Marti Johnson has been spearheading efforts to modernize and enhance her business, River City Diner and Smokehouse, while maintaining its welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. The first thing customers will notice is the transformation of the seating area.

Commemorating Martin Luther King Day always takes me back to 1964 when I was a freshman at Mount Mary College in Milwaukee. A first-class academic institution, MMC was also a “finishing school” for pampered girls from wealthy families. Could a dairy farmer’s daughter fit in? I was about to find out. From the day I failed at driving a tractor, I was determined to go to college. I worked hard at St.

Richard Bradley “Dick” Kessen, 74, died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at his home in Eland, with his little dog, Ute, at his side. Dick was born on April 24, 1950, in Shawano, the third son of Harris and Nellie (Pietz) Kessen.

• Kevin E. Lyons, 45, Gresham, was found guilty at a jury trial July 10 of seven counts of battery or threat to a law officer, one count of attempted battery or threat to a law officer, two misdemeanor counts each of resisting or obstructing an officer and disorderly conduct. Judge Katherine Sloma sentenced him Jan. 13 to 10 years in prison, followed by 15 years of extended supervision with conditions. • Dylan M.

Brian Della recently took hold of the reins of the city of Shawano’s money as the new finance director, months after Greg Smith stepped down to take a finance position with the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Della has served as an independent municipal adviser for 19 years in Wisconsin, advising on over 450 local government debt issues.

Duane Janik, 76, of Lena, passed away peacefully, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Meng Residence in De Pere, with his wife at his side. He was born June 29, 1948, in Oconto Falls, son of the late Edward and Esther (Bogsted) Janik, and was a graduate of Oconto Falls High School, class of 1966. After high school, Duane enlisted with the Army Reserves. He was united in marriage to Faye Umentum on July 13, 1968, in Oconto Falls.

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James B. Saindon, 83, Town of Chase, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. The son of Bob and Lucille (Karcz) Buckman was born Oct. 7, 1941, in Green Bay. Jim married Gladys Ferfecki on Nov. 23, 1965. He drove truck for Carver Boat and various other places for several years.

Members of the Shawano County Executive Committee agreed Jan. 15 to a $20 annual wheel tax, $5 less than what the highway and parks committee recommended. The proposal is expected to go to a vote at the Jan. 22 meeting of the county board. The vehicle registration fee would only apply to vehicles weighing less than 8,000 pounds, per state law.