Screaming woman arrested on County X

Danyelle J. Lang, 29, Weyauwega, is charged with possession of methamphetamine.

On April 20, Waupaca County deputies and Weyauwega Police Chief Gerald Poltrock responded to a complaint on County Trunk X between Galilee and Balcom roads, south of Weyauwega.

A 911 caller reported a woman was walking in the road, screaming and holding her hands as if she was praying. She was described as wearing dark clothes, and the caller believed her first name was Danyelle.

When officers found the woman, identified as Lang, her clothes were completely soaking wet and covered in burrs.

According to the criminal complaint, Lang continued screaming even as Poltrock tried to reassure her the officers were there to help her.

Lang allegedly continued screaming about God and asked the officers if they went to church.

She also said she did nothing wrong by jumping into a pond and accused the officers of treating her unfairly.

Lang was taken to a hospital, where deputies found a key lanyard around Lang’s neck. They reported finding crystal meth inside a metal container on the lanyard.

On Dec. 3, 2015, Lang was convicted of possession of narcotics and placed on two years of probation. A charge of possession of methamphetamine was dismissed and read into the court record.

On Oct. 26, 2015, she was convicted of possession of narcotics and placed on three years of probation.

After her arrest near Weyauwega, Lang was released from custody on a $2,000 signature bond.

The post Meth charges filed appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

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Madeline Gile and the Waupaca girls' soccer team ended up on the short end of a 3-1 score to Fox Valley Lutheran April 23 in a matchup of North Eastern Conference teams at Comet Field. Greg Seubert Photo

Podolski scores for Waupaca

By Greg Seubert

A 2-0 halftime lead helped the Fox Valley Lutheran girls’ soccer team pick up a 3-1 North Eastern Conference win over Waupaca April 23.

The Foxes’ Maura Jordan opened the scoring with an unassisted goal 6:20 into the game and Samantha Martin found the net in the 40-minute mark, with Caylyn Schneider picking up the assist.

Waupaca cut the lead in half in the 68-minute mark on Charlotte Podolski’s unassisted goal, but Nina Hartjes scored an unassisted goal in the 77th minute to complete the scoring.

Waupaca will host Amherst/Iola-Scandinavia Friday, April 26, and will return to North Eastern play Monday, April 29, at Freedom. Both games have a 4:30 p.m. start time.

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Bo Witkowski pitched two innings for Weyauwega-Fremont April 23 in the Indians' Central Wisconsin Conference East Division game with Iola-Scandinavia. Greg Seubert Photo

I-S wins CWC-East matchup

By Greg Seubert

A fast added up to a Central Wisconsin Conference East Division win for the Iola-Scandinavia baseball team.

The Thunderbirds scored eight runs in the first two innings and cruised to a 14-0 five-inning win April 23 on the Indians’ home field.

Weyauwega-Fremont starter Wes Flease gave up only two hits in the first inning, but the T-Birds were able to score five runs before adding three more in the second, one in the third and five in the fifth.

Connor Kurki held the Indians to two hits and went the distance to pick up the win on the mound. He also had two of his team’s 11 hits and scored twice.

Alex Sharp added two hits, two runs and three RBIs; Bryce Huettner scored three times; Justin Sivertson scored twice; and Kellan Wandtke and Marcus Jaworski drove in two runs each.

Kolden Baehman and John Mueller had Weyauwega-Fremont’s hits.

The T-Birds improved to 4-0 in division play and 7-2 with the win, while the Indians fell to 2-8 overall and 2-4 in the division.

The post T-Birds blank Indians appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

Recent convictions, sentencings and dismissals from Outagamie County felony cases involving local defendants or communities.

• Judge Nancy Krueger sentenced Sarah J. Wilke, 35, Hortonville, to 2 1/2 years in prison and two years’ extended supervision.

Wilke’s sentence results from her failure to comply with the terms of a 2016 deferred prosecution agreement.

According to court documents, she was removed from Veterans Treatment Court, did not complete her community service and disappeared from supervision from June to November 2018.

A warrant was issued for Wilke’s arrest after she missed a court appearance last September, and she was arrested in November.

Wilke was placed on the deferred prosecution agreement in 2016 after two criminal convictions.

In 2015, she forged her mother’s name on checks and cashed them 13 times at credit unions in the Fox Valley, collecting a total of $2,585.

In 2016, Wilke stole items including Vicodin pills and $74 cash from a woman’s coat pockets at a Grand Chute gym.

• Judge Gregory Gill Jr. dismissed one count of operating a firearm while intoxicated, two counts of bail jumping and one count of misdemeanor disorderly conduct against Scott C. Millard.

Millard, 56, New London, was found dead on March 31.

Police say on Jan. 25 Millard pointed a loaded handgun at his head as he drank alcohol outside a house on Allcan Road in the town of Liberty.

The home occupant reported fearing for her life because Millard had threatened her in the past.

Authorities apprehended Millard and placed him on a 72-hour hold.

At the time, Millard was facing charges of second-degree recklessly endangering safety in Shawano County.

• Krueger placed Michael S. Rush Jr., 36, Hortonville, on three years’ probation.

Rush pleaded no contest to possession of a firearm as an out-of-state felon.

He was assessed $518 in court costs.

In May 2017, Appleton police found an AR-15 5.56-caliber rifle, a .40-caliber handgun and ammunition for both weapons in the basement of Rush’s Appleton apartment.

Rush had been ordered not to possess firearms following a 2013 felony DWI conviction in Texas.

• Judge Mark McGinnis placed Nathan J. Paulik, 28, New London, on three years of probation.

Paulik pleaded no contest to causing bodily harm to a law enforcement officer.

McGinnis dismissed but read into the record misdemeanor property damage and disorderly conduct charges.

Paulik was assessed $5,743 in court costs.

In April 2018 at Paulik’s Pine Street residence, he engaged in a struggle with New London Police Officer Mike Harlow that resulted in Harlow breaking his hand.

Paulik is considered a repeat offender. In March 2013, he kicked Officer Earl Ruckdashel in the groin during another dispute at home.

• Judge Mitchell Metropulos ordered Lawrence J. Boehnlein II, 21, Greenville, to three years of probation.

Boehnlein pleaded no contest to possession of amphetamine and possession of THC, both with intent to distribute.

He was ordered to serve one year of probation for misdemeanor counts of possession of an illegally obtained prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Boehnlein was assessed $1,922 in court costs.

On Jan. 3, 2018, Grand Chute police searched Boehnlein’s vehicle outside the Super 8 hotel and found about 220 grams of marijuana, 2 grams of crystal meth, pills and drug paraphernalia.

• Metropulos ordered Seth D. Burr, 19, Hortonville, to 1 1/2 years of probation.

Burr pleaded no contest to attempted vehicle theft and misdemeanor property damage.

One count of disorderly conduct was dismissed but read into the record.

Burr was assessed $2,943 in court costs.

In May 2018, Burr and Jacob L. Gleasner tried to steal a car parked outside a home on County Highway M in Hortonia.

Gleasner, 18, of Hortonville, received the same sentence this past winter.

• Judge Vincent Biskupic placed Luke A. Sprenger, 31, Readfield, on two years’ probation.

Sprenger pleaded guilty to bail jumping.

Biskupic dismissed but read into the record another bail jumping charge and a misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia charge.

Sprenger was assessed $518 in court costs.

On July 1, 2018, Grand Chute police found a scale and breath mint container, each containing the residue of narcotics, in Sprenger’s vehicle during a traffic stop.

At the time of his offense, Sprenger had been out of jail on cash bonds in two Waupaca County court cases.

A Weyauwega police officer had arrested him twice during separate traffic stops in February 2018 and May 2018 after finding meth in his vehicle.

• Krueger ordered Kyle W. Tate, 23, Hortonville, to a deferred prosecution agreement.

In pleading guilty to possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia, Tate’s charges will be dismissed if he follows the agreement for two years.

The agreement’s conditions include participating in a drug treatment court, maintaining absolute sobriety and performing 40 hours of community service.

On Christmas Eve 2017, New London police found Tate on the floor following a heroin overdose at his Quincy Street residence.

The post Criminal sentencing in Outagamie County appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

Kathleen K. Manske passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 from a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born on December 21, 1938 in the Town of Royalton, Waupaca County, daughter of the late Lawrence and Lorraine (Hidde) Thern. She attended Maple Leaf grade school thru third grade and then was confirmed and graduated from Emanuel Lutheran grade school in 1952. She graduated from Washington High School in 1956. Kathy attended Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London for more than 70 years. She was employed by Hardee’s of New London for 12 years and by RR Donnelly, Greenville for 12 years; retiring in 2011.

Kathy is survived by three children, Gary (Betty) Manske, Appleton; Julie (Myron) Schuelke, Fremont and Lynn (Doug) Masters, Menasha; 11 grandchildren: Lisa, Carl, Cody, Alex, Anne Manske, Troy (fiancée Carrie), Philip (Ashley), Darren Schuelke Rebecca (Jeremy) Brehm, Jarred and Ethan Master; step-grandchildren, Jesse and Elizabeth Masters; and also two great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her brother Ralph Thern, New London and a sister Marlene Wegner, Appleton, numerous nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Joann and brother in-law Harold Dreier, a brother Ken and sister in-law Peg Thern, sister-in-law Dorothy Thern, brother-in-law Don Wegner and former husband Russell.

Funeral services for Kathleen will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Mosquito Hill Cemetery, Town of Liberty. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

The family would like to thank ThedaCare Hospice, Trinity Terrace and Doctors Badine and Conkright for all the care and concern they have shown to Kathy.

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Living the Waupaca Way to host event

The first Superhero Fun Run takes place Saturday, May 4, in Waupaca.

Living the Waupaca Way was asked to take over planning the annual fun run.

The group gave it a new name.

The event’s sponsors are ThedaCare, Waupaca Foundry, Farmer’s State Bank, ReMax Waupaca, Becker Marine, Bank First, 22 Lakes Brewery and Chain O’ Lakes Litho.

The fun run’s route is the same, with its start and finish at the ThedaCare Campus, 950 Park Ave.

That is the site of the former Riverside Elementary School.

The 1-mile run begins at 9 a.m. and the 5K at 10 a.m.

People may register in advance at www.runreg.com/superher-fun-run.

The entry fee is $15 for the 1-mile run and $20 for the 5K.

A discount is being offered to participants of the Mighty Milers (Waupaca Learning Center running group) and their families.

When they register, they may select the Mighty Milers 1-mile run.

Same day registration is also being offered, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The entry fees are then $20 for the 1-mile run and $25 for the 5K.

Prizes are being offered for best dressed participants, with awards for all age group winners.

In addition, a hometown hero is being honored each year.

People may nominate those who volunteer to improve the community.

The post Superhero Fun Run appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

Mother accused of child neglect

Andrew W. Hedrick, 30, and Jessessa Inderdahl, 35, both of Waupaca, are charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Inderdahl is also charged with misdemeanor child neglect.

On April 22, Waupaca County Deputy Bryan Strobusch and Waushara County officers went to Hedrick and Inderdahl’s apartment on High Street in Waupaca.

According to the criminal complaint, the officers noted several foil bindles commonly used for narcotics, along with food and dog feces on the floor.

Officers reported finding bindles containing meth in the living room and in the adults’ bedroom.

Inderdahl reportedly told the officers she could not remember if she had used meth recently because she had been too intoxicated to remember.

She was charged with child neglect because the drugs were accessible to her 9-year-old daughter, the complaint says.

Both Hedrick and Inderdahl remain in custody on $1,000 cash bonds.

Correction: This story was previously posted with the wrong photo of Inderdahl.

The post Couple charged in meth bust appeared first on Waupaca County Post.

A Marion man attempted to kick a police officer and threatened to “rip her to shreds,” according to a criminal complaint.

He now faces another charge after police reported finding him drunk at a public library five days later.

Richard E. Greer Jr., 47, was charged with threatening a police officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct on April 16 in Outagamie County Circuit Court.

On April 22, he was charged with bail jumping.

He is in custody on a $200 cash bond, according to court records.

According to the criminal complaints:

On April 15, Grand Chute Police Officer Danielle Downey was dispatched to the front of Badger Elementary School to perform a welfare check on Greer, who was intoxicated and lying near the roadway.

Greer agreed to a preliminary breath test, which indicated he had a .15 blood alcohol concentration.

He told Downey he needed to get to Kansas City and asked her to take him there.

The complaint states he then began talking about “my girl,” insisting she had overdosed and he did not murder her. The complaint does not specify who this is.

Greer then asked Downey to shoot him, telling her, “I want you to blow my brains out,” according to the complaint.

Then Greer told Downey he kicks hard. He attempted to kick her but “was unable to move his legs well,” the complaint states.

He also threatened to spit on Downey.

“Richard further advised that he wanted to box her and rip her to shreds,” the complaint states.

Greer was then taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton where he refused to obey orders, screamed and swore at a crisis officer, the complaint says. He was medically cleared and taken to jail.

Five days later, April 20 after 10 a.m., first responders, firefighters and police responded to Appleton Public Library where Greer  had slurred speech, was unable to stand and smelled of alcohol, according to the criminal complaint.

Per the conditions of the $150 cash bond he had posted two days after his arrest in Grand Chute, Greer was ordered to maintain absolute sobriety.

Greer faces up to six years in prison for each felony charge if convicted.

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Fish make annual Wolf River trek

By Greg Seubert

High water and a little rain didn’t stop hundreds of people from checking out an annual ritual.

For as long as anyone can remember, lake sturgeon – some of them 7 feet long – have made their way up the Wolf River out of Lake Winnebago each spring to spawn along the river’s rocky shoreline.

The spawning run has turned into a tradition for a few communities along the river, including New London, Shiocton and Shawano.
One of the more popular viewing areas is the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail, located along County Trunk X a few miles west of New London.

The crowd that showed up shortly before noon on April 25 wasn’t nearly as big as other crowds in the past, but they were treated to several large fish that splashed along the shore.

Diane Lee of Oshkosh watched the action while wearing a florescent green Sturgeon Guard vest. Sturgeon Guards are volunteers assigned to popular viewing areas to make sure the fish aren’t being harmed.

“This is the only place in the world you can come and watch this,” Lee said. “This way, I get to make sure that the fish are safe. That’s my job. You really want to make sure nobody falls in the water and touches the fish or disturbs them while they’re spawning.”

Lee is back for the second time as a Sturgeon Guard. Last year, she headed to Shawano, where hundreds of fish congregate below a dam on the river.

“There were only a few fish here when I came this morning,” she said. “If the sun comes out, we’re going to have lots more fish.”

Lee enjoys seeing the reactions from people when they see the fish up close and personal.

“People can’t believe how big they are and that there are so many right next to shore,” she said. “When you’re out and about, you do not see fish this close to shore.”

Lee made the short drive from Oshkosh to New London last year to check out the action last year a day before she traveled to Shawano.

“The DNR were taking them out and measuring, so that was a neat experience,” she said. “They kept moving down the trail catching different fish, tagging them, weighing them, measuring them, seeing if there were a male or female. It was fantastic.”

Lee didn’t hesitate when asked if she’d be back next year.

“I was born and raised here in Wisconsin, but I never knew about this because I lived in Iowa,” she said. “I moved back here, my brother told me about it and I had to come here and check it out.”

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DNR employees use a net to land a large lake sturgeon April 25 from the Wolf River near Shiocton. The site, located just west of town at a location known as Bamboo Bend, is a popular place for the public to view the spawning fish as they make their way up the Wolf from Lake Winnebago. Greg Seubert Photo

Fifteen miles upstream near Shiocton, Ryan Terp of Coleman showed up with his grandmother.

“We just came to see these fish that are so big,” he said.

They watched as a state Department of Natural Resources fisheries crew netted fish after fish.

“After they pulled it out, I saw it was so wide and huge,” Terp said. “I felt like it was tasty enough to eat.”

Ryan Koenigs, a DNR fisheries biologist based in Oshkosh, oversees the agency’s sturgeon research program.

The DNR had crews in Shiocton and two other locations April 25, he wrote in his daily update found on the DNR’s website.

“We had three crews out tagging lake sturgeon on the Wolf River system today with effort spaced from New London to almost Pella on the Embarrass River and Shiocton to Highway 156 on the Wolf River,” he wrote. “One crew worked exclusively at Bamboo Bend (Shiocton) and handled 68 fish. Another crew worked at two sites on private property in the Leeman area, handling a total of 71 fish. The third crew worked at three publicly accessible sites, including Pfeifer Park on the Embarrass River in New London (37 fish), Highway 156 near Clintonville (12 fish) and the Cowyard Rips on the Embarrass River (19 fish).”

The spawning run ends at the dam in Shawano and Koenigs estimated that it would wrap up the weekend of April 27-28.

“It looks like we are still at least a couple of days away from peak spawn at this location,” he wrote April 25. “Spectators likely could see a few fish cruising at this location, but the big push has yet to come.”

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Justin Meronek of Little Chute, age 44, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2019 at home.

He was born in Waupaca on January 3, 1975 to John Meronek and Paula Scouton. When Justin was a kid you would find him out at the Meronek farm with his dad or fishing with his older brother, Jason. He also enjoyed spending time at Little Achers with his Nana Mary Lou and Papa Norman. He loved to play sports, until he was diagnosed with Emery Dreifus Muscular Dystrophy. At that time he became a lover of sports. He enjoyed watching his dad play ball at Lanark, out by the family farm. Justin spent one week at the beginning of every summer from 1982 until 1997 at Muscular Dystrophy Camp in Green Lake. He met a lot of good friends there, Pete, Jay and Brad Hietpas, Amy Alft, Heather Cady, Ryan Kolosso, Carolyn Yonk, the director, and many more. Justin would say you could find him because there was always a pack of girls following him. He graduated from Waupaca High School in 1993. He went on to Madison to study Radio TV Broadcasting, but did not finish due to his health. He settled in Appleton at Oneida Heights. He would spend many weekends with his good friend, Bridget, watching WWE Wrestling. He became good friends with Lamarc and Chris Babino and through them met Michelle.

He will be sadly missed by his wife, Michelle Babino; son, Jordan; he was a great stepfather to Christien and Gabriel Fitzsimons; grandson, Charlie; father, John (Lori) Meronek; step-siblings: Jeff (Jen), and their children, Ed, Shyane, Zach and Jacob, Brenda (Jerry) and their children, Tomas and Christopher; grandma, Mary Lou Niemuth; nephew, Josh; cousin, Elizabeth (Jesse) and their son; uncle, Tom Darinski; father-in-law, Mark Babino; mother-in-law, Connie (Michael) Loderbauer; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Paul) Younger and their son, Sue (Randy) Graham and their four children and Tina Loderbauer and her two children; brothers-in-law: Migeal Babino and his three children, Mark (Tina) Babino and their son, Chris Babino and his three children and Tim (Cynda) Loderbauer and their son; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mom, Paula; sister, Michelle; brother, Jason; aunt, Gail Darinski; his grandpa and grandma Meronek; Papa Norman; grandpa Scouton; niece, Julia; brother-in-law, Carl Loderbauer; sister-in-law, Karen Loderbauer; good friends, Bridget and Corey Reed, who also had Muscular Dystrophy and to whom Justin was a good mentor.

The Memorial Service will be on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Maple Crest Funeral Home of Waupaca. Friends and family may gather on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Barton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.

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Barbara J. Niemuth, age 82 of Clintonville passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, April 24, 2019 surrounded by family at the Hospice House in Wausau.

Barbara was born on November 13, 1936 in Clintonville as the daughter of the late Charles and Velinda (Posselt) Gretzinger. She graduated from Clintonville High School in 1954 and began working as a secretary for FWD Seagrave in town. As an avid bowler, Barbara participated in local women’s bowling leagues. On March 21, 1959 she was united in marriage to Martin Niemuth at the Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville where she was a lifelong member. Barbara worked for First Wisconsin Computer Center in Clintonville until its closing in the early 1990s and then continued working part-time for a number of places around town. Barbara always looked forward to camping and traveling with Martin. They could often be found spending quality time with their family at their property along the Embarrass River. After Martin’s passing in 2017, Barbara moved to Weston to be closer to family. Her quiet sense of strength will be missed dearly by her family.

Survivors include: her children: Doug (Cheryl) Niemuth, Thorp; Julie Buck, Green Bay; and Kay (Mark) Maloney, Weston; grandchildren: Jenessa (Jim) Piotrowski, Jon (Kacie) Niemuth, Jillana (Michael) Carter, Kyle (Sara) Krueger, Kim (Adam Mansfield) Krueger, Chris (Danielle Samse, son Sterling) Maloney and Rachel (Charles Gray) Maloney; great-grandchildren: Harrison, Logan, and Riley Carter; Kinley Niemuth, and Nora Krueger; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Roland (Melba) Niemuth, Richland, WA; Betty Klarner, Black Creek; Diane Niemuth, Little Chute; Robert Howard, Milwaukee, and Nancy Gretzinger, Appleton. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, husband Martin, her sisters and brothers and numerous brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Barbara’s funeral service will be held Monday April 29, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Christus Lutheran Church in Clintonville with Rev. Brian Crocker officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call at the church on Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established by her family. The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory of Clintonville is assisting her family. www.eberhardtstevenson.com

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Beverly A. Malueg, age 81, of New London (formerly Clintonville) passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at her home.

The former Beverly Alice Wheeler was born on June 16, 1937 in the Town of Royalton, Waupaca County, to Burton and Evelyn (Whitehead) Wheeler. She grew up in the Royalton area and graduated from Manawa High School. Beverly was united in marriage on April 12, 1958 to Neil “Gussie” Malueg in Royalton. For ten years she worked as a telephone operator with Wisconsin Bell in New London. Beverly and Neil moved around because of her husband’s job with Curwood Inc., but they spent most of their years in New London, Oshkosh, and Georgetown in Ontario, Canada. They moved from New London to Clintonville in 1993. Her husband preceded her in death on April 12, 2012 and a few years ago she returned to New London. Beverly liked reading, working in her flower garden, and taking care of relatives and friends. She always enjoyed helping others and could never say no to anyone, even taking in a neighbor’s dog for a while. Her favorite pastime was going to Goodwill Industries looking for deals on all sorts of things, mainly for beautiful rings that she collected. Beverly also liked to cook, made the best homemade potato salad, and was a proud homemaker.

Survivors include three sisters-in-law: Darlene Wheeler of New London, Mary Wheeler of Appleton, and Sandy Wheeler of Florida. There are 12 nieces and nephews: Mike (Margie) Dearth, Kathy Hollender, Mark (Mary) Dearth, Debbie (Bob) Prahl, Cindy (Mark) Snyder, Mike (Lori) Wheeler, Steve (Lynn) Wheeler, Larry Wheeler Jr., Debbie Kilisket, Tim Wheeler, Tom Wheeler Jr., Tami (Scott) Crain, and Troy (Heather) Wheeler. She is further survived by a family friend, Leonard Griesen; many great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and friends. Beverly is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Neil; one sister, Ellen Dearth; three brothers, Clifford, Lawrence, and Thomas Wheeler; and three nieces, Patricia Chambers, Theresa Wheeler, and Tracey Wheeler.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 4th at 11:00 a.m. at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville. Rev. Mary M. Bope will officiate and inurnment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Town of Lebanon. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank all the staff at Washington Center Assisted Living for looking out for and keeping us notified of her well-being. We also want to thank the many nurses with SouthernCare Hospice Services who provided such loving and compassionate care to Beverly.

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Jean A. Humblet, age 77, New London was called to eternal life to be with her beloved, the love of her life, on Thursday, April 25, 2019.

Jean was born in New London on January 15, 1942, daughter of the late John and Dorothy (Secard) Johnson. Jean put up a great fight with COPD and is peacefully at rest. She has always been the wind beneath our wings. She married her high school sweetheart John T. Humblet on October 28, 1961. Jean loved swimming, playing cards, putting puzzles together, reading and watching her soaps. She faithfully got up every Sunday to watch her mass.

Jean is survived by her children: Jeff Humblet, Dorothy (Brad) Wright, Kathie (Billy Joe) Fehrman, Rich Humblet (friend Lisa); brother, Steve Johnson. Her love for her grandkids will forever be with them: Tommy, Jacob, Teresa, Rebecca, Johnny, Jeffrey, and Jessica Humblet, Hunter Tietz, Chase, McKenna and Brayden Fehrman, Skyler and Britin Hestnes, Brock Humblet, Alexis (Brian) Schaefer, Dakota Wright. She was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren. Some know her as Granny but others know her as Gran Gran: Kaydence and Xyleigh Humblet, Temperance, Wyatt, Emmitt John Goodreau, JJ, Nate, Elias, Vivian, Hayden, Landon, TJ (Humblet), Everest (Schaefer). She would always tell them she loved them and the replies would be love you more between them. She is further survived by special nieces and nephews including: Tammy Engel (Paul), Todd Johnson (Shelley), Tim Johnson (Melanie), Teri Johnson (Kelly) and uncle Gordon Frank. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, sister in-law, Susie and other family members.

She will be deeply missed by everyone she has touched. Special thanks to everyone that put their lives on hold to take care of our Mom, Joanie Hayes, Kim and Marla Knuettel and Hospice care staff and a special thanks to her granddaughter, Hunter for all the help she gave her.

Funeral service for Jean will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London with Pastor Clint Laird officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com

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On Travel

Dear Readers,

With summer around the corner, one starts wondering if going on a trip somewhere is worth the effort.

Some people take a break from work and enjoy “stay-cations” these days so they can rejuvenate while hanging around at home with family and friends.

Regarding travel, there are many places to visit around us in the State of Wisconsin. Seeing these sites for the first time or to reacquaint can be exciting, even exhilarating. For the more adventurous, heading to places around the United States can be a different kind of journey since time of travel has to be justified by the sites and experiences people desire.

And then there is going beyond like a modern day Odysseus. You can climb to the Everest mountain base camp in Nepal, or hike the Incan Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru, or run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain. The landscape is endless with so many opportunities from which to choose.

Any way you seek to enjoy and open up your world, is like seizing the day (and nights), producing memories that will be treasured for a lifetime

Patrick J. Wood

Publisher

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Jill L. Wilbert, age 47, of Wild Rose, passed away after a long fight with cancer on Friday, April 26, 2019 at her residence.

We celebrate her life because of the joy and laughter she brought to so many lives. Jill’s dedication to her family, community and work is something that was special. This woman meant so much to so many people. Jill was born in Sheboygan, WI, on August 12, 1971, a daughter to Ronald and Anne (St. Peter) Paradeis. She married Matthew Wilbert on April 13, 1996 in Kohler, WI. Jill moved to Wild Rose in 1998 and was dedicated to victims of domestic violence as employed by CAP Services. Jill was a devoted wife and caring mother to two wonderful children. Jill enjoyed being with her family, camping with friends, traveling and attending her sons’ athletic events.

Survivors include her loving husband, Matthew Wilbert, Wild Rose, WI; sons: Nicholas Wilbert, Wild Rose, WI; Brett Wilbert, Wild Rose, WI; father, Ronald Paradeis; brother, Todd Paradeis; sister, Julie (Peter) Smith; brother-in-law, Mike (Chris) Wilbert; sisters-in-law: Julie (Al) von der Linden, Lori Wilbert, Kim (Dan) Gromala. Jill is further survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jill was preceded in death by her mother – Anne Paradeis.

Memorial Services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 with Rev. Mike Thomas officiating. Memorial Visitation will be held on Tuesday, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Hope Lutheran Church in Wautoma. In lieu of flowers, all donations will be put into a scholarship in Jill’s name to be used for someone going into the field of domestic abuse prevention and care. The Holly Funeral Home of Wild Rose is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Dads perform with daughters

By Holly Neumann

Just for Kix held a spring recital in the Iola-Scandinavia High School gymnasium on Sunday, April 28.

Under the direction of Erin Bruno, 59 dancers, along with 16 fathers, entertained the audience.

“I am so proud of the girls and how hard they work each and every week,” said Bruno. “Some of these girls have never had dance before, and they are learning and growing as dancers already in the first year.”

Each class learns four dances throughout the season and tries to perform four to six times in the nine-month season.

“Each performance they grow and build their confidence with performing and getting in front of a crowd,” Bruno said. “I love to see all their smiles when they are performing.”

A highlight of the spring recital was a father-daughter dance called “Hero.”

Among the dancers were Addison Fuzak and her father Travis.

“It was fun,” said 5-year-old Addison.

Travis laughed when his daughter pointed out that he needs more practice.

Just for Kix started in Iola last September.

“The community support has been amazing,” Bruno said. “I am so happy to share my passion with the girls and do something that I love so much.”

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Shown (from left) are Kennedy Mork, Emma Heath and Kinslee Trzebiatowski dancing to Wee Rockettes. Holly Neumann Photo

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Council votes for developer’s agreement

By Angie Landsverk

Construction of a 10,625-square-foot building may now begin in Waupaca’s Business and Technology Park.

That is after the common council voted 10-0 on April 16 to approve a developer’s agreement with Ken Dugenske.

Dugenske owns Wood Renovators.

“We renovate church interiors,” he told the council. “We travel throughout the country.”

They bring church pews and other wood furnishings here to renovate them.

As part of the agreement, the city is providing an approximately 3-acre parcel to Dugenske at no cost.

In turn, he guarantees a minimum total value of $500,000 (land and building) for the entire term of the agreement, which is through 2040.

Dugenske also agrees to complete the building by the end of the year.

Otherwise, he has to pay the city $45,000 by Jan. 15, 2020.

That is the city’s estimate of the property’s value, based on past land sale agreement with developers and average assessments for similar projects in the park.

The property is on South Industrial Drive, in Tax Increment District (TID) No. 3.

Dugenske previously operated a facility in the city, but vacated the building in 2010 due to foreclosure.

He currently leases two facilities outside the city and wants to consolidate them in one location.

Dugenske approached the city about his desire to buy property in the Business and Technology Park.

His plan includes a 625-square-foot office and 10,000-square-foot workshop.

“This is the last step in the process,” City Administrator Henry Veleker told the council.

The Plan Commission approved the site plan a week earlier, and also recommended approval of a two-lot Certified Survey Map related to the property.

The Certified Survey Map split an approximately 6-acre parcel into two lots, with the city retaining one of the lots, Veleker explained.

The council also approved the Certified Survey Map.

In a memo to Mayor Brian Smith and the common council, Brennan Kane explained what incentives the city was able to offer for this project.

Kane is the city’s former director of community and economic development.

The expenditure period for incentives and capital projects in TID 3 expired at the end of 2018, he said.

“The state of Wisconsin does not permit financial expenditures within the last five years of the life expectancy of any TID,” Kane wrote. “The city’s Finance Department is seeking to close the TID early in 2020/2021 as the remaining debt will be paid off.”

He said the only incentive the city may provide is to reduce the land cost, which is typically $30,000 per acre, or provide land for free to potential developers.

Dugenske asked the city to provide the land at no cost to him.

“Ken, welcome and good luck to you,” Smith said.

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From left, Brad Gruszynski of Sherwood, Bob Bell of Stevens Point, Steve Locy of Eagle River and Laurel Brantner of Hortonville burst from the starting line at the start of the Sturgeon Shuffle 10K race. Scott Bellile photo

5K, 10K winners named

Despite cooler temperatures and last-minute course revisions due to wet conditions, the ninth annual Sturgeon Shuffle 10K Run and 5K Run/Walk went off without a hitch Saturday, April 27.

Seventy-seven runners competed in the 10K event. Timothy Hartzke of Ogdensburg took first place in the Male Division with a time of 37:26.

Shelly Gruszynski of Sherwood crossed the finish line with a time of 46:08 to win the 10K Female Division.

A total of 362 entrants competed in the 5K. Ben Kirmse of Iola finished with a time of 18:26 to win the Male Division.

Fourteen-year old Macy Verhasselt of Freedom won the Female Division with a time of 21:40.

The Sturgeon Shuffle Committee presented checks totaling $14,000 in donations to three nonprofit backpack organizations: Project Backpack New London ($8,500); Project Backpack Waupaca, serving western Waupaca County ($4,500); and Rapids Family Backpacks, serving Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools ($1,000).

The organizations coordinate with schools to provide backpacks of food to students on weekends during the school year.

First State Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Sturgeon Shuffle. More than 40 businesses and organizations from across the area supported the Sturgeon Shuffle in 2019.

The following are complete results for the 10K races and the top 50 finishers for the 5K races by gender. Full race results can be found on the Sturgeon Shuffle website.

Men’s 5K
1. Ben Kirmse, Iola, 18:26.

2. Logan Horn, New London, 19:01.

3. Evan Kedinger, New London, 20:05.

4. T. Williams, Neenah, 20:54.

5. Jim Johnston, New London, 21:07.

7. Joseph Daly, New London, 22:29.

8. Kyle Miller, Hortonville, 22:40.

9. Thomas Burow, Fremont, 22:41.

10. Todd Riehl, New London, 22:42.

12. Skyler McCoy, New London, 23:25.

13. Nathan Malotky, Clintonville, 23:28.

14. Jack Kedinger, New London, 23:45.

22. Austin Guyette, Hortonville, 24:29.

23. Bruce Scheller, Manawa, 24:31.

24. Todd Hagens, Appleton, 24:37.

25. Jeff Kellner, Greenville, 24:50.

26. Paul Ziegler, Weyauwega, 24:54.

27. Aaron Badtke, Hortonville, 24:58.

28. Jonah Stone, New London, 25:03.

30. Brett Marquardt, New London, 25:11.

33. Emmerson Horn, New London, 25:23.

35. Jason Horn, New London, 25:27.

37. Bryson Kautz, Clintonville, 25:35.

40. Paul Nieto, New London, 25:43.

45. Andrew Minster, New London, 26:09.

46. Dakota Babino, Clintonville, 26:11.

47. Zong Xiong, New London, 26:15.

48. Jay Daly, New London, 26:51.

49. Chase Marquardt, New London, 27:01.

51. Blayke Adamovich, New London, 27:06.

53. Tyler Gehling, Clintonville, 27:09.

54. Owen Peterson, Scandinavia, 27:22.

57. Michael Kirmse, Scandinavia, 27:31.

60. Kaleb Malouf, Appleton, 27:57.

61. Brad Shell, Neenah, 28:09.

63. Brayden Dorsey, New London, 28:32.

66. Jack Kirmse, Scandinavia, 28:36.

68. Gage Zietlow, Weyauwega, 28:40.

78. Camron Aschenbrenner, Hortonville, 29:17.

83. Bill Bishop, New London, 29:34.

89. Marty Moeller, New London, 29:57.

90. Kaidan Reigel, New London, 30:00.

91. Anthony Ellis, New London, 30:01.

92. Cale Adamovich, New London, 30:01.

95. Andy Malotky, Clintonville, 30:24.

98. Paul Benzschawel, Waupaca, 30:29.

99. Riley Knudsen, New London, 30:32.

100. Charlie Papendorf, Clintonville, 30:32.

102. Dan Lukaszewski, Menasha, 30:48.

106. Joey Lantz, Hortonville, 30:56.

Women’s 5K
6. Macy Verhasselt, Freedom, 21:40.

11. Edyn Horn, New London, 22:56.

15. Halia Sternhagen, Manawa, 23:49.

16. Marlee Mattes, Clintonville, 23:50.

17. Maren Stepniak, New London, 23:51.

18. Alexis Phillips, New London, 24:10.

19. Anna Dreas, Fremont, 24:18.

20. Zoe Buss, New London, 24:19.

21. Michelle Harrison, Appleton, 24:29.

29. Angela Johnston, New London, 25:09.

31. Marilyn Klatt, Manawa, 25:13.

32. Resa Goethel, Neenah, 25:15.

34. Lilian Klatt, Manawa, 25:24.

36. Karrie Dollar, 25:29.

38. Angie Buelow, Neenah, 25:35.

39. Jean Czerwinski, Oshkosh, 25:36.

41. Isabella Shell, Neenah, 25:54.

42. Anna Mally, Plover, 25:55.

43. Sierra Brandenburg, Clintonville, 26:01.

44. Jane Johnston, New London, 26:07.

50. Janet Fields, Bear Creek, 27:04.

52. Macy Lemke, New London, 27:06.

55. Jenny Bork, Clintonville, 27:23.

56. Becky Marquardt, New London, 27:30.

58. Rachel McCoy, New London, 27:33.

59. Miranda Bestul, Iola, 27:47.

62. Meghan Gast, Weston, 28:16.

64. Brylee Welch, Bear Creek, 28:35.

65. Amber Klotzbuecher, 28:36.

67. Mel Walotka, Clintonville, 28:37.

69. Evan Poltrock, Weyauwega, 28:41.

70. Shia Fields, Bear Creek, 28:45.

71. Cheyenne Fields, Bear Creek, 28:48.

72. Tammy Strassburger, Birnamwood, 28:57.

73. Jennie Thiel, New London, 29:03.

74. Bridget Pethke, Larsen, 29:04.

75. Samantha Locy, Waupaca, 29:06.

76. Julie Ziegler, Weyauwega, 29:07.

77. Grace Stone, New London, 29:12.

79. Kristen Retzlaff, Clintonville, 29:17.

80. Morgan Retzlaff, Clintonville, 29:19.

81. Claire Papendorf, Clintonville, 29:20.

82. Ava Peters, New London, 29:23.

84. Autumn Magolski, New London, 29:34.

85. Claire Lemke, New London, 29:40.

86. Lisa Phillips, New London, 29:46.

87. Kyra Kallas, New London, 29:53.

88. Lori Ellis, New London, 29:54.

93. Claire Klotzbuecher, Greenville, 30:13.

94. Brittany Bartol, Fremont, 30:19.

Men’s 10K
1. Timothy Hartzke, Ogdensburg, 37:26.

2. Jared Loughrin, Hortonville, 39:48.

3. Jeff Crumbaugh, Clintonville, 41:43.

4. Clayton Lowney, Manawa, 41:55.

5. A.J. Bellile, Greenville, 42:41.

6. Ryan Phillips, New London, 43:09.

7. Brad Gast, Weston, 43:15.

8. James Richardson, Greenville, 46:06.

10. Steve Saunders, Waupaca, 46:11.

11. Steve Locy, Eagle River, 46:27.

13. Avery Schneider, New London, 47:15.

14. Hayden Nagy, Greenville, 47:15.

16. Bob Bell, Stevens Point, 48:03.

17. Benjamin Dobberstein, New London, 48:45.

22. Lowell Wickman, Winneconne, 49:23.

23. Todd Brantner, Hortonville, 49:26.

27. Travis Zalewski, Stevens Point, 49:54.

29. Brad Gruszynski, Sherwood, 50:41.

31. Bryan Badtke, Hortonville, 51:57.

34. Caleb Waack, Oshkosh, 52:01.

36. Jeff Spielvogel, Appleton, 53:49.

39. Mason Nyland, New London, 54:54.

45. Christopher Gregory, Hortonville, 56:16.

53. Mike Schmidt, Black Creek, 1:00:23.

55. Kent Jacobson, Appleton, 1:00:28.

62. Larry Czarnecki, Clintonville, 1:02:54.

Women’s 10K
9. Shelly Gruszynski, Sherwood, 46:08.

12. Jennifer Heise, Weyauwega, 46:38.

15. Abbey Pawlitzke, Appleton, 47:53.

18. Alyssa Sullivan, New London, 48:52.

19. Sarah Shockley, Manawa, 48:57.

20. Amy Scherer, New London, 49:07.

21. Georgette Coppersmith, New London, 49:15.

24. Laurel Brantner, Hortonville, 49:26.

25. Jackie Butkovich, Little Chute, 49:30.

26. Angelica Brefczynski, Fremont, 49:31.

28. Bobbi Riehl, New London, 50:36.

30. Laura Scherer, New London, 50:47.

32. Melissa Badtke, Hortonville, 51:58.

33. Jami Adamovich, New London, 52:00.

35. Becky Dudek, Redgranite, 53:16.

37. Sara Sommer, Wausau, 54:26.

38. Crista Backes, Appleton, 54:34.

40. Hannah Lehman, Neenah, 54:55.

41. Ashley Bielmeier, Menasha, 54:55.

42. Elektra Fields, Bear Creek, 55:09.

43. Susan Earl, Black Creek, 55:39.

44. Rhiannon Nyland, New London, 56:10.

46. Kelsey Upchurch, Oshkosh, 57:36.

47. Emily Mitchell, Fremont, 57:52.

48. Nichole Voight, New London, 58:00.

49. Jessie Burns, Menasha, 58:26.

50. Jodie Gunville, Appleton, 58:26.

51. Nicole Lemke, New London, 59:02.

52. Erin Marsh, New London, 59:49.

54. Kendra Schmidt, Black Creek, 1:00:23.

56. Leah Jacobson, Kaukauna, 1:00:28.

57. Emily Wille, Appleton, 1:00:46.

58. Sara Rathsack, Greenville, 1:01:10.

59. Katie Williams, New London, 1:01:10.

60. Christie Reese, 1:01:17.

61. Carla Miskowski, Stevens Point, 1:02:18.

63. Sarah Czarnecki, Clintonville, 1:02:55.

64. Lisa Jisa, 1:05:22.

65. Jessica Rice, New London, 1:07:11.

66. Rachelle Curtis, New London, 1:07:34.

67. Brittany Fisher, New London, 1:07:53.

68. Gayle Gardner, Waupaca, 1:10:58.

69. Mia McCartney, New London, 1:11:25.

70. Mary Schmidt, 1:11:33.

71. Natalie Wagner, Hortonville, 1:11:42.

72. Heidi Oberstadt, Stevens Point, 1:16:29.

73. Morgan Kelley, New London, 1:16:42.

74. Hannah Wolsdorf, Montello, 1:19:51.

75. Kelsie Czukas, Green Bay, 1:22:53.

76. Brenda Lemery, New London, 1:26:14.

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Capital spending cuts likely will remain necessary

By Bert Lehman

In an effort to get an early start on planning its 2020-24 capital improvement projects, the Clintonville Finance Committee discussed the matter at its April 8 meeting.

“It’s pretty evident that there’s more requests and needs than there are funds, so we’re going to have to make some pretty serious cuts and some pretty major decisions for our capital purchases if we are going to stick with reducing our borrowing,” Clintonville City Administrator Sharon Eveland said.

Eveland said the city should continue to plan to reduce borrowing.

Working in favor of the city is the Community Development Block Grant Program has raised its ceiling from $500,000 to $1 million, Eveland said.

She added she has already directed the city’s public works director and the city’s water and wastewater director to put together programming under the assumption the city would receive a $1 million grant from CDBG.

“That’s one of the things I really hope we’re able to make happen,” Eveland said. “I think being able to do more streets and get some of this stuff done is really going to make the community happy.”

Eveland added the city would continue to pursue the Rural Development Community Facilities Grant each year for equipment for the Clintonville Public Works Department.

Committee member Jim Supanich said he is glad the city is again discussing its capital improvement projects.

“I’d like to emphasize that we need to look for as many grants as we can,” Supanich said. “Not just for equipment and streets repair, but there are grants out there for parks and rec and a variety of other things that would help us in many areas.”

The city last borrowed $1.8 million.

“The only direction I’ve been given is to reduce [borrowing] for the next cycle, so I’m anticipating reducing it $50,000 right now,” Eveland said. “But again, that does require a lot of prioritizing. I’m telling you here right now the department heads are probably not going to be happy when we have to start cutting things.”

Supanich reminded the committee that the city has committed to its auditors that the city will reduce its borrowing.

“It’s not really optional,” Supanich said. “The reason we did that is because we were going to lose our bond rating and there were some real concerns about how much more interest we’d have to pay for the monies we’re going to borrow.”

Supanich also acknowledged the city would have to make tough decisions about what projects it does and what equipment it purchases.

The committee plans to discuss its capital improvement projects again in May.

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School board debates eliminating resident reps on committee

By Scott Bellile

The New London School Board will again incorporate members of the public and district staff in interviewing candidates for the superintendent opening following debate over whether to continue seeking their input last week.

At a school board meeting April 15, the discussion started when board member John Heideman said he wants the superintendent search to be an open process but was concerned few district residents would volunteer to be part of it.

“Because community-wise it seems like so many times on our hires, we pick the same people [to participate in the search] over and over and over again,” Heideman said. “And I think there’s a lot of people who have a voice. I’d like to see some variety at the table.”

Board member Mark Grossman responded by questioning the value of involving community members in the first place because school board members are responsible for hiring staff.

“I look at it from when I signed up to do this … my view on it was is that if I get elected, I’m to represent the public, to represent the district in whatever we’re doing,” Grossman said. “So I should have somewhat of a pulse on what they’re thinking out there.”

Wegner

Board President Terry Wegner said he would be open to modifying the community input process, but the traditional public input practices provided valuable feedback in searches and displayed transparency.

Superintendent Dennis Krueger said traditionally the public input process has involved placing residents on one or two blended committees alongside district staff members, depending on the number of volunteers.

These blended committees serve an advisory role. While they can suggest job interview questions and who they think deserves the job, ultimately the board members make the hiring decision, Krueger said.

Involving the public could open the possibility of people bringing their personal agendas to the hiring process, Grossman said.

Having district staff serve on these blended committees should prevent members of the public from exercising agendas, Krueger said.

Grossman also questioned the value of involving staff in the search. Where he works in the private sector, employees do not interview candidates to become their bosses.

If the staffers recommend one finalist for the job and the school board hires the other, then a portion of the workforce could have a negative attitude toward their new superintendent on day one, Grossman said.

He said he preferred to survey district staff on what traits they wish to see in their next superintendent.

“I can see your point as to not having teachers or staff involved in hiring their boss,” board member-elect Pete Bosquez said, “but I think it would be a good idea to have community members in there because ultimately they are the boss.”

“Well, the challenge there is most of the community has no idea what happens in the school district – its responsibilities, what this person’s job is or even what the board’s job is,” Wegner replied.

Board member-elect Tina Ruckdashel said at the Head Start program where she works, a parent helps staff conduct candidate interviews and brings a fresh perspective to the table.

Krueger

Ultimately the board decided to continue its practice of involving the public and staff.

Also that night, the school board approved Krueger’s resignation. He will leave New London for a superintendent position in the School District of West De Pere on July 1.

Interviews for Krueger’s successor will likely take place in four-hour blocks the evenings of May 14-15 or May 15-16.

Community members had to apply by Friday, April 26, to serve on a selection committee.

The school board plans to discuss interview questions at its next meeting on Monday, May 6.

Public release of candidates’ names

During the April 15 meeting, board member Kim Schroeder asked if the board could recommend superintendent applicants for interviews in closed session and if doing so would prevent the public release of their names.

Her concerns stemmed from the Green Bay Press-Gazette filing an open records request for the names of six semifinalists for the superintendent position at West De Pere that Krueger ultimately accepted. The Press-Gazette published the individuals’ names prior to their first interviews for the job.

“By releasing those initial six [names] before any of us even interviewed, they caused undue stress in all six of those communities … when they really only needed to do that for the finalists in my opinion,” Krueger said.

Krueger said the semifinalists were chosen in a closed-session meeting, however.

Outgoing school board member Chris Martinson said West De Pere’s school district could have petitioned a court to bar the release of the semifinalists’ names but instead chose to release them rather than fight the records request.

Krueger, Heideman and Schroeder said they hope news outlets, including the Press Star, do not file open records requests for the semifinalists’ names and publish them.

Traditionally the Press Star has published the names of finalists for jobs, but not semifinalists, in order to save earlier-round interviewees from uncomfortable situations with their current employers.

On the other hand, once someone is named a finalist, they should inform their school board right away because the expectation is the school district will make the news public at that point, Wegner said.

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