Shawano Leader News

Plan for homeless includes health clinicBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A vacant building owned by Shawano Municipal Utilities could become home to an emergency shelter for the homeless if approved by the Common Council next week.

The Plan Commission on Wednesday recommended approval of a conditional use permit that would allow nonprofit group Shawano Area Matthew 25 to operate the shelter at 213 E. Green Bay St.

The group formed in 2013 with goals that included establishing an emergency homeless shelter and a free or low-cost clinic, both of which would be offered at the site.

The commission’s recommendation came with several conditions, including a review of the shelter’s admission policies and procedures once they are drafted.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said it’s expected those policies will include a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol, and a means of doing background checks on anyone being admitted.

The shelter will also be required to provide on-site supervision during its hours of operation, and the commission will review a report of those operations after one year.

The group’s plan calls for providing overnight shelter and sustenance to the homeless between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m., and health care for the uninsured on weekdays and possibly Saturday mornings.

The Common Council will review the proposal when it meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 127 S. Sawyer St.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Shawano Police Department

May 6

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — A 31-year-old woman was cited for possession of marijuana in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

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

Warrant — A 23-year-old man was taken into custody on outstanding warrants at the Shawano County Child Support office, 311 N. Main St.

Warrant — A 30-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 6

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on North Shore Lane in Wescott.

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

Juvenile — Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel, reported two students took off from a field trip at the Navarino Nature Center in Navarino.

Theft — A scanner was reported stolen on Chicken Alley in Maple Grove.

Theft — A copper pipe was reported stolen on Regina Road in Aniwa.

Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including one deer-related crash.

Clintonville Police Department

May 6

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Truancy — Police investigated a contributing to truancy complaint at the elementary school.

Fireworks — A fireworks complaint in Olen Park led to the arrest of several subjects after a traffic stop.

Burglary — A burglary reported on Folkman Street was under investigation.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

District will seek funding for elementary programBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The Clintonville Board of Education plans to seek funding for an after-school program despite concerns there might not be enough volunteers to work with the students.

The board voted April 27 to apply for another Elementary Community Learning Grant for the program, which Superintendent Tom O’Toole said costs $88,000 to operate. Grants, he said, have dropped from $100,000 when Clintonville joined the program seven years ago to $50,000.

The program teaches the core academic subjects and provides enrichment activities. It was initially offered at the middle school and elementary school, but last year was available only at the elementary level.

Jess See, associate principal at Clintonville Middle School, said he couldn’t find enough people to staff the program.

“I can’t make people teach the program,” he said.

O’Toole said that teachers are in school from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and it is “tough to maintain” the commitment for the after-school program.

Teacher Robyn Rindt agreed, saying she probably would not teach the program next year.

Several parents, students and residents spoke in favor of the program.

“As a parent, we are blessed for the after-school program,” Lisa Olmsted told the board. “Our son needed help with reading. People are doing a wonderful job, and the help has shown on the report card.”

“The after-school program got me ready for algebra,” fourth-grader Cassidy Rose said. “It gives me more time to do homework.”

Resident Mary Kautz said she was confident there would be community members willing to volunteer to help the students. “Kids are sponges, they love to learn,” she said.

Student Darren Carrick suggested the district ask high school students to help with the program as some already serve as mentors.

If enough volunteers aren’t available to run the program, the grant money will be returned to the state.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Schedule change affects teacher’s availabilityBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

A teacher’s schedule change could hobble a popular running club in the Clintonville School District.

Dozens of running club members wore their orange shirts to last week’s Board of Education meeting to show their support for the club and leader/founder Karen Petermann. There are about 125 students in the club, which is funded through donations and fundraisers.

Petermann currently arrives at Rexford/Longfellow Elementary School about 6 a.m. The students run from 6:30-7:30 a.m. and then eat a healthy breakfast together. Petermann then goes to her first-hour class at Rexford/Longfellow.

Under a proposed schedule change for the next school year, however, Petermann would have her first class at 8 a.m. at Clintonville High school, not giving her enough time to lead the group she formed.

Several parents urged the board to find a way to ensure Petermann can continue with the club.

Grandparent Marty Miller said that all of the kids in the running club are winners.

“The joy in their eyes is unbelievable,” he said.

Jody Carrico, a parent and coach, said a suggestion to move the club to the high school would not work, because the equipment there is not the right size for the younger students, who would also need to be transported back to the elementary school.

She also said the club would not be able to meet after school because many of the coaches would not be available then. She pleaded with the board to reconsider Petermann’s schedule change.

Because the issue was not on the April 27 meeting agenda, the board was unable to take any action. President Ben Huber, however, said members would discuss the issue in the future.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Retired DNR warden Jim Horne a surprise recipientBy: 

Leader Staff

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Shawano Optimist President Kay Bloomer, center, poses with Officers of the Year Ryan Atkinson and Noah Bunt, from the Shawano Police Department, Joseph Verbrigghe of the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, and Jim Horne, who retired last month after 29 years as a DNR warden.

Though this year’s Officer of the Year recipients from the police and sheriff departments had already been announced last month, there was one additional surprise recipient at the Shawano Optimist Club’s ceremony Wednesday.

Retiring DNR Warden Jim Horne also received a plaque.

“We had a special request from one of our Optimist members,” president Kay Bloomer said, adding that the board unanimously agreed. “We felt this person should be recognized tonight.”

Optimist member Bob Hannes, a former supervisor of Horne’s, said Horne had been instrumental in working with the youth in the community, including coaching soccer and football and overseeing snowmobile and hunter safety courses.

“That’s what the Optimists are all about,” Hannes said.

Horne retired last month after 29 years with the DNR.

“He brought to the table a lot of experience, educational endeavors that he’s learned throughout his years and passed it on to wardens on our Peshtigo team and throughout the state,” Hannes said.

He noted Horne had been involved in recruit training, tactical flight operations, and law enforcement investigations.

He said Horne was also responsive to public questions and concerns.

“I don’t know how another warden could be as responsive as Jim,” Hannes said.

The award was a surprise to almost everyone, but Horne said he had an inkling it was going to happen.

“I kind of figured something was going on,” he said.

“It was my pleasure really, to work in this community, in this county,” Horne said. “I worked for and with a lot of great people.”

The Optimists also honored two Shawano police officers and a Shawano County sheriff’s deputy who had been chosen by their departments.

The awards are given out annually in conjunction with Respect for Law Week.

This year’s recipients were sheriff’s deputy Joseph Verbrigghe and police officers Noah Bunt and Ryan Atkinson.

“Over the past several years, Deputy Verbrigghe has been a tireless volunteer at The Well, a local meeting place for area youth; operated and maintained by the River Valley Community Church,” Sheriff Adam Bieber said. “The Well provides a safe and secure environment for young people to gather, participate in group activities, and simply have a great time without worrying about being surrounded by negative influences.”

Verbrigghe provides supervision and security at the Well, assists with upkeep and is available to serve as a mentor for the youth, Bieber said.

“Deputy Verbrigghe provides an excellent example of the community caretaking element of policing, both on and off duty,” Bieber said.

Verbrigghe has been with the sheriff’s department for 27 years and was previously a U.S. Army MP serving overseas.

Verbrigghe thanked the club for the award, but said the recognition was not the reason he does what he does in the community.

“Most of the coppers, if you do something special, kind of don’t want to get recognized for it,” he said. “But I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight.”

Police Chief Mark Kohl said the choices from his department reflect the proactive attitude the department has been trying to take.

“The direction the police department is going in is to make this a safer community, increase the quality of life, and these two officers really emphasize that effort,” he said.

Bunt has been an officer since May 2006.

“Noah has been instrumental in strengthening the partnerships we have with landlords and property owners,” Kohl said. “Noah has become the liaison between the police and landlords in providing valuable training in landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. He has become the P.D.’s point of contact on tenant/landlord and city ordinance issues.”

Atkinson has been an officer since May 2002.

“Ryan works with a team of dedicated police officers in investigating crimes involving drugs and other victim-witnessed crimes,” Kohl said. “Ryan has spent many hours working in partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigations on drug and cold case investigations.

“Even though we’re in our beginning stages of many drug investigations, Ryan’s work has made a big dent into drug activity in Shawano. Ryan’s hard work is making this a safer community for all.”

Kohl said selecting officers of the year from the department wasn’t an easy choice, given the team effort of so many others.

“Along with Noah, Lt. Dan Conradt’s involvement in helping with landlord issues is not overlooked,” Kohl said. “Along with Ryan, officers Dan Conradt’s and Jeff Lenzner’s strong investigative work in drug investigations made our achievements united. I believe Noah and Ryan would recognize their successes as a team recognition.”

The ceremony was held at the American Legion Post 117, 850 S. Lincoln St.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Workshop is first step in identifying resources, common goalBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Community leaders discuss local issues at the “Connecting the Dots: A Commitment to Community” workshop Tuesday at The Main Event in Cecil. The small-group sessions were intended to facilitate open discussion. Clockwise from bottom left are Joe Stellato, University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H youth development agent for Shawano County; Peggy Garefino, representing Shawano Area Matthew 25; Nicole Sasse, social worker with HCR ManorCare; Patrick Rau, Bonduel School District superintendent; Todd Buettner, executive director of the Shawano Housing Authority; and Greg Sturm, representing Shawano Pathways.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Thrivent associate Jeanne Kaczorowski, right, presents a $1,300 check to Jay Moynihan, University of Wisconsin-Extension community resource development coordinator for Shawano County, and Nancy Schultz, UW-Extension family living educator for Shawano County. Thrivent joined the Extension and ThedaCare as sponsors of the “Connecting the Dots: A Commitment to Community” workshop Tuesday at The Main Event in Cecil.

More than 40 community leaders brainstormed ideas Tuesday to improve the quality of life in Shawano County.

“Connecting the Dots: A Commitment to Community” brought together key people to discuss ways to better utilize community resources to decrease poverty, improve community health and foster workforce development.

The workshop, held at The Main Event in Cecil, was sponsored by Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension, Thrivent Financial and ThedaCare.

The participants represented area school districts, nonprofit agencies, health care facilities, churches and government.

“When we work on the effort together, it makes the problem a lot easier to tackle,” said Nancy Schultz, UW-Extension family living educator for Shawano County. “And more importantly, we can each give something to the solution.”

In a presentation to the group, Amy Korth, a nutrition education specialist for the UW-Extension in Madison, emphasized that relationships are key to creating lasting change, noting that it takes time to “connect the dots” between various groups’ efforts.

She said the approach is based on the “Collective Impact Framework,” a guide to bringing together diverse groups to focus on a common goal to create social change.

“It basically means that you work with a network of people, and try to come together, and establish a common agenda,” Korth said. “That is creating a line of activities, evaluations, so that we can all move forward together.”

After Korth’s presentation, the participants were split into groups of six or seven, to facilitate open discussion. Each group was given 20 minutes to exchange ideas on four questions presented during the discussion:

• What are the most serious problems impacting poverty, health and community development?

• Are there activities in the community that can help address the concerns?

• Are there ways to enhance already existing resources?

• Are there ways to improve collaboration among agencies?

Lynn Hrabik, evaluation manager for the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, facilitated the conversation as the groups reunited and presented highlights of their discussions.

Although the city of Shawano’s poverty rate — 13.1 percent, according to the U.S. Census — is higher than the county’s (11.5 percent), Rhonda Strebel, executive director of the Rural Health Initiative, urged the leaders to not focus solely on the county’s largest city.

“I would encourage us to think about what is going on beyond Shawano, like what’s happening in Gresham, Tigerton, Bonduel,” she said. “We can’t forget the people in these areas. Don’t forget, we are a county.”

Schultz and Jay Moynihan, UW-Extension community resource development coordinator for Shawano County, plan to gather the data from the workshop and then schedule the group’s next session.

Patrick Rau, Bonduel School District superintendent, considered the meeting a “great first step of connecting everybody in the community that is striving to help Shawano County.”

He said he learned about additional resources available to district families, and he let others know how the district can help, as well.

He noted, for example, the district’s fitness center “that is free and underutilized” can help the community battle obesity.

“One of the things we need to do is work together, so that we know what each other is doing,” Rau said. “If I can’t help a family, I know who to connect them with and who can provide that wraparound care.”

Korth also was optimistic following the session.

“It was really nice to have that variety of people at the tables and give their voice, and that was essential in the process,” Korth said. “I am really interested in seeing what transpires a year from now.”

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Cheryl Bergold, longtime executive director of the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency has retired, effective May 1. She served all but the first three years of her 36-year FSA career in the Shawano office.

“It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have worked with and for the producers of the two counties,” Bergold said in a statement released Wednesday. “Together, we have experienced many new and different farm programs over the years and each time, the producers were very cooperative and patient as we worked through the program details and sign-up deadlines. Their attendance at our informational meetings was also much appreciated.”

“I have been very fortunate that the FSA county committee members that were elected over the years were very dedicated to the farming community and always strived to make the best decisions possible on program determinations and appeals,” Bergold noted. “That, plus having an office staff that shared my passion to provide the best customer service possible, made this a great place to work.”

Hailing from Bayfield County, Bergold began her career in 1979 as a manager trainee. Her first post as a FSA director (then ASCS) was in the Marinette office, where she served three years. She was then selected to head the Shawano-Menominee office.

Bergold said she plans to relax this summer, spend time with family, and enjoy not having a 2½-hour commute every day.

“Not having to set the alarm clock for 4:10 a.m. anymore will be fantastic,” she stated.

Jon Williams, the Juneau County FSA director in Mauston, has been asked to serve as the acting director of the Shawano office until the position is filled permanently. He will spend up to three days per week in Shawano.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Shawano Police Department

May 5

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly - Police investigated a disorderly conduct complaint in the 1000 block of South Union Street.

Warrant - Police attempted to locate a 37-year-old man on a Marinette County warrant.

Juvenile - Police responded to a juvenile problem at Olga Brener Intermediate School, 1300 S. Union St.

Warrant - Police responded to a warrant violation complaint in the 100 block of South Franklin Street.

Juvenile - Police responded to a complaint of a verbal altercation between two students at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Assist - Police assisted Shawano County Social Services, 607 E. Elizabeth St., with a client.

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

Juvenile - Police responded to an issue between two girls at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Disturbance - Police investigated a disturbance between a man and woman at Shawano County Human Services, 607 E. Elizabeth St.

Accident - Police investigated a car property damage accident at Qualheim’s True Value, 1345 E. Green Bay St.

Disorderly - Police issued a citation for disorderly conduct at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St.

Warrant - Police took a 23-year-old woman into custody on a Brown County warrant during a traffic stop in the 600 block of East Green Bay Street.

Suspicious - Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at Natures Way Estates, 312 Madison Way.

Drug - A 31-year-old woman was issued a citation for drug possession in the 1300 block of East Lieg Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 5

Deputies logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance - Authorities responded to a juvenile disturbance at Tigerton Middle/High School, 213 Spaulding St., Tigerton.

Littering - Authorities received a complaint about littering on Church and Green Valley roads in Green Valley.

Welfare - Authorities responded to a woman making verbal threats at Maple Lane, N4231 State Highway 22, in the town of Belle Plaine.

Accident - Authorities responded to a vehicle rollover on Sabrowsky Road and Company Lane in the town of Fairbanks. No injuries were reported.

Accident - Authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident on County Road MMM in the town of Richmond.

Criminal Damage - Authorities responded to a vehicle versus building accident on County Road M in the town of Wittenberg.

Welfare - Authorities checked the welfare of a woman on Fairview Road in the town of Pella.

Domestic - Authorities investigated a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of East Rollman Street in Bowler.

Debris - Authorities logged a report about razor blades being found along the roadway at South Cecil and South streets in Bonduel.

Traffic - Authorities responded to a complaint of manure on state Highway 156 in the town of Maple Grove.

Burglary - Tools and fishing poles were reported stolen from a residence on County Road A in the town of Richmond.

Accident - Authorities responded to a car versus bear accident on state Highway 22 and Pioneer Road in the town of Belle Plaine.

Clintonville Police Department

May 5

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Theft - Items were reported stolen from a vehicle on Seventh Street.

Disorderly - A warning was issued for disorderly conduct on North 12th Street.

Theft - Police logged a report of identity theft.

Accident - A hit-and-run accident was reported at South Main Street.

Harassment - Several people were warned about harassment on 15th Street.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

State budget could restore some positionsBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

The Shawano School District will issue final layoff notices to seven employees this week.

The district sent preliminary notices to several more staff members in March, but retirements, resignations and other financial decisions helped pare the number to seven. The School Board OK’d the final notices Monday.

The original layoff notices were issued when the district was estimating a deficit of almost $950,000 due to funding cuts and other elements in Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed state budget.

The district made a significant dent in the deficit by rebidding its health insurance coverage, saving about $600,000 next year, Superintendent Gary Cumberland said. The board voted in late March to switch from Auxiant to WEA Trust for the next three years.

“The company came in really low. They wanted our business really bad,” Cumberland said. “That was enough to give us a significant savings to change our initial plans.”

Cumberland noted that WEA Trust wanted to establish a foothold in the area and was willing to bid low for the first year in order to get the Shawano contract.

“We happened to be shopping at just the right time,” Cumberland said.

Six retirements and two resignations also helped. Some of those positions might not be refilled, according to Cumberland.

The district is required by state law to issue final notices to professional staff by May 15. However, the positions being phased out could be restored if state money is restored or student enrollment increases drastically.

There are already indications that state budget cuts might not be as deep as originally projected. Cumberland said, for example, the $150 districts receive per student in categorical aid could be restored, which would add almost $380,000 to the Shawano schools’ coffers.

“There’s still no official vote, but it’s 90 percent there, I guess,” Cumberland said.

Cumberland indicated that at least one of the seven employees getting a layoff notice is likely to retain his or her job.

“We’re happy that we were able to reduce the number (of layoffs),” he said. “If something opens up, as long as they’re certified (for the position), they can come back.”

The state budget is supposed to be finalized by July 1.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Changes could come for 2016-17By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Parents in the Shawano School District will be able to breathe easier after an announcement this week that school start times would remain the same for the 2015-16 school year.

Superintendent Gary Cumberland reported during Monday’s School Board meeting that the ad-hoc committee felt that making changes in May that would take effect in September would be too much of a burden on parents who needed to adjust work and child care schedules.

“They want to come up with a recommendation and then give the schools and the community an opportunity to adjust,” Cumberland said.

The committee plans to meet on May 19 to continue developing a recommendation, but the School Board will likely not make a decision until later in the year, Cumberland said.

The committee hopes to reach out to parents during the schools’ teacher meet and greets in August.

“They want to come back with exact numbers, not just here is the start time and here is the end time,” Cumberland said.

The committee in March recommended delaying start times by 30 minutes, with Shawano Community High School and Shawano Community Middle School starting at 8 a.m. and Hillcrest Primary School and Olga Brener Intermediate School starting at 8:45 a.m.

The impetus behind the change was research showing that teenagers have difficulty focusing on their early morning classes. A later start time might improve academic performance, proponents argued.

Some parents were skeptical about the recommendation. Many of them were less concerned about the impact on teenagers and more concerned about how it could affect the younger children.

Some parents also said the change would hurt them financially if they had to arrange new child care schedules.

The committee looked at one uniform start time for all schools, but that would require an additional six buses and cost an estimated $200,000 annually.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

By: 

Leader Staff

A 22-year-old Seymour man was ordered held on a $1,000 bond Monday as a result of a motorcycle chase Friday in Shawano County.

Curtis Wendt could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a call shortly after 6 p.m. about a motorcycle going more than 100 mph on eastbound state Highway 29. A squad spotted the motorcycle at Highway 29 and County Road MMM, at which point the motorcyclist increased his speed to upward of 140 mph, according to the sheriff’s report.

The chase continued onto state Highway 55 and into Outagamie County, where the motorcyclist eventually pulled over after something started leaking from the bike, according to the report.

Authorities found a zip-lock baggie of marijuana seeds on the bike, the report states.

Wendt is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance May 18.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

By: 

Leader Staff

A Birnamwood man due to go to trial in July on multiple counts of possessing child pornography in Shawano County made an initial court appearance this week in Portage County, where he faces nearly 30 more counts of the same crime.

Christopher J. Ehlenfeldt, 39, faces 69 counts of possessing child porn in Shawano County and one felony count of child sexual exploitation.

He was initially charged with 10 child porn counts after Shawano County authorities arrested him in August, but the criminal complaint was amended to add more charges in September.

According to the original 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 at Ehlenfeldt’s residence found 10 child porn video files 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.

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

Portage County set a $50,000 cash bond for Ehlenfeldt.

He is already being held in Shawano County jail on a $30,000 cash bond.

Ehlenfeldt could face a maximum 25 years in prison and $25,000 fine on each child pornography count if convicted.

His Shawano County trial is slated to begin July 6.

He is due in Portage County for an adjourned initial appearance May 18.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

By: 

Leader Staff

A Bonduel man is facing felony charges of possession with intent to deliver of marijuana and manufacture and delivery of marijuana after a domestic incident in the village last week.

John P. Tucker, 49, could face six years in prison and a $10,000 fine on each of the felony counts. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday. The victim reported being pushed down a flight of stairs after trying to stop the suspect from operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

The victim also indicated the suspect was growing marijuana plants inside the home. Several marijuana plants were located, along with paraphernalia and weapons.

Tucker was freed on a $2,500 signature bond and was due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance May 18.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

By: 

Leader Staff

A 30-year-old Shawano man arrested for alleged drunken driving in a stolen vehicle last week is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Thursday in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court.

Leoman E. Teller was ordered held on a $2,500 cash bond Monday.

He was taken into custody by Shawano County sheriff’s deputies about 4 p.m. Thursday after ditching the stolen vehicle and fleeing on foot, according to the criminal complaint.

The vehicle had been reported stolen in the 900 block of South Prospect Street in Shawano shortly after 7 a.m., according to Shawano Police Department reports.

The unlocked vehicle had reportedly been stolen overnight and had keys inside, according to the police report.

Authorities were advised about 3 p.m. that the vehicle had been spotted heading south on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

A sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, and it pulled into a parking lot on Old Keshena Road.

Teller was later located by the sheriff’s department canine unit hiding under a canoe near the area where he had last been seen, according to the complaint.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Shawano Police Department

May 4

Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — A 22-year-old man was cited for prowling after police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 700 block of South Lincoln Street.

Truancy — Police logged eight truancy complaints from Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

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

Warrant — A 33-year-old man was arrested on a warrant at Richmond Street and Maiden Lane.

Theft — Numerous medications were reported stolen from a residence in the 100 block of Hill Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St.

Shoplifting — Police responded to shoplifting complaint at Qualheim’s True Value, 1345 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A 23-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant in the 100 block of Acorn Street.

May 3

Police logged 23 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 200 block of South Andrews Street.

Theft — A phone was reported stolen in the 900 block of East Randall Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of Riverside Drive.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of South Washington Street.

Drug Offense — An 18-year-old man was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop at Waukechon and Elizabeth streets.

May 2

Police logged 33 incidents, including the following:

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

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Disturbance — A 32-year-old Shawano man was arrested for disorderly conduct after a disturbance in the 300 block of West Swan Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 700 block of East Randall Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a complaint of an intoxicated man in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Accident — A driver’s ed student hit a parked car in the 1000 block of South Franklin Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Richmond Court.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 900 block of Waukechon Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 200 block of West Richmond Street.

Theft — Rings were reported stolen in the 600 block of Maiden Lane.

May 1

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint on Evergreen Street.

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

Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 300 block of Fairview Way.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 600 block of South Main Street.

Truancy — Police logged four truancy complaints from Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint on Kleeman Court.

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 4

Deputies logged 42 incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on County Road A in Bartelme.

Theft — A purse was reported stolen on Elm Grove Road in Pella.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on Old Lake Road in Wescott.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 54-year-old Westlake woman after a domestic disturbance on Bailey Lane in Waukechon.

Assault — Authorities responded to an assault complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including a trailer that dumped logs on state Highway 47 near Bonduel and closed a lane of traffic, and two-deer-related crashes.

May 3

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Broadway Road in Richmond.

Assault — Authorities responded to an assault complaint on Fourth Street in Mattoon.

Warrant — A 52-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant on state Highway 156 in Lessor.

Trespass — A trespassing complaint was reported on Range Line Road in Pella.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Broadway Road in Richmond.

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

May 2

Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 29-year-old Appleton man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after an accident on County Road G in the town of Herman.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Assault — Authorities responded to an assault complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Summer Street in Aniwa.

Accidents — Authorities logged five minor accidents.

May 1

Deputies logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A female subject was taken into custody on a warrant on Fischer Street in Gresham.

Theft — A purse was reported stolen on Ebert Street in Gresham.

Fire — Authorities responded to a grass fire on County Road V in the town of Washington.

Fleeing — A 22-year-old Seymour man was arrested for fleeing an officer on state Highway 29 in the town of Morris.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident on Curt Black Road in Wescott and two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 2

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Officers responded to a domestic situation on South Clinton Avenue.

Theft — A theft was reported on 11th Street.

Disturbance — Officers responded to a possible fight on South Main Street. Upon arrival all parties had left the scene.

May 1

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on North Main Street.

Theft — A retail theft was reported on West Madison Street.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Johnson stops at coffeehouse to speak with constituentsBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl, left, shakes hands with U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson during Johnson’s visit to Glas the Green Coffeehouse on Saturday. Kohl said he asked the senator to keep the city police in mind when it comes time to distribute federal grants for officer body cameras.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson chats with Darlene Ross, president of the Lake Country Republican Women, during his stop Saturday at Glas the Green Coffeehouse. Johnson made several stops in northeast Wisconsin to talk with his constituents about the issues that concern them. He also was interested in visiting Glas, a fairly new business in the community.

Darlene Ross, president of the Lake Country Republican Women, has been an ardent supporter of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson since he ran for his current seat in 2010.

So Ross felt it was only appropriate to say hello Saturday when the senator stopped at Glas the Green Coffeehouse in Shawano as part of a tour of northeast Wisconsin.

“I’ve known him for years,” Ross said. “I just thought it was a good time to run down here and meet him again.”

Prior to arriving in town, Johnson made stops in Oconto and Marinette; afterward he headed to New London. He chose Glas for his local stop partly because it’s a fairly new business in the community, and he tries to stop at some of the newer businesses to learn about what owners are dealing with.

“This is what I do,” Johnson said of the community visit. “This is what I’ve been doing for four years, connect and listen to hear what’s on people’s minds.”

Johnson said it is important to “convey the truth” to his constituents and let them know about the issues facing the country and its communities. A lot of the reporting to the constituents has been done through telephone town halls due to busy voting schedules in the Senate, he said.

“I’d rather do it in person because it’s more fun driving through this beautiful area,” Johnson said. “I like to drive myself and visit with people.”

Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl spoke with the senator about a federal grant program that is expected to provide $20 million in funding to law enforcement agencies for body cameras. Kohl said he asked Johnson to keep Shawano in mind if he sees any of the grant applications.

The city has a few body cameras, but not enough for every officer. Kohl hopes to get at least 10 more at a cost of $1,200 apiece.

“It’s just a little piece overall,” Kohl said. “I’m optimistic, but yet I’m pessimistic that it could go to larger agencies.”

Ross said she and Johnson see eye to eye on “almost everything,” so they did not have much to debate. One of the shared issues is the challenges veterans face after returning from war; Johnson has been looking into concerns about veterans not getting adequate treatment from VA hospitals, and Ross’ organization has a specific mandate to help veterans in need.

“It was just a matter of explaining my point of view and then listening to his side,” Ross said.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Shawano Police Department

April 30

Police logged 26 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen in the 900 block of South Prospect Street.

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

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

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

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of North Franklin Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 30

Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Lark Road in Waukechon.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Witt-Birn Town Line Road in Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities investigated a theft complaint on County Road A in Bowler.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Theft — Authorities investigated a theft complaint on Cedar Street in Tigerton.

Theft — Authorities investigated a theft complaint on Chic-A-Watha Circle in Wescott.

Clintonville Police Department

April 30

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to disorderly conduct complaints on Auto Street, Anne Street, South Main Street and North Main Street.

Accidents — Police responded to property damage accidents on South Main Street and at Main and 10th streets, and a two-vehicle accident at Main and Ninth streets.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Shawano Police Department

April 29

Police logged 18 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Waukechon and Prospect streets.

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

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

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond St.

Theft — A birdbath was reported stolen in the 300 block of East Stevens Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 29

Deputies logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Old Lake Road in Wescott.

Fire — Authorities responded to a grass fire on Swamp Road in Waukechon.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Cedar Street in Tigerton.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on West Line Road in Aniwa.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Northwestern Avenue in Angelica.

Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident on Camp 14 Road in Bartelme and one deer-related crash.

Clintonville Police Department

April 29

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Three worthless check complaints were reported.

Truancy — Police logged three truancy complaints from the high school.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

Eight restaurants cooking up variety of dishesBy: 

Lee Pulaski [email protected]

Dinner plans are already made for Thursday as the Shawano Business Improvement District will hold “The Main Event” restaurant dine-around to raise money for its facade improvement projects.

Eight restaurants on or near Main Street will serve up a variety of foods from 5-8:30 p.m. for hungry guests and provide an idea of the wide variety of dining selections in downtown Shawano. The evening will wrap up with a raffle at Tom’s Tap at 8:45 p.m.

The Main Event had previously been done by Leadership Shawano County in 2011 and 2012, but the activity has been on hiatus since then. The BID saw the restaurant hop as a good opportunity to raise money and awareness of the downtown area, according to BID coordinator Marisa Rycroft.

“We thought it would be nice to bring it back, to resurrect it,” Rycroft said.

Visitors will be able to sample soup at Farm Inn, beef sandwiches at Tom’s Tap, candy at Old Glory Candy Shop and fresh marinated shrimp with pasta and vegetables at Anew Tea Emporium. There will also be pastries from Luigi’s, chicken alfredo from Angie’s Main Cafe, salad from Lizzie’s Catering and pulled pork loaded French fries at Bubba’s BBQ Co.

“It’s a round robin of dining, just like when you do a house hop,” Rycroft said. “They’ll go from restaurant to restaurant and get a portion from each restaurant. It probably won’t be a large portion, because when you go to eight different restaurants, you don’t want large meals at each restaurants.”

The dine-around is expected to benefit non-food businesses in the downtown area as well. The $15 admission provides visitors with a booklet that includes 22 discount coupons for various items, Rycroft said.

Rycroft hopes to get more restaurants involved next year to keep the event fresh. There are 14 restaurants that are part of the district, according to information on the BID’s website.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet

A 30-year-old Shawano man was arrested for drunken driving in a stolen vehicle Thursday, according to a Shawano County Sheriff’s Department Facebook posting.

The Sheriff’s Department said the man was taken into custody at about 4 p.m. after fleeing on foot from sheriff’s deputies.

The vehicle has been reported stolen from in the 900 block of South Prospect Street shortly after 7 a.m., according to Shawano Police Department reports.

The unlocked vehicle had reportedly been stolen overnight and had keys inside, according to the police report.

Authorities were advised at about 3 p.m. that the vehicle had been spotted heading south on State Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

A sheriff’s deputy attempted to pull the vehicle over, and it pulled into a parking lot on Old Keshena Road, according to the Sheriff’s Department Facebook page.

“The driver was located hiding under a canoe near the area where he had been last scene (sic),” according to the Facebook posting. He was taken into custody on charges alleging he had been operating the vehicle while intoxicated.

No charges had been filed as of Friday afternoon.

The district attorney’s office said the man was being held on probable cause until charges could be filed Monday.

Rate this article:  Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet