Shawano Leader News

Shawano Police Department

May 10

Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Lieg Avenue and Water Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of East Maurer Street.

Arrest — A 23-year-old man was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint involving prescription pills at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Arrest — A 24-year-old woman was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 700 block of South Lincoln Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 300 block of South Andrews Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 10

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in Bonduel.

Debris — Authorities responded to a complaint of cow manure in the road on Maple Road in the town of Wittenberg.

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

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in the town of Seneca.

Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes and a dog hit by a car in the town of Belle Plaine.

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Attorney will appeal to state Supreme CourtBy: 

Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent

A state appeals court Tuesday upheld a Shawano man’s double homicide convictions and consecutive life sentences involving his ex-mistress and her brother.

The District III Court of Appeals rejected Daniel L. Schmidt’s claims that there was insufficient evidence to convict him; the trial judge erred in allowing his wife to testify; and police used suggestive interviewing techniques to influence testimony from a victim’s son.

Schmidt’s attorney said he will appeal the decision to the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Schmidt, 32, was charged in Oconto County Circuit Court with two counts of intentional homicide after Kimberly Rose and her brother, Leonard Marsh, were found dead from shotgun wounds on the morning of May 19, 2009, in the town of Gillett home that they shared.

At his sentencing, Schmidt offered his condolences and prayers to the family of Rose and Marsh, but offered no apology.

“I can’t apologize for something I did not do,” he said.

According to testimony at the trial, Schmidt and Rose began an affair in November 2008, but Schmidt later ended the relationship and tried to mend his marriage with his wife, Stephanie. Special Prosecutor Richard Dufour said Schmidt went to the Gillett home on May 19, 2009, shot Rose in the face and neck to stop her from disrupting his marriage and shot Marsh three times in the back, while he laid in bed, because he was a witness to the murder.

The jury at Schmidt’s trial also viewed clips of an interview in which Schmidt talked about a journal written by Rose that reportedly included graphic details of their sexual relationship.

Stephanie Schmidt wanted to read the entries and planned to go to Rose’s home May 21 to see the diary, according to the testimony. She testified at trial that she was heartbroken by the affair and, in discussing it five days before the murders, Schmidt told her “I’d like to shoot (Rose), then myself.”

She also testified that Schmidt had a rusty 20-gauge shotgun and talked about getting rid of it after the murders because it could implicate him. Two days after the murders Stephanie said she saw a new shotgun at their residence and Schmidt said he had given away the old gun to someone who had destroyed it.

On appeal, Schmidt’s attorney, Timothy Provis, attacked Stephanie Schmidt’s testimony that he said he wanted to kill Rose, arguing it was privileged communication between spouses and should not have been heard by the jury.

Instead, the District III Court found that Schmidt waived this martial privilege when he told police that he told Stephanie that he wanted to kill himself, even though he denied saying he wanted to kill Rose.

Schmidt told police a “significant” portion of his conversation with Stephanie and it contained an important sequence — he wanted to kill Rose, then himself, according to the appeals opinion.

“The two aspects of Schmidt’s statement are not as easily separated as Schmidt suggests, such that Schmidt’s admission to telling Stephanie he wanted to kill himself was a disclosure of a ‘significant part’ of the total statement,” waiving his marital privilege, Judge Thomas Hruz wrote in the 39-page opinion.

The appeals court also found the state presented sufficient evidence to support the murder allegations against Schmidt.

The state’s theory of the case was that Schmidt drove to Rose’s residence to confront her about the affair and her unhappiness with Schmidt’s attempt to repay a $1,000 loan with marijuana.

Schmidt’s uncle, Keith Schmidt, testified that Stephanie said Rose demanded Schmidt repay the loan in full after she discovered Schmidt had told Stephanie about the affair.

Provis also challenged Circuit Judge Michael Judge’s decision to exclude an expert for the defense who would testify about the influence police could have had on Rose’s son, Donovan, and his recollection of events before the murders.

Donovan was 11 years old when his mother was murdered, and since the state had no eye witnesses to the crime or a murder weapon, his testimony was important, according to the appeals opinion.

He testified about hearing his mother and a man argue the night before the murders and recognizing Schmidt’s truck parked outside the house.

However, portions of Donovan’s testimony changed during the three times law enforcement interviewed him, and the defense was entitled to have an expert testify on how the reliability of the boy’s statements could be affected by police inappropriately questioning him, Provis argued.

The appeals court disagreed, finding the defense expert’s testimony was irrelevant because he never met Donovan and there were no recordings or transcripts made of the police interviews to determine if they used inappropriate questioning techniques.

Oconto County District Attorney Edward Burke said the opinion was “good law.”

“This is well-established law. The only twist is in the partial disclosure of martial privilege; that is cutting edge, but it’s good law and good for the county,” he said.

Provis said he would petition the Wisconsin Supreme Court to hear the marital privilege issue he raised.

“There’s been no definitive interpretation of that by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, and since the case has been recommended for publication (which would give it precedential value), it may interest the (state’s high court),” he said.

Schmidt is serving his sentence at Waupun Correctional Institution, according to online records.

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Contributed Photo Smoke and flames are seen coming from the Ardex All American Mineral Co., 120 E. Richmond St., Saturday afternoon in this photo taken by Shawano police. Shawano Area Fire Department responded to the fire, which damaged the side of the building. Arson is suspected, according to police.

Shawano police are investigating a fire at a local business last weekend that was apparently an act of arson.

The fire Saturday afternoon damaged the side of a building at Ardex All American Mineral Co., 120 E. Richmond St.

Police responded to a report of a fire about 1:40 p.m. and spotted flames and a large amount of smoke coming from the southeast corner of the building.

The Shawano Area Fire Department was dispatched to put out the fire, which originated on the outside of the building where there were several railroad ties and other debris, according to the police report.

Witnesses told police they had seen several juveniles by the building after the fire had started.

The incident remains under investigation.

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Shawano Police Department

May 9

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of South Washington Street.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a shoplifting incident.

Accident — A 68-year-old woman sustained a minor injury after being struck by a vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — An iPad and tablet were reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle in the 400 block of South Sawyer Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 302 S. Main St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 9

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Beech Street in Tigerton.

Theft — Authorities responded to a theft complaint at John’s One Stop, N5847 State Highway 47-55, in the town of Wescott.

Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Green Valley Road in the town of Green Valley.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Main Street in Bowler.

OAR — A 29-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation on Witt-Birn Town Line Road in the town of Birnamwood.

Accidents — Authorities responded to a fatal crash on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott and an injury accident in the town of Aniwa. Authorities also logged five deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 9

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Theft — A retail theft was reported on South Main Street.

Suspicious — A suspicious incident was reported at Anne and 12th streets.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Two people were killed in a single-vehicle crash Monday evening in the town of Wescott, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department reported.

According to authorities, Rocco Spinelli, 36, of Oconto, was driving northbound on County Road H/Lake Drive and Old Lake Lane shortly before 9 p.m. when he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to enter the ditch and strike several trees.

Spinelli and his passenger — Jacob Thorne, 22, of Bonduel — passed away from the injuries they sustained in the crash, the sheriff’s department said.

The Shawano Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Shawano Ambulance Service, Shawano Area Fire Department, Wescott EMS and the Shawano County Highway Department.

The crash investigation is ongoing and no other information was being released Tuesday morning.

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Agency operates as part of sheriff’s departmentBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Shawano County’s emergency management division might soon no longer operate as part of the sheriff’s department.

A county committee has endorsed a plan to make emergency management a standalone department.

Emergency management is the county agency responsible for planning and managing local response and recovery in natural disasters and other types of large-scale emergencies. The department’s budget for this year is approximately $161,000.

The restructuring plan under consideration also would shift to emergency management the function of managing county emergency communications, currently handled in the technology services department.

Natalie Easterday, the county’s emergency management director, said her department would still work closely with the sheriff’s department, but the restructuring would better reflect how her agency operates.

“It just makes sense,” she said.

Representatives of the sheriff’s department support the change.

Chief Deputy George Lenzner said emergency management once operated as a standalone department. It has been part of the sheriff’s department for at least the past 10 years.

Lenzner said sheriff’s officials agree with the restructuring plan.

“I think this will work better,” he said.

The County Board is expected to take action on the restructuring by June. The public safety committee has voted to recommend approval. If approved, the change would take effect Jan. 1.

The new emergency management department, which operates in the county courthouse, would include the county’s technical communications analyst, Jeff Schuh. Schuh’s job involves maintaining and coordinating emergency communication among various public safety agencies in the county.

Steve Hansen, the county’s technology services director, said Schuh’s job once involved communication among all county employees. As more employees have switched to cellphones, the job has narrowed to include primarily law enforcement officials and others still using radios.

Hansen said he agrees with moving Schuh to emergency management so he can work more closely and communicate more easily with Easterday.

“It’s just putting him in the right spot,” Hansen said.

Easterday, who joined the county three years ago, currently is the only employee in emergency management.

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Shawano Police Department

May 8

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Division and Hamlin streets.

Vandalism — A vehicle window was reported broken out in the 600 block of East Green Bay Street.

Accident — Police responded to an injury accident at Main Street and Alpine Drive.

Hit and Run — Police responded to a property damage hit-and-run at Airport Drive and state Highway 29.

May 7

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

Shoplifting — A 26-year-old woman was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Vandalism — Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 302 S. Main St., reported juveniles got into the church and dumped soda all over the place.

Arson — Police were investigating an apparent arson at Ardex All American Mineral Co., 120 E. Richmond St. The Shawano Area Fire Department responded to put out the fire, which damaged the side of the building. Witnesses told police they had seen several juveniles by the building after the fire had started.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 300 block of North Bartlett Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Evergreen Street and Lieg Avenue.

Theft — Medication was reported stolen in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

May 6

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 700 block of East Randall Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 Waukechon St.

Fraud — Police investigated a telephone scam complaint in the 900 block of South River Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St.

Disturbance — A 49-year-old man was arrested on charges of domestic violence-related battery, strangulation and false imprisonment after a domestic disturbance in the 600 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 8

Deputies logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road K in the town of Belle Plaine.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Green Bay Street in Bonduel.
Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on First Street in Aniwa.
Theft — A gravestone was reported stolen from St. Philomena Cemetery on State Road in Birnamwood.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on River Road in the town of Morris.

OWI — A 43-year-old Shawano man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on County Road B in the town of Waukechon.

Accidents — Authorities logged five deer-related crashes.

May 7

Deputies logged 38 incidents, including the following:

Auto Theft — Authorities responding to a suspicious vehicle complaint recovered an abandoned vehicle reported stolen out of Wausau on state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.

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

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Little Road in tGresham.
Theft — A utility trailer was reported stolen on Western Avenue in the town of Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a reported burglary on Old Lake Lane in the town of Wescott.

Warrant — A 24-year-old Mattoon man was arrested on a Milwaukee County warrant and a 23-year-old Mattoon man was taken into custody on a probation and parole warrant on U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Birnamwood.

Accidents — Authorities responded to injury accidents on state Highway 29 in the town of Hartland and Spruce Road in the town of Angelica.

May 6

Deputies logged 42 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 28-year-old Wautoma man was cited for operating after revocation on Pioneer Avenue in Wittenberg.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Mission Street in Wittenberg.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

OAR — A 31-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on County Road A in the town of Richmond.

Accidents — Authorities responded to injury accidents on County Road CC in the town of Waukechon and state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.

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Police chiefs back holding parents accountableBy: 

The Associated Press

A decision by several Wisconsin communities to fine parents whose children repeatedly bully classmates is an idea that’s generating some buzz across the globe.

Since enacting their ordinances, police chiefs in Shawano, Plover and Monona have fielded calls from news organizations from Canada to Australia, the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune reported. They’ve also received thank-you emails from victims who still struggle with the effects of bullying.

Shawano is the latest Wisconsin municipality to pass an ordinance that holds parents of bullies accountable.

“The threat of a fine is a necessary evil,” Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl said, adding that it’s a consequence for parents who don’t want to help fix the problem.

Before parents in all three communities are fined, they’re given a warning that’s meant to inform them about the bullying and get them help if they have a difficult time controlling their child’s behavior, he said.

“We can’t ticket our way out of bullying,” Kohl said.

Kohl said the point of the ordinance isn’t the fine, but rather “getting people to work together” and “getting some parents to act more like parents.” Monona Chief Walter Ostrenga said it shows that not only is bullying wrong, it’s against the law.

Although some critics have complained that the ordinances create a “nanny state” and government overreach, the police chiefs argue that it’s no different than holding a parent accountable for paying for something broken by their child in a store.

“Holding parents accountable is just common sense,” Plover Police Chief Dan Ault said.

Polver enacted the fines last fall after Ault was spurred to action because of the correlation between bullying and teen suicides, truancy and school violence.

“If I can stop one school shooting from happening, that’s pretty successful,” he said. “If I can keep one kid from killing themselves, that has a profound impact.”

Ault said he would love to see other cities in the state and across the country adopt such an ordinance.

In Minnesota, Dakota County Sheriff Tim Leslie said he’s unaware of any cities that are considering similar measures, but he can see the reasoning behind them.

“If parents aren’t coming to the table, you might have to do something like this,” he said.

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Downtown property set to reopen soonBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Village leaders and business owners are pleased to see new signs of activity at the former Peddlers Post location, which had been vacant since November.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Originally a Kwik Trip convenience store, the property at 103 S. Cecil St. has housed a furniture store and a couple of antique stores.

The former Peddlers Post storefront in downtown Bonduel will not sit dormant for very long.

Bill Kolaske, owner of the nearby Red Rooster Cafe, plans to transform the vacant building into a variety store combining a coffee shop and bakery with antiques and home furnishings.

Known as Treasures & Treats, the new retail outlet is scheduled to open later this month.

“It’s going to be a specialty shop,” Kolaske said. “There’ll be a variety of things that will be appreciated — something for everyone.”

The property at 103 S. Cecil St., located in the middle of downtown Bonduel, was shuttered in November when Peddlers Post closed after three years in business. Originally a Kwik Trip convenience store, the 2,500-square-foot building has since housed a furniture store and a couple of different antique stores.

Village President Sharon Wussow said the Treasures & Treats concept sounds like something that will do well in the community.

Wussow also said she was pleased to hear that the vacant storefront soon would be reactivated in such a high-profile location. The property at the southwest corner of Green Bay Street and Cecil Street is visible to most anyone passing through town.

“It’s nice to have something positive at your main intersection,” Wussow said.

Downtown business owners are cheering, too, at the signs of renewal for the dormant store.

Roxanne Tilleson, owner of The Rustic Shed, 113 N. Cecil St., said it is important for the community in general that the location appears vibrant and engaging.

Tilleson said the new concept sounds like it will complement other businesses in the area, Tilleson added.

“I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “The more the better.”

Kolaske, who plans to continue the Red Rooster Cafe at 237 S. Cecil St., said the Treasures & Treats store will offer a wide variety of products, and will adjust based on what seems to be most popular.

Although plans are still coming together, Kolaske said he hopes to include an artisan bakery, candy, cheese and sausage, coffee, homemade pies, artwork, patio furniture, antiques, collectibles and more. Outside specialists might be involved in presenting certain types of products, possibly on a consignment basis.

Kolaske said the place will not be a restaurant, but customers will be allowed to sit and enjoy coffee and pie, ideally while they are shopping at surrounding Bonduel stores.

The store’s opening date is tentatively set for either May 14 or May 21.

Capitalizing on the highly visible location, Kolaske said he hopes the new store will generate excitement in the community. He said he has been encouraged by early feedback that the concept will be well-received.

“The business will be driven by what the consumers want,” he said. “We want to provide something that is unique in Bonduel.”

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By: 

Leader Staff

Two teenagers who walked away from the Homme Home in Wittenberg last month are accused of stealing a car after they went AWOL.

Jacob R. Bailey and Brett L. Ginter, both 19, have each been charged with a felony count of operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

The charge carries a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted, but the penalty could be enhanced for each of the teens because of previous misdemeanor convictions.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Webb Street in Wittenberg on April 10.

A witness reported seeing two suspicious males in the area, according to the criminal complaint.

Earlier that evening, the Homme Home Acceptance Unit, W18090 Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg, reported to authorities that Bailey and Ginter had walked away from the facility and were last last seen walking south on U.S. Highway 45.

Shortly after midnight, the stolen vehicle was spotted and pulled over in Rhinelander by Oneida County authorities who took the teenagers into custody.

The two were also charged in Oneida County with operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Ginter is being held in Shawano County on a $2,500 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday. He is scheduled for a plea hearing in Oneida County on June 28.

Bailey is being held in Oneida County on a $2,500 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing there on June 6. He is also due in Shawano County court for an initial appearance on May 23.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A 2-year-old girl fell from a second-story window Friday at a residence on the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian reservation in Shawano County, police said.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Chief Jim Hoffman said it appeared that the child’s injuries were not life-threatening. She had visible injuries to her forehead, leg or hip, knees and elbows, he said.

Police were called about 2:30 p.m. Friday to a home on Oak Street in the town of Bartelme. The girl was flown by helicopter ambulance to Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Her condition was not available Friday night.

Hoffman said investigators were trying to determine what caused the child’s fall. Foul play is not suspected, he said.

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Felony OWI

A Shawano woman is facing a felony count of operating while intoxicated after being pulled over in the city last week.

Jamie E. Ermatinger, 35, could face a maximum of six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted of fourth-offense OWI.

She is also charged with operating after revocation and misdemeanor bail jumping.

Ermatinger was pulled over around 12:35 a.m. April 29 after she was spotted on East Green Bay Street driving without headlights, according to the criminal complaint.

Ermatinger has three previous OWI convictions in Shawano County, according to the complaint, as well as two previous convictions for operating after revocation.

Ermatinger is free on a $1,500 cash bond and is due back in court for an arraignment hearing on June 2.

Substantial battery

A Shawano woman has been charged with a felony count of substantial battery as a result of an altercation in the city in March.

Mary A. Dodge, 29, is accused of causing substantial bodily harm to a 33-year-old man during a fight that broke out at a drinking party on March 30, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges Dodge struck and kicked the victim, causing injuries including broken bones and cuts requiring stitches.

The substantial battery charge normally carries a maximum possible penalty of 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted, but the penalty could be enhanced against Dodge because of previous misdemeanor convictions of disorderly conduct and domestic abuse-related battery.

Dodge was ordered held on a $1,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on May 16.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Shawano County is recognizing its corrections staff this week as part of National Correctional Officer Week, which runs May 1-7.

“In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation recognizing the vital role correctional officers play in ensuring the custody, safety, and well being of the many individuals in our nations jails and prisons,” Sheriff Adam Bieber said.

“The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office is asking that you remember the many men and women, who, 24/7, keep the peace and support the Shawano County Jail facilities,” Bieber said.

“These men and women sacrifice of themselves by serving and protecting the public without recognition, inside a facility no one chooses to be placed in,” he said. “The jail can often be a dangerous and violent place, yet these Officers and Staff choose to serve, out of the view of most, fulfilling a critical and necessary function of your local government. These selfless individuals make an unmeasurable difference in the safety and security of everyone’s day to day life.”

Bieber offered his thanks to the following Shawano County corrections staff:

Corrections officers: Gloria Kuhn, Susan Ponchaud, Tim Brusewitz, Todd Lohrentz, Deborah Hoffman, Wendy Hafner, Tully Tauferner, James Wickesberg, Sara Hodkiewicz, Brenda Lynn, Lisa Boettcher, Milt Marquardt, Samantha Williams, Terry Knope, Daniel Breutzmann, Cory Ladwig, Christopher Morter, Sarah Resch, Patricia Ketterhagen, Kyle Gerhard, Krystal Seay, Misty Bloecher, Michelle McCauley, Blake Artis, Krista Buettner, Jason Bavinck, Chase Mason, Holly Cummings, Brianna Laabs, Michael Blahnik, Kyle Stotzheim, Ryan Janka, Christopher Eggert, Joshua Steppe, Paul Minniecheske;

Jail sergeants: Marvin Ninham, Michael Pingel, Thomas Kristoff, Troy Beyer, Joel Minniecheske;

Jail lieutenants: Greg Nelson, and Jason Annis-Wild;

Cooks: Jolene Daniel, Debra Hintz, Rose Flessert;

Food service manager: Liz Reissman;

Clerical: Kristie Runge;

Jail administrator: Greg Trinko.

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Shawano Police Department

May 5

Police logged 19 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St.

Arrest — A 33-year-old woman was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 5

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

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 Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a reported burglary on Main Street in the town of Green Valley.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Accidents — Authorities responded to an injury accident on Camp 14 Road in Bowler and logged two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 5

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 29-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for domestic abuse-related disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana, meth and controlled substances.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Main and Madison streets.

Bullying — A report of bullying on North Main Street was being investigated.

Disturbance — Police responded to an unwanted subjects complaint on Morning Glory Road.

OWI — A 53-year-old New London man was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

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Dine on Main showcases local eateriesBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Wes and Karen Fredericks enjoy some soup at Farm Inn on Main before heading to other destinations on the Shawano Business Improvement District’s Dine on Main, tour of downtown eating establishments.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Kayla Logan of Bubba’s BBQ gets ready to serve up a couple of the restaurant’s barbecue roll appetizers Thursday during the “dine-around” organized by the Shawano Business Improvement District.

It was perfect weather for dinner on the town Thursday evening, so Wes and Karen Fredericks headed to a restaurant in Shawano.

And then another. And another.

Before they were through, the Fredericks planned to sample, snack and sweet-tooth their way through nine establishments during the Dine on Main event organized by the Shawano Business Improvement District.

The event allowed participants to pay $15 each and take a tour of the city’s downtown dining spots, each of which served up a special treat for the occasion.

The Fredericks, who live near Legend Lake, are frequent patrons of Shawano eateries, and they were drawn to the chance to spend a pleasant spring evening strolling their way through dinner and desert.

“We’ll go from one end to the other,” Wes Fredericks said. “We’ll try them all.”

Known as a “dine-around,” the event started in 2011 and 2012 under the name The Main Event, conceived by the group Leadership Shawano County. It was revived last year, and then returned this year under the new name Dine on Main.

Dining continued from 5-8:30 p.m., followed by a celebration and prize giveaway at Tom’s Tap.

Wendy Crawford, program manager for Leadership Shawano County, said the relaxed and fun atmosphere not only promotes local restaurants, it also draws a diverse crowd that might not otherwise come together at what she called “community tables” that seem to form spontaneously.

“Strangers will sit next to each other,” she said. “They’re joining other people and having conversations.”

Proceeds of the event support the business improvement district’s facade improvement project.

Among the menu choices Thursday were homemade soups at Farm Inn on Main, barbecue roll appetizers at Bubba’s BBQ, chicken salad sandwiches at Angie’s Main Cafe, baked bread and desserts at Fannita’s Bakery, and other treats at Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta, Old Glory Candy, Domino’s Pizza, Tom’s Tap and ‘Til the Cows Come Home.

Sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s made for ideal weather for the occasion.

Business owners made a special effort to welcome the crowd, hoping to introduce themselves to some new patrons or reacquaint themselves with old friends.

Kayla Logan, service manager at Bubba’s BBQ, said managers there decided to cook up a batch of the restaurant’s eggroll-style barbecue rolls, which are the restaurant’s most popular appetizer among regular customers.

“Everybody who tries it really likes it,” Logan said.

At Fannita’s Bakery, diners could sample a strawberry meringue dessert.

Farm Inn on Main served up homemade potato soup, steak and wild rice soup, and cinnamon bread sticks. Manager Tom Lundt said he was happy to be part of the event, and he hoped it would attract some new restaurant goers to Main Street.

“The weather is great,” Lundt said. “I hope they make some fun out of it.”

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2 others place in MadisonBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Alex Raeder will test his skills at the national level in June after winning the Wisconsin Skills USA competition last month.

The senior was one of three Shawano Community High School students who placed at the competition held April 26-27 in Madison. Taking first in the electrical construction wiring category, Raeder is the first Shawano student in recent memory to win at the state level for Skills USA, according to adviser Jeremy Hodkiewicz.

“It’s nice to break through that wall,” Hodkiewicz said. “We’ve had some place winners but no champions, as far as I know.”

“It feels pretty good,” said Raeder, who plans to pursue a career in the electrical field. “It’s nice being the first one.”

The competition included proficiency in switches and wiring. A lot of what Raeder took into the competition came from the technology education classes he took at the high school.

“Most of it came right out of the books,” he said.

The district’s technology program grew after the school district spent $900,000 to provide bigger spaces for its technology and agriculture programs.

Raeder competed in the same category for Skills USA in 2015 and had set a goal of winning the state contest this year, Hodkiewicz said. He described Raeder as a smart student who excels in all his classes.

Raeder will get the chance to compete at the national Skills USA competition in Louisville, Kentucky, the week of June 20.

Also placing at the state contest were senior Kelsey Gast, who finished second in diesel equipment technology, and junior Jason Heinz, who placed third in collision repair.

In the diesel equipment competition, students had to conduct inspections on diesel trucks, examining valves and engine work. Job interviews and wiring diagnostics were also part of the contest.

“It feels great proving your knowledge and proving what you can do,” Gast said.

For collision repair, students had to examine wrecked vehicles and then estimate repair costs. Students were also judged on how well they fixed fenders and bumper covers, as well as their welding.

“We didn’t have the opportunity to learn this here (at SCHS), but other competitors learn it every day in school,” Heinz said. “I picked it up at home.”

Hodkiewicz hopes the students’ strong performance at the state contest will encourage more students to join the program.

“It takes time to get them to understand what the competition is all about and getting them to practice for the competition,” he said.

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If confirmed, it’d be 1st livestock attack since 2013By: 

Leader Staff

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating a reported wolf attack on a heifer at a town of Richmond dairy farm.

Tim Paiser of Paiser Dairy Farm contacted the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday to report that wolves attacked his heifers overnight, with at least one dead, according to the sheriff’s report.

According to a wolf depredation report on the Department of Natural Resources website, it would be the first confirmed wolf attack on livestock in Shawano County since 2013.

The wolf harassment threat increases as one goes further northwest in Wisconsin, according to the DNR’s map of wolf depredation and threats in the state as of 2015.

There have been 14 confirmed wolf attacks in the state so far this year, according to the DNR, which have included pets and hunting dogs as well as livestock, and 70 in 2015.

The gray wolf population has grown since being put back on the Federal Endangered Spices list in 2014, according to the DNR.

If a wolf did kill the heifer in this case, Paiser would be compensated $2,000 for his loss.

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Contributed Photo Shown, from left, are Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director; Ann and Ashley Hoffman, owners of Pure Essence Salon & Spa; and Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer.

Pure Essence Salon & Spa in Shawano has received an interior grant totaling $5,000 through Shawano Country Vision 2017. The matching grant was awarded to help cover costs for expansion and renovation.

Improvements included the addition of sound proofing to all spa rooms; new carpeting, paint, fixtures and ceiling; and installation of a sound system.

The expansion created large rooms, including a couples’ massage room with fireplace.

The project almost doubled the spa space to 1,296 square feet. Pure Essence also replaced portable pedicure chairs with large massaging stationary chairs.

The salon originally opened in the mid-1980s as Standing Ovation. The current owners — the mother-daughter team of Ann and Ashley Hoffman — purchased the Aveda-concept salon five years ago and renamed it Pure Essence Salon & Spa. As a result of the expansion, they recently hired three people, bringing their total employee count to 13.

Ann Hoffman said the improvements will help them attract new customers and accommodate larger groups such as bridal parties and “girls getaway” groups.

“We are meeting new friends and clients daily now that we can offer more spa and salon treatments and have a beautiful spacious environment,” she said.

The Hoffmans, along with salon staff members, recently celebrated the grand re-opening of their newly renovated spa space with a ribbon cutting.

According to Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer for Shawano County Economic Progress Inc., the project helps the local economy on many levels.

“The Hoffmans kept their dollars local by contracting with area businesses for their renovations including electric, plumbing, flooring, HVAC and building supplies,” Heling said. “Their beautiful facility and expanded services will attract visitors and residents won’t need to leave town for a ‘big city’ spa experience.”

Since 2013, 39 grants totaling $125,000 have been awarded to small businesses through the Vision 2017 façade and interior grant programs, stimulating total private investment of over $920,000, according to SCEPI.

Grants have been awarded to businesses throughout Shawano County in the communities of Tigerton, Wittenberg, Gresham, Eland, Bonduel and Shawano.

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan designed to address various needs of area businesses and communities. The plan’s overall goal is to spur capital investment and grow the economy by implementing specific action steps in key areas, including tourism/retail development, workforce issues, community development, and business expansion, attraction and recruitment.

The plan was initiated three years ago by the board of directors of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce.

DID YOU KNOW?

Any employer or entrepreneur operating in Shawano or Menominee county can apply for Shawano Country Vision 2017 grant programs. To determine if your project or business development idea is eligible, contact Dennis Heling at 715-526-5839 or [email protected], or Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director, at 715-524-2139 or [email protected].

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Shawano Police Department

May 4

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — A 25-year-old man was arrested for third-offense operating while intoxicated and bail jumping after police responded to a property damage hit-and-run in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Warrant — A 25-year-old Shawano woman was arrested on a Marathon County warrant at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 100 County Road B.

Vandalism — A truck was reported vandalized in the 400 block of South Andrews Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Theft — Record albums were reported stolen from a garage in the 2500 block of East Lieg Avenue.

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

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

Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 800 block of West Picnic Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 4

Deputies logged 26 incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — Deputies assisted Shawano police with a hit-and-run incident on Madison Way.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Melody Lane in the town of Pella.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault complaint on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on County Road S in the town of Lessor.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Clintonville Police Department

May 4

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Truancy — Truancy was reported at Clintonville High School, 64 Green Tree Road.

Disturbance — A warning was issued for a neighbor dispute on Robert Street.

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on 10th Street.

Theft — A bicycle was reported stolen on South Main Street and was later located in WA Olen Park.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Weather permitting, the Hemlock Street bridge in Clintonville could be open early next week.

Toby Kersten, city public works manager, said Tuesday that crews would put the finishing work on the bridge this week and then apply the sealer to the cement deck.

The original bid from Pheifer Brothers Construction for the project was near $150,000, but Kersten said the city saved about $20,000 by having city employees do some of the work.

The bridge is being painted but did not need to be entirely sandblasted. One area of the bridge needed to be regraded so the water could run off the roadway.

“I believe we are getting the bridge repaired just in time, with all the traffic that uses that bridge, including the big farm equipment that is used for planting,” Kersten said. “People get upset that we had to close the bridge, but it can’t be repaired if it isn’t closed.”

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