Campgrounds empty

The Holtwood Park campgrounds across from our office along the Oconto River on Hwy. 41 are empty.

It was another record-breaking season for campers, many of whom are seasonal. They began arriving in late April, and several stayed until the final weekend of October.

On holiday weekends this past summer, the campgrounds not only were packed to capacity, with over 150 units, but many had to be turned away.

Winter news

Wisconsin Dells and its nationally famous indoor water parks is almost as busy in the winter as it is in the summer, according to Chamber officials there. The expansive grounds at the Dells feature an array of fine dining establishments, gift shops and luxury-style lodging.

Oh yes, for our winter bird feeding enthusiasts, the juncos have returned. These somewhat tiny slate colored birds with white breasts are truly a winter bird. They arrive on my property in mid to late October, and stay until mid to late April when they leave for their summer breeding grounds in the Hudson Bay area.

Honeymoon destinations

The least likely honeymoon destinations, we’d estimate, would be the Gaza Strip in Israel, Baghdad, and the south side of Chicago.

Persons of the week

Our nominees for “Persons of the Week” are Bob and Waneta Reinhart, who again will be chair persons and directors of the Salvation Army Bell Ringer campaign in Oconto.

The Reinharts emphasize that the need this year to help needy families is greater than ever due to the lingering recession.

Fund-raiser

The Oconto Kiwanis Club’s high school scholarship fund-raiser again this late fall will be a raffle ($10 a ticket) to win $700 for groceries at Thompson’s County Market or gas at Thompson’s BP. The odds are quite good, since only 200 tickets will be sold.

Tickets can be purchased from any club member, or at two local banks and at the Reporter.

Not accurate

Abrams’ Abner Eyewink says once again he is defending women drivers. Eyewink says one person’s claim that nearly 90 percent of vehicle lockouts are on autos belonging to ladies is exaggerated.

Abner’s own meticulous survey in Lena and Oconto says the percentage is just 78 percent.