As is the case with many of us lucky enough to be retired up north, I’ve become an early riser. My reward is seeing glorious sunrises and enjoying the company of critters that visit at daylight. I savor the solitude. It’s a perfect time to write, prepare for events on my calendar and catch up on paperwork.

Roots erupting through the soil surface beyond the tree trunk irritate gardeners when trying to grow and mow grass under trees. Save time, reduce frustration and be kind to your trees when dealing with these surface roots. These roots are a normal part of aging for shallow rooted trees and are important to their health and stability.

Just east of the Shawano Recreation Center is a large red oak tree growing.

There are several oak trees in this family, and this one is a northern red oak.

While the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire has long been a nationally recognized top producer in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, one student has recently become the first Blugold to earn a specific award from the prestigious international program.

Wisconsin’s sportsmen largely support increased hunting, fishing and trapping fees, but a 50% increase is too much, according to results of the combined Conservation Congress and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources spring hearings and online survey of 44 questions.

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

OCONTO: Storytime, 10:30 a.m., Farnsworth Public Library, 715 Main St. Story and crafts for preschool children. A caregiver must stay with the child.

SHAWANO: Sun Drop Dayz, 4:30-10 p.m., East Elizabeth Street between Main and Lincoln streets. Children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, Music by Badger State DJs 4-6:30 p.m. and Wet Possum 7-10 p.m.