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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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Disc Golf Is Alive At Waukee Centennial Park

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The spring is in full effect and it’s almost summer! That means the weather is getting warm with sunny, hot vibrant energy! The Waukee Centennial Park in the great City of Waukee has so much to offer and surely is a place you don’t want to miss. Make sure to grab your friends, bring your discs and stop by for some disc golf. In this featured video above, you will see Thomas Wiggins and his friend TJ Hendricks doing what they love to do and discin’ it up! The park contains its city’s popular 9 hole course located on the east side. Tee boxes are the round markings and the baskets are indicated by the arrows. The Waukee Centennial Park is located on the corner of Ashworth Dr. & SE Universite Ave across from the Waukee High School. This is a great opportunity for anyone to get out into the fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors! The park has an amazing atmosphere where you may enjoy picnics, kids playgrounds, sandboxes, music festivals, family events, baseball, other sports and so much more. Don’t waste your time sitting at home and wishing you could be out doing awesome things. Get out with your friends and family to Waukee Centennial Park for some outdoor fun!

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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: Brian Hunziker

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Spencer and spent summers in Okoboji, where we still oftentimes go on vacation.

Tell us about your family.

My dad is a family practice doctor in Spencer and my mom was a stay-at-home mom. My sister, Nikki Kennedy, is an elementary teacher at Shuler Elementary in Waukee and was a teacher at Waukee Elementary before that. Her husband is a medical sales senior rep. My brother lives in Orange County, California and owns a computer sales company and his wife is the founder and owner of JuJuBe, a diaper bag company. My wife is a dental hygienist but is currently a stay-at-home mom. We have three children—twin boys, Jackson and Nile, who are two and a half, and a daughter, Brielle, who is seven months old.

Where did you go to school?

I completed my undergraduate studies at The University of Iowa. (I’m a diehard Iowa Hawkeye fan). I attended medical school at Des Moines University and residency at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge.

What do you do for a living?

As a podiatrist, I treat all conditions involving the foot and/or ankle, conservatively when possible, and surgically if needed. A good list of conditions treated and treatment options can be found on the practice website at fusionfootandankleclinic.com.

Some of us tend to be reactive rather than proactive in regards to our health. As a medical professional, what advice or early warning signs can you share that our readers may consider before seeking medical assistance?

If you’re having a medical condition involving your foot or ankle that’s affecting your daily life, it would be wise to set up an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist. A number of treatment options are available for conditions of the foot and ankle, and treatment must be individualized for each person, depending on factors such as the person’s age and activity level. At Fusion Foot and Ankle, we’re generally able to accept walk-in appointments, especially for more emergent conditions such as traumatic fractures or other injuries.

Faces of Waukee: Shelly Hughes

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Where did you grow up?

I grew up on a farm near New Hampton, Iowa. I loved every minute of it and most of my family is still there. I think the values and work ethic you gain when you grow up in a rural community become an integral and invaluable part of who you are.

Tell us a little about your family.

My husband Brian and I have been married for 16 years and we have two boys—Ben is 13 and Asher is 9. We share our household with a cat, a Yorkie and a Mini Bernedoodle.

What do you do for a living?

Since we’ve had the boys, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom. Brian and I decided early on that we would adjust our lifestyle however necessary in order for me to be home with the boys. Two years ago, I started my own photography business. I really enjoy getting to know different people and families through 123, Eyes On Me Photography.

What made you want to volunteer your time and become part of the Waukee city council?

We specifically chose Waukee as the place we wanted to settle down and raise our boys. Once I realized the impact the city council had on our daily life, I knew I wanted to be a part of those decisions. I wanted to be part of the discussion, planning and process of how our city grows and operates. I want it to continue to be the premiere, quality, safe community we were seeking when we moved here.

For you personally, what makes Waukee so special?

The people! That includes the ones who have been here forever, the ones who just moved here—everyone. We all want our town to be a safe, beautiful place. I know the landscape has changed dramatically, but it really comes down to relationships, and those haven’t changed. I can still run into everyone I know at the grocery store, or a school function or the park. Those relationships are crucial to keeping a community special.

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