Shawano Leader News

Grass should be no longer than 6 inchesBy: 

Leader Staff

The summer tourist season officially opens this weekend, but the typical summer complaints of city code violations are already well under way.

The Shawano Police Department, which started last year putting a renewed emphasis on quality-of-life issues in the city, is reminding residents about ordinances covering such things as grass length, weed control, abandoned vehicles and excessive clutter in neighborhood yards.

“We’ve already been getting complaints,” said Lydia Buntrock, one of the department’s three community service officers.

Most of the complaints have been about tall grass.

“When we get over there, if it’s kind of on the borderline, we do have rulers,” she said. “As long as it’s 6 inches or less, then we let it go.”

If it’s more than 6 inches, the property owner gets a copy of the city ordinance informing them of the rules and giving them 24 hours to get their grass cut.

“If we come by and the grass isn’t cut, we contact one of our vendors, and they will cut the grass,” Buntrock said.

That cost is then added to the property owner’s tax bill.

Buntrock said most people are cooperative when they’re told their grass is too long.

She said at this early point in the season some people haven’t gotten their lawn mowers out of storage yet. Other people might not be aware of the rules or aware their grass is getting out of hand, she said.

Buntrock said the community service officers aren’t out with their rulers measuring grass length lawn by lawn, but if they spot grass that’s obviously overgrown they’ll contact the property owners and give them the 24-hour notice.

One additional thing property owners might soon have to consider is where their clippings go when the grass is cut.

The city’s field committee will consider some new code language when it meets next week that would add grass clippings to the city’s littering ordinances.

Public Works Coordinator Eddie Sheppard said there have been complaints about cut grass being blown onto city sidewalks and streets.

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Lester Bondowski moved by experienceBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Upon his return with the Old Glory Honor Flight from Washington, D.C., last month, Lester Bondowski was greeted at the airport with a sign created by his son-in-law, Jeff Weigert, of New Berlin.

A man who has moved people with his music was himself moved to tears when discussing his recent trip to Washington, D.C., with the Old Glory Honor Flight last month.

Lester Bondowski, 85, of Shawano, said he was honored to join about 100 other veterans April 9 on Mission 28 of the honor flight. The Honor Flight Network assists veterans make once-in-a-lifetime trips to Washington to visit war memorials and other sights for free.

“We drove all over that city, and I have never been so amazed,” Bondowski said. “It is the most awesome thing I have ever seen. It was unbelievable.”

Traveling with his son, Joseph, of Milwaukee, Bondowski explored the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and the gravesite of Audie Murphy. Murphy was the nation’s most decorated World War II combat soldier and was also a film star.

The most moving moments came, however, as he read letters from family members on the trip home and then when the veterans received a rousing welcome after they returned to the Outagamie County Airport.

The veterans were asked to remain behind a curtain at the airport, so they knew something was up, Bondowski said.

“We could sense there was something going on, and then when they opened up that curtain, there were 2,000 people waiting to greet us after we got off that plane,” he said. “I cannot believe all of those people were being so nice to me.”

The welcoming party included Bondowski’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Jeff Weigert, of New Berlin, and dozens of family members that came from the Milwaukee area.

Bondowski was drafted and served in the field artillery of the 25th Infantry Division of the Army from 1951-53, seeing action in the Korean War. He held the rank of private first class.

“I was a truck driver,” he recalled. “I hauled ammo and was the lookout for fellow soldiers. I went up on a hill and directed fire toward the enemy.”

After three years of service, he was relieved to return home to Milwaukee.

“My most memorable experience was when my commander told me I could go home,” Bondowski said. “I was happy for it.”

After he coming home, Bondowski took a position as a truck driver with Bliffert Lumber in Milwaukee. He retired in 1990 and moved to Shawano.

When not working, Bondowski built a reputation for his musical talent playing the concertina.

“I was pretty popular in Milwaukee for awhile, but there is more of a love for my style up here,” said Bondowski, who was inducted in the the World Congress Concertina Hall of Fame in 1984.

Bondowski still plays a variety of music, including polka, waltz, old country and old rock, and volunteers to entertain residents at area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

With Memorial Day approaching, Bondowski noted that people often forget the veterans who did not fight overseas but were essential to success on the battlefield.

“I kind of feel sorry for those people that never got a chance to go overseas because nobody is really honoring them,” Bondowski said. “They were staying in the states and teaching the guys how to fight.”

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Identity theft, forgery

A Keshena woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to felony charges of identity theft and forgery.

Marie A. Miller, 24, is accused of stealing personal identification information from a Barteleme woman and using it to pass fraudulent checks to withdraw money from the woman’s account.

The checks totaled $880, according to the criminal complaint.

Miller could face a maximum six years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each felony count if found guilty. She is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of theft.

She is free on a $500 bond and is scheduled for a pre-trial conference Aug. 21.

Delivery of narcotics

A Bowler woman is facing a felony charge of delivering narcotics as a result of a sting operation in July.

Patricia L. Barthel, 42, could face 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police working with Shawano County authorities and a confidential informant arranged a drug buy from Barthel in the town of Bartelme on July 28, according to the criminal complaint.

Barthel allegedly sold an Oxycontin pill to the informant for $40, according to the complaint.

Barthel is free on a $2,500 signature bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on June 15.

Felony OWI

A Shawano man has been charged with a felony count of operating while intoxicated after being pulled over in the city Monday.

Jody J. Grimm, 56, could face a maximum six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of operating after revocation.

According to the criminal complaint, authorities spotted Grimm driving erratically at Fifth and Main streets.

He was ordered held on a $3,000 cash bond and is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance on June 1.

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Shawano Police Department

May 20

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

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

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 400 block of North Main Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Arrest — A 38-year-old woman was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 500 block of South Cleveland Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of West Picnic Street.

Warrant — A 30-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant at Center and Hamlin streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 20

Deputies logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on North Shore Lane in Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on County Road MMM in Richmond.

Fraud — North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A, Bowler, reported a counterfeit bill.

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

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Angle Road in Pella.

Accidents — Authorities logged five deer-related crashes.

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School liaison officer will move into role in JulyBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Jody Johnson

The Shawano Police Department’s school liaison officer, Jody Johnson, will switch jobs in July, becoming the first detective on the department’s staff.

The city’s police and fire commission on Tuesday unanimously approved Johnson after interviewing her and four of her fellow officers who had applied for the post.

Johnson has been with the department for 21 years, the last six of which were as school liaison officer. She also worked for the Department of Natural Resources before becoming an officer.

“She has a vast amount of experience,” said Police Chief Mark Kohl, including sexual assault cases and crimes involving juveniles and juvenile victims.

“She will be a good leader and mentor for the other officers,” Kohl said.

Johnson will serve as the department’s lead criminal investigator. She will also be tasked with reviewing cold cases and working with other law enforcement agencies.

She will also supervise the new school liaison officer, though it is not known yet who will fill that position.

Kohl said the department would post internally and would ask for assistance from the Shawano School District, which could include school principals being part of the interview process.

Johnson’s promotion will leave the department with two vacancies.

In addition to the school liaison officer, the department is looking to fill the patrol position vacated by Kurt Kitzman, who left to join the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

Kohl said he expects both positions to be filled before the end of next month.

“We’ll be up to staff by July,” he said.

Johnson’s first day as lieutenant detective will be July 1.

In the meantime, she will undergo some additional specialized training.

“I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by the police and fire commission members and Police Chief Mark Kohl,” Johnson said. “One of my main goals will be to make sure all incidents continue to be investigated thoroughly by our department while making sure all victims feel valued and heard.

“The city of Shawano has provided me numerous trainings over the past 21 years which have prepared me well for this position. I look forward to continuing to serve the community in this new capacity.”

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By: 

Leader Staff

Shawano police and hundreds of other law enforcement agencies in Wisconsin are in the midst of their annual enforcement operation targeting unbuckled drivers and passengers.

The Click It or Ticket effort started Monday and runs through May 31.

“This is the big kickoff of the summer,” Police Chief Mark Kohl said.

The Shawano Police Department received a $20,000 grant from the state that will pay overtime for officers to enforce traffic safety through the summer.

“We’ll be doing that periodically, especially over the holiday periods, having more visible deterrence out there,” Kohl said.

“Right now, our officers normally patrol if they have the time and if they’re in the right location to observe traffic violations,” Kohl said. “With this grant specifically, we can post overtime and have an officer just concentrate on those violations and not get called away for a barking dog or a neighborhood dispute. They’re concentrating specifically on traffic safety enforcement.”

David Pabst, director of the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Safety, said that during the Click It or Ticket program whenever law enforcement officers see an unbelted driver or passenger, they will stop the vehicle and issue a citation.

“Their goal is not to write more tickets but to get every driver and passenger to buckle up every time they drive or ride in a vehicle,” Pabst said.

In addition to law enforcement efforts to increase compliance with Wisconsin’s safety belt law, the DOT is using federal funding to broadcast TV, radio and web messages statewide urging everyone to buckle up, day or night and every trip. The messages feature Donald Driver, the Green Bay Packers’ all-time leading receiver.

The DOT will also display a reminder to buckle up on its electronic message signs on major highways from May 21-29.

According to DOT statistics, approximately 85 percent of Wisconsin motorists wear a seat belt, which is an all-time high in the state. However, more than half of the drivers and passengers killed in crashes last year were not buckled up.

“Consistent safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect people from being ejected from a vehicle or thrown around violently inside it during a crash and possibly hitting another vehicle occupant with massive force,” Pabst said. “Vehicles now have tremendous safety features, but these modern high-tech features will only work as designed if the occupants are safely secured with seat belts.”

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Sunday storm caused little damageBy: 

Leader Staff

Shawano County on Sunday had the dubious honor of hosting Wisconsin’s first tornado of this year’s severe weather season, according to the National Weather Service.

The Weather Service said Wednesday that damage surveys confirmed a weak tornado touched down a few miles northwest of Gresham about 3:30 p.m., causing minor damage, mainly to trees.

The path length was 4.8 miles and the width was 75 yards. The tornado had peak winds of 70 to 80 mph, according to officials.

It dissipated about 3:40 p.m.

Other than a few trees, some shingles blown off a barn was the extent of the damage, said Natalie Easterday, Shawano County emergency management director.

“Nothing significant,” she said.

Tornado sirens went off in the western end of the county, so Gresham residents were alerted, Easterday said.

Easterday said the county plans to change its policy on sounding the sirens. In the future, a tornado spotted anywhere in the county will result in a countywide alert.

“All the sirens will go off,” she said.

Easterday stressed, however, that people shouldn’t rely only on the sirens.

“The sirens are only for if you’re outdoors,” she said.

Easterday encouraged people to get a weather alert radio to stay on top of severe weather conditions.

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Class of 2015 receives diplomas FridayBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Joan Waukau

The Menominee Indian High School Class of 2015 valedictorian and salutatorian epitomize volunteerism and plan to continue serving the community following graduation.

Valedictorian Joan Waukau and salutatorian Leah Schlichting will lead the 53 graduation candidates into the Woodland Bowl in Keshena for the commencement ceremony Friday.

Joey Awanohopay will be the commencement speaker.

Waukau’s community service efforts include reading to children at the tribal day care center and participation in the Pay It Forward project, which encourages youth to volunteer and participate in community service. She also walks dogs for the Shawano County Humane Society and last year completed an internship that included helping in a Madison food pantry and after-school program.

She also would like to coach youth softball.

“She is a team player and her interactions with staff and peers have always been collaborative and positive,” said Robert Smith, the school’s social studies chairperson.

Waukau, who was selected to the National Honor Society, plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she plans to study kinesiology and to continue volunteering at the Goodman Community Center.

Waukau said her most memorable community service projects were working alongside Schlichting and classmate Michael Pecore delivering presents to Keshena Primary School students and decorating ornaments at Maple Lane in Shawano.

Schlichting’s community involvement included participating in the Youth Alliance program, reading to children and raising awareness of health issues, which included producing a drug presentation for the community.

Schlichting will attend Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay and eventually hopes to earn a nursing degree at UW-Oshkosh or UW-Green Bay.

“She is a very personable person and close to her family, and respects elders,” Waukau said. “She has her certified nursing assistant license and really wants to be a nurse.”

Nell Strebel, the school’s literacy coordinate, said Schlichting has grown from a “quiet, shy and timid freshman of four years ago into one of the academic leaders of her senior class.”

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: Menominee Indian High School commencement ceremony

WHERE: Woodland Bowl, Keshena

WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Friday

CLASS FLOWER: Carnation

WHO: Graduation candidates include Reese Awonohopay, Melissa Besaw, Joseph Boivin, Domonic Caldwell, Lee Cline, Bryce Corn, Alaqua Cox, Autumn Delabreau, Cheyenne Dodge, Ethan Escalante, Kayla Escalante, Jory Gladue, Salvadore Hernandez, Gordon James, Jay Johnson, Celeste Kaquatosh, Dante Kaquatosh, John Long, Chance Madosh, Christopher Martin, John Maskewit, Treyanne Matchopatow, Mylia Olson, Michael Pecore, Waylon Penass, Tyler Perrote, John Peters, Lauren Peters, Sasha Peters, Raeshene Pocan, Maniyanne Salgado, Louis Sanapaw, Leah Schlichting, Malissa Schlichting, William Sechrist, Caitelyn Shawanokasic, Alphonso Smith, Blake Stoehr, Shayliyah Tourtillott, Joshua Warrington, Lorenzo Warrington, Ramona Waubanascum, Anfernee Waukau, Joan Waukau, Jordynne Waupekenay, Bryce Waupoose, Mario Waupoose, Shaila Waupoose, Forrest Webster, Susan Webster, Tysha Webster, Matthew Whitney, Erin Wynos.

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Shawano Police Department

May 19

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Property — Damage to a cellular phone was reported at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 800 block of West Picnic Street.

Vandalism — Police responded to a report of gang-related writings on a bathroom wall at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at South Union and East Stevens streets.

Reckless — Police investigated a reckless driving complaint at state Highway 22 and Shady Lane.

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

Truancy — Police logged truancies at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St., and Olga Brener Intermediate School, 1300 S. Union St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 19

Deputies logged 16 incidents, including the following

Animal — Authorities investigated a stray cow on Belle Plaine Avenue in the town of Waukechon.

Hit and Run — Authorities responded to a hit-and-run complaint on Opperman Way in the town of Richmond.

Trespassing — Authorities responded to a neighbor dispute on Mill Street in Eland.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person in the 600 block of East Pioneer Avenue in Wittenberg.

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

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem in the 700 block of South Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Accident — Authorities logged a deer-related crash on state Highway 29 and Range Line Road in the town of Herman.

Clintonville Police Department

May 19

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — A suspicious incident was reported on Third Street.

Disorderly — Police logged a disorderly conduct incident at Clintonville Middle School, 255 N. Main St.

Harassment — A harassment issue was reported on East Morning Glory Drive.

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Shawano Police Department

May 18

Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Curfew — A juvenile was cited for a curfew violation at Main and Maurer streets.

OWI — A 28-year-old woman was cited for operating while intoxicated and operating after revocation after police responded to a reckless driving complaint in the 200 block of Waukechon Street.

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint involving a juvenile in the 100 block of South Lincoln Street.

Theft — A tricycle was reported stolen in the 1000 block of Robin Lane.

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 600 block of West Picnic Street.

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

Warrant — A 44-year-old man was taken into custody on a Department of Corrections warrant in the 200 block of Pearl Avenue.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of West Division Street.

OWI — A 56-year-old man was arrested on a charge of fourth offense operating while intoxicated after police responded to a reckless driving complaint at Fifth and Main streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 18

Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:

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

Disturbance — Authorities investigated a domestic incident on Elm Grove Road in Pella.

OAR — A 40-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Grant.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a juvenile drug complaint at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on County Road BE in Waukechon.

Warrant — A 35-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant on state Highway 22 in the town of Washington.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including an injury accident on U.S. Highway 45 in Aniwa and two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 18

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — A hit-and-run property damage accident was reported in a parking lot on South Main Street.

Fraud — A fraud incident was reported on Motor Street.

Disorderly — A citation was issued for disorderly conduct on West Morning Glory Drive.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The public is invited to an informational meeting Thursday about the state Highway 22 reconstruction project in Clintonville.

The hourlong meeting will begin at 1 p.m. in the Community Center, 30 S. Main St. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about planned improvements, contractor’s schedule and traffic changes during construction. Wisconsin Department of Transportation representatives will present information and answer questions.

The first phase of the work, between 10th and 13th streets, is scheduled to begin June 1. The improvements include replacement of the Pigeon River Bridge; reconstruction of Highway 22, including pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer, street lighting and traffic signals; replacement of city water and sewer; and modifications to the intersections of North Lyon and 12th Street and 12th Street and SSGT Warren Hansen Drive to improve safety.

Early in June, crews will mark detour routes. By mid-June, crews will close Highway 22 between 10th Street and 13th Street. During the closure, traffic will be detoured to Seventh Street, Lyon Street, 12th Street, SSGT Warren Hansen Drive and state Highway 156.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by mid-October.

For information, contact Jim Volkmann of the DOT at 715-365-57734 or [email protected].

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Board considering November referendumBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

The Shawano School Board on Monday unanimously approved bringing back the Somerville architects to do remodeling design work for Shawano Community Middle School.

The Green Bay firm was chosen out of three offers received in response to a request for proposals in the last month. Somerville will receive $19,500 for its services, along with 6 to 7 percent of the total project cost, once it is determined.

The board voted in April to look for an architect in the hopes of moving forward with a November referendum that would modernize the school, especially its heating and cooling system. There has been no formal vote whether to hold the referendum.

Other potential projects include changing some of the walls in order to allow air to circulate properly. There might also be a renovation of the school commons to allow a full grade to eat at one time.

The district’s maintenance department has tried to keep the existing heating and cooling system running, but officials fear there could come a day when they can no longer purchase replacement parts.

Somerville worked on building Hillcrest Primary School and remodeling Olga Brener Intermediate School more than five years ago.

All three firms that expressed interest made presentations last week to the district’s buildings and grounds committee, which recommended Somerville as the best fit.

“Actually, they were very well-priced at the end, too,” said Jeff Easter, district maintenance director.

Easter said another plus in Somerville’s favor was its proposal to do an immediate and comprehensive evaluation before school let out in June, consulting with teachers and staff to develop a list of educational needs. From that list, the district could look at which needs are immediate and choose what to include in a referendum, he said.

The district needs firm numbers by early August to call for a November election.

Board member Marcia Yeager agreed that Somerville will provide the best bang for the district’s buck and reiterated that the district can no longer defer the work on the middle school.

“We have great facilities right now (at the other schools), but the only thing I feel has been neglected is the middle school,” Yeager said. “We can’t keep putting Band-aid upon Band-aid on a building.”

Board member Al Heins recalled how efficient and organized Somerville was with the work on Hillcrest and Olga Brener.

“Somerville had a meeting once a week on Mondays at 11 o’clock to meet with all the contractors to see where they were at and how it was going. That’s something they would do again,” Heins said. “They were very tight on schedule.”

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Shawano Police Department

May 17

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — A 40-year-old woman was arrested for a probation and parole violation in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street.

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

Shoplifting — Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St., reported a shoplifting incident.

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Richmond and Waukechon streets.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 600 block of South Main Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 800 block of West Picnic Street.

May 16

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 28-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated in the 200 block of South Sawyer Street.

Sex Offense — A reported sex offense was under investigation.

Vandalism — A building was reported spray-painted in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Vandalism — A window was reported vandalized in the 700 block of East Maurer Street.

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 800 block of East Center Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 1100 block of South Main Street.

May 15

Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 300 block of South Washington Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 600 block of South Main Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

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

Child Abuse — Police investigated a child abuse complaint in the 600 block of East Elizabeth Street.

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

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1100 block of East Green Bay Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 17

Deputies logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault on Juniper Road in Red Springs.

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

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

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on Lake Drive in Gresham.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cozy Oaks Circle in Wescott.

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Charges of disorderly conduct were referred against a 30-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, both of Shawano, after a domestic disturbance on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including two deer-related crashes and an injury accident on Morgan Road in Red Springs.

May 16

Deputies logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint at the North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A.

OWI — A charge of operating while intoxicated was referred against a 45-year-old Green Bay man after an accident on state Highway 29 in Richmond. The Green Bay man was taken to Shawano Medical Center with unknown injuries. His passenger, a 32-year-old Gresham man, was taken to Theda Clark in Neenah. Initial reports were that he sustained broken bones.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Meadow Road in the town of Washington.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 156 in Navarino.

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

May 15

Deputies logged 49 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 22-year-old Gresham man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Elm Road in Richmond.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Camp 14 Road in Bowler.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Korth Road in the town of Washington.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Wittenberg.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Old Lake Road in Wescott.

Accidents — Authorities logged seven accidents, including three deer-related crashes and a car versus eagle.

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A 45-year-old Green Bay man might be facing a drunken driving charge after a crash Saturday morning in which he and another man were ejected from the vehicle.

Authorities responded to a single-vehicle accident at state Highway 29 and County Road MM in Richmond about 2:30 a.m. The reports were that the vehicle was totaled and two men were laying in a ditch.

The Green Bay man was transported to Shawano Medical Center. The extent of his injuries was unknown. His passenger, a 32-year-old Gresham man, was taken to Theda Clark in Neenah with what initial reports called broken bones, according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

The accident is still under investigation.

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Appleton native getting to know areaBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

The Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department’s new community health educator is getting acclimated to her new job.

Appleton native Cassy Berg was hired May 4. She replaces Megan Suehring, who left the position in late November.

“I am pretty new to the Shawano area but am very excited to get to know this community and call it my own,” Berg stated in an email Friday.

She obtained her undergraduate degree in community health education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2014.

Berg’s job entails monitoring the health of county residents and health issues facing the community. She will conduct educational programs in group settings or one-on-one, act as a community resource on community health, provide information to the community in making healthy choices, and actively engage the community in identifying and solving health problems.

“I love working directly with people out in the community and believe what I do can really make a difference for Shawano and Menominee counties,” she said.

Berg remains confident, but admits there will be a learning curve.

“I feel like I can bring knowledge to these counties by providing them education on many different health topics to promote health, help prevent disease,” she said. “If I can’t directly help someone or have an answer, I want to point them in the right direction and work with them to find the answer.”

Suehring departed after about two years to take a position as 4-H adviser in Marathon County.

Berg was one of approximately 20 people who applied for the Shawano County position, which was posted Feb. 2.

“I am excited to start on this journey with the health department and look forward to what the future holds,” Berg said.

She will earn a starting salary of $34,047.

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Shawano Police Department

May 14

Police logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Police logged two complaints of failure to return items at Lebakkens Rent to Own, 1200 E. Green Bay St.

Animal — Police responded to a stray dog at Waukechon Street and Teddington Lane.

Animal — Police investigated animal noise in the 400 block of South Bartlett Street.

Probation — Police took a 20-year-old man into custody on a probation hold.

Welfare — Police conducted a welfare check on a disoriented woman in the 1000 block of South Lincoln Street.

Juvenile — Police investigated an unsupervised juvenile on Randall and Andrews streets.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

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

Warrant — Police took a woman into custody on a probation hold.

Accident — Police investigated a two-vehicle accident in the 100 block of South Main Street. Victims declined ambulance.

Shoplifting — Police investigated two women for theft of liquor at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Reckless — Police investigated a complaint of reckless driving on South Main and East Division streets.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile stealing items from a residence in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.

Disturbance — Police investigated a disturbance involving threatening behavior in the 100 block of Jesse Court.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile problem in the 1300 block of South Evergreen Street.

Scam — Police investigated a phone scam in the 100 block of South Andrews Street.

Accident — Police investigated a minor traffic accident in the parking lot of Shawano Cinema, 1494 E. Green Bay St.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious man on Dallman Lane and Waukechon Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 14

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Authorities responded to a vehicle in deep brush on County Road BE in the town of Hartland.

Warrant — Authorities arrested a woman on a warrant on Elm Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Suspicious — Authorities investigated a suspicious woman at North Star Casino and Bingo, W12180 County Road A, Bowler.

Threatening — Authorities investigated a woman for threatening behavior at the Stockbridge-Munsee Health and Wellness Center, N9161 Micks Road, Bowler.

Accident — Authorities investigated a vehicle versus power pole accident on Linquest Road in the town of Green Valley.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of West Vinal Street in Wittenberg.

Illegal — Authorities investigated an illegal burning allegation at County Roads M and U in the town of Belle Plaine.

Registration — Authorities investigated a man for failing to register as a sex offender in the 400 block of East Front Street in Wittenberg.

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

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 29 and County Road U in the town of Herman.

Restraining — Authorities investigated a restraining order violation on Hiawatha Court in the town of Wescott.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a group of people removing property from an abandoned home on Oak Street in Bowler.

Theft — Authorities logged a theft complaint involving a phone, food stamp card and prescription medication on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities logged a harassment complaint on Lakeview Way in the town of Washington.

Accident — Deputies logged four deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police issued a warning for a dispute between neighbors on North Main Street.

Assist — Police assisted Waupaca County Sheriff with a two-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 45 and Lakeshore Road.

Harassment — Police investigated a harassment complaint.

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O’Toole says they work long hours, care about studentsBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Clintonville School District Superintendent Tom O’Toole responded to critics at a Clintonville School Board meeting this week, saying area residents should be more appreciative of the school district’s administrators and teachers.

Media reports and social media chatter about staff being unwilling to help with an after-school program, the resignation of a popular social studies teacher and other district issues prompted O’Toole to defend the staff.

“The administrators have been attacked in public meetings and by the local media, and due to the rules in place have not defended themselves, have not been able to defend themselves,” O’Toole said. “I’ve been told it’s part of the job to sit there and take it. And that’s not right because that’s not part of the job.

“And I’ve got a news flash: School issues are not solved on Facebook or other social media.”

O’Toole said administrators are people, too, and they have feelings and care about the students and district. He noted the district administrators collectively have nearly 200 years of educational experience, nearly 100 as administrators, and they often work long hours — about 60 per week — dealing with difficult situations with parents and students.

He said students have tremendous opportunities because of the school system, and a lot of the credit goes to administrators who organize what the teachers do for the students.

Earlier, resident Mike Krueger addressed the board during the public comments portion of the meeting with concerns he had regarding the administration. Handing out a superintendent’s evaluation form that he had taken from the Internet, Krueger said that the board needs to evaluate the superintendent.

He asked the board for assurance that before any raises are given to principals or vice principals, their performance has been evaluated by the superintendent.

“It is not fair for the students and parents for you to give raises to administration only because they can still breathe,” said Krueger, who urged the board to discuss the matter in closed session without the administration present.

Resident Mary Kautz also addressed the board, urging members to safety in the school buildings a top concern. She also told the board what she experienced when she volunteered to work at an after-school program at the elementary schools.

“I asked to work with the second-graders, and I could not believe what some of these young children are doing,” she said. “These teachers and volunteers are pulling their hair out. I understand why some of the teachers and volunteers decide not to help with the after-shool program. There is huge lack of discipline, a huge lack of respect. These kids need help.”

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To the editor:

Mayor says: “Let’s cut the crap!” I say: “Craps gotta be cut!”

Since when is it appropriate for elected city officials who have the prestigious power to make the most important decisions for our city of Clintonville to attend their council meetings wearing blue jeans and sweatshirt while taking their oath of office? Wearing casual sport shorts and jeans?

Our council rooms are air-conditioned, so please dress appropriately for the offices we have elected you to. Most of our city employees and council members do dress appropriately.

Another thing that bothers me is when the presiding officer does not use the gavel to keep order when personal attacks are common among council members, which happens often. Citizens in the audience chat and make comments during the meetings, and also texting still goes on, which is distracting to those nearby.

I understand we are a small town, but could members and the presiding officer have the courtesy to address each other as councilman or by their entire given name?

I think we are lucky our council sessions are not officially broadcast for everyone to see the disorder and lack of respect.

Please join me in attending the future council meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. See for yourself the atmosphere in which meetings take place. Check out the professionalism of our paid representatives on the council.

Rochelle Laude,

Clintonville

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Library’s new bookmobile courtesy of nonprofitBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt President Marsha Hoeffs addresses the audience at the Friends of Shawano County Libraries Inc. annual meeting Thursday at The Main Event in Cecil.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Shawano City-County Library director Kristie Hauer discusses enhancements made at the library and to its services due to efforts of the Friends of Shawano County Libraries Inc. The group held its annual meeting Thursday at The Main Event.

A new bookmobile came to Shawano courtesy of the Friends of Shawano County Libraries Inc., which held its annual meeting Thursday in Cecil.

The bookmobile, which replaced its 17-year-old predecessor in March, was just one of the Friends’ major contributions to the Shawano City-County Library and its branches.

Each branch also received a $1,500 grant.

“The branches work with limited budgets and, with the extra funds from the Friends, are able to make improvements that otherwise would not be feasible,” said Marsha Hoeffs, the organization’s president.

After selling the old bookmobile, the nonprofit donated an additional $14,000 for the new vehicle.

“It is more efficient this way,” library director Kristie Hauer said. “There is not a lot of mileage and it is brand new, so maintenance costs will be low for awhile.”

Hauer also told the three dozen members at Thursday’s meeting the library experienced a 59 percent increase in circulation and a 31 percent increase in deliveries in 2014.

Additionally, the Friends provided a dual-delivery drop box, for approximately $5,000, which enables the library to accept book and media returns after hours.

“This was one of the biggest feedbacks we have received; people wanted to return items after closing time,” Hauer said.

Hauer said she was grateful to the Friends for helping the library to expand Wi-Fi services from two to four access points, more coverage and a stronger signal.

The director indicated there was 42 percent increase of patrons utilizing electronic services, including laptops, cellular phones and other portable wireless devices.

An increase in demand of wireless services led the library to develop a learning lab for people looking to refresh their computer skills. The library initially began with four classes per month and increased it to 10.

Hoeffs thanked Hauer and eight other library personnel for keeping up with technology.

“These ladies have created a comfortable atmosphere for our patrons and provide great programming and customer service, and have kept our library up-to-date with technology,” Hoeffs said.

Library staff include Leslie Hill, Sue Porath, Mikki Moesch, Cathy Pescinski, Cassie Cummings, Linda Grams, Nancy Hammond and Wendy Rosenow.

Friends members elected seven board members: Deb Harvey, Jean Nelson, Marlene Krema, Mary Ann Gehr, Anita Hartman, Rosetta Stern and Donna John.

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Applications up 4 percent over last yearBy: 

The Associated Press

St. James Lutheran School in Shawano is among four new private schools that will be added to Wisconsin’s statewide voucher program starting next year, the state department of Public Instruction reported Thursday.

More than 3,540 students have applied to receive a taxpayer-funded voucher to attend private and religious schools in the third year of the statewide program, more than triple the enrollment cap of 1,000, DPI said. That number is up 4 percent from last year. Gov. Scott Walker in his state budget has proposed eliminating the enrollment cap.

This was the second try at getting into the state voucher program for St. James, which fell a few applications short of the cut last year.

Under last year’s rules, only 25 private schools and school systems that received the most eligible applications were able to participate in the random drawing for the additional voucher slots.

St. James had 54 eligible applicants out of 69 who applied last year.

St. Paul Lutheran School in Bonduel, which became a voucher school last year, had 62 eligible applicants.

Susan Longmire, principal at St. James, said in an interview after last year’s near miss that she was disappointed not to make the final cut, but would try again this year.

Longmire said there was a “real need in the community” for such religion-based options.

The other new schools added to the program next year will be Heritage Christian Schools in Brookfield, Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School in Jackson and Central Wisconsin Christian School in Waupun.

The voucher program is touted by its supporters as a way to help students escape poorly performing public schools. Opponents, primarily Democrats and public school advocates, say the program is not accountable to taxpayers and is part of a broader agenda to defund public education.

Jim Bender, president of the pro-school voucher group School Choice Wisconsin, said demand from students and schools interested in joining the program continues to grow.

“The more parents learn about the school choice program, the more they like it,” Bender said.

Of the eligible student applications, 49.3 percent are already paying to attend a private school. If selected to receive a voucher, taxpayers will pay for their school education. A smaller number, 31.8 percent of applicants were students already enrolled in the voucher program. About 14.3 percent of applicants attended public schools last year.

The number of students applying from public schools decreased from 633 last year to 526 this year, a difference of 107.

Betsy Kippers, president of the statewide teachers union Wisconsin Education Association Council, in a statement Thursday said the program was veering from its original purpose and taking too many taxpayer dollars.

“If politicians are truly interested in supporting all students in all communities, they should … use those tax dollars to restore cuts to public schools,” Kippers said.

The voucher program began in Milwaukee in 1990, the first city in the country to offer the taxpayer subsidies to help poor children escape struggling schools. Since 2011, Walker and the Republican-controlled Legislature have expanded it.

All applicants in the statewide program, regardless of attending public or private schools, must meet income requirements. A single parent with three children can earn up to $44,828 per year. For a married couple with two children, the cutoff is $53,310 annually.

The vouchers, used to defray the costs of private school education are $7,210 for students through grade 8 and $7,856 for high school students.

Parents will be notified this summer, according to the DPI.

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