Shawano Leader News
Public Record
Shawano Police Department
Aug. 18
Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint at Kuckuk Park, 500 Oak Drive.
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at the People’s Express East, 1206 E. Green Bay St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Shawano Medical Center, 309 N. Bartlett St.
Theft — Money was reported stolen from a purse at Birch Hill Care Center, 1475 Birch Hill Lane.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 600 block of East Center Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 18
Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:
Child Abuse — Authorities investigated a child abuse complaint on County Road Y in Belle Plaine.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Parkwood Drive in Wescott.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Cherry Street in Wittenberg.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 18
Police logged 13 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Officers responded to a report of suspicious subjects on West First Street.
Disorderly — Officers responded to a report of disorderly conduct in the area of South Main Street.
Harassment — A stalking and harassment complaint was under investigation.
Accidents — Police responded to a property damage accident at 12th and Main streets and two-vehicle accidents on South Main Street and at Lens Court and Ninth Street.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 17
Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:
Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Elizabeth and Olson streets.
Theft — A cell phone was reported stolen in the 100 block of South Main Street.
Warrant — A 23-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant in the 500 block of South Main Street.
Theft — A vehicle was reported broken into at Aarrowcast, 2900 E. Richmond St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of North Bartlett Street.
Aug. 16
Police logged 26 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Picnic and Lafayette streets.
Disturbance — A 28-year-old Shawano man was arrested on charges of battery and child abuse after a disturbance in the 700 block of South Franklin Street.
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 1400 block of East Green Bay Street.
OWI — A 59-year-old Shiocton woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main and Presbyterian streets.
Aug. 15
Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:
OAR — A 17-year-old male was cited for operating after revocation at Green Bay and Bartlett streets.
Warrant — A 30-year-old woman was taken into custody at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.
Shoplifting — Two females, ages 16 and 21, were cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 400 block of South Washington Street.
Shoplifting — A 22-year-old man was cited for shoplifting at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 17
Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:
Theft — A volleyball net was reported stolen on Granite Avenue in Mattoon.
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Valley Road in the town of Washington.
Warrant — A 36-year-old Bonduel man was taken into custody on a warrant on Cecil Street in Bonduel.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Old Shawano Road in Pella.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at The Rock, W9599 Butternut Road, in Richmond.
Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident on County Road Z in Aniwa and three deer-related crashes.
Aug. 16
Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on Roosevelt Road in Gresham.
Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Upper Red Lake Road in Red Springs.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Lafayette Street in Wescott.
Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.
Aug. 15
Deputies logged 56 incidents, including the following:
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Fifth Street in Mattoon.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Howard Street in Wittenberg.
Theft — Money was reported stolen from a purse in a vehicle on Lake Crest Drive in Wescott.
Theft — Parts were reported stolen off of a farm tractor on state Highway 160 in Maple Grove.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Cedar Street in Bonduel.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.
Theft — Money was reported stolen on County Road E in the town of Washington.
Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Spruce Road in Belle Plaine.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Korth Road in the town of Washington.
Accidents — Authorities responded to a fatal motorcycle accident on Hirt Road in Tigerton.
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A Tigerton man was killed Friday after his motorcycle hit a deer Friday on Hirt Road in Tigerton, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said.
Trevor R. Arndt, 23, who was alone on the motorcycle, suffered serious injuries and died a short time after the accident, the Sheriff’s Department said.
The accident, which was reported just after 9 p.m., is still under investigation, but speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors, the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
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Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The city street lights that the city of Clintonville removed in an effort to save money could be going back up.
The city’s street committee voted unanimously Aug. 5 to begin the process of determining the costs of replacing the lights with LED lights and discussing possible rate changes with the Public Service Commission.
“There is a strong urgency for constituents for getting the lights back up,” Alderman Greg Rose said. “There is no money in this year’s budget, or manpower, but it is important to start to get groundwork started to switch to LED and gradually switching over to all LED lights.”
The Common Council discussed the issue Tuesday but took no action.
“Putting the lights back up was the number one complaint by people in my district,” Alderwoman Mary Beth Kuester said. “I think this is something we could give the citizens.”
The council voted during its budget process in 2011 to turn off about 10 percent of the city street lights to save about $7,000.
LED lights provide similar coverage but do not use as much energy, thus reducing costs, as the older high-sodium light fixtures.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 14
Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to an intoxicated person complaint in the 400 block of West Picnic Street.
Burglary — A 19-year-old Minocqua female was arrested for burglary after being taken into custody at the scene of a break-in in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.
Theft — Three junked refrigerators were reported stolen from Sears, 822 E. Green Bay St.
Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen in the 900 block of South Smalley Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Main Street.
Theft — Medication was reported stolen in the 200 block of East Center Street.
Fire — Police and Shawano Area Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire in the 1200 block of Engel Drive.
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 900 block of East Fifth Street.
Warrant — A 30-year-old male was taken into custody on a warrant in the 200 block of Hill Street.
Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 300 block of South Washington Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 14
Deputies logged 40 incidents, including the following:
Assist — Sheriff’s deputies assisted Shawano police with a burglary complaint on Richmond Street.
Reckless Driving — Authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on County Road M in Pella.
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on River Road in Bowler.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Elm Street in Bowler.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Front Street in Wittenberg.
Accidents — Authorities logged injury accidents in Bowler and Angelica and two deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 14
Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:
Drug Offense — A 33-year-old Clintonville woman was arrested on Bennett Street for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint on South Clinton Avenue.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint on South Madison Street.
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Tom Beschta, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Tom Beschta Bonduel Superintendent Patrick Rau, center, talks to residents about district’s budget proposal during his “coffee chat” at the Cecil Diner on Thursday. The chat was one of three Rau hosted this week to meet residents and give them a chance to ask questions leading up to the annual budget meeting Monday.
A proposed tax levy increase of $264,204 was the main topic of discussion during three community gatherings this week leading up to the Bonduel School District’s annual meeting Monday.
During the final “coffee chat” at the Cecil Diner on Thursday, Superintendent Patrick Rau said he believes the proposed levy will go down before the budget is finalized.
“With the property tax levy, I don’t expect that would go up,” Rau said. “I expect we will get some more state aid, which will take a chunk of that proposed levy and lower it when it comes to October.”
According to the budget, last year’s property tax levy was $4,410,642. With the proposed increase, it would climb to $4,674,846.
The tax rate is projected to increase from $9.93 per $1,000 of equalized valuation to $10.52 per $1,000. The owner of a $100,000 home who paid $993 in school taxes last year would pay $1,052 this year, according to the projections.
The proposed budget is based on a zero percent increase in equalized property value. Property values increased 2.35 percent from 2012-13 to 2013-14.
If property values increase more than expected, it would mean a lower tax rate. If values decrease, the tax rate could go higher.
Rau said state funding for the school district is projected to be down $200,000 from last year, but final aid, budget and levy numbers won’t be known until October, when the board has final enrollment numbers and statewide equalization valuation results.
According to Rau, the school district has been frugal the last four years and has increased its fund balance from $1.1 million to $1.3 million.
“On a good year, we budget and end up in June with $100,000 left over, and we put that into a fund balance, but our state aid will go down because we didn’t spend it (throughout the year),” Rau said.
The Common Core Standards, which define expectations for scores in mathematics and English-Language Arts, were also discussed at the coffee chats.
Residents raised concerns that student progress cannot be determined entirely by a number determined by the standards.
While Rau said it is hard to quantify a lot of the development kids go through at school, the Common Core Standards will show each district’s progress.
“Every school has a report card now,” Rau said. “Those report cards are public, and we are going to be judged on them. You are naturally going to make sure that you are preparing your kids to do as well as they can on those tests.”
Rau, formerly principal at Bonduel High School, took over as the district superintendent after Peter Behnke retired on June 30.
Rau hosted three coffee chats throughout the week to introduce himself to district residents and answer any questions.
Chats also were held at the Hungry Bear in Bonduel on Tuesday and the Navarino/Lessor Fire Department on Wednesday.
“We are going to repeat this process throughout the year,” Rau said. “It’s a chance to open up those closed communication lines between the school and residents and answer some questions.”
Bonduel resident Joanne Fink said even though the district is not certain on where the budget will settle, she was glad to have the opportunity to ask questions.
“I thought it went good,” Fink said. “I got to ask my questions. Any time taxes are going up, I want to know why.”
Rau said the interest community members have shown in the district has been encouraging, and he is happy to discuss what is happening at the schools.
“It’s been great,” Rau said. “Everybody was very thankful and had a chance to ask a couple of questions. We had a lot of positive feedback.”
THE NEXT STEP
WHAT: 2014-15 Bonduel School District annual meeting
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Bonduel High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel
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Tim Ryan, [email protected]
Shawano police officer Adam Bieber said Thursday he is not taking his chances of being Shawano County’s next sheriff for granted despite his Republican primary win over incumbent Randy Wright on Tuesday.
Bieber faces Independent challenger Lucas Christenson in the Nov. 4 general election.
“Anybody who’s on the ballot, I’m going to take seriously,” Bieber said. “I’m not going to be so arrogant as to think this is a gimme.”
Bieber won 52 percent of the vote in Tuesday’s primary, defeating Wright 2,687-2,459, according to the unofficial tally, which still needs to be certified by the Board of Canvass.
Bieber said he was very happy with the results.
“A lot of work went into campaigning, going door-to-door, parades, meetings, and it paid off,” he said.
Bieber attributed the results to people wanting a change.
“I think people believed in the different ideas I had,” he said. “They weren’t happy with the direction the Sheriff’s Department was going and they wanted a different direction.”
Wright has been sheriff since 2007 and was seeking another four-year term. Prior to that, he had been with the Shawano Police Department for 25 years.
He worked with Bieber at the department for several years before running for sheriff.
“I want to thank Randy for all the years of service he provided,” Bieber said. “I enjoyed working with him and I respect him a lot. I wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Christenson, who works in the parts department at American Marine & Motorsports in Shawano, said he is running because he wanted to give people a choice that wasn’t necessarily a Republican or Democrat.
“I wanted to enlighten people to the fact that an ordinary person who can meet the requirements can run for an elected office and win and make a difference,” he said.
No law enforcement experience is required to be elected sheriff. The only requirements are that a candidate be over 18 and not a felon.
“I want to try and make people aware that they don’t always have to be complacent,” Christenson said. “Instead of just saying things, they can do things and make a difference.”
Christenson’s mother-in-law is District 1 County Supervisor Deb Noffke, but, Christenson said, that relationship played no part in his decision to run.
He said Noffke wasn’t aware he had taken out nomination papers until after she was circulating papers for Bieber.
Christenson said the relationship wouldn’t influence him if elected.
“You’re there to accomplish things for the community, not play nice for family members,” he said.
Christenson said his goals as sheriff would be brought out during the campaign, using his Facebook page as his main forum. He said, however, finding new ways to combat the area’s drug problem is a priority.
Bieber said his main priority remains fully funding the department’s K-9 unit.
During the campaign, Bieber raised the possibility of reducing the number of take-home squads to accomplish that.
He also said during the campaign that he would like to see more deputies working with juveniles in the schools.
However, whoever takes over as sheriff in January will have a couple of practical considerations to keep in mind.
The Sheriff’s Department’s budget for next year will already have been adopted. Also, a new two-year contract with sheriff’s deputies, currently being negotiated, is expected to be in place. The contract expires Dec. 31.
Bieber said he doesn’t expect either of those things to be problem, though the budget could delay his K-9 plans.
“That might have to wait a year, for the next budget,” he said. “But we’ll work with what we have.”
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Leader Staff
The 2014 Shawano County Fair will be off limits to convicted sex offenders.
So will any other activities at the Shawano County Fairgrounds, such as the Shawano Speedway races and the flea market, after the Shawano Common Council on Wednesday added the property to its list of safety zones.
The city’s ordinance dealing with sexual offender residency restrictions prohibits convicted offenders from living nearby or frequenting any facility where children are likely to congregate, including any facility used for or that supports a school for children, licensed day care center, library, park, recreational trail, playground or place of worship.
Police Chief Mark Kohl said the restriction would be enforced through due diligence from the community keeping an eye out for and reporting any suspicious behavior, and police and sheriff’s deputies patrolling the fair.
“A lot of our officers recognize these offenders from previous contacts,” he said.
Kohl said there were no incidents or issues that instigated the addition of the fairgrounds to the ordinance.
“It’s just a formality,” he said. “We wanted to include the fairgrounds.”
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Leader Staff
Police say they have several suspects they believe are connected to a string of thefts reported Wednesday in Shawano and Bonduel.
Scrap metal and other items were reported stolen from four businesses in the city and at least one in Bonduel.
Some items reported stolen from Chief Pontiac GMC, 119 E. Green Bay St., Bonduel, have been recovered.
Thefts were reported in Shawano from Shawano Service Center, 315 S. Main St., Johnson’s Service, 532 S. Main St., and Shawano Auto Sales, 600 E. Green Bay St.
An attempted theft was also reported in the 200 block of East Richmond Street.
Shawano and Bonduel police are jointly investigating the incidents.
Shawano Police Capt. Jeff Heffernon said there are three male suspects possibly involved, ages 27, 18 and 16, from the Shawano and Cecil areas.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 13
Police logged 35 incidents, including the following:
Theft — Police were investigating several complaints of stolen scrap metal and other items at several businesses around the city.
Disturbance — Police responding to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Richmond Street took a 28-year-old man into custody on a warrant.
Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint in the 500 block of South Sawyer Street.
Fire — Police and Shawano Area Fire Department responded to a trash container fire at Luigi’s, 607 S. Main St.
Juvenile — Police responded to skateboarding problem at Evergreen and Ridlington streets.
OAR — A 36-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation at Franklin and Hill streets.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 13
Deputies logged 54 incidents, including the following:
Arrest — A 32-year-old Wittenberg man was taken into custody on a Probation and Parole hold on Webb Street in Wittenberg.
Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 32-year-old Bowler man after a domestic disturbance on Ah Toh Wuk Circle in Bowler.
Theft — Authorities responded to a theft complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.
Disturbance — A 28-year-old Pulaski man was taken into custody on a Probation and Parole hold after a disturbance on Welhaven Road in the town of Lessor.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Cedar Road in Birnamwood.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Oak Street in Bowler.
Warrant — A 44-year-old Shawano man was taken into custody on a warrant on Old Keshena Road in Wescott.
Accidents — Authorities logged five deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 13
Police logged three incidents, including the following:
Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on West Madison Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic situation on South Main Street.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetCommon Council OKs $16K for new K-9
Tim Ryan, [email protected]
City officials Wednesday approved the purchase of a new K-9 for the Shawano Police Department to replace a dog that has been increasingly sidelined by behavioral problems.
K-9 Aldo has been with the Police Department since May 2010.
Police dogs usually have a career of six to nine years before they are forced into retirement by physical ailments such as arthritis, Police Chief Mark Kohl said.
In this case, however, the issues are behavioral.
“He started reverting back into being more of an introverted dog and won’t follow commands,” Kohl said. “He’s becoming increasingly more shy, especially around people.”
Aldo was transferred to a new handler within the department after an incident in January 2013.
Police were attempting to arrest a man for operating while intoxicated when the man resisted and a scuffle broke out.
Two other squads, including the K-9 unit, responded to assist.
During the scuffle in which the suspect was taken down to the ground, Aldo entered the fray, but he ended up biting the officer instead of the suspect.
The officer sustained an injury to his lower leg and required medical attention that kept him off-duty for a time.
The council’s approval allows for a new dog to be purchased from Northern Michigan K9 at a cost of $12,500, along with $3,500 for travel, lodging and meals for the K-9 training officer.
The expenses will be covered with $5,000 from the Police Department Drug Enforcement Expense fund and $11,000 from the city’s contingency fund.
Kohl said there is an agreement that calls for Aldo to be returned to Northern Michigan K9 upon his retirement.
However, Kohl said, Aldo might be reunited with his original Police Department handler to live as a pet.
“We want to ensure Aldo goes to a good home for a long and happy retirement,” Kohl said.
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Jason Arndt, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Sherry Baldwin was one of five people to receive adaptive water ski lessons during the Shawano Ski Sharks’ season finale Wednesday at Wolf River Beach.
Lee Krumbach was one of five people who took advantage of an adaptive skiing opportunity during the Shawano Ski Sharks’ final show of the season Wednesday at Wolf River Beach.
Krumbach, a member of the Ski Sharks 20 years ago, had not water skied since 1996 and endured a long journey back.
Krumbach suffered a spinal cord injury in 2000 following an accident in which he fell backward into a hole.
Ski Sharks President Dave Passehl encouraged Krumbach to hit the water again Wednesday.
“I was a little taken aback and wasn’t sure about it, but I definitely wanted to try it,” Krumbach said. “It was awesome, I can’t even explain it.
“It was nice to get back out there and be able to do what I have not been able to do since 1996.”
Krumbach was joined by Donna Dorn, Sherry Baldwin, Jordan Ponshock and Emma Green for Wednesday’s program.
The Ski Sharks spent $5,000 on adaptive water ski equipment, which can include items such as sit-skis, outriggers, wakeboards and shoulder slings.
Prime Powersports owner Chris Gull donated a $5,000 Sea Doo Spark to the Ski Sharks for a season-long raffle to help offset the equipment costs.
Gary Defere, of Shawano, who Passehl and Gull noted has been a longtime supporter of the Sharks, won the Sea Doo in Wednesday’s drawing.
The Leader reported last week that raffle sales had reached only $2,400, but Passehl said the community rallied in recent days.
“We exceeded our goal and we covered all initial costs, and the community came out to support us,” said Passehl, who did not have the final sales figure after the show Wednesday night.
Additionally, Passehl was pleased so many people attended Wednesday’s finale to support the adaptive skiers.
“Look at this crowd. We got up to 700 people watching and encouraging them to ski again,” Passehl said.
Krumbach hopes the Sharks continue the adaptive skiing program as the team enters its 38th season.
“I definitely want to do it again. … I would love to do it,” Krumbach said. “They have shown tremendous support for the community, helping people grow.”
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yet7Q
Leader Staff
Editor’s note: 7Q is a new feature the Leader will do on an intermittent basis with area newsmakers. This week we feature Louise Fischer, Shawano School District business manager, who has been working with administrators and the School Board to develop the 2014-15 budget.
Q The Leader erroneously reported the district was planning $10 million in capital projects, including $5 million on asphalt work, in the 2014-15 budget. That list was actually the district’s long-term wish list. Are any of the projects in the $10 million list of capital projects part of the 2014-15 budget? If so, which ones are high priority?
A At this time, the only projects included in the 2014-15 preliminary budget are $25,000 toward district security cameras, $50,000 to install keyless entry at the high school and middle school, $113,000 toward curriculum and $287,000 to replace the district server. The Finance Committee also designated $10,000 toward an engineering study to replace the middle school HVAC system and $3,000 to have a consultant look at all district asphalt to ultimately devise a long-range plan.
Q You speak primarily of the levy for the general fund. How does that differ from the overall levy, what are the proposed numbers, and is the general fund levy or overall levy more meaningful to taxpayers?
A Although the general fund levy comprises the majority of the overall levy, the final mill rate is determined by the overall levy. The overall levy also includes referendum debt and Fund 80 - community service.
Q What would cause the proposed tax rate to increase or decrease?
A The current proposed mill rate is $10.34. It can increase or decrease between now and October based on equalized value, Shawano shared costs, other districts’ shared costs, if the board of education opts for a different levy or a substantial deviation from the estimated enrollment.
Q How much of a change usually occurs?
A In a normal economy with stable land values, it would be easier to predict mill rate. However, as the recession seems to have a slower recovery in this area (and the subsequent property values), it is difficult to predict what the mill rate will be. As in many other areas of the state, agricultural land has a significantly increasing value than housing, so again it is hard to predict the equalized value. I had a couple of scenarios on my PowerPoint if land values stayed the same or declined 2 percent or 4 percent. We will know the exact amount in October.
Q A citizen at one of the budget meetings suggested a frugal mindset for the budget. How has being frugal impacted the district, and how would it impact the district in the future?
A A district always wants to be good stewards of the financial resources of the district.
Q How many years has the district opted not to assess the maximum levy available under law?
A Including 2014-15, which is not official until October, the district has underlevied the last five years.
Q How has that approach affected the district?
A Shawano Schools is very fortunate to have a stable student population — the dips and increases in enrollment are minimal and not sustained. SSD also is very fortunate to have a revenue source in open enrollment students, which nets approximately $500,000 each year. This means more nonresident students are coming to our school vs. resident students attending other districts. This revenue, in part, has allowed the BOE (board of education) not to levy the maximum levy allowed. Normally, not spending money can affect a district’s future equalized aid amount. It would be difficult to determine the exact impact on Shawano as the aid lost would depend on past state budgets, shared costs incurred by Shawano and other school districts, and other factors determined at the state level. If Shawano had continuous declining enrollment where revenue limits and state aid are both affected by membership, there would be a negative impact by not levying the allowable maximum for revenue limit and equalized aid purposes. This is not the case currently.
BY THE NUMBERS
Shawano School District budget
Proposed 2014-15 levy: $12.92 million*
Anticipated tax rate: $10.34 per $1,000 of equalized value*
2013-2014 levy: $12.9 million
Tax rate: $10.31 per $1,000 of equalized value
* Numbers subject to change through October
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Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent
The city of Shawano is seeking a 22 percent increase in water rates, the first rate request in about seven years, according to a rate application recently filed with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission.
Increasing costs and relatively flat water sales have eroded the utility’s rate of return on its infrastructure investment from the 6.5 percent authorized by the PSC in 2007 to an estimated 3.2 percent this year, said Nancy Schauer, Shawano Municipal Utilities’ financial manager.
The Shawano Department of Public Works, which oversees the water utility, is applying for the rate increase, but SMU prepared the financial information because its staff is familiar with the billing history.
If approved as submitted, the rate request would increase revenue by $323,163, earning the water utility a 6.5 percent return on the net value of its $9.726 million infrastructure investment.
“We’re asking for 6.5 percent return again … that’s the (benchmark) the (PSC) is approving,” Schauer said.
Residential customers pay a $7 meter charge and volume charges of $1.58 monthly per 1,000 gallons of water. If residential rates increased by 22 percent, the cost of 3,700 gallons of water consumed monthly would rise from $58.46 to $71.32, an increase of $12.86.
However, the PSC may not apply the 22 percent increase equally to the utility’s four main customer classes. Instead, the PSC will review the utility’s application and recommend a revenue amount based on the cost to serve the city’s residential, commercial, public entity and industrial classes.
The city can adopt or contest the PSC’s revenue recommendation at a to-be scheduled public hearing. The PSC will then set new rates.
Schauer anticipates the rates will be determined by the end of the year.
In the past four years, city water sales have increased from $1.424 million to an estimated $1.451 million this year. Meanwhile, the cost to pump, treat and distribute water was $509,998 in 2010 and is projected to total $520,562 this year, according to the application. The costs peaked at $590,626 in 2012.
Taxes and depreciation increase the 2014 total expenses to an estimated $1.188 million against estimated revenue of $1.497 million, leaving the water utility with a $309,057 net income this year, according to the application.
The DPW’s request would increase annual revenue by $323,163 and net income to $632,220, according to the application.
The PSC last month approved an increase in electric rates for SMU sufficient to provide the utility with a 6 percent rate of return. The increase will start to show up on September bills covering usage for the month of August.
Bills for residential customers will go up 0.9 percent, while the largest industrial customers will pay 0.93 percent more. The remaining commercial classes will see larger increases ranging from about 2 to 6.5 percent.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 12
Police logged 21 incidents, including the following:
Welfare — Police responded to an incident of two toddlers yelling for their mother in the 700 block of South Maiden Lane.
Theft — Items, including a television, were reported stolen from a storage locker at the Lakeland Storage Unit, 722 Waukechon St.
Juvenile — Police responded to a report of three boys attempting to jump from the bridge at West Green Bay and South Bartlett streets.
Juvenile — Police responded to a complaint of teenagers jumping off the Ski Shark ramp and cursing at children along Wolf River Beach, 211 N. Riverside Drive.
Theft — Police responded to a theft in progress at the Shawano Recreation Center, 220 E. Division St.
Disturbance — Police investigated a disturbance between a father and daughter in the 500 block of Franklin Street.
Drugs — Police found drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop at Main and East Green Bay streets.
Suspicious — Police investigated a complaint of a suspicious vehicle at Shawano Cinema and Outdoor Theater, 1494 E. Green Bay St.
Suspicious — Police responded to a report of a suspicious male in the 400 block of West Picnic Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 12
Deputies logged 27 incidents, including the following:
Fight — Deputies responded to a fight in progress at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St.
Information — A report of possible gun shots was made on Old Shawano Road in Pella.
Theft — A chain saw was stolen from a garage on Western Avenue in Birnamwood.
Restraining — Deputies investigated a restraining order violation at Remington Oil, 444 U.S. Highway 45, Birnamwood.
Accident — Authorities logged a deer-related crash at state Highway 29 and County Road J in the town of Morris.
Suspicious — Authorities investigated a suspicious female wandering a property in the 100 block of Vinal Street in Wittenberg.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 12
Police logged four incidents, including the following:
Burglary — Police responded to a burglary on South Main Street.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a vehicle on South Main Street.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a residence on South Main Street.
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Tim Ryan, [email protected]
Shawano police officer Adam Bieber pulled off an upset victory Tuesday against incumbent Randy Wright to win the Republican nomination for Shawano County sheriff.
Though a virtual dead heat as most of the villages and towns reported, late results from the city of Shawano and towns of Wescott and Richmond pushed Bieber well over the top, to a more than 200-vote margin.
Unofficial results, which still have to be certified by the Board of Canvassers, were:
Adam Bieber 2,687
Randy Wright 2,459
Bieber now faces Lucas Christenson, of Shawano, running as an Independent in the Nov. 4 general election.
Christenson works in the parts department at American Marine & Motorsports in Shawano.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Tom Tuma withdrew from the race, but made his exit too late to keep his name off the ballot. He received 84 votes.
Wright had no comment on the results other than to thank those who supported him.
“I want to thank everybody who gave me their support,” he said.
Bieber did not return a phone call Tuesday night seeking comment.
The race had gotten some odd national attention over the past week because the last name Bieber shares with pop star Justin Bieber.
Wright made his experience a staple of the sheriff’s race. He started out at the sheriff’s office in 1976, working as a jailer, then a dispatcher and then a patrol deputy. He spent 25 years at the Shawano Police Department as a patrol officer before successfully running for sheriff in 2006 and winning re-election in 2010.
Bieber has worked in law enforcement for 14 years and has been with the Shawano Police Department since 2003.
Bieber made cooperation between other law enforcement agencies and government entities a key issue in the campaign, while Wright maintained that much of the cooperation Bieber was calling for was already taking place.
Bieber also hit at Wright’s often difficult relationship with the County Board, saying he would do a better job of working with county supervisors.
Wright said his problems with the County Board have been limited to a faction of about eight or nine supervisors who have the power to block the supermajority needed for borrowing and who Wright said were holding up progress in the county.
He said the race would be as much a referendum on the County Board as about the election of sheriff.
Another contentious issue was the Sheriff’s Department’s K9 unit.
Both Wright and Bieber said they believe the department’s K9 unit should be funded by the county rather than through the fundraising efforts of a private group.
Wright said the County Board has not been willing to increase the budget for the K9 unit and it would take $20,000 to $30,000 in cuts to other programs or services to put it into the budget.
Bieber had said he would make cuts elsewhere, including the possibility of eliminating some of the department’s take-home squads.
The candidates also differed on evidence storage, with Bieber questioning the need for expanded storage space. Wright has pushed for an evidence storage building since taking office in 2007.
Bieber has also questioned the department’s efforts to obtain a mine resistant armored personnel carrier, known in shorthand as MRAP. The Sheriff’s Department currently borrows similar armored vehicles when needed from Brown and Marathon counties for high-risk situations.
The Sheriff’s Department would get its MRAP by paying an annual $500 membership fee to Wisconsin Emergency Management, which will allow the department to obtain available military equipment. The department has already been approved for the vehicle by WEM but also needs federal approval.
The department would also pay transportation costs to deliver the vehicle from Texas, and pay for outfitting the vehicle with radios and other equipment. The roughly $10,000 in transportation and outfitting costs would be funded by asset forfeitures taken from drug dealers. The department would pay an estimated $300 a year for maintenance, which would be done by the county Highway Department.
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Tom Beschta, [email protected]
Canada geese that made their home at the Cedar Lake Park pond in Bonduel this year can rest easy for the time being.
After unsuccessful attempts to remove the geese following complaints about park cleanliness, Village President Mel Wendland said the Village Board is not going to pursue the issue.
“We are going to leave the geese,” Wendland said.
Five geese have been living near the popular swimming area throughout the summer, which raised concerns because of droppings around the pond.
Attempts to remove the geese following U.S. Department of Agriculture recommendations included harassing the geese and using decoys to scare them away, but none of the tactics worked, said Steve Berndt, director of municipal operations.
Berndt said the last option for getting rid of the geese would be to capture and euthanize them. According to Berndt, if the geese are not killed, they could return to the pond and continue to breed, which would cause a larger problem in the future.
“At this point, it is up to the Village Board to decide,” Berndt said.
Wendland said the village has received emails from members of the Humane Society claiming the board voted to kill all of the geese, which he said is not true. He said the topic never came to the board, and it is not on the agenda for the next meeting.
Wendland said the issue would ultimately be resolved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture if the geese become a major concern.
“The Village Board is going to do nothing,” Wendland said.
Wendland said he visited the park over the Aug. 2 weekend and saw a number of people swimming in the pond, but he did not see any of the geese.
“I don’t know if they are out feeding during the day and then come back at night, but I haven’t seen them around,” Wendland said.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 11
Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 100 block of County Road B.
Theft — A purse was reported stolen in the 400 block of South Franklin Street.
Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at Walgreen’s, 401 E. Green Bay St.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of South Andrews Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 11
Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on County Road J in Tigerton.
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Lake Road in Aniwa.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Country Lane in the town of Washington.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.
Accident — Authorities responded to an injury accident on Oakcrest Drive in Hartland.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 11
Police logged seven incidents, including the following:
Vandalism — Damage to property was reported on Cedar Street.
Fraud — Police investigated a worthless check complaint.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 10
Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:
Warrant — A 21-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant at Washington and Richmond streets.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a boat in the 800 block of South Franklin Street.
Theft — Items were reported stolen out of a vehicle in the 1300 block of East Green Bay Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 500 block of South Hamlin Street.
Vandalism — A bike was reported vandalized at Hill and Washington streets.
Warrant — A 33-year-old Shawano woman was taken into custody on a warrant in the 600 block of South Main Street.
Aug. 9
Police logged 23 incidents, including the following:
Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint at Green Bay and Main streets.
Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint at Wolf River Beach, 211 N. Riverside Drive.
Assault — Police investigated an assault in the 400 block of South Franklin Street.
OAR — A 52-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation in the 600 block of East Green Bay St.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of South Weed Street.
Aug. 8
Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Two juveniles were cited for curfew violation at Sturgeon Park, 811 S. Water St.
Juvenile — Two juveniles were cited for curfew violation at Lincoln and Maurer streets.
Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 400 block of East Division Street.
Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Richmond and Lincoln streets.
Hit and Run — Police responded to a property damage hit-and-run in the 600 block of South Main Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 10
Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:
Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Disturbance — A 50-year-old Milwaukee man was arrested after a disturbance on County Road MM in Richmond.
OWI — An 18-year-old Oconto Falls male was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Box Elder Road in Richmond.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Assault — Authorities investigated an assault on Pearl Street in Birnamwood.
Theft — A wallet was reported stolen on River Road in Bowler.
Aug. 9
Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Cecil Street in Bonduel.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Alder Street in Tigerton.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St. in Shawano.
Theft — A theft from a vehicle was reported on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Theft — A campaign sign was reported stolen on Gumaer Road in Wescott.
Disturbance — Charges of disorderly conduct and bail jumping were referred against a 45-year-old Tigerton man after a disturbance on Cedar Street in Tigerton.
Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
OWI — A 47-year-old Appleton man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on County Road R in the town of Washington.
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Mid Court in Wescott.
Aug. 8
Deputies logged 58 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Marquardt Lane in the town of Morris.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Webb Street in Wittenberg.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Highway 29 in Hartland.
Theft — S&S Marina, N5584 in Wescott, reported the theft of three boat gas tanks.
Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint at Dollar General, 243 S. Cecil St. in Bonduel.
Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Main Street in Birnamwood.
Theft — A 4-wheeler was reported stolen on Third Street in Mattoon.
OAR — A 27-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on Genesee Street in Wittenberg.
Burglary — Authorities investigated an attempted burglary on Park Street in Angelica.
Weapon Offense — A 45-year-old Cecil man was arrested for being armed while intoxicated on Country Lane in the town of Washington.
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Summer Street in Aniwa.
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Shawano Police Department
Aug. 7
Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.
Theft — Yard signs were reported stolen on Prospect Circle.
Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 1100 block of South Smalley Street.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 100 block of Madison Way.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 200 block of Hill Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 700 block of South Franklin Street.
OWI — A 40-year-old Shawano man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Elizabeth and Park streets.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
Aug. 7
Deputies logged 34 incidents, including the following:
Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.
Vandalism — A mailbox was reported vandalized on U.S. Highway 45 in Tigerton.
Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint at the Novitiate, W9653 Butternut Road, in the town of Herman.
Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on St. John’s Church Road in Belle Plaine.
Vandalism — Trash cans were reported run over on Rustic Drive in Belle Plaine.
Theft — A chainsaw was reported stolen on State Road in Birnamwood.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Lake Drive in the town of Washington.
Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
Aug. 7
Police logged six incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on 10th Street.
OWI — A male subject was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated on South Main Street.
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