Schools

The Sauk County Retired Educators met for a catered lunch at the Gym in Sauk City on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Dale Williams, who is originally from Oklahoma) spoke about the 101 Ranch, the Oklahoma birthplace of the legendary 101 Ranch Wild West Show. The group’s next meeting will be in April of next year. (Photo by MJ Miller)

Webb Middle has underground tunnels that contain pipes and other infrastructure. The tunnels are also used for maintenance efforts. This is an outdated method of building that causes problems with water. Webb is in a floodplain, which means there is always water in the tunnels, even when it hasn’t rained in weeks. At best, the floor of the tunnels is damp. At worst, during flood conditions, the water is well over the roof of the tunnels and flowing into the main floor of the school. In order to combat mold caused by this moisture, the District relies on the heating system, industrial-size dehumidifiers, and window air conditioning units (Webb doesn’t have central air conditioning). A new school would not have underground infrastructure, nor would the building be constructed in a floodplain. A new school would also have central air with an updated HVAC system, which would do a better job of keeping even temperatures throughout the school. (Photos by Heather Stanek)

The River Valley School Board highlighted the devotion and efforts of local restaurants at the October board meeting in its “Community Spotlight.” These four businesses were also recognized as Business Honor Roll winners by the Wisconsin Association of School Boards. The “Community Spotlight” award recognizes community members who have served above and beyond their role for having a positive impact on River Valley staff and students. In River Valley, it is evident that strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand, each helping the other thrive. And all of these local restaurants have many things in common: employing kids and family members, hosting district events, generously supporting our schools, and being a role model of leadership and community spirit. In the photo: Darby Blakley, principal; Karin Dittmar Miller, owner of The General Store; Kris and Brian Stoddard, owners of Arthur’s Supper Club; Claire Knoll, pupil services director; Troy and Jen Day, owners of The Shed; Loren Glasbrenner, superintendent; Jaime Hegland, principal; and James Radtke, principal. Missing from the photo were Mackenzie and Tyler Behrens, owners of Wisconsin Riverside Resort.

The River Valley School Board members translate the values and priorities of their community into the language of education. Their role is their service to their community and hope for our future, while meeting the state statutes and needs of local governance. Last week was School Board week. Pictured in the photo: Row 1 — Jenna Poad, Aaron Maes and Emily Beck; Row 2 — Kiley Cates (clerk), Pam Gauger (treasurer) and Lilly Bowar (student representative); Row 3 — Jeff Maier, John Bettinger (vice president) and Loren Glasbrenner (superintendent). Missing from the photo are Fred Iausly (president) and Elisabeth Minich.

Front row: Alexander Kirk, Bryce Ballweg, Susanna Van Hallgren, Drake Brensike, Lila Shadewald, Leon Lavigne, Caden Argall, Maggie Hanna. Row 2: Vanessa Molden, Seneca Ruyle, Neelah Ganshert, Dreya Hyzer, Penelope Steiner, Haydee Meyer, Alyssa Dahlby, Alyssa Himebauch, Elio Piccinelli. Row 3: Sofia Saavedra Hernandez, Vanessa Palmer, Isabelle Diehl, Molly Schneller, JM, Adrian Klecker, Ava Meise, Victoria Seebecker. Row 4: Addie Drescher, Claire Handschke, Brooke Braund, Jameson Lewellin, Addison Brings, Gavrielle Lassanske, Phoebe Hager, Brooklyn Trachsler. Row 5: Kjersten Hagen, Hayden Kruchten, Michael Jolicoeur, Gianna Sylvester, Alyssa Dahlby, Gretchen Oberloh, Emellia Osgood, Haley Royster. Row 6: Ella Katers, Sierra Martin, Alexis Cleveland. Missing: Samuel Patterson.