United Way of Shawano County on Thursday announced the appointment of Linda Olson as executive director. Prior to accepting this position, Olson worked for Shawano County University of Wisconsin-Extension for 24 years and retired from that position in 2012.

The Shawano County Administrative Committee is recommending sizable pay hikes in 2014 for newer dispatchers and highway workers, although most county employees won’t be getting increases. The committee voted 4-1 to let the pay increases go through for four dispatchers and seven highway workers, with Supervisor Deb Noffke casting the no vote. Dispatchers that started with the Sheriff’s Department in 2013 have received no pay increase.

Shawano Police Department Oct.

The speed limit will be reduced on a section of County Road G north of Gresham if an ordinance passes the County Board later this month. The Shawano County Public Safety Committee on Wednesday unanimously recommended the speed limit be reduced from 55 mph to 45 for the section about 600 feet north of Spur Road to state Highway 47. The Highway and Parks Committee also unanimously recommended the change for the 1½-mile section. Supervisor Bert Hunt

It’s an observance they would rather not have to hold, but staff, volunteers, clients and supporters of Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Center gathered for a candlelight vigil Thursday to remember the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The vigil, held for the 11th time at the Shawano shelter, commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Executive Director Stacey Cicero outlined a revised mission statement, which puts increased emphasis o

The Menominee Nation and Hard Rock International announced a deal Thursday for the gambling and entertainment company to manage a casino in Kenosha if the tribe gets approval for the project. The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the project earlier this year, but the tribe still needs Republican Gov. Scott Walker to sign off. Walker has said he wants to see consensus among Wisconsin’s tribes, among other things.

Falck, Mews win Don Chase Relays Bonduel High School cross-country runners Sam Falck and Mallory Mews each took first places Thursday at the Don Chase Relays in Weyauwega. Falck finished in 17:23.40 for the top boys spot, helping the Bears place third. Mews finished in 15:57.60, leading the BHS girls to fifth place. Waupaca won the boys meet.

The Shawano Community High School cross-country boys finished eighth and the girls 11th Thursday at the Seymour Invitational at Crystal Springs Golf Course. Appleton North won the girls title, and Kimberly placed first among the boys teams. Jake Klister led the Hawks boys with a time of 17:17, good enough for 24th place. Teagan Monfils led the SCHS girls with a 12th-place finish in 15 minutes, 49 seconds. Results Girls Teams: 1.

Despite getting down two games to none, there was no quit in the Shawano Community High School volleyball team on senior night Thursday. It could have been easy for the Hawks to fold in the third game, especially against the No. 4-ranked team in Division 2, Oconto Falls. Shawano took a four-point lead, 20-16, but Oconto Falls came back, scoring nine of the final 10 points en route to a 25-21 win.