Past Commander Richard Staedt will present the Golden Axe to Kimberly Fire Chief Jim Hietpas, Outstanding Firefighter award winner for 2023.

KIMBERLY — Kimberly’s American Legion Post 60 is planning a 100th anniversary program July 3 at Sunset Park prior to the village of Kimberly fireworks show.

Past Commander Richard Staedt will present the Golden Axe to Kimberly Fire Chief Jim Hietpas, Outstanding Firefighter award winner for 2023.

Wisconsin Department Vice-Commander Jeff Zwiers and Post Commander Brian Smits will report on the state of the post, which is still strong after 100 years, and provide history of the post and namesake William Verhagen, the first man from Kimberly to die during WWI. 

The American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary also will announce the winners of the 2023 Nancy Klarner Memorial Scholarships. 

The American Legion presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at the Sunset Park Amphitheater.

Ahead of the program, Cdr. Brian Smits will be live on WHBY AM Fox Valley Thursday June 29 at 6:45 a.m. Smits will answer questions about the Post Centennial, the post’s namesake William Verhagen and the continuing mission of the American Legion.

For updates, follow Post 60 on Facebook HERE.



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By Dan Plutchak

Dan Plutchak, born and raised in Kaukauna, is cofounder of Kaukauna Community News.