Bobbie Samme’ A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. at Niagara City Hall to discuss the city’s 2019 annual budget. “We are trying to hold the tax rate where it stands right now,” said George Bousley, mayor. “We don’t have the equalized valuation from the Department of Revenue at this point.”…

Jeffrey LeVasseur by Dorothy Kegley A series of meetings between the Town of Nashville, Mole Lake Community, Forest County and other interested parties resulted in the filing of a petition to the court asking for a temporary stay of the placement of recently released sex offender Jeffrey LeVasseur at the residence on Sand Lake Rd.…

Sarah Giddings A familiar name will be on the ballot on Aug. 14, but not for the office he’s held for the past 29 years. Sheriff Jeff Rickaby is retiring from his post as sheriff, but hopes to continue to serve Florence County in another capacity: as coroner. Mary Johnson has held the office for…

Bobbie Samme’ Walk into the Subway in Florence on any given day and you will most likely be greeted by an employee with a contagious smile and a distinctive British accent. Meet Craig Connell, 48, of Florence – a newly inducted citizen of the United States of America. Connell, born and raised in Gillingham, England,…

Dorothy Kegley The Old Forest County Highway Shop will soon be a memory. The building sustained severe damage this winter when the heavy snow caved in the center of the roof of the building which had been used by Infinity Flooring for storage. The building will be demolished by Flannery Trucking & Contracting for a…

Dorothy Kegley        The Crandon School Board approved sending a contract to Wire Technologies, Inc., for the installation of a new PA system for the school at the July 23 workshop. The proposal presented was approximately one hundred thousand dollars less than another proposal presented to the board at a previous meeting. At a…

A last-minute cancellation on Saturday night shocked the many people planning to enjoy the challenge of the Aurora Mudd Runs the next day. The popular fundraiser for the Aurora-Homestead Rescue Squad has a been held on the first Sunday of August for over two decades and the announcement sparked angry, confused and disappointed responses. Organizers…

Greg Matzke, Florence County’s Department of Natural Resources fish biologist will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Florence Natural Resource Center. Matzke started his position here in 2010, and since his arrival he has surveyed nearly every lake larger than 50 acres, with boat access, in Florence County. The findings from his…

Bobbie Samme’ A total facelift is underway at the Florence County Library, with many new upgrades for its patrons to enjoy. “We started this project about three weeks ago,” said Stephanie Weber, librarian. “We have new carpeting already installed as well as new ceiling tiles, and will also have new, more efficient lighting installed this…

Bishop Hill III Wind Energy Center now online When customers of Florence Utilities flip on a light switch or plug in a device, they now receive more than twice as much of their electricity from wind power. The additional renewable energy is generated at the new Bishop Hill III Wind Energy Center. “Not only are…