One of the songs we hear a lot during the Christmas season is not a Christmas song at all. “Jingle Bells” was written in 1850 by James Lord Pierpont of Medford, Massachusetts, the nephew of the famous wealthy New York financier, John Pierpont (J.P.) Morgan.

One hundred years of history is wrapped in a musical package this Christmas at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gillett, home to the community’s annual Christmas cantata. “A Christmas Invitation: O Come, All Ye Faithful” is the eighth annual cantata performed at the church. For the first year, the cantata is written by a local resident, Gary Kopitzke, a former superintendent of the Gillett School District.

Keith Sexton, 62, Pensaukee, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2015, at home. He was born July 5, 1953, in Milwaukee to Earl “Huntz” and LaVerne (Bourasa) Sexton. As a young boy, Keith moved with his family to Stiles where he attended Oconto Falls Public Schools, graduating from high school with the Class of 1971. Keith married Linda Rice, and they had one daughter, Amanda, together.

Oconto Falls plans to log 79 acres on the southeast side, once deed restrictions that prohibit tree cutting are relaxed. The parcel extends west from the ski tow area and River Island Golf Course to South Maple Avenue, bordering both sides of the Oconto River. “For the health of the forest we knew it needed to be addressed,” said Alderman Mat McDermid at the Dec. 8 City Council meeting.

Proceedings from Dec. 17 An initial appearance was held for Matthew M. Casper Jr., 31, Oconto, on a felony charge of escape criminal arrest which allegedly occurred Oct. 23 in Oconto. The court set a $50,000 cash bond. A preliminary hearing was Dec. 22. An initial appearance was held for Joseph J.

Dec.

The law enforcement center is visible on the Oconto horizon. After months of underground work for the rammed aggregate piers that will provide the foundation of the facility, work is being accomplished above ground. Masonry work will continue for the next few months, said consultant Kurt Berner, of The Samuels Group, in his report to the Oconto County Board on Thursday. “You’ll continue to see progress out there,” he said. By March, the building

To the editor: Much to my surprise, it appears that it has been decided to charge two local area teens with a felony for a prank that they made on a teacher there at their school. Sadly enough, again hindsight is always better than foresight, even though it (the incident) was intended to be nothing more than a joke.

Editor’s note: Vicky Britton’s first-grade students at Gillett Elementary School wrote letters to Santa. This is what they wrote. Dear Santa, How are you doing at the North Pole today? I would like a Glow Pet for Christmas. What is your favorite cookie? How do you fit all your presents and yourself in the sled? How is Rudolph doing? How is Mrs. Claus doing? When you come to my house, it will be full of decorations. Santa, you are nice to me.