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.
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…
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.
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!”
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…
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.
During debate on our last session day in February, the State Assembly debated two major issues. One: What should we do with the projected state budget surplus? Two: Should we amend the United States Constitution to require the federal government to balance its budget?
Easter is always an amazing day! Nothing, absolutely nothing, can change what Jesus has done. His whole life and the events of Holy Week all lead up to one amazing day! Jesus revealed that to His disciples and followers as He appeared to them! And through His Word, our God continues to share…
Milton students heading back to virtual learning this week experienced technical difficulties.
The recent public health emergency has demonstrated Wisconsin’s strength and ability to work
With some restaurants closed and grocery store trips limited, I appreciate food: the traditional chicken and rice bake, tacos, the pre-Easter ham and even frozen ravioli. It’s been a long time (maybe never) since my family has enjoyed so many home-cooked meals.
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.
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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…
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Today's farmers are continually innovating when it comes to new methods of growing and raising our food supply. Aquaponics, a process which allows producers to raise and grow both a protein and vegetable crop simultaneously, has seen an increase in popularity.
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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.
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Facing an economic downturn of stunning speed and unknown length, the state of Wisconsin’s finances is much stronger now than at the onset of the last recession in 2007, according to a new report from the independent, nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum.
Sharing or consolidating certain municipal functions may help local governments improve public services and possibly save costs, as aging populations, advances in technology, and economic growth increase demands for these services at a time of stagnant state revenues.
COVID-19 is here, and it has been a sobering week for Wisconsin. As schools close, sporting events cancel, and grocery aisles go bare, there is a sense of uneasiness.
A lack of interested and qualified candidates in rural Wisconsin is leading more than a dozen towns throughout the state to consider appointing local clerks rather than electing them, town officials tell WisPolitics.com.
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving.
In the fall of 1970 when I started college at UW-Stevens Point, it was hard to hold a part-time job while attending classes and playing college baseball. That’s why I would get up every morning and milk cows for my dad, uncle, and grandpa. I did that for four years, but I didn’t make enough …
Recent trends in how Wisconsin local governments fund their local libraries suggest they remain a priority, even as the way in which libraries serve their communities is rapidly changing.
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.
President Trump and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg have aggressively built a Wisconsin campaign presence on the ground, while Bloomberg has the airwaves virtually to himself.
As a business owner, you work hard to make your business successful. A lot of blood, sweat and tears go into making a business successful. When you reach that level, it is such an extremely satisfying moment. That moment will come to life for seven of our chamber members during the Milton Ar…
For generations, farmers have been caring for the land, the water, and their environmental resources. While many traditions run deep in the farming community, innovation and ingenuity are the keys to success in agriculture. Today, farmers across our state are leading the way when it comes to…
ACT scores released last fall show the share of Wisconsin high school juniors meeting college readiness benchmarks in 2018-19 was largely down or flat from the previous year, according to a Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis of data from the state Department of Public Instruction. The results c…
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