Kiel Progress 2017

KIEL

PROGRESS 2017

March 2, 2017 • ZONED SuPPlEmENt tO tRi-COuNty NEwS

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

50 years in the family Vogel to observe half century as Kiel’s vehicle dealer

By Mark Sherry Walter Vogel was selling cars in the small Manitowoc County village of St. Nazianz since 1929, and in the 1960s he saw an opportunity to expand to the nearby bigger city of Kiel.

His sons Charlie and Chester were largely tasked with getting Vogel Chevrolet off the ground in Kiel.

That was in 1967—50 years ago—and this year Vogel Chevrolet will be holding events this July to mark its first half century of business in the Kiel community.

Helping to plan those anniversary celebrations will be the fourth generation of Vogel family members to work in the business. Tara Vogel—a greatgranddaughter of Walter—joined the business last August. Her father, Mike, 58, continues to own the business but said the plan is for Tara to someday become the fourth generation of Vogel family members to take the helm there.

“I like meeting people,” Tara said when asked about her first impressions of working at Vogel Chevrolet. “I was kind of closed in at factory work. (Customers) are very dedicated to us. They like how we treat people.”

Vogel Chevrolet was not at the downtown Kiel location (above) for long before moving out to Park Avenue (below).

Vogel’s small-town advantage Mike said, “We’re small-town with small-town tactics,” adding that is a good thing for customers. They get friendly, low-pressure sales help but knowledgeable, state-of-the-art service in all deTurn to vogel/page 4 A

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Working and supporting the Kiel Community for the past 37 years.

All money raised is used for supporting the Kiel community. New Members Always Welcome!

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

& The Kiel Community

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YOU

IT’S ALL ABOUT

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Vogel

partments including service, body shop, and sales.

That was the philosophy brought to Kiel in 1967 by the Vogel family which purchased the auto/farm implement building from the Hingiss family. Longtime residents will recall that the building has since housed other businesses such as Bella’s Custom Design and Treasured Moments Photography. The Vogel family purchased the building on Jan. 1, 1967. A grand opening was held March 31 of that year.

Just two years later what was known as Vogel Chevrolet-Olds (Oldsmobile) built and moved to its new and much larger home at 710 Park Ave. where it continues to operate today as Vogel Chevrolet.

Chester, who had operated Vogel School Hill Garage for 12 years after getting out of the Navy, served as the president and service manager of Vogel Chevrolet-Olds for 21 years until retiring in 1988. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 62.

Keeping it in the family Charlie was still active in the business in 2009 when he passed away at the age of 75. Charlie’s sons Scott and Mike had been operating the business, although Scott left in March 2007.

Like most children of business owners, Mike found himself being enlisted into helping at the family business as a young child. He recalls washing parts being one of his first jobs. Other than one summer after high school working at Walsdorf Roofing in Kiel, Mike has spent his career at Vogel Chevrolet.

Long service tenures have been com-

continued from page 4 A mon at Vogel Chevrolet in all departments, including Charlie’s daughter Jennifer Lulloff who works in the office, is an officer of the company, and is part of the third generation of Vogel family members in the business. A number of non-Vogel family members have spent decades at the business as well, which speaks highly of Vogel Chevrolet as a place to work. It also is a win-win as Vogel Chevrolet does not have to spend a lot of time hiring and training new employees, and customers benefit from the consistency of working with familiar, experienced employees.

Other family members who have spent time working in the offices are Charlie’s daughter Becky Meyer, as well as Mike’s daughter Leah Hersey. Another of Mike’s daughters, Megan Vogel, did vehicle detailing for the Collision Center, and Mike’s granddaughter, Isabella, is also currently working in the detailing department.

Keeping up the reputation “The body shop earned a tremendous reputation years ago along with the service department,” Mike said. It has been the task of the more recent generations and their employees to keep that reputation going.

Technology has helped them do that, such as in the area of parts ordering.

Mike recalled when it used to take 10 to 14 days for some parts to arrive. Now many parts can be obtained on the same day or, at worst, the next day after being ordered.

People in the market to buy a new or used vehicle also use the latest technol-

ogy to do their homework before heading off to a dealership. Tara said studies show that new car buyers spend about two hours in dealerships but many more hours than that studying online before heading off to the lot. Mike said, “Expectations always increase, but they are more knowledgeable than they used to be.”

Vogel Chevrolet also keeps up on the latest technology in its Service Department with all the diagnostic equipment necessary to let the computers in today’s cars help technicians know what is happening.

Just as generations of Vogel family members have guided the business over the past 50 years, so have generations of families been loyal in keeping their business at Vogel Chevrolet. Mike said he could name individual customers who have purchased as many as 15 different vehicles at Vogel Chevrolet.

That is just one more success story of the first 50 years in Kiel for Vogel Chevrolet.

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C-T Computers offers services

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The business repairs computers, sells new desktops and laptops, refurbished laptops, cellphones, and networking services. C-T Computers is an agent of Cellcom.

More recently introduced are advanced pay cellphones, online back-up services for businesses, and hard drive recovery services.

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Dogs groomed by Lana’s since ‘93

Lana Wagner has been operating Lana’s Pet Grooming since 1993.

“I specialize in dog haircuts, baths, and nails,” she said. “I take pride in what I do.”

Lana’s Pet Grooming is available by appointment only by calling 894-7700.

She works Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Wagner pointed out that she does do cat grooming.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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New owner upholds Millhome tradition

By Mike Mathes Managing local iconic restaurants is nothing new for Richard Sadiq.

When he learned of the opportunity acquire the well-known Millhome Supper Club in 2016, Sadiq jumped at the chance, and purchased Millhome Supper Club from Aaron and Jen Sloma.

He saw the great team in place to run the supper club, and liked the options Millhome provided to the wider community.

Sadiq has been involved with his wife, Lisa, and her family in managing Siebkens Resort—an Elkhart Lake stalwart that just celebrated its 100th year this year. This summer, he will be entering his seventh season as the owner of Chester’s in Plymouth, a long-time familyoriented drive-in restaurant.

The Sadiq family also manages the Randall’s custard restaurant in Sheboygan.

Richard’s brother, Daniel, and sister-inlaw Kelley, are also the owners of the Off the Rail Cafe in Elkhart Lake.

Great reputation, staff in place “Millhome had a great reputation and a really great staff in place,” Sadiq said.

“It fit the model of what I like to do and it fit my background.”

Keeping that great Millhome tradition in place is Sadiq’s top aim.

“Jen and Aaron had done a great job at Millhome in the past 10 years, and we want to build on that tradition,” he said.

“If it’s not broken you don’t want to try and fix something. It’s just a matter of grabbing the baton and running. Our focus at Millhome has been to keep the

Millhome Supper Club’s new owner, Richard Sadiq, and his continuing leadership team of Mona Jaeger, Matt Riese and Stacy Hartman are working to continue the fine tradition of hospitality. Sadiq purchased the business from Aaron and Jen Sloma at the end of 2016.

transition as seamless as possible.”

Millhome also has the benefit of having a great location that is central to many communities in Eastern Wisconsin.

Sadiq said Millhome Supper Club operations are critically tied to the capable staff put in place by the Slomas.

Matt Riese manages the off premise

catering and oversees the kitchen area.

Cheryl Brown is the banquet and bar manager. Stacy Hartman serves as her assistant. Mona Jaeger is involved in many areas of the business and is well known to many customers and corporate clients.

Grateful for the many major events held at millhome, Sadiq hopes to con-

tinue to be a home for the sportsman’s clubs, fire departments and other groups that see Millhome as the home for their fundraising efforts.

“Those events are part of our culture and want to continue to support them,” he added.

Turn to MILLHOME/page 6 A

Your Donations of clean items go to

Help Those In Need in your community.

“If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and no food for the day, and you say to them, “Good-bye and good luck! Keep warm and well fed,” but do not meet their bodily needs, what good is that?” James 2: v. 15

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Barbershop got its start in 1962

Mueller’s Barbershop has been in business at 325 Fremont St. in Kiel for over 54 years.

Wilmer Mueller and daughter Dyanna

Millhome’s dining room continues to be a big draw for fine dining.

Millhome Millhome Supper Club’s dining room features a contemporary decor with a chef-driven menu. Guests are treated to exceptional entrees and unique weekly dinner features. They can choose from hand-cut USDA choice steaks, fresh fish from Canadian lakes, a variety of seafood selections, chops and poultry along with unique pasta dishes.

Millhome Supper Club prides itself in serving one of the finest salad bars in the area—with made-from-scratch soups that vary nightly.

Friday nights are seafood nights, featuring the traditional Wisconsin fish fry venue—with perch, walleye or haddock available. The land and sea buffet features snow crab legs.

Saturday nights, diners are offered USDA choice prime rib, while Sunday mornings feature the champagne brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Spacious upper bar The spacious upper bar at the main entrance serves customers who come to enjoy the dining room, or the new “upper bar” fare.

The upper bar menu features appetizers, flat breads and sandwiches, along with a specialty drink menu.

Patrons can enjoy their casual time in the upper bar savoring their favorite food and drink in the large booths, or at the high top penny tables. Several big screen televisions and a 150 gallon saltwater fish tank top off the atmosphere, along withe the friendly bartenders.

continued from page 5 A The River Room is the smaller of two rooms, capable of handling up to 175 guests for sit down service. The River Room also has a private bar and dance floor, and is an ideal space for weddings, anniversary parties or corporate events.

For the largest events, Millhome Supper Club can accommodate by combining the space of the Main Hall and River Room.

The Millhome Supper Club staff is ready and willing to discuss all the possibilities for your event at their location.

Catering business grows Sadiq plans to continue to grow the catering segment of Millhome’s business as the Slomas did before him.

Catering opportunities have definitely blossomed in recent years.

Millhome Supper Club’s is recognized as a preferred caterer for many area companies, including Johnsonville Sausage and Sargento foods. Millhome also has a significant catering connection at Road America.

“We are hoping to expand relationships with local business and industry.

We are set up for doing anything from a smaller box lunch on up for 600 people,” Sadiq said.

The catering business covers weddings, reunions, company picnics, anniversaries, holiday parties and all other varieties of events within a 50 mile radius.

Muldoon provide men’s and ladies’ haircuts and styles, perms, colors, hilights, and special occasion hairstyles including weddings and proms.

Mueller’s Barbershop also carries a variety of hair product lines.

For more information or to make an appointment call 894-3939.

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Banquets and parties Millhome Supper Club offers gathering rooms for banquets and parties of all sizes.

Just off the main bar is the VIP Room, equipped to hand up to 40 guests and serving off the banquet or dining room menu.

The Main Hall seats up to 450 guests for a sit-down meal, a large bar, hardwood dance floor and a generous stage area, perfect for wedding receptions and other major events.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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Growing with an eye for the future

By Mike Mathes Building expansions are a sign of progress at Henning’s Cheese in 2017.

The family cheese making operation is expanding its plant in two phases this year, largely to keep pace changing food safety regulations.

But the Henning family also has another major objective in mind. The expansion is paving the way for a strong future for the fourth generation of family cheese makers, many of which are already part of the team.

Last September, Henning’s Cheese began work on a two-phase building project that will nearly double the size of the facility and square off the manufacturing and storage space. The expansion is geared to create separation between intake, storage and cheese making areas.

Those requirements were identified as future needs to be compliant with federal standards.

“Most of the changes being made are simply following procedures being directed by federal food safety regulations,” Kert Henning said.

Eye on the horizon As they look to meet the needs of the immediate future, siblings Kay Henning Schmitz, Kerry Henning and Kert Henning are also keeping an eye on the horizon.

“When our dad (Everett) undertook a major addition in 1986, he did it with us in mind, knowing that we would be continuing in the business,” Kert said.

Everett continues to be a presence at the cheese factory offering his years of wisdom and knowledge to the family as

they continue to step out into the future “Currently we have four of our children in the business, and we have the opportunity to take a similar step that will help them continue in the future.”

Kay’s daughter, Mindy Ausloos, serves as the manager of the retail store, as well as handling bookkeeping and taking on

some of her mom’s responsibilities.

Kert’s daughter Rebekah Henschel works in sales and promotions to approximately 150 – 200 stores in Wisconsin.

Her future roll may have her working at the plant in varying capacities. His son, Joshua, is the fourth generation licensed cheese maker, taking on that role in

Kiel Area Association of Commerce Mission:

To promote the prosperity and growth of Kiel’s business community.

Our vision is to encourage growth through regular promotions in support of Kiel area businesses, foster community spirit and camaraderie within the Kiel business community and promote Kiel as a safe, clean place to live, work, and shop.

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2014. He is continuing to craft his trade by working under the guidance of his uncle Kerry.

Kerry’s son, Zachary, is going to school to study business, food safety testing and other ancillary services that Turn to HENNING’S/page 8 A

AAC

Kiel Area Association of Commerce

Check out www.kielwi.org for updates

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Henning’s continued from page 7 A

will be needed in the future.

Upgrading intake As part of the first phase, the raw milk receiving area is under reconstruction.

Milk storage silos are being moved as part of Phase I and the milk receiving area was expanding to allow larger trucks to unload milk in a completely enclosed building.

In an adjacent, yet separate area, pasteurizing operations will be relocated to keep it totally separate from cheese manufacturing space.

“Since the pasteurized area handles raw products, new laws require the plant to separate it from finished product,” Kert said.

A blending room is being constructed to combine milk powder with raw milk for the manufacture of low fat mozzarella and farmer’s cheeses.

Another area in the expanded space will be used for whey and cream separation. Not only will the by-products of the cheese making process be separated there, the whey is also chilled to 50 degrees to help extend its shelf life. This will help when the whey is sold to a facility who will process it further. The separated cream is sold to local butter manufactures who create a whey cream butter some of which is sold at Henning’s Henning emphasized that the regulations are helpful in taking a proactive approach to food safety. “As cheese makers we want to be sure we do everything in our power to assure food safety for our consumers.”

Other components Aside from the components already mentioned, phase two of the new addition will provide space for a locked and sealed chemical storage room.

Their two cheese packaging areas are being looked at to combine into one central packaging location. Approximately 70% more space will be allocated for the packaging operation that Henning’s Cheese currently operates with.

A separate room will be created to house the spices used in the manufacture their flavored cheeses. Many of them can be stored at room temperature, thereby freeing up valuable cooler space.

A new employee welfare area is also planned, including a place for employees to change their shoes and uniforms A maintenance shop area will offer expanded workroom space and storage.

With the future in mind, we decided to square off the addition, creating a space that might be used for an additional cooler and aging area in the future.

“When the project is done, we can use the storage area for dry storage, but the walls will be in place if we ever want to increase cooler space. We will have provided the necessary infrastructure at a significant cost savings.”

A second story is being added to part of the addition which will house electrical service, pumps, air compressors and general storage. Another benefit of this change will be to reduce the amount of noise in the production area creating a quieter environment.

Handpicked contractors Henning said the family handpicked the contractors serving on the project, led by general contractor C. D. Smith.

“We were looking for contractors who worked with other cheese facilities and had a lot of knowledge in the dairy industry. They have helped us through the process by sharing what they have learned and kept an ear to the ground to try to foresee where the industry is going.” he said “They have been wonderful to work with.”

In the final analysis, Henning’s Cheese is hopeful that these structural improvements and regulatory-driven upgrades will pave the way for a future focus on growing production.

“We are always looking for ways to make more and better cheese on a daily basis. No one gets to rest on their laurels,” he said.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

9A

Agency serves clients from new location

By Faye Burg American Family agent Cheryl Brack enjoys helping people in their time of need. Her position as owner of American Family Insurance in Kiel allows her to do that every day.

Located at 617 Fremont Street, American Family Insurance offers auto, home, business, farm, life and health insurance and annuities.

“We care about our clients and think of them as friends,” Brack said. “We strive to provide outstanding customer service.

We have received the American Star Award for six consecutive years, which is an award for providing an exceptional customer experience. This award means a lot to us because it is given based on responses from surveys sent to our clients.”

“My agency has a combined 25 years of experience with American Family,” Brack explained. “We are very familiar with their product offerings and are prepared to assist our clients in choosing the right product to fit their needs. We offer annual insurance reviews to our clients to be sure that they will be adequately protected in the event of a claim.”

“American Family is based in our home state in Madison, Wisconsin, and has provided insurance services for over 85 years,” Brack said. “As a mutual insurance company, American Family is owned by its insureds and has a major focus on being customer-driven.”

The American Family Enterprise is a family of companies dedicated to delivering unparalleled service and exceptional protection to their customers.

With a mission to inspire, protect, and restore dreams, American Family’s com-

Kiel American Family employees include Austin Brack, owner Cheryl Brack, Gina Voland and Harmony Wusterbarth.

Faye Burg photo

mitment is to be innovative, caring, agile, trustworthy, transparent and passionate.

Innovative programs offered to keep customers safe include smart home technology, which assists in keeping families safe and secure. American Family also

offers a Teen Safe Driver program which helps keep teen drivers safe by recognizing risky driving habits and helps parents coach their kids to improve driving before an accident occurs.

“Our 10-year pay plans for whole

life insurance are very popular for both children and adults,” Brack said. “The premiums are paid for 10 years and then the policy is paid in full.”

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

AmFam Also popular according to Brack is the simply protected term life insurance.

“No medical exam is required,” she said.

Three employees assist Brack including Licensed Agency Specialists Gina Voland, Harmony Wusterbarth, and new employee Austin Brack. “Austin grew up in Kiel and is a graduate of UW Stout with a business management degree,” Brack said. “He also obtained his insurance license in August. He will be working as a marketing specialist and licensed agency specialist.”

“We moved to our current location in August of 2016 and I have served as an agent with American Family since 2008.

We looked at many locations but ultimately chose to stay on Fremont Street and in a small way do what we can to help revitalize our downtown area,” Brack explained. “I have spoken to many people who are new to our community that tell me that our beautiful downtown is what brought them to Kiel.”

Brack has made numerous improvements to her new office and has more updates planned for the near future. “We are excited to see the building come back to life,” she added.

“We live and work in the community and are available when you need us,”

We’re Building Smarter,

continued from page 9 A

Brack added. “I provide my cell phone number to all of my clients so that I am easily accessible to them at all hours of the day.”

Brack is active in the community, serving with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiel Junior Achievement, and Kiel Optimist Club.

“Many people do not realize that we can help them with all types of insurance including business, farms, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, boats, Medicare supplement policies, health and life insurance,” Brack said. “We receive many calls from clients who are not aware that we offer these products.”

The American Family Kids Dream family film series enables Brack to provide free movie passes multiple times per year. The movie passes are valid Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 10 a.m. at Marcus Theatres. Interested families can stop in the office for more information.

“I have the opportunity to work with and meet people from many different backgrounds and enjoy taking the time to get to know each person,” she added. “It is rewarding to be able to help someone in their time of need if an unfortunate situation should arise.”

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

11 A

Tax districts fuel positive growth

By Mike Mathes Support for industrial and community growth continue to be a major theme for City of Kiel development efforts.

Business and industrial expansions continue fuel growth in Kiel’s tax incremental districts. In turn, the City of Kiel has been conservatively improving its infrastructure, while building tax revenue opportunities for the future of all local taxing entities.

Work continues on major industrial expansions in multiple Kiel TIDs. A major multi-family residential project is underway in TID #4 on Kiel’s northeast side, with another commercial expansion/relocation planned for 2017.

TID #4 developments This past year, the Kiel City Council gave its approval to development of the the second phase of the River Rock housing project with Premier Real Estate Management Group from Brookfield.

Work began in early fall to prepare a site for six new multi-family residential complexes along Rockville Road. Those are expected to be completed in 2017 with an estimated value of $5 million.

Also in 2017, the city paved the way for Kwik Trip to relocate and expand its convenience store operations to TID #4 adjacent to Shopko.

“The TID started back in 2011,” Mayor Michael Steinhardt said, “and it is positively cash flowing. We are on track with the increment to pay for all the things we have done to improve the infrastructure.”

The TID continues to build value with the growth of the Sargento operation.

In addition, 6-7 commercial lots remain

To make way for the River Rock apartment complex in Kiel’s TID #4, earth moving crews took down a massive hill along Rockville Road last fall leaving a formation that looked temporarily like a canyon in the process.

open to the east of the apartment project.

“If someone comes along with a plan and it fits there, we’ll be happy to talk about it and develop it,” the mayor added.

TID #5 moves forward Some of Kiel’s most aggressive industrial expansions in recent years have taken place on the city’s northwest side,

where Amerequip and Land O’Lakes have led the way.

“Amerequip hopes to complete this phase of its expansion by May,” Kiel City Administrator Dennis Dedering said.

“Everything is moving along smoothly.

The funeral home has been removed and the Teckla Place has been re-routed.”

Private development parcels are avail-

able in that area for other business seeking to grow.

Land O’Lakes has completed the first two phases of a planned three-phase expansion to its cheese making and whey processing operations.

“They will have a great impact on loTurn to CITY/page 12 A

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

City

cal area farmers and economically on the surrounding counties with increased milk and whey production,” Dedering said.

Benefits for city Expansion and growth in TID #5 has provided interesting opportunities for the city to renovate aging infrastructure in adjacent portions of the community.

Road improvement projects have been tied to the need to improve outdated water mains serving the TID manufacturers.

This will help meet the water pressure needs tied closely to the Land O’Lakes operation. “We are in the process of creating a more robust system that can serve both our residents and the future needs of Land O’Lakes,” Mayor Steinhardt said.

As the city replaces water mains with new 10 inch mains, streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and laterals to property owners will be replaced.

A major segment of Sixth Street will be rebuilt this summer and in 2018. The first phase will extend from River Terrace to St. Paul Street. In the future, the improvements will be extended north along Sixth Street to Calumet Avenue, and on Calumet to Sheboygan Street.

“We have several areas of the city that need major improvements,” the mayor said. “If we didn’t have the TID, we would have to raise everyone’s taxes to

continued from page 11 A pay for a large project like this. So you might say the project has a positive impact on every resident in the city.”

City officials estimate that each block of street repair costs around $110,000 for roadway alone. This summer, the regular city budget calls for three blocks of street repair—two blocks on North Street and another on Second Street. Having TID dollars available for infrastructure improvements advances the opportunity to address greatly needed repairs in a more expedient fashion.

Conservative approach The city is also eyeing possible renovation work for Fourth Street in future years, but much will depend on the level of tax incremental increase that is generated by the expansion projects.

“We won’t know the exact value of the increment until the project values are established,” Dedering said. “That’s what creates the cash flow we need to determine what can be spent. We want to be cautious about our plan and make sure we don’t overspend.”

In TID #5, the city has the opportunity to invest in infrastructure up to 2024, but it may take until 2019 to know the value of the increment.

year.

The TID, which allowed the community to create new development where gravel pits once pocked the land has benefited from expansion at Polar Ware Stoelting, the River Terrace Subdivision and other assorted business developments.

“It hasn’t been our most successful TID, but it has had a lot of benefits for the city,. TID 2 helped us create more appealing entrances to the city, ” Dedering said.

A total of $15 million in assessed value has been generated in an area that once had less than a half million on the tax rolls.

Once the TID is retired, approximately $80,000 in annual tax revenue will be realized by the City of Kiel alone. All other taxing entities will also see a proportionate increase in their revenue from that district.

The retirement of the district will also help keep the city below the 12 percent maximum of property value in TIDs. City officials are eyeing the possibility of creating another TID for the property it owns east of Cemetery Road before the improvements in other TIDs come on line.

Retiring TID #2 Kiel’s oldest remaining tax incremental district, TID #2, is entering its final

The city has a couple of years to figure that out before the other upcoming TID values push the city to its TID limits.

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Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Boost fitness at Empower Pilates

Empower Pilates, LLC is designed to take care of a person’s fitness desires, including their psyche.

Mikealynn Trimberger-Hendrickson helps people with a new awareness of their body, mind, and spirit. She said she takes a very balanced approach to physical fitness and Pilates. “You’ll find something that meets your needs and blends with your personality, hopes, and goals,” she said.

Mikealynn has the most up to date certifications in her discipline. She is a licensed physical therapist assistant with 24 years of clinical experience, a certified personal trainer (ACE) for 16 years, a certified Pilates mat for 16 years, a certified weight loss solutions coach for five years, and a certified Pilates reformer for five years.

Empower Pilates is beginning its fourth year with a facility in Kiel. The 900 square foot facility at 627 Fremont St. offers Pilates mat classes on Wednesday evenings, and private Pilates reformer sessions on Monday mornings, Wednesday afternoons, or Thursday afternoons.

The business also has had a facility in Chilton for the past five years offering Pilates mat classes on Monday evenings and private reformer sessions on Monday afternoons or Thursday mornings.

For more information about Empower Pilates call (920) 980-4976.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

13 A

20 years and growing

Millhome Nursery gets ready for season while citing anniversary

By Mark Sherry When Art and Candy VanderWaal started Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses, they planted a small locust tree outside the door of their shop in hopes of someday getting some shade from it.

Today that tree spreads its branches perfectly over the pathways leading into the shop. That proves a couple things— that the VanderWaals picked the right tree for the job, and that they have been in business for a while.

It is 20 years, to be exact, that the business has been helping area residents beautify their homes, gardens, and businesses. The VanderWaals are working on plans to celebrate the anniversary with their customers this year while at the same time already getting ready for another peak season at Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses.

“I enjoy the customers and visiting with them,” Candy said when asked about her favorite aspect of the business. Art said, “For me it’s the plants, and I love the landscaping—the beauty of plants and how they fit into the landscape.”

Growing and changing Located at N9469 Rhine Rd., Elkhart Lake, Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses has certainly grown and changed over the past two decades. Customers are always looking for new and different varieties of flowers, vegetables, and other plants. The VanderWaals also said

Candy and Art VanderWaal stand in front of their Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses sign.

the current preference of people looking for locally and organically grown produce has been a good trend for them

as they continually look to change with the times.

“I think the customers have changed

Mark Sherry photo

a lot,” Art said. “They have different Turn to NURSERY/page 14 A

Supporting growth A

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14 A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Nursery

buying patterns, different buying tastes.”

One example of that, he said, is people looking to buy plants which are further along in the growing process. People seem to have less available time for gardening, so they want to get to the harvest stage as soon as possible. Container gardening is another trend which has grown in recent years.

Perhaps along those same lines of time constraints is the fact that Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses is now doing a lot more lawn maintenance for residential and commercial customers, including regular lawn cutting, fertilizing, and spring and fall clean-ups.

Landscaping services overall have grown to be close to half the business as Millhome also does landscape design and installations, retaining walls, water features including pondless waterfalls, and more. Art said one of his favorite things is meeting with a customer, looking over their property and discussing what they want done, then a few short weeks later standing there again as they both smile while enjoying the finished product.

Always something to do “It never gets dull here because there’s always something to do,” Art said. In the fall they are reviewing their notes from the past season and placing orders for the following spring while also preparing poinsettias and making wreaths for the holidays.

In February the first shipments of

young plants arrive, thus beginning the process of putting them into planters in the back greenhouses.

By mid-March the plants have already grown to the point where the VanderWaals have to start moving them to the main greenhouse as they prepare for their usual April 1 opening. Even then they are still about a month away from the six-week stretch of May to mid-June when the vast majority of their sales take place. Candy said Saturdays during that stretch are crazy—in a good way, of course.

Even though the majority of plants are grown and live indoors in the network of greenhouses, Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses is still somewhat a slave to the weather. If spring comes early and the weather stays nice, customers will be showing up early and ready to buy.

If snow and hail are mixing with rain a week before Mother’s Day as happened last year, sales are delayed or people even decide to cut back for the year because of the late start. “You just don’t know,” Art said.

Enjoying what they are doing But even though the business is a lot of work and they are sometimes impacted by weather, it is clear the VanderWaals have enjoyed what they have been doing for the past 20 years. For the first time this year, Art gets to focus exclusively on the business as he retired from his other full-time job of teaching after last school year.

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

continued from page 13 A Art said he is looking forward to spending more time in all aspects of the business, including working with customers. “Customer service is something we’ve always prided ourselves on,” he said. They and their staff—which reaches about 10 people at peak times—keep a note pad by the cash register to jot down any special requests from customers.

“We try to look for unique plants,” Candy said, adding that they encourage customer input. “We grow most of our plants.” They also cautioned, however, that some trendy plants just do not take off in Wisconsin growing conditions.

They said they like to see how new plants perform for a year—both in terms of growing and popularity—before jumping into them in order to protect their customers from what could turn out to be poor decisions.

In addition to getting the plants started for the coming carloads of shoppers from Kiel, Elkhart Lake, Plymouth, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Green Bay, and elsewhere, the VanderWaals are busy renovating their store area. The original beams of the former barn are being exposed and painted white to brighten the shop area. Candy added that the shop contains a lot more retail items for sale than they had when they first opened 20 years ago. Customers will find a selection of plant care products, containers, and other gardening items in the store.

“Improving is always the word here,” Art said. “We’re continually trying to offer a better product.”

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Quality products at Konen Sales

Konen Sales & Service has been serving the area for 30 years.

“We sell quality products and service what we sell,” said Mike Konen, who owns the business along with wife Pam. “Service is an important part of business.

We offer pick-up and delivery. Trade-ins are welcomed.”

Located at 23119 STH 57, Kiel, Konen Sales & Service offers Simplicity, Ariens, Snapper, and a complete line of Stihl products. “We are looking at expanding our lawn and garden line by adding additional product lines,” Mike said.

“We stock parts for small engines and we carry a complete line of Interstate batteries for ATVs, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and automobiles.”

The showroom is changed out during the year and kept stocked with inventory for the different seasons. Konen said, “Stop in and check out the redesigned Simplicity XL Legacy for which you can get attachments like a front loader and several others, all PTO shaft driven.

“We are also a U-Haul dealer carrying trucks, trailers, etc. We carry UHaul supplies for your moving needs, boxes, furniture pads, dollies, packing tape, etc.”

Customers also can find a line of bird feeders made in Chilton by Backyard Nature Products. Bird seed and suet are also available.

For more information about Konen Sales & Service stop in or call 894-7000.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

15 A

Do-it-yourself law? Not a good idea

By Mark Sherry With decades of service as an attorney serving Kiel and the surrounding area, Jim Ungrodt has seen plenty of trends come and go as the times change in his profession.

“Nothing is as constant as change, especially in the legal profession,” Ungrodt said recently while sitting at his desk in his longtime office at 317 Fremont St. Ungrodt has observed that the number of lawyers in Wisconsin has remained the same in recent years but there are probably fewer lawyers based in smaller communities such as Kiel. Ungrodt did a quick comparison of practicing attorneys in Kiel, New Holstein, and Chilton from the 1980s to today and by his count they have declined by about 30 percent.

While fewer lawyers might be part of a punch line for a joke, Ungrodt said the reasons for that trend are not good for society.

“Other businesses have said, ‘Oh, you don’t need a lawyer for that,’” Ungrodt said. “There are do-it-yourself lawyers.

People are hurting themselves by doing that and often spending more money by not using the services of a lawyer in many cases.”

Ungrodt said one example where that is true is in real estate transactions where he sees too many people shunning the use of an attorney and then being charged excessive fees for relatively basic procedures. “People are taking a financial risk by trying to do ‘simple’ real estate matters without an attorney,”

he said.

Other home buyers, Ungrodt said, have been stung by finding out after the fact that there are certain legal encumbrances connected with their property that they might have known about had they involved a lawyer who is good at reading the fine print and knowing what to read carefully.

The high cost of education to become a lawyer may be another factor which is diminishing their numbers. Those new lawyers who are entering the field usually locate in larger cities.

All these factors are “pushing the little guy out,” Ungrodt said. “There are a lot of good lawyers in small firms.”

With all that said, Ungrodt believes there are just as many reasons people should look to attorneys in small firms and small communities to get the best possible assistance.

“We know the issues in the community and we know the people,” he said.

“We are going to give them as effective service as possible.”

Once again, Ungrodt emphasized that attorneys know how to and will check into “more than just the obvious” when it comes to any type of legal transaction.

Ungrodt said he handles multiple different aspects of law including collections, landlord/tenant issues, real estate transactions, and estate planning.

For more information or to get assistance from a hometown attorney with years of experience, stop in Ungrodt’s office or call 894-2283.

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Kiel attorney Jim Ungrodt can list a number of reasons why it makes good sense for people to use the services of a lawyer from the area in which they live.

Mark Sherry photo

Kiel Auto Repair keeps vehicles going

Wally Wright is the owner of Kiel Auto Repair, located at 1301 STH 67 on Kiel’s northeast side.

The business focuses on auto repair including check engine lights, tires, air conditioning repairs, tune-ups, engine work, transmissions, oil changes—just about anything a vehicle might need.

More recently Kiel Auto Repair has started doing custom exhaust work and

also added a smoke machine to help identify leaks in air conditioning systems.

Kiel Auto Repair also helps the community by serving as a drop-off site for aluminum cans with proceeds going to Special Olympics in Manitowoc County.

To learn more or to schedule service for a vehicle, call Wally or Kevin at 894-3456.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Bonde’s continues tradition of excellence

By Faye Burg A mainstay in Cleveland for 35 years, Bonde’s Quik Mart, Inc. continues to strive for impeccable service and a wide variety of product for their customers.

Bonde’s Quik Mart began in 1982 when Donald Bonde constructed the first building in Cleveland.

“It was small at first and then he added an addition onto the building in 1987,” daughter Karen Hennings said. “The addition added a bakery, deli and small office.”

After assisting her father once at the store, Karen thought she would like to work more often at the business when her children were older. She officially joined the business in 1992 after much prodding from her father. “He retired in 1996 and I took over,” she said, adding her father was still actively helping with the business along with the new construction in 1998.

The entire Quik Mart was demolished in 1998 to make way for a 7,200 building that took three years to plan and build.

In addition to a wide array of offerings in the convenience store, customers can enjoy a Subway restaurant that inhabits part of the building.

Well known for carrying Cedar Crest hand dipped ice cream, Karen said she enjoys hearing from customers who rave about the service they received and the products offered. “I often hear people say we have the best bakery, sandwiches, peanut squares, and more,” Karen commented. “We strive to offer excellent customer service all around.”

With 25 employees, Bonde’s Quik Mart delivers on its promise to live up to its customers high expectations.

Offering quality CITGO gas and diesel fuels, customers of Bonde’s Quik Mart enjoy the convenience of a large store area with very competitively priced groceries. “We have our own in house bakery and deli,” Karen said. “We offer license plate renewal that is fast and friendly.”

In addition to enjoying the convenience of grocery and bakery needs, customers can purchase or rent movies on DVD. “We also have postage stamps for sale for added customer convenience,” Karen added.

In 2003, Bonde’s Quik Mart purchased a service station in Kiel, which was operated as part of Bonde’s for 13 years until it was recently sold in 2016. “Customers can still find our donuts and sandwiches at the Kiel location as we deliver there three times a week,” Karen said.

Celebrating 35 years While Bonde’s Quik Mart traditionally holds special sales and events during June Dairy month, customers can look forward to an extra special event in October when the business celebrates their yearly 35th anniversary.

“We plan on having a celebration the end of October which will last at least one week,” Karen said. Part of the celebration will include a special brewing of Bonde’s Beer from the Steven’s Point Brewery. “The beer will be available all summer long,” Karen said.

“The past two and a half years we have

Bonde’s Quik Mart employees are (front, from left) owner Karen Hennings, Hannah Meyer, Chris Spindler, and Sam Schneider; and (back) Roger Bonde, Suzy Cedano, and Megan Wolf. Employees not present for the photo are Ann Albright, Holden Backus, Jessica Boley, Russell Bonde, Andrew Brockmann, Angie Hasenstein, Laura Hemb, Emily JoseCastillo, Amy Kapelka, Ellen Kohlmann, Britta Koenig, Debra Long, Lily Lopez, Jessica McWilliams, Jacque Rupp, Bonnie Stiefvater, Eric Usitalo, and Janet Wuestenhagen.

Faye Burg photo

been dedicated to learning more about the next generations,” Karen said. “We realize that to keep ahead of the game, we need to keep pace with the modern world. We need to know and understand how to provide the work experience employees crave plus we need to understand what a modern convenience store shopper wants and needs including wide product selection, a clean atmosphere and excellent customer service.”

“In 2011 we installed a 19.98 KW Solar Electric System that helps provide some of the electricity needed to run the lights, compressors and pumps,” Karen said the business has seen substantial energy savings since the addition of the system, which allows them to pass on the savings to their customers.

“Our business has always been family owned. We’ve always tried to provide whatever possible to our customers,” Karen said.

“Most of all you can count on us to be trustworthy and to respect those around us and the environment in which we live,” she added.

Open 365 days a year and with hours of 5 a.m. until 10 p.m., Bonde’s Quik Mart is a favorite destination for customers.

Bonde’s Quik Mart, Inc. is located at 1517 North Ave., in Cleveland and can be reached by calling (920) 693-3145.

Customers can reach Karen by emailing bondesquikmart@tds.net.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

17 A

Fromm Accounting enjoys steady growth

By Mike Mathes Fromm Accounting continues to serve the wider Kiel area community in the traditions established by the practice’s predecessor, Ron Langenfeld. Owner and CPA Jeremy Fromm is pleased with the progress his firm has made in that transition.

“Things have gone very smoothly for us as we have retained our client base and grown many of the aspects of our business in that short three year period,” he said.

Fromm has built his practice with attention to a simple, yet critical focus.

“We continue to provide top level accounting services at affordable rates for our customer base,” he said. “We strive to provide outstanding CPA firm services at prices that are lower than many of our nationally-known, nationally-advertised competitors.”

Fromm says it is all about offering the services customers expect at a price that fits the community’s needs. “We are pleased to see how the marketplace has responded to this philosophy,” he added.

Personal relationships continue to be highly valued by the Kiel-based accounting firm. “We offer loyalty, familiarity and stability to our clients.

Those are all values that promote the trust they place in us,” Fromm said.

Services tailored to needs All accounting services at Fromm Accounting are tailored to the customer’s needs. Some customers only need assistance once a year, while others may work with their accounting multiple times a year, even multiple times in the same week. It all boils down to the services required.

A significant amount of the work offered by Fromm Accounting lies in tax compliance and tax planning. Services are provided for businesses and individuals alike. And business clients range from sole owners to larger corporate concerns.

Fromm likes to focus on tax planning as a means of helping people to save money and preserve their earnings and resources.

Tough to forecast Fromm said the political climate and change in administrations has made it difficult to forecast the kinds of tax changes that lie ahead for 2017. “We saw only minor revisions for 2016,” he said. “The reputable sources that I follow say we could be in for the kinds of changes in our tax system that we haven’t seen for 30 years.

Exactly how things will change, no one knows.”

A great deal of tax planning in recent years has revolved around health insurance. “What will happen in that segment of the economy is highly uncertain in the future,” he said. “Things should be Turn to page 18 A

Key members of the tax team at Fromm Accounting are (from left) Robert Pautz, Jeremy Fromm, Becky Fromm, and Sheila Hemb. Mike Mathes photo

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

7 Corners Bar undergoes big changes

By Mark Sherry Businesses and buildings obviously change over time, especially a business like 7 Corners Bar which has been a tavern for 80 years as of this year.

They also change a lot when they have an owner like Billy Kreutz.

Kreutz purchased the historic bar late in 2014 and has not slowed down since.

People driving past on STH 32/57 between Kiel and New Holstein undoubtedly noticed the changes to the exterior, but anyone who has not stopped in for a while will be amazed at what they find inside.

“We stayed very local with our contractors and couldn’t have done this without the help of Dave’s Home Improvement, M&R Construction, Elite Decorating, Four Seasons Electric, Meyer Plumbing, Krause Construction, Advanced Custom Geothermal, Roeh Excavating, and Pethan’s Air Services.

Along with Kreutz they all have played a key role in transforming the 7 Corners Bar of yesteryear into the 7 Corners Bar of tomorrow.

“We’re not a supper club, but I was looking for a bar with a separate dining room,” he said. He got that and soon went to work making the dining room larger while also refurbishing everything inside—a new bar, back bar, brighter lighting, and a natural wood theme throughout. Where there was once a bar with nine stools is now a bar with 22 stools. The small dining room used to handle 18 people at a time but now comfortably seats 30.

New ramps, decks Many people now enter 7 Corners via the new ramp on the south side of the building. Soon the entrance on the east side will be changed as well as the old cement stairs will be removed and another ramp will be constructed leading up to what will be a new deck measuring 18 feet by 45 feet. People will be able to dine or gather on that deck and get served via a pass-through window into the bar.

Kreutz said he hopes to have that project done sometime this summer along with finishing the floor inside the bar. It is hard to find time to get at those projects as Kreutz, girlfriend Jackie Matzdorf, and their staff have created a challenge for themselves—their food is so good that they spend a lot of time serving it up to their patrons.

Kreutz said he enjoys cooking and wanted 7 Corners Bar and Grill to be known as a place for “good bar and grill food.” He added, “I think we’ve accomplished that.”

People can certainly get all the usual bar and grill items at 7 Corners, but Kreutz and his team take it up a notch.

From Wednesday’s pasta dishes—including spaghetti and meatballs—to homemade pizzas and homemade soups, people are finding new favorites at 7 Corners. Kreutz said it does not take long after the 11 a.m. opening on Mondays for people to start flooding in for that day’s special, a one-third pound burger for just $3.50. 7 Corners gets all its meat from Pipe Meat Market and cooks it on its open-flame grill.

Friday fish very popular But the real star so far at 7 Corners is the Friday fish fry. Once again the doors start swinging open at 11 a.m. and do not stop until late into the night. Walleye, haddock, and poor man’s lobster are among the offerings, but the leader is probably the fresh, wild caught, medium sized perch from Lake Erie. Kreutz said medium sized perch do not have the

Inside and out, 7 Corners Bar and Grill along STH 32/57 between Kiel and New Holstein has undergone huge improvements over the past year and a half under the ownership of Billy Kreutz, pictured behind the new bar with girlfriend Jackie Matzdorf. At right is the refurbished and expanded dining room at 7 Corners.

Mark Sherry photo

“fishy taste” which some people do not like. He uses only light breading on his fish, however, so that people know they are eating fish and not a piece of bread, he said.

The Friday fish fry is offered yearround and 7 Corners averages 160 to 170 plates on a Friday, but Kreutz proudly recalls the night they served 208 fish dinners. Kreutz said they have had to stop offering to-go orders after 4 p.m. on Fridays as they could not keep up with the volume.

That is a good challenge to have and shows that the new 7 Corners Bar and its food are being well received. Kreutz has a second cook and is looking for a third, one who might be able to allow 7 Corners to add a Sunday breakfast. As much as he enjoys cooking, Kreutz said he gets more than his fill in the kitchen which closes at 9 p.m. each night. The average close time for the bar is around 11:30 p.m. on weeknights but it depends on the crowd, of course. 7 Corners also distinguishes itself as being one of the only bars open on Mondays, meaning Kreutz often finds himself in the kitchen seven days per week.

As if they are not busy enough, he also enjoys planning special events at 7 Corners. One which is coming up will be the Deviled Egg Devastation on Saturday, March 25. It will be a Deviled Egg making contest open to the first 20 participants each making two dozen deviled eggs. Five judges already have been selected to judge the eggs, but the public also can sample the eggs for $10 per person with the money going to an as-of-yet undetermined local organization or charity.

80th anniversary to be celebrated Then to celebrate the 80th anniversary of 7 Corners as a tavern, a celebration is being planned for Saturday and Sun-

day, July 15-16. A big tent will be set up for the festivities which will include an auction, a DJ, karaoke, a Saturday night band, a Sunday morning polka band, a rock-and-roll band on Sunday afternoon, and a drive-through brat fry both days.

Kreutz said he is looking to partner with a local organization on the brat fry.

In addition, once a month this summer

7 Corners is planning to be the host of a drive-in car show.

A separate building on the grounds is likely to get more use this summer as well and can hold parties of up to 60 people.

It is obvious that Kreutz and 7 Corners Bar and Grill will not be slowing down anytime soon.

Fromm stable with health care for 2017, but looking beyond that it’s highly impossible to predict what will happen.”

Other services In addition to tax compliance and planning services, Fromm Accounting offers bookkeeping and accounting services for small and medium sized businesses.

Payroll services continue to grow as a segment of the business.

Fromm has 15 years experience in accounting, and the Fromm Accounting team brings more than 100 years of

continued from page 17 A

experience to the table.

Fromm Accounting is always seeking and accepting new clients. “Give us a call,” he said. “Phone calls are free and we offer no-obligation quotes.”

Fromm is a Kiel native. He and his wife, Becky, who is an integral part of the business, are current residents of the community.

He believes strongly in being part of the fabric of the community and serves as a coach for youth sports as well as an alderman for the first district on the Kiel City Council.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

19 A

CACHF provides strong community support

By Faye Burg Health care has a strong supporting partnership in the greater Calumet County area.

The partner is a community-supported public trust known as the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation.

Through community contributions the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation continues to support medical training, education, and health care equipment/facilities needs for the benefit of the wider Calumet area.

Since the foundation was created in 1998, the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation has served its mission statement well.

That statement reads, “Promoting the health, welfare and health related education which indirectly or directly support and benefit Calumet Medical Center and the health of citizens residing within the Chilton, New Holstein, Kiel, Hilbert, Potter, Stockbridge and Brillion Zip Codes.”

the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation.

The Health Foundation has awarded 291 scholarships, with a value of $421,000.

A focus on education To date, approximately 90 percent of all grant money awarded by the foundation has gone to support Calumet Medical Center, in conjunction with its mission.

Largely, the fiscal backing has supporting infrastructure needed for continued excellence in health care through services provided at Calumet Medical Center.

Even in that commitment, education has ways been a major focus of

Tax exempt public trust Calumet Area Community Health Foundation (CACHF) is a tax exempt public charity trust, operating exclusively within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

The Calumet Area Community Health Foundation was created in 1997 with the same spirit and sense of community, as when Calumet Medical Center began in 1954.

Prior to Calumet Medical Center’s

Growing the base fund Such generosity requires a solid financial base.

Calumet Area Community Health Foundation currently has approximately $6 million in its base fund. However, the goal sought by the foundation to carry on its mission is about twice that amount.

The Calumet Area Community Health Foundation continues to reach out to individuals and groups in the community to request their help in building up the fund’s balance.

“We truly rely on the community to keep this fund working properly to pay dividends back to the health care community,” Calumet Area Community Health Foundation President Glen Calnin said.

The Calumet Area Community Health Foundation recently paid the fifth of six installments of the $3 million pledge for the Calumet Medical Center renovation.

Pictured are CMC Administrator Jenny Derks and CACHF President Glen Calnin.

Faye Burg photo

decision to affiliate with Affinity Health System almost 20 years ago, Calumet Medical Center’s Board of Directors had the foresight to establish the foundation.

They accomplished that task as a means of maintaining the presence of the hospital in Chilton for the community’s long term future.

Through an agreement with Affinity Health care and its affiliations, the Calumet Area Community Health Foundations gives assurances to the community that Calumet Medical Center will always be part of the area’s health care provider systems.

When the foundation was created, its base of funds stemmed from a portion of community investments that had previously supported the hospital. Over time, other contributors both small and large, have continued to help the fund grow.

Public Welcome

The foundation’s presence provides community members with a reliable entity though which their contributions support continued, quality-driven health care facilities and professionals in the Calumet area.

The Calumet Area Community Health Foundation is governed by a local board of directors. Current directors include Andy King, Kim Rietbrock, Jenny Derks, Joe Mathes, Glen Calnin, T. J. Friedrichs, Daniel Thiel and Gene Tipler, M. D. Opportunity to make a difference Foundation President Glen Calnin looks forward to working together with Calumet Medical Center and the community at large to advance health care in Turn to CACHF/page 20 A

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Premier helps boost financial health

By Mark Sherry Anytime is a good time for a person to improve their financial picture, and Premier Financial Credit Union has a number of resources to make that happen.

Among those tools are Premier Financial’s ongoing and incredible loan deals, including 7- and 10-year fixed rate home mortgage loans with rates as low as 3.25 percent. Yes, Premier Financial Credit Union does home mortgages—not to mention loaning money for cars, boats, all-terrain vehicles, campers, motorcycles, vacations, weddings, debt consolidation, etc. People have even come in to one of the offices in Kiel, New Holstein or Chilton to borrow money for a replacement washing machine. “We still make $50 loans,” said Steve Nothem, president and chief executive officer of Premier Financial.

The credit union has 10 employees who work in the lending area and between them they have 165 years of experience in lending either at Premier Financial or other financial institutions.

There are at least two employees skilled in all aspects of lending at each of Premier’s three offices, and all decisions are made locally.

One thing which sets Premier Financial apart in the lending arena is the fact that it still takes into account who a person is when making loan decisions.

“Character is important here,” Nothem said. In return, Nothem said he continues to be amazed at the loyalty which members have shown to the credit union.

Closing costs are covered In addition to extremely low interest rates right now, members at Premier Financial can benefit from a current deal in which all closing costs (in-house loans only) are covered by the credit union.

Closing costs can include origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title searches, insurance, recording fees, credit reports, and possible other costs.

Construction loans, ARM loans, and home equity lines of credit are available at PFCU. These credit union loan products can be used for a person’s primary residence, a second or vacation home, investment property, vacant land, or mobile homes.

Prequalifications also are available at Premier Financial. People can find out ahead of time if they qualify for a home loan, the amount for which they qualify, the monthly payment they can afford, and which type of mortgage best serves their needs. Having a prequalification amount increases a person’s negotiating power with the realtor and/or seller and saves time and money by allowing the buyer to look for a house they can afford.

They will know the loan requirements ahead of time, putting them in a better bargaining position.

If the depth of the credit union’s lending capabilities catches some people by surprise, they really might be interested to note that Premier Financial hired a full-time business lender last May. Chris Schultz is based in PFCU’s New Holstein office but will travel anywhere to meet with current or prospective clients in the credit union’s primary service area of Manitowoc, Calumet, and Sheboygan counties, along with portions of Fond du Lac and Outagamie counties.

Serving small businesses “We have the ability to serve most small businesses in our market,” Nothem said. With 21 years of experience in business lending, Schultz brings the same philosophy to PFCU’s members—the belief that the business owner still matters.

It is all part of a culture of caring about

Staff members at the Kiel branch of Premier Financial Credit Union are (from left) Peggy, Chris, Nancy, Rachael, and Cathy. At right is Branch Manager Peggy Goch who became a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor in the past year along with two other PFCU staff members.

Mark Sherry photos

members which permeates Premier Financial Credit Union. Another example of that—and yet another resource for helping members—is the fact that three Premier Financial employees in the past year became Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors (CCUFC). Kiel Branch Manager Peggy Goch, New Holstein Member Relations Specialist Karen Lisowe, and Chilton Branch Manager Fritzy Brady each received the designation through months of reading, study, and examinations.

Goch explained new CCUFCs received training on lending for the under-served populations, budgeting for households, and budgeting so that loan payments are at a comfortable level for consumers.

Goch said she feels the information she learned in obtaining her CCUFC designation has already benefitted Premier Financial members.

Lisowe emphasized that financial counseling is not just for current PFCU members but for anyone who might be struggling with finances. “They need to want the help,” she said, adding that all assistance is confidential and nonjudgmental. She encouraged anyone in need of help to simply call their local PFCU office. “We get them on track,” Lisowe added. “It’s very individualized.”

Becoming a member of Premier Fi-

CACHF

continued from page 19 A the greater Calumet County area.

“We are very fortunate to have the hospital we have right here in the heart of our county,” he said. “The work of many before us as well are recent efforts such as the successful capital for the addition to Calumet Medical Center which the Foundation was proud to contribute to shows those efforts continue to this day.”

“The quality of staff and health care workers in our modern facility is very impressive,” Calnin added. “Donations to the Foundation have the ability to make all of our lives better for generations to come.”

nancial is as simple as living or working in the previously described service area and opening a $5 savings account.

Call PFCU at 898-4232 or stop in any of the offices to get started on a healthier financial path.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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Year of additions at Treasured Moments

By Mark Sherry Last year was definitely a year of progress for Treasured Moments Photography & Design with the addition of a new studio—and a new baby.

Rachel and Nick Rolf had their new home-based studio well under way last year at this time and had it open for business in May. The timing worked out well for moving their studio from downtown Kiel to a new, separate building adjacent to their home at W2347 Kiel Rd., New Holstein. “Everything turned out as we had planned and prayed for,” Rachel said of the new studio which allows her much more flexibility both in meeting with customers and spending time with her family.

Family members played key roles in constructing and finishing the new studio building, which includes a room for Rachel to meet with clients and do her computer editing of photographs; a room to hold the many props which can be used in her portrait photography; a handicap accessible restroom; and, of course, the studio.

Since the move Rachel has added several new backdrops and has expanded her newborn-wear (headbands, wraps, knits, etc.). These mixed with ones Rachel had in her Kiel location. Rachel also blended colors to paint one wall in the studio to serve as a background, while on the opposite wall a faux white bricking was recently completed to provide an entirely different and new look as a background. Additional props are found in the studio, and Rachel said she always enjoys it when clients bring props along which are important to them as well.

7 7

With samples of some of their photography on the walls of their new rural New Holstein studio, Rachel and Nick Rolf pose with children Zander, 7; Alexis, 5; and Eden, 6 months.

Mark Sherry photo

$ $ off The new studio and their rural setting also allows Treasured Moments more variety when accommodating larger families and groups. Rachel said she has more options available than what she could offer before.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Banzai!

Cleveland State Bank brings program to classrooms

By Mark Sherry Local students are getting a free education in how to manage their money.

Cleveland State Bank is working with Banzai, a national award-winning financial literacy program, to make curriculum available to local schools completely free.

“Banzai is a web-based financial literacy program. Kids get their own accounts, and they work through assignments that are based on real life,” Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai, said. “But because Cleveland State Bank is sponsoring it, local schools get it for free. More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world, and Cleveland State Bank realizes that and they’re doing something about it.”

Banzai is an interactive, online program supplemented by printed workbooks which aligns with state curriculum requirements for personal finance education. It has become the largest program of its kind, servicing more than 25,000 teachers and available in all 50 states.

Cleveland State Bank has offered time, money, industry experience, and a variety of bank resources to help local schools teach personal finance in the classroom. Students using the program are exposed to real-life scenarios where they learn to pay bills and balance a budget—but it is not always easy. Students must learn to manage unexpected expenses such as parking tickets, interest

charges, and overdraft fees. The educational program also introduces students to auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs, savings, and more.

“Too often students get out of school and they just aren’t ready for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” Vandagriff said. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top. We’re excited to work with Cleveland State Bank to improve financial literacy in local schools.”

For over 10 years, Cleveland State Bank has earned the reputation of promoting financial literacy from Wisconsin Bankers Association for their participation in Teach Children to Save and Junior Achievement programs.

Along with the Banzai Financial Literacy Program, schools are welcome to invite a speaker from Cleveland State Bank to join their classroom and answer any questions teachers or students may have.

Teachers interested in using the Banzai program can visit csb.teachbanzai.com or call 888-8-BANZAI. Both teachers and students from the area are finding Banzai to be a valuable program. Patrick from the Sheboygan Falls School District told Cleveland State Bank, “I can’t tell you how much we appreciate you sponsoring our use of Banzai. Not only did it make the use of the site more enjoyable, but it also was a great opportunity for the students to see how local businesses and the school can

Students from the Sheboygan Falls School District recently worked through some exercises in the Banzai program brought to them by Cleveland State Bank.

work together to benefit our students and their education. Thank you again!”

Jennifer Mischler, student in the Sheboygan Falls School District, said, “I didn’t know that it was so hard to budget and try and save money. I also learned all the vocabulary words and what they mean. I also learned you have to be extra careful when it comes to insurance and bills. I didn’t know that so many things could happen so fast. In all I learned a lot and hopefully I will be ready for the

future and soon-to-come bills.”

Sienna Compton, a student in the Sheboygan Falls School District, said, “I learned that it is a lot of work to control your money and pay your bills. You have to take some changes when you are paying those bills. It is very hard to earn extra money, unless you have another side job. It’s best to have a side job because one job in Banzai was not going to Turn to csb/page 23 A

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Treasured Along with some natural settings located on the property, some seasonal outdoor scenes have been created and more are planned for this spring and summer.

Backgrounds, props, and settings are important, but so are the skills of the photographer and how they work with people of all ages. “I really like the variety and the flexibility,” Rachel said of her profession. “I like to photograph newborns, but I like to do weddings, too.” And of course so much in between.

“There isn’t much I don’t like to do because each stage of a child and life have their unique moments,” she said. What’s a good day for her? “It depends on the day really. It could be getting a newborn baby peacefully sleeping, a happy smiling baby, capturing a romantic or special moment at a wedding, having fun with a senior shoot, or even getting a good workout chasing a 2-year-old.”

All types of photography In addition to portraits and weddings, Treasured Moments provides just about any other photography service needed including high school senior photos (see the ad in this Progress edition for their current Senior Session sale) and photography work for area businesses.

To give the public an even better feel for what Treasured Moments can do, the Rolfs will be redoing their Web site (www.treasuredmomentsbyrachel.com) in the next few months with updated photos and information. The new Web site will be much more mobile friendly and a new feature that will be available is that people can purchase gift certificates direct on the site.

23 A

continued from page 21 A

The new studio of Treasured Moments Photography sits adjacent to the home of Nick and Rachel Rolf.

Treasured Moments’ photo booth also continues to be a popular attraction, making appearances at weddings, business and community functions, and school events including proms. Because of the continued popularity and increase in bookings Rachel said they are currently looking for an additional person to staff the booth at these events. (Contact Rachel for information.)

Rachel said she continues to enjoy the photography profession, and it apparently shows in the work she does and in her relationships with customers.

To find out more about Treasured Moments Photography & Design or to schedule an appointment at the new studio, call (920) 901-9270.

CSB

work for me. I never knew that life was this hard with bills and money, but now I know what to expect in the future.”

Vickie, a teacher from the Sheboygan Falls School District, said, “I just started using the program this week with one of my classes. So far so good. Students like to work with the Web site and all feel they can be rich, but then life’s normal expenses get in the way.”

Lastly, teacher Jennifer from the New Holstein School District said, “I used it

continued from page 22 A last quarter in my technology class with sixth graders. I had them complete the scenarios and then put some questions on Google Forms that they needed to answer before going on to the next scenario.

Many got to the independent game and some even played it more than once to see if they could save more money than the last time. I even had some students say that their parents were glad that they were learning these things as it is important to their independent life later.”

24 A Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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Trinity Lutheran School adds faith focus

By Mike Mathes Just like any other school, Trinity Lutheran School fulfills the needs of its students by educating from the academic, physical and emotional realms of learning.

At Trinity Lutheran School, however, there is a fourth realm that plays a large role in the education of young people— and that’s the spiritual realm.

“We teach all the same curriculum that any other school would teach,” Adam Glodowski, Trinity Lutheran School principal said. “But we have the opportunity to share the faith-based perspectives that so many parents are seeking for their children these days.”

No matter what religious background a family might come from, Trinity Lutheran School seeks to provide a faith-based educational option for consideration.

“We fit that niche for families that desire faith-based education for their children,” Glodowski said.

Trinity Lutheran School, serving the Kiel area since 1983, offers instruction ranging from 3-year-old kindergarten through eighth grade. A total of 88 students are attending Trinity Lutheran this year.

Similar curriculum “We offer a curriculum that is similar to what public schools offer,” Glodowski said. “We teach reading, math, grammar, science and history, but we also add religion into the curriculum.”

Additional instruction is offered in music, art and physical education.

Trinity Lutheran School continues to integrate technology into the learning process. Tablets are made available to younger students, while Chrome books are used to give students exposure to technology tools.

“We try to work with both traditional learning methods along with the available technology,” Glodowski said.

“We let the content dictate the curriculum, not the machine.”

Most class sizes are approximately 16 students with multiple grades in some rooms. However, Trinity Lutheran works hard to tailor its education to the needs of the students, whether it be those who excel or those who struggle.

Spiritual perspectives As a faith-based learning institution, Trinity Lutheran is also able to weave spirital discussions and perspectives into the learning process.

“It influences how we teach children about the world around them. We don’t hide from the evolution vs. creation discussion, but we do try to take it on in light of God’s word,” Glodowski said.

When studying historical events, for example, the teachers are able to talk about how kids might see God’s hand at work in history.

“We try to help them make sense of a messy world by talking about how our beliefs play into that,” Glodowski said.

In addition to its traditional classroom

activities, Trinity Lutheran School also promotes multiple extra-currucular activities.

Sports offered at the school include soccer, basketball, softtball, track and wrestling.

Academic opportunities beyond the classroom include field trips, science fairs and quiz bowls. Some are hosted

by Manitowoc Lutheran High School.

Students also have opportunities to participate in programs for music and art.

Even though Trinity Lutheran has its own sports teams, the school also encourages its players to continue to take part on their community teams.

The school cooperates with the Kiel Area Basketball Association, offering KABA the opportunity to use its gym facilities for team practices.

Glodowski also praised the relationship that Trinity Lutheran maintains with the local school districts including support and communication.

Parent involvement One of the keys to the success of the school is the involvement of parents.

Parents have the opportunity to both serve and be served Trinity Lutheran.

“Our first objective is to be together in community. That’s what our faith-based world view calls us to be,” Glodowski said.

“Parents hold each other up, learn from each other and build relationships to help support the exhausting job of parenting.”

He added that whether the parent is connected to the church or not, Trinity Lutheran School wants them to have those positive relationships with the school and other parents.

Parents also have opportunities to grow in community through the many chances to volunteer in service to the school.

Gettting to know the school For parents interested in getting to know more about Trinity Lutheran, Glodowski suggests scheduling a visit to the school.

“The best way for people to get to know more about us is to come for a tour any time. We will show them through the building, let them observe and ask questions,” he said.

The school also hosts major public events throughout the year to connect with the wider community.

At the appropriate holidays, Trinity Lutheran School hosts Easter for Kids, Christmas for Kids and Trunk or Treat.

Other special activities include Jump Rope For Heart, Grandparents Day, Scholastic Book Fair, all-school plays, art receptions, a Children’s Christmas service, and literature fairs to name a few examples.

Keeping costs affordable Glodowski said Trinity Lutheran strives to keep the costs of its tuition affordable.

Contributions from congregation

Educational activities in the classroom, on the field of play, and in the community abound for students at Trinity Lutheran School. A total of 88 students are attending the school this year. The school is located on Kiel’s far southeast side.

members enable the church to subsidized family who have students at Trinity Lutheran, whether they are members of the congregation or not.

“We are fortunate here. Our congregation is so supportive of the school. The people of the church love this school and they are happy to offer their support,” Glodowski said.

“That’s a real blessing for Trinity Lutheran School.”

Glodowski said the aim is to make the faith-based education an available and affordable option for everyone in the wider Kiel community.

In addition to support from the church, the school also has a scrip program to allow families an opportunity to work toward tuition requirements.

“We are not for everyone, but we will accept anyone,” Glodowski said.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Upgrades taking shape for utilities

By Mike Mathes Providing utility services to residents and business in the wider Kiel community continues to be the mission of the Kiel Electric Utility.

Two major utility projects are in full swing for the Kiel Utilities according to Kris August, general manager for the Kiel Utilities. Both are gearing up to help the community adapt to future utility needs.

Just west of town, and the Meyer Road Substation, the Kiel Electric Utility is getting a complete upgrade. Work this past winter has replaced all the switch gear and the breakers at the substation, with an accompanying cost of $1.5 million for the utility.

August said the original transformer from the substation remained in working order, and was incorporated in the upgrade.

At the same time, WE Energies installed new equipment at the substation and American Transmission Company also upgraded its feed into the station.

“This gives us a new backup system for city power,” August said. “There will still be a small amount of lag time when we are forced to go to backup, but we do have an adequate backup available from WE Energies.”

With two feeds into the City of Kiel, the electric utility has improved the reliability of the system, but the Meyer Road transformer is still the fault point.

August said that the improvements have helped reduce some of the time that may be needed to switch over to the backup system.

Under a 10-year plan, the utility is

The newly completed renovations at the Meyer Road Substation are in place to help assure more power reliability for the City of Kiel Utilities. Mike Mathes photo

looking at adding a second transformer at the substation. That would enable the city to implement an automatic switch to the alternate power source, instead of manual on-site switching used currently.

“The whole objective is to give us more reliable power and less down time in the event of an incident,” August

added.

Break for ratepayers Utility users will benefit from some other good financial news for the utility.

The utility recently received correspondence from ATC, indicating the Public Service Commission reduced

ATC’s rate of return from 12 percent to 10.8 percent. The change will result in a refund of approximately $75,000 for the electric utility.

That refund will help defray costs through a reduction of the PCAC charge Turn to UTILITIES/page 4 B

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been grateful for the effort to work with several of our largest employers in the past few years, laying the groundwork for new job opportunities, economic expansion and future growth.

Thanks to a cooperative All this has been accomplished efforts with partnering while allowing the city to build industries, the City of Kiel and revamp infrastructure needs is working hard to promote in a manner that safeguards our growth, job development and an economic future that secures affordable tax and utility rates. the way of life we cherish in our Improvements to streets have been done in affordable fashion small, prosperous city. through tax district projects.

Through tax incremental We continue to look to build planning, and cooperative on Kiel’s future, and we thank foresight, the City of Kiel has iel is a great place to work, live and play. It’s also known as the “little city that does big things.”

To learn more about the

CIty of KIel check our website at www.ci.kiel.wi.us 920-894-2909

partners like Amerequip, Land O’Lakes, Sargento and PolarWare Stoelting for their continued investments in Kiel’s future.

The success of local industry helps generate economic success for other community businesses and contributes to the overall quality of life in our community.

Working together, we shape Kiel’s future.

For more information on economic development opportunities, please contact City Administrator Dennis Dedering at 894-2909, ext. 102.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

the little city that does

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Relaxation helps overall health

As busy and productive as our lives are, we seldom take the time to relax and take care of ourselves.

According to licensed massage therapist Sherry Winkel of Therapeutic Touch, LLC in Kiel, the goal of massage therapy is to reduce stress, relax muscles, diminish pain, promote overall wellness, and increase circulation.

It can also lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, increase range of motion, and enhance your immune system.

At Therapeutic Touch, 317 Fremont St., a variety of massage therapies are available to meet your needs. Offered are relaxation, therapeutic (deep tissue), myofascial release, Craniosacral Therapy, lymphatic, Raindrop Therapy, and facial massage.

“Massage therapy is one way to help ease your body back into balance,” Winkel said. “We also need to look at other

Subscribe to the Tri-County News...just $35 per year in the area. Call 894-2828 to get started on your 52week per year report of what is happening in the area.

areas of your life as we work toward achieving a balanced body. We all know dietary changes and exercise play a role, but it is so much more than that. While it can be overwhelming, we believe in making these changes one by one. We

want you to succeed and keep building on that success.”

Celebrating 15 years of service, Winkel would like to thank all of her clients who have used massage therapy and think it can help. She added, “Start today, take charge of your health and take the time to start listening to your body. Make massage therapy a part of your health regime and call today for an appointment.”

Utilities

for purchased power on the monthly electrical bill.

August said it would amount in a reduction of $4-$5 monthly for the average residential user.

Wastewater project to begin In 2017, Kiel Wastewater Treatment Utility will begin its multi-million dollar upgrade of the Kiel treatment plant.

The project is largely connected to improvements and expansions at the utility’s largest customer, Land O’Lakes. To handle the expansion, the first phase of the improvements is being designed to increase capacity for hydraulic loads on the wet end of the plant.

August said that the expansions at Land O’Lakes have the potential to add about 25% to the overall flow plant intake. Wastewater from the dairy plant will increase the BOD (biological oxygen demand) and suspended solid concentration by about 50 percent.

“It’s the equivalent of adding about 10,000 people to the city,” August said.

To handle the critical dairy customer, he noted that Kiel’s plant is being built to handle the treatment needs that might be required for a city of 40-50,000 residen-

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tial customers.

Recouping the cost Costs for the treatment plant are born proportionately by the industrial customers. About 75 percent of the wastewater treatment operation costs comes from the commercial/industrial users of the community.

The utility’s rate system imposes charges based on the concentration and volume of waste influent.

Rate increases were put in place last year to start raising the appropriate revenue to pay for the renovations and operations of the expanded plant.

Typical residential customers saw an average increase of eight percent. Industrial customers saw their fees increase by about 25 percent.

Meeting the first requirements “Our immediate needs are to meet the permit requirements that will be in place for 2018,” August said. “Beyond that we will be waiting to see what the industry does and what we need to address in the next phase.”

Original estimates on the plant renovation ranged from $15 to $20 million. This

first wave of improvements will cost in the range of $5 million, with a ‘wait-andsee’ approach to the remaining needs.

The lower cost for the initial phase of the project means that the utility can go out to borrow the money directly. While other grant and funding opportunities were available, they came with an inordinate amount of red tape potential.

Water system upgrades August said the Kiel Water Utility will continue its process of reviewing and upgrading its system in 2017.

Lead laterals are being replaced to meet state and federal standards. The total of 265 remaining lead laterals in the city must be phased out over the next 10 years.

Mandatory replacements of laterals connected with the 2017 Sixth Street reconstruction project will take care of about 20 percent of those, with a similar number targeted for the 2018 street reconstruction project.

Some will need to be replaced along Seventh Street, as they were not part of the Seventh Street reconstruction a few years back.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

5B

Eclectic Energy provides one-stop relaxation spot

By Faye Burg Eclectic Energy LLC strives to provide a one-stop relaxation center filled with personalized services and products.

Established in 2011 by owner Kim Riebe, Eclectic Energy offers a variety of services for clients including massage therapy, Reiki, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, Thai Massage and Reflexology.

“Our goal is to help you to achieve optimal health and beauty inside and out,” Riebe said.

Kim’s passion to help others began in 2002 when she was certified as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist, continuing her education to include Equine Acupressure and Alternative Therapies.

She was then able to expand her practice to include dogs and cats.

“After seeing amazing results with these therapies I decided to do the same work with people,” Riebe said, graduating from Blue Sky School of Professional Massage and Therapeutic Bodywork in 2008. In 2016 she started the Aesthetic’s program at MATC. In order to provide the best, most optimal services and treatments to her clients, Riebe, already a licensed massage therapist and body worker, will complete her education and become a licensed aesthetician in May of this year.

“That will allow me to add facials, waxing, and spray tans to the menu,” she said. “This will include microdermabraision, chemical peels, and specific spot treatments of certain skin condition such as skin tags, cherry angiomas, and more.”

Riebe also looks forward to expanding her exclusive Bath House Collection, a hand crafted line of bath and body products.

A new nail studio addition already in the works will be occupied by a nail technician who will be able to provide manicures and pedicures.

The business recently moved from 603 Fremont Street in Kiel to 605 Fremont Street. Riebe said the move will allow her to provide the additional service and carry more aromatherapy and other natural health products.

“Relieving pain and helping improve my clients health and well being naturally is very rewarding,” Riebe said.

“I strive to provide therapeutic results in every treatment while keeping clients relaxed in a secure and serene environment,” Riebe continued, adding local and organic products are used whenever possible.

“I only work with environmentally friendly companies and I keep things as cost effective as possible without sacrificing quality,” she added.

Kim Riebe of Eclectic Energy said she is thrilled to be offering expanded services at her new location at 605 Fremont St.

Faye Burg photo Also learn more about Eclectic Energy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google Plus.

Riebe said she is thankful for her clients past and present and for the support shown through the years. “Thank you for allowing Eclectic Energy to grow and flourish,” she said.

Eclectic Energy LLC is located at 605 Fremont Street and can be reached by calling (920) 894-2900. Additional information can be found by visiting eclecticenergyllc.com.

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6B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

No project too small, too big

Meyer Plumbing puts experience to work for residential, commercial needs

By Mike Mathes Plumbing needs can range from a dripping faucet to a major industrial expansion project.

No matter the reason or the season, Meyer Plumbing is poised and ready with solutions for every plumbing need.

Based in Kiel since 2004, Meyer Plumbing serves the wider four-county area that includes Manitowoc, Calumet, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan Counties.

Owner and master plumber Brian Meyer said his company takes great pains to be able to serve that wide range of plumbing needs that range from major, visible commercial projects, to the quiet, subtle work done for private homeowners.

Visible community efforts Meyer Plumbing has been integrally involved in several key community projects this past year.

“We have been pleased to be part of a very visible community project in the renovation of the Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church,” Meyer said.

Meyer Plumbing’s role included removing existing bathrooms and replacing them with new, along with work on storm drains and sewer laterals.

Another major visible project involving Meyer Plumbing this year was the latest Amerequip expansion. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve this local industry.”

Everyday household needs While the public view projects are indicative of the scope of Meyer Plumbing’s capabilities, a great deal of the company’s work involves residential applications.

“We welcome and work extensively with a complete range of residential plumbing issues,” Meyer said.

Whether it’s fixing drains, working on a family’s kitchen faucets, cleaning up a bathroom emergency or working with a sump pump, Meyer Plumbing’s services span the gamut of plumbing needs.

“We are here to respond to the everyday service calls,” Meyer said. When something breaks unexpectedly, or stops working, Meyer Plumbing is ready to intervene with the right solution.

With a 24/7 answering service, Meyer Plumbing is responsive to emergency needs. “When it’s a serious problem, we try to respond immediately. For many things, we try to assure people that it will be okay until we can get a look at their issue.”

New projects, upgrades In addition to aiding in times of emergencies, Meyer Plumbing also works with home owners and contractors to lend design and installation expertise to home construction and remodeling projects.

The plumbing firm takes a consultative approach to projects. Finding the right plumbing design solutions is a strength of Meyer Plumbing. The company works with people to meet changing needs as

they advance through the stages of their lifetimes. Key plumbing design solutions can aid residents in remaining in their homes as long as possible.

Septic work a key area Meyer Plumbing also offers complete septic solutions ranging from installation of new septic systems as well as tank replacements for systems that fail.

“We take care of everything from the soil testing phase to the first flush,” Meyer noted. He said it’s critical to install the right type of septic system based on soil type and topography of the land where the system will be installed.

As a bonus to home owners and businesses, Meyer Plumbing offers its own excavating services, simplifying both communication and completion of service for its customers through a single dependable contractor. With its own excavating equipment, Meyer Plumbing also has the ability to give its attention to sewer repairs, lateral repairs or replacements, mini storm sewers and water line replacements.

“Having the equipment is really helpful when a homeowner is putting on a small addition, or wanting to reshape a portion of their property,” Meyer said.

Changing the contour of the land can help divert water around a building, or solve other drainage needs.

Water quality issues Meyer Plumbing offers water quality solutions for all customers, but rural customers have unique needs.

“Water quality solutions aren’t quite as important for those who have municipal water service,” Meyer said. “It’s more of an issue for private wells.

Among those solutions are reverse osmosis systems and drinking water filtration systems.

“Parts of our area have significant nitrate concerns while other people along the lakes deal with sulfur and iron issues,” Meyer said.

Those solutions can assist in removing nitrates, minerals and odors. Filtration systems aid in cleaning up impurities in the drinking water and making it safer to drink.

Experienced master plumber Owner Brian Meyer serves as a master plumber, personally bringing 26 years of experience to his trade, in addition to the tenure logged by his team of licensed and experienced plumbers.

Customers are welcome to visit the Meyer Plumbing showroom from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday – Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Office and showroom manager, Linda Halfmann, assists customers with questions, design ideas and selections. She also has an extensive background in the home plumbing design industry.

Visit www.meyerplumbing.com to learn more about the company and how it can serve any and all plumbing needs that may occur.

Thanks for making the Tri-County News your favorite community news source!

Subscribe for just $35 per year by calling 894-2828.

Subscriptions make great gifts, too!

At Meyer Plumbing, customer services range from fixing small faucet drips to major excavation needed for septic system or significant plumbing projects.

Owner Brian Meyer, pictured above, has been in the trade for 26 years. At right is a kitchen sink display from the Meyer Plumbing showroom.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

7B

Kiel Chamber makes positive impact

By Faye Burg The Kiel Area Association of Commerce strives to promote business, industry, and the community of Kiel.

The organization has been an active and driving force in Kiel since it was created in 1919.

Through the years, the Association of Commerce has made its presence known through a series of promotional and educational events that have grown in scope and size. Some have become part of the annual fabric of the Kiel community.

Among them are events like the recently held ice sculpting event, the Kiel German Day scheduled for June 9 and the Kiel Parade which is set for Aug. 13.

Nov. 25 is the date for the annually held Kiel Christmas Parade, the Kiel Kraftacular will be held on Aug. 26 and Trick or Treat Fest on Oct. 29.

Lights for Loved Ones and Who Dunnit are additional events that will be held during the upcoming year.

Chamber members are constantly looking for ways to add to their promotions list, while at the same time growing the promotions that have been traditional.

Each year at its annual meeting, the Kiel Area Association of Commerce recognizes business members for their service to the chamber and the community.

Mary Ann Ristow of Ristow Roofing was most recently honored as the outstanding member of the year.

Recognized as Small Business of the Year was Roeck’s Bakery while Sargento received the Large Business of the Year award.

Chamber members meet the second

2017 Kiel Area Association of Commerce Board of Directors include front, from left, Becky Schmid-Agristaff USA, Matt Gannon-Riesterer Financial Services, Missy Brandt-Administrative Assistant, Joan Lechler-Bank Mutual and Chamber Treasurer, Mary Christel-Christel’s Pet Supplies & More and Past President. Back, Theresa Zimmermann-Future Focus Group, Kevin Moehring-Collins State Bank, Fallon Phillip-PW Stoelting, Dennis Weber-Weber Oil, Shawn ManganEissens & Haasl Financial Group and Chamber President, Pam Mathes-Delta Publications and Chamber Secretary. Not pictured is Roxane Lisowe-Sneak A Peek Boutique.

Wednesday of each month and are planning another action-packed year of promotions. Ice Sculpting is already in the books for this year.

June will bring German Days—the chamber’s major fundraiser to support the Kiel Parade.

WhoDunnit, a mystery evening involving Kiel businesses, will return for a third

year after successful events the previous two years. The theme will be announced in September.

Planning is already under way for another great Kiel Parade, the most visible event hosted each year by the Kiel Area Association of Commerce.

Funds raised from German Day and the 50-50 raffle are used by the Cham-

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ber to bring in the marching groups for the parade.

Volunteers who help run those events are vital to the Chamber’s success each year and while participation is good, they are looking for additional volunteers to help keep the organization successful.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Chamber

The Kiel Area Association also provides member support in numerous ways.

Educational workshops are offered as topics of need are identified and include learning opportunities consisting of marketing, employee retention and growing your business more efficiently and effectively.

New this year are Chamber Social Link gatherings and the CSL Mastermind Group. “Every month after our meeting, chamber members meet at a local place of business to socialize with good old fashion conversation,” 2017 Chamber President Shawn Mangan said.

“The Mastermind Group meets on Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. every other month at the Community Center for open discussion of business opportunities, concerns, and questions. This is an open group to individuals and business owners” Chamber members are actively working to figure out ways to boost Kiel’s downtown, in answer to some of the business attrition that has occurred on Fremont Street.

The Kiel Area Association of Commerce serves its mission through its committee structure.

The Economic and Workforce Development Committee includes subgroups devoted to capital improvements, economic development and workforce development.

Retail events, special events and media exposure are all just a part of the work done by the Promotions, Special Events, and Membership committees.

The chamber also offers a public kiosk in the 500 block of Fremont Street to allow members an opportunity to promote their own businesses.

Fundraising events The chamber holds several major fundraising events throughout the year including the Kiel Kraftacular, the 5050 raffle, and the organization’s major fundraiser, German Day. Governed by a Board of Directors, the chamber leadership group including Becky Schmid of Agristaff USA, Matt Gannon of Riesterer Financial Services, Executive Secretary Missy Brandt, Chamber Treasurer Joan Lechler of Bank Mutual, Chamber past-President Mary Christel of Christel’s Pet Supplies & More, Theresa Zimmermann of Future Focus Group, Kevin Moehring of Collins State Bank, Fallon Phillip of PW Stoelting, Dennis Weber of Weber Oil, Chamber President Shawn Mangan

continued from page 7 B

AAC

Kiel Area Association of Commerce

of Eissens & Haasl Financial Group, Chamber Secretary Pam Mathes of Delta Publications, Roxane Lisowe of Sneak A Peek Boutique, and Dave DeTroye of Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill.

2017 Chamber President Shawn Mangan said the organization is an open membership. “Everyone is welcome at our monthly meetings,” he explained.

“We are always open and love to hear new suggestions and ideas. We would like more participation.”

Mangan said there is a great value that comes with chamber membership, not just direct sales but also finding employees and building relationships, and more.

“Members can be as much or as little involved as works for them,” he added.

“We are looking to drive business in Kiel for the benefit of our members and trying to showcase Kiel as a community to live and work.”

“We are a community that does big things but let’s not settle there,” he said.

For more information about the Kiel chamber, please visit the association’s website at www.kielwi.org or find them on Facebook.

The annual Kiel Ice Carving Contest—held in early February—is just one of the events coordinated by the Kiel Area Association of Commerce and one of the ways it works to bring people into Kiel. It is hoped that while visitors are in the city checking out the ice carvings they might also stop for a bite to eat, gas for their vehicle, etc., or they might see a business which will ring a bell the next time they need a product or service which that business might offer.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

9B

Bargain hunting helps people in need

By Mark Sherry A lot of people enjoy “thrifting,” or going to stores such as the St. Vincent de Paul shop at 1234 Teckla Place in Kiel.

Many of those bargain hunters, however, might not pause to think about all the good which happens behind the scenes and which is made possible largely through their purchases.

In 2016 the Kiel St. Vincent de Paul chapter paid rent, utility, food and/or gas bills totaling over $41,600 for people in need living in the Kiel area. Another 400 people in need received help in the form of merchandise from the Kiel store, and St. Vincent de Paul’s Christmas Cheer program provided another $10,000 in assistance—much of that in the form of Piggly Wiggly gift cards so that families could enjoy some good meals around the holidays.

The St. Vincent de Paul store is in part a visible fundraising arm for all the good things done by a relatively small group of St. Vincent de Paul members. Leslie Schuette, president of the local society, said a focus has been placed in recent years on society members visiting the homes of the people they are helping.

A total of 103 home visits were made in 2016 and 321 people were assisted. Some are people who have lost their jobs, while others are struggling with health issues.

There are other reasons as to why people might need help, but Schuette and Site Manager Vickey Heimermann said all that really matters is that people call 8947834, extension 2 if they need assistance.

“The big thing we’ve been starting to do is not just writing a check but staying with them and helping them,” Schuette

Volunteers Betty (left) and Kathy sort donated clothing which just arrived at St. Vincent de Paul’s store in Kiel.

Mark Sherry photo

said. While the number of people receiving help has grown over the years as more people have learned about St. Vincent de Paul and what it does, the women agree that sometimes pride gets

in the way of people in need reaching out.

Heimermann said, “I think there are a lot of elderly who think ‘other people need more help.’” They added that assistance is available to people regardless of age.

In addition to receiving assistance with critical bills, people also can get help in the form of clothing, furniture, or other Turn to st. vincent/page 10 B

HELPING TO BUILD A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY

Health care has a strong supporting partnership in the greater Calumet County area – a community-supported public trust known as the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation.

You can help build the Foundation Citizens, businesses or organizations can offer help by… ◊ Naming Calumet Area Community Health Foundation as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy; ◊ Leaving the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation a bequest in your will; ◊ Making an outright donation to the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation; or ◊ Establishing a donor advised fund in the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation.

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10 B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

St. Vincent necessary items which are found in the store. Heimermann said the Kiel store does not put any limits on the amount or quality of furniture someone can pick out. She added that she continues to be amazed at how one day some nice furniture will go out to a family in need and the next day someone will donate equally nice pieces to St. Vincent de Paul.

There is plenty of inventory to go around as Heimermann said donations continue to stream in to the facility which has expanded twice since moving from downtown Kiel out to Teckla Place.

“The store is doing great,” Heimermann said. Saturdays remain the busiest days as shoppers come in looking for good deals, hard-to-find items, like-new clothing, shoes, books, toys, furniture, and any number of other things. Heimermann said people might be surprised by the high quality and volume of items for sale as well as the cleanliness and arrangement of the store, a tribute to the approximately 80 volunteers who help there.

More volunteers needed That might sounds like a lot of helpers, but Heimermann said she can always use more volunteers—especially men and women who are able to help lift furniture as St. Vincent de Paul has its own truck and offers pick-up service of furniture donations. Heimermann said she would like to add an additional day for pick-ups but needs those able-bodied volunteers to make that happen.

The many other volunteers at St. Vincent de Paul help Heimermann—the

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only paid employee of St. Vincent de Paul—run a very efficient store. Inventory is rotated in and out to keep selections fresh and seasonally appropriate. If some items are not moving or become overstocked, they are given to programs such as Better Earth or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) which takes them to the King Veterans Home in Waupaca County. In the past, excess shoes have been sent to Africa.

The store’s volunteers try to limit what ends up in the garbage, even selling metal to make money which, again, goes to help local residents in need. Heimermann reminds people that if they have items which they would not even put out at a rummage sale, they probably should not be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

The reverse of that are the many new items which are donated to St. Vincent de Paul, including clothing with the sales tags still on them. Many of those are set aside to be used in the Christmas Cheer program. “The community is very generous in donating new clothes and toys,” Heimermann said. Local schools also take part in helping out the Christmas Cheer program, which saw about 75 families come into the store this past holiday season to pick out items to provide for a merrier Christmas.

Helping local people in need is what St. Vincent de Paul is all about. Anyone wishing to join the society can learn how to do so by stopping in the store. While there they can check out the bargains and probably find a few things to buy which also ends up helping others.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Optimists work to bring out best in area youths

The Optimist Creed Ask any Optimist member and they will say that few messages are as powerful as the Optimist Creed.

Many members even say that simply hearing the creed recited just one time was enough to inspire them to join the club.

In their creed, Optimist members promise themselves: n to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind; n to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet; n to make all your friends feel that there is something in them; n to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true; n to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best; n to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own; n to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future; n to wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile; n to give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others; n to be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

The Kiel Optimist Club has put all the money they have raised back into the community over the past three-plus decades, especially into projects and programs to help the youths of the Kiel area. In order to donate that much money, it first has to be raised.

Kiel Optimist Club members have always been good at finding events or activities which generate a lot of funds.

The Club’s top event for more than the past decade has been co-sponsoring the Kiel Picnic each August in conjunction

with the Kiel Lions Club.

President Beth Hecker and Tom Lefeber of the Optimist Club explained that a committee of Optimists and Lions plan the picnic each year, meeting toward the end of every month except December.

There are about eight different planning areas with one Optimist and one Lion serving in each area including food, beverages, advertising, raffle, etc.

The Optimists and Lions split the profits from the picnic, each reinvesting that money back into the community. Asked if the planning gets easier after having done it for so many years, Lefeber said it might if they did not try to keep making the picnic bigger and better each year.

“We try to do more every year,” he said.

“We turned the picnic into a four-day event,” referring to the Thursday Family Night which has become a very popular night of the event.

The collaboration with the Lions does not end with the picnic, as the two groups also work together on the annual chicken and ham dinner which has been served at Millhome Supper Club each September

The Kiel Optimist Club recently had its Safe Assured child identification program out for the Winter Carnival at Kiel Community Preschool. Mike Mathes photo

for more than 15 years.

In recent years, some of those funds raised have gone toward Challenge Day at Kiel High School. Challenge Day works to pull classmates and school communities closer together by ending bullying and helping students get to know each other better as individuals.

Hecker, Lefeber and other Optimists have volunteered their time at Challenge

Day and have seen its power. Lefeber has even donated some of his time to help Valders High School bring the program there. “It’s nice to see that program staying alive and growing,” he said. “You almost have to live it.”

The Kiel Optimist Club also has donated toward the Kiel Area Youth Turn to club/page 15 B

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By Faye Burg The Kiel Optimist Club’s mission is simple—by providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.

This motivated group has been busy recently, from providing children in the community with the SafeAssured ID program to talking about the risks and dangers of prescription drug abuse.

During the annual Ice Sculpting event in Kiel, the Optimist Club worked with local families to ID children in case of emergencies through the SafeAssured ID program.

Children have their fingerprints electronically scanned and personal information unique to each child is put onto a privacy-protected mini-CD which offers a single repository of important information.

Children are photographed and streaming video is also taken showing mannerisms and gait with a linked audio file providing the child’s voice inflection and accent.

Private information such as general physical descriptions, street address, date of birth, life-threatening medical conditions, and identifying scars or marks are recorded.

Families also receive a full-color photo data card and a Parents’ Guidebook with prevention tips, written in conjunction with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

13 B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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14 B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

‘New’ owners keep local store growing

By Mark Sherry The two “new” owners of Chilton’s Farm & Home are not really new to ownership of that store—nor to each other.

Husband and wife Kim and Nancy McKeen were part owners of the store for a little over 20 years along with Dwight and Colleen Bloohm. The Bloohms retired last May, selling their portion of the business to the McKeens.

While the McKeens were very familiar with the business they now found themselves owning, they also realized they had to answer some very important questions during the second half of 2016.

Should they make significant changes?

Should they change the name of the business? In what direction should they take Farm & Home?

In the end, they decided to largely stay the course. They will keep the Farm & Home name which has been around for 50 years. They have and will continue to make some changes behind the scenes.

Changing—like it always has Under the direction of the McKeen and Bloohm families, Farm & Home has always changed with the times and with customer demands—and that has continued in the past nine months with the McKeens in charge.

Regular customers will notice the new 40-foot display of Philips light bulbs, made possible by a deal worked out with Farm & Home’s hardware supplier, Do It Best. “They made it much more consumable,” Kim said of the display in today’s somewhat confusing world of light bulbs.

Just finished in mid-February is a new 40-foot counter in the Plumbing Department featuring a lot of new fit-

Kim and Nancy McKeen have continued to make changes and improvements to Farm & Home since becoming the sole owners of the Chilton store last May. Mark Sherry photo

tings making simple plumbing jobs even easier for the do-it-yourselfer. Changes have been made as well in the fastener aisle including new deck and pole barn screws which are coated and colored to stand up to Wisconsin weather.

The display of fuses and circuit break-

ers has been updated. A 32-foot display of furnace filters is available, including increasingly popular higher end filters which do a better job eliminating such things as dust mites and pet hair.

These are just some of the visible changes made by Farm & Home in

the past year, something the business has always done. One difference now is that Nancy has been a driving force behind the changes as Farm & Home’s floor manager. Nancy managed Farm & Turn to Farm & Home/page 15 B

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Farm & Home Home’s Lawn and Garden Department for over 10 years. Kim now calls her his “problem solver” and special projects manager.

“We’re trying to be a service to this community,” Nancy said. Kim added, “I wanted to make positive changes in the business.” He said hardware is changing and trendy. “It’s become much, much more user friendly these days,” he said.

No matter how user friendly it gets, however, there always will be the need for advice. That is an area in which Farm & Home has always excelled and set itself apart from the “big box” stores.

The McKeens said they love employing semi-retired men and women who have encountered all kinds of home repair issues in their lifetimes and can impart that knowledge on others.

“Our staff has been phenomenal,” Kim said. “We’re the problem solvers. Farm & Home is here to serve. If we can’t help them, we can put them in touch with someone who can.”

It is rare, however, when Farm & Home cannot come up with the product or solution for a person, thanks in large part to being backed by Do It Best. Kim pointed out that the average “big box” store has about $3.5 million worth of merchandise in its store. While Farm & Home itself is not at that level, it is backed by Do It Best warehouses containing 67,000 different items valued at $186 million. Farm & Home customers can shop online at DoItBest.com, order anything from the Web site and have it delivered to the Chilton store within days. Deliveries are made every Tuesday and Friday. “It’s a full catalog online,” Kim pointed out. He added that the closest Chilton customers can find some of those products is a 26-mile one-way

continued from page 14 B drive. The McKeens advise people to make better use of their time and money and let the products be shipped right to Chilton.

New Web site helping Speaking of Web sites, Farm & Home has revised its site in recent months with the help of Delta Publications, Inc. of Kiel. The new site includes direct links to Do It Best, Valspar paints, and Penske trucks. The latter is a new relationship for Farm & Home and is serving customers much better than a previous vendor. Penske guarantees delivery of trucks right to Chilton with a few days notice, although Kim told a story of the company getting a truck to Farm & Home in a matter of only four hours. Quotes and reservations for trucks can be made at Farm & Home or via the Web site, www.farmhomechilton.com.

Nancy also spends some of her time keeping Farm & Home’s Facebook page up to date with the latest store news as well as a few fun things.

The positive changes continue at Farm & Home. Kim said he is working with an independent finance company which will provide financing for Farm & Home customers on any purchase over $300.

Multiple plans will be offered to help finance equipment customers need quickly but might not be able to afford on the spot; for example, a selection from the long line of riding mowers displayed at Farm & Home.

While the “new” owners and their employees continue to work hard to make Farm & Home the best it can be, Kim succinctly summed up the last nine months at the store. “Farm & Home carries on,” he said.

Club

continued from page 12 B

Theatre. In the past it has given to Kiel youth sports and the Kiel robotics team.

It continues to sponsor the annual Easter Egg Hunt in the community, it still sends youth representatives to the Closeup program in Washington, D.C., and it donates toward local seventh graders going to camp each year.

This past year the Club contributed a monetary donation to the area Teaming for a Brighter Tomorrow initiative.

There are a multitude of projects for

local Optimist members to be a part of, members who take time trying to make a fundamental difference in other peoples’ lives.

The Kiel Optimist Club meets the second Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. with the location of those meetings changing on a monthly basis.

To learn more about the Optimists, please contact Beth Hecker at (920) 9014641 or e-mail her at bnbhecker@tm.net.

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16 B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

CMC’s orthopedic surgeon enjoys work

By Janet Murphy Dr. Craig Olson’s orthopedic surgery practice at Calumet Medical Center has experienced steady growth during the past ten years, increasing from a half day a week when he started to the four days a week he currently spends at CMC. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Olson is a 1976 graduate of Orcas Island High School, having grown up on Orcas Island in the Puget Sound. He attended the University of Washington in Seattle where he majored in Chemical Engineering.

After some time working in engineering, Olson found his way to the medical field, and, having always enjoyed working on cars, he recognized that Orthopedics was a part of medicine that was really kind of a mechanical engineerish type thing. He said, “I realized engineering was pertinent to orthopedics. Half of the stuff I do now is really engineering-it’s surgery, but it’s engineering.�

Olson graduated from Rush Medical College in Chicago in 1988 and did his residency at Rush Presbyterian St. Luke’s Hospital. He also attended Western Sydney Orthopaedic Associates and Affiliated Hospitals in Australia on a one-year fellowship for extra training in shoulder and sports medicine.

Personal experiences With personal injuries stemming primarily from playing high school football and basketball and college intramural sports that ranged from torn up ankles

and a broken toe, to a broken wrist and a torn ACL, Olson admitted he was also drawn to Orthopedic medicine due to the many surgeries he underwent himself.

He estimates that between football and basketball, he broke his nose about ten times. He said it’s straight now because the last time it was broken was during a hospital basketball league game, and one of the guys on the team was an EMT who fixed it on the spot. “And I had to go to shoot some foul shots and I made them both.�

The procedures Dr. Olson usually performs encompass pretty much all of the joints from the neck down, including a lot of rotator cuff and shoulder surgery, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel releases, De Quervain’s release, foreign body removal and some ACL and MCL. Olson estimated he does 100 to 150 office-based procedures a year at CMC, and the total approaches 500 when inpatient and outpatient surgeries are included.

According to Olson, office-based surgery and outpatient joint replacement are two of the things moving the field forward, as the surgical techniques become more streamlined and safer for the patient. Examples include carpal tunnel surgery which is now done in the office, and knee replacement which is now an outpatient procedure.

Olson said the office-based carpel tunnel procedure eliminates the hospital OR Turn to CMC/page 17 B

Dr. Craig Olson is an orthopedic surgeon at Calumet Medical Center.

Janet Murphy photo

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

CMC

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

continued from page 16 B

charge and the anesthesia charge, noting, “What we found is that the overall cost is less than 50 percent, so for patients paying out of pocket, it’s a huge savings for them, especially with a big deductible.”

Olson added, “Who would have thought ten years ago that’s an outpatient procedure, but we have a lot of patients that have total hips, total shoulders, total knees that go home the same day. Ten years from now, hopefully that will be the norm as opposed to the exception.

Right now it’s the exception.”

Prefers spinal anesthesia Olson also gave his rationale for preferring spinal anesthesia to general anesthesia for some of the procedures, noting the spinal usually numbs the patient from below, and after it wears off and the patient’s pain is under control and they become mobile and do some physical therapy to show that they’re safe, they can go home that day. He said up to 10% of their hip- and knee replacements will go home the same day.

Olson feels with the spinal anesthesia you’re just polluting the lower half of the body, so vital organs, including the heart, lungs, brain, and most of the nervous system, are not as affected. “We know that their pain is better controlled when they kind of wake up from the spinal, because the anesthesia person can adjust and really make sure their pain control is right, because they’re awake.”

Olson said the tighter pain control “Also helps with patient rehab because the fear factor has changed a little bit for them, so the therapist now has more of a chance to say ‘OK, we’re going to get

you up and move you.’” He also said the rate of infection and blood clots is higher with general anesthesia than with spinal anesthesia, which are additional factors he tells his patients when they’re faced with surgery.

He admitted it’s easier for patients to be put under general anesthesia, but praised the anesthesiologist at CMC, saying, “We’re lucky with Mike Klaeser who’s here. You know he is not a guy to take the easy way for anything, and he’s a big part why I work here because he’s so dedicated to figuring out better ways to do stuff. It’s nice to have a partner like him helping me with pain control. He’s unbelievable, the hospital is so blessed to have him.”

New hip procedure One of the more recent procedures Dr. Olson offers is anterior hip replacement, noting it doesn’t require cutting through any muscles like the posterior surgery does. He said it became clear about two and a half years ago that anterior hip replacement surgery was something he had to look into after one of his patients from Manitowoc insisted he be the one to do the procedure for her.

Olson said, “I did her first hip in Manitowoc, and then it was easier to develop the system here because I always had the same team. Mike and the people working in the room were a very consistent team, which I wouldn’t get in Manitowoc. So it was easier for me to improve the process, and a year later she came and had her other one done here.”

Olson added, “Frankly she said she was impressed with the experience.

People coming from a bigger hospital are going to wonder about going out to this little place, but once they have the experience and just realize that everyone here is so focused on taking care of local people that most of the time they know, the level of service is different. It’s a whole different perspective. Whereas as the hospital gets bigger, it’s not really personal because there’s no real connection.”

He compared the process to doing a NASCAR pit stop, saying, “You want to have six people take care of your car that know exactly how to do it to get it done efficiently and quickly. So the team really becomes an important part to the driver because if it’s a bad pit stop, you lose a bunch of spots. It’s the same way here. They’re all so valuable.”

The NASCAR reference is no accident, as Olson’s other passion is driving and restoring racecars. Olson said he’s been going to Road America since 1983 when he came to Chicago for medical school. While he’s been the driver, having raced mainly at Road America in Elkhart Lake and a few laps at Kaukauna and the Milwaukee Mile, he said he and his mechanic, Kyle Bauknecht from Value-Pro in Reedsville, now restore cars together, including mostly NASCAR cars and old muscle cars, like mustangs and camaros going back to the late 60s and early 70s. “I really like that part.

I can be a racer over there, or I can be an orthopedic surgeon over there, and they’re both things I’m passionate about which makes it fun.”

Olson resides in Elkhart Lake with his wife, Renée.

17 B

MIR Image aids women’s fitness

MIR Image, LLC women’s fitness center located at 815 Fremont St., Kiel offers strength training, cardio, and balance exercises.

There are 12 different machines which work all the muscle groups. There are also kettlebells, medicine balls, and hand weights.

The cardio area offers a variety of exercises. “By the time you’re done with the routine you’ve had a total body workout,” said Manager Pam Konen, who owns the business with husband Mike and has 15 years of fitness experience. “I have all different age groups doing this routine so anyone could do it.”

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18 B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Services plentiful at NH True Value

By Mark Sherry If it is true that a rolling stone gathers no moss, then there will not be any moss anywhere near New Holstein True Value.

Even if there were, chances are good the store would have some type of product or service to take care of it.

Melissa Reese, Jeff Dietz, and the rest of the staff at New Holstein True Value continue what is now a decadesold tradition of continually upgrading, improving, and changing their store to keep up with trends and changing times.

They are never at a loss to talk about the progress of the past year or the year ahead as something is always new at New Holstein True Value.

Even the list of services provided by New Holstein True Value—many of which they have been doing for a lot of years—is enough to leave a person breathless. That list includes United Parcel Service (UPS) shipping services, window and screen repairs, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) license sales, key cutting, rekeying of locks, cutting and threading pipe, sharpening services, fax service, and photocopying—just for starters.

Dry cleaning services offered Also added in the past year are dry cleaning services. When the dry cleaning business located next door to New Holstein True Value closed, True Value became a drop-off and pick-up point for those services which are performed in Green Bay. Reese said she is impressed with how much dry cleaning comes in and out of True Value each week.

Soon New Holstein True Value cus-

Melissa Reese and Jeff Dietz stand behind the extensive Weber Grill and outdoor living area at New Holstein True Value. Before long that area might be on the move into the new 1,500 square foot space which formerly housed Imperial Cleaners. Mark Sherry photo

tomers will be walking in and out of the former dry cleaning space as well. Reese said a hole has now been cut in the wall between the two buildings and sometime this summer True Value will be occupying the additional 1,500 square feet,

perhaps with its extensive Weber Grill displays and other outdoor living items.

That will necessitate a resetting of at least a portion of the store, something New Holstein True Value last did in 2009. While the affected aisles are clos-

est to the Wisconsin Avenue or main entrance to the store, Reese said they also plan to do some resetting in the area of the rear entrance since so many customTurn to true value/page 19 B

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

True Value ers enter from the parking lot there. “It’s going to refresh things,” she said.

“Because Jeff and I work so much, we have been able to put money back into the store,” Reese said. They are the epitome of hands-on operators, always at the store to help customers find what they need or to offer suggestions to solve those do-it-yourself challenges. Both have decades of experience in all types of home repair issues and they are more than willing to share what they know.

From small to big projects That can be as simple as changing a light bulb—which actually is not all that simple these days. The light bulb industry has changed rapidly and may continue to do so, but once again New Holstein True Value stays on top of the latest changes and the staff is there to help show customers their options.

Maybe the home repair job is a big one, but there, too, New Holstein True Value can help with its expansive rental department which is constantly upgraded. Dozens and dozens of tools which a homeowner or even a contractor might need are available for rent, including a second lift which was recently acquired because the first one was rented out so much.

Even if the “job” at home is to throw a great party, New Holstein True Value can help there as well. From party supplies to tents to four new bounce houses which have been acquired, New Holstein True Value rents out everything needed for functions of all sizes.

Perhaps above all Reese said she wants New Holstein True Value to be known as the local paint destination. “I would

continued from page 18 B say it’s starting to evolve,” she said. Custom computerized paint matching is a service which certainly helps establish New Holstein True Value as the place to go for paint, as does the store’s ability to call up exactly what color customers have used in specific rooms in the past if they are stored on the computer system.

New Holstein True Value also carries multiple specialty paints and supplies, including an expanded selection of DecoArt paints. Look for a paint special offered in New Holstein True Value’s ad elsewhere in this section.

And when checking out at New Holstein True Value, do not forget to pull out the True Value Rewards card. Thousands of customers are using it there to save money and get rewards, and new customers can easily sign up to receive those benefits as well.

The list goes on of what New Holstein True Value offers, often because of customer demand. Pet supplies were recently expanded and Reese said she would like to double them again because they have done well. Maple syrup production supplies and beekeeping supplies are both new additions. Spa and pool chemicals and supplies are in the store and Reese said she is looking to increase them.

Melissa & Doug toys continue to be popular as well and a full spring line has arrived at New Holstein True Value.

“There are things we’ve tried which haven’t worked,” Reese said, but that will never stop them from trying something else. Nor will it keep them from working hard to make New Holstein True Value the best store it can be for its customers.

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Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Organizers plan 2017 Kiel Picnic

The 2016 Kiel Community Picnic was a huge success, organizers said, and they are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2017 Kiel Community Picnic Aug. 10-13.

This year’s picnic is scheduled to kick off Thursday night, Aug. 10 with the traditional alcohol-free Family Night and a prize drawing which will be available to kids 16 and under.

A weekend of free entertainment will be led off on Friday night, Aug. 11 by the Kiel Municipal Band in the band shell and back again this year will be the Spicy Tie Band in the main tent. For the polka lovers, Jerry Schneider will perform Saturday morning, Aug. 12 in the main tent followed by the Happy Schnapps Combo in the band shell later that afternoon. To finish up the evening Johnny Wad will be on the stage in the main tent. Sunday morning, Aug. 13 will start with the Association of Commerce Parade down Fremont Street, followed by the Kiel High School Show Choir performance in the park. Stay to close the weekend with Vic Ferrari.

Rides and games for the young or young at heart will be provided by Christman amusements with three days of wristbands for rides available.

The food stand will be serving up a weekend of food featuring grilled hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, grilled chicken breasts, and the famous steak sandwiches. Also be on the lookout for the sandwich of the day specials—last year’s BBQ Pulled Pork and Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwiches were a big hit.

What will they come up with this year?

To quench one’s thirst enjoy a wide variety of beverages including assorted sodas, Bud and Miller products, as well as some specialties such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Spotted Cow. This year’s raffle once again will include a top prize of $1,000. Tickets will be available for sale from many local merchants or from members of the Kiel Lions Club and Kiel Optimist Club starting around June 1.

The picnic would never be a success without the help of all the volunteers from the community. Organizers expressed appreciation to all who helped last year. If anyone would be interested in volunteering to help with this year’s picnic, please contact Al Schreiber at (920) 242-5155.

Goodfellas offers hair care services

Goodfellas Barbershop Inc., 630 Fremont St., Kiel, specializes in fades, flattops, faux hawks, texturizing, tapers, and more.

Men’s and women’s cuts are provided along with shampoo and cut specials and beard trimming.

In addition, Paul Mitchell, American Crew, Sexy Hair, and Hempz hand lotion products are available for purchase.

Other products can be special ordered.

Russ Horneck is the owner/manager of Goodfellas Barbershop. He graduated from Gill Tech Academy in 2008. The Kiel native resides in the community with his wife and three children.

For more information or to make an appointment, stop in or call 894-4247.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Enjoy the Osthoff Experience

By Mike Mathes In the 22 years since its opening in 1995, The Osthoff Resort has grown its reputation with an amazing set of amenities and hospitality offerings.

Yet, the highly-acclaimed AAA fourdiamond Elkhart Lake Resort would be hard-pressed to reach all those accolades with one of its most critical resources— the people who give The Osthoff Resort’s hospitality a face.

Touted as “your place on the lake” The Osthoff Resort owes a lot of its magical appeal to the team that serves its guests.

“Our product is the experience that people have here. We like to refer to it as ‘The Osthoff Experience,’” General Manager Lola Roeh said.

“We are so appreciative of our Osthoff Team members, our associates that make the experience possible,” she said.

“It’s our people that make the difference for our guests.”

The Osthoff Resort counts 500-plus employees on its team, including fulland part-time, along with seasonal employees. Their secret lies in finding good people in the local communities to fill those roles.

“About 95 percent of everyone (outside of international help) are from communities within 17 minutes of The Osthoff,” Roeh said.

As part of its strategic planning process, The Osthoff continues to focus on the importance of its staff. “Our focus is on how we value our team and how important each one is to the delivery of a great experience for our guests,” Roeh said.

Team leaders and other vital associates take part in the strategic planning process each year, listening carefully to the input that has been offered by guests, as they help nurture improvements to The Osthoff Experience.

Exciting growth The Osthoff Resort is seeing exciting growth as the result of one of its most recent strategic initiatives.

The addition of the Grand Libelle ballroom in 2014 has expanded the opportunities for The Osthoff Resort to accommodate large group conventions, association meetings, corporate outings, and weddings.

Now in its third year, the Grand Libelle Ballroom has helped The Osthoff to its best “first quarter” in the resort’s history.

“Our strategic planning process told us that we had a lot of sleeping rooms available to sell, even though we were filling our meeting space,” Roeh said.

“We had the guest rooms to accommodate the larger groups. We just needed more meeting space to make it possible.”

In addition to larger groups, the expanded space enables The Osthoff Resort to handle multiple groups and events at the same time.

“This has been an extremely positive addition to our business model, especially during our ‘shoulder’ season and on weekdays, when our leisure guests can’t be here in Elkhart Lake.”

The results have brought benefits, not only for The Osthoff Resort, but for the community of Elkhart Lake and the surrounding area as well.

Spa earns award Aspira Spa, located inside the AAA Four Diamond Osthoff Resort along the pristine shores of Elkhart Lake was named the number two Spa in America and the number one Resort/Lake Spa by Spas of America.

With authenticity being so important

The Osthoff Resort offers a AAA four-star experience. Above is the meditation room at The Aspira Spa. Below left is pictured the Grand Libelle ballroom. Outside seating is available at Lola’s on the Lake during the warmer seasons.

to spa consumers, it’s no surprise Aspira clinched the number two spot on the list since the healing waters of Elkhart Lake are at the center of the spa’s mission, environment, and signature treatments.

Meaning “infused with spirit,” Aspira was borne on the banks of a lake considered sacred by the Native Americans who lived there. Shaped like an elk’s heart, the lake bestows its powerful natural energy upon all who encounter it.

When developing signature treatments at Aspira, the lake’s healing history, as well as indigenous plants and herbs, play a major role. Signature services like the Cedars Massage use cedar boughs harvested by Aspira’s massage therapists from old-growth trees along the shoreline. The Sacred Waters Massage uses doe skin pouches filled with warmed water from the lake placed on chakra points throughout the body. The Elderberry Facial incorporates both the fruit and flower extracts of the plant used extensively for centuries by the area’s Native Americans.

To celebrate this exciting award, Aspira invites spa enthusiasts and novices alike to experience the spa with a special “The Spa’s Included” package; book an elegant Osthoff Resort suite at published rates and receive one complimentary

Aspira Spa service valued up to $120; valid Sundays to Fridays through March 2017. All packages include unlimited use of spa facilities on the day of your spa service(s), including meditation sanctuary, learning center, indoor and outdoor hydro massage whirlpools, warming fireplace area, sauna, and luxurious changing rooms with cascading showers.

To book The Spa’s Included and view Aspira’s full menu of services, log on to www.aspiraspa.com or call 877-SPA2070.

Available to all The Osthoff Experience, including Aspira Spa, is available to community members as well as overnight guests.

“Most of our amenities are open to community guests and hotel guests alike,” Roeh said.

In addition to the spa, local patrons are welcome to enjoy the restaurants and the cooking school. In season, both the Lake Deck and the water sports options are available.

Dining guests can choose from three outstanding restaurants, including Otto’s and Lola’s on the Lake, along with the Elkhart Inn. All are invited to take part in “The Osthoff Experience.”

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Kiel Preschool enrolling students

Kiel Cooperative Preschool is an equal opportunity program for children ages 2½ to 5 years old and has been in operation for over 40 years.

It is a parent-owned, not-for-profit program located in the upper level of Kiel City Hall. There is a spacious classroom, attached child’s bathroom, and a large gym for active play.

Lead teacher Barb Forstner and her assistants use a curriculum that exceeds the Wisconsin Early Learning Standards.

Activities are play-based and include early math and reading skills, science that encourages exploration and problem solving, social studies, and fine and large motor developmental skills. Parents have a choice of two, three, four, or five halfday sessions.

Check out the preschool online at www.ourkcp.org or call 894-7451 for more information.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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Golf leagues offer many benefits

By Mike Mathes Golf is a game for the ages—both figuratively and literally.

At Quit Qui Oc Golf Course in Elkhart Lake, league golf activities are planned to insure opportunities for all age groups to take part in the benefits golf has to offer.

“Golfers who take part in leagues tend to make time to enjoy the benefits of the game,” Rachel Montaba, Quit Qui Oc LPGA golf professional, said.

Montaba and her husband, Todd, a PGA professional, promote a substantial schedule for league play for all ages, male and female, to insure that golfers can maximize their opportunities to enjoy and benefit from playing the game.

Continuing the traditions established by the Wiese family at Quit Qui Oc, Rachel and Todd point to a long list of those benefits.

Golf offers— n the opportunity to stay active; n the chance to enjoy the outdoors; n a chance to hone one’s self awareness; n a chance to manage emotions in stressful situations; and n an opportunity to build self reliance and analytical problem solving.

“One of the biggest things that we see in the people who play is the fellowship that is created,” Rachel said.

“Two different women have told me in the past two years that they have met their best friends on the golf course. Golf is a means for people to get to know each other. We have seen people become great friends, even to the point where they travel and take vacations together.”

Intergenerational experience Todd said that golf is one of the few areas in life that provides intergenerational experiences.

“It’s not very common for the generations to be able to get together these days. But, the golf course is one of those places. Where else can a grandparent and their grandson or grand daughter, or parent and child spend a couple of hours together?” he queried.

The bonds formed on the golf course can bring friends together, but they can also bring family members closer together.

Golf leagues also offer people in business the opportunity to network with others. “It’s a chance to build your personal connections and your contacts in the wider community,” Todd added.

A great education Golf is a great opportunity for learning, no matter what age one begins to play.

Studies have proven that golf is a great creativity and imagination builder for junior players.

Through junior leagues, players learn to respect the etiquette, honor, honesty and sportsmanship which golf calls them to.

In fact, those are traits that play well into character development at all ages.

“Parents particularly love that part of the game taught by golf—the respect for the game, the honor and integrity,” Todd said.

Making a commitment Committing to playing in a league is a great way to commit to enjoying the game of golf on a regular basis.

“League play assures that you will get out and get involved in playing, instead of finding reasons to avoid the game,” Rachel added.

PGA Professional Todd Montaba offers a group of young golfers a teaching moment at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course.

League play options at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course MONDAYS Monday a.m. Men’s League - 8 a.m. shotgun start, variable nines.

Monday Kiel League - 4:30-5:30 tee times.

TUESDAYS Women’s 18-hole league - a.m.

Women’s 9-hole league - a.m.

Glacial 9 - Women’s league - 4-5:30 Women’s Evening 5-hole league - 5:30 Men’s Kettle Moraine League - 4:30-5:30 WEDNESDAYS Business Networking League - every other Wednesday. 4:30 to 5 THURSDAYS Plymouth League - 4:15-5:00 FRIDAYS Every other Fri. couples league - 4 p.m.

With a regular commitment to play, golfers often find that the game becomes more familiar and more enjoyable to them.

Leagues every weekday Quit Qui Oc has leagues open every weekday, with teams forming now to compete in schedules that vary, but usually run from late April into September.

Players are welcome to sign up as members in leagues with openings, but the leagues are always looking for subs.

Subs usually have a lot of opportunities to play throughout the course of a season.

Men’s leagues play with two-person teams, while women’s leagues feature individual play.

In addition to the traditional men’s and women’s leagues, Quit Qui Oc also offers junior leagues and family league opportunities.

A Monday “learn-to-golf” program offers an option for ladies to get on the golf course and get a taste for the game.

Junior golf leagues take place on Thursday mornings, while a league/les-

son session is held for older students on Tuesday afternoons.

Come as you are Quit Qui Oc offers a welcoming environment that stems from the nature of the game of golf.

Golf is truly a “come as you are” kind of game when it comes to the individual’s level of play. All levels of golfing ability are equally welcome to enjoy the game—and all are encouraged to abide by the same rules, honor and etiquette regardless of ability to score, Todd said.

Quit Qui Oc emphasizes a learning approach to the game.

In addition to its many league playing opportunities, having two professional golf instructors as owners also has its benefits.

As professionals from their prospec-

tive PGA/LPGA organizations Todd and Rachel offer teaching opportunities through their clinics, learn-to-golf experiences and individual lessons.

Lesson opportunities are available by appointment at $45 per half hour. Special packages of three or six lessons are also available.

“We literally give lessons to all levels of players from players who have never played the game before, right on up through the scratch players,” Todd said.

“Golf tends to be a game that is a constant search for improvement.”

The Quit Qui Oc teaching focus is to concentrate on fundamentals, giving players a few things they can practice and understand. “The average person isn’t going to the range every day. We hope to give them things they can carry with them on the golf course,” Rachel added.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Fuhrmann a service giant for over 37 years

By Faye Burg After providing the area with heating and cooling services for the past 37-plus years, Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is extending its quality service to include all plumbing needs as well.

Jarred Ellman joined the partnership lin June of 2015 to allow Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. to begin serving the area’s plumbing needs.

Plumbing services offered include new construction, remodels, sales, repairs, water heaters, and water softeners.

Demand for plumbing services continues to grow so Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. added another plumber, Greg Van Lanen, to the company along with a plumbing helper.

Coming from the Brillion area, Van Lanen has been a journeyman plumber for five years.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. also continues to be available 24/7 to provide residential and business heating and cooling needs.

Residential and commercial From new home and business needs to existing homeowners and owners of small commercial buildings who would like to replace, upgrade or repair their heating and cooling equipment, Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. thrives on their busy schedule of providing quality service to their clients.

Service tune-ups have been strong through fall and winter with additions and remodeling work keeping the firm busy along with new commercial construction projects, such as Altitude Roofing and Country Visions Co-op.

While they service most heating and cooling products, Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is primarily a Carrier dealership receiving numerous awards over the years from Carrier acknowledging their quality workmanship.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. specializes in commercial and residential heating, air conditioning, boiler systems, radiant in-floor heating, forced air heating and cooling, geothermal, wood, and oil. Fuhrmann does a lot of work in new construction and existing homes, performing a nice mix of retrofits and remodeling work. Approximately 80 percent of its business is forced air heating and cooling. With the expansion of natural gas into more rural areas, system conversions have also kept the employees busy to ready their customers for spring hook-ups to the natural gas lines.

Ductless AC systems installed Central air is now standard in nearly

every new home and also can be added to existing homes. Homes that have hot water heat and are without duct work can be a bit tricky to air condition and can be costly. The ductless split system air conditioners work well—and is very affordable—in those situations if duct work is not feasible.

Popular in today’s homes is radiant or in-floor heat, which is often called for in basements of new home construction projects even if the owners do not plan on using it. Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. does a large number of in-floor retrofits in cold floor areas and warms the area with radiant tubing either under the sub floor or in a concrete slab.

It is most efficient if tubing is installed in concrete or some type of conductor of heat, as opposed to wood which is a non-conductor source.

The company has seen geothermal gaining in popularity in some areas as different fuel types and different utility rates determine the feasibility of that type of investment. Depending on rates that you are paying for natural or LP gas as opposed to the same amount of heat with geothermal determines the pay back. “All our geothermal systems have been done in new construction. A retrofit is more of a burden and more costly,” Geiger explained. “With geothermal we like to do a dual fuel geo system so when the geothermal runs down to a certain temperature, then the fuel (natural or LP gas) system will take over to keep down the cost of the geothermal.”

With today’s new home construction built tight and insulated well, indoor air needs to be exchanged with outside air to prevent health problems and other issues such as excess moisture and mold. Air exchange units are very common today and highly recommended. Fuhrmann installs many units along with performing duct cleaning and appliance and bath fan venting to improve indoor air quality.

Annual check-ups done Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. offers residential customers the opportunity to join an annual computerized list where annual check-ups are performed and they also offer free estimates for customer projects.

While offering quality products and services is important, Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. practices good community relations as well. Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. actively supports and helps fund local causes and trades educational development programs with generous contributions.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cool-

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Schneider plans Manitowoc office

Schneider & Schneider Construction of New Holstein has been providing residential and commercial new construction and remodeling services since 1991.

With its home office at 1908 Wisconsin Ave. in New Holstein, Schneider & Schneider also will be opening a location in Manitowoc this spring.

Owner Dan Schneider and his crew of experienced craftsmen also are working

with the Lakeshore Technical College/ Kiel High School Youth Apprenticeship Program.

The company’s Web site—schneiderbuillds.com—has been updated to make for smoother operation.

Schneider & Schneider Construction is a past Builder of the Year winner from the Midshores Home Builders and the Manitowoc Home Builders. Schneider has been the state and local president of builders associations.

For more information check out the Web site or call 898-1300.

Jarred Ellman, left, owner of Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating and Cooling stands along with plumber Greg Van Lanen.

ing Inc. holds professional memberships in the Brillion Chamber of Commerce, the Mid-Shores Home Builders Association, Inc., and the Manitowoc County Home Builders Association and employees are trained on a regular basis.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. participates yearly in the MidShores Home Builders annual Home Show each March in Chilton. Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is also associated with Focus on Energy and WPS program with money back rewards.

Service at Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is available 24/7, 365 days of the year with an employee always available to take customer calls. When customers call Fuhrmann Plumbing,

Heating & Cooling Inc.’s regular number outside of business hours, emergency calls are transferred to the employee who is on duty overnight and on weekends.

The company will mark 37 years in business with 17 full-time employees along with many part-time employees who work together to provide top-notch customer service and products to Manitowoc, Calumet, Brown, Sheboygan and Outagamie counties.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. is located at 304 E. Water St., Brillion. More information can be found on their Web site at www.fuhrmannheating.com. The firm also may be reached by calling (920) 756-3277 or e-mailing fuhrmannhtg@fhtgc.com.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

23 B

Not just laid back but well-rested, too

By Mike Mathes Are you looking for a great night’s sleep?

Your answer may be simpler than you think. The latest and best innovations in sleeping comfort are now available at Chilton Furniture Chilton Furniture’s laid back approach has always been about customer comfort.

Since July, Chilton Furniture has introduced the Tempur-Pedic line of sleep systems in its sleep center.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses have a growing reputation in sleep solutions thanks to new technological advances that allow for improved sleep and rest.

“The whole goal of Tempur-Pedic is to offer better sleep and rest in order to make our day to day life just a little better,” Jerry Mallmann, Chilton Furniture owner/general manager said.

“In our many years of experience as a sleep center, we have learned and recognize what works for people and what doesn’t.”

Latest advances The Tempur-Pedic line seeks to solve some of the biggest sleep challenges people face with new and innovative materials.

Many people may be familiar with memory foam mattresses, an innovation in recent years. The Tempur-Pedic mattresses go well beyond that concept of comfort. That’s because TEMPUR® material is not typical memory foam.

The company’s proprietary formulation changed the way the world sleeps. And it can do the same for you.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses adapt precisely to your body. TEMPUR material responds to your body’s temperature, weight and shape for truly personalized comfort and support.

As it conforms to your body, TEMPUR material minimizes pressure points that keep you awake.

The bottom line result is a elimination of that dreaded tossing and turning that disrupts sleep patterns.

The TEMPUR material dramatically reduces motion transfer so your sleep partner’s movement won’t disturb you.

Investment in rest & health Chilton Furniture’s decision to move to the Tempur-Pedic line is based on the needs of its customers.

“As time has evolved, we are aware that the conventional innerspring mattresses aren’t necessarily serving the needs of all customers,” Mallmann said.

People may have specific rest needs that justify making the investment in a mattress that is more adaptable to the individual person, in turn offering a more Restful night of sleep.

“Considering that people spend somewhere in excess of 25 percent of life on the sleep platform we choose, picking the right mattress to improve our rest is an important choice,” Mallmann said.

Options available Tempur-Pedic mattresses come with a variety of options, including all varieties of sleep surface comfort levels.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses come in every size imaginable, matching all the size options one would find in conventional mattress lines.

The TEMPUR materials also offer a cooling technology option which allows people to “sleep cooler.” This is particular important for those whose body chemistry changes throughout life.

Adjustable power bases popular Additional comforts and advantages

A Tempur-Pedic sleep system mattress, complete with power base not only brings a great night’s sleep, but a chance for the owner to determine how “laid back” they would really like to be.

are available by pairing you new Tempur-Pedic mattresses with an adjustable power base.

Putting the mattress on a power base gives the individual options to elevate the head , the feet, or both. A soothing massage feature can also be added.

Power bases can serve a variety of needs: n For those customers who make lack body strength, the option of raising the bed to a sitting position allows one to get in and out of bed without the assistance of a family member. n Raising the head can offer assistance with acid reflux problems and in many cases helps clear up air passages to reduce snoring. (This is a very common discussion among mattress shoppers!) n Finding the “0” gravity position with raised head and raised legs does wonders to relieve lower back pain. n And of course, some people simply want to watch TV in Bed or use there other electronics.

“With today’s busy lifestyles, people need time for their body to rest and recuperate. The Tempur-Pedic mattresses and power bases offer great solutions for those needs,” Mallmann said.

Testing the mattresses No one has to take the manufacturer or salesperson’s word for the amazing comfort offered by Tempur-Pedic.

Chilton Furniture welcomes you to stop in the store to try the mattresses out for yourself.

“Come prepared to spend a little time and do some relaxing,” Mallmann said.

After all, things are really laid back at Chilton Furniture.

Even that laid back approach has a couple of caveats. The store doesn’t offer overnight stays, or breakfast in bed.

You don’t need an overnight stay at the store to test out the system.

Tempur-Pedic mattresses come with a bold 90-day sleep comfort guarantee, however. This allows customers to give a full in-home trial for their new sleep systems so they can try out the good night’s sleep and have breakfast in bed in their own homes if they wish.

Although Tempur-Pedic sleep systems are custom-ordered at Chilton Furniture, your new system can be delivered and set up in your home within 2-3 weeks of your selection.

Realizing that Tempur-Pedic is not for everyone, Chilton Furniture also continues to be a great place to discover conventional inner-spring sleep systems as well. Stearns & Foster is a top of the line Luxury Sleep system featuring the latest innerspring technology. And Sealy Posturepedic continues to be the “bread and butter” of conventional inner spring mattress offerings.

Thanks for making the Tri-County News your favorite community news source!

Chilton Furniture continues to serve the greater Calumet County area with an experienced staff, equipped to provide knowledge and assistance will all your home interior needs.

Rhonda Roepke, Gail Schabach and Cathy Dreiling serve as design and sales associates. Laura Meier is the office manager. Dave Mallmann, a brother to Jerry, has been officially added to the staff as the full-time warehouse and delivery manager, while Jim Manz and Tom Konen balance out the delivery team. Jerry’s mom, Florence Mallmann serves as the showroom cleaning person.

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GOODFELLAS BARBERSHOP “Cut the way you like it!”

RECIPIENT OF THE KIEL AREA ASSOCIATION OF COMMERCE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2015.

APPOINTMENTS APPRECIATED • WALK-INS WELCOME

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Thank You! …to all our customers for 4 years of successful business!

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Russ Horneck, Barber 894-HAIR or 894-4247 630 Fremont St., Kiel www.goodfellasbarbershopinc.com

Mon. 12-8 • Tues. 8:30-5:30 • Wed. 8:30-8 Thurs. 8:30-5:30 • Fri. 8:30-5:30

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Schmidt helps friends explore country

By Mark Sherry After chatting with Helen Schmidt for a while, it is hard not to start humming one of the songs Johnny Cash made famous—“I’ve Been Everywhere.”

Schmidt is in her 39th year as the owner and operator of Tri-County Tours and, yes, she has been just about everywhere.

Asked if there are any states to which she has not been, Schmidt said Hawaii and reminded this interviewer that she really, really does not like to fly.

“Where did the time go?” she asked as she looked back on a career which started with her arranging some tickets for a group of friends. Major country music acts were already coming to Green Bay in the 1970s, and Schmidt’s husband was a big country music fan as were other friends. In the late 1970s Schmidt arranged for 45 people to go to dinner and a show. She said she did not make a penny in arranging that trip and she might not have realized it at the time, but her travel packaging career was under way.

One of her next experiences in her budding career came when her sister-inlaw wanted to visit friends in Mountain Home, Arkansas, with Schmidt’s new car getting them there. Friends encouraged them to also check out Silver Dollar City, a theme park just outside a sleepy little Missouri city by the name of Branson. There were 15 music shows along the stretch of narrow highway through Branson.

Learning about busing That trip gave Schmidt the idea that other people from the greater Kiel area might want to experience Branson as well, but she said she knew nothing about busing at the time. That changed when she agreed to chaperone one of her daughters and other Kiel High School band and chorus students on a trip to St. Louis. While in a hotel one night on that trip, Schmidt had the opportunity to talk with two of the bus drivers who provided her with information and insights on arranging bus tours.

Not long afterward, Schmidt worked to offer a seven-day trip to Branson for $158 per person. In the process she became one of the first tour guides to offer a bus tour to that city. Many others followed, of course, and Branson grew and became commercialized to the point where Schmidt said she feels it lost its charm. She said she has been there only twice since 1992.

But there are plenty of other places in the country to explore, and Schmidt has

helped thousands of people do just that over the years. “I do it because I enjoy what I’m doing,” she said. “I love the people.” Schmidt knows a couple from the Louis Corners area who were on one of those first trips to Green Bay and who still take Tri-County Tours trips today.

She also smiles when thinking about a group from the Mount Calvary area who has enjoyed going on many of her trips.

Schmidt worked with Discovery Travel in the early years and today sells for Mayflower Tours, Lamers Tour & Travel, and Nationwide. “I’m more of a consultant,” she said of her role these days, adding that she works a lot with a tour director who lives in Wisconsin.

Memorable trips While Schmidt is not personally along for the tours as much as she once was, she still travels on occasion and continues to have memorable experiences.

One example was a recent “Christmas Mystery Tour” to Michigan in which she said two bus loads of people had a very enjoyable time touring such places as the Gerald Ford Library, the Ford Motor Company plant in Detroit, the Edsel Ford Mansion, Motown, Frankenmuth, Battle Creek, and more. The mystery tour is just that—people get on the bus knowing how long they will be gone but not where they are going.

Along the way of the last four decades there have been plenty of other memorable trips as well. Schmidt said she enjoyed the 1984 trip in which the bus left from her home on CTH XX outside Kiel and drove to Alaska, although the return trip was via air. Schmidt also said she especially enjoyed a railroad trip to California.

Plenty of unplanned moments happen along the way as well. She recalled a bus trip out east in which a lunch stop was made at a restaurant off the expressway in Pennsylvania. During the lunch hour the on ramp was closed for some reason, and when it came time for them to leave what they thought was an alternative route “ended up in a coal mine,” she said. They ended up in a little town along a river with homes built into the steep banks. “It was so neat,” Schmidt said, adding, “We had a special escort out of town” when a police officer guided them off a road which was too narrow for a bus and back toward the expressway.

Schmidt has now turned over her oneday tours to Kiel’s Missy Brandt, whose work with the Kiel Community Center helps her spread the word about the excursions. Schmidt continues to assist her

Minor to Major Collision Repairs All Insurances Welcome

Helen Schmidt is in her 39th year of helping people travel across the U.S.

and also helps sell other trips, such as an upcoming trip to Florida with 28 people signed up and one to the Southwest in March with 38 signed up.

She added that she plans to continue

helping people explore Wisconsin and the rest of the country until she simply cannot do it anymore. “It is a bundle of fun,” she said. “My loyal customers today are friends.”

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Kiel Progress briefs 2017

Buechel Stone recalls busy 2016

2016 was a year filled with philanthropy, accomplishment, and change for Buechel Stone.

An energy audit resulted in a brighter 2016. By the end of the first quarter, Buechel Stone implemented the Wasmer Company’s LED lighting proposal.

It proved to conserve energy, save on costs, lessen demands on local electric systems, and improve quality light levels at all facilities.

When Buechel Stone’s artisans, technicians, and staff were not at work, some

of their tenured talent received gifts for use during off time. A DeWalt drill, $750 cash, and a weekend in Vegas were some of the benefits enjoyed by recipients of an Extreme Anniversary Program implemented by the company last year.

Buechel Stone was also honored for its continued commitment to a healthy workplace, earning a Well Workplace Award from the Wellness Council of America. The company was one of nine Fond du Lac area companies to receive the award.

In May, Buechel Stone held its second annual Penny War. According to wellness points earned by participants, the company and individuals donated

pennies toward five local non-profits (chosen by people at the company). Individual donors contributed $840 with the company kicking in $685; that is over 150,000 pennies for great causes close to home.

The biggest change came with the retirements of two influential leaders.

Before retiring in May, Chief Financial Officer Tom Paul helped achieve growth out of challenging times. An even bigger change came with the retirement of President and Owner Tim Buechel in late December. Active with the company his entire life, Tim and his brothers acquired it from their parents in 1977. His

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Upon retiring, Tim Buechel credited the Buechel Stone team as a “great group that will continue to surround (the future leadership) with thoughts, ideas, and support.” As the company enters 2017, Buechel Stone is preparing for big growth by investing in even more technology and talent in office and production areas at multiple locations.

For more information on career opportunities visit www.buechelstone.com/ employment.php.

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ownership stake was passed to his son Mike. Scott Buechel succeeded Tim as president.

iwantthenews.com/your online COMMUNITY!

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To our dedicated Employees & Patrons

Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to Henning Cheese Frank Renn Theresa Gaedke Milk Patrons Delivery Drivers Scott & Rhonda Reichardt Marge Kaufmann Paul & Sharon Bascombe Jason & Diane Baus Ron & Mary Baus Jason & Jeremy Bessert Don Dahm & Mary Lodes Kevin & Melissa Freier Dan & Barb Freund Dean & Sarah Gebhart Charlie & Cody Goking Jairus & Rita Goking Bob Grunewald Joe & Sue Hansen Dennis & Debbie Hintz Bob & Anne Huebner Robert & Elaine Koerber Hans Kuhn & Nanette Bolebosh Dan & Kathleen Lemke Mark & Kelly Lemke Duane & Joan Lisowe Nick Lisowe Morgan & Sandy Long Robert Lutzke & Tina George Millard Margo Millard Fred & Rosemary Popp

Jason & Jenny Riesterer Brian & Becky Salm Dan Schema Lewy & Debbie Schema Francis & Tim Toepel John & Joyce Toepel

Tom Keller Ken Tyson Rod VanSchyndel

Licensed Cheesemaker

To all their families and hired help

Mike Cieslewicz Joshua Henning Mark Krutzik Mike Voss

Fieldman

Production

Joel Nargis

Milk Truck Drivers Glen Horning Nate Horning John Kaufmann Keith Haak Erv Witte

Sales

Rebekah Henschel

20201 Point Creek Rd, Kiel 920-894-3032 henningscheese.com Kiel: Take 67 north 2 miles follow blue signs.

New Holstein: Take Hwy X east 2 miles follow blue signs.

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Donna Keyes Libby Klauck Karen Plagemann Lisa Rathsack Missy Schmitz Donna Schwarz Jill Westermeyer Hope Wetzel

Store & Backroom

John Bornermann Randall Bonde Jacob Bulitz Zach Henning Scott Kautzer Lenard Kritz Jr. Marques Otto Sean Pingel Joe Prange Jim Walber

Cathy Artz Kris Bonlander Katie Franzen Sarah Gaedke Alicia Kahl Leonard Kahl Tina Kreuger Krista O’Connor Karen Schlegel Sara Schmitz Amy Vogel

Packaging

Liz Arnold Dianne Christopherson

Forever grateful,

Everett, Kay, Kerry, Kert & Mindy Proudly serving the community for 103 Years Thank you to all our customers near and far.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

Delta’s product remains information Delta Publications, Inc. owner Mike Mathes has used the phrase for years that the company is not a newspaper business, it is an information business.

That is as true as ever as Delta Publications, Inc. seeks to bring information to people in a wide variety of ways.

Delta Publications, Inc. produces the weekly Tempo—a free distribution “shopper”—and the subscription newspaper Tri-County News.

It also continues to in-

form people with news daily on the Web site iwantthenews.com.

For more information check out the Web site or call 894-2828.

KIEL AUTO REPAIR Wally Wright, Owner

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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“I began at Willowdale as a Hospitality Clerk and am now a Certified Nursing Assistant. I was fortunate to have gone through a C.N.A. program at one of their sister centers, which was a great experience.

The teamwork among the staff is incredibly strong and the compassion my coworkers have for the residents and for each other is remarkable.

Going through the C.N.A. class and working as an aide, I have found that this role is incredibly important for a center to function properly. But, the most important thing that I have learned while at Willowdale is how vital communication is among all departments; everyone working together to give the best care to our residents, something Willowdale does well.

I would tell anyone looking to come to Willowdale, that I have never met a team more caring. Every employee has a heart of gold and is attentive to the resident’s needs, doing everything possible to ensure a warm welcome and a comfortable living environment.”

- Krisy Grube, Certified Nursing Assistant

WILLOWDALE Nursing &Rehab Center 1610 Hoover Street, New Holstein • (920) 898-5706 www.willowdaleskillednursing.com

1610 Hoover St., New Holstein • 920-898-5706

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It’s Time AGAIN to

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2017 • Thursday, March 2, 2017

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