It’s taken some time, but things are looking up for the human resources department of Shawano County government.

Director Julie Hasser told executive committee members Sept. 16 that the culture for employees is definitely improving.

The Shawano County Parks Department is working toward making itself self-sufficient and tax levy-free, while the committee that oversees its operations could see a change next year.

The rules committee Sept. 16 agreed to move the oversight of the parks department from the highway and parks committee to the public property committee effective Jan. 1, 2027. The change is contingent on approval by the county board.

Past years where homecoming shenanigans in Shawano have gone horribly awry have prompted school and law enforcement leaders to issue a joint letter urging families to keep their children in line.

A school in the Madison Metropolitan School District now carries the name of Ada Deer Elementary School, named for the prominent Menominee scholar, activist, and civil servant.

The school board decision was announced Aug. 24. Three schools were given name changes, including the former Conrad A. Elvehjem Elementary School.

The name change is effective with the 2026-27 academic year.

The Wisconsin Department of Revenue is warning homeowners about a viral online video promoting a nonexistent federal property tax relief program.

The video claims that Congress passed a law providing significant property tax relief for older homeowners, enabling seniors to freeze or reduce property taxes. Viewers are directed to contact their county assessor and request a “Senior Homeowner Tax Review Request” or “IRS Form 1098-SR.”

Three capital projects are on tap for Shawano County government in 2027, and there are no plans to borrow any money to have that work completed.

The executive committee Sept. 16 agreed to use current funds for the work. The three projects are:

• Replacing the log cabin siding on the Department of Health Services Lakeland building with steel siding at a cost of $110,750.