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Speaker to make link between land use and Gulf deadzone
Coulee Region Trout Unlimited
Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone
THE GULF OF MEXICO dead zone is an area in the Gulf of Mexico where excessive pollution has resulted in an inadequate level of oxygen needed to support life. Dead zones occur where aquatic life is more concentrated, in areas with coastlines inhabited by humans.
Published: Apr 15, 2021, 4:22 PM

COULEE REGION Trout Unlimited (CRTU) will host their last virtual monthly member meeting (before fishing season starts) on Wednesday, April 21, starting at 7 p.m.


To join the meeting go to: 


us02web.zoom.us


Their April speaker is Nancy Rabalais who will be talking about her work on the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. CRTU’s work in the Driftless to prevent streambank erosion can help prevent the nitrogen and phosphorous that is responsible for hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) in the the dead zone.

Nancy Rabalais is a Professor at Louisiana State University, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Studies, and the Shell Endowed Chair in Oceanography and Wetlands. Since the mid-1980s, Rabalais has been the driving force behind identifying and characterizing the dynamics of the large hypoxic region in the Gulf of Mexico, which receives excess nutrients from the Mississippi River. 

She serves on numerous boards and panels for federal agencies and national organizations. She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Geophysical Union and received the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur ‘genius’ award (2012). She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. from Texas A&I University (1972, 1975) and a Ph.D. (1983) from the University of Texas.
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.”