Four area schools recently were recognized for efforts to create safer and more effective schools. Olga Brener Intermediate School and Hillcrest Primary School in Shawano were honored as Schools of Distinction for their accomplishments in the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program.

The Shawano Plan Commission on Wednesday rejected a proposed facility that would have housed recently released felons, leaving the state Department of Corrections with nowhere to send them starting next month. The DOC had contracted with ATTIC Correctional Services for an eight-bed facility at 227 E. Richmond St. in Shawano, replacing the New Era House at 105 E. Richmond St.

A 20-year-old Shawano man died Wednesday afternoon in a vehicle versus pedestrian accident, the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department said. Alex Mastey was struck by a pickup truck just after 4:30 p.m.

Diane Przybylski, 66, of Krakow, passed away July 2, 2014. Born Feb. 5, 1948, in Zachow, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Hilda (Laedke) Westerfeld. Diane grew up in the Zachow area. After graduating from Bonduel High School, she was employed at the Pulaski shoe factory. On May 16, 1970, she married Larry Przybylski and they settled in Krakow, where they farmed for 33 years.

Allen J. Engebretsen, 72, Gillett, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, at his residence surrounded by his family. He was born on March 22, 1942, in Shawano to Edmond and Ruth (Arneson) Engebretsen. Allen was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in the town of Green Valley and graduated from Gillett High School with the Class of 1960.

Anna Wirtz, 95, Oconto Falls, went to her eternal home Thursday morning, June 26, 2014. She was born July 17, 1918, in the town of Oconto Falls to Emil and Ernestine (Muth) Schindel. In her youth, Anna worked in Chicago as a mother’s helper. On April 29, 1939, she married Chester R. Wirtz in Oconto Falls. The couple farmed all of their married lives in rural Oconto Falls, where they raised four children.

Doris Anna Marie (Suring) Jansen, 94, Suring, was born to eternal life and reunited with her heavenly family on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at the age of 94 years young. Doris was a lifelong, active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Hayes, where she taught Sunday School and was a member of the Ladies Aid, LWML, choir and many other church functions.

Olga H. Deckert, 85, Oconto Falls, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday evening, June 29, 2014. She was born Oct. 27, 1928, in Oconto Falls to Gustave and Louise (Reinsch) Milchner. Olga grew up in Oconto Falls, where she was baptized, confirmed, married and was a lifelong member at Grace Lutheran Church. On Dec.

In 2009 they were a band with no name, performing at local bars and parties of friends and relatives.