Shawano Leader News

By: 

Leader Staff

An elderly Tigerton woman who went missing Tuesday afternoon was found safe and in good health in Forest County, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday.

Beverly Kasperek, 81, left Tigerton about 2:30 p.m. to go shopping in Clintonville and Shawano, according to authorities. The family reported her missing about 11:30 p.m.

She was located around 7 a.m. Wednesday in Forest County.

Capt. Tom Tuma said Kasperek went to a location in Forest County that she frequents, but didn’t let family members know.

He said as soon as Kasperek learned people were looking for her, she contacted her family.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice sent out a missing and endangered adult alert overnight. It did not issue a Silver Alert because Kasperek had no signs of dementia or cognitive impairment.

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Shawano Police Department

July 14

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police investigated a man attempting to go through a vehicle in the 900 block of South Hamlin Street.

Disturbance — Police investigated a disturbance in the 300 block of East Maurer Street.

Theft — A vehicle was broken into at a residence in the 1100 block of Valley Lane.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious man in the 500 block of South Hamlin Street.

Welfare — Police investigated the parents of a child unattended in a vehicle in the 300 block of North Main Street.

Theft — Items were stolen from a vehicle in the 300 block of South Sawyer Street.

Accident — Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in the parking lot of Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Theft — Police investigated a theft on Cherry Court.

Threatening — Police investigated threats made by an ex-husband in the 1000 block of South River Street.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 1200 block of County Road B.

Sex — Police responded to sexual activity at Arlington Park.

Property — Police investigated a two-vehicle property damage accident on East Green Bay Street and Green Bay Court.

Property — Police investigated a two-vehicle property damage accident on East Green Bay Street and South Airport Drive. No injuries reported.

Disturbance — Police investigated a disturbance in the 900 block of South Prospect Street.

Theft — Prescription medications were stolen from a residence in the 600 block of East Division Street.

Welfare — Police checked the welfare of a woman and her child on Waukechon Road.

Trespassing — Police investigated report of two people trespassing in the 100 block of Alpine Court.

Suspicious — Police investigated a vehicle on South Evergreen Street and East Lieg Avenue.

Alcohol — Taco Bell, 1266 E. Green Bay St., reported an intoxicated driver in the drive-through.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 14

Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Welfare — Authorities checked the welfare of 26-year-old intoxicated woman on state Highway 45 and Maple Road in Aniwa.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious woman complaint in the 100 block of East Wall Street in Bowler.

Accident — Deputies logged a vehicle versus dog accident on County Road N and Pine Road in the town of Birnamwood.

Theft — A utility trailer was stolen from a property on Main Laney Drive in Maple Grove.

Accident — Deputies logged a deer-related crash on County Road J in Morris.

Accident — Authorities investigated a two-vehicle accident at the Wittenberg Aquatic Center, 603 Church St., Wittenberg.

Animal — Authorities responded to a dog unattended in a vehicle in the 200 block of South Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Animal — A dog bite was reported in the 500 block of South Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Fire — Shawano Area Fire Department responded to a kitchen fire on Broadway Road in Richmond. Officials noted no flames or smoke upon arrival.

Fireworks — Authorities responded to a fireworks complaint on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Debris — Authorities logged two fallen trees in the town of Wescott. Shawano County Highway Department was notified.

Missing — Authorities investigated a missing persons complaint on Bernitt Road in the town of Grant.

Clintonville Police Department

July 14

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police responded to a missing juvenile complaint. Subject later returned home.

Property — Police responded to a property damage accident on West Green Tree Road.

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

Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on Sunset Boulevard.

Suspicious — Police responded to suspicious juveniles on Wilson Street.

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A Belle Plaine man accused of firing a handgun during a disturbance Thursday has been charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct, but he also faces a felony count of drug trafficking in a separate case.

Justin D. Seefeldt, 28, could face a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty of the felony charge.

He was charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place as a result of a search warrant executed at his residence in May.

Criminal complaints in both cases were filed Monday.

Seefeldt was taken into custody Friday as a suspect in the shooting incident outside a Belle Plaine bar the day before. Authorities said they are referring a charge of endangering safety with the use of a weapon.

However, Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney Greg Parker said the investigation reports warranted only a charge of disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Sheriff’s Lt. George Lenzner said Thursday witnesses were providing conflicting information about the incident.

Authorities said at the time they believed the suspect fired a round from a 9 mm handgun at a vehicle leaving the scene of an apparent drug deal gone bad. No one was hurt in the incident, which took place outside Mickster’s bar shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to the sheriff’s department.

In the felony drug case, Shawano County sheriff’s detectives conducted three garbage picks at Seefeldt’s residence in April and May, each time finding plant material that tested positive for marijuana, according to the criminal complaint.

During the execution of the search warrant May 30, authorities seized a white plastic container with green plant residue, as well as a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia, according to the complaint.

Seefeldt was freed on a $1,500 signature bond after a court hearing Monday. He is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance July 27.

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Strangulation

A Shawano man is facing a felony count of strangulation and suffocation for allegedly choking a woman during an altercation in the city Sunday.

Darren Q. Gauthier, 45, could face a maximum six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

The incident allegedly occurred in a room at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St., shortly before 5 a.m. According to the criminal complaint, an argument with a 42-year-old South Dakota woman who was staying with Gauthier turned physical, at which point he allegedly forced her onto the bed and choked her.

Gauthier was ordered held on a $500 cash bond after a hearing Monday. He is due in court for an adjourned initial appearance July 27.

Sexual assault of a child

A Wittenberg teen is facing two felony counts of sexual assault of a child for allegedly having sexual contact with a 15-year-old girl.

Benjamin M. Jozwiak is accused having sexual intercourse and oral sex with the girl between September and April, when the alleged contact was discovered by a guidance counselor at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School.

Jozwiak could face a maximum 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine on each count if found guilty.

He is scheduled for an initial court appearance Aug. 3.

Reckless endangerment

A Keshena woman has been charged with a felony count of domestic abuse-related recklessly endangering safety after allegedly striking another vehicle with her car and forcing a man off the road.

Barbara J. Alegria, 43, could face a maximum 10 years in prison and $25,000 fine if found guilty of the felony count. She is also charged with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, battery and criminal damage to property.

According to the criminal complaint, the incident began as a domestic disturbance in Gresham on July 5. Stockbridge-Munsee police responded to a report of a fight in progress about 11 p.m. Before police arrived, the man tried to leave in a vehicle. Alegria allegedly followed in another car and forced him off the road and into a field.

She is due in court for an initial appearance Monday.

Substantial battery

A Crandon woman has been charged with a felony count of substantial battery with intent to do bodily harm for allegedly injuring a woman during an altercation in Wittenberg in December.

Sonya M. Daniels, 35, could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

According to the criminal complaint, Daniels struck the woman in the head with a beer bottle, causing an injury that took six staples to close.

Daniels is due in court for an initial appearance Aug. 10.

Forgery

A Keshena man has been charged with a felony count of forgery for allegedly passing a bogus check in Shawano in February.

Christopher J. Wynos, 26, is accused of stealing another man’s paycheck from a company in Superior and passing it off as his at the CoVantage Credit Union on Feb. 27.

Wynos could face a maximum six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of theft and obstructing an officer.

Wynos is due in court for an initial appearance Aug. 10.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Contributed Photo Shown at the new sign for Veteran’s Memorial Park and Ballfield in Gresham are, from left, Guy “Took” Moede, Ken Beyer, John Gallon, Henry Rudesill, Jed Huebner, Raymond Rigsby, Jim Carroll and Art Bahr.

Military veterans in the Gresham area have a new place to call their own.

Gresham village leaders have renamed Riverside Park and rededicated it as Veteran’s Memorial Park and Ballfield.

The dedication took place during Fourth of July ceremonies attended by veterans and other community leaders. The park already hosts annual Memorial Day services and contains Gresham’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Village Board member Jim Carroll said he pushed for the renaming, which was unanimously approved by the Village Board.

“There was really not much going on for the veterans, and the park was just sitting there,” he said. “I thought, ‘Well, let’s do something for our veterans.’”

The local American Legion Post 390 has about 100 members from throughout the area.

Carroll, a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War era, said he was pleased to see the park renamed to honor those serving in the military — or soon to serve.

“We did it for our veterans of the past, present and future,” he said. “That’s the way it should be.”

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Shawano Police Department

July 13

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police issued a warning for disorderly conduct after a disturbance in the 200 block of South Sawyer Street.

Vandalism — Police responded to a vandalism complaint in the 200 block of South Main Street.

Theft — A purse was reported stolen at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Juvenile — Juveniles were reported using a picnic table as a bike ramp in the 300 block of North Main Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 500 block of South Sawyer Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 13

OWI — Authorities responding to a disturbance on Warrington Avenue in Cecil arrested a 31-year-old Pulaski man for operating while intoxicated.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Now Road in Aniwa.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Raspberry Road in Birnamwood.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Old Keshena Road in Wescott.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Chic-A-Watha Circle in Wescott.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Ellms Street in Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Hiawatha Court in Wescott.

Clintonville Police Department

July 13

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

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

Theft — Police responded to two separate theft complaints on East Morning Glory Drive.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Three juveniles have been identified as the culprits in a rash of vehicle break-ins in the town of Washington in May, according to Shawano County Sheriff Adam Bieber.

Bieber announced in a Facebook posting that a tip led to the juveniles’ identities and that the stolen items were being recovered. There was no indication whether anyone was in custody.

A number of vehicle break-ins were reported in the Shawano Lake south shore area in the town of Washington during the night of May 22 and into the early morning hours of May 23. The thefts occurred along Sandy Drive and Resort Road, and the Swan Acre Drive area.

Capt. Tom Tuma, who said he was unaware of the Facebook posting, said Tuesday the case was still under investigation and that the sheriff’s department was working with Menominee County authorities on the matter.

“We’re making substantial progress,” he said.

A private party put up a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for stealing a large amount of money and a firearm from one of the vehicles during that spree.

Other stolen items included CDs and cell phones. Some items were located the next day on area lawns and in ditches.

All thefts were made from vehicles that had unlocked doors and the windows rolled down, according to the sheriff’s department.

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Torch Lite owners detail $1.2 million planBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Head waitress Judy Stoltenow, left, and owner Rita Mondus will be back when Anello’s Torch Lite rises from the ashes.
Contributed Photo The new restaurant’s layout shows a dining room with seating for 150, plus an expanded bar and a new outdoor patio.

Anello’s Torch Lite is ready to make history again.

Owners of the landmark Shawano restaurant destroyed by fire last December have disclosed plans to build a new supper club that will be modernized and slightly larger, costing more than $1 million.

“It’s going to be new, it’s going to be fresh, and it’s going to be exciting,” owner Rita Mondus said.

The old restaurant, which dated back to the 19th century, burned to the ground Dec. 30 in a fire that investigators believe was caused by equipment failure in the building’s basement.

Ever since that tragic night, former employees and loyal customers have been wondering if the historic business would rise from the ashes.

Longtime head waitress Judy Stoltenow, who will be back on the job in the new restaurant, is among those celebrating the Torch Lite’s return.

“I’m very, very glad,” Stoltenow said. “It was like my second home.”

Mondus plans to start construction next month on a supper club that will have a comparable-sized dining room, with seating for 150, along with a larger bar and a new outdoor patio. It will be built adjacent to the former site, which will be paved and turned into a parking lot.

Slated for a grand opening in December, the new place might have a slightly modified name, such as The Torch or The Flame.

Regular customers will recognize other familiar features, including favorite menu items, an outdoor petting zoo and an armor-suited “tin man” mascot that was salvaged from the fire. The restaurant also was known for its fish fry, prime rib and pasta dishes, among others.

Mondus and her husband, John, said they are aiming to satisfy the community’s appetite for Torch Lite nostalgia, while offering a whole new dining experience that is updated and upgraded.

“This is going to be bigger and better than it was before,” John Mondus said.

Built in 1897 at 1276 E. Green Bay St., the restaurant originally was known as the Continental. During the Roaring ’20s, it is reputed to have been a hangout for gangsters Al Capone and John Dillinger. It later operated as the Bavarian Inn. Rita Mondus acquired it in 1981 and renamed it Anello’s Torch Lite.

For decades, it was a beloved dining spot among folks in and around Shawano.

“Nothing compares to that place,” said regular customer Patti Peters, who along with her husband, Bill, was a particular fan of the calamari appetizer and Brandy Old Fashioned cocktail.

The good times ended in the early morning hours of Dec. 30 when fire broke out shortly after closing time on a Monday night. Firefighters battled the blaze in frigid weather conditions, but the structure was a complete loss.

Mondus said she and her husband, both in their 60s, anguished for months about whether to rebuild on the 9-acre complex, which also includes their home. Ultimately, they decided to invest their fire insurance settlement, along with a personal investment, in a rebuilding plan that Mondus estimated at $1.2 million.

After more than 30 years at the Torch Lite, Mondus said she missed the people and the business too much to walk away. With the indecision behind her, she looks forward to watching the new restaurant come to life.

“Finally we said, ‘We’re just going to do it,’” she said. “Now that I know it’s coming, now I’m excited.”

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37th annual fest opens ThursdayBy: 

Thaddeus Carroll, [email protected]

Pulaski Polka Days draws thousands of people every year to a city with a population of just over 3,000. A surprisingly large number of the attendees are under 30, which gives Pulaski a flavor unlike any other polka festival, according to organizers, musicians and attendees.

“It’s polka’s version of Country USA. You’ve got people partying in the RVs,” said Jeff Maroszek, who plays in the band New Generation “The polka tradition hangs on a lot of the younger people.”

“I love the young people,” musician Chad Przybylski said. “They come and give a different take.”

Stacy Seelig, 21, of Shawano, has gone to the event for the last four years with her family. She will return again for this year’s fun, centered at the Polka Days Grounds and Zielinski’s Ballroom from July 16-19.

“The first time I came I loved it, and I said to myself, I don’t ever want to miss this again,” she said.

Like Seelig, many of the young people start coming to Polka Days with their families, but keep coming years after on their own.

“They have grown up with it, or they come with their friends and they just get hooked,” said Bruce Brzeczkowski, of the band Polka Dynamics.

Otto says the upbeat Polish style polka music plays a big role in bringing in the young people.

“It gets their feet hopping,” he said. “A lot of them are standing around the stage, and then all at once they are out there dancing.”

“I love watching everyone get out there and dance,” said festival regular Brooke Sperberg, 21, of Shawano.

“It’s something different,” said 21-year-old Scarlett Young, of Shawano, who goes to school in Milwaukee. “I can’t polka in Milwaukee.”

The music isn’t the only thing that brings people to Polka Days, which Seelig said is like no other polka festival.

“It’s a party atmosphere,” she said. “I’ve traveled to other polka events and they are usually a little more low key.”

There are also many attractions at the festival that don’t involve music, including an arts and crafts fair, 5K run, pancake breakfast and fireworks.

“There is something there for everyone. It’s not just for the 65 and overs,” said Joe Kind, the official Polka Days photographer and one of this year’s honorary grand marshals. “It really surprises people who are from outside the area, how many young people show up.”

Wes Adelbush, 21, of Shawano, is planning on going to Polka Days this year for the first time.

“The music, dancing, beer and pretty women are an added bonus,” he said.

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Shawano Police Department

July 12

Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Lawn ornaments were reported stolen from a residence in the 300 block of Fairview Way.

Auto Theft — A 2005 Dodge Caravan minivan was reported stolen in the 500 block of Prospect Circle.

Suspicious Vehicle — Two men were reported shining a vehicle’s headlights into buildings in the 100 block of Madison Way.

July 11

Police logged 18 incidents, including the following:

Accident — A two-vehicle accident was reported on private property in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Welfare Check — A domestic dispute involving alleged abuse of a teenager was reported in the 800 block of

East Richmond Street.

Found Property — A small bag of suspected synthetic marijuana was reported found at the Super 8 Motel, 211 Waukechon St.

July 10

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Shoplifting — An unspecified incident of shoplifting was reported at Cobbler’s Closet, 118 S. Main St.

Animal — A dog was reported locked in a car with a 110-degree temperature inside in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Theft — A boy’s bicycle was reported stolen in the 500 block of East Center Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 12

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A woman reportedly struck her boyfriend during a disagreement on Menge Road in the town of Fairbanks.

Animal Bite — A pedestrian reported being bitten on the ankle by a large dog behind a store in Bonduel.

Assault — Two suspects were identified after a man was assaulted at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St., Shawano.

Hazardous Materials — Diesel fuel spilled at the pumps of a gas station at Ho-Chunk Casino, Wittenberg.

July 11

Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:

Trespassing — Residents reported that suspects had nailed items to a fence and left junk on property on Old Keshena Road in the town of Wescott.

Disturbance — A man reportedly kicked in a vehicle’s windshield in a domestic incident reported near state Highway 47 and Balsam Road in the town of Wescott.

Assault — A man reported being assaulted by a motorcycle owner demanding $500 for damage to the vehicle on First Street in Bonduel.

Traffic — Adults were reported aiming squirt guns at passing traffic near state Highway 156 and Robley Road in the town of Navarino.

Juvenile — A possible underage drinking party was reported at a residence on Hilltop Road in the town of Hartland.

July 10

Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A boy’s bicycle was reported stolen on Fischer Street in Gresham.

Burning — Thick black smoke from a possible tire fire was reported along U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Birnamwood.

Juvenile — Two residents were reported fighting at a facility on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

July 12

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Theft — A bicycle was reported stolen on 15th Street.

Found — A knife found at Memorial Circle and East 12th Street was placed in found property.

July 11

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Curfew — Three curfew warnings were issued on Garfield Avenue.

Vandalism — A women’s restroom was reported vandalized at W.A. Olen Park.

Traffic — A police dog was deployed during a traffic stop on 10th Street.

July 10

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Traffic — A hit-and-run property damage incident was reported on South Main Street.

Citation — A subject was cited for unlawful use of electronic communications on 15th Street.

Commitment — A mental health commitment was completed on South Main Street.

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Amanda Mueller will help tell district’s storyBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Amanda Mueller

Shawano School District almost needed a communications specialist to explain why it hired a communications specialist.

Amanda Mueller, of Shawano, will start her job Monday, a new job that raised questions by some area residents. After the School Board voted 8-1 to hire Mueller, people expressed concerns on a Facebook page — not about Mueller, but about the position.

Lisa Greene Hoffman, of Shawano, commented on the Concerned Parents of Shawano Schools page after the board’s vote Monday night, questioning why someone hired to provide public relations for the district would receive a salary on par with a first-year teacher. Mueller’s annual salary will be $34,000 plus benefits.

“I wouldn’t think it would require a hired position to accomplish the task,” Hoffman said.

Superintendent Gary Cumberland said he was surprised at the response. Cumberland noted there are a lot of things occurring in the schools that parents and taxpayers might not be aware of.

“The purpose of this position, in a nutshell, is to tell our story,” Cumberland said. “It’s to get the facts out and make sure we’re reaching everybody to get information out about our schools.”

Cumberland said the district’s website is not as current as it could be and social media has not been fully utilized. He noted that teachers and administrators have tried to get the word out when they can, but publicity often has taken a back seat to education.

Also, educators tend to speak their own language, with buzzwords and acronyms that the average person does not understand, Cumberland said.

“We might get the information out, but people might not know what we’re talking about,” he said.

A communications specialist, he said, would translate information so that parents and taxpayers can easily digest it.

The district puts out a newsletter two or three times annually. With Mueller on board, the newsletter will be published monthly, Cumberland said.

Cumberland also hopes a communications specialist will help reach families outside the district and attract them to Shawano schools. More students come into the district through open enrollment than go out, but the gap has been shrinking, he said.

As a secondary duty, Mueller also will market the district’s Project Inspire program, which helps teachers learn how to use technology more effectively in their classrooms. Getting more teachers from outside the district at the summer program will bring in additional dollars, Cumberland said.

“We believe we have a quality product, and we can provide services to surrounding schools in the district,” Cumberland said. “That would be additional income for the district.”

Board member Derek Johnson, who voted against hiring a specialist, said he didn’t expect to see student enrollment increase because of extra marketing or additional stories in the media. He said the job was a “want” for the district, not a need.

““I think the way to (bring more students in the district) is to improve ourselves,” he said. “Creating a publicity arm is not the way to sell.”

Mueller graduated from Ripon College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, English and anthropology. She worked as an editorial intern for The Shawano Leader in 2012.

Mueller could not be reached for comment Friday.

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Born Learning trails being developedBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Examining plans for the new Born Learning educational exhibits are, from left. Linda Olson of the United Way, volunteer Donna Thomas and Ed Grys of the Mielke Family Foundation.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams Volunteer Lee Ellis draws a turtle among other animal characters that she will later paint along the trail.

A day at the park will mean more than just fun and games soon for preschoolers and their parents in Shawano.

New attractions coming to both Kuckuk Park and Memorial Park will allow kids and adults to engage in interactive exhibits that are fun and educational.

Known as “Born Learning” trails, the attractions being installed this summer are designed to make public parks useful tools in early childhood education.

Retired schoolteacher Ruth Newcomb said the assembled exhibits will offer parents a way of introducing their kids to a healthy outdoor diversion from common distractions such as TV and video games.

“You need to keep kids engaged, and this is a fun way to do it,” she said. “They might not even know they’re learning.”

Newcomb joined other volunteers Thursday at Kuckuk Park to launch installation of Born Learning exhibits that will have kids jumping, singing and hopping from one station to another through the park. Signs will guide children and their parents along the trail with messages such as, “Look. Listen. Touch. Think.”

The same attractions are scheduled to be installed at Memorial Park next month.

Promoted by the Shawano Pathways recreational group, the park improvements are being funded by the Mielke Family Foundation and supported by a number of other groups.

Ed Grys, president of the Mielke Foundation, said his organization allocated $13,000 after hearing about the concept from Shawano Pathways. The project combines the foundation’s passion for education with a strong emphasis on supporting families, Grys said.

“It just fit very well,” he said. “We kind of jumped on it.”

Other involved in the project include the Shawano Park and Recreation Department, the Shawano School District, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department and the United Way of Shawano County, among others. City park officials have agreed to maintain the Born Learning trails as part of the public parks.

The exhibits will be installed along an existing path at Kuckuk Park and around an existing play area at Memorial Park.

Although similar Born Learning projects have turned up elsewhere in Wisconsin previously, this is the concept’s first introduction in Shawano County.

Linda Olson, executive director of the United Way of Shawano County, said parents always seem to be looking for something to do with their kids. The new trails offer a way for parents and other caregivers to engage children in a healthy activity that also promotes early development of reading and listening skills.

“They can get outside and they can be active while they are learning,” Olson said.

Artist Angie Schultz, of the town of Richmond, loaned her talents — with assistance from her husband, Merle — by creating animal figures to greet children at each exhibit station.

Schultz said she crafted the hand-painted wooden figurines so that children would appreciate the natural beauty of the parks and the outdoors in general.

“I want them to fall in love with nature,” she said. “I want them to really connect with how wonderful it is.”

HOW TO HELP

Anyone wanting to help install the Born Learning trails can contact Linda Olson at (715) 526-0238 or email [email protected]. For information on Born Learning, go to www.bornlearning.org.

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Feathered visitor ‘quite a little celebrity’By: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Animal rescue specialist Liz Shames holds the guinea fowl outside her home near Bonduel.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams The feathered creature, shown in a cage following its capture in Shawano, is about the size and shape of a turkey.

That was one funky chicken that took up residence in downtown Shawano this summer.

Known as a guinea fowl, the large African bird resembling a turkey came out of nowhere and kept local bird-watchers captivated for weeks.

It was spotted behind the post office, outside a church, and, yes, even crossing a road.

The exotic creature’s summer on the run came to an end Thursday morning when police captured it in a backyard not far from where the Wolf River passes through downtown.

That was still not the end of the story surrounding the peculiar feathered visitor that flew into town an oddball stranger and quickly became the center of attention.

“It was kind of comical,” said resident Cheryl Buist, who drove around hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous fowl.

“There were sightings all over the place,” she said. “It was kind of funny.”

Native to Africa, the guinea fowl can sometimes be found on Wisconsin farms, where its shrill chirping sound and sharp claws are helpful in keeping away predators.

In a city like Shawano, however, folks are not accustomed to seeing such a critter strut down Main Street.

Postal carrier David Schlise encountered the bird one day behind the downtown post office as Schlise was preparing to make his rounds.

“I never actually saw it, but I heard it,” Schlise said. “You could tell it was a bigger bird, by the sound of it.”

Soon, the dark-colored bird with the distinctive profile and unmistakable cluck was all the rage on social media. Followers on Facebook breathlessly shared reports of its movements, theories about where it came from, and questions about how long it could continue its wayward ways.

Some fans of the guinea fowl — which everyone called a guinea hen, assuming it was female — put out food to help the winged folk hero reach its next destination. Still another follower reported menacingly that he had tried to run the creature over in his car.

Then the suspenseful tale reached its climax.

Sandi Smith spotted the guinea fowl Thursday morning behind her house on West Green Bay Street. Smith had been following the bird’s saga on social media, so she knew it was no common backyard visitor.

Worried that the critter might not survive much longer, Smith contacted a friend who specializes in animal rescues.

“Everybody in town talked about it, but nobody did anything about it,” Smith said. “I just wanted the poor thing caught and taken to where she could be safe.”

The creature ran across rooftops and jumped between tree branches to elude capture. But when a Shawano police officer and animal control officer arrived on the scene, they slowed the bird down with a garden hose and then nabbed it with a fishing net.

Officer Jody Johnson said police had been getting calls for weeks about the exotic African visitor. She was relieved to catch it and help the animal find a more suitable place to live.

“Obviously it doesn’t belong in a city,” Johnson said.

Once secured inside a caged transport, the bird went home with animal rescue specialist Liz Shames, who keeps chickens and other animals on her property near Bonduel.

Shames soon discovered that the guinea hen was actually a guinea cock — a male. She started calling him “Wiley” because of his clever ability to evade capture and survive in unfamiliar surroundings.

Although she is happy to give him a home, she hopes to find another place where he can join other guinea fowl. Such birds are meant to live in flocks, so she suspects his high-profile trek through Shawano was nothing more complicated than a search for other birds like him.

“He was probably just having a great time,” Shames said. “He’s quite a little celebrity.”

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Martin gets 5 years in prisonBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A former Menominee chief justice and tribal prosecutor was sentenced in federal court Friday to five years in prison for receiving child pornography.

Joseph H. Martin, 54, pleaded guilty in February under a plea agreement in U.S. District Court in Green Bay.

According to court records, child porn in Martin’s possession included a 23-minute video showing a prepubescent female performing a sexual act.

Authorities launched an investigation in January 2014 after an area IP address was found to be using a peer-to-peer file-sharing network known to traffic in child pornography, according to court documents.

Over the next several months, undercover officers downloaded numerous files being shared by the address, including videos that featured minors identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The address was traced to Martin at his home address in Keshena, according to court records. Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence Oct. 14, seizing three laptops, five thumb drives and one tablet containing about 100 child pornography videos, the records state.

According to a sentencing memorandum submitted by the defense, Martin admitted to authorities that child pornography would be found on his computer when they executed their search warrant.

Martin said he was interested in girls in their upper teens as opposed to younger children.

A psychological evaluation indicated Martin’s likelihood of re-offending was low, according to the defense memorandum.

The doctor’s report suggests Martin’s exposure to adult pornography “deteriorated into the exposure of child pornography use,” court documents state.

The defense memorandum also notes that Martin could come in contact with individuals he had previously sentenced, raising concern for his safety. The defense agreed with the recommended five-year prison sentence, but requested that Martin surrender himself rather than being transported through the federal Bureau of Prisons out of concern for his safety.

Martin was ordered to surrender himself within 72 hours to the Federal Correctional Institution in Elkton, Ohio — a low-security prison that houses about 2,400 inmates.

Martin was charged in November with two counts of transporting child pornography. One count was dropped as part of the plea agreement.

Martin could have faced a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and supervised release of anywhere from five years to life.

The five-year sentence is the minimum under the law. Martin will also have to register as a sex offender.

Martin served as chief justice for the Menominee Tribe in the early 2000s and later as tribal prosecutor.

He also served as chief legislative counsel for the Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians in Michigan before becoming Menominee tribal prosecutor.

According to information in the search warrant request, Martin was employed by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections at the time the warrant was executed.

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A 28-year-old Belle Plaine man was taken into custody Friday in connection with a shooting incident outside a bar the day before.

A charge of endangering safety with the use of a weapon has been referred to the district attorney’s office, along with a bail jumping charge. The man was on probation in connection with an operating while intoxicated offense in Waupaca, according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

Additional charges could be filed, authorities said.

He was taken into custody without incident around 12:30 p.m.

Charges were not expected to be filed until Monday. He was being held on probable cause, which allows authorities to keep him in custody longer than 48 hours without a charge being filed.

Authorities believe the man fired a round from a 9 mm handgun during an apparent drug deal gone bad early Thursday. No one was hurt in the incident, which took place outside Mickster’s bar shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to the sheriff’s department.

The incident was still being investigated, but initial information indicates that the suspect fired a round at a vehicle that was leaving the scene after an altercation. He then pointed the gun at witnesses, telling them they were next, before also leaving the scene.

A 24-year-old New London man called authorities just after the incident.

When deputies arrived they saw two people flee in a vehicle that was immediately pulled over.

The driver — a 21-year-old New London man — was charged with operating while intoxicated and taken into custody on a probation and parole hold. He was also cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The man told deputies there had been an altercation earlier at Mickster’s.

Authorities found a 9 mm shell casing at the scene.

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Issue is on agenda TuesdayBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The Clintonville Common Council on Tuesday will consider whether to change the city ordinance outlining the number of votes needed to pass a motion before the council.

The city’s safety and ordinance committee voted Monday to recommend changing the ordinance, which requires a majority vote of the 10-member council to approve a measure regardless of how many council members are present. The change proposed by Alderman Steve Kettenhoven would enable a measure to pass with a majority vote of the council members present at the meeting.

Kettenhoven cited examples of dog park proposals that the council supported 5-2 on April 14 and 5-3 on June 9. The proposals lacked the six-person majority and failed, however, because some council members were absent.

“This is something that is long overdue and needs to change,” Kettenhoven said. “When we have seven people here and it gets voted 5-2, it still didn’t pass, I think that’s ridiculous. How are you representing the people if a majority doesn’t rule?”

Alderperson Gloria Dunlavy said she was concerned that if both representatives from a district were not at a meeting, that district would not be adequately represented in the vote.

Alderman Brad Rokus said the council could potentially get into gamesmanship when voting on key issues. If council members didn’t like something on the agenda, for example, they could just not show up at the meeting, Rokus noted.

Alderperson Mary Beth Kuester suggested matters could be tabled if not all council members were present.

Kettenhoven questioned why the council would meet if agenda items would be tabled if members were absent.

“Whether it’s 4-3 or 5-2, if the minority wins, why are we voting? Who are we representing?” he said. “I thought majority rules in this country, not a minority.”

The council will review the issue when it meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 50 10th St.

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Shawano Police Department

July 9

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 400 block of South Andrews Street.

Fraud — A welfare fraud complaint was under investigation.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of South Main Street.

Child Abuse — Police investigated a child abuse complaint at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint at Billy’s Bar, 1100 S. Main St. A 20-year-old Oconto Falls man was cited for underage alcohol violation and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 29-year-old Shawano woman was cited for allowing an underage person on licensed premises.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 9

Deputies logged 42 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A man was taken into custody on a warrant on Spaulding Street in Tigerton.

Warrant — A man was taken into custody on a Wood County warrant on River Heights in Shawano.

Theft — A license plate was reported stolen from a vehicle on Cedar Street in Tigerton.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on White Birch Road in Birnamwood.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Nabor Road in Cecil.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

July 9

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint on South Main Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a family situation on Fifth Street.

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District looking to replace 50-year-old infrastructureBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Shower facilities in the student locker rooms are in horrible shape and are unused by students, with some areas serving as storage. Facilities director Jeff Easter describes them as “something you’d see in a horror movie.”
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Steam boilers in the basement at Shawano Community Middle School were installed in the 1960s, and it is getting increasingly difficult to find parts to keep them functioning. School district officials want to replace the steam boilers with a hot water system and plan to ask voters for the funding in November.

Much of the infrastructure at Shawano Community Middle School is old enough to qualify for AARP benefits.

That’s why Shawano School District officials are considering a referendum in November to provide the needed face-lift to keep the institution going for at least another 25 or 30 years.

Estimated costs of a referendum are unknown, as the district awaits final numbers from Somerville, an architectural firm out of Green Bay. The estimate is expected to be in the School Board’s hands by August.

“We’re hoping, with the right information and with people seeing the value of what we’re doing, the community will support this,” district facilities director Jeff Easter said.

Despite not knowing the costs, district officials know what areas of the middle school desperately need updating.

The key project will be replacing steam boilers installed in the 1960s with a modern hot water system that will more efficiently heat the building.

“They’re working. They’re not efficient, but they’re working,” Easter said of the boilers. “They still have all the original equipment on them, and it’s very hard to find parts for those.”

The pipes that send the steam throughout the school only had a life span of 50 years. Repairing them would be extremely expensive, Easter said.

A new system would enable the district to install a cooling system for the whole building. SCMS currently has air conditioning only in the main office, library and a couple of other rooms.

Easter speculated that the heating system alone could cost the district around $3.5 million, but officials have other projects in mind, as well, to better utilize the existing square footage. They include the following:

• Both the boys and girls locker rooms need to be updated. Easter said they are severely outdated, do not comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act and are constructed in a way that limits teachers’ ability to supervise students. The lockers are too small and set up awkwardly, he said.

The showers are outdated and not used. Easter said they look like “something you’d see in a horror movie.”

• The existing concessions area is about the size of a closet, and the school’s parent-teacher organization has used the commons area to sell snacks during school basketball games. Easter said he would like to expand the concession area.

• The commons also needs to be expanded, according to Easter. The limited space requires the school to have three lunch periods to accommodate all students, and even then, meal time is limited.

“The kids just have to slam their food and go,” Easter said.

• To expand the commons, the school’s main entryway, visitor center and school offices would be realigned, and an oddly shaped classroom would be eliminated.

The office shift would also allow the school nurse to be in the same area as administrators. SCMS is the only school in the district where the nurse’s office is detached from the main office, according to Easter.

• More access points are needed for SCMS to utilize its courtyard area for studying and outdoor learning. Plans include reducing the size of a speech pathology classroom, which Easter reported is too large for the professional’s needs, to create a hallway to the courtyard.

• The school kitchen would get more space for cold storage. Space is so limited now that food is transported daily from Shawano Community High School.

• The school’s weight and fitness rooms are only accessible by stairs, so the district is looking to install an elevator. The two rooms would be combined into one.

• Single-stall bathrooms in the wing where technology education, band, orchestra and choir classes are taught would be expanded to be ADA compliant.

• The music rooms would be renovated to allow more access to practice rooms, as well as to improve the acoustics.

• Easter also anticipates removing some asbestos tiling and replacing some light fixtures if the referendum is approved. Most of the flooring would be left alone, he said, since it had been replaced in the 1990s and is still in good condition.

“When I started working here 2 1/2 years ago, I realized we needed to figure out what we were going to do with this building,” Easter said. “There were a lot of questions as far as the structure of the building and was it worth investing money in.

“The structure itself is in very good shape, and the opinions we received from others is that it will continue to serve us for a period of time. We’re hoping for at least another 30 years.”

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By: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Authorities were seeking a male suspect they believe fired a round from a 9 mm handgun during an apparent drug deal gone bad in Belle Plaine early Thursday.

No one was hurt in the incident, which took place outside Mickster’s bar shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

“While the gunman is still at large, we believe this was a drug deal gone bad and that the general public is not at risk,” Sheriff Adam Bieber said in a Facebook posting.

Authorities have not released any information regarding the shooting suspect because his identity has not been confirmed, Lt. George Lenzner said.

Details about what happened were still being pieced together Thursday afternoon.

“We’re interviewing people right now,” Lenzner said. “There’s a lot of ‘he said, she said.’”

Information gathered so far indicates that the suspect fired a round at a vehicle that was leaving the scene after an altercation. He then pointed the gun at witnesses, telling them they were next, before also leaving the scene.

A 24-year-old New London man called authorities just after the incident at 2:27 a.m.

When deputies arrived they saw two people flee in a vehicle that was immediately pulled over.

The driver — a 21-year-old New London man — was charged with operating while intoxicated and taken into custody on a probation and parole hold, Lenzner said. He was also cited for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The man told deputies there had been an altercation earlier at Mickster’s.

The bar was closed at the time, but Lenzner said the parties involved had been in the bar earlier.

Authorities found a 9 mm shell casing at the scene.

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Shawano Police Department

July 8

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 28-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main and Sawyer streets.

Disturbance — A 28-year-old Shawano man was taken into custody on a probation and parole hold after a disturbance in the 400 block of South Smalley Street.

OWL — A 20-year-old man was cited for operating without a license at Elizabeth and Prospect streets.

Theft — A wallet was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Theft — Lebakken’s Rent-to-Own, 1200 E. Green Bay St., reported a television that had been rented was pawned at a local pawn shop.

Warrant — A 25-year-old man was arrested on a warrant in the 500 block of South Union Street.

Fire Call — Authorities responded to a fire alarm at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B. No fire was located.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 8

Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St. in Bowler.

Arrest — A 29-year-old man was taken into custody on a probation and parole hold on Meadow Lark Road in Wittenberg.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Slab City Road in Hartland.

Theft — Car keys were reported stolen on Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a lewd and lascivious behavior complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road S in Lessor.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Elm Road in Bartelme.

Fire — Authorities responded to a kitchen grease fire on Chic-A-Watha Circle in Wescott. Smoke was reported, but no flames.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Butternut Road in the town of Herman.

Theft — A diagnostic scanner was reported stolen on state Highway 29 in Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

July 8

Police logged 14 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — A worthless check complaint was under investigation.

Child Abuse — A child abuse complaint was under investigation.

Child Enticement — A child enticement complaint was under investigation. Further details were not available.

Fraud — A theft by fraud complaint was under investigation.

Disorderly — A juvenile was warned for disorderly conduct in Olen Park.

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