George H. Baitinger passed away peacfully on Thursdsay, February 7, 2019 at his home in Wild Rose, WI at the age of 66.

He was born on April 3, 1952 in Joliet, Illinois, son of the late Virgil and Eleanor (Giglietti) Baitinger. He married the late Diane Petrusa on March 2, 1975 while residing in Joliet. He moved his family to Wild Rose in 1985. He worked at Waupaca Foundry for 31 years. He was a devoted husband and father; a hard working man that always put his family ahead of himself. In his early years, he enjoyed spending his time with his children and never missed a sporting event that his sons were involved with. He was a quiet and patient man and enjoyed spending time at a casino.

Survivors include his three sons: Zachary (D), Joshua (Chrissy) and Matthew (Laurie Ann); grandchildren: Olivia, Jacob, Stella, Ezra and Reese; sisters, Virginia Ferry and Marie (John) Ward; also his significant partner Debbra Parzych; many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Diane, brother Robert and parents, Virgil and Eleanor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 3 until 6 p.m. at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca. In lieu of flowers, any donations will be made to a local charity.

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Hitchcock-based play set for Feb. 22-24

“The 39 Steps” is coming to Waupaca High School’s Performing Arts Center.

The school’s Drama Department will perform the play at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22-23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24. Seating is limited and tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for senior citizens and $5 for students. Tickets are available for purchase at the school’s main office or at the door.

“‘The 39 Steps’ is a fast-paced whodunit,” said Monica Reeves, who is directing the play with Jane Mary Dix. “With 33 scenes, it’s a play sure to entertain.”

The play started out in 1915 as a suspense novel, but it is more known as the 1936 Alfred Hitchcock movie. Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation, a Broadway success, mostly draws on Hitchcock’s film. The elements in the play draw on Hitchcock’s style: the wrong man running away from the police, trains, a lovely lady and smooth villains.

“The 39 Steps” centers on Richard Hannay, played by Connor Andersen, a Londoner leading an ordinary life, who is thrust into a perilous situation. Accused of killing a counter espionage agent, Hannay must save himself while trying to stop a spy ring from stealing secret information.

The cast also includes Caleb Schuelke, Derick Emerson, Alli Hansen, Claire Jacquet, Andrew Schmidt, Abby Perket, Kirsten Gregory, Shae Wright, Jakob Koran, Kayla Cain, Jack Snider, Zach Schafer, Connor Loken, Colin Studzinski, Seth Rowland and Mady Waid. Laura Petersen, Noah Loehrke, Dominick Silva, Jillian Sieckert and Jazmyne Gibbs will move the set pieces during the performance.

Joni Radley will play piano music throughout the show. Lillian Sommer will operate the sound effects and WHS stage manager Eric Conner will cue the lights.

“Transitioning the many scenes of the play is challenging,” Reeves said. “However, interesting piano music and sound effects assist in these transitions and that brings plenty of interest and excitement to the show.”

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Waupaca County sheriff’s report Feb. 11

• Feb. 11 – Caller from the 1100 block of North Shawano Street, New London, reported a girl whose name he did not know was trying to hit him and that she threatened to tell police he “did stuff to her.” He also said she flooded his bathroom.

• Feb. 10 – Caller from the 1600 block of Royalton Street, reported giving money to buy a car over eBay and now the seller wants more money.

• Feb. 10 – Caller from the 100 block of East Cook Street, New London, reported seeing a car pull up, a male driver step out, slam the door and order the female passenger to stay inside the car. When she opened the door, he threw her back inside.

• Feb. 10 – Caller from the 100 block of East High Street, Weyauwega, reported his cellphone was used to make more than $100 in purchases without his authorization.

• Feb. 9 – Emergency responders were called to a home in Embarrass where a 22-year-old woman overdosed on pharmaceutical narcotics.

• Feb. 9 – An 80-year-old caller from the 1000 block of Menasha Street, New London, reported at 1:44 a.m. that she heard someone outside her home, ringing the doorbell, but she could not see anybody or a vehicle.

• Feb. 9 – Caller from the 1300 block of Oshkosh Street, New London, reported at 2:54 a.m. that he heard someone banging on his garage door as if they were trying to break into his home.

• Feb. 9 – Caller from the E5600 block of North Water Drive, Manawa reported her 15-year-old son is grounded, but he took off on his father’s snowmobile without permission. She asked for advice and an officer was sent to the home.

• Feb. 9 – A 20-year-old woman reported her stepfather was intoxicated and getting in her face.

• Feb. 9 – A caller from the 600 block of East Quincy, New London, reported an African-American male wearing a hoodie was running around the neighborhood and stopping in front of houses.

• Feb. 9 – Caller from the E1300 block of Grandview Road, Waupaca, called 911 and asked for the number of someone who could plow her driveway as she had just returned from Florida and was blocked from her home by snow.

• Feb. 9 – The Landing Strip, Waupaca, reported a highly intoxicated 24-year-old woman on the floor, vomiting.

• Feb. 8 – The Subway shop, Lakeshore Drive, Weyauwega, reported finding a wallet with a lot of cash in it.

• Feb. 8 – A 17-year-old caller from County Trunk K, Waupaca, accused his foster parents of not taking him to school and not providing him with an education. The foster father asked dispatch to send an officer.

• Feb. 8 – Caller from the E8100 block of County Trunk X, New London, reported he needed help getting back the remote opener for his garage door and the key to his house. A woman who lived with him in January refused to return the items and had been sending him threatening text messages.

• Feb. 8 – Caller from Leighton Road, Waupaca, reported he keeps receiving calls from a New London number that he hit their car and left his phone number on their windshield. He does not know what they are talking about and they have begun threatening him.

• Feb. 7 – Illinois caller asked for a welfare check on her 3-year-old granddaughter in Waupaca because the mother has a history of drug abuse and child neglect.

Traffic
• Feb. 8 – One person was inured in a one-vehicle crash at 4 p.m.

Jared R. Sonnenberg, 33, Clintonville, was on Hunting Road, 41 feet south of Brewer Road, in the town of Dupont when his car left the roadway, drove through a ditch and hit a utility pole, causing the pole to snap.

Sonnenberg was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Waupaca with suspected minor injuries.

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Kowalkowski’s focus is taking care of chamber members

By Erik Buchinger

Elena Kowalkowski was hired to be the interim executive director for the Clintonville Area Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 9.

Kowalkowski said she has enjoyed her first month on the job since taking over for Suzanne Wittman, who resigned in December.

She joined the chamber in the beginning of August as an office assistant and event coordinator.

Kowalkowski was hired by the board of directors and began working as the interim executive director in addition to her duties at the chamber.

“With me being here and knowing how the chamber works and having previous months of experience here, they offered me the position of the interim executive to hold down the fort until we find something permanent,” Kowalkowski said.

Kowalkowski said she took the job because she is always excited to try something new and move up in the company.

Kowalkowski

“I always want to take the next step up or find a new challenge with new responsibilities in the workplace,” Kowalkowski said. “I always want to grow and learn, whether it’s on the job, training or even things outside the chamber like going to seminars and networking events. This can help me in this position, if I’m working somewhere else or in my daily life as a business person in general.”

Kowalkowski said she has gotten the hang of her new role.

“The first couple weeks were a little crazy as can be expected,” Kowalkowski said. “But within three weeks I’d say, I fell into a really good grove. I made sure to have a clear schedule for myself, and I have the board, which is very supportive and helpful. They’re always there if I have questions.”

Kowalkowski said prioritizing and scheduling her day out is one of her main focuses to ensure the chamber is running smoothly.

“I am taking it one week at a time, and I’m careful about my scheduling and knowing what I need to get done,” Kowalkowski said. “Prioritizing is huge because now that I’m doing executive work, I still have the office assistant and event coordination on top of that. It’s been a journey, and I’m glad this opportunity opened up for me. It’s been going good so far.”

Kowalkowski said she is trying to make sure the current chamber members are satisfied.

“I really want to focus on taking care of the members we have,” Kowalkowski said. “There are some member benefit programs that were started that are great but need a bit of work. I want to make what we have better.”

Kowalkowski said she expects to meet with as many chamber members as possible over the next month.

“I’m planning on going out and meeting with a bunch of the members in February and March to connect with as many of them as possible and have some dialogue,” Kowalkowski said. “I want to know what the chamber can do for them, and I want their feedback so I can better provide for their needs that are relevant to them. I’d like to make sure they feel their status as a chamber member is worthwhile. That’s huge for me, so that’s the main goal.”

Kowalkowski said she has been happy with the community’s response to her so far.

“This community has been really great,” Kowalkowski said. “Nobody likes change, but so far from what I’ve gotten from the business owners, members, the board and ambassadors, the community has been supportive and understanding. We’re going to thrive and keep it going.”

According to Kowalkowski, the chamber will look to hire a permanent executive director in June. She said she intends on applying for the full-time position.

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Theatrical troupe stages play Feb. 13-16

By Scott Bellile

Although “The Importance of Being Earnest” debuted 124 years ago in London, the Wolf River Theatrical Troupe trusts the Oscar Wilde classic will leave a modern-day American audience in stitches.

“It definitely challenges the actors as well as the audience because it’s a comedy, but it’s a comedy of wit. … You actually have to think about it, and then once you do, it’s like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious,” Director Michael Laskowski said.

The WRTT’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” will run Feb 13-16 at 7 p.m. each night. The Saturday, Feb. 16 date will include an additional 2 p.m. matinee show.

All performances take place at Real Opportunities Outreach, 304 St. John’s Place, New London. Tickets cost $15 each. To order, call Judy McDaniel at 920-982-6060.

“It is definitely a comedy,” Laskowski said of the play. “The reason why I like it so much is because I love social commentary.”

Laskowski’s favorite contemporary humorists include Jon Stewart, Seth MacFarlane and Wanda Sykes. Just as these satirists riff on 21st-century politics, culture and race relations in the U.S., Laskowski said Wilde’s writing delivered sharp takes on Victorian British society.

A primary target of Wilde’s commentary in “The Importance of Being Earnest” is British aristocracy.

The upper-class aristocrats saw nobility in their manners, proper dress and law-abiding natures, but Wilde perceived ignorance and hypocrisy in their customs. The playwright knew many of these privileged individuals headed off to taverns or brothels when nobody was watching, Laskowski said.

“With the aristocracy, appearances were everything, and that is definitely one of the main themes of this play,” Laskowski said.

“Earnest” is in the play’s name, but dishonesty is central to the plot.

Wilde’s story follows two wealthy men, Jack Worthling (Dalton Zanin) and Algernon Moncrieff (Tyler Wood), who employ deception to get their way.

Algernon, a London man, invented an imaginary friend in the country whom he often makes excuses to visit to lie his way out of bland social engagements.

Meanwhile, Jack, a country man, created a pretend brother named Ernest whom he frequently cites as a reason for traveling to London. Once in London, Jack pretends to people he is the flirtatious socialite Ernest.

During Act 1 set in London, Algernon’s cousin, Gwendolen Fairfax (Tierney Potter), agrees to marry Jack believing he is actually Ernest.

Later in Act 2 at Jack’s country estate, Algernon is posing as Jack’s fictional brother Ernest when he proposes to Cecily Cardew (Tara Gulbrandsen), who is the granddaughter of Jack’s adoptive father. She accepts believing Algernon is Ernest.

The men’s lies get farcically out of hand and spiral from there.

Wood, who plays Algernon, said the play’s humor is dry, witty and unexpected, like that of his favorite British comedy: Monty Python, “Fawlty Towers” and Ricky Gervais’s “The Office.”

He said he hopes the audience laughs and has a good time.

“For how old the show is, the jokes still surprisingly hold up today,” Wood said.

The play’s cast also includes Joey Larsen as Lady Bracknell, Tom Vinje as Dr. Chasuble, Debra Barkoltz as Miss Prism and David Woosencraft as Lane and Merriman.

The post Falsehoods fly in ‘Importance of Being Earnest’ appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

Ceremony held at courthouse

By Robert Cloud

Waupaca County Drug Court graduated its first participant Wednesday, Feb. 6.

“I am overwhelmed with my progress,” said Courtland Fritz, who entered the program in November 2017.

Fritz said the program helped him achieve “a stable environment, an honest heart, peace of mind and reflection of 35 years lost.”

A year ago, Fritz spoke with the Waupaca County Post about his experience as a drug addict.
He said he began drinking and smoking pot at age 13, using heroin when he was about 25 and began using methamphetamine about six years before entering the program. He is now 54 years old.

In December 2013, Fritz was convicted of the manufacture and delivery of methamphetamines. He was placed on three years of probation, ordered to perform 50 hours of community service and undergo any counseling recommended by his probation agent.

On May 30, 2017, Fritz was charged with possession of meth and possession of narcotics. He remained in custody for six months because his probation was revoked.

Convicted of both counts, Fritz was placed on two years probation and sentenced to nine months in jail.

On Nov. 22, 2017, Fritz appeared before Judge Vicki Clussman and began participating in drug court.

The remainder of his nine-month sentence was stayed, and Courtland began appearing in court every week.

Courtland Fritz (left) is the first participant to graduate from Waupaca County Drug Court. He is shown with Aaron Holt, the drug court coordinator.
Robert Cloud Photo

“When Courtland first got out of jail and started this program he was homeless,” according to Aaron Holt, who spoke at Fritz’s graduation. “He spent the first 45 days homeless. He walked out with only the clothes on his back.”

Holt, the drug court coordinator, said Fritz stayed at a homeless shelter, walked to all his appointments, counseling sessions, weekly court hearings and meetings.

During the 440 days Fritz was in the drug court program, he passed 127 drug tests, became self-supporting, had no arrests, found a job and moved into a stable environment.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Branch 2 at the courthouse, Judge Vicki Clussman said drug court “is not a get-out-of-jail free card.”

“It requires their commitment to the recovery and requires their participation in treatment groups,” Clussman said. “It requires them to undergo, two and three times a week, having their urine tested.”

In the first phase of the drug court program, participants are randomly tested for drugs multiple times each week, meet with group counseling sessions every day, meet with the drug court coordinator two times a week, meet with their probation officer once per week, work with a recovery coach weekly and go before a judge for a progress evaluation once every week.

“They have really stepped up to the plate,” Clussman said, regarding the 18 participants. “We are really proud of all the people that we have in our drug court program.”

Clussman described drug court as “money well spent.”

“We know that incarcerating someone who has an addiction is not going to reduce recidivism,” she said. “It’s more cost effective to have them in treatment than it is to have them incarcerated.”

Clussman said Fritz has put his life back on track since starting the program.

“Cortland has a good job, he has stable housing, he has a driver’s license,” Clussman said. “He is a good, productive member of our community.”

Fritz said drug court taught him how to deal with life instead of using drugs.

“How grateful can a person actually be for a life-saving event,” Fritz said.

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Wrestling season still alive

By Greg Seubert

It’s been quite a season so far for the Weyauwega-Fremont wrestling team.

And the Indians are showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The team hosted a WIAA Division 3 regional meet Feb. 9 and placed first out of seven teams. The Indians were scheduled to face Crandon and two of the state’s top wrestling programs – Coleman and Stratford – Feb. 12 at a team sectional in Auburndale, with the winner to advance to the WIAA State Team Wrestling Meet March 1-2 in Madison.

W-F also sent eight wrestlers to the finals at the regional and ended up with five champions: Carter Greening (113 pounds), Cian Fischer (120), Justin Kempf (132), Tyler Wetzel (182) and Austin Bartel (285).

Those five wrestlers, along with second-place finishers Easton Groskreutz (126), Logan Kicherer (145) and Skylor Maynard (195) advanced to the Bonduel Sectional, set for Saturday, Feb. 16, at Shawano High School.

Manawa had three champions in Colten Klemm (106), Bryan Griffin (138) and Eli Yoder (170) and three others that placed second: Kevin Klemm (113), Corey Beyer (182) and Andrew Elmhorst (220). All six wrestlers also advanced to the Bonduel Sectional.

Waupaca headed to Amherst for a Division 2 regional and will send a pair of wrestlers to the Wrightstown Sectional: champion Colby Bernhardt (132) and runner-up Brock Sanger (195).

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Manawa's Colten Klemm (right) controls his 106-pound match with Almond-Bancroft/Pacelli's Derek Clark Feb. 9 at a WIAA Division 3 regional wrestling meet at Weyauwega-Fremont High School. Klemm went on to win the 106 title and will join five other wrestlers from Manawa and eight from Weyauwega-Fremont Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Bonduel Sectional in Shawano. Weyauiwega-Fremont also won the team regional championship and advanced to a team sectional scheduled for Feb. 12 in Auburndale. Greg Seubert Photo

Division 3
W-F Regional
Team scores in Weyauwega were Weyauwega-Fremont (229), Shiocton (205.5), Manawa (178), Wittenberg-Birnamwood (147), Rosholt (108), Tri-County (73) and Almond-Bancroft/Pacelli (44).

Four of the Indians’ championships came by pin. Greening pinned Kevin Klemm in 49 seconds, Fischer pinned Rosholt’s Bo Niewiadomski in 2:41, Kempf pinned Tri-County’s Ryan Applebee in 1:37 and Wetzel pinned Beyer in 23 seconds. The Indians’ fifth championship came on Bartel’s 2-0 win over Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Allen Uttecht.

Groskreutz dropped a 5-4 decision to Shiocton’s Ethan Flannery in the 126 final; Kicherer fell 3-2 to Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Will Urquhart and pinned Shiocton’s Parker Moder in 57 seconds in the wrestleback round; and Tri-County’s Patrick Leisbsle pinned Maynard in 1:48, but Maynard wrapped up second place in the wrestleback round by pinning Shiocton’s Trevor Reif in 42 seconds.

W-F’s Adam Batten (138), Ean Marker (152) and Ben Strehlow (160) placed third.

“All three of these boys wrestled their hearts out,” coach Tim Potratz said. “They were so close to moving on. It is so disappointing that kids that work as hard as they have not get to wrestle at sectionals. These three boys really stepped up big for our team this year and we would not have been a dominant team without their efforts.”

Max Meyerhofer (170) placed fifth.

“We did not wrestle as well as we could have in the tournament,” Potratz said. “We let some matches get away that we could have won. We are very proud of the effort from all our boys.”

Colten Klemm beat Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Pierson Potrykus to win his championship, while Griffin beat Shiocton’s Jared Jahnke 9-3 and Yoder beat Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Jeremy Landowski 12-7.

Kevin Klemm and Beyer did not need a wrestleback match after being pinned by Greening and Wetzel, respectively. Shiocton’s Tyler Hess pinned Elmhorst in 5:37 at 220 and Elmhorst also did not need a wrestleback match.

Manawa’s other wrestlers included Gavin Linjer (120), Ryan Pynenberg (132), Colin Moser (160) and Alex Meidl (285), fourth; and Jeremy Grimm (126) and Kaden Kaczorowski (195), fifth.

Division 2
Amherst Regional
Tomahawk won the regional with 270 points, followed by Nekoosa/Assumption/Port Edwards (246.5), Lakeland/Mercer (130), Mosinee (121), Amherst (120.5) and Waupaca (110).

Bernhardt won his championship with a 10-0 major decision over Tomahawk’s Alex Bishop, while Tomahawk’s Eric Decker pinned Sanger in 1:18 in the finals.

Waupaca’s other wrestlers included Ronald Mason (138), third; John Schmidt (113), Ben Habighorst (120) and Garret Miller (145), fourth; Devin Eisentraut (152), Gabe Pierotti (170) and Kai Badgley (220), fifth; and Emmalee Schmid (160), sixth.

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The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office identified the rural Fremont teen who was killed in a two-vehicle accidentshortly before 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

The crash occurred on U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Lebanon, about one-half mile north of County Trunk N.

According to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, 17-year-old Grant Madsen, town of Caledonia, was driving southbound on U.S. 45 when he lost control, crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a northbound vehicle.

Madsen succumbed to his injuries.

The post Update on fatal crash appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

Bessette closer to scoring record

By Holly Neumann

The Manawa Wolves girls’ basketball team kept their fans on the edges of their seats during a comeback win over Northland Lutheran Feb. 8.

A 54-51 win over the Wildcats means the Wolves wrapped up the Central Wisconsin Conference North Division championship.

The Wolves trailed 35-21 at halftime behind 12 points from Clare Edelburg and nine from Mikayla Obsuszt.

Laynie Bessette led Manawa with 10 in the half.

With the help of a full-court press that caused several turnovers and a balanced scoring effort, Manawa outscored the Wildcats 33-16 in the second half.

Bessette led all scorers with 16 points, while Edelburg and Obsuszt led the Wildcats with 14 and 13. respectively.

Kaitlyn Miller added 10 points for the Wolves, while Kellynn Kaczorowski chipped in with eight.

Manawa’s rescheduled game at New London that was to be played Feb. 11 has been called off.

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Manawa's Grace Johnson (right) keeps pace with Northland Lutheran's Brianna Rohland Feb. 8 during a matchup of Central Wisconsin Conference North Division girls' basketball teams in Manawa. Manawa clinched the division championship with a 54-51 win over the Wildcats. Holly Neumann Photo

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Dianne Kay Hansen Pevonka, of Orange Park, Fla., passed away on January 17, 2019 after a short illness.

Born on November 7, 1944 to William and Berniece Hansen in Clintonville, Wisconsin, Dianne embarked on a life of dance, education, and amazing adventures. At an early age, Dianne began her formal introduction to dance in her hometown. Quickly, she moved from the role of student to that of teacher during her teens. Dianne, an eager entrepreneur, taught dance and held recitals not only in Clintonville but also in nearby towns such as Manawa and Marion, bringing her grace and talent to youngsters who might never have had an opportunity to study the art of dance. That same art took Dianne to Chicago and New York at a time when such opportunities were mere dreams to most of us. To put it bluntly, she did it! Dianne attended a one-room country school, part of the Clintonville schools, early in in her educational years and graduated with honors from Clintonville Senior High. There she marched as Band Drum Majorette, played clarinet, and performed in class plays. After graduation Dianne attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she earned a BA degree in Elementary Education and a special certificate in Early Childhood Education. While at UW she continued her passion for dance and drama, earning numerous performance credits in both acting and dance. Highlighting her performance accolades was an appearance with the UW dancers at famed Carnegie Hall. Not bad for a small town dancer!

After graduation Dianne returned to Clintonville where she taught elementary school for three years before moving to Florida. Later she attended the University of Florida, completing an MA, SPEC, and Ph.D. Dr. Dianne Pevonka became a highly regarded educator, in particular a pioneer in the adoption and development of student-learning centers. For her continuing efforts on behalf of students, she was selected as Alachua County Elementary Teacher of the Year in both 1997 and 2001 as well as Alachua County Outstanding Educator in 1975. In addition, she was designated by the State of Florida as a Meritorious Teacher in 1986. She also served Nova Southeastern University (1996-present) and St. Leo College as an adjunct professor (1996-97). As a life-long learner and always one to take on adventures, Dianne developed a wanderlust attitude to explore nearly every corner of the globe. Her travels took her to Norway where she sought out traces of her ancestry, cruised the Eastern Mediterranean, visited Italy, France, England, Greenland, Antarctica, Thailand and the Far East. She rode the rapids on the Colorado River and bravely traveled up the Amazon River. What a magnificent way to enjoy life and provide exciting tales to share with family and friends.

“Auntie Diamond” as she was labeled by a toddler-aged great niece, earned that moniker as that sparkling, shimmering person who lived a rich, full life, touching the very souls of all who met her. To great-nieces and nephews she’ll always be the bearer of grains of sand from an exotic beach or the bard telling tales of faraway cultures. In doing so, Auntie Diamond added the richness and zest for life that will carry them to their own adventures. That legacy is a living one thanks to Dianne.

Dianne is survived by her adored daughter, Ashley Pevonka, Micanopy, Fl.; a brother, Wayne (Carolyn) Hansen of Seattle, WA; a sister, Eileen (Jim) Richardson of Merrill, WI; four nieces/nephews, and nine great-nieces/nephews all of whom she loved dearly. In addition to family members, Dianne is survived by a multitude of friends who shared a special bond with her.

Memorial gatherings will be held at later dates by family and friends. In lieu of flowers and similar memorials, you are urged to perform an act of kindness, perhaps help out a person in need, plant a flower in Dianne’s memory or simply look for the beauty around you and share it with someone. After doing so, dance and smile knowing that Dianne would enjoy both.

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Keith Allen “Butch” Rodencal, age 74, passed away Monday, February 11, 2019.

He was born on January 2, 1945 in Berlin, WI, the son of Edwin and Gertrude (Heffner) Rodencal. He was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran church in Auroraville, WI. Butch married Diane Engel on October 12, 1963 at Emmaus Ev. Lutheran Church. He started farming in 1966 on his parent’s farm after working at several different jobs first. He hauled milk for awhile for Daisy Dairy and also at Radtke’s Feed Mill. In 1971 they moved to a farm in Waupaca County. Butch loved farming and after he finally sold his cows, he helped a neighbor with anything that needed to be done. He enjoyed working on his tractors and machinery in his shop and visiting with whoever stopped in.

Butch is survived by his wife Diane; three children, Tammy of Keil, WI; Todd and Scott both of Waupaca, WI; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a brother Darrell Rodencal of Sheboygan, WI and sister-in-law Sylvia Wells of Berlin, WI; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Butch’s wishes were for no funeral services. The Holly Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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George J. Porto, age 69, of Waupaca passed away at home surrounded by family on Sunday, February 10, 2019.

George was born September 23, 1949 at Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. George spent 32 years in law enforcement including the last ten as Crime Reduction Coordinator for the City of Menasha Police Department. George was an unusually good listener and an ever-ready dispenser of sage advice for family and friends. He loved listening to early jazz and was proud of the vast record collection he built. He had a keen eye for photography. His photos of Wisconsin scenes were painted and sold through the business he and his wife built. One of their favorite paintings was of George’s photo of the Red Mill in Waupaca where he and Barby were married almost 30 years ago. He loved fly fishing, especially on the Radley Creek that flowed behind the beautiful home he and his wife designed for their retirement. He gave generously of his time to the Friends of Hartman Creek State Park where he and Barby loved to hike. Papa was adored by his children and grandchildren. Above all else, he loved and cherished his wife whom he called “Princess.” Practical, strategic, generous, honest, fair, patient and kind-hearted; he lived well, loved and is loved much.

He will be greatly missed by wife, Barbara (Scherzinger) Porto; mother-in-law, Tommie Scherzinger; stepchildren, Jennifer Sensenbrenner of Los Angeles, CA; James (Jennifer) Sensenbrenner of Appleton; Carrie (Kurt) Schmitz of Elk River, MN; Charles (Leah) Sensenbrenner of Waupaca; and Douglas (Melody) Sensenbrenner of Oahu, HI; daughter, Kathy Cloutier of Hustisford, WI; grandchildren: Alice, Jeremy, Brittany, Khiah, Emma, Dyani, Gracyn, Keller, Priya and Sylvie; great-grandchildren: Eli, Dakota, and Riley; and sisters, Ceal (Jim) Tesch of Neenah and Edie (Ken) Dickrell of Appleton. Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony J. Porto and Irene (Miller), brother Martin, brother Gregory, sister Toni Lauer, sister Miki Ryder.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 15, 2019 at Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church in Waupaca at 4 p.m. with Father Xavier Santiago officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name.

George’s family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Matthias Weiss and his team at ThedaCare Cancer Care Center of Appleton for fighting hard for hope, to the ThedaCare Hospice team as well as Maple Crest Funeral Home for providing comfort when needed most, and to Father Xavier whose guidance helped bring us peace.

George, we will keep your song in our hearts and we will look for your shining star to brighten our way.

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Robert L. Elsholtz, age 78, New London, passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019, following a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

He was born in New London on September 27, 1940, son of the late Kenneth and Virginia (Eggers) Elsholtz. Bob attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School and graduated from New London High School in 1958. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1959-1962. He was a member of the Army Honor Guard; he marched in JFK’s Inaugural Parade, was present at many White House ceremonies and galas involving foreign dignitaries, and also served as a member of the Arlington National Cemetery burial detail. Bob was united in marriage to Marie Ann Lehman on May 30, 1964 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. He worked at Curwood in New London for over 40 years. He was one of New London’s biggest Cub fans and also loved the Packers and Badgers.

Bob will be greatly missed by his wife of 54 years, Marie; children: Brian (Patty), Barry (Alan), Becky (Mark) Aus, Brad, Brooke (Alan) Herzfeldt, Ben (Becky); grandchildren: Logan Elsholtz, Abby Elsholtz (special friend, Evan Lietch), Chevyn Aus, Jenna Herzfeldt, Ethan Herzfeldt, Jordan Elsholtz and Bristol Elsholtz; siblings, Joanne (Ron) Heise and Charles Elsholtz; brothers and sisters in-law, Bob (Carolyn) Lehman, Dick (Millie) Lehman, Dave (Shelley) Lehman, Gerald (Joanne) Lehman, Jane (Randy) Kriewaldt and Pat (Rick) Rieck. He is further survived by nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and sister in-law, David (Sherry), daughter-in-law Joanne Elsholtz and father and mother in-law, Gordon and Anna Lehman.

The Funeral Mass for Bob will be held on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Full military rites will be held following the service. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Kindred Hearts for their care and concern of Bob.

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Omer Kallevig died Friday, February 1, 2019 at St. John Lutheran Home in Springfield at the age of 89.

Omer Vernell Kallevig was born April 2, 1929 in Willmar, MN to Sig and Mattie (Froland) Kallevig. He graduated from Willmar High School and North Central Bible College in Minneapolis. Omer was united in marriage to June Marion Paulson on June 10, 1954 in Redwood Falls, MN. Omer pastored churches in Sleepy Eye, Marshall, Monticello and Moorhead, MN and Waupaca, WI. He was elected District Secre-tary/Treasurer and then District Superintendent of the WI/Northern MI District of the Assemblies of God. Upon retirement, Omer and June moved to Springfield, MN. Known for his sense of humor and his servants heart, his greatest accomplishment was loving people.

He is survived by his wife June; children- Jody (Doug) Kallevig Lester, Steven (Kerry Pappin) Kallevig, Donita (Ken) Kallevig Bryant, and Ron Kallevig; seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brother Don Kallevig, and sisters- Lowella Wold and Ruth Larsen. Omer is preceded in death by his parents Severin and Mathilda Kallevig; brothers- Marlin and Lowell Kallevig, and sisters- Alice Huisinga, Fern Eckblad, and Eunice Huisinga.

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Charles “Chuck” Edwin Krueger passed away peacefully on February 11, 2019.

Chuck was born to Edwin and Clara (Jacobi) Krueger on April 30, 1931 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During his youth, his family owned and ran Krueger’s Bakery. They were members of Sherman Park Lutheran Church. As a youth, Chuck attended both Concordia and Wauwatosa High Schools. He loved playing on the football and basketball teams. In 1949 he graduated from Wauwatosa High School. During the Korean Conflict, Chuck served in the US army as a company clerk, and he trained medics in Blackstone, VA. In 1953, Chuck married his sweetheart, Juel (Wessely), and they enjoyed 65 years together. He found great joy in his family and was proud of each of his six children: Lynne, Karen, Daniel, Steven, Jennifer and Jonathan. Chuck and Juel had much fun with their family outdoors. They built a log cabin at Kelly Lake near Mountain, WI. The family spent time together camping, fishing, and telling stories around the campfire in National Forest campgrounds. Chuck also enjoyed traveling with his family. He visited most of the U.S. states, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, and Norway. Chuck enjoyed a long career as a salesman. He began as a manager of Badger Paint and Hardware stores in Milwaukee, Madison, and Neenah. In Clintonville, Chuck owned and managed an Our Own Hardware Store. Then, beginning in 1974, he worked for 20 years as an insurance salesman in the Waupaca area with Aid Association for Lutherans. In Chuck’s retirement he was actively involved in the Chain of Lakes Conservation Club, the Waupaca Lions, and Emmaus dart ball team. Chuck was a bow hunter, fisherman, and a woodworker. Aside from building furniture for his home and his children’s homes, he built altar furniture, the communion rail, bookcases, and office furniture at Calvary Lutheran Church near King, WI. In recent years, Chuck and Juel joined the congregation at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Lind Center. Chuck was courageous in his battle with prostate cancer and received wonderful care through Heartland Hospice and at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home at King.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Juel; children, Lynne Krueger (Dennis Weibel), Karen (Bob) Strain, Daniel (Reneé Backus) Krueger, Steven (Lisa) Krueger, Jennifer Hobson (Robert Hoewisch, fiancé), and Jonathan (Analeese) Krueger; his grandchildren, Noah (Amanda) Weibel, Jordan Weibel (Ellen Hildebrand), Laura (Nolan) Hoistad, Jessica Korb, Emily (Eric) Sakowski, Jaden Strain, Jarah Strain, Robert Jr. (Cosmina) Strain, Nikki (Keenan Christopher) Strain, Joshua (Lana) Krueger, Aaron Krueger, Zach Backus, Kyle Krueger, Dylan Krueger, Andrew Porrey, Aaron (Brenda) Porrey, Adam (Cassie) Porrey, Jacob Hobson, Caleb Hobson; and his many great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Emmaus Lutheran Church, N180 Cty Rd A, Waupaca, WI 54981 at 10:30 a.m. The visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m., prior to the memorial service. Military honors and a lunch will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Chuck’s name to Emmaus Lutheran Church. The Maple Crest Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Three-year-old Everett Poppy of New London looks with amazement as his mother, Amanda McHugh of New London, points out a metal seahorse sculpture during the Wolf River Art League’s 49th annual Mid-Winter Art Show on Saturday, Feb. 9 at Crystal Falls Banquet Facility. Titled "Ocean Drifter," the sculpture was built by Makennah West of New London. Scott Bellile photo

The Wolf River Art League presented its annual showcase of local artists last weekend, Feb. 9-10.

More than 50 Wisconsin artists entered 150-plus pieces into the Mid-Winter Art Show for displaying, judging and selling.

Next year will be the 50-year anniversary of the art show. Organizers said they intend to “whoop it up a bit” to celebrate the milestone.

Sugar Bush native Kathleen Heideman was this year’s guest judge, and Iola photographer Judy Johnson was the featured artist.

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Hortonville's Jacob Collar wins his first round match at the Kaukauna Regional on Saturday, Feb. 9. Collar advanced to sectionals. Erik Buchinger photo

Wrestling regional roundup

By Erik Buchinger

Hortonville advanced 10 wrestlers to sectionals for their performances at the Kaukauna Regional on Saturday, Feb. 9.

The Polar Bears finished in second place behind Kaukauna as a team in the regional.

Eric Barnett (126) and Colin Schuler (170) finished first in their weight classes, while Jesse Cleereman (113) finished second.

Also advancing to sectionals included third-place finishers Landon Thern (132), Jacob Collar (138), George Huza (152) and Dylan Gocke (160).

Hortonville wrestlers Austin Wasmund (120), Bryce Gerner (145) and Tyler Sanofsky (195) each finished in fourth.

Hortonville’s sectionals will be held at Appleton North High School on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Marinette Regional

New London and Clintonville competed at the Marinette Regional on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Four wrestlers from New London will be competing at sectionals, while the Clintonville wrestling season is over.

The Bulldogs had three regional champions with Damian Polanco (106), Logan Heimbruch (145) and Travis Kuhnke (285).

New London’s Mason Kloehn finished second at 138 pounds.

Clintonville’s top finisher was Matthew Skowronski (152) with a third-place finish, and Hunter Allender (145) placed fourth.

Levi Engel (220) finished in fifth place, while Tabitha Breitrick (160) and Jetlyn Michonski (126) placed sixth in their weight classes.

The four New London athletes will compete at the Wrightstown Sectional on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10:30 a.m.

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Wrestling regionals roundup

By Erik Buchinger

Regional Wrestling Roundup

Clintonville girls’ basketball tops FVL

New London boys’ basketball falls to Green Bay East

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or SoundCloud.

Music was downloaded from Accelerated Ideas.

Sponsors: Klein Automotive, Nicolet Coffee, New London Press Star, Clintonville Tribune-Gazette

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Waupaca police promote detective

By Angie Landsverk

John Helgeson is now the captain of the Waupaca Police Department.

“I look forward to the challenges, and I appreciate Chief (Brian) Hoelzel and the Police and Fire Commission for the opportunity,” he said.

Helgeson began his new job duties on Monday, Feb. 11.

The commission voted unanimously on Feb. 5, to promote him from detective sergeant to captain.

Commissioner Jim Schulz was absent.

“He’s been exemplary in everything’s he done,” Chairman Bryon Gyldenvand said of Helgeson.

He described him as having some of the same characteristics as the late Fred Rasmussen, who served as Waupaca’s police chief from 1958-1988.

Rasmussen was known for walking throughout the city’s downtown during his tenure.

“We need people who make people feel safe,” Gyldenvand said.

The captain position replaces the department’s former lieutenant position.

Geoff Johnson retired from that position on Jan. 4, after 29 years with the department.

Last fall, Hoelzel requested replacing the lieutenant position with a captain position, and the commission approved it.

The department had the captain position years ago before turning it into the lieutenant position.

The captain’s salary remains the same as it was for the lieutenant position.

Hoelzel said Helgeson’s salary is $74,484.

As captain, Helgeson assists the police chief.

His duties include supervising the liaison officer and two, day-time officers.

His other job duties are field training and coordination of the rewriting of the department’s policies.

“He will be doing all background checks on all new department employees,” Hoelzel said. “If there are internal investigations, he will be responsible for handling them.”

Helgeson was one of two internal candidates for the position.

The other candidate was Sgt. Mario Graceffa.

Hoelzel recommended Helgeson for the promotion.

“John’s got a varied background with law enforcement,” he said.

Helgeson has been with Waupaca’s police department for 23 years.

He was a police liaison officer, patrol officer, patrol sergeant and the detective sergeant before being promoted to captain.

“John has worked all the different jobs within the department,” Hoelzel said. “He’s well rounded. Supervising – he will know what each of the jobs does because he actually did it.”

This is Helgeson’s 26th year in law enforcement.

The Iola native is a graduate of Iola-Scandinavia High School.

Helgeson graduated from Fox Valley Technical College with an associate degree in police science.

He decided to pursue that degree after doing ride-alongs with his older brother, Eric, who worked for the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office.

After graduation, his first job was as an undercover drug agent in Washington County.

He worked there about nine months.

That was followed by two years with the Iola Police Department before joining Waupaca’s department in 1996.
Helgeson and his wife Erin live just outside of Iola.

He is an avid golfer and member of Glacial Woods Country Club. He is also a member of the I-S Community Fitness and Aquatic Center.

Helgeson is ready for his new role in the department.

“I’ve worked well with Brian. I feel we can move this department forward in a new direction,” he said. “I feel my experience and training throughout the years has given me the skills to take over this position.”

Helgeson said his position may possibly concentrate more on drug work and investigations.

“I’ve always concentrated on investigations, but drug work will be a bigger part probably,” he said.

Hoezel said Helgeson will handle major investigations until the vacant detective sergeant position is filled.

That position was to be posted by the end of last week.

“There should be plenty of internal candidates,” he said. “I expect that to be a competitive process. We’re hoping to have that filled in mid-March.”

If that position is also filled from within the department, it will then have another vacancy to fill.

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Manawa shop offers creative outlet

By Holly Neumann

Amanda Niemuth, the new owner of the Flower Pot, believes her creativity makes her thrive.

Working with flowers and nature was always the forefront of her ideas.

“It had become my dream to someday launch into a creative outlet full time for my career,” she said. “As soon as I heard of this opportunity, it was calling me. It’s just one of those things that made absolute sense. The more I investigated the more I allowed myself to have some faith and open mindedness about taking a new direction.”

She did not think that her family would be on board as they already have another business in their household, Niemo’s Septic.

Over the years, Niemuth has had a lot of ideas, but none had ever really gathered the full interest and support from her husband Joe until this one.

She Joe’s support and belief in her skills have made her dreams come true.

“There are opportunities that come along that occur only once and you must decide whether you’ll proceed or walk away and move on forever,” she said. “When I first went in to talk with the previous owner, Lori Bertram, it was natural and easy. We seem to share the same sense of humor and have a lot in common. She won my trust right from the beginning.”

Niemuth feels that a flower shop is a valuable resource for Manawa.

“I feel the weight of keeping this as a resource to our community,” she said. “I can’t imagine not having this store and resource locally. I hope to continue to provide the same dependable service Lori has.”

She does however plan on adding a few touches of her own.

“I really want the store to be a calm and inviting place to shop for gifts or touches for your home,” said Niemuth. “Our environment is what we make it to be and that enhances how we feel. I myself love shopping small stores and small towns, so I hope that I can create a place where people want to take a relaxing drive to enjoy our local scene.”

Overall, Niemuth likes a rustic modern, minimalist, natural, and a hint of vintage-inspired atmosphere.

“I’m sure that look will follow me at the shop,” she said. “I also really enjoy observing nature, fashion and trends and will enjoy incorporating hints and colors from the trending scene into my work.”

Her vision is complex and fluid.

“It will be more of an unfolding journey then an end result,” she said. “I also do custom and personalized woodcrafts, arrangements, gift boxes, and signs and am excited to incorporate that and have all of my tools and supplies in one area.”

The name of the shop will stay the same to pay homage to this great business that Bertram started.

“She took a risk 10 years ago and she was really instrumental in changing the Manawa community to be a quaint little destination,” Niemuth said.

She is looking forward to expressing her creativity.

“This is my dream job,” she said. “I get to act on any ideas that come into my head without having to wait until my next day “off”. I am my best self when I can work creatively.”

The Flower Pot is located at 337 S. Bridge St., in Manawa.

The store is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Niemuth can also be reached by calling 920-596-3090 or via email TheFlowerPot11@gmail.com.

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