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 …

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.

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…

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?”

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…

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.

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.

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…

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!”

One of my favorite movies of all time is “Dead Poets Society.”

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.

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.

The recent public health emergency has demonstrated Wisconsin’s strength and ability to work

When I went grocery shopping recently, I realized at some point that I was trying to hold my breath. I couldn’t keep that up very long.

As long as I can remember, I've hated the month of March. Over the years, I've penned several

I wrote a very upbeat, positive column, then drove to the Gazette newsroom. On the way there, something hit my window and caused a 10-inch crack in my windshield. When I got to my desk, I found my keyboard had not been replaced. That meant I had no E key. I called someone for help. Voicemail…

The coronavirus has made life in America scary right now, but it’s important not to panic. As FDR said in his 1933 inaugural address, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

As our lives are affected by the coronavirus and many people are making major changes in their everyday routines, maybe it’s time to think about what the future could look like.

You’ve probably heard about the Real ID, but if you haven’t had to get one yourself, you might not realize what it takes to get one.