Kiel Progress 2020

2020 Pr o g re ss E d i t i o n

Kiel

T h u r s d a y

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F e b r u a r y

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Zoned supplemenT To Tri-CounTy news

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Customers still digging Gravel Pit scene

By Mark Sherry There is an old saying which goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”

For Kiel natives Jeff Rollmann and Mike May, the “who” they know has led them to being partners in ownership of Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill in Kiel. The “what” they know is keeping their customers happy and coming back for more.

Rollmann is a first cousin of Dave DeTroye, former owner of the Gravel Pit. About 16 years ago at a family Easter gathering, DeTroye offered Rollmann— then about 23 years old—a part-time job at Gravel Pit. May worked at Millhome Supper Club near Kiel while in high school in the kitchen and later as a bartender. About 15 years ago, his friend DeTroye asked him to bring that experience to Gravel Pit on a part-time basis.

Over the years, both May and Rollmann came to be part owners of Gravel Pit. DeTroye sold his remaining ownership almost two years ago and now May, Rollmann, and their staff carry on the solid reputation of one of Kiel’s most lively establishments.

Asked what he likes best about the business, May said, “Seeing everyone have a good time, meeting people.”

Rollmann said he most enjoys working with groups and organizations to host the many special events which are held at Gravel Pit on an annual basis. “We love helping those groups,” he said. “We enjoy working with people here.”

On that note, the men said they always have room to host more events to go along with wedding receptions or

Jeff Rollmann (left) and Mike May are the co-owners of Gravel Pit Sports Bar & Grill in Kiel.

“in-between” stops, race team brat frys, the annual Trivia Contest, bar sports team banquets, and wrestling exhibitions which they already host. Wrestling events are planned for July 11 and Oct. 31 this year.

The back area at the Gravel Pit used to be all sand for indoor volleyball, but a number of years ago about half of it was cemented. They can host up to about 250 people in back, offering either their own food or having food catered in for

Mark Sherry photo

groups. Sand volleyball is still played on Thursday evenings in the fall, winter, and spring.

Parden the pun, but the men said their Turn to GRAVEL PIT/page 4A

Thank you to our dedicated employees & family farmers.

Henning’s Cheese is a 4th generation familyowned manufacturer crafting award winning cheese since 1914.

We handcraft our cheese by using milk from small local family dairy farmers.

Henning’s Cheese mission has been to keep our small family dairy farms in business for another generation.

Your purchase of Henning’s Cheese insures they receive a higher than normal income for their rBGH free and naturally gluten free milk.

Our dairy producers and their families thank you for your support.

Watch Cheese Being Made Monday-Friday Mornings 20201 Point Creek Rd, Kiel 920-894-3032 Kiel: Take 67 north 2 miles follow blue signs.

New Holstein: Take Hwy X east 2 miles follow blue signs.

3A Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

PARTNERS in progress and community growth Known far and wide as “The Little City That Does Big Things,” Kiel is a great place to work, live and play.

The City of Kiel believes strongly in partnering with local businesses, industries, organizations and individuals to promote a sense of community growth and progress.

We remain committed to working with local industry, supporting their needs and helping them grow.

The result is solid economic growth, job development and many significant improvements to the quality of life in our community.

Kiel has grown in a sensible and frugal manner,

maintaining to a commitment to affordable taxes and utility rates.

The City of Kiel continues to support the growth and development of all our business districts, with a keen eye to revitalizing our downtown.

Support for the Kiel River Walk District through funding and the development of a downtown BID district have been key elements of that effort.

When we all work together, our community truly lives into its reputation for doing big things.

For more information on economic development opportunities in Kiel, contact Kiel City Adminstrator Jamie Aulik at 8942909, extension 102.

To learn more about the City of Kiel, please check our website

www.ci.kiel.wi.us

or like our Facebook page.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Gravel Pit food service is definitely Gravel Pit’s bread and butter. Their busiest days are Tuesdays because of $1.50 burger day, and Fridays because of year-round fish frys (although fish is available every day except Mondays when Gravel Pit is closed). Rollmann said they sometimes get phone calls on Thursdays already from people wanting to order fish dinners to go for the next day. Gravel Pit also prepares a lot of orders for local factory workers.

The men said wings, wraps, Philly cheesesteaks, and reubens are among their most popular daily items. This year during Lent they will be offering pollock wings—because if buffalos can have wings, why not fish?

Both May and Rollmann do cooking and bartending at Gravel Pit as both are very much hands-on owners. Rollmann has worked full time at Gravel Pit for the past three years after having done pest control full time for 17 years prior to that. May is still doing double duty as he works at Polar Ware Company in Kiel in addition to his hours at Gravel Pit. The men said their schedules work well together, allowing May extra time off during hunting and fishing seasons and Rollmann more time off in the summer for golfing.

Completed in April 2000, Gravel Pit is now 20 years old and the current owners are finding the need to replace and update a number of things in the facility. They said they have not made a lot of changes otherwise except to put their

continued from page 2A

personal touch on a few things and adapt to changing times.

One of the most obvious adaptations has been in the area of craft beer. Gravel Pit has an entire craft beer section in its coolers, and 12 of its 16 taps have craft beers in them. Rollmann said they rotate regularly, sometimes based on the season or customer requests. As a non-beer drinker, Rollmann said he relies on his beer representatives to let him know what is hot or not in the area.

The newest trend is hard seltzer which generally has about 5 percent alcohol content but much fewer carbs than beer.

Rollmann said Gravel Pit patrons are consuming hard seltzers at a very brisk pace.

Gravel Pit employs two full-time cooks—one for days and one for nights— in addition to the cooking the two owners do. Rollmann said he also gets a lot of help at Gravel Pit from wife Kristen and sons Blayne and Brayden which he said he really appreciates.

Owning a business is very time consuming and challenging, but May and Rollmann said they have the benefit of enjoying what they are doing, the people with whom they work, and especially the people they serve.

“A huge thank you to all current and past employees for their dedicated service,” Rollmann said. “And another huge thanks for all the customers over the years and new ones to come. We would not be celebrating 20 years without their help and patronage.”

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Teaming for a Brighter Tomorrow Foundational Partner

• Kiel Community Picnic Co-Host • Challenge Days at KHS • SafeAssured ID Program

• Playground equipment at parks in city • Kiel Baseball Club • Christmas Cheer Program • KMS Safety Patrol • KHS Washington DC Close Up trip • Manitowoc County Domestic Violence Center • Kiel Soccer Club • 2 College Scholarships • Easter Egg Hunt • KMS seventh grade camp at Camp Tapawingo • Bike Rodeo • Summer Reading Program at Kiel Library • KHS Dance Team • New children’s books at Kiel Library • Kiel Food Pantry • Kiel Sesquicentennial Walkway Kiel City Park • KHS Waves of Rhythm Show Choir • Badger Boy/Girl Representative • KHS Baseball Team • KHS Robotics Team • Kiel Area Youth Theater • KHS Post Prom • KMS Maker Space/Stem Cart • Kiel Youth Wrestling Club • Reins, Inc. • Zielanis No Screen Week • Zielanis Playground Equipment • Camo Quilt Project

1980 Board of Directors

Tom Lefeber, President Al Morgen, Vice President George Twohig, Vice President Ken Vassar, Secretary-Treasurer Tom Kolb, Director Ken Heberlein, Director Jim Vogel, Director David Hildebrandt, Director Don Wriedt, Director Larry Herbst, Director

Additional Charter Members

Steve Anhalt, Dan Coopman, Ken Heberlein, Jerry Kiel, Mike Mathes, Dennis Robichaud, Harvey Smith, Gerald Bella, Don Haack, Tom Jens, Tom Linnabary, Randy McTrusty, Roger Schneider, Charles Thiel, Jeff Voland, Joel Krueger

Circa 1982. Brick salvaging - the first major fundraising project of the Kiel Optimists.

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Working & supporting the Kiel Community for the past 40 years.

All money raised is used for supporting the Kiel community.

New Members Always Welcome!

Call Tom Lefeber 920-286-4110

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

in the Kiel Community

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Celebrating 40 Years

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Animity helps get health on track

By Mike Mathes At Animity Health and Wellness Center the goal is simple.

Victor Schueller directs his practice with the intent of providing opportunities for people to be healthier.

A licensed chiropractor, Schueller founded Animity Health and Wellness in 2010 as a means to help individuals and groups attend to their physical, mental, and social well-being.

He has a wealth of knowledge gained from his experiences as a licensed chiropractor, an anatomy and physiology instructor, and a learned expertise in communication, emotional wellness, and meditation.

Along the our primary function of providing chiropractic care, Animity Health and Wellness Center also offers nutrition counseling, wellness coach, and provides a space for people to engage in wellness practices such as yoga and meditation with outside instructors.

Unique chiropractic approach “We focus on helping people be healthier, primarily through chiropractic care, but I perform chiropractic care in an unconventional way,” he said.

Schueller said that his chiropractic adjustments are done through the use of instruments.

“Chiropractic care is all about moving the joints of the body in order to restore movement, decrease pain and promote healing,” he said. “Those are the goals, now matter which chiropractic methods are used.”

At Animity, adjustments are made in a

Victor Schueller, DC, provides an overall wellness approach to health through chiropractic care, nutrition, wellness coaching, and other means at Animity Health & Wellness in Kiel.

Mike Mathes photo

different fashion that manual chiropractic methods.

“I use my hands to help determine where the adjustments are going to be made, but then an instrument, guided by a computer chip is used to actually make the adjustments,” Schueller noted.

The computerized feedback helps the instrument speed up or slow down to provide the precise effect needed to manipulate a joint.

“This allows me to do the adjustments without the use of high velocity, high force cracking, twisting or bending,”

he added.

This method is a means of providing chiropractic care to people who might otherwise be fearful of the manual adjustment process.

Turn to ANIMITY/page 7A

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Animity In the end, the instrument-based care helps restore the proper nervous system and joint connections to help the body heal itself.

Proactive approach While the majority of patients first begin their treatments with a need to address pain, Animity Health & Wellness tries to work on proactive means of wellness.

“A lot of people don’t go for treatment until something hurts. It’s our job to help get them past the acute painful stage where the pain is managed or diminished,” he said.

Then the focus can turn to wellness maintenance.

Schueller believes strongly in providing patients with exercises and other activities they can do at home for healthy results. “Our Facebook page includes a lot of videos and do-it-yourself ideas. We emphasize areas like shoulder pain, low back pain or just general recommendations for overall health.

From a nutritional standpoint, Animity offers ideas and supplements to help with pain and digestive issues.

“We see people with a lot of different digestive related concerns—heartburn, indigestion, IBS, or things like muscle cramping, joint pain or sleep difficulty,” Schueller noted.

These issues can be addressed through the use of nutritional products. “We have products on our shelves, but I am not opposed to helping people find options that work for them based on budgetary needs or other circumstances.

Other instructors This past year, Animity Health and Wellness expanded its space to include a small classroom.

Yoga lessons are taught four times a week by Meg Hirschberg. Michael Hetzner offers classes in Mindfulness Meditation.

Kiel Progress briefs 2020

Millhome Nursery beautifies spaces

Welcome! Your beautiful living spaces start here at Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses.

We carry a wide and unique variety of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and landscape supplies to help you create your beautiful surroundings! Let our knowledgeable staff assist you with plant selection, design and plant care suggestions that will make your gardening experience a success. Check out our fresh spring plants to perk up your planters and landscape.

Save the dates! Oct. 9 and 10 we will once again be a host site for the Rural Arts Roadtrip! We are located in a beautiful country setting surrounded by plantings that will inspire your gardening palette! Enjoy a relaxing stroll through our garden center, take in the fresh country air, and let the beauty of our plants overwhelm you!

Millhome Nursery & Greenhouses is located at N9469 Rhine Rd. (CTH E), Elkhart Lake; phone (920) 894-7877; website www.millhomenursery.com.

Thanks for reading the News!

continued from page 6A

Schueller sees these additions as an added wellness emphasis for his practice.

In addition to his practice, Schueller also continues to serve as an instructor at Lakeshore Technical College, teaching classes in anatomy and physiology.

He has held that position for the past 15 years.

“I still enjoy being a teacher, and the teaching and the chiropractic practice complement each other very well,” he said.

“I get takeaways from being a teacher that I can bring back here, and things from my practice that I can use to enhance my teaching,” he said.

Chiropractic hours at Animity Health and Wellness are Monday through Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday mornings.

Animity Health and Wellness is located at 603 Fremont Street in Kiel.

For more information, visit the website animityhealth.com.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Past, present, future

4th generation of Vogel family serving customers

By Mark Sherry Many people come into Vogel Chevrolet in Kiel to do business while at the same time reminiscing about having done business there with Charlie and Chester Vogel.

There are even a few people who still come in and recall having bought a car from Walter Vogel.

And 10, 20, or even 30 years from now, it is quite likely people still will be coming into Vogel Chevrolet and doing business with a Vogel family member.

Mike Vogel, 61, continues to hold the reins at the Kiel dealership and there are no imminent changes in the works. The good news for customers who enjoy dealing with a longtime, family-run business is that the next generation of Vogels are now firmly entrenched in the business located at 710 Park Ave. Mike’s daughters Tara Vogel and Megan (Vogel) Weber both have key roles in the business. Tara is the finance and insurance manager while Megan is the human resource manager, also handling warranty administration and hiring.

Tara has been back in the business on a full-time basis for 3-1/2 years. “I am enjoying it,” she said. “So many customers express their concerns (about the business staying in the family). They love our family values. I think there’s more of a personal connection. I have customers come in and tell me what they remember of my grandpa.”

Charlie was the grandfather of Tara and Megan, but he and his brother Chester learned the business from their father, Walter, who began selling cars in St. Nazianz in 1929. In the 1960s Walter saw an opportunity to expand to the nearby bigger city of Kiel, and Charlie and Chester were largely tasked with making that happen. They did that in 1967 with the purchase of the auto/farm implement building from the Hingiss family.

Longtime residents will recall that the building has since housed other businesses such as Bella’s Custom Design and Treasured Moments Photography.

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

Chester, who had operated Vogel School Hill Garage for 12 years after getting out of the Navy, served as the president and service manager of Vogel Chevrolet-Olds for 21 years until retiring in 1988. He passed away in 1992 at the age of 62. After Chester’s retirement Charlie’s sons Mike and Scott embraced greater roles in the dealership.

Charlie was still active in the business in 2009 when he passed away at the

This location of Vogel Chevrolet has served area motorists since 1969, but the family business goes back well before that—and the family ownership of the business will continue well into the future.

age of 75. Mike has been operating the business since then. Charlie’s daughter Jennifer Lulloff works in the office, is an officer of the company, and is part of the third generation of Vogel family members in the business.

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

Mike said, “We’re small-town with small-town tactics,” adding that is a good thing for customers. They get friendly, low-pressure sales help but knowledgeable, state-of-the-art service in all departments including service, body shop, and sales.

The service department continues to grow and change with the recent hiring of Dave Brandt who does estimates, and the hiring of a new technician who currently is training in Arizona and will fill a new hoist station which was created in the service department. Tara said the busy service department could still use one more technician. Helping to keep business brisk in the service department is the fact they work on all makes and models of vehicles, and that they will pick up and deliver vehicles they service—including while customers are at work.

Vogel Chevrolet’s sales department also is busy these days studying up on the reintroduction of the Trailblazer for the 2021 model year. The Trailblazer— which has been out of production since

the Traverse arrived in 2009—will fall in line size-wise between the Trax and the Equinox, while the Chevy Blazer is a little larger than the Equinox.

In addition, two more longtime Chevrolet standards—Suburban and Tahoe— are getting all-new designs for 2021 along with more trim levels, including the Z71 and the High Country. Tara said a longer wheel base for these vehicles

Matthew Werdeo has started Matt’s Heating & Cooling in Kiel.

The business offers service and installation of boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, ductless mini-splits, in-floor radiant heat, unit heaters, and heat pumps. It

serves Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Calumet, Fond du Lac, and many other area counties.

Matt’s Heating & Cooling LLC is a registered LUXAIRE dealer but it services all makes of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.

Call (920) 286-4323 or e-mail mwerdeo82@gmail.com for more information.

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Salesperson Kevin Gutschow—who is now in his second year of serving Vogel Chevrolet customers—said Chevrolet will unveil the new look of these vehicles at this summer’s Olympics, and that people may be able to check them out on the Vogel Chevrolet lot by Labor Day.

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Kiel Progress briefs 2020

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Quality furnishings offered at Meiselwitz In business since 1898, family owned Meiselwitz Furniture continues to offer new and exciting quality fine home furnishings to their customers.

Operated for the last 40-plus years by Mike and Bill Curry, great-grandsons of Carl Meiselwitz, Meiselwitz Furniture is located at 328 Fremont St. in Kiel, the same location the business began in when founded by C.J. Meiselwitz in 1898. This year the brothers plan to remodel the original European-style apartment on the upper floor of the building to display new Flexsteel living room and dining room introductions.

“My brother and I are proud to be a part of the Kiel community,” Bill said.

“It’s a great retail town and always has a lot of new and exciting things happening. We are excited about the Kiel Mill restoration project headed by Markus Ladd of Kiel.”

Fourth generation owners Bill and Mike are also excited to be celebrating their 122nd year offering fine products to their customers. “We feature Restonic mattresses, the best two-sided mattress construction in the U.S.A. and one of the top bedding manufacturers. They have won many awards recently including the Women’s Choice Award and Consumer Digest Best Buy Award.”

Restonic was founded in 1938 when a group of independent mattress manufacturers developed a better method of building a quality mattress. Only the highest-grade materials are used in the expertly tailored mattresses and box springs to ensure the highest degree of comfort, support, and durability.

“All Restonic beds are made with com-

Meiselwitz Furniture offers new and exciting quality fine home furnishings to their customers while treating everyone who walks in the door like family.

ponents from Wisconsin. Only two sided beds have the marvelous middle support system to prevent sinking and sagging.

The mattresses last longer and provide a better night’s sleep.”

Meiselwitz Furniture offers many

significant brands of home furnishings including a fine selection of options of beautiful and quality built products from Flexsteel. Meiselwitz Furniture has been an authorized deal of Flexsteel for more than 80 years.

Flexsteel products include sofas, sectionals, accent chairs, occasional, motion, reclining, bedroom, dining, and home office furniture. The furniture Turn to MEISELWITZ/page 10A

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Schoenborn’s: Trusted jeweler since 1905 2020 marks an important milestone for Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry.

The downtown Kiel business has been your trusted jeweler since 1905, serving their customers and community for well over a century.

Why choose Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry you ask? Because at Schoenborn’s their goal is to create an extraordinary experience for you, whether you’re purchasing an engagement ring, remounting your existing jewelry or looking for the perfect gift, it is their promise to do a great job for you!

You will find products like diamond and gemstone jewelry, loose diamonds, sterling silver fashion jewelry, clocks, watches, and locally crafted giftware.

At Schoenborn’s, they hand select their diamonds and jewelry, then individually inspect and grade each and every product using the highest standards developed by the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America. Their educated and trained staff members are passionate about teaching and assisting you with your purchase, making your dreams come true.

Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry specializes in custom designed jewelry, giving their customers the opportunity to create oneof-a-kind pieces. You can design your own engagement ring, cocktail ring, pendants, earrings, bracelets, family jewelry, and so much more. They offer a large selection of loose diamonds in a variety of sizes, colors, cuts, and clarities, ensuring you get the exact diamond that you are looking for.

In addition to customizing pieces, Schoenborn’s offers finished jewelry from designers from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and more. An in-house goldsmith is also on staff for all of your jewelry servicing needs.

For all products purchased with Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry they come with one complimentary sizing, insurance appraisal, and an at-home jewelry cleaning care kit. What does the future hold for that piece of jewelry? Well, they also offer free ring or jewelry inspection and complimentary jewelry polishing for life!

In addition to jewelry, you will find a large variety of clocks and watches.

Grandfather, wall, mantel, musical and cuckoo clocks are on display for you to find the perfect timepiece for your home. Schoenborn’s offers Howard Miller, Seiko and Black Forest as just a

The staff at Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry in Kiel is ready to help customers.

few of the brands. If you’re looking for the perfect wristwatch you can choose from countless Citizen, Bering or Tense brands. You will find watch options for every occasion, you’re sure to find one to fit your needs. You’ll also find religious giftware, jewelry boxes, glassware and more in the downtown Kiel business.

As you walk through the door, you will notice that Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry has recently renovated. In the spring of 2019 they expanded their retail space and designed a more open concept throughout the store. You’ll notice a fresh color scheme, new flooring, new jewelry cases, along with many other improvements.

With the new space created they have expanded their selection of the same great quality products that the customers have come to expect and love. Bob Schoenborn’s Jewelry looks forward to

Meiselwitz

continued from page 9A

is beautifully tailored and crafted using lifetime-guaranteed, blue steel seat spring construction. Custom orders on over 1,200 styles with thousands of fabrics and hundreds of leathers are available.

The Blue Steel Spring is the core of Flexsteel upholstered seating. Flexible and sturdy, the spring is designed for lifetime-guaranteed durability.

“The benefits of Flexsteel is how it is constructed. The Flexsteel spring makes the difference. They offer a lifetime warranty on the seat, frame, and seat cushion core.”

The staff at Meiselwitz Furniture enjoys spending time with their customers, treating them like family. “We look

forward to assisting you with all your home furnishing needs. From bedding to dining room to living room selections, Meiselwitz proudly offers the finest brands and the most intriguing design selections.”

Meiselwitz Furniture Leather and Mattress is located on the corner of Fourth and Fremont streets and can be reached at (920) 894-2250. Open seven days a week, the welcoming staff invites you to visit their showroom.

Free delivery and interior design services are available. More information can be found on meiselwitzfurniture. com.

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continuing the Schoenborn legacy by providing you with the highest quality

product for a better price and with the best customer service.

Kiel lions Club Proudly serving our community since 1966

upComing events

Cerebral palsy Drive - March 2020 Kiel Community picnic (w/Kiel Optimist) - August 13-16, 2020 Chicken & Ham Dinner (w/Kiel Optimist) - September 17, 2020 Delightfully Calumet light show - December 2020

upport Community s ered • Scholarships off h the each year throug Kiel High School outh Vision • Spot Camera - Y Screenings Screenings 547 itors for • Low Vision Moneration en Macular Deg Awareness • Sight/Diabetes Sponsor • Kiel Boy Scouts porter up S Charter and Mission • Wisconsin Lions Up • Highway Clean

Interested In BecomIng a LIon?

If you would like to find out more about the Kiel Lions Club or are interested in joining, please contact: Cary Mitchell 1-920-286-3797 or Lloyd Bornemann 1-262-391-0910

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care keeps growing

By Mark Sherry When Jason Pieper began his Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care business, his biggest concern was finding enough work to keep himself busy.

Six years later, Pieper has two fulltime employees and a full-time office manager.

That is a good indication that Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care is accomplishing what Pieper originally set out to do—provide quality service at a fair price.

“I think I do quality work because I do things the right way, not the quickest, easiest way,” Pieper said. “I never say, ‘It’s good enough.”’

An aspect of Pieper’s Indoor AireCare that will keep them busy in 2020 is installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) in new homes.

Pieper has installations lined up in many new projects this year, with many more to come.

Helping Pieper get the work done are full-time employees Adam Raquet and Joe Butschli.

Tom Prange helps Pieper on a parttime basis with sheet metal work, a necessity for duct work installation especially with new projects. Pieper mentioned that his business will do other “odd” sheet metal jobs when called upon as it has the materials, the equipment, and the person to do it in Prange. Local roofers have used his services on madeto-order flashing projects.

In addition to Adam and Joe, Jason’s girlfriend, Jaime Otto, is the full-time office manager and she is the one you will be greeted by when you call.

While Pieper does the HVAC installations in a lot of new and existing homes,

Jason Pieper, owner of Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care, stands next to one of the hydronic in-floor heating systems he recently installed. Pieper said the systems are very popular in new-construction homes these days.

he and his crew also do service work on all types of HVAC equipment. One of the reasons his business has grown so rapidly in its first six years is his willing-

ness to answer the call regardless of the day or time. It is an understatement to say people are relieved to have a qualified HVAC technician show up at their

door on a cold winter’s night when the furnace has stopped working.

Turn to AIRE-CARE/page 12A

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12A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Premier settles in to ‘new’ Kiel office

By Mark Sherry It is not hard to spot the biggest sign of progress at Premier Financial Credit Union in the past year—it is sitting at the corner of Fremont and Sixth streets in Kiel.

An expansion and renovation project at the Kiel office which began earlier in 2019 was wrapped up around year’s end, allowing Premier Financial to show the improved features of the office during a series of open houses held in early January.

“I’ve been getting great comments from the community,” Premier CEO Steve Nothem said about the look of the renovated office inside and out.

As part of PFCU’s branding efforts in recent years, the exterior renovation was done as much as possible to match the look of Premier Financial’s office in Chilton which was built new several years ago. The cupola structure on top of the building is now a common feature in two of Premier’s three offices.

In addition, brick was removed from the upper half of the Kiel office’s exterior and used elsewhere in the project. The siding which replaced that brick also matches what was used on the Chilton office.

No service interruptions Contractors were able to put the new addition on to the east of the existing structure without interrupting service to members at the office—but there were disruptions and inconveniences. Nothem said he appreciates the patience of Premier’s members and the flexibility of the Kiel staff to keep attending to members despite being shuffled around inside the office. “They have been nothing but wonderful,” Nothem said.

For their patience, members and employees alike are now being rewarded with an interior which features a new conference room, additional offices (a total of three), an employee lounge, and even a coffee bar for members. Gone is the temporary area which Nothem called the “ice shanty” which was being used as an office.

Outside, the automatic teller machine is now a drive-up on the east side of the building. A third drive-up lane was added which has a kiosk six inches taller than the others and no curbs or structures on the passenger side to allow easier access for large vehicles or vehicles towing campers, boats, trailers, etc.

Back inside, the drive-up area now has a wall between it and the teller area to provide additional privacy as drive-up members talk to tellers.

Safe deposit boxes added Safe deposit boxes and a room in which members can privately view their contents is another new addition to the Kiel office of Premier Financial.

Growth of over 70 percent in the past decade at Premier Financial has helped make these expansions possible. Nothem pointed out that the credit union used to have one loan processor and now has four, and assets have grown from $53 million to $97 million over the past decade.

The Kiel office project will serve as Nothem’s swan song at Premier Financial as he will be retiring as of Feb. 28.

As of Nov. 1 the Board of Directors of PFCU appointed Brad Grant as president of the credit union. Grant began his employment at PFCU on Sept. 4, 2018 and the transition into leadership of the credit union began at that time. Nothem said Grant had largely been doing the

Staff members at the newly expanded and remodeled Kiel office of Premier Financial Credit Union are (from left) Brianna Schad, Tasha Wolf, Rachael Siehs, Branch Manager Peggy Goch, and Shari Hechel. Not pictured is Tashina Elonen.

Mark Sherry photo

duties of president prior to the official appointment.

The sound of construction may be over at Premier Financial’s Kiel office, yet changes and improvements at the credit union are ongoing. One example of that is the addition of instant issue debit cards.

If a member has their debit card lost, stolen, or damaged, they can receive a new card in as little as 15 minutes by stopping at any Premier Financial office in Kiel, New Holstein, or Chilton. The same holds true for new members receiving their first debit card from PFCU, or for members who believe their accounts may have been compromised because of a security breach at a retailer they frequent.

Personnel changes Changes in personnel also have taken place at PFCU in the past year, including the promotion of Nancy Boutchard—a veteran of two decades at the Kiel office—to a loan processing position in the New Holstein office. Brianna Schad is the new member relations specialist in Kiel, and Grant said she is outgoing and excited to help existing and new members of the credit union. Schad has worked for PFCU for about 3-1/2 years, previously working in loan processing.

Tashina Elonen is a new teller in the Kiel office and also works in the New Holstein office. Tasha Wolf is also a new teller in Kiel, joining tellers Shari Hechel and Rachael Siehs along with branch manager Peggy Goch.

Premier Financial also continues to look for additional ways to better serve its members of all ages. It is working on developing a mobile app—including fingerprint log-in, if your device allows—and changes also are being made to its online banking services to make them more user friendly. Those changes are expected to be in place sometime in April or May. Grant said person-toperson payments will be possible with the new software which should be easier to navigate.

Along those same lines, changes are being made to Premier Financial’s website which will provide a new, fresh look with an easy-to-apply loan application and financial calculators.

Aire-Care

Having created a good working relationship with some area builders, Pieper said he and his crew are doing more multiple zones and in-floor hydronic tube heating systems in new and existing homes. In simplest terms, today’s hydronic heating is an energy efficient home heating system that uses tubing to run a hot liquid beneath the floor, along base-board heaters, or through radiators to heat homes. Also referred to as radiant heating, this type of system has become increasingly popular among families that want added comfort and control in their heating zones, savings through lower heating bills, and a decrease in their environmental impact by making smart, green building choices.

While Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care will service all makes and models of HVAC equipment, its installation work in new homes and system replacements tends to focus on Carrier furnaces, air conditioners and split systems, Burnham boilers,

continued from page 11A

and Reznor garage heaters.

In addition to heating and air conditioning work, Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care also continues to do duct cleaning. With spring right around the corner, now would be a great time to make sure ducts are clear of dust and anything else which might get in the way of having the cleanest possible air in a home. Duct cleaning services are available all year round.

The service area for Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care seems to have expanded over the years as well. He said when he first started most of his jobs were in the Kiel and Howards Grove areas—now he has expanded his business to all of Fond du Lac, Sheboygan, Manitowoc, and Calumet counties.

To find out more about Pieper’s Indoor Aire-Care or to schedule a project, call (920) 207-3297 or check out their Facebook page Pieper’s Indoor AireCare LLC.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

13A

Millhome offers fine dining in all settings

By Mike Mathes Millhome Supper Club remains synonymous with fine dining experiences in a variety of settings.

Savor their chef’s mouth-watering cuisine in their spacious dining room.

Host your banquet event in one of their well-appointed banquet rooms.

Enjoy their appetizers in the comfort of the bar and lounge.

Have a meal on the deck in the warmth of summer.

Better yet, have Millhome Supper Club bring their food to your location for a catered event.

No matter the occasion, Millhome Supper Club remains a great option for all varieties of dining experiences, from the quiet candle-lit table dinner, to major community events.

Dining room availability Millhome is equally well known for its outstanding “regular” dining and for the many special occasions it hosts such as wedding receptions and community banquets.

“Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience. You’ll enjoy impeccable service from start to finish, and mouth-watering cuisine from our chef,” said Matthew Riese.

Millhome Supper Club’s dining room is open every night Tuesday through Sunday, featuring a full menu that includes steaks, seafoods, and pastas. “We have a wide choice of selections for all tastes,” Riese said.

Friday features the popular land and sea buffet with broasted chicken, beef tips, snow crab, fried haddock, shrimp,

potatoes, and vegetables. The buffet is topped off with the well-known Millhome soup and salad bar offerings.

For diners who prefer something unique, the chef likes to prepare special features such as jambalaya, pan-seared

duck breast or arctic char. “We like to Turn to MILLHOME/page 14A

Making progress possible A

t the Kiel Utilities, we help make progress possible.

Water, wastewater treatment and electric needs are critical community services.

Though necessary foundations for growth, they are often the unseen support that makes development possible.

Strong, local public utilities have provided a great

advantage for the City of Kiel, supporting both residential and commercial needs.

On behalf of all the entire Kiel Utilities staff, we say thanks to the people and businesses of Kiel for giving us the opportunity to serve.

We are glad to be part of the fabric of the Kiel area community.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

City of Kiel Utilities Kiel Wastewater Treatment Utility • Kiel Electric Utility • Kiel Water Utility Contact us at 920-894-2909 or www.ci.kiel.wi.us

14A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Fuhrmann offers multiple services Fuhrmann Heating & Cooling opened its doors in 1981 with a staff of just three.

Over the past 38-plus years, the company has grown to include 16 full-time employees and several part-time employees during the busy times of the year.

In 2015, Fuhrmann extended their quality service to include all of your plumbing needs. With this addition, the name changed to Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. Since then the plumbing staff has grown to include two master plumbers, one journeyman, and one apprentice.

Fuhrmann Heating & Cooling, Inc. took on the Carrier product line in 1989 and has been selling and servicing high efficiency heating and air conditioning products ever since. In addition to forced air heating, they also install different types of hydronic or hot water

heat. This includes radiant in-floor heat for concrete, ceramic tile, and hardwood floor warming.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. also offers a variety of whole house air purification products such as Aprilaires, Electronic Air Cleaners, and dehumidification products to meet customer needs, along with duct cleaning.

They are also associated with the Focus on Energy and WPS programs with money back rewards.

Fuhrmann Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, Inc. takes pride in satisfying their customers with their experienced staff of highly qualified service and installation technicians. Call them at (920) 756-3277 for a free estimate. They also offer a 24-hour emergency on-call service.

Millhome

try just about anything we can get our hands on to offer something different to the dining experience,” Riese said.

Sunday’s champagne brunch is also a special offering at Millhome, with a menu that includes chicken, tips, and breakfast fare such as bacon, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, waffles, and desserts. The made-to-order omelet station is also popular with diners.

Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Millhome Supper Club’s dining room is open beginning at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Bar and lounge A spacious cocktail lounge and bar offers guests an opportunity to enjoy a predinner drink, or just a drop-in cocktail.

The bar opens every day at 3:30 offering both bar and lounge seating. New drink specials are offered each night of the week. Tuesdays through Thursdays, customers in the lounge and bar can order half-price appetizers. “That’s been a real popular feature for us,” Riese said.

Daily bar specials include: Tuesdays—Two for One - Double Bubble every Tuesday, 3:30-6 p.m.

Wednesdays—Wine by the Glass Enjoy $4 glass of any wine by the glass.

Thursdays—Thirsty Thursday - A great compliment to our weekly card game. Drawing takes place at 6 p.m. each week. $2 bottles of domestic beer or $3 rail old fashioneds.

Sundays—$5.50 Bloody Mary with your choice of Absolut and a Bud Light chaser. Finished with your choice of garnishments, a spicy beef stick and a pickle spear.

Millhome Supper Club is also widely known throughout Eastern Wisconsin for its spacious banquet facilities.

Several options exist for those who wish to host an event. The main banquet hall seats up to 350 people. The adjacent River Room can seat 150. The two rooms can be combined for larger events.

Millhome also offers its VIP room for smaller gatherings of up to 30 people.

Popular for weddings, Millhome Sup-

continued from page 13A

per Club is already booking dates into 2020. “We have years of experience in working with brides and grooms to make their event memorable. Our supper club offers personalized service, beautiful rooms, courteous, attentive staff, and many items that we include in the cost of your meal,” Riese said.

“We can offer a wide range of banquet meal menu items. We have the full-gamut buffet, family style or plated dinners.

The menus range from the traditional chicken and tips to things like cordon bleu and ribs. We have a lot of flexibility.

If there is something you want, we can probably make it for you,” Riese added.

Catering options Millhome’s food options are not just restricted to the confines of the supper club. Catering opportunities are available to both individuals and organizations.

The catering service customizes its efforts from individual parties all the way up the line to larger corporate customers.

“We will cater within 60 miles, and we have had calls as far as Milwaukee and Green Bay for our service,” Riese said.

“You might see us working at Road America, or serving a family party in someone’s back yard,” he added.

Whatever the season, Millhome Supper Club probably has the answer to your dining and hospitality needs.

You may be familiar with Millhome Supper Club because of a wedding or community event, but don’t forget to come back for dinner, or one of the buffets.

You might like the affordable options of nice, warm, comfortable food in the cold of Wisconsin winter.

Or, you might prefer the warm summer breezes on the patio in summer time, enjoying conversation, cocktails and appetizers under the umbrellas.

Whatever your preferences, Millhome Supper Club has something for you.

Call (920) 894-7414 to make a dining reservation or inquire about catering or banquet needs.

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

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

15A

Brack’s agency touts customer service

By Mike Mathes The main objective for American Family Insurance Agent Cheryl Brack and her team is simple—help people.

“Customer service is our most important objective. We do everything we can to help people. We make ourselves available to our customers as much as possible,” she said. “That’s our biggest goal.”

Brack and her team manage a pair of American Family Insurance offices in Kiel and New Holstein.

This year marks her 11th year in the business, working the entire time for American Family Insurance.

“Technically, I am an independent contractor, but we deal strictly in American Family lines, unless for some reason they don’t have a product to match a customer’s need,” Brack said.

Cheryl first opened her agency in the 300 block of Fremont Street in Kiel in 2008. In August 2016 the office was moved when Brack opened her current location at 617 Fremont St. In 2017 the agency took another giant step forward taking over the New Holstein American Family Insurance operation. “We have been operating out of the two locations since that time, with two fully licensed staff members at each location in addition to me,” Brack said.

Being fully licensed means the staff members can handle any issues connected to American Family Insurance, including putting coverage in force.

Staff members include Gina Voland, who has been with Brack since the agency’s beginning. Other full-time team members include Wendy Mertens, Elizabeth Loose, and Brack’s son, Aus-

American Family Insurance team members serving Kiel and New Holstein are (front, from left) Wendy Mertens, Elizabeth Loose, Cheryl Brack, and Gina Voland; and (back) Harmony Wusterbarth, Austin Brack, and Troy Brack.

tin. Harmony Wusterbarth is a part-time staff member. Cheryl’s husband Troy became licensed this year and has joined the American Family team as well.

“Our commitment to this community and the area shows we are in this for the

foreseeable future,” Brack said.

Wide range of coverage Because of her affiliation with American Family Insurance, the Cheryl Brack agency is able to work with a wide range

of insurance coverages, including auto, homeowners, business insurance, farm, and life.

“We handle coverage for both indiTurn to BRACK/page 16A

16A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Kiel Optimists keep building community

By Tracy Folz In 1982 during a period of high unemployment, the Kiel Optimist Club’s first project helped 25 area unemployed people to earn money brick by brick.

The Optimist Club is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and Tom Lefeber, founding member, recently reminisced on the first project.

In the summer of 1982, Lowell Freis, of Freis Von Kiel Construction, was hired to raze the Kiel Woodenware Factory building. The factory had been built in 1918 with Milwaukee Cream City bricks, which Lowell would be able to keep for razing the building. He decided to donate the bricks to the Kiel Optimist Club, which created the brick project that would employ area residents part-time that summer. The employees were paid between $3.50 and $6 per hour depending on how many bricks they could clean. Bricks were taken from the razed factory and dumped in a quarry.

Employees would chip away the mortar and debris from the bricks. The bricks were then sold to area businesses for one penny per brick. A brick company from Sheboygan bought 10,000 bricks at the beginning of the project and then sales of the bricks slowed because of the economy. Then the Kohler Company agreed to purchase 20,000 bricks and as long as the quality of the bricks was good, they would continue to purchase between 200,000 and 300,000 bricks.

Brack viduals and businesses,” Brack said.

The whole concept hinges on working to determine people’s needs, then finding the insurance package that best protects those needs.

Some of those coverages are outlined as follows: Life—Term life policies can fill a temporary need. Whole life is offered to meet a longer need. Dream Secure Flexible Life policies offer flexible premiums and coverage that can change as lifetime obligations and needs change.

Auto—liability, medical expense coverage, comprehensive, collision, underinsured, uninsured, rental coverage, emergency road service, plans for fleet coverage for businesses, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Road Trip Accommodations.

Homeowners—coverage for dwellings, structures, personal property, sewer and sump pump backups, identity fraud, along with a whole series of riders that can be tailored to specific needs such as firearms, fine arts, collectibles, and jewelry; Farm—coverage for buildings, animals, machinery, collapsed roof from weight of ice or snow, to equipment coverage.

Discounts through technology Brack and her team said they are excited about the new options to reduce premiums for clients through the use of technology.

KnowYourDrive is a phone-app based program that monitors a person’s driving, much the way a Fit Bit might observe a person’s exercise habits.

The application can be downloaded at no cost, triggering an immediate 5 percent premium discount. Depending on how a person drives during their evaluation periods, they could receive up to 20 percent in discounts.

People can view their own driving

The Optimist Club kept a portion of the profits and every dollar was reinvested into community youth projects.

Fast forward 40 years and the Kiel Optimist Club is still a strong supporter of area youths and the community. Tom Lefeber explained that one of the club’s main fundraisers is the annual Kiel Community Picnic, which they co-sponsor with the Kiel Lions Club. The picnic is held in August and the two clubs split the profits which are reinvested into the community. This year’s picnic runs from Aug. 13 to 16 in Kiel City Park. There will be a parade on Sunday, Aug. 16.

The Optimists and the Lions also co-sponsor the chicken and ham dinner held in September. “We start at 7 a.m. by prepping the chicken and work all day,” said Kathy Lefeber, Tom’s wife and first female Kiel Optimist member. She went on to say, “It’s not just the clubs doing the work, it takes the whole community working together to make the projects a success.” Area residents and sometimes relatives from out of state volunteer at the events. Parents and students of the Kiel Youth Theater have done face painting at the Kiel Picnic and other events. Last year 280 lunches were delivered in the community by Tom and a total of 815 dinners were delivered. “The dinner has really grown over the years,” he said.

This year the Kiel Optimist Club is expecting to donate over $20,000 to area youth groups and the community.

continued from page 15A score and figure out how to improve on their next evaluation period. They can talk to any of the staff members at the offices of Cheryl Brack to get more information about KnowYourDrive, or communicate with the agency via text messaging—a new option for clients.

Smart home technology American Family Insurance offers a proactive home protection discount for homeowners that install and activate a qualifying smart home system.

Smart home systems are devices and sensors that monitor various things through broadband, wireless or cellular technology.

Examples include: n smoke/carbon monoxide detectors; n smart thermostats; n motion detectors; n moisture and humidity sensors; n multi-function security systems; and n other sensors available to monitor for gas leaks or high energy usage.

American Family Insurance also continues to offer the Teen Safe Driver program. A smart phone app is used to help teach teens smart driving habits.

Teens are scored on their habits, and have an opportunity to work toward improvement.

TrueMotion Family app users have been shown to be almost four times safer than typical drivers.

Successfully implementing the use of this app for teens is also rewarded by American Family Insurance with premium reductions.

Office hours at both office locations—617 Fremont St, Kiel and 2100 Wisconsin Ave., New Holstein—are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. Additional times are available by appointment.

Both locations can be reached by calling (920) 894-7100 or (920) 898-4500.

Tom and Kathy Lefeber are longtime members of the Kiel Optimist Club.

Tracy Folz photo

Among those who received donations last year included REINS Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, which provides personal growth to people with developmental disabilities; in-Courage, which supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault; the robotics programs in Kiel schools; and many more programs and events. They also sponsor two scholarships that are awarded. The scholarships are not based on a grade average but awarded to students who are in need of some financial help with schooling.

Teaming for a Better Tomorrow is also one of the programs to which the Kiel Optimists donate money. Kathy and other members of the Optimist Club attend meetings throughout the year for Teaming for a Better Tomorrow. The program’s purpose is to develop and

support a comprehensive network of programs that provides activities, events, and awareness to assist today’s youths with the many challenges they face.

Another major event the Kiel Optimist Club hosts—along with help from local youth groups—is the Easter Egg Hunt.

Children can have photos taken and visit with the Easter Bunny and they can collect eggs that are donated by local businesses.

The Kiel Optimist Club currently has 40 members ranging in age from 21 to 90 years old. Anyone can join and they always welcome new members. In October, they are having a 40th reunion and are hoping that any of the original members will be able to attend. They meet the second Tuesday of each month alternating between Millhome Supper Club and Altona Supper Club.

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

Subscribe for just $40 per year by calling 894-2828. Subscriptions make great gifts, too!

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

17A

Race cars to everyday cars

Wolf Car Care services all types of vehicles, power sports

By Mark Sherry People who are lucky enough to walk through Wolf Car Care in Elkhart Lake likely will see a vintage Alfa Romeo race car, another race car once owned and driven by Walter Payton, numerous other sparkling speedsters, and perhaps a 2009 Ford Focus.

Wait a minute—a 2009 Ford Focus?

Substitute any other make and model of vehicle in there—a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox, a 1998 Dodge pickup, etc.— and the message remains the same. Wolf Auto is ready, willing, and able to work on all makes and models of vehicles and is now expanding further into power sports service as well.

Located at 790 S. Lincoln St. (STH 67) on Elkhart Lake’s far south side, Wolf Car Care has some amazing vehicles temporarily resting under its roof. Owner Bart Wolf said he wants area residents to bring their wheels to Wolf Car Care for everything from oil changes and brake repairs to tire replacements, shocks, carburetor work, suspensions, air conditioning repairs, and exhaust systems.

Given that Wolf Car Care’s team of five full-time technicians also work on some of the world’s top race cars, they also have no problem doing engine rebuilds, transmission rebuilds, performance upgrades, and restorations on any vehicle, import or domestic. Wolf Car Care has all the necessary computerized scanning equipment it needs to work on

Wolf Car Care along STH 67 on Elkhart Lake’s far south side is attractive outside and downright impressive inside.

vehicles, and Bart said they are regularly getting service customers from within a 25-mile radius of Elkhart Lake.

Bart said he understands that some people might be “scared to go in—looks too expensive,” but nothing could be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, Wolf said he very likely can save owners money on repairing vehicles which are out of warranty. “We’re very price com-

petitive,” Bart said. In addition, Wolf Car Care offers free loaner vehicles as well as drop-off and pick-up services. People just need to stop in, call or text (920) 2072511, or email bwolf28@yahoo.com to set up a service appointment.

Vehicle service is just one of many business aspects which Wolf oversees, and he said an exciting expansion of those services is in the area of power

sports. Wolf Power Sports now repairs and maintains ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, mopeds, motorcycles, and golf carts.

Bart said he feels there was a void in the Sheboygan County marketplace for power sports repairs and service as there had been only one other such shop Turn to WOLF/page 18A

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18A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Altitude has 1 roof, multiple businesses

By Mark Sherry There is one roof over the New Holstein building owned by brothers Mike, Steve, and Jason Goebel, but that building houses multiple businesses.

Most area residents know about their Altitude Roofing business as the Goebel brothers have been in business for about 17 years, but even that business is really Altitude Roofing & Exteriors as the company also does siding and soffit work.

What increasingly more area consumers are learning is that the family also operates Altitude Seamless Gutters and Altitude Windows & Remodeling.

While Altitude operates all those businesses, Mike explained that each of them has a separate set of employees who specialize in their particular area and do that work on a daily basis. All of Altitude’s employees are state and U.S. certified in their trades, Mike said.

He summarized Altitude’s current business model by saying the company does not build but does just about everything else a homeowner or small business owner might need—roofing, siding, soffits, windows, doors, gutters, downspouts, remodeling, storm damage repair, and more.

Altitude has been doing all these things for about the past six years. It has been doing siding for about 17 years, and the Goebel family has been working in the trades for 23 years. Mike said with each satisfied customer, word-of-mouth advertising helps spread the message that Altitude is both a diversified and quality conscious contractor.

He said the company has a lot of remodeling work already lined up for the year ahead, perhaps in part because of the way the company approaches its jobs.

Mike said while some builders may be juggling multiple jobs at any given time and bouncing around from one to another, Altitude finishes one job before moving on to the next. That ensures that the customer can get his or her house or business back to “normal” as quickly as possible without getting caught up in a builder’s juggling act with other customers.

Altitude has a staff of between 8 to 10 employees, and Mike said they are looking for a couple more. “We’re growing as a company, but we’re not growing in our number of employees,” he said. Two of Altitude’s employees are cross-trained to

Wolf in the county prior to the start of Wolf Power Sports.

“The thing I like the most is how power sports and car care mesh together,” Bart said.

While Wolf Motor Sports is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Bart’s connection with motorsports goes all the way back to 1979 when he started gokart racing at various Wisconsin venues.

He has been involved in motorsports and racing all his life while also working in the family-owned Chrysler-Jeep dealership for a number of years in Plymouth.

Three years ago, Wolf constructed its current location in Elkhart Lake and also built motorsport villas which are sold to race car drivers and enthusiasts who spend significant time at nearby Road America.

While vehicle and power sports repairs and service happen year-round at Wolf, rebuilds of race cars happen during the winter in advance of the racing season.

Some of that work is done for customers

Altitude Roofing & Exteriors, Altitude Seamless Gutters, and Altitude Windows & Remodeling all share the same showroom and building on New Holstein’s north side.

Mark Sherry photos

work in all areas of the company.

Helping the business to grow is a large, new showroom which Altitude Roofing has created at its shop which is located at 2512 Harding Ave. in New Holstein.

The shop is located near Sippel Funeral Home in one of New Holstein’s Tax Increment Finance districts.

The showroom was expanded when Altitude rebuilt following a fire at its shop. Customers can now see a variety of Edco steel products which Altitude uses for roofing, siding, soffit/fascia, and gutters. Sierra Pacific has multiple examples of its windows displayed in the showroom, including casement crank out and double hung, along with samples of entry doors.

Steel roofing samples also are on display as Mike said the company is transitioning toward doing only steel roofing.

continued from page 17A and some is for Wolf’s own racing team.

Bart said they plan to race at the end of February in Sebring, Florida.

As a person might imagine, being a mechanic at Wolf is a little different than working in vehicle repair at other shops. There are weekend race events where it is all hands on deck no matter where the event is at, and Bart said his team has traveled to Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Ohio, and Canada to race over the years. He also has a network of additional mechanics whom he brings along as needed for the bigger events.

Wolf mechanics are racing enthusiasts who have the specialized training and tools to work on race cars. Bart continues to do some race car driving himself, adding, “It’s a life-long passion.”

Bart said the group of people he has working for him are the biggest asset in the business. “It’s a fun place to work,” he said.

It is also a fun place to get your car, ATV, or snowmobile serviced.

Because it has established itself as one of the top steel roofing installers in Wisconsin, Altitude has traveled from Illinois to Minnesota to install steel roofs and does a lot of work in Upper Michigan.

Steel roofing comes in multiple color choices but it also can be purchased and installed to look like a common, black asphalt shingle roof. Edco products come with a lifetime warranty, and many insurance companies cover steel roofing.

Mike said Altitude uses only the highest end products in everything it does.

Altitude also does a lot of deck construction for homeowners—using either Trex composite decking materials or treated wood—and it also installs many aluminum railing systems.

In the area of siding, Altitude installs steel siding, vinyl siding, and vinyl cedar shake siding. Soffit and fascia connect

siding to the roof, and Altitude offers aluminum or steel options for that.

Also on the long list of services provided by the various Altitude businesses are decorative shutters, patios, exterior trim, window wrapping, cabinets, interior trim, blown-in attic insulation, and barn doors which people are using for entry ways, closets, laundry rooms, etc.

Altitude has won three Parade of Homes awards for its roofing work.

For a free estimate or to schedule an appointment to see the showroom, call Mike at (920) 948-1146. Mention the Altitude advertisement in this section and get 10 percent off any purchased products.

People also can learn more about Altitude at its website, www.altituderoofing.net.

Kiel Auto RepAiR Wally Wright, owner

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

19A

CACHF lifts up health care specialists

By Mike Mathes Since 1998, the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation has been a strong partner supporting the health care and health education in the greater Calumet County area.

Largely through its support of Ascension Calumet Hospital and the staff who provide critical health care delivery, CACHF furthers this goal.

CACHF board chairperson Glen Calnin pointed to the need to recruit and retain medical staff for the hospital and community delivery systems as the key effort.

“We help the hospital to attract physicians, nurses and other health care professionals,” Calnin said.

“Small towns are not the top drawing market for these professionals. But, we can help with a financial package that can give the local hospital an edge over other markets. We have also supported retention bonuses which help the hospital recruit staff members to come on board and stay here for a number of years,” he added.

Calnin said that health care delivery depends on quality staff. “Supporting our staff is the best use of foundation dollars, and it does the most good in our local communities,” he added.

“We were very active in helping Dr. Dellaria (Dr. Ben Dellaria) to join us here in Chilton. He is a great young doctor committed to the future of health care in our community,” Calnin said. “We are also helping to draw other physicians into the area.”

Funds from CACHF are also used to support professional growth programs for health care staff in the Calumet

County area through tuition reimbursement.

“Tuition grants have replaced some of our former scholarship offerings,” he noted. “In the past, we helped a lot of people get their education in the health care fields, only to see them leave the community and practice elsewhere. Tuition reimbursements address the same educational needs, but directly impact those people who are working in and serving our communities. This maximizes the impact of our support locally.”

Grants have been provided for other key community health care and health education programs. Groups like the Harbor House, the Chilton Public Library, and health education programs from local Lions clubs have been supported in the past.

As a tax exempt public charity trust, CACHF promotes health and health education which directly or indirectly supports Ascension Calumet Hospital and addresses the health issues and needs of Brillion, Chilton, Hilbert, Kiel, New Holstein, Potter and Stockbridge residents.

Prior to Ascension Calumet Hospital’s decision to affiliate with the Affinity Health System, the hospital’s board of directors had the foresight to establish CACHF. In doing so, they transferred a portion of the center’s investments that had accumulated over time.

This decision assured the spirit and preservation of community health envisioned by the people who founded and supported Ascension Calumet Hospital.

CACHF has had access to funds from its inception, thanks to the monies carried over from its earliest days. Contributions are continually welcome to build

The Calumet Area Community Health Foundation has taken an active role in the recruitment and retention of health care professionals in the greater Calumet County area. In recent years, CACHF helped the Ascension system bring Dr. Ben Dellaria to the area.

the fund’s base.

“We dipped into the principal to assist the hospital during its most recent expansion. We wanted to make sure that got accomplished,” Calnin said.

“Even though we don’t hold a formal fund drive, we continue to build our balance back up.”

In addition to Calnin, the members of the Calumet Area Community Health Foundation are Terry Friedrichs, Dr. Gene Tipler, Joe Mathes, Jenny Derks,

Public Welcome

Tony Sweere, Andy King and Kim Rietrock.

The board is responsible for reviewing and awarding grants on behalf of the foundation.

For more information about CACHF or information about donating to the foundation, contact Glen Calnin at 920849-8700, email cachfinc@yahoo.com or mail CACHF Suite 6, 451 E. Brooklyn Street, Chilton, WI 53014.

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20A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Top 10 Reasons

The Chilton Furniture Difference is inviting you to visit

By Mike Mathes Selecting home furnishings can be a challenging experience.

Whether you are trying to select one item, upgrade the design of a room, choose the right bedding or furnish a whole apartment or home—the questions can be overwhelming.

Where do you begin looking?

How can you find what you are looking for?

How can you make the most appropriate choices?

The task can be daunting.....unless you start by embracing the Chilton Furniture Experience.

As the area’s most complete home furnishing showroom and design center, Chilton Furniture offers many advantages to help your planning and selection process.

The invitation is open. Chilton Furniture welcomes you into its amazing showroom for an enjoyable, relaxing shopping excursion. The invitation is simple, you are encouraged to “Come and experience the Chilton Furniture Difference.”™ Top Ten Reasons If the open invitation isn’t enough to convince you to make Chilton Furniture your first home furnishings stop, then consider The Top Ten Reasons to entrust your home furnishings needs to the tradition of great customer experiences at Chilton Furniture.

Here are the Top 10 Reasons customers choose Chilton Furniture, and keep coming back! We have numbered them for your convenience—but they are all priority reasons in our eyes.

10—The experience is “laid back” and hassle free Some people just like to browse, wander, look and let ideas and inspirations sink in.

At Chilton Furniture, we pride ourselves in being laid back, giving you the freedom to browse, yet ready to help when help is requested.

Shopping trips can be anxious times, so we just like to let you breathe and relax as you savor the laid back atmosphere in our showroom. In fact, you can even come and take a nap in one of our recliners to see how comfy they truly are!

We invite you to stay calm and bask in the possibilities for your own cherished spaces.

9—Help is just a question away All you have to do is ask. While our staff is happy to let you browse to your heart’s content, they are still there to answer your questions and guide your process and selections. You can trust that our experience over the years helps us to know when to offer that help.....and when to let you just look around!

8—Experienced staff is willing to help When you come to Chilton Furniture, you can always count on seeing and working with the same experienced people. Our 4 designer/sales associates have worked in our store for a combined total of 80 years. We know our customers and our customers know us!

7—Amazing color, design and fabric choices Check any of our showroom departments. We are all about choices. That in-

cludes choice of brands, designs, colors, textures—you name it.

Offering these choices lets the customer hone in to make the proper design selections for their specific needs.

They are your choices—why be limited? It’s important to have flexibility in problem solving when it comes to home furnishings. Our wide array of choices and expertise in making those selections can only give you a wider flexibility as you arrive at your decisions.

6—Get a good night’s sleep Chilton Furniture offers an amazing sleep center designed to help pair you with the right mattress solution to meet your needs. Choosing the right kind of mattress isn’t just about going to bed. It’s far more important than that. The mattress you select should give you adequate rest, allowing you the sleep that’s necessary to make life more enjoyable. The Tempurpedic sleep systems are some of the most amazing options in today’s marketplace, and Chilton Furniture has the expertise to help you choose to fit your needs.

5—All your furnishing needs under one roof Chilton Furniture is a complete home furnishings center. The showroom offers furnishings and accessories for every room of your home or hideaway.

From living rooms to bedrooms to dining rooms and beyond, the showroom

is stocked with great choices and ideas.

We also have the ability to show you custom options beyond that wide selection. Chilton Furniture also works with a variety of floor covering options including carpeting, vinyl, laminate, luxury vinyl tile, luxury vinyl plank and hardwood.

4—Dependability Longevity in the business doesn’t come by accident. Chilton Furniture’s roots date back to the post-Depression era, when it was part of Chilton Shopping Center. Since 1980, Chilton Furniture has focused on quality home furnishings with attention to serving the needs of the greater Calumet County area. A longstanding team, spearheaded by owner Jerry Mallmann, has a track record of service rooted in community connections. Dependability is a proven track record for Chilton Furniture.

3—Work with your neighbors and friends At Chilton Furniture, the people helping you are your neighbors. They live and work in your community. They support your local organizations and are part of the fabric of community life. As your neighbors, its most important to care about you and keep your trust. Relationships are cherished and preserved because we live with each other and count on each other.

Chilton Furniture proudly adopted the

Golden Rule mentality years ago. They strive to treat their customers the way they would like to be treated. Before even setting foot in the store, the staff at Chilton Furniture is dedicated to providing the best service they can to earn and keep your trust.

2—Experience white glove treatment When you work with Chilton Furniture, you can enjoy the piece of mind knowing that the team will see your home furnishing choices right through to the last detail. You aren’t just making a purchase when you shop at Chilton Furniture, you are connecting with a team that includes all the white glove services needed to put the finishing touches on your home furnishing decision. Whether it involves installation of flooring, or delivery of furniture, Chilton Furniture sees your needs through to the end.

Delivery to your site includes set up, and leaving you with “ready-to-use” solutions. Chilton Furniture can also assist you with disposal of those old, clunky furniture remnants that you are saying “goodbye” to.

1—Last but not least. There are always at least 90 recliners available to choose from at Chilton Furniture.

And, you don’t have to take our word for it. We’d love for you to stop in an see for yourself. You are invited!

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

21A

KAAC promotes Kiel community

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

The organization has been an active and driving force in Kiel since it was created in 1919. Through the years, the Association of Commerce has made its presence known through a series of promotional and educational events that have grown in scope and size. Some have become part of the annual fabric of the Kiel community.

One of the key events that the association leads is the Ice Sculpting event that it just had the first weekend of February.

That event brings in people from all over Wisconsin.

Kiel German Day is scheduled for June 12 and the Kiel Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16.

In the Know meeting The In the Know meeting will be hosted by the Kiel Area Association of Commerce on Wednesday, March 11 starting at 6 p.m. in the Kiel High School auditorium.

Current KAAC President Kevin Moehring said, “As we did last year with this event we are looking to keep all organizations and leadership of Kiel in the loop on what is going on in the city. Often times in the past, the disconnect between the organizations and the community has led to a lack of understanding and support for short- and long-term visions that we have.”

He added, “This meeting is open to the general public, and the participation and attendance of meetings of this stature will really determine the success that

Members of the Kiel Area Association of Commerce Board of Directors for 2020 include (front, from left) Secretary Pam Mathes, President Kevin Moehring, Vice President Melissa Pharis, and Treasurer Joan Lechler; and (back) Past President Shawn Mangan, Phil Kubichka, Dennis Weber, Peggy Goch, Morgan McCaskill, and Executive Secretary Missy Brandt.

Not pictured are Mark Brown, Patty Schreiber, and Mary Vogel.

Mark Sherry photo

we can have as a community.”

Moehring said, “Our Parade Committee has planning under way. This is our biggest and most visible event that we host on a yearly basis. The parade is primarily funded by our Kiel German

Day event and the 50-50 raffle.”

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

Moehring said.

Educational workshops are offered as topics of need are identified. The Chamber will be hosting an event on Turn to KAAC/page 22A

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22A

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

New Chilton surgeon Dr. Bruder can empathize with patients at Ascension

By Mark Sherry Dr. Ken Bruder, MD, FACS has a very interesting life story, but what is more important is the very critical role he is playing for Ascension Calumet Hospital in Chilton.

Dr. Bruder is the new general surgeon at ACH, having started there Nov. 1 following the departure of Dr. Peter Janu. The acronym FACS indicates he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and he also currently serves as the medical director for specialties for Ascension’s entire Fox Valley region.

He spends most of his time these days in Chilton—approximately four days per week but also the occasional special trip like a recent Saturday morning appendectomy. On another recent day he was performing a surgery in Appleton in 2 a.m., then wrapped up another one in Chilton before 11 a.m.

“I’ve got a lot of years of experience taking care of folks,” Dr. Bruder said.

“I’m here to take care of the people of the Chilton area.”

Dr. Bruder, 63, said he knows all about the need for quality health care. He was already planning on becoming a doctor before he encountered one of several serious health challenges he has experienced in his life.

Growing up in Minneapolis, Dr. Bruder was a 17-year-old in high school when he was told he had testicular cancer and probably would not survive it.

Chemotherapy did not exist back then, and his type of cancer—the same type later experienced by bicycle racer Lance Armstrong—was 99 percent fatal at that time.

He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota. He then went on to Iowa to study biochemistry. He still wanted to pursue medical school but was not yet

KAAC July 8 with guest speaker Jason Prigge of Coolest Coast at the Kiel Community Center starting at 5 p.m.

Remaining meetings and events for the year are as follows: March 11—In the Know meeting, 6 to 8 p.m., Kiel High School auditorium April 8—board meeting, 7:30 a.m., Kiel Community Center May 13—board meeting, noon, Kiel Community Center June 10—no meeting unless needed

by German Day Committee June 12—Kiel German Day July 8—guest speaker: Jason Prigge of Coolest Coast at Kiel Community Center, 5 p.m.

August—no meeting Aug. 16—Kiel Parade Sept. 9—board meeting, 5 p.m., Gravel Pit Oct. 14—board meeting, noon, Kiel Community Center Nov. 11—board meeting, 7:30 a.m., Kiel Community Center Dec. 9—board meeting, time and location to be determined The Chamber also offers a public kiosk in the 500 block of Fremont Street to allow members an opportunity to promote their businesses. This benefit will be offered at no charge. Along

accepted, so he went to work as a chemist. He applied to Oral Roberts University School of Medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma and earned his Medical Degree (MD) from there.

It was then on to the University of Nebraska Medical Center to do his fiveyear surgical residency before landing his first job in Mankato, Minnesota.

Later, a good friend who was a surgeon in Sturgeon Bay told him there was an opening in Appleton and encouraged him to check it out. He did, and 26 years later he said, “I’ve been through all the (ownership) changes but I’ve always been in the same place in Appleton.”

Dr. Bruder said his bout with cancer influenced his decision to pursue a career as a surgeon, and it also impacted his perspective to this day in dealing with patients. “It allows me to empathize with my patients,” he said. “It allows me to stand with my patients in a different fashion.”

As for his impressions of the Ascension facility in Chilton, Dr. Bruder said, “I live in the operating room. The OR and the Endoscopy Suite (in Chilton) are top-notch.”

There is something which Dr. Bruder said he would like to see brought to Chilton, and he is doing what he can to make that happen. While he has a special interest in laparoscopy, acid reflux surgery, thyroid, and laser varicose vein surgeries, Dr. Bruder said he really has a strong interest in robotic surgery and has done a lot of it in Appleton. “I think that’s what’s best for the patient,” he said, referring to the reduced invasiveness and quicker recovery times for patients who receive robotic surgery.

Dr. Bruder said he hopes Ascension officials can eventually find a way to bring the $1.4 million equipment to Chilton.

“I’m hopeful that we can do that,” he

continued from page 21A with the kiosk, they provide Facebook promotional ideas as a no-cost-added benefit. Please contact Missy Brandt for additional information.

Governed by a Board of Directors, the Chamber leadership group includes the 2020 officers and Board of Directors, as follows: President Kevin Moehring, Vice President Melissa Pharis, Past President Shawn Mangan, Secretary Pam Mathes, Treasurer Joan Lechler, and directors Mark Brown, Morgan McCaskill, Patty Schreiber, Mary Vogel, Dennis Weber, Peggy Goch, and Phil Kubichka.

Moehring said, “As we move forward in 2020, the Chamber expects to make giant leaps forward. We don’t want to settle as a community, bettering ourselves should be our number-one goal.

Our organization is always looking for new suggestions, ideas that can make us better or the community better.

“There is a lot of value that comes with Chamber membership, not just direct sales but also finding employees, free avenues for advertising, and much more,” he added. “We are always looking for volunteers to help us at our events, but being a member you can do as little or as much as you would like. Make the Chamber what you want it to be, to best fit your business needs.”

Dr. Ken Bruder is the new surgeon at Ascension Calumet Hospital in Chilton.

said. “That’s my dream. I’ve done a lot of firsts at St. Elizabeth. I’d like to add to that” by being the first to do robotic surgery in Chilton.

He was the first to do hernia surgery via robotics in Appleton, and is planning a talk in Chilton on hernias for April 14—a week after an April 7 meet and greet in Chilton. Dr. Bruder said hernia repairs have changed tremendously over the past 30 years with all of them now being done on an outpatient basis and aided greatly by the use of mesh. He also has received specialized training in advanced abdominal wall reconstruction.

No matter what type of surgery he is doing, Dr. Bruder said it is important to note that Ascension is a faith-based healthcare organization and that his own

strong faith finds him praying with his patients prior to entering the operating room.

His faith also has led him to do medical missions all over the world, including Nigeria, Panama, Costa Rica, Mexico, and his most recent two to Macedonia where he helped teach other surgeons.

When he is not working, Dr. Bruder said he enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife have three grown children and five grandchildren.

They follow the grandchildren’s sporting events including dancing events which have taken them to Houston, New York City, and Chicago. Dr. Bruder said he also enjoys flower gardening at their home in the spring and summer.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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24A Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Thursday / FEBruary 27, 2020

SECTION

Kiel

2020 Pr o g re ss E d i t i o n

Great care is basic to Giebler Chiropractic

By Mark Sherry Technology has made and continues to make huge impacts in all areas of life, but some things are so well grounded in their effectiveness that they do not need to change.

The basics of chiropractic care are a primary example of that.

“The more things change, the more they stay the same with chiropractic,” said Dr. Nic Giebler, who is in his 12th year of serving area residents at Giebler Chiropractic, 730 Calumet Ave., Kiel.

Plenty has changed at Giebler Chiropractic over the last dozen years, including the introduction of some technologyaided equipment. But Dr. Giebler said his best outcomes still come from the relationships he and his staff are able to create and through using his hands to manipulate areas of the body which affect muscles and joints where people of all ages might be experiencing pain, discomfort, or some other issue.

Dr. Giebler said the term “chiropractic” first started being used in 1895 when Daniel David Palmer performed the first chiropractic adjustment on a partially deaf man, subsequently restoring much of the man’s ability to hear. Not every chiropractic adjustment has an outcome that dramatic, of course, but—just as Palmer did in 1895—Dr. Giebler uses his hands to correct issues in his patients.

Off-site visits Dr. Giebler does something else which would be considered from an earlier time and which would surprise some people today—he makes the occasional house call if necessary. He also has a chiropractic table set up at his home which he uses to care for not just his family but the occasional after-hours client, and he also provides chiropractic care to hospice patients and residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities in the area.

Sometimes these special appointments have been made because a person was about to leave on vacation and suddenly developed a need for Dr. Giebler’s services. He recalls treating a patient one time on Easter Sunday. Dr. Giebler said every situation is a chance to serve.

Using education to try to prevent issues is still a huge part of what the team at Giebler Chiropractic works to accomplish. Dr. Giebler said perhaps his most effective marketing tool is his twicemonthly column in the Tri-County News and on his website in which he often educates the public on things they can do to try to prevent health issues from happening. He often shares personal stories of things which have happened to himself or his family, showing that nobody is immune from health challenges.

Dr. Giebler said the addition of Stephanie Eckardt to the care team at Giebler Chiropractic has been great for helping a wide variety of patients. With a degree

Bertha, the mascot at Giebler Chiropractic in Kiel, steals the show again. Also pictured are (from left) Dr. Nic Giebler, Stephanie Eckardt, Ellie Giebler, and Holly Prigge.

Mark Sherry photo

in Exercise Science, Eckardt is bringing cutting-edge information about rehabilitation to Giebler Chiropractic. Dr. Giebler said everyone leaves there with an exercise plan thanks to Eckardt’s work.

Holly Prigge has been with Dr. Giebler for over four years also and brings friendliness and compassion to the office.

“I am so thankful for Holly,” Giebler said. “She has such an incredible amount of experience in chiropractic, and is so caring for the people she interacts with, both with therapy appointments but also financial issues. She often will be able to let me know of potential problems just by sitting with a patient and talking about them during the examinations she performs.”

Infrared therapy used In addition, Giebler Chiropractic continues to use infrared light therapy which is considered an effective, tested treatment for any condition characterized by pain and inflammation. These conditions can include arthritis, back pain, blunt trauma, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy.

Giebler Chiropractic also has acquired a percussor, a tool which provides mechanical massage to specific areas of the

body. Essential oil pads are also used at Giebler Chiropractic, with Dr. Giebler adding that he uses them on his own shoulder which gives him some occasional problems.

Continuing to show that Giebler Chiropractic treats much more than backs and necks, Dr. Giebler said he continues to host nutritional classes as well as working one-on-one with people who need help in that area. At those classes, Dr. Giebler often talks about Q.O.L.— Quality Of Life. He said it is all about not just having a longer life span but a longer health span—a longer time in which a person can have personal independence to walk without assistance and, in general, care for themselves. Motion is the key, he said, advising people to keep moving and giving them exercises to help that happen.

That advice may not apply to newborn babies, but even with those little ones Dr. Giebler provides chiropractic care.

Parents with babies suffering from colic or disrupted sleep patterns or digestive systems have sought the help of Giebler Chiropractic. Although parents can sometimes be a bit apprehensive about having a minor adjustment done to their infant, Dr. Giebler has heard a mother

report back by saying, “I have a different child now.” He also provides ideas for massage techniques to be used at home on infants.

100 years apart in same day Giebler Chiropractic has truly helped the full gamut of individuals over the years. Dr. Giebler recalled the day he treated a 101-year-old and a 6-month-old on the same day—and their birthdays were exactly 100 years and 1 week apart.

Dr. Giebler said most people choose to see him for maintenance of their health, rather than feeling like they have to see him because of the sudden onset of pain.

Insurances often do not cover maintenance visits, but Giebler Chiropractic continues to offer a simple and relatively inexpensive cash option for those who choose it. Maintenance is important, Dr. Giebler said, providing this analogy: “Your car insurance doesn’t pay for your oil change.”

Dr. Giebler said he still enjoys what he is doing, adding that he has been doing it long enough that he is starting to see the children of some of the “youths” he once coached in local athletics. He reiterated, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”

2B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Treatment plant upgrade grows near

By Mike Mathes The single most costly utilities project in Kiel history is about to unfold.

Through a cooperative cost-sharing effort with its largest user, the Kiel Wastewater Treatment Plant—one of several Kiel utilities entities—is about to undergo a $23 million expansion and facelift.

The cooperative effort points to one of the key advantages the City of Kiel has in promoting economic growth. Independently owned and operated utilities give the city a major tool for working with local industries.

In the case of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, the city and its largest wastewater customer have a mutual need to expand the capacity and the treatment capabilities at the Kiel plant. Operating above its daily intake limits for some time, the Kiel Wastewater Treatment plant will added capacity to meet needs largely generated by growth at Land O’Lakes with this new renovation.

Land O’Lakes has agreed to share 73 percent of the capital costs over a period of 20 years.

“The current plant has served the community well,” Kris August, general manager of Kiel Utilities said. “We have been operating above the capacity it was designed to handle without a hitch.”

August noted, however, that the 1.2 million gallons of wastewater received daily and projected growth from Land O’Lakes would overwhelm the system if volume capacity does not grow.

Additional requirements for cleaner effluents are also driving the need for other portions of the plant upgrade. Treatment of phosphorous in wastewater is coming under tougher standards. Kiel will need to meet those restrictions by 2023. Without plant improvements, the numbers would be impossible to meet.

While some of the infrastructure work in the wastewater system have already been completed, work at the wastewater treatment plant will officially begin in Fall 2020. The project will extend until a proposed completion date of December 2021.

During reconstruction, the utility will be challenged with the task of continued treatment and meeting permit limits, August said.

Other than some new fencing, most of the improvements will be internal to the treatment plant, and will not be obvious to casual observation.

“This is a facilities-only expansion,” August said. “The plant makeover is being designed so we can use our current staffing levels and not have to bring in additional staff.”

The wastewater utility has already begun the process of raising user rates to pay for the expansion. Kiel’s rates will increase significantly in the next few years, August said. While the community’s wastewater rates have been low among its neighbors for some time, they will increase, but others will also face the same needs for upgrades in the future because of the new phosphorous standards.

Looking at buildings Two of Kiel’s utilities and the city’s public works department will be the subject of a facilities review set for 2020.

“We are working out of some pretty old buildings in some of these areas. We really need to look at how our facilities needs have changed,” August said.

He is speaking of the complex of buildings located on Washington Street, which house the Kiel Electric Utility, the Kiel Waster Utility and several buildings for the Department of Public Works.

“We want to have a good plan mov-

ing forward that addresses our work spaces, vehicular storage, maintenance and safety issues,” August said.

The study will also take a look at the city’s recycling and drop off center.

Other upgrades Other utility upgrades in the plans include: n sewer and water improvements as part of the Sixth Street project; n finalizing a SCADA computer control system for the water utility; n strengthening of staff through a recent hire that offers cross-training for the sewer and water utility; n the delayed reconstruction of electrical lines south on STH 67 to Holzmann Road; n planning efforts to upgrade the electrical system north of Kiel on STH 67; n replacement of Fremont Street lights with new LED bulbs; and n professional growth of Kiel Electric Utility staff evidenced in the recent

graduation of apprentices Peter Weber and Derek Knoener to journeyman lineman status.

Fiscal responsibility One of the keys to the ability of the Kiel Utilities to support community growth continues to lie in their economic viability.

Rates for the individual utilities are under constant review to maintain a health business plan.

Mayor Steinhardt said the goal has been to assure at least a three percent rate of return for the utility budgets, all of which operate outside of the regular city budget.

“We have a great staff at city hall who flip flops back and forth to support the financial side of our utilities work,” he added.

“We are truly fortunate to be able to use our utilities not only to serve the community, but to help promote growth.”

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

3B

Kiel Trinity preschool expanding its programs

Kiel Trinity Lutheran School’s preschool program will be expanding to full time for both 3- and 4-year-olds.

Trinity Lutheran School and Church officials in Kiel said they are thrilled to announce their plans to expand their current preschool program by offering full time for both 3- and 4-year-olds.

They also will be adding extended care, both before and after school. Before care will begin at 6:45 a.m. until 7:45 a.m., and aftercare will begin right after school and end at 5:30 p.m.

Trinity Preschool will offer five mornings or five full days a week under the care of Chris Leathers and Jeannine Kreis. Leathers will serve as the preschool director, the extended care coordinator, and a co-lead preschool teacher.

She brings 33 years of early childhood care experience with her. Her 17 years of teaching kindergarten will benefit those preschoolers preparing for kindergarten.

Kreis will serve as the second co-lead teacher and brings 18 years of early childhood experience with her.

The preschool program will combine

threes with the fours, providing numerous opportunities for the children to model for and learn from one another.

The children will participate in large and small group activities, explore and discover on their own, as well as with teacher guidance. They will be introduced to new concepts and ideas, as well as build on the knowledge they already have, all within a Christian environment.

Trinity Preschool officials said they look forward to partnering with parents in the training and guidance of their children.

Trinity has been educating children from the greater Kiel area for more than 35 years. It offers Christ-centered education, kindergarten readiness, play-based education, a caring and experienced staff, and wrap-around care.

For more information about Trinity Lutheran School, call 894-3012. The school and church are located at 387 Cemetery Rd., Kiel.

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4B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Kiel strengthens its economic base City focuses on helping existing businesses grow

By Mike Mathes In an age where every community is trying to gain an edge in economic development, the City of Kiel has adhered to a tried and true philosophy. And, it has worked to provide continued economic growth in the community.

“Our philosophy has been focused on developing the industries that we have here and helping them to grow. When we support their growth, that feeds into progress for the whole community,” Kiel Mayor Michael Steinhardt said.

The mayor pointed to a consistent pattern of cooperating with Kiel’s major industries to help them grow. “We have worked within our tax incremental districts to help support multiple expansions and Sargento, Amerequip and Land O’Lakes,” the mayor added.

“They are the economic drivers of our community. The jobs they create bring people and money here that help us to grow.”

He noted that the growth in the major industries has also fed growth in the community’s tax base. Building equalized valuation in the community has helped Kiel’s growth. The growth of the major industries has also spilled over into feeding the growth of other smaller, supporting businesses.

“There is no question that others are busier because of the growth we have seen,” he added.

Retention and expansion While many communities spend resources to lure businesses from other areas, the best return for Kiel has come from retention and expansion.

These efforts have been spearheaded in recent years by the efforts of Kiel City Administrator Jamie Aulik, who has worked closely with Progress Lakeshore Executive Director Peter Willis.

Together they have been actively visiting with local industry and business leaders to act as a sounding board for their needs. “We want to see where our industries are going and making sure that we an help in any way,” Mayor Steinhardt said.

In turn, the support has brought additional workers to town, and has fed residential development.

Just this past year, the city gave approval to two new subdivisions, both being developed by private developers—Evergreen Heights on the northwest side of Kiel and Nash Estates on the northeast side.

Growth has also been steady in the Kieland Meadows subdivision on the southwest side of the community.

“It’s nice to see our private contractors stepping up to help our growth. We have partnered with these efforts because we have identified that housing is a critical need for our continued growth,” the mayor noted.

Quality of life vital Aulik said that the city is also committed to promoting the kinds of quality of life improvements that support industrial growth.

“We have to keep an eye on quality of life activities in order to help attract good workers to the community,” he noted.

Aulik pointed to the amenities that help paint a positive picture of the community for its residents—parks, trails, recreational opportunities.

The City of Kiel is always bustling with activity. Partnerships and volunteers expand the city’s capacity to serve. Below, canoe and kayak races are part of a mid-summer carnival event put on by the Friends of the Kiel Community Center.

Lower right, volunteers from Sargento helped refurbish basement meeting spaces at the Kiel City Hall, along withother community projects in 2019.

“You have to keep an eye open to all the possibilities, knowing that you can’t do everything,” Aulik said.

One focus for the current year is the upgrading of Kiel’s trail system.

“We are largely trying to do a better job of maintaining and improving what we have now,” he said.

Portions of the trail in the Sargento area will be upgraded in 2020, fixing low spots, adding culverts and smoothing out rough patches.

A trail has been added to the south side of Rockville Road to help connect the Rockville Subdivision, and the new Nash Estates development with other portions of the community.

The city has applied for a grant for a pedestrian bridge near Sisson Park along Rockville Road. Although they have no immediate guarantees, the city will keep pushing for the project.

The City of Kiel continues to work with its partners in the Kiel River Walk District to assist with revitalizing downtown Kiel. It is expected that this summer will see the implementation of kayak launches along the Sheboygan River.

Working as a team Aulik praised the efforts of the team that works on behalf of the City of Kiel.

“We have a hard-working team working on behalf of the city. It starts from the top down with our mayor, alderpersons, department heads and staff members,” he noted.

“It’s very much a family environment.

We have our disagreements and we may even fight at times, but everyone directs their efforts at making Kiel the best community it can be.”

Aulik sees the city government as a “connecting point” in the community.

“We do a lot of work with other groups and units of government to accomplish our goals. That cooperation is so critical to our success,” he added.

Major projects ahead This spring, the city will launch a major utilities/roadway upgrade for Sixth Street from St. Paul Street north to Park Avenue.

“This is all part of a process we have undertaken to look at our streets and roads over the past several years. We know that we have needs to upgrade our roads, some of our utilities and removing our lead lines,” Mayor Steinhardt said.

He added that the time is right to do this work, since the city can take advantage of favorable interest rates to borrow project funds. The benefit to city taxpayers is spreading the cost out over a period of years.

Services continue to shine A key part of Kiel’s growth is the city’s commitment to vital services. City officials pointed to the quiet, but dependable work of groups like the Kiel Police, Fire and Ambulance Services, which are always looking for improved ways to service the community.

“We are fortunate here in Kiel to have exceptional police, fire and ambulance services. They continue to do a great job for us,” Mayor Steinhardt said.

Kiel’s police department was recently recognized for being recertified for meeting law enforcement standards.

The Kiel Ambulance Service has flourished under a new billing service.

“We always have a need for EMT’s,” Aulik said, “but our service has gone outside the community to bring in paramedics to help with staffing. It helps relieve the

need for on-call, and on-duty time for our volunteers.”

The community’s industries continue to support the role of firefighters and EMT’s in the community,as many of the volunteers come from the employee rosters of local businesses.

Residents of the city continue to be well served by the Kiel Community Center, which partners with Manitowoc County to provide a senior nutrition program.

Under Community Services Manager Melissa Brandt, the community center continues to expand its offerings, services, classes, events and trip offerings.

Brandt is also shared in partnership with the Kiel Area Association of Commerce.

The Association picks up a portion of her salary for her role as Executive Secretary of the KAAC. The shared position is yet one more connecting point for the city and its business community.

The City of Kiel is also fortunate to assist with economic development through the strength of the Kiel Utilities. Cityowned and manage utilities are strong partners maintaining city services and supporting progress efforts. Some of those projects are outlined in a separate article in this Kiel Progress edition.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

5B

Hitting the road

Tri County Tours remains busy arranging experiences

By Tracy Folz Tri County Tours has been offering travel to area residents over the past 40 years.

Helen Schmidt has been selling tours for Mayflower Tours since 2000. One of the benefits of traveling with Tri County Tours is being picked up in your local area. Walmart on south STH 28 in Sheboygan is the main coach or van pickup location. Helen likes working with Mayflower Tours and especially with Tour Director Kileen Prather. “People enjoy her. She has been conducting tours for 22 years and has an expansive knowledge of travel. People come back to take tours with her,” Helen said.

After spending time with Helen from Tri County Tours in New Holstein, you immediately want to hop on a coach, train or boat and take a tour. Helen is in her 41st year as operator of Tri County Tours where she currently sells tours featuring Mayflower Cruises and Tours. “I really love what I do,” Helen said.

When asked how the travel industry has changed in the 41 years she has been a part of it, she responded, “It has changed a lot. I still do it the old way so it hasn’t changed for me. Now days younger people just want to hop on a plane and reach their destination quickly.” She has a lot of repeat customers booking tours and has made friends with some of those

customers. Has it slowed down at all with people having access to websites and the internet? “I have been very busy selling tours. It has not slowed down at all,” Helen said.

While Helen worked for Tecumseh Products in New Holstein from 1966 to 1982, she would plan tours to Green Bay for country music concerts for her coworkers and family members. In 1981, Helen started working with Discovery Travel where she then would sell tours to Green Bay and Milwaukee for country music concerts as well as tours to the Ozarks, Branson, and many more areas.

When Helen lived on CTH XX near Kiel, she booked a tour to Alaska by coach. The people parked at her house and the coach picked them up and departed from there. “That’s what people like—the local departures. We pick you up in your area.” They took the coach to Alaska and then returned back home on an airplane.

Some of Helen’s favorite tours are the Mystery Tours. On a Mystery Tour, you only know the amount of days you will be gone and the temperatures. Most mystery tours take the back roads and visit some interesting places you might never get to see otherwise. On a Mystery Tour to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the tour visited the Thorncrown Chapel. Helen had met with the architect over 40 years

Helen Schmidt has been offering tours to area residents for over 40 years.

Tracy Folz photo

ago and learned about his dream to build a chapel in the woods and how he built it many years ago. He has since passed away. They also went to an animal sanctuary for bear, lions, tigers, and other animals; enjoyed a boat ride; and stayed at the Historic Crescent Hotel. “The hotel was so old that the floors creaked,” Helen

said. The Ozark tours are also some of her favorite tours.

Other Mystery Tours have been to Branson where instead of focusing on all of the shows in the area, they visited the dam, a fish hatchery, the College of Turn to TOURS/page 7B

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6B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Healthy eyes remain top care goal

By Mike Mathes A lot of exciting changes and upgrades are happening at two area locations for Your Eye Care Team.

Office expansions, staff expansions and new product offerings are all a part of exciting changes impacting New Holstein Family Eye Care and Chilton Family Eye Care locations.

All of the improvements will enhance the major goal for Your Eye Care Team—promoting healthy eyes.

“We are the gatekeepers for healthy eyes,” Dr. Roers said.

“We do full scope optometry, and that’s not just about providing glasses and corrective lenses. It’s all about healthy eyes. If your eyes aren’t healthy, you don’t see well.”

Comprehensive examinations are the starting point for maintaining eye health, and proper vision.

With the goal of healthy eyes in mind Your Eye Care Team has committed to the best diagnostic equipment and processes.

Recently, a new Optical Coherence Tomographer was added to the list of diagnostic tools. The OCT enables deeper scans of the layers of the retina, expanding diagnostic procedures for swelling, bleeding and macular degeneration.

Service mantra Foremost in the care philosophy for Your Eye Care Team is the commitment to patient service.

“We care deeply about the patients we serve,” Dr. Roers said. “We respect them and appreciate that they have chosen us for their eye care needs.”

To serve those needs Your Eye Care Team has been busy adding space and technology this past year.

Serving patients at four locations, including New Holstein, Chilton, Sheboygan and Grafton, Your Eye Care Team has recently added to its staff. Dr. Roers and her three staff associates, Dr. Aaron Gruber, Dr. Jennifer Alvarez and Dr. Thomas D. Freed have been joined this year by Dr. Christopher Schnelle.

Dr. Schnelle worked for the team approximately seven years ago, then left the area when his wife was studying at medical school. He has rejoined Your Eye Care Team and is serving at the New Holstein location a couple of days a week.

Your Eye Care Team is currently involved in expanding its New Holstein location, not only to accommodate Dr. Schnelle, but to expand customer services.

An additional exam room allows for expanded patient services. Your Eye Care Team’s New Holstein office will also be creating a speciality space devoted to contact lenses. “This will give our contact lens wearers and new wearers a more discreet space to learn how to manage their lenses. It also gives us a lot more room for storage for trial lenses,” she said.

Dr. Gruber continues to see most of his patients through the Chilton office, but Your Eye Care Team is flexible enough that patients can meet with Dr. Gruber, Dr. Roers or Dr. Schnelle at either of the New Holstein or Chilton offices.

Latest and best Innovation has always been a vital goal for Your Eye Care Team.

“We pride ourselves in staying on top of the options that are available in today’s market and help our patients to understand how to achieve the best solutions for their vision,” Dr. Roers said.

“The products that we offer to our

Dr. Christopher Schnelle has recently rejoined Dr. Cheryl Roers and Your Eye Care Team as an eye care provider at the New Holstein and Chilton Family Eye Care Clinics.

Dr. Aaron Gruber serves primarily in the Chilton Family Eye Care office, but also sees patients at New Holstein Family Eye Care.

patients reflect the latest and best technology available in the eye care industry.

One of the newest vision care products offered by Your Eye Care Team is a single vision lens named Eyezen+.

This lens was specifically designed to defend against digital eye strain associated with electronic device usage.

Your Eye Care Team also promotes the usage of a new progressive lens called VariluxX. One of the bigger advancements in progressive lens technology over the past years, the VariluxX lenses increase the size of the zones for computer use and reading. This highdefinition lens was created with the same wavefront-guided technology associate with LASIK surgery. The result is crystal-clear optical performance over a wide field of view.

“This means fewer adaptation struggles for our new wearers, compared to older style progressive lenses,” Dr. Roers said.

Another new service being offered by Your Eye Care Team is the introduction of scleral lenses, a newer type of contact lens. “They are much bigger than traditional contact lenses, and they provide a

Dr. Douglas Salm provides ophthalmology consultations and surgical services to patients in a partnership arrangement betwen Valley Eye Care Associates and Your Eye Care Team. Patients are seen at New Holstein Family Eye Care and surgeries are handled at Ascension Calumet Hospital. Salm works closely with Dr. Cheryl Roers and her associates at Your Eye Care Team.

whole new front service to the eye. Vision can been improved significantly for patents that suffer from scars or injuries to the cornea. Some have suffered from scars due to radial keratotomy, or the changing shape of the eye as it is affected by disease.

Ophthalmology services Through a partner agreement with Valley Eye Associates, Your Family Eye Care Team is also helping provide its patients with ophthalmology service.

Dr. Douglas Salm has worked with Your Eye Care team for the past nine years.

He performs ophthalmology consultations at the New Holstein location of Your Eye Care Team, which intends to expand those services in the coming months. Dr. Salm uses Ascension Calumet Hospital for his ophthalmology surgical procedures.

Dr. Salm has particular interests in macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and diabetes.

Injections for macular degeneration are among the services being considered

for expansion at the Chilton and New Holstein locations.

“Having the services here will reduce the amount of time our patients have to spend traveling to a retinal specialist for procedures. Patients often need a series of injections, and the frequent trips can be very inconvenient,” she said.

“It’s so important for us to offer the services of Dr. Salm, and to be connected with Network Health Care. There is no other ophthalmologist providing services for the people of Calumet County,” she said.

Offices for Your Eye Care Team locally are located as follows: New Holstein Family Eye Care: 1405 Milwaukee Dr., New Holstein, WI 53061, phone: 920-898-5531. Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Weds. & Thurs. 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. And Saturday 8 to noon.

Chilton Family Eye Care - 17 E. Main St., Chilton, WI 53014, phone: 920-8494642, Hours: Monday thru Weds. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Tours the Ozarks, they enjoyed a show boat ride on the Taneycome River which included luncheon and a show, and went to one show. On a Mystery Tour to Kentucky, they got to pick cotton and plant tobacco.

“You never know what you will see or do when you take a Mystery Tour,” Helen said.

Helen has been to every state except Hawaii. She said, “I don’t like to fly and the only way to get to Hawaii is by airplane.” Since she doesn’t like to fly, she will only go to places where she can get there by train, bus or boat. Glacier National Park and Nova Scotia are two of the places on her bucket list. On one tour out West, Helen’s luggage was lost.

It ended up at Glacier National Park and yet Helen has never been there.

In 2019, Helen won a sales award through Mayflower Tours and was offered a tour to Egypt. She refused the tour because she would have had to fly.

Instead she took a Mystery Tour and a Caribbean cruise, which she said she loved.

Three times a year, Tri County Tours

continued from page 5B holds a travel show that highlights the upcoming tours. There is a show in January, May, and September. They are held at the Holiday Inn in Manitowoc, Altona Supper Club in New Holstein, and the Odyssey in Sheboygan Falls. She usually has over 60 people at each show.

A few of the tours that Tri County Tours is offering this year through Mayflower Cruises and Tours include: Route 66 Revisited, Michigan Fall Harvest, Virginia Beach Getaway (which is nearly booked up), Autumn in the Adirondacks, Railways of West Virginia, National Parks of the Southwest, and Mountains and Rails of Colorado along with the popular Mystery Tours, plus many other offerings. Sept. 30 Helen is offering a tour to Iceland for the Northern Lights.

All the tours include many of the meals.

Mayflower Tours offers free air for many of their European cruises and offer a lot of other discounts. They also offer a firsttime travel discount.

For more information or to book a tour, contact Helen Schmidt at (920) 898-5532 or email hsbelle1315@charter.net.

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7B

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8B

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Bank First focuses on relationships Bank First provides its customers the combination of a strong foundation in the region and a strong focus on each individual community it serves.

“We work hard every day to deliver a superior banking experience for our customers,” said Melissa Pharis, retail banking officer/branch manager of the Kiel branch, 110 Fremont St. “Our customers enjoy working with an experienced team of bankers who live in the community and understand the needs of their family or business,” Pharis added. “They appreciate our culture of community banking.”

She added, “We know and understand our customers on a personal level. This gives us the ability to provide flexible, customizable solutions that are value driven.”

Relationship-based banking is nothing new at Bank First—it has been the backbone of this bank for more than 125 years.

Headquartered in Manitowoc, Bank First was founded in 1894 with a capitalization of $50,000. The bank was located on the southwest corner of York and North 8th streets in downtown Manitowoc.

Early years The bank achieved great financial success during its first 75 years in business, experiencing both physical and monetary growth. In 1971, Bank First acquired the assets of the Francis Creek bank. The bank soon needed additional space at its headquarters to support its growth, and selected a new site in the 400 block of North Eighth Street in Manitowoc. The construction of the new bank with approximately 22,000 square feet of space began in August 1973 and was completed in September 1974. This bank location still serves as Bank First’s

headquarters today.

Strategic growth In 1983, Bank First’s Board of Directors appointed Thomas Bare to the role of president and chief executive officer.

During Bare’s 25-year tenure, Bank First grew from $75 million in assets to $794 million in assets. Additionally, Bank First engaged in a number of strategic acquisitions and de novo offices, growing from 2 to 15 locations in northeastern Wisconsin.

In 2008 Bare retired from his role as president, and the Board of Directors appointed Michael Molepske as his successor. Under Molepske’s leadership, Bank First opened a new office in Valders and merged its St. Nazianz office into it. Additionally, after completing extensive remodels of its Mishicot and Custer Street offices, Bank First merged its Francis Creek and Newton offices into each, respectively. In 2015, Bank First constructed a new state-of-the-art facility in Two Rivers and relocated to 1703 Lake St., overlooking Lake Michigan.

In recent years, Bank First has expanded into new markets, including Appleton and Oshkosh. In October 2017, Bank First closed on its merger with First National Bank of Waupaca. This was the largest acquisition carried out by Bank First to date, increasing its branch size by six and its asset size by approximately $500 million.

Bank First today Today, Bank First has assets in excess of $1.8 billion and operates out of 18 locations throughout Wisconsin. On Jan. 23, 2019, Bank First announced the signing of an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Partnership Community Bancshares, Inc., solidifying its position

Thanks to all the area businesses and organizations which made this Kiel Progress edition possible. Thank them by supporting local businesses!

Celebrating 88 Years in Kiel!

Walsdorf Roofing Co., Inc. W325 Cty. HH, Kiel, WI 53042 • (920) 894-2286

This is the original location of Bank First on the southwest corner of York and North 8th streets in downtown Manitowoc.

as the third largest publicly traded bank headquartered in Wisconsin with assets to be in excess of $2.1 billion post-close.

With the addition of four new offices, the bank’s valued customers now have access to an increased lending capacity, a wider range of products and services, an expanded branch network, and a larger team of bankers dedicated to providing superior financial solutions that are value driven.

“We would like to thank our wonder-

ful employees, customers, shareholders, and communities we serve for the continued support over the years,” said Molepske, chief executive officer of Bank First.

“It is our mission to continually reinvest in the organization our founders created in 1894 and uphold their legacy of developing meaningful relationships with those in the community while delivering superior financial solutions.”

For more information visit their website at www.BankFirstWI.bank.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Willowdale director feels right at home

By Mark Sherry Madelyn Process said she feels right at home as the executive director of Willowdale Health Services in New Holstein.

Process knows all about small communities, having grown up in Sobieski and graduating from Pulaski High School.

She also knows about long-term care facilities, having spent a lot of time in them visiting grandparents and greatgrandparents while growing up.

After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Health Care Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Process landed her first full-time job in that field last June at Willowdale.

Her training on the way to earning her degree included 2,000 hours of administrative training at a facility in Fond du Lac, and she also did volunteer work at a free clinic.

UW-Eau Claire’s Health Care Administration program has a slogan which says, “A head for business and a heart for caring.” Process said her strength is more in the business area of operating a long-term care facility rather than the direct care side, but she said she definitely respects the role Willowdale’s caregivers play. “It’s such as honor to be in their (the residents’) lives,” she said.

Willowdale made a great first impression on her, Process said. “It’s a small facility with a big heart,” she said. “It’s like a family here.” She says the same about the community as she has moved to New Holstein and has started to get active with the Chamber of Commerce and Calumet Area Aging Network.

Just some of the staff members at Willowdale Health Services in New Holstein gather around Madelyn Process (front, right), the new executive director at the facility.

Mark Sherry photos

Process said she realized quickly that the employees of Willowdale are local residents, and they are taking care of other local residents who are calling Willowdale home for either a short amount of time or long term. In many cases, nurses, aides, and others are car-

ing for family, neighbors, and/or friends.

“There’s so much heart, there’s so much passion,” Process said. “I think the level of care here is exceptional. We have the passion to pursue that quality of care.”

While she has been in her current position for less than a year, Process has

already seen some significant changes in long-term care both locally and nationally. The local change was finalized in December when North Shore Healthcare—based in the Milwaukee suburb of Turn to WILLOWDALE/page 11B

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Osthoff celebrates quarter century

Your place on the lake observes a major milestone

By Mike Mathes In just a quarter of a century, The Osthoff Resort has carved a reputation as one of the top resorts and lake spas in the Midwest.

As The Osthoff embarks on a yearlong celebration of its silver anniversary, the focus continues to fall on providing resort and spa customers a “four diamond” experience.

Whether you come to The Osthoff for just a cocktail, or bring your whole family for an extended stay, the welcome mat is rolled out with the intention of providing you the best possible experience.

Guests from afar, or visitors from the neighboring communities are welcomed with arms open to discover spacious suites, cozy surroundings, elegant and casual dining, amazing events and beautiful settings for weddings, meetings and fun family recreation.

As the anniversary year gets underway, The Osthoff is offering its 1995 Special—an opportunity for an overnight stay at the same rates as 1995—just $99.

Throughout the year, different anniversary offers will be available for all to partake in The Osthoff Experience. The Osthoff website and Facebook page will be highlighting those offers—which are open to the public for their enjoyment.

Dating back to 1995 The Osthoff first opened the doors to its main building in 1995, then quickly added a south wing due to its popularity the next year.

By 2005, the growth of the resort had already spurred the need for more guest rooms and meeting space. That year, the north wing was added to meet those needs.

The addition included Aspira Spa and The Osthoff’s flagship restaurant— Lola’s On The Lake.

The Lake Deck was added in 2008, giving resort guests a chance to enjoy a beverage and comfort foods on the shores of Ekhart Lake.

In 2014, The Osthoff was propelled by the need to provide more meeting and event space. The addition of the Grand Libelle Ballroom helped expand The Osthoff’s capacity to host weddings, retreats, conventions and large community events.

Serving as an anchor point Throughout its 25 year history, The Osthoff Resort has savored the role of serving as an anchor point for the community.

The Osthoff continues to value its great partnerships with local and area businesses and attractions. Through mutual support, and an ongoing partnership with Elkhart Lake Tourism, the community has grown tourism experiences for the Elkhart Lake community and beyond.

“For years, people have known how special it is to come to Elkhart Lake and to take part in the unique culture and community that seems worlds away from the distractions and stresses of every day life,” said Laura Otten, marketing manager for The Osthoff.

That Elkhart Lake opportunity appeals not only to long time visitors to the community, but to resort guests who love to bring their families. The Osthoff provides a truly inviting opportunity for

multi-generational family experiences.

Dining opportunities Guests at the Osthoff have the option of cooking their own meals in their suites. But, like dining guests from the general public, they can also select from a wide range of dining options on site.

Dining options include Lola’s On the Lake, Otto’s and the Lake Deck. A light menu is also available in the Elk Room.

Guests of the Aspira Spa can also partake in the Spa Cafe.

All venues, including the upscale dining experience at Lola’s, invite the public to enjoy their dining in a “come comfortably as you are atmosphere.”

Wide range of experiences A wide range of guest experiences are available throughout the year at The Osthoff Resort, which apply both to overnight guests at the resort, and the general public from the surrounding communities, who come to spend a few hours or a day at The Osthoff.

For example, the private lakefront features kayaking, canoeing, hydrobikes, paddle boats, paddle boards, pontoons and bike rentals and the Lake Deck. All rental services are open to the public and

are charged on an hourly basis.

Live weekend entertainment is offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day at the Lake Deck.

Aspira Spa Aspira Spa offers a complete range of treatments to soothe the mind, body and soul, or just an invigorating massage at the end of the day.

Private SpaSuites™ are designed to complement nature, taking in the tranquility, beauty and energy of the lake.

Services include specialized body treatments, chroma therapy and Vichy shower treatments, specialty facials, spa pedicures, manicures, salon services, sauna and whirlpools - indoor and out.

Private SpaSuites™ enhance the tranquility, beauty and energy of the spa experience.

Continuing events.

Throughout the year, The Osthoff also hosts major events for the public to enjoy.

The Big Band Gala is dedicated to the big band era, with packages open to the public.

Jazz On The Vine brings nationally known jazz talents to a Mother’s Day weekend.

The Old World Christmas Market, now in its 23rd year offers a host of holiday gifts and treats for all ages, with an old-world flair.

Workshops and events for children and teens are hosted during the summer and on select holidays, and announced on social media and The Osthoff’s website.

Wide recognition Always striving for excellence, The Osthoff Resort has been recognized by tourism sources as one of the top Midwest resorts.

Among the recent honors— n named the Best Lakeshore Resort in Wisconsin by Wisconsin Meetings Magazine in 2019; n named #5 on the list of top Midwest Resorts by the readers of CondeNast magazine in 2019; n received the AAA four diamond award for excellence for the 22nd straight year in 2020; and n Aspira Spa received the #1 Lake Spa and #1 Midwest Spa ranking from Spas of America in 2019. The Aspira Spa was also ranked #3 on the national top 100 spas by the same group.

For more information visit osthoff.com on the web.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Willowdale Glendale—finalized the purchase of former Atrium facilities including Homestead Care Center in New Holstein.

This marks the first time that both of New Holstein’s skilled care facilities have had the same owner. “I think it’s a great asset” Process said of the new relationship with the Homestead. “We can use them as a resource and lean on each other for help.”

Process said some sharing of resources has already started between the two facilities, adding that she expects those relationships to only grow over time.

On a national basis—but with implications at Willowdale—Process and her team ushered in the new PatientDriven Payment Model (PDPM) which went into effect as of Oct. 1. PDPM is a completely new way of calculating reimbursement for skilled nursing facilities that focuses on the patient and their needs and diagnoses, rather than therapy minutes. Process said she believes the new national reimbursement system provides for rates which are more accurate to the services being provided and will benefit long-term care facilities such as Willowdale.

Those are items of good news for an industry which—like most others—faces its share of challenges. According to AARP, 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day and—although many elderly people are able to remain in their homes longer today—the influx of Baby Boomers who will need long-term care may still be coming. “I am optimistic,” Process said about the future of long-term health care.

“I think there will always be a need for long-term care as we continue to see

continued from page 9B more complex illness.”

Willowdale has long had the benefit of having a therapy facility attached to it. A hallway connects the separate business which is contracted to provide services to Willowdale.

Melissa Voelker is in her 25th year of providing therapy services to Willowdale residents and others, and she said she is blessed to have a talented staff of seven people with whom she works and which also has longevity at the facility and in the profession.

In addition to physical, occupational, and speech therapy seven days a week, Willowdale also has a urinary incontinence therapist on staff. Voelker said urinary incontinence therapy is primarily about lifestyle and exercise and does not involve invasive procedures. She also mentioned that their speech therapists are trained in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment methods.

While Voelker said the niche of their therapy services is primarily the mature population, they also provide physicianreferred therapy for people of all ages including youths recovering from athletic injuries.

Voelker said the therapy facility saw a remodeling/updating project completed last September, and Process said there are plans for renovations to take place this year in the nursing facility.

Process said she believes the compassion and family environment evident at Willowdale Health Services sets it apart from its competitors, adding that they care about their residents and the community. “There’s a lot of good things going on here,” she said.

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JAnuAry 10 - Annual Dinner at The Fork and Dagger FeBruAry 12 - Board Meeting at Kiel Community Center 7:30am MArCh 11 - In the Know Meeting at Kiel High School Auditorium 6-8pm April 8 - Board Meeting at Kiel Community Center 7:30am MAy 13 - Board Meeting at Kiel Community Center Noon June 10 - No Meeting unless needed by German Day Committee July 8 - Guest Speaker: Jason Prigge of Coolest Coast at Kiel Community Center 5pm SepTeMBer 9 - Board Meeting at Gravel Pit 5pm OCTOBer 14 - Board Meeting at Kiel Community Center Noon nOveMBer 11 - Board Meeting at Kiel Community Center 7:30 am DeCeMBer 9 - Board Meeting time and location TBD

Events All members are welcome to attend all events!

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Ice Carving February 1 German Day June 12 Kiel parade August 16

Check out www.kielwi.org for updates

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Farm & Home fills multi-faceted niche

By Mark Sherry Everyone needs to find their niche in life, that perfect place where they fit in with the world around them.

Kim and Nancy McKeen of Farm & Home Hardware and Garden Center in Chilton are emphasizing the niche they fill for area consumers. Their niche is multi-faceted for the variety of customers they encounter on a regular basis.

That includes customers who still like to see and touch the products they are considering purchasing; customers who are looking for surprisingly good deals compared to other retailers; customers who want and need help on the projects they are tackling; and customers who enjoy shopping online.

Farm & Home fits the bill for each of those customers and more.

“I want to coexist with the online shopping and the big boxes,” Kim said.

“People would be surprised if they just checked local first.”

Online shopping does not have to be the enemy of retailers, Kim said; after all, Farm & Home offers great online shopping opportunities through its Do it Best hardware supplier. By shopping at www.doitbest.com, people have 65,000 items at their fingertips with no freight charge—no matter the cost or size of the item(s)—on any merchandise shipped to Farm & Home on the trucks which arrive Mondays and Fridays (more immediate deliveries are possible with freight charges added).

There is much more than hardware available at www.doitbest.com. People might be surprised to learn that they can buy everything from patio furniture to turkey fryers, toilets to carpeting, and fireplaces to smart home products on the website—and have it all conveniently shipped to Farm & Home along STH 32/57 on the north side of Chilton.

“Look at everything there is that we offer,” Kim said.

Further confirming the broad scope of products available at Farm & Home is the spring Farm & Home Merchandise Book which will be inserted into the Tempo of Tuesday, March 3. The 108page book is loaded with everything a person needs for spring home improvement—not to mention details on how to win one of two $500 shopping giveaways from Farm & Home, which also does another giveaway in the fall.

As people shop at Farm & Home or look online or in the Merchandise Book, they might want to take note of prices— especially in comparison to other online or big-box retailers. Kim said the misconception persists that those latter two sources always have the lowest price.

He provided the example of a certain bag of Taste of the Wild dog food sold at Farm & Home. He found a one-time price of $48.99 from one online vendor who also offered it for $46.54 per bag if signing up for monthly delivery. Farm & Home’s everyday price for the same bag is $42.99, and the Chilton store recently had it on sale for $39.99.

McKeen used hunting boots as another example. He saw a pair at one retailer for $189.99, but noted Farm & Home offers virtually the same product for $129— and had them on sale at Christmastime for $99.

Along those same lines of price versus value, McKeen talked about Farm & Home’s Paint Department. The store continues to offer high-quality Valspar paint, with the average cost of a gallon of paint around $35. But McKeen said he continued to hear from customers who wanted a simpler, pre-mixed, less expensive option in paint. The people at Rust-Oleum heard that message too, and

Farm & Home Hardware and Garden Center owners Kim and Nancy McKeen hold up cans of a new value line of “graband-go” paints from Rust-Oleum. Mark Sherry photos

at a buying show McKeen came across a line of paint from the company which offers 10 pre-mixed, standard colors for $21.99 per gallon. McKeen said his paint manager used some of the “grab and go” paint and loved it, and it is now available at Farm & Home. Glidden has now come out with a similar offering of 10 softer colors for around $20 per gallon, and that will be carried at Farm & Home as well. The cost remains the same no matter what finish (flat, semi-gloss, etc.) the customer chooses.

McKeen said both of these paint lines are great for contractors or apartment dwellers who are looking to put a fresh coat of paint on without spending a lot of money. “It’s a niche that we discovered,” he said. “You don’t have to leave Chilton if you want price competitive paint.”

The McKeens and their managers continue to look for those little things to better serve their customers. Kim said they used to carry one variety of bathroom exhaust fans—now they have a four-foot section of choices, including one with a humidity sensing wall control which automatically turns on the exhaust fan when the humidity level in the room reaches a certain point.

On another new four-foot end cap are multiple products to protect little ones in the home from themselves, such as a variety of outlet covers, drawer locks, blind cord protectors, etc.

All these new products are backed by Farm & Home’s level of customer service which goes above and beyond what people find elsewhere. As an example, Kim said an elderly woman came in the store recently looking for a flip-up flag for her mailbox so she would know when the mailman had come. Farm & Home did not carry it, nor did Do it Best. Kim suggested she try another local retailer and if they did not have it she should stop back. Sure enough, a while later the woman came back to Farm & Home and said that store did not have it, nor did she receive much in the way of customer service from them. Kim then found the product on the internet—not from one of his vendors—and gladly ordered it for the woman who did not have internet access at home.

Longtime Farm & Home employee Gerry Pingel stands near a newly expanded area of bathroom vents at the store.

While Farm & Home continues to find new niches, the niche of great customer service has been filled for the 24 years

in which this local couple has helped guide the store.

Matthew Werdeo

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

13B

Year of change for Delta Media Group To say 2019 was a year of change for the former Delta Publications, Inc. would be a significant understatement.

New owners, a new name, and then acquisition of another longtime Wisconsin newspaper all marked the final four months of the year.

Yet for Tri-County News subscribers and recipients of the Tempo, their hometown newspapers look the same today as they did prior to the flurry of changes.

In September, Mike Mathes, president/ owner of Delta Publications/Delta Digital Strategies, announced the sale of the two companies to Delta Media Group which is headed by Jim O’Rourke—a 25-year veteran of the newspaper industry—and Joe Mathes, Mike’s brother and a longtime member of the Delta Publications family.

Publications, digital strategies Delta Media Group continues to publish the Tri-County News—serving the greater Kiel, Chilton, and New Holstein areas—along with Tempo, a weekly free paper serving the “Between the Lakes” market area. In addition, Delta offers cutting edge digital advertising solutions for a customer base that goes well beyond the traditional media and local market place.

“It has been my privilege to serve as publisher of this amazing community institution for nearly 40 years,” Mike Mathes said. “We have been blessed to be part of some amazing communities, and connected with the people and organizations of those communities for four decades.”

He added, “True stewards not only look back on their history, but try to help

shape a future for the organization they have served. I am thrilled to leave this business in the hands of tremendously capable and bright people who will continue the tradition of great customer and community service.”

Joining O’Rourke on the new ownership team is Joe Mathes. A longtime marketing and sales leader for Delta Publications, Joe is widely known throughout the media industry for his talents with developing cutting edge digital strategies and media solutions. He has been a past publisher, sales manager, and digital strategist for the company dating back to 1984.

“The opportunity to keep Joe in place, and bring in Jim O’Rourke, who has an outstanding track record of success in the fast-changing media industry, someone who values community journalism and has a strong sense of integrity, will make for a wonderful match with our team, our communities, and the people of Eastern Wisconsin,” Mike Mathes said.

Team to continue “Jim brings great experience and vision to our media company and will be a great asset to this business,” Mike added.

“Delta Publications has been fortunate to have great people serving over the years, and we are thrilled that they will be continuing to serve you beyond this transition of ownership.”

Finally, Mathes said, it is no small matter that a wonderful family tradition will continue. “Our father Earl started at the Kiel Record back in 1947. He became co-publisher in 1962, then full owner in 1967. With Joe continuing in an ownership and day-to-day management

At the end of 2019, Delta Media Group—owners of the Tri-County News and Tempo in Kiel—acquired The Ripon Commonwealth Press. Joe Mathes (left) and Jim O’Rourke (right) are the owners of Delta Media Group which purchased the Ripon newspaper from Publisher Tim Lyke.

Ripon Commonwealth Press photo

capacity, the Mathes family name, now in play for 57 years, will be part of our local media business for years to come.

In these days of corporate ownership for just about everything, our communities are fortunate to have a family interest continuing in the business.”

In addition, Mike has continued on with Delta Media Group in a limited role as a part-time writer/photographer and layout editor.

The newly formed Delta Media Group is an affiliate company of the O’Rourke Media Group, an up and coming com-

pany that at the time of the Delta acquisition owned four local community newspapers and a progressive marketing agency in northwest Vermont. “Mike and the Mathes family have done a tremendous job publishing newspapers, maintaining their presence, and effectively serving readers and local businesses in eastern Wisconsin for decades.”

O’Rourke said. “I’m excited with the opportunity to partner with Joe to continue this amazing track record of success.”

Turn to DELTA/page 16B

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Community vibe flows through Quit Qui Oc

By Mike Mathes With a history dating back to 1927, Quit Qui Oc Golf Club and Restaurant derives its name from the ancient tones of the Menominee Tribe’s word for “Crooked River.”

Throughout its 93 years of existence, however, the club’s identity has evolved from a flow of a different sort—the flowing of a community spirit that still runs deep both on and off the golf course.

“We are all about the experience of community here at Quit Qui Oc,” owners Rachel and Todd Montaba proclaim. “Golf might be one of the driving activities, but it’s not the only reason that people come here. It’s a place to enjoy and celebrate community—to enjoy the relationships that they have built along the way.”

Public responds For the Montabas, Quit Qui Oc is all about creating a great experience for their customers, whether they are golfers, diners or simply someone who wants to enjoy a cocktail and a conversation at the bar.

“Being there to offer a great experience for people is the thread that runs through our entire business, whether its in the restaurant, the pro shop or on the golf course,” Todd said.

Comments from customers on social media bear out the positive vibes about the golf course and its social connections.

One couple, responding with a social media review, struck a similar chord, “It’s really special to come out to this place and have a really friendly conversation with just about anyone at the bar.”

Another said, “The quality of the food has been terrific and very consistent.”

Still another noted, “You have the best staff. They are friendly, knowledgeable and engaging.

Helping make events effortless Quit Qui Oc specializes in helping pull off events for groups—be they golf events, social events, or a combination of the two.

With 27 championship holes of golf, the course provides flexibility to host golfing events and fundraisers, no matter how large or small.

Special parties are well facilitated through the club house and pavilion.

“We have a wide set of parameters in which we can help plan events,” Rachel said. Both the golf and the hospitality side of the business can be combined to help plan events beyond mere golf outings. Quit Qui Oc is a great place to plan events like family reunions, wedding party events, corporate events, team building, customer appreciation and fundraisers for all sorts of organizations.

“No matter how big or how small, we can customize any event to meet any need,” Todd said.

“Our staff does a great job with all aspects of event planning and we can be a big help on the day of the event, so organizers can just sit back and enjoy the day,” he said. “We take care of it all, from setting up tee sheets to working with the other amenities, like cocktails, beverages on the course, prizes and more. We are here to make your event as stress free as possible.”

Great golf traditions Over the years, Quit Qui Oc has built and relied on great golf traditions as part of its core value.

Quit Qui Oc Golf Course and Restaurant offers a great place to enjoy community - both on the course, and away from the course.

The scenic setting of the golf course, nestled in the northern Kettle Moraine, makes it one of the most picturesque and challenging courses in Eastern Wisconsin. “Although its challenging, it’s also very playable,” Todd said.

The golf community has come to embrace that mixture of beauty and playability, taking part in leagues, mens and womens clubs, junior golf and other opportunities as the tradition of the “golf community” remains strong at Quit Qui Oc. A wider community But, there is another sense of community that is also important at Quit Qui Oc. The course and restaurant are open to the wider community. Golfers and non-golfers alike, are both welcomed into the greater community flow at Quit Qui Oc. “We can’t emphasize strongly enough that you don’t have to play golf to come here and be part of the Quit Qui Oc scene,” Rachel said.

“We have a lot of people who love stopping in for lunch, events, cocktails and more. We have a lot of non-golfers who simply love the hospitality together.”

For Quit Qui Oc, the most important thing is that people can come and have fun together, regardless of their reason.

“We are open to everyone,” Rachel said. “And we love how that brings the community of golfers and non-golfers together.”

Restaurant offerings Quit-Qui-Oc has become known for it’s Traditional Wisconsin Fish Fry served on Friday nights year-round from 5 pm – 9 pm. The Clubhouse is also open for lunch year-round serving from 11 am – 2 pm (closed on Tuesdays December – March). Another year-round offering is Rib Night which is held the 3rd Thursday each month.

Featuring Chef Andrew’s fabulous falloff-the-bone BBQ ribs.

Restaurant hours expand once the

golf season is in full swing.

Quit Qui Oc Golf Club and Restaurant is located at 500 Quit Qui Oc Ln, Elkhart Lake. They can be reached by phone at (920) 876-2833 for assistance with tee times or reservations for the restaurant.

For more information about Qui Qui Oc Golf Club and Restaurant, visit their website at quitquiocgolf.com.

Not sure what to give as a birthday gift to that special someone? Give a gift which keeps on giving 52 weeks per year...a subscription to the Tri-County News! Call 894-2828 to find out more.

Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Kiel Progress briefs 2020

Plans under way for ‘20 Kiel Picnic

The 2019 Kiel Community Picnic was a huge success, organizers said, and they are looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2020 Kiel Community Picnic Aug. 13-16.

This year’s picnic is scheduled to kick off Thursday night, Aug. 13 with the traditional alcohol-free Family Night and a prize drawing which will be available to kids 16 and under.

A weekend of free entertainment will be led off on Friday night, Aug. 14 by the Kiel Municipal Band in the band shell and followed up with some ‘80s rock by Glam Band in the main tent.

For the polka lovers, Jerry Schneider will perform Saturday morning, Aug. 15 in the main tent. The Entertainment Committee is busy working on booking the Saturday afternoon band shell entertainment—more to come on that so stay tuned. To finish up the evening Johnny Wad will be on the stage in the main tent.

Sunday morning, Aug 16 will start with the Association of Commerce Parade down Fremont Street, followed by the Kiel High School Show Choir performance in the park. New this year to

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close the weekend will be some country music by Bella Cain.

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

The food stand will be serving up a weekend of great food featuring grilled hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, grilled chicken breast, and the famous steak sandwiches. Also be sure to check out the sandwich of the day specials—last year’s Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich was a big hit. To quench one’s thirst enjoy a wide variety of beverages including assorted sodas, Bud and Miller products as well as some specialties such as Mike’s Hard Lemonade and Spotted Cow. This year’s raffle once again will include a top prize of $1,000. Tickets will be available for sale from many local merchants or from members of the Kiel Lions Club and Kiel Optimist Club starting around June 1.

The picnic would never be a success without the help of all the volunteers from the community. Organizers expressed appreciation to all who helped last year. If anyone would be interested in volunteering to help with this year’s picnic, please contact Al Schreiber at (920) 242-5155, Dave Arenz at (920) 286-2300, or Stacy Schweitzer at (920) 980-9610.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Delta

continued from page 13B All Delta employees at the time of the transaction were hired by the new company. O’Rourke and Joe Mathes said they have plans to strengthen current business operations and expand their market area in both Wisconsin and in other regions of the country. “Joe brings unique talent and capability in the digital segment of the business,” O’Rourke said. “We plan to improve upon how we serve readers and local businesses with our wide range of content and print products, but digital transformation is our future, and we’re going to have a lot of fun continuing to Kathy Baganz build on the foundation that Joe and the Branch Manager/Loan Officer local team have been working on for several years.”

(920) 849-9381 Then at the end of 2019, Delta Media k.baganz@greatmidwestbank.com Group purchased The Ripon Commonwealth Press and its affiliated publications. Separately, Ripon Printers—the NMLS# 1600512 large printing arm of the company—was CHILTON BRANCH sold to Walsworth, an 82-year-old family owned commercial printing company based in Missouri. Both sales were effective Jan. 1.

Again, all the changes at Delta have not created visible differences to readers of the Tri-County News and Tempo, Give the gift which keeps on giving...a subscription to the News! Call 894-2828. but behind the scenes the company continues to expand its offering of digital strategies serving customers locally and throughout the country.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Ego needs squelch influence of leaders

When your ego is in charge, you are not leading or influencing from a place of pure power.

That is why Karen McGregor says it is vital for every leader to recognize the ego’s biggest needs and be on the lookout for them at work and in our personal lives.

If you are a leader, everything you say and do is amplified. Others in the company take a cue from your behavior.

When you inspire others, help employees grow, and keep people connected to their passion and purpose, performance soars. When you micromanage employees, steamroll over everyone, or focus on what you can “get” from others rather than how you can serve them, performance withers.

McGregor said this is why leaders need to focus on how they are wielding influence—and job one is getting their ego in check.

“When our ego is running the show, we not only fail to reach our potential as leaders, we hold others back from reaching theirs,” said McGregor, author of the upcoming book “The Tao of Influence: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders and Entrepreneurs” (Mango, June 2020, ISBN: 978-1-64250-275-6, $24.95). “We need to understand what that looks like so we can get intentional about modifying our behaviors and building better relationships with colleagues and employees.”

She said an out-of-control ego prevents us from leading from a place of pure power. When you are in its grip, various “power patterns” take over. Your inner controller could show up, or maybe it is

the victim, martyr, or blamer power pattern that sabotages you. The good news is you can recognize and change deeprooted behaviors that hold you back.

McGregor’s book lays out a path— rooted in the ancient wisdom of the 4,000-year-old Tao Te Ching—for identifying and breaking the “power patterns” that undermine your influence, create dysfunctional relationships, and otherwise squelch your potential.

Here are some common ego needs to look for in your own behavior: 1. The need for approval Anytime you look for approval for something you have said or done, you are asking for validation of your worthiness from outside of yourself. But continuously seeking validation is like bringing water to a well that is always drying up.

McGregor says that no matter how much praise or how many awards you receive over the years, it will never be enough to rid the mind of what “A Course in Miracles” calls “the tiny mad idea” that we are not enough as we are.

2. The need to be right Trying to control others and needing to be right diminish our power and weaken our ability to influence. They take the life out of creativity and destroy new solutions to old problems before they get to see the light of day. After all, how can anything new come out of an insistence that we already know what to do?

Many of us recognize on a gut level when we are defending our ego’s need to be right. We know we are being stubborn and ornery, but we still cannot help it. We

want to rid ourselves of the behavior, but we don’t know how. Recognizing where it comes from and how it develops can be helpful. Ask yourself: When did I first take on the belief that I am not OK? Or that there is something wrong or bad about me?

3. The need to control When abuse or neglect occurs at a young age, people can develop a deep fear that they won’t have any control in their own lives. It is a fear that tells them that if they do not micromanage or obsess, their life will spin out of control, and they will be at the mercy of a painful and cruel world.

“Be aware of your body’s desire to close down when something doesn’t go the way you expect or want it to,” McGregor said. “Your heart or your belly will feel as though it is tightening or closing. In that moment, become aware of the sensation and the pain your body wants to express and release. Without paying much attention to thoughts, be with the pain and allow it to express.

This often takes only a few seconds or minutes, and, generally, the discomfort passes quickly.”

4. The need to “get” something This is a survival need and stems from the fear that you will not be provided for, that there isn’t enough, or that you aren’t enough, McGregor said. If you experience this need, it pulls you away from alignment with the Tao. You trust life less and less; life feels like a struggle void of joy.

“For business owners, it might feel

like the business will die if you don’t get something from a prospective client,” McGregor said. “Yet that’s a highly unproductive energy to be holding: If you operate with the energy of fear and lack, your potential clients will sense something is off. They might want to work with you, but they won’t cement the deal, and they won’t be able to articulate why. Instead, focus on your desire to be of service to others.”

5. The need to stay safe Sometimes the need for safety can become one’s primary reason not to pursue greatness. The fear of change—that something will be taken away or something bad will happen—is quite commonplace. Yet, it can rob us of the ability to be powerful influencers in the world.

6. The need for more possessions This is one of the most difficult needs to master. Most of us have future aspirations that are fraught with anxiety about money. We harbor ideas we’ve constructed about money based on a variety of hurts and traumas from childhood. Freedom from these associations with money comes with letting go of the variety of meanings we have assigned to it. When money has no personal meaning, there is no fear, and the child in us feels free.

Each time the topic of money comes up, consciously choose a loving, abundant thought and action over fear.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

21B

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

Business counselor offers help in Calumet County A key mission of Calumet County’s Community Economic Development (CED) program is to support local entrepreneurs through partnerships that work with start-ups and business looking to expand or in transition.

The CED has partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to bring opportunity to area entrepreneurs looking to start, expand, or transition their business.

SBDC business counselor Ray York is available to help Calumet County entrepreneurs. In addition to his role at the SBDC, York is president of York Estates, Inc, which owns The Rochester Inn, and sits on the Board of Directors for the Sheboygan Falls Chamber Main Street. He also has a strong economic development mindset and works for the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation.

“Ray York has a strong foundation of business skills and planning,” according to Tara Carr, director of the SBDC at UW-Green Bay. “He has a proven track record of assisting business owners in all phases, whether the entrepreneur is opening a business for the first time or is an existing business owner that wants to create a growth strategy or succession plan. The Small Business Development Center focuses on both business creation and retention, as small business is the driver of the economic growth of the local economy. Being informed, and creating a strategy, are the best ways that an entrepreneur can set themselves

up for success.”

“People have great ideas, and many have dreams of owning a business,” York said. “Guiding others, and providing a pathway for them to make informed decisions that will turn their ideas and dreams into a feasible and successful business, is my passion—from ideation, to strategic planning, and finally, with execution and driving positive results.”

“Calumet County is happy to partner with Ray for the benefit of entrepreneurs and existing business owners in Calumet County,” said Mary Kohrell, Calumet County’s community economic development director. “The county has been fortunate to partner with the SBDC for many years and that partnership has helped many business start-up, expansion, and transition projects in our communities. Entrepreneurs are always encouraged to reach out to Ray for business planning assistance.”

According to York, “Calumet County has a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and the partnership among CED, the SBDC, and local entrepreneurs has created opportunity and brought millions of dollars in capital formation and many new businesses over the past few years.

Opportunity is a landmark of economic success and the entrepreneur helps lead the way for our communities. I welcome the opportunity to drive growth in Calumet County.”

For more information about SBDC no cost, confidential, business services please email sbdc@uwgb.edu or call (920) 496-2117.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

23B

Business class starting in April A key mission of the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation (SCEDC) is to provide opportunities to Sheboygan County entrepreneurs and help them make informed business decisions.

The SCEDC has partnered with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the University of WisconsinGreen Bay to bring the Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP) to the entrepreneurs of Sheboygan County.

Sheboygan County entrepreneurs should consider taking the upcoming ETP opportunity starting April 1 at the Sheboygan Campus of UW-Green Bay. Classes are Wednesday evenings starting

at 5:30 p.m. and include a total of eight classes. To register call/email (920) 3669063 or sbdc@uwgb.edu.

For more information about SCEDC entrepreneurial services please email at info@SheboyganCountyEDC.com or call (920) 452-2479.

Whether a business is just starting up, in the growth phase, or transitioning ownership, writing a business plan is critical to building a profitable venture, and is especially important when attracting financing from lenders or investors.

Dr. Megan Osladil of Sheboygan Chiropractic said the SBDC ETP was a valuable resource when developing her business plan.

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Tri-County news • Kiel Progress 2020 • Thursday, February 27, 2020

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$50 off any purchase of $499 or more. $100 off any purchase of $999 or more. $200 off any purchase of $1999 or more. $300 off any purchase of $2999 or more. $400 off any purchase of $3999 or more.

$500 off any purchase of $4999 or more.

Hwys. 151 & 57 S • Chilton 920-849-9023

This coupon is valid until 4-15-20. only one coupon per household please.

Cannot be applied to prior purchases. Valid on furniture, mattresses and carpet. Excludes any delivery or installation charges. Cannot be used on select special purchase items or clearance merchandise.

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