Village president pens final letter to residents before retirement

By Tom Davies

This will be the final newsletter article I write as President of the Village of Plover. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as both a Village Trustee and Village President spanning the last 20 years. The citizens of Plover and the staff of the Village have been a pleasure to work with.

We have seen a steady and significant growth in the Village as we continue to be a place where people desire to live, work and play.

Highlights of developments in recent years have been the Lake Pacawa improvements, continued construction of single-family homes, retail development, multifamily residences and commercial developments.

Many of these growth opportunities are still taking place with more planned for the future to allow the Village to enjoy continued growth.

The Village is excited to see the new Farming for the Future development just south of Lake Pacawa. This will be a tremendous asset to Central Wisconsin. It will bring visitors and related companies from all over the state and the world. This will be open to the public in the spring 2023.

We have seen redevelopment of the Shopko building with O’so, Mission Coffee, Anytime Fitness and other shops now open for business. Additional retailers will soon fill the remaining spaces. The Village will also see the same type of development in the former Younkers building. Our economic future looks bright.

Administratively, we have had some transitions over the past few months. Dan Ault, Village Administrator, retired in late February to travel with his wife Mahala and visit family around the country. Steve Kunst, Community Development Manager, has assumed the role of Village Administrator. Steve has been working with Dan and myself for several months as assistant administrator to assure a smooth transition.

In July, our long-time clerk, Karen Swanson, will be retiring to enjoy time with her husband. Karen has been with the Village for 37 years and will be greatly missed. She has a wealth of Village knowledge and is always the person to go to for information.

We look to fill both of these positions over the next few months.

Finally, I thank the citizens of Plover and the Village staff for your support over the years. I’ve always enjoyed talking to constituents to listen to their comments, both positive and constructive. I am proud of the community where I have been able to raise my family and call home. I believe I am leaving the Village in very good hands. I was honored to serve you as your President.