Chamber honors Weisenburger

"You're in charge of everything from toilets to half million dollar boilers, and everything in between." That's how the Chamber's January Employee of the Month describes the role he has held for just over a year.

Lucas Weisenburger, a 1998 graduate of New Rockford High School, is back roaming the halls of his alma mater. He began working as O & M Manager at NR-S in the fall of 2021.

He was recognized by the Chamber for his excellent service to the school district, for the care he takes in maintaining the school building and grounds, and for his ability to find creative solutions to facility challenges.

Specifically, the unpleasant and time-consuming task of cleaning the gymnasium after games and events was one thing he sought to streamline.

"When one person does it after a game, it's a lot of work," he said. Often the person completing the work was a full-time O & M staff member who had already put in a full day. 

So, they came up with an idea to offer the job to students raising money for uniforms, equipment, field trips or special events. First it was the football team, then the junior class.

"They were done in literally 20 minutes," Weisenburger said of the football team, who began cleaning after volleyball games this past fall.

Since then, the junior class has also gotten in on the action, working to cover the cost of prom and graduation. With Prom 2023 just around the corner on April 1, they welcomed the opportunity to make money by staying a while after games to get the gym back into shape.

"It's an easy way for the class to make their money, and it's a good thing for the school because overtime adds up. It's very likely a money saver for the school," Weisenburger said. "It turned into a win-win for everybody, I think."

"Mr. Weisenburger is an excellent employee; dependable, competent, eager to learn new things and above all, humble," NR-S Superintendent Jill Louters said Tuesday. "He takes great pride in showcasing a beautiful facility that the public and our students can be proud of."

Currently, there are two full-time staff members on Weisenburger's O & M team: Shane Wallace and Brittani Rosenberg. In addition, a few high school students provide part-time help before and after school, as their schedules allow.

Weisenburger is one of many New Rockford natives who returned home after wandering away for a time. He moved to Montana after high school, where he worked at a petroleum terminal for CHS (Cenex). When his oldest son Alex was 3 years old, the family saw the oil boom as an opportunity to return to the state.

The Weisenburgers then began a slow trek eastward. The first stop was Grassy Butte, where he worked for SPG, a saltwater disposal company in the oil fields, for a short stint.

Then they purchased a home in Bismarck, but soon realized that the capital city wasn't for them either.

"When the chance came to work for my dad and move back here, we jumped on it," Weisenburger recalled. He did concrete and construction work for his father's company, Weisenburger Construction, for several years after returning to New Rockford.

The O & M position seemed to open up at just the right time, soon after his father announced that he planned to retire. Just when he thought he would likely land at another construction company, at least for a while as he explored other careers, Weisenburger was encouraged to apply by Elliott Belquist.

The opportunity was straightforward and worth giving a chance, Weisenburger thought at the time. Now, more than a year later, that chance has become a job he really enjoys.

"Everything is always moving. I think that's part of why I like it, because not every day is the same."

He also appreciates the school environment. "Everybody here has been very friendly and welcoming," he said.

There is one other really nice perk, too. "I like the fact that I can see my kids everyday," he concluded.

Does someone brighten your day every time you visit a local business? If so, nominate him or her for this award. Employee of the Month is a program sponsored by the New Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce to recognize local people for service excellence. Nomination forms are available at the Transcript office or online at http://www.cityofnewrockford.com/chamber. Send written nominations to PO Box 67, New Rockford, N.D. 58356 or email [email protected].