The Oshkosh City Council approved a $3.28 million bond to renovate Marian Manor housing at the council meeting on Oct. 24.
The City Council had previously approved a preliminary bond resolution on this issue, however Brad Masterson of the Oshkosh Housing Authority said that the development teams on this project recognize the need to “lock down specific details and commitments to present assurances” to the council members.
The scheduled three-year renovation will increase the value of the building by the construction of a new roof, windows, entertainment area, personal care salon and computer lab among other improvements.
“Anything they can do will make it better,” said Ned Geerdts, 64, resident of Marian Manor. “All around it’s going to be a good change, but it’s going to take a while.”
To date, construction costs total $7.5 million with the Oshkosh Housing Authority requesting $3.8 million in revenue bonds. Bond proceeds of $3.28 million will pay off the existing mortgage and cover the transaction costs, developers’ fees and some residual cash which likely will supplement the $7.5 million in improvements.
If these bonds were to be needed, “The revenue from Marion Manor should be able to pay them off,” Deputy Mayor Burke Tower said.
As a member on the Housing Authority Board, Tower said, “The only reason we couldn’t pay back the money is if occupancy were to drop.” The occupancy now is expected to hold its 95 percentage rate.
"What this is going to do for the city of Oshkosh is to better provide higher level affordable housing in a model that will work for the city,” said Tower.
The improvements of Marian Manor could also lead to a substantial increase of work and income for local businesses. The Housing Authority Board would prefer to hire a local contractor for the construction, but they are reviewing bids and looking for the best fit for the renovation.
“As long as they’re making it better,” said Betty Struthers, 67, Marion Manor resident. “The walk-in showers and new carpeting will be a nice addition to our current living situation.”
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Revised Leach Group Article
A controversial ordinance to enact a surcharge to tickets for the Leach Amphitheater will be decided with a vote during the Common Council meeting on Nov. 14.
Council member Paul Esslinger sponsored the resolution that would add a $1 facility charge to events with an admission of $5 or greater. However, David C. Leach II, whose family foundation donated several million dollars and continues to contribute money to the theatre, oppose the measure that would take effect in 2007, aiming to compensate for future budget cuts.
“It is absolutely needed,” Esslinger said. “The taxpayers of Oshkosh are currently paying $20,000 a month to have the amphitheater operated and I do not see why they shouldn’t be compensated for that. I don’t think adding a dollar to a ticket is going to bankrupt anyone and I do not think it is going to deter anyone from coming to the amphitheater.”
Esslinger said that many of the people who use the amphitheater are from outside of Oshkosh and they can cover the principle and interest payments for the amphitheater. He does not see much opposition coming from anybody.
In a letter Leach wrote to City Manager Richard Wollangk, he said, “This important downtown attraction does not need to impede possible users due to fees.”
“This site is bringing people from other (cities) to our downtown,” Leach wrote. “When they are downtown, they are eating at our restaurants, drinking at our taverns, and shopping at our stores. Let us see what revenue will come in after the site is being utilized 25 to 30 times per year before we start putting fees on it.”
Leach was contacted and said: “I feel that this surcharge is inappropriate at this point in time. Perhaps down the road, this may be an option. Esslinger needs to seek out other sources that would generate funds. I feel that we need to build a solid base of paying customers before tacking on an additional charge.”
All proceeds from the charge will be first used only for payment of current and future debts for amphitheater improvements. Excess funds will be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs, including renovating restroom facilities or concession buildings.
The ordinance also requires companies who charge an admission fee to consent to an inspection of their financial records to verify the accuracy of payments under the surcharge agreement. The city will retain the right to conduct an independent audit at its own cost, and if an underpayment is found, the entertainment entity must reimburse the city.
Council member Dennis McHugh said the audit is necessary and won’t scare away future entities.
McHugh, who said he will probably vote for the ordinance, said the surcharge is reasonable because the city never intended for tax payers to pay for the amphitheater.
“I think maybe it (the ordinance) will perhaps lessen the burden on tax payers in other areas such as instituting new fees,” McHugh said.
“Fees go up every year people are sick and tired of it.” McHugh said. “One of the reasons we have fees is because we have high maintenance costs in our parks and Leach Amphitheater is one of them. It makes sense to me that the people that use it should contribute.”
The ordinance was proposed in 2005 when the amphitheater opened, but the council dismissed it.
Council member Shirley Mattox, who agreed with the ordinance last year, said the city doesn’t currently have enough information on the impact of a surcharge.
Council member Burk Tower doesn’t know how he will vote on this ordinance yet, but says he would prefer the charge to be smaller for lower-priced tickets.
“I prefer that the money would go into maintenance and doing things on the theater itself instead of debt payments,” Tower said.
Council member Paul Esslinger sponsored the resolution that would add a $1 facility charge to events with an admission of $5 or greater. However, David C. Leach II, whose family foundation donated several million dollars and continues to contribute money to the theatre, oppose the measure that would take effect in 2007, aiming to compensate for future budget cuts.
“It is absolutely needed,” Esslinger said. “The taxpayers of Oshkosh are currently paying $20,000 a month to have the amphitheater operated and I do not see why they shouldn’t be compensated for that. I don’t think adding a dollar to a ticket is going to bankrupt anyone and I do not think it is going to deter anyone from coming to the amphitheater.”
Esslinger said that many of the people who use the amphitheater are from outside of Oshkosh and they can cover the principle and interest payments for the amphitheater. He does not see much opposition coming from anybody.
In a letter Leach wrote to City Manager Richard Wollangk, he said, “This important downtown attraction does not need to impede possible users due to fees.”
“This site is bringing people from other (cities) to our downtown,” Leach wrote. “When they are downtown, they are eating at our restaurants, drinking at our taverns, and shopping at our stores. Let us see what revenue will come in after the site is being utilized 25 to 30 times per year before we start putting fees on it.”
Leach was contacted and said: “I feel that this surcharge is inappropriate at this point in time. Perhaps down the road, this may be an option. Esslinger needs to seek out other sources that would generate funds. I feel that we need to build a solid base of paying customers before tacking on an additional charge.”
All proceeds from the charge will be first used only for payment of current and future debts for amphitheater improvements. Excess funds will be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs, including renovating restroom facilities or concession buildings.
The ordinance also requires companies who charge an admission fee to consent to an inspection of their financial records to verify the accuracy of payments under the surcharge agreement. The city will retain the right to conduct an independent audit at its own cost, and if an underpayment is found, the entertainment entity must reimburse the city.
Council member Dennis McHugh said the audit is necessary and won’t scare away future entities.
McHugh, who said he will probably vote for the ordinance, said the surcharge is reasonable because the city never intended for tax payers to pay for the amphitheater.
“I think maybe it (the ordinance) will perhaps lessen the burden on tax payers in other areas such as instituting new fees,” McHugh said.
“Fees go up every year people are sick and tired of it.” McHugh said. “One of the reasons we have fees is because we have high maintenance costs in our parks and Leach Amphitheater is one of them. It makes sense to me that the people that use it should contribute.”
The ordinance was proposed in 2005 when the amphitheater opened, but the council dismissed it.
Council member Shirley Mattox, who agreed with the ordinance last year, said the city doesn’t currently have enough information on the impact of a surcharge.
Council member Burk Tower doesn’t know how he will vote on this ordinance yet, but says he would prefer the charge to be smaller for lower-priced tickets.
“I prefer that the money would go into maintenance and doing things on the theater itself instead of debt payments,” Tower said.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
New publish of Kate's article
An ordinance to enact a surcharge to tickets for the Leach Amphitheater was introduced again to the Oshkosh Common Council last night.
Council member Paul Esslinger sponsored the resolution that would add a $1 facility charge to events with an admission of $5 or greater. The measure would take effect in 2007, aiming to compensate for future budget cuts.
“It is absolutely needed,” Esslinger said. The taxpayers of Oshkosh are currently paying $20,000 dollars a month to have the amphitheatre operated and I do not see why they shouldn’t be compensated for that. I don’t think adding a dollar to a ticket is going to bankrupt anyone and I do not think it is going to deter anyone from coming to the amphitheatre.”
Esslinger said that many of the people who use the amphitheatre are from outside of Oshkosh and they can cover the principle and interest payments for the amphitheatre.
All proceeds from the charge will be first used only for payment of current and future debts for amphitheater improvements. Excess funds will be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs, including renovating restroom facilities or concession buildings.
The ordinance also requires companies who charge an admission fee to consent to an inspection of their financial records to verify the accuracy of payments under the surcharge agreement. The city will retain the right to conduct an independent audit at its own cost, and if an underpayment is found, the entertainment entity must reimburse the city.
David C. Leach II, whose family foundation donated several million dollars to the amphitheatre, opposes the facility charge. In a letter Leach wrote to City Manager Richard Wollangk, he said, “This important downtown attraction does not need to impede possible users due to fees.”
“This site is bringing people from other (cities) to our downtown,” Leach wrote. “When they are downtown, they are eating at our restaurants, drinking at our taverns, and shopping at our stores. Let us see what revenue will come in after the site is being utilized 25 to 30 times per year before we start putting fees on it.”
"I feel that this surcharge is inappropriate at this point in time," Leach said. "Perhaps down the road, this may be an option. Esslinger needs to seek out other sources that would generate funds. I feel that we need to build a solid base of paying customers before tacking on an additional charge."
The ordinance was proposed in 2005 when the amphitheatre opened, but the council dismissed it.
“At that time it seemed that things like this would probably be 10 or 20 years off,” council member Shirley Mattox said. “Since the Leach was just getting started, most of us voted to forgo any kind of surcharge. Now that we’re going through the budget problems, (Esslinger) is probably looking at every avenue to find money.”
Mattox, who agreed with the ordinance last year, said the city doesn’t currently have enough information on the impact of a surcharge.
“If and when attendance increases then it might be a better time to talk about a surcharge,” she said.
Thursday evenings during the amphitheater event Waterfest, attendees get a discount if they come before 7 p.m. Waterfest promoters found that a majority of people came around 6 p.m., according to Mattox.
“Considering probably the average person that’s coming, that surcharge may hold back those numbers,”� Mattox said. “And I think at this point we want to increase attendance.”
Council member Burk Tower doesn’t know how he will vote on this ordinance yet, but says he would prefer the charge to be smaller for lower-priced tickets.
He added: “I prefer that the money would go into maintenance and doing things on the theater itself instead of debt payments.”
Council member Paul Esslinger sponsored the resolution that would add a $1 facility charge to events with an admission of $5 or greater. The measure would take effect in 2007, aiming to compensate for future budget cuts.
“It is absolutely needed,” Esslinger said. The taxpayers of Oshkosh are currently paying $20,000 dollars a month to have the amphitheatre operated and I do not see why they shouldn’t be compensated for that. I don’t think adding a dollar to a ticket is going to bankrupt anyone and I do not think it is going to deter anyone from coming to the amphitheatre.”
Esslinger said that many of the people who use the amphitheatre are from outside of Oshkosh and they can cover the principle and interest payments for the amphitheatre.
All proceeds from the charge will be first used only for payment of current and future debts for amphitheater improvements. Excess funds will be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades and repairs, including renovating restroom facilities or concession buildings.
The ordinance also requires companies who charge an admission fee to consent to an inspection of their financial records to verify the accuracy of payments under the surcharge agreement. The city will retain the right to conduct an independent audit at its own cost, and if an underpayment is found, the entertainment entity must reimburse the city.
David C. Leach II, whose family foundation donated several million dollars to the amphitheatre, opposes the facility charge. In a letter Leach wrote to City Manager Richard Wollangk, he said, “This important downtown attraction does not need to impede possible users due to fees.”
“This site is bringing people from other (cities) to our downtown,” Leach wrote. “When they are downtown, they are eating at our restaurants, drinking at our taverns, and shopping at our stores. Let us see what revenue will come in after the site is being utilized 25 to 30 times per year before we start putting fees on it.”
"I feel that this surcharge is inappropriate at this point in time," Leach said. "Perhaps down the road, this may be an option. Esslinger needs to seek out other sources that would generate funds. I feel that we need to build a solid base of paying customers before tacking on an additional charge."
The ordinance was proposed in 2005 when the amphitheatre opened, but the council dismissed it.
“At that time it seemed that things like this would probably be 10 or 20 years off,” council member Shirley Mattox said. “Since the Leach was just getting started, most of us voted to forgo any kind of surcharge. Now that we’re going through the budget problems, (Esslinger) is probably looking at every avenue to find money.”
Mattox, who agreed with the ordinance last year, said the city doesn’t currently have enough information on the impact of a surcharge.
“If and when attendance increases then it might be a better time to talk about a surcharge,” she said.
Thursday evenings during the amphitheater event Waterfest, attendees get a discount if they come before 7 p.m. Waterfest promoters found that a majority of people came around 6 p.m., according to Mattox.
“Considering probably the average person that’s coming, that surcharge may hold back those numbers,”� Mattox said. “And I think at this point we want to increase attendance.”
Council member Burk Tower doesn’t know how he will vote on this ordinance yet, but says he would prefer the charge to be smaller for lower-priced tickets.
He added: “I prefer that the money would go into maintenance and doing things on the theater itself instead of debt payments.”
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Monday, October 23, 2006
Gov. Example
1) The controversy in this article is the debate of whether or not gay marriage should be allowed in the state of Wisconsin. The article describes the two main players and goes into great depths about their individual backgrounds and what they are doing in the respective campaigns.
2) The players and Julaine Appling and Mike Tate. Appling is against gay marriage while Tate is for it.
3) I really thought this was an intresting article because the reporter tried to go with a theme. the reporter went to great lengths to show how different the two were and how they were managing thier very different individual campaigns. I like this article because id did more for the reader then just give a bare bones account about political statistics, it tried to connect the reader to either Appling or Tate.
4) I did not think the story had that many weakness but if i had to pick one I would say just to be a bit more thorough on some of the campaign strategies. It was really intresting to see the theme type approach the reporter took on this story but it it would also have been nice to gain a bit more undersatnding of where the opponents stood.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=519086
2) The players and Julaine Appling and Mike Tate. Appling is against gay marriage while Tate is for it.
3) I really thought this was an intresting article because the reporter tried to go with a theme. the reporter went to great lengths to show how different the two were and how they were managing thier very different individual campaigns. I like this article because id did more for the reader then just give a bare bones account about political statistics, it tried to connect the reader to either Appling or Tate.
4) I did not think the story had that many weakness but if i had to pick one I would say just to be a bit more thorough on some of the campaign strategies. It was really intresting to see the theme type approach the reporter took on this story but it it would also have been nice to gain a bit more undersatnding of where the opponents stood.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=519086
Construction back story
The Oshkosh City Council accepted the proposal of Timbers-Selissen Land Specialists, Inc. Tuesday evening for the Ohio Street reconstruction project, possibly saving over $57,000 by choosing Timber-Selissen.
In the construction season of 2008, the city of Oshkosh will work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for the reconstruction of sidewalks and land at intersections for handicap ramps on Ohio Street between Witzel Avenue and South Park Avenue. The Oshkosh Department of Public Works fielded bids from three different companies ranging from $41,000 to $98,835 from companies from Eau Claire, Wis.; Wausau, Wis. and Madison, Wis.
Director of Public Works, David C. Patek, recommended the city accept the bid of the Eau Claire-based Timbers-Selissen Land Specialists, Inc., who had the most inexpensive bid for the acquisition services of all three companies at $41,000. Timbers-Selissen is currently working in the proximity as part of a project to widen US Highway 41 from Witzel Avenue to Algoma Boulevard. Their bid was economically the best choice for the city because their equipment is already in the Oshkosh area.
The Wisconsin DOT will be responsible for 75% of the easement and land purchases costs, alleviating the city of Oshkosh from a majority of the costs for Ohio Street Project. Currently the 2005 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding for the expenses, and the 2007 report is expected to cover the city portion of the costs of construction.
Timber-Selissen is not unfamiliar with working in the Oshkosh area, WAITING ON AN INTERVIEW REQUEST WITH SOMEBODY FROM THE COMPANY TO SEE IF THEY HAVE DONE RECENT WORK IN THE OSHKOSH AREA, HOW LONG THE COMPANY HAS BEEN AROUND AND HOW THEY WERE ABLE TO UNDERCUT THE PRICE OF THEIR COMPETITION BY SO MUCH MONEY.
In the construction season of 2008, the city of Oshkosh will work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) for the reconstruction of sidewalks and land at intersections for handicap ramps on Ohio Street between Witzel Avenue and South Park Avenue. The Oshkosh Department of Public Works fielded bids from three different companies ranging from $41,000 to $98,835 from companies from Eau Claire, Wis.; Wausau, Wis. and Madison, Wis.
Director of Public Works, David C. Patek, recommended the city accept the bid of the Eau Claire-based Timbers-Selissen Land Specialists, Inc., who had the most inexpensive bid for the acquisition services of all three companies at $41,000. Timbers-Selissen is currently working in the proximity as part of a project to widen US Highway 41 from Witzel Avenue to Algoma Boulevard. Their bid was economically the best choice for the city because their equipment is already in the Oshkosh area.
The Wisconsin DOT will be responsible for 75% of the easement and land purchases costs, alleviating the city of Oshkosh from a majority of the costs for Ohio Street Project. Currently the 2005 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes funding for the expenses, and the 2007 report is expected to cover the city portion of the costs of construction.
Timber-Selissen is not unfamiliar with working in the Oshkosh area, WAITING ON AN INTERVIEW REQUEST WITH SOMEBODY FROM THE COMPANY TO SEE IF THEY HAVE DONE RECENT WORK IN THE OSHKOSH AREA, HOW LONG THE COMPANY HAS BEEN AROUND AND HOW THEY WERE ABLE TO UNDERCUT THE PRICE OF THEIR COMPETITION BY SO MUCH MONEY.
Russ' Leach Story
Oshkosh Common Council members (voted no or yes) on a facilities charge for the Leach Amphitheater during a meeting at City Hall Tuesday night.
Council Member Paul Esslinger originally proposed the new ordinance to help generate revenue for the maintenance of the Leach amphitheatre.
The first summer of the theatre’s existence was a bit slow, but popular acts have increased interest with the public. Esslinger thinks a charge would help with maintaining the facility.
The ordinance says that all events will have a facility charge of $1 per paid admission when a ticket price is $5 or more. The group responsible for ticket sales will submit all revenues from the facility charge to the city no later than 30 days after the event.
The proceeds from the charge will be placed in a separate account and will be first used only for payment of current and future debt service. Excess funds can be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades, enhancements, renovations and replacements need for the Leach Amphitheatre.
At a prior meeting, councilman Frank Tower said the charge was not necessary now and that people should not pay for something they might not use in the future.
Councilman Shirley Mattox defended the charge saying it is needed for maintaining the facility for future success.
Council Member Paul Esslinger originally proposed the new ordinance to help generate revenue for the maintenance of the Leach amphitheatre.
The first summer of the theatre’s existence was a bit slow, but popular acts have increased interest with the public. Esslinger thinks a charge would help with maintaining the facility.
The ordinance says that all events will have a facility charge of $1 per paid admission when a ticket price is $5 or more. The group responsible for ticket sales will submit all revenues from the facility charge to the city no later than 30 days after the event.
The proceeds from the charge will be placed in a separate account and will be first used only for payment of current and future debt service. Excess funds can be used for non-routine maintenance, upgrades, enhancements, renovations and replacements need for the Leach Amphitheatre.
At a prior meeting, councilman Frank Tower said the charge was not necessary now and that people should not pay for something they might not use in the future.
Councilman Shirley Mattox defended the charge saying it is needed for maintaining the facility for future success.
Leach story
Nathaniel Nehrbass
October. 23rd, 2006
Reporting
Last night the Oshkosh City Council voted on whether or not to impose a $1 dollar surcharge on each ticket sold to the Leach Amphitheater.
The ordinance was proposed in order to balance out the debt that the Leach Amphitheater has collected over the time it has been open. The extra money would also be used to counteract budget cuts that could possibly arise in the future.
The ordinance, which would go into effect in 2007, would place a $1 dollar charge on all tickets that cost $5 dollars or more.
This is not the first time this proposal has been brought up to the members of the Oshkosh Common Council. The proposal first saw the light of day two years ago when the Leach Amphitheater had its grand opening.
Reactions to the ordinance were mixed between members of the Oshkosh Common Council. Paul Esslinger, a sponsoring member of the ordinance, looks at it as a “no-brainer” way of generating income for the city of Oshkosh. He thinks the proposal is a good way to make visiting tourists help pay for the services that the city of Oshkosh provides.
Oshkosh Mayor William Castle has a different point-of-view. In an interview from the Oshkosh Northwestern Castle stated that he did not think the proposal needed immediate attention. Castle would also say that, “It’s one area I’m not really excited about looking at.” Despite his feelings toward the issue, Castle was also quick to note that he didn’t think the subject should never be touched on again.
Last night the Council voted ……… Information I will find out tomorrow………..
October. 23rd, 2006
Reporting
Last night the Oshkosh City Council voted on whether or not to impose a $1 dollar surcharge on each ticket sold to the Leach Amphitheater.
The ordinance was proposed in order to balance out the debt that the Leach Amphitheater has collected over the time it has been open. The extra money would also be used to counteract budget cuts that could possibly arise in the future.
The ordinance, which would go into effect in 2007, would place a $1 dollar charge on all tickets that cost $5 dollars or more.
This is not the first time this proposal has been brought up to the members of the Oshkosh Common Council. The proposal first saw the light of day two years ago when the Leach Amphitheater had its grand opening.
Reactions to the ordinance were mixed between members of the Oshkosh Common Council. Paul Esslinger, a sponsoring member of the ordinance, looks at it as a “no-brainer” way of generating income for the city of Oshkosh. He thinks the proposal is a good way to make visiting tourists help pay for the services that the city of Oshkosh provides.
Oshkosh Mayor William Castle has a different point-of-view. In an interview from the Oshkosh Northwestern Castle stated that he did not think the proposal needed immediate attention. Castle would also say that, “It’s one area I’m not really excited about looking at.” Despite his feelings toward the issue, Castle was also quick to note that he didn’t think the subject should never be touched on again.
Last night the Council voted ……… Information I will find out tomorrow………..
hold - leach
With concerns about revenue and upcoming budget cuts clearly on the minds of city officials, ways to address the issue has become a bit a hot topic as of late. Controversy in regard to financing the Leach Amphilitheater, in particular, has divided both city council members and citizens alike.
The cost of running the amphitheater is said to cost $20,000 each month with a portion of money coming from city taxpayers. This monthly maintenance cost, according to Oshkosh Common Councilor Paul Esslinger, could be partially offset by implementing a $1 surcharge on Leach tickets that exceed $5. Esslinger’s logic revolves around the premise that a surcharge would, in affect, increase funds towards the upkeep of the amphitheater.
“A lot of people from outside the city come to the amphitheater and so this is one way they could help us pay for services and debt on the amphitheater,” Esslinger said in an Oshkosh Northwester article.
Esslinger’s plan seems straightforward and simple enough. However, steadfast opposition to the proposal from various parties remains. For one, some promoters and organizers fear that the increase in ticket prices could affect ticket sales. In addition, some council members expressed concern about the bill at Tuesday night’s council meeting saying that (fill in here).
David Leach, himself, even raised concern about the ordinance, expressing opposition in a letter sent to City Manager Richard Wollangk.
Despite the majority opposition from members of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, some citizens remain open to the idea of adding the surcharge. In fact, according to an online opinion poll conducted on Eyeonoshkosh.com, nearly 70% of the 156 respondents claimed that the fee was “not a regressive tax” and that “fees are a fact of life and this $1 surcharge is nothing more than a handling fee to help pay for the facility.
The Leach Amphitheater, first opened in 2005, seats 7,000 people. It has been host to regular concert series and shows throughout the area.
The cost of running the amphitheater is said to cost $20,000 each month with a portion of money coming from city taxpayers. This monthly maintenance cost, according to Oshkosh Common Councilor Paul Esslinger, could be partially offset by implementing a $1 surcharge on Leach tickets that exceed $5. Esslinger’s logic revolves around the premise that a surcharge would, in affect, increase funds towards the upkeep of the amphitheater.
“A lot of people from outside the city come to the amphitheater and so this is one way they could help us pay for services and debt on the amphitheater,” Esslinger said in an Oshkosh Northwester article.
Esslinger’s plan seems straightforward and simple enough. However, steadfast opposition to the proposal from various parties remains. For one, some promoters and organizers fear that the increase in ticket prices could affect ticket sales. In addition, some council members expressed concern about the bill at Tuesday night’s council meeting saying that (fill in here).
David Leach, himself, even raised concern about the ordinance, expressing opposition in a letter sent to City Manager Richard Wollangk.
Despite the majority opposition from members of the Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce, some citizens remain open to the idea of adding the surcharge. In fact, according to an online opinion poll conducted on Eyeonoshkosh.com, nearly 70% of the 156 respondents claimed that the fee was “not a regressive tax” and that “fees are a fact of life and this $1 surcharge is nothing more than a handling fee to help pay for the facility.
The Leach Amphitheater, first opened in 2005, seats 7,000 people. It has been host to regular concert series and shows throughout the area.
Area of Interest
Ordinance #06-322 would enact a facilities charge for the Leach Amphitheater. This could have much opposition and might be a good article in the making.
Governent Example
1. Milwaukee common council leaders are having continued meetings over the pricing and regulation of AT&T’s upcoming video/cable service. This is touted as a huge decision because of the potential wiring and boxes that will be installed throughout the cities, the need for regulating and complying with city standards, but, most importantly, the issue about revenue. Time Warner currently pays the city millions of dollars and would likely renegotiate their contract if, indeed, a new comparable and less costly development came in. Basically, the article is concerned with a tight city budget that is afraid that revenue would diminish if AT&T’s U-Verse cable program caused local companies to demand comparable rates. Also, city officials feel that the “boxes” installed by AT&T could be unsightly and cause traffic problems.
2. Mayor Tom Barrett seemed cautious, but focused on the budget. He also sided slightly on the side of going ahead with the project when he was quoted that local companies were just trying to scare the government with their claims about revenue. Downtown Ald. Bob Bauman introduced restrictions making it harder to prohibit the boxes from being placed. Therefore, he seemed to push for the implementation of the new cable. Local government was overall concerned about the cost and affect and seemed to be genuinely split, right now, over the issue. Local cable companies have several representatives that offer their expertise and opinions. AT&T is on one their side obviously.
3. The best part was the different view points and the in-depth explanation of the issue. I thought the article did a great job of explaining consequences for all actions that could be taken in the matter and gave a well-rounded feel for the controversy. This is something I will try to do to ensure that I have a complete, thorough account of what is going on.
4. Overall, I thought the use of quotes could have been better. There were enough of them, but I just felt they were very generically placed and did not jump out until the final quote. I think that a better, more varied use of quotes would help things flow better. I will try to utilize quotes in my article in a more efficient way then just adding them in when their hasn’t been one in a while.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=521662
I think, in regard to the Oshkosh story, I think the article about the 100-plus acres becoming a new development might make for an intersting story.
2. Mayor Tom Barrett seemed cautious, but focused on the budget. He also sided slightly on the side of going ahead with the project when he was quoted that local companies were just trying to scare the government with their claims about revenue. Downtown Ald. Bob Bauman introduced restrictions making it harder to prohibit the boxes from being placed. Therefore, he seemed to push for the implementation of the new cable. Local government was overall concerned about the cost and affect and seemed to be genuinely split, right now, over the issue. Local cable companies have several representatives that offer their expertise and opinions. AT&T is on one their side obviously.
3. The best part was the different view points and the in-depth explanation of the issue. I thought the article did a great job of explaining consequences for all actions that could be taken in the matter and gave a well-rounded feel for the controversy. This is something I will try to do to ensure that I have a complete, thorough account of what is going on.
4. Overall, I thought the use of quotes could have been better. There were enough of them, but I just felt they were very generically placed and did not jump out until the final quote. I think that a better, more varied use of quotes would help things flow better. I will try to utilize quotes in my article in a more efficient way then just adding them in when their hasn’t been one in a while.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=521662
I think, in regard to the Oshkosh story, I think the article about the 100-plus acres becoming a new development might make for an intersting story.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Government Example--update
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061021/OSH0101/610210409/1128/OSHnews
1. With the possibility of changing the charge for garbage collection fees from $10 to $0 in the city of Oshkosh, it was feared that there would be severe cuts to firefighters and police forces. It looks as though the preliminary budget for next year would now call for a much smaller reduction of staff to one of each firefighters and police officers and 10 jobs at other various city positions.
2. There are a few players with this issue. THere is the people who want to pay for garbage collection and salvage some jobs within the city vs. the people who want free garbage collection. The second set of players is the people who make the cuts. Some would want to limit firefighters and police officers and another set of people would want a reduction in other types of jobs rather than the aforementioned pair.
3. I think the best part of the story was making something extremley boring, like the council meeting some importance to the community. I think the writer did a good job of conveying what the propsed cut to the garbage collection fee could do. I think the reporter also did a good job of showing there won't be as severe of cuts as was originally thought. I think overall, the reporter was successful at taking a small part of what was discussed at a meeting and shone some light on it. I should focus on doing the same and explaining the subject as clear as the reporter for the northwestern did.
4. I don't think there was a glaring weakness in the story, I think overall the reporter did a pretty good job. I think the reporter could have went into detail a bit more than they decided to do. I had to read the article a couple of times because I thought I missed some of the specifics about what the tax cut would do and how many jobs would be affected. The story was also a little dry, but that is to be expected. I can't think of a way to really liven it up, but if it would be possible that would always be a good idea for the story.
5. I think a good story to cover as my B story could be the choice of companies to handle the construction of easements of sidewalks and land at intersections of handicap ramps on Ohio Street. The story could explain which way the council decides to go and what their reasoning is. There are a few good numbers tha can be used to show how much money is being saved by choosing one company over the other for the construction.
1. With the possibility of changing the charge for garbage collection fees from $10 to $0 in the city of Oshkosh, it was feared that there would be severe cuts to firefighters and police forces. It looks as though the preliminary budget for next year would now call for a much smaller reduction of staff to one of each firefighters and police officers and 10 jobs at other various city positions.
2. There are a few players with this issue. THere is the people who want to pay for garbage collection and salvage some jobs within the city vs. the people who want free garbage collection. The second set of players is the people who make the cuts. Some would want to limit firefighters and police officers and another set of people would want a reduction in other types of jobs rather than the aforementioned pair.
3. I think the best part of the story was making something extremley boring, like the council meeting some importance to the community. I think the writer did a good job of conveying what the propsed cut to the garbage collection fee could do. I think the reporter also did a good job of showing there won't be as severe of cuts as was originally thought. I think overall, the reporter was successful at taking a small part of what was discussed at a meeting and shone some light on it. I should focus on doing the same and explaining the subject as clear as the reporter for the northwestern did.
4. I don't think there was a glaring weakness in the story, I think overall the reporter did a pretty good job. I think the reporter could have went into detail a bit more than they decided to do. I had to read the article a couple of times because I thought I missed some of the specifics about what the tax cut would do and how many jobs would be affected. The story was also a little dry, but that is to be expected. I can't think of a way to really liven it up, but if it would be possible that would always be a good idea for the story.
5. I think a good story to cover as my B story could be the choice of companies to handle the construction of easements of sidewalks and land at intersections of handicap ramps on Ohio Street. The story could explain which way the council decides to go and what their reasoning is. There are a few good numbers tha can be used to show how much money is being saved by choosing one company over the other for the construction.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Government Decision Article
1) I see the controversy being money versus safety. It is mentioned a number of times about the costs that would be saved by switching to a four-way stop. The reporter does obtain a quote from a principal, but I would have found someone concerned about the change.
2) Tom Holtan, Sheboygan public works director and city engineer, Silas VanderWeele, chairman of the Public Protection and Safety Committee, Lee Benish, Sheboygan South High School principal and Amy Kirchenwitz, secretary, are incorporated into this article. However, VanderWeele and Hotan are the key players. The article had nobody representing the opposing views.
3) I liked the reporter’s decision to contact the principal and secretary. I do not know if the principal had any influence on the decision, but these two sources do encounter the intersection everyday. I would like to contact the average person in my reporting as well.
4) I have mentioned it already, but I am sure someone is opposed to having only stop signs during the period in which school children used to have stop lights to help them cross the street.
2) Tom Holtan, Sheboygan public works director and city engineer, Silas VanderWeele, chairman of the Public Protection and Safety Committee, Lee Benish, Sheboygan South High School principal and Amy Kirchenwitz, secretary, are incorporated into this article. However, VanderWeele and Hotan are the key players. The article had nobody representing the opposing views.
3) I liked the reporter’s decision to contact the principal and secretary. I do not know if the principal had any influence on the decision, but these two sources do encounter the intersection everyday. I would like to contact the average person in my reporting as well.
4) I have mentioned it already, but I am sure someone is opposed to having only stop signs during the period in which school children used to have stop lights to help them cross the street.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Suggestions for Nicole
The article is well done but attribution is needed, especially in the second paragraph. You also have an excellent quote from Lawson which I think you can add right after it says where he is cited for underage drinking. Try using police said after the second sentence in the second paragraph or maybe using something like "police reports state".
UP Report
University Police responded to a report of a UW-Oshkosh student being struck by a car outside of Kolf Sports Center Monday, Oct. 26.
According to police the driver of a 1997 silver Honda Accord hit the girl because a tree obscured his vision. The student was crossing the street, using the crosswalk, when the driver of the vehicle ran over her right foot, police said. The female was immediately transported to the hospital for an injury to her right foot.
Police reports indicate that the driver struck the female while turning onto High avenue from UW-Oshkosh parking lot 14, between Donner and Webster Halls. The driver of the vehicle was a 23-year-old male who was not a student of the university.
Vue Yang ,23, of 1719 Taft Ave., was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk (controlled) and was then released.
According to police the driver of a 1997 silver Honda Accord hit the girl because a tree obscured his vision. The student was crossing the street, using the crosswalk, when the driver of the vehicle ran over her right foot, police said. The female was immediately transported to the hospital for an injury to her right foot.
Police reports indicate that the driver struck the female while turning onto High avenue from UW-Oshkosh parking lot 14, between Donner and Webster Halls. The driver of the vehicle was a 23-year-old male who was not a student of the university.
Vue Yang ,23, of 1719 Taft Ave., was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk (controlled) and was then released.
UP Cop Story
On Friday, Sept. 6, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student was cited for underage drinking after he had been found lying on the floor outside of Fletcher hall's first floor men's bathroom.
University police responded to a request for assitance with the situation after Community Advisors found the man and reportedly saw him attempting to enter another resident's room. "We call the police if we feel that the person is a danger to themselves, or if we feel they are a danger to someone else," said x.
After being identified as Jason Adam, a 19-year-old UW-Oshkosh student, he admitted to officers that he had been drinking orange juice mixed with vodka. Adam blew a .232 when administered with a breathalyzer test.
University police responded to a request for assitance with the situation after Community Advisors found the man and reportedly saw him attempting to enter another resident's room. "We call the police if we feel that the person is a danger to themselves, or if we feel they are a danger to someone else," said x.
After being identified as Jason Adam, a 19-year-old UW-Oshkosh student, he admitted to officers that he had been drinking orange juice mixed with vodka. Adam blew a .232 when administered with a breathalyzer test.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
UP Story
On Sunday, Oct. 8, a female was cited for underage drinking in Fletcher Hall after officers received a call to check on a student’s well-being.
At 2:40 am an officer responded to the call made by Fletcher Residence Hall Director Abby Sylvia to check on a student’s welfare. According to Sylvia the suspect had appeared highly intoxicated and had deficated inside of the building.
“We will call the police when we are concerned about the well-being of the student and if they may not wake up if they fall asleep,” Sylvia said.
The officer proceeded to give Leah M. Borkovetc, 19, a citation for underage drinking, her first offense. The citation was given without any record of an admission to consuming alcohol or a blood alcohol test in the police report
At 2:40 am an officer responded to the call made by Fletcher Residence Hall Director Abby Sylvia to check on a student’s welfare. According to Sylvia the suspect had appeared highly intoxicated and had deficated inside of the building.
“We will call the police when we are concerned about the well-being of the student and if they may not wake up if they fall asleep,” Sylvia said.
The officer proceeded to give Leah M. Borkovetc, 19, a citation for underage drinking, her first offense. The citation was given without any record of an admission to consuming alcohol or a blood alcohol test in the police report
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Russ' UP incident
Russ Plummer
UP Incident Report
Oct. 16, 2006
A UW-Oshkosh officer stopped a car being driven the wrong way down McKinley Street on Sept. 19, 2006, a police report said.
Officer Stanley Zitek said he identified the female driver and noted her bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol on her breath. Zitek reported the female’s blood alcohol content was 0.08 percent.
The front-seat passenger also had bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol on her breath, the police report said. Zitek reported measuring her blood alcohol content at 0.04 percent.
Student Caroline Hennessy, 19, was cited for underage drinking (first offense). Student Ashley Copeland, 19, was cited for underage drinking (first offense).
Copeland was contacted after the incident and confirmed that a majority of the police report was correct. However, Copeland is a Fox Valley Technical College student and the report stated they were both UW-Oshkosh students.
Copeland said she did not know why her friend was not cited for operating while intoxicated.
UP Incident Report
Oct. 16, 2006
A UW-Oshkosh officer stopped a car being driven the wrong way down McKinley Street on Sept. 19, 2006, a police report said.
Officer Stanley Zitek said he identified the female driver and noted her bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol on her breath. Zitek reported the female’s blood alcohol content was 0.08 percent.
The front-seat passenger also had bloodshot eyes and an odor of alcohol on her breath, the police report said. Zitek reported measuring her blood alcohol content at 0.04 percent.
Student Caroline Hennessy, 19, was cited for underage drinking (first offense). Student Ashley Copeland, 19, was cited for underage drinking (first offense).
Copeland was contacted after the incident and confirmed that a majority of the police report was correct. However, Copeland is a Fox Valley Technical College student and the report stated they were both UW-Oshkosh students.
Copeland said she did not know why her friend was not cited for operating while intoxicated.
UP Draft
On Sunday, Oct. 8, a female was cited for underage drinking in Fletcher Hall after officers received a call to check on a student’s well-being.
At 2:40 am officers responded to a call from Community Adviser Abby Silvia to check on a student’s welfare. According to Silvia the suspect had appeared highly intoxicated and had deficated inside of the building.
The officer proceeded to give Leah M. Borkovetc a citation for underage drinking, her first. The citation was given without any record of an admission to drinking or a blood alcohol test, according to the police report.
At 2:40 am officers responded to a call from Community Adviser Abby Silvia to check on a student’s welfare. According to Silvia the suspect had appeared highly intoxicated and had deficated inside of the building.
The officer proceeded to give Leah M. Borkovetc a citation for underage drinking, her first. The citation was given without any record of an admission to drinking or a blood alcohol test, according to the police report.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
UP Draft
University Police Officers Kathleen Kemp and Laura England were on foot patrol, Saturday, Sept. 30, when they spotted 18-year-old, Steven Lawson throwing a bicycle into the Taylor Hall dumpsters at 12:35 a.m.
Upon further investigation Lawson, 304 South Taylor Hall, 780 High Ave., Oshkosh, Wis, was found in possesion of six gas caps, that he later admitted to stealing. Lawson took all the gas caps from cars which were parked in university lot 15, across from Taylor Hall.
After noticing bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and intoxication on his breath, Lawson was given a breathalyzer. After blowing a .229 the officers cited the 18-year-old for underage drinking (1st offense). Charges are currently pending for theft.
Upon further investigation Lawson, 304 South Taylor Hall, 780 High Ave., Oshkosh, Wis, was found in possesion of six gas caps, that he later admitted to stealing. Lawson took all the gas caps from cars which were parked in university lot 15, across from Taylor Hall.
After noticing bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and intoxication on his breath, Lawson was given a breathalyzer. After blowing a .229 the officers cited the 18-year-old for underage drinking (1st offense). Charges are currently pending for theft.
Monday, October 09, 2006
court reports
Winnerbago County Case #:
2006CF000757
Oshkosh Police:
LOP061005029431/OP06-033867 (FRAUD)
UP:06279-5
2006CF000757
Oshkosh Police:
LOP061005029431/OP06-033867 (FRAUD)
UP:06279-5
Cops Example
1) This article was filled with many specific details such as addresses, times, locations and ages. Obviously this is important information to include in my article.
2) This article is very short and to the point- making it an easy read.
3) This article also contained information about the charges brought upon the criminal and also other information about his bail and such.
4) At the end of the article it goes on to tell of a separate incident involving a woman living in the same apartment and how she was also charged for possession of drugs among other things. This gives us a little more information about what happened that morning.
5) I have learned that these types of articles should be concise and detailed. Citing correct information is also a must.
2) This article is very short and to the point- making it an easy read.
3) This article also contained information about the charges brought upon the criminal and also other information about his bail and such.
4) At the end of the article it goes on to tell of a separate incident involving a woman living in the same apartment and how she was also charged for possession of drugs among other things. This gives us a little more information about what happened that morning.
5) I have learned that these types of articles should be concise and detailed. Citing correct information is also a must.
Cops and Court Example
1) The article has a good lead. It immediatly fills the reader up to date on the case and the subject matter is really interesting. The article is about a nurse who has been convicted of killing ten of her patients.
2) This was a good article but I thought it would have been very interesting if they could have put in quotes from the criminals family. The article is a little bit on the short side and It seems like there may be a bit more to tell in this story.
3) One small complaint I have is that I would've like to see a lilttle more description on the original case. They do a fairly good job in the article but it seems a bit more backstory would've fleshed it out nicely.
4) For the most part they cover things fairly well in dealing with the case. They have a good quote in the story from an FBI agent stating why he thought the murders took place. And i like how they included the information about the trial being moved and the corresponding reasons.
5) I like this article for multiple reasons. First off, the subject matter was very interesting and i think that maybe even with a bad lead people would still have wanted to read this story. However, the lead was solid as was the rest of the story. With a a small amount of more backstory, I think the article could be slightly improved.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/10/05/killer.nurse.ap/index.html
2) This was a good article but I thought it would have been very interesting if they could have put in quotes from the criminals family. The article is a little bit on the short side and It seems like there may be a bit more to tell in this story.
3) One small complaint I have is that I would've like to see a lilttle more description on the original case. They do a fairly good job in the article but it seems a bit more backstory would've fleshed it out nicely.
4) For the most part they cover things fairly well in dealing with the case. They have a good quote in the story from an FBI agent stating why he thought the murders took place. And i like how they included the information about the trial being moved and the corresponding reasons.
5) I like this article for multiple reasons. First off, the subject matter was very interesting and i think that maybe even with a bad lead people would still have wanted to read this story. However, the lead was solid as was the rest of the story. With a a small amount of more backstory, I think the article could be slightly improved.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/10/05/killer.nurse.ap/index.html
edited example
http://www.rte.ie/news/2006/1009/dowlingr.html
1. The lead is ok, but I think it could be improved. The writer could add more detail to the story in the lead. He could say what the relationship between the man and the woman was, how they met or encountered each other the last time. It could draw the reader in witha little more information.
2. I like the second paragraphy where the wrtier explains that the man admitted to killing the woman, but claims he was provoked. It kind of shows a second side to the story and gives somewhat of a defense the the man who is being charged. The writer also included the charges brought against him and his pleas. I think without saying that the man said he was provoked there would be some question as to why he plead guilty to one charger, but not guilty to the other.
3. The writer gave very good and concise details. they explain the exact time and a clear description of the location which the crime was committed. The author leads little left for the reader to figure out with his description.
4. The writer said a witness claimed they had both been drinking. I dont know if it was possible for the writer to get a quote, but I think the story could be added to witha quote from the witness or an excerpt from their statement. It is hard to say without reading the police report, paraphrasing may have been the best option, but I think there could be a little added to the story with a quote from the witness, and if not the witness an officer who is working the case.
5. Finally, you get two good descriptions near the end of the story. the writer gives the reader a clear picture of the demographics of the jury, which is not essential, but still interesting. There are eight men and four women on the jury. Another example was the writer's ability to show the brutality of the murder. They said the woman was hit in the head 14 times with a lump hammer. The reader sees this wasnt just a heat of the moment shot from a gun, but a legitimate effort to end this woman's life with ample time to stop and rethink it. Although it may make the suspected killer look like an animal by stating he hit the woman over the head 14 times, it is an essential part of the crime and the story.
1. The lead is ok, but I think it could be improved. The writer could add more detail to the story in the lead. He could say what the relationship between the man and the woman was, how they met or encountered each other the last time. It could draw the reader in witha little more information.
2. I like the second paragraphy where the wrtier explains that the man admitted to killing the woman, but claims he was provoked. It kind of shows a second side to the story and gives somewhat of a defense the the man who is being charged. The writer also included the charges brought against him and his pleas. I think without saying that the man said he was provoked there would be some question as to why he plead guilty to one charger, but not guilty to the other.
3. The writer gave very good and concise details. they explain the exact time and a clear description of the location which the crime was committed. The author leads little left for the reader to figure out with his description.
4. The writer said a witness claimed they had both been drinking. I dont know if it was possible for the writer to get a quote, but I think the story could be added to witha quote from the witness or an excerpt from their statement. It is hard to say without reading the police report, paraphrasing may have been the best option, but I think there could be a little added to the story with a quote from the witness, and if not the witness an officer who is working the case.
5. Finally, you get two good descriptions near the end of the story. the writer gives the reader a clear picture of the demographics of the jury, which is not essential, but still interesting. There are eight men and four women on the jury. Another example was the writer's ability to show the brutality of the murder. They said the woman was hit in the head 14 times with a lump hammer. The reader sees this wasnt just a heat of the moment shot from a gun, but a legitimate effort to end this woman's life with ample time to stop and rethink it. Although it may make the suspected killer look like an animal by stating he hit the woman over the head 14 times, it is an essential part of the crime and the story.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Russ Plummer's Court Example
1) The article had a good lead. The past and present are well explained with a 33 word lead. The reader is informed that the male confessed to burning down a home and killing his grandparents, but the use of antidepressants may have influenced his choices.
2) Even though the article is short, it gives a good sense of the time that has passed with this male. The explanation of the cutout was good to show the passage of time.
3) I would have like some reaction from his family. I am sure they were contacted when the story was first covered, but a genuine reaction would be nice.
4) I do like the quotes from the people involved with Pfizer. If something is being blamed for making the user do something, I think it is always nice to go straight to the source.
5) I also thought it was a nice addition to include facts about the users of Zoloft. It is an unbiased way of writing about how many people use Zoloft and about the warning the drug has on it about the suicidal risks of children.
2) Even though the article is short, it gives a good sense of the time that has passed with this male. The explanation of the cutout was good to show the passage of time.
3) I would have like some reaction from his family. I am sure they were contacted when the story was first covered, but a genuine reaction would be nice.
4) I do like the quotes from the people involved with Pfizer. If something is being blamed for making the user do something, I think it is always nice to go straight to the source.
5) I also thought it was a nice addition to include facts about the users of Zoloft. It is an unbiased way of writing about how many people use Zoloft and about the warning the drug has on it about the suicidal risks of children.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
Russ Plummer's Obit final
Viona E. Ginnow, a petite woman full of energy, whose 30 years dedicated to teaching evolved from stocking a wood stove to turning a thermostat, died in her sleep Tuesday night of natural causes at her home on Crown Drive. She was 80.
Ginnow was born and raised in rural Oshkosh, where she was educated at Oshkosh High School and Oshkosh State Teachers College. Her fill of numerous jobs that included clerk, farmer, factory worker, customer service employee and home worker motivated her to find more in life. She eventually earned her bachelor and masters degrees at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Her teaching career began on Sept. 2, 1946, in a one room rural schoolhouse. The 20-year-old Ginnow was responsible for teaching grades one through eight. In comparison to her later years in the classroom, she had a much more down and dirty approach to her job. She had no telephone, electric lights to illuminate the students’ readings and she had to physically pump the water and start a fire while teaching a room full of students.
The three decades of teaching left her with many memories of accomplishment inside and outside of rooms filled with colorful cardboard and bright children. However, the most memorable moment for her consisted of helping change a student’s life.
In a 2006 interview, she reminisced about a troublesome boy in the fifth grade. Eventually she had to call the mother to report his disobedient classroom behavior and outdoor fighting. The mother called her back and said the boy received a violent strapping from his father. The news of the spanking disturbed Ginnow, and she felt saddened.
Years later while she sat at her desk after her day, she heard a Harley-Davidson pull up in the parking lot. The little boy was a man who opened his heart to her. He revealed how he turned to drugs and played drums in a rowdy rock band. However, a different family took him in and he turned his life around. He stopped by to tell his former teacher that he was doing better. She recalled that as one of her finer moments and stayed in contact with the man later in her life.
Her husband, Russell Ginnow, died April 20, 1982, four days before her birthday. Her life suddenly changed and she became lost in agony. She lived with her son Lawrence for two years until 1984, when she attended a rummage sale where she was informed the house was also for sale. After selling land left to her from her husband and her house to her son, she purchased the new home on Crown Drive. She lived alone, kept her husband’s name and never remarried for 22 years.
Ginnow found comfort at her Presbyterian church where she once acted as a deacon and elder. She would often sit amongst former students and felt accepted into their families. She could be found planted in a pew every Sunday and helping out with many of their events.
A homebody at heart, she found immense pleasure traveling the world. Over her latter years in life, she visited every state besides Alaska, Utah and Oregon. She traveled beyond the border during her visits to Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England and Canada. However, the trip most personal to her was when she spent one month tracing her roots in Germany.
Over the years she joined various groups, including Winnebago County Retired Educators, Home and Community Education, Omro Study Club and the Red Hat Society.
Even towards the end of her life she returned to her love of education once again. She tutored three different children starting three years after retirement. Even though she never asked for any pay, she received gifts from appreciative parents. Witnessing the progression in learning and her love of kids motivated her during the sessions she held.
She is survived by one son, Lawrence Ginnow of Omro, Wis., one daughter, Ruth Plummer of Howards Grove, Wis. and three grandchildren.
She will be buried from St. Mary’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the Smiling Six Feet Under Funeral Home on Roosevelt Avenue.
Ginnow was born and raised in rural Oshkosh, where she was educated at Oshkosh High School and Oshkosh State Teachers College. Her fill of numerous jobs that included clerk, farmer, factory worker, customer service employee and home worker motivated her to find more in life. She eventually earned her bachelor and masters degrees at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Her teaching career began on Sept. 2, 1946, in a one room rural schoolhouse. The 20-year-old Ginnow was responsible for teaching grades one through eight. In comparison to her later years in the classroom, she had a much more down and dirty approach to her job. She had no telephone, electric lights to illuminate the students’ readings and she had to physically pump the water and start a fire while teaching a room full of students.
The three decades of teaching left her with many memories of accomplishment inside and outside of rooms filled with colorful cardboard and bright children. However, the most memorable moment for her consisted of helping change a student’s life.
In a 2006 interview, she reminisced about a troublesome boy in the fifth grade. Eventually she had to call the mother to report his disobedient classroom behavior and outdoor fighting. The mother called her back and said the boy received a violent strapping from his father. The news of the spanking disturbed Ginnow, and she felt saddened.
Years later while she sat at her desk after her day, she heard a Harley-Davidson pull up in the parking lot. The little boy was a man who opened his heart to her. He revealed how he turned to drugs and played drums in a rowdy rock band. However, a different family took him in and he turned his life around. He stopped by to tell his former teacher that he was doing better. She recalled that as one of her finer moments and stayed in contact with the man later in her life.
Her husband, Russell Ginnow, died April 20, 1982, four days before her birthday. Her life suddenly changed and she became lost in agony. She lived with her son Lawrence for two years until 1984, when she attended a rummage sale where she was informed the house was also for sale. After selling land left to her from her husband and her house to her son, she purchased the new home on Crown Drive. She lived alone, kept her husband’s name and never remarried for 22 years.
Ginnow found comfort at her Presbyterian church where she once acted as a deacon and elder. She would often sit amongst former students and felt accepted into their families. She could be found planted in a pew every Sunday and helping out with many of their events.
A homebody at heart, she found immense pleasure traveling the world. Over her latter years in life, she visited every state besides Alaska, Utah and Oregon. She traveled beyond the border during her visits to Austria, The Netherlands, Spain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, England and Canada. However, the trip most personal to her was when she spent one month tracing her roots in Germany.
Over the years she joined various groups, including Winnebago County Retired Educators, Home and Community Education, Omro Study Club and the Red Hat Society.
Even towards the end of her life she returned to her love of education once again. She tutored three different children starting three years after retirement. Even though she never asked for any pay, she received gifts from appreciative parents. Witnessing the progression in learning and her love of kids motivated her during the sessions she held.
She is survived by one son, Lawrence Ginnow of Omro, Wis., one daughter, Ruth Plummer of Howards Grove, Wis. and three grandchildren.
She will be buried from St. Mary’s Church. The family will receive visitors at the Smiling Six Feet Under Funeral Home on Roosevelt Avenue.
Obit Observations
I looked at Ann's obit. Overall, I liked the content and the fact that the story demostrated, in many ways, the degree to which her grandfather was a talented builder. I felt that the Christmas stories were her strongest elements of the story.
The length was good.
As far as problems went, I pointed out some instances where she needed to fix punctuation. Non-essential clause punctuation had to be edited in a few sections. Also, in the paragraph about Roger's injury, I helped Ann tighten her words and break up a few sentences.
I couldn't really find any glaring AP errors.
The length was good.
As far as problems went, I pointed out some instances where she needed to fix punctuation. Non-essential clause punctuation had to be edited in a few sections. Also, in the paragraph about Roger's injury, I helped Ann tighten her words and break up a few sentences.
I couldn't really find any glaring AP errors.
Russ Plummer's Oct. 2 helpful hints
I read over Cassandra Thompson's work during the class period. For the most part, it was well written and followed the AP style. I made a suggestion about a quote that I found confusing. It came right after the lead and seemed out of context.
There were only a few AP style problems. I also noticed she quoted herself often, which works to complete the assignment, but quotes from others would be nice.
She did not have the current location of the survivors. I told her that it was something you would prefer to be incorporated.
There were only a few AP style problems. I also noticed she quoted herself often, which works to complete the assignment, but quotes from others would be nice.
She did not have the current location of the survivors. I told her that it was something you would prefer to be incorporated.
Final Obit
Nathaniel Nehrbass
Project 2, Obits
Sept. 26th
Elmer George Nehrbass an avid Vikings fan and connoisseur of all things brandy, died Friday, Sept. 15, due to natural causes. Known affectionately to his family and friends as “Butch”, he spent his final months in declining health at Marywood Convalescent Center. He was 86.
Elmer was born to, John and Elsie (Degner) on Feb. 12, 1920, in the small town of Athens, Wis. On June 26, 1946, he married Lucinda Westfall and at the time of his passing the two were enjoying their 60th year of marriage.
During his youth, Elmer attended the local elementary school but discontinued his education after the eighth grade. At the age of eight Elmer spent his time working in an icehouse in which he would cut ice off a lake and store it for customers to later pick up and place in their iceboxes. Elmer also spent time working in his grandfather’s cheese factory. In his twenties he worked as a logger cutting trees for the town of Athens and its surrounding counties.
After their marriage, Elmer and Lucinda purchased a house in the Athens countryside and took up farming. Elmer dabbled in the sales of chickens and pigs but it was the selling of dairy cows in which he garnered the most profit. His days on the farm would not last, however, as decreasing cattle prices forced him to find work elsewhere.
In 1965, he became employed by the Marathon County Highway Service and finished out his career there until his retirement in 1985. During his retirement, he worked various side jobs for his son-in-law’s construction company, Rod Werner Construction.
Throughout his life Elmer lived a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether it was performing various duties on the farm or working on highways, Elmer always held a physically demanding occupation. After he retired he would walk two miles nearly every day during the summer months in order to stay in pristine shape.
From the years of 1944 to 1946 Elmer served in the United States Army infantry during World War Two. He was stationed in Iraq and at one point he and his infantry endured temperatures close to 150 degrees.
During his time of service Elmer would come to gain a keener understanding of not only himself but of others as well. It was during his time in service that he learned to leave behind the racist stereotypes in which he was brought up.
“He always told me not to judge a man by the color of his skin but by the amount of workload that he pulls,“ his son, Jerome, said.
After working vigorously throughout his life to support his family, Elmer made sure to enjoy his retirement by venturing to NASCAR races in Michigan. Elmer was a true fan of anything that had to do with NASCAR and always rooted for Jeff Gordon to come away with the checkered flag. He was also able to spend some of his retirement traveling with his family to Texas and Disney World.
Aside from NASCAR, Elmer loved football. Every Sunday during football season Elmer could be found in his favorite chair cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, as if he were right there on the 50-yard-line. Of course, no Vikings experience was complete for Elmer unless there was a glass of brandy in his hand and a stereo blaring polka tunes by his side.
“He loved all those things very much,” his wife, Lucinda, said “but his most prized possessions were his children. One of the happiest times in our lives were when the kids were born.”
He is survived by his wife Lucinda of Wausau, two daughters Janet (Rod) Werner and Debra Drewek both of Wausau; one son Jerome “Bud” Nehrbass of Weston; four grandchildren Matthew, Stacey and Ryan Werner and Nathaniel Nehrbass; three great grandchildren Drake, Natasha and Megan Werner; two brothers Ellwood and Lester Nehrbass of Milwaukee and one sister Laura Bolka of Milwaukee. Elmer is preceded in death by three sisters Hilda Diedrich, Erna Diedrich and Elmira Barnes
Funeral services will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Services will be held at Restlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. The entombment will then follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Garden of Eternal Rest.
Project 2, Obits
Sept. 26th
Elmer George Nehrbass an avid Vikings fan and connoisseur of all things brandy, died Friday, Sept. 15, due to natural causes. Known affectionately to his family and friends as “Butch”, he spent his final months in declining health at Marywood Convalescent Center. He was 86.
Elmer was born to, John and Elsie (Degner) on Feb. 12, 1920, in the small town of Athens, Wis. On June 26, 1946, he married Lucinda Westfall and at the time of his passing the two were enjoying their 60th year of marriage.
During his youth, Elmer attended the local elementary school but discontinued his education after the eighth grade. At the age of eight Elmer spent his time working in an icehouse in which he would cut ice off a lake and store it for customers to later pick up and place in their iceboxes. Elmer also spent time working in his grandfather’s cheese factory. In his twenties he worked as a logger cutting trees for the town of Athens and its surrounding counties.
After their marriage, Elmer and Lucinda purchased a house in the Athens countryside and took up farming. Elmer dabbled in the sales of chickens and pigs but it was the selling of dairy cows in which he garnered the most profit. His days on the farm would not last, however, as decreasing cattle prices forced him to find work elsewhere.
In 1965, he became employed by the Marathon County Highway Service and finished out his career there until his retirement in 1985. During his retirement, he worked various side jobs for his son-in-law’s construction company, Rod Werner Construction.
Throughout his life Elmer lived a healthy and active lifestyle. Whether it was performing various duties on the farm or working on highways, Elmer always held a physically demanding occupation. After he retired he would walk two miles nearly every day during the summer months in order to stay in pristine shape.
From the years of 1944 to 1946 Elmer served in the United States Army infantry during World War Two. He was stationed in Iraq and at one point he and his infantry endured temperatures close to 150 degrees.
During his time of service Elmer would come to gain a keener understanding of not only himself but of others as well. It was during his time in service that he learned to leave behind the racist stereotypes in which he was brought up.
“He always told me not to judge a man by the color of his skin but by the amount of workload that he pulls,“ his son, Jerome, said.
After working vigorously throughout his life to support his family, Elmer made sure to enjoy his retirement by venturing to NASCAR races in Michigan. Elmer was a true fan of anything that had to do with NASCAR and always rooted for Jeff Gordon to come away with the checkered flag. He was also able to spend some of his retirement traveling with his family to Texas and Disney World.
Aside from NASCAR, Elmer loved football. Every Sunday during football season Elmer could be found in his favorite chair cheering for the Minnesota Vikings, as if he were right there on the 50-yard-line. Of course, no Vikings experience was complete for Elmer unless there was a glass of brandy in his hand and a stereo blaring polka tunes by his side.
“He loved all those things very much,” his wife, Lucinda, said “but his most prized possessions were his children. One of the happiest times in our lives were when the kids were born.”
He is survived by his wife Lucinda of Wausau, two daughters Janet (Rod) Werner and Debra Drewek both of Wausau; one son Jerome “Bud” Nehrbass of Weston; four grandchildren Matthew, Stacey and Ryan Werner and Nathaniel Nehrbass; three great grandchildren Drake, Natasha and Megan Werner; two brothers Ellwood and Lester Nehrbass of Milwaukee and one sister Laura Bolka of Milwaukee. Elmer is preceded in death by three sisters Hilda Diedrich, Erna Diedrich and Elmira Barnes
Funeral services will start at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 18, with visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Services will be held at Restlawn Memorial Mausoleum Chapel. The entombment will then follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Garden of Eternal Rest.
Final Obit
Andrew Pantzlaff
Reporting
Final Obit
October 2, 2006
Vernon Pantzlaff, a hardworking family man best known for the noises that surrounded him - the chaotic clanking of tools and broken cars, the constant buzz of a lawnmower and the smooth sounds of a shiny brass trumpet - died Sunday night in his sleep. He was 59.
Vernon was born on April 29, 1947 in Green Bay, Wis. He grew up in the small community of Morrison, Wis., where he would learn the value of hard work and humbleness while helping his parents on the farm. Aside from the many lessons he learned at his home doing chores, he also received a broader education at Morrison Zion Lutheran School and, afterwards, at Denmark High School.
It was at Denmark High School that he discovered what would become one of his greatest passions and talents in life: playing the trumpet. “I had always liked the sound of the trumpet,” Vernon said in a 2006 interview. So when an opportunity came for him to create those sounds, he took the chance, picked up a trumpet and never looked back. “They handed me a trumpet when I was in high school and I played it ever since,” he said.
His love for the trumpet didn’t take long for others to notice. In fact, the surrounding community had no choice but to listen to his passion. “He loved polka and he used to sit and play his trumpet outside on the porch,” said his younger brother Donald Pantzlaff in regard to their teenage years. “People in the neighborhood could hear from a half mile away and they always knew it was Vern.”
Upon his graduation from high school, Vernon began working at various Green Bay service stations as an auto mechanic; a job that he would end up doing in some form for the remainder of his life. More importantly, however, after leaving high school he quickly found a new home for his musical talents. In 1966, at 19 years of age, he joined the Tom Kiely Orchestra.
Having found a way to continue expressing his love for music, he then began looking for the true love of his life. Three years later, he found her. On Sept. 5, 1969, Bonnie Eichorst took his hand in marriage at the front of Morrison Zion Lutheran Church, signifying the beginning of what would become the next 36 years spent together. Throughout their marriage, she was, what he often jokingly labeled, the one that “kept me on the straight and narrow.”
In the years after his wedding, the melody of his life would soon become more hectic.
In 1976, life simply got “too busy,” he said. Family life, raising children, working full-time and playing in a band was too much to balance at one time. Therefore, after a decade of playing with the Tom Kiely Orchestra, Mr. Pantzlaff left the band. From time to time, he would still go on to play gigs with different groups on the weekends. After opening his own auto repair shop in Green Bay in 1981, however, he found that even that was too much.
The demands of running his own shop and the need to support his family took precedent over his musical aspirations. He decided, therefore, to retire from trumpet playing altogether.
In 1985, despite not having the outside demands of being in a band, owning a business still didn’t work out and he decided to sell his business in Green Bay. From there, he went on to work at the Denmark Co-Op Service Station. This new job was significantly closer to home. The closer proximity and the lighter demands that came with not owning a business allowed him to support his family, spend more time with them and also afforded him time to do the things he enjoyed.
One of these newly afforded leisure opportunities involved taking care of the yard.
He would, in time, go on to develop quite the reputation amongst those close to him for his insatiable desire to mow his lawn and kill perhaps his biggest, if not only, enemy in life: dandelions.
Aside from his antics on the lawnmower, the time afforded with his new job also allowed him to get back into music. In 1985, he joined a polka group named The Musical Brass. He would spend the last two decades of his life traveling, singing and playing at weddings and festivals around not only the state of Wisconsin, but nearly ten other states including some as far away as Arizona.
In all, during his time with The Musical Brass, the band released nine studio recordings with four of them being released on CDs. Amongst them were titles like “Try It, You’ll Like It,” “Old Time Treasures,” “Crank it Up,” and “A Toast to Our Fans.” “A Toast to Our Fans,” released in 2005, was the last release Vernon was a part of and was also his personal favorite.
In addition to his time with The Musical Brass, he also was a member of the Morrison Zion Church Band for over twenty years. Though devoid of CD releases and the travels he enjoyed with The Musical Brass, it was in this church band that he had his greatest influence on others, even if he was unaware of it.
According to those within the band, with his combination of humor, knowledge, and good attitude, Vernon was part of the reason discouraged members, especially young adults, continued to participate despite practices and concerts cutting into their social life.
“He was a good mentor for kids,” Donald Pantzlaff said. “They came back because of him.”
His survivors, all of whom live in Wisconsin, include his wife Bonnie; three daughters, Deborah of Greenleaf, Tina of Wrightstown and Julie of Denmark; one son, James of Denmark; three brothers, Wilmer of Denmark, Norman of Reedsville and Donald of Lark; one sister, Karen of Madison, and five grandchildren.
He will be buried at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church. The family will receive visitors at Nickel Funeral Home on Mill Road [time and date].
Reporting
Final Obit
October 2, 2006
Vernon Pantzlaff, a hardworking family man best known for the noises that surrounded him - the chaotic clanking of tools and broken cars, the constant buzz of a lawnmower and the smooth sounds of a shiny brass trumpet - died Sunday night in his sleep. He was 59.
Vernon was born on April 29, 1947 in Green Bay, Wis. He grew up in the small community of Morrison, Wis., where he would learn the value of hard work and humbleness while helping his parents on the farm. Aside from the many lessons he learned at his home doing chores, he also received a broader education at Morrison Zion Lutheran School and, afterwards, at Denmark High School.
It was at Denmark High School that he discovered what would become one of his greatest passions and talents in life: playing the trumpet. “I had always liked the sound of the trumpet,” Vernon said in a 2006 interview. So when an opportunity came for him to create those sounds, he took the chance, picked up a trumpet and never looked back. “They handed me a trumpet when I was in high school and I played it ever since,” he said.
His love for the trumpet didn’t take long for others to notice. In fact, the surrounding community had no choice but to listen to his passion. “He loved polka and he used to sit and play his trumpet outside on the porch,” said his younger brother Donald Pantzlaff in regard to their teenage years. “People in the neighborhood could hear from a half mile away and they always knew it was Vern.”
Upon his graduation from high school, Vernon began working at various Green Bay service stations as an auto mechanic; a job that he would end up doing in some form for the remainder of his life. More importantly, however, after leaving high school he quickly found a new home for his musical talents. In 1966, at 19 years of age, he joined the Tom Kiely Orchestra.
Having found a way to continue expressing his love for music, he then began looking for the true love of his life. Three years later, he found her. On Sept. 5, 1969, Bonnie Eichorst took his hand in marriage at the front of Morrison Zion Lutheran Church, signifying the beginning of what would become the next 36 years spent together. Throughout their marriage, she was, what he often jokingly labeled, the one that “kept me on the straight and narrow.”
In the years after his wedding, the melody of his life would soon become more hectic.
In 1976, life simply got “too busy,” he said. Family life, raising children, working full-time and playing in a band was too much to balance at one time. Therefore, after a decade of playing with the Tom Kiely Orchestra, Mr. Pantzlaff left the band. From time to time, he would still go on to play gigs with different groups on the weekends. After opening his own auto repair shop in Green Bay in 1981, however, he found that even that was too much.
The demands of running his own shop and the need to support his family took precedent over his musical aspirations. He decided, therefore, to retire from trumpet playing altogether.
In 1985, despite not having the outside demands of being in a band, owning a business still didn’t work out and he decided to sell his business in Green Bay. From there, he went on to work at the Denmark Co-Op Service Station. This new job was significantly closer to home. The closer proximity and the lighter demands that came with not owning a business allowed him to support his family, spend more time with them and also afforded him time to do the things he enjoyed.
One of these newly afforded leisure opportunities involved taking care of the yard.
He would, in time, go on to develop quite the reputation amongst those close to him for his insatiable desire to mow his lawn and kill perhaps his biggest, if not only, enemy in life: dandelions.
Aside from his antics on the lawnmower, the time afforded with his new job also allowed him to get back into music. In 1985, he joined a polka group named The Musical Brass. He would spend the last two decades of his life traveling, singing and playing at weddings and festivals around not only the state of Wisconsin, but nearly ten other states including some as far away as Arizona.
In all, during his time with The Musical Brass, the band released nine studio recordings with four of them being released on CDs. Amongst them were titles like “Try It, You’ll Like It,” “Old Time Treasures,” “Crank it Up,” and “A Toast to Our Fans.” “A Toast to Our Fans,” released in 2005, was the last release Vernon was a part of and was also his personal favorite.
In addition to his time with The Musical Brass, he also was a member of the Morrison Zion Church Band for over twenty years. Though devoid of CD releases and the travels he enjoyed with The Musical Brass, it was in this church band that he had his greatest influence on others, even if he was unaware of it.
According to those within the band, with his combination of humor, knowledge, and good attitude, Vernon was part of the reason discouraged members, especially young adults, continued to participate despite practices and concerts cutting into their social life.
“He was a good mentor for kids,” Donald Pantzlaff said. “They came back because of him.”
His survivors, all of whom live in Wisconsin, include his wife Bonnie; three daughters, Deborah of Greenleaf, Tina of Wrightstown and Julie of Denmark; one son, James of Denmark; three brothers, Wilmer of Denmark, Norman of Reedsville and Donald of Lark; one sister, Karen of Madison, and five grandchildren.
He will be buried at Morrison Zion Lutheran Church. The family will receive visitors at Nickel Funeral Home on Mill Road [time and date].
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Rob Stoltz's Obituary
Robert John Stoltz, Greendale High School football coach, teacher, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh football great and friend of many, died at his Milwaukee home Tuesday morning from an unknown cause. He was 32.
The enigmatic Stoltz was born June 27, 1974 at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. He grew up in Greendale, Wis., a small Milwaukee suburb. As a child Rob was constantly involved in sports and loved to spend time playing with his two younger brothers Stephen, 22, and Ryan, 28, whom he was very close to.
Stoltz attended Greendale High School from 1989-92. While in high school, Stoltz received varsity letters in football and baseball. He was a first team all-conference football player and won all-area baseball honors. In 1991 his football team went undefeated in the regular season and won the Parkland Conference Championship, Greendale’s last football conference championship until 11 years later.
In 1992 Stoltz went on to attend the Oshkosh for six years where he majored and graduated with a degree in Special Education and utilized his remarkable athleticism by competing in two varsity sports, baseball (1993-94) and football (1992, 1994-96). In 1994 Stoltz was a part of Oshkosh’s last national champion baseball team. The national championship season was Stoltz’s last playing baseball, a decision he would regret later in life.
He then turned his concentration to football and schoolwork. Throughout his four seasons as a wide receiver on the Oshkosh Titans, Stoltz tried to emulate his childhood idol, Steve Largent, becoming one of the most prolific pass catchers in school history. Stoltz set school records in career touchdown receptions (24) and receiving yards (2,691).
In 1994 Stoltz received WIAC Second Team All-Conference honors, and followed it up with two first team all-conference campaigns the following years. In addition to his first team all-conference honors in 1996, Stoltz was also named a Burger King Scholar athlete, Academic All-American and WIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
After Stoltz’s collegiate football career was over, the blond-haired, blue-eyed “all-american boy” finished up school but still had a desire to play football. For the last two years of his college career, he took off the second semester and played professional football in Germany with the Frankfurt Knights for two years. When his two seasons overseas were over, he came back and finished up his degree at Oshkosh.
Stoltz then went on to pursue a teaching and football coaching career near his hometown of Milwaukee. In 1999 he landed a job at West Bend West High School teaching special education. While teaching at West, he began his high school football coaching career. In his first year at the school he coached the freshman football team, and in 2000 he took over as the varsity football coach for one season.
On July 6, 2000 Stoltz married his high school sweetheart Jenny Kuehn, girlfriend of eight years. Stoltz was content with his job and family life until he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was offered and accepted a teaching spot at Greendale Middle School and an opportunity to coach his younger brother Stephen as the head varsity football coach at Greendale High School.
“(Steve) is a great kid, and a great brother. If those two components were not in place, I probably wouldn’t be the coach here,” Stoltz said in a 2001 interview.
Stoltz was a young, energized and passionate coach who brought a little extra intensity and excitement with him to the field.
“I remember my senior year, it was Rob’s second year as coach,” former player Scott Podd, 21, said. “We were all screwing around in practice and lacked focus. Next thing you knew, Rob was screaming at us and kicked us off the field for the rest of the day. I would have much rather ran until I puked than have to sit and think about what our punishment would be the next day.”
Stoltz was a wildly intense coach, who also was able to have fun with his players. Stoltz occasionally liked to re-live his playing days and suit up in his old Oshkosh gear and play against his players during practice. Although he was intense and demanding of his players one would be hard-pressed to find somebody who didn’t have a tremendous amount of respect for Stoltz, as a man, and loved to play for him.
“Rob was my favorite coach of all-time,” former quarterback Ryan Johnsen, 22, said. “He could relate to us, not only as a football player, but as a person and later in life as a friend.”
Stoltz maintained close relationships with his old friends and his former players, even after they had graduated from school. His brother, Stephen, was the same age as a lot of the players Stoltz first coached at Greendale and he got to know them as time went along.
Annually Stoltz organized a “Stickball” tournament which was attended by his brothers, friends from high school and college and some of his former players.
Stickball is a game played on a fenced little league field, with fences slightly shorter than 200 feet, played with a thin wooden dowel and tennis balls which are lobbed into the hitter who must hit the ball over the fence or drop the ball into the outfield for a base hit. The winner of the annual tournament would receive a trophy called “The Doweler.” Rob was a two-time Doweler winner himself.
His brother, Stephen, remembered his brother and Stickball fondly. “Stickball gained kind of a cult following while we played it. His old friends would come back from all over the state and even the country to play or just watch the game. It was something we would look forward to every year.
“It is one of the things I will remember the most about Rob. We had a time to hang out, spit seeds, talk and just be brothers for hours in the sun on those days. I don’t know if anything will be as fun to me as those afternoon days were.”
In 2005 Stoltz took a sabbatical from teaching and tried his hand in a career in financial planning. His new job, however, proved too consuming and he gave up the job and so he wouldn’t have to sacrifice his love, coaching football which he did at Greendale until his untimely death.
Stoltz could always be found on a Friday night after a football game at Jimmy K’s, a local Greendale bar. He and his fellow coaches would go out, enjoy a few beers and pizzas and stay until the bartender would kick them out. His passion for football was only matched by his passion for living.
Stoltz is survived by his wife Jenny, 31, mother Wendy, 53, of Greendale, his father Terrance, 55, of Milwaukee and his two brothers Stephen of Greendale and Ryan of Milwaukee. Stoltz was expecting a child in November.
Funeral and burial arrangements were not immediately known. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rob Stoltz Memorial Foundation at (414) 421-6975.
The enigmatic Stoltz was born June 27, 1974 at St. Francis Hospital in Milwaukee. He grew up in Greendale, Wis., a small Milwaukee suburb. As a child Rob was constantly involved in sports and loved to spend time playing with his two younger brothers Stephen, 22, and Ryan, 28, whom he was very close to.
Stoltz attended Greendale High School from 1989-92. While in high school, Stoltz received varsity letters in football and baseball. He was a first team all-conference football player and won all-area baseball honors. In 1991 his football team went undefeated in the regular season and won the Parkland Conference Championship, Greendale’s last football conference championship until 11 years later.
In 1992 Stoltz went on to attend the Oshkosh for six years where he majored and graduated with a degree in Special Education and utilized his remarkable athleticism by competing in two varsity sports, baseball (1993-94) and football (1992, 1994-96). In 1994 Stoltz was a part of Oshkosh’s last national champion baseball team. The national championship season was Stoltz’s last playing baseball, a decision he would regret later in life.
He then turned his concentration to football and schoolwork. Throughout his four seasons as a wide receiver on the Oshkosh Titans, Stoltz tried to emulate his childhood idol, Steve Largent, becoming one of the most prolific pass catchers in school history. Stoltz set school records in career touchdown receptions (24) and receiving yards (2,691).
In 1994 Stoltz received WIAC Second Team All-Conference honors, and followed it up with two first team all-conference campaigns the following years. In addition to his first team all-conference honors in 1996, Stoltz was also named a Burger King Scholar athlete, Academic All-American and WIAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
After Stoltz’s collegiate football career was over, the blond-haired, blue-eyed “all-american boy” finished up school but still had a desire to play football. For the last two years of his college career, he took off the second semester and played professional football in Germany with the Frankfurt Knights for two years. When his two seasons overseas were over, he came back and finished up his degree at Oshkosh.
Stoltz then went on to pursue a teaching and football coaching career near his hometown of Milwaukee. In 1999 he landed a job at West Bend West High School teaching special education. While teaching at West, he began his high school football coaching career. In his first year at the school he coached the freshman football team, and in 2000 he took over as the varsity football coach for one season.
On July 6, 2000 Stoltz married his high school sweetheart Jenny Kuehn, girlfriend of eight years. Stoltz was content with his job and family life until he got an offer he couldn’t refuse. He was offered and accepted a teaching spot at Greendale Middle School and an opportunity to coach his younger brother Stephen as the head varsity football coach at Greendale High School.
“(Steve) is a great kid, and a great brother. If those two components were not in place, I probably wouldn’t be the coach here,” Stoltz said in a 2001 interview.
Stoltz was a young, energized and passionate coach who brought a little extra intensity and excitement with him to the field.
“I remember my senior year, it was Rob’s second year as coach,” former player Scott Podd, 21, said. “We were all screwing around in practice and lacked focus. Next thing you knew, Rob was screaming at us and kicked us off the field for the rest of the day. I would have much rather ran until I puked than have to sit and think about what our punishment would be the next day.”
Stoltz was a wildly intense coach, who also was able to have fun with his players. Stoltz occasionally liked to re-live his playing days and suit up in his old Oshkosh gear and play against his players during practice. Although he was intense and demanding of his players one would be hard-pressed to find somebody who didn’t have a tremendous amount of respect for Stoltz, as a man, and loved to play for him.
“Rob was my favorite coach of all-time,” former quarterback Ryan Johnsen, 22, said. “He could relate to us, not only as a football player, but as a person and later in life as a friend.”
Stoltz maintained close relationships with his old friends and his former players, even after they had graduated from school. His brother, Stephen, was the same age as a lot of the players Stoltz first coached at Greendale and he got to know them as time went along.
Annually Stoltz organized a “Stickball” tournament which was attended by his brothers, friends from high school and college and some of his former players.
Stickball is a game played on a fenced little league field, with fences slightly shorter than 200 feet, played with a thin wooden dowel and tennis balls which are lobbed into the hitter who must hit the ball over the fence or drop the ball into the outfield for a base hit. The winner of the annual tournament would receive a trophy called “The Doweler.” Rob was a two-time Doweler winner himself.
His brother, Stephen, remembered his brother and Stickball fondly. “Stickball gained kind of a cult following while we played it. His old friends would come back from all over the state and even the country to play or just watch the game. It was something we would look forward to every year.
“It is one of the things I will remember the most about Rob. We had a time to hang out, spit seeds, talk and just be brothers for hours in the sun on those days. I don’t know if anything will be as fun to me as those afternoon days were.”
In 2005 Stoltz took a sabbatical from teaching and tried his hand in a career in financial planning. His new job, however, proved too consuming and he gave up the job and so he wouldn’t have to sacrifice his love, coaching football which he did at Greendale until his untimely death.
Stoltz could always be found on a Friday night after a football game at Jimmy K’s, a local Greendale bar. He and his fellow coaches would go out, enjoy a few beers and pizzas and stay until the bartender would kick them out. His passion for football was only matched by his passion for living.
Stoltz is survived by his wife Jenny, 31, mother Wendy, 53, of Greendale, his father Terrance, 55, of Milwaukee and his two brothers Stephen of Greendale and Ryan of Milwaukee. Stoltz was expecting a child in November.
Funeral and burial arrangements were not immediately known. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rob Stoltz Memorial Foundation at (414) 421-6975.
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