Cheryl Bergold, longtime executive director of the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency has retired, effective May 1. She served all but the first three years of her 36-year FSA career in the Shawano office. “It has truly been an honor and a privilege to have worked with and for the producers of the two counties,” Bergold said in a statement released Wednesday.

More than 40 community leaders brainstormed ideas Tuesday to improve the quality of life in Shawano County. “Connecting the Dots: A Commitment to Community” brought together key people to discuss ways to better utilize community resources to decrease poverty, improve community health and foster workforce development. The workshop, held at The Main Event in Cecil, was sponsored by Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension, Thrivent Financia

Rain put a damper on Bike to School Day in Shawano, but some youngsters didn’t let the weather Wednesday get them down. Principal Karen Smith said 15 to 20 Olga Brener Intermediate School students made the trek to school on their bikes. “We had more than we anticipated with the weather,” Smith said.

The rain slowed the work, but didn’t stop it completely. Despite drizzly conditions Wednesday, more than 300 Bonduel High School students left their classrooms, many dressed in bright yellow shirts that read “Lend a Paw,” for a real-life experiment in giving back as the school conducted its third annual community service day. Some students descended on Bonduel’s Village and Cedar parks to clean them up, while others put a little elbow grease into

Though this year’s Officer of the Year recipients from the police and sheriff departments had already been announced last month, there was one additional surprise recipient at the Shawano Optimist Club’s ceremony Wednesday. Retiring DNR Warden Jim Horne also received a plaque. “We had a special request from one of our Optimist members,” president Kay Bloomer said, adding that the board unanimously agreed.

David Duane Wright passed peacefully Monday morning May 4, 2015, surround by his beloved family and friends. He was 77. David, the eldest of 11 children, was born Jan. 6, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Clarence “Bud” and Irene (Calkins) Wright. David spent his childhood working at the family’s farm in Shawano until the age of 20. He then moved to Kenosha, where he worked at American Motors until he retired in 1983.

Charlotte V. Seefeldt, 97, of Tigerton, passed away Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at Homme Home of Wittenberg. The Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, is assisting the family.

After a full and glorious life, Susan Hanson, M.D., moved on to a different adventure May 2, 2015. She was born Nov. 25, 1937, in Wausau, daughter of the late Irving and Doris (Hager) Hanson. Susan grew up in Wittenberg and graduated valedictorian of her class at Wittenberg High School. She was the first woman from WHS to enter medical school. She attended Hiram College in Ohio, where she attained her bachelor’s degree.

Anthony “Tony” M. Zahringer, 91, of Gresham, passed away on May 1, 2015, at Oakhaven in Shawano. Tony was born on Jan. 13, 1924, in Gresham to the late Frank W. and Agnes (Berdoll) Zahringer. Tony attended Gresham High School and graduated in 1943. He lived in Gresham all his life and owned and operated Zahringer Trucking and Excavating. Tony was united in marriage to Louise “Tootie” (Little) Nietzer on Nov.