The Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team participated in a simulated hazardous materials spill exercise on April 2 with members of the Shawano Fire Department, Wittenberg Fire Department, Stockbridge-Munsee Fire Department and Menominee Fire Department.

The exercise simulated a leak of an anhydrous ammonia tank at United Cooperative in Shawano. During the four-hour exercise, participants accessed the situation, donned personal protective equipment, sealed the leak and performed decontamination procedures.

“The exercise was a great opportunity for new and seasoned hazardous materials technicians to drill together,” said William Mott Jr., Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team leader.

Saturday’s exercise was a capstone event for firefighters completing an 80-hour hazardous materials training course as well as members of the hazardous materials team who were concluding their annual refresher training.

The training was sponsored by Shawano County Emergency Management with funding provided by a Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant.

“The training and capstone exercise are all part of our ongoing efforts to retain a trained and equipped hazardous materials team,” said Natalie Easterday, Shawano County Emergency Management director.

The Shawano County Hazardous Materials Team has been active since 2000.

Editor’s note: This is the final article in a series of five profiling winners of the Celebration of Giving awards presented annually by Shawano Area Community Foundation Inc. for outstanding volunteerism. The winners will be honored at a gala Tuesday.

Muffy Culhane, president of Shawano Area Matthew 25, will be honored with the Shawano Community Service Award at the Shawano Area Community Foundation’s Celebration of Giving gala.

Unfortunately, she won’t be there in person to pick it up. She and her husband will be in Haiti, on their 10th trip volunteering as part of a medical mission.

“I’m sorry I won’t be there for it, but this something near and dear to my heart,” Culhane said.

Culhane will receive the award for her volunteer work with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Red River Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding and in particular SAM 25, which opened a new homeless shelter in Shawano in November.

The award is being sponsored by a fund holder within the Shawano Area Community Foundation.

“I’m very thankful,” Culhane said, “but I share it with so many other people; the whole SAM group, the volunteers. There are so many people who do a wonderful job.”

Those who put Culhane’s name up for the award — all of them fellow volunteers who have worked on projects with Culhane — praised her for her hard work and leadership in making the shelter a reality.

“Muffy has spent countless hours implementing the creation of a homeless shelter in Shawano,” Donna Shapiro wrote in her nomination form. “She has dedicated herself unselfishly to involve others to assist in bringing this idea to a reality. She has acknowledged others in the community that have worked hard to fulfill this dream but it was primarily through Muffy’s dream that it was initiated and brought to fruition.”

Shapiro also wrote that Culhane continued working toward getting the shelter in place in spite of several obstacles encountered.

SAM 25 had been working to open the shelter since 2013.

“Muffy is involved in many other activities that are conducted quietly by her,” Shapiro added. “She is a wonderful member of our community. We are very fortunate to have her here.”

Mary Lisa Carenza wrote that no one worked as diligently as Culhane to open Sam’s House.

“The project started as an idea and now hosts guests who are in desperate need of temporary housing from the elements in the harsh Wisconsin winter,” Carenza wrote. “She will be the first to tell you she did not do this by herself. Unlike many community volunteers who tend to take on the load and carry it until they break, Muffy has successfully engaged a remarkable team to launch this dream.

Carenza noted that numerous volunteers from various organizations, business and churches were involved in the project, but she credited Culhane for her leadership in bringing them together to effectively manage the details.

“She has touched all of our lives and allowed us the ability to touch many more in need — and she’s done it with her loving compassion and kept her smile,” Carenza wrote.

Mark Fuller said it was not just Culhane’s leadership but also her perseverance that made the shelter a reality.

“Untold hours of planning and networking went into this effort and Muffy was the voice and conscience of the project, especially when hurdles and roadblocks presented themselves,” he wrote. “With quiet faith and hope, she continued to lead this mission for a shelter on behalf of the poor and marginalized in our community. I am confident that without Muffy, there would not be a homeless shelter in Shawano. This has been a coordinated community effort that has been successfully achieved through her vision and leadership.”

As of Sunday, the shelter has served 51 people, providing them with 504 nights of shelter and serving them 988 meals since opening in November. The shelter is open from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. from Nov. 1 to April 30.

Culhane said she would split the $1,000 Community Service Award between the shelter and Red River Riders.

She joined the board at Red River Riders in 2003, after her 10-year-old daughter, Katie, passed away of leukemia.

Her daughter was an avid rider and Culhane said she wanted to continue working with the group to honor her memory.

“That’s another great group of volunteers,” Culhane said.

It has been a long road back, but Anello’s Torch Lite is just about ready to shine once more.

Destroyed by fire 15 months ago, the landmark Shawano restaurant has nearly completed a rebuilding effort and has scheduled a May 2 grand opening.

Customers already are trying to get reservations, and some private parties are booked for future dates.

Although construction crews are still on site, owner Rita Mondus said the new restaurant is taking shape and employees are eager to get back to work.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Mondus said, “because I know it’s going to be lovely.”

Located on Shawano’s east side at 1276 E. Green Bay St., Anello’s Torch Lite was a popular destination for decades, and was notorious in the 1920s as a favorite spot for gangsters such as Al Capone.

Mondus acquired the business in 1981 and enjoyed great success until fire broke and left the historic eatery in ruins on Dec. 30, 2014. After months of planning and soul-searching, Mondus and her husband, John, announced that they would rebuild.

Crews broke ground in October on a site directly adjacent to where the original restaurant stood. Plans initially called for a December reopening, but glitches and delays pushed back the schedule again and again.

With work almost done, the restaurant is scheduled to be back in operation April 27 for a private party planned by Thrivent Financial.

Thrivent associate Jordan Opperman said the firm’s invitation-only event was planned many weeks ago when organizers thought the new restaurant would already be up and running. Discovering that the event will mark the rebirth of Anello’s makes the occasion extra special, Opperman said.

“It’s a landmark,” she said of the restaurant. “And I’m really excited to be participating in their opening event.”

The new establishment, with seating for more than 100 people, has been designed to recapture the atmosphere of the former supper club while adding new comforts and amenities. The new dining room and bar feature a vaulted ceiling that slopes upward, surrounded by natural stone finishes, wood tones and mirrors.

Led by Rodac Development & Construction of Green Bay, construction crews labored through the long Wisconsin winter to keep the project moving forward.

Crews on Friday were installing interior light fixtures, with kitchen equipment and other furnishings due to arrive starting next week.

Judy Stoltenow, the once and future head waitress for Anello’s, was on site Friday to assist Mondus. Stoltenow said she was thrilled to see the new place nearly ready for its dramatic rebirth.

“I’m just waiting — get me in here,” she said with a smile. “It’s going to be wonderful.”

After the grand opening May 2, Mondus and her employees have their sights set on presenting an impressive Mother’s Day brunch on May 8.

Another group planning an event in the new restaurant, the Shawano Lake Lions Club, expects to have as many as 50 people in attendance to experience the new Anello’s. The club has booked a private party there for June 20.

Club President Jim Martin said he was a big fan of the original Anello’s, and he looks forward to seeing what Mondus and her husband have come up with for an encore.

“I’m real excited for them,” Martin said. “They’ve been working hard to bring it back. You’ve got to wish them luck.”

The Shawano Police Department will host a special question-and-answer session next month geared to the Native American community.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 14 at City Hall, 127 S. Sawyer St.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said the event is part of the increased community outreach the department has undertaken over the past two years to develop a closer relationship between police and citizens of Shawano.

“Any police department worth their weight has to be responsive to the community they serve,” Kohl said.

That also means having a staff that reflects the community, he said, including Native Americans, which make up the second-highest ethnicity in Shawano.

Officer Tony Escalante, who came to Shawano last year from the Menominee Tribal Police Department, will oversee the May 14 session, along with other Shawano officers.

Kohl said there haven’t been any issues or complaints that sparked the May 14 event.

“We have to monitor perceptions within the community, whether correct or not, examine crime trends, community unemployment and many other factors in how we serve,” he said.

Kohl said the Native American Q&A was similar to the department’s police academy, which is intended to strengthen the department’s relationship with the community.

Kohl acknowledged, however, that there has been a perception of bias against Native Americans in the past, some of it expressed in social media.

Kohl served as chief in 2001 and returned to take over the department again in 2014.

“I lived with that negative perception the first time I was here, when the prior police chief made comments that were reported that gave a negative perception towards law enforcement and the Native American,” he said. “As a result, we made strides in building relationships with our community and Native American neighbors to work together in making our community safer and a great place to live and work.”

Kohl said the complaints and perceptions in social media are “nonexistent” today, but added that the department should continue to build upon its success.

Kohl said he doesn’t necessarily expect to see a noticeable change as a result of the Q&A, except a possible increase in reported crime.

“If a victim believes the police will do a fair and impartial job, they’ll be more likely to report those crimes,” he said. “In reality, most people are afraid of being victims of crime even if they haven’t experienced victimization up to that period. Building upon our relationships with our neighbors will begin the process of creating stronger partnerships with our community members in an effort to reduce crime and disorder.”

The four-hour session is free. Frybread, chili and tacos will be served.

For questions or to reserve a spot, contact Tony Escalante at 715-524-4545 or tony.escalante@co.shawano.wi.us.

Shawano County authorities Monday were investigating the sudden death of a 25-year-old woman in the town of Fairbanks.

Sheriff’s deputies were called to the incident on County Road J at 4:34 a.m.

No further information was being released at this time.

A 46-year-old Marion man was flown to ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah for injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash Saturday afternoon.

A 36-year-old Weston man was stopped at the stop sign at the intersection of state Highway 110 and U.S. Highway 45 about 3 p.m., Marion police said. The vehicle then attempted to cross Highway 45 and struck a northbound pickup truck driven by the Marion man. The pickup truck proceeded to roll in the ditch near the intersection, and the driver was partially ejected.

The Weston man was cited for failure to yield right-of-way from a stop sign.

The Marion Police Department was assisted at the scene by the Marion Area Fire Department, Clintonville Area Ambulance Service, Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department, Clintonville Police Department, Tigerton Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol and Town of Grant Fire Department.

Investigators have questioned a man who had a run-in with another man later found dead in a Waupaca County ditch.

WBAY-TV reports authorities executed a search warrant Monday at a Bear Creek home a few miles from where the man's body was found near Clintonville.

An autopsy on the body of the man in his mid-20s is expected to be done Tuesday.

Waupaca County Sheriff Brad Hardel says there are no obvious signs of trauma to the man's body.
Hardel says the man who was questioned is not officially a suspect.

Shawano Police Department

April 11

Police logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Lafayette Street.

Assault — Police investigated an assault complaint in the 400 block of East Green Bay Street.

Theft — A theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of South Union Street.

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

Arrest — A 24-year-old man was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — Police responded to a property theft complaint in the 100 block of South Franklin Street.

Shoplifting — Police responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

April 10

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A man was taken into custody on a warrant after an intoxicated man was reported at Green Bay and Sawyer streets.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Franklin Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 400 block of West Third Street.

OWI — A 23-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Green Bay Street and County Road BE.

April 9

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 400 block of West Third Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 700 block of South Union Street.

Fire — Police assisted the fire department at the scene of a garage fire in the 800 block of South Washington Street.

Shoplifting — Police responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 1200 block of South Smalley Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 800 block of East Richmond Street.

April 8

Police logged 41 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Charges of disorderly conduct and possession of a dangerous weapon were referred against a 15-year-old boy after police responded for a welfare check in the 100 block of River Heights.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 500 block of South Washington Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Hillcrest Primary School, 1410 S. Waukechon St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of East Green Bay Street.

Shoplifting — Police responded to a shoplifting incident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of South Franklin Street.

OAR — A 45-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation at River Street and Lieg Avenue.

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 11

Deputies logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Flambeau Road in the town of Hartland.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Shawano County Jail, 405 N. Main St., Shawano.

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

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run in the 300 block of North Main Street in Shawano.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

OWI — A 49-year-old woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Witt-Birn Town Line Road in the town of Wittenberg.

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

April 10

Deputies logged 27 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 34-year-old Shawano man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Sunset Circle in the town of Wescott.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on High Street in Birnamwood.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Butternut Road in the town of Richmond.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road MMM in the town of Richmond.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged three deer-related crashes.

April 9

Deputies logged 42 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Raven Lane in the town of Wittenberg.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Aniwa.

Theft — Authorities investigated a property theft complaint on County Road MM in the town of Richmond.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on County Road M in the town of Fairbanks.

Disturbance — A 20-year-old Mattoon man was arrested for strangulation and disorderly conduct after authorities responded to a disturbance on Quartz Avenue in Mattoon.

Accident — Authorities assisted Marion Police with an injury accident on U.S. Highway 45 in Marion.

April 8

Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 50-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on West Green Bay Street in Bonduel.

Disturbance — A 39-year-old Shawano man was cited for operating after revocation after authorities responded to a disturbance at John’s One-Stop, N5847 State Highway 47-55, in Wescott.

Accidents — Authorities logged 12 accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 29 in the town of Richmond.

Clintonville Police Department

April 11

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Three worthless check complaints were under investigation.

Drug Offense — A suspicious incident was checked on East Morning Glory Drive and a man was later cited for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Disorderly — A disorderly conduct complaint was under investigation on West Green Tree Road.

April 10

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a family incident on 1oth Street.

OAS — A citation for operating after suspension was issued after a traffic stop at Third and Main streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a complaint of an unwanted subject at a South Main Street business.

April 8

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Accidents — Police responded to two property damage accidents on South Main Street.

Disturbance — A domestic situation was reported on East 12th Street.

The Shawano County Highway Department issued a press release this week urging people to drive carefully in highway work zones as the start of maintenance and construction season begins throughout Wisconsin.

As the weather turns, work zones will be more prevalent putting more highway workers and drivers at risk.

In 2013, the most recent year in which data is available, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation reported that there were nearly 1,600 work zone crashes in Wisconsin alone, resulting in 629 injuries and nine fatalities.

In 2015, the construction season was marred by three tragedies in which Wisconsin county highway workers were killed within work zones. The fatalities included Derek Stempa, of Shawano, who died after being struck by a vehicle in May 2015 at a road construction site in Red Springs.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, sponsored by federal, state and local transportation officials each April, draws attention to the safety needs of road workers during construction season. Generally, crashes occur when drivers speed through a work zone, do not pay attention to changing road conditions, run into other vehicles or highway equipment, or drive off the road completely.

Due to the importance of this week, Shawano County has passed a resolution proclaiming April 11-15 as Work Zone Awareness Week.

“Many sections of our state and county roads will be busy with workers and drivers in the coming months as construction and maintenance activities begin to ramp up,” said Grant Bystol, Shawano County highway commissioner. “By following the rules of the road in work zones, we can keep people safe during National Work Zone Awareness Week and all year long.

“Please remember that our road workers are performing their duties in order to provide for a safe and efficient transportation system. They are community members, spouses, parents, and friends within our county and deserve to go home safe every night.”

While typical construction work zones are prevalent throughout the county and state, there are also significant number of maintenance operations that may be short-term or moving operations. Drivers are reminded of the state’s “Move Over, Slow Down” law, which requires drivers to shift lanes or slow down in order to provide a “safety zone” for a squad car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck, utility vehicle or highway maintenance vehicle that is stopped on the side of a road with its warning lights flashing.

An object was removed from the stomach of Clintonville Police Department K-9 Chero last week during an emergency surgery.

The dog is doing fine and is expected to return to work soon, according to his handler, Sgt. Christopher Wendorf.

Wendorf said Chero started exhibiting signs of discomfort April 6. After a few vomiting episodes, he was taken to the Fox Valley Animal Referral Center in Appleton. Tests revealed a foreign object lodged in his stomach.

The object was removed during an emergency surgery performed by United Veterinary Services in Clintonville, according to a statement from the Police Department.

Wendorf asked everyone to keep Chero in their thoughts and prayers.

The medical emergency cut deeply into the city’s K-9 fund, Wendorf said. The K-9 program in Clintonville is funded solely by donations from businesses and residents.

Donations for the K-9 program are accepted at the Police Department, 35 S. Clinton Ave., and City Hall, 50 10th St. All donations are tax deductible.

Shawano County Emergency Management is teaming up Thursday with Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association to sponsor a statewide mock tornado drill.

A mock tornado watch will be issued at 1 p.m., and a mock tornado warning will be issued statewide at 1:45 p.m. A mock tornado warning will also be issued at 6:55 p.m.

Many radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings. In addition, mock alerts will be issued on NOAA weather radios, and many communities will sound their tornado sirens.

The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy or dark. If actual severe storms are expected Thursday, the tornado drill will be postponed until Friday at the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drill will be cancelled.

Natalie Easterday, Shawano County emergency management director, said the drill is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safe procedures for severe weather.

“By just taking a little time out of the day to participate in the drill and talk about severe weather safety will go a long way in helping everyone be more prepared,” she said.

Gov. Scott Walker has declared April 11-15 as Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

For information, visit www.readywisconsin.wi.gov.

A Neopit woman who caused the death of a passenger and serious injuries to another by getting intoxicated and crashing into a tree last August pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment charges.

Ashley A. Kitchenakow, 27, faces maximum penalties of 13 years in prison at her July 11 sentencing before District Judge William Griesbach. However, a federal prosecutor has agreed to recommend a 10-year sentence, three years’ supervised release and restitution.

According to the 15-page plea agreement:

A female passenger was found by Menominee Tribal Police at the crash scene on the reservation Aug. 28. She was pinned under the dashboard and unresponsive although she had a faint pulse. Shortly thereafter, she passed away. Shawano County Medical Examiner Pat Roberts indicated that the woman suffered a broken neck and severe brain trauma from the crash causing her death.

A male passenger told MTP that Kitchenakow was driving drunk and “gunned it right into this tree.” The man was transported to the Shawano Medical Center, where he was treated for injuries that left him partially paralyzed.

MTP spoke with one witness who said she heard a car strike a tree in her front yard and when she went out to help a female who was screaming. The witness returned to her house to get a blanket, but when she returned, woman had fled. The witness said she saw several bottles of alcohol and could smell alcohol coming from the vehicle.

Several other witnesses who arrived on scene said Kitchenakow was the driver who had fled.

Another passenger said he was not drinking that evening, but the others were. Kitchenakow was “really drunk” when she drove them to an area of the Menominee Indian Reservation known as White City, he said.

Kitchenakow was swerving all over the road and driving between 30 and 50 mph, according to the passenger. After she passed a semi-truck and encountered a vehicle headed in their direction, Kitchenakow lost control of the vehicle, struck the curb and then a tree, the passenger said.

MTP spoke with Kitchenakow hours later at her residence. The report indicated she slurred her speech and appeared highly intoxicated. She was arrested and transported to the SMC, where a blood test revealed a .154 blood- alcohol concentration, nearly twice the prohibited limit.

Kitchenakow admitted to driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol, according to the court documents.

Griesbach continued Kitchenakow’s release pending sentencing noting she has a job, three children to care for and has been receiving unspecified treatment.

Griesbach also noted that Kitchenakow had an extensive history of underage drinking, prior convictions for OWI and operating after suspension.

He scheduled a bail hearing for Thursday.

A dark moment in Matty Mathison’s life gave her the inspiration to forever shine a light for others.

When her Shawano home was struck by a tornado in 1984, Mathison was impressed at how many neighbors turned out to help her recover.

It was a transformational experience that made Mathison into one of Shawano’s most active and beloved community volunteers.

“That is why I do what I do — because someone did that for me,” she said Tuesday. “That is what Shawano is all about.”

Mathison recounted her personal experience while accepting the Health Care Volunteer Award during the 2016 Celebration of Giving Awards presented by the Shawano Area Community Foundation.

The retired schoolteacher was among five award recipients honored before 150 people during the community foundation’s seventh annual Celebration of Giving gala, held at The Gathering banquet hall in Shawano.

Wendy Crawford, event co-chairman, applauded all of the award recipients as representing some of the Shawano area’s best examples of volunteerism and selfless community service.

“Whatever your reason for volunteering, this room is filled with like-minded people,” Crawford said. “People are watching, and your good work is being recognized.”

Other award recipients were honored for promoting the arts, teaching agriculture to children, launching a new homeless shelter and mentoring young people. Through sponsors, each award brings a $1,000 prize that is distributed to area nonprofits of the winner’s choosing.

Muffy Culhane, who led the drive to start Shawano’s first homeless shelter, was awarded the Shawano Community Service Award.

Unable to attend Tuesday’s banquet because she is on a medical mission in Haiti, Culhane expressed her gratitude to the crowd via a pre-recorded video played on a big screen. Describing the profound need of impoverished children in Haiti, Culhane compared their plight with that of some people living in Shawano.

“You don’t have to travel far to see people who are in need, who are suffering,” she said. “They’re right here in our community.”

Here is a complete list of all of Tuesday’s award recipients and their $1,000 donations:

• Shawano Community Service Award: Culhane, president of Shawano Area Matthew 25, was honored for her volunteer work with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Red River Riders Therapeutic Horseback Riding and in particular SAM 25’s leadership role in opening a new homeless shelter in Shawano in November. Culhane is splitting her $1,000 award between the SAM 25 shelter and Red River Riders.

• Health Care Volunteer Award: Mathison, a retired Shawano schoolteacher, was honored for her involvement in numerous activities and projects that impact public health in Shawano County, including the Community Health Action Team, Shawano Pathways and the Bike the Barn Quilts event. Mathison is directing her $1,000 award to Shawano Pathways.

• Youth Volunteer Award: Gabriela Krueger, a senior at Shawano Community High School, was honored for her volunteer activities in school and the community. She has participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Optimist Club, Shawano Hockey, Bridge to Success mentor program for incoming freshmen, Spanish Club, National Honor Society and others. Krueger is donating her $1,000 award to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

• Bill Mielke Volunteer Educator Award: Heather Jauquet was honored for her work as coach of the Shawano County Dairy Quiz Bowl team, which allows area children to compete on their knowledge of agriculture. Jauquet’s team last year finished second and fourth in national competitions. Jauquet is donating her $1,000 prize to the Shawano County Junior Holstein Association, another group that holds quiz bowl competitions.

• Robert D. Nueske Wittenberg Community Service Award: Elaine Diffor was honored for her involvement in Walls of Wittenberg, a community group that promotes the arts and other civic improvements. Diffor is a board member currently serving as vice president of the group and head of the Events Committee. Diffor is dividing her $1,000 prize between the Walls of Wittenberg and the Wittenberg Food Pantry.

The Shawano Area Community Foundation, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, holds 75 charitable funds with nearly $5 million in assets. The foundation’s mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life in the community, including serving those in need.

Since the Celebration of Giving began seven years ago, 44 volunteers have been honored with $44,000 awarded on their behalf to area nonprofit agencies.

A truck carrying about 4,000 gallons of milk rolled over Wednesday while the driver was attempting a left turn from Green Bay Street onto Airport Road in Shawano.

The rig landed on its side — milk gurgling out onto the pavement — outside the Perkins Restaurant & Bakery at 1398 E. Green Bay St.

The incident occurred about 11:30 a.m. and snarled traffic while emergency crews worked to clean up the mess.

Truck driver David Dal Santo was bleeding from the head, but he appeared to have escaped serious injury. Dal Santo, 55, of Lena, said he was making the left turn and had no idea why he lost control of the truck.

“I felt like I was on ice,” he said. “And then over I went.”

Dal Santo said he had just picked up some product in Oconto Falls and was headed to Wausau.

An effort in Shawano County to discourage distracted driving has run into an obstacle with county officials who believe that banning cellphones while driving would be extreme government regulation.

The group known as Leadership Shawano County is leading a push throughout April to promote awareness on the dangers of motorists using cellphones or allowing other distractions while behind the wheel.

A survey conducted by the group shows that 92 percent of drivers locally leave cellphones turned on inside their vehicles. Most of those drivers, however, also say they are willing to change their driving habits to improve safety.

The campaign follows last year’s tragic death of Shawano County highway worker Derek Stempa, who was struck by a motorist later found to have been distracted by two unrestrained dogs and an oxygen mask inside the vehicle.

Dana Ritchie, a member of the Leadership Shawano County group, said she is encouraged to see the survey of 1,200 people in Shawano County showing that 88 percent are prepared to make changes to stop distracted driving.

“That speaks volumes — noticing that there’s a problem, and they’re willing to change,” Ritchie said. “That’s awesome.”

In addition to the survey, the group is planning an assembly at Bonduel High School, is urging parents to discuss safer driving habits with their children, and is asking county leaders to support a statewide ban on cellphones while driving except for hands-free devices.

The county measure initially is getting a poor reception among county officials who see a statewide ban as excessive.

The measure seeking new state legislative action stalled, at least temporarily, when members of the county’s public safety committee declined April 6 to bring the proposal to a vote.

Supervisor Patrick Hoffman said he remembers using a citizens band radio while driving a truck years ago, and he doubts that cellphone usage is a safety issue as long as drivers use common sense and keep their eyes on the road. Hoffman said the statewide ban is unnecessary.

“To me, that’s just government overreach,” he said.

Supervisor Jon Zwirschitz agreed, saying: “There’s too much Big Brother in the world.”

Members of Leadership Shawano County expressed disappointment at the setback, saying that it demonstrates the need for more public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

“We just have to refocus our efforts on education,” said Patrick Rau, another member of the group, who is the Bonduel School District superintendent.

Bonduel High School students will participate in an assembly April 28 with a simulator provided by the AT&T “It Can Wait” campaign against texting and driving. Students using the simulator will demonstrate the risks of handling a cellphone while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

Rau said it is a message geared toward young people, but one that all drivers should hear.

“Everybody can do a better job of keeping their eyes on the road,” he said.

Leadership Shawano County, an annual program of the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce, brings together professionals and others in the area to discuss community issues related to family, health, education, business and other topics.

The local leadership group’s survey on driving habits was conducted randomly, but 1,200 people responded through email and other electronic formats. In addition to cellphones, the survey discussed other forms of distracted driving, such as eating or having a housepet in the car.

Another group member, Beth McFarlane, who serves on the Shawano School Board, said she was surprised by the survey results showing that distracted driving is so commonplace.

“It’s frightening when you think about how often it’s happening,” she said. “It’s a bigger problem than people think.”

Although state law already prohibits inattentive driving and a measure has been introduced in the Legislature to ban cellphones in construction zones, the group asked Shawano County elected leaders to support a statewide ban “prohibiting the use of cellphones and other similar devices while driving for any purpose at any time, unless such activity is performed on a hands-free basis.”

With a committee balking at the proposal, it is unclear whether the measure will reach the full County Board, as originally intended.

Ritchie, who works as office manager for the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, said Stempa’s death was a major motivation for the distracted driving effort. She also said it could take other tragedies, unfortunately, to persuade more people that distracted driving is a serious problem.

Ritchie said her group hopes to make another effort at convincing the county’s elected leaders to get behind stronger state laws on the issue.

“It’s not going away,” she said. “It’s going to have to take awareness.”

The National Safety Council has declared April as national Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Felony drug charges were filed Wednesday against three people arrested in a raid that netted more than $13,000 worth of cocaine and marijuana, according to authorities.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police and Shawano County sheriff’s deputies executed a search warrant in the town of Red Springs on Monday, seizing 123 grams of what was believed to be cocaine, worth more than $12,300, and 38 grams of what was believed to be marijuana, worth more than $760.

Authorities also seized various drug paraphernalia and more than $1,100 in cash, according to the criminal complaint.

Shelly G. Davids, 29, of Gresham, Thomas K. Davids, 23, of Bowler, and Jeffrey D. Kaquatosh, 29, of Gresham, were each charged with felony counts of possession with intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

They could each face a maximum 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted of the most serious charge of possession with intent to deliver more than 40 grams of cocaine.

Kaquatosh was also charged with felony counts of second or subsequent offense possession of marijuana and cocaine. He was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond. His preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday.

Shelly and Thomas Davids also face misdemeanor counts of possession of cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. They were both ordered held on $2,500 cash bonds and are scheduled for preliminary hearings Wednesday.

Shawano Police Department

April 12

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — BMO Harris Bank, 206 N. Airport Drive, reported a counterfeit bill.

Fire — Police assisted the fire department at the scene of a gas grill fire in the 200 block of East Center Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 200 block of South Andrews Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint at Richmond and Waukechon streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

April 12

Deputies logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on Derby Lane in the town of Washington.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on Putnam Lane in Bowler.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Island Lake Lane in the town of Red Springs.

Accidents — A 31-year-old Gillett woman was taken into custody on a warrant after an injury accident at State Highway 22 and Lake Drive in the town of Washington. The incident blocked northbound lanes for about an hour. Authorities also logged three deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

April 12

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — A complaint of disorderly conduct and criminal damage to property on South Main Street was under investigation.

Disturbance — Police assisted with an uncontrollable juvenile complaint on Eighth Street.

The National Weather Service says today’s statewide tornado drills are a “Go”.

At 1 p.m., the National Weather Service will issue a statewide mock tornado watch and at 1:45 p.m. a statewide mock tornado warning. This drill ends at 2 p.m. A second drill will occur at 6:55 p.m. with another mock tornado warning. There is no risk of severe weather in the state on Thursday.

Many Wisconsin radio and TV stations will participate in the drills. In addition, NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (also known as emergency weather radios) will issue alert messaging. Many outdoor warning sirens across the state will also be activated. This is an ideal opportunity for schools, businesses and families to practice safety procedures for severe weather.

These drills are possible through a partnership with the National Weather Service, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and Wisconsin Emergency Management.

For more information go to http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

The process to select Wisconsin’s congressional district level delegates to the Democratic National Convention will begin Sunday with the first round of 72 county-level caucuses.

The Shawano County caucus will be conducted at the Shawano Civic Center, 225 S. Main St.. Registration for the caucus will be from 1-2 p.m. Participants do not need to be members of the Democratic Party but will be required to sign a pledge that affirms their status as an eligible voter, a supporter of the principles of the Democratic Party and that they vote as a Democrat. At registration, they will need to declare whether they are supporting Bernie Sanders or Hillary Clinton for president. Visitors are invited to attend.

Shawano County will be electing six delegates and six alternates for Sanders and five delegates and five alternates for Clinton. The delegates will represent Shawano County at the 8th Congressional District caucus to be held May 1 at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. At the congressional district caucus, they will help elect six delegates (three Sanders and three Clinton) to the Democratic National Convention.

Only delegates who have filed an “intent to run” form with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin are eligible to run for the national delegate positions. The Democratic National Convention will be held from July 25-28 in Philadelphia.

For information, contact Dan Weidner at 715-250-1212 or weidner@plbb.us.

It appears Clintonville’s outdoor swimming pool will not open this summer due to a fire in December that caused an estimated $60,000 in damages.

City Administrator Chuck Kell told the Common Council on Tuesday that the city’s insurance company has offered $47,000 to repair the pool house.

Parks and Recreation Director Justin McAuly, meanwhile, has submitted a bill for $25,000 for the equipment damaged by the fire, and the insurance company has authorized $5,700, Kell noted.

The city still doesn’t know how much it will cost to repair the roof. Four of the structural concrete beams in the roof need to be replaced, officials said.

A Green Bay firm indicated last week it will do the roof work, but with so many other concerns “it is impossible to get the work done in order to open the pool this year,” Kell said.

Meanwhile, an ad hoc committee will continue its work on a study of the pool’s long-term future and related fundraising.

The Common Council approved spending $10,000 on the study, which will include replacing the pool and bathhouse.

Water Technology Inc., based in Beaver Dam, will provide a proposed design of a new pool with aquatic features, and will consult on the engineering for the mechanical and water treatment systems.

The Common Council has debated the future of the pool several times over the last few years. It decided last year to keep the pool open at least one more season if there were no major problems or repairs needed.

The cause of December’s fire remains unknown.