The community is invited to participate in a unique groundbreaking event for the new ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano from 12:30-3 p.m. today. The event is called The Big Dig, and kids and adults will have the chance to crawl right into the seat of a crane, backhoe or digger. “We want to include our friends and neighbors in a memorable and fun way,” said Dorothy Erdmann, CEO of Shawano Medical Center.

Stanley J. Ratner, 98, of Shawano, passed away Monday, July 8, 2013, at a local nursing home. Born on May 25, 1915, in Chicago, he was the son of the late Dave and Sophie (Lipsky) Ratner. After graduating from high school in Chicago, Stanley furthered his education at Northwestern University. On Nov. 18, 1938, he was united in marriage to Dorothy E. Mahy in Chicago.

Janet L. Hacker, 78, of Tavares, Fla., formerly of Wisconsin, journeyed into the arms of the Lord on Monday, July 8, 2013, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born July 4, 1935, in Scandinavia, Wis., to the late Richard and Emma (Swenson) Kitzman and graduated from Marion High School in 1952. Janet was united in marriage to Robert L. Hacker on July 3, 1954, and recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.

Shawano Community High School students might be inconvenienced for a week this fall due to construction work. Other than that, things are going smoothly for the expansion that is expected to triple space for agriculture and technical education classes, Shawano School District Superintendent Todd Carlson reported to the School Board on Wednesday. “They are really starting to move, especially this week,” he said.

Ralph L. Smith Sr., who was better known as Butch by family and close friends, 73, of Wittenberg, died on Tuesday, July 9, 2013. Born on Oct. 28, 1939, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, he is the son of the late Ralph B. and Ruth M. (Fowler) Smith. Ralph graduated from Gambier High School in Gambier, Ohio. He attended Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts as well as the Kenyon College in Gambier and was in the Army Reserves. On Oct.

Hostas provide the focal point for the gardens of Rick and Kathie Schutt, W7647 Walnut Road, one of six gardens in the area’s 13th annual Garden Walk. Benefiting the Safe Haven Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Support Center, the event will be held, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Doris A. Schroeder, 97, Wittenberg, died Monday, July 8, 2013, under the care of AseraCare Hospice at Homme Home of Wittenberg. She was born March 1, 1916, in the town of Morris, Shawano County, the daughter of the late Richard and Ida (Kanaman) Spiegel. On June 9, 1934, Doris was united in marriage to Walter Schroeder in the town of Morris. He preceded her in death on Dec. 31, 1972.

Robert A. “Bob” Jacobs, 70, of Bowler, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at a local nursing home. Born on March 20, 1943, in Milwaukee, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Anna (Welch) Jacobs. Bob was raised and attended school in the Milwaukee area. On Nov. 1, 1960, he enlisted with the United States Air Force and served his country for two years.

A public hearing on special assessments was quickly scuttled Wednesday when it turned out documents intended to be open to public inspection had not been available to the public. The city of Shawano proposes levying the special assessments on properties affected by the installation of concrete sidewalks that are part of road improvement projects slated to get under way shortly. A report showing the final plans and specifications, the estimated co