Many in Shawano ready to move forward

SHAWANO - Where does Shawano go from here? That's the question many people in the city are asking after learning no one will be charged in connection to an alleged threat list. Many say that threat list has loomed over the city ever since it was announced.

"We wish something would have been done because it totally upset lives. Those are my friends on that list," said Mary Zimenek, a downtown business owner.

"The federal government investigated, there's not a basis for criminal action and it should be left at that," said Caroyl Long, of Bonduel.

Last November, Shawano law enforcement officials said the threat was connected to a secretive sect known as the Samanta Roy Institute of Science and Technology, or SIST. At the time, the group claimed the list was made up by city officials to run them out of town.

"City officials, scared of the thought of being exposed, rushed to start a scandalous security alert propaganda campaign against SIST by creating a hit list to rouse, enflame and terrorize the public to bring about our demise," said Naomi Isaacson last November.

Isaacson is SIST's CEO.

City officials call the claims ridiculous.

SIST has been at odds with city and county officials for a number of years. The disagreements stem mainly from the organization's business operations. SIST has hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. The group also owns a number of downtown properties that sit vacant.

"Hopefully we can see something happen with those properties now and become available on the market and we can get some businesses in there," said Nancy Smith, the executive director of Shawano Country Tourism.

Last week, SIST's bankruptcy cases were dismissed from Delaware federal court. That means those who lent the organization money can now go after SIST in court. All told, SIST owes more than $13 million.

"It's exciting to see that it's moving forward and there are going to be foreclosures. Somebody is going to be able to move into that space and help bring this town back to life," said Zimenek.

SIST, however, has said it will fight to stay in business. An attorney for the group declined to comment for this story.