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Oconto Falls utility foreman named Shining Star

Oconto Falls Municipal Utilities’ not-for-profit wholesale power provider, WPPI Energy, presented utility foreman Jason Valentine with its Shining Star Award during WPPI’s annual member gathering held Sept. 17.

The award recognizes those who “go above and beyond” for their community.

“I’m grateful for this honor,” Valentine said. “I try every day to make our utility, and the community it serves, even better.”

Behnke, Hinze discuss bipartisanship

Rep. Elijah Behnke is running for his fourth term in the Wisconsin Assembly, facing a challenge from Shirley Hinze.

Behnke, a Republican who is moving into a home in the Town of Angelica after two years in the Town of Chase, is looking for a second two-year term representing the 6th Assembly District, which includes most of Shawano County, all of Menominee County, and segments of Oconto, Waupaca and Outagamie counties.

Shawano-Menominee Court News

• Sanome R. Wheelock, 51, Keshena, pleaded no contest Oct. 14 to possession of narcotic drugs and a misdemeanor charge of operating while revoked. Judge Katherine Sloma levied fines and court costs and sentenced him to 30 days in county jail, time deemed served.

Oconto County Court News

• Feleesha Jean Bruette, 37, Bowler, pleaded no contest Oct. 12 to two counts of felony bail jumping. Judge Hannah Schuchart levied fines and court costs and sentenced her to eight months in county jail.

• Joey E. Kingsley, 45, Norwalk, was charged Oct. 12 with felony bail jumping and misdemeanor bail jumping. Judge Jay Conley set a $500 cash bond and adjourned his initial appearance until Nov. 19.

Shawano County Public Record

Shawano County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 18

Deputies responded to 41 incidents, including a fight in progress on Weasel Dam Road in Gresham; two 911 calls; three traffic stops; one reckless driving incident; three traffic hazards; one welfare check; four crashes, one involving deer.

Oct. 17

Report not received by press time.

Oct. 16

Oconto County Public Record

Oconto County Sheriff’s Department

Oct. 18

College News

UW-Eau Claire

Four hundred twenty-eight incoming freshmen received scholarships from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for the 2026-27 academic year, with many students receiving multiple awards.

Local recipients included:

Lena: Audrey Woodke, Gillett High School, Honors College Scholarship and Mark of Excellence Scholarship - Renewable.

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