Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so I decided to try to find a new recipe to celebrate it. There are so many different recipes for Valentine’s Day, from main dishes to desserts, but I ultimately decided to try a thumbprint cookie recipe.

Thumbprint cookies are delicious with a buttery, shortbread-like base, and sweet jam or jelly baked into the center.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

OCONTO: Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Farnsworth Public Library, 715 Main St. Story and crafts for preschool children. A caregiver must stay with the child.

BOWLER: American Red Cross blood drive, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Bowler High School 500 S. Almon St. Appointments at RedCrossBlood.org or 800-733-2767.

SURING: Recovery Talking Circle, 6-8 p.m. South Branch Community Center, W1281 County Road M.

Honey Soul Collectives Co., located at 144 S. Main St. in downtown Shawano, opened its storefront business Sept. 27, 2025.

At Blazer’s Bar and Grill, located at N3189 County Road SS in rural Tigerton, owner Chelsea Wiszus and her staff have plenty of food and drink on hand — with hot, homemade daily specials offered to customers, offsetting cold winter days.

With a heart to serve, Wiszus has been in the restaurant industry ever since she was 15 years old, as her first job was waitressing at Prime Time in Marion.

Outgoing Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources deer biologist Jeff Pritzl finally got to speak his mind bluntly after nearly 35 years with the agency, and his seasoned words were revealing and sensible.

Although he officially retired Feb. 2 because of his accumulation of paid time off, he turned over his state computer access and duties in December.

Over my 20 years practicing medicine, I have seen many changes in how we care for patients. Change is not only expected in medicine — it is essential.

As new evidence emerges from research, observation and clinical experience, recommendations evolve. This evidence-based process is how vaccines, including the hepatitis B (HBV) vaccine, have been developed and refined over decades to demonstrate both safety and effectiveness.