Gov. Evers signed Senate Bill 159 and Assembly Bill 65 into law Oct. 31, receiving praise from Rep. Brent Jacobson, R-Mosinee.

SB 159 allows law enforcement agencies to equip their vehicles with visibility lights, while AB 65 increases the penalties for entering a residence with the intent to commit battery.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth grade student in Wisconsin as part of its annual Arbor Day tree planting program.

Wisconsin fourth grade principals, teachers and homeschoolers can now place seedling orders and coordinate delivery by completing the 2026 Arbor Day application by March 16, 2026.

In the spirit of Christmas, all Menards home improvement stores are serving as a toy drive drop site now through Dec. 15.

There will be a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents. They will be then be donated to local organizations for distribution.

Officials with the the Darwin E. Smith Community Aquatic Center announce a new partnership with the Woodson YMCA to strengthen training, expand programming and enhance overall pool safety for the community.

As a teenager, Homer Stinson knew he wanted to join the Navy. On Oct. 12, 1982, just three months after graduating from Shawano High School, he enlisted for what would become a 30-year career.

“I enlisted at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Milwaukee,” Stinson said. “The next day, I celebrated the Navy’s 207th birthday by starting boot camp at Orlando, Florida.”

David Behrend, of Morgan, joined the Navy in 1971 while a sophomore in a Michigan high school. Immediately after graduation, he went to basic training in San Diego.

“When I was 16 years old, I talked with the Navy recruiter and joined while still in high school,” Behrend said. “I couldn’t get away from home fast enough, but I had to wait till after my graduation from Powers-Spalding High School before I attended basic training.”