A Lena man who led authorities on a high-speed chase after being caught in a computer sex crime sting was sentenced Tuesday to a year and a half in jail as a condition of five years of probation.

Jason J. Pfeiffer, 38, pleaded no contest in February to felony charges of child enticement and fleeing. A charge of using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime was dismissed.

Pfeiffer was arrested in December 2015 after attempting to flee from authorities when he showed up for what he believed was going to be a sexual rendezvous with a 15-year-old girl, according to the criminal complaint.

He had, in fact, been communicating online with a Shawano County sheriff’s detective posing as a juvenile.

Pfeiffer sped off when he saw a sheriff’s squad behind him, driving across lawns to elude the squad cars that had him boxed in.

He led authorities on a chase that reached speeds of 100 mph down state Highway 22 into Waupaca County, traveling through Clintonville and Marion as Waupaca County sheriff’s deputies and Clintonville police joined the chase, before taking the pursuit along side roads back into Shawano County.

Authorities contacted him via cellphone during the pursuit and persuaded him to surrender.

The head of the Shawano/Menominee Counties Health Department is stepping down after overseeing public health in the region for nearly four years.

Jaime Bodden, who became director of the department in 2013, has announced her resignation effective May 10.

Her current salary is $73,788 a year.

Bodden, who declined to comment, stated in her letter of resignation that she was proud of the work she and her staff have done to serve people in the area.

“I take pride in knowing that we are highly regarded in our community, serve the public with dignity and respect, and are a team that is made up of diverse skills and personalities,” she wrote.

County officials said Bodden is leaving to accept a position elsewhere, although details were not available.

Bodden recently led the county health department in achieving accreditation from the Public Health Accreditation Board, a national group created in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The local department joins just 10 others in Wisconsin to receive the national group’s seal of approval.

Jon Zwirschitz, chairman of the Shawano County board of health, said he credits Bodden with leading the department through significant progress, including the new accreditation.

Zwirschitz said Bodden’s dedication and work ethic have allowed the health department to make other strides, too.

“She’s been a phenomenal asset,” he said. “We’re going to miss her.”

With a budget of about $700,000 a year, Bodden and her staff oversee public health services, communicable disease control, early childhood health programs, family nutrition efforts, immunization programs and other services in both counties.

Since taking over the department, Bodden has managed an outbreak of blastomycosis among river tubers, an episode of the bacterial infection shigellosis during summer school, and the first reported cases of tuberculosis in Shawano County in nearly 10 years. She also worked last year on an ad hoc group in the Shawano School District that studied the health benefits of later school start times for students.

Her duties have been temporarily assigned to Judith Sengstock, a public health nurse in the health department.

Shawano County Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller described Bodden as “a natural leader” and said she will be difficult to replace.

“Jaime will be greatly missed,” Miller said. “She really cares for each citizen of the county, and does her best to look out for their well-being.”

Voters in the Bonduel School District will get another chance to rescue the school district from a budget crunch that has raised the specter of deep cuts in personnel and programs.

The Bonduel School Board agreed Monday to conduct a special referendum Aug. 1 seeking voter approval to raise property taxes by $2.7 million over the next three years.

The referendum is slightly less than a $3 million measure that voters rejected April 4 by a vote of 708-602.

School district officials said they plan to work hard at educating voters about the issues, and they expect to see a more active campaign from boosters anxious to avoid painful budget cuts.

District Administrator Patrick Rau said the prospect of losing teachers and other services seems to have awoken the community.

“I think there’s going to be more of a sense of urgency,” he said.

The proposal to hold another referendum, however, revealed more divisions within the school district.

School board members Dale Bergsbaken and Judy Rank voted against the proposal, and both later declined to say whether they support the Aug. 1 referendum. Bergsbaken represents areas of Angelica, Washington and Green Valley, while Rank represents Cecil.

Board President Jay Krull said he was not concerned about the board’s 5-2 split on whether to hold the referendum. Krull said he believes both Bergsbaken and Rank will support the ballot measure.

“I don’t know why they wouldn’t. They’re supporters of the school,” Krull said.

The referendum will ask voters throughout the school district whether they authorize the district to collect an additional $900,000 in property taxes for the next three years. The measure would cost the owner of a typical $100,000 home about $160 a year — or $3 a week.

The proposal voted down April 4 would have allowed an additional $1 million a year in property taxes.

The district serves about 800 students on a yearly budget of $12.4 million, which includes $4.3 million a year in taxes. Struggling with relatively flat property values and declining student enrollment, the district faces a budget deficit of more than $450,000 next year.

After voters rejected the first referendum, officials imposed budget cuts that included eliminating three teacher positions at the elementary school and cutting back pre-school services. Other potential cuts were shelved as public sentiment emerged for putting another referendum on the ballot as quickly as possible.

Because no other local elections are being held Aug. 1, the referendum will require a special election costing the school district about $11,000 to print ballots, hire poll workers and cover other expenses.

At Monday’s school board meeting, residents gathered informally outside and began making plans to work together to promote the Aug. 1 referendum.

Kris Wondra, a school parent who leads the elementary school PTO, said that while the first referendum suffered from a general lack of awareness about the issues, the resulting budget cuts have heightened public sensitivity toward what is at stake.

“Now everyone in the community is aware,” Wondra said. “So this next referendum, people will be waiting for it.”

If the referendum passes, Rau said, the three eliminated teacher positions at the elementary school will be restored. However, trimming the ballot measure from $3 million to $2.7 million required other belt-tightening measures that will take place regardless of the outcome on Aug. 1.

Rau announced that the district will be restructured to eliminate middle school administration by shifting sixth-grade students into elementary school and shifting seventh- and eighth-graders into high school. The district will hire an elementary school principal, high school principal and dean of students, but eliminate the middle school principal position.

The district also is going ahead with the pre-school cuts and related reductions in school bus transportation, as well as new fees to be collected for fitness center usage and other extracurricular activities.

Krull said he feels encouraged about winning support for the Aug. 1 referendum, especially with so many members of the community stepping forward to help promote the measure. He estimated that 30 people have volunteered to serve in a group pushing the ballot measure.

“There’s a lot of really, really good people here,” he said. “It’s just a matter of getting the word out.”

Shawano Police Department

May 2

Police logged 24 incident, including the following:

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

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious person complaint at Green Bay Court and Fifth Street.

Truancy — Police logged a truancy complaint at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St.

Accident — A minor accident was reported at Washington and Green Bay streets.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 2

Deputies logged 24 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person complaint on County Road S in the town of Lessor.

Hit and Run — A property damage hit-and-run was reported on Pioneer Road in the town of Belle Plaine.

Fraud — A fraud complaint was under investigation. No location was disclosed.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Harassment — Harassment was reported on Rustic Drive in the town of Belle Plaine.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Department

May 2

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St., Bowler.

Clintonville Police Department

May 2

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — A suspicious incident on Seventh Street was checked.

Juvenile — A juvenile runaway was returned home.

Sacred Heart Catholic School in Shawano is getting a new principal from a public school classroom.

Aleta Young, who teaches fifth grade for the Shawano School District, has agreed to become principal at Sacred Heart starting this summer.

Young will succeed Elisha Wagenson, who is stepping down after leading the parochial school for the past five years.

Wagenson said the principal’s job required too much time away from her family, but she enjoyed serving the Sacred Heart community and she is leaving with many happy memories.

During her five years as principal, Sacred Heart, 124 E. Center St., has grown from fewer than 70 students to more than 100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

“I’m very much at peace with it,” Wagenson said of the decision to resign. “It was the right time for me.”

Young said she and her family are active members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, so she already feels welcome at the school. She plans to start work as principal by mid-June.

“Being able to serve my community, but also to serve my parish, is so amazing,” she said.

Young has been teaching fifth grade at Shawano’s Olga Brener Intermediate School since last fall. Before that, she was a teacher at the Oconto Falls School District for 18 years.

She expressed confidence about tackling her first principal’s job and making the transition from public schools to a private school.

Sacred Heart staff and families have been supportive and encouraging, she said.

“This is just such a blessing and such a gift,” she said.

Wagenson, whose last day on the job is June 30, said she is working with Young on the transition of leadership. Other school staff were notified of the new principal last week, and parents will have a chance to meet Young at a yearly spring showcase event next week.

Wagenson said Young seems to be a good fit for Sacred Heart.

“She is very excited,” Wagenson said. “Her enthusiasm is going to be a great asset.”

A proposed ordinance allowing backyard chickens within city limits flew through the Shawano Plan Commission without resistance Wednesday and now goes to the Shawano Common Council.

The commission voted unanimously to recommend the ordinance, after some discussions of its workings and the addition of language mandated by the state that requires city chicken-owners to register the with Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

The vote comes three years after the Common Council voted 4-2 against the same proposed ordinance, even after an 8-1 recommendation by the commission.

Several seats on the commission and the council have changed hands since 2014, along with the mayor’s office, now held by Jeanne Cronce, leaving open the possibility for a different outcome this time around. The council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.

The ordinance would overturn the city’s ban on urban poultry and adopt a new ordinance allowing up to four chickens, but no roosters, on a single-family detached dwelling.

The ordinance as drafted in 2014 would require chicken owners to get a permit from the city and approval in writing from their neighbors.

Sanitary enclosures would be required that would have to be kept clean, ventilated and predator-proof.

The proposed ordinance also sets down regulations for the size and location of chicken coops and requires feed to be kept in rodent- and predator-proof containers.

Permits would be good for one year and could be revoked by the Common Council on the recommendation of the city clerk or building inspector.

Scott Krueger, a dietitian and Shawano resident, first brought the chicken proposal to the plan commission in May 2014.

After re-introducing it at a plan commission meeting last month, Krueger said he was optimistic the ordinance could be passed this time.

“I think there are a lot of people in the community that are in favor of this, and I think people have brought that to the council’s attention,” he said. “I think this should be seen as something the community wants and not just one or two people.”

Two of the city’s and county’s finest were honored Wednesday as Officers of the Year at the Shawano Optimist Club’s annual celebration of National Respect for Law Enforcement Week.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Detective Richard Wright and Shawano Police Officer Keith Sorlie were awarded plaques at the event, held at the American Legion Post 117 clubhouse.

It was the second plaque for Sorlie, who picked up his first three years ago when he was a Shawano County sheriff’s detective, often working alongside Wright, before Sorlie left the county to join the Shawano Police Department.

Sorlie was selected for this year’s award by former Police Chief Mark Kohl before he retired in April.

“Keith has a strong background in drug investigations, and is an instructor in unified tactics, such as firearms and defensive tactics,” Kohl said in comments posted on the Optimist Club’s website.

“Keith’s leadership and experience in drug investigations and training have been excellent. His tenacious work ethic and knowledge have set a great example for other officers on the department,” Kohl said. “We’re proud of Keith’s accomplishments since joining the police department. His upbeat personality and camaraderie with his fellow officers is second to none.”

Sorlie began his law enforcement career in November 1991 as an inspector, then trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol. He then went on to the sheriff’s department and joined the Shawano Police Department in December 2015.

“The Shawano Police Department congratulates Shawano Police Officer Keith Sorlie and Shawano County Detective Rich Wright for their recognition as Shawano Optimists Officers of the Year,” interim Police Chief Dan Mauel said. “The recognition is well-deserved.”

In comments also posted to the Optimist’s website, Sheriff Adam Bieber said he was pleased to announce his selection of Wright.

Wright has been with the sheriff’s office full-time since 1990.

“During those years he has demonstrated a level of dedication and perseverance that is an example to all,” Bieber said. “Rich does nothing half-way, which is evident in his commitment to each investigation he takes on. This is clearly demonstrated by the number of ‘cold cases’ he has been able to examine and bring to closure.”

Wright is also a member of the Shawano County Special Response Team and provides oversight of the equipment used in recreational patrols.

“Rich’s contributions to the community do not end when he checks off duty,” Bieber said. “Rich has coached youth basketball and softball for years. He is active both within his church and committed to community outreach.”

Shawano Police Department

May 3

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported two shoplifting incidents.

Theft — Food was reported stolen from Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Lincoln Street and Lieg Avenue.

Harassment — Harassment was reported at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, 100 County Road B.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 400 block of West First Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 3

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on state Highway 22 in Cecil.

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

OAR — A 41-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation on state Highway 117 in the town of Hartland.

Threatening — Authorities responded to a threatening complaint on Town Hall Drive in the town of Angelica.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Old D Road in the town of Aniwa.

Disturbance — A 40-year-old Hatley woman was arrested on a warrant and a charge of physical abuse of a child after a disturbance on Maple Street in Birnamwood.

Hit and Run — Authorities investigated a property damage hit-and-run on U.S. Highway 45 in Tigerton.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Department

May 3

Police logged five incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Maple Street in Birnamwood.

Truancy — Police logged three truancy complaints from Bowler School, 500 S. Almon St..

Clintonville Police Department

May 3

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a fight on Petunia Street. Parties did not want to file charges.

Harassment — A warning for harassment was issued at Clintonville High School, 64 Green Tree Road.

Accident — Officers responded for a two-vehicle property damage accident on Green Tree Road.

Accident — A semi driver was cited for truck route violation after damaging a traffic signal pole on Main Street at 12th Street.

Computer sex crime

A Seymour man has been charged with using a computer to facilitate a child sex crime after allegedly setting up a sexual rendezvous with what he believed would be a 15-year-old girl.

Cody A. Valek, 25, could face a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if convicted.

Valek responded to an online ad supposedly posted by a 15-year-old girl but actually placed by Shawano County sheriff’s detectives as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Valek exchanged emails with the detectives that became sexually graphic in spite of his believing he was in contact with a 15-year-old, according to the criminal complaint. The online exchanges continued from April 18-21, when Valek arranged a meeting.

He was arrested when he arrived.

Valek waived his preliminary court hearing Wednesday and entered a plea of not guilty. He has a pre-trial conference scheduled for May 17.

He was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond.

Arson/reckless endangerment

A Plano, Texas, man is accused of setting fire to a residence he owned in the village of Tigerton to defraud the insurance company, and recklessly endangering the lives of firefighters who battled the blaze.

Gary L. Hargrove, 56, could face a maximum of 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine if convicted of arson with intent to defraud; 12½ years and $25,000 for first-degree reckless endangerment; and three years and $10,000 for making a fraudulent claim.

Authorities responded to the fire on Cedar Street in Tigerton on Oct. 21. No one was home at the time, and firefighters were able to knock the fire down fairly quickly.

According to the criminal complaint, an investigation by the state Division of Criminal Investigation showed the cause of the fire to be “incendiary.”

A bench warrant and summons were issued Thursday for Hargrove to appear in court on June 5.

Injury/OWI

A Neopit woman is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday on felony charges of being intoxicated at the time of an alleged drunken driving hit-and-run.

Manih F. Waupoose, 29, is facing felony counts of hit-and-run involving injury and reckless endangerment.

Waupoose allegedly fled on foot from the scene of a two-vehicle crash at Airport Road and Homewood Avenue in the town of Wescott on April 29, according to the criminal complaint.

She then allegedly entered a residence on Homewood Avenue without permission, and the homeowners contacted authorities who located Waupoose at the residence.

Waupoose could face a maximum possible penalty of 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine if found guilty of second-degree recklessly endangering safety. She allegedly crossed the center line and narrowly missed another vehicle before striking the second car.

She also faces a possible maximum of nine months and $10,000 fine for hit-and-run causing injury.

She is also charged with misdemeanor counts of causing injury while operating under the influence, criminal trespass to a dwelling, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.

She is being held on a $3,000 cash bond.

This could be a big summer for the Shawano County Historical Society.

Fresh off a new deal reaffirming its place at county-owned Heritage Park, the historical society is planning a series of special events and also introducing changes to make the attraction more appealing to visitors.

Officials say they are trying to raise the private group’s profile and attract bigger crowds to the compound of historic buildings on display at Heritage Park, 524 N. Franklin St., Shawano.

“We’re hoping to get the word out and let people know we are here,” said Jesse Borlen, curator of the society’s museum collections and displays.

Although the group has been located at Heritage Park for years, its exact status as a private guest in a public park was somewhat unclear until recently. A fire inside the compound’s one-room schoolhouse in October raised landlord-tenant questions that were resolved in a new agreement clarifying the historical society’s relationship to the park’s county government owners.

With repairs now under way at the schoolhouse and upgrades completed elsewhere on the property, society officials are anxious to broaden their reach in the community and become a destination of choice this summer.

A new series called “Summer at the Society” will entice visitors with special Saturday events once a month between May and September, featuring live music, food and living history presentations. The events will be based on a different theme each month, starting May 13 with Native American Day.

The historical society’s entire compound overlooking the Wolf River will be filled with Native American music, guest speakers and other features from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Similar themes in the following months will focus on the society’s popular rhubarb festival, railroads, school days and more.

Jeanette Berkovitz, co-director of archives for the group, said volunteers and other participants have come forward to offer help in making the summer series a memorable effort.

“People have really responded,” Berkovitz said. “I think it’s going to be great.”

The historical society has filled Heritage Park with historic structures re-creating Shawano’s pioneer days of the 19th century. In addition to the schoolhouse, the attraction includes a train depot, church, log cabin and other facilities restored and furnished to showcase the region’s early heritage.

Except for private tours, the attraction is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month and the second Saturday of every month. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children.

Officials are dispensing with formal tours for the general public and are retooling the presentation to allow more of an open campus where visitors can roam freely and explore each museum display at their leisure.

The tours lasted up to three hours and were not always the best way for visitors to enjoy the historical society, Berkovitz said.

“Now people can just go and see whatever they like for as long as they like,” she said.

Costumed guides, or “docents,” will continue to greet visitors, but rather than leading group tours, the guides will be stationed throughout the Heritage Park compound as hosts at the train depot, log cabin or other facilities.

Priscilla King, who is entering her third year as a docent, said the volunteer guides will remain an important part of the historical society under the new arrangement.

King agreed that the open campus style of presentation will be more relaxed and fun for visitors and volunteers alike.

“Sometimes to keep it going, you’ve got to change,” she said. “You’ve got to change with the times.”

With winter over, the urgent need to provide the homeless with temporary shelter has passed, but their other needs have not changed with the weather.

That’s why the SAM’s House temporary shelter in Shawano will continue to keep busy through its off season.

Beginning Tuesday, the shelter will hold weekly Resource Days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering information on where the homeless can go for assistance and job resources, hygiene items, clothing or to take a shower. Services will be offered to those in need even if they haven’t been a previous guest of the shelter.

“We saw a real need,” said Jennifer Laude Bisterfeldt, executive director of SAM’s House.

She said many people in need stop by the shelter for assistance during its off season.

The shelter provides overnight housing from Nov. 1 through April 30.

In its second year of operation just ended, the shelter provided temporary housing to 75 unique guests, including 17 children, for 1,700 nights of stay.

That is nearly triple the 600 nights of stay during the shelter’s first year.

“We’ve been three times as busy,” Bisterfeldt said. “It’s unfortunate that it’s needed, but it’s good that we’re there.”

The shelter emphasized providing resources and instituted a Steps to Success program for its guests in its second year.

“We’ve helped people get back on their feet, get jobs and find housing,” Bisterfeldt said. “We’ll do whatever we can. That’s what we’re there for.”

Though the shelter draws visitors from several surrounding counties, most guests are local, Bisterfeldt said.

“A lot of them were born and raised here,” she said.

Bisterfeldt said many people don’t realize how prevalent the need is.

“It’s always a surprise that there are so many people in need of help,” she said.

In addition to the Resource Days, the shelter will also be holding monthly open houses from 4-6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

“Our doors will be open for tours, information and we will have volunteers available to answer questions about the organization,” Bisterfeldt said. “This will be an excellent opportunity for the community to learn about what we do and be able to see our facility.”

Groups are also invited to arrange private tours and information sessions.

“If people would like more information, let us know,” Bisterfeldt said. “We want to educate the community about the need.”

The shelter is also seeking additional volunteers.

SAM’s House, at 213 E. Green Bay St., was founded by Shawano Area Matthew 25.

The shelter can be reached at 715-851-7252.

Shawano Police Department

May 4

Police logged 18 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 28-year-old Bonduel woman was arrested for operating while intoxicated in the 100 block of River Heights.

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

Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St., reported a shoplifting incident.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Prospect Circle and Valley Lane.

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

Threatening — Police responded to a threatening complaint in the 300 block of Highview Avenue.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 4

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 47-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on County Road OO in the town of Wittenberg.

Disorderly — Authorities responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Bonduel Middle/High School, 400 W. Green Bay St., Bonduel.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

Theft — A mailbox was reported stolen on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Maple Street in Birnamwood.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Department

May 4

Police logged five incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile tobacco complaint at Gresham Community School, 501 Schabow St., Gresham.

Theft — Police responded to a property theft complaint on River Road in Bowler.

Clintonville Police Department

May 4

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Burglary, theft and damage to property was reported on Harriet Street.

Harassment — A harassment complaint was reported on Summer Street.

A Marion School District teacher was charged in Waupaca County on Friday with sexual assault of a child and three counts of child enticement.

Timothy A. Gast, 43, of rural Shawano, became the subject of an investigation by Marion police and Shawano County sheriff’s detectives late last month.

Gast is a music teacher at the high school, as well as the golf coach. He has been placed on indefinite suspension by the Marion School District, according to a news release from the Marion Police Department.

Marion police were notified on April 24 by an 18-year-old student at the high school of inappropriate text messages she had received four years ago from a teacher. The student stated that text messages were received outside of school.

“Due to the fact the student lives outside of Marion’s city limits, the case was initially referred to the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department for investigation as it was believed the violation occurred in their jurisdiction,” Chief Kevin Schultz said in the news release.

Marion police assisted Shawano County authorities in obtaining information and setting up an interview with the student.

On Wednesday, police received a written statement from the student that sexual contact was made by the teacher with the student four years ago when the student was 14 years old.

Police investigated the incident and subsequently arrested Gast.

“The Marion Police Department had the full cooperation and worked closely with the Marion School District during this investigation,” Schultz said. “The student came forward with the allegations after the Marion Police Department gave an internet safety presentation to students at the Marion Junior/Senior High School.”

Gast was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond after an initial appearance in Waupaca County Circuit Court on Friday.

He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance on Tuesday.

Gast could face a maximum 40 years in prison and $100,000 fine if convicted of repeated sexual assault of a child, and 25 years and a $100,000 fine for each count of child enticement-sexual contact.

Supporters of a breakaway Mattoon school district had their hopes dashed again Thursday after an appeals board upheld a decision by Antigo school officials not to let the question go to a referendum.

“Parents in the Mattoon area are exploring other venues of education for their kids,” said one of the organizers of the effort who did not want to be quoted.

No one on the appeal boards board could be reached for comment Friday.

The Unified School District of Antigo board voted 8-1 Jan. 10 against the proposed referendum.

Supporters filed a petition in February seeking a ruling from the School District Boundary Appeal Board, a panel of school board members from around the state appointed by the state superintendent of public instruction.

The appeal board held two public hearings in Antigo, one on April 25 and another Thursday prior to going into closed session to reach a decision.

The board then voted 6-1 to uphold the Antigo board’s decision.

Efforts to create a Mattoon district, which would serve students in kindergarten through sixth grade, were spurred by the Antigo board’s decision last year to close Mattoon Elementary School.

Antigo school officials voted twice to close the elementary school.

Some parents say the school board’s first vote in April 2016 was taken without any public notice. The board held a special meeting in June to vote again and came down to the same 5-4 decision.

The village of Mattoon sought a court injunction in May 2016 to keep the school district from closing the Mattoon school, maintaining the village and parents of elementary school students in Mattoon were blindsided by the decision.

Two parents of Mattoon elementary students joined the village as plaintiffs in the complaint.

The complaint alleged the school board’s vote to close the Mattoon school was retribution for the lack of support for the school district’s failed referendum in April of last year.

The $25.9 million plan would have closed five of the district’s seven elementary schools, renovated the remaining two, and built a new, centralized school in Antigo.

The referendum failed by a vote of 3,787-2,615.

The civil complaint maintained that the school’s closure will make the village of Mattoon a less attractive place to live, leading to a decline in population, business presence and economic vitality.

A court order issuing a settlement and stipulation to dismiss the suit was issued on Aug. 4, after the Mattoon school had already been closed.

Shawano Police Department

May 7

Police logged 17 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 200 block of Teddington Lane.

Disturbance — Police responded to a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of North Franklin Street.

Drug Offense — Police investigated a drug complaint in the 500 block of East Division Street.

May 6

Police logged 25 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A theft from a vehicle was reported in the 1000 block of South Franklin Street.

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized in the 100 block of South Main Street.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint in the 600 block of East Schurz Street.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle injury accident at Green Bay Street and Airport Road.

May 5

Police logged 34 incidents, including the following:

Theft — An attempted theft of a bike was reported in the 600 block of East Center Street.

Trespass — A male subject was warned for trespassing at Green Bay and Andrews streets.

Shoplifting — Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St., reported a female shoplifter in custody.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint on Richmond Court.

Theft — A bike was reported stolen in the 200 block of East Randall Street.

OWL — A 15-year-old male was cited for operating without a license at Washington Street and Lieg Avenue.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a property damage hit-and-run at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Green Bay Street and Airport Drive.

Fire — Police assisted at the scene of a basement fire at a residence in the 600 block of South Lincoln Street.

Disorderly — Police responded to a disorderly conduct complaint at Lincoln and Center streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1100 block of South Lafayette Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 7

Deputies logged 28 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 25-year-old Tigerton man was arrested on a warrant after a disturbance on Primrose Lane in Tigerton.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Genesee Street in Wittenberg.

Theft — Dollar General, 309 N. Genesee St., Wittenberg, reported stolen credit cards had been used to purchase items.

Theft — A gun and a tackle box were reported stolen from a garage on Hillview Road in the town of Herman.

Disturbance — A charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm was referred against a 50-year-old Shawano man after a disturbance on state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.

May 6

Deputies logged 46 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Loon Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Drug Offense — Authorities investigated a drug complaint on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor.

Warrant — A 23-year-old man was arrested on a warrant on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a report of a fight in progress on Warrington Avenue in Cecil.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on Evergreen Road in the town of Belle Plaine.

May 5

Deputies logged 55 incidents, including the following:

OAR — A 48-year-old woman was cited for operating after revocation on Maple Leaf Road in the town of Belle Plaine.

Burglary — A cabin was reported broken into on Norrie Road in the town of Belle Plaine. Guns, TVs, microwaves and other items were reported stolen.

Warrant — A 39-year-old woman was taken into custody on a warrant on Potch Ha Chee Road in the town of Wittenberg.

OWI — A 43-year-old Greenville man was arrested for fifth-offense operating while intoxicated after authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on County Road J in the town of Morris.

Accidents — Authorities logged four deer-related crashes.

Burglary — A break-in to a residence was reported on Country Lane in the town of Washington. Alcohol was reported missing.

People facing hard times often reach out for help by going to church.

For Angie Wilber and her family, the church is coming to them — in a most unusual way.

A house once used by the pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano has been relocated and transformed into Wilber’s new home through the efforts of Wolf River Habitat for Humanity.

Displaced from her previous home by foreclosure, Wilber was overcome with emotion Saturday at a ceremony dedicating the home at 807 S. Prospect St. to her and her family.

“It’s given us a chance to start a new chapter in our lives,” she said. “Thank you to everyone and anyone who helped in any way.”

For the folks at Wolf River Habitat for Humanity, the house represents a unique achievement, one that could change forever how the group works in the Shawano area.

The former church parsonage was the first property that the local Habitat for Humanity chapter has ever uprooted and moved to a new location. The move occurred in August 2015, and volunteers then worked nearly two years to restore the building so it could be reused.

Mark Flunker, executive director of Wolf River Habitat for Humanity, said demonstrating that a house can be relocated means that the group will be able to consider similar donations in the future. In fact, two more houses have been successfully relocated since the Zion Lutheran parsonage.

Although much effort and expense goes into such a salvage operation, Flunker said, it is still better than allowing a perfectly good house to be bulldozed and hauled away.

“That would’ve been kind of a waste,” he said.

Leaders at Zion Lutheran Church were unsure what to do with the former parsonage after the church’s pastor took up residence elsewhere. The house was rented periodically, but it also sat empty for a while adjacent to the church, 1254 S. Union St.

Bob Burdick, who was president of the church’s council at the time, suggested donating the 60-year-old parsonage to Habitat for Humanity, a group for whom Burdick had been a volunteer.

The former church parsonage became the 14th house built or rehabilitated by the local Habitat for Humanity chapter since the group started in 1978.

The donation occurred in 2016, although nobody was certain at the time whether the house could be successfully uprooted and moved. Burdick said it took a leap of faith by Habitat for Humanity officials to undertake transporting the house across town to the vacant lot on Prospect Street.

“They did question, ‘Well, do we really want to do this?’” he recalled.

After the building survived the move, crews began the lengthy job of restoration, while also searching for a family who could make the place a home.

Wilber, 39, had been struggling since a divorce and a downward spiral resulted in foreclosure on the Shawano home where she had lived for 10 years. She and her kids were then separated temporarily, and the family was forced to put one of their two family dogs in a kennel indefinitely.

Later living in an apartment, Wilber approached Habitat for Humanity and found that the former church parsonage on Prospect Street was a good fit for her. She qualified for Habitat’s no-interest mortgage, and she worked countless hours alongside volunteers getting the house ready to be occupied.

She will live there with her three children — aged 17, 16 and 11 — as well as both family dogs, including the one coming home from the kennel.

Now working a new job with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Wilber said she is grateful to have a new place that she and her family can call home.

“I feel like I owe a debt of gratitude,” she said. “I’m very humbled by that.”

Burdick attended Saturday’s dedication ceremony along with other Zion Lutheran Church members, and said he was excited to see the project completed.

After visiting the site many times and watching the restoration effort move forward, Burdick said the building has undergone such a dramatic transformation that he barely recognizes it as the former church pastor’s residence.

“What they have done to that house is just amazing,” he said. “Every time I go in there, I’m just in awe.”

Shawano Police Department

May 9

Police logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Warrant — A 37-year-old woman was arrested on a warrant in the 900 block of South Lutz Street.

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

Arrest — A 29-year-old man was taken into custody at the probation and parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint in the 1400 block of Birch Hill Lane.

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

Theft — Police investigated a theft complaint in the 500 block of South Union Street.

Harassment — Harassment was reported in the 900 block of Olson Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 9

Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Amber Lane in the town of Belle Plaine.

Theft — Gas was reported stolen from a vehicle on County Road CC in the town of Waukechon.

Fraud — A telephone scam complaint was reported on Robert Moore Drive in the town of Washington.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a fraud complaint on state Highway 32 in the town of Angelica.

Accidents — Authorities logged four accidents, including three deer-related crashes and a rear-end collision with one of the vehicles that struck a deer.

Stockbridge-Munsee Police Department

May 9

Police logged two incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A charge of disorderly conduct was referred against a 41-year-old Gresham man after a disturbance on County Road G in the town of Red Springs.

Clintonville Police Department

May 9

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 28-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for substantial battery, resisting an officer, obstruction and possession of drug paraphernalia after a disturbance on Waupaca Street.

Theft — A theft was reported on Flora Way.

Motorists on East Green Bay Street might want to plan a little additional time for their travels starting Monday as they can expect to run into a detour to route them around the reconstruction of the Hamlin Street intersection.

Hamlin Street is undergoing a major reconstruction project from Fifth to Schurz streets; one of several major capital improvement projects slated for this year. It will include the full reconstruction of the intersection at Green Bay Street, including the replacement of underground utilities.

The detour for those headed east — and vice versa for those coming the other way — will take drivers north to Fifth Street when they hit Lincoln Street and take them along Fifth Street to Fairview Avenue, which will take them back to Green Bay Street.

Local traffic between Lincoln Street and Fairview Avenue will still be open for those wanting to visit stores and businesses along East Green Bay Street, according to Eddie Sheppard, the city’s public works coordinator.

“But at Hamlin Street, you won’t be able to get through,” he said.

The closure could be in effect for up to 20 days, Sheppard said.

Dorner Inc. of Luxemburg was awarded the bid for this year’s street reconstruction projects in the amount of $2.18 million. The Hamlin Street project was budgeted at $282,000

Other major street reconstruction projects scheduled this year include Franklin Street, from First to Third streets; Franklin Street, from Oshkosh to Wescott streets; Division Street, from Hamlin Street to 500 feet east; Schurz Street, from Hamlin to 500 feet east; and storm sewer repairs on the north lane of East Green Bay Street, from Green Bay Court to Arlington Street.

Shawano Pathways’ fifth annual Bike the Barn Quilts Ride will take place Sept. 30.

The event features bikes rides ranging from 5 to 70 miles and a 5-kilometer run/walk. All events are designed to be recreational and family friendly. All skill levels are encouraged to participate.

The 40- and 70-mile rides begin at 8 a.m. All other rides start at 9 a.m. with five-minute intervals. The run/walk will begin at 9:30 a.m.

All bike rides start and end at Memorial Athletic Park, 909 S. Lincoln St., in downtown Shawano. Participants are encouraged to stay after returning to the park to enjoy vendors, mini-quilts and other sales items.

The $25 registration fee includes continental breakfast, participation incentive, lunch, maps, signed routes, food and water stations, support vehicles and music. There is also a registration rate for families.

Participants will also be able to purchase an exclusive Shawano Pathways bike jersey before and at the event. Additionally, this year’s raffle will feature a Cannondale Quick 8 bicycle donated by Tower Clock Eye Center, a “garage” barn quilt and bike jersey. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at any upcoming Shawano Pathways event as well as from Bike the Barn Quilts volunteers.

Each ride will feature many of the over 300 barn quilts in Shawano County. Depending on the bike ride chosen, participants will view three to 30 quilts. New this year is a 17-mile route that will take riders through farmland and along some of Shawano County’s waterways.

The 5K walk/run will be along the Mountain Bay Trail. Similar to the bike rides, the route will feature mini-quilts for runners and walkers to enjoy. The mini-quilts, which can be viewed at www.shawanopathways.org, will be available for auction before and after the event. Proceeds from the sales will go to support three local organizations: SAM25, The Boys and Girls Club, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Shawano Pathways is working to give the community enhanced transportation choices by developing a network of on-street and off-street bicycle facilities. Bike the Barn Quilts, which encourages people to get out and enjoy the trails and outdoor recreational opportunities in Shawano County, is the organization’s premier event.

For information and registration, visit www.shawanopathways.org.

There will be a new entry this year in the Fourth of July parade in Bonduel: the Bonduel Area Action Committee.

The group is organizing to promote support for the Bonduel School District’s referendum Aug. 1 seeking an extra financial boost for the ailing school system.

Known as “Bonduel Action” for short, the group has brought together parents, teachers and homeowners, some of whom have never been politically active before.

Although the referendum vote is still more than two months away, members of Bonduel Action already are working to assemble a campaign that they say could decide the school district’s future.

Nicole Onesti, a mother of three students, said she fears that families will leave the district in large numbers if continuing financial woes force painful budget cuts in personnel and programs within the K-12 school system.

Yard signs, brochures and other tools are under consideration to reach thousands of residents before the Aug. 1 referendum, Onesti said.

“We will do whatever we can,” she said. “If this doesn’t pass, the district is in serious trouble.”

The school district is asking voters to authorize a property tax increase of $900,000 annually for the next three years to fund ongoing operational costs in the schools.

With 800 students, the district operates on an annual budget of $12.4 million, which includes $4.3 million in property taxes. A growing budget deficit, however, has prompted discussion of potential spending cuts that include elementary school teachers, athletic programs and student lunches.

Voters in an April 4 referendum rejected an earlier proposal to boost property taxes by $1 million annually for the next three years. The measure failed by a 708-602 vote.

When school administrators began imposing budget cuts after the defeat, parents, teachers and others spoke out forcefully in favor of conducting another referendum to stave off the budget axe. There has been no sign yet of organized opposition to the Aug. 1 ballot measure, although boosters know that they face an uphill battle to turn a majority of voters in favor of giving the schools more money.

Bonduel Village Board member Shawn Thorne, another member of Bonduel Action, said he hopes the school district presents a more complete picture of its finances, as well as a forecast that looks further into the future than just three years. Without a plan for stability after the referendum, Thorne said, public support could be tough to come by.

“People want similar to what I want — some forward direction,” he said.

The referendum campaign group held its first organizational meeting last week, and another meeting is planned May 21. Volunteers hope to find ways of promoting support for the school district at area businesses, public events and on social media websites.

The group also is planning to decorate a float for the Fourth of July parade.

Parent Julie Felhofer said it is her first foray into the political arena, but she feels strongly about protecting the school district from budget cuts.

As a mother of two children, Felhofer said she has been impressed by the quality of schools available to her kids in Bonduel. Hearing administrators talk about cutting teachers and more after the April 4 referendum prodded her to get involved.

Felhofer is prepared to visit local businesses, distribute literature and answer questions to ensure that voters understand that another defeat on Aug. 1 could hurt the school system.

“Hopefully it’ll open people’s eyes,” she said.

Another group member, Angie Cornette, said she, too, is new to politics.

Cornette, who has three kids in the school district, was stunned to see the April 4 referendum defeated. She suspects voters either were apathetic or were misinformed about the seriousness of the school system’s financial crisis.

Cornette said she is ready to do her part this time to promote greater awareness of what is at stake.

“I always support the schools,” she said. “The kids deserve everything that we can give them.”