When the temperature is 90 degrees, the humidity is 46% and a pandemic prevents people from gathering in droves for the traditional Independence Day parade, Milton makes lemonade.
The Fourth of July has traditionally been a day of parades, fireworks, and festivities. I will miss walking in the Whitewater and Milton parades because they are cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last month, after hibernating in our house for weeks on end, hubby Fred and I finally broke out of our self-imposed isolation. A year ago, we reserved a cabin for June of 2020 at a resort near Hayward. After giving it much thought, we decided not to cancel this year’s vacation on Chief Lake.
I began my ministry in Milton with a plunger in hand and ended by preaching to an empty sanctuary. Not what I dreamed of in seminary.
I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a 200-page, first-person novel describing how I used faith and humor to survive widowhood, breast cancer and brain surgery.
Despite safer-at-home orders in place through May 26, many Wisconsinites already had become more mobile than in the opening weeks of the pandemic, according to data from Cuebiq, a private company that uses GPS features on mobile devices to track movement anonymously.
In the ideal world everyone could have what they wanted. Everyone would be happy. We do not live in the ideal world, especially this year as we face the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers and its subsequent events, the School District of Milton would like to affirm our strong stance against systemic racism. We stand in support of equity. We stand in support of peaceful protestors. We a…
Three months ago, our school system – along with most of society – was dealt a serious blow. One result was that instruction and learning time dramatically shortened. Students spent a fraction of the time on school work compared to when they were attending classes. The conclusion of the scho…
Recently I learned that I am officially “retro.” An article recommended going “retro” by planting a bleeding heart just like in your grandma’s garden. (I do have a bleeding heart in the front flower garden.) Before going retro, I thought I was old fashioned. I remember 3-cent stamps and watc…
Farmer interest in the state’s hemp program has stayed steady despite cratering wholesale prices for the newly legalized crop.
Mayor Anissa Welch released the following statement:
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As the COVID-19 pandemic spurs Wisconsin schools to undertake an unprecedented exercise in virtual and distance learning, it also threatens to exacerbate the “digital divide” between students who have fast, reliable at-home internet access and those who do not. Data shows these children are …
We made it through another month.
Living during a pandemic teaches all of us lessons. We look at the world in new ways, we try new things. We remember what we forgot even though it was important. We learn many lessons and we’re not done learning.
I started helping my mom and dad with chores in 1960 when I was eight years old. I fed silage to the cows and it gave me some responsibility but most importantly, it gave my mom time to play games and do homework with my brothers and sisters.
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing circumstances of COVID-19, we can take comfort that we live in a state that produces an abundance of nutritious, high-quality foods. From fruits and vegetables to milk and meat, Wisconsin agriculture is diverse and plentiful. You don’t have to dri…
While no one can say with certainty that the slow re-openings across the U.S. mark the beginning of the end of the COVID-19 crisis, it’s clear these attempts to return to a more normal existence mark the end of the beginning. The world is an experiment, both of science and of societies. Outc…
”To the family and love ones of George Floyd, I’m deeply and profoundly sorry for your loss. I condemn the murderous actions that took him from you. On behalf of my entire organization, know that we also demand justice from the legal system that you all deserve.”
Despite a record-setting year for Wisconsin tourism in 2019, the industry was scrambling to adjust to the shock of coronavirus while hoping the Memorial Day weekend can start a comeback to mitigate millions of dollars in losses.
Last week, I discovered that my neighbor’s large, backyard patch of lilies of the valley is slowly spreading into our backyard. I have fond memories of those delightful-smelling flowers. My mother grew them among the tulips she planted beside our house.
Thank you for joining us even as we are facing an unprecedented modern challenge, it IS a testimony not only to our character as a nation but also to our character as a community. Though we may also be facing individual challenges, we will always devote time to honor and remember the heroes …
Why do I have to pay taxes? Why am I going to the grocery store again? Why must I . . .? These questions are usually expressions of tumbling emotions that want out. I seldom expect a reply because I already know the answer. Sometimes I do want a logical explanation — once every ten years.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act contained a $600 federal bonus – the equivalent of making $15 per hour for a 40-hour work week – on top of the usual state unemployment insurance payments. This made perfect sense when the objective was to make sure people quaran…
This weekend some communities across Wisconsin and the nation will celebrate Memorial Day in person and others will watch ceremonies online. No matter how we commemorate it, Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty while serving in the Un…
“My child is behind. What can I do to help? Any suggestions?”
For those of us who are in law enforcement, May is a time for reflection and gratitude. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy declared May 15 “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which May 15 falls “Police Week.” Throughout the week, ceremonies occur at the National Law Enforcement Off…
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Last week was Teacher Appreciation Week, and I hope those of you with school-age children took time to show your kids’ teachers how much you appreciate them.
Among all Wisconsin local governments, its counties are likely to face the greatest fiscal challenges during this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis. They are the only ones that receive significant sales tax revenues and, due to the health programs they provide, are the most likely to see increas…
The COVID-19 pandemic is impacting every community throughout Wisconsin and around the nation. People are out of work, small businesses need help, and Wisconsinites are doing everything they can to stay healthy and safe during this public health crisis.
As a long-time member of the Milton Food Pantry Board of Directors, it has been very gratifying, but not surprising, to see the community-wide support for our efforts. As an all-volunteer organization, we have been able to grow and thrive as we have tried to meet the needs of our Milton Scho…
While revenues for Wisconsin municipalities will likely be hit hard by the COVID-19 economic shutdown, compared to other states local governments may see at least some benefits from their heavy reliance on property taxes and state aids to fund public services.
We haven’t talked enough about mental health.
Like everyone else in the world, I’m experiencing a multitude of life changes. Meanwhile, I’m wearing a mask and trying to stay home as much as possible.
Like everyone, the “Safer at Home” order has changed my daily routine. I find myself missing my monthly breakfast in Whitewater with community leaders and visiting with students at UW-Whitewater.
On behalf of the School District of Milton Board of Education, we want to publicly thank our hard-working teachers, paraprofessionals, student support staff, custodians, nutrition team, bus drivers, administrative staff and administrators for their commitment and dedication to our students.
Never have I thought to ask if it was OK to vacuum. Maybe never did I think of vacuuming during the week, but I think about vacuuming a lot with all of us home, including the cat, and springtime allergies. It was Thursday after 10:30 a.m. and I asked my husband, who was in the basement worki…
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Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the state’s chamber of commerce, unveiled a plan on April 24 that would allow businesses to open while providing consumers with information that would help them gauge the risk of visiting individual establishments. WMC officials said the goal is to…
My daughter had an orthodontics appointment scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday. With the Safer at Home order in place, I thought it was canceled, then I received an email saying the appointment would be virtual.
Being a parent is perfect training for an Olympic high-jumper. You have years of practice. “Where is . . .? Have you seen . . .? My project is due tomorrow. Do we have . . .? I need. . .” And upon reaching what you believe is your ultimate best, the coach says, “Now higher!”
31st Assembly District
This spring has certainly brought a new normal to our lives that, in many ways, feels like anything but normal. Similar to many of you, I too have been adjusting to working, eating, sleeping and just being at home 24/7. This time at home has left me extra time to reflect and consider who and…
One of my favorite movies of all time is “Dead Poets Society.”
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Construction is progressing at the I-39/90 and US 12/18 (Beltline) interchange near Madison. This week, westbound and eastbound lanes of US 12/18 will close overnight at I-39/90, including some interchange ramps. Crews will install new pipe culverts under the existing roadways.
Gents Hall on College Street in Milton was the third building constructed for the Milton College campus. It was an early below-campus wood structure that was built a few years after the Goodrich Hall dormitory, so the college no longer had to house male and female students in the Goodrich Ha…
As we fight the coronavirus pandemic, it is important that we lawmakers give support to the people on the front lines. This means our state’s hospitals, physicians, nurses, support staff, and other health care providers.
This Monday morning when driving home from the grocery store, I noticed a common symbol gracing the homes and windows on Madison Avenue. . .hearts! Some were small hearts, some were large hearts and some where used to shape other phrases or animals. It brought a smile to my face and brighten…
The coronavirus is still a scary disease, and it may be quite a while before life returns to “normal.” Meanwhile, I’ve been trying to find a little humor in these difficult days.
Believe it or not, this has been a relatively quiet time on the open government front.
You and I both know our industry is hurting. Recently, the US Travel Association crystallized the impact we are seeing with new economic impact data.
Now is not the time for politics of any kind. Not national, not state, not local.
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