For many residents of the Upper Midwest, enduring the cold is a normal part of life. Still, emergency departments across the region see cases of frostbite and hypothermia every year.

“It often happens when people aren’t expecting it,” said Dr. Amery Robinson, emergency physician at Aspirus Health. “Even if you know how to handle winter conditions, dangers can sneak up on you.”

• Melissa S. Beechner, 44, Shawano, pleaded no contest Jan. 26 to possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of THC (second or subsequent offense), and felony bail jumping. Judge William Kussel Jr. withheld sentencing and placed her on three years of probation with conditions.

• Arianah Rose Dawson, 19, Pulaski, pleaded guilty Jan. 26 to possession of methamphetamine and a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Michael Judge approved a deferred judgment agreement on the felony count. For the misdemeanor, he withheld sentencing and placed her on one year of probation with conditions.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Feb. 1

Oconto County Sheriff’s Department

Jan. 29

The issue of school districts having to cut budgets or ask voters to approve operational referenda is nothing new, but it’s getting some notice after the Shawano School District announced in January that $1.6 million needs to be cut from operations to balance next year’s budget.