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Faces of Waukee: Mercy Doctors

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Sarah Jackson, M.D.

Christopher A Etscheidt, MD

Tell us a little about your families.

SJ: I have a little family of four—me, my husband Eric and our two girls, Sigrid and Iselin. Sigrid is our spunky, spirited three-year-old, and Iselin is (so far) our laid-back three-month-old. We enjoy taking the girls to parks, the science center and the zoo.

CE: I live with my wife and eight-month-old daughter. I grew up in Eastern Iowa and my wife grew up in Ames. We love to spend time with each other and our families. I’ve lived in Iowa my whole life and did all of my medical school and residency training at the University of Iowa. I’ve been at the Waukee Pediatric clinic for two years now.

What made you want to become a doctor?

SJ: I initially went to college with no plans for med school. I got to my senior year and wanted a job where I could help people. I’ve always loved working with kids, and I’m very interested in people’s stories, which is what I think has helped bridge my theater major with my job as a doctor.

CE: I knew I wanted to become a pediatrician after my third year medical school rotation in pediatrics. I am kind of a kid at heart, so pediatrics fits perfectly with my personality. It allows me to have fun at my job every day.

What do you like most about helping patients in the Waukee community?

SJ: I love living in the community I serve. We live in Urbandale, but very close to Waukee. I like seeing familiar faces when we are out and about doing things.

CE: The thing I like most about helping patients in Waukee is that my patients and their families are people just like me. Iowans share a common bond and the Waukee community showcases that. Being able to relate to and understand my patients helps me take better care of them.

What advice might you have for parents wanting to teach their children about preventing illness?

SJ: The best way to prevent illness is to wash your hands. Teaching kids to cover their cough early on is a great skill too. And I’m never without some hand sanitizer in my bag!

CE: I would tell them the best way to avoid any illness is prevention. Whether it’s exercising every day, eating more vegetables or washing our hands, I would tell parents to display good behavior for their kids. Make prevention part of your daily routines. Starting early and making prevention part of your child’s life will allow them to develop strategies and good behaviors that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.

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Faces of Waukee: Chad Airhart

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Tell us about your background and professional career.

I began my collegiate studies with plans to be an art teacher. I began working at the Art Store in Des Moines, and eventually managed the business. I dabbled in the art community selling my own art and that of others I represented. I was the co-owner of McArtor Design Co. until I got into politics in 2003. I worked on numerous campaigns in various positions. In 2014, along with Jason McArtor and his creative director Zachary Kern, we started Goldfinch Media to publish myWaukee Magazine. I sold my stake of the business to Jason early this year to explore other business opportunities.

You are the elected Dallas County Recorder. When were you elected and can you tell us what you do in this role?

I was first elected in 2010 after defeating a 22-year incumbent. The county recorder records all real estate and real estate related documents. In addition, the county recorder is also the county registrar and keeps vital records (marriage, birth and death), registers off-road vehicles and handles passport applications and passport issues.

What other involvement have you had in the Waukee area?

Prior to being elected recorder, I served as the executive director for the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. I also served on the Waukee Planning & Zoning Commission where I served as vice chair. I attended and graduated from the very first class of the Waukee Leadership Institute and eventually served on its Board of Directors and served as president of the board. I was granted their first ever Alumnus of the Year Award.

You recently purchased Pars & Cigars (now Iowa Cigar Co.) in West Des Moines. Tell us about that.

I’d been a Pars & Cigars customer for over a decade. After the previous owner passed away last fall, my business partner and I purchased the business from his family and changed the name to Iowa Cigar Co. We have a new air filtration system, the largest selection of premium cigars in Iowa and one of the largest selections in the upper Midwest.

What accomplishments are you most proud of as recorder?

In my eight years as recorder, my office has always run a budget surplus and hasn’t cost taxpayers a penny to function. Meaning, we bring in more money over the counter for services than we spend on payroll and office functions. In eight years, we’ve returned approximately $2.5 million to the county’s general fund. These funds have helped reduce the property tax burden on the county taxpayer. On top of that, we have made all of our records dating back to 1850 digitized and searchable online. We were the first county in Iowa to accomplish this monumental task.

It’s been an honor to serve in public office in Dallas County. I am running (unopposed) for my third term as recorder in November. While I don’t have an opponent, I would appreciate everyone’s vote.

 

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Faces of Waukee: Andy Briggs

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Where did you grow up?

I’ve lived in Des Moines my entire life and went to Johnston High School.

Tell us a little about your family.

My wife Katie and I just celebrated our 15-year anniversary this summer. I have two boys—Colby is 11 and Cooper is 8. They definitely keep us busy!

What inspired you to be a teacher?

I’ve always loved sports and exercise and knew that was what I wanted to do for my career. I’m amazed that I get paid for something I love so much.

What do you like most about teaching in the Waukee School District?

Waukee schools have always been at the forefront of best practices and innovation.

Waukee APEX is the essence of best practice where we help students find their passions and become better aspiring professionals. It is inspiring to see the amazing things that our high school students can do when given the opportunity.

In our feature, we take a look at growth of the school district and the upcoming addition of a second high school. What excites you most about Waukee’s continued growth?

Growth is something we have become accustomed to in Waukee and APEX. One of my favorite things about my job is that each day is completely different from the last one. We will continue to adapt to changes in Waukee and continue to provide a quality program for Waukee students.

 

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Faces Of Waukee: Melinda Behn

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Tell us about your job.

I serve as President/CEO of the Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce. In this
role, I provide administration to further the healthy quality of life and business climate in Waukee. I lead the 330 members—including strategic planning, business advocacy, recruitment, motivation and recognition of volunteers, recruitment and retention of memberships, fund raising, budgeting, and community development. I’ve served in this role since November of 2010.

For those who are unfamiliar, can you tell us what the Waukee Chamber tries to accomplish?

The Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce is an association of businesses, organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting growth and prosperity in our local economy.

The Chamber’s Board of Directors are business members of the Waukee community, and they chair six different committees through which the Chamber’s work is completed—Membership, Community Development, Government Affairs, Scholarship, Ambassadors and Economic Development. All Chamber members are invited to participate on our committees.

The Chamber puts on numerous events throughout the year. Do you have any personal favorites?

Yes, I have two! First is “What’s Cookin’ in Waukee: A Business Expo and Tasting Experience.” It’s a business expo and tasting experience highlighting all of the great things going on in our business community! Waukee Area Chamber of Commerce members host booths with business information and offer food tastings. The expo is a great way to connect the community to the services offered by our businesses. All members and residents are invited to come check it out and grab a bite to eat at the same
time!

The other is the “Waukee Economic Development Bus Tour.” This will be our sixth year hosting the event, and that’s coming up quickly—Thursday, Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. The tour provides a closer look at the new development projects in our rapidly
growing community. It’s a wonderful partnership between the City of Waukee and the Waukee Chamber business community. We look forward to filling four buses this year. The tour will start and end in Waukee with a reception to follow at 5:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and will highlight community information, business, school and residential development.

What’s the best way for those interested to learn more about The Waukee Chamber of Commerce?

The best ways to learn more are to visit our website at waukeechamber.com or join us for a luncheon, after-hours event or ribbon-cutting ceremony. I look forward to meeting you in person!

Faces of Waukee :: Joni Pierson

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm near Ottumwa. Living in the country provided me with a great appreciation for all of the beauty there is in nature. I moved out of state for 20 years, but like so many, I found my way back, landing in Waukee in 1997. I have been very proud to call Waukee my home for the past 21 years.

You’re a local artist in the metro. Can you describe your work?

The medium I work in is acrylic painting on canvas. My paintings consist of modern abstract geometric shapes with hard lines. I’m drawn to the symmetry in shapes and using vivid color to complement my designs.

Aside from your own, what style of art do you admire?

I admire all artists that can create something beautiful from their imagination—artists that make watercolor come to life; potters that make beautiful pottery from a single piece of clay; jewelers that make beautiful jewelry we wear every day; or beautiful metal sculptures that are made from a flat piece of metal. I’m inspired by many different artist techniques.

You’ll be exhibiting at the Waukee Arts Festival this July in Centennial Park. What excites you most about this event?

I can’t wait to show my pieces to the community. Just meeting all the people that will be there browsing the art, listening to the music and enjoying all the great food is very exciting.

What do you think contributes to the ever-growing enthusiasm for the arts in Waukee and throughout the Des Moines Metro?

As Waukee and the rest of the Des Moines Metro continue to grow, I think everyone is looking for a unique piece of art to adorn the walls of their new home or business. The Waukee Arts Festival will be the perfect place to find the one-of-a-kind, beautiful piece of art from a local artist. I hope to see you there!

Faces of Waukee :: Jim Miller

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Tell us about your family.

My wife Deborah is a realtor and enjoys working outdoors when she can. My daughter Lauren and her husband Jeff live in Omaha and my son Drew is in Waukee.

You seem to have a passion for cycling. Can you tell us where that started?

One of my high school buddies rode RAGBRAI before they started using the RAGBRAI name consistently. He had a blast and we all started going the next year, RAGBRAI III. I’ve been hooked ever since.

We heard you recently biked across several states. Tell us about that.

In 2015, I completed the transcontinental southern route, which was 2,900 miles in 27 days. So far, I’ve ridden in 21 states, and across 12 of those. This summer, I will ride from Washington state to Minnesota and add four to the tally.

Can you tell our readers about your involvement with the Waukee Railroad Pergola?

Chuck Offenburger and I had a discussion about doing something at the trailhead while we were both on the Board of the Raccoon River Valley Trail Association. I asked a group of Waukee people to meet and discuss the idea, and the project took off. It was interesting to see an idea grow to a project and now a reality. My advice to anyone considering a project is to avoid small thinking and dream big!

If you had to choose one local trail you love to bike on, which would it be?

The Raccoon River Valley Trail is my training ground. When I’m on a very long ride across a state, I visualize the trail to talk myself to the finish line. It works, and that’s why the trail will always hold a special place for me.

Little Warriors Came Out Full Force During 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt

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On Saturday, March 31, 2018, many families gathered at the Waukee Centennial Park for this year’s ultimate Easter Egg Hunt. It was one of those chilly spring mornings that most of us who were there, will remember forever. Those that didn’t dress in full winter outfits really felt the icy breeze that day. And all I remember thinking was, “but isn’t it spring already?” The mystery behind the seasons baffles me to this day. With the uncontrollable winds hitting us from all directions, we couldn’t feel our cheeks. Some of us couldn’t feel our hands. The children on the other hand were on a mission and the weather could not get to them. It’s like if they were surrounded by their own energy and filled with adrenaline from pure excitement.  Even though it was a freezing morning, it did not stop these little warriors from seeing the Easter Bunny at Centennial Park for the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt. Watch (In the video above) those little smiles fill with happiness as they make their adventures into their young lives!

MyWaukee Magazine had a great time visiting the 2018 Waukee Easter Egg Hunt at the Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee!

Watch the video above to see some of the best moments we captured. We had the pleasure of taking some pictures as well that we are happy to share with you.

The parents battled through the cold to make sure their kids got to see the Easter Bunny.

With arms wide open, the Easter Bunny was very kind and every child absolutely loved their time spent seeing him.

Another photo of parents with their kids on a hunt to find the Easter Eggs.

Hugs from the Easter Bunny.

 

Parents and children patiently waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny.

A true basket of happiness for kids of all ages.

“Don’t mind us, we are here to see the Easter Bunny.”

Everybody loves our Waukee Fire Engines and Fire Trucks.

The Waukee Fire Fighters showing their full appreciation and support during the 2018 Waukee Easter Hunt.

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Faces of Waukee: Nate Kempers

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Are you from this area originally?

I’m originally from Sioux Center (in Northwest Iowa), and my wife Shanna is from Newton, but we’ve lived in the metro area for about 14 years now.

Tell us about your family.

Shanna and I have been married for 12 years and we have two kids.  Aiden is 10 and Ellie is 7.  They attend Grant Ragan Elementary.  Shanna works full-time as the office manager at Eternity Church in Clive.

We hear you have a passion for coffee.  How has that love developed over the years?

I’ve wanted to open a coffee shop for about 20 years.  When I met Shanna, we discovered that we had that same dream in common.  We’ve spent the past 13 years going to every coffee shop we could find and learning everything we could about the various ways coffee can be crafted.

You recently opened The Coffeesmith on Alice’s Road.  What sets it apart from other coffee shops?

Although we have the obvious goal of making the best possible espresso drinks, we really strive to ensure every guest has a warm sense of belonging and significance.  We really love people and we’ve found fantastic baristas who share our vision of building community and making sure every guest feels at home at The Coffeesmith.

What made you choose Waukee for your business?

We love Waukee!  We moved here six years ago and felt welcomed right away.  It was an easy decision to open The Coffeesmith in Waukee.  This community has given so much to us, so we wanted to give back by creating a space for people to gather, work and create.

Faces Of Waukee: Patrice & Brent Curvey

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Tell us about your family.

We have four beautiful kiddos.  Jeremiah is 17, Mariah is 12, Malachi is 11 and the kolache kid Brice is 4.  I’m from Texas and my wife was born and raised right here in Des Moines.

Some readers might recognize Brent.  Why might that be?

I played college football at ISU, pro football for the Carolina Panthers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders, and lastly, I played for the Iowa Barnstormers.

How did you both end up in Waukee?

Patrice and I rented a house in Waukee in 2012 and fell in love with the neighborhood.  We eventually bought our own home in 2016, three blocks from the house we once rented.

Tell us about your business, Coaches Kolaches.

Coaches Kolaches specializes in savory kolaches—homemade sweet dough with savory fillings such as meat, cheese and eggs.  Savory kolaches are popular in Texas, and they were a huge part of my childhood.  Our shop is located in Clive, and we’d be thrilled to share our passion with our Waukee neighbors.

Though these kolaches are Texas-style, we hear you’ve added bacon by popular (Iowa) demand.  Can we expect more Texas/Iowa-inspired options anytime soon?

As we grow, we will expand our menu or feature different flavors. We intend to work with some local farmers and add some sweet flavors, too!  

Faces Of Waukee: Jay Wang

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Tell us a little about your family.

My wife and I have a son Ryan who’s a 5th grader and a daughter Skyla who’s 22 months. We also have a 3-month-old Goldendoodle puppy.

When did you start this journey/business?

I started my first Wasabi restaurant back in September 2011 here in the metro.

What sets Wasabi apart from its competitors?

We take great pride in our different class of fresh fish. We always try to offer something that is not often found in Iowa.  

What made you want to open a location in Waukee?

We have a lot of customers who went to Wasabi Chi and Wasabi Tao before we opened this location, many of whom came from the western suburbs. Why not come to them?

What is your favorite thing about running the businesses?

I love to see people’s happy faces when they enjoy a good glass of wine paired with a good quality fresh fish.

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