By Linda Schwanke

Spring Green — The resignation of two teachers drew heavy debate from school board members at last week’s River Valley School Board meeting. Middle school science teacher Cari Hauge and Lone Rock elementary teacher Lisa Bowen each submitted resignations to the board. The resignations came after contracts were signed. The contracts call for a liquidated damage fee (fine) when this happens. The fine is calculated on a sliding scale with fines being larger the closer to school starting. Both teach-ers asked for the fines to be waived. Hauge’s fine was in the amount of $800 and Bowen’s was $350.

Discussing Hauge’s resignation first, board member Herman Kaldenberg made a motion to waive the fee.

Board member Kathy Jennings countered that because Hauge had a signed contract, which spelled out the fine, she ought to pay it. Board member Deb Nelson agreed, saying that .the school district had to scramble to replace her.

Middle school principal James Radtke pointed out that Hauge’s resignation came three days before teachers were supposed to report to school, which is quite late to give notice. •

Board member Todd Miller then said that the language in the handbook is different than the language in the contract. The handbook says that a teacher who does not show up for work for three days in a row has resigned, Miller pointed out, saying that conflicts with the con-tract. He said it’s a slippery slope and, “The process is unclear.” He also said that former su-perintendent Jamie Benson’s fine was waived when he resigned.

Nelson said that Benson’s fee was waived be-cause he agreed to continue to work with the school district until his replacement was hired.

Miller said that he believed Hauge was not happy with the way things were going at the middle school.

Jennings replied that even if Hauge had mixed feelings about her job, she had a signed contract.

District administrator Tom Wermuth pointed out that the fee is standard within the education

industry and almost all school districts have that kind of clause in their contracts.

The motion to waive the fee failed two votes to six with Miller and Kaldenberg voting for it

and Jennings, Nelson and board members Dick Cates, Brice McCauley, John Bettinger and board president Kay Taylor voting against it.

District 17 Senate Winner is Now Official

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River Valley’s 51st Annual School Fair is Friday

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Sports: RV Hosts Cross Country Invitational

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Spring Green, WI 53588 — Wednesday, September 17, 2014Volume 133, Edition No. 38

Photo Credit: Linda Schwanke

Photo Credit: Linda Schwanke

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The home News “The only newspaper in the whole, wide world that cares about the River Valley area.”

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By Linda Schwanke

Spring Green — The 2014 River Valley Homecoming is scheduled for this week. The River Valley High School senior class has chosen “Rock ‘n Roll as the Theme for this year’s Homecoming. Activities are scheduled throughout the week, highlighted by the school fair, parade, football game, and dance on Friday September 19. The boys soccer team will face off against Prairie du Chien on Thursday at 5 p.m. at home and the girls volleyball team will take on Landcaster at home at 5:45 p.m.

The Homecoming King and Queen will be an-nounced at the pep rally/bonfire at the football field on Thursday September 18th. The dance will be held Friday evening after the football game until 11:30 p.m. Gran March will begin at 10:30 p.m.

More information is available on the River Valley School District Website at:

www.rvschools.org.

River Valley Homecoming This WeekRVHS announces Homecoming Court

“Rock n’ Roll” is Homecoming themeThe Homecoming scene this week on Varsity Boulevard in front of River Valley High School

Teacher resignations accepted by school boardOne resignation came days before teachers were due to report to school

Homecoming court members are seniors representing various school activities. They are pictured here, girls standing with boys seated behind them from left to right, Mi-chael Honer escorting volleyball representative Jenna Jacobson (not pictured), FFA representative Nathan McGlynn escorting Mariah Noble, Gavin Ring escorting staff choice Abigail Korenchan, Shannon Thering escorting swim team representative Shannon Clary, Chris Sullivan escorting girls cross country representative Nicole Alt, Duane Pretsch escorting Rah squad representative Lucia Sanchez, soccer representative Anders Wermuth escorting Kiena Bass, football representative Lucas Price escorting Jamie Ring, football representative Michael Buchanan escorting Kayla Hackl, football representative Beau Solomon escorting Madisun Holverson, boys cross country repre-sentative Deryk Clary escorting Anna Liegel and band representative Joe Meinholz escorting Allison Gibson.

Join our Digital newsroomOnline: ThehOmenews.cOm

INDEXLetters to the editor 4 Sports/School 10A view of the Valley 4 Senior citizens corner 14Obituaries 7 Woodland walkers guide 16Community calendar 8 Classifieds 17

Trees are at issue in Spring GreenVillage Board hears residents’ concernsBy Linda Schwanke

Spring Green — Jefferson Street residents Nathanael Dresser and Karen Nelson spoke to the Spring Green Vil-lage Board at their regular meeting last Wednesday evening about tree planting after the reconstruction project of the street is completed.

In an email to the board, Dresser spelled out his concern that non-native species like Japanese lilac and Bradford pear, which were planted on Winsted Street following its reconstruction, are preferred for planting. He expressed his desire that native species such as eastern hop-hornbeam, American hornbeam and smooth Juneberry be considered instead. He pointed .out that many of the trees that have to be removed due to the con-

struction project, sugar maples, ashes, slippery elm, locusts and Norway ma-ples, are native to this part of Wisconsin.

During the meeting, Dresser said, “Ba-sically, I think we have a rich heritage of trees here.” He said that he’d like to see Spring Green maintain its character as a village, rather than a suburb or urban area, by planting a variety of trees. He said that he thinks people come to the vil-lage for the trees.

Dresser also said that some people find the smell of the Japanese lilacs quite un-pleasant, including Nelson.

Nelson reported that she really doesn’t know what she would do if a Japanese lilac was planted in front of her home. She explained that she understands the need for the street project and that trees will be lost but objects to the choice of

replacement trees.Village engineer Ed Lilla of Jewell As-

sociates Engineers, Inc., was unable to attend the meeting but sent an email de-tailing both the history of trees on Jeffer-son Street as well as the reasons for the Japanese lilac and Bradford pear being chosen as replacement trees.

Lilla’s email stated, “Prior to 2005 the village developed a tree inventory and preferred street tree list for Spring Green with the help .of a consultant. When Winsted Street was re done the village worked to narrow the preferred street tree list. There were several species ‘culled’ for various reasons (canopy width, trunk width, height, messy, berries, etc.). I re-call the Service Berry was one in particu-lar removed be cause of potential mess. This reduced list was used to choose trees

for Winsted Street and in the Prairie and Cross Lanes Estates Subdivisions. The preference originally on Winsted Street was to install small trees in the terrace (the grassy area between curb and side-walk) and install the larger ones in front yards. Similar to Jefferson Street, be-cause of grant funds, trees couldn’t be placed on private property. In the sub-divisions the village allowed the large trees to be planted behind the sidewalk to avoid the root damage issues we are all familiar with.

“As we know with Jefferson Street, the board had several regular board meet-ings and there were several public meet-ings where trees were discussed and the board elected to plant the small trees in the terrace with grant money

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2 — Wednesday, September 17, 2014 PAGE TWO

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The Home News

and come back after the project to work with interested home owners on large trees. I think it was everyone’s best intentions to follow the path of the tree plan and that of previous village boards in selecting the small trees. We have had a lot of nice input on the flowering trees in the spring. I spoke with Mr. Dresser Friday and we had a nice conversation where I ex-pressed my belief the board was well intentioned in the selection of the replacement trees and others in the community may not appreciate his preference for indigenous trees. Personally I enjoy the more cultivated flowering look along the streets in certain locations and prefer the large trees in parks and yards. At intersections the small trees are certainly safer. In the end vari-ous individuals in the village will have different aesthetics and they will not line up.

“There are a couple important potential issues to point out with indigenous trees. A lot of available nursery trees have been cultivated for a reason. It is not only appearance but a lot of times the trees don’t seed or fruit and are far less messy than traditional varieties. The other issue is certain non-cultivar trees may be hard to get in the sizes we want (2.5 inch diameter). We have done wetland restoration projects where the seeding trees were desired to grow and sustain the woodlands. In that case only bare root or branched whip (small twiggy) trees were available and those are only available certain times of the year.

“My suggestion is to not change the plans for the trees in the terrace. It is not that we can’t make a change with the contractor but it will take some coordination. Consider again others do like the flowering trees. I suggest indigenous trees be considered with the work Robin [Reid] is doing and these trees could be planted in front yards or in parks. Please keep in mind some of the issues I discussed. In addition you may have other homeowners that have no interest in those species.

“In the end this is a good discussion to have although in rela-tion to the project the timing may not be perfect,” Lilla’s email concluded.

Village president Eugene Hausner said that the board will discuss the tree situation with Lilla when he is able to be pres-ent at a meeting. He thanked Dresser and Nelson for the input. Village clerk-treasurer Wendy Crary made a note to include the tree plantings on the next meeting agenda, which will be held Wednesday, September 24. Trustees present at the meeting were

Vern Demers, Michael Broh, Norm Miller, Joel Marcus and Robin Reid. Trustee LuEtta Miller was unable to attend.

The board approved an agreement between the Southwest Bad-ger Resource Development & Conservation and the village to implement a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Urban Forestry Grant funded project titled “Emerald Ash Borer Mu-nicipal Outreach, Education and Tree Risk Survey.” The survey will identify the 50 worst ash trees in the village and 50 best. The worst ones will have to be removed in the hope of slowing the progress of the emerald ash borer. The 50 best will be treated for the disease on an “in kind” basis. About 40 percent of the trees in the village are ash trees.

The board began work on the 2015 preliminary budget. Crary explained that at this time, many of the figures are unknown including health care increases, state shared revenues, general transportation aids, fire protection costs and the levies of other taxing bodies. However, Crary did say that there will be a zero percent levy increase and based on preliminary figures, the tax levy for the village could go down slightly.

The board accepted the 2013 final audit from Terry Drone of Johnson Block and Company, the village auditors. Drone said the report is, “Basically a clean bill of health. That’s what you’re looking for.” He pointed out that the library has some certificates of deposit that are for terms longer than three years, which is contrary to state statute, but that, “The audit went really well.”

The Spring Green Arts & Craft Fair request to hold the 46th annual Spring Green Arts & Crafts Fair was submitted by Diane Baryenbruch and approved. The fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 2015. The board also agreed to close Jefferson Street from Winsted Street to Wood Street at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015, and keep it closed for the duration of the art fair.

The county library tax exemption, Resolution R-1407, an an-nual item, was passed by the board. The village levies it’s own library tax and passes the resolution each year to exclude them from paying additional library taxes to Sauk County.

The Snowmobile Trail Land Use Agreement between the vil-lage and the Association of Sauk County Snowmobile Clubs, Inc., was also passed. The trail runs across the village owned recycling center (dump) which is located west of the village in the township.

The board gave the River Valley High School permission to have a bonfire at the high school on the evening of Thursday, September 18, and to have a Homecoming Parade on the streets of Spring Green on Friday, September 19.

A letter from Rick and Cindy Paulus regarding the 2014 season at the municipal pool was noted as an informational item. The Paulus’ commended the village and pool employees, including the Parks and Recreation Coordinator Janice Crook, on a job well done.

3 — Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Spring Green board hears concerns about tree replacementPAGE THREE The Home News

By Linda Schwanke

Spring Green — The Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board (LWSRB) held a celebration at the Wisconsin Riverside Resort in Spring Green on Sunday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the legislation that created the Riverway and River-way board in 1989. Featured speakers included former Governor Tommy Thompson, State.Senator Dale Schultz, pictured below-with Mark Cupp, LWSRB executive director, and former State Representative Spencer Black. The LWSRB is composed of nine citizen members including Don Greenwood, Chair, Sauk County representative, who sang at the event, pictured above, Ron Leys, secretary, Crawford County representative, David Martin, Rich-land County representative, Frederick Madison, vice-chair, rec-reational user group representative, Robert Cary, Grant County representative, George Arimond, recreational user representative, Gerald Dorscheid, Iowa County representative, Ritchie J. Brown, recreational user group representative, and Melody K. Moore, Dane County representative. The Riverway exends over 92 miles, from below the Prairie du Sac dam to the confluence with the Mississippi River near Prairie du Chien and encompasses over 79,000 acres.

25th anniversary of Riverway celebrated

Photo Credit: Linda Schwanke

Photo Credit: Linda Schwanke

Arena plans paintingof village hall interiorBy Marian Corpus

Arena — At the September Arena Village Board meeting, trustees voted to have Ray Porter paint the village hall interior by a motion from trustee James Doerflinger, seconded by trustee Larry Czosnek, and approved unanimously. The library is a part of the village hall and will be closer to opening after the paint-work.

Operators licenses for Ashley Schroeder and Cherilyn Frank were approved by a motion from trustee Melissa Bandell and passed by vote.

Several items were discussed at the meeting. Wisconsin Work-force Development personnel gave a presentation to the board, the Dane-Iowa Wastewater Phosphorous Reduction testing was discussed and the clean-up assessment of the Miller property was updated with discussion.

Clerk-treasurer Lisa Kopic gave her report and. the committee reports followed. The finance committee approved monthly in-voices and a motion by trustee Jason Hollenberger was accepted by the board. The approval of monthly financial statements for June and July received an affirmative vote from the board.

The personnel committee introduced forms and policies for citizen complaints and league insurance coverage for volunteers. Trustee Monica Reeve discussed payment of part time workers and updating of the personnel handbook. Employee evaluations will be completed soon.

The police report for the month was discussed. Parking ofan Iowa County Sheriff’s Department squadcar at the village

hall was approved.The October meeting will be held on October 7 at 7 p.m.The public is welcome to come take part in the village meet-

ings. A public comment section on the agenda assures residents can ask questions and discuss anything of interest. It gives vil-lage residents a chance to hear firsthand what is going on in the village. Members of the board dedicate their time to guide the village in the directions they feel residents want. They appreciate input from the village residents to know they are doing what’s best the village.

Art Central has new window displays

Spring Green — The windows on display at Art Central, 159 South Lexington Street in Spring Green, have changed for Octo-ber. This month’s art in the wondows include depictions of Mick Jaeger, Milwaukee Mooers, an optical illusion, a large female figure, and an exploding start. The art is all up for silent auction and changes every month. Call 588-2887 with questions.

Disclaimer: This publication is purely for demonstrative purposes. Stories/ads/photos come from the Home News newspaper (Spring Green, WI). No copyright infringement is intended.