Editorial Columns

Guest Column

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 8:02am

As a parent of two Wisconsin public school students, I pay close attention to how my kids are doing at school. We talk about how they are doing academically, as well as emotionally and socially. Like many caregivers, their well-being at school is a topic of conversation at my dinner table each night.

Despite my best efforts to stay informed, I often found myself confused by my kids’ results on our state’s required test, the Forward Exam, and what testing data actually means.

Your Right to Know

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 7:33am

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, the Sauk County Board voted to spend $40,500 to buy a sheriff’s department vehicle to replace one totaled in a July incident. The resolution printed on the agenda included details of the incident, the car dealer and a fiscal note explaining that the money would come from insurance accounts.

Local news strengthens our democracy

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 5:54am

For more than 30 years, I worked among fellow journalists who were passionate watchdogs reporting on the actions of people in power as a way to hold them accountable.

I’m proud to see that important work continue, from the reporting on local government budgets to investigations of corruption in the halls of Congress. Ensuring transparency and accountability of government remains the goal every day — and no one is above scrutiny.

Our stories shape the stories that matter most

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 5:30am

It seems like about every time I am out in the public, no matter what the occasion, once someone realizes I own the local paper they seem anxious to tell me something. And in more cases than not, it is how something someone has read impacts their lives.

Baldwin demands USPS provide better service

Published by kjpasson on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 10:03am

U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, D-WI, has called on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to immediately address costly delays Wisconsin newspapers that rely on the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) are experiencing, resulting in lost revenue, customer complaints and canceled subscriptions.

Trump has attracted some good allies

Published by andynewsengin on Thu, 09/12/2024 - 8:00am

I try to avoid writing about politics and government here, because I believe the world could use a lot less of each. I try to focus on the plain fact that our lives are better when we stop looking for the right ruler and work on running our own lives. The dirty little secret is that when we cry “Freedom,” we usually are talking about freedom from government or something that government is trying to impose on us.

Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court

Published by andynewsengin on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 8:01am

• Cody M. Valdez, 32, Wausau, pleaded no contest Sept. 4 to possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs, felony bail jumping and a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Gregory Strasser levied fines and. court costs and sentenced him to 213 days in county jail.

Guest Column

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 09/10/2024 - 7:25am

As summer winds down and Wisconsin families, educators and staff head back to school in the coming days, I am reminded of the amazing opportunities our public schools provide.

Our public schools are places where every student — regardless of their background, abilities or needs — should have equal access to education and opportunity. Classrooms in Wisconsin are often the most diverse communities in our state. It is critical we understand and work to meet the needs of all students. Our schools must be places where every child feels safe and included.

Guest Column

Published by andynewsengin on Thu, 08/15/2024 - 9:00am

Last fall, I announced a new identity for Wisconsin’s 13 public universities — the Universities of Wisconsin.

WBSD sets goals for next school year

Published by kjpasson on Thu, 08/08/2024 - 7:49am

With the 2024-2025 school year fast approaching, I am excited to share our vision, goals and work that is taking place at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District.

Our district vision is to prepare every student to excel and achieve at their maximum potential based on their individual talents and interests. Students have different interests and talents. Our charge is to provide them with a myriad of experiences and opportunities that help foster these gifts.

Our district goals are: