Shawano Leader News

Shawano Police Department

Feb. 23

Police logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Bartlett Street and Wescott Avenue.

Shoplifting — A 27-year-old man was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Kuckuk Park, 500 Oak Drive.

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

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 600 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shoplifting — Police investigated a shoplifting complaint at Pick ‘N’ Save, 190 Woodlawn Drive.

Theft — Police responded to a theft complaint at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Franklin and Green Bay streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 23

Deputies logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Rustic Drive in Belle Plaine.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Main Street in Gresham.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Mill Street in Bonduel.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Plum Lane in Richmond.

Clintonville Police Department

Feb. 20

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

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

Assault — A battery complaint was under investigation on North Main Street.

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Shawano Police Department

Feb. 22

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Theft — An iPad was reported stolen in the 200 block of East Maurer Street.

Disturbance — Charges of battery and disorderly conduct were referred against a 15-year-old boy after a disturbance in the 400 block of Riverside Drive.

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

Feb. 21

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — Police responding to a suspicious person complaint arrested a 22-year-old Clintonville man on an outstanding Waupaca County warrant.

OWI — A 32-year-old Green Bay man was arrested for sixth offense operating while intoxicated and second offense operating after revocation at Lieg Avenue and Lincoln Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

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

Accident — Police responded to a car versus deer accident at County Road B and Industrial Drive.

Feb. 20

Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 2600 block of East Richmond Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint at Maurer and Lincoln streets.

Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St., reported a shoplifting incident involving a juvenile.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Slackers, 146 S. Main St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 22

Deputies logged 21 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities investigated a report of a domestic disturbance on Edwards Street in the town of Herman.

Theft — An ATV trailer was reported stolen on Rustic Drive in Belle Plaine.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Nichols Drive in Angelica.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Shorewood Lane in Pella.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

Feb. 21

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

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

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Forest View Lane in Belle Plaine.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Upper Red Lake Road in Red Springs.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on County Road A in Bartelme.

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

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

Feb. 20

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 20-year-old male was cited for operating after revocation on Andrews Street in Shawano.

Fire — Authorities responded to an attic fire on Mielke Road in the town of Grant.

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Almon Street in Bowler.

Shoplifting — Authorities responded to a shoplifting complaint on Red Oak Lane in Wittenberg.

Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on Mill Street in Eland.

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

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Tribe would need to resolve thorny legal issuesBy: 

The Associated Press

If the Menominee tribe can’t open a casino in Kenosha, maybe it’ll grow marijuana instead.

Tribal legislator Craig Corn opened the door Friday to growing marijuana on tribe’s impoverished reservation near Shawano.

The question of tribes entering the marijuana business has been smoldering since last year, when the U.S. Department of Justice told federal prosecutors not to prevent tribes from growing or selling pot on their reservations, even in states such as Wisconsin that ban it.

Indian law experts say the Justice Department memo left many questions unanswered.

Still, interest has grown since Gov. Scott Walker last month rejected the tribe’s proposal for an off-reservation in Kenosha.

In a tweet Corn sent out Friday, the former tribal chairman said: “Now we embark on a new economic endeavor, it is time to progress forward. We are gonna fast track a effort to legalize marijuana.”

He told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the tribe has numerous legal hurdles it must research and overcome before it could legally plant and sell marijuana.

“We don’t have anything set in stone. We’re not going to legalize it tomorrow or anything,” Corn said. “We have to find out whether it can be done, what are the obstacles, what are the pros and cons.”

There are many obstacles, said Carl Artman, a Indian law attorney in Milwaukee and the former head of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“It’s a very gray area right now,” said Artman, who is a member of the Oneida tribe. “There are still a whole lot of things to overcome before they could do it.”

Artman said the Justice Department memo lacked specifics on how to move ahead.

“It was like being in New York and being told that to get to Wisconsin, you head west,” Artman said. “The tribes and states and the federal government still have a lot to figure out.”

Talk on the impoverished Menominee reservation and social media got stronger after Jan. 23, when Gov. Scott Walker rejected the tribe’s bid to run an off-reservation casino in Kenosha — a project the tribe had been pursuing for nearly 20 years.

“It could be a huge agricultural resource,” said Ken Fish, who serves as counsel for people in tribal court but is not a state-licensed attorney.

It appears that the Menominee is the only Wisconsin tribe that could take advantage of the federal directive. Wisconsin is one of six states in which state authorities enforce most crimes — including illegal drug use. The Menominee tribe is exempt from that law, so its violations are prosecuted by federal authorities.

The Justice Department memo, however, had several legal caveats pertaining to how tribes could grow marijuana without being subjected to federal law enforcement. The memo said the feds could enforce drug laws to prevent “the diversion of marijuana from states where it is legal under state law in some form to other states.”

Anthony Broadman, a Seattle Indian law attorney, said that directive could pose a hurdle to the Menominee.

“I don’t know how a reservation that is located in a state where pot is illegal” could transport the marijuana without violating the diversion provision as soon as it leaves the reservation, he said.

Unless Wisconsin lawmakers legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, Broadman said, it appears that all the Menominee would be permitted to do is raise marijuana for use by its tribal members on the reservation.

Fish, however, said the tribe could get around the restriction by shipping its crop to states where it is legal. In order to get the marijuana off the reservation, the tribe would have to negotiate a series of compact agreements with states to permit it to legally ship the product, Fish said.

He acknowledged that would be a difficult — but profitable — task.

“There is a big demand in states that sell medical marijuana. … It is a huge market,” Fish said. “Whoever gets there first is going to capitalize.”

Corn agreed, saying that the 8,700-member tribe hopes to raise cash to help it cure the many social ills on its reservation. In 2010, the University of Wisconsin’s School of Medicine and Public Health ranked Menominee County last in overall quality of health, according to the tribe’s website.

“Even though the Kenosha casino got squashed, we still have the needs,” Corn said. “We have to look at whatever we can to take care of those needs.”

Both Artman and Broadman said the movement to allow tribes to grow marijuana is reminiscent of the early days of Indian gaming.

When the casinos first started popping up in the 1980s, there were constant battles between tribes and authorities over the legality of the operations. Today, many states embrace tribal casinos and collect millions of dollars in fees from the Indian governments that operate the gambling operations.

“The history of Indian law is a succession of tribes pushing the envelope,” Broadman said. “No economic success has come to Indian country except when tribes stuck out their necks and tried something new. That’s how they got Indian gaming.”

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Complaint filed by wife of recalled aldermanBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The Clintonville Common Council recently voted unanimously to hire a law firm to investigate a resident’s complaint filed against Mayor Judith Magee.

Magee declined to comment on the investigation or the council’s vote.

Trica Rose, publisher of the Clintonville Chronicle, filed the complaint accusing Magee of misconduct in office, abuse of power, theft of property, willfully destroying public property, releasing confidential information and concealing a crime.

Rose ran unsuccessfully against Magee in the April mayoral election. Rose’s husband, Greg, was removed from office as a District 4 alderman following a recall election — the first in city history — in November.

Tricia Rose’s filing is termed a Chapter 17 complaint, referring to the Wisconsin state statute that deals with removing elected officials from office. The procedure, which can be initiated by a resident taxpayer, includes written verified charges and a speedy public hearing at which the accused official can present a defense.

The Common Council could remove Magee from office if the proposal is supported by three-fourths of the members.

The council voted unanimously, with one member absent, Feb. 10 to hire the firm of David and Kuelthau to choose a special investigator to handle the probe.

“For months, the mayor has been accused of doing illegal and unethical things and yet nobody has done anything about it,” Rose said. “The discussion just continues and the tension keeps rising. By filing the complaint, the issues will finally be addressed.”

Magee has been at odds with some council members for several months. The divide became clear when the council voted to suspend then-City Administrator Lisa Kotter in May. The council voted 6-4 two weeks later to extend Kotter’s suspension and refer allegations of misconduct to the city’s labor attorney. Magee vetoed that vote on June 2, and Kotter returned to work.

On June 10, the council, with a 6-4 vote, failed to override Magee’s veto, falling one vote short of the required supermajority. Council members then passed, again 6-4, a no-confidence vote against Magee.

Many city residents spoke in support of Kotter and Magee at the June meeting, which had to be moved from City Hall to the Community Center because of the overflow crowd.

The council voted 7-3 in July to indefinitely place Kotter on administrative leave while continuing its investigation. Kotter resigned in September, just eight days after her 17-year anniversary as the city administrator.

The city agreed to pay Kotter’s salary, which was $80,200 annually, through May 15, and Kotter agreed not to file any complaints against the city. She denied any wrongdoing.

Her departure, according to a joint news release issued by Kotter and the city, was not based on any misconduct but rather on “philosophical and stylistic differences.”

The controversy helped spark the recall effort against Greg Rose.

Magee took a medical leave of absence from her mayoral duties Oct. 1. In a statement released to the media, she said she was honored to be elected by city voters to the position but needed time away from the turmoil that had enveloped the city since the April election.

“Since April 1, I have had numerous threats made to me and my position, six members of the council are regularly attacking the work I do, we have had a council member resign, the city administrator resigned and a new city attorney who is related to two council members,” Magee said in her statement.

She returned to work Nov. 26.

Rose filed her initial complaint Dec. 5. In an amended complaint filed Dec. 30, Rose accused Magee of lying on several occasions, alleged that Magee helped get her kicked out of the Clintonville Rotary Club, said Magee’s city cellphone was wiped clean and charged that Magee released confidential information.

On Dec. 9, city attorney April Dunlavy told the council that Magee had illegally authorized a $203,000 check, which the council voided, for improvements in a TIF district. Council President Jeannie Schley also said Magee approved stop signs, not OK’d by the council, costing nearly $10,000.

Dunlavy is the daughter of Alderperson Gloria Dunlavy and niece of Schley.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A domestic violence suspect located after his tracks were spotted in the snow is due in court Monday on a felony charge of strangulation and suffocation.

David A. Hohensee, 30, of rural Shawano, was the subject of a police search after a disturbance in the town of Richmond Feb. 13.

A woman who was the victim of the alleged incident fled the residence where it took place and called Shawano County authorities from a nearby tavern, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges Hohensee pinned his forearm against the woman’s throat during the incident, then broke her cell phone and threw it at her when she tried to call 911.

Hohensee was not located during an initial search of the residence, but authorities were called again a short time later and were told Hohensee was at the house. The complaint states the victim’s mother told authorities that Hohensee had come down the stairs from the upstairs where he had apparently been hiding.

Hohensee then went to the garage and it was not known where he went from there.

Sheriff’s deputies responding to the scene found a set of footprints in the snow leading away from the house and crossing a cornfield into a wooded area.

The sheriff’s department K-9 unit was called out and a Stockbridge-Munsee officer with a thermal imaging unit provided assistance.

K-9 Getty tracked the suspect through the forest in -3 degree wind chills for about an hour before cornering Hohensee, who then surrendered, according to the complaint. Hohensee was seen in the thermal imaging unit raising his arms and giving himself up, according to the complaint.

Hohensee could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted on the felony count of strangulation and suffocation. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery, disorderly conduct, criminal damage to property and resisting an officer.

Hohensee was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond.

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Shawano Police Department

Feb. 19

Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of South Lincoln Street.

Juvenile — Police logged three truancy complaints from Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 S. Waukechon St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 1500 block of East Green Bay Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of North Franklin Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1100 block of South Weed Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 100 block of North Airport Drive.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 19

Deputies logged 38 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Authorities investigated an Internet scam complaint on Fifth Street in Mattoon.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on County Road M in Pella.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Fire — Authorities responded to a furnace fire on Lake Drive in Wescott.

OWI — A 54-year-old Seymour man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on County Road R in the town of Washington.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Clintonville Police Department

Feb. 19

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Accident — A property damage accident was filed after a vehicle struck an overhead garage door at a business on South Main Street.

OWI — A 63-year-old Marion man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Waupaca Street.

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Fleeing an officer

A Pulaski man has been charged with a felony count of attempting to flee an officer after a vehicle and foot chase in the town of Lessor.

Tyler L. Shepard, 24, could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty.

According to the criminal complaint, Wisconsin State Patrol officers tried to pull Shepard over on County Road S about 11:45 p.m. Feb. 14.

A roughly 1½-mile chase ensued at speeds reaching 92 mph, according to the complaint, before Shepard allegedly stopped the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. The foot chase covered about 200 yards before he was taken into custody, according to the complaint.

Shepard is also facing misdemeanor counts of possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer.

He was ordered held on a $500 cash bond and was scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance April 13.

Felony OWI

A Shawano man is facing a felony count of operating while intoxicated after his arrest last week for his alleged fifth drunken driving offense.

Danny R. Miller, 56, was pulled over in the city Feb. 14 after his vehicle was spotted weaving in traffic and crossing the center line, according to the criminal complaint.

According to the complaint, Miller has four previous OWI convictions in Shawano County and was on probation at the time of his arrest. He could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.

Miller is free on a $2,500 signature bond and is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance April 6.

Possession of narcotic drugs

A Bowler man has been charged with a felony count of possession of narcotic drugs for allegedly having 30 pills of Oxycodone on him when he was pulled over in Shawano in September.

Jason M. Cortright, 35, is due in court for an initial appearance on the charge March 9.

Shawano police pulled Cortright over Sept. 28 for a traffic violation, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint states police found three small bags, each containing 10 pills, in his pockets, along with a marijuana pipe.

Cortright is also charged with misdemeanor counts of possession of a controlled substance and bail jumping.

He could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty of the felony charge.

Substantial battery

A Bonduel man is facing a felony charge of substantial battery as a result of an alleged altercation in the town of Wescott last month.

Warren J. Thunder, 39, is accused of striking a man in the face during a fight outside the Coachlight Bar on Jan. 17 and causing an orbital fracture, according to the criminal complaint.

Thunder could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.

He is scheduled for an adjourned initial court appearance March 23.

Identity theft

An Illinois woman has been charged with identify theft for financial gain after allegedly using a Bartelme woman’s personal information to set up a cable and Internet account.

Melany V. Saulsberry, 28, could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty.

Saulsberry allegedly racked up more than $1,500 in bills to a cable company in Lansing, Illinois, between December 2012 and April 13 using the Bartelme woman’s Social Security number and other information, according to the criminal complaint.

Saulsberry is due in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court for an initial appearance on the charge March 9.

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By: 

Leader Staff

The last of three family members charged in connection with a marijuana operation in Wescott was sentenced Wednesday to five months in jail as a condition of two years’ probation.

William R. Himebauch, 63, previously pleaded no contest to felony counts of maintaining a drug trafficking place and manufacture and delivery of marijuana.

His wife, Lynn Himebauch, 67, and their daughter, Nicole H. Himebauch, 33, pleaded no contest to the same charges and were each given the same sentence in October.

According to the criminal complaint, Nicole Himebauch was the suspect in a controlled marijuana buy with a confidential Shawano County Sheriff’s Department informant on Feb. 5, 2013, at a residence attached to the Classic’s Restaurant and Lounge in Wescott.

The family owns the supper club.

The informant told authorities Nicole Himebauch had gotten the marijuana from her parents’ residence, according to the complaint.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department deputies executed a search warrant at the residence and arrested Nicole Himebauch on felony charges of manufacture and delivery of marijuana, maintaining a drug trafficking place and possession with intent to deliver marijuana.

Deputies also executed a search warrant in the town of Richmond home of her parents, who were taken into custody on the same felony counts.

According to the criminal complaint, a converted room in the upstairs of the Richmond residence contained numerous marijuana plants, along with equipment to trim, grow, clean and clone new plants. A second grow room was found in the basement, according to the complaint.

Authorities seized 87 plants from the residence, according to court records.

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City gathering info but no plans in placeBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

2014 was a quiet year at the Shawano Skate Park. Perhaps too quiet.

The good news is that changes made in 2012 have apparently eliminated the disturbances that prompted the former police chief to close the park on Elizabeth Street.

The bad news is that fewer people seemed to use the park last year, and there is a growing concern that the park no longer meets the needs of area skaters and bicyclists.

Former Police Chief Ed Whealon closed the park in October 2011 because of a series of incidents, including violence, gang activity and vandalism.

After a number of discussions involving city officials and residents, changes were made, including a surveillance system, more lighting and an annual user fee/permit ($10).

The city reopened the park in May 2012. Things have been quiet ever since.

“We have not seen increase in crime or any issues, and crime and disorder has decreased,” Police Chief Mark Kohl said.

Matt Hendricks, city park and recreation director since April, said he has not received any complaints about the park.

“Since Mark and I came on board, there have not been any incidents or complaints reported,” Hendricks said.

Park use also seems down, however. Fourteen skaters purchased memberships the first year. The city sold two in 2014.

Hendricks said the number might be deceiving.

“No formal facility study has been done to indicate an increase or decrease in usership,” he said. “Although less permits have been sold, this is not a direct correlation to use.”

Joe Stellato, the University of Wisconsin-Extension 4-H youth development educator for Shawano County, was at the forefront when the park was developed. He said many park users might not know they need a permit.

Still, there seems to be a consensus that improvements need to be made at the park, which opened in 2008 and cost about $35,000. It features a concrete mesa near the center with ramps, stairs and ledges for skaters to use. There is also a railing for experienced skateboarders.

“Ours is one of the antiquated facilities,” Kohl said. “The question is, how do we generate more interest?”

Although there is no money budgeted for skate park improvements for 2015, city officials are in the preliminary stages of examining what needs to be done at the park.

For example, the city used Facebook to solicit suggested improvements for the park in September.

Of the 10 respondents, two noted a need for amenities around the park, including a water fountain, benches or picnic tables, shade and garbage cans.

One respondent suggested using a skate park he’s familiar with as a model.

“In Lawrence there is a skate park a couple of blocks away. It has half pipes, etc. and is used by people with bikes also. This part of the park is well lighted til 10 p.m.”

A teen-ager who moved to Shawano in July also shared his opinion of the park with the Leader.

“There is not enough equipment and not well put together,” said Collin Groch, 17, who moved here from Germantown. “Compared to other skate parks, this one does not even look like it was put together by people who skate.”

Groch suggested the park needs drop-in ramps and fun or grind boxes. The boxes generally have a flat top and a ramp on two or more sides. They also can include other elements that allow for more complicated tricks.

Stellato said the park was designed with future expansion in mind, but improvements are expensive.

“Those pre-fabricated ramps made by manufacturers are costly,” he noted.

Clintonville last year finalized plans to reopen its skate park after finding used equipment in good shape. The council approved spending $10,028 for the equipment.

Improvements in Shawano would need to consider BMX bicyclists’ needs as well.

“It seems to me there are fewer skaters and more bikers” using the park, Stellato said.

Originally banned along with motorized vehicles, bicycles have been allowed at the park since the start of 2014 as long as they have plastic pegs on them. Pegs placed on the rear axle of a bicycle make it easier to perform stunts. Steel pegs are prohibited because they can gouge the concrete.

“It caused Oshkosh to resurface their entire area,” Stellato said.

It took park proponents about five years to raise $25,000 through grants and fundraisers to build the park, which is open from dawn to dusk in season. Shawano County supervisors provided the last $10,000. The property was provided by the city.

There are no other skate parks in Shawano County.

FYI

Matt Hendricks, director of the city of Shawano Park and Recreation Department, said a skate park can provide five key benefits for a community:

• broaden community involvement

• increase tourism

• promote healthy, active lifestyle

• positively affect mental health

• reduce crime

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CoVantage Credit Union, a not-for-profit, member-owned financial institution, has been awarded a $2 million grant from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institution Fund.

The purpose of the grant is to help people of modest means by providing funding to financial institutions in rural and low-income communities to be used specifically to offer affordable products and services to those who need assistance.

“Part of our mission at CoVantage is to help those having financial difficulty. We feel very fortunate to receive this grant that will help us continue to live out our mission,” said Brian Prunty, CoVantage Credit Union CEO.

Prunty said CoVantage is using the $2 million to create a down payment assistance program, called CoVantage Creates Homes. CoVantage will contribute an additional $13 million to supplement the program.

An informational session about the program will be held from 6-9 p.m. March 17 at CoVantage’s Shawano office, 911 E. Green Bay St. Guests need to RSVP to reserve a seat by calling 715-524-8200 or visiting the CoVantage office.

In addition to assisting with a home buyer’s down payment, CoVantage Creates Homes will also provide funding to make needed repairs to a home if it’s under distress or creating an unsafe living environment.

For those that already have a mortgage with CoVantage Credit Union, the program can be used solely for repairs to existing homes provided a licensed inspector deems them necessary.

CoVantage Creates Homes will offer home buyers an opportunity to borrow up to 90 price of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less, and features a low-rate fixed or adjustable rate mortgage (without requiring private mortgage insurance).

Additionally, the buyer may obtain a home improvement loan in the form of a second mortgage to complete any needed home repairs. There is no payment due and no interest charged unless the first mortgage is refinanced, the home is no longer the primary residence, or the home is sold.

To qualify for the program, borrowers must meet income limitations and other credit union lending criteria. Borrowers must also provide their own down payment of at least 3 percent plus closing costs, participate in a home buyer training, and obtain the necessary appraisals, inspections, estimates and/or escrows.

“With the CDFI funds, CoVantage Creates Homes can assist individuals and families who previously may not have qualified for a mortgage, and has the potential to help hundreds of people who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to own their own home,” Prunty said.

This is the second time that CoVantage has received a CDFI grant. In 2011, the credit union received a $1.5 million grant to aid families in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. CoVantage leveraged the $1.5 million grant with $10.5 million of its own funds to provide affordable loans for individuals struggling with mortgage debt. This resulted in more than 100 families who were able to keep their homes, according to Prunty.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A man convicted of sexually assaulting a child in Shawano County 10 years ago will be released into the Shawano community next week.

Dwayne Nye, 57, will finish his 10-year prison sentence and is due to be released Feb. 24, the Shawano Police Department said in a public notice Wednesday.

Nye will reside at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St. He will be under supervision by the Shawano office of the state Department of Corrections.

According to court records, Nye was convicted of second degree sexual assault of a child in Shawano County in 2005. He sexually assaulted a child who was known to him, according to police.

In addition to the prison sentence, Nye was also ordered to serve 10 years extended supervision and is required to register with the state Sex Offender Registry Program for life.

According to information from the Sex Offender Registry website, Nye also had a previous conviction for second degree sexual assault in Texas in 1995.

If the public has any questions regarding this information, they can contact Police Chief Mark Kohl at the Shawano Police Department or call 715-524-4545.

The public can also query the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Program at www.widocoffenders.org.

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Shawano Police Department

Feb. 18

Police logged 19 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A 21-year-old Shawano man was taken into custody on a warrant at Richmond and Evergreen streets.

Juvenile — A juvenile alcohol complaint was under investigation at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of River Heights.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 18

Deputies logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St.

Fire — Authorities responded to a chimney fire on County Road BE in Waukechon.

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

Fire — Authorities responded to a chimney fire on Rollman Street in Bowler.

Accident — Authorities responded to an injury accident on County Road G in the town of Grant.

Clintonville Police Department

Feb. 18

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Theft — A theft was reported on South Main Street.

Disturbance — Disorderly conduct and physical abuse to a child incident was reported on Sixth Street.

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Hortonville firm selected over Clintonville MotorsBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The chassis for the city of Clintonville’s new brush truck will come from a Hortonville company rather than Clintonville Motors.

In December, the Clintonville Common Council approved a bid of $158,500 from E.J. Metals of New London for the truck. Fire Chief Shane Krueger told the council the chassis would be purchased through Clintonville Motors.

Interim City Administrator Chuck Nell explained to the Common Council last week, however, that Kevin Quinn, of E.J. Metals, sent a letter that arrived after the meeting saying he wanted to work with a different supplier.

Quinn’s letter said the cost of the truck would remain the same. He also said Clintonville Motors would have charged extra for a floor-plan change, which would have had to be approved by the council.

In order to avoid delays, the council decided to purchase the chassis from Murphy Ford.

Krueger said Clintonville Motors had worked with E.J. Metals last November and December and understood the order would be placed with them.

The fire department last year received a government grant of $147,000 for the truck, with the stipulation that the truck be purchased within a year.

The fire department will purchase small equipment and minor components, and supply labor at no cost when the truck arrives.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Despite being cut from the city budget this year, there will be flower baskets on Clintonvillle’s Main Street again this summer.

The Common Council on Tuesday approved a special account for donations to the program. Interim City Administrator Chuck Kell said the account funds will not count toward the city’s revenue cap.

Forty-five baskets are being ordered. Plans are to collect approximately $3,000 to pay for the flower baskets and for someone to water them.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can call 715-823-7605 or visit City Hall, 50 10th St., or contact Sue Aschliman at B&H Fashionwear, 52 S. Main St., or 715-823-5311.

“I have no doubt they will collect the money,” Common Council President Jeanne Schley said.

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Shawano Police Department

Feb. 17

Police logged 26 incidents, including the following:

Abandoned — Police logged complaints of abandoned vehicles in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue and the 1000 block of East Robin Lane.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance between neighbors in the 100 block of Prairie Street.

Warrant — Police took a man into custody on a warrant at East Richmond and Evergreen streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 17

Authorities logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities investigated two juvenile tobacco complaints at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint in the 300 block of South Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Traffic — Authorities responded to three juveniles causing a traffic hazard on County Roads MMM and MM in Richmond.

Theft — The Stockbridge flag was reported stolen at the Veterans Memorial by the Stockbridge Health and Wellness Center, W12802 County Road A, Bowler.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Aurora Health Clinic, 101 Express Way, Bonduel.

Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Feb. 17

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Warrant — Police took a 42-year-old man into custody on a warrant through Portage county.

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

Neglect — Police referred an allegation of child neglect to human services.

Theft — Police issued a citation for retail theft to a 22-year-old man.

Suspicious — Police received a suspicious incident report on South Clinton Avenue.

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Officials say small, specialized stores is new trendBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

It wasn’t that long ago when big box stores such as Walmart and large retail chains looked poised to put an end to small businesses and once-thriving downtowns.

Now, the bigger stores are facing competition of their own from increasing Internet sales, while many consumers and brick-and-mortar investors seem to be heading back to the downtown and neighborhood stores.

“The big box store idea has reached its zenith. They’re moving to an online strategy,” said Jay Moynihan, community development educator with the Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension.

“The big box stores had a really hard impact on small businesses and downtowns,” he said. “The small businesses that survived have found a kind of niche.”

Moynihan said small businesses will also have to increasingly make use of the Internet and social media to continue to survive, but smaller and specialized would seem to be catch-words of the new retail paradigm.

“There seems to be a growing trend toward bringing the niche retail component back,” said Dennis Heling, chief economic development officer of Shawano County Economic Progress Inc.

“We’re seeing a shift away from the big box and large mall stores, which have been in competition with online commodity goods,” Heling said.

The city lost its Kmart outlet last year and JC Penney in the same strip mall at 128 Woodlawn Drive is due to close in April.

Meanwhile, two development projects recently approved by the city have chosen to set up shop in the downtown area.

An investors’ group has purchased the long-vacant property at 153 S. Main St. for retail development, and another developer, KTS Investments, LLC, of Green Bay, is remodeling and renovating the former Family Dollar property at 229 E. Green Bay St. Half of the building will be occupied by Tower Clock Eye Center, with the rest made available for lease.

Heling said there is a renewed attraction to “pedestrian-friendly, downtown streetscape” types of businesses.

The smaller businesses also play into a more community-oriented kind of marketplace, he said.

“We’re starting to see a growth in a sense of community,” he said, adding that the Shawano Farmers Market and the “buy local” movement play into that.

“Hand-crafted goods are also resurging,” he said.

Heling said there is more of a “community merchant” feel to the smaller stores, which provide niche goods and services that can’t be found at the major chains or online, along with more personal service and knowledge about what they’re selling.

“That may be the attraction and Shawano is very well suited to that because we have a very vibrant downtown,” Heling said.

The shifting retail trend also makes it unlikely that the vacant Kmart space will be replaced by another large retail chain.

“Larger spaces are looking for more specialized use,” Heling said. “The strategy is to find ways to get smaller.”

The current expectation is that the Kmart space will be split up to accommodate several smaller stores.

That might disappoint those who have advocated for years for a Target or a Fleet Farm in the city.

“People think it would be nice to have a Fleet Farm here,” Moynihan said. “But there’s a reason why those stores are in the cities they are and not here, and it has to do with demographics and population.”

The state of Shawano’s retail market became the topic of a kind of impromptu panel discussion earlier this month at a meeting of the Shawano Plan Commission.

The discussion was sparked by a question under old business on the agenda about the status of filling the Kmart space, and what the city can do to help make that happen.

City Administrator Brian Knapp told the commission there isn’t much the city can do.

“The owners of the property have many commercial properties around the country and are in the best position to market it,” Knapp said. “We would expect it’s in their best interests to try and market it. They have the horsepower way beyond what the city of Shawano has.”

Commission member Dave Passehl said he would like to see another big box store or large chain come into the city, though not necessarily at the former Kmart location.

“We need someone to take a chance on the community,” he said. “Once somebody takes that chance, maybe that spurs the County Road B corridor. We just need one to take that chance and see that Shawano can support it.”

Knapp said that would be a hard sell.

“You’d really have to do a serious pitch and you’d have to overcome some huge obstacles,” he said. “The way they do their siting, they know more about our community than we do before you ever talk to them.”

Knapp said the city can market itself, but the big boxes and major chains have often identified where they want to be long before the city knocks on their doors.

“When somebody does knock on the door, I think our obligation is to do whatever we can to continue their interest and find a place for them to be if they want to be here,” Knapp said.

“We have a lot to offer here and that’s what it boils down to,” he said.

Knapp said the developers that have recently brought their projects downtown have seen that.

“They see an opportunity here and they’re making a sizable investment,” he said.

Commission member Chad Kary said it didn’t seem like a coincidence that the Kmart space remains vacant, along with vacant retail space in the Fairview Plaza in the 700 and 800 block of East Green Bay Street, while there is renewed interest in the downtown.

“I think we may be seeing a movement, a recentralization,” he said. “That strip mall concept that sits three or four miles away from the downtown area, there’s a reason people aren’t going there. We may be seeing a kind of resurgence of that style, the smaller marketplace.”

Assistant City Administrator and Public Works Coordinator Eddie Sheppard said promoting the downtown could be the key to retail growth throughout Shawano.

“Making downtown Shawano great would be a big step in getting people to come here; not just business, but people, growing the community,” he said.

Commission member Jeanne Cronce said the community often doesn’t do enough to talk up what Shawano does have to offer.

“You hear people say, Shawano has a lot of cute little shops and stuff,” but we as a community, I don’t think we say that,” she said. “Really, there isn’t much that you can’t find in town.”

Cronce said it has become standard for people to say they have to go to Green Bay or Appleton for certain things, but that it isn’t true.

“You don’t have to, you choose to,” she said. “We have the same things and it comes down to, do you want to be greeted by a friendly local person or do you want to deal with somebody you don’t know that doesn’t have any interest at all in what they’re selling?”

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Governor refuses to meet with tribal leaders on casinoBy: 

The Associated Press

The Associated Press Members of the Menominee Tribe make their way down State Street en route to the state Capitol in Madison to address the need for a proposed casino in Kenosha. The Menominee Nation’s walk from Keshena to Madison ended unsuccessfully when a police officer refused to let the tribal chairman into the governor’s office.
The Associated Press Vyron Dixon, left, with the Menominee Tribal Legislature, and Basil BW O’Kimosh, right, member of the Menominee Tribe, react to one of the speakers during a rally Wednesday at the state Capitol in Madison to address the need for the proposed Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Kenosha. Gov. Scott Walker refused to talk with tribal leaders.

The Menominee Nation’s latest attempt at persuading Gov. Scott Walker to change his mind and approve the tribe’s plans for a Kenosha casino fell flat Wednesday after a police officer refused to let the tribal chairman into the governor’s Capitol office.

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has given Walker until Thursday to finalize his decision, but the governor has shown no signs of budging. On Friday, tribal members started walking the 155 miles from their northeastern Wisconsin reservation to Madison, braving bitter cold to draw attention to their cause.

The trek ended Wednesday morning when they reached the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, where busloads of other tribal members met them. Several hundred tribal members and supporters — some in full traditional dress — marched through downtown to the Capitol in minus 15-degree wind chills, yelling, playing drums and holding signs with messages such as “It’s more than a casino, it’s our future” and “Moving forward despite you.”

Tribal members and supporters poured into the Capitol rotunda and cheered as Menominee Chairman Gary Besaw got on the public address system and asked Walker to show himself.

“Gov. Walker, please hear me,” Besaw said. “I come to you today to speak to you. I represent the voices of our great Menominee Nation.”

Besaw then walked to the governor’s office. As a gaggle of reporters and television news crews looked on, a Capitol Police officer stopped him and told him no one was available to meet with him. Besaw said nothing for a moment, then thanked the officer and walked away. He told reporters he was dismayed but still hoped Walker would have an epiphany overnight.

“We hope our songs open his heart,” Besaw said.

The Menominee have been seeking to build a casino in Kenosha for years, hoping the facility would pull the tribe out of poverty. The federal government gave the tribe the go-ahead in 2013. Walker holds the final say and earlier this month refused to green-light the project. He said approval could leave the state owing the Forest County Potawatomi hundreds of millions of dollars for infringing on that tribe’s right to gambling exclusivity in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Menominee have proposed paying the state’s share of a new Milwaukee Bucks arena as well as promising to cover the state’s losses with a bond, but Walker has rejected those offers as well.

A Walker spokeswoman said in an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the governor’s administration has studied the Menominee’s plan extensively. Laurel Patrick said Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch, Walker’s top aide, met with Menominee officials at least 15 times. Walker also has met with tribal leaders, she said.

Menominee legislator Craig Corn said he walked every step of the 155 miles to Madison, spending 10 hours a day on the road. Saturday was the worst day, he said; wind chills dipped to 30 below.

“Even if (the casino) doesn’t go, we stood up,” Corn said. “We fight for what we believe in. We fight for the future of our kids. We didn’t lie down.”

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Taher increases management feesBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

The Shawano School District will continue to receive its food service through Taher Inc. after the School Board approved the annual contract Monday by a 7-1 vote.

The district put out a request for proposals, and Minnesota-based Taher was the only company to submit a bid. A’viands, also based in Minnesota, went through a pre-bid walk-through but opted not to bid, according to district business manager Louise Fischer.

In June 2013, the School Board voted to hire A’viands as its food service provider and end its 10-year relationship with Taher, despite a recommendation from an ad-hoc committee to keep Taher. Staff and parents in the school district submitted a petition urging the board to reconsider, and the board voted in July 2013 to stick with Taher.

Fischer said she was uncertain if A’viands’ previous dealings with the district influenced its decision not to bid this year.

Taher’s contract is similar to the current arrangement, but the company will require the district to pay $45,000 for management fees instead of $30,000. The company will also get 3 cents per meal served, which is an incentive to get more students eating school lunches, and the district will reimburse Taher for the salary and fringe benefits paid to food service employees.

Fischer told the board that Taher has provided good service to the district.

“I’m happy they submitted a proposal,” Fischer said. “I would be more concerned if we had a bad food service program and didn’t get any interest from other vendors.”

Fischer said that there has not been a decline in meals served at Shawano schools due to new U.S. Department of Agriculture rules about a la carte items, even though one had been anticipated.

“The kids are eating, and I’ve noticed first-hand from Taher the things they’re doing to aggressively bring in new menu items and things for kids to taste and keep their interest,” Fischer said. “It’s not just macaroni and cheese and pizza.”

Although the contract is for one year, the district will not be required by the state to send out a proposal request for another five years.

Board member Derek Johnson voted against the contract, expressing concern about whether the district was making enough money off the school meals.

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Challengers move forward to April electionBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Incumbent Melvin Wendland is out of the race for Bonduel village president as a result of Tuesday’s primary.

Voters in Bonduel chose Wendland’s two challengers to move forward to the general election on April 7.

Sharon Wussow, a trustee on the Village Board, and former Village President Grant Staszak, finished in a virtual tie at the top, with Wendland finishing third.

The unofficial results, which still need to be certified, were:

Wussow 58

Staszak 57

Wendland 46

Wendland has been president for six years and served as a trustee for more than 30 years. He was seeking another two-year term.

Wussow had a couple of stretches on the Village Board totaling 12 years; she has served for six years this last time around.

Staszak served two terms as president before leaving for a term on the Shawano County Board six years ago, then went on to run the Amico’s restaurant in Belle Plaine.

Wussow said residents had been telling her while campaigning they felt it was time for a change, and Tuesday’s results showed that.

She said she didn’t feel there was any single particular issues that made the difference.

“I don’t think there are any pressing issues,” she said.

Wussow also said she wanted to thank those who voted for her Tuesday.

Staszak said the vote margin with Wussow showed there was still some work for him to do between now and April, and he planned to make sure he is accessible to answer voter questions before the spring election.

“People still have trust in the top two contenders and faith that we’ll carry through with what we’ve done to move the village forward and listen to the residents,” he said.

Wendland said he wasn’t surprised by the results given that his opponents had made an issue of sewer and water rates, which, he said, the village has no control over.

He said the village is locked into paying off bonds on infrastructure borrowing that still have about 25 years to go.

“Both said they wanted to lower sewer and water rates. That will never happen,” he said. “But I hope people hold them to it.”

Wendland said he has no plans to run again.

“I’m just going to sit back and watch these people cut taxes and utility rates,” he said.

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Council turmoil could deter applicantsBy: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

The Clintonville Common Council hopes to have a new city administrator in place in June.

The council last week reviewed advertisements for the position, a community profile and time table prepared by interim City Administrator Chuck Nell.

The deadline for applications is April 2. Council members will review the candidates from April 13-17 and select finalists for interviews, which will be completed by May 1.

Basic candidate requirements include a bachelor’s degree in public administration, community and economic development or related field, and five years of municipal administration. The anticipated salary for the position is $73,000 to $80,000.

Former City Administrator Lisa (Kuss) Kotter, who resigned in September, was making $80,200 annually. She recently accepted a similar position in Geneseo, Illinois, that pays $90,000.

“The city is looking for an administrator with excellent interpersonal skills, an approachable welcoming style with the community and staff, and a collaborative, team-oriented management style,” Nell said.

According to the job description, the new administrator will be expected to aggressively market Clintonville as a “choice location” in Northeast Wisconsin to live and work because of qualify of life, education and employment opportunities.

Several major initiatives await the new administrator. The city has significant public infrastructure deficiencies that need to be evaluated and addressed, including the waste water treatment plant, aging sewer and water collection and distribution system, public street infrastructure, the municipal outdoor swimming pool and city-owned recreation center.

Nell was asked if the recent turmoil among residents, the council and mayor would make it more difficult to fill the position. He said it could.

Nell was hired after Kotter resigned in September after two suspensions and months of controversy. Her resignation took effect just eight days after her 17-year anniversary as the city administrator. The city agreed to pay Kotter through May 15, 2015, and Kotter agreed not to file any complaints against the city.

Her departure, according to a joint news release issued by Kotter and the city, was not based on any misconduct but rather on “philosophical and stylistic differences.”

Kotter was initially suspended May 13 by the Common Council after members raised undisclosed allegations against her.

The council voted 6-4 on May 27 to extend Kotter’s suspension and refer allegations of misconduct to the city’s labor attorney. Mayor Judith Magee vetoed that vote June 2, and Kotter returned to work.

On June 10, the council, with a 6-4 vote, failed to override Magee’s veto, falling one vote short of the required supermajority. Many city residents spoke in support of Kotter and Magee at the June meeting, which had to be moved from City Hall to the Community Center because of the overflow crowd.

The council then voted 7-3 in July to indefinitely place Kotter on administrative leave while continuing its investigation.

Although the council never discussed its concerns about Kotter in open session, area media reported the allegations involved misuse of city funds for family vacations while on work trips. Kotter said she did nothing wrong.

The controversy, at least in part, prompted resident William VanDaalwyk to launch a successful recall effort against District 4 Alderman Greg Rose. It was the first recall in city history.

Mayor Judith Magee also has clashed with council members. Magee took a medical leave of absence from Oct. 1 to Nov. 26 citing stresses of the job and working with the Common Council. In December, council members accused her of illegally authorizing checks.

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