In communities big, small and in-between in Wisconsin, pieces of the past are not always preserved.

Sometimes, things break down and return to the earth from which their materials came, but in Mattoon, the Mattoon Area Historical Society is replicating a long-gone rail depot.

In 2024, the U.S. saw an almost 27% reduction in overdose deaths, and early data indicates Wisconsin experienced a similar decline in overdose deaths.

This is a hopeful sign that efforts to address the crisis are starting to take effect and underscores the need to continue investment in evidence-based overdose prevention strategies in communities most at risk for overdose.

A Seymour man remains in the Shawano County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond after being charged earlier this month with first-degree sexual assault with a child under 13 and exposing his genitals.

School safety came to the forefront again recently as a 16-year-old was arrested Sept. 9 after a loaded handgun and ammunition were found in a backpack at Preble High School in Green Bay.

The school quickly moved to require students to bring only clear and colorless backpacks and bags into school. The policy took effect Sept. 22.

An Oconto County guide was fined $3,000 and banned from hunting on federal land for illegally placing bear bait in the Nicolet-Chequamegon National Forest.

Timothy J. Collar, 64, of Shiocton, received a one-year ban from entering a national forest and hunting with a firearm, including this year’s bear hunting season that runs through Oct. 25.

Patti Habeck has been named president and CEO of New North Inc., the regional economic development corporation for the 18 counties of Northeast Wisconsin, effective Dec. 1.

A unanimous selection of the New North board of directors, she leads the largest hunger-relief organization in the state, one which has experienced transformational growth strategically, financially and in culture over her tenure.

Cruisers Yachts is launching its newest fleet, the VTR. Designed and built in Oconto, the VTR line combines rugged capability and yacht-level craftsmanship.

The fleet debuts with two models: the 38 VTR, featuring an open cockpit, and the 38 VTR EC, which boasts an enclosed cockpit with climate control for all-weather boating. Both are powered by Mercury Verado outboards, with twin 300hp or 400hp engines.

The Gillett Public Library is the first JobPod Lite site to be launched in Wisconsin.

JobPod Lite facilitates easy and reliable access to online and virtual job search resources for job seekers by merging community library spaces with the expertise of workforce development professionals.

• Andrea P. Slater, 32, Green Bay, pleaded no contest Sept. 17 to second-degree recklessly endangering safety and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. Judge Katherine Sloma withheld sentencing and placed her on four years of probation with conditions.