Shawano Leader News

80 units planned to start, with potential up to 250By: 

Brady Van Duerzen, [email protected]

Contributed Photo Construction on a new storage facility on Willow Lane in the town of Washington is ahead of schedule. D.S. Storage Facilities expects the 80-unit facility to be ready by Aug. 1.

Work is progressing quickly on a new storage facility in the town of Washington.

D.S. Storage Facilities officially broke ground July 1 for an 80-unit complex on 5 acres at W5324 Willow Lane, and owner David Schreiter said the project is ahead of schedule.

“We had originally planned for the facility to open either Sept. 1 or Aug. 15,” Schreiter said. “Weather has been very good, which has allowed us to push up the opening date to Aug. 1.”

The new facility’s units will come in a variety of sizes: 10 feet by 20 feet, 10 by 30, 10 by 50, and 13 by 45.

Schreiter said the varying sizes provide flexibility for storage needs, like “commercial, a car, boats or even more personal stuff.”

Monthly rentals will range from $65-$150.

The site will include security cameras, fencing and an asphalt parking lot. Schreiter declined to disclose the cost of the project, which ultimately could accommodate up to 250 units if needed.

Schreiter, who owns five other storage facilities in the Appleton area, said it was easy to work with local officials on the project.

“The town of Washington’s Town Board and the Shawano County planning committee were all very helpful with the project,” Schreiter said. “They have made this project so easy, and usually when you start construction on a building like this, they are never easy.”

Although there are at least six other storage facilities in the area, Schreiter decided there was sufficient demand for one more after he and his wife purchased a year-round home in Shawano.

Schreiter said his business feels “more like fun than work,” so he decided to take his work with him to Shawano.

For his new project, Schreiter sought out the help of Cody VandeWettering, a project manager for Keller Inc., a design/build general contractor based in Kaukauna.

Schreiter said VandeWettering is a friend whom he has worked with several times.

“We have a great relationship because it is built on trust,” VandeWettering said. “We get things done, we communicate well and it is just awesome.”

VandeWettering, who has been on the work site since the project began, said he noticed the response from the community almost immediately, and believes that Schreiter will do just fine in his new location.

“There is a definite need for storage in Shawano,” VandeWettering said. “The community reacted great to the project. So far I think Dave is getting booked pretty fast. He is really helping out the people, and I think that he will have no problem doing a great job.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: D.S. Storage Facilities

WHERE: W5324 Willow Lane, Shawano.

WHEN: Anticipated opening is Aug. 1.

WHO: For information, call David Schreiter at 920-419-3991.

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New beach area already a big hitBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Contributed Photo The new beach and swimming area at the recently established Smalley Park in Shawano is fast becoming a popular attraction in its first month of summer operations.

The latest addition to the city of Shawano’s parks system seems to already be a hit with visitors during its first summer of operations, even though the new Smalley Park is still in the first phase of improvements the city hopes to make there.

Matt Hendricks, park and recreation director, said more than 70 people and several boaters turned out this past weekend to enjoy the new beach and swimming area at the park that runs along the Wolf River adjacent to the former Shawano Medical Center.

The Shawano Common Council approved a final development plan for the park in March that, in addition to the public beach, called for a dock, boat slips, canoe and kayak launch, an amphitheater seating area for the Ski Sharks shows, shelter, a concession stand and toilet and storage facility, and walking trails.

On Wednesday, the council will consider a memorandum of understanding with the Shawano Ski Sharks to split the cost of a new performance area for the Ski Sharks and an amphitheatre for its audience.

The new area would be moved north to just south of Third Street.

Hendricks said it was felt the Ski Sharks shows would be better situated away from the beach area.

In addition to a larger viewing area, the new area is wider and right next to the Shawano Lake outlet.

The shows already draw roughly 500 spectators each night.

Hendricks said the city’s partnership with the Ski Sharks in developing the park has been a benefit for the community. The club has already provided volunteer funding and labor, he said.

“It’s a great partnership. This is something the whole community can use and it’s being driven by the Ski Sharks,” Hendricks said. “People can be proud of this attraction and the way it uses our resources.”

Ski Sharks President Dave Passehl said the club and the city have been working as partners for a couple of decades, and the proposed memorandum of understanding is just the latest collaboration between them.

“It’s another re-affirmation of the investment the Ski Sharks and the city are making in the community,” he said.

The Ski Sharks have been the primary users of what was previously known as Wolf River Beach, Passehl noted.

For that reason, he said, the club felt it was “our responsibility to give back in that regard.”

He said the club was grateful to be able to make use of an incredible resource. He added that other teams and clubs that visit are also impressed.

“They can’t believe how incredibly fortunate we are,” Passehl said, adding the group is looking forward to taking part in future development of the park.

“We’re excited to see this project take place,” he said.

The first phase of park development has moved rapidly in a few short months, and has included bringing in some 250 tons of sand for the new beach.

Some landscaping and materials for a retaining wall were salvaged from the former hospital.

Park and recreation employees built the park signs at a significant cost saving, according to Hendricks.

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The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds producers to pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates for 2016.

Producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits.

In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, producers are encouraged to visit the Shawano-Menominee County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline.

The acreage reporting dates are as follow:

July 15: All spring-seeded crops, forage seeding, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres

Aug. 15: Cabbage

Sept. 30: All value-loss crops except nursery

Nov. 15: Perennial forage, fall mint, fall-seeded small grains, pasture, rangeland and forest

Jan. 17: Perennial fruits including, but not limited to, apples, pears, blueberries, cherries and grapes

The following exceptions apply:

If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendar days after purchase or acquisition of the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing” or “seed,” then the acreage must be reported by July 15.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, visit the Shawano-Menominee County FSA office 603 Lakeland Road, Shawano, or call 715-524-4814.

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6 systems participating in national program

ThedaCare is one of six organizations selected to participate in a program aimed at better meeting the complex medical and social needs of high-need, high-cost patients.

Transforming Complex Care is a national initiative funded through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and led by the Center for Health Care Strategies. The goal is to help ThedaCare and five other health care organizations enhance existing complex care programs.

“It’s a great honor and very exciting for ThedaCare and Northeast Wisconsin to be selected for this program and to receive a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation,” said Dr. Sandra Groenewold, a family medicine physician with ThedaCare Physicians and physician lead of the local program. “The grant will allow us to work with Gold Cross Ambulance to help decrease unnecessary emergency department visits and to check up on certain patients to help reduce their need for hospitalization.”

Patients with complex needs account for disproportionate health care costs. They often have many medical, mental health and substance use treatment needs, and face social and economic challenges that also complicate their health outcomes, said Allison Hamblin, vice president of strategic planning at CHCS.

“Health care providers and health systems across the country are looking to implement complex care models based on emerging best practices,” she said. “Transformingcomplex care will enable leading health organizations to more effectively address the social determinants of health for high-need, high-cost patients, and will offer lessons for replication that maximize existing community strengths.”

ThedaCare was competitively selected to participate in the initiative, along with five other sites intentionally drawn from small- to mid-sized cities. Each will receive funding support and participate in a learning collaborative offering 1:1 and group technical assistance, peer exchange and tools. Other sites participating in the initiative are AccessHealth Spartanburg in South Carolina, Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation in Montana, OneCare Vermont in Vermont., Redwood Community Health Coalition in California and VCU Health System in Virginia.

Over the next two years, the participants will refine strategies across six key areas for improving care: care model enhancements; data and analytics; workforce development; financing and accountability; governance and operations; and policy and advocacy.

As the program progresses, CHCS will share lessons and tools from the sites’ experiences.

“Caring for patients with complex needs requires innovative programs that go beyond medical issues to address unmet social needs,” said David Adler, senior program officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. “The Transforming Complex Care sites will support a culture of health by building the evidence base on improving care for high-need, high-cost patients.”

ThedaCare serves over 200,000 patients annually and employs over 7,000 healthcare professionals throughout the region. ThedaCare has hospitals in Appleton, Neenah, Berlin, Waupaca, Shawano, New London and Wild Rose, as well as 34 clinics in nine counties.

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Shawano Police Department

July 6

Police logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Two female juveniles were cited for underage drinking at Kadletz and Elizabeth streets.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen in the 600 block of South Cleveland Street.

Theft — Police responded to a property theft complaint in the 600 block of West Eagle Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of South Lincoln Street.

Theft — Money was reported stolen in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 6

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

Obstruction — A 17-year-old Fort Atkinson male was arrested for obstructing an officer and bail jumping on state Highway 55 in the town of Maple Grove.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Second Drive in the town of Washington.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a forgery complaint on Church Road in the town of Waukechon.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Circle Drive in the town of Red Springs.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Drug Offense — A 24-year-old Shawano man was cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia on Butternut Road in the town of Herman.

Disturbance — A 41-year-old Pulaski woman was arrested for strangulation and disorderly conduct on Middle Drive in the town of Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lawn Road in the town of Lessor.

Clintonville Police Department

July 6

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Theft from a vehicle was reported on North Main Street.

Burglary — A burglary was reported on East 15th Street.

Accident — A two-vehicle property damage accident was reported on South Main Street.

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Plans should consider future residents’ needsBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan The Shawano Plan Commission takes part in a table-top visioning exercise aimed at setting long-range development goals for the city Wednesday. The study being compiled by the East Central Regional Planning Commission is expected to be completed by the end of summer.

What should Shawano look like 20 years from now?

The Shawano Plan Commission on Wednesday took part in a visioning exercise to provide its input on that question as part of a long-range planning study being conducted by the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission.

The table-top exercise gave commissioners a chance to identify areas, and even particular properties in the city that are either in need of some improvement or that should be designated as benefits to the community that should be maintained.

It also gave officials an opportunity to single out areas for long-requested amenities such as a dog park; something that has come before the city previously, but has been unable to find a location acceptable to its would-be neighbors.

Mayor Jeanne Cronce said the exercise was intended to brainstorm what the city should be doing for future generations.

“What are we doing for them?” she said. “That’s what we have to think about, the people that will be here after we’re long gone.”

City Administrator Brian Knapp said officials have a significant long-term responsibility in spite of a relatively short time in office.

“The reality is that we’re stewards,” he said. “It’s a very short time in the scheme of things. It’s a very short time that we have this responsibility and yet we’re supposed to be thinking not just about the people who are here today, but, like the mayor said, those who are coming in the future. What are we going to deed them?”

Shawano residents and visitors to the city had an opportunity to take the same visioning exercise and give their input last month at the Shawano Summerfest.

Knapp said the traffic of visitors during the roughly 2 1/2-hour session was fairly constant and input was positive, with more than 50 people participating.

Several city committees and commissions have since taken the same exercises.

The East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission will compile and organize the feedback before presenting a final report to the city.

Knapp said the feedback will help prioritize infrastructure improvements, building renovation and redevelopment opportunities, as well as address concerns about traffic safety and accessibility.

A final report is expected by the end of the summer.

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By: 

Leader Staff

The Shawano Police Department is inviting the public to join its Operation I.D. program, which is aimed at helping authorities identify and recover stolen property.

“In recent months we have been receiving numerous calls about thefts from yards, garages and homes,” Police Chief Mark Kohl said. “In many of the thefts the owner cannot supply the police with a serial number or owner applied numbers. This information is critical for the police in trying to recover this stolen property.”

In addition to making note of all serial numbers, names and model numbers on your valuables, Kohl also recommended taking digital photographs of valuables and keeping that information in a safe place.

Also, under the department’s Operation I.D. program, police will loan you an engraver to apply an owner I.D. number to valuables that do not have serial numbers or easily identifiable characteristics.

“Mark anything of value that a burglar, or two, could remove from your premises,” Kohl said.

He said those items might include electronics, power tools, computers, stereos, radios and bicycles.

“Please stop down and ask about the Operation I.D. program and we will loan you an engraver to take with you,” Kohl said. “We’ll provide you with an engraver and instructions on how to use it.”

The department is located at 125 S. Sawyer St., or you can call the department at 715-524-4545.

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Shawano man among new troopers

Gov. Scott Walker participated in the swearing-in ceremony for 38 new Wisconsin State Patrol officers in La Crosse on July 1.

The group included Zachary J. Sincoular, of Shawano, a State Patrol trooper assigned to Marinette County.

The new officers began their training as cadets in the 61st recruit class at the Wisconsin State Patrol Academy at Fort McCoy on Jan. 10. Their 25 weeks of training prepared them for law enforcement careers as either State Patrol troopers or inspectors in one of five regions around the state.

Troopers generally patrol highways to enforce traffic safety and criminal laws, while inspectors focus primarily on enforcement of motor carrier (large trucks, buses and other commercial motor vehicles) safety laws and regulations.

“Throughout their rigorous training, our newest officers displayed the mental, physical and emotional strength needed for the State Patrol’s traffic and public safety missions,” said Capt. Paul Matl, commander of the State Patrol Academy. “They successfully completed comprehensive training in an array of subjects including traffic and criminal law, firearms marksmanship, emergency vehicle operations, crisis management and traffic crash investigations. They will continue their training and education throughout their careers.”

Twelve of the new officers served in the military, and seven are women.

Information about becoming a State Patrol trooper or inspector is available online at www.wistatepatroljobs.wi.gov.

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Shawano Police Department

July 5

Police logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Assault — Police investigated an assault complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of Northridge Drive.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of South Sawyer Street.

Theft — A bike was reported stolen at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Theft — A wallet was reported stolen in the 400 block of Humphrey Circle.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 5

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on state Highway 160 in the town of Maple Grove.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Lake Street in the town of Aniwa.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Mill Street in Eland.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on Quartz Avenue in Mattoon.

Accidents — Authorities responded to an injury accident on state Highway 47 in the town of Red Springs and logged three deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

July 5

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — A suspicious incident was checked in Olen Park.

Hit and Run — A property damage hit-and-run was reported in a parking lot on South Main Street.

Trespass — Three juveniles were warned for littering and trespassing on Anne Street.

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Antigo board challenges court’s authority in caseBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Antigo school officials are not backing down from plans to close Mattoon Elementary School this fall and have filed a brief in circuit court maintaining the court has no authority to stop them.

The village of Mattoon and two parents of Mattoon Elementary students filed for a court injunction in May to stop the Unified School District of Antigo from closing the school.

They are asking the court to order that Mattoon Elementary be kept open until at least the end of the 2016-2017 school year to give parents adequate time to find other educational options for their children.

The civil complaint also maintains the the school’s closure will make the village of Mattoon a less attractive place to live, leading to a decline in population, business presence and economic vitality.

There is still no court date set in the matter.

Most of June was taken up by judicial reshufflings in the case, with Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court judges James Habeck and William Kussel Jr. recusing themselves.

The case was subsequently assigned to Forest County Judge Leon Stenz, but the plaintiffs objected and filed a request for a new judge, according to court records.

The case has since been assigned to Taylor County Judge Ann Knox-Bauer.

Antigo school officials voted twice to close the elementary school. Some parents say the School Board’s first vote in April was taken without any public notice. The board held a special meeting last month to vote again and came down to the same 5-4 decision.

In a response filed last week to the civil complaint, the school district and board maintain the vote was a valid exercise of school officials’ power and that the court lacks jurisdiction over school district actions.

The response also denies the complaint’s allegation that board members “conspired to surprise the public with the action to close Mattoon Elementary School without proper notice and out of spite and retaliation against the residents of Mattoon for the board members’ perception that residents of Mattoon did not show sufficient support for the board’s proposed referendum.”

The $25.9 million referendum plan would have closed five of the district’s seven elementary schools, renovated the remaining two, and built a brand-new, centralized school in Antigo.

Mattoon and Crestwood schools would have stayed open under that plan.

The referendum failed by a vote of 3,787-2,615.

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More than $1M awarded locallyBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Working on concrete supplied by Peters Concrete Co. in Bonduel, Dave Kasper of Miron Construction finishes a freshly poured concrete floor inside Shawano Community Middle School.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Ryan O’Connor of Radtke Reuter Electric LLC in Shawano works on installing electrical systems inside the renovated Shawano Community Middle School.

An estimated $10 million overhaul of Shawano Community Middle School is paying dividends in terms of jobs and work for local contractors and suppliers.

Managers overseeing the publicly funded school renovation project have hired locally for electrical work, concrete supplies, landscaping services and office furnishings.

In all, more than $1 million in contracts have been awarded to Shawano County businesses, which means the money is more likely to be reinvested locally, as opposed to supporting out-of-town companies.

“To keep that money around this area is only going to help our economy,” said Dan Schutt of DFS Business Interiors, a Cecil-based firm that landed the job of equipping the newly renovated school with desks, chairs and other office furnishings.

Voters in the Shawano School District approved a referendum in November to move forward with a long-delayed upgrade of the middle school, 1050 S. Union St., which originally served as Shawano’s high school. The 62-year-old building is getting a new heating system, new main entrance, an enlarged cafeteria, new gymnasium locker rooms and more.

Work began in April and is scheduled for completion by August, before the new school year begins.

Miron Construction Co., the school district’s construction management firm, has worked to keep the project within budget while also looking for opportunities to award contracts to local businesses whenever possible.

Miron project manager Jared Olk said enlisting local specialists and suppliers not only makes a project go more smoothly from a logistical standpoint, it also tends to promote a stronger commitment on the job site among workers taking pride in what they are doing.

“It brings a sense of community together,” Olk said. “I’m glad we were able to find those local contractors. It worked out well.”

The largest local contract went to Radtke Reuter Electric LLC of Shawano, which won the estimated $900,000 job of handling all electrical work throughout the middle school project. The firm hired nine additional employees for the school job.

Business owner Mike Reuter said his firm has done work for the Shawano School District many times previously, so it is beneficial to the district to have a company that is familiar with school facilities and administrators.

Reuter also agreed with keeping the school district’s money in the community as much as possible.

“You’ve got local people paying for it,” he said. “You might as well try to keep it local.”

Other firms involved in the project include Peters Concrete Co., which is using a Bonduel plant to produce $20,000 to $30,000 worth of concrete, and Gretzinger Landscaping & Evergreens LLC of Shawano, which is doing a $50,000 courtyard makeover that originally was not part of the referendum project but was funded separately.

Jeff Peters, owner of the concrete supplier, said his workers already have poured concrete for new foundations and new floors in the renovated school.

“It’s a nice job,” he said. “We’re very happy to have the work.”

DFS Business Interiors has ordered about $62,000 worth of office furnishings to be installed before the school project is finished. Schutt said he was pleasantly surprised to see his firm announced as the winning bidder for the contract, which he called “a nice chunk of business.”

Doing business with local firms also will benefit the school district later with good customer service if any sort of follow-up service is needed, Schutt said.

“I’m here,” he said. “I’m here to stay.”

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Here’s a guide to area activities over the Fourth of July weekend:

Saturday, July 2

Cloverleaf Lakes Kiddie and Pontoon Parades: Cloverleaf Lakes Chain, town of Belle Plaine. Parade at 10 a.m. at boat launch on County Road Y, pontoon parade at 6:30 p.m. on Pine and Grass lakes.

Shawano Farmers Market: Franklin Park, Shawano. 8 a.m. to noon. More than 20 regular vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheeses, crafts or other products. Music by Skip Jones. Nonprofit fundraiser: SAM25.

Gresham: Parade 11 a.m. Family Fun Fest from noon to dusk at Veterans Park on Main Street. Bike raffle, cake walk, petting zoo, bounce house, games, water play area, dance performances, food vendors, craft and sale vendors, 50/50 raffle and fireworks at dusk.

Middle Village: Fireworks sponsored by Town of Menominee Fire Department. Dusk.

Sunday, July 3

Clintonville: DJ, food, music and activities begin at 5 p.m. at Olen Field. Fireworks at dusk (rain date July 5).

Bonduel Civic Association Antique Car Show: Cedar Park, 617 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel. Seven classes of vehicles. Food and beverages. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gillett: Truck and Antique Tractor Pull, 7-11 p.m. at Zippel Park. Music by Rapid Transit starting at 7 p.m.

Shawano: Ski Sharks show, Wolf River Beach, Smalley Park, 6 p.m.

Shawano: Fireworks at 9 p.m. at the Shawano City-County Airport.

Monday, July 4

Bonduel: Parade starts at 11 a.m. Bonduel Bike giveaway drawing will be held at 3 p.m. at Village Park. Bonduel Broncos will play at 1:30 p.m. Bonduel American Legion team will play Shawano following the Broncos’ game. TNT Polka Band will play from 1-6 p.m., followed by The Presidents from 7-11 in Village Park. Fireworks will begin about 9:45 p.m.

Bonduel Village Centennial: Village Park pavilion, Bonduel. Community Archives presents historic photographs, music, question-and-answer on village’s 100-year anniversary. 1-5 p.m. Free admission. 715-758-2687.

Leopolis Triathlon: The triathlon is sponsored by the Leopolis Booster Club and consists of three races: the jock class (50-yard swim, 12-mile bike and 5-mile run), the beer belly (50-yard swim, 5-mile bike, 2-mile run) and the 16 and under (50-yard swim, 5-mile bike and 2-mile run). Race begins at 11 a.m. There’s also a parade at 1:30 p.m., ballgame, refreshments, raffle, entertainment. 715-787-4402.

Gillett: Antique Car and Truck Show, 9 a.m. Horse pull starts at 10 a.m. Parade begins at 2 p.m. Lena Mini and Modified Tractor Pull starts at 6 p.m. Music by Jess Hav’n Phun at 3 p.m, professional wrestling show at 6 p.m. and Starfire Band at 8 p.m. Fireworks. All at Zippel Park.

Tigerton Block Party: Music, games, silent auction, and food at Community Park, Cedar Street. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fireworks at dusk.

Breed: Parade on County Road AA in Breed, bike giveaway, food, beverages and raffles all sponsored by the Breed Sportsman’s Club.

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Bahr also manages local utility systemBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Gresham Village Administrator Art Bahr is stepping down after eight years in a job that combines overseeing the village government and managing the local electric utility.

Bahr, 52, announced Friday that he will resign his position with the village, effective July 8, to move into the private sector.

The Gresham native called it bittersweet to give up a job working for his hometown village, but he said the private sector opportunity is significant.

He will become operations manager for Renewable World Energies LLC, a Michigan-based company that operates hydroelectric power plants similar to those in Gresham.

“It’s a good career move for me,” he said. “It is a very challenging assignment with the potential of great rewards.”

Village Board members plan to meet next week to begin the process of searching for a new administrator.

Village President Ken Beyer said he hopes to have the position filled within 45 or 60 days, although he said it will be difficult to find someone capable of replacing Bahr.

“I hope we can find someone who can do the work he did,” Beyer said. “I tried to talk him into staying, but he’s going to better himself.”

Bahr, who previously worked for the Green Bay-based utility Wisconsin Public Service, holds the dual titles of Gresham village administrator and manager of the village-owned Gresham Municipal Utilities. He oversees hydroelectric dams on the Red River that generate electricity for the community’s estimated 600 residents.

His village salary of $68,000 a year covers both jobs.

Since assuming the village position in 2008, Bahr led a lengthy process of renewing Gresham’s federal permit to operate the hydroelectric system, which is now authorized for another 30 years. He also handled upgrades to a wastewater treatment plant and the introduction of automated meter reading for water and electric service.

Former Village Board member Pat Hoffman said Gresham is losing a talented and forward-thinking administrator who, as a hometown native, always seemed to have the village’s best interests at heart.

“He knew the village. He knew the people,” Hoffman said, “and he really was working to make the village better.”

In his new job, Bahr said he will be working from home, so he and his family will not have to leave Gresham. Being a local native, he said, and having an opportunity to serve the community was his “pride and joy.”

Bahr extended thanks to village employees and others who supported his work for the village.

“I will sincerely miss the partnerships and associations that have been formed,” he said. “It is my hope that our progress continues and our support networks stay strong.”

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Also has federal warrant for illegally entering U.S.By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A Gillett man apparently in the country illegally was charged Friday for an alleged ninth drunken-driving offense and was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond.

Hermanegildo Garcia-Gutierrez, 48, could face a maximum 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if found guilty of ninth-offense operating while intoxicated.

According to the criminal complaint, Garcia-Gutierrez is also wanted by the U.S. Marshals office for illegal entry into the country, but it wasn’t clear when that entry took place.

The complaint states Garcia-Gutierrez has previous OWI convictions in the United States going back to 1997.

Garcia-Gutierrez was arrested in the town of Waukechon on June 21 after sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a reckless driver speeding and crossing the centerline on state Highway 22, according to the complaint.

The complaint states Garcia-Gutierrez had no identification and did not speak English. A Spanish speaking interpreter was called to assist. He was taken into custody after failing roadside sobriety tests.

According to court records, Garcia-Gutierrez has four previous OWI convictions in Illinois, one in Georgia, two in Waupaca County and one in Outagamie County. The convictions stretch from 1997 to the most recent in 2008, both in Illinois.

He has also been listed in court records under four other aliases with 14 different dates of birth, according to the criminal complaint.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Friday.

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Shawano Police Department

June 30

Police logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 800 block of South River Street.

Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of Waukechon Street.

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint at Pick ‘n Save, 190 Woodlawn Drive.

Arrest — A 31-year-old man was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 800 block of South Park Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

June 30

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Theft — Prescription pills were reported stolen on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Warrant — A 26-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on County Road G in the town of Herman.

Warrant — A 31-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant on Schmidt Road in the town of Red Springs.

Theft — An attempted break-in to a truck was reported on Country Lane in the town of Washington.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Bierman Road in the town of Aniwa.

Clintonville Police Department

June 30

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Harassment — Harassment was reported on 10th Street.

Harassment — Harassment was reported on East Madison Street.

Suspicious — A suspicious incident was reported on South Clinton Avenue.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Authorities on Friday released the names of the people involved in a fatal crash that killed one driver and seriously injured two other people in the town of Lessor on Thursday evening.

Wayne S. Baumgart, 70, of Seymour, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which took place about 6:30 p.m. on state Highway 47 near County Road S, north of Hofa Park Road.

The initial investigation determined the vehicle driven by Baumgart was traveling southbound on state Highway 47 when it crossed the centerline into the path of a northbound vehicle being driven by Randall C. Olson, 65, of Townsend.

Olson and his passenger, Christine M. Olson, 65, of Townsend, sustained serious injuries.

All parties had to be extracted from their vehicles by rescue personnel.

Randall Olson was flown out by ThedaStar and was in critical condition at an Appleton area hospital.

Christine Olson was also transported and was in stable condition.

The cause of the crash was under investigation, but alcohol does not appear to be a factor, the sheriff’s department said.

The crash closed all lanes of Highway 47 for nearly two hours.

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A student from Shawano won one of the nation’s highest awards at the 2016 SkillsUSA Championships held June 22-23 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shawano Community High School student Alex M. Raeder was awarded a Skill Point Certificate in electrical construction wiring.

More than 6,000 students competed at the largest skill competition in the world showcasing career and technical education.

Students were invited to the event to demonstrate their technical skills, workplace skills and personal skills in 100 hands-on occupational and leadership competitions, including robotics, automotive technology, drafting, criminal justice, aviation maintenance and public speaking.

Skill Point Certificates were awarded in 86 occupational and leadership areas to students who met a predetermined threshold score in the competition.

Industry leaders from 600 businesses, corporations, trade associations and unions planned and evaluated the contestants against their standards for entry-level workers.

Industry support of the SkillsUSA Championships is valued at over $36 million in donated time, equipment, cash and material. More than 1,700 industry judges and technical committee members participated this year.

The SkillsUSA Championships event is held annually for students in middle school, high school or college/postsecondary programs as part of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. More than 300,000 students and advisers participate in SkillsUSA annually.

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Crash closes Hwy. 47 for 2 hoursBy: 

Leader Staff

A 70-year-old Seymour man was killed in a crash Thursday on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department reported.

Authorities responded to a report of a two-vehicle rollover crash on state Highway 47 near County Road S, north of Hofa Park Road, about 6:30 p.m.

The initial investigation determined the vehicle driven by the Seymour man was traveling southbound on Highway 47 when it crossed the centerline into the path of a northbound vehicle.

A man and a woman in the northbound vehicle, both 65 years old from Townsend, sustained serious injuries.

All parties had to be extracted from their vehicles by rescue personnel.

The Townsend man was flown out by ThedaStar and was in critical condition at an Appleton area hospital late Thursday.

The woman was also transported and was in stable condition.

The cause of the crash was under investigation, but alcohol does not appear to be a factor, the sheriff’s department said.

The crash closed all lanes of Highway 47 for nearly two hours.

The sheriff’s office was assisted at the scene by Bonduel police, fire and EMS, ThedaStar, N.E.W. 50, Pulaski Fire, Navarino-Lessor EMS, Black Creek Ambulance and Nichols EMS.

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Backes Brat Haus holding grand openingBy: 

Brady Van Duerzen, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Brady Van Deurzen Dan Backes, center, chats with regulars Gary and Jane Gilchrist about the wide variety of meats available at Backes Brat Haus & Meat Market in the town of Wescott. The shop, which opened in May, will hold a grand opening Saturday.
Leader Photo by Brady Van Deurzen Backes Brat Haus & Meat Market will hold its grand opening Saturday and Sunday. The business opened in May at 5858 N. Lake Drive, Shawano.

It’s official. Backes Brat Haus & Meat Market is open for business.

The market opened its doors at 5858 N. Lake Drive, Shawano, in May, but owner Dan Backes said he wanted to “get my feet wet” before announcing a grand opening.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Friday, the grand-opening celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday will include discounts, a Sun Drop slushee machine and a brat fry out front. There will also be free samples and drawings for prizes.

The store is a carnivore’s delight, offering a variety of homemade bratwurst and other sausages, along with custom cuts of beef, pork and other grill-ables.

Backes and his wife, Chris, also own Backes Food Mart in Birnamwood. Backes’ father, Bernard, opened the business 40 years ago. They began making their own sausages in the 1980s, and the business now produces more than 25 different types of fresh bratwurst, including unique palate-pleasers such as Bloody Mary, Hawaiian, taco, and chicken spinach feta.

Backes’ dream to create his own brat haus started taking shape when Pingel’s Old Time meat market in Shawano closed in 2014.

He saw Shawano as the perfect location.

“I am hoping to draw tourists and local customers in,” Backes said. “I am focusing more on the locals, though, because they are the customers that are going to keep us going year-round.”

Backes purchased the former Twisterz Market building in the town of Wescott in March and spent the first couple of months remodeling the interior before opening over the Memorial Day weekend.

He hopes the business experience gained in Birnamwood will help ensure the success of the new market.

“Our other place in Birnamwood is definitely making it,” Backes said. “The people in Birnamwood are awesome to us, and that has kept it going over the years.”

Backes Brat Haus has also fared well over the last two months.

“It is just amazing,” Backes said. “We are so happy with turnout so far. The people have been so awesome, and we hope that we can keep this place going for a long time.”

Backes said customers have told him they are pleased to see the “beautiful” building being utilized.

“The response of the people has been amazing,” Backes said. “They are welcoming us in big time. The people have been so inviting that it’s not even like working a job at all.”

Backes also volunteered to host brat frys for local organizations in the market’s parking lot. He will supply the tent, tables, grill and other supplies.

Gary Gilchrist and his wife, Jane, of Shawano, have been regulars since the store opened in May.

“Dan is doing a really great job here so far,” Gilchrist said. “The meat here is just really good quality. It’s such good quality that we’re going to keep coming back and back.”

Backes is looking to sell to customers like the Gilchrists for a very long time.

“The only problem we may have is if we grow too fast,” Backes said. “If we outgrow the new place, then that will be a great problem for us.”

Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The brat haus will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for the grand opening.

For information, call 715-201-1289 or visit http://backesbrathaus.com/index.html. The market also has a Facebook page.

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Lions make it their legacy projectBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The Gordy Noren Skate Park has reopened in Clintonville, with an official dedication to be held at a later date.

Improvements to the park, which closed in 2013 due to unsafe conditions, were funded by a donation of $13,575 from the Clintonville Lions Club.

“I see kids down there using the skate park every day,” said Justin McAuly, city park and recreation director who helped guide the improvements.

Noren, who passed away in 2013, was a Clintonville Lions Club member and the driving force in developing the skate park in the 1990s. He built the first ramp in his garage with materials donated by the club.

The city then provided a fenced-in area on the paved portion of the old armory parking lot, at 55 E. 12th St. near the Park and Recreation Center, for the skaters.

Polly Noren, Gordy’s daughter, was one of the people who pushed the city for a new skate park after the original park was closed because of outdated equipment, such as ramps and railings.

McAuly found some surplus in good shape in Mauston, and the city purchased it for about $10,000 in 2014. Donations helped fund transportation of the equipment to Clintonville.

The fence around the area has been removed, and the street department plans to remove the blacktop where the fence had been. McAuly said the area will be reseeded, and bushes and trees will be planted in the future.

The Lions Club made the skate park its legacy project, a nationwide effort to help local clubs connect with their communities and create a visible and lasting Lions legacy in honor of the organization’s 100-year anniversary next year.

Lion Allen Mattson told the park and recreation commission Tuesday night that the club plans to erect a large sign for Gordy Noren Memorial Park that will include rules for skate park users.

Mattson said the Lions Club members will do the work but would appreciate help from others.

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