Spring wildfire season is here, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging the public to check fire danger before conducting outdoor burning activities. Nearly 170 wildfires have burned more than 450 acres already this year, according to the DNR, four times more than a typical year at this time. Dry weather and gusty winds lead to the potential for increased wildfire activity.

The Shawano Hockey League wants to take full control of the Crawford Center, which it now leases for nearly half of each year. “We’d like to express interest in working out with the county to take back the building,” said Adam Gafner, league president, at the March 13 public property committee meeting.

The city of Oconto Falls plans to address properties that need improvement while it holds its annual spring cleanup, officials told the city council at its regular monthly meeting March 11. The Recycle Center on Pioneer Drive plans to host spring cleanup during regular operating hours, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A dozen firms were expected to offer proposals for design services master planning of county facilities as Shawano County officials continue their quest to potentially build a new courthouse and justice center, along with other facility improvements. Proposals were due Sept. 17, and the public property committee is scheduled to meet Sept.

The bridge over the Oconto River in downtown Oconto Falls is scheduled for a makeover during the summer of 2026. City Administrator Peter Wills told the city council March 11 that Oconto County recently briefed the city’s fire, utilities and street departments about the plans. “Next summer, the bridge that connects what we think of as Maple Street to County Road CC is going to be worked on — one lane at a time, so we’ll still be able to utilize i

The turmoil in Washington, D.C., over federal funds being frozen and restarted is not expected to impact the city of Shawano when it breaks ground on renovating and expanding its recreation center this summer. According to City Administrator Eddie Sheppard, some concerns were expressed about whether the $4.25 million Flexible Facilities grant would still be coming to Shawano, even though the state issued the grant.

Three local girls were among the five named to the Marinette & Oconto Conference all-conference first team for girls basketball. Honored were Lena senior Eva Brooks, Suring senior Bunny Cramer and Lena junior Madilyn Thomson. Brooks was selected as the most outstanding player.

Six races for town chairman in Oconto County are on local ballots as early voting begins for the April 1 general election. Municipal boards and councils are being chosen across the county, although most candidates are running unopposed. Two statewide races and a state referendum question are also on the ballot.

A workshop is being held March 26 to assist farm decision-making regarding corn pest management and corn silage management. Corn is grown on more acres in Wisconsin than any other crop. Corn silage forms the largest ration component on most Wisconsin dairy farms and is a particularly important crop in northeastern Wisconsin. The upcoming workshop will assist farmers as they make final plans for the 2025 production season.