Community

Happy Hustlers 4-H Club had their first meeting of 2025 on January 5, 2025. The club welcomed Chiropractor Dr. John Olsen of Sauk Spine, who taught the group about what it takes to become a chiropractor and how to keep our bodies and spines healthy. 4-H is open to all youth in grades 5k through 12th grade. The Happy Hustlers meets the 1st Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Blackhawk Bethlehem church. Club reporter Brady Ullmann submitted the report.

PdS Bancorp held their Annual Meeting on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 both in person and virtually. Shareholders in attendance received a financial update showing Bank of Prairie du Sac’s strong financial position in 2024 with $636 million in total assets. Steve Ploetz, President & CEO, discussed the overall condition of the banking industry. The following were elected to serve a one-year term on the Board: Steve Ploetz, Pat Yanke, John McFarlane, Craig Culver, Julie Coquard, and Mitch Breunig. Ploetz concluded the meeting by recognizing the efforts of Bank of Prairie du Sac’s dedicated staff, and reiterated his commitment to remaining an independent community bank. Locally owned and locally operated, Bank of Prairie du Sac is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PdS Bancorp, a one-bank holding company. Their two branches are located at 555 Park Avenue in Prairie du Sac and 865 Phillips Boulevard in Sauk City. For more information, visit bankpds.com. Locally owned and locally operated, Bank of Prairie du Sac is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PdS Bancorp, a one-bank holding company. Their two branches are located at 555 Park Avenue in Prairie du Sac and 865 Phillips Boulevard in Sauk City. For more information, visit bankpds.com. Member FDIC.

Charlea Nelson, daughter of Christy and Jarrett Nelson, is the February Sauk Prairie Optimist Student of the Month. “Charlea exudes optimism wherever she is, whether in the classroom or on the tennis courts”, Heather Slosarek, English teacher and tennis coach, states. “She ‘walks the walk’ in showing kindness and compassion to others.” John Dollar, English teacher, describes her, “She approaches class every day with positivity, kindness, and curiosity. She is unfailingly kind and inclusive to all classmates.” Part of how Charlea has demonstrated these outstanding attributes is by being an active member of Sources of Strength. She helps organize activities that support and encourage the social and emotional well-being of the school community. These include monthly homeroom activities and special events like pep rallies. Besides her activities at school, Charlea serves at Maplewood Nursing Home. After graduation, she will go to UW-Baraboo to pursue a career in business. With her optimistic, outgoing and inclusive nature, she will be an excellent representative of Sauk Prairie now and in the future. Pictured, from left: Bart Mauch, Sauk Prairie Optimist member; Christy Nelson, mother of Charlea; Charlea Nelson, February Optimist Student of the Month; Jerrett Nelson, father of Charlea; Shane Been, Sauk Prairie High School Assistant Principal, on February 19 at the Sauk Prairie Optimist meeting at the 6:8 dining room.