Two police officers honored for efforts during fire

By Erik Buchinger
Clintonville Police Officers Anthony Arietta and Tyler Bartel each received awards during the city council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 8 for their efforts in a recent fire.

The two officers, who both became full-time officers in April, awarded with letters of commendation and Life Saving pins for the fire that broke out in downtown Clintonville on Oct. 19.

“It’s a nice recognition for something that I wouldn’t expect to be recognized for because we’re doing our job,” Arietta said. “I’d expect anyone to do the same for me.”

Bartel said he is proud of the award he and Arietta earned.

“I appreciate it, and it’s nice to get the recognition,” Bartel said. “I’m very humbled by it.”

Clintonville Police Chief James Beggs presented the two officers at the city council meeting.

“In these times, it’s getting tougher and tougher to be a police officer in this world,” Beggs said. “It’s getting tougher and tougher to find good recruits. It’s getting tougher and tougher to bear the burden of some unpopular press, sometimes deservedly so I have to admit.

“But there are times when it’s really cool to be a police officer, especially as the chief, and this is one of those times.”

Bartel, Arietta and Deputy Matt Whitaker of the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department arrived on the scene at the upper apartments on 49 S. Main St. in Clintonville above Doesn’t Compute computer shop and Main Street Tattoos around 8:20 on Oct. 19.

Arietta saw an injured 58-year-old female on the stairwell with burns to her face.

“I noticed the female was injured, so I moved her to safer spot away from the burning building,” Arietta said. “I made sure she was fine and not in any further harm.”

Afterwards, Arietta assisted Whitaker and Bartel, who found an unconscious 64-year-old man and were performing CPR.

“We noticed he was unconscious, and we immediately did CPR,” Bartel said. “And eventually, he regained his pulse.”
Both victims were taken to the hospital and survived.

Arietta said dispatcher Samantha Schwamer was a big help for him and Bartel that night.

“She’s our line to resources, so she handled all calls super smoothly,” Arietta said. “She remained calm, cool and collected through the whole thing.”

Board proposes $8.40 per $1,000 rate

By John Faucher

Village of Hortonville taxpayers will see a .10 percent decrease in their tax bills in 2017.

The projected tax rate is down one cent from the previous year’s rate of $8.41 per thousand.

The proposed total levy for 2017 is $1.53 million.

Village board members met numerous times in October and early November to discuss preliminary budget figures, before proposing a revised balanced budget on Nov. 9.

Initially the board had anticipated a higher increase for property and liability insurance of $12,000. Since the Oct. 31 budget meeting, the village learned the actual increase of the insurance would be $8,000.

In other budget factors, Village Administrator Dianne Wessel reported 2015 net new construction was up by 3.67 percent.

The proposed budget also factored in decreases in the village’s HRA payments due to a new insurance plan with a lower deductible, and a $2,000 decrease in both the election budget and education fund for 2017.

Wessel also reported a projected increase in expenses of $1,000 for the Senior Activities Committee, $2,000 for updates in the personnel manual, and a $14,000 increase in health insurance. Wessel said the increase in health insurance costs were due to a change in an employee requesting to be on the village plan.

Non-tax bill fees for Gold Cross Ambulance and refuse collection were up in 2017. Wessel said the village ambulance subsidy will increase from $13,555 to $28,466, and refuse collection will increase by $3,500 for 2017.

Board considers pay cut
At its Oct. 31 budget meeting, the board discussed where it could trim $7,139 to balance the budget. Board members even considered a pay cut for themselves.

Trustee Peter Olk noted that most board members already donate a portion or all of their pay back to village programs and civic groups. Olk suggested the pay rate stay as is, and let board members decide which programs to donate to in the coming year.

Wessel said opera house revenues were projected to increase to $6,500, factoring in increased usage of the building by outside groups.

The board also trimmed the municipal court travel and seminar budget from $1,200 to $500.

Increased fees for summer programs
The board discussed raising summer recreation program fees from $50 for residents to $75, and non-resident fees from $100 to $150. Based on last year’s numbers the increase would add $3,400 in revenues.

The board also factored in a possible increase of $3,000 in revenue, if a proposed fire call charge for accidents is implemented.

If a fee for accident calls is approved, the Town and Village would each receive a portion of the revenue.

The board also anticipated a slight increase of $2,500 in building permit revenues based on projected growth in 2017. Initially the projected revenue from building permit fees was set at $10,000, and then increased to $12,500.

The board set a budget hearing for Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Village President Traci Martens thanked the staff members that worked on the budget.

“You did as we requested and came back with the cuts we needed. We were able to keep the tax rate flat with a slight reduction,” said Martens.

Clerk Treasurer Lynne Mischker said, “It definitely was a team effort all the way around.”

Historical society sponsors open house, dinner

Upcoming events sponsored by the Fremont Area Historical Society will celebrate a pioneer family, Christmas and local history.

First will be a holiday open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Fremont Area Museum, N7403 State Highway 110, Fremont.

The festivities will include a display of angel figurines and other Christmas decor, refreshments and children’s activities.

Fresh evergreen wreaths will be for sale for $16.

A free fabric star ornament will be given to the first 50 visitors or until supplies run out.

The ornaments were made and donated by Aunt Dinah’s Quilting Party, which meets monthly at the museum.

The open house will be the last opportunity to view 2016’s special exhibits: “Yesterday’s Weddings,” which features bridal attire worn from 1896 through 2010, and “Ballot Box and Battlefield: The Will of the People,” which features local political issues and military veterans.

Additional exhibits include transportation pictures about the Yellowstone Trail, the improved road that arrived in Fremont in 1915, and a section devoted to one-room schools.

The museum building is an 1884 yellow brick that started as the one-room Beaver Dam School, served as the Fremont Town Hall from about 1960 to 2013, and now is home for the informative displays of the Fremont Area Historical Society.

Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Dinner tickets
On the following Saturday, Nov. 26, the society will participate in the village of Fremont’s Christmas celebration and will host a dinner honoring the pioneer Maierhafer family.

The first Maierhafer to arrive in the town of Wolf River about 1853 was Eva Maierhafer Ulrich, from Germany.

Her brother Henry Sr. followed in 1872. His farm remains in the family today.

His descendants, several of whom still live in the town of Wolf River, will ride in the town’s Christmas parade and will light the village Christmas tree.

A dinner honoring the family will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, at Hahn-A-Lula, 8861 Wolf River Road, south of Fremont in Orihula.

At the dinner, Leon Maierhafer, a great-grandson of Henry, Sr. who farmed his ancestor’s land, will tell tales about the family history.

Tickets are $16.25. The deadline for ordering the is Tuesday, Nov. 22.

People may place orders during the open house. call 920-594-1474 or email fremontareahistoricalsociety@gmail.com.

Iola-Scandinavia plans electronic message board

By Jane Myhra

The Iola Lioness Club donated $2,500 toward the purchase of a new sign for the Iola-Scandinavia School District.

“Iola Lioness Club members were pleased to be able to contribute funds toward replacing the school road sign,” said Lioness President Jeannine Harbridge. “Iola Lioness and the I-S School District have a great relationship, and the district generously allows us to use their facilities for various Lioness service projects.”

The Iola Lioness Club partners with the school district to present the Lioness Easter Party, Lioness Christmas Parade and Santa visit, Iola Lioness and Lions “Stuff the Bus” and the Iola Lioness blood drives.

After the old sign was damaged in a storm, the school district received a $5,000 insurance settlement, according to District Administrator David Dyb. The school board decided it could not afford to replace the sign for an estimated cost of $20,000 to $25,000.

Several community organizations and businesses have since donated toward the purchase of an electronic messaging sign. With the Lioness donation, Dyb said a total of $17,000 has been raised.

The school district will soon have a new Daktronics sign installed by TLC Sign Company for a cost of $21,000.

“I would like to extend our gratitude to the Iola Lioness for their generous donation towards our school sign replacement project,” Dyb said. “Once our new sign has been installed, we will once again be able to help promote the wonderful programs they hold in the community.”

The Iola Lioness Club also presented $500 to I-S School Children of Families in Need (4k-12); $400 to I-S Community Fitness & Aquatic Center and I-S High School CPR mannequins; and $200 to I-S Elementary Growing Readers Literacy Program.

“Our club had an exceptional year, and one of the goals was to do some greater good for the community,” said Lioness Treasurer Pat Leer.

Iola-Scandy girls score OT victory

By Holly Neumann

The Iola-Scandinavia girls’ basketball team came back from a 4-point deficit at the half to beat the Wild Rose Wildcats in a non-conference matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in Iola.

Alexa Gravunder had the hot hand for the Wildcats in the first half of the game, scoring 15 points by sinking five 3-point baskets, while Mia Wandtke poured in 10 points for the Thunderbirds.

Iola-Scandinavia came out strong in the second half, led by Leighten Fischer, with 20 points, including two free throws with 16.6 left on the clock to tie the game, sending it into overtime.

With a tough defense played by the Thunderbirds and four key free-throws sunk by Freshman Bryanna Kisting, the T-Birds came away with 63-59 victory.

Leading scorers for Iola-Scandinavia were Fischer with 31 points, followed by Wandtke 15 and Kendall Johnson with 7.

Top scorers for Wild Rose were Gravunder 26 and Kristin Jenks with 11.

The T-Birds will be back in action on Friday, November 18, when the host Westfield for a 7 p.m. tip off.

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Iola-Scandinavia's Erika Kisting fights to get around Alexa Gravunder of Wild Rose in an effort to get a rebound. Holly Neumann photo.

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This bike is just one of many ways that Hello Beautiful uses to display its inventory. Holly Neumann Photo

New store offers women’s clothing, jewelry, lotions

By Holly Neumann

Hello Beautiful, a modern day mercantile offering boutique clothing, unique gifts and home décor, has opened at 329 S. Bridge St., Manawa.

“I have a little of everything,” said owner Jean Seeger. “I have woman’s clothing from small to 2XL, jewelry, scarves, lotions, soaps, perfumes and candles; many unique items for the home and also items that make great wedding or baby gifts.”

Among these products is a variety of merchandise from area companies.

“I love to support locally when I can, it’s very important to me,” she said. “When I find products that are made in the USA I get excited, but when they are made right in Wisconsin it’s even more exciting.”

Seeger, who grew up on a farm just outside of the Manawa area, has always wanted to own her own shop.

“It is something I have always wanted to do,” she said. “So when I saw this storefront was available I checked it out and fell in love.”

With the encouragement of family and friends, Seeger decided the timing was right for her new venture.

“We have a lot of great things going in Manawa,” she said. “I thought it would be exciting to be a part of that. What better place than your hometown to start a business.”

Seeger is excited to offer area shoppers a unique shopping experience at affordable prices.

“I hope that people think of Hello Beautiful before they head out of town for that last minute gift or outfit,” she said. “Along with the other great businesses, I think Manawa is becoming that destination place that people enjoy to visit and has so much to offer.”

The store’s grand opening is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.

“I am really grateful for all the help I have received and for the reception I have had thus far,” said Seeger. “I hope to see that continue and grow.”

Hello Beautiful is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 920-596-2112.

Knitting Circle meets at New London library

New London Public Library’s Knitting Circle made more than 70 hats for the children of New London this year.

Parents whose child needs a winter hat can stop at the New London Public Library to choose a hat. The free hats are on display by the entrance of the library.

In previous years, the group made mittens for those in need and chemo caps for the local hospital.

The Knitting Circle meets at the New London Public Library on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. The knitters and crocheters get together to work on their projects, help each other with questions and share ideas.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ coming to Waupaca

The Waupaca Area Public Library will present “Miracle on 34th Street” at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1.

Featuring commentary by Dr. Jack Rhodes, the film is free and open to the public.

“Miracle on 34th Street” is a perennial Christmas favorite that asks audience members to examine their belief in Santa Claus.

The 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.

Complimentary popcorn, soft drinks and theater treats will be provided.

Call the library at 715-258-4414 for more information. No reservations are needed.

Two men are accused of breaking into a home, stealing a dozen guns and selling one gun to a drug dealer.

Andrew P. Akright, 31, Waupaca, and Jason D. Sell, 29, Appleton, are each charged with three counts of burglary, three counts of theft and two counts of criminal damage to property.

Natasha J. Riehl, 27, Greenville, is charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit burglary and three counts of conspiracy to commit theft.

On the evening of Oct. 20, a man living on Haase Road, in Farmington, returned home from work and discovered his kitchen window had been shattered. He reported that 12 guns were stolen, including an AR-47, as well as a laptop computer, two Samsung S4 phones and some tools.

That same evening, a break-in was reported at a cottage on Chalet Drive, in Lind. The battery from a trolling motor, a chainsaw, assorted tools, an iPod and an iPod docking system were reported stolen.

Graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows were also reported stolen.

On Oct. 16, Deputy Pete Kraeger was dispatched to a home on Leighton Avenue, in the town of Little Wolf. The residents said that while they were on vacation, a debit card had been stolen and $700 had been used from the account. Their pickup truck had also been driven without their permission.

The pickup was involved in a gas drive-off in Hortonville. When the man living on Leighton Avenue looked at a Hortonville security photo of his truck, he did not initially recognize the driver, although he later identified him from a Facebook photo.

One of the purchases made with the stolen debit card had been at a Kwik Trip in New London. Kraeger contacted the assistant store leader, and was able to obtain photos of the suspect’s vehicle, a Ford Ranger registered to Akright.

Kraeger also learned Akright’s girlfriend had rented a room from the couple on Leighton Avenue.

He contacted her, and she said Kraeger could locate Akright at the home on Leighton Avenue.

According to the criminal complaint, Kraeger went back to the home on Leighton Avenue and found Akright lying in bed.
Beside the bed was a backpack and inside the backpack was a semi-automatic handgun.

Akright initially said he found the backpack in the back of his truck, police say. He said he did not know whose gun it was or why the backpack was in his truck.

Akright later accused Sell and Riehl of being involved in the burglary. He said one of the guns had been sold to Riehl’s drug dealer.

Investigators later learned some of the guns had been dumped into the Embarrass River, in Outagamie County.

Martens has passion for literature

By John Faucher

Village Board Trustee and Library Board member Julie Vanden Heuvel announced that the library board selected a new library director.

Former library director Carolyn Habeck retired on Oct. 26.

“I’m very excited to announce we have a new library director selected,” said Vanden Heuvel to the board at its Oct. 20 meeting.

“The new director we selected is Rachel Martens, and that probably sounds familiar, yes she is Traci’s daughter,” said Vanden Heuvel referring to Village President Traci Martens.

She stated that the library board makes its hiring decisions autonomous of the village board.

“Traci was not involved in the process,” said Vanden Heuvel.

“Rachel was hired because is incredibly smart, qualified and professional,” said Vanden Heuvel. “She is going to bring a lot of programming to our library, and we welcome her.”

Rachel Martens is a 2012 graduate of Hortonville High School. She attended college at St. Norbert College where she graduated Summa Cum Laude in May of 2015. Martens completed a major in English and her minor in history.

The Press-Star had an opportunity to ask some questions to Martens during her first days as Hortonville’s new library director.

What influenced your decision to pursue that major/ career path?
“I have been passionate about literature, writing, and history since I was a child, so it was an obvious decision for me and one I am very glad I made. I loved my classes at St. Norbert College and count several of my professors there as friends now. If anything influenced me, it was the teachers at Hortonville High School who supported me through a rigorous course load and offered me great opportunities for independent study courses in history and literature. Looking back, I really started my college career as a high school senior and I have my teachers to thank for guiding me through that and encouraging me.”

Any previous library experience? Internships?
“I spent several months this summer as a substitute librarian at Black Creek Village Library and loved it. That was the first job I had where I really felt like I could do this for the rest of my life, which is why I applied for the director position here in Hortonville, where I could have a full-time career in a library.

“I have also held several positions outside the library world that I think prepared me well for this position, including as an assistant to a financial planner, as an administrative assistant at a veterinary clinic, and as an editorial intern for Fox Cities Magazine. Those experiences gave me skills in budgeting, customer service, and marketing that I am already using as a library director and I am very glad to have those experiences to look back on.”

Did you spend a lot of time reading or frequent libraries often when you were a kid?
“There was very little time that I did not spend reading when I was a kid. My mom read to my sister and I when we were very little and built up a collection of picture books for us. Once I was able to read on my own, I couldn’t stop. I was guilty on almost a daily basis of reading during class or staying up too late with a book and a nightlight. Books always took up a huge portion of my birthday and Christmas lists and I was a regular library user too, especially my school libraries where I could browse without my mom and sister tapping their toes.”

When you sit down to read a good book, what types of books do you enjoy?
“My favorite books are the classic Gothic novels, especially “Jane Eyre”, “Wuthering Heights”, and “Dracula”. I am also a hard-core fan of Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen King. I love the haunting, lingering nature of a good horror work. I also have a special fondness for books with powerful endings, whatever the genre. “Animal Farm” and A “Tale of Two Cities” are two of my favorites thanks to their unforgettable final pages.”

How do you envision public libraries 25 years from now?
“Libraries are centers of information, cultural enrichment, and technological access and I don’t believe that will change in the next 25 years. Years ago, people thought that the rise of e-books would destroy libraries, but people still love physical books. Libraries will also always offer programming for their communities to enjoy and they will always offer a place for patrons with limited access to technology a place to enjoy that technology and the opportunities offered by it.

“The specifics of what collections we add to, what programs we host, and what technological upgrades we make will always depend on the needs of our communities and as those needs change, we will respond to them. So, I believe that while some of the details of what libraries offer may shift, ultimately the overarching function of libraries as cultural centers will not change.”

Any ideas or visions for the library?
“The librarians and I are already working on expanding our programming for all ages. We have several exciting programs coming up in November and December, including an art workshop to prepare for “Flood the Streets with Art” on Nov. 15, tours of local businesses, and a holiday crafting day. We will also be scheduling some new regular programming starting the first of the year and are reaching out to area book clubs to help them gather the books they are discussing and offer them a meeting space if they need one.

“I am working on a community survey we will be running in December to find out which areas of the collection are most important to our community that we can build on and also what particular programs they would be most eager to participate in. The results of that survey will determine a specific vision for the library. Generally, I envision a library that prides itself on offering new materials and exciting programs that fit the community’s desires and bring it together over books and dialogue.”

Initial cost projected at $21,500

By Bert Lehman

The city of Clintonville has approved purchases for new hardware for its computer system, as well as network support for the next year.

City Administrator Chuck Kell told the Clintonville City Council Monday, Nov. 7, that representatives from Integrated Systems of Appleton recently met with staff and the city’s information technology consultant.

Kell told the council that Integrated Systems indicated that the city has a peer-to-peer computer network, which is usually used for very small businesses or home offices. With a peer-to-peer network, computer security is controlled by each individual computer.

Businesses normally have a domain computer network, he said.

For a Microsoft Business Network, typically one or more servers are set up as the domain controller, and that is where the security is normally housed, Kell said.

The study found that one of the city’s servers is from 2003, with the second server from 2008. The computer system also does not have a redundant drive system to backup one server to another.

“They recommend that we immediately move some of the things on the 2003 server to the 2008 server because if the 2003 goes down it’s (data) going to be lost,” Kell said.

He said the city’s backup system is also a system that is normally used in home offices. This system will back up some files, but not all the folders on the system.

“A lot of that data is at risk,” Kell said.

Recommendation
Kell said minimum, immediate recommendations from Integrated Systems include the city purchasing a couple of hard drives and turning on the Windows backup on the servers to back up the city’s computer system because the city’s data is at risk with the current system.

Another recommendation is for the city to move to a Microsoft Exchange for email.

Updating the city’s computer virus system was also recommended. The current virus system being used is what came with each personal computer.

“There are quite a few issues here,” Kell said.

A larger recommendation calls for the city to purchase two new computer servers. This would include a main server and a replica server. This would include a setup in which data is backed up every 10 to 15 minutes.

“The cost of the hardware and their installation time to migrate all the data and setup the new email system and put all the data on it would be $21,500,” Kell said.

If the city decided to hire Integrated Solutions to maintain and support the computer system, the cost would be about $10,000 per year, Kell said. Backing up the city’s data at an offsite is also included in this cost. Anti-spam software would also be included, along with 80 hours of support per year.

Integrated Solutions told Kell most system breakdowns would be repaired within two hours. Catastrophic breakdowns are guaranteed to be returned to normal within one day with no lost data.

Kell indicated that he has worked with Integrated Solutions in the past and was happy with the service and price.

“I don’t think this cost is too alarming to me,” Kell said.

Kell said the city is currently paying about $32,000 per year to the IT consultant who maintains the current computer system for the city.

Integrated Solutions was recommending the city act quickly to make changes to its computer system, Kell said.

Alderman Brad Rokus told the council the city needs to make these upgrades and asked where in the budget the funds would come from to pay for the upgrades.

It was indicated that if the city decided to contract with Integrated Solutions, the city wouldn’t need to keep its current IT consultant, so that money could be used to cover the costs.

Alderman Lance Bagstad said the $21,500 is a one-time cost, which is something that undesignated fund balance was designed to be used for. He also agreed the system needs to be upgraded.

“The amount of personnel hours we’ve lost and will continue to lose to catch all this data up is going to exceed these numbers quite greatly. It makes no sense to continue moving forward with what we’re doing,” Bagstad said.

Bagstad asked Kell if the lifespan of the servers was discussed.

Kell said the lifespan is five years.

Bagstad told the council it will need to plan for that expense every five years. He also suggested looking into purchasing a used server as well as a new server, so a rotation schedule can be developed in which two new servers don’t need to be purchased every five years.

Council President Mike Hankins asked if the city should seek prices from other companies.

She added that she isn’t sure if the city has time to seek prices from other companies. She said she was concerned about the computer system crashing again.

“What I just heard about some of this, it’s scary that we don’t have backups, we don’t have a firewall,” said Alderwoman Amy Steenbock.

Clintonville Chief of Police James Beggs asked if the city’s current IT consultant was aware of the deficiencies in the city’s computer system.

Clintonville Clerk Treasurer Peggy Johnson told the council that the IT consultant is asked each budget cycle what things he needs for the city’s computer system.

Steenbock asked if the city’s current IT consultant has a contract with the city.

Johnson said that per the consultant, there is no contract.

Alderman Jim Supanich said he agreed with Hankins that it is a good idea to request cost proposals from multiple companies, but in the city’s current, situation, he wasn’t sure if that was possible.

“Can we afford another crash?” Supanich said. “… I brought this issue up back in June I think. We’re in a situation now we can’t afford the system crashing.”

Since the meeting agenda didn’t indicate the agenda item was an action item, the council decided to discuss it again when it met Monday, Nov. 14. At this meeting, the council approved the $21,500 expenditure, not to exceed $24,999, as well as contracting with Integrated Solutions to maintain and support the computer system through the end of 2017. This will allow the city to seek cost estimates from other companies for the maintenance and support of its computer system. Hankins voted no.

District taxes could support city programs

By Angie Landsverk

The Waupaca’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Waupaca School District are discussing the possibility of funding youth recreation programs district-wide.

“The conversation is preliminary,” said District Administrator Greg Nyen. “The budget for this year is set. We are in the very early stages of looking at which expenses are community-based expenses.”

Nyen and Carl Hayek, the district’s business manager, recently met with Parks and Recreation Director Aaron Jenson, City Administrator Henry Veleker and Finance Director Kathy Kasza to discuss the idea.

Jenson initiated the discussion last spring when he was invited to a meet with the finalists for Waupaca’s district administrator position.

He asked Nyen about his familiarity with Fund 80.

Fund 80 is a community service fund school districts may use to account for such activities as adult education, community recreation programs, elderly food service programs, non-special education preschool, day care services and other programs that are not elementary or secondary educational programs, but have the main function of serving the community.

It is funded outside a district’s revenue limit cap. It generates its own tax, Nyen said.

“It had been misused in a number of districts,” he said. “The DPI (Department of Public Instruction) has put tight constrictions for legitimate uses for that fund.”

The Waupaca School District does not have a Fund 80 account.

“The school board has heard mention of the concept. There has been no formal discussion yet,” Nyen said. “It would have to be approved by the board as part of the next budget cycle.”

The board will begin talking about the district’s next budget in the spring.

If the board votes to establish the fund, it would then have to decide how much money to appropriate to it.

One reason why Jenson sees the idea as a possibility is because three towns outside the city of Waupaca are already contributing funds toward park and rec programs for youth.

They have been doing so for 20 years.

City-towns agreement
In 1996, an agreement between the city and towns of Dayton, Farmington and Waupaca began to help offset costs and support youth rec programs, Jenson said.

“In turn, they would be considered members and pay the same fee as city residents,” he said. “There were steady increases over the years with the last increase negotiated in 2004 for the 2005 season.”

During the last 11 years, the costs of offering programs for youth continued to increase, with city taxpayers taking on those additional costs, Jenson said.

“We felt the contributions needed to go up with the townships,” he said.

This past spring and summer, Jenson attended board meetings in those three towns to present information to them about 2015 youth program participation numbers.

He also proposed additional contributions from each township over the next three years to keep program costs down for town residents at around $35 per program.

Jenson’s report shows the number of youth participating in city rec programs increased 8.1 percent from 2014 to 2015.

A total of 1,953 participated in 2014, compared to 2,113 in 2015.

Of the 2,113 participants, 34.5 percent were city residents and 65.4 percent resided outside of the city.

Of that 65.4 percent figure, Farmington made up 25.9 percent of it, Dayton 17.8 percent and the town of Waupaca 8.7 percent.

The remaining percentage of that figure was made up of youth from other area municipalities that are not part of the youth agreement.

In 2015, the Parks and Recreation Department’s total operating budget was $973,301.

The towns of Farmington, Dayton and Waupaca contributed $111,347 or 11.4 percent of the total operating budget.

That was based on the agreement last updated in 2004 for 2005.

In 2015, Farmington thus contributed $57,091, Dayton contributed $38,286, and the town of Waupaca contributed $15,970.

The Parks and Recreation Department’s 2005 total operating budget was $716,968.

The contribution of the three towns made up 15.5 percent of that budget in 2005 and 19.9 percent of the youth program supporting lines.

The increase in the department’s budget over the last 10 years – much of what Jenson attributed to the addition of the rec center – was $256,333.

In comparing the budgets from 2005 and 2015 and the contributions of the city and three towns, Jenson found the city’s contribution increased from 84.5 percent in 2005 to 88.6 percent in 2015.

The percentage of money contributed to the budget by the three towns decreased for all three towns over that 10-year period.

Farmington’s percentage decreased 2.1 percent, Dayton’s 1.4 percent and the town of Waupaca’s 0.6 percent.

Since the contributions from the towns were 19.9 percent of the youth program supporting expenses in 2005 and those same contributions totaled 14.6 percent in 2016, Jenson recommended working back to that 19.9 percent support level.

He sought a three-year agreement with each town.

Dayton and Waupaca both approved a three-year agreement, although Jenson was told the town of Waupaca may have changed that during its budget discussion to make it a one-year agreement.

Farmington approved a one-year agreement.

In 2017, Dayton will contribute $42,347, Farmington will contribute $61,578, and Waupaca will contribute $18,263.

The amounts were to increase for each municipality in 2018 and 2019, with the towns then reaching the 19.9 percent support level in 2019.

“It has been successful for 20 years,” Jenson said of the agreement. “The sustainability of this agreement is in question.”

He said it is not inclusive to those living outside those three towns.

For example, the town of Lind has been approached about being part of the agreement but has opted not to.

If the school district were to decide to create a Fund 80, Jenson said the cost of youth programs would shift to the school portion of the tax bill.

It would allow students throughout the school district to access park and rec youth programs at the same cost, Nyen said.

“We are in the initial exploration phase, to determine which part of the costs could be appropriated for Fund 80,” he said. “From the district’s point of view, we want to be seen as a collaborative partner, putting the needs of the kids first.”

Waupaca girls to host Clintonville

By Greg Seubert

The Waupaca girls’ basketball team opened its season Nov. 15 with a 42-31 nonconference loss to Ripon.

Waupaca trailed 19-16 at halftime after Victoria Nowak scored all of the Comets’ points and the team’s first three of the second half.

Ripon held nine-point leads twice before the Comets cut the lead to 34-30 on Haleigh Smith’s basket with 2:10 to go in the game.

However, the Tigers outscored Waupaca 7-2 down the stretch to get the win.

Nowak led all scorers with 21 points, while Eric McNeill scored 20 for Ripon.

The Comets open North Eastern Conference play Nov. 22 at Luxemburg-Casco and will host Clintonville at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29.

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Waupaca's Victoria Nowak drives between Ripon's Grace Burdick and Marissa Davis to score two of her game-high 21 points against the Tigers. Greg Seubert Photo

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

• Kevin E. Taggart, 57, Etowah, Tennessee, sentenced to 110 days in jail with 85 stayed under the Safe Streets Treatment Options Program (SSTOP), assessed $2,544 in fines and court costs, his license revoked for 30 months for a third offense.

• Vincent A. Larsen, 38, Appleton, 180 days in jail with 140 stayed under SSTOP, assessed $3,433, revoked 36 months for a third offense.

• Kyle E. Gauerke, 29, Appleton, 45 days in jail, assessed $1,685, revoked 24 months for a third offense.

• Ryan L. O’Day, 48, Mensasha, 45 days in jail, assessed $1,736, revoked 24 months for a third offense.

• Andrew J. Hildebrandt, 24, Waupaca, 20 days in jail, assessed $1,597, revoked 13 months for a second offense.

• Jennifer L. Quella, 29, Seymour, 40 days in jail, assessed $1,723, revoked 14 months for a second offense.

• Jacob A. Janssen, 29, Appleton, five days in jail, assessed $1,471, revoked 12 months for a second offense.

• Caleb E. Powers, 35, Waupaca, 80 days in jail with 73 stayed under SSTOP, assessed $1,975, revoked 17 months for a second offense.

• Steven M. Nelson, 32, Waupaca, 10 days in jail, assessed $1,421, revoked 12 months for a second offense.

• Catherine R. Zimmerman, 24, Neenah, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Justus F. Paul, 54, Bancroft, assessed $1,050, revoked nine months.

• Keith N, Cameron, 54, Bancroft, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Zachary P. Garrigan, 18, Stevens Point, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Keane J. Laux, 17, Clintonville, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• John R. Mack, 43, Oshkosh, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Kaleb J. Douglas, 20, Iola, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Reed Sorenson, 20, Wisconsin Rapids, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Jonathan D. Bessette, 21, Shawano, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Jeffrey A. Schiesel, 39, Waupaca, assessed $1,030, revoked eight months.

• Patrick H. Hofacker, 52, Appleton, assessed $811, revoked six months.

• Kim B. Williams, 59, Waupaca, assessed $987, revoked nine months.

• Barbara A. Dillenburg, 65, Shawano, assessed $1,050, revoked nine months.

• David S. Dunn, 57, Waupaca, assessed $1,050, revoked nine months.

• Andrew E. Fenwick, 54, Oshkosh, assessed $924, revoked eight months.

• Dylan L. Schneider-Blank, 20, Manawa, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Caleb L. Bloom, 23, Waupaca, assessed $1,030, revoked nine months.

• William G. Carew, 48, Appleton, assessed $917, revoked eight months.

• Ko Tin Shwe Than, 36, Milwaukee, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Jason J. Repinski, 24, Oak Creek, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Tyler J. Guyette, 21, New London, assessed $885, revoked seven months.

• Tyler D. Biswabic, 24, Two Rivers, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Aaron Van Dyke, 27, Clintonville, assessed $937, revoked six months.

• Brandi J. Wuske, 23, New London, assessed $998, revoked nine months.

• Michael K. Foth, 47, Clintonville, assessed $885, revoked seven months.

• Brandon C. Thorland, 18, Waupaca, assessed $885, revoked seven months.

• Karissa L. Walbruck, 34, New London, assessed $967, revoked eight months.

• Gabrielle J. Anderson, 20, Marion, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Shannon C. Long, 22, Manawa, assessed $1,050, revoked nine months.

• Matthew A. Johnson, 21, Burton, Michigan, assessed $854, revoked six months.

• Rene Chavero-Santiago, 44, Clintonville, assessed $998, revoked nine months.

• Cory M. Studzinski, 17, Waupaca, assessed $854, revoked six months.

A Waupaca man out on bail for multiple counts of burglary and theft is accused of another break-in.

Anthony J. Polly, 26, Waupaca, was charged Nov. 9 with burglary, theft and felony bail jumping.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Waupaca County Deputy Andrew Thorpe was dispatched to a home on Birchwood Drive, in Dayton.

The owner said Polly had been doing outside work on her home recently. On Monday, Oct. 17, he was working on her deck when she left for about 90 minutes to run some errands. She did not lock her door.

When she returned, the woman discovered the nightstand drawer open in her bedroom and $200 in cash missing.

She also found Polly’s hat lying on the floor next to the nightstand.

Polly appeared in court on Aug. 24 when he was charged with one count of burglary and five counts of theft. He was released on a $2,000 signature bond.

On Sept. 20, he was charged with burglary and theft, stemming from a June incident, and released on a $2,000 signature bond.

Polly is scheduled for his first court appearance on Nov. 22.

Manawa player named to first team twice

By Greg Seubert

Zach Kreklow’s final season of high school football turned out to be one to remember.

The Manawa senior has been named the Central Wisconsin 10 Conference’s offensive player of the year after quarterbacking the Wolves to the WIAA playoffs.

Kreklow made the CWC-10 first team as quarterback and as a linebacker on defense. He is one of 11 Manawa players to receive all-conference honors.

Other first-teamers for the Wolves include senior Ben Beyer (offensive lineman) and junior Levi Steuber (running back).

Second-teamers are senior Caden Lick (wide receiver and defensive back), senior Patrick Saifkani (offensive lineman), senior Ethan Hass (defensive back), sophomore Trent Zabel (defensive lineman), sophomore Jeven Sachtjen (defensive lineman), junior Jordan Kons (defensive lineman) and Beyer (linebacker).

Players receiving honorable mention include Hass (running back), junior Bryce Millard (defensive back) and junior Zach Johnson (linebacker).

CWC-10 2016 All-Conference Football Teams

First Team
Offense
Quarterback: Zach Kreklow, senior, Manawa.

Running back: Lucas Hackney, junior, Wild Rose; Levi Steuber, junior, Manawa; Derek Baumgartner, junior, Almond-Bancroft.

Wide receiver: Addison Gibbs, sophomore, Port Edwards; Paul Hernandez, senior, Wild Rose.

Lineman: Austin Goodenough, senior, Port Edwards; Ben Gosenheimer, senior, Wild Rose; Hunter Dorsett, senior, Wild Rose; Ben Beyer, senior, Manawa; Carter Newby, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Kicker: Wyatt Richtmyre, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Defense
Lineman: Austin Goodenough, senior, Port Edwards; Chris Buss, senior, Marion/Tigerton; Tommy Friday, junior, Wild Rose; Ben Gosenheimer, senior, Wild Rose.

Linebacker: Tanner Deist, junior, Wild Rose; Lucas Hackney, junior, Wild Rose; Zach Kreklow, senior, Manawa; Carter Newby, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Back: Alec VanDeCastle, junior, Wild Rose; Paul Hernandez, senior, Wild Rose; Derek Baumgartner, junior, Almond-Bancroft.

Punter: Patrick Bailey, senior, Marion/Tigerton.

Second Team
Offense
Quarterback: Alec VanDeCastle, junior, Wild Rose.

Running back: Alan Parrott, senior, Marion/Tigerton; Tanner Deist, junior, Wild Rose; Claude Cleereman, senior, Tri-County.

Tight end: Tommy Friday, junior, Wild Rose.

Wide receiver: Caden Lick, senior, Manawa.

Lineman: Travis Marquardt, senior, Marion/Tigerton; William Schweitzer, senior, Marion/Tigerton; Ross Ehrfurth, junior, Wild Rose; Dakota Cziapinski, junior, Tri-County; Patrick Saifkani, senior, Manawa.

Defense
Lineman: Andrew Henschel, junior, Wild Rose; Trent Zabel, sophomore, Manawa; Jeven Sachtjen, sophomore, Manawa; Jordan Kons, junior, Manawa.

Linebacker: William Schweitzer, senior, Marion/Tigerton; Claude Cleereman, senior, Tri-County; Ben Beyer, senior, Manawa; Wyatt Richtmyre, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Back: Dawson Knutson, junior, Tri-County; Caden Lick, senior, Manawa; Ethan Hass, senior, Manawa.

Punter: Johnny Suwyn, junior, Rosholt.

Honorable Mention
Offense
Quarterback: Ian Gibbs, junior, Port Edwards; Wyatt Richtmyre, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Running back: Brian Ortega, senior, Wild Rose; Ethan Hass, senior, Manawa.

Tight end: Dylan Bunders, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Wide receiver: Peyton Kohlbach, junior, Port Edwards; Conner Harris, junior, Marion/Tigerton.

Lineman: James Gliszinski, sophomore, Rosholt; Shawn Kemnetz, junior, Tri-County; Matt Helmrick, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Defense
Lineman: Travis Marquardt, senior, Marion/Tigerton; Kyle Goke, junior, Marion/Tigerton; Ross Ehrfurth, junior, Wild Rose; Garrison Woiak, junior, Tri-County; Dakota Cziapinski, junior, Tri-County.

Linebacker: Addison Gibbs, sophomore, Port Edwards; Ryan Konkol, junior, Rosholt; Brian Ortega, senior, Wild Rose; Ryan Applebee, freshman, Tri-County; Zach Johnson, junior, Manawa.

Back: Ian Gibbs, junior, Port Edwards; Conner Harris, junior, Marion/Tigerton; Brandon Peckham, senior, Tri-County; Bryce Millard, junior, Manawa; Matt Helmrick, senior, Almond-Bancroft.

Offensive player of the year: Zach Kreklow, senior, Manawa.
Defensive player of the year: Tanner Deist, junior, Wild Rose.

David Walter Koeppler, age 81, of Waupaca, WI passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at Bethany Home.

David was born in Oconomowoc, WI on October 2, 1935, the son of the late Walter and Audria (Eckert) Koeppler. On October 11, 1958, David married Luella Theel in Lake Mills, WI and she preceded him in death on July 30, 2006. David was a master storyteller and affectionately gave nicknames to all of his loved ones and friends. David enjoyed going to dairy cattle shows and sales, coon hunting and playing cards, in particular euchre and cribbage. He was also a fan of both polka music and polka dancing.

David is survived by his daughters, Tammy (Wayne) Pomerenke and Terri (Robert) Hamm; his sons: Tim (Sharon) Koeppler, Tom (Wanona) Koeppler and Trent (Carol) Koeppler; 27 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Elaine Koeppler. David is further survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by: his parents, wife Luella, brother Bill, grandson James, and granddaughter Emily.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, Waupaca with Pastor Brian Richard, officiating. Relatives and friends may visit the family on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Burial will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery, Town of Dayton. Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.

Larry A. Drake, 75, Clintonville, died Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the Clement J. Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee.

He was born on June 23, 1941 in Shawano, the son of the late Adolph Drake and Clara (Klitzka) Drake Habert. Larry was a U.S. Army Veteran. On November 17, 1997, Larry was united in marriage to Linda Lederhaus-Waite in Shawano. She survives. Larry enjoyed hunting and was very active in the Disabled Hunt in Clintonville and Bonduel. He was an avid football fan and was very passionate about his Fantasy Football Team. Larry participated in The National Veterans Wheelchair Games and earned many ribbons. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing chess, making calendars for his family and going to rummage sales, but he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Drake, Clintonville; four children, Wendy (Noe) Duvalle, Boise, Idaho; Diane (Todd) Snitselaar, New London; Christine Broehm, Clintonville and John (Ariel) Nelson, Waupaca; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Alice (Jerry) Dean, Moscow, Idaho and his in-laws, Lois (Roger) Anderson, Clintonville; Barb (Bill) Tohm, Manawa; Tom (Beverly) Lederhaus, Waupaca; Kathy (John) Mackey, New London; Earl (Tracy) Lederhaus, Clintonville; Ken (Wendy) Lederhaus, Iola; Nancy (Mark) Klaver, Appleton; Jeff (Debbie) Lederhaus, Appleton; Greg (Robin) Lederhaus, Appleton; Peggy (Chad) Baxter, Waupaca and Crystal (Josh) Winterfeldt, Shiocton. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly Meyer; one sister, Helen Drake; his stepfather, Ervin Habert; father and mother-in-law, Earl and Marie Lederhaus; brothers-in-law, Dan and Dennis Lederhaus and his best friend, Mark.

The Funeral Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, November 21, 2016 at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Interment will be in the Town of Almon Cemetery, Shawano County with military rites conducted by the Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502. Visitation will be on Monday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Memories and condolences are available at schmidtschulta.com.

Kenneth R. Halverson, age 78, of Weyauwega, went to his heavenly home, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the Wisconsin Veteran’s Home in King.

He was born on July 3, 1938, son of the late Rexford and Anne (Chuchel) Halverson. On September 12, 1964, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Stelzner at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Weyauwega. Kenny proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy, serving on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Randolph. Kenny worked at Neenah Foundry for a number of years and then became a Journeyman Plumber working for Waupaca Foundry and then retiring from Hillshire Farms in New London. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, snowmobiling, sturgeon spearing, camping, he also was a big Packer fan. Kenny took great pride in his family, he especially enjoyed time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Weyauwega.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn; children: Lynda Anne Halverson, Amy (Jeff) Husnick, Paula (Ed) Smith, Sara (Bruce) Pluim; grandchildren: Ashley (Casey) Reilley, Brittany Mielke, Adam Ruelle, Zach Mielke, John Ruelle, Aysia Ruelle, Alix Wigglesworth, Abby Wigglesworth, Chris Young; great-grandchildren: Jaxon and Beckett Reilley, Myles Ruelle; brother, David Halverson; brother-in-law, Bryan Stelzner; sister-in-law, Sharon Stelzner; also numerous nieces and nephews; step-grandchildren: Rochelle Smith, Devin Smith, Brianna and Riley Pluim; step-great-grandchildren: Elena Hoffman, Gage Smith and Veira Smith; foster grandchildren: Shelly Berndt, Jeremy (Andrea) Tolle, Jeanne (Pat) Peterson and daughter Evelyn, Johnny Christenson and Chris Evans, and numerous other foster grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by stepmothers, Martha Halverson and Roena Halverson; father and mother-in-law, Walter and Edna Stelzner and brother-in-law, Nolan Stelzner.

The Christian Funeral for Kenny will be held on Monday, November 21, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Peter Ev. Lutheran Church in Weyauwega with Rev. Dennis Lemke and Rev. Newlin Schafer officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Weyauwega. A visitation for Kenny will be held on Sunday, November 20, 2016 from 1-4 p.m. at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Weyauwega and on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

When we leave this world, how much we have loved will be our legacy. It is the only thing we will leave and carry with us.

Peder Eide’s Christmas Time Tour is coming to Waupaca.

The national singer, songwriter, speaker and worship leader is performing at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church.

The Christmas Time Tour features songs from Eide’s latest Christmas release, “This Christmas.”

The recording is unique in that it is a Christmas card of music, packaged in a way so people may give the music to others as a gift.

Tickets for the concert are $10 per person and are available at Trinity’s office or at the door.

Eide grew up on a farm near Hitterdal, Minnesota and is a graduate of Concordia College.

He is a husband and a father of five children.

For almost one-third of his life, Eide has led praise and worship at youth conferences, festivals, camps and churches.

Proceeds from the Dec. 2 concert will cover concert costs and benefit Trinity Lutheran’s Knoepfel Music Series Fund.

Those who attend are asked to bring a canned food item to support the Waupaca Area Food Pantry.

People may receive more information about the event by calling the church at 715-258-7688.

Trinity Lutheran Church is located at 206 E. Badger St., in Waupaca.