Shawano Leader News

Company would be solely liable for debtBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The city of Shawano could make use of a rare financing arrangement to issue bonds on behalf of a local manufacturer that would benefit from the city’s access to tax-exempt, low-interest borrowing.

The Shawano Common Council on Wednesday unanimously approved an initial resolution calling for the city to issue up to $7 million worth of bonds on behalf of Woodport Doors, LLC.

A public hearing still needs to be held on the matter before final approval.

Though the borrowing would be done in the city’s name, Woodport would be completely liable for the debt, with the city acting as a conduit for the financing.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said the borrowing, which is allowed under state statutes, will not have any effect on the city’s debt limits or bond rating. Any fees or other out-of-pocket costs the city would incur in issuing the bonds would also be covered by Woodport.

The financing would allow Woodport to purchase the 226,200-square-foot facility that it’s using at 1275 Industrial Drive and expand its operations.

“Basically, what we’re trying to do is buy the building and buy equipment to expand,” said Chuck Baxter, managing member of Woodport Doors.

The company has about 130 employees in Shawano.

“We’ve done pretty well over the last five years and growing,” Baxter said.

Baxter also said the expansion could increase jobs, but said it was difficult to commit to a number.

“We’re trying to get more market share and more growth,” he said.

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Improvements to cost $11KBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The city of Shawano will spend about $11,000 to upgrade the lift station pumps at the River Pines subdivision because someone there has apparently been flushing items down the toilet that the system can’t handle, according to city officials.

Public Works Coordinator Eddie Sheppard said the system has been getting clogged by heavy-duty paper towels.

Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz raised the issue about four years ago at a Shawano Common Council meeting, but the problem has continued.

“This appears to be our only alternative, to put in a different kind of system,” Kurkiewicz said at Wednesday’s council meeting.

“We do have an issue with people in that area potentially flushing what looks like drop cloths or rags down the sewer, and it’s clogging up the pumps,” Sheppard told the council.

There are only 26 homes in the River Pines subdivision — located off Old Highway 29 near state Highway 47-55 —and the limited number of residences could be part of the problem.

Sheppard said there isn’t as much water flowing through the River Pines lift station as there is flowing through other stations that serve more homes and businesses.

“In a place where you don’t have much water, you’re going to see more solids,” Sheppard said.

Sheppard said the city has been unclogging the River Pines system about six or seven times a year.

The DPW sent letters to residents of the subdivision alerting them to the problem, but the illicit flushing has continued.

“I think we’ve done everything we can do to get the awareness out there,” Sheppard said.

The Common Council approved a bid from Crane Engineering, of Kimberly, in the amount of $11,084 for replacement of the River Pine lift pumps.

“Hopefully, the design of this newer pump will fix that issue,” Sheppard said.

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Town of Almon operation could rank among state’s largestBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Construction crews have started earth-moving work for a Matsche Farms Inc. expansion that includes two new barns, a new milking parlor and a manure pit capable of storing 25 million gallons.
Plans submitted to Shawano County show the estimated 40-acre existing Matsche farm south of County Road N and the expansion site to the north.

In a move that could create one of Wisconsin’s largest dairy operations, Matsche Farms Inc. has unveiled plans to expand its herd by hundreds of animals and to build a manure pit the size of four football fields.

State regulators say expansion of the family-owned farm near Birnamwood would put its herd at an estimated 9,000 cows, heifers and calves, making it the biggest such operation in Shawano County.

It also would rival the state’s largest dairy farms — sometimes called factory farms by critics — in Kewaunee County, Outagamie County and Rock County.

Although environmentalists voice concerns about the impact on water quality and air quality, local officials are cheering Matsche Farms for a project that they say would signal healthy growth in the agriculture industry.

“It’s the wave of the future,” town of Almon Chairman Jim Gutt said. “The little farms are gone — let’s face it.”

According to plans submitted to the county, Matsche Farms plans to build two new barns, each about a quarter-mile long, as well as a new milking parlor and a storage pit capable of storing 25 million gallons of manure. The pit would be about 20 feet deep and would be lined with concrete.

Matsche Farms officials said their plans are state-of-the-art and would comply with government regulations designed to protect the environment. Those officials also said they are not striving for industry prominence, but rather are replacing outdated facilities while improving comfort for their animals and employees.

“We just want our cows to have the best,” spokeswoman Carrie Matsche said.

Although the farm’s plans call for a herd of about 9,000 animals eventually, family members said they would initially add just 1,300 to a herd of 4,700.

Responding to expected concerns from environmentalists, family member Heather Matsche said the operation seeks to educate children and others about farming and the agriculture business.

“We’re not doing anything bad around here,” she said. “We’re just expanding because we have to.”

Large farm expansions in other parts of the state have drawn criticism from environmentalists who argue that the businesses threaten water quality in particular, by generating huge volumes of animal waste. Environmental groups are battling Kinnard Farms Inc. in Kewaunee County over a proposed expansion similar in size to that of Matsche Farms.

One watchdog group, Midwest Environmental Advocates, was unaware of the Matsche Farms project, but voiced concern about its magnitude.

“That type of expansion should be accompanied by a robust environmental review process,” said Tressie Kamp, an attorney for the Madison-based group.

Farms with more than about 1,000 animals — also known as “concentrated animal feeding operations,” or CAFOs — are permitted and regulated by the state Department of Natural Resources.

DNR officials said Matsche Farms has not yet sought approval for its expansion, and that the project could be considered simultaneously with a permit renewal process starting later this year. The farm’s existing permit, issued in 2011, expires in June.

The state has permitted about 270 such CAFO operations statewide, including seven dairy farms in Shawano County.

The largest in the county now is Green Valley Dairy LLC, located on Hintz Road northwest of Pulaski. State records show that Green Valley Dairy has between 4,800 and 5,600 animals approximately.

The government’s formula for counting a herd is based on “animal units” rather than actual numbers of animals.

State records put the Matsche Farms herd at 3,270 animal units, or about one-third of its planned 9,280 units. DNR agricultural specialist Danielle Block said that a herd of that projected size would likely include about 9,000 actual cows, heifers and calves.

Shawano County Farm Bureau President Deb Mielke applauded the Matsche Farms expansion plan as an encouraging show of strength for agriculture.

“Wisconsin is the perfect place to do dairy,” Mielke said. “More power to them.”

Shawano County planners endorsed the farm expansion in May, determining that it would present no serious threat to public health. Nearby landowners were notified of the plan, and none of them raised objections.

In addition to facilities for on-site manure storage, Matsche Farms told the county that manure is spread on fields totalling 1,800 acres owned by Matsche Farms and another 2,000 acres rented for that purpose.

When county officials measured odor emanating from the farm, they found acceptable levels for all but two neighbors. Both of those neighbors signed forms indicating that they have no objection to the Matsche Farms expansion.

One of those neighbors, Lea Tatro, said she anticipated that supporting the project would bring her a buyout offer from Matsche Farms. A subsequent offer of $100,000 was far below what her property is worth, she said, calling it a “lowball” offer.

Tatro said she does not really support the expansion. She dislikes the smell and noise, and she fears that a bigger farm will hurt her property values, making it difficult to find another buyer.

Referring to Matsche Farms, she said: “I don’t want to stop them, but I don’t want to live next to that, either.”

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Majority of districts across state expect to receive lessBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

A majority of Wisconsin schools will get less general aid from the state this coming school year, but a majority of local schools will get more funds.

Preliminary estimates released this month, as the state budget was still being debated in the Legislature, indicate that seven of the nine area school districts will see additional funding from the state.

Tigerton School District is projected to get the biggest percentage increase — 13.94 percent, which translates to an additional $170,575 and total general aid of $1.4 million.

Bonduel will receive an additional $111,639 in general aid, which is estimated at $7.82 million for the district.

According to Patrick Rau, the district’s superintendent, the district qualified for more aid by spending more than it usually does. The district overspent by about $250,000 in order to upgrade and fix infrastructure such as roofs, boilers and other large-ticket items, he said.

“According to the funding aid formula, since we spent more, our aid formula gets adjusted up,” Rau said.

The additional aid could lower taxes for district property owners, according to Rau.

Shawano will also see an increase in aid, but it will amount to a drop in the bucket. The district will receive an additional $29,837, about 0.22 percent more than in 2014-15.

The local districts that will get less general aid are Marion and Gresham. Gresham will lose almost 14 percent of its state aid this year, or $230,697, which gives the school district $1.57 million to work with in 2015-16.

Of the 424 school districts in Wisconsin, 55 percent are estimated to receive less general aid, according to the state Department of Public Instruction estimates. Final numbers will be determined in October.

The aid estimates do not include categorical aid, which is based on student enrollment over the last three school years, as determined by attendance counts on the third Friday in September. Schools will receive $150 per student, the same amount received in the 2014-15 school year.

Gov. Scott Walker proposed cutting categorical aid for the 2015-16 school year in his preliminary budget, but the money has since been restored.

AT A GLANCE

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 2015-16 general aid estimates

School 2015-16 aid 2014-15 aid Change

Bonduel $4,649,890 $4,538,251 2.46%

Bowler $3,092,692 $2,938,646 5.24%

Clintonville $9,194,314 $8,869,703 3.66%

Gresham $1,573,220 $1,803,917 -12.79%

Marion $2,570,128 $2,676,477 -3.97%

Menominee Indian $6,906,271 $6,751,052 2.3%

Shawano $13,477,156 $13,447,319 0.22%

Tigerton $1,393,845 $1,223,270 13.94%

Witt-Birn $7,104,568 $6,844,098 3.81%

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Shawano School District employees and their families began receiving their health insurance through the WEA Trust on July 1.

“WEA Trust’s competitive offer and reputation for customer service made this a smart choice for our employees and the district,” said Louise Fischer, business manager for the Shawano School District.

Prior to working with WEA Trust, the district was self-insured.

“The WEA Trust showed a new ability to be flexible and account for the needs of the district with their offer,” said Stephanie Laudon, vice president of the Wisconsin region for National Insurance Services.

The WEA Trust provides group health insurance to public employers throughout Wisconsin. The not-for-profit organization was created in 1970 to insure Wisconsin school district employees. Today, WEA Trust also serves state, county and municipal groups.

WEA Trust said in a statement that it is focused on helping public employer groups control health care costs while maintaining quality benefits for employees. One example is the trust’s new telehealth service, which provides face-to-face, real-time online appointments with doctors anytime, anywhere. Telehealth appointments are a fraction of the cost of typical office visits.

Other school districts that have chosen the WEA Trust recently for their health insurance include Burlington, Colfax, Gillett, Lake Geneva, Prairie du Chien, Shorewood, Tomorrow River, Wisconsin Dells and Wheatland Center.

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Shawano Police Department

July 7

Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Police are investigating a stolen vehicle report from the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Property Damage — Police responded to property damage accident in the parking lot of Sears, 822 E. Green Bay St. A tractor trailer struck a transformer.

Vandalism — A front door of a residence in the 1000 block of Birch Hill Lane was shattered.

Property Damage — Police responded to a three-vehicle accident at McDonalds, 1202 E. Green Bay St. There were no injuries.

Noise — Police issued a warning to an owner of a parrot in the 700 block of South Hamlin Street.

Theft — A bicycle was stolen from a residence in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Threatening — Police investigated threatening behavior in the 200 block of East Center Street.

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

Shoplifting — A 28-year-old woman was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Welfare — Police checked the welfare of a 4-year-old boy outside the Recreation Center, 220 E. Division St.

Abandoned — Police warned the owner of an abandoned vehicle in the 400 block of West Third Street.

Theft — A bicycle was stolen from the Walgreens parking lot, 401 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — Police assisted the Shawano County Sheriff’s with a stolen vehicle complaint at 22 Shell, N4543 State Highway 22, Belle Plaine.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at Frailing Road and Oak Drive.

OWI — Police investigated an operating while intoxicated complaint at North Main and North Sawyer streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 7

Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Animal — Authorities responded to five stray cows at County Roads U and M in the town of Pella.

Animal — Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St., reported a dog bite that occurred on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

Custodial — Authorities responded to a custodial interference complaint in the 100 block of East Green Bay Street in Bonduel.

Alcohol — Authorities responded to unauthorized distribution of alcohol at the Driftwood Inn, 714 Fourth St., Mattoon.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint in the 100 block of Vinal Street in Wittenberg.

Harassment — Authorities responded to harassing behavior involving a vehicle at Schabow Street and Highview Road in Gresham.

Juvenile — Authorities returned a runaway juvenile to a residence on Cypress Road in Richmond.

Fraud — A counterfeit $50 bill was reported at North Star Casino and Bingo, W12180 County Road A, Bowler.

Theft — Authorities investigated theft of a license plate on Rustic Drive in Belle Plaine.

Animal — Authorities investigated a vicious dog complaint on Basswood Road in Hutchins. A dog owner reportedly shot a stray dog that attacked his dog. The stray dog had no identification or collar.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle on County Road A and state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at Homme Home Support Center, W18105 Hemlock Road.

Suspicious — Authorities investigated a suspicious vehicle on Elm Street and U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Accident — Authorities logged a deer-related crash on Beech Road in Richmond.

Clintonville Police Department

July 7

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Abuse — A child abuse complaint was made and remains under investigation.

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

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Former senator trying to regain seat lost to JohnsonBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold visits with area residents during a campaign stop Tuesday at Angie's Main Cafe in Shawano.
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold visits with area residents during a campaign stop Tuesday at Angie's Main Cafe in Shawano.

Former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, who hopes to retake his seat in 2016 after losing it to Ron Johnson six years ago, stopped in Shawano on Tuesday on a campaign tour of all 72 counties in the state.

Just over two dozen of his supporters gathered for the visit in the back room at Angie’s Main Cafe.

“I know this is maybe not the most Democratic county in the state,” he said, to a round of laughter, “but I admire you for supporting Democrats up here.”

Feingold represented Wisconsin in the Senate for three consecutive six-year terms before losing to Johnson in an off-year election in 2010 that was marked by a wave of tea party fervor.

“I had a chance to do some other things; work for the president in Africa, teach at Marquette University,” he said. “All this other stuff is great, but the thing I like best is working for the people.”

Feingold said his interest in returning to the political fray was not really about him.

“It’s about the way people have been treated in this state the last few years, which has been rotten,” he said.

“This was never a place where we mocked teachers and public employees, or we pulled the rug out from under hard working union members,” he said.

Feingold said the attacks, including gutting the university system in the state, was part of the Republican strategy of divide and conquer.

“The problem with divide and conquer is, if you keep attacking people after people after people, pretty soon you’ve got a whole bunch of people that are divided and they start coming together,” he said. “And I think that’s what’s happening here.”

Feingold said there has been a national attack on working people, backed by wealthy Republican donors such as the Koch brothers.

“We have to respond with an opposite message, but it has to be a positive one,” he said. “We have to get back to a sense of community in Wisconsin.”

Feingold said the state needs a senator who will represent everyone, not just 51 percent of the electorate.

“Are you going to try and represent everybody in the state or are you going to try to just represent people like yourself, which is basically what (Johnson) has done,” he said.

Feingold, who worked with Republican Sen. John McCain on campaign finance reform, said Republicans need to return to a sense of bipartisanship.

“We need to get Republicans back into thinking that working together as a community is the right thing to do, because it is,” he said.

In an interview after his visit, Feingold said the political circumstances that were in place when he lost his seat have since changed.

“It’s a very different situation than 2010,” he said. “Of course, 2010 was a time when the economic recession was very serious.”

Feingold said he was caught up in that discontent even though he had opposed the policies that led to the economic collapse.

“It was one of those situations where people started thinking, ‘well, let’s try something else,’” he said. “Since then, the health care bill has been shown to have some very positive elements; the stimulus package did help restore the economy.”

He said the 2016 election will be about an entirely different set of issues, both domestically and internationally.

“If anybody thinks people are going to be voting based on how they felt in 2010, I think they’re kidding themselves — 2016 is a whole different kettle of fish,” he said.

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No major damage reported in Shawano CountyBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Photo by Grace Kirchner Matt and Ginger Holbrook’s home at E5653 Gruenstern Road in Marion was extensively damaged Monday by a tornado. Except for the house, a barn and other small buildings on the property were all flattened. Ron and Barb Sauer owned the barn and housed horses there.
Photo by Grace Kirchner A loafing shed that stood near the barn on the Ron and Barb Sauer farm in Marion was demolished by a tornado Monday afternoon. The barn is reported to be off its foundation.

National Weather Service officials were in Shawano and surrounding counties Tuesday assessing damage from severe storms that produced multiple tornado sightings Monday evening.

The worst damage was reported in Waupaca County, where sheriff’s officials say a mother saved her three young children from injury as a tornado hit their house on Gruenstern Road in the town of Dupont just outside of Marion.

Authorities say the woman heard the wind pick up about 5 p.m. Monday and moved two of her children, ages 4 and 7, to the bottom of a stairway. She ran to an upstairs bedroom where her 1-year-old daughter was sleeping, but couldn’t get the door open as the tornado bore down. The glass had already blown out of the bedroom window.

The sheriff’s department says the mother eventually got the door open, grabbed the girl and joined the two other children at the bottom of the stairway. All escaped serious injury.

The tornado took off the roof of the house and caused other damage. A neighbor’s barn was leveled and there was extensive damage to a second house and farm buildings.

Despite heavy downpours, and scattered reports of power outages, the only damage reported in Shawano County was a shed that was destroyed in Pella.

“We got lucky,” said Natalie Easterday, emergency management director for Shawano County.

Information about the strength of Monday’s tornadoes should be available in a few days, Easterday said, after the NWS completes its damage assessment and issues its report.

Preliminary reports indicate an EF-1 tornado touched down in Waupaca County and an EF-0 hit Pella in Shawano County.

Circulation was also reported southeast of Shawano near Belle Plaine at 5:17 p.m. Another tornado spotting was reported in the southeast portion of the city near County Road B around 5:30 p.m..

Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl said one tree and some wires were down in the city.

Shawano County sirens were first set off at 5 p.m. after the report of the tornado touching down near Marion, and were set off again with the sighting southeast of the city.

There were mixed reports coming in Tuesday about whether the sirens in Wescott went off.

Easterday said all the sirens were activated, but it’s up to the municipalities to maintain the sirens and ensure they are working properly.

She said the county was working with local officials and their equipment vendors to resolve any issues.

Easterday said the storm provided another good reminder for residents to get an emergency weather radio to keep up on alerts, given that the sirens best serve only those that are outdoors.

Easterday has also been pushing for the county to purchase an emergency alert notification system, known as Code Red, that would send out alerts via phone to landlines as well as cell phones.

“I encourage the county to take a look at that,” she said.

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Cost still below federal reimbursement rateBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Shawano School District families that don’t qualify for free and reduced meals will pay 10 cents more for lunches in the 2015-16 school year.

The School Board voted 7-2 Monday to implement the increase, which would make lunches $2.30 each at the elementary schools and $2.45 at the middle and high schools.

Under the federal Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, school districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program are required to review lunch prices annually.

A district should not receive more money for reduced meals than it does for paid meals, according to Louise Fischer, district business manager.

“Right now, they see us as making a profit off of free and reduced lunches, which they don’t want,” Fischer said.

In the 2014-15 school year, Shawano School District received 28 cents for every paid lunch, which made the total amount received $2.48 for elementary lunches and $2.63 for middle and high school lunches.

However, the federal government reimbursed the district $2.98 for free lunches, a difference of 35 to 50 cents per lunch.

The district has not received information yet on the 2015-16 federal reimbursement rate.

However, the act also doesn’t allow a district to increase lunch prices more than 10 cents each, Fischer said.

Board member Bruce Milavitz, who voted against the increase, questioned what would happen if the board opted not to increase lunch prices.

Fischer said she was uncertain what the consequences would be, but feared the district could endanger its reimbursement.

Milavitz suggested taking less in federal reimbursement in order to keep lunch prices the same, but Fischer said that was likely not an option. She said that opting out of the federal lunch program would cost at least $100,000 at the high school alone.

Board member Derek Johnson, who also voted no, criticized the increase because families would be paying more for lunch but not getting more food.

“They’re getting less,” Johnson said. “It’s a ridiculous intrusion into every kid’s lunch by the federal government.”

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Shawano Police Department

July 6

Police logged 18 incidents, including the following:

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

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Theft — Three paintings and a clock were reported stolen in the 200 block of South Sawyer Street.

OAR — A woman was cited for operating after revocation at Eagle and Franklin streets.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 200 block of East Maurer Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 6

Deputies logged 48 incidents, including the following:

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

Threatening — Authorities investigated a complaint of death threats being made on state Highway 156 in Navarino.

Theft — A barricade and a construction sign were reported stolen on Airport Road in Seneca.

Fire — A garage fire was reported on Hofa Park Road in Lessor.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Pine Street in Tigerton.

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault complaint on Park Street in Bonduel.

Clintonville Police Department

July 6

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Animal — Police investigated an animal neglect complaint at 14th and Lincoln streets.

Accident — An accident report was completed after a driver struck a parked vehicle on Felshow Street.

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Contributed Photo Farmers Insurance-Shawano recently received a Vision 2017 grant. Shown are, from left, Amber Kleban-Zahringer, Jim and Pam Higgins, Farmers Insurance Agency; Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer; and Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Farmers Insurance-James Higgins Agency has received an interior grant totaling $3,036 through Shawano Country Vision 2017.

The matching grant was awarded to help cover renovation costs at the business located at 116 S. Main St. in Shawano. The renovations included new flooring, paint and interior signage.

James Higgins acquired the Farmers Insurance Agency in Shawano on Feb. 1. Since then he has completed several updates to the exterior and interior of the office.

“Being on Main Street, I get many walk-in customers that drive past, notice my office and stop in for their insurance needs,” Higgins said. “By updating my office, I’m getting many customers who didn’t realize there was a Farmers Insurance office here until they noticed my new signage and updates.”

Higgins understands a welcoming and vibrant Main Street sends a powerful, positive message to potential shoppers looking to spend money, potential newcomers looking to move to a new community or owners deciding where to locate potential new businesses.

“I’ve been impressed with the retail mix and vibrant downtown in Shawano ever since I started looking at this business opportunity,” Higgins said. “Too many towns have watched their downtown areas deteriorate to the point where nobody wants to patronize the shops there. By keeping the downtown relevant it keeps the city and county economically viable.”

Organizers say small businesses in Tigerton, Eland, Gresham and Shawano have received a total of $123,000 in Vision 2017 facade and interior grants, which has stimulated over $800,000 in private investments, since the program started in 2012.

“The intent of the Vision 2017 grants is to assist small businesses that may not qualify for other financing programs,” said Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. “We are pleased so many businesses have benefited from this program. Our efforts to help individual businesses contributes to a healthy business climate and enhanced quality of life for our residents.”

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan designed to spur capital investment and grow the economy by implementing specific action steps in key areas, including business expansion, attraction and recruitment, tourism/retail development and community development. One of the key goals is to bring at least 1,000 new jobs to the area by 2017.

The plan was initiated three years ago by the board of directors of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce to proactively tackle economic challenges, which included several plant closures, job losses and lower than average per capita income.

FYI

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

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By: 

Leader Staff

A private party has 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 during a vehicle break-in spree last month.

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.

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.

Authorities have not released any details about the large sum of money and the firearm stolen from one of the vehicles.

The department did not identify the private party offering the reward, but said the reward is not coming from any law enforcement agency or making any use of tax dollars.

Anyone with information is being asked to call the sheriff’s department at 715-526-3111 or the tip line at 715-526-9200. Information can also be emailed to [email protected].

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Shawano Police Department

July 5

Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Fight — A fight involving two men was reported at Hensel’s Shawano Inn, 134 S. Washington St.

Assist — A 91-year-old woman fell and struck her head in the 100 block of South Evergreen Street.

Suspicious person — Two men in a vehicle with out-of-state plates were acting suspicious in the 300 block of Lakeland Road.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of River Heights.

July 4

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A restraining order violation was reported in a dispute between two people in the 700 block of South Cleveland Street.

Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.

Welfare — A domestic dispute involving custody of a child was reported in the 200 block of East Randall Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 400 block of South Main Street after a vehicle hit a light pole and left the scene.

Accident — A 74-year-old woman was injured in a car accident at Green Bay Street and Sawyer Streets.

Fireworks — Police responded to eight fireworks complaints.

July 3

Police logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Shoplifting — A 47-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl were cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Property damage — Damage was reported to a car in the 5400 block of North Airport Road.

Trespassing — A woman was accused of trespassing in the 500 block of South Franklin Street.

Fireworks — Police responded to 11 fireworks complaints.

July 2

Police logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Kids were reported blocking traffic and shouting obscenities at Green Bay and Bartlett streets.

Assist — A nursing home resident walked away in the 400 block of North Main Street.

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

Traffic — A resident reported a car drove up on the lawn and the driver was staggering at East Lieg Avenue and Maiden Lane.

Burning — A resident reported heavy smoke from outdoor burning in the 1000 block of South Lutz Street.

Suspicious person — Public drinking was reported after dark in Kuckuk Park, 500 Oak Drive.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 5

Deputies logged 52 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Highway 29 in Seneca.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Fire — Authorities responded to a soli fire on Highway 156 in Maple Grove.

Theft — A sign was reported stolen on Lake Crest Drive in Wescott.

Theft — A mailbox was reported stolen on Lake Drive in the town of Washington.

Trespassing — A property owner in the town of Germania reported someone has been coming onto his land, possibly to practice shooting a gun.

Fire — Witnesses reported a fire in a wooded area where fireworks were being shot off on Campfire Road in the town of Waukechon.

Accident — A passerby reported a motorist tossing beer cans from the vehicle after crashing into a culvert in the town of Green Valley.

Animal — A dog was found locked in a vehicle and crying with windows open slightly at the Ho-Chunk Casino in Wittenberg.

Window peeper — A woman reported a man peeking through a window on Northwestern Avenue in the town of Angelica.

July 4

Deputies logged 51 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Oak Park Circle in Wescott.

Theft — A scooter was reported stolen on Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.

Theft — A vehicle break-in was reported on Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.

Animal — A man riding a bicycle was injured when he ran into a stray dog on County Highway D in the town of Pella.

Accident — A vehicle crashed into a ditch with deep water on Airport Road in the town of Wescott.

Alcohol — A suspected intoxicated man was reported found lying on a roadside near Town Hall on Poplar Road in the town of Richmond.

July 3

Deputies logged 60 incidents, including the following:

Animal — A vicious dog was reported at a residence behind a motel in the 300 block of Main Street in Birnamwood.

Threats — A man reported receiving death threats from another person in the town of Herman.

Computer Crime — Authorities investigated a cyberbullying complaint on County Road S in Lessor.

Theft — Medication was reported stolen out of a vehicle on Schabow Street in Gresham.

Disturbance — A disturbance was reported between a boyfriend and girlfriend on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Juvenile — An incident of juvenile alcohol use was reported in the 300 block of Maple Street in Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on High Street in Birnamwood.

July 2

Deputies logged 55 incidents, including the following:

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint at North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A in Gresham.

Theft — Two cell phones were reported stolen from an apartment on Cedar Street in Bonduel.

Theft — Gas was reported siphoned from a vehicle on Elm Street in Bonduel.

Property damage — Heavy damage was reported to a residence after an eviction in the town of Green Valley.

Burglary — A burglary was reported to a cottage on Springbrook Road in the town of Washington.

Trespass — A man was spotted in the bedroom of an apartment on Green Bay Street in Bonduel.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cherry Road in Aniwa.

Burglary — TV sets were reported stolen in a burglary of a house on South Line Road in the town of Wescott.

Clintonville Police Department

July 5

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Accident — A driver was cited after colliding with a motorcycle rider who had stopped in traffic on Bennett Street.

Noise — A warning was issued for loud music on Brix Street.

July 4

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Property — An iPad was found in Olen Park and was returned to its owner.

Noise — Nobody would answer the door on Wilson Street where officers were investigating a noise complaint.

Disorderly conduct — Officers issued citations for disorderly conduct and fireworks on East First Street.

July 3

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Officers responded to two traffic accidents on South Main Street and another at 10th Street and Hemlock Street.

Burning — A warning was issued for improper burning on Fifth Street.

Harassment — A report of harassing phone calls was investigated on Bennett Street.

July 2

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Traffic — A citation was issued for violation of truck-route restrictions on North Clinton Avenue.

Animal — A warning was issued for a barking dog on 16th Street.

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Shawano County spent a tense hour under the threat of multiple tornado warnings Monday evening, with at least two confirmed tornado spottings as the storm rumbled northeast toward Oconto County.

Despite heavy downpours, and scattered reports of power outages, no damage was reported by the time the warnings expired around 6 p.m.

Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl said one tree and some wires were down in the city. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department had no reports of other damage as of 6 p.m.

A tornado was first confirmed on the ground around 5 p.m. in Embarrass and a short time later in the area of Pella and Marion, according to the National Weather Service.

Sirens blared across Shawano County moments later as the storm made a bead on a swath of the county from southern Shawano down to Bonduel.

Circulation was reported southeast of Shawano near Belle Plaine at 5:17 p.m. and another tornado spotting was reported in the southeast portion of the city near County Road B around 5:30 p.m., setting off another round of sirens.

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Administrative coordinator may take on dutiesBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Despite a pool of 10 applicants, Shawano County officials might not fill a position vacated by the county’s longtime finance director.

Supervisors instead are considering reassigning the finance director’s duties to existing employees, including Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller.

Supporters say the idea, proposed as a six-month experiment, would save money and would make good use of the county’s staff.

Some supervisors worry about stretching personnel thin at a time when Miller and his staff are busy assembling the county’s annual budget, which totals about $59 million.

Supervisor Robert Krause said county employees work hard already, and he cannot imagine them taking on additional duties without sacrificing attention to some county business.

“The question is, what will they have to give up?” Krause said. “What will suffer?”

The county finance committee recommended the alternative approach on the finance director position. The idea next will be considered by the board’s administrative committee.

The finance director position has been vacant since Diane Rusch retired in May after more than 20 years on the job. Her salary was about $81,000 a year.

The county received 10 applications for the position before officials started having second thoughts about hiring someone.

Supervisor Arlyn Tober, chairman of the finance committee, said reassigning the duties internally would save money while utilizing the county’s talented staff.

“We do have excellent employees,” Tober said. “If we can make it work that way, we’ll do it.”

If the alternative approach is approved, Tober said officials would revisit the issue at the end of the year.

Miller and his staff are scheduled to present a proposed 2016 budget to the County Board in October.

Miller, who became the county’s administrative coordinator in December, said he previously worked as an administrative coordinator who also functioned as finance director in Marquette County. He said he is willing to try the same thing in Shawano County, with help from the county’s accounting supervisor.

“If we’re too overloaded, we’ll just go back,” he said.

Miller’s salary is about $87,000 a year.

It was not immediately clear whether any salaries would be adjusted under the finance director change, or whether the temporary change would require full County Board approval.

Supervisor Kathy Luebke said the proposal was similar to having a part-time administrative coordinator, which was the case in Shawano County until Miller was hired full-time. Luebke questioned whether Miller could handle that job and also the finance director duties.

“That’s a lot of responsibility for one guy,” she said. “You can only divide your time so many ways.”

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DA recommending 15-year prison sentenceBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Christopher J. Ehlenfeldt sits next to his attorney, Paul Zilles, during a plea hearing Thursday in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court. Ehlenfeldt is charged with multiple counts of child porn possession.

A Birnamwood man who was due to go to trial next week on nearly 70 counts of possessing child pornography pleaded no contest Thursday to 54 of those counts under a plea agreement with the state.

Christopher J. Ehlenfeldt, 39, had faced 69 counts of possessing child porn and one felony count of child sexual exploitation. The remaining counts were dismissed under the agreement.

Ehlenfeldt initially seemed to be backing away from the plea deal as the hearing in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court got underway.

He shook his head and muttered as Judge James Habeck read the charges.

Upon questioning, a visibly upset Ehlenfeldt told the court he was agreeing to plead no contest only because the district attorney’s office “will continue to come after me over and over again until he finally convicts me.”

Ehlenfeldt insisted he did not have access to the porn and did not know whose it was.

After a break to confer with his attorney, Ehlenfeldt agreed to the plea deal without further comment and later apologized to the court for his behavior.

According to the criminal complaint, Shawano County sheriff’s detectives scanning an Internet file sharing service known to traffic in child porn turned up an IP address in Birnamwood.

The complaint alleges that 27 child porn files were listed on the service as available for sharing from the Birnamwood IP address.

The address was eventually linked to Ehlenfeldt, who was making use of a nearby wireless network to gain Internet access, according to the criminal complaint.

A search warrant executed in August at Ehlenfeldt’s residence found numerous child porn video files and images on his computer, according to the complaint.

The videos allegedly show prepubescent children — some younger than the age of 5 — in sexually explicit acts, according to the complaint. One of the videos included an act of bestiality involving a dog.

Ehlenfeldt is scheduled for sentencing Sept. 18 following a pre-sentence investigation.

He will also undergo a psycho-sexual evaluation intended to help determine his level of risk to society.

He is being held on a $30,000 cash bond.

District Attorney Greg Parker said the state would cap its sentencing recommendation at 15 years of prison time, with extended supervision to be argued at the sentencing hearing.

Ehlenfeldt could have faced a maximum 25 years in prison and $25,000 fine on each child pornography count.

Ehlenfeldt is also charged in Portage County with 29 counts of possessing child pornography and one count of capturing an image of nudity.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges after waiving his preliminary hearing Friday.

His next court date in Portage County has not been scheduled.

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Shawano Police Department

July 1

Police logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Curfew — Several juveniles were warned for curfew violations in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Prowler — A complaint of a prowler in the 200 block of Alpine Drive was determined to be unfounded.

Theft — Wheels and rims were reported stolen off a vehicle at Buss Motors, 1255 E. Green Bay St.

OAR — A 31-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 1000 block of South Lutz Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Green Bay Street and Fairview Road after a farm tractor took out a traffic light. Shawano Municipal Utilities was also notified of the problem.

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

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1000 block of South River Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at The Store gas station, 404 E. Green Bay St.

Juvenile — A group of juveniles were reportedly shooting fireworks at people at the Skate Park, 107 E. Elizabeth St.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 600 block of East Schurz Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 1

Deputies logged 52 incidents, including the following:

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Warrant — A 21-year-old man was taken into custody on a probation and parole warrant on Fairview Road in Bowler.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Shady Lane in the town of Washington.

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

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

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

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including four deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

July 1

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Fraud — A worthless check complaint was under investigation.

Accident — A driver was cited for inattentive driving after striking a bicyclist at Bennett and Madison streets. No injury was reported.

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Buyer described as motorsports insiderBy: 

Scott Williams, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Scott Williams Bidding assistant Steve Ellis, standing, confers with bidder Al Burnett during Wednesday’s auction for US Air Motorsports Raceway.
Leader Photo by Scott Williams A brochure is among the materials displayed before Wednesday’s auction inside the racetrack banquet room at US Air Motorsports Raceway.

An out-of-state buyer Wednesday purchased the US Air Motorsports Raceway at auction for $345,000 — a price lower than many observers had expected.

The successful bidder was not immediately identified, although auctioneers described the buyer as a racing industry insider who operates racetracks elsewhere.

The sale is not expected to affect any upcoming events at the Shawano County attraction known for go-kart races, motorcycle races and similar events.

Scott King, executive vice president of J.P. King Auction Co., said the purchase price was lower than anticipated, possibly because the racetrack’s rural location puts it somewhat off the circuit of other major motorsports facilities.

“I think the market spoke,” King said.

The 40-acre attraction in the town of Wescott sold for $2 million three years ago following a foreclosure.

The current owners, Green Mountain Finance Fund LLC of Norwalk, Conn., paid $700,000 for the property about six months ago, according to county land records. The owners decided to take the highest bidder at auction after trying unsuccessfully for a conventional sale.

The auction conducted Wednesday in the racetrack’s banquet room attracted three bidders, although the winning bidder participated via telephone from Colorado.

The sale includes not only an asphalt track with more than a mile of twists and turns, but also an amusement park, a miniature golf course, about 30 go-karts, a picnic area, concessions and several other buildings. Since opening 10 years ago, the complex at W5901 County Road BE has become a national attraction for racing competitors and fans.

Aaron Carmody, a business owner from Door County, was the second-highest bidder at $340,000.

Carmody said he planned a partnership with a friend who is active in motorsports, to operate the racetrack and possibly expand the amusement park while boosting event promotions.

Carmody, however, said he stopped bidding at $340,000 because of uncertainty about the operation’s finances.

“It’s going to take someone with some vision,” he said.

Another bidder, Al Burnett, said he represented a Chicago investment group with racetracks in Illinois, Arizona and Nevada. Burnett said his group would likely bulldoze the amusement park to expand parking for spectators attending the racing events.

The rural location in the Shawano County countryside offers the sort of fresh air and atmosphere that motorsports fans enjoy, Burnett said.

“I like the track,” he added. “There’s potential here.”

Burnett ultimately offered no bid on the property, and the auction came down to Carmody and the out-of-town suitor on the telephone. With bids starting at $250,000, the competition ended about 30 minutes later when Carmody opted not to top his competitor’s final offer of $345,000.

Some racing fans watched the auction with anticipation, hoping that the new owners would continue the racing events held there.

“It’s a great place,” said Bob Holzmann, whose son has competed in events there.

Mike Moderson, who lives nearby in Wescott, said he thought the auction would have attracted offers of $500,000 or more. Moderson said he appreciates having the attraction in the neighborhood and he, too, wants to see it continue.

“If it brings people into the community, that’s great,” he said.

King said the sale should be completed within about 30 days. Although the owners had hoped for a higher sale price, he said, their primary objective with the auction was finding a buyer.

“I think they’ll be satisfied,” he said. “It accomplished their goals.”

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Program started 10 years agoBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Contributed Photo Shawano Police Officer Jeff Lenzner and Shawano County sheriff’s deputy Joe Neumeier work a seat-belt check detail Wednesday at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St. Ten drivers who had remembered to buckle up were rewarded with $10 and a free T-shirt.

Some motorists who visited Walmart on Wednesday left the parking lot with a little extra money in their pocket.

Ten drivers who had the foresight to buckle up were each awarded $10 in cash and a “Buckle Up to Save Lives” T-shirt.

Shawano police and Shawano County sheriff’s deputies joined Dr. Brian Grieves in selecting random motorists for the honors as part of a seat-belt check program that is now in its 10th year.

“We’re trying to save lives and reduce serious injuries,” said Grieves, who initiated the program with the Shawano Police Department and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

Buckling up is a simple thing that many people tend to overlook, Grieves said.

Grieves noted that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for children and many of those deaths could be avoided if seat belts had been used.

“Many fatal accidents involve people not wearing seat belts,” Grieves said. “Buckling up could save at least a few lives every year.”

Drivers and passengers who don’t use their seat belts can face a fine, but Wednesday’s effort was aimed at drawing positive attention to those who do buckle up — emphasizing the carrot instead of the stick, according to Grieves.

“We’re trying to be positive,” he said.

Nearly $6,000 in cash has been handed out to conscientious drivers over the past eight years, along with more than 500 T-shirts.

Grieves puts up the cash himself, while the T-shirts are donated by the Police Department.

Grieves said that 90 percent of drivers nationwide buckle up, but the average is lower in Wisconsin at about 80 percent.

Seat-belt use is even lower in Shawano County, he said. Depending on which study one goes by or when it was done, the county average is anywhere between 66 and 80 percent of drivers, Grieves said.

Wednesday’s effort, however, found a higher number of buckled drivers and passengers than years before.

“Eight out of 10 were wearing their seatbelts,” Grieves said. “That’s better than normal.”

One motorist who was pulled over and rewarded for being buckled in had previously been stopped during an earlier seat-belt check and was even wearing the “Buckle Up to Save Lives” T-shirt he was given last time, Grieves said.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said it was nice to see a positive interaction between police and drivers during Wednesday’s program.

“I watched from afar as the officers approached the drivers, whose faces turned from concern to laughter as they met with Dr. Grieves to receive their free T-shirt,” he said.

Shawano police and county sheriff’s deputies have worked together on the program since its inception, Sheriff Adam Bieber said.

“It’s a great program,” he said. “Drivers are very surprised and very thankful to receive a reward for wearing the seat belt. We do this once a year, and it’s always great to have our deputies participate in it.”

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Message purports to be from IRSBy: 

Leader Staff

A telephone scam in which a recorded message warns that the recipient is being sued by the Internal Revenue Service and needs to quickly call a special number to reach the IRS appears to be hitting the area, according to the Shawano Police Department.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said the department has been getting several complaints a week from Shawano residents concerned about the calls.

Defending yourself against this scam is much like defending yourself against the others, he said.

“Don’t give out personal information over the phone and do not send money to unfamiliar people,” Kohl said.

The IRS said it never calls to demand immediate payment, nor does it call about taxes owed without first having mailed out a bill. The IRS never asks for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, and doesn’t require payment via prepaid debit cards.

The IRS doesn’t demand payment for taxes without giving a person the opportunity to question or appeal the amount it contends is owed.

Scammers have been using a variety of ploys in recent years. In many cases, there is little chance of getting the money back.

Shawano County authorities recently were able to recover $20,000 for a Shawano County resident, according to Sheriff Adam Bieber in a Facebook posting.

“The Sheriff’s Office investigates several cases of this type and through good police work and a little luck we had a positive outcome in this case,” Bieber said. “A common theme in these fraud cases is a request for someone to send money with the promise that the victim will receive even more money in return … in most cases the money is sent to oversea countries.”

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