PUBLISHED BY THE MUKWONAGO TIMES
Wisconsin
OUR TOWN
Mukwonago,
2017-18
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OUR TOWN 2017-18
In Mukwonago since 1972
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Welcome
to MUKWONAGO! OUR TOWN If
residents would begin developing homesteads and businesses in the area. The Andrew’s house still stands today and is now home to the Mukwonago Red Brick Museum. The museum is owned and operated by the Mukwonago Historical Society, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017. Large commercial developments such as Pick ‘n Save, Home Depot and Walmart anchor the north and south ends of the village, offering easy shopping and multiple employment opportunities as the village and township grows. The village is also planning more large developments to enhance the area.
See WELCOME , Page 4 BRADFORD PAULSON Our Town
Above: Mukwonago Bears First Robotics Team members Victor Krieg (from second left), Sam Grochowski, Kenny Schroeder, A.J. Magestro, Miriam Huerta, Noah Fairchild, Travis Groshek, Paul Rinaldi, Alex Jensen, Nicholas Natrop with their mentors Abby Connor (far left) and Ernie Huerta (far right) show off their robot at the 2017 National Night Out in Mukwonago. The annual event was hosted by the Mukwonago police and fire department with many area businesses and organizations participating.
An annual publication of the Mukwonago Times and Southern Lakes Newspapers P.O. Box 274, East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-7451 Editor:................................... Tracy Ouellette Editorial Assistant:................... Sharon Soch Editor in Chief:.................. Edward Nadolski Creative Director:................... Sue Z. Lange Advertising Sales:.............. Michelle Kramer Contributors:................................ Lisa Smith, Bradford Paulson and community members For advertising opportunities call (262) 642-7451
On the cover Section Elementary School second-grader Baiya Brown has a blast pushing her way through the tackle dummies when the National Football League Play 60 Challenge came to the school Sept. 7. See Page 10 for more information about the event. (Photo by Lisa Smith)
OUR TOWN 2017-18
you looking for a little life in the country that’s not too far from the city, this is the place to be. Nestled off of a major interstate in southwestern Waukesha County, Mukwonago offers visitors and its 20,000 residents a small-town feel with big-city amenities a short drive away. The Village of Mukwonago was first settled by the Potowatomi Indians in the 1700’s. The term “Mukwonago” translates to “Place of the Bear,” according to the village’s website. In spring of 1836, Sewall Andrews and Henry H. Camp built their homes just northwest of the Indian Village. In 1836, Mukwonago’s first plat was made. Soon afterward, more
Mukwonago, Wisconsin 2017-18
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Our Schools MUKWONAGO AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mary D’Amour* President (262) 363-6300, ext. 24900 Jeff Voelkel* Vice-President (262) 378-0170 Cheri Winchowky Clerk (262) 363-6300, ext. 24902 Todd Clemens Treasurer (262) 617-3077 Cheri Winchowky* Clerk (262) 363-6300, ext. 24902 Erika Conner* (262) 363-6300, ext. 24905 Art Schneider (262) 392-9110 Andy Mahnke (262) 363-6300, ext. 24907 Jill Werner (414) 313-0784 Craig Vertz (262) 363-6300, 24904 Student Representatives Miriam Huerta* Hailey Lapinski* * Term ends April 2018.
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
OUR TOWN 2017-18
385 County Road NN East Mukwonago, WI 53149 Phone: (262) 363-6300 Fax: (262) 363-6272 www.masd.k12.wi.us Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Shawn McNulty District Administrator Ext. 24100 Laura Stroika District Secretary Ext. 24101 Tom Karthausser Business Services Manager Ext. 24102
Nick Reichoff Director of Student Learning Ext. 24400 Tim Lemke Director of Pupil Services Ext. 24200 Kelly Kovnesky Supervisors of Network Operations Ext. 25700
PRAIRIE VIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL W330 S6473 Highway E North Prairie, WI 53153 (262) 363-6310
MUKWONAGO HIGH SCHOOL
ROLLING HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
605 W. School Rd. Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-6200
W322 S9230 Beulah Rd. Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-6318
PARK VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
SECTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
930 N. Rochester St.
Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-6292
BIG BEND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL W230 S8695 Big Bend Dr. Big Bend, WI 53103 (262) 363-4401
CLARENDON AVENUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 915 Clarendon Ave. Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-6286
EAGLEVILLE ELEMENTARY CHARTER SCHOOL S101 W34511 Highway LO Eagle, WI 53119
(262) 363-6258
W318 S8430 Highway EE Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-6260
OTHER AREA SCHOOLS St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran School 410 County Road NN Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-4999 Mukwonago Baptist Academy
• WELCOME
1610 Honeywell Rd. Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-1731 Nature’s Classroom Montessori School W1802 County Road J P.O. Box 660, Mukwonago (262) 363-6820 (800) 574-7881 Gateway Technical College 400 County Road H Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 741-8200 www.gtc.edu Michael Fields Agricultural Institute W2493 County Road ES East Troy, WI 53120 (262) 642-3303 www.michaelfieldsaginst.org Gerri Lory & Alicia’s Studio of Dance Art 812 Swan Dr. Mukwonago, WI 53149 (262) 363-7268 Kay’s Academy of Dance 204 S. Rochester St., Mukwonago (262) 363-9006 kaysacademyofdance.com Lakeland School of Walworth County W3905 County Road NN Elkhorn, WI 53121 (262) 741-4118 www.co.walworth.wi.us
(Continued from page 3)
With the abundance of community festivals and activities, there’s always something to do. The Mukwonago Area Chamber of Commerce and local non-profit organizations like the Lions Club and American Legion Post sponsor events all year long, including an annual ice fishing jamboree, egg hunt, Father’s Day and Memorial Day parades, Summerfeste, Fall Fest, Jack ‘o Lantern Jaunt and the winter festival Midnight Magic. Mukwonago is also home to The Elegant Farmer, which has garnered national attention and even prompted world-renowned Chef Bobby Flay to take on its “Brown Bag Apple Pie” in an episode of Throwdown. The pie has been named “best pie in America” by the Wall Street Journal, Gourmet and Food Network. Dan Scheel and John Bauer, of The Elegant Farmer, won the showdown with Flay. So, welcome to Mukwonago! Enjoy your stay!
Immigration simulation Local students make the trip to America
By Lisa Smith CORRESPONDENT
a longstanding tradition at Rolling Hills Elementary School, the fourth graders recently “immigrated” to America during a daylong simulation in spring. Some boarded boats with family members, some with medical conditions and some alone. Some immigrants were lucky enough to be rich and travel first class to America, but most had little money and were immigrating in hopes of a better life. They all needed to pass through the immigration officers, who asked some tough questions. The simulation shows the kids what the immigrants endured when they left their homes to come to America. In the weeks leading up to Immigration Day, the students begin their journey by learning about immigrants and how they were treated as they came to America. The fourth graders learned of the hardships and unfair treatment of those emigrating from other
In
countries. On Immigration Day, the students are given a new name, the name of the country they are emigrating from, their status as a traveler (alone or with family) and any special conditions, medical history, what trade or skill they have, and their financial situation. Students are told to “dress the part” and are allowed to bring a small bundle (basket or cloth sack) containing snacks, games to play on the boats, and other practical things for that time period (books, journals, toys, etc.). The fourth grade teachers – Terri Herrera, Eric Butalla, Jennifer Nellis and Kathy Fehly – said they take their roles very seriously and keep the long line (separated by cones) moving with a stern and commanding voice/face void of their everyday smiles and comfort. Without talking, the students shuffled and weaved through the line with their bundles. They spent their long minutes LISA SMITH Our Town in line studying their passports Fourth-grader Mason Edy takes on the role of Patrick O’Brien to be prepared to talk with the from Ireland for Immigration Day. immigration officers. Most of the “immigrants” were welcomed to America and were invited to enjoy a huge feast of food from around the world (donated by parents). There was, however a handful who were “detained” and denied access. These detainees were made to sit at separate tables off to the side and wait until all immigrants had met with the officers. They had a second chance to go through with a better plan to impress the officers and were then allowed to join everyone in the feast. Teachers reported that discussions and reflections the next day were very telling. The impact of the exercise had left the students with a new appreciation of what their ancestors went through.
OUR TOWN 2017-18
LISA SMITH Our Town
“Immigration officers” ask Rolling Hills Elementary School fourth-graders why they want to come to America and what they could bring/offer to the country during the schools annual Immigration Day event. Superintendent Shawn McNulty (right from back), Rolling Hills Principal Mike Marincic and Director of Student Learning and Employee Services Nick Reichhoff take on the roles of the immigration officers.
The mood was somber, and even though students knew this was a simulation, many said they were nervous, afraid, and some felt unfairly treated. Satisfying the immigration officers’ inquiries wasn’t easy. The students needed to know the information on their passport and have an idea as to what they were going to do once they were allowed into America. They all spoke to one of three immigration officers whom would decide whether they were allowed to come to America. Superintendent Shawn McNulty, Director of Student Learning and Employee Services Nick Reichhoff and Rolling Hills Principal Mike Marincic played the part of the immigration officers.
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On your mark, get set, Rolling Hills kids put the ‘fun’ back in fundraiser By Lisa Smith CORRESPONDENT
The Rolling Hills Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization decided to take a different approach to this year’s all-school fundraiser in September. Instead of the traditional selling of items or family donations, the school embarked on a new adventure through Boosterthon Fun Runs. The PTO’s main goal is to use the funds to upgrade severely outdated technology in children’s classrooms. Students were involved in a fun, two-week program stressing core values and virtues through short videos and lessons with Boosterthon representatives Matt Bucher and Bianca Gaspardo. This energetic duo, known adoringly by the students as “Macho Man Matt” and “Biancasauras” was with Rolling Hills
from the introduction pep rally to the finishing run. The theme centered around castles and knights and the students followed the adventures of two kids as they worked through puzzles and solved problems to inherit a castle. During the two weeks, the students were encouraged to raise money for the school. Their job was to get sponsored a certain amount per lap and to run at least 30 laps on a course set up by the Boosterthon representatives. The school set a goal of $15,000 to raise and by the conclusion of the fun run it exceeded that amount. Local businesses made it possible for all the students to get a free T-shirt with the new Raptors logo on it. The actual run included music and different fun laps in between running.
GO! LISA SMITH Our Town
Rolling Hills Elementary School third-grader Jayden Kremin celebrates another lap completed at the Sept. 14 Fun Run. The run was part of a PTO fundraiser for the school.
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ABOUT THE
Mukwonago Historical Society looking to increase ranks By Tracy Ouellette EDITOR
The
period house with each room containing separate displays from several time periods. It also has an extensive Native American collection also available for viewing.
Hogan Memorial
The keepers of Mukwonago history have been working on ways to ignite community interest this summer in conjunction with the organization’s The society maintains the Red Brick birthday. Museum in downtown Mukwonago, which One of the projects underway is the hosts many of the group’s events throughout Hogan Memorial project. The first part the year. of the project is to designate the Pearl The Red Brick Museum, 103 Main St., and Grand Avenue Historical District in Mukwonago, is kicking off its season with the Village of Mukwonago. There will be an open house June 11. signs designating the area. The second During the 2017 season, docent guided phase of the project includes designating tours will be between 1 and 4 p.m., on the historic homes and businesses in the second and fourth Sundays of the month village. from June 11 and 25, July 9 and 23, Aug. 13 Janien Coley is heading up that effort, and 27, and Sept. 10 and 24. which will use money donated to the The museum accepts donations instead of Historical Society by the Hogan family for charging admission. this purpose. The museum was made possible by a Anyone interested in helping out can Town of Vernon man named Arthur D. contact Coley at jacoley@wi.rr.com. Grutzmacher, who was a nationally known The Historical Society participated in collector and dealer of Native American the Father’s Day Parade in downtown artifacts. He died in 1965 and left his Mukwonago as part of their 50th birthday collection of pre-historic Native American plans. They also hosted events at the Red artifacts to the Mukwonago library and the Brick Museum during the summer and Fall Village of Mukwonago. He also left $25,000 Fest. for the purchase of a building to house a On Dec. 2 the society has events planned museum. The village used that money to for Midnight Magic as well. buy the Sewall Andrews red brick house, Getting out into the community to let where the museum was established in 1970. people know who they are is all part of their Today, the museum offers docentplan for this summer, Hecker said. guided tours twice a month and by special For more information, call (262) 363appointment. The museum is set up as a 6413 or visit www.mukwonagomuseum.org.
Red Brick Museum
SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town
The Mukwonago Historical Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year with special programing and events at the Red Brick Museum. The museum is at 103 Main St., Mukwonago.
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members of the Mukwonago Historical Society are seeking new members and a way to raise awareness of the organization and what it’s all about. The society is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is reaching out to the public for help. “We’re struggling,” member Henry Hecker said. “We just don’t have the volunteers necessary to do things we’d like to do.” Hecker said just keeping the Red Brick Museum up and running and providing docent tours on the second and fourth Sundays of the month in summer is tapping out their members and preventing the group from expanding its programming at the museum and its services as a historical society. “We’re hoping some new member will help with that,” he said. “The more members we have, the more chance they’re going to be active ones.” Hecker said the society’s membership is aging and needs an influx of “young blood” but the interest in history just doesn’t seem to be there with the younger generations. “When I was a kid there was just an emphasis on history in the 60s and 70s, but it’s just died down,” he said. “We want to re-introduce people to our history and the area’s history. This is something we don’t want to lose as a community.” The Historical Society was founded in 1967 and had its first meeting on Aug. 28 at Village Hall. The first meeting focused
on the plans for the recently purchased Red Brick Museum. The society has been active in the community since its creation, working to pass down the history of the area and the state through school tours, special projects, visits with students and seniors, and much more.
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Our Parks Village OF Mukwonago
The Village of Mukwonago park and open space system consists of 526.20 total acres of public park land and special use areas, including public school facilities, under the control of the Village. The system includes a full range of developed facilities including neighborhood parks, community parks and special use areas located throughout the Village of Mukwonago, as well as a wealth of preserved environmental corridor and natural area sites.
FIELD PARK
BRADFORD PAULSON Our Town
Field Park is on the southwest corner of the intersection of highways 83 and NN and is the most widely used park in the Village of Mukwonago. The park has a 3,000-square-foot pavilion, which includes a full kitchen, a baseball diamond and an encompassing walking path surrounded by many large oak trees. It is home to such events as Maxwell Street Days, Mukwonago Summerfeste and Croatian Day Picnic. An 800-square-foot open pavilion located near the children’s play area provides shelter from the sun and rain as well as provides relaxation for those enjoying the park. The pavilion is host to many family, friends and business picnics
Family members Steve Plochocki (from left), Amanda Plochocki, Tom Plochocki, Bob Plochocki, Kevin Plochocki, Mike Mlejnek, Dirk Mlejnek, Brandon Mlejnek, Bryan Krejcarek, Don Aldrich and Steve Varga help out with the cooking at the 58th annual Croatian Day Fest at Field Park in Mukwonago in July. The John Movrich Croatian Lodge 993 organizes the annual event that includes good food, live music and a car show.
throughout the summer. The park and pavilion may be rented out on a first-comefirst-serve basis starting January 1 of each year. For the latest rates and application for renting Field Park. See OUR
PARKS, Page 9
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
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211 Main Street, Mukwonago • 363-8251 www.mountolive-elca.net
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OUR TOWN 2017-18
Sunday Worship Schedule: 8 a.m. – Worship w/Holy Communion 9:15-10:15 a.m. – Education Hour (children & adults) 9:30 a.m. – Worship w/Holy Communion 10:45 a.m. – Worship w/Holy Communion
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********************************************************** Summer Schedule: Sunday Services at 8 and 9:30 a.m. (Memorial Day thru Labor Day weekends)
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• OUR PARKS
(Continued from page 8)
MINIWAUKAN PARK
north of the Village Hall. The park lies along the Mukwonago River, and it features a small, open pavilion, a beach and plenty of open space for other sports. A walking path cuts across the park for easy access to the Village Hall from Front Street. Large oak trees provide shade for those who just want to sit and relax and fish the river.
Miniwaukan Park is at the end of McKenzie Road, behind the Mukwonago Industrial Park and Meadow Park Estates Subdivision, is mainly used by youth sports organizations such as Mukwonago Area Soccer Club and Mukwonago Braves Football. Miniwaukan Park features one football field, six soccer fields, six baseball fields, a Frisbee-golf course, and a newly launched Born Learning Trail. For information the Frisbee-golf course Phantom Glen Park sits at the end of and leagues, call Paul or Mike at (262) Andrews Street, along Phantom Lake. 968-4114. The small, quaint park consists of an open shelter with electricity and is ideal for a small, intimate gathering of friends and family.
PHANTOM GLEN PARK
INDIANHEAD PARK Indianhead Park is on Highway ES, adjacent to Phantom Lake and to the
Town OF Mukwonago MUKWONAGO COUNTY PARK
MINOR PARK
Minor Park can be found on Highway LO just east of Highway I. It is home to the Mukwonago Women’s Softball League. Two softball diamonds and a wooded picnic area with a small open shelter make up Minor Park. Beautiful oak trees and landscape draw many photographers to the park for wedding and class photos.
All Village parks are rented on a firstcome-first-serve basis and can only be rented during the current year. For availability of a specific park and/ or to place a reservation, call the village clerk’s office at (262) 363-6420. For more information, visit www. villageofmukwonago.com/parks.htm.
WASHINGTON AVENUE PARK Washington Avenue Park is in the block bordered by Park Avenue on the north, Washington Avenue on the South, Franklin Street on the West and Division Street on the East, directly next to the Mukwonago Community Library. The park offers a basketball court and a baseball diamond, as well as plenty of open space for other recreational activities.
Mukwonago Park, W325, S9945 Beulah Road, is part of the Waukesha County Park system. The 355-acre park site includes a high ridge formed during the last glacial period, which stretches nearly the length of the park. The oak opening ridge is covered with pre-settlement vegetation including burr oak, shagbark hickory, and ground cover of prairie plants. Mukwonago Park Dog Exercise Area, W325 S9925 Beulah Road, is open daily. Daily park entrance fees apply. Park hours are sunrise to 10 p.m., year round. In summer the beach is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. (262) 548-7801
Ready, set, go!
and photos with the star of the show – the Easter Bunny. Phantom Lake YMCA Camp has been welcoming kids for more than 100 years. It is the oldest YMCA camp in Wisconsin and one of the 10 oldest in North America. For more information, visit www.phantomlakeymca.org.
OUR TOWN 2017-18
BRADFORD PAULSON Our Town
Kids get ready for to hunt for Easter eggs at the 2017 Easter Egg Hunt and Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Phantom Lake YMCA Camp in Mukwonago. The camp celebrated its 50th anniversary of the egg hunt this year with hunts for the kids every half hour, an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast along with visits
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Tackling childhood obesity
NFL health program visits local elementary school
By Lisa Smith
CORRESPONDENT
students at Section Elementary School were given a taste of life in the National Football League and played like the pros when the NFL Play 60 Campaign came to their school. The Green Bay Packers brought the football outreach camp to the school Sept. 7. Students in second through sixth grade had the opportunity to play like a Packer in a safe and fun environment. The kids rotated through a five-drill football camp that lasted about 45 minutes. The drill stations had the kids run routes through cones and ladders, leap over obstacles and push around tackle dummies. At other stations, the students could kick a ball, throw a pass, catch a pass and dive through the pylons onto a mat for a touchdown. Encouraging and interacting with the kids, was former Packer running back, Tony Fisher. The Packer youth football camps are free
The
and the demand is high. Section Elementary School physical education teacher Mickey Neumann said it took persistence to bring this program to her school, but the hard work paid off when out of hundreds of applications, Section was chosen to host a Fuel 60. Because of the number of applications received each year, and the reputation of the program, once a school has hosted this event, there is a five-year waiting time to apply again. “We were so excited when we got the news – we are so lucky!” Neumann said. “We started coordinating the event last spring as soon as we knew they were coming.” The NFL Play 60 Campaign is designed to tackle childhood obesity by getting kids active through in-school, after-school and team-based programs. The goal is to encourage kids to be active for 60 minutes a day in order to help reverse the trend of childhood obesity. “Our players recognize the value of staying healthy and it’s important that young fans also understand the benefits of exercise.
NFL play 60 is a significant tool in ensuring children get their necessary daily physical activity,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says of the program. Joining forces with Play 60 is the National Dairy Council. “Fuel up to Play 60” is a national in-school program encouraging youth to combine physical activity with nutritious eating habits. Also partnering with the NFL and the National Dairy Council is the American Heart Association. The American Heart Association challenges teachers, educators and children to integrate health and fitness into daily classroom lessons. With the efforts of teachers and parents volunteers (both in planning and running the event), the afternoon was filled with fun and exciting opportunities for the students, Neumann said. “This program is so great and what an incredible day,” she continue. “Getting all these kids active and having so much fun doing it was so much fun to watch.” For more information about the NFL Play 60 Campaign, visit www.nflrush.com/play60.
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OUR TOWN 2017-18
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HONORING THE We want to teach them how to give back to the community and be better, responsible young people.
coach
– COACH CLAY IVESON
LISA SMITH Our Town
Iverson receives Positive Influence in Coaching award By Lisa Smith
CORRESPONDENT
If
and changed. Iverson served as head coach at Pewaukee High school for seven years before joining Mukwonago in December 2011. His record speaks for itself, but what you don’t see is what happens off the field. Aside from his countless hours as head coach of the Mukwonago Indians varsity football team, he connects with many athletes in many different sports-either coaching or encouraging and supporting. Iverson visits local grade schools to speak on good citizenship and what it means to be a leader. He gets these young kids fired up and excited to work hard in school and at home. He encourages them at a young age to “give back” to the community and help those in need. He stresses work ethic at morning lifting in the
See COACH, Page 12
Above: Mukwonago High School football coach Clay Iverson joins the Mukwonago Braves Woo Lick Football camp to welcome the boys to the “football family.” Iverson was honored at the 38th annual Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame banquet on March 25 in Middleton.
OUR TOWN 2017-18
you are an athlete, chances are you’ve been exposed to many different coaches and coaching styles. Some coaches you clicked with, some not. Some coaches were so focused on the win column they missed out on an opportunity to be a positive role model on and off the field or court. The ones the kids remember, are more than just a coach of the sport they love, they become a coach of character and life skills. That coach is someone they will always remember because they encouraged them to do their best, strive to be better than they were the day before, and teach them how to turn their failures into successes. The great coaches become role models
and their influence on a young person’s character goes far beyond the field of play. Mukwonago High School head football coach Clay Iverson is one of those coaches. Coach Iverson was honored at the 38th annual Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame banquet on March 25 in Middleton. The banquet honors those that have made a difference in football in our state each year. Iverson was named the 2016 recipient of this year’s Marge and Dick Rundle Positive Influence in Coaching Award by the WFCA. The character-building award has three basic criteria: the coach must be an active high school head football coach; their positive influence should be reflected in their community service and mentoring and role modeling, and their influence must be measured by the lives they have touched
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• COACH
(Continued from page 11)
weight room and credits those that put in the time and effort to become the best they can be. “We want to teach more than just tackling and blocking” Iverson said at the Mukwonago Braves Woo Lick football camp at the high school last summer. “We want them to feel like they’re part of a family, we want to build a trust and a support system for each other,” he added. “We want to teach them how to give back to the community and be better, responsible young people.” The end of football camp last summer had the freshmen through senior football players out in the community offering help to anyone in need. The team split up and went door to door looking for jobs. The players took care of yard work and other household chores for three hours. Along with various fundraisers for individuals in need right here in the community, the football program reaches out to organizations around the country – the kids are taught the joys of giving back. Iverson credits the success of his programs to the kids he’s been lucky enough to coach, the dedication and skills of the coaches he’s worked with and the community support – both here and previously in Pewaukee. “This is a community, family, staff and player-driven award. It is an honor and I’m very humbled to receive it,” he said.
DAVE BAKER Mukwonago Times
Mukwonago High School’s Dalton Gillette tackles a Waukesha North running back in the 2017 Homecoming game at Mukwonago High.
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Pirates Anna Schell and John Grundman won the crowd with their creativity and showmanship on the dance floor during the eighth annual “Dancing With Our Stars” at Brooklife Church on Jan. 7. The team’s final score put them in a second place tie.
Perfectly choreographed Photos and story by
Lisa Smith
CORRESPONDENT
‘DANCING WITH OUR STARS’ CELEBRATES EIGHTH SEASON
full costume, with professional hair and make up done by Paul Mitchel of Waukesha, 22 dancers took the stage Jan. 7 for the eighth annual “Dancing With Our Stars” extravaganza at Brooklife Church in Mukwonago. Eleven of the dancers are trained athletes that have mastered the art of dance and even taken it to the highest levels of competition around the country. The other 11 dancers are local celebrity volunteers that gave their time and energy to a great cause. The annual dance off has grown in popularity over the years. It quickly outgrew the high school stage and was moved to the larger venue to accommodate the large audience. The 11 members of the Mukwonago High School Varsity Dance Team take on the challenge and time consuming task of shaping the “beginners” into dancing “super stars.” The training begins in December and the girls spend more than 10 hours teaching, choreographing, and encouraging their dance partners. The dance couple is responsible for coming up with their song, Alex Olen (left) and John Thornton win the coveted STAR trophy style of dance, and special props and See DANCING, Page 14 for their hip hop/salsa dance at the annual “Dancing With Our Stars.” costume. Dance styles ranged from hip hop,
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salsa and swing to musical theater and jazz funk. MHS Varsity Dance Coach Carrisa Chanos gave a tremendous thank you to the male volunteers that came out, worked hard on their own time and took a chance for a good cause. This is the dance team’s only fundraiser and money is used for costumes and competition fees. “We’re so grateful for their willingness to have fun and just put themselves out there to entertain the community and support the MHS dance program,” Chanos said. The men who volunteered to learn the dances worked hard and gave it their all, including some entertaining cartwheels, leaps, and break dancing. “I don’t know how these girls do it,” John Grundman said. “They have so many routines to memorize and they do it so easily. I had several weeks to ‘perfect’ this one routine, and I was still super nervous and hoping not to botch every move!” Grundman and his partner Anna Schell entertained the crowd dressed as pirates and hip hopped their way to second place. In the first round, the dancers are judged by Chanos, MHS JV Dance Coach Kari Falbo and former MHS JV Dance Coach Jackie Wendorf. They are given a score out of 10 and the judges critique the dancers on things like form, chemistry, entertainment factor, and showmanship. The couples are given ideas on how to take their performances to the next level. Tradition has been to take the top five on the leader board, but due to a tie score for fifth place, six couples were brought back to dance again. In the finals, the audience determines the couple’s score using an applause-o-meter. The top three have points added to the judges’ score to determine the champions. The competition was tough, but in the end it was Alex Olen and John Thornton who won the crowd and judges over and secured their spot at the top of the leader board.
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TOWN OFFICIALS Town Chairperson Tom Stefanowski* W312 S7540 Spring Lane (262) 363-7648 TStefanowski@townofmukwonago.us Town Supervisors Lyle Boucher (262) 349-8039 lboucher@townofmukwonago.us Peter Topczewski* (262) 392-9859 ptopczewski@townofmukwonago.us Richard Wrasman* (414) 491-9250 rwrasman@townofmukwonago.us Gail Yerke (262) 363-7556 gyerke@townofmukwonago.us * Term expires April 2018.
TOWN CONTACTS Administrator, Clerk/Treasurer Kathy Karalewitz (262) 363-4555 kkaralewitz@townofmukwonago.us Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Gail Obradovich (262) 363-4555 gobradovich@townofmukwonago.us Parks and Recreations Toby Monogue, director (262) 363-7077 tmonogue@townofmukwonago.us Planning/Zoning Tim Schwecke (920) 728-2814 tim.schwecke@civitekconsulting.com Building inspectors Vince Budiac (262) 366-2400 Scott Johnson (262) 352-4433 Public Works Foreman/ Weed Commissioner Rick Peterson (262) 470-5582 rpeterson@townofmukwonago.us Police Emergency – 911 Non-emergency – (262) 363-5188 Chief Thomas Czarnecki tczarnecki@mukwonagopolice.org Fire Chief Jeffrey Stien (262) 363-6426
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Village President Fred Winchowky (262) 363-7884 president@villageofmukwonago.com Village Trustees James Decker (262) 363-2245 trustee2@villageofmukwonago.com Darlene Johnson* (414) 916-3876 trustee3@villageofmukwonago.com Kelly Klemme* (414) 326-0284 trustee4@villageofmukwonago.com Mark Penzkover* (262) 363-0665 trustee5@villageofmukwonago.com Jay Vermeulen* (414) 807-5006 trustee1@villageofmukwonago.com Karl Kettner (414) 239-6323 trustee6@villageofmukwonago.com * Term expires April 2018.
(262) 363-6420 Finance Director Diana Doherty, ext. 2101 (262) 363-6420 Police Chief Kevin B. Schmidt (262) 363-6434 Fire Chief Jeffrey Stien (262) 363-6426 Public Works Supervisor Ron Bittner (262) 363-6447 Utilities Director Dave Brown (262) 363-6416 Inspections Supervisor/ Zoning Administrator Robert Harley (262) 363-6419 Interim Library Director Angela Zimmermann (262) 363-6411 Municipal Judge Daniel Smart (262) 363-6433 Village Attorney Mark Blum (262) 549-8181 Court Attorney Ronald English III (262) 549-8181 Labor Attorney Rob Buikema (262) 363-0300 Assessor Nick Laird Associated Appraisal (800) 721-4157 Planner Bruce Kaniewski (414) 363-6420, ext. 2111 Engineer Kurt Peot (262) 542-5733 Garbage/Recycle John’s Disposal Service, (888) 473-4701 Humane Officer Humane Animal Welfare Society (262) 542-8851
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