Photos

The Forest Industry Safety Training Alliance (FISTA)-Earl St. John Education Fund has donated $4,500 to help offset the costs of an upcoming field trip for seventh grade students at Shawano Community Middle School as they spend three days in Eagle River at Trees for Tomorrow. Recognizing the importance of hands-on learning, SCMS has been busy organizing this annual environmental field trip to enhance students’ understanding of ecological systems, biodiversity and sustainable practices. Contributed
The Holly Jolly Trolley made its way up and down Main Street on Nov. 25 as part of Shawano’s Shop Small Saturday celebration. The trolley made several stops along the street, operating from mid-morning to the evening. Festivities then moved to Franklin Park.
Santa Claus makes his way through the crowd after arriving at East Side Beach on Nov. 25 at the annual launch of the Oconto Falls Avenue of Lights.
The Winter Wonderland lights are reflected in the Oconto River on a calm night Nov. 25. Visitors can drive through Holt Campground in Oconto and see dozens of sponsored light displays throughout the Christmas season from 5-11 p.m. nightly through Jan. 14. Warren Bluhm | NEW Media
Scott Wycherley, center, of the Christian Food Pantry accepts a $1,000 donation from Wabeno American Legion Auxiliary Unit 44, represented by Karen Prueter, left, and Lorry Runge. Contributed
Mickey Schipferling, left, coordinator of the 2023 Don and Ora Lea Bartels Charity Tournament, presents a check for $5,273 to Lakes Country Public Library Board Trustee Linda McKenna. This is the second year event organizers have supported the library’s building project by donating half the proceeds. The library’s building expansion committee reports that construction has begun, with the group just $100,000 short of its $1.5 million goal. To donate, call the library at 715-276-9020. Contributed
Helen Raddant, of Shawano, looks over the selection of holiday wreaths at the St. James Lutheran School Craft and Bake Sale on Nov. 4. Dozens of crafters filled the gym and hallway at the school, with ample room for a variety of baked goods for those who attended. Kevin Passon | NEW Media
Both gymnasiums inside Suring School bustle with activity Nov. 5 for the annual Middle School Student Council Holiday Craft Fair. About 50 vendors set up shop with plenty of goods celebrating fall and the holidays from Halloween through Christmas. Warren Bluhm | NEW Media
Cases that once held bottles of Oconto Beer disappeared quickly.
Employees with Staff of Life hand out candy to a line of students from Sacred Heart Catholic School on Oct. 30. Contributed
In late October, the Waukechon Wildcats 4-H Club went shopping and made boxes to ship for Box of Joy. The boxes have things such as candies, toys, T-shirts and personal hygiene items like toothbrushes in them. The boxes are distributed to children in underdeveloped countries worldwide. Contributed
Making plenty of buzz Oct. 30 at Olga Brener Intermediate School’s community Halloween celebration are, from left, Dani Zurakowski, Krissy Mehlberg and Rhonda Uelmen. Lee Pulaski | NEW Media