Oconto County Times Herald

‘Ambassador for Oconto County’ Rymer dies

Published by admin on Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:46pm

Former Oconto County Board Chairman Lee Rymer died May 11. He was 86.

“Lee was an ambassador for Oconto County, a well-liked and positive force,” County Clerk Kim Pytleski said at the county board’s May 23 meeting. “He made Oconto County a place on the map to a lot of people around the state.”

Pytleski said when she would mention to people at Wisconsin Counties Association (WCA) events that she was from Oconto County, they would say, “Lee Rymer.”

Schmidt: New districts not friendly to rural area

Published by admin on Fri, 05/24/2024 - 5:49pm

The newly drawn Wisconsin legislative districts are weighted to give greater power to urban and suburban areas of the state, Rep. Peter Schmidt said during a listening session May 20 at the Breed Community Center.

Schmidt, R-Bonduel, noted for example the 89th Assembly District, which formerly included parts of Oconto and Marinette counties, is now entirely enclosed in Brown County. Rep. Elijah Behnke, who represents the old 89th, has to run against Schmidt in a Republican primary if he wants to stay in the Assembly.

Severson named top Legion member for Post 44

Published by admin on Wed, 05/22/2024 - 12:21pm

Henry Severson was named Legionnaire of the Year for American Legion Post 44.

Severson is very active in the post as the membership officer and a member of the Honor Guard. Severson also coordinates the school flag essay contest by collecting, judging and presenting awards to the winners at the Veterans Day program at Wabeno High School. He was also the chairman of the Legion executive board. Severson also serves at veterans’ funerals. He volunteers at all fundraisers and is always available to help and assist.

Grace Seefeldt selected Fairest of the Fair

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 11:11am

Grace Seefeldt, a graduate of Lena High School, was selected from among four contestants May 18 to serve as 2024 Fairest of the Fair for the Oconto County Youth Fair.

Seefeldt, daughter of Dale and Becky Seefeldt, was active in FFA and 4-H in high school and recently completed her freshman year at South Dakota State University. Her participation was sponsored by Jagiello Dairy Farms LLC.

Five arrested in drug sweep on Menominee reservation

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:46am

Charges were pending against five people after a drug bust May 17 on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

According to a news release posted on social media by the Menominee Tribal Police Department, three simultaneous search warrants were executed in the villages of Keshena and Neopit and the Southeast Bass Lake region.

The warrants were issued after an ongoing investigation identified several suspects as coordinating efforts to sell illegal drugs throughout the reservation, the release said.

Fire station ready for occupancy June 1

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:44am

The Oconto Falls Fire Department is moving into its new home long before originally projected.

City Administrator Peter Wills told the City Council May 14 that contractors planned to turn over the keys to the new fire station at 431 Union Ave. on May 21.

“We’re in the final stretch and finishing over two months ahead of schedule and about four months ahead of what we had to in terms of the grant itself,” Wills said.

Panel to study ball fields at middle school

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:41am

An ad hoc committee of the Oconto Falls School Board is being formed to work with Trent Maloney Memorial Inc. on the feasibility of building baseball fields at the district’s new middle school, using a combination of private and public dollars.

A contingency from the memorial fund appeared at the board’s April 8 meeting to offer a donation and work on a fundraising campaign to create the fields in memory of the 9-year-old boy, who died in 2020 of complications from cardiac arrest a few weeks earlier.

Oconto Falls still working to attract bus drivers

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:38am

The Oconto Falls School Board boosted its compensation package for school bus drivers again May 13 in the latest effort to recruit drivers.

The shortage of drivers has plagued Oconto Falls and other school districts for years. The board moved last month to discontinue bus service to students within two miles of school because of the lack of available drivers.

Superintendent Dean Hess opened his monthly administrator’s report to the board with a reminder that people are welcome to apply for the job.

White, Gerds to hold book signing

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:30am

Noted Lakewood wildlife artist Joan White and veteran writer Warren Gerds have released a unique children’s book titled “A Friendly Tree.”

The two have scheduled a book signing from noon to 3 p.m. May 25 at Joan White Nicolet Studio, 15346 Gage St. in Lakewood.

Surrounding the story in the book, White has included 170 images of wildlife. She urges youngsters to “find the critters” in each of her drawings. A key in the book identifies each animal and bird. Also, White offers simple tips for youngsters for drawing with pencil and paper.

Gillett School Board officers elected

Published by admin on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:28am

Jamie Young will serve another year as president of the Gillett School Board.

Young was the only person nominated during the board’s reorganization meeting May 16.

Other board officers are Robin Banaszynski, vice 9resident; Cliff Gerbers, treasurer; and Nanette Mohr, clerk.

The board also heard that former Superintendent Todd Carlson will serve as interim superintendent for the rest of Superintendent Wayne Johnson’s term, which runs until June 30. New Superintendent Nathan Hanson is scheduled to start July 1.