Depending on one’s focus, this past weekend’s focus, for many who spend time traversing the path around the Falls, might have been the after-Christmas sales, the Packers’ finish to the season, reflections about the transition from one year to the next, or some combination of the above. With Christmas coming on a Thursday, the after-Christmas sales on Friday kicked off a long weekend. This year, the 26th was declared a federal holiday.

I’m always the designated driver. I don’t drink. Well, at least not much. In 2014, I’ve already had three O’Doole’s, and a swallow of champagne on New Year’s Eve. In truth, though, the champagne was a nonalcoholic one. I can’t claim to always having been a nondrinker.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Oconto Falls 30 Port Washington 29 Senior guard Elizabeth Manns scored a game-high 14 points for Oconto Falls in a first-round win against Port Washington (3-7, 2-3 North Shore Conference) Monday during the Manitowoc Lincoln Holiday Tournament. Oconto Falls (4-4, 2-3 Bay Conference) held on despite being outscored in the final period 12-8. Leading scorers for the Pirates were Allie Uselding and Carley Lehtikangas, each with seven

Center Daniel Torres has been a leader on and off the basketball court at Gillett Secondary School. After six games, the 6-foot-2 senior has earned a double-double twice in the Tigers’ two victories and leads the team with 10 points and eight rebounds per game. First-year coach Jeff Cross knew Torres would be a force to be reckoned with before the season started. “I knew that he always had the potential to score and rebound.

It’s a moment that has haunted Oconto Falls High School senior Dewey Krueger for almost 10 months. With a chance to win back-to-back state wrestling titles, Krueger lost in the final 10 seconds of the WIAA Division 2 145-pound championship match in March. “Second place to me isn’t good enough,” Krueger said. “It’s definitely what drives me to succeed this year.

Shawano Police Department Dec. 28 Police logged 16 incidents, including the following: Reckless Driving — Police responded to a reckless driving complaint on Airport Drive. Reckless Driving — Police assisted with a reckless driving complaint at state Highway 29 and Clark Drive in Richmond. Hit and Run — Police responded to a property damage hit-and-run at Union and Green Bay streets. Dec.

Officials are investigating the cause of an early morning blaze that destroyed the Anello’s Torch Lite restaurant at 1276 E. Green Bay St. in Shawano. Firefighters from Shawano and Bonduel were called to the fire around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday and battled the blaze in freezing temperatures.

Aaron Rodgers fell injured after throwing a touchdown pass to give the Green Bay Packers a 14-0 edge in the first half Sunday, returned to the game in the second half to break a 14-14 tie, and led his team to a 30-20 victory over the Detroit Lions to secure the Packers’ fourth straight NFC North title. The win gives the Packers the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and a much-needed bye during the wildcard weekend.

Sunday afternoon’s stage will be familiar for the Green Bay Packers. It won’t be for the Detroit Lions. The Packers are set to host the NFC North Division championship game on Sunday at Lambeau Field, a year after winning a similar matchup in Chicago.