Editorâs note: Kicks presents 20Q, a feature that introduces readers to people involved in the areaâs arts and entertainment community. Compiled by kicks Editor Greg Little, each piece will include a short bio, photo and answers to questions that provide insight into not only that personâs artistic interests but also his or her unique personality.
Steve Stettler
Steve Stettler has cheese in his blood. That might not sound healthy, but itâs likely the reason this third-generation cheesemaker has enjoyed great professional success as head of Brodheadâs Decatur Dairy.
A 1973 graduate of New Glarus High School, Stettler has been making cheese for nearly 50 years. He earned his first Master Cheesemaker certification in 1999. Since then, he has become a master cheesemaker of cheddar, brick, Havarti, Muenster, farmerâs cheese and specialty Swiss. Last year, he became the stateâs first master cheesemaker of cheese curds.
Jan Swenson was just hired to teach band at a neighboring school in 1970 when she stopped by New Glarus High School to see its âspectacularâ band.
She went to the schoolâs band room â a classroom with a capacity, she remembers from seeing on a sign, of 36.
âIâm standing there waiting for the kids to come in, and they come in, and they keep coming, and they keeping coming,â Swenson said.
Larry Daehnâs high school band included about 100 students. At the time, the schoolâs entire student population was about 150.
It turns out his students knew something the rest of the music world would only later come to appreciate.