Election information
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020. Over the weekend quite a few neighbors across Washington County received their mail-in ballot via U.S. Postal. Wisconsin will mail all registered voters an application to vote absentee prior to the election. You can also vote in person as Wisconsin offers early voting.
The deadline to register online to vote is Wednesday, October 14, 2020.
The deadline for registering by mail to vote is postmarked by Wednesday, October 14, 2020.
The deadline to register in person to vote is Friday, October 30, 2020.
The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Thursday, October 29, 2020.
The early voting period runs from Tuesday, October 20, 2020 to Sunday, November 1, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.
You can also register and vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3. Polls will open at 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Remember to bring a valid I.D.
Building formerly home to JP Foz’s sold by Adam Williquette
The building that housed JP Foz’s has sold. Fasciano Properties, LLC sold to 301 Properties, LLC for $325,000. The property was sold as an investment for 301 Properties, LLC.
Adam Williquette, president of American Commercial Real Estate handled the transaction. This is the fifth building American Commercial Real Estate has sold downtown West Bend in the last 12 months.
The 2020 assessed value was $277,500. Foz Enterprises LLC purchased the property April 1, 2001 for $210,000.
On October 17, 1996 Barbercheck and Gundrum purchased the property for $186,000.
That corner building has been home to many locally owned tavernkeepers. Among them “Three Old Guys” and “The Pub.”
The Pub was Bob Weston. Three Old Guys was Don Zimmel, Russ and Randy Miller and Al May was the Kings Guard Pub with “the best hot buttered rum” drinks.
Over the years other tenants in the tavern included Herbie Lundquist who named it The Blue Room. Bob Corbett dubbed it Corby’s. Bob Weston changed it to The Pub. The tavern was The Mixing Place and then Al May moved in with Kings Guard Pub and Don Zimmel later ran it as Three Old Guys with Russ Vermillion and Randy Miller.
Final totals for United Way of Washington County Food Drive
The United Way of Washington County is toasting the community with three cheers of “Thanks” for participating in the kickoff campaign food drive.
The final total amount of food collected was announced by United Way executive director Kristin Brandner.
“Al Pauli from Full Shelf Food Pantry followed up today that over 5,000 pounds of food was donated. Al said we exceeded his expectations! Thank you for being our committed partner and being awesome!!! We do have a good time doing good work!”
United Against Hunger was a drive-thru event held at the Washington County Fair Park. Eighty-nine vehicles drove in and hundreds of bags and boxes of nonperishable food items were donated.
Leading this year’s annual campaign are Women in Business: Prudence Pick Hway, Debra Cahoon, Amy Salberg, Rose Petitte and Jacci Gambucci.
Highway 60 open from Jackson to 5 Corners in Cedarburg
Motorists traveling Highway 60 rejoice as the road reopened between Jackson and 5 Corners Dodge in Cedarburg. It was April 20, 2020 when Highway 60 was closed from Eagle Drive (Piggly Wiggly) in Jackson to Highway 181 by 5 Corners in Cedarburg.
Road crews could be seen just west of Cedarburg collecting orange-and-white striped barricades as vehicles zipped up and down the fresh blacktop.
Work included updated signage, pavement marking, restoration, and lighting at the roundabout at County Y. The extensive summer project included milling off the top two inches of roadway and laying four new inches of pavement. The paved shoulder width was increased to six feet, and bypass lanes and right turn lanes at intersections added or extended as needed.
In addition to the resurfacing, the State reconstructed the intersection of STH 60 and CTH Y with a roundabout to address traffic safety concerns.
American Construction Services recognized by MMAC By Marie Kohler
American Construction Services is being recognized by the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) as an honoree in their Focus on the Future Awards.
American Construction Services was entered in the Pivot Not Panic category with its 40th anniversary story.
This past spring, the American team was looking for a way to celebrate 40 years in business. This was also the time the COVID-19 virus hit.
Even through all the unknowns and the fear of the pandemic, the leadership team knew it wanted to find a way to celebrate by helping the community during the uncertain times.
Dubbed the “40 for 4 and 40 for 40 celebration,” American Construction Services sponsored 40 meals each for four Washington County non-profits from four Washington County restaurants. To go along with that, the service staff at each of the restaurants was tipped 40 percent.
The non-profits that were supported for the celebration were Friends Inc, Karl’s Place, Medical Center Foundation of Hartford, and Interfaith Caregivers.
The meals received were prepared by The Norbert and Poplar Inn, Culaccino’s Bar and Italian Kitchen, Perc Place, and Precinct Tap & Table.
“It was an honor to be able to give back to the community after receiving so much of their support throughout the years,” said American Companies president Kraig Sadownikow. “Thank you to the MMAC for the honor and congratulations to American Companies.”
Trick-or-treat hours across Washington County
Halloween is Saturday, October 31, 2020 and trick-or-treat hours have been posted across Washington County.
Town of Addison 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25.
Village of Jackson 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
Village of Newburg 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31
Village of Slinger 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Village of Germantown 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. (Ben from the clerk’s office said, “Trick or treat will go on even if it snows…. like it did in 2019.” He said Germantown received 6 inches of snow. Remember that??)
City of Hartford 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31
Village of Kewaskum 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Village of Richfield 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.
West Bend 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31
Crack and joint sealing schedule in West Bend
Crack and joint sealing work in West Bend will be performed through the following street segments beginning Monday, September 21, 2020 until approximately October 9, 2020. Please note the project dates may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other circumstances.
5th Ave: Maple St to Oak St 6th Ave: Decorah Rd to Oak St
7th Ave: Vine St to Decorah Rd 8th Ave: Pine Dr to Chestnut St
12th Ave: Walnut St to Chestnut St 18th Ave: Chestnut St to W Washington St
Decorah Rd: University Dr to 18th Ave Indiana Ave: E Washington St to Oak St
Indiana Ave: Hargrove St to Paradise Dr Silverbrook Dr: Hawthorn Dr to Paradise Dr
University Dr: Decorah Rd to Campus Dr N River Rd: E Washington St to Creek Rd
Creek Rd: Schmidt Rd to Trenton Rd 12th Ave: Wayne Rd to Park Ave
13th Ave: Alder St to Wayne Rd 18th Ave: Park Ave to Jefferson St
Motorists are reminded to abide by all traffic control signs and devices as well as be aware of ongoing construction activities. Please plan on using alternate routes to avoid construction whenever possible. Please communicate this information with any delivery vehicles or other interested parties. Construction activities will include cleaning and routing existing cracks, placement of crack sealing material and restoration of disturbed areas.
Planning underway for new displays at Enchantment in the Park 2020
The Christmas season may be months away but this week planning began for 2020 Enchantment in the Park at Regner Park in West Bend.
Founded in 2009, the mission of the event was “to create a holiday adventure where wonder and excitement are experienced through enchanting holiday light displays, music and other performing arts.” According to organizer Lori Yahr there will be some changes this year.
“This year will be a bit different,” said Yahr. “We will still have the holiday light drive thru, fire pit with marshmallows, horse-and-carriage rides, and music in the stage area.”
Also new will be a 50-foot high Grinch and Snoopy characters courtesy Pet Supplies Plus in West Bend. There will also be some new vintage artwork, improved lighting, and decorative pergola by the walkway entrance to the park.
In an effort to be considerate of the current CDC guidelines there will be some noticeable changes. “We reached out to area school groups and they told us they are not having music classes this year so they won’t be able to perform,” said Yahr.
The Enchantment Board also decided not to put up the enclosed pavilion, Santa’s workshop, indoor stage and for now Santa is on hold.
‘We will look at our food collection procedures and see if we have to tweak anything for added safety,” Yahr said. The Senior Center will still be selling snacks in a paired down concession stand. Hot cocoa and packaged snacks will be available. They will work out of the Kiwanis Building and the volunteer groups will move to the Rotary Building.
Enchantment in the Park will be open Friday, Nov. 27 and run through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.
Setup for Enchantment in the Park begins October 9, 2020.
West Bend Common Council approves new ordinance allowing dogs in City parks
The West Bend Common Council is set to approve an ordinance regarding dogs in City parks. It was July 2020 when the Parks Commission went round and round on the issue.
The final vote was 5-2 with aldermen John Butschlick and Brett Berquist dissenting. District 4 alderman Randy Koehler was not in attendance.
Currently dogs can be on a 6-foot leash on the Riverwalk, in Old Settlers Park and Vest Pocket Park.
The new ordinance would allow dogs in other City parks except Regner Park, Lac Lawrann Conservancy and park buildings. Special events at City parks would also not be open to dogs.
The new ordinance would be evaluated in one year.
Ordinance to be updated:
20.07 (6) Animals (c) (Rep. & Recr. Ord# 2832 – 5/14/2019) Designated On-Leash Dog Areas. Dogs shall be allowed in the following parks, or the designated area within a park, but shall be restrained by a leash with a length of six feet or less.
- Ridge Run Park – entire park. 2. Glacier Blue Hills Recreation Area – Ice Age Trial only.
- West Bend Riverwalk – sidewalk/trail portion only. 4. Old Settlers Park – entire park.
- Vest Pocket Park – Sidewalk portion only.
Update:
Dogs shall be allowed in all city parks, except for prohibited park areas. All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times, and under owners control -unless in Rolfs dog park leash-free area. Any pet owner who fails to control their pet, create public nuisance, or disturb others may be asked to leave. All pet waste must be picked up and disposed of in garbage receptacles. Bags, scoops, or other implements for the removal of pet waste must be carried by any person bringing a pet onto park property.
Prohibited Areas: Dogs are not allowed at special events, park buildings or picnic shelters, within children’s playground areas, beaches, or athletic fields.
Why: The updates to this ordinance will allow the City of West Bend parks to come in line with both Washington County Parks (which allow dogs in parks on 6-foot leash) as well as Wisconsin State Parks (that allow dogs on 6-foot leash in parks except for prohibited areas).
Hand-me-down dishes hold memories and family history lessons | By Ann Marie Craig
The tines are bent and uneven and the wood handles show more than a century of wear. They live in the far recesses of the silverware drawer and hardly see the light of day anymore, but I cannot bear to part with them because they belong here in the house where they came as new forks to be used by the farming family who became my great-grandparents and grandparents and mother.
Its top edges are pocked a bit and if there ever was a lid it is now missing, but you can still see the swirls on the inside bottom from having been thrown on a pottery wheel many, many years ago. Its outside is roughly salt glazed in an uneven earthy brown and the inside is colored with dark, smooth, brown slip. Great-Grandma Anna’s salt crock is still intact and I guard it carefully even as I use it to hold springtime pussy willows and late fall dogwood and spruce branches. It belongs here too, having been used day after day as she cooked and baked on the wood stove in the tiny kitchen of this tiny log cabin.
_________________
It is not unusual for me to reach into a cupboard and grab a pot or a spoon or a bowl or a cake plate that once belonged to someone on my family tree, and every piece has a story or it would not have ended up in my kitchen.
I crawl deeply into the back corner of a lower cupboard with a flashlight twice a year to find the salt crock, each time holding it in my hands, carefully filling it will pretty branches and setting it on a table or deep windowsill, touching and imagining. I never knew my great-grandmother, but I can almost see her, and later my grandmother, reaching into the cellar almost without thinking as they seasoned the meat or vegetables cooking on the wood stove. That wood stove sat just about where my kitchen table now stands and the crock was nearby and used every day.
When I was growing up I would see those old forks in my grandmother’s kitchen utensil drawer. They made fine holders of meats that needed to be held still for cutting, but they probably had outworn their use as everyday tableware. I chose to bring them home with me years later, and they now are seen really only when I get around to cleaning the kitchen cabinets.
They are over 100 years old and saw a lot of use at the farm table in this cabin. What I learned when I brought them back after my mother had a good clear out of her drawers, was that they were used by my great-grandparents and their six children and were left behind when they retired and my grandfather took over the farm.
I look at them and think of stories told about the house and farm and about my grandfather before he married.
My grandparents married in 1920, but just a year or so earlier my grandfather became ill with the Spanish Influenza. No one was certain how he caught it because as a farmer, he almost never went anywhere. It was said that WWI soldiers brought the virus back with them from the front. Was he sneezed upon by someone at the feed mill or the hardware store? Could he have caught it at a dance, perhaps?
Family lore still speculates, but he was very ill for three months. His unmarried sister Mary came to keep house and nurse him, and his brothers helped with the farm work. I am pretty sure he ate with those wood-handled forks left behind by his parents because he didn’t yet have a wife to change the silverware style.
Somehow September and the start of autumn makes me want to nestle into home. I cook and bake and reminisce about the times shared in the kitchen around tables seasoned with family recipes and stories that keep us connected and cozy. It somehow is important to me to touch the things that family before me touched and those links to the past make the present warm and the future inviting. Find more stories by Ann Marie Craig at CenturyFarmhouse.com
0 Comments