Geraldine (Niemuth) Potratz died peacefully at her Weyauwega home on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

Jerry, as she was better known, was born on March 8, 1927 in Oshkosh, the daughter of John and Wilhelmina (Tokarski) Niemuth. She attended Smith Grade School, graduated from Oshkosh High School with highest honors, and attended Oshkosh Teacher’s College. On November 30, 1946, Jerry married John C. Potratz Jr. They both held clerical positions in Oshkosh, but soon rented a farm near Poy Sippi, and eventually bought a dairy farm near Fremont on December 10, 1949. This was where they raised their six children, and established a successful dairy farm, which they named East Acres Dairy Farm. Jerry lived there for more than 50 years. Jerry was a member of The First Church of Christ, Scientist in Oshkosh, but attended Hope United Church of Christ near Fremont with her family. She was a Den Mother for Fremont Cub Scout Pack and was a past President of the Fremont-Wolf River American Legion Auxiliary Post 391. Jerry’s children and grandchildren will fondly remember her as their mentor in gardening and thrifty shopping (coupon collecting), her love of chicken barbecues, scrabble and bird-watching, her thimble collection, and her research in our family’s genealogy.

Jerry is survived by her children: Peggy Hoeft, Oshkosh; Terry (Gary) Schneider, Minocqua; Connie (Daniel) Potratz-Watson, Oshkosh; Jeffrey Potratz, Waupaca, and Shelley (Doug) Stockard, Weyauwega; 10 grandchildren: Scott Hoeft, Sarah (Michael) Wright, Joseph (Amanda) Pitzo, Jennifer (Edmund) Johnson, John-Michael (Jennifer) Pitzo, Christy (John) Peters, Julie (Anthony) Seashore, John C. Potratz IV, Mackenzie Watson, and Jamie (Karl) Keach; 20 great-grandchildren: Kaylee (Peyton Moore, fiancé) Wright, Payton (Chris) Gozdeck, Joey Wright, Reya and Dominic Pitzo, Jaiden Rios, Nikolai and Nolan Chaffin, Sophie and Zoe Panske, Kendell and Addison Johnson, Jude Pitzo, Alyssa Reetz, Anthony, Jeffrey and Gavin Seashore, Cadence Potratz, Emme and Max Keach; and one great-great-grandson, Michael Gozdeck. Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers and three sisters, her husband John C. Potratz Jr., her granddaughter Heather Potratz, her son-in-law Kevin Hasson, and her son John C. Potratz III.

A memorial service will be held next spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in her name to the Fremont-Wolf River American Legion Auxiliary, Post 391, in care of Connie Potratz-Watson (312 Wyldewood Dr., Oshkosh, WI, or Terry (Potratz) Schneider (9135 Point Drive, Minocqua, WI 54481).

The family would like to thank the staff at Evergreen Manor, Oshkosh, the Aurora at Home and Aurora Hospice at Home health care teams, and mom’s special friend, Brenda Koplien, for the gentle and loving care they provided.

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Michael “Mike” S. Hansen, 57, Town of Fairbanks, Shawano Co., died Dec. 16, 2018 in Appleton.

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D. Terry Woodford Jr. died December 13, 2018.

He was born to Donald T. Woodford Sr. and Geraldine (Geri) Peterson Woodford March 7, 1933 in Black River Falls, WI. When he was six years old the family moved to Stevens Point, WI. Terry attended the Mary Bradford School, in connection with UW-Stevens Point. He attended and graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1951. While in high school, he was a band member, a chorus member, and a class officer. During his junior year, he attended Badger Boys State, and was a Boy Scout-Order of the Arrow. He enjoyed these years which included time also spent on the “Chain O’Lakes”, social occasions at the “Casino” as well as in and around Stevens Point. Terry attended college at UW-Stevens Point for one year thereafter transferring to Luther, Decorah, Iowa. He graduated with a BA degree in Business. During his years at Luther College he continued vocal training and was selected as a member of the Nordic Cathedral Choir for his entire time at Luther College. The choir traveled from coast-to-coast during this period. After college, Terry volunteered for the U.S. Army and was inducted September 1955. His basic training and specialty training were done at Ft. Leonard, Wood, MO. While in the Army, he was assigned to a medical detachment in Frankfurt, Germany. He was honorably discharged September 1957 at Ft. Dix.

Following his service in the Army he was employed by Employers Mutual of Wausau and was trained in sales before being transferred to their office in Appleton, WI. Terry developed an interest during this time in medical/dental Professional Management. He changed employment and joined the professional management firm, Gaarder & Miller, Inc, on February 1, 1961. He continued his life in Appleton where he met a beautiful gal and the love of his life, Sara Elizabeth Dixon, who was visiting her family in Appleton while teaching and living in Boston, MA. They were married September 9, 1961 at the First Congregational Church, Rockford, Illinois, Sara’s hometown. They raised three children in Appleton, WI, Robert, Thomas and Elizabeth. An infant son, William Eric Woodford, died earlier. Terry continued his Medical/Dental management career for 50 years. He served his company as an equal owner, member of the board and an officer. Together with other owners and shareholders they developed the first online Medical Billing/Insurance billing system known. This business was later sold to Employers Mutual Insurance Co, Wausau, WI. Prior to his retirement, he also served on some of his client’s Boards. Gaarder & Miller, Appleton branch was merged with Schenk & Associates, S.C., Certified Public Accountants as a medical management division. He also enjoyed his years as a member of the Downtown Rotary Club.

Terry and his family and many friends enjoyed the family cottage on Rainbow Lake, Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes for 45 years. He and Sara retired there for several years prior to returning to Appleton. Although Appleton was the place he spent most of the year, the “Cottage” was the heart and soul of his family and life representing family activities and endless joy.

Surviving family members include: his wife Sara; their three children, Robert(Emmie), Thomas(Elisabeth), Elizabeth “Betsy” Woodford; his grandchildren: Jacob(Hilary), Alexander, Catherine, Madeline, Joseph and Caroline Woodford; his sister Carol Olsen and her children, John, Kristin, Karen and Sarah.

The family would like to thank The Bridges nursing home and staff for the loving, competent and compassionate care during Terry’s illness. The many thoughtful visits from family and friends were deeply appreciated.

A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church UCC in Appleton on January 26, 2019. The service will be held at 3 p.m. with visitation from 2:00-3:00 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to participate in a memorial fund, The Boys & Girls Club or First Congregational Church of Appleton are suggested. The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Alice M. Polley, age 85, of County Road M, Tigerton (Town of Germania, Shawano County) passed away Thursday, December 13, 2018 at The Pines Post-Acute and Memory Care, Clintonville.

The former Alice Marie Brevik was born on November 22, 1933 in the Town of Harrison, Waupaca County, daughter of the late Trygve and Olga (Kading) Brevik. She graduated from Tigerton High School with the class of 1952. After graduating Alice worked at the Chain Belt Co. in Milwaukee until she was united in marriage to Gene Charles Polley on August 14, 1954 at Hitterdahl Lutheran parsonage, rural Iola. Alice and Gene were married for 53 years and he preceded her in death on July 5, 2008. Alice was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton, and an honorary member of the Christian Women’s Guild and LWML. She enjoyed quilting and attending Bible classes. When her eyesight was better she liked reading, crossword puzzles, bird watching, flowers, the Brewers, the Packers, and playing cards. Alice always loved spending time with her family, especially the annual cookouts in her back woods.

Survivors include two daughters, Cindy of Tigerton and Kathy of Green Bay; one grandson, Cory (Denyel) of Tigerton; one great-grandson, Corben, and two great-granddaughters, Carleigh and Catie. There are two sisters, Bernice Lehman of Greenfield and Diane Hobin of Manitowoc. There are three sisters-in-law, Betty Brevik of Iola, Linda Brevik of Menasha, and Ruth Breaker of Tigerton. There are two Godsons, (nephew) David Lehman of West Allis and Daniel (Pauline) Johnson of Tigerton; and two Goddaughters, (nieces) Jacqueline (Jay) Rosenbecker of Menomonee Falls and Judy (Dan) Johnson of Iola. Alice is further survived by seven nieces, six nephews, many other relatives and friends. Alice was preceded in death by her husband Gene “Cub”; two infant sons, Gary and Danny; four brothers, Arlyn, Norman, Ronald, and Gordon; two sisters, Elizabeth Schoch and Sylvia Osterberger; four brothers-in-law, Wallace Lehman, Leo Schoch Sr., David Osterberger, and Arden Breaker; and nephew, Aryln Brevik Jr.

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 18th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Tigerton. Rev. Dean Suehring will officiate and burial will be at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, is assisting the family.

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I-S boys take care of Weyauwega

By Greg Seubert

It’s early in the season, but it looks like the Iola-Scandinavia boys’ basketball team is gearing up for a run at a Central Wisconsin Conference East Division championship.

The Thunderbirds improved to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in division play Dec. 15 with a 74-40 win over Weyauwega-Fremont.

I-S closed the first half with a 9-2 run to take a 39-19 lead into the locker room before outscoring the Indians 35-21 in the second half.

“We did a lot of nice things,” I-S coach Sam Bertsch said. “It was nice going against a zone (defense) because I know we’re going to see a zone next Friday (against Shiocton). I think that shows some of our team strength and how strong we are. We can bounce off of those defenders and finish near the room. We left a couple our there underneath the hoop, but you’re not going to get all of them at this point of the season.”

The win came three days after the T-Birds’ 85-40 win over Amherst.

“Teams know us for our offense, but our defensive average is pretty impressive, too,” Bertsch said.

Justin Sivertson and Connor Kurki led the T-Birds with 18 and 14 points, respectively, while Levi Erdmann led the Indians with 10.

Both teams have CWC East Division games scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21. The T-Birds will host Shiocton, while the Indians will travel to Keshena to face Menominee Indian.

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Weyauwega-Fremont's Kolden Baehman and Iola-Scandinavia's Will Cady collide while going after the basketball Dec. 14 during a Central Wisconsin Conference East Division matchup in Weyauwega. Greg Seubert Photo

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A New London man is accused of harassing an ex-girlfriend.

Ellis K. Wangelin, 57, New London, is charged with felony stalking.

According to the criminal complaint, a 58-year-old woman told Waupaca County deputies she broke up with Wangelin on July 11, after nine years of an on-again, off-again relationship.

She said she changed all the locks on her doors and obtained a new cellphone due to prior domestic abuse.

When investigators spoke with neighbors and co-workers, they described Wangelin as violent and volatile and reported seeing bruises on the victim.

In September, Wangelin allegedly began made multiple calls to and entered the victim’s workplace, accused her of having an affair and left messages demanding to speak to her immediately.

The woman reported he visited her father’s grave where he left items and sent her notes.

On Nov. 24, Wangelin left a Christmas tree by the woman’s front door, the complaint says.

On Dec. 4, he allegedly parked across the street from where the woman works and stared at her.

On Dec. 5, the woman returned from work and found Wangelin parked in front of her house.

Judge Troy Nielsen granted the woman a temporary restraining order against Wangelin.

Wangelin was released from custody after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

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Searching for the king

By Angie Landsverk

Students at St. Peter Lutheran School in Weyauwega saw the Christmas story as told by marionettes.

The Fox Folk Marionette Troupe of Fox Valley Lutheran High School (FVL) presented “The Search for the King” on Dec. 13.

For FVL senior Aidan Smithson, it was a Senior Showcase performance for him.

He lives in rural Waupaca, graduated from St. Peter Lutheran School four years ago and has been part of the troupe the past few years.

Aidan Smithson is pictured with one of the marionettes following the Fox Folk Marionette Troupe’s performance, in Weyauwega.
Angie Landsverk Photo

Smithson was a sophomore at FVL when one of his friends introduced him to the group.

“I’ve kind of stuck with it ever since,” he said.

He developed friendships through his participation in it.

Smithson also said, “It’s a good look at history, a different way to tell Bible stories.”

He plans to study history in college.

Returning to St. Peter Lutheran School “brought back a lot of fun memories,” Smithson said.

Dave Payne directs the troupe, which is an extracurricular club at FVL.

At FVL close to 40 years, he is the school’s communications director.

Payne’s daughter Cassie is the co-director of the troupe.

“We are probably the only high school group that does marionettes in the whole world,” Payne said.

Most of the puppets they use were built in the 1960s.

The troupe has about 75 puppets, and also does an Easter show and some fairy tales.

“You don’t see string puppets much anymore,” he told the St. Peter Lutheran students before the show began.

He said about half of the group is “brand new this year.”

The first time many of them picked up a puppet was six weeks ago, Payne said.

Last Thursday’s performance in Weyauwega was the troupe’s fifth show in the last two weeks.

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The strings on these marionettes are maneuvered by members of the Fox Folk Marionettes Troupe during a recent performance, in Weyauwega. Angie Landsverk Photo

The 30-minute show it presented was about Artaban, a “wise man” with a truth to share.

The story is based on “The Other Wise Man” by Henry Van Dyke.

“Marionettes have been telling this story for hundreds of years,” Payne said. “The puppets you will be watching have been telling the story for over 50 years.”

Many of the hand-crafted marionettes used in it debuted in December of 1965, and the story of “The Other Wise Man” was one of the shows performed by the original troupe.

It was also the first show performed by the high school’s troupe after the marionettes were donated to FVL in 2004.

Bruce and Barbara Purdy approached the school when they were looking for a home for marionettes they created.

They first became involved in marionettes in the 1960s, and were instrumental in starting a group at All Saints Episcopal Church, in Appleton.

That group created four Christmas plays, made the puppets and their costumes, while also building a stage, sound and lighting system.

When the Purdys moved to Nevada, they took their puppet building skills with them.

They built a new set of marionettes and oversaw the creation of a new group at their new church.

That was the first collection FVL received, after the Purdys met with school officials.

Payne recalled FVL’s principal saying to him, “You have puppets. You should do this.”

Payne was an English teacher at FVL at the time and said the marionettes reminded him of the string puppets in “The Sound of Music.”

They were different than the hand puppets he used in the classroom and at his church.

After the school accepted the donation, the Purdys tracked down All Saints Episcopal Church’s marionettes and equipment.

FVL received that donation as well.

Payne’s daughter Cassie was double majoring in English and theater at the time.

In both cases, she helped him inventory everything and assemble the stages.

Faith Seeley, the former director of the church troupe, was among those who did a training session with them.

Payne’s introduction to puppetry was decades earlier, when Neenah’s Rec Department had a summer program that involved building marionettes.

He was around fourth grade and said they took the show to parks in the community that summer.

Years later, Payne was a parent when the pastor of his church was looking for something to do with the youth group.

The group started doing hand puppet shows as a ministry.

Payne’s daughter Cassie is a children’s librarian and eventually took over what became Hands 2 Grow.

“Between the two of us, we have more than 700 puppets, and people keep giving us more,” Payne said.

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Xavier wrestlers win with forfeits

By Greg Seubert

The Waupaca wrestling team won all six of its contested matches in its nonconference meet with Xavier.

However, seven forfeits helped the Hawks return home to Appleton with a 42-31 win Dec. 17.

The Comets forfeited matches at 106, 113, 132, 160, 182, 220 and 285 and those forfeits added up to all 42 of the Hawks’ points.

Jesse Frisk’s pin of Andrew VanDerKolk 37 seconds into the 170-pound match tied the score at 6-6 and Brock Sanger’s 12-0 win over Jacob Earle at 195 cut the Hawks’ lead to 12-10, but the Comets forfeited the next four matches and trailed 36-10.

John Schmidt added to the Comets’ score with a 16-1 technical fall of Joe Malski at 120 to make it 36-15.
Another Waupaca forfeit at 132 gave Xavier a 42-15 lead, but the Comets closed the meet with three straight wins.

Damian Pomerenke pinned Nate Picard in 1:12 at 138, Ron Mason pinned Sam Oswald in 1:53 at 145 and Garret Miller handed Adrian Chenci a 20-7 loss at 152.

The Comets will host Oconto Falls at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10.

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Waupaca's Brock Sanger works on Xavier's Jacob Earle during their 195-pound match Dec. 17 at Waupaca High School. Sanger handed Earle a 12-0 defeat, but Xavier won the nonconference meet 42-31. Greg Seubert Photo

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Richard Eugene Nelsen, age 72, of Waupaca, passed away on December 15, 2018 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King.

He was born on January 30, 1946 in Oak Park, IL to Harold and Bertha (Pflug) Nelsen.

Richard is survived by his wife, Mary, Waupaca (WI); his daughter, Megan (Brent) Nelsen-Bayer, Fredonia (WI); his son, Ryan (Michelle) Nelsen, Edina (MN); his granddaughters, Sonnet Bayer and Simone Nelsen; his grandsons, Eli Bayer and Axel Nelson; his brothers, William Nelsen, Madison (WI), and Walter (MaryAnn) Nelsen, Madison (WI). Richard was preceded in death by his parents

A Celebration of Richard’s life will take place on Thursday December 27, 2018 at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca from 1-3:00 p.m. with eulogies and remembrances to be shared. Online condolences can be left at www.hollyfuneralhome.com.

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N. Alice Schiesser, age 96, of Hortonville, passed away on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at her residence.

Alice was born to the late Carl and Jennie (Kooie) Baker in McCallister, WI on August 18, 1922. She was united in marriage to Gordon Schiesser on December 24, 1941. He preceded her in death in 2001. Alice loved to sew and quilt and was an avid scrabble and dominoes player. She was an excellent cook and well known for her apple pie. Alice’s charitable acts included volunteering at nursing homes, reading, writing letters and giving residents manicures, also sewing baby quilts for church, pillow cases for shelters, backpacks for back to school and aprons for the disabled. Above all Alice loved her family, neighbors and friends!

Alice is survived by her daughters, Anita (Richard) Slone, Neillsville; Beverly (Ed) Schiesser, Blachly, OR; Elaine Garza, New London and Jannis (Bruce) Pedersen, Plainfeld; her sons, Lloyd (Joan) Schiesser, New York and Raymond (Judy) Schiesser, Hortonville; beloved grandchildren: Mark, Dan, Chris, Mike, Rick, Scott, David, Kevin, Tim, Rivers, Mandy, Ramiro, Moriah and Jennifer and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alice was preceded in death by her husband; daughter, Lorrey (Ron) Ciske; daughter-in-law, Donna Schiesser and siblings, Bob, Les, David, Roy, Francis, Edna, Ann and Lily.

The funeral for Alice will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at United Church of Christ in Dale. Rev. Steve Davis will be officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Larsen Winchester Lion’s Club and/or ThedaCare at Home Hospice. The Borchardt Moder Funeral Home in Hortonville is serving the family. www.borchardtmoderfuneralhomes.com

A very special thank you to all the neighbors and caregivers for always being there when Alice needed them!

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Bertrand D. Blashe, age 92, Town of Pella, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018 in Appleton.

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Audrey E. (Burns) Granger-Hanson, age 89, Nekoosa (formerly of New London), passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, December 17, 2018.

She was born on January 30, 1929 in Appleton, daughter of the late Robert and Lenore (Thern) Burns. Audrey was raised in Hortonville and attended Hortonville High School. She was a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing. She was married to Floyd Granger for 50 years and together they raised six children in New London. In 2004, she married Norman “Dub” Hanson. She worked for over 50 years as a Registered Nurse. She started her career in the Labor & Delivery unit at New London Community Hospital. She also worked for Dr. Luis Galang, Dr. Schmallenberg, and Dr. Dernbach in New London. Audrey ended her career as a health occupational nurse at PH Gladfelter-Bergstrom in Neenah. Upon her retirement, Audrey moved to Lake Camelot, WI. Audrey was a member of the Business Professional Women (BPW), the Nursing Alumni Association, and Emanuel Lutheran Church Evangelism Committee in New London. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids where she worked on committees, sang in the choir and volunteered for vocational Bible school. Audrey enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, watching sports and especially spending time with her family and friends.

Audrey is survived by her husband, Norman “Dub” Hanson; children: Shawn (John) McBride, New Orleans, LA; Wendy (Frank) Johanek, Elm Grove; Tim (Betty) Granger, Nekoosa; Marilee (Michael) Collar, New London and Tambi (Bradley) Prey, Nekoosa; children through marriage: Terry (Geneva) Hanson, Todd Hanson, Christine (Lee) Matlock, Theo (Michelle) Hanson, Timothy Hanson and Thomas Hanson; 28 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie Panzenhagen; a sister and brother-in–law, Margaret and Leroy Buelow and brother in-law, Robert Lathrop. She is further survived by nephews, nieces, other relatives and special friends. Dear to Audrey’s heart were Richard and Celeste Hadfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Floyd; a son, Gregory Granger; a sister, Arlouine Kringel; a brother Clifford Burns; sister in-law, Bette Lathrop, brother-in-law, Jerry Panzenhagen and a stepdaughter, Cindy Hanson-Killeen.

Funeral services for Audrey will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, (10611 State Hwy 13) Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, with Pastor Paul Tullberg officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home (209 W Cook St) in New London and also at the church in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids and Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

Audrey was cherished for her contagious “zest for life”, “up beat” personality, and living each day to the fullest with her family and friends.

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Bulldogs earn 2 pins

By Erik Buchinger

The Bulldogs were defeated at home against West De Pere 42-33 on Thursday, Dec. 13.

New London earned pins from Travis Kuhnke in the 285-pound weight class and Damian Polanco at 113 pounds.

“Travis Kuhnke always seems to come through for us, and he had a huge pin,” New London head coach Nathan Krueger said. “We had some other guys really step up and provide quality wins for us.”

The Bulldogs earned a win from Lucas Gerrits at 132 pounds, while Keegan Morien (106), Mason Kloehn (138) and Logan Heimbruch (145) won with forfeits.

“They battled tonight,” Krueger said. “We got a little outmatched in a couple spots, but they battled and wrestled well. We’ve got some work to do and things to clean up, but we’ll get better.”

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Oxford House offers help for recovering addicts

By Robert Cloud

Oxford House represents the last piece of the comprehensive recovery programs developed locally in response to growing addiction problems, according to Vicki Poeschl.

Poeschl is a member of the Waupaca Community Health Action Team (CHAT), a community group that focuses on health issues.

She and Michael Schultz wrote the grant applications that helped CHAT bring Oxford House to the community.

Working with Bill Lauer, with Wisconsin Outreach Services for Oxford House, Poeschl and Schultz raised more than $50,000 to hire outreach workers, furnish the homes and provide a revolving loan fund for new residents.

Statewide, there are 27 Oxford Houses.

Schultz, who works as a volunteer with Waupaca County’s Drug Treatment Court, said, “One of the questions judges always ask is, ‘Do you have a safe place to live?’”

For those trying to overcome addiction, returning to the environment and the people associated with past drug-related behavior often leads to relapse.

The goal of Oxford House is to create a sober-living community that encourages recovery.

Oxford Houses are run by the residents themselves, rather than by managers or counselors.

Residents vote, elect their leadership, interview and determine new members.

“I like the empowerment of it,” said Dustin, who is a resident and an outreach worker for Oxford House. “There is no hierarchy or staff telling you what to do. You have accountability and responsibility for what happens in this house.”

“We all want this,” said Tony, one of the six men currently living at the Oxford House on Demarest Street in Waupaca. “We all want recovery. We all made mistakes but we want something different, something better in life.”

Lauer said the Oxford House model works because the residents build relationships with others who are also working to be sober and take responsibility for their lives.

The residents are responsible for the costs of maintaining the house and paying the rent.

“Everyone who lives here works,” Dustin said. “We expect you to do some kind of activity outside of the house whether it’s work or as a community volunteer.”

Lauer noted Oxford House receives no government funding and is totally self-sufficient once it opens.

Residents are required to maintain absolute sobriety.

“If they drink, they will be expelled within 30 minutes,” Dustin said, when asked what happens to residents who relapse.

Members usually attend three meetings a week, either at their church, at counseling sessions or other recovery programs in the community.

Disruptive behavior that may jeopardize the members is also prohibited.

“Neighbors may be concerned about people with serious crimes or sex offenders,” Poeschl said. “Each house votes on who comes in and who doesn’t.”

Dustin said current residents will screen applicants to ensure they do not have a history of violent crimes.

House members come from treatment centers, drug court, jail and homeless shelters.

“Our main focus is recovery from all of that,” Lauer said.

Researchers from DePaul University and the University of Illinois found the relapse rate for those living in an Oxford House was 31.3 percent, while the relapse rate for those who returned to their normal living situations was 64.8 percent after two years.

Volunteers are working to open a second Oxford House in Waupaca in the spring of 2019. It will serve women.

“This was a lot of hard work, but it’s so worth it,” Poeschl said. “We could not have accomplished this without support from the community.”

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New assistant directors for ambulance service

By Holly Neumann

Faye Buch and Tammy Arndt have been appointed assistant directors of Manawa Rural Ambulance Service.

Buch think she will be an asset to Service Director Andy Werth, and also Arndt.

“We will work as a team to keep the service moving forward in a positive direction,” she said.

An EMT for 30 years, she believes it is important to be part of the future of EMS in a small community.

She likes being able to help others in their time of need.

“Being a former Fox Valley Technical College EMS instructor, I enjoy helping/mentoring the new EMTs on our service to bring out the best in them,” she said.

Arndt has been an EMT for 27 years.

Inspired by her mother-in-law to become an EMT, she also enjoys helping people and being there for those in need.

“I am excited to be able to contribute more to the service and community,” said Arndt. “I want to be part of the continuous advancement of Manawa Rural Ambulance into the future of EMS.”

Her ability to work well with people to help them succeed in EMS and her ability to keep moving forward are the greatest assets she brings to the position.

Both Buch and Arndt said the department is always looking for people who want to become part of the Manawa Rural Ambulance Service family.

Those who are interested may call 920-596-2593 for more information.

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Homemade sweets in Iola

By Holly Neumann

Jodi Schmoldt, of Iola, has always loved homemade caramel.

She has turned that love into a business of her own.

“As a child, my mom would take us kids to The Caramel Crisp shop in Fond du Lac,” said Schmoldt. “The aroma hit us as soon as we entered and it was amazing.”

Years later, she decided to make some of her own to give to a friend for her birthday.

“It was not an easy undertaking and the process is very sensitive to many factors,” she said. “After seven batches I finally got it right. My husband said, ‘These are really good. You should sell them.’”

She remembers thinking no one would buy them.

“Boy, was I wrong,” Schmoldt said.

From there, Sunny Caramels was born.

Dubbed “The Caramel Lady,” for about 10 years, Schmoldt finds herself busy during the holidays.

“Because of the labor intense nature of caramel making, most people would rather buy them then make them,” she said.

Her recipe has been perfected over time, and her customers have come to expect the soft, non-sticky goodness she makes.

“The best compliment I ever get is, ‘They are just like Grandma used to make,’” she said.

Currently, she makes plain, or original, sea salt, pecan and salted cashew varieties.

“My personal favorite is the pecan, as it reminds me of my mom’s favorite candy, the pecan turtle,” Schmoldt said. “The main seller is the plain.”

The people she meets, the stories they tell and the way her business has enriched her and her family’s lives, is what she likes most about what she does.

“The flexibility in my schedule is a must as a mother,” she said. “Having had my children later in life, having as much time as I can with them is imperative. I hate to miss a thing.”

Equally as important to Schmoldt was being able to teach her children how to work hard to put out a quality product.

“I had worked for Sargento Cheese Company for many years, where I learned the importance of good manufacturing procedures,” she said. “I also learned that the quality of product is much more important than the quantity. We would strive to not be the biggest supplier on the shelf, but the one with the best products and excellent customer service.”

She adopted that strategy.

“I do not have to be the biggest, just put out the best product I am able to,” Schmoldt said. “I give excellent customer service, to keep them coming back for more. My customers are always happy to see me, not a bad way to show up at work; loved and appreciated.”

She also credits her community.

“I do not believe I would have been as successful if not for the wonderful community of Iola,” she said. “My husband and I moved here 15 years ago to start a family. We could not believe how kind and friendly the neighbors were. We call it living in Mayberry. In this day and age, it’s refreshing to surround ourselves with so many good people, and more importantly to raise our children with these small town values and kindness.”

Those wishing to contact Schmoldt may reach her at sunnycaramels@live.com or at 715-445-5994.

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Truckers rally late

By Erik Buchinger

The Truckers scored nine unanswered points to pull away from Bonduel late in the second half in a 50-40 win on Monday, Dec. 17.

Clintonville’s Aiden Polzin picked up an offensive foul, followed by a technical with about 4 minutes left, and after two free throws, the Truckers’ lead was cut to 41-40. The Truckers did not give up a point the rest of the game.

“When Aiden fouled out, we rallied just a little bit harder toward the end,” Clintonville head coach Ryan Mattson said. “Kids stepped up and hit some shots.”

Clintonville’s Presley Rosenow finished with a team-high 11 points and knocked down three 3-pointers.

“I thought I did pretty well,” Rosenow said. “I felt confident in my shots and they were falling.

Mattson said he was happy with his team’s defensive performance.

“The defense played the way they were supposed to finally, and they played it right,” Mattson said. “We were there to help each other out, blocked out and got rebounds and took care of the basketball at the end.”

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Waupaca plans hearing on fare increases

By Angie Landsverk

Brown Cab Services, Inc. will continue to provide the city of Waupaca’s shared ride taxi service.

The Waupaca Common Council voted 9-0 earlier this month to award a two-year contract to the company with three, one-year renewals.

Ald. Lori Chesnut was absent.

The taxi service is partially subsidized by state and federal transit funds.

Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (WisDOT) requires the city seek bids for the service at least every five years.

The city sought proposals in September and received two.

The other proposal was from F.D.S. Enterprises, of Hudson.

City Administrator Henry Veleker said a panel evaluated the proposals, as required by the WisDOT, and recommending awarding the contract to Brown Cab.

The two proposals were scored on professional competence, capacity, experience and price, with Brown Cab receiving the highest score.

The cost of the service is based on 17,185 service hours.

It will increase 14 percent, from $27.60 an hour to $31.47 an hour.

“Similar increases are being seen for the other systems going out for bid this year,” Veleker noted in a memo to Mayor Brian Smith and the common council.

At one time, federal and state transit funds covered 65 percent of the deficit to run the service, he said.

“The deficit is the difference between the annual service cost minus fare revenue. In 2018, the funding covered 56 percent of the deficit and it is projected to be 54 percent for 2019,” Veleker wrote in the memo.

He said the staff’s goal is to bring the service’s local share requirement in to the amount budgeted.

In 2019, that is $10,000.

Karl Schulte, of Brown Cab, told the council 2018 is coming in according to the goals.

“Ridership will be higher than 2017 and 2016,” he said.

Schulte said 2014 was the record year for ridership.

Revenue is up this year, he said.

A fare increase went into effect last Jan. 1, and Schulte projects the 2018 levy budgeted for the service will not be needed.

However, he expects 2019 to have challenges.

“State aid will go down again,” Schulte said. “We expect to recommend a fare hike and to do different promotional things to help.”

Veleker said a public hearing will be held in January regarding fare increases.

Without taking such steps, the local share is projected to be $46,000 when $10,000 was budgeted for it.

Implementing a fare increase in January is expected to bring in more than $32,000 in revenue.

The city also wants to discuss a cost increase with the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King to bring in more than $13,500 in 2019.

Additional advertising to increase ridership is also planned for next year, as well as paid advertising on the taxi vehicles.

Schulte said the $31.47 per hour fixed cost for the next two years is the correct number.

It will allow Brown Cab to increase the starting wage for drivers.

“One of the last things they want to do is to increase fares, but I think it is reasonable, considering the cost of the other service in the city,” the mayor said. “We should be able to come in with no city share. That depends on the grant and number of riders and if the vets home wants to agree to pay a little more for the service.”

Smith said the goal is for the grant and ridership to cover the cost of the service.

“I feel it’s a reasonable request,” he said of a fare increase in 2019.

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Police say a woman mailed marijuana to her teenage son.

Glenda S. Walstrom, 44, New London, is charged with felony distribution of marijuana to minors, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, contributing to the delinquency of a child, misdemeanor child neglect, delivery of drug paraphernalia to a minor and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Dec. 11, Postal Inspector Matt Schmitz contacted Waupaca County Deputy Bryan Strobusch about a package that smelled like marijuana.

According to the criminal complaint, the package was mailed from New London and addressed to Walstrom’s 15-year-old son in Michigan.

A search warrant uncovered 40 grams of marijuana inside the package, as well as snacks and candy.

On Dec. 12, deputies executed a search warrant at Walstrom’s residence on Dailey Road in the town of Lebanon. They reported finding 10.5 ounces of marijuana.

Walstrom lives with Mitchell R. Tischauser, 39, who was charged with felony possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia as party to a crime.

Tischauser was convicted of misdemeanor possession of marijuana on March 27, 2006.

Walstrom was released from custody after posting a $1,000 cash bond.

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City planners review developer’s proposal

By Scott Bellile

The New London Planning Commission will consider including commercial buildings in a subdivision development proposed west of New London High School.

Developer Carl Romenesko, who first presented his proposal to the New London Finance and Personnel Committee in September, attended the planning commission’s Nov. 29 meeting to expand upon his ideas.

Romenesko, president of Appleton-based Romenesko Developments Inc., owns a 16-acre farm property north of Dawn Drive on County Highway W in the town of Mukwa. He would annex into the city of New London.

He presented to the commission three sketches of conceptual layouts on Nov. 29. Two were solely residential while the other also included two commercial buildings comprising 4 acres total.

Debate over commercial use

Romenesko said with the high amount of traffic on County W, the land along the road could be prime real estate for service businesses.

He would own the structures upon completion and lease the space to businesses. He said the buildings could accommodate four tenants each.

“I think there’s neighbors out there that would love to see a chiropractor or a dental office or an eye doctor or a Curves for Women. … It could be a day care,” Romenesko said.

Romenesko owns commercial buildings throughout the Fox Valley. He said his other tenants include financial advisers, engineers and a heart cardiologist.

Alternatively, Romenesko said he could set aside land to market as commercial property, and if there were no takers after a few years, he could build residential properties there instead.

Mayor and Commissioner Gary Henke said businesses on County W would be far away from the city’s retail businesses across town.

In this satellite image, the shaded area shows the town of Mukwa property Carl Romenesko owns where he proposes building a subdivision. Pictured to the right is New London High School’s athletic complex.
Image created using Google Maps

“My opinion is I don’t think that’s a good area for commercial just for the simple fact it would be the only thing out there,” Henke said.

“Plus it’s right next to the high school, and a couple of times a day there’s a hell of a lot of traffic out there,” he added.

Commissioner Steve Thompson said he likes the commercial option. The high school traffic could make the site perfect for a gas station, he said.

“I think sometimes people are saying, ‘If we only had a place to get a gallon of milk on the south side of town. Everything is north,’” Commissioner Ron Steinhorst added.

Commissioner Susie Steingraber asked the commission if the city has received inquiries from professionals such as dentists or chiropractors who want to start a business but have nowhere to locate.

“I haven’t heard of any,” Henke said.

Existing businesses could be surveyed regarding whether they would consider moving to that area if they were to expand, Romenesko said.

Under the commercial option, Romenesko would develop the two commercial buildings and 20 residential lots.

Under the two residential-only options, he would develop 26 or 36 residential lots, depending on whether the plan commission asked him to keep or remove an existing farmhouse he owns along County W.

Thirty-six residential units sold at $235,000 each would add around $8 million in property value to the city, he said.

Romenesko said he could build three to five homes per year. He could also sell land in the subdivision to homebuilders.

While Romenesko would own the commercial buildings, he would sell any residences he built.

Utilities extension

Construction of the proposed subdivision is contingent upon two actions: Romenesko must annex his land into the city of New London, and the New London City Council must agree to extend water and sewer lines to his property.

City officials said annexation should not be difficult.

A proposed subdivision may be built on this cornfield located along County Highway W near Dawn Drive in the town of Mukwa.
Scott Bellile photo

As for the second point, the planning commission voted to authorize City Administrator Kent Hager to negotiate a contract with Romenesko.

The contract would establish that the city would pay to extend utilities to the site. The contract would also set the number of homes and the deadline for Romenesko’s project.

City officials expect extending water, sanitary sewer and electrical service to the property line would cost $300,000 to $350,000.

Hager said one downside to installing the utilities is all the land surrounding Romenesko’s property is already developed with Mukwa homes, besides New London High School to the east.

The neighboring Mukwa homes have their own wells and septic systems, so it is doubtful they would ever annex into the city, hook on to the newly installed water and sanitary sewer system and become city utilities customers, Hager said.

Henke said he is OK with that. The utilities revenues generated from Romenesko’s subdivision alone would pay off after five to 10 years, he said.

Depending on how fast the city council moves to extend water, sewer and electrical service, Romenesko said he could begin construction next year.

Next steps

The New London City Council on Dec. 11 approved hiring McMahon Associates for up to $28,000 to provide design, bid and construction services to extend sanitary sewer and water service on Klatt Road.

The planning commission plans to select one of Romenesko’s three concepts at its next meeting.

The meeting will be held Jan. 24, 2019 at 5 p.m. at the New London Municipal Building, 215 N. Shawano St. It is open to the public.

The city council would review the planning commission’s recommendation sometime after January. The council would also hold a public hearing on the matter.

Town of Mukwa residents would be welcome to speak at the public hearing, City Clerk Jackie Beyer told the Press Star.

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