News

Krueger new president for ThedaCare Physicians

Published by admin on Fri, 11/17/2023 - 4:55pm

ThedaCare leaders announced in November that Dr. Kori Krueger will join the organization as senior vice president and president of the ThedaCare Physician Group. In this role, Krueger will lead strategy and operations of the ThedaCare Provider Network within ThedaCare in the pre-acute, acute and post-acute settings. His role will directly support the organization’s mission of improving the health and well-being of communities served.

Schmidt votes for bill allowing Baby Boxes

Published by admin on Fri, 11/17/2023 - 4:53pm

State Rep. Peter Schmidt, R-Bonduel, voted in favor of legislation that will provide parents a way to confidentially give up their newborn infants without facing charges.

Assembly Bill 369 would allow municipalities to install newborn infant safety devices.

“I am pro-life from conception to natural death,” Schmidt said. “We need to do everything possible to protect life, which this legislation does.”

Wimberger, Cowles herald PFAS bill passage

Published by admin on Fri, 11/17/2023 - 4:46pm

Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Green Bay, and Sen. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, both heralded the passage of Senate Bill 312, their bill to provide monumental support to combating PFAS contamination across the state of Wisconsin.

Senate Bill 312 provides the framework for many grant and pilot programs to address PFAS contamination. The bill includes the authorization of a Municipal PFAS Grant Program to assist local governments and similar entities, such as community water systems and landfills, cover the costs of fighting PFAS.

Project could harm rare butterfly habitat

Published by admin on Fri, 11/17/2023 - 3:53pm

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes to issue an authorization for the incidental taking of a rare butterfly, which may result from the Pioneer to Crivitz Retirement project in parts of Oconto and Marinette counties.

Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that is not considered to put the species’ overall population at risk.

Council approves $15.56M budget for 2024

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 4:34pm

The Shawano Common Council signed off on a $15.56 million budget for 2024 on Nov. 15 where taxes are expected to drop for most property owners.

“We can continue the goals that you set for us, which is to continue to provide cost-effective services to our residents the best possible way that we can,” said City Administrator Eddie Sheppard to the council. “I think the budget we’re bringing forth tonight is in line with those goals.”

Oconto Hospital gets leadership award

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 4:29pm

Bellin Health Oconto Hospital has been recognized with a 2023 Performance Leadership Award for excellence in quality and patient perspective.

Compiled by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, the Performance Leadership Awards honor top quartile performance (i.e., 75th percentile or above) among rural hospitals in wuality, outcomes and patient perspective.

Committee to vote on contingency funds

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 4:27pm

Shawano County supervisors agreed Nov. 15 that requests for the use of contingency funds will no longer need to be brought before the full board, starting in 2024.

Instead, such requests will continue to be brought before the appropriate home committee and, if approved, be forwarded to the executive committee for final approval.

That change was notably the most significant of the proposed rule changes that govern board operations.

Financial support available via Alliant Energy

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 4:23pm

For the third consecutive year, Alliant Energy has donated $4 million to its Hometown Care Energy Fund to help customers who struggle financially to pay their energy bills. The funding is split evenly between customers in Iowa and Wisconsin.

Alliant Energy encourages customers in need of financial assistance to apply for the funds to assist with paying and managing their energy bill. If approved, customers can receive up to $500 annually.

Kautza pushes for repairs at library

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 1:42pm

The sky is not falling at the Shawano County Library, reiterated Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza during his monthly report to the board Nov. 15.

A recent study of the mold issues at the library revealed less of a problem than originally was believed.

Create a healthier holiday spread

Published by admin on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 10:56am

When we think of holiday gatherings, images of decadent feasts often come to mind. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of the choices we make during these celebrations, as they can have a significant impact on our health.

“One of the biggest red flags that stands out on holiday menus is the prevalence of refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods,” said Aspirus registered dietitian Ashley Chrisinger. “These foods are enjoyable, but they often overflow our plates and leave little room for healthy green vegetables.”