The Lodi and Poynette police departments are doing the best they can to continue and help protect and serve the public, as well as all of its officers, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it comes to making healthy eating choices, there is a constant barrage of information. Fueled by a multi-billion-dollar industry, marketers try to convince us that their products are just what we need to feel good and be healthy. When it comes to probiotics, for example, what do consume…

Animal protein staples in America have traditionally been beef, pork and poultry. Until now, that is! American consumers are warming up to goat meat. It’s a healthy protein choice that 75% of the world has been enjoying for a very long time.

February is a celebration of matters of the heart. Love is in the air this month, so remember to love yourself and take good care of your health. Avoid overeating or going hungry between meals by eating nutritious meals and snacks.

February is National Heart Month, so it’s a great time to make a change for better heart health.

I love preparing a romantic dinner for Valentine’s Day. Cooking is one of the ways I show my love for my sweet husband, Michael. We’ve been married for 45 years, so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to create romantic meals, from breakfast in bed to late-night fireside suppers.

For the past few years, we’ve gone to our friends’ home to watch the Super Bowl. Since they live an hour away, I like to take along snacks that are simple to make, travel well, and best of all, are easy for guests to serve themselves.

Maybe you’re one of those people who can’t stomach the thought of a meal the first thing in the morning, or maybe you’ve become accustomed to running on vats of coffee instead of a healthy breakfast. Sometimes traditional breakfast foods sound kind of blah. Who made the rules on breakfast fo…

Kelli Rose Yelk and Kasey Michael Miller were united in marriage on Oct. 12, 2019 in Wisconsin Dells, WI. Their good friend, Samuel Lepak, officiated. Kelli and Kasey were surrounded by their loved ones; mother nature even decided to bless them with the first snowfall! Kelli and Kasey both g…

Yelk-Miller wedding

A new year brings about a desire for change, so let's start with your health! When it comes to our daily meal routine, change can sometimes be challenging. Studies have shown that it takes from two to eight months to form a new habit. You can create a positive eating "habit" by making small …

The start of a new year means that many students are headed back to college. One of the downsides of college life is the dreaded “freshman 15” — the extra pounds that many students gain from poor eating habits. Establishing good eating habits as a college student may help form the basis for …

This is the time of year when many people start diets. But after a few weeks of not getting enough to eat or eating food that does not taste good, most dieters give up, having “failed” once again. The truth is, though, it is the diets that are the failures, not the people who try them.

It's that time of year when we think about changes we want to make in our lives. For many people, those resolutions include a vow to eat healthy, exercise and/or lose weight.

My mother made a fruitcake every Christmas to give as a gift for my paternal grandmother. The cake was stored in a corner of the refrigerator for weeks, marinating in an alcohol-infused mixture. Even though I’m well known for my love of sweets, that green and red candied fruit-studded, boozy…

I love a hosting parties, but I find the best parties are the ones where everyone brings a great story and their favorite recipe to share. A cookie Christmas party checks all those boxes, and it’s an inexpensive way to entertain.

Wisconsin 4-H Fall Forum, an opportunity for youth and adult volunteer leaders to attend a statewide training weekend, was held in November with nine Columbia County 4-H youth and one 4-H adult chaperone attending. The event was planned by the Wisconsin 4-H Leaders Council (WLC) of which Tay…

I love cookies all year-round, but I especially love all the wonderful varieties of holiday cookies at Christmastime! Hosting family and friends for a cookie exchange party is a wonderful way to start or continue a holiday tradition. A cookie exchange is a great way to host a party and get a…

I’ve had my share of Thanksgiving Day disasters over the years! Here are some secrets to saving your sanity and your Thanksgiving dinner:

When Thanksgiving is over, the most prominent reminders of the holiday are the abundant number of leftovers in containers in my refrigerator. Don't waste those delicious leftovers -- remix them! With some creativity and safe food handling, you can enjoy turkey-based meals that make delicious…

November is traditionally about family, friends, food, feasting and abundance. While it may seem almost impossible to maintain healthy habits during the holiday season, the Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter has come up with some simple steps on ways to enjoy the festivities with…

I’ve been preparing the same basic, traditional Thanksgiving menu for almost 35 years now. But in the past few years, our children have grown up, married and now have families of their own. Our tastes have changed, and our lives are more hectic. So what’s a Diva to do?

My father is a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. His sacrifices for this country, along with thousands of other men and women, are recognized on Veterans Day.

The winter of 2018-19 was one for the record books in Wisconsin, with the state experiencing heavy snowfalls and dangerously cold temperatures brought on by the polar vortex. To help prepare everyone for what to expect in the months ahead, Gov. Tony Evers has declared Nov. 4-8, 2019 Winter A…

I’m already bracing for cold and flu season. I’ve taken all the preventive steps that my doctor recommended. I’ve also decided to work on natural ways to boost my immune system.

Whenever I’m thinking about ways to add variety to chicken recipes, my spice rack always provides inspiration. Freshly ground peppercorns add a much-needed boost to the mild flavors of chicken, pork and fish. They come in a variety of shades, including white, green, pink, red and black. The …

My birthday is just around the corner. I know that not because of the date on the calendar, but because of the way my joints mimic the sound of one of my favorite childhood breakfast cereals when I get out of bed -- SNAP! CRACKLE! POP!

Fruits and vegetables are easier to come by in the summer months than in the fall and winter. But to stay healthy and ward off diseases, it's important to include fruits and vegetables in your diet year-round.

You know that you’re a grown-up when you fall in love with foods you disliked as a child. I never liked sweet potatoes, but we were raised to eat what was on our plates without complaint. My mother usually served them in the wintertime, so I had to endure them only a few months out of the ye…

I adore eating a perfectly ripened Bosc or Anjou pear. That first bite through that firm, greenish-golden skin into the sweet juicy fruit is a delight for the senses. Best of all, pears are a good source of fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C. Pears seldom cause allergies and are usually safe …

I've prepared lunches for my family for several years, and one thing I know for sure, you've got to have a plan! Eating out every day is not only too expensive, the meal choices are typically unhealthy. And if your child is a picky eater like mine, buying school lunches are a waste of money.

At our house, we’re always searching for ways to eat healthier ... on a budget. One way to do just that is to add healthy seafood to your menu at least twice a week. This includes both fish and shellfish as the main protein on your plate. Seafood is available in a variety of price points, so…

The Columbia County 4-H Horse Project completed a successful 50-50 raffle fundraiser culminating with the drawing of five winners at the recently completed Columbia County Fair. It was a true 50-50 in that 400 tickets were sold at 10 dollars each with 2000 dollars being given back to the fiv…

The past few years have produced some unusual weather. Whether you live in an area that has been hit with storm-related power outages or you just want to stock up for the times you’re unable to shop, creating an emergency pantry using canned goods as staples is a wise choice.

The first Monday in September is Labor Day, a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. It’s also a day of recognition of their contributions to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country. The holiday has been celebrated nationwide since 1894.