Bio: Hertel, Nolan (BS Degree - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Hertel
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Hertel, Nolan (BS Degree - 2023)
Nolan Hertel of Chili completed degree requirements at the University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse this summer.
Hertel earned a bachelor’s of science, recreation management major; outdoor
recreation emphasis.
Bio: Ellie Walter is October Junior Kiwanian (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Walter
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Ellie Walter is October Junior Kiwanian (2023)
Ellie Walter is the October Junior Kiwanian, chosen for her diverse record of
academic, extra-curricular, sports and volunteer activity. Submitted photo
With its long-standing feature highlighting the achievements of our community’s
youth, the Neillsville Kiwanis club was introduced to its October Junior
Kiwanian, Ellie Walter at its Oct. 9 meeting. She is a Neillsville senior
student and the daughter of Fred and Dianna Walter.
A diverse record of academic, extra-curricular, sports and volunteer activity
characterizes Walter’s high school career. She is a member of the National Honor
Society, Spanish Club, and has served four years on the student council. She
participates in both concert and show choir. In the spring, Walter will be
entering her fourth year as a track and field athlete. Community involvement
includes being selected as 2023 Miss Neillsville 1st Princess and volunteering
at The Highground and local blood drives.
Following graduation, Walter will be enrolling at UW-Green Bay where she intends
to pursue studies in business analytics.
The community can take pride in the achievements of Neillsville students such as
Ellie Walter. The Kiwanis Club welcomes her as a participant in their meetings
during the month, and wishes her continued success in the future.
BioM: Marriage Licenses (Oct - 2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Robida, Kleinschmidt, Bredemann, Hatlestad, Zimmerman, Brubacker,
Skroch, Oldham
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Marriage Licenses (Oct - 2023)
Trevor J. Robida, to Leesha M. Kleinschmidt, both of city of Colby, Oct. 21, in
Marathon County.
Brittany D. Bredemann, to Holly M. Hatlestad, both of city of Owen, Oct. 21, in
Wood County.
Joshua H. Zimmerman, Town of Fremont, to Susan M. Brubacker, Marathon Co., Nov.
4, in Marathon Co.
Robert P. Skroch, to Dixie L. Oldham, both of Neillsville, Oct. 28, in Eau
Claire County.
News: Neillsville - Clark County Press Building
Upgrade (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Borowsky, Johnson, Bender, Wolf
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Homestead Breathes Life into Historical Clark County Press Building (2023)
Member of the Neillsville Chamber of Commerce, city government and owners of
Homestead Realty Inc. cut the ribbon on the business, Sept. 29. Submitted photo
By Nancy Curtin
After closing the doors permanently over three years ago, the former Clark
County Press office has come back to life with new building owners and new
tenants in the former office space. Homestead Realty, Inc. (Homestead) opened
its doors to the public with a ribbon cutting Sept. 29, serving refreshments and
goodies to family, friends, clients and community members.
The building and office space underwent some renovations. The exterior updates
include new siding, a railing was added to the entrance offering a homey, porch
feeling; an outdoor display board and much of the exterior brick is now exposed
to showcase the building’s historic beauty. The interior space experienced some
repairs and updates, making the space inviting and functional to the tenants.
The space will be utilized as a multi-office unit with Homestead in the front
rotunda and 1Key Property Management in the back office. There is plenty of
space for Homestead agents to conduct real estate business and potentially room
for a lender to occupy another available office.
Homestead has been in business for over 50 years. Nicole and Mike Borowski, from
Brookfield, bought the agency and implemented many changes. The Borowskis have
opened several new locations and have over 200 agents. They offer 100% 24/7
broker support, and educational and monthly Zoom meetings to keep their agents
educated and on the same page. Homestead offers a very family-oriented work
environment.
Three Homestead agents will serve Clark County and the surrounding area: Sheila
Johnson, Jennifer Bender and Jessica Wolf.
Sheila Johnson is excited to work out of the old Press office as a real estate
agent for Homestead and a property manager for 1Key Realty. Johnson grew up on a
farm in Richland Center and often found herself looking out the car window,
admiring how different each home was inside and out.
“I have a passion for architecture, buildings and homes from as early as I can
remember,” Johnson said. “I look forward to working in such a historic
building.”
Johnson has lived in the Black River Falls-Hatfield-Neillsville area for over 10
years. She came to the area looking for a change with a strong customer service,
administrative and accounting background.
“For 20 years I wanted to become a real estate agent,” Johnson said. “But I got
caught in building a career I wasn’t completely passionate about.”
After moving into this area, Johnson answered an employment ad for a realtor as
an administrative assistant, quickly learned the tasks required and easily fell
in love with taking pictures of homes, outbuildings, meeting buyers and sellers
and everything else involved.
“Within six months, I was buying the online realtor course with the
encouragement of my broker,” Johnson said. “I am extremely familiar with this
area and all the beauty it offers. Surrounded by lakes, walking trails, ATV
trails, endless places to fish, hunt, camp, kayak and swim, I fell in love with
this part of Wisconsin. I am excited to help breathe new life into Downtown and
open the office here.”
Jennifer Bender started her career in real estate back in 2013. She has
furthered her education to become a designated realtor as well as advancement
from a Wisconsin-licensed real estate agent to a licensed real estate broker.
“I enjoy working with first time home buyers, investors and everyone in
between,” Bender said. “I take pride in making the real estate process smooth
for the buyers and sellers I work with. I recently joined [Homestead] because
they are a progressive brokerage offering agents an extremely generous
commission split while still offering 100% agent support.”
While Bender prefers to work from her home office, she will accommodate her
schedule and availability to best serve her clients’ needs.
Jessica Wolf is a dedicated and experienced licensed real estate agent serving
the Clark County area. Her knowledge of the local market trends and
neighborhoods allows her to provide valuable insights to buyers and sellers
alike.
“I am deeply committed to the communities that I serve,” Wolf said. “I actively
participate in local organizations and community events, contributing to the
betterment of our area.”
Wolf mentioned joining Homestead because of the company’s reputation, innovative
technology, team collaboration and community involvement.
The public can stop at the office at 614 Hewett St., Neillsville or visit
www.homesteadrealtyinc.com
for their real estate needs.
News: Greenwood - Hereford House-New Restaurant Opens
(2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Jensen
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Hereford House-New Restaurant Opens in Greenwood (2023)
Every seat at the bar was taken on the grand opening night of Hereford House,
despite the bad weather. The Greenwood community happily welcomed the new
restaurant. L.B./Clark County Press
By L. B., reporter
A new restaurant in Greenwood held its grand opening on Oct. 13 and drew in a
huge crowd despite the pouring rain.
Hereford House, owned by Ricky Jensen, is a restaurant specializing in steaks,
burgers, chicken and seafood. The grand opening was a massive success for the
new business.
“It’s a bit of a mess,” a first-time waitress said when describing the bustling
kitchen and bar.
Hereford House serves a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, salads,
Hereford steaks, dockside seafood, soups, desserts and beverages. The restaurant
operates in the building formerly known as Parkway Pines.
“We spent two weekends cleaning this place,” Jensen said, owner of Hereford
House. “We got it so it’s top-notch clean. It was a lot of long hours, but we
passed the county inspection with flying colors.”
Jensen started Hereford House as a way to turn his farm from wholesale into
retail profits to benefit himself and the Greenwood community.
“I also wanted to be my own boss,” Jensen said. “I named it ‘Hereford’ after the
meat I sell—Hereford beef. It’s only farm fresh, farm-to-table, that sort of
thing.
“I wanted to give the community a place to come for special events like
weddings, birthdays and graduation parties. It’s what this place was built for.
I also want it to be an outlet for excess products from farmers. I want to make
use of as many local products as possible. It’s been a bit of a learning curve,
but we’re going to make it better and better and better.”
Jensen expressed fatigue from the stress of opening night but was happy and
proud that so many community members showed up despite the bad weather. He looks
forward to celebrating events with and selling high-quality, reasonably priced
meals to Greenwood citizens for years to come.
News: Neillsville - Cuts Ribbon on New Storybook
Trail (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Ziebell, Ferguson, Keller, Barth
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Neillsville Cuts Ribbon on New Storybook Trail (2023)
The Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Neillsville Library Board, the
Neillsville royal court and Atmus Filtration (below) gathered in Schuster Park
to cut the ribbon on the new Story Walk, a reading trail where stands are set up
to display pages of a book for walkers to read as they advance down the trail.
Submitted photos
Last month, The Neillsville Area Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon at Schuster
Park, but not for a business. Rather, it was for the community. Storybook Trail
is now open and available for the public to view throughout the year.
Even though Janay Ziebell, Director of the Neillsville Public Library, was not
the one who originally thought of this idea, the chamber gave credit to Ziebell
for making this a space for families to read together, in nature, come to life.
The original StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT
and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library with a mission
to promote early literacy, physical activity and family time together in nature.
StoryWalks can be found in all 50 states and all over the world including
Germany, Canada, England, Bermuda, Pakistan and South Korea.
A Storybook Trail is a fun, educational activity that places the pages from a
children’s story along a trail in Schuster Park. It is for children and families
to enjoy the outdoors and read a book with their family and friends. A Storybook
Trail helps build children’s interest in reading while encouraging healthy
outdoor physical fitness.
It is the hope local schools, and even daycare facilities, will use the trail
for educational and physical fitness purposes. The Storybook will be changed out
four times a year and seasonally. At the end of the trail in the last post, is a
way to sign the guestbook via a QR code and an invitation to come to The
Neillsville Public Library at 409 Hewett St., Neillsville.
Storybook Trail would not have been possible without the help of so many
community members coming together. The grant and funding was provided by the
Cummins Filtration/Atmus Community Development Grant funds. Employees also spent
time installing the posts and setting the first Storybook into place.
It really does take a community to make something like this happen. Regan Barth
and his crew, The Neillsville Public Library Board and Foundation, The
Neillsville City Council Parks Committee and Planning Commission, Christine
Keller for the Logo, and Kranzation Metal and Fabrication (for the arch that
will soon be added) all contributed to the project.
The public is invited to continue to keep the children in the Neillsville
community excited about the Neillsville Public Library.
News: Neillsville - Players and N H S Present
‘Finders Creepers’ (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Dux, Zier, Rueth, Nelson, Maxwell, Brekke, Clark, Magnus
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Neillsville Players and N H S Present’ Finders Creepers’ (2023)
Tim Brekke posed dramatically for a picture before rehearsal for ‘Finders
Creepers’ began. The stage is set for the mysterious funeral home, Hercules
Nelson and his friend end up staying the weekend in. Behind him, the other
actors joke around and prepare for practice on set. L.B. Clark County Press
By L.B. reporter
The Neillsville Players and Neillsville High School will perform ‘Finders
Creepers,’ a murder-mystery play set in the 1970s. The group will be performing
Oct. 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 and 29 at 1 p.m. in the
Neillsville High School gym. Tickets are $10.
‘Finders Creepers’ is directed by Bunny Dux, a founder of the Neillsville
Players, and Jo Zier, a longtime actor. The show is produced by Jodi Rueth.
The play revolves around Hercules Nelson and his friend, Lucas Maxwell. The pair
are invited to spend the weekend with Nelson’s aunt and uncle and chaos ensues
when family secrets get spilled.
Bunny Dux, a director of the play, recalled how her high school performed
‘Finders Creepers’ when she was there and the Neillsville Players tried to in
2004, but did not have enough auditioners to cast. She compared the main
characters, Nelson and Maxwell, to Shaggy from ‘Scooby Doo. ‘
“It’s a murder-mystery comedy with a lot of tomfoolery, like a ‘Scooby Doo’
mystery with all these pieces, twists and turns, and everyone thinks they know
who did it because of their perspective,” Dux said. “There was a TV show that
had—at the end—a voiceover say, ‘If you paid attention to every bit of dialogue,
you would know who the killer is.’ Not with this.
“No, with this, it’s twists and turns up until the ending. The ending is chaos.”
Several actors came out of acting retirement to participate in ‘Finders
Creepers,’ including Tim Brekke, Dan Clark and Kris Magnus. There are six
teenagers in the cast, creating a wide range of ages and experiences in the cast
list.
The directors agreed that their favorite part of the play was the humor. Dux
enjoyed the teenage 1970s humor and Zier appreciated the general silliness of
the play. Both directors thank the Neillsville High School and the Neillsville
community for their support.
Bio: Thompson, June - Returns to the Press as
Reporter (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Thompson
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Thompson Returns to the Press as Reporter (2023)
June Thompson has returned to The Clark County Press, and will assume the
responsibilities of a reporter covering various community events and such.
By Edward DuBois
The Clark County Press has welcomed back June Thompson as its new reporter.
Thompson will cover meetings, community events, human interest pieces and other
local happenings.
“I started writing for the Clark County Press over a decade [ago],” Thompson
said. “That is where I learned to write for a newspaper and take photos.
“Soon thereafter, I was a freelance writer for Marshfield News-Herald for over
eight years.
“During the past 15 years, I went back to college, earning another degree, this
time in English/creative writing. After finishing school, I lived and worked in
Glacier National Park (GNP), MT for the 2018 summer. Upon [returning], I worked
for the Ho-Chunk Nation about four years. In 2023, I returned to GNP and managed
a camp store at Lake McDonald Lodge. I returned home at the end of September.
“I enjoy learning new things, studying literature and writing. I also like
national parks. I meet people from all over the world there.
“I want to write human-interest stories again. I believe it’s important to
recognize people who are involved with making their communities better.
“I’m looking forward to reconnecting with community members and writing good
stories.
“I’ve lived in Neillsville more than a decade. My parents were born and raised
here. I appreciate art and history, especially the historic homes and businesses
in the Neillsville area. I write short stories and poetry, which have been
published in literary publications. I’m completing a collection of short stories
about a fictional Wisconsin town.”
Those with news to share can contact Thompson at 715-937-4743, or email her at
www.newsreporter@clarkcopress.com.
News: Thorp - Holds 27th Annual Pumpkinfest (2023)
Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail:
dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Norton
----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/18/2023
Thorp Holds 27th Annual Pumpkinfest (2023)
(Place Norton, with the Cello here)
Pat Norton played her great grandfather’s centenarian cello for the Thorp
Historical Museum, then played her modern cello to compare the sound and
condition of the instruments. The crowd was amazed by the history and condition
of the antiquated instrument. L.B./Clark County Press
By L. B. reporter
The 27th annual Thorp Pumpkinfest took place on Main Street in Thorp, Sat., Oct.
7. Main Street was crowded with cars, vendors and people enjoying the many
exhibits and activities.
In the banquet hall at Cindy’s, the Thorp Band and Choir performed songs and
read a story for the crowd. A student wrote the story and several students read
it in between each song. The band and choir performed separately and together.
Some of the songs were Bon Jovi’s “Living’ on a Prayer,” Kansas’ “Carry On, My
Wayward Son” and Ozzy Osborne’s “Crazy Train.”
Outlaw Farms Petting Zoo brought in a host of animals including chickens, goats,
pigs and mules. A particularly large and curly-haired goat was admired and
feared by spectators as it tried to eat their clothes.
A bungee jump, ping-pong fishpond and bouncy house were provided for kids.
Vendor tents filled Main Street with all kinds of crafts, treats, art and more.
Dallman Insurance gave out free prizes for Plinko players, the Thorp Catholic
School hosted a brat and burger stand and the Thorp Sportsmen’s Club set up a
trailer overlooking Pumpkinfest to serve fresh fries.
Hundreds of crafts and items were sold, including plants, honey, soaps, polished
rocks, wood and metal art, jewelry, sculptures, fabrics, clothing, all kinds of
snacks, and lots of pumpkins.
Many attendees brought their dogs to Pumpkinfest, which led to several mishaps,
but nobody and no animals were hurt.
The firefighters and Thorp ambulance crew were called into action early in the
morning.
“It’s tradition,” a firefighter said.
Each year, the Thorp EMS gets a call during Pumpkinfest, requiring the absence
of their truck, much to the dismay of the crowd.
At 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Pat Norton performed at the Thorp Historical Museum. She
played a cello that has been in her family for four generations, a relic from
her great-grandfather who played it when he enlisted in the war. Norton’s
great-grandfather lived in Thorp and her great-grandmother went to a school in
Wood County to become a licensed practitioner of massage and hydrotherapy.
Norton played “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “At the River,” “Star of a County
Down” and “Danny Boy.” Many of the audience members recognized the tunes and
started humming along.
“There’s a fragile, warm tone to it,” Norton said while playing the cello.
The instrument’s back was replaced, and it was rumored that a friend of her
great-grandfather carved the replacement himself and screwed it in, which could
cause damage to the instrument, but it has been miraculously sturdy.
Norton compared the antique cello with her own modern one and noted the
differences between them.
“There’s a different tone,” Norton said. “This one has some sour notes and a bit
of buzzing, which could be from the wood opening over time, which creates
vibrations.”
“I could listen to you play all day,” an audience member said when the
performance concluded.
Pumpkinfest concluded the same day, with entertainment stretching into the
night.
