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Bio: Abegglen, Renae Ivadeane (Birth – 1964)

Transcriber: Dinah Reinke

Surnames: Abegglen, Smith

------ Source: Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 03/26/1964

------ Abegglen, Renae Ivadeane (Birth - 16 MAR 1964)

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Abegglen, route 1, Abbotsford, have named their new daughter Renae Ivadeane.  She was born Monday, March 16 at Memorial hospital, Medford, and weighed six pounds.  The Abegglens now have two sons and two daughters.  The grand parents are Mr. and Mrs. Albert Abegglen of Abbotsford and Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Smith of Colby.

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Bio: Abegglen, Lorna Kay (Birth – 1966)

Transcriber: Dinah Reinke

Surnames: Abegglen, Smith

------ Source: Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford and Colby, Clark Co., Wis.) 07/14/1966

------ Abegglen, Lorna Kay (07 JUL 1966)

Lorna Kay is the name chosen by Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Abegglen of rural Abbotsford for their new daughter, born Thursday, July 7 at Memorial hospital, Medford. She weighed six pounds two ounces and has two brothers and two sisters.

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Abegglen of Abbotsford and Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Smith of Colby are the grand parents.

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Bio: Krultz, Ralph – Greenwood Citizen of the Year (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Krultz, Elmer

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Krultz, Ralph – Greenwood Citizen of the Year (2024)



Ralph Krultz (left) is presented the Citizen of the Year Award by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce president, Lynsey Volovsek (right) March 24. Submitted photo

The Greenwood Chamber of Commerce has awarded Ralph Krultz with the 2024 Citizen of the Year award.

“The 2024 Citizen of the Year has a long history of service to the people in the Greenwood area,” the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce said. “[Krultz] is known as a person who unselfishly gives his time, talents and energy to help others.

“Every year, [Krultz] generously gives his time at the Greenwood Dairy Breakfast. On the day of the Dairy Breakfast, first shift in the morning, he is seen by the griddle making pancakes. In 2023, he spent countless hours in the weeks leading up to the Dairy Breakfast preparing the yard, cleaning sheds, organizing items, setting up tables and chairs and answering questions from the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and FFA Alumni.

“In the fall, [Krultz] also serves pancakes for the Veterans Day Breakfast. He dedicates his time at the annual Do Good Dash and Color Run, assisting with traffic control along the route.

“[Krultz] has served on the Greenwood Fire Department for over 15 years. Many times, he is the first on the scene and assists with directing traffic. After a call, he ensures the trucks are filled with gas, cleaned up and ready for the next call.

“For the spaghetti feed and pork dinner fundraisers, [Krultz] spends many hours getting the fire hall ready, serving the meals and is one of the few people there the next day for clean-up.

“[Krultz’s] talents include building and woodwork. When Jo Elmer needs something built for high school drama, she knows that all she needs to do is share her idea with [Krultz] and often, by the next day, it is sketched out or even built. The set needs tin to look like it is from the Dust Bowl Era? No problem. A drive around searching ‘junk piles’ and before the week is up, Elmer had authentic tin for the set.

“Another year, thinking it was an even larger ask, ‘Well, for this play we need a coffin—light enough to move around with hinges.’ Done.”

Krultz is a native of Greenwood who grew up on the family farm with his eight siblings and graduated from Greenwood High School. Following a few years living in Thorp, he moved back to Greenwood with his wife, Judy, and the pair raised their three children, Deanna, Traci, and Adam, at the home the pair built down the road from the family farm.

“The country block of neighbors have become family,” said the chamber, “regardless if they are officially related or not”

“If a neighbor is building a house or shed, shingling a roof, splitting wood, needs a trench dug, is moving, needs a ride, is bailing hay, or needs anything else, [Krultz] is there.

“But be warned, if you say we need help staring at 8 a.m. he will probably be there by 7–7:30 a.m. if he is ‘running late.’”

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Bio: Melvin, Amy – Library Hosts Event on Local Author’s Book (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Melvin, Elmhorst

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Melvin, Amy – Library Hosts Event on Local Author’s Book (2024)



Amy Melvin (left) signs a copy of her book for Connie Elmhorst at the Neillsville Public Library March 20 after speaking about it to attendees.

June Thompson/Clark County Press

Amy Melvin, local author, discussed her book, “Full Speed In Reverse: Awakening Self-Worth, Happiness and Purpose” at the Neillsville Public Library, March 20. Forty people attended the event, listening to Melvin speak about why she wrote her nonfiction book about self-worth.

The idea to write “Full Speed In Reverse: Awakening Self-Worth, Happiness and Purpose” began when Melvin was working for BLA Services in Neillsville. She took a year-long sabbatical to write her book.

“After I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology, I wanted to write something about people feeling better about themselves,” said Melvin. “I decided this was really, really important to me. It was easy for me to write.”

Melvin spoke about her childhood, how it influenced her book.

“I grew up on a horse farm in New Jersey. I grew up with a family that wasn’t perfect,” Melvin said.

“The book came about because of my sister. I wish she had the foundation of feeling like she was the coolest thing.”

Melvin expressed her sister’s frustration caused her to “act out.”

At a young age, Melvin’s parents divorced. Melvin and her sister lived with their father.

“I had a lot of time to myself,” said Melvin. “I had a great childhood, but there were things missing from my childhood that I want to give to my kids.”

It was not until Melvin was grown that she came to Neillsville. Her uncle and mother came to live in the Neillsville area, and Melvin came too and married soon thereafter.

She expressed that her book begins with remembering/reliving her husband’s death and coping with the loss of him, and her feelings of self-worth.

Later in the book, Melvin delved into her childhood, recollecting aspects of it.

“If you didn’t have the perfect beginning, you still have worth,” she said. “Everyone has worth.”

Melvin’s book primarily focuses on self-worth. She encourages people to find self-worth inside themselves.

“The trinity,” Melvin said, “[…] is self-worth, self-love and the courage to find your purpose—what you always wanted to do,” Melvin said. “Believe in yourself.

“Everyone has an internal bank account of the ‘uns’—the things we didn’t get the way we thought we should’ve.

“Your [self] worth is about what you think you deserve. You have to give yourself pride and love.”
Melvin has gone through counseling.

“I’ve had a life coach and therapist,” Melvin said.

Melvin encourages people to take time to be alone with themselves.

“Being alone—I got to know myself really, really well,” Melvin said. “People believe untruths. An untruth is something someone has told you your whole life. It’s something you believe.”

Melvin encourages people to find self-worth by creating a positive trigger. She focuses on gratitude.
“When you focus on yourself,” Melvin said, “write about yourself.

“Begin to love yourself. Build yourself up. It takes a while. Your ideal self is who you want to be. Be brave enough to go and do what you want to do. Never give up.”

Melvin self-published her book. It is available at www.Amazon.com. She can be reached at happyamy75@icloud.com  and www.HappyAmy.net.

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News: Clark County - Health Department Announces Award (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Cook, Beaver, Lindner

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Clark County Health Department Announces Award (2024)



Nate Beaver (left), Clark County Parks and Programs manager, and Curtiss Lindner (right), Clark County Forestry and Parks administrator, accepted the Friend of Public Health Award from Katie Cook (middle), registered nurse of the Clark County Health Department. Submitted photo

The Clark County Health Department (CCHD) said public health protects and improves the health of entire populations in the community through a variety of strategies. Populations can be as small as a family or as large as an entire county. Public health connects everyone.

Everyone is impacted by the health of community members. The CCHD said a healthy county can only be achieved through the support, partnerships and involvement of its residents, faith-based organizations, elected officials, businesses, coalitions, healthcare organizations, schools, etc.

It is the mission of the CCHD to promote health, prevent disease and protect community members through partnerships and population-based services.

Each year, during the first week of April, the American Public Health Association invites communities across the U.S. to observe National Public Health Week. It is a time to recognize the contributions of public health, raise awareness about public health and prevention and highlight issues important to improving our nation’s health.

In support of public health week, the CCHD recognizes individuals and/or organizations as recipients of the Friend of Public Health Award. This year, the CCHD is recognizing the Clark County Forestry and Parks Department for their contributions to public health and prevention. The CCHD said the department have played a vital role the last several years, but especially in 2023, in working with the Health Department to implement various injury prevention, safety and information signs at area parks, campgrounds and trails.

Clark County Forestry and Parks contributions include how the department has always been an eager partner of the CCHD in helping implement various health and wellness, safety and injury prevention initiatives; in 2022, the department helped distribute weather radios and tick kits to local campgrounds; the department also helped name locations of various “Kids Don’t Float” stations, gave contact information to state Department of Natural Resources, and worked with a local Rod and Gun Club to implement a new station at Rock Dam beach; algae bloom signs were implemented at local beaches to caution beachgoers of harmful algae in the water and what to look for; “Know Before You Go” signs will be implemented this spring at trail heads and busy intersections on Clark County’s extensive ATV trail system. These signs have important safety information, as well as Wisconsin laws to help keep riders safe on Clark County’s trails.

To learn more about public health, contact the CCHD at 715-743-5105, visit its website at www.clarkcounty.wi.gov/healthdepartment, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clarkcohealthdept.

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News: Clark County - Humane Society Receives ABATE Donation (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Schmidt, Babbitt, Wegner, Kuehl, Thurston, Dallman

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Clark County Humane Society Receives ABATE Donation (2024)



“It was a pleasant surprise to tour the Clark County Humane Society,” ABATE of Wisconsin Region 4 C secretary Paul Schmidt said. “I was very impressed to say the least. I am glad our club decided to donate to them.” Above, ABATE of Wisconsin Region, 4C treasurer Tom Babbitt and Schmidt present Chuck Wegner, CCHS owner, with their donation of $728.33 to the Clark County Humane Society (CCHS) March 9. The ABATE is a biker’s rights organization and held a 9 pin-tap bowling fundraiser Feb. 17. It is the second largest animal shelter in Wisconsin and is nonprofit. The CCHS has one full-time veterinarian on duty, with several veterinarian technicians to help. The veterinarians rely mostly on volunteers to do the various duties required to care for the animals, which mostly consists of dogs, cats and some rabbits. (Below) Wegner led the tour, showing Skip Kuehl, Laurie Thurston and Julie Dallman, ABATE members, Schmidt and Babbitt the different aspects of the CCHS facility’s different rooms, each with a separate function.

Submitted photos

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News: Neillsville - Listeman Arboretum: a place to hike or rest (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Listeman, Frey

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Listeman Arboretum, a place to hike or rest (2024)



Kurt Listeman, a longtime resident of Neillsville, donated the 50 acres of wooded land to the city of Neillsville in the late 1960s, which would become Listeman Park. He passed away in 1972.

By June Thompson/Clark County Press

The warm weather has brought out hikers and walkers to the Listeman Arboretum. The hilly landscape has walking trails and more rigorous paths for visitors to hike at their own speed. Some trails go around the arboretum, making about a half-mile walk, taking 30 minutes.

Kurt Listeman, a long-time resident of Neillsville, donated the 50 aces of wooded land to the city of Neillsville in the late 1960s. He passed away in 1972.

The acreage is along the bank of the Black River. The entrance to the arboretum is on West Division Street (CTH 10) within the city limits. Another entrance is West Second Street by the old Memorial Medical Center, now currently a set of apartments.

Nature lovers Denise Frey and her daughter, Leah, were enjoying the warm weather March 15. The pair sat on a picnic bench at the entrance of the arboretum. Denise Frey and her family have visited the arboretum many times in all seasons.
.
“We love spending time in the woods,” Denise Frey said. “It’s an open, lovely place to be. We’ve been here in wintertime, too.”

The arboretum has a variety of trees: maple, elm, aspen, white birch and basswood are just some of the types of trees throughout the arboretum. Wildflowers can be seen in late spring/summer.

Denise Frey has come to the arboretum on Saturdays.

“My family comes for a nice walk,” Denise Frey said. “We appreciate being able to have a natural habitat, a place to go that’s open to the public.”

The arboretum has benches and new bridges constructed for easier and safer walking. A trail along the Black River allows access for fisherman.

At the CTH 10 entrance, a boulder with a plaque reads, “Listeman Arboretum provided 1966 by Kurt Listeman: In perpetuity for peaceful study and contemplation of natures’ beauty.”

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News: Neillsville - Citizen Speaks Praises of Officer Guyer (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Mankowski, Guyer, Krejci, Schneider, Smock

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Neillsville Citizen Speaks Praises of Officer Guyer (2024)



During the March 12 Neillsville Common Council, (l-r) Jim Mankowski’s report of officers was moved to the beginning of the meeting, allowing Mandy Krejci to speak on how patrolman Isaac Guyer helped her family during her father, Mike Smock’s (not pictured) emergency, accompanied by Lori Schneider. Edward DuBois/Clark County Press

By Edward DuBois

The Neillsville Common Council met March 12. Mayor Duane Poeschel jumped the report of officers to the top of the agenda, as Neillsville Chief of Police Jim Mankowski needed to leave to return to the scene of a garage fire on Willow Street.

Also at the meeting was patrolman Isaac Guyer of the Neillsville Police Department (NVPD); also present to speak about Guyer were Mandy Krejci.

“When I am asked to describe the role of the chief of police,” Krejci said, “I think of a team player, a person that inspires his team to grow, to allow his team to live by their values and a person that leaves their ego at home and treats people with dignity and respect.”

Krejci said Mankowski lived up to those values she outlined, and spoke about Guyer’s response to her father Mike Smock’s emergency.

“Feb. 17, [Guyer] went above and beyond the call of duty,” Krejci said, “something my family will never be able to thank him enough for. [Guyer] responded to a call at [Smock’s] residence when [Smock] lost consciousness. [Guyer], understanding the severity of the situation, drove [Smock’s] significant other to the hospital so she could be with [Smock].

“When I arrived at the hospital, [Guyer] met me in the lobby. He took time to explain everything and assured we were taken care of. The nurse took us back to talk with the doctor and [Guyer] again took us to a private room and ensured we were okay.

“[Guyer] is a true meaning of what an officer is and the family of [Smock] is grateful that [Guyer] is part of the [NVPD].”

Mankowski said he was going to present Guyer with a citizens award certificate; however both were called to the housefire on Willow Street. Mankowski would award the certificate to Guyer in private at a later time, along with a merit badge for Guyer to wear on his uniform.

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School: Greenwood - Elementary School - Book Fair (2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Decker, Springer, Kolano, Green, Travis, Brill

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/27/2024

Greenwood Elementary School – Book Fair (2024)

By June Thompson

Books and literacy are important at the Greenwood Elementary School and the Greenwood Area Library. The school held a book fair and literacy event March 7. This annual event brought out students, teachers, parents and librarians.

Parent Melissa Decker, and her daughter, Bowe Springer, looked at a variety of books displayed at the book fair. Both came last year to the book fair.

“I like Greek mythology and Zodiac signs,” said Springer. “My favorite subject is reading.”

Decker helped Springer find a few new books.

“She likes graphic novels,” said Decker. “She’s a big reader.”

Fourth-grade teacher Kim Kolano welcomed students, parents and visitors to her open-concept classroom. She has 26 students.

“My daughter gets books from the book fair, reads them and donates them to my classroom library,” said Kolano.

The book fair was arranged and set up by school librarian Michele Green and library assistant Lori Travis.

“Everyone decided on the theme, ‘Happy Campers,’” said Travis.

Travis designed the camping theme.

“I like crafting,” Travis said.

The entrance to the book fair store was like walking into a “make-shift” camper.

“We’ve had it up all week,” Green said. “Kids have been enjoying it. They love having a store, especially for them. It’s excitement for the kids.”

“It’s the biggest event of the year,” said Green.

Amber Brill, director of the Greenwood Area Library, was promoting the town’s library and its expansion project. She hoped to gain attention for the library with a brochure explaining the renovations needed for the library’s expansion.

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Obit: Bontrager, Susie J. (1935 - 2024)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Bontrager, Mast, Hochstetler, Miller

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Greenwood, Clark Co., WI) 4/6/2024

Bontrager, Susie J. (26 March 1935 – 5 April 2024)

Susie J. Bontrager, age 89, of Chili, passed away on Friday morning April 5, 2024, at her home.

Susie J. Hochstetler was born on March 26, 1935, in Middlebury, IN, the daughter of the late John C. and Lydia S. (Mast) Hochstetler. She was married to Alvin W. Bontrager on January 14, 1965. She was a dedicated wife and homemaker, and was a member of the Old Order Amish Church.

Susie is survived by her husband, Alvin.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held all day Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th at the residence, W1306 Panther Creek Road, Chili, WI. Services will be held at the Paul Miller residence, N6109 Division Avenue, Chili, WI, at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024.