Community Kathleen Marsh 13 August 2025

Cut down on costs by doing it yourself

Common sense and thrift are personal traits that most folks my age learned from our parents who lived through unspeakable hardship. Dad was born during World War I; Mom just as the Roaring ’20s began. They survived the Great Depression, marrying during World War II. Making a living dairy farming tested their mettle during recessions and periods of raging inflation that threatened their livelihood again and again.

Kathleen Marsh 30 July 2025
Trees best way to cope with turbulent times
While I was out working in the yard yesterday, I couldn’t help but notice how green everything is. In May, I was more than a little worried because it was so dry.
Kathleen Marsh 15 July 2025
Digital disorder inflicted on husband by wife
My husband has fallen ill with DD (digital disorder), a very prevalent and highly contagious illness. Indeed, chances are you already have DD. What? You’ve never heard of digital disorder? It’s been plaguing the population for years. Luckily, Jon has a relatively mild case. As much as I hate to admit it, this is totally my fault.
Kathleen Marsh 7 July 2025
Tourism helps economy, but wreaks havoc on nature
If you’ve ever vacationed in northern Oconto County, you know we are blessed with an abundance of pristine natural resources, excellent restaurants, great places to shop and lots of entertaining things to do. That draws thousands of out-of-town guests from Memorial Day to deer season who come to enjoy what we get to experience every day.
Kathleen Marsh 6 June 2025
Birds, bees showcase their summer splendor
As a tweener, I heard the phrase “the birds and the bees” quite a few times. Being a sheltered farm kid, I couldn’t help but wonder: What are they talking about? Alas, I knew little about reproduction at the time, but when I began my education on the topic, I approached my mother with a simple question. “So where do babies come from? And don’t tell me the stork.
Kathleen Marsh 5 May 2025
Let the experts determine forest health
As I gaze out our patio door this late-April morning, I can see clearly that Otter Run is awakening from its winter slumber. The ice went out two weeks ago; the lake is placid and peaceful today. The reflection of the trees on the water shows they are leafing out. Unfortunately, that means Jon is sneezing and wheezing as his allergies are kicking in big time. I’m blessed that I’m not prone to this affliction.
Kathleen Marsh 17 April 2025
Ghost keeps columnist from joining him
After paranormal things began happening at Holt and Balcom Logging Camp, I asked our curator, Bob Brown, if he’d experienced anything similar. Bob said he hadn’t, but he said he believed that spirits do walk among us. Except for the story I am about to relate, I haven’t seen the invisible guests taking up residence in the museum. But I feel and welcome their comforting presence.
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