Two-day event moves to Alonzo Park

By John Faucher

The Hortonville Civic Association will host the ninth annual Chocolate Fest at Alonzo Park June 2-3.

The civic association took over planning Chocolate Fest last fall, after the Fox West Chamber informed the village it was interested in moving away from events to focus more on programming for its member cities.

The Chamber previously hosted Chocolate Fest at Commercial Club Park. It is the largest annual event that takes place in the village.

Hortonville Civic Association President Peter Olk said this year’s event would begin on Friday evening June 2 and continue through 10 p.m. Saturday, June 3.

“Friday night’s event kicks off at 5 p.m. with a fish fry sponsored by the Hortonville Lions Club,” said Olk. “There will be carnival rides, a midway with food and games, and music on stage featuring the local country rock band Starfire.”

Olk said the grounds open at 10 a.m. Saturday with the carnival rides, midway, an artisan village, vendor village and a new confectionary village with anything “Chocolate.”

“Local music entertainment and displays will be on stage throughout the morning and afternoon,” said Olk. “The highlight of the festival features Vic Ferrari on stage Saturday beginning at 6:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.”

Admission to the event is free.

Members of the Hortonville Civic Association will be serving food and beverages in the pavilion.

Olk said there will be ample designated parking at the event as well as on-street parking around Alonzo Park.

Police Chief Michael Sullivan informed village board members Thursday, March 16, that the public safety committee has discussed having extra police assisting with the event to ensure measures.

“It’s going to be a great event but obviously we have to look at implementing some safety measures too,” said Sullivan.

An officer will be stationed at the intersection of East Main Street (Highway 15) and Warner Street to help pedestrians cross the street.

“We’re going to be looking at alternating officers in and out of that area. Similar to what you might have seen at the Outagamie County Fair in Seymour,” said Sullivan.

He said the Police Department’s light tower will also be utilized on site during the nighttime as an added safety measure.

Other events that day
The Hortonville Area School District is hosting a 5K Fun Run with Fox West Academy and Hortonville Middle School at 8:30 a.m. The run starts on the Hortonville Middle School campus at 220 Warner St., and follows marked streets in residential neighborhoods before returning to the school. A 1-mile fun run for kids begins at 8:30 a.m., and the 5K Run/Walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information visit www.hasd.org.

Olk said other organizations are also planning to hold a bicycle and bike safety event in the village that day as well.

“Looks like a huge weekend event for Hortonville this year,” said Olk.

Physical plant challenges at Rexford-Longfellow

By Erik Buchinger

Clintonville School District Director of Buildings and Grounds Steve Reinke discussed the physical plant challenges of the Rexford-Longfellow Elementary School prior to the upcoming referendum on April 4.

Reinke said heating is among the biggest issues at the current elementary school.

“With the age of it, the steam systems are generally 25 percent more expensive to run than the newer hot water systems,” Reinke said. “When we were in the boiler room the other night, it was 98 degrees in there. In the winter, if it’s 10 below out, we have water that freezes in the faucets because there’s so much air coming in to run the boiler, so it’s very hard to control.”

The school has two boilers, but one is used at a time.

According to Reinke, the classroom thermostats are difficult to control, and some of the older parts are hard to find.

“The thermostats that run the classrooms to control the temperatures are pneumatic systems that run on air compressors,” Reinke said. “That type of technology isn’t used anymore, and it’s harder to get parts, and servicemen aren’t getting trained on that. When we’re looking at this project, we’re looking at the next 25 years, so we want to update to be able to take care of those needs.”

Temperature control is difficult to control during the school year, and most rooms in the building lack air conditioning for the summer months.

“It’s just very hard to control the heat in those buildings,” Reinke said. “The heat is radiating off the univents in those classrooms. There’s so much excess heat that is radiating around that it’s hard to control the heat. In the summer time, of course there’s no air conditioning in most of the classrooms.”

Reinke said the electricity in the 1918 portion is difficult to manage due to its age, and it is difficult to find items to replace it.

“We don’t have enough outlets in the classrooms,” Reinke said. “The main breakers themselves in the basement are out of date and be hard to find if one of those went.”

According to Reinke, the water quality passes due to the elimination of a well, but city lines can cause rust in the filter, which has been an issue at the high school as well.

“The building itself, waterlines are copper,” Reinke said. “We had that all checked and had a study done. Most of the issues came from that well that they abandoned. Ever since they eliminated that well, the water quality passes. When we get the filters full of rust, that’s coming from city lines. We have the same issue at the high school when we set our filters for the pool and ice maker.”

While the building uses city lines, Reinke said there would be a much better chance of lead-free water with a new system because none of the new fixtures would have lead.

If the referendum passes, there will likely be a sprinkler system in the building, which there currently is not.

According to Reinke, insulation is an issue in classrooms.

“The windows throughout the whole building is just a single pane of 1/8 inch of glass is what’s between the outside an inside,” Reinke said. “With an aluminum frame, that’s not insulated, so there’s very little insulated values in those windows, and it gets drafty.”

Reinke said there would need to be parts of the outside of the building that would need to be replaced with the tuck pointing, which holds the brick together.

“In the 1918 portion, there are more windows that would need to be re-bricked and redone,” Reinke said. “There are large cracks where the tuck pointing needs to be replaced.”

Without a new building, part of the elementary school would likely need to replace the roof mainly on the 1918 portion likely in the next five years, Reinke said.

The Clintonville Tribune-Gazette will continue coverage of a potential new elementary school leading up to the April 4 referendum.

Reporter covered Iola-Scandinavia, Manawa

By Holly Neumann

Jane Myhra, who has been providing news coverage for the Iola-Scandinavia and Manawa areas for more than 20 years, will retire on March 31.

Myhra got her start in September 1996, when she began working for the Iola Herald.

“I had previously hired numerous graduates of journalism schools but after a year or two, they would move on and up in their careers,” said Trey Foerster, who was the publisher of the Iola Herald. “I began looking for a local writer who knew the community, was involved in local organizations and actually wanted to live here.”

With an English major from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Myhra fit the bill.

“I have always been a writer/photographer and had done some freelancing for Trey, when I heard there was an opening for a news editor,” she said.

She called Foerster on a Friday to set up an interview.

“He said I could just start the job on Monday because he already knew my work,” Myhra said.

Foerster pointed out that the added plus was that Myhra had grown up on a farm near Norseman Hill and the Iola Winter Sports Club grounds, which came in handy in covering the county fairs and ag-oriented clubs and organizations.

“Jane understands that the news is really the story of the people we write about,” he said. “The more people in a community you can include in your coverage the more readers will support you.”

He added that as long as he has known Jane, she’s never been bored.

“Her biggest challenge, is to get the story when people don’t want to talk,” Foerster said. “Jane likes to talk, probably the result of competing with her sisters, and she has an easy personality that enabled her to get several award-winning stories.”

Journal Communications purchased the Iola Herald and Manawa Advocate in January 2008.

“During this time I was also editor of Wisconsin Horsemen’s News and assistant editor for the Wisconsin State Farmer,” she said. “In December 2012, the Waupaca County Post was purchased by Multi Media Channels, a family-owned company, and I returned to a full-time position at the Waupaca County Post.”

Meeting various people in the community and having the chance to tell their stories is what Myhra will miss the most.

“I will miss the people,” she said. “Each story stands out in my mind and has a piece of my heart as I work on it.”

The decision to retire was not an easy one, but that the timing was right.

“It is never easy to leave after spending 21 years covering the communities of Manawa and Iola-Scandinavia,” she said. “There are many memories I will never forget and many friends who will always be there.”

Robert Cloud, editor of the Waupaca County Post, said Myhra did a lot for the paper.

“In addition to her work covering Iola, Scandinavia and Manawa for so many years, Jane was responsible for the community calendar, the college news and the sheriff’s report every week,” Cloud said. “She also edited two monthly school district newsletters and was active in the communities she covered. Jane will be missed by those of us who worked with her.”

“Jane has captured the history of the Iola and Manawa communities consistently and professionally for over 20 years,” added Foerster. “I wish her well in her retirement.”

Myhra plans to remain active in the Iola Lioness Club and the Iola Winter Carnival Committee.

“Retirement will allow me time to work on my own writing projects,” she said.

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Clintonville senior Tyler Petermann made the All-North Eastern Conference First Team and broke the school's all-time scoring record. Erik Buchinger photo

Coaches discuss school’s top athletes

By Erik Buchinger

Three Clintonville High School student-athletes earned All-North Eastern Conference awards during the winter sports season.

The Truckers finished with two All-Conference basketball players in addition to one wrestler.

Boys Basketball

Tyler Petermann (12, First Team All-Conference): “Tyler was top five in points per game and rebounds per game and was in the top 10 for total assists. Tyler has an unbelievable work ethic. He has spent countless hours in the offseason and during the season trying to get better. His commitment to the weight room was also essential to his success. This work ethic is also observed in the classroom where Tyler also excels. Tyler represents the ideal student-athlete and has earned all of his accomplishments. He will be greatly missed.”

-Head boys basketball coach Shawn Howe

Nathan Krueger (12, Second Team All-Conference): “Nate finished No. 1 in the conference in rebounds per game and was top 10 in scoring. Nate also led the team in double-doubles. Nate loved to compete. He had an unbelievable ability to track and get the ball. He also was extremely crafty around the rim. Nate will be hard to replace do to his ability to rebound and score.”

-Head boys basketball coach Shawn Howe

Wrestling

Andrew Robinson (10, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “It was a huge step for him this year from last year. Last year, he ended with a record of 13-24. He completely turned around his season this year from last year. So it was nice to see him get recognized as Honorable Mention for All-Conference.  Andrew had a conference record of 6-3, and we wrestle in one of the hardest conferences in the state. Andrew took third at regionals behind a kid that took sixth at state and the state champion. Had great matches at regionals. He’s one of the first kids in and one of the last kids out for practice. Hardest worker on the team.”

-Head wrestling coach Exavier Dimick

Lion King Jr. cast performs

Jazz and spaghetti came together March 23 at Candles & Cabaret at Waupaca Middle School.

The event, a fundraiser for the Waupaca Middle School Music Boosters and Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Ventures,

The evening began with a spaghetti dinner. Several WMS solo and ensemble groups performed, as well as cast members from the middle school’s upcoming production of “The Lion King Jr.”

The musical will be performed at 7 p.m. Monday, April 3, Thursday, April 6, and Friday, April 7, in the Gerald C. Knoepfel Auditorium.

The event ended with a concert featuring the WMS Jazz Combo and Jazz Band.

The WMS Music Boosters provide scholarships to help students attend music camps; help purchase and repair instruments; and pay for such items as music computer programs and accompanists.

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Quinn Hoyord concentrates as she gets ready to bunt the ball at a softball practice at Iola-Scandinavia High School. Hoyord is a returning player for Tom Anderson, who is starting his 26th season as the Thunderbirds' coach. Holly Neumann Photo

Johnson back for senior season

By Greg Seubert

Be competitive and keep improving.

Those are two of the goals this season for the Iola-Scandinavia softball team.

Although the Thunderbirds return five players, include first-team all-conference pitcher Kendall Johnson, the team is short on varsity experience, according to longtime coach Tom Anderson.

“We are a very young team with very little varsity experience,” he said. “Having Kendall Johnson back as our starting pitcher for the third straight season is a huge benefit. Kendall gives us experience on a team that has very little varsity experience.

Besides Johnson, the T-Birds will also rely on the experience Brooklyn Podgorny and Sadie Schustek, a trio of seniors that saw plenty of time on the field last year, as well as juniors Erin Charles and Quinn Hoyord.

“We have several players battling for the remaining varsity positions, including juniors Brenna Bonikowske, Lindsey Frank and Makenna Stalter, sophomores Sophia Gullixon, Karina Wickman and Emily Wolfgram and freshmen Mackenzie Kielblock, Bryanna Kisting, Hannah Melum, Lyncoln Podgorny and Olivia Schustek.

The T-Birds don’t have enough players to field a junior varsity team and lost six seniors from last year’s team: Kaylin Ellioff, Baleigh Fuhs, Lexi Hitchcock, Karly Honken, Jayden Podgorny and Megan Thulien.

Podgorny made the all-conference second team and Ellioff received honorable mention. Ellioff, Hitchcock, Honken, Podgorny and Thulien also earned academic all-state honors.

The T-Birds finished in a tie for fourth place with Bonduel in the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference with a 6-8 record. Pacelli won the conference championship with a 13-1 record, followed by Weyauwega-Fremont (12-2), Shiocton (13-3). Finishing behind I-S and Bonduel were Amherst and Manawa (4-10) and Wittenberg-Birnamwood (0-14).

The T-Birds held their first practice March 20 and are in Orlando, Florida, this week to play four games at the Disney Sports Complex.

“We had a very good first week of practice,” Anderson said. “We have a talented group of freshmen who have played a lot of softball during the summer and a much-improved group of sophomores and juniors. We will need fill several key positions, including catcher, first baseman, shortstop, third base and all three outfield positions. The girls are working hard to earn that playing time at those spots.”

Anderson expects Weyauwega-Fremont, Pacelli and Shiocton to battle for a conference championship.

“All three of those teams return their first-team all-conference pitchers, along with other good players throughout their teams,” he said. “I see ourselves and the rest of the conference finishing below Weyauwega-Fremont, Shiocton and Pacelli. The order of finish will all depend on how each of us improve throughout the season.”

Returning all-conference players include Weyauwega-Fremont’s Kiley Akey, Cadyn Ehrenberg and Hailey Krause; Manawa’s Skye Amador; Amherst’s Sam Yenter, Maizie Berry and Lexi Haferbecker; Bonduel’s Kailee Pederson; Pacelli’s Brook Nagorski, Paige Hintz, Christonna Shafranski, Taylor Raflik, Emma Kulick and Cailin Firkus; Shiocton’s Sydney Wilcox, Tina Ubl and Gabrielle Gunderson; and Wittenberg-Birnamwood’s Vicki Dombeck.

After the T-Birds return from Florida, the team will host Amherst at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, in the CWC-8 opener for both teams.
Anderson is 341-201 entering his 26th season and his coaching staff this year includes Stacy Bestul, Teresa Kielblock and Nathan Schustek.

“It might take several games to settle in on a lineup or we may have to move girls around during the game or from game to game depending on who is playing well at the time,” he said. “There is playing time available. The question is who will step up and take advantage of it.

“Our goal for this year is competitive in each game and improve throughout the season,” he added. “If we compete and improve throughout the season, we will be OK.”

Iola-Scandinavia 2017 Softball Schedule

Varsity
Monday, March 27 – vs. Central Clay County (Alabama) at Disney Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida, 10 a.m.*

Tuesday, March 28 – vs. Grayslake North (Illinois) and Grayslake Central (Illinois) at Disney Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida, 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.*

Wednesday, March 29 – vs. Wausau West at Disney Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida, 4 p.m.*

Monday, April 3 – vs. Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 17 – at Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 – at Rosholt, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 20 – at Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 22 – vs. Tigerton and Auburndale, 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Monday, April 24 – vs. Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 – vs. Manawa, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 1 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 – vs. Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 – at Manawa, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 5 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 8 – vs. Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 9 – at Tri-County, Plainfield, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 11 – vs. Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 12 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 15 – at Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 18 – vs. Wautoma, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, May 19 – vs. Assumption, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 20 – vs. Wild Rose (DH), 10 a.m.

* indicates Eastern Standard Time.

Waupaca police chased a fleeing suspect from Main Street into a wooded ravine on Union Street.

Matthew Locadio Alquinzon, 33, Waupaca, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, obstructing an officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On March 14, Waupaca Police Officer Bret Rodenz stopped a vehicle on South Main Street because he recognized the driver, Alquinzon, from prior contacts and knew he did not have a valid license.

Alquinzon pulled into a downtown parking stall and exited his vehicle. Rodenz ordered Alquinzon to return to his car, but he took off running.

Rodenz pursued, but was unable to catch Alquinzon. Other officers arrived to find the suspect.

Officer Samuel Van Dinter was on West Union Street when he saw Alquinzon in the wooded ravine west of High Street.

According to the criminal complaint, Alquinzon was trying to climb the steep incline near the edge of the ravine when Van Dinter apprehended him.

Police found a glass pipe with residue that tested positive for methamphetamine in the car Alquinzon was driving.

Local law enforcement has experienced several prior run-ins with Alquinzon.

He was charged with violating a restraining order on March 16.

He was charged with obstructing an officer on March 15.

He was convicted of criminal damage to property on Feb. 15, sentenced to time served (121 days) and fined $453.

Alquinzon was convicted of substantial battery and sentenced to six months in jail on Sept. 8, 2015.

He was convicted of two counts of substantial battery and sentenced to 2 1/2 years in prison less 184 days credit on Jan. 13, 2011.

He is currently being held in custody on a $1,000 cash bond.

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New London senior Scott Cook was made the All-Bay First Team, was the conference's wrestler of the year and won the first state title in school history. Erik Buchinger photo

Coaches discuss school’s top athletes

By Erik Buchinger

Eight New London High School athletes received All-Bay Conference awards during the winter sports season.

The Bulldogs received three First Team All-Conference awards, two Second Team selections and three Honorable Mentions. Four wrestlers were awarded in addition to two boys’ basketball players and two girls’ basketball players.

Boys Basketball

Will Wohlt (11, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Will Wohlt is a very skilled, bigger-bodied kid that can score the ball. Will’s basketball IQ is one of the highest in our program, and that allows him to have a good feel of the game. Scoring with his back to the basket is such an asset for our team and something that is hard to come by. Will has a very nice perimeter shot as well, which is something we hope to utilize more next year. He has improved on his defense and has really developed into a great rebounder. Will is a hard worker, talented multi-sport athlete and a great young man. We’re excited to have him back for one more year. Will averaged 13.6 points and 7.6 rebounds in conference.”

-Head boys basketball coach Kurt Schommer

Brayden Kurth (11, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Brayden Kurth really came into his own this season and found his place on our team where he can help the most. Brayden’s defense and ability to block and alter shots in the paint are qualities that he possesses on a day-to-day basis that help our team to be successful. Brayden’s athleticism allows him to recover after there is a breakdown in defense. He also really started to score the ball this year as well, averaging almost 10 points per game.  There is at least once or twice a game where he will bring the “wow” factor, whether that being blocking a shot out of bounds, a steal when it looked like that wasn’t possible or chasing down a wide open lay-up to force a miss. He’s very important to the success of our team, and we’re looking forward to what he can bring next year as a senior. Brayden averaged nine points, 5.5 rebounds and three blocks in conference.”

-Head boys basketball coach Kurt Schommer

Girls Basketball

Leah Porath (12, First Team All-Conference, All-State Team): “Leah’s First Team All-Bay Conference selection was very deserving. She put together a fabulous conference year, that had her lead the conference in both point per game (20.8) and rebounds per game (8.7). Leah did a little bit of everything for us this past year. Many times she was asked to defend the other team’s best player, score the basketball when needed, bring the ball down the floor and be our calming influence throughout games.  To her credit, she not only accepted those roles but excelled in each of them. Off the court, Leah was a great leader and a great example for both her teammates and future players. She was a tireless worker, who was always trying to improve her play and make her teammates better. Her leadership, no doubt, played an enormous part in our 10-4 conference record and third place finish. Leah had an excellent high school career, and I look forward to watching her continue to grow playing at UW-Oshkosh the next four years.”

-Head girls basketball coach Troy Krause

Kate Christian (10, Honorable Mention All-Conference): “Kate really had herself a nice sophomore season and was definitely earned her All-Bay Conference Honorable Mention selection. She led the conference in steals and averaged 10.3 points a game. Kate is a very smart basketball player, and her knowledge on the court was valuable for us and definitely played an important part in our third place finish. Along with her numbers, Kate took on a leadership role that motivated her teammates and made us a better team. Off the court, Kate is an excellent student and role model for our younger players.  Watching Kate’s growth throughout the year was exciting and I see many more fun and exciting things in her future.”

-Head girls basketball coach Troy Krause

Wrestling

Scott Cook (12, First Team All-Conference, Wrestler of the Year, State Champion): “Scott Cook had a record-setting year on multiple levels. After dropping two matches in New London’s opening tournament of the year, Scott went undefeated and ended the year with a state championship. Scott became New London’s first state champion at 138 pounds and also set the school record for wins with 146. Scott went undefeated in conference competition, while being willing to wrestle up multiple weight classes, earning him First Team All-Conference, and his dominant run in the postseason earned him Wrestler of the Year.”

-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger

Garrett Ruckdashel (11, First Team All-Conference): “Garrett Ruckdashel started the year out strong by winning his first two tournaments of the year. Garrett’s work ethic to improve this year was high as he put in countless hours of practice. His effort paid off as Garrett turned into a well balanced wrestler. In conference competition, Garrett was willing to wrestle anyone for the betterment of the team! Putting the team first, he came through in a big way finishing 5-0 in conference and earning First Team All-Conference. Garrett’s season came up just short this year of his goals as he lost a close match to the third place finisher at sectionals. “

-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger

Brent Helsten (10, Second Team All-Conference): “Brent Helsten was a rock for us at the beginning of our lineup. He is always smiling and loves to put in the work in the room. Brent’s hard work paid off this year as he went 4-1 in conference and earned Second Team All-Conference. Brent is looking to come back big next year, and I am excited to see what he brings to the room.”

-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger

Remington Steele (12, Second Team All-Conference): “Remington Steele had a very up and down season as he battled through injuries in the second half of the year. Starting out the year, Remington went on a tear, and the reality began to build on his goals. Remington suffered an injury to his ribs and battled through it despite the pain. He is a fighter, and you can see that he is going to do whatever he needs to do to compete. Despite the injury, Remington finished the season and ended with a 3-1 conference record, earning him Second Team All-Conference.”

-Head wrestling coach Nathan Krueger

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One of three sets of four placemats that will be auctioned at the Hope for the Homeless Banquet. Submitted Photo

Hope for the Homeless Banquet

A quilt made by Pieceful Hands Quilting Guild uses drawings by Waupaca students. Submitted Photo

Drawings by Waupaca students were transformed into quilted items by the Pieceful Hands Quilting Guild.

Two large quilts, a small wall hanging and three sets of placemats were then donated to Foundations for Living (FFL), a Waupaca non-profit transitional living ministry.

The drawings were originally made as table runners for FFL’s 2016 Hope For The Homeless Banquet.

“After the banquet in 2016, (FFL) Executive Director Robin Madson approached me and asked if I thought the Pieceful Hands Quilting Guild would be able to make some quilts out of the table runners created by the Waupaca elementary students for the banquet,” said Chris Machamer, a member of the quilting guild. “The group had a great response when they saw the drawings and found out what it would be used for. They were excited to get started.”

Machamer handed out the artwork in October and the finished products were completed just in time for the 2017 Hope For The Homeless Banquet on March 30.

The Pieceful Hands Quilting Guild was started in 1996 by Bernie Mayak and just celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The group makes quilts that are donated for charities or given to friends and families. About 50 members meet the second Monday of each month at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca.

The quilts, placemats and wall hanging will be sold as silent auction items at FFL’s fourth annual Hope for the Homeless Banquet at the Waupaca Ale House.

At the event, Dan Lavold will share his experience with housing a homeless man and the FFL Clothes Closet staff will present a fashion show featuring clothing from their store. The doors will open 5:30 p.m. with dinner starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.foundationsforlivingwaupaca or from the office at 1421 Churchill St., Waupaca.

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Nathan Reynolds calls for the ball at home plate. Holly Neumann Photo

New coach wants to develop skills

By Holly Neumann

There will be a new face in the dugout this spring for Manawa’s baseball team.

Casey Fields replaces Carey Celske as the team’s coach and brings 10 years of coaching experience, including three at the high school level.

“This is my first year coaching at Manawa,” he said. “My focus is on developing the fundamental skills needed for team success. I look forward to the competition and continual growth of our players. I enjoy teaching the game of baseball and providing a positive influence for the student-athletes.”

The Wolves have to replace all-conference players Luke Wilz, Camden Moser and John Holtz.

Returning players include Billy Murphy, Nathan Reynolds and Austin Kitowski.

“We have a good young catcher in Nathan Reynolds who understands the game of baseball and has a strong arm,” Fields said. “Billy Murphy will bring leadership to the team and is mentally and physically strong, while Austin is athletic, energetic and motivated.”

Eli Yoder gets in front of the ball while working out with the Manawa baseball team. Holly Neumann Photo

The Wolves’ roster also includes Nate Newton, Kenny Reynolds, Jared Buschke, Eli Yoder, Cade Poppy, Chase Furman, Travis Dailey and Zach Kreklow.

Fields’ goals include developing depth at the pitcher position and creating a winning and competitive environment.

“We will focus on winning the day and take away something we can learn from every practice and game,” he said.

He believes Pacelli is a favorite to win the Central Wisconsin 8 Conference, which also includes Iola-Scandinavia, Weyauwega-Fremont, Amherst, Bonduel, Wittenberg-Birnamwood and Shiocton.

The Wolves are scheduled to open the season Thursday, March 30, against Gillett/Suring in Gillett before opening CWC-8 play at Lindsay Field at 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 3, against Bonduel.

“We will need to play fundamentally sound and at our best to compete with all teams,” he said. “If we can limit errors and don’t give away outs, I believe we can stay competitive.”

Manawa 2017 Baseball Schedule

Varsity
Thursday, March 30 – vs. Gillett/Suring at Gillett, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 3 – vs. Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 4 – vs. Wild Rose, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 11 – at Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 18 – at Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 20 – at Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 24 – vs. Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 25 – at Iola-Scandinavia, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 27 – at Bonduel, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 1 – vs. Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 2 – vs. Shiocton, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 4 – vs. Iola-Scandinavia, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 8 – vs. Weyauwega-Fremont, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 11 – vs. Amherst, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 15 – at Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 22 – at Pacelli, 4:30 p.m.

Alice Claire Bechard, age 93 of Wild Rose, died on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

Alice was born on April 12, 1923, in Fond du Lac, daughter of the late Matthew Jones and Eleanor (Urban) Jones. She was a 1941 graduate of Wild Rose High School. On September 14, 1946, she was united in marriage to Rexford Bechard in Wild Rose. They had three children. David Wayne Bechard, age 64, Dale Alan Bechard, age 61, and Dawn Marie (Burgess), Bechard, age 58.

Alice and Rex owned and operated Rex’s supermarket for almost four decades. The store specialty included a meat market and butcher shop. In her younger years, she worked at Wild Rose Hospital. In 1982 Alice received her nursing assistant certificate from Fox Valley Technical Institute and worked at Wild Rose Manor. Alice also got her Relator’s license and was employed at the Egan Agency in Wautoma. Alice loved working out in her flower garden, and was a talented artist, making beautiful pressed floral displays, pencil drawings and paintings. She won many awards for her artwork. Alice loved to cook, travel, and work on her arts and crafts, pressing flowers and spending time with her large family. She was a beloved mother, wife, and grandmother. She was a true friend to all who knew her and will be much missed by both family and friends.

Alice is survived by her children; David Bechard, Wild Rose; Dale (Kelly) Bechard, Appleton; and Dawn (Brian) Burgess, Waupaca. Grandchildren: Alyson (Kip Stearns) Bechard, Elizabeth Bechard, Jon Paul Bechard, Bleau (Sarah) Schneider, Crystal (Karl) Ascher, Andrea (Mark) La More, Justin (Andrea) Bechard, Rosanna (Mike) Lanting and Holly (Shane) Patza, 21 great grandchildren, Patsy Bechard, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, also survive her.

Funeral services for Alice will be held on March 29, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Wild Rose Presbyterian Church with Pastor Alyson Janke officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church, burial of cremains will be at a later date in the Caersalem Cemetery. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Alice Bechard.

Students raise funds with humor

By Holly Neumann

It was a night of laughter at the Manawa High School as Jordan Kons and Chase Furman competed for the title of Mr. Manawa.

“The event got started because we were looking for prom fundraisers,” said Molly Suehs. “Something to break up the long winter months and to have a little fun at the same time.”

She went on to say that initially, there were several students who wanted to compete, but they all dropped out.

“We could not have been left with two better guys for this,” Suehs said. “Chase and Jordan are great. They made the night a lot of fun.”

In addition to Furman and Kons answering some questions and showing off their talents, the drum line and teachers band also performed.

“We had very little preparation time at all,” Suehs said. “So I was very happy with the way things turned out.”

Kons walked away with the title.

“It feels real good to be the first Mr. Manawa,” he said. “I had a lot of fun doing it. I am an outgoing person and I am glad I could make the crowd laugh.”

He encouraged the underclassmen to become involved in future years.

Proceeds from the event will be shared between the Junior Prom and families in need in Manawa.

“We are going to try to provide a little support to area families,” Suehs said. “The junior class did so well doing 50/50 fundraisers during basketball that they voted to give back to the community as well. They are so compassionate, they wanted to do something to help others.”

Faces up to 60 years in prison

By Robert Cloud

One of two defendants charged with homicide and robbery for the April 11, 2016, death of Matthew Pagel near Clintonville was convicted Monday, March 27.

Adam J. Ozuna, 25, Bear Creek, entered a plea of no contest to first-degree reckless homicide. He faces a sentence of up to 60 years in prison.

Initially charged with first-degree intentional homicide with up to life in prison, Ozuna pleaded to a lesser charge.

He was scheduled for a jury trial on April 10-14.

A charge of robbery with use of force was dismissed but read into the record for sentencing purposes.

A second defendant in the case, Zachary T. Hohn, 17, Tigerton, is scheduled for a five-day trial, beginning June 12.

He was also charged with first-degree intentional homicide and robbery.

Victim’s body found in ditch
In the early morning hours of April 11, 2016 a woman called the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office and reported a body was in the west ditch of Airport Road in the town of Matteson.

Deputies responded to the scene, where they found a man’s body in the ditch about one-tenth of a mile north of County Trunk D.

The deceased had injuries to his face, dried blood coming from his nose, swollen lips and significant bruising to the side of his face and eye socket.

The deputies also found drag marks from the road to where the body lay.

Investigators were unable to identify the body for several hours.

Later that same morning, Clintonville police received a call from Pagel’s mother. She said Pagel was missing and provided a description of him matching that of the body.

Pagel’s roommate at the Clintonville Motel told Waupaca County investigators she last saw Pagel at 11:50 p.m. April 10, just before she left for work.

She also said she received a text message from Pagel indicating he was meeting with Adam Martinez, which police say is an alias used by Adam Ozuna. The alleged purpose of their meeting was so Pagel could buy Adderall.

Ozuna and Hohn allegedly picked up Pagel at the motel, attempted to rob him, killed him in the ensuing fight, then dumped the body.

They drove to Airport Road and Ozuna pulled Pagel’s body onto the roadway, investigators say.

Hohn became concerned the body should not be left in the middle of the road, so he allegedly dragged the body into the ditch.

The two suspects drove away, then realized they had not taken Pagel’s cellphone, which contained text messages from them.

They returned and took the cellphone, according to investigators. They also kept Pagel’s jacket and $200 in cash, which were later turned over to the police.

Sentencing
Ozuna is scheduled to appear before Judge Raymond Huber for sentencing on May 30.

He is currently an inmate at Waupun Correctional Institution.

On June 16, 2016, Winnebago County Circuit Court revoked his probation on a 2015 felony marijuana conviction and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

In July 2010, Ozuna was sentenced to two years in state prison for a felony marijuana conviction.

Jerome James Ellis, age 81 of Ogdensburg, Wisconsin, son of the late Tony D. Ellis and Cornelia Anna (Wanezek) Ellis, and stepmother Catherine (Wanezek) Ellis, passed away on March 24, 2017 at the ThedaCare Hospital in Waupaca, Wisconsin.

Jerry, a retired dentist was born on September 5, 1935 in Spring Green, Wisconsin but grew up as a boy in Clintonville, Wisconsin. He actively participated and excelled in high school athletics as a Clintonville Trucker, which included football, basketball and track. After graduating from high school in 1953, Jerry enlisted and served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1959, where he held the position of NCOIC of the Dental Clinic at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann (Wick) Ellis on March 9, 1955, his wife of 62 years. Immediately following his career in the Air Force, Jerry pursued his dream of becoming a dentist and completed his pre-professional studies at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh. He graduated from dental school at the Marquette University in 1965. Upon graduation, he relocated his family from Milwaukee to Rib Mountain, Wisconsin, and started his dental practice in Rothschild. Jerry’s hobbies and passions included snowmobile racing, big game hunting with his father and two sons, and working the land on what he referred to as his hobby farm near Ogdensburg, where he enjoyed his retirement years. He loved to be outdoors and actively engaged in working the land or other do-it-yourself projects. He loved dogs and over the years has had several favorite canine companions, most especially his Rottweiler and Doberman breeds.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Shirley; a daughter, Constance (David) Hoff, of Wausau; two sons, Gregory (Liz Beth) Ellis, of Antioch, California; and Christopher (Trish) Ellis, of Wausau. His grandchildren include Chad (Katie) Ellis, of Stevens Point, and Cheyla Ellis, of Wausau. Step-grandchildren include David, Estephano, Branson and Brenna. His most recent and well loved Rottweiler companion, Max, also remains with the family. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sister, Joan Malmon.

A private gathering of family and friends will be hosted by his family in late spring.

The Ellis family would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of the staff members of ThedaCare at Home of Waupaca for all of their help, support and loving care that they provided to Jerry and his family during his final days.

The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Clintonville has been entrusted with the arrangements. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com.

Helen I. Miller, age 92, of rural Marion passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 in rural Ogdensburg.

Earl H. Ruscher, age 74, of New London, went to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Theda Care Hospital in Appleton.

He was born on June 6, 1942 in Appleton, son of the late Henry and Anita (Doell) Ruscher. Earl graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School in 1960. On September 28, 1963, he was united in marriage to Bonnie Prahl at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London. Earl worked at Fox Tractor in Appleton for 25 years. He then worked at Simmons Juvenile Furniture in New London for 20 years until it closed, and also Walmart in New London for 8 years until he retired in 2014. Earl enjoyed watching youth baseball, riding his bike, campfires, fishing and eating his favorite food, ice cream. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London where he taught Sunday School for 10 years. To family and friends Earl was known as “Mr. Cheap.”

He is survived by his wife Bonnie of 53 years; siblings: Carol (Bill) Patrick, Dorothy (Bob) Luedtke; sisters-in-law: Connie (Art) Posselt and Cheryl Prahl. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Kenneth Prahl Jr., and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Kenneth and Gertrude Prahl Sr.

The Christian Funeral for Earl will be held on Thursday, March 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. Mark Tiefel officiating. Burial will be in Greenville Lutheran Cemetery. A visitation for Earl will be held at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Scott L. Oppor, age 53 of Clintonville, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 in Appleton.

Rev. Alton W. Lewis, 75 of La Salle, died March 23, 2017 in Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Hines, IL, in hospice care, after a three year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Friday in First Congregational Church on La Salle with Rev. Oscar Shepherd officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 7:00 PM Thursday in the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. Addition visitation will be in the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of services. Full military honors will be conducted by the La Salle/Oglesby Veterans Memorial Group outside the church following his services. Cremation will follow military services.

Rev. Lewis was born in Brockton, MA on September 6, 1941 to Alton W. and Virginia (Soule) Lewis Sr.
He was a 26 year veteran of the United States Navy, with an impressive and honorable record, receiving many commendations and achieving rank as Senior Chief, an aide to Admiral Warren C. Ham, Jr.

He first met and married Eileen Frank. Two sons were born to them. Later he met and married Ina Bickley and moved to the Iola, Wisconsin area, where he served as Lay Minister at the Iola Methodist Church. When Ina passed away, he met and married Julie Johnson of La Salle and moved to Illinois.

After expressing a desire to go into the ministry, he was mentored by Rev. Dr. Odus Eubanks of First Congregational Church of La Salle, Rev. Oscar Shepherd and Rev. Dr. James Kurtz. He met the requirements, was licensed and ordained as minister in 2004. When Dr. Eubanks retired, he became pastor and has served the Lord at First Congregational Church of La Salle until his time of death.

Rev. Lew had a love for history and participated, with Julie, as a Civil War Re-enactor with two groups in Illinois. His curiosity for seeking information led him to a passion for reading, particularly books on U.S. and World History and, later, religious history and the Gospel, as well as the works of several leaders in the religious Reformation. Sharing the Gospel of the Lord with others was his joy. He also loved traveling, and was able to do so all over the world in the Navy, also visiting each of the Civil War Battle sites, and visiting family in Maine, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Florida and Texas. In 2007, he donated a kidney to his brother.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Julie of La Salle; sons Craig (Imelda) and their four children of Pflugerville, TX; and Andrew, of Seattle WA; step-children Meghan Johnson and her son of Pontiac; Stephen (Brittney) Peterson, and their two sons, of Mesa, AZ and Jeff Peterson of Mesa, AZ. His brother Wayne (Dorothy) Lewis of Plymouth, MA and their children; a brother-in-law Rod(Barbara) Ramsell and their children, of Oklahoma; a special cousin Dotsey (Carroll) Burger, of Boynton Beach, FL; her daugthers, Sandy of Brewer, ME and Pam of Ft. Lauderdale, FL ; an aunt Louise Wiley, of Ft. Lauderdale, FL and her son Robert; childhood friend Richard (Lorraine) Wass of South Berwick, ME. Also sharing his life are many close friends considered family in the Iola/Scandinavia, WI area. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ina.

Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.hurstfuneralhomes.com

Waupaca County Sheriff’s report March 28

• March 26 – Camper vandalized in E1200 block of Riverbend Lane, Waupaca.

• March 25 – Trespassing in N5400 block of State Highway 49, Scandinavia.

• March 25 – Trespassing in N4400 block of Larry Road, New London.

• March 25 – Theft in N2600 block of County Trunk QQ, King.

• March 24 – Theft in N4700 block of Stiebs Johnson Road, New London.

• March 24 – Harassment in N4400 block of Larry Road, New London.

• March 24 – Burglary in E2300 block of Aasen Road, Iola.

• March 23 – Fraud reported in E1500 block of Red Pine Drive, Waupaca.

• March 23 – Theft in N2500 block of Halbert Lane, Waupaca.

• March 23 – Threat in 300 block of Oak Street, Waupaca.

• March 23 – Theft in 5800 block of County Trunk DD, Waupaca.

• March 22 – Trespassing in N7100 block of Fitzgerald Road, New London.

• March 22 – Fraud reported in 100 block of South Main Street, Iola.

• March 22 – Theft in N400 block of Wood Duck Drive, Fremont.

• March 22 – Vandalism in N8900 block of West River Road, Manawa.

• March 22 – Harassment in E800 block of Golke Road, Waupaca.

• March 22 – Trespassing in E2100 block of Miracle Mountain Way, Waupaca.

• March 21 – Theft on East 14th Street, Clintonville.

• March 20 – Vandalism in E3400 block of Royalton Street, Waupaca.

Jensen, Durrant seek seat

By Robert Cloud

Mark Jensen and Philip Durrant are running for the Supervisor 2 seat on the Farmington Town Board.

Local elections are slated for Tuesday, April 4.

Jensen
Mark Jensen grew up on the family farm where he lives and works today.

A 1980 graduate of Waupaca High School, Jensen attended two years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned an associate’s degree in dairy farming management.

He currently raises corn and soybeans.

Although he has no prior experience on the Farmington Town Board, Jensen’s father, W. Fred Jensen, served many years on the Farmington Town Board.

“So, I guess it’s in my blood,” Jensen said.

Jensen said he decided to run for the town board after area residents approached him and suggested he would make a good board member.

“Being a farmer, I have to prepare my own budget, try to adhere to it and make it correlate to what’s going on in the market,” Jensen said. “Working with people I do business with will be simliar to working with contractors for the town.”

Jensen said he has a 22-year-old daughter, is divorced and is currently in a committed relationship.

He is active in the Viking Snowmobile Club.

Jensen said his primary focus would be on maintaining the town’s roads.

He noted the town board has done a good job in the past, and he wants to keep that going.

“I want to see if there’s any improvements that can be done with snowplowing, mowing the ditches and cost savings, but not at the expense of having good roads,” Jensen said.

One way to maintain roads, Jensen said, is to enforce spring weight limits.

“The county roads are posted, the town roads are posted, but there’s no enforcement,” Jensen said. “If you drive heavy equipment on the roads this time of year, you can do a lot of damage.”

Jensen also noted a rash of road signs disappearing.

“It would be nice to get to the bottom of that or devise some means to make it harder to steal them,” Jensen said.

He also wants to lower taxes, if possible.

“I believe that just because the town has money, it doesn’t mean they have to spend it,” Jensen said.

Jensen said Farmington purchased lawn mowers for cemetery maintenance last year. He wonders if the town could save money by hiring a service.

Jensen also believes Farmington should return to having a separate town clerk and treasurer.

“It’s a good source of checks and balances,” Jensen said.

He would also like to see what town employees and elected officials are being paid each month as part of the monthly billing report.

Communications with town residents is key to being an effective town supervisor, according to Jensen.

“I’m always listening and I’ll always ask questions,” Jensen said. “If someone asks me a question and I don’t know the answer, I’ll find out.”

Durrant
A Farmington resident since 1973 and a graduate of Waupaca High School, Durrant is a Vietnam-era veteran who spent 13 months on a tour of duty in South Korea.

His duties included being an aide to a battalion commander and supply procurement.

Durrant studied at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for two years.

He spent 27 years working at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King. He was in charge of purchasing, receiving and distributing supplies for the maintenance department.

Durrant retired from the vets home in 2001, spent four years working for UW-Stevens Poing in the recycling department and is now employed part time at Fastenal.

Locally, Durrant is best known for his role as a WIAA sports official at football, basketball, softball and volleyball games. He has been a sports official since 1980.

Durrant said he was initially approached by then-chairman Don Fabricius to apply for an open seat on the town board.

“I explored it. I did apply, but I realized I did not have the time to devote to that position so I withdrew my application,” Durrant said.

Durrant said Dale Trinrud and Eugene Engebretson approached him again in June 2016.

“I was lukewarm at best,” Durrant said. “In November, I had another conversation with Mr. Trinrud and he again encouraged me to apply.”

At the Dec. 19 Farmington Town Board meeting, Caroline Murphy replaced Kevin Will as the town chair after he resigned the position.

Durrant then took over Murphy’s seat as Supervisor 2 at the same meeting.

He favors focusing tax dollars on residents rather than visitors.

“I’m not saying that this isn’t the standard now, I just want to make sure it doesn’t happen in the future,” Durrant said. “If we take care of the needs of our residents, our visitors will benefit also because we will have good infrastructure, good roads and parks.”

Durrant wants to include Farmington’s electors in the town’s decision making.

“I’d like to see more transparency and the concept of a town hall meeting used more often to get more public input,” Durrant said.

Durrant said he favors more public input during town board meetings and more flexibility about public input on the agenda.

“I don’t feel public input should be restricted to the first 15 minutes of the meeting,” Durrant said.

One issue where Durrant would appreciate more public input is the town’s share of funding to the city of Waupaca’s Parks and Recreation programs.

The towns of Farmington, Dayton and Waupaca contribute toward the annual costs of the programs.

In exchange, residents of those towns may pay the same fees to participate in the rec programs as city residents.

For 2017, Farmington agreed to contribute $61,578 toward the city’s rec programs.

The city and Waupaca School District have been discussing a new Fund 80, which would be managed by the school district to help fund the city’s parks and rec programs.

Durrant said he believes Fund 80 could save the town’s money, but he wants to ensure the idea has the support of Farmington taxpayers.

Durrant said he also wants to make sure the town is still receiving the level of ambulance service it did when Waupaca Area Ambulance ran the service.

“That includes staffing, response times and overall service,” Durrant said.

While he believes Farmington has good roads, Durrant would like more public input as to determining which roads should be given priority.

“Everybody wants their own road done immediately, but we can’t do that,” Durrant said. “We need to live within our budget, and we need to do our due diligence.”