Thursday, August 15, 2019 • Vol. 55, No. 13 • Verona, WI • Hometown USA • ConnectVerona.com • $1.25
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Press reporter Levenhagen dead at 25 Was in I-94 multivehicle collision Aug. 9 STAFF Unified Newspaper Group
Photo by Samantha Christian
Monty, a 6-year-old Great Pyranees, and Zadie Mohar, 4, of Madison, share a tender moment before Monty sneaks an unexpected kiss with a friend just his height during Barks for Parks on Sunday at Badger Prairie County Park. The annual fundraiser for Dane County Dog Parks draws hundreds of dog-lovers and their furry companions, featuring adoptable dogs, obstacle courses, agility demonstrations and pet care vendors.
Seeing eye to eye
The third annual Barks for Parks funding a shade cover for dogs at was Sunday, Aug. 11, at Badger Prai- Badger Prairie County Park. rie County Park. The proceeds from the event, run by the Dane County – Kimberly Wethal Parks Department, will go toward
Inside More photos from Barks for Parks Page 2
City of Verona
Unified Newspaper Group lost a rising star this past weekend. Amber Levenhagen, our Oregon and Stoughton local government reporter, wa s fa t a l l y injured in a multivehicle Levenhagen car wreck Friday, Aug. 9, on Interstate 94 while returning home to Madison from Oconomowoc. She was 25. Levenhagen joined UNG in October 2016, a few months after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She quickly became an indispensable member of our
community reporting team, focusing on Stoughton, and helped establish a strong bond with the community that had been lacking. In short, she was everywhere, and she was wellknown around town. When her opportunity came to take on the grittier, more painstaking work of reporting on budgets, ordinance changes and arguments over alcohol policies, she didn’t just tackle it, she loved it. The messier the better. To her colleagues, she was a newsroom leader who held herself and others to high standards, and did so with grace and good humor. She viewed it as her personal responsibility to ensure the quality of our newspapers. She also had a strong and convincing voice in office debates about social justice issues, helping to promote equity through coverage decisions, phrasing and word choices.
Turn to Levenhagen/Page 12
City of Verona
VASD land plans get open house No hire for administrator JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
Three possible options for redeveloping the land where Sugar Creek Elementary School is now are getting a public vetting next week. A month after getting feedback from the Community Development Authority, a student-run design firm is presenting its new maps and renderings in an open house Wednesday, Aug. 22, at Verona City Center. The open house runs 5-7 p.m., and the CDA will follow
If You Go What: Sugar Creek land open house When: 5-7 p.m. Aug. 22 Where: Verona City Center council chambers, 111 Lincoln St. Info: Call Dayna Sarver at 845-0917 with its monthly meeting. The West Verona Avenue property will be transferred f r o m t h e Ve r o n a A r e a School District to the city after fall 2020, when the district’s new high school brings about a shuffling of several school buildings. Last month, discussions over four initial design The
Verona Press
concepts yielded enthusiasm for an outdoor community pool, as well as mixing it with park space and amenities, apartment units and some commercial property. There was also interest in a community center. Each of the three concepts Community Development Solutions will present has a band shell, pickleball courts, a park play area and green space. And all have apartments and/or townhomes. One of the concepts includes a community center, about 35,000 square feet of commercial space and a park but no pool. Another includes a pool and community center but far fewer residential units. The third has a larger park
and 65,000 square feet of retail but no community center and no pool. The concept plan includes more land than the city has so far planned to acquire. Among the privately owned land in the concept area are two houses, a printing shop, a salon and the former Michael’s and Treads restaurant property. It also includes New Century School, which must be left intact by the terms of the city’s agreement with the school district. The CDA is an arm of city government that takes the lead on some housing and urban renewal projects. The last major project it undertook was construction
Turn to Land/Page 3
Finalists were not a good fit, mayor announces JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
The city has ruled out the last of the three candidates from its initial group of finalists for its next administrator. After a 42-minute closed session to review the background check of Belleville administrator Brian Wilson on Monday, alders took no action. Mayor Luke Diaz gave a brief update afterward and said the Common Council has closed the process with the candidate being
reviewed and would consider its other options and might offer an insight at its next meeti n g , s c h e duled for Aug. 26. “ N o n e o f Wilson the finalists were a good fit for the city,” he said. Diaz did not mention Wilson by name, but he confirmed to the Press last month Wilson was the only candidate available, after the other two finalists were offered jobs in other communities. He did not elaborate on what the other options might
Turn to Administrator/Page 10
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Student-run design group presenting three options
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August 15, 2019
The Verona Press
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Barks for Parks
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Frankie, a Border Collie mix, weaves through an obstacle with the help of owner Corey Johnson during the Dane County Parks’ third annual Barks for Parks fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Badger Prairie County Park. Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Verona Police K-9 Drea receives pets from friends Kendell Sheahan, Ceci Fischer and Hailey Coogan during the Dane County Parks’ third annual Barks for Parks fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Badger Prairie County Park.
Photo by Kimberly Wethal
Marty McMillin leads dogs Dixie, left, and Riley, right, through a water obstacle during the Dane County Parks’ third annual Barks for Parks fundraiser.
Photo by Samantha Christian
Mike Jacobs, of Sun Prairie, holds back Aero, a 5 year old keeshond, before the next dog returns the flyball circuit. The pair are part of the Mostly Harmless Flyball Team.
Community Cookout!
Photo by Samantha Christian
Josh and Kristin Schulist, of Madison, walk Boo, a samoyed, to the Barks for Parks event grounds at Badger Prairie County Park.
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August 15, 2019
Unified Newspaper Group
A pair of Verona Area School District staff members will bring lessons from around the world to district classrooms later this year. Lisette Venegas, a bilingual resource teacher for Sugar Creek and Core Knowledge, and Rita Mortenson, an educational technology coach at the high school, attended the five-day Discovery Educator Network Summer Institute last month in Utah. The annual event allowed them to connect with educators from around the world,
Contact Scott Girard at ungreporter@wcinet.com and follow him on Twitter @sgirard9.
Town of Verona
Second open book session to be held Aug. 28 KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group
T h e Tow n o f Ve r o n a board will hold a second open book session where property owners can meet with the assessor to address concerns. The session will be held from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Town Hall, 7669 Hwy. PD. Town treasurer John Wright told the Press that at the Board of Review meeting on Aug.
If You Go What: Town of Verona open book session When: 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28 Where: Town Hall, 7669 Hwy. PD Info: 845-7187
1, the assessor Nick Laird and the Town Board came to a mutual decision to not accept the roll because of some remaining questions about how some parcels of land were categorized. The assessor will mail out new assessment numbers to affected property owners on Monday, Aug. 19. On average, property
valuations increased by 126 % over last year, Wright said, with most of the properties impacted being residential. Around 133 people brought questions to the town about their revaluation, Wright said. “Any time you have a revaluation, most people who we receive a call about
Land: Opportunity to provide feedback Continued from page 1 of the Sugar Creek Apartments in the 1990s, coincidentally adjacent to the VASD site. It was also involved in 2015-16 in the planning the future of the Matts house, which ended
up being restored privately. Community development manager Dayna Sarver cautioned that the ornate renderings that will be presented are not necessarily the designs of the building but will demonstrate building height and feel. “This will be an
opportunity for community stakeholders to provide feedback on the concept designs,” she wrote in an email to the Press. Email Verona Press editor Jim Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet.com.
aren’t going to say, ‘Great, I ’ m s o h a p py t h a t m y assessment went down,’” he said. “You’re going to hear from people who are impacted just the opposite.” Following the open book session, the Board of Review will reconvene at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to review and potentially accept the updated roll. Laird can be reached at (920) 719-1995, and the town can be reached at 8457187. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
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Whether you’re good with words or not, the Madison Reading Project wants you to join its spelling bee event just “for the spell of it.” Madison Reading Project, a nonprofit with a mission of providing high quality and diverse books to children in South Central Wisconsin, will hold its inaugural spelling bee from 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St. Proceeds from the event will go toward funding literacy programs in South Central Wisconsin and new book purchases. The spelling bee will consist of mostly regular spelling words, but there will be some “wine spelling” mixed into the competition, according to a news release from the event. The top four spellers will get a prize. Starting at 6 p.m., wine and appetizers will be served, and tours of the Big Red Reading Bus will
be available. The competition will begin at 7 p.m. The entrance fee for contestants is $15, and for people coming just to watch, the fee is $30. With admission, a glass of wine and appetizers are included. Guest judges include Middleton mayor Gurdip B r a r, a n d Wi s c o n s i n State Journal editor John Smalley. Jane Burns, the Scandihoovian Spelling Bee organizer, will be the pronouncer for the night. For information, visit madisonreadingproject. com. Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.
Book drive Geiger Real Estate will be collecting books for the Madison Reading Project from Aug. 19 to Sept. 13 at their location at 115 N. Main St. Employees have a goal of collecting 1,000 books for the nonprofit to give to children with a lower socioeconomic status. Larger donations can be picked up instead of being brought to the office.
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Board rejects assessment roll over land questions
KIMBERLY WETHAL
What: Madison Reading Project’s “For the Spell of It” When: 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 Where: Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St. Cost: $15 for contestants, $30 for attendees Info: madisonreadingproject.com
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VERONA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
VERONA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT MEETING (Section 120.08[1])
NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING (SECTION 65.90[4])
Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the Verona Area School District, Dane County, that the Annual Meeting for the transaction of business of said district will be held at the Administration Building, 700 North Main Street in Verona on the 19th day of August, 2019, immediately following the Budget Hearing, which begins at 6:00 p.m. Dated this 8th day of August, 2019. Thomas Duerst, Clerk Verona Area School District adno=95882
Notice is hereby given to the qualified electors of the Verona Area School District, Dane County, that the Budget Hearing will be held at the Administration Building, 700 North Main Street in Verona, on the 19th day of August, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., which is the time and place of the Annual District Meeting. Copies of the budget are available at the Administration Building, 700 North Main Street, Verona, Wisconsin. Dated this 8th day of August, 2019. Thomas Duerst, Clerk Verona Area School District
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SCOTT GIRARD
If You Go
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Mortensen, Venegas learn at Discovery institute
field trips they’ve already taken. Mortenson showed off some of her favorite educational technology at the DENovator fair, doing greenscreening activities and helping with a station for the Major League Baseball Challenge. Mortenson came away excited to bring Discovery Education tools back to the district. “I actually have a list of things I want to share with staff and students,” she wrote. “In addition, there are some incredible opportunities for students to participate in challenges during the upcoming school year. I can’t wait to share those with everyone.”
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Staff attend national conference into the future and allow everyone to bring new lessons to students. She and Mortenson also hope to increase the number of virtual field trips this year that elementary and high school students take together. “I would personally like to do some at the high school, since last year the high school students came to do them with us at Sugar Creek,” she wrote. “I also hope to incorporate more ways for students to use technology to create and express what they learn.” Keeping students engaged while maintaining the rigor of lessons was among Venegas’ biggest takeaways from the conference, she said. She and Mortenson each presented during the week, a s w e l l , w i t h Ve n eg a s talking about the virtual
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Spell like hell
Verona Area School District
and Mortenson wrote in an email to the Press it was an “amazing experience.” “I loved meeting people from all over t h e wo r l d ,” Mortenson wrote. “I was Venegas a group leader, and several members on my team were from Egypt. It was amazing having late night conversations Mortenson with educators and having a chance to talk about educational topics.” Venegas wrote that she expects the “amazing conn e c t i o n s a n d s o m a ny friendships” to last well
The Verona Press
The Verona Press 4 Amber was kind, funny person August 15, 2019
As one of the newest members of the UNG team, I wish I would have known Amber better; however, there were a few things about her I won’t forget. I learned the name of her cat, Shelby, before I knew the name of her fiance, Zach. She loved Taco Bell runs, but hated bananas. She was desperately looking for a new home because of what she referred to as the “poopy ceiling” and this is the first year she’ll miss the Great Taste of the Midwest. Her style was on-point and her work ethic was like no
Remembering Amber Levenhagen
other. No matter how tense Tuesday productions were, Amber would always spark funny conversations that lifted the mood. Amber was kind – not the kissbutt kind – but the kind that seeped through even when she was being brutally honest. This is a great loss for journalism, for the UNG family and the community as a whole. #livelikeAmber – Mackenzie Krumme
Amber a role model for young journalists It’s difficult to write about a friend and colleague who so suddenly and unexpectedly passed from our lives, but it’s important. I heard the news while on vacation last week, and checking my email, I found a message she sent just hours before her passing, just making sure I would be covering something. I never got the chance to respond. In a time when too many journalists are leaving the profession – for a variety of reasons – Amber was always eager to learn more and do more to help tell a better story. And she did it all with a sense of humor and a sense that what she was doing was important, whether it was
covering an important meeting or writing a funny cutline on a photo. We lost a gifted young journalist, but my sincere hope is that Amber’s brief but bright light will help encourage more young people to step up into a profession that needs people like her more than ever. She was a positive force for change and a role model for what good reporting should be about, and she will not be forgotten among her many friends, colleagues and readers. And I think I’ll leave that unanswered message in my email folder for a while. – Scott De Laruelle
Correction
Because of an error in editing, a story in last week’s Verona Press incorrectly attributed a decision to hold open hiring among Verona Fire Department staff in 2013 to the chief, rather than the Police and Fire Commission. That decision had been made prior to the hiring of the chief. The Press regrets the error.
Thursday, August 15, 2019 • Vol. 55, No. 13 USPS No. 658-320
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Office Location: 133 Enterprise Drive, Verona, WI 53593 Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Phone: 608-845-9559 • FAX: 608-845-9550 e-mail: veronapress@wcinet.com Circulation customer service: (800) 355-1892
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Classifieds ungclassified@wcinet.com News Jim Ferolie veronapress@wcinet.com Sports Adam Feiner ungsportseditor@wcinet.com Assistant Editor Scott Girard ungreporter@wcinet.com Reporters Kimberly Wethal, Mark Nesbitt, Amber Levenhagen, Mackenzie Krumme, Scott De Laruelle, Emilie Heidemann
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From the editor’s desk
Unbearable loss will have lasting effects on staff T he entire staff of Unified Newspaper Group is crushed this week. The loss of our colleague and friend, Amber Levenhagen, was a sudden blow that has hit me like no other loss I’ve ever had. I will never forget the wideeyed, bubbly, bushy-haired girl with a pet hedgehog who came to us three years ago, so grateful for the opportunity to escape what she found as soul-crushing work in retail. But what will haunt me forever is the memory of the still excitable, but now sharp, focused, Ferolie vibrant, tough and unquenchably curious government reporter who could not wait to dig into a complicated story. “I love it so much!” she’d squeal when she would find a new layer in a story that would make so many other reporters groan. When she took over her new beat in May, she moved out of the room where the other reporters put together the newspapers each week to a spot right outside my office. There, we’d often yell over to one another to start a conversation about how tax-increment financing works or to discuss a tactic for getting information from a reluctant bureaucrat or just talk about her plans for the weekend or my motherin-law’s battle with cancer. It’s going to be difficult to leave my door open now, with her ghost sitting right there, grunting excitedly over something she heard playing back an interview or finding out some new nugget of information. The horror of losing a 25 year old who was just finding her
place in the industry, engaged to be married to an emerging musician and full of life and love for the people she knew is beyond my comprehension right now. For the hours after learning she’d soon be taken off life support after a gruesome Interstate 94 crash, I could not sleep, could not think. There were only two things I could manage – to talk to her former fellow community reporters – who also couldn’t sleep – and to write about her. But even that was almost too much to bear. The first time I typed her name, I broke down in tears as my wife and son came to comfort me. Then, just as I got myself together, I looked up her age for our unfortunate news story and saw her seemingly indefatigable smile grinning at me and lost it again. I’m spending the week in Arizona, so I don’t even know what will happen when I walk by her desk to go to my office next Tuesday. But the news doesn’t stop for personal tragedy, so soon enough, we had to go through the gut-wrenching exercise of moving her stories off our upcoming lists or changing her initials to someone else’s, parceling out her various beats temporarily and putting out an ad for a new reporter. I’ve also had to figure out how to break the news to the other members of our staff and call reporters she had worked with in the past who would want to know about her untimely, utterly unfair demise. I suppose I should count my blessings. At least I didn’t find out about this on my birthday and then have to call two of her best friends to break the news, as assistant editor Scott Girard did. Amber was a wonderful photographer, an emerging writer, a
gifted, intelligent reporter, and an amazing ambassador for our company. She was on track to move into management, and she was a perfect counter to my grizzled style that sometimes comes off as insensitive. Even in her worst of moods, Amber always had an infectious smile that is now simply painful to look at. As I finished writing this early Saturday, the confirmation of what I’d been fearing for several hours before was still fresh, and it still didn’t feel real. Our work teaches us to be professional through traumas; we have to be able to speak with grieving widows, parents, children. And we’ve had to follow some terrible stories over the years, the kind of thing that makes you walk out to your car and then break down in sadness for the person you’ve just spoken with. But this … this is beyond our reckoning. That mangled car I saw was one I’d seen in our parking lot so many times, one she was proud of after driving around a beater for so many years. That news story about a two-hour shutdown of the interstate on every TV and newspaper site in the area, that was our colleague. Our friend. We all love our work here, and for some of us – probably most of us – it’s our refuge from other problems in life. We all know Amber would be angry with us – in her sweet, but firm way – if we were to make excuses. But there’s no denying it’s going to be a bit difficult for UNG to put out a good product for a while. So please bear with us as we do our best to honor her memory. We love you, Amber. Jim Ferolie is the editor of Unified Newspaper Group.
We’ll keep doing our best in Amber’s memory Amber Levenhagen’s spirit was infectious, her smile and enthusiasm spreading to everyone in our office whenever they made an appearance. I can’t stop thinking about how much her new car brought both out a few months ago when she announced her purchase and made sure we all got to see it out in the parking lot. Girard That same car showed up on a TV news station’s aerial video Friday as an almost unrecognizable hunk of metal after a collision with a large commercial truck took our 25-yearold friend and co-worker’s life. This tragedy, the most sudden of my life to this point, came just as Amber was finding her home in government and enterprise reporting after a recent promotion. She was likely, someday, to be my successor in the assistant editor position – with all the tools of a team leader who cared about her coworkers no matter what she was dealing with herself. If there’s anything we must carry with us from her life, it’s that: Be there for one another. In the days since her death, I’ve
been reminded again and again of that spirit. In calling current and former coworkers to deliver the news and in sharing our grief, it’s been clear we’re a family here. To lose a member of that family like this – rather than to a new job elsewhere or another exciting life development, like we normally do – was unthinkable until last week. It will be a challenge these coming days, months, weeks and even years to try to put out a newspaper without her. Not because of the stories she would have written and photographs she would have taken, but because of her joy at creating them and being part of the team that put this newspaper out every week. We will do our best, because it’s what she would have wanted – demanded, even. Even through the stress of production days and the busyness of everyone’s weeks, that expectation of doing our best was always present from her. She mixed it in with a wisecrack or joke, but underlying it was her desire to put out the best product she and we all could, together, each and every week. I had the pleasure of being her supervisor for two-and-a-half years, and as part of that, had the privilege of nominating her for a
Future Headliner award from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association in 2018. It was easy to write about why she deserved to be one of five journalists under the age of 30 recognized for that twoyear period – and it was no surprise when she was named one of the winners. As part of that recognition, she created a video about herself and what she loved about her job. “Being able to, at least as best I can, have my finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the community,” she explained in that video. “Most of my job is writing those features and business stories that make people feel good and are fun to read.” She was so good at every part of that job, and watching that video again over the weekend only made me angrier at what the community and whatever world she would’ve moved to next will miss. We’ve always tried to put out the best paper we could for you, our community. Now, we’re trying for Amber, too. Rest in peace, Amber. Scott Girard is the assistant editor of Unified Newspaper Group, managing the community reporting team.
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Upholding a It’s a little after 5 a.m. on a Saturday morning. I should be sleeping. In an hour, I should be jolting myself awake, my brain remembering that I need to be at a senior portrait session in an hour, and I have only 15 minutes to make sure I have my camera gear in order and brush my teeth. But instead, I’m looking at video footage taken of a collision on I-94 from a helicopter earlier the day before. The car is sitting on the side of the road, smashed Wethal and caved in. I’m looking for a few things. The car’s a 2019 Silver Honda Fit. It’s got a license plate I would recognize anywhere. I’m looking closely to see if I can spot a small hedgehog tree ornament on the dash under the shattered windshield glass. It’s 5 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, and I’m looking at the crash that killed my coworker and my best friend. It’s then I realize the woman who’s been my relentless cheerleader, my shoulder to cry on and sometimes my workout buddy – when we both had the ambition to get there – is gone. I feel an aching in my heart that I haven’t ever felt before. I’ve gotten punched in the stomach, only to then immediately get hit in the throat. And it hurts. It hurts because the world lost a fantastic, passionate journalist who had just been promoted to her dream job, and was absolutely killing it. It hurts because I will never again hear her excited giggle, nor will I see her pixie cut pop up over my cubicle. It hurts because I have to now write her out of all of my future memories I planned on having with her. It hurts most of all because I’m
August 15, 2019 The Verona Press Remembering Amber Levenhagen 5 promise to my best friend Dreaming big, because Amber would the only one left to remember what memories we do have. I knew Amber for five years of my life, far less than I wanted. A friend I made at our college newspaper The Royal Purple and carried far beyond to Unified Newspaper Group, we shared countless memories, adventures and jokes in that half-decade of friendship. Amber and I – Kamber, as we called ourselves – seemed like we were always on some sort of adventure. We braved a Trump rally together for the Royal Purple in 2016, crammed into the press booth like sardines, proud that we were the only UW students in the press box. We spent three consecutive years photographing Syttende Mai together, where I introduced her to lefse and we started a tradition of eating Fosdal’s cookies while game-planning coverage. Last year, when she wanted to don a protective bee suit for a story but was worried about how to take photos in it, I offered to take them for her and stand surrounded by 60,000 bees in a tank top and shorts. I was so on edge that I’d get stung while photographing her having the time of her life, but I’d do it a hundred times over for Amber. She was one of my biggest cheerleaders, giving me nothing but love and support as I built my photography business, being one of my second shooters multiple times. She drove all the way to Whitewater to watch me present my senior capstone and was more excited over stories I was writing than me. She was one-third of a group of young female journalists that included myself and our friend Erika. A day never went by where the three of us didn’t talk to one another (often, it was two talking and the third threatening to put the group chat on mute so they would get some work done). For more than three years, the three of us talked about everything and anything you could imagine and served as one
another’s support systems through every bump in the road. Amber helped talk me through some of the hardest times in my life, as I struggled with almost being evicted multiple times from my college apartment due to a roommate who flaked on me, and came to visit my mom and brought her flowers when she was in the hospital. The love was always there between us, although we made a lot of people question it. We fought like an old married couple, whether it was how we should redo our AP Style guidelines for the paper, or over trite things like Stoughton trivia (which I always won, by the way). Anyone who watched us interact in the office knew the insults that flew between us came from love, and that we were always laughing and joking about something. But there was one joke we shared that I never wanted to come true. Both community reporters, our job was to edit obituaries for AP Style, and to get them laid out on the newspaper page. Sitting across from one another, whenever we’d get a photo where some poor funeral home employee had been tasked with blacking out the background of a photo of a recently deceased person, we’d show it to one another and say, “Wow, that funeral home did them dirty.” It was one time mid-last year where we promised one another that if one of us died, the other would make sure our obituary photo was decent. No one was going to remember us with a terrible Photoshop job. It was only meant to be a mildly uncomfortable joke. I never imagined it would be my reality. Amber Lynn Levenhagen: It was the honor of my life just to be a part of your life. I will carry your memory forward, and do my best to live a life that you would be proud of. I love you, and always will. #livelikeAmber
Prior to this week, the last time I stopped by Unified Newspaper Group’s main office was a Tuesday afternoon this June. It was a convenient place to rest and get a drink of water during my bike ride through Verona, but really it was an excuse to see my friends and former coworkers – some of the people I care about most in the world. I had expected to see Amber there, but she was out sick. We tried making plans when she felt better, but our schedules never matched up. And then last Friday, I got the news, which my former colleagues blasted on their website Monday: “UNG reporter Levenhagen dead at 25.” The last three words are tragic alone, but combined with the first three they are unfathomable for a newspaper to publish about one of its own. My friend. Amber and I worked together for part of her first year here on a team that has done some great work. UNG has been among the first on the scene covering tornadoes in Verona and Oregon in 2014, an explosion in Fitchburg in 2016 and a stabbing in Stoughton in 2017. But nothing compares to the news of Amber’s accident. This staff had so many reasons to sit this edition out or delay printing, but they showed up and worked even harder. Because Amber would have, too. Amber was always, always there for her team, and she was always there for me. When my close friends moved away, she was there to lend an ear or offer a hug or words of encouragement, as she did for countless others. Because her love was boundless. I admired this about Amber, just as I admired her ability to dream big and continually step outside her comfort zone, blossoming from a budding community reporter to a gritty and giddy government reporter.
The last time we spent time together, I had told her about a job opportunity that would have matched her personality, could have eased her financial worries and would have helped her find worklife balance. She thanked me but said she had just been promoted to the government reporter position at UNG, and she gushed about the stories she was already digging into. Because in that moment, she was already doing what she loved. We all know that how a person confronts challenges reveals their true character, and the way the UNG family has rallied together – even when separated by distance or time – has reminded me that this team is made up of some of the most compassionate and dedicated people. Amber was one of the best. She was the first person I thought to invite to the Brewing for Bigs event at Great Dane Pub scheduled for Aug. 13. I hoped she’d go so I could share with her the incredible need in our communities for adult mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County, where I had just applied to become a Big Sister. With her bubbly personality, an openness to try new things, and her love for every living person and animal on this planet, I knew Amber would make an incredible Big, too. But I never told her any of that, because it was on a Tuesday at 6 p.m., and I knew Amber would surely be at the office on a production night. And now, there are flowers at her desk instead of a laptop and an empty chair no one could ever replace. In the days since we lost Amber, I realized she not only would have been a great Big Sister, she was actually my Big Sister. I can’t catch up with my Big Sister tonight, but I’m with my Big Family. Samantha Christian was a community reporter for Unified Newspaper Group from 2014-17.
The other side of multiple tragedies reveals strength of character in wake of sadness, brokenness he said, my mind suddenly in blur. He spoke more, but I was fixated on that lone statement. A memorial service, countless phone calls to grieving family members – some didn’t even know how she died – and various therapy appointments later, it’s still as surreal as the day I heard those words. I realized I’ll never be able to hug her or tell her I love her again. I’m surprised I even got through planning the memorial service. That was its own monster. I was bombarded by hugs and suffocated by meaningless small talk. A more introverted soul, I found myself escaping to be alone. To think. To weep. To bask in the anger. To panic. The next thing I knew, it was a Friday afternoon and I was staring at a marshy clearing adjacent to my three-story apartment building on my balcony. I was trying to find my mother in the brush, trying to feel her version of peace – her essence, as if she was one with nature now, like she had always wanted to be. Then I got a Facebook message from my colleague Amber’s boyfriend, David.
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She had been in a car accident and rendered unconscious and was hopefully recovering in my mind in the intensive care unit of an unknown hospital in Madison. Amber was going to recover because I needed her. I needed her to help me grieve and reconcile the loss of my mother. We had been starting to hang out more, and were fortifying our bond with deep conversations about life, gender, politics, etc. I had just gone out for a drink with her a week earlier, and she let me spill from the deepest reaches of my subconscious into her compassionate and listening ears. That’s what made her great. I was intimidated by her intelligence and relished in her positive attitude. There were times it seemed like she couldn’t catch a break, but she was strong. She was a fighter. Her talent knew no bounds, and it was my hope to end up at least half the woman she was in a year. She was a rarity and a diamond in the rough. I had worked with Amber only nine months, but time has no bearing on friendship. Ours was to be lifelong.
Unconscious doesn’t mean dead, I thought. She’s alive. I knew it. Because I couldn’t lose another loved one. No, not another one. Please God. Hours passed after I let my editor, Scott Girard, know about what had happened. He let other colleagues know, and they did some digging of their own. When Scott called back, he was shakily trying to make out the fact that what Amber endured was serious. But serious didn’t mean critical. The optimist in me was feigning for all of my attention at that point. It helped to envision her making sarcastic comments at her attending nurses. And then, another phone call. This time, it was 11:30 p.m. Scott called me again, this time his voice grave. “Is she dead?” was the only thing I could muster. “There’s no brain activity.” First, I experienced a bout of shock and denial – very similarly to when my body started to shake upon hearing the news of my mother’s death. In both instances, I couldn’t form coherent sentences or words.
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My heart shattered into a million more pieces – I didn’t even know it could break more than it already had. The shards of glass became sand. My mother and I had a complicated dynamic, but we were going to heal. She was going to get treatment for her mental illness. She was going to get better, not blow her brains out with a firearm. At 63, she still had so much life to live. Amber was only 25. Like a dam bursting, the tears came and kept coming. Scott’s voice faded into the background. In my already fragile state, everything that held me together was no more. Time stopped. The wound already so deeply embedded in my flesh was ripped open again, but this time it had widened. My cries turned into wails. I wept at how the universe, seemingly indifferent to our feeble existence, anyway, could take a soul like Amber’s so early. I wept at how my mother, who was self-aware enough to get herself the help she deserved, took her life. Somehow, I’m still standing.
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It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was sitting down to do some light reading. The next thing I knew, I was being informed of the first of two personal tragedies in a matter of two weeks. Overall, I experienced the loss of my mother, then a friend and colleague who was helping me cope with my feelings. Somehow, I’m still standing. And to say that my heart is broken is an understatement. But you don’t really know how resilient you are until you find yourself on the other side of tragedies like these. Heidemann Vibrations from my phone interrupted my reading session. The Caller ID said “Westfield, Wisconsin” but it was an unfamiliar number. I, in an already annoyed state because I get a slew of spam calls on a daily basis, reluctantly answered. It was a call from a Marquette County Sheriff’s Department deputy. “Your mother committed suicide,”
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Coming up Hands-only CPR training Fitch-Rona paramedics will host a hands-only CPR training from 6:308:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at the library. Paramedics will teach attendees how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator to save the life of a person before medical assistance arrives. The training is limited to 10 participants. Registration is required. For information, call 845-7180.
NERF or nothing Adults are invited to the library for an after-hours, indoor team building game session with NERF blasters from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. Bring your own NERF blaster – they should be unmodified – because equipment to borrow is limited. Safety glasses and extra darts will be provided. Participants will need to sign a liability waiver and provide proof of age with an ID. For information, call 845-7180.
Intro to Snapchat Want to join Snapchat, but not sure how to start? The library will
Churches host a class on the basics of the app from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20. The class will go over what makes Snapchat different than other apps and how to use the app’s multimedia message functions. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own smartphones along to learn. Registration is required. For information, call 845-7180.
Knee pain presentation
Oberhauser will also discuss how residents can assist the butterflies on their journey. The program is presented as a part of the traveling monarch butterfly exhibition running at the library until Sept. 29. For information, call 845-7180.
Digital storage Learn best practices and advice for how to best organize and store computer files and digital photos from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the library. The class will cover different types of storage available. Registration is required. For information, call 845-7180.
Representatives from Capital Physical Therapy will lead a presentation about knee pain at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at the senior center. The presentation will focus on current research surrounding knee pain, common causes of pain and Health screenings strategies that can be used to reduce Fitch-Rona EMS paramedics and or eliminate pain. employees from Capitol Physical For information, call 845-7471. Therapy will conduct health checks from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. Helping butterflies 4, at the library. Karen Oberhauser, director of the The checks will include blood University of Wisconsin-Madison pressure, blood sugar and fall-preArboretum, will talk about monarch vention screenings. butterflies and their migration from No appointment is necessary. 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22, at For information, call 845-7180. the library.
Community calendar Thursday, Aug. 15
• 1:30-2:30 p.m., Duke Otherwise performance (all ages), library, 845-7180 • 3:45-5:15 p.m., Tween Dungeons and Dragons (ages 8-11), library, 845-7180 • 4 p.m., Teen gaming (ages 12-18), library, 845-7180 • 6:30-8 p.m., Learn hands-only CPR (registration required), library, 845-7180
Friday, Aug. 16
• 10-11 a.m., Computer Questions Plus: Computer filing systems, senior center, 845-7471 • 11:30 a.m., August birthday and anniversary lunch (RSVP by noon Monday, Aug. 12), senior center, 845-7471 • 1:30 p.m., Family movie: “Wall-E” (rated G), library, 845-7180 • 6-9 p.m., Live Music in the Backyard: Mascot Theory, Wisconsin Brewing Company, 1079 American
Way, 848-1079 • 6:30-8 p.m., NERF or Nothing (ages 18 and older, liability waiver required), library, 845-7180
Madison Reading Project spelling bee fundraiser, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., madisonreadingproject.org
Monday, Aug. 19
Thursday, Aug. 22
• 10:30 a.m., Knee pain presenta• 9 a.m., On The Trail of the Montion, senior center, 845-7471 arch Butterfly traveling exhibition begins (runs until Sept. 29), library, • 4-5:30 p.m., Anime and manga 845-7180 club (ages 12-18), library, 8457180 • 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 90th birthday and older celebration • 6 p.m., Books and Booze: “Sta(RSVP by noon Wednesday, Aug. tion Eleven” by Emily St. John 14), senior center, 845-7471 Mandel, Sugar River Pizza, 957 Liberty Drive, 845-7180 • 2 p.m., Open art: Butterflies (ages 2-10), library, 845-7180 • 6-9 p.m., Live Music in the Backyard: Pat McCurdy, Wisconsin Tuesday, Aug. 20 Brewing Company, 1079 American • 3-6:30 p.m., Verona Artist and Way, 848-1079 Farmers Market, Hometown Junc- • 6 p.m., On the Trail of the Montion Park, 101 W. Railroad St., arch Butterfly opening reception, veronasmarket.com library, 845-7180 • 6-8 p.m., Snapchat Introduction • 6:30 p.m., Dwindling Number for (registration required), library, 845- an Iconic Insect: A Conservation 7180 Biologist Ponders Moving Beyond the Documentation of Declines, Wednesday, Aug. 21 library, 845-7180 • 6-10 p.m., “For the Spell of It”
What’s on VHAT-98 Thursday, Aug. 15 7 a.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 8 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Sugar Crush at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7 p.m. – Elder Abuse at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society Friday, Aug. 16 7 a.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Sugar Crush at Senior Center 5 p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 9 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Jesse Walker at
Senior Center Saturday, Aug. 17 8 a.m. – Common Council from 08–12–19 11 a.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 1 p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 4:30 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Common Council from 08–12–19 9 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center Sunday, Aug. 18 7 a.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 9 a.m. – Resurrection Church 10 a.m. – Salem Church Service Noon – Common Council from 08–12–19 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4:30 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Common Council from 08–12–19 9 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center
Monday, Aug 19 7 a.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Sugar Crush at Senior Center 5 p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 9 p.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 10 p.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center Tuesday, Aug. 20 7 a.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 10 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center 2 p.m.– Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Sugar Crush at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Resurrection Church 8 p.m. – Elder Abuse at Senior Center 9 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society Wednesday, Aug. 21
7 a.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 3 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 5 p.m. – Common Council from 08–12–19 7 p.m. – Capital City Band 8 p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center Thursday, Aug. 22 7 a.m. – Gretta Garbo at Senior Center 8 a.m.– Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Jesse Walker at Senior Center 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Estate Planning at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Sugar Crush at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7 p.m. – Elder Abuse at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Skip Jones at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Maple Drive Dairy at the Historical Society
All Saints Lutheran Church 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg (608) 276-7729 allsaints-madison.org Interim Pastor Sunday: 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. The Church in Fitchburg 2833 Raritan Rd., Fitchburg (608) 271-2811 livelifetogether.com Sunday: 8 & 10:45 a.m. Memorial UCC 5705 Lacy Rd., Fitchburg (608) 273-1008 memorialucc.org Interim Pastor Laura Crow Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Good Shephard Lutheran Church ELCA (608) 271-6633 Madison: Raymond Road & Whitney Way, Madison Sunday: 8:30 & 10 a.m.. Verona: Corner of Hwy. PD & Nine Mound Road, Verona Sunday: 9 & 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. Damascus Road Church – West The Verona Senior Center 108 Paoli St., Verona (608) 819-6451 info@damascusroadchurch.com, damascusroadonline.org Pastor Justin Burge Sunday: 10 a.m. Memorial Baptist Church 201 S. Main St., Verona (608) 845-7125 MBCverona.org Lead Pastor Jeremy Scott Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Redeemer Bible Fellowship 130 N. Franklin St., Verona (608) 845-1615 redeemerbiblefellowship.org Pastor Dwight R. Wise Sunday: 10 a.m. family worship Resurrection Lutheran Church – WELS 6705 Wesner Rd., Verona (608) 848-4965 rlcverona.org Pastors Nathan Strutz and Andrew Ewings, and Assistant Pastor Jordan Uhlhorn Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Sunday: 9 a.m. St. Christopher Catholic Parish St. Andrew Church 301 N. Main St., Verona St. William Church 1371 Hwy. PB, Paoli (608) 845-6613 stchristopherverona.com Fr. John Sasse, pastor Saturday: 5 p.m., St. Andrew, Verona Sunday: 7:30 a.m., St. William,
Paoli Sunday: 9 & 11 a.m., St. Andrew, Verona Daily Mass, Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m., St. Andrew, Verona
St. James Lutheran Church ELCA 427 S. Main St., Verona (608) 845-6922 stjamesverona.org Pastors Kurt M. Billings and Peter Narum Office Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday Saturday Worship: 5 p.m. Sunday Worship: 8:30 and 10:45 a.m. Salem United Church of Christ 502 Mark Dr., Verona (608) 845-7315 salemchurchverona.org Rev. Dr. Mark E. Yurs, Pastor Sunday Worship: 9 a.m. Springdale Lutheran Church ELCA 2752 Town Hall Rd. (off Hwy ID), Mount Horeb (608) 437-3493 springdalelutheran.org Revs. Loren and Linda Schumacher Sunday: 8:45 a.m. with communion Sugar River United Methodist Church 415 W. Verona Ave., Verona (608) 845-5855 sugar.river@sugarriverumc.org, sugarriverumc.org Pastor Gary Holmes 9 & 10:30 a.m. contemporary worship. Sunday School available during worship. Refreshments and fellowship are between services. West Madison Bible Church 2920 Hwy. M, Verona (608) 845-9518 www.wmbiblechurch.org Pastor Dan Kukasky Jr. Sunday Worship: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:45 a.m. Zwingli United Church of Christ Hwy. 92 & G, Mount Vernon (608) 832-6677 Pastor Brad Brookins Sunday: 10:15 a.m. Zwingli United Church of Christ Hwy. 69 & PB, Paoli (608) 255-1278 paoliucc.com Pastor Rich Pleva Sunday: 9:30 a.m. family worship
Love and Strife The two fundamental moral forces at work in the world are love and strife. Love nurtures and comforts us while strife depletes and annoys us. Love unites us while strife divides us. Love is the spirit of reconciliation and patient, unselfish endurance that allows us to get along with our fellow man, while strife is the spirit of struggle and selfish egoism that creates divisions among us. And while it is true that God is love, and that love is associated with virtue and holiness while strife tends toward vice and sin, the truth is more complicated. After all, God uses strife to help us grow and develop.The patriarchs of the Bible all encountered strife in their lives.The Israelites were enslaved, driven from their homeland, and forced to live in the desert. Jacob literally wrestled with God, and was renamed Israel after this struggle, a name which\ means “he who strives with God.” Perhaps the ideal way to think about the twin forces of love and strife is that love is the force that allows us to prevail when we strive. Love is usually the best way to settle strife; we don’t overcome hatred by hating, but by love. We know we will be challenged in our lives, and how much better to meet the myriad challenges of life than to know that we are loved, and loved unconditionally. – Christopher Simon
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Verona Press For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectVerona.com
Girls golf
WIAA rule helps cut concussion rate by 57% MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
The rate of sport-related concussions during high school football practice in Wisconsin decreased by 57 percent following a rule change limiting the amount and duration of full-contact activities during practice, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Medicine and Public Health. The study, which was published online in The American Journal of Sports Medicine, examined whether new rules passed by the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association before the 2014 season reduced the rate of sport-related concussions compared to the previous two seasons. The rules prohibit full-contact activities during the first week of preseason practice and limit full contact to 75 minutes in week two and 60 minutes per week (excluding games) in week three and beyond. The rules were among the first in the nation designed and implemented to reduce the incidence of sport-related concussions during high school football practice. Verona football coach Dave Richardson is a proponent of education in tackling techniques playing a larger role in reducing the concussion rate. “Proper tackling techniques and blocking techniques to me have been the biggest influence on lowering concussions,” Richardson said. “We have always had the non-contact days, but now we have that progression. I think that progression was more toward heat-related illness.” Last fall, the Verona Wildcat youth football program implemented a no-tackling program for fourth graders. This year, tackling will be eliminated at the fifth-grade level. Instead, fourth and fifth graders will play flag football through the Verona recreation department. Starting in 2020, sixth graders will play a hybrid version of flag and tackle football. Richardson said he believes that hybrid version will be the first of its kind in the area, as it will be tailored for sixth graders to learn the proper fundamentals of tackling. As a result, he said it will bridge the gap between learning the fundamentals of tackling and the science behind when is the right time to start contact football.
Turn to Study/Page 8
Photos by Mark Nesbitt
The two Verona girls golf returning letterwinners are seniors Andrea Schleeper (left) and Caitlyn Ott. They will look to provide leadership this season.
Curtis brings leadership MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor
New Verona girls golf coach Gabby Curtis knows what it’s like to feel uncomfortable on a golf course. The former Wisconsin Badger golfer played on the boys golf team at Altoona High School and is used to being in challenging situations on the course. “I think that it helps that I have played a lot of golf and seen a lot of coaches,” Curtis said. “Hopefully I can take the best from each one of them. I want to be a mentor for them.” Curtis takes over a Verona program that has made four trips to state since 2013, but hasn’t won a conference title since 2014. Two years ago, Verona qualified for state as a team, led by then sophomore Caitlyn Ott. Verona finished second in the Big Eight Conference last year behind Middleton. The Wildcats were four shots away from qualifying for
sectionals last year. The top two returning golfers for the Wildcats are Ott and fellow senior Andrea Schleeper. Schleeper finished 18th at regionals last year with a 96, one shot away from qualifying for sectionals, while Ott took 22nd and was two shots away from qualifying for sectionals. Schleeper shot a 90 to take seventh in the Big Eight Conference meet last year. Curtis got her first glimpse at the team in practice this week. “There is a lot of experience on the team and it’s a good group of girls that all get along,” she said. “The sky is the limit.” Curtis had the Wildcats play rounds during the first three days of practice to get an initial lineup set for the season-opening tournament in Brown Deer on Friday. “I think we will play a lot of rounds so we can get as many rounds New Verona girls golf coach Gabby Curtis (left) helps sophomore Aalyiah under our belts as we can,” she said. Smith look through her clubs before she tees off on No. 1 on Monday, Aug. Turn to Golf/Page 8 12, at Edelweiss Chalet Country Club in New Glarus.
Girls tennis
Wildcats relying on experience ADAM FEINER Sports editor
Photo by Adam Feiner
The Verona Area High School girls tennis team returns seven letterwinners from last season. They are (from left) Meghan Samz, Sydney Breitbach, Meredith Conley, Mary Saley, Kasie Keyes, Elsa Queoff and Sam Breitbach.
The Verona girls tennis team figures to have success similar to last season, with more starters returning than lost to graduation. The Wildcats finished fourth in the Big 8 Conference last year behind Madison West, Madison Memorial and Middleton. Coach Mark Happel
expects the top three to stay the same, and the Wildcats to challenge each top contender. “I think we’ll be in the top four again,” said Happel, who is entering his 16th year at the helm. “Our conference might be the best in the state. The three teams ahead of us last year were all ranked in the top 10 in the state. It’s a really talented conference.” Verona returns seven
letterwinners, including its top four singles players and No. 1 doubles team of seniors Sydney Breitbach and Kasie Keyes. Meredith Conley, Mary Saley and Meghan Samz are experienced varsity singles players, and sophomores Sam Breitbach and Elsa Queoff weren’t afraid of the spotlight last year as freshmen.
Turn to Tennis/Page 8
8
August 15, 2019
The Verona Press
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Study: Coach points to better teaching of tackling basics
Home Talent baseball
Continued from page 7 Tim McGuine, a scientist in the department of orthopedics and rehabilitation at UW SMPH, sees the benefits of a progression toward contact have made. “Our analysis shows that targeted rule changes can have a beneficial effect on lowering the risk for concussions,” McGuine said. “It’s imperative that we
identify strategies that keep our student athletes safe while still maintaining the integrity of the game, and this particular measure appears to do both.” Verona adopted the Seattle Seahawks’ tackling drill progression several years ago, and Richardson believes a change in teaching contact has had a larger impact of reducing concussions.
Tennis: Four singles players back Continued from page 7 Photo by Mark Nesbitt
Verona’s Connor McGowan (right) slides into third base, but is tagged out by Shullsburg/Benton’s Justin Crotty on a steal attempt in the fifth inning Sunday, Aug. 11 at Stampfl Field. The top-seeded Cavaliers beat the Fever 11-1 in seven innings in a second-round Home Talent League playoff game, and will host Blanchardville on Sunday for the Western Section title.
Moynihan powers Cavs past Fever Assistant sports editor
For about eight hours, John Moyniahn and his Verona teammates raked the field dry, mixing it in with clumps of mud that had pooled around second base after a heavy rain. The hard work paid off four-and-a-half hours later, when Moynihan blasted a grand slam to left field to power the Cavaliers to an 11-1, seven-inning win over Shullsburg/Benton in the Home Talent League’s Western Section semifinals on Sunday, Aug. 11, at Stampfl Field. Moynihan went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and three runs scored to lead the Cavaliers. With the win, Verona (16-1) will host Blanchardville in the Western Section championship game on Sunday. “It was definitely a team effort and we came out hot
and started right away,” Moynihan said. “We have one goal in mind (repeat as HTL champions) and we are hustling after that.” Justin Scanlon was hit by a pitch leading off the bottom of the first. Derek Burgenske then hit a grounder to second, but Scanlon beat the throw. Mike Jordahl lined a single to right to load the bases. Moynihan got a fastball and crushed it over the fence for a 4-0 Verona lead. “I was just trying to get the job done and put the barrel on the ball,” he said. “It felt pretty nice off the barrel.” Scanlon knocked in a run on a sacrifice fly in the second to extend the Cavaliers’ lead to 5-0. Shullsburg/Benton starting pitcher Lane Kamps lasted two innings and gave up five runs on two hits. He walked two and hit two. After retiring five of the first seven batters he faced
in relief, the Cavaliers got to Jacob Buendes in the fifth. Moynihan lined a single to left, and Lund delivered an RBI double down the rightfield line. Luke Yapp then ripped an RBI double to left, and Nick Cheaney smoked an RBI double to left to give the Cavaliers an 8-1 lead. Verona ended up with 10 hits. Jordahl went 2-for-3, and Cheney was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Cheaney drove in a run with a single to right in the seventh, and Lund also knocked in a run on a fielder’s choice. Tucker Teskey’s RBI single to left ended the game early. Verona player-manager David Lund had confidence in the team despite some adversity with the delay after about two inches of rain Saturday night. “It was huge after sitting around all day to come out and get a couple of hits,” Lund said. “When John hit the home run, that set the
tone from the start. It kind of pumped us up and deflated them a little bit.” Kyle Nelson pitched six innings and gave up one earned run on two hits for the Cavaliers. He struck out seven and did not issue a walk. He retired the last eight batters he faced. Nelson has had stellar command of late, walking just two in his last four starts.Verona
1, Middle-
ton 0
The Cavaliers (6-3) kept their Night League season alive Thursday, Aug. 8, with a road win over the 29ers. Yapp led off the fourth inning with a walk, and Rob Capener came through with an RBI single to drive in the game’s only run. Brad Laufenberg pitched 5 1/3 innings and struck out seven to get the win. Verona will travel to Montello on Thursday for the Night League quarterfinals.
Golf: Wildcats have to replace three golfers this season Continued from page 7 One area Curtis wants the team to work on is the short game. “When I was in high school, I didn’t work on my
short game enough,” she said. “I’m really going to focus on the short game. If they really develop that, it will really help them.” Curtis wrapped up her career with the Badgers in
2018 with the second-best career scoring average in program history (74.65 strokes per 18 holes). The Eau Claire native was second-team allBig Ten and finished 18th at the Big Ten Championships
as a senior. She now works as a real estate agent at Bunbury Associates in Madison. “Golf has always been a really big part of my life, and after I graduated, I had more time for coaching,” she said.
Wildcats schedule Monday, Aug. 19: at La Crosse Central Invitational Tuesday, Aug. 20: vs. Janesville Parker Thursday, Aug. 22: at Middleton Friday, Aug. 23 & Saturday, Aug. 24: at Madison Memorial Invitational Thursday, Aug. 29: vs. Madison West Tuesday, Sept. 3: vs. Janesville Craig Thursday, Sept. 5: at Sun Prairie Saturday, Sept. 7: at Green Bay Southwest Invitational
Wildcats schedule Friday, Aug. 16: at Brown Deer Invitational Tuesday, Aug. 20: at Madison West Thursday, Aug. 22: Verona Area Invitational Friday, Aug. 23: at Waunakee Invitational Monday, Aug. 26: at Edgewood Invitational
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Thursday, Aug. 29: at Madison Memorial Thursday, Sept. 5: vs. Middleton, La Follette Saturday, Sept. 7: at Middleton Invitational Tuesday, Sept. 10: at Sun Prairie Wednesday, Sept. 11: at Madison Memorial Invitational
Saturday, Sept. 14: at Janesville Parker Invitational Wednesday, Sept. 18: vs. Janesville Craig
Thursday, Sept. 12: vs. Madison La Follette Thursday, Sept. 19: vs. Beloit Memorial Friday, Sept. 20: at Madison Memorial Saturday, Sept. 21: at Madison Memorial Invitational Thursday, Sept. 26: vs. Madison East Friday, Sept. 27 & Saturday, Sept. 28: at Madison West Invitational Wednesday, Oct. 2 & Thursday, Oct. 3: Big 8 Conference Meet, at Nielsen Tennis Stadium, UW-Madison
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Finding replacements for the four graduated players on the Nos. 2 and 3 doubles teams will be the key to team success, according to Happel. “We should be really strong at the top of our lineup, but we need to have some girls step up,” he said. “We’ll be young and inexperienced at the bottom of our lineup, and those points count just the same at the top.” Conley is a three-time state qualifier at No. 1 singles. She’s looking to go 4-for-4 in state appearances, but is also looking forward to taking on more of a leadership role this season. “It’s exciting because I get to be a captain this
year,” Conley said. “I’m h a p py w i t h w h a t I ’ve accomplished so far in my high school career, but I’m also focused on helping the freshmen have fun and experience what I have.” Conley lost in the first round at state as a freshman and sophomore. She earned a seed and broke through to the second round last season, but came up short of the round of 16. “I want to be seeded a little higher,” Conley said, “and try to reach the round of 16 and win more matches at state.” Verona started practice Tuesday, Aug. 13, and begin the regular season Aug. 19 at the La Crosse Central Invitational. The Wildcats will host Janesville Parker on Aug. 20 to kick off Big 8 play.
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The Verona Press
Academic Achievements
Graduates Fall 2018 UW-River Falls Fitchburg Meaghan Kelly, MS, clinical exercise physiology UW-Platteville Verona Cory Alexander, accounting and business administration; Kyle Krueger, electrical engineering; Jenna Livezey, industrial engineering; Zachariah May, political science; Trevor Zenk, geography St. Cloud State University Fitchburg Samantha Sawyers, BA, psychology Upper Iowa University Verona April Bevars, human resources management
Spring 2019 University of Kentucky Verona Kelsey McGarth, BA, anthropology, history niversity of NebraskaU Lincoln Fitchburg Stephanie Frances Peterson, BS, education and human sciences niversity of the U Cumberlands Fitchburg Megan Johnson, MS, physician assistant St. Norbert College Fitchburg Christian Gross, BBA UW-Milwaukee Fitchburg Riley Bohage, BS; Kathleen Bowers, BS; Leah Brookes, BS; Gregory Maddox, BS Verona Jackson Bollig, BS; Wyatt Bollig, BS; Auburn Geller, BA; Serafima Grimm, BA; John Moynihan, BS; Danielle Russell, BA; Kyle Vernon, BS Bucknell University Verona Sharon Schmelzle College of William & Mary Verona Douglas Wilson, BA Northern Illinois University Verona Lucas Yapp, MS, sport management
Wimmer, BSE, English Verona onzaga University G Alyssa Knight, BBA, Verona accounting; Benjamin Lokken, Anderley Penwell, BA, broadBA, communication; Swarna cast and electronic media Mogallapu, MBA, business Georgia Tech University administration; Jenna Riley, UW-Stevens Point Fitchburg Ryan Chibana, MS, comput- BA, social work Fitchburg er science Emily OMalley, BA, dance UW-Platteville Verona Fitchburg Mason Kuchenbecker, BS, University of Iowa Conner Novotny; Caroline philosophy-religious studies, Fitchburg psychology; Brandon Mueller, Joseph Basche, BBA, mar- Sawyer Verona BS, soil and land management keting Abby Alderson; Benjamin Verona Elise Montesinos, DDS, den- Baker; Jared Bloomfield; Kyle Lawrence University tistry; Sarah McGowan, DDS, Jenkins; Jeffrey Reinholtz; Verona Megan Wipperfurth; Leslie de dentistry Sydney DeMets, BA, bioloLange, MS, project manage- gy, government ment Colorado College Verona UW-Oshkosh Nadia Banks, political sci- UW-La Crosse Verona Fitchburg ence Miranda Kemper, marketing; Heather Grelle, doctor of Julian Pazynski, history, interphysical therapy, physical national studies Carthage College therapy; Jack Ludwig, BS, Fitchburg Academic Honors Rachel Nixon, MS, training finance; Samantha Seymour, BA, Spanish; Logan Sweeney, and HR development BS, exercise and sport science; Spring 2017 Taylor Watzke, BS, information UW-La Crosse University of Alabama systems Fitchburg Fitchburg Verona Claire Parker, BS, electrical Kathrynn Bach, dean’s list; Jacob Auman, BS, biology; Leslie Banzhaf, dean’s list; engineering Carly Boles, BA, theatre arts: Julia Dawson, dean’s list; performance, communica- Luke Frahm, dean’s list; Carly University of Minnesota tion studies; Bethany Burton, Juzwik, dean’s list; Kyle Kolar, Crookston BS, management; Alexandra dean’s list; Logan Sweeney, Fitchburg Gable Smith, BS, manage- Frieburg, BS, marketing; Grant dean’s list; Taylor Watzke, Furniss, BS, accountancy, dean’s list; Avery Wood, dean’s ment finance; Harrison Ireland, BS, list; Andrew Woodruff, dean’s accountancy; Alexa Jaggi, BS, list University of Minnesotaexercise and sport science; Twin Cities Verona Tori Kieler, doctor of physiVerona Carly Boles, dean’s list; Justin Bain, BM, trombone cal therapy, physical therapy; Megan Borgmeyer, dean’s Theresa Maurer, MSE, school list; Jackson Bryant, dean’s performance psychology; Kade McGilvray, list; Emma Furniss, dean’s BS, finance; Zachary Novotny, list; Stephanie Hempel, dean’s Carleton College BS, exercise and sport science list; Harrison Ireland, dean’s Verona Jordan Kobbervig, BA, linlist; Kaitlyn Keyes, dean’s list; guistics; Nicolas Graese, BA, UW-River Falls Quinton Maydaniuk, dean’s list; Verona mathematics Brady McCormick, dean’s list; Edward Matsushima, BS, Makenna McGilvray, dean’s business administration, health list; Zachary Novotny, dean’s Marquette University and human performance Fitchburg list; George Nunn, dean’s list; Ellen Hoffman, BS, nursing Kennedy Pekol, dean’s list; Upper Iowa University Verona Anthony Rosati, dean’s list; Verona Clayton Boehm, BA, ecoKassidy Steyer, dean’s list; Lia Passani, BA, elementary Jackson Uselman, dean’s list; nomics; Mary Catherine education Decker, doctorate, dentistry Matthew Waller, dean’s list; Demitra Weisbrod, dean’s list; Western Governors Edgewood College Erik Wickstrom, dean’s list; University Fitchburg Holly Wickstrom, dean’s list; Fitchburg Marisa Nelson, MA, educaAnna Zimmerman, dean’s list Jennifer Wisotzke, BS, nurstion; Jessica Blatter, MA, education; Spencer Barnes, MA, ing; Sean Hanna, BS, busi- University of Vermont education; Chelsea Langrehr, ness, information technology Verona MA, education; Jenn Weaver, management McKenzie Imhoff, dean’s list MS, nursing; Laura Long, MS, marriage and family therapy; UW-Eau Claire Michigan Technological Fitchburg Jeremiah Preston, BBA; John University Calvin Frederick, BBA, manDarcy, BA, history; Jessica Verona McIlhenny, BA, individualized agement; Bryce Lamers, BBA, Jackson Pundt, dean’s list studies; Hannah O’Dea, BS, management; Maren Madsen, nursing; Miranda Tarpinian, BBA, business finance; Henry University of Minnesota BS, psychology; Jennifer Woloszyn, BA, philosophy Duluth Verona Cisneros, BS, studies in educaFitchburg Samuel Becker, BS, psytion; Lillie Brown, BS, criminal Alexandera Houchin, dean’s chology and chemistry; Alan list justice Brown, BS, mathematics; Verona Genna Sticha, BA, communi- David Cole, BA, criminal jus- UW-Superior cation studies; Hunter Schultz, tice; Jessica Coyne, BA, inteFitchburg BS, biology; Justin Blackburn, grated strategic communicaNicolas Piazza, dean’s list BS, nursing; Marissa Wilson, tion; Kyla Johnson, BA, womVerona BS, psychology; Alec West, en’s studies; Benjamin Nelson, Kaitlin Sherman, dean’s list; BS, psychology; Nicholas BS, geology; Liam Schmitt, Isaac Worley, dean’s list BBA, business finance; Kanu Bilodeau, BS, economics Shenoi, BS, German, politi- Wisconsin Lutheran College cal science; Joseph Stevens, Clarke University Fitchburg BBA, accounting and business Verona Madeline Strange, dean’s list Kayla Anderson, doctor of finance; Luke Waschbusch, BBA, business finance and UW-Whitewater physical therapy accounting; Danielle Weaver, Fitchburg BBA, accounting Ripon College Abby Kuehni, dean’s list; Fitchburg Elizabeth Currier, art history, studio art Gustavus Adolphus College Verona Kyle Monson, management
Michigan Technological University Verona Jackson Pundt, BS, manUW-Whitewater agement Fitchburg Tess Duncan, BA, commuIowa State University nication; Halie Osborne, MPA, Fitchburg Sonia Carrola, BS, food sci- accounting; Brianna Pero, BS, psychology; Alexandra Potratz, ence MSE, professional studies; Matt Ropel, MPA, accounting; Lehigh University Susan Tegomoh, BA, internaFitchburg Josh Heurung, ME, health- tional studies; Connor Wildeck, MPA, accounting; Lucas care systems engineering
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Andrea Treviso, dean’s list; Nate Millmann, dean’s list; Katelyn Waldenmaier, dean’s list; Connor Wildeck, dean’s list; Kate Hettenbach, dean’s list; Brett Pophal, dean’s list; Lucas Wimmer, dean’s list Verona Louisa Latimer, dean’s list; Alec Ochowski, dean’s list; Daniel Sullivan, dean’s list; Garrett O’Brien, dean’s list; Alexander Stalowski, dean’s list; Erin Bongard, dean’s list; Meghan Smallwood, dean’s list; Isaac Lu, dean’s list; Marina Lowe, dean’s list; Nicole Neitzel, dean’s list, WIAC scholastic honor roll; Lucy Hagen, dean’s list; Stephanie Bahr, dean’s list; Tony Waldschmidt, dean’s list; Tyler Gold, dean’s list; UW-Eau Claire Fitchburg Allison Barton, dean’s list; Renee Gavigan, dean’s list; Andrew Moen, dean’s list; Sterling Rohlinger, dean’s list Verona Alexander Blum, dean’s list; Jessica Coyne, dean’s list; Marissa Fahey, dean’s list; Megan Heindl, dean’s list; Todd Koritzinsky, dean’s list; Rachel Nachreiner, dean’s list; Kanu Shenoi, dean’s list; Joseph Stevens, dean’s list; Amanda Tschudy, dean’s list; Danielle Weaver, dean’s list; Brett Wipfli, dean’s list Upper Iowa University Verona Kristi Cottrell, dean’s list; Lia Passini, dean’s list, J. Paul and Sharroll Richards scholarship Iowa State University Fitchburg Sonia Carrola, dean’s list; Luke Schoeberle, dean’s list; Jack Stanton, dean’s list Verona Taylor Blair, dean’s list; Aaron Gullickson, dean’s list
list Millikin University Verona Natalie Long, dean’s list UW-Stevens Point Fitchburg Sylvia Lewis, highest honors Verona Madeson Anderson, honors; Alyssa DuCharme, highest honors; Alexis Hanson, honors; Randolph Kessenich, highest honors; Mason Kuchenbecker, highest honors St. Cloud State University Verona Derek Witte, dean’s list UW-River Falls Verona Edward Matsushima, dean’s list Kutztown University Verona Katie Maurer, dean’s list Edgewood College Fitchburg Darby Buisker, dean’s list, semester honors; John Darcy, dean’s list, semester honors; Kendall Furniss-Smedley, dean’s list, semester honors; Benjamin Pickard, dean’s list, semester honors; Shannon Whitmus, dean’s list, semester honors; Cory Alfaro, semester honors; Brooklyn Doby, semester honors; Sara Ellis, semester honors; Caitlyn Scianna, semester honors; Estiven Zhen Mulian, semester honors Verona Alec West, dean’s list, semester honors; Jaime Runde, dean’s list, semester honors; Shanzeh Ahmad, semester honors; Ellen Bass, semester honors; Brendan Cleary, semester honors; Hope Schroeder, semester honors; Hunter Schultz, semester honors; Haley Schwenn, semester honors; Abbey Shaugnessy, semester honors; Leah Sinner, semester honors; Marissa Wilson, semester honors
Loras College Verona Alexis Alt, dean’s list; Zachary Conlin, dean’s list; Alexander Hofstetter, dean’s list; Jacob Toman, dean’s list Marquette University Fitchburg UW-Green Bay Brianna Foti, dean’s list; Ellen Fitchburg Hoffman, dean’s list; Benjamin Ashley Brechlin, semester Lucarelli, dean’s list honors Verona Veorna Peter Christian, dean’s list; Savannah Greiveldinger, Cali Hastreiter, dean’s list; semester high honors; Andrew Webber, dean’s list Alexandra Leuhring, semester honors Goshen College Verona Tufts University Mariah Gingrich, dean’s list Fitchburg Olivia Montgomery, dean’s
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Academic Achievements run as space is available, and this list of honorees and graduates is not complete. Due to the increased number of submissions after spring and fall graduation times, there is often a backlog in the following months. Note: If you have a non-Verona Area address but your child attended school in the Verona Area School District, please email ungcollege@ wcinet.com for consideration.
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August 15, 2019
The Verona Press
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Obituary
City of Verona
Tom Becker
Tom Becker
Thomas “Tom” M. Becker Sr., 52, passed away suddenly Friday, August 9, 2019, in his home. He was born April 18, 1967, at Elgin, Illinois, to Lawrence, Jr. and Margene (Boxleitner) Becker. He attended Central High School in Burlington, Illinois, and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Tom married Kelly E. (O’Brien) Becker on Oct. 31, 1998. Tom moved to Madison in 1993 and worked for Wegner CPA’s and MicroAge before he started his own business. Tom founded New Vision Networks, Inc. in 2001 and took pride in the fact that his customers became more than clients, but personal friends. It wasn’t unusual for Tom to take a call from a customer in the middle of the night because he knew that a small business’ recovery from a technological problem was critical.
He is a member of St. James Lutheran Church of Verona. Tom loved to fish at Trout Lake Resort in Minnesota, gardening, pickling vegetables, smoking meat for family gatherings, and watching the Chicago Bears and Blackhawks. Despite Kelly’s efforts to convert him to a Viking’s fan, he stayed true to da Bears. His two biggest achievements in life were his kids; from piano recitals to band concerts to softball to hockey and football games to watching his son graduate and become a United States Marine. Tom was a truly dedicated and loyal friend who loved reminiscing with his college and high school buddies. He had a larger-than-life personality and would command a room with his sharp wit and keen sense of humor. Tom had a love for technology. He could turn on the fireplace, light the grill, change the temperature in the house and see who was in the driveway all from his phone. There wasn’t a computer or network problem that he couldn’t solve and he would have given you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Tom is survived by his wife Kelly and two children Thomas “TJ” M. Becker, Jr. and Cleo M. Becker, of Verona, his parents, Lawrence and Margene Becker of Burlington, Illinois, his grandmother Vera Becker of
Sycamore, Illinois, brothers Steven (Denise) of Edgerton and James of Harmony, Illinois, and nieces Allison, Sara and Michelle. Tom is preceded in death by his grandfather Lawrence Becker, Sr., his aunt Judy (Becker) Hoaglund, grandparents Frank and Margaret (Davis) Boxleitner, his parents-in-law J. Gregory and Janet (Kratoska) O’Brien, his dog Katy and his cat Johnny. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2019, at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 S Main St, Verona. A visitation will be held on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 220 Enterprise Dr, Verona, and again on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. The family wishes to thank the Verona Fire Department, the Verona Police Department and Fitch-Rona EMS for their professionalism, compassion and going above and beyond. In lieu of flowers, please send donations for Cleo’s education to the “Thomas M. Becker Memorial Education Fund”, Park Bank, P.O Box 8969, Madison, WI 537088969. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservices. com. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 845-6625
Alders agree to $200k in traffic cuts at new HS JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor
With bids for the new high school’s transportation project $1 million higher than planned for, the district’s engineers hoped to trim out some items they saw as unnecessary. The city agreed to half of it Monday. All told, the cuts added up to $200,000, still leaving the project well over budget. But alders held firm with the recommendations from city staff. City public works director Theran Jacobson and
contracted traffic engineer Jess Billmeyer had put together a 20-page report analyzing the suggested cuts and found a handful of opportunities to save money without losing out on the effectiveness of the roads and paths around and into the school. They were planting half as many trees along West Verona Avenue, deleting a temporary traffic circle, using different signal connections and deleting the dimming feature on a streetlight. The ones they and the council did not agree with included, most notably,
axing the widening of West Verona Avenue to allow for a proposed north-side sidewalk and a south-side multiuse path along West Verona Avenue. Jacobson blamed the problem on wildly different cost estimates of the project that he had not been aware of until May. JSD, the district’s hired engineering firm, had estimated a cost of $5.8 million for the same project the city estimated would cost $9.3 million, according to the narrative Jacobson supplied. The bids came in at $7.1 million.
City in brief
location of landowner David Reinke’s Liberty Parts Team headquarters, something he’s sugAlders discussed but did not take action on gested for years and got approval for in 2015. a request by Affiliated Construction Services to locate to a lot in Liberty Park, on the city’s Cluster mailboxes go back southeast side. The council declined to pass a cluster The siting of ACS, on the northwest portion mailbox ordinance as is required by the of the 200-acre business park, would require U.S. Postal Service in the area. the extension of Liberty Drive, the main road Ald. Evan Touchett (Dist. 4), the Public through the project that has never been fin- Works committee chair, said the ordinance ished. One reason for that is the short amount that group reviewed earlier in the eveof time remaining before the tax-increment ning did not address some of its concerns, financing district that overlays the business including what happens when snow piles up park must close – by 2023. in front of them. Half the road was built in 2013, with the rest “The committee decided it wasn’t time, of it based on further development on the site so we’re sending it back,” he said. and the park meeting benchmarks prescribed Interim city administrator Adam Sayre in the 2012 developer agreement with the city. said the requirement, which means all new The proposed 47,000-square foot facility developments must group mailboxes in would be for the manufacture of engine test- centralized locations, is not popular among ing equipment. It would sit on a 5.8-acre site municipalities or developers but nonetheopposite Whalen Road from the proposed less won’t be a choice.
ACS seeks funding
Administrator: Council will consider other options after latest search comes up empty Continued from page 1 be, whether that could involve promoting a current staff member, taking another look at its initial pool of candidates, bringing in a new group from people who have applied
since the initial April 7 soft deadline or starting over entirely. In the meantime, planning and development director Adam Sayre has been the interim administrator. Last month the council extended his contract for that duty to Nov.
3 and gave him an additional raise while lauding his performance so far. Sayre has declined to say whether he ever has been a candidate. The city interviewed six candidates in April but cut that number to three
for its second round, which includ- administrator position in Hudson ed meetings with staff. and Wietecha is headed for the The city began its background same position in Hastings. check after its May 20-21 interviews of the three candidates, Email Verona Press editor Jim Wilson, Aaron Reeves and Dan Ferolie at veronapress@wcinet. Wietecha. Reeves is taking an com.
Legals NOTICES The City of Verona Plan Commission will hold Public Hearing on September 3, 2019 at City Hall, 111 Lincoln Street, at 6:30 PM for the following planning and zoning matter: 1) Zoning Map amendment to rezone the property located at 300 East Verona Avenue from the current classification of Neighborhood Residential (NR) to Central Commercial (CC). Interested persons may comment on this planning and zoning matter during the public hearing at the September 3,
2019 meeting. The Plan Commission will make a recommendation for this matter, which will then be reviewed by the Common Council for final decision on Monday, September 9th. Contact Adam Sayre, Director of Planning and Development, at 608-8489941 for more information on this item or to receive copies of the submittal. Maps showing the location of the affected properties may be viewed at City Hall or may be obtained once the applicable copying fee has been paid to the City. Ellen Clark,
City Clerk Published: August 15 and 22, 2019 WNAXLP *** CITY OF VERONA MINUTES COMMON COUNCIL JULY 22, 2019 VERONA CITY HALL 1. Mayor Diaz called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll call: Alderpersons Cronin, Gaskell, Jerney, Kemp, Kohl and Posey were present. Also present: Interim City
Early Deadlines Labor Day Week September 4, 2019 Great Dane Shopping News Display ad deadline: Wednesday, August 28 at 3 pm. Classified ad deadline: Thursday, August 29 at Noon. September 5, 2019 Community Papers Display & Classified Advertising: Friday, August 30 at Noon.
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Administrator Sayre, H.R. Coordinator Weckerly, AECOM Engineer Fischer, and City Clerk Clark. Alderpersons Reekie and Touchett were absent and excused. 4. Public Comment: None 5. Approval of minutes from the July 8, 2019 Common Council meeting. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Kemp, to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2019 Common Council meeting Motion carried 6-0. 6. Mayor’s Business: None 7. Announcements: None 8. Administrator’s Report: 9. Engineer’s Report: 10. Committee Reports A. Finance Committee (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: Payment of bills. Motion by Kemp, seconded by Cronin, to pay the bills in the amount of $1,985,164.89. Motion carried 6-0. B. Public Safety and Welfare Committee (1) Discussion and Possible Action Re: An application for a Combination Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage and Reserve “Class B” Intoxicating Liquor License for Senguio, LLC, d/b/a El Charro Mexican Grill, 958 Liberty Drive, Suite 106, Monica Griselda Covarrubias Lopez, Agent. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Kemp, to approve the application for a Combination Class “B” Fermented Malt Beverage and Reserve “Class B” Intoxicating Liquor License for Senguio, LLC, d/b/a El Charro Mexican Grill, 958 Liberty Drive, Suite 106, Monica Griselda Covarrubias Lopez, Agent. Motion carried 6-0. Mayor Diaz requested unanimous consent from the Common Council to convene in closed session to discuss Items 11.A., 11.B., and 12.A. at the same time, with the Council approving a motion to convene in closed session for each item; and to take Item 11.B. before Item 11.A. There were no objections. 11. Old Business B. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Interim City Administrator Agreement extension The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding an extension of the Interim City Administrator Agreement as authorized by Section 19.85(1) (c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Sayre explained the Interim City Administrator’s agreement expires on July 31st. The City will not have a permanent City Administrator hired by July 31st, so the agreement needs to be extended. City Staff is requesting a closed session discussion with the Common Council to discuss the agreement. Motion by Kemp, seconded by Posey, to convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding
an extension of the Interim City Administrator Agreement as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. On roll call: Alder Gaskell – Aye; Alder Jerney – Aye; Alder Kemp – Aye; Alder Kohl – Aye; Alder Posey – Aye; Alder Cronin – Aye. Motion carried 6-0. The Common Council convened in closed session at 7:17 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Cronin, to reconvene in open session at 7:57 p.m. No action was taken by the Common Council in closed session. A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: City Administrator Recruitment The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding City Administrator recruitment as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Sayre explained that City Staff continues to work on the City Administrator recruitment and is requesting a closed session discussion with the Common Council to discuss the recruitment and to provide an update to the Common Council. Motion by Cronin, seconded by Kemp, to convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding City Administrator recruitment as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. On roll call: Alder Cronin – Aye; Alder Gaskell – Aye; Alder Jerney – Aye; Alder Kemp – Aye; Alder Kohl – Aye; Alder Posey – Aye. Motion carried 6-0. The Common Council convened in closed session at 7:16 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Cronin, to reconvene in open session at 7:57 p.m. No action was taken by the Common Council in closed session. 12. New Business A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Fire Chief Retirement Agreement The Common Council may convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding a Fire Chief Retirement Agreement as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion,
compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. Sayre explained that Staff is requesting a closed session discussion with the Common Council to discuss a retirement agreement with the Fire Chief. Motion by Posey, seconded by Kemp, to convene in a closed session for discussion and possible action regarding a Fire Chief Retirement Agreement as authorized by Section 19.85(1)(c) of the Wisconsin Statutes to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee subject to the jurisdiction or authority of the City of Verona. The Common Council may reconvene in open session to discuss and take action on the subject matter discussed in the closed session. On roll call: Alder Cronin – Aye; Alder Gaskell – Aye; Alder Jerney – Aye; Alder Kemp – Aye; Alder Kohl – Aye; Alder Posey – Aye. Motion carried 6-0. The Common Council convened in closed session at 7:17 p.m. CLOSED SESSION Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Cronin, to reconvene in open session at 7:57 p.m. No action was taken by the Council in closed session. Diaz stated the Common Council received an update from Weckerly regarding the administrator recruitment during closed session. A full report is expected at the August 12, 2019 Common Council meeting. 11.B. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Interim City Administrator Agreement extension. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Kemp, to approve the Interim City Administrator agreement with Adam Sayre. Motion carried 6-0. Diaz thanked Sayre for doing a great job for the City. 12.A. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Fire Chief Retirement Agreement. Motion by Kemp, seconded by Gaskell, to approve the Fire Chief retirement agreement. Motion carried 6-0. On behalf of the City and the Common Council, Kemp thanked Fire Chief Giver for his service to the City, and wished him the best of luck in his retirement. Diaz also thanked Giver for his service. Motion carried 6-0. B. Discussion and Possible Action Re: Approval of operator licenses. Motion by Kohl, seconded by Kemp, to approve operator licenses as presented by the City Clerk. Motion carried 6-0. 13. Adjournment: Motion by Gaskell, seconded by Cronin, to adjourn at 8:02 p.m. Motion carried 6-0. Ellen Clark City Clerk Published: August 15, 2019 WNAXLP ***
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Help Wanted Verona Hyatt Place is now hiring full & part time housekeeper. Must be able to work weekends and holidays. Pay starting at $12.50 per hour based on experience. Immediate interviews available on property. Looking for Class A CDL ton truck driver. Must have good driving record and references. Experience necessary. Insurance incentive after 90 days. Send resume to dearthlivestock@yahoo.com Paid weekly. Call 608-558-8165. PT Office Assistant M-F First Lutheran Church, Stoughton MS-Office Proficient 30 hrs-wk 608873-7761.
GOLDEN RETRIEVER puppies and Labrador puppies, AKC, shots, de-wormed, dew claws removed, micro-chipped and vet checked. 608574-6204. License #267233.
Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin.
Garage Sales STOUGHTON. 817 Arendal Court, 815 and 816, 8a-5p. 55" TV, name brand clothes, American Girl dolls, collectibles, bike, jewelry, ballet bar, holiday, college bedding, and household items. OREGON. 4735 Eisenhower Street. 816-817, 8a-5p. Wide-variety of items, including sewing machine, hand tools, stoneware, jugscrocks, vases, beer bottles, camping lanternequip., fishing poles, vinyl, record turntables, Schwinn bicycle, furniture, toys, lots more!
STEEL FABRICATOR looking for FT Welder, Forklift Driver, and Maintenance positions. Experience in manufacturing preferred. $16-$20 per hour depending on experience. PT Truck Driver. Apply to Bradley Iron Works, INC, 2345 Kerper Blvd, Dubuque, IA 52001.
STOUGHTON. 2264 CTY AB. Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 8am-Noon. New American Girl items, womens Schwinn 10-speed, womens and girls clothing and shoes and household items.
Services
WE BUY Junk Cars and Trucks. We sell used parts. Monday thru Friday 8am-5:30pm. Newville Auto Salvage 279 Hwy 59 Edgerton 608-884-3114
OFFICE CLEANING in StoughtonOregon Mon-Fri 5pm. Visit our website: www.capitalcityclean.com or call our office 608-831-8850. CHERYL’S HOUSEKEEPING Stoughton and Oregon. 608-3229554. HOUSECLEANING SERVICES. Natural and effective cleaning solutions. Meticulous, reputable and reliable. www.detailedhousecleaningservice.com. Call Detailed Cleaning 608-361-8999 HOUSECLEANING SERVICES. Willing to clean small home in Madison and Stoughton area. 608298-7477.
Wanted
Rentals BROOKLYN. 3806 Union-Dane Road. 4-bedroom house, 1.5-bath, all applicances furnished, large 2-stall garage. Rural setting. Stoughton schools. $1500month plus utilities. 608-338-5408. CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE IS Noon Friday for The Great Dane and Noon Monday for the Verona Press unless changed because of holiday work schedules. Call now to place your ad, 873-6671 or 8356677.
A&B ENTERPRISES Light Construction Remodeling No job too small 608-835-7791. ART’S LAWNCARE: Mowing, trimming, weed control, fertilizing. Rough mowing available. 608-235-4389. LAWN MOWING Residential & Commercial. Fully Insured. 608-873-7038 or 608-669-0025
Pets ENGLISH BULLDOG puppy, white and black female, AKC registered, shots and dewormed. Wis. Lic. 466394, $1,000 obo. 608-943-6202. LAB-GERMAN SHORTHAIR puppies - shots, dewclaws removed, tails docked. 6 males 3 females. Hunting family. Textcall 608-732-0688 or 608485-0662. $300. MINI-GOLDENDOODLES, SHIPOOS,Teddy Bears, 2-Westies, 2-Whoodles, 3-Cavachons, 2-Cockapoos, 5-Poochons, Cavapoos & 3 Wheaton Terriers soon! $695 to $1,495 or more WWW. SPRINGGREENPUPS.COM Lic #474872 Brenda 608-574-7931 RED HEELER puppies, shots, de-wormed. $300. 608-348-3810. CLASSIFIEDS, 873-6671 or 835-6677. It pays to read the fine print.
STOUGHTON. For rent 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex, garage in center, $925/ month. No pets. 608-346-1263. ROSEWOOD APARTMENTS for Seniors 55+. 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month. Includes heat, water and sewer. Professionally managed. Located at 300 Silverado Drive, Stoughton, WI 53589. 608-877-9388
Storage Spaces For Rent ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGON/BROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900 DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337
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Office Space For Rent OFFICE SPACES FOR RENT In Oregon facing 15th hole on golf course Free Wi-Fi, Parking and Security System Conference rooms available Kitchenette-Breakroom Autumn Woods Prof. Centre Marty 608-835-3628 VERONA. 3,400 sq. ft. warehouse loading dock, 1 office. & 600 SQ. FT Warehouse. 608-576-0192.
Real Estate New Factory Built Homes, 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980 HORKHEIMER HOMES Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985.
The Wisconsin State Journal
is looking for a carrier to deliver in the Belleville/New Glarus area. Must be available early A.M.s, 7 days a week, and have a dependable vehicle.
For more information call Pat at 608-212-7216
Farm FOR SALE: 1,000 gallon DeLaval bulk tank and plate cooler, also a vacuum pump 7.5hp, 10 years old, really good condition. $5,000 obo. Also a 3 inch milk line and jar for a double 5 parlor. 608-778-6026. FRITZ BARN PAINTING Rusty roofs, metal buildings, grain bins. Freeestimate. 608-221-3510
FRENCHTOWN SELF-STORAGE Only 6 miles South of Verona on Hwy PB. Variety of sizes available now. 10x10=$65-month 10x15=$75-month 10x20=$85-month 10x25=$95-month 12x30=$120-month Call 608-424-6530 or 1-888-878-4244
RENT SKID LOADERS MINIEXCAVATORS TELE-HANDLER and these attachments. Concrete breaker, posthole auger,landscape rake, concrete bucket,pallet forks, trencher, rock hound,broom, teleboom, stump grinder. By the day, week, or month. Carter & Gruenewald Co. 4417 Hwy 92, Brooklyn, WI 608-455-2411.
NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088
SELL IT NOW…
RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240
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2004 PARK Avenue 108K, nice; 2014 International semi, (Cummins). 608778-6600.
STOUGHTON 2-BEDROOM, 2-bath. Available now and for Fall. In-unit laundry, garage, patio or balcony, dishwasher, Fox Prairie Elementary. UpperLower from $1,050mo., townhouse from $1,325-$1,375mo. Call 608-807-0287 or visit kingandmain. stevebrownapts.com.
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UNION ROAD STORAGE 10x10 - 10x15 - 10x20 - 12x30 24-7 Access Security Lights & Cameras Credit Cards Accepted 608-835-0082 1128 Union Road, Oregon, WI Located on the corner of Union Road and Lincoln Road
• Daytime, full-time Locate Technician positions available • 100% PAID TRAINING • Company vehicle & equipment provided • PLUS medical, dental, vision, & life insurance REQUIREMENTS: • Must be able to work outdoors • HS Diploma or GED • Ability to work OT & weekends • Must have valid driver’s license with safe driving record
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1998 GMC Sonoma. 5-speed, runs great, low miles, cold air, extra tires. $1,495 OBO. Doug 608-877-8345.
AKC GOLDEN Retriever pups, first shots, dew claws removed, male and female. $800 cash. 608-490-0713.
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3 Great CDL A Drivers Call to Qualify - Apply by Sept. 2, 2019 Within Hour of HWY 151 Steady Income 100% PAID Benefits Non-hazmat Tanker Company Training 2 years experience
in the Classifieds! 835-6677 or
Safety Award Thanks Drivers!
1-800-772-1734 • www.jensentransport.com
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Jensen Transport Inc • EOE
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Increase Your sales opportunities…reach over 1.2 million households! Advertise in our Wisconsin Advertising Network System. For information call 835-6677. Auction Miscellaneous 800+ Estate Guns @ Auction Friday Aug. 16 @ 9AM Preview: DIRECTV & AT&T. 155 Channels & 1000s of Shows/Movies On Thur. 15th 2-7 PM Fine Modern & Antique Colts, Winchesters, Demand (w/SELECT Package.) AT&T Internet 99 Percent Reliability. Unlimited Texts to 120 Countries w/AT&T Wireless. Call Ruger, Etc. www.KramerSales.com (CNOW) 4 FREE Quote- 1-866-252-8805. (CNOW) Construction, Remodeling Earthlink High Speed Internet. As Low As $14.95/month (for the ROOFERS INCREASE REVENUE? Will train contractors, first 3 months.) Reliable High Speed Fiber Optic Technology. proven, 40-year system for low slope metal/flat roofs. Low in- Stream Videos, Music and More! Call Earthlink Today 1-877vestment. Margins: $2,500 day possible. Daniel: 660-605-3951, 794-5751 (CNOW) Emanuel: 715-314-0520 (CNOW) DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR BOAT TO HERITAGE FOR Help Wanted - Truck Driver THE BLIND. Free 3 Day Vacation, Tax Deductible, Free Towing, Stoughton Trucking is looking for local Flatbed Driver. Must All Paperwork Taken Care Of. CALL 1-855-711-0379 (CNOW) have two years tractor/trailer experience and one year flatbed SAVE ON YOUR NEXT PRESCRIPTION! World Health Link. experience, must have class A CDL and Medical card. Home Price Match Guarantee! Prescriptions Required. CIPA Certified. every night. Weekends off. Health and Dental insurance, Holi- Over 1500 medications available. CALL Today For A Free Price day pay, $1,000.00 sign on bonus. Call Curt at (608) 873-2922 Quote. 1-866-546-5275 Call Now! (CNOW) (CNOW) DISH TV $59.99 For 190 Channels $14.95 High Speed InOTR VAN DRIVERS - Stoughton Trucking is looking for OTR ternet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Van drivers. Run the Midwest region - Yearly increase - Paid Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-855-997-5088 (CNOW) Vacations / Holidays , Health / Dental insurance , Short term Sporting Goods Disability , Life insurance , Also $1,000.00 sign on bonus, Home every weekend , Call Curt (608)-873-2922 M-F 7AM- GUN SHOW: Aug 16-18, Comfort Suites, Air Conditioned Conference Ctr, 725 Paradise Lane, Johnson Creek, WI Friday 5PM. (CNOW) 3pm-8pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-3pm. $7. 608-752Medical Care 6677 www.bobandrocco.com (CNOW) OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. Wanted to Buy or Trade The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! WANTED FREON R12: We pay CA$H. R12 R500 R11 ConveFREE info kit: 888-332-9680 (CNOW) nient, Certified Professionals (312) 291-9169 RefrigerantFinders.com/ads (CNOW) adno=97504
Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Sloan Implement at our Mt. Horeb location is currently looking for a Lawn and Garden Service Technician 1 to perform basic diagnostics, service repairs and maintenance work on customer and/or dealer-owned turf equipment. The qualified candidate must be able to pass a drug screen, possess a valid drivers license and have an excellent driving history as well as have the ability to perform basic repairs and required maintenance using special tools and equipment. For additional job duties, requirements, and to see our full-time benefit package, please go online to sloans.com. If you are interested and qualified for the position, please apply online at www.sloans.com.
Sloan Implement is currently looking for a full-time Truck Driver at our Mt. Horeb, WI location to transport equipment to/from customers and/or between dealer facilities. Candidates that apply must have a valid CDL License, 1+ years experience as a semi-trailer truck operator, excellent driving record, and experience with loading and unloading heavy equipment is preferred. For additional job duties, requirements, and to see our full time benefit package, please go online to sloans.com. If you are interested and qualified for the position, please apply online or come into the store to fill out an application. Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Sloan Implement in Mt. Horeb is looking for an experienced Ag Sales Representative to sell new and used Ag and Turf equipment. To view the completed job description and job requirements as well as viewing our competitive benefits package, please go to www.sloans.com. You may apply directly online or send your resume to SMcRae@Sloans.com Sloan Implement is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Automotive
GREENWOOD APARTMENTS. Apartments for Seniors 55+,currently has 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month,includes heat, water, and sewer. 608-8356717. Located at:139 Wolf St., Oregon, WI 53575
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New Wage Scale! Four Winds Manor and Four Winds Lodge Seeking dedicated individuals to join our team! CNAs - FT/PT ⋅ PM and NOC shift RN - FT/PT ⋅ Day shift LPN - FT ⋅ PM shift RN PM Nurse Supervisor - FT M.A.A. - FT ⋅ PM Shift Contact Jessica Koerwitz, Director of Nursing 608-845-6465 or jkoerwitz@fourwindsmanor.com ------------------------------------------------------------------Housekeeper - Full-Time Contact Brent Marshall 608-845-6465 or bmarshall@fourwindsmanor.com ------------------------------------------------------------------Resident Assistant - FT Day/PM combination of shifts Contact Lisa Aders at 608-845-6465 or laders@fourwindsmanor.com or Jim Raab jraab@fourwindsmanor.com We offer competitive wages, shift and weekend differential. Health, dental, disability and life insurance. Retirement, vacation, sick and holiday pay. Equal Opportunity Employer
303 S. Jefferson Street, Verona, WI 53593 • (608) 497-2362
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STOUGHTON HOSPITAL Blood Drive. Friday, August 16. 8 am-1 pm in the Bryant Center Stoughton Hospital. $10 gift cards for all presenting donors. Walk-ins welcome or call Sharee at 800-747-5401 x4128 for an appointment. Photo I.D. required.
FOR SALE: Beagle puppies, tri-colored, AKC registered, vet checked. My dogs are typically fast starters and quick learners, great hunters and companions, and field champions in the pedigree. $400-$450 each. 608437-8957.
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Notices
August 15, 2019
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August 15, 2019
The Verona Press
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Levenhagen: Named ‘Future Headliner’ by Wisconsin Newspaper Association in 2018 Continued from page 1 One of the stories she enjoyed covering most was the ongoing Ted Bruno murder case, a yearslong process that involved sifting through court documents and attending hearings. And she was particularly proud of a series she was working on regarding a sex offender facility in the Town of Rutland and the program that put it there. She enjoyed covering anything that got people riled up or was multifaceted, such as Stoughton’s ongoing riverfront redevelopment planning. She was devastated when the Kittleson house – a story she had been covering for months – was scheduled for demolition at a time when she had a prior engagement. When she got the opportunity to put on beekeeper gear last summer for a story, she jumped at it without a second thought. She was the kind of reporter who found satisfaction in being involved with every aspect of a story. She also loved writing feature stories about our communities and lamented at having to pass them along to other reporters in recent months so she could continue to hone her skills covering governments. She was also one of the most supportive people on UNG’s staff. She was always willing to lend an ear to help her coworkers through their difficult times, and was a relentless cheerleader as they worked with tough sources and impossible stories. She also fervently supported them outside of work, going to their photography exhibitions, college capstone presentations and other activities they were involved in. She started early as a journalist, penning a blog on environmental issues as a teenager that garnered more attention than she’d anticipated. After that, she went on to study
Amber Levenhagen, left, holds a recorder and watches excitedly as a Stoughton beekeeper pulls bees out of their wooden beehive. journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, writing and taking photos for its student newspaper, The Royal Purple. There, she expanded her
photography skills from art photography to that of photojournalism, learning on the fly as she was thrown into sports games, political rallies and even a flour fight event.
108 E. Verona Ave. Verona
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Come see our friendly bankers in our drive-up or lobby! 608-845-0108
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She was also the first-ever student photographer hire for the university’s marketing department, paving the way for other students to hone their craft. Levenhagen was named a Future Headliner by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association in 2018, one of five reporters under the age of 30 across the state chosen as an emerging leader in the industry. “Being able to walk down the street and ask people some of their favorite parts about the community and then seeing how that translates into the story,” she said of her job in a video she made as part of the recognition. “I believe in journalism as a tool for getting the community engaged in what is happening outside of their own back door.” She also won three second place awards: Two for her photography work at Syttende Mai in partnership with reporter Kimberly Wethal and another as a “Rookie Reporter of the Year.” In a blog post from her senior year of college, she wrote that after she graduated, she hoped to continue with a career in photojournalism to further her interests in environmental and social justice. “Dream big, right?” she wrote. State Patrol Sgt. Matt Noah told Unified Newspaper Group Levenhagen struck a truck in front of her at high speed as traffic slowed for a crash and that the investigation was still
Photos by Kimberly Wethal
Amber Levenhagen holds her Future Headliners plaque in March 2018. She won the award from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
‘I believe in journalism as a tool for getting the community engaged in what is happening outside of their own back door.’ – Amber Levenhagen open Monday morning. A memorial service is not Levenhagen donated her yet set, but this story will be organs, which will help up to updated online once details 75 people. have been announced.