AROUND THE COMMUNITY: NOCTA raises trout for Wisconsin waterways

Northern Oconto County Trout Alliance (NOCTA) has reported another successful season of raising trout. NOCTA operates in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, using 100% volunteer efforts to raise brook and brown trout from fingerlings received from the DNR in late June to an average of 8 inches by planting time in late October. The labor of feeding the fish twice a day, weekly cleaning of tanks and testing water for five months was provided by 38 volunteers. Actual stocking by the DNR occurred Oct. 26-27. This was NOCTA’s seventh year in operation. Since starting in 2015, the organization has raised more than 140,000 trout for planting in Northeastern Wisconsin streams. This year, 15,000 brown trout and 7,200 brook trout were raised. DNR fish biologists determine how many and where they are planted. Funding for the $4,000 cost of fish food and necessary equipment each year is by donations from various organizations and individuals. For information, contact NOCTA at P.O. Box 87, Lakewood, WI 54138, or call Dave Kalous at 715-850-1944. ASPI looking for good ‘Gypsy,’ supporting cast Abrams Spotlight Productions Inc. will hold auditions Dec. 27-28 for its spring musical, “Gypsy,” to be presented March 16-19 and March 23-26. This musical, directed by Ali Carlson, calls for male and female roles, age 8 and older. No experience is necessary, and all are welcome to audition. “Gypsy” is the tale of an ambitious stage mother fighting for her daughters’ success, while secretly yearning for her own. Set all across America in the 1920s and 1930s, when Vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born, Arthur Laurents’ landmark show explores the world of two-bit show business with brass, humor, heart, and sophistication. The score by Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim includes songs like “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “Let Me Entertain You,” “Some People,” “If Momma Was Married,” “You Gotta Get A Gimmick,” and “Together Wherever We Go.” Individuals will have two opportunities to audition: 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 27 or Dec. 28, at the Nancy Byng Community Theater, 5852 Maple St., Abrams. Individuals who audition should come prepared to sing 24-32 bars of a song, preferably from a musical. They can sing acapella or play music on their phone. The auditions will also include a reading from the script and a group choreography number. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended. Rehearsals will start the first week in January and will be mainly on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. Tickets for “Gypsy” go on sale Jan. 16. However, season ticket holders and Spotlight Sponsors can purchase tickets before the general public. To purchase season tickets or become a Spotlight Sponsor, visit www.abramstheater.com or call the box office, 920-826-5852. Exit Elite Realty rep gets bronze award Josh Brokiewicz, sales representative with Exit Elite Realty in Shawano, was honored with the Bronze Award by Exit Realty Corp. International recently at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort near Jacksonville, Florida. The award was given in recognition of closing between 25 and 49 real estate transaction sides during the production year July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. “The real estate professionals who put the needs of their clients first and who can pivot to meet those needs in a changing economy will always succeed,” said Tami Bonnell, co-chairwoman of Exit Realty Corp. International. “It’s because of the hard work and dedication of our agents and brokerage owners that Exit has continued to thrive and expand across the U.S. and Canada. We are proud of their accomplishments, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success.” United Way hires Hummel for community care post The Tri-County United Way announced recently it has hired Allison Hummel as a new community care specialist. Hummel has more than 10 years of experience in website management and record-keeping and will provide a wide range of support to the organization. “I am excited to have Allison join the team, as she brings a tremendous passion for helping people to this role,” said Kevin Malnor, Tri-County United Way executive director. The Tri-County United Way serves Oconto County, along with Marinette County and Menominee County, Michigan. For information, contact Malnor at kevin@tcunitedway.org. Lions name December Student of the Month The Lena Lions Club honored Quinlan Earley, son of Kimberly and Jamie Earley, as the December Student of the Month. Earley is a senior at Lena High School, where his friends describe him as a solid unit, unique, caring and smart. His hobbies include fishing, working out and hanging out with friends. Earley’s community activity is helping at the Lena Lions Dairyfest. His work experience is working at the A&W Restaurant in the Town of Stiles as a team leader. Earley plans to attend college in the future.