It has been close to a year since the Shawano-Menominee County Circuit Court has been scheduling final pre-trial hearings in the case of Amanda Bowman, but there is no resolution.

Four employees across all divisions at the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department were honored by Sheriff George Lenzner at the Nov. 5 public safety meeting.

Given letters and certificates of commendation were April Norman, Colleen Smith, Jenny Sundberg and Ryder Stefl.

“These are some employees that have gone above and beyond,” Lenzner said.

Shawano County Sheriff George Lenzner administers the oath of office to Deputy Gregory Dey at the start of the Nov. 5 public safety meeting. Dey joined the department after most recently working with the Marion Police Department.

Gov. Evers signed Senate Bill 159 and Assembly Bill 65 into law Oct. 31, receiving praise from Rep. Brent Jacobson, R-Mosinee.

SB 159 allows law enforcement agencies to equip their vehicles with visibility lights, while AB 65 increases the penalties for entering a residence with the intent to commit battery.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to every fourth grade student in Wisconsin as part of its annual Arbor Day tree planting program.

Wisconsin fourth grade principals, teachers and homeschoolers can now place seedling orders and coordinate delivery by completing the 2026 Arbor Day application by March 16, 2026.

In the spirit of Christmas, all Menards home improvement stores are serving as a toy drive drop site now through Dec. 15.

There will be a drop box near the exit door to collect new and unwrapped presents. They will be then be donated to local organizations for distribution.