Wife of WBW girls basketball coach dies following collapse after game
The wife of West Bend West girls basketball coach Joe Pintens has died. West Bend Fire Chief Gerald Kudek confirmed they responded to an emergency call at the West Bend High Schools on Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 8:19 p.m. for a woman unconscious.
Kudek said the woman was taken to an area hospital. The West Bend West team had a home game against Port Washington on Tuesday night. Games for both high school teams these next two days are being changed.
Andrea A. “Andi” Pintens, 65, of West Bend, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Andi was born on April 12, 1953, in Milwaukee, the daughter of the late Albert and Carol (nee Klemens) Dirkx. At the age of eight she moved from Milwaukee to Harrison, Wisconsin where she grew up on a dairy farm. On May 26, 1973, she married her best friend Joseph Pintens at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Harrison. After marriage, Andi and Joe moved to West Bend, Wisconsin where they have resided since.
Andi studied cosmetology and was a licensed beautician who worked at Creative Cut for a number of years. She began working at Badger Middle School as an Administrative Assistant to the Principal, where she retired after 25 years of service. She was a decorated forensics coach at Badger, leading numerous individuals and teams to championships. An extremely creative individual, she found numerous outlets for her talents. She was active in West Bend Children’s theatre, playing various roles in the annual production. An accomplished seamstress, she enjoyed sewing and creating clothes. What began as a hobby of making “Mittens by Pintens,” ultimately became a business, which expanded into making unique skirts, sweaters and other apparel for boutiques across the country. Andi led a very active lifestyle, exercising long before it became en vogue. She enjoyed spending time at the cabin at Washburn Lake, where she was able to relax, fish, tube with grandkids, cross country ski and snowshoe. In fact, she still holds the record for the largest bass ever caught at Washburn Lake, which will not be broken. Above all, Andi enjoyed spending time with her family, particularity her grandchildren. She loved adventure, and anything her grandchildren were interested in, quickly became her interest.
Those Andi leaves behind to cherish her memory include her husband, Joe; four children, Craig (Jill) Pintens Los Angeles, CA, Jill (Aaron) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO, Megan (Miles) Conrad of San Francisco, CA, and Scott (Jamie) Pintens of Wauwatosa, WI; 10 grandchildren with two more on the way,
A Memorial Mass for Andi will be held 5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 138 N. 8th Avenue, in West Bend.
Andi’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers and memorials, please do something special with your family, give them a hug and tell them you love them before going to bed in Andi’s memory. The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home has been entrusted with Andi’s arrangements.
Hartford woman went to school with suspect in Jayme Closs abduction case
The name of the man accused in the abduction Jayme Closs and alleged killing of her parents struck a chord with a woman in Hartford. Samantha Sali of Hartford lived in the small community of Gordon in 2008 and attended Northwood Elementary School in Minong.
Jake Patterson, 21, the man named by Barron County Sheriff Chris Fitzgerald as the man in custody in the Closs case.
“It was a really small; kindergarten to high school.” Sali was 13 years old at the time.
“When the story broke, I thought the last name sounded familiar but I was more so struck by the community because I have relatives in that area,” she said.
Sali’s grandfather lives in Gordon, WI. Matter of fact he’s just a few doors down from the Patterson family. According to Sali, if he had been looking out his window at the right time he would have seen Closs walk past his house on Thursday.
On Friday after the Barron County Sheriff’s Department press conference Sali went in search of her old Northwood Elementary Yearbook.
She said she remembered Erik Patterson, the older brother of Jake. “I thought he was cute,” she said. “He was tall and always wore shorts. I even found a note about the shorts thing in my keepsake journal.”
Patterson, she recalled, has an older sister Katie and a younger brother Jake. The father’s name is Pat Patterson. Although Sali moved out of the community in 2010 she kept in touch with her grandfather.
“There was normal small-town talk about everybody. His name would come up with minor things but it’s really just gossip,” she said.
Sali, who is a reporter for WashingtonCountyInsider.com, did run Eric and Jake Patterson’s criminal record. “Erik has a lot of small drug charges,” she said. “There was a fourth-degree sexual assault charge and a couple driving without insurance charges and speeding.”
Sali has been in communication with her grandfather. She confirmed he has been interviewed by the FBI. Sali was last in Gordon in 2014. “I really would not have ever thought this could happen in Gordon,” she said. “It was always the place we went on vacation and we would go tubing on the river or where my grandpa taught me how to fish. Just some nice memories and I know it’s a very close-knit community. The July 4 fireworks are always packed and everyone just watches out for each other.”
“My No. 1 question is ‘how many people were involved and to what extent,’” she said.
Future of Shopko in West Bend
It appears some neighbors in West Bend received a pamphlet in the mail this week for Shopko with up to 70% off the entire store. The question arose about the future of the store, 1710 S. Main Street in West Bend. In December 2018 an article was posted at WashingtonCountyInsider.com regarding the pharmacy at Shopko transferring prescriptions to Kroger-owned grocery stores. Shopko is based in Ashwaubenon, WI. Details on the future of the retailer were recently published in the Green Bay Press Gazette. A portion of the latest article is below.
Shopko could file for bankruptcy protection from creditors as soon as next week, according to a pharmaceutical drug supplier that says the retailer owes it $67 million. Jeff Garfinkle, an attorney for San Francisco-based McKesson Corp., said during a hearing Monday in Brown County Circuit Court, that Shopko is expected to file for bankruptcy Jan. 15.
Washington Co. Board supports 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum
Gordon Haberman of Kewaskum addressed the Washington County Board on Wednesday night regarding the 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum.
His goal was to encourage supervisors to vote on a resolution to make the beam, salvaged from the twin towers in New York, recognized as the official memorial in the county and soon statewide.
Haberman spoke to the County Board for about 20 minutes alongside Andrew Johnson of Mayville. Johnson’s son David died in 2012 while fighting in Afghanistan.
Below is a summary of the board’s actions courtesy Ethan Hollenberger.
The Washington County Board unanimously passed a resolution to designate the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial as the official memorial in Washington County to commemorate the terrorist attacks. The resolution asks the State of Wisconsin to also make the monument the official memorial of the state.
Supervisor William Symicek of Kewaskum represents the memorial and moved to approve the resolution.
The board heard a presentation from members of Kewaskum Remembers, Inc., who have been planning the memorial designed around a piece of I-beam from the north twin tower. Kewaskum Remembers was organized by Gordon Haberman, who lost his daughter Andrea in the twin tower attacks. The steel arrived in Kewaskum in 2014.
“The Wisconsin 911 Memorial will remember all who have lost their lives on 9/11 and since due to the ensuing conflicts,” said County Board Chairman Don Kriefall. “The memorial will serve to educate Washington County residents and beyond of the terrorist attacks that changed our country nearly 18 years ago. This resolution ensures Washington County will never forget those who died nor those who volunteered at ground zero or to wear a uniform in the aftermath.”
At the September 2018 memorial event, Kewaskum Remembers approached County Administrator Joshua Schoemann to secure county support. County staff and Kewaskum Remembers already have started working with State Senator Duey Stroebel (R-Cedarburg) who commented, “The Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial is an excellent opportunity to honor and remember those who lost their lives on 9/11, including Andrea Haberman. I look forward to working with Washington County and Kewaskum Remembers on this important project.”
Kewaskum is located within two hours of over 80 percent of Wisconsin’s population making the memorial easily accessible.
Pearl of Canton in West Bend awarded liquor license
During Monday night’s West Bend Common Council meeting the Pearl of Canton, 102 S. Main Street, received a Non-Reserve Original Class B Combination Liquor License.
Pearl of Canton was awarded the license over two other applicants. Pearl of Canton is near completion on its remodel. An opening date is expected to be announced soon.
Owner BeBay Luu purchased the 2-story building in 2017 and had hoped to be open in early January however, flipping an old retail outlet into a restaurant proved to be a challenge.
Now, almost two years later, the new Vietnamese, sushi and Chinese restaurant is on the cusp of opening.
Lead contractor Ron Dibble opened the door for a quick sneak peek. Dibble said work is nearly complete in the kitchen. That project was a bit daunting considering the installation of plumbing and updating the electrical.
The new look resembles a luxurious Asian restaurant with high recessed ceilings and 6,000-square-feet of space on the first floor. The color scheme is rich burnt reds and browns. There are arched entryways and black string curtains to separate rooms. Some of the art features Buddha statues and paintings along with decorative wood dividers that set off table spaces closer to the walls.
Firefighter sworn in to City of West Bend FD
West Bend City Clerk Stephanie Justman swore in Aaron Zuehlsdorf as a West Bend firefighter this week during the Monday night Common Council meeting.
Zuehlsdorf’s father, Ron, pinned Aaron’s badge. Zuehlsdorf grew up in Oconomowoc. He attended Waukesha Technical College for firefighter and paramedic training and earned a Fire/Medic Associates Degree. Zuehlsdorf worked with the Western Lakes Fire Department as an intern for 2.5 years while attending school.
Rep. Pat Strachota’s daughter making headlines By Samantha Sali
Former Assembly Rep. Pat Strachota’s daughter is making headlines. Elizabeth Benz, was recently named one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s 2019 “40 Under 40.” Every year, the Milwaukee Business Journal honors 40 “young business and community leaders from throughout southeastern Wisconsin” under the age 40. Benz, a Saint Frances Cabrini and Divine Savior Holy Angels alum, is currently the Vice President of Government Programs for Network Health. Her mother, Patricia Strachota, is a local politician who served on the Washington County Board of Supervisors (1986-2002) and served in the State Assembly as Assembly Majority Leader (2005-2015).
West Bend Police following up on bank robbery
It was a story you heard first on WashingtonCountyInsider.com. An armed robbery occurred around 1:20 p.m. Monday afternoon, Jan. 7, 2019 at Chase Bank, 801 W. Washington Street.
West Bend Police said the incident is still under investigation. No injuries were reported. Holy Angels Principal Mike Sternig said “There was no danger to anyone at our school. I wanted you to be aware that everyone is safe. This should not affect the usual pickup (unless you use the bank parking lot… and are not supposed to.)
Holy Angels School is located across the street from the bank at 230 N. Eighth Avenue. The last bank robbery in West Bend was Feb, 25, 2016 when Westbury Bank was robbed.
Winners from Nabob Prairie Riders Fisheree
A successful day of fishing at the 20th annual Nabob Prairie Rider Fisheree. Winners included: Walleye: Brad Handel 24 ½, Aaron Sterman 24 ¼
Bass: Aaron Nadelhoffer 18 inches and 16 ½ inches, Ryan Strzallio 15 ¾
Crappie: Addison Boolen 13, Dan Bogdan 12 ½, Austin Pelzman 12
Perch: Tony Moenburger 9, Tyler Ritger 8 ¾, Mitch Hartmann 8
Bluegill: Marvin Truss 9, Nick Brazeam 8 ¾, Austin Pelzman 8 3/8
Sunfish: Tie for first place between Dan Bogdan and Bruce Rolston who caught an 8 ½ and there was a tie for third place with 8-inch sunfish caught by Bruce Rolston, Nick Zangl 8
Citizen Representatives needed
The City of West Bend expanded the Board of Public Works and Finance Committee to include citizen representatives. Please consider applying today.
CHANGES TO STRUCTURE BEGINNING APRIL 2019: in accordance with Ordinance No. 2822, the Finance Committee shall consist of four (4) alderpersons, the mayor, and not more than two (2) citizens of the City of West Bend. The Mayor shall designate the alderpersons to serve as members of the Finance Committee, subject to approval by the Common Council. The alderpersons designated for the Finance Committee shall not also serve on the Board of Public Works. The mayor may, in his discretion, appoint not more than two (2) citizens of the City of West Bend to serve on the Finance Committee, subject to approval by the council. The city clerk shall serve as secretary.
CHANGES TO STRUCTURE BEGINNING APRIL 2019: in accordance with Ordinance No. 2822, the Board of Public Works shall be composed of four (4) alderpersons, the mayor, and not more than two (2) citizens of the City of West Bend. The Mayor shall designate the alderpersons to serve as members of the Board of Public Works, subject to approval by the Common Council. The alderpersons designated for the Board of Public Works shall not also serve on the Board of Public Works. The mayor may, in his discretion, appoint not more than two (2) citizens of the City of West Bend to serve on the Board of Public Works, subject to approval by the council. The city clerk shall serve as secretary.
Superintendent interviews slated in Hartford Union School District
Two candidates for the Hartford Union High School Superintendent position, Cassandra Schug and Conrad Farner. The new Superintendent will be named at Jan. 28 Board of Education meeting.
Disciplinary action expected during Monday West Bend School Board meeting
The following was posted by the West Bend School District and will be addressed during Executive Session of Monday’s, Jan. 14 meeting. Adjourn into Executive Session Type Action Recommended Action I move to enter into executive session pursuant to Wis. Stats. 19.85(1)(f) and (c) to consider financial, medical, social or personal histories or disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations, and to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility, and take any such action, if necessary, based on its discussion, namely:
Later in that same session there will be “Non-renewal administrator contract.”
That same meeting the district will also be looking for an update on filling the Director of Finance position. Meeting gets underway at 5:30 p.m.
Updates & Tidbits
– Meet outstanding teachers and staff during the Sunday, Jan. 27 St. Frances Cabrini Open House and Pancake Breakfast. Come join us 8:30 a.m. – noon.
– 19th annual Bridal Fair at Washington County Fair Park is Jan. 27. Over 70 vendors with everything from dresses to cakes, wedding venues to entertainment. Tickets $5 Pre-Sale $6 Day-Of
-Cedar Community Annual Chili Social and Used Book Sale is Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Cedar Ridge Campus, 113 Cedar Ridge Drive, West Bend. Enjoy items for sale by ceramics, crafters and Nimble Thimbles. Cedar Ridge Resale will be open with a 50-percent off sale on all items and furniture. Visit the train room. Tours of Cedar Community’s independent living apartments will also be available by appointment. Enjoy our famous chili, hot ham and cheese croissant, fruit, fresh baked cookie, coffee or hot apple cider – all for only $8.50! Quarts of chili to go for $7.75.
– Holy Angels Students of the Month for December include Rachel Nagel, Kate Wiedmeyer, and Tadd Jamieson.
-St Lawrence and Resurrection K.C.’s are sponsoring a 14th annual card party Sunday, Jan. 27 at 1 p.m. at the Resurrection Parish Hall in Allenton. Entry fee is $5 includes play and lunch.
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Wow. I knew Andi as a forensics coach (competitor of ours) and she was a gracious, likeable, woman who did very good stuff with her team.
Requiescat in pace.