Reaching for new heights
Fourth-grade student Anson Holmes rock climbs during the North Lakeland School District Lighted Schoolhouse after school program on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Camp Manito-wish YMCA in Boulder Junction.
Minocqua Winter Park hires new executive director
The Minocqua Winter Park Foundation has announced the hiring of Mike Trantow as its new executive director. Trantow, who has volunteered at the park and served on the winter park board of directors, will fully transition into the new role by April 1.
Oneida County dispatcher arrested for alleged intoxication at work
An Oneida County dispatcher was arrested by the Rhinelander Police Department on Jan. 8 after driving to work under the influence. Nicole Lea, 53, of Eagle River, is also the wife of Three Lakes police chief Scott Lea. According to a written statement by Oneida County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy …
Lakeland boys’ hockey team drops two straight GNC games
Goals were hard to come by for the T-Bird boys’ hockey team as they dropped two Great Northern Conference games in successive nights. Lakeland fell 3-1 to Mosinee on Monday, Jan. 19. Then, Antigo shut out the Thunderbirds 1-0 on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Sugar Camp man alleged to possess child pornography
A Sugar Camp man was arrested on Jan. 21 for allegedly possessing child pornography. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Christian Bishop, 27, after receiving a tipline report by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on May 22, 2025.
Nicolet College student art exhibition at Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport
ArtStart and the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport are presenting the Nicolet College Student Art Show, through Feb. 28, inside the Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport. The works presented in this exhibition are drawn from the creative practices of artists currently studying at Nicolet College.
Season update: Lakeland bowling middle of the pack in Division 2
The Lakeland Union High School bowling team has shown improvement from last season to this year as they look to finish the campaign strong. The Thunderbirds were 4-4 in the Division 2 standings as of Saturday. That put them tied for fifth with Rhinelander out of 10 teams.
Rucksack Revolution returns to the Campanile Feb. 7
Rucksack Revolution — featuring Adam Greuel of the high-energy string band Horseshoes & Hand Grenades and Sarah Vos of the folk-inspired Dead Horses — returns to the Campanile Center for the Arts on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. for an evening of powerful songwriting and unforgettable musical connection.
T-Bird boys’ wrestling places sixth at Wausau East
The Lakeland boys’ wrestling team overcame cold temperatures and traveled to Wausau on Saturday to get one more varsity non-conference tournament in. The Thunderbirds finished sixth out of 19 teams with 94 points at the Lumberjack Invite at Wausau East High School.
Arbor Vitae town board authorizes letter of support for ATV/UTV trail
A project to get a stretch of all terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) trail established between Arbor Vitae and Boulder Junction has received formal support from the Arbor Vitae town board. During its Jan. 21 meeting, the town board unanimously authorized sending a letter of support to …
Lac du Flambeau town board scheduled meeting of electors
The sale of the former fire station on Wild Rice Avenue in downtown Lac du Flambeau appears to be moving along. During its meeting on Jan. 21, the Lac du Flambeau town board set Feb. 13 as the date for a special town meeting of the electors to decide whether …
Cardinals hand Mercer boys’ hoops eighth loss
The Tigers, in the midst of a stretch of road games, dropped a game to a Northern Lights Conference foe. The Mercer High School boys’ basketball team fell 81-37 at South Shore on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Former Lakeland Nordic skiers compete at U.S. Skiing Nationals
Four former Lakeland Union High School Nordic skiers took part in the U.S. Cross Country Championships Jan. 4, 6, 8-9 at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, N.Y. Mia Case (Class of 2020), Jakob Craig (2022), Kiera Rotar (2022) and Casey Van Hefty (2023) all competed at the U.S. Skiing …
Lakeland Airport commission moves further into marketing
Marketing the Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae took center stage at the Jan. 22 meeting of the four‑member Lakeland Airport Commission, which ultimately authorized airport administrator Jesse Birginal to move forward with a strategic revenue and community partnership plan.
Jay Szot
Jay Alan Szot, age 50 of Waunakee, and formerly of Winchester, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2026 at his home. Jay was born on January 15, 1976 in Woodruff, the son of Joseph and Lynn (nee Vrabec) Szot.
Lakeland Area Baseball Association registration now open
Lakeland Area Baseball Association (LABA) registration is now open. For ages 5 through 12 — based on age on April 30, 2026. T-Ball, Rookies, Minors and Majors are options. Registration is open now through March 1.
Barbara Gloria Spears
Barbara Gloria Spears, known to all as Barb, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Saturday January 17, 2026. Born on June 12, 1946, in Rhinelander, Barb's journey was one filled with love, dedication, and a remarkable spirit of care. She married Eugene Spears on August 31, 1965, …
Norman Edward Then
Norman Edward Then, 91 of Arbor Vitae died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Seasons of Life Hospice. Born on June 16, 1934, in Chicago. Preceded in death by his parents Edward and Edna Then and brother Herbert and his wife Evelyn.
