Community

‘Daffodils’ chronicles love, loss during WWI

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 2:49pm

This week’s book was “Daffodils,” the first book in Alex Martin’s Katherine Wheel series. Early in the 1900s, the strict rules separating the social classes keep the residents of Upper and Lower Cheadle apart.

Sir Robert Smythe owns nearly all the land around the village, and most of the area residents work for the Smythe estate. Agnes and Bert Beagle have worked for Sir Robert for many years. Now their son Albert and daughter Katherine, or “Katy,” work there, too.

Retrospective showcases WBHS student talent

Published by admin on Tue, 05/11/2021 - 1:33pm

Works of art, rocking chairs, finished quilts, pigs in pens and even a tiny house were among some of the sights that visitors to Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School saw during the school’s Retrospective presentation May 5.

Retrospective allows the school to showcase the artistry, craftsmanship and skills of its students and show that the high school experience is not limited to the basics.

For Sarabeth Bernarde, a junior, showing off a quilt with patterns of bees and honeycombs was particularly satisfying.

Library holding book sale in June

Published by admin on Mon, 05/10/2021 - 2:46pm

The annual Shawano County Library book sale is taking place June 7-9.

A sneak peek will take place from 4-8 p.m. June 7. For $2 admission, patrons will get first dibs on everything the library has to offer, including bestsellers, hardcovers, and a variety of media items.

The sale continues from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8-9. On the last day, prices will be slashed to $2 per bag.

MIHS teachers causing wisdom to sprout with plants

Published by admin on Mon, 05/10/2021 - 2:41pm

The Menominee name for the month of May is Pāhkwan-kēsoq — The Budding Moon. While many Wisconsinites will spend the month cultivating their own gardens in anticipation of a fruitful crop, Menominee Indian High School students will mark Pāhkwan-kēsoq through culturally grounded cross-curricular activities centered on planting and gardening.

A skeptical podcaster is haunted by homicide

Published by admin on Wed, 05/05/2021 - 10:15am

With a busy week on tap, I selected some light reading in “A Skeptic in Salem: An Episode of Murder” by Fiona Grace.

Mia Bold has fond memories of time spent with her dad, but he walked out of her life when she was about 5. Her mom remarried a wonderful man who loved Mia as much as he loved his own daughter, Brynn. The family was comfortable financially, but Mia worked hard to become a scientist and land a job with Center Pharmaceuticals.

Students get hands-on experience with chicks

Published by admin on Tue, 05/04/2021 - 4:02pm

For students living on a farm, seeing newborn chicks hatch from their eggs is just another day.

For the kindergarten students at Sacred Heart Catholic School, many of whom have not grown up on farms, seeing the birth of the chicks for the first time was amazing — and educational at the same time.

Spinning Wheel hosts last dinner service

Published by admin on Tue, 05/04/2021 - 3:58pm

Steve and Lisa Lemhouse hosted their final dinner service as owners of the Spinning Wheel Inn on April 29.

“It is a little bittersweet, but it is time,” said Steve Lemhouse, as he started his last dinner service.

The Spinning Wheel Inn was brimming with Shawano County residents as soon as it opened at 5 p.m. April 29.

Backpacks, books donated to sheriff’s department

Published by admin on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 4:15pm

The Shawano County Sheriff’s Department will be able to offer children in traumatic situations more than words with the help of the Reach a Child program.

Knott keeps Parker’s Cole and Hitch entertaining

Published by admin on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 11:06am

The late Robert B. Parker was one of my favorite authors. I liked the way he used minute details and sparse dialogue to tell his stories. When I was skimming the public library e-book selections, I noticed that thanks to Robert Knott, new Cole and Hitch westerns were available.

“Buckskin” was one of the later books but stood alone very well. We follow two very distinct storylines as they move toward an inevitable collision.

Rhubarb Fest back for another year

Published by admin on Fri, 04/30/2021 - 10:54am

Rhubarb Fest will open a little differently as it has in years past as it dedicates a building that has been on the Heritage Park site for 150 years.

The John D. Kast House was built in 1871 on the original site. After an 18-month restoration by the Shawano County Historical Society, the doors will open to reveal the original wood floors, beautiful period light fixtures, newly plastered and painted interior walls, museum exhibits and displays depicting Shawano’s heritage. Rhubarb Fest will open with a dedication to this museum building at 9:45 a.m. on June 19.