Shawano Leader News

Strangulation

A Shawano man has been charged with a felony count of strangulation and suffocation in connection with an alleged domestic abuse incident in Gresham on Sunday.

Devon L. Church, 20, is accused of choking a woman during the altercation. He also faces a misdemeanor count of domestic abuse-related battery.

Church could face six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty.

Church is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Nov. 17.

Retail theft

A Shawano teen is facing a felony charge of retail theft for shoplifting numerous items from Walmart earlier this month.

Brandon M. Boogren, 18, could face 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted.

Police responding to a shoplifting call on Oct. 7 at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., found Boogren in the store with a concealed BB gun he had taken. He also had other items that he had already smuggled to his car, including a scope, air pistol and BBs, according to the complaint.

The complaint alleges Boogren also damaged a camera while trying to cut it out of its case.

Boogren posted a $200 bond and was due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance Monday.

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1-to-1 computer initiative implemented

Gresham School District property owners will pay slightly less in school taxes this year.

School district voters approved a tax levy of $1,063,705 for operations and $203,700 for debt retirement at the district’s annual meeting Oct. 20.

The tax rate of $10.44 per $1,000 of equalized value is 1 cent less than last year. The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $1,044 in school taxes this year, compared to $1,045 last year.

Holly Burr, director of finance and operations for the Gresham School District, said the district’s revenue and expenses are expected to increase about $150,000 this year.

At the meeting, District Administrator Keary Mattson reported on the one-to-one technology initiative piloted in the 2013-14 school year with full implementation in the current school year.

“The initiative puts a laptop or tablet in the hands of every student,” Mattson said.

Students in kindergarten through third grade have a Nexus tablet available in their rooms. Students in grades four and five were issued Chromebooks for use in the classroom, and students in grades six through 12 were each assigned a Chromebook for use in school and at home.

“It’s been an outstanding addition to the school … especially for communication between staff and students,” Mattson said. “It is remarkable for us to be able to do this initiative without going to referendum.”

Mattson also noted an award ceremony will be held Thursday to celebrate the high school receiving the Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition Award for five consecutive years. A banner and plaque will be presented to the school.

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Bieber says he won’t be intimidatedBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

A Shawano County sheriff’s detective is threatening to sue Adam Bieber, who is running for sheriff in the Nov. 4 election, over Facebook messages that followed an incident at a Republican Party picnic.

Bieber, a Shawano police officer, presented his platform at the July 22 picnic and was questioned afterward by three sheriff’s detectives in a way that some witnesses said was harassment.

The incident is being investigated by a private attorney hired by the county’s Administrative Committee. The names of the three detectives have not been released publicly.

Bieber on Tuesday confirmed he was served with a letter this weekend from one of the detectives demanding that Bieber publicly retract Facebook messages in which he gave his account of what happened at the picnic.

The comments were not publicly posted but were made in private Facebook messages that apparently came to the attention of the detective.

The letter accuses Bieber of defamation of character and claims Bieber distorted the picnic incident. It demands Bieber retract his comments on Facebook and publish a retraction in Shawano, Green Bay and Wausau newspapers.

The letter gave Bieber seven days to issue his retractions before a lawsuit is filed.

“I am both surprised and disappointed that I am being threatened with legal action by another law enforcement officer,” Bieber said in an email Tuesday. “I personally feel it is politically motivated and meant to intimidate or keep my story from being told.”

Bieber said if a lawsuit is filed, he will deal with it through the court system.

“I will not allow this to intimidate me, but it does disappoint me,” he said. “It is well known that the actions of some individuals who attended the Republican Party picnic are currently under investigation. and I will respect that process.

“It would not be appropriate for me to comment any further at this time other than to say I did not file a complaint and I did not request an investigation.”

Bieber defeated incumbent Randy Wright in the Aug. 12 Republican primary and is facing Independent challenger Lucas Christenson on the Nov. 4 ballot. Wright is running as a write-in.

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Shawano Co. numbers rise, Menominee’s dip slightlyBy: 

Leader Staff

A new study examining poverty rates in Wisconsin found poverty worsening in Shawano County since 2000, while poverty in Menominee County improved only slightly.

Menominee County’s poverty rate is still high, according to the study, about double the statewide average and well above the national average.

The estimated poverty rate during the five-year span of 2008-2012 was 23.2 percent, compared to 2000, when Menominee County’s poverty rate was 28.8 percent.

The statewide rate for the span of 2008-2012 was 12.5 percent and the national average was 14.9 percent.

In Shawano County, the estimated poverty rate during the five-year span of 2008-2012 was 11.4 percent, an increase from 2000 when the county poverty rate was 7.9 percent.

The study was prepared by researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Extension and University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Poverty in Wisconsin rose substantially in the 2000s and early 2010s, according to the study. In 2012, 13.2 percent of the state’s population — roughly 737,356 people — lived in poverty, as compared to 8.7 percent in 2000.

The official statewide poverty rate has remained well above 12 percent since 2009.

“Two recessions and persistently high unemployment have increased economic hardship in Wisconsin,” the study states. “As a result, a larger proportion of households in the state now live in poverty and struggle to secure adequate and nutritious food.”

In 2012, the poverty threshold was $23,050 for a family of four and $11,170 for one person. Households are considered poor if their pre-tax income is below this amount.

Unemployment also rose significantly between 2008 and 2009, and is still substantially above pre-recession rates, according to the study.

In Shawano County, the 2013 unemployment rate was 7.4 percent, higher than the state’s average of 6.7 percent.

In Menominee County, the 2013 unemployment rate was 14.1 percent.

The study also looked at the share of the population participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in Wisconsin as FoodShare, and at the number of school-age children certified for free or reduced-price meals.

In Shawano County, the proportion of the population receiving FoodShare increased from 7.8 percent in 2000 to 28.6 percent in 2013. The county rate of FoodShare participation in 2013 was higher than the statewide rate of 19.1 percent.

Likewise, there has been substantial growth in the share of children who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at school.

In Shawano County, that share went from 28 percent in 2000 to 53 percent in 2012.

Statewide, the rate increased from 30.8 percent to 40 percent over that time period.

Children are eligible for free meals if their household income is below 130 percent of the federal poverty line, and children are eligible for reduced-price meals if their household income is below 185 percent of the federal poverty line.

In Menominee County, the proportion of the population receiving FoodShare decreased from 20.4 percent in 2000 to 15.9 percent in 2013. During the same period, the share of school-age children certified for free or reduced-price meals in Menominee County grew from 83 percent to 86 percent, according to the study.

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Shawano Police Department

Oct. 27

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

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

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1700 block of Estates Lane.

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

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 27

Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — Survey stakes were reported vandalized on College Avenue in Wittenberg.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Sugar Bush Road in Aniwa.

Theft — A chainsaw was reported stolen on Hillcrest Drive in the town of Washington.

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

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on state Highway 22 in Green Valley.

Accidents — Authorities logged five deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Oct. 27

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — A hit-and-run property damage accident was reported on Torrey Street and was under investigation.

Disturbance — Officers responded to a family disturbance on South Main Street and a female party agreed to leave the residence for the evening.

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Shawano Police Department

Oct. 26

Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Police investigated a report of an attempted burglary at the Wisconsin House, 126 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Hill and Washington streets. A verbal warning was given to three females to keep their voices down.

Vandalism — A tree was reported vandalized in the 1200 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Oct. 25

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — A juvenile was cited for underage drinking in the 100 block of South Bartlett Street.

Hit and Run — A 36-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident in the parking lot at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St. No ambulance was required.

Vandalism — Playground equipment was reported vandalized in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Oct. 24

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — Graffiti was reported on a fence in the 700 block of South Hamlin Street.

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

Arrest — A 27-year-old man was taken into custody for a violation at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Shoplifting — Two female subjects were cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.

Juvenile — A juvenile was cited for underage drinking at the Lakeshore Lanes, 210 N. Airport Drive.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 26

Deputies logged 41 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 53-year-old Bonduel man was arrested for operating while intoxicated in state Highway 117 in the town of Hartland.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

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

Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire on Old 22 Road in the town of Washington.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Bierman Road in Aniwa.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged seven deer-related crashes.

Oct. 25

Deputies logged 59 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Grand Avenue in Wittenberg.

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

Fraud — Authorities investigated a credit card fraud complaint on state Highway 156 in the town of Lessor.

OAR — A charge of operating after revocation was referred against a 56-year-old Marion man on North Branch Road in Pella.

Vandalism — Septic tank pipes were reported vandalized on Town Line Road in Wittenberg.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the parking lot at Ho-Chunk North, N7214 U.S. Highway 45, Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes.

Oct. 24

Deputies logged 50 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on Benbrooks Lane in Tigerton.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 29 in the town of Herman.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Stark Road in Wescott.

OAR — A 24-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor.

Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident on County Road G in Red Springs and two deer-related crashes.

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Governor says voter turnout important for GOP successBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, right, introduces Gov. Scott Walker at a campaign stop at Cecil’s Dairy Cove on Saturday.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker said Saturday former President Bill Clinton’s visit to Milwaukee last week and President Barack Obama’s visit this week show Democrat Mary Burke’s priorities.

“They are sending a pretty clear message to the voters of this state. My opponent stands for special interests in Washington,” Walker said during a campaign stop in Cecil. “She is a candidate of the Washington special interests and the big government special interests.

“I am the candidate for the Wisconsin taxpayers, and as long as I am governor, I am going to continue to stand up against those special interests from Washington and protect the Wisconsin taxpayers.”

Walker told a crowd of about 50 people in Cecil at The Dairy Cove the presidential visits were a last-ditch effort by Burke, his opponent in the Nov. 4 election.

Walker accused the Burke campaign of targeting urban areas for their votes while ignoring rural counties in Wisconsin.

“I think it is pretty clear there is a reason why they are sending surrogates into Madison and Milwaukee, because they don’t think they will pick up any more votes across the state,” Walker said. “The only way they can win is if they run the score up.”

Supporters cheered when Walker touted recent job growth in Wisconsin and a reduction in unemployment rates.

He said Wisconsin was fourth among all 50 states in job growth from September 2013 through last month, including an additional 8,400 private sector jobs created in September.

“That’s the best September for private sector job growth in more than a decade, and we are at a 5 1/2 percent unemployment (rate),” he said. “That is the lowest unemployment rate we have seen since October of 2008.”

Walker and 8th Congressional District Republican representative Reid Ribble, who is facing a challenge from Democrat Ron Gruett in November, urged area residents to vote in the election.

“If we don’t get out and vote, those folks in Milwaukee and Madison are going to win this race,” Walker said.

The stop in Cecil was part of Walker’s 10-day “Continuing Wisconsin’s Comeback” bus tour leading up to the election. The tour started Saturday at the Republican Party of Milwaukee County headquarters in West Allis.

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By: 

Leader Staff

A Beaver Dam attorney who came within a vote of becoming Shawano-Menominee County’s district attorney in 2006 was arrested for drunken driving Monday after allegedly arriving intoxicated at a court hearing for one of her defendants.

Mary A. Harper, 50, was out on bond at the time for an alleged drunken driving incident Oct. 7 in which she was operating while intoxicated with a child in her vehicle, according to court records.

She was released on a $1,000 signature bond after that incident and was due in court for a preliminary hearing Nov. 25.

She appeared for a court hearing on the new charges of third offense OWI and felony bail jumping Wednesday and was released on a $5,000 signature bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on the new charges on the same day, Nov. 25.

Harper ran twice for district attorney in Shawano-Menominee counties — in 2006 and in 2008. In 2006, she lost to Greg Parker after a recount by just one vote, 1,890-1,889. In 2008, Parker won 2,468-1,676 to clinch the Republican primary race.

Harper is also a former Shawano-Menominee County assistant district attorney.

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Shawano Police Department

Oct. 23

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Maurer Street.

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

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the parking lot at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 23

Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A tool box was reported stolen on Regina Road in Aniwa.

Theft — Authorities investigated a report of stolen medication in Gresham. The specific location of the theft was unknown.

OWL — A 23-year-old Mattoon woman was cited for operating without a license on U.S. Highway 45 in Aniwa.

Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 48-year-old Bonduel man after a disturbance on Broadway Road in Hartland.

OWL — An 18-year-old male was cited for operating without a license on Front Street in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged six deer-related crashes.

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More than 90 police calls there this yearBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

The city of Shawano is seeking an injunction against the Wisconsin House hotel on East Green Bay Street in a bid to force an end to what officials say are public nuisances created by the establishment.

The city filed an affidavit this week in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court asking that property owners Keith and Jenifer Block, of Wrightstown, be ordered to “abate the public nuisance.”

A hearing on the city’s motion was scheduled for Nov. 6.

The Blocks could not be reached for comment Friday.

“We want them to eliminate the public nuisance activity,” City Attorney Tim Schmid said.

In the affidavit filed Monday, Police Chief Mark Kohl said a review of department records showed there have been more than 90 law enforcement calls to the establishment, located at 216 E. Green Bay St., since the beginning of the year.

Calls have included medical emergencies, disturbances, theft, warrant enforcement, disorderly conduct and drug activity.

Kohl stated in the affidavit that police have also arrested individuals for criminal violations and trespassing, performed welfare checks and responded to noise complaints at the hotel.

Kohl also stated the number of calls and individuals involved has been “disruptive to the community.”

He also noted that the volume of calls at one location has caused problems for the rest of the city, tying up officers there who could be responding to other incidents.

Schmid said it would be up to the court to determine a time frame for the Wisconsin House to comply with orders to put an end to the nuisance complaints.

He said the city has a number of options if the Wisconsin House does not comply, which include citations and forfeitures.

“The ultimate penalty would be to close them down if they can’t stop the public nuisance,” he said.

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Poll workers cannot volunteer informationBy: 

Tim Ryan, [email protected]

Registered write-in candidates for governor and Shawano County sheriff in the Nov. 4 election are adding an extra level of preparation for municipal clerks and election inspectors.

With those candidates officially running but not on the ballot, poll workers have been instructed not to make it appear as if they are either encouraging or discouraging a write-in.

Shawano County Clerk Rosemary Rueckert said poll workers cannot volunteer the fact that there’s a write-in candidate unless directly asked.

“They cannot come forward with the information, but if they are asked that question they can answer it,” she said.

Rueckert said it’s up to voters to know the candidates.

Republican candidate Adam Bieber, a Shawano police officer, and Independent candidate Lucas Christenson will be on the ballot for the county sheriff election. Incumbent Randy Wright is running as a write-in.

Bieber defeated Wright in the Aug. 12 Republican primary race, 2,688-2,459.

Three write-in candidates for governor have previously registered — Republican Steve R. Evans, Constitution Party candidate Jumoka Johnson and Mary Jo Walters, who did not declare a party.

Brett Hulsey, who lost the Democratic primary to Mary Burke, also announced his write-in candidacy this week.

Only registered write-in candidates are counted, the result of a recent change in law that saved clerks the trouble of tallying votes for write-ins such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.

Absentee and in-person voting for the Nov. 4 election started Monday.

Because of the write-ins, voters being given their ballots are not getting the usual verbal instructions telling them to vote for one of the candidates listed in each race and complete the arrow after the name.

Instead, Shawano City Clerk Karla Duchac said, they are being directed to the written instructions on the ballot, which include an explanation of how to vote for a write-in.

Election inspectors can assist if a voter runs into problems filling out a ballot or using a touch-screen, Rueckert said, or if a voter has impaired vision or a problem reading or understanding.

“They can say where to mark it and how to mark it, but not how to answer it, of course,” Rueckert said.

If further assistance is required, the inspector has to sign off on the ballot, certifying their assistance in casting the ballot.

There are a variety of ballots used in municipalities throughout the county.

Some municipalities have paper ballots that use a “mark-the-box” format, which has space for a write-in underneath.

In the city of Shawano, voters can cast paper ballots that are optically scanned or use a touch screen.

“The paper ballot is obviously pretty easy,” Rueckert said. “The computer might be a little more intimidating.”

The touch screen will bring up a keyboard for voters who press the write-in option. They then can type the name of their candidate.

Voters will also be given a chance to verify their choices before the ballot is officially cast.

Touch screen voting makes it a bit easier for election inspectors counting the votes at the end of the night. The machines produce a paper tally that will show the results for all candidates, including write-ins.

The paper ballots have to be counted manually.

In cases where mistakes are made by voters, election inspectors will be looking for voter intent.

“If they write in a person’s name and don’t connect the arrow, that ballot will still be counted,” Rueckert said.

The same holds true for a voter who marks their ballot for a candidate whose name is listed but also writes in a registered write-in.

“You count only the write-in,” Rueckert said.

There has never been a countywide write-in race that has succeeded in Shawano County, but, Rueckert said one thing is almost guaranteed when it comes to tallying the results.

“It could make for a long night,” she said.

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The public is invited to a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Thursday for the new Cellcom and Glas Coffeehouse in Shawano.

“Cellcom has been privileged to serve the Shawano area for over 20 years and we are excited to further invest in the community,” said Pat Riordan, president and CEO of Cellcom. “Our new, expanded store will allow us to provide even better support and service to our wireless customers and our TV, Internet and landline-based phone customers.”

Cellcom has also opened its third coffeehouse, which is located in the same building as its new Shawano store at 511 N. Main St. Glas, the green coffeehouse, serves high-quality coffee and espresso drinks, loose-leaf tea and all-natural smoothies, as well as sandwiches and bakery items.

“Glas is the Gaelic word for green and reflects our Irish heritage and commitment to being environmentally friendly,” Riordan said. “Our first Glas location in Sturgeon Bay opened in 2009, and our Sheboygan location opened in June of last year. We are eager to bring this unique concept to Shawano and give the community a new gathering place.”

There will be live Irish music and refreshments from 5-7 p.m after the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Glas is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Glas can be reached by phone at 715-851-4527.

Cellcom’s hours and phone number will remain the same at the new location: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The phone number is 715-526-2826.

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Investigation into accident continuesBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Services will be held this weekend for three teens who died this week after a crash on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

The accident about 5:20 p.m. Tuesday near Friendship Road claimed the lives of Shawano Community High School seniors Cody Borsche, 17, and Tyler Welch, 18, and Bonduel High School sophomore, Paige Brunette, 15.

Another Shawano student, 17-year-old Ryan Swadner, of Clintonville, is hospitalized in the Fox Valley in critical condition.

Services for Welch are being held Saturday at Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service of Shawano, 336 S. Sawyer St. Pastor Ron Raddatz will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home from 3-7 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service Saturday.

“He was an outgoing, friendly boy who got along well with others,” according to the obituary.

The notice also states that Welch passed away with his best friend, Borsche.

Visitation for Borsche will be from 3-8 p.m. Friday at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Location, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 9-10:30 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 3009 N. Meade St., Appleton. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. at the church with the Rev. Dee Sim officiating.

“Cody was a ‘nice guy’ with a beautiful soul,” his obituary states. “He had a very kind, warm heart and was always there for anyone who needed anything.”

Services for Brunette are being handled by the Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., Green Bay. Friends may call from 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Wied officiating. Burial will be in the Suamico Cemetery.

“Paige was a sophomore at Bonduel High School where she was affectionately known as “Pooge” or “Pooh Bear,” according to her obituary. “Paige loved horses, camouflage clothes, mud running and her music. She was a true country girl. She especially enjoyed being with her many, many friends.”

According to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, the teens were in a Ford Mustang driven by Swadner. The investigation so far indicates the vehicle swerved to avoid a vehicle stopped to make a left turn into a driveway, crossed into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle and was hit broadside.

The driver of the SUV sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The Sheriff’s Department said the crash remains under investigation.

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Most employees getting raises in JanuaryBy: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

The Shawano County Board on Wednesday approved the recommendations of a wage study that will jack up most county employees’ pay anywhere from a few cents to more than $4 per hour.

The updated wage and classification structure will take effect Jan. 1.

“I think this is sustainable,” County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann said. “You treat your employees like they make a difference, they will.”

The estimated cost of implementing the wage study will be $202,723, which was included in the 2015 budget approved by the board this week.

Supervisors rejected an amendment that would have allowed the county to implement the recommendations over two years for employees receiving raises of $2 or more per hour. Fourteen employees were in the category where their salaries were well below market value.

Supervisor Bonnie Olson, one of four supervisors who voted against implementing the study, said she felt it would be easier financially for the county to have more time to increase the salaries.

“I think that those who might get a $4 an hour raise, it’s a big step in one year,” Olson said.

Supervisor Kathy Luebke was among those who disagreed with Olson.

“All these employees have been shortchanged for years. Why make them wait another year?” Luebke said.

One change was made to the document originally endorsed by the Finance Committee on Oct. 13. Employee appeals of wage and job classifications will be heard by a committee made up of the chairmen of the county’s key committees.

The study conducted by Carlson Dettmann Consulting LLC recommended that employee appeals be heard by the Administrative Committee.

The board hired Carlson Dettmann in December 2013 to conduct the study. Consultant Barb Petkovsek presented the study recommendations to the board in September.

Shawano County was paying at 95.7 percent of the market average in wages, according to Petkovsek.

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Program in Bonduel draws about 60 peopleBy: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Duke Pesta discusses Common Core education standards with about 60 people Thursday in the Bonduel High School commons.

Common Core education standards place undue pressure on teachers and students, according to Duke Pesta, an assistant professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

Pesta, who has made more than 100 presentations nationwide on the Common Core standards, spoke to about 60 people at the Bonduel High School commons Thursday.

He was invited by three area residents: Nate Burton, Joanne Fink and Bonduel School Board member Kara Skarlupka.

“We were talking about the Common Core, all three of us, and decided to find an expert member in Common Core,” said Burton, noting the presentation did not reflect an endorsement by the school board or district officials.

“Everybody needs to be aware of what is going on with our education,” Skarlupka said. “I think everything should be done at the school board level. Not at the federal level.”

Common Core is a set of national standards that attempt to define the knowledge and skills that students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade need to master each year in math and English to be prepared for the next grade and, ultimately, college or work.

Wisconsin is one of the 44 states that have adopted the standards.

Critics, such as Pesta, argue the new standards create additional costs for school districts, leave parents and local school boards out of the process, are being dictated by test companies and federal agendas, and place too great an emphasis on tests.

“The teachers are judged on tests they never get to see,” said Pesta, who noted the standards also stifle creativity in the classroom. “The only way we will be able to evaluate teachers is based on whether they adhere to (Common Core) standards.

“And (Common Core) is not going to help students, it is going to lead to their deathbed. … We don’t need high stakes tests for kids; it hurts them.”

Pesta said states that opt out of Common Core are punished by the federal government. He said Indiana could lose up to $228 million in federal funds after its state board of education voted to replace the standards with new math and English benchmarks.

He also said some school districts will have difficulty paying for the technology upgrades necessitated by computer-based tests and initiatives to replace textbooks with laptops.

Pesta also is academic director of FreedomProject Education, which is an online school that offers a “Common Core-free education built on Judeo-Christian values.”

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Evers calls partnership ‘amazing accomplishment’By: 

Jason Arndt, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt State Superintendent Tony Evers works out a computer problem with Bonduel High School junior Eric Ballestad during a visit to the school Thursday.
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Junior Eric Bergsbaken of Bonduel High School discusses the school’s technology education program with State Superintendent Tony Evers on Thursday.

The partnership between Bonduel High School and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College drew praise from State Superintendent Tony Evers on Thursday.

Evers visited the high school’s facilities as part of the state celebration of October as Manufacturing Month.

“I had a chance to talk to the student ambassadors here and throughout the area,” Evers said. “They are focused and focused on their college career. It has been a wonderful experience. … This is an amazing accomplishment.”

BHS and NWTC launched the partnership in 2011 to increase student opportunities for careers following high school. BHS students can earn credits in the program that transfer to college.

The collaboration has allowed 95 Bonduel students to earn 368 college credits in 2014.

“The number of transcripted credit courses for a school district this size is unprecedented,” Evers said. “This is just real wonderful.”

The shared vision between BHS and NWTC includes offering multiple career paths, increasing training opportunities for high school teachers, establishing relationships between high school technology education teachers and college faculty, and investing in technology and learning laboratories.

School technology instructor Travis Schindl said the program provides students with more career options and ideas.

“At Bonduel, we prepare our students for manufacturing,” Schindl said. “What we like to do is expose our students to as many real world opportunities as possible.”

Bonduel plans to add an electro-mechanical technology program by the start of the 2015-16 academic year. It will be the third manufacturing career path offered in the collaboration.

The program started in 2012-13 with three courses in CNC (computer numerical control) and machine tool manufacturing. Along with the program was the arrival of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing Mobile Laboratory located outside the school.

The welding program, started in 2013-14, enables students to complete of five of six certification classes by the time they graduate.

Lori Suddick, NWTC vice president of learning, said the collaboration has been remarkable and attributed the success to the Bonduel teachers and administrators.

“Our efforts with Bonduel have just have been a real privilege to work with,” she said. “They are a compassionate group.”

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By: 

Leader Staff

A Tigerton man facing multiple counts of child sex assault, incest and other charges was ordered held on a $25,000 cash bond after an initial appearance in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court on Monday.

Douglas A. Mauritz, 40, was arrested by Shawano County sheriff’s detectives Friday after allegations came to light of a sexual relationship with a relative that allegedly began when the girl was 14 years old.

The girl, now 18, reported that she had been raped by Mauritz during their last meeting on Oct. 14, according to the criminal complaint.

Mauritz is charged with two felony counts of repeated sexual assault of the same child, four counts of incest, two counts of exposing his genitals to a child and one count of third degree sexual assault.

He is also charged with two misdemeanor counts of intimidating a victim to dissuade reporting the incident and two misdemeanor counts of sex with a child over the age of 16.

All of the incidents allegedly happened in the town of Germania, dating back to September 2010.

The most serious charges of repeated sexual assault of a child and incest each carry a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted.

Mauritz is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance before Judge William Kussel Jr. on Monday.

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Shawano Police Department

Oct. 22

Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.

Fraud — Police investigated a forgery complaint in the 100 block of Presbyterian Street.

Shoplifting — A 17-year-old male was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A 27-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 22

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Frailing Road in Wescott.

Warrant — A 24-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Wall Street in Bowler.

Theft — A pontoon trailer was reported stolen on Maders Circle in Wescott.

Theft — An air conditioner was reported stolen on Hillcrest Drive in the town of Washington.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in Gresham. An exact location was not provided.

Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Oct. 22

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 35-year-old driver from Bowler was arrested for operating while intoxicated after a traffic stop on East Morning Glory Drive.

Accident — State accident report completed after a driver stopped for a pedestrian on South Main Street at 10th Street and several cars collided. An ambulance was dispatched to check an arm injury.

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Missing money has been problem since 1999By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

The Shawano County Board received a report Wednesday on an investigation of the Sheriff’s Department over the objections of some supervisors who wanted it discussed only in closed session.

The Administrative Committee hired attorney Dan Borowski in May to investigate $1,000 in jail bond money that went missing in 2013.

Borowski’s investigation ultimately expanded to include the actions of Sheriff’s Department employees involved in a campaign dustup with Shawano police officer Adam Bieber, who is running for sheriff in the Nov. 4 election, though minutes from subsequent meetings do not show any vote to expand the original probe.

Before the report could be heard Wednesday, several supervisors pushed for it to be sent first to the Public Safety Committee, which has oversight over the sheriff, and then back to the board for a closed session. Supervisors said specific employee performance issues should not be aired in public.

County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann said the presentation was not going to identify anyone, so it was unnecessary to go into closed session.

“This government will remain transparent. I will not be involved in a coverup,” Erdmann said. “That’s why I feel information should at least be known as to why this investigation took place.”

The motion to postpone the report until November was defeated 17-9 shortly after Supervisor Bert Huntington, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, said the supervisors should know why the investigation was undertaken rather than rely on rumors.

Sheriff Randy Wright brought the investigation to light Oct. 8 during a Public Safety Committee meeting. He said it was a “witch hunt” timed to influence the Nov. 4 election, in which he is running as a write-in candidate after being defeated by Bieber in the August primary, and asked that it be halted.

Supervisor Ray Faehling said the missing $1,000 had already been investigated, though that investigation yielded no information about what happened to the money.

“My constituents think it is a waste of money because it was already investigated, and it’s just water over the dam,” he said.

Borowski told the board that the investigation was not focused solely on events that took place during Wright’s tenure. In addition to the money that went missing in 2013, there have been at least a dozen similar incidents dating back to 1999, he said.

Borowski added that if the missing money is not a result of theft, it could be an employee performance issue. Out of all the incidents, there was only one where the money was found, he said.

“If there has been misconduct, you have a duty as a county to act,” Borowski said. “If there hasn’t been, there’s a duty to clear the names of these deputy sheriffs.”

Borowski is also investigating an incident at the Shawano County Republican Party’s annual picnic in July. After Bieber presented his platform, three deputies, who have not been named publicly, questioned Bieber in a way that some witnesses likened to harassment.

No complaint was filed, but that fact is irrelevant, Borowski said, as the county has a responsibility to make sure employees, including those in protective services, behave responsibly in the public eye. He noted that law enforcement regularly looks into issues without a complaining witness.

“Citizens are often hesitant to file complaints against law enforcement officials for a variety of reasons, including fear of getting involved or retribution from law enforcement,” Borowski said.

The investigations are expected to be finished by the end of the year.

“No conclusions have been reached,” Borowski said.

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Shawano, Bonduel students grievingBy: 

Leader Staff

Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Students console each other alongside the roadside memorial on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine where three high school students lost their lives Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski A car passes by some flowers alongside state Highway 22 near Friendship Road, where a two-vehicle accident Tuesday took the lives of three area high school students.

Rumors of the accident spread quietly but quickly through the crowd at the Shawano Community High School volleyball match Tuesday night.

A few hours later, the rumors were replaced by official verification that three area students — two from Shawano and one from Bonduel — had been killed and another critically injured in a two-car crash in Belle Plaine.

Officials on Wednesday morning released the names of the teenagers involved.

Two SCHS seniors, 17-year-old Cody Borsche and 18-year-old Tyler Welch, were pronounced dead at the scene.

A Bonduel High School sophomore, 15-year-old Paige Brunette, was transported to Shawano Medical Center for medical attention and later died, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said.

Another Shawano student, 17-year-old Ryan Swadner, of Clintonville, is hospitalized in the Fox Valley. School district officials said Wednesday afternoon that he was in critical condition.

The mood at both high schools Wednesday was understandably solemn.

“Shawano is small enough that everybody knows everybody,” District Superintendent Gary Cumberland said. “They had lots of friends, which makes this hard. It was a trying time today.”

The teens were in a Ford Mustang being driven by Swadner. The investigation so far indicates the vehicle was northbound on state Highway 22 near Friendship Road and swerved to avoid a vehicle stopped to make a left turn into a driveway.

The driver of the vehicle that had been stopped and waiting to turn left told authorities he had seen a car in his rear-view mirror approaching at a high rate of speed, according the Sheriff’s Department.

Swadner lost control of the car on the gravel shoulder. The Mustang then crossed into the path of an oncoming sport utility vehicle and was hit broadside, the Sheriff’s Department said.

The driver of the SUV, Duane Jarvais, 28, of Bear Creek, sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to authorities.

The accident, which is still under investigation, occurred about 5:20 p.m.

Bonduel School District Superintendent Patrick Rau said he was informed of the accident about 9 p.m. Tuesday and assembled the school’s crisis team. The district also enlisted the assistance of counselors from Gillett, Marion and Pulaski.

“Our students have been taking advantage of the opportunity to see a grief counselor and it has been well used,” Rau said. “We will provide all of the support that we can. …

“The best way to get through times like this is with other people, whether it is friends, family, other counselors or adults that have relationships with the kids.”

Counselors also were available at SCHS to help students through the grieving process.

“The kids are seeking out help, going down to the counselors,” Cumberland said.

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