Neighbors-1110 October 2011

Neighbors Stories of interest from your community!

PRECISE TIMING! Two Central Wisconsin Potato Growers Harvest 2011 Crops

October 2011 Vol. 1, Issue 8

THIS ISSUE Hops Harvest Waushara County Fair Haunted Day Trips!

Neighbors Table of Contents October 2011, Vol. 1, Issue 8

Above: Pages 16-19 feature photos from the Waushara County Fair’s Draft Horse Pull and Youth Animal Auction.

FEATURE ARTICLES

COLUMNS

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Precise Timing Two Central Wisconsin potato growers, Paramount Farms Inc. and Kizewski Farms, harvest 2011 crops.

Together Thoughts from Jim Faivre, Neighbors’ publisher.

20 Village Blend Coffee Shop Plainfield experiences metro flair with a revitalized, vintage building transformed into a coffee house.

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Hops Harvest The Bronks of Custer launch a new venture – commercial hops growing!

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Grounded Ruth Johnson, Neighbors’ Editor, reflects on daily life.

Day Trips-Chance Encounter Ann Marie Worzalla and Heather Kizewski explore a haunted restaurant.

Neighbors-October 2011

Together FRESH PRODUCE. I will have to admit that I am nuts about produce and the fresher, the better. It does not matter if it is fruit or vegetables, although I am somewhat partial to apples and have been known to stop and pick some off random trees.

That is why I love the articles we cover for harvest time. I don’t think fruit and vegetable growers get enough attention and credit for the incredibly hard work they do and the long hours they keep.

I wanted to congratulate Becky and Shawn from Lakeview Berry Farm, who appeared in the berry articles in the Neighbors July issue on the birth of their son, Elijah, September 25, in their car, on the way to the hospital!

We did another story on a local mystery. This one involved another guessing game about what a local farmer was building. What appeared to be a crop of telephone poles growing out of the ground was actually the support for hops being grown commercially by the Bronks in Custer.

This was a new venture for the Bronks and we applaud their efforts to branch into something new and unique for our area! They are definitely thinking out of the box. As always, let me know your thoughts.

Above: I am pointing out to Ruth how the Bronks installed their drip irrigation system for their hops through the poles, which is great because it keeps it unclogged when it is off the ground.

Pay no attention to those hops in my hand. Left Bottom: Tony Kizewski heard that I liked to eat produce right out of the field so he prepared a sack of potatoes for me right in the field. I felt like I was at a giant grocery store!

Happy trails and blue skies for all!

Jim Faivre Publisher, Neighbors

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Neighbors EDITOR, PHOTOGRAPHER, DESIGN & PRODUCTION CIRCULATION & WEB MANAGEMENT

Grounded

Ruth Johnson

journey@journeywi.com 715-347-3755

Regeneration. Harvest time confirms the earth’s never ending ability to continue the cycle of life even in the worst of circumstances.

As an avid gardener and landscaper, I have always believed in the healing and soothing effects of working with the soil and watching the growth that results from my work.

Each month, as I produce this magazine, I have that same feeling because I believe that our articles, which focus on the good things happening in our own area, can help overcome the negative slant we often see in the mainstream media.

Having weathered many of life’s storms, I realized long ago if you try to find something excellent in each day, even if it is simply a wonderful sunrise breaking the horizon, your entire outlook changes.

I am not a “Pollyanna” and acknowledge that these are disruptive times. However, Neighbors has helped me remember that the American spirit is more powerful than many people realize.

Reach out to those around you and help them realize their rays of hope. Meanwhile, I will do my part to emphasize positive happenings through my various articles and photo essays. Thank you!

Warm regards,

Ruth Johnson Editor Neighbors Right: The Waushara County Fair article, page 16, also covered their livestock sale.

Above: Birds eye view from the Kizewski’s Lenco potato harvester.

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“Our 4 Generation of Macks!”

“For over 20 years, Paramount Farms has counted on Mack tractors’ dependability and durability. Scaffidi’s great sales and service team and extended service hours make Macks an even better fit for us.” ~ Bob Berard, Paramount Farms

Left to Right: Robert Markley (Scaffidi Trucks), Bob Berard (Paramount Farms) and Joe Ebben (Scaffidi Trucks) with Paramount Farms’ Mack trucks from Scaffidi Trucks.

“Mack’s mDRIVE 12-speed automated manual transmission is awesome! Our drivers love the way they shift and ride.

We like the lower driveline maintenance costs.” ~Bob Berard

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Eric Beggs Construction Inc. Locally Owned & Operated Serving Central Wisconsin for 20+ Years HOME & COMMERCIAL REMODELING/BUILDING Roof repair, window installation, concrete flatwork, decks, patios and fireplaces.

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Eric’s team built our storage garage, maintenance building, concrete flatwork, bathroom/shower house and now three deluxe rental cabins, which renters love so much, we are adding more in the near future. Quality counts and EBC gets my vote!” ~ Scott Kollock

PARAMOUNT FARMS Bancroft, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Herculean is the perfect word to describe the massive efforts in harvesting Paramount Farms’ 5,500 acres of Russet potatoes for McCain Foods and chip stock for Frito-Lay. Altogether, the operation plants, maintains and harvests 14,000+ acres with about 5,000 sweet corn acres, 3,000 green bean acres and 1,100 acres in peas.

STAGGERING LOGISTICS The equipment, inputs and manpower Paramount Farms must marshal and manage are mind-boggling. These efforts require clockwork-precise scheduling, commander-level logistics and tandem unity in the fields, particularly when harvesting potatoes. A major area employer, Paramount Farms retains 54-56 full time employees and 88 seasonal/part-time workers.

Green dominates their fields in more ways than just plants since they have 10 row crop and three tillage John Deere tractors with countless attachments. Two are new John Deere 8R tractors equipped with the latest GPS and crop management software to provide real-time, interactive communication and information transfer between field and home office.

(Continued on Page 10) Opposite Page: Jim Ebben, Paramount Farms Operations Manager, shot this photo at the end of last year’s harvest. Top: The men and machines of Paramount Farms potato-harvesting efforts gather for a photo. Middle: Two John Deere tractors pioneer their way through the potato fields, marking the course for the harvester/ straight truck team behind them. Bottom: Ray Gerard operates Paramount Farms’ new John Deere 8R tractor, equipped with GPS and crop management software.

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“Dependability and reliability are more important than ever.

We need machines that run all day without compromise, and that's why John Deere tractors and equipment fit our needs,” states Jim Ebben, Paramount Farm’s Operations Manager.

The operation also has four Lenco harvesters, eight windrowers complimented by 28 straight trucks, two pay loaders, various dump trucks and several mowers.

IN THE FIELDS Watching Paramount Farms’ harvester and straight truck teams transverse potato fields behind John Deere tractors marking the course for the harvesters to follow, is a remarkable experience - a true unity of man, machine, motion and the earth itself. The biggest obstacle is common to all Wisconsin farmers, never ending rocks that impede progress at every turn.

(Continued on Page 11) Top: Harvester operator Shad Cummings studies the monitors, watches the field in front, checks the potatoes being harvested and synchronizes with the truck beside him. Middle: Straight truck drivers scrutinize the field, the harvester beside them and the boom conveying potatoes to the truck beds. Bottom: Potatoes are harvested into the Lenco’s front end and travel through slotted conveyor belts that disperse dirt and debris before transferring the load though the boom to the straight truck bed.

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PACKAGING AND HANDLING Paramount Farms transports potatoes right out of the fields to their packing plant where potatoes are washed, graded, manually inspected, bagged, and placed on skids of 2,000 pounds to await transport. This packing plant, like their other sites, is well kept, inside and out, and provides a colorful environment for the workers.

The operation also includes two grading sheds, one for reds and the other for chip stock. Both sheds utilize advanced technologies and equipment incorporated into all their functions.

LEADERSHIP According to Bob Berard, CEO of Paramount Farms, which was formed in 1956, “We harvest 48 rows of potatoes in a pass, covering up to 250 acres and store about 100,000 hundredweight each day.”

Bob continues, “Our state of the art storage facility capacity is 1.4 million hundredweight. It stores potatoes up to ten months by electronically and automatically controlling airflow, humidity and fresh air intake.”

“We are very progressive and early adapters of emerging technologies,” Bob continues. “New tools and methods provide precision performance resulting in increased farming efficiencies and productivity to the entire operation so we can continue to thrive.”

Top Left: Workers do a final inspection, manually removing any unsatisfactory potatoes before the bagging process begins. Top Right: Washed and graded potatoes rest in holding bins, awaiting bagging. Once bagged, they are placed on skids holding 2,000 pounds each and then stored in the plant’s humidity/climate controlled storage facility. Middle: Exterior shot of Paramount Farms packing plant. Bottom: A worker keeps a watchful eye on the all-important conveyors that serve as the facility’s lifeline.

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KIZEWSKI FARMS Stevens Point, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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Maximum synchronization! That is what I witnessed up close and personal when Tony Kizewski and his sons, Michael and Tony Jr. of Kizewski Farms invited me to photograph their potato harvesting.

It takes steely nerves and steady hands to drive down an uneven potato field, side by side with a boom (large apparatus that runs from the harvester over to the straight truck bed), delivering potatoes into the truck bed.

Harder yet, is the fact that the straight truck driver must continue to adjust alignment with the harvester for even potato distribution throughout the truck bed, with loading starting at the truck’s back end to help stabilize traction.

Row after row, acre after acre, this process continues from sunup to sundown throughout harvest season, racing to beat Mother Nature’s frost clock and weather.

Communication is key to this close-working relationship.

Tony and Mike do not use two-way radios or cell phones.

Instead, they rely on tried and true hand signals.

(Continued on Page 14) Opposite Page: Tony Kizewski (right) and his son, Michael (left), are a good match for Mother Nature as together, they harvest their way through potato field after potato field. Top: The boom arm juts out of the harvester and hangs over the truck.

It serves as a tenuous bond between the two vehicles conveying potatoes to the truck bed. Right: If potatoes will be stored, their vines are killed off before harvesting.

Since this field of potatoes goes direct to the processor, vines remain in the field.

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DETAILS The potato harvester, itself, is a very complicated machine with more moving parts and gadgets than you could imagine, all of which require constant servicing and parts replacement.

According to Tony, “Brand new, larger models can run over $600,000 so we keep our harvesters and all of our other equipment, well maintained to protect our investment.”

The harvester digs down and scoops up plants and earth as it travels down the rows. Steel link apron chains, several feet wide, separate some of the dirt, which falls back to the rows.

The remaining load is deposited into a holding area where further separation occurs. Different designs use different systems such as vine choppers and shakers, along with a blower system to separate the potatoes from the plant.

(Continued on Page 15) Top: Today’s potato harvesters have a myriad of gadgets. New harvesters cost well over $600,000. This photo shows the symbiotic nature of the harvester and straight truck. Left: Mike Kizewski has served as the farm’s straight truck driver since he was a teenager. Mike says it takes constant vigilance to maintain the careful balance between harvester and straight truck. Tony Jr. also performs those same functions.

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ESTABLISHED “ROOTS” This four-generation group of vegetable growers began with John Kizewski. His son, Raymond Kizewski, grew up working with his father, John.

As an adult, Raymond started his own vegetable growing operation, which he passed onto his sons, Tony, Larry and Romy Kizewski.

Tony’s sons, Michael and Tony Kizewski and Romy’s son, Jeff Kizewski all currently farm with their fathers, providing the fourth generation connection.

Today, the Kizewski Farm operation encompasses 675 acres of potatoes, 475 acres of field corn, 300 acres of green beans and 60 acres of rye.

Tony says, “My biggest hope is that my sons, Mike and Tony Jr., continue to grow and increase this operation well into the future.”

Top: Tractors are vital to the potato operation. Tony takes pride in this John Deere 8850, which is still in use and in great shape, proving, “Nothing runs like a Deere!”

Middle: Mike heads out to take a full load of potatoes over to Del Monte. Bottom: Tony checks equipment during a break in the harvesting.

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WAUSHARA COUNTY FAIR Wautoma, WI

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

The mighty power of huge draft horses moving incredible heavy loads is a remarkable sight and a Waushara County Fair annual favorite!

Draft horses are much larger than average horses and well suited to pull heavy loads. Standing around 17 to 18 hands, they weigh over 2,000 pounds.

Horse pulling handlers and teams travel countless miles to compete at these spectacular events, the cornerstone for many rural county fairs.

Tributes to the awesome strength of these beautiful animals, horse pulls are a throwback to a bygone era when horses were more than mere farm fixtures.

They were the primary source of transportation and labor for farmers.

(Continued on Page 17) Top: At medieval fairs, draft horses served as equine weapons of war, bearing knights in armor. Today, they are objects of curiosity, huge animals nuzzling up to the fence to receive strokes of affection from adults and children. Left: Fairgoers are awed by the size, Herculean power and beauty of the different pulling teams.

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All of the horses, despite weight and breed, are trained carefully for these competitions with their handlers working them every day, just like athletes.

For the competition, teams of horses are hooked to a sled and prove their ‘horsepower’ by pulling increasingly heavy loads a specific distance in order to qualify for the next weight.

Once the massive horses are attached to the sled, the handler goes from reining them in to urging them forward.

The horse teams truly seem to enjoy the challenge as they snorting fiercely and dig their hooves in, straining their muscles in a sheer display of absolute power. The horse that wins is the one that pulls the heaviest load the furthest distance.

(Continued on Page 18) Top (l-r): The draft horse team above was chomping at the bit to pull their load and lunged forward like gangbusters when they were signaled to go. It was hard to tell who liked their performance better – the crowd or the horses, themselves! Bottom: This turkey struts his stuff at the Waushara County Fair Junior Livestock auction, where he will be auctioned off and a lucky bidder will win with the highest bid.

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YOUTHFUL ENTREPRENEURS Waushara County Fair has an annual Junior Livestock Auction open to young people who are members of 4-H and/or Future Farmers of America (FFA) organizations.

The participants spend an entire year first selecting their project animal, then raising, feeding and caring for it, before it is auctioned off at the fair, to the highest bidder. The proceeds from the sale go directly to the young owner.

Junior Livestock Auctions provide students with valuable agri-business experience and the money they earn normally goes towards helping them achieve their educational goals.

(Continued on Page 17) Top Left: Benjamin Ebben, son of Jim Ebben and Bobbi Ruffalo Ebben of Plainfield, steered his swine to garner one of the higher bids in his category at the Junior Livestock Auction. Top Right: Lily Jensen, daughter of Mark & Mary Jensen, secured the Grand Champion award for her steer, which brought a hefty bid!

Bottom Left: Zach Bacon, son of Mark & Michelle Bacon, holds up his roaster chickens for the bidders to view.

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The Junior Livestock Auction also teaches the participants how to parade and show their animals to their best advantage as well as presenting themselves in a professional manner.

Food stands operated during the auction help finance the local youth groups.

Junior Livestock Auctions provide youngsters and teens with valuable agri-business experience. They also help them gain self-confidence and develop a sense of responsibility through their projects.

Overall, the public enjoys seeing the assortment of cows, hogs, sheep, rabbits, chickens and goats.

Junior Livestock Auctions are an excellent opportunity to support youth while purchasing choice meat.

Top: Hannah Olson, daughter of David & Becky Olsen, and a helper show the Reserve Champion roaster chickens. Bottom Right: Sheep is quite a popular category for youth livestock auctions and sometimes bring more per pound than cattle.

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METROPOLITAN FLAIR IN PLAINFIELD!

Merge bygone elegance with contemporary

Village Blend, LLC Coffee Café & Ice Cream Shop

Owners Bill and Kristy Femal, Tri-County Area Schools’ Band Director and Band Instructor and Army National Guard members (Bill is active and Kristy is retired), always wanted to run their own restaurant and kept their eyes open for the perfect building. When the building came up for auction, they knew it would be ideal for a coffee shop.

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

styling and you get Village Blend, an eclectic revamping and revival of a cornerstone of Plainfield’s main street.

According to Kristy, “We purchased the building in October 2008 and spent two years renovating half of the lower level before opening on October 8, 2010. We are quickly approaching our one-year anniversary!”

(Continued on Page 21) Top: The Village Blend has quickly gained popularity throughout the area, where patrons can enjoy coffee and beverages, ice cream, desserts, snacks or entrees.

Left: The building’s revamped exterior is warm and welcoming with the added benefit of quaint, outdoor café-style seating.

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HISTORY Constructed in the late 1800s, the property was known as the F.J. Luce Building. Over the years, it held a general merchandise store, Gambles, clothing store, hairdresser and most recently, Fran’s Coffee Cup. TASTE BUDS & EYE CANDY Family-owned and operated, Village Blend’s menu is diverse with breakfast, and lunch items along with unique specialties: espresso-based coffee drinks and frappes, other unusual beverages, wraps, Paninis, scones and premium Chocolate Shoppe ice cream.

The décor is an eclectic blend of past and present with features like a slate fireplace surrounded with comfortable chairs and free WI- FI. The front nook houses a children’s area.

Kristy says, “We think of Village Blend as a warm, friendly place to come for coffee, stay for lunch and spend the afternoon chatting with friends. It is ideal for banquets, showers, birthday parties or meetings. Our food and baked goods take-outs let you treat your gatherings elsewhere.”

Village Blend receives a lot of community support from wonderful regulars, who spread the word.

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HOPS HARVEST IN CUSTER! Bronk Family Farm

By Ruth Johnson, Editor

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The mystery unfolds! This summer, Mike and Jim Bronk erected 80 telephone poles on two acres of their family farm, perfectly lined up in eight rows of ten poles each row, like marching soldiers.

Since the acres were along Rolling Hills Road, a busy road in Custer, the telephone poles stopped people in their tracks as they tried to figure out what was being built.

THE PUZZLE DEEPENS No one had the slightest clue however, especially when twine was strung through the poles, almost in a netting fashion, at a height up to 16 feet.

Then, crops were planted and vining plants started climbing up the twine. What in the world were they?

The answer was simple: hops, a perennial plant native to our region and a vital ingredient for brewing beer.

Yet it is seldom grown here on a commercial level.

(Continued on Page 24) Opposite Page: Owners /brothers Jim (left) and Mike (right) Bronk pose with mother, Eileen Bronk in the midst of hops heaven. Top: Friends and family helped gather their first hops harvest. Right: Mike Bronk (right) with family from left: Kyle (son), Keith (son), Amanda (daughter) and Toni, Mike’s wife.

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FAMILY BUSINESS This venture represents a third generation farming venture, beginning with Mike and Jim’s parents, James and Eileen Bronk, who established the original family farm. Mike and Jim helped Eileen run the farm upon their father’s passing.

Mike and Jim researched the pros and cons of raising hops, analyzed its potential profits and contracted with a commercial hops broker for a coop agreement that would help subsidize the family’s setup costs.

Amanda Bronk, Mike's daughter, who has a biology and horticultural background, helped with the research efforts and is actively involved in the daily hops venture.

The entire family’s togetherness is reflected in how they work together along with many friends and neighbors to harvest the crop, just like a good, old fashioned thresheree.

INSIDE SCOOP Hops can be an attractive alternative crop for Wisconsin farmers because it does not have to be replanted every year – the plants can last up to twenty years.

With the rise in Wisconsin microbreweries, the demand for fresher, specialized hops with greater flavor and aroma has mushroomed, which is what the Bronks supply. In fact, since their business is “hopping”, the Bronks plan to double their operation next year.

Top Left: Harvesting is done manually with future harvesting equipment purchases planned as the operation grows. Top Right: A bushel of hops is very lightweight and each variety has its own aroma and flavor. The Bronks plant three varieties. Left: The hops plant is perennial to our region and should last twenty years. It vines up the twine and ripe hops, represented by the large chartreuse seed heads, are fairly easy to pick.

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Day Trips

By Heather Kizewski & Ann Marie Worzalla

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS ONE MISSED TURN A year ago, on a black October night, driving home from St. Croix Falls, Ann Marie and I missed an important exit. We found ourselves turned around on winding back roads.

After we got our bearings, we learned the nearest city was Chippewa Falls, so we headed there in search of a decent restaurant.

It was nearly 9:00 pm. We worried we would have to settle for Burger King.

Then we noticed an eerie-looking brick building with an OPEN sign in the second level window.

JAMES SHEELEY HOUSE

Welcome to Day Trips!

Inspired by an authentic passion for travel, each month we will share a unique adventure accomplished in one day; no overnight bags required.

We are sisters-in-law from Stevens Point and Amherst, whose families are involved in potato farming, so we are firmly entrenched in Central Wisconsin.

For more than six years, we have ventured forth in search of unique destinations – it is amazing how far you do not have to go to experience the moments we often seek in faraway lands.

We hope to spark your wheels into motion. You are only a day trip away!

Above: Sisters-in-law, Heather Kizewski (left) & Ann Marie Worzalla (right).

UNSETTLING SENSATIONS After we were seated, I asked where the restrooms were located. I excused myself and walked through the lobby then up the stairway to the Ladies room.

I was not in a frightened state of mind by any means.

However, when I was washing my hands I suddenly felt as though someone was next to me; that an apparition might appear in the mirror.

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It took a bit for us to realize that it was indeed a restaurant. Although strange, it was equally intriguing.

We found a place to park, walked up the stairs, into the lobby, which was tastefully decorated for Halloween. We were pleased to learn they served food until 10 p.m.

The interior was cozy and warm; similar to eating dinner at someone’s house, but instead of one big table, there were several smaller tables.

Top Left: The famed Sheeley House. Below Right: The restaurant entrance is beautifully framed in age-old ivy. SPECIAL NOTE: Click here to go to Day Trips’ Facebook page.

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We did not feel chilly. We asked him questions regarding the building’s history. He mentioned that books were written about it, but overall, he, too, was vague.

RESEARCH The minute I got home, I went on-line and learned that at the height of the logging era, the Sheeley House was one of thirty boarding houses furnishing lodging to loggers, railroaders, drifters and adventurers.

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I refused to look in the mirror. I washed my hands as quickly as possible, looking down at the drain. A feeling then came over me that I might be locked in the ladies’ room.

Relieved my suspicion was not accurate; I scurried down the steps and made my way back to the table. I mentioned to Ann Marie what I experienced just as our waitress came to take our order.

INQUIRING MINDS Laughing somewhat nervously, I asked our waitress if the building was haunted. She seemed uncomfortable and strangely vague, unwilling to elaborate on anything specific.

After dinner, Ann Marie and I went up to the third level.

In 1905, James Sheeley, an Irish immigrant, purchased the building with his wife, Kate.

James tended bar while Kate and their children, Anna, William and Howard prepared meals and maintained the rooms.

When James died in 1913, Kate continued to serve meals and rent rooms but leased the saloon operation.

After Kate’s death in 1934, Anna Sheeley no longer served food but still rented rooms to boarders. In 1981, Anna had to leave her home of 76 years. The building greatly needed repair and its purpose was obsolete.

UNEXPLAINED ACTIVITY I resumed reading and discovered that not only had the Sheeley House been mentioned in numerous books but paranormal investigators visited the building as well.

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Ann Marie immediately said she felt disoriented and hot. I agreed the air seemed thick and the floors perhaps crooked - how you might feel in a carnival Fun House.

Although we both felt mild vertigo, we kept snooping around, checking out the banquet room. Just as we were heading towards the stairs, the owner appeared and said, “Chilly up here, don’t you think?”

Left: On their return trip to Sheeley House, Heather snapped Ann Marie in the corner of the ladies’ room mirror where Heather and other women experienced strange happenings.

Below: Chris Weiner, the lead investigator with Chippewa Valley Paranormal Investigators hosts a Ghost Walk every Saturday at 9:00 pm until October 31.

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They offer ‘pick-your-own’ wagon rides through the apple orchard, nifty corn mazes to explore, caramel apples to die for and several unique apple wines available for sampling.

We stayed at the orchard for about an hour then drove into the historic Downtown area.

On impulse, we stopped at The Duncan Creek Wine and Grille, where we shared a platter of various cheeses, soft pitas and grilled bread.

BY MERE CHANCE

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After chatting with our server, she mentioned a Ghost Walk that takes place every Saturday night.

You can imagine my shock when I read that through the years, women reported getting locked in the ladies’ room and seeing apparitions in the mirror.

It is hosted by the Chippewa Valley Paranormal Investigators, who appeared on Animal Planet's 'The Haunted'.

Other reports included silverware thrown on the floor by invisible hands while cooking utensils go missing, only to reappear in odd places. Strange sounds emanate from the third level, such as children laughing after 11:00 pm.

This of course piqued our interest. We called and made reservations, which cost only $5/person!

The list goes on; mysterious footprints appear on freshly stained stairs, a rose mural bleeds through primer/paint coats and an employee was locked in the cooler while alone in the building.

The tour meets in front of the Sheeley House at 9:00 p.m. Considering we had several hours to kill, it made sense to spend our time learning as much as possible. We grabbed available any available literature and asked many questions.

KILLING TIME

RETURN TRIP We arrived in Chippewa Falls several hours before the Sheeley House opened, so we ventured out to the Autumn Harvest Winery and Orchard - a beautiful place for families to spend the day!

The interior decorating recreates the simplicity of a modest Victorian boarding house. Some furniture was purchased at the Sheeley auction and other items at antique stores.

The metal ceilings and French tile floors in the saloon are original – a brand new bar was built, duplicating the original from photos.

Guests have the option to eat in the saloon or the main dining area on the second level.

However, we were anxious to get up to the third level where the year prior, we experienced several unsettling sensations.

(Continued on Page 29) Top: Autumn Harvest Winery offers wagon rides throughout the farm.

Below: Autumn Harvest Winery also has a store on their farm for selling their wares.

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We snapped a few photos (after replacing the batteries) and noticed mysterious bluish-purple lights appeared in some, but not all the photos.

GHOST WALK The weather was perfect for the occasion – murky with a black sky, crisp air, and a slight whistling breeze.

We met Chris, the lead investigator, along with the rest of our group right outside the Saloon.

We meandered through the streets of downtown Chippewa Falls, listening intently while Chris educated us on the history of the area and various hauntings.

We stopped now and then, peeking into windows where apparitions had been reported.

We learned about detailed historic events, sad and gruesome accidents that occurred on several sidewalks and even experienced tingling sensations in our hands where a particular tragedy occurred.

It amazed me to discover that clients are not charged for investigations.

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REVISITING THE LADIES’ ROOM I walked into the ladies’ room first; Ann Marie was right behind me.

When she tried opening the door, she thought I was pulling it closed, which prevented her from entering, which I was not.

If you are experiencing any unexplained activity in your home, you can contact them and arrange an interview.

(Continued on Page 30) Left: A side shot of the picturesque Sheeley House exterior. Below: One of the dining rooms at the Sheeley House during the day, perhaps a better time to visit for easily frightened persons.

Although we agreed the door was heavy, when we reenacted the scenario, Ann Marie said it was still as though I was pulling the door shut.

Within moments of walking in, the battery went dead in my camera and the toilet flushed though nobody else was up there, which was a very unsettling experience.

We both agreed that if either of us were in there alone, we would have bolted right out the door!

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FINAL REFLECTIONS We stumbled upon everything in this trip by mere chance, purely unplanned. Neither of us had words for how the trip exceeded our wildest expectations!

We respect that not everyone believes in ghosts; however, even skeptics can enjoy the ambience, history and wonderful food at the Sheeley House.

I highly recommend the Seafood Stuffed Mushroom Caps and Ann Marie gives a thumbs-up to the Sheeley House Nachos.

Our walk ended on the third level in the same banquet room we had ‘investigated’ the year before.

We were tempted to ask Chris to review our photos, but others in our group had their own questions for him. Plus, it was getting late and we needed to head home.

The Ghost Walk takes place every Saturday night thru October 31. Call (715) 379-9977 for reservations.

Top: We took several photos of the ladies’ room mirror. Later, when we viewed them, we noticed this mysterious blue light floating on Ann Marie’s shoulder in the mirror. Left: The house’s décor is an eclectic mix punctuated by antiques and original wainscoting and woodwork. Below: The Sheeley House is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Neighbors-October 2011

Journey through Wisconsin SUMMER SPECIAL: Save 20% on 1-Year print/online subscription!

Normally $25/1-Year (4 Issues) Now $20/1-Year (4 Issues)

Save 30% on 2-Year print/online subscription!

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SPECIAL NOTE: Until further notice, we are no longer processing credit cards due to the number of Internet security concerns occurring in today's e-commerce.

VIA CHECK: Print this page and send with your check to Journey Publishing LLC, 7374 Lepak Lane, Custer, WI 54423.

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HAERTEL MONUMENTS Rock Solid in Central Wisconsin www.haertelmonuments.com

Sharing joys and sorrows… through the generations Since 1901, Haertel Monuments' considerate, caring staff has helped Central Wisconsin families create unique, everlasting memorials featuring premium artisanship and exceptional value. Working together, we can capture the essence of someone special or a lifetime of memories.

From lasting monuments to brass plaques and even pet markers, we have a truly beautiful and extensive selection of materials, styles and ideas.

Please visit our display areas in Stevens Point or Wisconsin Rapids for choices that reflect your desires.

STEVENS POINT 5361 Highway 10 East (715) 344-6577  (800) 472-4515 (Toll Free) michele.jensen@haertelmonuments.com stevenspoint@haertelmonuments.com WISCONSIN RAPIDS 1915 Baker Drive (715) 423-2370 wisconsinrapids@haertelmonuments.com

Ann Marie Worzalla, Stevens Point, shares photos that show her family’s generations through the years.

Top: Ann Marie’s maternal grandparents, Sylvester & Catherine (Firkus) Mager. First from Top (from left): Ann Marie’s paternal grandparents, Ray & Isabelle Kizewski; her parents, Tony & Marlene Kizewski and her maternal grandparents, Sylvester & Catherine Mager. Second from Top: Ann Marie’s baptism with her mother holding her and dad, Tony, at far left. Third from Top: Ann Marie & David Worzalla’s wedding photo. Bottom: Ann Marie & David’s son, Warren, at his baptism.

Old World Charm Taste beyond compare!

Ski’s is an experience, not just shopping, a very special place!

At family owned and operated Ski’s, quality knows no bounds and you receive only the freshest, finest meats, seafood, 100+ Wisconsin cheeses, Boar’s Head deli products and other treats.

Savor Ski’s famously delicious homemade brats and sausages and the most tender beef, pork and chicken, cut by our expert butchers.

New in-season seafood refreshed daily – from salmon, halibut and cod to crab legs and lobster!

5370 US Highway 10 E Stevens Point, WI 54482

(715) 344-8484 www.skismeatmarket.com

We offer Wisconsin’s finest artisan and master cheese makers with ‘squeaky fresh’ cheese curds on Friday and Saturday. Visit us soon for your good, old-fashioned, neighborly meat market experience!

Mon-Fri: 10am–6pm Sat: 9am–6pm Sun: 10am–4pm

AUCTION FEVER The Portage County Fair at Rosholt, WI conducts an annual Youth Animal Auction that draws a hardy round of bidders. Wysocki Produce Farms won the bid on this sturdy beef.

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Neighbors-October 2011

The law firm of Mallery & Zimmerman S.C. won the bid for Shane Adams’ steer, also at the Portage County Fair, Rosholt.

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Neighbors-October 2011

DOUBLE DECKER AWARDS Laura Sommers, daughter of Jeff & Kathy Sommers, Plainfield, won Grand Champion Market Lamb and Reserve Grand Champion Junior Beef awards at the 2011 Waushara County Fair. Laura says, "I've been involved in market animals about 10 years and this is my first time ever in the top two so it was pretty exciting."

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Neighbors-October 2011