Another health care provider is making plans for a significant new facility in Shawano County. Aspirus Inc., based in Wausau, has acquired property in downtown Birnamwood and told village leaders of plans for a new facility to replace an overcrowded clinic located across town. Although details have not been disclosed, village officials say the development could constitute the biggest private business investment in Birnamwood in perhaps 20 years.

There were not many local fans dressing the part at the special Shawano premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Thursday night, but the packed theaters showed there were plenty of local fans of Jedi and Sith. The seventh film in the Star Wars franchise hits theaters Friday, but many places like Shawano Cinema held special premieres Thursday for those who felt the pull of the Force was too great to wait. Fans started lining up three hours early

The past two meets, the Shawano Hawks boys swim team has been close to getting back to its winning ways. After falling to Rhinelander on Tuesday 98-70, the Hawks fell to Great Northern Conference foe Lakeland 95-73 on Thursday. Shawano head coach Jeff Easter knows just how close the team is to breaking through. “What we look at is the last two meets, we’ve lost by maybe around 20 points,” Easter said.

With just three matches wrestled in Shawano Community High School’s home dual against New London, the final score does little to reflect the strength of the Hawks’ program. Senior Damon Braatz pinned Travis Kuhnke in 56 seconds and Wyatt Welch won by forfeit to tally Shawano’s only points in a 60-12 loss. Shawano’s effort pleased head coach Mike Homan, who said all three wrestlers fought hard. Patrik Balint, a foreign-exchange student from Hungar

John Robert Gilson, 92, of Cecil, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, at his home surrounded by his family. John was born in Shawano on Aug. 5, 1923, the son of the late Earl R. and Gerogianna (Ketter) Gilson. He was united in marriage to Mildred M. Kersten. She preceded John in death. John served in the United States Army during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge.

Shawano Police Department Dec.

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Lt.

More races are shaping up for the spring election in Clintonville, although no one has yet filed as a candidate for mayor. Incumbent District 1 Alderman Jim Krause has taken out his papers for re-election. Clintonville High School Principal Lance Bagstad has taken out nomination papers for the seat but has not yet filed. District 4 incumbent Mary Beth Kuester has filed her papers for re-election.

Ralph Huebner and his sons, Nathaniel and Gabe, make Christmas trees of a different kind — chainsaw Christmas tree carvings made of soft woods of pine, hemlock and cedar. Ralph, who is a carpenter, made the trees himself last year, but thought this year his sons could help. “This summer I thought the boys could work on some to make some extra money,” Huebner said. He bought a small chain saw for Nathaniel, 15, a sophomore at Shawano Community Hig