Oconto County Times Herald

School boards to review reopening plans

Published by admin on Mon, 07/13/2020 - 2:40pm

The Oconto Falls and Gillett school boards will be getting briefed this week on their administrators’ plans to open the 2020-21 school year under COVID safety guidelines.

“It is our goal to create a multi-faceted educational plan that effectively meets the learning needs of our students while providing the flexibility to modify operations as needed in response to changing levels of risk,” Oconto Falls Superintendent Dean Hess said in a July 1 letter to parents.

Better late than never

Published by admin on Mon, 07/13/2020 - 11:30am

Oconto Falls High School graduates walk off the track after participating in an outdoor commencement ceremony Sunday at ST Paper Stadium. Only students and guests who prearranged for seating were allowed entry, masks were required, and social distancing was practiced. The ceremony, usually held Memorial Day weekend in the fieldhouse, was postponed after Gov. Tony Evers ordered school buildings closed through June 30.

Oconto Falls School District

Loafing around on the Oconto River

Published by admin on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 6:00pm

The remnant of the rock jetty near the mouth of the Oconto River provides great loafing and preening habitat for birds such as the white pelican and gulls. High waters in recent years topped most of the jetty and washed away rock, leaving stepping stones where once a wider avenue provided a place for a picnic table and anglers.

Today, white pelicans, ring-billed gulls and herring gulls enjoy the comfort and safety of the rocky pier as they loaf in the warm afternoon sun, taking time to socialize and preen their feathers.

Invasive plant spotted near Gillett

Published by admin on Sun, 07/12/2020 - 5:53pm

A prohibited invasive plant that has the potential to invade shorelines, wetlands, forests and other shaded, moist areas has been found for the first time in Oconto County.

Butterfly dock originally inhabited Europe and northern Asia, where it is known for its attractive appearance. It is prohibited in Wisconsin under the state’s invasive species rule, NR 40 of the Administrative Code. Prohibited species are illegal to transfer, sell, possess, transport or introduce into the state. The only other finding of this species in Wisconsin was in 2015 at a nursery in northern Wisconsin.

Former mayor pleads not guilty to charges

Published by admin on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 4:13pm

The former mayor of Gillett waived his right to a preliminary hearing and pleaded not guilty to 13 counts of theft in a business setting, during a brief appearance in Oconto County Circuit Court on July 7.

Meanwhile, the civil lawsuit filed by James A. Beaton, 39, against his former business partners has been transferred from Marinette to Oconto County court on a change of venue, by mutual agreement of the parties involved.

Suring historic society plans brat fry

Published by admin on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 9:09am

The Suring Area Historical Society plans to host a brat and burger fry from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Art & Jean’s Dollar Value Store, 718 E. Main St., Suring.

Patrons are invited to enjoy food and fellowship while supporting the roof project at the Suring Area Historical Museum.

The museum, 639 E. Main St., is scheduled to be open 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday, July 18, with new displays for 2020.

Oconto County Sheriff’s Department

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 1:20pm

July 5

Deputies logged 56 incidents, including the following:

Suspicious — reported near U.S. Highway 141 and Chicken Shack Road, Stiles, 1:56 a.m.

Disturbance — reported in the 100 block of North Franklin Street, Oconto Falls, 10:23 a.m.

Tree down — reported near County Road M and Clear Lane, How, 12:56 p.m.

Suspicious — reported at City Park, 5182 County Road N, Town of Oconto, 2:22 p.m.

Unwanted party — reported in the 300 block of Brazeau Avenue, Oconto, 8:15 p.m.

Bond grants support St. Clare programs

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 11:49am

HSHS St. Clare Memorial Hospital has announced receipt of grants from the Leon H. and Clymene M. Bond Foundation Inc. that will support the Nurse’s Nook program and mobile mammography services in Oconto County.

“We are immensely grateful to the Bond Foundation for their generous support of these programs which are critical to the health and well-being of so many throughout this region,” said Chris Brabant, the hospital’s president and CEO. “We applaud their philanthropic efforts and dedication to the growth and improvement of Oconto County and its surrounding areas.”

State announces estimated school aids for 2020-21

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 11:47am

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, as required by state law, has released an estimate of the general school aids each public school district will receive for the 2020-21 school year.

Estimated general school aids for 2020-21 total $4.9 billion, representing a $163.5 million (3.5%) increase over last year. Of the state’s 421 school districts, 72% (302) are estimated to receive more general aids in 2020-21, while 27% of districts (114) are estimated to receive less; five districts will have no change in aid between the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years.

Youth tractor/machinery safety training offered

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 11:44am

The Marinette and Oconto county office of UW-Madison, Division of Extension, is offering certification training for the youth Tractor & Machinery Safety permit. Youth between the ages of 12 and 16 need to have this certification to be able to legally drive any type of farm implement or tractor on public roadways when working for their family farms, or other farms after the age of 14. Youth not having a driver’s license should also have the certification for farm insurance purposes.