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12/5/19 Verona Press

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Thursday, December 5, 2019 • Vol. 55, No. 29 • Verona, WI • Hometown USA • ConnectVerona.com • $1.25

Eliminating overdue penalties had positive effect, library director says RENEE HICKMAN Unified Newspaper Group

When Verona eliminated its daily library fines a year ago this month, it joined a trend sweeping libraries across south central Wisconsin – and the rest of the country. Communities including Sun Prairie and Fitchburg have already removed late fees, while places like Stoughton and Madison are considering the move. With a year of this approach under Verona’s belt, libraries going fine free are able to look to the city as one example of how the change might affect them. Stacey Burkart, Verona’s library director, told the Press in an email she thinks the change has been a good one, without major negative effects. In particular, Burkart wrote, the library has not experienced a large loss of revenue as a result of the policy. “For the past several years, we’ve been increasing our fundraising efforts,” Burkart wrote. “Since we’ve been fine free, donations have increased nearly by nearly the same amount as the lost fine revenue. I can’t say whether that is a coincidence or the result of increased goodwill towards

the library.” One of the most important positive effects of going fine-free, according to Burkart, has been the change in interactions between library users and library staff. “The staff really appreciate that interactions with the public no longer center around paying library fines,” Burkart said. “Now staff can focus on more positive interactions and helping people access the information and services they need.” She said she felt the change in policy had effectively increased access for those patrons who need the library the most. Burkart wrote that the library does not have numbers on how quickly books have been returned since the fine free policy when into effect. However, she said that immediately after fines were eliminated, the return rate went up significantly and stabilized thereafter. S t i l l , t h e p o l i cy h a s not resulted in a dramatic increase in circulation numbers, one of the reasons often cited for removing fines. “In 2018, the library circulated about 460,000 items and it looks like we will circulate a similar amount in 2019,” Burkart said. This is in line with recent trends, Stoughton Library director Jim Ramsey said in a presentation he delivered to that city’s library board Nov. 20 on the potential

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Kindergarteners do yoga during a mindfulness session on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Stoner Prairie Elementary School.

Thinking it over

Stoner Prairie adds mindfulness room to encourage mental well-being KIMBERLY WETHAL Unified Newspaper Group

Stoner Prairie Elementary School students are learning more than academics in the classroom

this year. Through yoga and mindfulness activities, they’re getting a better grasp on their emotions. Prior to the start of the school year, Stoner Prairie staff created a mindfulness room to encourage physical and mental well-being for students and staff, and to provide an outlet for both groups to learn how to manage emotions and daily

stressors. The mindfulness room fits in with the district’s overall goal to promote student well-being, and is part of the implementation of social emotional learning programming added to elementary school curriculum starting this year. That added curriculum encourages teachers to be intentional about the way they’re integrating social emotional

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learning into lessons. Having the social emotional learning curriculum take shape through the mindfulness room allows staff to address student mental health, and teach them from an early age about how not only can they recognize their emotions, but manage and work through them, Thompson-Kapp said.

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Woodworking for a cause NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

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At Badger Prairie Needs Network, free community meals are served twice a month, quite often in bowls. Soups and salads are regularly scooped by volunteers into bowls for the hundreds of monthly guests at BPNN’s Prairie Kitchen, 1200 E. Verona Ave. This coming Saturday, bowls Photo submitted will play a greater signifiKen Brunner will be selling his bowls on Dec. 7 at BPNN to cance during the meal. raise money for the food pantry and other programs. Ken Brunner, a Mount

Horeb resident, will sell his handmade bowls from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at BPNN’s Dec. 7, community meal and will donate all funds raised to the pantry. They will be sold for a minimum suggested donation of $5-10, depending upon the size of the bowl. The Dec. 7 meal will b e f r o m 1 1 : 3 0  a . m . t o 12:45 p.m. and in addition to Brunner’s bowl fundraiser, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be attending lunch to

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December 5, 2019

The Verona Press

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Taxes up $43 on average Rising home values offset declining rates JIM FEROLIE Verona Press editor

Photo by Neal Patten

Stephanie Ehle, who began Oct. 7 as the new senior center director, wanted to begin gathering community input as soon as possible.

New senior center director hosts first feedback session NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

On Monday morning, Dec. 2, 16 Verona-area community members gathered with senior center director Stephanie Ehle in the center’s fireside room for coffee and cookies. Ehle, who began in the position Oct. 7, wants to learn from the community. Monday’s “coffee with the director” session was the first in a new planned monthly series to gather feedback from center guests. They shared concerns about the Death Cafe, a discussion group to share thoughts and fears about dying, that it sounded too morbid. They also said they wanted more live music at the center — specifically to bring Verona Area High School Students back following their Veterans Day performance. Guests advocated for equine therapy — and a trip to Arlington, Illinois to see horse races. Some members said they wanted to see the Nintendo Wii motion control video game system brought back, particularly for bowling games. Ehle was surprised there was still interest in the 2006 system.

The center currently contracts the Rendever virtual reality system, which is geared towards residents of assisted living and senior care communities. Ehle said she’s exploring ways to use Play-Doh in the center, which has been shown to help seniors with living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. “I wanted to open the party line to good and bad feedback to make sure we are using our resources wisely in the coming year, but not make it into a formal process like a survey,” Ehle said. She encouraged attendees to share their perceptions of the center, both good and bad, to help determine whether or not its meeting their needs. One of the ideas was to put out a suggestion box for center guests to submit their ideas. However, Ehle said that when she took over, there was already such a box, and it hadn’t received a suggestion in two years, one of the reasons she felt this feedback session was necessary. Overall, she felt the first feedback session went well. “People just want to be heard,” Ehle said, “and I want to make sure this is their center.” Contact Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

The average City of Verona homeowner’s taxes will increase by $43 this year, partly because of increased property values. T h a t ’s b a s e d o n a $272,000 home, which is the same assessment as last year because Verona homes have not been reassessed in several years. They are scheduled for a revaluation in 2020, but tax rates account for the assumed increase in market values, known legally as equalized values. The city released the calculation of tax bills Thursday, Nov. 21, about a week after Dane County finalized its budget. City administrator Adam Sayre said the bills will be mailed the second week of December, well before the state’s Dec. 16 deadline. This year’s tax increase is significantly less than last year’s average hike of $150, mostly the result of an error by the city assessor in which money was diverted inadvertently to a tax-increment financing district. The previous year, the Verona Area School District’s referendum to build a new high school and upgrade assorted buildings contributed to an average tax increase of $250. VA S D t a x e s r e m a i n the biggest contributor to the tax increase this year, accounting for a $90 hike on that average home. City taxes are dropping $36, offsetting the assessor’s error from 2018 that had contributed to raising city taxes by

2019 property taxes Jurisdiction 2018 2019 $ chg. % chg. City of Verona $5.93 $5.80 -$.13 -2.2% VASD (net) $13.00 $13.33 $.33 2.5% Dane County $3.50 $3.57 $.07 2.1% MATC $1.07 $1.09 $.02 1.5% Net taxes $23.50 $23.79 $.29 2.5% Average value $272,000 $272,000 0 Lottery credit $217.09 $251.57 $34.48 First Dollar credit $89.64 $90.87 $1.28 Trash pickup $176 $179 $3

Source: City of Verona

an average of $40. County taxes are adding $20 to that bill. State credits, which reduce the tax bill by an absolute amount, rather than a proportion of the value of the house, are increasing by $34. T h e s c h o o l d i s t r i c t ’s nominal tax rate – based on equalized value – stayed flat at $12.77 for the third straight year, but with an average increase in property values of 6% in the city, that translated to increases

in taxes, as well. Dane County dropped its tax rate overall by 3%, but adjusting for the rising home values, taxes will go up 2% on Verona tax bills. The city’s rate dropped 2.2% in a tighter-than-usual budget year because of lagging growth, but that rate, unlike those published for the county and school district (which serve multiple municipalities), is based on assessed value, so that already factors in home values.

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Library’s LINKcat catalog down for update Every cat needs a nap now and then. LINKcat, the online catalog for area public libraries, will be offline for a scheduled software update from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 through Tuesday, Dec. 10. This will affect all public libraries in the seven-county South Central Library System. During this offline period,

patrons will not have access to the catalog to place new holds, but will be able to pick up existing holds. Due dates on library items will be extended and overdue fines will not incurred, according to a library news release. Library eBooks and eAudiobooks will be available through Wisconsin’s Digital Library at wplc.overdrive.

com. Patrons may still visit their local library to check out and return items during regular hours of operation. Library staff will also be available to help patrons locate materials on their shelves. For information, call the library at 845-7180. - Mackenzie Krumme

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December 5, 2019

The Verona Press

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Verona ranked as bronze bike-friendly city The League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit membership organization of cycling advocates and enthusiasts, has been promoting a bicycle-friendly America since 1880. L a s t m o n t h , Ve r o n a became one of its newest members. Verona is now one of 488 other communities across the country that are members of the League’s Bicycle Friendly Community program. “The City of Verona joins 2019’s 53 new and renewing Bicycle Friendly Communities as part of a movement towards a more vibrant, healthy, sustainable and connected places,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director at the League of American Bicyclists. “We’re proud that the City of Verona and communities like it are embracing bicycling.” While many of its neighboring communities have been members for years, including Fitchburg and Madison, this was Verona’s first time applying. The league awards cities with one of five classifications based on their level of bicycle-friendliness: bronze, silver, gold, platinum and diamond. For its first year

Bike friendly report card In the report card provided to the city by the League of American Bicyclists, there were nine key steps to move up from a bronze to a silver certification. Some of these steps included: • Adopt an official Complete Streets policy and create implementation guidance to ensure that Verona follows a bicycle facility selection criteria that increases separation and protection of bicyclists based on levels of motor vehicle speed and volume. • Appoint a city staff member to be the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator or create a new position. • Create an official Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to create a method for ongoing citizen input into the development of important policies. • Continue to build bike culture and promote cycling during Bike Month and throughout the year through a variety of signature events, rides and celebrations. applying, Verona received a bronze certification. If a city fails to meet minimum benchmarks, it is provided with feedback on how to improve and awarded an honorable mention. Regardless if an applicant ranks or not, the league provides suggestions and metrics called the ‘Building Blocks of a Bicycle Friendly Community’ for improving bicycling conditions via a detailed report card. Communities that implement

these best practices can re-apply for a new designation every four years. The Bicycle Friendly Community program was founded in 1995. Since then, there have been over 1500 community applications processed by the League’s staff. In addition to the currently 488 recognized Bicycle Friendly Communities, there are nearly 100 honorable mention communities. Some recent improvements noted in the

application submitted in August by Katherine Holt, Verona’s community development specialist, included the newly completed bicycle paths along South Main Street from Whalen Road to Locust Drive and a path on the recently opened County Highway M. Holt also noted in the application the Verona Police Department continues to hold their bike safety event in June and Sugar Creek Elementary School continues to have a bicycle education program to promote a strong bicycle community. She also drew attention in the application to the Books on Bikes program sponsored by the library where librarians bike to parks or events and hands out books to anyone along the route. Holt pointed out there are two bicycle shops, Rocket Bicycle Studio and Atkins Bicycle Shoppe, located in the city limits and that Verona is on the Ironman bicycle loop, which comes through the city every year. In June this year, the city encouraged its employees to bike to work for a week as part of the National Bike to Work Week initiative. Overall, the league ranks Wisconsin 29th out of the 50 U.S. states for bike-friendliness. Twenty Wisconsin communities have been

Military Ridge Trail segment closed for construction JIM FEROLIE Unified Newspaper Group

Bicyclists and trail walkers who use the Military Ridge Trail will need to take an alternate route through Dec. 24. The section of the trail from the east side of the U.S. Hwy. 18-151 tunnel

to South Nine Mound Road will be closed Dec. 3-24 to accommodate construction of the new Wildcat Way, according to a release from the state Department of Natural Resources. Bicyclists and pedestrians will be rerouted from South Nine Mile Road to West Verona Avenue and then onto Epic Lane. In case of enough snowfall for

snowmobiling, the trail segment from the Verona Park and Ride through the east side of the 151 tunnel will be closed to snowmobile traffic. A northsouth snowmobile route west of the closed section will remain open. Wildcat Way construction should be complete around March 1, at which time the trail will be reopened entirely, the DNR release states.

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designated as platinum. Wisconsin has no gold or diamond communities at this time.

designated as bike-friendly, all in the silver or bronze categories, except for Madison which currently is

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Opinion

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Letters to the editor

Town tax rate hasn’t changed for years Some of the Town of Verona residents might take note that their Town taxes have not gone up for at least the last 16 years. I moved here in 2002, at

which time my Town taxes were $1,375.95. My Town taxes in 2018 were $1,331.08 John Senseman Town of Verona

Letters to the editor policy Unified Newspaper Group is proud to offer a venue for public debate and welcomes letters to the editor, provided they comply with our guidelines. Letters should be no longer than 400 words. They should also contain contact information – the writer’s full name, address, and phone number – so that the paper may confirm authorship. Unsigned or anonymous letters will not be printed under any circumstances. The editorial staff of Unified Newspaper Group reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity and appropriateness. Letters with libelous or obscene content will not be printed. Unified Newspaper Group generally only accepts letters from writers with ties to our circulation area. Letters to the editor should be of general public interest. Letters that are strictly personal – lost pets, for example – will not be printed. Letters that recount personal experiences, good or bad, with individual businesses will not be printed unless there is an overwhelming and compelling public interest to do so. Letters that urge readers to patronize specific businesses or specific religious faiths will not be printed, either. “Thank-you” letters can be printed under limited circumstances, provided they do not contain material that should instead be placed as an advertisement and reflect public, rather than promotional interests. Unified Newspaper Group encourages lively public debate on issues, but it reserves the right to limit the number of exchanges between individual letter writers to ensure all writers have a chance to have their voices heard. This policy will be printed from time to time in an abbreviated form here and will be posted in its entirety on our websites.

Thursday, August 22, 2019 • Vol. 55, No. 21 USPS No. 658-320

Periodical Postage Paid, Verona, WI and additional offices. Published weekly on Thursday by the Unified Newspaper Group, A Division of Woodward Communications, Inc. POSTMASTER: Send Address Corrections to The Verona Press, PO Box 930427, Verona, WI 53593.

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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In memory UNG Reporter Amber Levenhagen (1994-2019)

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Community Voices

Shaking things up brings Costa Ricans together A t first, it seems like a sudden gust of wind. The house flinches a bit and you carry on like normal. However, when you feel a little off balance and notice things moving that shouldn’t be moving, you know you’re dealing with something more. Growing up in a non-seismic area, my Dresser psyche was never prepared to handle earthquakes, but after more than six years of getting used to them, I tend to shrug them off without giving them much thought. Just last Sunday, my wife and I were preparing dinner when I sensed what I soon realized it was a quake. Years ago, I would have gone outside immediately, but this time, I instinctively did what any Costa Rican would do in this situation: I bear-hugged our flat screen TV. This 5.4 quake didn’t faze me in the least. There aren’t many things that can bring a country together, but in Costa Rica earthquakes seem to be a time-honored tradition. After the quake concluded, my wife and I surveyed our home for any damage (none) and then turned on the TV to find out what had happened. Instantly, programming was cut, and the news studio was reporting live where the epicenter was and how strong it was. They were fielding calls from all over Costa Rica to get people’s reactions. Of course, they were looking

for damage reports and reactions, but they were also, perhaps inadvertently, facilitating a country-wide conversation. When I’m watching TV, I usually feel like I’m being marketed to or entertained, but this time I felt like a participant. Once it became clear no significant damage was done, it became more about hearing others reactions, where they were calling from and what they were doing when it happened. It felt so open and welcoming. If I had wanted, I could have called in to share my reaction as well. Soon, my chat groups began to light up. It wasn’t people reporting that they were safe, but rather sharing funny memes and emojis related to the quake. (I actually have a few memes saved on my phone for earthquakes and was a bit disappointed I didn’t post them before my friends did.) Later that night, I got to thinking about how unique it was, not just the reaction to the earthquake but how we had so many ways to communicate and share digitally. The nation was all be in sync about something, with absolutely no hate. There usually is a counterpoint when there’s a big discussion. If the Costa Rica soccer team is doing well, there’s always someone criticizing them on some part of their play, or else opposing fans’ jealousy. If there’s a protest or strike, there’s never a consensus; rather someone wants you to rally behind a cause. In this case, everyone who called in to the news was reassuring that they felt the quake, but didn’t suffer any damage. That’s what made the earthquake reaction so cool. There wasn’t a downside. It basically gave the country a

chance to catch up, without any hostilities that the digital world typically brings with it. Everyone was able to laugh at the silly memes being shared after the fact. The country has earned that right, having been prepared. And the fact that it happened on a Sunday night, when most people are relaxing, couldn’t have been timed better. I know it seems I’m making light of a potentially serious natural event, however I’m proud to not have to be stressed by earthquakes. This particular quake was over 5 points at the epicenter, but due to experience and building codes, damage was almost non-existent. When my home was under construction earlier this year, the biggest expense that caught me off guard was for rebar. I have a one-story, no-basement home, but it seemed like I was building a parking ramp with the amount of steel we put in the structure. Even my dad, a career carpenter, was impressed with the amount of reinforcing that goes into such a simple structure. That is what gives Costa Ricans that edginess, dare I say cockiness, when it comes to even moderate earthquakes. We often get to shrug these off, but we always are ready for the next big one. Thankfully, this quake was used to foster a modern day fireside chat, a la Franklin Roosevelt, and bring everyone together in a relaxed manner. And, as far as I know, everyone’s TVs are safe and and will be ready to update us the next time there’s a quake. Dustin Dresser is a 2004 Verona Area High School graduate living in Costa Rica.

not First Weber Bank. Because of a reporting error, a story in last week’s Press incorrectly attributed the eligibility limitations of candidates for Verona Area School District seats to voting eligibility, as well. All residents of the school district

can vote for all candidates, but only City of Verona residents may run for the city seat. In addition, because of an error in editing, the story incorrectly labeled school board members as trustees. The Press regrets the errors.

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Corrections A story in the Thursday, Nov. 28, edition of the Verona Press about the opening of North and South Seafood and Smokehouse mistakenly identified who held a staff party at the restaurant. First Weber Realtors held the party,


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December 5, 2019

VAHS to hold Multicultural Showcase Verona Area High School students will show off their culture on Dec. 6. The event, which is open to the public, will feature students sharing their cultures through “a variety of performances,” the district’s website reads, with singing, dancing, music and poems. Performances start at 7 p.m. at the Verona Area High School Performing Arts Center. The Multicultural Showcase is a

Coming up Hometown Holidays

Students will watch the showcase during the school day and discuss social issues during the rest of the day. What: Verona Area High School Some of the issues students will Multicultural Showcase discuss include mental health, microWhen: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 aggressions, representation in media, Where: Verona Area High School environmental justice and underPerforming Arts Center, 300 Richstanding disabilities. ard St. For more information, visit verona. k12.wi.us. Info: verona.k12.wi.us Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly.wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @kimberpart of the day-long Youth Social ly_wethal.​ Justice Summit for all high school students during the day on Dec. 6.

If You Go

Woodwork: Former teacher Continued from page 1 entertain children and lift spirits. Despite his five-year struggle with dementia that led to an early retirement, Brunner is determined to use his woodworking talents to help provide for his community this holiday season. B r u n n e r, a f o r m e r school teacher, principal and coach, was diagnosed in 2014 with Primary Progressive Aphasia, a degenerative neurological disease which causes a slow and progressive impairment of speech. He was forced to retire from teaching shortly after the diagnoses, as he began to experience difficulty with his ability to remember words.

Photo submitted

Members of Memorial Baptist Church slice potatoes to prepare a free community Thanksgiving meal.

Memorial Baptist Church hosts free Thanksgiving community meal NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

Verona’s Memorial Baptist Church hosted their annual free community Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28. This year, the church estimates it served 350400 people, including 150 carryout meals. This included 16 turkeys, 40 pies and 100 pounds of potatoes.

“The coolest thing is that it really is a community event,” said Anouk Scott, wife of pastor Jeremy Scott. “High school culinary students, youth group members, our church families, members of the community that don’t even attend our church and people from Madison — lots of hands all make this work.” Contact Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

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If You Go

A two day festival kicks off the holidays in Verona. Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, there will be a ceremonial tree-lighting in Central Park, located at the corner of South Main and Paoli streets. Santa will arrive at Central Park on a City of Verona fire truck. At 5:30 p.m., the senior center will host the fire department’s Five-Alarm Chili Supper, crafts for kids and free pictures with Santa. From 9:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday Dec. 7, kids can have breakfast with Santa at State Bank of Cross Plains – Verona branch, 108 N. Main St., sponsored by the Verona Lions Club. For information, call 8455777.

Jingle and Mingle

What: Hand carved wooden bowls fundraiser When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 7 Where: Badger Prairie Needs Network Info: bpnn.org

From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, join businesses in the Verona Road area for the annual Jingle and Mingle. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy strolling carolers, family-friendly activities, ornament and card making, cookie decorating, holiday pet portraits, adult seasonal cocktails, ice sculptures, horse carriage rides, holiday planter decorating and holiday gift shopping. For information, visit veronaroad.info.

Following his forced retirement, Brunner decided he wanted to m a k e a d i ff e r e n c e i n local communities by carving wooden bowls in his workshop and donating all proceeds to charity.

Christmas bazaar, raffle

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, Salem United Church of Christ is hosting its annual Christmas bazaar and raffle, 502 Mark Drive. Lunch includes barbecue, assorted salads, drinks and dessert for $7 ($3 for ages 4 to 12, free for 3 and under). For information, call 8457807.

Contact Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

vo c a l c h o i r s , h a n d b e l l choirs and soloists. It is free and open to the public. For information, call 8456922.

Verona Road project open house

From 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, the final weekly update for the 2019 construction season on the Verona Road (US 18/151) Project will be held at the Verona Road Project Field Office, 6200 Nesbitt Road, Suite B. Project staff will be available at the meeting to discuss the new Verona Road configuration, as well as the 2020 construction season on County PD/McKee Road, between Fitchrona Road and Commerce Park Drive. The entire Verona Road Project is scheduled to be completed in fall 2020. No formal presentation is scheduled. Stop by at your convenience. For information, call 8841230.

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Part of day-long Social Justice Youth Summit day

The Verona Press

CUT YOUR OWN TREE!

St. James’ Christmas concert

A t 5  p . m . S a t u r d a y, Dec. 7, St. James Lutheran Church will host its annual Christmas concert “Carols and Dessert,” 427 S. Main St. The concert includes pieces by youth and adult

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December 5, 2019

The Verona Press

ConnectVerona.com

Community calendar Thursday, Dec. 5

Churches with Santa and the Mrs., BPNN, 1200 E Verona Ave, 848-2499 • 1:30-3:30 p.m., Robotics day, library, 845-7180 • 2-5 p.m., Beer Olympics, Hop Haus Brewing Company, 231 S. Main St., 497-3165 • 5 p.m., Annual Christmas concert: Carols and Dessert, St James Lutheran Church, 427 S. Main St., 845-6922 • 7-10 p.m., Live music: Starkweather Bay Blues Band, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., 497-1056 • 8-11:30 p.m., Live music: Soggy Prairie, Riley Tavern, 8205 Klevenville Riley Road, 845-9150

• 8-9 a.m., Business builders breakfast, Brick House Studio (upstairs of The Purple Goose), 101 N. Main St., 845-2368 • 10-11 a.m., Capitol Physical Therapy presentation: falling, senior center, 845-7471 • 4-5:30 p.m., Anime and manga club, library, 845-7180 • 5:30-6:30 p.m., Verona Area High School winter music recital, library, 845-7180 • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Ugly sweater contest and trivia night, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., 4971056 • 7-8 p.m., Blue Christmas grief Sunday, Dec. 8 contemplative service, Good Shep• 9 a.m. to noon, Past life regresherd Lutheran Church, 7291 Counsion workshop, Minerals and More, ty Hwy. Pd, 845-8955 1035 N. Edge Trail, 845-3630 Friday, Dec. 6 • 2-4 p.m., Design a sign: holiday cheer, Fisher King Winery, 1105 • 5 p.m., Ceremonial tree lighting, Laser St., 497-1056 Central Park, intersection of Paoli and Main Streets, 845-5777 Monday, Dec. 9 • 5:30 p.m., VFD chili supper and • 10 a.m., UW Health Pharmacy visit with Santa, senior center, 845presentation: cardiovascular dis9401 ease, senior center, 845-7471 • 7-9 p.m., Multicultural showcase • 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Americommunity show, Verona High can Red Cross blood drive, library, School, 300 Richard St., verona. 381-4502 k12.wi.us • 6:30-8 p.m., Women’s Advent • 7-9 p.m., Live music: Northern by candlelight and hygge, Good Comfort, Toot + Kate’s winebar, Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7291 109 S. Main St., 497-1111 County Hwy. PD, 845-8955 • 7-9 p.m., Live music: Trio Soleil, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., • 6:30-8 p.m., Hygge at the library, library, 845-7180 497-1056

Saturday, Dec. 7

• 8-11 a.m., USRWA Seed distribution volunteer day at Sugar River Wetlands, 2517 Country View Road, 437-7707 • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Maydm’s Maker’s Epic STEM experience, Epic headquarters, 1979 Milky Way, 421-2425 • 9:30-11:30 a.m., Breakfast with Santa, State Bank of Cross Plains, 108 N. Main St., 845-6067 • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Christmas bazaar and raffle, Salem United Church of Christ, 502 Mark Drive, 845-7807. • 10-11 a.m., Chinese story time and crafts, library, 845-7180 • 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., lunch

• 12:30-1:30 p.m., Senior book group: “Love and Other Consolation Prizes” by Jamie Ford, senior center, 845-7180 • 4-5 p.m., Tweens’ Dungeons and Dragons night, library, 845-7180 • 7-8:30 p.m., Make a mini zen garden or succulent arrangement or tiny terrarium, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., 497-1056

Thursday, Dec. 12

• 4-5 p.m., Teens’ Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop games night, library, 845-7180 • 6-7 p.m., La Leche League, library, 845-7180 • 6-10 p.m., Gingerbread house making, Hop Haus Brewing Company, 231 S. Main St., 497-3165 • 6:30-8:30 p.m., Learn hands-only CPR, library, 845-7180 • 7-9 p.m., Homebrewing Stammtisch, Wisconsin Brewing Company, 1079 American Way, 8481079 • 7-9:30 p.m., Ugly sweater contest and trivia night, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser St., 497-1056 • 7:30-9 p.m., “Celebrate the Season” winter concert, VAHS Music Department, 300 Richard St., 845-4400

Friday, Dec. 13

• 9:30-11:30 a.m., Intro to gymnastics, library, 845-7180 • 7-9 p.m., Live music: Kerosene Kites, Fisher King Winery, 1105 Laser Street, 497-1056 • 7-10 p.m., Live music: Soggy Tuesday, Dec. 10 • 4-4:30 p.m., Kids’ craft: salt snow- prairie, Hop Haus Brewing Company, 231 S. Main Street, 497-3165 flakes, library, 845-7180 • 7:30-9 p.m., “Celebrate the Sea• 6:30 p.m., Sugar River Gardenson” winter concert, VAHS Music ers meeting, St Andrew Church, Department, 300 Richard Street, 301 N. Main St., 669-0429 845-4400 • 6:30-7:30 p.m., Conversations • 8-11:30 p.m., Live music: Saddleabout conservation, Wisconsin Brewing Company, 1079 American tramp, Riley Tavern, 8205 Klevenville Riley Road, 845-9150 Way, 437-7707 • 8-8:30 p.m., Webinar: How to Saturday, Dec. 14 handle holiday stress, Family First • 10-11:30 a.m., Arthritis FoundaChiropractic, 1029 N. Edge Trail, tion’s jingle bell run, Verona Area familyfirstverona.com High School, 300 Richard St., events.arthritis.org Wednesday, Dec. 11 • 10-11:30 a.m., Christmas for kids • 10:30-11 a.m., Winter story time ages 3-10, Resurrection Lutheran for children up to 5, Willow Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care, Church, 6705 Wesner Road, rlcve1125 N. Edge Trail, 845-7180 rona.org

What’s on VHAT-98 Wednesday, Dec. 4 5 p.m – Plan Commission from 12–02–19 7 p.m. – Capital City Band 8  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10  p.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Thursday, Dec. 5 7 a.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 8 a.m. – Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Shoulder Pain at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7  p.m. – Diabetes/K9 Presentation at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society Friday, Dec. 6 7 a.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center 3  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Shoulder Pain at Senior Center

All Saints Lutheran Church 2951 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg (608) 276-7729 allsaints-madison.org Pastor Kristin Woelk 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 Seth Krueger 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 school for all ages: 9 a.m. Worship: 10:15 a.m. Fellowship: 11:30 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

Who Is Your Neighbor? 5  p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 9  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10  p.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Saturday, Dec. 7 8 a.m. – Plan Commission from 12–02–19 11 a.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 1  p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 4:30 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Plan Commission from 12–02–19 9  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Sunday, Dec. 8 7 a.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 9 a.m. – Resurrection Church 10  a.m. – Salem Church Service Noon – Plan Commission from 12–02–19 3  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4:30 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society 6 p.m. – Plan Commission from 12–02–19

9  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Monday, Dec. 9 7 a.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center 3  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 4 p.m. – Shoulder Pain at Senior Center 5  p.m. – 2018 Wildcats Football 9 p.m. – Hindu Cultural Hour 10  p.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Tuesday, Dec. 10 7 a.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 10 a.m. – Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Shoulder Pain at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Resurrection Church 8  p.m. – Diabetes/K9 Presentation at Senior Center 9 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center

10 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society Wednesday, Dec. 11 7 a.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 1 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center 3  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 5 p.m. – Plan Commission from 12–02–19 7 p.m. – Capital City Band 8  p.m. – Vintage Verona Sports 10  p.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 11 p.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor Thursday, Dec. 12 7 a.m. – Ron, Rosie & Rodger at Senior Center 8 a.m. – Zumba Gold 9 a.m. – Daily Exercise 10 a.m. – Veterans Day/Quilts of Valor 2 p.m. – Zumba Gold 3 p.m. – Daily Exercise 4 p.m. – Diversity at Senior Center 5 p.m. – Shoulder Pain at Senior Center 6 p.m. – Salem Church Service 7  p.m. – Diabetes/K9 Presentation at Senior Center 8 p.m. – Daily Exercise 9 p.m. – Bird Brothers at Senior Center 10 p.m. – Farmhouse Tour/ Farm Toys at the Historical Society

Jesus tells the story of the good Samaritan in the context of being asked by an “expert in the law”what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus throws the question back onto the man, asking him “What is written in the law?”to which the man replies“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and,Love your neighbor as yourself.”(Luke 10:27 NIV) After telling the man that he has answered correctly, this expert then asks“And who is my neighbor?” The well-known story of the good Samaritan follows,where a priest and a Levite both ignore a man who has been beaten,robbed, and left for dead on the side of the road, but who is then helped by the Samaritan. In a study done with seminary students at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1973, Darley and Batson found that students, even after being reminded of the story of the good Samaritan,were likely to ignore a person in need if they were in a hurry. This doesn’t speak highly of our altruistic impulses if we are only willing to help when it won’t inconvenience us, but we all know the struggle of wanting to help someone but feeling that our other obligations are a higher priority. Perhaps the moral of this story is not simply that we should be willing to help a stranger in need (who is after all, our neighbor), but more importantly that we shouldn’t be in such a hurry. Slow down and take time to notice the needs of those around you. –Christopher Simon

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December 5, 2019 - The Verona Press 7

I W , a n o r e in V Events include: • Holiday Tree Lighting at Verona’s Central Park featuring WISC-TV’s Gary Cannalte • Christmas Carols by Resurrection Lutheran Church • Santa arrives on a Verona Fire Truck – Central Park • Verona Fire Department 5-Alarm Chili Supper at the Verona Senior Center • VRBC’s Jingle & Mingle along the Verona Road Corridor! • Breakfast with Santa at the American Legion presented by the Verona Lions Club

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8 The Verona Press - December 5, 2019

1

Verona Area Chamber

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.

Hometown H

Friday, Dec

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Shop Local. Sales, discounts, activities, tre Holiday Tree Lighting at Verona’s Central Pa (broadcast on Live at 5, weather permittin Christmas Carols by Resurrection Lutheran Santa arrives on a Verona Fire Truck Visit the Verona Senior Center for: Verona Fire Department 5-Alarm Chili Supp Visit with Santa in front of the fireplace. Ch (bring you camera). The Library brings a craft, game, and storie Fun Children’s Activities with help from VAH

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10 The Verona Press - December 5, 2019

Don’t Miss Hometown Holidays, a Great Way to Support Local Businesses!

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For all of Verona’s hometown news, sports and information! 133 Enterprise Dr., Verona (608) 845-9559 • connectverona.com

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Adam Feiner, sports editor

845-9559 x226 • ungsportseditor@wcinet.com

Mark Nesbitt, assistant sports editor 845-9559 x237 • sportsreporter@wcinet.com Fax: 845-9550

Sports

Thursday, December 5, 2019

11

The

Verona Press For more sports coverage, visit: ConnectVerona.com

Boys hockey

Jurrens propels Verona past Edgewood MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Nathan Jurrens scored two third-period goals to lead Verona to a comefrom-behind 4-3 victory over Edgewood on Monday, Nov. 25, at LaBahn Arena in Madison. The Wildcats (2-1) finished second in the Paul Meyer Memorial Tournament, shutting out Bay Port 4-0 on Friday, Nov. 29, and losing to Milwaukee University 2-1 at Uihlein Ice Arena in River Hills.

Verona 4, Edgewood 3

Wildcats coach Joel Marshall said his team is trying to find out who will be “the guy that scores a game-winner and makes that big play when we need it.” Jurrens staked his claim in the season opener. “He’s a dynamic defender for us with a lot of speed and poise,” Marshall said of Jurrens. “I think after losing one of the state’s top scorers from last year (Mack Keryluk), I think it will be a team effort for us this year. We have three lines that are strong.” Jurrens scored the game-tying goal on assists by junior forward Leo Renlund and senior forward Cale Rufenacht at the 4:43 mark of the final period. The junior defenseman delivered the game-winner on a pass by junior forward Walker Haessig at 11:41. “It feels great to win as a team first time out,” Jurrens said. “I couldn’t have got set up if it wasn’t for my

Verona senior defenseman Keegan Lindell (11) passes the puck around Edgewood’s Payton Smith. extra attacker.” The Wildcats answered less than two minutes later, with senior forward Parker Ploc scoring on passes from freshmen forwards Reece Codray and Conrad Moline Photos by Mark Nesbitt at 14:18 to tie the game at 2. Verona junior forward Leo Renlund (right) shoots against Edgewood junior goaltender Zach Edgewood regained the Walker in the second period of the Wildcats’ 4-3 win over the Crusaders on Monday, Nov. lead on Lenz’s goal at the 25, at LaBahn Arena in Madison. 14:13 mark of the second Early on, The game had Nathan Walker at 12:54 to period. teammates. All I had to do was fill in the spot and take the makings of a shootout give the Crusaders a 2-1 Paul Meyer Memorial the shot. I give them all the early on. The Wildcats lead. Tournament (1-0) struck first on HaesVerona finished with 10 credit for those.” Renlund had a goal and The Crusaders had a shot sig’s goal 32 seconds into penalties compared to seven an assist to lead the Wildclang off the post in the final the first period on assists by for Edgewood. cats past Bay Port in the Renlund and Rufenacht. “As a coach we see it tournament opener. He 3:30, but Verona held on. The Crusaders (0-1) took every year, the refs call opened up the scoring 45 “I think there are moments where we have to advantage of Verona penal- more early to set the tone,” seconds into the game off be a little bit tougher to win ty, as sophomore forward Marshall said. “We have assists from Rufenacht and games like that,” Edgewood J.J. Wiebusch scored a pow- some things to work on Josh Osting. coach Pete Rothering said. er-play goal on an assist by from the discipline end. We Troy Tollefson scored a “I would rather win than sophomore forward Aidan weathered the storm and power-play goal off a pass lose. If this teaches us what Lenz at the 10:21 mark of battled back. They have a from Osting at the 14:24 we need to learn for Febru- the first. Wiebusch scored couple of dynamic players mark of the first. ary, then I will take it.” on assists from Lenz and and we struggled with their Jurrens scored a

power-play goal off assists from Renlund and Rufenacht at the 10:34 mark of the second period. Moline capped the scoring a little more than two minutes later off an assist from Anthony Heinrichs. The Wildcats outshot the Pirates 33-16. Grant finished with 16 saves. The tournament hosts edged Verona in the championship game. U n ive r s i t y ’s A l ex Thundercloud scored the game-winning goal at the 10:59 mark of the third period. Verona’s Drew Yeager scored a power-play goal off an assist from Tollefson at the 5:34 mark of the second period to tie the game at 1. Verona was 1-for-9 on the power play, and University was 1-for-6 with a man advantage.

Girls hockey

Metro Lynx cruise past Hilltoppers in yet another rout MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

Madison Metro Lynx forwards Lauren Johnson and Kaya Pelton-Byce each netted hat tricks to lead the Lynx to a 14-4 win over Onalaska on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Madison Ice Arena. The Metro Lynx (2-0, 1-0 Badger Conference) dominated the game from puck drop, scoring four goals in the first period. “I think our biggest strength was our speed against them,” Johnson said. “I think this year, we have a lot of good forwards and defensemen that move the puck well together. I think with our speed, we are able to get pucks to the net.” Ve r o n a s o p h o m o r e Rachel Mirwald dished out a team-high five assists. Hannah Kolpien and Grace Bonnell each had a goal and two assists.

Photos by Mark Nesbitt

Verona senior forward Alina Yazek (17) punches in a goal past Onalaska goaltender Izzy Lassa (1) during the third period.

Verona sophomore Rachel Mirwald (left) celebrates a goal Mirwald. with Madison Memorial sophomore Grace Bonnell during the Ava Jambor scored off third period Saturday, Nov. 30, at Madison Ice Arena. Bonnell an assist from Bonnell at scored the goal off an asisst from Mirwald in the Madison the 6:28 mark of the first. Metro Lynx’s 14-4 win over Onalaska. Pelton-Byce scored her Ally Jacobsen put the assists from Mirwald and first goal a little more than Lynx on the board at the Sam Olander. Less than two minutes later off a pass 14:26 mark of the open- two minutes later, Kolpi- from Sydney Raaths. The Metro Lynx added ing period with a goal off en scored off a pass from

to their lead in the second period with three goals. Lauren Johnson scored her first goal, and Mia Goetzke scored off a pass from Kolpien to give the Lynx a 6-1 lead. Raaths had a goal off an assist from Mirwald at the 4:57 mark.

Pelton-Byce scored just 1:17 into the third period off a pass from Kolpien. Three minutes later, Johnson scored her second goal off an assist from Mirwald to give the Lynx a 9-3 lead. Verona senior forward Alina Yazek scored off an assist from Claire Wischhoff, and Bonnell tacked on a goal off a pass from Miwald to extend the lead. Johnson and Pelton-Byce completed their hat tricks late in the third, and Hannah Kasdorf scored to cap the rout. Lynx goaltender Cam McKersie finished with 14 saves. Madison outshot Onalaska 48-17. “It just seemed that everything we did went right for us,” Lynx coach Mike McKersie said. “It seemed like no matter what we threw down that way, it seemed to funnel to the net. We have been trying to teach that relentless and fearless attitude.”


12

December 5, 2019

The Verona Press

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Girls basketball

Wildcats off to hot start in Big Eight play ADAM FEINER Sports editor

Verona never trailed in the first half of its Big Eight Conference home game against Madison East on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The Wildcats remained in control for the first part of the second half, but the Purgolders stormed back to take their first lead of the game with 7:34 remaining. Verona junior Katie Pederson and freshman Morgan Murphy came through down the stretch, spurring the Wildcats to a 67-61 victory over the Purgolders. Verona improved to 2-1 overall and remained atop the Big Eight standings with a 2-0 mark. Madison East (0-3, 0-2) took its only lead of the game thanks to a 12-3 run, capped by a floater off glass by Kalena Bentley. Pederson quickly responded with a pair of floaters off glass, and Murphy made a layup to give the Wildcats a 54-49 lead with 5:22 remaining. “After the first half, I felt like we needed a little firing up,” Pederson said. “We pulled our defense and offense together. It was a whole team effort.” Murphy connected on a 3-pointer after an offensive rebound by sophomore Lexi Stremlow, Pederson sank a pair of free throws, and senior Rachel Parman drilled a 3 to make it 62-52 Verona with 2:50 left.

Verona junior Morgan Grignon (right) looks to pass as Madison East’s Natalia Hilliard defends during the second half.

Photos by Adam Feiner

Verona freshman Megan Murphy (right) defends atop the Wildcats’ 2-3 zone during the second half against Madison East on Tuesday, Nov. 26, in Verona. The Wildcats beat the Purgolders 67-61 to improve to 2-0 in the Big Eight Conference. “I was nervous the first couple games, but I wasn’t for this one,” said Murphy, who finished with 14 points off the bench. “I’m starting to feel more comfortable with every practice and game.” “We took huge strides forward from our last game,”

Verona coach Angie Murphy added. “We’re getting great senior leadership, which is huge since we have such a young team. We’re still turning the ball over too much, but we’ll continue to improve on that. I just like how hard we worked.” Senior Rayna Briggs

answered an East 3 with a triple of her own to put Verona up 14-10 with 10 minutes left in the first half. Briggs drove through three defenders for a layup, and Megan Murphy canned a 3 to push the lead to 19-14 a minute later. Parman made a baseline

floater and a transition layup, and junior Morgan Grignon followed with a transition layup to make it 25-17 with 5:39 left in the first half. Two minutes later, Briggs and freshman Abbi Rupnow each made a 3 from the wing to extend the lead to 31-21. East ended the half on a 9-3 run to cut its deficit to four at intermission. Omunazia Hicks scored a team-high 12 points for the Purgolders. Bentley chipped in 11 points. Zoe Meyer and Alonna Harvey-Williams each had

nine. Briggs poured in a gamehigh 26 points, the majority of them coming on tough drives to the basket. “I like to drive. I’ve always been that way,” she said. “Since my shot has also improved, I’m looking to shoot from outside more, too.” Pederson added 10 points, and Parman nearly cracked double figures with nine. Verona’s nonconference road game against Appleton North on Saturday, Nov. 30, was canceled due to weather.

Boys basketball

New coach Singleton brings motion offense to Verona c o u l d p r ov i d e a b o o s t down low is 6 foot-7 senior center Trevin Lieck, who did not play last year. The Wildcats will also look to two freshmen — Michael Comber and Gavin Farrell — to play valuable minutes. Singleton said La Follette is the favorite to win the Big Eight title, and Sun

MARK NESBITT Assistant sports editor

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The Verona boys basketball team returns five letterwinners from last year’s squad. They are (from left) Cam McCorkle, James Rae, Adam Bekx, Haakon Anderson and Malik Odetunde. in the Big Eight, and myself being a first-year varsity coach,” Singleton said. “We simply hope to challenge our competition every night and get better throughout the season. We just have to control the things we can control and punch the clock ready to work hard.” Singleton will have the

Wildcats run a motion offense with dribble-drive action. “It won’t be too overcomplicated,” he said. “We are asking guys to be players and work hard. We are going to get up and down the floor.” Senior forward Malik Odetunde (9.1 points per game last season and senior

guard Haakon Anderson (7.9 points per game) are Verona’s two returning starters. Senior forward Adam Bekx (5.1 points per game last season), junior guard Cam McCorkle (2.2 points) and junior forward James Rae (2.0 points) are returners who could step into larger roles this season. One newcomer who

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With a new coach at the helm, the Verona boys basketball team is looking to surprise teams in the Big Eight Conference this season. Eddie SIngleton begins his first year as the Wildcats head coach after serving as a freshman coach and varsity assistant at Madison La Follette for four years. “I was so locked in to being the best coach I could be,” Singleton said. “I thought I was a few years away from being a varsity head coach). I’m just appreciative of it, embracing it and making sure I’m getting these guys to buy into a new system and help build the culture.” Verona went 7-16 and finished eighth in the Big Eight last year with a 6-12 mark. The Wildcats lost to Division 1 state runner-up Sun Prairie 50-38 in a regional game last year, and finished 2-5 in games decided by six points or less. “I’m not sure where we will finish at the end of the race with so much talent and coaching experience

Prairie will be a title contender. He pegged defending conference champion Madison East as a dark horse to repeat. The Purgolders are led by senior Anthony Washington, who was an all-state honoree last season after averaging 16.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.


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December 5, 2019

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Boys swimming

Wildcats return six state qualifiers Assistant sports editor

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

The Verona Area/Mount Horeb boys swimming team returns 13 letterwinners from last season’s squad. They are (front row from left) Luke Bennin, Nathan Rozeboom, Parker Jones, Avery Blas, (second row from left) Gabe Piscitelli, Oscar Best, Max McCartney, Christopher Lofts, (third row from left) Conner Arneson, Owen Rothamer, Ben Meister, Kyle Hoppe and (back row) Ben Wellnitz. swim at this level,” VA/MH have to be a year-round coach Bill Wuerger said. swimmer.” VA / M H w i l l h ave t o “You can’t just swim during the high school season. You replace one of the top

distance swimmers in program history in Aidan Updegrove, who won three medals at state last year. He

Verona excited about developing youth “Our team will have better numbers, and a large, moreexperienced sophomore class will continue to be the core of the team.”

Assistant sports editor

Coach Bob Wozniak crowning five champions to win the Big Eight title. Wozniak said the top teams in the conference this year will be Craig, Middelton and Sun Prairie.

Photo by Mark Nesbitt

Verona returns nine letterwinners and seniors from last season’s squad. Pictured are (front row from left) Eric Blum, Ben Grandau, Lilli Taake, (back row from left) Cael Wozniak, Logan Neuroth, Caden Page and Adam Murphy. Not pictured are Spencer Lokken and Zak Morrison. experience in youth and offseason wrestling,” Bob Wozniak said of Hanson. “He has put in the time and will definitely surprise.” Freshmen Blake Herbeger (106) and Atticus Marse (138 or 145) could be immediate contributors. Marse is an experienced wrestler who has been a

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youth state qualifier, and Herbeger has wrestled since kindergarten. The Wildcats are expecte d t o h ave o n e o f t h e youngest teams in the Big Eight, with seven of their weight classes expected to be sophomores and freshmen. Janesville Craig dominated the field last season,

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Madison West, which has won two straight D iv i s i o n 1 s t a t e c h a m pionships, returns as the favorite to win the Big Eight title. In addition to the Regents, Wuerger said the biggest challenges for the Wildcats this season will be Middleton, Sun Prairie and Madison Memorial.

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A blend of young talent and experienced youth wrestlers are joining forces as the Verona wrestling team aims to improve in the Big Eight Conference standings. The Wildcats return seven wrestlers from a team that finished ninth in the Big Eight last year. Junior Ben Grandau posted 26 wins at 126 pounds and took third in the conference tournament last season en route to a sectional berth. G r a n d a u i s ex p e c t e d to wrestle down a weight class at 120 this season. The other returning letterwinners are sophomores Logan Neuroth (138), Cael Wozniak (145), Spencer Lokken (160) and Adam Murphy (195 or 220) and seniors Zak Morrison (138 or 145) and Caden Page (170). Cael Wozniak took third in the conference tournament at 138 last year. Ve r o n a c o a c h B o b Wozniak said the Wildcats are shooting for a top-five finish in the Big Eight. “Our team will have better numbers, and a large, more-experienced sophomore class will continue to be the core of the team,” he said. Verona has a quartet of newcomers who could emerge in the lineup. Senior Eric Blum has youth wrestling experience and could help at 152. Bob Wozniak said injuries have kept Blum out of wrestling in the past. Sophomore Jay Hanson is expected to slot in at heavyweight. He qualified for state as a youth wrestler, but missed last season with an injury. “He has extensive

Coach Bill Wuerger

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Boys swimming

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“We hope they put in the work in the offseason to swim at this level. You can’t just swim during the high school season. You have to be a year-round swimmer.”

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A young and talented Verona Area/Mount Horeb boys swimming team is looking to make a jump up the Big Eight Conference standings this season. The Wildcats return 13 letterwinners from a team that finished fourth in the Big Eight and ninth at the Division 1 state meet last season, including six swimmers with state experience. Sophomore Oscar Best took 12th at state last year in the 100-yard butterfly. He set a school record in the event with a time of 50.66. The Wildcats return half of their 200- (Best and senior Kyle Hoppe) and 400-freestyle relay (Best and junior Ben Wellnitz) teams. Both relay teams finished sixth at state last season. “We hope they put in the work in the offseason to

broke school records in the 200 free (1:44.76) and 500 free (4:44.07). D e s p i t e U p d e g r o v e ’s graduation, Wuerger said the 500 free will be a strength. Junior Conner A r e n s o n fi n i s h e d 1 5 t h and Wellnitz placed 21st in the event at state last season. T h e Wi l d c a t s r e t u r n three-fourths of their 200 m e d l ey r e l a y i n A r e n son, Hoppe, senior Owen Rothamer and sophomore Nathan Rozeboom. Wuerger said the 100 butterfly and 100 breaststroke will remain strong events. Best, Rothamer and senior Ben Meister are expected to contribute in the fly. Rozeboom, Luke Bennin and Parker Jones are expected to anchor the breaststroke. Senior Gabe Piscitelli will lead the Wildcats in the backstroke this year. VA/ MH will not have any divers this season.

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December 5, 2019

The Verona Press

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Mindful: Training students to recognize emotions has benefits Continued from page 1 “When we think about society in general, the amount of anxiety, depression – mental health is a big topic in our society,” she said. “Many, including myself at times, have a hard time coping with emotions and stress and all of the responsibilities that come my way.” Breathe for Change, a teacher-led organization, trains educators on how to use yoga to encourage physical and emotional well-being to be better teachers by learning to prevent burnout and deal with the stresses of the job. The program was founded by Dr. Ilana Nankin, a then-Ph.D candidate at University of Wisconsin-Madison who wrote her dissertation on teacher stress and burnout after studying eight first-year teachers’ experiences. One of Thompson-Kapp’s recent teacher hires was involved with Nankin’s study and later went on to take the full 200-hour training. Lapham was one of the first schools to integrate the yoga mindfulness program into its professional development for educators. T h o m p s o n - K a p p h e rself didn’t go through the training until she came to Stoner Prairie – she wasn’t in a place where she could access the program the way she wanted to prior to moving to VASD, she said. Earlier this spring, seven Stoner Prairie staff members were certified through the training, with four more completing it by the start of the school year, with the intention to encourage mindfulness within Stoner Prairie staff. “If my teachers are taking care of themselves, they’re better able to meet the demands of the day-to-day job,” she said. It was after staff completed the mindfulness training that they started thinking about how it could be applied in the overall school setting, Thompson-Kapp said. At least once a week, all students receive 30 minutes of instruction in the mindfulness room, often led by their main teacher, or another educator who has completed the training.

Photos by Kimberly Wethal

Kindergarteners in Jessica Reed’s class do the “dead bug” pose during a mindfulness session on Thursday, Nov. 7, at Stoner Prairie Elementary School.

Teacher Jessica Reed reads a calming story to her kindergarten class during a mindfulness session. S t o n e r P r a i r i e ’s Pa r- they feel is out of their ent Teacher Organization control, whether it’s someprovided the school with thing that’s resulting in a grant to put the room them feeling angry or mad. together, purchasing yoga “Blue” represents feelings mats, calming light fixtures of sadness or tiredness, and tools such as foam “yellow” conveys exciteblocks to make completing ment and when students are yoga exercises easier for in the “green” zone, that’s a students. sign they’re feeling calm or It’s resulted in teaching happy. students how to manage A kindergarten group told emotions and help regu- their teacher Jessica Reed a late their learning, Thomp- few weeks ago they all felt son-Kapp said. “green,” as they all sat in And it’s played a part in a big circle after leading a reducing office referrals yoga routine and then holdand allowed students to stay ing the “dead bug” pose in classrooms, rather than while being read a calming be removed as a method of story. dealing with stress, ThompThey were told to idenson-Kapp added. tify their current feelings, “It’s not my mission to with most telling Reed they have this just happen in this felt calm or happy, which is space,” she said. “We want what she likes to see. it to transfer back into the “When we come back to classroom.” the classroom after being in the mindfulness room I Emotional learning have noticed that my stuA t t h e e n d o f t h e i r dents are calmer, focused 3 0 - m i n u t e m i n d f u l n e s s and regulated; which has session, students tell the made them much more instructor what “color” they’re feeling as a part of learning to recognize their emotions. Students who say they are feeling “red” are trying to convey there’s something

available for learning,” she wrote in an email. “They are able to apply breathing techniques when they are dysregulated, they are able to identify and name their feelings and they’ve learned movements and poses that help them relax and calm down.” Part of encouraging mindfulness, Thompson-Kapp said, is realizing what barriers some people may have when it comes to adopting the concepts. For some, it’s harder than others, and staff need to be cognizant of the needs of other peers and students who may not be comfortable with the activities. “Mindfulness doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and to be really honest, it’s been harder for some of our kids than others when we think about how trauma impacts (them),” she said. Spending time in the mindfulness room has c h a n g e d h ow s t u d e n t s interact with one another, too. Thompson-Kapp said staff have seen students begin to help one another when they’re struggling, and repeat positive affirmations to themselves to encourage their own problem solving. Reed says having the mindfulness room programming integrated into the curriculum encourages student success. If they’re not in a good place emotionally, performing academically is more challenging. “In a fast-paced world, it is important for students (and staff) to develop strategies to self-regulate and to be able to name feelings and have tools in their tool box to manage those feelings,” she wrote. “I think not only does a mindfulness room offer a space to learn about these tools; it also sends a message to our students, families and staff that social emotional learning is just as big of a priority as academics.” Email reporter Kimberly Wethal at kimberly. wethal@wcinet.com and follow her on Twitter @ kimberly_wethal.​

VAHS students produce and perform in 12 Angry Jurors play NEAL PATTEN Unified Newspaper Group

Ve r o n a A r e a H i g h School students performed in the student-run production of “12 Angry Jurors” at the school’s performing arts center. Performances were held at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24. “12 Angry Jurors” is a play about 12 jurors who have to decide whether a

Photos by Neal Patten

Juror 5, played by Lucy Hawks, holds the murder weapon, as Jurors 4 and 6, played by Hannah Amell and Alexus Stewart, look on.

Juror 12 (left), played by Ashley Vanderbush, and Juror 11, played by Michelle Soto-Aguilar, grow increasingly impatient with the drawn-out jury process.

Fines: Increase in visitors Continued from page 1 effects of going fine free. Ramsey said large urban public library systems saw huge gains in circulation rates, while smaller libraries stayed the same or witnessed small increases. Burkart said the Verona library had seen about a 1.3 percent increase in visitors for the months in which it had data available, but due to the main door being closed for repairs for about two months, information was not available on visits for this period. B a s e d o n Ve r o n a ’ s

experience, Burkart encouraged other libraries in the area to consider removing their fines, as well. “If you are financially secure, then paying the library $10 in overdue fines probably does not have much of an impact on your day-to-day life. But if you are struggling to make ends meet, then that $10 could be gas in your car or food on the table,” Burkart said. “We want people to use the library and be able to bring their children to the library and eliminating daily overdue fines removes a barrier to library use.”

19 year old man is guilty of murdering his father. During the first act, all of the jurors agree the young man is guilty except for one. Throughout the rest of the play, multiple jurors switch between believing he is guilty and not guilty. The play was directed by VAHS student Seamus Angell. Miller and Sons supermarket sponsored the production. Contact Neal Patten, Verona Community Reporter at neal.patten@wcinet.com.

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LOST DOG. Have you seen Katie? Very shy, Black-Tan, Female, Yorkshire Terrier is missing. Please do not chase her. Please text or call us at 608-4695439 or 608-469-5440 if you have seen her or have any information. $2000 Reward if brought home safely. For more info., see our FB page: BRING KATIE HOME.

Automotive WANTED. GOOD Used Car 20002010. Please call 608-843-9563. WANTED: GOOD used farm truck, ⁄4 ton or one ton, reasonably priced. Platteville. 608-732-5052. 3

Services A&B ENTERPRISES Light Construction Remodeling No job too small 608-835-7791 RECOVER PAINTING currently offering winter discounts on painting, drywall and carpeting. Recover urges you to join in the fight against cancer, as a portion of every job is donated to cancer research. Free estimates, fully insured, over 20 years of experience. Call 608-270-0440. SNOW PLOWING Residential & Commercial Fully Insured. 608-873-7038 or 608-669-0025

Pets DOBERMAN PUPPIES 8 wks, tails docked, shots & wormed, vet checked, parents on site, European imports, well socialized. www. limecreekdobermans.com. 319-5600104. FOR SALE: Cute Red Heeler cross puppies, good natured, parents on site, pictures available. Stitzer, WI, 608-943-6160. GERMAN SHEPHERD puppies ready to go. Purebred black and tan, first shots and dewormed, $550. 608-3419088. GOLDEN DOODLE PUPS, READY FOR CHRISTMAS, medium/standard. Choc., blk & wht, parti, phantom. Parents - hip, elbows, eyes, heart & DNA - disease tested. Raised in-home, crate trained, vet checked, shots & well loved. $1850-$2200. 630-816-2043 galenagoldendoodles. com

TWO FEMALE Boston Terrier puppies $500 each, Platteville. 608-7325052. Red & Blue Heeler puppies for sale. Both parents on site. Ready 12-2-19. $100 each. David Miller, 2815 Wren Lane, Fennimore, WI 53809.

Antiques BUYING US Gold & Silver Coins and Collectibles. Call 608-988-6406 Rick Miles Coin. COLUMBUS ANTIQUE MALL & CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS MUSEUM “Wisconsin’s Largest Antique Mall!” Customer Appreciation Week 20% off December 2-8 Enter daily 8am-4pm 78,000SF 200 Dealers in 400 Booths Third floor furniture, locked cases Location: 239 Whitney St Columbus, WI 53925 920-623-1992 www.columbusantiquemall.com

Rentals

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

0750

Miscellaneous WOOD STOVE with chimney for sale. 608-732-7083. SEASONED SPLIT OAK, Hardwood. Volume discount. Will deliver. 608609-1181.

Lawn & Garden 42" SNOW BLOWER ATTACHMENT for John Deere Series 100 Tractors. Hardly used. $850. 608-692-1315. ARIENS DELUXE 30 snow blower, 305cc Briggs & Stratton engine, 30" wide, 2 stage snow blower. Remote axle lock drive, electric start, heated handle bars, excellent condition, $795. 608-623-2789. SNOW BLOWER. 22 horsepower Husqvarna tractor complete with 40-inch snow blower, 42-inch lawn mower, and Precision Trailer. Located in Stoughton. 608.438.3380.

Wanted

Livestock HERD OF 50 Holstein milk cows. Black and white, red and white. Mostly A.I. Bred. Low SSC and high butter fat. Platteville. 608-778-2555.

Office Space For Rent OFFICE/RETAIL Space for rent in Downtown Oregon. Available December 1. 1274 sqft; $1062 per month. Heat included in rent. Contact 608-333-4420 or 715-891-4784 for showing and further information. 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

DEER POINT STORAGE Convenient location behind Stoughton Lumber. Clean-Dry Units 24-HOUR LIGHTED ACCESS 5x10 thru 12x25 608-335-3337

VERONA OFFICE Space for Rent. 1000 sqft. 3 separate offices, reception area, bathroom, storage, offstreet parking and room for your sign on the building. Call or text Mike at 608-577-3766.

WANTED: CONSIGNORS for the upcoming PAPA Alliance Black hided Feeder Calf and Yearling sales at Bloomington Livestock Exchange, Bloomington, WI. Sale dates are December 6 and January 3. Call and get on the early listings for whichever sale works best for you. No dairy crosses. For information contact Greg May 608-5740719 or BLE 608-994-2020.

Farm RENT SKID LOADERS MINI-EXCAVATORS 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

Real Estate

FRENCHTOWNSELF-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

FARMETTE FOR sale near Platteville: 4 bedroom brick house with buildings, a few acres. Also, up to 60 acres of land. Can be used for farming or residential housing. 608-732-5052. NEW FACTORY Built Homes: 3 BR, 2 BA put on your foundation. $59,980. HORKHEIMER HOMES. Hazelton, IA. 800-632-5985

NORTH PARK STORAGE 10x10 through 10x40, plus 14x40 with 14' door for RV & Boats. Come & go as you please. 608-873-5088

SELF-STORAGE lock-and-leave dry metal pole barn, gravel floor, rural Verona, 4000 sqft, only $400/month. 608-848-2345.

READY FOR Christmas! Purebred Golden Retriever puppies, ADORABLE, vet checked, de-wormed, shots, dew claws removed. 608-732-1150.

LOOKING TO buy all types of horses andor ponies. Riding or not. Cash paid. 262-930-9271.

ALL SEASONS SELF STORAGE 10x10 10x15 10x20 10x25 10x30 Security Lights-24/7 access OREGON/BROOKLYN CALL 608-444-2900

RASCHEIN PROPERTY STORAGE 6x10 thru 10x25 Market Street/Burr Oak Street in Oregon Call 608-520-0240

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

Horses

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

GREENWOOD APARTMENTS. Apartments for Seniors 55+,currently has 1 & 2 bedroom units available starting at $810 per month,includes heat, water, and sewer. 608-835-6717 Located at:139 Wolf St., Oregon, WI 53575

The Verona Press

15

WE’RE ALL EARS

Questions? Comments? Story Ideas? Let us know how we’re doing.

SIOUX GRAIN BIN, 27 ft. diameter, 6 ring high, drying floor, unloading auger, dismantled, $5,500, also 27 in. drying heater with fan, used 1 season, $2,900. Wanted: Portable band saw mill. Bennie Herschberger, 47189 Maple Ridge Rd., Boscobel, WI. 53805, 608-391-1220.

Your opinion is something we always want to hear.

Call 845-9559 or at connectverona.com

Increase Your sales opportunities…reach over 1.2 million households! Advertise in our Wisconsin Advertising Network System. For information call 835-6677. Agricultural/Farming Services Construction, Remodeling, Windows FARMERS, LANDSCAPERS, OR GARDENERS, did you or a Year End Sale! 33% Off a New Bath or Shower system! Zero loved one use Roundup Weed Killer and were diagnosed with Down, Interest, and Payments until 2021! Call Mad City WinNON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA (Cancer?) You may be entitled to dows 608-338-1170. compensation. Call Attorney Charles Johnson 1-800-535-5727 Help Wanted-Truck Driver OTR DRY VAN & FLATBED DRIVERS - Run the Midwest ReAgricultural/Farming Services SEED TREATMENT for soybean White Mold and SDS! Ask gion Home every weekend - Yearly increase- Paid Vacation/ your seed dealer for Heads Up Seed Treatment. Cost effective, Holidays, Health/Dental Insurance, Short-term Disability, Life Insurance, Also $1,000.00 sign on bonus Call (608)-873-2922, proven results: www.headsupST.com or 866/368 9306 curt@stoughton-trucking.com adno=125412

Join Our Team!

Join the leading team in residential, commercial and municipal drain cleaning with more than 70 years of Quality Service!

Full & Part Time Positions Available!

SERVICE TECHNICIAN & CDL DRIVERS WANTED!

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New wage scale, Paid Time Off, great working atmosphere, excellent shift differentials and more!

Family owned since 1948.

Stop by 519 Commerce Drive in Madison or apply at allsaintsneighborhood.org.

Call 608-827-2990 for more information!

We’re growing in Fitchburg! We train! Learn a trade!

• Paid training & competitive wages • Excellent health & dental plans • 401K • Paid vacation • Paid holidays

OFFICE HELP WANTED

Duties include answering phones, data entry, invoicing and general office duties.

Please call or apply in person at: Roto Rooter 4808 Ivywood Trail, McFarland, WI 608-256-5189

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Lost & Found

December 5, 2019

Assemblers A F T E R 1 2 0 D AY S

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■ Clean, temperature controlled working environment

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A P P LY O N L I N E

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Route CAM103 Approx $500/Mo

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer adno=111809

For more information, call or email Kevin at 608-225-3693 or KHenry@madison.com

Machine Operators - Fabrication

■ On-site employee clinic and fitness center available

The Wisconsin State Journal is looking for a carriers in the following areas. Must be available early A.M.s, 7 days a week and have a dependable vehicle. Evansville: Cambridge: Route: EVN101, Approx $450/Mo Route: EVN102, Approx $600/Mo Route: UNV801, Approx $1,350/Mo

■ State of the art fabrication & assembly equipment

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16 The Verona Press - December 5, 2019

YOU’RE INVITED TO AN

OPEN HOUSE EVENT Tuesday December 10, 2019 12:00pm - 2:00pm & 5:00pm - 7:00pm

• • • •

Regenerative Medicine IV Nutrition Therapy Plasma Rich Platelets (PRP) Trigger Point Injections

at CORE our team is dedicated to eliminating pain and improving function without prescription drugs or surgery

Take advantage of special pricing and packages

Meet our providers and learn about regenerative medicine

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Give the gift of wellness to someone special this season adno=121761

Located at 115 Enterprise Drive, Suite #1 in Verona, WI 53593

Delivering Health Care In A Way You've Never Thought Possible!


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