Proceedings from Jan. 16 Christopher R. Nelson, 28, Coleman, made an initial appearance on charges of being party to theft, party to operating another’s vehicle without consent and party to entering a locked building, all which allegedly took place between Jan. 11 and 14 in the town of Townsend. His bond was set at $1,500 cash, with his case continued to Feb. 13. An initial appearance was held for Howard R. Lucas, 39, Green Bay.

A retired teacher and beef farmer has been selected to serve as town clerk of Oconto Falls. Mike Kaczmarek, 70, was appointed to replace Janice Boucher who resigned, effective Dec. 31, saying she was too busy to continue in the position she was elected to in April.

Although it’s still penniless, an Oconto Falls historical society is pursuing plans to purchase and move a vacant two-room schoolhouse for use as a historical center. The Oconto Falls Area Heritage Center association is beginning a fundraising push to obtain $150,000, the projected cost to purchase Spruce School and move it to Oconto Falls. According to preliminary figures, the project is “doable,” said Dale Seeling, association president, “if we

The Gillett and Suring school districts are working toward establishing joint high school baseball and softball programs for the 2015 season. Preliminary efforts to form a cooperative are moving forward after Suring received a draft agreement from Gillett. “We’ve had interest over the years and are trying to move forward with this,” Suring Superintendent Robert Ray said.

University of Wisconsin-Marinette’s Theatre on the Bay will hold auditions for “Crimes of the Heart” by Beth Henley, to be directed by Rebecca Stone-Thornberry. There are roles for four women (anyone who can play early 20s to mid-40s considered) and two men (seeking actors who can play 30s to mid-40s). Age ranges are flexible. A copy of the play is on reserve in the UW-Marinette library. All interested actors are encouraged to audition.

The Lena Lions Club honored John Wenzel as the Student of the Month for January. He is the son of the late Dana Wenzel and Clint Wenzel, of rural Coleman. Tedd Nadler, president of the Lena Lions Club, presented the senior with a certificate and a leatherette clipboard. The award was based on John’s academic record and extra-curricular activities. John participates in forensics, National Honor Society, the High Q team, Academic Bowl and band.

It was a dark and stormy night. This is the setting for the latest Machickanee Players production, “High Ground,” written by Charlotte Hastings. The town’s dam has broken, and everyone comes to the high ground where the convent/hospital is located, even a convicted murderer, Sarat Carn, on her way to her execution. Sister Mary believes Carn is wrongly convicted and does all she can to help her avoid the executioner.

Amid the pumping rhythms of “We Are the Champions,” students dressed in team T-shirts hovered over boxy robots fitted with wheels, intake mechanisms and lifts, while referees kept score Saturday at Oconto Falls High School. Thirty-five teams from three states, representing 15 schools and organizations, participated in the Northeast Wisconsin VEX Robotics Challenge held in the high school gym.

Louis P. Stepien, 84, American hero of the Korean Conflict, died Jan. 17, 2014, at a local hospital as a result of complications following surgery treating extensive disabling injuries suffered 61 years ago while serving in the U.S. Army. Louis achieved the rank of sergeant and earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with V for Valor, the Purple Heart and other service medals. He was a member of the PLAV Post No.