Marilyn and I have been lucky in our retirement to have been able to do some very interesting travel. I seldom write about our adventures because I don’t like to bore anyone with the details.

The Oconto Falls FFA members celebrated their accomplishments at their annual banquet on April 27. All first-year FFA members received the Greenhand Degree: Emily Birr, Alex Borkovec, Isaac Carlton, Hunter Christiansen, Garrett Cole, Kyanah Cornelius, Landon Cunningham, Justin Dequaine, Travis Dequaine, Kalie Elkins, Ashley Hebel, Ashley Keuken, Tyler Klimpke, Taylor Koehne, Jenny Krueger, Rachel Lambert, Megan Loberger, Jen Longsine, Haley Meuni

Seniors from Lena, White Lake and Suring took part in Reality Day on May 1 in the Suring School gymnasium. This event was a simulation of what real life would be like after graduation. The students spent their morning writing checks and managing check registers for expenses such as a home, car, insurance payments, childcare, utilities and groceries.

Proficiency award results for Oconto Falls FFA members were revealed April 27 at the annual FFA banquet.

The Oconto Falls FFA agronomy team of Emily Birr, Nathan Birr, Connor Iverson and Mercedes Ondik will compete at the national FFA competition in October. The team placed first at contests at River Falls and Fox Valley Technical College and won the state contest. Team members were honored at the FFA annual banquet April 27. Career Development Event teams also participated in contests at River Falls, Platteville and Fox Valley Technical College.

The Oconto Falls High School FBLA Chapter on May 5 held its annual end of the year banquet to recognize members for their achievements and to induct officers for 2014-2015. As part of the induction process, current officers lit candles and handed them to the officers who would take their positions. Each candle was a different color, symbolizing the unique characteristics and responsibilities of each officer position.

Through a partnership involving the Oconto Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Oconto Falls High School tech ed department and two local businesses, a custom trailer was built and will be part of a prize package in the Falls Fun Fest raffle. The chamber will raffle off a Cabela’s ATV and trailer, kayaks and other items.

The Oconto Falls High School boys track and field team took seventh and the girls finished ninth at the Bay Conference meet Saturday in Denmark. Oconto Falls boys coach Lon Ludemann said he was hoping his team could get closer to fifth place. Junior Mike Friedman had two of the top finishes for the Panthers.

Falls narrowly loses to Denmark Freshman McKenna Kussow allowed four runs through seven innings, but the offense could manage only two runs as the Oconto Falls High School softball team lost 4-2 to Denmark on Thursday. Kussow protected a 1-0 lead until the sixth inning when Denmark (19-3, 11-2 Bay) scored four runs. Kussow allowed two hits and struck out five batters the first five innings. Panthers leadoff hitter Liz Manns (1 for 3) scored in th