As we celebrate the holidays, most Americans say they can’t wait to see 2025 in the rearview mirror.

Little wonder. All across the nation, millions of Americans are mired in a deep economic funk. Nearly half of adults say they are struggling financially, with a large majority describing the country as going in the wrong direction. They also express the opinion that they have never seen their country this divided.

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but the combination of travel, packed schedules and disrupted routines can take a toll on both stress levels and sleep.

As a result, many people reach for over-the-counter remedies to help them rest. Experts say it is important to use these products safely, especially when mixing them with other medications, alcohol or caffeine.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting award nominations for the 2025 Wisconsin Ethical Hunter Award. Nominees are selected based on exceptional moral actions and character while out in the field.

Established in 1997, the award recognizes a hunter whose action is symbolic of Wisconsin’s hunting heritage. This honor represents an outdoor tradition enjoyed responsibly, respectfully and safely.

With one more full semester of high school in front of them, a pair of Bonduel High School athletes are looking ahead to fall 2026 when they will attend Division 1 colleges for their education and sports.

Mariah Wondra and Ryan Westrich signed their letters of intent Dec. 11 at the school. Wondra will attend the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Westrich will be at Western Michigan University.

Thursday, Dec. 18

Gillett 49, Lena 45

Gillett and Lena each sit at 2-3 after the Tigers beat the Wildcats 49-45 on Dec. 18.

Lena led 20-16 at the half, but Gillett surged in the second half.

Shawano County supervisors rejected the recommendation of the ethics committee and voted 16-11 to allow Lowel Hammett to remain on the county board.

Just minutes before, supervisors voted 20-7 to have Hammett removed from the ethics committee.

The votes were taken after about 30 minutes of discussion and audience participation at the Dec. 17 meeting of the county board.

Shawano County District 16 Supervisor Lowel Hammett wasn’t willing to leave the county board without putting up a fight.

Supervisors gathered Dec. 17 to vote on whether to remove Hammett from the board for violating the county ethics code. They voted 16-11 to have him remain on the board.

In November, the ethics committee said Hammett violated the ethics code by:

Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza, left, presents a certificate of appreciation to Deb Wallace, county treasurer, on Dec. 17. Wallace retired Dec. 19 after working for the county for more than 16 years.

The Shawano County United Way is likely going to make at least its minimum goal for 2025, according to its executive director, Uriah Williams.

This year, the local program set a goal of raising at least $100,000 to help local nonprofits fund their initiatives, but it also set a higher goal of $145,000 in the hope that United Way can help even more.