Each gardening season seems to offer new growing challenges. Our gardens are exposed to more drastic and variable weather with changing weather patterns. Floods, droughts, wind, temperature extremes and unseasonable weather episodes can have immediate and long-term impacts on our plants. Monitoring and noting these occurrences will help you diagnose immediate and future plant and garden problems.

The Oconto Falls City Council has approved the first sewer rate increase in six years, approving a utility commission recommendation during its Jan. 14 meeting. The increase amounts to 6.56%, or $3.94 a month, about $47.71 per year for the average customer, said Greg Kuhn, general manager of Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities. “Our last sewer rate case was 2018, so we’ve gone six years without a rate increase,” Kuhn said.

The Shawano County Board agreed Jan. 22 to delay a decision on a proposed $20 annual wheel tax that would take effect Jan. 1, 2026. It is expected the highway and parks committee will schedule a public information meeting before then to share more of the reasoning behind the proposal. Presenters are also expected to discuss who is exempt from the tax and the reasons behind those exemptions. The next county board meeting will be held Feb. 26.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, QR (Quick Response) codes have become a popular and convenient way to access information, make payments and interact with businesses. These scannable bar codes can direct users to websites, menus, parking payment portals and more.

A former Pulaski man sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting a police officer during the riot that took place Jan. 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol was pardoned and released Jan. 21 from a federal prison. Riley Kasper, 26, was one of the about 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants pardoned or had their sentences commuted by President Donald Trump after he took office Jan.

History comes alive in February as the Oconto County Historical Society invites the community to an evening honoring the bravery and sacrifice of local soldiers. The Speaker Series event, “The Red Arrow Division at Buna,” begins at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Beyer Home and Carriage Museum, 915 Park Ave., Oconto, and will delve into one of the most challenging and pivotal battles of World War II. Capt.

Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) services are no longer available at Bonduel Village Hall. The change, effective Jan. 20, comes after recent price increases for offering these services, according to village officials. License plate renewals can still be completed at Bonduel Mini Mart, 218 S.