The Lakeland Times

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.

Movie Review: ‘Moana 2’ the perfect movie for the holidays

There’s been a buzz at movie theaters over the past few weeks with some big-time releases. I went to see “Moana 2” with my family over Thanksgiving weekend.

‘The Natural’ a top-notch baseball film

I played baseball when I was a kid. It was a summer tradition that I enjoyed very much. “The Natural” got me excited about baseball again. “The Natural” came out May 11, 1984 and featured Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Barbara Hershey, Robert Prosky and Richard Farnsworth.

‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’ terrifyingly terrific

I usually don’t get freaked out when I see a horror film. I was absolutely horrified the first time I saw the 1974 film “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre” came out Oct. 11, 1974 and features Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, Paul A. Partain, William Vail, Teri McMinn, Edwin Neal, Jim Siedow, John Dugan and Gunnar Hansen.

Movie Review: ‘Dead Poets Society’ inspirational 35 years later

Movies often make me feel alive. Not only did “Dead Poets Society” give me a buzz, but it also inspired me. “Dead Poets Society” came out June 2, 1989 and features Robin Williams, Robert Sean Leonard, Ethan Hawke, Josh Charles, Gale Hansen, Dylan Kussman, Allelon Ruggiero, James Waterston, Norman Lloyd, Kurtwood Smith and Alexandra Powers.

Movie Review: ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ returns to its roots

It’s almost October and all things spooky. To get me hyped up, I saw a movie that got me in the spirit of the holiday. “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” came out Sept. 6 and features Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti and Willem Dafoe.

Movie Review: ‘Alien: Romulus’ a big disappointment

I was really excited to see the latest “Alien” movie. For whatever reason, I couldn’t connect with it. “Alien: Romulus” came to theaters Aug. 16 and features Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn and Aileen Wu.

Movie Review: Deadpool & Wolverine

Living up to the hype

I’ve seen a lot of movies this summer. Yet, none have quite combined humor and action effectively as “Deadpool & Wolverine.”

First episode of ‘Lonesome Dove’ has me hooked

As Western Month rolls along, I was tasked with watching a mini series from the 1980s. I was completely hooked after one episode.