ORDER UP! magazine Living
ALSO:
SECOND STORY TEEN CENTER HAS A NEW LOCATION
ENJOY SERENITY AT HICKORY GROVE CAMPGROUNDS
INDULGE YOUR SWEET TOOTH WITH CAKE RECIPES
Spending My Time Wisely
One of the biggest annoyances of my childhood was coming home from a busy day of school to see that my mom had decided to rearrange all of the furniture in the living room. She loved to play around with her furniture arrangement, while I wanted the old furniture arrangement to always stay the same. The fact that this was one of the biggest annoyances of my childhood tells me two things – I was very fortunate to have the childhood I did, and that I hate unnecessary changes when I feel everything is right in my world.
Now, as an adult, I never change the layout of furniture in my house, and I’m not even the slightest bit tempted to do it. My mom, now in her late 70s, still likes to move her furniture around from time to time.
When I recently moved my daughter into her college dorm, she naturally had to consider how she wanted to arrange the furniture in her dorm. My husband and my daughter seemed to have a strong opinion about it, while I didn’t care where anything went. The experience reminded me of when I moved into a
dorm when I started college decades ago. And guess what? I had no opinion on where my desk and bed went then, either.
Maybe it’s a lack of vision on my part, or maybe it’s sheer laziness, but I don’t care enough about the layout of a room to create extra work for myself. That hour I could spend rearranging my furniture is an hour I would rather spend doing almost anything else.
While you’ll never catch me rearranging my furniture, I probably spend a lot of time doing things that my family considers a waste of time. And that’s perfectly okay. I’ve learned the key to being happy, at least for me, is to spend my time wisely. I do what I love, as much as I can, and let the rest fall away...
Best wishes,
Shannon Serpette Niche Editor
PHOTO BY KATLYN SANDEN
by emailing sserpette@shawmedia.com.
Second Story Teen Center relocated in May to 125 S. Main Street in Princeton after being above Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe since 2009. The move was because of the growth of attendance, with 100-plus teens attending on Fridays and 45 to 50 teens there on Tuesdays.
Second Story Has A New Home
Story & Photos by Brandon LaChance
Since 2009, Second Story Teen Center has been a place for kids to hang out and have fun at its location above Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe. But this May, the safe, faith-based center relocated down the road to 125 S. Main Street in Princeton.
“It’s grown tremendously in the few months we’ve been in the new location. We had to get out of our previous space because of the growth that we’ve had,” said Jeff VanAutreve. “We started the center because in 2007-08, Princeton and Bureau County were hit with an epidemic of teen suicides. Somebody needed to do something, so Dana and I decided to give kids somewhere to go and hang out. If they need to talk, we are here.
They can also play games and hang out with others.
“On the night we had our last gathering at the old location, I had two people now in their 20s, who came to Second Story when they were kids, tell me personally, if we hadn’t been there for them, they probably wouldn’t be alive today. We know we’re doing the right thing,” he said.
The VanAutreves have been married for 41 years and own Johnson’s Carpet Shoppe, which is why the first center space was above the shop.
Dana went to Princeton High School, and
See STORY page 6
Everything from registration to attending, as well as food, games, crafts, and fun, is free for kids at Second Story Teen Center in Princeton. Teens even have access to the Teen Pantry, which contains food, clothes, school supplies, hygiene items, and more.
Although not pushed upon visitors, Second Story Teen Center is faith-based. A prayer for any need is offered to all.
Jeff and Dana VanAutreve have been married for 41 years. They opened Second Story Teen Center in 2009 in downtown Princeton because the city and Bureau County were facing teen suicides. The center was designed to give kids a place to go, have fun, be safe, and have support if needed.
FROM PAGE 5
Jeff graduated from Wyanet. Both having a passion for the area, their own kids (and now grandchildren), as well as the youth of the community, it only seemed right to open the doors and create a safe place.
On Tuesday nights, hours are 4-8 p.m., and an average of 45 to 50 children are at the teen center. From 6:30-11 p.m. on a Friday, it’s rare to have fewer than 100 kids. They play pool, arcade games, use playing systems such as X-Box or PlayStation, shoot
hoops, lounge in many different seating locations, get a bite to eat from the kitchen, create art, play volleyball or basketball, and talk with old friends and new friends.
Everything, including the food in the kitchen and multiple different items in the Teen Pantry, is free for the kids. Thanks to support from the community, in Princeton and the surrounding area, donations have allowed growth and security.
“Every kid who comes in goes through a metal detector. We are proactive rather than reactive. They have to check in through our computer,” said Jeff. “When they first come to Second Story,
Second Story Teen Center partnered with another No Child Left Behind organization, which brought 500 pairs of shoes to teens in Princeton. In one night, 200 pairs found new owners.
their guardian is supposed to come with them to set up a registration in the computer.
“The guardian will receive a text when the child logs in, stating they are at the center. When they leave, they have to check out, which tells the guardian they are leaving. It’s a check and balance thing to make sure they’re being on the up and up. Staying proactive rather than reactive, we have 23 cameras in the building,” he said.
There are also special features such as the stained glass hanging in the Jeff and Dana VanAutreve Great Hall, which Jeff calls the Big Room. The glass was part of a church that closed in Princeton and was torn down in 2017. They found a stained glass window from the church and added it to the new building in August.
Also in August, Second Story partnered with another No Child Left Behind organization and brought 500 pairs of shoes to the teen center’s registered members.
Although the chat Jeff recently had with the individuals who thanked him and Dana for saving their lives reminded him the center has a wonderful purpose, he is reminded every day he’s at Second Story.
“We currently have 36 volunteers who help us with things. I drive a bus and pick up kids to come to the center, and others drop off the kids,” Jeff said. “When kids graduate high school, they have an option to become a volunteer. Otherwise, their time with us is over. I’d say about 15 percent of our volunteers were once kids who came to Second Story.”
Rossy’s BBQ Joint moves to a new location
Story & Photos by Katlyn Sanden
If you’re looking for a unique, authentic BBQ experience, then Rossy’s BBQ Joint is a destination you want to add to your list. Located in Wyanet and run by Kyle and Stephanie Vander Meersch, Rossy’s BBQ Joint serves up more than just your typical barbecue.
“We get calls at 4 p.m. to ask if our meatloaf is done,” owner Kyle “Rossy” Vander Meersch said. “People are like we wouldn’t go to a barbecue restaurant and get meatloaf, but this is the best we’ve ever had. It’s not dry, and I top it with a special smoked ketchup. People come here just for the meatloaf.”
It was the same family meatloaf recipe that ignited the spark to open a restaurant.
“From very early on in our relationship, Kyle (Rossy) would make jokes about how it would be so fun to have a restaurant and cook for people,” owner Stephanie Vander Meersch said. “He hates being called a chef, but he truly has an incredible talent for cooking. When I parted ways with an employer in early 2024, it just seemed like the right next step to take a leap of faith and open that restaurant he’d been dreaming about.”
Rossy’s BBQ Joint quickly outgrew its initial space and just opened a new space at 115 East Main Street in Wyanet.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful,” said Stephanie. “It’s cozy, inviting, and best of all, it offers us the flexibility to maximize our business because we will be offering beer and cocktails in the near future.”
They currently offer a full barbecue menu with classic pulled pork, chicken, and brisket, plus a full smashburger menu. They also offer daily specials like pork belly burnt ends, brisket burnt ends, and BBQ ribs.
Some of the most popular menu items include a classic pulled pork sandwich, pulled pork loaded mac and cheese, and America’s Sweetheart Smashburger. Some of the most popular appetizers include garlic cheese curds and Rossy’s Nachos. Stephanie says they also make homemade fruit pies that are to die for.
Kyle “Rossy” and Stephanie Vander Meersch are excited about their restaurant’s new space right on Wyanet’s Main Street.
Most recently, they’ve started Sunday brunch, which Stephanie said has been so fun watching customers enjoy. Brunch includes eggs made-toorder, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, and skillets. Specials have included stuffed French toast and freshbaked cinnamon rolls.
However, figuring out how to offer quality meals at a reasonable price and working on communication have been a challenge, Stephanie said.
“I think Kyle and I would agree that working with your spouse (and kids) has been a big challenge for all of us,” Stephanie said. “We have learned to communicate better and maintain a strong family dynamic while gaining a new respect for each other’s work ethic
and commitment to building our business.”
They take great pride in customer experience as well and say their employees are at the heart of that.
“It’s been amazing working here,” server Alexandra Romero said. “Everyone here is like family. Rossy’s BBQ Joint coming to Wyanet has been an amazing addition. They are local, so many friends and family come and join us here. This is my second home.”
“We definitely see the commitment and loyalty from our staff positively impact our customer experience,” Stephanie said. “We’ve said from the beginning, this is Wyanet’s restaurant, and we take pride in that. We wouldn’t be here without the support of our community and locals.”
The dining room at Rossy’s BBQ Joint is a family-friendly atmosphere.
Stephanie prepares a pan of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for a busy Saturday night.
Rossy’s BBQ Joint’s loaded baked potato.
STEAK BURGERS
Hickory Grove Campground, a camping destination
Story & Photos by Katlyn Sanden
Looking for a way to unplug with the family that doesn’t break the bank? Consider Hickory Grove Campground in Sheffield.
Hickory Grove Campground offers spacious campsites with numerous amenities nearby.
“This is a place where kids can still catch lightning bugs,” owner and founder Joan May said. “It’s just beautiful and so spacious. People aren’t camping on top of each other.”
Hickory Grove Campground is located on the border of the Hennepin Canal and Hennepin Canal State Park, about 2 miles north of Interstate 80. The campground has a boat launch, ramp, and dock on the canal and sits right next to the Great American Rail-Trail for biking and hiking.
It offers 103 campsites and can accommodate up to 80-foot RVs for overnight or seasonal stays. They also have cabins available, brand new shower facilities, and a pool.
May says the Hennepin Canal and the National Bike Trail are big draws for their guests.
“People come here just to ride the bike trail,” said May. “There’s a 100mile race the first weekend of October. It’s pretty neat to see their lights bobbing up and down when they’re going through.”
May says biking isn’t the only draw, though. The Psycho Silo Saloon is just 5 minutes away and is built in an old corn crib and has grown over the years. They host many family-friendly events throughout the year, including a tractor pull, rodeo, car show, and live music on the weekends. If that’s not your cup of tea, May says the surrounding towns are spectacular.
See CAMP page 12
If staying in an RV isn’t your thing, Hickory Grove Campground also offers cabin rentals, which typically can accommodate a family.
May says her skills as a retired operational engineer have helped her create this camping sanctuary. All their ‘roads’ are asphalt grindings, which cut down on dust.
FROM PAGE 11
“The City of Princeton is adorable,” May said. “I love sending people into Princeton. Sheffield has cute stuff, also. They have a coffee shop, grocery store, Red’s Bar & Grill. People see that advertised and want to see what the area is. We have people come off the interstate and say it’s so pretty, they’re going to add a couple of days. They aren’t bothered by all the craziness that can happen at some RV parks because it’s so spacious.”
Because of that, May says she sees a lot of repeat customers throughout the season.
“We’ve been coming here for 7 years now and have been permanent campers for the last 3 years,” said Gary Smith. “The big thing is, you’re not parked side by side. The
campground is wide open with lots of trees. Of course, the addition of the pool keeps us coming back.”
Smith travels for nearly two hours with his wife, Laurie, to camp at Hickory Grove.
“We like to kayak the Hennepin Canal, go to the Psycho Silo Saloon when they have live music, and the wildlife park in Buda,” Smith said. “There’s a little bit of everything.”
With almost a decade in business, May looks forward to adding more campsites and making improvements to keep the regulars coming back.
“We’re thankful,” May said. “For nine years, the business just keeps growing. We have a 32 percent increase this year, and every year just seems a bit better. I don’t know why. Maybe camping is affordable for families still. This is a nice, safe place to experience camping with your kids. People come here for the peace and quiet.”
Gary and Laurie Smith say the addition of the pool (which was just completed this year) is a big draw for them. There are also brand new shower/bathroom facilities and a laundry room in the white building behind them.
New shower/bathroom facilities are available to campers at Hickory Grove Campground.
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A Piece Of Cake
These cake recipes will be crowd-pleasers
By Shannon Serpette
Whether you’re having a small get-together at your house or going to a big party, cake is always welcome. People of all ages love it, and one cake can feed many people. If you’re tired of your usual cake recipes, here are some tried-and-true favorites to make.
Carrot Cake Bars
INGREDIENTS
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated carrot
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Topping Ingredients
1/2 cup margarine
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream sugar and oil together. Add one teaspoon vanilla and the eggs and beat well. Add the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt and mix well. Fold in the nuts and the carrot.
Pour the batter into a greased 9-by-13-inch pan. Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Cool completely. Beat the margarine, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until creamy and spread on cooled bars.
Pumpkin Roll Cake
CAKE INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for sprinkling on a towel)
3/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup canned pumpkin puree
FILLING INGREDIENTS
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 15- by 10-inch jelly roll pan and line with wax paper or parchment paper. Grease and flour the paper, and sprinkle a thin kitchen towel or a sheet of foil with the 1/4 cup of powdered sugar.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Beat the eggs and granulated sugar in a large bowl until thick. Beat in pumpkin and add the flour mixture, stirring in. Spread the batter into the lined pan.
Bake for 13 to 15 minutes (if you’re using a dark pan, check at 11 minutes) or until the top of the cake springs back if you touch it. Immediately loosen the cake and turn it onto the prepared kitchen towel or sheet of foil. Peel off the paper slowly off the cake and roll the cake and towel up together, using the narrow end. Allow it to cool. Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese, one cup of powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla with a mixer until smooth. Slowly unroll the cake, spread the cream cheese mixture over it, and reroll the cake. Wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. Sprinkle with powdered sugar when serving, if desired.
Fudge Cinnamon Cake
INGREDIENTS
2 cups sifted flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup butter or margarine
7 tablespoons baking cocoa powder
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
Sift together flour and sugar in a bowl. Mix together butter, cocoa, and water in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Slowly pour the mixture over flour and sugar, blending with an electric mixer. Add buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, baking soda, and cinnamon, and mix well. Spread in a greased 15 by 10-inch jelly roll pan or a smaller pan (but make sure to increase baking time accordingly).
Bake in a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes or until done. Cool in pan on rack. Frost with chocolate fudge frosting.
Chocolate Fudge Frosting
INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup butter or margarine
5 tablespoons baking cocoa powder
6 tablespoons milk
3 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
DIRECTIONS
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan. Add the cocoa powder and milk and stir well. Boil the mixture and then remove it from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat or stir until smooth.
KAMMERER FOR SHERIFF
INTEGRITY LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITY
Please vote for Tom Kammerer in the Republican primary election on March 17, 2026 and in the general election on November 3, 2026.
Thank you for your support!
CONTACT TOM KAMMERER VIA EMAIL: KAMMERERFORBUREAUCOUNTY@YAHOO.COM
Tom Kammerer for Bureau County Sheriff
• I have proudly served my community as a police officer for more than 31 years. Of those 31 years, 18 have been in a leadership role, most recently as the Chief of Police in Princeton. I have led major investigations, crisis situations, large scale community events and day-to-day activities for more than 7 years as Chief. I am also experienced in the administrative skills needed to lead the Sheriff’s Department, such as budgeting, human resources and contract matters.
• I am actively engaged in many community organizations to include Princeton Rotary, Second Story Teen Center and Dementia Friendly Princeton. When elected Sheriff, I intend to engage in community activities throughout Bureau County. Many of the programs we have in Princeton, such as Dementia Friendly, are scalable to the entire county, bringing much needed resources to improve quality of life.
• I have a proven track record as a leader. Other candidates will make campaign promises, talking about what they want to do as Sheriff. I have demonstrated over the past 7 years what I can do, and intend to continue doing as Sheriff.
• I am not a politician, I am a police officer.
• I lead by example. I expect accountability, from our deputies and from myself.
• We will be transparent with the public and as responsive as possible to their needs.
• I am accessible. I prefer to work in the field as much as possible, not sit in an office.
• If this resonates with you, please vote for me on March 17, 2026 and November 3, 2026.
• If you would like to support our campaign please contact us at kammererforbureaucounty@yahoo. com or on Facebook at tomkammererforbureaucountysheriff@facebook.com
Thank you for your support!
Paid for by Tom Kammerer for Sheriff
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