I want to tell you something that I have noted about the people of Owen and the people of this district. You are so resilient.”

State Representative Karen Hurd

Mill Pond Park
N Madsen Ave
Owen, WI 54460
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On Saturday, April 26, the city of Owen held a celebration in Mill Pond Park to acknowledge the City’s 100th year as an incorporated City. The celebration started with a presentation of the Color Guard, accompanied by Patty Steiner singing the Star Spangled Banner. Pete Katz, the President of the Clark County Economic Development Corporation and Tourism Bureau (CCEDC), made the opening remarks. He was grateful for being included in the occasion and excited to see where Owen is going next in terms of industry, retail, and lifestyle parts of the community. Next up was Nancy Amacher who led a prayer. Following that, Cindy Cardinal read the Governor’s Proclamation. Next Karen Hurd, state representative for the 69th District made her remarks, commending the City of Owen for its resilience, resourcefulness, and loyalty. “I want to tell you something that I have noted about the people of Owen and the people of this district. You are so resilient. Now, you have been here, the city of Owen, for a hundred years. But Owen before they incorporated it into a city, was still here. And the people here, of this part of Wisconsin, are not just loyal, you’re resourceful. If there is a problem, you find a way to fix it. And I am honored to be able to represent you at the state level.”
Pete Katz acknowledged the new Sheriff, Kerry Kern. Tim Nolan was also acknowledged before it was turned over to Mayor Scott Jalling. Mayor Jalling was elected two years ago and almost immediately set up a committee for the Centennial and they have been planning it for two years. He introduced and thanked the committee members which include Cindy Cardinal, Matthew Riihinen, Loralee Petersen, Phil Greshner, Carrie Heltsley, Mary Ellen Hughes, Jim Mauel, and Kristie Peterson. He also thanked the city council as well as the city of Owen administration. At the ceremony were four previous Miss Owens and a quick happy birthday song was sung to Coach Harry Mitchell. Mayor Jalling acknowledged the rich history of generational legacies and family histories that are ingrained in the community. He then thanked Tim Gelhaus for composing the Centennial song along with Tim’s parents, Tom and Mary Gelhaus, and Phil Greschner who would perform the song later. Mayor Jalling then introduced Tim Nolan, the Vice President of the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society, to talk about the Golden Blackhawk Award. Nolan, and the Historical Society, wanted to acknowledge the people of the Owen-Withee area who have given back to the community. On Saturday, two of the three recipients of the Golden Blackhawk Award were present, Harriet Laube and Art Peterson. Norby Pabich was absent because of ongoing health concerns.
Next up was Coach Terry Laube who talked about the 2024-2025 championship football team and the importance of the school within the community, the memories and the legacy that is built for future generations. His best memory from the championship game was not winning, but seeing the stands full of support. He said that is the joy of living in a small community and the young people will be the backbone of the community for many years. Pete Katz reiterated that statement mentioning that our greatest resource is our youth. Mayor Jalling spoke again, this time about the O-W graduate legacy, how many people here have generational legacies, that they graduated from Owen-Withee, that their children did, and now their grandchildren. Shelia Nyberg, on behalf of the CCEDC, gifted the city two hydrangeas, representing the past 100 years and the next 100 years. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon cutting commemorating the Centennial.
After those remarks, the ceremony moved across the street for the tree planting. The public works department had already prepared the area where the burr oak was planted between Dollar General and Master Package. Curtiss Lindner and Joe Harder of Clark Co Forestry and Parks helped with the tree planting. An Autumn Blaze maple had been planted earlier in the Veterans Park. Both trees have a plaque to accompany the tree. Anybody who wanted to shovel some dirt around the Centennial tree was able to. After the tree planting, people moved back across the street to the Park. Kerry Ingredients donated mashed potatoes which was paired with turkey and gravy, and beef and gravy from Smith Bros. Also available was birthday cake accompanied by a special ice cream blend made for the Centennial by John Mauel called Logging Tracks.
After lunch, the two time capsules that were sealed at the 75th celebration in 2000, were unlocked and gone through with the assistance of Crystal Shepherd who was Miss Owen at the time that they were sealed. That event was emceed by Caleb Green, a teacher at school who isn’t from Owen, but has made it his home.
The last event of the day was the Talent Show/Open Mic. Nathan Bier emceed that event. It kicked off with the performance of the Centennial Song composed by Tim Gelhaus and performed by Tom Gelhaus, Mary Gelhaus, and Phil Greschner. Other performers included two students who are performing at State Solo and Ensemble coming up soon, along with a duet between Jeffer Scheuer and Patty Steiner, before concluding with several songs by the Holy Rosary Choir, ending with singing Happy Birthday to Owen.