Around Town
DEATH NOTICE: Janet Avis Hewitt passed away very unexpectedly on Jan. 3, 2026, at her home in Iola, Wisconsin. Janet was born on Dec. 16, 1944, in Racine, Wisconsin, to the late Arthur J. and Dorothy M. (Curtis) Hewitt. Janet graduated from Waupaca High School in 1963. A celebration of Janet’s life will be held at a later date.
SAVE THE DATE: On Saturday, Jan. 24, there will be a Chicago-style Dart Tournament at Happy Daaze Bar & Grill, starting at 1 p.m. Lod partners $25 entry.
Around the County
TEENS PLEAD NOT GUILTY: Two of three teenagers entered “not guilty” pleas to charges of illegal deer hunting in Waupaca County. Landan Fuhs and Ian Johnson pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, Jan. 6, to misdemeanor charges of hunting deer when hunting season was closed, illegally shining lights on a deer, and blocking a conservation warden’s investigation. A third teenager, Ethan Lashua, was in court Thursday, Jan. 8, for a status update. He pleaded not guilty in December. Read the WBAY story here.
GRIEVANCE FORM FILED: In the continuing issue involving Waupaca County District Attorney Kat Roberts Turner, Justin Malueg has filed a grievance form with the Wisconsin Supreme Court concerning the alleged action of Turner involving juror notes and papers, for which she was reprimanded by Judge Raymond Huber.
Interesting Facts
In the daily surfing of the internet, some interesting facts arise that are worth sharing. These are a few recently seen.
PRESIDENTIAL PETS: While many U.S. Presidents had dogs, some kept far more unusual pets. Calvin Coolidge owned raccoons, a donkey, and a bobcat. Martin Van Buren received tiger cubs, later sent to the zoo. Theodore Roosevelt’s collection included a badger and a hyena. Most remarkably, Thomas Jefferson was gifted two grizzly bears in 1807 by explorer Zebulon Pike, making them perhaps the most fearsome presidential pets in history.
A WOMAN’S PURSE: By the early 1800s, changing dress fashion necessitated the reticule — a small, soft drawstring purse — which became a fashionable accessory for women. Despite being mocked as a “ridicule” for its size, it remained popular, reflecting Victorian femininity and offering women a private space for personal items. Typical contents included calling cards, money, writing tools, handkerchiefs, smelling salts, fans, mirrors, combs, lip salve, gloves, sewing kits, prayer cards, perfume bottles, scented sachets, and face powder.
