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LaBarbera connects people and resources
LaBarbera
Mark LaBarbera
nobyline
Updated: Aug 1, 2018, 4:41 PM
Published: Aug 2, 2018, 4:44 PM

Outdoor media veteran Mark LaBarbera has agreed to team up with SWNews4U.com as we increase coverage about all things outdoors for subscribers online and in print.  We will begin publishing and posting his words and images of interest to you and others in our area who care about nature-based activities, people, places and issues.
    “I’m looking forward to learning from readers what they want to see more of, and to help share their stories, as well,” he said. “They can share their ideas, stories and videos at
malabarb@peoplepc.com.”
    Mark lives here in Southwest Wisconsin, was the first life member of the Grant County Outdoor Sports Alliance, is Treasurer for the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and serves as a Lafayette County delegate to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress.  He also was appointed and serves on the Wisconsin Sporting Heritage Council. 
His volunteer time includes running the Midwest Outdoor Heritage Education Expo attended by nearly 3,000 fourth-through-seventh graders each May. Schools from this area and across southern and central Wisconsin attend the annual event which Mark launched five years ago. It is owned and operated by the Outdoor Heritage Education Center organization he founded 20 years ago.  He remains its lead volunteer.
    If you’re involved with youth fishing programs, learn-to-hunt events, school archery and trapshooting, or sporting conservation groups like Trout Unlimited, Whitetails Unlimited, Quality Deer Management Association, Pheasant Forever, Izaak Walton League of America, Wings Over Wisconsin, Friends of NRA, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited or local clubs, you might already know him from banquets, committee work or volunteer meetings. He and Dan Small produce “Deer Hunt Wisconsin,” “Wild Turkeys in Wisconsin” and “Pheasants in Wisconsin” TV specials and videos.
      But his experience, adventures and accomplishments reach beyond our borders.  More than being an avid hunter, angler and conservationist, he is also an award-winning writer, producer, editor and photographer.
    Mark is Past President and former Chairman of both the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers.  They gave him many awards over the years, such as the Golden Glow Award for service to conservation. Previous winners included Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson and Senator Gaylord Nelson.  He is also an active member of the Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association.  He was one of only five national finalists for Budweiser Outdoorsman of the Year.  In 2016, he was honored by the Wisconsin Society of Science Teachers with that year’s Friend of Science Education Award.
“I have learned over the years that some of the best adventures are close to home,” Mark said, “and important conservation work is accomplished locally.  Readers can help us discover and share those stories. Also, by the way, I would like to share news of upcoming events, fun photos and tips from readers and advertisers.”
Remembering Brooksie
Brooks Tiedeman (2001–2023)
Brooks Tiedeman
This image shows Brooks Tiedeman (right) the way he is remember, with fellow Bentonite's and lifelong friends, radiated by his unbridled enthusiasm. Baseball has a way of uniting people of all ages, and many in Southwest Wisconsin will treasure his memory.
Updated: Aug 7, 2024, 7:54 PM
Published: Aug 7, 2024, 7:55 PM

By Tommy Behrens

SHULLSBURG — If you roll into the town of Shullsburg on a Sunday during the summer there is a chance that you could have the opportunity to watch some Home Talent Baseball. 

Shullsburg-Benton is one of the 42 teams in the Home Talent League and the 2023 season was one of the Fevers’ best years (12-4) in their 11-year existence. One of the biggest factors for their success was the outstanding team defense that was played behind our defensive MVP Brooks Tiedeman. 

Assistant manager Tommy Behrens coached Tiedeman for three years in high school and then played alongside him on the Fever since 2019. 

“No offense to any of the other outfielders I have played with, but Brooksie was the best defensive talent I have ever been around,” Behrens said. “His ability to make extremely tough plays look routine left many of us at a loss for words. His speed was always there; however, his experience and knowledge of the game grew to a point where he was a huge weapon for us.” 

Additionally, during the 2023 season, Tiedeman had a perfect fielding percentage in 32 attempts with two outfield assists on top of it. Unfortunately, just over a month after Shullsburg-Benton’s final game of the 2023 season, Tiedeman passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

“He was a fantastic ball player, and he was truly a better human who saw the good in everyone,” Behrens said. “He just began student teaching and was destined to be an incredible educator. This is always going to hurt.”

Cory Ritterbusch, the Fevers’ announcer and business manager, also sang the praises of Tiedeman.

“After high school, Brooks focused on playing for the Fever while commuting from Whitewater each Sunday and becoming a weekly starter,” Ritterbusch said. “He was known for his blazing speed, ability to bunt, and his exceptional range in center field. He was one of the most feared base stealers in the league. He had a zest for competition, and was bursting with character. Brooks played an important role in the Fevers’ recent success. Teammates will remember him as a fun-loving, good guy who was on his way to a full life.”

On Sunday, June 30, theFever officially retired Tiedeman’s jersey. A black sign in center field was unveiled during the ceremony. It includes a home white plate, two baseball bats behind it signifying an ‘X marks the spot,’ and the number 20 in the middle of it.

‘Be like Brooks’ is a phrase seen on t-shirts and bracelets around the Benton and Shullsburg communities. It’s a reminder to love and appreciate life that can be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of daily living.

“In typical Brooks fashion being as selfless as he always was, he continued his giving ways with the gift of life by donation to help others in need,” Behrens said. “When you drive down South Galena Street in Shullsburg, and happen to see the black sign with a number 20 in center field, use it as a reminder to love life just like Brooksie.”