Ten rural communities from around the state, including Wittenberg and Gillett, will get help meeting their biggest economic development needs and planning for their long-term goals.

The Gillett Water and Sewer Commission went 10 years without a sizable water rate increase but is now seeking rates that would nearly double the cost of water, according to documents filed with the Public Service Commission.

Average residential customers currently pay $17.91 in volume and meter charges for 3,000 gallons of water, plus the $11.67 Public Fire Protection fee on their monthly water bills.

Monday, Feb. 23

Shawano 69, Antigo 43

The Shawano Hawks earned a decisive 69-43 victory over the Antigo Red Robins, turning in a strong all-around performance on both ends of the court. The Hawks set the tone early and maintained control throughout the game, using balanced scoring and solid defense to secure the win.

Tuesday, Feb. 24

Bay Area 9, Fox Cities 1

The Ice Bears cruised into the WIAA sectional finals with a 9-1 semifinal win over the Fox Cities Stars.

Bay Area will host Lakeshore Lightning at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 27 for the sectional final and the right to advance to the state tournament.

Lakeshore Masters

Lakeshore Lanes, Feb. 16

Team Standings

Farmall 320-96

Arndt Trucking 285.5-130.5

Cassidy’s Studio Lounge 262-154

Remi’s 244-172

Rosie’s Railway 222.5-193.5

Golden Sands 208.5-207.5

Launching Pad 198-218

Pin Pricks 171-245

Brothers 159.5-255.5

Lakeshore Lanes 157-259

Shawano Auto 150.5-256.5

On the morning of Feb. 21, 2026, Shirley Jean (Elbe) Peterson, 91, left this world better than she found it, peacefully and surrounded by the love of the family she so faithfully nurtured.

A lifelong resident of Oconto Falls, Shirley was born Nov. 17, 1934, to Gust and Margaret (Coppens) Elbe. From her earliest days, she carried a quiet strength, steadfast faith and gentle kindness that would come to define her life.

Loretta Rose (Koeller) Hohner, 86, passed away Feb. 9, 2026, in Smithfield, Virginia, where she resided the last few years.

Born on May 12, 1939, to Alvin and Dorothy (Rambo) Koeller in Shawano, where she was raised, she graduated from Shawano High School in 1957. Upon graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Navy Department.

In the throes of collecting sap again this year — our sixth season — I’ve come to the realization that every single season is different.

Early in February our buyer sent us a text from Florida: “When u tapping?”

“When are you opening?”

“When u have sap!” he retorted.

The Shawano School Board voted 8-1 Feb. 23 on almost $1.77 million in budget cuts for the 2026-27 school year, focused mainly on staff cuts and changes and avoiding any cuts to school programs.