Brittney Firari has been named the 2026 Wisconsin Instructional Leader of the Year by Wisconsin Teaching and Learning Leaders (WTLL).

This prestigious statewide recognition honors educational leaders who demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving curriculum, instruction, assessment and student achievement.

Shanda Hubertus has been recognized for achievement in environmental conservation.

Hubertus has served as president of the Waterways Association of Menominee and Shawano Counties (WAMSCO) since 2014, having been a founding member of the organization. In this leadership role, she oversees daily operations, coordinates communications, and supervises a staff of four and an intermittent intern.

October is National Apple Month and an excellent time to find more ways to incorporate this healthy food into your daily diet. This superfood is low in calories, high in fiber, rich in nutrients, promotes heart and oral health and can aid in weight loss.

On Aug. 17, the Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department facilitated our 2026 Community Health Assessment event at the College of Menominee Nation. Alongside dedicated community members, local partners and organizations, we dove deep into key data spanning our social determinants of health, health behaviors and outcomes, clinical care and the physical environment.

At the end of October, I will be celebrating my 80th birthday. During those eight decades, I have forged precious relationships and made priceless memories. I’m planning to spend the next year tying up loose ends, getting my memoir finished and showing my loved ones how much they mean to me.

When I was a young child, I lived on the last block at the edge of town. Beyond it lay rolling hills that beckoned me to explore. I considered them my playground. One experience has stayed with me for more than half a century.