To the editor: If you are like I was, you’ve heard of Common Core curriculum but don’t know what it is. After hours of research, I can’t explain it here, so consider: It isn’t a conservative issue. The Chicago and New York state teacher unions are against it, and the NEA calls it “completely botched” and not good for teachers. Conservatives object to “one size fits all” national control.

The Clintonville School Board voted this week to continue busing parochial school students in 3-year-old kindergarten at least until the end of the school year. The administration recommended ending the service, effective Nov. 1, to save money.

Absentee and in-person voting begins Monday for the Nov. 4 election. While the governor’s race dominates attention statewide, it’s the sheriff’s race that has been getting the most buzz in Shawano County. Republican candidate Adam Bieber, a Shawano police officer, and Independent candidate Lucas Christenson will be on the ballot. Incumbent Randy Wright is running as a write-in. Bieber defeated Wright in the Aug.

Shawano Police Department Oct. 16 Police logged 51 incidents, including the following: Disturbance — Police responding to a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of West Picnic Street arrested a 26-year-old Shawano woman for domestic violence and disorderly conduct and a 27-year-old Shawano man on a Probation and Parole hold. Arrest — A 40-year-old woman was taken into custody for a violation at the Probation and Parole offices, 1340 E.

Dozens of grandparents returned to school Friday at St. Paul Lutheran School in Bonduel. Grandparents Day included a church service, classroom sessions and a musical presentation. Principal Gerald Schmidt said the annual event emphasizes the importance of education and involvement of grandparents in students’ lives. “Grandparents love to see what their grandkids are learning in today’s world,” Schmidt said.

Shawano County Board supervisors will vote Wednesday on a plan that includes a 1.52 percent increase in the 2015 property tax rate. The proposed levy of $14,887,788 — the most allowed by the state — is $127,660 more than the 2014 levy.

City officials are mulling the possibility of adding a detective’s position to the Shawano Police Department as work continues on the 2015 budget. The Finance Committee held its first meeting on the budget Monday and will resume in another closed session meeting at 7 a.m. Monday at City Hall, 127 S.

The Big Brothers movement started in 1904 in New York City. Around the same time, members of the Ladies of Charity were befriending girls who had come through the New York Children’s Court.

The newly formed Shawano Big Brothers Big Sisters program hopes to recruit 50 volunteers by the start of the 2015-16 school year. The nonprofit organization’s adult volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring for youngsters ages 7 to 18.