Shawano Leader News

Jesse leaving post after 16 yearsBy: 

Leader Staff

Shawano County Coroner Marcus “Mike” Jesse is calling it quits after 16 years.

Jesse, 70, recently submitted a letter announcing his retirement, effective May 31, to Gov. Scott Walker’s office. County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann shared Jesse’s plans at the County Board meeting Wednesday.

Jesse ran unopposed last fall for a new four-year term. He was appointed to the position by Gov. Tommy Thompson on May 16, 1999.

In his retirement letter, he noted that the coroner job requires availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and he feels it’s time for him to “take time to relax and enjoy home, family and friends.”

He also wrote about his love of the county and the people who make it work.

“The past 16 years, while providing this service to the residents of Shawano, I have met many wonderful people and have made many friendships working with the different entities involved in the Office of Coroner duties,” Jesse wrote. “I am very thankful for all those who supported and recommended me for the position back in 1999.”

Jesse was paid $90 per call. In 2013, he went on 571 calls.

County Clerk Rosemary Rueckert said the state will accept applications for two weeks after the opening is posted. Candidates chosen for an interview will meet with a state-appointed panel in Madison.

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Shawano Police Department

March 24

Police logged 32 incidents, including the following:

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

Identity Theft — Police investigated an incident of identity theft in the 100 block of South Sawyer Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Old Lake Road.

Vandalism — Police investigated a report of a door being vandalized at a residence in the 500 block of South Cleveland Street. No damage estimate was available.

Animal — Police logged two reports of dog bites.

Intoxicated — Police transported an intoxicated man home from the intersection of East Green Bay and South Lincoln streets.

Drugs — Police responded to a complaint of juvenile allegedly using drugs in the 1100 block of South Weed Street. Officer determined no drugs were present.

School — Police responded to a concern related to an aggressive juvenile at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Truancy — A truancy was reported at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 24

Authorities logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Animal — Authorities responded to a stray cow on Cheese Factory Road in the town of Washington.

Theft — Money was reported stolen from a vehicle on Poplar Street in Bowler.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile tobacco complaint at Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St., Bowler.

Disorderly — Authorities investigated a disorderly woman in the 100 block of South Jefferson Street in Bonduel.

Accident — Authorities logged one deer versus vehicle crash on state Highway 29 and Rose Brook road in the town of Belle Plaine.

Disturbance — Authorities investigated a disturbance involving threatening behavior by two women on state Highway 29 in the town of Morris.

Welfare — Authorities checked the welfare of a juvenile at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Theft — A report of a gasoline drive off was made at Kwik Trip, 102 Express Way, Bonduel.

Drugs — Authorities responded to a discovery of drugs along a ditch line on Cedar Road in the town of Birnamwood.

Domestic — Authorities investigated a complaint of a dog being shot on County Road M in the town of Fairbanks.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance between a man and woman on Micks Road in Bowler.

Accident — A car versus tree accident was reported on County Road O and Fourth Street in Eland.

Assist — Authorities assisted medical personnel with a potential overdose on Ho Chunk Road in Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

March 24

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Warrant — Police took a man into custody on a Manitowoc County warrant. He was unable to post bond and was transported to jail.

Accident — A property damage accident was reported on South Main Street.

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Aggravated battery

A Mauston man is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday on a felony charge of aggravated battery in connection with a fight in Wittenberg earlier this month.

Amory D. Decorah, 23, is accused of causing great bodily harm to another man during a March 11 altercation. According to the criminal complaint, the man sustained an injury that could cause him to lose his eye.

Decorah could face a maximum 15 years in prison and $50,000 fine if convicted. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

He is being held on a $1,500 cash bond.

Identity theft

A Shawano man is facing a felony count of identity theft for allegedly giving a false name when pulled over by a state trooper in the city last week.

Ricky J. Machipness, 40, allegedly identified himself by another name and gave a birth date in 1991 when was he stopped for not wearing a seat belt March 17.

He said he had no driver’s license with him but presented an ID with yet another name and birth date in 1995, according to the criminal complaint.

Machipness ultimately admitted his real identity and stated his license had been revoked, the complaint states.

He could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty of identity theft. He is also charged with four counts of felony bail jumping, which carries the same penalty, and a misdemeanor count of operating while revoked.

Machipness is free on a $500 cash bond and is due in court for a preliminary hearing April 6.

Possession of narcotic drugs

A Shawano man has been charged with a felony count of possession of narcotics drugs for allegedly having morphine without a valid prescription.

Bart R. Crowe, 20, could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

Morphine pills were allegedly found in his vehicle during a traffic stop in the city Feb. 20.

Crowe is scheduled for an initial court appearance on April 6.

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Shawano Police Department

March 23

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint in the 600 block of West Wescott Avenue.

Bail Jumping — A 27-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for bail jumping in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the 400 block of North Franklin Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a juvenile drug complaint in the 1100 block of South Weed Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 23

Deputies logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 33-year-old Mount Pleasant woman was cited for disorderly conduct after authorities responded to a disturbance at the North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A, Gresham.

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in Wittenberg.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on Paradise Lane in Hartland.

Disorderly — Authorities responding to a lewd and lascivious behavior complaint in the parking lot at the Ho Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, Wittenberg, took a 25-year-old Gillett man into custody for a probation and parole violation.

Assault — An assault was reported on Timber Lane in Aniwa.

Clintonville Police Department

March 21

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious incident on West Madison Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in Olen Park.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Waupaca Street.

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Court says Isaacson guilty of intentional misconductBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended the law license of Naomi Isaacson, CEO of the Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology, for one year.

Isaacson was also ordered last week to pay $6,634 in court costs.

The court agreed with the recommendation of the Office of Lawyer Regulation, citing Isaacson’s professional misconduct and a pattern of bad faith litigation, including making false and harassing statements toward judges and others involved in litigation.

Isaacson also failed to cooperate with an OLR investigation into the matter.

“She engaged in a pattern of intentional misconduct in multiple tribunals over a period of at least 17 months,” the court wrote. “Continuing the offensive conduct after being sanctioned by the courts shows a lack of remorse.”

Isaacson was not acting as an attorney in the cases at issue in the complaint, but she prepared and signed affidavits, declarations and responses as a representative of SIST that were filed on her behalf, according to the court.

“The core of the complaint is that Attorney Isaacson’s statements in these documents had no apparent purpose other than to harass judicial officers, public officials, opposing counsel, and others based on race, creed and religion,” the court wrote.

The attorney in those cases was Rebekah Nett, whose license to practice law in Wisconsin was suspended in August for one year for similar statements.

During a 2010 bankruptcy proceeding for SIST subsidiary Midwest Properties, Isaacson drafted and signed a sworn affidavit claiming that Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt “has wrapped her tentacles around the judiciary system including Shawano Municipal judges, Shawano County judges, Wisconsin Appellate Court judges, the Federal District Court judge in Green Bay, Seventh Circuit Appellate Court judges,” and even the U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge in Delaware.

The bankruptcy court called the allegations “so fantastic and delusional that no reasonable attorney would certify that they have evidentiary support.”

In her declaration, Isaacson called Shawano “Neo-Nazi territory” and referred to the “underlying White Supremacist feelings and beliefs and Jim Crow mentality held by many persons in Shawano.”

Some of her affidavits also attacked federal court officials, calling them “a bunch of ignoramus, bigoted Catholic beasts that carry the sword of the church.”

Isaacson’s license was previously suspended in May 2011 for noncooperation with the OLR’s investigation. She was also suspended for nonpayment of Wisconsin State Bar dues and failure to provide trust account certification, effective October 2012, and for failure to comply with mandatory continuing legal education requirements, effective June 2014.

In March of last year, the OLR filed a complaint against Isaacson alleging the four counts of professional misconduct that led to this latest suspension.

Isaacson never responded and the OLR filed for a default judgment in August.

“The record reflects that, despite multiple and extensive efforts to provide Attorney Isaacson with notice of the default hearing, all efforts to contact Attorney Isaacson were unsuccessful,” the Supreme Court noted.

The court issued its ruling Friday.

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Contributed Photo Johnson’s Service LLC, owned by Robert Johnson, center, recently received matching grants from Shawano Country Vision 2017 to help with renovation costs at the auto repair and towing business in Shawano. Shown with Johnson are Nancy Smith, Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce executive director, and Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer.

Johnson’s Service has received grants totaling $3,449 through Shawano Country Vision 2017.

The matching grants were awarded to help cover renovation costs at the auto repair and towing business, 532 S. Main St. The project included interior and exterior painting and installing new plumbing, lights and ceiling.

Johnson’s Service has been in operation since 1972 and is owned by Robert Johnson.

A number of businesses in downtown Shawano have recently invested in business improvements to their building facades and interiors.

“We decided to join forces with other businesses on the south end of Main Street to make our business more appealing to current and new customers by cleaning and remodeling the inside and outside of our business,” Johnson said. “We really appreciate the financial assistance provided by Vision 2017 in creating our ‘new look.’ ”

Small businesses in Tigerton, Eland and Shawano have received a total of $60,000 in Vision 2017 facade and interior grants, which organizers claim have stimulated nearly $600,000 in private investments.

“The improvements and private investment made by these businesses not only helps to increase their sales, but also improves the appearance and image of our commercial districts,” said Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer. “All of this contributes to a healthy business climate and enhanced quality of life for our residents.”

Shawano Country Vision 2017 is a five-year economic development plan designed to address various needs of area businesses and communities. One of the key goals is to bring at least 1,000 new jobs to the area by 2017.

The plan’s overall goal is to spur capital investment and grow the economy by implementing specific action steps in key areas, including business expansion, attraction and recruitment; tourism/retail development and community development.

The plan was initiated three years ago by the board of directors of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. and the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce to proactively tackle economic challenges including several plant closures, job losses and lower than average per capita income. It is intended to provide a blueprint for future growth and prosperity and a stronger economic climate for Shawano and Menominee counties.

DID YOU KNOW?

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

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Wisconsin will hold its annual Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week from April 13-17.

The theme — “Listen, act and live!” — emphasizes the importance of listening to warnings and seeking shelter immediately to save lives.

Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually, according to the National Weather Service, which is planning a statewide tornado drill April 16.

The weather service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch at 1 p.m. and a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. Many radio and TV stations will participate in the drill. In addition, NOAA weather radios, also known as emergency weather radios, will issue alert messaging.

Schools, businesses and families are encouraged to practice safety procedures for severe weather during the drill.

The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is dark or it’s raining. If actual severe storms are expected in the state April 16, the drill will be postponed until April 17. If severe storms are possible April 17, the drill will be cancelled.

Any changes to the schedule will be issued to local media as well as posted on the ReadyWisconsin website, Facebook and Twitter pages.

In 2014, 22 tornadoes were reported in Wisconsin by the National Weather Service. Eighteen of the tornadoes occurred in June. The strongest tornado occurred June 17 when an EF3 tornado hit Verona in Dane County. At least 30 homes were damaged, as well as an elementary school. The tornado traveled about a mile, had wind speeds of 136 to 165 mph and was on the ground for several minutes.

An EF2 touched down that same night in Platteville in Grant County. Several homes and businesses were damaged, including University of Wisconsin-Platteville facilities.

In 2013, 16 tornadoes touched down in Wisconsin, including six tornadoes during the overnight hours of Aug. 6-7. An EF2 struck near New London, injuring two people and causing millions of dollars in damage.

Tornado and Severe Weather Awareness Week is a collaborative effort of Wisconsin Emergency Management, ReadyWisconsin, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

For information, visit readywisconsin.wi.gov, contact your county or tribal emergency management director, or Tod Pritchard, at [email protected] or 608-242-3324.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Authorities responded to four fire calls Sunday, just a few days after the state Department of Natural Resources warned of an increased fire threat because of dry conditions.

A grass fire on Larsen Road in Green Valley started just before noon and spread to a nearby barn, while another grass fire a short time later on County Road C in Angelica also burned an abandoned warehouse, according to authorities.

Firefighters from multiple departments responded.

Also on Sunday, an outdoor stove on Cherry Road in the town of Herman started a fire that burned a maple syrup shed.

A grass fire was also reported on Sunrise Road in Waukechon.

The DNR warned late last week that fire danger was rising due to the recent surge in temperatures and an unusually early spring.

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Shawano Police Department

March 22

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

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

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 500 block of South Cleveland Street.

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 400 block of South Bartlett Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in the 700 block of South Maiden Lane.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 500 block of Prospect Circle.

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

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 900 block of East Robin Lane.

March 21

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Slackers, 146 S. Main St.

Bail Jumping — A 27-year-old man was taken into custody for bail jumping at Slackers, 146 S. Main St.

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Birch Hill Health Care, 1475 Birch Hill Lane.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 900 block of East Randall Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 200 block of North Bartlett Street.

Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main 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 Bartlett Street.

March 20

Police logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile alcohol complaint at Main and Maurer streets.

Theft — A phone was reported stolen at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A male juvenile was taken into custody for a probation and parole violation at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

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

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

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint in the 700 block of South Maiden Lane.

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

Theft — Police investigated a property theft complaint in the 400 block of South Bartlett Street.

OAR — A 32-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation at Washington and Oshkosh streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 22

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Fire — Authorities responded to a shack fire on Cherry Road in the town of Herman.

Fire — Authorities responded to a grass fire on Larsen Road in Green Valley.

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

Fire — Authorities responded to a grass fire on County Road C in Angelica.

Disturbance — Charges of disorderly conduct and bail jumping were referred against a 35-year-old Shawano man after a disturbance on Lake Drive in Wescott.

OWI — A 70-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on East Green Bay Street in Shawano.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

March 21

Deputies logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 59-year-old Shawano man after a domestic disturbance on state Highway 29 in the town of Herman.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Woods Road in Wescott.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary in Partridge Lane in Aniwa.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Grand Avenue in Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

OAR — A 31-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation on Airport Drive in Shawano.

March 20

Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:

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

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in Herman.

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in Hartland.

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 117 in the town of Washington

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on County Road BE in Hartland.

Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

OAR — A male subject was cited for operating after revocation on Hamlin Street in Shawano.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

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Burning restrictions already in place in much of areaBy: 

Leader Staff

The recent surge in warmer temperatures is moving Wisconsin into an unusually early spring that has the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gearing up for an equally early wildland fire season.

More than 60 percent of all Wisconsin wildfires each year occur in March, April and May.

Shawano and Menominee counties are already snow-free and implementing burning restrictions.

Zach Hylinski, DNR forest ranger for western Shawano County, said Friday the current fire danger is “at moderate and moving toward high.”

There has already been one fire so far in the protection zone Hylinski oversees. That fire, in Wescott, burned just under a quarter acre, he said. But area firefighters have been called out to several brush fires outside that zone.

Three fire calls in one day were reported by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, two of them involving the burning of brush or garbage that got out of control. An earlier brush fire burned a maple syrup shack.

Hylinski said recent years’ late snowfalls delayed the area’s traditional fire seasons into late April and May. Not this year.

“This year is looking to be very different and very early,” Hylinski said. “As soon as the snow cover is gone, burning permits are required in DNR protection areas.”

Burning permits are required in all of Menominee County and parts of Shawano County anytime that the ground is not 100 percent covered by snow. The areas of Shawano County that require a burning permit include the townships of Almon, Aniwa, Bartelme, Birnamwood, Fairbanks, Germania, Grant, Hutchins, Morris, Red Springs, Seneca, Wescott (north of Curt Black Road and east of state Highway 47 and west to Lake Drive), and Wittenberg.

“The fire season could be more active this year because Wisconsin did not get a lot of snow this past winter, which means less water going into the ground resulting in dry conditions,” Hylinski said.

Weather is the single most important factor influencing how fires start — and how they spread. In the spring, fire danger changes daily with the weather. This is why it is important for area residents to always check before they burn and to follow the daily burn restrictions, Hylinski noted.

Weather, however, is not the only factor contributing to wildfires.

“Debris burning is Wisconsin’s top cause of wildfires because of spring’s typical weather conditions,” Hylinski said. “Warmer temperatures, lower humidity and wind are bad conditions for outdoor burning.”

Many people are eager to get outside and work hard to clear their properties of leaf litter, brush and pine needles so it looks good and is ready for the growing season.

“Then, they burn this debris pile,” Hylinski said.

Many area residents obtain proper permits and conduct their burn, he said, but neglect to make certain their fire is out before leaving – and fail to return to make sure the ashes are cold.

“All it takes is one hot ember from a property owner’s debris pile to go airborne in the spring breeze, and that spring clean-up job can quickly become a wildland fire no one intended,” Hylinski said.

The DNR urges residents to consider composting yard waste or hauling it to a transfer site rather than burning.

Penalties exist for anyone found responsible for causing a wildland fire. They could be liable for the costs it takes to suppress a wildland fire and potentially any damages.

“Spring always is a much-welcomed season after our winters,” Hylinski said. “With a little planning and dedication to getting your burn permit and following daily burn restrictions, we can work together and make it a safe one, too.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• You can obtain your annual burning permit, free of charge, online at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “burn permit,” or by calling 888-947-2876 to have it mailed or emailed to you. You can also visit a local DNR office or designated emergency fire warden.

• The daily burn restrictions can be found by calling 888-947-2876 or online at dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire.” Shawano and Menominee counties are already snow-free and implementing burning restrictions.

• To find out the current fire danger, visit dnr.wi.gov, keyword “fire.”

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Police Department also has vacanciesBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department filled two vacant posts Thursday, the same day a detective’s sudden resignation created another.

Greg Trinko, a patrol sergeant with the department, was named jail administrator, effective April 13. The position has been vacant since mid-January when Steve Borroughs suddenly resigned.

Shawano Police Officer Kurt Kitzman was named patrol lieutenant. He will start his duties on April 2.

Trinko was one of 19 applicants for the administrator job, out of which seven were interviewed by a five-member panel.

“The panel agreed he did an outstanding job in the interviews,” Sheriff Adam Bieber said. “He has some good ideas for moving things forward.”

Trinko has been with the department for 25 years and started out as a jailer. He made an unsuccessful run for sheriff in 2006.

Bieber said Trinko has some outside management history that added to his qualifications.

“He and his wife run a retirement home, so he has some familiarity with laws and statutes regarding people you house,” he said.

Bieber said everyone on the panel agreed Trinko would be a great fit for the jail.

In addition to Bieber, panel members included department Office Manager Kathy Sumnicht, Lt. George Lenzner, county Public Safety Committee member and Supervisor Richard Ferfecki and Waupaca County Chief Deputy Al Kraeger.

Bieber said Trinko’s salary was still being set, but the job has a salary range of $59,592 to $61,013.

The salary range for Kitzman’s patrol lieutenant position is $49,647 to $56,745.

Kitzman was chosen for the lieutenant post from a field of six applicants. He was one of three interviewed, along with two current deputies.

Kitzman started with the Shawano Police Department in 2003; the same year Bieber started there before taking over as sheriff this year.

Trinko’s and Kitzman’s appointments came the same day that Detective Wade Wudtke tendered his resignation.

Bieber said Wudtke’s letter did not give a reason for the resignation, which was effective immediately. He said the resignation was unexpected.

Wudtke has been with the department since 1999.

Clintonville Police Chief Terry Lorge confirmed Friday that Wudtke has taken a job with that department as a patrol officer. Saturday is his first day on the job.

The starting salary for a Clintonville patrol officer is $23,073. Wudtke was last making $26.69 an hour in Shawano County.

Bieber said the department won’t move too quickly to replace Wudtke.

He said the position might undergo some changes, though it would remain a detective post.

“We may make it more of a juvenile officer position,” he said. “We would change the focus to juvenile crime and prevention.”

In the meantime, other officers would take Wudtke’s open cases.

“We’ll move forward and continue to operate seamlessly,” Bieber said.

Wudtke would still be required to appear in court if needed to testify in any pending cases he has worked.

Bieber said Wudtke’s position would be posted internally, and it’s expected someone would be promoted from within the department.

With Trinko’s move to the jail, two patrol deputy positions would need to be filled in the near future, Bieber said.

Kitzman’s move to the sheriff’s department also means another vacancy for Shawano police.

The Police Department recently filled one vacancy, and two other posts are still open, including a newly created detective lieutenant’s position.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said two people have been offered the jobs and background checks are being done. However, he said, Kitzman’s vacancy would probably be filled before the detective is named.

Kohl said the additional vacancy is not a problem because the department has been compiling an eligibility list from previous interviews.

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By: 

The Associated Press

Del Monte Foods is closing food processing plants in Pulaski and Oconto Falls soon after acquiring the company that owned them.

WLUK-TV reported Friday that 40 full-time jobs will be lost, along with 200 seasonal positions.

The plants process and store corn, green beans and peas. Del Monte acquired their owner, Sager Creek Vegetable Co., earlier this month.

Del Monte said in a statement the decision was difficult but would allow it to keep a strong presence in Wisconsin. The company also operates a plant in Markesan.

WLUK said layoffs will start in Pulaski in May and Oconto Falls in June.

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Next meeting scheduled April 1By: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Bonduel business leaders will move forward with plans to create a chamber of commerce.

About 25 area residents and business owners attended a meeting Thursday at Village Hall to discuss whether to create the organization. It was the third meeting on the topic this year.

A core group of organizers was formed Thursday to work on launching the new endeavor.

Shawn Thorne, a Village Board and plan commission member, has been one of the key proponents of considering forming a chamber or similar organization to help area businesses.

“We are going to put together a mission statement,” Thorne said.

Other members of the group are plan commission member Troy Westcott, Red Rooster owner Bill Kolaske, Amy Thusius of Meadow View Estates, Bonduel police officer Nicole Blaskowski and Village Board member Sharon Wussow.

Nancy Smith, executive director of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, supports the Bonduel efforts.

“I think it’s a great idea,” she said, “and I am working closely with Shawn Thorne on guidance.”

Seventeen Bonduel-based businesses belong to the Shawano Country chamber. They can be members of both organizations, Smith said.

Any Bonduel-based business that is a member of Shawano Country can have membership dues for the new Bonduel association paid for by the Shawano Country organization, she said.

“We never want to compete with smaller chambers because they have their own mission and it benefits everyone if we work together,” said Smith, who indicated her organization has a similar agreement with the Wittenberg Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Shawano Police Department

March 19

Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — A 22-year-old man was cited for possession of marijuana at Hamlin and Richmond streets.

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

Restraining Order — Police responded to a restraining order violation in the 700 block of South Union Street.

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

Warrant — A 20-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant at Main and Center streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 19

Deputies logged 30 incidents, including the following:

OWI — Authorities arrested a 47-year-old Green Bay woman for operating while intoxicated after responding to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in Maple Grove.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Lily Road in Birnamwood.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Old Keshena Road in Wescott.

Warrant — A female subject was taken into custody on a warrant on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Clintonville Police Department

March 19

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Main and Madison streets.

Disturbance — Police issued a warning after a neighbor dispute on Anne Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem on North Clinton Avenue.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

A public hearing about special assessments for new sanitary sewer laterals on Clintonville’s Main Street will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 50 10th St.

The area where road reconstruction will require placing the sewer laterals stretches from 10th Street to 13th Street. The proposed cost per each lateral is $1,468.64, according to interim City Administrator Chuck Kell.

Residents are invited to comment on the special assessments at the meeting. Plan specifications are on file in the city clerk-treasurer’s office at City Hall and may be inspected there during regular office hours.

The improvements are being assessed against the property owners in accordance with city ordinances, Kell said. The assessments will not exceed the cost of the improvements, he said.

The assessments may be paid in cash or in installments. The city’s interest rate is 4.25 percent.

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Board members report productive 2014 seasonBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Matt Hendricks, director of the Shawano Parks and Recreation Department, explains the long-term vision of Franklin Park, the site of the Shawano Farmers Market, to about 25 people at the eighth annual farmers market board meeting Thursday at Angie’s Main Cafe.

There will be more reasons for families to attend the Shawano Farmers Market this season.

Officials announced at the organization’s eighth annual meeting Thursday that they will add weekly activities for children.

The meeting was held at Angie’s Main Cafe in Shawano and attracted about 25 people.

“Families come to the market and they have children, and the kids always want to do something. The parents want to visit. What are the children going to do,” said Bob Dumke, farmers market board vice president.

Jamie Patton, the University of Wisconsin-Extension agriculture agent for Shawano County, will be responsible for coordinating the weekly activities.

The offerings will include presentations by the United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and the Navarino Nature Center. There will also be a magician and a dog show.

“We are looking forward to bringing in new and younger families to the park, so we can capitalize on this beautiful green space, and help promote health in our youth,” Patton said.

Patton added that she is open to more ideas.

2014 was a year of change for the market, which was held in the City Hall parking lot for its first six years before moving to Franklin Park, at the corner of Division and Washington streets, in June.

More long-term changes that could help the market are planned at the park, including a playground, stage, water fountain and green space, but Shawano Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks speculated the work likely won’t be completed for five to seven years.

“It will happen as fast as the community supports us,” Hendricks said.

Market coordinator Nathan Falk said previously the move helped the market attract more customers and vendors than in previous years.

The market depends on donations, grants and vendor booth fees. Expenses include items such as operations and site improvements, market management, insurance, advertising, and community outreach.

“It was a pretty good year,” said Jennifer Langlois, board treasurer. “Our total revenue was $10,700, and our total expenditures was $9,500.”

The nonprofit organization this year received a $3,500 matching grant from Harold E. Pevonka estate, which combined with fundraising efforts that raised $3,685 in contributions from Oct. 20 through Dec. 31, earned the market $7,185.

Other discussion topics included a new $200 card reader that will enable Women, Infants and Children FoodShare recipients to use their Quest Cards to obtain wooden tokens that can be used for market purchases.

Sue Hansen, outreach specialist for the Shawano County WIC program, told the 14 vendors at the meeting that the county plans to stop issuing paper checks effective Dec. 31, 2015, and instead use Quest Cards.

Falk urged this year’s vendors to participate in the Certified Local Vendor program. The program is open to producers within 100 miles of Shawano.

“We will give you signage promoting your business,” Falk said.

The market board also added a new mission statement: “The Shawano Farmers Market nurtures our community’s health in social and economic growth, by providing a vibrant marketplace for the local food producers.”

The 2015 market will run Saturdays, from June 20 through Oct. 10.

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SCEPI rocks out at summitBy: 

Leader Staff

Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Dennis Heling, Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. chief economic development officer, addresses the 88 attendees who turned out for SCEPI’s 10th annual Economic Summit held Thursday at The Gathering in Shawano.

It was a behind-the-scenes look at economic development with a rock-and-roll soundtrack Thursday at Shawano County Economic Progress Inc.’s 10th annual Economic Summit.

Economic development and growth happen every day in Shawano and Menominee counties, but much of it happens quietly behind the scenes, said Dennis Heling, SCEPI chief economic development officer.

SCEPI pumped up the volume on those behind-the-scenes activities with a uniquely themed summit.

“It was behind the scenes of a rock concert,” Heling said. “What we tried to do was let everyone know all of the activities that go on in the community that most of us don’t know about.”

After a short introduction, the lights went dark for a rock-and-roll backed light show, followed by a half-hour video celebrating a variety of businesses that arrived on scene or expanded over the past year, as well as those with expansion projects in the works.

The video included interviews between Heling and area government and business leaders discussing the economic impact of the various projects.

Among businesses featured in the video were ThedaCare, North Star Casino, Menominee Casino Resort, Woodstock Hardwood Flooring, Mike’s County Meats, AgVentures and Forrest Enterprises.

Heling said he hoped the video, by Digital Self Image Video and Photography, would give people an idea of the hard work that goes on between businesses, political leaders and government staff.

“They’re all trying to make a difference, helping us with a variety of projects,” Heling said. “You saw a whole litany of different businesses that were impacted over the last year, some of the growth and expansions and those are only a few of the many that are happening in the region.”

Heling said economic development is really a team effort.

“It takes a lot of hard work from a lot of people who have passion for it,” he said.

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Shawano Police Department

March 18

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

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

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at CoVantage Credit Union, 911 E. Green Bay St.

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

Accident — Police responded to a minor two-vehicle accident at Main and Green Bay streets.

Theft — An xBox was reported stolen in the 900 block of east Randall Street.

Child Abuse — A child abuse complaint reported by Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St., was under investigation.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of east Randall Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 18

Deputies logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Adams Street in Bonduel.

Fire — Authorities responded to a small brush fire on Old Lake Road in Wescott.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint at Mattoon Elementary School, 507 Stone Ave., Mattoon.

Warrant — A 36-year-old Amherst Junction man was taken into custody on a warrant on Main Street in Shawano.

Fire — Authorities responded to a brush fire on Railroad Street in Bowler.

Theft — Authorities investigated a theft complaint on Juniper Road in the town of Herman.

Fire — Authorities responded to garbage fire that got out of control on Country Lane in the town of Washington.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Cypress Road in Richmond.

Clintonville Police Department

March 18

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

OAR — A citation was issued for operating after revocation on County Road I.

Theft — A theft was reported on South Main Street.

Commitment — A subject was taken into custody on South Clinton Avenue and subsequently transported on a mental health commitment.

Accident — Officer responded to East 16th Street for a report of a semi that struck a fire hydrant.

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City owes more than $1.1M to stateBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Clintonville officials were surprised to learn the city owes the state more than $1.1 million in an unfunded pension liability and want to know why their auditing firm didn’t tell them.

“This is serious,” interim City Administrator Chuck Kell said. “This is a large number that costs money every year. … You will have to begin thinking about how you are going to pay this.”

Appleton-based Schenck, a full-service certified public accountant and business consulting firm with eight locations throughout Wisconsin, serves as the city’s auditor.

The council this week referred the matter to the finance committee for review.

“And I want Schenck at that meeting,” council President Jeannie Schley said.

The debt, calculated through 2013, is the gap between the projected cost of future pensions and the amount set aside to pay them. All entities with an unfunded liability are required to pay interest (7.2 percent) on the balance annually to the Wisconsin Retirement System.

Clerk/treasurer Peggy Johnson said the city’s monthly payments to the WRS include interest, but the interest accruing was larger than what the city was paying. The city’s annual payment to the fund is $49,614.40.

Kell told the Common Council he was not aware of the issue until he read a report in an area newspaper. Council members also said they were surprised by the information.

“I was not aware of this,” said Alderman Mark Doornink, chairman of the finance committee.

“Schenck should have told us about a million dollar debt,” Alderwoman Gloria Dunlavy said. “This is the first I’ve heard of this.”

Kell had told the council earlier that it is a good idea to change auditors occasionally, and council members discussed advertising for bids prior to next year’s audit.

Schenck has been doing the audit for many years but has not appeared before the council for a couple of years, city officials said.

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Thrivent Financial has been selected as a 2015 World’s Most Ethical Company award recipient by the Ethisphere Institute, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices.

The designation recognizes organizations that have had a material impact on the way business is conducted by fostering a culture of ethics and transparency at every level of the company.

It is the fourth consecutive year that Thrivent has received the award. Thrivent is one of only four companies in the financial services category honored this year.

“Conducting our business according to highest ethical standards is what our membership expects, and we strive to meet those expectations,” said Teresa Rasmussen, senior vice president, general counsel and secretary for Thrivent. “Being named to this prestigious list for the fourth year in a row is a wonderful acknowledgment of our commitment to business ethics.”

Scores for the designation are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program, corporate citizenship and responsibility, culture of ethics, governance and leadership, innovation and reputation.

Thrivent Financial is represented in the local area by a number of financial representatives. Individuals interested in contacting a local Thrivent Financial representative can find more information at www.thrivent.com.

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