The Northwoods Deadliest Stretch
DOT downplays danger but data tells a somewhat different story
Calling it perhaps the deadliest stretch of highway in the state of Wisconsin, Oneida County sheriff’s captain Tyler Young said recently the state needs to seriously address crash issues with U.S. Highway 51 south of Minocqua from County Highway D to State Highway 8, a reach of highway that continues to pile up serious wrecks and fatalities.
Field to fork
Wages, labor, insurance and gas among several expenses raising food prices
Whether shopping at the grocery store or eating at restaurants, many have likely felt the pain of rising food costs of most products since 2020.
Minocqua saves as much as $650K by refurbishing fire truck instead of buying new
Per a decision made during a Jan. 19, 2023 Minocqua town board meeting, a Minocqua fire truck was refurbished rather than a new one purchased. The decision saved the town an estimated $650,000 worth of tax-payer money.
LUHS bowler takes on Nationals in Detroit
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) student Talan Pockat represented the Lakeland area and the state at the 2024 Junior Gold National Youth Bowling Championships in Detroit.
Serenading the Northwoods for 47 years
Ron Harrison is a self-taught music artist and performer in the Northwoods. He totes a variety of instruments and genres from country to classic rock, island music and dance.
Gold medalist pickleballer visits new complex in Manitowish Waters
Upon the completion of the brand new pickleball complex in Manitowish Waters, gold-medalist pro Dave Weinbach attended the grand opening of the courts on Saturday, Aug. 3, and offered clinics to those in attendance.
MKLPA tackles Eurasian Water Milfoil concerns
Two target areas on Lake Minocqua received procellaCOR herbicide treatment to halt EWM growth
During the Minocqua-Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association (MKLPA) meeting Saturday, Aug. 3, measures taken to prevent the spread of Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) in the lakes were reviewed and presented by members of Aquatic Plant Management LLC (APM) as well as aquatic ecologist Eddie Heath.
Olson’s latest hockey book features ties to the Northwoods
Part-time Minocqua resident and author Jeff Olson will promote his latest book, “Wisconsin’s Top 10 NHL Greats. The Hockey Torch is Passed,” at Sallet’s Northwoods Outfitters in Minocqua on Sept. 6 with a book signing.
One dead in Highway 70 motorcycle crash
A collision between two motorcycles at 3:50 p.m. on State Highway 70 West left one dead and another seriously injured, Wednesday, July 31, in Minocqua.
Signs of the times
Chad Laibly finds solace in the restoration of his father’s many signs in the Lakeland area
Before his passing 10 years ago, Don Laibly left his mark on the Lakeland area in the form of signs. Something that has allowed his son to remain close with him.
Arbor Vitae youth wins pageant
Cathie Mayo named Miss Wisconsin Preteen
Cathie Mayo, 10, of Arbor Vitae, won the title of Miss Wisconsin Preteen Sweetheart of America, in the Sweethearts of America competition, May 11, in Kenosha.
Students design potential town logos for Winchester
The process of replacing the current Winchester town logo has been ongoing for the past year. Students at North Lakeland grade school have used time in their art class to submit a variety of possible new logos for the town and are awaiting a decision on what will likely become the new Winchester town logo.
Park Falls teen headed to Los Angeles for national pageant
Olivia Negri named Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2024
After a fourth-place runner-up finish in 2023, Olivia Negri, 17, of Park Falls was named Miss Wisconsin Teen USA 2024, and is slated to compete in the Miss Teen USA Pageant in Los Angeles, Calif.
LUHS and Brown University graduate awarded Fulbright scholarship
Brendan McMahon set to teach English in Taiwan and pursue Mandarin studies
Brendan McMahon, a graduate of Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) and Brown University, has been awarded the Fulbright scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship have the opportunity to conduct independently designed research projects or teach English in various global locations, as outlined by Brown University School of Engineering.
Young angler nets his biggest catch yet
During a Fourth of July weekend trip to the Northwoods, Isaac Niemeyer, 12, of Lombardo, Ill., caught a musky. One he says is the biggest musky he’s ever seen.
Forty years of advanced healthcare in the Northwoods
The Howard Young Foundation celebrates its 40th anniversary
The Howard Young Foundation (HYF) is celebrating 40 years of serving the Northwoods community.
Phillips takes down Lakeland in the rain
Lakeland struggled to come back from an early 6-0 deficit within 15 minutes of the first pitch against Phillips in less than ideal conditions.
Lakeland loses tight battle to Rhinelander
The Lakeland Thunderbirds of the Northwoods Babe Ruth Prep League sprinted out to a 6-0 lead, but couldn’t hold off a late effort from the Rhinelander Hodags who scored 11 unanswered runs on Monday, July 1, at Stafford Field in Rhinelander.
Scholarship recipients participate in golf event
Jacob A. Scheible Golf Scholarship recipients Matt Haggart and Jack Rubo participated in a 28-team tournament created by the Scheible family, on Sunday, June 23, at Trout Lake Golf Course.
Grant received for Arbor Vitae bike trail project
The Arbor Vitae town has been awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT). The grant, amounting to $1.3 million, will be used for a project aimed at connecting the Arbor Vitae bike trail to the Heart of Vilas County bike trail system.
Celebrating our country
On this Fourth of July, it is important for us to remember to be grateful for the origins of the holiday and the great country we live in.
Mercer library director bids farewell
After 16 years as the library director at Mercer Public Library, Teresa Schmidt is moving on to accept a job with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) on the public library service team.
Celebrating 20 years of the Seasons of Life Hospice Garden with GardenFest
After last year’s success, GardenFest will be back this summer on Saturday, July 20, at the Seasons of Life Hospice Garden, in Woodruff.
Parade planned to run as normal
Despite the ongoing construction of the U.S. Highway 51 bridge to Manitou Park Drive on Minocqua’s south side, the Fourth of July Parade is scheduled to run along its normal route from south to north.
Housing affordability at an all-time low
Minocqua an especially tough market for home buyers
Across the state the housing market is at an “all-time low” affordability and an all-time high in competitiveness. In Minocqua, it’s even worse.
Flannery Materials acquires Highpoint Sand and Gravel
Lake Tomahawk location to offer wider array of services and materials, aiming to fill Lakeland area labor shortage and intertwine with Crandon operations
Flannery Materials, affiliated with Flannery Construction in Crandon, recently purchased Highpoint Sand and Gravel and is now running their services out of the Lake Tomahawk location off of County Highway D.
Minocqua printing business back in operation
Copy Cat Printing is back in business after a fire in August 2022 caused severe damage to the U.S. Highway 51 building and halted operation for 15 months.