Untimely death came calling on a regular basis in the 19th century, especially for women. Pregnancy and childbirth were a common method of culling the human herd. Many men lost their wives to the rigors of labor and delivery, and if a woman survived the ordeal, her child could easily fall victim to a fatal illness or accident. My great-great-grandmother Anna Maria Holzschuh was very familiar with the Grim Reaper’s cruel customs.

When people ask what is my favorite bird, it is like asking which is my favorite child. I have different choices for different reasons — perhaps their beauty, melodic singing or silly personality. One bird that I always include in my answer is the red-headed woodpecker. I seldom saw red-headed woodpeckers until 15 years ago when I drove through Necedah National Wildlife Refuge.

As I write this column for the month of July, our summer school experience for our students has come and gone.

Shawano Ambulance Service, a critical care paramedic emergency medical services provider, has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid and research-based care to people experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes, ultimately saving lives. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone

4-H Members from Marinette, Oconto, and Shawano counties joined together at Marinette County Camp Bird for a residential camp experience in June. Ninety campers, 30 counseling staff, and 15 adult staff consisting of University of Wisconsin-Extension professionals, health professionals, lifeguard, and 4-H volunteers were present. The 4-H counseling staff consisted of teens from across the three counties, with training and team-building activities

Hillside Assembly Royal Rangers Boys’ Ministry is teaming with B3 Recycling Solutions of De Pere for an electronics recycling day and car wash from 9 a.m. to noon May 11 at the church, 5890 State Highway 22, Gillett. Most items are free to recycle. There is a small fee for monitors, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning units.