By Joe Bachman
Editor

With 2018 just about in the books, we take a look back on the top stories in the Portage County community in 2018. These are stories from September to October, including headlines, briefs, and quotes from these stories.

September

Hot bats lead firefighters to an 8-4 win over police in charity softball game
By Joe Bachman
Sept. 10, 2018

Firefighter Kraig Arndt. (City Times Photo)

Local police and firefighters took part in the national pastime, as they held a charity softball game to raise money for local veterans on Sept. 9.

Held on the field at Doug’s Sports Pub, Team Hoses picked up an 8-4 win over the Guns, as the firefighters get one back after dropping the race competition to police in August. Pitching for the winning squad was firefighter Casey Bielen, who only gave up one run through seven innings in a valiant effort. He went up against pitcher Lance Lewis, in what would be a pitcher’s duel early on.

After three innings, only one runner from each side crossed home plate, making it 1-1. Frank Minervini was sent home on an RBI to make it 2-1 firefighters after five. However, Minervini wasn’t done yet, as his RBI in the sixth inning opened up the flood gates for the Hoses, as their hot bats put up five runs in the inning giving them a 7-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth.

City Clerk steps away after 13 years of service
Sept. 10, 2018

John Moe (left) receiving an award for service from Mayor Mike Wiza. (right) Gazette Photo

City Clerk John Moe has announced on Sept. 10 he will be stepping down from his position as his family relocates to Dane County.

“Today I am announcing that after 13 years, I will be stepping down as City Clerk as my family and I will be relocating to Dane County.

I have truly enjoyed my years as City Clerk serving the good people of Stevens Point. It has been an honor to work with so many outstanding individuals and public servants during my tenure. I cannot express in words my gratitude for having had this opportunity to serve.”

UWSP football wins Spud Bowl
Sept. 17, 2018

UWSP senior Omarri Johnson (5) returns an interception 33 yards for a touchdown with 3:09 to play in the fourth quarter in the Pointers’ 51-28 win over Dakota State in the Spud Bowl at Goerke Field at Community Stadium Saturday, Sept. 15. (UWSP Athletics – Kylie Bridenhagen photo)

The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) football team won its first game of the season with a 51-28 victory over Dakota State (1-3) in the 2018 Spud Bowl at Community Stadium at Goerke Field Saturday, Sept. 15.

The Pointers (1-2) jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter, then broke open a close game late to pull away for the win.

Herra caught seven passes for 145 yards and one touchdown, Adams had three catches for 58 yards and one touchdown, and Stigall had three catches for 45 yards and one touchdown to go along with four carries for 10 yards and one touchdown, while Urmanski completed 15-of-28 passes for 268 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception, as UWSP racked up 522 yards of total offense in the win.

Council gives Stanley Street road diet final stamp of approval
By Joe Bachman
Sept. 18, 2018

Stanley Street.

Council members made it official on Sept. 17: The controversial Stanley Street project will move forward.

After an hour of discussion, council members voted 7-3 in favor of moving forward with the Stanley Street re-striping project. As always, the line was predictably drawn in the sand of those who were in opposition and those in favor. District 10 Alder Mike Phillips quickly made a motion to reject the $84,000 ($96,000 with contingency) project to kick things off, which was close to $40,000 over budget of the original estimate.

“The process that this took is unfortunate — it’s caused a lot of division, which has created a lot of challenges, which also creates a lot of negativity which prospective businesses and residents do see,” said Ostrowski. “The first thing they do when going into a community; they’re going to Google what’s going on. Seeing this dysfunction does not help.”

Stanley Street project changes course, city aims for DIY re-striping
By Joe Bachman
Sept. 21, 2018

Stanley Street. (City Times photo)

A controversial bid accepted last week for the Stanley Street re-design could be rolled back, according to city officials.

According to a city press release, officials have hammered out a plan to continue with the road diet in spring, only without the much contested higher-than-expected cost of the project. Originally, a hopeful estimate was set for around $60,000 for the project, but with the only bid coming from Century Fence out of Pewaukee for $84,000 (approximately $96,000 with contingency) backlash from the community and some officials over the cost raised immediate concerns.

“Mayor Wiza and the Public Works Department looked more deeply into the possibility of the City doing the re-striping work more cost-effectively ourselves, and they came up with a good option to invest in the right equipment for the job,” said Shorr. “The option of bringing the work in-house seemed like it was worth a slight delay, and I was very happy to work with the Mayor Wiza and Director Beduhn on a cost-effective way to move ahead with the Stanley Street project next spring.”

Water Street Grille says goodbye after 15 years
By Joe Bachman
Sept. 25, 2018

Wen Cheng standing outside of Water Street Grille. (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

After 15 years, and even longer in the food industry, owner Wen Cheng will serve her last customers this weekend, as Water Street Grille will be permanently closed after Sept. 29. Water Street Grille is known best for its fusion of Asian and American dishes to create a unique dining experience.

Prior to opening Water Street Grille in 2003, Cheng owned and operated Hunan’s Chinese Restaurant from 1984 to 2002 through locations on Post Road, as well as Division Street — now Olympia Family Restaurant.

“It’s time,” said the 65-year-old Cheng, who wants to spend more time with family. “I never spent time with my kids when they were little because I was always working.”

Radio Kaos to celebrate 30 year anniversary in October
By Joe Bachman
Sept. 27, 2018

Radio Kaos, 968 Main St. *Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette

After thirty years of “Kaos” there is no end in sight for this long-time local music store.

Owner Randy Wagner will celebrate his thirtieth anniversary on Oct. 31. For nearly three decades, Radio Kaos has been an important part of the city’s pop culture, bringing music of all types to all Pointers through generations.

For Wagner, it all started in Minneapolis after becoming tired with his job at the airport. According to Wagner, he simply wanted to do something different — so he did. In 1989, after spotting a business space to rent at 1236 Third St., he made the call, and not long after, Radio Kaos was born.

“This town’s been really good to me; really loyal,” said Wagner. “You’ve got to listen to them, and you have to adjust.”

October

Bannach Elementary named 2018 National Blue Ribbon School
Oct. 3, 2018

Bannach 5th graders planting future shade trees with Mayor Wiza. (Contributed Photo/Stevens Point Area Public School District)

Bannach Elementary has earned the coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award.

This designation affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 8,800 schools.

Bannach Elementary was honored based on all student scores, subgroup student scores and graduation rates as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. This designation means they are among the state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all student over the past five years.

State and local officials gather to celebrate Little Plover River watershed groundbreaking
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 4, 2018

Partners of the Little Plover River watershed project take the ceremonial first digs. (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

State and local officials were on hand to celebrate a groundbreaking for the Little Plover River watershed enhancement project on Oct. 4

Village of Plover officials, the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association, Wisconsin Wetlands, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, and others, were on hand celebrate the groundbreaking event. The watershed will be built on land purchased in 2011 at the Little Plover River Conservancy Area on Black Oak Drive and Twin Towers Drive in Plover.

“Without their support, we would not be here today,” said Village of Plover Administrator Dan Mahoney. “That seed money allowed us to have the time, talent, and ability to apply for the grants that actually gets this project off the ground.”

Names released in fatal Saturday boating accident
Oct. 8, 2018

Photo by Ken M. Blomberg – “The tragic scene on the Wisconsin River below Lake DuBay this past weekend was a grim reminder of the power and dangers present near dams and spillways.”

The names of the victims have been released from an accident involving a capsized boat near the Lake DuBay Dam on Saturday.

According to a Sheriff’s release, at approximately 6:54 a.m. deputies received a report of a capsized boat, south of the Lake DuBay Dam. A witness reported two people seen in the water.

Units from the Portage County Sheriff’s Department, Stevens Point Police Department, Rudolph Fire, Dewey, Fire, and the DNR all responded to the scene. During the search, one victim was recovered and pronounced dead at the scene. This victim has been identified as 60-year-old James Glodowski, of Stevens Point.

The Marathon County Dive Team assisted in the search for a second victim and Glodowski’s fishing partner, identified as 56-year-old TImothy Coulthurst of Stevens Point, who is presumed drowned.

Chief Deputy comments on controversial Facebook meme
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 14, 2018

Dan Kontos. (City Times photo)

A meme posted to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page on Saturday resulted in backlash from many offended readers.

It is of note that the page is the unofficial Facebook page of the Portage County Sheriff’s Department, and does not officially represent the views of sheriff’s officials, nor the department. However, Portage County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dan Kontos was the person who published the racially charged meme, now taken down from their page.

In the meme, a screenshot was taken from a deputy from the popular film Super Troopers with the following:

“Officers be like “Last Name Smith – Sam, Mary, Ida, Tom, Henry. First Name: Tawneequa — common spelling.”

This left many residents up in arms, and angry at what they felt to be a racist meme. While now taken down, many have still commented on the response from Kontos on the page.

In Kontos’ response, he made no apology for the meme, instead “pitying” those who are looking for reasons to be offended. He offered up an alternative of instead using a Polish name, and asked if people would still be offended.

“As for me, I feel no need to justify myself. Anyone who knows me can judge whether I am a racist or not. I let my actions, accomplishments, and relationships stand for themselves.” said Kontos in a statement in his Facebook post on the page.

Wiza, Moua speak out against intolerance, hate and bigotry
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 16, 2018

Chai Moua.

Mayor Mike Wiza and District 9 Supervisor Chai Moua spoke out against hate and intolerance at last night’s common council meeting.

On Saturday, Portage County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dan Kontos published a controversial meme to the Portage County Sheriff’s Office unofficial Facebook page. The meme in question poked fun at an African-American name.

While neither Wiza or Moua mentioned Kontos by name, their messages come at a moment where many had taken to Facebook in anger over the meme, even prompting local representatives to speak up.

Wiza opened council by reading a city resolution from Nov. 21, 2016.

“The Stevens Point common council will be vigilant in the defense of the rights of people, proactive in our attempts to be a welcoming community for all, and steadfast and vigorous in condemning all forms of hate, bigotry, and intimidation.”

Moua spoke about hate and intolerance in the community, though not directed at any one official. Moua was born in a refugee camp, and according to Moua, she has experienced hate and violence all of her life while growing up in a place she calls home.

“I cannot sit back and watch what’s happening in our city, county, state, and country — especially within our city and county in the last couple of months. I am here to ask the city to take the lead in dismantling institutionalized racism and institutionalized bias.” said Moua.

City officials vote to have Stanley Street project done in-house
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 16, 2018

The corner of Stanley and Minnesota.

City council members passed a resolution on Monday night which will see the Stanley Street redesign done in-house.

After an initial bid was accepted for $84,000 (approximately $96,000 for contingency) from Century Fence company for the re-striping, Public Works Director Scott Beduhn detailed a way for the city to do it themselves — not only saving on the cost of the project, but providing the capability to perform other street projects in the future with purchased equipment.

Beduhn breaks down the cost, which includes traffic control, signage, removals, labor, and the cost of a striper that can use waterborne paint. In total, this option would run $72,800.

The Stanley Street project has been a source of contention for many in the community, both for those who are vehemently against the re-striping, and those who support it, but have been afraid to speak out.

“I think this is a really great idea,” said District 7 Alder Mary Kneebone. “…It’s going to save us a lot of money going forward. In my mind, I support the reconsideration.”

The first motion was to reconsider the action, which passed unanimously, 10-0. (Slowinski excused)

Magic of Mary Poppins makes way to Stevens Point
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 18, 2018

Mary Poppins cast in their holding pose for Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

The Central Wisconsin Area Community Theater (cwACT) treated audiences to a spoonful of sugar, and there’s no better way to do that than through the story of Mary Poppins.

Opening at Sentry Theater on Oct. 26, this “practically perfect” performance featured talents from Stevens Point, Rosholt, Amherst, and Wisconsin Rapids. The performance is an adaptation of the 2004 Tony award-winning Broadway musical and well-known 1964 Walt Disney motion picture.

For 20-year-old Claire Hoenecke, who has gone from ensemble in last year’s cwACT production of the Addams Family Musical, to leading role as the iconic character, this role has come full circle as in her youth, she was dressed as Mary Poppins for a wax museum project. She has also seen the production in London, New York, and Chicago.

“It’s kind of terrifying, but also exciting,” said Hoenecke, who grew up in Cottage Grove, Wis. “I’ve never had a role quite this big, but it’s also really fun because I get to be Mary Poppins.”

“The show is very complex in a number of areas, and I’m committed not only to creating the technical magic through special effects, but also through the larger than life dance numbers, as well as the lessons Mary teaches us throughout,” said Artistic Director Tana De Lonay. “Everything she does has intention, and she teaches us to see things in different ways.”

Sugar Doll to close in bittersweet fashion
By Joe Bachman
Oct. 31, 2018

Sugar Doll owner Mary McComb. (Photo: Joe Bachman, Portage County Gazette)

Retirement is truly bittersweet when you close down a candy store.

Since 2011, 69-year-old Mary McComb has owned and operated Sugar Doll; known for truffles and candy not found anywhere else in the city, as well as various gifts. These range from greeting cards, paper products, and one of her most popular attractions: socks.

“It’s been more fun than I’ve ever imagined,” said McComb. “I’ve met so many people in town, made a lot of true friends, and have eaten far too much candy.”

McComb operated Paper Doll, a stationary store, since 2007. In 2011, McComb merged Paper Doll with Rick and Andrea Opperman’s Sugar Cubed to create Sugar Doll. For McComb, selling products she truly loves has been a sweet spot through this experience, aside from the candy itself.

“I plan on losing 15 pounds without even trying once I close this store.” joked McComb.