Snowy s’mores
Four-year-old Jack Miller enjoys eating a s’more and playing in the snow during the Christmas Walk on Friday, Nov. 28, in downtown Boulder Junction.
The penny may be going away, but the World’s Largest Penny is here to stay
The World’s Largest Penny in Woodruff, on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Hemlock Street, is iconic to the town of Woodruff and its history with Dr. Kate Newcomb, the “Angel on Snowshoes.”
County under fire for delayed plowing after holiday snow
A Thanksgiving snowfall that many area residents viewed initially as a “winter wonderland” quickly turned into countywide frustration and anger as many county roads remained unplowed well into Friday after a snowfall that dumped about 7.2 inches on the Minocqua area Wednesday evening and Thursday, Nov. 26 and 27.
Win streak comes to an end
The Lakeland girls’ basketball team seemed destined to pick up its first win of the season on Tuesday. Merrill finished on a high note and, in turn, ended the Thunderbirds’ Great Northern Conference win streak.
Navigating first ice
With winter setting in across the Northwoods, anglers’ thoughts are turning to ice fishing. But the allure of early ice comes with its dangers as well, as some anglers have had the misfortune to find out.
Boulder Junction Public Library announces library director successor
In September, the Boulder Junction Public Library announced the retirement of library director, Cherie Sanderson. After 23 years of service to the library, Cherie will retire Feb. 27, 2026. The board of trustees announces the promotion of Kate Frisk from assistant director to library director to succeed Cherie effective March …
T-Bird boys’ hockey team drops home, conference opener to reigning state champs
Hosting the reigning WIAA Division 2 state champions, the Thunderbird boys’ hockey team didn’t have the firepower to keep up with Tomahawk. The Hatchets defeated the Thunderbirds 8-1 in the Great Northern Conference opener at the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena on Tuesday.
DNR numbers show license sales, harvest numbers down slightly through gun deer season
On Dec. 2, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put out their preliminary nine-day gun deer season numbers. According to the DNR, numbers were slightly off of last years numbers. DNR deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl said that while license sales were down slightly, they were about average for the …
Deadlines approaching for 2026 bear and turkey harvest authorizations applications
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds bear and turkey hunters that applications for the 2026 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations or purchase preference points toward future drawings, or edit an existing …
Down to the wire
The Lakeland boys’ swim team came up a couple points short of upsetting Medford in the season opener on Tuesday in Minocqua. The Raiders beat the Thunderbirds 65-57. Lakeland won seven of the 11 events, but the Raiders used their depth to overtake the home team.
The Lake Where You Live
Those who live on and advocate for lakes can easily (and appropriately) obsess over everyday demands. What’s happening with the Secchi readings? Will we get that new invasive species grant? How can we do more to protect natural shorelines?
Former Camp Jorn employee pleads guilty to neglecting child felony
A 29-year-old Mercer woman pleaded guilty to a class H felony of neglecting a child with the consequence of bodily harm during a court hearing on Dec. 1 in Vilas County court. According to court records, Alexis Engler, who was a preschool teacher at Camp Jorn in Manitowish Waters, knowingly …
USPS policy change on postmarks may affect tax payments becoming delinquent
Oneida County Treasurer is encouraging residents who pay their property tax bills by mail to be aware of a recent U.S. Postal Service policy change that may affect when envelopes are postmarked.
DOT, WCHA recognize snowplow drivers on Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day
Governor Tony Evers proclaimed today (Dec. 1) as Snowplow Driver Appreciation Day in Wisconsin to celebrate the men and women who brave winter’s worst to keep Wisconsin’s roads safe and passable. Together with the Wisconsin County Highway Association (WCHA), the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) reminds motorists to slow down …
Northwoods Almanac
According to the DNR, “The first snowy owls of 2025 reached Wisconsin on Nov. 6. While early November is a typical arrival date, the total of 17 owls reported as of Nov. 17 is above average for this early in the season. The last year with a higher total at …
Season preview: Lakeland girls’ wrestling ready to soar
It’s a new era for the Lakeland girls’ wrestling team. They have their own coach as they look to continue to build the program. Jacob Merrill is the new head coach of the Thunderbirds. He’s taking over for Adam Bremer who had been coaching both the boys’ and girls’ teams …
Season preview: Lakeland boys’ hoops staying positive
There’s optimism inside the Lakeland boys’ basketball program, even with a couple of injuries hindering the team. The Thunderbirds are hoping this is the year to be in the top half of the Great Northern Conference and to snap their winless postseason streak dating back to 2019.
Bailey awarded for volunteer work on Big Arbor Vitae Lake
At the Big Arbor Vitae Lake Association annual member meeting this spring over Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Gary Bailey was honored for his exceptional service. He accepted the prestigious Don and Nancy Wallace distinguished service award which is presented to a member whose contributions have made a lasting impact on …
Invasive species council announces nomination period for 22nd Annual Invasive Species Action Awards
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council is accepting nominations for the 22nd annual Invasive Species Action Awards now through Feb. 15, 2026.
