Regional

Wisconsin is home to four tree squirrels, with the gray squirrel being the most common in many parts of the state.

The red (pine), gray and fox squirrels are game animals and are hunted for their meat, and the tail hairs are used to make trout fishing flies.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting applications for 2022 Specialty Crop Block Grants through March 24.

“Surely as cometh the winter, I know there are spring violets under the snow.” ~R. H. Newell (1836-1901)

Sooner than you think, spring will be here and there some tasks you should complete before it arrives.

The dark-eyed junco is a reverse migrant compared to some others, spending winters here in southern Wisconsin and summers in Alaska, Canada, northern Wisconsin, and some eastern U.S. mountains.

Instead of being a harbinger bird for spring, it is such for winter, at least here.

“The presence of a single bird can change everything for one who appreciates them.” ~Julie Zickefoose, “Saving Jemima: Life and Love with a Hard-Luck Jay”

Gov. Tony Evers has approved a $1 million contract to improve Highway 136 between Highway PF and the West Baraboo city limits.

Crews will resurface nearly four miles of highway during a 20-day contract set for this year’s construction season.

D.L. Gasser Construction of Baraboo will be the primary contractor.

South Central DHI has released its latest roster of best-performing animals.

Results are good through December.

The top Holstein came from Bells Udder Farm in Camp Douglas. O-2900 produced 41,136 pounds of milk that tested at 3.6 percent and 4103 cheese yield.

Bald eagles, as with many birds, particularly large ones, males and females are similar. In eagles, the male is often smaller than his mate. The size difference is best noted when the two of them are together, side by side.

South Central DHI has unveiled its list of best-performing animals through last November.

The top Holstein came from Bells Udder Farm in Camp Douglas. O-2345 produced 42,708 pounds of milk that tested at 3.8 percent and 4426 cheese yield.

Sauk County has added seven new hospitalizations and had 342 confirmed COVID-19 cases since Feb. 1.

According to the Health Department, six new deaths were also added to the overall toll. These deaths however occurred in November and December, and were only reported recently due to professionals needing time to confirm the data.