Mention the word “Novitiate” in Shawano and Menominee counties, and most people know exactly what you’re talking about, although even locals may be hazy on some of its historic details.

The mansion at W9653 Butternut Road in the Town of Herman has been vacant for decades, but the current owners now have plans to turn it into a hotel and event center.

A five-year operational referendum is the Gillett School District’s last hope to return its finances to a healthy outlook and prevent closing its doors.

A once-vibrant church along state Highway 29 near Tilleda will soon be the home of a new retail store.

The former Bethany Baptist Church was purchased by Benishek Properties with the new owners planning to open The Vintage Church Mouse, a vintage and antiques store.

The victim of a fatal house fire Jan. 27 has been identified by the Shawano Police Department as 69-year-old Nancy Mross.

Mross died at the scene in the 600 block of South Union Street in Shawano after police and firefighters were called to the blaze at 2:30 a.m. Preliminary autopsy results indicate Mross died from smoke and fume inhalation.

Hope Community Church is hosting an event called If: Shawano, from 6-9 p.m. March 6 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 7.

Women of all ages are invited to attend the event at the church, 302 Tristan Drive, Shawano.

The two-day event is geared toward women across denominations and generations. They will gather, be equipped and unleashed back to their places to serve Jesus for the good of others and the glory of God.

About 20% of the waste in landfills is connected to food, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ latest food waste study. Further, most of that waste comes from food that is produced but not consumed.