Skipping town to the Land of the Free by the Carib Sea

So, I'm skipping town. No, check that: I'm leaving on a jet plane. On December 26, thirteen of us from Refuge (the Christian fellowship that I pastor for my “real” job) will be flying out of Chicago for a two week stay in Belize (well, most of the group will be staying two weeks; I'll be coming back after 10 days on account of responsibilities here.) It is what is commonly referred to as a “missions trip” but for all that our main purpose for going is to visit some of our Belizean friends.

Pablo (center), Ezekiel (2nd right) and Elber (on right)

As most of you are aware, this past year ABC Truss brought in twenty-five foreign workers to work at the plant here. Of that group, five of the guys ended up fellowshipping with us at Refuge. Over the course of the past six months they were in town, they were regulars at our worship gatherings, came to a few grad parties as well a pizza party we threw for all the crew and participated in nine-week Sunday evening course on following Jesus. This past fall, a large number of landscaping pavers were donated to us and these guys, along with some of their Belizean friends, came to our aid and were key in laying down our new side walk simply out of the goodness of their heart. It looks glorious.

Getting acquainted at our pizza party this past summer

Dalton is another
friend we hope to see

All of them have returned now to their homeland and are reveling in being reunited with their families. And now some of us from here are going to visit them in their towns. Belize is a small country in Central America – from top to bottom approximately 180 miles long or the equivalent distance of a drive from Bloomer to Madison – and of the guys who worked here, hardly any of them came from the same village. Elber lives in the north in the town of San Narciso Corozal and is Our Man Flint on the ground there. Working with his pastor and coordinating with our team leaders, David & Paula Holmbeck of rural Chetek, our itinerary is still very much a work in progress. But for most of us this is not our first rodeo and we are accustomed to having our plans a little bit (or a lot) in the air.

The finished product

Ezekiel, Elber & Pablo

For me this will be my ninth trip abroad (but my first to Central America) and if I learned anything in my travels is that despite our differences in culture, in language, in cuisine, and in history, people are pretty much the same the world over. We all live in a place we call home. We all have the necessity to eat and to groom ourselves. We all prefer it if people make nice and get along. And we all like to grouse about the weather and the “uppity-ups” - whoever they may be – who seem to like coming up with rules or laws that make our life more difficult instead of less so. Frankly, as altruistic as his comments are, I totally agree with what Robert Fuhlgum once opined in his classic All I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten, “Think what a better world it would be if all - the whole world - had cookies and milk about three o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankies for a nap.” Better yet, if we could do this with an Palestinian on Monday, a Russian on Wednesday and someone from Minneapolis' near south side on Friday. We'd all gain a little perspective on how the other half lives.

San Narciso here we come

So your sympathies not withstanding that I will be forced to celebrate New Years in “the Land of the Free by the Carib Sea”, I'm looking forward to seeing my friends who I enjoyed getting acquainted with while they lived around here. If you're a person of faith, I'd appreciate your prayers for traveling mercies for my team and I. We all hope that we can be as big a blessing to them as they were to all of us.  

The news from here: all in all it's mostly good

There's some local news to report in this final week of the old year. Most of it you may have already heard about and two thirds of it would be labeled mostly good.

Back on the list!

A couple of times since taking office in April, I have noted the ongoing issues with our aging Waste Water Treatment Plant (if you're interested you can check out All A's and a B as well as The Bottom Line). The long and short of it is too much relatively clean ground water is making its way into our sewer lines and depending on the weather and the day, forcing our plant to work beyond its design capacity. Earlier this year, the city applied for a grant to pay for half our costs involved in relining our pipes as well as upgrading our Fine Screen system (which is an integral part of how we process our dirty water). As you may have heard, we didn't make the cut and therefore we had to resort to Plan B seeking low interest money to pay for it.

Don't know if you can read the fine print but this is "the list" you want to be on

A week or so ago today, however, Public Works Director Dan Knapp received word that on account of other municipalities backing out or reconsidering their projects, we are now officially on the list again. According to Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH), the engineering firm we are contracting with, in 2017 we are slated to receive $129,609 in principal forgiveness for the Fine Screen system and $92,093 in principal forgiveness for the sewer lining project. Even a mathematically challenged guy like me can figure out that's a lot of forgiveness. While it won't pay for everything, we can apply for DNR loan dollars toward the remaining balance which is currently going for 1.96%. Yeah, that's a good deal.

Back in Business!

Speaking of “back”, as of early November a new youth center has opened up in town. In the early days of this year we officially turned off the lights of the old Garage which had served a portion of Chetek's youth for fifteen years. For those of us a part of the Chetek Youth Center Project, Inc. (the governing board of The Garage) the hope was that a group would form sooner than later to take the lead on opening a new place in town for kids to congregate. In September and October a few exploratory meetings were held between members of the Chetek Recreation Association (a.k.a. The “pool hall” people), the Chetek Youth Center Project and a handful of local individuals in earnest of seeing this happen. Out of those gatherings, a new group has indeed emerged with Michelle Farmer at its head and has formed a symbiotic relationship with the pool hall folks: the guys can still use the hall during the week while the kids can gather on Friday and Saturday

nights. With some generous donations from local businesses and citizens as well as some seed money from the Chetek Youth Center Project, the once darkened pool hall on Knapp is now brightly lit on the weekends. While it's only been a month and a half on most Friday and Saturday nights the place is usually hopping, both inside and out as Knapp Street between First and Second Streets is closed so kids can play their pick-up football games safely in the street.

The price is right

Right across the street from Chetek P.D. and right next door to the Center

At December's city council meeting, the council unanimously voted to purchase the former Jost Law Office building from Ken and Marge Jost for $70,000. If you have ever been to the soup and salad bar held every Friday noon at The Center you know that parking is at a premium. On the days that I go I usually have to park on Stout and walk the rest of the way. So with an eye on the future – whether a future parking lot or a future addition to The Center itself – the council was of a mind to move ahead on a generous offer from the Josts: $10,000 down, $30,000 in January 2017 and the remaining $30,000 in January 2018 and all of it interest-free. For those who may question the logic of taking on more debt at a time when we just reduced our police force by one full-time position think of it as two different pots of money. A full-time employee involves an on-going expenditure whereas a purchase such as this is a one-time deal that can be covered through outlay money set aside for expenses like this or from the on-going rent from the two long-term tenants that currently reside in the building. We think this is a good investment in our city's future and we're grateful that the Josts were willing to close on such mutually acceptable terms.

Hail to the chief

Chief Mark Petersen

And last but not least, after 39 years of service in law enforcement, 35 of it employed by the City of Chetek, Chief Mark Petersen is officially retiring as of January 7, 2017. According to Mark during that time he has logged approximately 78,198 service hours and 256,000 patrol miles. That's going the distance! As he puts it, “The City has been good to me. I was able to put both my children through college. I will miss my staff, other officers I have known, the city crew and staff at city hall. You are blessed to have such a wonderful and dedicated bunch of employees to work with. I hope you will have considered me among that group.” Indeed we do, Mark, and we thank you for your long years of service to our community. Here's hoping you'll enjoy many long and successful seasons of hunting and fishing.

Lt. Ron Ambrozaitis

As he transitions out, Lieutenant Ron Ambrozaitis will act in the capacity of “interim” chief until the council either makes that title more permanent or decides to open that position to all interested candidates. There's more to come and we are not yet of the same mind but I'm sure in the meantime, Lieutenant Ron and his fellow Chetek officers will continue to serve and protect as we have come to expect them to do.

So that's the news from this small city by the lake. In retrospect, it's been a good year: after a long and sometimes painful process, the sale of Knapp Haven was finalized, the law-suit against the city was settled, the community center has a new director and a new name, the dog park is now open, Philips Park got a much needed upgrade, the leaky water line on Douglas Street was at long last fixed, an old youth center closed but a new one opened, and some free money is coming next year to offset much needed improvements to our Waste Water Treatment plant. What's more, City Inspector Joe Atwood reported at December's council meeting that in a given year he may write between 50-60 building permits but in 2016 he has written 101 totaling approximately 3.7 million dollars in improvements and new construction. Taken all together, those are good and promising signs of the year to come.

Linda and I want to wish all of you a very, Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year. I'm sure I'm not speaking only for myself when I say for all its challenges, I love this town that just like Garrison Keillor spoke of his home town “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking and all the children are above average.”

In praise of shopping locally: a little foray on Small Business Saturday

It was a quiet day in this city by the lake on Saturday

“...the truth is that Lake Wobegon survives to the extent that it does on a form of voluntary socialism with elements of Deism, fatalism, and nepotism. Free enterprise runs on self-interest. This is socialism, and it runs on loyalty You need a toaster, you buy it at Co-op Hardware even though you can get a deluxe model with all the toaster attachments for less money at K-Mart in St. Cloud. You buy it at Co-op because you know Otto.” Garrison Keillor, Lake Wobegon Days

This past Saturday, I spent about an hour and a half Christmas shopping in Chetek - and loved it. For people who know me (like Linda, my wife of 30 years for example) that sentence should give them pause. Me and shopping go together like oil and water or like Hillary and the Donald. So what was so great about my shopping experience this past Saturday? I can sum that up in one word: people.

Let me clarify. Going to the mall – any mall – is just something most guys learn to do as a concession to the greater good. What I mean is that marriage is about give and take and in my case usually going to a mall is just something I do to make up for all those times I leave Linda for the day to go hiking along the Ice Age Trail. It's only fair, right?

Charlie enjoys mall-ing way more than I do

Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad

This past Friday, my 81-year-old parents from the Madison area who were up for Thanksgiving, wanted to take their son the mayor Christmas shopping. So that's how I ended up at Oakwood Mall on Black Friday. Accompanied by my kids (Linda had to work), we braved the crowds and ultimately my dad, my son, Ed, and I stood in a seemingly endless line at J.C. Penney to pay for the goods. I wouldn't call it an unbearable experience. After all, the three of us talked together for nearly three quarters of an hour while we slowly inched our way forward to the cashier. Having said that, however, in some way it felt like we were three guys clinging to a life preserver surrounded by a sea of unknown survivors of some catastrophic shipwreck. Okay, so I'm probably exaggerating a bit but I don't want to go do that again any time soon.

On Saturday, however, my shopping experience was dramatically different for a number of reasons. Admittedly, the impetus for venturing around town was motivated simply by the desire to be a good mayor. It was Small Business Saturday, after all, and it was important to show support for our local businesses. But I was soon reminded that shopping right here at home has a lot of upside to it that cannot be quantified in the bottom line of your checkbook.

They need our support, too!

A leisurely conversation at our very own Chetek Area Museum

My first stop of the afternoon was at the Chetek Area Museum. Admittedly, not really a business (they do sell a small selection of souvenirs, however) I knew that Bill Waite was the volunteer on duty and since we serve together on the City Council I thought I would pop in for a short visit. When I walked in the front door I was greeted warmly by Bill and our neighbor, Patty Zeis, who was passing the time with him as if they were both sitting out on the front porch watching the cars drive by on a warm summer's evening. A lot of folks know Patty. For years she was a volunteer at Knapp Haven and on her way to the nursing home would usually walk by our house visiting briefly with Linda or myself or any of the kids who happened to be out in the yard. Patty's dad, Dr. Al Zeis, was a dentist back in the day and as she tells it he would play cards with the guy who used to own our house. “Isn't that the berries?” she would chuckle. Bill, Patty and I sat in the foyer of the museum as both of them regaled me with stories of “old” Chetek. After awhile I meandered into one of the rooms and saw Dr. Zeis' dental instruments. “Some of those tools used to be in my mouth!” Bill quipped. It was very pleasant spending a half hour chatting away with both of them. In fact, the only thing that would have made it pleasanter was if one of them had offered me a cup of coffee.

Once Dr. Zeis used to practice with these

From there I drove down the street to the Courtyard, stopping in at Whimsical Wares where, in fact, I have frequently shopped in the past while Linda and I await our lunch being prepared at Hope & Anchor. As I opened the door to the coffee house, however, here was Jodi having coffee with her mother-in-law, her daughter, Nicole, and Sam, a fellow graduate of Chetek High School. So I stood there and caught up with these girls that I remember from their middle school days. Nicole is a dental hygentist, married and living in Madison while Samantha is a physical therapist working in Eau Claire. Talk about time flying!

I was talking too much that I forgot to take pictures!

After visiting with them for a bit, I then ventured into Whimsical Wares which was full of customers, most of whom I knew. So as I meandered around her little shop, I moved in and out of brief conversations with several of Wendy's patrons. At the same time, I noticed a scarf that would look great on our daughter, Emma, a book that I know our other daughter, Christine, would enjoy reading to the 1-year-olds she cares for at the day care where she is employed and some earrings that I think that Linda would appreciate. At the register, I enjoyed a nice visit with Wendy and her grandson, Parker, who was learning how to run the thing. “Parker,” I said to him, “husbands don't usually pay attention to the right things. When you get a wife one day, make sure you pay attention and remember her size in clothing. It might be important one day.” Parker looks to me to be a young teenager and a long way away from having a wife. But to his credit he demonstrated one of the first rules of working in retail: always humor the customer.

Following my little shopping spree there I moved on down Second Street and turned onto Douglas and stopped at Carpe Diem, a store I confess I had never been into before. Here too the shop was full of people I knew and so I repeated the same routine I had already done twice before in the last hour: I moved slowly around the store and passed the time with several of their customers while noticing a wonderful shawl that I think will look great on Emma. I noticed that Kendyl Johnson was in Carpe Diem as well. Kendyl's older sister, Kayln, ran Cross for me this past fall and Kendyl herself ran middle school track for us last spring. What I did not know is that she is also a young enterprising young lady who has a selection of earrings she has made which can be bought exclusively at Carpe Diem. Who knew? I bought a pair that I thought would go with the shawl and bought them both.

Char's been at it a long time!

From there I drove back up Second Street to Char's at the corner of Dallas and Third Streets. She's got the little place across from Horton's with the child mannequins outside her door that some folks in town find a bit creepy. In any case, Char's little place was full as well – and yes, once again I knew most of her shoppers as well (as a matter of fact, Jodi and her crew that I had hobnobbed a bit with at Hope & Anchor were now doing a little after-coffee shopping themselves). Char has a wonderful selection of Chetek hoodies, crew and t-shirts as well as all kinds of crafty things. Because it was Small Business Saturday, I got 25% off the Christmas stuff she was selling. I picked up a hoodie for our son, Ed, a lavender crew shirt for Christine (she loves purple) and a little snowman in a globe that when you turn the little switch lights up in various LED colored lights.

Some time during my gad about town I received a text from Linda: “Where are you?” to wit I replied, “Shopping.” At first she thought I was being sarcastic but when I insisted that she had actually caught me in the act, she replied: “But you don't even like shopping.” “I know,” I replied, “but I do now” (wink emoji).

In Chetek we don't have a Best Buy or a Target or, heaven forbid it, a Walmart. Nope, you have to drive north or south aways to find those magnets of holiday shoppers. But we've got the one and only Chetek Bakery where besides your pastries you can now enjoy fresh soup served up in a bread bowl if you want it that way. We have the aforementioned Whimsical Wares, Carpe Diem and Char's. There's Rod and Gun Sport Shop, Time & Again as well as Horton's Hardware, Gordy's and Family Dollar. We may not have it all but we also don't have long lines and unfriendly cashiers. And we've got company. Lots of company. So, if you haven't started your Christmas shopping as far as I'm concerned right here at home is a good place to start it.

For a guy like me with a shopping phobia, that's a pretty good haul

Stranger things...

Read all about it

The other night at November's City Council meeting I made history. In a rare moment when the council was deadlocked, I cast the deciding vote on a motion that granted Kwik Trip a Class A liquor license (see Mayor breaks tie). According to City Clerk/Treasurer Carmen Newman, who has served in that capacity since 2003, this was the first time the mayor has had to vote in all these years. And according to Third Ward Aldermen Bill Waite, whose municipal memory goes back even further, it's probably been longer than that.

One of the principles I live by is Solomon's sage council found in Scripture: “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2, NIV). In other words, don't thump your chest and brag about the stuff you've done. Let other people talk it up. And if they don't, well, it must not be worth talking about. Having said that, why then dedicate a post to something that no doubt will be a forgotten footnote in Chetek history? Well, frankly, because it's funny.

There was always a six pack
of  PBR in the fridge

I grew up in a home of social drinkers. In the '60s and '70s every home seemed to have a liquor cabinet and when company was over, out poured the libations. I don't recall drunkenness (except when at my uncle's home where their priest always seemed a little too...er...enthusiastic for what the moment called for). My parents never locked the cabinet and I, for one, never was tempted to sample the beverages (I found out just last year at my mom's 80^th birthday party that my sister did not share the same conviction). Now and again, I like to tell the story of one hot summer day when I was 12 and my dad was cutting the grass in our backyard. He was nursing a PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon) and I asked him if I could have a sip. He said, “Sure,” and that one swig cured me forever it seems from beer. It tasted so foul I immediately spit it out. At 54 I'm not pulling anyone's leg when I say that is the last time I've ever sampled the stuff no matter what variety you can get it in today (I've had more than a few guys who have heard me tell that tale come up to me afterward and remark, 'If he had been drinking a Leinie's, you wouldn't be saying that...' or 'If he had been drinking a Budweiser...') I'll take their word for it but as rule I don't touch the stuff.

Here's lookin' at you, Bogie

As far as wine goes, in a given year I may imbibe at most three glasses total and always at home and always with my wife or on occasion with my parents. And as for hard liquor, well, I know enough to know that a Grasshopper is something you drink and Scotch-on-the-rocks or brandy was standard fare in all the film noire genre of the 1950s. I couldn't tell you if the stuff was good but Bogart and those guys drank gallons of the it.

People may be tempted to think this abstinence of mine arises out of some religious conviction I must have against drink in general. As far as I understand the Bible, drunkenness is what is condemned and the rest can pretty much be summed up in the phrase common in a lot of commercials these days: “Drink responsibly.” But reality is, it's never been a 'thing' with me. If you enjoy a Leinie's on a hot day (or, for that matter, a PBR), well and good. Brisk Raspberry Ice Tea is what I have to pace myself with – too much of it and I won't sleep well that night.

Which brings me back to November's City Council meeting. I did not see that moment coming. Chetek Kwik Trip manager Cindy Blaeser had appeared before the council back in the spring for the same reason and had been denied in an unanimous vote. I just figured it was a routine procedure that would result in the same end. Carl did a good job of summing up the conversation that occurred at that point of the meeting. First Ward Alderwoman Shirley Morley, whose ward Kwik Trip resides in, simply believes that we already have plenty of venues in town where people may purchase wines and liquors. Third Ward Alderman Bill Waite concurs with Shirley but is concerned that a large corporation like Kwik Trip can undercut a small local business like Keg 'n Kork. Their reasons were the same as last time. But when I announced, “All in favor,” all I heard was Bill's and Shirley's “yea” (note: it's a little confusing. We allowed a negative motion to go forward; so the 'yea' was, in fact, a 'nea' against issuing them a license). A roll call vote was necessary and during that we learned that both Second Ward Alderman Cliff Bronstad and Fourth Ward Alderman Mark Edwards were in favor of granting them the license. Suddenly we had a 2-2 tie and all eyes were on the mayor – the mayor who is a pastor, the mayor who spends a lot of time working with individuals whose lives have been ruined by the abuse of alcohol, the mayor who hardly touches the stuff himself. How would he vote?

Well, you already know how. I did vote in favor of granting them a Class A liquor license and here's why: They run a reputable business which regularly gives back to our community, that employs many local individuals and I am certain they will display their selection responsibly. Besides, as Cliff pointed out, if Gordy's can do it and Keg 'n Kork, why not them as well? It's only fair.

I slept fine that night. My mom and dad, who subscribe to the Alert, are going to have a chuckle when they see that headline when they get their edition later this week. I can almost hear my dad tongue-in-cheek say it now, “How is the pastor who voted to allow more booze in town?” Enjoy your laugh, Dad. I think it's funny, too.

My father-in-law, who passed away a month ago, would have been

It really is a book

disappointed to learn what his son-in-law, the mayor, has voted in favor for. He was death on the stuff and I can still remember years ago when he handed me a book titled “Sipping Saints” (I don't know why he did so other than maybe he thought I needed a reminder just in case). Sorry, Dad. But my guess is that the “fruit of the vine” of heaven is a finer selection than what you can get down here.

So like voice-over in the commercials goes, if you choose to pick up a six-pack or a bottle of wine tonight - be it at Kwik Trip or any other store in town where you may purchase it - remember to drink responsibly. Please.  

Plenty to be thankful for

It's the season of giving thanks and on the premise that's easier to be cranky and whiney, here's a number of things, in no order in particular, that I'm personally thankful for with regards to living in this city on the Chain:

1. The Chetek Area Museum
   
   As local, privately funded museums go, this one is tops. I mean whether your interest is Native American artifacts or military memorabilia, the history behind companies such as the Chetek Boat Corporation or the Tronick Tackler (creators of the Nonsinkable Fishing Tackle Box) or the wonderful collection of pictures of days gone by, this place has it. And the price of admission is right.

2. The new playground equipment at Philips (Beach) Park

Credit goes to the Parks & Rec committee

Kids love the new playground set (and I think a lot of parents, too). Frankly, “Beach” park is a wonderful asset for our community – the pavillion on the hill, the band shell, and the beach itself are frequently used during the summer months.

Big kids like it too!

3. The new Chetek Dog Park in Gotham Pioneer Park

They've worked hard to bring
it about

Thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers, Chetek's dog population now has a place to call their own.

4. No one got hurt!

Imagine if it had fallen
on a car!

This past summer, one of the light poles on the Long Bridge simply fell over. Built in the 1970s, the footings of the poles just wore out. Fortunately, no one was on the bridge at the time and therefore no one got hurt. It precipitated us special ordering four brand new poles which hopefully will be placed before the new year.

Everything falls apart

5. New youth center

Back in January, after fifteen consecutive years of operation, The Garage officially closed their doors. Recently, a new group has organized and is presently using the Pool Hall on Friday and Saturday nights to provide a safe, healthy place for the kiddos to hang out.

It's a good read and I read mine
front to back every week

6. The Chetek Alert

Not every small town has a local paper but we do. Since 1882, the Alert has been and continues to be a great source of local news and sporting information. My folks who live downstate subscribe to it just so they can track the exploits of their grandchildren and their son the mayor.

7. The EcoHarvester (a.k.a., “the Skimmer”)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Just like with the dog park, due to the efforts of a lot of volunteers the Chetek Lakes Protection Association finally put their new skimmer to work this past summer collecting algae out of some of our bays. I'm told that for the most part it works like a charm except in their estimation they need 10 more of them. Still, I'm thankful for the people who worked and donated time and money to see this idea become a reality.

8. City Council Members – Shirley Morley, Mark Edwards, Bill Waite, Cliff Bronstad.

2015 was a difficult year for those who serve as alderpersons in our town. A handful of local citizens brought a lawsuit against the Community Center and the City of Chetek and, even more challenging, was the decision to sell Knapp Haven (now Atrium Post Acute Care of Chetek). But after serving alongside these individuals for the past seven months I have found them all to be people who love our town and are trying to do the very best by her. While stipened for their efforts, considering the time they invest by serving on various committees while tending to city business they are essentially volunteers. I am grateful for their patience with me and their assistance in helping me get up to speed with things.

L to R: Shirley, Mark, former mayor Mike Linton, former Chetek Lt Ray Parr,
Chief Mark Petersen, Carmen Newman, Cliff Bronstad, Bill Waite

9. Plan Commission Members – Mark Etten, Del Wacker,

 I think they prefer it this way

John Hunsinger, Sarah Knepper, Jim Fults and Bill Waite.

Honestly, before becoming mayor, I never knew this committee existed. Cities, villages and towns in Wisconsin are authorized by state statutes to establish a plan commission. In our case, this group of people advise the city council on zoning matters, land use issues and administering a comprehensive plan. While not as authoritative as, say, the Bible, that plan serves the council as a general road map for us to follow. All these folks (except for Bill, who as a council member, receives a small monthly stipend) are volunteers and convene monthly. I have found them to be a great source of encouragement in my rookie year.

10. Donna Bachowski

That winning smile

There's more to come!

Donna became the new director of the Chetek Community Center (now officially, “The Center”) back in February. She has brought new energy and vision to help us transform the way we all look at this wonderful municipal asset. Instead of being viewed as a place where the “old folks” hang out, it is a center which is truly serving the entire community.

  11. Jennifer Blatz, Chetek Chamber of Commerce Event      Coordinator

There are a lot of people who work hard behind the scenes to make Liberty Fest the smooth running annual event that it is including the guys from the Public Works Department, the Chetek Police Department and a lot of unsung volunteers. But coordinating everyone like a maestro before a hometown orchestra is Jennifer Blatz. I'm thankful for her efforts in putting this altogether every year. Of course, this isn't the only rodeo she oversees.

12. City Building Inspector Joe Atwood.

If your job includes informing individuals that they have to move an old unlicensed car sitting in their yard or paint their house that is sorely in need of it, you're likely to encounter the ire of certain members of the public. But Joe is a consummate professional and is always calm and collected. Thank you, Joe.

13. The members of the Chetek Area Volunteer Fire Department and the Chetek Area Ambulance Service.

They are a small yet dedicated force of highly trained individuals who run toward fire and mayhem instead of away from it. Several years ago, the house that our oldest daughter was renting was struck by lightning. The cavalry was there within minutes of her 9-1-1 call and I have forever been grateful.

14. Dan Knapp, Director of Public Works.

Camera shy

Dan is content to remain in the background diligently overseeing the work that we simply take for granted – cutting grass at our local parks, plowing the streets, picking up our trash, replacing light poles that inexplicably fall down, you name it he and his guys are on it. He even turns a profit on our old cement by having it ground into fill.

15. Carol Burnham and the Calhoun Memorial Library.

The Calhoun Memorial Library is open six days a week and serves people from Barron, Chippewa and Rusk County. It is always busy and provides free Wi-Fi, access to the internet, DVDs and videos and, oh yeah, books.

16. Chief Mark Petersen and the Chetek Police Department.

He doesn't smile much but he's a good cop

Regrettably the atmosphere that police are forced to work in these days is increasingly hostile and yet Chief and his crew continue to provide 24/7 protection. Sure they write tickets when they must and do drug busts as well. But they don't just bring the hammer. You can also find them conversing with kids at our schools or at the new youth center. They work hard to keep us all safe and I am thankful for their dedicated service.

17. Former mayors of Chetek John Banks and Dianne Knowlton.

Over the past seven months, both John and Dianne have offered their encouragement and lent an ear when I needed it. I'm grateful for the support I have found from both of them as I work to earn my wings as mayor.

18. Waste Water Treatment Operator Mike McGuiness.

Mike's got an odd job: make sure our dirty business gets cleaned up so that we never even think about it. And he does so effectively. Even though our aging plant is often pressed beyond its capacity, he quietly goes about his work without any fanfare. We should all be so very grateful.

19. The rest of the Public Works Crew: Tim Berning, Joe Fostvedt, Rod Rhodes, Brandon “Tank” Davis and Aaron Robert.

These guys show up, day in and day out, doing good work that benefits us all. Did you know that at Christmastime our garbage guys are known to be gifted by grateful patrons with cookies and other holiday refreshments? To me, that says something of the kind of service they bring to our community.

20. Karen Zimmerman, Cassandra Larson and Carmen Newman.

These three ladies make City Hall the welcoming, hospitable place that it is. They are ever so capable and good at what they do. Everybody knows that mayors come and go but Carmen, our City Clerk/Treasurer, is the mainstay. I can't tell you how much she has helped me get acclimated to serving as mayor as well as navigate the sea of city ordinances she always seems to have at her fingertips.

These two make quite a team!

There's twenty reasons that come to mind in one sitting that make me grateful that I live here. There are others – the people of the fellowship I serve as pastor, the athletes I get to coach on C-WHS' Cross Country team, and the kids I get to read to every week at Roselawn. All of them remind me in one way or another that I live in a good place, made up of good people who regularly make me feel thankful for God's goodness in my life.

A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours!