Spring Green, Wisconsin
Thursday, December 1, 2022 | Vol. 3, No. 27 FREE, Single-Copy
Inside this edition
Profile: Katie Green tribute to Helen Birkemeier
Community Calendar: Country Christmas, Trivia, Music
Our Fragile Democracy: The final chapter?
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Pages 6, 7
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UW-Platteville Richland to discontinue in-person degree instruction in fall 2023 Taylor Scott, Managing Editor Citing an unsustainable enrollment, University of Wisconsin System President Jay Rothman directed Interim Chancellor Tammy Evetovich on Nov. 22 to begin transitioning the University of Wisconsin - Platteville Richland campus in Richland Center away from in-person degree instruction, discontinuing it entirely starting in fall 2023. With enrollment falling from around 600 students just under a decade ago to 60 students this fall semester, Rothman said he acknowledged that "the university has undertaken good faith eff orts to stabilize enrollment, but these efforts have not stemmed the continuing enrollment decline." Requests for general comment to UW-Platteville Branch Campus Communications Manager John Christensen were referred to Chief Communications Officer with UWPlatteville Paul Erickson and went unanswered. Richland County Administrator Clinton Langreck weighed in, "County Administration will be working with UW Leadership and our County Board Supervisors to understand how this order impacts our partnership with
Photo via UW-Platteville Richland The exterior sign at the UW-Platteville Richland campus in Richland Center. the UW System, our utilization of the campus buildings and grounds, and how this will impact higher education in the community.” Recent county budget discussions included the possibility of Richland County selling the County-owned campus, however the proposal was rejected by the County Board. State Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) also weighed in on the news,
“I am saddened to hear that the UW Board of Regents has decided to end in person instruction at UW Richland. I know this was a difficult decision that they have been discussing for quite some time as the number of students attending classes at the UW Richland campus has fallen to less than 60 fulltime students. I am reassured to know that the UW system is going to do everything they
can to support and guide the students, faculty and staff through this transition. It is my understanding that they will all be offered options at other campuses and assistance to move forward. It is also my understanding that the UW will work with our community to explore options to maintain the UW system’s presence in Richland County by offering alternative programming and collaborating with local stakeholders. There is no doubt that this is a major change for our community. The campus has been a hub of activity and learning for many, many years. I appreciate the UW’s efforts to provide options for those affected and ideas for ways to fill in the gaps that this departure will leave in Richland County.” Part of the directive from Rothman included developing "a plan related to the ongoing presence at and mission of the Richland campus." Rothman went on to suggest that the campus offer enrichment programs, online reskilling and upskilling courses for adult learners and online degree completion courses at campus facilities. "The focus of the plan should be on maintaining a sustainable presence at the Richland campus that meets regional needs."
Good Idea and Arts, Humanities, Historic Preservation Grants available Applications for the Arts, Humanities and Historic Preservation (AHHP) Grant and the Good Idea Grant are now available. Information about the grants, as well as application forms, are available at www.co.sauk.wi.us/ artsandculture. Completed Arts, Humanities, and Historic Preservation grant applications are due to the Extension Sauk County Office, Attn: Arts & Culture Grant
Committee, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI by 4:00 p.m. on January 20, 2023. The Sauk County Arts & Culture grant programs encourage art and historic preservation education and community development in Sauk County. The grant programs provide support for projects and organizations that value innovation, creative expression and community within Sauk County. The Sauk County Arts & Culture
Committee awards grants through a competitive application and review process. The Arts, Humanities, and Historic Preservation (AHHP) Grants are designed to expand the presence of the arts, humanities and historic preservation throughout Sauk County. Grants provide supplemental funding for a variety of projects including festivals, community events, lectures, tours, digital projects, community
conversations, film projects, exhibitions and more. The AHHP Grants are larger grants that support non-profit organizations and government entities up to $4,000 and require matching funds. The Good Idea Grant program is designed to support and leverage
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