ALDI in West Bend planning to expand

ALDI in West Bend, 1114 S. Main Street, is going to expand. On Tuesday, March 5 the West Bend Plan Commission will consider several requests including a public hearing to rezone a portion of S. Main Street. The lot in question is about 1.56 acres. The property sits to the northwest of the current ALDI grocery.

According to records at City Hall “the purpose of the rezoning request is to clean up a legacy zoning district from previous uses and to accommodate the sale of the western portion of the parcel for the expansion of ALDI.”

The rezoning would remain consistent with the recommended land use of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan for the City of West Bend. The purpose is to reconfigure three lots into two. ALDI Corporation, which has 2.5 acres, is proposing a building addition to the west and is acquiring 2.47 acres of land from the adjacent owner (King Pin) for that expansion.

The site plan is for a 2,440 square-foot commercial building addition located on the west side of the building with minor architectural building alterations proposed to the remaining building.

 The 1.8 acre lot is zoned B-1, Community Business District. The owner is acquiring additional lands to the west and north for the expansion.

 As a part of the site plan, the two existing storage buildings and the existing pavement within this area will be demolished to accommodate the expansion of the building.

 The parking lot will be not be altered.

 The area to be acquired from King Pin contains pavement and parking area that was originally used for the bowling alley use. The pavement will be removed and curbing will be installed. As a park of the site plan, the parking lot striping will be redone on the King Pin site to redefine the drive aisle and parking stalls in the area that is being altered by the land acquisition.

 The existing retaining wall will be modified to accommodate the new building addition.

 The building materials for the building addition will match and be consistent with the existing “St. Simon Blend” brick veneer. The existing building will receive the following upgrades:

o A tan accent band color changing to a slate gray color, at the entrance area above the windows.

o The building materials will change from an aluminum composite panel to a “Cedar (vintage wood)” looking fiber cement board.

o The “Food Market” signage on the east and north sides of the building will be removed and new “ALDI” signs will be replaced.

In 2017 ALDI announced a nationwide “plan to remodel and expand more than 1,300 U.S. stores by 2020.” Early plans indicate ALDI will spend “more than $37 million dedicated to enhancing stores in the Milwaukee-area.”

Long time volunteer at Full Shelf Food Pantry Al Carrier has died

 Word is starting to spread around West Bend about the sudden death of Al Carrier.

“Al was a long-time Volunteer and Board Member at Full Shelf Food Pantry,” said Michelle Mayer, Full Shelf Food Pantry Board Secretary.  “In fact, he volunteered just yesterday, Thursday, morning. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Al will be greatly missed.”

Carrier was also active in the local tennis community.

“Al will be missed but leaves quite a legacy in the West Bend tennis community,” wrote John Gambucci. “He was a master at getting kids to relax on the court. Al was also great at showing his players that life lessons could be taught through the game of tennis. He was a coach for all the right reasons and encouraged his athletes to be better people through the lessons they learned on the court.”

John Rozak of West Bend said Carrier passed away Thursday. “Al was just a great person and a great tennis coach for years at West Bend High School,” said Rozak. “Every morning Al was at the Food Pantry. He was just a great person.”

Greg Straub played tennis with Carrier. “I played tennis with Al and over time grew to understand and admire the person within the gruff exterior.  Al was a fiercely competitive person but valued the true principals of fairness and sportsmanship beyond the passion to win.  Always ready with a quick-witted comment, Al will be dearly missed by all that had the opportunity to truly know him.”

Funeral arrangements will be posted when information becomes available.

Quiet opening for Cafe Floriana

“Finally my own coffee shop and bakery,” said a woman from Cast Iron Luxury Living as she relished in the samples of sweets at the new Cafe Floriana, 611 Veterans Avenue, Suite 104, West Bend

The new bakery and coffee shop, which sits on the first level of Cast Iton  Luxury Living, quietly opened to friends and family on Friday, March 1.

Owners Katherine Schenk and her sister Sara Young have been busy attending to every detail including the lovely icing on top of the luscious cinnamon rolls.

The glass display case at the front of the store held a brilliant selection of homemade cookies, scones and breads including a thick slice of banana bread and one remaining lonely slice of savory lemon bread.

There was a printed menu with a variety of hot drinks from Stone Creek Coffee. Click HERE for a the store menu which includes soups and homemade sandwiches. The grand opening of Cafe Floriana is set for 6 a.m. Monday, March 4.

House fire closes E. Washington Street on Friday, March 1

West Bend firefighters are on scene at a house fire at 167 A E. Washington Street.  The call came in just after 8:30 a.m. Friday morning. One of the residents in the home, James Hess, said he was awakened by his neighbor pounding on his door telling him his kitchen was on fire. “I went and checked and my kitchen wasn’t on fire but there was smoke coming out of my attic,” said Hess.

There were three people who lived in the home including Hess, his wife and son and three cats. Two people also lived in the lower level, along with their cats.

“Everything was a blur but the smoke is in the attic area,” Hess said.

West Bend firefighters had an aerial truck and firefighters entered through a back porch to gain entry to the upper level of the home. Neighbors said around 9 a.m. you could see flames coming out the top of the home.

West Bend police on scene said nobody was injured and everybody got out safe, including the cats.

A press release was issued by the West Bend Fire Department.

On Friday, March 1, 2019 at 8:25, the West Bend Police Department 9-1-1 center received multiple calls of a house on fire in the 100 block of E. Washington Street. Battalion 1, Engine 1, and Engine 3 responded. Battalion 1 observed smoke and flames coming from the attic of a three-story duplex.

Battalion 1 activated MABAS Box 15-1-1 for a working still. Safety Officer, Truck 1, Jackson Fire Department engine and chief, and Med 21 responded.

A single occupant of the upper unit was the only person home at the time of the fire and was able to safely exit the structure. His two cats were later rescued. There was a partial collapse of the roof. No firefighter injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was found between the walls in the bathroom and may be electrical in nature. The cause of the fire was not suspicious according to Battalion Chief John Spartz.

The 2019 Mother Cabrini award winner is…..

With a bit of a delay, St. Frances Cabrini finally managed to present the 2019 Mother Cabrini Award. Normally the honor is the highlight of Catholic Schools Week, but following a snow delay, followed by another snow day and then an encore snow day …. the award was finally presented Tuesday afternoon in the gym at St. Frances Cabrini.

The annual Mother Cabrini Award was established in 1988. The committee consisting of winners from three previous years, as well as, the Principal and the Pastor reviewed criteria which is considered but not limited to include: Perseverance, Missionary Zeal, Simplicity and Educational Mission.

This year’s winner has been a teacher with St. Frances Cabrini for some time now. She has been described by her co-workers as an honest and fair person in the building.

She leads by example and is always pushing for the betterment of all kids in our building.  She has been involved with: multiple hiring committees, created the duty schedule, helped design the academic schedule for teachers over the summer, and leads 2 Together Event Committees.

She is a leader and people value her opinion. At the end of the day life is simple for her; she loves her family, and loves this school. I am proud to announce that this year’s Mother Cabrini Award Recipient is Mrs. Emily Graper.

“I was very surprised,” said Graper. “It’s an honor to be chosen but I just see it as I’m here to do my job and help the kids with their education.”

Graper is a 2004 graduate from Slinger High School.  She then went on to receive her degree from Marian University in Fond du Lac.

Graper started at St. Frances Cabrini as a kindergarten teacher in 2009. “My first class from when I started is now in eighth grade,” said Graper. “It’s cool to see them grow and the impact of a parochial education has really been evident. We’re educating the whole child, it’s about having a spiritual basis and having a purpose and showing kindness and compassion to people and it’s great to see it in their character.”

“Mother Cabrini is an example of someone who is driven by her love of children,” said Graper. “That’s a great basis to start our school and our classroom.

“Faith is a part of our day. We talk about it from the minute we walk in to the last thing we say before we walk out the door; Mother Cabrini is inspiring to us.”

Past winners include: Mrs. Gardon, Mrs. Endlich, Mrs. Vogel, Mrs Taylor, and Mr. Mac.

Garden Lounge opening in downtown West Bend

There was a soft opening this week at the new Garden Lounge, 258 N. Main Street in downtown West Bend. Owner Jeremy Hahn has been working on the business the last six months.

The inside of the lounge features a comfortable setting decorated mostly in white, black, and gray.

The Garden Lounge will open daily at 8 a.m. and feature Collectivo Coffee along with breakfast sandwiches, sausage, egg and cheese biscuit, donuts and Bloody Marys.  Hahn has a full bar along with phone charging stations in the back. The menu will also include fried pig wings, mozzarella sticks, toasted ravioli, pizza,

SPARK! at MOWA engages people with memory issues

Kindergarteners from Holy Angels School in West Bend spent a little time Tuesday morning sharing their artistic talents with senior citizens.

SPARK! is a free monthly program at the Museum of Wisconsin Art in West Bend.

The program, which is held the last Tuesday of each month, is designed for people with memory loss and their caregivers; the goal is to engage participants in conversation about Wisconsin art.

This week there was some intergenerational learning as a class from Holy Angels led the way and showed off their skills using colors and shapes.

Jessica Wildes, director of communications at MOWA, said the program really helps people with memory issues to “make connections.”

“Today seems to be successful and it’s a wonderful moment as the kids engage the seniors,” Wildes said. Each session of SPARK! includes a facilitated discussion about works of art in the galleries followed by time for coffee and mingling in the studio.

MOWA has been part of the regional SPARK! Alliance since 2009, thanks to seed support from the Helen Bader Foundation, and offers this program to highlight and promote self-expression and mental stimulation.

Coming up during the March 26 session, SPARK! will focus on Treasures from the Collection:  Be among the first to see MOWA’s newest acquisition to the collection. Take part in an engaging conversation about its content and through a facilitated discussion, interpret the meaning of the work and relate it to your own life.

SPARK! is a free program for participants with memory loss and their caregivers. Registration is requested one week in advance.

Rep. Knodl Statement on Governor Evers’ Budget Address

Rep. Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) issued the following statement regarding Governor Evers’ Budget address at the Capitol in Madison:

“When the legislative session started, my colleagues and I sent the new administration an extensive list of issues we believe we could work together on. After listening to the Governor’s budget address this evening, I was disappointed that he missed an opportunity for true bipartisanship. Instead of reaching across the aisle, his proposal includes divisive policies that will move our state backwards.

“Last week, Governor Evers vetoed a Middle Class Tax Cut. He followed that up this evening by introducing a budget that increases taxes, in-state tuition and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, and takes away education opportunities for families.

“Divided government shouldn’t mean nothing gets done, and I look forward to reviewing the budget further. It will be introduced in the Joint Finance Committee as legislation, which is standard procedure under state law. The committee will hold hearings around the state to get input from the public in the coming weeks.

“Our goal will be to find common ground and pass a budget that keeps Wisconsin moving forward. We must build on the success we’ve had as a state over the last eight years, and it’s unfortunate we didn’t see much of that from the Governor tonight.”

Special blessing with Auxiliary Bishop Schuerman for St. Gabriel Parish Education Center

Auxiliary Bishop James Thomas Schuerman from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will be the special guest on Sunday, March 3 as a special Mass is held to celebrate the completion of the St. Gabriel Parish Education Center, 1200 St. Gabriel Way, Hubertus.

“Any time a Catholic Church, School or building of other purpose is constructed in the diocese it is blessed by the bishop,” said Jerry Gariety from St. Gabriel. “Unfortunately Archbishop Jerome Listecki was available for Sunday, March 3 but. Bishop Schuerman will preside over the Mass and blessing of the New Education Center. We are hoping many take the opportunity to join us on Sunday to view our St. Gabriel Church and New Education Center.”

Party with a Purpose for the Kettle Moraine YMCA

On March 15 the Kettle Moraine YMCA will hold its annual Party with a Purpose at Terrace 167.  The Annual Campaign is designed to make sure everyone has affordable access to the YMCA.  This year the Y celebrates its 50th year, honoring one of the original founders, Vic Albiero.

In 1969 Bernie Ziegler had a vision to create a YMCA in West Bend.  His first stop in order to share this vision was at the home of Vic Albiero.

He was in full support and honored to be asked to be a part of the process. As quoted per Vic, “the three horsemen were Bernie Zeigler, Cliff Nelson and Norman Schowalter. They made certain the plan was on sound footing.”

Shortly after the conversation at his home, West Bend was declared a branch of the Milwaukee YMCA. Vic was elected the first Board President of the YMCA, and still holds the record for most years as Chairman at five.

At that time services were held throughout the community, including swim lessons in the backyard of people’s homes.  Vic’s daughter Jacci Gambucci taught for this program with cousin Pat from 1973 until leaving for college in 1978.  In 1973 the KMYMCA separated from Milwaukee and became an independent association.

A capital campaign raised $2 million in 1977, and in 1978 the original building opened.  Since then there have been numerous expansions.

“My family is very proud of our father’s part in shaping the YMCA,” said Gambucci. “He was involved in numerous community projects, but was most gratified with his work developing the Y.  He would be so pleased with where it is today, serving so many by helping them lead healthy lives through programming for chronic illnesses and giving the disadvantaged a place to belong through member scholarships.”

Gambucci and brother Tom Albiero are excited to host this year’s Party with a Purpose in honor of their father, and will be joined by 3 out of 4 of their siblings who reside out of state.

Jacci and Tom would like to encourage the community to come celebrate their father’s legacy and the 50th anniversary of the Kettle Moraine YMCA.

Party with a Purpose is designed to bring the community together to create awareness, while building momentum to support our friends and neighbors in need.

“Most importantly this happens over friendships, new and old, food, cocktails, auction, and live entertainment.  A true sense of community is when you can’t get your guests off the dance floor as good times were had by all,” said JennyZaskowksi, YMCA Director of Donor Development.

“As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary, this year’s 2019 Annual Campaign goal is $300,000.  This goal is achieved with the help of the Albiero family, our 18th annual golf outing in May, board, staff and community donations.  Today our West Washington and River Shores Branch serves more than 13,000 members.  With our campaign initiatives, approximately one-in-six receive some form of assistance to make certain they can continue to participate in our services.”

Please order before March 8. Join the Gambucci/Albiero family and let The Love Monkeys help kick off your St. Patrick’s Day weekend ~ a good time will be had by all!

Lenten fish fry at The Columbian

The first Lenten fish fry of the season at The Columbian, 3245 Lighthouse Lane, is March 8          Helping Hands Fish Fry Fundraiser 4 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.  The Helping Hands evening includes 2 to 3 piece of baked or fried cod. Just a little history note on the season of Lent: “Lent is the six-week period leading up to Easter. It’s one of the most important times of year for many Christians around the world, particularly those within the Anglican, Catholic and Orthodox tradition. Lent is frequently seen as a time of solemn observance and preparation for the celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. From its start on Ash Wednesday, March 6, until its conclusion on Easter Sunday, April 21, Lent has been a traditional time for fasting or giving something up or abstinence.”

Update on Cabela’s in Richfield

A pretty common question across Washington County is, “When will Cabela’s in Richfield reopen?” There was a small fire at the store Feb. 21, 2019. A note from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department is below.

February 21, 2019 Cabela’s Fire Authority:  Sergeant Uhan 415

On Thursday, February 21, 2019, at 11:17PM, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a fire alarm at Cabela’s, 1 Cabela Way, in the Village of Richfield, Washington County. Deputies responded along with Richfield Fire Department. Upon locating the presence of smoke, fire departments from Germantown, Hartford, Jackson, and Slinger responded.

The fire originated from the shooting gallery arcade game on the second floor, and was extinguished by the sprinkler system. The fire appeared to be electrical. It was estimated by fire personnel that approximately 3,000 gallons of water was expelled from the sprinkler system. There was smoke and water damage to about 5,000 square feet. The incident remains under investigation, and no one was injured as a result of it.

Jack Schliessen is with Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, MO. “We are planning on opening the store in the next two weeks,” he said. “We know there’s been a lot of pent-up demand and certainly an unanticipated closure.”

Schliessen said Cabela’s has “crews and team members on site working hard to get things ready to be operational as soon as possible.”

Because of the uncertain date to reopen the Washington County Deer Advisory Council is changing its March 11 meeting location to Moraine Park Technical College.

“Cabela’s cannot guarantee the Richfield store will be open to the public, because of fire and water damage, hence the change of venue,” said Brett Weir.

Below is a press release from the CDAC:

The Washington County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) will meet to review data and form preliminary 2019 antlerless quota, permit and season structure recommendations. This meeting will be held at Moraine Park Technical College on March 11 starting at 6 p.m.

While this is a working meeting of the council, the public is encouraged to attend and will have a formal opportunity to provide insight during the public comment period of the meeting.

CDACs are part of an effort to provide more public input on deer management issues and give stakeholders a greater responsibility in managing local deer numbers.

Councils will review and discuss the previous year’s hunting season results and long-term harvest trends, accept public comments and develop preliminary antlerless quota, permit and season structure recommendations. Recommendations will be sent to the Natural Resources Board for approval in May.

Citizens are encouraged to attend their CDAC’s March meeting and provide comments to the council. Local Department of Natural Resources staff will be on hand to present information and answer any questions.

Following the March meetings, an online public comment period will take place from April 1-10, with a final council meeting being held in late April 15 to allow the council to review public feedback before making final recommendations on the antlerless quota, permit and season structure.

Those unable to attend their county’s meeting can view meeting minutes on the department’s CDAC website.

Zuern Building Products recognizes long time employees Larry Breuer and Eugene “Geno” Wolf

There was a family-style celebration at Zuern Building Products in Allenton on Monday as business owners, employees, family and friends gathered to recognize Eugene “Geno” Wolf for his 50 years with the company.

Wolf started at the lumberyard in Allenton when he was about 15 years old. His partner in crime was Larry Breuer. “When I started, June 15, 1968, I didn’t have a driver’s license,” said Breuer. “I didn’t know ‘Geno’ at first. He came along working at the company right after I started and then we were almost like brothers at Zuern.”

Breuer said the thing he liked best about Wolf with his mindset. “He thought just like I did,” said Breuer.

In an effort to maintain tradition, after naming a shed after Breuer in 2018 when he celebrated 50 years at Zuern, the crew at ZBP dedicated a shed to Wolf.

Below are some memories of “Geno” and Larry as told by their coworkers.

Jim Zuern – Eugene has a distaste for all things “TOLKO,” in any lumber market at any time of the year. As a buyer he is my go to for advice on good lumber mills, going to miss his good advice when he retires.”

Jim Zuern – “Larry was nicknamed the energizer bunny for good reason he keeps going and going. ZBP can count on his farm-boy mentality and common-sense approach to a problem, if given a task he will get the job done on time and on budget.

Larry is the man who has a memory like an elephant. Old customers, old employees, when a piece of equipment was purchased, what was shipped to a job two weeks prior, where or when something came from……Larry remembers.

Larry makes sure everybody has a nick name. Male, female, new employee, employee from another store…he’s got one for you.

Chris Greuel  – It is hard to put into words what these two have meant to me over 28 years.  Their work ethic, dedication to ZBP and customers, and loyalty are unmatched.  I was amazed how they could be in to work before 4 a.m. and did not finish until 5 p.m.

One particular story I remember with “Geno” is when one woman made some comment about how she loves the smell of cedar.  She said this as she walked by the little hole where we kept the cedar shims in the old Shed A. “Geno” and I both laughed as this was not cedar she smelled.  This area of the old shed was often used to relieve oneself.

A story with Larry is when Andy Strupp and I were pulling 2×12-24′ for a Badger job. It was winter and the wood was frozen.  I pried one loose and pushed it so Andy could grab his end. Being iced, the 2×12 really slid and slammed Andy’s fingers against a pile of wood.  I can still hear the naughty words from Andy.  Larry was nearby on a forklift and came flying over.  He jumped off the lift before it stopped to come to Andy’s aid.

Arlene Mantel – I reflect on their 50 years, the one thing that stands out to me is the incredible dedication these two gentlemen committed to ZBP. They started working right after high school in the yard, loading customers, receiving product from vendors, unloading rail cars, loading trucks, driving trucks, Inventory Management, maintaining the cleanliness in the yard, and daily maintenance on equipment and property.  They have done this for 50-plus years in rain, snow, ice, hot, cold, wind.  Incredible feat!

With the transition from Don, Bob & Joe Zuern (2nd generation) to their family, third generation, (David, Jim, Greg, Jenny and Tom) Eugene and Larry were very positive and supported the transition very well.

Joe Zuern, 2nd generation owner – As our company grew, Geno was the behind-the-scenes driving force who kept the outside and shipping running, as we sent Larry to break new ground at new sites. Watertown/Cedarburg, both of them played an important part in our growth over the many years.

Larry observed new employees and then couldn’t help but find a nickname for them.

Geno loved Sue’s egg salad sandwiches during Lent (Good Friday)

Although they were employees, we always thought of them as extended family.

Greg Zuern, General Manager  – Eugene and Larry are the true pioneers of ZBP’S reputation for great service.  I grew up working with Eugene and Larry and they taught me many important life lessons like being on time, working hard, and dedication to customer service. Most days for Eugene and Larry started at 4:30 a.m. and I recall many of times in my youth getting a wakeup call from Eugene, it was very important to Eugene and Larry that are deliveries were on time even if it meant waking up the boss (Don Zuern) and telling him to get his kid out of bed and down to work.  I want to truly thank Eugene and Larry for 50 years of service and dedication to ZBP.

Jerry Priesgen – Larry issues everyone a nickname and they all fit the person or their personality. Cricket,  Dude, Lot to Learn, Counter girl, Big Kahuna, Daisy, Pretty Boy, MVP, Mud Duck, Gramps, Chicken, Blondie, Doberman and Bullet.

Wolf’s last day was March 1. Breuer said he plans on sticking around a little bit yet. “I got a couple other guys I can count on,” he said.

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