Rolfs Foundation helps grow Wash. Co. Shop with a Cop

Washington County’s Shop with a Cop program is growing. Next week an official announcement will be made regarding a major donor and a partnership with another established holiday organization.

Shop with a Cop in Washington County started 12 years ago. Deputy Mary Woerner organized her friends in law enforcement, teamed with area volunteers and took children Christmas shopping.

Moving forward, Woerner said the program is partnering with the Gingerbread House, another local organization that provides holiday gifts to more than 600 families throughout Washington County.

“We’re looking at doing a bigger program to reach more families and offer assistance to the Gingerbread House,” Woerner said.

The partnership means Shop with a Cop will also move to a larger location. “We outsized ourselves at the Moose Lodge,” said Woerner. “We’re moving to the Washington County Fair Park Ziegler Expo Center because it’s a central location and it’s big enough so we’ll never outgrow it.”

The goal, according to Woerner, is to take more kids shopping for their families and help alleviate some of the need for organizer Linda White at the Gingerbread House.

“We never addressed providing presents for parents to take home and have them under the tree,” Woerner said. “We just never thought about it but it there is a need for that surprise gift from Santa.”

The other major announcement is that the Rolfs Family Foundation will be making a generous donation to the program. “It’s to help make this a bigger and better program,” Jeff Szukalski, a board member with Shop with a Cop, said. “The Rolfs family wants to take care of all the kids in Washington County and they will be helping for the next few years.”

Last year Shop with a Cop worked with 65 kids and 125 volunteers including First Bank Financial Centre, Serigraph, West Bend Mutual, Fraternal Order of Police Kettle Moraine Lodge, Delta Defense, West Bend Moose Lodge, Johnson Bus, and the West Bend Walmart.

“We’re not looking at growing so much this year,” Woerner said. “Because we’re implementing so many changes we’re going to try to stay the same size and get the bussing down and getting our new care packages put together.”

Woerner said the partnership with the Gingerbread House will mean both programs will have a long term solid foundation in the community.

Police search for gunman following shooting at Washington House Pub

West Bend police are still looking for a person who brought the gun into the situation last Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Washington House Pub. Police were called to the tavern, 228 N. Sixth Ave., after a fight broke out and then a shot was fired in the women’s bathroom.

Timothy Jackson, 36, of Milwaukee was charged this week in Washington County Circuit Court.  West Bend Police Chief Ken Meuler said the case remains under investigation and they’re still looking into who provided the weapon. “Bottom line is a couple people got into an argument, pushing and shoving and at that time neither one of them was armed,” Meuler said. “Somebody else decided to go and introduce a gun into a pushing match. When they gave the suspect the gun is when it escalated.” Meuler said there is no evidence this investigation has anything to do with gang activity.

Golfing for Gromo

There’s a golf outing Sept. 27 at West Bend Lakes Golf Club and proceeds will go to the Luke Gromowski Ironman Scholarship Fund. Luke Gromowski, a senior at West Bend East, died in a car accident in November 2014. A $1,000 scholarship will be presented each year to a senior from West Bend East and West High School that participated in football from fifth grade through their senior year. Registration for the outing is at 9 a.m. with a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The cost is $60 per player. More information is available by contacting Ed Duquaine at 262-305-1177.

Interfaith comes to the rescue for WWII veteran

WWII veteran Bill Wilde of West Bend took part in last Saturday’s Stars & Stripes Honor Flight and a note of thanks going out to Interfaith volunteer Dick Stommel, a Marine Corp. veteran from the Vietnam era, stepped forward to give Wilde a ride to the airport.

“Bill deserved to go and he really needed a wheelchair van to get him down there,” Stommel said. “I’ve been blessed, I served my country in the military, Bill’s going to enjoy this and I’m going to get him there.”

Stommel served in the Marines from 1961-64. A volunteer driver for more than 12 years he got up at 3:45 a.m. to deliver Wilde to the airport and later went back to Milwaukee in the evening to safely deliver him home.

Wilde served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 1945 – 1946. A graduate of Marquette High School, Wilde was drafted when he was 18 years old.  There are 23 veterans from Washington County on last week’s Honor Flight.

Victims in West Bend to receive clergy-abuse settlement

Several residents in Washington County are awaiting a scheduled court hearing in Milwaukee Bankruptcy Court regarding a settlement reached August 24 with the Milwaukee Archdiocese. The settlement awarding $21 million to 330 survivors who claimed they were sexually abused by priests in the Archdiocese.  In West Bend two former priests from St. Frances Cabrini Parish are on the list of substantiated abusers including Rev. Edmund Haen and Rev. Charles Walter.

The number of claimants in the community has not been revealed.  Two local victims sued the Archdiocese directly and were awarded $50,000 and $70,000 respectively.  One victim from West Bend told the Around the Bend that he filed a claim 59 years ago and “finally the nightmare is over.”  More information on the final settlement will be released following the Sept 29 hearing.

Rev. Edmund H. Haen was ordained in 1923. He died in 1997 and had served at St. Lawrence, Milwaukee; St. James, Mequon; St. Kilian, Hartford; and St. Frances Cabrini, West Bend. Charles W. Walter was ordained in 1974. He is not currently allowed to function as a priest.

Moving the gazebo

Steve Awve was the man in charge of moving the 144-square-foot gazebo from Old Settlers Park to Schwai’s in Cedar Creek this week. The transport started Tuesday afternoon as Awve, armed with a forklift and some handyman know-how, hefted the giant circular piece of metal and started the slow 8-mile trek to Cedar Creek.

It wasn’t long into maneuvers when the clunky parade came to a halt at Chestnut and Eighth Avenue. “Stop, stop, stop,” said lead man Mike running from his car. “You’re never going to make it under the wire.”

Awve set down the gazebo, scampered up the arm of the forklift and onto the top of the bell of the building to remove the cupola. An easy tilt of the 2-foot cap and they should were good to go, if only Awve had known about the bees.

“We got bees in here,” said Awve, with a couple one-handed swats. “I hate bees.” It sounded just like Harrison Ford when Indiana Jones came face-to-face with snakes in the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

Mike seemed to hate bees even more. The pair worked and swatted and within minutes removed the metal lid, dodged the bees and they were on the road again. Getting under the wire was the easy part. There were more challenges with the Highway 45 overpass on Paradise Drive and darkness was setting in. Awve finally received a police escort out of town. A Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy took the final leg of the tour which wrapped up about 9 p.m.

The gazebo, purchased by Kevin and Amy Zimmer for $18.45, had to be removed from Old Setters Park, which is going through a major remodel.

Meijer purchase

Meijer property purchase cleared in West Bend: It’s a story you read first at Washington County Insider in January 2014 as Meijer grocery was preparing to announce it would build in a 192,940-square-foot grocery in the former Bend Industries lot on S. Main Street behind Menards.

This week the property transaction cleared and 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.

Construction causing headaches US 41                                         

The lane closure on US 41 southbound from US 45 to STH 145 are causing quite a few headaches for drivers headed to Milwaukee during the work week. The DOT has posted alternate routes but Michelle Lofy said those roads aren’t much better.

“The backups this week have been ridiculous from Pleasant Hill Road all the way to Highway 167,” she said about Highway 164.

Brian DeNeve, spokesman with the DOT, encouraged people to use the official alternate routes. “One of the problems is there are four-way stops and that leads to some congestion,” he said. “We are working with law enforcement and the project team is looking at it now.”

Suggestions on using a temporary signal were downplayed because of the short-term extent of the project. “I’m sure it doesn’t feel short term when you’re in the car in the morning but we’ll look at some flagging,” he said. Staying on US 41 is an option, DeNeve said “no matter what, there are going to be delays.”

Washington County Sheriff’s are aware of the delays and encouraged motorists to drive with caution. The DOT said the culvert work in that area should be finished Sept. 30.

Updates & tidbits

-The 35th Annual Fish Boil at Divine Savior Lutheran Church in Hartford is today from 3 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Adult tickets $9 {advance} or $10 at the door. Child $4.50 or $5 at the door. Hot dog plate for child $4.

-Registration is underway for the 6th Annual Race to Safety: Family Violence Stops Here! 5k Run/Walk.  This year’s event is Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at Regner Park.

–  Due to a lack of registered participants, the Sunrise Rotary has cancelled the Amazing Race set for Sept. 26. As of Friday, Sept. 11 only 20 teams had signed up. The goal was 60 teams. Rotarians said they did not “feel it is fair to our event sponsors to accept their generous donations if we don’t have a great or even good turnout for the event.” Race organizer Jeff Szukalski said, “We have refunded teams and we will send them a check from our club.”

-Concerned Citizens of West Bend will meet Monday, Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at West Bend City Hall. Featured speakers include Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen and a member of the Metro Drug Enforcement Unit. Concerned Citizens, a local organization started by former Dist. 4 alderman Randy Koehler, is designed to promote neighborhood awareness.

-The West Bend Community Library is selling tickets to its Oct. 17 fundraiser, “The Sly Mr. Read: A Night of Mystery.” The after-hours event will raise money for development and initial installation of a new Digital Creation Lab.

-The West Bend High School drumline was featured this week on the Bob & Brian morning show on FM 102.9 The Hog.  The drumline was part of the shows Small School Ass Whupping segment.  Section leaders Troy Matenaer and Ben Kroll were interviewed live on the air.

West Bend man wins 2015 Harley-Davidson

Jim Tock of West Bend is riding away on a one-of-a-kind 2015 Dyna 75^th anniversary Sturgis-themed Harley-Davidson. The victory was celebrated this week at Open Road Harley-Davidson in Fond du Lac.

“I was shopping at the dealership in June to pick up something for my birthday and a guy told me to sign up,” said Tock, a 1982 graduate of West Bend West High School. “I put my name in one time and a couple months later I got a call saying I won.”

Lori Thiel, managing partner at Open Road Harley-Davidson in Fond du Lac, said they were elated too.  “We got a call saying the drawing happened and the person who won made his entry at our store,” Thiel said.  About 600 dealerships across the country participated in the Road to Sturgis sweepstakes. The contest ran June 1 – July 12.

The motorcycle was made in Milwaukee, valued at $24,000 and features ghost lettering, orange and black color-matched rims and blacked-out accents. “This bike was in production for two years,” Thiel said. “The milestone of the 75^th anniversary of Sturgis makes it that much more special.”

Tock said he’s going to “park it in my living room for a while and then see how I like to ride it.”

Open Road Harley-Davidson celebrated with a big cake and special Harley ice cream from Kelley Country Creamery.

History photo celebrates Officer Appreciation Day

Today’s 1935 photo, courtesy the Washington County Historical Society, is to pay tribute on this Officer Appreciation Day. Can you name these two vintage men in blue?

Army nurse Margaret Behlen on today’s Honor Flight

Washington County veterans from World War II and the Korean War will take off today on the latest Stars and Stripes Honor Flight. One of the veterans preparing for the trip to Washington D.C. is Army nurse Margaret Behlen of West Bend.

A 1940 graduate of Holy Angels Academy, Behlen was 22 years old when she completed nurses training at Milwaukee County General Hospital and then enlisted in the Army.

“I went up to Fort McCoy in August 1944,” she said. “All the men were overseas and all the nurses I knew were going into the Army.”

Following basic training at Fort McCoy, Behlen was transferred to a post in Illinois and was soon selected to be part of the 199^th General Hospital. It was there she earned her stripes with a military nickname.

“They called me Pinky,” she said with a grin. “I think it was because I had a red face and red hair. A woman in the front office named me; she said ‘every unit needs a Pinky’ and I guess I was it.”

Transferred to Providence, Rhode Island, Behlen was then shipped to England. “We were in England for quite a long time and we were scheduled to go to France and open a hospital but the Battle of the Bulge occurred and we had to wait until that was over,” said Behlen

On Christmas day she crossed the English Channel on a ship and took a train to Rennes, France.

“On New Year’s Eve we set up the hospital – we were practically barely in there and getting patients,” she said.

On duty every day Behlen was assigned three or four patients. “You had to talk to them and keep their spirits up,” she said. Night duty, was a different story.

“We’d have to go for 12 hours from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. for two weeks without a day off,” she said. “That was the roughest part of it and you were usually on a shift yourself and in charge of about 25 patients.”

Stationed within 100 miles of the Battle of the Bulge, Behlen recalled she spent most of her time dancing. “Surrounding our hospital there were other units, specifically ones that had parties at night and women were scarce,” she said. “We were always invited to a party at night, if it wasn’t one place it was another.”

Accommodations in the service were what you might expect, according to Behlen. “We had a Quonset hut in England and there were about 20 of us in there,” she said. “It was pretty cold and we had a home stove and we took turns each week starting the fire.”

Discharged in 1946 Behlen was assigned to a hospital in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She said it was an outfit that had a bad reputation. “Drinking was prevalent and some of the white patients were pretty prejudice to black people,” she said.  “There was a saying at the time, ‘Lucky Strike means fine tobacco,’ but we changed that to read ‘Lord save me from Tuscaloosa.’”

Returning home to Milwaukee, Behlen worked for the Veterans Hospital and later met her husband, in all places her mother’s living room. “He was trying to date my younger sister Harriet,” said Behlen. “I talked it over with my sister and I said, ‘if Morris asks you to marry him, would you?’” Harriet said no, so Morris was on Behlen’s radar.

Married and living in Cedarburg for several years the Behlen’s had seven children. She said her son Christopher will be her guardian on Saturday’s flight.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the WWII monument of course but also the Lincoln Memorial,” said Behlen.

Veterans and their guardians will spend Saturday touring memorials in Washington, D.C., including the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War memorials as well as the Lincoln Memorial. They will also view the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.

Lloyd Derge Korean War veteran

Another Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is leaving Milwaukee Mitchell International airport Saturday Sept. 12.   There will be 183 veterans on the flight including 44 who served in WWII, 138 who served in the Korean War, and one terminally ill Vietnam veteran. There will also be three veterans who survived the D-Day invasion and coincidentally all are named Floyd.

Quite few veterans from Washington County will be taking part in the tour to Washington D.C. including Lloyd Derge, 83, of Jackson. “I was drafted into the U.S. Army 1952 when I was 19 years old,” Derge said.

Sitting in his Jackson home, surrounded by photos of his six children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Derge spoke about traveling to Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania for basic training. “Then we went to Korea,” he said. “It took 18 days to get over there by ship. We first stopped in Japan and then went to Korea.”

Derge, a Corporal in the 5th Regimental Combat team, was a heavy-equipment operator working to repair roads damaged in the war. “The weather was just like Wisconsin,” he said. “Once I got workin’ it was like I was just in the states.”

Returning to Fort Campbell, Kentucky after one year in Korea, Derge was discharged and returned home to work at Weasler Engineering. “I haven’t been to Washington D.C.,” said Derge about Saturday’s flight. “I’m interested in whatever happens.” Lloyd’s son Dean Derge will be his guardian.

Korean veteran Calvin Langer

Calvin Langer, 91, of Hartford was working on his family’s farm in Adams County in 1949 when he was drafted by the U.S. Army. “I was 25 years old,” said Langer. “I went to Camp Breckenridge outside Morganfield, Kentucky for basic training and then to Fort Lewis, in Washington for infantry training.”

Langer served a year, was released with other draftees in October of 1950 and was called back to service. In March 1951 Langer was shipped to Korea.

“I served in the 1st Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment,” he said. Stationed on the front line Langer fired mortars. “I was at Bloody Ridge,” he said about the conflict in the central Korean mountain range. “There was a heavy mortar fight which included the rest of the 1^st Battalion with infantry and riflemen and machine gunners; we started firing mortars around 5 a.m. and kept firing until 6 p.m. They estimated there were 500 Chinese killed,” said Langer.

Langer was discharged in November 1951 after returning from Korea by ship. “We actually returned to Fort Lewis and then I took a plane back home,” Langer said. “I wished later I would have taken the train and saw some of the country.”

Langer farmed for a while until he lost some fingers in an accident. “I went to college at UW-River Falls and studied agricultural education,” he said. “One day a guy came in looking for a field man and that’s how I got a job at Kraft Foods in Hartford.”

Langer, who has been to Washington D.C. before, said he’s looking forward to seeing the Korean Memorial. Cathy Feutz, Langer’s daughter, will be his guardian.

Other local veterans on today’s Honor Flight: Bill Wilde, 88, of West Bend who served from in WWII from Nov. 1945 – 1946, George Fassbinder of West Bend who served as a cook in the Navy during WWII, Willard Kaun of West Bend who worked in the Army Air Corps Supply in WWII.  John Steinmetz of Slinger who was an Army gunner in Korea, John Tessar of Kewaskum who was in the Army in Korea, Ralph Willing of Jackson who was in the Army Signal Corps in Korea and Duane Skofronick of Germantown who was a radar mechanic in the Air Force.

Tree cutting at Old Settlers Park unsettling for some

The triangle corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street in downtown West Bend had a very open-concept appearance Friday as crews from the city Parks Department removed all the trees at Old Settlers Park.

The work is part of a major remodel although some neighbors in the community thought the mature trees should stay. “They never should have taken out that honey locust; the most beautiful tree in downtown West Bend they have to get rid of it,” Greg Chmielewski, owner of Idle Hour or Two, said.

The restaurant is across the street from Old Settlers Park. “Somebody puts in money and they do whatever they want,” said Chmielewski, referencing the $200,000 the city received from the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to complete the remodel.

“I hope they put in trees that grow tall with a nice crown up high so you can see the businesses,” he said.

Justin Nothem from Modern Woodman in West Bend was walking down Main Street this morning. He admitted he really hadn’t noticed the missing trees but supported the process to remodel the park. “I’m sure they have it planned out when all is said and done it will look fantastic,” he said.

West Bend Parks and Forestry Superintendent Mike Jentsch is the project manager. “It’s unfortunate,” he said. “But in a situation like this with all new elevation and retaining walls, we looked over and over to see if we could save any but with all the construction those trees wouldn’t have survived.”

On Friday morning as work crews reviewed the project at the park Jentsch said he hadn’t heard any complaints about the trees. “Everyone I’ve talked to has been very positive about what’s going on down here,” he said. “Specifically about tree removal I have not received any comment.”

There were five trees that were removed from the park including the honey locust, a hickory tree and a couple maple trees.  Jentsch said the hickory was in decline but the others were healthy. The roots of the honey locust, according to Jentsch, would not have survived because the new retaining wall would be right up to the tree.

Craig Hoeppner with the Park and Rec Department said they will plant more trees to make up for the trees removed. He did not know how many more trees or the species.

The rest of Old Settlers Park will be demolished next week. Hoeppner said the new plants will be put in in spring 2016. “Both Vest Park across the street and Old Settlers Park will be more modern looking with better amenities including benches and bike racks,” he said.

Old Settlers Park is scheduled to open June 1 next year.

Proposal to turn Second Avenue into one-way street

There’s going to be a hearing Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m. at West Bend City Hall as the Traffic Safety Commission considers a request to change the 500 block of S. Second Avenue from a two-way street to a one-way street.

Neighbors in the area received a note from Police Chief Ken Meuler about the proposal. The flow of one-way traffic would be from Maple Street south to Oak Street. Richard Sussman has lived at 508 S. Second Ave. for the past 20 years. He said he’s the one who initiated the request.

“There’s nowhere to park on this street,” Sussman said. “When Habitat for Humanity added six living residence at the end of the street it added 14 cars that need parking on the block. Some of those vehicles are not running and they park those on the street for storage and that gives long-time residents on the street no place to park.”

Sussman said if the street was changed to a one way there would be room to park 12 vehicles on the other side of the street and that would alleviate the issue. “It would also make it safer for the children that play in the street at the end of the block,” he said. “They would only have to worry about traffic coming from one way.”

Several weeks ago Sussman went up and down the block collecting signatures.

Scott Gerritson lives on Second Avenue and said he signed the petition but now is having second thoughts. “Parking is an issue but turning the street into a one way would be unreasonable,” he said. “The company at the south end of the block has big trucks going down the street and if you park on both sides the street is barely wide enough to get one car down.”

Gerritson said the house on the northeast corner of Second Avenue and Oak Street was built by Habitat for Humanity and it has quite a few vehicles.

“That makes it hard when handicap people on the block need the taxi,” he said. “They have to access it in the alley. In the winter it would be terrible to have parking on both sides as far as snow plowing and stuff.”

Currently there is no parking on the east side of Second Avenue. “I just see traffic patterns changing and being a disaster,” Gerritson said. “People would end up using the alley as a street and we have grandkids and people are in the alley all the time and I just don’t think it’s a good idea.”

Sussman turned in about 26 signatures on his petition to make Second Avenue a one way.

Neighbors who would like to express an opinion at the meeting next week are being asked to submit a letter to the Chief or call 262-335-5010 prior to Monday, Sept. 14.

Sales recorded at Coachman House and Albrecht Clinic

The sale price has come in for the new Albrecht Free Clinic in West Bend. Jim Strachota, executive director of the Albrecht Free Clinic said the clinic purchased its own building, 908 W. Washington St., on August 25; that property was formerly the Verre Young Eye Clinic. Dale and Joy Matthies sold to Dr. James E. Albrecht Free Clinic, Inc. for $265,000.  LCM Funds 19 Kenosha, LLC and the Dale H. Sterz and Shirley A. Sterz Trust purchased the property 1006 S. Main Street in West Bend from MDR Properties, LLC for $320,000. The property was previously sold to MDR Properties, LLC in 2011 for $233,800. There are plans are to demolish the existing structure and redevelop the property into a Forward Dental office. Adam Williquette from Anderson Commercial Group handled the transaction.

Jesse Kremer proposes transgender legislation

State assembly Representative Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) unveiled a bill this week during the Common Sense Citizens meeting at the West Bend Moose Lodge.

“The measure will provide policy affecting public schools in Wisconsin relating to students who may identify as a different gender and accommodations for them,” he said.

The transgender issue, according to Kremer, is going to be on the forefront in the next several years. Kremer’s interest was heightened following an issue at Kewaskum High School where a student identified as a different gender.

“My understanding was she was walking into the boys bathroom,” said Kremer. “The school district came up with a policy that said the person could use the faculty restroom but could not use the opposite gender restroom.”

School districts across the state, said Kremer, are coming up with their own policy and every district, right now, is on its own.  Kremer relayed the story about a school district in south central Wisconsin involving a seventh grader that has come before the School Board with a similar situation to Kewaskum. “The district doesn’t know what to do and there are lawyers lined up,” said Kremer. “Not for the district but the student.”

Kremer said the bill will set policy statewide for school districts so if there is some sort of litigation in the future the Department of Justice will have to defend it and it won’t be up to the school districts to take it on their own.

“The bill will say if you’re born a boy you will use the boy’s bathroom and locker room. If you’re born a girl you will use the girl’s facilities and if you identify as something else the school district will provide reasonable accommodations, which is similar to what Kewaskum did,” he said. “This bill will protect school districts and it will provide protection for all students for their dignity and privacy.” Kremer predicts the biggest challenge will be possible discrimination charges by students that identify by a different gender.

Alderman Ed Duquaine has sold his home

West Bend Dist. 3 alderman Ed Duquaine has sold his home on Crestwood Drive and moved to 1123 Timberline Drive. Aldermen are required to live in the district they represent and Duquaine said the Timberline Drive home is in Dist. 3. Duquaine confirmed he is building a home in the Town of West Bend.  Asked whether he will run again in April 2016, Duquaine said, “I don’t know.”  Duquaine was first elected to office in April 2010. He replaced incumbent Alderman Richard Lindbeck, who did not to seek re- election.

Updates & tidbits

–The Fall Diva event is Thursday, Sept. 17 in downtown West Bend from noon – 9 p.m. There will be Diva specials at participating restaurants, door prizes, and a complimentary Hummer limo. Century Farmhouse Soaps will have 20 percent off any one item in the shop that day only.

– Watch for the gazebo in Old Settlers Park to be removed from downtown West Bend next Tuesday and relocated to an area next to Dublin’s. Final approval by the common council happens Monday night. Kevin and Amy Zimmer bid $18.45 and are responsible for removing it.

-Concerned Citizens of West Bend next meeting Sept. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at West Bend City Hall. Featured speakers include Washington County District Attorney Mark Bensen and a member of the Metro Drug Enforcement Unit. Concerned Citizens, a local organization started by former Dist. 4 alderman Randy Koehler, is designed to promote neighborhood awareness.

– Assembly Rep. Jesse Kremer (R-Kewaskum) is putting together state legislation regarding drones and aviation safety. “The FAA is taking far too long to address the issue,” Kremer said.  “If you have any comments or would like to weigh in on the issue, please do.” Contact Rep. Kremer at rep.kremer@legis.wi.gov and provide “Drones” in the subject of the email.

– Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County is moving to the Threshold building. Interfaith was previously located at 819 Schoenhaar Drive, in the same building as the American Red Cross. Interfaith began scouting for a new location when the building went up for sale after the Red Cross office closed last October.

-All in Books had a new sign installed at 136 N. Main Street, the former location of Ruth Anne’s Gourmet Market. Along with the new sign store owner Betty Bartelt will host weekly special events for children including a Kid’s Club membership card where participants will receive 30 percent off all children’s books every Thursday.

-A new sign for Angels Nails & Spa was installed this week at 535 N. Main St. Owner Charlie Tran said, “My shop will have six manicure stations. We’ll offer manicures, pedicures, and waxing.” Tran has remodeled the south end of the building formerly home to Sweet Creations. Tran expects to open Sept. 13.

WWII veteran George Fassbinder

Today’s history photo is of George Fassbinder of West Bend who served as a cook in the Navy during WWII. Fassbinder, third from the left, is one of 23 veterans from Washington County on today’s Stars & Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

80 year West Bend High School reunion

There was an 80 year West Bend High School class reunion Friday. It was a rather intimate affair as two ladies, Lillian Moritz Oelhafen and Frieda Kaehny Hauser, from the class of 1935 got together for breakfast.

“We’re both 98 and we both walked down the aisle together at graduation,” said Lillian Oelhafen.

The ladies arrived with daughters in tow.  Judy Etta chauffeured her mother Lillian. “Both Frieda and my mother also worked at the Ziegler Company and Frieda held a hanky bridal shower for my mother,” Etta said. “Everybody brought hankies to the shower for the bride instead of other gifts and my mother used that hanky for her wedding and she still has it today.”

In 1935 the President of the United States was Franklin D. Roosevelt. The principal at the West Bend High School was D. E. McLane. The top hit on the billboard charts was Fred Astaire and ‘Cheek to Cheek.’ The Homecoming at West Bend High School was Roger O’Meara and the makeup of businesses across from the school on Main Street included Amity Leather Company and the Schmidt family farm.

The entire class of 1935 fit in the corner at Perkins Restaurant. Two silver helium balloons that read ‘Congratulations’ floated above the table. Frieda and Lillian wore special red-and-white corsages (the school colors) from Bits n’ Pieces floral. The flowers were finished off with a red ribbon that had ‘Class of 1935’ stamped in gold.

The reminiscing drifted back to an era that included things like earning certificates for shorthand, courses of typing and bookkeeping, and commercial teacher and guidance Chairman Miss Gertrude Forrester. “She was an old maid,” said Lillian. “She had long hair and a coil and she always had a handkerchief up in that coil.”

The Class of 35 laughed and teased a lot. “Both of us were on the Honor Roll but Lillian was a smarty,” said Frieda downplaying her own class status. Lillian graduated third in her class and Frieda, according to Lillian’s recollection, was 10^th.

Both were hired after school to work at the B.C. Ziegler Company. “I got 25 cents an hour and had to run from school to the office downtown because I wanted to get another hour in,” said Lillian. The Ziegler Company, at the time, was located by First National Bank. “I worked for D.J. Kenny and Arnold Miller and they were the guys that worked on the prospectus,” she said.

Frieda was a bookkeeper and worked for a ‘tough guy’ named Leonard Thorson. “At least we had a job,” she said. “It was very hard for a woman to get a job in those days and we had to have a certain grade point or they wouldn’t have hired us.”

Both women were extremely sharp and grateful recalling how fortunate they were to even go to high school. Lillian, whose parents were in Kohlsville, lived with her grandparents on Highway 33, also known as Cedar Street. Frieda lived several miles out of town at Gumm’s Corner, in the home where she resides today.

“I was involved in everything, all the sports,” said Frieda. “I don’t recall having uniforms; we had them for gym but we wore our regular shoes.”

According to the class yearbook Frieda Kaehny was involved in basketball, baseball, track, volleyball, band staff, prom committee, home economics club and Dust Pan Staff.

Lillian was involved in the Dust Pan too. “It was our school newspaper,” she said. “Actually, it was a newsletter that came out once a month.” The rest of Lillian’s high school participation included things like operetta, glee club, guidance chairman, prom committee and honor roll.

A waitress from Perkins stopped by the table to inquire about the celebration. “Is it a birthday,” she asked. “This is our 80^th class reunion,” said Lillian. “Ooh awesome. I love it,” said the waitress. “You’re awesome. That is too cool; I just had to be nosey and come check it out.”

Frieda and Lillian were then encouraged to launch into their school song (sung to the tune of On Wisconsin).

The 80 year reunion was organized by Etta. “You know how you always say, ‘Oh yes, we have to do something’ but then it doesn’t happen in our busy lives,” she said. “But this is an occasion and we can’t let it go by without having them together… and they’re both alive. We’re very blessed.”

Kettlebrook Church moves ahead with development

Kettlebrook Church confirmed plans this week to lease 24,500 square feet from the Threshold in the Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen Center.

Paul Fisher, Kettlebrook Elder Chair, distributed this note to parishioners. He said they will begin renovation in October with occupancy targeted for April 2016.

Below is the note to parishioners.

At Sunday’s Annual Business Meeting, the Membership of Kettlebrook Church unanimously approved both the FY16 budget and the request to proceed with contract negotiations and construction of the Kettlebrook Community Center.

The Elders thank each of you for your patience, your questions, and your support of this project so far, and continue to covet your prayers as the next phase of bringing this vision to reality begins.

While the Kettlebrook Community Center project is now officially approved, please do not begin making contributions against your pledge at this time.

Once the contracts are signed and we know that no major obstacles remain in our path, each giving unit will receive a pledge statement from the church office. Included with this statement will be information on how to begin making your contributions.

To help you with your financial planning, we anticipate contributions can begin October 1, 2015.

For those who have pledged in the “one-time, up-front” category, we ask that you fulfill your pledge by November 30, 2015. The pledges made in the “five year” category will run through September 30, 2020, but we encourage early fulfillment of your pledge if you are blessed with that opportunity. Thank you again for your support, and God’s blessings to each of you.

Respectfully, Paul Fischer Kettlebrook Elder Chair

Prayer vigil Monday for Kewaskum’s Max Hardy

Prayer vigil Monday for Max Hardy in Kewaskum: There is going to be a prayer vigil Monday, Sept. 7 for Max Hardy of Kewaskum. Hardy is a graduate of Kewaskum High School and last weekend was injured following a fall while hiking the cliffs in the Upper Peninsula.

Hardy’s condition has been improving but he still needs prayers. The vigil starts at 7 p.m. at Kewaskum Kiwanis Park and will be led by Pastor Mike from Kettlebrook Church. Neighbors are welcome to bring a candle to light during the vigil.

Local prayer service held to show support for law enforcement

Nice turnout for public prayer service at Washington County Sheriff’s Department: Nearly 50 people bowed their heads and offered a prayer this afternoon to help raise awareness for the safety of law enforcement locally and across the country.

“We’re concerned about the welfare and safety of our law enforcement officers in this country,” Tina Beres, wife of Washington County Sheriff’s Sergeant Chad Beres said. “There are horrible things going on and we want people to step up and say we support you.”

Neighbors gathered for the prayer service outside the memorial to fallen Deputy John Schmitt.

Pastor Jeff Dorth with St. John’s Lutheran Church led the service with a few words and a prayer.

“Your mercy and protection and have depended upon Your comfort in times of distress and loss and this day, Lord God, we join our voices with people around this land and we ask You to have mercy to give wisdom to the leaders of this nation and the leaders of nations around the world so that justice might be lived out, so that people might respond in peacefulness.

“We pray on this day for loved ones who have given up their life in the protection of communities, citizens and families. We pray for understanding for we are frail and we do not understand and we are broken and we ask for You to have mercy on us,” prayed Pastor Dorth.

Kelli Dexter’s husband is with local law enforcement. “Police officers aren’t just people with a badge, they’re husbands and have wives and children,” she said. “We all have families that we come home to but we all don’t have jobs where we have targets on our back.” These are men and women who are portrayed to be the bad guys and unfortunately we don’t have a government that’s supporting them now and we need to be the force behind them.”

Several wives of officers organized the event to show support as stories are cropping up weekly regarding officers attacked, shot or killed in the line of duty.

Motocross results

Unofficial results of the Motocross race last Sunday at Washington County Fair Park show the winning team consisted of Ben Carlson and Glenn Curtiss on the No. 11 Fuel Powersports Yamaha YZ450F.  Forty teams competed and kudos to an excellent volunteer staff from Chix 4 a Cause, Kettle Moraine Sport Riders, Kettle Moraine ATV Club, Aztalan Cycle Club and Moto Ice LLC.  Local business support included Duquaine Concrete, West Bend Elevator, Wollner Excavating, Ralph Schmidt, Fuel Powersports, and West Bend Harley. Proceeds benefitted Chix 4 a Cause to help cancer victims in southeastern Wisconsin.

Delta Defense site plan moves forward

Solid backing from the West Bend Plan Commission this week as the new site plan for Delta Defense to construct a 65,000-square-foot corporate headquarters moved forward.

Company President and CEO Tim Schmidt purchased 35 acres on the east side of Corporate Center Drive. The two-story building will be just around the turn. “You’ll easily be able to see it from Highway 45,” Schmidt said. “We will not have an indoor firing range but we will have an indoor training facility, eventually, but it won’t have live fire. We feel very welcomed by West Bend and we’re excited to grow here.”

District 7 alderman Adam Williquette sits on the Plan Commission. He said the development of Delta Defense, as a local company, has been very exciting to watch in terms of economic development for the community.

“It seems like yesterday when Delta purchased the old art museum and since then their business has exploded and they are now looking to invest $13-$15 million into a new facility,” he said. “The new building means over 130 new jobs over the next several years. This is a great story, not only of development, but of monumental success of entrepreneurial spirit right here in our own town.”

Williquette said another reason this development is good for West Bend is because Tim and Tonnie Schmidt are great community servants. “From the Museum of Wisconsin Art to dozens of other non-profit fundraisers and benefits, Delta has been a major donor. I would like to thank Tim and Tonnie Schmidt for their support of West Bend.” Delta Defense plans to break ground and begin construction in mid-October.

The Plan Commission also approved an over sized LED electronic message on the monument sign for West Bend Furniture & Design, 1411 W. Washington St., reviewed a site plan for redevelopment of Old Settlers Park, south of the intersection of N. Sixth Avenue and N. Main Street and a site plan was approved to construct a 25’ x 98’ garage on the north side of The Threshold building, 2380 W. Washington Street.

Germanfest wrap up

A successful 30^th anniversary of Germanfest is in the books. Putting a bow on some of the festivities here is a list of winners from several events. According to Sharon Stier there were 129 tables filled with players over the weekend for sheephead along with 1,935 hands of cards played. The overall winner was Gary Raleigh of West Bend; other daily winners included Donna Gudex Kamrath of Mayville and Willie Mueller of West Bend.  And a hat tip to Bits n’ Pieces Floral for the flowers and centerpieces at last week’s Germanfest.

Early Farm Days

The 41st Annual Kewaskum Early Farm Days is Sunday, Sept. 13. The event on the west side of River Hill Park is sponsored by The Kewaskum Historical Society. This year features The Wheelmen, a group of antique bicycling enthusiasts that will have high-wheeled bicycles on hand. Other attractions include old farm equipment, gas and steam engines, antique vehicles, and a working display of threshing. Horse-drawn wagon rides will be provided by Kettle Moraine Carriages and there will be refreshments along with homemade pies. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Updates & tidbits

–The Fall Diva shopping event in downtown West Bend is Sept. 17.  Jump on the trolley or walk your way through West Bend’s finest specialty shops and restaurants during the annual Fall Diva Event. Specials, door prizes and goodies are all part of this fabulous event.

–A hard-working group of Noon Rotarians got behind the business end of a paintbrush this week and put a new shine on the Casa Guadalupe building, 479 N. Main Street. The goodwill was initiated by Megan Roder and Justin Nothem with Modern Woodman. They had help from Rotarians Kellie Boone, Lora and John Buck, Mary and Steve Binkley, Richard Klumb, David Slindee, Arlene Norman, Fred Seefeldt, Ray Roskpf, Barb Justman and Pat Strachota.

– Meijer grocery is planning to start construction on its new store on S. Main Street behind Menard’s and the local Bike Friendly West Bend, a group designed to promote safe bicycling in the community, is contacting Meijer and the West Bend Plan Commission in attempts to lay out a safe bike route to the store. Bike Friendly also wants to make sure there are bicycle racks for parking. This week Jeff Puetz from Bike Friendly West Bend was at the BID Board meeting to lock in plans for new bike racks in the downtown business district. Two of the 10 bike racks on order will be installed this fall at Vest Park.

-Bargainmart, 325 Chestnut Street in West Bend, has Halloween items on sale and it looks like this will be the second year in a row Halloween Extreme/Discount Halloween does not open an outlet in West Bend. For the past few years the seasonal store was located at various places in West Bend including the old Toy Works on South Main Street or Grimm’s Dollar Express on Main and Butternut. Real estate agents said they had difficulty finding a location of 5,000 square feet or more. The closest Discount Halloween may be in Menomonee Falls.

– City of West Bend assistant engineer Fred Schaejbe retired this week after spending 24 years with the city. Schaejbe started as assistant city engineer on May 28, 1991.

–The 20^th annual Boltonville Fire Department Street Dance is Sept. 12 in Boltonville. Money raised will be used to purchase equipment for the Boltonville Fire Department. There will be live music starting at 8:30 p.m. by Rebel Grace.

– Monday, Sept. 14 is the Kettle Moraine Lutheran Charity Golf Outing and Dinner at the West Bend Country Club. The goal is to provide financial support for KML and the KML Foundation.

-The roundabout at Highway G and NN is complete. The roads are paved, the lines have been drawn and for the most part the project is done.

– Schauer Center Youth String Orchestra (SYSO) is holding auditions Wednesday, Sept. 9. The SYSO’s new orchestra director is Lisa Kitzke. More information is available at 262-670-0560.

– The Washington County Transportation Committee confirmed this week that resurfacing work on WI-175 from WI-60 north to the Dodge County line will begin on Sept. 14.

-Starting Sept. 23 UW-Washington County will roll out its Community Lecture Series. This year it will have German flare.

-The inaugural Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County Golf Marathon fundraiser is Friday, Sept. 18 at Kettle Hills Golf Course. Golf 100 holes in one day and invite your family, friends, fans and supporters to “Party on the Patio” and cheer the golfers on to the finish.

-Roots and Branches in West Bend rescheduled its plant removal operation to Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m. because it was too hot and humid this week.  Plants are being removed as a major remodel will begin shortly at the triangle corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street.

Photo of the WBHS class of 1935

Today’s history photo is of the West Bend High School class of 1935. The original photos and today’s pictures of Lillian Moritz Oelhafen and Frieda Kaehny Hauser.

West Bend High School teacher receives top Restaurant Association award

West Bend High School culinary / hospitality teacher Sally Heuer has been named the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Teacher of the Year.

“I found out through voicemail,” laughed Heuer about a message received Thursday. “I normally don’t check my voicemail but saw the Restaurant Association called and it was a gal saying she was ‘pleased as punch’ to tell me I won the award.”

Heuer has been teaching in the West Bend School District 26 years; the last nine years she’s been at the West Bend High Schools.

“The award makes me feel appreciated,” Heuer said.  “I have built a very, very strong program with very supportive colleagues.”

Heuer was teaching at Badger Middle School when the Nifty Nibble, a student-run café at the high school initially got underway. “Bonnie Skadahl ran the program for years,” said Heuer. “After she left, there was some change and shortly thereafter I was asked to take the position.”

Heuer wrapped her arms around it. “I had to, because I was given about a year or two to get the program up and moving forward or it was headed for the chopping block; pun intended,” she said.

The hospitality industry, according to Heuer, is not for wimps. “Anybody in the industry knows there is a lot of blood, sweat and tears that goes into it,” she said. “I am not afraid of hard work and I give kids opportunities they don’t have elsewhere.”

Heuer’s students have gone on to great success. This past December an article ran in Around the Bend about West Bend East High School alum Cameron Anderson. He was a graduate of Heuer’s ProStart food-service program at the high school and he was featured on the Food Network. “Cameron is our poster child for success,” she said.

“I’ve had students graduate the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School, UW-Madison, the Culinary Institute of America and they’re working everywhere which is kind of exciting,” she said.

After receiving the news Heuer tried to contact her family but had little luck and then Katelyn Mueller walked into her classroom.

“I’ve had Mrs. Heuer for a couple culinary courses and I was at school and when she told me I was so happy for her because she’s my favorite teacher and she’s so deserving of the award,” Mueller said. “She had such a big smile on her face and it was so sweet to see.”

Mueller, 17, described Heuer as a ‘stand-out teacher’ who has had a big influence on her career path.  “She listens to students and asks for our opinion,” she said. “She’s a very hands-on teacher and she’ll relate things in class to real-life situations and she’ll open it up to class discussion.”

Alex Newman, ProStart Coordinator for the Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation, sent a note to Heuer saying she was “chosen for her great support of and work with the ProStart program and for advocating for students in the program.”

Heuer will be recognized on October 25 during a Banquet for Excellence at the Intercontinental Hotel in Milwaukee.

WB police distribute Packer trading cards

Local police across Washington County are prepping to hand out Green Bay Packer collector cards. Kewaskum Police Chief Tom Bishop said he received the department’s trading cards on Tuesday. “There are 20 in the set including quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Jordy Nelson,” said Bishop.

The front of the card features a color photo and the back includes personal stats and safety tips from children. The cards in Kewaskum are sponsored by Westbury Bank. Germantown PD partners with Germantown Kiwanis and trading cards from West Bend PD are sponsored by American Metal & Paper Recycling, Inc., West Bend Police Department, and The Green Bay Packers Organization. Jackson PD will also be distributing GB Packer cards.

Angels Nails and Spa

A new nail salon and spa will open Sept. 13 in West Bend. Angels Nails & Spa, 535 N. Main St., is owned by Charlie Tran. “I named it after the movie Charlie’s Angels,” he said. Dressed in a California Angels baseball cap, Tran stood at his new circular front counter and talked about coming to the U.S. from Vietnam. He had lived in Fond du Lac with his family but felt at home in West Bend. “My shop will have six manicure stations,” said Tran. “We’ll offer manicures, pedicures, and waxing. This is where the angels will land; it will be a heavenly place.”

Tran has significantly remodeled the south end cap of the building formerly the Buick building. Tyrone Walker with Skywalker Investment Group LLC purchased the 1.33-acre property on Nov. 13, 2014. Badger Masonry & Fireplace Supply Inc. from Fond du Lac will open in the showroom portion of the building to the north of the spa.

Public Works director leaves West Bend for Germantown

Friday is the last day on the job for West Bend’s Public Works Director Larry Ratayczak. He’s leaving for a similar position in Germantown. Ratayczak came on board with the city of West Bend in the fall of 2013 following the resignation in August of Robert Richards who was hired as director of Public Works in January 2013. The city posted the opening. Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said, “We will search for another Public Works director that brings an entrepreneurial element to the position.”

Holy Trinity Social Fest

A rousing success for this year’s 21st annual Holy Trinity Social Fest. The fundraiser at River Hill Park in Kewaskum included 491 folks who dined on a steak or chicken dinner, bid on live and silent auction items and waited for the much-anticipated cash drawings.

Jodi Strobel of Kewaskum was the big winner of the $5,000 grand prize. Organizers said $30,275 was raised at the auctions and this year an anonymous donor agreed to match that amount which will go to construction of the new Holy Trinity Parish Center.

Some of the special live-auction items included an American Flag pallet that featured student hand prints from the 5K class in place of the stars. There was also a priceless piece donated by the family of John McElhatton who always contributed a hand-made piece of woodwork to Social Fest. He made a 2-in-1 patio table earlier this year. McElhatton died in his sleep on April 18; he was 85.

Bike racks and holiday decorations on tap at next BID meeting

A decision on bike racks for the downtown business district will be discussed during Tuesday’s West Bend BID Board meeting. The BID and a new organization, Bike Friendly West Bend, have been working on finding a design that will work well in the downtown and be efficient for bikers.

Locations of the bike racks and who will pick up the cost are still being discussed. Mike Husar, president of the BID board, said the racks are about $450 a piece and the BID may just shoulder the cost for the first few racks. Some businesses that have already put out the welcome mat for a bike rack include Savoring Thyme, Conversation Piece, Century Farm House, Downtown West Bend Association, and the Museum of Wisconsin Art.

Jeff Puetz, president of Bike Friendly West Bend, will be on hand to discuss two bike racks, possibly near the new Vest Pack, that will hopefully be installed by fall and improve bike parking for 20 bikes.

Another hot topic at Tuesday’s meeting will be the decision to purchase more holiday decorations downtown. Last year the BID made a significant investment in holiday lights spending up to $30,000 on decorations for the downtown which included 80 green, holiday sprigs for the light poles and two ‘beefier lights’ to hang across Main Street. This year the BID is considering spending up to $15,000 more on holiday lights. More discussion will be at the meeting.

Listening sessions with Sen. Stroebel and Cong. Sensenbrenner

Listening sessions with Congressman James Sensenbrenner have been outlined for September. The Dist. 5 Rep. will meet with constituents for one hour. Senator Duey Stroebel and Rep. Jesse Kremer will be on hand at a number of meetings.  The schedule is as follows: Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Hartford City Hall. Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. Newburg Village Hall, 10 a.m. Kewaskum Village Hall, 11 a.m. Addison Town Hall, and 1 p.m. Jackson Village Hall. Sunday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. West Bend City Hall.

Updates & tidbits

-The new webpage for Extra Mile Snow Plowing in West Bend went live this week. Company owner Aron Rodman worked with Epic Creative. “We will be doing some photo shoots during the snowstorms to get better pictures to use this winter,” said Rodman.  “Only so much you can do in July.” The new site is at http://extramilesnow.com/

-Watch for a nice donation to be made next week during the West Bend Sunrise Rotary meeting as Thrivent Financial turns over a check for $1,000 for Enchantment in the Park.

– Proceeds from ticket sales at the comedy night, Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Mineshaft in Hartford will go to help William Springer, 17, of Slinger acquire a diabetic alert dog.  The West Bend Lioness Lions Club is helping Springer raise $11,000 to pay for the dog.

-Today is the Supermoto Charity Race at Washington County Fair Park benefiting “Chix 4 a Cause” and organization that shares Gifts of Love with people who are fighting cancer. Practice is noon to 1:30 p.m. on before racing gets underway 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Spectators are only $5.

– Bids on sale and removal of the gazebo at Old Settlers Park are due by 10 a.m. on Sept. 1.  The city of West Bend is conducting a silent auction for the sale and removal of the gazebo. The bids should be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Park & Forestry Department, Gazebo” to the City Clerk, 1115 S. Main St, West Bend, WI 53095.

-Local gardening group Roots and Branches is asking for help Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Old Settler’s Park in downtown West Bend. The current park is being demolished and a brand new park is being installed with help from a $200,000 gift from the Community Foundation.  Roots and Branches is trying to save as many of the existing plants as possible to be potted, stored and transplanted in the new park. The group needs volunteers to dig and pot plants. If your time permits, please drop by the park at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street at 4 p.m. Bring along garden tools and gloves.

-Commemorative beanies arrived this week for the new Husar’s Diamond Dash 5K which will be held Dec. 6 at Regner Park. Proceeds benefit Enchantment in the Park.

– Work began this week to flood the rink at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center, 2330 S. Main St. in West Bend. Board president Thomas Postulka said it takes 10,600 gallons of water and one week to build the rink, all the logos are hand painted on the ice and here are 100 layers of Boom spray and 100 Zam floods to be thick enough for hockey. The season starts Monday.

–Post cards will be in the mail shortly as the West Bend Business Improvement District prepares for a public meeting Wednesday, Oct. 7 to discuss long-term strategic planning items and projects currently underway. The meeting will begin 6 p.m. at West Bend City Hall.

Home for sale

A ‘for sale’ sign is out front the old John’s Decorators, 536 S. Main St. in West Bend. Neighbors remember the days when John and Maria Hernikl from Budapest, Hungary ran the business. Their son Alexander Hernikl later took over. He died March 4 at 70 years old. Alexander had recently been honored by the West Bend Police for 30 years of volunteer service, 1984-2014, as a member of the West Bend Crime Prevention Patrol.

Hernikl’s obituary by the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home told the story of how Alex was born June 12, 1944, to the late John and Maria (nee Varga) Hernikl near Budapest, Hungary. In his early more carefree days, Alex loved spending his summers near Lake Balaton pitching hay and riding horses bareback.

By 1956, however, Alex and his parents were prominent freedom fighters. An arrest warrant was issued for Alex’s family on Nov. 20. They were warned by the officer serving the warrant because they had saved him during the Holocaust. Alex said they had five minutes to leave the country with just the shirts on their backs. Alex’s family traveled 100 miles in 27 hours … partly through an icy swamp.

At age 12, Alex and his family boarded a Flying Tiger with about 100 Hungarian refugees. They were low on fuel during a snowstorm and about to land in New Jersey on Christmas Eve. Alex said, “All the runway lights were covered in snow, so attendants working on the ground pulled all of the emergency vehicles out and turned on the lights. Once we broke through the clouds, all we could see were these rotating beacons. It was a sight I’ll never forget.” And he never did.

Alex arrived speaking no English and was automatically put back a grade in school. Due to his previous survival experiences, Alex said he was quick to anger and hit out.

Alex went to Madison to become an electrical engineer. His failing eyesight required a change in direction so he attended the Chicago School of Design and the Harvard Graduate School of Design and was a member of A.S.I.D.

By the 1970s, Alex expanded John’s Decorators to include a showroom with furniture and accessories while making high-end draperies.

The home, listed by Coldwell Banker, is priced at $130,900.

Celebrating Germanfest

Today’s history photo, courtesy Suzanne Tennies, is from the early years of Germanfest when brewmaster Ernst Frankenberg would help the mayor tap a new keg of German beer for the festival.  This week is the 30^th anniversary of Germanfest. Next year Habitat for Humanity is taking over the festival.

Attending school with a robot at Fair Park Elementary

Little Ari Martin has become a local celebrity. The six year old is preparing to start first grad at Fair Park Elementary and her sidekick this year is a robot.

Ari has a spinal muscular disease. She’s very susceptible to cold-and-flu season which limits her attendance at school. This year she’s going to be able to interact with her class from home by using a high-tech robot that offers a window to her world.

Double is a telepresence robot that works with an iPad.  “I’m going to call it Roboticca,” said Ari. “I think it’s going to be a she and I’m going to dress it like a girl.”

By the way the fashion this fall semester for robots, according to Ari, is green, black and some purple.

Martin’s parents, Cassandra and Keith, said the robot will help Ari maintain more peer-to-peer contact during the school year.

“I can’t tell you how much this means to us,” Cassandra said. “When I heard about it I started crying. It’s so touching there are so many people that think about my daughter.”

Ari normally starts school in September and goes to class three days a week. “In October we pull her out because of cold and flu season,” Cassandra said. “If she gets a cold it’s a week or two hospital stay.”

With the robot, Ari will be able to operate it from home and still be able to do modified activities with her class.

On Thursday, after having her school picture taken, Ari got to meet her robot for the first time.  “That was amazing,” she said. “It can go up and down and I can turn all by myself!”

Special education teacher Becky Sohf helped Ari use a laptop computer to easily maneuver ‘Roboticca’ up and down the hallways. “Stay between the blue lines,” coached Sohf.

In the hallway the robot moved with silence and ease and rolled similar to a Segway. A long stem was centered in the wheel base and at the top of the four-foot stem was a computer screen, similar to an iPad.

The face was Ari, looking into her computer screen from her classroom around the corner.

“It’s amazing she’s going to be able to be a normal kid,” said Cassandra.

The West Bend School District is the only district in the state with a telepresence robot.

Rare tribute for woman’s 75 years with Catholic Financial Life:

Members of Catholic Financial Life, formerly Catholic Family Life Insurance, paid tribute this week to one of their long-time clients. Grace Tennies of the Town of Erin was presented with a gold rosary and statue of the Blessed Mother. “I received the rosary for being with Catholic Financial Life for 50 years,” she said. “The statue of the Blessed Mother was for being part of the organization for 75 years.”

Tennies was 2 years old when her parents took out a life insurance policy in her name. “You will never see someone get this sort of recognition again because young people aren’t investing in life insurance,” said Tennies. There were about 60 people at Sunday’s gathering at Barton Park. Tennies husband, Franklin, also received a gold rosary for his 50 years.

Hunter safety course ends after 30 years

After 30 years the West Bend Hunter Education program is going dark. “We’re not getting any new instructors,” organizer Scott Sager said. “Student enrollment is down and after 30 years we all looked at each other and said that’s it.”

The local Hunter Education program was started by Sager and his dad, Don, in 1985.  The Sager family sponsored the week-long course, which followed standards set by the Wisconsin DNR.

Held twice a year, in March and August, the program included three days in the classroom and one field day at the West Bend Barton Sportsman Club. The goal: learn how to handle and shoot a gun safely.

The courses were hands on. There was a 4-to-1 ratio of students to volunteer instructors and from day one students received training that included identifying parts of a shotgun, instruction on how to safely carry a gun, read a compass, and climb a tree stand.

“The classes used to sell out, but now the numbers are doing this,” said Sager gliding is hand in a downward motion. “They’re enrolling but they’re not showing and the biggest thing is we’re not getting volunteer instructors.”

Sager said it takes 15 instructors a night to teach the class safely. “We needed another 10 to 15 bodies and it’s just not there,” he said comparing it to organizations and events that are meeting the same fate as volunteer numbers drop off.

Today’s environment has changed dramatically, according to Sager when the course kicked off, the numbers were extremely strong. “We had seven instructors and 105 kids in each class,” he said. “The first class we had 23 students and we were recruiting kids and within a year we were teaching 80 to 100 kids.”

Sager recalls one of their initial investments was on a reel-to-reel movie series on hunter safety. “We spent $1,000 when we started,” he said. “We still have the original projector and thank God the light bulb is still working.”

Although the course is ending, Sager said he will be donation some of the equipment back to hunter education groups and the DNR. “The Barton Sportsman’s Club will continue to run its program and there will be other hunter safety courses in the community but the West Bend Hunter Education program will be no more,” he said.

Other organizations that helped fund the program included Whitetails Unlimited Washington County Chapter, Ducks Unlimited Washington County, West Bend Barton Sportsman Club, DF Sager Memorial and other conservation organizations.

Valiant tribute to Sylvin “Syl” Watry

There was a mighty tribute flying over traffic on Highway 33 this week as the West Bend Fire Department raised the American flag on an aerial ladder in honor of Syl Watry. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Watry was one of the first full-time firefighters hired in West Bend. He worked for the West Bend Fire Department and Rescue Squad for 32 years; during that time he was proud to deliver six babies. Watry retired from the Fire Dept. in 1983. Syl Watry died last Thursday. The funeral for Watry, 88, was at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home.

Horicon Bank on the grow again

Horicon Bank has opened another branch in Fond du Lac. Baraboo National Bank announced the sale of its Fond du Lac branch, 1207 West Johnson Street, to Horicon Bank. The deal includes the fixed assets and deposits of the branch. Pending regulatory review, the sale should close by the end of this year. According to reports the transaction involves the assumption of about $17 million in deposits. Horicon Bank now has 14 locations including West Bend, Iron Ridge, Mayville, Oshkosh, Beaver Dam, Appleton, Green Lake, Ripon, and Neosho.

Gonring to be inducted into Old Time Ballplayers’ Hall of Fame

Kewaskum’s Doug Gonring received word this week he will be inducted into the Old Time Ballplayers’ Association Hall of Fame. “On behalf of the Old Time Ballplayers’ Association and the Hall of Fame committee, congratulations on being chosen to join the OTBA Hall of Fame for your long and successful baseball career,” wrote Greg Ebbert, executive director of OTBA.

Gonring will be recognized Sept. 2 at Miller Park prior to the start of the Brewers vs. Pittsburgh game. Gonring will be officially honored at the Hall of Fame dinner Nov. 8 at Serb Hall. Next year Gonring’s name will be added to the OTBA HOF plaque permanently displayed at Miller Park down the right field concourse.

Two establishments awarded Class B Combination Liquor Licenses

During Monday night’s West Bend Common Council meeting, alderman voted unanimously to award a pair of non-reserve original Class B Combination Liquor Licenses to Krimmer’s Restaurant, 114 N. Main St., and Maricio’s in Barton, 1726 Barton Avenue. Tochi, the incoming ramen restaurant at 705 Village Green Way, Suite 102, also applied for the non-reserve license. Tochi owner Gregg DesRosier will now apply for a reserve license.

Completing 2,663.5 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail

It was April 6 when Dan Brunner of Kewaskum left to hike 2,663.5 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trek from the US/Mexico border to Manning Park in British Columbia, Canada took Brunner 139.9 days. On Thursday he finished his fabulous journey and is now headed home.

Updates & tidbits

-The West Bend Moose Lodge is rolling out the red carpet Thursday, Sept. 10 for Branson Star “Little E.” Radny Pennington, 16, will perform tributes to Elvis. Doors open 4:30 p.m. and the show begins 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 Adults, $5 age 7-15, 6 and under free.

– Monday the Kewaskum School Board will vote to approve Scott Stier as the new principal at the high school. Stier will replace Bill Loss who left to become principal at Watertown High School. The West Bend School District notified staff this week that newly appointed assistant principal Stier was leaving to become the new principal at Kewaskum High School. Teacher Ryan Tomczyk will be serving as the interim administrator at the West Bend High Schools.

-Casa Guadalupe, 479 N. Main St. in West Bend, will be getting a facelift on August 31 as volunteers from the Noon Rotary give the exterior of the building a fresh coat of paint.

– The Shoe Dept, 1616 S. Main St. in West Bend, officially opened this week. The store in the Paradise Pavilion is between Maurices and the Hallmark store. It opened in the location formerly home to Westbury Bank. District Manager Dwayne Packard said the Shoe Dept has back-to-school items with great brands and prices. “There are boots, dress shoes, athletic shoes, childrens shoes and great prices,” he said. “We have uniform shoes for kids with black leather and white shoes. You name it, running shoes, basketball shoes, we got it.” The Shoe Dept is open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 9 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

New faculty and staff welcomed at Kettle Moraine Lutheran

Classes get underway Monday at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School. Some of the new faculty and staff include Miss Rebecca Amann who is serving as a teacher in the English department. Amann comes to KML from Christ-St. Peter Lutheran School in Milwaukee where she taught 7th grade. Miss Amann will become Mrs. Meyer after her upcoming October 3 wedding.

Mr. David Kren is KML’s new biology teacher. He previously taught in the science department at Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee.

Mrs. Becky Kemnitz joins KML as the new International Student Program Coordinator after having worked as the church and school secretary at Good Shepherd in West Bend.

Mrs. Wendy Robinson, the previous International Coordinator, now serves as KML’s Marketing Coordinator and Fine Arts Assistant.

The history of Germanfest

This week Germanfest in West Bend will celebrate its 30^th anniversary. The fest was established in downtown West Bend in 1986. What follows is a recollection of Germanfest’s first year, written by Suzanne Tennies.

Maxwell Street Days sale in 1986 was a rainout. Herb wanted to do something else to bring people into downtown West Bend. Herb always loved German music. He got an idea to bring in a German band and play in the Main Street. He called City Hall and got an OK for the street to be blocked off. He contacted AlteKamaraden and they agreed to play for four hours on Saturday afternoon, August 30, 1986.

Susie made posters with black lettering and ran off copies. Herb and his kids drove around to the camping sites and anywhere else where he thought someone might see a poster and be interested enough to come down to West Bend that day.

Herb approached the banks and some major businesses in West Bend and asked for contributions to cover the cost of the band. They cooperated and the cost was covered.

Herb rented a yellow-and-white tent. Herb contacted the mayor and asked if he could get the Parks Department to help by bringing picnic tables into the downtown area. He asked WTKM to broadcast the music and they did.

He asked the VFW Club if they wanted to sell food and refreshments and they came down with their wagon. They Jaycees were asked if they wanted to sell beer and they did.

Susie made Herb a pair of lederhosen out of a pair of brown corduroy pants, adding suspenders and trim. Herb borrowed a German hat from his dad. Most of the Tennies Hardware employees dressed in German apparel.

It was a lovely August day and there were many who came to listen to the German music. Some stores, including Tennies True Value Hardware, put out their wares for customers who were milling around in the downtown area.

Herb thought the afternoon was successful and fun. Many people in attendance approached him and told him how much they enjoyed the music and asked if it would be an annual event.

Thus started West Bend Germanfest in the downtown area.

History photo – celebrating Germanfest

Today’s history photo, August 30, 1986, is courtesy Suzanne Tennies. The photo is a street shot of the first Germanfest in downtown West Bend. Germanfest runs Friday, Aug. 28 – 30.

McGivern show to air February 11, 2016

The John McGivern show about West Bend will air February 11, 2016. McGivern was in town with his film crew in July interviewing 16 area businesses and their owners and chatting with people that make the community what it is.

A note from Content Producer Deidre Martin was received this week.

“We appreciate the time you gave us and for welcoming us to your community.

Mark your 2016 calendars! The first air date for the West Bend episode of MPTV’s “Around the Corner with John McGivern” will be Thursday, February 11, at 7 p.m. Invite your family, friends, and colleagues to watch. Once the show airs, you will be able to send a link to family and friends in other states to watch as well. We hope you enjoyed being on the show as much as we enjoyed having you.

There are also plans in the work for a premiere sometime early in the broadcast week. Both John McGivern and Lois Maurer will attend the premiere. All of us who work on the show invite you to come to this fun evening where you’ll see the episode before it broadcasts. It’s free and everyone is welcome. More information about the premiere will be sent to you closer to the air date.

Also, please take a little time to thank Kellie Boone, Event Manager, Downtown West Bend, who helped us with the episode.”

Deidre Martin Content Producer

Around the Corner with John McGivern Milwaukee Public Television

No confirmation on big cat in Kewaskum

The rumor mill was stirring petty fast in Kewaskum as reports flew about a cougar attacking a horse on a farm off Highway H and Sandy Ridge Road.

Washington County Sheriffs had no confirmation. Neither did Kewaskum Police and the DNR was not notified.

Polo Rivera said he contacted no one after the incident earlier this month because he had no idea what attacked his 6-year-old horse Princess. “That’s the problem – there was no way we could see,” Rivera said.

Walking towards the large brown quarter horse in the back pen, Rivera explained there were several deep cuts on the hind end of the animal along with what appeared to be a bite mark on the back leg. “It was really ripped open wide,” said Rivera’s fiancée Debra Ruchalski.

“I heard a ruckus about 4 a.m. that morning. At first I thought they were just kicking the wooden stall,” she said. “We were cleaning up in the morning and we saw a bite on her leg. It wasn’t like a horse bite and we thought what else can it be?”

Rivera, a farrier, treated the animal. The couple looked around for a nail in the pen and around the fencing that could have caused the gash. They found nothing.

They also found no paw prints; admittedly the couple thought about that too late and had walked through the pen multiple times.

“The farmer on the corner said he saw a cougar in the field two or three years ago,” said Rivera. “We we had no footprints or proof and the scars could be any kind of animal.”

Ruchalski described the marks on both sides of the back of the horse. “It was deep and open,” she said. “We’ve actually been trying to explain it away. She could have been lying down; it could have been a coyote or wolf.”

Neighbor Mitch Zimmel went over and looked at the animal the day after it happened. “It had scratches on the back of the loins,” Zimmel said. “They had some salve on it already but you could see the scratches, were at least 3 to 4 inches wide, and had been bleeding.”

Zimmel and his wife Donna have lived on the Kewaskum farm since 1983.

“Back in 2012 I saw a cougar out here, once in June and once in August,” said Mitch Zimmel. “We called the DNR, they sent the warden out, they didn’t find any prints and we had no pictures, so……” Zimmel said he’s used to the eye rolls and Doubting Thomases.

Rivera has a farm demeanor about the whole thing. His fiancé is a little more nervous. “We talked about locking them up in the barns at night,” she said. “But then if something got in here they’d really be trapped.”

Tom Isaac with the DNR had not heard about the animal attack. He said it would have been easier to investigate if they had been called immediately. Isaac did mention a cougar was confirmed in Langlade County as a trail cam caught a picture of the animal. He also noted some speculation regarding the attack saying a cougar normally goes for an animal’s throat.

Walgreens assessment to be changed in WB

Coming up during Monday’s West Bend Common Council meeting aldermen will likely adopt a settlement agreement with Walgreens. This relates to property tax assessments in 2012, 2013 and 2014 for the two Walgreens stores in West Bend. Basically Walgreens said its assessments were too high for the stores, 1720 W. Washington St. and 1921 S. Main St. West Bend Assistant City Administrator Steve Volkert said the bottom line is the council would approve an agreement to refund some of their money.

Volkert said the city “expected this and budgeted for this in 2015.” Original assessment for the S. Main Street location $5.52 million in 2012 and $5.7 million in both 2013 and 2014. Original assessments for the W. Washington Street location in 2012 were at $5.6 million and $6.753 million in both 2013 and 2014. Volkert said the new assessments will be below $3 million. Walgreens has had similar assessment disputes in Milwaukee and Oshkosh; it won those decisions.

UW-WC gearing up for fall semester

Orientation for incoming freshmen is Wednesday, August 19 at UW-Washington County. Angela Rintelman in Student Affairs will roll out a carnival-themed orientation that will include a student welcome, nine seminars including things like a “Selfie scavenger hunt” to “Keeping the drama on stage” to “You might be able to pay less for your education.” At noon several food trucks will be on campus along with a variety of outdoor games. Over 225 new students have registered. Classes at UW-WC get underway September 2.

New signage in West Bend

There are quite a few new business signs in the West Bend/Washington County area.

-Panda Express added signage in front of its new restaurant, 1200 S. Main Street. Over the last couple of weeks neighbors noticed the old Dairy Queen sign come down. Contractors poured the foundation and a new driveway for the incoming fast-food American Chinese restaurant.

-Two Mobil stations in West Bend and Kewaskum are switching to Citgo. The rebranding is nearing completion with new red and black Citgo colors on the canopy and pumps. Owner Scott Sadownikow said the facelift will help the stores remain price competitive.

-Kewaskum High School has rolled out its new East Central Conference sign for the 2015-16 school year. Member schools include: Kewaskum, Berlin, Campbellsport, Kettle Moraine Lutheran, Plymouth, Ripon, Waupun, and Winneconne. Other changes, admission will remain the same however punch cards for admission will not be sold. The school will honor remaining punch cards at home and regular-season events but no new cards will be sold.

-Milwaukee PC recently moved from 1017 S. Main St., to 2320 W. Washington Street and Clothes Clinic moved into the old computer shop from its location at 1221 S. Main Street. The former location is going to be leveled as the Mad Max gas station to the south remodels and expands.

-Watch for a new sign to go up at the old DQ off Highway 33 as Mother’s Day Restaurant prepares to open. Sam Fejzuli purchased the property, 501 Wildwood Road, in May. Fejzuli owns the Mother’s Day Restaurant in Horicon. The new restaurant is expected to open in the next month. The property, which had been in foreclosure since January 2014, was listed at $390,000. The sale price was $260,000.

-The Shoe Dept, 1616 S. Main, is in the Paradise Pavilion between Maurices and the Hallmark store. It opened in the location formerly home to Westbury Bank.

-BAKA Core Training Center is opening at 2354 W. Washington St. It’s out by the Threshold. There’s more info at http://www.bakaenterprises.com/core-schedule.html

-Scrub-A-Dub, 1515 S. Main St. has a new sign and a whole new superwash system with under-body flush and whatnot. The Main Street car was recently upgraded but kept prices the same.

Updates & tidbits

-The early registration fee for the Sunrise Rotary’s Amazing Race has been extended and the price is still $200. The 3rd annual Amazing Race is September 19 with a grand prize of $2,000.

-A bicycle repair station has been added in the back of Mountain Outfitters, 109 S. Main St. The bike stand with tools can be accessed via the river walk. Another positive step toward making West Bend an even better bicycling community as Kevin Schultz

-Ann Marie Craig of Century Farmhouse Soaps of West Bend was one of the featured speakers at the Mother Earth News Magazine Fair held at the Washington County Fair Park. Craig created a new soap called, Down on the Farm – Wisconsin. It contained lavender essential oil from Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island, spearmint essential oils from the Midwest, maple syrup from Washington County, dried red clover harvested in the West Bend area, and chicken feathers!

-The library at UW-Washington County is undergoing a major overhaul. It is being converted into a new learning commons. In addition to library services, the learning commons will be the hub for tutoring, group study and technology support.

-Allenton Picnic Parade is Sunday, Aug. 16. Step off is 11:30 a.m. from the Allenton Fire Station. There will be a special appearance by Tow Mader along with the Shriner Long Riders.

-Steve Taylor presented a $2,000 check to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County. Money was from a Taylor’s fourth annual vintage motorcycle poker run held in July.

-The woman who owned “Heide’s of Hartford” has died. Heiderose Erika Tisdale (nee Frank), 76, of Hartford, found eternal rest on Monday, August 10, 2015. Heide was well known for her store, “Heide’s of Hartford.” It was located in the strip mall next to the old Kmart which is now Walmart. The best home decor ever at great prices! Lin Mooney Courchane said, “She was a lovely lady and her stores were jam packed with exquisitely beautiful things.”

-Coming up August 23 it’s the 5th annual Snowmobile Swap Meet & Vintage Sled Show sponsored by the Kohlsville Kruisers Snowmobile Club. The show starts at 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Jugs Hitching Post and features Ski doos, the old timey Polaris, Arctic Cat, and a red 1971 Massey Ferguson Ski Whiz. Prizes will be given for the following categories including the most nostalgic, best restoration, and loudest pipes.

-During Monday’s West Bend Common Council meeting alderman will vote to approve Tim Harder to the Library Board.

-The Kettle Moraine Symphony will open its 2015-2016 season with Bachtoberfest on Sunday, Sept. 27, at the University of Wisconsin-Washington County. It’s a celebration of one of Germany’s greatest composers, Johann Sebastian Bach, and features baroque harpsichord played by Peter Gibeau, along with performances by Karla Siegler, violin, and Mary Hughes, flute. Bachtoberfest is part of UW-WC’s Fine Arts Series.

New price for Isadora’s Bed and Breakfast

Isadora’s Bed and Breakfast, 724 Beech St., has a new real estate agent as Jodi Makowski from Shorewest is now listing the property. The previous realtor had the 1893 Victorian home listed for $424,000. Makowski priced the property at $399,000.

The 1893 Queen Anne styled Victorian home was built by Steven F. Mayer for his wife Isadora. Steven and Isadora (Pick) married in 1877 but had no children. Designed by the architect H.B. Camann, of Chicago, this home was said to be one of the “most handsomest and most convenient in the city” (Pilot, 1893).

On a history note – Elly Pick has photos of her family’s visit to the 1893 Chicago Exposition. Stephen Mayer took his two young nephews, John B Pick and C. Edwin Pick, Elly’s grandfather, to the fair and stayed at the Chicago Astor Street home of their cousin, Charlie Kramer. Isadora’s brother, John Pick, married Mary Goetter whose father started Lithia Brewing Co. that Stephen Mayer later purchased from him. West Bend is a true entrepreneurial incubator!

Follow up on Pavilion history

Last week’s 1905 photo, courtesy the Washington County Historical Society, received quite a few correct guesses. The building was Schlitz Pavilion on Wisconsin Street/Moser’s Hall. The proprietor was John Schlitz and in 1879 he opened Schlitz’s Grove and Summer Resort.

The building was near the train depot. An article in the WCHS Research Center noted the amenities the resort including “a 25-foot stage with three changes of scenery, a dance hall that could accommodate 100 couples, three first-class bowling alleys 125-feet deep, and a tasty bar and billiard room.”

In April 1883, Schlitz put the entire complex up for sale and moved to Cleveland, Ohio to set up a bottling plant. In mid-April Theodore Thielgese assumed management of the resort although no record was ever found to indicate he bought it. By November the entire place was managed by a man from Chicago who intended to convert the place to a roller skating rink. Records indicate the man’s name was Charles Moser and he changed the name of the facility to Moser’s Hall and Park.

In January 1902 the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Co. acquired the property. The building was somewhat remodeled and used as a factory. Records show the “move was necessitated by the increase in business and to have the entire plant under one roof.”

In February 1911 the pavilion burned to the ground destroying the entire stock and facilities of the Enger Kress.

Fellow historian Terry Becker forwarded a note about the building from Ray Moser. Now in his 90s Moser has a wealth of historical knowledge of West Bend area and lots of stories.

Ray Moser: Hi You’all –I’ll try to fill you in on Moser’s hall. My grandfather, George Moser was born on a farm, what is now Brown Deer.

He and his brothers all acquired business in Milwaukee. Grandpa George’s first wife was one of the Pfhister girls whose family built the Phfister Hotel in 1891.

She died in childbirth, about 1886 and about 1890 his Brother Charlie Moser bought Schlitz Park in West Bend, which was all the land from the railroad tracks and Highway 33 east to Indiana ave. and south to the river.

The park had a hotel, dance hall, bowling on the green, restaurant and other amenities. People from Milwaukee, Chicago and elsewhere would come by train for vacations or weekends and would only have to walk a short walk to everything they needed.

They could rent a buggy to ride out to all the nearby lakes. Consecequently they needed a lot of food, no grocery stores or refrigeration.

So my grandpa George bought 160 acres on River Road north where the Legion hall was for some years. The farm was necessary to supply food for the restaurant; he raised all the vegetables, chickens, eggs, ducks, some pork and other meat that was needed.

In 1891 grandpa was, I believe, 42 and married 19-year-old Caroline Gliscel in Newburg.

Grandpa brought three children from his first marriage with him to help on the farm. After the turn of the century when more cars became available, the business fell off dramatically and I believe Charlie went bankrupt or sold to somebody.

He also either bought or ran the Washington House and another tavern in West Bend and eventually had another tavern in Milwaukee! My Father William J was born July 25 1893. Father said, many times when the weather turned bad, Charlie would bring a wagon load of food to feed to the pigs! It must have been a pain to try and run a profitable business back then.

I knew this would take a while, but I did it and I’m glad. May you all have a pleasant sleep!

Last week’s photo, courtesy the Washington County Historical Society, was of the old Schlitz Pavilion on Wisconsin Street it West Bend. The proprietor was John Schlitz and in 1879 he opened Schlitz’s Grove and Summer Resort.

The building was near the train depot. An article in the WCHS Research Center noted the amenities the resort including “a 25-foot stage with three changes of scenery, a dance hall that could accommodate 100 couples, three first-class bowling alleys 125-feet deep, and a tasty bar and billiard room.” The Summer Resort also featured “refreshment stands, band stands, and gymnastic apparatus for the accommodation of Turners; the buildings and fixtures of this very elegant place cost $20,000.”

In April 1883, Schlitz put the entire complex up for sale and he moved to Cleveland, Ohio to set up a bottling plant. In mid-April Theodore Thielgese assumed management of the resort although no record was ever found to indicate he bought it. By November the entire place was managed by a man from Chicago who intended to convert the place to a roller skating rink. Records indicate the man’s name was Charles Moser and he changed the name of the facility to Moser’s Hall and Park.

In January 1902 the Enger-Kress Pocket Book Co. acquired the property. The building was somewhat remodeled and used as a factory. Records show the “move was necessitated by the increase in business and to have the entire plant under one roof.”

In February 1911 the pavilion burned to the ground destroying the entire stock and facilities of the Enger Kress. The Enger-Kress continued at various sites until a new brick structure occupied this site.

High school football kicks off next Friday

To celebrate the start of high school football this week’s photo, courtesy the Washington County Historical Society, features the West Bend High School football A-team from 1951. Dick Schacht found himself. “You had that picture of the football team from 1951 and I’m on that; I was number 41 and that was the first championship team since some time in the 1930s. Pretty ironic that was in there,” said Schacht.

A team approach to a new facility

A consolidation of faith and family is being proposed as four nonprofit organizations in West Bend combine forces to open in one location.

Kettlebrook Church, the Washington County Senior Center and one other nonprofit have been in discussions the last 16 months with the Threshold to lease 24,500 square feet in the Lawrence and Vivian Stockhausen Center and provide a new space for the parties involved.

Paul Fischer, elder board chairman at Kettlebrook Church, said they first approached the Threshold in February 2014.

“They had a large volume of space available in the old Pick ‘n Save North facility that we thought might work for us,” he said. “Our primary interest was to determine how we might leverage this space to serve our community, while providing a home for our West Bend site as well.”

Troy Loether, site pastor for Kettlebrook’s West Bend location, said the mission of the church is not about running buildings, but rather about building followers of Jesus Christ.

“We are blessed by our current relationship with the West Bend School District in using Badger Middle School for our West Bend site,” Loether said. “At the same time, if we can serve a larger population through another model we need to consider that.”

The process for Kettlebrook has been intentionally slow. Loether said it’s so they can “check against pushing ahead for our own selfish motivations.”

Over time Kettlebrook’s discussions evolved, potential partners came into the picture and the business transaction, according to Fischer, moved to a true community-service effort that would benefit multiple constituencies.

“We reached out to the Senior Center and things started to come together,” said Fischer. “We both needed large, flexible open space for our respective activities. Both organizations operate on different time-use cycles so this big building would not sit idle and with that the co-location concept was born.”

One of the huge factors in the plan is the Threshold, which came into its new space in 2013 following a generous donation from the Stockhausen family.

“Their gift allowed the Threshold to purchase the facility and we’d love to see the vacant space occupied,” said Laura Eggert, Director of Development and Public Relations, at the Threshold.

“The Stockhausen family would be thrilled, the community would benefit in so many ways and it would be a great collaboration and sensible fit between all of the nonprofits involved.”

Deb Anderson, Executive Director with Senior Citizens Activities at the Senior Center in West Bend, also embraced the opportunity. “Having a larger space will be a big plus,” she said.  “We plan to provide privacy for our health-related programs and we will expand our activity and exercise programs with the intention of increasing appeal to our younger seniors – while continuing to meet the expectations of our ‘senior’ seniors.”

Attendance at the Senior Center has been steady over the years, averaging 750 participants each month.  However, in response to offering more diverse activities, monthly attendance has grown from 1,100 at the end of 2014 to over 1,400 in June 2015.  “The baby boomers are retiring and we need to be prepared for them,” Anderson said.

The status of the three nonprofits moving into the Threshold’s empty space is currently in flux. “We’re in the midst of our capital pledge campaign,” said Fischer.

“Our existing capital fund has nearly $400,000 to support this project, and we’re looking to raise another $650,000 from the Kettlebrook community to fund the balance of the build-out effort,” said Fischer.

Of that goal Kettlebrook Church currently has about $500,000 in pledges, with the pledge window closing Sunday, August 16.

“We’re optimistic the goal will be met by our congregation,” said Fischer. “At the same time if the funding goal isn’t met, then this wasn’t in God’s plan and this vision doesn’t move forward.  All parties understand and respect that, which we appreciate.”

At this point, according to Fischer, all parties are working under a gentleman’s agreement.

“No contracts have been signed between any of the agencies. We’re moving on faith and mutual respect for one another,” said Fischer. “We believe this is the prudent approach, in that we’re waiting until the financial support is pledged before formal commitments are requested of any party.”

Kettlebrook’s annual congregational meeting is Sunday, August 30, during which an official vote to proceed will be taken, with formal contract talks beginning once approval is granted.

Should all this move forward, Fischer said they would lease the space from the Threshold and begin renovation in October with occupancy targeted for April 2016.

Winners from Sculpture Feast

A ‘visual smorgasbord’ is how Sculpture Feast described itself. The event, held Saturday at Regner Park in West Bend, featured sculpture tours, lighting of the metal furnace, an outdoor cast iron pour and a food competition featuring three of the area’s top restaurants: Padway’s, The Norbert and Dublin’s.

Each restaurant served a gourmet picnic sampling with wine and beer paired with each restaurants culinary creation. The Norbert which featured a sampling of Argentine beef short rib, truffled red potato and chimichurri with a side of sous vide asparagus, charred bell pepper, roasted red potato and red pepper coulis.

Dublin’s served Korean BBQ pork belly sliders with kohlrabi-charred pineapple slaw and sambai aioli with a side of toasted almond and sesame cucumber salad. The main dish for Padway’s was a chicken pita and a ceviche dish.

The ballot winner among guests was The Norbert. The judges’ choice for the main course ended in a tie between The Norbert and Dublin’s. A tie breaker weighed in favor of The Norbert.  The judges’ choice for best side went to Padway’s.

Among the guests Assembly Rep. Bob Gannon and his wife Kris, Nancy and Jerry Mehring, Charlie and Gaytha Hillman, Keith and Barb Keehn, former alderman Jim German, Shawn Graff, and John and Kine Torinus.

“A lot of West Bend people had a lot of fun, it was just a smashing hit,” John Torinus said. “I hope people in West Bend realize there are a lot of dimensions to life including the artistic dimension and we’re proving that out tonight.”

Family Ties Child Care Center opens in new location

After spending 17 years on N. Main Street in the same strip mall as Brazing Pan, Family Ties Child Care Center has opened in a new location. The child care is now leasing space on E. Washington Street in the long brown building on the east end of the parking lot by Copper Penny. The location was previously home to the West Bend School District’s Phoenix Academy.

Family Ties administrator Sarah Kreuser said the building is similar size to their previous location but more economical. “I like the openness and the big rooms,” said Kreuser. “We’ll be painting a mural and it’ll be nice for the kids.”

Dr. Michael Bardenwerper is opening an optometry business in their previous location, 1116 N. Main Street.

Tribute to Lt. Robert Lloyd

The West Bend Common Council honored Lt. Robert Lloyd this evening for his 25 years of dedicated service with the West Bend Police Department.

Lloyd started with the department in July 1990. “Jim Skidmore was the Chief of Police when I started, Mike Miller was mayor and the department was located at 325 N. Eighth Avenue,” Lloyd said. “It was a very small department, we had only one desk to work at, we had one computer, black-and-white squads and our uniforms were light blue, like postmen.”

While things have changed over the years, Lloyd says so has the crime. “It used to be the weekends were busy and now we’re busy every day of the week is busy,” he said. “It’s just a lot more serious crime; the volume has changed and maybe that’s related to the growth of the city.”

Lloyd was promoted to detective in 2006 and then onto lieutenant. Lloyd has served as a Special Response Team member for 11 years and is currently an instructor in Defense-and-Arrest Tactics, Firearms, Taser, and Law Enforcement Training and Standards.

West Bend Police Chief Ken Meuler said Lloyd has built his life around being a great police officer. “He’s involved in the community and puts the profession in a good light,” he said. “He’s very dedicated to the job and West Bend.”

Lloyd was also recognized for his community service work with area non-profit organizations including the Boys & Girls Club, Shop with a Cop, American Cancer Society, Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Special Olympics. On Monday, Mayor Kraig Sadownikow read a resolution honoring Lt. Robert Lloyd.

Successful Jingle Bell Open

Sue Garman and the volunteers with the Jingle Bell Open really know how to put on a top-notch outing. This year’s event at West Bend Lakes Golf Course was a huge success. There were 28 sponsors and 34 foursomes that hit the links Monday.

The team of Badger Liquor (Alex Sennott, Zach Ransom, Michael Marx, and Joe Filip) finished with the best score as they shot a 28 on the front nine and a 30 on the back night for a total of 58.  The award for the ‘Most Fun Team’ went to Holt Electric.

The outing is the primary fundraiser for West Bend’s annual Christmas Parade. The 2015 Christmas Parade is set for 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 29. The theme is “Christmas Dreams.”

New program for feral cats in WB

West Bend Police Chief Ken Meuler briefed the common council Monday on a number of amendments and issues. The first dealt with a Trap/Neuter/Release Program run by the Washington County Humane Society.

Historically feral cats have been trapped and euthanized because they are wild and adoptable. The WCHS said that really doesn’t solve the problem of feral cat colonies.

TNR means the cats are spayed and neutered, given a rabies vaccine, have their left ear ‘tipped’ and then returned to the area. The WCHS contends the TNR means feral cat numbers are maintained and slowly decrease over time. The council approved the program.

Football lights installed this week at KML

Stadium lights for Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School were installed this week. Football coach Mark Heckendorf said the team and the fans are looking forward to having the atmosphere of Friday night football. “It will be wonderful to have our student body and community come on out to cheer on the Chargers,” he said. “Playing on Friday night will help to make our fan base even stronger!”

The school needed about $150,000 to complete the project. All money for the lights came from private donations and nothing was out of the KML budget.  The Chargers open their season August 21 at 7 p.m. against West Bend West.

Town of Farmington family moving forward after animals killed in storm:

Four horses were killed on a small farm on Newark Drive in the Town of Farming on Sunday as a strong line of storms swept through the area.

Steve Meyer said his horses are outdoor horses. “They have a run-in stall that’s big enough for all five of them and they have free access,” he said.

Prior to the storm Meyer threw some hay down for the animals. “Usually they come in but the storm came up fast and they do what they normally do – they stand out there with their tail to the storm and they just stand there.”

Dark clouds started forming around 6 p.m. Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Washington County and the surrounding area.

Meyer was in his kitchen when he heard a huge, thunderous explosion. “I looked out the window and saw three horses down and a fourth one go down,” he said. “It was pretty immediate.”

A fifth horse had left the pack for something to eat and was by the hay Meyer dropped just before the hail and lightning came in.

The horses were in the southern part of the corral, nearer the house. “Two of those horses I had for 18 years so it’s a tough loss,” he said.

Meyer and his family have lived on the farm about a year and a half.

Regular license over a reserve

Three businesses have applied for two regular Class B Combination liquor licenses available in the city of West Bend. Those licenses became available following the closure of Ruth Anne’s Gourmet Market and Club 1006.

Tochi has applied for the license along with Krimmer’s, and Maricio’s in Barton. The license will go before the council August 17.

Pavilion

This week’s photo, courtesy the Washington County Historical Society dates to 1905. Do you remember this building and where it was located?  The building was used for years by a well-known company until it was destroyed by fire around 1910.  The answer next week.

Habitat for Humanity to take over Germanfest in West Bend

There’s new life for Germanfest as Habitat for Humanity has stepped up to take over the annual celebration of the community’s German heritage.

For 30 years neighbors would gravitate to the Tennies Hardware parking lot on Fifth Avenue and Walnut Street to kick up their heels to polka music and raise a stein and toast Gemütlichkeit.

In May the Germanfest board of directors tried encouraging other organizations to take the event over. They were unsuccessful and an announcement was made that this would be the final year for the local German celebration.

Enter Habitat for Humanity.

“I heard the story reported by Judy Steffes that this was potentially the last year for Germanfest and that sparked my interest,” said Russ Wanta, executive director Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties Wisconsin.

As Wanta’s wheels turned, conversations started. “We were looking for a signature event that a very large number of people attend where we can provide the service to the community and at the same time promote all the great things with Habitat,” he said.

Craig Walker, board president with Habitat for Humanity, said taking up the torch for Germanfest was a no-brainer.

“Germanfest is an institution in West Bend,” said Walker. “We were kinda bummed when we heard it might have been going away and we were looking for additional events.”

Walker said it was a natural fit since Habitat for Humanity is filled with talented volunteers that can help in a variety of areas, specifically construction.

“We have the background to set up and take down the stage, we have trade people and access to electricians and builders and that will help us reduce costs,” he said.

Habitat has already purchased the assets of Germanfest. It has also secured a three-year commitment with the Tennies family to use the space next to their hardware store and Walker said there’s always room to grow downtown. “There maybe new opportunities to expand down the street or across the street to the church parking lot,” he said referencing Immanuel United Church of Christ.

Germanfest committee member Peggy Fischer said the board was elated when they found Habitat was seriously committed to taking the reins. “They have the people, they have the knowledge, it’s going to be a great event for them,” Fischer said. “We also wanted to make sure they understood what it took and we wanted to make sure they actually accepted the torch and another new generation of Germanfest would begin.”

Herb and Suzanne Tennies were an integral part of Germanfest. “I think it’s wonderful,” Suzanne Tennies said. “I hope they run for 30 years too.”

Herb Tennies said the news made him feel good. “I’m glad somebody in the community wanted to take it over; there’s going to be a lot of new energy,” he said.

Habitat for Humanity will take over some of the planning and operation of this year’s Germanfest. “We’re also going to retain one of the board member for the 2016 festival, just so don’t drop the ball,” said Walker.

After two months of hammering out details the initial proposal passed the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. A final vote on the takeover is expected in two weeks.

Tochi to open in WB in coming months

Chef Gregg DesRosier announcing this week via Around the Bend/ Washington County Insider that he is closing his ramen restaurant on Capitol Drive in Milwaukee and opening in a couple of months in West Bend.  That lease, secured by Adam Williquette with Anderson Commercial Group, is for River Shores. Tochi will open in the former Imagine Coffee location.

Tochi is ‘A modern Asian fusion restaurant with a focus on Japanese ramen. Tochi offers classic and creative ramen and other Asian-inspired dishes with an emphasis on regionally-sourced ingredients. Chef Gregg uses his visits to China and studies in Vietnam in creating ramen and rice dishes that present unexpected combined flavors.’

If DesRosier’s name sounds familiar that’s because he opened one of his first restaurants years ago (2002-2007) in West Bend.  Muddy’s on Main, 111 S. Main St., was a Cajun restaurant that was located in what is currently Cafe Soeurette.  DesRosier has already applied for a regular liquor license with the city. DesRosier and his family live in West Bend.

Silver Lake boat launch to remain closed

Silver Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District chairman Jim Ketter received word this week that Washington County intends to keep the boat launch closed until cleanup is complete.

Cleanup is expected to begin in a couple of weeks. Ketter said Eco Waterway is getting special pumps sent from South Carolina for this project. “They are special pumps that if they quit will not allow any backwash to bring sucked matter back into the lake which is part of the process required by the DNR,” said Ketter.  Cleanup includes two large pumps and dumpsters lined with large collection bags.

Earlier this week an online petition was posted asking for the boat launch to remain closed until the algae cleanup was complete.

“We need your help in supporting the temporary close of Silver Lake to prevent it from spreading to other lakes, specifically Big Cedar and Little Cedar since many boaters share the same lake. Sign the petition to influence the DNR to take control of the situation!”

Washington County Insider was the only local media outlet to post the petition and within two hours over 110 signatures were collected.

Kiwanis Early Risers celebrate 100 years

Kiwanis Centennial Celebration West Bend Early Risers Club, West Bend Noon Club, Kewaskum Club, Kewaskum Key Club, West Bend Key Club, Badger Builders Club and Silverbrook K-kids will all join together on Tuesday, August 4 in Regner Park for an evening of fellowship and celebration of 100 years of great Kiwanis community service. Food and drink cost will be $15 a person, but guests and Service Leadership advisors will be free if wearing their SLP club t-shirt.

Hometown Dry Cleaners

Hometown Dry Cleaners is opening a second location in West Bend.  Owner Drita Lala has purchased the building at 910 S. Main Street. It was formerly home to All in Books and Security Finance.

“One side I will lease and the other side I will have another dry cleaners,” she said. That north end of the building on S. Main Street had previously been home to Ol Tyme Cleaners. It was a family operation run by Robert and then Jeff Seidensticker.

Lala is expecting to open the new store in mid-August. “I’m going to do a little remodeling and then it will be another location for drop off and pickup,” she said.

Hometown Dry Cleaners has been in Richfield for eight years. The location at 2372 W. Washington St., in the same strip mall as the Threshold, has been open for three years.

The two other stores previously at 910 S. Main St. have also moved. Security Finance is now open at 842 S. Main St., in the former Radio Shack location in the West Bend Plaza. All in Books is moving downtown to the former location of Ruth Anne’s Gourmet Market,

Sister city from Japan coming to visit

Neighbors in West Bend are sprucing up their guest rooms as a contingency from our sister city, Aisho-cho Japan, will be visiting next week. “We’ll have 18 students including 10 girls and eight boys along with a handful of adults,” organizer Roger Sacia said.

For the past 21 years Sacia and his wife Nobie have been coordinating the sister city program with Japan since its inception in 1994. “The whole purpose of the exchange is to give students a piece of American life by having them stay with a host family for six days,” he said.

The visit includes a welcome ceremony at City Hall on August 5, followed by a welcome party at Lac Lawrann. There will be activities including a visit to a dairy farm, horseback riding, community service at Cedar Lake, a tour of the West Bend Fire Department and classes at the Boys and Girls Club where “hopefully we’ll help them improve their English,” said Roger Sacia.

Clothes Clinic to open in new location

Clothes Clinic building sold and dry cleaners moving: The Clothes Clinic, 1221 S. Main St., is moving. J&K Butz LLC sold the building to M Six International Properties and will be moving to 1017 S. Main St. into the former location of Milwaukee PC. Steve Magestro and Janiece Maxwell, owners of M Six International Properties, also purchased the BP gas station at 1229 S. Main St. The couple plan to raze the Clothes Clinic building and expand and remodel the neighboring gas station. Karen Butz said the sale will be finalized August 10 and they will open that day in their new location, 1017 S. Main St.

Updates & tidbits

– Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County is looking for a new home: The local American Red Cross office closed last October and now the Red Cross building, 819 Schoenhaar Drive is listed for sale. Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County, also located in the building on Schoenhaar Drive, is scouting out a new location.

–The West Bend High School Drumline will perform August 7 at the Wisconsin State Fair.

– Bald eagle sighting this week over by Highway P and NN,  just as you’re driving east on NN into all that fun roundabout construction. It was over that pond, to the south.

-State assembly Rep. Bob Gannon (R-West Bend) will hold a listening session Saturday, August 1 at the West Bend Farmers’ Market. Gannon will be available from 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. He will be located in front of the former Ruth Anne’s Gourmet Market, 136 N. Main St.

-A resolution will be read during the West Bend Common Council meeting on Monday honoring Lt. Robert Lloyd with the West Bend Police Department for his 25 years of dedicated service. Lloyd stared with the department in July 1990. He was promoted in 2006 to detective and then onto lieutenant. Lloyd has served as a Special Response Team member for 11 years and is currently an instructor in Defense-and-Arrest Tactics, Firearms, Taser, and Law Enforcement Training and Standards.

– The fifth annual Supermoto Charity Race, benefiting Chix4aCause, is set for Saturday, Aug. 29 at the Washington County Fair Park. The two-hour race is held on a 1-mile plus course of paved roads and dirt. Races include Supermoto, Dual Sport and Off Road Racers. Gates open at 10 a.m., practice from noon – 1:30 p.m. and racing is 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Single or multi-rider teams are $95 with a $10 pit pass for extra riders. Spectators are $5, age 12 and under are free.

Gearing up for Barton Day

Today’s c.1910 photo is courtesy Jeff and Debbie Slais. The location of the photo ties into next Saturday’s third annual Barton Business Association’s Barton Day. The event will feature vendors and food and activities on N. Main Street, Barton Avenue, Commerce Street, Schmidt Road and in the parking lot at the Gadow Mill.

St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Parish will have a Polka Mass with the Ray Konkol Band on Saturday, August 8 at 4:30 p.m. St. Mary’s Parish will hold its annual church raffle and silent auction with all raffle proceeds going to the parish.

Can you guess the location of today’s history photo? Do you know what business is there now? Send answers to Judy Steffes at judyharley@yahoo.com or call 334-4526. The answer next week.

WB veteran on today’s Stars & Stripes Tour of Honor

The first Stars and Stripes Honor Flight (SSHF) “Tour of Honor” is today.  Twenty-five veterans will board two coach buses that morning and make several military-related stops on their way to their VIP tent at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show.

The day will end with a Homecoming celebration and parade at Coal Dock Park in Port Washington.

Several veterans from the West Bend and Washington County area will take part in the tour including World War II veteran Silas Miller of West Bend and WW II veteran James Horton of West Bend.

Horton, 92, was 20 years old when he entered service. “He flew out of England and had missions in Europe with the 94th Bombardment Group,” said James’ son Lon Horton. “He was the pilot of a B-17 and he flew 15 missions right until the war ended.”

Returning home to the West Allis area James Horton was self employed and worked as a sales representative for a machinery company. Horton and his wife Arlene moved to Dickeyville where they ran the Plaza Motel for 10 years. The couple then moved to West Bend about 20 years ago.

“He had been signed up for the regular Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and he was never able to make it so then the people from the Stars & Stripes called and offered this bus ride,” Lon Horton said. “I’m going to be his guarding, we’re both excited and it’s going to be a great day.”

The “Tour of Honor” is open to for WWII and Korean War vets who are unable to travel to DC.

Veterans along for the Tour will include WWII “WAC” Louise Slesar of Port Washington, a medic on a WWII hospital ship, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran of the Philippines, and a Korean War veteran with two Bronze Stars.

The veterans and their guardians will check in at Port Washington High School at 8 a.m., jump on a bus and then make stops at the Wisconsin WWII Pillar Monument, the VA’s Wood Cemetery, and they will receive VIP treatment at the Milwaukee Air and Water Show.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend the “Homecoming Celebration” at Port Washington’s Coal Dock Park late Saturday afternoon.

In addition to offering the veterans VIP access to the weekend’s entertainment, the Milwaukee Air and Water Show has named Stars and Stripes Honor Flight the show’s charity partner for 2015.

Invasive species is trouble for Silver Lake

Power boats are banned for now on Silver Lake following the discovery of the invasive species, starry stonewort. “It’s the start of the death of a lake,” Silver Lake Protection and Rehabilitation District chairman Jim Ketter said.

Starry stonewort is an invasive algae that grows on the bottom of the lake. Ketter said it hinders plant growth and fish habitat.

Ketter was notified last Friday, July 17 that there may be starry stonewort in Silver Lake.  Monday the news was confirmed. “There is an infestation at the boat launch,” said Ketter. “We are the second lake in Wisconsin to have this Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).”

Starry stonewort has also been confirmed at Little Muskego Lake in Waukesha County.

“I have been on the phone with various agencies to see if we can determine a course of action,” Ketter said. “The only know methods to remove it are to pull it out by hand by experienced divers or extract it with Hydro pumping.”

Ketter met Thursday with Bradley Steckart the coordinator for AIS in Washington County. “We placed buoys around the launch,” said Ketter.  “Then Steckart determined the infestation was much worse than originally thought.”

A quarantine sign and barricades have been posted at the launch. The county officially closed the launch until more investigation can be done and a course of action implemented. There is a meeting with the SLPRO, the county AIS and Heidi Bunk with the DNR next Tuesday, July 28, to see what course of action can be recommended.

Sale price listed for building that housed Regal Ware Museum

The building once home to the Regal Ware Museum, 18 E. Washington St., has been sold to Iron Ridge Properties LLC for $260,000. The building had been for sale since April 2014. It was initially priced at $630,000; the price was dropped to $499,999.  The buyer has no specific plans for the property.

Clothes Clinic building sold and drycleaners moving

The Clothes Clinic, 1221 S. Main St., is moving. J&K Butz LLC sold the building to M Six International Properties and will be moving to 1017 S. Main St. into the former location of Milwaukee PC.  Steve and Janiece Maxwell, owners of M Six International Properties, also purchased the BP gas station at 1229 S. Main St.

The couple plan to raze the Clothes Clinic building and expand and remodel the neighboring gas station. Karen Butz said the sale will be finalized August 10 and they will open that day in their new location, 1017 S. Main St.

West Bend Transit & Service property sold

The building and vacant lot at 105 S. Forest Avenue has been sold. The lot on the southwest corner of Forest Avenue and Water Street is home to West bend Transit and Service Co. Jomela/Michigan LLC bought the property for $940,000.

Ben Schloemer, president of West Bend Transit, provided this note on what the company plans for the future. West Bend Transit is growing! A long-term plan which will keep West Bend Transit at its current location has been finalized. Over the past year we have explored multiple locations and facilities that could accommodate our growth and future business plans. While exploring these options we kept coming back to our current facility and realized the benefits to the Company and its employees of staying here.

As part of our long-term plan we have partnered with an investment company who has taken an interest in our facility and is eager to see us grow. This new partnership will help support future growth and enable us to expand our services into other markets.

West Bend Transit has operated out of West Bend for 104 years, it’s a great community and we are glad to continue making it our home.  Ben Schloemer  President

First official meeting set for Concerned Citizens of West Bend

Concerned Citizens of West Bend will hold its first organized meeting August 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at West Bend City Hall. The group, started by former Dist. 4 alderman Randy Koehler, is designed to help neighbors improve safety in the community.

“I’ve booked West Bend Police Captain Tim Dehring for the meeting,” said Koehler. Four people attended a brainstorming meeting two weeks ago as Koehler decided to take a proactive approach and started Concerned Citizens of West Bend following an uptick in crime this summer.

“I made a bet with my wife we’d have 100 people by the end of the weekend,” he said. “Now we’re close to 500. It shows people care and there’s a need. Washington County Insider on Facebook has volunteered to be an outlet for information on the project. Keep an eye on this site for updates and insights as the organization moves forward to help grow awareness and build a stronger community in West Bend and Washington County.

Record setting Meat Animal Sale at Wash. Co. Fair

The 46th Annual Washington County Fair Junior Livestock Auction had record-setting success this year. Whitney Rathke is the interim Youth Livestock and 4-H Program Support for UW-Extension Washington County. “The total for the auction was $297,066.20 which is up about $47,000 from 2014,” Rathke said.

Reviewing some of the sales, Lillia Janz with the Slinger FFA pulled in $10 a pound from Albiero Plumbing for her 1,356-pound grand champion steer. The average bid during Thursday’s beef auction was $3.37 a pound which is up from last year’s average of $2.36 a pound.  The grand total for the beef auction was $160,545.20.

Paul Loosen from Wayne Crusaders secured a $13 bid from Gehring’s Meat Market for his 147-pound grand champion lamb. The total for the lamb auction cleared $39,050.50.

The highest bid in the swine auction was $20 a pound for Lillia Janz of Slinger FFA 264-pound overall champion pig. The grand total in the swine auction was $97,470.50.

New bleachers and press box at Living Word Lutheran High School

Living Word Lutheran High School is adding a press box and bleachers to its football field. The project cost is about $150,000 with a large portion donated by LWL alumni. The field will be named Alumni Field. Graff Masonry donated labor and materials. The press box and bleachers should be ready for start of season. “We are very excited and feel blessed to finally be getting home grandstands and a press box for our Timber Wolf football team,” Living Word Lutheran athletic director Crystal Welter said.

Teams and H.S. groups volunteer at Wash. Co. Fair

Give a kid a walkie talkie, fluorescent vest and flag and you’ve geared them up to help park vehicles at the Washington County Fair. For years the clubs, teams, and organizations from around the area have volunteered to help with parking at the fair. Most days it’s a pretty steamy job. Some of volunteers include the Slinger High School wrestling team, the Skills USA team from Slinger H.S. and the West Bend High School Marching Band. The Washington County Fair runs through Sunday, July 26.

Washington County Kings win on no hitter

The Washington County Kings won their championship game last Sunday in the Richfield Rockets Classic Tournament. Pitchers Casey Gerber, 12, and Aaron Tennies, 12, combined for a no hitter against the Richfield Black. The final score was 10-1.

Updates & tidbits

– The Downtown West Bend Association is looking for vendors as it brings back Maxwell Street Day on Wednesday, August 5. The Downtown West Bend Association is accepting vendors. More information can be obtained by emailing kellie@downtownwestbend.com This event will be 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. There is no rain date.

-One more week to get the bargain entry fee of $200 for a team to register for the Sept. 26 Sunrise Rotary Amazing Race.  This is the third year for the event. Top prize is $2,000. You need to be 18 or older to enter and only 60 teams will be accepted. If you register after August 1 the cost will be $250 per team. More information is at www.sunriserotaryrace.com

-Bargainmart is preparing to open next Friday or Saturday at 325 Chestnut Street in West Bend.  Bargainmart sells items acquired from a company that sells off inventory from major retailers at a fraction of the cost.

– There is a group forming in West Bend to focus on promoting a more bicycle friendly community. Stay tuned!

-West Bend Girl Scout Troop 4350 made and donated five nesting boxes to St. Joseph’s hospital. The nesting boxes are on the walking path at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Credit fifth-graders Milla, Lauren and Brynn who planned, built and installed the bird boxes part of their Bronze Award Community Service Project.

– Friday, July 31 the final installment is due for property owners that pay quarterly property taxes. The City Finance Department at City Hall is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

– Some old park benches from downtown West Bend have been refurbished as a service project and are now sitting in the entryway at City Hall. The benches have ‘West Bend’ stamped in the metal frame. The blonde wood slats have been replaced, sanded and varnished to a smooth shine.

-Relay for Life is Friday, July 31 on the track at Badger Middle School in West Bend.

– Local historian and author Lee Krueger will host a summer evening program on the resorts of Big Cedar Lake. It will get underway Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. at the Big Cedar Lake Protection & Rehabilitation District headquarters, 4480 Gonring Dr. Krueger will talk about resorts including Gonring’s, the Holz Hotel, Heilman’s, Boettcher’s Hotel, Rosenheimer’s, Linden Inn, and Timmer’s.  There will be a caravan to the Cedar Lake Yacht Club, 4734 Yacht Club Dr, Hartford for the second half of the tour.  Relatives of former resort owners will share their stories on their family’s lake businesses. Bring a chair, bug spray, and water. The event is free and begins at 6 p.m.

Funeral today for woman who owned Cookie Cone Café

Donna J. Boudry (nee Cross) died this past Monday. The name may not ring a bell but Boudry was the owner of Cookie Cone Café. age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 20, 2015, at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on November 27, 1933 in Mitchell, South Dakota to Melvin and Verna (nee Gerlach) Cross.

Donna spent most of her life employed at and owning her own restaurants throughout the surrounding area including the Cookie Cone Café which was in the Westfair Mall.

In the 1970s the old mall had SuperValu on the north end and a short ramp that ran up to the Shopko on the south.

Stores in the mall included Bits N’ Pieces, Kindy Optical, West Bend Savings and Loan, George Webbs (owned by Ron Buck), the Shoe Rack which later became Nobel’s Shoe Store, Little Professor Book Store, JD Codys (a pants store), Canton House and Allen Hron Jewelers.

Andy Koehn from Koehn & Koehn Jewelers remembered his dad had a jewelry store in the mall and after a visit he’d run across to the Cookie Cone Café for bubble gum ice cream. A tiny taco salad was a specialty item on the cafe menu.

Julieanne’s Fabrics was a gold mine for the local sewing community. Employees included Jean Falk, Helen Baierl and her sister Rose Marie Alf.

Betty’s was a woman’s clothing store with lime green carpeting and Vera’s hair salon was also a big draw for the ladies. That business later became Rose Marie’s Hair Design.

“There were big wooden clowns on the wall with balloons and stores had their names on the balloons,” said Rose Marie Kasten recalling some of the interior decor.

Bullet points on building transactions – only at Around the Bend by Judy Steffes

– The building once home to the Regal Ware Museum, 18 E. Washington St., has been sold to Iron Ridge Properties LLC for $260,000. The building had been for sale since April 2014. It was initially priced at $630,000; the price was dropped to $499,999.  The buyer has no specific plans for the property.

– The former Coachman House/ Club 1006 location, 1006 S. Main St., has been sold to Matt Mehring with Anderson Ashton- Design/Build in New Berlin. He will raze the building and put in a Forward Dental clinic. The franchise dental office has 30 locations across the state. Design plans go before the West Bend Plan Commission on August 11.

– Bargainmart is opening at 325 Chestnut Street in West Bend. The location was formerly home to the Habitat Restore and prior to that it was a fire extinguisher company. Josh Frigge purchased the property June 9 for $95,000. Stevens Specialty Services made quite a profit as it bought the building from the bank in July 2014 for $25,000.

– Women’s boutique, Over the Moon, 139 S. Sixth Ave., is moving to 1720 Barton Ave. Owner Debbie Slais is busy remodeling the store space with her husband Jeff. The new store will be open just in time for Barton Day, August 8.

-The Flowersmith building, 403 S. Main Street, has been sold to Jackie Cull.

– Tochi is a new ramen noodle restaurant opening in the lower level of River Shores. Chef and owner Gregg DesRosier currently has a location in the Milwaukee area.

– The Albrecht Free Clinic is relocating from its home on Oak Street in the lower level of Spaulding Clinical to the former Verre Young Eye Clinic, 908 W. Washington Street. Jim Strachota is executive director of the Albrecht Free Clinic. “We’ve been in existence 19 years and have never actually owned a property; we’ve just been lease to lease,” he said. “This location really fits our need and if everything goes according to plan we will have three full medical rooms and three full dental rooms.” The timeline on the move is expected to be late fall.

–The new Rising Phoenix Organic Market, 830 S. Main St. is opening in the West Bend Plaza, formerly home to Jacci & Sons. Joy Durbin is owner of the independent market which will carry Herbal Symphony products including smoothie powders, protein powders, spices, teas, organic grocery, raw and frozen foods.

–Leitheiser Car Company will open a second location on Highway 33. Proprietor Tim Leitheiser will lease the front building space at Ace Canvas, 3424 W. Washington Street. The front portion of the building is formerly home to Ace Auto Trim; that business closed in May. Leitheiser said the lot will hold about 25 cars. Leitheiser Auto has been on Highway P for 17 years. He will continue to operate out of that location as well; the dealership on Highway 33 is a new venture.

Facelift in store for Ponderosa

The weary Ponderosa restaurant, 2020 W. Washington Street, in West Bend is going to get a facelift. The building, owned by Steve Kilian and his son Steve Jr., has not weathered well and neighbors in the community have noticed.

The Kilians said they too have noticed and they’re going to do some work to make it less of an eyesore in the city. “We don’t have anything in the works,” said Steve Kilian regarding any potential development. “We just took a look at it a week ago and decided we should do something to make it look better.”

Some of the improvements include a fresh coat of paint and some landscaping. Kilian said he’s received a couple of quotes and he hopes to start on the project shortly.

The former Ponderosa closed in 2008. The Kilians purchased the property in October 2011 and the past few years the building has sat empty.

The Kilians have worked to market the property but so far they’ve had little luck.

OWLT reaches 6,000 acre milestone

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust secured its 6,000-acre parcel of property on Friday afternoon as it closed on the purchase of a 155-acre site on Bonniwell Road in Mequon.

“This is a milestone as far as land protection is concerned,” said OWLT’s executive director Shawn Graff. “It’s also the 100^th project Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District has helped support.”

The preserve includes a state and natural area and it’s adjacent to Rotary Park in Mequon.

“This situation allows us to work in cooperation with the Mequon/Thiensville Rotary Clubs to have an active recreational park setting next to a passive park setting and we hope to make sure the two preserves work well together,” Graff said.

The acquisition of 6,000 acres for the OWLT has taken 22 years. “It feels terrific every time we hit one of these milestones,” he said. “It was 2011 when we hit 5,000 acres and ever since then we’ve been on an accelerated pace to hit 6,000.”

Graff said there are so many opportunities in the pipeline where acquisitions are actually becoming easier. “We have good landowners that are either donating conservation easements or discounting the value of their properties when we go for acquisitions,” he said.

“Just last week we closed on the Schoofs property in the Town of Erin in Washington County and then the property on Bonniwell Road today; both landowners were so pleased to be able to see their lands protected they discounted the value of the property so we’re actually purchasing it for less than the appraised value.”

Flowersmith closed

On Monday the Flowersmith, 403 S. Main Street, will be sold. Florist Suzanne Hall owns both the building and the business. “I moved in here in July 2008,” Hall said while working Thursday afternoon on a bouquet of flowers. “This used to be Boerger’s Floral and we made some cosmetic improvements and it’s a great run.”

Prior to moving, Hall was located at 112 N. Main St., in what is now home to Shooting Star Travel. “I started the floral business in 2003 and back then I always said when I turn 55 I’m out,” she said.

Hall is moving on and will become the creative director for Tom Masters, owner of Fox and Hounds restaurant and The Mineshaft in Hartford. “This is going to be a great way to move onto a challenge I’ll excel at,” she said.

The Flowersmith was open for business until last Saturday, June 20. “I’m still going to continue with the weddings and bigger events; I like that it’s fun to do,” she said. “That’s if my business doesn’t sell but if it sells I’m going to forward all that to the new owner.”

Hall confirmed she knew who was buying the building, but declined to identify them. She feels confident the business will be sold as well next week but also deferred commenting on the potential buyer. “I do know the new owner of the building will not put the flower business back in here,” she said. Jim Emmer Real Estate is handling the sale of the building.

New principal named for St. Frances Cabrini

A new school principal has been named for St. Frances Cabrini in West Bend. Rev. Nathan Reesman made the announcement this week. “Today we have officially filled our position of school principal at Saint Frances Cabrini. We are pleased to welcome Mr. Aaron Hilts who comes to us from the Grafton School District,” wrote Rev. Reesman.

“Mr. Hilts is married and has one daughter; he comes to us with 15 years of existing administrative experience, and 22 years of experience in education total, spending time in both the Catholic and the public school settings.  As he gets settled-in at our school he will share more with everyone about his own background and story.

“Mr. Hilts begins his time with us officially on July 1, but given some other current commitments, he will be free to be fully present without interruption on the campus beginning Monday, July 13.  He is also planning to join us for our Linked School committee meeting at Immaculate Conception.  Later in August he will also be introducing himself at the St. Frances Cabrini Masses, and he will of course be eager to begin greeting parents and parishioners.   Please welcome him when you see him!”  Blessings- Father Nate

St. Frances Cabrini posted the job opening in Spring after principal Richard Krainz chose not to return next year.  Krainz had been principal since July 2012.

25-year anniversary for Pleasant Valley Tennis

An anniversary celebration Sunday as owners of Pleasant Valley Tennis & Fitness Club remember 25 years since they purchased the club

The Jacci and John Gambucci bought the business in 1990.

In 1992 the Gambuccis added three outdoor courts. “The courts were bubbled between Labor Day and Memorial Day for indoor play,” Jacci said.  The added courts meant expanded membership however the average temperature inside the bubbled “was probably five degrees warmer in the winter due to the inefficient heating,” said Jacci.

“Also when it snowed John left me and our three small children to snow blow around the bubble. He’d snow blow through the night to keep the weight of the snow that slid off the roof from pulling out the anchors.”

Jacci remembers during the winter neighbor Leroy Young would clear their driveway out of kindness because he knew she was home alone.

“We had “Bubble Parties” to take the bubble up and down,” said Jacci. “Members came to help and have a good time.  Stressful times in some respects, but some of the best memories.”

In 1997 Pleasant Valley underwent a major expansion, adding a fitness center and five indoor tennis courts while expanding the bar and lounge area and doubling the size of the locker rooms and pro shop.

“We also added two outdoor courts, which helped during summer leagues which used five courts; it allowed us to have a team inside and a team outside in any given night,” said Jacci.

In 2010 the Gambuccis took over the fitness center which had been previously leased; that too underwent a complete renovation.

Over the last two decades manager Jean Sundblad has been a key player at Pleasant Valley Tennis & Fitness. “Many of our pros have been with us for years and our membership is made up of the most wonderful people that have created a community, ages 4-87 and all walks of life,” said Jacci.

On June 28 the Gambuccis will be throwing a party for members and current-and-former staff to celebrate 25 years of Pleasant Valley bliss.

New car wash to open at Paradise Mobil Mart

The owners of the Shell station on Paradise Drive are looking to add a car wash on the south side of their business. Paradise Mobil Mart is located at 815 W. Paradise Drive. Site plans call for a single bay, stand-alone car wash.

A canopy constructed at Quality Inn & Suites

A new canopy is being proposed over the entrance to Quality Inn & Suites, 2433 W. Washington St., in West Bend. The site plan would be at the motel lobby entrance to provide shelter for patrons.

Security Financial moving into former Radio Shack

Security Financial is relocating from 912 S. Main St. to the former RadioShack location, 842 S. Main St., in West Bend. RadioShack filed bankruptcy Feb. 5, 2015. The store in the West Bend Plaza closed at the end of May. There’s some remodel currently underway and Security Financial should make the move in the next couple months.

New cellular tower and Facility proposed for Stonebridge Circle

There will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. on July 7 at West Bend City Hall, 1115 S. Main Street, for a conditional use request to allow a 96-foot tall communication tower at 2185 Stonebridge Circle.  A site plan will also be reviewed for a 11’6″ x 25′ 5 1/2″ equipment shelter with an internal generator for the communication tower. The property previously belonged to Ron Albiero.

Concept Plan for Basco Development

During the July 7 Plan Commission meeting in West Bend a concept plan for a multi-family development south of the intersection of W. Progress Drive and Sylvan Way will be discussed. The property involves a 19-acre parcel. The early proposal has 13 buildings ranging in size from four units to eight units to 16 unit complexes.

Updates & tidbits

–There will be no Farmers’ Market on Saturday, July 4 in West Bend. The July 4 parade will march through downtown West Bend that day.

-A new antique, craft and vintage up cycle store is opening in downtown West Bend. The Bee’s Knees will open next month at 258 N. Main St. Advertisement in the window of the shop said ‘The Bee’s Knees is now looking for vendors!’ The business is moving into Jeanne Mueller’s former store Jeanne’s Collectibles.

–The Walmart in West Bend has expanded its liquor section. The liquor department relocated to the back wall at the south end of the store; the space was formerly home to Subway restaurant which closed at the end of May. The space where liquor previously was is being turned into aisles for chips.

-Congressman James Sensenbrenner will hold town hall meetings Tuesday, June 30 at Newburg Village Hall at 9 a.m., Kewaskum Village Hall at 10 a.m., Addison Town Hall at 11 a.m. and Jackson Village Hall at 1 p.m.

-With the July 4 travel holiday on the horizon folks in West Bend and Washington County are seeing a spike in gas prices. The lowest price in West Bend earlier this week was $2.89 at the Paradise Mobil Mart/ Shell South.  In Milwaukee the price was $2.86. A bump is obviously on the way as prices at the Speedway on Highway Q at $2.95 for a gallon of regular unleaded. It was $2.94 at Mad Max BP on S. Main Street in West Bend.

–Regner Fest, Saturday, July 11, at Regner Park in West Bend, Noon – 11 p.m. Entertainment will include three bands, Tom Brusky (polka), Monro (variety rock) and Rebel Grace (country). Free swimming and splash pad from noon until 7 p.m.; family activities from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. that includes bounce houses, Love Bug face painting, Adventure Rock climbing wall, lacrosse, disc golf, martial arts demos, make and takes for the kids and much more. Food and drink available for purchase.

Wrapping up Italy tour with ‘Silent supper’

There’s normally one event on each tour that really has an overall impact. I can’t plan it or pay for it to happen and often the scenario could be the basis of a movie.

The silent supper and my stay at the sanctuary, Santuario S. Maria del font,  is that story.

I’m about 20 miles outside Milan and since it’s almost 5 p.m. I figure it’s best to start scouting out a place to stay. Once I get to Milan, it’s going to be a big city and an expensive zoo. Although I still have a lot of steam left in my engine, I might be running on fumes in two hours and generally the campgrounds are 30 kilometers from where I land.

I jump over to a restaurant where men have gathered outdoors. My note is not well accepted.

I move to the library where the clerk points me in the direction of the sanctuary.

You can’t miss it,’ said the librarian. She wore a somewhat dressy t-shirt from the Hard Rock Cafe.

I pedal to the end of the street, which dead ends at the sanctuary; it’s no small outfit.

A couple were standing in the arched entryway. The woman gives me a finger wag and an audible “tsk tsk.” I pull out the note about biking for Alzheimer’s and she changes her tune and points me to an open door across the garden.

That’s where I find Sister Sara Amelia. She’s in her late 80s, dressed in a white habit and robe, with those soft nun shoes.

She sends me along my way. I run into a pair of priests and the note gets another workout. Nobody has anything reasonably close to an English vocabulary, so it’s a lot of “follow me” waving.

Rev. Gabriel makes a couple unanswered phone calls, then finally leads me to a hall where I can stow my bike.

Sister Sara re-enters the picture and it looks like I’m her assignment. She shows me the bathroom, and then a small prayer room. She speaks Italian; I nod like a dope pretending to understand. She continues to lead me down the long hall and to the automated cafe machine. I think it’s sweet how she’s trying to make me so comfortable.

Sister Sara leaves and I start to unpack, but I’m quickly distracted by food. About 20 minutes later I head to the bathroom to clean up. Half finished, the door opens and Sister Sara has tracked me down.

“Camera” is what it sounds like she is saying. A quick sprint and I’m by her side. We take an elevator up one floor and she opens Room 102. Looks like I have a more comfortable place for the night; bed, bathroom and Bible – what more do I need?

“Seven o’clock,” she says, as she points to her watch and mimes eating…then she’s off.

Right now it’s 6:45 p.m., so was she inviting me to dinner or breakfast?

It was dinner. They sat me at a table by myself. The priests ate in a room by themselves, and the nuns did likewise – all behind closed doors.

A skinny guy with cigarettes on his breath served me. I was right by the kitchen. It was very “Downton Abbey.”

The Sister keeping an eye on me has her hands full.

I came downstairs after cleaning up and the priest walked by saying something obviously negative; I could sense it in his tense tone and the rigid walk. The nun took me in another room, she was fast-talking in Italian, getting exasperated, then pulls down her eye….like a spy signal.

Oh my, God. It’s the knees again. I can’t find my trusty scarf, so I get my pants.

When I walk in for dinner, the priest hangs back and gives me a look to see if I measure up.

Dinner was hot rice soup and a hard roll.

One priest, Rev. Gabriel from my earlier encounter, sat behind me. He was at a table alone, too.  I waited for Rev. Gabriel to eat first. I wasn’t going to look back, so I just listened for the clink of silverware or the murmur of a prayer – you’d think somebody would pray, right?

I said a prayer in my head. Soup was getting cold.

No conversation. It felt like I was eating in the principal’s office. He could watch me. I felt it a violation to snap a photo of my food at that moment.

After the soup, the main course was a cut up potato, a halved hard-boiled egg, and a bit of raw tuna.  Feels like a Friday menu that’s desperately close to running out of ideas – but I’m not complaining.

After dinner, Sister Sara stumbles upon me in the courtyard. She points out things of note and I take pictures. Sister indicates she should take a photo of me in front of the Blessed Virgin statue. We work through a couple mishaps, some shots of unsuspecting feet and the push of a wrong button. Finally, sister gets it right. We review. She’s clipped off 18 shots of me; the last few look like I’m telling a kid, “OK, that’s enough. Give me the camera now.”

I take a short video and play it back for Sister, and she is beyond thrilled! It’s a true reaction and I know she’s never seen cellphone technology before.

Sister takes me for a tour of the chapel and shows me some unique paintings, including a wall mural of Pope John Paul. She seems to indicate he visited the sanctuary once.

I’d better wrap up; lights out at 10 p.m.

Insights from the tour in Italy

-Did not see a Walmart or Starbucks in Italy. “You would embarrass yourselves with a Starbucks here,” said one man at a cafe. There are independent coffee shops on nearly every corner in Italy.

-Three weeks on a bicycle pedaling over lots of cobblestone streets and not one flat tire or broken spoke the entire tour. I consider that a miracle.

-The kindness of strangers has been over the top on this tour from someone lending me their camper to sleep in during a stormy night at a campground in Pisa to a person at a flea market offering me a seat in the shade and giving me a bowl of gelato. There was a fruit vendor in a dirty white t-shirt at the side of the road that filled my lap with cherries as I stopped to rest. His son then gave me a cold bottle of water and they sliced a melon open and shared it. A nun in Rome saw I was struggling with securing a scarf around my waist so I could visit St. Peter’s Basilica and she came over and helped. Such small gifts but they really make the tour special