The mobile sauna industry is a craze that has traction nationwide, but it’s one that caught the Shawano Plan Commission by surprise when it met Dec. 3.

With the possibility of building an in-home sauna only possible by those who can afford, companies nationwide are offering to rent mobile saunas at an hourly rate, and now someone in Shawano wants to bring the business locally to see if there’s a market for it.

A change in federal policy could result in a 75% reduction in an emergency management grant for Shawano County in 2025 and possibly the complete elimination of the program in 2026.

The common sight of a guy in a red suit and a sleigh was replaced Dec. 1 by red and blue flashing lights and men with badges outside Walmart as the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department filled their squad vehicles with a variety of toys to be distributed to girls and boys in need.

The Democratic Party of Shawano-Menominee Counties opened a new office at 420 E. Green Bay St., Suite 107, Dec. 3, followed by a Christmas party at the Shawano Civic Center in the evening. From left, are candidates Gillian Battino (29th state Senate) and Ben Hable (87th Assembly District), Chairwoman Jan Koch, Francesca Hong (candidate for governor) and Alexandra Tempus (writer for the Progressive Magazine and author).

The Keshena Knights of Columbus served nearly 350 meals during its annual Thanksgiving dinner last month.

The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Council 12185 Elmo Novelli and Alvin J. Rathsack Memorial Thanksgiving Dinner served 176 dinner meals and another 166 carryouts, said Grand Knight Paul Marroquin.

T-Mobile continues to invest in its 5G network with the addition of a new cell site in Oconto Falls on County Road C near County Road E.

The site enhances T-Mobile’s network in the area and brings 5G Extended Range and Ultra Capacity service that provides high capacity, coverage and data speeds. It is in addition to the 37 sites the wireless carrier built in Wisconsin in the third quarter of 2025.