Elkhorn Our Town 2020

our town 2020

Elkhorn,Wis.

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On behalf of the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Center, we welcome you to share in all that our fine community has to offer.

Visitors to the area soon discover why our residents wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. It’s our outstanding livability augmented by a vibrant business community, excellent public, faith-based and post-secondary educational systems, access to quality health care, a variety of housing options and numerous places to worship.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Elkhorn has hiking and biking trails, area lakes for fishing and boating, golf and skiing.

Elkhorn is a growing community that hasn’t forgotten its heritage or values. Join us for summer concerts at Sunset Park’s historic Bandshell with the Holton Elkhorn Band, which has been performing since the early 1840s.

Thanks to a successful first run last year,

the 2nd Annual Spring Food Truck Festival will return this year on May 16. It’s co-hosted by the Elkhorn Area Chamber and the Elkhorn Economic BY Chris Clapper Development EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Alliance. The ELKHORN AREA CHAMBER OF festival features COMMERCE & 20 food trucks, TOURISM CENTER live music, kids activities, a vendor and craft fair and specials at businesses downtown.

Saturdays on the Square, making it’s way back to downtown Elkhorn for the second year, features a farm market element, crafters, local food stands and a • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

What’s inside City government....................... Page 5 Scout boardwalk project........... Page 6 County government.................. Page 9 Next generation program....... Page 10 Rotary in 50th year................. Page 13 Clubs and organizations.......... Page 14 A ride among the stars........... Page 19 Elkhorn Area schools.............. Page 22 Building a future...................... Page 29 Local churches........................ Page 31 Calendar of events.................. Page 33

On the cover At a fundraiser for the Elkhorn Fund last March around St. Patrick’s Day, Tony and Kim Flitcroft show off their smiles and their fun, wearing o’ the green spirit. The trivia event is held Uptown at Friends, above Friends on the Square in downtown Elkhorn.

Photo by DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

Smokin’ hot ribs

Cornell Simons shows off a rack of ribs at Porky-N-Beans’ stand at the 4th Annual Elkhorn Ribfest, held last summer at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. In addition to rib masters competing, the event, sponsored

by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Walworth County Fairgrounds, welcomes thousands of fans and features a variety of food and drink options as well as live music.

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

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•

HARMONY FROM PAGE 3

community counter will take place on the Square May 23 and run until Sept 5.

One longstanding tradition you don’t want to miss out on will be the 171st Walworth County Fair, which is held six days up to and including Labor Day weekend.

Need a little more taste of “old”? See what treasures you can find at Elkhorn’s largest Antique Flea Market with more than 500 vendors filling the fairgrounds.

Some new traditions have been made over the years as well, including Elkhorn’s Star Spangled Celebration in Sunset Park where the whole family can enjoy a free concert, kid’s activities, food and snacks and fireworks at dusk on July 3.

Elkhorn Ribfest will celebrate its fourth year of good food, good music and good times July 9-12. Admission and parking are free and more than 80,000 visitors are expected this year to get a taste of the best BBQ in the nation. Professional BBQ companies from as far away as Australia and Jamaica will compete for your vote for the Ribfest trophy. There will be carnival rides for the young and young-at-heart as well as a craft artisan village and a tradeshow featuring everything from hot tubs to motorcycles. A community division BBQ competition will take place Sunday, July 12, allowing amateur backyard chefs to compete in a contest for the best ribs with judging done by professionals. For more information visit walworthcountyfair.com.

Corn and Brat Days will be on July 31 and Aug 1, with the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce providing great food, crafters, music and entertainment around the downtown square for the event.

Oktoberfest continues to grow and this will be its 15th year, held on Oct. 17.

Thousands attend this great community event and explore the more than 130 crafters and vendors, a variety of food including a chili cook-off, live music, a classic car show, kids activities, entertainment by community groups and, for the adults – a wine and beer tasting tent.

Known as Christmas Card Town, our Christmas parade will mark its 39th year with many lining the streets to see the floats, music, novelty acts and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus, on the first Saturday in December. You can also see them the night before the parade at the Town Tree Lighting in the Square, Dec. 4 and at the Santa and Mrs. Claus Reception at Matheson Memorial Library following the tree lighting. And don’t forget to stop by and see the man in red when Santa on the Square returns Dec. 11–13, 18–20. Stay warm with hot cocoa and cookies while visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Elkhorn is fun and games but is much more than that. We’re also very serious about business. From unique shops to quality restaurants, from services you’d

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2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

Night of fun

At last year’s Night Under the Lights event, held each June at Harris Park in Elkhorn, Liam McNamara shows off his painted face. The annual Elkhorn Parks and Recreation event is made possible thanks to numerous sponsors and volunteers. The main goal is to allow local youth baseball and softball players take the field “under the lights.” It also features raffles, games and concessions.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

The 4th Annual Elkhorn Ribfest last summer welcomed rib masters along with thousands of fans, vendors and live music. Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chris Clapper (center) along Sarah and Grace Franz help out by bartending under the big tent at the event.

expect in the county seat to a thriving business/industrial park with company names you’ll recognize, Elkhorn truly is a place to live, work and enjoy in harmony.

For more information about the community and its events, please call the

Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Center at (262) 723-5788, visit us online at www.elkhorn chamber.com, on Facebook or drop by our office at 203 E. Walworth St. We’ll be happy to help!

OUR CITY GOVERNMENT ELECTED OFFICIALS MAYOR* Howie Reynolds (262) 741-5117 hreynolds@cityofelkhorn.org

CITY STAFF CITY ADMINISTRATOR James Heilman (262) 723-2219 jheilman@cityofelkhorn.org

ALDERMEN District 1 Tim Shiroda (262) 723-7557 tshiroda@cityofelkhorn.org

CITY CLERK Cairie Virrueta (262) 723-2219 cvirrueta@cityofelkhorn.org

District 2 Frank Boggs (262) 949-1479 fboggs@cityofelkhorn.org District 3* Ronald Dunwiddie (262) 723-3107 rdunwiddie@cityofelkhorn.org District 4* Scott McClory (262) 903-9811 smcclory@cityofelkhorn.org District 5 Tom Myrin (414) 510-0074 tmyrin@cityofelkhorn.org District 6* Karel Young (262) 723-3054 kyoung@cityofelkhorn.org

* Mayor Howie Reynolds is not seeking re-election. Additionally, the terms for aldermanic districts 3, 4 and 6 expire in April.

CITY ATTORNEY Ward Phillips 6 West St. (262) 723-7040 CITY ENGINEER Greg Calhoun (262) 758-6027 gcalhoun@kapurinc.com CITY TREASURER Jessie Bartmann (262) 723-2219 gbartmann@cityofelkhorn.org CITY ASSESSOR Accurate Appraisal LLC (800) 770-3927 info@accurateassessor.com MUNICIPAL COURT James Duquette, judge Claudia Last, clerk (262) 723-2340 elkmunicourt@cityofelkhorn.org UTILITIES John Murphy, Operations Director (262) 723-3138 jmurphy@cityofelkhorn.org

RECREATION DIRECTOR Karl Sorvick REC. SUPERVISOR Alyssa Montgomery (262) 741-5114 (Rec. center) (262) 723-2279 (Sunset Pool) elkhornparkdir@cityofelkhorn.org FIRE CHIEF Rod Smith (262) 723-2277 rsmith@cityofelkhorn.org AMBULANCE CLERK Andrea Ransom (262) 723-5080 elkhornems@cityofelkhorn.org POLICE CHIEF Joel Christensen 100 W. Walworth St. (262) 723-2210 info@elkhornpd.org LIBRARY DIRECTOR Lisa Selje (262) 723-2678 lselje@elkhorn.lib.wi.us

Elected officials, committees, organizations and other key personnel

The City of Elkhorn Common Council meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 9 S. Broad St. The city Plan Commission meets the first and third Thursday of the month as needed.

The Financial & Judicial Committee generally meets the second and fourth Mondays at 4:30 p.m.

The Municipal Services & Utilities Committee generally meets the second and fourth Mondays at 5:30 p.m.

Other committees meet on an as needed basis. The meetings are open to the public.

To view agendas and minutes online or for more information about City of Elkhorn government visit www.cityofelkhorn.org.

PUBLIC WORKS Matthew Lindstrom Operations Manager (262) 723-2223 mlindstrom@cityofelkhorn.org

Zoning administrator Bonnie Schaeffer zoning@cityofelkhorn.org (262) 741-5124

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Building inspector Joe Mesler (262) 741-5115 binspector@cityofelkhorn.org

CITY HALL 9 S. Broad St., Elkhorn (262) 723-2219 www.cityofelkhorn.org Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Putting on a show Members of the Southern Wakes United Water Ski Show Team perform in a show on Elkhorn Lake in Babe Mann Park, Elkhorn, last summer. The team performs at a few locations in the area including Babe Mann Park and Lauderdale Lakes. For more about the team, visit southern wakesunited.com. Once the schedule is finalized it’ll be available on the team’s website.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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Scout leads the way on boardwalk The 150 ft. wooden structure helps hikers access trail Shown working on a boardwalk to cover a swampy area at Geneva Lakes Conservancy last summer are, from the left: Ben Harvey, Ryan Maddix, Matthew Harvey and Nathaniel Bennett. It was one of the requirements for Matthew Harvey in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.

Thanks to the efforts of a local scout and his crew, the Geneva Lakes Conservancy’s Hansen Preserve recently acquired a 150 ft. boardwalk to cover a swampy area so it is now much easier for hikers to access the trail.

Matthew Harvey, a Life Scout with local Boy Scout Troop 243 in Elkhorn, built the boardwalk as one of the requirements for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Harvey spent multiple days prepping for this project and completed the build in late May, with the help of fellow scouts, friends, classmates and troop leaders.

“I wanted people to have an enjoyable experience while exploring the Hansen Preserve,” Harvey said.

Harvey had met with representatives of the Geneva Lakes Conservancy to obtain

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approval for the boardwalk project.

Upon receiving approval, Harvey laid out a plan to raise funds, acquire the materials needed and began preparing for the build.

Harvey said he would like to offer a special thank you to Dunn Lumber of Lake Geneva for giving him a discount on the lumber and screws needed for this project.

The scout said he feels community service is important and he personally participates in several service projects each year, which include roadside cleanup and brush hauling at Hansen Preserve.

“The community I live in does so much and I want to give back and help others,” Harvey said.

Harvey started as a cub scout with Pack 225 in second grade.

Above: The crew that helped build the boardwalk at Geneva Lakes Conservancy, included, from the left (front) Jake Pody, Gavin Laflash, Ben Harvey, Matthew Harvey, Deb Harvey, Bailey Plant, (back) Jim Pody, David Broga, Ryan Maddix, Carl Harvey, Nathaniel Bennett and Bill Plant.

In 5th grade he crossed over to Troop 243 and plans to attain the rank of Eagle Scout by next spring.

He said his favorite troop outings over the years have been Sea Base in the Florida Keys, summer camp and exploring and sleeping in caves.

He said he is looking forward to a 12-day backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico next year that a crew of eight from Troop 243 will be participating in.

Harvey will be a junior at Elkhorn Area High School in the fall. He participates in pep, pit and Jazz band as well as being part of the backstage crew for school plays and musicals.

This summer Harvey is working as a counselor at Ed Bryant Scout Reservation in Mauston.

Top: After completion, Matthew Harvey (center) joins Geneva Lakes Conservancy’s Land Protection Specialist Jake Schmidt and Executive Director Karen Yancey on the newly built boardwalk.

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OUR COUNTY GOVERNMENT WALWORTH COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn County Administrator Mark Luberda (262) 741-4357 mluberda@ co.walworth.wi.us County Clerk Kimberly Bushey (262) 741-4241 Deputy County Clerk Susi Pike County Treasurer Valerie Etzel (262) 741-4251 treasurer@co.walworth.wi.us Register of Deeds Unknown as of press time Nancy Olmon Deputy Register of Deeds (262) 741-4233

LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER 1770 County NN P.O. Box 1004 Elkhorn Sheriff Kurt Picknell Undersheriff Dave Gerber (262) 741-4400 MEDICAL EXAMINER 1770 County Rd. NN Gina Carver (262) 741-4729 HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 1910 County Rd. NN Elkhorn (262) 741-3200 walcohhs@co.walworth.wi.us Superintendent of County Institutions Elizabeth Aldred Deputy Director Carlo Nevicosi Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom

Finance Department Jessica Conley Finance Director (262) 741-4242 walcofn@co.walworth.wi.us

AGING & DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTER 1910 County Rd. NN Elkhorn (262) 741-3400 walcoadrc@co.walworth.wi.us

Human Resources Kate Bishop Director (262) 741-7950 walcohr@co.walworth.wi.us

CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION (262) 741-3200 walcohhs@co.walworth.wi.us

UW-Extension (262) 741-4951 walworth.extension.wisc.edu

DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH (262) 741-3200 walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us

JUDICIAL BUILDING 1800 County Trunk NN, Elkhorn Clerk of Circuit Court (262) 741-7012

FINANCE Jessica Conley Finance Director (262) 741-4242 jconley@co.walworth.wi.us

District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld (262) 741-7198 Walworth County Circuit Court Judges Branch I: Hon. Phillip A. Koss Branch II: Hon. Daniel S. Johnson Branch III: Hon. Kristine E. Drettwan Branch IV: Hon. David M. Reddy Family Court Commissioner: Hon. Kelly Iselin Circuit Court Commissioner: Hon. Gerad Dougvillo Clerk of Circuit Court Kristy Secord (262) 741-7012 Treatment Court Coordinator: Katie Behl

LAKELAND HEALTH CARE CENTER 1922 County Rd. NN Elkhorn (262) 741-3600

County Conservationist (262) 741-7912 Nick Sigmund Senior Zoning Officer (262) 741-7918 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS W4097 County Rd. NN Elkhorn (262) 741-3114 Director Richard Hough rhough@co.walworth.wi.us County Engineer Joe Kroll (262) 741-3441 pbishop@co.walworth.wi.us Finance Mgr. Public Works Penny Bishop (262) 741-3105 jwhite@co.walworth.wi.us Facilities Foreman Brent Brooks (262) 741-3103 bbrooks@co.walworth.wi.us Assistant Director-Highway Barry Pierce (262) 741-3799 bpierce@co.walworth.wi.us Assistant superintendents Dale Poggensee (262) 741-3152 dpoggensee@col.walworth.wi.us David Woodhouse (262) 741-3112 dwoodhouse@co.walworth.wi.us Mike Lois (262) 741-3131 mlois@co.walworth.wi.us Senior project managers Joe Latocha (262) 741-3442 jlatocha@co.walworth.wi.us

County Board of Supervisors The Walworth County Board of Supervisors meets the second Tuesday of the month at 3:30 p.m. in the County Board Room of the Walworth County Government Center, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn.

Meeting dates and times may vary, contact the County Clerk’s Office at (262) 7414241 to confirm meetings.

For more information about county government, visit co.walworth.wi.us

John Miller (262) 741-3106 jmiller@co.walworth.wi.us Parks Division W4097 County Rd. NN Elkhorn (262) 741-3114, option 2 DPWGeneral@co.walworth.wi.us COUNTY SURVEYOR Rob Merry (262) 547-6721, ext. 289 rmerry@sewrpc.org VETERAN’S SERVICES (262) 741-4222 veterans@co.walworth.wi.us Service Officer Nathan Bond nbond@co.walworth.wi.us VOLUNTEER SERVICES (262) 741-4223 Coordinator Colleen Lesniak clesniak@co.walworth.wi.us

LAKELAND SCHOOL W3905 County Rd. NN (262) 741-4118 Director, Special Education Tracy Moate tmoate@co.walworth.wi.us LAND USE & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 100 W. Walworth St. #222 Elkhorn (262) 741-4972 Michael Cotter, Director/ Deputy Corporation Counsel (262) 741-7915 Shannon Haydin, Deputy Director/

People dance to big band music at the 1940s USO-style dance in November at the Activity Center at the Walworth County Fairgrounds.

The dance is a fundraiser for the Walworth County Historical Society’s Veterans Museum and includes free swing dance lessons. Each year, a specific group of veterans are honored at the dance.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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Lakeland Health Care Center resident Jean Ohl plays a beanbag toss game with volunteer Amelia Adcock, a student at Burlington High School, and Racquelle Simons, of Delavan, a student at UWWhitewater who helped facilitate the Next Generation program.

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

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T

he facilitators of a new program that was created to offer a way for area teens and seniors to connect said the first session could not have gone better. And in many ways, it exceeded expectations.

Dubbed the Next Generation program, the idea came out of a discussion between Colleen Lesniak, the volunteer coordinator for Walworth County, and Mary Stenzel and Mel Davis, social workers at Lakeland Health Care Center.

“We talked about starting some new volunteer programs and then Racquelle (Simons), who had volunteered as a high school student and now goes to UWWhitewater, came to us and asked if we had any new opportunities,” Lesniak said.

“So she jumped in and kind of took the lead.”

Lesniak said the goal is to offer it twice a year, once in the spring and again in the fall; the second session is currently being organized. At each gathering, a speaker kicked off the program followed by an activity.

In the first session, students came from Big Foot, Burlington and Elkhorn, though the program is open to kids from anywhere.

The students officially were signed up as volunteers and earned a total of 10 hours community service for participation in the eight-week session.

Most of the students wanted to be part of the program because they’re considering going into a medical field, according to Lesniak. There were general guidelines for the students, including that their phones couldn’t be out, in part for privacy reasons but also to avoid distraction. But she said students were interactive with residents immediately.

GENUINE INTEREST

In an anonymous survey given to the students that volunteered for the Next Generation program at Lakeland Health Care Center, they rated the program and offered comments. Here is a sampling of what they had to say: “It’s good to give back… (I learned about) other cultures… (I’d like) less time for speakers and more time with the residents to talk and interact with each other.” “(I learned) what they enjoy doing and what kind of things they did back in the day.”

“It gave me experience with different people, and it’s important to help elders… (I learned) about their personal life, to be happy and positive, and to always smile.”

“Maybe we could do two days a week so we can get to know the residents better. They all have amazing stories.” “(I learned about the aging process that) it’s important to be patient. They taught me to not take things for granted, that each day counts and that a smile goes a long way.”

focused on the enjoyment of making the connection when asked what they thought of the program.

“I really enjoyed visiting with the children. It has been wonderful seeing them. My advice for them is to take advantage of all of the activities the community has to offer. Get involved,” resident Carol Hafs said.

Jean Ohl said she really enjoyed meeting the kids.

“It has been wonderful,” she said.

Resident Cherise Beck, who was a special education teacher, truly enjoyed the

HELPING FOR THE FUTURE Some potential advantages of the program may not be seen immediately.

“It’s also looking ahead to the future.

Nursing homes are dealing with shortages, so to see some of these kids decide to go into fields that can help address that is great,” Lesniak said.

Though it’s still in the early stages and focused on Lakeland Health Care Center because that’s the county’s nursing home – which is part of Lesniak’s job – she said she’s more than willing to talk to other facilities interested in starting a similar program of connecting elderly and youth.

Davis said the residents looked forward to the program each week.

“It has been a very heartwarming experience,” she said.

Lesniak said the students looked forward to it as well.

“It was fun for them and that’s the key to any volunteering. The great thing with youth is if you provide the foundation, the kids take it from there,” she said.

“I’m beyond excited about how well it went,” Lesniak added. “One of my goals has been to increase volunteer impact at the nursing home. Now that we’ve got it started, I really hope to see it grow.”

Resident Carol Hafs hits the balloon with a pool noodle while Kaylee Anzalone, of Elkhorn Area High School, gets ready to back her up and Nancy Edmundson keeps an eye on the action.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

Lesniak said the program will evolve, but a survey given to the students at the end of the first session last year offered some surprising results.

“One thing the kids said is they want more time with the residents… not more activities, just more time to talk with them,” she said. “It was great to see the connections students and residents made.”

Davis agreed.

“It’s been very rewarding for myself and for our residents, including memory care residents who function on many different levels. When I watched the residents with the students, I could see a spark in many of them. I saw smiles, laughter and enjoyment on their faces,” Davis said.

Activities varied each week but included a beanbag toss, table and card games, an Easter egg hunt, a large parachute activity and a pool noodle/balloon game.

The residents, much like the students,

‘Amazing stories’

interaction with the kids.

“I just love being around children. I miss spending time with kids. This has been just wonderful. I love it,” Beck said.

One of the things that impressed Davis was the genuine kindness the students showed.

“They engaged with the residents equally despite the residents’ different physical and cognitive limitations,” she said, adding that it’s been a joy to share the experiences with residents’ family members.

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Making a difference

Rotary Club of Elkhorn proud of ‘service above self’ motto

By Heather Ruenz EDITOR

he Rotary Club of Elkhorn, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, took awhile to get off the ground, according to member John Henderson, who has been with the club since Day 1.

“We met at various places then – Sterlingworth, the Episcopal Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church and so on. It took some time to get 20 members,” Henderson said.

That persistence paid off, especially for the greater community, as the club has donated more than $500,000 to community organizations including the Elkhorn Soccer Complex, VIP Services, Inc., Rotary Lodge in Babe Mann Park, Habitat for Humanity, New Beginnings APFV Domestic Abuse Shelter, Elkhorn Area School District and Rotary Way. Rotary is unique, according to Henderson, because it’s a volunteer organization all the way through.

“Service Above Self if the motto and it’s non-political and non-religious so allows people to come together,” he said.

Henderson spoke of the Dancing for a New Beginning fundraiser that was held to support the future domestic abuse shelter.

“It was amazing! All five (Rotary) clubs in Walworth County came together for that and raised a lot of money,” he said.

“Another great effort is Stir It Up. We teamed up with VIP Services, which needed a bigger fundraising event and that has worked very well,” Henderson added.

He said most events run a course and then must be altered or come to an end with one example being Elkhorn’s Corn & Brat Days event.

“We used to run it but it was two days and required a lot of manpower, which became a challenge. Now the chamber took it over and revamped it a bit but we still help, of course,” he said.

Other ways the Rotary helps out include: Festival of Summer, Meals on Wheels, Food in a Backpack, tree planting and flea market valet parking.

One of the programs the local club participates in that he is most proud of is the Rotary youth exchange.

“It’s the largest in the world. This year we have a girl here from Denmark. She did great in gymnastics and made the Prom Court. There’s a boy in Sweden right now on the other end of it,” Henderson said.

At the Rotary Club of Elkhorn’s 50th anniversary during the Spring Extravaganza event last year, Elkhorn Rotary president at the time, Dawn Heath (center) is presented a proclamation from Senator Steve Nass and Representative Amy Loudenbeck.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

He said the program is a yearlong exchange scholarship that covers airfare, training and room and board. The Rotary Club of Elkhorn tries to get three families on board each year as the student spending time with different families provides a better overall experience.

“We’re always looking for host families and if people are interested they can let me know,” Henderson said, adding that there is also a summer exchange program.

He and his wife have hosted six students over the years and he said the bonds formed last forever.

“This year we’ll get to travel and see all six of them,” he said.

Henderson said how Rotary operates has changed over the years.

“We’ve always done so many things for the community but when Rotary started, it could only be men and you were expected to make every meeting. If you missed one, you had to make it up elsewhere and if you missed three you were kicked out,” he said.

The club used to be primarily comprised of business owners but now, Henderson said, it’s a mix of people that truly represents the community.

“We have 60 members and average

close to 40 at most meetings,” he said.

Longtime member Karen Kallem, said being part of the club is a once a week commitment but worth it.

“Once I joined they became family so now I have to see my brothers and sisters every week,” she said.

The club meets the first four Wednesdays of each month in the Community Room at Matheson Memorial Library and features a speaker most meetings.

Dawn Heath, who was the president during the 50-year anniversary celebration, said at the time the Rotary Club is always helping others and it’s challenging to pinpoint one favorite gesture.

“One of my favorites is there was an Eagle Scout who spoke to us about building an outdoor classroom. We passed a bucket around during our meeting and ended up collecting $500 for him,” she said.

Henderson said he’s more than happy to sit down and talk with anyone who wants to learn more about Rotary.

“It’s an amazing organization to be part of,” he said.

For more information visit elkhornrotary.org.

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OUR CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS At the hub of any great city are the service clubs and organizations that host fun events and worthy fundraisers, or offer support to those in need, positively impacting the people of the greater community. Here are some of those located in the area: AMERICAN LEGION POST 45 Meetings are held on the third floor of the municipal building, 9 S. Broad St., Elkhorn, the second Monday of every month. (262) 723-2152 BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS 1545 Hobbs Dr., Delavan. Info: (262) 7288865 or visit bbb4kids.org ELKHORN AREA WOMEN’S CLUB A fellowship oriented club since 1926 with a main goal of raising money for local charities and college scholarships. Info: Elkhorn Area Women’s Club on Facebook or call (262) 7233368 ELKHORN AREA YOUTH CENTER 420 E. Court St., Elkhorn. A community outreach created to provide a safe, welcoming setting for middle and high school students. For more information, to make a donation or sign up to volunteer visit eayc.net ELKHORN ARTS FOUNDATION Mission to support, develop and promote all arts as an essential and integral part of

the revitalization and growth for Elkhorn and surrounding communities. Info: elkhornartsfoundation.com ELKHORN FOOD PANTRY 14 W. Geneva St., Open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-11 a.m.

Info: (262) 723-6359 ELKHORN FUND The Elkhorn Fund is a group of volunteers working together for Elkhorn’s present and future by raising money and investing it in an endowment fund. Each year, they award grants to nonprofits in the community. Info: (608) 7580883 or cfsw.org ELKHORN KIWANIS The Elkhorn Kiwanis Club meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at noon at Associated Bank, 10 N. Lincoln St., Elkhorn.

Information: P.O. Box 553, Elkhorn, WI. Call (262) 728-3711 or visit elkhornkiwanis.org ELKHORN LIONS The Elkhorn Lions Club meets the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at different locations in Elkhorn (see the calendar online for meeting locations.) Info: e-clubhouse. org, click on “Other clubhouses” on the left and then select Elkhorn Lions Club, Wisconsin, email toelkhornlions@gmail.com or like and follow Elkhorn Lions Club, Elkhorn, WI on Facebook

ELKHORN PENGUINS SWIM TEAM A youth recreational swim team. Info: visit elkhornpenguins.com, email elkhornpenguins@gmail. com or like and follow Elkhorn Penguins on Facebook ELKHORN ROTARY P.O. Box 915, Elkhorn. The Rotary Club of Elkhorn meets Wednesdays at noon in the Community Room in the Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St. Info: (414) 3331261, Elkhorn Rotary Club on Facebook or elkhornrotary.org ELKHORN SNO DRIFTERS INC. A non-profit club that promotes the sport of snowmobiling for the general public. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month (August through April) at 7 p.m., at Not Too Far Away Bar & Grill, highways 12/67 and ES north of Elkhorn. Info: (262) 215-0926 or email elkhornsnodrifters@gmail.com.

ELKHORN VFW MEMORIAL POST 6375 16 S. Broad St. Meetings are the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Info: (262) 723-4979 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IN WALWORTH COUNTY P.O. Box 174, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. Info: (262) 949-0542 (please leave a message), visit habitatwalworth.org or like and follow Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County on Facebook.

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HOPE NOW, INC. 107 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. A nonprofit organization that raises charitable funds to help local families in need. Info: call (262) 723-4711 or like and follow HOPE NOW, Inc. on Facebook.

Hours vary with volunteer providers availability but are generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday with new patient registration Wednesdays, 2 to 7 p.m. Info: (262) 379-1401, openarmsfreeclinic.org

neglect through community outreach. The alliance’s Tree House provides a safe place for abused children and their families to turn to for help. Info: (262) 741-1440 or visit treehouseforkids.net.

KETTLE MORAINE LAND TRUST Contact Greg Rajsky, executive director or Sue Heffron, program manager, at (262) 9497211, at the office, N7511 Sterlingworth Dr., Elkhorn or by visiting kmlandtrust.org

PREGNANCY HELPLINE 28 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m. 24-hour helpline at (800) 712-4357. Info: (262) 723-2020, phlwalworthco.org

WALWORTH COUNTY BOYS & GIRLS CLUB Providing a safe supervised, educational and fun environment for children and teens. Info: (262) 745-2153 or bgcwalco.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS St. Patrick’s, 107 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn.

Info: (262) 723-4998, stpatrickselkhorn.org.

LAKELAND ANIMAL SHELTER 3615 Highway 67, Delavan, P.O. Box 1000, Elkhorn. Open Monday-Friday from noon-6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: (262) 723-1000, lakelandanimalshelter.org

S.M.I.L.E.S. N2666 Highway K, Darien. Helping to improve the lives of those living with disabilities through a partnership with horses. Info: (262) 882-3470, smilestherapeuticriding.org

LAKELAND AUDUBON SOCIETY Meets September through March (excluding December) at 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Lions Fieldhouse, Highway 67 and Stark St., Williams Bay. Info: (262) 2484535 or lakelandaudubon.com.

SOUTHERN WAKES UNITED WATER SKI SHOW TEAM P.O. Box 434, Whitewater. The team is a merger of the Lauderdale Aqua Skiers and Whitewater Lake Sports Club (Minneiska.)

A non-profit water skiing organization that performs on Elkhorn Lake at Babe Mann Park, among other area venues in addition to tournaments. Info: southernwakesunited.com

LAKELAND PLAYERS 15 W. Walworth St., P.O. Box 234. Providing enjoyable entertainment and a creative home with lots of volunteer opportunities. (262) 2033212 or lakeland-players.or

STRONG WOMEN PROGRAM Healthy Hearts and Strong Bones. Classes cover cardiovascular and strength training, as well as nutrition and cooking instruction. Info: (262) 741-4961, walworth.uwex.edu

NEW BEGINNINGS APFV 735 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and sexual abuse. Key goals include awareness, education, support groups and prevention. Info: 24-hour helpline at (262) email 723-4653, newbeginningswalworth@ gmail.com or visit newbeginningswalworth.com

UNITED WAY OF WALWORTH COUNTY 203 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Info: (262) 3744474, uw-wc.org

OPEN ARMS FREE CLINIC 205 E. Commerce Ct., Suite A, Elkhorn. 100 percent supported by grants and donations, Open Arms is the only free medical and supportive care clinic in Walworth County serving low-income and uninsured residents with primary medical, dental, vision, behavioral health, lab and pharmaceutical assistance.

VIP SERVICES, INC. 811 E. Geneva St., Elkhorn. Info: (262) 7234043, vipservices-inc.org WALWORTH COUNTY CIVIL AIR PATROL 401 E. Fair Ave., Elkhorn. Info: (414) 5882053, gocivilairpatrol.com WALWORTH COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR CHILDREN W4063 Highway NN, Elkhorn. The nonprofit organization advocates for children and their families who are the victims of abuse and

WALWORTH COUNTY FARM BUREAU President: Terry Papcke. 119 S. Broad St. Info: (262) 723-2613, www.wfbf.com WALWORTH COUNTY FOOD PANTRY 205 E. Commerce Ct., Elkhorn. Info: (262) 723-4488 or walworthcountyfoodpantry.org WALWORTH COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY President, Karen Weston. P.O. Box 159, Delavan 53115. Meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 820 E. Geneva St., Delavan. The society’s library in the Mary Bray Room at Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, is open and staffed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays (until 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday) of each month. Info: walworthcgs.com or (262) 7239150 WALWORTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 9 E. Rockwell St. P.O. Box 273, Elkhorn.

Facilities include the Civil War era Webster House Museum, Doris M. Reinke Resource Center and Heritage Hall, which features the Walworth County Veterans museum. Open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m. and by appointment. For information call (262) 723-7848, visit walcohistory.org, email walcohistory@tds.net or follow the Society on Facebook.

WHITE RIVER CYCLE CLUB P.O. Box 242, Elkhorn. Call for locations of meetings and weekly and special bike rides.

Info: (262) 723-5666 or like and follow Friends of The White River State Trail on Facebook.

Fun & Games Taking a break from their game playing to show off their bottles of wine at the Elkhorn Area Women’s Club’s annual Card & Game Night fundraiser last year are Doris Wedige, Donna Neshek, Janice Bain, Nancy Farley and Lanette Maurina.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

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At the annual Star Spangled Celebration in Elkhorn last summer at Sunset Park, the 132nd Army band out of Madison perform followed by the Holton Band with the two joining forces eventually.

Clockwise from the top: FFA members (not in order) Aidan Jenuska, Josie Vance, Alliah North, Lauren Vorpagel and Macie Kruse show off their smiles and patriotic spirit; Quinn Sylvester-Knudtson takes in all the activity going on, and; Brady Norton, a member of the Holton Community Band, shows up in style.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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A ride among the

STARS

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

Fundraiser supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

By Heather Ruenz STAFF WRITER

t’s not every day that people get a chance to spend time with some stars, but that’s precisely what an annual fundraiser offers. The Ride for Kids raises money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, and those given special treatment that day are referred to as stars.

Stars include children who are battling or have beaten a brain tumor and their family members, as well as those families who have lost a child to a brain tumor.

The scenic, police-escorted ride will take off from the Walworth County Fairgrounds in Elkhorn about 10:30 a.m., June 14 and

any make or model of street-legal motorcycle is welcome.

The stars aren’t required to pay the registration, and for those of them who would like to, they get to ride with motorcyclists.

“We prefer to know in advance how many stars and family members want to ride so we can do our best to have enough bikes and make sure those bikes are at the front of the line,” said Tony Ketchpaw, who along with his wife, Meghan, helps run the local event.

The stars – kids and their family members – taking rides are required to wear • CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

By the numbers More children die of brain tumors than any other form of cancer, according to the latest statistics available as shared on the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation website.

Other facts include: • In the U.S., more than 28,000 children and teenagers are living with the diagnosis of a primary brain tumor; • There are more than 100 different types of brain tumors, making diagnosis and treatment challenging; • 72 percent of young people diagnosed with a brain tumor are younger than age 15.5; • Pediatric brain tumors aren’t like those in adults. Children’s brain tumors require specific research and different treatments; • Brain tumors are located in children’s control center of thought, emotion and movement, often resulting in long-term side effects. Survivors can have physical, learning and emotional challenges that will limit their quality of life into adulthood.

• Research that focuses specifically on pediatric brain tumors is crucial to saving children’s lives and improving survivors’ quality of life.

At left: Rider Rich and pediatric brain tumor survivor Kelly Ketchpaw get ready for last year’s Ride for Kids, which supports the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Top: Owen Wanke, 14, and Kelly Ketchpaw, 17, both beat the odds by beating childhood brain tumors.

They’re among the “stars” who will be at the June 14 Ride for Kids fundraiser.

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Sweet rides At the 34th Annual Summer Elkhorn Car Show last August, hundreds of cars rolled in – some of them for sale – along with numerous vendors looking to sell cars, parts and accessories.

The show is held at the Walworth County Fairgrounds and while all makes and models are welcome, each year highlights a certain group.

For more information visit madisonclassics.com.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

•

FUNDRAISER FROM PAGE 19

helmets, which are provided if they don’t have their own.

Against the odds

The Ketchpaws’ journey with a childhood brain tumor began when Meghan was pregnant and had a blood test that indicated Down syndrome. Further tests led to the determination it was a false positive, but a mass was noticed on the baby’s brain. Their daughter, Kelly, was born full term and was developmentally delayed but caught up through therapy.

A follow-up MRI showed a tumor that quickly grew in size, leading to a 10-hour surgery to remove the entire tumor.

Kelly, who is now 17, was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a cancerous brain tumor, followed by 18 months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation.

“Watching nurses wear rubber gowns and gloves to protect themselves from the poison they were putting into my daughter was extremely painful … but during everything she kept a smile on her face,” Meghan said.

Kelly has been cancer free for 14 years and is a senior at Elkhorn Area High School who will graduate this spring.

She said she enjoys participating in the Ride for Kids.

“It’s really fun and I switch who I ride with each year,” Kelly said.

She said she wants to go to college to become a nurse and work with children.

Another local star is Owen Yanke, who was diagnosed when he was 13 months old and started high school this year.

“His right hand stopped working and

they found a baseball-sized tumor in his left frontal lobe,” his mom, Cyndi, said.

Owen underwent surgery, but because of the location of the tumor, doctors had to leave 30 percent of it followed by intra-operative radiation, which is more precise.

“They got all of it, but there was scar tissue, which caused seizures. He’s good now,” Cyndi said.

Last year’s Ride for Kids was Owen’s second time participating, and Cyndi said he knows what he likes... slingshots.

Owen got his wish. He rode in a slingshot, an open air, three-wheel motorcycle.

Event has grown

Bob McNamara, the regional director for the central region of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, said the Ride for Kids is one of the signature programs and predates the foundation.

“It literally started with one couple whose neighbors’ daughter had a brain tumor, so they created the event. Within six or seven years, there were 10 events across the country,” he said.

In 1991, they caught the attention of Honda motorcycles and that led to it being reformulated into the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. It remains the foundation’s largest program with 25 rides across the country each year.

The June 14 event in Elkhorn will be the third year at the fairgrounds but the 18th year of the Ride for Kids in Wisconsin.

Each year the event has exceeded the goal set by organizers. This year’s goal is to raise $60,000.

Get to know the stars

McNamara said the celebration after the ride is worth being present for.

“We bring all the stars up on the stage and talk to them a little bit about their day and how the ride went. It lets people get to know them a bit,” he said.

“And there are sad moments, too, because there are kids who don’t come back for this year’s ride as they lost their battle,” he added.

While the local ride raises a lot of money, McNamara said participants also are part of an effort of not only helping families, but also supporting research.

“The survivor rates have gone up. There are still a lot of struggles, but they’re living longer,” he said, adding that part of the challenge is that there are more than 100 types of pediatric brain tumors.

He said stars from throughout the area are invited to come to the event and every effort is put forth to make sure those that want to ride are given one.

“They love that experience. I think we had 11 or 12 brain tumor survivors at last year’s event, ranging from younger than the age of 5 to teenagers, along with one adult who was diagnosed as a kid with a brain tumor and now rides his own motorcycle,” McNamara said. “It was a great day.”

How you can help

Participants sign up, fundraise and show up for the event. Volunteers also help out.

For more information or to register or volunteer, visit rideforkids.org/Wisconsin or send an email to tonyk@starkcorp.us or meghanketchpaw@gmail.com.

2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

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competitive global society The Elkhorn Area and schools model and Public School District teach good citizenship strives on a daily basis skills. to fulfill our district’s We believe a quality Statement of Beliefs. education depends upon Our beliefs are dedicated, well-trained guiding standards staff and that safe, that help shape our healthful, up-to-date decisions and day-tofacilities enhance the day operations and learning process. we’ve developed them

BY Jason We believe continuous in cooperation with Tadlock improvement leads to the community.

I would like to take SCHOOL DISTRICT excellence.

ADMINISTRATOR In addition to our a moment and share beliefs we are striving to these fundamental be in the “Top Ten Percent in all beliefs with you. we do.”

We believe all children can It is our belief that if each and learn, every student learns everyone of us can perform at the differently and all children are top ten percent, then as a district valued and respected. we will have no problem fulfilling We believe effort, motivation, our goals and living up to our and challenge are essential to Statements of Belief. learning and taking an active role We recognize that on a dayin the learning process is every to-day basis we will not always student’s responsibility. Helping perform at that level, but it is our children realize their potential is hope that as we strive to be in the our foremost priority.

“Top Ten Percent In All We Do,” We believe learning is a lifewe will elevate our performance long process that takes place in and thus the service to our parents, the home, school and community. students and the community.

We believe schools foster This target applies to all of us, students’ abilities to make as Martin Luther King Jr. said, decisions, cooperate and accept “Whatever your life’s work is, do responsibility, and that a diverse it well. community contributes to “A man should do his job so educational growth. well that the living, the dead, and We believe open the unborn could do it no better.” communication is essential to the By striving to meet this target, school, parent and community we know that we will succeed in partnership. maximizing student growth and We believe schools and academic achievement for all of communities help students our students. prepare for career success in a

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2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

Making Elkhorn brighter 339002

Students from Jackson Elementary School spent time outside the Walworth County Government Center on the square in downtown Elkhorn last spring planting flowers donated by Colleen O’Neill of Little Miss Sweet Pea’s. Above; Samantha Nova Pena and Taylor Stephens gently handle a flower before planting it.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

Young performers Elkhorn Area students performed “A Christmas Carol� in the James A. Wehner Auditorium in November. Clockwise from above; Adrianna Godina (Martha Cratchit) and Mathew Hall (Bob Cratchit) work on a scene; members of the cast take the stage during a rehearsal; sound engineers Ximena Huerta and Liz Grimes work the booth in the back of the auditorium; Jonathan (Miles Kohl) and Grace Smythe (Kirsten Siedenburg-Sis) perform in front of the stage.

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

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OUR SCHOOLS

The Elkhorn Area School District Board of Education meets the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Susan Tully Leibsle Board Room at the 1887 Building. For more information about the district, visit elkhorn.k12.wi.us.

ELKHORN AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT Administrative Service Center (1887 Building) 3 N. Jackson St. (262) 723-3160

Tibbets Elementary Principal Bryan Frost W5218 County A (262) 742-2585 ext. 1101

Barbara Fischer, vice president barb.fischer@elkhorn.k12.wi.us *Carol Burton, treasurer carol.burton@elkhorn.k12.wi.us Jenny Ray, deputy clerk Jenny.Ray@elkhorn.k12.wi.us

District Administrator Jason Tadlock (262) 723- 3160 ext. 1401

*Dan Thompson, clerk dan.thompson@elkhorn.k12.wi.us

Directors of Instruction Amy Gee, grades K-5 (262) 723-3160, ext. 1408 Sarah Bosch, grades 6-12 (262) 723-3160, ext. 1421

Julia Ingersoll julia.ingersoll@elkhorn.k12.wi.us Paul Martell Paul.Martell@elkhorn.k12.wi.us

Director of Pupil Services Rita Geilfuss (262) 723-3160 ext. 1424

*School board members up for re-election in April

Business Manager William Trewyn (262) 723-3160 ext. 1406 BOARD OF EDUCATION Matt O’Donell, president matt.odonell@elkhorn.k12.wi.us

SCHOOLS Jackson Elementary Principal Tammy Fisher 3 N. Jackson St. (262) 723-1200 ext. 1201

West Side Elementary Principal Ben Kitslaar 222 Sunset Drive (262) 723-3297 ext. 1301 Elkhorn Area Middle School Principal Ryan McBurney 627 E. Court St. (262) 723-6800 ext. 1501 Elkhorn Area High School Principal Chris Trottier 482 E. Geneva St. (262) 723-4920 ext. 1601 Options Virtual Charter School Trisha Spende, director spentr@elkhorn.k12.wi.us

ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Principal Kelly Demerath 400 Highway H (262) 741-8352 alternativehighschool.org PAROCHIAL First Evangelical Lutheran School Principal Benjamin Schramm 415 S. Devendorf St. (262) 723-1091 firstatthecross.com SPECIAL EDUCATION Lakeland School of Walworth County W3905 County NN Director Tracy Moate (262) 741-4118 Principal Matt Conrardy (262) 741-4118 SECONDARY EDUCATION Gateway Technical College 400 County Road H (262) 741-8538 Michael O’Donnell, dean

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Many Elkhorn Area High School students step up to help at various locations throughout the community for the annual Day of Action outing. Below; painting at the library are Abby Cook, Jamie Trost and Abby Barkes. Right; At the same time, on the north end of town, Maddy Klopfer, Anna Binstock, Dylan Klopfer and Rachel Pena pull weeds at Elkhorn Area Youth Center.

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STORY & PHOTOS

Heather Ruenz EDITOR

Building a

Future

t’s not quite an “If you build it, they will come” scenario, but close. An area company and a group of middle school students teamed up last year to build a playhouse.

Last spring, Greg Ingersoll, of Wausau Homes Elkhorn, started working with a group of eight sixth-grade students at Elkhorn Area Middle School that were part of the Project Lead the Way Green Architecture class at the time. Once the playhouse was finished it was donated to New Beginnings to be raffled off and raise funds for the local domestic abuse shelter project.

“It’s a pretty cool project. We were going to build the playhouse anyway as a donation to New Beginnings, but then Greg mentioned he’d really like to do a partnership with one of the schools on a building project,” Julia Ingersoll said during the early stages of the building process.

Making connections

Because of Greg’s desire to work with one of the schools, Julia, who is the office and marketing manager at Wausau Homes,

connected her husband with Eryca Card at the middle school, and from there the idea took off.

“When Greg and Julia approached me, the Green Architecture unit was about to start, so the timing was perfect,” Card said.

The Ingersolls met with the students – four boys and four girls – three mornings each week for an hour while school was still in session.

One of the students, Haley Hoekstra, said working on the project was fun.

“It’s great knowing that when it’s finished, it’s going to a good cause. My dad does roofing and my grandpa, carpentry so I help them out once in awhile,” she said.

Student Kaiden Porep agreed.

“It’s been really fun building, cutting and putting it together,” Porep said. “I’m excited to see it when it’s done. It’s going to help a lot of people.”

Once the students had completed all the portions of the project within their capabilities, it was time for subcontractors to step in for work that required a higher skill level and tools, according to Julia.

She said this project highlighted the

From the left: (front) Ben Suttman, Kaiden Porep, (back) Haley Hoekstra, Greg Ingersoll, Brook Slinde, Lily Petrasek, Ben Holm, Mackenzie Begley and Travis Brogren stand on the base of a playhouse they built early on in the project.

Area company, students partner on playhouse project

possibilities of how businesses and schools can work together.

“This has been a wonderful community partnership and shows the amazing opportunities our kids have at our middle school,” Julia said.

Card, a science teacher at Elkhorn Area Middle School and the Project Lead the Way coordinator for students in 4K through eighth grades, said the playhouse project was a blessing.

“We are always looking for ways to make our students’ learning more real-life, and to also partner with the community as we realize how important that is,” Card said.

“Not only did this project do that, but it also allowed our students to serve the less fortunate in the community and to have a specific purpose for their learning,” she added.

Leading the way

Card said the Green Architecture unit allows students to learn all about construction – from the land that is the • CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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•

FUTURE FROM PAGE 29

best option, to environmental factors, to designing and creating houses from green materials.

She said Greg was a phenomenal teacher.

“He exuded patience, knowledge and an ‘I do, you watch. You do, I’ll watch. You do it on your own’ attitude with our students.

It followed the way that PLTW releases projects to students through the APB approach to instruction,” Card said.

APB is the activity-, project- and problem-based instructional design of PLTW that centers on hands-on, real-world activities, projects and problems that help students understand how the knowledge and skills they develop in the classroom may be applied in everyday life.

PLTW, a nonprofit organization, provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers. It empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering and biomedical science.

Card, who was named PLTW Educational Leader of the Year in February, has been instrumental in the Elkhorn Area School District’s efforts.

“Our adoption model is unique in that we have all strands – engineering, biomedical and computer science – started for 4 years to 12th grade. We implement it at the lower

level,” Elkhorn Area District Administrator Jason Tadlock said.

He said having all kids exposed to PLTW programming was his vision when he was first hired as the EASD administrator.

“In order to maintain our well-being, we need to create, innovate and to design,” Tadlock said.

He said the learning is open-ended, and students learn to design, modify and improve.

“PLTW is an integration of different skills,” Tadlock said. “It is a reflection of a team effort.”

Far-reaching impact

According to Card, the playhouse project with the Ingersolls was also a true team effort.

“We are very grateful for the time that Wausau Homes put in with our students, mentoring them in the trade of construction,” Card said.

“I look forward to working with them long into the future, as the impact it has on each of our students is far-reaching.”

Julia said for Greg, it comes down to his desire to share his passion with young people.

“He wants to make sure the next generation has an interest in carrying this on,” she said.

After measuring where to cut, Ben Suttman operates the saw under close supervision from Greg Ingersoll.

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OUR CHURCHES Emmanuel Baptist Church 920 Highway H, Elkhorn, (262) 723-4387 or www.ebcelkhorn.com

Southern Lakes Evangelical Free Church N6686 Highway 12, Elkhorn, (262) 742-2366, www.slefc.org

CATHOLIC

LUTHERAN

BAPTIST

St. Patrick Parish 107 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-5565 or www. stpatrickselkhorn.org

CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ 100 W. Court St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-5079

CONGREGATIONAL

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 415 Devendorf St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-4191, www.firstatthecross.com St. John’s Lutheran Church 104 S. Broad St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-2901 or www.stjohnselkhorn.com

First Congregational United Church of Christ 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-3246 or www.elkhornucc.org

Sugar Creek Lutheran Church N5690 Cobblestone Rd., Elkhorn, (262) 728-2222 or sugarcreeklutheran.com

EPISCOPAL

NON-DENOMINATIONAL

St. John in the Wilderness Church 13 S. Church St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-4229 or email info@stjohnepiscopal.org

Millard Community Covenant Church N6713 County O, Elkhorn, (262) 742-3457 or www.millardchurch.com

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lakes 319 N. Broad St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-7440 or www. uuchurchofthelakes.org

UNITED METHODIST

Bethel United Methodist Church W5110 Highway A, Elkhorn, (262) 742-3507 or email bethelumc@elknet.net First United Methodist Church 111 N. Broad St., Elkhorn, (262) 723-2629 or www.elkhornfumc.com

WORD OF FAITH

Christian Life Church 4521 County F, Delavan, (262) 728-1463 or www.clcdelavan.org

EVANGELICAL FREE

Briggs Road Evangelical Free Church 4654 Briggs Rd., Elkhorn, (262) 728-8925 or email dottie.briggsrdefc@gmail.com

Summer celebration St. Patrick Parish welcomes a crowd at its annual Summer Celebration event last August. It featured raffles, live music, games for kids and food. Among the team of volunteers helping out at the event are Mark Wisner and Eugene Lindemann.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

Left: The Spectaculars take the stage at last fall’s Elkhorn Oktoberfest event downtown. Below: Kate Abbe, with the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, takes a photo of a group of friends in the beer and wine area. The event includes food, live entertainment, vendors and a 5K run/walk.

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2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

OUR CALENDAR of EVENTS MARCH

Saturdays on the Square Saturdays on the Square returns to downtown Elkhorn this year. The weekly event runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in Veteran’s Park, May 23 through Sept. 5.

Saturdays on the Square features a farm market element along with crafters, local food stands and a community counter. The Chamber will feature an event, workshop or activity each week.

In an effort to expand the community outreach at Saturdays on the Square, local clubs and nonprofits as well as businesses are welcome to show their products or share information.

For details read the story near the front of this section. To learn more stop in at the chamber, 203 E. Walworth St., Elkhorn, or call (262) 723-5788.

21 – Spring Comedy Dinner, 5:30 p.m., Evergreen County Club, N6246 Highway 12, Elkhorn. Appetizers at 5:30 p.m., buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Cost: $50. Info: www. evergreengolf.com and 262-723-5722.

21 and 22 – Delavan Train Show, downtown Delavan. Free admission, food and beverages, door prizes, model train displays and more. March 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; March 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

24 – Craft-O-Rama, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Crafts, art supplies and more. Info: www.elkhorn.lib.wi.us.

28 – Barnyard Bargain Bonanza Indoor Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Indoor flea market; free parking and admission. Info: 262-723-3228.

APRIL 3 – Seventh Annual Bingo Dinner, 5 to 9:30 p.m., Hawk’s View Golf Club, 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva. Dinner from 5 to 6:45 p.m., bingo and raffles from 7 to 9 p.m. Fundraiser for Tree House Child and Family Center. Tickets ($100) and info: www. treehouseforkids.net.

9 – Flashlight Egg Hung, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunset Park, 200 Devendorf St., Elkhorn.

Bring flashlights and baskets. Info: 262-7415114.

11 – Fur & Feather Swap, 7 to 10 a.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds’ Activity Center, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Call 262723-3228.

12 – Easter Brunch, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Evergreen Country Club, N6246 Highway 12, Elkhorn. Info: www.evergreengolf.com.

18 – Celebrate Earth Day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gateway Technical College, 400 Highway H, Elkhorn. Free admission.

Recycling center, live entertainment, raffle and door prizes, child friendly activities, indoor farmers market, workshops and demonstrations. Refreshments sold. Info: www.gtc.edu/celebrate-earth-day.

MAY 2 – Spring Showdown Horse Show, horse arena, 8 a.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Call 262-723-3228.

6 – 26th Annual Salad Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., First Congregational UCC • CONTINUED ON PAGE 35

Walk of remembrance The VFW Post 6375 Color Guard leads off the Memorial Day parade in Elkhorn last year. Among those that participate in the annual parade are local scouts, the Elkhorn Lions Club, the Elkhorn Area High School

band and choir, and many local businesses and organizations. The parade route travels through downtown before ending at Veteran’s Park on the square for a special ceremony.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

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Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Dine in or take out. Info: 262-723-3246.

7 – AARP Smart Drivers Course, 1 to 5 p.m., Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, W3985 Highway NN, Elkhorn. Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws, rules of the road, handling left turns, right of ways and roundabouts. Cost: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Info: 262-767-7185.

8, 9, 10, 14, 16, 17 – “All Shook Up” by the Lakeland Players, Sprague Theatre, 15 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Info, times and tickets: www.lakeland-players.org.

14 – Holton Band Spring Pops Concert, 6:30 p.m., Elkhorn Square. Info: holtonband.weebly.com.

16 – Second Annual Food Truck Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Food trucks, live entertainment, vendor fair, kids activities and more. Food truck from: Mr. P’s Grilled Cheese, Anytime Arepa, Meat on the Street, Drift, Say Cheese Wisconsin, Lefty’s Too, Trampers Oak Fire Oven Pizza, Gypsy Soul, Tudo Sabor Brasil and Friends Bistro. Info: www. elkhornchamber.com.

22 – Walworth County 4-H Horse and Pony Project Tack Sale, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Admission: $2; kids 10 and younger free. Free will bake sale, food, beverages, new and used horse tack, show clothes and more.

25 – Memorial Day Parade, 10:30 a.m., downtown Elkhorn. Followed by special service in Veterans Park by the memorial.

Info: 262-203-2434.

29 to 31 – Go For Broke Barrel Racing, Walworth County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

Events are structured to appeal to the fiercely competitive as well as the weekend warriors of the sport by offering multi-day divisional format barrel races that are professionally run, fast paced, fun and family friendly.

21 and 22 – Carriage Classic Junior Speed Show and Fun Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds Horse Arena. Info: www. walworthcountyfair.com.

24 – Pork Chop Cookout, 4 to 7 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds Activity Center, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Two boneless pork chops, baked potato, coleslaw, applesauce, rye bread, ice cream and beverage. Desserts for purchase. Proceeds support building renovations on fairgrounds. Cost: $11 in advance, $12 at the door. Info: 262-723-328.

9 to 12 – Fifth Annual Elkhorn Ribfest, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Hours: Thursday, 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Competition presented by Miller and Franks Piggly Wiggly.

Live entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family. Featuring artisan vendor alley, beer garden and camping. Free admission.

Info: www.walworthcountyfair.com.

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 37

28 – Antique Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. More than 500 vendors.

Admission: $5. Info: 414-525-0820 and www. nlpromotionsllc.com.

JULY 3 – Star Spangled Celebration, begins at 5 p.m., Sunset Park, 200 Devendorf St., Elkhorn. Live music by the Holton Band at the band shell. Food and snacks such as hot dogs, walking tacos, burgers, popcorn, chips, ice cream and soda are available for purchase from the Elkhorn Chamber, Elkhorn 4-H and Elkhorn FFA. Bring a blanket or chair, family and friends, and have some summer fun with activities for the kids, music, food and a fireworks show at dusk.

3 to 5 – Need for Speed Barrel Racing, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Info: www.walworthcountyfair. com.

Numerous entries made their way through the downtown area of Elkhorn in the 38th Annual Elkhorn Christmas Card Town Parade in December. Right: Elkhorn Area High School student Jake Hunter “the gingerbread man” takes a break after showing off some dance moves and running to catch up. Below: Santa and Mrs. Claus were the featured guests.

HEATHER RUENZ Elkhorn Our Town

JUNE 5 to 7 – Bike Rally and Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

Info: www.walworthcountyfair.com.

12 and 13 – Elkhorn City-Wide Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by Chamber office for map and look for specials and deals at local business. Info: 262-723-5788.

12 to 14 – NBHA State Barrel Races and Ride, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Info: www. walworthcountyfair.com.

20 – Walworth County Dairy Breakfast, 6 to 10:30 a.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

Take a tour, see live animals, shop the crafters and enjoy a full breakfast at the Walworth County Farm Bureau Dairy Breakfast. Info: 262-723-3228.

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2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

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CALENDAR FROM PAGE 35

22 – Junior Beef Steak Cook-Out, 4 to 7 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Burgers and steaks with proceeds to benefit the junior beef project.

Bake sale for dessert. Info: 262-949-5890.

23 to 26 – Baroque Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Info: www.walworthcountyfair. com.

31 – Rummage Sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., First Congregational UCC Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Info: 262-723-3246.

31 and Aug. 1 – Elkhorn Corn and Brat Days, Veterans Park in the downtown square, Elkhorn. Enjoy the sounds, smells and tastes of summer at this annual event being revived by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce. Beginning at 11 a.m., Friday, artisans and crafters will be on the square while corn and brats are served from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturday, the hours will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk around, do a little shopping and bring the kids as there will be activities for them such as bounce houses, slides and more. Enjoy a variety of entertainment as well including performances by local community groups such as the Walworth County Cloggers and Toe To Toe Ballet School. Live music by The Amazing Farm Boys. Info: 262-723-5788.

14 to 16 – Midwest Pro Rodeo will return to the Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Gates open at 5 p.m. each day and tickets will be available at bighatrodeo.com, the Walworth County Fair Office and Simons Feed in Elkhorn. Tickets: adults, $12 in advance or $15 at the gate; kids 8 to 11 years old, $8 in advance or $10 at the gate; kids 4 and younger are free. For more information including group package options visit bighatrodeo.com or call 815-648-1971.

SEPTEMBER

2 to 7 – The 171st Walworth County Fair, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn, will kick off and run six days, coming to a close on Labor Day (Sept. 7.) It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to

11 p.m. with animal barns open all day. The fair features exhibitors, a variety of food vendors, a Midway with rides and games for kids and adults of all ages, numerous entertainment acts from the tractor pulls to horse races to live music acts. For details visit walworthcountyfair.com or call 262-723-3228.

10 – AARP Smart Drivers Course, 1 to 5 p.m., Aurora Lakeland Medical Center, W3985 Highway NN, Elkhorn. Learn defensive driving techniques, proven safety strategies, new traffic laws, rules of the road, handling left turns, right of ways and roundabouts. Cost: $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members. Info: 262-767-7185.

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

Community concert

AUGUST 1 – Elkhorn Corn and Brat Days, see July 31 listing for more information.

1 – Rummage Sale, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., First Congregational UCC Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Info: 262-723-3246.

1 and 2 – Madison Classic Car Show and Swap Meet, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. A show that features more than 1,300 car part vendors, hundreds of cars for sale in the Cars for Sale Corral and more than 13,000 spectators. It will feature Chevelles and Novas though all makes and models are welcome. Spectator admission is $7 for adults and kids 13 and older (parking at the fairgrounds is available for $3) and a wide selection of food will be for sale. The hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday. Dash plaques for the first 200 vehicles registered. For details call 608-2443228 or visit madisonclassics.com.

4 – National Night Out, Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

Local law enforcement, family friendly activities, emergency vehicles, information and resources and more. Info: www. walworthcountyfair.com.

8 and 9 – Horse Power Healing Center Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds Horse Arena, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

9 – Antique Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. More than 500 vendors.

Admission: $5. Info: 414-525-0820 and www. nlpromotionsllc.com.

Top: Fred Palmer directs the Holton-Elkhorn Band at its annual Christmas concert in December in the James A. Wehner Auditorium at Elkhorn Area High School. The band, which performs in the summer at Sunset Park, generally boasts between 40 and 44 members between the ages of 16 and 80, according to Palmer.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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Left; the Lions Car pops a wheelie as it makes its way through downtown in the annual Christmas Card Town parade. Above; At the annual Elkhorn Lions Chicken and Roast Beef Dinner fundraiser, held in January at Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room, Mark Enger and Joyce Hammel help man the baked goods area.

DAVE DRESDOW Elkhorn Our Town

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CALENDAR FROM PAGE 37

11 to 13 – Mid American Draft Horse Versatility Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds Horse Arena, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Info: email drafthorseaholic61@ outlook.com.

St., Elkhorn. Walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health issues.

Registration begins at 9 a.m., opening ceremony at 10 a.m., walk to follow. Info and registration: afsp.org/walworth.

19 and 20 – Wisconsin Ranch Horse Show, Walworth County Fairgrounds Horse Arena, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. Info: www. wisconsinranchhorse.com.

24 – Scare on the Square, 3 to 6 p.m., Veterans Park, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Fall fun for the whole family with kids’ activities, storytelling, costume contest and more. Hosted by the Elkhorn Chamber, Elkhorn Recreation Department and Mercy Health System. Free event. Info: 262-7235788.

27 – Antique Flea Market, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn. More than 500 vendors.

Admission: $5. Info: 414-525-0820 and www.nlpromotionsllc.com.

OCTOBER 10 – Lights and Ladders, 8 to 11 a.m., Sunset Park, 200 Devendorf St., Elkhorn.

Fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, bucket truck, dump trucks, vehicle tours, games and crafts. Free event. Info: 262-741-5114.

17 – Oktoberfest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Veterans and Pocket Parks, 100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn. Walk the downtown square with more than 100 crafters and vendors, antiques, produce and plants, home party consultants, 5K/2-mile run/walk and more. Oktoberfest Car Show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Government Center parking lot, games, pumpkin decorating, bounce house, slides and more for the kids. Chili Cook-Off from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wine and Beer Tent from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food trucks, live music and entertainment. Info: www.elkhornchamber.com.

24 – Walk to Fight Suicide (Out of the Darkness Walk), 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds, 411 E. Court

38

2020 ELKHORN OUR TOWN

31 – Trick or Treating, 5 to 7 p.m., citywide.

NOVEMBER 14 – Holiday Affair Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Walworth County Fairgrounds and other venues, 411 E. Court St., Elkhorn.

Round Robin craft show with more than 250 crafters featuring homemade crafts at six locations – Activity Center and Log Cabin on the fairgrounds, Monte Carlo Room, St. Patrick’s School, Elkhorn Middle School, Elkhorn High School and Jackson School.

Admission: $2. Info: 262-723-3228.

DECEMBER 4 – Experience small-town comfort and the joy of the holiday season in Christmas Card Town. At 6:30 p.m., things will kick off with Elkhorn’s Christmas Tree Lighting at the downtown square featuring Santa Claus and his helper.

Afterwards, all are invited to Matheson Memorial Library for the Santa and Mrs. Claus reception. There, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, music and crafts

while kids wait to share their list with Santa.

Call 262-723-5788 for details.

5 – Holiday Cookie Sale, First Congregational Church, 76 S. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Stock up on an assortment of holiday cookies at the annual sale, which opens at 10 a.m. and runs until noon or when the cookies are sold out. Info: 262723-3246.

5 – Christmas Card Town Parade, 1:30 p.m., downtown Elkhorn. Bundle up and grab a spot downtown to watch the annual parade featuring numerous entries, including many Christmas-decorated floats, novelty acts, music, animals and of course, a special ride for Santa and Mrs. Claus. For details call 262-723-5788.

11-13 and 18-20 – Santa on the Square, downtown Elkhorn. Visit with Santa and enjoy the city’s festive downtown.

Fridays, 5 to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 1 to 3 p.m. Info: www.elkhornchamber.com.

25 – Christmas Day Community Meal, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce, 203 E. Walworth St. A free com-munity meal offered on Christmas Day. For more information, to make a donation or to volunteer call the chamber at 262-723-5788.

The calendar of events is compiled from a variety of sources including the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Walworth County Visitors Bureau, and contains events available as of press time.

Events, dates and times may change and events may be canceled. We suggest you visit verify event times, dates and locations prior to making travel plans.

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