A summer tradition for the Menominee for the last 10 years returns again, but it will be doing so without its matriarch.

In rural Shawano County, the bees are busy making honey at John and Lorraine Ballbach’s Hobby Honey Farm in Gresham.

However, their farm offers more than raw honey.

In addition to selling local raw and creamed honey, the Ballbachs also sell their own beeswax products which include tea lights, votive cups and candles as well as beeswax bars.

Life’s unique and individualized moments are made more special with the help of Full Bloom Events, 750 E. Green Bay St., Shawano.

Owner Karen Wassenberg opened her storefront shop part time on May 1, with opening full time June 22.

Full Bloom Events’ floral shop offers full-service flowers and much more.

The Friends of Suring Area Public Library and the Suring Area Historical Society are holding a brat fry and pie/ice cream social.

The social will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 26 on the old Suring bridge at Riverside Park, 205 E. Main St., Suring. Brats, hamburgers, hot dogs, pies, ice cream, soda, root beer floats and water will be sold.

Summer means more time outdoors, but it also brings increased exposure to mosquitoes, bees and ticks.

While most insect bites and stings cause only mild irritation, some can lead to serious allergic reactions or illnesses such as Lyme disease. Aspirus nurse practitioner Bruce Anderson says knowing how to prevent bites and recognize when medical care is needed can help keep outdoor adventures safe and enjoyable.

When Jon and I bought Otter Run in Townsend in 1993, it was advertised as 87 acres on the Townsend Flowage. As recorded on the survey map, the property is composed of three distinct parcels. Perfect. Ah, nothing’s perfect. Thirty acres of it is underwater so only 57 acres actually belong to us.