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🌱 Why a crucifix was set on fire inside a West Bend church

West Bend, Wisconsin Patch AM: a 5 min read

Greetings West Bend! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a crucifix was set on fire inside a West Bend church
  • How a 1971 blaze changed a beloved West Bend gathering place
  • How will West Bend’s former downtown director reshape the county fair park?

Also on today's calendar: 75th Fall Wisconsin Antiques Dealers Assn. Show & Sale and 7 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a cap but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 61 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Sunday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 65, low: 39.
  • Monday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 60 and low of 42 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Crucifix Goes Up in Flames Inside Church in Disturbing Incident (mycharisma.com) — A man allegedly walked into Pilgrim Lutheran Church in West Bend and used a lighter to set a crucifix on fire, though damage was minor and no one was hurt. Police quickly arrested the 50-year-old nearby, and he now faces arson-related charges. The case underscores ongoing concerns about security and vigilance at local houses of worship.
   

2. Fire Prevention Month: Remembering the fire that destroyed West Park Ballroom (washingtoncountyinsider.com) — Longtime West Bend residents share vivid memories of the once-bustling West Park Ballroom, from raucous dances and neighborhood adventures to the 1971 fire that destroyed it. The story traces the site’s evolution from Schuetzen Park in 1868 to its eventual purchase by the YMCA, using the loss to highlight lessons during Fire Prevention Month.
   

3. Gena Biertzer appointed as next fair park CEO (gmtoday.com) — Washington County Fair Park has named former Downtown West Bend Association director Gena Biertzer as its new CEO, bringing two decades of nonprofit and events experience. Her deep ties to West Bend, including owning BG Decal & Apparel, signal continued collaboration between the fair park and local businesses, with a focus on strengthening community partnerships and preserving long-standing county traditions.
   

4. Tony Romo, CBS Sports part ways after July OWI arrest in Milwaukee (fox6now.com) — Tony Romo’s split with CBS Sports comes soon after his July OWI arrest in Milwaukee, where he told deputies he was driving back from a golf tournament in West Bend. The Burlington native had just competed in the Wisconsin Amateur Championship in West Bend, tying for 73rd, before his long-running role on CBS’s lead NFL broadcast team ended.
   

📸 Around West Bend

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🗓 Upcoming Events in West Bend

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Treider’s Painting Service quickly returned my request for an estimate.
    Jesse was able to answer all my questions and came out to give me an estimate. They used high quality paint and the result is a room painted to… (Nextdoor City limits)
  • Hi everyone!
    I’m Dylan, owner of Kaufman’s Crafts. I’m a local handyman serving Washington County and surrounding areas. I specialize in the smaller home repairs… (Nextdoor City limits)
  • Wendy's posted a job opening for Team Member * in West Bend. Apply here.
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in West Bend. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Bend here.

Ok West Bend! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What has a cap but no head?" — A bottle (Thank you Glo M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Bend

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in West Bend

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.