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Faces of Waukee: Kevin McCormick

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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.

Faces of Waukee: Clint Robinson

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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.

Waukee Centennial Park Ice Rink

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The variety of parks and trails in the city of Waukee makes it easy for residents to get out and about during the warmer weather months.  It’s not so easy to continue one’s outdoor activities in the winter, when cold and snow can make it much less appealing to be outside. But for the second year in a row, area residents can take advantage of a great opportunity for outdoor winter activity at Centennial Park Ice Rink in Waukee.

According to Matt Jermier, Parks & Recreation Director for the City of Waukee, the city was approached a couple of years ago by the Iowa Wild and Wells Fargo to partner on an ice rink in the community.  This partnership announced its first community rink in Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines in 2016. With the addition of the rink in Waukee, as well as another in Ankeny, the Wild and Wells Fargo have now donated three facilities throughout the metro.

The rinks provide a nice recreational option to encourage outdoor activity during the winter and to help grow the game of hockey in Iowa.  Centennial Park, with its level ground and abundance of parking space, was selected as a good central location for the rink, according to Jermier.  “We felt like the close proximity to all of the schools would spur additional interest in using the facility,” he added.

The 80×40-foot rink is constructed each year by the Waukee Parks Department, with help from the Waukee Fire Department.  This year, however, the construction process hit an unexpected snag in December. “It appears that someone tried to skate on the ice prior to the ice being thick enough for skating,” said Jermier.  This caused major problems for the base of the rink. “The liner was cut, which caused us to lose the water that had not frozen. City staff had to order a new liner,” Jermier added. The entire base of the rink had to be redone once the new liner arrived, delaying the opening of the rink.

Although it was a less-than-ideal experience, the incident provided valuable insight for Parks staff for future years.  “What we learned is that we really need to wait to fill the rink with water until the long-term forecast calls for multiple days of freezing weather,” said Jermier.  He added that staff posted additional signage at the rink and reminders on social media cautioning residents to stay off the ice until all of the water had frozen and the ice was ready for skating.

Despite the setback in December, the base was repaired and the rest of the rink construction proceeded as scheduled.  Centennial Park’s ice rink officially opened on Jan. 21 of this year, and according to Jermier, it has seen quite a bit of use, even during the polar vortex that descended on the state in late January.  “The response has been great,” he said.

When weather permits, the ice is open for hockey from dawn to noon daily, and open skating commences at noon and goes until dusk.  Per the City website, a green sign is posted at the gate to indicate that the rink is open; a red sign will be posted when the rink is closed.  The rink is not supervised, so patrons should keep in mind that they are skating at their own risk.

myWaukee Exclusive: Our Past, Present, & Future Video Story

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To say Waukee has come a long way since its coal-mining roots is an understatement.

MyWaukee partnered with Waukee APEX Associate Caleb Neese to create this look into where we were, where we are, and where we’re headed in Waukee, Iowa.

myWaukee Exclusive: Waukee Second High School Video Story

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We take a look at the growth of the Waukee Community School District and the upcoming second high school expected to be accepting students in the Fall of 2021.

This video was created in Partnership with the Waukee APEX Program. The story was conceived, shot, edited, and produced by APEX Associates Debashish Koirala and Ben Jordison.

Faces of Waukee: Keri Weston-Stoll & Alex Coggeshell

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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.

 

Faces of Waukee: Amy Varcoe

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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.

 

Waukee Economic Development 101

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It’s no secret that economic development is booming in Waukee. In both 2016 and 2017, building permits issued by the City surpassed $200 million. And, commercial development in 2018 was the highest in Waukee history with more than $40 million in commercial projects recorded.

All of that commercial development generates excitement—and many comments from citizens. City staff members often hear questions like, “Where’s the Target?” and “Why are there so many fast food restaurants?” Waukee Community & Economic Development Director Dan Dutcher aims to answer the most commonly asked questions.

Dutcher has served in his position since 2013. The most important part of his job, he said, is making sure decision-makers know what sites and buildings are available in Waukee.

“We can direct them [those looking for properties] to the different sites and who owns them and what brokerage firms or real estate firms have them listed,” said Dutcher. “We try to provide information and be a liaison between the owners, the real estate community and the Waukee properties.”

So, does the Community & Economic Development Department simply order up whichever businesses Waukee needs? Not exactly.

“The City doesn’t own land for development, so it isn’t really up to us to control which businesses come to town. It’s the different landowners or developers who are bringing prospects to us,” Dutcher said. “We just try to make the process as easy and as time-efficient as possible.”

With that said, citizens may still wonder why certain businesses come to town and how the timing works out. Dutcher said there are typical economic development patterns often seen in communities experiencing fast growth, like Waukee.

“Usually the fast food restaurants come first. Then you’ll usually see limited-amenity hotels and sit-down restaurants,” Dutcher said. “We should start seeing more of the sit-down restaurants as the fast food market gets saturated. We’re already starting to see that progression with places like Central Standard and Gastro Grub & Pub. And, we’ll probably see more upscale, sit-down restaurants as time goes by.”

While Waukee residents clearly have more dining options and professional services available to them than in the past, Dutcher said retail is a more difficult addition right now, noting one popular store in particular.

“Adding a Target to the city is one of those things we don’t control,” Dutcher said. “Certainly the big-box retail market is going through upheaval right now. Target itself is building smaller stores, mostly in large cities. There are three Targets within a 10-mile radius of Waukee, so unless they close one of those, the likelihood of them coming here is pretty small.”

While a Target store is unlikely, construction will soon begin at the Apple Data Center site, and the Palms Theatres & IMAX will soon be open. Dutcher said Apple’s investment in the community is a huge win and that the addition of the movie multiplex will bring an exciting new source of entertainment to Waukee for residents and visitors alike.

“Having a theater of this size with an IMAX is certainly going to draw people to Waukee,” said Dutcher. “Fridley Theatres is providing cutting-edge amenities in their theater which I think is great to have in the western suburbs. We’re pretty excited about it.”

Another project for which Dutcher’s expertise is integral is the multi-use Kettlestone Development, which runs along Grand Prairie Parkway. Dutcher said he is pleased with the progress being made along that corridor.

“Kettlestone encompasses around 1,200 acres. That is a tremendous amount of land to develop over a short period of time,” said Dutcher. “We’re really on track and probably seeing a faster pace of development than I anticipated. We have Holmes Murphy, the Cove at Kettlestone and several other projects that are taking place. It has also seen a lot of residential development.”

Dutcher said he knows it can be challenging for people to keep up with all of the development going on in Waukee. He encourages people to visit Waukee.org/developmentprojects for a full list of projects currently in the planning and construction phases. A list of available properties ripe for development in Waukee can be found at Waukee.org/availableproperties.

Come Out Ahead This Cold and Flu Season

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It’s the time of year when short sleeves are replaced by down jackets, which means we’re quickly entering the “cold and flu season.” While we tend to use cold and flu interchangeably, and they’re both respiratory illnesses that tend to surface at similar times, they’re actually separate illnesses caused by different viruses.

Because flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Cold symptoms are usually milder than those of the flu, and colds generally don’t result in serious health problems like the flu can.

A sore throat and runny nose are usually the first signs of a cold, followed by coughing and sneezing. Common colds are the main reason that children miss school and adults miss work. Adults have an average of two to three colds per year, and children have even more. Most people get colds in the winter and spring, but it’s possible to get a cold any time of the year.

Most people recover from a cold in about a week. Getting lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids can help cold sufferers feel better. Over-the-counter medicines may help ease symptoms but will not make a cold go away any faster. Always read the label and use medications as directed. Talk to your doctor before giving non-prescription cold medicines to children, since some medicines contain ingredients that are not recommended for children. Antibiotics will not help you recover from a cold caused by a respiratory virus. They do not work against viruses, and they may make it harder for your body to fight future bacterial infections if you take them unnecessarily.

Viruses that cause colds can spread from infected people to others through the air and close personal contact. This can happen when you shake hands with someone who has a cold, or touches a surface, like a doorknob, that has respiratory viruses on it, and then touches your eyes, mouth or nose.

There are several ways you can reduce your risk of getting a cold:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water. Wash them for at least 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Viruses that cause colds can live on your hands, and regular handwashing can help protect you from getting sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses that cause colds can enter your body this way and make you sick.
  • Stay away from people who are sick. Sick people can spread viruses that cause the common cold through close contact with others.

If you have a cold, you should follow these tips to help prevent spreading it to other people:

  • Stay home while you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with others, such as hugging, kissing or shaking hands.
  • Move away from people before coughing or sneezing.
  • A cough and sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away, or a cough and sneeze into your upper shirt sleeve, completely covering your mouth and nose.
  • Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
  • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects, such as toys and doorknobs.

This article was brought to you by :

Doctor Julianne Sarcone, ARNP
Mercy Clinics Family Medicine Waukee.
(515) 643-7000
25 W. Hickman Rd.

 

Faces of Waukee: Rudy Koester

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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.

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