Boston Store closing in West Bend

There were more than 10 people waiting outside Wednesday morning at Boston Store in West Bend as the clerk opened the door for shoppers. Word had already spread that the store at 1291 W. Paradise Drive was among the hundreds closing and going out of business.

“I guess I wasn’t surprised,” said Marie Selenka of Slinger.  “We lost Pier One and now we’re losing this and it’s a shame.”

There were quite a few shoppers combing the store and taking advantage of sales and many mentioned they felt it was ‘only a matter of time.’ “I have mixed emotions because I thought the quality of merchandise had been going down,” said Debbie R. from Richfield.

“I don’t think the buyers have my age group (60) in mind and they always have these coupons and most of the time they’re not good for the item you purchase so it doesn’t surprise me with the competition out there.”

Debbie said she grew up with Boston Store. “My first Boston Store was Capitol Court in Milwaukee. We would go to The Grand and my mother used to work at Schusters in Milwaukee.”

“So many people buy online now. I still like the brick and mortar stores so the new generation is different,” Debbie said. “We’re from the Waupun area and they’re all closing,” said Kathy F.

“I like the Boston Store and I don’t like that they’re closing but what are you going to do,” she said.  “I’m actually kind of torn because I do a lot of online shopping because it’s convenient and I understand it’s hard for stores to stay open.”

According to a news release Bon-Ton President and CEO Bill Tracy said, “While we are disappointed by this outcome and tried very hard to identify bidders interested in operating the business as a going concern, we are committed to working constructively with the winning bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimizes the impact of this development on our associates, customers, vendors and the communities we serve.”

Officials said “the Great American Group LLC and Tiger Capital Group LLC will acquire the inventory and certain other assets of the department store chain.”

In West Bend, a sale related to the liquidation is underway. Sources said about 50 employees at Boston Store in West Bend will be out of work because of the closure. More details regarding the store closure and liquidation plans will be released shortly.

Reuters news service has been reporting “another retailer might acquire some of the stores and operate them under one of the Bon-Ton names.”

Former Washington Co. Supervisor Jack German has died

John George (Jack) German left Serenity Villa and made the trip to heaven be with his wife La Rae of 63 years on April 20, 2018. Jack had suffered a stroke in February as a result of a broken heart.

He was born to George Anton German V and Katherine Ann Ruddy on June 4. 1930 in Saint Killian, Wisconsin. The Family moved to West Bend and Jack attended Holy Angeles School and West Bend High School. Jack joined the Naval Reserve then enlisted in the U.S. Army at seventeen and served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Benning Georgia. After his active duty he served an additional six years in the Army Reserve and rose to the rank of Master Sargent.

Jack worked first as a mechanic and then in automobile sales in West Bend for several dealerships working last at Tennis Buick. Cooking was his passion and he spent most of his free time cooking for his friends. In 1972 his long-time dream of his own restaurant came to be when he and La Rae purchased the Little Red Inn in Saint Lawrence. They operated this iconic landmark until they retired.

Jacks life was one of public service and commitment. He served as a part time Deputy Sheriff with the Washington County Sheriffs Department and was elected constable and board supervisor for the Town of Addison. In 1978 he was elected to the Washington County Board of Supervisors, serving for a time as the Vice-Chairman and remained on the board until 2004.

Jack was an Honorary (Life) member of the Allenton Volunteer Fire Department, American Legion Allenton Fohl-Martin Post 483 and Saint Francis Cabrini Church. Past Member of Slinger-Allenton Rotary, Allenton Sportsman Club, Resurrection Parish, Wisconsin Restaurant Association, Washington County Tavern League and Allenton Area Advancement Association. He was one of the founders of the Allenton Area Advancement Association’s Buffalo Feed.

On June 28, 1952 Jack Married (Margarete) La Rae Umbs at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Allenton. They spent most of their married lives in Allenton and in retirement years also enjoyed spending time in Eagle River and Arizona. La Rae was called home to our Lord Savior Jesus Christ on January 9, 2016.

A memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 24, at Resurrection Catholic Church with the Rev. Richard Stoffel presiding. Burial will be at a later date in Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1 p.m.-3:45 p.m. Tuesday at the church. The family has requested memorials to Resurrection Catholic Parish or St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Parish.

Deer Management Committee makes venison donation to WB Food Pantry

The first of several donations of venison were dropped off Monday, April 16 at the Food Pantry in West Bend. Dist. 1 alderman John Butschlick said there will be 35 pounds of ground venison donated. The meat comes from the three deer killed during the Deer Management Hunt last December.

Prior to the hunt it was determined the cost to process the deer would be covered by the DNR. The meat was processed by Loehr’s Meat Service in Campbellsport. There were three deer killed during the Deer Management Hunt.

On Monday night during the West Bend Common Council meeting alderman Butschlick gave an update on the future of the hunt. He said sharpshooters have been discussed and a combined effort with bow hunters may be the next step. The cost of sharpshooters was discussed during a March meeting of the Deer Management Committee.

Tribute to outgoing aldermen Dist. 3 Mike Chevalier and Dist. 7 Adam Williquette

The West Bend Common Council tipped its hat to a pair of longstanding aldermen on Monday night as they participated in their final meetings.

Mayor Kraig Sadownikow read resolutions honoring Dist. 3 alderman Mike Chevalier and Dist. 7 alderman Adam Williquette. Sadownikow recognized Chevalier for “devoting a substantial portion of his time for the betterment and enrichment of” West Bend.

Alderman Williquette was recognized for representing his constituents in the City of West Bend and Barton for six years. “Both of these two guys really exemplify the old phrase that says if you have the ability to make a positive impact then you have the responsibility to make a positive impact,” said Sadownikow.

Newly-elected alderman Andrew Chevalier and Justice Madl were sworn into office on Tuesday, April 17.

City of West Bend secures $555K grant for Riverwalk

Some positive news for neighbors in the City of West Bend as word came down that the State Joint Finance Committee approved a grant for $555,000 to help finance the downtown Riverwalk Project. The note below was sent to city staff from Park and Rec Director Craig Hoeppner.

Good afternoon, I’m pleased to report the State Joint Finance Committee officially approved our DNR Stewardship Grant in the amount of $555K+ at 1:03 p.m. Wednesday.

There had been a lot of discussion with the State on this topic over the past three weeks.

This is a $100,000 reduction from what was tentatively awarded, but we are confident the project is financially sound and this keeps the Downtown Riverwalk – East Project on track for our expected 2018 construction schedule.

A big thank you to the Mayor, Jay Shambeau, Cindy Leinss and  Sen. Duey Strobel for all of their efforts in making this large DNR Stewardship grant a reality.   We are looking forward to a great project this summer.  Park and Rec Director Craig Hoeppner

Mayor Kraig Sadownikow watched the process as the proposal went before State Joint Finance Committee in Madison and cheered the 11-4 vote to award the grant. “This is the final piece of the funding puzzle,” said Sadownikow. “I’m thankful to Sen. Strobel for supporting this project through the Joint Finance Committee. Everyone on the Joint Finance Committee recognized that we’ve got a very unique funding mechanism with some local dollars, some state dollars and then a very significant portion of locally, privately-raised money and that doesn’t happen very often in a public works project like this so it’s great West Bend stepped up to support something that’s been needed for decades.”

Signs posted for Eaton’s Fresh Pizza in West Bend

The sign for Eaton’s Fresh Pizza now graces the front door at 830 E. Paradise Drive in West Bend. Looking through the windows of the new home for the franchise shows the plumbing has been put in place and while there wasn’t much activity there is some progress as the build out is underway. In February, WashingtonCountyInsider.com announced Eaton’s Pizza would be returning to West Bend. The franchise owner is coming in from Fond du Lac. According to the owner Eaton’s Fresh Pizza will be located in the same strip mall anchored by Thrivent Financial. There’s a target opening date of July 1. The store will employ about 10 people.

Holy Angels students make generous donation                               By Renee Altendorf

This past Lent the primary students at Holy Angels School participated in a prayer walk.  After every 10 steps each student stopped to think about a person and then say a prayer for them. Each student walked 100 steps and said 10 prayers for a total of 9,800 steps and 980 prayers. The goal was for each student to have their family donate $1 or a penny per step.  The primary teachers are proud to announce students surpassed their goal and raised $1,422 for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Washington County.

Saturday lineup announced for Washington County Fair

Washington County Fair officials are pleased to announce the Saturday 2018 Headliners at the West Bend Mutual Insurance Silver Lining Amphitheater.

The Washington County Fair will host a trio of country artists on Saturday, July 28- Walker Hayes with Carly Pearce and Ryan Kinder.

Kicking off the night will be Ryan Kinder. For Alabama native Ryan Kinder, it’s all about the music. Whether he dons his favorite boots or rocks his vintage Chuck Taylors when he takes the stage, the music is what demands audiences’ attention and defines this up-and-coming sensation with a soulful Southern sound. “I just let the music do the talking,” says Kinder. Ryan’s debut single “Kiss Me When I’m Down,” where his powerful vocal is rivaled only by his amazing guitar playing, is turning heads and blowing minds. This young up-and-comer is poised for a soaring music career that will keep him on the road, in the spotlight and on the radio.

Carly Pearce takes the stage next. Her first single, “If My Name was Whiskey,” has been a listener favorite on Sirius XM’s The Highway over the last year, was named one of Rolling Stones’ “10 Artists to Watch This Summer” and became one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” in 2016.

Headlining the evening will be Walker Hayes, a tried-and-true Nashville standout. He’s an original in a town all-too-often rife with mimicry and compromise.   “

Ticket prices range from $20-$35 and include admission to the Fair. For more information on the Washington County Fair, visit www.wcfairpark.com/fair

Successful Grandparents Day at St. Peter School in Slinger

The grandkids wore out their grandparents at St. Peter School in Slinger on Wednesday. It was Grandparents Day and the kids were in charge.

The day started with an all-school Mass and then the students grabbed their grandparents’ hand and participated in a day full of fun. Some of the activities included coloring plates. Others took part in a competitive game of BINGO and then there was the dancing. (see video).

A couple of the families were third generation at St. Peter School including the Richard Kratz who graduated from St. Peter in 1968. His children then attended St. Peter and now his grandchildren are enrolled. Ann Kratz said she felt the kids “get a better education than in the public school, the children are able to grow their faith and the teachers are committed to working with each child, even those who need more attention in reading and math.”

5K teacher Beth Herrigas said over 240 people participated in Grandparents Day and all had a fantastic time celebrating the great opportunities in education offered at a private school.

Updates & tidbits

– A bunch of rock stars from Mr. Olson’s class are working to promote their 2nd annual Autism Soup Night on April 23 at the West Bend West High School cafeteria. Soup will be served 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. There are 16 soups to choose from.

-Dennis Degenhardt is scheduled to announce his candidacy for the 58th Assembly District on April 26. There is a Partisan Primary on Tuesday, Aug. 14 and the General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6. During the last Special Election, Rep. Rick Gundrum won the seat left vacant following the death of Rep. Bob Gannon. Rep. Gundrum is currently serving a 1-year term.

– S/Sgt. Henry F. Gumm Post 486, Jackson, donates $3,000 for the purchase of three pieces of handicap-friendly playground equipment. This is part of a $300,000 project across from the Jackson Community Center at Hickory Lane Inclusive Playground.

– Mai Fest is coming to Friedenfeld Park in Germantown on May 18, 19 and 20. There will be fantastic beers, fabulous music and dancing and good old-fashioned fun. There will be food from Schwai’s Fish Friday (Friday night only), Germantown Kiwanis Club, Brats, Frankfurters, Hamburgers, and Potato Pancakes. Come enjoy the fun.

-The Downtown West Bend Association is gearing up for the 6th annual Banner ArtWalk. Fifty hand-painted banners will be on display at the Museum of Wisconsin Art on Saturday, May 12.

– The 31st annual Washington County Breakfast on the Farm is at Gehring View Farms this year, 4630 Highway 83 in Hartford. The host family will be Eugene and Christine Gehring and their family Derik, Jordan and Emily. This year’s Breakfast will be Saturday, June 9, rain or shine.

-American Legion Post 36 of West Bend will hold a brat fry Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 11, 12 and 13 at the corner of Washington Street and 15th Avenue in West Bend. Hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

– Holy Angels Students of the Month for March include Olivia Klausmeier, Emily Rauch and Will Mueller.

Run for Logan set for May 26 at Hartford High School

Logan Johnson was a healthy 8-year-old boy when he was diagnosed with an illness called Myocarditis (Inflammation of the heart) which doctors believe was caused by Parvovirus B-19 (known as 5th disease).

The nightmare began on May 6, 2017. Logan played a soccer game that morning. He had been sick with a low-grade fever the day before and seemed to be feeling better, but the game wore him out and the fever returned.

Later that day, he complained of pain in his chest and abdomen. He collapsed at home and was taken by ambulance to Children’s Hospital. After many hours and extensive tests, ultrasounds, and lab work – he was diagnosed with Myocarditis. He was placed on life support to try to save him. After three excruciating weeks in the hospital, Logan went to heaven and is now safe in the arms of Jesus.

Two days prior to becoming ill Logan asked his mom what his purpose was and why God made him. Little did this 8 year old know that his story and journey would touch so many lives and bring people closer to their faith in God.

Logan’s family is hoping that through “Logan’s Laps for Love” event money raised will help Children’s Hospital to find out more about Myocarditis, ways to prevent and treat the illness, and maybe someday soon no other family will have to endure the loss of loved one from this disease.

The event begins at 9 a.m. on May 26 at Hartford High School track. All money raised will go to the Love for Logan Fund at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.