Shawano Leader News
Tourism secretary to speak at chamber luncheon
Stephanie Klett
Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett will be the keynote speaker at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce fall luncheon Nov. 6.
The lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. at Menominee Casino Resort Conference Center in Keshena.
Appointed by Gov. Scott Walker in January 2011, Klett spearheads promotion of the state’s $17.5 billion tourism industry, which employs more than 185,000 people.
Under Klett’s leadership, the tourism department has stepped away from traditional slogan-based advertising and focused on what she said is the number one travel motivator in the United States: fun.
Klett’s marketing efforts, including the recruitment of Hollywood directors and celebrities with Wisconsin ties for advertising campaigns, have helped produce a 6-1 return for Wisconsin taxpayers, according to a Department of Tourism press release.
From 2011-2013, the department earned 47 national and international marketing and public relations awards. Also, eight Travel Wisconsin Welcome Centers are open for business, and new industry customer service and development programs are helping communities grow their local economies.
Klett has been promoting Wisconsin for over two decades, logging more than 1 million miles crisscrossing the state during her 20-year career hosting the award-winning Discover Wisconsin television and radio series.
Klett has received eight Emmy nominations from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. She brought home the golden statue in the category of Individual Excellence for On-Camera Hosting in 2010.
The cost is $20 per person for chamber members and $30 for others. The deadline for reservations is Oct. 24. To RSVP, call 715-524-2139 or e-mail [email protected].
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetFlood watch passes without incident
Lee Pulaski, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Water creeps up along the boat landing on Lieg Avenue in Shawano on Wednesday. No flooding was reported to the county, but water levels remain high.
A flood watch was lifted early Wednesday, but many rivers and lakes in Shawano County are still swollen from recent rainfall.
Natalie Easterday, county emergency management coordinator, said Wednesday afternoon that she had received no reports about rivers flowing over their banks. The National Weather Service reported 0.45 inches of rain fell during the day. Forecasts had estimated the area could receive 1 to 2 inches of rain.
Rivers and lakes have been higher than normal due to a pair of storms last week that dumped about 4 inches of rain in Shawano County.
“Certainly, the rivers and lakes are running pretty high right now,” Easterday said. “We’re just monitoring the situation. Anyone who lives along waterways should always be monitoring the situation.”
Forecasts from the National Weather Service show little chance of precipitation over the next week, which should help to allow the water levels to return to normal.
September is National Preparedness Month, and Easterday said the recent storms and the risk of flooding are reminders to to develop emergency contingency plans.
“We’re really pushing for people to have emergency supply kits and communication plans, and to make sure everybody in the family knows what to do if there’s a disaster,” Easterday said.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPublic Record
Shawano Police Department
Sept. 9
Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a juvenile causing a disturbance in the 700 block of South Main Street.
Property — Police investigated a property damage complaint involving two vehicles in the parking lot of Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.
Disturbance — Police investigated a domestic disturbance between a father and son in the 1600 block of Timber Trail.
Disturbance — Police investigated a disturbance at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person attempting to break in to a vehicle on North Riverside Drive and West Fifth Street. Police determined the individual was the vehicle owner.
Curfew — Police cited a 17-year-old juvenile for a curfew violation and operating after suspension on Fairview and East Green Bay streets.
Weapon — Police responded to a male pulling a firearm while driving near the Country Store, 111 S. Washington St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 9
Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance involving a man recently released from jail arriving to a property unannounced in the 200 block of West Green Bay Street in Bonduel.
Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint on Pioneer Road in the town of Belle Plaine.
Welfare — Authorities conducted a welfare check on an intoxicated female on Meadow Road in the town of Washington.
Drug — Authorities investigated a drug offense in the 100 block of West Vinal Street in the village of Wittenberg.
Accident — Authorities responded to a one vehicle accident involving a pole at McDonald Road and state Highway 156 in the town of Navarino. Minor injuries reported.
Prostitution — Authorities arrested a female for prostitution on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott. The 20-year-old Green Bay woman was booked and released from the Shawano County Jail.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a complaint of harassment and stalking in 300 block of South Webb Street in Wittenberg.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a truck on County Road M and Diem Road in the town of Grant.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile complaint on Cherry Road in the town of Aniwa.
Welfare — Authorities conducted a welfare check on a female reporting domestic violence on Meadow Road in the town of Washington.
Juvenile — A report of juveniles entering a private property was made on Anderson Avenue in the town of Wescott.
Animal — Authorities responded to a cat struck by a firearm in the 400 block of Grand Street in Tigerton.
Vandalism — Authorities responded to complaint a residence was toilet-papered in the 200 block of Grand Street in Tigerton.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cherry Road in the town of Aniwa.
Accidents — Two deer-related accidents were reported.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetState Supreme Court considering local case
Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent
A former Wittenberg man serving a 20-year sentence on a vehicle homicide charge was convicted on illegally obtained blood-alcohol evidence, his attorney told the Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday in Madison.
Attorney Sarah Schmeiser said Deputy Justin Hoffman of the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department never asked Michael R. Tullberg to submit to a blood test, never arrested him and did not follow the implied consent procedure for taking blood — violating Tullberg’s Fourth Amendment protection against unlawful search and seizure.
Assistant Attorney General Christine Remington, however, argued Hoffman did not have time to get permission to test Tullberg’s blood evidence after determining that he was driving the truck in which Matthew J. Alf, 20, of Shawano, was killed.
Tullberg, 30, was sentenced in May 2011 to nearly 20 years in prison in connection with a July 2009 rollover accident in which Alf was killed and two others were injured.
Shawano County Circuit Judge James Habeck allowed the blood test results into Tullberg’s five-day trial, after which he was convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle and hit-and-run resulting in death.
Habeck agreed with Hoffman’s assertion that he did not have to time to seek a search warrant or ask Tullberg to submit to a blood draw as the alcohol in Tullberg’s blood was dissipating.
On appeal, Tullberg’s attorney said the decision by Hoffman to request a blood draw just before Tullberg was to undergo a CT scan violated his rights.
An appeals court in June 2013, however, upheld Habeck’s ruling and Tullberg’s convictions, finding that the time delays Hoffman faced created exigent circumstances that did not require obtaining a search warrant to draw Tullberg’s blood.
On Tuesday, Schmeiser argued that the exigent or urgent conditions did not exist. She said Hoffman had time to interview Tullberg twice about the fatal rollover accident, take photos of Tullberg and talk to other officers investigating the accident scene.
“There were other officers available to seek a search warrant even if Hoffman was too busy,” Schmeiser told the justices.
The prosecution has the burden to prove exigent conditions existed but cannot prove it if they did not try to get a warrant, Schmeiser said.
Justice Michael Gableman asked Schmeiser how much time Hoffman had after determining that Tullberg was driving his truck when it left the highway. Tullberg originally said Alf was driving.
“Maybe he decided not to call … because he knew how long it would take to get a warrant (at 2 a.m. on a July night in 2009),” Gableman said.
In determining that Hoffman did not believe he had enough time to get a warrant, Habeck could rely on his knowledge as to how much time it takes to get a search warrant in Shawano County, Schmeiser admitted.
In response to a question from Justice Annette Ziegler, Schmeiser said she did not know if Wisconsin judges in 2009 issued search warrants by telephone to draw blood.
Remington said Tullberg contributed to the delay by leaving the scene of the accident. He went to his mother’s house before he was taken to Langlade Hospital in Antigo, she noted, and by lying about who was driving.
“If he caused the delay, he shouldn’t be able to benefit from it,” Remington said.
Tullberg’s medical needs also delayed Hoffman in seeking consent to get the blood, Remington said.
“The officer said he had no time to get the warrant or to read (Tullberg) the (implied consent) form,” she said.
In her first appearance before the state’s high court, Schmeiser acknowledged it would be difficult to get Tullberg a new trial.
“I can always hope,” she said, “but they can decide that (Hoffman acted in good faith) and let the (blood test results) in anyway.”
The court is not expected to issue a decision for several months.
Tullberg is serving his sentence at the New Lisbon Correctional Institution, according to online records.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCommission backs United Cooperative redevelopment
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
The Shawano Plan Commission on Monday recommended approval of a special exception to the zoning code that would allow for a major redevelopment of the United Cooperative feed mill.
The facility at 660 E. Seward St. also borders East Green Bay Street on the north and extends south about four blocks to Center Street.
United Cooperative plans an extensive redevelopment of the site that would include tearing down and replacing some of the existing buildings, remodeling office, warehouse and fertilizer storage space, and adding grain bins and a feed manufacturing facility.
The proposal goes to the Common Council for consideration Wednesday night.
Several neighbors turned out for a public hearing before the Plan Commission on Monday: some with logistical questions about how such things as traffic and water drainage would be addressed, some with mixed feelings, and one outright opposed.
“This kind of property should not be in the middle of the city,” said Sally Baumann, who said her home is close enough to the property for her to be awakened by the roar of trucks at 6 a.m.
Mike Eidahl questioned what might happen to property values in the area, but also conceded the redevelopment would be a significant improvement over what is there now.
“It’s not a great looking place now, I think you’d agree with that,” he said.
Amy Bluemke said the condition of the property has attracted vandalism and “kids hanging out” in the area.
“I applaud you guys for doing something and tearing down those old buildings,” she told company officials.
Bluemke was concerned, however, about truck traffic proposed to exit the facility on Center Street, near a park heavily frequented by children.
Steve Cramer, president and chief executive officer of United Cooperative, said the facility has about 12 to 15 trucks coming through a day, which could grow to 20 in the future. The facility also plans to bring in additional grain by rail.
Cramer said the redesigned traffic pattern at the site should alleviate some of the neighbors’ noise concerns. He said idling trucks could also be stationed away from the facility’s residential borders.
That was one of the conditions the Plan Commission attached to its recommended approval Monday.
Other conditions include requiring United Cooperative to submit a water drainage and landscaping plan and work with the city and the facility’s neighbors to guarantee access to private property that would otherwise be closed off.
The cooperative’s plan includes closing East Schurz Street and East Division Street at the points where those streets enter the United Cooperative property.
The city’s planning consultant, Mike Slavney of Vandewalle and Associates, recommended approval.
“I think this is a real opportunity to address an operation that’s going on now that could be made better,” he said.
Plan Commission member Dave Passehl, who had earlier raised questions about whether it was the appropriate location for such an operation, cast the sole no vote.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetShawano man sentenced for child sex crime
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
A Shawano man arrested as part of an Internet sex sting operation last year was sentenced Monday to five years in prison as part of a plea agreement.
Richard E. Denty, 34, pleaded no contest in July to a felony count of using a computer to facilitate a sex crime. He was accused of arranging to meet what he believed was a 15-year-old boy for sex.
The plea agreement called for the state to cap its prison recommendation at five years, the minimum penalty under state statutes.
However, Shawano-Menominee County District Attorney Greg Parker on Monday also asked Judge James Habeck to impose an additional 10 years of extended supervision after Denty is released from prison.
The Department of Corrections, in its pre-sentence investigation, had recommended five to six years in prison and three to four years of extended supervision.
Habeck imposed the recommended prison sentence but imposed only one year and three months of extended supervision.
Denty came to the attention of authorities after posting ads on Craigslist seeking a “casual encounter,” according to the criminal complaint.
He was contacted online by an investigator posing as a 15-year-old boy, and a meeting was arranged in the parking lot of the Crawford Center in Shawano.
Shawano County sheriff’s deputies staked out the rendezvous spot while a Shawano police officer posed as the 15-year-old. Denty was taken into custody when he arrived.
According to the criminal complaint, Denty had a pair of handcuffs and a lubricant in his pockets when he was arrested. He told authorities he set up the meeting with the intention of discouraging the boy from meeting strangers for sex.
After Monday’s hearing, Parker said Denty is a child predator, whether he admits it or not.
“Mr. Denty and people like him must be removed from society for the protection of our children,” Parker said, “and these people need to be placed on lengthy periods of supervision in order to monitor their whereabouts at all times and to continue to hold the possibility of further prison time over their heads.”
Denty was one of 16 people in six northeast Wisconsin counties taken into custody in September as a result of Operation Black Veil II.
The operation originated with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) task force and involved undercover investigators working with local law enforcement to make online contact with suspected offenders.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetBonduel food pantry opens today
Jason Arndt, [email protected]
Bonduel School District families in need of food will have access to a pantry in their neighborhood beginning Wednesday.
St. Paul Lutheran Church, 240 E. Green Bay St., is hosting the Bonduel Community Food Pantry, which will be open from 4-7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.
Residents looking for assistance will need to fill out an application indicating income and household size.
The pantry uses the same income limits as the United States Department of Agriculture’s school meal program. To receive services, a household of four cannot earn more than $23,850 annually. The maximum annual income for a three-person household is $19,790.
Barb Wickman said the committee organizing the food pantry formed in April. She said some residents were using pantries outside the Bonduel community.
“We know people who go to Cecil and Shawano food pantries, so we are trying to centralize it for better access,” Wickman said.
Wickman said committee members contacted John Hill, of Feeding America/Shawano Area Food Center, for his advice as they prepared to open the pantry.
“We have been working with him on a consulting basis, and are working with Feeding America on this,” Wickman said.
The church ran a similar program for 18 months starting in 2010.
“We ran it for a year and a half to two years, but after that we did not have a person willing to continue it,” said Gerry Schmidt, chairperson of the Bonduel Community Food Pantry, and a teacher of St. Paul Lutheran.
Schmidt said the new pantry will be different than the first attempt.
“There was not a significant effort to get dollars from the community (in 2010). Now the Bonduel community asked if we could start it,” Schmidt said. “It is something the community needs.”
St. Paul Lutheran donated a room in the church to store items for the pantry.
Although the pantry will be open once a month, it also will be able to respond to emergencies.
“This is a community pantry, and if someone needs anything, they can call the (St. Paul) office,” Wickman said.
Wickman is also working to get information about the pantry to surrounding municipalities, including the towns of Washington, Hartland and Navarino.
A list of recommended food items is available from the church for anyone willing to donate.
Residents can also contribute by donating cash, with checks made payable to Bonduel Community Food Pantry, addressed to St. Paul Lutheran.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPublic Record
Shawano Police Department
Sept. 8
Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1000 block of South Weed Street.
Shoplifting — A 33-year-old woman was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 500 block of South Sawyer Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Washington and Green Bay streets.
Sept. 7
Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:
OWI — A 20-year-old male was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main Street and Alpine Drive.
Juvenile — Police investigated an underage drinking complaint at Zingler Avenue and Andrews Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 800 block of South River Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of West Richmond Street.
Sept. 6
Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 1200 block of East Ridlington Avenue.
OWL — A 17-year-old male was cited for operating without a license at Maurer and Union streets.
Disturbance — Charges of domestic violence and disorderly conduct were referred against a 26-year-old Shawano man after a disturbance in the 100 block of Acorn Street.
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1200 block of South Prospect Street.
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St.
Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.
Accident — A 19-year-old Green Bay male was struck by a vehicle while riding a skateboard on Ridlington Avenue at Evergreen Street. Injuries were not serious and no ambulance was needed. The male was cited for operating a play vehicle in the street and failing to yield for a stop sign.
Sept. 5
Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of South Washington Street.
Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized in the 900 block of South Bartlett Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Alpine Court.
Disturbance — Police responded to another disturbance in the 300 block of South Washington Street.
Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint in the 500 block of South Main Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 8
Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Mission Street in Wittenberg.
Theft — Medication was reported stolen on County Road Q in Wittenberg.
Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 29 in the town of Morris.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Anderson Avenue in Wescott.
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Grand Avenue in Wittenberg.
Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.
Sept. 7
Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — A 25-year-old Shawano man was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Poplar Road in Richmond.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 29-year-old Bowler man after a disturbance on Main Street in Bowler.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.
OWI — A 22-year-old Mattoon man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after an accident on Maple Road in the town of Herman.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Theft — License plates were reported stolen from a vehicle on Lake Crest Drive in Wescott.
Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident on U.S. Highway 45 in Fairbanks and four deer-related crashes.
Sept. 6
Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on High Line Road in Hartland.
OWI — A 58-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Strauss Road in Wescott.
OWI — A 42-year-old Keshena man was arrested for operating while intoxicated in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street in Shawano. A 35-year-old Shawano woman was also taken into custody on a warrant.
Theft — A Playstation was reported stolen on Country Lane in the town of Washington.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Forest Street in Birnamwood.
Theft — A trailer was reported stolen on U.S. Highway 45 in Aniwa.
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on state Highway 117 in the town of Washington.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress on Maple Road in the town of Herman.
Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.
Sept. 5
Deputies logged 61 incidents, including the following:
Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on state Highway 29 in Maple Grove.
Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Broder Road in Wescott.
Theft — Authorities responded to a theft complaint on Curt Black Road in Wescott.
Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Oak Street in Bowler.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Dent Creek Road in Morris.
Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Sept. 8
Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on North Main Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem on Bennett Street.
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Eighth and Main streets.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on West Greentree Road.
Sept. 7
Police logged five incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Warnings were issued for a verbal dispute on South Main Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on South Main Street.
Sept. 6
Police logged seven incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — A warning was issued for a disturbance on Morning Glory Drive.
Sept. 5
Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:
Theft — Theft of Nike backpack with insulin and test kit, along with an iPhone and iPod was reported at the high school.
OAR — A 29-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation in Olen Park.
Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance on Fifth Street.
Child Neglect — A child neglect complaint was under investigation on Harriet Street.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetFormer Menominee clerk pleads guilty
Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent
A former Menominee County deputy clerk pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to theft involving county tax funds during 2013.
Patricia A. Firgens, 54, of Keshena, signed a plea agreement on Aug. 19 admitting that between Feb. 25, 2013, and July 19, 2013, she took money that individuals had deposited with the county to pay their property taxes.
According to the 11-page agreement, Firgens had worked in the county clerk’s office for several years before being appointed deputy clerk in 2009. In February 2013, she began a series of thefts from individuals who deposited money with the county to pay their taxes. The thefts continued until July 19, 2013.
Firgens admitted to four thefts totaling more than $1,500 in a written confession. An audit showed that $8,000 was missing and that Firgens had altered documents to conceal her theft.
Shown the audit results, Firgens insisted to law enforcement that she took slightly more than $2,000 in seven thefts.
Firgens also said she was never properly trained for the deputy clerk’s job and took the funds to pay personal expenses and prevent her vehicle from being repossessed.
She was indicted on June 24 on one count of theft of personal property valued at more than $1,000, a felony. Conviction carries maximum statutory penalties of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution.
Her trial was scheduled for Sept. 17.
At her Nov. 17 sentencing, District Judge William Griesbach will impose a punishment that factors in the amount of loss, Firgen’s abuse of a position of trust, any prior convictions and her plea.
In exchange for her guilty plea, the government agrees to recommend a lesser sentence to credit her with acceptance of responsibility for the offense.
Griesbach continued Firgens’ release on conditions until sentencing.
A call to Jeremy Weso, the county’s administrative coordinator, regarding Firgens’ theft was not returned by deadline.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Humble referred a reporter’s questions about Firgens to a spokesman for the U.S. Attorney in Milwaukee who stated that he was unaware if Firgens had repaid the county any of the funds she had taken.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPublic Record
Shawano Police Department
Sept. 4
Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:
Theft — Police responded to a theft complaint in the 500 block of South Main Street.
Theft — A purse was reported stolen in the 100 block of Prairie Street.
Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a female shoplifter in custody.
Assault — Police investigated an assault complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.
Weather — Police logged numerous calls regarding debris in the road and utility problems.
Sept. 3
Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:
OAR — A 27-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation at Waukechon Street and Mountain Bay Trail.
Harassment — Police investigated a harassment complaint at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of East Maurer Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint on Aspen Court.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 4
Deputies logged 52 incidents, including the following:
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Green Bay Street in Bonduel.
OAR — A 46-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on East Green Bay Street in Shawano.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Koeller Lane in Richmond.
Theft — Jewelry and cash were reported stolen from a residence on Park Hill Drive in Gresham.
Accident — Authorities responded to an injury accident on state Highway 47 at Old 47 Road in Hartland.
Weather — Authorities logged numerous calls regarding debris in the road and utility problems.
Sept. 3
Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Hutchins-Aniwa Town Line Road in Aniwa.
Warrant — A 29-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on West Line Road in Aniwa.
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Lake Street in Aniwa.
Theft — Medication was reported stolen on Elm Street in Bowler.
Vandalism — A tire was reported slashed at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 990 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Main Street in Gresham.
OWI — A 19-year-old male was cited for operating while intoxicated on Butternut Road in Richmond.
Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Sept. 4
Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Officer assisted Marion Police Department with an unwanted subject in Marion.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem on Hughes Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a neighbor dispute on Robert Street.
Trespass — Trespassing and damage to property were reported on West 13th Street.
Sept. 3
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Burglary — A burglary was reported on Brix Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to an unwanted subject at a South Main Street residence.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint Brix Street.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCrews spend Friday cleaning up after storms
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
Shawano County highway crews were still in cleanup mode Friday, the day after a one-two punch from Mother Nature that socked the area with a double dose of storms.
Separate storm fronts early Thursday morning and Thursday evening dumped an estimated four inches of rain in the county, damaging trees and power lines and flooding some roadways.
Highway Commissioner Grant Bystol said county crews worked all hours of the night Thursday removing fallen trees from roadways.
They returned Friday to get to the smaller debris.
Flooding was an issue for some county roads where culverts and driveway pipes weren’t able to handle the water.
The heaviest rains fell over the course of only a few hours Thursday night.
Bystol said crews were also out Friday putting up signs warning of high water on the roadways in some areas. The worst of that was on County Road VV, he said.
The Sheriff’s Department had taken 12 reports of debris in roadways from the two storms by 11 p.m. Thursday, including trees blocking roads in Belle Plaine, Lessor, Bowler, Red Springs, Green Valley, Washington, Wescott, Angelica and on the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 45 between Wittenberg and Eland.
In Red Springs, a caller reported a utility wire was down and set a tree on fire. Trees were also reported down on utility lines along County Road VV in Red Springs.
At least one minor accident was attributed to the storm by a driver who told authorities he lost control in the rain.
City crews were also out collecting stray tree limbs and other brush Friday, but “nothing that major,” according to Shawano Public Works Coordinator Eddie Sheppard.
Sheppard said there was some flooding in spots, but the water quickly subsided. Also, as of Friday afternoon, the department hadn’t gotten any calls about flooded basements.
“So far so good,” Sheppard said.
Shawano police logged seven weather-related calls, including a limb that took out a power line in the 300 block of South Bartlett Street, lines down in the 600 block of East Division Street, a tree blocking the road on Acorn Street, and flooding at Elizabeth and Lincoln streets and in the 1000 block of South Cleveland Street.
Shawano Municipal Utilities reported two significant outages due to the storms.
The first storm early Thursday morning snapped a tree limb on Danks Street that in turn snapped two of the utility’s power poles. Some 30 to 40 customers within a four-block area were without power for six to seven hours, according to SMU Electrical Supervisor/Engineer Rob Koepp.
Shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday, a portion of a roof blew off in the 600 block of East Division Street, taking out a power line and causing an outage for about 100 customers for roughly two hours.
“We’ve been busy the last couple of days,” Koepp said.
A number of residents throughout Shawano County lost power during Thursday night’s storm, including 29 customers of Wisconsin Public Service in Aniwa that were still without power mid-afternoon Friday, according to the utility.
More than 14,000 WPS customers were still without power Friday afternoon throughout northern Wisconsin.
Alliant Energy customers on the Menominee Indian Reservation lost power for two hours in Middle Village, Neopit and Zoar and, in a separate outage, for three hours in Keshena.
Another three-hour outage affected Middle Village, Neopit and Zoar on Friday when several trees damaged by Thursday’s storm gave way and fell onto utility lines.
Menominee County Emergency Management Director Shelley Williams said there were also a number of trees down on roads, but there were no injuries and no property damage.
“It wasn’t too bad,” she said. “We were lucky.”
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetFrom Keshena to Kenosha
The Associated Press
Leader Photo by Tom Beschta Work continues on an $8 million renovation at the Menominee Casino Resort. The project includes centralizing table and poker game areas, new slot machines, expanded bar and lounge, new resort entrance and more. The tribe is awaiting Gov. Scott Walker’s decision whether to allow a $800 million casino in Kenosha.
Leader Photo by Tom Beschta Proponents say the Menominee Tribe needs the proposed Kenosha casino to help pull the tribe’s members out of poverty, addressing issues such as outdated and deteriorating housing.
Gov. Scott Walker portrays himself as a man of action, willing to take on tough political fights. It’s a huge theme in his re-election campaign, underscored in his 2013 political memoir, “Unintimidated.”
However, as he enters the homestretch of a closely contested race, Walker has been trying to stay clear of a touchy issue for voters in densely populated southeastern Wisconsin and sparsely populated northeastern Wisconsin.
Will he approve the Menominee Nation’s plans for a massive casino in Kenosha? Saying yes could open the door for thousands of jobs for the region. It also could cost the state tens of millions of dollars.
Walker has delayed a decision until well after the November election. He hasn’t offered any hints about which way he’s leaning, drawing criticism from Democrats and some residents who say it’s time for the governor to reveal his intentions.
Emily Alderin, 30, who lives in a subdivision across from the potential casino, said she wants to know where Walker stands before she goes to the polls. She said the casino would bring jobs, but she’s worried about traffic and unseemly activity in her neighborhood.
“It’s like the big elephant in the room,” she said. “It’s been thought about and people are considering it, but nobody’s talking about it.”
The Menominee make their home on a reservation about 200 miles from Kenosha.
They’ve been looking to open a casino in a shuttered 220-acre dog track in Kenosha, a city within easy driving distance of many thousands of Chicago-area gamblers. The federal government granted its permission a year ago, leaving the governor with the final decision.
The tribe maintains the casino would create thousands of jobs in a metropolitan area where the July unemployment rate was 8.1 percent and help pull the tribe’s members out of poverty. Menominee County often ranks last among the state’s 72 counties in unemployment.
Democrats and labor union leaders are demanding a quick OK.
Opponents, led by a group called Enough Already! WI, insist a state with 25 tribal casinos doesn’t need more gambling.
Walker, who is mulling a 2016 presidential bid, has made a national reputation with his willingness to wade into tough issues. His plan for addressing state budget problems by stripping most public workers of their union rights drew protests that paralyzed the state Capitol in 2011.
But Walker says he wants the state’s 10 other tribes to sign off on the Kenosha casino before he’d approve it. That’s where things get complicated.
The Forest County Potawatomi has refused to get on board. That tribe runs a lucrative casino in Milwaukee, about 40 miles north of Kenosha, and doesn’t want the competition.
Like all Wisconsin tribes that offer gambling, the Potawatomi has agreed to give the state a share of the revenue. According to the agreement, the Potawatomi could seek to reduce its payments and receive a refund if it loses business to a new Kenosha casino. The Walker administration has estimated the give-back could amount to $100 million.
The state budget already is on track to be in the red next year. A big payout could exacerbate the shortfall and expose Walker to criticism about his management of the state’s finances.
Negotiations on a compromise have continued without resolution, and in June the Potawatomi withheld a scheduled $25 million payment to the state.
Walker has pushed off a decision to February. He said he needs time to figure out a deal. The Menominee have offered to compensate the state for any reductions in the Potawatomi’s payments.
“We shouldn’t be talking about it on the campaign trail because it’s a decision that shouldn’t be made based on politics,” Walker said.
His Democratic opponent, Mary Burke, hasn’t made the casino an issue in the race yet. She has focused her campaign on her own plan for improving the economy. Pressed by reporters in Milwaukee, Burke said she would support the casino if it meant jobs.
The Menominee are so far withholding criticism.
“I think (Burke and Walker) are being cautious in seeing how this plays out,” tribal legislator Gary Besaw said.
But some voters in southeastern Wisconsin, still suffering from declines in the manufacturing economy, are losing patience.
Michael Schumacher, a 64-year-old Kenosha author, said Walker is waffling when the area needs jobs.
“It’s too hot an issue for them to handle,” Schumacher said with disgust. “The best thing to do (for the candidates) is try to pretend it doesn’t exist.”
Ray Peeples, a 54-year-old Kenosha pastor who worries the projected job gains are exaggerated, wants the candidates to lay out their stances.
“Take a stand,” he said, “one way or the other.”
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetMayor: Resolution near on Clintonville administrator
Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
City Administrator Lisa Kotter remains on administrative leave with pay, but Mayor Judith Magee this week said progress has made on resolving the months-long controversy.
Following a closed meeting of the Common Council on Tuesday to discuss personnel issues, Magee said she expects the issue to be resolved soon.
The council met in closed session with attorney Warren Kraft, who was hired to investigate unspecified allegations against Kotter by council members. The allegations against Kotter have not been discussed publicly, and the council had previously refused to discuss them with Kotter.
Kotter was initially suspended by the council on May 13. Attorney Warren Kraft was hired to investigate the undisclosed allegations following the suspension and later presented his findings to the council in closed session.
The council voted 6-4 on May 27 to extend Kotter’s suspension and refer allegations of misconduct to the city’s labor attorney. Mayor Judith Magee vetoed that vote on June 2, and Kotter returned to work.
On June 10, the council, with a 6-4 vote, failed to override Magee’s veto, falling one vote short of the required supermajority. Many city residents spoke in support of Kotter and Magee at the June meeting, which had to be moved from City Hall to the Community Center because of the overflow crowd.
The council then voted 7-3 in July to indefinitely place Kotter on administrative leave while continuing its investigation.
The controversy prompted resident William VanDaalwyk to launch a recall effort against District 4 Alderman Greg Rose. The campaign collected 87 signatures; 56 were required. Clerk Peggy Johnson had 31 days from the filing date in August to determine whether the signatures are valid. Rose, who was elected to a two-year term in April 2013, has 10 days after that to challenge the decision.
Former Alderperson Lois Bressette has filed papers indicating her intention to oppose Rose in a special election if the recall petition is validated.
VanDaalwyk said Rose’s actions have proved to be hostile to business and industry in Clintonville, and have incited divisiveness within the community. He also said Rose breached his fiduciary duty by voting to replace a competent municipal attorney with an inexperienced relative of two council members.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCause of car-bus crash remains unclear
Leader Staff
Authorities say it will be next week before a cause can be determined in the crash Tuesday between a school bus and a car that killed one person and injured 14 others.
The bus was carrying members of the Pulaski varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams back to the school from a match in Seymour when the accident took place shortly before 9 p.m. on state Highway 29 near Pulaski.
A passenger in the car, Shannon Hall, 24, of Athens, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 27-year-old driver, a Marathon man, was taken to a Green Bay hospital with severe injuries, according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. There was no update on his condition available Thursday.
Six students were transported to the hospital by ambulance. At least five additional occupants were transported by parents to hospitals after initial medical evaluation at the scene, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said.
All were released after treatment, district superintendent Milt Thompson said Wednesday.
Sheriff’s Department Capt. Tom Tuma said the crash reconstruction, which is being handled by Brown County authorities, was expected to take place over the weekend.
Tuma also said the crash investigation could take some time given the “substantial number” of people to be interviewed.
Twenty-five people were on the bus, including 21 students, three coaches and the bus driver, a 74-year-old Green Bay man.
Authorities said the car, which was traveling westbound on Highway 29, hit the rear of the northbound bus as it was crossing the highway. Both vehicles came to rest in fields on either side of South St. Augustine Street just north of Highway 29.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCity still taking park plan feedback
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
The city of Shawano has been getting positive feedback on its proposals for the future development of two of its downtown parks and is still looking to hear from other residents.
The Park and Recreation Department and consulting firm Rettler Corp., of Stevens Point, unveiled a number of options for Franklin Park and Spirit of Shawano Park at an informational meeting at City Hall last month.
The public will get another chance to see those design options Saturday during the farmers market, which runs from 8 a.m. to noon at Franklin Park.
Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks and John Kneer, landscape architect with Rettler Corp., will be on hand to take feedback, answer questions, show off the designs and hand out smaller copies to those who are interested.
Hendricks said he has been personally contacted by a number of people since last month’s meeting. Others have responded on the department’s Facebook page, through emails and even ideas written on scraps of scratch paper.
There is also a drop-box for feedback located at City Hall, 127 S. Sawyer St., next to a display of the proposals.
Hendricks said the feedback so far has shown strong support for making a permanent home for the farmers market at Franklin Park.
There has also been interest in a fountain or some type of water feature and landscaping to beautify the parks.
Also popular is the idea of adding an archway welcoming visitors to Shawano that could stretch across Green Bay Street from the northeast and southeast corners of Green Bay and Main where Spirit of Shawano Park is located.
“They feel it could bring some identity to the city,” Hendricks said.
Other proposals for the park presented last month included opening up the quarter-acre site and making it more noticeable, additional native landscaping, background fencing to highlight the existing sculptures at the site, and a shallow creek that could run through it.
Three variations on a concept plan for Franklin Park included such possible amenities as an interactive water fountain, multi-purpose stage area, playground, veterans memorial and a promenade along which farmers market vendors could be located.
There has not yet been any cost analysis of the proposals.
The city will continue soliciting community feedback until a finalized plan goes before the Park and Recreation Commission, possibly in October, and then to the Common Council.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPublic Record
Shawano Police Department
Sept. 2
Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street.
Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at Lakeland Industries, 504 Lakeland Road.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on Prospect and Ridlington streets. No injuries were reported.
Juvenile — A runaway juvenile was returned to a residence in the 1100 block of South Lafayette Street.
Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious person in the 200 block of South Main Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a male and female fighting in the 800 block of West Picnic Street.
Burglary — Two shot guns were reported stolen in a burglary at the Lakeland Storage Building, 647 Lakeland Road.
Pornography — A complaint involving digital data sharing of pornography between juveniles was under investigation at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St. Police were not releasing any further information Wednesday.
Trespassing — Police investigated a complaint of trespassing in the 300 block of South Washington Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1000 block of South River Street.
Threatening — A report of threatening behavior was made on a school bus in the 600 block of East Center Street.
Suspicious — Police investigated a disturbance in the 600 block of South Main Street.
Suspicious — Police investigated a complaint of a woman taking pictures of children in the 100 block of Richmond Court.
Warrant — Police took a female into custody on a warrant at the Wisconsin House Inn, 216 E. Green Bay St. The tip came from the bulletin board at the Shawano County Fair.
Burglary — A lock was cut and snowblower was reported stolen from a storage unit at 1499 E. Green Bay St.
Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle on the helipad of Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 2
Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:
Burglary — A rototiller was reported stolen on County Road T in the town of Waukechon.
Harassment — A report of harassment was made on Main Laney Drive in the town of Maple Grove.
Theft — Old car parts were stolen on Lake Road in the town of Hartland.
Theft — Deputies investigated a stolen paycheck on Country Lane in the town of Washington.
Theft — Items were stolen from Wendt Motor Company, 301 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.
Domestic — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Magnolia Lane in the village of Tigerton.
Theft — Items were reported stolen on Hiawatha Court in the town of Wescott.
Domestic — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Lakeview Way in the town of Washington.
Suspicious — A report of a suspicious vehicle was made in the 200 block of South Cecil Street in the village of Bonduel.
Clintonville Police Department
Sept. 2
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Accident — Police received a report by state patrol of a two-vehicle accident on North Main and Harriet streets.
Accident — A two-vehicle property damage accident was reported on West Madison and Bennett streets.
Harrassment — Police issued a warning for harassing text messages on Main Street.
Noise — Police responded to a loud music complaint on Flora Circle.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCourt News
Felony OWI
A Green Bay woman is facing a felony charge of operating while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle.
Shasheen E. Grignon, 33, was arrested Aug. 24 in the town of Herman after Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a reckless driving complaint.
A preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.21 percent, according to the criminal complaint, which also states there was a 14-month-old passenger in the car.
Grignon could face a maximum two years and $4,000 fine for third-offense OWI with a child in the vehicle.
An order appointing a public defender was issued Friday. There is currently no future court date set.
Felony OWI
A Shawano man is facing felony counts of operating while intoxicated with a child in the vehicle and causing injury to the child in an alleged drunken driving crash.
George Peters, 47, could face a maximum 12 years in prison and $20,000 fine if convicted of OWI-causing injury and a maximum two years and $4,000 fine for third-offense OWI with a child in the vehicle.
Peters is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on the charges Sept. 16. He is being held on a $2,000 cash bond.
According to the criminal complaint, Peters was intoxicated when he lost control on Holy Hill Road and struck a tree in the town of Green Valley on Aug. 11. A child of 5 or 6 years old sustained a cut below the eye, according to the complaint.
Burglary
A Minocqua teen pleaded not guilty Monday to burglarizing an apartment in Shawano last month.
Cassandra R. Zimmerman-Popp, 19, could face a maximum 12½ years in prison and $25,000 fine if found guilty of burglary. She also faces a misdemeanor count of criminal damage to property.
According to the criminal complaint, Zimmerman-Popp fled the apartment after breaking in and being confronted by the occupant. Her vehicle was spotted a short time later in Wescott where she was arrested.
Zimmerman-Popp is being held on a $1,500 cash bond and is scheduled for a pre-trial conference Sept. 29.
Child Abuse
A Shawano man entered a plea of not guilty Monday to a felony charge of physical abuse of a child-intentionally causing bodily harm.
Miguel A. Aponte, 28, could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted.
According to the criminal complaint, Aponte gave a 4-year-old boy a black eye during a domestic disturbance in the city Aug. 16. He is also charged with a misdemeanor count of domestic abuse-related battery.
Apont is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on Sept. 11.
Felony OWI
A Green Bay man charged with fifth-offense operating while intoxicated waived his preliminary hearing in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court last week and was scheduled for arraignment Sept. 15.
James T. Fischer, 37, was arrested Aug. 21 in Shawano after police spotted him speeding, according to the criminal complaint.
Fischer could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted. According to court records, he has four previous OWI convictions in Brown County.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetOne dead after car strikes school bus on Highway 29
Leader Staff
One person was killed and 14 were injured when a car collided with a school bus shortly before 9 p.m. Tuesday on state Highway 29 near Pulaski.
The bus was carrying members of the Pulaski varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams back to the school from a match in Seymour.
A 24-year-old Athens woman in the car was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 27-year-old driver, from Marathon, was taken to a Green Bay hospital with severe injuries, according to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department.
Six students were transported to the hospital with injuries that do not appear to be life threatening, according to a statement from the Pulaski Community School District.
At least five additional occupants were transported by parents to hospitals after initial medical evaluation at the scene, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The bus driver and coaches and other adults on the bus were not hurt.
Twenty-five people were on the bus, including 21 students, three coaches and the bus driver, a 74-year-old Green Bay man.
Authorities said the car, which was traveling westbound on Highway 29, hit the rear of the northbound bus as it was crossing the highway. Both vehicles came to rest in fields on either side of South St. Augustine Street just north of 29.
Westbound lanes of Highway 29 were closed until about 2 a.m.
Shawano County Highway Depar
tment, Brown County Highway Department and Wisconsin Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control during the incident.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Department is assisting the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department with traffic crash reconstruction. Shawano County will be reviewing the results of the reconstruction upon its completion. Names are being withheld pending notification of families.
School officials planned to hold a news conference at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“The Pulaski Community School District is focused on the safety of our students,” communications coordinator Kimberly Uelman said in a statement. “Our crisis plan has been implemented and will be in effect (Wednesday) and in the following days. We will continue to support our students and their families.”
Parents can contact Lisa Misco, director of student services, at 920-822-6022. Pulaski Community School District employees are available at Pulaski High School for those affected families.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetBudget set for special annual meeting
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
The Shawano School Board had its last look at the proposed budget for this school year Tuesday before it goes before voters at a special annual meeting later this month.
The proposed budget calls for a tax levy of just over $12.9 million, an increase of $41,434 over the 2013-14 school year.
The tax rate would be projected to increase from $10.31 per $1,000 of equalized value to $10.34 per $1,000, assuming no change in the district’s property values.
Property values, which won’t be known until October, dropped last year by 2 percent. If that happens again, the tax rate would work out to $10.55 per $1,000.
“That’s really the $10 million question right now,” business manager Louise Fischer said.
Also pending is the third Friday student head count, which will influence the amount of state aid the district receives.
The district is estimating $13.4 million in equalization aid, a 5-percent increase over last year.
Fischer said the slight increase in the proposed levy was remarkable.
“I think it’s really something for a district this size that it can operate efficiently and only raise their levy that much money,” she said.
The district does expect, however, to have a $471,000 deficit under the proposed budget, which will be covered using the general fund balance. That fund, which also finances the district’s self-funded insurance plan, had a balance of $6.9 million in June.
The budget includes a number of proposed projects, including a districtwide server upgrade, making the middle and high school exterior doors keyless entry to improve security, a study of the middle school’s HVAC system, and a study of asphalt conditions at all district parking lots.
Nothing will be spent on any of the projects until the budget is formally adopted.
Board member Al Heins was particularly concerned about improvements needed at the middle school.
“That equipment over there is from the ’50s,” he said. “If one of those boilers would go south on us for the winter or something, where are we going to be at?”
Board President Tyler Schmidt said the engineering study at the middle school included in the proposed budget would give the district options for addressing those issues.
A special annual meeting, at which voters will vote on the tax levy, will be held at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetPublic Record
Shawano Police Department
Sept. 1
Police logged 26 incidents, including the following:
Burglary — Police investigated a burglary at a storage unit in the 600 block of Lakeland Road.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1300 block of Lieg Avenue.
Burglary — Police investigated a burglary at a storage unit in the 1400 block of East Green Bay Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of South Bartlett Street.
Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St.
Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported two minor shoplifters in custody.
Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Elizabeth and Kadletz streets.
Theft — Money was reported stolen in the 100 block of Prairie Street.
Aug. 31
Police logged 26 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of East Maurer Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.
Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Fairview and Green Bay streets.
Aug. 30
Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 500 block of East Green Bay Street.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint on Aspen Court.
Juvenile — Police responded to an underage drinking complaint at the Crawford Center, 255 Waukechon St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of South Park Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.
Aug. 29
Police logged 42 incidents, including the following:
Juveniles — Two juveniles were warned for curfew violations at Lincoln and Elizabeth streets.
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint at Green Bay and Lakeland streets.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Cleveland and Randall streets.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 1400 block of East Green Bay Street.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Cleveland and Maurer streets.
Theft — Money was reported stolen at Little Caesar’s, 1056 E. Green Bay St.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle injury accident in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.
Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Smalley Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Sept. 1
Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress at the Work Release Center, 1240 Engel Drive.
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Lakewood Court in Wescott.
Assault — Authorities investigated an assault complaint at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.
Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on state Highway 156 in Maple Grove.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Spruce Road in Richmond.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Bartlett Street in Shawano.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on County Road A in Richmond.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Flint Avenue in Mattoon.
Aug. 31
Deputies logged 38 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Plum Lane in Richmond.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on River Road in Bowler.
Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on County Road K in Richmond.
Fraud — Counterfeit money was reported on state Highway 32 in Angelica.
Arrest — A male subject was taken into custody for a Probation and Parole violation at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, 900 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.
Aug. 30
Deputies logged 58 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Roosevelt Road in Gresham.
Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Frailing Road in Wescott.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on state Highway 29 in Hartland.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Schabow Street in Gresham.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.
Aug. 29
Deputies logged 44 incidents, including the following:
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at Washington and Green Bay streets in Shawano.
Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including an injury accident on Green Bay Street in Shawano and two deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Sept. 1
Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Warnings were issued for disorderly conduct on South Main Street.
Accident — A two-vehicle property damage accident was reported on Main Street at 12th Street.
Burglary — An attempted burglary was reported on North Main Street.
Aug. 31
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Hit and Run — A hit-and-run property damage accident was reported at Main and Park streets.
OWI — A 23-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main and Madison streets.
Aug. 29
Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:
Burglary — A burglary was reported on 16th Street.
Assault — A battery complaint on Fifth Street was under investigation.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet