News

Wisconsin surrounded by weed legalization

Published by admin on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 10:47am

Illinois and Michigan again raked in hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenue on recreational weed sales last year, and Minnesota is planning to join the party by fully legalizing the drug.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin sits on a near-island of cannabis prohibition, surrounded by states with legal weed. As medical marijuana inches toward legalization in the state, experts say policymakers would have the benefit of hindsight from the states who went first.

Grant to fund new detective post for Shawano

Published by admin on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 10:44am

The Shawano Police Department is getting an additional detective position with the help of a grant after the Shawano Common Council voted 5-1 March 8 to approve the position.

Council approves $4.6M finance plan

Published by admin on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 10:43am

The Shawano Common Council approved a financing plan March 8 that would permit the city to borrow $4.6 million for capital improvement projects and tax increment finance districts.

Of that, $4 million will go into capital improvement projects for the 2023 and 2024. The city would borrow $400,000 for TIF District 6, and the rest would be borrowed for TIF District 8. Both districts are being funded for infrastructure projects.

Pedestrian killed in semi crash on Highway 29

Published by admin on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 10:17am

A pedestrian was killed March 13 on state Highway 29 when he was struck by a semi truck.

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a crash on Highway 29 near the intersection of River Road, in the Town of Hartland. Initial reports indicated a semi was traveling eastbound on the highway and had struck a pedestrian.

Officer cleared in November 2022 shooting

Published by LPulaski on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 7:30pm

An investigation has exonerated Officer Jeff Buettner with the Shawano Police Department in the shooting death of Lucas Christenson.

Gillett schools evacuated after bomb threat

Published by admin on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 7:25pm

Gillett schools were evacuated for more than three hours March 8 after a bomb threat was called into Gillett Elementary School.

Police Chief Shane Breitenbach said the “vague” call was received around 7:40 a.m. and did not specify a time or location. Both the elementary and secondary schools were evacuated and students moved to locations off campus while multiple agencies conducted a thorough search, Breitenbach said.

“No suspicious persons, items or activities were observed,” he said.

Shawano city officials remember Davis fondly

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 2:57pm

Shawano’s elected and appointed officials are mourning the loss of a former member of the Shawano Common Council.

Norman Davis, who everybody knew as “Woody,” passed away Feb. 28. To pay tribute to Davis, the council issued a proclamation in memory of him.

Davis was first elected to the council in 1999 to represent Shawano’s third ward, and he served nine terms before stepping down in 2017. During 12 of his 18 years, 2004 through 2016, Davis served as council president.

Four officers cited for saving man with missing leg

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 2:55pm

Four officers with the Shawano Police Department were recognized at the March 8 Shawano Common Council meeting for their bravery during a fire at an assisted living facility.

Sgt. Scott Ruen and officers Jacob Korth, Mequon Frechette and Ronald Frechette received commendations from Chief Bradley Rabideau for their response to a fire Feb. 24 at Oakhaven Assisted Living that saved a man’s life. The fire was reported at 11:47 a.m. that day, according to Capt. Shane Stange.

Shawano sewer rates to go up 14% in April

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 2:53pm

The city of Shawano’s sewer system has been deregulated from the Wisconsin Public Service Commission — one of the last municipalities to do so — and on March 8, the Shawano Common Council set its own rates, which will take effect April 1.

Kersten provides insight on motor vehicle repairs

Published by admin on Thu, 03/09/2023 - 11:57am

The Bureau of Consumer Protection appeared at the Birnamwood Library March 7 to give guests tips, tricks and advice when looking at buying or servicing an automobile.

Agency liaison Jeff Kersten lead the seminar, touching on topics including safe purchasing of vehicles, advice on quotes from dealerships and consumer protection. Kersten opened the lecture talking about what someone should do if they decide to fix a problem with their automobile themselves.