Community

Casey Koenig joined Bank of Prairie du Sac in December as Vice President of Commercial Lending. Koenig earned his degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In 2019, he received a Top 40 Under the Age of 40 Award from InBusiness for his dedication to volunteering and working with the local economy. “It is exciting to work at such a strong bank that is tied so closely to the communities it serves,” said Koenig. “I am thrilled to be involved in the vibrant and rapidly growing Sauk Prairie area. I look forward to building strong local business and personal relationships for many years to come.” Koenig is experienced in all areas of banking, from commercial lending and cash management to personal banking and home mortgages. He lives and breathes community banking, staying active in his community by volunteering and serving on local Chamber of Commerce boards and Community Development Authorities.

The public is invited to stop by and view a vintage Valentine collection by the Black Earth Historical Society, now on display at the Black Earth Children’s Museum. Old valentines and postcards from the late 1800s to the 1950s, as well as other valentine-related memorabilia and some history of Valentine’s Day are among the exhibit. This display also features a collection of valentines that belonged to Willard Marten from 1924-1930, while he attended the Danz School. The valentine display can be viewed from the windows and will be lit during evening hours. Watch for upcoming displays this spring by the Black Earth Historical Society.

On December 11, Sauk Prairie Optimist President Bart Mauch, right, presented Mary Walz, SPHS NHS (National Honor Society) advisor, left, and co-chairs of the NHS Giving Tree Project, center, Ava Roach and Emma Kopecky, a check for $250. Ava Roach and Emma Kopecky, are the co-chairs of the National Honor Society Giving Tree Week this year. The Sauk Prairie High School National Honor Society chapter is conducting this event to show their appreciation for our local Sauk Prairie Healthcare team members in this tough time. Our goal is to raise enough money to give each member of the healthcare team a Sauk Prairie Chamber of Commerce gift card. Their goal is to raise $20,000. “Sauk Prairie Healthcare’s main goal is to improve the community’s health. Even through recent challenges, Sauk Prairie Healthcare has gone above and beyond in improving and keeping the community healthy. They have a big impact on our families and neighbors by caring for the large issues around us. Our Giving Tree service project wants to give back to all the healthcare members and show them that they are heroes of our community,” said Roach and Kopecky. Sharing the backgroung of the Giving Tree, they shared, “Retired SPHS English teacher Miss Mary Paddock masterminded a festive service activity in 1988 originally called the Mitten Tree which eventually came to be known as the Giving Tree. When she retired she willed the service project to the SPHS National Honor Society in the hopes they would continue the tradition of sharing warmth all year long. Each year the SPHS NHS conducts a week of giving called the Giving Tree Week during the second week of December.” The Sauk Prairie Optimist Club was proud to donate $250 to this cause of honoring local healthcare workers.

Colby Frey is the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club’s Middle Level Leader for January. He is an eighth grader and the son of Tammy Frey and Craig Frey and brother to Kendra. He was nominated by his team of core teachers. His teachers had this to say about Colby: “This school year has undoubtedly been difficult for every student in some way. What is needed most during difficult times like these is a leader who can find ways to see the positives in all situations. This mindset is what Colby Frey brings to the table. As an “8th Grade Leader”, Colby approaches each day with a positive attitude, a desire to want to do the right thing, and an innate ability to both receive and give respect to all those around him. We, the 8th Grade White Team, love having him in class. He sets high expectations for himself and, in doing so, pushes his peers to be better. By letting his actions speak for themselves, Colby is a natural born leader. Better yet, he keeps his feet planted on the ground and is never one to boast about his accomplishments. Colby is a terrific representation of the type of student we encourage our 6th and 7th grade students to become. We congratulate him on this award and are excited to see what the future holds for this bright young man.” At the Optimist Club’s Zoom meeting on January 20, Sauk Prairie Middle School Principal also shared that Colby accepts and welcomes all and is accepted by a wide variety of students. At school, Colby is a member of the FFA Club. Outside of school he enjoys playing baseball, building things and carpentry. After High School he would like to pursue a career as a diesel mechanic.

Sauk Prairie Earthling 4-H members Eric, Evan, Ian, and Owen Louis deliver toys to the Help Excite Little People (H.E.L.P) toy drive at the First United Church of Christ, Sauk City. (Adam Louis not pictured.)

Patricia Passehl, a nurse practitioner from Loganville, started Seeley Creek Healthcare

Culver Community Park, under construction.