New officer focuses on community relationships

By John Faucher

Dasko

Ashley Dasko knew she wanted to serve in law enforcement since she was 15 years old.

The December 2015 Fox Valley Technical College graduate has served as a reserve officer for Waupaca County, and worked as a Community Service Officer in Grand Chute for a year and a half.

“That year and a half really helped push me into my ultimate dream,” said Dasko. “I knew since I was 15 this is what I’ve wanted to do.”

She said community service is an important part of the job.

“Making a presence and being interactive with the community has a big impact on your police department, and how you work with your community,” said Dasko.“The more that I can be out in the community and make positive relationships, the better off the community, and police department are.”

Dasko was hired to fill a full-time vacancy on the department roster and she officially began her service two weeks ago.

Fellow officer Jason Sweeney said Dasko has worked all shifts for the department and has had an opportunity to respond to a variety of calls with her fellow officers.

“She’s not afraid to get out and talk to people, and she’s a good communicator,” said Sweeney. “I think that is one of her best qualities.”

Dasko said even though she is relatively new, she feels comfortable and fits in with the other officers.

“I’ve made strong connections with my fellow officers that I wouldn’t change for the world. It’s a great team to work for,” she said.

Being the only female officer on the department does not bother her at all.

“I’m just like one of the guys,” she said. “Having a female officer on the department will help with certain female situations where a person may not want to speak with a male officer. I feel it can help the department.”

She said she tries to have a positive outlook in her job and personal life.

“I’m human just like everybody else. We all make mistakes and we all have to be accountable for our actions,” said Dasko.

She said police officers have to be able to understand where people are coming from and understand everyone makes decisions. “It’s just that some may not always be the right ones,” said Dasko.

“I want to be able to provide services and help people,” she added.

Hortonville Police Chief Michael Sullivan told village board members that Dasko was the top candidate in a field of around 50 applicants.

Sullivan said the department was in the final rounds of interviews to fill another fulltime vacancy in the department and he expected to announce that candidate in the coming weeks.

Sullivan also reported to the board that local response has been positive toward law enforcement in light of negative national press and civil unrest with law enforcement in larger cities of the country.

On Monday, Sweeney said, “We’ve been very fortunate here in Hortonville. We have people approaching us and thanking us on a daily basis.”

Dasko said she did not let the national media attention and recent hostility towards police impact her decision to pursue a career in law enforcement.

“I’m very happy to be here, and I’m really excited,” said Dasko. “In law enforcement you are constantly learning because things are constantly changing and you have to adapt to those changes. You never know what you’re going into so you need to be prepared for anything regardless if the outcome is positive or negative.”

Four classic movies to be screened

The First Thursday Film Series, featuring commentary by Dr. Jack Rhodes, will return with the classic western Winchester ‘73 at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, in the lower level of the Waupaca Area Public Library.

Patrons of the series should note that this movie will actually be screened on the second Thursday of September, so that the series will commence after the Labor Day holiday rather than before. The remaining three films will be shown on the traditional First Thursday of each month.

Complimentary popcorn, soft drinks and theater treats will be provided at all movies in the series. All programs begin at 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 8: Winchester ‘73 (Universal, 1950) is the film most often credited with revitalizing audience interest in the western genre in the postwar years. The script focuses on the drama behind a prime example of the finest Winchester rifle, as it changes hands across the landscape of the Old West. Directed by Anthony Mann, in the first of his collaborations with star James Stewart, the movie also features memorable performances by Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea and, in an offbeat interpretation of the real-life marshal of Dodge City, Will Geer as Wyatt Earp.

Oct. 6: North by Northwest (MGM, 1959) is one of the most popular and fast-moving entertainments ever directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Cary Grant stars in this exciting tale of of mistaken identity, murder, and Cold War espionage. Also in the strong supporting cast are Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, Leo G. Carroll and Martin Landau. The movie will be shown during this particular month in homage to its scenes involving Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, since the famous national monument will celebrate 75 years since its dedication on Oct. 31, 1941.

Nov. 3: Wake Island (Paramount, 1942) recounts the fate of the island’s beleaguered American defenders in the immediate aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Directed by John Farrow, the virtually all-male cast includes Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy, Macdonald Carey, and William Bendix, who received an Oscar nomination for his role. This movie, produced under wartime conditions and released just a few months after the events it depicts, will be shown in honor of all veterans of U.S. military service and has been selected in commemoration of the attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago on Dec. 7, 1941.

Dec. 1: Miracle on 34th Street (20th Century Fox, 1947) is a perennial Christmas favorite which asks audience members to examine their belief in Santa Claus. The fine cast directed by George Seaton includes Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and an Oscar-winning performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. According to Rhodes, the film, though no doubt frequently seen in the past by most library patrons, deserves repeated viewings and cleverly captures the spirit of the holidays.

For more information, call the library at 715-258-4414 for additional information. No reservations are needed.

The following people were convicted in Waupaca County Circuit Court of drunken driving or driving under the influence of controlled substances.

• Christopher D. Sommer, 42, New London, was sentenced to one year in jail, assessed $1,811 in fines and court costs and his license revoked for 36 months for a sixth offense.

• John P. Niemczyk, 37, Plainfield, nine months in jail, assessed $2,619, revoked 36 months for a fifth offense.

• Tyler C. Torborg, 27, Clintonville, 60 days in jail with 53 stayed under the Safe Streets Treatment Option Program, assessed $1,849, revoked 15 months for a second offense.

• Kellie Marie Schelach, 46, Milwaukee, assessed $1,030, revoked nine months.

• Evan D. Cooper, 25, Green Bay, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Broghan T. Cullen, 24, Waupaca, assessed $811, revoked six months.

• Anthony J. Campbell, 25, Iola, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Paul Thao, 53, Appleton, assessed $1,050, revoked nine months.

• Taylor N. Schuelke, 23, Marion, assessed $885, revoked seven months.

• Gary L. Basch, 61, Brookfield, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Harris L. Holtane, 39, Waupaca, assessed $924, revoked eight months.

• Leigh Jaglarski Waltz, 42, Amherst, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Grant G. Puffer, 26, Manawa, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Logan D. Rusch, 22, New London, assessed $998, revoked nine months.

• Donna M. Gill, 52, Waupaca, assessed $998, revoked nine months.

Tech college offering free tuition

The Fox Valley Technical College Foundation Promise offers free tuition to regional high school seniors to help build a better life while boosting economic development.

The Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) Foundation kicked-off its Promise program in early August.

The FVTC Promise is a fundraising campaign designed to provide free tuition and books for students planning to attend the college in fall of 2017.

High school seniors in the college’s district who qualify for free or reduced school meals during the 2016-17 academic year may become a Promise Scholar the following year at FVTC. They must also maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher during their final year of high school.

Once enrolled at FVTC, Promise Scholars need to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and participate in community service activities as a college student.

In addition, the initiative is set up to help address a major shortage throughout the region for skilled talent in a variety of workforce sectors. Area employers continue to struggle to find the right skill sets that align with their workplace objectives.

Lower-income high students who become Promise Scholars will gain an advantage toward a better quality of life through earning a technical education.

Wisconsin TechConnect, a statewide online employment information system for recruiting Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) students and graduates for employment, listed about 10,000 vacant positions for skilled talent within the region during the past year. Those postings represent sectors in transportation, business, health care, manufacturing, culinary and hospitality, agriculture and service.

The FVTC Promise also provides opportunities for donors to contribute toward the program by supporting about 3,000 students over the next five years. More than 2,000 high school seniors this fall in the college’s district already qualify for free or reduced school meals.

For more information, visit www.fvtc.edu/fvtcpromise.

Eggebrecht

A familiar face will be seen in an unfamiliar role at Waupaca Middle School.

Carl Eggebrecht is replacing Ben Rayome, who resigned as principal of WMS effective Tuesday, Aug. 9.

“Ben had the opportunity to advance his career,” District Administrator Greg Nyen said, noting that Rayome had accepted a position as school district administrator in Tigerton.

Eggebrecht has more than 30 years of experience with the Waupaca School District.

Most recently, he has served as one of two principals at Waupaca High School, as well s the athletic director.

Eggebrecht received his teaching certification from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and his master’s degree in educational
administration from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

“The middle school leadership position is, like all leadership positions, critical in its own right,” Nyen said in an Aug. 11 letter to parents. “Fortunately, we have a number of qualified and experienced administrators in this district who stepped forward ready to be part of the solution.”

Nyen said there will be adminstrative structural changes at both WHS and WMS.

At the high school, the dean of students position will be eliminated, Rob Becker will be the high school’s sole principal and an interim assistant principal will be appointed.

At the middle school, the dean of students position will also be eliminated and an interim assistant principal will be appointed.

Both assistant principal positions will be posted in February 2017 and candidates will be interviewed.

Nyen said the school district will realize cost savings with the administrative reorganization.

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Hayden Neidert pitches the ball to a teammate while running a play at Waupaca High School. Neidert, a second-team all-conference kicker last season as a junior, is penciled in at quarterback this year. Greg Seubert Photo

Noltner takes over for Koronkiewicz

By Greg Seubert

It’s been a long time since the Waupaca football team watched the WIAA playoffs from the outside.

The Comets have qualified for the playoffs each season since 1991, the second-longest current streak in Wisconsin.

Those 25 straight appearances came under former coach John Koronkiewicz, who retired following the 2015 season. Tom Noltner, was an assistant coach in each of those 25 seasons and is now the team’s coach.

“(Other programs) are happy to have one and we have that streak going,” he said. “We really haven’t talked about that yet, but the guys know that. They don’t want to be the class – the senior class – to not make the playoffs. I think pressure is good. It makes you focus more. I think it makes you work harder and that’s the way life is sometimes. There’s a lot of pressure in anything you do. You’ve got to be handle that to succeed in your job, your school or a game.

“They want to succeed,” he said. “This is their last go-around.”

The Comets will open the season at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Green Bay West as Waupaca starts its second season in the Bay Conference.

So far, Noltner likes what he sees.

A wide receiver reaches to catch the ball while working out with quarterbacks at practice at Waupaca High School. Greg Seubert Photo

“They’ve bought into everything we’ve been doing,” he said. “We’ve had a great effort, a great pace. We’re extremely happy with how things are going. The guys are being great teammates, stepping up and helping everybody learn the new system, especially on offense. We can’t ask for anything more. Their effort has been outstanding.”

Waupaca finished fifth in the Bay last year with a 4-4 mark and ended the season at 4-6 following a first-round loss to Rice Lake in the playoffs.

The Comets finished in the standings behind Xavier, Menasha, Seymour and West De Pere, four teams that beat Waupaca last year.

“Our goal is to finish in the top half and make the playoffs,” Noltner said. “We’ll see where things kind of shake out in the end.”

The Comets have to replace all-conference second-teamers Walker Smith, Christian Overman, Johnny Popham, Gavin Montgomery and Cannon Hermanson and honorable mention players Simon McClanahan and Joe Gill, but returning players include first-team senior defensive end Dylan Minton and second-team seniors Hayden Neidert, Blake Orr and Brandon Anderson at punter, defensive lineman and defensive back, respectively.

Neidert will replace Smith at quarterback.

“All the seniors are leaders because it’s their last year, so we’re looking at all of them to help,” Noltner said. “Hayden is doing a great job and Blake and Dylan, our defensive ends, are our leaders on defense. They were starters.”

Fans can also expect to see plenty of junior Brenden Canterbury.

“Brenden is on defense, but he’s also working some tailback,” he said. “He’s a very gifted athlete and we’re going to try and get him into as many situations as we can.”

Noltner wants to put his own stamp on the program, but admitted their will still be traces of the team’s former coach.

“We have a little bit of everything,” he said. “We have some different formations. It is new, but it is some of the old. We’re really working on short passes and ball control.”

Like other area teams, the Comets dealt with heat and humidity during the first week of practice.

“I told them, ‘If you’re not working, sit at home, go in the basement and sit in the air conditioning, drink lots of fluids, go sit in a pool somewhere out of the sun,’” Noltner said. “We gave them lots of breaks with lots of water.”

The team showed up the first day of practice Aug. 2 ready to go and worked out twice on the practice fields at Waupaca High School.

“They were excited and ready to go,” Noltner said. “Everybody was here for both practices. They haven’t had two-a-days in maybe 20-some years, so it was different.”

Waupaca 2016 Football Schedule

Varsity
Friday, Aug. 19 – at Green Bay East, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 26 – at Green Bay West, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 2 – vs. New London, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 – at Xavier, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 16 – vs. Wrightstown, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23 – vs. West De Pere, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1 – at Shawano, 1 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7 – vs. Seymour, 7 p.m. (Homecoming)
Friday, Oct. 14 – vs. Menasha, 7 p.m.

JV1 (Junior Varsity)
Monday, Aug. 22 – vs. Green Bay East, 5 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 – vs. Green Bay West, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – at New London, 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 – vs. Xavier, 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19 – at Wrightstown, 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 26 – at West De Pere, 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – vs. Shawano, 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10 – at Seymour, 5 p.m.

JV2 (Freshman)
Thursday, Aug. 25 – vs. Green Bay West, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 1 – at New London, 4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – vs. Xavier, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 15 – at Wrightstown, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 22 – at West De Pere, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 29 – vs. Shawano, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 6 – at Seymour, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 13 – at Menasha, 5 p.m.

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Karol Wroblewski (left) and Jack Kraemer work on blocking drills during opening week of football practice at Iola-Scandinavia High School. Holly Neumann Photo

I-S to play first three games at home

By Greg Seubert

Expectations are high this season for the Iola-Scandinavia football team, which suits longtime coach Scott Erickson just fine.

“We always have high expectations here,” he said. “We’re going to take it day-by-day and try to get better. Hopefully, we get to the level we want to be at when we start the season.”

Gio Fredheim hauls in a pass during football practice at Iola-Scandinavia High School. Holly Neumann Photo

The Thunderbirds posted a 9-2 record last season, including a 6-1 in the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference behind eventual WIAA Division 5 state champion Amherst. Amherst knocked off I-S during the third week of the season, while the T-Birds’ season ended with a 28-21 Level 2 playoff loss to eventual Division 6 champion St. Mary’s Springs.

“We won nine games last year and the two teams we lost to won a state championship,” Erickson said. “What does that tell you? We lost by seven points to Springs, so we were as good as anybody last year. The kids know that. We just have to keep plugging away.”

The T-Birds will open the season at home at Thunderbird Field with a nonconference matchup against Manawa. The team is also home for the next two games, as I-S hosts Rosholt and opens CWC 8 play against Wittenberg-Birnamwood.

Graduated all-conference players include first-teamers Caleb Loken (wide receiver and defensive back); Kristian Welch (running back and linebacker); Ryan Bauer (offensive and defensive lineman); Karl Boddy (offensive lineman); and Cam Gruenwald (punter). The T-Birds also have to replace Scott Aasen and Adam Cherek, all-conference honorable mention picks as offensive lineman and defensive back, respectively.

Welch is now at Iowa after the Hawkeyes offered him a full scholarship.

“That’s the nature of the best in high school,” Erickson said. “You can’t sign someone to another contract. You just have to keep bringing them up and hopefully, the kids you’ve been working with in previous years will be ready to go.”

A small junior class of only four players means the T-Birds will suit up some young players, according to Erickson.

“We’re going to play a lot of young kids this year, a lot of sophomores,” he said. “We’re going to depend on the 10 seniors we have and a lot of sophomores. That’s the way it is some years in small-school football.”

Some of those sophomores had plenty of varsity playing time last year as freshmen, including all-conference second-team linebacker Bryce Huettner.

“Bryce started at inside linebacker for us and led the team in tackles,” Erickson said. “Kellen Wandtke played a lot as a freshman last year and a couple of our sophomores saw a lot of action as well. I’m not worried about that part of it. They just have to get the confidence and the belief that they can compete at the varsity level as a younger player. They have the talent, they just have to believe that themselves.”

Bonduel and Shiocton also qualified for the playoffs out of the CWC 8 last year, along with the T-Birds and Amherst.

The conference has had a team play for a state championship in each of the past five seasons. Amherst won Division 5 titles in 2012 and 2015 and finished second in 2014, while Shiocton won a Division 6 championship in 2013 and placed second in 2011.

“It’s a competitive league and we have to be ready to play every week,” Erickson said. “There are no gimmies in this conference. It’s go time. Either you do or you don’t. We have to be ready.”

If things fall into place, Erickson is expecting another solid year from his squad.

“We’re excited for them,” he said. “They’re working hard and they’ve done a nice job preparing over the summer and since last season. I think we have a good chance to have a pretty good squad here.”

Iola-Scandinavia 2016 Football Schedule

Varsity
Friday, Aug. 19 – vs. Manawa, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 26 – vs. Rosholt, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 2 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 – at Bonduel, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 16 – at Southern Door, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23 – vs. Pacelli, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30 – at Shiocton, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7 – at Amherst, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 14 – vs. Weyauwega-Fremont, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity
Thursday, Aug. 18 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 – at Manawa, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 5 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 – vs. Bonduel, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 26 – at Pacelli, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – vs. Shiocton, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10 – vs. Amherst, 5:30 p.m.

Middle School
Thursday, Sept. 1 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – vs. Amherst, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 – vs. Wild Rose, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 – vs. Clintonville, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 – at Manawa, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 5 p.m.

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The Weyauwega-Fremont Indians are expecting their seniors, including quarterback Logan Bosquez, to help lead the team this season. Greg Seubert Photo

Wega-Fremont roster includes 12 seniors

By Greg Seubert

It’s been nine years since Weyauwega-Fremont’s football team last qualified for the WIAA state playoffs.

Whether the Indians can get back to the postseason for the first time since 2007 remains to be seen, but coach Pat Fee is convinced his squad is headed in the right direction.

“We have a real good group of upperclassmen,” he said. “When you look at a program and building it up again, you’ve got to have that. Our seniors have a couple years of varsity experience. They know what it takes and they know what the results were the last couple of years. Their expectations are higher because they want to climb that ladder.”

The Indians are coming off of a 2-7 record that includes a 2-5 mark in the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference under Fee, who replaced longtime coach Tom Chase last year.

“Expectations in the second season are always a little easier,” he said. “We’re ahead of schedule just because they’re not learning the whole thing. We’re not reinventing the wheel again. Last year, it was new for everyone.”

The team’s 12 seniors include Trevor Flease and Logan Bosquez, who split time at quarterback last year.

“Trevor Flease is a dynamic kid,” Fee said. “We’ve got him in a place where he’s going to see some real opportunities on offense. Logan Bosquez has become a great team leader for us as our quarterback.”

Offseason time in the weight room has paid off for several players, according to Fee.

“The weight room was just tremendous for these guys,” he said. “We went from not being as strong and physical as we could have been. They saw that last year and wanted to do something about it. They put the work in. Our strides are really good that way. Now we need to put that to good use on the field.”

CWC 8 teams Amherst, Iola-Scandinavia, Shiocton and Bonduel have a combined 18 playoff appearances and three state championships in the past five seasons.

Cole Hudziak tackles running back Ean Marker during a recent practice at Weyauwega-Fremont High School. Greg Seubert Photo

“I would argue that our conference is probably the best small-school football conference in the state,” Fee said. “If you’re a competitor, that’s where you want to be. You want to be in the best conference, beat the best and become the best. If you’re a competitor, you want to play in this conference and fight for titles. If you qualify for the playoffs out of this conference, it’s anybody’s game when you get to that second season.

“We need to get back to that and that’s one of our team goals, but we’re concentrating on us right now and getting to that point,” he added. “They want a winning season and to be a playoff-qualifying team. That means you’re playing pretty good football.”

Manawa is moving from the CWC 8 to the CWC 10 this season, which means CWC 8 teams need three conference wins to make the playoffs, instead of four in recent years.

“We’re looking at having to beat a higher-echelon CWC 8 team and that’s how programs turn around,” Fee said. “I’ve been here long enough to be at the top of the mountain and at the bottom. We know what it takes. The kids have high expectations and I think they’re ready for that serious challenge.

“We need to take care of ourselves and not worry about the other teams right now,” he said. “If we can get that solved, then the success will come. I know that’s happening.”

Weyauwega-Fremont 2016 Football Schedule

Varsity
Friday, Aug. 19 – at Adams-Friendship, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 26 – vs. Brillion, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 2 – vs. Bonduel, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 – vs. Amherst, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 16 – at Pacelli, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30 – at Manawa, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7 – vs. Shiocton, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 14 – at Iola-Scandinavia, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity
Thursday, Aug. 18 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 25 – at Brillion, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – at Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19 – vs. Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 26 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – vs. Manawa, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10 – at Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Middle School
Thursday, Sept. 1 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – vs. Manawa, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 – vs. Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 – vs. Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 – at Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 6 – at Rosholt, 4:30 p.m.

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Seth Forbes keeps his eye on the ball while catching a pass at a Manawa football practice. The Wolves have a new coach this year in Brad Johnson. Holly Neumann Photo

Manawa football team joins new conference

By Greg Seubert

It wasn’t that long ago that Brad Johnson suited up for the Manawa football team.

He’s now ready to start his first year as the program’s varsity coach and replaces Bob Sell, who coached the Wolves for seven seasons.

Besides having a new coach, the Wolves are also moving from the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference to the Central Wisconsin 10 Conference.

“We’re moving forward, that’s for sure,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of new things going in, but these kids are working hard. It’s going to come together. The kids, the staff, the effort, the bonding, it’s coming around.”

Johnson is also Manawa’s wrestling coach, so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to oversee a program at the varsity level.

“Football hasn’t been a cakewalk,” he said. “I’m learning a lot and it takes up all my time, but it’s been fun.”

Manawa is coming off of a 4-5 season. The Wolves were 3-4 in the CWC 8 and could have wrapped up a WIAA playoff spot with a win over Iola-Scandinavia in the regular season finale, but came up short.

The Wolves and Thunderbirds will meet again at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at Thunderbird Field in Scandinavia in the season opener for both teams.

Instead of competing in the same conference at the T-Birds, Weyauwega-Fremont, Amherst, Shiocton, Bonduel, Pacelli and Wittenberg-Birnamwood, the Wolves will join Almond-Bancroft, Wild Rose, Marion/Tigerton, Rosholt, Tri-County and Port Edwards.

“The worst part is I don’t know a lot about those programs,” Johnson said. “I can only watch film and see how good they area. Every single one of them has something they’re really, really, really good at. It doesn’t really matter how many kids you have.

“A lot of people said we’re moving down, but I think we’re moving out,” he added. “There’s going to be another conference shakeup again, so we’ll be back soon enough.”

Numbers have been a problem for the Wolves in the past, but that’s not the case this year, according to Johnson.

He expects the team’s roster to include about 45 players, which is up significantly from the 26 players the Wolves sent to last year’s preseason scrimmage at Ozaukee High School.

Isaac Ratliff brings the ball up the field while practicing with the Manawa football team. Holly Neumann Photo

“It’s nice,” he said. “We actually have guys we can practice against now. They’re all getting reps and not standing on the sideline. We believe if we coach the fourth strings, it’s only going to help the first strings.”

Last year’s team only had four seniors, so the Wolves are returning several players with varsity experience.

All-conference second-teamers Luke Wilz and Hakeem Benhamadi and honorable mention players Sam Welch and Brandon Radloff have graduated, but returning players include seniors Ethan Hass, an all-conference honorable mention running back and defensive end, and Zach Kreklow, an honorable mention defensive back.

“Hass and Kreklow are big ballplayers for us, but we have a bunch of improved guys that really hit the weight room this summer,” Johnson said. “We also have a couple new transfers. Two or three of those are real players and they’re going to see time right away.”

A shortage of players meant the Wolves played several freshmen and sophomores last year.

“We actually started two freshmen and another one rotated in,” Johnson said. “Those freshmen made huge gains this offseason. I’m really looking for a lot of our underclassmen to be our rotation guys. It might not help us in week one or week two, but it’s only going to make us stronger and better.”

It won’t be long for Manawa fans to notice a major difference for the team.

“Brand new jerseys and helmets, that’ll be the first thing they notice,” Johnson said. “It’s a little spice for them and makes it fun.”

Johnson and his coaching staff have also installed a new offense.

“I came from a little different school than Bob Sell and the things he did worked for our team,” he said. “Option football is what we do. That’s what I grew up on. It makes it a lot easier.”

Although the Wolves have yet to play a game this season, Johnson is convinced his team is on the right track.

“We talk a lot about attitude, leaving everything at the door and giving everything they can on the field,” he said. “That’s what I’m seeing. They know that if they make their backup better, they’re only going to make themselves better. We’re starting to see that in our program and that’s a great thing to have.”

Manawa 2016 Football Schedule

Varsity
Friday, Aug. 19 – at Iola-Scandinavia, 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 26 – vs. Coleman, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 2 – at Port Edwards, 4 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 9 – vs. Wild Rose, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 16 – vs. Marion/Tigerton, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 23 – at Tri-County, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 30 – vs. Weyauwega-Fremont, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 7 – vs. Rosholt, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 14 – at Almond-Bancroft, 7 p.m.

Junior Varsity
Monday, Aug. 22 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 29 – vs. Almond-Bancroft, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 6 – vs. Port Edwards, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 12 – at Wild Rose, 6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 19 – vs. Marion/Tigerton at Marion, 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 3 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 10 – at Rosholt, 6 p.m.

Middle School
Thursday, Sept. 1 – at Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 8 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 – vs. Marion/Tigerton at Tigerton, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 20 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 27 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 4 – vs. Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 11 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Waupaca County Sheriff’s deputies were called out to the Little Wolf River, about 100 yards south of Ostrander Road shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14.

Witnesses told the officers that 33-year-old Curtis L. Howell fell into the water and had not resurfaced for about 10 minutes.

Volunteers and firefighters searched the area and found Howell’s body a short distance from where he was last seen.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Weyauwega police, New London firefighters, Gold Cross Ambulance, New London First Responders and the Department of Natural Resources assisted.

The Iola Vintage Military and Gun Show was held Aug. 13-14.

Among the highlights of the 25th annual event, was a Vietnam War battle re-enactment

A 38-year-old Bear Creek man was killed in two-vehicle crash at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14.

The crash occurred on County Trunk T, about one mile north of State Highway 22, in the town of Bear Creek.

According to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, the Bear Creek man was northbound on County T when one of the vehicles crossed the center line and hit the other vehicle.

The southbound vehicle was driven by a 45-year-old Manawa woman with two children in her car.

The Bear Creek man was thrown from his vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

The Manawa woman was trapped and extricated by the Bear Creek Fire Department. She was then airlifted to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah.

One of the children was airlifted to the hospital while the second child was transported by Clintonville Ambulance to St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.

The Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office has not released the victims’ names, pending notification of the families.

Four squads team up for six titles

By Greg Seubert

Zarek Hoffman carries the ball for Weyauwega-Fremont as the Indians’ offense matched up against Clintonville’s defense at a scrimmage in Ripon. Greg Seubert Photo

Which area team has had the most success over the years in the WIAA state football playoffs?

Two programs with a combined four state championships and eight title game appearances come to mind: Waupaca and Amherst.

The Comets and Falcons have an opportunity to add to that success, as the 2016 season for most area teams kicks off Friday, Aug. 19.

Wild Rose is the only local team to open the season Thursday, Aug. 18, as the Wildcats head to Oshkosh for a 7 p.m. nonconference matchup with Lourdes Academy.

Games scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 19 include Waupaca at Green Bay East, Manawa at Iola-Scandinavia, Weyauwega-Fremont at Adams-Friendship, Amherst at Omro, Fall River at Almond-Bancroft, Shawano at Clintonville, New London at Xavier, Kaukauna at Hortonville and Marion/Tigerton at Dodgeland,

Waupaca has a 43-26 record in 28 playoff appearances dating back to 1987, all under former coach John Koronkiewicz. The Comets have made the playoffs each year since 1991, Wisconsin’s second-longest current streak; won Division 3 state championships in 2006 and 2008; and finished as D3 state runner-up in 1994, 2002 and 2012.

Tom Noltner joined the Comets as an assistant coach in 1990 and takes over for Koronkiewicz, who stepped down after the 2015 season.

“Hopefully, we can continue that great tradition,” he said. “One of our goals is to be in the upper half of the (North Eastern Conference).

The North Eastern also includes West De Pere, Seymour, Xavier and Menasha, all playoff teams in 2015.

“We want to be in the top four also,” Noltner said. “With hard work and trying to keep things simplified, hopefully, we can be in that top level and make the playoffs.”

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Brandon Piotrowski takes off on a touchdown run for Amherst during a four-team scrimmage against Laconia in Rosendale. Piotrowski led the Falcons in rushing last season, but is making the change this season to quarterback. Greg Seubert Photo

Meanwhile, Amherst has a 19-5 postseason record in seven playoff seasons. The Falcons qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 2001 and since then have won Division 5 state championships in 2012 and 2015 and played for a Division 5 state title in 2014 under coach Mark Lusic.

It won’t take the Falcons long to see a quality program, as Amherst will host defending Division 6 state champion St. Mary’s Springs Friday, Aug. 26.

“I know a lot of people have circled that one as kind of a measuring stick for us and them to see how everybody stands,” Lusic said. Of course we want to win and be successful, but it’s not a do-or-die moment. It’s the second game of the season.”

All 11 area teams have won at least four playoff games over the years and seven of them have either won at least one championship or played for a state title.

Clintonville has an 8-9 record in 10 playoff seasons. The Truckers finished second in Class A in 1976 and won the Division 2 title two years later, both under former coach Chet Jurkovac.

Iola-Scandinavia is 23-25 in 25 playoff seasons dating back to 1984. The Thunderbirds finished second in Division 5 in 1999 and Division 6 in 2007 under coach Scott Erickson.

Manawa is 12-19 in 20 playoff seasons dating back to 1983 and won the Division 5 state championship in 1985 under former coach Bob Lieberman.

New London has a 9-11 record in 11 playoff seasons going back to 1982 and finished second in Division 3 in 2007 under former coach Pete Mroczynski.

Wild Rose is 9-19 in 19 playoff seasons since 1976 and finished as the state runner-up in Class C in 1976 under former coach Jim Erdman,

Playoff records of other local teams are Almond-Bancroft, 9-12 in 12 seasons since 1997; Hortonville, 5-12 in 12 seasons since 1984; Marion, 1-3 in three seasons from 1988 to 2008 and 3-4 in four seasons since 2009 as a co-op team with Tigerton; and Weyauwega-Fremont, 7-8 in eight seasons since 1987.

Waupaca County sheriff’s report Aug. 18

• Aug. 14 – Caller reported a fight on the 400 block of Scott Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 14 – Resident of N10700 block of Lakeshore Road, Clintonville, reported that someone dumped a bag of garbage in his front lawn.
• Aug. 14 – Identity theft reported on the E1900 block of Smokey Valley Road, Farmington.

• Aug. 14 – Trespassing reported on the 00 block North Main Street, Clintonville.

• Aug. 14 – Harassment reported on the E9500 block of Manske Road, New London.

• Aug. 13 – Someone tried to leave a retail store without paying for a cart full of merchandise on the 800 block of West Fulton Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 13 – Retail theft was reported at the 2000 block of Farm Drive, Waupaca.

• Aug. 13 – Caller reported finding syringes in her son’s backpack at the E1900 block of Smokey Valley Road, Farmington.

• Aug. 13 – Caller from the 600 block of Waupaca Street, Waupaca, reported that a 1996 Honda Accord was stolen from his storage unit.

• Aug. 12 – Four men were reported fighting outside a bar on the E6400 block of Symco Road in Union.

• Aug. 12 – minors with open intoxicants in a black pickup truck were reported on the 1000 block of West Fulton Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 12 – A fight was reported on the 2200 block of Southland Lane, New London.

• Aug. 12 – Vandalism was reported on the 500 block of Demarest Avenue, Waupaca.

• Aug. 12 – Caller reported finding a syringe at the end of her driveway on the 500 block of Park Avenue, Waupaca.

• Aug. 12 – Prescription drugs were reported stolen from a mailbox on the 900 block of Evans Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 11 – A dark green Geo Prizm was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Main Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 11 – Caller reported finding a man passed out at an outdoor table on the E3300 block of Royalton Street, Waupaca.

• Aug. 11 – A neighbor’s rottweiler was reported loose in a yard on the E2600 block of Marion Lane, Waupaca.

• Aug. 11 – Harassment was reported on the 1000 block of Depot Street, Manawa.

• Aug. 10 – A woman on the E2500 block of Akron Avenue, Waupaca, reported that she was scammed out of $597.

• Aug. 10 – Electric saws were reported stolen from a garage on the E4800 block of Morgan Lane, Weyauwega.

• Aug. 10 – A caller from the N2600 block of County Trunk QQ, King, reported that someone deposited two fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks in his account and they bounced. His debit card information was also used for unauthorized charges.

• Aug. 10 – A mailbox was reported damaged on the E8600 block of County Trunk C, Clintonville.

Traffic
• Aug. 10 – One person was injured in an 8:30 p.m. crash in Mukwa.

Gary J. Burmeister, 59, New London, was northbound on Larry Road when his vehicle drifted onto the gravel shoulder. He overcorrected, causing his vehicle to fishtail, then leave the road and hit a tree.

Burmeister was cited for drunken driving.

• Aug. 6 –Two people were injured in a crash shortly before 9 p.m. in the town of Union.

Jolene M. Lepak, 26, Plover, was southbound on State Highway 22/110 when she failed to negotiate a curb, overcorrected, fishtailed and overturned her vehicle in a ditch. She was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown into the rear of the car.

Both the dirver and her passenger, Antohony C. Lepak, 28, Plover, required medical transport for treatment of their injuries.

Elaine L. Kluge, 88, passed away on August 11, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family .

She was born on May 6, 1928 to the late Nyman and Edna (Carlson) Rasmussen in Waupaca, WI. She married Paul Kluge on September 7, 1977 in Hawaii. She had a love for reading, crocheting, putting puzzles together, singing, traveling, spending time at their trailer in Wild Rose, doing her bible studies, the Christian Women’s Study, being involved with her church for 30 years, spending time with her beautiful cat Lacy, but most of all being with her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Paul; children: Patti Keske, Diane (Leonard) Luedtke, Dawn (Danny) Burgstiner, Edwin (Diane) Hildebrand, Brian (Karla) Kluge and Paula (Paul) Eckes; grandchildren: Melissa Gartzke, Joseph (Allison) Keske, Jasen Keske, John (Jennifer) Keske, Justin (fiancée Rosie) Keske, Ellen Keske, Lori (Brian) Elmhorst, Lenny (Alisa) Luedtke Jr., Lisa (Daniel Hendershot, LuAnn (Adam) Stroik, Jason Burgstiner, Lance (Monica) Burgstiner, Kristin Burgstiner, Andrea (Matt) Zirbes, Megan (Jon) Maser, Krista (Dylan) Waterstradt, Jody (John) Meidam, Troy (Sandra) Eckes, Michael (Michelle) Eckes, twenty-five great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law, Margart Rasmussen. She is preceded in death by her daughter Linda Gartzke, son Billy Hildebrand, sister Betty Sorenson and brother Robert Rasmussen.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King at 601 South Washington St., Combined Locks, with Pastor Tim Krick officiating. A time of visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. Online condolences can be expressed at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com

Joseph Richard Krautkramer, age 18, of New London, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 13, 2016.

He was born in Appleton on February 18, 1998, son of Rick and Leah (Herbst) Krautkramer. Joseph graduated from New London High School in June. Joseph was an adventurer and had plans to travel and be a pilot. He loved music, being on the water, his camaro and his KLR. He was employed with Kwik Trip the past year and a half. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville.

He is survived by his parents: Rick and Leah (Herbst) Krautkramer; siblings: Tony Hanneman, Neenah; James Krautkramer (and friend Sam Barwick and her daughter Dahlia), New London; Trevor Krautkramer, El Paso, Texas; maternal grandparents: Arden and Ellen Herbst, Greenville; paternal grandmother: Marge Krautkramer. He is further survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather Claude Krautkramer.

The Christian Funeral for Joseph will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Greenville with Rev. Joel Heckendorf officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. A visitation for Joseph will be held at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday.

Joseph, you were a blessing to have as a son – you were loved dearly and will be deeply missed.

Mom and Dad

Shawn R. Benbrooks, age 43, of New London passed away Sunday, August 14, 2016 in Marion.

Joan M. (Wilson) Tankersley, age 55, of Waupaca, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at Theda-Care Regional Medical Center-Appleton surrounded by family and friends.

Joan was born in Iola on December 9, 1960, the daughter of the late Loren and Dorothy (Cunningham) Wilson. Joan worked for many years for Jim Klismet at the Three Squares Restaurant where she enjoyed cooking. She loved thrift store shopping and spending money on her many grandchildren whom she adored and had a special name for each one. Joan was known to her children as little Miss Dangerous and to classmates as Little Willy. She had a passion to always help people down on hard times.

Joan is survived by her children: Walter (Carey) Tankersley III, Patrick Tankersley, Darick (Lora) Tankersley, Dale Tankersley and Natasha Leopold; her brothers, Rusty Wilson and Brian Wilson; her sisters, Loretta (Jim) Jackson and Brenda Reinkie-Wilson and her grandchildren: Alyssa, Owen, Tora, Terry, Ty, Talan, Peyton, Connor, Madisson, Camden, Elija, Nevaeh, Maesin, Mariah and Nicky. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Michael.

A Visitation for Joan will be on Friday evening August 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holly Funeral Home, Waupaca. Memorials are greatly appreciated to the family.

Linda M. Radichel, age 90, of Bloomfield died on Saturday, August 13, 2016 in Waupaca.

She was born on August 20, 1925 in Bloomfield, WI, the daughter of the late Leo and Laura (Robbert) Behm; on August 29, 1943 Linda married Arthur Radichel in Bloomfield. He preceded her in death on February 20, 1987. Linda was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield, where she served on the altar guild and the sunshine club. She also was a very active member of the Ladies Aid for many years, where she was in charge of the lunch committee. Linda enjoyed picking nuts, gardening, baking and crocheting. She was able to crochet afghans for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Marlys (Del) Brey, Poy Sippi; her daughter-in-law, Ann Radichel, West Bloomfield; five grandchildren: Greg (Nicole) Brey, Barb Radichel, Dawn (Jack) Groves, Jill (Jason) Maggio, and Laura DeBord; nine great-grandchildren: Luke, Timothy and Micah Maggio, Gwendolyn and Owen DeBord, Derik Groves, Morgan (Michael) Robinson, Jordan and Jesse Brey; a step-great-grandson, Nathan Ristau; two great-great-grandchildren, Ethan and Arya Robinson; a sister, Alice Niemuth, a sister-in-law, Lynette Hannemann; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Linda was preceded in death by two sons, Roger and LaVan; a brother, Raymond Behm; a sister, Sadie (George) Baehman; and two brothers-in-law, Elmer (Clara) Radichel and Vernon Niemuth.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, N6412 State Rd. 49, Weyauwega. Rev. John Taggatz will officiate. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery in West Bloomfield. Visitation will be held on Tuesdsay from 4-7 p.m. at the Lewin Funeral Home, Fremont, and on Wednesday, at the church, from 10 a.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established for Christ Lutheran Church Cushion Fund.

Bernice L. Svetnicka, 91, Town of Navarino, Shawa-no Co., passed away Mon., Aug. 15, 2016 in Shawano.