The United Way of Shawano County is accepting grant proposals for the 2014-15 funding year. Proposals are due Aug. 1. The United Way provides support to organizations that focus on education, financial literacy, and improving the health of individuals and families. Agencies or groups seeking funds must show proof of the organization’s tax exempt status under 501c(3) with the IRS and present a plan to the use the funds.

Braden Mueller shot a 164 Tuesday and Wednesday at the Wisconsin PGA Junior Championship at Brown Deer Park and Dretzka Park golf courses near Milwaukee. Mueller, a junior on the Shawano Community High School golf team who made a trip to state earlier this month, finished tied for 93rd of the 269 boys that competed in the two-day event. He was tied for 71st among the 16- to 18-year- olds. Mueller shot an 81 on Tuesday at Dretzka Park.

Summer school classes in the Shawano School District encourage students’ creativity to help avoid the dreaded “summer slide.” Experts agree that children who read and stay involved in educational opportunities during the summer gain skills, while those who do not often slide backward. Several unique summer school classes help students maintain their edge over the three-month break from classes. “The summer slide slows down a little and their brai

Mike Koles, head of the University of Wisconsin-Extension office for Waupaca County, has been hired as the new executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. He will replace Richard Stadelman, of Shawano, who is retiring on Aug. 31. Koles is currently the department head of the UW Extension Waupaca County. He has served as a community, natural resources and economic development educator for Waupaca County since 2003.

Shawano Police Department June 24 Police logged 28 incidents, including the following: Theft — Medications and concert tickets were reported stolen in the 700 block of Weed Street. Suspicious — Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 100 block of South Andrews Street. Vandalism — Police responded to a report of a smashed windshield on a van in the 400 block of Bartlett Street. Trespassing — Police responded to an unwanted m

For the second time in less than a week, Shawano police on Tuesday nabbed an alleged multiple-offense drunken driver after being tipped off to his driving by a caller. James P. Rybicki, 55, is facing a felony count of sixth-offense operating while intoxicated while driving with a child in the vehicle. He could face a maximum 12 years in prison and a $20,000 fine if convicted.

Shawano County is looking at merging two departments — Social Services and Community Programs — into a single Human Services Department, emulating a vast majority of counties in Wisconsin. The County Board voted 23-4 Wednesday to form an ad-hoc committee to look into the costs and procedures required to complete the merger.

A proposed new facility for housing recently released offenders in the community is raising concerns less than a week before it was due to go into operation. The state Department of Corrections has contracted with ATTIC Correctional Services for an eight-bed facility at 227 E. Richmond St. in Shawano, replacing the New Era House at 105 E. Richmond St. New Era’s contract expires at the end of this month.

The inaugural Northwoods TimberFest, a celebration of the Northwoods lifestyle, is scheduled Friday through Sunday at the Lakewood Pavilion Grounds in Lakewood.