Johnson Creek resident receives national civic volunteerism award

Village of Johnson Creek resident Lyle Wuestenberg has been recognized both nationally and by his community’s board of trustees for outstanding civic volunteerism, according to information released by the village’s tourism and communication director. 

The village board of  trustees on Monday recognized Wuestenberg after learning he had been selected from a pool of 700 nominees nationwide to receive the “Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award.” As an award recipient, Wuestenberg was selected as a Top 100 National Award winner for outstanding civic volunteerism. Wuestenberg was among three nominees selected from the national pool from Wisconsin, the release stated. 

Wuestenberg, who was in attendance during Monday’s meeting, received a commemorative plaque.

Other Wisconsin winners, according to the award sponsors’ website, included Donald Carlson of Greenfield and the volunteer fire department of the Town of Peshtigo. A full list of winners is here: https://www.civicplus.com/small-town-volunteer-awards-2021.

The award is given on behalf of The National Association of Counties, National Volunteer Fire Council, National Association of Town and Townships, Points of Light, Main Street America, and CivicPlus, the release continued. 

Wuestenberg was nominated by the Village of Johnson Creek for his “incredible volunteer work at several local nonprofits and his philanthropic efforts that benefit the entire village,” the release stated.

Wuestenberg has owned J&L Tire in Johnson Creek for decades, and, the release continued, “during that time, he has made a huge impact on multiple organizations and individuals in the village. Many who know Wuestenberg have said he is one of the nicest individuals they have ever met. He truly is one of those rare, genuine, caring people who puts the needs of others ahead of his own.”

The release further described Wuestenberg as a leader within the Johnson Creek School District, having served as the honorary chair of its athletic fields fundraising project, “One Team One Dream,” which will provide a new football stadium, concessions area, team locker rooms, track, and a new baseball and softball field. 

Additionally, according to the release, he has supported the school by reading to elementary school students, mentoring high school students, and aiding student leadership groups, including NHS, Student Council, FFA, Skills USA, Boy and Girl Scouts, and 4-H.

Charities Wuestenberg has supported include Rainbow Hospice, where he donated land, financial support, and time to the organization’s fundraising activities; Tomorrow’s Hope; Relay for Life; Children’s Miracle Network; Johnson Creek Education Foundation; D.A.R.E.; Marine Corp League; Jefferson County Agribusiness; Jefferson County Community Excellence Award; Johnson Creek American Legions; Wisconsin ELKS; Jefferson County Citizens Police Academy; Buckets for Hunger; Johnson Creek Newcomers; Angels Wish; Special Olympics; Johnson Creek Historical Society; Shriners; Disabled Veterans; Reading Program for the Johnson Creek Library; Make-A-Wish and the Salvation Army, among others. 

“Lyle and his family have been wonderful to the village. His commitment to contribute his time and money to so many organizations and our schools is inspirational and beyond appreciated. Lyle goes out of his way to reach out to local businesses and residents to get involved in their community. We were more than thrilled when Lyle was named one of the Top 100 award winners for the Small Town America Civic Volunteer Award. He has our deep appreciation and congratulations,” Village Board President John L. Swisher, was quoted as saying in the release. 

Village of Johnson Creek Board of Trustees President John L. Swisher, at left, presents Johnson Creek resident Lyle Wuestenberg with a commemorative plaque. Wuesterberg was honored Monday by the village board after receiving recognition as a Top 100 National Award winner for outstanding civic volunteerism. He was chosen from a nationwide pool of 700 nominees to receive the recognition. Contributed photo. 

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