Padway’s on Big Cedar Lake has sold

Padway’s on Big Cedar Lake, 4919 State Road 144, in West Bend has sold. Dan and Peggy Mueller, owners of several George Webb franchises, closed on the purchase of the restaurant Monday, May 1.

“I’m excited, confident and scared as hell,” said Mueller who turned 49 Monday.

“I’ve always wanted to do a supper club,” said Mueller. “I liked what I’ve been doing at George Webb but I always wanted something more.”

Mueller has been looking at Padway’s for a while. He was attracted to the restaurant because of his lifetime on the lake and his grandparents’ ties to the area.

Neighbors will recognize the head nod to history as Mueller will rename the restaurant.

“I’m going to call it Mueller’s Linden Inn,” he said. “We’re keeping the menu the same for now but we will be adding some things. The staff will stay the same and we will be hiring.”

Over the next few months Mueller will be making some minor changes but in the near future they will be revamping the banquet hall. “We’re going to take it out of the ’70s and bringing it into modern day,” he said.

This will be a family venture as Mueller’s wife Peggy will be joining him. She will do some bookkeeping and pitch in where needed.

Dan Mueller is graduate of Sussex Hamilton High School and a 1989 graduate of Milwaukee Area Technical College. He has an associate degree in hotel and cooking management. “I’ve worked at restaurants like the Quilted Bear, the former Nardo’s Passport Inn, and in the catering department at Quad Graphics,” said Mueller.

For the last 25 years he’s been a franchisee and an owner operator for George Webb’s Corporation. “Currently I own two George Webb’s, one in Hartford and the other in West Bend and at one point in my career I owned five George Webb’s,” Mueller said.

Previous owner Joe Weinshel closed on the purchase of the old Wegner’s Cedar Lake Inn in August 2014 when the asking price was $1 million. The asking price in 2017 was $795,000.

The old Linden Inn is a lakeside restaurant that’s been an institution for over 50 years on Big Cedar Lake has a new owner.

“When I was a kid, I told my mom I was going to own this place,” said Weinshel. “That was back in the 1950s when it was really nice and called the Linden Inn.”

Memories of the food at the old supper club resonate with locals along the lake. Back in the day when Dick Peel owned the Linden Inn neighbors remember the key lime pie, the brandy sauce sundae or the skipper sundae made with a scoop of ice cream, waffle cone, two chocolate chip eyes and a cherry nose.

Owls nesting in wall of old Lithia Brewery

It looks like someone gives a ‘hoot’ about the old Lithia Brewery in West Bend as a mother owl and her baby are nesting in what looks like an old vent in the side of the building on Franklin Street.

Ric Koch moved into Rivershores recently and was out on his bike when he spotted the trail of dung on the side of the building. Next he saw the baby owl. While we were filming the mother owl flew the coop. (what are the chances?)

Below the nesting site is a rather graphic collection of last night’s dinner.  Koch said owls will take in food and then yack up hair and bones and what not; a lot of that is in a small grassy area right under the nest. (you have been warned)

Chris Schmidt owns the brewery building; he stopped to take a look. The conversation gravitated to what happens when the baby tries its first flight? The nest is about 25 feet off the ground and below is cement. Schmidt, who rents space in the building to the West Bend Dance and Tumbling Troope, suggested he go inside and bring out a couple of tumbling mats to help cushion the fall.

A volunteer at Pineview Wildlife Education Center said the Great-horned Owl typically start looking for mates in December and usually there are 2 – 3 eggs.  There is clearly just one owlet in the nest.

Raptoreducationgroup.com provides a couple more insights: Great-horned Owls are our earliest nesting birds in WI. It seems a contradiction; however, the adult owls are often on nests by late January when the winds are howling and snow covers our northern landscape. Great-horned Owls do not build their own nest. Instead, they choose an old nest of a crow, hawk, or even a squirrel to call their own. When the young owls are 6-8 weeks old, they begin to venture from their nest. This is before they can actually fly. Nature’s method provides owlets opportunities to develop their leg muscles that will very soon be catching their own prey. In a natural setting owlets that appear to have fallen from their nest actually have fledged. In a natural wooded area, bushes and smaller trees provide a ladder of sorts and allow the chicks to climb to a higher perch until they can fly. When owls nest in a city with concrete below them rather than a soft forest floor, problems arise.  

Mr. Tony’s BBQ to open Friday, May 11

On Tuesday, May 1 the West Bend Plan Commission agreed to a temporary permit for Mr. Tony’s BBQ to allow the food truck and trailer to park in the Menards parking lot, 575 W. Paradise Drive. The truck would be in the north east end of the lot.

Mr. Tony’s BBQ will be able to come to town and serve his delicious fare eight times this year. He will open Friday, May 11.

“I have a little bit of a following,” said Tony Roy.  “We’re going to start with 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. … quite frankly I normally stay until 6 p.m. but judging from your page I don’t know if I can bring enough food.” Mr. Tony’s offers southern style pit BBQ. He was voted the No. 3 BBQ food truck in the nation in 2015 by Mobile-Cuisine.  His menu includes brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, pulled chicken, St. Louis style ribs, popcorn chicken and fries and meat by the pound. (see menu below).

Dr. Engelbrecht has died

Steven Jay Engelbrecht, O.D., 59, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in West Bend, Steve graduated from West Bend East High School in 1977, after which he received a B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1981. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn (nee Beistle) on July 3, 1982 at St. Frances Cabrini. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University in 1985.

Steve served as a dedicated doctor to his patients and the West Bend community for twenty-seven years, working first with Dr. Paul Rice and then with the West Bend Clinic/Froedtert Health Center. He additionally was an active participant serving on numerous state and local associations and boards, including the Wisconsin Optometric Association, the St. Frances Cabrini School Board, the YMCA Board, and the West Bend Noon Rotary.

Steve is best remembered for his athleticism, sense of humor, and prowess on the dance floor. He especially enjoyed playing a round of golf at the West Bend Country Club in the company of good friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family at his home on Silver Lake.

A Celebration of Steve’s life with a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 1025 S. 7th Ave, West Bend, WI 53095. Visitation will take place at the church on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Former Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy has died

Jack E. Wirth passed away Wednesday May 2, 2018 at the age of 87 years. He was born May 20, 1930 in Hartford, the son of Elmer and Emma (nee Korth). Jack was a Washington County Deputy Sheriff for 21 years. He was a past member of the Hartford Fire Department for 24 years and member of Hartford VFW Post #8834 and Hartford American Legion Courtney-Carr-Milner Post 19. Visitation is Sunday May 6, 2018 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Closing prayers at 4 p.m. Private interment.

West Bend School District considers $80 million referendum

Six members of the West Bend School Board, (Tiffany Larson was not in attendance), spent nearly two hours discussing a proposed survey to test the waters on a possible $80 million referendum. The referendums would focus on Jackson Elementary and the West Bend High Schools.

The survey would be created by Slinger-based School Perceptions. Bill Foster, the president of the company, was in attendance.

Highlights of the meeting are below:

-Foster said the taxpayers and teaching staff could take the survey online or via a paper questionnaire.  Foster said it would be mailed to 24,000 people within the school district boundaries.

Some of the most spirited conversation came when board member Nancy Justman asked if taxpayers in Jackson haven’t supported a referendum in the past why would voters in the Village of Jackson support a request for a new school.

-Justman said, “It has been discussed widely in the past that Jackson has not supported a referendum in the past. Dave Ross said that is true. As we continue to look at Jackson – if the Village of Jackson voters aren’t willing to support a referendum and that speaks loudly to me that they don’t want to update the school.”

-Justman said, “We already bus our Jackson students up here 5 – 12th grade.” There are currently 372 students at Jackson Elementary School.

-Options for Jackson included remodel the current elementary school, build new, or incorporate the kids at the elementary school into the West Bend schools.

-Board member Ken Schmidt said one of the key questions that hadn’t been brought up was the cost. “What are the projected costs to remodel, or update, or buy peripheral property. I want to have some ballpark figures before I’d be able to make a sound decision on how I’d vote.”

-Board member Joel Ongert corresponded via phone and questioned whether the $23 million for a new Jackson accounted for the $4 million already save up. (Editor’s note – than figure has also been quoted at $5 million saved for Jackson).

-Board member Tonnie Schmidt corresponded via phone said, “We need to take the opportunity to educate the community and what’s led up to this point. The background would be helpful.”

-Ken Schmidt said, “It’s OK to put information in about the Jackson fund. Be careful about making this a leading statement. We can put it out as a piece of information but don’t want it to tip the scales.  For sake of transparency we need to realize there’s a declining student population that’s going down about 100 students per year and how does that impact Jackson?”

-Joel Ongert said, “Our school district is way bigger than just the Village of Jackson. If the Town of West Bend, City of West Bend, Town of Trenton and Newburg, and Barton. If all those people vote yes for a new school in Jackson it will pass. So even if the people in the Village of Jackson vote ‘no’ not only would the survey show it but a referendum would pass.”

-Joel Ongert said, “If the survey says go to referendum and you do the math and it failed because of Jackson then we talk to the people of Jackson. That has to be done after it would fail.”

Members of the Citizens Facility Advisory Committee were invited to attend Monday’s meeting. The CFAC volunteered more than 13 weeks of their time to tour schools and provide input on the direction the district should take regarding Jackson Elementary and the WBHS.

At one point in the meeting CFAC member Carol Hegar questioned some of the information being read into the survey. Board member Nancy Justman said it wasn’t common practice to let members of the public speak during a work session and then CFAC member Susan Crysdale Kist said, “Then why did you invite us?”

Board members took a straw poll to see if CFAC members could speak and everyone agree except Board President Joel Ongert who said ‘no.’

-CFAC member Carol Heger – “I believe there is wrong information on Jackson Elementary and I want to make sure this is corrected. The school is not over 100 years old. Renovations were done in 1970s or 80s. Roof replacement should not be part of the referendum, that’s misleading. Financially the renovation was discussed and the reason most of us went for the new school was the site.  The difficulty of the site was an issue. Another thing that was misleading was the sentence ‘based on the building’s condition as well as an assessment of educational inadequacies…’ What’s the assessment of educations inadequacy? That wasn’t explained to us other than today’s current educational research that says students should be educated in these huge two-story atrium.”

-CFAC member Mary Weigand – “I’m concerned about referencing a 100-year-old Jackson. That’s just one small area. Let’s just tear down that old front so we can stop saying Jackson is 100 years old.  I spoke with Dave Ross about the concerns about safety and he said to me “Jackson is not falling down – if there were problems with safety I’d be first to raise the alarm.”  There are no safety issues with crossing the road.  Police have it under control. Comments about being landlocked, there’s a large area to east a large area to east of current school. I was also very offended about the educational inadequacies that were put on paper because Jackson has the second highest elementary scores other than McLane which is the oldest school in the district. So that has nothing to do with the age of the building. When the 25-year plan was brought up now there are much fewer students. The question should be to ask the community if they’re aware the numbers are declining.”

-Susan Crysdale Kist – “It’s the numbers I’m concerned about. There are 100 less because you moved the 5th grade out. Busing kids to West Bend? Where will you put them? If you close Jackson you will be changing school boundaries again and that’s not a popular thing.”

Foster then went through some slides of what the survey would say.  Options for a response would be four choices: High, medium, low or not sure.  One note, there is no selection to decline a specific project.

Funding Support: The cost to address all the projects identified in the survey is estimated at nearly $80 million. (again – discussion about adding taxes and interest to that number). Given the cost it may not be realistic to complete all of these projects at one time. Therefore, the work may need to be completed in phases, based on the priorities of the community and its willingness to financially support the projects.

Jackson Elementary:  Build a new school          $23 million (2-story school,  82,000 square feet significantly larger than current Jackson)

High School Projects:

Classrooms, Libraries and Science Labs                   $10.5 million

Cafeteria               $2.2 million (CFAC members said this was never discussed in their meetings)

Technical Education (Shop) and Engineering Labs   $7.6 million

Weight Room/ Locker rooms                                    $4.0 million

Safety and security  $1.5 million (WBSD has applied for a state grant which could cover this cost or a portion)

Building infrastructure   $31.3 million

There was a note about being a good steward of taxpayer money and paying off a portion of the debt. “This drop in loan payments gives the community an opportunity to borrow up to $35 million in facility upgrades with no tax increase over the current level.”

A CFAC member indicated the tax may not go up but the lifetime of payments would be extended 10 to 20 more years.

On a history note:

Taking a look at the current referendums the West Bend School District is currently paying off….

In April 2009, voters in West Bend approved a $29.3 million plan to renovate, as well as build an addition to Badger Middle School.

In November 2012 the West Bend School District passed a $22.8 million referendum to close Barton Elementary School, expand Silverbrook School and add classrooms and a gym at Green Tree Elementary School. The actual total cost of the referendum with taxes and interest was $31.975 million with a 15-year payback on borrowing.

After the Nov. 2012 referendum passed the $31.9 million total was added on top of the $29.3 million payment for the 2009 Badger referendum.

The target date to completely pay off the debt on both referendums, totaling about $61 million*, is 2029.

The final segment of discussion provided a table showing the tax impact for various referendum amounts. The tax impact on a 20-year bond with an estimated interest of 4.5% was not calculated into the total.

For example: If the referendum was $40 million the estimated increase on a home valued at $100,000 would be $5 per year.

For an $80 million referendum the tax impact on a $100,000 home would be $48 per year.  This would be over the span of 20 years, again without taxes and interest calculated into the total.

A clarification was made asking that in the spirit of transparency the board make it clear on the survey the tax impact would only be for the school referendum. Taxpayers would be made aware their bill would also include an annual tax impact from the state, county, city, MPTC, and the school district which annual has voted to tax to the max. The referendum amount would be on top of those other annual charges.

The work session concluded with an attempt to sign off on the survey questions by May 7 so the survey could be mailed before the end of the month.

The district indicated it is aiming for a November referendum.CG Schmidt has been hired as the contractor for the project. (*request is being made to confirm current referendum debt)

House fires rage in Kewaskum

Authorities are discussing some of the possible causes of the Kewaskum house fires this week.

According to authorities oily rags from deck staining were stored in a container in the sun.  The deck was on south side of the home at the initial home that caught fire on Odawa Circle in Kewaskum. It has also been determined the Jefferson Street fire was a flaring ember from the original fire scene a couple blocks away.

No injuries were reported however there was a high school student at home at the time and they got out OK thanks to assistance of Kewaskum Police.  Dogs also escaped safe from the home.

No injuries were reported among residents or firefighters.

More than a half dozen area fire departments are on scene at a structure fire, 845 Odawa Circle Kewaskum. The call came in around 2 p.m.

Matt and Amy Herriges have been walking around the charred rubble of what used to be their family home on Odawa Circle in Kewaskum. Today the wind kicked up; Matt warned to protect your eyes from small shards of glass and debris.

The couple asked to relay a message thanking everyone for their support in this dire time. They were thankful for the volunteer firefighters who worked so hard. They were thankful for the generosity of friends and family and friends they didn’t even know they had. They were thankful for the prayers and support.

A walk around the remains of the home is numbing. The frame of a wall is distinguishable, as well as a child’s bike and a car. It’s hard to believe no one was injured. The Herriges family is thankful for that too.

Nathan and Kelly Kjer and their family are also working through damage to their home and they too are thankful for all the prayers and support. Note below is from Nathan.

“During one of the worst days in our lives it was wonderful to have so much support from everyone. I am proud to call Kewaskum my home for 13 years. We have wonderful neighbors that have helped us with everything possible. For all the bad things going on in this world when something like this happens it truly shows how good people are. Words can’t describe how much all this means to us. We are thankful every day that our daughter made it out safe with the dogs. The fire fighters and police were all amazing. And our neighbors feel more like family now than ever. ” Thank you.  Nate and Kelly Kjer

Kettle Moraine Symphony to perform with UW-WC Moraine Chorus

On Sunday, May 6, UW-WC’s Moraine Chorus, the Kettle Moraine Symphony, and three soloists will be collaborating in a performance of Haydn’s oratorio The Creation. The spring concert begins at 3 p.m. at Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus.  Tickets are $18 Adult, $15 Senior and $5 Student with ID.

On Sunday, May 13, the Moraine Symphonic Band will present a concert in the campus theatre at 3 p.m.  The band will perform Children’s March by Percy Grainger, Robert Jager’s Third Suite, October by Eric Whitacre and other well-known works for band. The concert is free and open to the public.

Updates & tidbits

– Don’t miss the West Bend “Ride Of Silence” on Wednesday, May 16.  Bicyclists will meet in the MOWA parking lot off Veterans Drive at 7 p.m.

– On Saturday, May 19, 2018 the Slinger Area Music Booster Association (SAMBA) will be holding its 12th Annual Chicken Dinner at Veteran’s Memorial Park-Pavilion, in Allenton. It is SAMBA’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

– The West Bend Theatre Company is having a benefit concert with Joe Gallo to raise funds and awareness of the theatre mission. “An Evening of Show Tunes with Joseph Gallo, Tenor” will be at Bibinger’s in West Bend on May 19 at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are limited for this intimate performance. Tickets are exclusively available at wbtheatreco.com

-Friends of West Bend Park & Rec are inviting companies to host their company summer party at either the West Bend Biergarten, Regner Fest and German Night. Contact Lori Yahr for more information at loriyahr@gmail.com

– 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.

– “Logan’s Laps for Love” is May 26 starting at 9 a.m. at Hartford High School track. All money raised will go to the Love for Logan Fund at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant coming to West Bend

There’s a new restaurant opening in West Bend. Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant will be opening this summer in the former Mother’s Day location, 501 Wildwood Road in West Bend.

“We’ve been in Mayville since 2011 and we’ve been chasing West Bend since then,” said owner Felix Sanchez.

Some of the places he considered included the former Ponderosa building, soon to be Pizza Ranch and the old Pizza Hut restaurant, which closed in February 2016.

“We have a lot of customers right now from West Bend,” said Sanchez. “People come from Slinger and Jackson and we looked at other buildings but some were overpriced.”

Sanchez signed a contract two weeks ago with Sam Fejzuli, owner of Mother’s Day.

Fejzuli purchased the former Dairy Queen property in May 2015. That building has been in foreclosure since January 2014. Two short years later Fejzuli closed his restaurant in October 2017. Fejzuli said he had trouble getting employees and “keeping everybody happy.”

Don Ramon has a large menu. “We’re authentic Mexican, tacos are our specialty and we marinate and cut our own meat,” said Sanchez.

With a background in the restaurant industry Sanchez said he started his career when he was 16 years old. “I was in bigger cities like Lexington, Kentucky and Illinois and Minnesota,” he said. “I then opened in a small town in Mayville and we’ve been able to build a family here.”

Now 35 years old, Sanchez employs 13 people. Don Ramon is expected to open in West Bend on July 1.

Opening-day schedule for new restaurants in West Bend

There are quite a few new establishments opening in West Bend and someone asked for a list on the locations and when they’re opening.

The most anticipated opening is for Pizza Ranch, 2020 W. Washington Street. That word came down Thursday that the restaurant will open May 21.

The neighboring McDonald’s on W. Washington Street is open in the drive-thru but the lobby is closed for an interior remodel. That will reopen May 12… or there about.

The old Dublin’s will reportedly open in August. The building at 110 Wisconsin Street is going through an interior remodel and plans are on the table to add a second story outdoor patio.

Eaton’s Fresh Pizza will open in July at 803 E. Paradise Drive. Click HERE for more details.

Firehouse Subs will open in June at 1733 S. Main Street in West Bend.

This week WashingtonCountyInsider.com was the first to tell you about Don Ramon Mexican Restaurant coming to West Bend.  Owner Felix Sanchez said he will open in the former Mother’s Day location, 501 Wildwood Road. Most likely that will be a June opening.

And coming up this summer watch for a major remodel of the McDonald’s on S. Main Street which includes getting rid of the indoor playground and the Galactic theme.

As far as Ries’ Sausage Plus reopening… that’s going to take a while. Stay tuned!

The Barbershop a Hair Salon for Men is opening in West Bend

The Barbershop a Hair Salon for Men will open next month in West Bend, 2028 S. Main Street.

This will be our 50th location,” said owner Todd Degner.

It was 13 years ago when Degner, 50, and his wife Shannon opened their first location. “We were basically the new kids on the block. We were a male-centric salon designed specifically for men. It’s something that straddles between a traditional barbershop and a salon,” Degner said.

“We have a comfortable, timeless look and feel that’s the same for men and boys and grandpas and students and millionaires.”

Degner said what makes The Barbershop different is its commitment to employees. “Thirteen years ago when I started researching the industry I found it’s really the employee base in the salon industry has been exploited and commoditized,” Degner said. “So right from the get go we created a foundation built around excellent employees and we’re going to attract and retain the best people in the industry.”

Degner said the way they do that is through a set of benefits and professional atmosphere.

“Our team of stylists and barbers have comprehensive health care benefits, dental, vision, company-matching 401K, sick benefits and maternity benefits that’s really becoming a benchmark in the industry because of us.”

Degner is an IT and consulting guy in his previous life. In 2009 he retired and committed himself full time to The Barbershop.

While never one to get behind the business end of a scissors or razor, Degner does recall some memorable haircuts from his youth.

“When I was a kid my dad would whip out the clippers and give us what we called ‘the heiney,’” he said. “It was basically a flat top but really he took our hair down to the skin. The minute school was out that was our look for summer.”

Degner remembers his father taking him to a small barbershop in Rhinelander called ‘Doug’s Barbershop.’

“The barber’s name was Mr. Walters and he was my dad’s barber and then mine and I just remember the vibe and the smells and the sounds and the magazines and the conversations and that really is what inspired me to bring that sort of tradition back,” he said.

“One of the more satisfying things for us is just seeing that community in each of our shop and seeing people talk to each other, one-on-one, and not texting or being on the phone.”

Degner is looking to open prior to Memorial Day; a build out is currently underway. Other locations in Wisconsin include Fond du Lac, Wausau, Stevens Point, Sheboygan and Manitowoc.

New restaurant open at Shalom Wildlife Zoo

There’s a rustic feel to the new Grizzly Grill at Shalom Wildlife Zoo, 1901 Shalom Drive in West Bend. The new restaurant opens Saturday, April 28. It’s part of the zoo’s Arbor Day celebration that includes tree planting.

On Friday afternoon we got a sneak peek inside the new eatery and a first look at the new menu. While staff were pleased to show off the new place they talked highlight of the restaurant addition, the family-friendly atmosphere and they reassured everyone there would not be bear or hasenpfeffer on the menu.

The food selection is affordable with most items $10 and below. There are recommendations, from the animals at Shalom of course, including Lewis’s Favorite Southwest Burger and Elk’s Favorite a garden salad. Clark’s Favorite is listed as a Western Burger and Fox’s Favorite is a hot dog. There are both hot and cold selections along with extras including the traditional Wisconsin cheese curds, a healthy fruit cup and even a kid’s menu.

One of the fun things at the Grizzly Grill is the ‘no waste’ policy as there’s a huge collection pot for garbage. If you can’t finish your meal toss the remains in the pot and they will be fed to the animals who eagerly welcome leftovers. The Grizzly Grill opens at 10:30 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m.

Kettle Moraine Symphony to perform with UW-WC Moraine Chorus

On Sunday, May 6, UW-WC’s Moraine Chorus, the Kettle Moraine Symphony, and three soloists will be collaborating in a performance of Haydn’s oratorio The Creation. The spring concert begins at 3 p.m. at Holy Hill, 1525 Carmel Road in Hubertus.  Tickets are $18 Adult, $15 Senior and $5 Student with ID.

On Sunday, May 13, the Moraine Symphonic Band will present a concert in the campus theatre at 3 p.m.  The band will perform Children’s March by Percy Grainger, Robert Jager’s Third Suite, October by Eric Whitacre and other well-known works for band. The concert is free and open to the public.

Police investigate reports of fraudulent activity on credit/debit cards

April 27, 2018 – Washington Co., WI – On Thursday, April 26 and Friday, April 27 several citizens in West Bend reported fraudulent activity on their credit cards and debit accounts.

These victims have accounts at numerous area banks. All of the victims are still in possession of their credit and debit cards. The West Bend Police Department is investigating to determine where and how the victims’ information was compromised.

The West Bend Police Department encourages residents to pay close attention to their financial accounts at all times, and to report all incidents of Fraud and Identity Theft to the West Bend Police Department.

Washington County Sheriff’s Captain Bruce Theusch said one woman reported some fraudulent activity on Thursday. The woman was from the Village of Richfield and her credit card was used at the Walmart in Germantown.

Janiece Maxwell is owner of Mad Max and the BP in West Bend. “We’ve had no problems at all and we do checks of the gas pumps on a consistent basis and we have had no skimmers,” said Maxwell.

A skimmer allows a thief to retrieve credit card and PIN numbers with a wireless device. According to krebsonsecurity.com  “These devices connect directly to the pump’s power supply, and include a Bluetooth chip that enables thieves to retrieve the stolen data wirelessly — just by pulling up to the pump and opening up a laptop.”

Maxwell was particularly upset about “fake news reports that identified her station and others in town.”

“One of the things the fake news said was that there was a skimmer on our ATM and that’s so funny because I’m the only one that has keys to the ATM so there’s no possible way to get in and somebody would have to get in the store and put the skimmer in while our employees are here,” Maxwell said. “That’s not happening.”

Pat Osowski is owner of the Shell stations in West Bend. He said they too do regular pump checks and they have backup security to make sure there’s no tampering. “We put a sticker on it that has a number so if somebody would go in there they would have to break that seal so we would notice if someone was in there,” he said.

Scott Sadownikow owns the Citgo in Barton and the BP on the east end of Highway 33 and he said the police have not contacted him and they have top-notch security measures in place. “I’ve even gone so far as to intentionally place larger stickers on the pumps so customers can see them,” he said.

Sadownikow said his station employees conduct daily checks and there are tamper-proof labels on the pumps. He said they’ve had no incidents at his gas station outlets.

One woman in West Bend is reportedly working with police after she said her debit card was “hacked for the second time this month.” Police are reviewing transactions with the card and working with area banks.

West Bend Police Lt. Paul Pokorski said they’ve made contact with area banks. He said they are investigating and he admits they don’t know if a skimmer device is even involved at this point.

Rotarians plant trees on Arbor Day

Members of the West Bend Sunrise Rotary and West Bend Noon Rotary put the business end of a shovel to use on Sunday planting trees at Lac Lawrann. The event was all part of Earth Day.

Later the week the folks at Lac Lawrann considered a new way to remove the invasive species buckthorn. One of the growing trends is to bring in goats.

According to an article in The Growler, “Not only do goats love the taste of buckthorn and burdock, but these plants also tend to grow at a goat’s eye level, right where they browse for a snack.”

There’s still quite a bit of work to do if goats are brought to the local nature conservancy. They would not be allowed to freely roam; fencing would have to be put in place and then adjusted to spread out the grazing territory. Stay tuned!

Holy Angels School is a finalist for Innovations in Catholic Education

Holy Angels School, in West Bend, was recently recognized by the publishers of Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine at the annual National Catholic Educational Association’s convention in Cincinnati. Holy Angels was one of three finalists for the Innovations in Catholic Education (ICE) award presented by the magazine for innovations in curriculum.  The award was presented for the unique World Languages Program at Holy Angels which includes Spanish, German, and Chinese.

In order to prepare students for a multi-cultural interdependent society, Holy Angels School supports the importance of offering a sequential program of study in world culture and language. Several outcomes of the program at Holy Angels include: 1) the ability to communicate in a second or third world language, with emphasis on the development of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills; 2) an awareness of and appreciation for God’s gift of diversity in other cultures; and 3) provision for the option of advanced placement in the high school world language program for those students who choose to continue in a world language. A basic belief that a world language program is important for everyone mandates that the program be part of the regular school curriculum, at all grades, for all students.

As much as possible, the study of world language/culture correlates with other areas of the curriculum, such as social studies. Therefore, world language is considered to be both an extension of other areas of curriculum and a curriculum in its own right.

Students in grades kindergarten through grade five receive instruction in German, Spanish and Chinese language and culture on a rotating trimester schedule. Students in grades six through eight concentrate on one of the world languages for three years. This language is chosen prior to sixth grade placement. By the end of eighth grade, it is possible for students to complete the equivalency of level one at the high school, in their respective language. The program has been a part of the Holy Angels curriculum for more than 25 years.

Updates & tidbits

– Signs of summer cropping up in my yard. How about you? I find the crocus are so small and colorful and mighty to be able to weather the cool nights.

– On Saturday, May 19, 2018 the Slinger Area Music Booster Association (SAMBA) will be holding its 12th Annual Chicken Dinner at Veteran’s Memorial Park-Pavilion, in Allenton. It is SAMBA’s biggest fundraiser of the year.

-Friends of West Bend Park & Rec are inviting companies to host their company summer party at either the West Bend Biergarten, Regner Fest and German Night. Contact Lori Yahr for more information at loriyahr@gmail.com

– 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.

– “Logan’s Laps for Love” is May 26 starting at 9 a.m. at Hartford High School track. All money raised will go to the Love for Logan Fund at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

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.

Ten veterans from Washington Co. on Saturday’s Honor Flight

There will be 10 veterans from Washington County participating in Saturday’s Stars and Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

One of the oldest vets on the flight will be 95-year-old WWII veteran Dave Lowe from the Town of Erin.

Lowe was drafted was 19 years old when he entered service Feb. 1, 1943 and served until Feb. 23, 1946.

“I went to Biloxi, Mississippi for basic training and then to Tishomingo, Oklahoma to learn how to take care of airplanes,” said Lowe.

Army training had Lowe shipped to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, Kelly Field in Texas and to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, to Seattle and then onto Guam in November 1944.

“It took 32 days to get from Seattle to Guam,” he said about traveling by merchant ship.

Lowe worked as a clerk typist and then onto the warehouse and finally he worked as a corporal as an orderly. “I swept the day room, took care of letters and I was in charge of the beer supply,” he said. “Everybody got two cans of beer a week and we had cases of it back where I got the mail. When somebody would ask for an extra can or two for their friends, I couldn’t give them a can but I could give them a case.

“I had a lot of friends,” Lowe said.

Lowe’s son James Lowe from Madison will be going with his dad as his guardian on the flight.

Dave Lowe said he is looking forward to seeing the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C. His friend Rocky Rococo sent him a post card from Hawaii in 1944 and then never made it home because he was involved in an accident with a military vehicle.

Other veterans from Washington County participating in Saturday’s Honor Flight include:

Colgate: Wayne Fischer, Vietnam War Army, Germantown: Greg Eggum, Vietnam War Army, Hartford: Brad Wing, Vietnam War Navy, Kewaskum: Thomas Kohn, Vietnam War Marines, West Bend: Jerry Goratowski, Vietnam War Navy, John “Pete” Pedersen, Vietnam War Army, James Meinberg, Vietnam War Air Force pilot, James Pogantsch, Vietnam War Army , William Crowley, Vietnam War Army.

Special local tribute during Saturday’s Packer Tailgate Tour

While many football fans across Washington County can say they’re the BIGGEST Green Bay Packer supporter, two women will be highlighted Saturday, April 14 for their dedication to the Green and Gold.

Kay Thomas, 54, of West Bend was a long-time employee at The Threshold Inc. and a top-notch Green Bay Packer fan.

Ida Motiff, 98, of West Bend was also a hard-core Green Bay Packer fan. Probably one of the oldest too as Ida was born the year the Packers were established. Her obituary read, “Ida was also devoted Green Bay Packer fan holding season Packer tickets since 1950. She went to at least one game every year until she was 96 years of age.”

At Cedar Ridge Ida would wear her green and gold tennis shoes and wave her pom poms during every Packer game. She loved them even when they lost.

As part of Saturday’s Tailgate a special tribute will be made to both women who died earlier this year. The 13th Annual Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour which will visit with fans and thank them in person for their support.

On Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., the Packers Tailgate Tour is making its final stop at the West Bend High School Fieldhouse.  One hundred percent of the proceeds for the event will benefit the Threshold, Inc.

Tour celebrities will include Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, players Kenny Clark, Blake Martinez, and Ty Montgomery, and Packers alumni Rob Davis, Antonio Freeman and Bubba Franks.

John Bloor, Executive Director for the Threshold said, “This will be an exciting, once-in-a-lifetime event for the Threshold and for this entire community!”

Laura Eggert, Director of PR/Fund Development for the Threshold said, “We are thankful to our friend, Josh McCutcheon of PeopleServe in West Bend.  Josh is an avid Packer fan and encouraged the Packers to make a stop in our great city!  We are so thrilled and we feel blessed to have been chosen as the last stop of the tour.”  Tailgate party ticket prices:  $40 all-inclusive ticket (only 600 available) – Includes food, giveaways, Q&A sessions and autographs of all seven celebrities (bring one item per person or use Packers’ giveaway item) and $10 ticket general admission ticket – Includes access to the Q&A sessions as well as tailgate party activities.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Award agent

Donald Patnode and his team at American Family Insurance in West Bend have been recognized for earning the 2017 American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Award for outstanding customer experience.

The team at American Family Insurance in West Bend includes Nancy Monday, Mary Mikkelson, Cindy Moran, Susie Patnode, Tim Novotny and Christine Heuer.

“Our goal is to strive to always do our best,” said Patnode. “We take care of our customers’ needs directly and by phone not voicemail.”

American Family Insurance in West Bend has won the award in consecutive years since 2014. Patnode said that shows the consistency in company service and high praise to be recognized and respected by its customers.

“The award reinforces that taking care of our customers is our No. 1 goal,” he said. “It’s our customers telling us we are doing a good job.”

The service excellence distinction was determined through an evaluation process conducted under guidelines established through the company’s American Star Excellence in Customer Experience Certification Program. The process consists of a customer satisfaction survey which measures customers’ overall experience with their current American Family agent.

Grandparents Day celebrated at Holy Angels School                          By Mike Sternig

This year’s annual Grandparents Day took on a whole new level of activity as grandparents (and grandpals) joined Holy Angels students in a morning of adventure and fun.

The special guests were introduced to the morning’s activities as they gathered in the gym (with bleacher seating)…no small feat, but many were experienced from watching volleyball or basketball games through the years.  The Holy Angels Chorus provided some entertainment and then it was off to meet with grandkids and see the school.

Activities in the classrooms included: making slime (a very popular stop!), creating Madlibs, sharing stories of then and now, grandparent interviews, ecosystem game, bucket lists, photos and snacks, gym activities, and much more. The Book Fair in the library was filled with students and grandparents.

Everyone gathered in church for a special Grandparents Mass. Rev. Pat Heppe reminded everyone of the importance of sharing our “good news” with each other. Good news can be our own stories of faith as well as the really big story of Jesus’ Resurrection and gift of New Life.

Crowded field in 59^th Assembly District race

It’s becoming quite the crowded field as another hat is thrown in the ring to take over Rep. Jesse Kremer’s seat in the 59th Assembly District.

This week Village of Kewaskum native Timothy Ramthun from the Township of Auburn in Fond Du Lac County announced he was filing candidacy papers.

“Representative Kremer has given the 59th District much to be grateful for, with commitment to protect the pre-born, our 1st and 2nd Amendment rights, initiatives to aid in improvements for police and firemen protections, and enhancements to the farming industry. These were all difficult subjects to address and Mr. Kremer did not waiver. Should I be blessed to serve as his successor, I will continue in these and many other causes we share passion in, ensuring the best chance for completion of unfinished business,” said Ramthun.

Ramthun joins Ty Bodden of St. Cloud and Rachel Mixon of Hartford who announced their candidacy earlier this year.

The 59th District encompasses municipalities in Washington, Fond Du Lac, Sheboygan and Calumet Counties. The Republican Primary is Tuesday, August 14 and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Cal Fitness expands in Slinger

Village Beverage in Slinger rang up its last sale over the weekend. After 43 years in business the local liquor store closed but it won’t be empty long.

Cal Fitness & Performance, 311 E. Washington Street, is moving in. “I’m partnering with another couple and our plan is to expand the fitness club into the liquor store area,” said Cal Fitness owner Tony Callen.

“The area will focus on strength training and there will be more space for turf and push and pull sleds. We will have more area to train the high school kids and the middle schoolers.”

Callen is the strength and agility coach at Slinger High School.  He has been in business three years. The changeover is currently under construction and the new space should be open in the next month.

A note of thanks to Ken Stellmacher and Monte Schmiege

A salute Monday night to outgoing West Bend School Board members Tim Stellmacher and Monte Schmiege. Board member Ken Schmidt praised Schmiege for his commitment to the board including treasurer and policy chairman. Schmidt was thankful for Schmiege who did his homework, research and he had “integrity, urgency and he made our school district better in many ways including his oversight of curriculum.”

“Monte acted with honesty, courtesy, respect, humility, fact and research-based decision making,” said Schmidt. Stellmacher was also praised by Schmidt for his financial acumen.

Former School Board candidate Mary Weigand also praised Schmiege for his “integrity, wisdom, and thoughtful research and you’re going to be missed by the community of West Bend.”

“Monte was one of two board members who voted against an immoral and inappropriate questionnaire for minors that will be happening potentially this spring. I know it’s very difficult to accomplish things in the humanistic, government-run education system but Monte you fought and you persevered and you spent three years of your life caring about the education of our kids and I really want to thank you for that,” said Weigand.

Also during Monday night’s meeting:

-The district has received 22 applications for Superintendent. According to a report from the search firm some of the candidates they “feel terrific about and some not so terrific.” Nobody knew Monday night the total number of applicants as there were 25 applications the district received after the job was posted by a board member last December.

-Karen Herman was introduced as the new head of finance.

St. Frances Cabrini 4^th graders roll out historic Wax Museum

A nice turnout Wednesday afternoon at St. Frances Cabrini as neighbors looked for a history fix.

In attendance were film maker Walt Disney, inventor Thomas Edison, and strong women like Sacagawea, Jacqueline Kennedy, Princess Diana and Louis Braille.

Miss Tanking’s 4th grade class held its annual Wax Museum history display. Students picked a noteworthy person in history and conducted months of research.

Wednesday was the big reveal with tri-fold displays and historic reenactments. Some of the Wax Museum displays featured American author Helen Keller and fabled Johnny Appleseed.

Updates & tidbits

– Drake University senior Meghan Walters of West Bend has been offered a prestigious 2018–2019 Fulbright Scholarship. With her acceptance to the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant program in Bulgaria, she joins a lengthy list of Bulldogs to have been offered the Fulbright scholarship.

– 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.

-Moraine Park Technical College’s student senate is hosting a free public event with Green Bay Packer legend Jerry Kramer. Students, staff, and community members are invited to the Fond du Lac campus commons area, on Tuesday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to listen to the two-time Super Bowl champion’s story. Kramer was recently announced as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Holy Angels School recognizes alum Gayle (Juech) Ritter                            By Mike Sternig

As part of the annual celebration of Catholic Schools Week each year, Holy Angels School recognizes past students with the National Catholic Educational Association’s Distinguished Graduate Award.

The school’s mission statement begins with the words: “We belong to a Catholic community which gathers together to proclaim the gospel, serve others and praise God.”

This year’s distinguished graduate was not available during the January celebration which delayed the presentation until this past weekend. The 2018 award recipient is Gayle (Juech) Ritter, a member of the Class of 1970.

Principal Mike Sternig noted, “Gayle has certainly embodied our mission statement by her service to others. She has been affiliated for the past 25 years with a charitable organization called MEDICO (Medical Eye Dental International Care Organization) which serves the impoverished population in Honduras. She has accomplished volunteer work in remote villages throughout that Central American nation.  Much of this volunteer work has focused on assisting the dentists and optometrists in the field as well as providing post-surgical rehabilitation to patients that have suffered severe injuries as a result of working on the banana and coffee plantations.”

The Distinguished Graduate and her husband have been the group leaders for several groups consisting of between 8 to 25 volunteer members and have most recently traveled to the Mosquito Coast which is in the southeastern region of the country and is a desolate and remote jungle-like area inhabited by mostly indigenous tribes.

In 1998, she was a part of a delegation of medical volunteers to provide medical care to those who suffered injuries from Hurricane Mitch, one of the deadliest hurricanes to hit the Western Hemisphere in more than 200 years. Additionally, she has provided care and therapy to children and adults alike suffering from a myriad of disabilities.

This husband and wife team has made several interactive presentations to the students of Holy Angels regarding their volunteer trips and they have been the encouragement for students to become involved with serving others through outreach efforts.

Regarding her formation at Holy Angels, Ritter made it clear, “My Catholic education has instilled a strong foundation of empathy, care, and compassion for the less fortunate members of both our local and international community.”

Rumors are hot about a new store for Fleet Farm in West Bend

If you leave Fleet Farm in West Bend these days most neighbors will say “an employee told them that a new Fleet Farm will be built soon.”

There’s also word from the same unnamed employee that “ground will be broken soon on a new Fleet Farm in West Bend.”

The long-rumor activity of a new Fleet Farm in West Bend dates to 2004 when Fleet Farm announced it was going to build ‘the largest store in the state’ on a 30-acre parcel along Highway 33 and County Highway Z.

The Mills brothers also acquired 40 adjacent acres and plans were on track for a 274,000-square-foot store.

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

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

Over the next 13 years, nothing was built. But now the rumor mill is churning fast…. and there maybe some news waiting in the wings.

Some businesses along Highway 33 west have claimed there’s been activity on some of the land owned by Fleet Farm. A call to Elaine Johnson at the DNR confirmed that ‘yes’ there was some soil sampling about a month ago, but that was for the incoming Morrie’s Honda dealership and that property is adjacent to the 40 acres Fleet owns.

Johnson’s note is below. She answered whether someone from Fleet or KKR is sniffing around to finally build.

As requested, I checked our records for waterways and wetlands projects located in Section 16, Township 11N, Range 19E in the City of West Bend, Washington County.

Apart from the recent 2018 wetland fill application and wetland delineation for the proposed Honda dealership, our most recent record after that starts in 2012. In other words, apart from the Honda dealership, the Waterways and Wetlands Program hasn’t reviewed any projects in this area for the last 5-6 years or so. That said, we do not have any applications in for a proposed Fleet Farm or Olive Garden (or other development).  Thank you, Elaine Johnson

Water Management Specialist (Kenosha, Washington and Walworth counties)  Division of External Services  Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

“However, checking a bit closer to home City Administrator Jay Shambeau confirmed the new owners of Fleet Farm have reached out. “Yes, the city has been having conversations with the new ownership of Fleet Farm,” said Shambeau following Monday night’s council meeting.

“We’ve been staying in contact with them, although they’re not moving forward with any type of design or development proposal at this time.”

A conversation Tuesday with officials at the corporate office of Fleet Farm were friendly and brief and noncommittal regarding any sort of development in West Bend.

On a final note, a spokesperson from Fleet Farm Corporate promised if Fleet Farm decides to build a new store in West Bend they will make the announcement first on WashingtonCountyInsider.com  Stay tuned.

Wax Museum at St. Frances Cabrini School

Fourth grade students at St. Frances Cabrini School in West Bend are hosting their Wax Museum event on Wednesday, April 11 from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.  Some of the students shot promo videos to help inform neighbors about the free event. Ashlyn Fortney chose to speak about Malala Yousafzia, but she’s really excited to hear about another well-known figure in U.S. history. Some of the other people of note will include George Washington, Johnny Appleseed and Walt Disney. The event is free and open to the public.

Green Bay Packer Tailgate Tour in West Bend on Saturday, April 14

The Green Bay Packers 13th Annual Green Bay Packers Tailgate Tour, will be in West Bend on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at the West Bend High School Fieldhouse.  One hundred percent of the proceeds for the event will benefit the Threshold, Inc. Tour celebrities will include Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy, players Kenny Clark, Blake Martinez, and Ty Montgomery, and Packers alumni Rob Davis, Antonio Freeman and Bubba Franks.

Ticket sale locations:  Threshold – 600 Rolfs Avenue, West Bend, Associated Bank – 715 W. Paradise Drive, West Bend and the West Bend Area Chamber of Commerce – 304 S. Main Street, West Bend.

Tailgate party ticket prices:  $40 all-inclusive ticket (only 600 available) – Includes food, giveaways, Q&A sessions and autographs of all seven celebrities (bring one item per person or use Packers’ giveaway item) and $10 ticket general admission ticket – Includes access to the Q&A sessions as well as tailgate party activities. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Outdoor dining deck to be added to former Dublin’s

It’s a story you will see first at WashingtonCountyInsider.com as plans have been submitted to add a second-story outdoor dining area at the former Dublin’s restaurant, 110 Wisconsin Street, in West Bend. The proposed deck will extend off the west side of the building and include an exterior set of stairs to the patio below.

The former tenant, Dublin’s, closed at the end of March after the owners moved out of state.

On Monday afternoon a trailer full of chairs was seen exiting the property. The exterior signs had also been removed. The interior is getting a fresh coat of paint and a thorough cleaning is in the works.

According to Mark A. Piotrowicz, Assistant Director Department of Development with the City of West Bend, said a site plan was needed and not just a permit for the deck. “This is a commercial enterprise and the plans are changing the appearance of the structure and it will require site plan approval,” he said.

The West Bend Plan Commission will have to review the proposal. While the next meeting is April 10, the deck will not be on that agenda. Piotrowicz said it looks like the earliest the Plan Commission will review the site plan is in May.

One other caveat is The Museum of Wisconsin Art has an agreement with the City of West Bend that allows MOWA to comment. “It’s part of MOWA’s development agreement,” said Piotrowicz.  “If the item is located in specific boundaries surrounding MOWA and this site plan will go to them and they have an opportunity to comment before Plan Commission reviews.”

In the past MOWA has reviewed plans for Affiliated Clinical and QUAM Engineering.

According to building owners Kevin and Amy Zimmer there is a contract in place for a new owner to move in and that should close in June.

Washington County teen Attends 2018 National 4-H Conference  By Amy Mangan-Fischer  

Wisconsin’s delegation to National 4-H Conference in Washington, DC, will join 300 youth and adults from around the country to share ideas and form recommendations in guiding future national 4-H youth development programs in their communities.

Wisconsin delegates attending the conference April 7-12, 2018 include: Bridget Dean, Washington Co., Tyler Franklin, St. Croix Co., Joelle Heller, Waukesha Co., Brianna Jones, Waukesha Co., Veronica Klenke, Chippewa Co., Allison Olson, Eau Claire Co., Linnea Tabaka, Green Co., Sydney Tone, Dane Co., and Camron VanLoo, Fond du Lac Co. Sarah Tarjeson, Sheboygan County Youth Development Educator and Joshua Chrest, Pierce County volunteer will accompany the group as their Adult Advisors.

Conference includes workshops and other activities that emphasize civic engagement, youth-adult partnerships and professional development. During roundtable discussions and a town hall meeting, delegates will share ideas and form recommendations for the future of 4-H.

While in Washington D.C., delegates will meet with their state legislators during Capitol Hill Day to represent youth from Wisconsin and discuss state 4-H programs with Congressional members and their staff.

In 1927, the USDA implemented the first National 4-H Camp/Conference. Known as the “Secretary’s Conference,” the National 4-H Conference continues to be the major annual youth development event for USDA. Wisconsin 4-H Foundation provides financial support for the Wisconsin delegation.

A note of ‘thanks’ to WBPD Lt. Duane Farrand

The West Bend Common Council took a moment during its Monday night meeting to honor Lt. Duane Farrand for 27 years with the West Bend Police Department.

“This feels great,” said Farrand.”

Farrand will turn 50 years old on April 9 and he will retire on April 10. Farrand started his career as a police dispatcher with the Germantown Police Department. After nine months he joined the West Bend PD.

“When I started in West Bend Jim Skidmore was Chief of Police,” Farrand said.

Other chiefs included James Schwartz, Whitey Uelmen, and Ken Meuler.

“When I started we had French blue uniforms with gray pants and we had Stetson hats,” said Farrand. “It was great in the summer time and when it rained it was great but they were very cumbersome.”

The squads were V8s and there was no traction control. “Very different from today,” he said.

Farrand was also with the department when it was on the corner of Highway 33 and Main Street. “We were upstairs and the Fire Department was downstairs,” he said. “I remember our booking was actually a closet and we’d open the door and it would have a swing out board and we’d thumbtack the suspect’s name and booking number and we’d take a Polaroid of them.”

Farrand said he wasn’t sure what he would do in retirement. He said he will still be active on the Deer Management Committee. His advice to incoming officers, “Take care of your community and your community will take care of you.”

Updates & tidbits

-The Gift of Giving fundraiser is April 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at King Pin Bowl and Ale House, 1022 S. Main Street in West Bend. Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse is a nonprofit charity organization that was formed when Amanda Hartwig’s family experienced the loss of their 10-month-old son, Bo. “We had nowhere to turn for grief support and aid for mental anguish,” she said.

– Help support the Fillmore Fire & Rescue during the annual Fish Fry on Friday, April 13 at the Fillmore Fire Department. 8485 Trading Post Trail Road. Serving begins at 5 p.m.  Bring a non-perishable food item and get a free dessert.

– Les Belles Voix, the Advanced Women’s Choir at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, under the direction of Karen Wysocky, will be presenting a concert at Holy Hill Basilica on Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m.

– The West Bend Police Department annual Spring Bike Sale will be Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 8 a.m. There are 95 bikes for sale with a majority in good condition. The sale will be on the north end of West Bend City Hall, 1115 S. Main Street.  The bikes are sold “as is” and all sales are final. No warranty, refunds, or exchanges. All bikes are $20, which includes a bike license. Yes all bikes will be sold with a bike license. CASH ONLY.

-Les Belles Voix, the Advanced Women’s Choir at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, under the direction of Karen Wysocky, will be presenting a concert at Holy Hill Basilica on Friday, April 13 at 7 p.m.

-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.

-Moraine Park Technical College’s student senate is hosting a free public event with Green Bay Packer legend Jerry Kramer. Students, staff, and community members are invited to the Fond du Lac campus commons area, on Tuesday, April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to listen to the two-time Super Bowl champion’s story. Kramer was recently announced as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

-UW-Washington County men’s basketball coach Stephen Murphy was named the 2018 Wisconsin Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year.

-Slinger Public Library will host State of Craft Beer author and photographer Matthew Janzen on Monday, April 9 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. as he guides neighbors on a vivid tour of Wisconsin’s craft beer industry.

– Moraine Park Technical College students, Jose Bustos of Fond du Lac and Queenie Weesen of West Bend, were recently recognized by Wisconsin Campus Compact, an association that recognizes those who have shown excellence in civic engagement. Bustos was the winner of the Jack Keating Student Civic Leadership Award, recognizing students that have taken a leadership role in creating change in their community. Weesen was the recipient of the Newman Civic Fellows Award, recognizing community-committed students who look to create long-term social change. Weesen is a current nursing student at Moraine Park.

Major renovation underway at St. Mary’s Parish in Barton

There’s a major renovation underway inside the worship space at St. Mary Immaculate Conception Parish in Barton.

In 2016 repairs were made to the historic steeple and exterior church surfaces. In 2017, the parish completed major updates to the church’s heating and ventilation systems.

Now the parish is working on an interior renovation that includes new paint, new floor surfaces, new upholstery, new statues and statue restoration, new matching high altar, ambo, and altar of sacrifice, sound system upgrade, new exterior main church doors, and parish center lobby restroom updates.

The transformation is well underway and rather shocking if you haven’t been inside the church in a while. One noticeable difference, aside from the scaffolding on the altar, is there are now pews. They’ve all been dismantled. The sides are sitting in a pile and the red cushion seats are in a heap in the back of the church.

“Worthless particle board” said one church volunteer. One would have thought since the church celebrated its 160th anniversary these may have been collector items. “We can’t even give them away” said the volunteer.

There’s an ongoing fundraiser to collect $375,000 to help pay for the renovation. The new interior will look much like the plans below.

Thomas Cullen accepted to West Point Military Academy

Living Word Lutheran High School senior Thomas Cullen has been accepted to West Point Military Academy.

“My mom cried and my dad was very proud,” said the 6-foot-3 Cullen recalling the afternoon he returned home to find his acceptance letter. “I think she was happy but I think she was a little scared too.”

The 17-year-old Cullen started the application process last year and finished it earlier this year. “It was a lot of personal information, essays, awards, honors and I had to get a nomination from Congressman James Sensenbrenner,” he said.

Cullen said he’d always wanted to join the Army and get a world-class education. “I’m an enlisted soldier right now,” he said. “I went to boot camp at Fort Jackson South Carolina over the summer and after I finish West Point I’ll be an officer.”

For the past four years Cullen said Living Word Lutheran has really helped lay a good foundation with education, leadership and guidance. “This is really like a family here; it’s a good student-to-teacher ratio,” he said.

A true student athlete Cullen, who is on National Honor Society and carries a 3.9 GPA, has been active in football, basketball, baseball and wrestling.

He said his athletic ability helped him during boot camp. “We’d wake up at 5:30 a.m., complete an hour of exercise, eat, go to class or to the shooting range for 8 to 10 hours a day,” he said. “The toughest thing was the 12-mile march with 125-pounds in a rucksack; that started at 8 p.m. and ended at 6 a.m. Everything we learned is teaching us to be uncomfortable so when you’re in an uncomfortable situation your performance is better.”

Cullen is a strapping 6-4 and sturdy. An Eagle Scout he knows the commitment of starting a project and following through. For his Eagle Scout badge he built a flag pole behind the concession stand at the high school.

West Point is amazing because of the architecture and the people. “It’s amazing to see 4,000 people marching around in the same uniform every day,” said Cullen.

Cullen will graduate with his class on May 28 and then he will start at West Point the first week in July.

Revamp ahead for Galactic McDonald’s in West Bend

In February the West Bend Plan Commission reviewed and approved a new, updated facade for the Galactic McDonald’s, 1140 S. Main Street.

Now comes word the facade is not the only thing that will be getting a makeover.

Owner Steve Kilian Jr. said the galactic playground will be removed and a new play land with interactive technology will be put in its place.

“The galactic theme will be going away,” said Kilian Jr. “McDonald’s is going with a more modern, contemporary theme. We’re still going to keep a kids play area but it will more relevant to today’s kids.”

Kilian Jr. said there will still be an area for kids to runaround and play.

“There will not be a ball pit but there will be a climbing apparatus within the play land,” said Kilian Jr.

The changes will take place in August.  Kilian Jr. said their goal is to “remain open during construction.”

On a history note: The Galactic McDonald’s first opened Feb. 28, 1996.

“I was there when the special sauce for the Big Mac was mixed at the store and when the Hamburgler crawl thing, bouncy fry girls and metal slides were in the outdoor play land,” Sharon Ruplinger said recalling how they had to shut down the play area when it was “real hot because kids would burn their legs.”

Sign goes up at Pizza Ranch in West Bend

The West Bend Police Department annual Spring Bike Sale will be Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 8 a.m. There are 95 bikes for sale with a majority in good condition.

The sale will be on the north end of West Bend City Hall, 1115 S. Main Street. (north side, between City Hall and the Mutual Mall) Do not come the Police Department entrance, as the sale is on the opposite end of the building. You can park in the City Hall parking lot or the Mutual Mall parking lot.

The bikes are sold “as is” and all sales are final. No warranty, refunds, or exchanges. All bikes are $20, which includes a bike license. Yes all bikes will be sold with a bike license. CASH ONLY.

The license is good for the life of the bike. Bicycles will be sold on a “first come, first serve” basis, and one bicycle per person. For any questions regarding the sale, call Lt. Richard Lucka at (262)335-5012.  Bicycle must be removed by the purchaser from the Police Department immediately following its sale.

Advisory referendum question on April 3 ballot in West Bend

There will be four questions on an advisory referendum on the April 3 ballot for taxpayers in the city of West Bend. All questions are intended to gauge the interest of taxpayers and how critical they feel it is to spend more money on roads.

Dist. 5 alderman Rich Kasten – West Bend

-Advisory referendum and road maintenance. How to finance road repair and road fixes.

-There have been a lot of complaints about roads on social media and phone calls.

-There are mixed messages on how good the roads are

-People are concerned about property taxes

-Best way to determine how to address problem with an advisory referendum

-Remember to vote on all four questions. All four are Yes / No questions

-Truly a fact-finding mission

-First two questions talk about increasing property taxes

-Question 3 deals with a wheel tax – this tax can only be used for transportation and road type issues

-No. 4 is to ask Washington County to share 25% of their sales tax with all municipalities.

-Washington County reps have so far said – that will not happen.

-Three major road fixes include 7th Avenue, 18th Ave from Vogt to Paradise and Main Street south of Humar and each project is $5 million.

-$20 wheel tax would be added on at the state level

-How do you sunset the tax – we don’t have a true sunset.

-Anticipated revenue on vehicle registration fee is $600,000 a year applied to borrowing

-Total debt now at city of West Bend is $50 million – down from $80 million six or seven years ago.

Gift of Giving fundraiser for Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse

The Gift of Giving fundraiser is April 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at King Pin Bowl and Ale House, 1022 S. Main Street in West Bend. Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse is a nonprofit charity organization that was formed when Amanda Hartwig’s family experienced the loss of their 10-month-old son, Bo. “We had nowhere to turn for grief support and aid for mental anguish,” she said.

Updates & tidbits

-Courtney Rummel from West Bend is currently on the Toyota U.S. Revolution Tour.  She just took 2nd place in snowboarding.

 – The earliest anyone in Washington County will be able to vote absentee for the upcoming general election is March 19. Election Day is Tuesday, April 3.

– The city of West Bend will spend $10,650 with a Brookfield firm to do a traffic count and signal-timing project on a stretch of Paradise Drive that runs from Seventh Avenue to 18th Avenue.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

-The City of West Bend is proud to announce Albiero Plumbing as Business of the Year. Join us at the award presentation: Wednesday, April 4 5 p.m. Albiero Plumbing · HVAC 1940 N. Main Street, West Bend Please arrive any time between 5 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. The presentation

will begin at 5:15. A celebration will follow with drinks and appetizers, with the event concluding at 8 p.m.

Candidate forum in Village of Jackson

Four candidates vying for two seats on as Trustee on the Village of Jackson Board took part in a forum on Thursday at the Jackson Area Community Center.  The very respectful forum was hosted by the Greater Jackson Business Alliance.

Village of Jackson Trustee – Two seats for two years

Keith Berben –  advocate for stewardship – waste not, want not, affordable solutions with set budget. Business owner, find an affordable solution. Jackson will continue to grow and will advocate for smart development. Work with Park and Rec to plan for events.

John Kruepke (I) –Grew up on farm in Jackson. Has farmer work ethics. Graduated from UW-Madison and then got into gas station business. Wife of 50 years and two sons and seven grandchildren, past member of Jackson FD from 1978. Current member of Plan Commission and personnel committee, past member of Park & Rec and DPW. Business owner and has learned a lot on Village Board

Debra Kurtz (I) – Homeowner for 18 years in Village of Jackson. Works in Glendale as accounting mgr. On the Village Board for two years and got on because she’s seen good and bad and thought it best to be a part of change. Wants to grow with Jackson

Gary Malcolm – love Jackson.  Member of ethics committee. In industry for 35 years. Marine Veteran and member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Capital projects for village and how to pay

JK – couple major projects and one is the new school in Jackson. It’ll be a major project. As a board we don’t have to come up with funds. Other project is new PD and new FD. PD is working out of what used to be FD. Buildings will be $10 million and working with financial advisors to see how it works with revenues and TIF district. Tax money will have to come from public. We don’t want this to be heavy impact on taxpayers.

DK – School project vs safety building. Discussion about where school should be and where FD should be and I’m concerned about spending money on property that is in my mind we don’t need. We have 6.5 acres where FD is now. Why can’t we build right there. I don’t know what type of agreement with WBSD and now there’s talk of school building. There’s word the school wanted to buy the house. I’m for schools and safety buildings but we have more discussion.

GM – our school is obsolete. We need a new school and I don’t know about the finances.

KB – my kids are in a private school. I’m for a new school but it would make Jackson grow. The FD needs to make changes and would be nice to have larger space. Not sure how to pay for it. The PD is fine where it is.

How to lure more industry to Village

DK – No answer now

GM – we need industrial park

KB – if we can make it easier for companies to come in and work with them. Make it easier for biz to come into village

JK – TIF districts would help bring biz into town. Biz park there are large industrial buildings and small incubator buildings.  Putting in place TIF No. 6 and as these fill up we need to extend the TIF districts.

Action in Jackson and declining attendance – should it be replaced with a new event

GM – Action in Jackson has become a beer drinking party and not a wholesome type of family thing to have in Jackson. Replace it with

KB – Always loved AIJ. How do you replace? Not sure there’s room for fireworks but that would be great. Get more softball and volleyball tournaments, but how to get people involved and then competing with other surrounding events is an issue.

JK – As time went on the population that came to AIJ dwindled. Work to put it on increased but less volunteers. Legion getting older. Food stand was a horrendous job. When FD had beer stand then a lot of income was generated. Eventually beer stand went away. Bands have to be paid to be in parade. I have no idea and I give all the blessings in the world

DK – AIJ has history of fun and family. Want to see some it stay but needs changes. One good thing is our Sprecherfest has brought in a lot of people. Bring more family stuff in for village.

Village growth and lots for single family housing are fewer – how to grow

KB – We need to find land and then develop. Doesn’t come with a lot of cost. Need to update sewer in Village if we bring in more housing. All for development but thinks it’s a big risk for a developer.

JK – No matter what type of housing it depends on what public is interested in. Went from condos to now single family. Need a developer who can make a buck. As a village we can work with developers best we can. We can make the process as simple as possible. You need a balance in the community. We have a percentage laid out for various housing.

DK – We don’t need more apartments or condos, single families we could use but not sure how to make that happen.

GM – appalled at resistance from the Town not to be joined with the Village. In former home the community simply annexed the neighboring property. Why can’t that happen in the Village.

Raising chickens and bees in Jackson

JK – chicken is the buzz word. We’re looking at other communities and exploring ordinances. This will end up at Plan Commission and it would be logical to set parameters. Chickens yes and roosters no.  How many chickens, size of lot, coops – all will be discussed. If someone wants it the neighbors have to agree.

DK – not a big deal for chickens but neighbors have to agree.

GM – how about a minimum of 1 acres to have chickens or bees. Hesitate to bring into small neighborhood.

KB – I’m for chickens. There are noise concerns. Bees scare me. Need more land.  I’m allergic to bees.

Steps to strengthen or repair town of Jackson and Village

DK – that’s tough because there’s a lot of animosity. Not sure how to repair that situation. Hopefully with time – that will be healed.

GM – at one time the Village and Town got along great. Need to talk to each other and have meetings to settle differences.

KB – There are a lot of old time farmers in the Village and we all just have to be adults and come to a conclusion and plan our futures.

JK – Talked about 1970s when pres of Village and Town wouldn’t talk to each other. Over the years new blood helped end lack of communication.  Some reports make it off kilter. I think the two parties are working together and now it’s in hands of the state.  We’ll have to wait and see decision. No matter what happens the Village will work with the Town. We’re too far in to not do it.  This will heal itself.

Level of village debt and new trend

GM – not know enough

KB – spoke with John Walters and he said Village is doing well financially. Will numbers stay this way, I hope so but I think upcoming projects will put a damper on the budget numbers and roads.

JK – financially we’re ok.  Water utility and treatment plant are both paid for. User fees help with maintenance issues and expansion issues. Village is down to $7 million in borrowing and with police and fire building will need help with that. Working hard with financial advisors.

DK – Village has worked hard to be in positive financial situation and I see things getting better.

If you had to identify single most important topic facing village and why

KB – School needs to happen. Sooner than later. It will open many doors to community. As far as paying for it – has to go through WBSD and one board meeting they tried to do this and people in WB wouldn’t vote for it.

JK – you can’t pick a number one thing. Everything hinges on everything else, TIF, PD, FD… everything takes money. Need to work together.  PD and FD have been patient. Jackson people want Jackson PD and Jackson people want Jackson FD.  They need a safe place to work out of.  Need for FD and PD to be happy or there will be a budget buster for a fulltime FD.

DK – School not sure what answer is. There’s only 276 students and that’s not a lot of kids. Many kids are going to private schools and a lot of parents are choosing that option. It’s trying to find balance.

GM – children are our future. As far as money goes – there’s free money from government programs and there’s a possibility to do the same thing.

What motivated you to run for office?

JK – I started when I moved here in 1976 to run for Village Board. I campaigned. I got elected and it just grows under your skin to help the community.  You work with these people and it’s challenging at times. My son says, “I don’t know how you can stand that.”  But you learn to work with people.

DK –  I wanted to know where my tax dollars are being spent and for me that was to run for a village position. This gives me a better understanding of how my money is spent.

GM – I have a lot of passion for this community. I show my passion by volunteering.  Started in transportation and now for 3 years I deliver meals to shut-ins and also volunteer at Jackson Area Community Center.

KB – I’m young. I’m a sponge. I want to learn. Knowledge is power. The economy is going good. I want Action in Jackson to prosper and be able to build up Jackson with more homes. I want to be here the rest of my life.

Closing remarks

GM – I’m passionate and want to put that to use

DK – Look forward to serving another term

JK –  Happy to be trustee for a couple years.  I have enough of a mind to benefit the village

KB – This has been fun, even though I was scared. I hope you vote and thanks for coming out.  I want to learn

Thanks to Roger Kist for being a great community leader

There are few communities as lucky as Washington County to have a plethora of people dedicated to helping make it a better place. One of the notable community leaders is Roger Kist.

Kist, 81, was a young pup when he moved to Ridge Run Park in November 1967. Originally hired as caretaker of the park, Kist said it “reminded me a lot of when I worked on the farm.” A supervisor at the park, Kist sported a handlebar mustache and eventually became a fixture known as Ranger Roger.

Aside from the parks and Washington County Tourism, Kist has been a familiar face in politics on both the West Bend common council and as a supervisor, elected in April of 2016, to the Washington County Board.

“When I was on the council and I was also chairman of the local Republican Party,” said Kist. “I remember Mike Schlotfeldt was elected alderman and he chaired the Democratic Party. When he sat down he looked over at me like the devil had just shown up.”

Kist took his time and built a relationship with the representative from Dist. 6. “When Mike decided not to run again we had a little party and he said to me, ‘Roger you’re the only friend I’ve got.’”

Over the years Kist has made quite a few friends and below are some comments from friends and coworkers about the impact he’s made in this county and the community.

West Bend Police Chief Ken Meuler: I met Roger before he ever ran for alderperson as he has always been actively involved in the community. He donates his time to a number of community events, and supports almost every community function. Anyone out in the community will see him at Music on Main, Farmer’s Market, church festivals, parades, and numerous fundraisers in the community. During his time as an alderperson he has not been someone that pounds his fists or grandstands, but he always speaks up on issues that are important to him and his constituents. He has called me on a number of police issues to get a better understanding of our policies and practices. He has been a strong supporter of the police throughout his tenure as alderperson. I have always enjoyed working with Roger as an alderperson and appreciate all he has done for the community. More important, I value his friendship.

Washington County Supervisor Marilyn Merten: “Roger has always been a considerate and caring individual and he’s willing to do a good job at whatever he did.” Merten was county clerk and worked with Kist when he was at the Washington County Planning and Parks Department. “I’d contact Roger to help make the grounds look nice at the county building. Roger would always take care of it.”

Leah Baughman at Interfaith Caregivers of Washington County: “Roger Kist is very active and in touch with the West Bend community and knows what is needed to help support its citizens. When asked if he would like to be a part of the Interfaith/RSVP Advisory Council Roger very graciously accepted right away. Even though this venture has just begun he has been an important member that has contributed many great ideas and support.”

Todd Tennies remembered Kist when he worked and lived at Ridge Run Park.  “As a little boy I can remember going to Ridge Run Park and riding bikes past the log cabin as we headed to our favorite fishing spot. Roger would always stop and say ‘Hi’ and ask us how the fishing was. He was always friendly and willing to talk to us kids. After his retirement from the county he settled in and served the community through his involvement in city government. He did a great job and always had an interest in what was best for the community. His interest in our county also carried over into the Tourism Committee for Washington County. He did an extraordinary job promoting the Washington County Fair Park as well as all of our wonderful parks we have in this county.  Great job Roger.”

Dist. 5 alderman Rich Kasten said Kist is somebody he really admires. “The things he’s accomplished at the county and city and he can still walk down the street and people know him from Ridge Run Park. I wish I could be more like him with his ability to relate to people and between him and his wife the way they’re prepared for every meeting. I’m very lucky I’ve been able to spend time on the council with him.”

Mayor Kraig Sadownikow said serving the community is in Roger’s blood. “Whether it’s an elected position, or in his career or during his time off he’s always been committed to service and giving back to the community.

West Bend City Administrator Jay Shambeau said Kist’s name is relatively synonymous with park land and this community.  “To promote the development, use and preserving of parks and the fact he has not wavered in his opinion is really a tribute to him. He’s everywhere. He’s the longstanding West Bend member of the Mid-Moraine Municipal Association and he attends league conferences and the Alliance meetings.”

Former West Bend city clerk Amy Reuteman spent 15 years at City Hall and noted, “Roger Kist has been there forever. And he’s early; you can always count on Roger to be early.”

Thank you Roger Kist for your dedication and service to help make West Bend and Washington County a great community.

Plans scrapped to raze old West Bend Brewery building

City officials in West Bend have confirmed development plans have fallen through regarding razing the old West Bend Brewery on N. Main Street and building a 90-unit apartment complex.

City administrator Jay Shambeau said Robert Bach from P2 Development Company, LLC is no longer pursuing the development.

Since November 2017 Bach was moving forward with a proposed multi-family residential development which would have leveled the brewery building from Franklin Street and Main to the north and include retailers RT Speed Shop, Casa Guadalupe, Pruett’s Floor Covering, Ray’s Shoes, and Fuge Plumbing.

“Everything was progressing in a positive manner,” according to Shambeau. “And then just like that he (Bach) informed Chris Schmidt, the building owner, he was no longer interested.”

The project made an initial pass before the West Bend Plan Commission last November 2017 and a site survey was underway.

“We’re disappointed the development is not going forward but we’re hopeful that this idea has paved the way for someone else to take the ball and complete a project,” Shambeau said.

The old brewery building is owned by Chris Schmidt and Clifton Davis. Schmidt said, “I can’t speak for P2 Development, but I can tell you we are continuing to work with the City and discussing development options with a few different people.  There are a lot of good things happening in West Bend, and we believe the property can be improved and be a positive catalyst for the west side of the river, north of Washington Street.  I thought P2 Development’s plans would have been successful, but we are currently looking into various uses, in addition to a residential component.”

Building tenant, Ray Carlson owner of Ray’s Shoes, 459 N. Main Street, was pleased to hear the news. Carlson has run his cobbler shop out of the old brewery office building for nearly 20 years.

When the story about razing the brewery first broke in November neighbors were disappointed and heart sick at the loss of another piece of history in West Bend.

Shirley McDaniel Schwartz – My heart high has no skin or money in the game says “ no, no, no.” My brain, as simple as it is, sees the problems and the money needed to take an old building and make it doable in today’s codes. I hope whatever is done is tasteful for downtown and the history it holds and not the ultra modern, industrial look that says nothing to the history of downtown West Bend.

Russ Lange – There surely can be something that could go into the building to preserve it and not another multi-family building.

Richard Frank – Is the WB Company Apartments 100% occupied that more are needed? Sad to see bits and pieces of Historic West Bend removed bit by bit.

Adam Bunkelman West Bend can find more ways to destroy the history than saving it. Why can’t it be rehabbed in its current state? Leave the structure and history. They did it with the Enger Kress building and Amity building. Maybe think outside the box. It can’t be cheap to tear it down!!

Chris Weston That is sad that so much of West Bend’s history has become irrelevant.

Calls have been placed to Bach and building owner Chris Schmidt. Their comments will be posted when information becomes available.

Shambeau said the city is still moving forward with plans to vacate Franklin Street. That item will go before the council during its next meeting in March.

Former Barton State Bank and Barton TV sold

The building formerly home to Barton State Bank, Barton TV and currently Woodland Iron & Firearms, 1715 Barton Avenue in West Bend, has been sold. According to real estate records at City Hall the property sold Feb. 21, 2018 for $91,200.

Joseph and Mary Eisen of West Bend bought the parcel from Roger and Barbara Landvatter.

The 2017 assessed value was $77,000. The Landvatters purchased the property from the VFW in July 1983 for $22,000.

Records show an addition was put in the back in 1985.  The commercial lot is identified as “Old Bank Bld (building) – T.V. Showroom and Store.  An added note: Women’s toilet room – plumbing disconnected.

The Eisens are owners of Eisen Arms LLC, 409 Main Street, in Kewaskum. The store carries handguns, rifles, shotguns, and ladies lines of concealed-carry purses and Glock clothing.

The Eisens opened in Kewaskum in October 2016. “Barton will be our second location,” said Mary Eisen. “We were welcomed with open arms in Kewaskum and we’re just going to see if both stores will work out.”

The Eisens happened to be looking for a property. They said they made an offer on the Barton location because it basically “fell into our lap.”

“We’ll have the stores running simultaneously, but we’ll make the Barton location the hub,” she said.

The timeline includes an update on the Kewaskum store and, with a tenant in the Barton building, that opening will be this summer possibly in June. “We liked the Barton location because it’s closer to home, the property is larger and we’ll have more retail space and more space for classes,” Mary Eisen said.

On a history note: The building at 1715 Barton Avenue was built in 1915. According to the book A History the Village of Barton by Richard H. Driessel the bank “was a substantial brick building with a fireproof vault and a burglar alarm system.”

Also written by Richard H. Driessel: The stock market collapse of 1929 is well-remembered. Locally a rather large manufacturing plant, the Barton Axle Company, at first created much optimism and employment but did not survive.

Several housing developments, ambitious for the size of the village no doubt for the hurt the local economy. In 1930 the bank was strain to the point where it closed its doors and eventually declared bankruptcy, which was the fate of so many others soon afterward.

The assets and liabilities were assumed by a bank in West Bend and eventually the depositors recovered almost all of their funds, although several years elapsed.

At our time in history it’s hard to understand why a bank would fail during that so-called period of prosperity. The fact is that the prosperity was not on a solid foundation and they were basic flaws in the post-war economy.

To put the Barton State Bank situation in proper perspective it’s only fair to point out that between 1921 and 1928 the number of banks in the United States which close their doors was 5,214.

The bank was vacant for several years but later was used for other purposes. It was purchased by Joseph Kirsch in 1932 and used as a harness shop.  In 1941 Louis Kritz had as a tailoring and dry cleaning establishment.

In 1945 Baltus Rolfs bought it and started the Ivo Chapstick Company which manufactured a lip balm and applicators. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Adrian Neubauer Post 8658 but the building from Lip Ivo Inc. in 1954 to use it as their clubhouse. Later it was used as a commercial building.

Upgrades in store for the former Sears building

The old Sears building in downtown West Bend is going to get a face lift. This week the West Bend Plan Commission reviewed a site plan for exterior architectural building alterations the incoming Pearl of Canton restaurant, 102 S. Main Street and 515 Hickory Street.  The property is zoned B-2 Central Business District.

Architectural Building Elevations:

o       The north elevation of the building will be updated with an “Antique White” colored EFIS treatment that will be constructed over the main door entrance Hickory Street.  The Existing brick will be also repainted “Antique White”.

o       All of the existing windows have been or will be replaced during the renovations.

As a part of the improvements, a wall sign is proposed on the east and north sides of the building above the entrances.  The exact size of the sign is not shown and will have to conform to the zoning code size requirements.  Staff has no concerns with the sign location.

Gift of Giving fundraiser for Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse

The Gift of Giving fundraiser is April 7 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at King Pin Bowl and Ale House, 1022 S. Main Street in West Bend. Bo’s Heavenly Clubhouse is a nonprofit charity organization that was formed when Amanda Hartwig’s family experienced the loss of their 10-month-old son, Bo. “We had nowhere to turn for grief support and aid for mental anguish,” she said.

West Bend School District notifies parents of student walkout

The West Bend School District sent a note to parents today notifying them about a potential student walkout next week.

According to School Board member Joel Ongert, “This is a national thing and we have not heard much chatter about it in our district with our middle or high school kids,” he said.

The letter was initiated by Laura Jackson Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning/ Lead District Administrator. “Laura felt we need to let parents know we are aware of this and here are our expectations of students,” Ongert said.

The district reportedly took its cue on the walkout from social media. “We’ve been in touch with West Bend P.D. to make sure kids are safe,” said Ongert.

When questioned who is in charge in the West Bend School District, Ongert said Laura Jackson is in charge.

“Laura has been asking principals, homeroom teachers and to see if kids are talking about this and if they want to participate and we want to be prepared,” he said. “If there’s a national campaign for a walkout we want to make sure if our kids participate they’re going to be safe.”

Questioned whether students are safer during the day in school or out of school Ongert said “in school, absolutely.”

Questioned whether this will disrupt education that day, Ongert said “we certainly hope it won’t disrupt.”

In Slinger Superintendent Daren Sievers said they too have heard about the day to bring national attention to school safety and the concerns following the school shooting in Florida.

“What we’re doing is we’re trying to channel the kids to do something positive,” he said.

At 10 a.m. on March 14 students in the Slinger School District will be participating in a school-wide moment of silence for 17 seconds.

“Mr. Ourada will go on the P.A. and announce the 17 students lost in the Florida shooting and then at lunch we’ll have banners where the kids can come write down a pledge in support of eliminating school violence,” said Sievers.

A couple of students at Slinger High School will also release 17 balloons following the moment of silence.

Note from West Bend School District: Administrators and teachers at West Bend Joint School District #1, West Bend East High School, West Bend West High School, and Badger Middle School are aware of the potential peaceful school walkout on March 14 at 10 a.m. by students to show their concerns about school safety.

The West Bend School District will not penalize students who choose to assemble peacefully for 17 minutes on March 14. After talking with students and staff, the school principals have developed plans to maintain the safety of the participating and non-participating students and to minimize interference with educational programming.

Those students who wish to participate in the walkout will be monitored and supervised by school staff to ensure that any walkout is safe and orderly. The West Bend Police Department will also help to ensure the safety of students to assemble in pre-designated areas.

Students who choose to participate will be expected to return to class in a timely manner and resume the school day. Students who fail to return to class will be considered truant in violation of school rules. For students who choose not to participate, school administrators and teachers are planning for classroom instruction to continue.

No media will be allowed on school grounds during this event to help maintain the safety of all involved.

Mike Christian is the new Dist. 2 alderman in West Bend

There’s a new District 2 alderman in West Bend. During Monday night’s meeting the Common Council reviewed two applications to fill the seat left vacant following the resignation of former alderman Steve Hutchins.

Two applicants submitted resumes by the Feb. 26 deadline including Mike Christian and Sonja Hanrahan. The pair made brief 3-minute presentations before the council and then Dist. 7 alderman Adam Williquette made the motion to select Christian.

“What I really like about Mike is that he’s been involved in the community with various boards and organizations and then he ran for city council,” said Williquette. “He’s going to be a good fit and he’s been following from the sidelines.”

Christian was then sworn into office by city clerk Stephanie Justman. “I feel like a lot of what I have done over the past years has led me to this point,” said Christian. “This is the next natural step for me and my dedication to the city of West Bend.”

Two UW-WC basketball players selected All Conference

Meghan MacFarlane and Marissa Kaul have been named to the Wisconsin Collegiate Conference 2^nd team All-Conference team. MacFarlane averaged 12.3 points per game and made at least one 3-point shot in 10 straight games. She shot 48% from the field and 48% from behind the arc. MacFarlane led the team in blocked shots with 1.2 blocks per game, and she was tied for first on the team with 1.8 steals per game.

Kaul, the captain of the Wildcats, was voted All-Conference because of her all-around play.  She averaged 9.5 points per game and grabbed a team high 8.3 rebounds per game.  She also shot 51% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. Kaul was also tough on defense as she consistently guarded the opposing teams’ best player and often was undersized.  Kaul led the team with 33.1 minutes per game, and played in every single game this season.

Updates & tidbits

–Dundee’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is tomorrow, Sunday, March 11.

-Former Washington County Clerk Arthur Degnitz has died. Degnitz was County Clerk from 1985 to 1994. He died Wednesday, March 7. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2018 at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home in West Bend.

– March is Youth Art Month and the West Bend School District has its Mile of Art on display in downtown West Bend. This is the 16th year for the exhibit, according to Decorah Elementary School art teacher Mickiah Wolff. “This will be an exciting way to display the students’ work in a more public atmosphere,” said Wolff.

 – The earliest anyone in Washington County will be able to vote absentee for the upcoming general election is March 19. Election Day is Tuesday, April 3.

– The city of West Bend will spend $10,650 with a Brookfield firm to do a traffic count and signal-timing project on a stretch of Paradise Drive that runs from Seventh Avenue to 18th Avenue.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

– United Way of Washington County announced the approval of new board officers for the 2018-2019 term. Pete Rettler, dean of Moraine Park Technical College’s West Bend campus, has been selected board president. “Serving as Chair of the Community Impact Committee the last few years allowed me to learn about some incredible programs being provided in Washington County,” Rettler said. “It also showed me how our United Way dollars are tied directly to measurable outcomes that positively impact our communities. I am very humbled to lead a very influential group of community leaders and looking forward to working with Kristin and her team.” The other board officers are: vice president Josh Schoemann, Washington County; treasurer Tom Hopp, Commerce State Bank; and secretary Cory Neuy of Regal Ware.

– A nice sendoff Friday for Judy Steinert, 63, who has worked for Washington County the past 35 years. “I started in the old courthouse in Social Service and that was my first job for about eight years,” said Steinert. “Then I went to Planning and Parks Department for two years and then I worked in Economic Development with Marcia Theusch for eight years and then when they created administration I was here.”

Gordon Ellis was Steinert’s first boss and after that she worked for Doug Johnson and eventually Josh Schoemann.

Jamie Ludovic was one of several dozen county workers who came to show their appreciation for Steinert. “There’s nothing more important than the people who work for the county and who are committed and dedicated,” she said. “The most important thing we can do is recognize that.”

Steinert said in retirement she will spend more time camping and more time with her grandchildren. “Yes, I do have my Washington County Parks sticker,” she said.

Ries’ Sausage Plus has closed

Neighbors coming home from work Thursday afternoon reacted with a bit of shock to find the doors closed at Ries’ Sausage Plus Spirits Meat & Deli, 1435 W. Washington Street in West Bend.

“Did you know about this,” said Barb Justman. She stopped just before 4 p.m. to pick up a small deli tray of sausages. “Oh come on…..”

Justman was obviously disappointed.

A white sign on the door read ‘We are closed until further notice. Thank you.’

Another neighbor named Paul pulled up in his pickup truck, got out and started walking toward the store.

“They’re closed,” said Nick Thill from Honey Grove Ice Cream.  He was walking his dog across 15th Avenue. “I had honey and some ice cream in there,” Thill said. “He paid up front so I’m not worried.”

Glancing through the store windows Thill’s wife said the shelves “looked empty” as well as the deli.

Businesses in the strip mall said other customers came in Wednesday night asking why the store was dark. One person said there was a semi out back earlier in the day.

In February 2016 Steve and Karen Ries sold the store to Sammy Toor of Illinois.

Toor made some changes, including replacing Kewaskum Frozen Foods line of meats and sausage with the Boar’s Head brand. Customers complained and the traditional Kewaskum Frozen Foods was brought back, albeit short term.

In late 2017 an unsubstantiated rumor filtered around social media announcing the store’s demise.

Toor said it was not true and spent months advertising and trying to market for Christmas sales.

There’s been no response to messages left at the store today.

Officials at City Hall in West Bend said they had no update and a direct phone number for the owner was not available.

Some neighbors are concerned because they’re made reservations for fundraising brat frys this summer at the little Red Shed Brat Haus on Highway 33. Ries’ Sausage Plus handled the rental of that facility and often supplied the meat for the various organizations.

Funeral services for Bob Pick Jr.

Funeral services for Bob Pick Jr., 76, will be held Monday, Feb. 26 at St. James Episcopal Church, 148 S. Eighth Avenue in West Bend.

Mother Mindy Valentine Davis will preside over the service. Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 2:50 p.m. The memorial service will be at 3 p.m. with a reception afterwards.

Bob Pick Jr. died the evening of Friday, Feb. 16 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee.

Doug Gonring was with Pick in his final hours. “I really didn’t know his condition and I walked into his room and asked him what he was doing lying around because we had spring training right around the corner,” said Gonring.

Doctors spoke with Doug and his wife Karen. The Gonrings spent several hours at Pick’s bedside. They even held a cell phone to his ear as Pick’s sister Suzanne offered a prayer to her older brother and reassured him it was OK to be with the Lord.

“I said if you hear God’s voice and you want to go to heaven you can go,” said Suzanne. “I release you because they told me you’re very sick. I told him you can see mom and dad and Jenny and Tim and I prayed for him. I said right now Bobby be at peace with other people so you can be in heaven.”

Gonring said the prayer drove everyone in the room to tears.

After the Gonrings returned home Friday evening they received a call around 6:40 p.m. that Pick had died.

Gonring penned a piece for Pick’s obituary  –  Bob was the best teammate on a baseball field I ever had 30 years of never missing a game, take that back he missed one because of some dental work. Bob showed young men what was imperfect in baseball and what is so perfect about baseball. He showed them respect, accountability, and dedication but most of all for 30 years he showed each team or family how important it is to have friends. Bob, by his own account,  never was good enough to play but boy did he show us how to be a great scorekeeper and do it with his unique humor. Will be missed by my family.

Other tributes and memorials are below.

Robert C. Pick III – Thank you for being a great father and for all you did for the city of West Bend.

B.J. Royes  – Indeed, Bob was a West Bend legend.  Never anything negative to say about the athletes, the coaches, or the officials – just a loyal supporter of local athletics.  He loved to be seen and to be a part of the scene.  I’ll miss Bob shuffling into the Fieldhouse or into Regner Park – a hot dog in one hand, and his brown leather bag hung over his shoulder.  RIP old friend.

Jerry Mehring – My memories of Bob Pick go back to our High School days.  He was behind me in High School.  Every day when he met someone new at school he would offer them a stick of gum from his “Gold Gumtainer.”  It was a gold colored container that held a pack of gum with a flip lid.  He was so proud of it.  After High School Bob and his sister Jenny went into the Navy.  When they would be home on leave you would see them both walking up and down Main Street on Friday nights. When we had the Dairy Queen, on South Main Bob would come in every week during football and basketball season to make sure our manager had the home game schedules so that they would schedule enough help to handle the crowd after the games. Whenever you would meet Bob around town he always had a memory or story or joke.  He was definitely a fixture in West Bend and I will be missed by many including me.

Liquor license for Boro Buzdum at former Long Branch Saloon

There was a thorough grilling for Boro Buzdum during Monday night’s West Bend Licensing Committee meeting as Police Chief Ken Meuler held a 1-inch folder of information and violations connected with establishments related to Buzdum.

The Licensing Committee was reviewing a Reserve Class B Combination License for Buzdum’s Pub & Grill in Barton, formerly Long Branch Saloon.

Chief Ken Meuler documented a troubled past for Buzdum.

Dist. 7 alderman Adam Williquette said he spoke with Lt. Duane Farrand regarding the liquor license to be contingent on reviewing building permits for the property.

Dist. 5 alderman Rich Kasten had some concerns about the violations at Buzdum’s establishment in Germantown. “I just question if this decision is the right one,” said Kasten.

Dist. 6 alderman Steve Hoogester and Dist. 1 alderman John Butschlick both said they had reservations as well.

City attorney Ian Prust said West Bend Police have been extremely proactive in the enforcement of over-serving violations and following up on OWI offenses. “I don’t disagree with your interpretation of the situation but it’s not quite there to deny it from a legal standpoint,” said Prust.

The council voted 5-2 to approve the license with Dist. 5 alderman Kasten and Dist. 8 alderman Roger Kist dissenting.

Buzdum currently owns Buzdums Pub & Grill on Maple Road in Germantown. Buzdum previously owned Sophia’s Pub and Eatery in the Dove Plaza in Slinger. That opened in June 2015 and has since closed.

In 2012 Buzdum purchased the former Players Pub & Grill and opened Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club on Highway 33 east in the Town of Trenton.  That establishment opened in 2013 and closed a couple years ago.

In 2016 the West Bend Common Council did pass a cabaret ordinance which prohibits adult entertainment within the city limits.

Early word is Buzdum is gutting the building on Barton Avenue. He’s expected to open the small corner bar this summer and he will occupy the apartment above.

Try hockey for free at the Kettle Moraine Ice Center

The Washington County Youth Hockey Association invites boys and girls to the Kettle Moraine Ice Center on Saturday, March 3 for a Try Hockey For Free clinic as part of Hockey Weekend Across America.

From 2-3:30 p.m. local youth, ages 4 to 9, are encouraged to experience ice hockey for the first time and learn the basic skills in a fun, safe environment.

“We look forward to welcoming families to the rink to try our great sport of ice hockey” said WCYHA President Todd Filter. “Our goal is for these families to enjoy watching their kids learn new skills with big smiles on their faces.”

USA Hockey’s Try Hockey program, with the support of the National Hockey League and NHL member clubs, among others, is designed to provide youth hockey associations with a national platform to introduce new kids to the sport. Pure Hockey and Liberty Mutual Insurance are official sponsors of Try Hockey For Free Days. USA Hockey has close to 400 locations offering this unique opportunity to kids nationwide.

To register for this Try Hockey For Free event, please visit TryHockeyForFree.com. For more information, please contact: Brandon Bayer, CIT General Manager Kettle Moraine Ice Center (262)335-0876

Allenton Fire Department hands out awards                                 By Ron Naab

The Allenton Fire Department recognized Bruce Ellis with the George Moser Member of the Year award. Ellis was involved in the late 1980’s to early 1990’s with the Bark Lake and later Richfield Fire Departments.

He joined Allenton four years ago after the rescue squad responded to an incident in which his grandson was injured in a lawnmower accident.

Ellis is dedicated to helping others and is a shining light as he volunteers for many events the AFD sponsors, including Special Valentine’s Day Cards from the kids at Allenton Elementary.

 Updates & tidbits

–The annual Bowl-A-Thon for the Washington County Dive Team is coming up Saturday, March 3. The event is held in memory of Michael Mann who fell through the ice on Big Cedar Lake and died in 2003.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

-The 7th annual Diamond Dinner & Benefit for the West Bend Baseball Association is March 3 at The Columbian. There will be a tribute to athletes who made their mark in local baseball circle including Mark Scholz, Adam Rohlinger, Bob Meyer, Bob Kissinger and TJ Fischer.

Nice funeral Mass for Jerry Butz

There was a nice turnout Tuesday at St. Frances Cabrini as friends and family gathered for the funeral Mass for Jerry Butz. The service started with a tribute by Sister Nancy Butz who provided a eulogy.

“Jerry’s outlook on life was ‘Don’t worry, be happy,’” read Sister Butz.

The tribute to Jerry Butz focused on his strong standards. “Jerry led by example. He was respectful and treated everyone with compassion.”

“Their house always had an open-door policy. Jerry would make you feel at home immediately.”

Jerry and his wife Karen were married nearly 60 years. Sister Butz said, “Jerry said that Karen was ‘one of a kind. I tell you that, she is perfect for me.’”

“He will be remembered for his smile, signature laugh, a man of deep compassion and a gentle giving spirit.”

Rev. Justin Lopina presided over the service and while he had a long list of memories he said one comment from the children of Jerry and Karen Butz stood out, “We’re all a little dad.”

The Knights of Columbus and veterans from the local VFW Post were in attendance to present military honors. Those in attendance included many community leaders and fellow business owners who expressed their condolences.

“When I heard that he passed the first thought in my mind was that he was a man who always had a smile on his face,” said West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow.

“Always had a good laugh and a few years ago we proclaimed it Jerry Butz Day in West Bend and we had a little parade around the block and we ended up at his house for his 80th birthday.”

Gerald “Jerry” A. Butz, 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 15, 2018 at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend, surrounded by family.

Jerry will be remembered as an active member of the West Bend community and always enjoyed giving his time to charities. Jerry was an avid golfer, enjoyed gardening, traveled the world and especially loved spending time with his extended family and friends. Jerry will always be remembered for his smile and signature laugh.

Remember the old mom-and-pop grocery stores

As word filters around West Bend about the news surrounding Ries’ Sausage Plus there was a day when a small corner grocery was the buzz of activity in town.

Long before Piggly Wiggly, Pick ‘n Save, Sentry, Red Owl, Kohl’s Food Store and A&P – West Bend was home to a number of mom-and-pop groceries and food marts set up in the downtown and on quiet street corners.

In the 1930s there was the Perry-Page Grocery store on Seventh Avenue and Chestnut. It was run by Ida Page and Rev. Perry. That corner building, 403 S. 7th Ave., was home to Roffler Styling.

National Tea was the National Food Store located on Main St. just south of the West Bend Theatre; Edward Schmidt was the manager. National Tea later moved to N. Main St., just south of the brewery and Gene Stark was manager.

In the 1930s and 1940s Held Food Mart had three stores in West Bend. Harvey Held ran the store at 241 N. Main St.; it was in the Gonring Building where Grasshopper Restaurant is currently located.  Another Held’s was at 121 S. Main St.; the current home of Ted Newman Signs. Held and Kirsch was also a local store.

Richard Krueger owned a little neighborhood grocery called the West Side Cash Store; it was on the southwest corner of Tenth and Cedar Street.

Flitter’s Queen’s Quality Grocery, 1270 Chestnut St., was on the northeast corner of Silverbrook and Chestnut where Tyberg Dental Clinic is located.

Kash N Karry was at 1411 W. Washington St. just to the west of Myrhum Patten Funeral Home, where West Bend Furniture and Design currently stands.

Otten’s Store was at 1805 Barton Ave. in what’s currently Small Town Bait & Tackle. The Otten family ran the store and the last member of the family business was Gene Otten.

Schuster’s Grocery, 1779 Barton Ave., was run by Tom Schuster; the store was across from the Gadow Roller Mills. Xpressions bead and yarn store is in the old grocery.

George Carbon’s IGA was across from the Washington House. The grocery was the old Central Hotel run by BC Ziegler’s father.

Winter Grocery was on the southwest corner of Oak and Main St. was a store started by Flora Huber who later added a little lunch room. Later the business was run by Bill Hess.

Henry E. Peters had a store in the 500 block of Hickory across from Winkler’s Office City. William Peters had a huge mercantile store in the same

Wegener’s Red Bell Market was a store on Hickory St. east of Sixth Avenue. It was run by Reuben Wegener. “Reuben would fill telephone orders for my mother,” said Kevin O’Meara.

Heipp General Store was at Fifth Avenue and Walnut. A photo shows Fred Heipp at the reigns with his dog Putzy. The horse was named Nancy and she served as the delivery horse for Heipp General Store since she was 6-years-old.

At age 38, Nancy collapsed on the street and was unable to get up without help. Heipp retired Nancy and replaced her with a younger horse called Babe.

“Fritz Heipp delivered ice to our home for our refrigerators, before the electric models,” said Peg Ziegler.

The Heipp General Store was later home to Mehring’s Fishery, John’s Photography, and is currently Hometown Talents & Treasures.

Researchers at the Washington County Historical Society helped cobble together this partial list of grocery stores in West Bend.

Note on grocery stores

I read with interest your recent story regarding small Mom & Pop grocery stores that were in business prior to the typical big grocery stores coming into town.  I would offer the thought that you missed a really good one that was right in the middle of downtown West Bend – the Bye Low grocery – a full service grocery that had a full service meat department, bakery and general grocery store.  Having spent a lot of time there as a child (my Dad owned the store – this would have been in the 1950’s) it was a great little store with lots of the old time businesses in the downtown area in full operation when West Bend was still a small town – some of these businesses were well known outside of town (BC Ziegler, The West Bend Company, Amity and others). Just an additional thought and maybe a follow up to your story?! Thanks  Steve

Bob Pick Jr. has died

A piece of West Bend died Friday evening, Feb. 16, 2018, as word came out of Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee that Bob Pick Jr. passed away. Pick entered the hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 13 and declined thereafter.

The news comes as a shock to many as Pick was a fixture in West Bend, especially at sporting events.

“It will be hard for any male or female athlete that went through the West Bend High School system in the last 40 years, not to have a memory of Bob Pick,” said West Bend Mayor Kraig Sadownikow.

“He made an impact on literally thousands of people, he was a guy who was always in a good mood, a guy who always thought he had a funny joke…. whether they were or not and just an icon on every athletic field, gym or court in West Bend.”

Pick was part of the fabric of the community.

Former coach and Major League Baseball player Willie Mueller of West Bend said Bob’s been “a part of the baseball scene and such a helpful person for years.”

“He was a unique kinda guy but he will be truly missed,” said Mueller.

The sporting community wrapped its arms around Bob Pick; many said you “couldn’t help it because he was everywhere.”

“If there was anything going on he was at that game and he’d always bring scorecards or programs back,” said Mueller.

“It was truly amazing what he did. If the 7UP team was playing he’d come in after the high school games were done or he’d be walking down and getting a burger or brat and he’d have his Navy hat on.”

In 2017 Bob Pick was inducted into the West Bend Baseball Association Wall of Fame and recognized for his dedication to meticulous score keeping for over 50 years.

“Good evening friends of baseball. This ride has lasted over half a century and the reason that’s happened is because I’ve lived long enough,” said Pick.

“West Bend is a baseball town,” said Pick. “People have a passion for the sport. I thank the Association for the award and for the friendships that came with it.”

Deb Butschlick, athletic director at UW-Washington County, said Bob’s dad started the Robert D. Pick Male and Female Athlete of the Year Award in 1988.  “Once his parents passed Bob always represented the family at our athletic banquets,” said Butschlick. “Bob always greeted the student athletes and talked to them and he was always a big part of that.”

Mitch Knox played for the Lithias in 1983. “Bob was one of the friendliest guys you would ever meet; I don’t know that he ever knew a stranger,” said Knox. “He was always on the ball field or the track or cross country.”

Knox said Bob Pick would always come armed with a gift, either a simple scorecard or a t-shirt. “He knew I went to Kentucky and the next thing you know he gives me a shirt from Kentucky for the kids.”

Knox recalled another time, years ago, when he was with Bob Pick at a Foghat concert at the old MECCA in Milwaukee.  “Bob was with us and he ended up knowing the security guard and he got us all in for free,” laughed Knox.

“And he took in his bag of peanuts and his warm skim milk in a bag. I remember we went to a Milwaukee Brewer game too and he knew the security guard there as well,” said Knox.

Funeral arrangements for Bob Pick are pending. He was 76 years old and would have turned 77 next week.

Eaton’s Pizza coming to West Bend

It looks like Eaton’s Pizza will be returning to West Bend. The franchise owner in Fond du Lac posted today that a new pizza place would be opening soon in West Bend. Neighbors who have lived in the community a while will remember when Eaton’s Fresh Pizza was located downtown West Bend at 105 S. Main Street. Dale Hochstein ran it until 2004 when it was sold and turned into The Daily Grind.

The Daily Grind eventually sold to Miguel Herrera who opened Jaliscos and now the location is home to Casa Tequila.

Back in the day of Eaton’s Pizza in West Bend the store had great sub sandwiches and you could order 2 different meats or cheese on a ticket then 5 veggies and they’d stuff it full of goodness and wrap the sandwich tight in cellophane. I think they even wrapped a peppermint with every sandwich. Also there was somewhat of a gift shop with white lattice-work and green cloth draping. The new Eaton’s Pizza will not be going downtown. It will open by July 1. Stay tuned.

Cougar confirmed in Washington County

The DNR said the Feb. 7 video of a cougar caught on security camera happened in Colgate in Washington County. Dianne Robinson, DNR wildlife biologist for Washington and Ozaukee Counties, said the area was “residential but surrounded by a bit of agriculture.”

“It’s not in the city but it is around other houses,” she said.

The video shows a cougar walking up a paved area near a building and next to what appears to be a fenced-in yard with bird feeders. Robinson said there were no reports of small animals missing.

“Cougars move relatively quickly so I’d be surprised it was still in the area at this point in time,” she said. While more details about the cougar are not known, Robinson said she’s pretty sure it’s not a female.

“We’ve never confirmed a female moving through Wisconsin as far as we can tell, they’re young dispersing males from South Dakota.” While the DNR has not confirmed other sightings, neighbors have chimed in with their own cougar stories.

Dan Strzyzewski lives in Wayne Township on Wilson Drive. He said early Monday morning, Feb. 12, he went to clear 2-3″ of snow off his quarter-mile paved driveway and observed “never before seen cat-like paw prints in the fresh snow.”

“They were leading 450 feet from the road to our home, around the home and heading into our woods at rear of the house.” Strzyzewski said the “gait was noticeably longer” than an ordinary house/feral cat, print size/diameter larger also.

“Given the size of the paw, toe count and gait length I determined prints I saw were made by a very large cat. Cougar?”

Strzyzewski said since the sighting on Feb. 7 was in the southern part of Washington County and he lives in the northwest corner of the county he believes there could be more than one “of these creatures in the general area.”

On Wednesday morning the cougar sighting in Colgate was a hot topic at the West Bend Elevator. “I warned the people at the checkout that if they have small pets, cats/lap dogs etc, beware,” he said.

Strzyzewski also wonders if the cougar is to blame for the lack of deer, raccoons, opossums this winter. “We’re normally flush with wildlife out here, but this year everything seems to have vanished, without explanation,” he said. “In any event, I know what I saw. Just my humble opinion but it’s critical word gets out regarding this development, regardless what the DNR says.”

Video footage of a large cat recorded by landowners in Washington County on Feb. 7 has been verified by Department of Natural Resources biologists as a cougar. This is likely the same cougar that was recently identified in Fond du Lac County and is now out of the area. The DNR said the video was taken in the southern part of the county in the Colgate area.

Currently, there is no evidence of a breeding population in Wisconsin. The nearest established cougar population is in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, and animals dispersing through Wisconsin are believed to originate from this population.

Former Long Branch Saloon has sold to Boro Buzdum

The former Long Branch Saloon in Barton has been sold. The property, 1800 Barton Avenue, was listed through Re/Max United and Paula Becker. It was initially priced at $184,500 and eventually dropped to $139,000.

The parcel sold Friday, Feb. 9, 2018 to Boro Buzdum for $100,000. The property was last assessed at $242,200.

Step out back the building and there’s a huge Dumpster as contractors are already gutting the interior. The local restaurant at the corner of Barton Avenue and Commerce Street closed in early 2016.  Over the years the building went to a sheriff’s sale and then got hung up in the system.

On Monday, Feb. 19 Buzdum will appear before the West Bend Licensing Committee for a Reserve Class B Combination License for Buzdum’s Pub & Grill in Barton.

There’s expected to be some scrutiny of the request as West Bend Police Chief Ken Meuler has documented in an 8-page report a troubled past for Buzdum.

Buzdum currently owns Buzdums Pub & Grill on Maple Road in Germantown. Buzdum previously owned Sophia’s Pub and Eatery in the Dove Plaza in Slinger. That opened in June 2015 and has since closed. In 2012 Buzdum purchased the former Players Pub & Grill and opened Spearmint Rhino Gentlemen’s Club on Highway 33 east in the Town of Trenton.  That establishment opened in 2013 and closed a couple years ago. In 2016 the West Bend Common Council did pass a cabaret ordinance which prohibits adult entertainment within the city limits.

Joyce Albrecht Lane coming to Washington County Fair Park

The Washington County Fair Park will be naming one of its roads after longtime fair manager Joyce Albrecht who was heavily involved in the County Fair before and after her retirement.

“It was the decision of the Ag and Industrial Society Board that because of her years of dedicated service as a fair director and a volunteer through Washington County 4-H and the home economics projects we felt she deserved special recognition,” said Kellie Boone, executive director of Washington County Fair Park.

This week the Washington County Administrative Committee reviewed a proposal: Should the Administrative Committee recommend authorization for the renaming of a road at Fair Park?

DISCUSSION: At the 12 December 2017 AIS Board Meeting, the board approved a recommendation to rename Hartford Savings Circle to Joyce Albrecht Lane upon approval from the County. It has been the tradition at Fair Park that roads signs be named in honor of contributors and supporters of Washington County Fair Park. As the Hartford Savings Bank is no longer in business, the AIS is requesting to rename the existing Harford Savings Circle to Joyce Albrecht Lane. Joyce served Washington County as the Home Economist for UW-Extension and as the Washington County Fair Manager and continued to volunteer her services at the Washington County Fair for many years after retirement.

After some discussion the committee voted to approve the resolution. “This is very, very deserving,” said former Fair Manager Sandy Lang. “She was always active in the home economics area with cake decorating and quilting and with the ladies at Trinity Lutheran Church.”

County Board Supervisor District 14 Marilyn H. Merten said “Joyce did an awful lot for the county” and is very deserving of this tribute. “She was a good supporter of Fair Park and she was very involved in the Build-a-Brick fundraiser, and 4-H,” she said. “Joyce was so passionate about working with kids and working with ladies, formerly known as homemakers.”

Albrecht taught at Big Foot High School for two years and then became the Home Economist for the University of Wisconsin Extension Office in Washington County and served as the Washington County Fair Manager until her retirement in 1997.

Ann Marie Craig first got to know Joyce Albrecht through 4-H. “I did projects like baking, canning, and sewing along with other projects nearly every year of the 9 years I was in 4-H and she was always at the dress reviews,” said Craig.

“Joyce also worked behind the scenes with the home arts judges at the Fair. She is another icon that several generations of 4-Hers and others in her field will remember and miss.”

Agnes Wagner was with Washington County for 18 years.  Wagner and Albrecht were both extremely visible when the fair grounds were located in Slinger.  “Joyce was a great worker and a great friend,” said Wagner.

Albrecht was a regular guest on the “Neighbor to Neighbor” show on WBKV AM-1470 with Steve Siegel.

Judy Etta said Albrecht was a fixture with 4-H at the County Fair. “She was a dear person,” said Etta. “She was smart and witty and a good person even after she retired.”

Albrecht, 74, died after a lingering illness on Feb. 28, 2017. Joyce attended and graduated from Waukesha South High School in 1960. She continued her education at the University of Wisconsin Stout campus where she majored in Home Economics Education.

During her career, Joyce was very active in the State & National Home Economist Association. She was active in the Washington County Retired Educators, the West Bend Women’s Club and was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Joyce enjoyed basket weaving, quilting, needle work, chair caning, and having fun playing Bridge. She loved to travel and downhill ski. She had a large collection of kitchen aprons and enjoyed collecting vintage items. She also enjoyed entertaining and hosted many “Packer Dinners.”

Joyce was proud that she inspired one of her own goddaughters to pursue a career in Home Economics Education, now known as Family & Consumer Education.

Declining enrollment projections in WB School District

The West Bend School Board received a review of 2018 -2019 enrollment projections for the school district. Interim director of finance and support services Dave Van Spankeren reviewed the numbers from the Robert W. Baird forecast model.

“You can see the decline, the gradual decline,” said Van Spankeren. “I know the districts done studies before, we have some of that information; this is just a projection it’s about 1.5 percent each year declining.  But this all could change with the economy changing, jobs changing, but this has been a pretty normal trend in many school districts.”

School board member Monte Schmiege said he had a difficult time making sense of the numbers. He said he didn’t understand how numbers could be dropping in kindergarten and then hold steady at 408 moving from 2019 – 2023.

Former School Board president advises on superintendent search

At Monday night’s West Bend School Board meeting, during the 3-minute public comment portion, former West Bend School Board President Charlie Hillman offered some wisdom on the district’s search for a new superintendent.

“I’ve walked a mile in your shoes,” said Hillman who explained his role on a school board that had to dismiss a superintendent and hire a new one.

At that time the board dismissed Randall Eckart and conducted a search to eventually hire Dr. Patricia Herdrich. Currently the board is looking for a superintendent to replace Erik Olson

On Monday night, Hillman offered the board three pieces of advice.

Maintain high expectation. “West Bend has historically had a very good reputation in the state. There are 426 public school districts in Wisconsin and West Bend is in the top 5 percent in terms of size. What that means is there are 400 sitting superintendents in Wisconsin for whom coming to West Bend would be a step up.”

“If you look at the districts that are bigger than we are and you add another 20 to 30 assistant superintendents and that might be interested and I think we might have what we need right here.”

“We are a desirable district and we deserve top talent and we should act like it.”

Take your time. “This is the most important task the school board has.  We all hope for a hire who will settle in West Bend. In order to take enough time to ensure success is to have a parallel effort on an interim superintendent. It’s a common gate for retiring superintendents to double dip for a while and are flexible in their tenures.”

“The idea is to hire an interim to shore up administrative resources at central office, help us with the selection of a superintendent and then go away.”

There are at least 40 people who may be interested.

Involve the community. “When the city had to replace TJ Justice as an administrator it was very clear they could not make a mistake and wisely they brought in community groups. The more people you involve the less probability of making a mistake.”

On a side note: There has been scuttlebutt in the community as two local names keep coming up for the superintendent job. John Engstrom is an administrator in the Friess Lake School District. That district is consolidating with Richfield Joint #1. A new administrator has been selected for that Holy Hill Area School District. That new administrator, Tara Villalobos will start July 1.

Engstrom worked in the West Bend School District before leaving for Friess Lake around 2012.

Another name is Jim Curler, currently the assistant superintendent in the Slinger School District. Curler was also previously employed in the WBSD for over 13 years as principal at the high schools.

In January 2018 after the job for a new superintendent in West Bend was posted at the Wisconsin Education Career Access Network website Tiffany Larson, West Bend School Board president, was asked about the two possible candidates.

Her response was “At this time the board encourages all qualified candidates to submit their applications via WECAN, we have not discussed individuals.”

The School Board will meet Monday, Feb. 19 “to go over the executive search firms for the superintendent search. The board will interview the search firms,” according to assistant superintendent of teaching and learning/ lead district administrator Laura Jackson.

Demolition of former Walgreens

Demolition of the old Walgreens, 806 S. Main Street, in West Bend is underway. A crane was brought onto the site and into the north parking lot off Decorah Road on Tuesday.

The Walgreens building is being demolished to make way for a second Kwik Trip in West Bend.

According to the city: Kwik Trip will be leveling the building and removing all the asphalt in the parking lot.

-The new building will be smaller than the current Walgreens; the front of the building will face S. Main Street. There will be a canopy with five islands and 20 pumps running parallel to S. Main Street.

-The driveways will remain the same with one entrance/exit onto S. Main and the same two driveways out the back onto Fifth Avenue.

-The proposed Kwik Trip building is 7,316 square feet, which is the same size as the Kwik Trip on Silverbrook Drive. The Walgreens measures 16,459 square feet, so the Kwik Trip building will be about half that size.

That location, according to the West Bend City Assessor’s office, has been vacant since late 2010 when Walgreens closed because its new store opened just south of Paradise Drive. Halloween Express did open in this location, but that was temporary and seasonal.

This will be the fifth Kwik Trip in Washington County. West Bend’s first Kwik Trip opened on Silverbrook Drive on Oct. 27, 2016.

Kwik Trip’s Hans Zietlow said he likes this location for several reasons, but primarily because it’s the center of town.  On more of a neighborhood note, folks on Decorah Road will appreciate it because they’ve been without a convenience store since Pat’s Jiffy Stop closed in November 2016.

Updates & tidbits

–Tuesday, Feb. 20 is Election Day. Polls open at 7 a.m.  There’s a race for a seat on the West Bend School Board. Vote for two candidates, the top four will advance to the April 3 election. There’s also a county supervisor race and a race for the State Supreme Court.

–The annual Bowl-A-Thon for the Washington County Dive Team is coming up Saturday, March 3. The event is held in memory of Michael Mann who fell through the ice on Big Cedar Lake and died in 2003.

– Join the Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion for its 19th annual Farm Toy Show on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Circle B Recreation in Cedarburg from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The show will feature over 50 tables for dealers and displays. Food and refreshments available.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

-The 7th annual Diamond Dinner & Benefit for the West Bend Baseball Association is March 3 at The Columbian. There will be a tribute to athletes who made their mark in local baseball circle including Mark Scholz, Adam Rohlinger, Bob Meyer, Bob Kissinger and TJ Fischer.

In honor of Valentine’s Day – a true story of love

There’s a familiar couple that walk arm in arm around West Bend; their pace is steady, their love is evident:

Nancy Schultz and Jerry Cash.

Cash and Schultz – it sounds like a country-western band.

“We met one another at The Threshold 34 years ago and we’ve never had an argument,” said Jerry.

At 80 years old Jerry is sharp and spry, and he tells it like it is.

He holds on to Nancy’s arm while they walk so she doesn’t stumble and fall.

Nancy, 66, said she holds onto Jerry because she loves him.

Jerry graduated from Barton Grade School 66 years ago. “Then I went to work on the farm with my parents,” he said. “I’m an old-time West Bender.”

Several years ago Jerry volunteered his time at The Threshold. “I sat down next to Nancy to talk to her and she said ‘I’m not even going to look at you,’” he said, recalling his first meeting with the love of his life, “And now look at us.”

The couple belong to Good Shepherd Church in West Bend. Nancy embroiders, makes colorful tablecloths with butterflies and she collects church bulletins. “If you have any church bulletins or tell your parents to save their bulletins for us,” she said. “I save them and when it’s raining or icky outside I take a hand full and read them.”

Nancy and Jerry talk about the simple things in life. Nancy said they have a washer and dryer at their house, they have a brand new vacuum, and she likes watching birds.

Nancy reaches out and tenderly strokes the back of Jerry’s head. She readily expresses her genuine love for him.

“I sing him beautiful songs,” said Nancy.  “The Polish Lullaby, May you Never be Alone Like Me and What a friend we have in Jesus.”

Jerry said he loves Nancy because of what she can do. “She can cook, she can bake, she’s always got a wonderful smile, she talks very polite to everybody and she likes children,” he said.

Ten years ago, Jerry wrapped up a 15-year career working at the Old Fashioned Bakery. “Rich Schommer was my boss,” he said, “I went in late at night. I made donuts, bread, everything.. you name it.”

The pair are walking on a sunny Sunday to McDonald’s for supper; it’s about 11:30 a.m.  “I really like their salads,” said Nancy.

McDonald’s is an easy jaunt for the couple who walk from their home on East Decorah Road across from the high school. “We’ll walk to Walmart and back,” said Jerry, “That’s about 10 miles and sometimes we even walk out to Burger King.”

During lunch Nancy talks about her sisters, how her father has died and how her mother can’t wait to join him.

And then the conversation shifts to polka.

“We love polka,” said Nancy. The pair listen to the music Sunday morning on the radio. “I listen every day, every day,” she said, “We have cassette tapes and we listen and we embroider and then when 10 o’clock comes we close up shop for the night because then it’s time to go to bed.”

As I wrap up my visit, the couple make a simple request.

“If you see any polka music or nature tapes, just put it in the bag next to our door and mark it Schultz and Cash,” said Nancy. “We just love polka music and this has been such a good day because I can’t believe you took our picture.”

MJ Stevens Pub ‘N Restaurant has been sold

 Mark Jug poured himself a cola out of the soda gun at MJ Stevens Pub ‘N’ Restaurant on Friday afternoon. You could hear the din grow as customers came in for lunch.

Slowly Jug, 64, tried to get comfortable and leaned heavy into the end of the bar to share the news he had sold the business.

“You know I feel it was time to go a little smaller,” he said. “I’ve worked 32 years here.”

It was 1979 when Jug took over the Long Branch in Barton. In 1985 he took over the bar that ran alongside then Highway 41. “It was called the Timber Inn,” he said. Owners were John Kreilkamp and Harold Hefter.

“I leased it from them for three years and then I bought it,” said Jug.

Over three decades there were plenty of memorable moments at MJ Stevens. “We had two New Year’s Eves in a row that we got hit with snow storms and we lost both those nights,” said Jug.

If that wasn’t bad enough… “We also had two Father’s Days in a row and some guy hit a pole and knocked all of our electricity out and then the next year Mother Nature hit something electrical again and down we went that year too,” he said. “How the hell does that happen?”

Over the years the “traditional pub-style restaurant with an old-world traditional flavor” grew in popularity. Neighbors would wait an hour for a Friday fish fry, prime rib or Sunday brunch. The time would pass swiftly with a Bloody Mary at the bar or a traditional Old Fashioned.

Jug credits his 80 employees for making the business a success. During a recent Christmas party he made a list of all his long-time employees and read it aloud.

“When we started here it was just Brian the bartender, Manny, who is still with me, he was the server and I did the cooking and dishes,” said Jug. “The first Friday we sold 25 pounds of fish and I was so happy. Now we do 600 – 700 pounds.”

After a heavy pause Jug admitted he had been thinking about selling the business for a while. “It’s a big place; big operation,” he said. “I’m going to do something… it’s going to be hard to let go here.”

Recently Jug bought a place in Lomira. His intentions were to do a bit more catering. “I’m still working on that,” he said. “I do want to go back to a place like Long Branch. Small bar and grill and that’s it.”

It was last May when Jug listed the business with a realtor that specializes in bars and restaurants. “I thought it would take more time, maybe two years.” Jug whistles, like a firework taking off. “It went quick, quick, quick.”

Asked if he was happy about the speedy offer and Jug’s eyes tear up. “I have mixed emotions,” he mumbled.

A company executive from Iowa is how Jug describes the new owner. “I like him,” he said. “He’ll bring new ideas. He did this kind of work years ago and always wanted to own his own place.”

Jug said the new owner has agreed to “keep the name of the business the same, keep all the traditional recipes and the employees.”

On Thursday, Feb. 15 the Town Board of Addison will consider a “Class B” Beer and Liquor License, SAC Corporation, Andrew Kraus, agent, 5260 Aurora Road, Hartford. (M.J. Stevens Pub ‘n Restaurant). Jug said the transfer of ownership is expected to take place in mid March.

Tim Schmidt of USCCA in West Bend featured on 60 Minutes this Sunday

There will be a familiar face on national TV this Sunday, Feb. 11 as Tim Schmidt, president and founder of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association, is featured on 60 Minutes. The show, according to cbsnews.com focuses on legislation moving through Congress that would allow “state-issued concealed carry permits to be recognized nationwide.” Schmidt was interviewed by reporter Steven Kroft.

Honda dealership approved for West Bend

There’s a Honda car dealership coming to West Bend.  A vote was taken Tuesday by the West Bend Plan Commission to annex property from the Town of West Bend so development can move forward on a new Honda location.

Karl Schmidt, CEO with Morrie’s Automotive Group of Minneapolis, was officially awarded “the point” for the Honda dealership in April 2017.

Shortly thereafter Schmidt flew to West Bend to scout a location for the new store. The property search proved a bit more challenging than first expected. Schmidt finally honed in on a parcel on the west side of Highway 33 and Scenic Drive.

“I like the corner and visibility and it was kind of serendipitous because we flew into the West Bend Airport and one of the people at the airport, his family owns this land,” he said of the Devenport family.

The past few months have been filled with working with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Department of Natural Resources.

City administrator Jay Shambeau said the annexation is necessary so the property can hook up the utilities, like sewer and water.

“This is a 40-acre property involved in the attachment and it’s part of the boundary agreement with the Town of West Bend,” said Shambeau. “Upon request that land has to be annexed to the city of West Bend.”

The property is currently owned by Devenport Family Limited Partnership #1.

According to Washington County the parcel was purchased in 1988 by Douglas Devenport. In 1996 it was transferred to Craig Devenport and the Devenport Family Limited Partnership #1.

The 2017 assessment is for two parcels. One is 37.2 acres and its assessed value is $217,700. The second, much smaller parcel closer to the Highway is about a 3-acre strip valued at $7,700.

Morrie’s Auto representative Lynn Robson said construction will start as soon as the property sale and licensing is complete.

Schmidt said, moving forward, the design is pretty straight forward and hopefully they can break ground in a couple months. “We’re already in the process of designing the building with a manufacturer and what we’re really working through right now is the annexation and being able to proceed,” he said.

Schmidt expects to start building in late spring or early summer. “We’d like to be open yet this year,” he said. “We’ll see how the plan goes.”

The new Honda dealership will be full service; carrying new and used vehicles, parts and service.

“We’ll bring 60 to 70 new jobs, which is exciting for the area and for us,” said Schmidt. “We love the Wisconsin market and hope to be a good partner in the area and do well.”

Prepping for the Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s

No better time to release details on the 2018 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s then when an Olympic hopeful, who will be tagging along on this year’s tour, is on Milwaukee TV.

Audrey Steffes, 15, is my niece and she was recently featured on TMJ4 in an Olympic-preview piece about the Wisconsin Speed Skating Club. In the video, the great thing about the club is how the participants are able to skate alongside some of the current Olympic athletes including Mitch Whitmore, Shani Davis, and Brian Hansen.

Audrey is a freshman at Milwaukee Rufus King and a fabulous athlete. She will be touring with me this summer as we head out on a bicycling adventure to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s. This year, following a request from Bike Friendly West Bend, the tour will raise money for a rickshaw bicycle to be donated to The Samaritan Home in West Bend.

The bicycles cost about $10,000 and allows seniors to be able to enjoy the exhilaration of bicycling again.

On a side note: This will be a rather large learning curve to have someone pedaling with me on tour. Normally this is a solo adventure. However, Audrey and I did a 20-mile test ride and since we didn’t have to call the cops on each other – we figure we can be pretty compatible on the road for three weeks.

The early thought is to bicycle around the entire state of Wisconsin, crossing over into Minnesota, Michigan, and Illinois although those plans are bound to change on a teenager’s whim.

More details on the 2018 Amazing Ride will be forth coming. Donations are tax deductible and the Tax ID No. 39-1741288. Please mail donations to:

Ozaukee Washington Land Trust, Inc.

William Taylor

P.O. Box 786 Cedarburg, WI 53012-0786

All money stays within Washington County and 100 percent will be donated to a bicycle for the residents at The Samaritan Home in West Bend.

Renovation of east side Riverwalk in West Bend to begin this summer

The City of West Bend is moving forward with construction of the Downtown Riverwalk project on the east side of the Milwaukee River. The $2 million project is being funded with a combination of grants from the Department of Natural Resources, funds from the City of West Bend and donations from private foundations and businesses.

The downtown portion of the Riverwalk, located between Washington Street and Water Street was originally constructed in the early 1980’s.  Reconstruction of the Downtown portion on the east bank of the river includes removal and replacement of existing retaining walls, addition of new walkways, plazas, stairs to the river for direct water access, a new pedestrian bridge, and new seating and lighting.

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Fund, West Bend Economic Development Corporation, West Bend Business Improvement District, Serigraph, the Ziegler Family Foundation, the Johnson Family Bus Foundation, We Energies, Walmart and Roots & Branches have all contributed funding towards the project. “The Riverwalk improvements will enhance tourism and economic development opportunities for our entire city,” said City Administrator Jay Shambeau. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed in late fall of 2018.

West Bend Common Council to select representative to serve as Dist. 2 alderman

The West Bend Common Council hashed over its options Monday on how to fill the seat recently vacated by Dist. 2 alderman Steve Hutchins. After a short discussion the council voted to select an alderperson within the next 45 days.

City attorney Ian Prust said applications would be accepted and interviews would be held in early March and then fill the seat which will carry a term that ends April 2019.

Following on the heels of that decision the mayor filled some of the key committee positions. Dist. 6 aldermen Steve Hoogester was voted the new council president. Hoogester was also named to the Licensing Board. Dist. 5 alderman Rich Kasten was voted onto the Plan Commission. Dist. 4 alderman Chris Jenkins was voted onto the Community Cable TV Committee.

Hutchins turned in his resignation Tuesday, Jan. 30. Hutchins had been alderman since April 2009. Kasten was first elected in 2014. He said Hutchins, as the longest-serving member on the council “always helped bring a historical perspective to the table.”

While Hutchins served as Council President he also was on a large number of committees including Plan Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Community TV, Solid Waste and Recycling Committee, Long Range Transportation Committee, and Deer Management Committee.

The city has already received interest in representing District 2 as Mike Christian called to inquire about the post. Christian has been involved in the community. He currently sits on the board for the History Center of Washington County and he’s on the Community Cable Committee. Christian also ran for mayor of West Bend in 2008 and lost to Kristine Deiss.

New look for Galactic McDonald’s on S. Main Street

The Galactic McDonald’s, 1140 S. Main St., in West Bend is going to get a bit of a makeover. The West Bend Plan Commission approved a facade update, reconfigured building signage and designs for a newly laid out parking lot. Aside from the signage on the building the other big change will be the layout of the parking lot, especially on the south side of the building as a new one-way drive aisle and a lane for parallel parking will be added for customers waiting for orders.

Hartford in the spotlight on Discover Wisconsin

Discover Wisconsin, a long-running tourism TV show, put Hartford in the spotlight last weekend with an episode, “Bike Nights and Fall Sights in Southeastern Wisconsin.”

The show kicked off in Milwaukee at the Harley-Davidson Museum before Haberman headed out on motorcycle to Holy Hill. In Hartford the crew checked out The Mineshaft, met up with the local Hartford Hog chapter outside of Pike Lake State Park and then stopped at Mickey’s Frozen Custard, Scoop DeVille, and the Erin Inn. The Westphal Mansion Inn was also featured.

Third candidate to step into race for 59^th Assembly District

Watch for another candidate to enter the race to succeed Rep. Jesse Kremer in the 58th Assembly District. Ty Bodden is scheduled to formally announce his candidacy in the coming days.

“I’ve been into politics almost my whole life,” said Bodden.  He put a start date to his interest at 2004 when he met President George W. Bush. Bodden was Jesse Kremer’s campaign manager in 2014. He assisted Duey Stroebel in a special election campaign in 2015 and has worked in the past with Congressman Glenn Grothman. The 24 year old is currently a member of the Stockbridge Village Board.

Born in Madison, Bodden moved to Highland Avenue in Kewaskum before residing in St. Cloud. Bodden attended Stockbridge High School and received his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Administration, along with a Business Administration minor, from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. Bodden is currently the Farm and Nonprofit Manager of Cristo Rey Ranch.

A pro-life advocate and an NRA member, Bodden is a strong supporter of 2nd amendment rights. He promises to protect and support the Constitution of the State of Wisconsin, as well as the Constitution of the United States of America. One of his main goals is to create and support policies that help farmers. In addition he wants to make sure there are more job training opportunities for high school and college students, especially tech school students.

Bodden is the third candidate to announce his intentions for the 59th Assembly District. On Jan. 28, Rachel Mixon announced at the Washington County Republican Lincoln Day Lunch she was running and Fond du Lac County Supervisor Ken Depperman will reportedly make a formal announcement about his candidacy later this month.

The 59th Assembly District extends through portions of Calumet, Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, and Washington counties.

Updates & tidbits

-Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner will have a town hall meeting Sunday at 1 p.m. at West Bend’s City Hall.

– The 2018 sturgeon spearing season on the Winnebago System gets underway on Saturday, Feb. 10.

– On Jan. 17 West Bend West senior Alex Rondorf scored 37 points against Nicolet and was presented a plaque for reaching 1,000 points in her high school career. Rondorf is only the second girl in school history, aside from Meghan Conley, to achieve this. Rondorf has received a full-ride scholarship to Michigan Tech.

– County music star Jon Pardi will headline this year at the Fond du Lac County Fair. Pardi will perform July 20. Tickets go on sale Feb. 12.  The country music star is known for hits, “She Ain’t In It” and “Dirt On My Boots.”

– Molly Riebe, Campbellsport, RN on the Modified Care Unit, has been recognized with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin St. Joseph’s Hospital third quarter DAISY Award for her “huge heart” and compassion.

– St. Frances Cabrini alum Brianna Vitkus, a sophomore at West Bend East, and Jillian Wedin, a senior at West Bend West became selected members for their solo performances at the 2018 WACPC State Championships, held at the La Crosse Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 3. The West Bend West team also performed at State, and placed 5th in D2 Pom and 8th in D1 Kick.

– The West Bend East Dance Team is hosting a dance camp for grade school and middle school students on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at West Bend East High School.

– Join the Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion for its 19th annual Farm Toy Show on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Circle B Recreation in Cedarburg from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The show will feature over 50 tables for dealers and displays. Food and refreshments available.

-There’s a motivated seller for the West Bend Wash, 2110 W. Washington Street in West Bend. The six-bay car wash features 2 automatic bays, 4 self serve bays, 3 vacuum pods, various dispensers and large billboard sign with LED scrolling message board. It is located to the west of the new Pizza Ranch. There sale price by BOSS Realty lists the property at $750,000.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

-The 7th annual Diamond Dinner & Benefit for the West Bend Baseball Association is March 3 at The Columbian. There will be a tribute to athletes who made their mark in local baseball circle including Mark Scholz, Adam Rohlinger, Bob Meyer, Bob Kissinger and TJ Fischer.

Letter to the Editor: County proposes wasting $5 million on road to nowhere   By Elaine Gehring

This past Wednesday evening, Feb. 7, 2018, I attended an informational meeting at the Addison Town Hall in Washington County held by the Washington County Road Commissioner. At that meeting I learned that the state together with the county plans to spend $5 million to build a brand new road in the Township of Addison that nobody in the community wants and even the county admits will not get used much.

If you look carefully at this map you will clearly see that the proposed new road will be constructed between two existing roads a half mile or less from where this road will be. All three of these roads connect with the exact same two roads, Hwy 83 and Hwy 175.

In a time when the state is scrounging to find dollars to fund repairs for its existing aging roads and bridges, even seriously considering installing tolls on some of our major roadways, the WiDOT is planning on wasting millions of taxpayer dollars on building a very expensive new road in a tiny township, in the middle of NOWHERE, that the local community does not want, that the county expects very few people to use and doesn’t really go anywhere!

When we in the Addison community objected to this wasteful use of Wisconsin taxpayers’ money, the county insisted that the new road is necessary for safety.

But when the citizens asked the county to document how building yet a THIRD road between two already existing roads within a half mile of the proposed road improves safety and doesn’t just spread out the problem to more intersections, they told us not to worry about it because the road won’t be used much.

Well if the road is necessary to improve safety but it isn’t likely to be used much then how can it possibly be necessary? This is a circular logic shell game intended to confuse Wisconsin taxpayers and hide the fact that this new road is entirely unnecessary.

Rather than improve the safety at the intersections of our EXISTING roads, the WiDOT and Washington County’s absurd safety solution is to build yet a THIRD road instead! In the process, the state is going to destroy many acres of valuable farmlands and unnecessarily bisect and ruin a number of large farm fields.

Our farmers are having it hard enough trying to make a go of farming, now they have to fight the WiDOT and the county from paving over their fields. This is an INSANE waste of taxpayer’s money and it needs to be stopped. We absolutely do not need THREE roads within a one mile stretch that all connect the very same road!

The estimated $5M cost to build a road that local taxpayers did not ask for and do not want can and should be used to repair and restore Wisconsin’s EXISTING transportation infrastructure to benefit motorists and taxpayers in the entire state of Wisconsin.

Thank you for your consideration of this very serious matter

Anne Gehring

For further information please contact me at: 262-224-0712 centuryfamilyfarms@gmail.com

4830 State Road 83 Hartford, WI 53027

Honda dealership finds a location in West Bend

There’s a Honda car dealership coming to West Bend.  On Monday the West Bend Common Council was scheduled to approve annexation of 43.2 acres from the Town of West Bend so development could move forward. That meeting has been rescheduled.

Karl Schmidt, CEO with Morrie’s Automotive Group of Minneapolis, was officially awarded “the point” for the Honda dealership in April 2017.

Shortly thereafter Schmidt flew to West Bend to scout a location for the new store.  Honda of West Bend or Morrie’s Honda were names Schmidt batted about last year.

The property search proved a bit more challenging than first expected.

“Typically property owners are a bit opportunistic and they want twice as much as what they originally paid for their property,” he said.  “I can’t blame them.”

Schmidt finally honed in on a parcel on the west side of Highway 33 and Scenic Drive.

“I like the corner and visibility and it was kind of serendipitous because we flew into the West Bend Airport and one of the people at the airport, his family owns this land,” he said of the Devenport family.

The past few months have been filled with working with the Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the Department of Natural Resources.

City administrator Jay Shambeau said the annexation is necessary so the property can hook up the utilities, like sewer and water.

“This is a 40-acre property involved in the attachment and it’s part of the boundary agreement with the Town of West Bend,” said Shambeau. “Upon request that land has to be annexed to the city of West Bend.”

The property is currently owned by Devenport Family Limited Partnership #1. According to Washington County the parcel was purchased in 1988 by Douglas Devenport. In 1996 it was transferred to Craig Devenport and the Devenport Family Limited Partnership #1.

The 2017 assessment is for two parcels. One is 37.2 acres and its assessed value is $217,700. The second, much smaller parcel closer to the Highway is about a 3-acre strip valued at $7,700.

The council meeting gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall.   

Schmidt said, moving forward, the design is pretty straight forward and hopefully they can break ground in a couple months. “We’re already in the process of designing the building with a manufacturer and what we’re really working through right now is the annexation and being able to proceed,” he said.

Should the annexation move through Schmidt expects to start building in late spring or early summer. “We’d like to be open yet this year,” he said. “We’ll see how the plan goes.”

Celebrate Catholic Schools Week across Washington County

Catholic Schools Week will begin Monday across Washington County as schools participate in Mass, a Catholic Quiz Bowl, and naming the winner of the Mother Cabrini award.

In an effort to celebrate the week we reached out graduates of parochial schools to get their reflections on how a Catholic School education impacted their life.

Ann Enright of Boltonville: I attended Holy Trinity Catholic School, Kewaskum, from 1951-1959.  Our teachers were nuns from the order of The Sisters of St. Agnes. Their mother house was and still is in Fond du lac, WI.

There were four classrooms with two grades per room.  The nuns were pious about their faith, well educated and loved their jobs. They expected respect and students to work up to their abilities, no less.

Demanding quality personal effort was a motivator for me which I have continued to apply in my careers as wife, mother, real estate broker and citizen.

English, History and Geography were my favorite subjects.  High School classes were a breeze because I had such a good foundation.  I think I can still diagram a sentence and say most of the Gettysburg Address thanks to those nuns.

Religion was taught with enthusiasm and that enthusiasm has remained with me to the present.  I am still learning and taking Bible classes.

Daily activities at St. Frances Cabrini and Holy Angels School.

If your school would like to submit its schedule of events email it to washcoinsider@gmail.com

Schedule of events at Holy Angels School in West Bend

Beginning January 28, Holy Angels School in West Bend will join schools throughout the country in celebrating Catholic Schools Week. Over and above the excellent curriculum, Holy Angels emphasizes the Catholic faith, strong moral values, Catholic social teaching and service, a sense of community, and respect for others.

There is also a “pre-week” activity planned by Parent Activities Committee on Saturday, Jan. 27. All are welcome. During Catholic Schools Week, the school will celebrate many of the important aspects of our school which make it special…academics, faith formation, extra-curriculars, community building, family involvement.

The week’s activities will include:

+ Saturday (January 27th) – CSW Kickoff Celebration (5:00-7:30pm)

+ Sunday –  Open House (10:30am-12:30pm);  Kindergarten–K3, K4, K5-RoundUp (10:45am)

+ Monday –  Morning Assembly with Mr. Peace (how to make a more peaceful world)

+ Tuesday – Catholic Quiz Bowl (8:25 – primary, 9:10 – intermediate, 10:30 – jr high)

+ Wednesday – Buddies Service Day…to honor veterans not able to make the Honor Flight to DC

+ Thursday – WB Catholic Schools Mass at Cabrini

+ Friday – Student/Faculty Basketball Game (1:40pm).

The Kindergarten RoundUp on Sunday will be held in the Cedar Room of the school.  Parents interested in more information about Holy Angels are encouraged to attend.  Registration materials will be available at the event.  Holy Angels is located at 230 N. Eighth Avenue.

Slinger Junior Girl Scout Troop raises awareness for Foster Care Program

Junior Girl Scout Troop No. 6244 made up of fifth graders from Addison Elementary School in Slinger worked toward earning their bronze award (first of three levels in the Girl Scout program).

The girls chose to raise awareness for the Foster Care Program in Washington County. They just completed their project this week and handed over 50 new backpacks filled with special gifts (pillows, journals, fidget spinners, and homemade pillow cases made by the girls) for kids in the program.

The girls hope was that the new backpacks would be able to replace the garbage bags kids normally use and provide hope and a smile as they transition to the foster home or back to their permanent home. The girls used a video to raise awareness via social media and helped bring in all the amazing donations.

Changes ahead for Action in Jackson

There’s a bit of revamping for this year’s 48th annual Action in Jackson.

Organizers have tweaked the lineup and the annual festival will be trimmed to two days and the Sunday parade has been cancelled.

“We’ve been having it the second weekend in June for quite a long time and West Bend High School changed its graduation for both East and West to the Sunday of our event,” said Jackson Recreation Director Kelly Valentino.

Last year, the coinciding events devastated the Sunday parade.

“I lost so many units including the bands and anybody who has family that’s a graduate of East or West got pulled out of the parade.”  Valentino said it was just “not good for our event and I had about two dozen units last year drop just two days before the parade.”

Organizers had been talking about how to can add new life to the event. Valentino said Action in Jackson has seen change before. “It started out as a one-day event and the dates have changed, so this isn’t anything super crazy off the grid,” she said.

Listening to feedback from neighbors this year’s Action in Jackson will feature a fireworks show on Saturday night. “We decided we can’t have a parade and have fireworks … so this year we’ve opted for fireworks,” she said.

“Once we get through the event and have the fireworks I think that will knock down any negative comments.”

Valentino said Action in Jackson will be more manageable as a two-day event. “It takes a lot of work,” she said. “It’s been a struggle to get a core group of volunteers and after three days we’re just shot.”

For the staff, it’s a quick turnaround as The Jackson Beer Garden starts two days later.

Action in Jackson will be held, June 8 and 9 at Jackson Park.  There will still be the small carnival and live music, Friday fish fray, a pancake breakfast, car show, talent show and the chainsaw woodcarvers.

“I also think changing this format will help add 10 years to my life,” joked Valentino.

In the big picture, she feels encouraged by the changes.

“Some people may be a little disappointed but once they see our attendance and our numbers from a financial standpoint, I can see us being a bit better off and not stretching it out,” she said.

Action in Jackson is a family-friendly festival.  And remember the big fundraiser for Jackson Park and Rec is coming up Saturday, Feb. 3

West Bend couple in Hawaii during missile alert

A West Bend woman is sharing her story about being on vacation in Hawaii on January 13 when the state’s Emergency Management Agency issued a missile alert.

Ellie Dowden and her husband Travis were traveling with family and making breakfast when all their phones went off sounding the alert.

“We didn’t know what to do and there was nothing we could do,” she said.

Dowden said the alert sounded like an Amber alert … but with a message about “ballistic missiles.”

“About five to 10 minutes later some things started to pop up on Twitter. No one was sure…. and it finally came on the news and no one on the news knew either.”

Dowden said about 30 minutes after the initial alert they found out it was fake. “It was a stressful 30 minutes but there was nothing we could do,” she said.

Dowden and her family were scheduled to fly back to Wisconsin the next day. Follow-up reports blame the faux alert on employee error and The Washington Post said it was “poor design” of the computer program.

On a more positive note: Watch for an upcoming story about Ellie Dowden, the new owner of Cornerstone Dental in Barton. And if the name Travis Dowden sounds familiar, you can find him running Bibinger’s in Cedar Creek.

Future of Deer Management Program to be reviewed by Common Council

There was quite a bit of data, analysis, reflection and suggestions during Tuesday’s post Deer Management follow-up meeting as hunters and committee members gathered to explore how to move forward with managing a growing deer population within the West Bend city limits.

Committee chairman and Dist. 1 alderman John Butschlick started the meeting by outlining stats from the five-day hunt.

Final numbers included hunters seeing dozens of deer in the area of Lac Lawrann Conservancy, three deer were killed in a span of five days and that included an adult doe, yearling doe and yearling buck.

The discussion on how the program was carried out was well analyzed:

-there was an overall feeling that things could have gone better if it wasn’t such a tight timeline to get everything going in a 3-week timeframe right around the holiday.

-Parks and Forestry Superintendent Mike Jentsch recommended there should not be any restrictions to hunt near the trails. Since the park is closed it would “give hunters more opportunities and less restrictions.”

-Safety was a big concern. Police were notified that even though the park was clearly marked ‘closed’ a runner went through Lac Lawrann Conservancy while hunters were in the woods.

-West Bend police Lt. Duane Ferrand had reservations about shooting horizontally. The hunters were required to shoot from a tree stand. It was determined the council would have to approve a new ordinance to shoot from a blind or a ridge.

-There was overall agreement that many in the community did not understand bow hunting and those who were selected for the program said “just because we’re hunting in a park, that doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

-The hunters were sure the deer realized they were there. The conclusion = deer are smart.

-Jennifer Wiedmeyer of West Bend spoke as someone who lived in the community 31 years and didn’t feel hunting deer in a city park was the right thing to do.

-Wiedmeyer felt the problem with the deer was because West Bend is growing and the city is invading the natural habitat of the deer.

-Wiedmeyer though more signs should be put up around the community warning people about deer crossings.  “This makes me frustrated that it’s come to this in West Bend. I just think it’s sad. I wish city would spend money on signs and make people more aware about how prevalent the deer population is here. I don’t have a problem with deer being hunted, it just shouldn’t happen within our city limits.”

-Butschlick told the story about how he’s seen a big change in his neighborhood over the years with the increasing number of deer. “I’ve stopped feeding the birds because of the deer and within the last five or six years the deer have been a menace. I have a garden with a 12-foot net and that’s the only thing that’s been able to keep them out. The deer are starting to get to a point where every year a doe will have two more.”

-Bringing in sharpshooters was discussed as a way to improve success but there were strong concerns about safety and, of course, justifying the expense.

-Restrictions on the qualifications to hunt, whether five days was an adequate timeframe and if the program should be run during months like September and October were also discussed

-Jentsch questioned what an expected harvest per year should be. Many in attendance thought even if 20 deer per park per year were harvested, that would still take a long time to get the situation under control.

The final consensus was this was one season and one hunt and the committee would recommend to the Common Council to try another hunt and implement some suggested changes and then let the council decide what is best. Target dates for another Deer Management Program are January 2 – 6, 2019.

Cougar spotted in neighboring Fond du Lac County                                         By Bob Nelson

A very large cat moved through Fond du Lac County early this month. A trail camera captured a photo of the animal in the Rosendale area.

Jane Wiedenhoeft is an assistant large carnivore specialist with the DNR. She said it sure looks like a cougar in the photo. She said, “Not many photos are as clear as this one. This animal looks pretty obviously like a cougar.”

Wiedenhoeft said there were quite a few cougar sightings in Wisconsin last year including sightings last month near Merrill and Antigo. This may be the first real sighting in Fond du Lac County, although there were reported sightings of a cougar in the Eden area in the summer of 2012.

Wiedenhoeft said typically it’s a young male cougar looking for a mate. “Those young males sometimes can disperse pretty far looking for a mate. And they get this far and they have a long ways to go to find any other cougars so they just usually keep going,” she said. The tail camera photo was caught Jan. 5, 2018 in the Rosendale area. Wiedenhoeft said this was the latest sighting of a cougar in the state and the farthest south.

Updates & tidbits

– The West Bend East Dance Team is hosting a dance camp for grade school and middle school students on Saturday, Feb. 10 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. at West Bend East High School. The cost is $20 in advance and $30 the day of the camp.  If you have questions contact Coach Kaylee at krossman@wbsd-schools.org

– Join the Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion for its 19th annual Farm Toy Show on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Circle B Recreation in Cedarburg from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. The show will feature over 50 tables for dealers and displays. Food and refreshments available.

– The new shelter for men and women in Washington County will host a grand opening Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  The $1.4 million facility designed by American Construction Services of West Bend is located on Water Street will be called Karl’s Place in honor of Karl Glunz of Richfield.    

-There’s a motivated seller for the West Bend Wash, 2110 W. Washington Street in West Bend. The six-bay car wash features 2 automatic bays, 4 self serve bays, 3 vacuum pods, various dispensers and large billboard sign with LED scrolling message board. It is located to the west of the new Pizza Ranch. There sale price is listed at $750,000.

-The 3rd annual Rock and Jazz Fest at the West Bend High School Silver Lining Arts Center is Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.  Prior to the concert, from 4:30-6:30 in the East Cafeteria, the West Bend High School Bands will host a soup fundraiser that includes a silent auction and raffle.    

– The Slinger Cub Scout pack is holding its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. – noon in the old EVS dealership, 1180 S. Spring Street in Port Washington   

Food will be collected for Slinger Food Pantry.

– The 18th annual Bridal Fair at the Washington County Fair Park is January 28. There will be over 70 vendors on hand with everything from dresses to cakes, wedding venues to entertainment. Tickets: $5 Pre-Sale $6 Day-Of *Children 12 and under are free. Tickets available at the Fair Park office and Amelishan Bridal.

– Saturday, Jan. 27 at Cedar Ridge is the annual Chili Social and Book Sale, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.  

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo. 

-The 7th annual Diamond Dinner & Benefit for the West Bend Baseball Association is March 3 at The Columbian. There will be a tribute to athletes who made their mark in local baseball circle including Mark Scholz, Adam Rohlinger, Bob Meyer, Bob Kissinger and TJ Fischer.

Forum for West Bend School Board candidates

Common Sense Citizens of Washington County hosted a candidate forum Thursday night for three of the four candidates running for two open seats on the West Bend School Board.

In attendance were Monte Schmiege, Chris Zwygart and Mary Weigand. Candidate Kurt Rebholz was not in attendance due to a prior commitment and candidate Carl Lundin has taken himself out of the race, although his name will still appear on the Feb. 20 primary ballot.

During the primary voters will select four candidates and the top four vote getters will advance to the April 3 Spring Election.

Below are bullet points from the candidate introductions followed by video of the first question regarding role of school board.

Monte Schmiege – elected in 2015, served three years and in last three years saw six new members join the board. Treasurer of school board. Working to be actively engaged.  Review 100 series of policies on board operations. Adopt 200 series on administration. Superintendent evaluations important. Concerned about maintaining financial direction. Lots of turmoil and in spite education goes on.

Chris Zwygart – grew up in Iron Ridge, parochial grade school and Horicon H.S. and graduated Marquette Univ and law school grad in 1995. Attorney at West Bend Mutual, board secretary and knows how top-notch board works. Chair of St. Joseph’s Hospital Board. Running because I want to help.  I know how a board should behave. We have key leadership vacancies in the district and I have experience filling top-level leadership roles. I will use my experience to find ways to review expenditure and minimize cost and maximize value.

Mary Weigand – lived in WB since 4th grade and grad of WB East. Have been attending board meetings. In 2005 the US Naval Academy went from celestial navigation to GPS. They had figuratively speaking, lost their way and needed to get back to the basics. I feel we’ve lost our course in WB. We have lost the ground work. Mr. Uelmen said they don’t know how to use a tape measure. But kids took a white privilege survey. Bring common sense community values. I’m concerned about curriculum and common core in West Bend schools.

QUESTION: Proper role of board in working with superintendent, administration and teachers.

MW – Admin runs day to day of district. Board writes policies, oversees curriculum and standards. Board needs to see where superintendent stands on Act 10 and Common Core. The teachers are in the classroom and board must support professional staff. Teachers are paid in the top 5% in the state. Superintendent has to understand our community.

MS – Proper role of board with regard to super is – work on policies with board and superintendent; relationship and how they work together. Superintendent deals with day to day of district. Board participates in strategy and setting goals. Board also has to evaluate superintendent based on goals and strategies worked out between board and super.  Board does not employ teachers and admin. Board can’t do all of that work that would be too many different opinions.

CZ – Board acts as a whole. When we have board members out on their own that’s a problem.  Board has to help with leadership vision and holding the district and superintendent accountable. The execution is left up to administration.  Board is part time and the idea of micromanaging is not a good idea because it can breach trust. Proper role is a lot of listening.

US Cellular to expand next to Hankersons in West Bend

 Melissa Nurkala, owner of Studio 33, took the news in stride as she received word from the owner of the strip mall on Highway 33 that she’d have to give up her spot because the tenant next door, Connect Cell, would be expanding.

“In the beginning I was heartbroken,” she said. “I cried two days straight. Mostly because of the unknown and thinking where do I go in the middle of winter and right before Christmas. There was no money set aside and I just had been through a big remodel and the hardest thing was wondering if I’d lose my clients or if they’d come with me.”

Nurkala, 46, said she had a hunch a change was in the works. “Keith Hankerson, the owner of the building, approached me about three years ago and asked me how things were going,” she said. “I told him I was doing well and planned on staying.”

Hankerson then informed her US Cellular wanted her spot. “I told them no and he said he was behind me,” she said.

Two months ago there was a similar conversation and Connect Cell /US Cellular was starting to explore its options. On Black Friday, Nov. 24 she got the news and agreed Hankerson would be foolish to not embrace an expansion of the phone store. “I understand this was a business decision,” she said.

It was May 2003, about 15 years ago, when Studio 33 first opened next to Hankerson’s Bakery. Nurkala brings out a framed photo of the ribbon cutting and the first dollar she earned.

The business was an open-concept chair-rental salon. “When I first got here Ponderosa was across the street and I replaced an internet store in this spot,” said Nurkala, wracking her brain for the name of the business.

When Studio 33 first opened perms were big. “The young generation doesn’t do perms anymore. You see a lot more bold and bright color,” she said. “They’re replacing volume with color and bangs are coming back.”

Nurkala started in the business as a manager at Great Clips, the chain salon, when it was located by the former Pier One across from the Walmart on Paradise Drive. “Then I spent six years at Cost Cutters and a lot of the original girls that started here worked with me at Cost Cutters,” she said.

In an odd twist, as Connect Cell plans to expand into Nurkala’s salon space in the coming months she recalled how when she first opened each station had its own landline phone and answering machine. “Fifteen years ago you’d hear ring, ring, ring and the message was left and now everyone is using their own cell phone,” she said.

Nurkala has already found a new home for her salon at 105 N. Main Street Suite 102 in downtown West Bend. She’ll be in the walkway of the building connected to Portrait’s Today. She will also be changing the name of the business to Hair By Melissa.

Two of the other beauticians in the shop, Debbie Hall and Sarah Van Beek, will be moving into Revive Salon Studios, 1747 Barton Avenue. The last day for Studio 33 will be January 31.

Connect Cell is planning to expand in the next few months.  Store manager Andrew Smith said over the years the business has created a solid customer base and they would like to add a couple more employees and work stations.

The wall separating the location will be opened up. Contractors are slated to come in by February. The store will stay open during construction.

Final numbers on Deer Management Program in West Bend

Final totals are in for the Deer Management Program at Lac Lawrann Conservancy in West Bend. Five bow hunters had five days to try to trim the deer population by 40 deer and while hunters saw a lot of deer the final results will surprise you.

The harvest after five days was three deer. All were shot by Brian Beck.

Beck hunted four days with 13 hours in the stand and saw 27 deer. Beck took a total of three shots, used and retrieved three arrows and harvested three deer. The deer were females and antlerless and he donated the animals.

Brad Zuba hunted four days, 15 hours in the stand saw 27 deer and took zero shots.

Eric Esselman hunted for five days, 23 hours in the stand and saw two deer and took zero shots

Jeffrey Bach hunted for four days, 12.5 total hours in the stand and saw 17 deer. Bach mentioned he saw more than 20 deer walking out of Lac Lawrann Conservancy on to Schmidt Road.  He took zero shots and recovered zero deer

Steve Kraker hunted for four days, 17 hours in the stand and saw 10 deer and took a zero shots.

“I wish people would realize how hard it is to hunt deer, even in a park,” said Bach. “It’s amazing; it’s nature.”

As far as moving forward, Bach said he wishes the city would try it again. “But I hope they do it at a different time of the year,” he said. “This time of year is very cold and a couple people were deterred by the weather.”

Hunters had rain and snow to deal with over the five days, Jan. 10-14. “A fall hunt would be good, when the regular hunt is on and deer are in rut,” Bach said.  “Also if they could plan it ahead of time. To figure deer out in a week was difficult and giving hunters more time would help with the setup.”

While Bach saw about 50 plus deer in the vicinity of Lac Lawrann over the five days he believed they knew the hunters were there for a purpose.

“The deer knew we were there,” he said. “We did feed them corn but at one point in time they stopped eating it. The deer were moving around.”

The goal of the pilot hunt is to manage the deer population. A follow-up meeting will be held Jan. 23, 2018 at 5:30 p.m. at West Bend City Hall.

Building that housed former Holy Angels convent has been sold

The building at 105 S. Seventh Ave., on the corner of S. Seventh Avenue and Hickory Street in West Bend has been sold. Edward Daniels purchased the building for $180,000. The property was previously owned by Dan Fuge. The 2017 assessment was $315,500.

Doug and Sally Fuge purchased the building in 1987 and they split it with Dan Fuge for $200,000. Prior to that Tom Timblin owned the property.

On a history note: The post card, courtesy Terry Becker, features the second church Holy Angels built at Seventh and Elm in 1866 (lower right), and the old Holy Angels convent and school at Seventh and Hickory 1880 (upper right).

According to archives courtesy Holy Angels Church: In the year 1851, West Bend Catholics came together to buy two city lots for $15.  By late 1852 the first church building had been erected. They called this church Mary, Mother of Sorrows.

However when Fr. Casper Rehrl built a church in Barton with the name St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception the decision was made to change the West Bend Parish’s name to Holy Angels to avoid any confusion.

By 1863 Holy Angels had outgrown the original building so two more lots were purchased, on the corner of 7th and Elm (currently where Trinity Lutheran stands), and in 1866 a new church was built.

This new church was able to hold the parish for almost 50 years.  But the congregation was again growing so in 1913 plans to build a new church started forming. Holy Angels classes were moved to the old high school building on 8th and Elm in 1926 after the new high school (Badger) was built in 1925.

A number of businesses occupied the old convent and school, 105 S. Seventh Avenue, including the Wiskirchen Schoolhouse Tavern and Landvatter’s TV & Appliance.

City of West Bend expands façade grant to businesses in Barton

The West Bend Common Council voted 6-0 to take over the Façade Improvement Grant Program.

The Façade Improvement Grant (FIG) program, previously run by the West Bend Economic Development Corp., is designed to provide an incentive for private sector improvement of commercial buildings in the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) and the Historic Barton Commercial Area (HBCA).

District 7 alderman and Barton representative Adam Williquette said this will be “a matching grant for up to $5,000.”

“This was originally created for the BID district and I’m excited to see Barton included,” Williquette said. “We’ll see if anyone takes advantage of it.”

The program is geared toward façade projects that protect the historic integrity of the building and improve the overall appearance of the downtown area. The addition of façade grants to businesses in Barton was well received by business owners along N. Main Street.

Sheila Kruepke is the Urban Farm Girl at 1829 N. Main Street. “Who wouldn’t want to have their building renovated with a little help,” said Kruepke. “The façade grant is a huge opportunity.”

Over the past two months Kruepke along with Katie Fechter Laverenz turned a small building at 1829 N. Main Street into a cozy shop that’s home to a number of locally-owned businesses.

“We’re hoping more people are going to join us and we’re not just some area where people are passing through,” said Fechter Laverenz, owner of Kiera’s Kloset in the Meraki building.

John Backhaus, owner and master plumber at Albiero Plumbing, 1940 N. Main Street, said the facade grant is coming at a good time. “Barton is usually the neglected child when it comes to the city of West Bend,” he said. “There’s a lot of history in Barton and people have been making upgrades here.” Backhaus felt the inclusion of the facade grant program was encouraging.

Pizza Ranch update

One of the most frequently asked questions is about Pizza Ranch and when is it going to open. Drove past this week, 2020 W. Washington Street in West Bend, and saw roofers at work.

The back of the building (north wall) has been framed out and the wall is up. This is going to be the pick-up door. The windows have all been removed and big honken pieces of plywood cover up the holes until the new windows are in place.

The Dumpster outside the building is filling up fast. The groundbreaking for the new Pizza Ranch in the former Ponderosa was Nov. 21, 2017 and contractors are really moving along. Owner Stacy Gehring said they are still “hoping for an early 2nd quarter opening, but we will know a more exact date as construction continues.”

On the job front, Pizza Ranch is now accepting applications for kitchen manager and guest services manager.  If you know someone who is interested, please apply at www.pizzaranch.com/careers.

WB School Board candidate steps out of race

For the second time in two years a West Bend School Board candidate has pulled out of the race although a primary will still be held and their name will still be listed on the ballot. Carl Lundin said he is withdrawing his candidacy.  Lundin declined to expand on a reason.

Because five candidates filed to run for two seats, a primary must be held. That is scheduled for Feb. 20, 2018. The top four vote getters will advance to the April 3 Spring Election. The names listed in ballot order for the Feb. 20 primary include Monte Schmiege, Chris Zwygart, Mary Weigand, Kurt Rebholz, and Carl Lundin.

In 2017 a similar incident happened in the West Bend School District when one of the seven candidates running for West Bend School Board bowed out. Tina Hochstaetter announced she would not be part of the Spring Election. However, her name still remained on the ballot.

Assistant superintendent for HR in West Bend School District resigns

Hired in August 2017, Russell Holbrook the assistant superintendent for HR and operations, has now announced his resignation.

According to a memo from Laura Jackson, superintendent of teaching and learning in the West Bend School District, “Russell Holbrook announced his resignation which will go to the School Board on Monday, January 22, 2018. More information about the transition in leadership will be shared following the School Board meeting.”

The memo continued, “We appreciate the effort Russ Holbrook gave as he served in the role of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Operations.” Calls have been place to the district for more information about the reason behind the resignation.

Holbrook was hired after Chief Operating Officer Valley Elliehausen and Director of Accountability and Assessment Kurt Becker resigned in June 2017.  Elliehausen had been with the district since 1997.

The open H.R. position adds to the number of administrative positions the district has yet to fill.

Currently the district is without a superintendent and a director of finance person as Brittany Altendorf, the director of finance and support services, resigned in July 2017.  Altendorf’s successor Michael Fischer also resigned several months later.

West Bend School District pays out Superintendent

Following an open records request the West Bend School District released its resignation agreement with former Superintendent Erik Olson. Olson was hired June 2016 and officially resigned effective Dec. 14, 2017.

When hired the School Board approved a two-year contract with Olson at a salary of $155,000. In 2017 that contract was extended another two years. Olson’s salary upon termination was $155,000 a year. The amount of benefits received in the agreement were not disclosed and are part of a second open records request.

The agreement also indicates Olson would receive full salary “less applicable withholdings” for the remainder of his contract. He will also receive moving expenses of $10,000 and unused vacation of $10,432.63.

Updates & tidbits

– The new shelter for men and women in Washington County will host a grand opening Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.  The $1.4 million facility designed by American Construction Services of West Bend is located on Water Street will be called Karl’s Place in honor of Karl Glunz of Richfield.

-There’s a motivated seller for the West Bend Wash, 2110 W. Washington Street in West Bend. The six-bay car wash features 2 automatic bays, 4 self serve bays, 3 vacuum pods, various dispensers and large billboard sign with LED scrolling message board. It is located to the west of the new Pizza Ranch. There sale price is listed at $750,000.

-The 3rd annual Rock and Jazz Fest at the West Bend High School Silver Lining Arts Center is Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. The Rock n’ Jazz Fest is a concert designed to showcase a variety of the co-curricular offerings in the West Bend band program.  Prior to the concert, from 4:30-6:30 in the East Cafeteria, the West Bend High School Bands will host a soup fundraiser that includes a silent auction and raffle.    

– The Slinger Cub Scout pack is holding its annual Pinewood Derby on Saturday, Jan. 27 from 9 a.m. – noon in the old EVS dealership, 1180 S. Spring Street in Port Washington

Food will be collected for Slinger Food Pantry.

– The 18th annual Bridal Fair at the Washington County Fair Park is January 28. There will be over 70 vendors on hand with everything from dresses to cakes, wedding venues to entertainment. Tickets: $5 Pre-Sale $6 Day-Of *Children 12 and under are free. Tickets available at the Fair Park office and Amelishan Bridal.

– The 31st annual Washington County Breakfast on the Farm will be 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.

– Stop in Saturday, Jan. 27 at Cedar Ridge for the annual Chili Social and Book Sale, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Enjoy a warm, delicious lunch, browse the book sale and take a tour of the independent-living apartments at Cedar Ridge, 113 Cedar Ridge Drive in West Bend.

– The Washington County Fair Park will be celebrating this St. Patrick’s Day with an indoor concert featuring Irish and Scottish folk tunes and classic pub songs from bands Tallymoore and Ceol Carde. Headlining the event will be U2 Zoo.

– Cast Iron Luxury Living has a unique short-term leasing special. The remodeled West Bend Aluminum Company located on the scenic Milwaukee River is offering a month of free rent if you move-in before the end of January 2018. There are one and two-bedroom apartments available. For more information 262.334.7943 or castiron@hendricksgroup.net

-Help is available to families in Washington County that need assistance with winter heating bills. Contact Kay Lucas with the Washington County Human Services Department which oversees the Energy Assistance Program. The number is 262-335-4677.

The old Barton Opera House has been sold

The old Barton Opera House has been sold. According to records in the West Bend City Assessor’s office Mike Smith sold the property, 1741 Barton Avenue, to Jay Mundinger for $332,500. Mike “The Mailman” Smith died in Nov. 2017. He was 67.

The 2017 assessed value was $235,200. Smith originally purchased the property in July 1997. He acquired it on a land contract for $220,875. Smith tried to sell the property in July 2012. He listed the multi-unit building at $399,900.

The property was previously home to the disco 2G’s, Dan Berres Studio, C&C Business Management and In Your Face Tattooz.

On a history note:  The property used to be Gerhard Otten’s Farmer’s Home Hotel, also known as the Barton Opera House. According to Richard H. Driessel’s book “A History The Village of Barton” there were a number of “events and appearances” at the Gerhard Otten’s Farmers Home saloon between 1892 and 1919.

The list includes: Electric piano concert, The Quaker Doctors entertainment, The Quaker Medicine Co., lecture on “WHITE SLAVERY,” The Don C. Hall Co., a play, “Duke Costello.”

Another segment of Driessel’s book reads: “Most of the traveling shows used the Otten hall, after Van Bree sold it, first called the

Farmers Home and later the Barton Opera House operated by Henry Otten and later by his brother Gerhard, but there were other halls associated with hotels or saloons which continue to be busy with public dances or semi-private and private parties.

These were so frequent and popular that it is sometimes hard to believe. The period between 1890 and 1917 seems to have been the heyday, so to speak, for public dances just as it was for traveling shows, although the dances did continue as a weekly event for a while after the war.

The occasional dances of the earlier years became more and more frequent until in some weeks there were three or more.

The list of reasons for having a dance party became longer and longer. Besides regular Saturday night dances there were leap year parties, birthday parties, honorary dances, dances by fraternal organizations and clubs, “Fastnacht” parties, Easter dances, Easter Monday dances, harvest dances (sometimes two in a week), masquerade dance is called mask balls, (again sometimes two a week), masquerade golden wedding dances, Sylvester eve (New Year’s) balls, barn dances, July 4 parties, mid-summer dances, dances for the summer visitors, grand opening balls, married people stances, and hard times parties.

Between January 14 and 21, 1916 there were a leap year dance, married people‘s dance, a Fireman’s ball, a fastnacht ball, and a grand opening ball, probably in anticipation of the Lenten season.

The music for the dancers was provided by live bands and orchestras most of them either from the village and its environs or from West Bend. Some of them survived for years; some were heard but one time.

Luckow and Bantin’s orchestra, The Williams Combination, Brown’s band, Obermeyer’s orchestra, the Schloemer, Koch, and Wolf orchestra, Willkomm’s orchestra, Seliger’s orchestra, The Harmony orchestra, Kocher’s orchestra, and the Neu Family Orchestra all performed during that time period, 1892 to 1917.

In 2015 the Facebook page, ‘You know you are from West Bend if….’ Carol A. Feypel chimed in with a post about the building on Barton Avenue.

“That building Barton Opera House was built by my grandma Elizabeth (Lizzy Obermeyer) Bastian’s brothers who were builders during the day and musicians evenings and weekends. Most of the musical entertainment for Barton was held in the Barton Opera House. 1800’s and early 1900’s. Second floor large dance and music hall. Including weddings and etc.”