400 attend Night Out in Janesville

Nearly 400 people crowded into Veterans Memorial Park for the Janesville Night Out on Sunday. The event was Janesville’s version of the National Night Out, also known as “Night To Unite,” in which community members enjoy an evening of activities which help them become better acquainted with members of local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, local government, and community partners. The Janesville Area Foundation sponsored two activities during the event: face painting by Carrie Goettlicher of Making Faces Mankato and a golden retriever “puppy holding session” by local dog breeder Heather Dimmel.

Andy Arnoldt said that Sunday was his “first night out as mayor.” He was elected shortly before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, restrictions and guidelines prevented holding the Janesville Night Out for three consecutive years. To mark the event’s comeback, Arnoldt said he sought to “expand it” through new inclusions, such as live entertainment at the park’s recently constructed amphitheater. Arnoldt also donated ice cream from the city’s Dairy Queen and, with his wife Sarah, served free sundaes throughout the night.

Members of the Janesville Police Department and the Waseca County Mounted Sheriff Posse operated the law enforcement booth. “It takes a team to help the community come out,” said Janesville Police Officer Dan Peach, who has served since 2015. The booth featured free police badge stickers and safety handouts for youngsters. The group also presented two educational demonstrations for the public: The first was a surveillance drone flight. For the second, two people volunteered to be shocked with a taser by Peach.

The Janesville Fire Department invited children to “touch a truck,” satisfying curiosity about its response vehicles. Janesville Fire Fighter Cody Dobbertstein said that his favorite part of the job is “helping people.

 “It’s nice to give back to the community,” said Dobberstein. 

Also present were Nicole Bowman and Tim Engle from Palmer Bus Service, which provides bus service for a number of regional school districts including Janesville-Waldorf Pemberton (JWP). Engle, who operates the Janesville hub, said that JWP currently has six regular buses in use. The pair attended the Janesville Night Out as part of a push to recruit potential bus drivers. “We’re looking for more bus drivers, even for odd trips,” said Bowman. 

Janesville Matters, a non-profit organization dedicated to the beautification of the city, was represented by Jan Prail, Mike and Judy Ready, Vicki Bornecke, and Cheryl Schuch. Arlene Pooley, noted for being an exceptionally active member of the group, took on double duty by representing both it and the Janesville Area Foundation. “There are so many other wonderful volunteers,” said Ready. Besides offering information to prospective volunteers, Janesville Matters hosted a rock-painting activity for children.

After the strong attendance at Sunday’s festivities, Arnoldt said that community members can expect the Janesville Night Out to happen again next year. He added that he’d like to see large community gatherings like this happen “more often,” now that he knows they can be executed successfully. “It’s great for the community,” Sarah added.