The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection invites individuals with a passion for promoting agriculture to apply for the position of 79th Alice in Dairyland through Jan. 30.

As one of the most widely recognized marketing communications professionals in Wisconsin agriculture, Alice in Dairyland travels extensively, promoting Wisconsin’s agricultural industry and its impact on the state economy.

Cheryl Pytleski was honored in late December as the 10,000th fan of the 2025-26 school year at Panther athletics events. This honor is presented annually in memory of the ultimate OFHS Super Fan, Mary Bukowski. OFHS athletic director Jerry Moynihan presented Pytleski with some gifts, and her name will be added to the plaque that is permanently displayed at OFHS.

Ida Amanda Brekke, 100, of Wittenberg, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, at Milestone Senior Living in Woodruff.

Ida was born Aug. 9, 1925, in Elderon, the daughter of the late Emma and Ole R. Dobbe, of Rosholt. She was the granddaughter of Berthine Isakson Olson and Jorgen (George) Olson from Elderon, who immigrated from Norway.

Regan Buchholz can certainly tell a tall tale. As proof, the Bonduel man was just named the winner of the 2025 Burlington Liars’ Club contest.

According to Buchholz, “My parents were so poor that they had to bury Grandfather naked just so my dad had a suit to wear to the funeral.”

The retired letter carrier said it was only the third time he entered the contest.

The season of giving has passed, but the season of diseases is wreaking havoc in Shawano County as cases of cold, flu, COVID-19 and more are on the rise.

Nick Mau, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department director, said ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano is full, with some of the more serious cases being transported to the New London hospital and other nearby facilities.

As winter storms impact communities across the Upper Midwest, Aspirus Health is urging residents to take precautions when shoveling snow to avoid injury.

Occupational therapist Nathaniel Kropidlowski said improper body mechanics, lack of preparation and poor equipment are leading causes of strain and accidents during this common winter chore.

Goodbye, The Flower Shoppe, and hello, Northern Roots.

Not only does the Oconto Falls floral and gift store at 224 N. Main St. have a new name, it has a new owner as well.

That new owner is Lori Fournier, who recently purchased the business from Melanie and Matt Rice. Fournier is no stranger to the business, as she worked at The Flower Shoppe for 18 years.

If you’re interested in hearing about how language can heal a nation, two Oneida doctors have just the prescription.

“Not Those Kind of Doctors — A Serious Podcast by Unserious People” is hosted by Dr. Rosa Rylene King and Dr. Priscilla Belisle. Streaming on Spotify, it “explores the intersections of Oneida language, culture, healing, sovereignty and resilience.”

Turn off the grow lights, gather a few milk jugs and potting mix, and start planting seeds. Winter sowing is a way to start transplants from seeds outdoors without a greenhouse or cold frame.

You’ll save money on equipment and time tending the seeds and seedlings. Just transform milk jugs, soda bottles and other items into mini grow chambers to start some of your favorite and hard-to-find transplants from seeds.