Shawano Community High School The Shawano FFA held a teddy bear toss at the boys varsity basketball game Dec. 13. Anybody from the community was encouraged to bring a teddy bear to toss or buy a teddy bear for any donation at the game. All donations and bears were donated to the Safe Haven domestic abuse shelter in Shawano. At halftime, we had the kids and then the adults throw their bears onto the court.

A Keshena man initially charged with attempted homicide after a stabbing incident last year pleaded no contest Friday to a misdemeanor charge of battery. Justin T. Okimosh, 21, was accused of stabbing his cousin in the neck at a New Year’s Day gathering in Birnamwood. Okimosh was sentenced after the plea hearing to time already served.

Shawano Park and Recreation Director Judy Judd said Tuesday she plans to retire within the next couple of months. Judd said the date has not been determined, but would be in February or March. Judd said that after 31 years on the job, it was time to retire. “On Sunday, I’ll start a new decade and I’ll be eligible to swim with the Senior Swimmers,” she said, adding the group will be one of the things she will miss most after she leaves. “I admire

A Caroline man who filed last month to run against County Board Chairman Jerry Erdmann in the spring election was notified shortly before the filing deadline Tuesday that he was running in the wrong district. Ronald Grunewald had expected to be a candidate for the District 22 seat held by Erdmann, but he was informed about 3 p.m. Tuesday that his home address was in District 19. The filing deadline for the April 1 election was 5 p.m.

Nearly a third of incumbent Shawano County Board supervisors will face challengers in April’s spring election, though one less than expected after one candidate learned he had filed in the wrong district. The deadline was 5 p.m. Tuesday for potential candidates for area municipal races to return their nomination papers and supporting signatures. Candidates for local school boards, who aren’t required to gather signatures, also had until 5 p.m.

Janet E. Sorenson, 66, Shawano, formerly of Green Bay, died unexpectedly Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at her home. Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4-5 p.m. Friday. The funeral service will be held at 5 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com. The complete obituary will be published Thursday.

Betty M. Rock, 85, Birnamwood, died on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, at Wausau Manor. She was born on Sept. 16, 1928, in the town of Almon, Shawano County, the daughter of the late Otto and Alma (Weikel) Forsberg. She married Elmer Grosskopf on Feb. 12, 1946. The couple later divorced. She then married Raymond Rock Sr. on May 18, 1968. He preceded her in death on Aug.

Edith Josephine (nee Baker) Weix, 97, of Bonduel, passed away Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, in Bonduel. Born on Aug. 1, 1916, in Salem, near Maiden Rock, she was the daughter of the late Frank and May (Roeteh) Baker. On Aug. 21, 1939, she was united in marriage to Frank S. Weix in Elmwood. The couple lived in Durand, Bear Creek and Almond before making their final moved to Bonduel. Edith enjoyed being a housewife and mother to her beloved children.

Peggy Jo Pederson, 57, of the town of Herman, passed away Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, in Appleton. Born on July 11, 1956, in Appleton, she was the daughter of the late Leonard and Dorothy (Ganski) Olsen. On April 21, 1979, she was united in marriage to Orlin Pederson in Shawano. Together the couple ran Pederson Bar in Leopolis for several years. Peggy also worked at T&C Supermarket for 15 years and Walgreens for 10 years.