Shawano Leader News

By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The Shawano School District has hired a new business manager to replace Gail Moesch, effective April 1.

Louise Fischer is currently business manager at Lakeland Union High School and previously held that position at the Merrill School District. Prior to that she was in the finance department at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District.

“We feel she has a presence about her,” Shawano School District Administrator Gary Cumberland said.

Cumberland said Fischer has extensive knowledge that will help her explain the budgeting process, and the impact state funding has on it, in terms that anyone can understand.

“She likes explaining things in a lay person’s terms,” he said.

“We were fortunate to find a quality person at this time of year,” Cumberland said. “We’re excited to have her on board.”

Cumberland said Moesch would probably also be excited to have Fischer on board, given that Moesch had planned to retire last month. Instead, she stayed on until the district could find a replacement.

Moesch was off this week.

“She’ll find out when she gets back from vacation,” Cumberland said.

There were originally 15 applicants for Moesch’s job, which school officials narrowed to five finalists.

However, three of those finalists found other jobs before they could be interviewed, Cumberland said.

Fischer was one of the remaining two who were interviewed.

The Shawano School Board unanimously approved her hiring after a closed session discussion Monday.

Fischer’s salary will be $105,000. Moesch’s most recent salary was $102,000.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Ben Brancel, Wisconsin secretary of agriculture, trade and consumer protection, told those attending the Farm Appreciation Luncheon sponsored by the Clintonville Rotary Club on Monday that there were 500 million people in the world when Columbus came to America and by 2030 there will be 8.3 billion.

“Four out of four of these people eat,” Brancel said, illustrating the importance of agriculture.

Brancel used statistics throughout his presentation to emphasize the role of agriculture in Wisconsin’s economy:

• Wisconsin dairy exports totaled $400 million and reached 149 countries last year, with exports to China increasing the most: 63 percent.

• There are 1.27 million cows in the state producing more than 27 billion pounds of milk and 2.7 billion pounds of cheese.

• The dairy industry accounts for nearly 40 percent of all Wisconsin agriculture jobs and employs 146,200 people.

• Wisconsin ranks No. 1 in the United States for cheese production sweet corn, corn silage, cranberry production, snap beans for processing, and ginseng production.

• Brancel’s department inspects nearly 30,000 food related businesses in the state, including dairy farms, meat and other processors, retailers and warehouses.

Brancel also noted that the propane shortage and price increase kept the consumer protection staff busy this winter.

“There are likely three companies that will be in court dealing with scam issues over the propane,” he said.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Photo by Grace Kirchner Kathy and Blair Sawall were named Farm Family of the Year at the Clintonville Rotary Club’s Farm Appreciation Luncheon on Monday. They said much of their success was due to the support of their parents. The family includes, from left, Leslie Nachtrab, Phyllis Nachtrab, Kathy (Nachtrab) Sawall, Blair Sawall, Opal Sawall and Dick Sawall.

Blair and Kathy Sawall were named the 2014 Farm Family of the Year at the Clintonville Rotary Club’s annual Farm Appreciation Luncheon held Monday at Clintonville Lanes and Banquet Hall.

The winners were announced by Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Ben Brancel.

The Sawalls started farming in 1987 with five cows. They now milk 175 cows and farm 700 acres in a partnership with Steve and Marcia Riemer.

In accepting the award, Blair Sawall said much of their success was due to the support of his parents, Dick and Opal Sawall, and Kathy’s parents, Leslie and Phyllis Nachtrab.

The Sawalls have four children and are active in their church and community. Kathy has been a 4-H leader for 18 years, and Blair serves on the board of directors for the Waupaca Waushara Junior Holstein Association. They’re members of the Farm Bureau and Families Dairy, and active in FFA and FFA Alumni.

Blair is president of the St. Martin Lutheran School Board and serves on the church council. Kathy is the school secretary.

The Sawalls are usually seen in area parades with their horses.

The award was sponsored by the Clintonville Chronicle.

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Shawano Police Department

March 5

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A purse reported stolen the day before was found in a garbage can at McDonald’s, 1202 E. Green Bay St. A digital camera was reported missing from the purse.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Headquarter’s, 121 S. Washington St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Humphrey Circle.

Juvenile — A juvenile was cited for possession of chewing tobacco at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Aspen Court.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 5

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Oak Avenue in Richmond.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on County Road T in Waukechon.

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant on First Avenue in Birnamwood.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on County Road G in Red Springs.

Accidents — Authorities logged two accidents.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Shawano County will not establish a new committee to oversee its Technology Services Department.

The Administrative Committee voted Monday to postpone indefinitely a resolution establishing the new committee.

The Administrative Committee is the home committee for the Technology Services Department. However, county supervisors expressed concern last month that the department is being allowed too much freedom and lacks accountability.

“It affects everybody. It lacks accountability,” Supervisor Thomas Kautza said at the Feb. 26 board meeting. “We say we need this and we need that, and a couple of months later, it doesn’t work.”

The issue has gained attention recently because of the new emergency communications system purchased for the Sheriff’s Department. Fire departments, especially on the east side of the county, have reported broken communications and loss of radio signals when trying to relay information between emergency crews and sheriff’s dispatchers.

At Monday’s meeting, committee members discussed whether another committee was needed, or if the Administrative Committee needs to establish boundaries for the technology unit.

“We’re the home committee. We need to do a better job,” Supervisor Kathy Luebke said.

Supervisor William Switalla agreed that more oversight by the committee was the best solution. He suggested a representative from Technology Services attend the committee’s meetings, just as other home committees have representatives from the departments they manage.

“We’re probably the only committee who doesn’t do that,” Switalla said.

Supervisor Gene Hoppe said adding another committee to the county’s 30 other committees and boards would be fiscally irresponsible and would not increase transparency.

“I feel, if we add another committee, we would lose $4,500 a year just in committee expenses” through per diems and mileage, Hoppe said. “And what would you have gained? Nothing.”

Steve Hansen, information services director, who was at Monday’s meeting, said he is willing to talk with any county supervisors about technology services, but has no forewarning about many issues, such as the radios.

“If there’s an issue, I usually find out after the fact, after it has gone through the committees,” Hansen said. “I never got any communications ahead of time that they were having issues.”

He also noted that he provides written reports to the committee at least a week before it meets.

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

City officials have offered the job of Shawano Park and Recreation director to one of seven finalists interviewed for the post over the weekend, but they were still waiting to hear Wednesday whether he plans to accept it.

The Shawano Common Council convened for a special meeting Tuesday evening and made the offer after coming out of closed session.

The city initially received some two dozen applications for the position that will be vacated Friday by Judy Judd, who is retiring after 31 years on the job.

That was narrowed down to seven candidates who were in town for interviews with city officials Saturday. Two of them were brought back for another round of meetings on Sunday.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said he expects a response Thursday, once the chosen candidate has a chance to inform his current employer.

Judd is part of a group of city employees who have spent all or most of their careers in Shawano, including former Public Works director Rick Stautz, who retired in April 2013, and Police Chief Ed Whealon, who will retire on April 4.

The city is accepting applications for the chief position until March 21.

Judd said she will do what she can to assist the Park and Recreation Commission and the city with the transition to a new director.

There are 26 parks in the city overseen by the department, which is also responsible for Woodlawn Cemetery and the recreation center.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Shawano officials Tuesday lifted the limit on the number of establishments that could hold Class B beer licenses in the city.

A Class B license allows the sale and consumption of beer on the premises, such as a tavern or restaurant.

The city previously had an ordinance stating there could be no more than 10 licensees operating at one time, but there was some apparent confusion over which licenses applied to the quota.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said some beer and liquor combination licenses that were granted in the past should have been counted but were not.

“We were out of compliance with our own ordinance,” Knapp said.

City Clerk-Treasurer Karla Duchac said there are already 10 establishments operating in the city that were counted toward the Class B beer license quota.

However, an application is pending for an 11th at the Four Seasons hotel, formerly the Kiryat, at 201 N. Airport Drive.

The Shawano Common Council voted at a special meeting Tuesday evening to amend the ordinance covering Class B beer licenses to eliminate the quota.

Mayor Lorna Marquardt said the council decided that since there was no requirement that the city have a quota, there was no need to maintain one. Any additional beer licenses would still need council approval before they could be granted.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A horse trapped in a well in the town of Grant was rescued early Wednesday by Shawano County sheriff’s deputies and members of the Grant Fire Department.

Law enforcement officers were called just after midnight after the horse was reported to be trapped after falling through a well cover. One of the horse’s hind legs was stuck in the well, and it was struggling to free itself.

A local veterinarian offered guidance and members of the Fire Department used a fire hose, chains and a tractor to free the 1,500-pound animal from the well, according to Sheriff’s Department officials.

The horse was trapped for about three hours, but was able to walk on its own after being freed. It was expected to be evaluated late Wednesday.

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Shawano Police Department

March 4

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police logged two truancy complaints from Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 Waukechon Road.

Theft — A purse was reported stolen at Aldi’s, 1253 E. Green Bay St.

Threatening — Police were investigating a report that a woman was held against her will at a house in the city Monday night. She subsequently reported the incident to police in Rhinelander. The Shawano and Rhinelander departments are working together on the incident, which was still under investigation Wednesday.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 4

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities investigated a suspicious person complaint on Industrial Street in Gresham.

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault on County Road J in Tigerton.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.

Theft — Authorities responded to a theft complaint on Green Bay Street in Bonduel.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Woodland Road in the town of Washington.

Accidents — Authorities logged three minor accidents.

Clintonville Police Department

March 4

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Juvenile referrals were completed for disorderly conduct, battery and resisting after two juveniles were involved in a physical altercation on South Main Street.

Theft — Police responded two separate theft complaints at the elementary and middle schools.

Fraud — Police investigated an identity theft complaint.

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Contributed Photo CRI has purchased the primary assets of MofA. Pictured at the signing are, from left, front row, Ludwig and Becky Simmet of MofA, CRI CEO Doug Wilson; back row, Peter Giacomini and Dave Mellinger of CRI.

Cooperative Resources International (CRI) has finalized the purchase of the primary assets of MofA, formerly known as Minitube of America.

MofA is one of the world’s leaders in the development, manufacturing and marketing of artificial insemination and embryo transfer products, and technologies for the porcine, bovine, equine and canine industries.

The company becomes the third subsidiary of CRI, alongside AgSource Cooperative Services and Genex Cooperative Inc.

“The purchase of MofA is the largest single step CRI has taken to further increase our influence in production agriculture,” said Doug Wilson, CRI CEO. “The subsequent expansion of CRI core business areas continues to set this organization apart from the rest of the industry.”

Back in 1993, CRI became the nation’s first direct link between a dairy herd improvement organization and a provider of bovine artificial insemination service, organizations now known as AgSource and Genex. With the addition of MofA, CRI adds new business relationships particularly within the porcine industry, as well as those specialized in reproduction in other species.

“Furthermore, MofA’s International Center for Biotechnology provides CRI with a direct research connection and fast forwards our dedication to advancing internal research through business development,” Wilson said.

Since establishing the International Center for Biotechnology in Mount Horeb in 2004, MofA has conducted cutting-edge research spanning several animal species and specifically focused on advanced reproductive technologies, molecular and cell biology, and DNA and genomics research.

MofA was established in 1986 by Ludwig and Becky Simmet. Ludwig Simmet will continue to lead MofA as the new CRI subsidiary’s chief operating officer.

“The addition of MofA to the CRI family is a significant diversification step for this cooperative,” Wilson said. “Along with new business fronts, technology potentials make CRI an enticing employer for young professionals looking to join the agriculture industry.”

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Agriculture advocate and dairy farmer Carrie Mess addresses a crowd of about 275 people at a presentation Tuesday at Shawano Community High School.

Agriculture advocate and Wisconsin dairy farmer Carrie Mess, also known as Dairy Carrie, brought her message of ag advocacy to Shawano on Tuesday with a presentation at the Shawano Community High School auditorium.

“This is the first step in all of you becoming advocates for agriculture,” Mess told a crowd of about 275 people. “You guys all have the opportunity to stand up for our industry.”

Mess said pro-agriculture voices are needed, particularly in the dairy industry, in the face of attacks from animal rights groups.

“We have these people out there who have very strong opinions about what we do, and these people are really loud,” Mess aid. “They’ve been putting out their version of the facts for longer than we have.”

However, Mess said, they are not in the majority.

“If we all tell our story we can change what’s being said about our industry,” she said.

Mess played a short video put out by an animal rights group and spoke about an incident in Wisconsin in which Los Angeles-based Mercy for Animals secretly videotaped operations at a dairy farm in Brown County.

Four of the farm’s workers were subsequently charged with mistreating animals. Two of the defendants pleaded not guilty in Brown County Circuit Court on Tuesday. The farm owners are not facing any charges.

In addition to the alleged abuse, the video also shows attempts to get a down cow back on its feet, which, Mess said, can appear “mean” to anyone not familiar with a dairy farm.

Mess wrote a blog post about the issue after learning about the video.

“I didn’t see the video but my response was to talk about down cows,” she said. “A down cow is a dead cow if she doesn’t get up, and this is what we’re doing to get them up.”

Mess said that blog post changed the conversation about the video to one of understanding what’s involved in dairy farming.

“You have the power to change what people think,” she said.

Mess said individual conversations with others and stories told by people who live on and operate farms would help spread the truth about agriculture.

“Conversations start with you guys telling your story,” she said. “That’s how we’re going to change the minds of people is one by one.”

Mess challenged those in the audience to share at least one post a week on social media about life on the farm and farm operations.

Mess said despite the groups that are pushing an anti-agriculture agenda, farmers have the trust of American consumers.

“If you want to see proof that the average American trusts farmers and what we do, go to a grocery store. People keep putting food in their baskets,” she said. “Generally, they’re not worried that food is going to kill them. If you want the opposite, moms in China are not sure that what they’re putting in their basket isn’t going to hurt them or their children.”

Mess said agricultural advocacy is a means of keeping that trust.

“If the opposition to what we do keeps telling stories and we don’t, they’re going to take that trust away,” she said.

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Contributed Photo Dennis Heling, right, chief economic development officer of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., presents Dr. Carrie Verkuilen a check for $5,000, a matching grant provided by Shawano Country Vision 2017, for improvements to Verkuilen Chiropractic and Wellness Center. At left is Nancy Smith, executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce.

Verkuilen Chiropractic and Wellness Center has received a $5,000 Shawano Country Vision 2017 grant to help renovate its new clinic at 1401 E. Elizabeth St. in Shawano.

The interior improvement matching grant was announced this week by the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce and Shawano County Economic Progress Inc.

The grant funds enabled business owners Dr. Carrie and Mark Verkuilen to transform the space from an assisted living residence to a chiropractic clinic. Improvements included new flooring, cabinetry, doors, closets and shelving.

“This grant has allotted me the opportunity to make improvements and still stay within my budget,” Carrie Verkuilen said. “This has made it possible to expand my office and services that are provided to our community.”

Since remodeling and moving to the new facility, Verkuilen Chiropractic and Wellness Center has added staff. The center has been operating in Shawano for 10 years.

“Having skilled health care professionals in our community is vital to the health of our workforce,” said Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer for Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. “The additional skilled staff will contribute to a higher quality of life for our citizens.”

Any employer or entrepreneur operating in Shawano or Menominee counties can apply for Shawano Country Vision 2017 incentive programs.

“Sometimes it just takes a small financial boost to make the difference between whether a business will grow and add employees or not,” said Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director. “We want to provide every opportunity for a business to jump financial hurdles standing in the way of their success, and that’s what Vision 2017 is about.”

To determine if your project or business development idea will be eligible for the plan’s incentive programs, contact either Heling at 715-526-5839 or [email protected], or Smith at 715-524-2139, [email protected].

“Programs and incentives available through Vision 2017 are very important to Shawano country,” said Verkuilen, who is also an at-large member of the chamber’s board of directors. “The grants provide small businesses, like mine, the financial support to help expand and grow.”

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan developed in 2012 to create jobs through business expansion, attraction and recruitment, as well as tourism/retail development and community development.

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Shawano Police Department

March 3

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a vehicle versus school bus accident at Richmond and Waukechon streets. Only the driver was on the bus at the time. No injuries were reported.

Theft — A GPS unit was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 200 block of South Union Street.

Theft — Two shotguns and other items were reported stolen from a residence in the 200 block of East Maurer Street.

Auto Theft — A stolen vehicle complaint in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street was determined to be unfounded.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Humphrey Circle.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Prospect Street and Zingler Avenue.

March 2

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A cell phone charger was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 300 block of South Union Street.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Shoplifting — A woman and two juveniles were cited for shoplifting at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.

Arrest — Police conducting a welfare check in the 1300 block of South Lutz Street arrested a 47-year-old man on a charge of physical abuse of a child.

March 1

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 52-year-old man was taken into custody on a charge of physical abuse of a child after a disturbance in the 1000 block of South Lutz Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at County Road B and Waukechon Street.

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

Feb. 28

Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Jaycee Court.

Assist — Police assisted Shawano County sheriff’s deputies with a drunken driving arrest at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 400 block of South Main Street.

Assist — Police assisted Menominee County sheriff’s deputies with a combative patient in the emergency room at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 3

Deputies logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant on Cypress Road in Richmond.

Fire — Authorities assisted at the scene of a house fire on Capitol Drive in Belle Plaine.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Mill Street in Bonduel.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint at Bonduel High School, 400 W. Green Bay St.

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including an injury accident on Mosling Road in Green Valley.

March 2

Deputies logged 26 incidents, including the following:

Auto Theft — North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A, in Gresham reported a stolen vehicle.

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant on Hiawatha Court in Wescott.

Warrant — A 39-year-old Keshena man was arrested on a warrant and a charge of operating after revocation at Main and Mills streets in Shawano.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on state Highway 29 in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged six minor accidents.

March 1

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 30-year-old Wittenberg man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 153 in Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Reed Street in Wittenberg.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.

Accidents — Authorities logged five accidents, including one deer-related crash.

Feb. 28

Deputies logged 45 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Bartlelt Street in Gresham.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Park Street in Angelica.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Main Street in Birnamwood.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Crystal Drive in the town of Washington.

Accidents — Authorities logged 12 accidents, including an injury accident on Town Line Road in Green Valley and one deer-related crash.

Clintonville Police Department

March 3

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 38-year-old Clintonville man was cited for operating after revocation on South Main Street.

Disturbance — Charges of domestic abuse and disorderly conduct were referred against a 35-year-old Clintonville man after a domestic situation on Ninth Street.

March 2

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

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

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on West Morning Glory Drive.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A Belle Plaine family managed to escape a fire that started in a wood shed before spreading to their home Monday morning, but the house was destroyed by the blaze.

Fire Inspector Jeff Zimmerman of the Shawano Area Fire Department said an electric log splitter was being used to heat up a pan of oil, which caught fire.

“It spread to the house pretty quick,” he said.

The call came in about 10 a.m. The two-story house at N4703 Capitol Drive was completely engulfed when firefighters arrived.

The Pella Fire Department also responded with tanker trucks.

Crews were at the scene for about six hours.

The Red Cross was assisting the family.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Shawano Pathways reported this week that it had exceeded its fundraising goal and qualified for $20,000 from the Harold Pevonka estate.

The Pevonka estate offered Pathways $20,000 if it could raise the same amount. Pathways raised $31,000.

“We, by far, met our match and went above it,” said Matty Mathison, fundraising coordinator for the group.

Besides the $20,000 grant, the Leopolis man’s estate also gave $5,000 to Pathways in May after Mathison had visited Pevonka’s attorney, James Aschenbrener, seeking a $50 donation from the law firm.

“Here is this reclusive man who didn’t have any relatives to speak of, and he just made such an impact on all these communities,” Mathison said, noting the estate has provided funding to other organizations in Shawano County, as well. “Because he believed in healthy hearts, there will be thousands of people that will benefit from his programs.”

Pevonka’s gift also inspired others to give, said Mathison, who reported she received calls from relatives of people who had died over the last few months wanting to support Pathways’ efforts to develop bicycle and pedestrian trails, as well as other outdoor projects.

Mathison said Pathways, which sponsored the first Bike the Barn Quilts tour last year, has a number of activities are in the works. One would develop several loop routes for walkers and bicyclists within the city of Shawano.

Pathways is also looking at developing agreements with area gyms to keep them open for longer hours, especially Sunday nights, when families could benefit from a group outing.

Mathison also hopes some of the money will be used for the Safe Routes to School program, which shows school-aged children the benefits of walking to and from school. A number of Shawano public and private schools participate in the program, and the Bonduel and Wittenberg-Birnamwood school districts have expressed interest in participating, she said.

“We really want to make Shawano County what’s called an active community, make it easier for people to exercise and be outside,” Mathison said. “Whether that means making new trails, improving trails, making better signage, making it easier to use existing facilities … there are projects that we can do.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Shawano Pathways meeting

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Rooms A and B, Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano

WHO: For more information, call Matty Mathison at 715-304-9796 or Nancy Schultz at 715-526-6136.

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Tribal chair supports extensionBy: 

The Associated Press

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker wants six more months to make a decision on whether to approve the Menominee tribe’s Kenosha casino project, a delay that would push his deadline to beyond the November election.

Walker released a letter Friday co-signed by the tribe asking the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs to extend the original deadline from Aug. 23 to Feb. 19. Walker and tribal chairwoman Laurie Boivin say in the letter that more time is needed to “develop and analyze independent data, and facilitate discussions with the interested parties.”

The Menominee tribe has been pushing for opening an off-reservation casino for more than 20 years, saying it will help pull their tribal members out of poverty. The tribe wants to build the casino complex on the grounds of the old Dairyland Greyhound dog track in Kenosha.

Walker has said he wouldn’t approve the casino unless all of the state’s 11 tribes agree to it. The Ho-Chunk and Forest County Potawatomi tribes, which operate other casinos in Wisconsin, have steadfastly opposed the proposal.

In addition to unanimous agreement among the tribes, Walker said the casino needed community support and must result in no new net gambling.

Walker’s administration has ordered an independent analysis of the economic impact of the proposed casino and entertainment complex that would include a Hard Rock Hotel. The Menominee have said the $800 million project will create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, while the Potawatomi have said it will cost the Milwaukee area where that tribe operates a rival casino about 3,000 jobs.

Economic impact was not one of the original criteria Walker said he would use for deciding whether he would approve the project.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke’s spokesman issued a statement criticizing Walker for seeking a delay in the decision until after the election.

“Now that he’s facing an opponent in Mary Burke with a proven track record of creating jobs, it’s clear he is trying to save face,” Burke’s spokesman Joe Zepecki said. “Today’s request is simply another example of Walker playing politics rather than focusing on the needs of the people of Wisconsin.”

Walker and Boivin said in the letter they needed more time to arrive at a “fully informed decision.”

The Menominee and Hard Rock Casino issued a joint statement in support of Walker taking more time.

“The Menominee-Hard Rock team believes the ultimate analysis will demonstrate that the Kenosha casino will provide significant benefits to the state,” the statement said.

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

An injury accident in Krakow on Friday morning underscored the hazard of hidden patches of glare ice, according to authorities.

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department reported a vehicle struck a patch of ice on Town Line Road west of state Highway 32 shortly after 8 a.m.

The vehicle rolled over, landing on its roof and two people had to be rescued, Chief Deputy John Gutho said.

Gutho said there did not appear to be any life-threatening injuries.

Icy patches have been a particular problem since last week when temperatures rose above freezing for several days before returning to frigid cold.

Capt. Tom Tuma said authorities were seeing an increased number of crashes as drivers hit shaded areas on the roadway, suddenly encountering a patch of ice.

“Motorists need to be alert to the changing road conditions,” he said.

The danger was likely to be heightened this weekend in the wake of a fresh snowfall of 2 to 3 inches that was forecast for late Friday.

The National Weather Service warned that the continuing cold hinder efforts of highway crews to treat the roadways. The forecast calls for highs in the single digits this weekend, and lows falling below zero again.

Gutho said he had spotted numerous ice patches over the last few days, particularly on town roads and especially at intersections.

“People need to take more time breaking and turning and accelerating so they cam make sure they’ve got traction,” he said.

Gutho added motorists also need to be wary on what might appear to be a dry roadway.

“Sometimes the road will be good for a long stretch, and then then suddenly there’s ice,” he said.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A rural Shawano man out on bond in a sexual assault case was taken into custody on new charges this week alleging felony drug possession and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Darwin R. Davis, 46, was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond after an initial court appearance Friday before Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr.

Davis was taken into custody Wednesday after sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant on his residence, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges authorities found marijuana, unprescribed Oxycodone and a firearm in Davis’ bedroom.

Davis was out on a $2,500 cash bond at the time in a case filed in December 2012.

Davis is charged in that case with repeated sexual assault of a child and second degree sexual assault of a child for incidents that allegedly occurred in the town of Wescott and in the basement of the former Final Lap tavern in Shawano, according to the criminal complaint.

Davis used to run the Final Lap but was not the license holder. He is scheduled for a pre-trial conference in that case on March 27.

If convicted, Davis could face a maximum 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine on each of the sex assault charges.

The new charges filed Friday include possession of a firearm by a felon, which carries a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine; and second or subsequent offense possession of marijuana and possession of narcotic drugs, each of which carries a maximum of 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 fine.

He is also charged with felony bail jumping, which carries a maximum of six years and $10,000 fine.

Davis is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance Monday.

According to court records, Davis was previously convicted of second degree sexual assault of a child in Langlade County in 1994 and was sentenced to five years in prison.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Firefighters responded to three fire calls at the Shawano Housing Authority’s Parkside Apartments on Thursday. All of them were false alarms caused by the cold weather.

“We had cold air seeping in, and when you have that mix of hot and cold air, you get condensation forming,” said Jeff Zimmerman, a fire inspector with the Shawano Area Fire Department.

The condensation affected the smoke detectors at the apartments, located at 725 S. Main St., setting off fire alarms at 7:37 p.m., 8:13 p.m. and 10:09 p.m.

Though it was quickly determined the first call had been a false alarm, the Fire Department sent one truck to respond to the subsequent calls just in case.

Zimmerman said cold weather setting off fire alarms is a fairly common problem, though this is the first time it has happened this year.

“It comes in spurts,” he said.

Zimmerman said he would review the incident with Fire Chief Doug Knope to determine whether the housing authority should be charged for the calls.

City ordinances call for a charge of $50 for third and fourth offense false alarms within one year. However, the ordinance also exempts false alarms caused by “abnormal weather.”

Luckily, firefighters didn’t have to be paged when the calls came in. Everyone was already at the fire station for a department meeting, Zimmerman said.

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Shawano Police Department

Feb. 27

Police logged 51 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police logged 14 truancy complaints from the Shawano School District.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint at the Shawano Food Pantry, 218 E. Richmond St.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 100 block of South Washington Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Theft — Wood pellets were reported stolen at Tractor Supply, 1313 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1000 block of South Franklin Street.

Theft — Police investigated a property theft complaint in the 500 block of South Union Street.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a 36-year-old woman in custody for shoplifting.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 27

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 23-year-old Keshena woman after a disturbance on state Highway 29 in Waukechon.

Juvenile — Authorities logged three truancy complaints from the Bonduel School District, one from the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District and one from the Tigerton School District.

Warrant — A 23-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Pleasant Street in Gresham.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an Internet scam complaint on Shawano Shores Circle in Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Maplewood Street in Bowler.

Accident — Authorities logged four accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 32 in Krakow.

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