Oregon Focus 2017
Inside Tin Man gets new lights . . . . . . . 08 Food pantry nears completion . . . 09 OSD referendum . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Jefferson Crossing . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Housing growth . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Business questionnaires . . . . . . . 13 New senior center director . . . . . 13
8
October 26, 2017
ConnectOregonWI.com
Oregon Focus
‘Tin Man’ gets new paint, lights
Photo by Samantha Christian
Randy Glysch, center, serves ice cream during the event.
Water tower restoration followed years-long effort on pump house BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group
This was the year the Oregon community finally witnessed the painting and lighting of the village’s historic downtown water tower. After years of hope and discussion, the 100-foot-tall tower was painted silver in
April and lighted in June. A June 6 lighting ceremony at Waterman Triangle Park capped a years-long effort to dress up the water tower into a landmark. There are now 12 LED lights along the catwalk and four lights, one on each leg, that point up to the bottom of the tank. Local organizer Randy Glysch began soliciting donations to paint and restore the tower in the summer of 2015, shortly after successfully renovating the 1899 pump house – now the Oregon Welcome
Center – which sits beneath the iconic structure on Janesville Street. The roughly $85,000 water tower project, which Glysch dubbed the Tin Man, also involved welding repairs to the tower ladder and repairing a “frost box” that surrounds the vertical fill pipe. The painting cost $62,500, and the lighting came to $11,680. Glysch raised some $30,000 for the effort, and village borrowing covered the rest of the cost. He said the refurbished tower, with its empty 30,000-gallon
tank, will be clearly visible from U.S. Hwy. 14. To maintain the tower’s historic integrity, Glysch and village officials decided not to put the village’s name on the water tank. “People are asking if we’re going to paint the word ‘Oregon’ on it,” Glysch told the Observer in November. “Because it never had that, we chose not to. Maybe that makes it more unique.” Photo by Samantha Christian
Contact Bill Livick at bill. The moon is visible above the water tower following the livick@wcinet.com lighting ceremony.
Message from the village president
Infrastructure, development continue to progress Where you go with your brand.
• Innovative Thought • Exceptional Design • Detail-Driven Production
Thysse (tie • see) is a branding agency with
thysse.com
608.249.6951
adno=544301-01
in-house printing and manufacturing capabilities.
The past 12 months have been a busy and productive time for the Oregon Village Board. Much of the focus has been on infrastructure updates, economic develo p m e n t , a n d t h e C iv i c Campus plan. With economic development, t h e Vi l l a g e Board continues to work closely with the Oreg o n C h a m - Staton ber of Commerce and its director, Judy Knutson. I am pleased to say that the chamber and the village work well together and that the community benefits as a result. The Board supports the C h a m b e r ’s c o m m u n i t y guide with a financial contribution and also budgets dollars for economic development projects. Once again, much time was spent by both organizations this past year on a hotel project for the south side of town. The current project has been before the Planning Commission several times and has been encouraged to proceed to the more formal parts of submitting a Specific Implementation Plan and a General Development Plan. T h e B o a r d a n d s t a ff believe this hotel proposal
is on more solid financial ground and has selected a better location than previous proposals and therefore has a very good chance of proceeding to completion. Another significant development before the village is the Civic Campus plan, which focuses on the library, senior center, Village Hall and possibly the Oregon Youth Center. The Board purchased the former Methodist church property, and that parcel has been determined to be the best site for a new library. The next step is determining the size of the potential facility itself. A consultant that was hired to study and report on future facility needs projected that by 2030 the Village would need a 35,000-square-foot library. A sum of $8 million was used as a “placeholder” for a building that size. I would like to remind everyone that the actual size of the building, and therefore the amount of money to be borrowed and fund-raised is still to be determined. The Village Board is always aware of the impact of projects on our taxpayers and will again be fiscally responsible as decisions a r e m a d e . T h e Vi l l a g e Board and Library Board will be working closely together on this project and an ad hoc committee has
been formed to develop a memorandum of understanding that will outline how to proceed. The Village Board continues to focus on our transportation infrastructure so it is maintained at a high level and residents h ave g o o d s u r fa c e s o n which to drive, ones that will encourage businesses to locate in Oregon. A major project was to develop a jurisdictional transfer with Dane County for Jefferson Street. This transfer was completed and that led to the county totally replacing Jefferson Street and the Village now owns the street. This project was completed before school started and has been a great improvement as a major street leading to our downtown. Another major transportation project is the extension of Perry Parkway to Park Street. Engineering work is being completed this year and applications have been submitted with construction to be done in 2018. This route will greatly enhance access to Oregon High School and remove significant traffic from the neighborhoods around the high school. This project will also involve moving the compost site. The village is also
Turn to Staton/ Page 12
ConnectOregonWI.com
October 26, 2017
Oregon Focus
9
Pantry nears end of fundraising, construction SAMANTHA CHRISTIAN Observer correspondent
The Oregon community made great strides toward addressing food insecurity over the past year by raising enough funds and support to build a new food pantry. After breaking ground in April and working through a few soggy months, construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the new building next to People’s United Methodist Church. The 4,232-squarefoot, single-story structure is expected to open in time for the Oregon Area Food Pantry’s monthly distribution in mid-November. That means the hundred or so families who used to stand in line for food outside a cramped warehouse will have a warm, inviting place to visit come winter. The new space along Alpine Parkway is more than triple the size of the old space at Union Road, which had been donated by Ed and Charlene Hefty 15 years ago. Although the old warehouse was ultimately deemed inadequate as a food pantry, the community’s spirit of giving has endured. That was especially evident when an “angel investor” stepped forward last December to contribute nearly two-thirds of the $750,000 fundraising goal for the new building. Each month, about 6,000 pounds of food gets distributed to 350 patrons who
a community room. OAFP board members said in a statement they are “looking forward to offering a broader selection of food and personal needs, along with space to work with people to find assistance in other areas of need beyond food.” This vision was shared by the Oregon Community Resource Network, which managed the fundraising and marketing campaign for OAFP’s new building. Part of their cooperative effort has been to build connections in the community. Doing so over the last year has resulted in significant in-kind donations from local residents and businesses to offset design, construction, shelving, and moving costs. OCRN treasurer Jessica Hrubes and chair Randy Glysch check out the shelving donation in the shopping area of the new Area municipalities, busifood pantry on Oct. 17. nesses, and residents have also pledged donations, some of which will cover operational costs for at least five years. Mark Unangst with The food pantry was origHellenbrand Painting inally organized by local paints trim boards churches in 1986, so it’s only fitting that the new building outside the new food is located on land owned by pantry on Oct. 17. The People’s UMC. This spring, building is expected to the church unanimously approved a 25-year lease open in mid-November. with OAFP, which will retain Photo by Samantha ownership of the building The new food pantry building, shown through fencing along and will pay the church rent Christian Oregon Parks Avenue, is located on the northeast corner of of $1 per year. land owned by People’s United Methodist Church. For information and building updates, visit facebook. reside within the Oregon anticipates those numbers needs of its patrons and vol- area with scales, a walk-in com/oregonareafoodpantry. School District. With a much will soon increase. unteers. It features tempera- cooler and freezer, a shoplarger and more visible and The new facility was ture control, more storage ping area with donated shelvaccessible building, OAFP designed to meet the growing space, a loading and sorting ing, an office, restrooms, and
On the cover
BARGAINS OF THE MONTH® CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY HOT DEAL!
16.99
50 lb. Dry Dog Food 100% complete and balanced nutrition. H 169 090 1 While supplies last.
October 27th • 11am - 2pm owntown Stoughton Oce • 207 S orret St
SAVE 25% OR MORE
34.99
9.99
6 ft. Deluxe Folding Banquet Table
All-Steel Folding Chair 225-Lb. weight capacity. Folds flat for easy storage.
W 682 536 1 While supplies last.
W 157 249 F4 While supplies last.
HOT DEAL! YOUR CHOICE
SAVE 40% OR MORE
39.99
9.99
Holiday Laser and LED Flood Light Projects red and green moving dots with red and blue LED flood light. Ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Includes metal stake and remote control.
ood 40 lb. Wild Bird Fo L 129 284 1 While supplies last.
20 lb. Black Oil eed Sunflower Bird Se L 106 363 1 While supplies last.
T 222 409 20 While supplies last.
HOT DEALS! YOUR CHOICE
6.99 8-pk. AA or AAA
Alkaline Batteries E 137 898, 899 While supplies last.
YOUR CHOICE
7.99 4-pk. C, D or 2 pk. 9V Alkaline Batteries
E 193 042; 192 096; 196 615 While supplies last.
Join us for... • ot og Chip an Sweet reat • 4 rawing or 2 it Certicate
1 Cheesers, 1 Stoughton Floral, 1 Visa Gift Card and 1 cooking class at All Through the House. Need not be present to win.
• Meet reet with Bank reient Mike Moerki
HOT DEAL! YOUR CHOICE
• Mini pumpkin giveaway
12.99
(While supplies last)
Mini 450-Light Clear or Multicolor Reels Ideal for both indoor and outdoor hanging. T 178 991, 997 B8 While supplies last.
November17 BOM Ad
STOP IN & SEE OUR NEW REMODEL!
Sale ends 11/30/2017
www.msbonline.com
©2017 True Value® Company. All rights reserved. TV-AD-13408
Community Banking Since 1904
Find the right products for your project and expert advice at True Value .
® adno=543808-01
NMLS #596586 adno=545473-01
10
October 26, 2017
ConnectOregonWI.com
Oregon Focus
OSD referendum construction nearly complete SCOTT DE LARUELLE Unified Newspaper Group
This past year has seen tremendous changes around the Oregon School District, but none more so than Oregon High School. Due in large part to a successful $56 million capital projects referendum in 2014, the school has been transformed from an aging, half-century-old school into a modern facility with some features that are simply stunning. As the district not only grows, but prepares for a 50 percent increase in students by 2030, the high school is prepared to meet the increased space demands that will follow. While renovations to the three elementary schools were mostly wrapped up by 2016 (Rome Corners Intermediate School wasn’t affected by referendum construction), the high school and middle school were the last two buildings to be upgraded. On Jan. 23, the high school’s new two-story academic wing opened, housing 15 classrooms interspersed with collaborative spaces for students and staff, a main focus of the design. The increased use of sunlight and windows gives the new area a bright, modern “college campus” feel, and students can plug in a variety
The entrance to the Oregon High School was completely remodeled. of electronic devices around seating areas. Many of the spaces have been transformed to include a variety of furniture for students, getting away from the traditional “desks in a classroom” look, as well as larger areas for multiple classrooms to work together
on projects. The “look” is much different as well, as the new classrooms also fit the “open concept” used in capital projects referendum work at other schools. That includes Brooklyn Elementary, which now has new, state-of-the-art band and orchestra rooms,
as well as a new cafeteria, and Oregon Middle School, which significantly expanded its STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) classroom space. The school added an office for OCA Media, which allows that group to
Photo by Amber Levenhagen
more intensively cover high school sports and activities, as well as offer high schoolers more education and work opportunities. The high school also welcomed the district’s alternative high school, OASIS, which moved from the Oregon Ice Arena, where the district
had rented out space for several years. Around the school, there is a new, secure entrance on the south side, a new main entrance featuring an art gallery, an expanded physical education wing and weight rooms, new locker and fitness rooms and a large new main gymnasium that in June saw the first of many air-conditioned graduation ceremonies. With the addition of the new wing, student services moved to the “old” part of the building, which was significantly renovated this summer, with new, larger classrooms and a cafeteria that is scheduled for completion later this fall – the final piece in the puzzle. At Oregon Middle School, a new secure entrance and office area was built in 2016 – the first phase of construction – and the second was wrapped up this January. That included new band, orchestra and chorus rooms, a new tech ed and computer lab, additional shop space, new, larger science classrooms, a new greenhouse and cafeteria with adjoining spaces for fitness training. As the last piece of referendum construction is completed at the OHS cafeteria in a few weeks, it will mark the end of an historic period of building for the district, and a busy final year of projects.
Message from the superintendent
OSD staying positive, connected and growing 1350 S. Fish Hatchery Road • Oregon 608-835-0551 www.countryviewvets.com
Meeting All Your Veterinary Needs Since 1999
And Introducing
Newly remodeled boarding
Boarding, Medical Boarding, Daycare, Training and Grooming (Including Saturdays)
WE LOVE YOUR PETS
adno=544586-01
At our recent annual Oregon School District meeting held in late September, I selected three words to describe this past year and plans for our future as a school district: positive, connected and growing. As I reflect back on this past year, I marvel at the transformational changes made by our faculty and staff, and supported by our community. Busler For example, a few short years ago, the idea of connecting science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) was not part of curriculum, and now it is. The word positive applies to many key changes within the Oregon School District. Perhaps the most visible change has been the reinvestment in our school buildings with the successful 2014 capital referendum. The school construction and remodeling efforts have focused on safe secure schools and contemporary learning spaces designed for today and the years ahead. This new school construction has created a positive buzz within our school district and across the state. The second word is connected. The past two years our high school graduation rate has averaged 98.5 percent. The
graduation process begins at a child’s home and then moves into our 4K program. Parents are the most influential teacher in a child’s life. We have connected parents and community members that support their children, their neighbors’ children and our local school district. As an example, the Friends of the Oregon School District (FOSD) started a new initiative this school year called the “Champions Fund,” which provides funding for students who might otherwise miss out on an educational experience. The term “champion” also applies to the individuals who developed the FOSD. It proves once again, involved parents and community members are the backbone of our school district. Growing was the final word that I selected to describe the direction of the school district at the September 2017 annual meeting. It is easy to connect the word growing to our projected increase of 2,000 students by the year 2030. However, the word growing is bigger than that. For example, one key element of last year’s teacher compensation referendum focused on the concept of professional development and each Oregon staff member growing their professional practice. We grow our individual and collective educational practice when Oregon
staff learn, work collaboratively and provide the best education to our 4,000-plus students. It is difficult to change when things are going well and we have a 98.5 percent graduation rate. It is our vision for preparing all students that keeps us moving forward. The mission of teaching and learning in the Oregon schools is never finished, and by continuing to challenge ourselves, we continue to improve, adapt and help our students maximize their potential. We have five value statements that were developed from work at the August 2015 community and staff-planning event called Vision Conference 2.0. These five value statements are at the center of our work, and I often refer to them as the values we need to live with our students and each other. You are also an important part of these values: 1) Whole-Child Emphasis, 2) Relevant and Empowering Learning Experiences, 3) Educational Equity, 4) Caring and Professional Educators and 5) Strong Family and Community Partnerships. We look forward to another successful school year. Dr. Brian Busler is the superintendent of the Oregon School District. You can reach him at 333-6169 or bsb@oregonsd.net.
ConnectOregonWI.com
October 26, 2017
11
Oregon Focus
Downtown apartments opening next year Jefferson Crossing will add 61 units, new parking lot BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group
Photo by Jim Ferolie
The Jefferson Crossing apartment building, under construction Sept. 4, 2017, is on pace to take tenants next July. will reimburse the developer for the work as part of a pay-as-you-go tax-increment financing package amounting to almost $1 million. Reimen told the Observer a “key piece” of the project was trying to maximize parking in the area and “make sure that we don’t take away any of the parking” for any businesses downtown. “We’re redoing the Jefferson lot to maintain the
number of stalls that the village has there, and then also adding some for our residents as well,” he said in September. The multi-family infill project will be a combination of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments along with a fitness center, community room and outdoor patio with a gazebo. Reimen said the 41-foothigh building on the 1.3acre parcel will be the tallest around, but not much
higher than its neighboring building at 101 S. Main Street. “When we initially talked with the engineer, we decided to bring the building up a couple of feet, for a couple reasons,” he told the Observer. “One, the groundwater table was a little higher than we wanted there. And two, we have all those walk-out units on Jefferson, and we wanted to give them a little more privacy.
Message from the chamber
SONNY’S KITCHEN
Chamber, village keeping busy promoting economic development The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce is working with all of our new businesses as well as our existing members to make t h e O r eg o n area a great place to live, work and p l a y. T h e chamber would like to thank the community and all our Knutson businesses for their loyal support. We have been busy with many exciting events that took place this summer in the community. I will try to highlight these events as well as what is yet to come. There were six ribbon cuttings this summer. BeeHive Homes opened their doors in July on the west side of the village. Lexa’s Luxurious Looks opened in June in the Janesville Street Commons building. Cutler Financial opened in August in downtown Oregon. Oregon Observer celebrated their move in September across the street to their new location in the Tri County Building. The Inspired Mat expanded their studio in September to accommodate more clientele. In July, we celebrated with the village businesses who became
d e m e n t i a - f r i e n d l y, b y going through the training to become certified. Thank you to these businesses. There were two groundbreakings this summer. The Oregon Area Food Pantry in April had a great turnout, with tremendous support from our community. Jefferson Crossing apartments broke ground in May for the new 61-unit building, which will bring a new look to downtown Oregon. We have been working hard to create awareness of the Oregon area community these past months. Thanks to Randy Glysch and all his hard work; we patiently waited for darkness so we could witness the lighting of the Tin Man water tower on June 6. I enjoy driving through Oregon at night to see the beautiful site. In September, we released our Oregon area community video at our September Chamber monthly celebration. Thank you to Oregon Cable Access and The Village for working hand in hand with the Chamber to produce this wonderful video. Please feel free to view it on our website at oregonwi.com or the village website. We encourage the community and businesses to use this video, which will
showcase Oregon and all it has to offer. We h a d s o m e g r e a t events this summer and look forward to those yet to come. The Spring and Fall Business Expos which help to inform everyone what Oregon has to offer, had phenomenal turnouts. We had many returning and several new businesses participate this year. Bergamont had its Parade of Homes in June to promote new housing development. On Nov. 11, the VFW will have its veterans ceremony, followed by the Horse Parade. Small Business Saturday is Nov. 25, when Oregon encourages the community to shop local and support small businesses. Dec. 1 is our Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Waterman Triangle Park. Join us for the tree lighting, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. Afterwards, walk over to Oregon Area Fire and EMS station for chili dinner with Santa. Oregon is in the process of finishing and developing new projects. Jefferson Crossing apartments will soon be finished in April /May. We are hopeful to have a hotel soon in Oregon. The Coyle family is working with the village in the early stages of development
Turn to Knutson/ Page 12
“So going up a two feet allows them to get off the sidewalk a little bit. That way people walking by don’t look directly into their windows.” Village officials have hoped for a redevelopment of the area for years, in part because the former properties were the subject of complaints about the storage of unused automobiles and other debris. The village rebuilt most of the streets and infrastructure
Contact Bill Livick at bill. livick@wcinet.com
Opening Wed, Oct 25 at 6:00 am!!
101 N. Main Street, Oregon • 608-291-2266 Family Restaurant Serving
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week, 6 am-9 pm
adno=545208-01
Discussions that began in 2015 about putting a new apartment building in downtown Oregon led to the start of construction on a 61-unit building in May. The Jefferson Crossing project is a three-story building on Jefferson Street between South Main Street and the railroad viaduct, and it’s set to open next year. Developers Brett Reimen and Brian Spanos anticipate completion in July. The apartment building replaces six parcels that included private homes and an auto repair shop – property that was formerly owned by local developer Paul Lynch and sold to the developers. Part of the overall project involves reconfiguring the village-owned Jefferson Street parking lot behind a row of South Main Street businesses. Traffic flow and limited spots there have been the source of much angst over the past few years. The developer is responsible for reconstructing the lot, which includes burying utility lines. But the village
downtown – including the Jefferson Street parking lot – in 2008-09. The village held a public forum in March this year about the project. Most of the discussion centered on the parking lot instead of the building itself. The apartment building will have 60 underground parking stalls and 28 surface parking stalls. The village’s contract with the developer calls for $800,000 in TIF, with 5 percent interest. That means the amount the property taxes increase after the building is erected will be diverted to a TIF district, which will then return all the taxes paid – including those to other jurisdictions – to the developer until the pledge is paid off. Village President Steve Staton said he believes the project will drive economic development in downtown Oregon. “It’ll bring more people downtown,” he said. “I think with people living there and working elsewhere, for the most part, it will spread the word about Oregon being a great place to live. “I think it changes the face of downtown and will quite likely attract more businesses and more activities downtown,” he added.
Delicious home cooking at affordable prices! Still Hiring! Looking for a few great people to join our friendly staff. Call Sam at 608-658-0877 or email samkasoski@gmail.com
Professional Tax Services Business Consulting | Accounting | Finance Email Us: TaxPros@AvallonofOregon.com HONEST & ACCURATE TAX SERVICES AT AFFORDABLE PRICES! NEW IN 2018, WE ARE OFFERING MOBILE TAX SERVICES ITS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO GET YOUR TAXES DONE RIGHT!
Call Today For Details Lisa
Mark
Sandy
Ask For Mark 608-291-2112
OREGONS BEST NEW TAX SERVICE IS NOW IN A NEW LOCATION: 185 W NETHERWOOD ST DIRECTLY ACROSS FROM JAMES & ENYART OPTOMETRISTS
adno=545182-01
12
October 26, 2017
ConnectOregonWI.com
Oregon Focus
Village building for a big year JIM FEROLIE
Building permits
Observer editor
If you go strictly by the number of housing starts in the village, 2017 would look like a sleepy year in the Village of Oregon. But if all the preparations come to fruition, this year could have been setting up for a record year in 2018. The village’s recent peak was two years ago, with 73 new homes started in 2015. Last year was down slightly, at 56, and this year there were only 26 starts through the end of August. There were no new subdivisions opening homes this year, and the only place where more than two or three homes went up was on Carnoustie Way and Brynnhill in the Bergamont area. But the construction has continued at a solid pace in housing subdivisions, even it it isn’t all on the homes themselves. “The majority of our construction has been roadway construction in the last year,” village public works director Jeff Rau told the Observer last week. “So what we’re seeing is an increased amount of building, but it’s kind of filling in all the gaps right now.” That’s setting the table for several additions and new phases that are expected to either start or get going in earnest in 2018. Approved subdivisions include the Oregon Parks Neighborhood addition (32 single-family and 24 multifamily units), Legend Hills at Bergamont (15 single-family lots in place of a previously planned apartment building), the Merri-Hill addition (nine single-family and six duplex units) and the extension of Brynnhill Drive (17 single-family homes). Rau expects Oregon Parks to be “a significant build” next year and has already fielded and redirected many questions from prospective buyers. And Legend Hills, which is just starting home construction, will feature
Type Single family Duplex Multi family Commercial *Through Aug. 2017
2014 41 3 4 3
2015 50 14 9 4
2016 40 14 2 4
2017* 26 3 0 3 Photo by Scott Girard
Two buildings are currently under construction in the Brooklyn Business Complex on Hwy. 92, and all four lots have been sold.
New subdivisions Oregon Parks Neighborhood addition, 44 lots, late 2017 Legend Hills at Bergamont, 15 lots, mid-2017 Merri-Hill 5th addition, 12 lots, early 2018 Bergamont Phase 4D (Brynnhill Drive), 17 lots, early 2018 roughly quarter-acre lots that are narrow and deep, which Rau characterized as “tiny” for the price point, likely to be a half-million dollars or more. Rau also said he expects the Brynhill extension to host the Parade of Homes next year. “Housing is very very strong, I think,” Rau said. Those alone, if built fully, would be more housing starts than any time in the past decade, and that’s not even including the 61-unit Jefferson Crossing downtown apartment complex set to open in the middle of next year. But even more is possible, with two other subdivisions being worked on. The bigger and more imminent of the two is Forward Development Group’s plan for the 70-acre Highlands of Netherwood, which would, of course, be off Netherwood Road west of the current village limits. If regional and local approvals go as expected, the first phase – about 40 single-family and 12 multifamily units – could be ready to start building homes by the middle of next year. That neighborhood could have an unusual feel. “I call it a ‘fluid layout’
– it’s curvy and works with contours of the land, with a unique front building setback to keep the face of the homes along a linear path,” Rau explained. Another planned subdivision would bring a total of about 100 homes on the Hofer land off County Hwy. MM south of the village, though it has farther to go in terms of approvals and faces questions about whether the village’s current infrastructure is capable of reaching all the lots. Notably, many of the homes are high-end, leaving a bit of a gap in moderate-priced homes, under $300,000, Rau said. But he sees the interest and the continued progress as a good sign of health in the village. “We want to be optimistic (about the prospects of next year),” he said. “We’re very excited to see the Oregon Parks Neighborhood addition come on, and (Bergamont developer) Fiduciary has just been a great asset for the village, and it’s great to see them develop all levels of housing.” Email Oregon Observer editor Jim Ferolie at oregon observer@wcinet.com.
Ziggy's BBQ Smokehouse & Ice Cream Parlor Saturday, Nov. 11
Sunday-Nov. 12 & Dec. 10
Fall Car Show
Annual Rib Cook-Off
2pm-6pm
Free Admission, Refreshments & Snow Cones for the Kids! Join us in our Parking Lot
Ziggy's 1st
Jam Session
Open 10am for General Public, Judging at 2pm
Vintage Country & Blue Grass All Jammers Welcome Musicians & Singers!
No smoker, no problem we have extra (Limited quantity, call now to reserve)
Unified Newspaper Group
It took more than two years for the Brooklyn Business Complex to get its first tenant, but in the 22 months since, it’s already gotten three more. That means the first phase of the complex, with four lots over 10 acres, has been completed. Since BGS Designs, L L C b e c a m e t h e fi r s t to sign on in December
2015, Capital City Culvert, Aquafix and TC Countertops have also agreed to locate in the complex across from Smithfield Park on Hwy. 92. Construction is underway on two of the buildings in the park. The village broke ground on the park in October 2013, with a goal to create jobs within the community. Then-Village President Nadine Walsten cited a years-old conversation with a Brooklyn
resident who told her he couldn’t afford to commute out of the village for a minimum-wage job with gas prices as they were. The project was funded in part by $261,000 of a Community Development Block Grant that officials applied for in spring 2012. After taking care of six items that needed fixing before the grant could be given the final go-ahead, the village received final approval in February 2013.
Staton: Fiscal responsibility led to lower taxes Continued from page 8 releasing a major bid for mill and overlay and chip sealing of village streets in the spring. The village continues to support bike and pedestrian trail improvement. The village sent a letter of support for a proposed Town of Oregon trail that would extend from Anderson Park north to a Town of Oregon Park. Village officials have also met with Fitchburg and Dane County officials about the extension of the Rotary Bike Trail to the Badger State Trail. Both entities strongly support this project. A major development downtown is the 61-unit apartment complex known as Jefferson Crossing. The construction will be completed in the spring and will be accompanied
Continued from page 11
Sunday, Oct. 29 Ziggy's 1st
SCOTT GIRARD
by parking lot improvements and the burying of the overhead utilities. Downtown merchants are looking forward to the increased customer base that will accompany this project. There are three residential development projects on the west side of town. These projects are predicted to bring about 200 single-family lots, 42 two-family units, and 41 multi-family units on the market. The former Veridian property along County Hwy. MM is being considered for residential development and will include single-family, two-family and multi-family units. This project would also involve highway improvements to accommodate improved vision distances on the hill, as well as
adding bike trail features. As all of these projects proceed through the village’s approval process, the Village Board strives to continue to be fiscally responsible. Those efforts over the past years have caused us to have one of the lowest tax rates in Dane County. I would also like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to our village employees for the fine job they do in serving our residents and taking care of our infrastructure. Thanks also to our department heads for their expertise and leadership. It has been a pleasure to continue to serve our residents in 2017. I appreciate your support and input. Steve Staton is the Village of Oregon president.
Knutson: Chamber members, businesses valued
Offers you more than just a great breakfast, lunch or dinner...
11am-3pm
Brooklyn fills Phase 1 of business park
To judge or participate call 608-291-0915 today!
Hours: Tue-Sun 7:30am-9:00pm. Closed Mondays
135 S. Main Street OREGON
608.291.0915 adno=545189-01
on the southeast side of the village. The hotel will bring more economic business to the community. We are working on Jaycee Park West with Rettler, the village’s consultant. The village will then work on an arrangement with local sports organizations for the joint development of the park. Stay tuned, as it will take a community effort to build this new sports complex. Oregon has tremendous opportunities for responsible economic growth that balances our desire
t o m a i n t a i n O r e g o n ’s h o m e t ow n f e e l w h i l e broadening our economic base. A strong economic future for our community will include growth of existing businesses and the welcoming of new ones. These businesses will increase the tax base as well as employment in our community and are a welcome addition to the village’s business community. The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce greatly values our existing membership and business community. Most of our time and resources are devoted
to advocating and promoting our members. However, the chamber’s mission is also to promote economic development and bring new commerce to our local community. New commerce provides for a healthy, growing, local economy. If you would like to learn more about what is happening in Oregon or sign up for the Oregon Chamber weekly email, please visit our website at oregonwi.com. Ju d y K n u t s o n i s t h e executive director of the Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce.
ConnectOregonWI.com
October 26, 2017
Meyer Barn Found Treasures Address: 125 N. Main St. Principal owner or leader: Andy Meyer Opening/arrival date: July 19 Number of employees: 3 Charity connections/plans: Brooklyn Veterans Group (Brooklyn Veterans Memorial), Brooklyn Fire Department, Oregon High School Oregon connection: The combination of owners Jerry and Bonnie Thiel renovating the beautiful space we occupy, the Firefly Coffeehouse across the street, other good neighboring businesses, and the general positive feel of downtown aided in our decision to open in Oregon. What’s special about your business or the focus of your business? We offer a unique variety of antiques, collectibles, trinkets, jewelry, vintage toys, and some like new items. We’re now featuring the work of several local found object artists who use vintage items and antiques to create their works.
Would go on former church property in 2019 BILL LIVICK Unified Newspaper Group
Village officials have been in the early planning stages for a new public library for more than two years, and this year the village picked a location and a time frame for building it. In August the Village Board decided the library should be built at 249 N. Main St., where it purchased the former Methodist Church property in December 2016 for $890,000. It plans to build a 35,000-square-foot facility on the 2.7-acre parcel in 2019. M e m b e r s o f t h e Vi l lage Board and Library
The Inspired Mat, LLC Address: 120 N. Main St. Principal owner or leader: Rebecca Higgins, owner Opening/arrival date: Jan. 16 Number of employees: 14 instructors and one part-time studio assistant Charity connections/plans: Every month we contribute to a different charitable or community organization through our Thursday night Good Karma Yoga Class. This class is 100 percent by donation with a different group benefitting each month. We also are sponsors of Agrace HospiceCare Oregon connection: We love Oregon. Where else would we be? Rebecca has been a resident of Oregon for the past 19 years. Through her work as a fitness trainer, group fitness instructor, business owner and yoga instructor she has made many connections in the area and was just waiting for the right location to become available for a yoga studio. What’s special about your business or the focus of your business? Our mission...to provide an inviting and encouraging space for yoga experiences accessible to all. By making yoga affordable in a beautiful, dedicated yoga space and showing everyone yoga really is for everybody we hope to remove the intimidation factor and help everyone find the healing power of yoga in their lives.
BILL LIVICK
233 Douglas Drive, Brooklyn Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Website: Facebook.com/3brothersllc Opened: October 2016
905 N. Main St. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8:55 p.m.; Sunday, 12-8:55 p.m. Website: Facebook. com/Mahensliquor oregon Opened: November 2016
537 N. Main St. Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Website: Facebook. com/starlight academyllc Opened: February 2017
Board formed an ad hoc committee in August, and that group is working to determine the process for designing, financing, size and use of the building. It could temporarily house the Oregon Area Senior Center when the village decides to build a new senior facility. I n J u l y, t h e L i b r a r y Board recommended tripling the size of the existing library, based on a study. The library, which was built in 1995, is 10,360 square feet, the smallest in Dane County, according to data provided by library director Nikki Busch. Busch noted that Mount Horeb’s library is 50 percent larger and serves a community of 3,000 fewer people. The village’s population is projected to reach 10,000 by 2020, at which time Dane County will impose new standards on
the library in order to continue receiving a county subsidy and not have the village pay a county library tax, Busch said. When the Village Board unanimously recommended building a new library on North Main Street, several trustees expressed concern about safety issues related to children crossing the village’s busiest street. Village President Steve Staton acknowledged the concern, and said, “If we choose to put the library on North Main Street, then we choose to make it safe.” “ Wi t h t h e t r e e s a n d location,” he added, “it’s a great site and will have a positive impact on that neighborhood and probably Market Street also.” Contact Bill Livick at bill. livick@wcinet.com
Brickner succeeds Koelsch as senior center director
Three Brothers Pizza
Starlight Academy
13
Village plans site, timing for new library
New Business Questionnaires
Mahen’s Liquor
Oregon Focus
Unified Newspaper Group
The big change at the Oregon Area Senior Center this year has been the retirement of Alison Koelsch as director and the appointment o f R a c h e l Brickner Brickner to succeed her. Koelsch retired July 5 after leading the center for two decades. Brickner, formerly an outreach specialist and case manager, succeeded her after more than seven years with the organization.
Beehive Homes assisted living 101 N. Bergamont Boulevard Website: beehive homes.com/location/ oregon Opened: July 2017
She became the third director in the center’s 37-year history. She was well-suited to take the job, having lived in Oregon almost her entire life. Brickner said she didn’t plan to make big changes because the center is Koelsch operating well and accomplishing its mission of helping seniors to remain independent and live the way they want to. That happens through exercise classes, card games, nutrition programs and a host of other events
and activities the center offers, she said. “An exercise class helps ke e p s s o m e o n e r e m a i n physically strong; a group playing cards keeps somebody socially connected; good nutrition is vital to good health,” Brickner explained. “Studies have shown that social connections are as important as a person’s medication. So we offer a variety of activities and events and supports, and the ultimate goal of every one of those is to help maintain independence for as long as possible.” Contact Bill Livick at bill. livick@wcinet.com
Proud to be Serving the Oregon Community for Over 24 Years
Gerlach
Making Oregon people beautiful for over 30 years!
Wholesale Flooring
787 N. Main, Oregon
(Next to Bill’s Foods)
PERMANENT MAKEUP & BOTOX WITH THERESA SCHNEIDER, RN BOTOX $9/UNIT (SAVE$3/UNIT!) 835-3666
www.cuttingedgehairetc.com
112 Janesville Street, Oregon, WI Phone: 835-8276 • Fax: 835-8277
Mon., Fri., & Sat. appointment only • Tues. & Thur. 10am-6pm, Wed. 12pm-6pm
adno=544300-01
MASSAGES WITH JENNY WISE-BROWNING 15% OFF PACKAGES OF 3 MASSAGES
adno=543803-01
Call for an appointment today!
14 Oregon Focus - October 26, 2017
adno=544610-01