Shawano Leader News

By: 

Kevin Murphy, Leader Correspondent

Water rates for Gresham Municipal Utility residential customers will increase by 26 percent or, approximately $9.60 per month, under an order the Wisconsin Public Service Commission issued Tuesday.

Residential customers currently paying $36.39 monthly in volume charges for 3,000 gallons of water will pay $45.99 for the same amount when the new rates take effect April 15.

Bills reflecting the new rates will be mailed at the end of April, said Grace Schwefel, utility finance supervisor.

The order also increased the monthly meter charge for most residents by $4 to $14.30 from $10.07.

Rates for the utility’s commercial, industrial and public entity customers also will increase by 26 to 29 percent.

The first rate hike since a 40 percent jump in 2008, the increase boosts utility income by $42,393 annually to an estimated $198,447. After estimated 2014 expenses of $154,401, the utility should finish the year with a $44,046 net income and a 6.25 percent rate of return on the $707,740 net value of its infrastructure investment, according to the PSC analysis.

Without the rate increase, the PSC projected the utility finishing 2014 with a $1,653 net operating income and a .023 percent rate of return.

The utility has posted income deficits in each of the past four years. The deficit topped out at $42,526 in 2010 but has steadily decreased, reaching $12,198 last year, according to PSC analysis.

The utility has decreased its operating and maintenance expenses in each of the past four years. Those expenses totaled $152,891 in 2001 and are estimated to fall to $101,900 this year, according to the PSC.

Less spending on salaries and wages have led the decrease in expenses. Total administrative and general labor costs fell from $55,146 in 2010 to an estimated $33,500 this year.

Labor costs were reduced when two employees left the utility and were replaced by one worker, Schwefel said.

Repair expenses have also decreased in the past few years.

Spending on fuel, chemicals and outside services have increased since 2010, according to the PSC analysis.

A resident, Laura Potts, opposed the rate increase in a March 16 email to the PSC stating that her monthly electric, sewer and water bill from the village had climbed over $200 while area wages remain stagnant.

A meter reader 15 years ago, Potts wrote that she knows utility employees can be more productive.

Calls to utility administrator Art Bahr were not returned before deadline.

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By: 

The Associated Press

Gov. Scott Walker’s administration has agreed to triple to $1.5 million the potential payment to a national law firm hired to help examine whether to allow the Menominee Tribe to open an $800 million casino in Kenosha.

The original contract signed in December capped payments to the Dykema Gossett law firm at $500,000. An amended contract released Thursday by Walker’s administration raises the cap to $1.5 million.

Walker’s Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch (HIPSH) said the increase in potential payment “reflects the complexity of both the Kenosha casino proposal and its economic impact on Wisconsin.”

Huebsch says raising the cap “ensures we will be able to provide accurate, relevant information about the viability of this project.”

Walker has not said when he will make a decision.

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By: 

Leader Staff

County Board, District 10

District 10 incumbent Robert Krause will face challenger David Korth in a Shawano County Board of Supervisors race in the spring election Tuesday.

The district includes Ward 3 of the town of Washington and Wards 1 and 2 of Green Valley.

Supervisors serve two-year terms.

Name: David Korth

Age: 57

Family: Two sons, Ben and Jacob.

Education: Not provided.

Employment: Owner of 4 Seasons Disposal Inc. and Crossroads Drivers Ed.

Experience: Past supervisor of the town of Washington; present chairman of Cecil/Washington Fire Commission; president of the Wisconsin Professional Driving School Association.

Statement: “As a County Board member, you need to make responsible decisions that will affect your district and the county. The attitude to keep spending cannot continue as it is going. You need to use the resources that you have here before outsourcing. As an example, the blacktop work done at the fairgrounds by North East Asphalt and not the county. Asking the county after the fact. You need to rely on your department heads for information but still ask questions.”

Name: Robert W. Krause

Age: Not provided.

Family: Married 34 years to Doreen; three adult children and three grandchildren.

Education: Bonduel High School and UW-Madison

Employment: Self-employed farmer

Experience: Served the public in various capacities over the last 20 years: Zion Lutheran Church, Bonduel School Board, CESA 8 Board, town of Green Valley Planning Commission, Shawano County Farm Bureau and Shawano County Board of Supervisors serving on various committees. Also serves on state boards as a representative of UW-Extension.

Statement: “I have been blessed with the opportunity to ‘give back’ to Shawano County. I was born and raised here, and growing up, I took full advantage of all Shawano County had to offer. I would like to continue to help provide opportunities and services to all residents. We are living in very challenging economic times. Now more than ever, we need to conserve and spend wisely. I believe if we work together, we can continue the heritage that has made Shawano County a great place to live and work.”

County Board, District 18

District 18 incumbent Steven Gueths will be up against challenger Cheryl Klapste in a Shawano County Board of Supervisors race in the spring election Tuesday.

The district includes Wards 2 and 3 of the town of Richmond.

Supervisors serve two-year terms.

Here are the candidates’ responses to a questionnaire provided by the Leader:

Name: Steven Gueths

Age: 62

Family: Two sons

Education: Shawano High School; NWTC-Green Bay

Employment: Retired; 34 years with the Shawano County Highway Department

Experience: Richmond town chairman for 34 years; six years on the Shawano County Board; officer with the Red River Sportsman’s Club, including past president

Statement: “I enjoy being a public servant and working for the people of Shawano County. One of the issues we face is getting evidence storage taken care of. We have to rent or buy or build a new storage facility. We have to get this done. We just have to come up with a way of funding it. We also have to get the wage study done and get our employees situated properly. We also have to keep taxpayers in mind so we don’t overtax them and stress them out.”

Name: Cheryl Klapste

Age: 65

Family: Husband and four dogs. Our children are grown

Education: Wittenberg High School

Employment: Formerly owned Sleepy Haven Motel; milk distributor; rental properties and mobile home park; formerly owned laundromat in Cecil

Experience: Was on Wittenberg Village Board for five years; involved with Meals on Wheels

Statement: “I think the County Board needs a new perspective; a new look at the way things are done. That’s true of any board. I don’t like the way our money is being spent. I would like the board to take a more careful look at things

County Board, District 19

District 19 incumbent and County Board Vice Chairman Arlyn Tober will face a challenge from Leone Schneidewend in a Shawano County Board of Supervisors race in the spring election Tuesday.

The district includes the town of Pella, Ward 2 of the town of Herman, and Ward 1 of the town of Grant.

Supervisors serve two-year terms.

Name: Leone Schneidewend

Age: 66

Education: High school and one year college.

Employment: Retired.

Experience: I was in some management positions in my travels.

Statement: “I was born and raised in Shawano, I attended school in Shawano. At the ripe old age of 18 after high school, I left the area to seek my fame and fortune (smile). What I found was my husband of 36 years. We have two adopted children. Our son lives in southern Wisconsin, and our daughter, who is disabled, lives with us on a small hobby farm east of town. I am running for County Board because I feel we need change. Some items have been waiting a decision far too long. Questions need answers, and I would like the opportunity to seek out those answers.”

Name: Arlyn Tober

Age: Not provided.

Family: Married; four children.

Education: 12 years.

Employment: Retired farmer and cheesemaker.

Experience: County Board vice chairman

Statement: “Shawano County has a very bright future. We have very good department heads and employees. The county debt is paid down and, according to our auditors, we are in excellent financial condition. We just have to watch our budgets to see that it stays that way and keep our budgets balanced. Every supervisor knows we need an evidence storage building. Maybe in 2014 a compromise can be reached and build one or remodel an existing building to meet our need and not our wants. Another major item is our highways. Each year, we blacktop less and are not keeping up with our maintenance schedule. We are only doing half of what we should. Working into the future with the knowledge of the past, I believe, are some of my best assets.”

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Shawano Police Department

March 26

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen in the 300 block of North Franklin Street.

Disturbance — A 33-year-old Shawano woman was arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Accident — A school bus struck a Shawano Municipal Utilities bucket truck in the 300 block of South Main Street. There were no injuries reported.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Sacred Heart Catholic School, 124 E. Center St.

Disorderly — A 19-year-old Shawano male was taken into custody on a probation hold after a disorderly conduct incident in the 900 block of South Main Street.

Accident — A 2-year-old was struck by a vehicle backing into a parking space in the 800 block of East Richmond Street. Police said there was a possible injury, but no information on the extent. The child was taken to Shawano Medical Center.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 26

Deputies logged 26 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Authorities investigated a mail scam on Koeller Lane in Richmond. A man reported getting a letter claiming he won the London lottery.

Warrant — A 26-year-old Shawano man was taken into custody on a warrant on County Road B in Waukechon.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Cecil Street in Bonduel.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Accidents — Authorities logged two accidents, including a deer-related crash.

Clintonville Police Department

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported at the middle school.

Theft — A theft was reported on East 12th Street.

Drug Offense — A 30-year-old Clintonville woman was referred for possession of controlled substance and bail jumping after a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 45 at Hilltop Road.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Heritage Park is one of two parks in Shawano County managed by an outside organization. The county’s outdoor recreation plan proposes establishing park management agreements with the Shawano County Historical Society, which oversees Heritage Park, and Shawano County Arts Council, which manages the Mielke Arts Center.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski One of the high priorities in Shawano County’s recently adopted outdoor recreation plan is to replace the playground equipment at Shawano Lake County Park.

The Shawano County Board gave a unanimous endorsement Wednesday to a new five-year outdoor recreation plan.

The plan, which was developed by the East Central Regional Planning Commission through a grant, maps out multiple priorities for the county park system and suggests some options that could be implemented.

The plan’s adoption does not mean any of the projects are approved to be done, according to Parks Manager Keith Marquardt, and there are no monetary amounts attached to any of the projects.

“Anything that we do here has to go through the budgeting process and the CIP (Capital Improvement Projects) process,” Marquardt said.

One of the priorities is to create park management agreements with the Shawano County Historical Society, which operates out of Heritage County Park and the adjacent Sunset Island, and the Shawano County Arts Council, which manages the Mielke Arts Center at Mielke Park.

Also high on the priority list is improving trails in some of the parks. Waukechon Riverside Park’s trail system should be expanded, according to the plan, and upgraded for easier accessibility. At Oconto River Park, the plan calls for developing hiking trails through the wetlands.

The creation of a new dog park, a topic of considerable debate in 2012, is in the plan, although it is not scheduled for development until 2018.

The plan also recommends looking at other potential sites for recreational development. The county owns land in the towns of Almon, Bartelme and Wittenberg that could be utilized for future park use.

Under long-term projects, the plan suggests future acquisition of land for park use. The Alexian Brothers Novitiate property near Gresham is listed as a possibility, and it is recommended that the county purchase more property along Shawano Lake for another park.

The plan also recommends that the county integrate a 60-acre site on the Red River into the parks system if the town of Richmond does not have the resources to develop it.

Supervisor Gene Hoppe criticized the plan for having typographical errors, including listing one piece of land in the town of Richmond instead of the town of Wescott. He felt the plan should be postponed until the Highway and Parks Committee corrects any errors.

“Why should we vote on something that isn’t correct?” Hoppe said. “When we put our stamp on it, it needs to be correct.”

A motion to postpone failed 20-5.

Marquardt pointed out that many of the errors came from the comments provided by people who took the parks survey online. Comments were included verbatim.

“It doesn’t affect the overall plan,” Marquardt said.

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By: 

[email protected]

A write-in candidate has registered to run against District 6 Shawano County Supervisor Randy Young in Tuesday’s election.

William Ecke, co-chair of the Shawano County Concerned Taxpayers Association, formally filed a declaration of his candidacy last week with the Shawano County Clerk’s office.

“The group that I’m connected with needed someone to run, so they pushed me to run as a write-in,” Ecke said, referring to the taxpayers association.

The group is not connected with the Shawano County Concerned Property Taxpayers Association, which has mostly been involved with land-to-trust issues with area tribes.

Ecke said his group was formed in 2009 during the fight over the county’s Maple Lane Health Care Center, in opposition to a referendum that would have raised the tax levy to fund the center’s expected deficits.

The referendum was voted down 2,998 to 1,831. The county sold off Maple Lane shortly after that.

Ecke would not say who else was involved with his group.

“It’s businessmen, business leaders, community leaders,” he said. “Most people know who I’m connected with.”

Ecke also wouldn’t reveal the name of the group’s other co-chair.

“He’s a business man,” Ecke said. “When you mix politics with business, it’s going to hurt business.”

Ecke said it was time Young had some competition.

“He likes to spend a lot of our taxpayer money,” he said. “Some of us are a little concerned about how he’s spending our money.”

Young said he would need to know specifically what spending Ecke was referring to before he could respond to the charge. He said he has never been contacted by anyone in the group raising any concerns.

“I would recommend the voters of District 6 look at my comments, look at how I voted, look at how I represented them,” he said.

Young said he had no problem with someone running against him and voters have the choice of voting him out if they don’t think he’s done a good job representing them.

“That’s the American way,” he said.

However, Young said, he encouraged people to review his record.

“I hope people will do their homework,” he said.

District 6 includes wards 11 and 12 of the city of Shawano.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

A bill that will ease road restrictions for agricultural equipment is heading back to the state Senate for one more vote.

Senate Bill 509 was amended by the Assembly last week, so the Senate must vote on the amendment before the bill can go to Gov. Scott Walker’s desk for approval. The Senate has one more day left in its session, April 1, and the bill is scheduled to be discussed then.

Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, said earlier this week that many people thought farm equipment was exempt from vehicle weight restrictions, but reports of tickets being issued to equipment operators in Marathon and Kewaunee counties led to SB 509.

“It became a necessity to look at this year because the last two years, people were getting tickets for overweight farm machinery,” Tauchen said. “We’ve been working to develop some legislation that will bring some common sense to the vehicles that we use on the farm.”

The bill increases the maximum axle weight and total weight for agricultural equipment by 15 percent to 23,000 and 92,000 pounds, respectively. It also allows machinery over 15 feet wide to be operated on the road without a permit if it meets marking and lighting standards.

There is a provision in the bill that would allow towns and counties to pass ordinances if they want a permitting process for agricultural equipment. No-fee permits for specific state roads would be issued by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and would automatically renew annually unless the road changes or the farmer amends the permit.

“The information can only be used by law enforcement and the Department of Transportation,” Tauchen said. “It’s not open records.”

The bill includes a moratorium on State Patrol enforcement of the weight limits until 2015, but Tauchen pointed out that local and county law enforcement are not under such an obligation.

The regulations are expected to be reviewed in five years, Tauchen said. There is a sunset clause that ends the higher weight limits and permitting provisions in 2020 unless the Legislature extends or changes them.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Photo by Grace Kirchner Gov. Scott Walker congratulates Carol Oestreich on Specialized Products’ 20th year in manufacturing during a visit to the Clintonville plant Tuesday. Shown, from left, are Chris Oestreich, Scott Witt, Carol Oestreich, Wayne Oestreich, Walker and Lori Schmidt.

Gov. Scott Walker stopped in Clintonville on Tuesday to tour Specialized Products Ltd. to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary and talk with employees about the importance of manufacturing in Wisconsin.

Specialized Products has added jobs and completed three expansion and upgrade projects at the facility since 2011.

“I applaud Specialized Products for their 20 years of service in the manufacturing industry,” Walker said. “Manufacturing is a top driver of our economy, and companies like Specialized Products are key to growing and keeping jobs in Wisconsin. We will continue our work to support our job creators with tax relief, streamlined regulations and investments in training skilled workers.”

Specialized Products, 200 Summer St., has been involved in the electrical assembly contract manufacturing industry since 1994. The company’s 134 employees produce wire harnesses, cable assemblies and wire managers.

The company’s 14-acre site in the North Industrial Park includes more than 75,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space.

“Specialized Products is proud to be a part of the manufacturing industry in Clintonville,” said Chris Oestreich, company president. “Specialized Products is excited about the direction Gov. Scott Walker is taking the state of Wisconsin, and we look forward to continued growth and adding to our experienced workforce.”

Walker toured the plant and presented owners Wayne and Carol Oestreich with a plaque proclaiming Tuesday as Specialized Products Day in Wisconsin.

“We want to create a climate for anyone who wants to work can find work,” Walker said. “We want our veterans to find meaningful employment.”

He noted the state Legislature recently approved more than $35 million for job training, with most of it going to technical colleges that train workers for manufacturers such a Specialized Products. Walker signed the job training bill into law last week.

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By: 

Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent

Clintonville voters will have school, city and judicial races to decide when they go to the polls Tuesday.

Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Clintonville Board of Education. Incumbents Ben Huber, a farmer from rural Clintonville, and retiree Tom Neely, of Bear Creek, are being challenged by retired teacher Jim Schultz.

Mayor Judith Magee has no opponent listed on the ballot, but Tricia Rose, owner of a local newspaper, is running a write-in campaign after missing the deadline for filing nomination papers. Magee, who is retired, is seeking her third term.

In District I, former Alderman Jim Krause, a retired policeman, is seeking to defeat incumbent Al Miller, retired, who was appointed to the position. In District III, incumbent Steve Kettenhoven, a fishing and hunting outfitter, is facing opposition from former Alderman John Wilson, retired. In District IV, incumbent Mike Hankins, an account executive, is facing opposition from retiree Mary Beth Kuester.

Incumbents Gloria Dunlavy and Jeannie Schley are running unopposed in Districts II and V, respectively.

The Waupaca County Circuit Court Branch 2 judicial race pits Vicki Taggatz Clussman, of Waupaca, against Keith Steckbauer, of New London. Steckbauer was appointed by Gov. Scott Walker as interim judge following the retirement of Judge John Hoffmann after 30 years on the bench. Clussman is an assistant district attorney.

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Felony OWI

A Gresham man who was out on bond in an alleged drunken driving case is now facing a felony charge of fifth-offense operating while intoxicated after his arrest in Shawano earlier this month.

Randall K. Marquette, 50, was taken into custody March 15 after ignoring an attempted traffic stop, according to the criminal complaint. He continued driving into a restaurant parking lot and continued to ignore officers as he attempted to go into the restaurant.

The complaint alleges Marquette resisted and had to be subdued when he was arrested.

Marquette could face a maximum of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine if found guilty of the OWI charge. He also faces the same possible penalty for each of four separate felony counts of bail jumping.

Marquette, who allegedly had a marijuana and a pipe with him when he was arrested, is also charged with felony possession of marijuana — which carries a maximum 3 1/2 years in prison and $10,000 fine — and misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct and resisting an officer.

He is being held on a $5,000 cash bond. His next court date has not been set.

Possession with intent to deliver marijuana

Less than a week after being charged in connection an alleged domestic violence incident, a Shawano man was charged Monday with a felony drug count and bail-jumping.

Dillon R. Chapin, 21, was pulled over by Shawano police early Sunday morning and was found to be in possession of 46 grams of marijuana and an Adderall pill, according to the criminal complaint.

Chapin was out on bond at the time stemming from an alleged domestic disturbance March 19. He faces a felony charge of false imprisonment and misdemeanor counts of battery in connection with that incident.

Chapin could face a maximum of 3/12 years in prison and $10,000 fine for possession with intent to deliver marijuana if found guilty, and six years and a $10,000 fine for bail jumping.

He also faces a misdemeanor count of possession of a controlled substance.

Chapin is free on a $500 cash bond and is due in Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing April 2.

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Shawano Police Department

March 25

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — Police took a subject into custody on a Probation and Parole hold in the 100 block of East Richmond Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Richmond and Lincoln streets.

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized in the 1000 block of South Evergreen Street.

Juvenile — Police logged eight truancy complaints from the Shawano School District.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 900 block of East Randall Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at the Wisconsin House, 216 E. Green Bay St.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 25

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant on Old D Road in Almon.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Shorewood Lane in Pella.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Oak Street in Tigerton.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a Craigslist fraud complaint on Cherry Road in the town of Herman.

Theft — Medication was reported stolen on Oak Street in Bowler.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a residential burglary on Beech Drive in Hartland.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Oak Street in Bowler.

Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

March 25

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Assault — A sexual assault complaint was under investigation.

Fraud — Police investigated seven worthless check complaints.

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By: 

Leader Staff

Two Bonduel School District principals are among the six finalists named Tuesday for the job of district administrator when the post becomes vacant at the end of the school year.

Administrator Peter Behnke is retiring in June after 25 years overseeing the district.

The school district received 17 applications for the position. The School Board met Monday to choose six candidates who will be interviewed.

Behnke released the names of the finalists Tuesday.

They include Bonduel High School Principal Patrick Rau and Elementary Principal Peggy Jones.

Others in the running are Coleman School District Superintendent Brian Walters, Washington Island School District Superintendent Timothy Raymond, De Soto School District Administrator James Kuchta and River Valley School District Pupil Services Director Mati Palm-Leis.

The first round of interviews is scheduled for April 7-8, with another round of interviews on April 14, if necessary, Behnke said.

Behnke’s current salary is $124,388. His last day on the job will be June 30.

Behnke is only the third administrator the district has had since 1950. Frank Weix was administrator from 1950-1979, followed by Lyman Franzwa from 1979-1989, when Behnke took over.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski A boy watches the band TnA and the Explosions on Saturday night at Neighbors Bar and Grill. The band was one of numerous groups that played at the benefit for Chris Dewey, owner of the Rustic Resort, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Chris Hidde, donning a dress and wig, talks with patrons at Neighbors to solicit donations for the Rustic Resort benefit Saturday.

The Rustic Resort was more than a place to eat and drink for the hundreds of people who gathered Saturday for a benefit for its owner.

The place was a second home for some who lived near the business in Belle Plaine. For others, a visit to the resort was a family tradition.

The Rustic burned to the ground on Feb. 19, leaving owner Chris Dewey with little more than the clothes on her back. The Neighbors Bar and Grill in Waukechon opened its doors Saturday for a benefit for Dewey, who suffered burns and carbon monoxide poisoning from the fire.

Officials with the Shawano Fire Department have said the cause of the fire might never be known.

Dianne Bostel-Smith, of Nichols, donated $100 because she knows how devastating a fire can be.

“Mine wasn’t as bad as Chris’, but I did lose pets,” Bostel-Smith said, pointing out that Dewey lost two dogs in the Rustic fire. “I came out OK, and my heart just goes out to her.”

Bostel-Smith had only been to the Rustic twice, but her daughter was a bartender there.

“They had wonderful food,” she said.

Connor Ford, who lives in the Cloverleaf Lakes area near the Rustic, attended many events and held a high school graduation party there. The 19-year-old said he had a lot of fond memories of the Rustic.

“My family grew up with the Rustic. My parents got married at the Rustic,” Ford said. “It meant so much to so many people that it’s just a shame to see it go.”

Jim Burton donned a dress, wig and red lipstick to wander around as a drag queen Saturday soliciting additional donations at the benefit.

“I’m not going to turn them down,” Burton said. “They did so much for me. I might as well give a little back.”

Burton’s early years were spent in Appleton, but the family still went to the Rustic on a regular basis. When he moved to Belle Plaine in 1994, the Rustic was 50 feet from his home.

The money raised Saturday was enough to pay Dewey’s medical bills and to clean up the site, according to Tracy Druckrey, one of the coordinators for the event.

“It was wall-to-wall packed,” Druckrey said. “I was a little surprised, but it was great.”

Thrivent Financial presented a $1,200 check to match what had been donated at Associated Bank in the days leading up to the benefit. Coordinators of the event declined to say exactly how much money was raised for Dewey.

Dewey could not be reached for comment, but Druckrey said the Rustic owner planned to take a little time for herself. It is unknown if Dewey plans to rebuild.

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By: 

[email protected]

A Gresham Village Board trustee who was making a bid for the Shawano County Board has withdrawn from the race.

Lauralee Roe was challenging District 20 incumbent Supervisor Rick Giese in Tuesday’s spring election.

However, Roe confirmed this week she has dropped out of the race because of a pending move to Arizona where her husband has gotten a new job.

“It was a sudden thing,” Roe said.

Roe will still be on the ballot Tuesday but has been putting the word out that people shouldn’t vote for her.

She will also be giving up her seat on the Village Board when the move happens, in mid to late July.

Roe said she had been encouraged to run for the County Board in hopes of gaining “better representation” for the district.

“I didn’t know much about it, but I was willing to learn,” she said.

Roe said she has already informed Giese so he would be spared any further campaign expenses.

“I wish Rick the best,” she said.

The district includes Ward 1 of the town of Herman, Ward 2 of Red Springs and all of the village of Gresham.

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Shawano Police Department

March 24

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A male subject was taken into custody on a warrant at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 300 block of South Union Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem on Robin Lane.

Theft — Police responded to a property theft complaint in the 900 block of East Randall Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 24

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Maple Street in Birnamwood.

Juvenile — Authorities logged four truancy complaints from Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., in Bonduel.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint in Bonduel.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on Main Street in Bowler.

Warrant — A 43-year-old man was taken into custody on a warrant on Green Valley Road in Angelica.

Accidents — Authorities logged nine accidents, including two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

March 24

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — A subject was referred for two counts of forgery and uttering on North Main Street.

Juvenile — A juvenile was referred for disorderly conduct at the Middle School.

Disturbance — A warning was issued for disorderly conduct at a family disturbance on 18th Street.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Gov. Scott Walker signs a bill providing for income and property tax relief as part of his Blueprint for Prosperity on Monday at Horsens Homestead Farms in the town of Green Valley. He was joined by, from left, state Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, Curtis Horsens, Abbey Horsens, Ryan Horsens, Connie Horsens and Jeff Horsens.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch talks about the income and property tax cuts mapped out in Gov. Scott Walker’s Blueprint for Prosperity on Monday at Horsens Homestead Farms with state Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, and Rep. Jeff Mursau, R-Wausau.

Gov. Scott Walker chose a farm in the town of Green Valley as the place to sign a bill cutting Wisconsin residents’ income and property taxes.

With Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, several state representatives and the owners of Horsens Homestead Farms watching, Walker on Monday signed legislation that is expected to give the average Wisconsin resident $46 in income tax relief beginning April 1 and will give the average property owner a reduction of $131 in state taxes in December.

The signing caps Walker’s Blueprint for Prosperity, which he introduced in his State of the State address in January. With a $911 million surplus in Madison, Walker pushed for tax relief and socking away some of the money — $100 million — in the rainy day fund.

Walker said picking the Horsens farm for the signing made sense.

“They represent both a business and a family, and what we’re going to sign into law here as part of the Blueprint for Prosperity is about helping families and employers prosper,” Walker said. “What we’re doing is taking that surplus and putting it in the hands of the people.”

Walker noted personal income for the state has gone up 4.5 percent, and the state will be taking less in withholding from paychecks. That means the average family with both parents working can expect to take home an additional $522 by the end of the year, he said.

“We think the best way to keep the economy humming is to put the money in the hands of the hard-working taxpayers,” Walker said.

This is the third straight year Wisconsin has cut taxes in some form or fashion, Walker said, with the total tax cuts approaching $2 billion. In contrast, neighboring Minnesota and Illinois have increased taxes, he said.

Walker panned claims by Democrats that he is taking this action because of the gubernatorial election in November.

“I’ve cut taxes every year I’ve been in office, so I think it’s hard to say it’s a gimmick when I’ve done it three years in a row,” Walker said. “I think what they’ve got is the frustration that we’ve kept our promises.”

Property taxes this December are expected to be lower than they were in December 2010, Walker said.

Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, called the tax cut bill the biggest piece of legislation passed this year, save for the budget. He was excited to have the legislation signed into law in Shawano County, as agriculture is one of the state’s biggest economic drivers.

“It’s really important that we give back to the people who have helped expand and grow our state, and this is our opportunity to do that,” Tauchen said. “We need so much money to run the state, but if there’s extra, instead of spending it or starting new programs, we’re trying to give it back so we can help the people through the recession.”

Kleefisch said the increase in money circulating around the state can be attributed partially to the agriculture industry, especially exports. She noted that total exports from Wisconsin increased 9 percent last year, with the dairy industry seeing a 41 percent hike.

“When there is a surplus, there’s nobody who wants to see that more than the people who earned that money, the taxpayers,” Kleefisch said.

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Shawano Police Department

March 23

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Lincoln and Maurer streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance on Mountain Bay Trail Drive.

Theft — Police investigated a property theft complaint in the 700 block of South Main Street.

Drug Offense — A bag of suspected marijuana was reported dropped by a woman while shopping at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., and turned over to police.

Juvenile — A juvenile was cited for carrying a concealed weapon and prowling in the 200 block of South Main Street.

March 22

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile tobacco complaint in the 700 block of South Main Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of River Heights.

Shoplifting — Police responded to a shoplifting complaint at Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.

Drug Offense — A bag of suspected marijuana was reported dropped by two individuals at the self-checkout at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

March 21

Police logged 18 incidents, including the following:

Fire — Police assisted at the scene of a chimney fire in the 900 block of South Weed Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Richmond and Olson streets.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 600 block of South Main Street.

Juvenile — Police logged three truancy complaints from Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 900 block of South Weed Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

March 23

Deputies logged 32 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 19-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Big Lake Road in Red Springs.

Warrant — A 31-year-old Milwaukee man was taken into custody on a warrant after authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

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

Warrant — A 52-year-old Suring man was taken into custody on a warrant and cited for operating after revocation on Main Street in Shawano.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Ho Chunk Casino, 7198N U.S. Highway 45 in Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged two accidents, including a deer-related crash.

March 22

Deputies logged 41 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road E in Green Valley.

Disorderly — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 37-year-old Birnamwood man on County Road N in Birnamwood.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a break-in to a residence on Richards Street in Gresham.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on Cecil Street in Hartland.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Old 47 Road in Hartland.

Fire — Authorities responded to a chimney fire on Maplewood Road in Birnamwood.

Accidents — Authorities logged 10 accidents, including in Almon and two deer-related crashes.

March 21

Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A woman was taken into custody on a warrant on Cloverleaf Lake Road in Belle Plaine.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Main Street in Gresham.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a forged check complaint on Main Street in Gresham.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Lake Drive in Wescott.

Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire on state Highway 29 in Maple Grove.

Assault — Authorities responded to an assault at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St., in Shawano.

OAR — A 45-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on County Road G in Red Springs.

Fraud — A Wittenberg couple on Meadow Lark Road was scammed out of $2,000 after receiving a telephone call claiming their grandson was in jail and needed bail money.

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including five deer-related crashes.

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By: 

Lee Pulaski, [email protected]

Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Amy te Plate-Church, manager for alliances and industry relations at Cooperative Resources International, talks to a group of women Friday about the importance of agvocacy during the Heart of the Farm conference at The Main Event in Cecil.
Leader Photo by Lee Pulaski Judy Peterson, a Lena farmer, talks about the ways she explains farm practices to people who might have never set foot on a farm.

There is a new buzzword to define advocacy for farmers and other agriculture producers — agvocacy.

Agvocacy was a topic eagerly embraced by the audience at the Heart of the Farm conference put on by the University of Wisconsin-Extension offices in Shawano, Oconto and Marinette counties Friday at The Main Event in Cecil.

With agriculture a major industry in northeast Wisconsin and across the state, today’s food producers are looking for ways to connect people to where their food comes from.

Amy te Plate-Church, manager for alliances and industry relations at Cooperative Resources International, grew up on a dairy farm in northeast Iowa and knows exactly how her food is grown and raised. However, only 2 percent of Americans work and live on farms today, she said, so getting the word out on how animals and plants become food is critical.

Despite most people never setting foot on a farm, food buyers still want to connect the food they eat with the face of a person who grows it, te Plate-Church said.

“There’s a new hot thing (to benefit agriculture advocates) every week or two,” she said. “Maybe it’s opening your farm to tours. Maybe it’s getting into the classrooms, or maybe it’s social media.”

Every state with animal agriculture has been hit with negative undercover videos showing animal abuse on farms, te Plate told the audience. One video of a farm in Ohio has been viewed on YouTube more than 344 million times since it was posted in 2010, she said.

Despite the bad news, which te Plate said is outweighed by the good, farmers generally rank high in trust. Still, ignorance of how farms operate makes it easy to shock people when animal rights groups allege abuse of cows or other farm animals, she said.

“We can’t start agvocacy efforts when a crisis happens,” te Plate-Church said.

Judy Peterson, a farmer from Lena, has had many children visit her farm, and she recommends trying to explain farm activities and practices in simple terms.

“Some children came to our farm, and our cows were in a freestall barn, not outside,” Peterson said. “They asked, ‘Why don’t they go outside?’ and I said, ‘What more could they want? They have free access to a salad bar, and they get to lay on a sandy beach all day.’”

Sarah Mills-Lloyd, agriculture agent for Oconto County, agreed that it is important to make sure what the public is told in a way that doesn’t make farmers look like they’re in the business to make a profit.

“They don’t want to know that you’re profitable, but that it’s your livelihood,” Mills-Lloyd said. “It’s not what you say but how you say it.”

Another new term that helps to promote agvocacy is the term “felfies,” a subset of selfies, when people take photos of themselves. According to te Plate-Church, some farmers are taking photos of themselves with their animals to create personal connections with the people who visit farm websites and other sites that promote agriculture.

Social media is a vital tool for ag producers today. Mary Lou Kugel, of Shawano, noted that she uses her Facebook page to get the word out about area farm activities such as Brunch on the Farm.

Anyone can engage in agvocacy, te Plate-Church said. She noted that 4-H members at a county fair can explain why they’re shearing a sheep, and adult farmers can explain practices such as dehorning and tail docking.

“We don’t have to be celebrities to make a difference,” te Plate-Church said.

Above anything else, it is important not to be confrontational in agvocacy, she noted. It might seem natural to want to stand up for agriculture in a defensive way, but in the end, some people will stick to their differing views no matter what, te Plate-Church said.

“We won’t change everybody’s mind,” she said. “What we’re working to do is to change that vast majority — maybe 60 percent — of people in the middle who just don’t know. We’ll be more successful if we take a step back and treat it like a conversation.”

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By: 

[email protected]

The bill hasn’t come in yet for the cost of repairing a water-main break that cut off water to numerous businesses along East Green Bay Street last week, but when it does there could be a dispute over who should pay it.

Shawano Lake District Sanitary District Administrator Jerry Weisnicht said the break was caused by a leak in a private fire protection line belonging to a Green Bay Street business.

The force of the water from that leak caused the sanitary district’s water main to break, Weisnicht said.

Weisnicht declined to name the business because of the likely difference over the bill.

“It’s going to be a legal issue,” he said.

Weisnicht estimated the cost of repair, along with water loss resulting from the rupture, could be anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. The repairs were done by a contractor.

The break occurred early in the morning of March 10, just west of Airport Road.

Water was shut off to a number of businesses west of the break from about 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday while the water main was repaired. Businesses were affected as far west as McDonald’s, 1202 E. Green Bay St.

That area is served by the sanitary district because the city limits ended at the cemetery next to McDonald’s in 1973 when the water main was installed, Weisnicht said.

The water main break — and how to avoid having to turn off water in the event of another one — will be a topic of discussion when the Shawano Lake Sanitary District Commission meets on Tuesday.

Currently, water customers in that area are on a water line that crosses Green Bay Street past McDonald’s and extends to some homes behind Pick ‘N Save where it dead-ends. If water has to be shut off at some point along the line, all of the customers beyond that point lose their water.

The district has been looking for a way to continue the water line into a full loop.

“It’s going to be a priority to get that done this year,” Weisnicht said.

One option would make use of the Mountain Bay Trail, but that would require the approval of the Department of Natural Resources.

Weisnicht said an application for the necessary permits was filed with the DNR a year ago, but there has been no response.

He said there have been talks with property owners about possible right-of-ways for another route.

A third option could be hooking into the city’s water system for use as a backup when needed.

City Administrator Brian Knapp said Public Works Coordinator Eddie Sheppard would be consulting with Weisnicht on whether that’s feasible.

Knapp said the impact on city businesses during last week’s break was a concern.

“We want to do anything we can to keep them in service,” he said.

The water main already taps into the city system near Airport Road, Weisnicht said, but because it was on the other side of the water main break it wasn’t able to help in this case.

Hooking up west of McDonald’s could be tricky, Weisnicht said, because the line would have to cross the cemetery. He said it could require an archaeological study to make sure there are no unmarked graves disturbed.

He said it will be one of the options on the table when the commission meets.

THE NEXT STEP

WHAT: Shawano Lake Sanitary Commission will discuss options for looping the Lake District water main or connecting to the city system.

WHEN: 9 a.m. Tuesday

WHERE: Administrative Office, Wastewater Treatment Facility, N4802 River Bend Road, Belle Plaine

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By: 

[email protected]

Twelve people have submitted applications to the city to replace Shawano Police Chief Ed Whealon after he retires in two weeks.

Whealon will leave the job on April 4 after more than 34 years with the department and 12 years as chief.

Friday was the last day for those interested in the job to submit their names.

According to city officials, some of those who applied were upset Friday with a local radio station’s broadcast that named one of the applicants from within the department.

A city official who did not want to be quoted on the issue said some candidates were concerned about the appearance of bias because a radio station employee is a member of the Police and Fire Commission.

The city has not named any of the candidates.

“We don’t disclose those at this point,” City Administrator Brian Knapp said. “I didn’t hear the broadcast, but I heard about the uproar.”

Knapp, who was authorized by the commission to advertise the position and accept applications, said there was a good selection of candidates, some of them from within the department.

The rest are mostly from the southeast corner of the state, he said, “from here to Milwaukee and east of Madison.”

A subcommittee of the Police and Fire Commission will meet sometime next week to review the applications and narrow the applicants down to a list of finalists. The full commission will meet the week after to go over the short list and arrange interviews.

The new chief will be chosen by the commission, but the chief’s salary will be set by the Common Council.

Knapp said in a previous interview that the commission could choose to hire a new chief from within the department, but wanted to advertise the position to ensure a wide range of candidates.

“The Police and Fire Commission has in the last two recruitments opened it up to all applicants to ensure themselves and the community that they’re getting the best candidate,” he said.

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