News

Gillett OKs upgrades for police, fire department

Published by admin on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 9:00am

With Alderman Jon Gildemeister absent, the Gillett City Council unanimously approved upgrades to equipment for both the Gillett Police Department and the Gillett Fire Department during its May 4 meeting.

The upgrades come in the form of a purchase of a 2002 Pierce Fire Truck for $195,000 and two new police radios at a cost of $8,880.46. both purchases will be made using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

In regards to the firetruck, Fire Chief Kurt Hicks said that everything is moving forward with the purchase of the truck.

Kropf charged with child sexual assault

Published by admin on Tue, 05/09/2023 - 8:58am

James M. Kropf, 44, Merrill, was charged May 5 with a felony charge involving the sexual assault of a child in relation to two incidents between September 2021 and April 2022.

If convicted, Kropf faces $100,000 in fines and 40 years in prison.

According to the criminal complaint, a Shawano County deputy received a call from Child Protective Services regarding a girl in Kropf’s care, aged 10. CPS reported that the girl told them that Kropf touched her in the swimsuit area. The daughter lives with her mother and has visitation with Kropf on weekends.

Sturgeon spawning hits Shawano Dam

Published by admin on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 2:45pm

Even though it came a bit later this year, many visitors found themselves at Sturgeon Park, 801 S. Water St., over the weekend to watch the 2023 sturgeon spawning run.

Due to low temperatures and chilly water, the spawning run occurred a few days behind past years, with 2022’s run happening in late April.

Shawano holds its second recovery walk

Published by admin on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 1:32pm

Dozens of people braved the rainy weather May 6 to walk in celebration of those who have been through or are going through recovery after being addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Anglers take over inland waterways

Published by admin on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 1:23pm

The kids showed up and the trout cooperated.

Several families headed to Fireman’s Park in the Town of Mountain May 6 for the first day of Wisconsin’s inland fishing season.

While others headed to their favorite trout stream or launched their boat in a lake in search of walleye, the park’s small pond off of state Highway 32 also had its share of anglers.

Dan Derks, of Stephensville, brought his 9-year-old grandson, Porter Derks, of Shiocton, to fish for brook trout that the Mountain Fire Department stocks in the pond.

Schairer’s Greenhouse kicks off 12th season

Published by admin on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 10:45am

With warmer weather hitting the area recently, one local greenhouse has just opened its doors to the community again.

Pond study platform to hold more visitors

Published by admin on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 3:58pm

The Navarino Nature Center recently unveiled a new addition to its wildlife area.

Baba’s Cafe closing in Wittenberg

Published by admin on Thu, 05/04/2023 - 12:52pm

One local cafe will be closing its doors before the month is over.

Baba’s Cafe, 504 S. Webb St., posted on Facebook on May 2 explaining the closing, citing the rising costs of running a restaurant.

“This post is difficult to put out,” according to the Facebook post. “After many months of hard decisions and tough times, we here at Baba’s have decided to close our doors for good. It has been a great six years, but it is no longer working. The cost of running a restaurant is just too high.”

$500K cash bond set in stabbing case

Published by admin on Wed, 05/03/2023 - 3:52pm

A Shawano man was charged May 2 with attempted first-degree intentional homicide in relation to a stabbing on April 25.

Royce E. Larock, 21, Shawano, was charged with one count of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, one count of aggravated battery, one misdemeanor count of resisting or obstructing an officer and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

School district sticks with Kobussen

Published by admin on Tue, 05/02/2023 - 2:18pm

The Shawano School Board decided May 1 to keep Kobussen Buses as its transportation vendor, and it will also keep the school start and finish times the same.

Superintendent Kurt Krizan told the board that keeping Kobussen would mean the cost to the district would be $319 per day per bus for standard bus runs. If the district had hired Lamers, the cost would be $384 per day per bus.

“When we did the calculation per day, Kobussen’s cost came in lower, even when you include fuel,” Krizan said. “Kobussen is proposing 17 buses, while Lamers is proposing 20.”