Rep. Elijah Behnke is running for his fourth term in the Wisconsin Assembly, facing a challenge from Shirley Hinze.

Behnke, a Republican who is moving into a home in the Town of Angelica after two years in the Town of Chase, is looking for a second two-year term representing the 6th Assembly District, which includes most of Shawano County, all of Menominee County, and segments of Oconto, Waupaca and Outagamie counties.

• Sanome R. Wheelock, 51, Keshena, pleaded no contest Oct. 14 to possession of narcotic drugs and a misdemeanor charge of operating while revoked. Judge Katherine Sloma levied fines and court costs and sentenced him to 30 days in county jail, time deemed served.

• Feleesha Jean Bruette, 37, Bowler, pleaded no contest Oct. 12 to two counts of felony bail jumping. Judge Hannah Schuchart levied fines and court costs and sentenced her to eight months in county jail.

• Joey E. Kingsley, 45, Norwalk, was charged Oct. 12 with felony bail jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping. Judge Jay Conley set a $500 cash bond and adjourned his initial appearance until Nov. 19.

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 18

Deputies responded to 41 incidents, including a fight in progress on Weasel Dam Road in Gresham; two 911 calls; three traffic stops; one reckless driving incident; three traffic hazards; one welfare check; four crashes, one involving deer.

Oct. 17

Report not received by press time.

Oct. 16

Oconto County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 18

UW-Eau Claire

Four hundred twenty-eight incoming freshmen received scholarships from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for the 2026-27 academic year, with many students receiving multiple awards.

Local recipients included:

Lena: Audrey Woodke, Gillett High School, Honors College Scholarship and Mark of Excellence Scholarship - Renewable.

Leslie Fischer-Preuss has a passion for creating unique flower arrangements suitable for many occasions.

“Unique” doesn’t come close to describing the arrangements because each flower in them is made of wood. The arrangements feature wooden flowers that are hard to distinguish from the real thing. Fischer-Preuss’ lifelike floral arrangements are lasting, sustainable and look like real flowers.

Brittney Firari has been named the 2026 Wisconsin Instructional Leader of the Year by Wisconsin Teaching and Learning Leaders (WTLL).

This prestigious statewide recognition honors educational leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving curriculum, instruction, assessment and student achievement.

Shanda Hubertus has been recognized for achievement in environmental conservation.

Hubertus has served as president of the Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties (WAMSCO) since 2014, having been a founding member of the organization. In this leadership role, she oversees daily operations, coordinates communications, and supervises a staff of four and an intermittent intern.