Shawano Leader News

Shawano Police Department

Sept. 8

Police logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in the 100 block of North Lafayette Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 900 block of South Lincoln Street.

OWI — A 31-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated and possession of paraphernalia after a traffic stop at Lincoln and Schurz streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a verbal dispute in the 400 block of South Weed Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Sept. 8

Deputies logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on County Road Q in the town of Wittenberg.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 Highway 45 in the town of Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on state Highway 160 in the town of Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Vinal Street in Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

Sept. 8

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A theft was reported in W.A. Olen Park.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Madison and Auto streets.

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported at 12th and Anne streets.

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Focus is on County B, Hwy. 29 corridorBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The city of Shawano plans to work with surrounding townships on a border plan that could influence what kind of future development takes place around the city’s edges.

The Shawano Common Council on Wednesday approved a resolution authorizing city staff and the mayor to begin negotiations on a cooperative plan aimed at “guiding and accomplishing a coordinated, adjusted and harmonious development of the territory covered by the plan.”

The plan is also intended to follow the future development goals already established in each municipality’s comprehensive plan.

Townships involved are Wescott, Waukechon, Belle Plaine and Richmond.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said discussions arose among city officials, particularly on the industrial and commercial development committee, about future growth in the corridor between County Road B and state Highway 29.

“It seemed that was the area most likely to fire off in terms of development in the future,” he said. “How do we control that?”

Officials were concerned about the impacts of that area becoming home to big box and large retail stores, Knapp said.

“How would the impacts of that type of development in that area affect our downtown and East Green Bay Street businesses?” he said.

“We realize we don’t have any authority or any control over that area,” Knapp said, “so we felt it was necessary to start discussions with our neighbors to talk about how to control what we believe will be the eventual development of that area.”

Knapp said informal discussions have been going on for nearly a year, as the city sought to overcome some initial skepticism.

“There was a concern that the city was making a land grab; that we were only interested in this as far as expanding our footprint as large as possible,” Knapp said. “But hopefully I think we’ve got a relationship now that’s fairly trusting.”

Knapp said the intent is to come up with a plan beneficial to all parties.

“It’s an attempt to look at the concerns of the city, city residents and city business interests and how we integrate our interests with those of the adjoining townships,” he said.

“Obviously, the townships want to retain as much of a footprint as they can and they want tax base growth in their communities as well,” Knapp said. “There are going to be gives-and-takes.”

The next step will be to move to formal discussions and begin “putting pen to paper” to draft a plan, which will eventually be reviewed by the Shawano Plan Commission and City Council, as well as by the townships.

The Shawano County Planning Department will facilitate those meetings, which will be noticed and open to the public.

Knapp said city staff would also be returning to the plan commission and council for guidance as those talks continue.

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‘Bent-and-dent’ concept is backBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Located at W4519 Porter Road in the town of Hartland, Da Ess Sach Blatz opened Sept. 2 after more than a year of planning and construction by two Amish families.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Tim Wright, of Shawano, examines some of the bargains available on the shelves of Da Ess Sach Blatz, a new Amish discount store west of Bonduel.

Amish ingenuity and hard work have brought a new shopping experience to Shawano County for consumers who are looking for something a little different.

Da Ess Sach Blatz, which translates as “The Food Place,” offers shoppers near Bonduel deep discounts on a wide variety of merchandise that is slightly imperfect.

Known as a bent-and-dent store, the retail outlet at W4519 Porter Road features groceries and other products that have minor packaging damage or are near the end of their shelf life.

For consumers who appreciate a good bargain, Da Ess Sach Blatz is a welcome option for filling their shopping carts without emptying their wallets.

“They’ve got a lot of everything,” said Sue Wright, of Shawano, who visited the store Thursday with her husband, Tim.

The store, which opened Sept. 2, is owned and operated by two Amish couples, Eli and Martha Mullet and Floyd and Elvesta Schmucker, both of whom have farms not far away. Martha and Elvesta are sisters.

Martha Mullet said the two couples both wanted to supplement their household incomes, and both liked the idea of creating a place where their older children could work close to home. The two families work side by side to keep the store clean and organized, stock the shelves and greet customers.

The idea for Da Ess Sach Blatz hatched when a similar retail outlet operated by another local Amish family closed about two years ago.

“We had this in our minds,” Mullet said. “A lot of their customers were waiting for us to do this.”

Using a section of the Schmucker farm with frontage along Porter Road in the town of Hartland, the two families spent more than a year developing their plans and erecting the new building.

Da Ess Sach Blatz joins several other Amish businesses in the Bonduel area, which is home to more than 300 people living the traditional, religious Amish lifestyle.

Ken Natzke, who takes visitors on Amish tours in the area, said the Amish farms, shops and other businesses are popular spots because shoppers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and good customer service. Amish merchants are astute and organized, Natzke said.

“They’re very good business people,” he said.

For tips on getting started, the operators of Da Ess Sach Blatz reached out to friends who run a bent-and-dent store in Kentucky. They also connected with distributors who are able to keep the store supplied with inventories of groceries, housewares, toiletries, office supplies and more.

The store delights customers with such bargains as cat food for 25 cents a can, breakfast cereal for $1.50 a box, laundry detergent for $3.75 a bottle and disposable cameras for $4.50 each.

Carl and Phyllis Schucknecht traveled about 20 miles from Sugar Bush to check out the new place.

Carl Schucknecht said the couple appreciates Amish-owned businesses because, he said, Amish people generally seem honest and dedicated to quality service. The couple filled up their shopping cart at Da Ess Sach Blatz with groceries and then some.

“They have a great selection,” Carl said. “It’s a good buy, and it’s something you wouldn’t have thought about buying.”

Mullet said she and her partners have high hopes for establishing a place that will serve thrifty Shawano County shoppers for many years to come.

Based on the strong response so far, she said, the formula of deep discounts on quality merchandise seems to have found an enthusiastic audience.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “People are just getting a fit about our prices. So I guess it’s OK.”

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Duo helped restore man’s heartbeatBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Contributed Photo Shawano police officers Brent Dilge, left, and Shane Stange were honored Wednesday at City Hall for their life-saving efforts during a medical emergency call in July.

Two Shawano police officers were honored by the city Wednesday for their life-saving efforts during an emergency rescue call in July.

Officers Shane Stange and Brent Dilge responded July 28 to a call involving a man who had stopped breathing and was having a heart attack, Police Chief Mark Kohl said.

Shawano Ambulance Service was also on its way to the scene, but, Kohl said, the department has a policy of also sending officers out on all emergency calls, and especially medical calls.

“We think it’s very valuable for the victims and also the families to at least see a uniform there, to give them aid, do CPR, and give any type of care and consideration until the real professionals in the medical field — Shawano Ambulance and their EMTs and paramedics — show up to give their professional care as well,” Kohl said.

Upon arrival, Stange and Dilge started CPR and were able to restore a heartbeat and sustain it until Shawano Ambulance personnel arrived.

“Because of the collaboration of our officers and their paramedics they were able to maintain that heartbeat on that person, at least for a little while,” Kohl said. “Unfortunately, that person passed from heart complications about a week later.”

However, Kohl said, “it gave the family some time for closure and some reflection during that period.”

The officers were presented with plaques and letters of recommendation from the city, along with something new being offered by the Police Department.

“The Shawano Police Department has an award program that a lot of people don’t know we have,” Kohl said. “It’s a new policy.”

The policy awards officers who are given special recognition a commendation ribbon that can be worn on their uniforms.

“I feel it’s very important to let our officers know their hard work and dedication is recognized,” Kohl said.

The honors were handed out during Wednesday’s Common Council meeting.

Common Council President Sandy Steinke, filling in for Mayor Jeanne Cronce, presented the letters of recognition.

“I think the Police Department is doing a great job in taking care of our community and saving lives and keeping us safe,” she said.

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Shawano Police Department

Sept. 7

Police logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — A fence was reported knocked down in the 100 block of South Hamlin Street

Theft — Police responded to a theft complaint at Hardee’s, 1120 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 200 block of South Sawyer Street.

Fraud — Police investigated a scam complaint in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident with minor injuries at Green Bay Street and Eberlein Park Drive. An 18-year-old Keshena woman was cited for driving while suspended, inattentive driving and no insurance.

Theft — License plates were reported stolen. It was not clear where the theft might have taken place.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of West Lieg Avenue.

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of Acorn Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Sept. 7

Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Meisner Road in the town of Fairbanks.

Disturbance — A 48-year-old Tigerton man was arrested on a warrant after a disturbance on Birch Street in Tigerton.

Theft — A firearm was reported stolen from a vehicle on Center Street in the town of Angelica.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Norton Road in the town of Wescott.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, in the town of Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities responded to injury accidents on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood and state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott. The Birnamwood accident closed traffic on Highway 45 for about an hour. Extent of the injuries was not available.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Exquisite Windows & Doors LLC is a new startup business in Shawano for residential sales and installation of windows and doors.

Justin Buntrock, 25, a 2009 graduate of Shawano Community High School, created the business earlier this year to serve homeowners throughout Northeastern Wisconsin.

Buntrock is a grandson of Dave Kroenke, founder of Dave Kroenke Family Builders in Shawano.

He has been promoting his new business at fairs, festivals and elsewhere, with a $10,000 giveaway planned in January.

Exquisite Windows & Doors also offers free estimates and financing options that include a current offer of 48 months for zero-percent interest.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Grandma Sophia’s Family Restaurant in Shawano has closed its doors and appears to be under new ownership.

Real estate records at the Shawano County Courthouse show that the property at W7389 River Bend Road was purchased for about $400,000 by Naser Shabani, of Tomahawk.

The restaurant had previously been owned by Sofie Abdiu, but records show the seller was a bank.

Shabani, who is associated with Tomahawk Family Restaurant in Tomahawk, declined to comment on the sale or any plans for the restaurant’s future.

A sign in the window indicates the business is closed temporarily.

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Former Crescent theater will be renovatedBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader File Photo The former Crescent Pitcher Show at 220 S. Main St. in Shawano will be home to a microbrewery.

The Shawano Common Council on Wednesday approved a developer’s agreement that will turn the former Crescent Pitcher Show at 220 S. Main St. into a microbrewery, pub and entertainment venue.

The agreement with Stubborn Brothers Brewery, LLC, of Marion, provides a low-interest loan and a grant to the brewery, with the money coming from one of the city’s Tax Incremental Finance districts.

“First off, I just want to say how great Shawano is,” said Aaron Gilling, co-owner of Stubborn Brothers Brewery. “People are actually taking initiative, give grant dollars to improve their community. We don’t have enough of that.

“That’s one of the main reasons we chose to come to Shawano. You guys care. You’re trying to put effort into improving your community. It’s a huge testament to you guys.”

Gilling said the craft brewery will be a seven-barrel system, with six varieties offered.

“That will be about 250 to 300 gallons of beer,” Gilling said, adding the brewery will have the ability go up to 15 barrels.

“Our emphasis is really on a great venue of entertainment,” Gilling said. “We’re doing our best to keep the stage so can have an entertainment aspect as well.”

The 100-year-old Crescent still has its original vaudeville stage in place, though it’s been hidden for years by the Pitcher Show’s movie screen.

Gilling said an upstairs banquet hall is also planned, with food catered in.

“We have a lot of great restaurants in this area who can provide food, and help create an environment that’s fun, friendly and will be really good for everyone involved,” he said.

Gilling said it could take a year to a year and a half to complete the project.

“We’re already getting anxious to get going,” he said. “We’ll be pulling permits as soon as we can to start demolition and get things moving.”

The development agreement calls for the city to provide Stubborn Brothers with a $270,000 10-year loan at a 4 percent interest rate, and a grant of $80,000.

For its part, Stubborn Brothers is expecting to put about $547,000 in remodeling costs into the project.

It’s expected the building will have an assessed valuation of $500,000, including personal property, once the remodeling and renovation is done. If it falls below that figure, Stubborn Brothers will have to make a payment to the city in lieu of taxes to make up the difference in property tax revenue.

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Shawano Police Department

Sept. 6

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shoplifting — Pick ‘n Save, 190 Woodlawn Drive, reported a shoplifting incident.

Fraud — Capital Credit Union, 1305 E. Green Bay St., reported that someone had placed a skimming device on the ATM machine.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of South Andrews Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 500 block of Prospect Circle.

Theft — An attempted vehicle break-in was reported in the 200 block of Teddington Lane.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Sept. 6

Deputies logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Cedar Lane in the town of Richmond.

Theft — Items were reported stolen from a garage on Lake Crest Drive in the town of Washington.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Old D Road in the town of Aniwa.

OWI — A 49-year-old man from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and a 52-year-old Cicero woman were both arrested for operating while intoxicated after a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Wittenberg. Authorities say the two switched seats and both were behind the wheel at different times during the traffic stop.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on First Street in Aniwa.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

Sept. 6

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A bicycle was reported stolen on Robert Street.

Warrant — A 29-year-old Clintonville man was arrested on a Wisconsin Department of Corrections warrant on Sixth Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on Sixth Street.

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Michigan project threatens tribe’s place of origin

Menominee Indian Tribe representatives issued a statement last week blasting the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s decision to grant a mining permit near the mouth of the Menominee River.

The department on Friday announced its decision to grant the permit for Aquila Resources Inc. to develop the “Back 40 Mine,” an open-pit gold, zinc and copper mine and processing facility in Lake Township, Michigan.

The Menominee and other opponents, including several environmental groups, cite the potential catastrophic impacts to the river, local community and the tribe’s place of origin.

“The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin is sickened by MDEQ’s decision to approve the application to grant Aquila Resources Inc. authorization to move forward with their Back 40 mining project,” Tribal Chairwoman Joan Delabreau said in a statement released to the media. “The tribe has and will continue to fight to protect any land within our ancestral territory that contains the remains of our ancestors and our cultural resources.

“The federal government’s failure to uphold their trust responsibility by delegating their responsibilities to the State of Michigan under the Clean Water Act is flawed. I feel that the federal government can delegate authority under the act to the state, but can never delegate their trust responsibility.”

Menominee sacred sites and other cultural resources are contained within the footprint of the mine, in an area that will be excavated if final approval is granted, according to tribal officials.

“Our place of origin at the mouth of the Menominee River may be destroyed by any adverse impacts on the land, environment and water from mining disasters,” said David “Nahwahquaw” Grignon, tribal historic preservation officer. “The federal agencies charged with upholding trust responsibility to tribes are not living up to their responsibilities through their inaction to protect our sacred and cultural resources on the Menominee River and the site of the Back 40 Mine.”

A public hearing discussing the permit and mine operation will be held from 6-10 p.m. Oct. 6 at Stephenson High School in Stephenson, Michigan. Written comments also may be sent to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality until Nov. 3.

The Menominee are planning a “Remembering our Ancestors” gathering Sept. 22 in Lake Township. For information, contact Guy Reiter at 715-853-2776 or [email protected].

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Fleeing an officer

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for a Stevens Point man after he failed to show up in court for his initial appearance on a felony charge of fleeing an officer.

Joseph D. Steffen, 34, allegedly sped off from a traffic stop in the town of Birnamwood on June 15, leading a sheriff’s deputy on a high-speed chase.

The chase reached speeds of 90 to 95 mph, according to the complaint, before Steffen pulled over and fled on foot.

Steffen could face a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted. He is also charged with two counts of felony bail jumping, which carries a maximum six years and $10,000 fine, and a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer.

Strangulation

A Shawano man has been charged with a felony count of strangulation and suffocation in connection with a domestic altercation in the city last week.

Frank W. Thomas, 40, is accused of choking a woman during the Aug. 30 incident. He could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery disorderly conduct, criminal trespass and criminal damage to property.

He is being held on a $500 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 19.

Felony OWI

A Stone Lake man is facing a felony charge of operating while intoxicated for his alleged fifth drunken driving offense.

Charles J. Denk, 47, was pulled over in the town of Richmond Friday after a sheriff’s deputy spotted him driving erratically, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint states Denk was on probation for a prior conviction and prohibited from drinking.

According to court records, Denk has four prior convictions in Brown County, including one that caused injury.

Denk could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty. He is also charged with a misdemeanor operating a vehicle after revocation.

A $3,000 signature bond was set, but, according to court records, Denk refused to sign the form.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 19.

Child abuse

An arrest warrant was issued Wednesday for a Wittenberg man charged with a felony count of physical abuse of a child.

McKinley Matthew C. Mann is accused of causing bodily harm to a 14-year-old child by holding him down and striking him during an Aug. 20 incident in the town of Wittenberg.

He could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

Fleeing an officer

A Birnamwood man is facing a felony charge of attempting to flee an officer after a hit-and-run incident in the town of Birnamwood in June.

Joseph J. Hauke, 39, allegedly struck the car wash at the Remington Oil gas station in Birnamwood on June 24 and left the scene.

The criminal complaint alleges Hauke sped off at high speed when a deputy tried to pull him over. He then stopped after about a quarter mile and fled on foot, according to the complaint.

Hauke could face a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of operating after revocation and bail jumping.

He’s due in court for an initial appearance on Sept. 26.

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Shawano calls Kohl comments ‘an attempt at humor’By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A response filed by the city in a sex discrimination suit against Police Chief Mark Kohl suggests Kohl might not have the world’s most politically correct sense of humor, but denies there was anything illegal or discriminatory in his comments or his actions.

A Shawano Police Department employee filed a civil suit in federal court in June against the city of Shawano over alleged sexual discrimination by Kohl and the city’s alleged inaction in responding to the issue.

It was the second suit alleging sexual discrimination involving Kohl filed in as many months.

Laura Chartraw alleged Kohl began sexually discriminating against her in February 2015, and when she complained to him and to city officials, Kohl retaliated by creating a hostile work environment.

The city denies a hostile work environment was created.

Chartraw’s suit also alleges Kohl commented on Chartraw’s appearance, telling her she wore “hooker boots” and remarked about her lack of makeup and her hair style.

The city’s response admits that the chief, “in an attempt at humor,” said his family called boots like the ones Chartraw was wearing “hooker boots,” but denied that the comment was “unlawful or otherwise harassing.”

The response also admits that Kohl “commented plaintiff was not wearing make-up and her hair was undone on one occasion in which the chief was concerned the plaintiff may be ill.”

The city denied that the comment was unlawful or harassing.

According to Chartraw’s suit, when Chartraw complained to Kohl about the comments, he told her that is the way he talks to his wife and called Chartraw his “work wife.”

The city denied that the alleged comments “demonstrate unlawful or otherwise harassing conduct by Chief Kohl.”

The city also denied that “Chief Kohl continued to make rude comments to women,” saying Chartraw had not provided any proof of that.

On a number of Chartraw’s allegations, the city’s response claims only to “lack knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of the matters.”

That includes Chartraw’s contention that she talked to then-Mayor Lorna Marquardt about Kohl’s harassment, but Marquardt took no action.

Chartraw had previously filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

The EEOC issued a ruling in March, saying the commission was unable to conclude the city or Kohl violated the law, according to the city’s response.

The city also argued it launched its own investigation of the EEOC complaint in February.

“The city’s investigation, performed by objective, outside counsel, ultimately concluded there was no wrongdoing by Chief Kohl and characterized many of plaintiff’s complaints as communication issues,” the city said in its response.

Chartaw also alleged Kohl several times made comments to her about police officer NiCole Hoffmann, mentioning Hoffmann’s chest size, weight and eating habits. Chartraw told Kohl that his comments made her uncomfortable, but Kohl continued to make similar comments, she said.

Hoffmann filed suit against Kohl in May alleging sex discrimination for bypassing her and hiring a lower-ranked male applicant for a police officer vacancy in July 2014. The city is not named as a defendant in that case.

Kohl subsequently hired Hoffmann in January 2015, but her suit seeks damages for loss of past and future income.

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Session held for all department headsBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The city of Shawano is defending itself and its police chief against two sex discrimination suits, but at least one of the complaints inspired a sensitivity training session earlier this year.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said all city department heads, including Kohl, participated in a training session that dealt with “perceptions and sensibilities.”

Knapp said he couldn’t recall the exact date, but said it was held in May or June.

That would have been after Police Department employee Laura Chartraw filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission accusing Kohl of sexual discrimination.

The EEOC found no evidence of wrongdoing in a conclusion rendered in March.

Knapp said he felt the training session “was something all of us can benefit from.”

However, he did link it to the complaint against Kohl.

“There was a correlation,” he said.

He said the city was “re-initiating” training and awareness programs in the wake of the EEOC complaint.

Knapp said there are comments that could be taken “in a way we don’t anticipate,” and said the training session was intended to help city employees to be more cognizant of that.

Chartraw subsequently filed a civil suit in federal court, naming Kohl and the city as defendants.

Police Officer NiCole Hoffmann filed suit against Kohl in May alleging sex discrimination for bypassing her and hiring a lower-ranked male applicant for a police officer vacancy in July 2014.

Kohl subsequently hired Hoffmann in January 2015, but her suit seeks damages for loss of past and future income.

The city is not named as a defendant in the Hoffmann case, but is covering the cost of defending both cases through its liability insurance.

Knapp said that’s because the Hoffmann suit alleges behavior by Kohl that was conducted in his capacity as a city employee.

There have been no changes to Kohl’s duties or responsibilities while the lawsuits are pending.

“The chief is responsible for managing the department,” he said.

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Shawano Police Department

Sept. 5

Police logged 19 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious person complaint in the 100 block of South Washington Street.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious person complaint in the 400 block of West Eagle Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 300 block of North Lafayette Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Green Bay Street and Woodlawn Drive.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Sept. 5

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Lawn Road in the town of Maple Grove.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Roosevelt Road in the town of Seneca.

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on Lemke Street in Cecil.

Warrant — A 22-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Wilderness Road in the town of Wittenberg.

OAR — A 23-year-old man was arrested for third-offense operating after revocation on Butternut Road in the town of Herman.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Green Valley Road in the town of Angelica.

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Smalley Street in the town of Wescott.

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized on Nightingale Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Robin Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities responded to injury accidents in the town of Hartland and the town of Washington.

Clintonville Police Department

Sept. 5

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on Motor Street.

Theft — A trailer was reported stolen.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Classes at Shawano Community High School returned to normal Tuesday after a mold cleanup in a cluster of classrooms.

Superintendent Gary Cumberland said tests showed that air quality had improved in classrooms where mold previously was found growing.

The mold problem was discovered when teachers returned from summer break in about a half-dozen classrooms used for art, music and band.

Classes were relocated temporarily starting on the first day of the new school year, as crews removed the mold and then tested the air quality.

After the three-day weekend, Cumberland said Tuesday that operations were returning to normal effective immediately.

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Shawano event gets six good daysBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Getting a close look at goats Monday at the Shawano County Fair are Skylar Lanphear, 3, left, and her brother, Jaxson Lanphear, 2, both of Shawano.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Fans pack into the Shawano Speedway grandstands Monday for a demolition derby on the closing day of the Shawano County Fair.

Just about anyone who turned out for the Shawano County Fair this year would have to agree that the real grand champion was the weather.

Six consecutive days with pleasantly mild temperatures and scarcely a drop of rain created a nearly postcard-perfect setting for the annual exhibition on the fairgrounds in Shawano.

Good weather was credited with attracting robust crowds, keeping livestock in better spirits and creating a mellow atmosphere that led to fewer problems among fairgoers.

Missy Braun, organizer of the Barnyard Olympics, said rather than running from the rain or finding someplace to beat the heat, she found herself relaxing and spending more time than usual at the fair.

“This has been perfect,” Braun said as she and others enjoyed one last day on the fairgrounds before the fair ended its six-day run Monday.

No attendance figures were available yet, although organizers said they expected to see greater turnout than last year.

Dan Zernicke, chairman of the livestock committee for the fair, said the crowds were especially large on Saturday night, largely because of the pleasant weather.

Saying he could not recall another year when Mother Nature delivered such ideal conditions, Zernicke said he was happy to see so many people enjoying themselves at the fair.

“That’s what we do this all for,” he said. “We’ve got to put on a show for the people.”

Betty Gast, co-superintendent of the rabbit and poultry barn, said caring for the many animals involved in the county fair is much easier when a breeze is blowing through the barns and temperatures are in the 70s.

“It’s been really great for the animals’ comfort — and for ours, too,” Gast said.

With the serious livestock judging events finished, the six-day exhibition of farm lifestyle, industry and culture culminated Monday in one final outburst of fun and laughter. A human crowing contest was followed by a demolition derby, a horse show and the Barnyard Olympics.

Alvin Styczysnki and his polka band entertained, while fairgoers lined the midway enjoying cold beer and other refreshments.

Although the sky was partly cloudy Monday, patrons said they could not remember another county fair with such remarkable weather day after day.

“The weather’s been perfect this year,” said Nancy Netzel, of Matteson. “This one has been one of the best fairs weather-wise.”

Big crowds turned out and filled the grandstands for both the demolition derby and the horse show on the fair’s final day.

Sylvia Zimdars, volunteer at the Leopolis Fish & Game Club beer stand, said she has grown accustomed to having at least one day disrupted by rain during the fair. The good weather seemed to make it possible, Zimdars said, for people to slow down, be more relaxed and stay longer.

“It just seems better,” she said. “People are in a better mood when the weather’s nice. I know I am.”

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Shawano Police Department

Sept. 4

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 200 block of South Union Street.

Accident — Police responded to a minor property damage accident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint in the 800 block of Olson Street.

Sept. 3

Police logged 23 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Lafayette Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of East Division Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a juvenile male shoplifter in custody.

Theft — Two Playstations were reported stolen in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.

Sept. 2

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Clothes were reported stolen from the Martin’s Cleaners laundromat at 1025 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at ThedaCare Medical Center, 100 County Road B.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint in the 200 block of Teddington Lane.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a male shoplifter had fled the store.

Theft — A wallet was reported stolen at Family Dollar, 413 S. Main St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Lafayette Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Sept. 4

Deputies logged 41 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Rustic Drive in the town of Belle Plaine.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Howard Street in Wittenberg.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on First Street in Aniwa.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.

Sept. 3

Deputies logged 49 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road MMM in the town of Richmond.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Ho Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, in the town of Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Whippoorwill Road in the town of Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Willow Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on County Road Z in the town of Herman.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Buss Drive in the town of Washington.

Accident — Authorities responded to a fatal crash on Willow Creek Road in the town of Herman and an injury accident on County Road N in the town of Birnamwood.

Sept. 2

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Knoke Street in Gresham.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Elm Road in the town of Green Valley.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on National Guard Road in Bowler.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.

OWI — A 47-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 29 in the town of Richmond.

Accidents — Authorities logged seven accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 29 in the town of Belle Plaine and three deer-related crashes.

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By: 

Leader Staff

An 18-year-old Shawano man as killed Saturday night when he crashed his pickup truck into a tree in the town of Herman, according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities were called to the scene just before 9 p.m. by a passing motorist who reported that a vehicle ran off the road at the intersection of Willow Creek Road and County Road U and that a person was laying next to the vehicle.

Sheriff’s deputies and the Wisconsin State Patrol along with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department responded.

The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of the pickup truck lost control of his vehicle, over-corrected and hit a tree, according to authorities.

The sheriff’s department also said the 18-year-old was the sole occupant and was not wearing a seat belt.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was being withheld pending notification of the family.

The Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the crash.

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Horse shows drawing bigger crowds each yearBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Jenna Arens celebrates her 11th birthday by taking part in the halter class competition at the Junior Horse Show, showing off her horse’s walking and trotting skills Sunday at the Crawford Center during the Shawano County Fair.
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Jionna Holewinski gets a little help from mom, Kelly, as she shows off her spring heifer calf, also named Jionna, at the Shawano County Fair’s open dairy show Sunday.

This was the first year since 2006 that John Arens could just sit back and enjoy the horse show at the Shawano County Fair rather than having to worry about whether it came off as planned.

He handed the reins this year over to Diane Schnell, the horse key committee chair. Schnell has been active in the program for several years and is also the drill team coach

Still, Arens had a strong personal interest in the outcome of this year’s event, given that his daughter, Jenna, was participating.

On Sunday, which was also Jenna’s 11th birthday, she showed off her horse’s walking and trotting skills in the halter pony class at the Junior Horse Show competition, riding a gelding slightly older than she is.

She was among 24 participants in the junior horse show class.

“I feel very relaxed. It’s fun,” Arens said, sitting in a shady spot outside the horse arena near the announcer’s booth Sunday.

Arens watched his oldest daughter go through nine years of this program, and was now watching Jenna compete.

“As a dad, it’s rewarding,” she said.

The horse shows at Crawford Center continue to be called “the fair’s best kept secret,” even though attendance rises every year.

Arens said he was pleased with this year’s turnout, which he said was probably helped by the mild weather.

“Weather like this, it does nothing but help the fair,” he said. “It’s a great show, and I think everyone involved over here with the horse project just does a wonderful job.”

The equine events take place at the other end of the fairgrounds, away from the midway, the grandstand and the livestock competitions, in what is commonly called “Shawano County Fair East.”

“We’re the eastern side of the Shawano County Fair,” Schnell said. “We try to get people coming because we have signs all over the fairgrounds to try and point them this way.”

Some 40 different classes of horses are shown during the fair — including miniature ponies, donkeys, mules and draught horses.

Schnell said the riders work with their horses all year round, which she said, is a difference between the horse project and a lot of the livestock projects.

“A lot of these horses have been shown for multiple years, and they get better every year,” she said. “It’s ongoing.”

The horses are handled pretty much every day, Schnell said.

“There’s a huge bond that’s created between the kids and their animals,” she said. “And it’s a lifelong bond because many horses live quite a few years. So it becomes a really huge pet.”

Horses are also handled more gently than can sometimes be seen in livestock projects, where more aggressive tactics are often required to get the animals to go through the necessary paces.

“It’s about persuading a 1,200-pound animal to do what they need to do,” Schnell said. “When you think about how the cowboys spent 24/7 with their horses — that’s what makes that relationship, and it’s the same with the 4-H members and their horses.

“You can’t just push them around and make them do things. You have to get their trust, get their respect, and do it that way.”

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Saturday, Sept. 3

Events

9 a.m.: Junior class dairy cattle show, Coliseum; open class horse show, including junior dressage and jumping competitions, Crawford Center; open and junior poultry and poultry products show, Small Animal Building

11 a.m.-8 p.m.: Classic car show, Crawford Center

Entertainment

1-4 p.m.: Polka Dynamics, President’s Park

2 and 4 p.m.: Magic Matt’s Family Fun Show, Junior Building Stage

6 p.m.: Stock Car Races Championship Night, Grandstand

8:30 p.m.: Adam Trask Band, under the grandstand; Neal Zunker, President’s Park

Activities

11 a.m.: Kiddie tractor pull, noon start

12-11 p.m.: Rainbow Valley Rides; $1.50 per ride from noon to 5 p.m.

12:30 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

5 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

9 p.m.: Cosmic Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

Sunday, Sept. 4

Events

9 a.m.: Gates open; open class dairy show, Coliseum; junior class horse show, Crawford Center

10 a.m.: Protestant church service, under the grandstand

11 a.m.: Polka Mass, President’s Park

11 a.m.-8 p.m.: Classic Car Show, Crawford Center

Noon: Dairy Pee Wee showmanship class, Coliseum

Entertainment

1 p.m.: Tag Races, Trailer Races and Spectator Eliminators, Grandstand

1-5 p.m.: Jerry Voelker, President’s Park

2, 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.: Magic Matt’s Family Fun Show, Junior Building Stage

7-10 p.m.: TNT Polka, President’s Park

8:30 p.m.: Johnny Wad, under the grandstand

Activities

12-11 p.m.: Rainbow Valley Rides

12:30 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

5 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

9 p.m.: Cosmic Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

Monday, Sept. 5

Events

9 a.m.: Gates open; rooster crowing contests followed by a chicken flying contest and human crowing contest, Coliseum

10 a.m.: Poultry, rabbit and goat auction, Coliseum

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Classic car show, Crawford Center

Entertainment

10:30 a.m.: 4-H drill team performance, Crawford Center

11 a.m.: Fun day horse games, Crawford Center

12 and 1:30 p.m.: Magic Matt’s Family Fun Show, Junior Building Stage

1 p.m.: Demolition derby, Grandstand

1-4 p.m.: Alvin Styczynski, President’s Park

Activities

12-6 p.m.: Rainbow Valley Rides

12:30 p.m.: Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

1-3 p.m.: FFA Olympics, Coliseum

5 p.m. Bingo, north side of fairgrounds

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