Finding quality meats and sausages to throw on the backyard grill is about to get a whole lot easier in the Shawano area.

The longtime operator of Backes Food Mart in Birnamwood has purchased a vacant storefront to open a new meat market on the western shore of Shawano Lake.

Scheduled to open around Memorial Day, Backes Brat Haus & Meat Market will offer a variety of homemade bratwurst and other sausages, along with custom cuts of beef, pork and other grill-ables.

The retail outlet will operate at 5858 N. Lake Drive, a town of Wescott storefront that closed about three years ago as an ice cream shop and mini-mart known as Twisterz Market.

Birnamwood business owner Dan Backes said he looks forward to serving Shawano-area residents and tourists who are eager to find quality products for their summertime cookouts.

“You won’t be getting Johnsonville in this place — let’s put it that way,” Backes said.

The market brings renewed activity to a commercial corner on the lakeshore, and it also fills a void left with the 2014 closure of Pingel’s Old Time Sausage Shop near downtown Shawano.

Located north of Shawano Municipal Airport, the new retail outlet will be next door to the Spinning Wheel Inn supper club and across the street from the Brothers’ Pub bar and grill.

Spinning Wheel owner Steve Lemhouse said he was pleased to see new activity in the vacant storefront, and he suspects that a retail meat and sausage market will do well in the area.

“My customers are all talking about it,” Lemhouse said. “We’re all looking forward to it.”

Backes Food Mart is a Birnamwood grocery store started 40 years ago by Backes’ father, Bernard Backes. The store now is operated by Dan Backes and his wife, Chris, along with their children.

The store began making its own homemade sausages in the 1980s, and now features more than 25 varieties of fresh bratwurst.

When the Pingel’s shop closed its doors at 528 S. Main St. in Shawano, Backes said, he recognized the opportunity to expand.

“I was watching since then,” he said. “That is a niche that I think Shawano is ready to support.”

The location on Lake Street will make Backes Brat Haus & Meat Market conveniently located for lakefront property owners and vacationers, as well as others at nearby campgrounds, while still being easily accessible for those closer to downtown Shawano.

Backes purchased the property in March and hired a contractor to complete interior remodeling work on the building.

Construction contractor Rod Clauss said the eight- or nine-year-old building is in good shape and needs only minor remodeling before it will be ready. Clauss said he expects to be finished with the remodeling work well before Memorial Day weekend.

Many passersby have shown a curiosity about the storefront project, Clauss said.

“Everybody stops and says, ‘I hope he does well,’” Clauss said.

Backes said he intends to open for business seven days a week, at least initially, and then gauge the operating hours most convenient for customers.

The business owner said he has been encouraged by the positive response shown so far.

“We’re excited to be in the community,” he said. “We’re thinking it’s going to turn out very nice.”

In response to increased demand for training and assistance in schools and communities across the country, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is set to launch an autism technician technical diploma for the summer and fall semesters.

NWTC is the first college in Wisconsin to have a program dedicated to autism education.

“We are really excited about starting the autism technician technical diploma program at NWTC,” said Kay Tupala, NWTC dean of health sciences. “We know that it will not only expand the knowledge of future education leaders, but also to help bring awareness and understanding about autism to the community.

“We take great pride in setting the pace for a future that creates strong communities and quality of life for everyone in northeast Wisconsin.”

Students enrolled in the 28-credit program will be trained to work directly with persons with autism in a variety of settings, including child care, home and school.

Autism is a developmental disorder that disconnects children from their environment and other people. Currently, autism cannot be cured, but it can be treated. One in 68 8-year-old children are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The new NWTC program is designed for behavior technicians, child care teachers, paraeducators, teachers, teaching assistants, parents, relatives and caregivers.

“This new technical diploma can appeal to those already working in the field or those who want to support people in the community with autism,” said Tracy Blahnik, NWTC health sciences and education instructor.

The program is a mix of both early childhood education and paraeducator courses and includes hours in a practicum placement directly working with persons with autism. Course work will include teaching methods, applied behavior analysis and managing behavior, communication systems and technology, supporting teachers’ and following senior behavior technicians’ learning plans at school or in a home setting, supporting individual personal hygiene needs, and transitioning beyond school.

For information, visit https://www.nwtc.edu/Programs/Pathways/Human-Services-and-Education/Fami....

A quote from Walt Disney seemed appropriate for the setting Friday night, as community members and supporters of Shawano Dollars for Scholars gathered in the Enchanted Forest.

The dreamlike decor at The Gathering had been provided by the Shawano Community High School Class of 2017 for the high school prom, which was to be held at the same location Saturday night.

“Walt Disney once said, ‘all dreams come true if you have the courage to pursue them,’” said Troy Edwards, this year’s Dollars for Scholars president. “I want to thank everyone for joining us this evening so we can help others pursue their dream of post-secondary education.”

Dollars for Scholars is in its 23rd year in Shawano.

“What was started with business leaders to provide scholarships to a few students has grown into an organization with hundreds of individual donors and businesses providing scholarships to every graduating high school senior who applies,” Edwards said.

The organization has awarded $1.9 million to more than 1,600 students in its first 22 years.

Edwards said the numbers speak to how important the Shawano community views post-secondary education.

Board member Amy te Plate-Church, who took on master of ceremonies duties for Friday’s gala, said there was more bringing the attendees together than the great atmosphere, the fun and fellowship of the event.

“It’s about helping youth and helping dreams to come true,” she said.

She also said on a personal level it was an opportunity for her to give back to the community, “because I was so grateful for the scholarships that helped me to achieve my college dreams.”

Past President Michael Sleeper told the Leader that the annual spring event is a great evening for the community to come together for fun and fellowship, but also to generate additional revenue for the endowment fund.

He said the event typically raises about $20,000.

At the senior awards event at the high school Monday, Dollars for Scholars awarded $205,000 to graduating seniors.

Another roughly $250,000 will be awarded later this summer to Shawano Community High School graduates now in college.

“Initially this gala was the sole source of funds,” Sleeper said. “We worked really hard, invested the money wisely and grew to about $1 million in the endowment fund.”

Sleeper said much of the organization’s financial success can be attributed to the estate of Judge Michael Eberlein and his wife, Joanne, who left about $7.5 million to Dollars for Scholars.

“That enabled us to step up the number of scholarships and the value of scholarships to a level that we never imagined was possible,” he said.

“Judge Eberlein was a Shawano judge. He spent a lot of his time in juvenile court and he saw through his career that the students that had a good clear path of educational goals and objectives weren’t in his courtroom very often,” Sleeper said.

Local businesses and individual donors provided 14 different raffle packages for Friday’s event, with values ranging from $250 to $1,100.

There were also special drawings for endowment members and a live auction of floral planters and sports memorabilia.

Attendees were also able to view art displays created by Shawano high school students.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies logged 64 incidents over the weekend, including the arrest of a 36-year-old Gillett man for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 29 in the town of Morris. A 25-year-old female passenger from Green Bay was also taken into custody on a warrant.

Other incidents included a 46-year-old Shawano man arrested for disorderly conduct and a probation violation after a domestic disturbance in the town of Angelica; disturbances in the towns of Morris and Maple Grove; a juvenile alcohol complaint in the town of Herman; disorderly conduct in Wittenberg; a property theft complaint in the town of Wescott; injury accidents in Bonduel and the town of Lessor; and five deer-related crashes.

Shawano police logged 35 incidents over the weekend, including a report of a fight in progress at Division and Main streets; disturbances in the 700 block of South Union Street and 100 block of North Main Street; a GPS unit reported stolen from a vehicle in the 200 block of Schrader Avenue; a shoplifting complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.; a 38-year-old man arrested for a probation violation in the 100 block of West Division Street; a two-vehicle property damage accident in the 1300 block of East Green Bay Street; and juvenile problems at Hamlin and Randall streets and in the 1000 block of South Bartlett Street.

Shawano Police Department

May 2

Police logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — A female subject was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a shoplifting incident.

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

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at CoVantage Credit Union, 911 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A 51-year-old man was arrested on a warrant at Cleveland and Maurer streets.

Arrest — A 29-year-old man was taken into custody for a probation and parole violation in the 300 block of Madison Way.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

May 1

Police logged 16 incidents, including the following:

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

Theft — A GPS unit was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 200 block of Schrader Avenue.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1000 block of South Bartlett Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of North Main Street.

April 30

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — A 39-year-old man was arrested for a probation and parole violation in the 100 block of West Division Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Hamlin and Randall streets.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a shoplifting incident.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Division and Main streets.

April 29

Police logged 24 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 35-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated in the 1000 block of East Green Bay Street.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint in the 300 block of West Wescott Avenue.

Warrant — A 32-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant at Main Street and Alpine Drive.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 100 block of East Maurer Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint in the 1000 block of South Sawyer Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 2

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on Main Street in Birnamwood.

Fire — Authorities responded to a grass fire on Pioneer Drive in the town of Wescott.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Main Street in Birnamwood.

Accident — Authorities responded to an injury accident on County Road G in the town of Herman.

May 1

Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on Red Oak Lane in the town of Wittenberg.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress on County Road S in the town of Maple Grove.

Arrest — A 31-year-old Eland man was arrested for a probation and parole violation on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

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

Disturbance — A 46-year-old Shawano man was arrested for disorderly conduct and a probation and parole violation after a domestic disturbance on Main Street in the town of Angelica.

OWI — A 36-year-old Gillett man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 29 in the town of Morris.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Prouty Street in Wittenberg.

April 30

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Curt Black Road in the town of Wescott.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Webers Point Road in the town of Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road J in the town of Morris.

Accidents — Authorities responded to an injury accident on state Highway 156 in the town of Lessor and logged four deer-related crashes.

April 29

Deputies logged 56 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Nichols Drive in the town of Angelica.

OAR — A 36-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on County Road Z in the town of Herman.

Warrant — A 31-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant on Washington Street in the town of Wescott.

Vandalism — Authorities responded to a vandalism complaint on College Avenue in the town of Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an Internet scam complaint on County Road F in the town of Hartland.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on state Highway 29 in Bonduel.

Assault — Authorities investigated a reported assault on County Road D in the town of Aniwa.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

OWI — A 51-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on Bluebird Road in the town of Birnamwood.

Clintonville Police Department

May 2

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on North Clinton Avenue.

Juvenile — A disruptive student was reported on North Main Street.

Juvenile — A disruptive student was reported on South Clinton Avenue.

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on South Main Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a family disturbance on 10th Street.

April 30

Police logged five incidents, including the following:

Theft — A theft was reported on 20th Street.

Trespass — Trespassing was reported on East 12th Street.

April 29

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A neighbor dispute was reported on Dodge Street.

Harassment — Harassment was reported on North Main Street.

Theft — A theft was reported on South Main Street.

Shawano Fire Chief Doug Knope will step down from the job as of June 1 after more than 24 years overseeing the Shawano Area Fire Department.

Knope was a firefighter with the department for 30 years prior to becoming chief.

The Shawano Police and Fire Commission formally accepted Knope’s retirement letter Tuesday and appointed Shawn Borlace as the new chief, also effective June 1.

“You’re sorely going to be missed,” commission President Tony Zielinski told Knope.

Mayor Jeanne Cronce thanked Knope for his many years of service to the community.

Borlace was recommended for the chief’s post by Knope.

Borlace, who also works as a lineman for Shawano Municipal Utilities, has lived in Shawano for 17 years and has been part of the fire department for 16.

“It’s been a great experience,” he said. “I’ve learned a lot from the chief. We’ve just got a great team down there and things work really well.”

Borlace said the department also has a great relationship with Shawano police and the county sheriff’s department.

“That’s something we don’t plan on changing at all,” he said. “We work really good together, so that’s something we plan on keeping up.”

Borlace said after the meeting that he doesn’t expect any other changes in the department.

“We’ll continue on what we’re doing. It will be business as usual for us,” he said.

Borlace also had high praise for Knope.

“He’s been a great chief,” he said, “for what he’s done for this community and did for this fire department. He’s just been a great guy. He’s taught me so much personally and he’s taught the whole department how to move forward and just everything; his training, his professionalism. He’s just a great guy.”

The Shawano School Board on Monday heard details about the city’s new bullying ordinance, which carries possible penalties for parents who allow their children to continue bullying after they’ve been made aware of the behavior.

Police Chief Mark Kohl said the department is looking for help not just from parents but also from the school district and other agencies in addressing the problem.

The new ordinance garnered a lot of media attention from outlets across the country after it was first reported in the Leader, even though several other communities in the state have already passed similar ordinances.

Kohl said Shawano’s ordinance followed conversations with Police Chief Dan Ault, of Plover, where a bullying ordinance is already on the books. He said the response to the Plover ordinance has been mostly positive.

That conversation also followed a presentation about the effects of bullying that had been hosted by the Shawano School District, Kohl noted.

“The school was one step ahead of us,” Kohl said, adding that the district also already has a policy discouraging bullying and harassment.

However, he said, police had no way of dealing with bullying or harassment that takes place off school grounds.

“A lot of these complaints happen outside of the school day,” he said.

Kohl also said communities that have passed similar ordinances have never gotten to the point of actually having to assess fines or forfeitures against parents, because parents have been cooperative.

“Many parents don’t know that they have a child who is a bully. The emphasis is to work closer with the parents.,” Kohl said. “We cannot arrest our way out of the bullying issue.”

Kohl said the department would like to see parents taking a closer look at what their children do, including social media interactions, and how they act with friends and outside of the household.

“What behaviors have they noticed about their child if they believe they might be bullied?” he said.

School Board members were generally supportive of the ordinance and its intent but wanted to ensure there would be an educational component that would make parents and others aware of the seriousness of the problem.

“I think it’s great what you’re doing; I really do,” board member Marcia Yeager said. “I think it is a problem and I think it is getting worse. I think it all comes down to education, of how to make them aware of bullying, how to handle bullying.”

Yeager said the problem can start as early as preschool, as soon as one student tells another, “You can’t play with me.”

Kohl said his department is looking to address the issue in stages with the help of parents and the community.

He said part of that will involve trying to break down stereotypes dealing with gender, race, and cultural and economic issues.

Board members Michael Sleeper and Diane Hoffman said raising awareness and getting the word out to the community about the problem would be important factors.

Hoffman added that the problem of bullying goes beyond children and can also be seen in the workplace.

Board member Derek Johnson questioned whether the district’s policy on reporting bullying was streamlined and comfortable enough for victims.

Superintendent Gary Cumberland said there are opportunities for students to report such incidents directly to guidance counselors and others.

Kohl said many instances of bullying are not reported by the victims but by friends or others who have witnessed the behavior.

The ordinance calls for a fine of $366 for the first offense and $681 for the second offense for parents who are aware of and allow their children to engage in bullying or harassment.

The fine would only apply, however, if the parent had already been informed by police within the previous 90 days that their child had been engaging in bullying or harassment.

Shawano Police Department

May 3

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A 36-year-old man was taken into custody at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 100 County Road B.

Theft — A vehicle break-in was reported in the 600 block of South Maiden Lane.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint at Main and Presbyterian streets.

Assault — An assault complaint was under investigation at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 100 County Road B.

OWI — A 49-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Hamlin and Seward streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 3

Deputies logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A tip box was reported stolen from the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, in the town of Wittenberg.

Fire — A grass fire was reported on state Highway 29 in the town of Herman.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on County Road D-M in the town of Pella.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Honeysuckle Lane in Tigerton.

Accidents — Authorities logged two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 3

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported in Olsen Park.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Eighth Street and Clinton Avenue.

Area dairy farmers have until May 25 to vote in the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board District 9 election.

Nominees in District 9, which includes Shawano and Waupaca counties, are Donald Robaidek, of Pulaski, and Jeff Strassburg, of Wittenberg.

Elections are also being held in seven other districts across the state. Elected producers will serve three-year terms beginning July 1.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has mailed ballots to eligible dairy producers. If you have not received a ballot by May 10 and are an eligible producer, call 608-224-5116 to request a ballot.

Completed ballots must be signed and sent to WI DATCP, Marketing Order Program, P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708-8911. The ballots must be postmarked on or before May 25. Unsigned ballots will not be counted.

The Shawano Optimist Club on Wednesday honored two area officers as part of its annual observance of Respect for Law Enforcement Week.

Shawano Police Officer Shane Stange and Shawano County Sheriff’s Deputy Bill Uelman were recognized as this year’s Officers of the Year.

Both were chosen for their honors by their respective department heads.

“Shane is recognized for his leadership on the night shift and the many duties he has volunteered for over the last few years,” Police Chief Mark Kohl said.

Stange’s assignments have included Shawano County’s Special Response Team, County Dive Team, field training 0fficer and forensic computer technician.

He is also a department defensive tactics instructor and has been certified by the FBI to train officers in active threat response situations.

“His combined efforts with Officer (Heidi) Cartwright for the radKids program was very successful,” Kohl said.

Stange has also given his time to the “Fill the Squad” food drive campaign and the 2015 Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign.

Sheriff Adam Bieber said Uelman has a great working relationship with his fellow deputies and with the public.

“Bill is even-tempered and handles stressful situations in a calm and collected manner,” Bieber said. “He has been recognized by the public on at least three occasions for the service he provided.”

Bieber said Uelman goes above and beyond what is expected of him.

“Deputy Uelman is well above the shift averages leading in citations issued, traffic stops, traffic warnings, etc. It is easy to see through Bill’s work ethic that he cares for the citizens of Shawano County and their well-being,” Bieber said.

Uelman volunteers for Bonduel youth teams throughout the year, coaches two youth baseball teams and multiple youth basketball teams, and is also league president for youth football; often taking comp or vacation time to coach and mentor youth in Bonduel, Bieber said.

“Bill is a shining example of what the sheriff’s office looks for in a deputy,” Bieber said. “Bill’s work ethic, community involvement, and being a family man is an example to all.”

Handwritten records from 50 years ago could affect whether Shawano County can sell part of the Mud Lake Wildlife Area for redevelopment near Cecil.

Officials from the state Department of Natural Resources say their agency has veto authority wherever the county used state funding to purchase land for the wildlife area starting in the 1960s.

So state officials are reviewing records of grants issued to Shawano County long ago — some less than $100 — to determine exactly when and where money helped the county to assemble the Mud Lake property.

Doug Haag, the DNR’s deputy director of facilities and lands, said that although record-keeping was not sophisticated years ago, the agency has found handwritten records of about 25 grants to Shawano County dating back to 1966.

“It’s the best information we have,” Haag said.

Mud Lake Wildlife Area is an estimated 320-acre conservation site owned by the county, located on the southern edge of Cecil. Village leaders are urging the county to sell about 15 acres bordering state Highway 117 so that the property can be developed with businesses.

The village would like to annex the development site to bring in new commercial growth.

County officials initially sounded open to the idea, but they also acknowledged that DNR approval might be needed because of past state funding associated with Mud Lake on the condition that the property remain a protected conservation site.

County officials recently passed a policy requiring closer consideration of such long-term conditions whenever accepting state grants or other outside funding.

Cecil Village President Jeff Nolan declined to comment on the Mud Lake issue, citing the uncertainty on whether there will be state intervention.

“I just want to see what happens,” he said.

Shawano County officials could not be reached for comment.

Some conservation advocates have voiced concerns about the proposed sale of Mud Lake property, which is used for hunting and other public recreation purposes.

Bob Bohardt, a Shawano County delegate to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, said he is remaining neutral on the Cecil plan, but he is concerned about other protected sites being offered up for sale if the Mud Lake proposal goes through.

“That’s how this stuff starts,” he said. “Where to do you draw the line?”

To some, the source of funding used to purchase the wildlife area is not even relevant.

John Hoeffs, chairman of the local delegation to the Conservation Congress, said the county should refuse to sell any part of the Mud Lake site, regardless of whether the DNR has veto authority. Hoeffs said the property is an important site for wildlife protection and conservation.

“The county owns it, and I don’t think they should sell it,” he said.

Haag said the DNR has asked Shawano County to provide information indicating when the county acquired different sections of the Mud Lake Wildlife Area, so that those purchases can be compared with when the state allocated grants to the county. State records indicate about 25 different allocations between 1966 and 1987, ranging from as little as $42 to more than $2,000.

Haag would not speculate what would happen if no clear correlation could be established with the Mud Lake property. But if it appears state funds helped acquire the 15 acres being considered for sale, state officials would invoke their authority to decide whether the site should be sold or whether it should continue to be protected for public recreation purposes, he said.

“The goal would be to try to make sure that the public remains whole as far as the recreational investments were made,” he said.

A hotly competitive marketplace of health care services in Shawano could be about to heat up even more.

Green Bay-based Prevea Health has unveiled plans for a new clinic on Shawano’s east side, near an Aurora Health Care facility that opened six years ago.

Prevea hopes to redevelop the former location of Anello’s Torch Lite restaurant, 1276 E. Green Bay St., which was destroyed by fire in 2014 and then was rebuilt on an adjacent site.

Plans submitted to state environmental regulators show that Prevea’s clinic would be 18,000 square feet — comparable to the Aurora facility — and would have parking for about 80 vehicles. The site would extend south from Green Bay Street and cover about 5 acres.

Prevea President and CEO Ashok Rai said customers now commute to Green Bay, and many have urged the health care provider to consider opening a facility in the Shawano area.

“Everybody would love to see care closer to home,” Rai said.

Prevea, which operates more than 40 locations in Wisconsin, is working with environmental regulators to overcome issues associated with possible wetlands on the proposed site.

Plans have been submitted or discussed with the state Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Todd Vesperman, a regional section chief with the Corps of Engineers, said federal officials believe the presence of wetlands is relatively minor on the former restaurant site.

“It looks pretty good,” he said.

State DNR zoning specialist Dale Rezabek said state officials could give the green light, too, if Prevea demonstrates that no other suitable site exists for the clinic, and if the development plans show efforts to minimize the impact on wetlands.

Rezabek said Prevea representatives have met with state regulators but have not yet submitted detailed plans.

DNR records show that Prevea thus far has dismissed potential alternative locations for the Shawano clinic because they did not offer the same high visibility and easy access for customers as the former Anello’s site.

The would-be clinic developer, Rodac Development and Construction of Green Bay, is the same firm that built the new Anello’s Torch Lite directly west of where the previous restaurant burned down. The new restaurant officially opened its doors this week.

DNR records indicate that the new restaurant and the health care clinic were planned simultaneously to maximize the “highest and best use” of the land.

“This land meets all of our needs,” Rai said. “It would be an ideal site.”

Shawano City Administrator Brian Knapp said city officials have participated in preliminary discussions about the wetlands issue associated with the former restaurant property. Knapp said he also was aware that Prevea Health was interested in the location for a new clinic.
“They’ve shown an interest in Shawano,” Knapp said. “They’re trying to find the right site.”
Rai said no decisions have been made about exactly what sort of clinic would be established in Shawano or what services would be offered.

Prevea’s interest comes eight month after ThedaCare opened its new $50 million hospital in Shawano. The opening of the 128,000-square-foot ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano coincided with the closing of Shawano Medical Center, located near downtown Shawano.

Aurora Health also made a significant investment not long ago in its clinic at 1364 E. Green Bay St. The building was expanded in 2012 from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, and the addition of new services resulting in the facility’s upgrading from clinic to health center.

Officials at ThedaCare and Aurora both declined to comment about Prevea’s plan.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating a reported wolf attack on a heifer at a town of Richmond dairy farm.

Tim Paiser of Paiser Dairy Farm contacted the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department shortly before 6 a.m. Wednesday to report that wolves attacked his heifers overnight, with at least one dead, according to the sheriff’s report.

According to a wolf depredation report on the Department of Natural Resources website, it would be the first confirmed wolf attack on livestock in Shawano County since 2013.

The wolf harassment threat increases as one goes further northwest in Wisconsin, according to the DNR’s map of wolf depredation and threats in the state as of 2015.

There have been 14 confirmed wolf attacks in the state so far this year, according to the DNR, which have included pets and hunting dogs as well as livestock, and 70 in 2015.

The gray wolf population has grown since being put back on the Federal Endangered Spices list in 2014, according to the DNR.

If a wolf did kill the heifer in this case, Paiser would be compensated $2,000 for his loss.

Alex Raeder will test his skills at the national level in June after winning the Wisconsin Skills USA competition last month.

The senior was one of three Shawano Community High School students who placed at the competition held April 26-27 in Madison. Taking first in the electrical construction wiring category, Raeder is the first Shawano student in recent memory to win at the state level for Skills USA, according to adviser Jeremy Hodkiewicz.

“It’s nice to break through that wall,” Hodkiewicz said. “We’ve had some place winners but no champions, as far as I know.”

“It feels pretty good,” said Raeder, who plans to pursue a career in the electrical field. “It’s nice being the first one.”

The competition included proficiency in switches and wiring. A lot of what Raeder took into the competition came from the technology education classes he took at the high school.

“Most of it came right out of the books,” he said.

The district’s technology program grew after the school district spent $900,000 to provide bigger spaces for its technology and agriculture programs.

Raeder competed in the same category for Skills USA in 2015 and had set a goal of winning the state contest this year, Hodkiewicz said. He described Raeder as a smart student who excels in all his classes.

Raeder will get the chance to compete at the national Skills USA competition in Louisville, Kentucky, the week of June 20.

Also placing at the state contest were senior Kelsey Gast, who finished second in diesel equipment technology, and junior Jason Heinz, who placed third in collision repair.

In the diesel equipment competition, students had to conduct inspections on diesel trucks, examining valves and engine work. Job interviews and wiring diagnostics were also part of the contest.

“It feels great proving your knowledge and proving what you can do,” Gast said.

For collision repair, students had to examine wrecked vehicles and then estimate repair costs. Students were also judged on how well they fixed fenders and bumper covers, as well as their welding.

“We didn’t have the opportunity to learn this here (at SCHS), but other competitors learn it every day in school,” Heinz said. “I picked it up at home.”

Hodkiewicz hopes the students’ strong performance at the state contest will encourage more students to join the program.

“It takes time to get them to understand what the competition is all about and getting them to practice for the competition,” he said.

It was perfect weather for dinner on the town Thursday evening, so Wes and Karen Fredericks headed to a restaurant in Shawano.

And then another. And another.

Before they were through, the Fredericks planned to sample, snack and sweet-tooth their way through nine establishments during the Dine on Main event organized by the Shawano Business Improvement District.

The event allowed participants to pay $15 each and take a tour of the city’s downtown dining spots, each of which served up a special treat for the occasion.

The Fredericks, who live near Legend Lake, are frequent patrons of Shawano eateries, and they were drawn to the chance to spend a pleasant spring evening strolling their way through dinner and desert.

“We’ll go from one end to the other,” Wes Fredericks said. “We’ll try them all.”

Known as a “dine-around,” the event started in 2011 and 2012 under the name The Main Event, conceived by the group Leadership Shawano County. It was revived last year, and then returned this year under the new name Dine on Main.

Dining continued from 5-8:30 p.m., followed by a celebration and prize giveaway at Tom’s Tap.

Wendy Crawford, program manager for Leadership Shawano County, said the relaxed and fun atmosphere not only promotes local restaurants, it also draws a diverse crowd that might not otherwise come together at what she called “community tables” that seem to form spontaneously.

“Strangers will sit next to each other,” she said. “They’re joining other people and having conversations.”

Proceeds of the event support the business improvement district’s facade improvement project.

Among the menu choices Thursday were homemade soups at Farm Inn on Main, barbecue roll appetizers at Bubba’s BBQ, chicken salad sandwiches at Angie’s Main Cafe, baked bread and desserts at Fannita’s Bakery, and other treats at Luigi’s Pizza and Pasta, Old Glory Candy, Domino’s Pizza, Tom’s Tap and ‘Til the Cows Come Home.

Sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s made for ideal weather for the occasion.

Business owners made a special effort to welcome the crowd, hoping to introduce themselves to some new patrons or reacquaint themselves with old friends.

Kayla Logan, service manager at Bubba’s BBQ, said managers there decided to cook up a batch of the restaurant’s eggroll-style barbecue rolls, which are the restaurant’s most popular appetizer among regular customers.

“Everybody who tries it really likes it,” Logan said.

At Fannita’s Bakery, diners could sample a strawberry meringue dessert.

Farm Inn on Main served up homemade potato soup, steak and wild rice soup, and cinnamon bread sticks. Manager Tom Lundt said he was happy to be part of the event, and he hoped it would attract some new restaurant goers to Main Street.

“The weather is great,” Lundt said. “I hope they make some fun out of it.”

Shawano Police Department

May 5

Police logged 19 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Police investigated a fraud complaint at the New Era House, 105 E. Richmond St.

Arrest — A 33-year-old woman was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint in the 300 block of Madison Way.

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 5

Deputies logged 35 incidents, including the following:

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint at the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, in the town of Wittenberg.

Theft — Authorities responded to a property theft complaint on Moh He Con Nuck Road in Bowler.

Burglary — Authorities investigated a reported burglary on Main Street in the town of Green Valley.

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Accidents — Authorities responded to an injury accident on Camp 14 Road in Bowler and logged two deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

May 5

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 29-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for domestic abuse-related disorderly conduct and possession of marijuana, meth and controlled substances.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident at Main and Madison streets.

Bullying — A report of bullying on North Main Street was being investigated.

Disturbance — Police responded to an unwanted subjects complaint on Morning Glory Road.

OWI — A 53-year-old New London man was arrested for operating while intoxicated.

Shawano County is recognizing its corrections staff this week as part of National Correctional Officer Week, which runs May 1-7.

“In 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation recognizing the vital role correctional officers play in ensuring the custody, safety, and well being of the many individuals in our nations jails and prisons,” Sheriff Adam Bieber said.

“The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office is asking that you remember the many men and women, who, 24/7, keep the peace and support the Shawano County Jail facilities,” Bieber said.

“These men and women sacrifice of themselves by serving and protecting the public without recognition, inside a facility no one chooses to be placed in,” he said. “The jail can often be a dangerous and violent place, yet these Officers and Staff choose to serve, out of the view of most, fulfilling a critical and necessary function of your local government. These selfless individuals make an unmeasurable difference in the safety and security of everyone’s day to day life.”

Bieber offered his thanks to the following Shawano County corrections staff:

Corrections officers: Gloria Kuhn, Susan Ponchaud, Tim Brusewitz, Todd Lohrentz, Deborah Hoffman, Wendy Hafner, Tully Tauferner, James Wickesberg, Sara Hodkiewicz, Brenda Lynn, Lisa Boettcher, Milt Marquardt, Samantha Williams, Terry Knope, Daniel Breutzmann, Cory Ladwig, Christopher Morter, Sarah Resch, Patricia Ketterhagen, Kyle Gerhard, Krystal Seay, Misty Bloecher, Michelle McCauley, Blake Artis, Krista Buettner, Jason Bavinck, Chase Mason, Holly Cummings, Brianna Laabs, Michael Blahnik, Kyle Stotzheim, Ryan Janka, Christopher Eggert, Joshua Steppe, Paul Minniecheske;

Jail sergeants: Marvin Ninham, Michael Pingel, Thomas Kristoff, Troy Beyer, Joel Minniecheske;

Jail lieutenants: Greg Nelson, and Jason Annis-Wild;

Cooks: Jolene Daniel, Debra Hintz, Rose Flessert;

Food service manager: Liz Reissman;

Clerical: Kristie Runge;

Jail administrator: Greg Trinko.

Felony OWI

A Shawano woman is facing a felony count of operating while intoxicated after being pulled over in the city last week.

Jamie E. Ermatinger, 35, could face a maximum of six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted of fourth-offense OWI.

She is also charged with operating after revocation and misdemeanor bail jumping.

Ermatinger was pulled over around 12:35 a.m. April 29 after she was spotted on East Green Bay Street driving without headlights, according to the criminal complaint.

Ermatinger has three previous OWI convictions in Shawano County, according to the complaint, as well as two previous convictions for operating after revocation.

Ermatinger is free on a $1,500 cash bond and is due back in court for an arraignment hearing on June 2.

Substantial battery

A Shawano woman has been charged with a felony count of substantial battery as a result of an altercation in the city in March.

Mary A. Dodge, 29, is accused of causing substantial bodily harm to a 33-year-old man during a fight that broke out at a drinking party on March 30, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges Dodge struck and kicked the victim, causing injuries including broken bones and cuts requiring stitches.

The substantial battery charge normally carries a maximum possible penalty of 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine if convicted, but the penalty could be enhanced against Dodge because of previous misdemeanor convictions of disorderly conduct and domestic abuse-related battery.

Dodge was ordered held on a $1,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on May 16.

A 2-year-old girl fell from a second-story window Friday at a residence on the Stockbridge-Munsee Indian reservation in Shawano County, police said.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Chief Jim Hoffman said it appeared that the child’s injuries were not life-threatening. She had visible injuries to her forehead, leg or hip, knees and elbows, he said.

Police were called about 2:30 p.m. Friday to a home on Oak Street in the town of Bartelme. The girl was flown by helicopter ambulance to Ministry St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Her condition was not available Friday night.

Hoffman said investigators were trying to determine what caused the child’s fall. Foul play is not suspected, he said.

Two teenagers who walked away from the Homme Home in Wittenberg last month are accused of stealing a car after they went AWOL.

Jacob R. Bailey and Brett L. Ginter, both 19, have each been charged with a felony count of operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent.

The charge carries a maximum six years in prison and $10,000 fine if convicted, but the penalty could be enhanced for each of the teens because of previous misdemeanor convictions.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle on Webb Street in Wittenberg on April 10.

A witness reported seeing two suspicious males in the area, according to the criminal complaint.

Earlier that evening, the Homme Home Acceptance Unit, W18090 Hemlock Road in the town of Wittenberg, reported to authorities that Bailey and Ginter had walked away from the facility and were last last seen walking south on U.S. Highway 45.

Shortly after midnight, the stolen vehicle was spotted and pulled over in Rhinelander by Oneida County authorities who took the teenagers into custody.

The two were also charged in Oneida County with operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.

Ginter is being held in Shawano County on a $2,500 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Tuesday. He is scheduled for a plea hearing in Oneida County on June 28.

Bailey is being held in Oneida County on a $2,500 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing there on June 6. He is also due in Shawano County court for an initial appearance on May 23.