After overcoming a knee injury, putting in 8½ months of hard rehab and finishing a successful softball season, Courtney Ainsworth last week earned recognition from the Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association for her hard work. Ainsworth was named to the group’s all-state first team. “It kind of just surprised me,” said Ainsworth, who just concluded her junior year at Shawano Community High School.

Eugene H. Giessel, 86, passed away Monday, June 23, 2014. Arrangements are pending with the Swedberg Funeral Home in Shawano. www.swedbergfuneralhome.com

Mark D. Marciniak, 53, of Shawano, passed away peacefully late Thursday evening, June 20, 2014, at the Appleton Medical Center following a lengthy illness. Mark was born March 3, 1961, in Platteville, a son of the late Valerian “Larry” and Elizabeth (Gehr) Marciniak. Mark had been employed at Lakeland Industries in Shawano and later was a self-employed handyman. Mark enjoyed trips to the casino and playing the lottery.

Erna F. Berglin, 91, formerly of the town of Belle Plaine, passed away Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at the Maple Ridge Nursing Home in Green Bay. Erna was born April 22, 1923, in Shawano, a daughter of the late Gustav and Huldina (Mielke) Raasch. She lived and farmed in the town of Belle Plaine for many years. She is a former member of St. James Lutheran Church and recently a member of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Green Bay.

It feels a little like a jungle out there. With all of the rain we have been getting, the trees and underbrush have leafed out. I have been anxious to get the lawn mowed sometime this week, but it is hard to find a time when the raindrops aren’t falling and the grass isn’t wet. It seems strange that I haven’t mowed yet this year, but my kids have been taking turns at taking care of things while my arms and shoulders were so sore.

Busy with the harvest, the deadline for my column came and went last week before realizing that Father’s Day was approaching and hence completely forgot I had the opportunity and blessing to write about my dad. So I’m making up for that fogginess this week with reflections of my dear dad. Better late than never! Dad was a wonderful father.

The Wolf River Chapter of the Wild Ones has found an energetic advocate in Bob Dumke, the group’s president of less than a year.

Adam Kuczer is the vice president of the Shawano County Farm Bureau and, with his wife, runs the kiddie pedal tractor pull at the Brunch on the Farm, which will be held Sunday at the Cletus and Gloria Kurowski farm at W3052 Swamp Road, Bonduel. A run/walk begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by a worship service at 8 a.m. Brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kuczer was born and raised in the town of Maple Grove, graduating from Pulaski High School.

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.” — H. Jackson Brown Jr. For the most part we have a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing community. Ordinances are in place to ensure properties are maintained. Unfortunately we are noticing a growing number of neglected properties.