The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board (NRB) approved the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) 2024-34 Elk Management Plan and the associated administrative rule package. The plan is intended to guide elk management at a statewide level to ensure a healthy, robust and sustainable elk population that provides ecological, social, economic and cultural benefits while minimizing elk-human conflicts in Wisconsin. The DNR and the Wisconsin E

Shopko Optical opened a new location in Shawano as the company continues to expand its operation of more than 140 stores in 13 states. The store is located at 1056 E. Green Bay St. It provides eye exams, contact lens fittings and other eye care services. Shopko Optical is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Shawano County Library system is holding drawings and cutting library fines during Library Card Sign-Up Month, which runs Sept. 1-30 at the Shawano County Library. Library cards are available to patrons of all ages.

An Oconto man accused of the repeated sexual assault of a young girl agreed Aug. 15 to have his former defense attorney re-appointed to the case. David SanRoman, 48, had asked that Michael Scholke be allowed to withdraw Aug. 5 even after Oconto County Judge Michael Judge warned that he is not inclined to postpone an Oct.

The Shawano School Board received a mixed bag of results Aug. 12 when it heard an oral report at the six-month mark of its partnership with Teachers on Call, a company that helps find substitutes when teachers and other staff are absent. In the past school year, the Shawano School District had 3,836 absences from teachers and paraprofessionals, an average of 427 per month or 22 spots to fill per day.

Budget season is in full swing at Shawano City Hall, but officials are looking beyond 2025 as they try to sustain the current level of services to city residents. City Administrator Eddie Sheppard told the Shawano Common Council on Aug.

A Shawano police officer was recognized Aug. 14 for his lifesaving efforts at Summerfest a couple of months ago in Milwaukee. Mequon Frechette was off duty on June 26 when he attended a Tyler Childers concert with his family.

Last fall, I announced a new identity for Wisconsin’s 13 public universities — the Universities of Wisconsin. The goal was to shift the emphasis from our system to our universities, which create opportunities for students and improve communities all across our state.

FRIDAY, AUG. 16 OCONTO FALLS: Summer Concert Series, 6-9 p.m., East Side Beach, 631 N. Main St. Music by Drive West. Food and refreshments available, no carry-ins. Bring a lawn chair. SURING: Recovery Talking Circle, 6-8 p.m. South Branch Community Center, W1281 County Road M. SATURDAY, AUG. 17 SHAWANO: FRESH Project Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon, Franklin Park, 235 S. Washington St. GILLETT: Oconto County Youth Fair, 8-11 a.m., Zippel Park.