Referenda for the Lena and Gillett school districts fell short on Election Day on April 7 as efforts to exceed the state-mandated revenue limits failed.

Lena’s referendum fell short by only 14 votes, 354-340, while Gillett’s referendum failed by an almost 2:1 margin with a vote tally of 944-482.

Four Shawano County Board supervisors turned back challengers in the April 7 election.

District 9 incumbent Ken Capelle defeated challenger Charles Fritsch 187-157.

In District 14, incumbent Matt Pleshek defeated challenger Timothy Novitski 188-109.

District 20 incumbent Rick Giese beat back a challenge from Roy Martin, 277-87.

Also, District 25 incumbent Dennis Knaak defeated challenger Steven Steinke 184-97.

Two new faces will be welcomed to the Oconto County Board following the April 7 election.

In District 9, Joseph Porior, of the Town of Morgan, defeated Carl Blahnik, of Abrams, 192-135. Porior will replace Jolene Barkhaus, who opted not to run again.

In District 29, Brenda Carey-Mielke beat Cody Schaal, both of Mountain, 197-157. The seat was previously held by David Van Zeeland, who resigned from his seat in October.

An Oconto Falls teacher named in a federal lawsuit alleging rampant sexual misconduct among staff in the district has surrendered his teaching license with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

David Heisel, a technology education teacher, voluntarily surrendered his license March 31.

With Disparti Law Group leading the case, six plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the Oconto Falls School Board in March.

Workplace allegations continue to dog Jim Davel, former Shawano County administrative coordinator.

Kronenwetter officials announced on the village Facebook page March 31 that an outside investigator cleared Davel of any wrongdoing based on a workplace allegation there. No details were provided.

Inmates at the Shawano County Jail are now paying less for communicating with friends and family members.

Rates were decreased April 1 in accordance with the federal Martha Wright-Reed Act. While the news may be good for inmates, Shawano County officials said the local inmate welfare fund will take a substantial hit because of the lower rates.

The case of a missing Marion man continues to be investigated by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, but officials are not having any luck with new leads.

“The Jason Bell case is still very much active,” said Detective Brad Schultz. “As of right now, I do not have any new leads to share.”

Bell was 48 when he was reported missing by family members on the evening of Oct. 22, 2024.

Three players had multiple hits as Shawano defeated Little Chute 6-3 on the softball diamond April 6.

Ayanna O’Kimosh hit 2-for-2 with a double and two RBIs. Jaelyn Hietpas hit 2-for-3 with a double, and Ava Watchel also hit 2-for-3.

Kadence Meyers connected on a triple, as the Hawks scattered eight hits in their six innings at the plate.

Lakeshore Masters

Lakeshore Lanes, March 30

Team Standings

Farmall 374.5-128.5

Arndt Trucking 334-169

Cassidy’s Studio Lounge 313-190

Remi’s 288-206

Rosie’s Railway 256.5-243.5

Golden Sands 248.5-254.5

VFW Post 2723 241-262

Pin Pricks 202-292

Brothers 188.5-314.5

Shawano Auto 185.5-308.5

Lakeshore Lanes 181.5-321.5