Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Tripoli High School (in Northeastern Iowa), earned my B.A. in Business Education at Northwestern College, and my Master’s of Education at the University of Nebraska. 

Tell us a little about your family.

Living and working in this great district gives me an ongoing sense of pride. My wife Nicole also works in the district and we are very thankful to be part of this great community! Our four kids all attend Waukee schools.

We enjoy time together as a family, including attending Lutheran Church of HOPE in West Des Moines and watching our kids grow up and participate in activities.

Going into this upcoming school year, you are taking on the new position of Chief Operations Officer for the Waukee School District. Tell us about your new position.

As Chief Operations Officer (COO), I will provide the leadership, management, and vision necessary to ensure the district has effective and efficient operational controls in place to effectively grow the organization.  In order to do so, I will work day-to-day with the Operations, Construction, Nutrition, Information Technology, and Community Education departments.

What are your goals in your new position?

My goals are to demonstrate effective leadership via collaboration and communication for the purpose of increasing student achievement and enhancing the learning and working environment for all Waukee Community School District students, staff and teachers.

The school district certainly has big changes coming in the next few years. What are you most excited about as the district continues to grow?

Given that our school district is comprised of four growing communities (Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive, and Urbandale), we will continue to see enrollment increases. With that will come opportunities to learn from and work with more great students, staff, and teachers.

Over the years, we have added elementary and middle-level school buildings. I’m excited to see our district have two high schools. Having two comprehensive high schools will give students more opportunities and access to find their passions.

Where did you grow up?

My wife Diana and I are both Iowa natives. She grew up in Ankeny and graduated from Saydel. I went to Johnston. 

Tell us about your business, Relics Awry, and how it came about.

In 2009, I built a bar stool as a shop chair. A family friend saw it and asked if I could make one for a charity auction. I gave her the one I had just made, and then built another one for her husband’s office. The stool went across the auction block for $1,700. We were amazed! 

The person who bought it asked me to build another stool and a pub table so they’d have a usable set. I had never made a pub table, but I was happy to give it a shot. This was when the creativity took off. After building that set, my mind went “awry” with ideas of how to turn useless unwanted items into functional art.

I started making lots of small pieces for Diana as gifts. As she displayed them in her salon, everyone wanted to know if I could make the same items for them. Orders started rolling in. From there, I was building for fun as I enjoyed it so much, and as I built more pieces, I needed a place to sell them. 

Diana suggested getting a booth at a show to sell my creations, so I did that back in 2011 at the Valley Junction farmers market. We couldn’t believe the response we got from the shoppers.

Eventually, I signed up for more shows across the country. The business grew pretty quickly as people had never seen furniture like mine and they were really drawn to it. These days, Relics Awry is my full-time job. 

This will be your first year as a vendor at the Waukee Arts Festival. What are you most excited about? 

We’re very excited to do a show here in Iowa since I spend so much time traveling. I love being part of a show with other local artists right here in our own backyard. 

Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from Decorah and graduated from Garner-Hayfield. I attended North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City.   

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married to my wife, Marie, for 26 years. We have four children—Cole, Maddie, Bayley and Tanner.

Readers might think you look familiar. Why might that be?

You might know me as the manager of your Waukee Fareway. I started working with the company in Clear Lake over 30 years ago. Since then, I’ve worked at stores in Winterset (which is where I met my wife, a Saint Charles native), Ames, Boone, Independence, Ottumwa, Burlington and the south side of Des Moines. I should probably have a punch card.

In 2010, I moved back to the metro to manage the Clive store and bought a home in Waukee. In 2016, I became the manager of the Waukee store.

What do you like most about the Waukee community?

Waukee is a small city with a big heart, and I truly mean that. We also love its top-notch school system and its great swim program for our kids.

Our store has been a part of the Waukee community since 1998, providing great service and competitive prices—in my humble opinion.

We’re proud to serve the Waukee community, and will do so for many more years to come. Thanks for reading a bit about me, and I hope to see you on your next visit to Fareway.

Tell us about your family.

My wife, Jenny, is a nurse. We’ve been married for 19 years, and both of us are from Waukee, although she likes to remind me that I am “a few years older.” We have three kids, ages 16, 12 and 9. We spend as much time outdoors as possible doing things like hunting, fishing, hiking and camping.

Tell our readers what you do.

As the Fire Chief for the city of Waukee, I am responsible for all operations of the fire department—including response, budgeting and personnel. The Waukee Fire Department is a combination department, meaning it employs a combination of full- and part-time firefighter/EMTs and paramedics in-house.  The department is an all-hazards department, responding to fire, ambulance and rescue calls.

Your team often makes the news for their acts of valor and quick thinking. To what do you attribute the success of Waukee’s Fire & EMS departments?

The success is 100 percent attributable to the dedication and skill of the employees and the time they spend training and preparing for emergencies. In addition to their initial training, they also spend time training each night in order to keep their skills sharp. After 27 years in the department, I am still amazed at the dedication of the firefighters.

As winter lingers a little longer and residents spend more time in their homes, odds are increased for fires in the home. Do you have any prevention tips for our readers?

·        Keep a clear space around all space heaters.

·        Make sure smoke detectors are operational with fresh batteries.

·        Have a plan with your family on how to react in an emergency.

·        Be sure carbon monoxide detectors are working and appliances are properly maintained.

·        Keep a clear area around fire hydrants.

·        Check on elderly family members more frequently than you typically would.

Left to Right: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

Keri Weston-Stoll

Tell us about your family.

I live with my husband John; we have been married for six years. He is the youngest of six siblings, and I am the oldest of four. We enjoy spending time with our nieces, nephews and our extended family.

What do you do for a living?

I lead a department of three youth services staff who create and present all of the fun library programs for children and teens ages 0-18 and their caregivers. We spend a lot of time planning and preparing events that are fun and sneakily educational, and we make many outreach visits to area schools, preschools, and child-care facilities. I also enjoy working with our Teen Advisory Board and our other amazing teen volunteers. Additionally, I purchase all of the books, DVDs, STEAM kits and other materials for children and teens.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

To me, two of the most exciting things about our library are our Digital Scholar program and our STEAM Library. Digital Scholar is a partnership with the Waukee schools that allows all Waukee students access to our online materials with their student ID numbers. Our STEAM Library offers a wide variety of educational items that all library cardholders can borrow for three weeks at a time. The most popular item is a Dash Robot. We also have a learn-to-knit kit, a keyboard, a telescope, a microscope, Little Bits, more robots, and several other items. This collection is growing all the time.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

We have a Winter Reading Bingo challenge going on for all ages until the end of January. People can sign up on our website or stop into the library for a Bingo card. For special events, we have some new monthly programming for elementary students who are fans of the “I Survived” series, a new monthly Craft Lab and a Family Disney Fan Trivia fundraiser coming up on Feb. 2.

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

Nothing too exciting—just trying to be more healthy!

Alex Coggeshell

Tell us about your family.

My family and I are originally from the Des Moines area, but we moved to Joplin, Missouri when I was in junior high. Now I’m back and proud to be an Iowan again! My grandpa, Paul Coggeshell, had a chiropractic clinic on the south side for many years—it’s surprising and heartwarming how many people recognize my last name and ask if there’s any relation. I am a spoiled only child and was raised by my wonderful mother, Micci Krause, who owns a thriving real estate company. Though it’s a bit of a trek from Joplin, my grandma and mom make frequent trips to visit me—and to go shopping at Jordan Creek.

What do you do for a living?

I’m the adult services librarian at the Waukee Public Library. I’m in charge of planning all of the adult programs as well as managing and developing the adult book collection. In short, I’m responsible for running all the fun events and buying all the books for our adult patrons. I’m also in charge of Lit+Fix—our personalized book selection service for busy caregivers and parents. Soon, I’ll have a hand in curating our library’s new art gallery, which is opening in the spring.

What do you think sets the Waukee Library apart from other metro-area libraries?

I think our library is set apart by the strong sense of community in Waukee. We serve one of the fastest growing cities in the metro, but our library offers a welcoming environment and friendly customer service that’s usually attributed to smaller towns. Library staff members really take the time to get to know our patrons and we pride ourselves on working together to meet the community’s needs.

Any exciting winter programs you’d like to tell us about?

I have so many great upcoming programs planned for adults! There will be classes on 5k Training and Disney Travel 101, a craft workshop on Beginner’s Knitting, an Herbal Tea: Mixology 101 class, and history talks on “Lessons from the Holocaust” by Brad Wilkening and “Buxton, Iowa: The Making of a One-Of-A-Kind Town” by Iowa author Rachelle Chase.

In March, we’ll kick off a new year of our Local History Series in partnership with the Waukee Area Historical Society with a presentation on “Minburn Singing Wheels” and our Lunch & Learn sessions in partnership with Waukee Parks & Recreation with an iPad Basics class.

Be sure to check out our website, give us a call or stop by the library to get all the details!

Any New Year’s resolutions you care to share with our readers?

My resolution is always to eat healthily (but save room for dessert), stay active and make some great memories.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Algona, Iowa.  

Tell us a little about what you do.

I work as the Director of Communications for Waukee Community School District. My duties are varied, which is the best part. I get to interact with students, teachers, staff, and administrators to share the amazing stories that happen every day at Waukee. As the spokesperson, I handle all media inquiries, oversee social media, the website and all public relations activities and events. My day is anything but predictable, which is what I love most.

How long have you been with the Waukee Community School District?

I started my current position in October 2018.

The second high school recently had its groundbreaking. What are you most excited about as the district continues to grow?

As a parent of a student in the district and as an employee, I’m excited to see the growing number of opportunities for our students and staff. We’re one of two districts in the state that has added a high school in the past 45 years. The innovation and collaboration opportunities are endless with business partners, students, and staff. Waukee is preparing its students for a future with real-life experiences and opportunities. The time has never been better to be a part of our school district as an employee, community member, and parent.  

Any New Year’s Resolutions you care to share with our readers?

I’m not a big resolution person, but I do try to reset any chance I get. Yoga is my go-to for centering and grounding. My husband and I have three young children— ages 9, 7, and 4—and we’re busy running from place to place with them. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but sometimes it’s important to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’m from Northeast Iowa, where my immediate and extended family resides. My parents are blue-collar workers; my father works as an equipment operator/truck driver for a heavy highway contractor, and my mother works for an egg processing plant as a line worker. In addition, they (along with my father’s siblings) help my grandfather with the operation of the family cattle and crop farm.

I met my wife Erin about three and a half years ago, and we got married in September of 2017.  We enjoy hiking, traveling, exercising, visiting the many mom-and pop-restaurants Iowa’s small towns have to offer on our Harley and cheering for the Cyclones! We have a five-year-old American Brittany named Chief with whom I enjoy pheasant hunting in the fall and winter months.

You’re an Iowa State grad with a degree in Civil Engineering. How did you land in this field of study?

I grew up helping my dad and grandfather on the farm. From a young age, I always enjoyed building and fixing things with my hands. On the farm, it seemed we were always fixing or building things and my dad was always good at showing me how to do things that fascinated me. Growing up, I knew I wanted to build things, but I wasn’t sure what. My first summer job after high school graduation was with the Fayette County Engineer’s Office. The county engineer at the time took me under his wing and introduced me to the civil engineering world. It was his mentoring that really sparked my interest in highway construction. I knew from this experience wanted to build roads and bridges. The next decision—whereto go to college—was easy. I had an uncle who studied industrial engineering at Iowa State University, and he always talked up their engineering program, so I figured ISU had to have a good civil engineering program, too!

By the time this issue reaches Waukee readers, you’ll have stepped into the role of Waukee’s Public Works Director and City Engineer. For those who don’t know, can you tell us what all this position entails for you?

Serving as the Public Works Director/City Engineer is a great honor and I’m humbled to serve the citizens of Waukee. The essential functions of my position are leading and directing the Public Works Department staff through policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems, operations, goals and objectives of the organization. I’m serving as a liaison between the City and various regional, state and federal agencies, establishing public works and capital improvement projects and their respective project budgets. In addition, I’m the chief spokesperson for the Public Works Department and ensure a high level of service to our customers

You’ll certainly have your hands full. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for as you take on your new responsibilities going into 2019 and beyond?

Waukee is growing quickly and it’s exciting to be a part of this growth. When I think back to when I first started with the city last year As I drive by all of the businesses and residential developments that have been built over this short period since I began working in this position, I get excited! I try to envision how Waukee will look in
10, 20 and 40 years. It’s exciting to be involved in building and shaping its future. Specifically for 2019, I’m looking forward to completing the Alice’s Road improvements, the beginning the Apple development and the unknown projects yet to come!

Last question. In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to this holiday season?

I’m a big Clint Eastwood fan! I’m looking forward to The Mule coming out in December.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Adam and I both grew up in the Des Moines area. We moved to Waukee nine years ago. We have four amazing kids—three daughters and one son—who are 13, 11, 6 and almost 2 years old. Their activities run the gamut from dance to Scouts, to band, to taekwondo. As you can imagine, they keep us pretty busy.

As we enter the holiday season, is there any tradition and/or Waukee event that’s a can’t-miss for the Clarkes?

I have a large family—I’m the fourth of five kids, and we have 12 nieces and nephews. So holidays for us are filled with a lot of family! A few of our favorite traditions include packing Christmas Child boxes with our kids, adopting a family, making snow people (if it’s a white Christmas) and eating!

Tell our readers a little about what you do.

In my day job, I head business development for an institutional investment firm. I oversee marketing, sales and client service. I’m also a board member for the Iowa Child Advocacy Board, a state organization that oversees the Court Appointed Special Advocacy and foster care review board programs because I want to help stand for all of Iowa’s children. I was also fortunate to be elected to the city council in 2017. I am completing my first year as a council member.

What made you want to take on the responsibility of public service?

I’ve always been engaged in service. It may sound silly, but I felt called to do more. I didn’t know exactly what that meant until I attended some council meetings. Oftentimes people don’t realize the huge impact made by the local city council. Waukee has amazing and talented city employees and a strong council with a diverse set of skills. But I felt my analytical background and my experience in planning strategically for growth would be a good addition to the team.

On a more personal note, there’s a lot of divisiveness and ugliness in politics. It’s not just today in 2018. I door-knocked for a candidate when I was in college. I was threatened, chased off the doorstep, and called some pretty awful names, all by people who didn’t know the first thing about me. That happened here in Iowa. It’s also happened when I’ve gone to the statehouse to advocate for things I believe in. I’ve been shut down fairly rudely by people who are paid out of my tax dollars to represent me. And my kids witness it regularly—ugly arguments in their school or on television. At some point, I realized that if I want our kids to have a good role model in that arena, someone who respects and listens to people, who is willing to change her mind when new information is introduced, and someone who won’t “throw shade,” maybe I need to stand up and be that person.

In this issue, we take a sneak peek at the new state-of-the-art Fridley Palms Theatre set to open in Waukee very soon. Is there any movie you’re looking forward to when their doors open to the public?

If this were a  live interview, people would see me laugh! I love movies and am excited about the theater, but having four kids basically means my movie time ends up being their selections. In our house, the kids are very excited to see the new Fantastic Beasts and Mary Poppins Returns. While I am excited for those too, I personally love anything action-oriented.