Rights, freedoms and democracy are the stated cornerstones of Judge Chris Taylor’s bid for a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court. And she touched on all those topics when she visited the Shawano Civic Center on Jan. 21 as a guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Shawano-Menominee Counties Democratic Party.

Paul Pionke, Shawano County’s veterans service officer, announced his retirement effective March 27.

Pionke, a 23-year veteran with the U.S. Air Force, has worked for the county since July 2022.

“Last year was a bad year for me with (my) legs,” he said. “I’m also going to spend more time being a husband, father and grandfather.”

James C. Radford, who has been charged with first-degree homicide in connection with the shooting death of his wife nearly 10 years ago, is still without an attorney, and Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court Judge William Kussel Jr. is getting fed up with the delays.

Excitement in artificial intelligence has pushed big tech stocks, and by extension the entire stock market, to record highs.

Brook trout are abundant, but they are smaller than the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources would like to see, so work is being done to improve fish habitats.

Include some winning vegetable varieties in this year’s garden. Look for the 2026 All-America Selections (AAS) winners that have been tested nationally and selected for their suitability in home gardens and containers. Winners must have improved appearance, flavor, performance or other features than those varieties already on the market.

Eighth grade students Ryan Kroenke, left, and Cody Rotramel participate in a challenge of peer encouragement during a presentation Jan. 14 by nationally recognized inspirational speaker Terrence Talley. Through powerful personal stories and uplifting messages, Talley invited students to confront real-life challenges — peer pressure, bullying, self-worth and the call to kindness — with courage, resilience and hope.

An up-and-down season for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood wrestling team continued Jan. 20 with a pair of Central Wisconsin Conference dual meet wins over Pittsville and Rosholt.

The Panthers and Hornets headed to Wittenberg for the Chargers’ annual Parents’ Night.

Wrestling has become a popular sport for hundreds of high school girls across Wisconsin.

That’s especially apparent this season at Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School, as the team’s roster of almost 30 wrestlers includes 12 girls. Those 12 girls include junior Brooke Huffman, a two-time defending state champion who headed into the Chargers’ Central Wisconsin Conference meet with Pittsville and Rosholt Jan. 20 with a 108-0 record.