Consultants unveiled an $88.5 million courthouse construction project for Shawano County supervisors Feb. 25.

An additional $32.5 million was proposed for a 150-bed housing pod for the jail, which would be used in conjunction with 108 beds at the current jail while closing the work release center on Engel Drive.

A proposed $121 million building project for the Shawano County Courthouse and jail does not include funds for a new public library.

However, a new library remains a priority for the county, as the building at 127 S. Sawyer St. is short on space and has infrastructure issues.

State Rep. Elijah Behnke is pushing a bill that could bring the death penalty back to Wisconsin after more than 170 years.

Oconto County Board Supervisor Jolene Barkhaus opted not to seek another term, opening up the District 9 position.

Joseph Porior, of the Town of Morgan, and Carl Blahnik, of Abrams, are competing for the seat in the April 7 spring election.

What made you decide to run for this position?

Shawano County District 20 Supervisor Rick Giese is one of four incumbents facing a challenge in the April 7 election.

Giese will face off against Roy Martin for a two-year term on the board.

What made you decide to run for this position?

Local outdoor enthusiasts braved the brisk February chill Feb. 22 for the Shawano Pathways winter hike at the Maple Hills Recreation Area.

Despite temperatures in the low 20s and a biting wind, about 15 hikers gathered to explore the scenic landscape. Once under the shelter of the woods, the group found the conditions perfect for trekking.

The 16th annual Shazz Festival, a daylong celebration of music, mentorship and performance, will take place March 14 at Shawano Community High School, 220 County Road B, Shawano.

This year’s festival highlights the contributions of women in jazz, featuring three renowned members of the Diva Jazz Orchestra: Sherrie Maricle, Leigh Pilzer and Jen Krupa.

With new owners Lauren and Jerred Laubscher in charge, there is little changed from the Amico’s Midwest Pizzeria in Bonduel that customers knew over the past 23 years.

The Laubschers continue to serve the same recipes as when Amico’s was owned by Melissa and Jason Hutter and it was named one of America’s Best Restaurants by Americasbestrestaurants.com.

The Laubschers took over the restaurant in Bonduel on July 1, 2025.

St. Patrick’s Day is once again approaching. While to many St. Patrick’s Day is an occasion to eat corned beef and cabbage, and drink the day away, my family continues to celebrate by making Irish soda bread and cookies.