To the editor:
Lately, there’s been talk circulating about building a new courthouse and library and possibly moving the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department, or jail.
Around 2008, there were similar talks going on, but the situation was different. Back then, the sheriff’s department wanted a much-needed Evidence Storage Facility, and they were pushing to have it in the area of the Shawano County Historical Society’s property. At that time, suggestions were even made to move the society to the Mielke Arts Center property to make room for that storage facility.
There was also talk of building on to the sheriff’s department all away across Third Street and combine the sheriff and jail with the existing courthouse, but this consideration was short lived as many people said this was not possible because the ambulance used Third Street as their route to the Shawano hospital.
The Shawano hospital has since relocated, and I think the possibility of connecting the sheriff’s department and jail, by building across Third Street and attaching it to the courthouse should be seriously considered. Third Street ends at Main Street already. The new evidence storage facility has been built just across the street to the north of the jail and Sheriff’s Department.
I think the majority of Shawano residents will agree that our current library is not adequate. So I believe building a new library will enhance the city of Shawano and its visitors. There’s been talk of relocating the new library to be close to the courthouse or some other county facility. I think the sign of a strong and forward-looking city is to have the library exist as a standalone building. I’m not comfortable with the idea of sharing a parking lot with people who might be in trouble with the law, or having a court appearance for some crime.
So here’s my suggestion. Move Shawano City Hall and the Shawano Police Department to near the courthouse or some other site. After those buildings are razed, replace those structures with the new standalone library. This would keep the library in pretty much the center of Shawano.
John J. Mutter Jr., Shawano
