DeWayne “Speck” DeByle
DeWayne “Speck” DeByle passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Dec. 24, 2025.
Speck DeByle, pillar of Rhinelander community, passes away at 92
DeWayne “Speck” DeByle, 92, passed away on Christmas Eve.
Time to glide
Eight-year-old Jean Erker, left, and Ted Erker skate down The Glide during its opening day on Saturday, Dec. 20, at Boulder Junction Winter Park.
Lakeland boys’ basketball takes care of business
After losing by over 30 points earlier in the week, the Lakeland boys’ basketball team won by over 30 points to achieve its first Great Northern Conference win of the season. The Thunderbirds (2-3, 1-2 GNC) beat Antigo 76-36 on Friday, Dec. 19 in Minocqua.
January events in Minocqua
Events to look forward to in Minocqua this year, according to a press release issued by the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau:
Our Spot on the North Side
A simple stroke of my paddle broke the reflection of a million stars that illuminated the cold and calm October darkness. Nautical twilight was just beginning to show as we started the voyage to the north side of the lake. With a combination of hope and somewhat stubborn optimism, I …
Ice is firming up, caution still advised
While ice is still in its early stages of forming on area lakes, it’s getting to the point where people, in general, can ride snowmobiles and fish with less stress of falling through. However, anytime a person ventures onto hardwater, caution should be taken.
Generations highlights services, growth and funding needs
Generations is entering the new year focused on “steady progress” rather than resolutions or “bold expectations” as it continues serving older adults in the Lakeland area. The organization states in a press release that it is the only full‑time senior center in western Oneida County dedicated to residents 65 and …
Lady T-Birds rout Antigo for first GNC win
The Lakeland girls’ basketball team got out to a big lead and never looked back on Friday, Dec. 19. The Thunderbirds beat Antigo 62-28 for their first Great Northern Conference win of the season at Ted Voigt Court in Minocqua.
Price County snowmobile trails open
The Price County snowmobile trail system opened Dec. 24 at 8 a.m. Iron County trails were the first to be open on Dec. 9, followed by Oneida and Vilas county trails 10 days later.
WCC bear advisory committee forwards recommendations to NRB
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) bear advisory committee met on Dec. 5 to review and forward recommendations from the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) bear advisory committee regarding harvest quotas and license numbers for the 2026 bear season.
Woodruff 2026 New Year’s Eve Celebration
The Woodruff New Year’s Eve Celebration is Sunday, Dec. 31, from 3 to 8 p.m. Fireworks will start at 7 p.m. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides and a bonfire. The Cross Country Cruisers wil sponsor a chilli feed inside the community center for a fee.
Brayden Kelly sweeps Junior National races in Duluth, Cable
The Lakeland Nordic ski season has had a flurry of activity lately with competitions in Duluth, Minn., Cable and Winchester over the last few weeks.
