Shawano Leader News

Shawano Police Department

Dec. 17

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of East Fifth Street.

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 900 block of South Prospect Street.

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 17

Deputies logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — An inmate reported finding a marijuana joint at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St., Shawano.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 29 in Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Highland Drive in the town of Washington.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Micks Road in Bowler.

Accident — Authorities logged a deer-related crash on state Highway 29 in Hartland.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 17

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Four worthless check complaints were under investigation.

Disorderly — A disorderly conduct incident was reported at the middle school.

Disturbance — Police responded to0 a domestic situation on North Main Street.

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Keshena flood warning extendedBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Two motorists stop at the state Highway 47-55 road closure in Keshena on Wednesday, a day after the state Department of Transportation closed the road due to flooding. The DOT said county highway officials are awaiting water pumps and concrete barriers in an effort to reopen the road.

Several pumps and concrete barriers have been ordered by the the Menominee County Highway Department to help alleviate flooding and hopefully re-open state Highway 47-55 in Keshena.

The state Department of Transportation closed the main road through Keshena on Tuesday, a day after the Menominee Indian tribe and Menominee County issued an emergency disaster declaration due to flooding from the Wolf River.

“With it being a safety concern with water on the roadway, we needed to close it down,” said Brent Matthews, state highway department supervisor. “Hopefully they will get the pumps running and re-open the highway soon.”

The DOT advised motorists not to drive past the posted barricades. Traffic is being detoured via Go-Around Road, BIA Route 321, County Road VV, BIA Route 19 and Rabbit Ridge Road.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, Matthews said he is unsure when the pumps and concrete barriers will arrive.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, extended the flood warning in Keshena through 10 p.m. Friday.

“Assuming the ice jam remains, the river may still rise a little as a result of the early week rain and snow melt,” said Jeff Last, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Green Bay. “Flooding due to ice jams is difficult to forecast, as the water height and river stage is highly dependent on the ice jam and whether or not it is removed or dissipates.”

The National Weather Service is not ruling out the potential of extending the warning beyond Friday.

“The floodwaters could slowly rise at any time of the day or night. Fluctuations in water levels can be expected,” Last said.

Reports of flooding began Thanksgiving week and have continued despite efforts by several agencies to address the problem, which has been blamed on ice jams created by frazil ice.

Frazil ice has the consistency of a snow cone and has prevented the Wolf River from flowing properly, Last said.

“It inhibited water to flow freely as it normally would,” he said. “The frazil ice effectively clogged the river, causing the water to back-up upstream from the ice jam.”

Tribal workers attempted to break the ice jam through mechanical means Friday, but reported little progress.

“The ice jam would have to melt or break up naturally or be physically removed or broken up,” Last said.

Last said ice jams are prone to form on rivers with sharp bends and have occurred at higher levels this year.

“Ice jams are more likely this winter due to higher river levels as a result of the past year’s precipitation,” he said. “Periods of mild weather increase the potential for ice jams.”

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Effort to change meeting times failsBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Shawano County Board rules were amended Wednesday after more than 3 1/2 hours of debate, but an amendment that would have altered the time of board meetings was defeated.

The change recommended by the Administrative Committee would have altered the time of day meetings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The change was suggested to accommodate board members who start work early in the day.

The recommendation was defeated 14-13. Board rule changes require a two-thirds supermajority, or 18 votes.

Supervisor Dennis Knaak said changing meeting times has been brought up — and defeated — numerous times over the years.

“This is another kick at the can,” he said. “I would vote to remain the same at 9 o’clock. Everybody knew when they took out papers (to run for the board) when meetings were going to be. There isn’t any reason to change it now.”

An amendment to make all the meetings begin at 3 p.m. year-round was defeated 15-12. Board meetings from May through September have started at 6 p.m.

Supervisor Robert Krause opposed scheduling all the meetings in the afternoon. He said supervisors who punch a time clock might have difficulty making 3 p.m. meetings.

“I understand that times change and things change, but I’m not really in favor of it,” Krause said. “Personally, it messes up my day.”

Supervisor Sandy Steinke disagreed, pointing out meeting times have not been consistent. For example, August meetings that have coincided with the start of the Shawano County Fair have been moved from 6 p.m. to 4 p.m. so supervisors could attend opening ceremonies.

“I think a nice, even time would be great,” Steinke said.

The board also changed a number of other rules addressing committee composition and cleaning up outdated language. Most of the changes take place Jan. 1. Changes to committee structures and supervisor compensation will take effect after the 2016 County Board elections.

AT A GLANCE

Changes to the County Board rules approved Wednesday include the following:

• A recommendation to change the time of daytime County Board meetings from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. was defeated 14-13. In the same rule, the board unanimously voted to allow the board chair to alter meeting times and dates in case of bad weather or other extenuating circumstances.

• A recommendation to amend the maximum number of committees an individual supervisor can chair from one to two was approved 22-5.

• The board unanimously approved striking a rule that required candidates for commission and committee appointments to file an application at least 15 days prior to the County Board meeting where the recommendations would be voted on.

• The County Board amended, by a 19-6 vote, the configuration of the Capital Improvement Projects Committee. The at-large member listed on the committee will not be a representative of the Human Services Board.

• The County Board amended, by an 18-8 vote, the configuration of the Planning, Development and Zoning Committee. The committee will include three supervisors whose districts have at least one municipality that follows county zoning.

• Per diem rules were altered, by a 19-6 vote, to allow county supervisors to get two full per diems for attending two meetings on the same day. The board defeated an amendment, 15-10, that said supervisors who leave a county meeting early must be excused by the chair in order to receive a full per diem.

• The board voted unanimously for an amendment to the Agriculture and Extension Committee duties requiring that one member serve as a liaison to the Shawano County Agricultural Society. The practice has been in effect for years but was never included in the board rules.

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Shawano Police Department

Dec. 16

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Police investigated an attempted break-in in the 200 block of North Main Street.

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

Debris — Police dispatched Department of Public Works after report of large hole in the 200 block of South Washington Street.

Drug — Police investigated a controlled substance issue at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Truancies — Police logged eight truancies: four at Olga Brener Intermediate School, 1300 S. Union St.; two at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.; and two at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle car property damage incident on South Lincoln and East Green Bay streets.

Accident — Police responded to a one-vehicle property damage incident at South Cleveland and East Randall streets.

Accident — Police responded to a two-car accident near the McDonalds parking lot on Waukechon and McDonald streets.

Accident — Police logged two deer-related accidents at Qualheim’s True Value, 1345 E. Green Bay St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 16

Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — Authorities took a 20-year-old male into a custody on a warrant on Hiawatha Court in the town of Wescott.

Sex Offender — Authorities investigated an individual for failing to register as a sex offender in the 700 block of South Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Northwestern Avenue in the town of Angelica.

Damage — Authorities responded to a criminal damage to property report on County Road CC in the town of Navarino.

Harassment — Authorities responded a harassment complaint on County Road E in the town of Washington.

Domestic — Authorities responded to a domestic problem in the 200 block of East Freeborn Street in Cecil.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on state Highway 29 and County Road MMM in the town of Richmond.

Custodial — Authorities responded to a custodial interference complaint on Oak Street in Bowler.

Intoxicated — Authorities responded to an intoxicated male at the Filling Station, 102 N. Warrington Ave., Cecil.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary in the 200 block of Main Street in Gresham.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disruptive 23-year-old intoxicated female in the 1200 block of Fischer Street in Gresham.

Accident — Deputies logged a minor accident on Vinal and Prouty streets in Wittenberg.

Accident — Authorities investigated a car rollover on County Road D and Pioneer Lane in the town of Pella.

Accidents — Authorities logged seven deer-related accidents.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 16

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Assist — Police responded to five disorderly conduct complaints, truancy and harassment complaints throughout the Clintonville School District.

Accident — Police responded to a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident on Anne and 14th streets.

Accident — Police logged three incidents of vehicles in ditches.

Accident — Police logged a two-vehicle property damage accident on South Main and South Madison streets.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Waupaca County officials will hold a series of meetings next month to discuss implementation of a new law regarding weight limits for agricultural vehicles on local roadways.

Wisconsin Act 377 raises weight limits for agricultural vehicles from 80,000 pounds to 92,000 pounds on local roads across the state. The new rules take effect in January.

Waupaca County earlier this year formed a work group of town officials with knowledge and experience in farming to study the new law and develop recommendations for local implementation.

The group’s recommendations to town and county officials will be presented at four regional meetings.

The meetings will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 8, Manawa Elementary School, 800 Beech St., Manawa; 10 a.m. Jan. 15, Bear Creek Town Hall, E9107 Silver Creek Road, Bear Creek; 10 a.m. Jan. 22, Waupaca Town Hall, N3514 County Road E, Waupaca; and 10 a.m. Jan. 29, Lebanon Town Hall, N5844 Buelow Road, New London.

The same program will be offered in each location, including an overview of the new law and recommendations for local implementation next spring.

Chuck Kell, Clintonville’s interim city administrator, told the Common Council on Dec. 9 that he was told 2015 would be a year for education about the change and enforcement would be stepped up after that.

“On the county level, the recommendation was made to approve the weight limit increase, and other counties such as Outagamie and Shawano have done the same,” Kell said.

Area residents are encouraged to register for the meetings in advance by calling the county highway department at 715-258-7152.

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Gresham man wins $1M from Publishers Clearing HouseBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Dave Sayer, left, of the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol, presents Karl Jonsson, of Gresham, with a $1 million check and flowers outside his home Tuesday.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Karl Jonsson, of Gresham, reacts to news that he won $1 million after being surprised by Dave Sayer, of the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol.

Karl Jonsson’s life changed about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday when he answered a knock on the door of his parents’ Gresham home.

When Jonsson answered the door, he was greeted by the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol bearing balloons, flowers and an oversized certificate listing Jonsson as a $1 million winner in the PCH sweepstakes.

“Oh my God, my parents are going to freak out,” Jonsson said. “Unbelievable.”

Jonsson, 44, said the money could not have come at a more opportune time.

The former electrician has been out of work for 3½ years. He tore a bicep tendon that did not heal properly and has several medical bills to pay. He exhausted his long-term disability pay more than a year ago.

“I have bills that just need to be paid. If I get nothing out of it, but no bills, I would be happy with that,” Jonsson said. “Oh man, it is like a weight being lifted off, and could not have come at a better time.”

Jonsson, whose two daughters attend Gresham Community School, has been living with his parents at their home near Lower Red Lake.

He initially thought the prize patrol was there for his father, who has the same name.

Jonsson entered the sweepstakes online and was tracked down by Dave Sayer, of the Publishers Clearing House Prize Patrol, through an email address.

Sayer said Jonsson’s name was drawn at random from thousands of entries from across the United States.

“It is a totally random drawing that people can enter into all over the United States, and whatever number comes up, and whoever it belongs to, is the winner,” Sayer said. “When we knock on that door, these people are totally surprised. They have not been informed in any way or any kind of warning.”

Sayer said he once had to wait three days for a winner to return home.

Sayer awarded Jonsson a $25,000 check. Jonsson can decide whether to take the remaining winnings either in equal installments over 30 years or in one lump sum. He must pay income taxes on the money.

Jonsson was the first sweepstakes winner in Shawano County in at least 20 years, said Sayer, who noted the previous winner lived in Bonduel.

Publishers Clearing House has awarded more than $240 million since 1967. The company, launched in 1953, is based in Port Washington, New York. It markets magazines, merchandise and promotional offers.

As Sayer and the prize patrol moved on to surprise their next winner, Jonsson was counting his blessings.

“God knows what you need, and you just keep praying for the answers,” he said.

FYI

To enter the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes, call 800-459-4724, visit www.pch.com or www.facebook.com/pch, or send a letter to Publishers Clearing House, 382 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050.

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Flooding problems continueBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Emergency management officials in Menominee County issued a disaster declaration Monday due to flooding. High water signs were placed on state Highway 47 on Sunday night.

State Highway 47-55 in downtown Keshena was closed Tuesday due to increased flooding, a day after the Menominee Indian tribe and Menominee County issued an emergency disaster declaration.

Ice jams along the Wolf River have caused the flooding problems.

Shawano County Highway Department workers began placing signs at Main and Green Bay streets in downtown Shawano Tuesday afternoon notifying drivers of the closures in Keshena.

Traffic in the downtown Keshena area will be open only to local traffic.

Floodwaters have covered most of the intersection at Highway 47-55 and County Road VV for the past 24 hours and have steadily risen.

The National Weather Service, meanwhile, has extended a flood warning in Keshena through noon Wednesday.

“We are working with a number of agencies to get the water off the roadway and re-open it,” said Ben Warrington, the tribe’s emergency management coordinator.

Reports of flooding began Thanksgiving week and have continued despite efforts by several agencies to address the problem, which has been blamed on ice jams created by frazil ice.

Officials said frazil ice is a buildup of loose, needle-shaped ice crystals. It resembles slush and is the first step in the formation of river ice.

“Homes and businesses in the area continue to be adversely affected, and the tribe and county are continuing efforts to mitigate the situation,” officials said in a joint statement released Monday by the tribe and county.

Brian Kelley, owner of Bait and Tackle, said his business along County Road VV faces an uncertain future because of the flooding.

The road was closed Sunday due to flooding between Highway 47-55 and Blacksmith Road.

“I am not able to run (the store) because it is covered in water. Unfortunately, I do not know what else to do,” Kelley said Monday.

Kelley said he hopes the business, which has been at that location for four years, is salvageable, but time will tell.

“I believe the property can still be used, but it depends on how long the water will stay,” he said. “My next option is to find employment.”

Officials say the problem with frazil ice is larger than they expected, extending north from the ice dam crews busted up Friday to Fairgrounds Road.

Menominee tribal officials assessed one of the ice jams Sunday and concluded it was larger than anticipated.

“At this time, with the amount of frazil ice found, it is unrealistic to reduce or alleviate the ice jam blockage with either mechanical or other means,” the agencies’ statement said Monday.

The statement also said warmer weather could help reduce the frazil ice jam, but conditions are favorable for worsening of the ice in the upcoming week.

Shawano County emergency management personnel are assisting Menominee officials with alleviating pressure along the Wolf River, which includes the opening of the Balsam Row dam and Shawano dam near Sturgeon Park to release excess water.

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First phase of roadwork begins in 2015By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Photo by Grace Kirchner From left, Andy Eberhardt and Main Street residents Myrtle Kirchner, Arlo Dumke, Sue Dumke and Dan Miller carefully study the proposed Main Street reconstruction plans.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation last week held its third public meeting in Clintonville to discuss the proposed Main Street reconstruction project, which is scheduled to begin in 2015 and estimated to cost up to $5 million.

According to DOT and city officials, the existing pavement on Main Street is nearing the end of its useful life and requires replacement. Underground utilities and storm sewer also needs to be replaced, and planners want to make changes to increase safety at the intersection of state Highway 22 (Main Street) with state Highway 156/Green Tree Road.

Proposed improvements include replacing the existing pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, storm sewer and street lighting; widening the roadway by one foot on each side between 13th Street and Highway 156/Green Tree Road to accommodate bike lanes; and extending new sidewalk along both sides to the Green Tree Road intersection.

The new roadway section will have 12-foot travel lanes, 5-foot bike lanes, 2-foot curb and gutters, 5- to 9-foot terraces and 5-foot sidewalks.

Sixteenth Street will be realigned to improve vision for motorists. The upgrades of Main Street and Highway 156/Green Tree Road will include an all-way stop controlled intersection, and the roads will be realigned so both side roads are directly across from each other. On-street parking will not be allowed between 13th Street and Green Tree Road.

The city will replace the water main and sanitary sewer systems as part of the project.

Seventy-two trees will need to be removed. Fifty-seven of them are in a historic district that runs from 13th street to 19th Street and will be replaced.

The DOT plans to reconstruct state Highway 22, Main Street in Clintonville, from 10th Street to state Highway 156 in two phases.

Replacement of the Pigeon River bridge and reconstruction of the roadway between 10th Street and 13th Street are scheduled for 2015.

The section of roadway between 13th Street and Green Tree Road is scheduled for construction in 2017, but may occur as early as 2016 if federal funds become available.

When construction begins, crews will close Main Street and traffic will be detoured on Seventh Street, North Lyon Street, East 12th Street and SSGT Warren Hansen Drive to Highway 156.

Crews will also close Highway 22 between Green Tree Road and Autumn Street from June through late August, when work is expected to be completed.

“The intersection at 156 and Green Tree Road will need to be completed while there is no school being held,” DOT representative Brian Smits said at Thursday’s meeting.

Temporary access to businesses and residences will be maintained during construction. When driveways need to be closed, the contractor will be required to give two business days notice prior to closing access.

There are no building acquisitions or removals associated with the proposed improvements.

FYI

Anyone who would like to comment on the proposed state Highway 22 reconstruction project in Clintonville can send information to Roxann Cuty, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 1681 Second Ave. S., Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Comments also can be made by calling 715-421-8081.

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Fog considered factor in head-on crashBy: 

Leader Staff

Authorities have released the names of those involved in a Sunday crash that left seven people injured in the village of Wittenberg.

A truck driven by Matthew Olson, 42, of Green Bay, was westbound on a fog-shrouded state Highway 29 when he crossed the median and collided head-on with an eastbound minivan that was carrying six people, according to a news release from the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.

The minivan, driven by Rebecca Wescott, 41, of Sobieski, was carrying Jennifer Steffen, 42, of Pulaski; Eric Steffen, 41, of Pulaski; a 15-year-old girl; and two boys, ages 9 and 10. The minors were not identified in the news release.

Everyone was treated at local hospitals for injuries not considered to be life-threatening and released.

Authorities say they believe fog was a contributing factor in the crash, which is still being investigated. The crash happened about 4:30 p.m. on Highway 29 near U.S. Highway 45.

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Shawano Police Department

Dec. 15

Police logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of East Green Bay Street.

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint at the Shawano County Humane Society, 1290 Jaycee Court.

Juvenile — Police logged seven truancy complaints from Shawano Community School District.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Waukechon and Richmond streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of South Main Street.

Dec. 14

Police logged 35 incidents, including the following:

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

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint at Payday Loans, 1056 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — A GPS unit and other items were reported stolen at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 600 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Dec. 13

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Main and Elizabeth streets.

OWI — A 46-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main Street and County Road B.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Main and Green Bay streets.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 600 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Warrant — A 28-year-old man was taken into custody on a Department of Corrections warrant in the 700 block of West Picnic Street.

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

Dec. 12

Police logged 29 incidents, including the following:

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

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Juvenile — Police logged seven truancy complaints from the Shawano Community School District.

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

Fraud — Police investigated a postal scam complaint in the 300 block of South Union Street.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported two female shoplifters in custody.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Slackers, 146 S. Main St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 15

Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Lake Drive in the town of Washington.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Cedar Avenue in Wescott.

Warrant — A 20-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Hiawatha Court in Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Northwestern Avenue in Angelica.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on County Road E in the town of Washington.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on state Highway 29 in Richmond.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Lake Street in Aniwa.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Main Street in Gresham.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Fischer Street in Gresham.

Accidents — Authorities logged six deer-related crashes.

Dec. 14

Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress on County Road A in Richmond.

Vandalism — A mailbox was reported vandalized on Swan Acre Drive in the town of Washington.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Maplewood Street in Bowler.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on High Street in Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Chicken Alley in Maple Grove.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.

Dec. 13

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Half Mile Road in Lessor.

Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Carlson Lane in Green Valley.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on Jefferson Street in Bonduel.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Lake View Drive in Aniwa.

Disturbance — A 12-year-old Aniwa boy was referred to Social Services for battery and disorderly conduct after a disturbance on Lake View Drive in Aniwa.

Accidents — Authorities logged 12 accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 156 in Lessor and seven deer-related crashes.

Dec. 12

Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Theft — An attempted vehicle break-in was reported on Oak Street in Bowler.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Olson Road in Green Valley.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 29 in Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance involving a 16-year-old boy at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.

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

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at the North Star Casino, W12222 County Road A, Gresham.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 15

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Welfare — A commitment was completed after a welfare check request on Brix Street.

Assist — Officer assisted Human Services on a family complaint.

Dec. 13

Police logged three incidents, including the following:

Harassment — Harassment was reported on South Madison Street.

Dec. 12

Police logged four incidents, including the following:

Fraud — A worthless check complaint was under investigation.

Computer — A computer crime was under investigation.

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Flooding problems continueBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Water penetrated through sandbags Sunday near the Wolf River Express on state Highway 47.

The Menominee Indian tribe and Menominee County on Monday afternoon issued an emergency disaster declaration due to ice jams along the Wolf River that have caused flooding problems in Keshena.

“Homes and businesses in the area continue to be adversely affected, and the tribe and county are continuing efforts to mitigate the situation,” officials said in a joint statement released by both agencies.

The National Weather Service on Monday extended a flood warning through noon Wednesday for state Highway 47 in Keshena.

Reports of flooding began Thanksgiving week and have continued despite efforts by several agencies to address the problem, which has been blamed on ice jams created by frazil ice.

Officials said frazil ice is a buildup of loose, needle-shaped ice crystals. It resembles slush and is the first step in the formation of river ice.

Brian Kelley, owner of Bait and Tackle, said his business along County Road VV faces an uncertain future because of the flooding.

The road was closed Sunday due to flooding between state Highway 47/55 and Blacksmith Road.

“I am not able to run (the store) because it is covered in water. Unfortunately, I do not know what else to do,” Kelley said Monday.

Kelley said he hopes the business, which has been at that location for four years, is salvageable, but time will tell.

“I believe the property can still be used, but it depends on how long the water will stay,” he said. “My next option is to find employment.”

Officials say the problem with frazil ice is larger than they expected, extending north from the ice dam crews busted up Friday to Fairgrounds Road.

Menominee tribal officials assessed one of the ice jams Sunday and concluded it was larger than anticipated.

"At this time, with the amount of frazil ice found, it is unrealistic to reduce or alleviate the ice jam blockage with either mechanical or other means," the agencies' statement said Monday.

The statement also said warmer weather could help reduce the frazil ice jam, but conditions are favorable for worsening of the ice in the upcoming week.

Shawano county emergency management is assisting Menominee officials with alleviating pressure along the Wolf River, which includes the opening of the Balsam Row dam and Shawano dam near Sturgeon Park to release excess water.

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Shawano Police Department

Dec. 14

Police logged 35 incidents, including the following:

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

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint at Payday Loans, 1056 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — A GPS unit and other items were reported stolen at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 600 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Dec. 13

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Main and Elizabeth streets.

OWI — A 46-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main Street and County Road B.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Main and Green Bay streets.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 600 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Warrant — A 28-year-old man was taken into custody on a Department of Corrections warrant in the 700 block of West Picnic Street.

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

Dec. 12

Police logged 29 incidents, including the following:

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

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Juvenile — Police logged seven truancy complaints from the Shawano Community School District.

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

Fraud — Police investigated a postal scam complaint in the 300 block of South Union Street.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported two female shoplifters in custody.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Slackers, 146 S. Main St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 14

Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress on County Road A in Richmond.

Vandalism — A mailbox was reported vandalized on Swan Acre Drive in the town of Washington.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Maplewood Street in Bowler.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on High Street in Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Chicken Alley in Maple Grove.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.

Dec. 13

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Half Mile Road in Lessor.

Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Carlson Lane in Green Valley.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on Jefferson Street in Bonduel.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Lake View Drive in Aniwa.

Disturbance — A 12-year-old Aniwa boy was referred to Social Services for battery and disorderly conduct after a disturbance on Lake View Drive in Aniwa.

Accidents — Authorities logged 12 accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 156 in Lessor and seven deer-related crashes.

Dec. 12

Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:

Theft — An attempted vehicle break-in was reported on Oak Street in Bowler.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Olson Road in Green Valley.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 29 in Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance involving a 16-year-old boy at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.

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

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at the North Star Casino, W12222 County Road A, Gresham.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

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2 of 3 committees gave Reed positive evaluationsBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Shawano County Planning and Development Director Tim Reed was terminated from his post Thursday and escorted from the courthouse, a week after a county committee voted to end his employment.

According to minutes from a Dec. 2 meeting, the Planning, Development and Zoning Committee went into a closed session to discuss Reed’s job performance evaluation “and to confer with legal counsel” concerning the evaluation.

After coming out of closed session, the committee voted unanimously to put the evaluation on file, then voted 4-1 to direct the county’s corporation counsel and administrative coordinator to “take action as directed by the committee concerning (the) personnel issue discussed in closed session.”

Supervisors Steve Gueths, Marlin Noffke, Gene Hoppe and Tom Kautza voted in favor. Supervisor Ken Capelle cast the sole no vote.

“It was voted on to terminate Mr. Reed,” Administrative Coordinator Tom Madsen said Friday.

Madsen said Reed was offered a severance package and was given a week to decide whether he wanted to accept it.

“It was a generous offer,” Madsen said. “He never responded.”

According to the county’s management and administrative manual adopted early this year, the committee that oversees a particular department has the authority to terminate an employee, if the administrative coordinator agrees.

If the administrative coordinator does not agree, the matter would be settled by the Administrative Committee.

Madsen ultimately decided to go along with the PD&Z Committee.

“In the best interests of the county, it would be better if we terminated the relationship between (Reed) and the county,” he said. “Actually, the best interests probably of Tim, too, to start fresh someplace else.”

Madsen said he could not go into detail about the reasons for Reed’s termination.

“The committee, PD&Z, no longer had faith in him to do the job,” Madsen said.

Reed’s situation was complicated by the fact that he also answers to two other committees: the Land Conservation Committee and Solid Waste Management Board.

“The other two committees gave him a good evaluation. PD&Z didn’t,” Madsen said.

Reed was escorted from the courthouse shortly before noon Thursday by Madsen and a sheriff’s deputy.

“That’s standard operating procedure,” Madsen said. “When someone is terminated on the spot like that, you bring a deputy up. You walk him to his office, get his keys, his ID badge, credit cards, whatever he’s got that’s county owned, and he’s allowed to remove his personal effects.”

Madsen said he sent emails after the termination was carried out informing members of the other committees and County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann, and recommending that Zoning Director Robert Jacobson be made acting director.

He said all of the responses were amenable to that.

“I don’t foresee the county replacing Tim any time soon,” Madsen said.

“We’re going to divvy up some of the stuff Tim does amongst other staff and see what we can do,” he said. “This is standard operating procedures in counties, too. Can we go without this position for a while, and how long can we do it, and maybe, can we combine? If there’s a way of being creative and moving some duties around, maybe we don’t have to replace this position.”

Reed started with Shawano County in 1998 and was made planning and development director in 2002. His 2014 salary was $73,875.

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Widower still haunted by wife’s cries for helpBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Marlene Buettner, 67, of Cecil, died on what she and her husband, Robert, fondly referred to as a “goof day.”

It was a day for goofing off, spending time together and sharing things they enjoyed doing.

On this particular “goof day” — July 24, 2012 — they were headed home from a day of shopping in Green Bay and a dinner out.

It was also the day that Shannon M. Parker, 31, of Shawano, offered to help her father with his paper route, even though she had no license to drive and was taking pain medication for a back problem. She took her 8-year-old daughter along on the paper route.

Parker’s vehicle went through a stop sign at the intersection of County Road F and Beech Drive in the town of Hartland, striking the vehicle driven by Robert Buettner.

Marlene Buettner was pronounced dead at the scene. Robert Buettner and Parker’s daughter also sustained injuries.

On Friday, after an emotional court hearing, Parker was sentenced to 10 years in prison and another nine years of extended supervision.

“Shannon Parker devastated our family,” Buettner’s daughter Michelle told the court Friday. “Because of her selfish decision that day to get high behind the wheel of a car, my sisters and I are left without a mom … my best friend in life. And my kids and nephews are left without their favorite grandma.”

Michelle Buettner and another daughter, Kristine, asked the court to levy the maximum sentence against Parker.

“I don’t want to see this happen to another family,” Kristine said.

Robert Buettner recounted how he and Marlene had been trapped upside down in the overturned vehicle after the accident. His wife was in pain and he was unable to free her.

“It’s been almost 2½ years and yet there are nights when I go to bed that I can hear Marlene crying for help,” Buettner said. “Shannon Parker, if there’s one wish I have for you, it would be that you could hear the woman you killed crying out for help when you try and go to sleep.”

Parker’s mother, Linda Johner, asked the court not to “compound the tragedy” by taking Parker away from her daughter.

Parker’s attorney, Jane Krueger Smith, told the court Parker had not sought to get high while driving but had mismanaged her pain medication.

Toxicology reports from the state crime lab showed both marijuana and amphetamines in her system at the time of the crash, according to the criminal complaint.

In her statement to the court, Parker apologized to the Buettner family.

“I will never for one minute stop thinking about your family,” she said. “There is nothing I can do to undo the harm I caused you. I just want you to know I didn’t intend to hurt anybody. I hope and pray that someday you can find, you can forgive me in your hearts.”

Parker pleaded no contest in September to vehicular homicide while using a controlled substance, knowingly operating a vehicle without a driver’s license-causing death, two counts of causing injury while using a controlled substance, and operating a vehicle without a valid license-causing great bodily harm.

She also pleaded no contest to a felony count of bail jumping after she was found to have non-prescription morphine in her system during a random drug test while out on bond in May.

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Shawano Police Department

Dec. 11

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of South Washington Street.

Theft — A snowmobile trailer was reported stolen in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 1300 block of County Road B.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 11

Deputies logged 38 incidents, including the following:

Missing Person — A missing person report was filed after a juvenile failed to arrive home from school on County Road N in Birnamwood. The child was later located.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Old Shawano Road in Pella.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on County Road Z in Aniwa.

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

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

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 11

Police logged three incidents, including the following:

Accident — A minor accident report was completed for a two-vehicle property damage accident on Eighth and Main streets.

Assault — A battery complaint at the high school was under investigation.

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Shawano Police Department

Dec. 10

Police logged 19 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at Qualheim’s True Value, 1345 E. Green Bay St.

Shoplifting — A 38-year-old woman was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint at County Road B and County Road K.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 10

Deputies logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly juvenile on North Shore Lane in Wescott.

Theft — Medication was reported stolen from a vehicle on Shawano Shores Circle in Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Main Street in Angelica.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including one deer-related crash and a vehicle versus turkey.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 10

Police logged five incidents, including the following:

Theft — Checks were reported stolen on 11th Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on South Madison Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on 10th Street.

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Focus is on binge drinkingBy: 

[email protected]

Contributed Image Signs like this one showing the local connection to alcohol abuse are going up across Shawano County as part of the Healthy Shawano County Initiative.

It might not be news to health professionals or those working in the social services, but Shawano County has a drinking problem, with a rate of alcohol abuse that’s above the state average — in a state where the average is already well above the national norm.

According to county health rankings compiled this year, 27 percent of Shawano County adults drink excessively, compared to 24 percent statewide. Nationwide, 10 percent of Americans consume alcohol excessively, according to the statistics.

A local work group that was formed in 2010 out of the Healthy Shawano County Initiative to address alcohol and other drug abuse (AODA) issues recently launched a campaign aimed at getting people to start talking about the problem.

“We want to focus on having a conversation about the fact that we as a community use alcohol excessively,” said the Rev. Susan Phillips, pastor at First Presbyterian Church and chairperson of the Shawano-Menominee County AODA Work Group.

The group has recently posted signs around Shawano County sharing some facts and figures about the problem of binge drinking and its social and economic impact.

Fact sheets and discussion guides are also being distributed that the group hopes will spur “conversation about what’s healthy, what’s not healthy, how we can encourage healthier behavior related to alcohol,” Phillips said.

Signs are also being created in Menominee County by a group called Maehnow-Pematesen, which means “living in a good way,” Phillips said.

Phillips said the Menominee County group is already well ahead of their Shawano County counterparts, having been putting out fact sheets on alcohol abuse for several years.

The Menominee County signs will emphasize alternatives for having a good time that don’t involve drinking, such as learning the Menominee language, playing lacrosse, dancing, singing and drumming.

In Shawano County, getting a conversation started about alcohol abuse is a little more difficult, according to Phillips.

“There seems to be resistance to that very idea,” she said. “People resist having that conversation.”

Phillips said there was also some initial anxiety within the group that they might be seen as teetotalers chastising anyone who enjoys a social drink.

“That is absolutely not what we’re talking about,” she said.

The group’s focus has been raising awareness about the problem of binge drinking, which is defined as five or more drinks in a row for a man or four or more for a woman. In Wisconsin, the average binge drinker has nine drinks in a row, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, one in five Shawano County adults reported engaging in binge drinking.

“It’s really clear when you look at the statistics that we have a problem with alcohol in the state and within this community,” Phillips said. “We don’t seem to have clear awareness of how unusual our drinking behavior is here in Wisconsin. It’s our sense that people aren’t aware that it’s a problem.”

One fact that Phillips said might surprise people is the economic impact of binge drinking on the community.

According to a 2013 study by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, excessive alcohol use was estimated to cost Shawano County $46.7 million per year, or $1,114 per person, in lost productivity, health care, law enforcement and other related costs.

Phillips said there are also attitudes toward alcohol in Wisconsin that need to be discussed.

“There’s an expectation here that you will drink that is different from other places I’ve lived,” she said.

Even kids’ birthday parties often have beer available for the adults, she noted, and some adults go so far as to host parties where beer is served to minors.

“Some parents want to rationalize that and say, ‘Well, then I know they’re safe,’” Phillips said. “It’s not legal, and it’s not safe, and it’s not healthy.”

Phillips said she is grateful for the amount of time and energy that so many people in the community have put forward in assisting the work group’s awareness project.

The group’s next step will be seeking partners in the community that can assist in making more options available for treatment of AODA issues.

In the meantime, it’s hoped the conversations about alcohol abuse will begin.

“The more we talk about it, the better we’ll be able to work together to make all of our communities healthier,” Phillips said.

ONLINE

Facts and figures regarding alcohol abuse in Wisconsin and Shawano County are included in a discussion guide available online at the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department website, www.co.shawano.wi.us/i/f/Final%20AODA%20Discussion%20Guide.pdf.

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Flooding affecting several homesBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Curt Moede with Moede Plumbing of Shawano installs a second sump pump in the basement of Lisa Wauka’s Keshena home. Wauka said her basement has been flooded since Thanksgiving.

Emergency management personnel from the Menominee Indian tribe will attempt to break an ice jam Friday morning to alleviate future flooding problems along the Wolf River near downtown Keshena.

“Our environmental services personnel determined it is important that this is done,” said Ben Warrington, the tribe’s emergency management coordinator. “We have decided to go in there and try to break it through mechanical means.”

The primary concern, Warrington said, is a 100-foot wide ice jam in a wooded area a quarter-mile north of the Shawano County line. He said he did not know how thick the ice is.

Following severe flooding along the Wolf River, the tribe, Menominee County and town of Menominee inspected three areas of the Wolf River where ice jams formed.

A flood warning remains in effect until Friday morning in parts of Menominee County.

Tribal and county officials say they are hopeful warmer temperatures this weekend will help melt the jams, but cold weather could mean more flooding.

“If … colder temperatures set in for the remainder of the winter, we could be looking at a state highway closure lasting all winter long, damage to residential and business properties, and even worse flooding in the spring,” officials said in a statement released Wednesday.

Warrington said there have been signs of potential flooding issues since Thanksgiving as far north as Keshena Falls, and he began receiving calls about flooding around Dec. 1.

Lisa Wauka was among the residents along state Highway 47 who reported flooded basements.

“This is the worst, and what makes it as bad as it is, is that it is usually a spring phenomena, and I have never seen it in the winter season,” she said. “I have had water in my basement since Thanksgiving, and for years I have never had water in the basement.”

Tribal and county officials recently started providing sandbags to people residing in the affected area. The agencies placed 1,000 sandbags Monday and have 2,000 in reserve. They received an additional 8,000 sandbags Thursday.

“This is the first time we have had to sandbag here,” said Wauka, as plumber Mike Moede was installing a second sump pump in her basement Thursday.

Warrington reported at least eight homes have been affected by the flooding. Some residents have had additional sump pumps installed and raised their furnaces from the basement floors.

Keshena residents living near the floodwaters can receive sandbags and other supplies at a service station on Mianaceqtawak Road near Go Around Road.

Warrington said Mayor Lorna Marquardt has offered the city of Shawano’s assistance. The Shawano Area Fire Department also has offered its help.

“The community of Keshena contributes a lot to the economic stability of Shawano, so it is important we help them in need,” Marquardt said. “It is about people helping people. They are our friends, and they are our neighbors.”

FYI

Long cold spells can cause the surface of rivers to freeze. When a rise in the water level or a thaw breaks the ice into large chunks, these chunks can become jammed at man-made and natural obstructions, resulting in severe flooding.

Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency

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Tribe awaiting governor’s decisionBy: 

Leader Staff

A rally has been planned in Kenosha next week aimed at showing support for the Menominee Tribe’s efforts to open a casino there.

The Kenosha Rally for Jobs will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dairyland Greyhound Track, where the tribe hopes to open its Menominee-Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The event will be hosted by state Rep. Samantha Kerkman, R-Burlington.

“I have been an outspoken supporter of the casino from the onset and am happy to rally for jobs and increased economic activity in southeastern Wisconsin,” Kerkman said.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved the tribe’s application, but it still needs Gov. Scott. Walker’s approval.

Gary Besaw, chairman of the Menominee Kenosha Gaming Authority, said the tribe is grateful for the public support being shown.

“This rally will represent yet another demonstration of our efforts to bring good paying jobs to Southeast Wisconsin while providing top-notch entertainment for visitors who come to our state,” he said.

The tribe and Hard Rock have joined with the College of Menominee Nation and Gateway Technical College to initiate the creation of a jobs institute providing necessary training for the hotel and casino. Representatives from both colleges will be on hand at the rally, as will employment assistance personnel from both Kenosha and Racine counties.

More than 1,800 job seekers have already registered online, according to the tribe.

The tribe says the $800 million facility, to be located at the former greyhound track, will pump $1.6 billion into the state’s economy in the first 10 years of operation.

Walker has until Feb. 19 to make a decision.

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They must follow same rules as states that legalized potBy: 

The Associated Press

Indian tribes can grow and sell marijuana on their lands as long as they follow the same federal conditions laid out for states that have legalized the drug, the U.S. Justice Department said Thursday.

Some advocates said the announcement could open new markets across the country and give rise to a rich new business on reservations, not unlike the advent of casino gambling. Others said it was too early to tell; many tribes oppose legalization, and only a handful of tribes have expressed any interest in the marijuana business.

Oregon U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall said that the Justice Department policy addresses questions raised by tribes about how legalization of pot in states like Oregon, Washington and Colorado would apply to Indian lands.

“That’s been the primary message tribes are getting to us as U.S. attorneys,” Marshall said from Portland. “What will the U.S. as federal partners do to assist tribes in protecting our children and families, our tribal businesses, our tribal housing? How will you help us combat marijuana abuse in Indian Country when states are no longer there to partner with us?”

Whether tribal pot could become a major bonanza rivaling tribal casinos is a big question. Marshall said only three tribes — one each in California, Washington state and the Midwest — have voiced any interest. She did not identify them.

Seattle attorney Anthony Broadman, whose firm represents tribal governments throughout the West, said the economic potential is vast. “If tribes can balance all the potential social issues, it could be a really huge opportunity,” Broadman said.

Many in Indian Country are wary of compounding existing drug and alcohol problems by growing and selling pot.

The Yakama Nation in Washington state recently banned marijuana on the reservation and is trying to halt state regulated pot sales and grows on lands off the reservation where it still holds hunting and fishing rights. The Hoopa Valley Tribe in Northern California has battled illegal pot plantations on its reservation that have damaged the environment.

In South Dakota, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council this year rejected a proposal to allow marijuana.

Oglala Sioux tribal Councilwoman Ellen Fills the Pipe, chairwoman of the council’s Law and Order Committee, said Thursday she needs to review the federal policy more thoroughly but that given her long background in law enforcement, she opposes loosening marijuana laws.

“For me, it’s a drug,” Fills the Pipe said. “My gut feeling is we’re most likely going to shoot it down.”

In Oregon, former Klamath Tribes chairman Jeff Mitchell said communities everywhere deal with drug and alcohol issues, and tribes are likely to proceed carefully.

“I have confidence in tribal government that they will deal with it appropriately and they’ll take into consideration social and legal aspects, as well as other implications that go along with bringing something like that into a community,” Mitchell said.

Marshall warned that marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Problems could arise for tribes with lands in states that outlaw marijuana due to the likelihood that pot would be transported or sold outside tribal boundaries, she said.

Tribes selling marijuana may not be subject to state and local taxes, allowing them to undercut off-reservation sales. In Washington, heavy taxes on recreational pot have pushed the price to about twice the price at medical marijuana dispensaries.

Alison Holcomb, a primary drafter of Washington state’s legalization measure, said most people in larger states won’t want to drive to far-flung reservations to buy pot. “The reality is that so much of the market depends on convenience; it’s not just price that drives consumer choices,” Holcomb said.

John Evich disagreed. He runs one of the five legal marijuana stores in the northwest Washington city of Bellingham, near the Nooksack and Lummi Indian reservations. When he chewed tobacco, he said, he used to stop at the Nooksack reservation to stock up because it was about 30 percent cheaper there. He had little doubt people would do the same if tribes began selling pot.

The Nooksack and Lummi tribes did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment Thursday.

Marshall said with 566 tribes around the country recognized by the federal government, there will be a lot of consulting going on between tribal leaders and federal prosecutors. As sovereign nations, some tribes have their own police, some rely on federal law enforcement, and some call in state and local police.

With limited resources and vast amounts of territory to cover, federal prosecutors will not prosecute minor cases, Marshall said.

The tribal policy is based on an August 2013 Justice Department announcement that the federal government wouldn’t intervene as long as legalization states tightly regulate the drug and take steps to keep it from children, criminal cartels and federal property.

U.S. attorneys also reserve the right to prosecute trafficking, firearms violations and possession of marijuana on federal property.

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