The ruling barred the governor from issuing a new mask mandate, which he did when the Republican-led Legislature tried to block the requirement. The mandate will be in effect until the board next meets on Oct. 26, according to the outlet. We all need to take charge and make our own choices," said Sara Anderson, who argued for personal choice. Charlie Riedel/AP Photo. The physical altercation occurred near the school during an open-campus lunch, Principal Sean Leavy said in a statement to families. We are besides ourself with loss. Several credible sources know this and have shared that covid is the cause. support you and your child through this tragic time. Members of of the Fort Atkinson School Board listen to public comments during Thursday's meeting about requiring masks in schools. Prior to Thursday's school board meeting, masks were optional in the Fort Atkinson school district. That us-versus-them has really become unfortunate.. Jonquel Jones speaks on not being able to seal the deal with Connecticut Sun before homecoming game, Gov. Required fields are marked *. highway officials Monday to talk about how the accident might have Sep 17, 2021 0 The Fort Atkinson community had heavy hearts on Thursday after learning of the passing of 13-year-old student Danny Rees, who died unexpectedly. Health authorities strongly urged board members to immediately require masks. We ask that people refrain from making assumptions or guesses as these can be hard for family and friends who are already feeling saddened by the news of his death. Tesch said there were no other immediately obvious causes or contributing factors in his death. The process could take months, which Tesch said is typical for autopsies in her county. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "My son tested positive a week into school. A funeral home in Fort Atkinson is offering the Rees family its services free of charge. Students wrote on a large white sheet of paper taped across But the law has exemptions. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. You have permission to edit this article. While resting at home, he stopped breathing, wrote Rees, who noted she is the main provider for her immediate family, does not have medical insurance, and cannot work for two weeks due to her diagnosis. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that But after the death Tuesday of Rees, a seventh-grader at Fort Atkinson Middle School, the board on Thursday voted 4-1 to institute masks. We all need to take charge and make our own choices," said Sara Anderson, who argued for personal choice. DEATH But many states worried COVID-19 wouldn't be covered under those guidelines, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. "Inexperience, not familiar with the area, music, having a lot on At this time we do not know how Danny died, and there is a chance we may not ever know. Just click on the Follow Us button found at the bottom of any news story. You have permission to edit this article. set up Tuesday because of the large number of mourners at funeral The differing opinions about how to keep children safe in schools are not unique to this Jefferson County city of 12,443 people. State Rep. David Ward, R-Fort Atkinson, said he met with county Followher on Twitter at @RoryLinnane. My heart aches for his family. "I hadmy entire college biblical worksheets and bibles out the other nightthen I realized this isnt about my religious beliefs. JOYCE: AGAIN, TONIGHTS BREAKING NEWSS ITHE ACTION FROM THE FORT ATKINSON SCHOOL BOARD TO REQUIRE MASKS. "Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISNGet breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. All rights reserved. Funerals held for two of four students killed in car crash. This water tower, taken out of service in 1988, was constructed in 1901 and is located across the street from Fort Atkinson Middle School. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in April struck down a statewide emergency order by Gov. Welcome back to our returning advertiser: Opportunities, Inc. It doesn't help children who are immuno-compromised or have certain disabilities that want to be in school," said a tearful Jennifer Slack, who pushed for a mask mandate in schools. Randy Lorentz sees a cross-section of the community six days a week as he fries up piles of hash browns, omelets and plate-size pancakes on the griddle of Scotties Eat-Mor, a diner that has been a fixture in the citys downtown for 84 years. including Gov. The county health department's health officer issued a memo to the superintendent and school board on Thursday, urging them to at least implement a mask mandate. Whats clear is that division and uncertainty remain in this city bisected by the brown water of the fluctuating Rock River. Did you read the article? Continuing Coverage: Coronavirus in WisconsinThe decision was made after a Fort Atkinson Middle School student died on Tuesday while positive with COVID-19. The issue of masks in public schools has divided this Jefferson County community. Fitness on the Plaza returns to Deer District with boxing, Zumba Previewing the 172nd Wisconsin State Fair. Proponents of mask-wearing in schools agree with a speakers comments during a meeting of the Fort Atkinson School Board to address the possibility of a district-wide mandate. We ask that people refrain from making assumptions or guesses as these can be hard for family and friends who are already feeling saddened by the news of his death. Since the beginning of the pandemic, COVID has been identified as contributing to the deaths of three other children, according to state data. The district has I feel sad that school districts are being forced to make medical decisions, decisions that should be made by epidemiologists at the county, state and federal level, Fort Atkinson School Board President Mark Chaney said Thursday. So thanks for protecting our kids Fort school board. Fort Atkinson school board votes to require masks following said alcohol and speed were not involved in the crash. She did not wish to speak to WISN 12. Its comments like this that are separating our community, not wearing or not wearing masks. The couple walked their children to school Friday morning. Fort Atkinson School Board President Mark Chaney on Thursday bemoaned the role school districts nationwide have had to play in the pandemic, lamenting that theyve been forced to make medical decisions, decisions that should be made by epidemiologists at the county, state and federal level, according to the State Journal. Update:The School District of Fort Atkinson released the following statement Thursday: We want to acknowledge that our hearts are heavy for the loss of one of our students. "I don't think you should be guilted, pressured, into making choices for everybody. Fort Atkinson While resting at home, he stopped breathing. Proponents of mask-wearing in schools agree with a speakers comments during a meeting of the Fort Atkinson School Board to address the possibility of a district-wide mandate. one for Bridget Polk, 16, was held in the afternoon. Ft. Atkinson school board votes to require masks after middle Dont know? been prevented. There was a problem saving your notification. ", Sign up for coronavirus email alerts from WISN, Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube. In addition, school board meetings and the debate about masks have only widened the political divide. "Our precious UPDATE: Community mourning death of Fort student; medical Fort Atkinson schools implement mask mandate 2 days Please subscribe to keep reading. Tony Evers' safer-at-home order before the May 26 expiration date. What happened 2 years ago when a child passed? The family did not respond to a request for comment through the fundraising website. The 13-year-old boy tested positive for COVID-19, before dying on Tuesday, though it is unknown if it was the cause of death. "We have to prepare children for life. The Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office is investigating Dannys death, the cause for which could take months to establish. Fort Atkinson School District Our amazing pupil services team and additional grief counselors were available to support children and staff as needs arose throughout the day, and we will continue to use our pupil support staff in this capacity in the days ahead. That has been received. services for two victims of a weekend traffic accident that killed Funeral services for Rees will be held at a later date, according to an obituary on the Nitardy Funeral Homes website. Throughout the night, speakers on all sides of the issue encouraged each other to support the Rees family. ON THURSDAY, OUTRAGED PARENTS SOUNDED OFF ON THE SCHOOL BOARD. Attendees of a Fort Atkinson School Board meeting listen during the public comments portion. Tammy created a GoFundMe, detailing what happened to her son. Update: At some point after the pages initial posting, its content was revised, excluded information about Dannys COVID testing results. It doesn't help children who are immuno-compromised or have certain disabilities that want to be in school," said a tearful Jennifer Slack, who pushed for a mask mandate in schools. The Wisconsin Supreme Court in April struck down a statewide emergency order by Gov. FORT ATKINSON - Closed-circuit television broadcasts had to be Southern Wisconsin will see highs soaring to the mid-80s Sunday and Monday, then tumbling to the 60s by Wednesday, with thunderstorms likely i, FORT ATKINSON Danny Rees had COVID-19 but it will be unknown what role the virus played in the 13-year-olds death last week until a determi, The rate of new COVID-19 cases in Wisconsin is highest among school-age children, and schools are reporting more than twice as many outbreaks , West and La Follette High Schools have already told families there will be no homecoming dance this year. The "Were going to do everything we can to determine if COVID played a role.". Randy Lorentz has co-owned Scottie's Eat-Mor in downtown Fort Atkinson for 17 years. Advertisement The decision was made after a Fort Atkinson Middle School student died on Tuesday while positive with COVID-19. "It's probably a combination of things," Nikolay said. You can watch the meeting in full, here. FORT ATKINSON (WKOW) -- The school board in Fort Atkinson passed a mask mandate during a meeting Thursday night. Its a health issue and I dont listen to the politicians, said Nancy Campbell, a retiree who has lived in the city for 32 years and on Friday held a garage sale at her home on tree-lined Monroe Street. Verona girls volleyball defeats Sun Prairie in four sets at Sun Prairie High School in Sun Prairie, Wis., Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021. "We didnt all stop riding bikes," she said. IT DOESNT HELP CHILDREN WHO EAR IMMUNO-COMPROMISED OR HAVE CERTAIN DISABILITIES THAT WANT TO BE IN SCHOOL. Full details here, Verona School Board votes against firing administrator who struck student, Madison police: No law broken in girl's participation in World Naked Bike Ride, Paddle and Portage canceled after participation falls, prices rise, Ukrainian restaurant opening on Madison's East Side thanks to a local developer, UW doesn't care about Wisconsin Idea Gary L. Kriewald, Shot putter runs 100-meter hurdles to save team from disqualification after teammates injured, Middleton football's Carter Kadow joining teammate with Big Ten commitment, Developer proposing new $117 million neighborhood on Far East Side, Tommy Thompson: Rethink how Wisconsin delivers higher education, Wisconsin Supreme Court justice Brian Hagedorn accuses Rebecca Bradley of 'knives-out bluster' in ruling, Local standout decommits from Wisconsin football program, Madison City Council refuses rezoning for big student housing project Downtown, Second player decommits from Wisconsin football, flips to Big Ten rival. Dane Countys mask mandate is scheduled to expire on Oct. 8. At least 25 Fort Atkinson students have tested positive this week and most of the cases are linked to each other, according toSamroz Jakvani, epidemiologist for the county health department. The mask mandate will be in effect until the boards next meeting on Oct. 26. Im sorry Im not going to use the recent passing of a child, thats not what Im here for," she said. The Fort Atkinson School District, east of Madison in Jefferson County, is currently offering full-time in-person learning, with COVID-19 mitigations in place, but masking a hot-button issue that has been politicized in schools across the country was optional. Johnson Bank, 200 Sherman Ave. W., Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. Fort Atkinson woman charged with killing "But that signals to me that the wrong decision was made last month. Eric Compas has lived in the city for 14 years. At Danny's school, Fort Atkinson Middle School, staff told students in morning homeroom classes Wednesday that Danny had died unexpectedly Tuesday. Middle school students death spurs mask - New York Daily Theres a lot of pride in this town.. Danny Rees, 13, had a cold and days later, stopped breathing, according to his mother, Tammy Rees. Mark Chaney, the president of the school board and who voted in favor of the mask mandate, declined to speak with a reporter on Friday and referred any comment about the first day of masks to Marissa Weidenfeller, the districts spokesperson. A gofundmepage is raising money to help Danny's family with hospital bills and ambulance fees. The district has also made it known that support systems are in place to help students as they digest the days difficult news. WebJun 16, 2021 A Fort Atkinson woman told police she killed her 72-year-old grandmother last week, claiming the elder had said she wanted to die, by covering her nose and mouth with duct tape, according to court documents. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The school board in Fort Atkinson passed a mask mandate during a meeting Thursday night. Though the board was not initially sure whether it would ensure the mandate applied to all students or just in lower grades for which the vaccines are not currently available, school officials decided to go with the former, according to the outlet. Wenn Sie Ihre Auswahl anpassen mchten, klicken Sie auf Datenschutzeinstellungen verwalten. Attendees of a Fort Atkinson School Board meeting listen during the public comments portion. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. You can cancel at any time! The decision was made after a Fort Atkinson Middle School student died on Tuesday while positive with COVID-19. Dan Nikolay of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department But guidance released from the distr. An image of Chief Black Hawk looms over Fort Atkinson's downtown. A GoFundMe page set up by Tammy Rees had raised by Saturday nearly all of its $30,000 goal. The district also recorded nearly double the number of COVID-19 cases among students, staff and teachers. Niedecker, who died in 1970, is known for her poetry that focuses on the natural landscapes of Wisconsin, philosophical materialism and surrealism. already miss you," "Thank you for being my friend," and "We will Typically with students theyre very resilient, Weidenfeller said. To participate with the GoFundMe efforts, follow this link: Paid advertisement: Homestead Barn, Johnson Creek, offers antiques, vintage items, Lifes next station: former Fort Fire Chief Rausch to head new project in Minnesota, Robinson installed as new marketing director at Fairhaven, Coast to coast: A bicycle ride built for two, Jefferson Food Pantry receives freezer replacement donation from TDS, Tree planted in memory of Opportunities, Inc., newsletter editor. Get updates on the coronavirus pandemic and other news as it happens with our free breaking news email alerts. WebDeath records in this database resource will include the time of death, location of death, birth records, maiden names, relatives, birth place, mothers name and more. TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - The University of Arizona has identified the student killed in an on-campus shooting late Saturday, Feb. 20. HO CARONE:LI THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HETH DALEPARTMENT SAYS FORT ATKINSON HAS ONE OF THE WORST CASE RATES IN THE COUNTY. 'There's a lot of pride in this town': Fort Atkinson THE JEFFERSON COUNTY MEDICAL EXAMINERS OFFICE CONFIRMED REES TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID AT THE HOSPITAL, THOU TGHHEY DONT KNOW YET IF ITS THE CAUSE OF DEATH. Fort Atkinson school board votes to require masks following sudden death of student, School Board Approves Mask Mandate After 13-Year-Old Dies, FDA advisers endorse updating COVID vaccines to target latest omicron strain, J&J Covid-19 vaccine no longer available in the US, Some Pilot COVID-19 At Home Tests recalled by FDA over bacteria risk, UW Health expert says new COVID strain has symptoms similar to seasonal allergies, UW Health, UnityPoint Health Meriter no longer requiring masks in most places. We ask that, people refrain from making assumptions or guesses as these can be hard for family and friends who are, already feeling saddened by the news of his death. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. use our pupil support staff in this capacity in the days ahead. Step back a minute and let the family mourn and heal. The four were killed in a crash Friday night as they returned UPDATE: University of Arizona identifies student killed in on A GoFundMe fundraiser organized by the students mother said he was positive for COVID-19 when he died on Tuesday. The only city in the county with higher rates than Fort Atkinson is Waterloo, where the schools just implemented a temporary masking policy, Jakvani said. Click DEATH and then select SEARCH DEATH INDEX: To search, enter LASTNAME FIRSTNAME into the Deceaseds Name field or the DATE OF DEATH. Hochul, MTA chief Janno Lieber take Manhattan congestion pricing victory lap; NJ officials mull options, David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan cast as Clark Kent and Lois Lane in Superman: Legacy, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The Fort Atkinson community had heavy hearts on Thursday after learning of the passing of 13-year-old student Danny Rees, who died unexpectedly. The Jefferson County medical examiner confirmed to WISN 12 Danny tested positive at the hospital, just before his death, for COVID-19. More than 1,800 students, teachers, relatives and others, 'There's a lot of pride in this town': Fort Atkinson student death spurs reckoning over masks, FORT ATKINSON | DIVISION OVER SCHOOL MASKS. Read our content and subscribe for free to get the latest local news sent right to your inbox. Tony Evers that included a statewide mask mandate, handing the Democratic governor a significant setback in his ability to contain the disease. Sign up now! Tammy created a GoFundMe, detailing what happened to her son. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Jennifer Slack was among those begging the board to issue a mandate. Republicans have scrutinized the System for years, focusing lately on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Welcome to our new advertiser: Subway of Jefferson County. The district sent WISN 12 the letter it sent to parents, regarding Rees' death:"Dear FAMS Families,This morning, while students were in homerooms, I shared the news that Danny Rees, a 7th-grade student, and member of the Fort Atkinson Middle School family, died unexpectedly yesterday afternoon.This news is never easy to share or receive however I am glad that we were all together to support and comfort each other in this difficult time. or adding speed bumps or "rumble strips," Ward said. Fort school district shares news of freshman's passing the school after classes Monday. Luther Elementary School in Fort Atkinson. After family links childs death to COVID-19, Fort Atkinson Matzke said his children loved not wearing masks to start the year and that none of his children are happy about going back to masks. "Theyre taking pills to make themselves fee, Seven men have been sentenced to federal prison in the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old Dane County girl to dairy farm workers in Green Lake C. The Jefferson County medical examiner confirmed to WISN 12 Danny tested positive at the hospital, just before his death, for COVID-19. The message (above) was shared with Middle School families Wednesday afternoon. The family does not have health insurance, the information continues. Since when is this the blame game? He did not wear a mask. Authorities say the car driven by Kudlata pulled in front of the Our amazing pupil service steam and additional grief counselors, were available to support children and staff as needs arose throughout the day, and we will continue to. We ask that people refrain from making assumptions or guesses as these can be hard for family and friends who are already feeling saddened by the news of his death. The vote Thursday happened after The death of a middle school student after he contracted COVID-19 has led a Wisconsin city to mandate masks for all students. Wednesday. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Lyle Lidholm, of Watertown, began his trek Sept. 1 at Horicon Marsh and hopes to reach Moline, Illinois, by November. School Board Approves Mask Mandate For Fort Atkinson Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Owners and employees of businesses in Jefferson and Dodge counties reacted to the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision to lift Gov. Other vital records searches include birth records, marriage records, and divorce records. Danny Rees, 13, had a cold and days later, stopped breathing, according to his mother, Tammy Rees. We extend heartfelt condolence to the family, friends, staff, and members of our community. The mandate was approved by the {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Racine man accused of crashing into a light pole allegedly had more than 2 pounds of marijuana, 2 detained, 1 sought in connection to reported car theft, Racine County inmate allegedly assaults another prisoner, RPD investigators ask for information, video after masked person reportedly shot two teens, Sheriffs Office hoping to ID duo who allegedly shot, killed ducks near Root River Dam, Woman allegedly tried to hit man with vehicle; he clings to hood, Motorcyclist allegedly reached 145 mph during chase, RUSD, teachers union agree on 8% pay raises, pending member, board approval, Catholic institute buys St. Francis Friary property, Baby goats having a party at Racine County animal sanctuary for troubled farm animals, RUSD Board OKs Hammes Field maximum price, school closures, boundary changes, Wisconsin Supreme Court justice Brian Hagedorn accuses Rebecca Bradley of 'knives-out bluster' in ruling, They die so quickly: Fentanyl killing more than 1,000 people in Wisconsin each year, 7 get federal prison in sex trafficking of Dane County girl to dairy farm workers, authorities say, Air quality advisory issued for Wisconsin through noon Thursday, GOP-controlled budget committee approves cutting UW System's budget over DEI, Robot Tennis Player Will Soon Outmaneuver Human Opponents. As we navigate this tragic event, its important for everyone involved to remember who Danny was as a person and keep his family and friends in our thoughts; our focus needs to remain on how we can all support and take care of each other. "It's certainly frustrating when you see these school board members ignore the signs, ignore the evidence, ignore what's going on on the ground," said Jefferson County Health Department public information officer, Samroz Jakvani.