The long hours of daylight on the path around the Falls this weekend encouraged people to spend time outdoors. Whether it was watching the sunset in the northwest sky over a campfire or sitting on the deck till 9 reading the Sunday paper, people took advantage of the longest days of the year. A number of little flying creatures also found this to be a great time for extended activity.

Washington Middle School teacher Linda Hougas recently received the 2014 Educator of Excellence Award presented by the Nicolet Oconto Retired Teachers Association. Hougas was chosen for the award by the teachers in the Oconto Falls School District. Hougas attended the University of Wisconsin-Barron County Center for two years, planning to major in business education.

Oconto Falls FFA members attended the State FFA convention from June 9-12 in Madison. On June 9, 10 Oconto Falls FFA members participated in the Day of Service in the Madison area.

Shawano Police Department June 22 Police logged 17 incidents, including the following: Suspicious — Police responded to a suspicious vehicle complaint at Walmart, 1244 E. Green Bay St. Accident — A truck launching a boat at Huckleberry Harbor, 222 N. Sawyer St., went into the lake. No injuries were reported. Shoplifting — Charlie’s County Market, 521 S.

Nick Anvelink scored his fourth consecutive Late Model feature win of the year Saturday at Shawano Speedway. Travis VanStraten won his second straight race and took home $700 for winning the IMCA Stock Car feature after a disqualification. Jordan Bartz (IMCA Sport Mods) and Kasey Gross (Mighty Fours) won their first features of the season.

The Shawano American Legion baseball team lost 13-6 to Kaukauna in a rain-shortened game Monday in Kaukauna. Kaukauna got seven runs in the first inning to take control of the Fox River Valley West Division game early. Chase Henning was 3 for 3 with a double to lead Shawano (0-1) at the plate. Alex Frechette was 2 for 3 with a double. Grant Wainio took the loss. Alex Meyerhofer earned the win for Kaukauna (2-0). Logan Burton was 2 for 2.

After overcoming a knee injury, putting in 8½ months of hard rehab and finishing a successful softball season, Courtney Ainsworth last week earned recognition from the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association for her hard work. Ainsworth was named to the group’s all-state first team. “It kind of just surprised me,” said Ainsworth, who just concluded her junior year at Shawano Community High School.

Eugene H. Giessel, 86, passed away Monday, June 23, 2014. Arrangements are pending with the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Mark D. Marciniak, 53, of Shawano, passed away peacefully late Thursday evening, June 20, 2014, at the Appleton Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Mark was born March 3, 1961, in Platteville, a son of the late Valerian “Larry” and Elizabeth (Gehr) Marciniak. Mark had been employed at Lakeland Industries in Shawano and later was a self-employed handyman. Mark enjoyed trips to the casino and playing the lottery.