News

3 charged with negligent homicide

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:38pm

Three people have been charged with negligent homicide in the death of a 44-year-old Illinois resident killed after an explosive device was detonated in Marion on Sunday.

Kenneth M. Niemer, 42, of Clintonville, Scott D. Mattes, 60, of Marion, and Robert S. Mattes, 37, of New London, were each charged Wednesday with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapons or explosives.

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

‘Tranquilatree’ blossoms in art park

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:37pm

Solid with a splash of pizzazz describes the latest art installation in the Walls of Wittenberg Art Park. It could also describe the woman it was built to honor, Lois Smith, who passed away last October.

The family of Steve Smith, Lois Smith’s oldest son, chose to commission the art piece for the Art Park she helped establish in Wittenberg.

“I really appreciate the opportunity to do this sculpture,” artist David Windey said.

Plan commission OKs Stubborn Brothers Brewery mural

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:34pm

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.”

Memorial Day differs from Veterans Day, speaker says

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:31pm

During the Memorial Day observance Monday at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville, keynote speaker Ralph Williams urged the crowd not to confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, which is held Nov. 11 to honor all veterans.

“Today is Memorial Day — the day to honor those who died for our country,” said Williams, who served in the Army before starting a long teaching career in Clintonville. “Over a million have given their lives as a sacrifice.”

Williams also encouraged attendees to remember the emotional turmoil our soldiers face even now.

Area athletes ready to put talents on display at state meet

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:26pm

Athletes work the entire spring to get to the state track and field championships in La Crosse. With that time having arrived, the six local qualifiers are ready to give it their all and enjoy the experience as best they can.

Just two of the local qualifiers — Shawano’s Tori DePerry and Clintonville’s Allysin Booth — have competed at state before. Shawano’s Michael Klement, Bonduel’s Canaan Szoszorek and Jessie LaBerge and Menominee Indian’s Darius Wayka will all be taking part in their first state meets.

Rhubarb Fest is around the corner

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:21pm

A tart, tangy fruit will be the focus of food and exhibits at Rhubarb Fest, June 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Park, 524 N. Franklin St., Shawano.

Admission is free.

The 11th annual fruit-focused fete will include tours of Heritage Park’s museums including a 1912 fire hose wagon and exhibit. Also at the event will be photo stations, live music, activities for kids, a pie contest, crafts, basket raffles, gift shop sales and a plant sale.

A rhubarb cookbook will be among the items offered for sale.

Clinton Farms installs 50-stall milking parlor

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:17pm

A longtime family farm will host an open house Saturday to showcase their new, state-of-the-art milking system. The Waikato 50-stall Centrus Composite Rotary Milking Parlor was recently installed at Clinton Farms, located at E8351 State Highway 22, just south of Clintonville.

County, internet provider address broadband concerns

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 2:57pm

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.

Plenty to dance about in ‘Footloose’

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 2:53pm

A classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression seems like something right up Gresham’s alley as the musical “Footloose” opens Thursday at Gresham Community School.

A cast of 19 will bring to life a tale about a teen named Ren McCormack who is forced to relocate from the big city of Chicago to a small Western town with his mother after his parents get a divorce. Ren, who loves to dance, is shocked to learn that dancing is outlawed in his new home.

Farmers market kicks off year with FRESH project walk/run

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 2:49pm

A 5K Scrabble Fun Walk/Run will highlight the first Shawano Farmers Market of the season June 15 at Franklin Park, 235 S. Washington St., Shawano.

The walk/run, which is open to all ages, is a fundraiser for the FRESH Project and will start at 9 a.m. at their booth. Participants will travel from booth to booth at their own pace and collect Scrabble letters to make a word. When the event wraps up at 11 a.m., the participant with the most word points will win a grand prize.