Shawano Leader News
Public Record
Shawano Police Department
June 24
Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:
Theft — Medications and concert tickets were reported stolen in the 700 block of Weed Street.
Suspicious — Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 100 block of South Andrews Street.
Vandalism — Police responded to a report of a smashed windshield on a van in the 400 block of Bartlett Street.
Trespassing — Police responded to an unwanted male at the Wisconsin House Inn, 216 E. Green Bay St.
Threatening — Police investigated a report of a male being harassed in the 1000 block of South Bartlett Street.
Suspicious — A report of a suspicious vehicle was made at Shawano Lawn and Stone, 950 S. Waukechon St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
June 24
Deputies logged 50 incidents, including the following:
Vandalism — A mailbox was reportedly damaged on Chrissie Circle in the town of Washington.
Vandalism — Deputies responded to a report of tire tread marks and damage to a tree on Hofa Park Road in Pulaski.
Vandalism — A mailbox was reportedly damaged on East Lake Crest Road in Wescott.
Burglary — Authorities responded to a potential burglary at a barn on Valley Road in Bonduel.
Theft — A leaf blower and two gas cans were reported stolen on County Road A in Richmond.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a breaking and entering report on Hofa Park Road in the town of Lessor.
Theft — Gas cans were reported stolen from a property on Hill Road in Pulaski.
Warrant — Deputies took a 30-year-old male into a custody on a Brown County warrant.
Theft — Medications were reported stolen on Lake Drive in Wescott.
Theft — Deputies investigated theft of a television in the 100 block of West Railroad Street in Bowler.
Suspicious — Authorities received a complaint of stalking with an electronic device on County Road C in Pulaski.
Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint on Country Lane in Cecil.
Harassment — Authorities investigated a harassment complaint through a SnapChat account on Oak Street in Bowler.
Accidents — Three vehicle accidents involving deer were reported.
Clintonville Police Department
June 24
Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:
Property damage — Police investigated a complaint of property damage on the intersection of North Clinton Street and West 13th Street.
Harassment — Police issued a warning for harassment on Morning Glory Drive.
Juvenile — Police issued warnings to two juveniles for disorderly behavior on South Main Street.
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Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
Mike Koles, head of the University of Wisconsin-Extension office for Waupaca County, has been hired as the new executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. He will replace Richard Stadelman, of Shawano, who is retiring on Aug. 31.
Koles is currently the department head of the UW Extension Waupaca County. He has served as a community, natural resources and economic development educator for Waupaca County since 2003. He will begin his new duties on Aug. 1.
“Mike has an outstanding record in education of local elected officials and has been particularly strong in developing leadership programs at both the local and state level,” said Lee Engelbrecht, president of the Wisconsin Towns Association. “He has demonstrated a strong working relationship with town, village, city and county officials in Waupaca County.”
Stadelman also praised the board’s selection.
“I am pleased that Mike Koles was selected by the board and that he accepted the board’s offer,” he said. “Mike is a recognized leader among UW-Extension agents in the state and I believe he will help Wisconsin Towns Association maintain a strong position in providing service to member town and village officers as well as positive working relationships with other statewide organizations.”
The Wisconsin Towns Association is a voluntary association of 1,251 towns and 18 villages across the state. The organization provides education and training to local officials, as well as represents local government interests at the state and federal level.
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Leader Photo by Tim Ryan City Alderman John Hoeffs and Dennis Heling of Shawano County Economic Progress, Inc. were among the roughly two dozen people at City Hall Tuesday who viewed design options presented by the Department of Transportation for planned improvements to Airport Drive.
State transportation officials were in Shawano on Tuesday to offer two options for planned improvements to Airport Drive slated to take place in 2016, but it was clear their preferred option would take the four-lane road down to two lanes.
The Department of Transportation is planning significant repairs to the road, along with some infrastructure replacement, between state Highway 29 and Green Bay Street.
The improvements will require some configuration changes to address safety concerns and bring the road up to state highway standards.
Airport Drive was originally constructed as a city street to provide industrial park access before state Highway 47-55 was overlaid onto it as part of the Highway 29 bypass project.
Among the road’s deficiencies are lanes that are too narrow — 10 feet instead of the standard 12 for highways — and a lack of shoulder area between the lanes and the curb.
City officials met with the DOT last month to raise their concerns about the heavy truck traffic making use of Airport Drive and encouraged the state to keep it a four-lane route to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Many of the two dozen residents who attended Tuesday’s meeting had the same concerns.
However, DOT project manager Jim Volkmann and representatives of the engineering firm consulting on the project came prepared to show how the two-lane option would address traffic issues and solve some safety problems.
Dedicated left-turn lanes would be added at three intersections — Beauprey Road, Richmond Street and Green Bay Street — addressing fears that traffic would otherwise be brought to a standstill to allow for turning.
The turn lanes would also allow access to properties along the road.
An additional turn-out lane was also discussed as a possible means of keeping traffic flowing around school buses required to stop at the railroad crossing.
A two-lane configuration would also allow for a four-way stop sign at County Road B.
Jim Wendels, consultant project manager with Quest Civil Engineers, of Wisconsin Rapids, said a four-way stop at County Road B would be unworkable with a four-lane highway because of the confusion it could create and also because the signs would have to be placed too far off to the side to be effective.
Volkmann said the two-lane option would also slow traffic to the posted 45 mph speed limit, which, he said, is routinely disobeyed.
He said the current four-lane encourages motorists to push the speed limit to get ahead of the vehicle in the next lane.
With one lane of travel in each direction, there’d be no point to that, “because everyone is going the same speed,” he said.
No change in the speed limit is planned.
“I like some aspects of the two-lane option, safety-wise,” said Eddie Sheppard, Shawano Public Works coordinator, after the meeting.
He said safety is a top priority, along with making sure the chosen option is a good fit for industrial use.
Officials say the Airport Drive project is needed because of the deteriorating condition of the road, which is showing signs of severe cracking, potholes, rutting and an uneven surface.
The existing storm sewer system, culvert pipes, curb and gutter, signage and pavement markings are also in need of either repair or replacement, according to the DOT.
The DOT is projecting a construction start of March 2016 in hopes of being wrapped up by July. A detour would be needed while the road is shut down.
Another public meeting would be held this fall on a date still to be determined.
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Lee Pulaski, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Kendra Verhasselt, left, and Cassy Bonnin stir the hash browns in the food tent Sunday. More than 1,000 pounds of potatoes were used to prepare hash browns for more than 5,000 people who attended Brunch on the Farm.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Ayden Wege, 10, of Bonduel, scoops some hash browns onto his plate Sunday during Brunch on the Farm.
Thousand of eggs, thousands of potatoes and endless cartons of milk were required Sunday to feed more than 5,000 people who attended the Shawano County Brunch on the Farm.
The Kurowski Dairy was abuzz with activity as visitors enjoyed breakfast inside a barn and outside. All of the food provided was raised on a farm in order to show nonfarmers just where their food comes from.
Dave Henselin, a Shawano County Farm Bureau board member known during the brunches as the “egg man,” kept constant vigil over the eggs Sunday. After manning the egg station for 22 years, the Marion resident tried to bow out this year, but brunch coordinators wouldn’t hear of it.
“Somebody’s got to do it,” Henselin said.
Henselin estimated there would be more than 12,000 eggs prepared before the meal was over, with almost 500 prepared at one time. The eggs were mixed in with 5 pounds of ham, 5 pounds of cheddar cheese and a pound of butter to bring a batch to perfection, he said.
“It takes us about a half an hour to get it done,” Henselin said.
More people are wanting to know where their food comes from, which is what makes Brunch on the Farm so popular, according to Deb Mielke, Shawano County Farm Bureau president. June is National Dairy Month, and counties and municipalities across Wisconsin are hosting breakfasts and brunches to give people a glimpse into how farms operate.
“This gives folks a chance to come out and interact with the animals and see how well they’re cared for,” Mielke said. “We are very fortunate in Shawano County to have as many nice looking farms as we do.”
The brunch brings visitors from all over Northeast Wisconsin. Todd Collar, of Denmark, tries to make it to at least one brunch in the region, and this year his family opted to visit Kurowski Dairy.
“A girl who works with me, this is her family’s farm,” Collar said. “It’s nice to bring the boys out to show them where food comes from.”
For many visitors, attending the brunch has become an intergenerational tradition. Elizabeth Thome, of Shawano, remembers visiting farms in June as a child, and now she wants her son to experience seeing animals and farm equipment up close and personal.
“I just remember going in the big barn and eating food and getting to see all the animals,” Thome said. “The ice cream — I always remember the ice cream.”
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Timothy J. Meade
The family of a Michigan man who died in an apparent hit-and-run one year ago will honor his memory Saturday on the anniversary of his death.
Timothy J. Meade, 22, of Stephenson, Mich., was found at 2:30 a.m. June 28 in the eastbound lane of traffic on County Road M at the state Highway 29 overpass in Shawano.
The case remains unsolved.
The family will join Shawano County authorities at the Sheriff’s Department at 1 p.m. Saturday for a news conference, then travel to the spot where Meade was found to release balloons in his honor.
“We want to stir up interest again,” said Sheriff Randy Wright, adding that authorities and the family are still hoping someone will come forward with information about the incident.
“Somewhere there’s somebody whose conscience is bothering them,” Wright said.
Wright said he is not expecting criminal charges to be filed, even if someone does come forward, given the circumstances of the incident.
“We’d just like to put closure on it,” he said.
Autopsy results indicate Meade was lying down in the road at the time he was struck.
Wright said the driver who struck him likely didn’t see Meade because of the dark conditions and the crest of the bridge at that location.
Meade had been visiting friends in the area and was headed back to their residence after leaving a nearby drinking establishment, according to sheriff’s detectives.
He left the establishment sometime after 1:30 a.m. Several witnesses reported seeing him walking.
Meade was struck sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. by a vehicle that would have been headed eastbound on County Road M, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Detective Wade Wudtke said in an interview late last year that authorities contacted “an enormous amount of people” during the investigation.
“We’ve collected traffic information and data that we’ve been following up on as far as who takes that road of travel and everything,” he said. “We’ve knocked on a lot of doors, talked to a lot of neighbors, followed up on a lot of leads. We haven’t come up with anything.”
Wudtke also said the Sheriff’s Department is not looking to file charges.
“This isn’t anything about prosecuting anybody right now. We just want closure for the family,” he said.
The Sheriff’s Department can be reached at 715-526-3111.
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Leader Staff
A Shawano man arrested Saturday after an anonymous caller told police he was allegedly driving drunk has been charged with eighth-offense operating while intoxicated.
Jerry A. Jarvis, 48, could face 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if found guilty.
According to the criminal complaint, police were notified just before 8 p.m. that an intoxicated male had been in The Store gas station and left in a vehicle that turned onto Green Bay Street.
Jarvis got only as far as the intersection of Green Bay and Lincoln streets, where he stopped for a red light, when police spotted his vehicle and pulled him over, according to the complaint.
The complaint alleges Jarvis failed several roadside sobriety tests, and a preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.22 percent, nearly three times the legal limit.
According to court records, Jarvis has three prior drunken driving convictions in Shawano County, three in Racine County and one in Walworth County.
The most recent was in Racine County in 2006. He was sentenced to two years in prison and three years of extended supervision.
Jarvis was freed on a $1,000 signature bond after a court appearance Monday before Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr.
He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance Monday.
Rate this article: Select ratingGive it 1/5Give it 2/5Give it 3/5Give it 4/5Give it 5/5 No votes yetDollars for Scholars seeks Second Chance applicants
Jason Arndt, [email protected]
Shawano Dollars for Scholars has yet to find a recipient this year for the Judge Eberlein Second Chance Scholarship.
The scholarship, for up to $5,000, is intended for people looking to improve their job prospects by attending a vocational or technical school.
Michael Sleeper, Dollars for Scholars first vice president, said the organization has recruited Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to help find applicants for the scholarship, which was first offered in 2013.
“We are hopeful that, working closely with Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, we will be able to identify qualifying candidates,” Sleeper said.
NWTC has posted the scholarship on its website and is informing prospective students of the opportunity, said Alicia Van Straten, NWTC scholarship coordinator.
“We highly encourage any student who is in need of additional assistance to apply for the scholarship on the website,” said Jeannie Jafolla, NWTC Learning Center manager.
Applicants must have resided in Shawano for the last three years and have a high school diploma or general equivalency degree. They also must have been accepted at an accredited post-secondary institution of higher learning and cannot have previously received an award from DFS.
Applicants also must have identified an occupation with employment opportunities and have a plan for completing the education required.
Individuals can apply for the scholarship at any time of the year, with winners announced May 1 and Nov. 1 each year.
The scholarship is named in honor of longtime judge Michael G. Eberlein and his wife, Joanne, whose $7.5 million endowment announced in 2011 has helped Shawano Dollars for Scholars’ total endowment exceed $11 million. The scholarship recognizes the judge’s penchant for giving people second chances.
For further information on the Second Chance scholarship, visit shawano.dollarsforscholars.org.
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Shawano Police Department
June 23
Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:
Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported two female teenagers in custody with stolen makeup.
Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident involving City Cab and another vehicle in the 1000 block of South Smalley Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Lutz Street and Lieg Avenue.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
June 23
Deputies logged 48 incidents, including the following:
OWI — A 26-year-old Gresham man was arrested for operating while intoxicated after an accident on Little Road in Red Springs.
Disorderly — Authorities responded to an intoxicated person complaint on Witt-Birn Town Line Road in Birnamwood.
Theft — Chainsaws and a gas can were reported stolen from a truck on County Road D in Pella.
Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Zion Road in Tigerton.
Vandalism — A mailbox was reported vandalized on County Road G in the town of Herman.
Fire — Authorities responded to a shed fire on Hillside Drive in Angelica.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Main Street in Gresham.
Accidents — Authorities logged nine accidents, including an injury accident in Bowler and five deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
June 23
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Burglary — A burglary was reported on West Green Tree Road.
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on West Morning Glory Drive.
Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in Olen Park.
Disturbance — Police responded to a neighbor dispute on state Highway 22.
Theft — Police investigated a property theft complaint in the 800 block of South Park Street.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 400 block of Riverside Drive.
Vandalism — A stand was reported vandalized at Memorial Park, 909 S. Lincoln St.
Vandalism — A building was reported damaged in the 200 block of North Main Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of South Weed Street.
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Shawano Police Department
June 22
Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:
Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Accident — A truck launching a boat at Huckleberry Harbor, 222 N. Sawyer St., went into the lake. No injuries were reported.
Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St., reported a female shoplifter in custody.
Theft — A phone was reported stolen at the flea market, 900 E. Green Bay St.
June 21
Police logged 28 incidents, including the following:
OWI — A 25-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Main and Mills streets.
Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at the Brickstone Inn, 622 E. Green Bay St.
Fraud — Police investigated an Internet scam complaint in the 900 block of Robin Lane.
Theft — A lawn mower was reported stolen in the 400 block of South Weed Street.
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of South Main Street.
Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.
OWI — A 48-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Green Bay and Lincoln streets.
June 20
Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of South Smalley Street.
Theft — Campaign signs were reported stolen in the 100 block of Robin Lane.
OAR — A 54-year-0ld man was cited for operating after revocation at Union Street and Ridlington Avenue.
OWI — A 24-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Franklin and Presbyterian streets.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
June 22
Deputies logged 45 incidents, including the following:
Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Red Oak Lane in Wittenberg.
Juvenile — Authorities investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Chrissie Circle in Wescott.
Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on Evergreen Road in Aniwa.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.
Accidents — Authorities logged six deer-related crashes.
June 21
Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Railroad Street in Bowler.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Loon Lake Circle in Wescott.
Theft — Authorities investigated an attempted theft complaint on County Road D in Aniwa.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Bierman Road in Aniwa.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on state Highway 29 in Wittenberg.
Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.
June 20
Deputies logged 47 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Maple Drive in Bonduel.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Main Street in Bowler.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on Town Line Road in Navarino.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road E in Green Valley.
Accidents — Authorities logged injury accidents on County Road K in Waukechon and at Fairview and County Road M in Pella, along with three deer-related crashes.
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Lorna Marquardt, Special to the Leader
Kayakers paddle on Shawano Lake near Cecil on Thursday afternoon. Shawano Lake is generally considered the area’s biggest tourist attraction, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, swimming, camping and more.
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis Visiting from Sheboygan Falls for a day of fishing, Michelle Douglas and her son, Ryan Van Zeeland, 10, are led through Friday morning’s fog by local resident Eugene Hanke. “Five seconds” is the time it took Ryan to catch a bass off the south shore of Shawano Lake. The summer solstice, more commonly known as the first day of summer, will arrive at 5:51 a.m. Saturday.
The sun is shining, the water is warming and the tourists are arriving.
It’s summer in Shawano Country.
Although myriad outdoor recreation opportunities make Shawano and Menominee counties four-season tourist destinations, summer can be a make-or-break time of year for some businesses.
The good news is that, if room and cottage reservations are a barometer of the summer tourism potential, 2014 is shaping up nicely.
“I always want to rent out better every year. They are super good this year,” said Mike Schuster, owner of Schuster’s Shawano Lake Resort. “I have been doing this five years and this is the best one so far.”
Summer tourism accounts for 90 percent of his business, said Schuster, who noted that most of his customers come from Milwaukee, Chicago and the Fox Valley.
“People come to Shawano for the lake,” he said. Once here, they go do other things, like visit the flea market, eat at restaurants and fish in the area.
“With the lake in close proximity, it brings boaters and fishermen and women,” agreed Sharon Zentkowski, owner of Cecil Fireside Inn. “And then you have the golf courses, and people are always looking for places to eat.”
She said people coming to town for weddings and family reunions bolsters her summer business. The inn offers outside activities for guests — grills, fire pit, horse shoes, volleyball — but also has amenities to keep visitors occupied in bad weather: indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna.
“For my particular hotel it looks like it is going to be a good summer,” she said.
The summer outlook is more difficult to predict for businesses not reliant on reservations.
Many of them rely on the whims of Mother Nature.
“For my type of business, weather is the biggest factor,” said Tim Conradt, owner of Mountain Bay Outfitters in Shawano. “I think if the weather cooperates we will have a good year.”
The business, located on the Mountain Bay Trail, which stretches from Green Bay to Wausau, includes a full-service bike shop. It also offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals and sales, trips on the Wolf River and a weekly farmers market.
Conradt said summer accounts for 50 to 75 percent of his revenue.
For the record, Farmers’ Almanac is predicting an “oppressively humid, wet and thundery” summer for the Great Lakes region and Northeast.
“We are in the rafting business, so the warmer the better,” said Brian Peters, co-owner of Shotgun Eddy Rafting, which offers Wolf River rafting trips. “But we also need rain, because if we don’t have enough the river gets low and the rafts can get hung up.
“So we are like farmers in that respect. We need rain, but we still need good weather, too.”
Good weather also is good for business at American Marine & Motorsports, which sells boats, wave runners, ATVs and more, and has rental packages available throughout the summer.
“(Summer tourism) brings a lot of people to the area, which helps our business,” said Greg Seymour, general operations manager. “It gets a lot of people out on the water, including locals.”
Local residents enjoying summer, as well as visitors looking for something to do, account for much of the business at Shawano Sports Park, which features miniature golf, go-karts and batting cages.
“We got a very short season from Memorial Day to Labor Day,” owner Mark Klister said. “About 80 percent of our revenue comes from the summer months.”
The larger racetrack at USAir Motorsports Raceway also needs good weather for its customers.
“I do get a lot of people from elsewhere, so (tourism) is very important,” said Ann Polk, manager of USAir Motorsports Raceway, which includes go-karts and an amusement park, as well as competitive racing events. “We got a late start this year due to the cold weather in the spring.”
Polk said the economy, specifically gas prices, is another uncontrollable variable affecting tourism.
“It depends on the economy, because right now it is not very good,” she said. “Gas prices are high everywhere.”
AAA expects gas prices to remain relatively high during the summer driving season. AAA predicts the national average price of gas this summer likely will vary from $3.55-$3.70 per gallon. Gas prices averaged $3.60 in June 2013, $3.50 in June 2012 and $3.68 in June 2011.
Schuster said he is looking for a rebound year after a difficult 2013.
“I would hope we do better than last year,” he said. “We try to keep our expenses in line, and our prices have remained the same the last eight years. You don’t get that at the grocery store.”
Other owners also are guardedly optimistic.
“From what I can tell it seems to be better than last year,” Peters said. “Last year we got off to such a cold start, but we have had nice weather so far.”
“I think it is going to be an average summer,” Seymour said. “Everything was pushed back because of the bad winter.”
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Leader Staff
Leader Photo by Greg Mellis Brochures and fliers promoting area attractions fill the rack at Mountain Bay Outfitters located in the historic train depot on Main Street in Shawano.
How important is the summer tourism season to the Shawano County economy?
Tourism brought $56.7 million to Shawano County in 2013, according to the state Department of Tourism, a 3.84 percent increase over 2012.
Although the state has not broken down the tourism numbers by season since 2010, summer tourism accounted for about 38 percent of the statewide total in past years.
A more accurate reflection of the summer tourism impact locally is Shawano room tax revenue. Local hotels and resorts pay a 10 percent room tax to the city. At least 70 percent of all revenue produced by room taxes must go toward tourism, according to state statutes.
The city compiles the information quarterly, and the third quarter (July through September) generally accounts for more than 40 percent of the city’s annual total. (It dropped to 36.1 percent last year due to a hotel closing.)
“With over 40 percent of the total room tax revenues generated in the third quarter, many businesses of all sizes rely on summer season tourism dollars to help carry them through the year,” said Patti Peterson, tourism manager for the Shawano Country Tourism Council. “Increased room nights mean more shoppers, diners and spectators.”
Peterson noted that tourism is vital to not only seasonal businesses but also to year-round businesses. Tourism brings in new money from outside our community into the local economy, she said, and circulates throughout local communities, helping to pay wages and other expenses.
AT A GLANCE
Shawano room tax revenue
Quarter 2012 2013
1 $8,633.33 $7,628.35
2 $10,374.17 $10,544.37
3 $21,280.66 $16,048.23
4 $11,269.84 $10,540.02
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Leader Staff
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Barn quilts have emerged as a key tourist attraction in Shawano County. This quilt is on County Road E in the town of Wescott.
Here are the top five tourist attractions in the Shawano area, as decided by Leader staff:
1. Shawano Lake
Pretty much everyone agrees, the major tourist attraction in Shawano Country is Shawano Lake. In the summer, the lake is a popular destination for boating, swimming, fishing, skiing, sunning, bird watching and whatever else you can do on and under the water. The 6,200-acre lake, with maximum depth of 39.5 feet and average depth of 9 feet, is home to a variety of fish, including musky, panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and sturgeon. Shawano Lake has about 24 access points, including the county park, which has a boat launch and beach.
2. Shawano Lake Golf Course
One of Wisconsin’s oldest golf courses, Shawano Lake Golf Course is a public 18-hole course measuring 6,231 yards on more than 120 acres on the north shore of Shawano Lake. The course opened in 1922. The course rating is 68.6 (63.6 gold tees) with a slope of 123 (111 gold tees). Practice your swing on its eight-tee driving range, your sand shots in a bunker area and your putting on the practice green before hitting the links. With opening tee times slated for 7 a.m., golfers can finish a round before heading to the Shal Bar & Grill, which fires up the grill at 11 a.m.
3. Shawano Speedway
Shawano area residents and racing fans love the historic half-mile dirt oval, 990 E. Green Bay St., on the county fairgrounds. Racing starts at 6:30 p.m. every Saturday through Labor Day weekend in the following divisions: Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Mighty Fours. Spectator Eliminator races are held on a limited basis after the regular program. One of the season highlights is the return of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series to the Speedway on July 29. The big night draws racers and fans from across the country.
4. Barn Quilts
With 266 quilts — and counting — on display, Shawano County proudly proclaims itself Barn Quilt Capital of Wisconsin. The quilt trail has garnered national attention. An author working on her second book about barn quilts recently said Shawano County will be well represented in her new offering, due for publication in 2016. “The barn quilt is definitely in the top three (tourist attractions),” said Patti Peterson, tourism manager for the Shawano Country Tourism Council. “It’s very popular.”
5. Heritage Park
Explore the area’s early history with a visit to Heritage Park, 524 N. Franklin St., in Shawano. Established on the site of Shawano County’s first sawmill, the park includes nine buildings and six museums. Museums are the Kast House built in 1871, schoolhouse built in 1895, reconstructed 1800s log cabin, 1930s limestone building, an “oil house” — now an agricultural museum, and a replica of the 1940s railroad depot in Zachow. There are also fishing docks (the park is located on the channel between the Wolf River and Shawano Lake), flower gardens and picnic areas. The park is operated by the Shawano County Historical Society.
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Leader Staff
A Gillett man charged with taking a hostage during a standoff with sheriff’s deputies in Wittenberg was found competent this week to stand trial.
Travis W. Keiler, 29, was arrested April 22 after a two-hour standoff. He faces a felony count of taking hostages while using a dangerous weapon.
A preliminary hearing in the case was delayed for a competency evaluation. He was ruled competent at a court hearing Monday.
Keiler waived the preliminary hearing and entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. He is being held on a $50,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a status conference on June 30.
Keiler is accused of going armed into the Wittenberg Shell station and McDonald’s, 413 N. Genesee St., where he said he “wanted to shoot it out with the police,” according to the criminal complaint.
Keiler let everyone out of the building except for a lone McDonald’s employee, whom he kept as a hostage for about an hour.
Keiler told a hostage negotiator he had quit his job in De Pere and had been driving around before ending up at the Wittenberg Shell station.
The negotiator convinced Keiler to release his hostage as a sign of good faith after about an hour. Keiler surrendered peacefully an hour after that.
Keiler could face a maximum 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine if found guilty. He also faces a felony count of failing to comply with an officer’s attempt to take him into custody, which carries a maximum 3 1/2 year sentence and $10,000 fine, as well as misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and carrying a concealed weapon.
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Shawano Police Department
June 19
Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of South Union Street.
Burglary — A burglary was reported at Billy’s Bar, 1100 S. Main St.
Theft — A lawn mower was reported stolen in the 900 block of South River Street.
Theft — Diamond rings were reported stolen in the 500 block of West Pine Street.
Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of East Maurer Street.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
June 19
Deputies logged 48 incidents, including the following:
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road D in Bowler.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.
Burglary — Authorities investigated a burglary on County Road MMM in Richmond.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Town Line Road in Angelica.
Disturbance — Authorities responded to a domestic disturbance on Home Street in Wittenberg.
Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Little Road in Gresham.
Accidents — Authorities logged eight accidents, including six deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
June 19
Police logged nine incidents, including the following:
Fraud — A fraud incident was reported on Sunset Boulevard.
Accident — Officers responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident on West and Waupaca streets.
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Lee Pulaski, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski The Panic Chambers Hotel will hold its third and final season this fall at one of Gresham’s oldest buildings, at 1295 Main St., before moving to bigger accommodations in Menominee, Mich., in 2015.
It wasn’t holy water, a carefully worded incantation or a silver bullet that brought the Panic Chambers Hotel to a shocking end.
It was its own success.
The Panic Chambers, a haunted house in Gresham that generated sweeping acclaim in its first two years, will be back for one more round of fear in 2014 before moving north to Menominee, Michigan.
Although organizers are in the middle of a five-year lease for the former hotel, gentlemen’s retirement home and bath house for loggers, the unexpected popularity of that haunted house prompted the move to a larger site.
Zach Boyea, a Green Bay resident who started the Panic Chambers with business partner Lance Williams, said that attendance at the haunted house in 2013 was more than double the 2,000 people who visited in the first year. Organizers had originally expected only 500 people in 2012.
“The hotel is not able to physically hold the capacity we had in the last season,” Boyea said. “This was doing next to nothing in marketing.”
The Gresham hotel, which is more than a century old, is more than 4,000 square feet. Visitors often waited in long lines outside in cold weather.
The Menominee facility, formerly a factory, is 18,000 square feet and includes a heated waiting area and arcade for patrons, Boyea said.
“We want to grow. That’s our ambition,” Boyea said.
This year’s haunted house is expected to be open 17 nights, four more than last year, and Boyea and his crew plan to make it the scariest yet. He said he couldn’t divulge full details yet but promised that some of the features would be things not seen in other area haunted houses.
“We’re going to have an extended outdoor attraction that’s going to be part of the haunted house,” Boyea said.
The Gresham Village Board and community in general welcomed the Panic Chambers crew with open arms in 2012, anticipating it would boost visitation and business dollars at a time of year when tourism was winding down.
Board member Tom Madsen said he had heard nothing about the haunted house leaving until the Leader contacted him Thursday for comment.
“I’d seen them working on some new stuff at the hotel in late spring,” he said. “I didn’t know they were leaving.”
The hotel could still be utilized as a haunted house in the future. Boyea said some of the local volunteers have expressed interest in doing a haunted house of their own, but no formal arrangements have been worked out.
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Carol Wagner, Leader Correspondent
Photo by Carol Wagner Sara Rudesill of Rudy’s Bakery waits on Mary, Nikki and Bill Willcome at the first Mountain Bay Marketplace on June 11.
Mountain Bay Outfitters in Shawano has opened a Wednesday farmers market.
Mountain Bay Marketplace started June 11 with a handful of vendors of produce and crafts, but Mountain Bay Outfitters owner Tim Conradt said the space can accommodate about 40 as it grows.
Mountain Bay Outfitters is on the Mountain Bay Trail at 620 S. Main St. in Shawano. Conradt had to get a special use permit for the market because the vendors are on state property.
MJ Wegner, who is coordinating the event, said the market was Conradt’s idea.
“He’s quite a visionary,“ she said.
Conradt said the decision to start the farmers market was made last year, and it took time to put the plans in place.
“We’re doing it for something for the Shawano community,” Wegner said.
Beginning in July, vendors will be charged $10, with all proceeds going to Shawano Pathways, a local nonprofit organization promoting development of pedestrian and bicycle trails to preserve natural areas and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The first market included baked goods, pottery, jewelry and recycled items. Produce, especially strawberries, should be ready soon.
The Shawano Farmers Market opens its season Saturday in Franklin Park. The addition of a midweek market will give producers and consumers a chance to sell and buy produce when it’s freshest, marketplace organizers say.
“Fresh produce, when it’s ready, it’s ready,” Wegner said.
Plans also include live music on the Outfitters’ deck during the market. Local musicians are encouraged to contact Wegner or Conradt.
For more information, call 715-526-8823 or email [email protected].
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Shawano Police Department
June 18
Police logged 23 incidents, including the following:
Arrest — A 32-year-old Keshena woman was taken into custody at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.
Theft — A purse was reported stolen at Goodwill Industries, 300 Lakeland Road.
Assault — Police investigated an assault complaint in the 300 block of West Division Street.
Accident — Police responded to an injury accident in the parking lot at Shawano Cinema, 1494 E. Green Bay St.
Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Bartlett and Oshkosh streets.
Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the parking lot at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.
Theft — Items were reported stolen from a locker at the Shawano Recreation Center, 220 E. Division St.
Shawano County Sheriff’s Department
June 18
Deputies logged 44 incidents, including the following:
Fire — Authorities responded to a barn fire on Valley Road in Waukechon.
Theft — A campaign sign and two stands were reported stolen on state Highway 22 in Green Valley.
Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire on County Road D in Pella.
Theft — An iPod was reported stolen on Oak Street in Bowler.
Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Country Lane in Waukechon.
Vandalism — A lawn was reported vandalized on County Road BE in Waukechon.
Accidents — Authorities logged an injury accident in Angelica and five deer-related crashes.
Clintonville Police Department
June 18
Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:
Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Anne and 14th streets.
Juvenile — A juvenile was warned for disorderly conduct in Olen Park.
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Jason Arndt, [email protected]
Leader Photo by Jason Arndt Joe Rudesill of Bult’s Bakery splits apart dough to make artisan bread, which will be sold at the Shawano Farmers Market on Saturday.
After a year of restructuring, including a change of venue, the Shawano Farmers Market opens its season Saturday.
The market will move from the City Hall parking lot, where it was held for six years, to Franklin Park, at the corner of Division and Washington streets.
“We are excited to be able to make the transition to Franklin Park for this year’s market,” said Nathan Falk, market manager.
This also is the first year the market is being run by Shawano Farmers Market Inc., a nonprofit group organized last year when it became apparent that the Business Improvement District, which ran the market since it began in 2008, no longer wanted to manage it. The transfer of assets was completed in March.
Most of the members of the new board were among the original proponents of the market.
At a meeting with vendors earlier this year, market organizers said the new location gives them more space and more flexibility, with less traffic and congestion. They hope the city, as it develops the park, will include the market in its planning and potentially develop more permanent facilities there.
Vendor booths this year will be located along the eastern edge of the park, facing Washington Street, which will be blocked off to traffic at both ends.
As with the former location, there will be a music tent, information tent and a spot for nonprofit vendors.
While there is space for at least 50 vendors along Washington Street, Falk expects about 20 for the opening day.
“We anticipate that will grow throughout the season as more produce comes into season,” Falk said.
People will be able to shop for locally grown produce, fresh flowers, meats, cheese and some crafts. Various food offerings will be available, including the return of an egg roll vendor.
Co-owner Sara Rudesill said Bult’s Bakery, in downtown Shawano, started selling at the market two years ago.
“We have had a lot of people ask about our artisan bread, and looking around at other farmer’s markets, that was the one thing Shawano was missing,” she said. “We decided to participate to get our name out there, and be more a part of community events, and give our customers items we do not usually carry.”
Mary Ann Mast, owner of Mary Ann’s Baked Goods in Bonduel, has participated in the farmers market the last three years, offering bread and home made jam.
“We do it to get involved and get the word out about our business,” Mast said.
Falk said the market still needs volunteers and ideas.
“We’d like to get as much input from the public to find out their suggestions to make the market the best it can be,” he said, “and we always welcome volunteers to help during market days.”
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Shawano Farmers Market
WHEN: 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays through Oct. 11
WHERE: Franklin Park, 201 Washington St.
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Lee Pulaski, [email protected]
The Shawano County Finance Committee this week shot down an idea to use forfeited bail bond money for courthouse security projects.
The resolution, which recommended taking $37,600 from the Maintenance Department budget and an estimated $9,800 to $17,000 annually from forfeited bonds in the future for the new fund, is not dead, though.
The Public Safety Committee recommended the resolution June 11, which means it will be on the County Board agenda when it meets on Wednesday.
Supervisors on the Finance Committee questioned why it was necessary to establish the separate fund, which Supervisor Marlin Noffke called a “slush fund.”
“You set up another account, and it’s one more thing where someone feels ‘That’s my money; I can spend it the way I want,’” Noffke said. “I would rather see, when you get (bond) money coming in, put it into the general fund, and if you need it, then you go to the general fund to get it.”
Approval to use general fund money requires a two-thirds supermajority of the County Board.
Supervisor Rosetta Stern said attempts to create individual funds were “typical” of county officials.
“This account could grow every year,” Stern said. “The county creates something, and then people see that money’s accumulating, and they all want a part of it.”
The bond money is also considered in the annual budget, Finance Director Diane Rusch said, so if it is diverted to courthouse security, some other area of the budget could be affected.
“We would need either another revenue source or to decrease expenditures,” Rusch said.
Rusch noted courthouse security expenditures are handled by the Maintenance Department.
THE NEXT STEP
WHAT: The Shawano County Board of Supervisors will discuss and take action on creating a designated fund for courthouse security.
WHEN: 6 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: County Board Room, Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano.
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Burglary
A Shawano man has been charged with burglary and two felony counts of theft after he was arrested at the scene of the alleged crime on Sunday.
Keith D. Wilber, 20, is accused of breaking into the Black Bear Trading Post in Shawano and stealing several firearms.
Police responded to a burglary in progress shortly after 2 a.m., according to the criminal complaint, which states Wilber tried to flee from the store when police arrived and was arrested after a short foot chase.
According to the complaint, a witness reported seeing Wilber carry some items out of the store and then returning before police arrived.
Police located two Hi-Point rifles from the trading post in a nearby culvert, according to the complaint.
Wilber could face a maximum 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine if convicted of arming himself with a dangerous weapon during a burglary. He also faces a maximum six years and $10,000 fine on each of the felony theft counts.
Wilber was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond after an initial appearance in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court on Monday. He is due back in court Monday for an adjourned initial appearance.
Forgery
A Fond du Lac man who allegedly tried to pass two bogus $100 bills at the North Star Casino last fall has been charged with a felony count of forgery.
Roland E. Wasmuth, 72, could face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty.
According to the criminal complaint, Wasmuth was caught on surveillance video trying to place the two counterfeit bills into a slot machine that would not accept them. He then put the bills in the trash where they were found by casino maintenance.
Wasmuth is scheduled for an initial court appearance on June 30.
Auto theft
Two men are facing felony charges of taking a stolen van for a joyride in Birnamwood in April.
Kelley E. Olson, 21, of Birnamwood, and Shane J. Hix, 20, of Hatley, could each face a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine on a felony count of operating a motor vehicle with the owner’s consent if convicted.
They are accused of stealing a van from Resch Tile on April 30 and driving it to Marathon County, where they struck a deer and damaged the vehicle, before bringing it back to Birnamwood.
Both are scheduled for initial court appearances on June 30.
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