State transportation officials were in Shawano on Tuesday to offer two options for planned improvements to Airport Drive slated to take place in 2016, but it was clear their preferred option would take the four-lane road down to two lanes. The Department of Transportation is planning significant repairs to the road, along with some infrastructure replacement, between state Highway 29 and Green Bay Street. The improvements will require some config

Diane Marie Kettner, 70, of Bonduel, died on Friday, June 20, 2014, at home. Born on Sept. 19, 1943, in Milwaukee, she is the daughter of the late Ervin and Esther (Erickson) Bleckschmidt. Diane was united in marriage to Gordon “Gordy” Kettner on July 1, 1967, in Milwaukee. The couple moved to the Shawano area in 1994, where Diane worked in the Shawano Hospital Critical Care Unit as a monitor technician.

Eugene Harry Giessel, 86, of Tilleda, passed away Monday, June 23, 2014, in Appleton. Born on May 31, 1928, in the town of Seneca, he was the son of the late Helmuth and Amanda (Tews) Giessel. After graduating from high school, Eugene enlisted with the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War.

New Beginnings Community Thrift Store, 106 1/2 N. Main St., Clintonville, recently began its capital fund drive to replace and repair parts of the facility’s roof. Trinity Lutheran Church, Bear Creek, has pledged to match the first $1,500 raised for the work. Donation coordinator Brenda Hansen has said that the last two winters have been brutal for the facility.

The United Way of Shawano County is accepting grant proposals for the 2014-15 funding year. Proposals are due Aug. 1. The United Way provides support to organizations that focus on education, financial literacy, and improving the health of individuals and families. Agencies or groups seeking funds must show proof of the organization’s tax exempt status under 501c(3) with the IRS and present a plan to the use the funds.

Braden Mueller shot a 164 Tuesday and Wednesday at the Wisconsin PGA Junior Championship at Brown Deer Park and Dretzka Park golf courses near Milwaukee. Mueller, a junior on the Shawano Community High School golf team who made a trip to state earlier this month, finished tied for 93rd of the 269 boys that competed in the two-day event. He was tied for 71st among the 16- to 18-year- olds. Mueller shot an 81 on Tuesday at Dretzka Park.

Summer school classes in the Shawano School District encourage students’ creativity to help avoid the dreaded “summer slide.” Experts agree that children who read and stay involved in educational opportunities during the summer gain skills, while those who do not often slide backward. Several unique summer school classes help students maintain their edge over the three-month break from classes. “The summer slide slows down a little and their brai

Mike Koles, head of the University of Wisconsin-Extension office for Waupaca County, has been hired as the new executive director of the Wisconsin Towns Association. He will replace Richard Stadelman, of Shawano, who is retiring on Aug. 31. Koles is currently the department head of the UW Extension Waupaca County. He has served as a community, natural resources and economic development educator for Waupaca County since 2003.

Shawano Police Department June 24 Police logged 28 incidents, including the following: Theft — Medications and concert tickets were reported stolen in the 700 block of Weed Street. Suspicious — Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in the 100 block of South Andrews Street. Vandalism — Police responded to a report of a smashed windshield on a van in the 400 block of Bartlett Street. Trespassing — Police responded to an unwanted m