The Shawano Leader

Johnson gets awards from state, Safe Haven

Published by LPulaski on Sat, 10/16/2021 - 7:36pm

Jody Johnson of Shawano retired from the Shawano Police Department last month, completing a successful career as a law enforcement officer that began in 1995.

This month, she is the recipient of two awards that honor her law enforcement experience as a school resource officer and her many accomplishments as a volunteer working with domestic abuse victims at Safe Haven Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault of Shawano.

Menominee legislator tells her story to help women

Published by LPulaski on Sat, 10/16/2021 - 12:28pm

Rachel Fernandez, a Menominee tribal legislator, spoke her truth Oct. 16 at the Menominee Casino Resort in the hopes of empowering other women and breaking a code of silence dating back several generations.

Shawano acquires several downtown properties

Published by LPulaski on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 1:36pm

The city of Shawano has completed the acquisition of four properties that have been eyesores to the community for years. Now begins the discussion on what can be done with the properties.

Four buildings that make up most of the 200 block of North Main Street can be renovated and used for future development, even though they have sat empty for years. City Administrator Eddie Sheppard said the buildings have been inspected and at least three need not be demolished for any future downtown businesses to set up shop.

Dogs now welcome in Shawano parks

Published by LPulaski on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 12:28pm

Man’s best friend is now welcome in all of Shawano’s parks, city officials announced Oct. 13.

The Shawano Common Council voted unanimously to amend its parks and cemeteries policy to allow dogs in more than two dozen city parks. Dogs were already allowed in certain parks — including Smalley, Kuckuk and Sturgeon, along with Huckleberry Harbor — after the council voted in 2018 to allow them in as part of an effort to clear those parks of unwanted Canada geese. Before that, dogs were not welcome at any of the city’s green spaces.

Wisconsin DOT completes a J-turn lane

Published by admin on Thu, 10/14/2021 - 1:03pm

The Wisconsin DOT has just completed a new J-turn on state Highway 29 near Gresham.

The J-turn will be located at the intersection of state Highway 29 and County Road U in the Town of Herman.

“The intersection of state Highway 29 at County Road U was identified as having a right-angle crash trend and has been the site of multiple severe and fatal crashes,” said Tegan Griffith, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Region Communications Manager.

Worker shortage impacts public libraries

Published by LPulaski on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 10:12am

The coronavirus pandemic forced the six libraries of the Shawano County Library system to close their doors to the public, although they kept their services alive through phone calls, online help and curbside service.

Eventually, the libraries returned to their regular schedules, providing in-person service and activities like guest authors and children’s programs. However, the libraries are having to close their doors again, not because of COVID-19, but because there are not enough employees to keep things running smoothly.

New North survey seeks info on broadband access

Published by andynewsengin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 9:56am

New North Inc. has contracted with the broadband consulting team of Design Nine, MSA and GEO Partners to provide a broadband study for each of the region’s 18 counties. A key part of the process is a public survey of households and businesses about current broadband service conditions.

Sacred Heart hosts community prayer

Published by admin on Tue, 10/12/2021 - 2:09pm

Members of the Shawano community came together in prayer at Franklin Park on Oct. 10.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church hosted a community prayer in an effort to promote togetherness and pray for those who are struggling in the country.

“Through Sacred Heart church, we decided to join in on the U.S. Grace Force coast to coast rosary rally,” said Gail Bartz, a member of Sacred Heart who aided in organizing the event.

Tauchen hospitalized with heart, ankle injuries

Published by admin on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 4:51pm

Wisconsin Rep. Gary Tauchen, R-Bonduel, was recently hospitalized in intensive care.

Tauchen was walking down the street in Madison on Oct. 5 when he felt a shock from his defibrillator, making him fall.

“I had heart surgery last year,” said Tauchen. “The electrical connection went wacky.”

He said that when the incident happened and arterial fibrillation occurred, he could feel a second shock.

When Tauchen fell, he also suffered a broken ankle.

“I have two problems right now,” said Tauchen.

New body cameras on sheriff’s wish list

Published by LPulaski on Thu, 10/07/2021 - 6:02pm

The current body cameras worn by Shawano County deputies have become obsolete, and Sheriff Adam Bieber is hoping to get them replaced, along with the cameras installed in the squad cars.