This will be my final article as Mayor Kim Johnson due to my recent move outside of our wonderful community.

As mentioned last month, Linda Thilges, Pro Tem, will serve out the remainder of this mayor assignment. She will still serve in her current role as city council representative and has the ability to cast votes. I have heard there might be a few inquiries from residents interested in running for this great role as Mayor of West Bend. I hope there is a flood of candidates who feel the urge to serve this community in a more direct role. Our City Clerk, Lisa Sewell, is a wealth of information and was so supportive for me as I learned this new role. There is a lot to learn but it’s worth it and it very rewarding.

Another reminder that council meetings are open to the public. Stop in and watch a meeting to get a feel for this process. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:00 at City Hall.

Our swimming pool has closed much to the sadness of swimming enthusiasts but our splash pad remains open. Maybe the noon exercise group can get creative as to how to exercise amid splash pad water fun! Thank you to all the pool staff and director, Amanda Bruhn, for the great service for our community.

As the pool closes, the start of school is upon many of you. Our support goes out for our West Bend-Mallard school district staff. Have a great 2025-2026 school year full of learning, community building and positivity.

Please come out and support Ford’s Drive for Your Community fundraiser at the shelter house by enjoying a free meal and taking a short drive in a Ford car. Your individual drive generates money from our local West Bend Ford Dealer along with the national Ford Corporation. This year monies will benefit our community pickle ball courts project and Cares Community Food Pantry. Thank you West Bend Ford for this terrific opportunity. Come out and take a drive!

I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our City Council representatives, employees, business owners and community members. When I was elected my goal was to have the mayor have more of a direct connection with the community. I hope I have fulfilled a part of this goal prior to my early departure. It has been such an honor to serve as your Mayor. I will always hold West Bend close to my heart and hope to continue to come back frequently to support this Rock Solid Community.

Mayor Kim, signing off.