There will a split of the annual Holiday Stroll and the annual Santa parade in downtown Shawano this year.

Shawano’s Business Improvement District, sponsors of the event, opted to schedule the Holiday Stroll this Saturday, with the parade slated for Dec. 5.

“This year, we tried to take the holiday stroll away and make it on a different day,” said Marissa Rycroft, Shawano BID coordinator. “It was designed to promote local businesses rather than big box stores.”

“People get tired at night, especially from a long day at work, or other events,” said Rycroft, who hopes the adjustments will allow the stroll to expand.

Jana Dreier of Dreier Pharmacy, who will be one of four parade marshals, said there will be an adjustment period but remained optimistic.

“I am not sure how it will transpire, I hope people come to support businesses (Saturday),” Jana Dreier said. “The families really come for the parade on that night, not to shop around.”

Christmas carolers and food vendors will be available during the Holiday Stroll event.

Dreier, along with her husband, Don, and two adult children were selected by BID committee members to lead the 6 p.m. parade after being a staple in the downtown community since 1967. Jana and Don Dreier’s two children are Tim Dreier and Jessica Dreier-Huntington.

“We are very proud and very happy; it is quite the honor,” Jana Dreier said.

The parade will start on Elizabeth and Lincoln streets, and conclude along Main Street.

In addition to the appearance of Santa Claus at the end of the parade, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides provided by Nolan Wagon Rides. The rides will begin at the Shawano Rehabilitation Center for people interested in jumping on board.

“This is one of the larger ones, and we got all kinds of things for the parade,” Rycroft said.

The BID coordinator credited Charlie’s County Market as a key contributor of the 2014 parade.

“We would not be where we are without the help of Charlie’s,” Rycroft said.

The 20th annual event endured a roadblock last year when the parade was postponed due to frigid temperatures, and was rescheduled a week later. Overnight low temperatures were at a recorded seven degrees below zero in 2013.

A giving community helped around 450 Shawano County families have a good Thanksgiving.

“This is the most generous community,” said Flo Withers, Shawano Area Food Pantry and Resource Center (SAFPARC) coordinator. “People donate and they might wonder where it goes. This is it.“

From Monday through Wednesday, SAFPARC volunteers helped the families get a turkey, stuffing, vegetables, cranberries, brown n serve rolls, cool whip, and desserts. On Monday, alone over 200 families came through the pantry.

“They picked up almost everything they needed to make Thanksgiving dinner,” Withers said.

A sign-up was required ahead of time to know how many dinners needed to be prepared. Then, Withers said, organizations, schools, churches, and private parties asked and provided what she needed.

Pantry volunteers signed up to help those three days. Withers appreciates everyone’s hard work and the donations that helped others have a happy holiday.

As far as the pantry recipients, they were also very grateful.

“I got so many hugs,” Withers said.

The cost of Thanksgiving dinner could make wallets a little lighter this holiday, according to the latest Wisconsin Farm Bureau Marketbasket Survey.

The results released last week show that the statewide total cost for turkey and all the fixings for a family of 10 was $50.86, compared with $48.40 in 2013. The state cost is above the national average, $49.41.

In Shawano, one of more than 30 communities surveyed by the Farm Bureau, the price appears to be even higher. The local surveyor found the total cost for dinner was $58.62, with much of the higher cost attributed to the main dish — turkey.

The local surveyor reported the total cost for turkey was $30.24 for a 16-pound bird. Comparatively, shoppers across the state could expect to spend about $23.36 for a turkey, and nationwide, the cost is $21.65.

However, the surveys are usually done at one store, according to Farm Bureau officials, so prices might be different depending on where someone shops. Shawano’s totals have fluctuated over the last couple years, with the 2013 total cost coming in at $47.65 and 2012 at $55.26.

Other trends include:

— Shawano shoppers are paying more for dairy products, compared with others in the state. A gallon of milk cost $4.59 in Shawano when the survey was taken, compared with the state average of $4.04. A half-pint of whipped cream cost $2.19 locally, compared with $1.81 for the state.

— Vegetable dishes are lower for Shawano shoppers than the state average. Sweet potatoes cost $2.67 for a 3-pound bag locally, while green peas came in at $1.59. The statewide averages for both vegetables are $3.39 and $1.68, respectively.

— Making pumpkin pie for dessert is slightly less for Shawano shoppers compared with state trends. A 30-ounce can of pumpkin pie mix costs more locally at $3.35, compared with $3.22 for the state. However, the pie shells are much cheaper locally at $1.89 for a two-pack, while the state average is $2.31.

Two main factors are responsible for the statewide uptick in food prices, according to Farm Bureau spokeswoman Amy Eckelberg. One is the strong year the dairy industry experienced, which impacted dairy prices.

“This survey is catching the end of that wave,” Eckelberg said. “Looking ahead, all indications are that dairy prices will be on the decline for 2015.”

The other factor is a higher demand for beef and pork, but not turkey, which caused the price of the main dish to increase.

“(With) tight supplies and the demand on beef and pork, there’s a lot of stressors on those two right now,” Eckelberg said. “With turkey, there’s not as much.”

Jamie Patton, Shawano County agriculture agent for the University of Wisconsin-Extension, said Wednesday that while the increase in dairy products was a factor in the total dinner cost, the price of other Thanksgiving items increased more in comparison.

“We’re only looking at 10-20 cents increase over the cost of fluid milk and whipping cream,” Patton said.

The cost could have been higher if not for a drop in fuel prices, Patton said. The cost of transporting food from the farm to the store is often a key factor in food prices.

Eckelberg noted that the overall food costs, especially for turkey, were expected to drop closer to Thanksgiving, as the Marketbasket Survey is usually done in October to provide sufficient time to analyze the results.

“The deals right before the season, you see a really big difference,” she said.

Grocery stores tend to drop the turkey prices below cost around Thanksgiving in order to attract shoppers, and they make up the difference with the purchase of the other foods, Patton said.

“Oftentimes, they’re losing money on the turkey just to draw us in,” she said. “Lucky for us, they take in a little less for the turkey so we can all spend a little less for our meal.”

Shawano Police Department

Nov. 25

Police logged 32 incidents, including the following:

Arrest — Police took a male into custody on a probation and parole hold.

Harassment — Police responded to a report of harassing behavior in the 700 block of South Franklin Street.

Theft — Money was reported stolen at the Shawano Recreation Center, 220 E. Division St.

Noise — Police investigated a noise complaint in the 100 block of South Lafayette Street.

Truancies — Ten truancies were reported at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Nov. 25

Deputies logged 39 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities responded to juvenile problem on North Shore Lane in the town of Wescott.

Domestic — Authorities investigated a domestic disturbance on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Trespassing — Authorities investigated a 19- and 20-year old male for trespassing on Silver Creek and Stub roads in the town of Bartelme.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at Homme Home Nelson Hall, W18126 Hemlock Road, town of Wittenberg.

Offender — Authorities investigated a registered sex offender for noncompliant registration on Cypress Road in the town of Richmond.

Animal — Authorities investigated a complaint of two stray horses on Cliff Moser Lane in the town of Lessor.

Accidents — Authorities logged nine weather-related and four deer-related accidents.

Clintonville Police Department

Nov. 25

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Disorderly — A complaint of disorderly conduct was made at Clintonville Middle School, 255 N. Main St.

Truancy — Multiple truancies were reported at Clintonville Middle School, 255 N. Main St.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious incident involving disruptive students at Rexford-Longfellow Elementary School, 105 S. Clinton Ave.

Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious incident at Clintonville Middle School, 255 N. Main St.

Disorderly — Two juveniles were cited for disorderly conduct on Industrial Avenue.

Domestic — Police investigated a domestic abuse disorderly conduct complaint on Hughes Street.

Harassment — Police investigated a harassment complaint on Lincoln Avenue.

Families across the country can be thankful for Minnesota and Wisconsin farmers this holiday season.

The Star Tribune reports Minnesota is the top state in the nation for turkey production, while Wisconsin leads in cranberries.

The U.S. Agriculture Department estimates Minnesota will have raised 45 million turkeys by the end of 2014, out of 242 million nationwide. North Carolina is set to produce 35 million, with Arkansas following at 29 million.

About 46 million of the birds are expected to land on American tables on Thanksgiving Thursday alone. Most of them will be from turkey production farms, but there are more than 7 million wild turkeys across the country.

Wisconsin is expected to produce 538 million pounds of cranberries, followed by Massachusetts at 210 million pounds.

More than 30 residents were in a giving mood at Zion Lutheran Church’s annual Thanksgiving dinner Thursday.

The event has taken place for more than 30 years. This year’s dinner was a collaboration between Zion Lutheran Church and Presbyterian Church and served at least 150 community members.

Zion Lutheran Church member Mikki Moesch has coordinated the event for eight years and credited volunteers and donors for dedicating their time, resources and energy.

Evergreen Care Center donated turkeys, while pies were provided by Angie’s Main Cafe, and the Resurrection Church contributed bread.

Volunteers began setting up for the dinner on Tuesday. Presbyterian Church members aided in delivering food to shut-ins or individuals unable to be present at the dinner.

“We have never had a problem finding volunteers. There are plenty. We have people show up on Thursday and simply ask if they could help,” Moesch said.

One of the volunteers was Lilli Benzinger, who has pitched in to help for the last three years along with her daughter, Sarah.

“I like how the people come together … we like to volunteer at other places,” said Benzinger, who also dedicates her time to the Shawano County Humane Society.

Moesch, who said the event was open to any religious denominations, agreed with Benzinger on the community camaraderie and has been beneficial to some residents.

“This is open to anyone, this is not just a needs based meal, this meal is for anyone who happens to be home by themselves … We have many singles that come here, and have children in other communities, just for the Fellowship,” Moesch said.

Moesch said other examples are people whose spouses are out hunting, or older widowed residents.

Neil Ashenbrenner of Shawano said the meal has greatly impacted his life and gives him a place to go due to limited family contacts.

The 32-year-old has been on disability since being injured in a car accident several years ago, resulting in head and leg injuries, and reducing his employment opportunities.

“I came here last year, and it was nice, so I came back this year to get to know people,” said Ashenbrenner, who also seeks out other community events due to being alone.

Shawano Police Department

Nov. 26

Police logged 22 incidents, including the following:

Custodial — Police investigated a custodial interference complaint in the 100 block of Richmond Court.

Accident — Police responded to a report of car property damage on County Road B and South Airport Drive.

Accident — Police responded to an accident involving a disabled vehicle and two motorists arguing on Waukechon and East Richmond streets.

Probation — Police took a male into custody on a probation and parole hold.

Hit and Run — Police investigated a hit-and-run accident on South Main Street and East Lieg Avenue.

Suspicious — Police investigated a suspicious vehicle in the 2400 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Parking — Police investigated a park, camp and recreation violation at the Lieg Boat Landing on West Lieg Avenue and South Water Street.

Threatening — Police investigated a male for threatening behavior in the 800 block of South Park Street.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Nov. 26

Authorities logged 42 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Authorities responded a juvenile complaint on North Shore Lane in the town of Wescott.

Accident — Vehicle in ditch on High Line Road and Beech Drive in the town of Washington.

Welfare — Authorities responded a report of a male wandering on County Road M and Clover Lane in the town of Belle Plaine.

Pedestrian — Authorities responded to a hitchhiking complaint at U.S. Highway 45 and Gollnow Road in the town of Grant.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person on Country Lane in the town of Washington.

Theft — Authorities logged a potential theft of an internet box on Paradise Lane in the town of Hartland.

Warrant — Authorities attempted to locate a 47-year-old male on an outstanding child support on Northwestern Avenue in the town of Angelica.

Juvenile — Authorities responded a juvenile problem on West Sandy Drive in the town of Washington.

Accident — Authorities logged six deer-related accidents, and a report of a vehicle in a ditch at West Line and Eland roads in the town of Birnamwood.

Missing — Authorities responded to a report of a 10-year-old missing male on County Road D in the town of Pella.

Warrant — Authorities took a female into custody on a warrant in the 1200 block of South Main Street in Gresham.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person and vehicle at Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45 in the town of Wittenberg.

The Clintonville Common Council held off Monday on a decision regarding the 2015 budget after it was discovered the fund balance figures were incorrect.

On Nov. 18, the council approved a budget that includes a total tax levy of $1,981,667 with a tax rate of $8.62 per $1,000 of assessed valuation which is an increase of four cents over the rate of the previous year. An owner of an $80,000 home will see an increase of about $3 on his or her city tax bill.

To balance the budget, the council approved taking $176,102 from the undesignated fund balance and included the provision that the Finance Committee, departments, and administration work to replace the fund balance by April 1, 2015.

Since that meeting, interim City Administrator Chuck Kell found the actual undesignated fund balance at the end of 2013 was not $1.7 million but $1,087,732.

At Monday’s special meeting, Kell recommended the council do nothing until the 2014 audit is prepared and analyzed. According to Kell, the council can always decide at a later date to authorize a transfer of funds from the Fund Balance to cover additional capital expenditures in 2015 and to replenish the Capital Fund for the 2016 city budget.

Kell told the council that something didn’t look right when he found the capital funds had been overspent. In checking with the auditors, it was found $488,000 that had been received as a loan for the move of the police department had been put in the fund balance.

Acting Mayor Jeannie Schley asked Kell if moving that money was something the auditors would do without telling someone. Kell said he believed someone had been informed.

By finding the money, Kell said the capital fund now looked much better, but the undesignated fund balance was not as large as was first thought.

Kell suggested that the council always have a report from the auditor and pay more attention to the finances. He noted that things could have been a lot worse.

Hanauer’s Tree Farms in the town of Richmond has been a family-owned business for 46 years and is holding its second straight Cut Your Own Christmas Tree weekend.

The farm owned by Dan Hanauer Jr. and his mother, Veronica, began sales Friday which will run through Sunday. Additional dates are Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14. His wife, Julie, also coordinates business with assistance from their 16-year-old son, Jack, and daughter, Sophie, 11.

If the initial launch of the cut-your-own tree program last year is any indication, it will be another successful year, Hanauer said.

“Last year it was wonderful. It was our first year, and we were actually surprised by the extent of the trees we sold,” Hanauer said. “As far as the number of the people that came, we were quite busy. We don’t really disclose how much we sold, but we had a larger turnout than what we expected.”

The business opted to create the event when people began expressing interest in tossing the artificial tree in favor of a more “green alternative,” he said.

“There seems to be more interest in people cutting their own Christmas tree, because it gives people the chance to get back to nature and go out with the kids and have a really nice family experience,” he said.

The farm offers four species of trees: Fraser fir, spruce, balsam and pine.

“We have hay rides on a tractor that circulates the entire farm … you can select the tree and put it on the wagon,” Hanauer said. “They can roam the entire farm and spend as much time as they want and pick what tree they want. We have people that are here for five minutes, and we have people that spend more than an hour.”

Hanauer said care is needed before customers can start putting on lights, garland and ornaments in preparation for Christmas.

“The number one key is a fresh cut and keep the tree trunk in water; and then, the secondary thing is to keep it away from a window where the sun bakes in, or away from a heat source, such as a fireplace,” Hanauer said.

Tree prices vary based on species, with Fraser as the most expensive at $46.50, and the pine coming in at $27.50.

While 10 feet is the tallest people can cut during the sale, they offer 15-foot pre-cut trees, with some available at Hanauer’s tree stand Qualheim’s True Value on Green Bay Street in Shawano. The average height is 8 feet tall.

Shawano Police Department

Nov. 27

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Nov. 27

Deputies logged 31 incidents, including the following:

Theft — A tailgate was reported stolen from a vehicle on McDonald Road in Navarino.

Theft — Tires and other items were reported stolen from a storage shed on Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Accidents — Authorities logged 13 accidents, including five deer-related crashes.

Earlier this week, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department revealed its findings of two Community Health Improvement (CHIP) meetings held in September.

Shawano County was ranked 60th among 72 counties in Wisconsin, while Menominee was last in the March release of the Wisconsin County Health Rankings. The County Health Rankings were compiled by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and examined factors related to health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and physical environment.

Social and economic factors related to education level, employment, income, family and social supports and community safety factored in at 40 percent.

“The theme of poverty was evident in both community meetings, and we are fortunate to live in a county that is looking to address this,” said Community Health Educator Megan Suehring.

Suehring said there is some movement from the Healthy Families Coalition of Shawano County to form a resource center.

Health behaviors, including tobacco use, diet and exercise, alcohol use and unsafe sex were coupled with clinical care factors, such as access to care and quality of care, to account for 50 percent of the health rankings.

Along with the Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, area nonprofit agencies have worked to encourage more exercise and healthy food choices.

Shawano Pathways unveiled the new Park to Park Loops in May, which combines five city parks utilizing trails.

Attendees at both meetings praised the Shawano County Parks Department and Shawano Park and Recreation Department for their efforts to encourage exercise.

Another concern was related to alcohol abuse in Shawano County, according to the summary.

The March rankings revealed Shawano County was above the state average in binge drinking and drug use from 2006-12, at 27 percent, compared to Wisconsin’s 24 percent. Menominee County remained below the average at 20 percent.

“I believe that people are understanding the County Health Rankings model and noticing that the health of our counties is dependent on much more than diet and exercise,” Suehring said.

Another area of concern was accessibility of mental health services to treat depression and other mental illnesses.

The Department of Community Programs offers services related to mental health care, alcohol treatment and adolescent development. It also has a 24-hour crisis line and offers counseling services and skills coaching.

Community programs has a sliding fee scale for individuals without insurance, with rates based on income and household size.

“We don’t turn anyone away from Community Programs who seek services … individuals can call for themselves or for a loved one,” said Jennifer Frost, intervention services supervisor. “It is walking them through to make them safe.”

The two CHIP meetings were part of a five-year community health assessment outlining multiple areas related to health and wellness of county residents.

One meeting was held at the Shawano County Courthouse on Sept. 23. Public health officials opted to add an additional community meeting during this assessment, holding an earlier forum at Tigerton High School on Sept. 15.

Suehring coordinated both meetings and said she was pleased with the health department’s role in extending its outreach.

“I feel the health department did a good job of reaching beyond the city of Shawano to see what the needs of our residents are,” Suehring said. “I’m happy to see that meeting attendees think that our community is supportive and shows interest.”

When not teaching philosophy to college students, writing fiction that includes his just-published eighth book or traveling abroad, Dennis Vickers has been known to take a walk in the woods.

His rambles have become more than a pleasure walk. These days, Vickers is looking into the scholarly aspects of how different people experience the beauty of the forest in different ways, and the distinct perceptions of the Menominee and other American Indian people.

His observations will be shared in a free, public program at noon Dec. 10 in Room 225 of the Shirley Daly Hall at the College of Menominee Nation, N172 State Highway 47-55, in Keshena.

As a scholar, Vickers has a professional interest in the branch of philosophy known as aesthetics. As a faculty member at the College of Menominee Nation, he has a ready supply of informal research assistants.

“I’ve engaged my students in wandering the woods next to the Keshena campus,” he said. “What they see and experience has become part of my thinking on the idea that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder; it’s in the heart.”

His thesis is being developed in a paper tentatively called “Kin and Ken: Aesthetic Experience of the Forest,” with “kin” meaning a group’s common ancestry and “ken” their range of knowledge.

Along with considering how the Menominee community’s historic and deep relations with the forest are rendered in their aesthetic experience, Vickers is looking at how the sustainability model fostered by CMN’s Sustainable Development Institute influences awareness of beauty.

“Walking into the forest differs from walking into an art museum,” Vickers said. “It’s more like diving into a lake.”

The program is part of the college’s continuing Faculty Lecture Series.

Vickers’ latest novel, released in October, is titled “Mikawadizi Storms.” In it, Vickers has created a work of magical fiction “that explores outlooks, values, attitudes and actions circulating around a controversy like the one now unfolding over the Penokee Range” over Gogebic Taconite’s plans for an open-pit iron ore mine.

His other books are “Witless,” “Bluehart,” “The Second Virtue,” “Adam’s Apple,” “Passing Through Paradise,” and “Between the Shadow and the Soul.” He also has published a collection of short stories, “Double Exposures.”

Shawano Police Department

Nov. 30

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint at Lafayette and Picnic streets.

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

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1100 block of South Weed Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Lakeland Road.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Fifth Street.

Theft — A vehicle was reported broken into at Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.

Nov. 29

Police logged 21 incidents including the following:

OWI — A male subject was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated at Green Bay and Fifth streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 900 block of South Weed Street.

Theft — A phone was reported stolen in the 100 block of Prairie Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Shoplifting — A 20-year-old man was cited for shoplifting at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Nov. 28

Police logged 13 incidents including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Richmond and Waukechon streets.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint at BMO Harris Bank, 101 N. Main St.

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

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Nov. 30

Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at the Double Vision, N5296 State Highway 117 in the town of Washington.

Theft — Authorities responded to a reported theft attempt on Curt Black Road in Wescott.

Theft — A trail camera was reported stolen on Lessor-Navarino Road in the town of Lessor.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Range Line Road in Pella.

Theft — Storage sheds were reported broken into on County Road MMM in Richmond.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

Accidents — Authorities logged nine accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 29 in Richmond and four deer-related crashes.

Nov. 29

Deputies logged 56 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 38-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Vandalism — Authorities investigated a vandalism complaint on County Road BB in Green Valley.

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

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road M in Richmond.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Rocky Ridge Lane in Belle Plaine.

Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire on Green Valley Road in Green Valley.

Accidents — Authorities logged 14 accidents, including eight deer-related crashes.

Nov. 28

Deputies logged 52 incidents, including the following:

Fire — Authorities responded to a fire that destroyed a vacant pig barn on Redwood Drive in Maple Grove. The cause of the fire was linked to heat tape, according to authorities, and did an estimated $20,000 damage.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged 30 accidents, including injury accidents in Seneca, Mattoon and Morris, and four deer-related crashes.

A month after delaying adoption of a new zoning code to provide more time for community review and feedback, the city hosted a sparsely attended open house Tuesday on the map that would accompany the code.

The Plan Commission, which has already recommended approval of the zoning code rewrite, will review and make a recommendation on the map next Wednesday.

Both the code and the map will go before the Common Council immediately after, and there will be an opportunity for additional public comment.

Five people attended Tuesday’s open house.

“A couple of people brought in the same request for a property that is currently zoned multi-family and has been vacant for quite some time,” said Mike Slavney, of consulting firm Vandewalle and Associates. “They want to make sure it stays multi-family and the property is well-suited for that.”

Slavney said those who attended the open house were curious and had a few questions, but “they went away happy, particularly with what we’re doing for the non conforming structures and lots.”

The new code would toss the “legal nonconforming” designation for properties that don’t fit in with the zoning in their neighborhoods. The change would make the properties legally conforming and make it easier for property owners to get loans to make improvements or sell the properties.

Last month, the Common Council delayed action on the zoning code to provide more time for public input. There hasn’t been any additional input since then that would alter the proposed code, Slavney said.

“I don’t see any other changes coming in the code as a result of what we’ve heard,” he said.

Slavney said there have been some minor tweaks to the zoning map, but, he added, “I don’t think those will be controversial.”

City Administrator Brian Knapp said he hopes everyone feels there has now been sufficient opportunity to comment on the proposed code and map.

“We hope everybody who was concerned about it initially and wanted more time to review it has had that time and feels comfortable enough to go ahead and pass the ordinance next Wednesday,” he said.

Knapp added that the code isn’t written in stone.

“What people need to remember is, there can be modifications, there can be amendments to the zoning code and the map,” he said.

The proposed code would replace the one that has been in effect for 31 years.

In addition to jettisoning the legal nonconforming status, another major change in the code would be a greater focus on landscaping.

The code would put a premium on landscaping for any new development, setting a score that proposed developments would have to meet. They would get points toward the score for various types of landscaping included in the site plan.

The requirement would only apply to new development and to those portions of existing properties that are significantly remodeled or expanded.

The code would reserve its most rigid requirements for downtown Shawano, which under the proposed new zoning map would run from the 100 block of North Main Street to Presbyterian Street on the south and would promote two-story storefront buildings with no setback from the sidewalk.

Any proposed renovations, designs or projects in that area would be closely scrutinized by the city, down to which storefront colors would be appropriate.

The code was last adopted in October 1983. Though it has been frequently amended, this is the first complete overhaul in 31 years.

The city budgeted $50,000 for the project.

A state appeals court Tuesday reversed an Eland man’s violation of Shawano County’s transient merchant ordinance and $783 forfeiture, concluding he has operated a regular food sales route for years.

Damien T. Plaski, 39, stopped at Janice Wright’s Wescott residence in September 2013 and offered to sell her frozen seafood. Plaski had not sold to Wright before and could not show her a sales permit when she asked for his “credentials,” according to the court’s written opinion.

Wright called the Sheriff’s Department, and Deputy Shawn Copsey stopped Plaski and asked for his transient merchant permit. Plaski had an expired sales permit issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and but no transient permit. Since neither the county nor the town of Wescott had issued Plaski a permit, Copsey issued Plaski a citation.

Plaski represented himself at trial before Shawano-Menominee Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr., who rejected Plaski’s claim that he was permanent merchant by virtue of his selling meat and seafood door-to-door since 2008.

Plaski testified that he “run(s) ads in the paper,” and “anybody that’s ever … dealt with me know exactly where I’m at,” according to the opinion.

Instead, Kussel found Plaski in violation of the transient merchant ordinance and fined him $783.

Plaski hired James Connell, a Wausau attorney, to appeal the violation, arguing the county had not proven Plaski was a transient merchant.

In a brief to the court Connell wrote: “This case involves a confusing, badly drafted ordinance which was itself copied from a state statute … repealed in 1989. It involves an appellant who made the unwise decision to represent himself at trial. Despite these circumstances, an examination of the record as a whole establishes a failure of proof on the issue of whether Damien Plaski was a transient merchant.”

Assistant District Attorney Catharine White argued on appeal that at trial, Plaski did not claim he was a permanent merchant. Plaski falsely stated he had a valid transient merchant permit, which Kussel said amounted to making an untrue statement to Copsey.

However, the District III Court of Appeals found that the county was required to prove that Plaski was a transient merchant and failed to do so.

Plaski’s testimony at trial showed he met the ordinance’s definition of a permanent merchant which requires an individual to continually operate a business for at least a year and do business from his residence also for at least one year, according to the opinion.

“Given Plaski’s testimony, and the county’s failure to present any evidence relevant to the definition of the term ‘permanent merchant,’ a reasonable fact finder could not have concluded by a preponderance of the evidence that Plaski did not intend to become and did not become a permanent merchant of Shawano County,” wrote Judge Lisa Stark in the nine-page opinion.

Stark also found that whether or not Plaski made an untrue statement to Copsey about being a licensed merchant was irrelevant to Plaski’s meeting the definition of permanent merchant.

Calls to White and Connell were not returned before deadline.

Plaski, who operates the meat products business A Cut Above, said he had to establish sales routes north and west of Shawano County after he was found in violation of the transient merchant ordinance.

“I’m like the Schwans guy … and none of them have (county sales permits),” he said.

Plaski said he would revisit prior customers in the county and was pleased with the appeals decision.

“It shows the justice system works for a small business guy like me,” he said.

Shawano Police Department

Dec. 1

Police logged 27 incidents, including the following:

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

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance on Richmond Court.

Arrest — A 24-year-old man was taken into custody for a violation at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E. Green Bay St.

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary in the 500 block of South Sawyer Street.

Nov. 30

Police logged 20 incidents, including the following:

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile alcohol complaint at Lafayette and Picnic streets.

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

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem in the 1100 block of South Weed Street.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 300 block of Lakeland Road.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of East Lieg Avenue.

Disturbance — Police responded to a disturbance in the 800 block of East Fifth Street.

Theft — A vehicle was reported broken into at Kwik Trip, 1241 E. Green Bay St.

Nov. 29

Police logged 21 incidents including the following:

OWI — A male subject was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated at Green Bay and Fifth streets.

Disturbance — Police responded to a report of a fight in progress in the 900 block of South Weed Street.

Theft — A phone was reported stolen in the 100 block of Prairie Street.

Accident — Police responded to a property damage accident at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Shoplifting — A 20-year-old man was cited for shoplifting at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.

Juvenile — Police responded to a juvenile problem at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Nov. 28

Police logged 13 incidents including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage accident at Richmond and Waukechon streets.

Harassment — Police responded to a harassment complaint at BMO Harris Bank, 101 N. Main St.

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

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

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 1

Deputies logged 44 incidents, including the following:

Theft — Money was reported stolen at Remington Oil, 444 U.S. Highway 45 in Birnamwood.

Fraud — Authorities investigated a telephone scam complaint on County Road A in the town of Herman.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Webb Street in Wittenberg.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint on state Highway 29 in Angelica.

Assault — Authorities responded to an assault on Hemlock Road in Wittenberg.

Juvenile — Authorities responded to a juvenile problem on Lake View Drive in Aniwa.

Accidents — Authorities logged six accidents, including two deer-related crashes and a vehicle versus dog.

Nov. 30

Deputies logged 33 incidents, including the following:

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance at Double Vision, N5296 State Highway 117 in the town of Washington.

Theft — Authorities responded to a reported theft attempt on Curt Black Road in Wescott.

Theft — A trail camera was reported stolen on Lessor-Navarino Road in the town of Lessor.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Range Line Road in Pella.

Theft — Storage sheds were reported broken into on County Road MMM in Richmond.

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

Accidents — Authorities logged nine accidents, including an injury accident on state Highway 29 in Richmond and four deer-related crashes.

Nov. 29

Deputies logged 56 incidents, including the following:

OWI — A 38-year-old man was arrested for operating while intoxicated on state Highway 47-55 in Wescott.

Vandalism — Authorities investigated a vandalism complaint on County Road BB in Green Valley.

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

Disturbance — Authorities responded to a disturbance on County Road M in Richmond.

Trespass — Authorities responded to a trespassing complaint on Rocky Ridge Lane in Belle Plaine.

Fire — Authorities responded to a vehicle fire on Green Valley Road in Green Valley.

Accidents — Authorities logged 14 accidents, including eight deer-related crashes.

Nov. 28

Deputies logged 52 incidents, including the following:

Fire — Authorities responded to a fire that destroyed a vacant pig barn on Redwood Drive in Maple Grove. The cause of the fire was linked to heat tape, according to authorities, and did an estimated $20,000 damage.

Harassment — Authorities responded to a harassment complaint on state Highway 22 in Belle Plaine.

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

Accidents — Authorities logged 30 accidents, including injury accidents in Seneca, Mattoon and Morris, and four deer-related crashes.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 1

Police logged six incidents, including the following:

Burglary — Police investigated a burglary and theft on South Main Street.

Nov. 30

Police logged 10 incidents, including the following:

Accidents — Officer assisted Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department with a vehicle in the ditch on County Road C and Buck Road and a one-vehicle property damage accident on County Road C and Knaack Road.

Harassment — A harassment complaint was filed on Hemlock Street.

Nov. 29

Police logged nine incidents, including the following:

Hit and Run — A hit-and-run property damage accident was reported on West Madison and Bennett streets.

Arrest — A 54-year-old male was taken into custody on a probation hold and transported to Waupaca County Jail.

Nov. 28

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Burglary — A burglary was reported on South Main Street.

Disturbance — Officers responded to North Main Street for a reported fight in progress. A 24-year-old Clintonville man was subsequently taken into custody for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia and a body only warrant through Waupaca County. Citations were issued for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and the subject was transported to jail on the warrant.

The Shawano School Board unanimously voted Monday to permit off-duty officers with the Shawano Police Department and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department to carry firearms on campus.

The school district currently allows on-duty officers, like school resource officer Jody Johnson, to carry weapons in any of the district’s four buildings, but if an off-duty officer did the same, he or she would be violating federal law.

However, the law allows school districts to approve memorandums of understanding with local law enforcement agencies that permit officers to carry weapons, regardless of whether they’re on or off the clock. Shawano’s memorandum notes that officers are well-trained on how to handle firearms and when it is appropriate to use them.

The idea of allowing this in the Shawano school system came from Police Chief Mark Kohl, who had informed the district’s Executive Committee in November that a number of Wisconsin school districts had agreements with their law enforcement agencies. The local policy is modeled after a memorandum approved by the West De Pere School District.

Board member Michael Sleeper said he initially had been unsure why such a policy was necessary, but after further research and conversation with local police officers, he supported it.

“I had no realization or appreciation how critical it is for our people to have their weapon with them,” Sleeper said. “It becomes almost a part of their anatomy.”

The agreement officially takes effect after being signed by Superintendent Gary Cumberland, Kohl, Sheriff Randy Wright and School Board President Tyler Schmidt.

Strangulation, intimidation

A Shawano man is facing felony charges of strangulation and intimidation of a victim as a result of an alleged domestic abuse incident in the city.

Gregory R. Bohm, 39, is accused of choking a woman during an altercation on Nov. 23 and trying to prevent her from reporting the incident.

Bohm could face up to six years and a $10,000 fine for strangulation and suffocation, and up to 10 years and a $25,000 fine for intimidating a domestic abuse victim. He is also charged with misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct.

Bohm is being held on a $20,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Monday.

Felony graffiti

An Antigo teen has been charged with two felony counts for damage caused during an alleged vandalism incident in July.

Katalin M. Spurgeon, 19, is accused of spray-painting a truck, motorcycle and side of a house in the village of Matoon on July 27 and causing more than $15,000 in damage.

She could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine on each of two counts of felony graffiti if found guilty.

According to the criminal complaint, Spurgeon spray-painted obscene messages onto the vehicle and house of a former boyfriend.

Spurgeon is due in court for an initial appearance on Dec. 22.

Possession of marijuana

A Tripoli man is facing a felony charge of second or subsequent offense possession of marijuana after allegedly being caught with a bag of marijuana during a disorderly conduct incident last month.

Gordon R. Parks, 44, could face a maximum 3½ years in prison and $10,000 fine if found guilty. He is also charged with two counts of felony bail jumping, each of which carries a possible maximum of six years in prison and $10,000 fine.

Shawano County sheriff’s deputies were called out to the Ho-Chunk Casino, N7198 U.S. Highway 45, Wittenberg, on Nov. 12 for a report of a disorderly patron at the bar.

The patron, identified as Parks, was allegedly seen on security video attempting to hide a plastic bag containing 2 grams of marijuana, which was later recovered, according to the criminal complaint.

Parks is due in court for an initial appearance on Dec. 15.

Care Wisconsin will be offering Family Care in seven northeast Wisconsin counties in 2015. The counties include: Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, Menominee, and Shawano.

The award was made by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. This is the first time Family Care has been offered in these seven counties. The Joint Finance Committee approved their inclusion on Nov. 12.

Family Care is a government-funded program that helps frail seniors and adults with disabilities manage their home and community-based long-term care services. Members are part of a care team that includes the member, a care manager and registered nurse. Together they create a plan that meets the member’s long-term care needs based on their goals, needs and abilities.

Care Wisconsin contracts with local agencies and providers to serve Family Care members and offer them flexibility and access to high-quality services for their long-term care needs. In addition to securing partnerships with local providers, Care Wisconsin is focusing on developing relationships and working collaboratively with other key stakeholders in the region. Officials will meet with the counties, Aging and Disability Resource Centers, providers and other local organizations and individuals in the coming months.

“We have seen countless members benefit in so many ways from the Family Care program — from more independence to improved quality of life,” said Karen Musser, CEO for Care Wisconsin. “We are extremely excited to see this program move into these seven counties.”

Care Wisconsin has has extensive experience delivering community-based long term care services and currently serves more than 4,100 Family Care members in 19 counties.

Shawano Police Department

Dec. 2

Police logged 29 incidents, including the following:

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle property damage complaint at Charlie’s County Market, 521 S. Main St.

Accident — Police responded to a two-vehicle accident in the 500 block of South Main Street. No injuries reported.

Assist — Police assisted Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St., with an incident involving two juveniles.

Custody — Police assisted administrators at Olga Brener Intermediate School, 1300 S. Union St., with a parental custody complaint.

Forgery — Police investigated a forgery and theft complaint in the 100 block of South Sawyer Street.

Juvenile — Police investigated a juvenile problem between a mother and child in the 100 block of South Sawyer Street.

Shoplifting — Police investigated a shoplifting complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St.

Harassment — Police investigated a harassment complaint in the 1100 block of South Bartlett Street.

Intoxicated — Police responded to a report of two intoxicated males walking along the 400 block of East Division Street.

Assist — Police assisted Menominee Tribal Police in locating a stolen cellular phone in the 400 block of West Picnic Street.

Welfare — Police completed a welfare check of a 24-year-old female and her two children in the 100 block of Richmond Court. Complaint was unfounded.

Truancy — Two truancies were reported at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B.

Snow — Police logged five complaints related to snow removal.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 2

Deputies logged 43 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious person on Lake Drive in the town of Wescott.

Animal — Authorities responded to a stray horse complaint on Friendship Road and state Highway 22 in the town of Belle Plaine.

Suspicious — Authorities responded to a suspicious circumstance complaint on state Highway 47-55 in the town of Wescott.

Suspicious — Authorities logged a suspicious person complaint in the 300 block of East Westgor Avenue in the village of Wittenberg.

Accident — Authorities responded to a two-vehicle accident at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, 400 W. Grand Ave., Wittenberg.

Accidents — Authorities logged 11 incidents of vehicles in ditches, and two deer-related accidents.

Clintonville Police Department

Dec. 2

Police logged seven incidents, including the following:

Theft — A doll was reported stolen on Seventh Street.

Damage — Police logged a report of a damaged vehicle on South Main Street.