OUR PHOTO OF THE WEEK Area card players get together every Wednesday afternoon at Lakeview Community Library in Random Lake.  The sheepshead group includes (clockwise from left) Vernon Weber, Delores Weber, Beatie Birenbaum and Elden Mondloch.  Another group plays bridge.  More participants are welcome.

Random Lake Schools Plan to Equip Each Student with a Computer

Can you imagine a time when each Random Lake School District student will carry a portable computer to school instead of a backpack full of books?  And that computer will hold the same information now in textbooks, as well as being a communication tool to faculty members and out to the world through the Internet?  That time could be as close as next year for some students.

The school board is studying a proposal that would put a “tablet computer” into each student’s hands over the course of three years.  Technology coordinator Mark Ustby presented a “one-to-one computing” plan to the school board at its Dec. 19 meeting.
The board will discuss the plan further at its Jan. 15 meeting.

“Equitable access to computing technology and the Internet is key to improving education for all students,” said Ustby.  He noted that young people face an increasingly connected world of learning, interacting and working.  “Web 2.0 and other 21st century skills are essential to success in almost all career fields,” Ustby said.

Currently the Random Lake School District has 450 personal computers spread out in classrooms and libraries.  There are about 950 students.

The plan developed by administrators and the faculty calls for a three-year phase-in of new computing devices — one for each student.  Elementary students would begin in the fall of 2012, followed by the middle school in 2013 and the high school in the fall of 2014.  (Kindergarten and first grade would receive nine computers per classroom, and there would be sharing with grades 2-4.)

One key part of the plan is to make the entire school building “WiFi” in summer of 2012.  This would create a wireless network so any computer can communicate via the Internet anywhere in any school building.  Ustby said this plan has already been discussed with Bertram Wireless of Random Lake, the school district’s Internet provider.

Teachers in each division would receive their new device no less than six months before the students so they can prepare and adapt lessons.  The elementary school has chosen the “iPad 2” by Apple Inc. as its tablet computer.

“Tablets like the iPad 2 have a wide array of educational applications, particularly for grades K-4,” said Ustby.  “Each division has different needs — there is no one size fits all device.”  Since the iPad first launched in 2010, Apple has said it has sold more than 39 million tablets, according to the Los Angeles Times.  Middle school teachers are now in the process of choosing their desired device.

Apple’s iPad 2 was unveiled in March 2011. It is described as a thinner, lighter, faster and better version of its ground-breaking predecessor.  It has been a huge success for the Apple company, which has gained about three-quarters of the tablet computer market.  Ustby said that extended warranties with accidental damage coverage will be purchased or included in a lease.

Random Lake’s plans to have the elementary students keep their computers in the building.  Middle and high school students will be able to take their devices home (insurance plans are being investigated).

What are some advantages of changing from a textbook to a computer?  Instead of purchasing textbooks (which immediately go out of date), the school district will purchase a license and then download the newest version of the textbook into each device.  Another important part of the plan are “Google Apps,” a large set of computer applications which are available free to educational institutions.

Each student (and staff member) will get free e-mail, free online file storage, and free access to Google Docs.  Google Docs is an online set of programs for word processing (Word), spreadsheets (Excel), presentations (PowerPoint) and forms and drawings.

Each student’s Google Apps account will be tied to their computing device.  This will facilitate cloud storage, e-mail, and collaboration with themselves and their teachers.

“This will be simpler and easier to use than Microsoft Office,” Ustby said.  “It will be available to every student and staff member from any computer, tablet, or “smart phone” that can access the Internet.  Ustby added that Google Docs can convert to and from Microsoft Office programs easily.

Each device is projected to cost between $400-$520 (including a protective case).  The cost of making the building WiFi is projected to be $25,000 or less.

To pay for the changes the school plans to use its budgeted curriculum cycle money over the next three years.

Two current second grade teachers, Jamie Leiviska and Darren Holzer, have purchased iPad 2 computers on their own and they already are experimenting with them in the classroom.  They showed the devices to the school board members.  “It’s amazing to see how it works in the classrom with these kids,” Holzer said.

The entire “one-to-one computer project” will make up the district’s technology plan, which was due to be completed by the end of June 2012.

Special Features in Recent Issues of The Sounder

The Jan. 5 edition of The Sounder has a page of photos from the Random Lake High School Christmas choral concert.

The Dec. 29 edition of The Sounder includes two pages of photos from the Random Lake Middle School's Christmas choral concert.  There also are photos from the Christmas program at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School in Random Lake.  There are lots of other news and sports stories that are not included on this web site.

The Dec. 22 edition of The Sounder included the first quarter honor rolls from Random Lake High School and Random Lake Middle School, plus the first trimester honor roll from Ozaukee High School.  There was a page of photos from the Random Lake Elementary School Christmas program.  Additional copies of all these newspapers are available at The Sounder office, 405 Second St., Random Lake.

Candidates Step Forward to Fill Ballot for April 2012 Election

Tues., Jan. 5, was the deadline to declare candidacy for the April 2012 local elections.  Only a few municipalities will have contested elections this year.  There also will be presidential primary races.  Here is how the local ballot is taking shape:

Village of Random Lake — There will be competition for the three trustee positions on the village board.  The three incumbents — Elizabeth Manian of 324 Hoff St., Tom Slezewski of 157 E. Shore Dr., and Shawn Stevens of 95 E. Shore Dr. — will be joined by candidate Matthew Brockmeier of 75 Hwy. 144.

Village of Adell — There are four people running in the April election for three trustee positions — former trustee Jane Schneider of 633 Wisconsin St., and the three incumbents, Leighton F. Holtz of 210 Brookview Ave., Bernadette Mondloch of 408 First Ave., and Kim Peterson of 302 Center Ave.

Village of Fredonia — The April 3 election will fill three village trustee positions.  One has been vacant since former Trustee Chuck Lapicola was elected president in April 2010.  Filing nomination papers are incumbent Donald Dohrwardt, 313 S. Milwaukee St., incumbent Jill Bertram, 608 Fredonia Ave., former board member Joe Short, 230 Clover Ln., and new candidate Lisa Dohrwardt, 313 S. Milwaukee St.

School District of Random Lake — There will be at least one change on the Random Lake Board of Education, but barring a late write-in campaign there will be no competition.  Running unopposed for re-election will be Jennifer Stevens of 95 E. Shore Dr., Random Lake.  She was first elected in April 2003.  Seeking election for the first time will be Jeffrey Coeur, 1752 Jay Rd., Belgium.  Not seeking re-election is Dominique Houpt, who is completing her first three-year term.  All Random Lake School Board members are elected at-large. Any district resident may seek election to any of the seven positions.  April 2007 was the last time there was a competitive election for the Random Lake School Board.

Northern Ozaukee School District — There will be competition for one seat on the Northern Ozaukee Board of Education.  Town of Belgium seat — The only candidate is incumbent Tim Burmesch, 6090 Kay-K Rd., Belgium.  Village of Fredonia seat — The only candidate is incumbent Steven Baumeister, 146 Fox Glen Rd., Fredonia.  At-Large seat — Incumbent Stephen Burmesch of 225 Summit Dr., Fredonia, will be challenged by first time candidate Christine Koss, 1285 Mink Ranch Rd., Port Washington.

Town of Fredonia — Incumbent Supervisor Lance Leider, W3317 Hickory Grove Rd., will be running for re-election.  Former Supervisor James Stemper, W4799 Pioneer Dr., also filed his nomination papers.  Supervisor John Blasczyk, N5778 Cedar Valley Rd., missed the filing deadline so his name will not appear on the ballot.

Town of Sherman — The two incumbent supervisors are running for another two-year term.  They are Robert Boehlke, N367 Camp Awana Rd., and James E. Fahney, W6858 State Hwy 144.

Town of Scott — The two incumbent supervisors are running for another two-year term.  They are Dennis Janz, N1501 Trout Spring Rd., and Randy Narbatovics, N1656W County Rd. A.

Town of Holland — The two incumbent supervisors are running for another two-year term.  They are Martin Elmer, N2347 County Rd. CC, and Stanley Lammers, W3376 County Rd. A South.

Sheboygan County — The districts have new numbers but the incumbent county supervisors seeking re-election are the same in the local area.  There will be no opposition on the April 3 ballot.  Richard C. Bemis, W7085 Hillside Dr., Adell, seeks re-election in District 23.  William C. Goehring, N185 County Rd. DE, Random Lake, seeks re-election in District 24.  Roger TeStroete, N1912 Huibregtse Rd., Oostburg, seeks re-election in District 25.

Ozaukee County — The also has been redistrict involving the Ozaukee County Board, and two longtime county supervisors find themselves running for the same position.  The District 2 election will match incumbent Donald Dohrwardt, 313 S. Milwaukee St., Fredonia, against incumbent Rose Hass Leider, N6623 State Hwy. 57, Belgium.  The District 1 election has no competition on the ballot as Thomas E. Winker, 6824 Six Mile Rd., Belgium, seeks re-election.

United Fund's 2012 Campaign Falls Behind Goal

The Greater Random Lake-Adell United Fund drive for 2012 has fallen far behind its goal.

“We all know that our economy has been bad for some time now and that jobs have been lost,” says Vice-President Jim Thiel.  “This all means that the needs for some of our neighbors are greater then ever.  This is a plea to those who can contribute and have not done so far this year and to those who can mail an additional amount.”

For the last several years the Greater Random Lake/Adell United Fund has not met its stated goal.  The board of directors has always been able to make a complete payment to the chosen agencies by dipping into the shrinking reserve fund from past years, notes Thiel.  This reserve account was established to be used for special requests that might come up during the year and to help during economic times like the current experience.

“If the present trend continues the remaining reserve fund will not be enough to reach the full budget needs,” he said.

This year’s United Fund drive is extremely far behind in collections and the number of returned envelopes.  As in past years more than 2,550 brochures were mailed with a return envelope to all households in the Random Lake School District area.  As of Dec. 18 only 223 envelopes were been returned, which is far fewer then in past years.

The united fund has deposited only 63 per cent of its goal of $31,400, compared to 78 per cent of the goal at this time last year.

There are 20 agencies that the local board members have chosen to support in 2012.  “Most are local groups where the money is used within our village or towns that we live in and all the money is used within Sheboygan County,” Thiel said.  “This money is used to help our neighbors, both young and our seniors.”

On Dec. 18 the United Fund Board met and discussed new fundraising ideas for next year and how to handle the possible problem of not being able to make a complete payout to agencies this spring.  “One possible method would be to cut each group by the same percentage or a second idea would be to reduce some agencies more dollars than others,” notes Thiel. “Hopefully we will not have to make these decisions.”

Additional brochures and return envelopes can be found at the three banking institutions in Adell and Random Lake, at the library and several local area merchants.  Checks can be mailed to the Greater Random Lake/Adell United Fund, P.O. Box 91, Random Lake, WI 53075.

The officers of the Greater Random Lake-Adell United Fund are President Hope Lewitzke, Vice-President Jim Thiel, Secretary Milda Zuengler and Treasurer Diane Block.  Other board members are Margaret Bemis, Kenneth Borchardt, Beverly Doegnitz, Jim Eberhardt, Gary Feider, Ed Filemyr, Sara Filemyr, John Hawley, Kay Krier, Glen Laubenstein, Kim Narbatovics, Donald Pfeifer, Scott Risch, Margaret Schneider, Dr. Eric Stanenas and Mary Stehling.

Area Celebrates a Green Christmas and New Year

For the Random Lake area, there was a "green Christmas" in 2011.  Two inches of snow fell on Wednesday morning, Dec. 21, but it melted by the end of the day.  There was about an inch of snow on Thurs., Dec. 22, but that also disappeared quickly.  The warming trend continued throughout the New Year's Day weekend.  On Thurs., Jan. 5, there remains a large stretch of open water on Random Lake.

The first major snowstorm of the winter occurred on Thurs., Jan. 12, when about three inches of snow arrived, followed by strong winds and drifting.

Winter Parking Rules to Be Enforced in Village of Adell

Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Rathke reminds Village of Adell residents that the arrival of the first measurable snowfall triggered the winter parking ordinance.  No person may park on any public street in Adell between 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. from the first measurable snowfall until April 15 of the new year.

The penalty is $20 if the citation is paid within three days of issuance, and $40 if paid after three days but before 28 days.  If not paid after 28 days the village may issue a summons through the state Department of Transportation.  The DOT could then suspend the registration of the vehicle involved.

The ordinance allows village trustees to issue citations. Employees of the village also may be authorized to issue parking citations.

Town of Sherman Plan Commission Gets Survey Results

By Rodney Schroeter
The Town of Sherman Plan Commission saw closure on one long-range project, the night of Dec. 14, and the beginning of another.

Kevin Struck, UW-Extension growth management educator for Sheboygan and Washington counties, presented the results of a survey sent to Sherman residents.  Its purpose was to determine whether the preservation of agricultural land and open space in Sherman is important to residents, and to consider residents’ views in the coming review and revision of Sherman’s zoning ordinance.  The commission started work on the survey in August of this year, with Struck’s assistance.  It took several night sessions to develop it.

Struck distributed draft copies of the results.  His analysis that night went beyond the simple numbers, as he compared responses to similar questions on the 2004 survey, and put into plain words what some of the numbers implied.

The town sent out 631 surveys in late October, trying to reach all Sherman residents.  A combination of the tax list and voter registration was used, with duplicates eliminated.  (Only one survey per address was intended, and accepted.)  Residents were informed that, if they did not receive a survey, they could pick one up at the town office.  (Two people did so.)

Eleven surveys were returned as undeliverable.  Out of the 620 surveys delivered, 322 came in to the UW-Extension Office which tallied the results, a 52 per cent return rate.  Per Struck’s handout, “For comparison’s sake, the response rate for the town’s 2004 survey was 47 per cent.  (The response rates for the most recent surveys in Lyndon, Scott, and Holland were 30 per cent, 28 per cent, and 26 per cent, respectively.)”

Survey results will be put on the town’s web site, but here are some highlights.  (Some results have been rounded or summarized for this article.)

Three questions asked if preservation of agricultural land, forested areas, and natural areas was important.  Agreement was, respectively, 68 per cent, 73 per cent, and 69 per cent.  And 52 per cent believed that residential and small business development should be concentrated in a few already-developed areas, such as Silver Creek, Random Lake and Adell.

Replying to “A revised Town of Sherman zoning ordinance should be...” half replied less restrictive; 12 per cent said more restrictive; 38 per cent chose restrictive to the current degree.  “This is a useful question for our work ahead,” said Struck.

“Are you in favor of a maximum setback for new dwellings from the road right-of-way?”  Thirty-two per cent said yes; 68 per cent said no.  Struck compared that response to question #29 on the 2004 survey, where 42 per cent disagreed with a maximum setback.  Struck also said this was one of the most-answered questions on the survey.  (Some answers received no response.)

Twelve per cent thought the 300-foot maximum setback was too long; 13 per cent too short; 27 per cent just right; “Don’t like it at all” came in at 47 per cent.

Seventy-two per cent of respondents on #28 of the 2004 survey agreed there should be a site plan showing the location of a home on a parcel, as part of the process of requesting the town’s permission to build.  Whether or not residents still wanted a site plan was not asked for the current survey.  They were instead asked to rate a checklist of seven possible guiding principles in the use of a site plan.

Fifty-seven per cent thought avoiding siting a building on prime ag land was an important consideration.  Considered not important were avoiding siting a building on a hilltop, or within sight of the road, by 84 per cent and 90 per cent of respondents.  However, in a follow-up question asking how such a checklist should be used by reviewers of the site plan, 51 per cent said, “There should not be a checklist — each site plan should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.”

Three questions were limited to owners of agricultural land.  Thirteen per cent of such landowners currently receive farmland preservation tax credits.  And 60.5 per cent would like Sherman to consider participating in the state’s new farmland preservation program.

The third question for ag landowners asked for their future plans for their land.  Eight options were available, and more than one could be selected.  “Agriculture is still alive and well in this town,” Struck said of the responses.  Only one person said “Get out of farming as soon as practical” or “Decrease the size of the farm.”

Twenty-six per cent said “Keep farming in the Town of Sherman until retirement.”  And 44 per cent said they’d pass the farm on to children or others in the next generation.  Fifty-six per cent said “Rent out all or part” of their farmland.

Survey Comments Listed; New Members Introduced

The written comments on the Town of Sherman survey have been assembled too with the UW-Extensions Kevin Struck retyping them and carefully preserving the original wording and spelling.  Some were written on the blank lines of the survey’s last page.  Others were written beneath and in response to specific questions.

The comments will be made available to the town board and plan commission.  After that, because they are open to the public, a resident can request a copy of the comments.  (Watch future Sounder articles for details on how to do so.)

Struck provided this sample summary of some comments:  22 said the 300-foot maximum setback was a bad idea.  17 said property rights should be a high priority.  The rural atmosphere of the town is important (17) and farmland should be preserved (15).  Restrict wind turbines as much as possible (14).  Plan for the town’s future (13).  12 comments said to eliminate the 35-acre minimum lot size; six recommended keeping it.

With the presentation of the survey results, one of the plan commission’s milestones has been reached and passed.  The next milestone on the horizon is the revamping of the zoning ordinance.  Some work has been done by the commission, with Struck’s assistance, in recent weeks.

But review of certain parts of the ordinance were on hold until two things happened.  First was the return and collation of the surveys.  Second was the appointment of five new people to the commission, which happened at the town board’s December meeting.

Mitch Fisher is a regular member of the commission, his term ending Sept. 30, 2014.  Four residents were appointed to assist with the ordinance review, and their terms will end on completion thereof:  Patricia Horne, Chad Arndt, Jeff Stefanich, and Jim Ellis.  “I’ve been a resident of the town since 1987,” said Fisher.  “I wanted a country house and hobby farm.  I’m restoring an 1800s house — which is an ongoing process.  I love where I live and the rural community.”

“I moved here in 1993,” said Commissioner Jim Ellis.  “I live on the western edge of the town, on Hwy. A, where we have Turtle Springs Farm.  I was born in Iowa and worked in Milwaukee.  I’m a mental health professional and still have some limited practice.  I have more friends here than I ever had in Milwaukee.  I’m interested in keeping this a rural community.”

“I’ve lived here since 1979,” said Commissioner Jeff Stefanich.  “I have a small construction business, so I’ve had to travel to Milwaukee and so forth. It’s always nice to come back home.”

“I grew up at Hwys. 144 and 28,” said Commissioner Chad Arndt.  “I have two small kids, 8 and 10.  I work at John Deere in Horicon.  I got involved with the plan commission because I’m thinking of the future for my kids.”

“I bought my place in 1987,” said Commissioner Patricia Horne.  “I’m on the town board.  I’m very interested in the zoning ordinance and how we can make it work for the people of the town.”

“Kevin has done a wonderful job,” said Commission Chair William Beverly.  Turning to the rest of the commission, he added, “Sherman is lucky that we had people volunteer for this job, for this temporary position.”

“We have made some good progress,” Struck said of the review already done on the zoning ordinance.  “But it’s only 10 per cent.  We have a lot of work to do yet.”  Deciding to not meet during the holidays, the plan commission’s next meeting, where that work will start in earnest, will be Wed., Jan. 11, 7 p.m.

Stay Off Lake Until Ice Is Safe

Random Lake Fire Chief Bob Arndt says he was shocked in mid December when he saw people attempting to go ice fishing on Random Lake.  “The ice is not safe,” Arndt says.  “The weather has not been that cold yet, and the geese help to keep it open.”  While there may be some ice forming on the lake, the fire chief says it is very dangerous at this point.

Sheriff Asks Adell Citizens to Help Solve Fire Cases

By Rodney Schroeter
Over 60 people attended a forum on community safety at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell on Thurs., Dec. 15.

Village President Andrew Schmitt introduced speakers who addressed residents’ concerns about the recent fires in Adell.  Most recently, three fires broke out on Sun., Nov. 27.  One garage was destroyed, and two other small buildings were damaged.  “This is a great display of your concern,” said Sheriff Todd Priebe.

He listed three goals:  1. Encourage communication between the community and law enforcement.  2. Apprehend and successfully prosecute the suspect.  3. “Put an end to it.  Take ownership of your community.”

Priebe had most to say about the first point.  “We can no longer afford to look the other way and have someone else call when something’s happening.  We can’t wait an average of 10 minutes before calling law enforcement.”  He paused, looking around the attentive audience.  “That’s the average time people take to call law enforcement,” he said.

One reason for such delays is the fear of looking foolish if a reported suspicious activity turns out to be nothing unusual.  “Don’t determine if what you have is important — we will.  That little piece of information might be just enough.  It might be one piece of the puzzle.”

Priebe also emphasized the importance of heightened alertness.  If residents wake up in the middle of the night, he urged, “Take that extra time to look out the windows with no lights on.  It’s not only fires we should watch for, it’s burglaries and thefts, too.  And there’s no time limit.  You should be looking out for each other all the time.

“When a squad car is in the area, you need to be more vigilant, not less.  Watch for people trying to get away.  Or people coming out of hiding when the squad car leaves.

“If you see something suspicious, report it,” said Priebe.  “We now have township deputies, three on each shift.  If you’re better aware, you’re sending a message that we’re vigilant and looking after each other.”

Responding to questions from several residents, Priebe made a distinction between emergency and non-emergency situations.  “Don’t call Crime Stoppers if there’s a crime in progress.  That’s law enforcement.  That’s 911.”  This would include people poking around houses, casing them, or testing the doors of houses or cars. A car driving slowly at night, without its lights on, should be treated the same way.

One woman said her dog started barking one night, and when she went outside to check, she smelled smoke.  “You should call,” said Priebe.  “That’s unusual.”

In a non-emergency situations, in contrast, the witness would suspect something unlawful is happening, but not be certain.  Priebe told the audience, “When something’s telling you that something’s not right, don’t second-guess it.  Give us a call.  That’s in the daytime, too, not just at night.”

Ongoing suspicious activity, such as different cars stopping at a residence for only short times (suggesting a possible drug house) should be logged.  “Documentation is a beautiful start.”

Priebe urged residents to be observant, and to clearly articulate the actual event or suspicion when they report it.  “We need to know where you are. If you get a license plate, great. If not, describe the car.  What direction is it going?  Number of occupants?  Describe them if you can.”  Asked if a citizens’ patrol could be formed, Priebe said that was possible.

The Rev. Christopher Seifferlein, pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, asked Priebe if the drug problem is increasing.  Priebe replied, “There is no oasis you can go to, to escape that.  People use drugs because they’re hurting.  Hurting because of money concerns, or boredom, or stress.  They try it, and it works to dull the pain the first time, so they go back to it.  Parents and grandparents, you need to talk to your kids.  You want to be proactive.  Kids in pain need to find non-chemical pain relief.”

Adell Fire Department Chief Will Schniederwent gave the audience tips on fire safety:  Check your smoke detectors, and change their batteries each Daylight Savings Time.  Have an evacuation plan and (very important) practice it.  Have a rope ladder if you have a two-story home.  Install carbon monoxide detectors.  “My 19-year old furnace was pumping out carbon monoxide (CO),” Schniederwent said.  “If your CO alarm goes off, call us.  We’re faster than the gas company.”

Residents asked about the partial evacuation of Adell during the co-op fire.  Schniederwent and other fire department members urged residents to quickly follow instructions to keep things moving as smoothly as possible, should such an emergency occur.

Brian Judd, the detective in charge of the Adell fires case, spoke briefly.  He would appreciate hearing anything of possible relevance, including rumors (call Judd at 920/459-0377).  “I’ll grab any piece of information I can,” he said.  “It might lead to something.  I live and breathe this case right now.”

Emergency phone: 911.  Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department: 920/459-3112.  Crime Stoppers: 1-877/283-8436.

Kettle-Lakes Co-op Reports a Positive Fiscal Year

Members of Kettle-Lakes Cooperative took time to look at the future and at history during the annual meeting held last month at 5 Pillars Supper Club.  They heard a positive report on the 2010-11 fiscal year, which concluded on July 31.

“I would like to congratulate the board management and members of the co-op,” said Jim Halvorsen, a CPA with Clifton Gunderson, LLP, in Marshfield.  “Your co-op has been able to maintain a strong balance sheet.  This is your fourth consecutive year of local profits.”

Kettle-Lakes Co-op recorded sales of $18,018,269 in the 2010-11 fiscal year (sales were $16,926,300 the previous year).  Local net savings amounted to $689,967.  The gain in equity from Co-Energy Alliances LLC (a joint petroleum venture with Adell Cooperative) was $163,630.  The co-op received $507,249 in patronage refunds from its larger partner cooperatives like CHS, Land O’Lakes and Co-Bank.

After paying $89,108 in income taxes, the local net savings amounted to $1,271,738.  Last year’s net savings was $963,445.  “I’d like to thank of our employees,” said general manager Mark Mentink.  “They really did a good job this year for all of you.  2011 was a good year.  Mentink quipped that he didn’t see any deer during the past hunting season so he had three days to think about the co-op.  “I only had one minute to look at a deer,” he said.

Kettle-Lakes Cooperative was formed Aug. 1, 1994 as a consolidation of farm co-ops based in Random Lake, Cedar Grove, Sheboygan Falls and Plymouth.  Mentink said the first annual meeting in 1995 reported annual sales of $13.6 million.  Sales during the past fiscal year were $34,522,390.  Sales a year ago amounted to $25,521,938.

“At $34.5 million we’re still a small co-op,” Mentink said.  “The average in Wisconsin is now about $60 million.”

The manager said the four co-ops merged to achieve efficiencies.  “We have become efficient,” Mentink said.  "It is working.  The board has done what needed to be done.”  He noted that the four co-ops has about a half million bushels of grain storage at the time of the merger.  “Today we have just under 2.3 million in storage,” he said.  “Now we have four air-flows with another one coming online in January.”

Over the years the Kettle-Lakes Co-op has doubled its sales, the agronomy department has grown by three times, and the grain handling is now nine times larger.  “What they set out to do 17 years ago has come to fruition,” Mentink said.

One reason for looking back to the 1994 merger was reflecting on the board service by David Gartman.  Following the “term limit” section of the by-laws he did not seek re-election to the board.  “Dave is the last board member from the original Kettle-Lakes Co-op Board,” said Mentink.  “He has worked hard for all of you.”

Gartman said the board needed to make a lot of unselfish decisions over the years.  “They had the vision that this could be something good,” he said.  “There was support from the membership for consolidation.  It was an unselfish team that got Kettle-Lakes Co-op started.”

Kettle-Lakes members now own 62.3 per cent of their cooperative.  It was 60.3 per cent a year ago, and 54.8 per cent two years ago.  Gartman thanked Mentink and all the co-op employees for their service during the past year.  There were no questions from the floor.

In November 2011 the co-op completed the construction of a new grain bin at its Cedar Grove site, costing $738,000.

Patronage refunds are being returned to all members who have reached the age of 69, as well as for the years of business 1970 through 1973.

In the election of board members two incumbents were returned to office.  In the District 1 race, Jack Hanke of the Town of Sheboygan Falls defeated Jody Witgreve of Elkhart Lake.  The District 3 election saw Mark Ramel of the Town of Scott defeat Peter Muth of rural West Bend.  The District 2 election had two candidates from the Cedar Grove area.  Matt Teunissen defeated Jerry Grotenhuis.

In the board meeting that followed the annual meeting, Hanke was elected as the new president of Kettle-Lakes Cooperative.  Jerome Zimbal was elected vice-president, succeeding Ed Strauss.  Douglas Miller was re-elected secretary-treasurer.

Random Lake School District's Child Care Center Keeps Growing

It appears that the “Ram Child Care” service initiated by the School District of Random Lake is a ringing success.

Director Laura Klingelhoets reported to the school board in November that there are 89 children enrolled after five months of operation.  “The child care currently employs three staff members,” she said.  “The number of hours worked depends on the schedules of the children.”

School age programs will soon be included in the requirement by the state to participate in YoungStar if the program accepts W2 participants.  “We currently have 18 children that receive Shares dollars for all or part of their tuition,” Klingelhoets said.  “We will participate in YoungStar but are weighing the options whether to become accredited or to go through the rating system that will be in place.  As more information becomes available regarding the new requirements we will make that decision.

“There are cost factors associated with both options so we need to weigh which will be the best option for the district and the families we serve,” she said.  YoungStar is a program of the Department of Children and Families designed to improve the quality of child care for Wisconsin children.

“We have been working with the 4K and Early Education teachers regarding some of the children in our wrap around program,” Klingelhoets said.  “This partnering within the district and with the parents has worked very well and is helping us to keep consistency in these children’s lives.”

The Ram Child Care includes many categories of participants:  Full-time: 2; One full day: 1; Half day: 13; Preschool: 2; Before/After School: 9; Before School: 18; After School: 14; Varied Schedule: 5; Drop-in: 25.

Ram Child Care accepts children between the ages of 5-13, and it is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For ages 2-3, the five-day rate is $175 (one day is $45; half day is $25).  Many other rates are available based on the number of days per week.  For ages 3-4, the five-day rate is $160 (one day is $42; half da is $20).  For more information contact Laura Klingelhoets at 920/994-4342, ext. 375.

Times Printing Co. Wins 'Best Workplace' Recognition

Times Printing Co., Inc., of Random Lake has been honored as the Best Workplace in the Americas 2011 for its exemplary human resources practices.  Begun by the Printing Industries of America organization to honor printing companies that provide a superior work environment, this year marks the eighth year of the “Best Workplace in the Americas” program.

A panel of HR professionals with decades of experience in the graphic arts industry reviewed the submissions.  To be considered, a company must demonstrate concern for the workplace environment as well as the personal goals and ambitions of employees.

Applicants were judged on eight criteria: management practices:  work environment; training and development opportunities; financial security; workplace health and safety; work-life balance; recognition and rewards; and health and wellness programs.  Times Printing, a web printer located in Random Lake, focused on commercial publishing, was judged against other printing companies with 250 or more employees for this award.  The company is dedicated to creating a family atmosphere in the workplace and is always striving to find new and innovative ways to boost employee satisfaction.

Times Printing opened an in-house medical clinic on Nov. 28 to provide more affordable health care for employees and their families.  “We held an open house where we offered flu shots to help employees become acquainted with the new facility,” says Jean Vetter, human resources and office manager of Times Printing.

Enjoyable company events are offered regularly, including trivia contests, “pig-outs,” and tickets for a free brat/hamburger and a soda from the local fire department’s brat fry held during NASCAR’s Hauler Party and Parade to Road America, an event staged in the company’s parking lot.  As Vetter says, “We are game to try anything.”

Employees also hold fundraisers such as chili dinners and bake sales to help co-worker families caught up in unfortunate situations.  As much as $2,000 have been raised from supportive events like these.  “The family atmosphere flows to all of the employees and it is worth it because letters from customers say their attitudes are wonderful and customer service is great,” says Vetter.

Times also believes that being recognized for high performance is also an important aspect of employee satisfaction.  The company’s “great job” recognition program, where employees inform supervisors of co-workers who go above and beyond their duties in the work place, rewards employees for outstanding work ethic and attitude.

Vetter says there are opportunities for employee growth within the company and on an annual basis, individual financial planning sessions are offered regarding retirement (401K) at no cost.

Departmental meetings are held often to keep workers up-to-date and well informed about upcoming events and company plans.  In addition, an open door policy encourages employees to share their input and suggestions.  “We listen,” says Vetter.

Eighty-one of the company’s 300 employees have worked at Times Printing for over 20 years.  Many married couples and their kids work at Times, contributing to the close-knit atmosphere so appealing to the employees.  As Vetter puts it, “It’s just a great place to work.”

Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, agrees.  “Best Workplace in the Americas winners routinely recognize that success is generated in many ways, and importantly, through their employees,” he says.  “Congratulations to Times Printing.”

Printing Industries of America is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association.  Times Printing Co., Inc., has been part of Random Lake since May of 1918.

Sheboygan County Has Well Water Testing Kits Available

The Sheboygan County UW-Extension Office has teamed up with the certified lab at UW-Stevens Point to provide water testing kits for residents who obtain their water from a private well.  (This is not a Department of Natural Resources program.  Poor test results will not require a well to be shut down.)

For a $44 fee, well owners can pick up a sample bottle and instructions for the “Homeowners Package,” which includes tests for bacteria and nitrate-nitrogen, two of the most common health related water concerns.  In addition, pH, hardness, alkalinity, conductivity, chloride, and corrosivity will also be measured.

In Wisconsin, it is up to well owners to test their water.  The Groundwater Center in Stevens Point recommends well owners test their water at least annually, or more often if there is a change in taste, odor, or color of the water.  Testing kits are available at the UW-Extension Office, which is located across the road from Bookworm Gardens on the UW-Sheboygan campus.  The office is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For more information contact Kevin Struck or Mike Ballweg at 920/459-5900.

Lakeview Community Library Offers Individual Computer Help

Need some help operating your computer?  The public can “Navigate with a Librarian” on Thursdays from 1-8 p.m. at Lakeview Community Library.

Need help setting up an e-mail account, or how to attach and send documents?  Want to get a head start on that research paper?  Want to learn more about Internet searching?  Want to brush up on computer skills?  Want to learn more about EasiCat or BadgerLink?  Want to begin searching for an ancestor?  These and many other questions can be answered during a 30-minute, one-on-one, face to face session.

To set up a convenient time call 920/994-4825 or drop an email from the library's web site.

Random Lake Chamber of Commerce Board 'Hits the Road'

To showcase the local community the Random Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Board is “hitting the road” with its monthly meetings.  The board meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.  On Feb. 1 the chamber will meet at the Random Lake Village Office.

Recent board visits included the Random Lake High School Fitness Center on Sept. 7, Lakeview Community Library on Oct. 5, Harris Bank in Random Lake on Nov. 2, National Exchange Bank & Trust in Adell on Dec. 7, and ProHealth Chiropractic Center in Random Lake on Jan. 4.

Other businesses can sign up to host a meeting by contacting Karla Kaseno at Collins State Bank 920/994-9434.

6 Random Lake High School Students Perform with CLC Honors Band

Six Random Lake High School students will participate and perform with the Central Lakeshore Conference Honors Band.  They are Jessica Treppish, flute; Haley Correll, clarinet; Cortney Kaan, clarinet; Samantha Schneider, alto saxophone; Bryce Fassbender, alto saxophone; Catrinna Sundeen, baritone saxophone.

The CLC Honors Band Concert will be presented on Thurs., Jan. 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Lakeland College. The public is welcome to attend.  This year’s guest clinician is Russell Pettit, the director of bands at Lakeland College.

Representing Ozaukee High School will be Kaelyn Griffin, flute; Carissa Conine, clarinet; Curtis Burmesch, baritone saxophone.

OLL School 'Shake the Flakes' Event Features 'Dueling Pianos'

The annual "Shake the Flakes" fundraiser for Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic School will feature "Dueling Pianos" on Sat., Feb. 4, at 5 Pillars Supper Club, Random Lake.  Pianists Gary Clausing and Tony Frontier will entertain.

The event includes a social hour starting at 5:30 p.m., buffet style dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by the entertainment.  The $25 tickets are available now at Our Lady of the Lakes School and Rectory, Burmesch Variety Store, Cedar Valley Cheese Store, and 5 Pillars Supper Club.

Other upcoming fundraisers include the Catholic Schools Week Brat Fry on Sun., Jan. 29, the OLL Endowment Fund Dinner Auction on Sat., April 21, and the OLL Fish Boil on Fri., April 27.

New Ways to Dispose of Computers, TVs, Electronic Items

New laws governing the disposal of electronic items like TV sets, keyboards and computers went into effect on Sept. 1, 2010.  No longer may these items be disposed of in landfills or "put out with the garbage."

Electronic devices can contain hazardous materials that can enter the environment if disposed of improperly.  Roadside dumping and burning can allow heavy metals and toxic compounds to infiltrate into the soil, air, and water.

Heavy metals such as lead and mercury have the ability to leach out of electronic devices under certain environmental conditions.  These materials can cause a number of health problems in humans and wildlife.  Electronics recycling also helps recover reusable raw materials, conserves limited landfill space, and creates jobs.

These items can be disposed of at the following Sheboygan County locations:

Best Buy, 3600 County Trunk A, Kohler.  920/458-5710.
Goodwill Retail Services, 3319 Business Dr., Sheboygan. 920/459-8600.
Town of Holland Recycling Center, N652 County Rd KW, Cedar Grove. 920/668-6696.
Milwaukee PC, 516 North 8th St., Sheboygan. 262/208-9437.
Veolia ES Solid Waste Midwest LLC, 2905 Paine Ave., Sheboygan. 888/688-4005.

The following electronics can be recycled through E-Cycle Wisconsin:
Computers (desktop, laptop, netbooks and tablet computers)
Desktop printers (including those that scan, fax and/or copy)
Computer monitors
Televisions
DVD players, VCRs and DVRs
Fax machines
Computer mice and keyboards
Other computer accessories such as hard drives, speakers, flash drives and modems.

Through proper disposal, the materials recovered from these items include:  plastic, glass, lead, mercury, steel, copper, aluminum, brass, gold, silver, platinum, and nickel.  For more information on recycling of electronic devices go to: www.dnr.wi.gov/ecyclewisconsin.

Enter the Chamber of Commerce Business Photo Contest

Can you identify this member of the Random Lake Area Chamber of Commerce?  Take a look at the Chamber's web site and enter the Chamber Photo Contest.  People who can identify where this photo was taken can win $25 in Random Lake Chamber Bucks.

There was no winner in December, so a new photo of the same business is posted on the web site.

Past contest results:  November -- Katie Baumann of Random Lake identified the Ram mural at Random Lake High School.  October -- Jeff Morgan of Random Lake identified a radio at Homefront Restaurant, Random Lake.  September -- no winner.  August -- Dawn Morgan of Random Lake identified Booz'In Sports Bar of Random Lake.  July -- James Kaseno of Random Lake identified Lakeview Community Library of Random Lake.  June -- Jeffrey T. Straumfjord of Random Lake identified Premier Vision of Fredonia.  May -- no winner.  April -- John Schluechtermann of Random Lake identified Car Tub Car Wash of Random Lake.  March -- no winner.  February -- Rachel Mayer of Adell identified Globe Lanes of Random Lake.  January -- Deb Cavanaugh of Random Lake identified National Exchange Bank & Trust of Adell.  December 2010 -- no winner.  November -- Joe Huiras of Random Lake identified The Counter Point of Random Lake.  October -- Vera Seider of Adell identified Kettle-Lakes Cooperative.  September -- William Henckel of Random Lake identified Chem-Tech International Inc.  August -- Gerald Seider of Adell identified Eberhardt Plumbing & Heating Inc.  July -- Joe Huiras of Random Lake identified the Roger Degnitz Insurance Agency.  June -- no winner.  May — Vicki Hiller of Random Lake identified Midway Restaurant.  April — Kari Rosche of Adell identified Better Tymes Inn.  March — Sherrie Hagel of Random Lake identified Random Self Serve.  February — Sue Schmit of Fredonia identified Finnegan Automotive.  January -- no winner.  December 2009 -- Gerald Seider, Adell, identified Eric von Schledorn Ford.  November -- Joanne Ternes, Random Lake, identified The Eagle's Nest Pub & Grill.  October -- Keith Hiller, Random Lake, identified the Random Lake Pizzeria.  September -- Joanne Ternes, Random Lake, identified The Classic Touch Salon.  August -- Vera Seider of Adell identified the Ritger Professional Building, home of the Ritger Law Office.

You Can Receive the Entire Sounder Online

Subscriptions to The Sounder in PDF form can be purchased from ArcaSearch, a division of the Colormax company in Paynesville, Minn.  "Readers around the world can access The Sounder in its entirety within a day after it's published," says editor Gary Feider.  "We also are building an online archive that can be utilized by our digital subscribers."

ArcaSearch is endorsed by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and many other state newspaper associations.  The ColorMax team is focused 100 per cent on its core service -- digital content delivery and digital archive services.

"We continue to offer our free Internet site, which has been available since 1999 with brief news and sports stories," Feider said.  "We know that more than a hundred people view that site every day.  We expect that many of these people will take advantage of the opportunity to read the entire paper, cover to cover, including all the photos, display ads and classified ads."  The site offers 3-month, 6-month and 12-month subscriptions which can be paid by credit card.  For more information visit the Complete Online Edition Web Site.

We Welcome Your Subscription

The online version of The Sounder includes highlights but not everything from our weekly newspaper.  Subscribing to The Sounder will bring you a photographic record of our community together with editorials, letters to the editor, the weekly "Clergy Comment," weddings, engagements, births, college and high school honor roll information plus many other articles of interest.  Let us know if you would like to receive a free sample copy of The Sounder.  Delivery by U.S. Postal Service costs $22.00 per year in Sheboygan, Ozaukee and Washington Counties; $24.50 per year elsewhere in Wisconsin; $27.00 per year elsewhere in the U.S.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Obituaries

Rosemary Kathleen Burkel, 74, of TLC Homes in Sheboygan, a former resident of the Town of Fredonia and the Town of Lima, died on Jan. 10, 2010.  She resided with her parents in the Town of Fredonia, and later moved to the Sheboygan County Comprehensive Health Center in the Town of Lima.  When that facility closed she made her home at TLC Homes in Sheboygan.  See Jan. 19 Sounder.

Anna Marie "Annie" (Begush) Weyker, 72, of 919 N. Webster St., Port Washington, died Jan. 9, 2012 at Aurora Medical Center, Grafton.  Born in Sheboygan, she worked at Clean Test Co. in Port Washington for 15 years until retiring.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Agnes R. (Kleckner) Huiras, 74, of W4595 Jay Rd., Fredonia, died on Jan. 7, 2012, surrounded by her family at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, following a courageous battle with cancer.  Growing up in the Town of Belgium, she farmed with her husband, Alois "Allie" Huiras in the Town of Fredonia until 1988, when they retired and sold the farm to their son, Brian.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Grace E. (Miller) Melichar, 86, of Willow Rd. in the Town of Port Washington, died on Jan. 5, 2012 surrounded by her family at her residence.  She was born in Plainview, Minn., and her family moved to the Grafton area to find carpenter work.  She and her husband, the late Benjamin C. Melichar, moved to the family farm in 1951.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Donald A. Thomas, 72, of 2588 Pickett St., Plymouth, formerly of Random Lake, died unexpectedly on Jan. 5, 2012, in Plymouth.  Born on the family farm in the Town of Belgium, he and his wife, the former Diann Ramel, settled in Kewaskum and moved to Random Lake in 1969.  They moved to Plymouth in 2009.  Mr. Thomas worked as a carpenter for Design & Construction in West Bend.  After more than 30 years with them, he retired in 1999.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Ward K. Arbuckle Sr., 81, of W5801 County Rd. SS, Random Lake, died on Jan. 4, 2012 at the Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, Sheboygan Falls.  After serving in the Korean War with the U.S. Air Force the Town of Mitchell native worked for the Sheboygan County Highway Department for many years, retiring at age 63.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Daniel James Hecker, 55, of Elkhart Lake, died unexpectedly on Jan. 4, 2012 at Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center of complications due to pneumonia.  Growing up in the Town of Fredonia he graduated from Random Lake High School in 1974 and completed an associate degree in the culinary arts at Moraine Park Technical Institute in Fond du Lac.  For most of hsi adult life Mr. Hecker worked as a chef in Sheboygan County, most recently at The Idlewile in St. Cloud and at Quic Qui Oc in Elkhart Lake.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

James E. “Jim” Waech, 67, of W2477 County Rd. RR, Cedar Grove, died on Jan. 3, 2012, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.  The Milwaukee native grew up in the Random Lake area.  He owned and operated Cedar Grove Trenching and hauled propane for many years.  He then worked as groundskeeper for Aldrich Chemical, Sheboygan, until his retirement in 2008.  See Jan. 12 Sounder.

Mardell June (Hintz) Binder, 79, of Random Lake died on Fri., Dec. 30, 2011, at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake.  She graduated from Plymouth High School in 1949 and attended nursing school in Milwaukee.  She worked as floor manager at Krier Preserving Co. in Random Lake for many years.  See Jan. 5 Sounder.

Larry Levi Flint, 73, of Northvue Ct. in Newburg, died at his home on Dec. 30, 2011.  A native of Pelan, Minn., he lived in Washington and Ozaukee counties, moving to Newburg in 1998.  Mr. Flint worked for Trak International in Port Washington, retiring in 2000 as a manager in the robotic welding division.  See Jan. 5 Sounder.

Shirley M. (Plier) Kampmann, 80, formerly of 541 N. Powers St. in Port Washington, died on Dec. 29, 2011 at Heritage Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Port Washington, where she had resided the past few years.  The Belgium native married the late Gilbert E. Kampmann of Adell in 1952.  She worked as a nurse's aide at the former St. Alphonsus Hospital in Port Washington and later at Mequon Care Center in the 1970's.  See Jan. 5 Sounder.

Alton F. “Al” Guell, 85, died on Dec. 23, 2011 at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Sheboygan Falls, after a courageous battle with illness, surrounded by his family.  The Fond du Lac County native lived at Cascade and Adell, working at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac and Cedarburg for 31 years.  For 19 years Al and his wife, the former Gwen Krueger, spent winters at Country Side Mobile Home Park in Apache Junction, Ariz.  See Dec. 29 Sounder.

John C. Richter, 87, of DeForest, formerly of Milwaukee and rural Adell, died on Dec. 22, 2011, at Parkside Assisted Living in DeForest with his family at his side.  He was employed as a civil engineer for the City of Milwaukee, retiring in 1986 after 38 years of service.  See Dec. 29 Sounder.

Lyla G. (Liepert) Boerger, 82, of West Bend, died peacefully on Dec. 20, 2011 surrounded by her family.  The Town of Farmington native lived with her husband, Robert "Bob" Boerger in West Bend.  She worked at Amity, Toy World, and Boerger Floral for many years before retiring.  See Dec. 29 Sounder.

Lynn R. (Wagner) Mayville, 47, of Wabeno (Forest County) died unexpectedly on Dec. 21, 2011 at her home.  She grew up in the Town of Fredonia and graduated from Random Lake High School.  For five years she helped to care for the animals at Pine View Rehabilitation & Education Center near Fillmore.  She was especially fond of all the animals in the reptile room.  See Jan. 5 Sounder.

James H. "Bucky" Backhaus, 72, of Random Lake, died on Dec. 20, 2011 at his residence.  The Townof Scott native was self-employed as Batavia Welding & Repairs and B&B Enterprises.  He and his wife, the former Shirley Chesak, resided in Batavia and since 1995 in Random Lake.  See Dec. 29 Sounder.

Sylvester N. Mueller, 82, of W3166 County Rd. K, Cedar Grove, died unexpectedly at his residence  on Dec. 20, 2011.  The Town of Holland native lived and farmed his entire life on the farm where he grew up.  His wife is the former Delores Van Treeck.  See Dec. 22 Sounder.

Leone A. (Schlueter) Bush, 87, formerly of Random Lake, died at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton on Dec. 14, 2011.  The Milwaukee native had worked at Shorewood Mills for 20 years and later worked at a variety of stores in the Milwaukee area.  She later moved to Port Washington and then Random Lake to be closer to her daughter.  See Dec. 22 Sounder.

Harold J. Hartmann, 91, a longtime Town of Fredonia resident, died on Dec. 6, 2011 at the Hartford Aurora Medical Center.  A native of Austin, Minn., he and his wife, the late Dorothy Klein Hartmann, farmed in the Town of Fredonia until retirement in 1982.  See Dec. 15 Sounder.

Raymond Eischen, 97, of Random Lake died on Dec. 2, 2011 at Meadow View Manor in Sheboygan, where he had been a resident for the past two and a half years.  He and his wife, the former Julia Leider, purchased a farm at W8249 Brazelton Dr. in the Town of Scott, which they operated until retirement.  See Dec. 8 Sounder.

Evangeline A. "Vannie" (Minz) Harter, 90, a Town of Scott resident, died on Thurs., Dec. 1, 2011, at Kettle Moraine Gardens in Kewaskum with her family at her side.  The Town of Fredonia native lived with her husband, the late Marlin Harter, in the Town of Scott.  She was employed by the West Bend Company in West Bend for over 25 years and was a member of the firm’s 25-Year Club.  See Dec. 8 Sounder.

Edwin W. “Eddie” Dollert, 89, of 1955 W. Center Rd., Saukville, died at his residence on Wed., Nov. 30, 2011.  He and his wife, the former Esther Zuelsdorf, owned and operated a dairy farm in the Town of Saukville, and also enjoyed many other things in life.  See Dec. 8 Sounder.

William G. Didier, 58, of 212 E. Union Ave., Cedar Grove, formerly of Port Washington, died Monday evening, Nov. 28, 2011, in a plane crash in Riverwoods, Ill.  He grew up in the Port Washington area and worked as a medical transport pilot.  See Dec. 8 Sounder.

Anna S. (Watry) Krier, 93, of 634 Main St., Belgium, died on Nov. 24, 2011 at the Harbor Club in Port Washington, where she had been a resident for the past several weeks.  She and her late husband, Norman M. Krier, raised their family in Belgium.  Mrs. Krier was the last surviving Village of Belgium resident who was born and lived her entire life in the village.  See Dec. 1 Sounder.

Desma I. (Vande Boom) Kraus, 94, a resident of Harbor Campus in Port Washington, formerly of Saukville, died on Nov. 24, 2011.  The Saukville native worked as an inspector for Mercury Marine for over 30 years, and also worked along with her husband, the late Henry A. "Santa" Kraus, on the family hobby farm at 2680 Hwy. 33 in the Town of Saukville.  See Dec. 1 Sounder.

Allen P. Stahl, 83, of 1512 Evergreen St., West Bend, died at the Kathy Hospice on Nov. 20, 2011.  The Beechwood native worked on the family farm until 1951, and after serving in the Korean War he was employed by H. J. Lay Lumber Co. in Kewaskum, serving as its manager for nine years.  In 1962 he became manager of the Barker Lumber Co. in Random Lake until his retirement in 1990.  See Nov. 24 Sounder.

John J. Raml, 86, of W7088 Firehouse Rd., Batavia (rural Adell), died on Nov. 20, 2011 at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center in the Town of Plymouth.  The Milwaukee native served in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He was employed with Pioneer Container as a truck driver for 30 yaers and he owned a small fire extinguisher business.  He also played drums and saxophone for various bands, most recently The Polkateers.  See Nov. 24 Sounder.

Constance L. "Connie" Behling, 75, of 679 Beaver Ave., Hancock (Waushara County), died on Nov. 19, 2011 at her home.  The West Bend native married George A. Behling, Jr., at Newburg and worked at several grocery stores as a meat wrapper before retiring.  In 1995 the couple moved to Colburn Township in Adams County.  See Nov. 24 Sounder.

Laurie A. (Hagel) Schulz, 49, of N1897 Libby Lane, Adell, died unexpectedly on Nov. 15, 2011 at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.  The Random Lake native graduated from Random Lake High School in 1980.  She and her husband Brett Schulz lived in the Town of Sherman, and for the last 25 years she worked as a medical transcriptionist for Aurora.  See Nov. 24 Sounder.

Marcella J. "Sally" Knepprath, 77, formerly of Cedar Sauk Road in the Town of Saukville, died on Nov. 14, 2011 at Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation Center in Fond du Lac, where she had resided for the past two years.  The Dacada native worked for the Allen Edmonds Shoe Mfg. Co. in Lake Church when she was young.  In the mid 1960s she moved to Fredonia, later living with her brother, Clarence, to provide care for him and their parents.  See Nov. 17 Sounder.

Pearl E. (Sincere) Frievalt, 94, formerly of 411 Chiswell St. in Saukville, died on Nov. 12, 2011 at Plymouth Care Center in Plymouth, where she had been a resident the past six years.  A native of Coleman (Marinette County), she and her husband David P. Frievalt lived in Two Rivers and then Milwaukee.  In 1979 she moved to Saukville.  See Nov. 17 Sounder.

Jerome R. "Jerry" Doll, 84, formerly of 3393 County Rd. KK, Town of Port Washington, died Nov. 10, 2011 at the Harbor Cove in Port Washington, where he had resided the past few years.  The Hartford native was a truck driver.  He drove for Barry Trucking of Milwaukee, Stodyk Trucking of Port Washington and Kohler Mfg. Co. of Kohler for many years until his retirement in 1988.  See Nov. 17 Sounder.

Vivian E. (Staege) Vetter, 89, of the Town of Scott, died on Nov. 7, 2011 at Ivy Manor in Campbellsport, where she was a resident.  The Town of Scott native lived with her late husband, Leland O. Vetter, on Maple Tree Rd. in the Town of Scott and she was a homemaker.  See Nov. 10 Sounder.

Angela C. (Krier) Schmitz, 90, of 5604 County Rd. B, Town of Belgium, died peacefully with her family around her on Nov. 6, 2011 at her home.  The Town of Holland native worked at Krier Preserving Co. in Belgium during her youth, and then she farmed with her late husband, Arthur D. Schmitz, near Holy Cross in the Town of Belgium.  See Nov. 10 Sounder.

Terri L. (Fields) Leiner, 64, of 301 Hoff St., Random Lake, died at her home on Nov. 5, 2011.  The Milwaukee native worked in school finances, most recently for Dominican High School in Whitefish Bay and at Cardinal Stritch University in Fox Point.  She has lived in Random Lake for about 20 years.  See Nov. 10 Sounder.

Calvin L. Hoopman, 23, of Random Lake, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 4, 2011.  His family lived in Cedar Grove and Oconto before moving to Random Lake in 2003.  Calvin graduated from Random Lake High School in 2006, and most recently he was working as a roll tender at Times Printing Co., Inc., in Random Lake.  Previously he had worked summers as a combine operator for Lakeside Foods, Inc.  See Nov. 10 Sounder.

Daniel W. Arhelger, 54, of 222 N. Garfield Ave., Port Washington, died on Nov. 3, 2011 at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton.  The Milwaukee native worked for Safelite Auto Glass for more than 14 years.  See Nov. 10 Sounder.

Celine Clara (Wester) Krizek, 75, of 6152 Lake Church Rd. in the Town of Belgium, died at her home on Oct. 25, 2011.  She grew up on the family farm in the Town of Belgium, settled down with her husband, Ronald, in Lake Church.  Mrs. Krizel worked at Smith Bros. Restaurant in Port Washington, retiring in 2001.  She and her family operated the Lake Church Inn and the Quarry Inn until 2003.  See Nov. 3 Sounder.

Cyril P. Karrels, 92, formerly of County Rd. H in the Town of Belgium, died peacefully on Oct. 25, 2011 at the Harbor Club in Port Washington, where he had resided for the past year and a half.  A native of the Town of Port Washington, he was a lifelong dairy and crop farmer.  Mr. Karrels also drove school bus for the Port Washington-Saukville School District and the Nothern Ozaukee School District (where he also worked as a custodian).  See Oct. 27 Sounder.

Clarence E. "Clem" Broetzmann, 82, of W5489 County Rd. SS, Random Lake, died on Oct. 21, 2011 while visiting in Elkhart, Ind.  The Town of Sherman native worked on the family farm.  He also worked t the Kenro Corp. in Fredonia and later for the Waubeka Feed Mill from which he retired in 1993.  See Oct. 27 Sounder.

Joanne D. Schlenvogt, 65, of 417 Scenic Dr., West Bend, died on Oct. 18, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in West Bend after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  The Port Washington native worked at Modern Equipment Co. in Port Washington, Tecumseh Products in Grafton, and Broy Co. in West Bend.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Elva H. (Kirschmann) Strack, 93, of Random Lake, formerly of Adell, died on oct. 18, 2011 at Gables on the Pond in Random Lake.  The Washington County native farmed with her late husband, Wilfred E. Strack, in the Batavia area from 1939 to 1964.  In 2003, they moved to Gables on the Pond.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Robert M. Mueller, 73, of N7234 Maple Ct., Random Lake, died unexpectedly in Florida on Oct. 16, 2011.  He grew up in the Dacada/Random Lake area.  After operating a tavern in Cascade and driving a cement truck for Schmitz Ready Mix in Mequon for 14 years, he owned and operated the Five Pillars Supper Club at Random Lake for over 25 years, retiring in 1999.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Delbert J. "Sarge" Sargent, 85, died on Oct. 14, 2011 at Milwaukee.  The Portage County native lived in Illinois, Wood County, Milwaukee, and in 1974 he and his wife Rita moved to Random Lake, where they resided for 14 years.  He was employed by American Motors-Chrysler Corp.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Martin T. Rosenberger, 55, of State Highway 57, Plymouth, died at his home on Oct. 11, 2011, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer.  The Random Lake High School alumnus was employed at Wilderness Log Homes in Plymouth for over 25 years.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Martana Mae "Jr." Zeman, 28, of Campbellsport died unexpectedly on Oct. 10, 2011.  She was born in West Bend and attended school in Kewaskum.  For the last several years she has worked at Fussy Feebies, her mother's restaurant in Campbellsport.  She also was an active member of Zion United Methodist Church in Batavia.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Loretta C. (Kraus) Mertzig, 99, formerly of 625 E. Green Bay Ave., Saukville, died on Oct. 8, 2011 at Harbor Campus in Port Washington, where she had been residing for the last 11 years.  The Town of Fredonia native lived in Saukville and taught elementary school at St. Mary's in Port Washington, retiring in 1972.  See Oct. 20 Sounder.

Hannah M. (Hahn) (Braun) Weyker, 88, a former resident of 6412 County Rd. B in the Town of Belgium, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2011 at Cedar Grove Gardens in Cedar Grove.  The Bayfield County native lived at West Bend until the death of her first husband, Earl Braun, in 1973.  She moved to the Dacada area and married William J. Weyker, who died in 2003.  Later she moved to Port Washington and then Cedar Grove.  See Oct. 13 Sounder.

Olive J. "Toddy" (Lied) Goehring, 68, of N1958 Cedar Rd. in the Town of Scott, died unexpectedly at her home on Oct. 8, 2011.  She grew up on the family farm near Little Kohler.  She worked at West Bend Co./Regal Ware for many years, retiring in 2005.  She lived in a house that she built herself.  See Oct. 13 Sounder.

Sylvia L. (Watry) Weyker, 82, of 3685 County Rd. KK in the Town of Port Washington, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2011 at Lasata Care Center in Cedarburg, where she had been a resident the past two weeks.  The Chilton native farmed with her husband, the late Vincent J. Weyker, in the Town of Port Washington.  See Oct. 13 Sounder.

Ruben A. Rodriquez, 78, who lived at Hwy. 57 in the Town of Saukville, died on oct. 8, 2011 at his granddaughter's home, surrounded by his family and friends.  A native of Puerto Rico, he also lived in Florida and Wisconsin.  Mr. Rodriquez "wore many hats," working in a bakery, a cemetery, in the fishing industry, and he and his wife, Maria, operated the former Port Motel.  See Oct. 13 Sounder.

Veronica L. Pannier, 44, of 922 Center Ave., Oostburg, died on Oct. 2, 2011 at her resident.  The Port Washington native was a home health care aide in various homes and assisted living facilities.  See Oct. 6 Sounder.

Sports

(For high school schedules, click on Ram and Warrior mascots above)

Boys' Basketball

Click on the school mascots above for the latest football scores.  Subscribe to The Sounder for complete covwerage.

Girls' Basketball

Click on the school mascots above for the latest volleyball scores.  Subscribe to The Sounder for complete coverage.

Wrestling

Click on the school mascots above for the latest cross country scores.  Subscribe to The Sounder for complete coverage.

Bowling

The Sounder newspaper includes a detailed bowling report, featuring the top efforts from Globe Lanes in Random Lake and the Belgium Bowling Center in Belgium.  Subscribe today by calling 920/994-9244.

New This Week
The Luxembourg Wort -- Now there is an English version of the daily newspaper in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Editor's Picks
U.S. Debt Clock -- Learn about the United States' debt, the deficit, tax revenues and a lot more.  How much do you owe?
Random Lake School District Weather Site -- Visit the "WeatherBug" site that students use for a variety of classroom work.
Wisconsin Maritime Museum -- Manitowoc has the state's largest maritime museum, where you can tour a WWII submarine.
Local Dirt.  Everyone's place to buy, sell and find local food.
The Hand That Feeds U.S.  Learn the importance of U.S. agriculture to the security and future of our country.
Wisconsin's Rideshare Program.  Save money and stop pollution by sharing a ride.
Wisconsin Federal Funds.  Learn about federal funding received by the State of Wisconsin, and grant opportunities.
Conversations on Animal Care -- How America's farmers and ranchers provide the best possible care to their animals.
NowHow2Go -- A help for Wisconsin high school students preparing for college, including testing tutorials.
WRJQ Internet Polka Radio -- This internet station in Appleton has free polka music 24 hours a day.
Missingmoney.com -- States and provinces attempt to find the owners of unclaimed money or property.
Veteran.com -- A non-political online community for America's military veterans.
Smart Growth -- Learn more about this joint Adell, Random Lake and Town of Sherman program.
Power Reporting -- Thousands of great free research tools for journalists.
Enjoy Horicon Marsh -- Many people visit at this wildlife area in the Horicon, Mayville, Waupun and Beaver Dam areas.
Travel Wisconsin -- The official site of the state Department of Tourism.
VA Kids -- Young people can learn what it means to be a war veteran.
Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce -- The business view of Sheboygan County.
Savorwisconsin.com -- Find Wisconsin food and agricultural products.
Blood/Breath Alcohol Concentration Calculator -- Don't mix drinking and driving!
Milwaukee River Basin Partnership -- Random Lake is part of the Milwaukee River Basin.
T-Baum Foundation -- Local organization helps young adults with life-threatening illnesses.
National Marrow Donor Program -- Find out how you can help.
Road Conditions, Work Zones, Repair Schedules -- Info from the Department of Transportation
Polka Bob's Polka Radio Locator -- Invaluable information for you polka lovers.
Jung's Beer Trays -- Collector information from Random old brewery.
The Wheeler Report -- A fine source for Wisconsin government and political news.
Sacred Space -- Spend 10 minutes in prayer and meditation each day with the Irish Jesuits.
Translate with Babel Fish -- AltaVista offers this handy translator for several languages.
Sheboygan County Government -- All the details about county government.
Wisconsin Scanner Frequencies -- CityFreq offers this invaluable resource for scanner fans.
Washington County Convention & Visitors Bureau -- What's new in West Bend and beyond.
All About Wisconsin Lakes -- This Department of Natural Resources site tells it all.
Movie Reviews with Families in Mind -- Is that film appropriate for children or adults?  Provided by the Catholic News Service.

Here's One Last Random Glance

Random Lake Association Schedules 'Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets' for Event

The Random Lake Association will hold a dinner auction fundraiser on Sat., March 3, at 5 Pillars Supper Club, featuring "Four Guyz in Dinner Jackets."

These singers feature musical memories of the doo-wop and early rock 'n roll era of American music.  The event will have a cash bar opening at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m.  Advance tickets ($25) are available at Burmesch Variety Store, Doegnitz Ace Hardware and 5 Pillars Supper Club in Random Lake.  Tickets at the door will be $30.  For information contact the Random Lake Association 920/447-8045.

For Complete Details and Much More, Read The Sounder

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