Larry E. Westphal, 87, of Clintonville, passed away late Friday evening, Jan. 30, 2026, at Greentree Health and Rehabilitation Center, Clintonville.

Eugene Hischke, 91, of Suring, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. He was born June 8, 1934, to the late Leonard and Leah Hischke.

For 67 years, Eugene hauled milk with dedication and pride, seldom taking a day off. A farmer at heart, he loved the land and enjoyed beef farming, growing pumpkins and the steady routines of rural life.

Honey Soul Collectives Co., located at 144 S. Main St. in downtown Shawano, opened its storefront business Sept. 27, 2025.

At Blazer’s Bar and Grill, located at N3189 County Road SS in rural Tigerton, owner Chelsea Wiszus and her staff have plenty of food and drink on hand — with hot, homemade daily specials offered to customers, offsetting cold winter days.

With a heart to serve, Wiszus has been in the restaurant industry ever since she was 15 years old, as her first job was waitressing at Prime Time in Marion.

Outgoing Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources deer biologist Jeff Pritzl finally got to speak his mind bluntly after nearly 35 years with the agency, and his seasoned words were revealing and sensible.

Although he officially retired Feb. 2 because of his accumulation of paid time off, he turned over his state computer access and duties in December.

The issue of school districts having to cut budgets or ask voters to approve operational referenda is nothing new, but it’s getting some notice after the Shawano School District announced in January that $1.6 million needs to be cut from operations to balance next year’s budget.

The general election for the Menominee Tribal Legislature was held Jan. 14–15, resulting in the election of three candidates to three-year terms.

Elected were Marcus Grignon with 319 votes, Daynell Grignon with 310 and Kaycee Wayka with 260, according to the Tribal Election Commission.

The Shawano County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Jan. 28 thanking Allison Schultz for her two decades of service to the Bonduel Public Library.

Schultz served nearly 21 years with the library, which is now a branch of the Shawano County Library system.

Cast members selected through a competitive audition process featuring top talent in the region, including performers from Wausau, Stevens Point, D.C. Everest, Merrill, Marathon and more will take to the stage at Wausau West High School later this month.