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Articles by Dan Kitkowski
Menominee police say substance found at school was not fentanyl
MENOMINEE — A substance found at the Menominee Elementary School Monday, and what a school official told parents was fentanyl, was determined to be a prescription medication, according to a press release from the Menominee Police Department.
Fentanyl found at Menominee Elementary School
MENOMINEE — A bag of fentanyl was found Monday at the Menominee Elementary School. In a recorded voicemail to parents, Superintendent Drew Buyarski said the drug was found Monday morning in an upstairs hallway at the school. “The area was immediately secured and we took swift, appropriate steps to address the situation and prioritize the safety of our students and our staff,” he said.
Monday's edition will be delivered on Tuesday
Because of the Columbus Day postal holiday, the Monday EagleHerald will be electronic-edition only. The print version will be delivered on Tuesday.
Monday's editon will be delivered later
Previous WABENO — The Wabeno Area Players present, “Nana’s Naughty Kn… Next Up There are certain kinds of news that seem to change the atmo… Because of the Columbus Day postal holiday, the Monday Daily Journal will be electronic-edition only. The print version will be delivered on Wednesday. To view our latest eEdition, click the image on the left.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Board of Public Works. Tuesday, 4:45 p.m., council chambers, City Hall, 1905 Hall Ave. Special meeting. Contract with Faith Technologies for new City Hall and Police Department building for $30,445. Fiberoptic bid for new City Hall. • Common Council. Tuesday, 5 p.m., council chambers, City Hall, 1905 Hall Ave. Mayor Steve Genisot’s communications, including library update. Stephenson Public Library and lease. Restricting areas for e-bikes. BPW contracts for new City Hall and Police Department building.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• 980 Committee. Monday, 1 p.m., Judicial Conference Room (A103), first floor Judicial Center, 1926 Hall Ave., Marinette. Discuss going into closed session to discuss placement of a 980 sex offender. Possible return to open session. Discuss report to be submitted to the Department of Health Services and the Court for appropriate residential option for community placement. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more. Explore newsletters
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Board of Supervisors. Tuesday, 9 a.m., County Board Room No. 112, first floor, Courthouse, 1926 Hall Ave., Marinette. Administrator’s report, including 2026 county budget message. Reports from department heads and supervisors. Appointments. Lease agreement for Stephenson Public Library Building with the City of Marinette, subject to Corporation Counsel’s approval. • Executive Committee. Thursday, 9 a.m., County Board Room No. 112, first floor, Courthouse, 1926 Hall Ave., Marinette.
Ukraine fire engine dedicated to lifelong friend
Marinette native Jim “Whitey” Lemsky was an avid outdoorsman who took part in competitive cycling and dived on many of the world’s great reefs. He was a shrewd international businessman whose instincts and intelligence led to great success. Now, a few months after his death, Lemsky’s name will forever be linked to the Ukraine effort in its war with Russia. Childhood and lifelong friend Dave Peterson made sure of that.
Menominee council delays two marijuana amendments
MENOMINEE — Two marijuana-related amendments were tabled for entirely different reasons Monday by the Menominee City Council.
Judge denies motion to remove ballot initiative
MENOMINEE — Menominee voters once again will take to the polls to determine how many marijuana retail licenses should be available in the city. Judge Mary B. Barglind of the Michigan 41st Circuit Court Monday denied a motion to remove a ballot initiative asking voters if the number of retail licenses should be increased from nine to 13 from the Nov. 3 ballot. A group called Menominee’s Not For Sale (MNFS) filed a motion earlier this month to have the question removed.
Menominee council to consider marijuana amendment
MENOMINEE — The Menominee City Council will consider an amendment to its marijuana ordinance that if passed would — perhaps temporarily — stop three marijuana companies in their tracks. The amendment — introduced by council member Cheryl Haupt — among other things, aims to increase the buffer zones dispensaries must be from churches (from 200 feet to 1,000 feet), and establish 1,000-foot buffer zones from City of Menominee municipal operations and residential property.
Highwire Farms sues Menominee
MENOMINEE — Highwire Farms cannabis company filed a lawsuit against the City of Menominee Monday in Menominee County 41st Circuit Court seeking to obtain a marijuana license and potentially “tens of millions” of dollars in damages. “Ultimately, we want a license,” Highwire Farms principal owner Eric Kennedy told the EagleHerald. “We want them to do what’s right — follow the contractual obligation.
Menominee council discusses myriad of cannabis issues
MENOMINEE — Menominee council members met Tuesday as a committee of the whole to discuss marijuana licensing. The committee could not take any action, per the city charter, but there was plenty of lively discussion for about 30 minutes and the public comment that followed. Council members are clearly wrestling with how to proceed with the cannabis licensing issues that have dominated city meetings for several years. Menominee presently has eight dispensaries that are open.
Daggett woman sentenced in child sexual abuse case
MENOMINEE — Rocquel A. Irving, 39, Daggett, will serve time in prison for a child sexual abuse crime involving her daughter. Irving was sentenced Friday in Menominee County Circuit Court to 20 to 60 years for first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a person under the age of 13. Prosecutors stated the abuse took place over several months and involved Irving and her boyfriend, Travis S. Thiry, 45.
Patriot Games athlete addresses county board
MARINETTE — A Coleman High School student represented Wisconsin at the Patriot Games last month. Millie Kosir, entering her junior year at Coleman, was at last week’s Marinette County Board meeting and she told supervisors about her experience. The Patriot Games is a national youth athletic competition that took place Aug. 9-11 at SPIRE Academy in Geneva, Ohio, as part of the Freedom 250 initiative.
County supervisors put Behnke on the hot seat
MARINETTE — State Rep. Elijah Behnke, who is now a veteran of the Wisconsin Assembly, is used to fielding difficult questions from a variety of constituents. At last week’s Marinette County Board meeting, supervisors had their shot to ask the District 6 representative from Oconto County about some of the bills he’s working on and obtain his thoughts on key issues. Supervisor Gail Wanek questioned why Behnke was even at last Tuesday’s meeting.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
• Administrative Committee. Tuesday, 8:30 a.m., Judicial Conference Room J103, first floor, courthouse, 1926 Hall Ave., Marinette. Identify county position on each of the 2026 WCA Annual Conference Resolutions. • Personnel Committee. Monday, 8 a.m., council chambers, Municipal Building, 331 French St. Closed session to interview for a police officer position. Reconvene into open session.
Council briefed on cannabis litigation behind closed doors
MENOMINEE — The Menominee City Council, City Manager Brett Botbyl, Mayor Casey Hoffman and the city’s legal team met in closed session Monday night to discuss cannabis litigation. No action was taken following the approximately 80-minute closed session, but by all accounts it seems the session was productive.
Daily Journal delivery will be a day later
“The Antigo Post Office has changed policies and will no longer distribute newspapers on the day that the Antigo Daily Journal is distributed to the local office. They have declined to provide us any options that will allow paper delivery on the listed date of publication. For this reason, Monday editions of the Antigo Daily Journal will receive postal delivery on Tuesdays, the Wednesday edition will be delivered Thursdays, and the Friday edition will be delivered Saturdays.
Long-lost airman has living blood ties to this area
MARINETTE — Dave Larson never knew his uncle Frederick, but he’s determined to make sure the airman is remembered decades after his death. When Daniel “Dinny” Frederick McMann was laid to rest June 17 in Marinette — 74 years after a military transport aircraft vanished into an Alaskan glacier — it was believed there were no direct relatives still living in this area. It’s been widely reported that McMann was the only child of James and Francis McMann, and he was born Feb.
Mayor hopeful for cannabis settlement
MENOMINEE — Mayor Casey Hoffman said he has instructed Menominee’s hired legal counsel to draft a settlement agreement tailored toward putting an end to cannabis litigation in the city. “I am asking our attorney, Charles Bogren, to author a settlement that would include all suing parties and he has agreed to draft that document,” Hoffman told the EagleHerald. “We need to engage in the art of dispute resolution.
Johnson prevails in 108th District primary race
A few years ago Larry Johnson Jr. had to be talked into running for a county government position. Now he’s one step away from serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. Johnson, a Menominee County Commissioner since 2019 and current vice chairman, defeated five other candidates Tuesday to win the Republican primary. He will face Democrat Rachel Keys, a Navy veteran from the Bay Hills Indian Community near Brimley, in the Nov. 3 general election.
Hoffman says his sexuality played large part in defeat
MENOMINEE — Menominee mayor Casey Hoffman believes his defeat in the Michigan House 108th District primary goes much deeper than standard political issues. He said running as an openly gay candidate was a giant hill to climb. “Every candidate was running to be the next state representative from the 108th District, but I was running to be the first openly gay Republican legislator in Michigan’s history,” Hoffman said. “Those are two different bars. That is a big task to accomplish.
Law enforcement warn of tainted cocaine
MENOMINEE — Menominee County Sheriff Darrin Kudwa and Menominee Police Chief Justin Hofer both issued press releases this week expressing concern over a recent string of cocaine-related overdoses in the community, including one fatality. “These incidents have had a profound impact on the families, friends, and others involved.
Botbyl granted 3.5% pay hike.
MENOMINEE — The Menominee City Council Monday voted 7-1 for a 3.5% salary increase for City Manager Brett Botbyl. Mayor Casey Hoffman was the only person to vote no. Council member Windy-Marie Kerkela was excused. The wage bump of $4,483.50 will move Botbyl's annual salary from $128,100 to $132,583.50. Last year he received a 6% increase, which totaled $6,100. The city manager's 3.5% raise equals that of department heads.
Circuit judge lifts cannabis injunction
MENOMINEE — Michigan 41st Circuit Court Judge Mary B. Barglind on Friday lifted an injunction paving the way for the City of Menominee to potentially issue a ninth marijuana license. The 41st Circuit Court operates in Menominee, Dickinson and Iron counties. Barglind rendered her decision via Zoom from her home courthouse in Iron Mountain, Dickinson County. A group that calls itself Defending Menominee was seeking a permanent injunction to keep the number of licenses at eight.
Judge expects to make marijuana ruling on Friday
MENOMINEE — Menominee County Circuit Judge Mary B. Barglind will rule Friday on motions involving the City of Menominee's marijuana licensing ordinance. During a two-hour motions hearing last Friday, attorneys for both sides argued their case. The debate centered on whether the city's licensing program complies with state law, previous court rulings and how the voter-approved referendum affect the case. Attorneys representing the City of Menominee say the city is acting within its legal authority.
Murder suspect arrested in Marinette
MARINETTE — A murder suspect wanted in Mississippi was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon at a Marinette motel. Jayden V. Cayou, 22, who was atop the Adams County (Miss.) Most Wanted List, was apprehended shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Marinette Inn, 1405 Marinette Ave., without incident by the joint City of Marinette and Marinette County Special Response Team on a warrant for first-degree homicide out of Mississippi, according to Marinette Police Chief Jon LaCombe.
Tom Still: Wisconsin remains on track to become a fusion energy hub
MADISON, Wis. — A baby born today in Wisconsin may not see nuclear fusion become a part of the commercial energy landscape until he or she is “twenty-something” … and still waiting for the Green Bay Packers to win another Super Bowl.
Appellate court upholds Helfert prison sentence
MENOMINEE — The Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld the prison sentence of Brian W. Helfert, rejecting his appeal of a nine- to 15-year prison term imposed by the 41st Circuit Court in Menominee County for sexually abusing a student while serving as a school resource officer. Helfert, 62, was convicted by a Menominee County jury in March 2024 of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a weapon. He was sentenced in the 41st Circuit Court to nine to 15 years in prison.
Tom Still: Wisconsin remains on track to become a fusion energy hub
MADISON, Wis. — A baby born today in Wisconsin may not see nuclear fusion become a part of the commercial energy landscape until he or she is “twenty-something” … and still waiting for the Green Bay Packers to win another Super Bowl.
Relocation of veterinary clinic clears hurdle
MARINETTE — An application for Town & Country Veterinary Clinic to relocate to what is now a vacant 1.5-acre parcel on Old Peshtigo Road in the City of Marinette cleared a hurdle last week. The Marinette Plan Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a conditional use permit for an animal hospital/veterinary clinic in a B-4 Highway Business District. A public hearing took place prior to the vote, but nobody spoke on the matter.
DEATH NOTICES
• PAMELA L. McLEAN, 77, Marinette, died June 8 at Aurora BayCare in Green Bay. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. • BARBARA "BARB" DeWINDT, 84, Oconto, died June 9 at home. Gallagher Funeral Home is assisting the family. • INEZ A. OSTERWIND, 99, Wausau, died June 9 at Sylvan Crossings assisted living. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more. Explore newsletters
DEATH NOTICES
• JOAN M. DREIER, 92, Lampasas, Texas, formerly of Marinette, died June 1. Services will be held in Texas. • TIM RAYGO, 65, Marinette, died June 2 at home. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more. Explore newsletters
Minnesota charges could be dropped against Chilcote
BUFFALO, Minn. — Charges filed by Minnesota prosecutors against Marinette murder suspect Robert A. Chilcote in that state will be dropped if he’s convicted in the death of Gabriella Cartagena in Marinette County. Chilcote, 29, Porterfield, was arrested in Wright County, Minnesota, after investigators say he killed Cartagena in Wisconsin, dumped her body in Michigan, then fled west.
Puff files motion for judge to reconsider
MENOMINEE — Puff Cannabis Co. owner and its top legal counsel have formally asked a circuit judge to rethink her ruling against the dispensary and has vowed to take this case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. Menominee County Judge Mary B. Barglind, in a written decision dated April 22, granted the City of Menominee’s motion for a summary disposition, effectively dismissing the complaints filed by Puff against the city.
Information in Bardowski story clarified
The story in Friday’s edition regarding Marinette High School principal Justin Bardowski submitting his resignation mentions two incidents of alleged domestic violence. Both happened in 2022, one in May and one in October, and they both involve the same ex-girlfriend. In the story, a person could have interpreted that different women were involved in the incidents. The accusations were made by the same woman.
Marinette principal submits resignation
MARINETTE — Marinette High School principal Justin Bardowski, embroiled in legal matters and on administrative leave since January, has resigned. Bardowski, in his first year in the position, submitted a letter of resignation dated May 19. In the letter, he proclaims his innocence regarding accusations against him, his high regard for the students and staff at the school, and his deep faith that will carry him through this matter.
Menominee council says no to Flock cameras
MENOMINEE — The Menominee City Council listened to constituents Monday night and voted unanimously against Flock surveillance cameras. The vote was 8-0 against an ordinance to regulate the use of automatic license plate reader systems in the city. A few minutes later, by an identical vote, the council terminated its contract with Flock Safety. Council member Josh Jones was excused. Citizens showed up and spoke out with the overflow crowd spilling outside the council chambers.
DEATH NOTICES
• SCOTT P. HOFFMAN, 57, Menominee, died May 17 at home. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Menominee council to consider license plate reader ordinance
MENOMINEE — More than three months ago, the Menominee City Council narrowly approved (5-4) the purchase of five license plate reader (LPR) units and two Flock cameras for the city’s police department. Since then, an ordinance has been in the works to regulate the use of LPR units by the department. The matter will come to a head Monday night when the council meets for a public hearing and vote on the issue.
DEATH NOTICES
• JOHN R. EASTMAN III, 80, Menominee, died May 4 at Aurora Medical Center-Bay Area. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. • MARVIN R. WIESNETH, 91, Marinette, died April 27 at Rennes East. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family. Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines, obituaries, sports, and more. Explore newsletters
Rogg aims for District Court judge position
MENOMINEE — Menominee County Prosecutor Jeffrey T. Rogg is banking on his record and his experience as he seeks the position of 95A District Court judge in Menominee County. Current Judge Robert J. Jamo was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the district post in June of 2019, a couple months after longtime Judge Jeffrey G. Barstow retired. Jamo filled out that term and was elected to a six-year term in 2020. That term ends this year and Jamo is not seeking reelection.
Bardowski faces another DV-related charge
MENOMINEE — Marinette High School principal Justin Bardowski faces another criminal charge relating to an alleged altercation that took place in May of 2022 with an ex-girlfriend. Bardowski, 41, N945 River Drive, Menominee, was charged Wednesday in Menominee County 95A District Court with misdemeanor domestic violence. No court date has been set. Last week, he was charged in Marinette County Circuit Court relating to an alleged domestic violence incident from October of 2022.
Marinette principal faces criminal charges
MARINETTE — Marinette High School principal Justin Bardowski is facing criminal charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident from more than three years ago. Bardowski, 41, N945 River Drive, Menominee, is charged with misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct after a woman who said she was his girlfriend told a Marinette County Sheriff’s Office investigator that he hit her at the Four Seasons Resort in Pembine in October 2022, leaving her with a black eye and split lip.
Judge sides with city in cannabis matter
MENOMINEE — Puff Cannabis Co. may have lost a court battle, but owner Nick Hannawa says this marijuana dispensary war is far from finished. "The fight's not over - it's going to ramp up from here," he said. "Puff will never give up - ever - until our rights our vindicated for these bad acts that were committed on us. We're going to clean up the corruption." Jennifer Green, lead counsel for Puff, said no decisions have been made in terms of an appeal.
DEATH NOTICES
This website uses certain cookies, pixels and similar tracking technologies in order enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Certain information collected by that technology may be shared with our third party partners. By continuing to use this website, you agree to the use of these technologies. • RACHEL LYNN (BEHNKE) BAYERL, Menominee, died April 16 at her home. Cadieu Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Granquist honored for his firefighting career
MENOMINEE — Menominee Fire Department Capt. Pete Granquist’s distinguished career was recognized Monday at the Menominee City Council meeting. Fire Chief Steve Floriano presented Granquist with his helmet, a plaque (statue) and a photo from his last fire. Granquist, who has retired, served 25 years with the department earning three life-saving awards (2008, 2009 and 2024), and a citation for his work at the Resolute/KK Warehouse fire (2024).
Flock camera system heads to public hearing
MENOMINEE — An ordinance amendment regarding the use of license plate readers was introduced Monday at the Menominee City Council meeting and a public hearing on the matter will take place May 18. The controversial Flock surveillance camera system has drawn a group of several opponents to council and committee meetings the past couple of months. They may be gaining some support. Before the matter was introduced the council voted 5 to 3 not to forward the matter to a public hearing.
Hoffman will seek Michigan House seat
MENOMINEE — No stranger to local politics, Menominee Mayor Casey Hoffman is going to try again to win a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. Hoffman told the EagleHerald he filed the paperwork last week while in Lansing and he is an official candidate for the 108th District seat. The 36-year-old Menominee native will join a crowded Republican field that could have six or more candidates in the Aug. 4 primary. The winner of the primary moves to the November general election.
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