The brotherhood of firefighters is legendary, and never was that bond shining stronger than in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 343 New York City firefighters.

That anniversary remains a bittersweet one for all firefighters as they recall the disaster but also the heroics displayed on an epic scale.

They say it takes a village to help a child, but someone has to organize the village so the help comes effortlessly.

In Lena, that someone is Noah Lasley, a senior at Lena High School and a member of the Lena FFA, who gathered more than 70 volunteers to pack 41,760 meals at the Nurses Nook recently. The meals will remain in Oconto County, benefiting the Lena, Suring, Gillett, Oconto Falls and Oconto school districts.

ThedaCare is encouraging people across northeast and central Wisconsin to take steps to protect themselves against influenza, a respiratory illness that affects millions of Americans annually.

One of the best steps people can take is to get vaccinated, according to a physician with ThedaCare.

A treatment option for some people living with atrial fibrillation may also help lessen the possibility of them suffering a stroke.

Atrial fibrillation, commonly referred to as AFib, is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. It may lead to blood clots in the heart. The condition also increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications.

“Workplace violence is a workplace hazard and should not be accepted,” said Jamin Homan, ThedaCare registered nurse.

Homan’s comments capture the essence of why ThedaCare has strengthened its efforts to help curb the likelihood of violence on its campuses. Homan is one of the experts leading the movement to reduce and prevent incidents of violence at ThedaCare.

At the Shawano Optimist Club’s 49th installation and awards banquet, held recently at Stubborn Brothers in Shawano, Kristine Rankin was named the club’s Optimist of the Year and Jim Black received the James Leuenberger Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition, the officers and board members for the 2025-26 year were installed, and members achieving perfect attendance at club meetings and participating in club projects were recognized.