The Lena Lions Club honored John Wenzel as the Student of the Month for January. He is the son of the late Dana Wenzel and Clint Wenzel, of rural Coleman. Tedd Nadler, president of the Lena Lions Club, presented the senior with a certificate and a leatherette clipboard. The award was based on John’s academic record and extra-curricular activities. John participates in forensics, National Honor Society, the High Q team, Academic Bowl and band.

It was a dark and stormy night. This is the setting for the latest Machickanee Players production, “High Ground,” written by Charlotte Hastings. The town’s dam has broken, and everyone comes to the high ground where the convent/hospital is located, even a convicted murderer, Sarat Carn, on her way to her execution. Sister Mary believes Carn is wrongly convicted and does all she can to help her avoid the executioner.

Amid the pumping rhythms of “We Are the Champions,” students dressed in team T-shirts hovered over boxy robots fitted with wheels, intake mechanisms and lifts, while referees kept score Saturday at Oconto Falls High School. Thirty-five teams from three states, representing 15 schools and organizations, participated in the Northeast Wisconsin VEX Robotics Challenge held in the high school gym.

Louis P. Stepien, 84, American hero of the Korean Conflict, died Jan. 17, 2014, at a local hospital as a result of complications following surgery treating extensive disabling injuries suffered 61 years ago while serving in the U.S. Army. Louis achieved the rank of sergeant and earned numerous awards, including the Bronze Star with V for Valor, the Purple Heart and other service medals. He was a member of the PLAV Post No.

Ethel R. McCarthy (Grandma Mc), 99, Peshtigo, formerly of Oconto Falls, died Sunday evening, Jan. 19, 2014, at Rennes Health Center-West. She was born June 9, 1914, in Oconto Falls to Charles and Rachel (Temple) Gallagher. Ethel grew up in the Oconto Falls area, where she attended school, graduating from Oconto Falls High School with the Class of 1932.

Charles B. Maclean, PhD., 68, of Portland, Ore., formerly of Oconto Falls, died Nov. 22 after battling cancer since early July. Charles was an Eagle Scout, philanthropy professional and author. He was a co-founder of Trillium Hollow Cohousing Community in Portland. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Maclean, of Pardeeville.

Brigitte Jones, 51, died Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 2014, at her home in Oconto Falls, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born April 6, 1962, in Chilton to the late Rudolph and Barbara Fiedler. Brigitte loved spending time with her family, and she loved the outdoors. She is survived by her children, Tia DeBauch (Jason), of Oconto Falls, Janine Cary (Matt), of St.

James A. Quandt, 81, of the town of Breed, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, at his home under the care of Southern Care Hospice. He was born in the town of Breed on Oct. 15, 1932, to Chris and Anna (Zieries) Quandt. James served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1952-1954. On June 5, 1954, he married Evelyn School at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Suring. James worked at Allen Bradley in Milwaukee until the time he moved back to Suring.

Carol Cox, 76, lifelong resident of Abrams, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, following a longtime battle with COPD.