Season review: Lakeland cross country showed program-wide success
Lakeland cross country had many team and individual accolades throughout the season. The Thunderbird boys brought home a Great Northern Conference and sectional title, qualifying to state for the third time in four years. The Lakeland girls didn’t have enough runners to form a team but saw standout performances throughout the season from freshmen Emerson Rubo and Addison Eggen.
Season review: Lady T-Bird volleyball made team history
The Lakeland Union High School volleyball team had a historic season. From the regular season to conference to the postseason, the Thunderbirds took flight and succeeded.
Shorthanded Mercer girls’ basketball team drops opener to Northland Pines
Down a player, the Mercer girls’ basketball team couldn’t keep up with Northland Pines in a season-opening 54-5 loss to the Eagles Thursday in Eagle River.
Season preview: LUHS girls’ basketball enters a new era
Things look a little different for the Lakeland girls’ basketball team with a new coach and plenty of new faces. One thing has remained the same — a positive group of girls.
Season preview: All hands on deck for Lakeland boys’ hockey
The Lakeland boys’ hockey team has finished in the top three of the Great Northern Conference standings each of the last six seasons. It’ll take everyone on the team to extend that streak.
LUHS boys’ basketball battling through early adversity
There’s more opportunity for student-athletes to make an impact inside the Lakeland boys’ basketball program as tryouts started on Monday. Injuries have already taken its toll on the Thunderbirds.
Running it back
T-Bird boys’ swim team returns same coach, swimmers from last season
The Lakeland boys’ swim team has a familiar look to it this season. Amie Rein is back as head coach of the Thunderbirds. She is feeling more comfortable in her second year at the helm of the program. The first day of practice took place Monday at the Lakeland Union High School pool.
Adam Bremer remains head coach of Lakeland boys’ wrestling team
Entering his 23rd season within the Lakeland boys’ wrestling program, Adam Bremer continues to find enjoyment in the sport.
Jacob Merrill begins tenure as new LUHS girls’ wrestling coach
Over the last several years, the Lakeland girls’ wrestling team has grown and grown. They have their own coach this year. Jacob Merrill is the new head coach of the girls’ wrestling team. He’s taking over for Adam Bremer, who’s solely focusing on the boys’ wrestling team.
Lakeland girls’ swim team turns in 12th-place performance at state
Five Lakeland Union High School swimmers helped the Thunderbirds to their best finish as a team at state in five years. The Thunderbirds finished 12th out of 33 teams with 64 points at the WIAA Division 2 state meet Friday in Waukesha. It’s Lakeland’s best team finish since they took ninth in 2020. Additionally, Lakeland has had a better team finish at state every year since 2022. Last year, Lakeland finished in 17th place.
Lakeland Figure Skating Club shines at nationals
Mia Gignac, Nick Theis win national championships
It’s a new season for the Lakeland Figure Skating Club. But before this season began, several Lakeland-area figure skaters shined at the national tournament in July. The Excel National Final and Festival took place July 9-13 at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. Lakeland club skaters Mia Gignac, Kylie Stewart, Nick Theis, Alora Tolbert, Marley Ujcich and Sophia Yelton all participated in a field of nearly 900 skaters.
Season preview: Lady Tiger basketball focusing on the team
The Mercer girls’ basketball team, low on numbers, is focusing on itself and not so much the win-loss record. Gordy Kohegyi is in his second season as head coach of the Tigers. He’s hoping to get the girls to come together and play as a team.
Five Lady T-Bird swimmers going to state
WIAA Division 2 meet takes place today at Waukesha South Natatorium
The Thunderbirds had a big day in the pool. They sent five individuals to state across six different events following a sectional meet last weekend.
Levi Massey leads new-look Lakeland girls’ basketball squad
With a new coach and plenty of new faces, there was plenty of energy as the Lakeland Union High School girls’ basketball season got underway. The first practice of the season took place on Monday at the LUHS fieldhouse. It was the first official practice for new head coach Levi Massey.
T-Bird boys’ hockey team laying a foundation
It’s a brand new season for the Lakeland boys’ hockey team. Practice got underway on Monday at the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena. Head coach Jake Suter, entering his eighth season at the helm of the Thunderbirds, is looking forward to the new season. He talked about what he’s learned over the years.
LUHS gymnastics is back
Eight gymnasts are out for the team this year
Just one year ago, low numbers caused the suspension of the Lakeland Union High School gymnastics program. The team is back with plenty of buzz and excitement. “It is very exciting to be back in action,” coach Kaitlin Miesbauer said. “The high school season is one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to see what this season brings.”
Season review: Injuries hindered potential special LUHS football season
What started out as a historic opening to Lakeland football’s season, ended with a whimper as injuries piled up. The Thunderbirds went 5-5 on the season and finished tied for fourth out of eight teams in the Great Northern Conference with a 3-4 record. They averaged 21.9 points per game scored and 22.5 points per game allowed. They qualified for the playoffs for the sixth time since 2019.
Kade Meyer commits to play hockey at the University of St. Thomas
Former Thunderbird hockey player Kade Meyer has seen his journey take him from Minocqua to Detroit to Waterloo. It’ll continue in St. Paul, Minn. in a couple years. Meyer committed to play hockey at the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota last week. The Tommies are a Division 1 hockey program.
Season review: LUHS girls’ tennis team showed growth
Competing with an almost entirely new team this season, the Lakeland girls’ tennis squad got the experience they needed. The Thunderbirds finished fifth out of nine teams in the Great Northern Conference with 73 total points. They earned 60 points by going 30-26 as a team in conference matches. At the GNC tournament on Sept. 25, they gained 13 more points for 73.
Rhinelander Curling Club men’s and women’s teams gain experience at nationals
The Arena Club National Championships Oct. 14-19 in Las Vegas gave the Rhinelander Curling Club men’s and women’s teams a chance to take on the best in the country. The Rhinelander men’s and women’s teams went a combined 0-10. However, it was the overall experience that they took away.
Minocqua making history
IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships a big hit in Minocqua
For the first time ever, the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Dryland Mushing World Championships came to the United States. And they were a big hit. The IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships took place Oct. 21-26 at Minocqua Winter Park.
T-Bird boys’ soccer awarded league-high 10 all-conference selections
Marshall Holmquist awarded GNC Offensive Player of the Year
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ soccer team dominated the Great Northern Conference season with an undefeated 12-0 record. They got plenty of all-conference recognition. The Thunderbirds were awarded a league-high 10 all-conference honorees, including the conference’s offensive player of the year award.
Strength training a highlight for Lakeland Nordic ski practice
Lakeland Nordic skiers were back in action this week and on Tuesday, they worked on a lot of the technical aspects. Fourteen Lakeland skiers met up at Marshfield Clinic Woodruff Center.
Sensational soccer season comes up one game short of state
Thunderbirds beat Shawano, fall to Somerset in sectional final
In a quest for a state appearance, the Lakeland boys’ soccer team fell one goal and game short on Saturday. First, the Thunderbirds beat second-seeded Shawano 2-1 in a WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinal game Thursday in Minocqua. In a battle of No. 1 seeds, Somerset defeated Lakeland 1-0 in a sectional final game Saturday in Medford.
Reaching the goal
Lakeland cross country boys finish 10th, Emerson Rubo 19th individually at state meet
The WIAA Division 2 state meet ended the cross country season for the Thunderbirds. Both the Lakeland boys and Emerson Rubo put together some of the best personal performances this season.
Season review: Mercer volleyball team ‘came together’
Unlike in year’s past, the Mercer volleyball team didn’t experience a lot of success on the scoreboard in 2025. However, they grew and played team volleyball as the season went along.
Lakeland cross country boys, Emerson Rubo ready for state
It all comes down to one race. The Lakeland Union High School cross country team’s season ends tomorrow at state. The State Boys & Girls Cross Country Championships take place Saturday at Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids. The Lakeland boys qualified as a team while Emerson Rubo is partaking as an individual.
Lakeland gets 25 Thunderbirds on fall all-conference teams
Three coaches get GNC Coach of the Year
The end of October signals the end of the fall Great Northern Conference sports season. A number of Lakeland Union High School athletes and coaches were recognized with all-conference awards.
What’s that smell?
The thing about skunk’s spray
When one thinks of skunks, the first thought that might come to mind is the strong smell that comes from their spray. However, they are a beneficial part of the balance of the ecosystem. Whether driving down the road or walking through a trail, most people have smelled a skunk before. It’s not the greatest of smells.
Who’s watching?: The mysterious nature of owls
Halloween is coming in two weeks. One bird that has become synonymous with the holiday is that of the owl. Some of the more popular owls in the Northwoods include the barred owl and great horned owl. Barred owls make the traditional hoot-hoot noise and can be found in the woods.
Spooky season is upon us
It’s been feeling like summer lately, but fall is my favorite season. The crisp air and vibrant colors get me excited as I count down to Halloween.
Taking a closer look at spider bites
Spider bites are rare
It’s no secret that many people are afraid of spiders. When it comes to spider bites, they are few and far between and oftentimes not dangerous. Spider bites are rare and don’t occur that often. That’s because we’re not a target of the spider.
Spidey sense
What to know about the spiders of the Northwoods
There are many different creatures in the Northwoods from deer to eagles to snakes to mosquitos. There are also plenty of spiders that make their homes both here and around the state. Wisconsin is home to many spider species. The good news is they are all pretty much harmless.
Thunderbird boys’ soccer wins big in home debut
At long last, the Lakeland boys’ soccer team made its home debut on Tuesday, picking up another Great Northern Conference victory. First, the Thunderbirds tied non-conference Shawano 0-0 in Rhinelander on Saturday. Then, Lakeland beat Medford 6-0 in Minocqua.
Hovering hummingbirds hanging around
There are a lot of different birds in the Northwoods. One of the more unique, and tiniest, is the hummingbird. Flapping their wings at high speeds, hummingbirds are also known for their fast heartbeats and hovering ability.
The joy of bird hunting with a dog
Ruffed grouse season starts Sept. 13
Dogs are one of the most popular domesticated pets in the world. When it comes to hunting birds, the right breed could make the experience more enjoyable for the hunter and the dog. Ruffed grouse season is coming up soon for hunters. Having the right dog on the hunt could be a game changer. Two of the more popular dog types for upland bird hunting are flushers and pointers.
Saving the rink
Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena looking to shave off debt
A staple of the Northwoods community has been the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena (LHIA). Now they need everyone to come together to save it.
Summer’s not over yet
A common sentiment I’ve heard from people around the community is how short summer was. It came and went. But here’s the thing — summer isn’t over yet. Technically, summer doesn’t end until the start of the Autumnal Equinox on Monday, Sept. 22. However, a lot of people, myself included, associate summer with June, July and August and no school.
Learning to live with the deer of the Northwoods
When I was a kid growing up, seeing a deer was a big deal. Now I’m trying to learn more about my outdoor neighbors. There are deer all over the place next to where I live. I see does, fawns and bucks that are starting to grow their antlers.
There’s a robin on my porch
There are all sorts of birds flying and living in the Northwoods. One bird in particular hits close to home. I went out of town for one weekend in late spring/early summer 2024. When I returned home, I found a bunch of leaves, sticks and brush on my porch. I looked up, and I had a nest sitting on top of my porch light.
Safety tips to have fun at the beach
Summer draws locals and tourists to Northwoods beaches, but health officials urge caution. There are many things to do at the beach whether it’s swimming, sun tanning, tossing the ball around, building sandcastles or just relaxing.
Swirls, streaks signal toxic threat in Northwoods waters
Streaks of pea soup-colored water and paint-like swirls may signal a silent summer threat: blue-green algae blooms that can release harmful toxins in lakes throughout Wisconsin, including those in the Northwoods.
Movie Review: ‘Thunderbolts*’ fresh, funny and relatable
It had been a while since I saw a Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie. I was pleasantly surprised at their latest entry. “Thunderbolts*” came out May 2 and features Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Wyatt Russell, Olga Kurylenko, Lewis Pullman, Geraldine Viswanathan, Wendell Pierce, David Harbour, Hannah John-Kamen and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Movie Review: ‘Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones’ is exactly what it needs to be
“Star Wars” is buzzing once again with the 20th anniversary of “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.” I’ve already reviewed both “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace” and “Revenge of the Sith.” I’m wrapping up my “Star Wars” prequel reviews with “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones.”
Movie Review: ‘Snow White’ cheerful and uplifting
Rachel Zegler charms in leading role
I came into Disney’s newest live-action movie “Snow White” with high expectations. It took a second viewing, but it turned into the movie I wanted it to be. “Snow White” came out March 21 and features Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia and the voice of Patrick Page.
Movie Review: Western Month
‘The Big Country’ a grand presentation of the West
For my second review during Western Month, I was tasked with an epic movie that featured one of my favorite actors from the 1950s. “The Big Country” came out Aug. 13, 1958 and features Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives, Charles Bickford and Chuck Connors.
Movie Review: Western Month
‘The Shootist’ gives John Wayne a proper send-off
Western Month gives me a chance to tap into a genre I’m still unfamiliar with. I got the chance to see John Wayne in a movie for the first time ever.
‘Heart Eyes’ delivers thrills in romantic slasher
I’m always game for a new slasher movie. This latest film surprised me in many ways with good lead performances. “Heart Eyes” came out Feb. 7 and features Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa and Jordana Brewster.
Movie Review: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ lacks emotional punch
I have no issue with the Walt Disney Studios’ live-action remakes, as long as there’s a good idea and story behind them. For “Mufasa: The Lion King,” it was a mixed bag.
Movie Review: ‘Wicked’ pops with emotion, energy
I’m a huge fan of musicals. The music and dancing puts a smile on my face. There was a lot to like about “Wicked.” “Wicked” or “Wicked: Part I” came to theaters Nov. 22, 2024 and features Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande-Butera, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
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