308-4178 The annual perception survey, in its third year here, run by School Perceptions, Inc., will ask questions to parents and staff on more than 30 topic areas. While most of the questions will be the same or similar to those on the survey [email protected] last year – to allow for comparisons – the district also added a few questions that will specifically apply to the strategic mathomaticmadison.weebly.com

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FOR SPACES THAT ARE UNIQUELY YOURS adno=553509-01 Friday, Feb. 9 , 2018 Jeremy Jones, sports editor 845-9559 x226 • [email protected] 13 The Anthony Iozzo, assistant sports editor Fitchburg Star 845-9559 x237 • [email protected] For more sports coverage, visit: Fax: 845-9550 Sp o rts ConnectFitchburg.com Edgewood boys hockey West boys swimming Regents on a path to contend for another title JEREMY JONES Sports editor

Ranked atop the Wisconsin Interscholastic Swim Coach- es Association Division 1 state poll throughout the season, the Madison West boys swimming team took another step toward a postseason its hopes will end with a state title. The Regents won six of 12 events Saturday, Feb. 3, at Beloit Memorial to wrap up the Big Eight Conference crown with 597 points. West swam to gold on the 200-yard IM, 100 freestyle, 100 backstroke and 100 breaststroke and claimed the 200 medley and 400 free relays. Lain Weaver won the 100 free in 46.22 seconds and added the Photo by Jeremy Jones 200 IM in 1:56.83. The senior Teddy Kluesner (19) and Jack Royer (27) celebrate with goaltender Ben Cegelski after Madison Edgewood wrapped up its ninth straight Badger was also anchored both Regent South Conference title with a 5-2 win over Oregon on Thursday, Feb. 1. relays to victory. Junior Wes Jekel won the 100 backstroke (50.96), and class- mate Henry Miller led a sweep of the top four spots in the 100 breaststroke by West with a time of 58.5. Sophomore Charlie Feller Nine in a row joined Jekel, Weaver and Mill- er to win claim the 200 medley Crusaders wrap up ninth straight conference title relay in 1:340.02. Senior Mat- thew Fernandez and sophomore Carter Hottman has made a hab- penalty box for five minutes. saves on 22 shots. Isaac Casey teamed up with it out of turning the tables on the Hottman got a loose puck in the The Crusaders took a one-goal Jekel and Weaver to cap the opposition, and he did so again neutral zone three minutes later and lead one-and-half minutes in the Playoffs meet with a time of 3:10.27 on Thursday, Feb. 1. scored a short-handed goal a little first period on a power-play goal by the 400 free relay. Hottman scoring a momen- less than four minutes after that to Drew Lenz, but Oregon regrouped Edgewood earned the No. The Regents, who were sec- tum-shifting short-handed goal, the give the Crusaders a 3-2 lead. to pop in a pair of pucks 26 seconds 2 seed for the WIAA playoffs ond to Madison Memorial from first of three unanswered goals by Edgewood tacked on two more a part for a 2-1 lead with two min- and will play No. 7 Waunakee 2013-16, haven’t won a state the Crusaders to help Edgewood goals. utes remaining in the period. (11-11-1) at Hartmeyer Ice title since 1993. They hope that earn a ninth straight Badger South Teammate Jake Schmaltz add- Oregon junior forward Matt will change this season, though title with a 5-2 victory inside Ore- ed his second goal of the night two Strassman backhanded a one-timer Arena at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. Madison West, Waukesha gon Ice Arena. minutes later to push the Edgewood 14:29 into the second period, and 15. The winner of that game South/Catholic Memorial and The Crusaders (16-4-2 overall, advantage to 4-2. sophomore Colton Eyers forward advances to face either No. 3 Arrowhead won’t make it easy. 11-0-0 conference) entered the sec- Hottman tacked on a third-period scored on a wrap-around 26 seconds Sun Prairie (18-4-1) or No. 6 West finished fifth at the ond period with the game tied 2-2 insurance goal to secure the win. later. WIAA Division 1 state swim- but found quickly themselves down Senior Ben Cegelski stopped 14 Middleton (11-11-1) on Feb. ming meet last year with 174 a skater after Jake Schmaltz was shots on goal to preserve the win. - Jeremy Jones 20. called for boarding and sent to the Oregon junior Jacob Ayers made 17 Turn to West swim/Page 16

VAHS wrestling OHS wrestling Feller, Herbst Keast, Mellum medal at Badger Conference meet ANTHONY IOZZO Now Keast has his sights set on bigger things in Assistant sports editor the WIAA postseason. Despite not making it to sec- take third at tionals before, he said he has high hopes this year Senior Devin Keast and junior Steele Mellum after his performance at conference. both earned spots on the podium Feb. 3 at the Bad- “I have a lot of confidence getting third at confer- Big Eight meet ger Conference meet at Waunakee High School. ence, which is one of the toughest conferences in ANTHONY IOZZO Keast took third at 160 pounds, with his only loss the state,” Keast said. “Definitely, I am feeling good Assistant sports editor against top-ranked Stoughton senior Tyler Dow, about it, and I am thinking I can go quite far.” and Mellum finished fifth at 126 pounds. Mellum needed a takedown in sudden-victo- Senior Jono Herbst (120 “When I was coming in here, I knew I needed to ry overtime after he and Baraboo’s Eli Davidson pounds) and junior Nathan wrestle my best,” Keast said. remained scoreless after three periods in the fifth- Feller (132) earned third- Keast was 4-1 at 160. After being pinned by Dow place match at 126 pounds. place finishes Feb. 3 in the in 4 minutes, 23 seconds in the semifinals, Keast “I was motivated, I guess,” Mellum said. “I want- Big Eight Conference wres- came back with a pin over Beaver Dam’s James ed to get (Davidson) again, because I beat him ear- tling meet at Madison La Brown in the consolation semifinals to earn a spot lier.” Follette. in the third-place match. Mellum made the semifinals but lost 3-0 to Junior Jeremy Grim (160) He didn’t waste time going to work against Reedsburg’s Mason McMillen, who was ranked also medaled for Verona, DeForest’s Jared Stuttgen. Keast led 7-2 after two third. The match was scoreless after two periods, taking fifth in a nine-man periods and added two takedowns, a reversal and a but a takedown and a stalling penalty led to a 3-0 bracket, and every Wildcat two-point near fall in the final period to run away loss. McMillen went on to win a title. won at least one match to with a 17-6 major decision. Mellum’s next match is one he would like to Photo by Anthony Iozzo place. “(Stuttgen) was really strong and really good, have back, he said. Mellum dropped an 11-2 major Senior Devin Keast took third place at 160 “It is always nice to see and he put me in a lot of bad positions,” Keast said. decision to Sauk Prairie’s Gavin Lankey in the con- pounds Feb. 3 in the Badger Conference wrestling everyone get their hand “I had to actually work through them, and I perse- solation semifinals, but Mellum led 2-0 after the meet. Keast defeated DeForest’s Jared Stuttgen Turn to Conference/Page 16 vered to get that major.” Turn to OHS wrestling/Page 16 17-6 in the third-place match. ConnectFitchburg.com 14 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Verona Area High School Boys swimming Boys hockey Wildcats take fourth Cats lock up second straight Big 8 crown JEREMY JONES Junior forward Brockton Bakers Sports editor scored twice and assisted on another. Riley Frieburg also added two goals, at Big Eight meet Verona (17-3-3 overall, 12-1-1 Big and Ty Curtis assisted on a pair of Eight) received the top seed in section 6 goals. JEREMY JONES of the WIAA playoffs and will receive Goaltender Ethan Maurisak made 12 Sports editor a first-round bye. The Wildcats host the saves on 13 shots on goal, while Janes- What’s next winner between eighth-seeded McFar- ville’s Owen Aldrich stopped 27 of 31 Junior Shane Rozeboom Verona travels back land (10-10-2) and ninth-seeded Mono- shots by the Wildcats. medaled in two events and na Grove (6-14-1) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Verona 3, Memorial 3 freshman diver Alex Ritter to the Middleton High Feb. 15. Verona didn’t play either Bad- added another Feb. 3 as the School natatorium at ger South team this season. Verona scored first in all three peri- Verona Area Mount Horeb 1 p.m. Saturday for their Verona, which has only lost two ods Feb. 3 inside Madison Ice Are- boys swimming finished WIAA Division 1 section- in-state games this year, fell one goal na but settled for a 3-3 tie against Big fourth at the Big Eight Con- shy to second-seeded Madison Edge- Eight rival Madison Memorial. ference meet. al meet. wood (16-4-2) in the first game of the Baker gave the Wildcats their third The Wildcats had 26 sea- season. The Wildcats split with Sun lead of the game five minutes into the son-best times out of a pos- Prairie (18-4-1) to win their second third period for a 3-2 lead only to see sible 34 individual swims rounded out the top three straight Big Eight title. the host Spartans answer two-and-a- and five out of six best times with 514 points as senior Verona beat fourth-seeded Madison half minutes later, thanks to a Parker in relays at Beloit Memorial Michael Draves won the 200 West (15-6-2) and sixth-seeded Middle- Lindauer even-strength goal. Photo by Jeremy Jones High School natatorium. free in 1:45.03 and the 500 ton (10-11-1) twice, and then defeated The game opened with three-straight Sophomore Cale Rufenacht (center) “We had a couple of boys free in 4:50.21. Madison Memorial (11-8-3) once and power play goals, including a first-pe- celebrates his second power-play goal swimming at less than 100 Rozeboom won the 50 tied the Spartans. riod goal by Leo Renlund and a sec- 20 seconds after his first in the third period Jan. 26 against Madison West. percent health, or it would freestyle by eight-hundredths Verona 4, Janesville 1 ond-period score by Mack Keryluk. have been higher,” said of a second over Madison Jack Faulkner had a first-period goal Verona won the Big Eight Conference coach Bill Wuerger, whose Memorial senior Roark Lun- The Wildcats officially wrapped up midway through the first period for the game 7-4. team placed fourth with 208 dal in 21.84. Rozeboom add- their second straight conference title Spartans. Madison Memorial tied the points. “It’s been a tough ed a second-place finish in Feb. 1 with a 4-1 victory over the Blue- game, 2-2, with a little more than four Kaegi stopped 17 shots on goal in the season with the flu going the 100 free, finishing 1.76 birds co-op inside the Janesville Ice minutes remaining in the second period. tie, while Wes Turner turned away 30 of around, keeping everyone behind Madison West senior Arena. Verona senior goaltender Garhett 33 shots on goal by the Wildcats. healthy.” Lain Weaver in 47.98. Madison West, ranked Ritter took third place in atop the Wisconsin Inter- the diving competition held Girls basketball scholastic Swim Coach Friday night in Middleton Association’s Division 1 with 364.6 points. Madison Verona finishes 3-3 last month, falls to 8-7 in Big Eight Conference state poll all season, posted Memorial senior Sam Smith 597 points to win the meet. recorded 451.75 points for ANTHONY IOZZO second half, we really picked tallest, and we are underrated points, was quiet for much of The Regents won the 200 first place. Assistant sports editor up our communication,” Bre for that reason because we are the game until coming alive medley (1:34.02) and 400 Junior Aidan Upde- Penn said. “And staying quick so quick and work on funda- in the last five-and-a-half free relays (3:10.27) and grove was seventh in the Creating turnovers and on our feet and keeping our mentals,” Bre Penn said. minutes. Verona trailed 40-30 earned a pair of individual 200 (1:50.43) and 500 free scoring in transition helped hands up really helped with when Bainbridge drained a titles from senior Lain Weav- (5:00.31). the Verona girls basketball the steals and getting good Middleton 45, 3-pointer and later added a er in the 200 IM (1:56.83) Senior Kaleb McMil- team take a lead into halftime looks in transition.” Verona 42 steal and a layup to cut the and the 100 free (46.22). lan made his end-of-season Jan. 26 and eventually pull Bre Penn found Bainbridge deficit to 40-35. Junior Wes Jekel added gold goal time in two events, on inside, and Mueller followed Free throws continued to After senior forward Syd- away for a 59-35 win at Mad- haunt the Wildcats this season, in the 100 backstroke with a the 200 IM and the 100 free ison West. with a couple of free throws. ney Rae scored inside, Bain- 50.96 and junior Henry Mill- from his split on the 400 free Bainbridge, who had 22 as the girls finished 9-for-19 at bridge nailed a rainbow The Wildcats (8-11 overall, the line Feb. 1 in a 45-42 loss er led a 1-2-3-4 finish by the relay. 8-7 Big Eight) started the sec- points, capped her night with 3-pointer from the right wing Regents in the 100 breast Senior Torbin Kittleson a 3-pointer, and Bre Penn at Big Eight rival Middleton. to cut the deficit to 43-40 with ond half on a 16-6 run. Senior Bainbridge and Briggs were with a 58.5. (1:05.68) and sophomore Ian guard Chandler Bainbridge capped her performance with 1:35 to go. Third-ranked Madison Grossenbacher-McGlamery a steal and a layup to make it each 4-for-4 from the line. The Bainbridge earned anoth- led off the run with a steal and rest of the team was 1-for-11. Memorial finished 55 points both made their end-of-sea- a layup, and junior guard Bre 55-34. er steal with less than a min- back of the Regents with 542 son goal times in the 100 Briggs scored inside again “We are leaving so many ute to go but just missed the Penn later scored inside after points at the free-throw line points. breaststroke. a steal by junior guard Rayna before the starters went to the layup. She later hit two free Senior Alex Wowk led Kittleson joined Roze- bench. She and Bre Penn each this year, that it is just beyond throws on a 1-and-1 foul to Briggs, making it 38-22 Vero- frustrating,” coach Angie a 1-2 finish by the Sparans boom and Updegrove and na. had 10 points. Mueller fin- get the Wildcats within a point in the 100 butterfly with a senior Ryan Stewart to ished with seven. Murphy said. “The kids work of the Cardinals, but a missed Senior forward Josie Muel- hard and then they don’t 51.37. Memorial also won help the Wildcats finish ler later made a spin move Bre Penn said that the Wild- 3-pointer with three seconds the 200 free relay (1:27.46). sixth in the 200 free relay cats wanted to work better as a reward themselves. They are left sealed Verona’s fate. inside for a basket, and Bain- called free throws for a rea- Fifth-ranked Middleton (1:30.75). bridge added two more bas- team to get ready for a tougher “I think we worked hard, part of the schedule down the son. Nine-for-19 is not going but that is just one of those kets inside to build a 44-25 to beat a good team.” lead. stretch – with games against things where you have to hit Middleton (10-6, 8-4), Mad- There was still a lot of dra- the free throws,” Murphy “In the first half, we didn’t ma at the end of the game really communicate and it ison La Follette (10-7, 6-7), said. “We are definitely get- Madison East (12-4, 10-2) and despite the missed opportu- ting better as the year goes on, Want to kind of showed because we nities at the charity stripe, weren’t up by as much as we Sun Prairie (14-1, 11-0). but free throws have been our “It is obvious we are not the though. Achilles’ heel.” play should have been, but in the Bainbridge, who had 19

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• Pre-Season Clinic - April 8 Where: Verona Area High School Gym When: 8:30-1:00 (assigned 2-hour age blocks) Cost: $30 Advance/$40 Day • Skill Evaluation - April 15 2018REGISTRATION Where: Verona Area High School Gym When: 8:30-3:30 (assigned 2-hour age blocks) STARTS FEBRUARY 1ST Visit our website Verona Little League (VLL) registrationopens February 1st and for more information and to access closes on February 28th. The VLL newsletter is available on the website. registration materials: Visit veronalittleleague.org for more information WWW.VAGSA.ORG adno=558112-01 adno=558776-01 ConnectFitchburg.com Oregon High School February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 15 Boys swimming Lohmeier brings home three medals JEREMY JONES Sports editor

Oregon senior Josh Lohmeier medaled in three of four swims at his second Badger South Conference meet Feb. 3 at Fort Atkin- son High School, and only a record-setting perfor- mance in the 200-yard free- style topped his season-best Photo by Anthony Iozzo swim. Junior guard Jenna Statz fights for possession with Edge- Though the Panthers wood senior guard Caitlin Link in the second half on Jan. finished last, they got 30. Statz finished with 11 points in a 55-49 win. strong performances from Lohmeier and their 200 medley and 200 free relay Clutch free throws lead squads, which were third place and fifth, respectively. Juniors Sam Rohloff, Col- to win over Edgewood lin Braatz and Henry Wie- ANTHONY IOZZO at halftime and kept the demann also made it to the Assistant sports editor pressure on early in the podium for the Panthers. Photo by Jeremy Jones Senior Josh Lohmeier finished second in the 100-yard butterfly Feb. 3 at the Badger South second half. Three-time state cham- Conference meet with a time of 57.02 seconds. Lohmeier added medals on the 200 medley Oregon girls basketball McCorkle scored on a pion Monona Grove won relay and in the 200 free. is back to .500 in the Bad- putback, and sophomore eight of 11 events to easily ger South Conference. guard Liz Uhl found junior win another title with 491 The Panthers (13-7 over- guard Sydona Roberts for points. Defending state “You have to give props behind Monona Grove points. all, 6-6 conference) staved another basket in the paint champion Ben McDade to Blake for stepping up,” in the 200 medley relay The Panthers finished last off a late rally Jan. 30 at to make it 31-20 Oregon. won titles with conference coach Rachel Walsh said. (1:42.09). The Silver Eagles out of the eight teams com- Madison Edgewood and But Edgewood senior records in the 200 and 500 Oregon opened the meet team of senior Eric Storms, peting with 224 points. held on for a 55-49 win. guard Caitlin Link began free and was part of a con- with a slightly surprising Bronz Geissler and Shane Rohloff took fifth place Sophomore guards Kait- to single-handedly get ference-record 400 free third-place finish on the 200 Sackett and junior Josh in the 100 breaststroke with lyn Schrimpf and Izzie the Crusaders back in the relay. medley relay. Although the Douberly helped the Sil- a time of 1:09.1. Braatz Peterson finished 7 for 8 at game. Link had a steal McDade’s pool-record Panther relay has posted ver Eagles sweep all three reached the podium of the the free-throw line in the and a layup and later add- and conference-record 1 one of top five fastest Divi- relays with a pool record 50 free with a fifth-place final minute with Oregon ed a couple of jumpers to minute, 43.29 seconds in sion 2 times in the state this time of 1:40.08 to start the 23.82 and the 100 free, leading 48-47. cut the Panthers’ lead to the 200 free left Lohmeier year, that was with senior meet. where his 53.03 was good “We came in thinking 33-28. second in 1:52.77. Ian Charles who sat out this The Silver Eagles won for seventh place. it was going to be a tough Link’s next shot was a “I was really happy with second straight meet for the conference title by Junior Kaden Seelig- game,” Schrimpf said. “All 3-pointer with less than my finish, dropping a cou- academic reasons. sweeping the relays and er, Rohloff, Braatz and we had to do was take care nine minutes left to cut the ple of seconds and moving Lohmeier said the relay’s picking up titles in the 200 Lohmeier touched the wall of the ball, stay smart and Panthers’ lead to 37-35. up from being seeded fifth,” time of 1:48.87 was good free, 50 free, 100 butterfly, in fifth place on the 200 free not force anything stupid. However, Edgewood Lohmeier said. “I saw the motivation after feeling 100 free and 500 free. relay (1:37.64). I am really happy with couldn’t capitalize on sev- second place on the score- down about possibly losing Stoughton finished sec- Wiedemann earned the how we ended up finishing eral offensive rebounds, board and heard all the Charles for the rest of the ond behind junior Con- final podium spot on the strong.” including three straight Oregon parents scream- season ner Clark, who earned the 500 free in 5:57.97. Ander- Edgewood freshman in one possession and ing. That was a really cool “Even without Ian, we’re Vikings’ lone individual son just missed the podi- guard Sydney Olson hit four straight in anoth- moment.” looking at a really good medal and was part of a um, taking ninth place in back-to-back 3-point- er. McCorkle and Uhl It was a similar result in time,” Lohmeier added. “It quartet that brought home 1:08.72 of the 100 back- ers to tie the game 47-47 combined for six straight the 100 butterfly, where was good to see we can still another on the 400 free- stroke. with 2:10 left, but Ore- points to build Oregon’s only Monona Grove senior do a lot without him, but it style. The Vikings posted a “Overall, I would say gon senior forward Ellen lead to 43-35. Eric Storms bested Lohmei- would be great to see what program-best 320 points. we had a lot of season-best McCorkle answered by Junior guard Jenna Statz er’s time of 57.02. we can do with him, as Edgewood, ranked sec- times,” coach Rachel Walsh hitting one of two free had nine of her 11 points The medley relay we’re seniors and it could ond behind the Silver said. “If they didn’t have a throws to make it 48-47. in the first half, and Uhl Lohmeier swam the third be our last meet.” Eagles on the Wisconsin best time, they were right McCorkle led Oregon chipped in eight points. leg on was only two sec- Sophomore Blake Ander- Interscholastic Swim Coach on their best time. I saw a with 16 points and 10 Uhl also added four onds off its season-best son, Rohloff, Braatz and Association’s Division 2 lot of improvement from rebounds. assists, and Schrimpf had time despite the absence of Lohmeier finished a little state poll, won three events everyone.” The Panthers led 27-17 three. senior Ian Charles. less than eight nine seconds and finished third with 307

Boys basketball Panthers knock off Edgewood, Milton Winter is the ANTHONY IOZZO Assistant sports editor newSpring Oregon boys basketball rolled Madison Edgewood 57-31 on Feb. 3 to get back to .500 in the Badger South Conference. It’s never too early to The Panthers (8-10 overall, 5-5 Badger South) led by as many as 28 points in the sec- pre-qualify for a planned ond half and went on a 31-6 Photo by Anthony Iozzo run from midway through Junior guard Nolan Look attempts to drive past Beaver Dam home purchase. the first half until midway senior Sam Wilke Saturday in the Badger Challenge. The through the second half. Panthers lost 54-33. Senior forward DeAndre Burrell started the run with a putback, and junior forward Look knocked down a layup lead. Carter Erickson followed following a Burrell steal Junior guard Ethan Victor- with a 3-pointer. and long pass. Look made it son banked in a layup, and Junior guard Nolan Look 48-20 with a 3-point play. Look followed with a basket then knocked down a shot Erik Victorson had 16 for a 23-12 lead. Call Howard inside and later connected on points, and Look finished Ethan Victorson added a a 3-pointer to make it 31-14 with 11. Erickson chipped in 3-point play, and his brother to discuss your Oregon. 10, and Burrell added eight. Erik scored inside to make it Fu ture Home Senior forward Brandon 28-12. Blanke started the second half Oregon 52, Milton 29 Erickson later knocked with a 3-pointer from a kick- Oregon hosted Milton on down a 3-pointer, and Burrell Howard Cagle NMLS#593729 had a traditional 3-point play out by Look, and freshman Jan. 23 and won 52-29. [email protected] guard Erik Victorson nailed The Panthers led 18-7 at to make it 37-20. two 3-pointers at the top of halftime, but the Red Hawks Ethan Victorson finished CapitolBank.com/mortgages adno=556695-01 the key to make it 40-20 Pan- scored five straight points to with 14 points, and Erik Vic- thers. start the second half. torson had 11. Burrell add- Senior guard Jack Weiland Oregon answered with a ed 10 points, and Erickson followed with a jumper, and 10-0 run to build a 16-point chipped in five. CapitolBank.com/mortgages |108 E. Verona Avenue |608.845.0108|Member FDIC ConnectFitchburg.com 16 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Conference: Grim adds a fifth-place medal West wrestling Continued from page 13 Cooper, Yang finish raised on, but we had high- er goals than what we got,” co-coach Jason Ott said. “We weren’t ecstatic second at Big Eight meet overall. It wasn’t the best we wrestled all year, and ANTHONY IOZZO there are obviously a lot of Assistant sports editor things to work on going into If You Go regionals.” Seniors Robert Cooper (120 pounds) and Paxton Yang (113) led Madison What: WIAA Division 1 Middleton One of the higher goals regional was to get a few confer- West wrestling with runner-up finishes ence champions, and Herbst on Feb. 3 at the Big Eight Conference When: 10 a.m. was the top seed in the sev- meet at Madison La Follette. Where: Middleton High School en-man 120-pound brack- Juniors Juan Avila (195) and Harrison et. Herbst nearly made the Schreiber (160) also medaled, taking finals against Janesville fourth place. Craig’s Juan Armas, leading Cooper defeated Janesville Craig’s Schreiber won a 20-3 technical fall by a few points with control Joey Bellomo 6-0 to make the 120-pound over Janesville Parker’s Anthony Tobi- as time was expiring in the final, but he dropped that match 6-1 to as in the consolation semifinals at 160, third period. La Follette’s Kyle Smith. but he dropped a 17-8 major decision to However, Herbst was Yang pinned Sun Prairie’s Richard Middleton’s Remington Lockwood in caught in an awkward spot, Quintana in 3 minutes, 14 seconds in his the third-place match. rolled on his back and semifinal, but he dropped the 113-pound Freshman Daniel Brown (132) and allowed a defensive pin in 5 final by pin in 5:47 to Janesville Craig’s sophomore Joe Harris (138) both fin- minutes, 59 seconds. Mayson Maclennan. ished sixth, one spot from a medal, Avila had two pins in the consolation and senior Jackson Mozena (182) took “He knew when he came Photo by Mary Langenfeld off the mat that he put him- bracket to make the third-place match at eighth. Verona junior Nathan Feller wins a match against Beloit The regional is up next in Middleton self into that position,” Ott Memorial’s Marco Olivares on Feb. 3 at the Big Eight Con- 195, but he dropped an 11-2 major deci- said. “It was more a mental ference Wrestling Tournament at Madison La Follette High sion to Sun Prairie’s Alex Haug. Avila with Waunakee, Sauk Prairie, Middle- mistake than the other kid School. Feller took the match in a fall in 54 seconds and also lost to Haug in the quarterfinals. ton, Madison Memorial, Madison La doing anything special, so it ended up finishing third in the meet. Follette and Madison East is easier to fix.” Herbst came back with 17-2 technical fall over Middleton’s Calvin Srem, If You Go Big Eight West swim: Big Eight champs aim for state and he later won a 10-2 major decision over Sun What: WIAA Division 1 champs Continued from page 13 Prairie’s Juan Jimenez in Middleton regional Big 8 Conference champions the third-place match. When: 10 a.m. 106: Guillermo Tellez (Madison Memorial) points. Waukesha South/ “Overall, (Herbst) wres- Where: Middleton High Diving: Sam Smith, sr., Madison Memorial, 451.75 tled a little bit more aggres- 113: Mayson Maclennan Catholic Memorial won School the won the title with 246, 200 medley relay: Jekel, Miller, Weaver, Feller, Madison sive than he has, and that (Janesville Craig) West, 1:34.02 is a good sign going into followed by Madison 120: Edward Pazdziora Memorial (216), Eau Claire 200 free: Michael Draves, sr., Middleton, 1:45.03 regionals,” Ott said. sophomores Nick Heinzen (Madison La Follette) Feller lost his semifi- Memorial/North (189) and 200 IM: Lain Weaver, sr., Madison West, 1:56.83 (138) and Nick Grassman 126: Kyle Smith (La Brookfield Central/East nals match to the top seed, (170) and freshman Ben 50 free: Shane Rozeboom, jr., Verona, 21.84 Janesville Craig’s Nate Follette) (176). Grandau (126) in eight-man 100 butterfly: Alex Wowk, sr., Madison Memorial, 51.37 Ellis. Ellis, who came in brackets. 132: Nate Ellis (Janesville Other champions ranked 12th, pinned Feller Grandau pinned Sun Prai- Craig) 100 free: Lain Weaver, sr., Madison West, 46.22 in 59 seconds. The defending state rie’s Charlie Wagner in 1:30 138: Ethan Smith (Janes- champion, Madison Memo- 500 free: Michael Draves, sr., Middleton, 4:50.21 Feller bounced back with to win his seventh-place ville Craig) a pin over Beloit Memori- rial senior Alex Wowk, won 200 free relay: Gonring, Barth, W. Wowk, Lundal, Madi- match, and Heinzen won 145: Drew Scharenbrock the 100 butterfly at confer- son Memorial, 1:27.46 al’s Marco Olivares in 54 an 8-3 decision over Janes- seconds and a pin over Mid- (Sun Prairie) ence in 51.37. Fellow Spar- 100 backstroke: Wes Jekel, jr., Madison West, 50.96 ville Parker’s Daniel Cur- tan senior Sam Smith added dleton’s Hernan Carranza tis in his. Grassman won 152: Kevin Meicher (Mid- 100 breaststroke: Henry Miller, jr., Madison West, 58.50 in 2:44 in the third-place dleton) the conference diving title his seventh-place match by Friday with 451.75 points, 400 free relay: Fernandez, Jekel, Casey, Weaver, Madison match. injury default over Madison 160: Dylan Lawinger (La Ott said it was the best and the Memorial 200 free West, 3:10.27 Memorial’s Tristin Bird. Follette) relay team of juniors Noan Feller has looked all year. Sophomore Chris Garcia “Hopefully, he can con- 170: Jacob Hendrix (La Gonring and Josh Barth, (145) was eighth in a nine- senior Roark Lundal and tinue to wrestle well like he Follette) the 200 free (1:45.03) and staked the claim as the man bracket. Garcia pinned Will Wowk in 1:27.46. did on Saturday,” he said. 182: Brendan Shannon the 500 free (4:50.21). conference’s fastest sprint- Madison East’s Trevor Starr Middleton senior Grim was 2-2 on the day. (Sun Prairie) Verona Area/Mount Horeb er, winning the 50 free in in 2:45 to make the sev- Michael Draves claimed He pinned Janesville Park- junior Shane Rozeboom 21.84. enth-place match, but he 195: Linzell Burks (Beloit both distance events, taking er’s Anthony Tobias in 4:59 dropped a 10-8 decision to Memorial) in his fifth-place match. Beloit Memorial’s Domi- Ott said he has shown nick Lindley. 220: Mason Smith (Sun improvement in each match Janesville Craig won the Prairie) and that he is still not hitting Big Eight meet title with HW: Keeanu Benton OHS wrestling: Regionals up next his peak. 228 points. Sun Prairie (Janesville Craig) Junior Zakh Kalifatidi (221) and Middleton (220) Continued from page 13 (152) took sixth in an eight- took second and third. man bracket, and seniors in the top three to have a If You Go Lance Randall (182) and Looking ahead better chance to advance first period. past sectionals. Lankey scored a reversal and a two-point What: WIAA Division 1 Sun Prairie Wyatt Breitnauer (195) also Verona now heads to a regional took sixth, but in nine-man For example, a third-place near fall to go up 4-2, and he added a take- different WIAA Division 1 finisher from the Middle- When: 9:30 a.m. Saturday brackets. regional than in years past, down and two 2-point near falls in the third. Kalifatidi lost 11-6 to ton regional would open “I think I could have beaten (Lankey) and Where: Sun Prairie High School in Middleton. sectionals against the sec- Madison East’s Collin It includes Middleton, kind of got down on myself,” Mellum said. Waech in his fifth-place ond-place finisher at the “I just didn’t perform well after I got down. Madison Memorial, Mad- Baraboo regional, while the match, and Randall was ison West, Madison East, Now I just have to get ready for next week.” pinned by Janesville Craig’s fourth-place finisher would Mellum said that he knows whom he can Madison La Follette and take on the Baraboo region- Mitchell Schumann in 5:27 D1 honorable mentions and beat and what he needs to do now to try and Badger Conference in his. Breitnauer lost a al champion. move on in the WIAA postseason. co-Badger North champions That is important because close 9-7 decision to Madi- Waunakee and Sauk Prairie. “I know I am up there, and I know I can champs son Memorial’s CJ Green in the first round at sectionals make it to state,” Mellum said. “I just have Ott said every wrestler is an elimination round. 106: Sam Lorenz (Waunakee) his fifth-place match. has a chance at a top-four to perform.” The Wildcats also Ott said Randall (182), Junior Jade Durmaj was the only other 113: Zeke Smith (Sauk Prairie) finish to move on to section- Herbst (120), Kalifatidi – had seventh places by als, but the goal is to finish Panther to make a place match. Durmaj had 120: Hunter Lewis (Stoughton) who is moving back to 145 a bye in the first round and had tough oppo- – and Grim (160) all have a nents throughout the day at 113 pounds. 126: Mason McMillen (Reedsburg) realistic chance to finish in She lost to second-ranked Sauk Prairie 132: Draven Sigmund (Fort Atkinson) the top three. senior Zeke Smith, to Stoughton sophomore 138: Gavin Model (Stoughton) Tina’s Home Sophomore Caden Page Nathan Rein and by fall in the seventh-place will also be back in the match to Portage’s Spencer Adams. 145: Nico Roscioli (Fort Atkinson) Cleaning, LLC lineup at 152, and Ott said Senior Connor Brickley was 1-2 at 132 152: Austin Rauls (DeForest) Grandau (126) will also pounds and just missed the place matches. 160: Tyler Dow (Stoughton) Specializing in Residential Cleaning have a shot to sneak up on Sophomore Nate Hall was also 1-2 at 195 Insured • 17 Years Experience some opponents. pounds and was two wins away from a 170: Sam Kind (Monroe) “It is going to be a fun place match. 182: Dempzy Foley (Monroe) Reliable • Free Estimates weekend, and I definite- Senior Collin Legler (138), junior Faith 195: Stephen Maule (Watertown) ly think we have our best Trinidad (106) and sophomore Samuel 608-513-3638 wrestling to do still,” Ott Crigger (152) also competed at conference 220: Max Olinger (Mount Horeb) [email protected] said. “Hopefully, it will but all finished 0-2 on the day. HW: Alan Olkowski (Waunakee) adno=558101-01 come this weekend.” ConnectFitchburg.com Madison West/Madison Edgewood February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 17 Edgewood boys swimming West boys hockey

Photo by Evan Halpop Sophomore forward Marcus Mack scored a goal in the 7-4 loss to Verona on Jan. 26 at the Eagles Nest Ice Arena. The Regents finished third in the Big Eight and earned a No. 4 seed in the WIAA playoffs.

Photo by Jeremy Jones Sophomore Truman teDuits dominated the Badger South Conference 200 IM by more Regents earn No. 4 seed than six seconds to win in 1 minute, 58.41 seconds. He added the 100 breaststroke title in 1:00.75. Edgewood finished third. ANTHONY IOZZO concussion protocol, and finished with 28 Assistant sports editor saves. Verona 7, West 4 Crusaders finish third at conference Madison West boys hockey earned a No. 4 seed in the WIAA division 1 sec- The Regents were still without Buen- JEREMY JONES champion Monona Grove Vikings had never finished tional 6 bracket after a 16-6-2 season, camino in a 7-4 loss at Verona on Jan. 26. ​Sports editor won eight of 11 events to higher than fourth at con- including a 10-4 third-place finish in the Buencamino was in the concussion pro- easily win another title with ference. Big Eight Conference. tocol, and Hedican was once again called The Madison Edge- 491 points. Edgewood sophomore Verona (17-3-3, 12-1-1), which won the upon. wood boys swimming team The Silver Eagles swept sprinter Nate Frucht took Big Eight title, earned the top seed, and The Wildcats jumped ahead 3-0 early, medaled in six of 11 events the relays and picked up second place in the 500 Badger South champion Madison Edge- but the Regents cut the deficit to one in Saturday, Feb. 3, at the titles in the 200 free, 50 free with a time of 4:59.47 wood (16-4-2, 11-0) is No. 2. the second period with goals by junior Badger South Conference free, 100 butterfly, 100 and earned the final medal Sun Prairie (18-4-1, 11-3) took second forward Drake Baldwin and senior for- swimming meet in Fort free and 500 free. Defend- in the 50 free, touching the in the Big Eight and is the No. 3 seed, and ward Sam Loving. Atkinson. ing state champion Ben wall third in 22.63. Madison Memorial (12-8-3, 7-6-1) took Verona kept coming in the third, how- The performance was McDade won titles with The Crusaders’ 200 med- fourth behind the Regents and is No. 5. ever, scoring four times. enough to help the Crusad- conference records in the ley relay of sophomore West will take on the Spartans in the “We all underestimated Verona and ers finish third with 307 200 and 500 free. He was Alex Moen, juniors Tommy regional final at 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, should have come out with a little more points. also part of a conference Beyer and Sean O’Conner at Madison Ice Arena. fire,” Hedican said. Sophomores Truman teD- record 400 free relay. and teDuits finished second The Regents swept Madison Memorial Sophomore forward Marcus Mack and uits and Alex Moen out- Edgewood was ranked to MG’s record-setting time in all three contests this season, including senior defender Dean Fuhrmann both tal- touched the competition in second to Monona Grove of 1:40.08 with a 1:42.09. an overtime shootout to claim the Cul- lied goals in the third for West. the 200-yard IM and 100 on the Wisconsin Interscho- Freshman Chase Korb ver’s Cup and a 6-0 win on Jan. 20. Hedican finished with 18 saves. backstroke for the Crusad- lastic Swim Coaches Asso- missed a medal but made West finished 6-2 last month with other ers. ciation’s Division 2 state the podium (top 8), taking wins over Oregon, Beloit Memorial, the Middleton 3, West 2 OT teDuits dominated the poll, but Stoughton found a fourth place in the 200 IM Madison Lakers twice and nonconference The Regents lost 3-2 on Feb. 3 to Big 200 IM by more than six way to leapfrog the Crusad- (2:19.15). KMMO. Eight rival Middleton in overtime at Mad- second to win in 1 minute, ers at conference. Moen and Beyer also The losses came to Middleton in over- ison Ice Arena. 58.41 seconds. He added The Vikings finished a reached the podium (top time and to conference champion Verona. Senior forward Colin Pulkrabek scored the 100 breaststroke title in program-best second-place eight), finishing fifth and in the third to tie the Cardinals 2-2, but 1:00.75. finish with 320 points sixth in the 200 free. Beyer West 6, Madison Memorial 0 Middleton’s Jake Feldt ended the game Moen posted close to a behind junior Conner added a sixth-place finish in Baldwin had a hat trick, and Pulrabek with an overtime goal 5 minutes, 42 sec- two-second lead over the Clark, who earned Stough- the 100 free (52.58). added two goals in a 6-0 win over Madi- onds into the extra period. rest of the field in the 100 ton’s lone individual medal Junior Sean O’Conner, son Memorial on Jan. 20. Buencamino had 22 saves. backstroke, claiming the and was part of a quartet senior Jacob Darien, Korb Devin Huie also scored, and freshman title with a 53.83. that brought home another and Frucht were fourth in goalie Ian Hedican filled in for senior -Evan Halpop contributed to this story Three-time state on the 400 freestyle. The the 200 free relay (1:37.08). goalie Adam Buencamino, who was in the

Edgewood girls basketball West girls basketball Crusaders win twice to bounce back after tough stretch Regents earn season sweep over Beloit ANTHONY IOZZO Oregon 55, Edgewood 49 ANTHONY IOZZO Assistant sports editor Assistant sports editor Link once again led Edge- Madison Edgewood girls wood with 27 points, but Madison West girls basketball (14-6 overall, Oregon knocked down clutch basketball hasn’t fared 8-4 Badger South) took free throws at the end of the well against the rest care of business against game as the Crusaders fell of the Big Eight, but Fort Atkinson and Milton 55-49 on Jan. 30. the Regents finished to stay in the race for sec- Edgewood clawed back the season sweep over ond place in the confer- from a 27-17 halftime deficit Beloit Memorial on Jan. ence. but couldn’t stop the Panthers 12. The Crusaders have enough down the stretch. West (4-14 overall, games against Monroe (15- Edgewood 70, 2-13 Big Eight) knocked 1, 12-0) and Monona Grove off Beloit 75-62. (11-9, 5-7) are a game Fort Atkinson 39 Senior forward Kate behind Stoughton with Carlson went off for 32 The Crusaders bounced points, and senior guard WIAA D3 playoff seeds back with a 70-39 win over coming out next week. Serenity Jackson added Fort Atkinson on Feb. 2. 12. Monroe has already Link had 18 points, and clinched the Badger South Carlson has 314 Photo by Anthony Iozzo freshman forward Sarah points this season and is title. Lazar chipped in eight. Senior forward Kate Carlson gets second in the Big Eight a block against Verona’s Sydney Stoughton 51, Edgewood 67, Milton 51 with 18.5 points per Rae on Jan. 26. Carlson had 23 game. Edgewood 44 Edgewood won its second points in a 59-35 loss. Senior guard Caitlin Link straight game Feb. 6, knock- Verona 59, West 35 dropped 32 points on Jan. ing off Milton 67-51. Carlson had 14 of her 23 points in the first half and no 26, but it wasn’t enough in Link had 20 points. other Regent had more than four points in a 59-35 loss to a 51-44 loss to Stoughton. Junior guard Madison Verona on Jan. 26. Edgewood led 24-23 at Moore and freshman for- halftime, but the Vikings ward Baluck Deang added Photo by Anthony Iozzo Madison East 68, West 48 11 and 10 points, respec- Senior guard Caitlin Link drives past three Oregon defend- outscored the Crusaders Carlson and junior forward Gabby Durcker combined 28-20 in the second half. tively. ers on Jan. 30 to score on a layup at Edgewood High School. Link finished with 27 points in a 55-49 loss. for 25 points in a 68-48 loss to Madison East on Feb. 3. ConnectFitchburg.com 18 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star City of Fitchburg Density debate Neighbors call Stoner housing plan ‘bait-and-switch’ ALEXANDER CRAMER consisting of the neighborhood, devel- Unified Newspaper Group opers, policy makers,” Thompson said. “There is a process we go through. The Photo courtesy Tom Clauder About 100 Fitchburg residents outcomes aren’t always what people Tom Clauder, a Fitchburg alder and retired police officer, braved the forecast ice storm to come like, but there is a designated process.” wore this badge during his security work at the Super Bowl to the community center on Jan. 11, At the same meeting, Ald. Tom in Minnesota. many of whom complained about Clauder (D-4) had strong words to already-approved changes to a neigh- describe the feelings of neighbors. borhood plan they weren’t aware of. “I’ve used trust ever since I was in The North Stoner Prairie neigh- politics in the city of Fitchburg,” said Fitchburg borhood plan was added to the city’s Clauder, who voted for the comprehen- comprehensive plan in 2013 after sive plan switch in August. “The trust extensive public input and amended kicked us right in the face, because that last year to accommodate a proposal to was not supposed to be high density.” add a church. But many people living The site in question is bound by in the area were surprised to learn the Lacy Road to the south, McKee Road goes to the change had even been proposed, much Map courtesy City of Fitchburg to the north, and Seminole Highway to less approved, and they complained at The proposed high-density develop- the west. The proposed location of the the Jan. 11 meeting about the resulting ment would fall on the pacel labeled apartment complex is just north of the switch from medium-density housing “10” in the above map. Construction old Dunn farm, which had an iconic along the Seminole Highway corridor for Blackhawk Church has already stone barn torn down this summer. to high-density housing on part of it. begun on the parcel just to the north of “At the time of the (comprehensive Super Bowl The meeting was one of the many it, labeled “6A.” plan) change, I still had no idea what listening sessions developer Chris this project would look like,” Ehlers Ehlers said he plans to hold with neigh- proposal. said. “I just knew that I would need Alder Clauder probably triple what it is for bors during the pre-application stage of “In the original approved design, that density that transferred over from UW.” having the site’s zoning changed so he which many of us worked on for three the church site.” works security in After the tailgate was can put a 192-unit apartment complex years, there was to be no high-density About an hour into the meeting, an over, Clauder and others along the road. He also presented his housing, just single-family with some elderly resident got up and said the Minneapolis working there were bused proposal to the Plan Commission Jan. low- to mid-density condos and town- neighbors made it clear in the origi- to U.S. Bank Stadium for 17, where he was told to keep working houses in the extreme southwest area nal planning process they didn’t want SCOTT GIRARD the game, a 41-33 victory with neighborhood representatives. near the intersection of Lacy and Semi- high-density housing. She said the Unified Newspaper Group for the Eagles he estimated The change was a result of a deal nole,” Lundberg wrote in the email. change was made in secret and against he saw “about half of” as worked out last May between Mayor Some residents called the proposal a their wishes. Tom Clauder’s “team he was moving around the Jason Gonzalez and Ehlers, city plan- “bait-and-switch” by Ehlers. When Ehlers asked why the resi- bus” had a bit longer drive stadium. He couldn’t recall ner Thomas Hovel said. Colleen Chase, treasurer of the Lacy dents were against high-density, more than either the Philadelphia any major incidents and said Ehlers told the group the sale of Heights neighborhood association, told than five people began speaking at Eagles or New England anyone who had an issue the Dunn farm to Blackhawk Church the Star in an email that she was dis- once, all with different concerns. Patriots did on Super Bowl was “talked to” and the “sit- necessitated the density change. He appointed by the lack of transparency “People get too fixated on the word Sunday. uation was taken care of” later explained to the Star that was in the “deceptive practice” of switch- density,” he later told the Star. “I think Clauder, a District 4 alder without any ejections or fol- because turning part of that area into ing a portion of the development to they attribute it with higher traffic and retired Fitchburg police low-ups. tax-exempt property meant the taxable high-density housing. counts, overcrowding in schools and officer, joined about 50 oth- “I saw some good kidding value had to be made up elsewhere. “Apparently there has already been decrease in property values.” ers from the Madison area between Patriot fans and The comprehensive plan was amend- some agreement between the developer Ehlers addressed those issues Feb. 4 to work security at Eagles fans,” Clauder said. ed last August, and according to min- and the city, which was not conveyed to throughout the night but was unable the game in Minneapolis. He “They were gentlemen(ly) utes of that Common Council meeting, neighbors who were vocally opposed to find a response neighbors found got on the bus here at 3 a.m., with their harassment.” no one at the public hearing on the to high density housing back when this satisfactory about their feeling they and by 8, he had arrived at By the time the Eagles change registered or spoke in opposi- development was approved with differ- had been hoodwinked. He promised to the Minneapolis Convention were receiving their trophy tion to it. ent housing sizes/styles,” Chase wrote. increase communication with neigh- Center to work security for a after a dramatic victory, But many neighbors said in January At an Ag and Rural Affairs listening bors as the process continues. $1,600-a-ticket party featur- Clauder was back on the bus they had thought the debate over densi- session Jan. 22, Fitchburg planning and “I’m going to have many meetings ing team owners. on its way to Madison, arriv- ty was finished. zoning resource/project planner Wade before proceeding forward, as was “This tailgate party (was) ing around 2 a.m. Peter Lundberg, who lives along Thompson said that the change was always the plan,” Ehlers said. “Let’s like the tailgate party of all “You can do the math on Seminole Highway, sent an email to made in the regular order of business. not worry about how we got here, but parties,” Clauder said, add- how long a day that was,” he neighbors before the meeting tell- “The neighbor(hood) plan was let’s move forward and see how to do ing he saw former National said with a laugh. ing them to come hear about the new approved by the committee that was this project best.” Football League commis- He said a highlight of the sioner Pete Rozelle. event was working with law The idea to be part of the enforcement groups he had paid security team at the not worked with in the past, Super Bowl came from a including the St. Paul Police friend last year who had Department, Homeland Ag talk focuses on farmland protection seen an advertisement call- Security, the FBI, ATF, mil- itary and border patrol. working on, including State law requires updates importance of there being ing for those with security Committee holds the North Stoner Prairie every 10 years. a dialogue between the experience. Clauder recalled “It was a real honor for me to work with all these listening session at Neighborhood, but much The plan identifies goals city and the residents, asking his police officer of the other public com- for future development which was a goal for the friend, “Are you kidding?” agencies, because obvious- Doerfer farm ly I know them … but all ment focused on zoning and land use, as well as meeting when it opened. when he first heard the idea. and how the Comprehen- city resources like hous- Though the plan update After “several weeks” of of them I haven’t worked with,” he said. AMBER LEVENHAGEN sive Plan affects farmland. ing, public facilities, util- isn’t due until next year, thinking he had not gotten The committee meets ities and transportation. it’s a lengthy process, picked, the former Fitchburg He said he was especial- Unified Newspaper Group ly glad to be part of “a sit- once a month at city hall, This is done by updating requiring public hearing mayor received a phone but Ald. Tom Clauder the zoning map and iden- notices and extensive dis- call and had an interview uation where there was no What is the city doing to incident.” protect farmland? (D-4) said he wanted to tifying areas for targeted cussion among residents, and background check at get out into the communi- growth looking ahead to alders and the city staff a Madison hotel, where he “It was an experience I That was the main top- won’t forget,” he said. “It ic of discussion during a ty to give people an extra the next 10-50 years. throughout the next sever- was eventually chosen to be chance to have their voic- The process for devel- al months. part of the team. Two days was definitely an experi- listening session the Agri- ence that I saw another side culture and Rural Affairs es heard. oping farmland is com- “You need to engage of protocol training later, “The idea was to not plex. It depends on mar- the community, you need he was ready to leave for an of law enforcement and Committee held at Doerfer security that I’ve never seen Farm on Jan. 22. have meetings at City ket trends, land value and to figure out who the key event bigger than anything Hall all the time, but to an agreement between the players are, the landown- he’s worked before. before.” More than a dozen peo- ple attended the meeting, get out in the community, city, developer and land- ers, the developers, and “I can relate it to work- especially when we have owner. Wade Thompson, the next step is to plan,” ing University of Wisconsin Contact Scott Girard at including several commit- [email protected] tee members and city staff. an Ag and Rural Affairs resource and project plan- Thompson said. “Just like games,” he said. “The mag- committee in the city,” he ner for the city, said these we plan for development, nitude for this game was and follow him on Twitter A portion of the meeting @sgirard9. was dedicated to talking said. “It’s about what’s relationships are import- we need to figure out stra- about projects the city is going on in the city, it’s ant when looking ahead tegically where we want to about the farming commu- to land development and protect (agricultural) land. nity, it’s about not holding protection. It’s not going to be every secrets at City Hall.” “The best tool to pro- single acre in a city, it’s Several attendees spoke tect farmland is zoning, going to be the best land, during the meeting, say- and zoning can change,” land that’s most produc- ing they had felt left out he said. “But if there is a tive.” of city decisions regard- council that is committed ing zoning and the use to protecting land, pro- Contact Amber Levenha- of farmland during the tecting farmland, zoning is gen at amber.levenhagen@ last Comprehensive Plan your most efficient tool.” wcinet.com. update process in 2009. He emphasized the ConnectFitchburg.com February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 19 City of Fitchburg Council removes PFC Wetlands approved as parkland dedication SCOTT GIRARD at 75 percent, leaving the developer “Buying it directly is a viable Unified Newspaper Group to pay $313,950 in dedication fees. option,” Cheney said. “It is really not commissioner after absences Had they chosen to not count any of worth $65,000 per acre. But every acre PFC oversees police, director Lisa Sigurslid, who The City of Fitchburg will have the wetlands as parkland dedication, credited earns Torque that much.” staffs the commission. a new public wetland area after the developer would’ve paid $1.1 Ald. Dan Bahr (D-2) said that it fire departments Ald. Tom Clauder (Dist. approving a deal with a developer in million. was instead a chance to think “out- 4) filed the complaint about January. Ald. Tony Hartmann (Dist. 4) said side the box” in programming for SCOTT GIRARD Maldonado with the city The Common Council approved the wetland areas would be extreme- children. Unified Newspaper Group Nov. 8, with an initial plan the agreement for parkland dedica- ly valuable for education. “This is something unique to edu- for a public hearing on the tion as part of the @Edge develop- “I get that people are worried cate our kids … so they have differ- The Common Council charges at the Dec. 1 Council ment on the city’s northeast side 6-2, we’re getting swampland in Florida, ent opportunities in the city,” Bahr voted unanimously Jan. 23 meeting. That was resched- with some alders and one member of but that ain’t what this is,” Hartmann said. to remove a member of the uled to Jan. 23 after Maldo- the public questioning whether wet- said at the Jan. 23 council meeting. The @Edge development itself Police and Fire Commission. nado indicated she would be lands should be counted as parks. Ald. Aaron Richardson (D-3), one was a controversy earlier in January, Mariam Maldonado, had unable to attend that meeting, Developers building in the city are of the two “no” votes, said he wanted as it is being built on a former dump been appointed to a five-year but she then did not show up required to donate 2,900 square feet some guidelines on accepting wet- site. While many expressed concerns term in 2015. at the January meeting. per dwelling unit to parks in the city lands as park dedication if they were that development could turn up tox- The PFC is in charge of The council went into or pay a fee. going to say yes to this. ic chemicals such as asbestos, the hiring, firing and discipline closed session to discuss In the past, that dedication has “I think some credit is OK, but I developer pointed to state Depart- for the police and fire depart- its decision after Claud- usually involved green space for a wouldn’t give it full credit,” Richard- ment of Natural Resources testing ments in the city, as required er explained why he filed a more traditional park, often within a son said. and the designation of the land as a by state statutes. With at least complaint. neighborhood being developed. This City resident Patrick Cheney, who “clean” dump site. one member serving a five- “We all miss meetings,” time, developer Torque Companies attends most council meetings and The council ultimately approved year term, its structure pro- he acknowledged. “(But) proposed using a 35.7-acre proper- many committee meetings, told the the 542-unit development and creat- vides some insulation against when you miss 80 to 85 ty off of Goodland Park Road as its council he opposed the “unprece- ing a tax-increment financing agree- political corruption. percent of the meetings, I parkland dedication. dented” idea, and suggested if the ment to help fund it. Maldonado had missed 19 think action has to be taken The question for the council was city wanted the wetlands as a park it of the 28 meetings during her where an individual has to how to assess the 17.7 acres of wet- could just purchase the property for Contact Scott Girard at term so far, according to a be talked to and brought to lands on that property. much less than the $1 million differ- [email protected] and follow memo from human resources their attention.” The approval counted the acreage ence in dedication fees. him on Twitter @sgirard9.

Brecklin: Listening sessions part of new chief’s plans to strengthen community connections Continued from page 1 the Menomonie Police Help us cover crime Department, had taken his We at the Star are looking to improve our coverage of name out of consideration crime in Fitchburg. in December after the list was narrowed from 21 What do you want to see from our reporting on crime and applicants. the police department in the coming year? More small Commission vice chair updates about crimes around the community? Longer Tom Thoresen told the Star pieces on crime trends? Features about programs the that Brecklin’s “experience” department runs? and “vision for the future” Or maybe it’s all of the above. were the deciding factors Since the Star is your paper, we want to hear what you’d in the choice, adding that like to see. hiring an internal candidate provided a few benefits. Email your thoughts on what crime coverage would mat- “The biggest advantage ter to you to [email protected]. is they can hit the ground running,” Thoresen said. “Somebody who’s there whole story if we don’t lis- While that waiting is done may know the things that ten.” for the staff and Brecklin, need to be addressed first Department ‘stability’ he’s quickly had to move hand as well as they have onto how he’ll actually do established relationships One of the advantages the new job. already with people. Life is Brecklin plans to lean on, at “You spend several years Photo by Scott Girard least early on, is the experi- thinking, ‘I think I want to all about relationships.” Fitchburg Police Department Lt. Chad Brecklin, left, was announced as the new chief of Brecklin’s 19 years at the ence of those around him. do that role,’” he said. “You police Thursday night by Mayor Jason Gonzalez, right. Brecklin was chosen from the list of Deputy chief Don Bates, work hard to put yourself in department have included two finalists during a closed session meeting of the Police and Fire Commission Wednesday. stints as a bike unit neigh- who served as interim chief the position to get it, then all borhood officer, a patrol ser- conference about the rise in during the time between of a sudden, holy cow, you geant and two separate terms stolen vehicles, which totaled Blatter’s retirement and did what you set out to do. as a patrol lieutenant with Body cameras by March 67 in 2017 — well above Brecklin’s appointment has Now what?” three years supervising the the 24 in 2016. Brecklin been here for 32 years, and Brecklin pointed to the detectives unit sandwiched The Fitchburg Police Department began looking into said getting the community he is just across the hall. roles of people like Schmidt between them. That’s had acquiring body cameras in August 2016. involved will be key to stem- Brecklin also mentioned and Bates, as well as the ming that tide, as well as any administrative services man- department’s short list of him work in nearly every By the end of March 2018, every officer could have sworn officer area of the other trends that show up. ager Dana Schmidt, who has chiefs, as a point of pride building – which the depart- one on their person while on patrol. “We can’t arrest and/ worked with him on the bud- and part of what helped them or refer our way out of any get in prior years. manage the wait for a new ment just so happened to Chief Chad Brecklin told the Star that six officers began move into the same week he problem long-term, and “I really have two good chief. started, he said – other than testing the cameras in January, with a plan to continue we have to work as collab- people in place that are well- “To only have three police the deputy chief’s office and that testing for up to three more weeks. If all goes as oratively and somewhat versed in the inner-workings, chiefs in basically 45 … being a detective. planned, staff would be trained to use the cameras and creatively in this day and so to speak, of things at this years of a department’s exis- level,” he said. “We’ve got tence is rather unheard of,” “There may be days how to store footage in March with a full rollout by the age to take a multi-faceted where I wish I was at that approach to just about any really good staff across the he said. “It’s actually a good (deputy chief) position, but I end of the month. crime problem that’s happen- board. I’m just looking for- testament to the stability that hope not to go back,” he said ing,” he said. “We’re really ward to working with them tends to be provided in a lot trying to get the scope of the in a different role than I have of regards.” with a laugh. the items near the top of his He expects the coming Creating perceptions problem out there in the fore- in the past.” He’s excited to take on the list is getting feedback, both front and trying to find pre- Adjusting to that role “challenge” of being on that year to go quickly for him While being in the chief’s internal and external. ventative solutions. We can’t comes after a few months list. as he learns on the job, but office is the realization of a That’s especially import- go alone.” of stress during the hiring “By being in this role it he emphasized that building goal for Brecklin, he sug- ant in a city like Fitchburg, That includes in under- process. While he’s glad the allows me to have a great- relationships with the com- gests the most enjoyable job Brecklin said, which is “not standing what’s happening PFC took its time to make er impact on the mission munity and seeking feed- he’s had here was being part a typical 27,000-population around the city. While data the best decision rather than of the police department back from staff will be high of the bike unit. city.” is important to consider, “rush something and have and the values of the police on his priority list. Part of “That, one could say, may “We can go from a car- Brecklin pointed out that a regrets,” he acknowledged it department and can have that, he said, will be holding have been one of the best deer crash in south Fitchburg single major public incident took a toll. a positive impact in the listening sessions every few jobs in the department, at to the bank robbery and shots in a neighborhood can create “I felt for our staff, because way in which we police weeks around the city. least at the time,” he said. “I fired calls up on northern stress for residents and the chief (Thomas) Blatter had our community,” Brecklin “It’s gonna take a few still remember fondly com- Fish Hatchery Road in a mat- feeling that crime is rising announced his impending said. “That’s what I’m most months, let’s be honest, to ing to work in shorts and a ter of minutes,” he said. around them. retirement in July,” Brecklin looking forward to.” try to capture all of the feed- polo shirt and getting to ride His first week as chief “(Perception is) something said. “So you had about six back that I’d like to get,” he around. You get to connect included those calls for a we have to be willing to lis- months, that entire period of, Contact Scott Girard at said. “Then we can begin to with people a different way.” bank robbery and shots fired ten to … not just simply rely ‘Well, who’s gonna be our [email protected] prioritize where we’re going He’ll once again be con- incidents minutes and a on numbers,” he said. “They next chief of police? What and follow him on Twitter to put our time and our necting with people, but in a block apart on Fish Hatch- can tell us part of the sto- direction are they gonna take @sgirard9. resources.” different way now, as one of ery Road, as well as a press ry, but they can’t tell us the the department in?’” ConnectFitchburg.com 20 February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star Clinic: Budget for new dental clinic is $350K, looking for more funds to support mission Continued from page 1 about $350,000 each year. Although the organization to serve the over 92,000 has raised over $270,000 patients who are either on for the building, they’re Medicaid or uninsured. always in need of more To ensure affordability, it funds. The clinic is still offers a sliding-scale pay- looking for more dentists ment for the uninsured and volunteers to fill out based on their income level. more shifts. “We want to do as much “It will make a huge dif- as possible to relieve ference for so many kids,” pain and restore people’s Johnson said. “We’re thank- smiles,” Okazaki said. ful it’s happening here.” Okazaki estimated the budget for the clinic Contact Helu Wang at helu. with three patient rooms [email protected].​ and an X-ray machine is

Photo by Helu Wang Center, Michael Johnson, Boys and Girls Club of Dane County CEO, speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new dental clinic in the Allied Family Center location. RESPECT WELL-BEING FUN DEVELOPMENT SERVICE TEAMWORK OWNERSHIP WE’RE ALL EARS Account Executive Questions? Outside Sales Comments? Story Ideas? Do you have excellent communication skills? Creative ideas? The ability to develop and maintain client relationships? Let us know how we’re doing. An interest in print and web-based media? We have an established account list and an abundance of new business Your opinion is something we always want to hear. potential. If you possess excellent communication and Call 845-9559 or at connectfitchburg.com organizational skills, a pleasant personality, and the ability to prospect for new business, we would like to speak to you. Previous sales experience desired. Media experience a plus. This opportunity is with the Unified Newspaper Group (UNG) with locations in Verona , Stoughton and Oregon, Wisconsin. NOWHIRING! Benefits include competitive compensation, employeestock option ownership, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, parental Full Time NOC &PM leave, volunteer time off, and more. Health, dental, life, disability and supplement insurance is available. Continuing education Resident Assistants assistance offered for further career development. $2/HR NOCDifferential! UNG is adivision of Woodward Communications, Inc., an employee-owned organized headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. Other shifts also available. We offer afun Learn more aboutUNG on our website at unifiednewsgroup.com. working atmosphere,competitive wages, exexcellentcellent shiftshift differentialsdiffe and more! adno=557913-01 Stopo by 519 Commerce Drive adno=558705-01 in Madison or applyat To learn more about this opportunity, submit your alllsaintsneighborhood.org. application and resume today at www.wcinet.com/careers Woodward Communications, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Call 608-243-8800 foro more information!

Photo submitted Kids from the Allied Drive Boys and Girls Club have their art on display at three Madison-area U.S. Cellular locations for an art con- test through the month of February. The students created their artwork, which WE ARE HIRING! Now Hiring recognizes influential Afri- Built in Refrigeration Facility in Fitchburg can-Americans for Black His- tory Month, in January.  Production Assemblers We are a Verona, WI based company looking for New Team Members to fill various positions.  1st shif t (5 - 8’s) Monday-Friday • 2nd shift (4 - 10’s) Monday-Thursday BGC art Your expertise, knowledge and good work ethic  Starting Wage $19.04/hr, $20.04/hr after 120 days are rewarded by very competitive wages, contest insurance benefits (health, dental, vision), a Kids from the Allied EXCELLENT BENEFITS INCLUDE: generous 401K Plan and a great work environment! Drive Boys and Girls Club are taking part in a Black  90% Employer Paid Premium for Medical Insurance No experience necessary; we are always willing History Month art contest  Free Onsite Employee/Dependent UW Health Clinic to train quality people. Construction experience a this month, with artwork that can be voted on by the  100% Employer Paid Premium for Dental Insurance plus. community. The contest,  Free Onsite Employee/Spouse Fitness Center taking place at three Madi- Starting wages up to $22/hour. son-area U.S. Cellular loca-  Free Life and Disability Insurance Pay based on experience. tions including on McKee  Pension (We Pay Into Your 401k) Road in Fitchburg, will If you’re looking for a new career award a $250 gift card to  Holiday and Vacation Pay or just starting out, call or stop by today: the first-place winner, $150 APPLY ONLINE AT Zander Solutions, LLC gift card for second place 421 S. Nine Mound Road and $100 gift card for third. www.subzero-wolf.com/careers Those interested can vote adno=556417-01 Verona, WI 53593 on the artwork in the store (608) 833-6620 adno=557255-01 through Feb. 28. ConnectFitchburg.com City news February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 21 Housing task force begins City to update

we knew we had some hous- One option he mentioned Zimmerman said the group ‘Forward Fitchburg’ Group will develop ing gaps like renovation of is to leave tax-increment will look at what the city can goals, identify gaps existing older multi family, financing districts open an do to encourage redevel- Revamp of 2012 ‘City single family affordability, extra year and use that incre- opment or revitalization of Steering SCOTT GIRARD need for additional senior ment on housing initiatives, multifamily buildings as well in Motion’ ideas Unified Newspaper Group housing units,” he said. though he stressed that may as lower-cost single-family committee The group is expected to only work in some situations. homes for first-time home SCOTT GIRARD A new task force convened meet two more times, with Consultants shared “11 buyers. members for the first time Jan. 31 to the goal to have a final plan notable numbers” at the While adding that “there’s Unified Newspaper Group by May or early June. The group’s first meeting to so many things outside of • Jason Adamany, Ade- begin its work on developing A 2012 strategic devel- next meeting is planned for illustrate the challenges our control” like construction sys IT Consulting goals for housing in the City opment plan for the City of Tuesday, March 20, though and opportunities that exist, costs, labor and financing, he of Fitchburg. Fitchburg is receiving an • Julia Arata-Fratta, the agenda is still to be deter- including a .6 percent vacan- wondered, “are there some Economic development update. District 2 alder mined. cy rate, a $65,735 median things that we as a city can director Mike Zimmerman Economic development • Pam Christenson, One of the keys to process, household income, that 50 look at?” said in an email that an initia- director Mike Zimmerman MG&E Zimmerman explained, will percent of households in the tive on housing strategies has convened the first meeting be determining what fund- city are renter-occupied and Contact Scott Girard at • Mark Hamilton, UW been a desire of the city since of the “Forward Fitchburg” ing is available now and in a $324,750 average sale price [email protected] Health a November 2014 housing group Tuesday, Jan. 30, the future to reach any of the of single-family homes in and follow him on Twitter assessment was completed. with a group of city staff, • Steve Leverentz, Fitch- goals the group settles on. 2017. @sgirard9. “Based on that assessment businesspeople and Cham- burg Center ber leadership. The group is • Andy Potts, Wis. Dept. planning to update the “City of Safety and Public in Motion” plan, which out- Services lined a 10-20 year “aspira- City awards $50K in grants to 5 nonprofit organizations tional vision,” he explained SCOTT GIRARD The Latino Academy is an in an email. new website, developing Unified Newspaper Group On the web adult education, training and “We’ve made good prog- the Fitchburg Technology Grant employment program of Vera ress on a number of ini- Neighborhood, attracting Read more about the programs the Court Neighborhood Center. tiatives over the past five development to Fish Hatch- Five nonprofits received grants will fund: money from the City of recipients Building Bosses was found- years,” Zimmerman said. ery Road, growing the hos- “We want to keep the City pitality markets and ameni- Fitchburg as part of its 2017 Latino Academy of ConnectFitchburg.com ed by Fitchburg’s AJ Carr at community grant process. age 13 to teach the youth the in Motion strategies and ties and coordinating with Workforce Development: implementation plan cur- regional partners. The city split $50,000 $18,000 importance of leadership,en- among Building Bosses, the trepreneurship, and service. rent based on what has been A draft of potential initia- Latino Academy of Work- Building Bosses: $14,000 be distributed through the Breaking Barriers, which accomplished and eco- tives for the coming years force Development, Break- Breaking Barriers Men- Healthy Neighborhoods Ini- will get $11,000, teach- nomic changes that have – created by consultants for ing Barriers Mentoring, toring: $11,000 tiative. es skills “that are useful in occurred.” the project and not neces- That vision includes sarily what will be on the Trails to Success and the Trails to Success: $4,500 The Latino Academy of career paths,” such as public Oregon Youth Center. Five Workforce Development speaking and fiscal responsi- being known as a “dynamic, final list – includes ideas other organizations submit- Oregon Youth Center: received the largest grant, at blity. Trails to Success, which youthful city,” becoming a like enhancing the Verona ted applications but were not $2,500 $18,000, followed by Build- will get $4,500, is a collab- tech hub, finding a “distinct Road corridor, creating per- awarded funding, including ing Bosses at $14,000. oration among Madison’s identity” and having “mem- forming arts and cultural the Verona-based Badger Each applicant was Chavez Elementary School, orable places and (a) mobile attractions, implementing a Prairie Needs Network. through the Community and required to submit a letter of Redeemer City Church and workforce.” local food vision, support- The community devel- Economic Development interest as well as an applica- Dane County-based social “The City is young – ing diversity in entrepre- opment fund program was Authority. tion explaining how the mon- work organization Joining therefore, Fitchburg’s eco- neurship development and created as part of the 2017 The city is expected to ey would be used, and the Forces for Families. nomic development vision expanding broadband inter- budget after a conten- award another $50,000 in city’s Community and Eco- A portion of the Oregon and strategy must focus net access. tious discussion during the grants this year, though May- nomic Development Author- School District-based service on creating a stronger Zimmerman said he approval process over giv- or Jason Gonzalez did not ity reviewed the applications area of the Oregon Youth and more unified identity, expects the group to discuss ing funding directly to the include the grant money in and recommended funding Center, which got $2,500, is and on building memora- what it would like to pri- Boys and Girls Club of Dane his budget proposal. Gonza- levels to the Council. in Fitchburg. ble places,” the document oritize for initiatives at its County and BPNN. While lez also took out the funding Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta states. next meeting in mid- to late- that money was included in for BGC and BPNN, and (Dist. 2) abstained from the Contact Scott Girard at Strategic directives over March, with a final meeting the budget, alders decided to while those funds were not discussion and vote because [email protected] the last five years have in May to put together a add $50,000 to be distributed restored, alders added back of her prior associations with and follow him on Twitter included developing a final draft. $50,000 for nonprofits to some of the groups. @sgirard9.

Get Under New A playground for all at McKee ConneCted Ownership/Management Find updates and Proposal would links right away. Hiring all positions be designed for Search for us on Facebook as Call or stop in for details! kids with impaired “Fitchburg Star” 100 Keenan Ct., Verona mobility and then LIKE us. 608-848-3600 HELU WANG Unified Newspaper Group Doug’s A plan to build an inclu- sive playground at McK- Handyman ee Farms Park is waiting for the Common Council’s Service, Inc. adno=557951-01 approval on Feb. 13. Photo courtesy of City of Fitchburg To facilitate a play envi- An example of an inclusive parks in another city that was Honey Do List included with the proposal for the City of Fitchburg. ronment where all chil- • Gutter Cleaning dren can play alongside Support Staff Substitutes one another, the proposed impairments. make our city more attrac- • Gutter Protectors 4,000-square-feet inclusive “We want to take account tive for families to move • Bathroom Remodeling The Verona Area School District is seeking support staff substitutes playground features adap- of all the members in the in because we have a park for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year. community,” Arata-Fratta where their kids can play,” tive high-backed swings, 608.845.8110 Hourly pay rates: roller slide, wheelchair-ac- said. Arata-Fratta said. 161 Horizon Drive Suite 105A, cessible glider, ramps and She is confident the city Contact Helu Wang at helu. Verona office/secretarial, ed. asst. - $11.71 food service - $12.75 rubber tiles instead of stairs will approve the plan – her [email protected]. dougshandymanserviceinc.com custodial - $13.75 special education - $14.57 and mulch. only concern is raising Since 1999 adno=553177-01 Ald. Julia Arata-Fratta funds. Although the city’s Experience with students with special needs (Dist. 2) said the proposal $50,000 land donation and VERONA DRIVERS WANTED and/or Spanish fluency is preferred. was initiated by Communi- $130,000 park fees will For more information and to apply online, visit our website at cover more than half of cation Innovation, a pedi- www.verona.k12.wi.us atric therapy center that the expense, the committee works with children with still has to raise $150,000 – Full/Part Time Positions Available special needs. Some ther- including private donations Dr iv•eExcellent Locally and Wages Support your Community apists said it’s difficult for and grants – to get the plan Badger •Paid Bus Training Offers: the whole family to play move forward. • $150•CDL Sign-On Program Bonus for Van Drivers at the Kids Crossing play- Once the fundraising • $500•Signing Sign-On BonusBonus for (IfQualified Applicable) School Bus Drivers ground at McKee Farms goals are met, the play- • Paid•Positions Training and AvailableBonus to get inyour CDL Park, since the facilities are ground is estimated to be • Full andMadison Part-Time and Positions Verona Available Call: 608-255-1551 An Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer not fully accessible to those completed in June 2019. Apply Locally at: 219 Paoli St., Verona, WI E-mail: [email protected] Call: 608-845-2255 or Go Online: BadgerBus.com Minorities are Strongly Encouraged to Apply “The playground will adno=557717-01 children with mobility adno=557275-01 Apply in Person: 5501 Femrite Drive Madison, WI 22 Fitchburg Star - February 9, 2018 City Hall - Main Line 270-4200 FACTv 270-4225 Parks & Forestry 270-4288 Administration 270-4213 Finance 270-4251 Planning/Zoning 270-4258 Assessing 270-4235 Fire Department 278-2980 Police 270-4300 Building Inspections 270-4240 FitchRona 275-7148 Public Works 270-4260 City Clerk 270-4210 Human Resources 270-4211 Recreation/Community Center 270-4285 Economic Development 270-4246 Library 729-1760 Senior Center 270-4290 Municipal Court 270-4224 Utilities 270-4270 5520 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711 • www.fitchburgwi.gov

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MAINTAIN MEMORY CAFÉ NEW RIDESHARE PROGRAM YOUR HEALTH COMING IN MARCH between any of the 93 bus stops and 4 addi- tional designated locations including the Senior Did you know the Fitchburg Senior Center The Senior Center is excited to be part- Center. This service is available 24 hours a offers a variety of opportunities to maintain nering with the Alzheimer’s Association to day, 7 days a week. Custom pick-up and drop or improve your health? Stop in or call 270- bring a Memory Café to Fitchburg. This off can be provided for an additional charge. 4290 today to learn more about: program is designed for people with mild cog- Cash and credit card payments are accepted; - Wellness checks with Nurse Nancy nitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or other There’s a new RideShare program in however, drivers do not carry change so dementias. The Café will be a place where - Diabetic/Non-diabetic foot care Fitchburg that can help you get to where EXACT fare is required. To request a ride, call individuals with memory loss and their care you need to go. This service costs $2/person 608-504-2453 and press “6” or go to www. - Blood pressure & glucose screenings partners can get together in a safe, supportive per ride or $1/person for riders age 65+, richwoodtransport.com/fitchburg-rideshare - Massage & reflexology and engaging environment. disabled riders and those under 18. The ven- and scroll down to the web form. Pickup wait - Exercise classes for all fitness levels Kick-off will be March 15th at 10:30 am at dor, Richwood Transport, provides service times are up to 20 minutes. the Senior Center. For registration and infor- mation, please contact David at (608) 270-4292. FITCHBURG PARK SHELTER RESERVATIONS Reservations for Fitchburg Park Shelters are bring it along to the Community Center when now being accepted for 2018 dates. Fill out a making the reservation. If you have questions shelter rental application found at http://wi-fitch- concerning park shelter reservations, contact burg.civicplus.com/1860/Rent-a-Park-Facility and the Recreation Dept. at 608-270-4285.

REMEMBER TO CLEAR SNOW FACTV Watch Talking Fitchburg LIVE daily at noon, FROM AROUND FIRE HYDRANTS 6 & 10 pm. Talking Fitchburg is your source Winter snowfall can often hide fire hydrants for the latest news updates & the day’s head- under a large amount of snow making them lines for Fitchburg. See the show on the COM impossible to find quickly. In the event of a Ch. F2, the FACTv Facebook page, Video on fire, firefighters have to locate & shovel out Demand or on the FACTv YouTube channel. fire hydrants before hooking up to them. For more information, call (608) 270-4225. Please help the Fitchburg Fire Rescue in keep- ing the fire hydrant closest to your residence or business clear of snow – a 3 foot clearance on all sides. COMING IN MARCH Citizens & civic groups can “adopt” a hydrant in their neighborhood. Please call the Fitchburg Fire Dept. at 608-278-2980 to learn more.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT Go to www.fitchburgwi.gov/recreation and click on “View Activities” to see our list of programs for this upcoming season! Wisconsin Martial Arts Kids Painting Class – Each student will receive a Owl Always Love You! well-rounded martial arts and The kids will love paint- fitness education. We teach the ing these darling owls for standard striking and blocking Valentine’s Day! We will be movements, traditional forms, using acrylic paint on a 16 x and weaponry. We also offer 20 canvas. Throughout the more unique aspects, such as painting will be talking about practical self-defense and joint background, middle ground and foreground. manipulation applications, tumbling and acrobat- These paintings turn out colorful and whim- ics, fitness tracking and goal-setting, two different sical and they are so much fun to do! These kinds of ground fighting, armored weapon fight- paintings will be a wonderful Valentines gift or ing, two different kinds of stand-up fighting that a treasured piece of art to hang in your home incorporate elements of boxing and take-downs, during the Valentine season. Each child will throws, and more. walk away with a masterpiece which they will • Ages – 4-8 yrs. old, 9-15 yrs. old, and love to show off! Adults • Ages – 5-12 yrs. old • Day/Time – Mondays and Wednesdays, • Day/Time – Saturday, February 10th from Mar 5-Mar 28, 5:30pm-6pm (4-8 yr. 9am-11am SNOW & ICE REMOVAL GUIDELINES FOR olds), 6pm-6:45pm (9-15 yr. olds), • Location – Fitchburg Community Center 6:45pm-7:30pm (Adults) • Fee - $40 CITY OF FITCHBURG PROPERTY OWNERS • Location – Fitchburg Community Center Property owners are required to keep • Fee - $35 (4-8 yr. olds), $45 (9-15 yr. olds Futsal (Soccer on gym floor) sidewalks clear of snow and ice so that pedes- and Adults) This program will mimic Fall and Spring out- trians can navigate safely. Fitchburg ordinance door soccer programs through Fitchburg Rec states: Family Musikgarten March Session with one weekday training session each week Sec. 27-114.- Snow and ice to be A multi-age (birth-4yrs) music and move- for 6 weeks. Games will be 4v4 plus a keeper. removed from sidewalks. ment class for the Training will be on Tuesdays 6pm for 5-7 year The owner of each lot or part of lot shall entire family. Sing, chant olds and Thursdays at 6pm remove or cause to be removed all snow and formed upon any sidewalk that it cannot be rhymes, play instruments for 8-10 year olds, both at ice which may have fallen or accumulated removed, then the owner shall keep the same and musical games, dance Leopold Elementary School. upon the sidewalk in front of the premises effectively sprinkled with sand, salt or other and move to familiar Ace Soccer Coaches will which he/she owns not later than 6:00 p.m. suitable substance in such manner as to pre- songs of childhood. As break up the kids into teams of the day after the same has ceased to fall vent the ice from being dangerous, until such we play, music learning begins and we build a based on year of birth each or accumulate; provided that when ice has so time as it can be removed, and then it shall be community of music makers! Each registered week for small sided games. promptly removed. child will receive a movement scarf that will be • Ages – 5-7 yrs. & 8-10 yrs. The fine for failure to remove snow/ice is used for class activities. • Day/Time – Tuesdays (5-7 yrs) and $187. • Ages – Baby-4 yrs. old Thursdays 8-10 yrs), Mar 6 – Apr 26, Go to wisaltwise.com/homeowner for • Day/Time – Thursdays, Mar 1-Mar 22, 6pm-7pm guidelines on effective salting and sanding 9am-9:40am • Location – Leopold Elementary School practices that also protect Fitchburg water- • Location – Fitchburg Community Center • Fee - $40 ways. • Fee - $40 Contact Building Inspection at (608) 270- 4240 with questions or concerns. Like us on www.facebook.com/FitchburgWI and Follow us on @FitchburgWI ConnectFitchburg.com Business February 9, 2018 Fitchburg Star 23 All downhill from here Chalet Ski and Patio shop is back in business after storm damage last fall SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group

No one likes Mother Nature’s excitement more than folks who sell outdoor gear. But severe storms that blew through last July 10, caving in part of the Chalet Ski and Patio roof and flooding the building, brought anything but a pleasant adventure. “It was like Niagra Falls,” owner Tony Millonig told the Star. “The force of the water just blew out the walls. Thank goodness no one was here when it hap- pened.” The damage caused by a wall of water surging through the store was stun- ning, as large stone tables and fixtures were tossed Photos by Scott De Laruelle around like rubber ducks, After a rough several months of ripping out and then restor- leaving more than a foot of ing Chalet Ski and Patio after flooding last July, the skis and standing water in its wake. patio sets are ready for customers once again. Millonig happened to be in Colorado at the time with his wife, and he received a troubling text message and photo from a contractor who happened to be driving by the store. “Are you remodeling or something?” the man asked Millonig, who could only stare in disbelief at the images of destruction he saw on his cell phone. The couple immediately drove back to Wisconsin where, thankfully, insurance adjusters and contractors were already on the scene. Chalet underwent a mas- sive, six-week clean-up operation to get everything out of the store, which was essentially stripped down to brass tacks. Reconstruc- tion began in October, and after some “challenges nav- Chalet Ski and Patio igating the insurance cover- 5252 Verona Road Photo submitted age,” some unexpected labor This photo shows the extent of the damage, and the power of the wall of water that swept shortages and a lot of hard Madison, WI 53711 through the building after a partial roof collapse due to heavy rains. work by Millonig, employ- 273-8263 ees, friends and relatives, chaletski.com the shop reopened Jan. 4. No employees were laid off during the time, and the HVAC. He even remodeled that they wanted to make store was able to contin- the website. sure we were not another ue to work with customers “It’s hard to do those casualty of the Verona Road through its warehouse in kinds of things when cus- construction project.” Belleville. tomers are around,” he said. In the meantime, Millo- But one of Millonig’s nig said the store is “very Upgraded look biggest surprises was how busy” since reopening last new technologies New customers, of easy it was to work with month, and people see the course, won’t notice the dif- the City of Fitchburg to get same quality merchandise ference, but returning ones the 40-year-old building up and service as always – Clean Energy will likely be impressed by to modern code; something just in a new environment. the store’s new look. he was initially hesitant He said the ski shop will Millonig decided to give about. In the end, he said it be open for another few it a “major upgrading” as could not have been a bet- weeks before the expanded long as Chalet was going to ter working relationship, as indoor furniture department be closed for a few months, a result of the city’s com- reopens March 1. anyway. He invested “a lot” mon-sense approach. on improvements to build- “(They were) very help- Contact Scott De Laruelle Energy ings, inside and out, includ- ful and supportive through at scott.delaruelle@wcinet. ing new LED lighting and this rebuilding process,” he com. said. “It was clear to me EFFICIENCY Business in brief Marco’s Pizza opens Marco’s Pizza opened a location just off McKee Road last month. The pizza chain, started 40 years ago in Ohio, is at 3162 Maple Grove Dr. connected to the Family Video store. Marco’s also has a location in Sun Prairie and Janesville. Visit to learn more Tingalls Graphic Design voted top in Madison A Fitchburg-based graphic design company was voted Madison’s top website development energy2030together.com adno=553269-01 company in the InBusiness Magazine’s 2017 Executive Choice awards last December. Tingalls Graphic Design received the recognition for the third year in a row, according to a news release. Madison Gasand Electric Tingalls, in its 18th year in business, is located at 2939 S. Fish Hatchery Road, suite 100. GS3221 1/11/2018 24 Fitchburg Star - February 9, 2018 Nothing Says Happy Valentine’s Day Like A

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210 S. Main St., Verona 845-6478 Open Daily 6:30am-9:00pm