James E. Schroeder, 82, of Gillett, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2015, following a long battle with cancer. Jim was born in Isaar on Feb. 9, 1933, to the late W.B. and Marie Schroeder. Jim went to Pulaski High School and, at age 16, became the state’s youngest licensed cheese maker at the time, working in his dad’s cheese factory at Frazer Corners. Jim was drafted in 1953 and served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, including a tour in Korea.

Michael “Mike” R. McCormick, 52, Oconto Falls, died suddenly of apparent natural causes on Monday, May 4, 2015, while at work. He was born May 12, 1962, in Germany to Richard “Chuck” and Judith (Zawada) McCormick.

Three junior contestants and three senior contestants will compete for the title of Fairest of the Fair on Saturday, May 16, at Gillett High School. A reception open to the public will begin at 2:30 p.m., with the final judging at 3 p.m.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, Morgan, is planning two deluxe motorcoach trips from June 14-20 to South Dakota and from Oct. 18-24 to Nashville, Tennessee. The $589 South Dakota trip package includes transportation, six nights lodging with four consecutive nights in South Dakota and 10 meals. Stops on the route include Wildlife Loop Road at Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Badlands National Park.

Celebrate June Dairy Month at this year’s Oconto County Breakfast on the Farm, to be held Sunday, June 14, at Golden Corners Dairy owned by John, Bev, Andy and Bryan Wolf. The farm is located at 8551 Holtz Road, Oconto Falls. Entertainment will be available for all ages, including live music, an appearance by Mad Dog and Merrill, a petting zoo and children’s games and activities.

The annual Memorial Day parade will follow a new route this year, due to a street construction project in the city.

To the editor: In response to the Oconto Falls Area Heritage Center’s recent letter seeking donations, I would like my fellow Oconto Falls area residents to consider some things before donating to the Spruce School Project. First and foremost, are you or your business committed to continual support by continued donations or volunteering?

To the editor: I have just returned home from helping out at a DNR Hunter Safety Course held at the Community Center in the town of How.

John F. Kennedy once said, “We must never forget that the arts are not a form of propaganda, they are a form of truth.” And the composer Felix Mendelsohn said, “Life and the arts are not two different things.” But what do you think about the arts? What are the arts?