Lake Mills youth heading disc golf course addition receive community award

Oct 15, 2024

Lake Mills' 2023 Organization of the Year Award was presented to a local youth group raising funds to expand the Lake Mills disc golf course. In front, Caleb Mondt, Kalen Hanson, JJ Schipper, and Camdon Nelson are shown. In back, Swayer Schipper, Tate Schipper, Cruz Flugum, Braylen Hanson, and Carter Ham are pictured.

The Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Brian Budach of Lake Mills Physical Therapy.

David's new wine, craft beer and liquor section is shown.

Julie and Casey Connor of David's Marketplace received Lake Mills' 2023 Business of the Year Award.

Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation named Mill Street Wine and Spirits as the new business of the year.

Cassie Johnson

A group of eager youth, ranging in age from 5-13, last summer set a goal to add nine holes to Lake Mills’ existing disc golf course. While the project is not yet completed, the Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation recently named this self-starting group of local kids as its Organization of the Year award winner.

Once the project is completed, Lake Mills will be home to an 18-hole disc golf course. The total project cost is estimated at about $7,800. The group has already raised $2,100 through fundraisers, including a lemonade stand, washing windows in the community, selling Lake Mills Bulldogs stickers, and shoveling snow along with matching funds and donations.

The City of Lake Mills has also contributed about $2,650 through fundraisers, including the 2023 Gobble Wobble, grant writing, and donation collection. The group and the City of Lake Mills have just over $3,000 left to raise to complete the project.

The existing disc golf course is located in Oakwood Park. Lake Mills also has a new miniature golf course that has been open seasonally to the public since last year and accepts free-will donations.

The students learned about local government and its process by attending Lake Mills City Council meetings, Park Board Meetings, and working with the Parks and Rec department to get price quotes. This group’s work is a great example of how citizens of all ages can greatly impact the quality of life within a community, according to Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation officials. They noted being honored to present the 2023 award to this group of kids for their remarkable accomplishments in serving the Lake Mills community.

The group includes Carson Christianson, Cruz Flugum, Carter Ham, Braylen Hanson, Kalen Hanson, Caleb Mondt, Camdon Nelson, Finn Ritter, Knox Ritter, JJ Schipper, Swayer Schipper, and Tate Schipper.

On the Lake Mills Chamber Development online page, local residents also praised the efforts of these youth.

“Such a good learning experience too,” Barb Lewerke said. “Congratulations, guys.”

“Our future leaders!” remarked Liz Niess Ludwig.

Volunteer of the Year

Every year, the Lake Mills Community Development Corporation also recognizes exceptional individuals through the Volunteer or Citizen of the Year Award. It celebrates those who demonstrate an unwavering commitment to various community initiatives, contribute selflessly over an extended period of time, and generously share their time and talents for the betterment of Lake Mills.

Lake Mills Community Development Corporation presented its 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award to Lake Mills Physical Therapist Brian Budach (Lake Mills Physical Therapy). It is in recognition of outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the Lake Mills community.

Since returning to Lake Mills, Budach has been a dedicated volunteer for the Lake Mills Community School Athletic Department. His contributions extend to every home football game, wrestling meet, and track event, often involving late nights and extended hours on Saturdays. Notably, Budach goes beyond being a fan in the stands, frequently leaving his seat to assist injured athletes in all competitions he attends.

Budach's commitment also goes beyond event participation. He actively engages with the coaching staff during the annual in-service in August, offering his services for the upcoming school year. His accessibility extends to coaches, encouraging them to reach out whenever an athlete is in need. Budach consistently visits the school every Monday, providing support to athletes and aiding their return to action.

Additionally, Budach plays a pivotal role in the school’s booster club, serving as a board member. His multi-faceted involvement underscores his dedication to enhancing the overall athletic experience for Lake Mills’ students.

"I have yet to hear Brian say no when it comes to helping our students." said Lake Mills Community School District Athletic Director Jim Boehmer, citing Budach's ongoing commitment to the school's athletic program.

“Brian is the best,” said Kendra Stene, who also thanked him for helping a particular Lake Mills student athlete.

Business of the Year

The 2023 Business of the Year was awarded to David’s Marketplace.

David’s Marketplace is a staple in Lake Mills. Current owners Casey and Julie Connor bought the store in November 2017. They have not only continued to offer whatever Lake Mills residents need, but they’ve made many improvements.

Since 2017, they have completed aesthetically-pleasing cosmetic upgrades including new flooring, painting, and signage. The Connors remodeled the checkout and office areas and increased product space and help make David’s a one-stop shop.

David’s is no longer just a grocery store. A hot lunch counter, catering services, and ice cream window have been added. This year, the owners replaced the entrance with new doors and remodeled to accommodate a wine and spirits section.

It was also noted that the Connors continue to expand the products David’s Marketplace provides while supporting local organizations with food, other products, and their time by serving on various boards in the community.

New Business of the Year

With so many new businesses and business owners in Lake Mills in recent years, the Lake Mills Chamber Development Board of Directors decided to introduce a new award to acknowledge and celebrate those young businesses or new owners. That was six years ago.

This year, Mill Street Wine and Spirits received the Lake Mills Chamber Development Corporation 2023 New Business of the Year Award.

Competing against Lake Mills businesses that are Chamber Development Corporation members opening in the last three years while contributing to or positively impacted the growth of the Lake Mills community and its quality of life, Executive Director Cassie Johnson said it was a very close contest this year. She said the public helped by voting for businesses they felt best fit the award qualifications, with more than 200 responses received to a voting survey. She also cited a comment from one of those voters, who called this year’s award winner a “great small-town atmosphere” with “kind-hearted owners.”

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