Is Kewaskum Classic Car Show in jeopardy?

One of the most popular car shows in Washington County may be in jeopardy.

Mark ‘Kurly’ Kissinger posted a note on social media over the weekend that he was “taking a break from this year’s Kewaskum Classic Car Show.”

The annual Grand Larsony Custom Classic Car Show started in 2000 and was organized by Grand Larsony owner Richard ‘Kissey’ Kissinger.

In 2015 ‘Kissey’ announced he was stepping down from the event.

The show, a popular stop for the car clubs, normally drew about 400 classic cars to Main Street in Kewaskum. Over the years Kissey used the car show as a way raise money to benefit local people in need.

In 2016 Mark ‘Kurly’ Kissinger of Jackson said he would be taking over.  “My father and I ran a car show in Slinger for a number of years,” said Kissinger.  “I’ve gone to Kissey’s show and I don’t plan on changing anything.”

Kurly Kissinger is Kissey’s godson. Kissinger’s father Mark is Kissey’s cousin.

This would have been the 18th annual show.

Early word is Kissey is looking to step back in. The show is normally the third Sunday in September; this year it would be Sept. 16. The Kewaskum Fire Department normally serves beer at the event and already holds a permit.

West Bend teen’s Eagle Scout project benefits Washington County Humane Society

Bailey Marshall, 16, of West Bend has been involved in Boy Scouts since fifth grade. He belongs to Troop 765 in Jackson. Marshall currently has a Life rank and is working on his Eagle Scout Badge. For the past month Marshall has been building tables, chairs and benches for the Washington County Humane Society’s new courtyard.

Importance of Scouts: It really helps me build my character and with public speaking. It’s teaching me how to be a man. Right now I’m working on a communication badge and in my troop I’ve made a lot of special bonds with people and they’ve been encouraging me to keep moving forward.

Washington County Humane Society is a great local organization: I’ve had pets from the Humane Society and when I found out they were building a new courtyard I went to talk to Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Jacklin and she wanted me to help with building tables, benches and chairs. I was totally onboard.

Details behind Eagle Scout project: I found designs for the 3 tables, 3 benches and 6 chairs online. I solicited donations from people in the community; both items and money and then I set a date to put it together. No one showed up but we got it done anyway with the help of my mom, dad, and step dad. We have a couple more chairs to build; it was rough but I loved doing it. The project will help me toward my Eagle Scout Badge and I’m really happy with the way it turned out. I hope the Humane Society likes it too.

Marshall completed the project and with fellow scouts and volunteers delivered the set to the Washington County Human Society on Highway 60.

On a side note: Marshall loves math and has his sights set on getting into the auto industry. He said he loves working with tools and hopes to be a mechanic. During his down time Marshall can be found on his scooter and doing flips on his backyard trampoline.

West Bend Plan Commission reviews concept plan for Fleet Farm

The West Bend Plan Commission spent time Tuesday evening looking over the proposed concept plan for a new 190,000-square-foot Fleet Farm to be located on the southeast corner of Highway 33 and County Highway Z.

The gas station and retail store would include a 5,000-square-foot convenience store along with a 5,000-square-foot convenience store and outdoor garden center.

Commission member Sara Fleischman asked how customers would get to the two retail lots being planned for future development.

City planner Jim Reinke said the commercial outlets would be accessed off the private drive that runs east west.  “They will be entering off the main drive into the parking lot,” he said.

Commission member Jed Dolnick praised the design of the building but asked what type of signage the retailer would have since the building is set back a distance from State Highway 33.

“Are they going to handle signage needs with monument signs off Washington Street or will the signs be really high up,” asked Dolnick.

Reinke said that hadn’t come up yet but more than likely there will be signs on the building.

West Bend Director of Development Mark Piotrowicz spoke a bit about the surrounding wetlands and some kames to the west and east of the proposed development. He said previous plans looked at access off CTY Z but this proposal blocks that area off.

“There’s a bigger buffer now from the wetlands,” he said.

Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said a traffic study is currently underway and those details will determine possible signals or a controlled intersection taking into account Highway Z and Shepherds Drive.

Fleet Farm is still working with the DOT on access permits off the state highway.

“We’re very excited about what we’re presenting and the materials we’re using and we believe it will be a great improvement to what we have in the existing market and we’re very excited to get this store open,” said Tom Carrico with Fleet Farm.

As far as what will become of the current Fleet Farm on Hwy 33 and 18th Avenue, Carrico said the company is already well into exploring a sale of the property.

“It’s in our best interest to sell that as well,” said Carrico. “We are very excited to get a new store going in West Bend.”

Mayor Sadownikow made sure if the sale of the site on Hwy 33 and 18th Avenue were to take a while, he wanted to make sure the building would not fall into further disrepair.

There are several more steps that have to be taken before construction can officially get underway including zoning requirements, land division, two conditional use permits, and a public hearing is still needed for an amendment to the 2020 Comprehensive Plan for the City of West Bend from commercial, open space and two-family residential to commercial and open space land use for lands located on the southeast corner of CTH Z and W. Washington Street.

King Buffet closes in West Bend

The owner of the strip mall on W. Washington Street confirmed this week King Buffet has officially closed. The storefront, 1431 W. Washington St., is listed for rent.

King Buffet was known for its reasonable price (under $10), peanut chicken, and friendly staff that helped with soda refills.

On a history note: Do you remember the other businesses that used to be in that strip mall. I recall there used to be a Boot Corral in one of the shops and Video Plus was on the end cap for year. It’s where the new West Bend Sausage Plus is anticipated to open.

Some input has included Karen’s Energy, Cash and Carry, and Pruett’s Floor Covering.

Nice donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County

A nice donation was made this week to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County.

Each summer Steve Taylor organizes a Vintage Motorcycle Poker Run. This year 68 people participated in the event and raised $2,000. On Friday a check was presented to the organizations Executive Director Jaymee Harvey Willms.

Over the past seven years $14,000 has been donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County.

“Steve has asked that the money go to our annual recognition dinner,” said Harvey Willms. “In our 50th year we’d like to potentially invite some of our past members to the celebration. For a nonprofit to last 50 years in the community really says something about our organization.”

Some of the sponsors for the Poker Run include: Lutz Chiropractic, C&C Business Management, Newburg State Bank, Arby’s Restaurant, Eddie’s Lakehouse, Creative Cut, Midwest Table Repair, Nicole Seering, Chrissy Taylor, Dave Mapes, Curly & Lois Kohlwey, Gary Mapes, Butch Straveler, Steve Taylor, Terri Megonigle, Leslie Bassett, Jeff Mapes, Carol McKee, and Dean Herriges.

West Bend H.S. Class of 1948 class reunion

The West Bend High School Class of 1948 will hold its 70^th class reunion August 18, 2018. The reunion will be held at New Perspective (formerly The Lighthouse), 2013 Continental Drive in West Bend from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.  A brunch will be served and the cost is $20 per person. Call Pat at 262-438-5938 or Dick at 262-438-5951 for reservations and further information.

2018 Board of Review is Aug. 28, 2018

The City of West Bend sent all property owners a 2018 property assessment. The 2018 Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at 10 a.m. in City Hall.

Keep in mind the city did explore an advisory referendum with a wheel tax or a property tax increase or asking Washington County for a share of its sales tax. A final decision is still pending to determine how to pay for more road improvements in the City of West Bend.

There’s also the possible November referendum for the West Bend School District. A decision will likely be made to move forward with the referendum in the next few weeks. The early number being thrown about is a $50 million referendum however that’s without taxes and interest and it would be placed on top of the $130 million the district still has with current referendum debt.

So that total would be brought to more than $180 million in outstanding referendum debt for the school district alone. A representative from Baird is supposed to give an update in a couple of weeks.

Finally, remember your property tax bill is made up of taxes to be paid to the city, county, school district, Moraine Park Technical College and the state. The last city-wide revaluation was 2011.

The Audubon Inn in Mayville is for sale

Step inside the magnificent Audubon Inn, in Mayville WI and you’ll be staying at the same boutique hotel as Paul Newman and Tom Cruise. Built in 1896 this unique hotel on the National Registry of Historic Places showcases historic charm with modern amenities. Guests will enjoy boutique shopping, museums and internationally renowned Horicon Marsh.

Onsite restaurant NOLA North Grille’s bar and dining rooms feature impeccable woodwork, tile, and stained glass, creating unforgettable ambience, 18 cozy guest rooms located on the 2nd and 3rd floors offer double Jacuzzi tubs and high ceilings.

Savanna Rose raises money for Children’s Hospital

The grand total is in and a very happy Savanna Rose is proud to report $748 was raised during Saturday’s Downtown West Bend Farmers’ Market as she held her 4th annual Teddy Bear Drive.

The event benefits Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Rose has done some fantastic work the past few years. “In 2015 we raised $450. In 2016 we raised $900 and last year we raised a whopping $1,500,” she said.

“Money is used to purchase over 570 Teddy bears along with art supplies for children in the hospital. This could not be possible without your love and support!”

Rose said the reason she does this is simple. “I’ve always loved children and have wanted the best for them. I have a personal interest in the field of medicine. The Teddy Bear Drive allows me to combine my passions for music, helping kids, volunteering, and the medical field all into one,” she said. ”When a child comes to the hospital it can be a very scary moment. Unfamiliar people, machines, and environment. Sometimes a stuffed animal can comfort children in times of stress and chaos.” Over the past four years Savanna Rose has raised $3,747 during the Teddy Bear Drive.

Updates & tidbits

–Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 14.  Polls are open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

– The sixth key was the charm as McDonald’s in West Bend teamed with Russ Darrow to give away a 2-year lease on a new Jeep Wrangler during an event at the Highway 33 restaurant to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Washington County. Ten people qualified to have a shot at starting the vehicle. Steven Arneson, 26, of West Bend was the sixth person to climb behind the wheel and push the button and the Jeep roared to life along with the crowd. “I was telling everyone at work that I was going to be the winner,” said Arneson.

–The annual St. Frances Cabrini Used Book Sale and Rummage Sale is Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 9 from 8:30 a.m. – noon in Mother Cabrini Hall in the lower level of church. Used book donations will be accepted from now through Sept. 7 at noon in the lower level of the church, at the south side door.

– The annual Allenton Picnic is next weekend, August 17, 18, and 19. There’s lots of family activities including games and rides, music and food and don’t forget Sunday’s parade.

-St. Frances Cabrini annual Rummage sale is Thursday, Sept. 20 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon in Mother Cabrini Hall in the lower level of the church. Baked goods will also be available. Rummage items can be dropped off Sept. 15 through Sept. 19. No TVs or big furniture.

– There’s a golf outing Sept. 23 at West Bend Lakes Golf Club and proceeds will go to the Luke Gromowski Ironman Scholarship Fund. Luke Gromowski was a senior at West Bend East when he died in a car accident in November 2014. A $1,000 scholarship will be presented each year to a senior from West Bend East and West High School that participated in football from fifth grade through their senior year. Registration for the outing is 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $100 per adult and $50 for a student. Contact Ed Ihlenfeld at 262-707-5449 for more detail.

– Rally Time Sports Bar and Grill in West Bend is looking for a part-time line cook position. Rally Time has a family-friendly team atmosphere. The position is primarily day shift and coverage as needed. Call Dan at 262-389-1142 or Cindy at 262-389-0839 or stop at the bar for an application.

– A hat tip to local shop owner and former West Bend alderman Terry Vrana for the hard work he put in to restored the Build, Boost & Buy in Barton wall mural. Vrana has spent the last year upgrading the facade of the old fire hall on the corner of N. Main Street and Highway 144.

-Full time and part-time bartenders wanted at the V.F.W. Post 1393, 260 Sand Drive, West Bend. Call Jerry Faber for details 262-388-7006.

– Sign up today for the 8th Annual Swinging for Seniors Golf Outing at West Bend Lakes Golf Club. All proceeds benefit Senior Citizens Activities, Inc. Stick around after golf and take part in the Classics for a Cause Raffle and a chance to win a 1968 Ford Mustang.

-There will be a Memorial for John Geib on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.  at the West Bend VFW Hall, 260 Sand Drive, in West Bend. Military Honors are scheduled for 5 p.m. Bring pictures and/or memories to share. John E. Geib, age 70, of Mansfield, MO, formerly of West Bend, passed away on June 23, 2018.

Special blessing for Little Saints Early Learning Center at St. Frances Cabrini

A special blessing took place Sunday morning at the new Little Saints Early Learning Center at St. Frances Cabrini Parish. The former convent, 615 W. Hawthorn Drive, will now be home to the new care center for children ages 6 weeks to 3 years old.

“As we celebrate another use for this building made for our Notre Dame Sisters who taught here, it is now a place for our youngest people to come,” said Rev. Nathan Reesman.

Aside from blessing the facility Rev. Reesman also blessed the new principal at St. Frances Cabrini William Waech, facilities director Missy Dieterich, and the rest of the staff.

“This is great for the parish and the community,” said Waech.  “It just offers families that are working full time a place they can trust for their children.”

Rev. Reesman said the child care center had been in the vision of the parish for quite a while; however they didn’t have the space until now.

“After the Notre Dame Sisters moved out of the convent the space was used as a Youth Formation Center,” Reesman said. “The timing was just opportune and the space became available and last fall we were given a generous donation to do something like this.”

Dieterich said the remodel at the convent included morphing the chapel into an infant and toddler room. “We pulled up the carpet and repainted it and moved the sacristy cabinet was moved to another room and repurposed as storage for the teachers,” she said.

Furniture and toys have been donated.

Dieterich said they can accept 36 children. Current enrollment is 29 with room for more.

St. Frances Cabrini will not count the Little Saints Learning Center into its school enrollment.

The K3 – 8th grade enrollment at St. Frances Cabrini School for the coming year is 255 students.