Waupaca County- Residents across Waupaca County will have several opportunities this spring to plan ahead and gain peace of mind through a series of free community events focused on advance care planning. The Waupaca County Aging and Disability Resource Center , in partnership with the Fox Valley Advance Care Planning Partnership , is hosting the Peace of Mind for the Years Ahead  event at four locations throughout the county. These sessions are designed to help adults understand and complete important documents such as Power of Attorney for Health Care and Power of Attorney for Finances. At each event, attendees can receive guidance and assistance with completing both documents. Educational presentations on Power of Attorney for Health Care will be offered twice during the event hours, and participants may work on forms at any time while staff and trained volunteers are available to help answer questions. The first event will be held at the Waupaca Public Library  on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with presentations at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The session will take place in the lower level Room A. The second session is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at the New London Senior Center , also from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with presentations at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the event will be hosted at Compassion Connections  at the Fox Community Credit Union Partners Annex in Clintonville. The session will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with presentations again offered at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. The final event will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2026, at the Sturm Memorial Library  in Manawa from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with presentations scheduled for 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Advance care planning helps ensure that an individual’s wishes are known and respected if they are unable to make decisions for themselves in the future. Organizers encourage adults of all ages to attend, noting that having these documents in place can ease stress for families and loved ones. These events are free to attend. Anyone with questions or looking for additional information can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center at 715-258-6400. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

April 14, 1933 — January 23, 2026 Eloyious I. Bonikowske, age 92, of Manawa, went to her heavenly home on Friday, January 23, 2026. She was born on April 14, 1933, in Town of Union, to Ervin and Sadie (Fahser) Schoen. Eloyious married Robert (Bob) Bonikowske on June 23, 1951. They owned and worked hard on the farm in Ogdensburg until 1987, when they moved to Manawa. They celebrated 70 years of marriage together before his death in 2021. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Manawa. Besides farming, she loved gardening and cooking, where she helped out at Stormin Norman's in Big Falls, Conroy's at Bear Lake and the Manawa Nursing Home. She helped run the Waupaca County Farm Bureau stand for years and also the rodeo grounds. She enjoyed traveling with friends and especially spending time with them at the Hodag. Eloyious is survived by her children: Peggy (Terry) Gollnow, Todd (Pam) Bonikowske and Mark (Betty, Fiancé) Bonikowske; grandchildren: Brandon (Julie) Gollnow, Christina (Adam) Smith, Chad (Ashley) Bonikowske, Dan (Dana) Bonikowske, Darci (Matt) VandenHeuvel, Chayne (Velinda) Bonikowske, April Bonikowske, Erica (Daniel) Dobberfuhl; great-grandchildren: Weston, Mason, Sawyer, Waylon, Bentley, Colton, Nash, Aubrey, Caiden, Peighton, Breanna, Taelyn, Jayla, Ryker, Rylee, Easton, Chaylyn, Scarlet, Zayne, Holdyn, Evelyn, and Deklyn; also many nieces and nephews. Besides her husband, Bob, Eloyious was preceded in death by her parents, an infant daughter in 1953, her sister, Carolyn Rineck, and daughter- in-law, Sheila Bonikowske. The funeral service for Eloyious will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa with Rev. Nathan Reichle officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather directly at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. The immediate family would like to extend a special thank you to Trinity Terrace, Compassus Hospice, and St. Joseph's Nursing Home, along with family, friends and neighbors. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Eloyious I. Bonikowske, please visit Dahlke's flower store .

VILLAGE OF FREMONT, WI - A public hearing conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue was held Monday evening at the Fremont Village Hall as part of a formal review of the Village’s 2025 property reassessment. The hearing was led by Charles “Chuck” Paskey, Equalization Bureau Director for the Department of Revenue, and was attended a group of Department of Revenue staff members along with a full room of residents. The hearing was required under Wisconsin Statute 70.75 following a petition filed after the Village’s 2025 reassessment. The petition was initiated by a group of residents, with Gabriel Rosenthal listed as the first signer on the petition. Testimony presented As the first signer of the petition, Rosenthal was allotted up to 30 minutes to present testimony. During his remarks, he argued that many Fremont properties were assessed at values he believed were significantly higher and lower than online market estimates, following the 2025 reassessment, stating he just wants fair values for everyone. A second resident also provided testimony, stating that his condominium unit was assessed more than $100,000 higher than comparable neighboring units, which he described as inconsistent and unfair. No Village officials provided testimony during the hearing. The role of the Village was limited to hosting the hearing location as required by state law. What happens next Paskey explained that the Department of Revenue will now begin an investigation into the uniformity and compliance of Fremont’s 2025 assessments. As part of that process, two state appraisers will review a limited sample of properties, including residential and commercial parcels, rather than conducting a full review of every property. Moving forward, Patrick Grabner, Supervisor of Equalization, will be heading up the investigation. According to the Department of Revenue, findings from the investigation will roughly take three months to complete. After completing its investigation, the Department of Revenue may: Dismiss the petition Deny the petition Order a supervised assessment or revaluation in a future year Order a full reassessment of all taxable property Potential costs to the Village If a full reassessment or supervised assessment is ordered, the cost would be borne entirely by the Village of Fremont. Such processes typically require hiring an assessor or assessment firm, which can involve door to door property inspections and significant administrative work. These costs would reach tens of thousands of dollars and would be an unplanned municipal expense. In addition, all costs related to the Department of Revenue’s investigation, hearing process, report preparation, and supervision of any ordered assessment are also the responsibility of the municipality under state law. No current estimate was given. However, the Department of Revenue noted that the reassessment investigation can be dismissed if the Village adopts a resolution to hire expert assessment help under Wisconsin Statute 70.055 and enters into a state-approved contract for either the 2026 or 2027 assessment year before an order is issued. Reporting the findings Once the Department of Revenue completes its investigation, a meeting will be scheduled with the Village Clerk, and the Village will be notified with next steps. The Village will then report the findings publicly, including any actions ordered by the state. At this time, no decision has been made, and no changes to assessments or taxes result directly from the hearing itself. If the State does decide the Village must do a full reassessment of all taxable property for 2025, the 2025 Village tax bills would have to be reprinted and amended. Weyauwega Fremont News will continue to monitor this story. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

Village of Fremont, WI- The Wisconsin Department of Revenue will conduct a public hearing in the Village of Fremont on Monday, January 26, at 5:00 PM at the Fremont Village Hall as part of a state review of the Village’s 2025 property assessments. The hearing is being held under Wisconsin Statute 70.75, a state law that allows property owners to petition the Department of Revenue to review a municipality’s assessment practices. The petition was initiated by a group of Fremont residents following the Village’s 2025 reassessment and met the legal threshold required for state review. Once a valid 70.75 petition is filed, state law requires the Department of Revenue, not the Village, to schedule and conduct a public hearing in the municipality. The Village is required to provide the meeting location and publish the notice but does not control the process, findings, or outcome of the hearing. What Is a 70.75 Petition? A 70.75 petition is a process under Wisconsin law that allows property owners to request a state review of a municipality’s property assessment practices after a reassessment has been completed. If property owners representing at least five percent of a municipality’s total assessed property value file a petition, the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is required to investigate. This includes holding a public hearing in the municipality and reviewing assessment uniformity and compliance with state law. A 70.75 petition does not automatically mean assessments were incorrect and does not immediately change property values or tax bills. Any action taken is determined by the Department of Revenue after completing its review. What the hearing involves The hearing will be presided over by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Attendees will be asked to sign in, and anyone wishing to speak must complete a request to speak form. Time limits will apply, including up to 30 minutes for the petition’s first signer or a group presentation and 15 minutes for other speakers. During the hearing, the Department of Revenue will gather testimony and evidence related to whether the Village’s 2025 property assessments were conducted in substantial compliance with state law and applied uniformly among taxpayers. The hearing itself does not result in immediate assessment changes. Possible outcomes and potential cost impact After completing its investigation, the Department of Revenue may: Dismiss the petition Deny the petition Order a supervised assessment or revaluation in a future year Order a full reassessment of all taxable property If a full reassessment is ordered, the cost would be borne by the Village. A State mandated reassement would be coordinated and conducted by going door-to-door throughout the entire Village. This process could cost the Village tens of thousands of dollars and would be an unplanned municipal expense, regardless of whether individual property values increase or decrease as a result. Additionally, all costs associated with the Department of Revenue’s investigation, hearing, and any supervision of a reassessment are the responsibility of the municipality under state law. A reminder about taxes and the Village levy It is important for residents to understand that while individual property assessments changed following the 2025 reassessment, the Village of Fremont did not increase its tax levy. The Village is collecting the same total amount of tax revenue as before. A reassessment does not generate additional money for the Village. Instead, it redistributes the existing levy more evenly based on updated property values. Some property owners may see higher assessments while others see lower ones, but the overall amount collected by the Village remains unchanged. This distinction is often misunderstood during reassessment years. Changes in assessed value reflect shifts in market value, not a decision by the Village to raise taxes. What residents should know This hearing is a state-run process triggered by the filing of a valid petition following the 2025 reassessment. It is intended to provide oversight and ensure that assessment practices meet state standards for accuracy and uniformity. Residents may attend the hearing, observe the proceedings, and provide comments in accordance with the Department of Revenue’s rules. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

The Weyauwega-Fremont Warhawks have a full slate of athletic events and school activities lined up this week, running from Monday, January 26 through Saturday, January 31. Fans will have plenty of chances to catch basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, and even take part in community appreciation nights. Image provided from Weyauwega-Fremont School District's Facebook page The week begins on Monday with middle school wrestling traveling to Brillion and girls basketball on the road at Shiocton. At home, boys basketball tips off with JV2 and JV games at 5:45 PM followed by the varsity matchup against Berlin at 7:00 PM. The evening also includes Military Appreciation Night. The School Board will meet at 6:00 PM in the High School Forum Room. On Tuesday, girls basketball heads to Wittenberg-Birnamwood with JV playing at 5:45 PM and varsity at 7:00 PM. Thursday brings a busy evening, including middle school girls basketball hosting Manawa, varsity boys wrestling at Shiocton, and both varsity and JV ice hockey games at the Ozaukee Ice Center. Friday features another packed schedule with girls basketball games throughout the evening, including a varsity home game against Iola-Scandinavia at 7:00 PM, which will also recognize Teacher Appreciation Night. Girls varsity wrestling competes at Shawano, while boys basketball travels to Iola-Scandinavia for JV2, JV, and varsity action. The week wraps up on Saturday with varsity boys wrestling at home starting at 10:00 AM and varsity ice hockey playing at the Oshkosh YMCA in the afternoon. With home games, road matchups, and special recognition nights, it is an exciting and busy week for Warhawk athletes, families, and fans throughout the Weyauwega-Fremont community. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

May 27th, 1938 - January 20th, 2026 James (Jim) Lewis Besaw, age 87, from Manawa, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday evening, January 20th, 2026. He entered into his heavenly home peacefully, surrounded by his family at his home, as he had wanted. James was born May 17th, 1938, in New London, Wisconsin, the son of Edward and Myrna (Roberts) Besaw. He had eight brothers and three sisters-a bustling, thriving, busy family that spanned many years. He completed high school at Washington High in New London in 1956. He then enlisted in the Army in June of 1956 as a senior aircraft mechanic and went to Korea and Okinawa, Japan. He continued with those amazing mechanical skills and could fix just about anything using just about anything. During his time in the Army, he met and married Joyce Claudette Latza (New London), who was one of his sister Sandy's best friends. James and Joyce married August 9th, 1958, and they had 11 wonderful years together. He planned to retire from the Army; however, in 1960 he came back to the States to care for his wife Joyce and then finished his active duty in February 1961. James and Joyce had four children together; sadly, Joyce passed away in June of 1969. James reached out for help and family stepped up. With four children, James soon needed to hire a housekeeper for more help. Sparks flew between the two, and soon Sandra, our new housekeeper, became Dad's wife. Sandra and James married on July 10th, 1971, and they had two sons together. The joke in our family is our housekeeper came to help and she kept the house. They have had 55 lovely years together, and Dad all these years has always called Sandy his Angel. True to that loving nature of her character, she has been steady by his side through all these years. As James' suffering in his last days grew worse and his day to leave for heaven grew nearer, she was constantly his personal nurse, keeping track of meds, appointments, and historical records, always there by his side. While married to Joyce and then continuing through all his years with Sandy, James worked diligently at Curwood Inc. in New London until his retirement in 2003. He was always improving his knowledge and skills until he became one of three people doing quality control for the entire plant. He was self-educated in the molecular chemistry and chemical analysis of plastics used for packaging. Together with his inventive, creative mind, he could fix just about anything and found joy in solving problems and helping others. James was well known in the communities where he lived, worked, and worshiped. He will always be remembered for his kind words, big heart, loving hugs, and attitude of giving and service. He deeply enjoyed family, friends, neighbors, and people all over. He was always ready to help whenever he was needed. His heart and his home were open to many a lost or wounded soul. Once, a visiting lost soul said to him, "You know what I'm going to call your home, Mr. Besaw-the house of many colors." That's because no matter your culture, your color, your faith, all were considered neighbors in James' home, and he loved all his neighbors. He loved fishing, hunting, fixing, building, singing, and storytelling, especially with family and friends. A man of deep faith, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a sexton, active in his church council, a lay minister, a volunteer fireman, a driver for the sick to appointments, distributed communion, and visited the sick in their homes. All of which, of his resources and time, he gave willingly and joyfully, using every ounce of his life in the service of others. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Sandra Jean (Nickel) Besaw (Hortonville); children and spouses: James (Della) Besaw, Steffanie (Dale) Myers, Mark (Christina) Besaw, Tod (Mary) Besaw, Steven (Cindy) Besaw, Benjamin (Sara) Besaw; over 60 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings: Sandy Worm, Jerry "Butch" (Sue) Besaw, Jean (Cindy) Besaw, Christine (Bob) Rieckmann, Lee (Sue) Besaw, Greg (Sue) Besaw, Jeff (Cathy) Besaw and Francine (Rich) Engel; and many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family. James was preceded in death by his first wife Joyce (Latza); his parents, Edward and Myrna (Roberts) Besaw; father- and mother-in-law Joseph and Lula Mae (McFaul) Latza; as well as brother Jerome Besaw; brothers- and sisters-in-law Jack and Helen Besaw, Joe and Carol Besaw; brothers-in-law Marlin "Marly" Worm, Don Boulanger and Dennis Menting; sister-in-law Geraldine Nickel; five nephews and one niece; Gary Besaw, David Worm, Patricia "Patti" Taylor, Adam Nickel, Bradley Menting and Keith Boulanger. A visitation for James will be held on Friday, January 30th, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the Dahlke Life Celebration Center in Manawa, WI, (176 N Bridge St.) and also at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (614 S Bridge St.) on Saturday, January 31, from 9:00 a.m - 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Mass for James will be held at the church on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Kris Mekala officiating. A luncheon will be held immediately following the Mass at Bear Lake Resort, Manawa. In lieu of flowers, James requests that you please donate to St. Jude's and help the children. Impact the lives of St. Jude kids - St. Jude Children's Research Hospital   https://share.google/SCPmw1HTQPBeYmNej To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James L. Besaw, please visit Dahlke Funeral Home's flower store .

WAUPACA COUNTY. A Waupaca County SWAT Team was activated Wednesday morning, January 21, following a domestic abuse incident that led to the arrest of a Weyauwega man in the Town of Waupaca. According to a media release from the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, the SWAT Team was deployed at approximately 11:20 a.m. to execute a search and arrest warrant for a dangerous armed suspect connected to a domestic abuse investigation. The operation involved deputies and officers from multiple agencies, including the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, Waupaca Police Department, New London Police Department, Clintonville Police Department, Marion Police Department, Iola Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol. Authorities reported that during the operation, the SWAT Team was able to safely rescue a female victim from the residence. A 47 year old man from Weyauwega was taken into custody without further incident. Numerous criminal charges were referred against the suspect, including domestic abuse related enhancers. Additional assistance during the incident was provided by the Weyauwega Police Department, New London Police Department, Waupaca County Emergency Management, Gold Cross Ambulance Service, and the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office. No further details have been released at this time. As with all cases, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

June 2, 1976  -  January 19, 2026 James Joseph  "JJ" Kicherer, Jr. age 49, of Fremont, passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah after a short battle with cancer.  He was born on June 2, 1976 in Neenah, WI, the son of James and Julianne (Servin) Kicherer.  JJ was a 1995 graduate of Weyauwega-Fremont High School and enjoyed wrestling on the high school team all four years. Following high school, JJ began his career working for Agropur in Weyauwega. JJ grew up spending time outdoors with his brothers, hunting and fishing, and even some competitive fishing.  JJ developed a passion that stayed with him throughout his life. Deer hunting was his favorite time of year, from hunting trips Colorado to Wisconsin deer camp, where he loved sitting in the stand with his daughter and waking her up when the deer came in. Deer camp also meant late nights, cold beer, cribbage with the guys, and always coming back for lunch to his six eggs, bacon, and toast. JJ loved feeding family and friends. From smoking ribs, brisket and pork butt at his annual “Double J’s Up in Smoke” duck hunting party to cooking meals for his family and adjusting recipes so everyone could enjoy his cooking. Feeding others was his way of showing love. His passion for food led him to become a Licensed Cheesemaker at Agropur, an achievement he was incredibly proud of with over 25 years of dedication. Above everything else, JJ’s greatest pride and joy was his daughter, Brynn. Everything he did was for her. If he planned a family trip, he worked closely with his dad and sisters to create the best experience for Brynn-whether it was Branson, Wisconsin Dells, or Great America. JJ showed his love by showing up. If he was invited somewhere, you could count on him being there, even if it meant rearranging his schedule. His daughter’s happiness, and the happiness of those he loved, always came first. JJ’s love for Brynn was so strong that he put his needs and his desires to the side until she graduated from high school and he knew she was going to be ok. He was her biggest supporter regardless if he agreed with it or not, her happiness was all that mattered to him. He always made her believe she could achieve anything she wanted. He would push and encourage her to be the best she could be. He could be tough and strict yet, soft and gentle. JJ loved sports, especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills. Larger than life in both stature and personality, he was proud of his height, his strength, and his presence. He never backed down from a fight, and the fight with cancer was the only one he could not win. He truly was a gentle giant. Often caring for the needs of others. He will be remembered for his big heart, incredible cooking, love of the outdoors, and most of all, his unwavering devotion to his family. JJ is survived by his daughter, Brynn Kicherer(fiancé, Zacx); his father, James Kicherer, Sr. four siblings, Lisa Collins(Lance Kohl), Jason(Gayla)Kicherer, Kevin(Tiffany) Kicherer and Kelly (David) Juckem; nieces and nephews, Breanna(Jon), Cody(Tifiny), Devin, Kevin(Kelsey), Kyle(Angela), Dylen, Logan, Jocelyn(Reed), Analiese, Penelope,  Olivette, Emmalynn, Jeremiah and Theodore; nine great nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins, his lifelong friend and mother of Brynn, Lana Hudson; and many friends.   .   He was preceded in death by his mother, Julianne, and his niece, Lilliana Kicherer.   Visitation will be held at Lewin Funeral Home, 210 W. Main St. Fremont on Sunday, February 1, 2026 from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm at the funeral home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JJ Kicherer Jr., please visit Lewing Funeral Home's floral store.

WAUPACA COUNTY, WI- A dangerous, multi-county vehicle pursuit late Monday night ended in the City of Waupaca with a crash and the arrest of a repeat intoxicated driver. According to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on Monday, January 19, 2026, at approximately 10:17 p.m. after a high-speed pursuit in Outagamie County involving the Wisconsin State Patrol. Authorities reported the fleeing vehicle reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. A short time later, officers with the Waupaca Police Department and the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office were alerted that the vehicle had entered the Waupaca area through the use of FLOCK camera technology. Law enforcement located the vehicle within the City of Waupaca. When a deputy and officer attempted to make contact, the suspect vehicle intentionally rammed both squad cars before fleeing again. A responding sheriff’s office sergeant then pursued the vehicle for approximately half a mile through the city. The chase ended when the suspect crashed into a tree, with the vehicle coming to a stop just short of striking a residence. A 37-year-old man from Menasha was taken into custody after receiving medical treatment. The man faces numerous charges, including fifth offense operating while intoxicated, fleeing an officer, first degree reckless endangering safety, felony bail jumping, misdemeanor bail jumping, failing to install an ignition interlock device, operating after revocation, a probation violation, and additional non-criminal traffic offenses. Authorities thanked the coordinated response between agencies, calling the incident a strong example of multi-jurisdictional teamwork and the effective use of technology to remove a dangerous individual from the roadway. Officials noted that no one was injured during the incident and that only minor damage occurred to patrol squads and a nearby property. The release was completed by Captain K. Wiskirchen and authorized by Sheriff Timothy R. Wilz on January 20, 2026. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

WF WARHAWKS-The Weyauwega Fremont Pep Band will be hitting the road to bring energy, music, and school spirit to Oshkosh on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, as they support the Oshkosh Ice Hawks in a matchup against Fond du Lac Springs! This winter marks a major milestone for Weyauwega-Fremont schools, as it is the first year WF students have officially participated in a high school hockey program. The district joined the Oshkosh Ice Hawks hockey co op this season, giving local athletes the opportunity to compete in high school hockey while representing Weyauwega Fremont! The games will be held at the Oshkosh YMCA, with Varsity beginning at 5:30 PM followed by JV at 7:30 PM. Fans can expect an exciting night of competition paired with a high energy pep band performance as the co op Weyauwega Fremont Pep Band rallies behind the Ice Hawks. Admission is family friendly, with adults at $5, students ages 6 through 18 at $3, children 5 and under free, co op students free with school ID, and away students $5. Community members are encouraged to attend, cheer loudly, and support both the athletes and musicians as Weyauwega Fremont celebrates this exciting new chapter in school athletics. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .

Our beloved Janet Rae Yonke (Behm), 62, went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and is now at peace with our Lord after her courageous battle with cancer. Janet was born at Waupaca Riverside Hospital, Wisconsin on April 30, 1963, to Raymond and Lynette Behm and resided in West Bloomfield. She graduated from Weyauwega High School in 1981 where she enjoyed playing the clarinet in band, cheer leading and poms. She met the love of her life, David August Yonke, at the age of 16 and they were married on September 15, 1984 and moved into their first home on Wisconsin Street in Waupaca. After high school she attended the Appleton School of Cosmetology. Along with this profession she also worked at Red Owl in Weyauwega where she moved into a Manager role in the video department. She then transitioned to First National Bank in Weyauwega, Neuville Motors in Waupaca and finally to Farmers State Bank in Waupaca as loan processor. She was blessed to have met so many wonderful people and made lifelong friends along her journey. Janet was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many. She cherished every moment spent with David, especially at their cabin in Mountain. They shared their love of cats, the outdoors, four wheeling, boating, snowmobiling and traveling. Her favorite place to travel was Hawaii where she and David recently renewed their vows. She had a contagious laugh and loved adventure. Nothing meant more to her than the time she shared with the people she loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory and spirit will forever live within our hearts. Janet is survived by her husband David Yonke; mother Lynette Hannemann; sister Jean Wiechmann; mother-in-law Karen Yonke; nieces and nephews: Michelle (Samuel) Gueli, Kristy (Mitch) Schmahl, Weston (Emilee) Schneider, Amber (Peyton) Head, Sara (Matthew) Yonke, Rebecca (Tim) Edmond; great nieces and nephews: Ryan, Victoria, Layla, Liam and Lana. Janet was preceded in death by her father Raymond Behm; sister Debbie Butt; father-in-law Herbert Yonke; brother-in-laws: Steve Wichmann, Leonard Butt, Daniel Yonke; niece Nicole Laus. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 1:00 p.m. at Lewin Funeral Home, 210 W. Main Street, Fremont. Janet will be laid to rest at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in West Bloomfield, Wisconsin. Janet’s family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire healthcare team at Thedacare Hospice for all of your dedicated service and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations would be greatly appreciated to go towards funeral expenses.

December 19–25, 2025 The following police blotter is compiled from public incident summaries released by the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office. It reflects calls for service, traffic incidents, medical responses, welfare checks, and other law enforcement activity across Waupaca County, including Weyauwega and Fremont. Thursday, December 19, 2025 Waupaca Deputies assisted with a medical call at Aspirus Waupaca Hospital. A disabled vehicle was reported on Royalton Street and later removed. Property damage was reported involving a mailbox. A school related call was handled regarding truancy. A fire alarm was checked and determined to be accidental. Several traffic stops were conducted for speed and lane violations. A suspicious activity complaint near a business was checked with no issues found. A noise complaint involving loud music was addressed. New London A welfare check was conducted at an apartment complex after concerns were raised about a resident. Disorderly conduct was reported involving verbal disturbances. A harassment complaint was investigated involving repeated unwanted contact. A business alarm was checked and cleared. Bear Creek Deputies investigated a weapons related complaint after a report that a vehicle may have been shot at while traveling. The suspect vehicle was not located. Rural Waupaca County Deputies responded to traffic hazards involving disabled vehicles. An ambulance assist was requested. A welfare check was conducted for a person reported walking near traffic in dark clothing. Friday, December 20, 2025 Weyauwega Deputies responded to a traffic hazard involving debris in the roadway. A motor vehicle crash was reported involving a vehicle leaving the roadway. No serious injuries were reported. A business check was completed with no issues observed. Fremont Deputies assisted with a citizen request involving a civil standby. A disabled vehicle partially blocking a lane was reported and later removed. Clintonville A controlled burn was reported and monitored. Deputies handled a mental health related call involving a distressed individual. Waupaca A welfare check was conducted after third party concerns. A fire alarm call was investigated and cleared. Rural Waupaca County Multiple traffic hazards caused by disabled vehicles and road debris were addressed. Extra patrols were conducted. Saturday, December 21, 2025 Waupaca Deputies conducted multiple business checks and extra patrols. Traffic stops were conducted for registration and equipment violations. A disabled vehicle was reported and removed. A controlled burn was reported and monitored. Weyauwega Deputies completed a school patrol check. A noise complaint involving loud music was addressed. Sunday, December 22, 2025 Countywide Deputies responded to a high volume of motor vehicle crashes due to icy road conditions. Many involved vehicles sliding into ditches or leaving the roadway. Most crashes resulted in no injuries or minor injuries only. Waupaca Multiple crashes were reported on city streets and nearby highways. A theft complaint was investigated involving a parking lot. Deputies handled a medical call involving abdominal pain and slurred speech. Numerous traffic stops were conducted. Business checks were completed overnight. Weyauwega Traffic hazards involving stalled vehicles and semis blocking lanes were reported. A neighbor dispute was handled. An animal complaint involved a dog running at large. Noise complaints involving loud music and yelling were addressed. Fremont Deputies investigated a traffic complaint regarding unsafe driving. A suspicious vehicle was checked and cleared. Rural Waupaca County Multiple traffic hazards were addressed. Deputies assisted with a warrant transport. A school related parking lot check was conducted. Monday, December 23, 2025 Waupaca Traffic stops were conducted during early morning and evening hours. A suspicious activity complaint was investigated. School patrols and business checks were completed. A medical call was handled involving breathing difficulty and slurred speech. A veterans crisis line call was checked and resources were provided. A vehicle crash occurred with no injuries reported. A welfare check was conducted at a care facility. Weyauwega An animal complaint was reported involving a dog in the roadway. A snowmobile was reported riding in a roadway median. A suspicious vehicle complaint was investigated. Embarrass 911 Hangup Call:  Deputies investigated a hangup call originating from Pine Manor Health Care. Voices were heard, but no emergency was located. Rural Waupaca County 911 Hangup Calls:  Multiple hangup calls were investigated and later determined to be accidental or pocket dials. Traffic hazards involving disabled vehicles were reported and cleared. Tuesday, December 24, 2025 Waupaca Multiple traffic stops were conducted. Welfare checks were completed. A family related disturbance was reported. A controlled burn was reported and monitored. A suspicious activity complaint involving a business alarm was checked. A crash was reported involving a vehicle leaving the roadway. 911 Misdial:  Caller remained on the line and verified no emergency. New London A trespassing complaint was reported involving property access issues. A welfare check was conducted. Iola A family disturbance involving a dementia patient was reported and addressed. Rural Waupaca County 911 Hangup Calls:  Several hangup calls were investigated. Deputies made contact when possible and confirmed no emergencies existed. An animal complaint involved a deer struck by a vehicle. A parking enforcement issue was documented. Wednesday, December 25, 2025 Waupaca Business checks and school patrols were completed. A suspicious activity complaint involving a basement alarm was investigated. A welfare check was conducted. Traffic stops were conducted during early morning hours. Bear Creek A suspicious person complaint was investigated involving a caller reporting unusual behavior. Rural Waupaca County 911 Hangup Calls:  Additional hangup calls were investigated and cleared once safety was confirmed. A parking violation citation was issued. A disabled vehicle was reported and removed. Have a story or message to share? Email us at events@weyauwegafremontnews.com .