News Staff Ashland High School custodian Nick Bailen was celebrated mid September, as he is retiring after 31 years. Principal Brian Trettin praised Bailen as a “beloved and hardworking custodian,” a “kind presence,” and a “true role model” whose commitment, reliability, and positive spirit left a lasting mark. Trettin noted Bailen’s humble nature when he declined media … Read more
The Bayfield Apple Festival, a highlight for both residents and visitors, has grown into one of the largest events in the Lake Superior area, beginning in 1962 when local orchard owner Jimmy Erickson’s truck broke down en route to Duluth, prompting him to return to Bayfield and sell his apples locally, and that led to … Read more
A nineteen-year-old Ashland resident died in a fiery head-on collision with a semi-tractor trailer early Monday morning. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office reported the crash occurred around 5:41 a.m. on State Highway 13 and Alfalfa Avenue in Chelsea. Allen M. Madison, driving a 2010 Ford Fusion, crossed the centerline into the northbound lane, colliding with … Read more
Northern Wisconsin’s 2025 wild rice crop is low again this year, due to climate events, including June storms and heavy rains. Satellite data shows an 18% reduction in surface area compared to last year. While regional insights exist, local production varies; some Vilas County lakes are closed due to poor surveys, while others opened in … Read more
The annual Run for the Vets marathon, a cherished community tradition, will see a change in leadership after the 2026 event. This marks the 20th year of the marathon, which benefits military veterans. A new group of volunteers is prepared to take over, ensuring the event’s mission of supporting veterans continues. In a special initiative … Read more
Monarch butterflies have begun their two-and-a-half-month migration from northern breeding grounds to Central Mexico, with recent citings in Wisconsin… a journey timed with Dia de Los Muertos. Karen Oberhauser, a professor emerita, notes the celebration’s timing, though likely coincidental, creates a meaningful connection, symbolizing rebirth. Only “super generation” monarchs, 2% to 5% of eggs and … Read more
The 45th annual Cranberry Fest is set to return to the Vilas County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5. This popular event, hosted by the Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce, traditionally draws over 45,000 visitors. Downtown Eagle River will also host some activities on Saturday, Oct. 4. Attendees can explore approximately … Read more
Park Theatre in Park Falls, a long-standing movie theater that first opened its doors in June 1950, is set to close on November 30. Owners Paul and Katie Freiburger, who purchased the theater in 2020 with plans for restoration, announced on Facebook that financial difficulties are forcing its closure. In their statement, the Freiburgers explained, … Read more
At a recent meeting of the Boulder Junction Town board, the primary discussion revolved around opening town roads to ATV and UTV usage, a controversial topic throughout the year. Boulder Junction ATV club president Dennis Duke supported the proposal, citing increased tourism and resident usage, while acknowledging the need for compromise. A town survey revealed … Read more
Copper Peak is installing a new 384 foot tall crane to build a two-acre, 37-degree concrete slab, an “engineering feat.” This project aims to restore Copper Peak as a ski-jumping hill for year-round training and events, boosting economic development in Michigan and Wisconsin. They anticipate hosting up to 10 annual International Ski Federation competitions, including … Read more