Parents of elementary school students in the Shawano School District would no longer be allowed to request specific teachers for their children, under a new classroom assignment process being considered by administrators. Officials are discussing a procedure in which parents at Hillcrest Primary School and Olga Brener Intermediate School could cite their children’s needs, but they could not request any teacher by name, as has been allowed in the

The old Anello’s Torch Lite gang is hoping to be back in business by this spring. Destroyed by fire 13 months ago, the landmark Shawano restaurant has surged forward with a rebuilding effort aimed at a grand reopening in time for the Easter holiday. Longtime head waitress Judy Stoltenow said she is holding out hope that the historic supper club will rise from the ashes for “a resurrection on Easter.” Stoltenow will be returning to work at the reb

Gerald “Jerry” Francis Hawpetoss, 63, of Neopit, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016. Jerry was born in Keshena on Oct. 31, 1952, son of the late Samuel and Frances (Matchapatow) Hawpetoss Sr. He was a dedicated member of the Big Drum religion throughout his life. Jerry was a unique and powerful champion traditional dancer, well known throughout Indian country.

What do you call the voice of your GPS? I call ours “GyPSy.” Get it? I’m asking only because I just saw the latest Peyton Manning “Nationwide is on your side” jingle. In my opinion, those are some of the cleverest ads on TV. Peyton manages to fit almost any scenario into the ubiquitous little jingle.

Carol Wellens, 83, Oconto Falls, died Thursday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2016, at home, with her husband by her side. The second oldest of six children was born to John and Caroline (Loberger) Lotter on Dec. 25, 1932, in Oconto Falls. Because her father was in the ice business, Carol grew up on the Oconto River. She attended St. Anthony Catholic Grade School, later graduating from Oconto Falls High School with the Class of 1951.

What kids don’t like to draw something that makes them happy? Conjuring up happy thoughts was the assignment for hundreds of students at Oconto Falls Elementary School participating in a get well card contest sponsored by HSHS St. Clare Foundation. The outcome was dolphins, snowmen, rainbows, flowers and other smile-inducing images. “Some of them are just so cute,” said Ann Senn, director of philanthropy at HSHS St.

Jill Trochta has been named director of the Suring Area Public Library, following a 14-year tenure as Suring’s children’s librarian. “I’ve been here for a long time, and I love it,” she said. “We were very happy that Jill has accepted this position,” said Theresa Zahn, president of the library’s board of directors.

Jacqueline Ruth Kershek was born on July 13, 1931, to Gustave and Beatrice (Renel) Gollhardt in Green Bay. She moved to Oconto Falls as a young child, along with her sister and mother. She graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1949. She married Joseph Kershek Jr. on Oct. 14, 1950. They farmed the family farm for 44 years and then retired in 1994.

Jan. 14 Deputies logged 34 incidents including the following: Utility Problem - Authorities were informed of a power outage in Suring. Disturbance - Authorities investigated a report of a man with open intoxicants pounding on the windows and yelling and swearing at workers at a gas station on County Road EE in Abrams. Juvenile - Authorities assisted at a physical altercation between kids on Krueger Street in Suring. Jan.