Richard R. Christensen, 60, Gillett, passed away at home unexpectedly on Feb. 8, 2014. Richard was born March 30, 1953, in Oconto Falls to the late Clarence and Savalia (Moede) Christensen. Richard is a graduate of the Suring High School Class of 1971. He married Ruth Block on June 19, 1976, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pulcifer. He was employed as a supervisor in various plywood plants for the past 42 years.

Adeline Ella Behnke Bent, 94, died peacefully at her home in Lakeland, Fla., on Monday, Jan. 20, with members of her family by her side. Her death came from the complications of advancing age. She shared 72 ½ years of holy matrimony with her husband, Roland Charles Bent, who preceded her in death in March 2010. Born in her family home, located on Brock Road north of Gillett, on Sept. 2, 1919, to Hulda and Karl Behnke, she married Roland on Nov.

Karen Kay Smoot, 79, Gillett, passed away at home on Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, with her family by her side. Karen was born Nov. 8, 1934, to the late Leonard and Dorothy (Arnold) Janke in Milwaukee. She grew up in Hartland and married Lawrence “Dick” Smoot on Oct. 10, 1961, in Waukegan, Ill. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and fishing and was an avid reader.

As we were watching “Downton Abbey” recently, I was reminded of some scenes from my kidhood. There were guys cranking the automobiles to start them! I hadn’t thought about hand-cranking an engine in years. Advice from my dad: “Never, ever wrap your thumb around the crank.” Back in the days before tractors had electric starters, you had to hand-crank them. I learned how to do that on an Dad’s beloved Allis Chalmers C.

One hundred eighty-seven years after the colonies broke away from the Mother Country, viewers in the homes bordering the path around the Falls were able to witness an amazing bridge-building effort that spanned the Atlantic Ocean. The event was the live broadcast of “The Ed Sullivan Show,” which 50 years ago this week first featured a British group called the Beatles.

To the editor: At the beginning of a new year, the media spends much time reviewing major events of the previous one. Most of these stories are on a national/international level, such as the death of significant individuals like Nelson Mandela.

After more than 30 years of caring for the learning space at Abrams Elementary School, Larry Peters has decided to hang up his broom. He was the guest of honor at a celebration Jan.

Three students in the Gillett School District will advance to the regional spelling bee at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in Coleman.

Gillett edged by Niagara The Gillett High School girls basketball team lost to Niagara 33-27 in a Marinette & Oconto Conference game Thursday in Niagara. Kara Brennan led Gillett (5-11, 5-5 M&O) with 11 points. Casey Spigarelli scored 14 points to lead Niagara (6-8, 6-4 M&O). Wildcats blown out at home The Lena High School girls basketball team lost to Goodman/Pembine 59-33 in a nonconference game Saturday in Lena. Melissa Bushmaker l