All aboard
Three-year-old Noah Soelle sits in his train car and enjoys popcorn during Holiday Movie Time Polar Express on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at the Minocqua Public Library.
Dr. Kate Museum nominated for Governor’s Tourism Award
The Dr. Kate Museum has been nominated for a 2026 Governor’s Tourism Award in the category of Arts, Culture & Heritage. According to Travel Wisconsin, the Arts, Culture & Heritage category celebrates organizations or destinations showcasing “arts, culture or heritage to enhance the tourism experience and economic well-being of a …
Warriors flex muscles in big win over Lady T-Bird basketball
One of the top prep girls’ basketball players in the state of Wisconsin almost single-handedly outscored the Lakeland girls’ basketball team by herself on Monday, Dec. 22. Rice Lake, ranked No. 3 in Division 2 in the latest Bound Wisconsin/Zaleski Sports girls’ basketball media poll, defeated the Thunderbirds 82-40 in …
Lac du Flambeau man charged with attempted homicide
A 42 year-old Lac du Flambeau man has been formally charged in Vilas County court with attempted first degree homicide as the result of an incident that occurred at a residence on Arnold Stock Lane in Lac du Flambeau on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Speck DeByle, pillar of Rhinelander community, passes away at 92
The name Speck DeByle has been synonymous with downtown Rhinelander for decades. Most Rhinelander natives over a certain age can say they shopped at DeByle’s Clothing Store for back-to-school, work and play for years. DeWayne “Speck” DeByle, 92, passed away on Christmas Eve.
Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op falls 3-1
The Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op were unable to make it two straight wins with a 3-1 loss to Wisconsin Valley Union on Monday, Dec. 22.
Phelps, Conover out of the Landfill Venture Group
The membership of the Landfill Venture Group (LVG), which since its formation in 1988 has been comprised of 13 Vilas County towns and the city of Eagle River, will be, by mid-2026, down to 11 towns and Eagle River.
Legislative audit finds nearly $1B DOT accounting error
Wisconsin’s annual audit of state finances has revealed a nearly $1 billion accounting error at the Department of Transportation, as well as ongoing information technology security deficiencies and statutory noncompliance at the Department of Administration.
Cross country ski instruction at Fe University
Winter wonder awaits ... and Chad McGrath will help prepare you to enjoy it to the fullest, as you learn to cross country ski! Held at beautiful MECCA Trails in Mercer, the Fe University course “Cross Country Ski Instruction” will be held on Jan. 5, 7, 12, and 14, 2026, …
From teacher to coach to Hall of Famer
One might have seen Brian Maki walking around the court, field or hallways of Lakeland Union High School as a teacher and/or coach. He’s now a Hall of Famer. Maki was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame as an assistant coach in September. He was one of …
Mason Dixon Line kicks off Campanile’s 2026 season
The Campanile Center for the Arts will kick off 2026 with the high-energy sound of Mason Dixon Line on Thursday, Jan. 15. Formed in 2018, Mason Dixon Line came together to celebrate the rich history of country music. The band brings the biggest hits from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and …
Michigan family loses house over unpaid tax they didn’t owe
A Michigan family whose home was seized and sold over a tax bill that a court later determined was never owed is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to clarify the constitutional limits of tax foreclosures, government takings, and excessive fines.
HHS moves to bar “sex-rejecting” procedures on minors
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced a series of proposed regulatory actions aimed at ending what the department describes as “sex-rejecting procedures” performed on children, marking one of the most significant federal mobilizations to date in the contentious debate over pediatric treatment for gender dysphoria.
Church of the Pines Cookie Walk & Craft Sale a sweet success
Despite below-zero wind chills, community members attended the cookie walk and craft sale Dec. 13 at Church of the Pines in downtown Minocqua, according to a press release. The event, hosted by United Women in Faith, raised nearly $3,000. Proceeds will benefit local and regional nonprofit organizations that support women, …
Donald J. Winninghoff
Donald J. Winninghoff, 85, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025. A proud Wisconsin native, Don lived a life defined by his devotion to his family and his appreciation for the Northwoods.
