Letters to the Editor: June 26 – July 10, 2025

Letters submitted for consideration are subject to fact-checking and editing for space and clarity. Submissions must have a compelling, local community interest. Letters to the editor must fit within a 500-word limit, and include name, city and phone number. Phone numbers are for office use only and will not be published. Letters of a political nature, without chance of rebuttal, will not be published the week before an election.

Submit letters to the editor to: editor@valleysentinelnews.com

Sauk County Gardener: Using Degree Days to Implement Integrated Pest Management

The article discusses insect monitoring and management in gardening, focusing on the importance of degree days (DD) to predict insect life cycles, particularly the imported cabbageworm. It outlines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, including monitoring, prevention, and control. The author encourages community engagement through events by the Sauk County Master Gardeners Association.

Violet Palms release new single, set stage for upcoming sophomore album

Spring Green’s Violet Palms unveil their new single “True Love Counterfeit,” blending nostalgia with matured lyricism ahead of their album launch. The track encapsulates bittersweet love, showcasing tight production and emotional depth. A testament to their evolving artistry, this release promises fans a resonant exploration of heartbreak, memories, and life’s unexpected twists.

Editors’ Column: Stop Ahead — Taking a pause to regroup

It’s incredibly fitting that our cover this edition in print included a sign that reads: stop ahead. It’s important to note you don’t stop at a stop sign forever, it’s a momentary pause. Whether to think or to ensure your safety and sustainability, it’s a pause before you continue going down the road you were on (or perhaps you’re turning at that stop sign and trying something new?) .

It’s apt because our print edition needs to pause.

EDITORIAL: Our View — We’re endorsing a better future for the Village of Arena

This election, we’d be voting for Paul Pustina for Arena village president and Steve Wilkinson, Joseph Hipsky and Don Helt for village trustees. We encourage you to do the same.
We always wanted our first endorsements as an editorial board to be founded upon a well-thought out rubric that was replicable and transparent. We have not had the time or bandwidth to yet set up such a rubric. However, the stakes in the Village of Arena in the upcoming election on April 1 are so dire that we feel compelled to take a position as an editorial board.

River Valley School Board sets referendum, approves cost reductions and grade reconfiguration

The River Valley School Board voted to reduce its workforce, cutting ten positions, including teachers and secretarial roles, due to financial constraints from closing the Early Learning Center. The total annual savings from these cuts amount to over $1 million. The board will also hold a referendum to exceed revenue limits for additional funding.

shallow focus photography of magazines

LISTEN HERE: Our editors on WORT FM to discuss community journalism, Arena public safety series

On December 16, WORT’s A Public Affair featured editors Nicole and Taylor discussing community journalism and the Valley Sentinel’s Arena public safety series. The show recap highlights major stories from local papers, including floods affecting Crawford County and animal abuse allegations at Ridgeland Farms, alongside public safety challenges in Arena.