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Burlington Standard Press 2019/20

Wisconsin

our town

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SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town

May’s Insurance celebrated a century last November in the City of Burlington. The firm’s partners credit a loyal customer base, valued employees and trust for the agency’s 100 years of service. The company’s employees include (front row, from left) Nicole Baumeister, business insurance; Ashley Foat, sales manag-

er personal and business insurance; Mona Schuerman, personal insurance; Peggy Weidert, accounting and billing; and (back row) partners James Peterson, James Weis (retired), Joel Weis and Michael Deans; Gayle Koch, personal insurance; Sarah Boylen, life and health insurance.

Insurance agency celebrates 100 years MAY’S INSURANCE CONTINUES TO FOCUS ON CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS by Jason Arndt EDITOR

or a century, May’s Insurance has provided insurance for a variety of sectors, and the owners attribute the longevity to three key components. Those components are customer loyalty, valuable employees and a family atmosphere. “We are insuring three generations of people,” said co-owner Mike Deans, whose partners are father-in-law Jim Peterson and Joel Weis. “We have some accounts that are 70 years old.” Weis, the son of retired past owner Jim Weis, said May’s Insurance has about 2,500 clients spanning at least 10 states. May’s Insurance, located in the former Bank of Burlington building at Pine and Chestnut streets, consists of nearly a dozen employees who have shown their dedication to service. “Our employees have been around for quite some time and we value them greatly,” said Jim Peterson, who joined the agency in 1978, when the business experienced growth. Peterson, a former commercial banker, once worked in the same building when it was a bank. While the building was familiar, and he had commercial business knowledge,

BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

learning insurance terminology was another matter. “I was a commercial banker, so I was used to calling on businesses,” Jim Peterson said. “The insurance language was a completely new thing.” “I primarily spend my time on commercial property casualty and commercial health,” Peterson added. May’s Insurance offers services in several categories – auto, home, and personal insurance; business insurance; life and health insurance; and group insurance. Joel Weis, whose father entered the business in 1960, said developing trust with customers has kept May’s Insurance prosperous.

Customer loyalty

“We have been through some good years and some bad years like every other business,” he said. “We are fortunate to have some very loyal customers that represents some really great companies.” “I have learned that this is a business of trust and promises,” Weis added. Before he joined the agency in 1992, he began his career as a life insurance provider with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance. Weis, who has licenses in multiple insurance segments, graduated with an accounting degree from the University of

Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Deans, meanwhile, previously worked as a physical education teacher and football coach in South Milwaukee before returning to Burlington with his family around 2005. “It was a family decision, we are originally from Burlington,” he said. “My wife is the daughter of Jim Peterson.”

Humble beginnings

May’s Insurance started small in 1918, when George Weiler opened it in the Weiler Building. Years later, George Weiler brought his son-in-law, Francis May, into the agency. After several years of working together, Weiler sold the agency to May, who later welcomed his son, Jim May, into the ownership group. When Francis May decided to retire in 1960, Jim May partnered with brother-in-law Jim Weis. Following the passing of Jim May, Francis May returned to the agency until 1967 when Bob Thompson joined the group. As the agency grew, the owners saw a need for more space and decided to move into the former Bank of Burlington in 1972. Bill Weidert joined the agency in 1972 and was a partner until retirement in 1995. Jim Weis, who retired in 2015, eventually saw other partners join the firm, including Peterson, his son, and Deans.

Welcome to

our town T by Jason

Arndt EDITOR

he Burlington area not only offers an array of activities to suit anyone’s needs, or tastes, it also boasts officials who are invested in making the community a better place to live and play. The Burlington area, which encompasses both the town and city, also includes the towns of Spring Prairie and Lyons in Walworth County. As for activities, and community offerings, there is always something for residents and visitors to participate in at all parts of the year. In the cold winter months, the area found a way to keep the community engaged, thanks to Hot Chocolate Fest and the newly launched state Ice Carving Festival at Wehmhoff Square Park. In addition, the fall features Spooky City and the Autumn Rib Festival, along with an assortment of other activities. In the spring and summer, the Chocolate Festival continues its long-standing tradition of offering something for everyone in the family, whether it is live music, tasty treats or carnival rides for the kids. Area farmers markets, meanwhile, are an ongoing affair touting locally grown and sourced goods. Visitors and residents alike can explore area waterways including Bohners Lake, Browns Lake and Echo Lake, along with

Burlington, Wisconsin

our town 2019-20

the Fox and White rivers. On Thursday evenings during the summer at Browns Lake, the well-established Aquaducks water ski show team puts on quite the show, which features high-flying stunts and a stellar ballet line. Burlington also features the annual Tall Tales Music Festival in August when up-and-coming music stars showcase their talents. While the area has many attractions and offerings, officials have emphasized unity, like last fall when the city celebrated the state champion girls volleyball teams from Burlington and Catholic Central. Meanwhile, within the city police department, an officer remains invested in the Special Olympics and often participates in many of the organization’s causes. If that is not enough, community organizations, such as the Rotary Club, showed a commitment to the community through helping the city with its reforestation efforts last year. Local officials continue to work to establish the area as a destination for both new business and residents. Visitors who take a long look into what the community has to offer just might decide they want to stay. Considering the caring and robust community, the area is worth calling “Our Town.”

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

David Andrews of Wauwatosa works on his chocolate sculpture in the Chocolate Experience Tent Sunday during ChocolateFest 2019.

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

A young contestant in the KidsBucks game show attempts to toss a chocolate chip cookie into a pail despite some interference from the game’s host in the children’s area at ChocolateFest.

An annual publication of BURLINGTON STANDARD PRESS & SOUTHERN LAKES NEWSPAPERS 209 Dodge St., Burlington, WI 53105 • (262) 763-3330 • www.myracinecounty.com GENERAL MANAGER: Sue Z. Lange

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz

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On the cover: Nicole Olson, of Burlington, entertains her daughter, Kylee, 1, while waiting for the annual Memorial Day parade to begin in May. The parade and tribute to service are held each Memorial Day in conjunction with the annual ChocolateFest celebration. ED NADOLSKI Our Town

BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

h s a l p S A BIG

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

In its inaugural year, the Burlington Community Aquatic Center prospered and far exceeded expectations in 2018, with a reported attendance of more than 38,000 people. Not surprisingly, more pool memberships were issued than anticipated, according to Director Jeanne Otter. “It was fabulous. The response was overwhelming,” Otter said. “People came from everywhere, once they walked through the doors,

Aquatic Center becomes popular summer destination

they were amazed.” As for memberships, she estimated 250 would be issued, but the multi-million dollar facility sold more than 800 total memberships. The prosperous season, Otter said, went well beyond the 4,900 the former pool brought in during its final season in 2017. “They didn’t start tearing down the old pool until after Labor Day (in 2017),” said Otter, who credited Scherrer Construction for its management services. “It was pretty amazing to get it done.” The finished product, which only took about nine months, left staff with two weeks

to learn the features of the new facility. Features include two pools, a current channel, three large water slides, two diving boards, and a rock-climbing wall, among other amenities. “We literally got in two weeks before it opened,” she said. “There was a lot of onsite training.” To meet state rules for waterparks, lifeguards were mandated to take an additional four-hour training course. Otter expects to see the numbers climb even higher in 2019 with word of the pool’s amenities traveling beyond the borders of Burlington. She also expects an experienced

The Burlington Community Aquatic Center, which opened in 2018, has become a popular recreation spot in the Burlington area. The pool was build by the City of Burlington and is managed by a non-profit board of volunteers.

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

staff in 2019. “We will run much smoother because the majority of our staff is coming back,” she said.

“By state code, with the size of our pool and the type of water features that we have, it is dictated in the code of how many lifeguards we have to have at one time,” she said.

Staffing increases

Peak summer

Considering the unexpected demand, Otter ramped up the expectations for 2019, when the pool will see an influx of new lifeguards. In 2018, the pool had 18-19 lifeguards on staff, with most returning for the 2019 season, Otter said. That number is double in 2019. According to state mandate, the Aquatic Center is required to have at least seven lifeguards on duty. If the pool approaches capacity, which is 746, up to 12 lifeguards are needed.

While the pool never reached capacity, Otter said there were instances when more than 1,000 people in total visited the facility over the course of a single day. As for its peak, she said the pool saw more people between late-June to midJuly, when the area experienced favorable weather. “There were only two days in July where we had to close because of weather,” she said. “We were lucky weather-wise, we had really good weather.” Typically, she said anywhere from 500

If you go… WHAT: Burlington Community Aquatic Center WHERE: 394 Amanda St., Burlington HOURS: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends RATES: Daily admission – $8 residents/$10 non-residents for all day or $5/$7 after 4 p.m. Season-long membership are available. INFO: Call 262-758-6446 or visit burlington communitypool.org

to 600 people visited every day.

Closing out The pool, which shut down for the season on Aug. 25, 2018, experienced a staffing decline because most of its staff attend college, play high school athletics, or work at the Burlington Area School District. “A lot of kids went back to college and a lot of our staff are in sports, so they have games and practices,” she said. “The majority of our (front desk) staff works in the school district.” Otter, however, said the decline is typical for community pools approaching Labor Day weekend. The successful season, meanwhile, would not have been possible without each staff member. “They worked extremely hard and were very dedicated, they had to learn a lot, too, because it was all new,” she said. “They did an excellent job.”

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

A diver takes flight off the high diving board at the Burlington Community Aquatic Center. The facility offers a variety of recreational opportunities including a zero-depth entry wading pool, a water playground area, three water slides, a climbing wall and a current channel for water walking or tube floating. At right: Andrew Harpke takes the plunge from one of the three slides at the Burlington Community Aquatic Center.

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BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

IMPORTANT

PHONE NUMBERS FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911 Non-emergency numbers:

City of Burlington: • Police – 342-1100 • Fire and rescue – 763-7842 • City Hall – 342-1161

Town of Burlington: • Police patrol (Racine County Sheriff) – 763-9558 • Police Chief (administrative) – 763-7539 • Fire – 763-3070, ext. 4 • Marine patrol chief – 763-7539 • Town Hall– 763-3070

Other: • Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington – 767-6000 • Aurora Burlington Clinic – 767-8000 • Walworth County Sheriff – 741-4400

OUR

SCHOOLS

Burlington Area School District www.basd.k12.wi.us District Office: 100 N. Kane St. • 763-0210 Superintendent: Stephen Plank Assistant Superintendent: Connie Zinnen Business Manager: Ruth Schenning School Board Meets 2nd Monday at 7 p.m. Roseanne Hahn, president, 534-2915 Kevin Bird, vice president, 206-9843 Peter Turke, treasurer, 758-7100 Susan Kessler, clerk, 539-6051 Members: Barry Schmaling, 757-8080, Taylor Wishau, 763-0210, Diane Wood, 492-6321 Burlington High School 400 McCanna Pkwy. 763-0200 Principal: Eric Burling Associate Principals: Ryan Heft, Jeremy Andersen Athletic Director/Associate Principal: Eric Plitzuweit

Karcher Middle School 225 Robert St. • 763-0190 Principal: Jill Oelslager Dyer Intermediate School 201 S. Kendrick Ave. 763-0220 Principal: Scott Schimmel Cooper Elementary School 249 Conkey St. • 763-0180 Principal: Jacqueline Syens Lyons Center 1622 Mill St., Lyons 763-5380 Principal: Joel Graham Waller Elementary School 195 Gardner Ave. • 763-0185 Principal: Victoria Libbey Winkler Elementary School 34150 Fulton St. • 539-2726 Principal: Joel Graham Southern Lakes Consortium Alternative High School 209 Wainwright Ave. 767-2626 Principal: Sheri Bronstad

Private schools Catholic Central High School www.cchsnet.org 148 McHenry St., Burlington 763-1510 Principal: Bonnie Scholz Burlington Catholic School – St. Mary’s Campus www.stmb.org 225 W. State St., Burlington 763-1515 St. Charles Campus www.mystcharles.org 449 Conkey St. • 763-2848 Principal: Mary MacDonald St. John’s Lutheran Grade School www.stjohnsburlington.org 198 Westridge Ave. 763-2377 Principal: Chris Avery Wisconsin Parents Association (Home Schooling) Contact: 608-283-3131

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Epic journey M A K E S L O CA L S T O P

Old Glory Relay team passes through Southeast Wisconsin by Jason Arndt EDITOR

Since Sept. 11, when the Old Glory Relay started at Boston’s Fenway Park, thousands of U.S. Veterans have carried the American Flag, with a mission to make it to San Diego by Veterans Day. The Old Glory Relay squad, known as Team Red, White and Blue, made a stop in Burlington last October. As dozens of runners and supporters made their way to Burlington High School – one of the stops on the journey – hundreds of students awaited in anticipation of their arrival. While the school’s dance and cheer squads shouted encouragement, other students were equally as supportive, showcasing signs of gratitude and appreciation.

See OLD GLORY, Page 14 At right: A cyclist involved in the Old Glory Relay leads a group of runners past Burlington High School Monday during Day 28 of the 62-day nationwide journey, which began in Boston on Sept. 11. Participants of the journey are veterans and supporters who work together to bring the American Flag to San Diego. Top: A group of Burlington High School students showcase their signs of support to Old Glory Relay participants who passed through the city in 2018. JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

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Last call Mayor Hefty steps away from Rescue Squad by Ed Nadolski EDITOR IN CHIEF

When Jeannie Hefty’s husband died in 1985 – leaving her with four children, including a 5-month-old, to raise on her Burlington Mayor Jeannie Hefty own – the last thing on her mind was how recently retired from she could reach out and help others. a combined 20 years It’s not that she didn’t have a heart for of service to the community service, rather she was more Burlington Rescue concerned about the well-being of her Squad. Hefty became young family. the first woman However, a few days later, when more squad member in than 1,000 people turned out for her 1987, shortly after her husband – who husband’s funeral, Hefty couldn’t shake the was also a squad overwhelming feeling of gratitude for the member – died. community. “When you see something like that it gets you thinking,” Hefty, who is currently Burlington’s mayor, said last week. After taking a year allow her family to stabilize after the loss of husband and father Warren Hefty at age 36, Jeannie Hefty began wondering how to repay the community that had been so good to her. “I thought, ‘What do I want to do that will help my kids and myself going forward,’” Hefty said. That something turned out to be two stints and 20 years total as a volunteer member of the Burlington Rescue Squad. Her service stood out as a tribute to her husband, who spent 15 years on the squad before his death. She was also a pioneer as the first woman member of the squad and then its first woman officer. But Hefty said it was never about breaking down barriers – although she’s glad she did. For her, it was about service to the community. “I did not go in to prove anything,” she herself before she could express her thanks. said. “It was simply to serve.” “For 30 days I’ve been struggling to keep my cool about addressing the squad,” Stepping down she said, noting that she also saw some That arc of service came a full circle in tears among her fellow squad members. the summer of 2018 when Hefty officially Hefty’s message to her fellow squad retired from the Rescue Squad. members: Any hopes of stepping away quietly “I’m not walking away. were dashed Aug. 8 when members of “I’m going to be an advocate for squad hosted a retirement ceremony that volunteerism,” she added, noting the included members of Hefty’s family and growing need for community volunteers for a proclamation honoring her service from fire and rescue services throughout the area. Gov. Scott Walker (hand-delivered by “I know what the departments are going Assembly Speaker Robin Vos). through. “It was very emotional,” Hefty said. “I “I told (squad members), ‘I will always did not know all that was coming.” be here with you when we have an incident The moment caught Hefty off-guard or a disaster in our community.’” and had her teary-eyed and choked up on Rescue Squad Chief Brian Zwiebel said multiple occasions. She said she turned her he hopes Hefty’s service is an inspiration back to the crowd momentarily to compose for others.

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

“I wish more people would look at it and say, ‘See what she did for the community. I could do that, too.’”

Limitations force decision

According to Hefty, the decision to retire came down to escalating physical limitations relating to an ankle injury she first suffered more than 10 years ago. In 2007 she lost her footing while using a ladder in her home and shattered her left ankle. At the time, she said, she was given two choices – undergo a bone fusion or face possible amputation. A series of four surgeries allowed her to resume most normal activities. However, Hefty admits, she was never the same as prior to the injury and she will always have a limp.

See LAST CALL, Page 11 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

An officer’s Special Olympics passion Wangnoss, of Burlington, represented state overseas

by Jason Arndt

opportunity raise global awareness for the Special Olympics, when he represented Wisconsin and the United States as a member City of Burlington police officer Bryan of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Wangnoss knew he wanted to get involved for Special Olympics. with the Special Olympics after seeing the With his selection, he went to Abu Dhabi, international organization brighten his niece’s where the World Games were held in March. life. The trip was his first overseas. The World His niece, Hailey Disch, was born with Games is similar to the Olympics and is held Down syndrome has blossomed since joining every four years in different nations. the Special Olympics. Wangnoss, the lone law enforcement “She got involved with some special needs member from Wisconsin, joined Special cheerleading groups when she was in school Olympic athlete Zechariah Tietz, of and it just blossomed from there,” he said. Milwaukee, in the Final Leg. His fondest memory came when she won The duo carried the Special Olympics her first state Special Olympics medal a few Flame of Hope to every corner of the United years ago. Arab Emirates, according to a news release. “The most exciting part was watching her SUBMITTED PHOTO Our Town get her first medal in the state games here in Mt. Pleasant Police Officer Matt Prochas- Representation is not limited to the United Wisconsin back around 2009-2010.” ka (left) joins Bryan Wangnoss at a recent States, however, with law enforcement officials and athletes from Canada, Turkey, Her progress, according to Wangnoss, Special Olympics event. Poland and other nations joining in. encouraged him to become a Special Olympics supporter. awareness for the Special Olympics. Wangnoss’ support includes assisting with Wangnoss, who has been with Burlington Wangnoss, accustomed to local events, coordinating and promoting Special Olympics Police Department for nearly two decades, noted his selection and participation would Wisconsin events and fundraisers, notably said his involvement with the Torch Run the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is intensified as the years progressed. See SPECIAL OLYMPICS, Page 11 a grassroots movement designed to raise Earlier this year, Wangnoss received an EDITOR

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GOVERNMENT

City of Burlington www.burlington-wi.gov 300 N. Pine St., Burlington, WI 53105 Phone: 342-1161 Fax: 763-3474

Elected officials and other key personnel: Mayor: Jeannie Hefty, 262-342-1161 Aldermen: 1st District Susan Kott, 262-716-6676 Theresa Meyer, 262-806-3303 2nd District Ryan Heft, 262-210-3277 Bob Grandi, 262-767-0912 3rd District Steve Rauch, 262-767-1910 Jon Schultz, 262-757-8580 4th District Todd Bauman, 262-210-9257 Tom Preusker, 262-332-0209 City Administrator: Carina Walters, 262-342-1161 City Clerk: Diahnn Halbach, 262-342-1161 City Attorney: John Bjelajac, 262-342-1161 Municipal Judge: Kelly Iselin Court Clerk: Lisa Tenhagen, 262-342-1129 Police Chief: Mark Anderson, 262-342-1100 Department of Public Works: Peter Riggs, 262-342-1181 Building, Electrical and Plumbing Inspector: Gregory Guidry, 262-342-1164 Librarian: Joe Davies, 262-342-1130 Fire Chief: Alan Babe, 262-763-7842

Town of Burlington www.tn.Burlington.wi.gov 32288 Bushnell Road, Burlington, WI 53105 Phone: 262-763-3070 • Fax: 262-763-2118 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday-Friday

Elected officials and other personnel: Town Chairman: Ralph Rice, 262-539-2829 Town Administrator: Brian Graziano, 262-763-3070; bgraziano@townof burlington.com Assessor: Associated Appraisal, 800-721-4157 Supervisors: Tyson Fettes, 262-539-6028 Richard Isaacson, 262-210-3235 Jeffrey Lang, 262-308-2586 Barbara Ruud, 262-539-2375 Clerk: Adelheid “Heidi” Streif, 262-763-3070 astreif@ townofburlington.com Building Inspector: Jack Daams, 262-763-3070 Police Chief: Michael P. Sevick, 262-763-7539 chiefsevick@ townofburlington.com Fire Department: Bill Vrchota 262-763-3070 Emergency Management: Skip Twardosz, 262-757-0657 Municipal Court Judge: Rich Scholze, 262-763-8185 Municipal Clerk of Courts: Carrie Oldenburg, 262-763-8591

• Special Olympics not have been possible without the support of Police Chief Mark Anderson and Lt. Brian Zmudzinski. “I couldn’t do anything of this without the support of my chief and my lieutenant. They are the ones that made this happen,” he said. “I can be involved locally all I want, but to do something of this scale, without their blessing

(Continued from page 10)

and their support, I wouldn’t be able to do it.”

Achieving dreams

Wangnoss encouraged anyone with a need for the Special Olympics to join, noting the program offers several options. Options include bowling, basketball, flag football, volleyball, among other activities.

• Last Call

(Continued from page 9)

When Hefty re-joined the Rescue Squad in 2014 – first as a driver and then again as a full-fledged emergency medical technician – she did it with the understanding that she’d have some physical limitations. That didn’t create any concerns until the spring of 2018, however, when Hefty slipped on a puddle of melted snow in her home and reinjured her ankle. She went to physical therapy twice a week in an effort to rebuild some of the ankle stability she lost as a result of the injury. “I just felt the liability was too great (to the Rescue Squad),” she said. “As things are, I couldn’t carry a monitor up a step. What if we had a severe accident case and I fall when carrying equipment?” Hefty said the guilt she’d feel in such a scenario kept her up at night and led her, reluctantly, to the decision to retire from the squad. Since her most recent stint with the squad overlapped with her return to the mayor’s office, Hefty said she fears some people will view her service as politically motivated. However, she said, her goal was simply to reconnect with and give something back to the community that’s been so good to her.

Looking back

Hefty said as a young wife and mother she watched as her husband tried to decompress after particularly difficult rescue calls in the 1970s and ‘80s. She said she knew his commitment to service took precedence over his personal comfort. That was one of the reasons she chose to follow in his footsteps even though the Rescue Squad had been under the purview of men only until 1987. Jeannie Hefty’s application to become a member passed by one slim vote. As the first woman on the squad, she knew she was under a microscope during training and in the field. She said she kept a low profile and did what she was told – often running back to the rig for equipment while the

more experienced members tended to victims and patients. “After I got on as a rookie, we had three calls in a row with women’s issues,” she said. “I heard, ‘Hefty, get up here.’ I became the hand-holder because I could see the fear other women had and I was able to bring that special touch.” As her role on the squad evolved, Hefty launched the Teddy Bear Club and became the flag waver for a program that provides stuffed animals for children in crisis situations.

An alderman and mayor

Hefty’s community service resume grew in the late 1980s when she applied for an opening on the City Council and was appointed to the seat. She went on to become mayor and remains most proud of her efforts to get the Bridge Street overpass built to prevent the city from becoming cut in two sections whenever trains block all of the downtown intersections. That political triumph holds a deeply personal meaning for Hefty. The rescue squad transporting her late husband to the hospital on the day he died was trapped on the opposite side of the tracks for several minutes while a train cleared. “I did not want all those intersections blocked with somebody in the rescue squad like my husband was,” she said. Serving as a member of the Rescue Squad for 20 years has given Hefty special insight in her role as mayor, she said. “You see things in a different way and I’ve been able to use my (position as mayor) to change some things for the better,” she said. In her time with the Rescue Squad, Hefty has grown from “Hefty, get up here!” to M-1, which became her radio handle in recent years, recognizing her role as mayor. Hefty said her time on the squad taught her a great deal about herself and the value of a hometown. “Since Warren died, it has truly molded me into someone who cares about my community.” BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

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A PARK

Reforested Rotary Club pitches in at Echo Park

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

The City of Burlington, like all other Southeast Wisconsin communities, continues to wrestle with the effects of the emerald ash borer. The ash borer, a tiny insect responsible for hundreds of dead and diseased trees in the city, has taken a toll on the city’s public works staff and budget in the last five years. Towards the end of 2018, according to City of Burlington Public Works employee Aaron DeGrave, the city has about 800 ash trees infected with emerald ash borer. “We have roughly 800 ash trees in the city of Burlington. We are treating some ash trees, for example, this year, we treated close to 100 ash trees,” he said last October. Some trees, however, were unable to withstand the infestation and were removed, including 32 at Echo Park in downtown Burlington. The Burlington Rotary Club recognized the city’s challenge and decided to pitch in with money and manpower. On Saturday a dozen or so club members dug in and planted more than two dozen trees. Rachael Crane, President of the Burlington Rotary Club, learned about the challenge after a presentation by Director of Public Works Peter Riggs at a recent club meeting. “We decided that would be a great project for our annual fundraiser,” she said. “We raised the funds at our Rotary Roundup, which took place in September at the (Art and Eileen) Naber farm.” The fundraiser exceeded expectations, courtesy of a district grant from the Rotary,

according to Crane. “Initially, we wanted to raise about $6,000,” she said. “We thought that would be enough to work with here and get all of the trees in. Between the district grant ($2,000) that we received from the Rotary and the funds that were raised from the roundup it was just over $12,000.” For DeGrave, the fundraiser was an unexpected, and welcome, surprise. With double the proceeds, the city planned to use the funds at other area parks, he said. The club planted more trees in Riverside Park this past spring. “It was a good deal for the city,” DeGrave said. Typically, the city annually budgets between $20,000 to $30,000 to plant new trees. Tie in the city’s recovery from the July 2017 flooding, which cost Burlington millions, Crane acknowledged Saturday’s efforts were the right action to take. “We knew that the budget was probably a little strained here in Burlington due to all of the damage from the flood, so we thought, this is something we can do for future generations,” Crane said.

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

City of Burlington Department of Public Works employee Aaron DeGrave (left) and Burlington Rotary Club member Chris Miller prepare a tree for planting last October at Echo Park in Burlington. The Rotary Club planted 30 trees in the park with assistance of city crews to help replace those lost to the emerald ash borer.

First steps

Last October, DeGrave said the Rotary Club planted 32 trees, which will replace the trees city crews had to remove last winter. The 32 trees, DeGrave said, consists of 15 different species. “Today, we planted around six Riverbirch (trees), which should do well along the lakefront,” DeGrave said.

See REFORESTED, Page 24

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

Burlington Rotary Club members David Thompson (left) and Michael Wiley backfill a newly planted tree last October in Echo Park. The Rotary Club raised more than $12,000 to replace trees in city parks. BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

• Old Glory

(Continued from page 7)

The veterans’ arrival, meanwhile, was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Burlington Student Council, school administrators and Old Glory Relay representatives.

Students take action Then-Student Council President and recent graduate Morgan Tracy, who learned the group planned to travel through the area, discovered the initial route did not include a direct run alongside Burlington High School. “What really made it work best is that Morgan contacted the organizers and they altered their routes slightly, so instead of us lining up on Highway 142, which is a safety concern, they came right down McCanna Parkway,” said Principal Eric Burling. Tracy, meanwhile, said it was imperative to welcome Team RWB members into their campus, considering they served the country and deserved recognition for participating in the coast-to-coast mission. “We thought it was really important that veterans got recognition for what they do for our country and get the whole school involved,” she said. With the school community rallying and supporting the veterans, according to Tracy, the coordinated efforts were worth it. “We are here today and it is really exciting,” she said. “I thought it was

JASON ARNDT Our Town

Burlington High School students show support and cheer on veterans participating in the Old Glory Relay on Monday.

incredible, at first, (that) it didn’t actually go right past our school.”

The relay’s purpose The Old Glory Relay, which is in its fifth year, looks to help America’s veterans find lasting fulfillment through the creation of deep bonds with other veterans and civilians. The relay, according to officials, bolsters bonds and teamwork with the common goal

of carrying the American Flag across the country. For nearly a month, thousands of veterans and civilian supporters passed the flag through several cities, including New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Pittsburgh. Burling said the Old Glory Relay was another way to honor those who served the country while giving students the opportunity to show some school unity.

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BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

‘I just jumped in’ Woman recounts rescue of girl floundering in river by Chad Hensiak CORRESPONDENT

When Bohners Lake resident Tracy Carpenter heard screaming last August about a girl who had fallen into the Fox River, she flew into action. At approximately 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 2, Carpenter was at the Burlington Dog Park when a girl ran to her exclaiming her friend had fallen into the river. Seconds later Carpenter heard Emma Parton, 10, screaming for help. “I did not think – I dialed 911, handed my phone to a friend, and ran towards Emma’s voice,” Carpenter said. Parton said she was walking along a steep part of the riverbank with two of her friends when she slipped on some loose rocks and fell into the Fox River. The current where Emma fell in was strong and she was quickly swept downstream. Parton said while she was trying to tread water her foot got stuck between two rocks at the bottom of the river. She then found herself struggling to keep her head above water. “Once I reached Emma She was in at least five feet of water,” Carpenter said. “I was able to get her foot free by getting it out of her shoe. I then swam her to safety on an island after pausing in a shallow spot while holding onto a metal beam of some kind in the water. “Once we reached the safety of the island

CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

Tracy Carpenter (right) reunites with Emma Parton, 10, a day after she rescued the girl from the Fox River. Part had fallen in an area of rapid current and was struggling to keep her head above water after getting her foot caught in some rocks.

I realized Emma had swallowed a lot of water and was exhausted from her struggle, so I just held her close until first responders were able to get to us.” The City of Burlington Fire Department and members of the Burlington Rescue Squad lowered a ladder down to the island from the abandoned railroad bridge spanning

CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

Mother Tammy Pittman (from left) and daughter Emma Parton meet with Town of Burlington resident Tracy Carpenter a day after Carpenter rescued Parton from the Fox River.

the river. Rescuers placed Parton and Carpenter in harnesses and then climbed the ladder with them onto the safety of the railroad bridge. Parton was taken to Aurora Memorial Hospital of Burlington and released in good health shortly after. Tammy Pittman, Parton’s mother, said the girls walked to the store then wandered off where they should not have been. “It felt like they were gone a bit too long, so we headed out to look for them,” Pittman said. “That’s when we heard the sirens and ran to follow the commotion. “It was like my worst fears were coming true when I learned Emma was in the river,” she continued. A day later, Pittman, Parton, and Carpenter got the chance to officially meet. Hugs and tears of joy were exchanged while new friendships were forged. “I am super grateful that Tracy was there, and I cannot thank her enough,” Pittman said. Carpenter, who is CPR trained and currently studying to be a registered nurse, said, “I don’t consider myself a hero. I did what anyone would have done. Maybe it is because I am a mother, or maybe it was my training, but I did not need to think about it. “I just jumped in to save her.” BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

OUR CALENDAR of JULY

EVENTS

18 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

30 Caring and Sharing Grief Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434

26-27 Maxwell Street Days

AUGUST

and Vintage Square, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St. This is a free event open to the public. In addition to The Vintage Square, Maxwell Street Days will include music, food vendors, local craft beer, wine, spirits, sidewalk sales in front of local businesses, sidewalk chalk painting, rubber duckie races, ice cream social, Chocolate City Clue Quest Scavenger Hunt and Cars and Trucks for the young at heart.

20 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or

wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N. Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

25 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

25 B-Town Sounds Summer

Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. at Echo Park, Burlington. Free summer family concert series. Bring your chairs, food and favorite beverage.

1 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

8 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

8 B-Town Sounds Summer

Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. at Echo Park, Burlington. Free summer family concert series. Bring your chairs, food and favorite beverage.

15 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

16 Public Works Rodeo, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Burlington Public Works Department, 2100 S. Pine St. Event will feature equipment demonstrations, rides, tours, raffles, food and more. Info: 262-342-1131 17 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N. Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

ED NADOLSKI Our Town

Javais Wetter, 2, calls to her mother, Cortney, after picking out some squash at the Burlington Farmers Market last October. The two were visiting a stand provided by Geneva Lakes Produce. The weekly market is held through October at Wehmhoff Square Park in downtown Burlington.

22 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

summer family concert series. Bring your chairs, food and favorite beverage.

22 B-Town Sounds Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. at Echo Park, Burlington. Free summer family concert series. Bring your chairs, food and favorite beverage.

12 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

27 Caring and Sharing Grief Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434 29 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

SEPTEMBER

5 – Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St. CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

Julia Tichenor is all smiles as she explores the cab of a Case front-end loader  during the Burlington Department of Public Works Rodeo last August.

BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

5 – B-Town Sounds Summer Concert Series, 6:30 p.m. at Echo Park, Burlington. Free

17 Chocolate City Open- Hawk’s View Golf Club, 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. The cost is $125 for a single golfer, $500 for a team of four and $25 for dinner only. Price includes lunch, golf, cart and dinner. 19 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

21 Rochester’s “Day in the Country”, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Village of Rochester, 205 W. Main St., Rochester. This is an annual event featuring: arts and crafts, 5K run/walk, live band, children’s activities, food vendors, pie auction/contest, car show and more. For more information: 262-332-1320.

Blocks of family fun

CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

The Burlington Public Library hosts a series of family-oriented programs, including a Lego build, which attracts people of all ages. Foreground: Carter Brigson (far right) taking a snack break while

21 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or

wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N. Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

21 St. Charles 60th annual Fall Festival and Turkey Dinner, 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., St. Charles Parish, 449 Conkey St. This event features music and fun with an opportunity to win raffle prizes. For more information, call 262-758-0403.

wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N. Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

23 Stepping On - Building

Confidence and Reducing Falls, 1 p.m.-3 p.m., Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Parkway, Burlington. The stepping on workshop includes simple and fun balance and strength training, examining how vision and medication can play a roll in balance, and safety tips. For more information, call 262-767-7185.

his mother Nicole Brigson (left of Carter) looks on at a March program. Also pictured Allie Daniels (far left) and Mackenzie Hoffman (right of Allie) having fun during the build.

Ave. YMCA Camp MacLean is presenting its 25th annual arts and craft fair to benefit low-incoming youth. Cost of admission is $4 for people 12 and older, $ 1 for children 6-11 while children under five get in free. The event features more than 50 crafters, desserts, raffles of crafts, a lunch and bake sale. For more information, call 262661-4018.

Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434

24 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

26 Caring and Sharing Grief Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434

26 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

29 Caring and Sharing Grief

Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434

27 A Night Before Thanksgiving

24 Caring and Sharing Grief

OCTOBER

3 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

10 Burlington Farmers’ Market,

3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

17 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St. 19 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or

31 Burlington Farmers’ Market, 3-7 p.m. Wehmhoff Square Park, 355 N. Pine St.

Party, 9 p.m.-12 a.m., Mercantile Hall, 425 N. Pine St., Burlington. This first annual event features DJ Feed Me and is open to the public for the 250 guests. Cost is a $10 cover charge. For more information and tickets, visit mercantilehall.com

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N. Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

Craft Fair, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., UG Elementary School, 1845 Main St., Union Grove. Info: 262-8913477.

16 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or

23 YMCA Camp MacLean’s “Craft-in-the-Woods” Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., YMCA Camp MacLean, 31401 Durand

7 – 12th Annual UG Holiday

21 Steppin’ Out Singles- 55 or wiser, Pine Street Café, 141 N.

Pine St. 6 to 8 p.m.

21 Caring and Sharing Grief

Support, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace. Info: 262-7633434

24 Christmas in the Barn, 5-8:30 p.m., Squire Farm, 26715 Church Road. Hear the story of Christmas and sin Christmas carols. Hot cocoa, coffee and Christmas cookies will be served. Info: (262) 534-6593

Ongoing events American Legion meets the first Thursday of each month at Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, Burlington, lower level, 7 p.m., snacks and refreshments follow meeting, 262-210-2888 Aquaducks Water Ski Club shows, Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., and Jr. show 5 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Professional style water ski show at Fischer Park on Browns Lake; free; donations welcome. Club’s performers range in age from 4 to adult and many enter professional careers. Pyramids, jump acts, chorus lines. For information www.aquaducks.org • CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

OUR CALENDAR of Burlington Public Library offers adult, teen, juvenile and anime book clubs, and summer reading program, fall, winter and spring storytime and many more programs, 262-342-1130, www. burlingtonlibrary.org

EVENTS

Homestead season begins the first Saturday in May and is open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. through the last Saturday of October. Free admission. For information or arrangements for group tours at other times, call 262-7672884.

Burlington Area Garden Club meets monthly, the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Cross Lutheran Church, focusing on further learning and beautification. Its fundraisers support student scholarships and various garden projects. An annual plant sale and biennial garden tour fund these efforts. Call 262-763-6570 for information.

Burlington Order of the Eastern Star meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at the Masonic Temple, 325 Kane St., at 7:30 p.m. Call (262) 763-4248 for information. Burlington Senior Activity Center, 587 E. State St. – many activities: cards, bunco, bridge, jam session, committee on aging, food, blood pressure, foot care, and other events for older adults; 262-716-0329; www. burlingtonseniorcenter.com

Burlington Historical Society maintains the Historical Society Museum at 232 N. Perkins Blvd., Whitman School in Schmaling Park on Beloit Street and Pioneer Cabin in Wehmhoff Square. The museum is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. and by appointment. Whitman School is open by appointment. Pioneer Cabin Immigrant 1850

The CATHE Center, Community Art Technology Health and Education, 125 E. State St., for ongoing music, classes and events call 262-767-9661; www. catheonline.org

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Chocolate Museum, 113 E. Chestnut St. – chocolate and Nestle related museum items, chocolate gifts and mementos available; 262-763-6044 Logic Puzzle Museum, 533 Milwaukee Ave., – hands on logic, brain, and mechanical puzzles; 262-763-3946, www. logicpuzzlemuseum.org Spinning Top Museum, 533 Milwaukee Ave., unique museum, 35 hands-on tops, exhibit of 2,000 tops; more; 262763-3946, www.topmuseum.org Marine Corps League, Fox River Detachment, meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, 589 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington; 7 p.m.; 262-661-4505 VFW Post 2823 meets the second Tuesday of each month at Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, 589 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington; 7 p.m.; snacks and refreshments following the meeting; 785-7178479

Although we make every attempt to provide accurate information regarding area events, dates and times may change or events may be cancelled. Please verify the information before making plans.

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BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

Business and Professional Women’s Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. There will be dinner, a guest speaker and a business meeting; info: 262-8773464. Infant CPR and Safety for Family and Friends has courses on the first Wednesday of each month at Aurora Wellness Center, 300 McCanna Pkwy. The class is a non-certification course and teaches safety tips for infants and children; info: (262) 767-7185

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Caring and Sharing Grief Support, Cross Lutheran Church, 126 Chapel Terrace, meets on the last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.; 262-7633434 or 262-878-2011

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JASON ARNDT PHOTOS Our Town

Above: Gary Richter, of Waukesha, chisels an ice sculpture proclaiming “Christmas Arrival” at the Burlington Ice Festival and State Ice Carving Competition last December at Wehmhoff Square Park. Richter finished third in the competition and won $100 for his work of art. At left: Pewaukee’s Neil Vogt carefully crafts the vehicle portion of his second place and People’s Choice winning “The ol’ Lumber Wagon” sculpture at last year’s Burlington Ice Festival and State Ice Carving Competition.

EPICENTER OF

state ice carving competition City will host event annually by Jason Arndt EDITOR

In the inaugural State Ice Carving competition, more than a dozen contestants converged onto Wehmhoff Square Park in December 2018, when they showcased their artistry with a holiday touch. The state ice carving competition, part of Burlington’s third annual Ice Festival, was brought to the city after drawing rave reviews from a nationally recognized organization. Executive Director Don Berg, of WinterFun, Inc., the governing body of the U.S. National Snow Sculpting competition said Burlington’s first two ice festivals showed it was capable of hosting a state event. “They have proven themselves worthy because of their ability to attract and help secure ice carvers from the area, many of them coming from other parts of the state,” he said, adding

the City of Burlington has become officially designee of state ice carving competitions. “They do a great job, we have heard some of the comments from some of the carvers about how efficient they are.” Dan Ingebrigtson, of Franklin, was named the inaugural champion of the competition and agreed with Berg. Ingebrigtson’s winning piece was for his sculpture titled “God Bless Us Everyone.” Ingebrigtson, involved with snow sculpting for about 18 years, believes the city had a well-organized weekend. “This is a great event and was ran very smoothly,” said Ingebrigtson. His championship came as a shock. See ICE CARVING, Page 20 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

• Ice carving

(Continued from page 19)

“It always comes as a surprise when you win something like this.” Ingebrigtson won $400 as part of the title.

Holiday spirit

With Christmas approaching, Pewaukee’s Neil Vogt took a page from a holiday tradition, which is a family heading out to a tree farm. Vogt, who finished second and also garnered “People’s Choice”, crafted an ice sculpture depicting a station wagon hauling a Christmas tree he titled “The Ol’ Lumber Wagon.” “The theme of the competition is Christmas nostalgia. It is about the family going out to get the Christmas tree with the old station wagon,” he said. Vogt, in his second overall appearance at the festival, said camaraderie with other ice artists have kept him coming back. Vogt plans to return next year. Gary Richter, from Waukesha, finished third and took home $100 for his sculpture titled “Christmas Arrival.”

Bright future

Berg, meanwhile, said the city will serve as the epicenter of the future state ice

JASON ARNDT Our Town

Anna Abbott, of Burlington, helps her son, Calvin, 2, roast a marshmallow to create a S’more at the Burlington Ice Festival in 2018.

Warm weather

carving competitions. “This community has a chance to invite any carvers from the state of Wisconsin to participate in this state event,” he said. The ice carving competition will be promoted statewide, noting organizations, like chambers of commerce can encourage contestants in their respective communities to represent them in Burlington.

Despite the warm temperatures at around 40 degrees, the Ice Festival did not experience any interruptions, both in activities and in carving. Ingibrigtson, who has worked under more challenging environments, said the ideal temperature is just below freezing.

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From humble beginnings Live nativity brings families, community together by Jason Arndt EDITOR

Annually on Christmas Eve, the Squire Farm in the Town of Dover hosts a Christmas in the Barn presentation, which is a live nativity scene. Like previous years, there was no shortage on Christmas spirit in 2018, when people packed the barn. Coming from the packed barn, people could hear the echoes of holiday songs, like “Silent Night” and “Hark! The Herald

Angels Sing” as part of its live Nativity scene. The Nativity recreation, which ran in 30-minute increments, featured animals, baby Jesus, the three wise men, and angels along with Mary and Joseph. English Settlement United Methodist Church members, including Sunday school students, played the roles of each character. According to John Squire, owner of the farm at 26715 Church Road, parents who recently had a child are often asked to play the role of Mary and Joseph. Piper Bratz, of Kansasville, and her husband, Ryan, portrayed Mary and Joseph along with their newborn, Hudson, in the role of Jesus last year. Ryan said it was an honor, considering the Bratzes love Christmas.

“They knew we had a baby, so they asked if we wanted to do it,” he said. “We said we would love to.”

Piper said she was thrilled about participating since Christmas is special to her. “It is amazing. Christmas is my favorite time of the year,” she said. Additionally, the opportunity allowed her and her family to come together, like the others who attended the Christmas Eve presentation. “Just being together as a family,” Piper said about the allure of the event.

Early beginnings Squire, who operates the farm with his

JASON ARNDT Our Town

Piper and Ryan Bratz, playing the roles of Mary and Joseph, introduce their newborn child, Hudson, during the 2018 Christmas in the Barn event on Christmas Eve at Squire’s Farm in the Town of Dover.

wife, Cindy, said Christmas in the Barn started with an idea more than five decades ago. The idea came from a young pastor who looked to bolster the parish’s Sunday school program. John’s father, Everett, decided to offer his barn after his family got out of the dairy business. “The first year was mostly for church members and then it went over so well that

the church decided to have it again the next year,” he said. “Then the neighbors wanted to come and it just spiraled from there as they say.” Since then, aside from one year when the weather cancelled the event, the event has been held annually. The 2018 event marked the 50th anniversary. While the lines were long, visitors were able to enjoy cookies and coffee as they waited for the presentation. BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

OUR

DIRECTORY

BICYCLING Bob’s Pedal Pusher 817 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-7794 Seven Waters Bike Trail Trail head is at the east end of Congress Street, near Riverside Park, extends north through Rochester, Waterford, Wind Lake and Muskego. Burlington-Kansasville Trail Access at the south end of McCanna Parkway near Gateway Technical College. Extends east along former railway to Kansasville. White River State Trail Trailhead is on west side of city near Spring Valley Road. Extends west to Elkhorn. Trail fee required.

BOWLING Towne & Country Lanes 264 S. Pine St., Burlington 763-7333

COFFEE

www.towneand countrylanes.com

Grounded Coffee Shop 116 N. Dodge St. Burlington 763-8261

CAMPGROUNDS Richard Bong State Recreation Area 26313 Burlington Road (Hwy. 142), Kansasville 878-5600

Le Grand Coffee Company 1054 Milwaukee Ave. 262-342-5090

Seno KRLT Conservancy 3606 Dyer Lake Road, Burlington 539-3222 www.senokrlt.org

The Coffee House at Chestnut & Pine 492 N. Pine St., Burlington (262) 661-4394 www.burlington coffeehouse.com

YMCA Camp MacLean 31401 Durand Ave., Burlington 763-7742 www.campmaclean.com

CRAFTS & SUPPLIES Artistic Fibers 324 N. Pine St. Burlington (262) 757-0960

CANOEING

Forever Beading 224 E. Chestnut St. Burlington (262) 758-6339

Fox River Landing 31421 Bridge Drive, Waterford 662-5690

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Browns Lake Golf Course 932 Browns Lake Drive Burlington 763-6065 Richard Bong State Recreation Area 26313 Burlington Road (Hwy. 142), Kansasville 878-5600

DANCE STUDIOS Innovations Dance Studio 157 E. Chestnut St., Burlington 767-0678

ENTERTAINMENT Browns Lake Aquaducks Fischer County Park, Burlington www.aquaducks.org

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Haylofters Community Theater Malt House Theater 109 N. Main St. Burlington 763-9873 www.thehaylofters.com Plaza Theater 448 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-6789 www.plaza4.com

FISHING/PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES Echo Lake Veterans Memorial Park Hwy. 36 & Congress Street, Burlington 342-1161 Fischer Park Browns Lake 30326 Durand Ave. Burlington

GIFTS & SHOPPING Allison Wonderland 472 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-9718 Burlington Flowers & Interiors 516 N. Pine St., Burlington 767-1100 Burlington Glass 35518 W. State St., Burlington 763-5646 www.burlingtonglassinc.com Delights 133 E. Chestnut St., #A Burlington 763-9448 Gifts, gourmet coffees, cards, chocolates and candy

Paisley Artworks 216 E. Washington St., Burlington 763-3500 Pharmacy Station 300 S. Pine St., Burlington 763-8877 Reineman’s True Value 417 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington, 763-3577 Serendipity Gift Shop – Memorial Hospital 252 McHenry St., Burlington 763-6000

Walgreens 680 Milwaukee Ave. 767-0697 Walmart 1901 S. Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 767-9520

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GOLF COURSES

Adrian’s Frozen Custard 572 Bridge St., Burlington 763-8562

Brighton Dale Golf Course 830 248th Ave., Kansasville 697-4653

Beijing Garden 464 N. Pine St., Burlington 767-1188

Browns Lake Golf Course 932 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington 763-6065

Bruisers 689 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-6008

MUSEUMS

Charcoal Grill & Rotisserie 580 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 767-0000 www.charcoalgrill.com

Burlington Historical Society Museum 232 N. Perkins Blvd., Burlington 767-2884 Sundays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment

Cousins Subs 206 S. Pine St., Burlington 763-7640

Chocolate Experience Museum Culver’s Frozen Custard 113 E. Chestnut St., Burlington 1073 Milwaukee Ave., 763-6044 Burlington 463-5020 Spinning Top & Yo-Yo Museum Dairy Queen 533 Milwaukee Ave., 324 S. Pine St., Burlington Burlington 763-9385 763-3946

NEWSPAPERS & MEDIA

Gia Bella Flowers & Gifts 133 E. Chestnut St., Burlington Burlington Standard Press/ 763-4522 Southern Lakes Newspapers www.giabellaflowers.com 209 N. Dodge St., Burlington 763-3330 Ide Fine Jewelry 348 N. Pine St., Burlington WBSD-FM radio station 763-8685 400 McCanna Pkwy., Burlington Kohl’s Department Store 763-0195 1032 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-2485 PHARMACIES Midwest Wildlife Galleries 224 E. Chestnut St., Burlington 763-1717

Pharmacy Station 300 S. Pine St., Burlington 763-8877

Aurora Pharmacies 210 S. Pine St. 763-7177 250 McHenry St. 767-6004

Domino’s Pizza 2088 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 767-0210 Flippy’s Fast Food 401 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-6754 Fred’s Parkview 596 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-8370 John’s Main Event 556 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-8863 KFC Restaurant 1084 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-9030

Kira Asian Bistro Pinecrest Shopping Center 208 S. Pine St., Burlington 767-9999 Los Compadres Mexican 725 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-6018 Lucky Star Restaurant 864 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-2155 McDonald’s 240 E Jefferson St. Burlington 763-8777 Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria 132 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-8390 Papa Murphy’s 1448 S. Teut Rd. Burlington 767-7272 Pine Street Café 141 N. Pine St., Burlington 763-9800 Pizza Hut 1080 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-8432 Rugan’s 597 N. Pine St., Burlington 342-5177 Sheila Mae’s Town Fryer 116 N. Main St., Burlington 763-9940 Subway 1088 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-8330 1901 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-5144 Taco Bell 2056 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-5375 Tailgaters 217 N. Pine St., Burlington 342 5181 The Waterfront 31100 Weiler Road, Burlington 763-9989

See CALENDAR, Page 24 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

• Calendar

• Reforested

(Continued from page 23)

Wendy’s Restaurant 2049 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 534-7900

Pick ‘n Save 1008 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington 763-3695

Ye Olde Hotel 6070 N. Railroad, Lyons 763-2701

Richter’s Marketplace (Formerly Sentry) 156 S. Pine St. Burlington 763-3100

(Continued from page 13)

TENNIS

DeGrave looks forward to seeing the trees prosper and help restore Echo Park. “The park, in a couple of years, should look like it did last year when we cut all of the trees down,” he said. “We should have a good source of shade for generations.”

Beloit Street Courts Beloit Street near Branen Baseball Field Burlington High School 400 McCanna Pkwy., Burlington , 763-0200

Zumpano’s 180 E. Chestnut St., Burlington 767-0581 Walmart Supercenter 1901 S. Milwaukee Ave. Burlington ROLLER RINKS 767-9520 Capelli’s TraXside 637 S. Kane St., Burlington SWIMMING 763-4410 www.traxsideskating.com Burlington Community Aquatic Center 394 Amanda St. SUPERMARKETS 758-6446 Aldi Fischer County Park 2009 Lynch Way, 30326 Durand Ave. Burlington Burlington 763-8446 Gooseberries Fresh Food Market Aurora Wellness Center 690 W. State Street, 300 McCanna Pkwy., Burlington, 763-5955 Burlington www.gooseberries 767-7000 market.com

County Courts Hwy. W, just north of Browns Lake Golf Course Reservations: 886-8457 Devor Park Amanda Street, Burlington

VISITOR INFO Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce 113 E. Chestnut St., Burlington 763-6044 www.burlingtonchamber.org

WINERY Aeppel Treow Winery 1072 288th Ave., Burlington 878-5345

Rotary works rapidly Originally, Rotary Club officials planned a fourhour collective effort, but completed the project in less than two. “We had them running around, getting some people dirty today,” DeGrave said. “They got right in there and it was fun for us because we actually got to watch people work today.” Crane was equally excited, adding the service project brought city workers and club members together, all for a common purpose. “The Rotary’s mission is obviously to serve the entire community,” Crane said.

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Titletown

JAKE HILL Our Town

Burlington and Catholic Central come together in unity to showcase their WIAA state girls volleyball titles at an assembly last November.

BHS, CCHS revel in state titles

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

A “Titletown” united. That’s what happened on last November, when the Burlington area celebrated not just one, but two WIAA state girls volleyball championships after Burlington captured its second straight title in Division 1 and Catholic Central won in Division 4. At a joint celebration held in the Burlington High School gym Nov. 5, Mayor Jeannie Hefty referred to the City of Burlington as “Titletown.” The Lady Demons, who have qualified for state five straight years, successfully defended their state championship with a 3-1 defeat of Oconomowoc Saturday evening. Earlier in the day, Catholic Central swept defending champion Clayton in three sets. By historical standards, the last time both schools captured titles in their respective divisions was in 2012. Hefty, who touted community unity, commended both schools for their achievements before hundreds of Hilltopper and Demon fans on Monday.

Unique experience Recent Catholic Central graduate Grace Spiegelhoff, who attended St. Mary Grade School the last time both programs won state titles, did not believe history would repeat itself. “I never thought it would happen again because I actually remember 2012 when it

happened and I was in grade school,” she said. Additionally, none of municipalities in Wisconsin can hold the distinction of having two state champion girls volleyball teams in the same season. “It is something unique, not everyone can say one town won two state championships,” she said.

Dynamic performances At the joint celebration, Burlington cocoach Dan Lynch said his team watched Catholic Central play its state semifinal match against Newman Catholic on Nov. 2. Catholic Central, which set a state record for most aces in a match, swept Newman Catholic in three games. “We had a chance to watch Catholic Central play in their semifinal game and you guys were a dynamic team,” Lynch said. Burlington’s Samantha Naber, then a sophomore, said watching the Hilltoppers play offered a new perspective, considering both teams typically played at the same time during the regular season. “We watched their semifinal and it was really interesting to watch them play because we are a different division, so I’ve never really seen them play volleyball,” she said. After Catholic Central won its state championship the next day, the team returned home, where the Hilltoppers watched the Demons defend their Division

ERIC KRAMER Our Town

The Catholic Central girls volleyball team hoists its WIAA Division 4 state championship trophy in the air following the Hilltoppers sweep of Clayton Saturday at the Resch Center in Green Bay.

1 title against Oconomowoc. While the Demons dropped their first set, Catholic Central graduate Krista Krien said she and the rest of her teammates knew Burlington would bounce back, which the Demons did by taking the next three sets. “We were definitely very excited when we saw them come back,” Krien said. “I don’t think any of us really doubted that they could do it again.”

See TITLETOWN, Page 26 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

MIKE RAMCZYK Our Town

The Burlington players converge on the court after winning the 2018 state volleyball championship. The Lady Demons burst with

• Titletown

(Continued from page 25)

Demons-Toppers reunion Before entering high school, some players competed for Burlington Elite, a local club volleyball team. Naber remembered some of them as former teammates. “I know some of the girls, I have actually played with them on Burlington Elite,” she said. Although they play for separate schools, Naber said both programs share a common trait – passion. Another trait involves the same work

ethic. “I think it was just great that we both can come together and know that we are both really good at volleyball and share that passion,” Naber said. “They have worked so hard and we have worked so hard.” Spiegelhoff agreed, adding her team always wishes the best for the Burlington program. “We know the players on that team, so it was nice to see everyone be successful,” she said. “We all care for each other and we are all one big community.”

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Leaving with a bang Burlington graduate Maddie Berezowitz and Krien, meanwhile, saw their team’s state championships as a way to leave on top. “It was probably one of the coolest opportunities to be able to get together,” Berezowitz said. “We knew all of these girls when we were younger and to be able to come out tonight together was pretty spectacular.” “Honestly, I could not have pictured a better state experience,” Krien said.

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emotions, smiles, hugs and laughter after capturing their second gold ball in as many years.

Mary Brensinger explains the process of using a shoe stretcher at her downtown Burlington store. The store known as Burlington Footwear ceased operations last August after 34 years of service.

JASON ARNDT Our Town

Store owner leaves her retail sole behind Brensinger closed Burlington Footwear last year

by Jason Arndt EDITOR

Mary Brensinger has fitted many customers with comfortable shoes in her 34 years as owner of Burlington Footwear. Her tenure in the shoe business ended last August, when she closed the downtown Burlington store. Brensinger, who bought the business from Art Verick in 1984, said the decision came around 2017. “My decision came when I turned 70,” Brensinger, who is now 71, said. “I said ‘OK, it’s time to retire.’ “That was my big decision.” The decision, however, was not easy, considering the many customers she has met in her 34 years. “I tried to sell the business for about a whole year.” “It was hard to walk away after all that time,” she said. “(The customers) are sad, I have had a lot of awesome people come in

and they are sad to see me go.” The customers, she said, have been the bright spot of her tenure. “When I put their shoes on their feet and they have a smile from ear to ear … that is what I enjoy,” said Brensinger. The personal touch started in 1984, when Brannock devices shoehorns and shoe stretchers were critical tools for people in the shoe industry. Today, shoehorns and Brannock devices are unheard of, and seldom used. “We do measure feet here. A lot of people have never even used (a Brannock device) in their lives,” she said in Aug. 2018. “We do put (shoes) on their foot using a shoehorn and most people don’t even know what a shoehorn is.” She said youngsters were amazed the shoe stretchers used in the store could perform the intended task. During the closeout sale, Brensinger said, a man from Ireland came into her store

and spent several minutes looking at the shoe stretcher and bought a handful.

Liquidating inventory At its peak, Burlington Footwear had up to 4,000 pairs of shoes, and there were 3,400 pairs when she started liquidating her inventory about a year ago. “I have been at this for about a year, trying to get stuff out of here,” she said. “I started out with 3,400 pairs of shoes.”

Adapting to change Brensinger, who acknowledged the shoe business has become more competitive, said she was able to maintain a sustainable store by adapting to the changing needs of the community. “The industry changes when the

See BURLINGTON FOOTWEAR, Page 28 BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

• Burlington Footwear

(Continued from page 27)

economy changes, the downtown changes, you have to adapt your inventory along with it, otherwise you are gone,” she said. Another challenge relates to the challenge of investment in such a store, which is viewed as a risky venture for younger generations, Brensinger added.

Looking back While she looks to retirement, Brensinger recalled buying the property in 1984, when she was initially looking for a simple investment project. The project she discovered was the former Verick’s Family Shoe Store, which had been in business since 1923. During discussions, she remembered the condition of the sale, Robert K. Conlon DDS • Kurt E. Bruksch DDS • Adam M. Ozment DDS John J. Richard DDS • Bryan J. VanOven DDS

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JASON ARNDT Our Town

Burlington Footwear, 444 N. Pine St., closed its doors last year after 34 years of service in downtown Burlington.

keeping the property as a shoe store. From there, she changed the business name to Burlington Footwear. Brensinger, who did not have prior shoe sales experience, credited her customers for starting her on the right foot. “I just kind of got into it, did a lot of self-training and the customers train you a lot,” she said. “You learn a lot from the customers, so then I trained my employees the same way. We did pretty good.” As she looks ahead, Brensinger plans to spend more time with her husband, John. Last January the Brensingers, who have three adult children, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

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The City of Burlington took center stage on Jan. 22, when producers filmed scenes for an upcoming full-length feature film titled, “Blame.” The cast and crew used Ryan’s Railroad Station on Pine Street, the Chestnut Street loop along the Coffee House on

Chestnut and Pine streets. Actor Austin Brook pumps gasoline in his vehicle while crew members collect audio and visual recordings during a film session at Ryan’s Railroad Station in Burlington.

City serves as site of film The City of Burlington story & photos took center stage in by Jason January, when two Arndt independent filmmakers EDITOR with local ties collaborated on a feature movie, which the writer calls a cautionary tale. The feature movie, titled “Blame,” is about five young friends who embark on a ski trip and encounter tragedy. Tragedy strikes when their vehicle is wrecked in a vicious snowstorm, and without cell phone service, they split up to find help. “When they come back together, they realize one of the five has died,” said Richard Blake, the film’s writer and producer. Blake wrote the script about 13 years ago and sold it to a production company. Since the production company never produced the film, Blake regained the rights to the script, which he decided to film himself alongside producer B.J. Rayniak. Blake and Rayniak, who also directed the film, selected Burlington because of their connections to the community and the

See FILM DUO, Page 30

Director B.J. Rayniak (left) and producer Richard Blake discuss a scene shot during a film session at Ryan’s Railroad Station on Pine Street in January. BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

• Film duo

(Continued from page 29)

general downtown atmosphere. In January, cast and crew members filmed scenes at Ryan’s Railroad Station, the Chestnut Street loop and the Coffee House at Chestnut and Pine. “Burlington is a beautiful city with amazing people,” said Blake, a 2001 Westosha Central High School graduate who lives in Los Angeles. “This little corner here looks like a movie set,” Blake noted during Jan. 22 interview at the Coffee House. Rayniak, who lives in Wheatland and graduated from Wilmot in 2001, said he and Blake also selected the area because business owners have been willing to cooperate. Previous projects Blake, who co-founded his production company, Amberock Productions LLC in 2015, attended Columbia College of Chicago with Rayniak and worked with him on a previous full-length feature film. Rayniak, meanwhile, has his own production company called Rayni Day Productions. Their recent production, “The Rocket,” was shot on location at Westosha Central High School in Kenosha County and included local people as film extras. “The Rocket” is a small-town story

Crew member Luke Dyra finds the right focus on his camera during a film session at Ryan’s Railroad Station on Pine Street in Burlington.

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Tiny racing becomes big attraction Local hobby store’s indoor RC track gains faithful following

by Chad Hensiak CORRESPONDENT

In 2011, Scott and Kristen Parks opened a small metal detector store on Chestnut Street in Burlington. Interest in their product line was high, and it was not long before they outgrew that location and began looking for a larger store. Upon moving to its current location on Milwaukee Avenue Burlington Hobbies and RC Track began offering top-of-theline metal detectors, RC (radio-controlled) vehicles, an indoor RC car track and more. Since then the indoor RC vehicle track has attracted some big names on the RC racing circuit to Burlington. Scott and Kristen are not new to entrepreneurship. Kristen began her career in sales and retail management at age 17. In 2010, Kristen opened and ran Chic and Unique consignment store in downtown Burlington until 2014 when she sold the store to focus her efforts on running Burlington Hobbies and RC Track. Along with the Burlington hobby store, Scott also owns and runs Scott’s Pressure Washing Service in Muskego. Scott says his inspiration to begin selling metal detectors came years ago after buying one and experiencing the joys of the hobby for himself. Scott says he still enjoys the being outside, finding buried treasures, and spending quality time with family and friends. Kristen said the inspiration to open Burlington Hobbies and RC Track came from her days as the owner of Chic and Unique where she witnessed men waiting while their wives shopped. She realized there was a need for a Burlington store where men could feel more at home. Kristen and Scott both said the decision to get into the RC car market stemmed from customer requests. So what keeps customers coming back? “We believe in good old-fashioned customer service,” Kristen replied. “Our staff is very knowledgeable, and we make customer satisfaction our top priority. Plus, we sell only the highest quality RC vehicles, stock a vast inventory of parts and accessories, and provide RC repairs. We also offer rentals on both RC cars and metal detectors.” From Scott’s standpoint hobbies help foster quality family time. “I feel there is a growing need for families to step away from video games and the internet for a bit to spend some time together,” he said. “Our store offers products that fill that need. Plus, kids learn

CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

Burlington Hobbies and RC Track owners Kristen and Scott Parks specialize in metal detectors and RC vehicles from their store on Milwaukee Avenue in downtown Burlington.

CHAD HENSIAK Our Town

An RC car races around a tight turn in front of the pit area at the indoor track offered by Burlington Hobbies in downtown Burlington.

valuable mechanical and electrical skills by working on their own RC vehicles.” Scott said he and Kristen decided to open their indoor RC car track in 2015 to provide a safe place for RC car enthusiasts to socialize, trade performance tips, and race competitively all year round. Both agree the indoor track plays a key role in the success of their hobby store. Burlington Hobbies and RC Track is

at 456 Milwaukee Ave., Burlington. Their family-friendly indoor track is open seven days a week and racing enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome. For more information about Burlington Hobbies and RC Track visit www. rctrackwi.com, or call 262-767-7241. You can also keep up with the store’s current sales and events by following them on Facebook. BURLINGTON OUR TOWN 2019/20

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