An argument over money escalated into a physical altercation and ultimately a stabbing in the town of Bartelme on Sunday, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday.

Two people are facing multiple felony charges in connection with the incident.

Crystal M. Malone, 34, and John J. Waubanascum, 46, both of Bowler, have each been charged with reckless injury with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery and false imprisonment as a result of the incident that sent a 29-year-old woman to the hospital with stab wounds to the face, head and hand.

Stockbridge-Munsee police responded to a report of a stabbing on National Guard Road in Bartelme shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday where they spoke with a 29-year-old woman who said she had been stabbed multiple times.

The woman had a blood-covered towel on her head, the kitchen floor was covered in blood and items were strewn about from an apparent struggle, according to the complaint.

She told police Malone and Waubanascum had been at the residence hanging out and drinking beer when Malone began arguing and fighting with her about money.

The fight turned physical, and Malone asked Waubanascum to give her a knife, she said.

The woman said Malone stabbed her twice and Waubanascum stabbed her once.

The woman said Malone and Waubanascum prevented her from leaving or using the phone to call police, but she was able to escape through the back door.

According to the complaint, the two stole the woman’s cell phone and other items before leaving.

The woman was treated at ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano for non-life threatening injuries.

Malone and Waubanascum were later arrested at their residence in Bowler.

They could each face a maximum 40 years in prison a $100,000 fine on the armed robbery charge.

The reckless injury charge normally carries a maximum 25 years and $100,000 fine, but the prison sentence could be enhanced by five years because it involved the use of a dangerous weapon.

False imprisonment carries a maximum six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Malone was ordered held on a $10,000 cash bond is scheduled for an adjourned initial court appearance June 3.

Waubanascum — who has a previous conviction for bail jumping and a pending case for failure to report to jail — was ordered held on a $20,000 cash bond. He is due back in court for an adjourned initial appearance Tuesday.

During its annual drive to raise money for the National FFA Organization, Tractor Supply locations nationwide raised a record $970,121 to fund its Grants for Growing program. The money, which was donated by Tractor Supply customers during a 12-day program to coincide with National FFA Week, will help support the work of FFA chapters across the country.

Tractor Supply awarded 259 grants impacting more than 24,000 students in 258 FFA chapters across the country this spring. From school gardens to beekeeping stations, the grants will be used to purchase the supplies needed to fulfill agricultural projects such as power tools, hydroponic systems, fencing, vegetation, livestock, poultry, feed and mulch.

“The Grants for Growing program gives Tractor Supply the opportunity to leave a lasting, positive impact on youth across the country who are interested in farming, gardening and other hands-on, outdoor projects,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply. “The thoughtful donations from this program allow us to further students’ understanding of agriculture by providing educators with the necessary resources to make our communities more sustainable places.”

Since the program’s start in 2016, Grants for Growing has raised more than $3.2 million for the FFA. For information about the program, visit www.FFA.org/grantsforgrowing.

The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed House Resolution 2066, the Department of Homeland Security Intelligence Rotational Assignment Program Act of 2019, which was introduced by Rep. Mike Gallagher on April 3.

With the goal of improving collaboration across different intelligence offices, the bill authorizes an Intelligence Rotational Analyst Program and requires department officials to incentivize education and cross training of intelligence analysts.

“Evidence shows that a lack of intra-agency communication can lead to major security breaches,” Gallagher said in a press release. “I know first-hand that success in the field requires information sharing at all levels, and we must do all we can to strengthen participation in programs that seek to encourage this type of cross pollination.”

This legislation also passed the House last Congress with unanimous support.

As part of a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection was awarded federal funding to lead the development of a rapid response team for food-related emergencies.

The goal for states participating in FDA’s Rapid Response Team Program is to minimize the amount of time between when a human or animal food emergency occurs and the implementation of a multi-agency response to prevent and reduce exposure to a foodborne illness.

“A major challenge addressing a food-related emergency is collecting and organizing information from multiple public health agencies so we can quickly understand and mitigate the emergency,” said Dr. Steve Ingham, the department’s Division of Food and Recreational Safety administrator. “It’s important for agencies to work together in a potential outbreak situation. … Our goal is to build an integrated food safety system involving all industry, government and consumer partners to ensure food produced in Wisconsin is safe and wholesome.”

The DATCP will receive $300,000 for each of the next five years to fund Wisconsin’s rapid response team initiatives — including surveillance, data sharing and analysis, communications, staffing and training. From 2015 to 2017, Wisconsin’s rapid response team was unfunded or voluntary, and the DATCP operated a rapid response team with limited resources.

“Illnesses caused by the foods we eat or drink are of great concern to the public, and when an outbreak occurs, the public wants answers quickly,” said Jeanne Ayers, Department of Health Services state health officer. “A rapid response team improves coordination between agencies, which helps us to conduct our investigations, institute control measures and provide useful information to the public more quickly.”

For information about food safety in Wisconsin, visit https://datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/FoodAndRecSafety.aspx.

Shawano Police Department

May 22

Police logged 31 incidents, including the following:

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

Harassment — Harassment was reported in the 700 block of South Union Street and the 1100 block of East Richmond Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 22

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — A 22-year-old Shawano woman was taken into custody for a probation violation on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

OWI — A 57-year-old homeless man was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated, bail jumping, and possession of marijuana, meth and drug paraphernalia after authorities responded to a reckless driving complaint on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor.

Warrants — A 43-year-old Neopit man was taken into custody on a warrant on Curt Black Road in the town of Wescott. A 27-year-old Keshena man and a 27-year-old Keshena woman were arrested on warrants on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Big Lake Road in the town of Red Springs.

Clintonville Police Department

May 22

Police logged eight incidents, including the following:

Fraud — A counterfeit bill was reported on South Main Street.

Suspicious — Suspicious incidents were reported on North Main Street and on West Street.

Blake Weishoff was on the verge of dropping one of his bundles of American flags, but caught it just in time.

“Whew,” he said, relieved. “That’s no way to treat an American flag.”

Blake, who was carrying bundles of flags with his father, Justin Weishoff, sister Hailey Weishoff and grandmother Jane Kohl, was one of the two dozen or so volunteers who carried flags to place on the graves of military veterans at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Shawano on Thursday.

The adults carried most of the flags as Blake and Hailey ran ahead and carefully set then into the metal holders next to the gravestones.

Respect, not just for the flags, but for the soldiers they represent, was an important part of the activity, Kohl said. The family took the time to volunteer “for the veterans.”

“We had always done this through 4-H. Now my youngest is in college and we thought we would continue without belonging to 4-H,” Kohl said. “It teaches them to give back to the community.”

That sentiment also helped to motivate Mitchell Soto and Damon Montour, members of Boy Scout Troop 32. They, along with Soto’s younger brother, Charlie, were part of troop project that put into practice the scout motto of “doing a good turn daily.”

The community involvement in the flag placement is an important part of the exercise, said Nick Benzinger, Shawano County veterans officer.

Qualheim’s True Value of Shawano donates the flags, which this year will probably number around 1,200, he said. Community groups, churches, Shawano County, veterans groups and individuals donated money for the flag holders. Local American Legion posts raise the money to buy flags for the more than 130 cemeteries throughout the county, he explained.

Benzinger said the county is making an effort to see that flag holders are placed in all of the cemeteries.

Flags are left in the holders until just after July 4, he said.

“It’s all about honoring the veterans. I really enjoy seeing all the flags up there,” he said.

The flags will be in place for the Memorial Day parade and memorial service on Monday.

In Shawano, the Shawano Allied Veterans Memorial Day will host a parade and service, with a change in the parade route this year due to the construction on East Fifth Street.

The parade will begin near the south fairgrounds gate at South Fairview Avenue and East Center Street. Staging will be on the fairgrounds parking lot at the south gate. The parade will begin at 9:20 a.m. and move north on Fairview, cross East Green Bay Street and continue along Fairview Way to Woodlawn Cemetery.

The service will begin at 10 a.m. featuring speaker Jim Davel, a retired U.S. Army colonel and graduate of Shawano Community High School. Also on the program is a placement of a wreath, rifle volley and musical presentation.

Other area Memorial Day services include:

Biramwood

Kevin Hermening, of Mosinee, will be the guest speaker at the Darling-Gunderson American Legion Post 341 program at the Birnamwood Elementary-Middle School, 337 Main St. At age 20, in 1979, Hermening was the youngest Marine held hostage by Iranian extremists who took control of the U.S Embassy in Tehran. He and 51 other Americans spent 444 days in captivity.

The program includes the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Boy Scouts, invocation and closing prayer by Betty Wyatt, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Aniwa, a reading by a representative of the American Legion Auxiliary, music by the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School band directed by Joan Kekula, patriotic songs by the Community Singers and a salute to departed veterans followed by 30 seconds of silence.

Bonduel

Memorial Day observance, Bonduel Community Archives and Gazebo, 108 S. First St., Bonduel. 10:30 a.m.

Eland

The Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post 502 will begin their graveside services with a 7:30 a.m. service at the Eland cemetery.

Elderon

In Elderon, VFW Post 8068 will hold services at three cemeteries, as well as their noon dinner at the VFW clubhouse on state Highway 153. All are welcome.

Tigerton

Tigerton Memorial Day event, Legion Park, 223 Pine St., Tigerton. 11 a.m.

Wittenberg

At the Homme Home for the Aging in Wittenberg, the outside service will begin at 9:30 a.m. Legion member Gary Clark will recite the poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John McCrae, and Staehler will read information prepared by the American Legion about focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us.

Memorial Day history

Memorial Day began to honor the soldiers who died during the Civil War. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was first officially declared May 5, 1868 by a proclamation of Major General John A. Logan, the first President of the Grand Army of the Republic, by General Order No. 11 declaring May 30th as the day of observance, according to the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

After World War I, Memorial Day began to honor the fallen from all American wars. It wasn’t until 1971 that Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May. On Dec. 28, 2000, President William Clinton signed the “National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which designates 3 p.m. on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance, in honor of the men and women of the United States who have died in pursuit of peace and freedom. Additionally, the act created a White House commission on the National Moment of Remembrance to coordinate and encourage Memorial Day events.

Memorial Day flag etiquette

On Memorial Day the U.S. flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes. To display the flag at half-staff, hoist it to the peak for an instant and lower it to a position half-way between the top and bottom of the staff.

Summer is here and that means hours are extended to take advantage of the extra daylight at the NEW Zoo and Adventure Park, 4418 Reforestation Rd, Green Bay.

Beginning June 1, the NEW Zoo will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week. A variety of daily programs are also available for zoo visitors to enjoy, including “VIP” experiences, penguin and pelican feedings, and a variety of free exhibit chats.

Visit newzoo.org to view the daily schedule of events and purchase advance tickets to the VIP experiences.

Starting June 1, the Adventure Park will also be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last zip tour at 5:30 p.m. Contact zip@newzoo.org for more information.

Visitors can also take advantage of 1⁄2 priced admissions to the NEW Zoo every Wednesday night in June, July, and August from 6-8 p.m.

The zoo offers a new train ride, a carousel and opportunity to feed giraffes. The Giraffe Feeding Experience is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and again from 2:15 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Regular zoo admission fees are: children 2 & under-free; children 3-15 & Seniors 62 and over, $6; Adults, $9.

Student writers who won honors in the 13th George Putz Memorial Student Writing Contest were recognized on May 19 at the Mielke Arts Center by the Shawano Area Writers.

Dan Hartwig, owner of Twig’s Beverage, served as master of ceremonies for the annual event that featured a keynote address by award-winning author Susan Engebrecht.

Students submitted entries in three writing genres: poetry, fiction and nonfiction. They competed in three age groups: Grades 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Entries were judged anonymously by independent members of the Wisconsin Writers Association and Wisconsin Poets Association.

More than 90 people were on hand to see the winners were recognized with certificates and various cash prizes depending on place. The award-winning student writers are:

• Poetry Grades 1-4: Megan Kroeger, first; Rainn Edwards, second; Caroline Bergmann, third; Keira Kosowski, honorable mention; and Wapanuhkiw Waukechon-Reiter, honorable mention.

• Poetry Grades 5-8: Jill Guenther, first; Abriella Morningstar Mahkimetas-Kurkiewicz, second and third; Jonas Bushman, honorable mention; and Wyatt Bratz, honorable mention.

• Poetry Grades 9-12: Bethany Barbara Brennan, first; Julie Kirchner, second; Claire Guenther, third; and Jacob Bratz, two honorable mentions.

• Fiction Grades 1-4: Mitchell Kundinger, first; Caroline Bergmann, second; Danielle Carroll, third; Josiah Kuehl, honorable mention; and Miles Miller, honorable mention

• Fiction Grades 5-8: Lily Bubolz, first; Jill Guenther, second; Julie Hahn, third; Ivy Winslow, honorable mention; and Rachael Carroll, honorable mention.

• Fiction Grades 9-12: Fiona Hoffman, first, second and third; Julie Kirchner, honorable mention; and Charles Kuhn, honorable mention.

• Nonfiction Grades 1-4: Caroline Bergmann, first; Evie Kuehl, second and third; Dru Oshkeshequoam, honorable mention.

• Nonfiction Grades 5-8: Jill Guenther, first; Jonas Bushman, second; Wyatt Bratz, third; and Wyatt Bratz, honorable mention.

• Nonfiction Grades 9-12: Jacob Bratz, first.

Shawano Police Department

May 26

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

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

Disturbance — A 36-year-old Shawano woman was arrested for disorderly conduct/domestic violence after a domestic disturbance in the 800 block of South Park Street. Police also responded to a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of South Washington Street.

Trespass — Police responded to a trespassing complaint at Qualheim’s True Value, 1345 E. Green Bay St.

Warrant — A 17-year-old Shawano male was arrested for an outstanding warrant at Prairie and Franklin streets.

May 25

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Beadwork was reported stolen in the 100 block of East Richmond Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Co-op Park, 1001 E. Richmond St.

Trespass — Trespassing was reported at Fifth and Washburn streets.

May 24

Police logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 41-year-old Shawano man arrested for domestic-related disorderly conduct after a domestic disturbance in the 600 block of East Division Street.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint in the 300 block of South Washington Street.

OWI — A 33-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at Lincoln and Seward streets.

May 23

Police logged 33 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 22-year-old Shawano man was arrested for operating while intoxicated in the 1200 block of East Green Bay Street.

Vaping — Police logged three vaping complaints at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Burglary — An attempted burglary was reported in the 600 block of East Center Street.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 800 block of South Park Street.

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 26

Deputies logged 54 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 41-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on County Road A in the town of Herman.

Assault — Authorities investigated an assault complaint on County Road HH in the town of Wescott.

Disturbances — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Norway Lane in the town of Belle Plaine and a domestic disturbance on Chrissie Circle in the town of Washington.

Theft — A trailer was reported stolen on Lake Crest Drive in the town of Wescott. Money was reported stolen from a semi truck on U.S. Highway 45 in Tigerton.

Trespass — Trespassing was reported on Primrose Lane in Tigerton.

Accident — Authorities responded to an injury accident on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor.

May 25

Deputies logged 53 incidents, including the following:

Disturbances — Authorities responded to disturbances on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott, Poplar Road in the town of Richmond and Resort Road in the town of Washington. A fight in progress was also reported on Big Lake Road in the town of Red Springs.

OAR — A 38-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

Theft — A mailbox was reported stolen on County Road F in the town of Hartland.

Trespass — Trespassing was reported on Front Street in Wittenberg and Old Lake Road in the town of Wescott.

Harassment — Harassment was reported on Meisner Street in Wittenberg.

May 24

Deputies logged 49 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Springbrook Road in the town of Washington.

Warrant — A 19-year-old male was arrested on a warrant on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

OAR — A 29-year-old man was cited for operating after revocation on Third Street in Shawano.

Accidents — Authorities responded to injury accidents on County Road N in the town of Birnamwood and County Road C in the town of Green Valley. Authorities also logged three deer-related crashes.

May 23

Deputies logged 36 incidents, including the following:

Fraud — Authorities investigated an identity theft complaint at Dollar General, 472 U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on Plum Lane in the town of Richmond.

Clintonville Police Department

May 26

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Disturbances — A 36-year-old Howard man was arrested on a warrant after a disturbance on West Madison Street. Police also responded to a domestic complaint on Robert Street.

May 25

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 53-year-old Clintonville man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on North 12th Street.

Drug Offense — Citations were issued for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia on McKinley Avenue.

Disturbance — A family disturbance was reported on Anne Street with an ambulance being dispatched for a medical condition.

May 24

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on West Morning Glory Drive.

Assault — Battery was reported on North 12th Street.

May 23

Police logged 15 incidents, including the following:

Assault — Domestic battery was reported on Brent Street.

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on North Main Street and on West Green Tree Road.

Hit and Run — A property damage hit-and-run was reported on South Main Street.

Disturbance — A disturbance was reported on Fifth Street.

Harassment — Harassment was reported on McKinley Avenue.

The Shawano County Board last week approved a long list of changes to the county zoning ordinance, though most were most were just a matter of housekeeping.

Planning and Development Director Andrew Popp said most of the amendments to the code were clarifications intended to make the code easier for the public to use and understand.

The most significant change, he said, dealt with agricultural structures and livestock facilities, which had previously not been allowed to cross lot lines, even if the adjacent lots belonged to the same owner.

The amendment adds an exemption allowing those structures and facilities to cross common lot lines, but the code still prevents crossing a lot line onto a lot owned by another party.

Other amendments to the code include:

• Allowing minor and major home occupations as an option in the OAR (Open Lands, Agriculture and Residential) Zoning District.

• Changes to fill permit requirements.

• Removal of the maximum building coverage requirement in residential zoning districts.

• Clarification of interior side yard setbacks in residential zoning districts.

• Clarification regarding walks and drives, ramps for person with disabilities and retaining walls and additions to temporary occupancy of recreational vehicle land use performance standards.

Five minutes.

Bonduel High School Principal Tim Mayer had exactly five minutes to deliver the commencement address to the 61 BHS graduates and their families in the BHS gym on Friday.

Everyone in the audience knew how much time he had, because he mentioned it several times as he went over his limit, several times. However, between the six-foot photo of his high school mullet, funny stories about the graduates, and a touching story of his own trials as a high school student, no one in attendance seemed to mind.

Mayer, who was celebrating 30 years as an educator, was trying to drive home a point about “being yourself” when he unveiled a very large photograph of himself as a high school senior. Point made.

In addition to reminiscing about the members of the graduating class, he shared that when he was 16, he was homeless and about to quit wrestling. His coach and mentor convinced him to stay in sports and helped him with the resources and encouragement he needed to make it successfully through school.

That guidance is what high school teachers, counselors and coaches are all about, Mayer said. He asked the students to think back to the BHS staff who had helped them in their years at the school, and thank them.

In addition to Mayer, Valedictorian Grace Tubutis and Salutatorian Emily Treptow delivered addresses. The BHS band and concert choir performed at the ceremony.

Higher limits are available for borrowers interested in USDA’s farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses.

The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans.

“As natural disasters, trade disruptions and persistent pressure on commodity prices continue to impact agricultural operations, farm loans become increasingly important to farmers and ranchers,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “The 2018 Farm Bill provides increased loan limits and more flexibility to farm loans, which gives producers more access to credit when they need it most.”

Limits increased for both direct operating and farm ownership loans. Also, producers who previously received debt forgiveness as part of an FSA restructuring plan are now eligible to apply for emergency loans. Previously, these producers were ineligible. Finally, beginning and socially disadvantaged producers can now receive up to a 95% guarantee against the loss of principal and interest on a loan, up from 90%.

For information on FSA farm loans, visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

First State Bancshares, Inc., parent company of First State Bank, has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Pioneer Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Pioneer Bank which has seven offices in North Central Wisconsin: Auburndale (main office), Greenwood, Marshfield, Rozellville, Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, and Withee.

Pending regulatory approval and Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. shareholder approval, the purchase is expected to close early this fall. First State Bancshares, Inc. will acquire 100% of the outstanding common stock of Pioneer Bancorp, Inc. Pioneer Bank’s seven offices will subsequently merge with First State Bank in early 2020 and operate under the First State Bank name.

First State Bank has offices in Cecil, New London, Clintonville, Manawa, Waupaca, and Rudolph with total assets of $300 million. Pioneer Bank’s total assets are $160 million.

When the merger is complete, Jeff Whitrock, president and CEO of Pioneer Bank, will join First State Bank as senior vice president/chief market development and sales officer. He will lead the growth and development of the bank’s business and personal banking across its entire market area.

Jim Nowak, Pioneer Bank’s chief financial officer, will also join First State Bank as senior vice president and chief operations officer, responsible for overseeing all aspects of operations. Robert Van Asten will continue to lead First State Bank as president and CEO.

“Our two organizations are very complementary and together will be stronger in providing customers with the best products, convenience, and fantastic service from people they know and trust,” Van Asten said. “We are both committed to the principles of community banking serving families, businesses and communities in North Central Wisconsin.”

“Like Pioneer Bank, First State Bank has a long history as an independent community bank with offices in rural communities,” said Jeff Whitrock, president and CEO of Pioneer Bank. “With our merger, we’ll be preserving Pioneer’s original 1910 core values and the personal relationships our employees have built with our customers and communities.”

Shawano Police Department

May 27

Police logged 12 incidents, including the following:

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized at Lieg Avenue and Evergreen Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident in the 200 block of South Washington Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 27

Deputies logged 41 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Tools were reported stolen on Hunting Road in the town of Grant.

Vandalism — A vehicle was reported vandalized on Edwards Street in the town of Herman.

Burglary — A burglary was reported on Hillview Road in the town of Herman.

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

OWI — A 51-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 47 in the town of Lessor.

Clintonville Police Department

May 27

Police logged 11 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — A suspicious incident was reported on Anne Street.

Disorderly — Disorderly conduct was reported on Auto Street.

Three people have been arrested for negligent homicide after an explosive device in Marion killed a 44-year-old Illinois resident Sunday.

Waupaca County authorities were called to a report of an explosion at E6300 County Road S in Marion just before 9 p.m.

The caller reported that a piece of metal struck the Illinois resident, who was later pronounced dead at the scene by the medical examiner.

According to the sheriff’s department, individuals ignited a homemade explosive device that did not ignite properly. The metal tubing failed, causing the metal to explode and shrapnel hit the victim.

The sheriff’s department would not clarify exactly what kind of explosive device was involved and said no further information would be provided Tuesday afternoon.

A 38-year-old New London man and a 43-year-old Clintonville man were taken into custody Monday. A third person, a 60-year-old Marion man, was arrested Tuesday. Charges have been referred for homicide by negligent handling of dangerous weapons, explosives, or fire, according to the department’s news release.

No names have been released.

Charges had not yet been filed as of Tuesday afternoon.

The sheriff’s department said the case is still under investigation.

Shawano County officials held a meeting with Bertram Communications on Tuesday to address concerns raised at a County Board meeting last week about unresolved details in the company’s plans to bring broadband service to rural areas of the county.

Emergency Management Director James Davel told the County Board he had concerns about Bertram’s proposed use of the county’s communications towers in Gresham and Leopolis.

Those concerns were raised a month after Bertram’s business development director, Mark Dodge, appeared before the County Board and said those services would be ready to go in two weeks.

“We’ve relayed to (Dodge) throughout the process that if your communication equipment hinders 911, it’s a no-go from the start,” Davel said.

The Gresham communications tower is the county’s main tower for 911 service, Davel said.

Davel said there were also concerns that Bertram’s equipment could exceed load limits at the site.

Davel also said the previously proposed contract did not specify any payment to the county for use of the Leopolis and Gresham towers, but offered free internet service to the county in lieu of payment.

“The county doesn’t need free internet at Gresham or Leopolis,” Davel said.

“We all want broadband for the rural community, but not at the expense of the county,” he said. “The county should get a fair deal in this process.”

County Administrative Coordinator Brent Miller said Tuesday’s meeting addressed the concerns raised by Davel last week and that contracts for use of the Leopolis and Gresham towers would be brought to the public safety committee on June 5.

“We have a different contract than what was originally given to us,” Miller said. “It’s a lot more in-depth and detailed.”

Bertram Communications, of Random Lake, is partnering with Shawano County Economics Progress, Inc. to serve the rural areas in the county with high-speed internet.

The project is totaling over $680,000, with $274,000 coming from a state grant that Shawano County Economic Progress Inc. secured.

Bertram has already installed equipment to serve some portions of the county, including equipment located on silos and other structures. The county has not been involved in those other, third-party agreements.

Shawano Police Department

May 28

Police logged 30 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — A 14-year-old Shawano girl was arrested for battery and resisting arrest after a disturbance at Franklin and Second streets.

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen in the 200 block of East Maurer Street.

OAR — A 55-year-old Suring man was cited for operating after revocation and arrested for outstanding warrants at County Road B and Prospect Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

May 28

Deputies logged 37 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Deputies assisted Shawano police with a disturbance at Franklin and Second streets.

Threatening — Authorities investigated a threatening complaints at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave. in Wittenberg, and on Church Street in Tigerton.

Burglary — A burglary was reported on Hofa Park Drive in the town of Maple Grove.

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

Auto Theft — A vehicle was reported stolen on Grand Avenue in Wittenberg.

Clintonville Police Department

May 28

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Harassment — A harassment issue was reported at the Clintonville High School, 64 W. Green Tree Road.

Warrant — A search warrant was executed on North 12th Street. A 30-year-old man and a 33-year-old man were subsequently taken into custody on warrants.

A group of area residents complaining about noise and foul language at the Pond Park basketball court brought their concerns to the Wittenberg Village Board meeting May 20.

Randy and Jackie Berndt, who two weeks ago asked the village to investigate forming its own police department, attended the meeting with a half dozen of their neighbors.

Randy Berndt complained that youngsters are playing basketball long after the court’s closing time, playing loud music and using obscene language. The basketball court closes at 9 p.m., curfew is at 10 p.m., and the park closes at 11 p.m.

The number of children causing the trouble varies, but there have been as many as 16 there at night, according to Berndt. He noted that it’s mostly fourth- through seventh-graders.

“I’ve been there seven years and it has escalated, ” Berndt said.

Berndt teaches in the school district and knows most of the children, he said. On several occasions, he has talked with them, and when they don’t leave, he calls the police. The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department cannot ticket the kids because there are no fines connected with the appropriate village ordinances.

Trustee Dave Timm said Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District Superintendent Garrett Rogowski told him the kids were welcome to use the high school’s outdoor courts, which are well-lit and have security cameras.

The security cameras at Pond Park don’t reach the basketball courts, and there is no safe place to install one, Village President William Switalla he said.

Berndt would like a new court built in Washington Park, away from any residential area. Trustee Paul Yaeger said he would explore the cost of building a court but cautioned that it’s unclear how soon the village could fit it into the budget.

Meanwhile, Switalla will ask the sheriff’s department to increase patrols in Pond Park between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m., and the village board will start the process of assessing fines to the ordinances. If the problem persists, the basketball court will be removed, even if a new one is not built in Washington Park, trustees warned.

The village pays $75 per hour for 40 hours per month, about $36,000 per year, for patrol service from the sheriff’s department. There is a office and computer at the community center for the officers.

Traci Matsche, village clerk/treasurer, said Chief Deputy George Lenzner indicated he would be willing to discuss options for increased police presence with the village.

Lenzner told Matsche it would cost approximately $150,000 to $200,000 per year, which would include salary and benefits, to assigned a dedicated officer from the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department to Wittenberg.

To start a village police department would cost about $300,000 the first year, which includes buying a cruiser and equipment, and about $200,000 per year after that. The biggest expense would be installing a digital storage unit and evidence locker on-site, Lenzner said.

“By having our own police officer, that person would be responsible for all the processing and court appearance time, which would cut into patrol time, which is what we want more of,” Yaeger said.

Switalla noted the village would also have the additional headache of dealing with personnel issues.

A mural is not necessarily a sign.

That distinction, made at the Shawano Plan Commission on Wednesday, will allow the Stubborn Brothers to proceed with a mural on the side of its new brewhouse and restaurant at 220 S. Main St., Shawano. Final approval by the Shawano Common Council is required.

The plan commission recommended approval of a mural on the south face of the brewery’s two story building. The design includes both the letters “SBB” and the words “Stubborn Brothers Brewery.”

Aaron Gellings, a co-owner of the brewery, said that the mural would be painted directly on the building with the intent of having it fade, creating a “historical” feel to the building and the display.

City administrator Eddie Sheppard noted that if it were a sign, it would not meet the current city sign code, but murals are not addressed in that ordinance.

“The word ‘mural’ is not in the code, so it is allowed,’” he said. “We don’t restrict murals.” The planning commission’s role, he said, is to determine whether or not the item was a mural.

Commission member Robyn Shingler read a portion of the sign code that stated it did not apply to “works of art which in no way identify a product including wall murals.”

Mayor Ed Whealon asked for clarification that the message and artwork would be painted directly on the side of the building, and not on a materials that will be attached to the building. Gellings said that the design called for it to be painted on the building itself.

Commission member Terry Hilgenberg made the motion to define the installation as a mural and therefore not subject to the city’s signage ordinance and therefore allowed.

Sheppard noted that the commission may choose to review the sign ordinance in the future to clarify the language.

Hilgenberg added that, in the future, he would like to review specific city ordinances that affect plan commission decisions. For example, he said, he feels that churches should be allowed to locate in vacated strip mall units without needing a conditional use permit.

In other business, the commission recommended approval of a conditional use permit for a 150 foot tower by U.S. Cellular at 818 E. Center St., Shawano. The tower, which meets Federal Aviation Administration standards, will not be lit and will be topped by a 10-foot lightning rod.

Paul Reinhardt, with U.S. Cellular, said the tower will help expand service from Marathon County to Green Bay. The Center Street tower would serve the Shawano area. It will be sited on a 50-square foot area surrounded by a fence with three strands of barbed wire, he said.

Brian Bunke, city zoning administrator, said the location in an industrial area was ideal for this type of installation.

Hilgenberg and commission member Randy Bohm abstained from the U.S. Cellular vote.

Smalley Park will be receiving a $218,000 grant, Shawano Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks announced at a Park and Recreation Commission meeting Wednesday.

Hendricks said the city had originally learned that it had come within 1/10 of a point of receiving the grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, but had been denied. He said one of the agencies that had been awarded the grant was unable to fulfill the requirements, and the grant money became available for Smalley Park projects.

“Some components like the canoe/kayak launch and fire pit are back on the table for discussion,” Hendricks said.

Hendricks shared the news to commission members as they reviewed current progress in city park progress. Hendricks noted that although work has begun at Smalley Park, recent rains have delayed some of the excavation work. Work is now being done in the area where the Ski Sharks, a Shawano water ski troupe, perform, he said.

He added that a storage and concessions building used by the Ski Sharks will remain in use for this year, as a permanent building will not be completed in time for the start of this year’s ski season. Additional projects that will be made possible by the grant money will be scheduled for construction next year, he said.

In reviewing the Smalley Park site, commission members noted the lack of geese at the park. Hendricks said that geese have been less of a problem, most likely due to heavy April snows for two consecutive years. That disrupted their usual patterns of behavior and made it less likely for the geese to return, he said.

He said he is studying ways to discourage any returning geese from making the park a permanent home. Effective tools are radio-controlled boats and drones, he said. Dogs and hikers who try to shoo them away just push them temporarily into the water and are not effective deterrents, he said.

Franklin Park

A bathroom across the street from Franklin Park will be built this year, Hendricks said, but will not be available for use until next year.

The bathroom will have a green space buffer and will be heated, though is not expected to be comfortable for year-round use, he said. Bids on the project are expected to be selected by mid-July with construction beginning in September.

Surveys

Two projects involving both public education and feedback are now underway, Hendricks reported.

The first is an effort to provide information and collect opinions on the possibility of a city of Shawano-Shawano School District joint venture to create a recreation center next to Shawano Community High School.

Hendricks outlined a calendar including public information sessions in Shawano and the towns of Wescott, Richmond, Waukechon and Belle Plaine. He said there are also plans to attend club meetings and open houses at the high school and Shawano City Hall.

“Our goal is to provide factual information, not to persuade,” Hendricks said.

The proposal calls for a warm water pool, running track, gym, fitness area, and racketball court attached to the existing pool area at Shawano Community High School. Both the school district and Shawano Common Council have agreed to study the idea, though neither has made a commitment to the project itself.

“We will do a survey,” Hendricks said. “If the community doesn’t want it, it won’t happen.”

Plans are to present information in June and July, conduct the survey in August and September, and if the survey points to community support, place the item on a future ballot as a school referendum.

Efforts to gather community input on current Shawano parks is also underway, he said.

Hendricks and Trish Nau, principal recreation planner for the East Central Regional Planning Commission, outlined an update of a five-year park plan that is now getting started. The plan begins with community surveys.

The project is an important part of the planning process, Hendricks said.

“I would say that 85 percent of the five year plan from before are now completed,” he said.