Local

Formed roughly 17,000 years ago when glacial Lake Wisconsin burst through its embankments and left sandy soil in its wake, the Spring Green Preserve — or Wisconsin Desert — is a 1,300-acre parcel managed by the Nature Conservancy since 1971.This unique State Natural Area transforms into a serene, monochromatic landscape in winter, where dormant prickly pear cacti — the preserve’s signature species — wait beneath the frost. While summer brings scorching ground temperatures of 120 degrees, the winter months highlight the preserve’s rare geology. The 1.6-mile trail, cutting through a mix of sand prairie and black oak barrens, leads hikers toward the towering dolomite bluffs. From there, hikers can take in a stunning view of the Wisconsin River Valley. (Photo by Mike Marquardt)

Ella Roblee, daughter of Scott and Becky Roblee, and a Senior at Sauk Prairie High School, is the January Optimist Student of the Month. Ella is a loyal and hard-working student who seeks to put others first. She values herself and her work, always giving everything to her classes and endeavors. While at High School, Ella has served in a variety of positions. She has served behind the scenes in theatre productions, primarily responsible for the high-level production videos. She will come on multiple nights of each performance to get a variety of shots that she weaves together. Eric Brehm, longtime theatre director, says, “Her work is invaluable to the performances. I’ve never had someone produce such high-quality film of our work.” Ella utilizes her technological knowledge and natural teaching skills to design and lead classes for senior citizens in Sauk Prairie. These classes meet at the high school during the school day and focus on helping seniors better use their better use their technology, such as cell phones and laptops. These classes have proven invaluable to many. Finally, Ella has served as the lead graphic designer on the award-winning literary magazine The Amber Pages. After graduation, Ella intends to pursue her passion in Film Studies at UW-Whitewater or another dream school. Pictured, from left to right: Eric Brehm, High School teacher and theatre director; Ella Roblee, January Sauk Prairie Optimist Student of the Month; her parents, Becky and Scott Roblee and High School Assistant Principal Shane Been on January 7 at the Sauk Prairie Optimists meeting at the 6:8 dining room.

Braden Walmer, the son of Ted and Claire Walmer and an eighth grader at Sauk Prairie Middle School, has been named the Sauk Prairie Optimist Middle Level Leader for January. Jeremiah Ihm, Agriculture teacher; Kurt Muchow, Tech. Ed. Teacher; and Flynne Kasubski, Computer teacher; nominated Braden for this award. Mr. Ihm had this to say, “I nominated Braden because he is a student who always has a positive attitude, is respectful, eager to help out, and takes initiative. Braden is a true leader and shows it in and out of the classroom. He can be found helping keep the classroom in order--even after the bell rings--setting an example for others to follow when on school-sanctioned trips, and is not afraid to ask questions to gain clarification. These characteristics will help Braden be successful in anything that he puts his mind to.” Braden is actively engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities at the Middle School, including FFA and wrestling. Outside of school, he keeps himself busy with trap shooting and youth football. Looking ahead with enthusiasm, Braden is thrilled to transition to High School, eagerly anticipating participation in Shop Class and joining the Trap team. His ambitions are even bigger as he eyes a future at UW-Whitewater pursuing a degree in Agricultural Engineering, with a strong desire to play football for the Warhawks! Pictured, left to right: Amy Brehm, Optimist member and the Middle Level Leader’s Principal at Merrimac Community School; Tricia Rodey, Sauk Prairie Middle School Principal; Ted, Braden, and Claire Walmer; Jennifer Gulsvig, Optimist member and Middle School teacher, on January 21 at the Sauk Prairie Optimist meeting at the 6:8 dining room.

St. Vincent de Paul of Sauk Prairie/Roxbury met with volunteers at the Good Neighbor Clinic of Sauk Prairie on January 26th, 2026 to present them with a check in the amount of $12,000 to help continue providing healthcare services to those without insurance in the greater Sauk Prairie area. We are grateful for the amazing services that the GNC provides in our community! Front row, from left: Linda Hohneke (Director - GNC), Helen Campbell (President - SVDP), Kathi Kemp (Interpreter - GNC), Wilmary Saed Castro Seder (Interpreter - GNC), Casey Siebecker (SVDP CARE Program). Back row, from left: Jerry Keller (SVDP Member), Roman Maier (SVDP Member), Agnes Kanikula (PA-C, Medical Director - GNC), Jarrod Vande Hey (GM - SVDP), Tammy Vande Hey (Secretary - SVDP), Danielle Ehlert (Reception - GNC), Mary Brickl (Vice President - SVDP), Dean Brickl (SVDP Member), and Bill Campbell (Treasurer - SVDP).