Shawano Leader News

Shawano Police Department

April 17

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

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

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Huckleberry Harbor, 222 N. Sawyer St.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of Military Road.

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

Weapon Offense — A 10-year-old girl was hospitalized after being shot with a pellet gun in the 200 block of Teddington Lane. The incident was still under investigation.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Green Bay and Ellis streets.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Lincoln and Center streets.

April 16

Police logged 23 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant at Fifth and Sawyer streets.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 800 block of South Main Street.

Accidents — Police responded to a deer-related crash in the 1300 block of East Green Bay Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of South Main Street.

April 15

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A 22-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the 500 block of South Lincoln Street.

Burglary — Police investigated a reported burglary in the 400 block of South Smalley Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Lincoln and Maurer streets.

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

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 400 block of Humphrey Circle.

Drug Offense — A juvenile was taken into custody after police responded to a drug complaint at Lakeland Road and Richmond Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 17

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 26-year-old Shiocton man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after an injury accident on Laney Road in the town of Maple Grove.

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

Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint on Fischer Street in Gresham.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Industrial Street in Gresham.

Warrant — A 33-year-old Oshkosh man was taken into custody on a warrant on County Road E in the town of Washington.

OWI — A 20-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Loon Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

April 16

Deputies logged 50 incidents, including the following:

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

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Anderson Avenue in the town of Wescott.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on State Street in the town of Herman.

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

OAR — A 42-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on Camp 14 Road in Bowler.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

April 15

Deputies logged 59 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Angle Road in the town of Pella.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Springbrook Road in the town of Washington.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint Green Bay Street in Bonduel.

Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on Campfire Road in the town of Waukechon.

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on state Highway 32 in the town of Green Valley.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Old Lake Road Old Lake Lane in the town of Wescott.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on state Highway 29 in the town of Hartland.

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A 10-year-old girl was hospitalized Sunday after being shot in the face with a pellet gun apparently fired by a 13-year-old boy, according to Shawano police reports.

Police were called to ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano just after noon to investigate the incident, which occurred in a wooded area near Teddington Lane.

The boy told police he was checking to see if the gun’s safety was on when it was discharged, according to the police report.

Chief Mark Kohl said police are continuing to investigate the matter, including whether possible charges could be filed with the district attorney’s office.

The incident was one of 52 police logged over the weekend, including disturbances in the 400 block of South Main Street, 100 block of South Washington Street and 700 block of South Lincoln Street; a juvenile problem in the 100 block of Military Road; disorderly conduct at Lincoln and Center streets; an intoxicated person in the 800 block of East Richmond Street; warrant arrests at Fifth and Sawyer streets, and Lincoln and Richmond streets; property damage hit-and-runs at Green Bay and Ellis streets and in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue; a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 200 block of South Sawyer Street; and a deer accident in the 1300 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies logged 87 incidents over the weekend, including arrests for operating while intoxicated in the towns of Maple Grove and Wescott; a drug complaint at the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, in the town of Wittenberg; a citation for operating after revocation in Bowler; warrant arrests in the towns of Red Springs and Washington; disorderly conduct complaints in Cecil and town of Wescott; a juvenile problem in the town of Herman; and a harassment complaint in Gresham.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Several hundred Shawano Municipal Utilities customers were hit with a power outage Sunday night after the utility lost a phase of a distribution transformer.

The outage caused a brief blackout around 9 p.m., but when power came back up it was at very low wattage, leaving homes with some very dim-burning bulbs and in some cases insufficient wattage to fire up a computer.

Full power was restored about an hour later.

Electrical Supervisor Rob Koepp said there was an issue with the distribution transformer’s internal wiring. He said the utility is looking into the matter.

The outage affected the western corridor and parts north. Koepp estimated that would encompass about 400 to 500 customers

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Retiring mayor proud of service to communityBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Mayor Lorna Marquardt, right, speaks with community members at a retirement open house at City Hall on Friday.

Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt will officially end 22 years of government service in the city on Tuesday when mayor-elect Jeanne Cronce is sworn in.

Eight of those years were as alderperson before she ran for mayor. This year, however, she decided the time was right to retire and decided not to seek another two-year term.

Marquardt was working for Citizen’s Bank in the early 1990s when the bank asked her to do something that might involve her in the community.

“They wanted me to join a service club or something,” she said.

Instead, she decided to run for the Common Council; which the bank approved as long as it didn’t interfere with her job, she said.

Among the first things she became involved in, along with fellow council member Nancy Syndergaard, was the hiring of a city administrator; something new to the city of Shawano, which relied back then solely on its part-time mayor.

“We really knew the importance of getting a full-time person educated in municipal government on board,” Marquardt said. “We knew we needed an administrator.”

Marquardt said it wasn’t an easy sell, but the rest of the council eventually came around.

“That was something, as an alderman, I felt proud about,” she said.

Marquardt represented the city’s District 2, and when she later became mayor, one of the first projects tackled by City Administrator Jim Stadler was the remediation of an old concrete mixing plant that Marquardt had been fielding complaints about for years.

“It was quite an eyesore on south side of Shawano,” she said.

Through brownfield grants and other efforts, that area — along with an old trailer park — was finally cleaned up, opening the way for an expansion of Kuckuk Park and the purchase of residential lots the city put up for sale.

“I’m really proud of that cleanup,” Marquardt said.

Marquardt was still an alderperson on Sept. 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was brought down.

A year later, as mayor, she organized a remembrance at the Shawano County Fairgrounds.

“The streets were lined with ambulances and fire trucks and police and the entire grandstand was full,” she said. “It was such a tribute. That event and the planning of that was special to me.”

Tributes to law enforcement and veterans have become a staple of Marquardt’s tenure.

“The veterans have a special place in my heart,” she said. “Each Memorial Day the last 14 years I’ve spoken there.”

A few years after Sept. 11, the city became involved in the aftermath of another national tragedy, when Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in 2005.

The city of Shawano responded by adopting Summit, Mississippi, as a sister city, sending truckloads of water and supplies to the devastated community.

“They were so appreciative,” said Marquardt, who traveled to Summit to see the devastation.

“That was quite an honor to represent Shawano and we were happy we could give some help,” she said.

Marquardt said she is pleased to have seen business growth and development in Shawano during her tenure, most recently with the addition of Tax Incremental Finance District 6, which paved the way for the Tower Clock Eye Center, the expansion of United Cooperative and Dunham’s Sports moving into the vacant Kmart space.

“I think that is the start of other businesses that will come there,” she said.

Marquardt said she was also happy to see the city purchase the former Franklin School property; now Franklin Park.

“Some day it will be a central place for many gatherings, with a gazebo, numerous events and band concerts,” she said. “It’s important we got that piece of property.”

Marquardt also listed among the highlights of her tenure as mayor the creation of two new committees; People With a Disability and the Youth Advisory Committee.

“I thought there were two sectors of the community that weren’t as well-represented as I thought they should be,” she said.

Marquardt’s tenure has also seen a lot of change in city staff, including retirements of the city’s administrator, clerk-treasurer, chief of police, and directors of public works and parks and recreation.

“They served the community well and finding their replacements was critical,” she said.

Marquardt said she is pleased with the department heads the city now has in place.

“We have an absolutely awesome team,” she said. “It makes my leaving much easier knowing that Shawano’s future is in such competent hands.”

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Marquardt’s last day in office is TuesdayBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Mayor Lorna Marquardt speaks with community members at a retirement open house at City Hall on Friday.

Well-wishers and other visitors streamed through City Hall a few at a time Friday afternoon to bid farewell to Mayor Lorna Marquardt, who will end her 14-year-tenure as the city’s mayor Tuesday.

Sun Drop slushies, popcorn and fudge from Old Glory Candy were available during the three-hour open house, which drew old friends, existing and former city employees, and members of the business community.

Some longtime members of the Common Council also dropped by, including President Woody Davis.

“Definitely, we’re going to miss her,” he said. “She’s been fantastic, not only as a person but as our mayor, and what she’s done for the city over all these years. We wish her the best. She deserves it, that’s for sure.”

Davis held out high hopes for the incoming administration.

“I just hope the people that will be following her footsteps will be able to do the same types of things that she has been doing in keeping the community involved and informed about all the activities that the city needs to be discussing,” he said.

Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz has served on the council for 13 of the 14 years Marquardt has been mayor.

“Certainly Lorna has amassed a great legacy here for the community of Shawano,” he said. “She has been so good to work with, when we agreed and when we disagreed. I wish her the best in retirement.”

Lisa Bruette, the city’s administrative assistant, has been with the city for 32 years, including all of Marquardt’s time as alderperson and mayor.

“She’s going to be really, really missed,” she said. “I’m really going to miss her, because not only did she help me and mentor me here, but she was also a good ear when I had some personal issues.”

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3-year-old swallowed strawberry wholeBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Teacher Mary Meyer, left, jumped into action when she realized that 3-year-old Andrew Behnke, right, was choking on his breakfast and could not breathe.

A Shawano child care worker is being hailed as a hero after saving a 3-year-old boy who accidentally choked himself by swallowing a whole strawberry.

Andrew Behnke, who has a bad habit of wolfing down his food, stopped breathing and was in serious danger during breakfast Tuesday at Under the Rainbow Child Care center, 1515 S. Lincoln St.

While Andrew struggled with the strawberry lodged in his throat, teacher Mary Meyer grabbed the frightened boy from behind and successfully performed the lifesaving Heimlich maneuver.

When Andrew’s mother, Abby Behnke, later learned what had happened, she and Meyer shared an emotional embrace and shed a few tears of joy together.

“She’s my hero,” Abby Behnke said. “She saved my child. I’m eternally grateful to her.”

Meyer, 37, a mother of two, said her instincts took over when she realized that Andrew was choking on his breakfast. She used the first-aid training that she received before starting work at Under the Rainbow five years ago.

“You never know when you’re going to need that,” she said. “I’m thankful that I had that, and I knew what to do.”

Facility manager Debbie Euhardy said all teachers and staff at Under the Rainbow receive first-aid training, including the Heimlich maneuver. Euhardy, however, said this was the most serious safety incident that has occurred at the center in the 30 years she was worked there.

It appears that Meyer saved the 3-year-old boy with lifesaving techniques that were textbook perfect, Euhardy said.

“I told her she did a great job,” Euhardy said.

Along with other children in his age group, Andrew was sitting in a chair about 9 a.m. Tuesday eating a breakfast that included fresh fruit. After jamming a whole strawberry into his mouth, he began making strange noises and another teacher asked him, “Andrew, are you choking?”

Working with other children across the room, Meyer overheard what was happening and immediately rushed to Andrew’s side. She first slapped him on the back a couple of times. When that did not work, she crouched down behind him, wrapped her arms around his torso and squeezed Heimlich maneuver-style.

The strawberry became dislodged and passed down his throat, as Meyer felt the little boy’s body relax and return to normal.

“I could feel him breathing, and he was fine,” she said. “It happened so fast.”

Abby Behnke, a schoolteacher who also has a 5-year-old daughter, said Andrew has developed a bad habit of eating too fast and not chewing his food. He remembers feeling frightened while choking on the strawberry, she said, so she hopes that he will be more careful in the future.

When Behnke considered how close her son came to a life-threatening accident, she was overcome with emotion.

“I was just horrified,” she said. “I’m not a huggy person, but I gave that woman the biggest hug of my life.”

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Shawano Police Department

April 14

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at the Brickstone Tavern, 622 E. Green Bay St.

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

Burglary — Police investigated a report of an attempted burglary in the 700 block of South Franklin Street.

Truancy — Police logged three truancy complaints from Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 S. Waukechon St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 14

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 26-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Morgan Road in the town of Red Springs.

Theft — A license plate was reported stolen on Birch Street in Birnamwood.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an IRS scam complaint on County Road G in the town of Red Springs.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged eight accidents, including four deer-related crashes and one vehicle versus bear in the town of Herman.

Clintonville Police Department

April 14

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A theft was reported on Eighth Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Ninth Street.

Theft — A bicycle was reported stolen on McKinley Avenue.

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Cooperative Resources International recently welcomed three new employees in Shawano.

Carrie Lamensky, of Neenah, joined CRI as the technical training administrator. In this role, she designs and delivers technical training to CRI employees. Lamensky holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Angie Van Den Heuvel, of Black Creek, accepted the position of basis administrator working within the information technology division. She assists in managing the cooperative’s business software system. Van Den Heuvel is a recent graduate of the information technology network specialist program at Fox Valley Technical College.

Steve Oswald, of Kewaunee, is the business systems analyst for CRI. Oswald assists with business system software configuration and report development. He brings an extensive information technology background with him. Oswald and his wife will be relocating to the Shawano area.

In addition to these new hires, Hollie Spitzberger, of Shawano, was promoted to a CRI account payable specialist. She processes the cooperative’s payables. She was previously a CRI office assistant.

CRI, headquartered in Shawano, is a global leader in delivering excellence, innovation and value to members and customers. Built from organizations dating back to the 1920s, CRI and its subsidiaries — AgSource Cooperative Services, Genex Cooperative Inc. and MOFA Global – encompass more than 1,500 employees dedicated to meeting the needs of individuals linked to the land through plant and animal production. For information, visit www.crinet.com.

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Ila Moede passed away SundayBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Ila Moede’s brother, John Hill, takes the microphone to remember his sister as the Rev. Susan Phillips stands by during funeral services at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday.
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Longtime friend Jeanne Cronce remembers Ila Moede at Moede’s funeral service Thursday at First Presbyterian Church.

Ila Mae Moede almost took a different path in life; one that would have taken her away from her hometown, instead of remaining here and becoming a local historian and revered member of the Shawano community.

Ila passed away Sunday at the age of 95.
Her brother, John Hill, recalled that when Ila graduated in 1938, she had a $300 scholarship to attend what was then Oshkosh Teacher’s College.

He remembers his sister saying, “What good is a $300 scholarship if you don’t have bus money out of town?”

“So there was no college,” Hill said.

Instead, Ila went to work for the Cantwell-Peterson Clinic and later for her father’s plumbing company as a bookkeeper, where she remained until her retirement.

Her son, Ed Moede, said Ila was more vital to the company than people might realize.

“She could be very quiet, but in the background she was quite a force at making things happen,” he said.

Though she lived her life in Shawano, Ila traveled extensively, visiting 49 of the 50 states.

“The only reason she never visited Alaska was because, she said, then she’d have nothing to look forward to,” Ed said.

For all her traveling, Ila found her happiness in Shawano.

Hill said that growing up as Depression-era babies, “we were all looking for that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Ila found it. We were always close and I will always have fond memories of Ila.”

Friends and family packed First Presbyterian Church in Shawano for Ila’s funeral services Thursday.

Ed Moede recalled that his mother was always prepared, organized and always on time, and could deliver a speech on the area’s history like a professional, even when she had doubts about how her speech would go over.

“The minute she went on, it was like a clock turned; it was just like that,” he said. “Almost like a professional entertainer.”

Jeanne Cronce knew Ila since childhood and was a neighbor for many years.

She remembered the family welcoming hers when they moved to Andrews Street.

“They opened up their arms and said, ‘Come join us,’” Cronce said.

“We grew to love Ila,” she said. “Ila became like an aunt. We’re not related by blood. We’re related by heart. Ila holds a special place in all of our hearts. She will be missed.”

Terry Hilgenberg said Ila’s family and the Hilgenbergs have known one another for 66 years.

“Ila was my Sunday school teacher, and you paid attention to Ila’s class,” he said. “She was a wonderful, wonderful lady. There are a few ladies now deceased in our community that were ladies of stature and honor, and set a table for the rest of us, and Ila was one of them.”

Ila, who was ordained as an elder in the Presbyterian church in 1975, was one of the first people who the Rev. Susan Phillips, pastor at First Presbyterian, met in the congregation when she came to Shawano 17 years ago.

Phillips said Ila was one of the first people anyone would meet when they came to First Presbyterian.

“She had questions. She wanted to know who you were, where you came from, who your family was,” Phillips said. “She wanted to get acquainted. She would welcome you, and she would remember the next time you showed up.”

Phillips also recalled that Ila was still regularly riding her bicycle around town when she arrived.

“I hope I’ll be riding a bicycle when I’m 80,” she said.

Phillips said Ila was always sharing stories.

“She was full of stories. She had so many stories in her life that they spilled out into the pages of books so other people would have stories to share and celebrate and remember. She has been a treasure in this community and this congregation,” Phillips said. “Ila is anchored in this community and gave us her heart.”

Ila authored three books on local history: “Grandma’s Footprints: A History of Shawano, Wisconsin from 1843 to 1918,” “Shawano: A Humming Good Town” and “From the Pineries to the Present.”

“Her publications were very important to the Shawano community. I hope everyone gets a chance to look at them,” said Mike Eidahl, president of the Shawano County Historical Society, where Ila was an emeritus member of the board.

“I loved Ila,” Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt said. “You never had to wonder what Ila was thinking, she would tell you, and she would tell it to you straight. She didn’t mince words. She was witty and charming and always had a twinkle in her eye. She loved this community and she put so many things in her books that would have been otherwise lost or forgotten. Shawano will long remember this wonderful lady.”

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Officials celebrate start of $10M projectBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Turning shovels of dirt Thursday outside Shawano Community Middle School are, from left, student Keith Tourtillot, Principal Mary Kramer, state Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, School Board member Marcia Yeager, district Superintendent Gary Cumberland, architect Melanie Parma, district building and grounds director Jeff Easter, and construction project manager Jared Olk.

It was an historic moment for an historic Shawano building.

Shawano school administrators joined with students and civic leaders Thursday for groundbreaking ceremonies on a major renovation and updating of Shawano Community Middle School.

“We’re excited to get this project started,” Superintendent Gary Cumberland told a crowd gathered outside the school.

With a ceremonial turning of dirt, Cumberland and others marked the official start of construction work that is expected to transform the 62-year-old building.

It is the last of the Shawano School District’s major school facilities to either be replaced or receive a substantial upgrade in recent years.

Representatives of the school’s student council joined Thursday’s ceremony and presented two large thank-you cards signed by students grateful to see the nearly $10 million project moving forward.

Principal Mary Kramer recalled years of uncomfortable conditions inside the school because of its age. Although there have been few complaints, Kramer said, everyone looks forward to the improvements on a building that engenders much pride among students, teachers and others.

“A school is not just a building,” she said. “It’s the team inside that makes the difference.”

Voters in the school district approved a referendum last November to borrow $9.25 million — with another $700,000 in district funds — to complete a long list of improvements at the middle school, 1050 S. Union St. The building is getting a new main entrance, an enlarged cafeteria, new gymnasium locker rooms, an updated kitchen, a new heating system, improved band and orchestra rooms, and more.

Construction management firm Miron Construction Co. started work earlier this month and is scheduled for completion by August.

School administrators have called the upgrade long overdue and have said it likely would keep the middle school, which at one time served as the high school, functional for another 25 years or longer.

Jeff Easter, the school district’s director of building and grounds, told those in attendance Thursday that he has developed a deep appreciation for the school’s role in recent Shawano history.

“This building has a lot of meaning and a lot of history,” Easter said. “It’s been a really cool experience to see how much this building means to the community.”

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Burning permits required in some areas

Wisconsin forest ranger Zach Hylinski says while spring is always much-welcomed after our long winters, the seasonal warm and dry conditions can result in increased wildfire activity.

That’s why the state Department of Natural Resources offices in Bowler and Keshena are gearing up for spring wildfire season and reminding area residents to get a burning permit before burning debris.

“Weather is the single most important factor influencing how fires start and spread,” Hylinski said. “Temperature, wind, humidity and precipitation are the key weather components that determine the daily fire danger.”

Debris burning is the number one cause of Wisconsin’s wildfires, Hylinski said, and fires caused by careless burning become more frequent this time of year. Wildfires can happen just about any time of the year, but history has shown 60 percent of all wildfires in Wisconsin each year occur in March, April and May.

“Many people are eager to get outside to clean-up their properties by raking leaf litter, brush and pine needles so it looks good and is ready for new growth. Then they choose to burn their debris pile,” Hylinski said.

Rain this time of year can cause the public to become more complacent in thinking conditions are safe. However, Hylinski said, light fuels such as leaves, grasses and pine needles in sandy soils can dry out quickly and turn into hazardous conditions in a day.

Fire control officials stress the importance of knowing the local fire danger. Throughout the spring, DNR monitors the weather and fuel conditions daily. This influences the fire danger, most often communicated on Smokey Bear fire danger signs. Fire danger levels range from low to extreme.

“The signs describe the potential for a fire to start and spread and the intensity at which a fire will burn in the wildland,” Hylinski said. “Our hope is that the public will take note of these signs, check our website or hotline and adapt their behavior and act responsibly.”

Hylinski said penalties exist for anyone found responsible for causing a wildland fire.

“You could be liable for the costs it takes to suppress that fire and potentially any damages,” he said. “Getting your permit and checking those daily fire restrictions is a much cheaper and safer option.”

Hylinski recommends composting yard waste or hauling it to a transfer site. Burning debris should always be the last alternative.

As soon as the snow cover is gone, burning permits are required in DNR protection areas. Permit holders are authorized to burn vegetative materials, such as leaves, brush and pine needles. Permit conditions are designed so that burning is done safely with minimal wildfire risk.

“Obtaining a burn permit is easy, fast and the best part is they are free,” Hylinski said. “For the average customer, it takes less than two minutes to go online and apply. The permit is good for the calendar year and we can even email or mail it right away.

“With a little planning and dedication to getting your burn permit and following the rules, we can all work together to prevent wildfires.”

Annual DNR burning permits are available online at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “burn permit,” or by calling 888-947-2876 to have it mailed or emailed. You also can visit a local DNR office or designated emergency fire warden.

Once an individual has a burning permit, he or she is required to call or go online after 11 a.m. on the day of the planned burn to check daily fire restrictions and hear the legal burning hours and size limitations or if burning has been suspended for the day.

Some areas of the state are not regulated by the DNR so it’s important to check with local municipal or fire department officials for any ordinances or other burning restrictions.

For more information on burning permits, fire danger and preparing for wildfires, visit dnr.wi.gov search “fire.”

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Vietnam era veterans will be honored

Vietnam era veterans will receive special recognition at The Veterans of the Menominee Nation’s 27th annual Gathering of Warriors Powwow from May 19-22 at the Woodland Bowl in Keshena.

Veterans from all branches of military service are invited to attend a weekend of special ceremonies to honor all veterans, make new and enjoy old friendships, and visit the vendor craft and food stands on the powwow grounds.

On May 19, VMN and the Menominee Tribal Clinic will sponsor a run/walk at Veterans Park in downtown Keshena. Registration begins at 5 p.m. Participant prizes and awards will be given. Refreshments will be served.

The opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. May 20 with a prayer and other ceremonial activities followed by the raising of 21 family flags of deceased Menominee veterans at the base of the Woodland Bowl. The family flags, along with Big John and a large POW/MIA flag, will be flown throughout the weekend powwow. Big John is a large American flag that was presented to John Hawpetoss after 30 years of service in the Navy. It is currently in possession of his sister, Nell Lee Hawpetoss.

Following the opening ceremony, special VMN red jackets will be awarded to outstanding community members for their service to the Menominee community.

The evening will end with performances by several local musical groups.

May 21 is Armed Forces Day. Powwow activities begin with a grand entry at 1 p.m. Honor guard units from several Wisconsin tribal communities will participate, along with honor guard units from Upper Michigan, Washington State, Illinois, South Dakota, Arizona and Minnesota.

Afternoon activities include special dances, a powwow princess contest and other presentations. Another grand entry will be held at 7 p.m. May 21.

A highlight of the evening is the retiring of the colors when the flags are taken out of the Woodland Bowl with the Veterans Snake Dance. The veterans carry the flags in single file, similar to a combat patrol, with other veterans firing rifles until all the flags have returned to base.

The rest of the evening program features exhibition dances and other honor dances requested by families to honor their veterans and community members.

A grand entry at noon opens the May 22 festivities, which includes ceremonies honoring for all Vietnam Era veterans. The honoring ceremony features a drum group singing songs recognizing each branch of the military; veterans dance to the song of their respective branch of service.

The afternoon activities include a table ceremony by Rolling Thunder Chapter 3 from Green Bay to honor and to remind people of our POW/MIAs. The powwow concludes with a raffle drawing.

Each powwow grand entry will be led by a male and female veterans in their traditional dance regalia followed by the honor guards units, powwow royalty and all the dancers. Two veterans serve as the master of ceremonies. The host drum and other invited drums provide the dancers with powwow songs for their dancing.

All veterans, veteran honor guard units, elders 55 years of age and older, and children under 5 years are admitted free. Weekend buttons are $8 each; single day passes are $5 each.

For powwow information, call Jamie Awonohopay at 715-851-0755, Wes Martin at 715-851-4748 or Andy Boivin at 715-851-2127.

For vendor information, call Paul Swett at 715-799-4014 or 715-508-1942.

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Shawano Police Department

April 13

Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in the 800 block of Waukechon Street.

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

Accident — Police responded to an injury accident involving a milk truck at Green Bay Street and Airport Drive.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 400 block of South Sawyer Street.

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

Burglary — Police investigated a reported burglary in the 800 block of Olson Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 13

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

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

Disorderly — Authorities responded to two disorderly conduct complaints at Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St., Bowler, and one at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Camp 14 Road in the town of Bartelme.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Redwood Drive in the town of Maple Grove.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Woods Road in the town of Wescott.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on Slate Avenue in Mattoon.

Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire in Curt Black Road in the town of Wescott.

Fraud — Gresham Town Mart, 1129 Main St., reported a counterfeit bill.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

April 13

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Auto Theft — Two subjects were arrested for operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent after a vehicle was reported stolen on 13th Street.

Harassment — Two juveniles were warned for harassment at Harriet and Pearl streets.

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Funds approved for study, design of new facilityBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

It appears Clintonville’s outdoor swimming pool will not open this summer due to a fire in December that caused an estimated $60,000 in damages.

City Administrator Chuck Kell told the Common Council on Tuesday that the city’s insurance company has offered $47,000 to repair the pool house.

Parks and Recreation Director Justin McAuly, meanwhile, has submitted a bill for $25,000 for the equipment damaged by the fire, and the insurance company has authorized $5,700, Kell noted.

The city still doesn’t know how much it will cost to repair the roof. Four of the structural concrete beams in the roof need to be replaced, officials said.

A Green Bay firm indicated last week it will do the roof work, but with so many other concerns “it is impossible to get the work done in order to open the pool this year,” Kell said.

Meanwhile, an ad hoc committee will continue its work on a study of the pool’s long-term future and related fundraising.

The Common Council approved spending $10,000 on the study, which will include replacing the pool and bathhouse.

Water Technology Inc., based in Beaver Dam, will provide a proposed design of a new pool with aquatic features, and will consult on the engineering for the mechanical and water treatment systems.

The Common Council has debated the future of the pool several times over the last few years. It decided last year to keep the pool open at least one more season if there were no major problems or repairs needed.

The cause of December’s fire remains unknown.

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The process to select Wisconsin’s congressional district level delegates to the Democratic National Convention will begin Sunday with the first round of 72 county-level caucuses.

The Shawano County caucus will be conducted at the Shawano Civic Center, 225 S. Main St.. Registration for the caucus will be from 1-2 p.m. Participants do not need to be members of the Democratic Party but will be required to sign a pledge that affirms their status as an eligible voter, a supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party and that they vote as a Democrat. At registration, they will need to declare whether they are supporting Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton for president. Visitors are invited to attend.

Shawano County will be electing six delegates and six alternates for Sanders and five delegates and five alternates for Clinton. The delegates will represent Shawano County at the 8th Congressional District caucus to be held May 1 at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. At the congressional district caucus, they will help elect six delegates (three Sanders and three Clinton) to the Democratic National Convention.

Only delegates who have filed an “intent to run” form with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin are eligible to run for the national delegate positions. The Democratic National Convention will be held from July 25-28 in Philadelphia.

For information, contact Dan Weidner at 715-250-1212 or [email protected].

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The National Weather Service says today’s statewide tornado drills are a “Go”.

At 1 p.m., the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45 p.m. a statewide mock tornado warning. This drill ends at 2 p.m. A second drill will occur at 6:55 p.m. with another mock tornado warning. There is no risk of severe weather in the state on Thursday.

Many Wisconsin radio and TV stations will participate in the drills. In addition, NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue alert messaging. Many outdoor warning sirens across the state will also be activated. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safety procedures for severe weather.

These drills are possible through a partnership with the National Weather Service, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and Wisconsin Emergency Management.

For more information go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

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Shawano Police Department

April 12

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — BMO Harris Bank, 206 N. Airport Drive, reported a counterfeit bill.

Fire — Police assisted the fire department at the scene of a gas grill fire in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 200 block of South Andrews Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Richmond and Waukechon streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 12

Deputies logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Derby Lane in the town of Washington.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Putnam Lane in Bowler.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Island Lake Lane in the town of Red Springs.

Accidents — A 31-year-old Gillett woman was taken into custody on a warrant after an injury accident at State Highway 22 and Lake Drive in the town of Washington. The incident blocked northbound lanes for about an hour. Authorities also logged three deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

April 12

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — A complaint of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property on South Main Street was under investigation.

Disturbance — Police assisted with an uncontrollable juvenile complaint on Eighth Street.

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Police say marijuana, cocaine seizedBy: 

Leader Staff

Felony drug charges were filed Wednesday against three people arrested in a raid that netted more than $13,000 worth of cocaine and marijuana, according to authorities.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police and Shawano County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant in the town of Red Springs on Monday, seizing 123 grams of what was believed to be cocaine, worth more than $12,300, and 38 grams of what was believed to be marijuana, worth more than $760.

Authorities also seized various drug paraphernalia and more than $1,100 in cash, according to the criminal complaint.

Shelly G. Davids, 29, of Gresham, Thomas K. Davids, 23, of Bowler, and Jeffrey D. Kaquatosh, 29, of Gresham, were each charged with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

They could each face a maximum 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted of the most serious charge of possession with intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine.

Kaquatosh was also charged with felony counts of second or subsequent offense possession of marijuana and cocaine. He was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday.

Shelly and Thomas Davids also face misdemeanor counts of possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They were both ordered held on $2,500 cash bonds and are scheduled for preliminary hearings Wednesday.

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Shawano County officials oppose ‘Big Brother’By: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Contributed Photo A simulator provided by AT&T will show students at Bonduel High School later this month what it means to use a cellphone behind the wheel.
Contributed Photo Shawano County sheriff’s officials say this car was rear-ended in the town of Washington by a truck driver who became distracted reaching for something in his vehicle while driving.

An effort in Shawano County to discourage distracted driving has run into an obstacle with county officials who believe that banning cellphones while driving would be extreme government regulation.

The group known as Leadership Shawano County is leading a push throughout April to promote awareness on the dangers of motorists using cellphones or allowing other distractions while behind the wheel.

A survey conducted by the group shows that 92 percent of drivers locally leave cellphones turned on inside their vehicles. Most of those drivers, however, also say they are willing to change their driving habits to improve safety.

The campaign follows last year’s tragic death of Shawano County highway worker Derek Stempa, who was struck by a motorist later found to have been distracted by two unrestrained dogs and an oxygen mask inside the vehicle.

Dana Ritchie, a member of the Leadership Shawano County group, said she is encouraged to see the survey of 1,200 people in Shawano County showing that 88 percent are prepared to make changes to stop distracted driving.

“That speaks volumes — noticing that there’s a problem, and they’re willing to change,” Ritchie said. “That’s awesome.”

In addition to the survey, the group is planning an assembly at Bonduel High School, is urging parents to discuss safer driving habits with their children, and is asking county leaders to support a statewide ban on cellphones while driving except for hands-free devices.

The county measure initially is getting a poor reception among county officials who see a statewide ban as excessive.

The measure seeking new state legislative action stalled, at least temporarily, when members of the county’s public safety committee declined April 6 to bring the proposal to a vote.

Supervisor Patrick Hoffman said he remembers using a citizens band radio while driving a truck years ago, and he doubts that cellphone usage is a safety issue as long as drivers use common sense and keep their eyes on the road. Hoffman said the statewide ban is unnecessary.

“To me, that’s just government overreach,” he said.

Supervisor Jon Zwirschitz agreed, saying: “There’s too much Big Brother in the world.”

Members of Leadership Shawano County expressed disappointment at the setback, saying that it demonstrates the need for more public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

“We just have to refocus our efforts on education,” said Patrick Rau, another member of the group, who is the Bonduel School District superintendent.

Bonduel High School students will participate in an assembly April 28 with a simulator provided by the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign against texting and driving. Students using the simulator will demonstrate the risks of handling a cellphone while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Rau said it is a message geared toward young people, but one that all drivers should hear.

“Everybody can do a better job of keeping their eyes on the road,” he said.

Leadership Shawano County, an annual program of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, brings together professionals and others in the area to discuss community issues related to family, health, education, business and other topics.

The local leadership group’s survey on driving habits was conducted randomly, but 1,200 people responded through email and other electronic formats. In addition to cellphones, the survey discussed other forms of distracted driving, such as eating or having a housepet in the car.

Another group member, Beth McFarlane, who serves on the Shawano School Board, said she was surprised by the survey results showing that distracted driving is so commonplace.

“It’s frightening when you think about how often it’s happening,” she said. “It’s a bigger problem than people think.”

Although state law already prohibits inattentive driving and a measure has been introduced in the Legislature to ban cellphones in construction zones, the group asked Shawano County elected leaders to support a statewide ban “prohibiting the use of cellphones and other similar devices while driving for any purpose at any time, unless such activity is performed on a hands-free basis.”

With a committee balking at the proposal, it is unclear whether the measure will reach the full County Board, as originally intended.

Ritchie, who works as office manager for the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, said Stempa’s death was a major motivation for the distracted driving effort. She also said it could take other tragedies, unfortunately, to persuade more people that distracted driving is a serious problem.

Ritchie said her group hopes to make another effort at convincing the county’s elected leaders to get behind stronger state laws on the issue.

“It’s not going away,” she said. “It’s going to have to take awareness.”

The National Safety Council has declared April as national Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

FYI

Results of Shawano County survey on driving habits:

97 percent have observed distracted driving
77 percent have been a passenger with a distracted driver
92 percent do not turn off cellphone when driving
66 percent eat while they drive
27 percent drive with an unrestrained housepet in the vehicle
65 percent agree that distracted driving is a problem
53 percent support local or state law prohibiting distracted driving
88 percent are willing to change their driving habits to improve safety
Source: Leadership Shawano County

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Tanker tips over making turnBy: 

Leader Staff

Leader Photo by Scott Williams The pavement was covered with milk Wednesday after a truck carrying about 4,000 gallons of milk tipped over at the corner of Green Bay Street and Airport Road in Shawano.
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis An estimated 4,000 gallons of milk was in a tanker when it overturned Wednesday in Shawano. Firefighters worked on cleaning up milk that leaked from the tanker, while police directed traffic and examined the crash scene.

A truck carrying about 4,000 gallons of milk rolled over Wednesday while the driver was attempting a left turn from Green Bay Street onto Airport Road in Shawano.

The rig landed on its side — milk gurgling out onto the pavement — outside the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery at 1398 E. Green Bay St.

The incident occurred about 11:30 a.m. and snarled traffic for about two hours while emergency crews worked to clean up the mess.

Truck driver David Dal Santo was bleeding from the head, but he appeared to have escaped serious injury. Dal Santo, 55, of Lena, said he was making the left turn and had no idea why he lost control of the truck.

“I felt like I was on ice,” he said, “and then over I went.”

Dal Santo said he had just picked up some product in Oconto Falls and was headed to Wausau.

Shawano police said the truck was going too fast for conditions.

“We believe his load of milk shifted, contributing to the crash,” Chief Mark Kohl said.

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