Oconto County Sheriff’s Department

July 9

An Escanaba, Michigan, man died July 12 after his motorcycle collided with a truck in the Town of Chase.

Oconto County Sheriff Todd Skarban said in a news release that the crash occurred just after 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of County Road S and Schwartz Road, in the Town of Chase.

A July 10 fundraiser organized by Bullfrogs and Butterflies Childcare Center raised more than $20,000 for the Johnson family following the death of 5-year-old Charlotte Johnson.

Charlotte, daughter of Cruz and Erin Johnson, died July 1 after she was pulled from a pond at Shawano Mini Golf, an 18-hole mini-golf course at 1056 E. Green Bay St.

Charlotte is survived by her parents; a brother, Brantley; and other family members.

Tim Steffen wants a seat on the Shawano County Board, but he’s having a nearly impossible time convincing Chairman Tom Kautza to appoint him to fill a vacancy.

“I have nothing personal against Tom,” Steffen said. “I disagree with him on some of his decisions, but he’s taken this to a personal level. I’m not giving up, and I’m not going anywhere at this point.”

• Cody L. McLester, 31, Oneida, pleaded no contest July 6 to a misdemeanor charge of criminal damage to property. The charge was amended from a felony in a plea agreement. Judge William Kussel Jr. withheld sentencing and placed him on one year of probation with conditions.

• Kurtis Lee Peters, 29, Keshena, pleaded no contest to felony theft on June 27, 2025, but failed to appear at a Sept. 2 sentencing hearing. He was returned to custody in April and held on $15,000 cash bond. Judge Jay Conley withheld sentencing at a July 6 hearing and placed Peters on probation for two years with conditions.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

July 12