Ever tried to get five dogs to look in the same place at the same time? L-R: Dep. Jeff Sadlemyer and K9 Indy, Dept. Brad Mathwich with K9 Lexa (PCSO); Ofc. Jeremy Anderson and K9 Karma (Plover); and SPPD's Ofc. Jason Dienger, with K9 Coye; and Ofc. JD Ballew with K9 Barry. (Metro Wire photo)

Jack Stand Racin’ Car Club hits another milestone in fundraising for local K9s

September 27, 2023

By Brandi Makuski

Passersby along Church St. on Saturday nights over the summer may have noticed what appears to be a classic car show in the parking lot of Antique Up — and they’re not wrong, but organizers say it’s so much more.

The Jack Stand Racin’ Car Club is a nonprofit organization that raises money for local causes. One of its primary benefactors, thanks to annual summer cruze-in events, continues to be the K9 units at the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Stevens Point and Plover.

On Saturday nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the members pop the hoods of their coolest classic cars for public display at 3256 Church St., and they crank up Beach Boys and Van Morrison tunes to attract families.

“It’s a very family-friendly event,” said Tim Hoerter, president of the club. “We have some very, very generous sponsors and could not have done this without them. It’s been challenging, with the pandemic going on, but we try to keep it fun and interesting.”

Hoerter said the Saturday night events are a chance for families to escape negativity in the media and politics for a while. Cruze-in events are held outdoors, with a potluck-style meal available and a lot of conversation that centers around cars.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie here, whether they’re members or not,” Hoerter said. “It’s just amazing how generous people have been this year.”

The group holds raffles, with prizes donated by sponsors, and 50/50 games throughout each season. Sept. 9 marked the group’s last show for the summer of 2023, and Hoerter said the group raised a record $18,500 for the community’s K9 dogs, meaning each dog received $3,700.

Last year, the group raised a little over $12,000 for the dogs.

*Tim and Shri Hoerter, Betty Parnham from Johnson Towing, and others, were also honored at the Sept. 9 event. (Metro Wire photo)*

“I’m very proud. Very proud of all the individuals who support us, and help us support our K9 community,” Hoerter said.

The Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office launched its K9 unit in 1991 and today has two K9 handlers, Dep. Jeff Sadlemyer and K9 Indy, and Dep. Brad Mathwich with K9 Lexa.

Plover began its K9 unit in 2016 and currently utilizes K9 Karma, who is partnered with Officer Jeremy Anderson.

Stevens Point installed its K9 Unit in 2018 and uses two dogs, Barry, who is partnered with Officer JD Ballew, and Officer Jason Dienger, who is partnered with Coye.

The dogs are used for a variety of reasons, including suspect/missing persons tracking and drug identification. The K9 programs are funded almost entirely via drug forfeitures and private donations.

This year’s final cruze-in also set an attendance record with about 150 people.

“This is not just classic cars,” Hoerter said. “Bring whatever vehicle you’re proud of, even bicycles and motorcycles. If you love it and want to show it off, bring it.”