To the editor:   The recently completed state budget will actually provide some benefits to middle-class taxpayers.

A $29,000 donation from the estate of Ann Horick will act as a catalyst for the Gillett Public Library expansion project, according to Library Director Kay Rankel. “Ann was a fan of everything that went on in Gillett,” said David Pelow, president of the library board of directors. “She was just a community person and a very civic-minded person.” Horick, who passed away in June 2012, was always involved with the community, Rankel said.

Fair patrons at the demolition derby, pull and catch-a-pig events at the 2013 Oconto County Fair will enjoy more comfortable and safer seating with the replacement of the major portion of bleacher seating at the track on the fairgrounds. County fair directors and volunteers completed construction of the 80 feet of new bleachers on July 1.

Proceedings from July 19   Jason L. Holtger, 39, Oconto, was sentenced to four years in prison for driving while intoxicated, fifth offense. He was arrested Oct. 6, 2012, in Oconto.

Chuck Seidel, a science teacher at Washington Middle School in Oconto Falls, received the Educator of Excellence Award presented by the Nicolet Oconto Retired Teachers’ Association.

Barbara Trudell, 70. Loving wife and best friend of Peter for 50 years. Beloved mother of Jay (Cheri) and Andy (Laura). Caring grandma of five and great-grandma of one.  Barb will also be greatly missed by many other relatives and friends.  A visitation will be held at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation Service, 930 Main St., Mukwonago, on Sunday, July 27, 2013, from 3 p.m.

As the Oconto Falls American Legion baseball team prepares for the Class AA regional tournament, coach Chris Hillberg is embracing the underdog role for his squad.   “I think everyone on the team knows we’re the underdog going into that tournament,” Hillberg said. “As such, I don’t think anyone is going to throw their No. 1 pitcher against us.

Pro angler Gary Parsons and Chris Hansen earned the $20,000 payout at last week’s AIM Pro Walleye Series tournament in Oconto. The boat caught a total weight of 137.13 pounds over the three-day tournament. The first-day catch of 55.31 pounds put Parsons and Hansen in the lead, but a 31.82-pound catch on Day 2 left the duo needing a big day Saturday.

Two people who provide services through Oconto County’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Department will transition from contracted workers to county employees. “Without the unions here now, we want to have the ability to hire people in these positions,” said Craig Johnson, director of HHS. Contracted employees tend to leave the positions because they don’t have insurance, retirement and other benefits, he said. The County Board on Thursday