Washington County Victim of Wire Transfer Fund

On June 16, 2016, a wire transfer was authorized in the amount of $87,760 to criminal bank accounts.  Upon identifying the error, County finance staff notified the Sheriff’s Department to begin an investigation.  In cooperation with the Sheriff’s Department, County Administration is taking active steps to mitigate the financial loss for Washington County and educate against e-mail phishing scams.

“We wanted to bring this information to the taxpayer’s attention as soon as possible and exhibit complete transparency regarding this breach.  As soon as we are able, we will provide full details of the investigation and of our efforts to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” said Joshua Schoemann, Washington County Administrator.  “It is very unfortunate that we fell victim to this scam.”

At present, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation of the crime.  Further details will be available following the investigation.

Concept plan for 15 acres on NW Side of City on Agenda

The West Bend Plan Commission will meet Tuesday, July 5, at 6 p.m. at 1115 S. Main Street.

On the agenda is the consideration of a concept plan and permission to set a public hearing for any public comments or concerns regarding a proposed amendment to the 2020 Comprehensive Plan for the City of West Bend for approximately 15 acres of land located at the SW corner of W. Washington Street and Valley Avenue. The applicant is Steve Kearns, 240 Hunters Crossing South, Slinger.

Other items on the agenda include:

• A public hearing at 6:00 p.m., for a sign exception to allow an oversized LED electronic message center on the monument sign located at the SW corner of W. Paradise Drive and Parkway Drive.
• A site plan to add a covered entry area on the west side and an outdoor seating area of the Country Inn and Suites hotel, located at 2000 Gateway Court.
• Proposal to create one lot and one outlot, located at 1605 STH 33 East, in the Town of Trenton.
• Proposal to create two lots located ¼ mile south of South Oak Road and CTH “I” in the Town of Trenton.

‘For Sale’ signs on Fleet Farm property-mystery solved

There was some scuttlebutt recently about ‘For Sale’ signs seen on property owned by Mills Fleet Farm on the corner of Highway 33 and County Road Z. That property was acquired by the new owners of Fleet Farm, New York-based investment firm KKR.

In a story posted in May on WashingtonCountyInsider.com, Mike Sidders, marketing director for Fleet Farm in Appleton said there were no plans for the 70-acre parcel.  No plans to build a new Fleet and no plans to sell.

The situation got a little quirky last week when ‘For Sale’ signs were reportedly seen by neighbors on the corner of Highway 33 and CTH Z.

Washington County Insider reporter Ruth Marks went to take a photo the next morning and the signs were mysteriously gone.

Employees from the Town of West Bend and Mills Fleet Farm confirmed the signs had been present.

Corporate officials from Fleet Farm did not return calls but realtor Russ Sagmoen of Collier International said a new employee from his sign company did install his signs but on the wrong property.

The signs were incorrectly installed Wednesday. The sign company received a call later that day from the city of West Bend complaining about the location and Sagmoen started receiving calls about the Fleet Farm property.

The Fleet Farm property had been annexed to the city of West Bend.  It didn’t take long to determine the signs had been installed on the wrong property.

The problem was resolved and the signs were correctly placed early the next morning on the property that is for sale across the street on the southwest corner of Highway 33 and CTH Z, located in the Town of West Bend.

Sagmoen expressed a little surprise at all the drama over an event that was corrected in less than 24 hours.

Kewaskum BP Has New Owner

The BP Gas Station, 890 Fond du Lac Avenue in Kewaskum, has a new owner.

On Friday, July 1, Myron Strobel sold the business to Brandon Kohn the owner of Kohn’s Corner Mart, 516 Main Street in Kewaskum.

The BP station will continue as a BP and will be called Kohn’s Filling Station.

Other than the name change of the BP there will be no other changes moving forward according to Kohn’s manager Brooke Boudreau.

She said all employees of the BP will be retained, and manager Jan Bartelt will continue as manager of the BP.

Boudreau will oversee operations of both the Kohn’s Corner Mart (Citgo) on Main Street and Kohn’s Filling Station.

Myron Strobel will continue to own Strobel Propane Gas Company.

Jackson Plan Commission to Discuss Sports Complex

The Jackson Planning Commission held a public meeting on Thursday to discuss a proposed new sports complex, hotel, and senior living area in Jackson.

The concept plan features indoor basketball and volleyball courts, soccer fields, batting cages and possibly a hotel all located north of Hasmer Lake and east of Highway P in Jackson.

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Local journalist Judy Steffes is on her annual bicycle tour to raise funding for programs that benefit those with Alzheimer’s at Cedar Community. Below are some notes from the road. Donations may still be made by visiting her blog at imthebikewriter.blogspot.com or contacting Cedar Community.

Careful What You Wish For

Received an interesting comment the other day regarding my bike tour. It read, “Tears already. I love these adventures. I get everything from ‘I wish I was there’ to ‘Thank God I’m not.’

To give you an example – every day is a different adventure.

On Monday I left Santa Rosa at 7 a.m. with the best of intentions to make it 70 miles east to Tucumcari.

Stopped at the restaurant, Sun & Sand, because it looked like a classic on Route 66 and it had a ton of cars out front.

I found a table of good ole boys and they adopted me right away offering hand-drawn table-napkin maps. They shared bits of their personal lives and brought me into the mix with a little good-natured razzing.

I finally hit the road around 8:15 a.m. with my napkin map in full view. I found the Route 66 frontage road. It was just past Luv’s gas station where I made a final stop to check my tires. On my way out I passed a nervous guy in dark sunglasses squatting behind a cardboard sign that read ‘Hungry and Stranded.”

I had also just passed a posted sign that read, ‘Don’t pick up hitchhikers – prison in town.’

So I rolled down the frontage road about 2 miles and I had second thoughts that this wasn’t going to be the best route. I turned around, went back past the sketchy hiker and to the interstate.

Then I hit another posted sign, ‘No bicycles or pedestrians allowed.’

Serious. I had ridden on that same highway all the way from Las Vegas into Santa Rosa the night before.
So I flipped around and pedaled past the sketchy guy and back up the frontage road again.

Made it 14 miles before my first flat. Good grief!  I had already lived this episode. There was no shade so I started changing out the tire when a guy drove up in a white van.

Jesse worked for the state. He confessed he thought it was a dead cow in the road. No, just me.

We struggled together to fix the tire and pretty much just got in each other’s way. Another pickup pulled alongside and Cleve said he could drag me into town to get me fixed up.

It was a tough decision but I blew off a rescue ride the other day and thought this may be best. So back 14 miles and past the sketchy guy again.  Cleve had to go to town for medicine for his horses; two had run through a barbed wire fence and got some severe gashes. He spoke with some urgency, and between comments he’d spit tobacco juice into a tin cup that he held between his legs.

Cleve dropped me at an auto repair shop. He knew the fellas there by name. They dunked my inner tube, found the holes and we got it all fixed.

“Take I-40,” the guys at the shop said. “Those posted signs are merely a suggestion.”

Serious (yes, again).

So for the next 70 miles, starting at 10:30 a.m., I was one with the road and the semis.

Mary Lou and Antonio

Made one 20-minute stop at the Cuervo Gas station; it was one of the originals on Route 66.

Mary Lou married the owner of the gas station when she was 17 and he was 20. They just celebrated their 53rd anniversary.

She sold me a Gatorade and talked about the changes on Route 66. She proudly bragged about her daughter who became the principal at the elementary school in Santa Rosa and she confessed she was about ready to sell the gas station and move on.

My Morning So Far

Safe inside First Baptist Church. Storms should end by 9 and then I’ll get on the road.

As I wait out this strong morning storm, I’d just like to thank all the wonderful people who have helped me along the way….

Pastor Mike and his family (see photo) from First Baptist Church in Vega, Texas let this weary traveler throw a sleeping bag down at the church overnight. Such a simple thing that meant so much.

Brandon at the bike shop in Tucumcari put a liner in my wheels to help ward off frequent punctures. He also threw in another spare inner tube.

Paula – in charge of the fabulous History Museum in Tucumcari. She helped turn the old schoolhouse into a great collection of local artifacts and she got me connected with Gail at the Chamber of Commerce.

Gail from Waukesha, Wisconsin. She took me to the Economic Development Committee meeting where I was given the opportunity to share my story about the tour and Alzheimer’s. Then she set me up at a wonderful hotel for the night.

The kindness of strangers throughout this trip has been amazing.

SIDE NOTES:

I wash my shorts every day; it’s so hot in New Mexico that I strap them to the top of my gear to dry. So far, the number of guys it’s attracted have been…

• I’ve purchased a few more inner tubes and now have 5 spares. I’ve also patched three others.
• I plan on pedaling into Texas on Wednesday. It’s about 120 miles to the next big city.;
• When the locals say there’s no water ahead for 50 miles, they MEAN it.
• A jackrabbit ran in front of me the other day and I didn’t really know what it was.

Automotive Row on Hwy 33 Just Got Bigger

Automotive row on W. Washington Street in West Bend just got a little bigger as Steve Kearns sold another property on the southwest corner of Valley Avenue and Highway 33.

Just last week Kearns cut a deal with Russ Darrow.  He sold nearly 11 acres on West Washington Street just east of Valley Avenue in West Bend to Darrow for $3 million.

On Monday, Kearns completed another deal for 3.65 acres on the west side of Valley Avenue. He sold the parcel to Sam and Mary Ann Scaffidi, owners of Heiser Chevrolet Cadillac in West Bend.

“The reason my dad and I like this parcel is because I absolutely love West Bend,” said Mary Ann Scaffidi. “I’m from a smaller  town and I love …..

Remembering Gene Otten – “I’d have to say Grandpa loved his family most.”
Elise Ann Otten reached out to the Washington County Insider and shared this note and some photos of her grandpa, Gene Otten, who passed away June 11, 2016:

“On behalf of the Otten Family, thank you again for writing a piece on my grandpa’s funeral service. We’ve all very much appreciated and gotten a kick out of the other posts you and the good people of Barton have written both on the Washington County Insider and the Facebook group. It’s been so wonderful to read the memories over the past few days.

I’ve attached the reflection my cousin Sophia Dramm gave at the beginning of the service (see below). It truly embodies how my dad, my Aunt Lynda and all of us grandkids feel about Gene and being a part of his family.”

My grandfather was a special man. He was kind, generous, devoted, holy. All of these things came from his incredible ability to love. He loved his dear friends, his church, the customers at his grocery store, his brothers from the Knights of Columbus, the strangers he met on the street – and his family. To describe my Grandpa in one word would be “loving.” Of course, you all know that, and that’s why you’re here. You had the honor to be loved by the wonderful Gene Otten, and are returning the love today.

Not to be biased, but I’d have to say Grandpa loved his family the most. I mean, he said it before every meal, “Thanks dear Lord for Sue and family.” I was blessed to have been a part of Gene’s family as his granddaughter for nineteen years – nineteen years too short.

Besides loving, Grandpa was always incredibly proud of us grandchildren. He was especially amazed by our intelligence, with four of us at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and one at Marquette University, and always loved the fact that we all went to Catholic high schools. Grandpa always called us “wizards” at school and often wondered exactly where our smartness came from, claiming it was “not from his side.”

When Grandpa was proud of us, you could literally see him glowing with pride. There were two times when I knew Grandpa was especially proud of me. One time was when I got accepted to UW-Madison, which he didn’t realize for a good five minutes because he couldn’t hear me on the phone. The other was when I performed a lead role in “The Nutcracker” ballet, which he called “The Woodpecker.” In those times, Grandpa was so happy for me that I felt his love at its very strongest.

Of his family, Gene loved his wife, my grandmother, Sue, the absolute most. He had so much devotion to her. (Actually, the last time I was up here reading was for her funeral in 2009.) Every day since her death, Grandpa visited Grandma’s grave, praying, crying, watering flowers, visiting other family members. He went every single day. If that’s not commitment, then I don’t know what is. Though they were divided on Earth after her death, he made sure they remained united by heart. But now, they have been reunited. Though there’s not a time that goes by when I think of my grandma and miss her, and now my Grandpa, I can honestly say that I feel at peace knowing they are together again.

All of us here have been touched by my grandpa’s love in some way. Though he’s not with us anymore, I think we are all certain he is now in a better, more beautiful place with some of the people he loved the absolute most. Thank you for coming to celebrate his life.

Amazing Ride For Alzheimer’s 2016 Is Under Way

DAY ONE – And the license plate makes it official: On Tuesday, June 21, Judy Steffes left for New Mexico to begin her cycle tour back to West Bend. It is an annual event that continues to grow as she raises funding for Alzheimer’s programs at Cedar Community of West Bend.

Starting out on Day 1 of the 2016 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s Judy hit an unexpected flat tire. Not one to be troubled by minor inconveniences, she changed out the tire and ramped it up on the road.

Jim Glover from JCM Automotive on Yale Blvd. donated an old New Mexico license plate to the tour.
“The previous governor told us we had to go from an all yellow plate to a rainbow color so we’d be diversified,” he said laughing.

I Haven’t Taken a Spill Like That Since I was….6?

Total disclosure, I had my first big crash on Tuesday. Fluke accident. I was on the sidewalk looking at local art, rounding a corner and my wheel hit a crack and stuck. Down I went like a sack of potatoes, but a little more clunky.
Good grief, I haven’t fallen down since I was about 6 years old. When did the ground get so far down there?

I was clipped in to my pedals, which helped not at all. Of course it was the busy corner on the Main drag. I’ll admit it wasn’t the most graceful recovery. It was kind of a sit up, then to a knee and finally reaching for a nearby wall to heft myself off the ground.

I took a major pause to give the impression I was reassessing the situation…. in reality it was me shaking off the stars. Dang – could’ve broke a hip.

Landed on my biggest muscle. Thank God that has plenty of cushion.

JESUS or Jesus

I came upon this Big Jesus Sale. Just had to stop and check it out.

Found quite a few Big Jesus wooden carvings, nothing I could carry on my bike so I decided to push along.

A sales person met me at the door and clarified. “The owner’s name is Jesus – HAY-SOOS – the Mexican pronunciation.  ‘He’ was having a big sale.”

Kwik Trip taking applications on Monday

Kwik Trip is taking applications on Monday, June 13 at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 1975 S. 18th Avenue in West Bend. Construction on the new 7,000-square-foot gas station and convenience store got underway this week. The Kwik Trip is expected to open in October.

Pizza Ranch approved by Plan Commission

The development of a new $1.65 million Pizza Ranch will come before the West Bend Common Council for final approval on Monday, June 20. This week the Plan Commission gave unanimous approval to the project which is expected to break ground in August with a target opening near the end of the year.

Stacy and Matt Gehring are the couple behind the Pizza Ranch. Stacy grew up in Minnesota where her parents have owned/operated a Pizza Ranch for 22 years. The new Pizza Ranch will be located on W. Washington Street just to the west of Westbury Bank.

Public hearing June 20 to raise taxi fares

There’s going to be a public hearing on Monday, June 20 as the West Bend Common Council gathers input on a proposal to raise the fare 50 cents for the West Bend Taxi.

District 5 alderman Rich Kasten is chairman of the city’s Long-Range Transportation Planning Committee. He said it’s been several years since fares have gone up and it’s challenging because expenses keep going up while ridership declines.

City officials have also expressed concern about the availability of future grant funding.

There have been some ideas floated about relying more on an Uber-type services which is like an on-demand taxi where you request private drivers through iPhone and Android devices. The public hearing would get underway at 6:30 p.m.

Coffeeville to open Saturday, June 18 in Jackson

There’s been much anticipation in Jackson as neighbors and motorists have watched a simple weary log cabin home morph into a beautiful business, Coffeeville.

Owner Jack Kulwikowski provided a personal tour. The interior feels like a smooth blend of coffee history, a museum and an indoor chalet.

“The building dates to 1848 and it’s been restored to today’s standard,” he said. “I want people to learn about coffee history and this is all my years and years of collecting.”

For someone passionate about coffee, Kulwikowski has a smooth, docent-like presentation.  Standing about 5-foot-7 and dressed in a brown Coffeville apron, he points out unique features of the architecture and ambiance.

There are a total of 140 coffee grinders surrounded by other coffee collectibles including tins, bags, pour overs and signs. “We have original paper coffee bags that were never opened,” said Kulwikowski in a heavy Polish accent.

The coffee grinders are mounted on the wall and behind glass. “The oldest one dates to the late 1800s,” he said. “We have some from Europe including Italy and Germany.”

Coffeeville is located on Highway 60 on the east side of Jackson. The business will have a drive thru and offer homemade bakery and sandwiches. Coffeeville will open at 6 a.m. on June 18.

Muhammad Ali ties to West Bend

There are a couple of local ties to legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, who died last week Friday at the age of 74.

Lori Lynn-Radloff from American Metal & Paper ran into Ali in 1964 at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. “He was in the same gate as my mom’s plane,” said Lynn-Radloff. “I remember I called him Cassius Clay and he said his name was Muhammad Ali. He was very nice; signed an autograph right away.” Lynn-Radloff has that autograph framed along with a vintage boxing magazine with Ali on the cover.

George Prescott also has a framed Ali photo in his office on Highway 33.

Successful Boys & Girls Club 5K for Kids

Nearly 800 runners and walkers participated in Sunday’s Silver Lining Boys & Girls Club 5K for Kids. Mitchell Bilitz, 20, from Green Bay came in first with a time of 15 minutes 42 seconds. “Last year I did a little better at 15:27 but going east on Park Avenue the wind was at my back and I took advantage of it,” he said.

The first-place female was Leslie Ruffalo, 33, of Cedarburg finished.  “I ran this course last year and finished 15 seconds faster, but the wind was a little tough,” she said.  “My husband is on the planning committee for the race and it’s something we’re just supportive of.”

Money raised supports summer programming at the local Boys & Girls Clubs in West Bend and Jackson.

New WB Superintendent to be named this week

A new superintendent for the West Bend School District is expected to be name on Wednesday, June 15. There were three finalists for the position; however candidate Dean Gorrell, the superintendent from the Verona Area School District, withdrew from the mix.

The two remaining candidates are Brenda Lewis, assistant superintendent from the Rochester Public Schools and Erik Olson, the assistant superintendent from the Sun Prairie Area School District.

The board is conducting a thorough background check on the candidates and completing credential reviews prior to making a formal offer. It is expected the new superintendent will be announced by June 15, 2016, and will officially assume duties on July 1, 2016.

Giving thanks   

The Pastor at Calvary Assembly of God, 1110 E. Decorah Rd, showed his appreciation to students at the West Bend High Schools as he handed out $10 gift cards to students after school. He said it was because there were no incidents all year in the parking lot at the church. Students hang out in the area before and after school. Students thought the gift cards were cool.

Centuries of Architecture Tour

The History Center Washington County is hosting its 3^rd annual Centuries of Architecture Tour on June 18 and one of the properties in Richfield dates to 1886. Tim and Deanna Einwalter have spent the past three years rehabbing the home and adjacent barn. They have quite a few interesting stories including a finger in a jar that was sitting in the rafters for a number of years. Tickets for the tour are on sale now at HistoryIsFun.com or call 262-335-4678.

 New signs at Washington Co. Fair Park

New signs for West Bend Mutual Insurance Pavilion were installed at the Washington County Fair Park this week. A two-man crew from Graphic House installed the signs which go hand in hand with the new Silver Lining Amphitheater.

The Washington County Fair doesn’t kick off until July 26 but progress is being made on the new amphitheater.  The new 50 x 100-foot stage, financed in partnership with West Bend Mutual Insurance, is part of a plan to upgrade the facilities at Washington County Fairgrounds.

Absentee ballots

West Bend Clerk Amy Reuteman has ordered 13,265 total ballots for the August primary. Of those ballots, 2,015 are absentee ballots. In-person absentee voting begins in the clerk’s office on Monday, July 25 and in-person absentee voting ends Friday, August 5. The deadline to mail out absentee ballots to people who have requests on file for the Partisan Primary is June 23. The partisan primary is August 9.

Election update for November

On the political front it appears there will be no locally contested races in the state Senate or the Assembly in the Washington County area this November. Half of the senate seats are up for election as are all the seats in the Wisconsin Assembly.

Locally, Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) in the state Senate does not have an opponent.

In the Assembly, Bob Gannon (R-Slinger), Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum), Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) and Janel Brandtjen (R-Menomonee Falls) do not have opponents.

Assembly Rep. Robert Brooks (R-Saukville) has a college student from Cedarburg running against him as an independent. The filing deadline was June 1.

An overview of Wisconsin elections provided by the Wheeler Report:

Senate: There are three Republican Senators (Darling, Stroebel, & Craig) and three Democratic Senators (Miller, Wirch, & Risser) who are unopposed. Assembly: There are 17 Republican Representatives (Hutton, Sanfelippo, Brandtjen, J.Ott, Knodl, Mursau, Schraa, Gannon, Kremer, Weatherston, Kulp, Skowronski, Kuglitsch, Petryk, Allen, Neylon & Duchow) and 17 Democratic Representatives (Bowen, Kessler, Goyke, Brostoff, Kolste, Spreitzer, Hebl, Sargent, Barca, Ohnstad, Shankland, Milroy, Meyers, Berceau, Genrich & Billings) who are unopposed.

Updates and tidbits

– The City/County Luncheon is June 14 at UWWC and honorees include Norbert Dettmann, Margaret Nielsen and Allan Kieckhafer.

-German Night at Regner Park is July 20.

– Kieras Kloset is now open at 622 Elm Street in West Bend, in the former O’Meara Law building across from the Post Office. Shop owner Katie Laverenz recently relocated from Kewaskum. Her shop features purses and women’s accessories.

– Bosley Plastering is moving its office from Hartford to downtown West Bend. Carl Bosley will open next week at 305 N. Seventh Avenue. The red brick building is owned by Todd Reiter. The space was previously leased by Amy Salberg of Salberg Law.

-The 5^th annual Vintage Motorcycle Poker Run is Saturday, July 16. The ride leaves Sandy Knoll Park at 12:30 a.m. It ends at Moonlighting in Barton. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County.

-A decision is expected Monday, June 13 at the Town of Ashford Board of Appeals meeting as town officials continue to entertain the possibility of allowing a mine in a residential area. Residents have strongly opposed this mine and they were successful in stopping the first attempt in Fond du Lac County Court.  Monday’s meeting begins 6 p.m. at the Ashford Town Hall.

-The West Bend Noon Kiwanis hosts its 39^th annual Steak in the Park at Regner Park on Tuesday, June 21 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit projects in the community that assist people with special needs.

– Members of the Washington County Hi-Lite Happy Workers 4H Club including Ethan Smith, Emma Smith, Olivia Strupp and Tyler Becker completed a special-emphasis project building two benches donated to Washington County Fair Park for use on the grounds.

– About six new red bicycle racks were put in place in downtown West Bend on Monday. The bike racks carry a signature West Bend logo. They were paid for by the Business Improvement District. More bike racks are being contracted through Moraine Park Technical College.

-The 5th annual Grizz Ride is Saturday, June 18 starting at CC’s in Wayne.  Doug “Grizz” Cox, 50, died five years ago from heart failure. He loved animals and the Grizz Ride is held annually in his memory. All proceeds go to the Washington County Humane Society.

– A farewell celebration for Rev. Gerald Brittain is Sunday, June 19 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the Walnut Room at Holy Angels School. Light refreshments will be provided. Rev. Pat Heppe will be taking over for Rev. Brittain. He’s set to start at Holy Angels at the end of the month.

-Rep. Jesse Kremer is on the road again today for the second half of his Ride the 59th bicycle tour. This campaign event allows Kremer to stop and talk with constituents in a casual setting throughout Calumet, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan and Washington counties. Kremer will pass through Eden, Campbellsport, Kewaskum, Allenton and wrap up at Centennial Park Rotary Gazebo (Hwy. 83/Hwy. 60)

-It’s nesting season soon for snapping turtles on the Eisenbahn State Trail. Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg said the turtles lay a cache of about 20 to 30 eggs that are round and white like a ping pong ball. Turtles bury their eggs in the soft soil along-side the trail, often making dummy nests to mislead predators. Many times 100 percent of the eggs are lost to skunks and raccoons. Early signs of dry, white egg shells that look like warped Styrofoam half-circles are actually from nests that have been raided and eggs destroyed. Eggs of unharmed baby turtles will hatch in September.   

–Sunday, June 19 is the 32nd annual Kettle Moraine Sport Riders Hillclimb at Sunburst Ski Area in Kewaskum. More than 100 motorcyclists will participate.  Proceeds raised by the Kettle Moraine Sport Riders are distributed to area charities.

HISTORY PHOTO: Today’s history photos from 1936 are courtesy Carol Roecker. The pictures were taken as neighbors waited the arrival of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Pizza Ranch comes before Plan Commission

On June 7 the West Bend Plan Commission will take up a rezoning proposal for a property west of Westbury Bank on W. Washington Street that will soon be home to a Pizza Ranch.

The franchise has 180+ locations across 13 states.

On Tuesday the West Bend Plan Commission will be asked to change the zoning for a 1.7-acre parcel from B5 to B1 for development of a 5.786-square-foot Pizza Ranch.

In Wisconsin the closest Pizza Ranch to West Bend is in Fond du Lac. There’s also a Pizza Ranch in Oshkosh, Portage, Waupun, Sun Prairie, Sheboygan, Kohler and Appleton.

Three candidates for Washington Co. Clerk

There are now three candidates who have filed to run for Washington County Clerk. Prior to the April elections Clerk Brenda Jaszewski announced she would not be running for another term. Jaszewski has been the county clerk since 2005.

On May 3, Ashley Reichert from the Town of Wayne formally declared her candidacy. Since then two others have thrown their hat into the ring including long-time Barton clerk Aggie Pruner and Braedy Helmbrecht from the Town of Trenton.

Quick thinking at Riverfest

The weather was perfect Friday night for an outdoor festival at Regner Park in West Bend. There was live music, cold drinks, family entertainment and food.

The food, however, put some excitement into the night as one vendor ran out, another failed to show, and another dealt with staffing issues so a Rotarian volunteered to climb behind the register and help with sales.

This is the first time Riverfest has completely relied on outside food vendors. The thought was food trucks are a popular trend and they could take some of the weight off an event that relies totally on volunteer staff.

Rotary President Laura Buck said the huge turnout really gave their new format a good test. “We had a great crowd and we’re working to get more food options,” she said.

Food trucks included Buddha’s BBQ, The Gouda Girls Truck, and a vendor that served crepes.

By 6:30 p.m. the Gouda Girls had run out of food and families started to get restless. People stood in line for nearly an hour and some left the park looking for options elsewhere.

Rotarians realized the dilemma and suggested families take advantage of Toucan’s Custard, a family-run business located kitty-corner to Regner Park.

By 9 p.m. the Rotary brought in $400 worth of Jimmy John’s and started selling the foot-long sub sandwiches for $5.

Quite a few people asked why the Rotary couldn’t open one of the pavilions and start flipping hamburgers. The pavilions, however, are only set up with sinks and refrigeration and there is no cooking option.

Despite the concern with the food availability, hundreds of people brought chairs and sat and listened to great music by the Whiskey Belles.

On tap Saturday, more food vendors will be on hand including Truckmeister Gourmet Burgers and Meat on the Street along with Buddha’s BBQ and the Wisconsin Cheese truck.

Riverfest opens at 11 a.m. Saturday with music by the River City Blaskapelle.

On a history note: Riverfest used to be known as Seafood Fest, which featured big white tents on N. Main Street where neighbors gathered for live music and lobster.

In 2014 the Rotary revamped the 24th annual Seafood Fest and part of the change included a new name: Riverfest.

Preparing to host an American Idol

On Thursday American Idol winner Taylor Hicks will be at Schwai’s in Fredonia.

The salt-and-pepper haired Hicks was a contestant in the fifth season of Idol in 2006 and now he’s hosting a new network TV show ‘State Plate’ where he highlights iconic foods in particular states.

“They’re doing a show about Wisconsin brats and it was between us and Johnsonville,” said Tommy Schwai. “If you want the best, I told them to come out here.”

It was Wednesday morning and Tommy arrived at the meat market at 5 a.m. “I’ve been stuffing sausages,” he said untangling a handful of white, slippery casings. “We have one of the biggest parish festivals coming up at St. John Vianney on N. Calhoun Road in Brookfield.”

The Schwai’s were contacted by the show’s producer in May. A letter detailed the premise of the show, on the family-friendly INSP network.

The letter read, “This is the first season of State Plate and it is set to air this fall hosted by Taylor Hicks, (American Idol winner, foodie, and restaurant owner).

We want to feature the brats/sausages, and we would love to come to your shop.

Our shoot would include having an on-camera person, the owner/manager/or staff member (hopefully you Tom!) explaining to Taylor the history of the brats in Wisconsin, and talking about your history and your company, whatever you would like to share. Then you would show Taylor how to make your famous brats.

We want to see Taylor, dressed in the right clothes, hats, gloves, whatever, like he was really at work that day. So whatever process you would like for him to participate in the making of the brats… we are open to whatever ideas you may have.

The entire duration of the filming should not take more than 2 hours. You mentioned that you make the best and adjust the time of day to whatever works best for you.”

According to INSP, Hicks is a partner in a barbecue restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. The food show will be different as Hicks won’t go from restaurant to restaurant but “he’ll visit farms and ranches, markets and festivals and uncover the details behind each state’s unique food tradition.”

Tommy said he said he knew Taylor Hicks from TV.

“I can remember watching him when he was doing his audition,” he said. “Simon Cowell said, ‘you’re never going to win,” the other two voted for him and he won.”

Tommy couldn’t come up with the name of a Taylor Hicks song but did say he sang country music. “He is a good looking guy – he’s got grey hair like me,” he said tipping his hat.

Kathy Schwai bustled about the shop, cleaning. “She’s doing a lot of cleaning but when you get a special guy in here like Taylor Hicks you have to clean up just a little more,” said Tommy.

Kathy stopped for a minute to talk. “How’d you find out about this,” she asked directly. “You always get the dirt.”

Kathy wound through the story of how Hollywood found them…. And it went a little something like this. “The producer contacted me and her mother’s best friend recommended they come and talk to us because in her mind we had the best brats and we thank her for that recommendation,” she said.

“I have to show him how to do everything,” said Tommy. “We’re going to do brats – he’s gonna get what he gets and that’s what he wants. We’re going to make brats and he’s going to eat brats here.”

The Schwai’s said they weren’t nervous – they had served famous people before like former Brewers managers Buck Rodgers and George Bamburger, Green Bay Packers Lionel Aldridge, and Doug Gonring from West Bend Elevator. “Once you try a Schwai’s brat you’re going to come back,” said Tommy.

After making the brats the Schwai’s will be cooking out so Hicks can sample some of what he created. “We’re going to have special Taylor Hicks brat package and people can buy the brats he helped make,” he said.  Filming of the show got underway Thursday morning.

Roots and Branches receives Founders Service Award

Some nice recognition this week for Roots and Branches as the local volunteer organization received the West Bend Community Foundation’s 2015 Founders’ Service Award. Each year the WBCF recognizes an agency with the award, presented in memory of Cliff Nelson and Doug Ziegler who were founders of the WBCF.

Peter Ziegler presented the award Wednesday night during a gathering in the new Old Settlers’ Park. The setting was appropriate because volunteers from Roots and Branches provided and planted the perennial shrubs and plants.

“Where we stand today is a testament to this year’s recipient,” said Ziegler. “With its 60-plus volunteers and limited budget, all of which is self raised, this organization truly makes West Bend a more beautiful place.”The adopt-a-plot gardens scattered throughout the city are planted and maintained by volunteers and add to the quality of life to those that live here and those that visit West Bend,” Ziegler said.

Shirley Decker accepted the award on behalf of Roots and Branches. The group, previously known as the West Bend Beautification Committee, received a plaque and a check for $2,000.

Reorganizing TIF Districts to save millions

Unanimous approval by the Joint Review Board in West Bend this week as steps were approved to reorganize TIF Districts 4 and 6, which includes the Walmart and Menards developments just south of Paradise Drive.

The reorganization, according to Mayor Kraig Sadownikow, will save the city about $1 million a year in the coming years as the successful TIFs help struggling TIF Districts 5 and 9, which are in the downtown.

“The idea behind the move is the very successful TIFs can help the financially-challenged TIFs,” said Sadownikow.  “It’ll make a significant impact on the city budget in particular 2019 – through the mid to late 2020s with up to $1 million a year coming out of TIFs 4 and 6 and helping the downtown TIFs.”

The development of Meijer in the Menard’s TIF and the new headquarters for Delta Defense/USCCA development in the Walmart TIF are working to make both those TIFs financially successful.

Did Superintendent candidates sign Walker recall?

The West Bend School District has narrowed the number of candidates in its search for a new Superintendent to three. A quick check if anyone signed the Walker Recall is posted below.

• Dr. Dean Gorrell, current Superintendent of the Verona Area School District, Verona, Wisconsin DID NOT SIGN
• Dr. Brenda Lewis, current Assistant Superintendent of the Rochester Public Schools, Rochester, Minnesota (only Wisconsin residents could sign, but her name is not there)
• Mr. Erik Olson, current Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Continuous Improvement of the Sun Prairie Area School District, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin DID NOT SIGN RECALL

The West Bend School Board conducted a comprehensive search in partnership with the professional recruiting firm, School Exec Connect. Finalists toured the school district this week. That evening, they will present to various members of the focus groups that helped develop the recruitment profile, and meet with district administrators and principals. Finalists will also participate in a second interview with the Board.

Next steps for the Board will include a review of feedback from the teams that evening, followed by a background check, and contract development. The Board anticipates announcing the next superintendent in early June.

On a history note: In 2012 there was an attempt to recall Gov. Scott Walker.  Organizers collected over 900,000 signatures.  Both Gov. Scott Walker and Lieutenant Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch won reelection. Walker beat Democrat Tom Barrett by a bit more than he had when he beat him in the 2010 election.

A farewell to Rev. Gerald Brittain

A Rev. Jerry Farewell Celebration is set for Sunday, June 19 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m in the Walnut Room at Holy Angels School. This past January, Rev. Brittain announced a new priest; Rev. Pat Heppe would be taking over at Holy Angels Parish.

Rev. Brittain has been at the parish on Eighth Avenue since taking over for Rev. Jerome Rinzel who served from 1983 – 1995.  “I’ve been here 21 years,” said Brittain.  A youthful 79, he said he can be appointed a temporary associate or retire. The gym at Holy Angels School in West Bend was rededicated and named the Father Jerry Britain Gymnasium.

During the Farewell Celebration light refreshments will be provided. Rev. Pat Heppe will be taking over for Rev. Brittain. He’s set to start at Holy Angels at the end of the month.

End of an era for West Bend Coin

After 19 years in business selling rare coins, jewelry and vintage collectibles, the owner of West Bend Coins and Collectibles is closing up shop. Pete Puskas posted a note on the door of the store at 130 N. Main St., “We were happy here for over 19 years. You will be too! Retiring.”

Centuries of Architecture tour

Enjoy a self-guided tour of 5 unique sites in Germantown and Richfield. Visit three restored 19th Century Homesteads. Watch a video of a joint restoration project with Amish craftsmen of a 3 story barn, and check out another with a Tiki Bar. Also on the tour, Richfield’s Messer/Mayer Mill and Mill House, and Germantown’s Christ Church.

Washington County Breakfast on the Farm 2017

This year’s Washington County Breakfast on the Farm is just around the corner as Jim and Lucille Becker and Jim Weber prepare to host close to 1,000 guests at their Level Acres Dairy on County Highway S and Level Road just southwest of Allenton.

The Washington County Dairy Promotions Committee is also excited to announce the 2017 Breakfast on the Farm will be held at the Golden E Farm in The Town of Farmington. The farm is owned by Chris Elbe and family and one of the newest dairy facilities in Washington County.

West Bend man hiking the Ice Age Trail

West Bend native Michael Maziarka braved some wet weather this week as he steps off the 1,000+ mile Ice Age Trail as a participant in Warrior Expeditions’ national “Warrior Hike” program.

This past week Maziarka and his hiking comrade Miles Vining reached Bloomer, WI, where Maziarka’s wife, Rachel (formerly Rieden, a Kewaskum native), met them at the Bloomer VFW to enjoy a little Badger State fare of Wisconsin bratwurst.

Over the past few days the soldiers endured a good bit of the recent heavy rains that passed through Wisconsin and know what it’s like to “carry on” despite the drenching downpours.

One evening was spent in a wetland area near some beaver dams. As described by Maziarka with a casual sort of candor, the men woke up to slugs that apparently cozied up to them during the night.

Updates and Tidbits

–West Bend East High School junior Hannah Bensen has been named the Editor in Chief for The Current in 2016-2017. Bensen has been a strong reporter over the past few years.   She tackled a variety of meaty stories including the debut of Galileo testing.

–The Great Plate, an invention by Ric Kellow and Beth Kuehl of Slinger, is scheduled to be on the Today Show June 14. The Great Plate is a plastic plate with a circular space in the middle that can securely hold a glass, bottle or can so you can hold food and a beverage in one hand.

– Cast Iron Luxury Living is actively seeking a seasonal groundskeeper to begin immediately. This full-time job runs June-September with the potential to transition into a permanent position, for the right candidate. We are offering $12-$14 per hour, based on experience. Contact kami.brauer@hendricksgroup.net.

-The 39^th annual Steak in the Park at Regner Park is Tuesday, June 21. It is sponsored by the West Bend Noon Kiwanis. Proceeds support 20 community projects that assist youth and citizens with disabilities.

-St. Mary’s School held its final 8^th grade graduation this week. The Class of 2016 included Annmarie Costa, Olivia Koenig, Imojyn Miller, Nicholas Nass, Carolyn Stockhausen, and Matthew Stucke.

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s tour leaves June 21

The 2016 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s will shove off later this month as I fly to Albuquerque, New Mexico to visit Ship Rock and then pedal home.

This is my fourth tour designed to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s. This year I will ride in tribute to your loved one.  Simply make a $100 donation to the tour and email me a jpeg photo or send via U.S. mail and I will return the picture. (630 S. Sixth Ave., West Bend, 53095)

Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community.  Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2016.”

Checks made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation”

113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095

Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432

New podium for Memorial Day

A new handmade podium will debut at the Memorial Day ceremony in West Bend. The podium was crafted by Jeff Slais from Wisconsin House Woodworks.  The podium is designed with a POW MIA stained glass piece in front along with a special box for a folded American flag. The podium will be used during the ceremony in the Old Courthouse Square.

This year Gold Star Mother Liz Kryst will be the guest speaker at the event which will get underway around 11 a.m. after the Memorial Day procession.

Bumper to Bumper property sold

Troy Zagel of Zagel Properties, LLC purchased the Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts building, 3520 W. Washington Street. Zagel closed on the purchase May 24, 2016 for $500,000. The parcel was last purchased by W.B.S. Incorporated for more than $800,000. Bumper to Bumper has a 5-year lease. Watch for upgrades to the building and parking lot.

New signs across the city

Some new signs have popped up in the community including new signage for Cast Iron Luxury Living. The signs are at the entrance to River Shores and include New signage is on the way for a building that was previously home to the Historical Society and prior to that a credit union.

-Local attorneys have also made their home in the former Regal Ware Museum, 18 E. Washington Street. To help spread the word some new signs are being installed on the front of the building. Amy Salberg with the Salberg Law Firm and Sara Snyder with Snyder Law, LLC have been in place at the red brick building since early this year.

-In other business news blacktop and striping was put down this week in the parking lot of the West Bend Cinema.

The old 5 OH 1 in Newburg opens as Cork n Barrel

The old 5 OH 1 Bar & Grille in Newburg has a new look as Al Patel and his business partner Bob Bralich get set to open next week. “This is going to be a little more high end,” said Patel. “We’re going to have good martinis and good wine and we have a nice menu put together.”

Patel said his goal is to give people within a 10-mile radius more options than just running to West Bend or Port Washington.

On Thursday afternoon contractors were working on the interior as the Cork n Barrel, 501 Main Street, aims to open before the June 3 Newburg Picnic. Patel has a couple other ventures including another establishment on Brown Deer Road and 107th Street.

The 5 OH 1 Bar & Grille opened in August 2014 and dubbed itself “Newberg’s new premiere spot for food and drinks!”

History Center of Washington County

This week the Washington County Historical Society revamped its look by unveiling a new name and logo. John Spartz, chairman of the Historical Society Board of Directors, made the announcement during a gathering on the second floor of the Old Courthouse Museum. He said the new name would better define all that is available at the History Center.

Executive director Patricia Lutz said the new name and logo will also help with marketing and advertising. “We get a lot of people from out of the area,” said Lutz. “This will broaden that scope and show people this is as much of a destination to visit as is the Museum of Wisconsin Art.”

Lutz said there’s been a growing trend for museums to make change. “There’s been such a discrepancy between being a small historical society and a big one and now the idea of society has a different meaning,” she said. “The local History Center is so much more with programs, exhibits and a very well-respected Research Center. It was definitely time to spruce things up.”

The name change will encompass the Old Courthouse and the jail.

The new logo was designed by Steve Malone from Real Time Solutions and the website was designed by Valley Technologies. The new name, according to Lutz, will give the museum a better identity.

WBHS vet hiking the Ice Age Trail

West Bend native Michael Maziarka is participating in the Warrior Hike (WH) which encompasses the entire length of the Ice Age Trail (over 1,000 miles) in Wisconsin.

Maziarka is a U.S. Army Afghanistan War vet and is trekking the distance with U.S. Marine vet Miles Vining.

Today Maziarka and Vining are in Rice Lake, WI – Haugen to be exact, and will surpass 100 miles of hiking today, making this a milestone distance for both soldiers.

If there’s anything they’ve encountered on this long-distance, three-month gig it’s….ticks.

“We probably pick off 5 or 6 at a time every few minutes,” said Maziarka.

As the vets arrived in the small town of Haugen on Sunday, just north of Rice Lake, they were greeted by a local who learned that the men were passing through, hopped on his motorcycle and sought them out on the trail because he “just had to meet these guys.”

Maziarka explained their time on the trail is more of the “down time” each week and he and Vining have had an enjoyable time getting to know each other and just talk – a lot.

Once a week they have an “off day” where they spend a night at the home of a vet, wash clothes, shower, clean equipment, etc.

Maziarka said keeping up with his blog is going to be a challenge as they continue to hoof it at a good pace on the trail, check in with the Warrior Hike organization, upload pictures (provided there’s a signal in the area), and visit with people they meet along the way.

If there is one word that sums up this week, Maziarka said it’s “generosity.”

They’ve shared a number of hefty meals, a few beers, a pontoon ride and great conversations with folks they’ve met along the way.

He also gives credit to his wife, Rachel (formerly Rieden – a Kewaskum grad) who “is the only person crazy enough to stick with me through being stationed in Georgia, a deployment to Afghanistan, and now this hike across Wisconsin.”

Signature bike racks to expand in WB

Representatives from the Downtown West Bend Business District, City of West Bend, Washington County and Bike Friendly West Bend were all on hand Wednesday morning to promote the success of the signature bicycle racks in the downtown.

Ten bicycle red bicycle racks with a copy of the city logo were funded by the BID District. Several of the racks are already in place within a one-block radius of Old Settlers’ Park and more are on the way.

“We have two going up by Tap & Tavern, another will be placed in front of Candyman  on Main, Mountain Outfitters will have one along with Century Farmhouse Soaps and Riverside Brewery,” said Parks Director Craig Hoeppner. “If they’re used heavily we’ll also look at Sixth Avenue.”

Jeff Puetz is with Bike Friendly West Bend. He said that group is also working with students at Moraine Park Technical College to design more bike racks for the community.

“These will be custom bike racks that will be supported by businesses around the city,” he said. “There will be three to five design options and businesses would pick which one they like. Right now we’re still a work in progress.”

Businesses approached by MPTC are outside the downtown BID District. The bicycle racks in the community are being highlighted as part of the May is Bike Month celebration. Hoeppner said, so far the bike racks are receiving “rave reviews.”

West Bend East junior make Green Bay Packer drumline

The Green Bay Packers “Tundra Line” drumline is going to have West-Bend flare this season as WB East High School junior Duwayne Davis has earned a spot on the team. Davis currently plays snare drum for the Milwaukee Bucks “Buck Beats” drumline.

Davis will be marching with Shadow Drum and Bugle Corps this summer and he will be a section leader in the WBHS marching band next year. Davis, a drummer since he was 2-or-3 years old, has been playing it low key. “I haven’t told a lot of people but my friends are telling everybody,” he said.

Single-bay car wash under construction on Paradise Dr.

A new single-bay car wash is under construction at the Shell station, 815 W. Paradise Dr. in West Bend. Owners Bud and Patrick Osowski were initially approved for the car wash late last year.  Construction got underway this month as work crews cleared out the old wooden gazebo and made way for the foundation. New to this year’s plan were a couple changes to the architectural building elevations and material changes for the addition.

Updates & tidbits

–The Hartford Union School Board approved the band and orchestra’s invitation to perform for the Gala Concert Series in London and for the 2018 London New Years Day Parade.  The HUHS band and orchestra is directed by Andy Hacker.

-Watch for Hank & Essie from Barton to make their debut on Saturday, May 28 at the downtown West Bend Farmers’ Market. The 1940s couple will be on hand to pose for photos and it appears they’re getting a dog but they’re in a bit of a fix as they’re still looking for a name. Will you be able to help?

-Frisby’s Farmhouse Ale, a Saison brewed by Scott Bartell at Riverside Brewery and Restaurant will be at Riverfest: West Bend’s Premier Food & Music Festival, June 3 – 4 at Regner Park.

-A grand reopening celebration for Old Settlers’ Park is 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 2 during the first concert of the season at Music on Main in downtown West Bend. The rock group The Now Band performs. The evening is sponsored by West Bend Community Foundation with featured restaurant Cafe Soeurette. Next week blues band Back Alley takes the stage.

-Students of the month from Holy Angels include high praise for Leah Rosen, Morgan Krause and Kaya Faehling.

– A bicycle raffled off during Bike to Work Day in West Bend was won by Scott Stueber.

-The gym at Holy Angels School in West Bend was rededicated Friday and named the Father Jerry Britain Gymnasium.

-There will be a ‘Farewell to Rev. Enrique’ with a Cake and Ice Cream Social/Open House on Sunday, June 12 from 12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Parish Center. All are welcome to thank Father for his years of service.

-West Bend East High School senior Victoria Davis, 18, qualified as a state finalist and is preparing to compete in the Miss Wisconsin Teen Pageant Aug. 27 – 28 in the Wisconsin Dells.

-Eighty-three people in the town of Farmington were without power Thursday morning after a dump truck tipped over on Highway HH and hit a power pole. Nobody was injured.

-Some well-deserved recognition for student reporters from The West Bend Current as they took home a dozen awards from the Northeastern Wisconsin Scholastic Press Association.

– Sign up early for the Dirty Ninja Mud Run on July 16 at Regner Park in West Bend.

History photo

Neighbors across Washington County are being asked to stand and remove their hats when the U.S. flag passes at the start of Memorial Day parades on Monday, May 30. The day, also called Decoration Day, is for observance in memory of dead members of the armed forces of all wars. Today’s 1924 history photo is of an American Legion parade. The picture was donated to the Kewaskum Historical Society by the James Andre family. Can you identify the intersection in the photo?

Man saved by WB firefighters stops to say “Thanks.”

An emotional reunion this week at the West Bend Fire Department on Seventh Avenue as Scott Koehler shook the hands with the rescue personnel who saved his life.

“You guys did a fantastic job,” said Koehler. “You went over and above the call of duty.”

The life-saving scenario he referred to played out in an ambulance on January 16, 2016.

Koehler initially called 9-1-1 around 1 a.m. but sent the rescue crew packing. “When we signed off the first time,” said firefighter Marc Rinzel. “We knew we’d be back.”

As soon as the ambulance was parked in the station, the second call came in and the team with Lt. Andrew Whitmore and firefighter Alec Hakes returned to Koehler’s home on Eighth Avenue and loaded him up for transport to Community Memorial Hospital and its catheterization lab.

It was after the ambulance had just passed the exit for St. Joseph’s Hospital that Koehler, 56, suffered a heart attack.

“We could see it on the monitor,” Rinzel said.

The Med-11 transport team immediately turned the ambulance around on Highway 60 and made a bee line 1 mile to St. Joe’s. During that time they performed CPR and shocked Koehler three times with the defibrillator.

“We turned around because we weren’t sure we’d get your pulse back,” said Whitmore.

The third shock brought back Koehler’s pulse and breathing. St. Joe’s stabilized him in 20 minutes and then the ambulance rushed him to CMH where Koehler received two stents.

“Technically you were dead,” said Rinzel. “Had we not done another thing you would have went to the morgue.”

This year alone the West Bend Fire Department and paramedics have saved four people who had heart attacks. During Monday’s common council meeting several members of the community were recognized by the Fire Department with Heartsaver Awards for their life-saving assistance.

Cheri Hart from UW-Washington County performed CPR on student Jerry Williams and helped save his life after he went into cardiac arrest.

At Serigraph, Calvin Steinert, Darryl Pree, Kip Wagner, and Mike Walker helped save the life of co-worker Craig Zillmer who had a heart attack and the staff at the Kettle Moraine YMCA including Chris Delcamp, Anna Hupfmann, Jen Robertson, and Jenny Zaskowski helped save the life of Steven Riechers who had a heart attack in the locker room at the Y.

The message the fire department wants to get across is that all of the Heartsavers took time to learn CPR. In ever scenario their quick action saved a life.

Bike rack opportunity

On Wednesday, May 25 there will be a gathering at Old Settlers Park as a local photo shoot takes place to promote the bike racks.  The BID Board will be on hand along with members of Bike Friendly West Bend.

There will be a total of 10 bike racks in the downtown BID district.  “Three are already installed in our two parks, with seven being installed soon,” said Parks Director Craig Hoeppner.

The BID Board paid for the bike racks and the city is installing them.  The bike racks will extend from BMO Harris Bank and West Bend Tap & Tavern on the north end to Riverside Brewery and Restaurant on the S. Main Street.

“The racks the BID Board has provided and the city has installed are artful, functional and placed near shops, restaurants, parks and activities where cyclists want to go,” said Jeff Puetz with Bike Friendly West Bend.  “Racks are a visible sign cyclists are welcome and that the community values their presence and the security of their property.”

Local Builders Club places U.S. flags on veterans graves today

About 40 students from Silverbrook Middle School Builders Club are volunteering today placing American flags on veteran’s graves at Washington County Memorial Park.

This is the sixth year the Kiwanis Early Risers have wrapped their arms around students by paying tribute to veterans. Kiwanis member Scott Schmidt said the students learn history, respect and how people fought for this country’s freedom.

Johnson Bus of West Bend is volunteering to transport the students to Washington County Memorial Park, Holy Angels, and Union Cemetery. About 1,900 flags will be placed on graves in preparation for Memorial Day.

The West Bend Memorial Day parade will step off at 9:30 a.m. Monday, May 30. A ceremony will follow at the Old Courthouse Square on Fifth Avenue and Poplar. The keynote speaker will be Gold Star Mother Liz Kryst of West Bend.

Honoring the Missing In Action Veterans

The Missing Man Ceremony, a formal program honoring veterans who are missing in action, will be presented at the Memorial Day Ceremony at Fillmore Turner Hall on Monday, May 30, at 12:30 p.m.  The program will also include the Kewaskum High School Band and a fresh flower wreath ceremony in the cemetery. The public is welcome; refreshments will be available.  The program is hosted by the Farmington Historical Society.

Rezoning request for proposed Pizza Ranch

On June 6 a request will be made before the West Bend Plan Commission to change the zoning for a 1.7-acre parcel on W. Washington Street from B5 to B1.

The purpose is to lay the groundwork for development of a 6,107-square-foot Pizza Ranch. The franchise, based in Iowa, is described as, “Buffet Your Way” means you can request any pizza you want and we’ll not only make it for you, we’ll personally deliver the first slice to you! Now that’s legendary service!”

There are currently 180+ locations across 13 States including Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.

In Wisconsin the closest Pizza Ranch to West Bend is in Fond du Lac. There’s also a Pizza Ranch in Oshkosh, Oostburg, Portage, Waupun, Sun Prairie, Sheboygan, Kohler and Appleton.

The property on W. Washington Street, just west of Westbury Bank was listed at $316,000.

There is an accepted offer on the table. The buyer has yet to close on the sale. Officials at the corporate Pizza Ranch office confirmed West Bend, Wis. was on their radar however, they did not disclose any more information at this time.

Discount Ramps in WB bought Heavy Duty Ramps in Kewaskum

West-Bend based web-only retailer DiscountRamps.com has purchased Heavy Duty Ramps in Kewaskum. “It’s the perfect marriage of two companies,” said Larry Marmon, CEO of Discount Ramps. “They’re our biggest supplier and we’re they’re biggest customer but we service different markets.”

Discount Ramps, 760 S. Indiana Ave., classifies itself as the “industry’s biggest selection of low-priced, high-quality ramps and accessories” and the “one-stop online shop for all your loading, hauling, transportation, and mobility needs.”

Heavy Duty Ramps, 7865 Sandy Ridge Road, Kewaskum, has been in the ramp manufacturing business for 36 years and produces over a thousand different variations of aluminum loading ramps.  

Marmon said he had been in talks with Richard Beilstein, founder of Heavy Duty Ramps, for about a year.  “Beilstein was ready to retire and we thought it was the perfect opportunity for us to step in and take it to the next level,” Marmon said.  “Heavy Duty Ramps is a very well-run business with great products and customers and from a product innovation point of view it’s our leading vendor.”

Marmon said they will continue to use the former Key West location in Kewaskum for production. “The biggest change is we’re aggressively hiring more staff,” he said. “We need welders and more people in the warehouse.”  Motorists on Highway 45 will also notice a sign change in the coming months at the Key West location.

City officials aware of bridge issues

City officials in West Bend are well aware the new bridge across from the Museum of Wisconsin Art has its shortcomings. The saga of the bridge began in March when an unpainted version of the steel truss bridge was delivered.

That was hauled away and soon the painted bridge arrived and was put in place. Then contractors laid down rebar and concrete and a bit of a wave was found in the final product so, after a sealant was put down, another material was put on top to try and even things out.

That’s where the discolored patches come in. City engineer Max Marechal admitted the bridge doesn’t look the best. He said the appearance of the concrete is being addressed and it may take about a year to fix.

WBHS Orchestra teacher is leaving

West Bend High School orchestra teacher Josh Zallar is leaving the district. Zallar, a graduate of the Milwaukee High School of the Arts, has been in the district since 2011. Starting his career at Silverbrook Middle School, Zallar began working on a part-time basis at both the high school and Silverbrook in 2012.

Zaller is leaving to be closer to his in laws in Michigan. He said telling his students was the hardest thing. “I feel really sad about leaving because I love the kids and the community and the parents and I thought we built a pretty good orchestra program,” he said.  “Some of these kids I’ve known for five years; I just told them to keep playing.”

Zallar, 31, will be teaching in a smaller community but with an orchestra that’s just as big. “I worked to provide big opportunities for the students,” he said. “We started a chamber music program and we played with a couple of rock bands, so we just tried to think big and get the kids excited.”  Zallar praised the support of the district and Superintendent Ted Neitzke. The WBHS orchestra will have a concert on Monday, May 23.

Rave reviews for Banner ArtWalk

The 4^th annual Banner ArtWalk was a huge draw at the Museum of Wisconsin Art on Saturday. Fifty hand-painted banners hung from the second-floor railing in the atrium entrance of museum.

Artist and banner organizer Chris Porter said the idea started as a way to help beautify the downtown.  “We didn’t have the money for flower baskets and it was a good way to take old Christmas banners and repaint them,” she said. “The first year we learned a lot, the second year we learned more, and from year to year it’s getting better; we have a lot of talent here and I’d love to see it continue forever and ever.”

Downtown West Bend Association event manager Kellie Boone organized the ArtWalk. She said the banners on N. Main Street are so popular, the community of Minocqua called and asked if they could copy the idea.

Many visitors to the event felt the banners helped tie the businesses to the community. Daniel Kindler bid on the West Bend Theatre banner. “I used to work there and my father was a projectionist there so there are a lot of memories,” he said.

Kindler started work at the theatre when he was 16. “I had my first date there in 1975,” he said. “We saw Towering Inferno; the movie didn’t go over well and neither did the date.”

Van Cline was in town from St. Paul, Minnesota and he too found a local tie in the banners. “This is really unique and there’s a Dunn Brother’s banner,” he said. “The original one is in St. Paul.”

The 2016 banners hung along the second-floor railing. Those entering MOWA were able to explore the museum free of charge and get an up-close look at the artwork.

“They’re beautiful and unique and everyone has its own little story,” said Jan Nesladek of West Bend. “I was surprised at the quality of some of the work because it’s very good and widely varied,” said Bob Bergstrom of West Bend.

“It beautifies our downtown and it gets people to go downtown,” said Grace Wright. “I give Chris Porter a lot of credit this had to be a huge project.”

“I’m really impressed with the artwork and especially the fact there are a lot of students involved,” said Carol Casadonte, formerly of Tomahawk.

This was the first time banners from previous years were auctioned off. Money raised will go to support the banner ArtWalk project.

Updates & tidbits

-The blue stone inlay on the new sculpture outside the Police Department in West Bend was taken from West Bend City Hall during the construction. It represents the river running through the city and more importantly, the ‘thin blue line’ that is walked by law enforcement every day both on and off duty.

-Sign up today for youth summer sports camps at UW-WC including girls volleyball, co-ed soccer and basketball. More information at ce.uwc.edu/washington/catalog/category/sport-camp

– Jen Sell, a 1982 graduate of West Bend East, will be inducted into the West Bend Athletic Wall of Fame. Sell was an All-Conference basketball player for coach Rick Riehl. The presentation will be in October.

– The grand reopening of Old Settlers’ Park is June 1. The park will host a Recognition Wall to thank organizations in the community for their support. Names include the Rotary Club of West Bend, Johnson’s Nursery, Roots & Branches, Prudence Pick Hway, West Bend Germanfest Volunteers, Downtown West Bend Association, West Bend Business Improvement District, Larosa Landscape Co., Leadership West Bend, and In Memory of Mike Sheehy.

– The Downtown West Bend Association is looking for volunteers for the Tour of America’s Dairyland bike race on June 20 from 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sign up at 262-338-3909.

– Local artists will be creating sidewalk chalk drawings Saturday, May 21 between Hobby Lobby and Kohl’s on Main Street in West Bend. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Viewers can vote for their favorite artwork to win top prizes.

– Brian Culligan and the crew at West Bend Tap & Tavern open at 9 a.m. on Saturday’s during the West Bend Farmers’ Market as they roll out their build-your-own Bloody Mary bar. Stop out and enjoy breakfast with a beer chaser at 315 N. Main Street.

West Bend Farmers’ Market used to be Pig Market

Neighbors are gathering up their cloth bags and put a little oil on their wagon wheels in preparation for the start of Saturday’s downtown West Bend Farmers’ Market. The origin of the market dates to 1942. Pig Market was a weekly gathering on the east side of the Milwaukee River at the site of the old Wallau Dairy, west of the railroad depot.

The West Bend Farmers’ Market was voted one of the top 10 in the world in the 2014 edition of Vogue magazine. The Downtown West Bend Association coordinates the Farmers’ Market along with Music on Main.

This photo was donated to the Washington County Historical Society by Ruth Schloemer.

Future of Fleet Farm in West Bend   

There’s been some strong conversation about a new Fleet Farm being built in West Bend at Highway 33 and County Highway Z.

There was a meeting recently with KKR, the new owners of Mills Fleet Farm, and managers in the organization and apparently the enthusiasm for a new Fleet in West Bend got “misconstrued” with what’s really going on according to Mike Sidders, marketing director for Fleet Farm out of Appleton.

“I’ve got nothing on my end,” he said. “I’m not aware that’s even being contemplated.”

Word about a new Fleet Farm dates to 2004 when Fleet Farm announced it was going to build ‘the largest store in the state’ on a 30-acre parcel along Highway 33 and County Highway Z. The Mills brothers also acquired 40 adjacent acres and plans were on track for a 274,000-square-foot store. Over the next 11 years, nothing was built.

In January 2016, the Mills family sold its business to New York-based investment firm KKR.

In the first quarter of the year, KKR met with store managers. This is the message passed along, “We anticipate investing significantly in the business adding infrastructure, stores and local jobs,” said Nate Taylor with the retail portion of KKR.

Local employees found the news encouraging and also thought it meant a new Fleet Farm in West Bend. Sidders said the desired growth for the organization may not mean exactly what West Bend was hoping for.

“For us to move more quickly as an organization that may have been misconstrued by some employees that long-rumored activities may be coming to fruition but in no way shape or form has any of that been discussed or decided to my knowledge,” Sidders said.

Banner Art Walk is Saturday

Don’t miss the sneak peek event of the 2016 Banner ArtWalk and for the first time take a piece of the ArtWalk home with you. The event is Saturday/today at the Museum of Wisconsin Art from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Free admission to the event and galleries, cash bar, appetizers, music by the Kal Bergendahl project and silent auction of previous ArtWalk Banners.

New priest named for Holy Angels

A new priest at Holy Angels will be taking over in July as Rev. Pat Heppe will arrive to take over for Rev. Gerald Brittain. Rev. Pat comes from a farm south of Slinger and has been helping out on weekends at St. Frances Cabrini for several years. According to Brittain, “His day job is Vicar for Clergy where he supervises primarily the priests of the Archdiocese in the Archbishop’s name.

Prior to his current appointment Rev. Pat was in Fond du Lac for around 20 years and was very involved in working together with the parishes, building the new church on the east side of town, and forming the parishes into one. Rev. Pat remembers coming to Holy Angels as a little boy and marveling at the beauty of the church. He will remain a Vicar until June 30.

Rev. Gerald Brittain has been at Holy Angels for 21 years. His initial assignment was for 12 years but he said he “played the system and got an extra nine.” Rev. Brittain has been at the parish on Eighth Avenue since taking over for Rev. Jerome Rinzel who served from 1983 – 1995. Brittain was notified by the Archdiocese that his assignment would be ending and a new pastor would replace him. A youthful 79, Brittain said he can be appointed a temporary associate or retire.

WBHS freshman to be Memorial Day speakers

Finishing touches are being put on the program for West Bend’s upcoming Memorial Day Parade. The student speakers this year are all freshmen forensic students from West Bend East High School. The Preamble will be presented by Emily Frederick, the Gettysburg Address will be read by Justin Scherzer and the poem In Flanders Field will be read by Abby Godejohn.

The Memorial Day Parade steps off from S. Main and Oak Street at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30. The parade will head north on Main Street, west on Hickory Street, south on Sixth Avenue and wrap up at Poplar Street. A Memorial Day program will be held in the old Courthouse Square beginning at 11 a.m. Liz Kryst of West Bend, mother of Captain Kevin Kryst, will be the guest speaker.

Lots for Tots is closing

Lots for Tots Children’s Consignment Shop is closing at the end of June. The store, owned by Kerin Schramm Gitzlaff and Lisa Rosbeck has been in business 16 years. “It’s hard; brick-and-mortar small businesses just don’t have it easy with shopping online and the buy/sell/trade sites,” said Schramm Gitzlaff.

Lots for Tots started in 2001 in Jackson. In 2005 it moved to 867 S. Main St. in West Bend and in 2011 it moved across the street to its current home at 822 S. Main St. “We are just tired and sad because this was a hard decision,” said Schramm Gitzlaff. “We need to look forward to our next chapters in life and it’s time to move on.”

Germantown Vet on today’s Honor Flight                            Submitted by Lauren Sorensen

Norbert Riemer was 20 years old when he was plucked from his life as a plumber and drafted into the U.S. Army to fight in the Korean Conflict in 1952.  Now, 64 years later, Riemer will be traveling today with 16 other Washington County veterans of foreign wars on the Honor Flight.

Riemer will be making the trip to Washington D.C.  with his oldest daughter, who convinced him to participate in the experience.

Riemer cited one simple reason for his reservations, “I do not look for any recognition, because heck I was one of what, millions?  To me it never made any difference,” Riemer said.  Riemer remembered his fallen friends, some that he met in the army and others he remembers as “neighborhood kids.”  “I feel like I’m out without a scratch, that’s the way it is,” Riemer said.

Despite Riemer’s humble self-image, the veteran is still eagerly anticipating the journey.  “I’ll tell you what, I am very excited, that I am,” Riemer said.  He discussed his shock that he was selected for the Honor Flight.  “I sort of can’t wait now,” Riemer said.

Riemer is the most eager to see the Korean memorial on the journey.  “They have one in Plover, it’s a peninsula going out where you can walk out… I think they have six or seven statues made of bronze.  It was a really sunny day and the wife and I were walking down there and there was a slight breeze.  I could have sworn the statues were walking, they looked lifelike.  I’ve just seen pictures of what they have in Washington, but it’s similar to that.  If it’s half as good as what I’ve seen, I’d be more than happy,” Riemer said.  Riemer is also looking forward to the statue of raising the flag on Iwo Jima.

“I do not remember much about that place,” Riemer said thinking about Korea.  He does remember his initial impression upon entering Korea.  “It stunk,” he said.  The routine of waking up, doing his job, and going to bed day after day, however, is ingrained in his memory.  “You can’t call it boring but you can’t call it exciting either,” Riemer said.  He expected to be immediately placed in a combat zone.  Although an infantry man, once in country Riemer was assigned to guard the headquarters that housed intelligence sections and generals.  He remained about two miles away from the frontline.

Being oversees, Riemer remembers one main hardship.  “I just missed my family, that’s all,” Riemer said. He spent a total of 16 months away from his family.  Riemer left the army as a Private First Class.

Coming home, “it was a good feeling, a very good feeling,” he said.   “I had my wife now, she was my girlfriend, I had my mother, and I had my sister, and I just wanted to come home to them,” Riemer said.  He reminisced on never passing by an ice cream parlor or burger restaurant upon returning and was grateful to be rid of the army rations that prompted an undesired weight-loss.

Riemer never considered enlisting before he was drafted.  “I really did not like the Army to be honest with you, you really did not have time to think for yourself… I really like my freedom,” Riemer said.

Riemer believes that serving changed him.  “I think it made me a better person, I personally believe everyone should go into the service when they get out of high school,” he said.  “You have to be a different kind of person to make a life out of it, but I don’t think a draft would hurt anybody, it will make a better person out of them,” Riemer said.

Sunrise Rotary raffle winners

A crowded house at the West Bend Mutual Prairie Center on Thursday evening as the West Bend Sunrise Rotary held its annual fundraiser. This year the beneficiary, The Threshold Inc. received $10,000. The night included a silent auction, bakery auction, and a constant stream of raffle winners. The grand prize of $10,000 was won by a group of six couples including Mike and Mary Jo Otten, Paul and Barb Wilke, Mike and Tracy Nowak, Dan and Kristi Lawrence, Mike and Kay Chevalier and Adam and Michelle Schensema.

Updates & tidbits

– The Washington County Historical Society will unveil a new name and logo on Tuesday, May 24 at 4 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Museum.

– West Bend School District students and staff will participate in Chalk the Walk on Saturday, May 21 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. creating chalk drawings on the sidewalk between Hobby Lobby and Kohl’s parking lots.

– Pepper Burruss, trainer with the Green Bay Packers, is coming to The Columbian Banquet Hall on Tuesday, May 17 at 5:15 p.m. on behalf of an evening of entertainment put on by The Threshold Inc.   For tickets call 338-1188.

– Ashley Reichert from the Town of Wayne has declared her candidacy for Washington County Clerk. “Taxpayers of Washington County deserve a County Clerk worthy of following in the footsteps of our current Clerk, Brenda Jaszewski,” said Reichert. “I’m guided by my faith and the conservative principles I was raised on, the same values and strong moral compass that I believe reflect our beautiful county.” Reichert and her husband of 5 years, live in West Bend with their three children.

-There will be a dedication of the “Soaring Eagle” sculpture Monday, May 16, at 5 p.m. outside the West Bend Police Department. The project was a collaboration between the WBPD, West Bend Friends of Sculpture, City of West Bend and sculptor Jeremy Wolf.

– Bike Friendly West Bend is hosting Bike to Work Day from 6 a.m. – 8 a.m. on May 20 at the train depot on the Eisenbahn State Trail. There will be free coffee and snacks, cycling-related raffle, fix-a-flat clinic and tech support to all participants.

A reunion with a marimba

There was a unique reunion Wednesday afternoon at the West Bend High Schools as Joanne Shirkey, a 1955 graduate, was reintroduced to her marimba from 61 years ago. “I was a sophomore and in percussion,” said Shirkey about her band experience. “I specifically played timpani, but I also played bells and piano.”

According to Shirkey it was 1951 or 1952 when the West Bend High School purchased a marimba for $1,000.

Recently during a concert at the high schools, Shirkey recognized more than her grandson on stage. “I said, ‘That’s my marimba!’”

Band director Leah Duckert organized the reunion. “My student’s father sent me an email asking if it would be OK if she comes to say hi and play her old friend again,” said Duckert. “My big thing is I love band family. I work really hard to say once you’re band family you’re always band family so to have band family from 60 years ago come back to us that’s phenomenal.”

Duckert wheeled the marimba into the band room and drew back the protective cover.

“You can hear the sound is good, except on the end the low C is cracked,” she said. “Some of the other bars are in rough shape and that’s just basic wear and tear.”

Shirkey arrived and quickly hugged her way through salutations. “There’s my baby,” she said walking towards the instrument she easily identified.

“There’s nothing else like this; they don’t make them like this anymore,” Shirkey said.

She tapped her fingers on the key, complimented the sturdy legs and traced her hand down the heavy wood bars.

Shirkey brought her own mallets and dove into her signature song, Stars and Stripes Forever.

“I pretty much have it memorized,” Shirkey said. “But I like having the music in front of me.”

Shirkey danced her way through the piece, the mallets knocking out a patriotic melody.

“I’m so glad you came home again,” praised Duckert after the song.

Shirkey, a former medical technologist, reminisced about her music memories.

“It was 1951 and there was a man from West Bend who played the marimba and he knew the band director,” she says. “They got together and donated some money and got it at a good cost and fortunately they let me play it.”

Shirkey remembers her high school band teacher as “a big Jewish man” who was “a real stinker.”

“One time I was playing and he stopped in the middle of our practice and told me, ‘You sound like a bag of potatoes,’” she said. “I guess I sounded lumpy, but he pushed me and that’s a good thing.”

As far as practice was concerned, Shirkey said she didn’t do much at home. “But instead of taking study hall I always went up to the band room and practiced,” she said.

Growing up on the corner of Tenth Avenue and Chestnut Street, Shirkey’s father worked at the West Bend Company and her mom owned Lorraine’s Beauty Shop on Elm Street, just west of the Post Office.

“She had a six-chair beauty shop,” said Shirkey. “She actually started in the Ziegler building but then rented from Dr. Franko and her shop was downstairs from his office.”

In 1955 another opportunity came calling. “When I was a senior in high school there was a man who came to our door to talk to me and my mother about having me tour the country with an all-girl marimba band,” said Shirkey.

“There was no way I was going to do that plus I was a homebody – but I often wonder what would have happened if I would have done that. I did go into medicine but I’ve always stayed with music.”

After high school Shirkey got a full scholarship to Mount Mary. “My mom had to pay my room and board and it was $400 a semester,” she said.

Muscle memory took over during Shirkey’s performance. “It’s like a typewriter, my hand knows where to go,” she said.

Shirkey’s grandson Parker, 15, a freshman at West Bend East High School joined his grandmother for a simple rendition of Mary had a Little Lamb.

“When she told me it was her marimba, I was kinda confused and didn’t know what she was talking about,” he said. “But this is so cool and I can see she’s so happy to do this. She’s always going to remember this.”

History photo of the West Bend High School band from 1955.

Sobelman’s to open in Cedar Creek  

There was a giddy atmosphere at the former Schwai’s in Cedar Creek as Dave Sobelman and his franchisee Travis Dowden, 30, met the majority of the Schwai family.

“This is phenomenal,” said Pat Puestow, part of the Schwai family who grew up in the building.

On Friday Sobelman, owner of Sobelman’s Pub & Grill, joined building owners Kevin and Amy Zimmer and a handful of Schwais to make the official announcement that the Milwaukee-based restaurant chain would be leasing the building and opening a restaurant in Cedar Creek this summer.

Sobelman’s is known for its award-winning burgers and Bloody Marys.

“I feel like I won the lottery,” said Zimmer.

For nearly two years the Zimmers have been working to upgrade the building that dates to the 1800s and was home to three generations of Schwai’s.

As part of the Sobelman’s announcement there was also a casual ceremony to replant a time capsule into the bones of the building.

Franchisee Dowden, dressed in a black polo shirt, was reveling in the hype and enthusiasm.

“My partner Ben Anderson and I have both been in the corporate world and we didn’t see ourselves there long term – we wanted to do something different,” Dowden said. “We know the Sobelman’s brand and we saw Dave was going to be franchising and we thought it would be an interesting opportunity.”

For the past six months Dowden, his wife and Anderson have been working alongside Sobelman and learning the business.  “It’s a great brand, a great opportunity and I’m so excited to be expanding into Washington County.”

Adam D. Williquette, Senior Vice President of Anderson Commercial Group was the real estate leasing agent responsible for solidifying the deal.

The grand opening is expected in a couple of months, possibly July, as the remodel of the former Schwai’s is completed.

Jam For Kids Music Fest takes a break

After 40 years in Washington County the Memorial Day tradition of Jam For Kids Music Fest is taking a break.

“We’re in a stage of reform,” said longtime organizer and volunteer Mary Fiegel.  “We’ve been successful for 40 years and things are changing and we’re just taking a year off during this revision process.”

Jam for Kids started May 3, 1974 after Mike Engeleiter, Bob Cross, Bob Mueller and Vern Klemme approached Pat Czerniak and Mary Fiegel about having a music fest fund raiser for cognitively disabled athletes.

The name “Jam For Kids” was created as most of the athletes were children who participated in team sports through the West Bend Recreation Department.

The first Jam For Kids was held in 1975 at Mike’s Village Inn on the corner of North Main Street and Park Avenue.

From 1976-1994, the music fest was held at several locations including the Holiday Inn (currently Pick n’ Save north), Bob’s Starlite Inn, and Our Place Tavern.

Jam For Kids moved to Regner Park in West Bend in 1995 and in 2012 it relocated to Jug’s Hitching Post in Kohlsville.

“I’m hopeful we’ll come back bigger and stronger,” Fiegel said. “Our break will not hinder the financing of Special Olympic programs in this area.”

Fiegel said Jam may create something for this fall.  We’ll keep you posted.

Successful Shred Fest at Thrivent Financial

A total of 11,400 pounds of paper were shredded during the first Shred Fest at Thrivent Financial in West Bend. Money and donations were raised for Support the Troops Wisconsin and according to LeAnn Boudwine $2095.70 was raised. “Thank you to Thrivent for paying for the shredding truck, donuts and coffee,” said Boudwine.

Hartford manager receives Ray Kroc Award  

Some high praise for Hartford McDonald’s manager Jon Schmidt who was recently recognized as one of 340 top restaurant managers to receive the 2016 Ray Kroc Award.

“There’s no higher honor and it’s pretty cool to win it,” said Schmidt.

Selected from more than 36,000 restaurants, Schmidt represents the top 1 percent of McDonald’s restaurant managers from around the world. The award, named after McDonald’s Corporation founder Ray Kroc, “recognizes hardworking restaurant managers who deliver superior results in team performance and operational excellence.”

Schmidt, 47, started his career at McDonald’s when he was 16 years old and a student at Slinger High School. “I worked the front counter and in the kitchen and one of the things on the menu was the McDLT,” he said. “It was packaging that had the hot side hot and the cold side cold. That was a big deal when I was in high school.”

Schmidt said the other thing that was very hard to forget was the blue polyester uniform. “It had a big floppy collar and we wore paper hats,” said Schmidt. “I don’t miss that at all.”

In 1990 when Steve Kilian purchased a series of McDonald’s in the area Schmidt interviewed for a position and he’s climbed the ladder ever since. Schmidt is the seventh Ray Kroc winner in the Steve Kilian franchise.

“Jon is an incredible leader,” said Steve Kilian Jr. “He really cares about all the people he works with and tries to help them in any way he can and he loves the McDonald’s brand.”

“I’m proud to work here,” said Schmidt. “We have a great group of employees that work really hard and there are some long-term people who are very loyal and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.”

Schmidt credited the management team and its loyalty for helping him get to where he is today. “We have had a lot of excellent managers who are now at other McDonald’s restaurants who started with us and worked hard and advanced their own careers,” Schmidt said. “Our Administrative Assistant and my wife, Lisa Schmidt is integral to any success we have had and she doesn’t get enough credit. All of our kids have worked there and three of them Allen, Brittany, and Jamie have been managers. Jamie still works with us and does an outstanding job. Thanks to Kilian Management for pushing us to be the best!”

Ray Kroc Awards were distributed during the McDonald’s 2016 Worldwide Convention on April 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida.

Nearly 400 vehicles at Uptown in Slinger damaged during hail storm

Neighbors across Washington County will recall that brief hail storm that pushed through the area Monday, April 25. It was quick and in a narrow alley that hit parts of Hartford, Slinger, and West Bend but then left some parts of the community untouched.

One area that sustained quite a bit of damage was Uptown Chrysler Jeep, 1111 E. Commerce Blvd. in Slinger.  “We all just stared out the windows and our hearts just sank,” said new car sales manager Josh Schumacher.  “My quote on my video was ‘This is not good.’ It’s a feeling I never want to feel again I’ll tell you that.”

Schumacher said they watched the storm come in around 4 p.m. and the next thing they knew the pea-sized hail turned to golf-ball sized hail. “Watching your inventory get damaged and there’s nothing you can do – that’s a horrible feeling,” he said.

About 350 vehicles, new and used were damaged. “Customers who were in for service had their vehicles damaged and vehicles belonging to staff were also damaged,” he said.

Uptown has been in business 70 years and this is only the second time the dealership has had to handle something like this. There were meetings last week and on Monday as the management devised a plan on how to handle the situation.

“Uptown’s image has always been to be straight forward and we just figured it would be better to get them fixed and give hail discounts,” Schumacher said.  “It’ll save people money and they’re going to get a car as close to new as we can make it.”

Within the next 30 – 45 days all the vehicles are expected to be fixed. “If someone wants a certain vehicle as is, we’ll work with them on the price,” he said.

Because all vehicles sustained a different amount of damage, Schumacher was unable to put a dollar figure on the amount of savings other than to say the damaged vehicles will be “deeply discounted.”  Watch for details on Uptowns “Hail Sale” to be posted in the coming weeks at WashingtonCountyInsider.com

Old Settlers’ Park to receive new signage

Here’s a first look at the new signs that will be going up at Old Settlers’ Park in downtown West Bend. There will also be signs on the Recognition Wall to thank organizations in the community for their support.

Among the names you’ll see include the Rotary Club of West Bend, Johnson’s Nursery, Roots & Branches, Prudence Pick Hway, West Bend Germanfest Volunteers, Downtown West Bend Association, West Bend Business Improvement District, Larosa Landscape Company, Leadership West Bend, and In Memory of Mike Sheehy. The grand reopening of Old Settlers’ Park is June 1.

Updates & tidbits

-Historic Barton Business Association is hosting a Brat Fry at The Sign Shop on May 7. Live music will be provided by Mike Sipin and the gang.

-The Brent Schultz Memorial fundraiser is today, Saturday, May 7 at the New Fane Sportsman’s Club, N829 County Road G, Campbellsport. Schultz, 16, was killed in an accident June 2014. Schultz was an FFA officer and participated in agri-science events. All money raised will go toward a future greenhouse at Kewaskum High School.

– Downtown West Bend’s ArtWalk is Saturday May 14 with a sneak peek of the 2016 banners from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The event will feature free admission to MOWA, a silent auction of banners and live music. The Banner Art Event features hand-painted banners by local artists that will create an outdoor gallery on the streets of Downtown West Bend. The banners hang on the light poles of Main Street and Sixth Avenue from May through October. Pamphlets will be available at downtown businesses offering a synopsis of the banners.

-West Bend band director Mrs. Baumann-Schuppel is retiring and her last concert is Wednesday, May 11, at 6 p.m. in the Silverbrook gym. Former students, band parents and even community members who weren’t personally connected to the band family are welcome.

– There will be a ribbon cutting at Jackson Youth Baseball Association’s new T-ball diamond at our Jackson Town Hall Complex at 6 p.m. Tuesday May 10.

Reflecting on judo career of Lynn Roethke

The West Bend Judo Club hosts its 44th annual tournament today, May 7, at UW-Washington County. Judo instructor, Jon Sanfilippo will make a special presentation to Lynn Roethke, two-time Olympian and 1988 Silver medalist.

Roethke was recently promoted to 8th degree Black Belt by USA Judo. At 55 years old, she will be the youngest Judoka promoted to that rank and also becomes the highest woman Judoka currently alive in the U.S.

The West Bend Judo Club present a set of 3 real Samurai Swords to show a direct connection of Judo to its martial warrior roots of Japan.

Exclusive note from Jon Sanfilippo as he submitted photos of himself and Roethke.

The first one is when Lynn returned from the 1988 Olympics with her Silver medal. She came back to her home Judo club and placed her medal around my neck as a thank you for all we had done together as student and coach in Judo.

Lynn was the first U.S. woman to ever win an Olympic Judo Medal. The second picture is the most recent I have with us together at last year’s July, 2015 Junior National Judo Tournament in Indianapolis, IN where we both had our top Judoka from our respected teams competing.

Korean War vet Duane Tate set for Saturday’s Honor Flight

Duane Tate is a vibrant and youthful-sounding man who recently celebrated his 84th birthday. He is also a Korean War veteran, having served in the Navy from 1951 to 1955, and he will be one of 16 vets from Washington County taking part in the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight on May 14.

Tate was living in Shawano and a recent high school graduate at the time he was drafted in 1951. He traveled with other draftees to meet with the Draft Board in Green Bay and, since he was “the youngest one of the bunch” he was sent home and the Draft Board told him they would call him in a month.

During that month-long period, Tate decided, “I don’t want to be in the Army, so I enlisted in the Navy.”

“I got out of boot camp at Great Lakes. I was shipped to Japan and was on a destroyer, DD790, the USS Shelton,” Tate recollected.

“And then we were on to Korea doing shore bombarding. As we were going up, on the third day, we incurred three direct hits on our ship. We had 18 men wounded.” (Editor’s note: The USS Shelton received eight battle stars for service in the Korean War and eight for service in Vietnam.)

Tate escaped injury because he was on a gun mount that was protected by armor. “They put a hole in the bow from the ship’s quarters so we kind of limped out of there, got us patched, and then we went back to Japan,” he said.

After being in dry dock for repairs, Tate says they returned to the United States and he began to work as a deck hand.

Not feeling fulfilled, he said, “I wondered what else I could do, so I started working in sick bay and was sent to corpsman’s school in San Diego.”

“While I was there,” said Tate almost blushing, “one of my friends was dating a lieutenant nurse and she got discharged and began working at a civil hospital – St. Mary’s in San Diego. It turns out this same nurse just so happened to have a friend who was a nurse from Wisconsin and they just kind of put us together and,” Tate chuckles boyishly, “that’s my wife!”

“After I got out of corpsman school, I was stationed at the Naval Hospital in San Diego,” Tate continued.

“I worked in Admission and Receiving and on the emergency ward. I was there for a year and after that I was shipped out on an AKA landing vessel that they used in World War II. That was after the Korean Conflict was over and we were on kind of a good will tour to Japan, China, and the Philippines. Shortly after that I came back to San Diego and was discharged.”

Tate said that a lot of people look at the time Korean War servicemen and women served as “negative,” but says “I really didn’t mind it. I did what I could do and it was good.”

“And actually,” Tate said, “If I hadn’t been there, I wouldn’t have met my wife.”

The Honor Flight is not something new to Tate. His late brother, who served in WWII, took part in an Honor Flight.  “We went up and greeted him when he got off the flight and I always thought that was such a neat thing to see,” he said.

While Tate’s wife Marilyn is quite obviously the high point of his service career, he also proudly stated, “I have seven sons.” His son, Jeffery, who lives in Neosho, will be accompanying Tate on the Honor Flight.  Tate says he has been to Washington, D.C. a number of times, but each time it was before the Korean War Memorial was built, so he has not yet had the opportunity to see it. “I’m real honored to be able to have this flight to Washington,” Tate humbly concluded.

Liz Kryst tabbed as speaker at WB Memorial Day ceremony

West Bend’s Memorial Day ceremony will have a huge impact on neighbors in the community as Elizabeth (Liz) Kryst has stepped forward as the guest speaker.

Liz is the mother of Kevin Kryst, a 1997 West Bend West High School graduate who was a Captain in the Marines when he was killed in Iraq on Dec. 18, 2006.

“I’ve done speeches before at the Veterans Administration,” Liz said. “I thought certainly I’ll bring a different perspective.”

Sitting at her kitchen table at the family home on Seventh Avenue, Liz did not mince words when she said the focus of her presentation will be on “Memorial Day for a parent.”

“It sucks,” she said. “If he had died or been hit by a bus, any other place other than the military it would have drifted off into the sunset, but every year I have this reminder.”

A gold star banner hangs in the front window of the Kryst home. Photos of the family’s six children are scattered throughout the first floor.

Liz, 64, is blunt in her conversation. “It’s almost been 10 years and I still can’t listen to Taps,” she said.

“After a couple years it got too hard to be sad. You just have to turn everything around and you just have to keep moving forward because I’ve seen other people fall back and dig deep holes.”

Living in West Bend since 1993, Kevin Kryst was first deployed to Iraq in 2004.

Just a couple weeks into his second deployment as a Marine helicopter pilot was when Kevin Kryst died from injuries due to being hit by a fragment of a mortar.

“He died while protecting his Marines,” said Liz. “Kevin was totally dedicated to the Marines.”

A crucifix hangs on the wall behind Liz. She said she leaned heavy into her faith while dealing with the death of her oldest son and well after.

“If I didn’t have the kind of faith I have I probably wouldn’t have gotten this far,” she said. “Some people cope differently but the ones that cope the best are the ones with faith.”

Captain Kryst was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery in July 2007.

The U.S. flag, presented to the family, rests on a shelf behind a glass case in a cabinet in the living room.

Three of six of the Kryst children are or were Marines. ‘That’s a very unique perspective from every point of view,” said Liz. “I don’t expect people to really understand but I want to get across that people should not just remember those who have died but also have respect for the families left behind to pick up the pieces.”

An American Gold Star mother, Liz will make her presentation on Memorial Day dressed in a white uniform.

Part of her speech, she said, will include history on the organization that was started after World War I by a woman in Washington who was grieving the loss of her son.

There are 27 women in Wisconsin that are officially American Gold Star mothers including Virginia ‘Belle’ Wichlacz of West Bend; she’s the stepmother of Marine Lance Cpl. Travis Wichlacz, 22, who was killed in action Feb. 5, 2005 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Liz Kryst said as a rule, she will not ride in the Memorial Day parade.

W.B. Memorial Day details

The Memorial Day parade in West Bend will step off at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, May 30 and head north from South Main Street and Oak Street to Hickory Street and back down Sixth Avenue to Poplar Street. A ceremony will follow in the old Courthouse Square. That program begins at 11 a.m. and will feature World War II veteran Allan Kieckhafer as master of ceremonies. Other tributes will include a tribute to the American flag, Preamble of the Constitution, Gettysburg Address, a reading of the poem “In Flanders Field” and performances by the West Bend High School Band and the River City Irregulars. In case of inclement weather the ceremony will move into the second floor chambers at the Old County Courthouse.

Mobil station on E. Washington St. sold

The Mobil station, 1610 E. Washington Street in West Bend, has been sold. Owners Curtis Yahr and his son Steven have sold the property to Bob Yahr. “Steve bought another gas station on Highway 83 in Hartland,” said his brother Bob. “My dad and I bought the one on E. Washington Street and Schoenhaar Drive.” The Yahr’s closed on the property April 22, 2016 for $1.2 million.

Mark Piotrowicz to be appointed acting Director of Development

The city of West Bend is appointing Assistant Director of Development Mark Piotrowicz as acting Director of Development. A vote to approve will be at Monday’s council meeting.

The appointment comes as the city regroups following the resignation of former city administrator T.J. Justice who is facing felony charges after allegedly “sending provocative text messages to a teenage girl for nearly a year — including offering her money for sex” according to a criminal complaint.

Piotrowicz is no stranger to the interim position. He held it from 2011 – 2012 prior to Justice being hired. West Bend assistant city administrator Amy Reuteman has already been tabbed as the new interim city administrator.

Rezoning property at Highway 33 and Valley Dr.

There’s going to be a public hearing at Tuesday’s West Bend Plan Commission meeting involving a request to rezone approximately 11.2 acres located west and east of Valley Avenue on the south side of W. Washington St. The property is currently zoned B-3 Neighborhood Business, B-6 Office Park, RM-4 Multi-Family Residential, and temporary Districts to B-4 General Business & Warehousing District. The rezoning request is being made by property owner Steve Kearns and Audrey Bohn.

There’s also going to be a request for a site plan to build a new 3,840-square-foot commercial multi-tenant building on Wildwood Road, just south of Stein’s Garden & Home. State Farm agent Mike Sacotte is the one behind the project and there’s going to be a site plan for the placement of an art sculpture near the Police Department entrance, 350 Vine Street.

Two delegates from Washington Co. headed to RNC

Washington County Republican Party chairman Jim Geldreich and Kathy Kiernan were recently elected as delegates to the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.  There are only 24 district delegates from Wisconsin and Washington County has two of them.  The other 18 at-large delegates were just chosen by the governor and state Senator Duey Stroebel got one of those spots, for a total of 42 delegates.

“By rule of the state constitution, we have to vote for Cruz unless he unbinds us, or gets less than a third of the total delegate vote on any subsequent ballots,” said Geldreich. “If that happens, we are technically free to vote for whoever we want.”  Geldreich and Kiernan will leave July 16; the convention is July 18-21. This is Geldreich’s second national convention; he was at the 2012 as an alternate.

St. Mary’s athletic items for sale

St. Mary’s Athletics is selling all remaining basketball, volleyball and cheerleading uniforms on Saturday April 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s gym, 406 Jefferson St., West Bend. Basketball and volleyball jerseys are $5, gym shorts are $2, and full cheerleading uniforms are $15.  All proceeds will go to a charity, organization or group determined by the St. Mary’s Athletic board. No equipment or trophies will be sold.

Rep. Bob Gannon circulating papers

Local Assembly Rep. Bob Gannon (R-Slinger) is circulating election papers for the Nov. 8, 2016 General Election. Gannon represents District 58. He was first elected to the Assembly in 2014. Gannon has until June 1, 2016 to collect 200 signatures. Gannon defeated Tiffany Koehler and Sandy Voss in the Republican primary in 2014. He was uncontested in the last General Election.

Coffeeville Co. prepping to open in Jackson

After 20 months of dedication and hard work to preserve Jackson’s history, Coffeeville Company is nearing completion at N168W20101 Main Street. It’s a coffee house with bakery and all the goodness you might expect to find in a log cabin turned homey hangout.

The osprey hath returneth

It looks like the mighty osprey will have the best seat in the house this season for the unveiling of the new Silver Lining Amphitheater at the Washington County Fair. A heap of sticks in the form of a nest can be seen atop the U.S. Cellular tower overlooking the Fair Park.

Osprey have been making a nest there since 2011.  A neighbor called in an eagle sighting about a week ago. There was a bald eagle spotted in March on the side of Highway 45 just a stone’s throw from the Eisenbahn State Trail about 2 miles north of County Highway D.

Linda Olson retires after 35 years with Wash. Co. Aging

After working 35 years in Washington County, Aging and Disability Resource Director Linda Olson is retiring. “My first title with the county was Senior Citizens Program Director,” said Olson. “We had four people in our office including two clerical, a benefits specialist, and the elderly nutrition director and myself.”  Over the years that Office on Aging has grown to 22 people.

Olson remembers county board members Reuben Schmahl and Ken Mueller. “I learned a lot from them as well as supervisor George Frank who was the chairman of the Aging Committee,” she said.

Olson was recognized during this week’s 2016 Senior Conference at the Washington County Fair Park. “When we first started we had 12 vendors and held it at Cedar Ridge,” said Olson. “Today we had 81 vendors and about 340 people in attendance. Olson’s last day will be June 8. She said she’s going to “enjoy the summer” in retirement and then figure out what to do.

Updates & tidbits

–There’s a free Shred Fest today, April 30, from 9 a.m. – noon at Thrivent Financial, 810 E. Paradise Drive in West Bend. Items are being collected for Support the Troops Wisconsin.

-Get bargain tickets for The Well Pennies concert Friday, May 6 at the West Bend Silver Lining Arts Center. Mention this post and get two adult tickets or four student tickets for $15.

–The West Bend Water Utility will be performing bi-annual city-wide flushing of the water system the week of May 1 – May 6. If neighbors experience discolored water, flush the cold water line for about 10 minutes.

-Historic Barton Business Association is hosting a Brat Fry at The Sign Shop on May 7. Live music will be provided by Mike Sipin and the gang.

– The West Bend High School’s Synchronized Swim Team’s annual show “Dancing with the Dolphins” is Saturday April 30 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

– The West Bend Judo Club will host its 44th annual tournament Saturday, May 7 at UW-Washington County. Judo instructor, Jon Sanfilippo will make a special presentation to Lynn Roethke, two-time Olympian and 1988 Silver medalist. Roethke was recently promoted to 8th degree Black Belt by USA Judo. At 55 years old, she will be the youngest Judoka promoted to that rank and also becomes the highest woman Judoka currently alive in the U.S. The West Bend Judo Club present a set of 3 real Samurai Swords to show a direct connection of Judo to its martial warrior roots of Japan.

– During Monday’s West Bend Common Council meeting watch for the appointment of Ald. Williquette, Ald. Chris Jenkins and a citizen to the Long Range Transportation Planning Committee in addition to existing members Ald. Hutchins and Ald. Kasten.

-Approve the Creation of the Human Resources Director Screening Committee and Appointment of Members.

– Open Book in West Bend at the city Assessor’s Office runs through May 11. It is the informal review process for assessment values.

– Senator Duey Stroebel is holding 10 town hall stops around the district: Monday, May 2 at 6 p.m. – Slinger Community Library and 7:30 p.m. at Hartford City Hall. Monday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Campbellsport Public Library and 7:30 p.m. at West Bend Community Memorial Library

– Janalee Bach has opened a new business, Wood N’ Art, at 111 N. Sixth Street in West Bend above Slesar Glass. Wood N’ Art is an instructor-led art studio that helps create custom-wood signs. An open house is being held April 30.

Honor Flight vet Kenneth Steiner: I Have No Regrets           Article courtesy Hope Sanders

Eighty-year-old Kenneth Steiner served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, married, raised a family, retired at age 75 and says he has ‘no regrets.’ On May 14 he will be on a plane to Washington D.C. as an Honor Flight recipient with his oldest daughter, Kimberly, by his side.

Steiner enlisted in the Air Force at age 17 because “I knew I’d have to sign up for the draft for the Army and being given an enemy rifle and throw me in the freezing cold didn’t sound like a good idea to me, so I thought I’d learn something in the technical skills in the Air Force.” Steiner felt the Air Force “had more options.”

A 17-year-old cousin was also influential in Steiner’s enlistment having joined the Air Force just over a month prior to Steiner. The cousin wrote to Steiner and told him the Air Force “wasn’t too bad” and encouraged Steiner to consider it.

Steiner served in the U.S. Air Force Military Air Transport (MAT) from 1953 to 1957; he was based out of Dover, Delaware and assigned Commissioning Chief then Crew Chief for the last year.

Steiner was also a part of the flight crew that “flew for the UN, England, Canada” because at that time we had a “C124-B which was the only large cargo plan that was available. We could carry like 200 people plus all their machine guns and everything. Or we could take a fire engine and drive it right in front and load it up. We could carry like 48 tons.”

Steiner has seen his share of the world having flown to “Greenland twice, then Brazil, every state in the Union, Canada, Europe, France, England, Azores, North Africa, India, Ascension Islands, Trinidad. So basically, everything but the Pacific.”

“Everybody needed our aircraft, “said Steiner. “Because I was single and I really didn’t care where I went most of the time, you know, some of the missions I didn’t know where I was going. They’d give you a passport when you got on board your plane because you couldn’t call home.”

“It was quite an adventure for a 17-year-old kid,” Steiner concluded.

Steiner attained the rank of Staff Sergeant one year before he ended his term of service in 1957.

Asked if there was any specific memory he would like to share, Steiner offered, “I got to see the Taj Mahal before it was opened up to the public. It was rather outstanding. I saw a lot of things people will never see… I was in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the Sudan. You can’t even go there anymore. We were constantly on the move.”

“I didn’t think much about it [time in service] until this opportunity [Honor Flight] came up; then the memories started flowing back, “said Steiner. “For my part, it was all positive.”

Steiner encourages young men to talk to local recruiters to “find out what the possibilities are because “I had no regrets” citing two cousins that made a career out of their military service, one who was a head pilot for the Thunderbirds.

Steiner met his wife just after he got out of the Air Force in the fall of 1957; together they raised a family of two daughters and one son. The opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight program “brings back memories,” said Steiner, “It’s bringing everything back to me. You know, you just kind of go through that military service and go on with your life.”

Remembering Randy Miller

There will be a memorial service Monday, April 25 for Randy Miller who died tragically last Monday in Palm Springs, California after being struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.

Miller, 63, of Kewaskum retired from the Washington County Parks Department in August 2014 after a 39-year career. Miller was the resident ranger at Sandy Knoll County Park for 37 years.

According to a post in the San Diego Union Tribune, “A suspected drunk driver hit and seriously injured a pedestrian who was jay walking in Chula Vista Sunday night, police said. The person was crossing north on E Street near Woodlawn Avenue about 9:45 p.m. when a vehicle headed west struck the victim, police said. The pedestrian was taken to a trauma center with serious injuries. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.”

Former County Board Chairman Herb Tennies confirmed the death. “Apparently he was out in California with his wife to do some fishing and he got hit by a car,” said Tennies.  “He was a good employee and I remember I recently saw him at a retirement party and he was looking forward to traveling.”

Monday’s memorial service gets underway at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Lutheran Church.

Funeral Saturday, April 23 for Pastor George Mumm

The funeral is today for former St. John’s Ev. Lutheran pastor George Mumm who died Friday, April 15. The service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23, 2016, at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 809 S. Sixth Ave., in West Bend, with entombment following at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

The Mumm family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The Rev. George A. Mumm was ordained into Holy Ministry on June 12, 1955, at St. Martins Lutheran Church of What Cheer, Iowa which he served together with Calvary Lutheran Church of Deep River and Grace Lutheran Church of Montezuma.  In June of 1957 he was installed as Pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Wausau where he served until 1966.  Then in October of 1966 the Rev. Mumm was installed at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in West Bend where he served for 39 years.

2004 West Bend H.S. grad killed in accident

A 2004 West Bend High School graduate has been killed following an accident near Copper Mountain in Colorado. According to the Summit Daily, Brianna Martz, 29, was a passenger in a vehicle that was traveling Wednesday evening on Interstate 70. Another vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old man, struck them head on. Martz was killed, the driver of her vehicle suffered serious injuries and the man who hit them also had serious injuries. Authorities suspected alcohol played a part in the accident. Martz was a “pediatric emergency nurse at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree. She had studied nursing at the University of Wisconsin.”

MOWA secures green space

The West Bend Common Council pulled the trigger Monday night on the sale of a very visible and valuable parcel of property in the downtown West Bend business district.

On a 4-3 vote the council agreed to sell 1.2 acres on Veterans Avenue to the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The decision was dicey because the location in a TIF district carries a heavy debt of $12,621,667.  Keeping the property green space will provide little in the way of revenue; however Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said sometimes it’s not all about the money.

“Being that MOWA and the property to the south is in a TIF district, the council and I have been careful to balance the financial responsibilities of the TIF with the benefits to MOWA and the community,” Sadownikow said.  “I fully understand the benefits to this sale may not show up in a TIF District financial report. Rather, the benefits will be seen in an enhanced museum, increased quality of life and an even more vibrant downtown area. All of this will lead to additional private investment in West Bend.”

Details involved in the agreement include:

-Land Purchase Price – $35,000

-PILOT – $150,000 per year for 5 years totaling $750,000

-$65,000 grant to Parks which has been earmarked for the East Bank River Revitalization project

-The existing Dumpster corral will be maintained by MOWA instead of the city

-The existing drive and parking will remain as city property and maintained as such for the benefit of the public and MOWA

-The city maintains a first right of refusal should the property be sold to an unrelated entity

The three aldermen voting against the sale to MOWA included alderman Steve Hutchins, Chris Jenkins and Adam Williquette. Dist. 8 alderman Roger Kist had an excused absence.

Meijer construction is underway

Construction started this week at the new home for Meijer on S. Main Street in the lot behind Menards that was formerly home to Bend Industries.

There was a backhoe tearing into the building in the back of the lot and a machine had already been through to break up all the pavement on the 30.6-acre site and that was pretty much all there was to see because project superintendent Alec Ribco was quick to intercept my nosing around.

He said Meijer was pretty private about its developments and kindly asked that I not post any photos. Ribco also inquired about who I was and how I got onto the site and I pointed to the open gate. There was no sign saying not to enter … but, alas, that sign was posted on the gate on the opposite side of the lot.

So Ribco said he’d contact his boss to see if I could post updates in the future. I told him neighbors in the community would really appreciate it because they were very excited about “all things Meijer.”  On a side note – folks can watch the development from the public side of the Cyclone fence on Parkway Drive.

Meijer is building a 192,940-square-foot grocery. In September 2015 Meijer Stores purchased 30.65 acres from Bend Real Estate Holdings, LLC for $6.1 million. Meijer Stores also purchased .357 acres from Glacier Hills Credit Union for $150,000.

Local jeweler a finalist in CanadaMark competition

Matt Fehring, owner of MF Diamonds, 239 N. Main Street in West Bend is one of 2 U.S. finalists and one of 15 worldwide in the CanadaMark jewelry competition.

“I designed my CanadaMark jewelry competition piece using jewelry CAD software,” said Fehring as he polished the ring with a soft green cloth. “I wanted to create something different, unique and exciting, something that would make anyone say wow and look twice.”

Fehring, 23, designs and sells custom jewelry. “I did this on the computer, 3D printed, and then cast and polished,” he said. The piece is crafted in 14kX1 white gold. The diamond is a .40ct E SI1 Ideal cut CanadaMark, meaning it was mined in Canada and ethically sourced.

The top of the ring features two panther heads holding the diamond in place. “I started with lion heads but liked the look of the panthers more,” Fehring said. “We actually had to re-build the panther heads a few time, they kept turning out funny, like globs.”

Fehring said it took about a month to find the perfect diamond for the piece. “I was very picky,” he said. The winning design will be judged on the number of votes. Cast your vote for Fehring’s piece at canadamark.com/2016-jewellery-competition.  Voting officially closes May 8.

Silverbrook students jump on the Google Expedition

Students at Silverbrook School walked on the moon on Monday and some of them even explored the Grand Canyon; they all went on space-age adventures from the comfort of a chair in the school library.

Setting his eyes into the View Master-type goggles fifth grader Gavin Zieman, 10, was impressed with the 3D effect as he described a trip in space. “I see the moon and a bunch of stars everywhere and now I see a bunch of screens and we’re climbing inside a spaceship,” he said.

The rest of the class looked very Buck Rogers – their faces covered with the large red and white Google virtual reality machines.

“You can see everything you want,” Zieman said captivated by the images. “Now I see a Chinese flag.”  Zieman drifted off into space, literally, as the class took in just about every aspect of science and travel.

“This is the field trip we all dreamed of to go to the moon,” said the teacher leading the class.

“This is like data testing for Google,” said instructor Heather Geldnich.  “Watching it brings the kids who may not get out of West Bend to the Grand Canyon and they even went underwater in the ocean.

“Their engagement level is amazing; you could hear a pin drop.”

Just then the entire class gasped…. as if they fell off a cliff.  Some, goggles still in place, looked down at the floor while others stared up at the ceiling.

“They pulled vocabulary from their reading units and science as they explore,” Geldnich said.  “It’s really engaging and there’s been a lot of good feedback.”

A unique part of the device is the partnership between Google and Mattel; the name of it is View-Master Virtual Reality.

Cleanup underway at entrance to South Industrial Park

There’s a bit of spring cleaning going on in West Bend as a new entrance to the Industrial Park South is underway. Thanks to the generosity of Principle Solutions the raggedy brush covering the park sign is gone and new landscaping is underway.

The West Bend Parks Department green lighted the generosity and then asked if Principle Solutions LLC could tackle the other entrance too at Main Street and Progress Drive. Watch for a cleaner look at both entrances in the coming days at the Industrial Park South in West Bend.

Kris Groth named Support Employee of the Year

Kris Groth is a special education aide at the Rolf’s Education Center and this week she was recognized as the Support Employee of the Year in the West Bend School District.

The award recognizes Groth’s “genuine relationship with students” and how she goes “above and beyond to provide exceptional care and guidance for students.”

Groth said she started as sub when her boys were 4 and 6. “Then I took on a regular position and said I’d do the job until both boys graduated; that was three years ago.” Groth said she has some “awesome friends and coworkers” in the district.

Updates & tidbits

-The Corporate Challenge is upon us and this year’s event starts Tuesday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Hospital with the “Great Walk.” It will include staff from companies like Delta Defense, Cedar Community and the Kettle Moraine YMCA.  Contact Lucas Nieman at 262-247-1023 or lineman@kmymca.org for more information.

-Shred Fest is Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. – noon at Thrivent Financial, 810 Paradise Dr. in West Bend.

-Homer Justman won $5,000 in the Threshold drawing held Tuesday night at the Washington County Fair Park. Barb Justman has already laid claim to the winnings saying she has two teeth that need to be fixed.

-National Independent Bookstore Day is April 30 and All in Books, 136 N. Main Street in West Bend will be celebrating.

-Spring Bling a Diva thing is Thursday, April 28 from noon – 8 p.m. at businesses in downtown West Bend and Barton.

-A hat tip to Johnson Bus and driver John Schmidt, 58, who helped transport Korean War veteran Wally Daggett, 86, of Kewaskum get to Milwaukee on Saturday so he could take part in the latest Stars & Stripes Honor Flight tour to Washington D.C. Schmidt, who has been driving for Johnson Bus for 41 years, just saw it as the right thing to do.

– The Optimist Club of West Bend is holding a brat fry next weekend April 30 and May 1 at the little red shed outside Reis’.

– Slinger High School’s Student Council is holding a Rummage Sale and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 23, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the SHS Cafeteria, 209 Polk Street. Students have been working hard, advertising, pricing and organizing donations.

Stop Saturday to enjoy history at the West Bend Company

There will be quite a bit of local history on display Saturday during the West Bend Co. reunion/ Cast Iron open house, 611 Veterans Avenue.  The historic factory has been turned into home and neighbors are welcome to tour the former maker of pots and pans and ammo. Doors open at 4 p.m. on April 23.  The event includes free drinks, free food and free tours. Bring your stories and memorabilia and try to find the spot in the factory where you used to work while touring luxury apartments with 30-foot ceilings, exposed duct work, stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops.  Photo courtesy the Washington County Historical Society.

[Note from Owen: I apologize for getting this out late this week. For those who live in Wisconsin, you know that this was the first, real BEAUTIFUL weekend of Spring and I enjoyed it immensely.]

Thank you proclamation Monday for Dist. 3 alderman Ed Duquaine

A proclamation will be read at the West Bend Common Council meeting Monday in honor of outgoing Dist. 3 alderman Ed Duquaine who is wrapping up a six year term.

Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said even though it’s the end of Duquaine’s term is it not the end of his service to this community.

“Ed sets the bar high, believes in personal responsibility and smaller government,” Sadownikow said. “Ed led by example, brought more efficiency to West Bend government, and is leaving the community a better place than when he first ran for office six years ago.”

Duquaine was first elected in 2010, replacing Richard Lindbeck. “I am proud to have been a part of so many great things that have been accomplished,” said Duquaine. “Without sugar coating, the city’s finances were a complete mess six years ago.

“We were allocating nearly $1 million a year of our day-to-day operational costs to our TIF districts (basically, financing and paying interest on daily operations over a 20-year period).

“Our operations (in some areas) were not nearly as efficient as they could have been. We had no succession planning, little to incentivize career advancement, and a culture that didn’t promote it.

“Our community development department had a reputation of being non-welcoming, tough to deal with and our process was viewed as cumbersome. That has all changed,” he said.

Duquaine said he would have liked to have stayed on for another term, maybe two.  “I would have liked to be around to eliminate all capital borrowing,” he said. “And we’re getting close to the hump with our budgetary woes.”

Duquaine reflected on his career during a recent one-on-one conversation at his office on Highway NN. “I had fun and I learned a lot,” he said. “I learned about municipal government and I’m proud of the people we have working for the city.”

Paul Wilke is a member of Common Sense Citizens. He described Duquaine as a no-nonsense, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of guy. “Ed has been a great asset to the community of West Bend,” he said. “He spear-headed the addition of artificial turf for our high school football field and lent his business savvy and talent to our community as Alderman.  During his tenure the city of West Bend has lead the way in finding ways to provide outstanding service to its citizens at the same time reducing property taxes.”

Local real estate agent Scott Schneiberg also praised Duquaine. “Ed’s is one of several key leaders to integrate common sense, efficiency, and accountability into our city’s operational and financial decisions,” said Schneiberg. “His commitment to serve our citizens has been second to none.”

Duquaine will be replaced by Mike Chevalier, president of MCR Services LLC in Richfield. Chevalier served on the city’s Value Task Force from July 2011 – April 2013, was a former president of Common Sense Citizens, on the facilities committee with St. Frances Cabrini, and Chevalier is a member of the West Bend Sunrise Rotary.

On a side note: The city was prepared to honor Herb Tennies for his years as Washington County Board Supervisor/chairman however that recognition has been postponed as the Village of Slinger will recognize Tennies on Monday night.

Big week ahead for newly elected officials

On Monday and Tuesday there will be quite a bit of ceremony as the local School Districts, County Board and City Councils will swear in newly elected candidates and appoint committees. At Tuesday’s Washington County Board meeting outgoing Chairman Herb Tennies will pass the gavel to his successor. Dist. 16 Supervisor Rick Gundrum is expected to be nominated as well as Dist. 14 Supervisor Joe Gonnering for the position of Chairman. Others may throw their hat in the ring. Early word is Gundrum is likely to win the post.

Celebrate Record Store Day

The Exclusive Company, 144 N. Main St., in downtown West Bend is celebrating Record Store Day this Saturday, April 16 opening 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

In West Bend, The Exclusive Co. has carried the torch for vinyl records. But some predecessors that served the musical beat for groovy chicks and hippy dudes in West Bend included places like Loomans & Hicken and Plischounigs on Main Street.

Jeanne Mueller was about 20 years old when she worked as a clerk at Plischounigs in the early 1950s. “It was just one big store and Mr. Plischounig had his records in the back and that department grew so much he moved it downstairs and filled the whole basement with records,” said Mueller. Selections at Plischounigs included Elvis, the Beatles, and Liberace. A 45-RPM record cost 99 cents and albums were between $4 and $5. “Mr. Plischounig liked music too,” said Mueller. “If a new album came in, I’d put it on the turntable just to see what it was like so I could talk about it.

Rev. Enrique Hernandez to be reassigned

An announcement is printed in this Sunday’s church bulletin at St. Mary’s Parish and St. Frances Cabrini that Rev. Enrique Hernandez is leaving.

“It is with renewed trust in God that I share this news with you. Archbishop Listecki has asked me to take a new assignment beginning on June 21, 2016. At this time, I do not know the details of my new assignment; however we will let you know in May, as all the assignments will be announced at that time.  I am very thankful to all of you for making the experience of my first assignment a wonderful blessing. Please pray for me during this time of transition.  Blessings! Father Enrique”

Rev. Enrique first arrived at St. Frances Cabrini three years ago. He was the first bilingual resident clergy that the parish had in quite some time.

Noelle Braun is Executive Director of Casa Guadalupe Education Center. She was at the Spanish Mass last week at St. Mary’s when Rev. Enrique explained he would be leaving in June.

“It’s really disappointing we’ll be losing him,” Braun said. “He has served the Latino community well.” Braun said she has seen the congregation grow since Rev. Enrique has been the shared priest at St. Mary’s and St. Frances Cabrini.  “A lot of people respect him and they come to him for counsel; he’s helped with baptisms, quinceaneras, and he’s part of their lives,” she said.

On Sunday, Braun said she wished Rev. Enrique the best. “This is a very bitter-sweet moment and I believe God has a plan and I’m praying we’ll continue to see the Latino community have a focal point in the church,” she said.

On average about 100 people from the Hispanic community come to Sunday’s Spanish Mass at St. Mary’s in Barton. Katie Schaitberger, Director of Evangelization at Saint Frances Cabrini, acknowledged Rev. Enrique has been a tremendous priest for the West Bend community. “He will be deeply missed,” said Schaitberger. “We have been fortunate to walk with Father Enrique through his first years of priesthood – this is a true privilege for our entire community.

“Father Enrique is a wonderful example of what it means to be a missionary in the Catholic Church. He strives each day to live his faith, and help others on their journey to heaven.  We will miss him, but look forward to all that the Lord has in store for us here in West Bend.”

Rev. Enrique was born and raised in Colombia, South America. He is fluent in Spanish and English.

Rev. Enrique was ordained to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ on Nov. 3, 2012 and worked the past three years as a shared associate pastor at both St. Frances Cabrini and Saint Mary’s Immaculate Conception Parish in West Bend. It is not known whether the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will place another Spanish-speaking priest in the community. Schaitberger said “the Spanish community will not be unserved, although it might look different.”

High-jump record broken at Kewaskum H.S.

Kewaskum High School senior Jason Hanson set a new school high jump record at Tuesday’s meet. Hanson broke the 20 -year-old outdoor record of 6-feet 6-inches set in 1995 by Travis Jacak. Hanson cleared 6-feet 7-inches in the first outdoor meet of the year. Hanson tied the 20-year-old indoor record of 6-feet 4-inches on March 17 at the first indoor meet of this season. Tuesday’s jump makes Hanson the top high jumper in the state for Division 2. Hanson qualified to compete in high jump at the state track meet the last two years.

St. Mary’s School gearing up for 50-year reunion

Alan ‘Fuzzy’ Duenkel has organized a 50-year grade school reunion for St. Mary’s School. It will be April 22 and coincide with the St. Mary’s Celebration on April 23. “Celebrating St. Mary’s” is for alumni, staff, parents, and parishioners. The evening begins with Mass at 4 p.m. followed by fellowship, food, and fun in Parish Center. The school will also be open for self-guided tours and reminiscing right after Mass. The comedy sports troupe, Fish Sticks, will perform at 7 p.m. Tickets are in the school office or church. Register online at stmaryparishwb.org/school.cfm.

Kearns sells Barton Shell

Steve Kearns has cut a deal with Steve Magestro and Janiece Maxwell, owners of M Six International Properties, has a lease-to-buy agreement for the Shell filling station, 1650 N. Main St., in Barton. The couple has been laying a foundation for their Mad Max gas stations in West Bend. Last August they purchased The Clothes Clinic building, 1221 S. Main St. next to the BP gas station they also purchased, 1229 S. Main St.

Magestro and Maxwell plan to raze the old Clothes Clinic building and expand and remodel the neighboring gas station.  M Six International Properties owns more than a dozen gas stations across southeastern Wisconsin including outlets in Saukville, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan. In Barton they have an agreement with Kearns that could turn into a full-on purchase in a couple months. Kearns purchased the Barton property in 1998. In December 2012 Kearns sold the Shell station on Highway 33 to Bud Osowski.  Kearns had purchased that property in June 2008 for $900,000.

BID kicks in to pay for repair of downtown lights

The Downtown West Bend BID board voted unanimously this week to spend $16, 213 to replace the lights bordering the buildings on Main Street. Steiner Electric said this will be a six-day project and cover up to 6,000 lights. Steiner will install the lights at night so as to not interrupt downtown parking.  Also Kevin and Amy Zimmer purchased lights for the West Bend Theatre marquee and Steiner’s crew will install those as well – since they already have the articulating lift, what the heck – it just makes sense.  Decker dubbed this a “transition year” as the hope is the volunteers will be able to put some pretty into the downtown and save taxpayers money.

Updates & tidbits       

–Kettle Moraine Bowl on Highway 60 has a pre-season car and swap meet Saturday, April 16 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

-The 38^th annual Allenton Advancement Association Buffalo Feed is April 23 from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Addison Town Hall.

– Mason Holbrook will be featured during this 2016 Washington/Ozaukee American Heart Association heart walk. Holbrook was born with Tetralogy of Fallot in March of 2014 and had to have several open heart surgeries within his first few months of life. Sign up for team Mason at washingtonheartwalk.kintera.org/teammason

-The Washington County Lacrosse team, West Bend Rush, has its first varsity home game Wednesday, April 20 vs. Kenosha at 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Park.

– Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School teacher Sarah Mayer will be leaving KML at the end of this school year. Mayer led the KMLES Band Program and other band courses 13 years.

–The DIVA’s Spring Bling is April 28; lots of activities and prizes in downtown West Bend and Barton.

-Shred Fest is Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. – noon at Thrivent Financial, 810 Paradise Dr. in West Bend.

-American Metal & Paper in West Bend and Kewaskum is offering 45-cents a pound for aluminum from April 18 – April 23 in celebration of Earth Day.

– Remember to RSVP to the Cast Iron Open House and the West Bend Company Reunion on April 23 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  RSVP at 26-334-7943 or castironluxuryliving.com/rsvp/

-Historic Barton Business Association is hosting a Brat Fry at The Sign Shop May 7. Live music will be provided by Mike Sipin and the gang.

– Senator Duey Stroebel is holding 10 town hall stops around the district: Monday, May 2 at 6 p.m. – Slinger Community Library and 7:30 p.m. at Hartford City Hall. Monday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Campbellsport Public Library and 7:30 p.m. at West Bend Community Memorial Library

– Janalee Bach has opened a new business, Wood N’ Art, at 111 N. Sixth Street in West Bend above Slesar Glass. Wood N’ Art is an instructor-led art studio that helps create custom-wood signs. An open house will be held April 30.

Roger Strack on Old Glory flight

Roger Strack of Kewaskum spent Wednesday in Washington D.C. on the Old Glory Honor Flight. This was the 34^th mission for the Old Glory Flight based out of Outagamie County Regional Airport in Appleton.

Strack talked about his service in the Army during a Saturday afternoon at his home. “I entered the Army on Feb. 2 1951,” he said.

Strack was 18 years old and had just graduated West Bend High School. He was working as a mechanic at the Ford garage, currently the parking lot of Tennies Ace Hardware. “My brother-in-law Harry Roecker from West Bend enlisted at the same time,” he said.

Strack spoke rather fondly of his time in the service and how he and Roecker were side by side for their tours of duty. After enlisting the pair took a train to Fort Sheridan and another to Fort McNair in Washington D.C.

Early on Strack found himself teaching other soldiers how to drive a 5-ton truck. “I also drove jeep delivering messages to generals,” he said.  “I remember this one sergeant started a logging camp and he got a saw and I said that looks like one where you saw a woman in half.”  Strack wasn’t sure everyone appreciated his sense of humor.

Strack and Roecker were shipped from one base to another. They traveled by train to California and then on to New Jersey and then took a ship to Greenland. “It was only supposed to take two weeks but it took a month because of the ice,” he said.

Talking excitedly Strack recalled how some of his buddies climbed right off the ship onto an iceberg.

“Half way up in the North Atlantic we transferred from a Navy attack ship to a cruiser,” he said. “So we had to haul all our earthly belongings – we had to climb down, go in a boat across the ocean and then back up onto a cruiser,” he said.

Strack was supposed to run M boats in Greenland for about three months, but there were many soldiers and too few jobs and he ended up working in the kitchen on the base. “I had to drive a truck and go get food but there was always beer stashed away so I’d sneak it out and put it under the seat for all the guys,” he said.

Strack is still over 6-feet tall. His memory is extremely sharp and he’s very computer savvy.

Always a shutterbug, Strack purchased his first 35 mm camera at the Post Exchange or PX in the military. He has hundreds of photos copied from scrapbooks and loaded into his computer.

There are pictures of his travels watching bullfights in Europe, on the streets in France and sightseeing in Italy. “We took a lot of air hops,” said Strack. “We’d get on a military airplane and then hitchhike.”

Returning from Greenland, Strack was told he’d get train tickets to Washington. “We were told we’d be able to turn the tickets in for cash and we figured we could make some good money if we sold them and found our own way to Washington,” he said. “Problem was they didn’t give us the tickets until the train was moving so we got them, jumped off the train, had no idea where we were so we hitchhiked.”

Shipped to France in 1952, Strack and Roecker worked as boat coxswain.  “A lot of service felt like I was in Boy Scouts,” Strack said.

Discharged in Jan. 10, 1953 at Fort Custer, Michigan the pair took a train home. “I went right back to the Ford Company and then I went to Larson’s Furniture, but that was real boring,” he said. “I was even repairing televisions for a while and I had no idea what I was doing.”

On May 5, 1958 Strack opened Roger and Dan’s repair shop in Kewaskum. Eager to return to Washington D.C., Strack said he was interested in seeing as much as he could. His guardian was going to be assigned on the flight.

Today’s history photo is courtesy Roger Strack of his time in service.

West Bend Company reunion/ open house is Saturday, April 23

If you live in West Bend or Washington County chances are you have a family member or two that worked for the West Bend Company.

It was one of the largest employers in the community as entire families would be on the lines manufacturing aluminum cookware or electrical appliances. The West Bend Company was a place where men met their wives, where their children worked and their children.

In 2010 the West Bend Co./Regal Ware Museum held an open house as part of a year-long celebration. Mixed in with the pots and pans were murals that traced the timeline and marketing of the cookware along with the changing roles of women.

‘In the 1950s the wife was depicted as the queen of the house but with limited independence. Women were to be devoted to house, husband and family.’

Pictured beneath the short description was a woman, sitting on the floor amidst pots and pans wearing a simple teal blue dress with white piping and pearl earrings.

That woman was Nancy Mehring, a volunteer at the open house wearing the same outfit from when the photo was taken in 1958.

“It was 53 years ago and I was like a girl sitting there dreaming about getting married,” said Mehring recalling her inspiration.

Mehring started work at the West Bend Company when she was 17, in high school and her last name was Furger.

“I was in the wholesale and premium division. I worked for Harold Ziegler, Bernie Ziegler, Allan Kieckhafer, Bob Claus and Harry Haugen as a stenographer and office gal or secretary until I earned enough money to go to college,” she said.

Back in the day the West Bend Company was in its prime; 1,100 people worked in the factory and police were needed to direct traffic at the intersection along Hwy 33 when shift changes occurred at 3:30 p.m.

Families were the bedrock of the workforce at the West Bend Company. Mehring’s father Ed Furger worked at the company as did her Aunt Ann Rossman, Aunt Loretta Furger Paasch, and Aunt Rita Schwinn.

Mehring’s brief modeling career started at the West Bend Company as industry leaders were trying to toe the bottom line.

“West Bend Company tried to keep prices down and they used staff for the photos and booklets,” said Mehring.  The photos were taken in the company’s test kitchen. Mehring made about $1 an hour and said there were no fringe benefits and her dress was simply what she wore to work.  “I think I got this at J.C. Penny’s,” she said, the dress now faded a bit to a soft, powder blue.

Kitchen Craft and Lustre Craft were big products at the time for the West Bend Company which placed ads nationally in newspapers across the country and Modern Bride magazine.

Mehring has a scrapbook of clippings of the ad including one that ran in an Iowa newspaper.

Nobody ever saw the ads in West Bend, the only way people in town may have caught Mehring in print was if they bought the cookware; her photo, pleasantly flipping hamburgers on a stove filled with Kitchen Craft stainless steel cookware, was on the front of the cookbook included with each piece.

On Saturday, April 23 there will be a West Bend Company reunion. It will coincide with an open house as the former factory that was known for making pots and pans has been repurposed into the new Cast Iron Luxury Living Apartments.

Folks will gather and share stories about working at the company, tours will be offered and there will be free food and drink and music. The event will run from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. RSVP’s are appreciated at 414-975-2617 or E-mail Megan at Castiron@hendricksgroup.net

Former Badger counselor killed in car accident

Teachers, administrators, parents and students at Badger Middle School in West Bend offered up a moment of silence this week in memory of Matt Heinen, 35, a former school counselor who was killed in a two-vehicle accident Thursday morning in Fond du Lac. Heinen worked in West Bend from August 2009 – June 2012 when the district added a third school counselor; he served as the AVID coordinator in a combined position. He was currently working as a guidance counselor at Fond du Lac High School.

Former coworker Angie Borst said counselors remembered Heinen. “We all liked him very much,” Borst said. “He cared about students and was always willing to collaborate as a team and help others.”

Kathleen Erickson praised Heinen for being a “true spirit” and a “role model” for the many lives of students and staff.

Thomas King worked with Heinen as a middle school counselor in West Bend. “Enjoyed working with Matt. He was very student focused and caring,” said King. “He was great with the middle school kids.  We worked together as part of the middle school AVID team, a program to help high-ability kids learn to work up to their potential.  I appreciated his energy and enthusiasm.  He was always upbeat and ready to go,” King said.

Nicole Minor posted on WashingtonCountyInsider.com, “Absolutely devastating! Such an admirable human being; my thoughts and prayers to his family. Worked with him at Badger and we are just heartbroken.”

Authorities said Heinen was west bound on State Highway 23 just before 7:30 a.m. when he apparently lost control of his vehicle and slid into the eastbound lane causing an accident. Heinen’s car was hit broadside by an SUV. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle, a 37-year-old Mt. Calvary man, was taken to St. Agnes Hospital in Fond du Lac with non-life threatening injuries

Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Sergeant Paul Rottscholl said weather conditions may have been a factor as there was low visibility due to heavy snow and fog and road conditions were slippery.

Washington County Fair lineup

The Washington County Fair will release its list of Main Stage headliners on Monday. WashingtonCountyInsider.com has already announced country singer Hunter Hayes will headline Thursday, July 28. There’s also early word country singer Lee Brice is expected to headline.  Also this week construction got underway for the new amphitheatre stage at the Washington County Fair Park. The new 50 x 100-foot stage is financed in partnership with West Bend Mutual Insurance. The new stage will be completed in time for the July 2016 Washington County Fair.

2016 Washington County Senior Conference is April 28

Pre-registration is required for the 2016 Senior Conference at the Washington County Fair Park on April 28. There will be a wide variety of speakers and topics including MYSELF!

I’ll give you the lowdown on some interesting travel tips – whether you hit the road by bicycle or choose a more conventional means of transportation. I’ll provide insights on some of my life’s experiences including: Lost luggage-what to do when customer service pretends they don’t understand English, Benefits to carrying an AARP card – even if you’re not that old yet, and the always popular – How to make sleep if there’s a bat in your room. Sign up at 262-335-4497.

New banners unveiled at Downtown Art Walk

Downtown West Bend’s ArtWalk is Saturday May 14 with a sneak peek of the 2016 banners from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The event will feature free admission to MOWA, a silent auction of banners and live music.

The Banner Art Event features hand-painted banners by local artists that will create an outdoor gallery on the streets of Downtown West Bend. The banners hang on the light poles of Main Street and Sixth Avenue from May through October. Pamphlets will be available at downtown businesses offering a synopsis of the banners. Thank you. ~ The Downtown West Bend Association and participating businesses that make the event possible.

Annual Allenton Buffalo Feed is Saturday, April 23

The Allenton Area Advancement Association (AAAA) is prepping for the 38^th annual Buffalo Feed, April 23. The AAAA was founded by business leaders Don Jonas, Rosie Gass, and Harold Hefter.  In 1978, during an impromptu meeting at a local tavern, half a buffalo was purchased and a unique buffet-style fund raiser was born. Money from the event was given to the Hartford Hospital Foundation for the Allenton Clinic as well as the Slinger High School Band Program, the Slinger Honors, Inc. and assisted in developing parks in the greater Allenton Area.

Tickets for the Buffalo Feed are available at allentonwi.org and the following businesses: Romie’s BP, Jug’s Hitching Post, Alma’s Café, Allenton Service, National Exchange Bank & Trust, WTKM Radio, and any member of the AAAA.

Habitat for Humanity making a difference in Washington Co.

A couple of Habitat for Humanity homes were blessed this week in Washington County. Ashley and Brian Lewis and their children celebrated their new Habitat home on Georgetown Drive in Jackson on Saturday with a dedication attended by friends, family and Habitat members.

On Wednesday a Habitat home on Bender Road in West Bend received an official blessing from St. Frances Cabrini’s Rev. Nathan Reesman. This is a tri-parish build and includes St. Frances Cabrini, St. Mary’s and Holy Trinity Newburg. The parishes will raise money for Habitat and help volunteers to build a new home for Krista Komp and her family. Kudos to the Stockhausen family for donating the land.

Losing community leaders

A couple of community leaders died this week. Former Washington County Finance Director Sue Haag, 61, passed away Thursday around 10:30 p.m. She had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. A funeral Mass is set for Tuesday, April 12 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Barton.

Chuck Myrhum, 64, owner of the Myrhum Patten Funeral Home died Saturday, April 2 following a one-month struggle with an aggressive cancer. Chuck became a licensed funeral director in 1977.  During his career his commitment to serving both his profession and his community were evident. The funeral is Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Frances Cabrini.

Updates & tidbits

– A nationwide search is underway to hire a replacement for Shawn Graff, OWLT executive director, who has resigned to take a position as Great Lakes Regional director of the American Bird Conservancy. Graff had been with the OWLT for 13 years.

– Colton Wiesner, a 2012 graduate of West Bend West High School is featured in the 2016 spring issue of St. Norbert College Magazine. The article details how Wiesner returned to Nicaragua in January and brought 40 new stethoscopes and 40 blood-pressure cuffs to donate to the clinics. He also raised more than $1,400 for medical supplies during an event at Horicon Meats.

– Two students from Hartford Union High School, Elisha Jaeke and Amy Holzer, will receive the Herb Kohl Excellence Scholarships. HUHS teacher Mark Arnholt is a 2016 recipient of the Herb Kohl Fellowship Grant as well as the Teacher of the Year at HUHS for 2015.

-On Saturday, April 30, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. it’s the Kettle Moraine YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. The day is designed to improve health and well-being for kids and families. It features games, healthy cooking demonstrations, arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home. There will also be bicycle helmets available to the first 200 kids. Those who have bike helmets are encouraged to bring them for a free helmet fitting.

– The Slinger Super Speedway season opener is April 24.

-Life of Hope will hold a free community event Thursday, April 21 as Kevin Hines, a mental health advocate, presents an evening of education and hope with a testament to the strength of the human spirit. The event starts 7 p.m. in the West Bend H.S. Auditorium.

– The Enchantment in the Park group is meeting at the warehouse at Regner Park every Monday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. putting together new displays for the 2016 season. Free lunch will be served.

-Mason Holbrook of Barton is going to be the survivor story of the 2016 Washington/Ozaukee Heart Walk this year. Holbrook was born with Tetralogy of Fallot in 2014 and had to have several open heart surgeries. Join Team Mason at washingtonheartwalk.kintera.org/teammason

-A buddy bench will be installed Monday at the I 4 Learning Charter Community School, formerly Wayne Elementary. The design was inspired by a first grader who wanted to make a place for kids to go sit when they feel alone or need a little extra support.

-Geoff Littrel is giving his building, 156 N. Main Street in West Bend, a long-awaited face lift. Littrel purchased the building in 2009. It’s currently home to Barton Ink. The upgrade follows a revamping of the corridor from Old Settlers’ Park through Vest Pocket Park, across the new pedestrian bridge to the Museum of Wisconsin Art.

Washington County Navy vet on the April 16 Honor Flight – Story courtesy Tyler Kemnitz

The Stars and Stripes Honor Flight will give 16 commendable veterans from Washington County the opportunity to make a trip to Washington D.C. on April 16.

Serving in the United States Navy seems to be a family tradition for the Goeltz family.

Earl Goeltz, 81, is a Korean War era veteran. Both his father and uncle served in the Navy during the World War I. Mr. Goeltz’ youngest son, Mike, also served in the Navy for five years until 1997, and his nephew won the Bronze star in the Army in Vietnam. Goeltz’ sister was also an Army nurse.

Earl Goeltz started his journey with the United States military in 1952 at the age of 17 when he first joined the Wisconsin National Guard.

After graduating Ashland High School, Goeltz immediately committed to the Navy and served four years on a destroyer known as the USS Walker DDE-517, spending “most of our time on the Western Pacific in the Korea and Japan area… and the war was still going on, but they [the countries] signed an armistice while I was still in basic training.” Goeltz completed his basic training in San Diego.

“I was a shipfitter, and we were in the repair division of the ship. We took care of the firefighting equipment… basically any repairs the needed to be done,” said Goeltz. He served on an anti-submarine warfare vessel, also a converted WWII destroyer.  Goeltz remarked that Navy terminology is something that has stuck with him for all his life. “The love affair that sailors have with ships is something else. When the people ask me ‘Where does it hurt?’ Well, it hurts on the port side or it hurts on the starboard side,” laughed Goeltz.

After serving in the Navy, Goeltz returned to Wisconsin, looking for employment at Splicewood Corporation, the job he had prior to his time in the service. “I started out at $1.25 an hour, and when I came back from the Navy, I came back and knocked on their door, asking for my job back and four years later, it was still $1.25 an hour!” said Goeltz.

After a couple weeks, Goeltz worked three months for a railroad company and then moved to the Washington County area, to return to school and earned a “2-year associates degree in a metal’s program” at MSOE.

During college Goeltz worked at American Motors, a career he would continue after graduating for 18 years. He found great success, moving from a supervisor’s job and beyond. “I really wanted to work in steel… even in the Navy that was the kind of stuff I did on the ship,” he said. After American Motors, Goeltz moved on LTV in Milwaukee, a steel mill based out of Pittsburgh, for 20 years until retirement in 1997. He continues to reside in Washington County today.

It was also not long after Goeltz’ time in the service he met his wife at a dance hall in Milwaukee. “I asked her for a date later on, and,” smiled Goeltz, “she didn’t say no, and that was money in the bank.” Goeltz is “glad and looking forward to the opportunity” to make the trip the Washington D.C. in April. “My executive officer on my ship was killed in a heli[copter] accident in 1972, and his name should be on the wall of the Vietnam Memorial,” said Goeltz.

Tom Goeltz, Earl’s oldest son, will be his dad’s guardian.

Kwik Trip property purchase finalized

Ground should be broken shortly as Kwik Trip has closed on the purchase of 3.025 acres on Silverbrook. According to the deed Kwik Trip, Inc. purchased the property from Commerce State Bank for $1.225 million.

There will be 26 pumps and a car wash at the new Kwik Trip. The gas station will be constructed on the west side of Silverbrook Drive just to the south of Commerce State Bank.

Designs show there will be one entrance on Silverbrook and a huge sign in the back of lot easily be seen along Highway 45. Hans Zietlow, director of real estate for Kwik Trip, said West Bend will be one of 35 stores built in 2016. Kwik Trip already has locations in Slinger and Hartford.

City of West Bend to search for Human Resources Director

Last November, city clerk Amy Reuteman was tabbed as the new assistant city administrator in West Bend. Reuteman replaced Steve Volkert who left to fill the post of Hartford City Administrator.

Since January the city of West Bend has looked to fill Reuteman’s post as city clerk and they’ve had little luck. “We only had three applications,” city administrator T.J. Justice said. “Enough time has passed that I’m convinced there isn’t a qualified clerk interested in the position.”

The mayor and the council have asked Reuteman to remain as city clerk and as assistant city administrator but be relieved of duties of the human resource director. The city feels an H.R. director will be critical as it moves forward with a new on-site health care clinic. In the meantime Reuteman will continue to wear three hats. The city hopes to take a bit off her plate before the next election in August. No word if Reuteman’s pay will be affected by the change in titles.

Schaarschmidt Chiropractic building sold

The Schaarschmidt Chiropractic building, 235 N. 18th Avenue in West Bend has been sold to Daniel Hess from Glendale for $625,000. The 2015 assessment on the property was $760,500.

“This used to be an apple orchard owned by the Barth sisters,” said Kurt Schaarschmidt. “We opened Dec. 20, 1991 and Larry Bunkelman from Bunkelman Builders was our builder.” Schaarschmidt said he was going for an English Tudor look. “Originally it was a house plan out of Arizona and we adapted it to a clinic,” said Janine Schaarschmidt. The Schaarschmidts will be leasing the building and continue to operate their clinic.

 Washington County veterans headed to Honor Flight

Don Richter, 83, of Cedar Ridge is one of 11 veterans from Washington County who will take part in the April 16 Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

It was January 1952 Richter graduated Whitefish Bay High School and was 19 years old when he enlisted in the U.S. Army. “I went to Camp Breckinridge in Kentucky for basic training and then to Fort Benning, Georgia,” Richter. “I enlisted as a paratrooper but did not complete jump school.”

During training Richter completed the jump from the 30-foot tower and he advanced to the 200-foot tower. “We mainly practiced our landing, but when I got to the plane I just thought why would you want to jump out of a perfectly good airplane,” he said.

Shipped to Korea, Richter was a corporal in the infantry. “I stayed on the 38th parallel and they had me on the front lines,” he said.

Involved in 150 patrols, Richter said he saw “plenty of action.” “We exchanged fire, but it was more like a harassment deal. When the truce was signed in 1953 they sent me home and I went to Fort Hood, Texas,” said Richter.

Discharged in January 1955 when he was 22 years old, Richter returned to the Milwaukee area where he went to work at Phoenix Garage Doors and then to the Village of Fox Point where he served for 32 years with the Fox Point Fire Department. Rather soft spoken, Richter said he was eager to see the Korean Memorial. His guardian on the trip will be his son Michael.

Donald Frohmader a meat inspector during the Korean War

The Stars & Stripes Honor Flight is gearing up for its 8^th year of tours and there are some well-deserving veterans from Washington County who will be making the trip April 16 to see their memorials in D.C.

Quite a few neighbors in town know Donald Frohmader, 86, of West Bend; he worked for 33 years as a lineman for Wisconsin Energy.

A veteran of the Korean War, Frohmader grew up in Tomah and graduated New Lisbon High School. “I enlisted in the Air Force on April 30, 1951 when I was 21 years old,” said Frohmader. “I chose the Air Force because I thought it would be easier than the Marines.”

Frohmader and his older brother Jerome enlisted together. “We had basic training at St. Antonio, Texas but then he went to Florida and I went to California,” he said.

Following an opening in the veterinary medical department Frohmader was stationed in Sacramento, California. “Our biggest job working with contractors who would bid on meat so we had to inspect that,” he said.

To this day Frohmader said he “knows the difference between good and low-grade meat.”

“The government never bought anything less than choice,” said Frohmader. “We had to make sure the cut meat did not have too much fat and we took samples of the hamburger and it couldn’t be more than 25 percent fat,” he said.

The normal ordering process included contracts of 40,000 pounds of meat. “Fifty percent roasts and steaks, hamburger was 37 percent and the rest was stew meat,” he said.

Frohmader was discharged in January 1955 ending his service as a 3-stripe sergeant, he returned to the Tomah area to work on his brother’s farm. “I made my way to Milwaukee and worked for a little bit at Continental Can,” he said. “I didn’t like that because of all the noise but you could get jobs anyplace.” Eventually Frohmader landed a job with Wisconsin Energy. “West Bend is part of the territory for Wisconsin Energy and I came out here in October 1967,” he said. “We still live in the same house I bought.”

Frohmader has never been to Washington D.C. but he’s looking forward to the trip. “My wife’s brother in law got killed in Normandy and we want to see if we can find his name on the honor roll,” he said.  Kenneth Frohmader, 51, will serve as his dad’s guardian.

Korean War veteran Wally Daggett

There are 11 veterans from Washington County going on April’s Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

Kewaskum’s Wally Daggett, 86, a Korean War veteran will be on that flight. “I enlisted in the Army Air Corp. when I was 19 years old,” said Daggett. “I had a good job working at the West Bend Company in development engineering but I went into the service and was shipped to Biloxi, Mississippi.”

The year was 1949 and Daggett was sent to airplane engine mechanic school for eight months.

A self-described “country kid who had average grades” Daggett ended up advancing through nearly a dozen schools learning everything about planes and engines. “I can’t understand how come they sent me to all these different types of schools but I must have caught on to engines,” he said.

Sitting in a wheelchair in his room on the second floor of the Samaritan Home, Daggett shares stories of his seven years in service. “I first was station in Mississippi where it was really hot,” he said. “I finished school and then they sent me to the Arctic for a year and a half.”

Daggett continued as a mechanic but also went along as an observer with Air and Sea Rescue.

“A couple of times the Air Force threatened to make an instructor out of me but I said I didn’t join the service to be an instructor, I’d rather have active duty,” he said.

The next assignment was a short 5-month stint in Massachusetts. Daggett was then tabbed to be a senior mechanic on engines and he went to Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois where he enrolled in flight engineer school.

“After 10 months I went to a B-29 crew as a flight engineer and they trained me then they needed bomber crews in North Korea and I was shipped overseas,” he said.

The year was 1952; Daggett’s memory is sharp and he tells vivid stories about tours of duty that placed him in Japan working as a flight engineer on a long-range bomber. “I ran that plane,” he said. “I knew every nut and bolt in that plane.”

Daggett was sent back to school where he learned to operate a new type of aerial tanker. “That’s the one where they have the boom in the back and they fuel in the air,” he said. “We could take them all the way from England back to the states and refuel them in the air. I liked that.”

Daggett also recalled making a forced landing at the 38^th parallel in Korea. “We had been hit with flack, one engine was out and the other was faltering,” he said. “Ted Williams escorted us in and he was even running low on fuel.”

Not until after the landing did Daggett find out the man who guided them in was actually a famous baseball player. “He actually was shot up a little bit and forced to make a landing at the same airport we did,” Daggett said.

Stationed in Korea for seven months, Daggett flew planes until the end of his tour.  Returning home to his job at the West Bend Company, Daggett met and married his wife Joan.

The couple moved to a dairy farm near Random Lake, had a dozen kids and were part of a precedent-setting case where they sued the power company and won after stray voltage was found on their farm. Daggett’s grandson Brian will be his guardian on the tour.

Habitat Homes to be dedicated  

Habitat for Humanity will dedicate a couple of houses in Washington County over the next few days. On Saturday a home on Georgetown Drive in Jackson will be dedicated and on Monday a home on Bender Road in West Bend will be started. A groundbreaking is set for 9 a.m. The home on Bender Road is a tri-parish build and includes Saint Frances Cabrini, St. Mary’s and Holy Trinity Newburg. The three parishes have joined together to raise the money for Habitat and help volunteers to build it.

Updates & tidbits                      

-There are two write-in candidates for this year’s Washington County Board race. Denis Kelling is a registered write-in for District 6 and Andy David is a registered write-in for District 3.

–  Election Day is April 5 and polls open at 7 a.m.

– Chix 4 a Cause will hold its 12th Annual Evening of Celebration fundraiser Saturday, April 16 to support people fighting cancer in Wisconsin. The evening starts 5:30 p.m. at the West Bend Mutual Insurance Company Prairie Center and includes auctions, raffles, vendors, a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres. Event tickets are $25 in advance or at the door.

-Community Estate Planning Seminar is Wednesday, April 20 starting at 6 p.m. at the Kettle Moraine YMCA in West Bend. Call 262-334-3405 to reserve your spot.

-Friends of Hartford Library is holding its annual book sale April 13 – 16 in the library atrium.

-Holy Angels School is holding its 6th annual indoor rummage sale April 2 and 3. Rare items from the rectory are for sale including dressers and bed frames.

–Thrivent Financial, 810 E. Paradise Drive, will host a Shred Fest on April 30 from 9 a.m. – noon. Shredding is at no cost but participants are encouraged to bring necessities that will be shipped to Support the Troops Wisconsin.

-Can I get a WOOT WOOT for Eric Zeitler who bowled a 279 triplicate for an 837 series at Pioneer Bowl in Richfield. “It is my highest series of all time,” said Zeitler. “I ended up with 32 out of 36 strikes. I have now had a pair of 800 series and also have three 300 games. It was an incredible night, thanks for asking.”

-Mountain Outfitters, 109 S. Main St., in West Bend is hosting a warehouse sale through April 3 with over 100 used bikes, close out bikes, parts, accessories, clothing and shoes.

– Mason Holbrook’s survivor story will be featured during this year’s Washington/Ozaukee Heart Walk for the American Heart Association. Mason was born in March 2014 with Tetralogy of Fallot and had several open heart surgeries within his first few months of life. Without the technology, knowledge and research Mason would not be with us today. Mason’s story will be featured in the medical journal. Join team Mason at washingtonheartwalk.kintera.org/teammason

– The 2016 Kettle Moraine Lutheran Charity Auction, Friday Night Lights, is April 15. Tickets can be purchased at www.kmlhs.org/auction for $65 per person through April 2. Ticket prices will increase to $75 per person April 3 through April 8 when registration closes.   

History photo Honor Flight

Wally Daggett is going on the April 16 Honor Flight. Today’s history photo is of Daggett from 1949. A self-described “country kid who had average grades” Daggett ended up advancing through nearly a dozen schools learning everything about planes and engines.

Pizza Ranch a possibility in West Bend

There’s apparently some truth to the “word” about Pizza Ranch “sniffing around” West Bend.

Pizza Ranch was founded by Adrie Groeneweg in 1981 in Hull, Iowa. There are currently 180+ locations across 13 states including Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois.

In Wisconsin the closest Pizza Ranch to West Bend is in Fond du Lac. There’s also a Pizza Ranch in Oshkosh, Portage, Waupun, Sun Prairie, Sheboygan, Kohler and Appleton.

Pizza Ranch identifies itself as “prides itself on legendary service and quality food. Our unique “Buffet Your Way” means you can request any pizza you want and we’ll not only make it for you, we’ll personally deliver the first slice to you! Now that’s legendary service!”

Taking a look around West Bend and the possible locations for a Pizza Ranch – here’s a brief rundown of availability – which do you think is best?

Meijer is building on S. Main Street just south of Paradise Drive. There will obviously be room for satellite stores. The former Pizza Hut location, 1610 W. Washington Street. The former Walgreens site at the corner of Decorah and S. Main Street.

The former Ponderosa, 2020 W. Washington St., would also be an option. Building owner Steve Kilian confirmed he received a call from Pizza Ranch about a year and a half ago. He said they were looking for a franchisee and after that he never heard from them. Stay tuned!

New business buys Barton building

Kettle Moraine Counseling will be moving into the former Affiliated Clinical building in Barton. “Owner Devona Marshall purchased the building for $300,000 and will be moving in April 15.

“We have been looking and looking for new office space for about a year,” said Marshall. “We wanted to stay downtown but we like Barton and feel it will be a really good spot for us.”

The building, 400 N River Drive, dates to 1986. Years ago it was home to Monarch Studio and most recently it was Affiliated Clinical Services. “It fits us perfectly without hardly any renovations,” Marshall said. “We’ll be adding some lighting, doing a little painting and some new carpet and we’ll be open next month.”

Kettle Moraine Counseling, which features 13 therapists, has been in business six years as of March 1. Kettle Moraine Counseling provides mental health services for children, adults and families; it also has a Spanish speaking counselor on staff.

Kettle Moraine Counseling accepts Badger Care. Marshall said her clients come in from Washington County, Dodge, Ozaukee and some Fond du Lac County.

Sale of green space south of MOWA tabled

The West Bend Finance Committee met in closed session for nearly 40 minutes this week as it discussed the sale of city property, TIF No. 5 and 9. That 1.2-acre parcel to the south of the Museum of Wisconsin Art has been vacant for 10 years. In mid-2015 the city found itself with two offers on the same grassy space within a two-week time span.

One offer was from the Thomas J. Rolfs Foundation, Inc. and the other Bob Bach, Project Manager at P2 Development Company LLC in Saukville. He proposed a $5 million housing development. That housing proposal rankled some folks in the community, especially those that questioned the city’s long-term vision.

Over the past few months there have been some intense discussions regarding finances and how to lay the groundwork for a positive and fun downtown in the future.

Back in August quite a few aldermen threw in their thoughts, arguing mostly to the point of dollars and cents. “Downtown TIF’s are tough to succeed,” District 2 alderman Steve Hutchins said. “They’re hard to develop the increment to make it successful and right now we’re trying to figure out this balancing act.”

Following Monday’s closed session the Finance Committee returned and tabled a decision on the sale until the April 18 meeting. A spokesperson for MOWA said the city wanted all of the paperwork on the table before making a decision.

Sprucing up the façade at former Walgreens

There as a small face lift given this week to the exterior of the former Walgreens at 806 S. Main Street in West Bend. The building has been vacant for more than five years. It closed Sept. 4, 2010 after Walgreens built a new location and moved south down the street, closer to the intersection of Paradise and Main.

Continental Properties owns the building at the corner of Decorah and Main.

Walgreens originally moved in in 1995.  In 2010 the Walgreens district manager Rick Sterna said, the company still had “a five-year lease on that and it will go into our surplus property.”

Sterna said it was their goal not to “let a pharmacy go in there.”

While Walgreens is working to keep out the competition it is worth noting the new Meijer store will have a drive thru pharmacy. The new Meijer will be located a stone’s throw from the newer Walgreens on S. Main Street. Meijer will break ground this spring on the site that used to be home to Bend Industries.

The vacant property on Decorah and Main is currently being marketed by Mid-America Real Estate. It’s listed for lease/sale.

Fate of gazebo tabled

The fate of the gazebo, which formerly made its home at Old Settlers’ Park in West Bend, has been tabled. The gazebo currently sits in the back parking lot of the former Schwai’s in Cedar Creek. Both property and the old park shelter are owned by Kevin and Amy Zimmer.

The couple went before the board of zoning appeals in the Town of Polk this week. Zimmer said action on placement of the gazebo was tabled until “a more accurate survey of the property is presented to the variance board.”

“Hopefully we can get the placement approved at the next town variance meeting,” Kevin Zimmer said.  The couple is hoping to place the gazebo on the Schwai’s restaurant property on Cedar Creek Road.

Blast of winter doesn’t affect crossing guard in shorts

The robins are flitting around the late winter white saying “What are this?” The hearty purple crocus are pushing their faces through the heavy blanket of ice and Chucky Fellenz wife shakes her head as her little boy leaves the house in a fluorescent lime green jacket, hat and shorts.

“I put my pants away three weeks ago,” said Fellenz with confidence. “I just had a lady roll down her window and yell at me. I hollered back ‘I’m not cold.’”

Fellenz has been working the corner of Decorah and Main as a crossing guard in West Bend for more than a dozen years and he’s not gonna let Mother Nature tell him what for.

On Wednesday afternoon school kids ducked their heads as they braced against the pelting rain. Traffic moved slowly as windshield wipers pushed away the heavy, damp snow and Fellenz knew enough to stay 2-feet back from the curb.

“These cars come along and they hit that puddle and the water carries up over in a good slosh,” he said. White chicken legs exposed to the elements, Fellenz gives a sharp blow to his whistle, lifts his stop sign and safely crosses students to the opposite side of Main Street.

He dances back up to the sidewalk, his white tennis shoes soaked. He’s a poster boy for every mother’s winter-wardrobe nightmare.

“My wife bought me a pair of heated gloves,” he said. “I got them on low. My ears may get a little cold, but the rest of me is just fine.”

Updates & tidbits

-There are a couple of write-in candidates for this year’s Washington County Board race. Denis Kelling is a registered write-in for District 6 and Andy David is a registered write-in for District 3.  Whoever receives the highest number of votes will be the winner.

-Wednesday, March 30 at 10 a.m. the West Bend City Clerk will conduct a public test of the electronic voting system. This is being done prior to the April 5 election.

– In-person absentee voting for the spring election runs through April 1.  Clerks across Washington County report “a steady turnout.”  Election Day is April 5 and polls open at 7 a.m.

-Holy Angels School is preparing for its 6th annual indoor rummage sale Saturday, April 2 and 3. Donations will be accepted this weekend including gently used, unwanted items:  bikes, tools, home décor, clothing, dishes, books, toys, sporting goods, etc. in the Walnut Room of school.

-On Thursday, March 31 a meteorologist from the National Weather Service will conduct Severe Weather Spotter Training at the Germantown Village Hall, N112W17001 Mequon Rd. in Germantown. The session will begin at 6:30 p.m. and last approximately two hours.

–Thrivent Financial will host a Shred Fest on April 30 from 9 a.m. – noon at 810 E. Paradise Drive. Shredding will be done at no cost but participants are encouraged to bring items, necessities that will be shipped to Support the Troops Wisconsin.

-Adam Williquette of Anderson Commercial and Paula Becker from RE/MAX United presented a check for $1,322 to the West Bend Moose Lodge. Williquette and Becker agreed to donate an amount equal to 20 percent of their commissions to the lodge, from the sale of real estate sold or bought by a Moose member or a referral from a member. The first sale, a ranch in Menomonee Falls, was sold by Becker on Feb. 26. Moose members, Wayne and Michelle Lesperance, were the previous owners of the home. “We look forward to being able to give back to an important institution in our community in the hopes the Lodge can use the money for needed repairs and upgrades,” Becker said.

– In Hartford the public works department is starting to reach out to private owners of Ash trees affected with the Emerald Ash Borer as neighbors are urged to work with one another on private tree-removal services to get quantity discounts.

-Mountain Outfitters, 109 S. Main St., in West Bend will host a warehouse sale April 1 – 3 with over 100 used bikes, close out bikes, parts, accessories, clothing and shoes.

Memories of Easter finery

Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

That day also represents the advent of spring fashion with sweaters instead of heavy coats, anklets instead of knee socks and lighter colors with jubilant patterns.

Since the 1870s women and girls have followed tradition using that Sunday to show off their Easter dresses and neighbors in West Bend have done the same.

Kathy Keehn of West Bend submitted today’s photo; it’s from 1953 when she lived in Maywood, Illinois.

“I am in my Easter hat, coat, white gloves and pail,” said Keehn. “I remember how I couldn’t wear my new white shoes because the weather wasn’t nice.”

Joan Hoff, 79, of Cedar Ridge grew up in Milwaukee and later the Campbellsport area. Years ago she too kept an eye on the forecast as Easter approached.

“I especially remember two weeks before Easter I hoped it would be warm enough so we didn’t have to wear a coat over our new dress,” said Hoff. “It was a big deal if it was going to be raining.”

Hoff remembered her dress was “something fluffy with a full skirt.”

“And we always wore hats to church; kind of a bonnet and as an adult it was a pillbox.

Hoff attended St. Aloysius in West Allis and when she had daughters of her own she got them “spiffed up, especially for Easter Mass.”

“I sewed tons,” said Hoff noting her daughters were far enough apart in age that she never dressed them alike.

“I used whites or pastels; you would never have a red plaid or navy blue.”

Hoff remembered sleeves on the dresses often with a button on the back and a little zipper on the side to pull it over their head.

And her girls always “had white shoes, even though it wasn’t Memorial Day”

“My younger daughter had a purse passed down from her cousin and it was shaped like a little parasol with a curved handle. That was her purse going to church and she loved it,” said Hoff.

Mary ‘Sis’ Eberhart, 64, grew up in Milwaukee and we got her Easter dress at Schuster’s Department Store on 12th and Vliet.

“It’s where we always went shopping,” said Eberhart. “I was 12 at the time and had an Easter hat with little flowers and my dad always bought me good shoes.”

Mary Radovich, 86, from Cedar Ridge remembered the financial woes of the Great Depression and how “when you got something new for Easter you always managed to get a dress.”

“You bought it a Goldman’s where the price was the cheapest,” said Radovich recalling the $1.98 spent on the dress.

At the time Radovich attended church at St. John’s on 9th and Mineral. “The dress was pink with satiny material; I can just see myself,” she sighed.

“You normally bought the dress two sizes bigger than what you really needed because it had to last that long for Sunday church. “I didn’t have a hat or purse – I was just lucky to get a dress,” she said.

While growing up, Radovich and her family struggled financially and were resigned to living on the county dole. “At that time we had only one choice of style shoe and it was made in Waupun – always at the prison,” said Radovich of the black Oxford county-issued shoes.

“Once a friend of mine gave me a pair of sandals; she had worn them out and there was a hole in the sole but she gave them to me and I put cardboard in and then nobody knew I had county shoes,” she laughed recalling how sly she felt in her cobbled shoes.

Barb Justman from BJ & Company recalled wearing a pastel yellow dress with lots of ruffles. “I also had a flowery hat, white gloves, and of course those dandy white leotards,” said Justman whose mom would lay everything out the night before Easter so they would be ready to go for 6 a.m. church service.  “My dress would hang from the living room chandelier so as not to wrinkle,” said Justman. “And I even got to wear the dress ALL day!”

Lori Lynn Radloff remembered the Easter hats with the elastic under the chin. “My brother would pull and snap it. I think everyone goes thru that,” said Lynn Radloff.

Cathy Majkowski of West Bend grew up with four sisters and each had a homemade Easter dress.  “I always worried about getting chocolate from the big candy bunny on my dress,” she said.

Another year Majkowski insisted on a new pair of shoes to go with her dress.  “I did not want hand me downs for Easter; my mom said ‘no’ and I threw a hissy fit in the store, only to find the shoes in my Easter basket in the morning,” she said.

Jill Clare, 80, from Cedar Ridge grew up in West Bend and had five girls. “We were members of Holy Angels and I made all their dresses,” said Clare confirming five handmade dresses each year. “I only used pastels and one year I made them all in a purple gingham check, lavender and white and by the time that passed down I didn’t want to see lavender anymore – nor did the girls,” said Clare.

The style of Clare’s handmade dresses featured little puffed sleeves, Peter Pan collars, with a button by the opening in the back, a full skirt and always a small bow. For accessories, Clare relied on the five and dime Ben Franklin discount stores.“They all had little caps with a bow under their chin, white gloves, and patent leather shoes with anklets and tiny drawstring purses,” she said. “I always made my husband wear a suit because Easter Sunday was a dress up day,” said Clare.

New West Bend Cinema opens to rave reviews

The new West Bend Cinema, formerly the Paradise Theatre, opened after the first stage of an interior remodel was completed by the new ownership group Boppa LLC. The group, which already owns the property, took over operations Feb. 29, 2016.

Flipping the theatre became a passionate project by local owners who thought the community deserved a cinema that featured multiple screens in a family setting with affordable prices. “Challenged” to find contractors in a limited time frame the new owners decided to tackle the project in segments starting with a good cleaning. “Cleanliness and friendliness is our new motto,” said spokesman Troy Hanson.

For the past week the owners have worked alongside staffers to give the theatre a solid cleaning. “The candy we found buried in the seats was petrified,” said Hanson.

Changes include new bathrooms, carpet, paint, and lighting. “In the coming months new seating will be installed,” said Hanson. “On Monday new outdoor signage was installed.”

Employees got raises and new matching grey polo shirts. The West Bend Cinema is working on a website and Facebook page. More information at westbendcinema.com

Bridge-gate: Somebody forgot to check the ‘white’ box

It’s a story we told you about first at WashingtonCountyInsider.com as contractors worked today to move the new bow truss pedestrian bridge in place over the Milwaukee River.

It appeared the bridge delivered was not exactly what the common council approved as they signed off on a white bridge. Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said the contractor made a mistake, it will be white and the contractor has until the end of May to have it all done.

“No joy when someone makes a mistake but it will be corrected,” Sadownikow said.

On a side note: There were some usual suspects hanging out at the scene of bridge-gate on Service Drive – jawing with the contractors. “I know where you can get some white paint – on sale,” said Terry Tennies with Tennies Ace Hardware.

Pipeline issues again in Town of Jackson   

Crews from West Shore Pipe Line Co. have been moving equipment into the Jackson Marsh in the area of Division Road north of Highway 60. Neighbors in the Town of Jackson said this “is the area where they replaced a section of the pipeline that failed in 2012. Tom Isaac with the Department of Natural Resources said repairs are being made to a section regional fuel pipeline. He said contractors described the pipe as degraded, however he said this does not mean it’s cracked or that anything leaked in the marsh. Contractors are quoted in an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel saying the work is “routine maintenance.”

Wisconsin School Music Association district-level Solo Ensemble at WBHS

WBHS Bands and Choirs are hosting the Wisconsin School Music Association district-level Solo Ensemble at WBHS on March 19 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visiting high schools include Beaver Dam, Germantown, Living Word, Cedarburg, Grafton, Webster, Central Wisconsin, and Hartford.  There are 11 performance sites with piano, woodwinds, brass, percussion, strings, vocal, and various large ensembles, including jazz ensembles.  “I still have my Solo & Ensemble medals” is a statement regularly heard by WSMA staff from generations of festival participants who take pride in this long-time tradition, which creates memories and skills for life.

Through the solo and ensemble experience, students learn the discipline of rehearsal, are challenged to advance their musical skills, perform in front of an audience and adjudicator, and receive feedback on their performance. Those that perform at the highest level (Class A) at a WSMA District Festival have the opportunity to receive a 1* (one-star) rating which advances them on to State Solo & Ensemble Festival, which is at Cardinal Stritch University on May 7.

The five primary goals of the WSMA Solo Ensemble festivals are:  Improve students’ music performance; Increase students’ understanding of music literature and music concepts; Motivate students to continue their study of music; Establish standards of excellence in music performance and provide opportunities for students to understand the relationship of music experiences to other life experiences.  The festival is free, and open to the public.

Herb Kohl Foundation award winner

A note of congratulations to West Bend High School special education teacher Jen Mesko who is receiving the 2016 Herb Kohl Education Fellowship Award.

The award recognizes teachers in Wisconsin who inspire their students. “Jen is an astute professional,” said Badger School principal Dave Uelmen. “She always goes above and well beyond for staff and students.  Her work with the at-risk population at the high school has been amazing.”

Mesko has been a teacher in the West Bend School District more than a dozen years. She is a former Rolfs Award Winner in 2011 – 2012.

The Kohl Foundation Award recognizes teachers in Wisconsin who inspire their students Uelmen said that fits Mesko to a “T.”

“She puts together gift drives for students in need every Christmas,” he said.  “Her ability to de-escalate situations and students in immediate need is second to none.  There have been numerous times she has remained at school well beyond building hours to help students and staff.”

This year for the 25th anniversary of the educational foundation, Herb Kohl tripled the amount of each scholarship, fellowship and school grant to $3,000.

Previous winners in the West Bend School District include Silverbrook Middle School teachers Brian Chesick and Jacquelyn Drover and West Bend East High School teacher Richard Prost.

The Kohl Foundation Scholarship and Fellowship program was established for former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl in 1990.

Penny Wars at St. Frances Cabrini

Students at St. Frances Cabrini raised $966.90 in its recent Penny War. The event is held during Lent as part of a message from Pope Francis who asked us to “give of ourselves to help make others’ lives better.”

“The money raised will be presented to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” said Principal Aaron Hilts. “I am very proud of our students’ efforts and it was a fun way for us to help others this Lenten season.”

For this penny war the grouping of the 8th,3rd and 2nd grades finished first. Grades 7,4 and 1 finished second and third place went to the team of 6th, 5th and kindergarten.  The winning group will get a pizza party.

Write-in candidates in Wash. Co. for April 5 election

There are a couple of write-in candidates for this year’s Washington County Board race. Denis Kelling is a registered write-in candidate for Washington County Supervisor in District 6 and Andy David is a registered write-in candidate for Washington County Supervisor in District 3.  Whoever receives the highest number of votes will be the winner.  There is no minimum requirement for the number of votes to secure the seat.

Updates and Tidbits

– In-person absentee voting for the April 5 election gets underway Monday, March 21 at City Halls in Slinger, Kewaskum, Hartford, Jackson and the rest of Washington County. On another note, City Hall in West Bend is closed Good Friday, March 25.

–Common Sense Citizens of Washington County will host a School Board Forum on Wednesday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the West Bend Moose Lodge. If audience members would like to have questions asked please email them to forum moderator Chris Jenkins at info@cscwc.com.

-Rummage sale today at the Washington County Senior Center, 401 E. Washington Street from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.   There will be no prices on items; people will pay what they believe is a fair price.   We had wonderful firefighters stop by and carry the tons of rummage from our lower level to the upper level in about 10 minutes. Would have taken us all day – and we would have died doing it!

-Individuals, businesses, and organizations can dispose of unused and broken electronic items in an environmentally responsible way at KML’s annual Community Electronics Recycling Event THIS SATURDAY, March 19, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. More information at kmlhs.org/recycle.

-Neighbors in West Bend and Washington County are going to have the best teeth ever as construction of a dental office is underway. The office of Dr. Kunick is being built on E. Washington Street, adjacent to Wingate Street and Trenton Road, which is over by the Klotz’s Piggly Wiggly.

-Students from St. Mary’s School in Barton will perform the last passion play on March 20 at 6 p.m. in the church. The tradition of the passion play is 30 years old.

– Teeing it Up for the Arts golf fundraiser is June 27 at WBCC. For $150 you will receive: 18 holes of golf at WBCC, a cart, lunch, apps after golf with a cash bar, and a seat in the brand new Silver Lining Arts Center at the WBHS. Thanks to generous partners Rick Parks, Tammy Clark at the Principal Financial Group, Ansay and Associates and West Bend the first 90+ players fees will go 100 percent to benefit the high school auditorium.

– All in Books, 136 N. Main Street in West Bend, is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Easter Egg Hunt. Plastic eggs for children will be hidden throughout the store and parents will have special eggs in a basket on the counter. Eggs for children will have free books, candy, toys, and more and one special egg will have a $10 gift certificate to spend on used books of their choice. The eggs for adults will contain a discount coupon a chance to win a $25 gift certificate. Find more details at facebook.com/events/1700293220240488/

– Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School math teacher, Mr. Tim Kuehl, was awarded an Influential Educator Award from the School of Education at UW-Platteville. Recipients of the award were nominated by former students because of the influence they had on the student in pursuing a career in education.

Exceptional Friend or Family Caregiver Award winner

Wonderful evening at the Great Minds Gala presented by Integrace and Leading Age. The event was held Monday evening at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington D.C.

I was presented with the Exceptional Friend or Family Caregiver Award for my bicycling tours to raise money and awareness for memory care activities at Cedar Community. A huge thanks to Tracey Stroeh for the nomination.

I was able to meet with Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Halperin, the winner of the Senator William and Ellen Proxmire Award. An Excellence in Dementia Care Award was presented to Phoebe Ministries.

The evening was fantastic, like an Academy Award show.

There was opening entertainment from the Saint Augustine Gospel Choir (click on the link to hear them sing) followed by presentations, videos and a dinner of filet Mignon, roasted tomato bordelaise, pan seared day boat scallops, and lemon pepper coulis with broccolini and julienne vegetable. Followed by a sweet trio dessert of black & white mousse square, strawberry swirl cheesecake and chocolate cherry tart.

Some tidbits from behind the scenes:

-During rehearsal the event coordinator, Sharon Sullivan, kept mentioning ‘the band.’  “You’ll take the stage after ‘the band,’” she said. I knew this was a high-end event so, being the reporter I had to ask. “Is One Direction going to be here tonight?”  “How about the Fu Fighters… were the Fu Fighters the band she was referring to?” There was quite a bit of secrecy surrounding the evening and I was approaching it like a Nancy Drew mystery with a Rolling Stone twist.

-We were offered to put our acceptance speech on a teleprompter. I passed and figured I’d wing it.  I did awesome! …. everybody said so.

-Some scuttlebutt at the ceremony indicated the award winners this year would be presenters at next year’s Gala. WOOT WOOT!  A return trip to D.C. What an honor to be a part of this function to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s.

-I totally pulled a R. Douglas Ziegler and approached as many people as possible to see if they would sponsor this year’s Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s bicycle tour. I asked permission from the organizers and the reps from Cedar Community, just to make sure I wasn’t out of line. Hopefully I’ll have great success and kick the fundraiser past the six-figure mark this year!

-The award is crystal and on display at Cedar Ridge upon my return.

-I did have some concerns about the lighting on stage… especially if you could see through my dress. I felt very Beyonce  but figured I was in Washington D.C. and this was not even close to D.C. scandal.

-The next bicycle tour takes off June 22 for New Mexico. I will pedal to Shiprock and then back to Wisconsin. More information can be found at imthebikewriter.blogspot.com

Remembering Dave Wolf

A memorial service was held this past week for Dave Wolf who died March 11 at the age of 73.

Reverend Doug Leonhardt, a Jesuit priest, oversaw the service. “Dave had a sparkle in his eyes and ideas up his sleeve,” he said. “Dave thrived on bringing joy to others. He was a man of few words and made a lasting impression on the community.”

Wolf’s sister Mary Henke provided the eulogy and remembered her brother as the man who purchased Dick’s Pizza which had a 25 cent sundae bar and unlimited toppings. “He mentored hundreds of employees, enjoyed his grandchildren and gadgets he found for sale on TV including the perfect egg cooker, a stump fiddle and the inflatable leg stimulator.”

Wolf was involved in many community and civic groups, including Treasurer of the WB Jaycees, Charter Board Member of the Kettle Moraine YMCA, President of the West Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau, Drive Chairman and President of United Way of Washington County, Board Member of the West Bend American Red Cross, West Bend Columns Organization, and West Bend Chamber of Commerce, three time big brother with the Big Brothers/Sisters of Washington County, and most recently Treasurer of the West Bend Gridiron Club.

Dave and Mary were also responsible for bringing the West Bend Christmas Parade back to the community and Dave served as Sponsor and Chairman for several years. Additionally he had an ongoing role in both the West Bend 4th of July Parade and the West Bend Memorial Day Parade.

Today’s history photo features several pictures from the Dave Wolf service courtesy the Wolf family.

West Bend loses leaders that left a legacy

A tough week for West Bend as the community lost a number of leaders who left definite legacies. Last Saturday, March 5, R. Douglas Ziegler died at the age of 89 and Virginia O’Meara passed. Jan Petri died last Friday, Bill Lutz died Monday, March 7, and on Friday former Dick’s Pizza owner Dave Wolf died.   Jeffrey S Szukalski wrote, “The City of West Bend has taken a huge hit this week. Doug Ziegler, Virginia O’Meara and Dave Wolf along with Mr. Lutz just to name a few. What they meant to us and how they quietly made our town better. Dave Wolf never wanted any credit for what he did in Rotary, parades, church or anything else he donated to. Dave loved West Bend and his friends in town. Dave helped West Bend be one of the best towns in the world to live.”

Below are some memories from Bill Lutz, Virginia O’Meara and R. Douglas Ziegler. Details on funeral arrangements for Dave Wolf can be found later this week at WashingtonCountyInsider.com

Bill Lutz

Bill Lutz, 76, worked at the West Bend Fire Department for over 25 years. “He was one of the original six full-time firefighters when they went to 24 hour days in 1970,” Fire Chief Gerald Kudek said. “Bill was a lot of fun to work with and when I came on he was the motor pump operator.”

Lutz was involved in the community as a member of West Bend Roots and Branch, Action in Jackson and he spent over 25 years with West Bend Germanfest.

“He wanted to help and he believed in Germanfest,” said founder Herb Tennies.  “He would do anything,” said Suzanne Tennies.

Lutz helped put up the stages and flags and kept track of the beer kegs. “He was a record keeper and I think Germanfest was one of his main events every year,” Herb Tennies said.

Judy Etta worked alongside Lutz at Germanfest and said he was always somebody you could count on when there was a problem. “He was always there and we could always go and get Bill,” Etta said. “He was key in the electrical; the first years we’d blow fuses and Bill put labels on the cords so we didn’t blow fuses anymore.”

In 2012 Lutz received the American Cross Senior Good Samaritan Award. A funeral service was held Friday, March 11, at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Douglas Ziegler

A steady stream of well wishers gathered at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church on Thursday afternoon to pay their respects to the family of R. Douglas Ziegler. The local community leader who left a legacy of civic engagement and dedication to education died Saturday, March 5; he was 89.

“I met Doug years and years and years ago – I was a shoeshine boy at the West Bend Country Club,” said Lee Krueger. “That was 1956 and I was 15 years old.”  Krueger recalled writing about Ziegler in his book, ‘A Collection of Histories, Stories and Memories of the Farms and Lakes.’  “I talked to him about the Ziegler Dairy; he was the guy in charge by the old West Bend High School.”

Herb Tennies first met Doug when he was in high school in 1954. “He was always great with you and interested in the community and the growth of our young people and he could help with scholarships,” Tennies said. “Matter of fact my youngest son Stevie was the winner of a Ziegler scholarship.”

Kevin Steiner said he moved to West Bend with his wife in 1994 and the first organization he joined was United Way. “Immediately I found out about Doug Ziegler,” Steiner said. “From that point forward every organization I touched had a stamp of Doug or Sharon Ziegler on it,” he said listing off the West Bend School Board, Riveredge, and the Volunteer Center. “The passion he had for this community was just amazing.”

“Doug and I were in the same class in high school; the class of 1944,” said Marion Otto Ward, 89.  “He and Bob Rolfs used to be good friends and they used to race their cars back and forth from West Bend down to Jackson because Phyllis Leisner lived in Jackson.  I think they liked her – she was a blonde.”

Bill Meier worked at the Ziegler Company.  “I was on the board and when Doug called a meeting for 9 a.m. he didn’t mean 8:55 a.m. or 9:05 a.m., he meant 9 a.m.,” said Meier.

The topic of two-martini lunches came up and Meier quickly debunked that conversation. “True story, we went down to the securities department in Madison to get our licenses for brokerage and Doug went along and he said ‘we’ll take you out to lunch’ and do you know where he took us? McDonald’s!  But that was Doug, he was very thrifty.”

Jerry Henckel, 78, grew up on Big Cedar Lake with Ziegler. “I saw him quite regularly. I have a lot of respect for him,” he said. A Memorial Service was Friday and private inurnment was at Washington County Memorial Park.

Remembering Virginia Coffey O’Meara

There was a lovely Christian high cross on the cover of the program for Wednesday evening’s Mass of resurrection for Virginia Coffey O’Meara. A strong turnout filled the pews at Holy Angels Parish. The presiding celebrant was Gregory J. O’Meara – one of Virginia’s seven sons.

Words of remembrance were presented by Kevin and Chuck O’Meara. The brothers brought a list of memorable bullet points of life growing up in the strict, Irish household where Virginia was the boss.

-Seven boys, 16 years, youngest to oldest. Plus wives, grandchildren and great grandchildren. That’s a big career.

-For evening meals we had a schedule, three regular jobs: rinse the dishes, wipe the table, sweep the kitchen.

-Hair. Mother cut hair for as long as we allowed it without too much fighting. Good and short.

-Mother threw footballs and baseballs in the backyard with all of us and she was good at it. She could throw up a ball and hit it with a bat for fielding practice with no trouble.

-It was not unusual for all of us to wear the exact same shirt. My mother took comfort that she could tell authorities what the lost boy was wearing.

-Some of the favorite teachings: open the door for a lady, use please and thank you, take off your hat in the house. If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.

-Sleeping late at our house was never an option. Kitchen closes in five minutes.

-Virginia was a woman of faith and a woman who believed things would work out.

-She was sneaky the way she taught lessons. She always took the opportunity to point out the people in our lives and in the community that were good examples of how to live. This included people from all backgrounds – instilling that success had more to do with living the Golden Rule than status or wealth.

– She taught us to give our time to volunteering and promoted giving to charity.

-Put your brother down, you don’t know where he’s been.

-Daughters in law are always right.

-Respect others, treat them fairly and judge them by merit. Poverty does not equate to ignorance and wealth should not be confused with virtue.

Virginia O’Meara’s coffin was draped with the same Irish linen used to share good times at the table with family and friends. “You’ll notice a few spotted shadows on the linen,” said Rev. O’Meara. “That was from some particularly exuberant parties.”

One the back of the program under ‘Final Commendation’ was a note. “Our sincere gratitude to all who have taken the time to call, drop by, or join us in this evening’s celebration. Please be assured that you will be in our prayers as well.”  Signed The O’Meara men and all

Online auction for building on Paradise Drive  

There’s going to be an online auction next month, April 18 – 20, for a multi-tenant retail building at 840 W. Paradise Drive. According to BizTimes.com the “46,056-square-foot multi-tenant retail building in West Bend will be sold in an online auction with a starting bid of $500,000.”  The building on Paradise Drive was built in 2006 and is anchored by Home Depot. The property is listed by Long Beach, Calif.-based HTX Realty, Inc. The bidding for the auction will take place on www.auction.com

Former WBHS teacher remembers partying at Paul Hornung’s

Former Green Bay Packer Paul Hornung will be at the West Bend Moose Lodge for a card show today.

Back in 1958 Geraldine Birkholtz, a former West Bend teacher, attended a post game Packer party at Hornung’s home. “I was dating a fellow from Appleton, Danny Ornstein,” she said. “His crowd always went out after the game and I think the Packers beat the Bears that day.”

After the game, Birkholz’s date gave her some options. “He said, do you want to go out with my single friends, my married friends out to dinner or do you want to go to Paul Hornung’s for a cocktail party.” Birkholz responded, “There’s no choice – that’s pretty obvious.”

The couple made their way to Fisk Avenue in Green Bay.  The party was just getting started when they arrived. “I met him,” she said of Hornung. “He was tall and blonde and a good looking guy.”

Hornung lived in a house with a couple other Packer players including Jesse Whitenton. For several months Hornung had a reporter from True, A Man’s Magazine follow him around; the magazine was described in the 1960s as “high adventure, sports profiles and dramatic conflicts.”

“That whole evening I was there was written up in that magazine,” said Birkholz. Matter of fact, the writer from New York started talking to Birkholz. “He was short but he started shining up to me,” she said.

She recalled Hornung poured her a scotch and they were talking and a version of that came out in the magazine. “We were in the kitchen and the article said this fellow came up and talked to me and then he ‘pushed her toward the pantry.’  There was no pantry in that house,” laughed Birkholz.

After the party ended it was several months before the article on Hornung came out. “One of the teachers, Bob Schumacher, came running up to me and said, ‘Birkholz, what were you doing at that party?’ That was the day I found out what teachers subscribed to that magazine,” she said.

The article described what Birkholz was wearing. “We all dressed up for the games back then,” she said. “I was a size 8 and I had a nice wool dress and 3-inch heels.” Birkholz said the party was great fun. “We would talk to people. At that kind of thing you just walk around and visit,” she said.

At one point in the evening Birkholz recalled there was a knock at the back door. “Everybody was busy so I answered and it was kids who wanted to get the autographs from the players. I said, ‘oh boys… come back tomorrow, they’ve been playing football all afternoon.’”

Birkholz said many of the guests were amazed how she handled the children with such ease. “I just laughed and said, ‘Well I am a teacher.’”

The card show runs 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Hornung will be signing autographs at 10:30  a.m.

Last passion play at St. Mary’s School

Students from St. Mary’s School will perform the last passion play on March 20 at 6 p.m. in the church. The tradition of the passion play is 30 years old. Students will perform for the Religious Ed. students on March 15 at 7 p.m. They will also perform for St. Mary’s and St. Frances Cabrini students on March 17 at 1 p.m.

Penny Wars at St. Frances Cabrini

Penny Wars are in full swing this Lenten season at St. Frances Cabrini. During Lent Pope Francis asked us to “give of ourselves to help make others’ lives better.”  At St. Frances Cabrini School students and staff are raising money to donate to the Leukemia Center. The Penny War consists of three water jugs in the cafeteria and during lunch students drop a donation into the red, blue, or green container that coincides with their grade level. The container with the most will be given a pizza party by the Leukemia Society. “While that is a nice reward students are reminded we are doing this because we want to help others less fortunate than ourselves,” said Principal Aaron Hilts.

Write-in candidates update

There are a couple of write-in candidates for this year’s Washington County Board race. Denis Kelling is a registered write-in candidate for Washington County Supervisor in District 6.   It opened after Supervisor Paul Ustruck of Barton filed papers of non-candidacy.

Andy David is a registered write-in candidate for Washington County Supervisor in District 3. There were two incumbents eligible who could have run for the District 3 seat, Herbert Tennies and Ralph Hensel; both filed papers of non-candidacy.

In County Board Supervisory Districts 3 and 6, whoever receives the highest number of votes will be the winner.  There is no minimum requirement for the number of votes to secure the seat.  In all other districts, no write-in votes will be counted (unless someone registers as a write-in candidate) since there are ballot candidates.

Olympic swimmers in WB on Saturday

Two Olympic swimmers will be at the West Bend High School pool Saturday, March 12 to teach student athletes in a program called Fitter and Faster. The Olympians work with athletes and the swimmers get 1-one-1 time with an Olympic Gold medalist. “These seminars are great promotion for our sport and West Bend Swim Club,” Emory Salberg Sr., a Swim Club parent, said. “We hope events like this will help promote potential investment from parties to help us facilitate the year-round sport of swimming.”

Updates and Tidbits

-Another notable business property for sale is the old Citgo building, 1613 W. Washington St, West Bend. The 2,050 square feet is priced at $299,900.

– Registration for West Bend Youth Football League is March 15 at 1248 Lang St. starting at 5:30 p.m. The WBYFO is a tackle football league for 5th – 8th graders in West Bend School District. Organizers are also gauging interest in a flag football league for 3rd and 4th graders.  Flag football would run in the fall, approximately the same time as 5th – 8th grade football.   More information at WBYFO.com

–Absentee ballots for the April 5, 2016 election were mailed out this week. In-person absentee voting gets underway March 21 and City Hall in West Bend is closed Good Friday, March 25.

-Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner is scheduled to have office hours at Jackson Village Hall on Friday, March 18 at 11:45 a.m.

– A pair of pee-wee hockey teams from the Kettle Moraine Ice Center are headed to state this weekend. Washington County Ice Pee-wee C Team is playing in Oregon, Wis. while the Washington County Ice Pee- Wee B Team is playing in McFarland.

– Truck Outfitters is holding a Grand Opening through March 19 for its new storefront, 1325 S. Main Street. Specials include all a full car window tint is $50 off.

-West Bend Leadership Group will be in the West Bend East High School Cafeteria, Tuesday, March 15 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. to encourage students to participate in Connect with Nature on Saturday, April 30.

-The Mile of Art Show is underway as student artwork from grades K-12 is decorating windows of businesses in downtown West Bend. The art will be in storefront windows through March 26.

History photo Dick’s Pizza

Today’s history photo, courtesy Steve Kissinger, is of an ad from the 1960s for Dick’s Pizza.

CPR training saves YMCA member

Two weeks ago Steve Riechers, 68, suffered a massive heart attack at the Kettle Moraine YMCA.  This week he returned to meet the staff who saved his life.

The 68-year-old from West Bend is the epitome of health. He worked out twice a day and on Feb. 16 was brought down by a heart attack in the locker room at the Y. “I don’t remember anything from that day,” said Riechers.

Jenny Zaskowski, director of donor development at the YMCA, greeted Riechers and said she did remember the day, quite clearly. “I was leaving for the evening and I heard a faint voice of someone saying there’s someone downstairs who is unresponsive,” Zaskowski said. “I dropped my coat and purse and ran. We realized we needed a team to help.”

Two trainers were flagged. Chris Delcamp administered chest compressions while Jen Robertson performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The pair performed partner CPR until emergency crews arrived. Riechers was admitted to Froedtert Hospital where he eventually underwent a series of heart bypasses.

“You’re just heroes,” said Cheryl Touchett the life partner of Riechers. “This is just a testament on how brave these people are who acted so immediately. How important it is for people to learn CPR.”

During the gathering Wednesday, Riechers shook hands and received hugs from his rescuers.

“Nice to meet you under different circumstances,” said Delcamp, 46, personal trainer. “To actually see him as a person; before I hadn’t even heard his voice and now it feels like what we did was even more important.”

Robertson said knowing CPR makes you more aware and you’re not afraid to step in and help

“Once you’ve got it in your head you just jump in and you know you’ve gotta keep going with it,” she said.  “It’s easy to learn and it’s easy to put into practice.”

Anna Hofmann is building supervisor at the Y. “I’ve worked here for two years and the Y makes CPR a requirement,” she said. “I’m happy I know it so I can be of assistance in situations like these.”

The Y offers CPR training classes. “The reality is if we were all just trained, we can put our skills into action,” said Zaskowski. “It was a team effort and we’re very grateful the Y lets us have CPR training; it makes a difference.”

Riechers said he was thankful for the quick action. “I have a second lease on life,” he said. “I’ll do much the same as before; I’m still working but I’ll appreciate my grandchildren more.”

Remodel underway at Paradise Theatre

A major remodel is underway at the Paradise Theatre, 2014 Parkway Drive in West Bend, as the new operations manager, Boppa LLC, took over Monday.

Spokesman Troy Hanson said Boppa LLC, has purchased the equipment of Paradise Theatre LLC effective February 29, 2016.  “The group is taking over the operations of the theatre and changing the name to West Bend Cinema,” Hanson said. “The theatre will be closed immediately as renovations and an extensive cleaning get underway.”

The Paradise Theatre closed Feb. 29 as a major renovation got underway; upgrades are being made to the bathrooms, carpet, paint, lighting, and popcorn machine.

“In the coming months new seating will be installed and outdoor updates, including new signage, will be made by June,” said Hanson. “Samples of the new seats will be on display in the theatre lobby.”

The Paradise Theatre opened in December 1994. Over the years improvements included changing from a 35-millimeter film system to high-end Christie Digital Projectors with an injector INS library system and Dolby-digital stereo; two screens were also dedicated to 3D technology.

Discussions regarding a change in ownership of the theatre began late in 2015; the new owners are now working to win back an audience that has since drifted south to theaters in Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties.  “The new owners also pledge to insure customer satisfaction by conducting weekly onsite inspections,” said Hanson. “You could call it a ‘friendliness and cleanliness campaign.'”

As a commitment to the community, the owners group will also honor Paradise Theatre gift cards sold in the past six months.

New owners will also feature specials four nights a week including ‘Date Night Thursdays’ where there will be a newly-expanded beverage menu including beer and wine.

Prices will also be reduced across the board for movies and concessions. A grand re-opening at the new West Bend Cinema will be March 18. The Paradise Theatre was previously owned by Paradise Theatre LLC.

Pizza Hut update – “employees wouldn’t know our plans”

Shortly after posting the Pizza Hut update last week I received a message that someone claimed Pizza Hut would stay at its location on W. Washington Street. The person indicated a family member worked at the restaurant and that’s how they knew.

Denise Harris is director of marketing at Wisconsin Hospitality Group. “Nothing is confirmed. The employees would not know our plans at this point,” said Harris.  Pizza Hut in West Bend closed in February 2016. Harris said they are looking for a new location in town.

Barb Justman has another fire scare

There was a fire call around 9 a.m. Monday at 448 S. Main Street in West Bend. It was a two-story rental on the corner of Main and Maple.

Property owner Barb Justman fielded the call at home. “Bob across the street at Hoffert’s service station plays pranks on me,” she said. “He said, BJ you gotta come down here there’s a fire and I was like yeah right.”

In August 2009 Justman stood across Main Street in the parking lot at Hoffert’s service station and watched as her three-story building next door to the duplex went up in flames.

There were huge plumes of smoke that could be seen for miles as fire fighters on ladders worked to knock down the flames.

Now, almost seven years later, the building next door to Justman’s salon was on fire. “We bought it in 1985,” said Justman a treasure of this community who lives by the Rotarian creed, ‘service before self.’

“I normally take my time getting dressed on Mondays but after Bob called he said, ‘Fer real – it’s next door’ and I put on my shoes and hit the door,” Justman said.

The fire at 448 S. Main Street started in an exhaust fan. “There was a bird’s nest in there,” said upstairs tenant Kraig Larsen.

Justman was unclear if a bird brought a cigarette to the nest or if it had pecked at the wires and that’s what sparked the fire. By the time she arrived there were about four cop cars and the road was blocked.  “The tenants were all shook up and they were crying and we had to turn off the power,” said Justman. “I was more caring for them than I thought about myself.”

West Bend fire fighters were on scene about three hours. Most of the visible damage is to the west side of the building. “It took a chunk out of the fascia and it looks like the porch has to be replaced,” she said. “The upstairs tenant was so nice – he only has a one-bedroom apartment but he told the four people downstairs that if they needed a place he could make room.”

Quinn Skidmore secures $2,000 scholarship

West Bend West High School senior Quinn Skidmore will come home with a $2,000 scholarship she won during the national competition of the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest.

“I got 17th place for my speech,” said Skidmore from the banquet in Washington D.C.  “Out of 40,000 students I am definitely pleased!”

Skidmore competed at the national level against 54 finalists. She had taken first place at the local, district, and state competitions. This year’s essay topic was “My Vision for America.” With the upcoming presidential election, Skidmore wrote from the perspective of a newly elected United States President.

John Kleinmaus, Commander of VFW Post 1393 in West Bend, oversees the local Voice of Democracy contest. He and his wife Donna traveled to D.C. to be in attendance with Skidmore.

“It was an exciting evening and I know Quinn was very happy to be involved with the program,” said Kleinmaus. “What a special night; $153,000 in scholarships given to students from every state in the union. It was great to be there and see Quinn represent our city and our state. We are so proud of Quinn.”

Safety first on Highway 45 and H in Kewaskum

A safety upgrade at the intersection of Highway 45 and County Highway H east; the intersection is just south of Kewaskum. This week crews worked to install suspended traffic signals over the roadway. Kewaskum Village administrator Matt Heiser said a “private power company was doing some work on their own utility.” The signals are now more visible to oncoming traffic. That intersection, which includes a turn onto Badger Road, has been the site of a number of severe accidents over the years.

Jeff Klotz buys Piggly Wiggly in Fond du Lac

Hat tip to Bob Bonenfant who broke the story this week Klotz’s Piggly Wiggly is expanding. Store owner Jeff Klotz is purchasing a third store in Fond du Lac, 131 University Drive. Klotz will officially take over Sunday, April 10. “We’ll retain most of the current staff in Fond du Lac and add more employees to get the store up to an adequate staffing level,” he said. “Some West Bend employees will also transfer to the new location.”  Klotz said he took advantage of the opportunity to add another store because he wanted to give some existing employees an opportunity to advance. Klotz owns Piggly Wiggly in West Bend and Campbellsport.

Property updates

The former Graymont building, 206 N. Sixth Avenue in West Bend, has finally hit the real estate market. The property is formerly home to Western Lime Corporation. It changed to Graymont in April 2012 after the company moved from a small office above the Husar building.

Last April, Graymont moved across the street to 215 N. Main Street, formerly the Ziegler building.  The property at 206 N. Sixth Ave. was built in 1961, updated in 1994, is 7,500 square feet and is listed by agent Jodi Brandt from RSM Property Management & Realty at $495,000.

Student from Addison Elementary tours D.C.

Aidan Abbott of West Bend and his family met with legislators on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. this week as lawmakers recognized Rare Disease Week. Becky Abbott said her 10-year-old son Aidan has a rare disease called Ectodermal Dysplasia. “We were able to visit the National Institutes of health in Bethesda Maryland to see the portrait of Aidan in the Beyond the Diagnosis Exhibit,” said Abbott. “Aidan shared his story with the legislators as well as Speaker Paul Ryan at Capitol Hill. It was a great experience and he has been incredibly brave.” Last October Aidan was featured in an article in the Boston Globe as it covered the Beyond the Diagnosis exhibit by Rare Disease United Foundation.

The Candy Tree in Kewaskum on the move

The Candy Tree in Kewaskum is moving. The store is relocating from 230 Main Street to 1302 Fond Du Lac Avenue, in the old Bartelt Insurance Agency. The move is expected sometime later this month as renovations at the new site are underway.  Chris Jung started The Candy Tree in 2002. Monica Klippel and her sister Doris Schladweiler took over in 2013.

Updates & tidbits

– The Jackson Police and Fire Commission swore in Duane Hafemeister this week as the newly appointed Interim Chief. Hafemeister has been a member of the department for over two decades. “I am confident Duane will competently fill that role and he will receive the support of all of the members of the JFD during the transition to a new full-time chief,” Village Administrator John Walther said. There will be a ceremonial swearing-in for Hafemeister Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall.

-Preparations will begin Friday for the 2016 Mile of Art as businesses in downtown West Bend help showcase art work by students in the West Bend School District. The drawings and paintings and crafts will be on display in storefront windows from March 11 – 24.

–There will be some familiar faces on TMJ-4’s Morning Blend on Friday, March 11 as Ann Marie Craig, owner of Century Farmhouse Soaps, is the featured guest. Show airs at 9 a.m.

-Truck Outfitters, 1325 S. Main St. in West Bend, will have a grand opening of its new showroom March 7 – 19. Owner Douglas Geracie moved one store north in February to take advantage of a bigger showroom. Truck Outfitters is open M-F 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 8 – Noon.

-Green Bay Packer legend Paul Hornung is coming to West Bend on March 12. He will be part of a collector card show and autograph session at the West Bend Moose Lodge. The show will run from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and the ‘Golden Boy,’ will be on site for autographs around 10:30 a.m.

– The Washington County Slayers are recruiting for the 2016 season. There will be a team signing day and meeting Saturday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Bowl in Richfield.

-The grand opening is today of Mind the Gap, 121 S. Main Street in West Bend. The British import store is hosting a Marmite challenge. Marmite is a salty, yeasty spread normally eaten in small quantities. Let’s say it’s an acquired taste. The challenge starts at 10 a.m.

– Registration for West Bend Youth Football League is Tuesday, March 15 at 1248 Lang St. starting at 5:30 p.m. The WBYFO is a tackle football league for 5th – 8th graders in the West Bend School District.  More information at WBYFO.com

– The Holy Angels students of the Month for February include 6th grader Isaac Fichtner, 7th grader Elizabeth Meurer, and 8^th grader Katelyn Matenaer.

– Chix 4 a Cause LTD is throwing down a unique challenge. “I want the entire community involved in showing support for cancer patients by temporarily dying or streaking their hair purple or adding a purple hair extension,” said Chix founder and CEO Jillian Clark. Photos can be posted on a special Facebook page and/or make a financial contribution to benefit Chix 4 a Cause’s Gifts of Love program at www.chix4acause.org.”

-Sunday, March 6 is the 1-year anniversary of the fire at Meadowbrook Orchard that claimed more than 90 animals and leveled his barn on Mile View Road. Owner Rick Takacs is taking time this week to say thanks to everyone who helped during and after the fire.

-The 34^th annual West Bend Kiwanis Pancake sausage brunch is 8 a.m. – noon on Saturday, March 19 at the Washington County Fair Park Pavilion. Bring the kids and meet the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3.50 for kids.

Remembering Joe Barbercheck – Pizza Joe

There were memories of good food and good times at the memorial service Thursday for Joe Barbercheck, owner of Pizza Joe’s in Barton. “When we moved to Wisconsin we were actually Papa Joes,” said Mark Barbercheck, son of Joe. “They sent us a letter.”

Mark said if you look closely at the old sign that hung outside the business on Barton Avenue you can see it’s made up of three boards. “I said let’s just make it Pizza Joe’s and we replaced the boards and changed it from Papa to Pizza.”

Teaming up with his father, Mark said he got his start in the pizza business when he was in 6th grade and they were living in Indiana.  “At that time we were Gambie’s Pizza and we were located in Rensselaer,” he said.

Things weren’t happening for the Barbercheck family in Indiana. They were set to move to Colorado but had to pick up their sister Dawn at camp near Mauthe Lake. “We came through here and liked the area and ended up moving here instead,” said Mark.

Pizza Joe’s first opened in Kewaskum, 250 Main St., where Michaleno’s Pizzeria currently is located. “That was 1976,” said Mark.  “We moved here the week before the ice storm and everybody got so sick.”

The pizza shop eventually moved to Barton Avenue. “A bigger market,” said Mark.

Pizza Joe’s specialized in carry-out pizzas and subs. “When we opened the sit down our lasagna was pretty big,” he said.

Darlene LeRoy of West Bend said Joe Barbercheck was a very close personal friend for almost 30 years.

“Both our daughter’s first jobs were at his restaurant and that is how we became friends,” she said. “He was a very fair and kind boss, always had a way to get everyone to do the best with a firm, yet loving discipline. He cared about everyone who worked for him and he respected him for that.

A kind and generous friend, LeRoy said Joe was happiest serving food and he took great pride in everything he made. “His menu went far beyond pizza,” she said. “He made a wonderful Italian egg roll, a small pizza folded in half and deep fried, garlic bread, plus a huge chicken sandwich and great California burger.

“His pizza was perfect and broasted chicken, the best in town, also the best homemade German potato salad. He also made apple strudel on occasion which was a great treat.”

During his career Barbercheck opened six restaurants. Every one of those restaurants closed after he sold out to new owners. There was a fire at Pizza Joe’s in Barton in 1980. Barbercheck sold the restaurant after he was diagnosed with terminal throat cancer. He bought it back about three years later. The last Pizza Joe’s changed to Just Joe’s and was at 1726 Barton Ave., where Maricio’s is now.

Joe ran the pizza business upstairs and Fast Eddy’s tavern was in the lower level.

Joseph P. (Pizza Joe) Barbercheck passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. He was 77.

History photo of Pizza Joe’s

A circa 1977 photo, courtesy Terry Becker, of Pizza Joe’s when it was on Barton Avenue.

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Pizza Hut update

Received an update from the Wisconsin Hospitality Group regarding the latest on Pizza Hut in West Bend and there’s not much more information than last we spoke. “We are planning on rebuilding in West Bend in the near future,” said Denise Harris, director of marketing WHG.  “Our exact plans and location have not been finalized.”

Pizza Hut closed its store, 1610 W. Washington St., on Feb. 1. Harris said at the time, “It is a priority for the company to rebuild in the West Bend area before the end of 2016 and possibly open one of the new Pizza Hut restaurant concepts, which has been very well received in other communities. Company development managers are actively searching properties in the area, but have not yet selected a final site.

A search of ‘new restaurant concepts’ showed Pizza Hut was looking into “selling pizza by the slice” and “include the addition of fresh ingredients.”

Local real estate brokers have not heard of a new location for Pizza Hut but said “everything seems to be attracted to the south end of town on Paradise Drive.” Incoming stores include Kwik Trip and Meijer, with satellite stores possible around Meijer grocery. Early word is the city has reached out to Chick-fil-A, an American fast food restaurant chain specializing in chicken.

Superintendent search plays big part in April 5 election

The news spread quickly across the Internet on Wednesday afternoon as West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke announced he would resign at the end of the year.

That change now places added importance on the April 5 election as four people are running for two seats on the West Bend School Board including Ken Schmidt, Tiffany Larson, Jennifer Donath and Randy Marquardt. The winners will be charged with the task of finding a new superintendent. Candidates were asked how they would approach the hiring process.

Ken Schmidt:  I have been involved in a search for replacing three college presidents and so I do have knowledge of the process of finding and retaining the services of a person for a high level academic administrative position.  I would suggest developing a list of desirable strengths and talents and hiring a search firm to generate a list of qualified candidates.  I have been involved in the process of choosing a new president for a college three times.  It is a process that requires patience, diligence and foresight.

Tiffany Larson:  Certainly the school board has an important job both in hiring a new high school principal and a superintendent. The individual (s) should have a strong moral code of conduct, positive experience in management, and meet all educational/professional requirements at the time of hire.  I trust all members of the school board respect the enormous responsibility and will do their due diligence to attract candidates with exceptional qualifications, integrity, and complete investment in West Bend schools and the surrounding community.

Jenn Donath:  Because Mr. Greymont is also leaving, I see the benefits of filling at least one position (high school principal or district superintendent) from within to make the adjustment period easier. However, there are also benefits to having an outsider’s perspective and being open to change. The new superintendent will have the power to bring significant changes in our District, and that is why it is essential to conduct a search that invites qualified people from both inside and outside of the District to apply.

Randy Marquardt:  I’m very disappointed and a little angry that we’ve driven another tremendous asset out of this district with our negativity and I’m frustrated with it all. We will be leading as a board next week to talk about what’s next.

Order of names on ballot for April 5 WB school board race

This week West Bend School Board Vice President Bart Williams and Board Clerk Therese Sizer drew names of how the candidates will be listed on the April 5 ballot. The order: Ken Schmidt, Tiffany Larson, Jenn Donath, Randy Marquardt.

Attempt to save Washington County Annex II fails

On January 23, reporter Judy Steffes broke the story about plans to raze Washington County’s Annex II and the building housing the County Senior Center.

“They’re just costing us money to keep them,” County Administrator Joshua Schoemann said. “The expense is around $20,000 to $40,000 a year; most of it is for boiler heat and some staff maintenance.”

Following the story there was some interest in saving the buildings. The property has a strong history in the community; years ago the building was the “asylum for the chronic insane.”

Shortly after the story ran Kevin Zimmer toured the Annex II with an architect. Zimmer was set to appear before the Washington County Executive Committee this week to discuss possibly saving the buildings. However on Feb. 16, Zimmer received a letter from County Board Chairman Herb Tennies sealing the fate on the structures.

Mr. Zimmer,

County Administrator Schoemann has brought your interest in Annex II and the Senior Center to my attention.  The County has discussed and approved the current policy direction to demolish the buildings on numerous occasions and will continue to move this project forward in 2016.

As you know, the buildings reside in the center of the County’s southern campus within very close proximity to the County’s 24/7 nursing home.  The buildings and potential uses for the County were discussed in detail as part of the County’s 2009 Master planning process.

Both the Senior Center and Annex II buildings received poor ratings in the facility conditions assessment due to high costs of updating the existing structures.  With the copy center relocating to the new Administrative Office Building, the Long Term Master Plan recommends demolishing the two buildings allowing for future expansion of the Samaritan Senior Housing complex and parking. ~Master Plan Report by Potter Lawson, Inc.

The overall County direction paired with the ongoing costs associated with maintaining these buildings, led to the identification and approval of the building demolition project last year.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,  Herb Tennies, County Board Chair

Quinn Skidmore to DC

West Bend High School senior Quinn Skidmore is in Washington D.C. this weekend as part of the finals for the Voice of Democracy essay contest.  Skidmore filed this piece on her journey so far and what’s ahead.

The Voice of Democracy is a speech competition offered by the VFW for all high school students.

To get to the national level, a participant must win first place at the local, district, and state competitions. Each of the 50 state winners receives an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C. at the beginning of March. During this trip, there is a ceremony in which the grand champion is announced. The grand prize is a $30,000 scholarship.

This year, the prompt was “My Vision for America.” With the upcoming presidential election, I thought it would be unique to write my speech from the perspective of a newly elected United States President.

I am the first West Bend student to win this competition at the state level. I leave for Washington, D.C. on Saturday.  The judging will be announced Monday night. As one of 54 competitors, I feel like I have a shot at placing high in the ranking. Regardless of how well I do in the national competition, I am proud to represent the state of Wisconsin and the West Bend School District.

I have so many people to thank for this opportunity. I greatly respect and admire John and Donna Kleinmaus.

They have encouraged and supported me since I first entered the Patriot’s Pen competition in 7th grade. Without their hard work and dedication to the community I would not be a contender in the national competition.

I am also grateful to the West Bend community. I am thankful for the support and love I have received from my family and friends. I am thankful for Mr. Neitzke’s invitation to give my speech at a local school board meeting. I am thankful for the West Bend School District for providing me with the education and skills that have contributed to my writing success.

Pooch Palace opens today in new location

Pooch Palace has found a new home at 821 S. Main Street. Owner Dawn Dunker moved her dog grooming salon about 100 feet around the corner from her previous location in the Decorah Shopping Center.

Pooch Palace is just to the south of Jeff’s Spirits on Main in the spot formerly home to Snap Fitness. The new location features a large grooming area, bathing room, kennels and tons of space for a new doggy daycare. Owner Dunker established Pooch Palace in 1996. She said the move was a lot of work but worth it. “There were a lot of obstacles to overcome but everybody’s been so supportive,” said Dunker. New signs were put in place on Friday afternoon by Kruepke Printing Inc. Pooch Palace opens at 8 a.m.  More information is available by at poochpalace.com

Delta Defense rolls out new design plans this week

A couple developments will be addressed during Tuesday’s Plan Commission meeting in West Bend. Delta Defense, which is building a new corporate headquarters in West Bend’s Corporate Center, will present a new site plan layout. The initial site plans were approved at the Sept. 1, 2015 Plan Commission meeting. The new design is a bit more scaled back from the initial presentation.

A representative from Meijer Stores will also request changes to the certified survey map at 2180 S. Main Street. Meijer is asking to create two lots and one outlot.

Round two for Smokin Ink as a new agent is applying for a conditional use permit for a tattoo and body piercing establishment, 162 S. Main Street. The last time Travis Nyholm applied and he was turned down. The new agent is Christina Sergeant of West Bend.

Property sales

A couple of business buildings on S. Main Street in West Bend have changed hands. The National Tire & Battery building was sold Feb. 16, 2016. Blueroad Net Lease LLC bought the property from Brauvin Net Lease LLC for $1,253,249.  Just down the street Neil Peterson sold the West Bend Dental Center building to ZTM Properties LLC for $720,000. That sale was also completed Feb. 16, 2016

New treasurer of Gridiron

Randy Gromowski is the new treasurer or the West Bend Gridiron Club. Gromowski replaces Dave Wolf who held the position for seven years and resigned for health reasons. The Gridiron raised over $500,000 in support of West Bend athletics. Gromowski is the father of Luke Gromowski, a popular West High School athlete who died in an automobile accident in November 2014.  The Gridiron Club sponsors the Luke Gromowski Ironman Scholarship.

Smarty pants chess club at St. Frances Cabrini

The Saint Frances Cabrini Chess Club attended the Nicolet High School tournament last weekend. Two students were in the K6 division (4th-6th grade), and seven were in the K3 division (K5-3rd grade). Aaron Ruplinger won 1st place in the K6 division individually. Ruplinger has been participating in chess tournaments since the beginning of the season and holds one of the top seats in his division in the WI Scholastic Chess in southeastern Wisconsin. Cassie Erato is the coach and coordinator of this program for Saint Frances Cabrini.

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s wins national recognition

The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s, an annual bicycle tour I take to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s, has won national recognition. LeadingAge, an association of 6,000 not-for-profit organizations dedicated to making America a better place to grow old, is presenting me with the Exceptional Friend or Family Caregiver Award during its Great Minds Gala on March 15 in Washington D.C.  Cedar Community recently published information in its Cedar Giving mailing. “Judy’s energy and dedication to her father’s care in the face of Alzheimer’s has helped inspire an entire community through her storytelling and international bike trips.”

Updates & tidbits

– Regal Ware, Inc. awarded the 2016 J.O. Reigle Scholarships to Lindsey Du Charme and Alexandra Krueger, seniors at Kewaskum High School. The $18,000 scholarships are awarded annually and provide each student $4,500 per year toward a 4-year college program.

– Washington County has an accepted low bid from Design 2 Construct for the new Silver Lining Amphitheater.  The new stage is being funded by a $600,000 donation from West Bend Mutual Insurance. Construction at the Fair Park is expected to begin in mid-March.

– The 29th annual Washington County Breakfast on the Farm is set for June 11 at Level Acres Dairy on County Highway S in Hartford. The event includes barn tours, an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, free wagon rides and an antique tractor display. Advance tickets are $6 and children 3 and under are free.

-More than 20 people walked through an open house at the Albrecht Free Clinic, 908 W. Washington St., on Wednesday evening. Many were impressed with the layout of the clinic, the added dental service and the brilliant painting in the lobby by artist Dan Gerhartz of Kewaskum.

-St. Boniface seventh grader Elliot Lehman of Germantown repeated as the champion of this year’s Lumen Alliance Spelling Bee. Lehman correctly spelled etymology and hemorrhage to claim the top spot. Holy Angel’s eighth grader Sam Cooley took second place honors.

–Common Sense Citizens of Washington County will host a General Election school board candidate forum March 23. The public is invited to submit questions to CSC president Chris Jenkins at  info@cscwc.com

– Lee and Mary Krueger tapped 80 maple trees at their home on Little Cedar Lake this week after eight grandkids showed up to help. “Weather this week looks to be too cold but, on warmer days (mid-30s and above) we’ll tap the 150 remaining trees and get all the pipes and tubing set up,” said Krueger.  By mid week they had 200 trees tapped and gathered 200 gallons of sap.

-There’s a free seminar Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. on ‘How to Grow a Champion Tree.’ Guest speaker will be Dave Scharfenberger, president of Wachtel Tree Service in Merton and a Board Certified Master Arborist. The event at West Bend City Hall is sponsored by Roots & Branches.

–The Kettle Moraine YMCA’s gymnastics team is hosting a gymnastics meet Feb. 27-28. Nearly 500 gymnasts from throughout Wisconsin will compete in USAG Levels 1 – 9 and xcels. Competitors as young as 5 years old begin at 8 a.m. The event runs throughout the weekend.

-One of the more popular annual events is this week at Decorah Elementary as second graders put on a circus, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. to show off what they learned about balance and movement in phy ed. Students will dress as circus performers and demonstrate their skills for an audience. The event is coordinated by phy-ed teacher Deanne Seaman with support from the art teacher for props and decorations and second grade teachers to organize the acts.

-You can find all the stories from Around the Bend by Judy Steffes posted seven days a week at WashingtonCountyInsider.com

History photo Barton

Today’s circa 1940’s photo of Main Street Barton is courtesy Darren Schacht with a hat tip to Terry Becker who notes Frank’s Meat Market, Pfeiffer’s General Store, Marv’s Drug Store, Kapfer & Gehl Furniture / Funeral Home. Frank and LaVerne Polyak operated Frank’s Meat Market in Barton for over 35 years. LaVerne “Lovey” continued to operate the market for several years after Frank’s death June 8, 1987. LaVerne passed in 2000. A U.S. Census report from1930 shows Henry “Laddie” Mitter and his wife Caroline settled in the former Village of Barton in 1926 and operated Mitter’s Meat Market until retiring in 1955.  Mitter and his wife bought the building in the 1930s and the Mitter family ran several butcher shops in the village including one with Frank Polyak.

CPR comes in handy 25 years after Red Cross course

This is National Heart Month and at least two people at UW-Washington County can offer solid testimonials on why everyone should take a course on CPR.

“I didn’t have a choice but to jump into action,” said Cherie Hart, an associate lecturer in music at UW-Washington County.

The scenario that occurred the first day of this semester played out in Hart’s second-floor office at UWWC. “It was January 25 and one of my students was in my office and he started convulsing and lost consciousness,” Hart said.

Within a minute, Hart started CPR. “I was by myself, I looked in the halls twice and there was nobody around.”

Hart’s student, Jerry Williams, is taking her Fundamentals in music course. He suffers from ventricular fibrillation. “I retired about five years ago but taught traditional shop and tech-ed,” Williams said. “I find it ironic I’ve taught electronics for 34 years and I have some faulty wiring.”

Hart is small in stature and Williams is well over 6-feet tall.

“I needed somebody to help me get him onto the ground to properly do CPR,” she said. “The third time I looked out there was a kid, Tyler Schulz, walking by. We got Jerry on the ground so I could really do compressions.”

It was about 25 years ago Hart took a CPR class from the Red Cross.

“I don’t know why but it stuck,” she said. “It’s not hard to do but I just remembered it.”

For someone who has spent a career in music, Hart was quickly able to discern the situation.

“When he first lost consciousness I wasn’t sure what was going on but then he turned greenish grey and I knew he didn’t have long,” she said.  “I called 9-1-1 and they said I had to get him on the ground to do it (the compressions) properly.”

With the help of Schultz, the two got Williams on the ground and Hart started chest compressions; that was enough to get Williams color back.  “The dispatcher stayed on the phone with us,” said Hart, alternating between breaths and chest compressions.

Schultz raced to waive the rescue crews to the correct door and brought them to the office.

“This was the first time I put my CPR training into practice,” said Hart.

Once the emergency crews arrived, they slid Williams into the hall, took over compressions, shocked him twice and the second time was enough to bring him back.

Reflecting on the experience Hart said, “I feel like parts of me are still on the floor.”

Williams, who remembers little about the incident, was back in class by the end of the week.

“He said thanks many times,” said Hart. “Taking a CPR class should be mandatory. Knowing how to do CPR gave me something to do instead of standing there helpless.”

Hart is using the situation as a catalyst and offering extra credit to any of her students that take a CPR class.

Memorial balloon release Sunday for Ryan Yauck

There will be a balloon release Sunday, Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. at Riverside Park in West Bend as a tribute to Ryan Yauck, the 18 year old who was killed in an accident Monday on Highway 45. Visitation for Yauck  will be held Saturday, Feb. 20 from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the West Bend High School Silver Lining Arts Center with funeral services at 11:45 a.m. with Pastor Troy Loether of Kettlebrook Church officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Angels Cemetery.

Delta Defense named 2015 Business of the Year in WB

Delta Defense has been named the Business of the Year 2015 in the city of West Bend. Tim and Tonnie Schmidt were presented the award this week for their outstanding commitment to the community, economic growth, leadership and job creation.

Over the past few years Delta Defense has quickly grown as a thriving business, solid employer and dedicated community servant.

Delta Defense was recognized for its 110,000 active members and more than 70 employees. “In three years in this position I’ve only lost three employees,” said human resources director Cynthia Wade Zimmer.

Delta Defense has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies.

Delta will be moving into a new state-of-the-art headquarters in West Bend Corporate Center.

Delta Defense is strongly committed to supporting the community and area non-for-profit organizations. Delta Defense works to donate 3 percent of its annual sales to the community.

Volunteer Center of Washington County, the Downtown West Bend Banner Art Walk, and the Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s.

“Being selected as the Business of the Year makes me feel proud and appreciated and it validates everything I know about West Bend,” said CEO and President Tim Schmidt.

This is the second year the award has been presented in West Bend; the inaugural recipient of the award was West Bend Mutual in 2014.

“For organizations like West Bend Mutual and Delta Defense to decide West Bend is going to be the place where they grow their business, that has a big impact on this community,” Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said.

“It also makes a difference when their employees live and invest their time and energy in this community that makes a big impression on West Bend.”

Sadownikow said the impression of West Bend used to be it was a challenging place to do business.  “In the last five years we’ve worked to change that and improve our customer service and I’m hoping we can attract a dozen more businesses like Delta Defense or West Bend Mutual,” he said.

Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s heads to New Mexico

The annual Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s bicycle tour will head to New Mexico. I will fly out June 22 with my bicycle to Albuquerque, head northwest to Shiprock and then pedal home. I’m calling it ‘vacation.’

Once again, a huge thanks to Tim Schmidt and USCCA for stepping forward as the primary sponsor of the tour. “I believe in you, Judy, and I believe what you’re riding for is so important,” Schmidt said.

The Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s hopes to clear $100,000 this year. All donations stay local and help support music and exercise activities at Cedar Community in West Bend. Watch for another big announcement about the tour Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Cedar Ridge.

Athletes for the Arts to host The Well Pennies

The West Bend High Schools will host The Well Pennies for a spring concert Friday, May 6 at The Silver Lining Arts Center.  The Well Pennies” are a nationally known band from Los Angeles, consisting of a husband and wife duo. The Well Pennies have a folk-pop format and they will be accompanied by over 100 high school orchestra students.

“This is the third year Athletes for the Arts have hosted a concert,” Superintendent Ted Neitzke said. “The Plain White T’s performed the first year and last year it was I’m not a Pilot.”

The collaborative concert will raise money for The Silver Lining Arts Center and a fund for a new and improved sound system in the high school field house.

The benefit concert is a student-led project organized by members of Athletes for the Arts and made possible with help from the community. Tickets will be $5 for students and $10 for adults and will be sold at various locations.

Interfaith Caregivers unveil “heartwork”

More than 100 people took part this week in the “Pieces of the Heart” Open House at Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County. The organization, which connects older adults with caring volunteers, welcomed guests to tour its new location, 2374A W. Washington St. in the Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen Center.

Volunteers with Interfaith celebrated with homemade cookies and sweets and administrators unveiled the new “heartwork” artwork which is a display of the community’s connection to Interfaith.

English import store opening in downtown WB 

Downtown West Bend will soon to be home to an English import store, Mind the Gap, 121 S. Main St. “I’ve been in banking the 12 years and this has been a dream of mine to open a business,” said Robert Tye of Kewaskum. He’ll be opening Mind the Gap within the next week with his wife Sarah.

Originally from England, Tye speaks with a thick Essex accent. “We’re calling the shop Mind the Gap and we’ll have English food, sweets and chips,” he said. “The main part of the business will be English toys, umbrellas, and British pop culture.”

The couple said items connected to British culture are on the rise including Harry Potter, Dr. Who, and Sherlock Holmes.

“This is huge now,” said Tye. “A big fan base has grown over the last three years. British items are in high demand on Amazon and I’ll have them in the store so people can pick them right up and not have to wait for delivery.”

Tye, 32, and his wife picked downtown West Bend for their store because of the proximity to their home in Kewaskum and they’ve found the community friendly.

“We love West Bend – so many nice people, we wanted a warm environment – a place where we thought we could make it,” he said. “This is a perfect location with Music on Main and the Farmers’ Market.”

By July, Tye would like Mind the Gap to carry English beer and have a beer-tasting section.

Mind the Gap will be open seven days a week starting at 10 a.m.

Mind the Gap is an English saying related to the underground rail system. When the train pulls in there’s a familiar voice that says ‘Mind the gap’ because you’ve got to get across that space to get on the train. A soft opening will be held in the coming weeks as the store prepares a grand opening March 1.

Quinn Skidmore heads to D.C.

West Bend West High School senior Quinn Skidmore will head to Washington D.C. at the end of the month to compete for a $30,000 scholarship in the VFW Voice of Democracy essay contest. Skidmore took first place for the district and she advanced from the state-level competition.

The Voice of Democracy contest required high schools students to write an essay and record a 3-5 minute audio rendition of that essay on the theme, “My Vision for America.”  The results will be announced at an awards program Monday evening Feb. 29.

Exciting art coming to MOWA

Remember the posters from Kissey’s car show in Kewaskum and the artwork from the goofy Wacky-Pak cards from the 1980s – that style of poster art will be taught in a unique studio class Feb. 27 at the Museum of Wisconsin Art. The class will be taught by Milwaukee graphic designer and illustrator Michael Adler who will lead students through the creation of an “eye-popping” poster using illustration and design skills all while studying world-famous artists as a guide. Register by Feb. 23.

MOWA will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Wisconsin Designer Crafts Council on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy a talk from current members honoring their former teachers, mentors, and friends. Cake and refreshments will be served.

Updates & tidbits

–The Washington County Board of Canvass will finalize election results from the Feb. 16 primary on Tuesday, Feb. 23 beginning at 8:30 a.m. The city of West Bend will canvass its votes Monday, Feb. 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the Clerk’s Conference Room at City Hall. The General Election is April 5.

-Jake Poad, a 2003 graduate of West Bend West High School, is the new manager at Pick N’ Save south. Poad replaces Luke Waning who managed the store the last few years.

-Assembly Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) and Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) will meet with students at David Star Lutheran in Jackson on Monday. Kremer said they will talk to students about what government is about. Kremer and Thiesfeldt are both graduates of David Star Lutheran and Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School.

– Forward Dental and Dr. Richard Lightsey are now accepting patients at the West Bend clinic, 1006 S. Main St. Dr. Lightsey is a graduate of Marquette University.

-Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson has secured full funding for its new LW Global Education Building. The purpose of the building will be to house up to 20 boarding students. The construction of the facility is fully funded by third source investors. “Our partners provide the capital to build, furnish, and operate,” said Principal Dave Miskimen. “Living Word provides the land and management.” Stay tuned for construction details.

–The Kettle Moraine YMCA’s gymnastics team is hosting a gymnastics meet Feb. 27-28. Nearly 500 gymnasts from throughout Wisconsin will compete in USAG Levels 1 – 9 and xcels. Competitors as young as 5 years old begin at 8 a.m. The event runs throughout the weekend.

-Kewaskum Middle School presents Peter Pan. Performances at the Kewaskum High School Theater is Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

– On March 2 a group of volunteers from the Washington County Senior Center including volunteer coordinator, Pat Martin, will be reading to students at Green Tree Elementary School in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.

-A special bicycling committee is working on several events for later this year including Bike to School Day on May 4 and Bike to Work Day on May 20. A special helmet fitting is also set for April 30 at the Kettle Moraine YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day.

Theo Richter ice house

Today’s 1920 history photo is courtesy Lee Krueger. It’s the Theo Richter ice house.

I was after a photo of maple syrup tree tapping. Krueger said the weather is warm enough and the sap is probably running but “all our equipment is still in storage.”

Krueger and his wife Mary live on Little Cedar Lake. He’s been making syrup for the past 47 years. “As a kid I made it with my grandfather,” he said. “I resurrected syruping in 1969 after I returned from ‘Nam.”

A typical three-week season of the maple run ends when the trees start to bud. A good year, according to Krueger, may produce 2,000 gallons of sap, which boils down to 50 gallons of syrup.

Riveredge Nature Center in Newburg said it will start tapping trees on Tuesday. Most of its tree tapping is coordinated with education and school tours.

West Bend girl featured in new Children’s Hospital TV ad

A 7-year-old girl from West Bend is featured in a new TV commercial for Children’s Hospital.

Gianna Nevsimal has a winning smile and a story that, according to her dad, has been “stealing the hearts of people for as long as she’s been alive.”

A first grader at Jackson Elementary School, Gianna’s story involves successful prayers for adoption by then Archbishop Timothy Dolan. He described himself in an article in the New York Post as simply a catalyst who connected a “family facing a challenge with another one needing a blessing.”

Turned over at birth in an open adoption to Charles and Deb Nevsimal of West Bend, Gianna who has Down syndrome, needed surgery to close two holes in her heart.

“Her heart was the size of a plum and she went into Children’s Hospital at five-months old and took it like a champ,” Nevsimal said. “The surgery went easier than teething and that’s how great the people are at Children’s.”

Gianna’s surgery was Feb. 12, 2009. “We celebrate that day and call it ‘perfect heart day’ and it’s nice it’s so close to Valentine’s Day,” Nevsimal said.

The timeline that follows the surgery is a strong testimonial to Children’s Hospital. “After just three days she was ready to move out of the ICU and within two more days we were already taking her home – that was just five days after having an 8-hour surgery where they stopped her heart; the people that work at Children’s Hospital… it’s really miraculous.”

The 60-second commercial for Children’s Hospital focuses on how children are ‘like sparks of light and how Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, can be trusted to keep that light shining bright.’

Shot on location in Bay View, Nevsimal and his daughter were on set for about an hour. “We came in and Gianna immediately owned the room,” he said. “They put her in hair and makeup and she was supposed to blow this pinwheel. The light reflected off the pinwheel onto her face and made it beautiful.”

Nevsimal credits Hanson Dodge Creative, the agency that shot the commercial, for bringing it to life. “Gianna was just thrilled,” he said. “She literally lit up when she saw herself on screen.”

On Friday, Gianna and her parents celebrated ‘perfect heart day.’ “We can now share our celebration with the rest of the world through this commercial,” Nevsimal said. “And her scar from the surgery – we call it her beautiful scar because underneath it she knows she has a perfect heart.”  Catch Gianna in the commercial at the 42-second mark.

Primary election is Tuesday, Feb. 16

Clerks in Jackson, Richfield, Hartford, Slinger and the rest of Washington County are preparing for the Feb. 16 primary election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters will need to show photo ID in order to receive a ballot. The General Election is April 5.

Two people file as write-in candidates in Wash. Co.

Two people have filed as write-in candidates for a pair of open seats on the Washington County Board. Denis Kelling has applied as a write in for District 6. That seat had been part of redistricting. It opened after Supervisor Paul Ustruck of Barton filed papers of non-candidacy.

Andy David has taken out papers for District 3. That seat was previously held by Supervisor Ralph Hensel. Each candidate needs at least five write-in votes to secure the seat. The primary election is Feb. 16 and the General Election is April 5.

 Upcycling at the old Schwai’s / Bibinger’s in Cedar Creek

There’s some historic upcycling going on in the Town of Polk as the old floor boards and ceiling joists from Schwai’s in Cedar Creek are being crafted into tables for a new restaurant.

Matt Nierode, 33, is the master carpenter at A.M. Construction on Stonebridge Circle; he has been working on the project the past month.

“The boards were obviously run through a band saw but the ends are all hand hewn,” he said.

The wood harvested from Schwai’s, previously Bibinger’s, dates to 1856.

“You can really see the quality of the hardwood because of how tight this grain is,” Nierode said. “This oak is really, really hard because it didn’t have a lot of moisture.”

The wood is heavy.  When sample chunks are chucked on a nearby table they land with the weight of an anvil. The lumber was harvested from Schwai’s by owner Kevin Zimmer and his wife Amy. The couple, who purchased the property in Cedar Creek in August 2014, has spent the past seven months contracting a major remodel.

The Zimmers added a cathedral ceiling to the second floor and rather than toss the wood they’ve purposely recycled it. “We’re pretty confident this was milled in the 1840s,” said Kevin Zimmer.  “This is the original piece of wood used when Bibinger’s was built in 1856; this wood had to come from Cedar Creek.”

History notes from the Town of Polk indicate a mill was in operation in the mid-1840s as there was a “good water source.”

Nierode said it was an interesting process as some of the hardened nails in the red and white oak have become part of the fabric of the wood. “These nails didn’t come out,” he said.

The square box – hardened nails are the time capsules of the timber. In April 2015, Zimmer discovered a Marie’s salad dressing jar buried in the west wall on the first floor.  That 12-ounce glass jar with a screw-top lid carried a hand-written note from former owner Lu Ann Schwai.

Since then the only secrets have come from dissecting the quality of construction.

“Remember how people said the floor bounced at Schwai’s,” said Zimmer. “This was the flooring structure and this pocketed into another beam; this was part of the floating floor and that was the same as the floating ceiling.”

Zimmer has since reconfigured the second floor. Reinforcements have been added with a strong eye to retaining history and adding art. The new tables are in the middle of a finishing process. Lined up along the wall in a building in the south industrial park in West Bend there’s a strong chemical smell in the air as the finished wood undergoes another coat of sealant.

Each table top is defined by the character of its grain, scratch and paint. It now awaits its next life at an establishment in the cozy nook of Cedar Creek.

Walgreens property sold for $7 million

The Walgreens property, 1921 S. Main Street, in West Bend has been sold for $7 million.

WAG West Bend LLC of New York purchased the parcel south of Paradise Drive from AR Palm LLC, a Florida limited liability company. The purchase, which closed Jan. 26, 2016, included the land and the building.

The property was last assessed at $2.4 million. That’s a far cry from the assessment of $5.52 million in 2012 and $5.7 million in both 2013 and 2014. The reason the assessment was lowered was due to a settlement agreement the city adopted in August 2015 after Walgreens complained the assessments were too high for the stores on S. Main and 1720 W. Washington St.

Walgreens took its assessment disputes as far as the state Supreme Court and won a decision after it complained it was paying more per square foot because of a practice called “triple net leasing.” Walgreens actually won a pair of significant court cases following assessment disputes in Milwaukee and Oshkosh.

Records at City Hall in West Bend show AR Palm purchased the property in 2011 for $5.7 million. Mayor Kraig Sadownikow has flagged local lawmakers about the assessment practice as there’s concern other big box stores could “initiate similar action” and that could be “harmful to local government revenue.”

New signs for Kettlebrook Community Center

Progress is being made as Kettlebrook Church works to move into its new 24,500-square-foot space at the Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen Center, 2376 W. Washington St.

Last August 8, reporter Judy Steffes broke the story that Kettlebrook Church would lease space from the Threshold, renovate it and move in April 2016. The renovations are underway and this week the new signs for the Kettlebrook Community Center were unveiled. Kettlebrook will be sharing the space with a couple of other non-profits including the Washington County Senior Center.

Construction ahead at Living Word Lutheran in Jackson

A couple of construction projects are on the table for Living Word Lutheran High School in 2016. The gymnasium will be remodeled this spring as light fixtures will be changed out for LED’s, the scoreboards and basketball hoops will be moved to accommodate additional fixed seating the floor will be newly finished.

Living Word has also entered a joint venture with a development group that is building a resident hall that will house up to 20 boarding students at the LW Global Education Building. Applicants are currently being screened to be new students at Living Word H.S.

New tenants move into the former Regal Ware Museum

A couple of local lawyers are taking over the building that was once home to the Regal Ware Museum. New tenants include Amy Salberg with the Salberg Law Firm and Sara Snyder with Snyder Law, LLC. Snyder moved in Feb. 1 and Salberg will follow in May. The red brick building, 18 E. Washington St., was sold in July 2015 to Iron Ridge Properties LLC for $260,000. Signs for the new law firm location were made by Sign Works of Hartford

Listening session with Gov. Walker in Jackson

Gov. Scott Walker hosted a listening session at Jackson Village Hall on Thursday afternoon. About 40 community leaders, business owners and students were in attendance.

West Bend School Superintendent Ted Neitzke brought three of his best and brightest students  including Alaina Michels, a 17-year-old junior at West Bend East High School, said there were a lot of ideas presented at the session and it will be up to the people that were there to get the job done.   “It’s important we spread this information throughout the community,” said Michels. “We can take action within school and through adults that are active in the community.”

Andrew Steiner, 18, from West Bend East High School said there were a lot of ideas exchanged at the session but he was optimistic advancement in the state is possible. “A big part of what we talked about was communication and collaboration and if we continue things like this the sky is the limit,” he said.

The governor’s visit was part of the Working for Wisconsin: 2020 Vision Project. The session was a unique opportunity for neighbors to voice their thoughts on economic development priorities directly to the Governor.

Some of the business leaders in attendance included real estate agent Scott Stortz, Doug Gonring from the West Bend Elevator, and Katherine Gehl, who sits on the Board of Directors of Gehl Foods. “This is a great process to be going through for the governor and his staff and thinking about the type of leadership you want to provide,” Gehl said.

During the 1.5 hour session the governor jotted down notes. He first asked, what made Wisconsin great. The group started slow, throwing out answers like ‘Green Bay Packers and a good parks system and a positive work ethic.

Second, the governor asked what we needed to do in the next 20 years to make Wisconsin better. Suggestions covered a wealth of territory from improving education to affordable housing to being a leader in health care and sustainable agriculture.

“The whole list that was created isn’t doable but there are absolutely things on the list that are doable if we proactively choose them as a state and if we stay focused on those choices over a period of time,” said Gehl.  “The best states will be able to deliver on long-term outcomes. In the short term we need competitiveness with the businesses doing well and growing but we also need employees that are doing well.”

The listening session was intended to ensure the priorities of Washington County businesses were being considered in the shaping of the governor’s strategies

Winners at the Wis. Artists Biennial at MOWA

Top prize winners from the 2016 Wisconsin Artist Biennial held at the Museum of Wisconsin Art included: Best in Show: S.V. Medaris of Mount Horeb for her woodcut on paper Hog Butcher for the World. First Place: Tom Berenz of Milwaukee for his oil, acrylic and enamel on canvas To the West.  Second Place: Meg Mitchell of Madison and her book Rain/fall. Third Place: Bethann Moran of Fort Atkinson and her oil on panel Community Garden, New Years Eve. The Biennial will remain on display through March 27. More info at wisconsinart.org

Menu released for 21^st annual Cabrini Dinner Auction

The 21st annual St. Frances Cabrini School Dinner Auction is set for Saturday, March 5 at the Washington County Fair Park. The theme this year is celebrating “Spring time in Paris.” The menu will feature Salade Champagne with a second course of Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Coq au Vin Blanc, Garlic Truffle Mashed Potatoes and Grilles Asparagus Spears. The Patisserie will feature Vanilla Pot de Creme Brûlée and a duo of French Macaroons. To make a donation or request an invitation contact the school at 334-7142.  Preview the evening at cabriniauction.com.

Updates & tidbits

–The Kettle Moraine YMCA’s gymnastics team is hosting a gymnastics meet Feb. 27-28. Nearly 500 gymnasts from throughout Wisconsin will compete in USAG Levels 1 – 9 and xcels. Competitors as young as 5 years old begin at 8 a.m. The event runs throughout the weekend.

-Hartford Union High School senior Amy Holzer has advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program competition. Holzer is one of 15,000 Finalists from across the country; only 7,400 Merit Scholarships will be awarded.

– Hartford’s Waste Water Plant is on the cover of this month’s edition of “The Clarifier” the monthly magazine for the Wisconsin Wastewater Operators’ Association. Along with the cover photo, there is an extensive article about how the Hartford plant is dealing with phosphorus removal. Note is courtesy Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert.

-Kewaskum Middle School presents Peter Pan. Performances at the Kewaskum High School Theater are Friday, Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.

– West Bend East High School boys varsity bowling team has advanced to State. The team includes Evan Olivo, Jakub Gavin, Coach Joe Turecek, Devin Gavin, Kenny Costa and Mika Ulrich.

-Slinger High School is cheering its 19 Tommy Award nominations for its November performance of Seussical the Musical. The Tommy Awards, named after Wisconsin-born actor Tom Wopat, encourage, recognize, and honor excellence in high school musical theater. The awards will be handed out June 12 at the Overture Center and two outstanding performers will advance to The National High School Musical Theatre Awards competition in New York City.

-Ann Marie Craig, owner of Century Farmhouse Soaps in West Bend, was spotted on WGN TV as she spent the weekend marketing her soaps at the international chocolate festival in Chicago.

Love story brewing in Barton

There’s a unique love story going on in Barton that features a couple from the 1940s who have been hired at a pair of neighboring businesses on Barton Avenue.

Hank, a veteran of WWII, has returned from service and picked up a job at Wisconsin House Woodworks as a cabinet maker. Essie has grown up in Barton with its small mom-and-pop shops, grottos and the peal of the church bell at St. Mary’s Parish. Essie got a job out of high school working at Over The Moon as a sales clerk and window dresser.

Essie and Hank meet daily on their walk to work. Hank mentions to his boss Jeff that he’s been carrying a torch for Essie for quite a while. “What in tarnation, don’t be a dummy, go ask her out,” said Jeff.  Hank works up the courage to ask Essie on a date for Valentine’s Day. We have a call out to Sandy’s Diner in Barton to get the scoop.