Gail Moesch, the 2024 recipient of the Shawano Optimist Club James Leuenberger Lifetime Achievement Award, recently donated her $500 gift to the Source of Strength program at Shawano Community High School.

This amount is in addition to $1,000 the Shawano Optimists presents annually to the program.

Sources of Strength is a suicide prevention program that supports students in a positive way.

A bill that would hike the penalty for impersonating a police officer in Wisconsin from a misdemeanor to a felony passed the state Assembly and now sits in the state Senate.

Introduced by a handful of Republicans, the bill has also attracted support from Democratic Reps. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, of Milwaukee, and Ryan Spaude, of Ashwaubenon.

Add unique flare to this winter’s indoor garden and décor with double amaryllis. The several layers of colorful petals are sure to make a statement wherever they are displayed.

Zion Lutheran Church, 1700 Superior Ave., Oconto, will host its annual chicken booyah luncheon, bake sale and silent auction from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 16.

Dessert and beverages are included in the meal that features all-you-can-eat chicken booyah, rolls and crackers.

The cost is $10, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for those 5 and younger.

Carryouts are available for an additional $1 charge.

Kim Fenske and Brenda Barrone are the newest members of the Shawano Optimist Club.

Longtime member Jim Leuenberger conducted the official installation at a recent club meeting.

In his remarks, he encouraged the new members to share their time and talents by serving on club committees and the board of directors and participating in club projects and fundraisers.

The Oconto County Historical Society will host a presentation from author and Vietnam veteran Steve Simms at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Beyer Home and Carriage Museum, 915 Park Ave., Oconto.

People who take steps to prepare before hip or knee replacement surgery often recover faster and with fewer setbacks, according to a medical expert with ThedaCare.

Making positive lifestyle choices, exercising and actively preparing for recovery may lead to a better overall surgical experience, said Amanda Ujazdowski, an orthopedic surgery physician assistant.

Aspirus Health is empowering women with vital information to recognize the many ways breast cancer can appear.

While most women understand the importance of breast self-checks, many have only been trained to feel for a lump or small mass. Dr. Cecilia Stroede, Aspirus breast surgeon, urges women to also be aware of other potential breast changes that may signal that something is wrong.

UW-Madison

Just over 1,500 students received doctoral, bachelor’s, master’s and professional degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in August 2025.

They included:

Mountain: Lucy Kneeley, College of Engineering, bachelor of science-materials science and engineering.