As winter storms impact communities across the Upper Midwest, Aspirus Health is urging residents to take precautions when shoveling snow to avoid injury.

Occupational therapist Nathaniel Kropidlowski said improper body mechanics, lack of preparation and poor equipment are leading causes of strain and accidents during this common winter chore.

Goodbye, The Flower Shoppe, and hello, Northern Roots.

Not only does the Oconto Falls floral and gift store at 224 N. Main St. have a new name, it has a new owner as well.

That new owner is Lori Fournier, who recently purchased the business from Melanie and Matt Rice. Fournier is no stranger to the business, as she worked at The Flower Shoppe for 18 years.

If you’re interested in hearing about how language can heal a nation, two Oneida doctors have just the prescription.

“Not Those Kind of Doctors — A Serious Podcast by Unserious People” is hosted by Dr. Rosa Rylene King and Dr. Priscilla Belisle. Streaming on Spotify, it “explores the intersections of Oneida language, culture, healing, sovereignty and resilience.”

Turn off the grow lights, gather a few milk jugs and potting mix, and start planting seeds. Winter sowing is a way to start transplants from seeds outdoors without a greenhouse or cold frame.

You’ll save money on equipment and time tending the seeds and seedlings. Just transform milk jugs, soda bottles and other items into mini grow chambers to start some of your favorite and hard-to-find transplants from seeds.

When it comes to treating low back pain, many people assume that medications are the obvious answer. Recent research suggests the story isn’t quite that simple.

Leaders of the Shawano/Bonduel high school boys varsity hockey team are hoping to move from an independent program to being a member of the Great Northern Conference with the start of the 2027-28 school year.

“We play most of these teams already,” coach Adam Gafner said. “They are similar sized programs, and it’s where we fit.”

Gafner said there are several reasons to join the GNC. Doing to would:

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Bonduel 79, Roncalli 72

Bonduel’s boys, ranked No. 3 in the state, opened play at the Shawano Hoops Holiday Classic at the Kress Center at UW-Green Bay with a 79-72 win over No. 6 ranked Roncalli.

Ryan Westrich had a double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds. Quinn Wesenberg also scored 25 points, as the Bears improved to 6-0 on the season.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Menominee Nation 51, Wabeno/Laona 31

The Eagles played a slow and stead first half, eventually overtaking Wabeno/Laona halfway through en route to a solid 51-31 win at a tournament in Edgar.

By halftime, Menominee Nation led the Rebels 23-18 and then overpowered them in the second half 28-13.

Marion/Tigerton 64, Montello 35

Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 29-30

Oshkosh on the Water

Shawano had nine boys wrestling at the Oshkosh on the Water tournament, as they tallied 219 points and placed 21st among 64 teams.

Four wrestlers made the second day of wrestling, which means they earned a spot in the placing rounds of the tournament.