The Creek Nov/Dec 2020

2020: IT HAS TAKEN A VILLAGE

News from the Crossroads

new overlay of Jefferson Street, and coordinated logistics with the upcom-

ing Southeast Neighborhood Utility Project. The staff at the Water Depart-

ment also modified in-person readings to keep the community flowing and

safe throughout 2020.

The Library worked tirelessly to communicate shifted services like vir-

tual readings and their increased free Wi-Fi area to residents. They also

offered curbside delivery, pop-up libraries in the parks, and education-

al resources/ideas for parents who were now teaching their kids at

home. The Library continues to practice extensive cleaning protocols

and installed plexiglass at checkout to promote safety and social distancing.

The Tourism & Communications Department was busy keeping resi-

dents informed on the latest communication from the Centers for Dis-

ease Control, as well as state and county health offices, on what resi-

dents can do to keep themselves safe during the pandemic. The de-

partment shared information on funding opportunities for businesses

and organizations through the CARES Act and programs with the Wisconsin Econom-

ic Development Corporation. The department also secured an $11,000 grant through

the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s TRAVEL Grant Program to help offset com-

munication and marketing costs efforts when room tax revenues were lost due to de-

creased overnight stays.

Our Clerk and Administration teams were asked to take on even

more challenges to keep the Village running while searching for and

hiring a new administrator during the pandemic. The team diligently

kept things moving with utility billing, meeting management, ad-

dressing resident concerns, securing new businesses, managing the

current and developing the 2021 budget, tracking pandemic-related expenses for

CARES Act funding, and informing and managing both the Spring and Fall elections.

Local businesses and services have also been deeply affected by the pandemic and

shifted their business practices to keep employees, customers, and patients safe. We

reached out to a few local businesses and organizations to find out their

This year has truly been one for the

ages. While the COVID-19 pandemic

has shown devastating affects on

families, businesses, and communi-

ties this year, it has also provided

moments where our community has

risen to the occasion and helped

each other.

Your Village staff had moments

where time and resources have been

tested. But through it all, they have gone above and

beyond to help the community.

As with communities across the coun-

try, both the Johnson Creek Fire & EMS

and Police Departments were in critical

need of Personal Protection Equipment

(PPE). Through both Chiefs’ re-

sourcefulness with suppliers, and

the help of donations from local

residents and businesses, our public

safety teams were able to continue

offering services to the community. Thank you to

all who donated time, services, and funding!

Our Department of Public Works

team also juggled safety practices

by promoting social distancing and

cloth face coverings while on the

job. They helped with proper mes-

saging at parks during the Safer at Home Order in

May and beyond. They worked with contracted

vendors and Village engineers to communicate

trash and bulk pickup protocols, oversaw the instal-

lation of new bathrooms in Bell Park as well as the

By John L. Swisher

A BIG thank to Johnson Creek Clerk-Treasurer Sam Bell who lead

her team through a seamless voting process during the entire Fall

2020 General Election. Seeing the most-ever absentee voting in the

Village (438 in-person and 570 by mail or drop box), Bell, Deputy

Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Brinkman, and Administrative Assistant

Laura Canales were busy ensuring every voter who wanted to

vote early received needed information and instructions.

Thanks to Department of Public Works Direc-

tor Aric Mindemann and his crew for helping set up the Community

Center on Election Day to ensure all health-safety

protocols were in place.

Bell and her team were assisted by 15 trained poll

workers and two helpers who provided infor-

mation, individual pens, cleaning protocols, and

line management for voters. The Village saw 794

voters for in-person voting on Election Day for a

total of 1,802 registered voter participation; this accounts for 90.19%

of eligible Johnson Creek voters. Thanks to all!

ELECTION DAY THANK YOU TO STAFF

The Village has created a commu-

nity survey to help understand

the views of residents while mov-

ing forward with projects out-

lined in the strategic plan.

The survey is available online with this link & QR

code:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LNP2WLJ

A print version is available at Village Hall and the

Johnson Creek Library. Please return a completed

print survey to Village Hall or in

the drop box.

The survey will be live until Dec

21. If you have questions, please

call Village Hall at 920-699-2296.

COMMUNITY SURVEY

Village Board

President

John L. Swisher

Johnson Creek Clerk-Treasurer

Sam Bell goes through a public test of voting equipment with six

election inspectors

Johnson Creek DPW team

framing custom plexiglass barriers to keep workers and

voters safe at the

Community Center

Helper Lenny Saindon

featured on Watertown Daily Times’ front page on

Nov 4, 2020

cont. on page 2

TAKES A VILLAGE (CONT.)

The Village Board and Staff have been dili-

gently preparing the 2021 Budget. On No-

vember 9, the Board approved the final

version and met the goal, which is the same

every year: continue maintaining and im-

proving services while holding property

taxes levels.

The 2021 Budget will keep the current mill

rate while bringing in more revenue. This

is possible due to new construction during the past year, which

was valued at nearly $10 million. This allows the mill rate to be

at the same (or lower) level for the fifth consecutive year.

The Village’s net new construction percentage for 2020 was

2.667%. Net new construction takes the value of new construc-

tion divided by the total assessed value of the Village. Each

community in the State of Wisconsin is provided their net new

construction percentage on a yearly basis by the Wisconsin De-

partment of Revenue. The Village of Johnson Creek had the

highest net new construction percentage of any village or city in

Jefferson County, and was the fourth highest in the County

behind the towns of Lake Mills, Milford, and Watertown.

The 2021 Budget will continue to maintain and improve the

level of services the Village provides at the same mill rate be-

cause of the growth in net new construction. The increase in

revenue allowed for an additional $10,000 for police officer

wages and an additional patrol car which will allow for an in-

crease in safety patrols throughout the year.

The 2021 Budget also includes a $5,000 increase in library fund-

ing to help fill the gap from a decrease in funding from Jeffer-

son County. And the Village is updating antiquated software to

increase productivity and morale. “The Village board and staff

worked hard to create a budget that continues to maintain and

improve Village services without increasing property taxes,”

said Village Board President John L. Swisher. “Even during an

unprecedented year, Johnson Creek continued to see growth

and we look forward to smartly navigating 2021 to keep our

community thriving.”

With the 2021 Budget approved, Village Staff will begin prepar-

ing 2020 tax bills. At the time of printing, the Village did not

have all the tax levies from the other jurisdictions, meaning the

2020 mill rate has not been set. Once the Village has that infor-

mation, bills will be sent to the printer and mailed. You can

expect to receive your 2020 property tax bill no later than De-

cember 15, 2020.

from page 1

protocols. Please visit each location’s website for up-to-date information.

The Pine Cone. “Covid has affected our restaurant poli-

cies,” said General Manager Josh Bartz. ”We are disinfect-

ing all commonly touched surfaces constantly. We

changed our disinfectant to a peroxide disinfectant, which

can kill COVID in 45 seconds and it’s the best on the market. We clean

the tables, condiments, and menus after each use. For the holidays we

will be open and offering specials on Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and

Christmas.”

UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek. “We have done

everything possible to keep our patients safe through-

out this extremely difficult time while continuing to provide their radia-

tion and chemotherapy treatments without delay,” said UW Cancer Cen-

ter Johnson Creek Clinic Manager Dawn Klecker. “We know that it has

been very difficult for our patients to not have their family or friends

here with them and want them to know that we truly miss the oppor-

tunity to get to know the important support people in our patient’s lives.

We look forward to the time when we can again welcome visitors safely

into our clinic.”

Comfort Suites Johnson Creek. “We feel the health and

safety of our guests and staff is the utmost of im-

portance,” said General Manager & Partner Erik Unmuth.

“We utilize the Commitment to Clean program developed by Choice

Hotels® in partnership with EcoLab, as well as the Safe Stay program

from the American Hotel and Lodging Association. In addition, we uti-

lize Electrostatic Sprayers with an EPA registered broad-spectrum disin-

fectant which kills 99.99% of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and molds in three

minutes. We deploy this disinfectant in all guest rooms and public spaces

daily. The multiple programs and tools we employ help put our guests’

minds at ease when we have the privilege to provide them with a safe

and comfortable experience.”

Breathe Salt & Sauna. “COVID has not affected our poli-

cies much as we have always cleaned to our best ability

with the best and most-effective cleaning products,” said Owner Laurie

Adams. “It did encourage us to look at our policies to make sure we were

doing everything we could and if any improvements were needed. We

will be supporting Black Friday specials throughout November because

we have a small facility and did not want to have to limit attendance on

one particular day.”

Johnson Creek Premium Outlets. Some stores are offering

in-person and curbside pickup options. Those offering

curbside include Coach, Direct Tools, Lang, Old Navy,

Penzy’s & Polo Ralph Lauren.

Thank you to all residents for your resiliency during this challenging

year and we encourage all to support our wonderful local businesses.

ADMINISTRATOR INSIGHTS: 2021 BUDGET

Village Administrator

Brad Calder

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW: PROPERTY TAX PAYMENTS

1. Tax bills, water bills, and dog licenses MUST be paid by separate checks. 2. Receipts are automatically issued for in-person payments at Village Hall only. 3. If paying by mail, enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want a receipt. 4. Checks from mortgage companies made payable to the Village and the property owner(s) MUST be signed by all parties before being presented to the Village for payment. 5. Payment locations:

Village Hall 125 Depot Street: Mondays-Fridays 8am—4pm (Closed Dec. 24 and 25 & closed at noon on Dec. 31)

Premier Bank* 100 Grell Lane: Call (920) 699-6900 for hours *Premier Bank can only accept payments made for the exact amount of the tax bill.

NOTE: Credit card payments can be made at Village Hall, online at www.govpaynow.com, or by calling 1-866-370-9574. A processing fee of 2.65% of the transaction amount is charged by GovPayNet for online payments, and a slightly higher processing fee is applied for pay-ments by phone. If paying online, you will need to enter Pay Location Code a000tp and your tax parcel number from your tax bill.

Our residents’ generosity and commitment to our community are what make Johnson Creek so unique. The investments of time, talent, and treasure of so many help ensure the continued success and growth of our community. We want to thank and remind such individuals of how important they are to the Village.

Pastor Joe Potuznik of Crossroad Community Church in Johnson Creek never thought he’d become a pastor. But citing divine intervention, Potuznik has found himself here.

Potuznik grew up outside Chicago in Stickney, Illinois with four older sisters and his mom. He thought he would become a physical education teacher so he could have his summers off and continue to work at Silver Birch Ranch’s summer camp in White Lake, Wisconsin.

It was after several summers at Silver Birch where the idea of being a youth minister came to

light. “One of my camp colleagues said I should think about becoming a youth pastor,” Potuznik recalled. “I said, ’I’m an idiot and not youth pastor material,’” joked Potuznik. “That’s when he said God chose flawed people to help spread his word, so why can’t he use an idiot like you?”

At the time, Potuznik consulted his own pastor to gain insight. To his surprise, his pastor told him he had been waiting for this day and encouraged the idea. He then suggested Potuznik should learn more and apply to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. “I thought this place really wasn't for me with their strict dress codes because I was more of a shorts and t-shirt kind of guy,” Potuznik shared. “Despite that, and their required three pages of essays on their application, I applied. I thought when I don’t get in that will be that,” continued Potzunik. Then another surprise came, he got in.

Upon graduation he went on to become the first youth pastor at Antigo Community Church in Antigo, Wisconsin. While he enjoyed the work and the area, after four and a half years he felt it was time for a change. He found himself at Langlande County Boys and Girls Club as a program director for a year before returning to the Chicago area. But then the recession hit and Potzunik went back to Antigo and secured a position at Covantage Credit Union where he stayed for a year before getting a call from a friend who moved to Johnson Creek.

This friend was involved with Crossroads, knew of Potzunik’s work with AWANA Clubs during his youth pastor days, and wanted to see if a connection could be made with Potuznik and then-Pastor Jim Playter.

The two men met and hit it off at the local McDonald’s in 2010 to discuss the possibilities of starting an AWANA youth program.

While Playter couldn’t offer a full-time position, the two struck a deal and with Potuznik’s credit union experience, he was able to supplement his income as a full-time teller at Fort Community Credit Union while pursuing his passions and establishing Kid’s Clubs three nights a week at Crossroads. “I can see and believe God’s plan is for me to be where I am because of the opportunities and experiences I’ve had,” cited Potuznik. “I love Johnson Creek and happy to pursue my calling here. It’s clean, safe, neat, and with quality people who really care,” Potuznik continued.

While the congregation in Johnson Creek grew under Playter’s leadership, he began reaching out to his team to develop a transition plan. This included asking Potuznik to consider becoming pastor. It was also during this time Crossroads secured their new location at the former Johnson Creek High School.

That transition happened in 2018, when Playter moved to Hawaii to support an ill family member and Potuznik became lead pastor. “I love what I do because I have a calling to serve. Our mission is to meet the needs of the community, not just our organization, and that’s what we try to do with outreach and events. I have great people who do great work that make me look good,” insisted Potuznik. “I’m very fortunate and thankful.”

Crossroads has several events and outreach efforts over the holidays, including a Free Thanksgiving Day Takeout Meal on Thanksgiving Day (reservations are required), and a Black Friday Rummage Sale. You can find more information on the Village’s tourism calendar at www.visitjohnsoncreek.org and Crossroad Community Church’s website www.thecrossroadsjc.church.

While working in Johnson Creek, Potuznik’s friend, Heidi Hartz, continually wanted to fix up Potuznik on a date with her friend. “When I finally caved in to Heidi, Rachel was dating someone else,” recalled Potuznik. “But I guess it was meant to be because when that relationship didn’t take, I had another chance,” Potuznik smiled.

In March 2015, the Potuznik’s went on a double date with Heidi & her husband, Pete. By mid-2016 the Potuznik’s married and now have two beautiful children, Frankie (2) and Pate (1). “They are the lights of my life,” said Potuznik.

GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Pastor Joe Potuznik

with his family, Rachel,

Frankie, and Pate

Pastor Joe and the

Crossroads Congregation

RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: PASTOR JOE POTUZNIK

• Member of Johnson Creek Fire & EMS Department (JCFD) for 11 years and

currently assistant chief of operations and fire prevention.

• Father of three and basketball coach.

• Helping his oldest daughter raise four chickens.

• Favorite pastimes: hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and pontooning.

“Jeff is a dad’s dad! He enjoys spending time with his wife and children. He is an

awesome paramedic, but very humble,” said JCFD Chief Mike Stratmoen.

“My wife (Jenny) and I are both in the healthcare field so we try to stress to our

kiddos the importance of service to others and using your talents to benefit your

community and people that need your help,” Jeff Penna shared.

JEFF PENNA

Thanks to every-

one who was fea-

tured this year in

our Get To Know

The People In Your

Neighborhood sec-

tion. We were inspired

by so many of you who con-

tinually give your time to support causes

that enhance our community.

Next year we will be tweaking this section

to share information on local businesses

and their owners and staff who also con-

tribute to our community in so many ways.

Stay tuned!

THANK

YOU!

printed on recycled paper

Village of Johnson Creek

www.johnsoncreek-wi.us

LIBRARY UPDATES Johnson Creek Tourism secured an $11,000

TRAVEL Grant from the WI Department of Tour-ism through the CARES Act. Funds will be used to help pay for marketing efforts due to lost room tax revenue from the pandemic.

Tourism & Communication’s Director Katie Newcomb has been named president of the Jefferson County Tourism Council. Newcomb served as vice president and takes over the position when the former president stepped down.

Our winter commercial will be airing through the holidays and promoting a discount at Comfort Suites Johnson Creek. Check out our tourism website under “Places To Stay” for discount links.

TOURISM UPDATES

IMPORTANT WINTER REMINDERS

WINTER PARKING

If there is an accumulation of 1”

or more of snow:

vehicles cannot be parked,

stopped, or left on any Village

streets or alleys from 2:30am—

7:00am the following day or until

the streets or alleys have been

cleared edge to edge of the pave-

ment, whichever occurs later. Vio-

lators may be cited or towed.

SIDEWALKS

Within 48 hours after each snow-

fall or accumulation of ice:

property owners are responsible

for removing snow and ice from all

sidewalks fronting or abutting

their property regardless of the lot

being occupied or vacant. Viola-

tions may result in the Village re-

moving snow and ice at the prop-

erty owner’s expense ($150/hr).

PREVENTING FROZEN

PIPES

Keep heat set above 50ºF

Apply heating tape or extra

insulation to water supply pipes

Seal cracks and holes in walls

and floors to eliminate cold air

Keep water moving through

the pipes by allowing a small

trickle of water to run

VILLAGE HALL

HOLIDAY HOURS

Village Hall will be closed

December 24 & 25 and

closing early at 12:00pm

(noon) on December 31.

See info above for library

holiday hours.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN JOHNSON CREEK

Nov. 26: Free Thanksgiving Takeout Meal at Crossroads

Nov. 27: Black Friday Rummage Sale at Crossroads

Nov. 27 & 28: Christmas in the Village Events

Dec. 6: Johnson Creek 4th Annual Tree Lighting

Dec. 6: Santa Brunch at Milford Hills

Visit our website for the most up-to-date info: visitjohnsoncreek.org. If you’d like

your event featured, please contact Katie Newcomb: knewcomb@johnsoncreekwi.org.

LIBRARY HOLIDAY HOURS Nov. 25: 10am—2pm Dec. 31: 10am—2pm

Nov. 26-29: CLOSED Jan. 1-2: CLOSED

Dec. 24-27: CLOSED