Shawano Leader News
Wolf River flooding into Keshena
Jason Arndt [email protected]
Leader photo by Jason Arndt A pile of sandbags are stacked behind Wolf River Express along state Highway 47 in downtown Keshena Wednesday night in preparation for further flooding along the Wolf River.
Multiple agencies were responding Wednesday to flooding concerns along the Wolf River in Keshena, after the banks formed an ice jam, due to recent rising temperatures.
An ice jam is formed when water levels rise due to formations of ice that meets ground level. It could result in local and regional flooding causing damage to buildings.
Emergency management officials with both Menominee County and the Menominee Tribal Office, and local businesses have placed 1,000 sandbags, with 2,000 more on reserve, along the Wolf River on state Highway 47.
Emergency management coordinator Ben Warrington of the Menominee Tribal Office said there were indications of potential flooding since the end of November.
“We have started seeing the rising floodwaters along the Wolf River area from Keshena Falls all the way down to Keshena since the week of Thanksgiving,” Warrington said.
Emergency Management officials from both agencies began responding to reports from businesses and property owners at the beginning of this month.
“It really started affecting the downtown area after the Thanksgiving holiday, right around Dec. 1, then it started affecting the properties in downtown Keshena,” Warrington said.
Additionally, the Town of Menominee Fire Department and Menominee Tribal Police have assisted emergency management officials, Warrington said.
Businesses began adding sandbags last weekend, and residents have reported flooded basements, he said.
“Right now, we are not seeing any damages, nothing to the building structures, we still got at least another six to eight inches for the water to rise and get into the businesses,” Warrington said.
Property owners have responded with increased use of sump pumps, and doing proactive work to prevent potential fires.
“We do have some property owners to the north that have water in their basements and their sump pumps are running, and we have one property owner with three sump pumps running,” Warrington said.
With temperatures expected to rise into the mid-40s by the weekend, emergency management officials are remaining proactive, with the Tribal office expected to receive an additional 8,000 sandbags within the next 48 hours.
“There are a number of people affected. We got people in their homes raising their furnaces off the ground in their basements so they can still stay in their homes,” Warrington said.
Warrington credited officials and agencies in the city of Shawano, the general public, and Menominee County agencies for offering assistance.
“We are going to still keep monitoring, and we have gotten a huge outpouring of support from the public from different agencies, including the county and the tribe,” Warrington said. “We have had the mayor of Shawano, Lorna Marquardt, offering assistance, and the Shawano Fire Department has offered assistance.”
“Our ultimate goal is to keep these people in their homes,” Warrington said.
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Tim Ryan [email protected]
The Shawano Common Council adopted the first complete overhaul of its zoning code in more than 30 years on Wednesday, along with a new zoning map, both of which will go into effect on Jan. 1.
The council’s vote, postponed from last month to allow for additional public comment, came after an unsuccessful effort by a Realtors’ group to gain another delay.
“This is a very complex ordinance,” said Jennifer Sundstrom, government affairs director for the Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin. “More importantly, this is a big change for the city of Shawano.”
Sundstrom recommended that city officials meet with local Realtors to go through the code to ensure the new rules don’t discourage businesses that might want to locate in the city or make it more difficult for small business to make improvements.
“I think those discussions would be worthy of more time,” she said.
Some council members questioned why those concerns weren’t brought forward previously during the two years that an ad hoc committee and a consultant were working on the zoning code rewrite.
“All of our meetings were open to the public and everyone was invited,” said Alderwoman Sandy Steinke. “Where was this feedback two years ago?”
The city received a lengthy memo from Realtor Terry Hilgenberg this week, detailing nearly 140 questions and concerns about the new zoning code.
The council and consultant Mike Slavney of Vandewalle and Associates spent about an hour Wednesday going through the points Hilgenberg raised. About 40 of Hilgenberg’s proposed changes to the code, mainly cleaning up or expanding on some of the language, were adopted by the council.
The city had not heard objections from anyone else, according to Mayor Lorna Marquardt.
“Other Realtors are apparently satisfied,” she said. “They didn’t come forward.”
Slavney also noted that the proposed new code has been available at City Hall and online since August and many of the proposals have been available to the public for review for more than a year.
Slavney said the new code was aimed at promoting growth and redevelopment, not at making it more difficult for property owners.
He said the new code provides more detail for property owners and will make it easier for city staff to work with property owners to accomplish their goals.
Slavney said the code can also be amended if necessary.
“This isn’t set in stone,” he said.
Among the biggest changes that will go into effect in January, the new code tosses the “legal nonconforming” designation for properties that don’t fit in with the zoning in their neighborhoods. The change would make the properties legally conforming and make it easier for property owners to get loans to make improvements or sell the properties.
The change applies only to physical characteristics, not unauthorized uses, such as a business being run out of a home, which would still require a permit and be subject to limitations.
One of the flaws in the city’s existing code, according to city officials, are a number of areas where existing property uses don’t match their zoning.
The code also puts a premium on landscaping for any new development, setting a score that proposed developments would have to meet. They would get points toward the score for various types of landscaping included in the site plan.
The requirement applies to new development and to those portions of existing properties that are significantly remodeled or expanded.
The code reserves its most rigid requirements for downtown Shawano, which under the proposed new zoning map would run from the 100 block of North Main Street to Presbyterian Street on the south and would promote two-story storefront buildings with no setback from the sidewalk.
Any proposed renovations, designs or projects in that area would be closely scrutinized by the city, down to which storefront colors would be appropriate.
The code was last adopted in October 1983. Though it has been frequently amended, this is the first complete overhaul in 31 years.
The city budgeted $50,000 for the project.
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Shawano Police Department
Dec. 9
Police logged 42 incidents, including the following:
Accident — Police logged a one-vehicle accident at the City Hall parking lot, 127 S. Sawyer St.
Theft — Police investigated a report of siphoned gasoline in the 400 block of Fairview Way.
Theft — A wallet was reported stolen in the 1100 block of Waukechon Street.
Possession — Police responded to a complaint of student smoking in bathroom of Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B. Police determined student was not smoking, but was warned about possession of tobacco on school property.
Assist — Police assisted Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B, with a problem between parent and student.
Distruptive — Police responded to a disruptive student at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Traffic — A report of road rage was made at Swan and Lafayette streets.
Probation — Police took a 52-year-old male into custody on a probation and parole hold.
Warrant — Police took a 41-year-old male into custody on a warrant in the 1100 block of Waukechon Street.
Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile problem at South Lincoln and East Randall streets.
Warrant — Police took a 38-year-old male into custody on a warrant in the 400 block of East Center Street.
Stabbing — Police responded to Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St., for a report of a stabbing.
Suspicious — Police investigated discovery of a shell casing in the 1000 block of East Elizabeth Street.
Truancy — Eight truancies were reported at Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 Waukechon St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Dec. 9
Deputies logged 38 incidents, including the following:
Accident — Authorities responded to a two-car accident at County Road Z and Maple Road in the town of Hutchins.
Offender — Authorities issued a public notice regarding release of a sex offender on Bluebird Road in the town of Birnamwood.
Warrant — There were two out of county warrant arrests, with one in Shawano and the other in the town of Wittenberg.
Theft — Authorities investigated theft of a DVD at John’s One Stop North, N5847 state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.
Theft — Six Christmas trees were reported stolen on School House Road in the town of Seneca.
Theft — Jewelry was reported stolen on East Woodlawn Road in the town of Hutchins.
Trespassing — Authorities responded to trespassing complaint in the 400 block of Pearl Street in the village of Birnamwood.
Parking — Authorities investigated multiple unauthorized parking problems during a school event in the 300 block of South Webb Street in the village of Wittenberg.
Accident — Authorities responded to an accident at Brotherhood Lane and Church Street in Tigerton.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile runaway at Homme Home Acceptance Unit, W18090 Hemlock Road, in the Wittenberg.
Accidents — Authorities logged logged three deer-related accidents, and two reports of vehicles in ditches.
Clintonville Police Department
Dec. 9
Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — A disorderly conduct report was made at Clintonville Middle School, 255 N. Main St.
Theft — Identity theft was reported on Stewart Street.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on Sixth and Main streets.
Accident — Police logged two deer-related accidents.
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Jason Arndt [email protected]
Leader photo by Jason Arndt Karissa Kunschke and Bobbi Jo Ladwig, members of the Shawano Area Young Professionals, review the sign-in sheet during the organizations ugly sweater party and Toys for Tots drive Tuesday at the Shawano Lake Golf Course.
Local young professionals are striving to be an influential force in the community through networking and good works.
The Shawano Area Young Professionals (SAYPro) is geared towards individuals ages 21-39 in the Shawano area. The business group was created in May 2013 and has held a steady membership of approximately 60 people, according Karissa Kunschke, 28, who is also employed with Cooperative Resources International and serves as SAYPro’s event planner.
President Bobbi Jo Ladwig, who also works for Farmers Insurance in downtown Shawano, said members join for a variety of different reasons, including business networking, educational workshops and meeting new people within the community.
“Everybody has a specific piece they are interested in, so it is always a variety,” Ladwig said.
Lauren Quist, 24, joined the group around the same time she moved to Shawano and had a desire to seek out individuals within her age range.
“I am super interested because I have only been in Shawano for two years and don’t know many people,” Quist said.
She moved into the community to take a position with Cooperative Resources International following graduation at Michigan State University.
“It was nice to be able to mingle with the young people in the community,” said Quist.
The group has done multiple community and business events, including participation in April’s Wolf River Home Builders Show held at the Crawford Center, where they donated 1,656 items of food to SAFPARC.
Kunschke said they will make adjustment in 2015, doing a similar community event at the Taste of Shawano in March.
SAYPro held a Toys for Tots drive Tuesday at the Shawano Lake Golf Course, with proceeds benefiting the Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center.
Seven of the 22 members present at the Tuesday event, which also had an ugly Christmas sweater theme, donated toys to SAFPARC.
SAYPro has sponsored Lunch and Learn workshops to enrich young professionals.
Last month, they held a Financial Fitness Workshop with Jon Aumann of Edward Jones Financial delivering the speech. They also participated in an October event where they learned dining etiquette, along with a fellowship event consisting of Go carts and miniature golf at Xceleration Amusement Park in August.
However, there are no age restrictions for Lunch and Learn sessions, according to Kunschke.
“For many of our events, we allow all professionals, if it’s a topic they are interested in because we want to provide education opportunities for all in the community,” Kunschke said.
Cost of annual $25 membership to the group goes toward operating expenses, rental of event space and booking of speakers, according to Kunschke.
The price is reasonable, she said, compared to neighboring organization Green Bay Area Young Professionals, which has an average annual membership of $60.
The group’s next event will be another Lunch and Learn session Jan. 14 at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce with Carrie Verkuilen of Verkuilen Chiropractic speaking about remaining physically fit.
Quist said the group has allowed individuals new to the community to learn about other local businesses.
“I have done a lot of business with a ton of other local groups, instead of the big box stores,” Quist said.
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Shawano Police Department
Dec. 8
Police logged 33 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of South Franklin Street.
Warrant — A 50-year-old man was taken into custody on a Probation and Parole warrant on Jaycee Court.
Juvenile — Police logged four truancy complaints from Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Theft — A riding lawnmower and tools were reported stolen in the 800 block of South Prospect Street.
Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Dec. 7
Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 200 block of North Bartlett Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of Prairie Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Union and Richmond streets.
Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint at Third and Bartlett streets.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a vehicle at Perkins, 1398 E. Green Bay St.
Arrest — A male subject was taken into custody on a Probation and Parole hold at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St.
Dec. 6
Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:
Weapon Offense — Police assisted Shawano County sheriff’s deputies with attempting to locate a suspect involved in a reported weapon offense that occurred in Cecil.
Accident — Police responded to a car versus deer accident at County Road B and Industrial Drive.
Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint at Airport Drive and Green Bay Street.
Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St., reported a shoplifting incident.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of Mountain Bay Trail Drive.
Theft — Tires were reported stolen off of a vehicle in the 100 block of Woodlawn Drive.
Disturbance — A 48-year-old Shawano man was taken into custody for disorderly conduct after a domestic disturbance outside Sharona’s Bar, 111 S. Washington St.
Dec. 5
Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:
Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at CoVantage Credit Union, 911 E. Green Bay St.
Warrant — A 43-year-old man was taken into custody on a Probation and Parole warrant in the 200 block of Pearl Avenue.
Vandalism — A cell phone was reported vandalized at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.
Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 600 block of South Union St.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 1300 block of East Green Bay Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of North Lafayette Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Dec. 8
Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:
OWI — A 42-year-old Cecil man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Nabor and Lake Drive in Cecil.
Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on state Highway 22 in the town of Washington.
Accident — A 20-year-old Bonduel woman was cited for failure to yield right of way after an accident at State and Cecil streets in Bonduel.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Summer Street in Aniwa.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Derby Lane in the town of Washington.
Vandalism — A yard was reported vandalized on County Road MM in Richmond.
Assault — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 50-year-old Bowler woman at the North Star Casino, W12180 County Road A in Bowler.
Accidents — Authorities logged nine accidents, including injury accidents in Bonduel and Maple Grove, and one deer-related crash.
Dec. 7
Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:
Theft — A two-foot plastic Santa was reported stolen from a porch on Cedar Street in Bonduel.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Grand Avenue in Wittenberg.
Assault — Authorities investigated an assault on Main Street in Gresham.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Smalley Street in Wescott.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.
Accidents — Authorities logged five accidents, including four deer-related crashes.
Dec. 6
Deputies logged 26 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on Hofa Park Drive in Maple Grove.
OWI — A 46-year-old Shawano man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.
OAR — A 32-year-old woman was arrested for criminal operating after revocation on Upper Lake Drive in Red Springs.
Accidents — Authorities logged five accidents, including two deer-related crashes.
Dec. 5
Deputies logged 21 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.
Warrant — A 38-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant after authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Beauleau Lake Road in Red Springs.
Theft — A purse was reported stolen on County Road A in Bowler.
Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on state Highway 160 in Angelica.
Warrant — A 30-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Airport Drive in Shawano.
Clintonville Police Department
Dec. 8
Police logged five incidents, including the following:
Theft — Gasoline was reported stolen on Anne Street.
Dec. 7
Police logged seven incidents, including the following:
Drug Offense — A 22-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia after a traffic stop on South Main Street and Camellia Avenue. A 22-year-old male passenger in the vehicle was also taken into custody on a warrant through Oneida County Sheriff’s Department.
Accident — A two-vehicle property damage accident was reported in a parking lot on South Main Street.
Harassment — Harassment was reported on 10th Street.
Dec. 5
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Harassment — A harassment complaint was reported on Garfield Avenue.
Harassment — A harassment complaint was reported on Bennett Street.
Accident — An accident report was report completed for a two vehicle property damage on South Main Street at 10th Street.
Assault — Police investigated a battery complaint on North Main Street.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetTwo FFA chapters face off to help feed the hungry
Jason Arndt [email protected]
Leader photo by Jason Arndt Senior FFA president Nicole Horne of Shawano Community High School prepares one of several donation boxes for the community food drive being held Dec. 15-19 in Shawano. Boxes will placed at the following Shawano businesses: Charlie’s County Market, Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta, Angie’s Main Cafe, Body Essentials, Dreier’s Pharmacy, Walgreens and Pick n Save.
The Bonduel and Shawano FFA chapters will be participating in a food drive competition beginning Monday at both schools that will directly benefit both communities.
The contest was sparked due to a challenge by Bonduel FFA president Sam Inman and treasurer Jen Krull to Nicole Horne, president of the Shawano FFA chapter, with the winning team receiving a pizza party on the other chapter’s tab.
Proceeds from the Shawano FFA chapter will go towards the Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center, and St. Paul Lutheran Church’s food pantry will receive the Bonduel chapter’s nonperishable food items.
“We are trying to get everything collaborated, it was something we wanted to do, so we can have that rivalry,” Inman said. “What we really want to do is help out our community and give back.”
Horne believes it is a positive way to mingle with another chapter.
“I think it is awesome that we are getting to know the people in the Bonduel chapter, and competing against them while giving back to the community is really important,” Horne said.
Faculty from both schools have given all credit to the three seniors.
“They initiated it and we are looking to help and do a challenge … and it is good for the community,” said Melissa Braun, Shawano FFA co-advisor.
Bonduel High School principal Jane Wonderling praised Inman and Krull in their coordination efforts as part of the school’s Hunger Awareness Week, which runs until Dec. 19.
“Literally, it is their show and the girls have done an amazing job,” Wonderling said.
The event will begin Monday when Bonduel students present a poverty simulation during lunch to raise awareness among their peers after attending a summer leadership conference in Washington, D.C.
Each student will receive a quarter cup of rice and information from the Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension.
“They can compare that meal with the meal that they have on their tray, to open their eyes of what they actually have,” Krull said.
Horne agreed with Krull and Inman regarding the issue of poverty and hunger within the community.
“During the holiday season, when we are focused a lot on family, I think it is really important to consider everybody in our community that does not have the opportunity that we have,” said Horne, whose school plans to make a daily announcement with a fact regarding hunger.
Additionally, Bonduel will include free admission for students who bring two nonperishable food items to Tuesday’s boys basketball game against Shiocton, and $1 off for adults.
SCHS will have a donation drive at both the Tuesday night boy’s basketball game, and Friday girl’s basketball game.
The Bonduel FFA chapter will also sponsor a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross on Dec. 19 during school. Blood donation hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bonduel High School, 400 W. Green Bay St.
“We are welcoming anyone in the community to bring in nonperishable food items to help us out as they come in for that, or they can just drop them off during the day,” Inman OVERSET FOLLOWS:said.
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Tim Ryan [email protected]
Leader File Photo by Tim Ryan Jackson Carpenter, right, confers with defense attorney Paul Zilles during an August court trial in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court on Carpenter’s petition for release from forced commitment as a sexually violent person.
A convicted sex offender who had been kept in forced commitment as a sexually violent person since his prison sentence ended in 1998 will be released into the town of Birnamwood community later this month, according to a public notification sent out by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.
Jackson D. Carpenter, 41, was convicted in 1993 of second degree sexual assault of a child and child enticement of a 12-year-old girl. The incident took place in the town of Navarino in 1991.
Court records also showed an assault of a 12-year-old girl in July 1989; an allegation of sexual abuse of a 7-year-old girl in the summer of 1990; sexual relations in September 1992 with a 15-year-old girl who became pregnant with his child; and a March 1993 offense against a 13-year-old girl where the charge of second degree sexual assault was later dropped.
“Mr. Carpenter has a history of sexually assaulting minor female acquaintances by using force,” the Sheriff’s Department said in its notice.
In 1998, a Shawano County court determined that Carpenter could be classified as a sexual predator and thus could be held indefinitely in a state facility for treatment.
Carpenter, formerly of Bonduel, petitioned numerous times over the course of 16 years for his release, which was finally granted after a court hearing in August.
Three doctors — including the head of the evaluation unit at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment Center in Madison, where Carpenter was being held — testified that Carpenter is making progress in his sex offender treatment and has been exhibiting good behavior for the past few years.
Under state law, a sex offender can be held under forced commitment if it’s found that he is more likely than not to re-offend.
Carpenter will be released on Dec. 23 to community supervision administered by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. He will be under “intensive supervision,” according to the Sheriff’s Department and will be required to wear a GPS unit.
For the first year of supervised release, Carpenter will be restricted to his home residence except for outings approved by the Department of Health Services that are under the direct supervision of a Department of Corrections escort.
He is required to register with the state Sex Offender Registry.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetNo more Mr. Nice Shawano
Tim Ryan [email protected]
The city of Shawano now has stiffer penalties on the books for a host of crimes that haven’t typically risen to the level of prosecution by the district attorney’s office.
Police Chief Mark Kohl said there have been a number of instances where the backlog of cases at the Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney’s Office has prevented criminal prosecution for such things as small amounts of marijuana.
In some cases, he said, that has included only trace amounts, such as marijuana residue taken from a pipe.
The city already had ordinances on the books that allowed for prosecution in municipal court, but, “the fines were real minimal,” Kohl said.
“The fines were so minimal that a lot of suspects we would get into court either didn’t want to pay the fine or it didn’t mean anything to them,” Kohl said. “The municipal court response was to perhaps suspend their license or maybe issue a warrant, and go from there.”
The Shawano Common Council last month approved a significant increase in the fines that Kohl said will create a “shock effect” for people who violate the law.
He said offenders are likely to be more cooperative when they see “a fine of $2,000 compared to $150.”
The city raised the price tag for violating a number of municipal ordinances, including illicit use of prescription drugs and prescription devices, which can run to $691 for a first offense and $1,321 for a second offense; prostitution, $3,186 for a first offense and $3,841 for the second; patronizing prostitutes, pandering and keeping a place of prostitution, all of which have the same possible penalties.
Kohl said fines related to prostitution have been increased to account for the increasingly transient nature of sex-related crime.
“Because of social networking, the opportunities are there for people to be victimized all throughout the state,” Kohl said. “They’re no longer keeping it in the Fox River Valley or Milwaukee area.”
Kohl said he thought it was appropriate to have the city’s fines and forfeitures more in line with the Fox cities, Green Bay and Milwaukee.
“I don’t want people believing they can come to Shawano to commit their crimes because we don’t take crimes serious here,” he said. “We’re just mirroring what a lot of other communities are doing.”
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Tim Ryan [email protected]
Leader Photo by Tim Ryan Louie Lange III, founder of Commonwealth Development Corp., and Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt share ribbon-cutting duties Friday flanked by, from left, Plan Commission members Dave Passehl and Jeanne Cronce, Alderwoman Rhonda Strebel, WHEDA Business Development Officer Deby Dehn and Alderman Bob Kurkiewicz at the Historic Lincoln School Apartments grand opening Friday.
Tenants have been moving into the Historic Lincoln School Apartments since restoration was completed in September, but on Friday the developer behind the project hosted an official grand opening and ribbon-cutting attended by dozens of community and business leaders.
“This is a way of thanking all the key players that made it happen,” said Louie Lange III, founder of Commonwealth Development Corp. of Fond du Lac.
Commonwealth approached the Shawano School District in 2012 with an offer to purchase the property for renovation into an apartment building that would maintain the historic characteristics of the former Lincoln School at 237 S. Sawyer St. in Shawano.
The School Board agreed to sell the property for $110,000.
It took more than a year after that before Commonwealth was assured of the tax credits and financing to go forward.
Lange said the school district and the city were willing to gamble with Commonwealth and funding going through and allow the property to be tied up in limbo in the interim.
Shawano Mayor Lorna Marquardt said it was a gamble that paid off.
“On behalf of the city of Shawano and its residents, we would like to say a resounding thank you to Commonwealth,” she said. “Thank you for taking this lovely historic building and turning it into a new home for the holidays and many years beyond. Within these walls, there are many lasting memories.”
The ceremony was held in the community room of the apartment building, which used to be the school gymnasium and still retains the basketball hoops and floor markings.
“This is really a wonderful project,” said Deby Dehn, business development officer with Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
“I love walking through and seeing the apartments with the high ceilings and all the light flowing in. It’s really, really nice,” she said.
The project will receive $2.86 million over the next 10 years through a WHEDA program designed to increase affordable housing statewide.
The restoration of the former school, named to state and federal historic registers, began in the spring and was completed in September.
It includes 16 apartments in the building, plus an additional eight cottage units constructed on the property. The two-bedroom units are approximately 1,000 to 1,300 square feet, and the three-bedroom units are between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet.
The total cost of the project for both the cottage homes and restoration of Lincoln School was $5.2 million.
As of Friday, all but one of the property’s 24 units had been rented, according to Lange.
The 31,826-square-foot Lincoln School was built in 1924. It was retired in 2010 after Hillcrest Primary School was completed and students were moved there and to the remodeled Olga Brener Intermediate School.
Commonwealth Development, which specializes in housing projects, has done similar renovation projects — including an elementary school in Rhinelander now called the Historic West Elementary Apartments and a maternity ward in Milwaukee that was turned into a 51-unit apartment complex.
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Shawano Police Department
Dec. 4
Police logged 37 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1000 block of South Lutz Street.
Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint in the 1400 block of Waukechon Street.
Theft — Police investigated two separate complaints of theft at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Juvenile — Police logged 18 truancy complaints from Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1500 block of Estates Lane.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Dec. 4
Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:
Haz-Mat — Bonduel police and fire responded to a spill of about 30 gallons of diesel fuel at Kwik Trip, 102 Express Way in Bonduel, after a gas pump handle fell out of a truck tank.
Assault — Authorities responded to an assault complaint on North Shore Lane in Wescott.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Oriole Road in Wittenberg.
Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint involving a juvenile on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.
Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Stony Hill Road in Pella.
Assault — Authorities responded to an assault complaint on County Road S in Lessor.
Accidents — Authorities logged seven accidents, including four deer-related crashes.
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Tim Ryan [email protected]
Though total accumulations have been only slightly more than three inches since the snow began falling late last month, according to the National Weather Service, the intermittent snowfalls have given the city an early opportunity to take its new snow removal policy out for a test drive.
The policy, which sets plowing priorities and varying levels of response for the Public Works Department, was adopted by the Shawano Common Council last month and is aimed at making sure the city is using its resources efficiently.
The policy lays out three levels of response, depending on the amount of snow that falls, with the city’s 60 miles of streets prioritized “based on function, traffic volume, and importance to the overall welfare of the community.”
The first level, Code Yellow, addresses snowfalls of less than one inch and generally doesn’t include any plowing at all, under the policy.
Mostly, Code Yellow calls for the use of sand and salt, but some intermittent plowing might be done near heavy traffic intersections if necessary.
The second level, Code Blue, goes into effect for snowfalls between one and two inches and calls for snow removal operations to commence for high volume, arterial routes that connect major sections of the city and provide access for fire, police, medical services, schools and commercial business.
Sand and salt, as well as some additional plowing, will also be done to address problem areas.
Medium volume and low-volume residential streets, as well as municipal parking facilities, are generally not covered under Code Blue.
The highest level, Code Red, goes into effect for any snowfall of more than two inches, or when drifting snow and icy conditions require it.
Code Red calls for Public Works staff to break into 11 plowing routes to cover high, medium and low-volume streets. Salt and sand can also be used at the plow driver’s discretion, depending on road conditions.
According to the policy, some of the responses can be changed to deal with particular weather conditions, but the new focus under the policy will be to maintain safe driving conditions rather than providing bare pavement.
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Shawano Police Department
Dec. 3
Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:
Theft — Christmas decorations were reported stolen in the 100 block of East Maurer Street.
Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint at County Road B and Airport Drive.
Accident — Police responded to a vehicle versus deer crash at Airport Drive and state Highway 29.
Hit and Run — Police responded to a property damage hit-and-run at Maiden Lane and Maurer Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Dec. 3
Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on North Shore Lane in Wescott.
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St. in Bonduel.
Sex Offense — A reported sex offense in Mattoon was under investigation.
Fraud — Authorities investigated an Internet fraud complaint on Church Street in Bonduel.
Accidents — Authorities logged seven accidents, including four deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Dec. 3
Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:
Burglary — A burglary was reported on 11th Street.
Suspicious — Police responded to a report of a suspicious incident on East Second Street.
Suspicious — Police responded to a report of a suspicious incident on West Third Street.
Accident — Officers and an ambulance responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian accident on Main at 12th Street.
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The Clintonville Police Department has announced the addition of its new K-9 police dog Chero (pronounced Kar-O) to the force.
Chero is a purebred German shepherd from the Czech Republic and was purchased through the Fox-Tal Training Academy in Black Creek.
Chero started training on Nov. 10 with his handler, Officer Chris Wendorf, and is being trained as a dual-purpose police dog that will be skilled in narcotics detection, as well as search and protection tactics. Chero will begin his patrol duties after completion of his first five-week phase of training on December 12th.
After Chero has gained experience on the street, he and Wendorf will begin the second five weeks of the training in early spring. Chero will reside with Wendorf and his wife, Cheryl, in the city.
The police department’s K-9 program operates on donations and fund raising efforts. Donations cans are placed at businesses throughout the community. Financial contributions can be dropped off or mailed to the Clintonville Police Department at 35 S. Clinton Ave., Clintonville, WI 54929.
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Tim Ryan [email protected]
Shawano County’s Public Safety Committee Wednesday put an end to the Sheriff’s Department’s plans to seek a mine resistant armored personnel carrier, known in shorthand as MRAP.
The vehicle had been a contentious issue in the race for sheriff, with incumbent Randy Wright promoting it as a safety tool for the department’s Special Response Team.
Sheriff-elect Adam Bieber, who defeated Wright in the August primary and the November election when Wright ran as a write-in, opposed the vehicle, calling it “excessive and impractical.”
The committee voted 4-0 to halt any further efforts to secure the vehicle.
“I would make a motion that it doesn’t happen in Shawano County because all the other counties are getting rid of them,” said Supervisor Bert Huntington, committee chairman.
Supervisor Richard Ferfecki said the public attitude has lately turned against military vehicles in the hands of law enforcement.
“It seems like the police departments that do have them, they’re getting a lot of heat from the citizens about getting too militarized,” he said.
Wright did not attend Wednesday’s meeting.
Bieber, who will take office on Jan. 5, attended the meeting, but did not comment about the MRAP.
The Sheriff’s Department would have gotten the vehicle by paying an annual $500 membership fee to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM), which would have allowed the department to obtain available military equipment.
The department had already been approved for the vehicle by WEM but also needed federal approval, which had not yet come through.
“It’s not on the way. We’ve never been approved to this point, anyhow,” said Chief Deputy John Gutho.
As proposed, the department would have paid transportation costs to deliver the vehicle from Texas, and would have paid for outfitting the vehicle with radios and other equipment. The cost would have been funded by asset forfeitures.
The department also would have paid an estimated $300 a year for maintenance, which would have been done by the county Highway Department.
The Sheriff’s Department currently borrows similar armored vehicles when needed from Brown and Marathon counties.
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The Associated Press
Gov. Scott Walker and the Forest County Potawatomi have signed a compact amendment that would formally require the state to ensure the tribe receives payments for any losses its Milwaukee casino might suffer if the Menominee Nation opens a competing facility in Kenosha.
A trio of arbitrators handed the amendment to the state and Potawatomi last month, according to the Wisconsin Department of Administration and the tribe. The governor stressed in a Nov. 25 letter alerting the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs about the agreement that the deal doesn’t indicate whether he supports or opposes the Kenosha project.
The bureau has 45 days to accept the amendment, reject it or take no action, which would in effect amount to approval.
Walker has said the Kenosha casino could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars over multiple years. R. Lance Boldrey, an attorney Walker’s administration hired to handle the dispute, said in a letter to Assistant Secretary of Interior for Indian Affairs Kevin Washburn that the deal may violate Wisconsin’s constitution. He said the governor doesn’t have the power to create annual spending obligations.
The Menominee has been pushing to open an off-reservation casino for more than 20 years, saying it would help pull the tribe out of poverty. Last year, the Bureau of Indian Affairs granted the tribe permission to build a casino in Kenosha, but Walker has the final say as governor.
Walker, who has until Feb. 19 to make a decision, has said he won’t approve the project unless the state’s 11 other tribes sign off. The Potawatomi has been fiercely opposed to the idea.
That tribe’s 2005 gambling compact with the state requires Wisconsin to reimburse it for losses linked to Kenosha. The tribe has refused to make its $25 million annual payment to the state out of concerns Wisconsin will end up owing the tribe if Walker approves the Kenosha casino. The Potawatomi has argued the compact also requires the state to refund as much as $100 million to the tribe if the governor gives the Kenosha project the green light.
The deal requires both sides to enter arbitration to determine both the state and tribe’s rights and obligations. The compact amendment the arbitrators approved on Nov. 21 requires the state to fully reimburse the Potawatomi for its losses and lays out a mechanism for the two sides to calculate annual losses.
The Menominee has offered to make the reimbursements to the Potawatomi, but the amendment says the state would still be responsible for making sure the Potawatomi get paid.
The Ho-Chunk Nation also opposes the Kenosha casino. Under that tribe’s current gambling compact, its payments to the state would decrease by how much it loses due to the new facility.
Potawatomi Attorney General Jeff Crawford issued a statement Tuesday evening saying the tribe continues to oppose the Kenosha project and “believes Gov. Walker will ultimately find that this project is not in the best interest of Wisconsin.”
The Menominee issued a statement saying the tribe was pleased with the arbitration and that completing the process removes a major hurdle the governor faced before giving final approval.
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Grace Kirchner Leader Correspondent
A public involvement meeting for the reconstruction of state Highway 22 between 13th Street and state Highway 156/Green Tree Road in Clintonville will take place from 5-7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Clintonville Community Center, 30 S. Main St. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. followed by an open house format by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
According to the DOT, the pavement on North Main Street, part of Highway 22, has reached the end of its service life. The proposed project will reconstruct the roadway. There will be modifications to the intersection of Main Street and Green Tree Road. Additonal improvements include replacing curb and gutter, sidewalks, storm sewer and street lighting.
During construction, the city of Clintonville plans to replace the city water main and sanitary sewer systems.
The objective of the meeting is to provide residents with updated information regarding proposed improvements, right of way needs, and acquisitions. The DOT is also seeking input and feedback on proposed traffic management strategies during construction.
Construction of this section of Main Street is currently scheduled for 2017, but may occur as early as 2016. The planned improvements require that the highway be closed during construction. During the closure, traffic will be detoured via Seventh Street, North Lyons Street, East 12th Street, SSGT Warren Hansen Drive and Highway 156.
Anyone with questions, comments or suggestions can attend the meeting.
For those who cannot attend but would like to comment on the project, contact Roxann Cuty at 715-421-8081 or by email at Roxann.Cutydot.wi.gov.
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Shawano Police Department
Dec. 2
Police logged 29 incidents, including the following:
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage complaint at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 500 block of South Main Street. No injuries reported.
Assist — Police assisted Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St., with an incident involving two juveniles.
Custody — Police assisted administrators at Olga Brener Intermediate School, 1300 S. Union St., with a parental custody complaint.
Forgery — Police investigated a forgery and theft complaint in the 100 block of South Sawyer Street.
Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile problem between a mother and child in the 100 block of South Sawyer Street.
Shoplifting — Police investigated a shoplifting complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Harassment — Police investigated a harassment complaint in the 1100 block of South Bartlett Street.
Intoxicated — Police responded to a report of two intoxicated males walking along the 400 block of East Division Street.
Assist — Police assisted Menominee Tribal Police in locating a stolen cellular phone in the 400 block of West Picnic Street.
Welfare — Police completed a welfare check of a 24-year-old female and her two children in the 100 block of Richmond Court. Complaint was unfounded.
Truancy — Two truancies were reported at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Snow — Police logged five complaints related to snow removal.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Dec. 2
Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.
Animal — Authorities responded to a stray horse complaint on Friendship Road and state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious circumstance complaint on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.
Suspicious — Authorities logged a suspicious person complaint in the 300 block of East Westgor Avenue in the village of Wittenberg.
Accident — Authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.
Accidents — Authorities logged 11 incidents of vehicles in ditches, and two deer-related accidents.
Clintonville Police Department
Dec. 2
Police logged seven incidents, including the following:
Theft — A doll was reported stolen on Seventh Street.
Damage — Police logged a report of a damaged vehicle on South Main Street.
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Care Wisconsin will be offering Family Care in seven northeast Wisconsin counties in 2015. The counties include: Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, Menominee, and Shawano.
The award was made by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This is the first time Family Care has been offered in these seven counties. The Joint Finance Committee approved their inclusion on Nov. 12.
Family Care is a government-funded program that helps frail seniors and adults with disabilities manage their home and community-based long-term care services. Members are part of a care team that includes the member, a care manager and registered nurse. Together they create a plan that meets the member’s long-term care needs based on their goals, needs and abilities.
Care Wisconsin contracts with local agencies and providers to serve Family Care members and offer them flexibility and access to high-quality services for their long-term care needs. In addition to securing partnerships with local providers, Care Wisconsin is focusing on developing relationships and working collaboratively with other key stakeholders in the region. Officials will meet with the counties, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, providers and other local organizations and individuals in the coming months.
“We have seen countless members benefit in so many ways from the Family Care program — from more independence to improved quality of life,” said Karen Musser, CEO for Care Wisconsin. “We are extremely excited to see this program move into these seven counties.”
Care Wisconsin has has extensive experience delivering community-based long term care services and currently serves more than 4,100 Family Care members in 19 counties.
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Strangulation, intimidation
A Shawano man is facing felony charges of strangulation and intimidation of a victim as a result of an alleged domestic abuse incident in the city.
Gregory R. Bohm, 39, is accused of choking a woman during an altercation on Nov. 23 and trying to prevent her from reporting the incident.
Bohm could face up to six years and a $10,000 fine for strangulation and suffocation, and up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine for intimidating a domestic abuse victim. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct.
Bohm is being held on a $20,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday.
Felony graffiti
An Antigo teen has been charged with two felony counts for damage caused during an alleged vandalism incident in July.
Katalin M. Spurgeon, 19, is accused of spray-painting a truck, motorcycle and side of a house in the village of Matoon on July 27 and causing more than $15,000 in damage.
She could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine on each of two counts of felony graffiti if found guilty.
According to the criminal complaint, Spurgeon spray-painted obscene messages onto the vehicle and house of a former boyfriend.
Spurgeon is due in court for an initial appearance on Dec. 22.
Possession of marijuana
A Tripoli man is facing a felony charge of second or subsequent offense possession of marijuana after allegedly being caught with a bag of marijuana during a disorderly conduct incident last month.
Gordon R. Parks, 44, could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty. He is also charged with two counts of felony bail jumping, each of which carries a possible maximum of six years in prison and $10,000 fine.
Shawano County sheriff’s deputies were called out to the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, Wittenberg, on Nov. 12 for a report of a disorderly patron at the bar.
The patron, identified as Parks, was allegedly seen on security video attempting to hide a plastic bag containing 2 grams of marijuana, which was later recovered, according to the criminal complaint.
Parks is due in court for an initial appearance on Dec. 15.
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Lee Pulaski [email protected]
The Shawano School Board unanimously voted Monday to permit off-duty officers with the Shawano Police Department and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department to carry firearms on campus.
The school district currently allows on-duty officers, like school resource officer Jody Johnson, to carry weapons in any of the district’s four buildings, but if an off-duty officer did the same, he or she would be violating federal law.
However, the law allows school districts to approve memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement agencies that permit officers to carry weapons, regardless of whether they’re on or off the clock. Shawano’s memorandum notes that officers are well-trained on how to handle firearms and when it is appropriate to use them.
The idea of allowing this in the Shawano school system came from Police Chief Mark Kohl, who had informed the district’s Executive Committee in November that a number of Wisconsin school districts had agreements with their law enforcement agencies. The local policy is modeled after a memorandum approved by the West De Pere School District.
Board member Michael Sleeper said he initially had been unsure why such a policy was necessary, but after further research and conversation with local police officers, he supported it.
“I had no realization or appreciation how critical it is for our people to have their weapon with them,” Sleeper said. “It becomes almost a part of their anatomy.”
The agreement officially takes effect after being signed by Superintendent Gary Cumberland, Kohl, Sheriff Randy Wright and School Board President Tyler Schmidt.
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