Editorial Columns

Merry Christmas, or happy holidays?

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 3:31pm

When I am shopping at stores between Thanksgiving and Christmas, if the employees of that store wish me a happy holiday, I am offended. Should I be? Is that fair to be so thin-skinned? What do you think when you are told happy holidays?

Pretty lights can chase all your blues away

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2019 - 9:21am

In spite of the cold, I still enjoy this time of the year. There’s something about the cold that makes you feel very much alive, or at least reminds you that you’re not dead.

I’m grateful I have a car to transport me. Although I may silently curse the time it takes to warm up the interior during this time of year, I do try to use that time to my advantage.

Art of visiting will last a lifetime

Published by admin on Tue, 12/03/2019 - 12:07pm

I think the art of visiting is becoming a lost art. So many people spend so much time engaged with each other electronically that they forget how to listen and respond face to face.

People will always have and express strong opinions, but when they appear in a social media post, it’s easy to make assumptions that you want to avoid someone at all costs. That certainly cuts into your visiting pool. A good face-to-face visit gives you the chance to have an actual conversation and better understand someone’s opinion or to learn why they feel that way.

Sister time will be taken whenever it’s available

Published by admin on Wed, 11/20/2019 - 10:27am

I’m so thankful I have a sister I like to spend time with and am grateful we’re only three hours away from each other.

We recently went on a little adventure to Minneapolis. Having discussed many options, like driving separately, or meeting up in Eau Claire, we eventually decided she should come home to Wittenberg and we’d drive together from here.

Note: my siblings moved away from home years ago, but I still refer to Nelson Manor as “home” for them. I’m almost certain they appreciate it and if not, at least they’re too kind to correct me!

Farmers need support from all of us

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 11:07am

America’s dairyland and its farmers are under attack. Small, family dairy farms have been disappearing at an alarming rate.

As hundreds of farm families every year begin to realize that no matter how many 16-hour days they put in milking cows, caring for livestock and planting and harvesting crops, they are losing money. Because they are having trouble paying their debts, many have had to declare bankruptcy. The stress of losing their farms have taken their toll on the mental health of their individuals, even to the point of thinking of suicide.

School district embraces lesson in ‘Orange Frog’

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 9:07am

By now many of you have probably heard about a parable we use in our district called “The Orange Frog.”

What is “The Orange Frog,” and how does it fit into what we’re striving to do at Wittenberg-Birnamwood School District? “The Orange Frog” is a short, simple to read book (45-60 minutes) that describes the life journey of a small but impactful frog named Spark.

Cue the snowflakes for the happy ending

Published by admin on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 8:42am

There’s something about the Hallmark Christmas movies that tugs at the heart strings. The format is always the same where some pour soul is searching for meaning in his or her life. All roads seem to lead to Small Town USA, which holds all the answers to finding romance and living the good life.

You can always tell when the movie is officially over — there’s the look, the kiss and then the snow falls softly as the movie credits roll.

Editor can do his own shopping, thank you

Published by admin on Thu, 11/07/2019 - 11:52am

In the novel “1984,” the common theme of the book that kept the characters in fear was the mantra: “Big Brother is watching you.”

Fast forward to 2019, and now Big Brother is delivering your groceries — and sticking them in your refrigerator.

Limitless reasons why we need to thank veterans

Published by admin on Thu, 11/07/2019 - 11:42am

Editor’s note: This column will form the basis for a speech that will be delivered at the annual Veterans Day program Monday, 11 a.m. at the Shawano County Courthouse, 311 N. Main St., Shawano.

Many people come up to me and other veterans and thank us for our service. I am grateful for those kind words and reply, “Thank you very much, but I can never repay what this great nation has given to me!” The reality for most veterans is we did nothing special but were just doing our jobs, like each hard-working American does each day.

Celebrating 100 years amazing accomplishment

Published by admin on Thu, 11/07/2019 - 10:47am

There aren’t a lot of family businesses that make it into a third generation and able to celebrate 100 years in business. The odds of that happening are probably small, but when it happens, there is much to celebrate.

I don’t have a clear memory of my younger years to remember if I ever went to the Janke Book Store in Wausau. But given my mom’s love of books, I have to believe I’d been there once or twice in my youth.