Langlade County Tourism

First Annual ATV Free Wheel'n Weekend.

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 CST

Fall in love with what Wisconsin has to offer at the first annual ATV Free Wheel’n Weekend. Whether you are an avid ATV rider from out of state or you are local but have not used the local trail system, discover the thrill of a trail ride during the registration free weekend. For the weekend of June 1-2, 2013, Wisconsin’s public ATV/UTV trails are open free of charge to riders from out of state as well as Wisconsinites whose machines are registered for private or agricultural use. Take opportunity to get out on the trails free of charge and experience Wisconsin’s expansive trail system offering fun for the whole family in the great outdoors.

This is why the Parrish Highlanders, the White Lake ATVers and the Wolf River Riders, three ATV clubs in Langlade County, are offering up guided trail rides to explore some of the greatest ATVing that the state has to offer. Meeting at Lil’ Hummers Hideway at the Corner of Highway A and TT on Saturday, June 1 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. At 11:00 a.m. the clubs will have guided trail rides in the Augustine Springs section of the trail system. After the ride, enjoy a burger or brat back at Hummers. Festivities to wrap up around 3pm.

The registration free weekend for ATV/UTV trails also coincides with other free events happening around Wisconsin. The weekend of June 1-2 is also Free Fishing Weekend, which allows fishing anywhere in Wisconsin, including inland waters as well as Wisconsin’s side of the Mississippi River and Great Lakes, without a trout stamp or license. Sunday, June 2 is State Park Open House Day with free entrance to any state park without the need of a vehicle admission sticker. A number of free events are also planned as a part of National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1, 2013.

State Posts Boost In Tourism Spending

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 CST

Travelers contributed $16.8 billion to Wisconsin’s economy last year, including $61.6 million in Langlade County, according to a state tourism report released Friday.

The statewide numbers are up 5 percent from the year before. Langlade County posted a more modest 3 percent.

“These increases are due to a pro-active strategy that included partnering with our neighboring counties in regional marketing activities,” Chris Berry, director of the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, said. “Some of those activities are participating in three sports shows highlighting all of our area’s attractions and trails as well as the creation of a Website.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism said direct spending on food, lodging, transportation and other services accounted for $10.4 billion, with $43.3 million in Langlade County. Lodging was the biggest money-maker in 2012, accounting for 26 percent of tourists’ spending. Food and beverages came in second at 25 percent.

The report also said tourism supported about 184,000 Wisconsin jobs last year, or 7.8 percent of employment, with 511 in Langlade County. Gov. Scott Walker proposed increasing funding to promote tourism by 1.4 percent, or about $500,000, over the next two years.

“We have a variety of things in the mix to keep visitors in our County of Trails, including some pretty cool upcoming events,” Berry said. She pointed to the free fishing and all-terrain vehicle registration on June 1 and 2, with a countywide ride planned; the second annual Trail-Con, a conference for virtually anything associated with trails, in August, the 19th annual Wolfman Triathlon in September, and the 13th annual Lakes to Leave road bike tour in autumn.

Most tourists in Wisconsin were from the U.S., according to the report. Local tourism officials said many came from the Midwest during spring and fall seasons.

Only 6 percent of visitors came to Wisconsin from other nations, the report said, but Lake Geneva — a small city in Walworth County — saw an increase in the number of international guests, the area’s commerce chamber president, George Henerly, said.

Henerly said many international visitors came straight up Lake Geneva with their relatives in Chicago, who referred them to the pure Midwest experience the area can offer, including boating, picnic at the lake, more than 100 boutique restaurants at downtown, and numerous full-service resorts.

“They would park their cars, get a bike, relax a little bit and then ride on the boats.” Henerly said.

Still, Hernely said about 90 percent of the one million visitors came from areas within two hours of driving. They brought in $455 million in direct sales to the Walworth County.

Henerly said the county also saw more young visitors, probably due to its proximity to metropolitan areas. He said they plan to upgrade their parking services in downtown and near the lake in addition to focusing on promotions.

The northwoods continues to be led by Vilas County, with $246.9 million in total business sales in 2012, up 9.94 percent; and Oneida, $246.2 million, up 5.62 percent.

Berry said that, on a local level, the Economic Development Corporation has created and implemented a countywide, activity wide strategy.

“Not only have we invested in Search Engine Optimization for the County site: countyoftrails.com, but we have been very successful with the Langlade County tourism app for iPhone and Android products,” Berry said. “Between the Website and the App, the EDC has been able to provide a very useful resource for the visiting public as well as the folks that live here. Not only can you find all the latest conditions for your favorite trail, or where to purchase licenses, or the current levels of the Wolf River, there is information on dining, lodging, attractions and events.”

Berry said the county also has a business directory that is becoming a very useful resource.

“It’s a free service that we offer our total business community, and we encourage all businesses to take advantage,” Berry said. “After all, some visitors may get engaged while here and need a jeweler or may fall in love with the area and need to find a Realtor. The goal is to make it as convenient as possible for our visitors and residents to find the info they need.”

Even Warmth Not Expected To Clear Ice Away From Lakes In Northern Wisconsin

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 CST

A recent spate of seasonal—and even warm—weather isn’t likely to mean open water across the northwoods as anglers preparing for the inland fishing season on Saturday.

The forecast calls for a return to unseasonably cold—and even ice-making conditions after today’s warmth and that may put a halt to the melting on Pelican, Pickerel, Rolling Stone, Moose and other lakes across the region.

Despite a recent warming in the weather, many lakes north of state Highway 64 remain covered in ice, Heath Benike, a state Department of Natural Resources fish manager in Eau Claire said.

Although some northern lakes have thawed, most will still be covered by ice on Saturday, when the statewide fishing season kicks off, said DNR spokesman Kevin Harter. Many still had snow on them as of late last week, and that would have to melt before the ice underneath it can do so, he said.

“I think it’s going to be real hit-and-miss right now,” he said.

Officials said the annual Governor’s Fishing Opener is still expected to happen, despite some lingering ice on Lake Namekagon north of Cable.

“Obviously there’s optimism and hope,” Harter said.

There was some good news for anglers, who will likely find spawning walleyes — more male than female ones — in shallow water on gravel shorelines over next week. Benike said once a lake thaws, they might also find bass, panfish and northerns in shallow bays on calm, sunny days.

Anglers could also consider trout fishing if their favorite fishing holes are still frozen by Saturday.

Opening day of the 2013 regular inland fishing season follows the coldest March on record and is shaping up as the polar opposite of the 2012 season opener, which followed the hottest March on record.

Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director, said that anglers planning to travel for opening day will want to call ahead to local bait shops or check online sources to learn about ice conditions, water levels and fishing conditions and take appropriate precautions.

Dave Seibel, longtime Antigo area fish biologist, said that he expected that northern pike will be post-spawn and feeding heavily in bays and emerging plant growth. Walleye will be at peak spawn or immediately post-spawn and will be transitioning from spawning habitats to feeding habitats. Post-spawn walleye like to feed in shallow bays with emerging plant growth and woody habitat. Muskellunge and perch will be at peak spawn. Crappies and bluegills will be in the shallows enjoying the sun warmed water there and the food life that results from it.

Trout streams will likely still be running high and cool from spring melt waters and rains. Cool water trout fishing may be better in the afternoon, once the water has had a chance to warm and the bug life activates, he says.

“Whatever the weather and water temps, there is only one opening weekend,” Seibel said. “Get out and enjoy it and have a safe and memorable time on the water.”

The 2013 hook-and-line game fish season opens Saturday on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide.

The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens Saturday while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from Saturday through June 14, with the harvest season opening June 15. Statewide, the harvest seasons for bass have a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total.

Musky season opens Saturday in the southern zone and May 25 in the northern zone. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29, with Highway 10 as the dividing line

Early Spring Ice Age Hike Saturday In Langlade County

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 CST

The Langlade County Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance is offering an early spring hike on Saturday and the forecast, for a change, is hinting at sprintime weather.

The outing is the first of three to be offered this year to create an awareness of the county’s glacial heritage.

The hike is open to the public. Interested persons should meet at 9 a.m. at the Langlade County Forestry Office at the fairgrounds.

An added feature for outing participants will be the awarding of a special hiker patch during the chapter’s 40th anniversary celebration. To earn the patch, persons must make three of the six outings scheduled by the chapter this year and next.

Participants are encouraged to wear suitable clothing and bring a lunch. Transportation to the trailhead northeast of Antigo at the Kettlebowl Ski Area will be provided from the fairgrounds.

The early spring hike will be five miles of the Kettlebowl segment which winds through some of the highest glacially formed terrain in Langlade County. The hike will include a short visit to Big Stone Hole, a unique glacial feature along the trail.

Langlade County is one of 22 counties involved with the Ice Age Trail, a statewide effort established 55 years ago to create a greater awareness and appreciation of Wisconsin’s glacial heritage. The Ice Age Trail was added to the national system of trails with passage of federal legislation in 1980.

Other hikes on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail are scheduled this year on Saturdays, Sept. 7 and Oct. 5.

Further information on the hikes the local chapter or the Ice Age National Scenic Trail can be obtained by mail inquiry to 622 First Ave., Antigo or calling 715-623-2645. Maps and other trail information are available from the University of Wisconsin-Extension Office in the Langlade County Resource Center, 837 Clermont St. or the Ice Age Trail Alliance Website at iceagetrail.org

200 mile Journey in a Wheelbarrow

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 CST

To most people the wheelbarrow is a utilitarian object. But for William Cross of Antigo, a machinist working for the railroad,
and 13 others from 12 Wisconsin communities it was part of an endurance event and a means of earning badly needed extra dollars during the Great Depression. What was billed as “the world’s greatest wheelbarrow race” was another of the many endurance events of the Roaring Twenties and 1930s.

Wisconsin was not immune to the craze. In 1931 a race was held to commemorate the completion of Highway 26. The 10 stage
race covered the 200 miles from Waupun to Eagle River. All contestants were required to push a wheelbarrow while covering
the distance. On August 28 after speeches by Waupun’s mayor and other dignitaries, the runners/wheelbarrow pushers were off.
Contestants who managed to get at least as far as Antigo were guaranteed $5 per day. The first leg of the race, from Waupun to
Rosendale, occurred during some heavy winds. Herbert Anklam was behind in the early part but surged o complete the 14-mile portion in two hours and 18 minutes, establishing a six minute lead over his nearest competitor. There was great celebration in Rosendale to see a hometown boy in first place. Herbert Anklam’s tenure as leader was short lived. On the next day he dropped to third, as Marcus Dammeier of Tigerton led. Three contestants dropped out. By the fourth day, the road changed from pavement to gravel, making for other challenges. Gravel was easier on the feet but made pushing a wheelbarrow more difficult. Despite a bout of flu, Dammeier maintained his lead of seven minutes over Erwin Wahlers of Birnamwood as they entered his hometown of Tigerton.
The sixth stage took the racers from Wittenberg to Antigo and a guaranteed payoff. Flu slowed Dammeier down and when Erwin
Wahlers took the lead as the racers entere Birnamwood, another home town boy was in the lead. They entered Antigo on South Superior Street, turned at Seventh Avenue onto Clermont and then went to the courthouse where they were greeted
by George Polkinhorn and Henry Berner at a formal reception. After a meal, the contestants were guests of the Home Theater where they were introduced to the audience. Then a good night’s rest and it was on to the next stage.

At 9 am racers were on their way with Wahlers holding an almost one hour lead over previous leader Dammeier and almost two hours over Anklam who had won the first stage. After lunch in Kempster, they were off toward Elcho. Dammeier had dropped to fifth. Anklam tied Wahlers for first place on the day’s event but Wahlers still held a comfortable overall lead. One contestant, Howard Tanner of Waupun, was struck from behind by an automobile carrying Illinois plates and limped across the finish
line with a badly bruised leg.

The following stage, from Elcho to Monico, saw Dammeier withdraw. The stage from Monico to Three
Lakes ended in a four way tie. Wahlers was in firm control of the overall lead. Tanner, who had sustained a fractured knee cap in his
encounter with the automobile, did finish. On the final leg of the race from Three Lakes to Eagle River, Wahlers set a pace of 5.2 miles per hour to win first prize.

Anklam, an early leader and in the top three, finished second with Paul Calum of Three Lakes taking third. Wahlers total time for the ten day, 200 mile event, was 41 hours and 38 minutes. Tanners, despite his fractured knee
cap, did finish about 14 hours off the lead. William Cross of Antigo, never really in contention, finished about 12 hours behind Wahlers.
Of the original 14 contestants, ten finished. Three dropped out in the early stages and Dammeier, an early leader, dropped out at Elcho, enough to earn him some money.

Ice Age Trail Boosts State's Economy

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 CST

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail, with 50 miles winding through Langlade County, attracts an estimated 1.2 million visitors every year and trail users contribute approximately $113 million annually to Wisconsin’s economy, according to surveys conducted last year of trail users and businesses along the trail.

The Ice Age Trail, one of only 11 National Scenic Trails in the United States, is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin's glacial geology and scenic beauty.

Langlade County boasts 50 miles of the trail, divided into five segments: 13-mile Kettlebowl, 12-mile Lumbercamp, 9.5 mile Old Railroad, 12.3-mile Highland Lakes and 12-mile Parrish Hills.

“This study highlights the importance of outdoor recreation to Wisconsin’s economy and the value of protecting and managing our natural resources,” Brigit Brown, state trails coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources said.

The Ice Age Trail is administered through a partnership involving the National Park Service, the DNR and the Ice Age Trail Alliance, a statewide nonprofit group that first advanced the concept of the Ice Age Trail in the 1950s.

According to Brown, the trail has been developed through a mosaic of partners, including private donors, landowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations and city, county, state and other municipal governments.

The trail itself is built and maintained largely by volunteers coordinated by the alliance. Last year, more than 2,100 volunteers contributed nearly 70,000 hours of time to the trail.

In 2012, the Ice Age Trail Alliance and other partners undertook a survey of Ice Age Trail users. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater interviewed trail users and polled businesses near the trail.

Through the market research conducted in this study, annual usage of the Ice Age Trail was estimated at 1,252,685. This estimate of trail users was measured through field survey market research conducted using a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Joint Effort Marketing program. Field market researchers were on-site to interview users at major trail destinations during peak and “shoulder” tourism times to record number of users, usage patterns and frequency.

To gauge the economic impact of the Ice Age Trail on Wisconsin, the UW-Whitewater Fiscal and Economic Research Center built and employed an economic modeling system that produced an economic multiplier, which is a quantitative measure of economic impact that recognizes that all levels of economies are interconnected networks of interdependent activity.

The model looked at the direct effect of the trail users, volunteers and family members on items and services such as lodging, food and beverages, gas for transportation, and related expenses.

Currently there are about 640 miles of the Ice Age Trail open to the public for activities such as hiking, backpacking and snowshoeing. Land acquisition and trail construction are ongoing to complete the entire 1,200 mile route. The trail highlights world-renowned landforms sculpted by the last wave of glaciers that left Wisconsin more than 10,000 years ago.

The complete report on the economic impact of the Ice Age Trail is available through the Ice Age Trail Alliance website.

Langlade Springs Bottles Excellent Water

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 CST

It’s the best water,” Jim Hose, plant manager at Langlade Springs, said this morning as hundreds and hundreds of bottles were moving on production lines at the Polar facility.

Hose said more and more people are recognizing that the water from the natural mineral springs at Polar is pure, refreshing and has a taste that many other brands cannot match.

Langlade Springs is becoming known as a preferred bottler of premium and specialty water that is being sold across the United States.

“Our water is also safe and healthy because we manufacture our own bottles using in-line blow molding just seconds before they are sanitized and filled,’’ Hose said. “The bottles are then inspected, labeled and packaged for shipment to vendors.’’

The firm has always worked to keep its bottles environmentally friendly by using only recyclable plastics and now, even making use of some recycled products.

The plant in downtown Polar is currently running four 10-hour shifts a week, but with summer hopefully around the corner, there could be more demand.

That, and the national growth in the bottled water industry, signal good things for Langlade Springs and its friends

Langlade County Partners With Northcentral Wisconsin ITBEC At Canoecopia In Madison

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 CST

Experience the best antidote for March's cabin fever! Canoecopia is the largest paddlesports consumer event in the world, with over 250,000 square feet of kayaks, canoes, outdoor equipment and clothing. Over 100 seminars, speakers and clinics make Canoecopia an educational event where you can learn everything you need to know to select, purchase and use the perfect gear for your style of paddling.

Want to paddle local ponds? Considering an expedition? Want to fish from a kayak? Join over 20,000 paddling enthusiasts from beginners to experts to experience Canoecopia! Canoecopia is persented by Rutabaga Paddlesports.

Come visit us in booth number B4!

Langlade Hospital To Host Town Hall Events In Upcoming Weeks

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 CST

What concerns you most when it comes to your future health? That is what Langlade Hospital wants to find out as they plan to host a series of town hall-style meetings across Langlade County over the next several weeks.

During the McDonald's Breakfast Club earlier this month, hospital Director Dave Schneider provided the reason for these meetings. "We're really trying to reach out, reach as many people as we possibly can all over Langlade County, who want to talk about health issues that concern them. We want to know what troubles people most; what do they see as (the) most significant health problems we face in Langlade County. We want to hear from everybody."

The hospital plans to work with other organizations in the area to build an action plan to address the issues brought up during these meetings. Schneider said the first of these will take place in the northern part of Langlade County next week. "And we're holding one in Elcho on February 26th at 6 p.m. at the Elcho School Theater. We'll have a town hall meeting in White Lake on March 7th at 6 p.m. at the White Lake School Commons. And Antigo will have a town hall meeting on March 12th at 6 p.m. at the CoVantage Credit Union. And then, again, at the Rolling Town Hall in the Town of Rolling on March 27th at 6 p.m."

All meetings will run until 7:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served. Schneider added people from the hospital will be there to assist in facilitate the discussion and provide topic starters if needed. For more information on these meetings, you can call the hospital at 715-623-9289.

Rusty Mehlberg, Results Broadcasting

Antigo Hosting Weekend Sled Dog Races

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County is going to the dogs, and folks couldn’t be happier.

After dry runs—literally in 2011 and 2012—conditions are ideal for the Langlade County Culver’s Trailblazer Challenge Sled Dog Races Saturday and Sunday.

Races start Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. in the Culver’s of Antigo parking lot.

Three, four, six and 10-dog teams will race across the fields and through the woods northeast of Antigo, with plenty of excellent opportunities for spectator viewing at the various road crossings and along the route.

“We’ve even heard of people along the route hosting sled dog parties in their backyards,” Deena Grabowsky of the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce said. “This is a very fan-friendly event.”

Free parking will be available near Culver's. There is no admission charge and the staging area for the mushers and their dogs will be open to the public, offering an up-close and personal look at a very interesting and canine-friendly sport.

The event is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association and will be managed by the Wisconsin Trailblazers Dog Sled Club, Inc.

"I believe the partnership between the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce and the local sled dog clubs is a win-win situation,” local musher and 10-dog team driver Steve Wilcenski said. “The mushers win by being able to participate in a quality race while the community wins through the dollars the race brings to Langlade County."

Lack of adequate snow forced the cancellation of the races scheduled for 2011 and 2012 and it looked bleak early this year as well, forcing postponement from the original January date. But the late winter of 2013 has been a bit kinder, Trailblazer race director Beth Castaldi said, and several events have already gone off as scheduled.

"We are very grateful that everyone involved are continuing their efforts to hold this event even though Mother Nature has been uncooperative,” Castaldi said. “ All the other pieces of the race puzzle have fallen into place including permission from landowners, financial and other sponsorship from local businesses and assistance from governmental agencies.”

Grabowsky said the excitement level among the dogs, handlers, volunteers and community in general is high.

"Even though we've had to cancel the sled dog races in the past enthusiasm for our event is running high," Grabowsky said. "Community members I've contacted are behind us all the way."

And she gave a special nod to the cadre of volunteers needed to make the races a success.

"It takes a crew of volunteers to make race weekend go smoothly,” Grabowsky said. “ Serving as trail help is especially important, yet fun. Those of us who have previously volunteered enjoyed learning about the parts of a dog sled, how to assist a racer on the trail with their dogs and even how to catch a run-away team in the unlikely event that would occur."

Castaldi said about 65 teams are expected for the weekend’s action, with mushers coming from across the Midwest as well as Canada.

And while a schedule change forced the race to be taken off the list of “wild-card” events for the 2013 International Federation of Sled Dog Sports World Championship Race in Alaska, Castaldi said here is still plenty to race for.

“Our race is sanctioned by the International Sled Dog Racing Association,” she said. “Several mushers are in very tight races for year-end points and that’s drawing those teams to this event.”

Snow, Open Trails Bring Smiles to North

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County Snowmobile Council President Dan Henningfeld calls it “liquid gold.”

The heavy snows that fell last week, and the on and off flurries predicted for much of the next week, may have come in time to save a snowmobile season that had been hobbled by wild swings in temperatures and a drought of the white stuff.

“Everyone is just breathing a sign of relief,” Mike McDougal of the Deerbrook Bridge Runners Snowmobile Club, which hosted its annual Classic Cruise this past Saturday, said. “It gets pretty cold up here in the northwoods with no recreation.”

After a flirtation with open trails in the northern sections of the county in early January, the system closed down after a substantial thaw just two weeks later. Northern trails reopened a week ago and the entire system was declared good to go on Saturday.

Businesses across the trail system saw an instant response.

“It definitely helped,” Ken Mikkelson of Walleye Lodge on Rolling Stone Lake says. “We didn’t have anything going before the snow.”

Mikkelson says that his four winterized cabins largely sat empty for the early winter, prompting him to wonder if he should just closed them down for the season, but now that the snow has returned “we’re booked up pretty much into March.”

“Everyone is a lot happier,” he adds. “They all just want to have some fun now.”

To the north, Beth Reinemann, community director for the Pelican Lake Chamber of Commerce, said restaurants and night spots reported their “best weekend of the season” following the trail opening.

“Riders have been telling us that the trails are in very good shape right now,” Reinemann says. “The Sno-Devil’s Snowmobile Club (based in Elcho) is doing a great job on them.”

Pelican Lake is in Oneida County, but Langlade’s opening had an extremely positive effect, she says.

“Hopefully the trails will be good for the next few weekends as well,” she adds.

Even businesses that are not directly impacted by snowmobile riders get a bump from the trails.

Dave Visser, who operates Builders Service in Elcho, says the entire community gets a boost when people are enjoying the trails and coming to town.

“You can definitely tell when the trails are open, there is more traffic everywhere in town,” he says.

Many Langlade County snowmobilers own cottages, Visser explains, and when the trails are closed, they simply don’t make the trip north. That has a ripple effect across the community.

“And if the bars and restaurant owners are doing well, they turn around and support the rest of the businesses,” he says.

The last-minute opening did create some concerns. McDougal says that numbers were down on the Classic Cruise simply because people didn’t know the trails would be open, and made other plans, and Deena Grabowsky of the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce says that her office is fielding more and more phone calls, many from out of state, along with requests for trail maps and information on accommodations, once the opening became official.

“We’re getting mounds of phone calls now,” she says. “I’m happy to be able to tell people that everything is open. It’s been a long haul these last few winters but right now everyone is happy, visitors and the locals.”

Tammy Kubiaczyk, recreation coordinator for the county, says the decision to open or close trails is not made lightly, with the concerns of landowners “first and foremost” along with the condition of the trails and the amount of snow.

“If the temperatures stay cool and the snow stays on the trails, we’ll be good for a while,” she says.

Hennigfeld says that businesses across the region are becoming aware of the positive effect snowmobilers have on businesses across the region.

“Everyone is just ecstatic right now,” he says.

Snowmobile Trails in Langlade County are developed and maintained by the Langlade County Forestry and Recreation Department and 11 different snowmobile clubs.

There are over 530 miles of state approved and user funded snowmobile trails.

Pickerel Plunge Event Set For Saturday

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 CST

Temperatures are expected to rise to around the freezing mark this weekend, which will make participation in area events a bit more bearable when compared to the most recent weekend. However, some will choose to suffer the cold effects of an area waterway as part of one of this weekends events.

The annual Pickerel Fun Day is scheduled to be held Saturday. Event volunteer Zach Zagar described what takes place at this event when appearing Tuesday on the McDonald's Breakfast Club.

Zagar said the main attraction will once again be the Winter Plunge into Pickerel Lake near Schuh's Sportsman's Lodge north of the community. "You get to watch everyone jump in the water and run around; and, you know, where the water naturally opens up there you also get guys who take their snowmobiles across the open water, and there's always quite a few sinkers that you do see there too. It's quite enjoyable to watch."

The plunge gets underway at noon. Other activities scheduled for Saturday include a breakfast at a Pearson location during the morning, food and refreshments on site and raffle drawings.

Zagar said all proceeds for the event will go to the Pickerel-Pearson Lions Club to be used back in this portion of the listening area. "That's basically what all of this is for is the Lions club, which they do a lot of things for the community. A couple years ago there they put a helicopter pad in at Pickerel there at the fire department. So they do a lot of big things. At the ball diamond, they also did all the equipment there for the kids to play on the slides and the swings and everything, so they do a lot of great things."

Zagar says this event typically brings in several thousand people to participate and watch, and he is optimistic that with the recent snowfalls the crowd should be as big for this year.

Rusty Mehlberg, Results Broadcasting

Downtown Revitalization Gets A Boost With Agency's Designation

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 CST

Antigo’s downtown revitalization received a boost this month, after it was among 20 cities selected by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the new “Connect Communities” program.

The designation means that the corporation—a state and private entity—will offer assistance to revitalize the city’s core.

“Connect Communities is a lighter version of the already successful Main Street program that doesn't entail all the red-tape,” Chris Berry of the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation explained. “It was created to assist communities with downtowns and central commercial districts similar to Antigo. This is done through providing local stakeholders the tools to leverage the unique assets of local business districts.”

Also selected were Berlin, Cambridge, Cashton, Chilton, Crandon, Deerfield, Edgerton, Greenwood, Hartford, Hartland, La Crosse, Menasha, Menomonee Falls, Menomonie, Mosinee, Plymouth, Pulaski, Sheboygan and Superior.

Assistance will include staff visits by economic development corporation staffers, possible opportunities to link college/university student projects to the district's needs, research through the corporation’s downtown development library, plus access to various webinars and conferences associated with the Main Street program.

"Downtowns and urban commercial districts play an important role in their communities and in Wisconsin's overall economy,” Brenda Hicks-Sorensen, vice president of economic and community development with the state corporation, said. "Successful commercial districts don't just happen. They need to be planned and nurtured, and the Connect Communities program helps these communities move forward."

The Connect Communities process was initiated here in November, when 40 plus downtown business owners attended a presentation sponsored by the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

“The excitement that resulted from that presentation was overwhelming,” Berry said.

At that initial planning meeting, 18 business owners came together and formed an “Antigo First” sub-committee devoted to downtown revitalization and development, a necessary requirement of the program. Roseann Hoffman, CPA, was selected as president; Paul Messer, The Silver Lining, vice president; and Rhonda Klement, RaadWear, secretary.

Over the next 10 days, the committee completed and submitted the application to the state corporation.

“This process was really exciting to watch unfold,” Berry said. “All the stakeholders, including the city administrator and city engineer, stepped up and completed and submitted the application two days before it was due.”

Antigo First is already planning upcoming projects and enhancements for the downtown area.

Winter Fun in Langlade County

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 CST

While some animals go into hibernation for the winter and some people settle down in front of their televisions or computers, others in Langlade County, the "County of Trails" embrace the call of the outdoors. One of the more popular, and incidentally, cheaper activities is cross country skiing. It can be done at a leisurely pace and as a family activity that is fun at all skill levels. Some people however seek the challenge of a race and there is no more challenging race in North America than the American Birkebeiner and its companion Korteloppet race held in Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin at the end of February.

It was with training for the "Birkie" in mind that, in 1968, a group of skiers coalesced around the plan of setting up a network of trails close to home. They obtained permission from the DNR to groom trails on some land that had been owned previously by two brothers, Art and Walter Gartzke. A spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held and some equipment purchased. together with an old bed spring, a homemade tracker, and a personal snowmobile a single loop trail at Rabe Creek about 10 miles east of Antigo was the start of what would become the Gartzke Trail system.

The club officially incorporated in 1991 with Evelyn Barnes, Rebecca Frisch, Stan Koss, Cindy Martin, and Marv Schmeiser serving as officers.

A warming shelter was built adjacent to the bridge crossing the flowage. It was erected by the Wisconsin Conservation Corps. The shelter was made possible through donations of time, money, and materials by club members and local businesses. When it burned down in 1993, the process was repeated to give us today's shelter.

The network of trails has been expanded over the years and now includes dedicated snow shoe trails as well. An early guide to cross county skiing in Wisconsin describes Gartzke Flowage as follows:
"Gartzke Flowage is marked but not groomed and rated for the beginner. It is about a mile in length and offers a nice trip that covers some open woods and heavily forest creek bottom with springs. The parking area is not plowed. shelter, water and toilets are not available." We've skied a long way since those days!

Building Projects Advances In Antigo

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 CST

The walls are steadily rising on what will be Antigo’s tallest industrial building—an addition to the Freshtech facility in the city’s northside industrial park.

While the ornamental dome on the Langlade County is a bit higher, the 64-foot high addition to the plant certainly qualifies it as the community’s tallest “all-working” facility. The dome, capping a very busy courthouse, does not contain any offices and is largely ceremonial.

The 36,900 square foot building at 2611 Clermont St., will allow introduction of new equipment, production increases and create a more competitive market for the packaging industry. The completion date for the building is scheduled for March, 2013, with new equipment introduced immediately and production getting underway in April.

Freshtech is a division of Volm Companies.

Despite winter’s chill, January is opening as a busy season, according to city building inspector-assessor Jerry Wilhelm.

In his monthly report to the Common Council, Wilhelm touched on eight projects in addition to Freshtech. They include:

—the new Anytime Fitness building at Sixth Avenue and Superior Street. Framing is in place and trusses will be added shortly.

—the remodeling project at Parsons of Antigo, where the former body shop is being transformed into a new showroom and sales floor.

—the General Clinic remodeling and adjoining sports and wellness facility now under construction on the Langlade Hospital campus.

—the resurrection of the former Super America building at Superior Street and Third Avenue, which is currently for rent.

—the two new storage buildings at the city street department.

—and the completion of remodeling at Burger King.

The final project is an interior office shuffle at CoVantage Credit Union, which is moving staff and equipment around to make room for more offices and cubicles just five years after construction of the new headquarters at Sixth Avenue and Clermont Street. Part of the basement is being finished and the call center is being moved.

Ski Breakfast Scheduled at Gartzke Facility Saturday, Public Is Invited

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

The recent major snowfall came just in time for the third annual Breakfast at Gartzke sponsored by the Antigo Bike and Ski Club.

The club will host the breakfast Saturday from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Gartzke Flowage Trails, which, due to the recent dumping, are packed and tracked for the outing.

The club will provide waffles, prepared by Nick Salm, as well as coffee, hot chocolate, some sausages and toppings for waffles. There is no charge but a free will offering for trail maintenance would be appreciated. Special waffle toppings are welcome but not required.

Serving will be at the shelter on the south trail system. The structure’s fireplace will certainly be operating, providing a cozy pace to warm skiers and snowshoers when they come inside to eat and socialize.

Gartzke Flowage is located at W6379 Fifth Avenue Road, about 10 miles east of downtown Antigo off Highway F. The area has a network of about six miles of groomed ski trails and a separate network of snowshoe trails. Trails are well marked and maps are available at the trailhead parking lot.

The flowage has a diverse topography, some high ridges and plateaus that drop into the flowage basin. The system traverses a Norway Pine plantation, upland hardwoods, and cedar swamps.

Kettlebowl Season Starting

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

Dust off those boards and boots and head out to Kettlebowl this weekend.

The family-friendly ski hill, certainly among the best bargains in the northwoods, will be open for action Friday, Saturday and Sunday, meeting the annual goal of the Langlade County Ski Club to be operating for the Christmas holiday. And, if the snow cover remains adequate, the hill will be open on New Year’s Eve as well.

Hours are noon to 4 p.m. through the weekend. Kettlebowl will remain operating on winter weekends as conditions permit.

While offering a great ski for all ability levels, Kettlebowl has a special place in the hearts of young skiers and snowboarders, learning the sport for the first time, college students home on winter break who remember their first sitz-marks on the slopes, and families returning home for the holidays, bringing a new generation of skiers in tow.

“The main slopes are in pretty good shape,” Gordie Schofield, a spokesman for the ski club and longtime Kettlebowl enthusiast, said.

Lift tickets remain priced at $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 13 to 18, and $2 for six to 12-year-olds. The true youngsters and toddlers may ski free of charge.

The hill offers an expansive chalet constructed through volunteer donations and labor for warm-ups and concessions. Ski rentals and tune-ups are available from several local vendors.

Schofield said that volunteers are always encouraged to assist at the concession stands and for a host of other activities. Those interested may contact him at 715 623-5181 or Judy Peterson at 715 216-2450.

No Consolidation For Now; But Change Will Come To Unified School District of Antigo

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

No elementary buildings in the Unified School District of Antigo will close next school year. The district's Board of Education made a change in their potential consolidation plans during their latest meeting Tuesday evening. By a seven to two vote, the board rescinded their previous plan passed last year to close the four rural elementary schools and house all students in the five academic buildings in the City of Antigo starting next school year.

In its place is a plan passed by the board on a six to three vote. The plan, similar to a proposal presented by District Administrator Steven Smolek last week, will result in a delay in any possible building closures until the 2014-2015 school year at the earliest.

It also creates a task force, consisting of community members selected by Smolek and three board members. The task force will spend the first half of 2013 creating a possible long-range plan for the district to address future building and education needs. The task force will have to submit their report to the board by July 1. The board could use that report to help make decision on what direction the district takes in regards to future consolidation and potential referendums.

This change does satisfy the dislikes some district residents, administration and board members expresses over the past weeks regarding consolidation models that were under consideration since the failure of the most recent building/operations referendum in November.

However, it does put the board and administration in a similar situation as in past years of having to bridge a million-dollar plus budget shortfall next school year. Most likely it will mean cuts to staffing and programs, and other potential changes such as a K-12 busing system, split grade classrooms, and the one time use of money from the district's fund balance.

Last evening's meeting was the regular monthly meeting for the board, so other actions were taken. These included approving a change to the Pledge of Allegiance policy to meet state statutes, approved 13 early graduation requests, approved a change to a High School English course to match Common Core standards, approved changes and revisions to the district's 403(b) and OPEB Investment plans, and approved to use donated funds to study the possible replacement of the PoolPaks at the Aquatic Center.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Langlade County Holds A Great Timber Sale

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Langlade County Forestry and Recreation Department reported that the fall, 2012 timber sale opening on Dec. 13 provided record shattering receipts of $1,161,340.25. These were the last timber sales overseen by Steve Jackson, as forest administrator shortly before his death in November.

The department stressed that it is important to understand that the Langlade County forest is being harvested on a "sustained yield" basis. In simple terms, this means that the forest is being harvested on a scheduled basis, whereby harvest equals the annual wood growth. Eric Rantala noted that the county is not overcutting the forest but is cutting according to a planned schedule.

The county ranks seventh in size out of the 29 counties in the county forest system and has 127,137 acres in holdings.

The timber sales provide a livelihood for many county residents and generate employment not only for contractors, but also for cutters, truckers, manufacturers of logging equipment and suppliers.

Building Moving Ahead Here In Antigo

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

The tallest structure in Antigo, and a flurry of new apartment complexes hint at a busy building season ahead in the city.

In his monthly report to the Antigo Common Council, building inspector/assessor reviewed a mix of commercial and residential projects, plus heightened interest among developers interested in constructing apartment complexes and assisted living facilities.

The ongoing commercial projects are led by Freshtech, a division of Plaspack, which has started erecting the steel framework for its massive new structure at 2611 Clermont St.

The 36,900 square foot building will allow introduction of new equipment, production increases and create a more competitive market for the packaging industry. The completion date for the building is scheduled for March, 2013, with new equipment introduced immediately and production getting underway in April.

“When completed, it will be 64 feet tall, the tallest building in the city,” Wilhelm said.

Other commercial projects include the ongoing work at Langlade Hospital, which is building a new sports medicine center, and the Stellar development office complex along Sixth Avenue.

Also downtown, several local businesses are taking advantage of the city’s grant program to complete facade work and the former SuperAmerica building has been resurrected and is awaiting tenants. CoVantage Credit Union is also shuffling office cubicles to make room for more staff and its call center.

On the north side, Parsons of Antigo has completed work on its new body shop and is now revamping the area that formerly house the equipment for a new showroom and sales floor.

Also on the north side, Burger King is in the process of upgrading its look. The exterior is complete and interior work has begun. The restaurant is remaining open during the significant renovations.

Wilhelm said that recent inquires point to an upsurge in interest in sites for apartment complexes, with his office currently working with four developers on complexes raging from 48 to 100 units.

There is also interest in developing assisted living facilities, including a 16-unit project south of 10th Avenue.

The City Plan Commission will review zone changes proposals along Charlotte Street and 10th Avenue on Tuesday.

New Volm Companies Facility Takes Shape

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 00:00:00 CST

The structural steel is taking shape at an expansion by the Volm Companies at its Freshtech facilities on Antigo’s north side.

The 37,000 square foot structure is an addition to the firm’s existing Freshtech plant for the three-generation Antigo owned and based company.

Ground was broken for the new facility on Oct. 2 when personnel from Volm Companies and representatives of contractors turned shovels of dirt, while machinery had already started working to clear the site for the structure.

Spokesmen for Volm Companies explained that the expanded facilities will allow the firm to introduce new machinery and increase production in Antigo to improve service to customers and enhance the ability to compete.

The building is scheduled to be completed during March with the new equipment arriving quickly and production of packaging materials expected to begin in April.

Volm Companies has expanded to be one of the largest providers of fresh produce packaging and equipment used in the industry across all of North America.

At the time of the October ground breaking there were 146 employees at three sites and another 46 at a distribution location.

The corporate home is Antigo and the firm also has facilities in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Pasco, Wash.

Machine Tool Program On Antigo's NTC Campus A Success, Jobs Waiting

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

One of the most successful programs at Antigo’s Northcentral Technical College—in fact an offering that almost guarantees a well-paying job for enrollees—will kick off its spring term within weeks.

The college is taking applications for the January start-up of the machine tool operation technical diploma program, where students learn the skills to operate the various type of machine tools that are in high demand in today’s job market.

“Area employers are hiring student from our program faster than we can train them,” Larry Kind, dean of NTC’s Antigo campus, said. “Employment opportunities and wage coming out of this program are excellent and we continue to enjoy solid relationships with our local business partners.”

Through the machine tool operation program students can qualify for in-demand, well-paying jobs following just nine months of training. And studies provide it is working. According to the College’s 2011 graduate employment report, the average annual salary for NTC graduates in this field is $35,360.

Two local businesses who partner in the program with great success are Merit Gear and Waukesha Bearings.

According to Mary Ann Kangas, who heads the human resources department at Merit Gear, as the company has continued to grow and customer demand for more precision gears has increased, they have found it more challenging to recruit skilled machinists who are looking for employment opportunities in the area.

“We have found that partnering with NTC in Antigo has been very favorable,” Kangas said. “We believe with the excellent training the students receive at NTC along with on the job experience, students are prepared for the demands of a career in machining. Merit Gear has hired a number of students from NTC’s machine tool program and we have been pleased with the results.”

The Merit Gear program includes the opportunity for flexible schedules and part-time work while students complete their studies.

Waukesha Bearings, another enthusiastic partner, will select up to six individuals who are registered for January classes and hire them to work in the Antigo facility while simultaneously earning an accelerated certificate.

Elysia Hoddel, human resources generalist for Waukesha Bearings, emphasized that the company is looking for people who are willing to learn.

“In addition we want people with a good work ethic and a positive attitude,” Hoddel said.

Selected students will be hired full-time for 40 hours per week and will split their time between working at the company, completing course competencies on the company floor and attending class to supplement the certificate requirements.

The company will also provide those who are selected with medical and dental benefits, and pay for the tuition and books. All selected candidates will sign a three-year contract with Waukesha Bearings, which will be discussed in detail during the interview process.

To be eligible, interested persons must apply and complete admissions testing by 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Waukesha Bearings will interview select individuals from the applicant pool. Admissions test scores will be an important consideration in the selection process, so applicants are encouraged to contact NTC as soon as possible for free assistance that will help them prepare for the admissions test. Interviews will be held in December. Those who are selected will be informed before Dec. 21. Classes start on Jan. 7.

Kind noted that other area companies are also offering opportunities to work in related manufacturing jobs while they complete their coursework.

“NTC will help the students apply for financial aid and scholarships to help with school expenses, and most students are eligible,” Kind said. “The opportunity to work part-time in the industry and the available financial aid makes the machine tool program a great option for anyone who wants a new great paying career.” Kind said.

To apply or to receive additional details, contact NTC Antigo Enrollment Advisor Kimmie Kretz at 715-623-7601, Ext. 7308. Do not contact the individual employers.

“Skilled machinists make a good living and this is a fantastic opportunity to get started on a career in that field,” Kind said. “It is a great opportunity for anyone who needs to maintain a steady income while they are in college.”

An Antigonian Visits the Discovery Channel Telescope

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Dr. Maggie Turnbull, an Antigonian, visited the Discovery Channel Telescope in Flagstaff, Ariz. recently and sent a picture to us at the Antigo Daily Journal of a tag on that scope’s massive gear drive.

It says, “Merit Gear Corp., Antigo, Wisconsin.”

The telescope that can peer into the universe is located at Lowell University in Flagstaff and is the fifth largest in the United States. It carried a price tag of $53 million.

And while there are components perhaps more critical to operation of this equipment— and there certainly are — Antigo and its craftsmen and businessmen and women had a role.

And here it is at the base of what they call an azimuth drive that carries the name of our hometown, Antigo.

Now, there’s another reason for more than a bit of pride. Maybe that telescope will be credited with amazing discoveries, and when they are made, we suggest Antigo’s Dr. Turnbull won’t be far from the astronomical action.

——————

Maggie is a true expert.

She received her Ph.D in astronomy from the University of Arizona and is recognized as an authority on star systems which may have habitable planets.

In fact, she and another astronomer, Jill Tarter, have developed a catalog of potentially habitable locations in the stellar system.

In 2007 she was cited as a “Genius” by CNN for her work on stars most likely to develop planets that could support life and intelligent civilizations.

So it was natural she was working with the Discovery Channel Telescope, with the gear drive from her hometown of Antigo.

"Connect Communities" Presentation At Antigo Public Library

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Downtowns and central commercial districts play a huge integral role on our community. They are the backbone of the entrepreneurial spirit and don’t just happen, they need to continually be planned and nurtured. So, where do we start?

You’ll get that answer by attending an informative presentation, called “Connect Communities” on Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at the Antigo Public Library, downtown Antigo. Join Economic Development (LCEDC) Executive Director Christine Berry and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDC) Community Account Manager, Naletta Burr, as they showcase how our area businesses can be a part of this new progressive program. All downtown and surrounding area businesses, public officials or anyone interested in Antigo’s downtown area are highly encouraged to attend.

The premise behind “Connect Communities” is to help local stakeholders leverage the unique assets of their business districts. This is done through the many services that are available. Some of those being: An onsite visit from WEDC staff to assist in identifying needs and offering assistance; possible opportunities to link college/university student projects to the district’s needs; access to WEDC’s downtown development library; plus many more that will be identified at the November 28th event.

“Connect Communities”, which is designed for smaller communities, is similar to the WEDC’s very successful Main Street Program in that it offers technical assistance and networking opportunities; where it significantly differs from the Main Street program is in the time and expense that is sometimes difficult for smaller communities like ours to afford.

For any questions regarding this event, please contact the LCEDC at 715-623-5123 or cberry@co.langlade.wi.us.

Rail Survey Currently Being Conducted To Gauge Business Support

Fri, 23 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County has not had railroad tracks in it for years, but could they return in the future to help local businesses and manufacturers?

Back in June the county's Board of Supervisors voted to officially join the Northwoods Rail Transit Commission. The commission was created by Oneida County earlier this year and currently consists of nine northern Wisconsin counties.

According to information provided by the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation in a recent press release, one main purpose for the commission is to ensure rail service is available for "maintaining and supporting future economic growth in the region".

Since its creation, the commission has been working with the state DOT to develop a Rail Market Survey. It is intended to gather current and potential rail use data from the region's business community. The commission will use the data from this survey to share with rail operators in the region "in order to pursue options for more reliable, cost effective and secure rail service for all businesses in Northern Wisconsin."

The survey is currently being distributed to businesses, with the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation spearheading the effort in this county. Both they and the county board hope businesses that get this survey do fill it out and return it to the DOT.

If you are a business that wishes to take part in this survey and has not gotten one, you can contact the corporation at 715-623-5123 or email Director Chris Berry at cberry@co.langlade.wi.us.

by Rusty Mehlberg

White Lake To Celebrate New Facility

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

One year and 11 days after referendum voters resoundingly said yes to improved facilities, the White Lake school district will hold a grand opening ceremony for its new recreation center.

The project—which may have seemed improbable to some considering the obstacles facing tiny school districts—was approved by 60 percent of voters who said yes to a $3 million referendum question on Nov. 8, 2011.

Since that time, the other 40 percent of the community—or at least the vast majority of them—have likely been won over as well, catching the enthusiasm of the school staff, contractors and community at-large.

Todd Lambert, who spearheaded a project that saw community members donate thousands of dollars of hard maple logs used in the new gymnasium floor, called it “an old-fashioned barn-raising,” and that phrase is on the front of the grand opening program.

The ceremony will begin Monday at 2 p.m. and will probably be as boisterous as the ground-breaking held in April.

There will be music by the high school band and everyone is expected to join in the singing of the school song.

Administrator Bill Fisher will offer a welcome followed by comments from Scott Popelka, school board president; Dan Wickersheim and Beth Castaldi representing the Community Advisory task Force; Jack Brayton of the Building Advisory Committee and Doc Smith, who guided the construction from design to finish in his role with EDS Builders.

There will need to be a long ribbon for the formal cutting ceremony. Representatives will include members of school board, the community advisory task force, the building committee, community leaders, students and staff.

Sandi Gallagher, the school board clerk, will give the closing remarks.

An open house will follow from 3:30 to 5 p.m. In the evening, the White Lake Lakers boys basketball team will inaugurate the new gymnasium floor in a 7:30 p.m. tilt against the Bowler Panthers.

The project, with a total price tag of $3.58 million, includes a central recreational center, similar to a commons, an exercise room that may be used as a community space, men’s and women’s locker rooms and restrooms, team locker rooms, concession area as well as the stunning new gymnasium.

The project also included remodeling of existing classrooms and locker spaces into a new technical education area.

The school’s tiny vintage gymnasium has also been retained.

White Lake Medical Clinic Information Meeting This Evening

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

A reminder for residents in eastern Langlade County that this evening will be your chance to get the latest information on a new medical clinic to be put in White Lake. The open meeting will be taking place at the White Lake Community Center, starting at 6 p.m.

The clinic is a joint effort between Langlade Hospital and Northern Health Centers Inc. of Lakewood. Over the past few years these two medical providers have been discussing how to improve basic medical needs for residents in this area that have in the past travel up to a half-hour to get care.

With assistance from the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, Wipfli Consultants and members of the White Lake area, the planning and preparations for a clinic are nearly complete. The most recent action taken on the project was the hospital's purchase of the White Lake Historical Building, which will be renovated for the new clinic.

This evening's meeting will consist of a review of what will be available for services at the new clinic along with the layout of the structure and hours of operation.

As of now the plan will be to have it open sometime next summer.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Langlade Hospital's Grand Opening Set For Friday

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph and Aspirus Partners are welcoming their employees and friends from northern Wisconsin to join the ribbon cutting and the official grand opening celebration of Langlade Hospital on Friday.

The crowd is invited to gather in front of the hospital at 2:50 p.m. for the 3 p.m. welcome and ribbon cutting, and then the program will move to the conference rooms where there will be a number of speakers including David Schneider, the hospital CEO, Duane Erwin, Aspirus CEO, Mike Winter, vice-president of the Board of Trustees, Dr. John McKenna, a representative of the medical staff, Frank Bagatto, vice-president of planning for Catholic Health and Sister Dolores Demulling, a spokesman for the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph.

Earlier this year the hospital opened and while all of the services were available, asthetics including the main entrance could not be completed because the towering and idled older medical building was in the way.

After about two months of torrid work, that four-level structure was cleared and work started to complete the new facility. The entrance was built, excavation and filling of the site of the former hospital was launched and other projects, including additions to the Aspirus General Clinic and enclosing the former walkway to the St. Joseph Outpatient Center were initiated.

While construction is still on-going at the site, the fundamentals for the ribbon-cutting and a welcome of the crowd are in place.

Following the brief addresses by the hospital and Aspirus representatives, ‘Of Chorus!’ will offer a musical selection and a celebration of the Eucharist at 4 p.m. in the chapel with Bishop Robert Morneau officiating.

The service will be followed by the blessing of the LeRoyer Memorial Walkway on the north side of the new hospital.

GROUND BROKEN ON NEW STELLAR DEVELOPMENT IN ANTIGO

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Representatives of Steller Development were joined by local officials at a ground-breaking ceremony for a new office building at the northeast corner of Superior Street and Sixth Avenue on Tuesday. The city has been working with the developer for months to develop the once-blighted corner as part of a downtown revitalization plan. The building is expected to be completed in March 2013. Pre-orders for memberships will be taken beginning in December.

Langlade County Board Supports Study That May Lead To Police-Sheriff Merger

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Langlade County Board of Supervisors held its last meeting before the holiday season heats up today handling its business quickly.

With Ron Nye filling in for board chair, Dave Solin, the big item on the agenda, participation in a study with the city of Antigo for possible consolidating of the police and sheriff’s department. The measure breezed through the roll-call vote unanimously.

Corporation Counsel Robin Stowe explained that consolidation has been discussed for several years after a change in state law that clears any legal roadblocks. Stowe said that many steps in the consolidation progress are already in place with the two law enforcement units sharing the same building, dispatch center and jail.

Sheriff Bill Greening voiced some of Stowe’s comments about a number of changes already in place, and suggested that the study may find a significant financial savings for both the city and county.

The measure includes a structure that would create a panel of county and municipal members and an independent source to study how the system would work and the potential savings.

The Forestry and Recreation Committee request to adopt a forest work plan for the coming years also passed without objection.

County Forester Steve Jackson addressed the board and explained the scope and need for the plan and the successes of the agency over the years.

It serves as a tool for the department and fills a requirement for the Department of Natural Resources.

Supervisors voted to approve a position in the Forestry and Recreation Department for a gap caused by retirement.

The resolution noted the importance of the department, which has returned more than $1 million in revenue per year for the past decade, and there is a need for a qualified person to fill the vacant position.

The cost for the position in 2013 is $70,888, $43,451 in wages and the remainder in fringe benefits.

The lone zoning amendment was carried in the consent agenda for Thomas and Jolene Welch who got a shift for a piece of land in the town of Antigo from single family residential to multi-family

Gary Bezucha, CEO of Northcentral Health Care, addressed the supervisors and Patrick McCarthy was honored for long and dedicated service to the county.

He has been with the Highway Department for more than 26 years.

Consolidation Discussion Held by Antigo School Board

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Change is coming to the Unified School District of Antigo in regards to what facilities will be open starting next school year, but how it will look is still up for debate. The district's Board of Education discussed their consolidation efforts during a special board meeting last evening.

Based on last week's failed referendums and a decision the board made last year, the current plan in place is to close the four rural elementary buildings and house all grades in the City of Antigo; kindergarten through third at the three remaining elementary buildings, fourth through seventh at the Middle School, and eighth through twelfth at the High School. Since they have some time before any implementation needs to takes place, the board is looking at some factors that will determine what building needs are required.

One key factor is if the district stays with SAGE, a state program that gives districts money to fund teachers and keep certain elementary grade classrooms with no more than 18 students per teacher. The current consolidation plan does not have this program continuing, but if a change is made to keep it then the district would have to make other changes to their plan such as adding portable classrooms to city structures, keeping one rural building in operation, and moving seventh grade students to the high school.

Board member Andy Merry did also ask district administration for some basic numbers regarding another possible operation referendum specifically designed to keep the rural schools open for up to three years with some improvements made to them. He described this referendum's purpose as giving the district more time to discuss long-term planning.

All these factors will be discussed more during the board's scheduled monthly meeting on November 27.

Last evening's board meeting saw its biggest public attendance in years with dozens of faculty, staff and community members watching. Nine people did speak publicly on the consolidation matter. A majority asked for the district to go forward with the current plan while others asked for a change in plans, suggesting more long-range planning, conduct staff testing regarding academic and drugs, and having all elementary students attend rural schools.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Antigo City Council Eyes Big Donation For Dog Park

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

Creation of a dog park on the city’s northwest side, funded in part through an anonymous donation of $30,000, highlights the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting of the Antigo Common Council.

The governing body will convene at 6 p.m. in the chambers at City Hall.

With the 2013 budget completed and approved, the council will work through a straightforward and light agenda, focusing largely on improvements to the community’s recreational facilities.

Action on the dog park, which will be located at the city’s former Deleglise Street landfill site on the city’s northwest site, leads the agenda.

Aldermen are expected to approve a $30,000 anonymous donation toward the recreation of a park, and award the bid for fencing to Straightline Fence Company.

The project calls for a six foot tall woven wire fence with all wood posts and a small dog area in 11 gauge chain link.

The additional dollars are expected to be transferred from the capital improvement project funds originally earmarked for skate park improvements.

In other recreational items, aldermen will transfer $2,507 from the City Park bandstand renovation fund to the park and recreation expendable trust. The dollars were left over after the completion of pathways in the park and will now be earmarked for any improvements needed for the bandstand or the walkways. The transfer will allow the special fund to be discontinued.

Aldermen will accept a $5,000 donation, also made anonymously, for the purchase of playground equipment for the area known as “Duffek Island” off the Spring Brook Trail. The area already has a gazebo, also built with donated funds.

Aldermen are expected to change the fee for non-resident facility rental to make it consistent with the wording appearing in grant paperwork, a common source of funding for park and facility upgrades. The new schedule calls for non-resident use fees to be 1.5 times the rate of resident use fees. Currently they are double the resident fee.

Once the new fee schedule is inked, aldermen will move on and approve a rate schedule for the use of the Peaceful Valley Festival grounds. The charges are proposed at $50 for residents, $75 for non-residents and $25 additional for use of electric facilities.

In other business, aldermen will:

—retroactively waive the $25 fees for the Antigo Optimist Club Halloween parade and the Healthy Ways Coalition fall walk. The requests were filed too late for the October agenda.

—earmark $7,000 from the fire department capital improvements account for the purchase of escape respirators and adapter kits.

—and approve using $1,049 from the sale of three old IV pumps and tubing and $4,000 previously approved by committee to purchase a new IV pump for the ambulance service.

Planning Agency Receives Award For Its Role In Wood Technology Facility

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 CST

The innovative Wood Technology Center of Excellence located on the Antigo campus of Northcentral Technical College is earning accolades for one of its partners.

The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, based in Wausau, has received a 2012 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations Research Foundation for its role in the project.

The project, a partnership of Langlade County, Northcentral Technical College, Langlade County Economic Development Corporation and the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, was developed to establish a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to forestry work force training.

The 22,000 square foot facility opened in 2011. The project is intended to strengthen forest products manufacturing and provide the training needed to keep northern Wisconsin, including Forest, Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas counties, competitive today and in the future.

“For more than 25 years, the Innovation Award has provided regional development organizations throughout the nation a unique opportunity to showcase their important work and their critical role in promoting economic development in rural areas,” NADO President Russell Cowley, executive director of the Six County Association of Governments in Richfield, Utah, said. “The creativity and significant, long-term impact of regional programs and projects like the Wood Technology Center of Excellence are the key to advancing the economic growth and sustainability of our nation’s regions and communities.’’

The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission was established in 1973 to serve a 10 county region in north central Wisconsin. It provides assistance in the areas of economic development, geographic information systems, intergovernmental cooperation, land use planning, and transportation.

Medical Clinic In The White Lake Area Is Moving Forward

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Northern Health Centers, Inc. of Lakewood, Wisconsin and Langlade Hospital of Antigo, Wisconsin with the assistance from the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, Wipfli Consultants and members of the White Lake area are moving forward with creation and implementation of a medical clinic in the White Lake area to serve the people living in that area of Langlade County. Currently, there are approximately 4000 residents that live in the potential service area who travel on average 15-30 miles for healthcare.

The clinic will be located in the former White Lake Historical Society building in White Lake, which Langlade Hospital recently purchased from the Historical Society. Once the Historical Society is able to move out of the building, then the Hospital can begin renovations. The clinic should be open for business sometime during the summer of 2013.

This clinic was born out of discussions between Northern Health Centers, Langlade Hospital as well as local Public Officials concerning ways to improve access to healthcare services in eastern Langlade County. The benefits of the hospital and health center working together are sharing best practices in quality care and focusing on reducing costs. Langlade Hospital will support the effort through assistance with development of the facility, whereas Northern Health Center’s responsibilities will include recruitment and staffing, and providing mobile medical services in the future. According to Dave Schneider, Executive Director of Langlade Hospital “approximately 75% of the residents in the communities in the Eastern portion of the County do currently utilize the hospital’s services, this is a way for the hospital to expand services while making it more convenient for residents to seek medical attention”.

These parties have been diligently working behind the scenes to make this concept a reality. As a result, the time is right to share this information with the public. An open meeting will be held on November 15 at 6:00 pm at the Village of White Lake Community Center. Everyone is welcome. The public will be privy to timelines, staffing, and also information on the layout and hours of the new clinic.

This project not only fills a medical need but also adds to the communities’ attractiveness for new residents and possibly new businesses. Contact person for any questions or concerns that area residents may have is Judy Peterson, Project Committee volunteer at 715-216-2450.

Langlade Hospital's New LeRoyer Walkway A Stunning Place For Rest, Reflection

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

The new Langlade Hospital is a very public place, but just a few dozen yards to the north, crews are working on a quiet place designed for rest and reflection.

The LeRoyer Walkway, which was disturbed from its home along Antigo Lake by the construction of the new facility, is being resurrected to the north of the hospital, with winding paths and graceful landscaping that, while not a replica of the original, should prove to be a fine substitution.

Hospital volunteers, along with Sisters Dolores and Adele Demulling and Sister Jean Bricco of the religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, have been sorting the memorial bricks that were carefully plucked from the old walkway and preparing them for installation along the edges of the new paths. The focus is on keeping family members and groupings together as the donors intended.

When completed, the path will extend to the far longer city of walkway boardwalk and trail, offering hospital visitors an excellent way to get a bit of fresh air and exercise and enjoy nature.

Meanwhile trucks, machinery, men and women are scurrying across the south perimeter of Langlade Hospital and Aspirus General Clinic as the winter season is closing in and the public dedication of the new medical facility looms on Nov. 16.

The program calls for a ribbon cutting to open the activities at 3 p.m. and then a welcome and reflections on the hospital. A bit of history and the role of the major figures in providing health care to the region will follow.

At 4 p.m., a Mass will be celebrated with Rev. Robert F. Morneau, Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay, officiating in the chapel.

That service will be followed by a blessing of the LeRoyer Memorial Walkway and from 5 to 6:30 p.m., time for fellowship has been set aside at the Three Sisters Cafe in the lobby of the hospital.

The public is urged to attend.

Jobless Rate Dips Nicely In Langlade County

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County posted a substantial 1.1 percent decline in the unemployment rate between August and September, among a leader in the northwoods region.

The state Department of Workforce Development released a new report Wednesday that reported that unemployment rates fell in all 72 counties. Rates ranged from a low of 4.3 percent in Pierce County to a high of 13.7 percent in Menominee County.

Langlade County’s rate was listed at 7.5 percent, just above the state average of 7.3 percent and substantially below the August figures of 8.6 percent. The rate a year ago was 8.4 percent.

Across the region , the lowest rate was reported in Shawano County at 6.7 percent, down from 7.2 percent a month earlier.

Oneida was next at 7.4 percent, down from 7.8 percent in August.

Vilas was tied with Langlade at 7.5 percent, down from 7.7 percent. Lincoln continued to lag at 8.2 percent, but it showed the biggest decrease in the area, down 1.2 percent from August.

Rates also fell in every one of the state’s 32 largest cities between August and September. Racine had the highest unemployment rate of any city at 10.7 percent followed by Beloit at 9.9 percent. Eau Claire was at 6.3 percent; Green Bay, 8 percent; Stevens Point, 7.2 percent; Superior, 5.4 percent; and Wausau, 8.6 percent. Lowest was Caledonia, 3.2 percent.

Statewide, the department reported a preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 7.3 percent in September, down from 7.5 percent in August and down from 7.4 percent in September 2011.

The rate remains below the national unemployment rate of 7.8 percent.

Gala at the Gallery

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Preview the holiday season and enjoy some of the tunes from the upcoming “Christmas Schooner” at the “Gala at the Gallery,” opening Friday at the Langlade County Historical Society Museum.

“Share the Spirit—Winter in the North Woods” is the theme of the seasonal show, which will run through Jan. 12 in the Antigo Visual Artists Gallery located in the museum’s main floor.

The exhibit will showcase the seasonal work of four area artists, Karen Aulik-Now of Antigo, who works primarily in watercolors; photographers and graphic designers Jim Martinsen of Antigo and Sharon Dowis of Merrill; and historical photographer A.J. Kingsbury, who captured many winter scenes on his early 20th Century travels across the region.

Along with original artwork and prints, many of the images will be available as cards, creating a one-of-a-kind and very personal Christmas mailings for family and friends. Choices will range from stylish snowmen and the Deleglise Cabin to historic winter scenes of skating on Antigo Lake and Dowis’ playful “playground carnage” of “dismembered” snowmen in a school yard.

Friday’s opening reception will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the museum and will include the opportunity to visit with the artists and place orders. There will also be free refreshments.

In addition, guests will get a sneak preview of Antigo Community Theater’s musical production of “The Christmas Schooner,” which will be staged at the high school’s Volm Theater beginning on Friday, Nov. 2.

Cast members will perform the opening number of the show, which was first staged locally six years ago to excellent reviews. The encore performance comes on the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the Christmas tree ship on which the show is based.

The gallery is open during regular museum hours. Wednesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Builder Leads White Lake Tour

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

After the White Lake School District’s annual meeting Tuesday evening, Doc Smith took some of those in the gallery on a tour of the addition to the elementary and high school complex just days before it will be completed.

Smith has been a steady resident of White Lake during project, serving as the on-site manager for EDS Builders, a Minneapolis firm.

Since the ground breaking on April 19, EDS and its fellow contractors have built stunning gymnasium, commons area, fitness room — two giant-screen televisions, and the showers, locker rooms and rest rooms that come along with a project of this scale.

The night of the White Lake meeting, a firm had put a final coating of sealer on the gymnasium floor, but Smith suggested the big room will be ready for the start of the Laker bsketball season in the middle of November.

“Players will be practicing on the floor next week,” he predicted.

The $3.58 million project was approved by district voters in a referendum in November, 2011 by a 60 percent margin.

The planning was launched, contractors were hired and when spring arrived, Smith was on his way to White Lake.

“We worked together as a team,” he said, blending the people of the school district with construction workers, architects and engineers.

Smith explained that the community had worked closely on the project, donating and volunteering whenever they could.

He noted several examples including donating of maple logs and the work of Robbins, Inc., of White Lake, to build one of the world’s finest athletic floors in the gymnasium.

Smith, who has managed many major construction projects during his career, said the White Lake facility reflect strong pride by members of the community, and it extended to the dozens of workmen and women who have created the building and its stunning facilities.

Of course, Smith seemed to be quite proud, too

Johnson Coil Co. Shows Antigo Plant To Group Working To Boost Manufacturing

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Johnson Electric Coil of Antigo joined over 200 manufacturers across the nation in opening their doors to the community to celebrate Manufacturing Day.

Wisconsin manufacturers participated to help expand knowledge and improve public perception of manufacturing careers and manufacturing's value to the local and U.S. economy.

The National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute, along with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International and the U.S. Commerce Department's Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership, were co-producers of the event.

Locally, the Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center based at University of Wisconsin-Stout sponsored and promoted the initiative.

Johnson Electric Coil showcased its business and the outstanding results of the continuous improvement activities the company has implemented with the assistance of the outreach center.

Company officials said these initiatives have not only resulted in positive impacts on their bottom line but have created enhanced work experiences and benefits for their employees.

“The center’s work here has completely transformed the culture.” President Bill Bockes said. “It has created a secure environment for our employees including safety, finance and self-fulfillment.”

Operations manager Julie Berndt said that the decision making and team building components combined with the sense of accomplishment are amazing.

“It is gratifying to contribute to the important work of manufacturing which is critical to the economy in our community and our country,” she said. “Anyone who thinks they can’t make a career in manufacturing is wrong.”

The Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money.

Last year, through third-party independent surveying, clients reported over $13.9 million in impacts and 123 jobs created or saved as a result of outreach services provided to manufacturers in 33 counties in northern and western Wisconsin.

County's Ice Age Trail Segments to be featured on TV Tourism Program

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langade County’s segments of the Ice Age Trail will be featured in an upcoming episode of Discover Wisconsin, produced in partnership with the Ice Age Trail Alliance of Cross Plains.

Shot over the past year, the episode will air Saturday and Sunday on the Discover Wisconsin broadcast network, reaching almost 480,000 viewers across the upper Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan.

The program will air locally on WAOW-TV 9 on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Produced in cooperation with the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, Merrill Chamber of Commerce, the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce, the program will focus on the geology that gives the Ice Age National Scenic Trail its name as revealed.

Winding over 1,000 miles across Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail requires year-round attention. A network of volunteers, including many in Langlade County, donates their time to build, improve and maintain the trail.

"There's a message that this trail has that resonates with more and more people; it's humbling," Mike Wollmer, Ice Age Trail Alliance executive director, said. "Last year volunteers gave a total of 65,000 hours."

The broadcast will include a bird's eye view of moraines, hummocks and kettles in Lincoln County, and focus on how glatiation enriched the soil of Langlade County. Host Emma Fiink will also help clear a brand new section of trail in Waupaca County, and meet an inspirational volunteer in Waushara County.

The episode's producer, Chad Diedrick, hopes learning about the geology of the trail will inspire viewers to rediscover it.

"When you understand that something occurring 12,000 years ago formed the ground you're walking on today, you appreciate the experience more," he said.

This is the second of the series of Discover Wisconsin episodes featuring the Ice Age Trail. Production and planning is already in progress for the third episode covering the southern portion of the trail.

Antigo's Peaceful Valley Transformed

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

The onetime industrial area known as Peaceful Valley has been transformed into a community park and festival space.

Crews from Kautza Excavating of Birnamwood are putting the finishing touches on the redevelopment project bound by Fifth and Sixth Avenues and Spring Brook and Field Street, and those who haven’t visited the area recently would be astounded by the changes.

The site was originally the railroad beltline, with a number of industrial businesses as well as the Dakin coal yard and the Antigo Co-op Oil Association. It was also subject to flooding when Spring Brook overflowed its banks, most recently in late March, 2004.

Sensing a need to repair a scar across the east end of downtown, the city secured a brownfield site assessment grant from the Wisconsin Department of Commerce for $150,000 and also earmarked funds from the tax incremental finance district established along Sixth Avenue in the area of CoVantage Credit Union.

The design met a number of challenges, including capping a contaminated area left behind by previous industrial usage with a blacktop parking lot along with development of a community festival area.

The finished product includes a raised patio area that can be used as a potential stage; ample power for festival or farm market vendors with 20 separate 120 volt 20 amp outlets; and an additional power panel with the ability to handle larger groups or events.

There is also landscaping, decorative lighting, sidewalks and bike path that will connect to the Spring Brook trail from Sixth Avenue to north of Second Avenue.

“The trees planted increase our urban forest and species are consistent with our park plans and urban forest plant,” Mark Desotell, the city’s director of administrative services, explained. “The landscaping is consistent with the existing trail.”

The festival area will serve as a linchpin of the redevelopment project in that entire area of the community, which also included road and infrastructure construction on Sixth and Seventh avenues and Field Street totaling $2.4 million.

“The mayor and council were instrumental in moving this project forward,” Desotell said.

Others involved included Charley Brinkmeier, civil technician/surveyor; Beth McCarthy, surveyor technician; Sarah Repp, park, recreation and cemetery supervisor; Bob Piskula, street commissioner; Kaye Matucheski, clerk-treasurer; Scott Martin of MSA Professional Services; and crew members from the street and parks departments.

Ground Broken for Volm Expansion

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

Volm Companies officers broke ground this morning for a 37,000 square foot addition to its Freshtech facilities just north of the Clermont Street and Amron Avenue intersection.

With the Freshtech building as a backdrop, Volm officials joined contractors, bank representatives and Antigo Mayor Bill Brandt for the formal groundbreaking. It happened while trucks and backhoes were preparing the site — a project that got started earlier today.

Michael Hunter II, plant manager for Volm Manufacturing, offered thanks for the people who supported the project including the M&I/BMO Harris Bank, Urban Construction and the cooperation from staff within the corporation.

Mayor Brandt said the project “means a lot to this community,” and said the expansion and added personnel to the already substantial staff in Antigo is an endorsement of the quality of labor available here.

Mike Kilinski, president of Urban Construction Co., general contractor on the project, offered a thank you to the Volm Companies “for allowing us to be your contractor.”

Hunter and Tom Stenz, maintenance manager for Volm Manufacturing, stressed that many of the subcontractors working with Urban are local firms.

Stenz said the local firms have been “easy to work with,” and were hired on the basis of merit. They include G&B Masonry of Wisconsin, MVP Plumbing, North Central Mechanical and Stibbe Excavating and Grading.

Dennis DeLoye, senior vice president of commercial banking for M&I/BMO Harris Bank stressed the local nature of the project.

He noted there is a local bank involved, stressing his long ties with the Volm Companies and M&I/HMO Harris Bank.

“This is a three generation company,” DeLoye said, noting that his association with it started with Gerald Volm and has now moved well into that third generation.

John Bandsma, CFO/COO with Volm Companies, said that the project was not only designed to make the firm more competitive, but offer better service to customers.

“We are pleased to expand in Antigo,” he said, noting the quality of the workforce here.

The addition to the Freshtech complex will allow introduction of new equipment, production increases and create a more competitive market for the packaging industry.

The firm has a tremendous impact on the economy of Antigo and Langlade County.

There are currently 146 employees at its three production locations and an additional 62 at its distribution site.

The completion date for the building is scheduled for March, 2013, with new equipment introduced immediately and production getting underway in April.

The company dates back more than 75 years, when the family patriarch, Gerald Volm, opened a business in Bryant that sold and eventually printed bags for the area potato-growing industry.

The company has expanded to be one of the largest providers of fresh produce packaging and equipment used in that industry in North America. It serves customers from its corporate home in Antigo and locations in Idaho Falls, Idaho and Pasco, Wash.

Final 2012 Ice Age Trail Hike Set for Saturday Here, Public Welcome To Join

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:00:00 CST

The final 2012 hike on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail in Langlade County will take place Saturday over the Old Railroad segment.

The event will serve as a local annual observance of National Trails Day held earlier this summer in other parts of the country. The special day is organized each year by trail groups to observe the signing on Oct. 2, 1968 of the National Trails Act by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

The special hike organized by the Langlade County Ice Age Trail Chapter is open to the public. Interested persons should meet at 9 a.m. in front of the Langlade County forestry office on the fairgrounds.

Participants are encouraged to wear suitable clothing and bring a lunch. Transportation to the trailhead northeast of Antigo will be provided from the fairgrounds.

The fall color hike will be five miles in length over the Old Railroad segment which winds through a scenic portion of Veterans Memorial Park. The segment includes views of a large glacial lake filled in with sediment since the massive ice sheet which covered 2/3 of the state melted away over 10,000 years ago.

The Old Railroad segment is one of Langlade County’s four Ice Age Trail stretches recognized over 30 years ago by the U.S. Department of the Interior for inclusion in the National Trails System. A representative from the federal agency presented certificates recognizing the trail stretches in Langlade County as part of the National Trails System to former county board chairman Walter Klimoski on May 26, 1977.

Three years later on May 3, 1980 the Ice Age Trail was established as a National Scenic Trail with an amendment to the National Trails Act sponsored by Congressman Henry Reuss of Milwaukee. The Ice Age Trail is now one of 11 units in the national trails system created by federal law as a scenic trail.

Additional information on the hike, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail or the local chapter can be obtained by mail inquiry to 622 First Ave., Antigo or by calling 715-623-2645. Maps and other trail information are also available from the Langlade County University of Wisconsin-Extension office, 837 Clermont St.

Hardwood flooring, Made with White Lake Timber, Going Down In New Gym

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

Hardwood harvested last fall from landowners in and around White Lake has found new life as the school’s new recreation center gymnasium floor.

Crews this week have completed laying the hard maple boards, milled at Robbins Flooring of White Lake, that will be the centerpiece of the expansive new gymnasium.

According to Doc Smith, the project manager, the wood was graded as No. 2 maple by Robbins, based on the number of knots, but “it would be considered No. 1 by most companies.”

“It’s a very nice floor, very pretty,” Smith said. “I’m very pleased with everything.”

The installation of the floor comes near the completion of the $3.5 million project, funded largely through a successful $3 million referendum in November.

Following that vote, people in the community—including some who admitted voted against the plan—came together in a project that had landowners donating the logs that would be used in the facility. Ninety cords was collected, enough to offset the costs to create a college level flooring system in the school gymnasium.

Smith said that the next step will be to finish the floor on the north and south sides of the gymnasium, a necessary step so that bleachers can be installed the week of Oct. 8.

Finishing and striping the entire sports floor will follow, a project that should take about a week. Other work remaining includes installing the epoxy flooring in the locker rooms.

Smith said the fast-track project will be basically complete, with contractors going over the punchlist, the week of Oct. 22.

Cyclists will Rock & Roll This Weekend in Langlade

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

The fourth annual Bear Paw Rock & Roll, the newest race in the Wisconsin Off-Road Race Series, will be held on Sunday.

Hosted by the Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort in Langlade, The Rock & Roll is part of the Wisconsin Off-Road Race Series, America's largest State Mountain bike racing series. Cyclists can register on-site on Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, beginning at 8 am until half hour before start.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Langlade County to showcase all of our amenities and bolster the local economy," Scott Berry of Bear Paw said. "This is essentially a two-day event, with races coming out on Saturday to check out the terrain and the competition."

Last year, the race drew up wards of 400-plus bikers ranging from all skill levels and from all corners of the state and beyond.

Appropriately names, this course combines challenging single track that rolls and weaves around and over boulders, roots, and logs with fast hard double track and a couple of good climbs.

"This mix of terrain ensures good speed and plenty of passing room," Berry said. "While there are no long sustained climbs, this course does have repeat rollers that will add up, so don't forget your climbing legs. The event consists of a loop and the class you race determines the numbers of loops you make."

This race, while fitting the bill with its uniqueness, also engages a local volunteer base. Many clubs and organizations come out to donate their time.

For more information on this event, please visit: www.wors.org.

Langlade Hospital Continues Projects

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

After months of demolition, construction resumes on the Langlade Hospital campus today.

Administrator Dave Schneider announced Tuesday that the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph and Aspirus are partnering to build the Langlade Hospital Center for Health and Performance, with completion in May. It will be located in an area that was previously home to the original hospital building, removed during a summer-long demolition project.

The $3.18 million facility will be about 17,000 square feet, triple the size of the hospital’s sports medicine complex now located on Antigo’s north side.

“This is a very special project,” Schneider, joined by Diane Peterson, rehabilitation manager, and Greg Renfro, supervisor for the facility, said. “This is a unique concept for northcentral Wisconsin and represents a major commitment to the future of health care in the community on the part of the Religious Hospitallers and Aspirus.”

The renamed Center for Health and Performance, with Dr. Bart Kneeland as medical director, will cater to a wide audience, including patients with rehabilitation needs, student athletes, and members of the public interested in improving their health and fitness in a medically supervised setting.

The center will feature medically supervised guidance and a trained staff who will develop individualized programs for participants to meet their special needs, whether it involves cardiac improvements, increases in mobility following joint replacements, or general fitness. Physician approval is required.

Peterson stressed that participants at the Center for Health and Performance will receive ongoing monitoring and regular evaluations of their fitness programs by staff.

“We’re offering more preventive services in addition to meeting the needs of patients with chronic conditions,” she said.

The expansive facility will include a main floor walking track, a large sports court, plenty of room for specialized fitness machines, locker and shower rooms, treatment cubicles and offices.

The mezzanine level will have an elevated track circling the main floor along with additional equipment, registration and check-out.

Renfro said the facility will feature an expanded line of aerobic equipment, televisions, wireless access, sprint tracks, curtained court areas, and free and machine weights as well as the walking tracks.

“This facility will allow us to assist anyone, no matter what his or her performance, fitness or wellness goals may be,” Renfro said.

The entire building will be an extension off the south side of the Aspirus General Clinic, which is also undergoing extensive lower level and first floor improvements, renovations and an addition for full-time cardiac care. The hospital’s physical therapy and orthopedic departments are located on the second level.

The proximity to the main hospital and clinic will also allow easy sharing of staff for educational programs, Peterson said.

“We can utilize a lot of different experts on-site,” she said, something that is difficult now due to the location of the sports medicine center across town.

Renfro said the focus will be on improvement of athletic performance as well as preventive care and general health improvements.

“We’re really jumping into the preventive game. That’s the future of health care,” he said, adding that research has clearly shown that physical activity is a prerequisite to preventing disease and injury. “As more and more research is being completed, it is becoming clear that in order to keep a body well and disease free, it requires regular exercise and movement. Exercise is medicine.”

Services will be available around-the-clock.

Fall Colors Near Peak Stage In The area

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

The next few weeks are shaping up to be the best time to see the fall colors in our area this year.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's 'Fall Color Report' from this morning, area counties and communities are reporting between 20 to 60-percent of trees having leaves changed colors. The best colors are currently reported in the Tomahawk and northern Langlade County areas where at least half the trees in these locations have had leaves changed. All other locations are reporting between 20 to 45-percent of trees changing colors. Local counties are estimating the colors to be at their peak during the first half of October.

Across the entire state, the best colors are out in the Eau Claire, Hayward and Park Falls areas, where around 80 to 100-percent of trees have changed colors and their peak is currently underway. Higher color percentages are also reported in northwest Wisconsin, with the lowest color changes in southern Wisconsin.

There has been some concern about how long the colors will last on the trees this fall. The drought and below average precipitation most of the state has gotten this spring and summer have created conditions where colors appear sooner and leaves may not last as long on trees. But for the next six days forecasters say the winds will be light and temperatures above freezing, so leaves should have a better chance of staying on the trees longer.

by Rusty Mehlberg

White Lake Project Draws Praise, Nearly Done

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

For Doc Smith, the White Lake school construction project will always have a special place on his resume, and in his heart.

Smith, the construction manager for EDS Builders, is guiding the work on the new community recreation center, with an eye on turning the facility and gymnasium over to the school within weeks, well in advance of the Laker basketball season.

“This building fits White Lake,” Smith says. “It’s not too fancy, but it’s nice. In the years to come, it’s going to be an anchor for the town and help grow community pride.”

That special “fit” between the school, community and builder started well before the April groundbreaking, during the brainstorming by an ad hoc committee on what the community wanted, needed and would support, and through a successful $3 million referendum in November.

It became evident even more clearly when White Lake residents—some of whom admittedly voted against the plan—anted up again and donated valuable hard maple logs for the gymnasium’s floor. Smith said those donations were key to allowing upgrades, with the standard high school floor replaced by a college-level playing surface by the locally-based Robbins Flooring.

“The youngsters will be playing on that floor by the end of the month,” Smith predicted as crews began laying the subflooring last week.

Indeed the entire project has proceeded at a remarkably smooth pace, Smith said, again a reflection on the level of commitment on the part of the community and the crews involved in the project.

“This has been a very quick project,” he said. “It hasn’t been a typical 9 to 5 job for these guys. They put in the long hours and got the job done right. It’s pride in the job.”

The fairly pain-free construction has also left some dollars to handle last-minute contingencies, Smith said, with $5,000 to $10,000 already set aside.

“We’re under budget and we’re setting aside money for future unknowns,” he said.

White Lake School has also used the construction as an educational tool. During the school year Smith has regularly left his construction trailer to meet with classes on the project and various areas related to the construction field, and interns with ties to the district, Joe Leaver and Kelsey Gallagher, are getting “hands-on” experience during the construction.

The project has also attracted the attention of communities outside of White Lake, with visitors from Shawano, Antigo and other schools coming for a look.

“They are all very pleased,” Smith said. “You can see the workmanship.”

Smith said that from the initial planning and vote through the log donations and now nearing completion, the involvement of the entire community has been key. When some adults raised concerns about the large windows in the fitness center, worried about people looking in during the evening hours, crews quickly executed a change order that replaced the clear panes with glass block, which are actually more attractive. When crews were preparing to paint the building’s exterior to match initial plans, the community, liking the attractive walls, said no, and the project was stopped.

And Smith admitted to knowing that people have been “sneaking in” to get their first looks at the gymnasium, and maybe try to shoot a few baskets.

“This has really been like an old-fashioned barn-raising,” Smith said. ‘It’s gone up fast because everybody cares about it. This should be an example for any community that wants to do a building right.”

The project, which was approved by 60 percent of voters in a November referendum, includes a central recreational center, similar to a commons, an exercise room that may also be used as a community space, men’s and women’s locker rooms and restrooms, team locker rooms and the expansive new gymnasium.

There is also a concession area and remodeling to the existing shop and locker rooms.

“I love it,” Smith said. “This is the way America should be built.”

Plaspack Plans Expansion in Antigo

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

After months of planning and negotiations, a longtime Antigo manufacturer has announced plans to expand.

Plaspack USA will add about 36,900 square feet to its facility on the north side of Amron Avenue, continuing a tradition of expanding within the local community.

Plaspack USA, originally constructed as a subsidiary of Volm Companies, manufactures high density polyethylene mesh materials used in fences and barriers, wind and shade clothes, as bags for produce, meat, poultry and seafood, and other applications.

The new building will be added on the south side of the existing Fresh Tech structure and include a manufacturing system that has been in the discussion stages for some time.

It will produce some of the core material used in the process to produce its high-technology mesh products now being imported.

Mayor Bill Brandt said he was pleased the plan was made public prior to the meeting, suggesting the a ground-breaking may come later this fall.

The news of the expansion was included in City Inspector-Assessor Jerry Wilhelm’s monthly report to the Antigo Common Council.

Wilhelm said that while the residential construction scene remains stagnant, some things are happening on the commercial scene.

Plaspack leads the manufacturing projects, but there are some retail offerings as well, led by the announcement that a Little Caesar’s Pizza outlet will return to Antigo after a decades-long absence.

The restaurant will be located downtown, at the former Family Dollar location adjacent to the Natural Living store.

Other recent retailing improvements include expansion of the Schroeder’s gift shop at 743 South Superior St., the remodeled Dairy Queen and the resurrection of the old Super America building, which is awaiting tenants.

There are a variety of other projects as well, Wilhelm said, including the completion of Parsons of Antigo’s new body shop, which will allow the existing shop to be converted into a showroom and sales floor; the new State Farm Insurance office being constructed by Tim DeVoe on the city’s north side; and the renovation of the General Clinic to align with the new Langlade Hospital. At a later date, construction on the hospital’s Wel-Fit Center, now housed off-site, will continue on the site..

Work on the new cattle barn at the Langlade County Fairgrounds is also proceeding at a quick pace, Wilhelm said, as well as the start of construction on two new storage buildings on West Pierce Street for the city street department.

Distinctive Homes On This Year's 'Parade'

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

The very new, the somewhat old and even a bit of the mysterious will be featured in Langade Hospital Auxiliary’s annual Parade of Homes one week from today.

The popular event will feature six beautiful and distinctive homes, stretching from Elcho to Antigo and outlying areas. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.

Featured homes, and their descriptions as prepared by homeowners and parade organizers, follow:

Ben and Diane Baker, W8694 Kramer Rd., Deerbrook

Built in 1996 on a peaceful country setting, the porch and wrap-around deck offer frequent views of wildlife attracted to the water. Inside and out, the house has undergone an entire facelift since participating in the parade of homes over 10 years ago. With décor inspired by nature, this three-level home has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a library loft overlooking the great room. The property features a covered bridge built to access the island and a network of mowed trails that meander through much of the wooded areas.

LaVonna Bartlett, W10276 County Road K, Elcho

This open-concept home was designed with the owner’s desire to entertain. It features custom-built cabinetry and bookshelves with window seats framing the fireplace. The owner’s personal photography and appreciation of unusual pieces of local art bring life to the décor. Scenic countryside can be viewed from the deck on the back of the house or from the front porch.

Roger and Jessica Fleischman, 3408 County Road HH, Antigo

This original old-fashioned farmhouse was recently remodeled and transformed into a spacious, updated home with modern amenities. It has four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths with a classic wrap-around porch, solid oak doors, and custom woodwork. In the kitchen you will find cherry cabinets, a butler’s pantry, granite counter tops, and a snack bar. A whirlpool tub and walk-in shower are located in the master suite. The great room with a 15-foot vaulted ceiling and fireplace, two offices, a family room, and exercise room complete the home. Other features include heated tile floors and a sound system that is present throughout the home.

James and Mary Jane Berenz, 11340 Antigo St., Elcho

Approximately 100 years ago this home was built for lumbar baron C. W. Fish and his family. At one time it was converted into a two-family residence but later was renovated and reverted to a one-family residence. The six-bedroom home has a master bedroom with its own fireplace. There are three full bathrooms with slipper bath tubs in two of them. A large sunroom and a central "sitting" room are found on each level along with a "napping" room on the first level. The tiled kitchen with modern amenities, hardwood floors, dining area, built-in pantry, and floor-to-ceiling fireplace in the living room complete the home.

Brian and Karen Prunty, N4351 Price Polar Rd., Bryant

Built in 2011, this 2,100 square foot ranch is an addition to the decade-old family cabin. Situated on 79 acres, the home has large windows, a covered deck, and a walk-out basement that provide scenic views of wildlife and nature. The kitchen, with its shaker-style custom cabinets and dining room, opens to the great room with a vaulted ceiling, custom beams, and hardwood floor. The main floor has two bedrooms, reading room, laundry, and walk-in pantry. A game room, family room, bedroom, and office are on the lower level. The finely crafted custom woodwork throughout the house is from an earlier period.

James and Patty Schulz, 400 Clermont St., Antigo

Featured in the Antigo Daily Journal's "Hidden Places," this Dutch Colonial Revival style Victorian is the oldest surviving Victorian in the city of Antigo. Built in 1884 for James and Catherine Driscoll and their six children, this 2,000 square foot three-bedroom, two-bath home is loaded literally wall to wall with ornamental wood trim and fixtures. The foyer entrance features a full oak stairway with a deacon's bench. Front room, parlor, dining room, an upgraded kitchen, and 3/4 bath complete the first floor. The third bedroom, located on the second floor, holds the hidden entrance to the finished boarded floor attic. Mysteries, tragedies, and even a "ghost story" make up some of the history of the Driscoll Historic Antigo Home. You won't believe it until you see it.

Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 the day of the parade and are available at Schroeder’s. Koni K’s in Elcho, Lakeside Grocery and Pharmacy, Neve’s Floors to Go & Furniture and Langlade Hospital’s information desk.

Proceeds will be donated to the future outpatient palliative care program.

Capacity Crowd for Wolfman Events

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

Nate Musolff and Dan Smith didn’t win the 2012 Wolfman Triathlon—didn’t even come close—but they may have had the most fun.

Despite being a shade shy of podium material, Musolff, who serves as captain with the Antigo Police Department, and Smith, a special education instructor at Antigo High School, had their photographs snapped dozens of times as they brought their own sort of equipment to the event, which typically draws serious and very fit competitors from across the Midwest for a day of whitewater kayaking, single-track cycling and wilderness running.

Competing in the tandem division, Musolff and Smith cobbled together a canoe that had seen far better days, added some accouterments such as a bilge pump and inner tube for additional flotation, and a spray-painted “call 9-1-1” on the boat’s underside, and headed down the river, wearing flannel and denim rather than Lycra.

It was all great fun—all that was missing was the banjo—and they safely finished the course and continued through the cycling and running.

“We really needed the bilge pump,” Musolff said as the two hauled their behemoth of a boat out of the river and prepared for cycling. “We sprang a leak about halfway through the course.”

Their final time was 3 hours, 23 minutes for the three-mile whitewater trip, 13-mile single track bike course and 3 1/2 wilderness run.

“We had some equipment trouble,” Musolff admitted.

Honors as the 2012 Wolfman and Wolfwoman went to Ryan Baumann of Green Bay, with a final time of 1:45:57; and Meghan Sarna of Marquette, 2:03:31.

“It was a beautiful day for a race,” organizer Jamee Peters said at the post-race pig roast. “We’re really proud of how it has progressed over the last 18 years.”

Division results include:

Male 15-19: First Place: Chris Murphy.

Male 20-29: First Place: Ben Neubauer; 2nd Place: Eric Doro; 3rd Place: Ben Schimmelpfenning.

Male 30-39: First Place: Ryan Zimny; 2nd Place: Brian Grieves: 3rd Place: Josh Zalewski.

Male 40-49: First place: Bill Selbig; 2nd place: Terry Chier; 3rd Place: Mike Newcomer

Male 50-59: 1st Place: Blake Schlaeppi; 2nd Place: Dave Gamm; 3rd Place: Chuck Geswein

Male 60-69; 1st Place: Jeff Loss; 2nd Place: Scott Stalheim; 3rd Place: Larry Bruss

Male 70 +: 1st Place: Robert Delie

Female 15-19: 1st: H.M. McAnulty; 2nd: H.L McAnulty.

Female 20-29: 1st: Becky Czechanski; 2nd: Christy Dungar; 3rd: Erin Czechanski.

Female 30-39: 1st: Beth Wagner; 2nd: Barb Martz; 3rd: Carey Grieves.

Female 40-49: 1st: Anett Trebitz; 2nd: Sara Stum; 3rd: Heidi Lemmer.

Female 50-59: 1st: Tracy Ellenberg; 2nd: Karan Doro; 3rd: Michelle Koss.

Tandem Men: 1st: Evan Marvin/Glen Marvin

Tandem Mixed: 1st: David Andresen/Kierstin Andresen.

Race entries are capped at 350 and the slots are filled shortly after opening very early in the year. There are always a few dropouts and disqualifications so the actual event drew about 250 participants.

Local competitors, as listed on the start sheet, included:

Jamee Peters, White Lake; Chris Berry, White Lake; Lloyd Larson, White Lake; Michelle Koss, Bryant; Dave Tlusty, Deerbrook; Kyle Tlusty, Deerbrook; Chris Fredericks, White Lake; Dallas Moe, Antigo; Chad Harger, Deerbrook;

Jim Eisenman, White Lake; Josh Zalewski, Antigo; Nate Heuss, Antigo; Colin Koss, Bryant; Beth Wagner, Pelican Lake; Joel DeNamur, Elcho; Eric Roller, Antigo; Becky Wegner, Gleason; Nate Musolff, Antigo; Dan Smith, Gleason; Fred Smith, Antigo; Wayne Paff, Antigo; Mike Brown, White Lake; Kezia Zalewski, Antigo;

The race is a boon to the Wolf River Territory and also to the volunteer organizations who received stipends in return for manning the various stations. Groups involved this year included Wisconsin Off-Road Biking Association; White Lake Historical Society; Gardner Dam Scout Camp, Bay Lakes Council, BSA; Antigo Swim Club; White Lake Boy Scout Troop 1047; Elcho X-C Ski Club and Antigo Boy Scout Troop 644.

Preview of 2012 Wolfman Triathlon

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

The 18th annual Wolfman Triathlon will be taking place this Saturday in southeast Langlade County. 350 competitors ranging from the local area to as far as Utah are scheduled to take part in this unique three-leg event.

Unlike your traditional triathlon that begins with a swimming leg, this event starts with a three-mile kayak/canoe segment on a class-two whitewater section of the Wolf River north of Langlade. From there competitors will complete a 14-mile mountain bike segment through the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and Bear Paw Adventure Resort, followed by a 3.75-mile trail run along the Wolf River.

Event organizers say there is more to this annual event than just to see who earns the honor of Wolfman or Wolf-woman.
-First, the event helps to showcase the natural beauty that this portion of our listening area has to offer.
-Second, it has been estimated that over $100,000 is injected into the local economy during the weekend of the event. Along with the event weekend the triathlon has helped to bring people to the area through the summer as competitors do run the course a couple times before the official event.
-Third, the event has been a benefit to local community organizations whose members volunteer their time to help run the event and raise funds for themselves. Over 60 people from groups such as the Antigo Bike and Ski Club, the Elcho Cross-Country Ski Club, the White Lake Historical Society and the Antigo Swim Club are expected to assist this year.

The event gets underway at 8 a.m. a few miles north of Langlade with the finish line at Bear Paw. For more information on where you can best see some of the triathlon action you can contact Jamee Peters at 715-493-4486.

by Rusty Mehlberg

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's-Antigo, WI

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 CST

2012 Walk to End Alzheimer's - Antigo, WI
Date: 9/8/2012; Registration 8 AM; Walk Program Begins 9:15 AM
Location: Johnson Electric Coil Co., 821 Watson St
Antigo, WI 54409

Coordinator: Amy Chick
Phone: 715.845.7440
Email: Amy.Chick@alz.org
September – World Alzheimer’s Month

Throughout September and October - Members of the Langlade County Tavern League are selling Forget Me Nots to benefit Alzheimer’s. Purchase one for $1.00 and display your message of hope.

Raffle tickets are also being sold prior to and the day of the walk. Contact any committee member to purchase tickets or phone the Alzheimer's Association at 715.845.7440. The winner will be drawn at the Walk.

Grand Prize: Fall Theme Quilt (Hand Dyed, Machined) - Donated by: The Cutting Edge (value $550)

2nd Prize: Sportsman’s Prize Package – Tubbs Snowshoes, Trolling Rods, J’s Archery Technohunt Certificate - Donated by: Jo & Bob Lomprey and J’s Archery (value $300)

3rd Prize: Sports Fan Prize Package – Baseball Bat, Wisconsin Woodchucks Prize Pack and Green Bay Packer Football- Donated by: Zelazoski Wood Products and Others (value $175)

4th Prize: Pair of Picnic Tables – One Adult 6ft and One Child 4ft - Donated by: Duane Ninnemann (value $100)

5th Prize: 1 Month Health/Fitness Membership and May Kay Gift Basket - Donated by: Langlade Hospital & Autumn Cole (value $80)

September 8th - Walk Day!

Registration begins at 8:00 am at Johnson Electric Coil Company. All those pre-registered will go to the pre-registration table. Those who have not registered online will need to complete a registration envelope or sign up online at that time. Walkers 18 and under who raise $35 or more and those over 18 who raise $100 or receive a Walk t-shirt. There will also be special recognition for Champions Members – those who raise $500 or more!

Additional raffle tickets will be sold on the day of the walk for the chance to win a flat screen TV (donated by Kindred – Eastview) , Original Packer artwork signed by a Green Bay Packers player (donated by Grace Knight), a certificate to Gold Miner’s or a basket from Buss-y Bodies Pro Salon and Spa. Tickets will be $5 each. Must be present to win.

Walk Ceremony begins at 9:15 am

New this year – Promise Garden! Each color has a different meaning:

•Blue- I have Alzheimer’s
•Yellow- I am supporting or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s
•Purple- I have lost someone to Alzheimer’s
•Orange- I support the cause and a vision of a world without Alzheimer’s
Each walker will receive a flower and may write a message or tribute on the petals. The flowers will be left at the door as the walk begins. Walkers will return to find their flower in the Promise Garden. All flowers may be taken home by the walker.

Walk begins at the conclusion of the ceremony – Thank you to the Boettcher family for being this year’s ribbon cutters!

Walkers return to Johnson Electric Coil for awards including Corporate Team raising the most dollars, Family Team raising the most dollars, Team with most Walkers, Individual raising the most dollars and Spirit Award. Team Captains will be recognized and should be prepared to come up front when his/her name is called. We will also be recognizing members of our Champions Club – those walkers who raise over $500.00!

There will be free food and refreshments available as well!

After the Walk

Walkers should finalize their contributions and make sure to contact their employers for matching gift opportunities! Walk dollars can be recorded through December 31! Please contact Amy Chick, Outreach Specialist, if you would like to plan a fall special fundraiser like a chili feed, spaghetti dinner or like event - amy.chick@alz.org. Money from any fall special events can still be counted towards the 2012 Antigo Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

September 21 – Alzheimer’s Action Day – Remember to wear purple!

Special thanks to these volunteer committee members who make it all happen!

Carrie Zelazoski, Mary Jo Ninnemann and Mike Riemer - Kindred Transitional Care & Rehab - Eastview, Jenny Renfro - Rosalia Gardens, Kerri Matz - Langlade Adult Day Services and Jo Lomprey

To help plan next year’s Walk, contact Amy Chick, amy.chick@alz.org or 715.845.7440.

Wood Tech Center Meeting Its Goals In Langlade County

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Wood Technology Center at Northcentral Technical College is meeting its goal of providing accelerated training for one of the northwood’s most sturdy industries.

The center, constructed through a cooperative effort by Langlade County, the city of Antigo, Northcentral Technical College and private industries, concluded three industry-based accelerated training sessions.

The sessions —including a hardwood lumber grading short course, a kiln drying short course and an advanced lumber drying course— attracted students from across the Midwest, including individuals from Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

“All three of our training sessions were extremely successful,’’ Travis Allen, wood technology instructor, said. “We were fortunate to have a number of high-quality instructors who are experts in their field, and our students really enjoyed both the hands-on training approach and being able to network with other professionals.’’

The hardwood lumber grading short course, presented by Lake States Lumber Association, NTC and University of Wisconsin-Extension, was held from June 25 to 28. Topics covered included wood structure, the National Hardwood Lumber Association, standard grades, lumber breakdown by grade and hands-on inspection of lumber.

The kiln drying short course, entitled “Drying Quality Lumber,’’ took place from Aug. 6 to 9. Presented by NTC, the Great Lakes Kiln Drying Association and University of Wisconsin-Extension, the course covered wood structure and drying science, drying systems, controlling lumber quality and species specific quality drying.

The advanced lumber drying course, held Aug. 9 and 10 and presented by NTC and Great Lakes Kiln Drying Association, focused on objectives and advanced drying concepts, as well as advanced operations.

As the fall term opens, the technology center is switching gears from summer short courses to training students in NTC’s wood programs.

Cabin At Jack Lake Set For Use

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

Camping means different things to different people of different ages, and Veterans’ Memorial Park at Jack Lake is trying to catering to them all.

This summer, the park is adding to its array of primitive locations—suitable for tents—and regular sites set up for the popular pull-behind campers and occasional recreational vehicle. With help from construction students at Elcho High School, Jack Lake now offers a cozy sleeping cabin, perfect for a family or group who does want to haul in their own camper, but who would still like a few amenities such as a lockable door, bunks and solid walls and roof.

“The whole idea is to have something available for people who just want to show up, with just their sleeping bags and coolers,” park caretaker Tom Lazers explained.

The 16 by 20 foot cabin, which fits the very definition of the word “cute,” is lightly furnished, with a front porch and Adirondack chairs, bunks with sleeping for five, and a table. Solar lights provide nighttime illumination.

Out back, there is a grill and fire pit. A outhouse is nearby and the campground’s modern restroom and shower facilities are just a few steps up the trail.

But even though it is near the heart of the very busy campground, the cabin site appears secluded, especially in the back around the fire pit.

Lazers said the structure is the first of four being constructed for the campground by the Elcho students. The county paid $14,000 for materials with the students, instructed by Travis Goeks, doing most of the construction work at the school and assembling the unit on site.

“We’re very pleased with the work Travis and his students did,” Lazers said, adding that the cooperative effort provides a valuable learning experience for students and a bargain for taxpayers.

Plans call for a cabin to be added annually for the next three years.

The facilities fill a critical void at Jack Lake, with many other campgrounds already venturing into offering sleeping cabins with a rustic, northwoods feel.

“Once people know we have it, I’m sure it will be very popular,” he said.

The cabin is available for $50 a night Sunday through Thursday. Friday and Saturday evenings must be reserved together at a cost of $150. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the campground at 715 623-6214.

“We want to keep it priced for families on a vacation,” Lazers said. “So far people love it.”

Tour de Langlade Registration Underway

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

Registration is underway for the second-annual Tour de Langlade Century Ride. The event is scheduled to take place on August 18, with the beginning and ending point at Bear Paw Resort located southeast of White Lake.

In a press release from the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, the event will highlight an area of the state that they describe as a "bicyclists' heaven". The 100-mile route will take riders across Langlade and southwest Forest counties, traveling through the Chequamegon Nicolet National and Langlade County forests, around numerous lakes and through various communities such as Pickerel, Pearson, Elcho, Bryant, Elton and White Lake.

For those who may not think they can travel the full length there will also be 50 and 25 miles routes, known as Half-Century and Quarter-Century. All routes will have rest areas at various locations along with a sag-wagon for those who may need some help getting back to the start/finish point. The event will conclude with a party at Bear Paw with pizza and refreshments.

The event is more than just showcasing biking opportunities in Langlade County. Proceeds from the event will be going towards non-profit service organizations. While the final group list will not be known until the day of the event, some groups that may benefit include the Wolf River Volunteer Fire Department, county food pantries, and youth programming groups.

Cost to take part is $35 per rider by August 10 and $45 up to the day of the event. For more information and registration forms you can go online to bearpawoutdoors.com or call 715-882-3502

Maplewood Golf Course Cited as 'Green' Course

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

Planting hundreds of small trees and smart watering practices are just two things Quig's Maplewood Golf Course has done to earn Travel Green Wisconsin certification. The golf course has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by reducing its environmental impact; thereby joining over 325 Travel Green Wisconsin certified events, attractions, and destinations.

"We are thrilled to announce that Quig's Maplewood Golf Course earned its 'green credentials' in the Travel Green Wisconsin program," said Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett. "This is the first tourism business in Langlade County to achieve certification, and they will serve as a role model and resource for other area businesses that my be considering how they can implement sustainable practices to preserve the area's natural resources."

This year, the Department of Tourism adopted a flat fee of $95 for membership in the Travel Green Wisconsin certification. The change was based on industry feedback and to encourage a wider variety of tourism businesses and organizations to consider implementing sustainable practices in their operations.

Quig's Mapelwood Golf Course has adopted multiple "Green" landscape and management practices to reduce their environmental impact. They have narrowed its mowed area and planted hundreds of small trees between fairways. The course has also installed a computerized irrigation system, which allows watering to take place over night thus reducing evaporation waste and only the areas that need it are watered. The excess trees have provided a home for local wildlife including foxes and multiple bird species, and countless gallons of gas and water have been saved through their nature friendly practices.

Quig's Maplewood Golf Course supports several local community activities and organizations including Antigo/Langlade County Chamber, Pearson-Pickerel Business Association, and the Big Twin lake Association, as well as local school band and golf programs, local fire and rescue volunteers, local women's shelter, United Way among others.

Trail Building in Langlade County

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

NEWS RELEASE For More Information Contact:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Christine Berry, Executive Director
August 7, 2012 Langlade County Economic Development Corp.
cberry@co.langlade.wi.us
715-623-5123

Have you ever really thought about what goes into an ATV, snowmobile, hiking, biking, ski, snowshoe or horse trail? Well, Mike Riter, owner of Trail Design Specialists’ and trail educator certainly has and spends his time educating folks on Trail sustainability. Recently, Mr. Riter lead a Trail Master Certification Class which covered the latest advances in trail design, construction and maintenance with a focus on long term sustainability and ease of trial maintenance.

Protecting the environment was the main theme throughout the four-day workshop. Since the dawn of time, “rogue” trail-building has been a problem, but things are rapidly changing. According to Riter, trail builders of the past often showed little regard for the environmental effects; however current builders are taking a more calculated approach.

As erosion is the biggest concern when building new trails, Riter uses a pro-active approach giving thoughtful consideration to trail design and placement, natural forces, and user impact when constructing sustainable trails. This is done by designing it in a way that allows water to flow across the trail at the right angles instead of along it.

Both local and non-residents participated in the course, building a section of trail that is sure to be there for many years to come and being that we are branded the County of Trails, having our local residents take an interest just strengthens our Brand to showcase our County to all user groups. Chris Fredrick, of White Lake took the class, “I learned a lot in the classes and the majority of what I thought I knew about trail building was incorrect….I am very excited about applying this knowledge”

Trail Master Certification Class Sponsored by WI DNR and the Langlade Area Mountain Bike Association (LAMBA) took place in the Langlade/White Lake area. This class is held twice a year in various areas around the State.

The course held in Langlade County focused more on non-mechanized trail building, but participants ranged from both the mechanized and non-mechanized trail enthusiasts. Mr. Riter has also worked with the Wisconsin ATV Association (WATVA) as well as various equestrian clubs throughout the State.

On August 17 and 18 at the Langlade County Fairgrounds, Neva Road, Antigo WI, WATVA along with the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) and the Wisconsin Horse Council are teaming up for the first annual TrailCon. TrailCon is Wisconsin’s only joint Dirt and Snow Technology and Trail Development Show dedicated to providing resource material to our State’s vast outdoor recreation trail systems.

This free event will not only offer great opportunities to learn what contributes to the success and improvements to the trails of these sports, but will also offer up opportunities to network with various clubs, encompass innovative products and tools from a wide array of Vendors, as well as a Swap Meet for various snowmobile and ATV parts and accessories. The Wisconsin DNR will also be on-hand to discuss concerns and answer questions. Another highlight of the conference is the Keynote Speaker, Greg Mumm. Mr. Mumm is the National Director for Blue Ribbon Coalition. His stop at TrailCon is one of many that he is doing across the Country. He will be holding a “Town Hall” type of meeting, to hear assessments on our recreation programs in the area. His mission is to gather information to take to Washington D.C. to deliver to key legislators and departments that have an impact on trail riding.

For more information on this event or to learn more about trail building opportunities please contact the Economic Development Corporation at langladecounty.org or at 715-623-5123.

Walkways in Antigo

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

A crew from the city of Antigo worked to finish the concrete walkway this morning after it was poured in the area of the Dairy Queen and KFC/Taco Bell. The city is extending the sidewalk into the northside business district, doing a section every year. The goal is to end at the intersection of Highways 64 and 45.

Langlade County, Wisconsin

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County, better known as Wisconsin's "County of Trails," sits in the heart of the Northwoods, and offers three industrial parks, all with shovel-ready sites available.

Situated in the county seat, the industrial park in Antigo benefits from the town being home to half of the 20,000-resident county. The Antigo industrial park offers cost-effective wireless broadband and up-graded infrastructure along with close proximity to markets and raw resources, affordable land and buildings, as well as reasonable property taxes.

Like Antigo, the industrial parks in Elcho and White Lake are graced with a highly skilled and dedicated workforce. The high level of quality in their work output and loyalty contribute to Langlade County's desirability as a destination for business.

Langlade County has three K12 school districts and is serviced by two technical colleges. The two tech colleges that service the County have highly specialized curriculum's, including nursing, agronomy, manufacturing, wood technologies and police science. not only that, but forward thinking has led to partnerships being formed between the tech schools, business and industry as well as the K12 system.

Another attribute of Langlade County that contributes to its positive quality of life is the brand new, $45-million state-of-the-art Langlade Hospital.

The combination of its diverse industry base, its highly acclaimed education systems, dedicated workforce and abundant outdoor recreation make Langlade County extremely attractive for businesses and residents alike.

Success Celebrated at White Lake

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 CST

Success was celebrated Thursday noon at White Lake.

It was a day to mark what in the construction business is called the “topping out” when a structure is enclosed, at the White Lake High School. A project that got its start in the spring is ahead of schedule, under budget and according to just about everyone who has taken a peek, looking very good.

Earl “Doc” Smith, who has spearheaded the White Lake project for the general contractor, EDS, told the men and woman on the project they had done an exceptional job.

“We are about a month ahead,” Smith told a gathering in the school cafeteria, where they dined on pizza and bratwurst to mark the “topping out.”

He called the people on the project “true craftsmen,” who have kept on working through heat and at times, bad weather.

After the kind words to his fellow builders, Smith explained that the project had been on a “tight schedule,” adding “these guys have made it work.”

He said that as different phases of the project are completed, specialists leave, and that is why he and EDS wanted to recognize the people responsible for the structure as attention shifts to the interior of the buildings.

Smith added that the people who have been involved in the project have been a pleasure to be with.

“They have a passion for their work,” he added.

The project, which is valued at $3.58 million, was approved by 60 percent of the voters in the White Lake school district in a November, 2011 referendum vote.

Ground was broken for the addition, formally known as the Community Recreation Center, on April 19 and District Administrator Bill Fisher said the schedule calls for the winter basketball season to open in the new gym, which will be played on a wood floor constructed of hard maple donated by members of the community.

The project includes the central recreational center, similar to a commons, an exercise room that may be used as a community space, men’s and women’s locker rooms and restrooms, team locker rooms and the expansive new gymnasium.

There will also be a concession area and remodeling to the existing shop and locker rooms.

Positive Reactions For New Langlade County Cattle Barn

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 CST

One of the new attractions to the fair this year is one that will be a mainstay for years to come. A new Cattle Barn is in the works and in use for the fair for the first time this year. Over the past several months work has been going on to replace a decades-old wooden structure with a new steel building.

Rick Schuessler, a member of the committee responsible for the building's construction and funding, describes what if different. "It went from a four-wing barn to a three-wing barn. All the wings are twice as wide. And now we have the beef are able to be in the barn, versus previously in a tent. The show ring is quite a bit larger, more roomier, more airier; it's better for the people, the cattle. It turned out to be a really nice facility." The facility also includes a new animal washing pad and a new milking facility that people can see in action.

Through two days of the fair, Schuessler said the reaction from the public has been all positive. "I was kind of nervous about that when the fair started, but everybody that comes through looks around and says wow this is just beautiful facility it turned out really nice."

Those also providing affirmative reviews are the kids who are keeping their animals in the barn through the fair. One of them is Matt Bowman, who is one of the beef exhibitors who used to be under a temporary tent, and he says the new facility is a great improvement. "We not out in the rain, and so yeah it's a lot more nicer inside. A lot well lit, and you're closer to the ring, and we don't have a big mud puddle that we have to walk through too, so it's a lot better."

Similar sentiments were shared by sisters Abby and Amy Heistad, who are showing sheep at the fair and have done so for several years. "Great cover over top now; we aren't having a leaking roof anymore," said Abby. "The concrete is very, you know, smooth and everything. And overall it's a better set-up, I do believe, than the other barn."

"I love it," said Amy. "It's really fun and it has great space."

The cattle barn is not complete yet as additional work does need to get done regarding the roof and other amenities. It is expected to be completed by the end of September. When not in use for the fair, it is expected to be both a place for animal exhibitions throughout the year and a storage facility.

History on Foot Trails in Old Langlade County

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 CST

In addition to rivers, many important foot trails ran through Langlade County; some following paths established by the local Indians. One of the earliest was the Lake Superior Trail, established in 1861-1862. It started in Shawano and ran to Lac Vieux Desert. The trail was used in winter to drive cattle and deliver supplies and mail to the copper mines in the Michigan Upper Peninsula. From around White lake to Pickerel, it ran along the western bank of the Wolf River. The trail became impassable in summer. This trail would later form the basis for the trails that the lumbermen would use to transport supplies from Wausau and Shawano to the lumber camps. Another foot path that opened Langlade County was the Military Trail. It was commissioned by congress in 1863. The united States was engaged in the civil War and the sympathies of the British and their colonies in Canada were uncertain. Congress wanted to move troops to the Canadian border in case of invasion. The Military Trail ran through Langlade County from Elton through Langlade and Ainsworth Townships. The trail would not be completed until the 1870s, but it served to open up the area Of traders and lumbermen. In fact, some think that the Military Road was promoted more to benefit the lumber industry than for its military utility.

Rundown Of Day One At The Langlade County Youth Fair

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 00:00:00 CST

The 2012 Langlade County Youth Fair officially gets underway this Wednesday. The five day event is expected to bring thousands to the fairground in Antigo for a wide variety of events.

Like years past, the first day will be dominantly a day for the Langlade County 4-H program. Judging for several dozen projects will be taking place during the afternoon hours inside the Multi-Purpose building. Projects ranging from photography to arts and crafts to woodworking to food and nutrition will be displayed in the Multi-Purpose Building throughout the fair for the public to see.

Also scheduled to be judge today will be the Plant and Soil Science entries in the Grey Building during the afternoon, the junior and open poultry entries in the Grey Building at 3 p.m., and swine judging in the Dairy Barn at 6 p.m.

For the public's enjoyment, they can check out the 4-H Horse Show, which will run from 9 to 3 in the Horse Arena inside the county race track. As for the Midway, that will open up at 5 p.m. This evening from 6 to 11 will be one of three wristband times where people can get unlimited rides for $20. As for the main entertainment items, the Grandstand will feature the PI Motorsports truck/tractor pull at 7 p.m. The Midway Music Tent will have Tuscan Road play at 7 p.m. with a variety of music.

A reminder that the fair is free to enter but there is a charge for parking.

by Rusty Mehlberg

An International Flair To Music In The Park This Evening

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 00:00:00 CST

As of now, area residents will have the chance to be outside under the shady trees of Antigo City Park to enjoy this evening's Music in the Park event. Unlike most weeks where local or regional musicians will be entertaining the crowd that come, this evenings performers come all the way from Africa.

The Madikwe Choir, consisting of around 65 singers from South Africa's Western Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Southern Africa, will be performing a variety of native church music starting at 6:30 p.m.

Choir member Steven also explains a certain skit members will be performing they are calling a drama in African languages. "whereby one guy got married to a lady. Somehow the guy think maybe the ladys cheating somehow. And when he started to say 'Hi my wife come let's do this', and then the wife says 'no, I'm no longer interested in you. Then the father of the lady came and intervene because why the father came; the father was paid lobola. Lobola actually means if you raised your child, being a daughter, if she get married there is a certain proportion that I have to pay to say thank you."

As always there will be pie and ice cream for people to enjoy as well, this time provided by area ELCA churches.

Choir members have a bigger purpose than just to perform at Music in the Park while in Wisconsin. That information will be described more during news updates later this Thursday.

by Rusty Mehlberg

'Airplane' Movie Figures Dine in Antigo On Way To Make Tourism Ad

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

Hollywood director David Zucker and actor Robert Hays paid a visit to Antigo Monday afternoon—by car, not airplane.

Zucker and Hays, along with Deputy Tourism Secretary Dave Fantle, stopped by the Dixie Lunch for a bite to eat on their way from Milwaukee to Eagle River, where they are filming a new commercial for the Department of Tourism.

Fantle explained that his boss, Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett, who was joining them in Eagle River, insisted that a stop at the Dixie was in order if the trio were traveling through Antigo.

The trio, by the way, had two egg salad sandwiches and a hot turkey sandwich.

Zucker, who also produced a winter tourism commercial for the state, asked Hays, who played Ted Striker in the 1980 movie “Airplane!,” to take part in the summer ad.

“Obviously, I said, ‘Surely you can’t be serious?’ Hays said Monday “And he said, ‘I am serious and let’s go see a gladiator movie,’ something like that’.”

He was referring to two famous lines from the movie, including one when Leslie Nielsen asks him if he can fly a plane.

“Surely you can’t be serious,” Hays’ character answers.

“I am serious, and don’t call me Shirley,” Nielsen’s character, Dr. Rumack, answers.

Zucker, who graduated from Shorewood High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is directing the commercial — in which Hays’ is fishing and encounters some problems with his fishing rod — in the Eagle River area starting today. It will air next summer in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan and Iowa.

Asked if it will have any “Airplane!” homages, Fantle said Hays’ name in the script is “Ted,” though the commercial has no dialogue.

Zucker directed a tourism spot in December, with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra breaking into a snowball fight.

“David made a symphony orchestra look undignified in our winter TV spot, just imagine what he’s going to do when we let him loose on one of our Northwood’s lakes,” Klett said at the media conference. “We’re keeping the storyline of the ad under wraps until next spring’s Governor’s Tourism Conference but it will definitely be keeping with Wisconsin’s brand of fun and David’s trademark slapstick.”

Zucker said he’ll also direct a fall tourism commercial at some point, depending on the schedule for “Scary Movie 5,” which he’s helping write. It’s now set to film after Labor Day.

Fantle said the commercial’s budget is $250,000. Zucker said he plans to donate his reduced fee toward a tree planting organization in Los Angeles, which he did for the winter commercial as well.

Hays said he had a cameo in “Superhero Movie,” which Zucker produced, but they haven’t really worked together since “Airplane!” — his first feature film.

Hays said he jumped at the chance to work with Zucker again because they laughed so much together the first time.

“It was like winning the lottery for me, they were so wonderful to work with. I just love them and we are all still good friends,” he said.

Langlade County's Jobless Rate Down a Bit

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County’s unemployment rate dropped almost half-a-percentage-point between April and May, at a time when the rate in most mayor state cities crept up.

The state Department of Workforce Development this week reported that 21 state metro areas reported increases in unemployment while 11 cities saw rates drop or remain unchanged.

The situation is better in the northwoods, which traditionally lags the state, with the jobless rate falling or remaining static throughout the region.

In Langlade County, jobless numbers were at 8.5 percent for May, down from 8.9 percent in April. The May, 2011 rate was 9.3 percent.

Around the region, Oneida County saw a stunning decrease in jobless numbers, falling from 9.6 percent in April to 8.4 percent in May; Forest declined from 9.4 percent to 9.1 percent; Shawano remained static at 7.6 percent; and Lincoln fell a full percentage point to 9.1 percent.

Of the state’s 72 counties, unemployment rates declines in 36, stayed the same in six and went up in 30.

Menominee had the highest rate at 15.1 percent while Dane remained the jobs leader at 4.7 percent.

Statewide, unemployment for the month was 6.8 percent.

Preview of Langlade County Breakfast on the Farm event

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County's bi-annual Breakfast on the Farm event will be taking place this Sunday in the heart of the county. The Terry and Sharon Schroepfer Farm, located east of Bryant off Highway 52, is where hundreds of people are expected to come between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to enjoy food and activities.

Both appeared on the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club Thursday to talk more about the event. Terry said there will be plenty of good food availabel for the breakfast that will be prepared courtesy of Nueske at Gullivers. "They have scrambled eggs with sausages, pancakes, our own local maple syrup, cheesy hash browns, donuts, milk, orange juice, coffee, and then we'll have some cheese sampling and then along with some ice cream."

In addition to the food, Schroepfer said that there will be plenty of other activities taking place for people of all ages to enjoy through the morning hours. "We have horse rides from Ed Brandt coming from 8 to 1. We have a kiddie's tractor pull, a jumping castle for the kids. We'll also have a petting zoo, and Alice in Dairyland should be there. We're going to have a candy drop for the kids. Hopefully the plane will hit it right. And then we're having music provided by the Zack Wade Project, and we're also gonna have the LYVE kids perform."

The event is put on by the Langlade County Dairy Promotion Board as part of the annual observance of June Dairy Month, intended to educate people about what takes place on a dairy farm today. Schroepfer said certain activities regarding this will be done including self-guided tours of their family-run farm, county 4-H clubs leading farm animal presentations, and long-time county resident Keith Wilson leading a farm safety demonstration. "He's going to be doing a tractor safety demonstration. We'll have one of our tractors out there with the PTO shaft going, and he's going to show what will happen if you actually get caught in it. So he does have a dummy he throws into it so it's very interesting to watch."

The breakfast will take place rain or shine, but other activities may be cancelled if the weather does not cooperate. Cost for the breakfast is $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for those ages five and under.

Shawano County residents will also have their annual Breakfast on the Farm event this Sunday, taking place southeast of Bonduel.

by Rusty Mehlberg

WPS To Run Energy Challenge For Service Groups

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

Wisconsin Public Service will again be giving away money to community non-profit organizations that try to be more energy efficient and raise public awareness regarding this. This is all part of the utility's second annual 'WPS Energy Challenge'. The goal of the challenge is to have service groups assist the utility in spreading the message and practical uses of being more energy efficient.

If a club is selected to take part they must do several activities to be eligible for the cash. These include having ten club members reduce their energy consumption during the final three months of this year when compared to last year, installing ten home weatherization kits into residences in their home communities, track group member's energy awareness efforts, and secure ten new sign-ups for WPS E-Bill Paperless Billing or Budget Billing.

Service groups interested in taking part have until the end of July to apply, with the utility making their selection of who will take part by the end of August. Up to 20 different service groups will be selected, with the top five that complete the challenges receiving $1,500 and the rest $750.

Last year, the Antigo Optimist Club was one of over a dozen organizations that took part in the first year of this challenge, receiving $1,000 for their participation.

For more information you can go online to wisconsinpublicservice.com/home/energy_challenge.aspx.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Municipal Projects Advancing

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

A variety of construction and utility projects is sparking the summer in the Antigo area.

The largest of the publicly-funded projects involves the reconstruction of Sixth Avenue and Field Street and the sprucing up of the adjoining Peaceful Valley railroad corridor.

In his report to the Common Council, Director of Administrative Services Dale Soumis said that the storm water pipes have all been installed, with the exception of the outfall into Spring Brook, which is awaiting a state Department of Natural Resources permit. The contractor is now beginning to lay in the curb and roadbed in preparation for the new street.

“We’ve solved a lot of chronic problems with this project,” Soumis said. “It will pay dividends over the years to come.”

Elimination of downtown blight is also being done through the private sector, with new ownership of the former Super America convenience store at Third Avenue and Superior Street.

Soumis said the city is working with the new owners to acquire grants to help with the removal of the old underground tanks and ground cleanup.

“No specific plans have been announced yet but it is hoped that a new business or businesses will go into the facility,” Soumis said. “The owners plan to remodel the facility and modernize it and in the end it will become an asset to the community rather than blight.”

In his report to aldermen, City Building Inspector/Assessor Jerry Wilhelm touched on a series of private projects, including facade work by local businesses, the Merit Gear office addition, new body shop at Parsons of Antigo, remodeling of Exclusively Schroeder’s on the south side, the office building being constructed for State Farm Insurance on the north side, and a reconfiguration of the drive-through at Dairy Queen to accommodate a new sidewalk.

The splash pad adjacent to the Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center is nearing completion, he said, and should be ready for young splashers within weeks.

The construction zone at Langade Hospital continues to be a busy place, Wilhelm said, with work scheduled to start soon on the renovations to the General Clinic, which will receive a great deal of alterations in conjunction with the demolition of the old hospital.

And construction of the dairy pavilion/multi-purpose building at the fairgrounds, funded by a mix of county dollars and volunteer donations, is well underway with the structural steel in place for the three wings.

Langlade Hospital Energy Design Paying Off

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

The energy-efficient design of the new Langlade Hospital has already begun to pay dividends.

Representatives of Wisconsin Public Service and Focus on Energy visited the facility days after its opening, presenting a check for $102,000 for technologies included in the construction of the new hospital.

Courtney Wojcik, energy advisor for Focus on Energy, and Fred K. Westphal, account executive with Wisconsin Public Service, presented the check to Administrator Dave Schneider, Ruth Risley-Gray, director of nursing, and Tom Boers, environmental services manager.

When the hospital was in the design and construction phases, Schneider stressed that it would incorporate the latest technologies and be a truly “green” environmentally-friendly structure.

Those technologies include improved wall and roof insulation, energy-efficient windows, a high efficiency chiller, condensing boiler and variable speed kitchen exhaust.

The hospital also includes energy recovery ventilation, reduced heating hot water temperature, demand control ventilation, a dedicated heat recovery chiller, daylighting controls and reduced lighting power density. The presentation was made in the hospital’s soaring new lobby following a tour of the facility.

Langlade County's Relay for Life Event Set For Tonight

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

This evening and overnight Langlade County residents will be taking part in their annual efforts to recognize those who have survived and died from cancer and raise funds to help find a cure. The Langlade County Relay for Life will take place at Listle Field, next to the Antigo High School, with activities starting at 6 p.m.

Kathy Orlet, once again this year's event chairperson, stopped by the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club program a few times over the past weeks to talk about what is new this year.

One of the new recognitions taking place this year is to caregivers, those who take the time and efforts to help those who are suffering from cancer. Orlet said there are several ways they are doing this, including some home-made cards that area residents have made. "They're making up thank you notes that we can have put up in different places at Relay so that the cancer survivors can sign them. And we will have a special cake being made for the caregivers. We're having a special walk for them. The survivors, of course, will go first for the opening walk, and that will be followed by caregivers."

Orlet also said they have made a slight change to the visual way they will be remembering those who have suffered from cancer. "Instead of just having someone up there for the whole hour, what we're gonna do is we're rotating it through. So actually it's going to be up there, the name and the picture, will be up there for fifteen minutes but it will be on a rotation. So actually you will get more than a hour out of the Hour of Hope, but this way it seems like you will be seeing more and it will be more frequently."

Also new this year to help raise funds for the American Cancer Society will be a pig kissing contest. Over the past weeks people have had the chance to choose who from six well-known community figures will have to kiss a pig. The person who had the most money raised in their name will kiss the pig this evening.

For the most part, the Relay for Life event will have many of the same activities taking place. This includes the opening ceremonies with the survivors lap at 6 p.m., theme laps throughout the overnight hours, the Dude Looks like a Lady competition, the luminaria ceremony at 10 p.m. and live music.

Organizers are hoping for good weather since unfavorable conditions has forced the event inside the Antigo High School the past two years.

WACD and WATK will be taking part in the event as well by providing live updates through the overnight hours from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Special Reception Set For Friday For New Book About The Area

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

This Friday the Langlade County Historical Society will be holding a special reception for a recent book release that showcases what life was like in our area during the early 20th century. The book, entitled "Images of America Langlade County", was co written by area resident Joseph Hermolin and Milwaukee-area resident Richard Klatte Prestor. Hermolin, who is the president of the historical society, talked about the reception last week on the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

He said the reception will focus mainly on the photography work of area resident A. J. Kingsbury, whose photos are the main source of information for the book. "I'll be giving a little bit of a talk about Kingsbury and his significance and how he...what he did to help promote in a way this area through his photographs. We'll have a little bit of refreshments and I'll give the talk, and then we'll have a book signing."

Kingsbury gained his recognition with his ability to create photography-based postcards that people could send in the mail showcasing what life was life in northern Wisconsin. Many of his photographs are now in the possession of the historical society.

Hermolin said some of these photos will also be on display at the historical society for the reception. "And we have a number of photographs from the book, reproductions, hanging. So we have a little gallery; people can come look at a selection of photographs from the book." The photo gallery will be up for display until September 10.

Hermolin said that these photographs will also be used as a fundraiser for the society to help pay for future upkeep of their facilities. "We're offering them for sale or any reproductions from the book; we'll take orders if people see something they like, want to hang on their walls."

Copies of the new book can also be purchased at the event and the museum when it is open for visitors. Friday's reception is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

by Rusty Mehlberg

First Farm Market Of The New Season Will Be Held Here Saturday

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 CST

The parking lot at the Antigo Country Store will again be dotted with white tents, inviting visitors to check out the first farm market of the season on Saturday.

The market is now in its fifth year and will run from 8 a.m. until noon or until vendors are out of products.

According to coordinator Renate Bromberg, spring came early and the harvest of frost-hardy crops should be well under way. Samples of lettuce, radishes and green onions will most likely be available in addition to other products such as maple syrup, fresh and smoked fish as well as some craft items.

The first markets of the season also offer a large variety of bedding plants, which will be safe to be set outdoors during the first week of June. The 4-H ambassadors will serve free, homemade ice cream.

For people interested in becoming a seller, the vendor information and application package can be downloaded from the website www.antigomarket.com. Copies are also available at the UW Extension office at the Langlade Resource Center at 837 Clermont St., Antigo, and at the market manager’s table.

Langlade County Continues To Be A Strong Site For Job Opportunities In North

Sat, 26 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County continues to outpace its northwoods counterparts in employment opportunities.

According to the Department of Workforce Development, the county posted a jobless rate of 8.8 percent in April, compared to 9.9 percent in March and 10.2 percent one year ago.

While not stellar, those numbers are far better than in surrounding counties, including Ashland, 8.9 percent; Forest, 9.5 percent; Oneida, 9.6 percent; Lincoln, 10.1 percent; Vilas, 11.3 percent; and Iron, 12.8 percent.

Shawano outpaced Langlade at 7.6 percent unemployment, down from 8.9 percent in March.

Eric Fuller of Ace Equipment Company, which manufactures industrial compactors, said opportunities continue to improve in the northwoods. His business has been growing and is now located in a expansive facility on Cherry Road that was once home to Gallenberg Equipment.

“This are looking good in Langlade County,” Fuller said. “We’re looking for employees.”

The highest unemployment rate in April was in Menominee County at 15.9 percent. Lowest was Dane County, home to the state capital, at 4.4 percent.

Across the state, unemployment rates dropped in most counties and largest cities last month.

“Compared to a year ago, unemployment rates are lower in every county, all metro areas and all major cities except Brookfield, where the rate is unchanged,” Reggie Newsom, the department’s secretary, said. “ More people are working and we expect more people to gain employment in the weeks and months ahead.”

The department’s numbers show that 30 of the state’s 32 largest cities saw unemployment rate decreases between March and April, with Mount Pleasant experiencing a slight increase from 9 percent to 9.1 percent and Brookfield unchanged.

Racine had the highest unemployment rate at 11.2 percent, while Caledonia had the lowest at 3.4 percent.

Every county’s unemployment dropped except Iron County, where the rate increased from 12.7 percent to 12.8 percent.

Antigo High School Fitness Area Open To The Public

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

A new physical education facility at Antigo High School will pay dividends long after the final bell rings on the academic year on June 7.

Using federal dollars obtained as part of the three-year Carol M. White Physical Fitness Grant, the district has created a unique mile-long trail designed to test the most—and least—honed of athletes.

Developed with assistance from the Community Health Foundation and Security Health, the trail is part of a long-range project on the high school block designed to enhance fitness and athletic opportunities for all ages.

According to Tom Weix, grant coordinator and physical education teacher, the graveled trail features five separate stations, each offering a workout for a different portion of the body. Each station also includes instructions for the various levels of fitness, ranging from just-off-the-couch to buff athlete.

“You can vary your workout however you want,” Weix said, noting there are stations for upper and lower body strength, flexibility, stretching, and cardiovascular fitness. “You can get a good workout depending on your cardio endurance and what you want to get out of it.”

Completion time can range from 10 minutes to an hour.

Coming this summer will be a nine-hole disc golf course designed to complement courses already in use north of the city’s boardwalk and at Veterans Memorial Park at Jack Lake.

The trail and disc golf course are part of an overall master plan for the area. Other aspects, developed in conjunction with community groups and volunteers, include the outdoor splash pad for pre-schoolers now being constructed at the Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center, the professional-quality Elleson tennis courts, Listle track, and the aquatic center itself.

“This is one of the nice things going on in this area of the community involving recreation,” Weix said.

Wood Tech Program Caps First Year

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Northcentral Technical College is wrapping up a successful first year for its wood technology programs, which are based out of the state-of-the-art Wood Technology Center of Excellence on the Antigo campus.

The program’s advisory committee recently convened and reported that it was very pleased with the progress of the program and reaffirmed its direction, specifically citing a 100 percent student retention rate and noting how that spoke directly to students’ interest in the program.

“NTC is committed to supporting the wood products industry in north central Wisconsin,” Larry Kind, dean of NTC’s Antigo campus, said. “The response from both our students and industry leaders has been overwhelmingly positive in our first year of operation. We’re excited to continue serving the community by providing our students with the skills needed to succeed in this important field.”

According to Kind, several business leaders also noted that they were anxious to hire students from NTC’s wood programs when they graduate a year from now. In fact, a number of students have already been offered summer jobs within the industry due in large part to their unique skill sets.

The Wood Technology Center of Excellence, which opened in 2011, provides training in wood manufacturing technology, innovation and commerce to program students and incumbent wood technology workers.

NTC Antigo offers a wood processes associate degree, a wood technology technical diploma and a basic wood manufacturing certificate. Included in the programs is coursework that develops skills and specialized knowledge required for the manufacturing, marketing, distribution and end use of wood products.

Students work on state-of-the-art computerized wood manufacturing equipment, including CNC routers, CNC moulders and optimizing saws, while also learning about lumber grading, buying and merchandising.

The wood programs offered at the NTC Wood Technology Center of Excellence are unique to the Wisconsin Technical College System and are not offered anywhere else in the state. Wisconsin is the top state in the nation for wood-related jobs, while the Langlade County region is one of the worldwide leaders in forest products manufacturing.

NTC Antigo is now accepting applications to its wood programs for the fall of 2012. For more information on NTC’s wood programs or to apply, contact Kimmie Kretz, Enrollment Advisor, at 715 623-7601, Ext. 7308.

A Good Start For Newest Antigo Area Food Pantry

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Antigo Area Community Food Pantry opened for use for the first time last week. The pantry is not a brand-new entity, but rather the consolidation of four city church pantries, those from St. John Catholic, St. Mary and Hyacinth Catholic, Faith United Church of Christ and Seven Day Adventist, into one. Two people who have helped to get the pantry operational talked about the first week open during Monday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

Peg Jopek said the first week went well given all the preparation that went into the pantry. "I was surprised how well it went, actually. But it was all of that planning and organization by several people before it opened. You know all the stocking of the shelves there's a definite. Everything went fine. It was great."

Chris Paige said that the site of the new pantry, located on the 600 block of Superior Street near Fourth Avenue, was in good condition for their opening use thanks to all the work done on it by volunteers and people willing to help when they needed it. "If we needed something, you know, if we needed paint, if we needed flooring, if we needed refrigerators, freezers, whatever, you know, we put the word out and it came to us. We got all kinds of donations from the community. They really supported us."

As for food supplies at the pantry, organizers said recent food collections done by the Boy Scouts and the U.S. Postal Service carriers help to fill their shelves adequately for their first days. Paige said that what they need now most is people helping them at their new location. "You don't have to make a huge commitment to volunteer. You can come for a couple hours. You can come once a month. You can come every day three hours. So you know, you can make whatever commitment you want to and still get involved."

As for continuing to keep their food supplies adequate donations will also be welcomed, with Jopek saying you can send them to the four supporting churches that help run the pantry. She added that money donations to pay for food and other needs will always be welcomed. "All of the churches, I'm sure, would like cash donations to go to the Antigo Area Community Food Pantry, Box 194, Antigo, and if they have any questions they may call 715-623-1103."

The pantry itself will be open for people to get food at every Wednesday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 9 to 1.

by Rusty Mehlberg

An Update on the Langlade County Cattle Barn/Storage Building Project

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Anyone who drives by the Langlade County Fairgrounds can see the work being done on the new cattle barn/storage building. Roseann Hoffman, a member of the Cattle Barn Steering Committee who has been responsible with getting funds and plans for the barn completed, provided an update of the project during Thursday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

She said that work has been slowed a bit due to government red tape, but they are confident they can get a key section of the barn underway soon. "Everybody knows that the building is down and the foundation is coming in. The foundation for the dairy wing is complete and we're getting ready to back fill that. As soon as that's back filled, our builders will be able to come in and start putting that section of the building up. So hopefully we'll be seeing that happening here within the next week or so."

The project is replacing the old cattle barn that had been on the fairgrounds for over 80 years. Funding comes from money the county had set aside to upgrade the old structure, but the majority of it is coming from donations.

Hoffman said their main form of fundraising the around $550,000 cost is by getting naming rights for the 170 animal stalls, three animal wings and center show ring. "Right now, we have approximately 70 stalls left to sell. So when you consider that we're $70,000 basically away from our goal thats awesome."

There has also been other fundraising done by other groups for the project, including the 4-H clubs over the past months as they have a $12,500 goal to reach. Hoffman said they are approaching that goal. "Right now the 4-H groups have, are at about $8,500 raised. And they've had several fund raisers. Some of the clubs have stepped up and have put money into it (and) individuals."

Hoffman commented that working towards raising funds for this project has overwhelmed her with how much people in the area are willing to give. "It is just an overwhelming, surprisingly, pleasing opportunity for me to experience this because I was surprise how much the community has stepped up to it."

Even though their fundraising goal is in sight, Hoffman said she and their committee will not give up until they have the funds needed to make this structure the best it can possibly be. "We had the money to cover the barn, and that is what we're at. But now we need to final touches, the stuff that goes inside the barn. And that's what these last 70 stalls are going to bring us."

It is still up in the air whether the building will be fully completed by the time the fair takes place in late July.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Area Schools Compete In Solar Olympics, One Wins Event

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Antigo High School won one of the events at this year's Solar Olympics. The 16th annual event, put on by Wisconsin Public Service, was held Tuesday at UW-Stevens Point.

The event is put on by the utility as part of their SolarWise for Schools program. Over 40 high schools in the utility's coverage area is part of the program. The program allowed WPS to install solar panels to the school building and provide equipment and curriculum materials to help teach students about solar energy.

In regards to the Solar Olympics, each participating SolarWise for School district is allow to enter various items that are powered by solar energy such as a cooker, water heater and model race car. In addition there are entries dedicated to helping to spread the word about solar power though items such as t-shirt designs, photography and marketing campaign.

For this year's Solar Olympics, a total of 22 schools took part. For Antigo, their team members were winners in the Solar Jeopardy contest that took part on campus, testing teams on their knowledge of solar energy. Also taking part in the event was a team from the Elcho High School.

A full list of winners can be found online at wisconsinpublicservice.com and look under 'News Releases'.

by Rusty Mehlberg

New Hospital Doing Well With Opening

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade Hospital is up and running today, and the first baby has already been delivered.

After a whirlwind of activity over the weekend, the new facility opened on schedule at 7 a.m. Sunday morning, making it a very special Mother’s Day for the staff and planners who have devoted thousands of hours to the project.

“The move went very smoothly,” Betsy Kommers, marketing and fund development director, said. “Lots of time and planning went into it and we were actually ahead of schedule.”

Kommers said that while there are a few new protocols for staff to master, the transition from the old to new hospital has been seamless for patients.

“We are offering the same compassionate care as we always have,” she said.

Kommers added that the first baby was delivered early today in the new maternity ward, and another is expected shortly.

Among those working overtime have been the hospital volunteers, who are putting on extra miles escorting patients and visitors from the hospital’s temporary main entrance in the Aspirus General Clinic. They are also guiding people to their appointments in the various outpatient areas of the new hospital.

The hospital’s walk-in clinic is now known as Urgent Care. It is reached through a separate entrance on the east side of the facility.

The opening does not mean an end to construction. Work will now shift to demolition of the old hospital and then the permanent new entrance and canopy will be added

Reaction to Langlade County's Increased Tourism Business in 2011

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

On Thursday we had a story regarding how the tourism business fared in area counties last year. Langlade County has one of the bigger increased when tourism spending was compared to 2010 figures with people spending $42.1-million on businesses the specialize in the tourist industry.

The county's Economic Development Corporation provided their thoughts on the matter with a press released yesterday. The EDC provides services that try to encourage business and tourism growth in the county.

According to their figures, last year's 11.56-percent increase from 2010 was greater than the 7.2-percent increase in spending from 2009 to 2010. Langlade County's EDC Executive Director Christine Berry said that the spending created around $10-million in local incomes and over $25.6-million in state and local revenues.

She credits a well-rounded destination marketing campaign for last year's growth that focused on the county's wonderful and unique natural resources and having a trail for almost every type of recreation. She added that they hope to continue growing tourism with a strong promotion strategy that will include promoting the Langlade County Tourism App and engaging in other multimedia venues.

Most counties in the state saw their tourism business grow in 2011, with the state as a whole increasing eight-percent last year.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Migratory Bird Day Here Saturday

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

All things avian will be celebrated when Antigo’s Raptor Education Group hosts a day of activities for Migratory Bird Day on Saturday.

The event will open with a guided bird hike along the Spring Brook boardwalk beginning at 8 a.m. Participants should bring their own binoculars, with a limited supply available from REGI staff.

“We will look and listen for birds that call the woods and wetlands home,” Molly McKay, director of education for REGI, said.

Watchers should meet at Little League Park.

Action will swing south to the west side of City Park starting at noon with a live raptor program featuring some of REGI’s favorite education birds. Other activities will follow 1 to 4 p.m.

“We’ll spend the afternoon learning about the birds of Antigo neighborhoods while playing games and doing crafts,” McKay said.

At 2 p.m., participants are invited to build bluebird houses from kits provided by REGI. A $5 donation is requested per kit and carpenters should bring their own hammers.

“This is a family friendly event,” McKay said, noting that children must be accompanied by an adult.

How The Area's Tourism Industry Fared in 2011

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

This week is National Travel and Tourism Week, and in response the state Department of Tourism released figures regarding Wisconsin's tourism industry in 2011. The state overall saw an increase in visitor spending of around eight-percent.

When taking a closer look for our listening area, most counties did see an increase in their tourism business. Langlade and Lincoln counties led the eight county area with visitor spending that grew over 10-percent from 2010 to 2011. Marathon, Menominee and Oconto counties saw increases between five to 10-percent, and Forest County saw a slight increase of just over 1.6-percent. Oneida and Shawano counties saw their visitor spending decline by up to two-percent.

Another trend that was noticed with the numbers was that all areas counties held or dropped their employment in tourism businesses. Langlade, Lincoln, Menominee and Oconto counties only raised their employment at or below one-percent, while Forest, Marathon, Oneida and Shawano counties saw employment drop by up to 9.25-percent.

In their press release, the state tourism department credits an increase in state funding in the current state budget for promoting tourism with the increase spending and tax revenues last year. They said for every dollar they spent in advertising, six dollars was returned to the state and local governments in the form of incremental tax revenue. They added their summer campaign to bringing people from neighboring states to Wisconsin will begin later this month.

by Rusty Mehlberg

AREA COUNTIES' VISITOR SPENDING IN 2011
Forest: $10.9-million, up 1.64-percent
Langlade: $42.1-million, up 11.56-percent
Lincoln: $44.9-million, up 13.49-percent
Marathon: $194.7-percent, up 7.01-percent
Menominee: $2.1-million, up 8.75-percent
Oconto: $70-million, up 8.46-percent
Oneida: $176-million, down 1.7-percent
Shawano: $52.7-million, down 0.79-percent

AREA COUNTIES' EMPLOYMENT IN 2011
Forest: 212 positions, down 9 or 4.24-percent
Langlade: 509 positions, up 1 or 0.29-percent
Lincoln: 656 positions, up 5 or 0.74-percent
Marathon: 3,966 positions, down 19 or 0.48-percent
Menominee: 49 positions, unchanged or up 0.12-percent
Oconto: 843 positions, up 9 or 1.05-percent
Oneida: 2,048 positions, down 208 or 9.25-percent
Shawano: 876 positions, down 64 or 6.83-percent

Major Infrastructure Project Advances In Antigo

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 CST

Crews are proceeding at a brisk pace on a complex utility and redevelopment project in Peaceful Valley and major work could be completed by the end of June.

Advance Construction is guiding the reconstruction of one of Antigo’s oldest streets, which originally followed a railroad beltline. During the 1950s and into the early 1970s the area was home to two implement dealerships, a coal and fuel company, machine shop and hardware store.

But times have changed. Only two buildings are still standing in the area, the structure used to check the weight of the coal trucks at the Dakin Brothers firm just south of the Field Street-Fifth Avenue intersection and the machine shop at Sixth Avenue and Field Street, both very substantial and attractive brick structures.

Work includes rebuilding Field from Fifth to Seventh avenue, Sixth Avenue from Spring Brook to Field Street, Seventh Avenue from Milton to Field streets and Sixth Avenue from Field to Aurora streets.

It’s a complicated project, including reconstruction of sewer, water, storm sewer and roadway including curb and gutter, sidewalk and driveway aprons, but so far, things are proceeding rather smoothly.

“The project is moving along quite rapidly,” Director of Administrative Services Dale Soumis said. “So far there have not been any big surprises with the exception that the contractor is having a hard time getting materials delivered on time.”

In conjunction with the Field Street work, Kautza Excavating is preparing to begin work next month on the rebuilding of what has become a no-man’s land in Peaceful Valley between Fifth and Sixth avenues.

The Kautza firm will remove foundations, loading docks and other obstructions in the open one-block area.

An area that has been found to have ground pollution from an implement dealership will be capped with a parking lot.

When completed, the area will also have a park-like feel with lighting, sidewalks and a festival/recreational area.

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce has provided a Brownfield Grant of $153,000 to assist the city with the work including construction of the parking area. The remaining dollars are coming through bonding and the tax incremental finance district.

Work is scheduled to get underway on June 20 with completion in the late summer or fall.

'Sneak Peek' Offers Ideal Opportunity

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

Langlade Hospital will offer a sneak peek of its sparkling new facility on Friday and Sunday and it is shaping as a “can’t miss” event for the community.

Administrator Dave Schneider explained that, although a formal grand opening is planned later this year, Friday and Sunday’s tours will offer an opportunity for the public to see areas that will be strictly off-limits once the hospital is placed in operation on May 13.

“This is the community’s chance to see all of the hospital,” Schneider said, noting that obviously some areas must remain private once the facility is in use.

That means that this weekend’s events will be the only chance, dependent on happy or unhappy circumstances, to view areas such as the surgical suites, which offer state-of-the-art lighting and equipment, to inpatient rooms and the various imaging centers.

The tours will take place on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Visitors should enter through the General Clinic’s main doors off Aurora Street. The actual grand entrance to the new hospital cannot be constructed until the present facility is removed this summer.

Langlade Hospital is not a cookie-cutter facility that could be dropped into any small community from Texas to Michigan. It has a range of features that make it unique to Antigo, exactly as the designers envisioned.

The hospital has the “Three Sisters Cafe,” named in honor of two groups of three sisters. In 1932, three members of the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph came to Antigo to operate what was then Langlade County Memorial Hospital. Today, Religous Hospitallers of St. Joseph Sisters Adele and Dolores Demulling and Jean Bricco serve the facility.

A gift shop operated by Exclusively Schroeder’s of Antigo is snugged in a nearby area.

There is a wall of history, which charts the course of the health care facility from its beginnings through modern day, and the walls are filled with art-quality photographs from throughout the community, taken by local photographers. Scenes, chosen via an Internet-based competition, range from the locomotive at the Langlade County Historical Society Museum to a Music in the Park performance by the MLC Blues Band at the City Park bandstand.

A few areas have special poignancy. The new “Tree of Life” features wood taken from the black cherry tree that once graced the LeRoyer Walkway that had to be removed. The wood spider-webs across the wall, with donors listed on “leaves” that will hang from the individual branches. That same black cherry wood was also used for the pulpit, altar and clergy chair in the new chapel, created by White Lake artisan Tom Gallenberg.

A mosaic with 900 tiles of various colors—600 of them containing pictures of hospital employees—covers another wall near the cafe, with all of them promising to work together to provide the finest in health care.

And the hospital’s soaring main entrance is graced with the stained glass windows that once adorned the chapel in the old facility.

Together, it creates a statement of stability, commitment and faith in the past, present and future.

The $45 million, 97,000 square feet facility is a joint effort between the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph and Aspirus.

The hospital’s features “front of house,” the public areas, and “back of house,” corridors, elevators and rooms accessible only to staff. That will create an uncluttered, yet extremely efficient, traffic flow.

The main level also includes an interior courtyard, conceived as an oasis of green for employees and visitors. There’s a secondary purpose as well, allowing natural light to flood what would otherwise be interior spaces.

The second floor is covered with tough-performing vinyl flooring that resembles hardwood minus the noise and durability issues. Wood-grained nurses stations march down the corridor, with patient rooms ringing the exterior. Each room has double-wide doors, tiled private bathrooms with walk-in showers and sofa sleepers for family members.

The birthing center, accessible through secure doors, has a few special touches as well, including whirlpools for the mothers in labor, and plenty of room for dads and families.

The hospital includes 23 patient beds, three surgical suites, imaging laboratory, emergency department, walk-in clinic and the chapel.

Administration hinted at construction of a new facility for years, with planning advancing quickly after a deal was reached with the city of Antigo that placed it on the grounds of the old municipal pool. The actual announcement, made jointly by Aspirus and the Religious Hospitallers came in March, 2010 with ground-breaking on Nov. 1, 2010.

Designed by Eppstein Uhen, a nationally-recognized architectural firm that specializes in health care facilities, with the help of Sg2, an international health care think tank, the facility was also improved through unprecedented input from staff on everything from the placement of sinks and electrical outlets to hand-washing stations and patient traffic flow.

DISCOVER WISCONSIN GETS GEOLGY LESSON ON THE ICE AGE TRAIL IN LANGLADE COUNTY

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

LANGLADE – An early spring gives outdoor enthusiasts cause to explore Wisconsin’s trails sooner than usual. In an upcoming episode of Discover Wisconsin, produced in partnership with the Ice Age Trail Alliance of Cross Plains, the Merrill Chamber of Commerce, the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation, the Waupaca Area Chamber of Commerce, and Waushara Area Chamber of Commerce, the geology that gives the Ice Age National Scenic Trail its name is revealed. Shot over the past year, the episode will air Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29 on the Discover Wisconsin broadcast network, reaching almost 480,000 viewers across the upper Great Lakes region, including Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan.

Host Emmy Fink takes viewers on a four county journey through the mid-section of trail in the center of the state. Friends of the trail teach Emmy about geological formations that helped shape it. It also features destinations along the trail that will appeal to any Wisconsin traveler.

Emmy visits locations along the 51-mile stretch of Ice Age Trail that covers Langlade County with Dave Mickelson, Emeritus Professor of the Geosciences Department at the University of Wisconsin. Together, they explore the county’s diverse landscape, from steep moraine sides to an outwash plain with rich soil. The Baldy Hill section of the Trail especially tested their endurance. “I have to be honest … it was really challenging,” Emmy said. “But it makes for a beautiful, scenic hike.”

However, Wisconsin’s “County of Trails” has more than land-based trails. “The Wolf River draws all sorts of recreationalists to the area,” said Christine Berry, executive director of the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation. “It is one of Wisconsin’s premiere white water rivers.”

Winding over 1,000 miles across Wisconsin, the Ice Age Trail requires year-round attention. A network of volunteers generously donates their time to build, improve and maintain the trail. “There’s a message that this trail has that resonates with more and more people; it’s humbling,” said Mike Wollmer, Ice Age Trail Alliance Executive Director. “Last year volunteers gave a total of 65,000 hours.”

The episode’s producer, Chad Diedrick, hopes learning about the geology of the trail will inspire viewers to rediscover it. “When you understand that something occurring 12,000 years ago formed the ground you’re walking on today, you appreciate the experience more.” This is the second of the series of Discover Wisconsin episodes featuring the Ice Age Trail. Production and planning is already in progress for the third episode covering the southern portion of the Trail.

Discover Wisconsin is the nation’s longest running tourism program, celebrating its 25th Anniversary throughout 2012. Discover Wisconsin can be seen on WAOW in Wausau and WFRV in Green Bay Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., and statewide on FSN North Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. For more on this episode visit www.discoverwisconsin.com.

Langlade County ATV Trails Opening This Friday

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

NOTICE ATV’ers

The Spring/Summer/Fall ATV trails in Langlade County will open on Friday, April 27, 2012 at 8 am. Side-by-side vehicles or UTV’s and LUV’s will be allowed on Langlade County ATV Trails, as part of Wisconsin’s Pilot Program, and must be registered through the WiDNR.
For further updates or questions regarding the trails you may call the Forestry and Recreation Department at 715-627-6300 or visit the website at www.countyoftrails.com

Langlade County
Forestry and Recreation Department
Tammy Kubiaczyk, Recreation Coordinator

"Rockbats" Manufactured by Zelazoski Wood Products Will Be Highlighted on Fox Sports Wisconsin Friday Night!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

See how "Rockbats" are made from the tree to the finished product this Friday night during the 6:30 pm pre-game show of the Milwaukee Brewers on Fox Sports Wisconsin. Rockbats are manufactured locally by Zelazoski Wood products!

TV Listings include:

DirecTV* 669 & 669-1

Dish Network* varies

Time Warner (Milwaukee) 31

Time Warner (Green Bay) 40

Time Warner (Racine/Kenosha) 31

White Lake Water Taste Draws Honor

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

Take a good drink of water in White Lake, because that is where one of the state’s best-tasting H20 is coming out of the taps.

The Wisconsin Rural Water Association hunted the best-tasting water across the state and after professionals did their tests, it won second place, just falling to the winner, Prairie du Sac.

Scott Popelka, who covers a wide range of things in the eastern Langlade County village including the water, said Tuesday afternoon that the water comes from a well south of the community and is put into the system.

“Nothing is added,” he said, adding that there are no chemicals introduced to the water that comes from the well.

Attempts to order mandatory treatment of water supplies, even when there was no proven need, were rescinded in Wisconsin.

The contest was held at the water association’s annual technical conference in Green Bay, where over 1,200 water and wastewater systems and industry personnel met for four days exchanging ideas.

Water utilities from around the state submitted samples, straight from the tap.

The winner was the Prairie du Sac waterworks, barely beating out the entry from White Lake.

The competition is part of a nationwide "Quality on Tap!" campaign to emphasize the high quality, safety and, consequently, taste of municipal tap water.

Winners will compete in a national contest in Washington, D.C. at the Rural Water Rally, an annual legislative event.

Popelka showing a glass of the crisp, cool and clear White Lake water, was obviously pleased with the healthy and certainly good-tasting drink offered to residents of the village.

Field Street Project Begins In Antigo

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

Field Street was literally being ground to bits today.

A machine that chews up the asphalt surfaces of streets and roads was passing from Seventh Avenue to Fifth Avenue pulverizing the uneven, bumpy and broken street preparing for new sewer, water and other infrastructure improvements and eventually —before July 23 — new asphalt pavement.

The machine that is making mincemeat of the road will also work on Sixth Avenue from the Spring Brook Bridge to Aurora Street, where the sewers, water line and other utilities are due for updates.

The broken pavement will be rolled in the areas where excavation is not underway to allow traffic to use the surface, but caution is being urged.

Advance Construction is doing the excavation and installation of the sewer, Duffek Sand & Gravel of Antigo will do the street reconstruction work.

According to Midstate Associates, the cost of the project on Field Street and Sixth Avenue will be $2.377 million, which includes lighting and in some areas, decorative crosswalks.

A Rundown Of Area Elections Taking Place This Tuesday

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:00:00 CST

Today is spring election day in Wisconsin. People across the state will be taking part in various elections as polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. One reminder to voters as you do your civic duty is that you do not have to have a photo ID with you. That law has been put on hold due to two lawsuits challenging its constitutionality, with a ruling by the State Supreme Court still pending. You still have to sign a poll book and have lived at your residence at least 28 days before today. Also, changes to how voting districts look also took place last year following redistricting due to the latest U.S. Census. Make sure you double check to know what voting districts you are in for the next ten years.

Everyone in the state does have the chance to vote in the Republican Presidential primary. Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum are the four remaining candidates seeking the nomination to face President Barack Obama in the fall. Former candidates Michele Bachmann and Jon Huntsman are also on the ballot due to still being candidates at the time the ballot was finalized. Votes cast today will determine how the state's 42 party delegates will vote at the partys national convention in the fall. Also, all area residents will have the chance to vote for a vacant spot on the state's Third Appellate Court. Former Oneida County Judge Mark Mangerson is the only name on the ballot

Local elections also highlight the voting taking place this Tuesday with county, city, village, township, and school board races. Some locations will be quieter than others due to not having a competitive race on their ballot. This will include the City of Antigo as the four supervisor wards up for election have only the incumbent running on the ballot for another two-year term. They include Third Ward's Tim Kassis, Fourth Ward's Tom Bauknecht, Sixth Ward's Steve Dunn and Eighth Ward's Reinhardt Balcerzak. Also, three area school districts also feature just the incumbents without any ballot challengers. In Elcho the only name on the ballot is Kari Lazers, in White Lake it features Scott Popelka and Tammy Stegell, and in Wittenberg-Birnamwood it includes Kristy Meredith, Tammy Pestka and Tammy Wendler. All seats for these school boards are for three-year terms.

As for competitive elections we will be watching, the Unified School District of Antigo has four people on the ballot running for three spots for the next three years. They include incumbents Gary Hegranes and Mike Boldig and challengers Gary Jaje and Karl Niedermann. One of the challengers is expected to get on the board, thanks to the retirement on long-time board member and current President Gary Kieper.

The Village of White Lake Trustees Board could see plenty of change as there are four spots up for election. Three of them will be filled from a pool of six candidates for a two year term. They include incumbents Dale Kangas and Mary Pomasl, and challengers David Boyd, Joseph Grennell, Cheri Hoffman, and Carol Swim. The fourth spot will be a choice between Judy Peterson and Patricia Listle for a one-year term to fill a current vacancy.

Shifting to the Langlade County Board of Supervisors, all 21 seats are up for election for people to serve the next two years. Five feature competitive ballot races.
-In District Three it is a rematch of 2010 as incumbent Richard Hurlbert again faces a challenge from Clark Palmer.
-In District Five incumbent Dave Morse is being challenged by Carol Gottard.
-In District 13 incumbent Jeffery Zalewski faces a challenge from Dan Schremp.
-In District 16 incumbent Jerrold Burns is being challenged by Robert Aderholdt.
-And in District 19 incumbent Thomas Schultz is being challenged by Holly Matucheski. There will be at least one new face on the board as District Six incumbent George Bornemann is not running for another term. Larry Poltrock is running unopposed for the seat.

What could be the most interesting races in the area will be for some spots on the Shawano County Board of Supervisors. Redistricting of the board completed last year resulted in the board shrinking from 30 to 27, meaning some elections this Tuesday will have incumbents facing incumbents for another two year term. That is most evident in western Shawano County, where three of the four competitive ballot races are this situation. In District 22 it is incumbents Jerry Erdmann and Wayne Thoma, in District 25 it is incumbents Dorothy Dorow and Dennis Knaak, and in District 27 it is incumbents Marion Wnek and Jon Zwirschitz. District 21 had a traditional incumbent/challenger situation on the ballot as current board member Bert Huntington is being challenged by Robert Little. Two other area districts also will have new representation due to redistricting. District 24 only has William Switalla on the ballot and District 26 only has Thomas Kautza on the ballot.

Finally, two area circuit courts have competitive elections this Tuesday. For the Menominee-Shawano County Circuit Court, incumbent appointed judge William Kussel Jr. faces David Winter for a six-year term. For the Oneida County Circuit Court, it will be John O'Melia facing Michael Bloom for an empty judge seat and also for a six-year term.

All of these elections will be the focus of live updates this evening on WACD/WATK starting after 8 p.m.

by Rusty Mehlberg

White Lake's New Gym Floor Will Be Special

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

White Lake is having the modern day equivalent of a barn-raising.

With the ground-breaking for its new $3.5 million community recreation center 19 days away, community members have donated 90 cords of valuable, hard maple logs that will be used to create the gymnasium floor, a symbol of pride likely unmatched in any other public school project.

“I don’t know of another community willing to do this,” engineer Doc Smith of EDS Builders, the project’s general contractor, said. “It’s going to be a beautiful floor and when people see it, they will say it’s our own floor, it’s from White Lake.”

“It’s not unusual for this area,” Todd Lambert insisted. “It’s like the old days of raising a barn. Cut some wood, throw some food together and make something to be proud of.”

The idea dates to just days after the referendum, while Lambert was sitting in his stand the opening morning of deer hunting season.

The community had voted to proceed with the school project through a referendum election 11 days earlier, and Lambert was thinking about ways to get people involved, and perhaps shave a few dollars from the cost.

The community was built on forestry, nestled in woodlands, and home to Robbins Flooring, one of the premier flooring manufacturers in the nation. Getting some folks to part with a few logs, whether from their back forty or back yard, seemed a natural fit.

It was.

“We just started talking and it took off from there,” Lambert said. “Everyone got involved. It’s become a source of pride among community members.”

Dan Wickersheim, who served on the district’s building committee, coordinated the effort, getting permission from the school board, working with a very receptive staff from Robbins, soliciting donations and arranging for loggers and trucks.

“One simple little idea ended up being a pretty good project,” Wickersheim said. At first, organizers hoped they would get a few dozen cords of wood, enough perhaps to allay some of the costs. But it quickly mushroomed.

“As the word got out, we had people giving everything from just a few trees to full truckloads,” Wickersheim said. “That tells you the community is really behind it.”

Donors even included some landowners who had voted against the plan, he said, telling him that “the referendum passed and I’m on board.”

District Administrator Bill Fisher said that is inspiring.

“It’s another example of community pride and spirit that makes White Lake such a special place,” Fisher said. “I’ve never experienced anything like this.”

By the time the last load was delivered to Robbins earlier this year, 30 to 40 landowners had contributed a total of 90 cords of hard maple. Several dozen more volunteers donated their equipment, time and labor.

“It definitely was a community effort,” Wickersheim said.

Robbins marked the wood as a donation and graded the timber as it moved through the milling process. Smith explained that the company cut the district a deal on that process and the school will also get a break on the subflooring—a key piece of the component system.

“We’re getting a college floor for the cost of a high school floor,” Smith said.

And more importantly, White Lake is getting its own floor.

“This is about putting our wood on our floor,” Wickersheim said. “People will take their grandchildren into that gymnasium and say, ‘that’s our wood.’ There will be some sentimental value there.”

Fisher agreed.

“This is going to make that gym a special place,” he said. “It won’t just be a gym. It will be our gym.”

Smith said the wood donors, volunteers, and all the other people and businesses who are involved in the White Lake project will be recognized on plaques placed in the new recreation center.

“This will tell them, ‘this is your building. This is your house. I want you to treat it like that’,” Smith said. “It will announce that this is a community place.”

And he added that White Lake may serve as an example of what a small town, with a love of a community and its children, can accomplish.

“It’s something I hope gets contagious,” he said. “Imagine if other schools and community do this, across Wisconsin or the country. Think what we could do.”

For his part, Wickersheim is pleased, but not surprised by the outcome.

“The school is definitely the heart of the community,” he said, reflecting on tough times in years past when it looked as though the facility could not survive. “As long as we have a school, the community is going to continue to have a heartbeat.”

The Best Cheese

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

THE BEST CHEESE — Master cheesemaker Larry Steckbauer puts a plug in a wheel of prized Sartori SarVecchio Parmesan cheese at the Antigo plant as a campaign will be held Friday and Saturday to name it the “Best Cheese In The World” in Murray’s Cheese Madness Tournament. The winner will be decided by votes, and in this case, not by judges. The highly honored SarVecchio Parmesan is in round two of voting that will start at 11 a.m. Friday and runs until 11 a.m. Saturday. People interested in seeking Sartori and the Antigo plant and cheesemakers win the honor are asked to contact Sartori’s Facebook page for voting instructions at www.facebook.com/pages/Sartori/109174855841668. All votes are eligible for prizes including Sartori cheese.

The Antigo Flats Agriculture Enterprise Area Closer to Expanding

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Antigo Flats Agriculture Enterprise Area is one step closer to expanding. The Marathon County Board of Supervisors approved earlier this week to expand the AEA into their county in the Town of Harrison.

Agriculture Enterprise Areas are part of the state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection's efforts to keep prime farmland as is. One way they are encouraging this is by designating certain areas of the state as AEAs. This allows farmers in these areas to earn income tax credits of $10 an acre if they earn at least $6,000 in gross farm receipts in the past year or at least $18,000 in the past three years.

The state started taking applications for the program back in 2010 after a major overhaul of farm preservation programs occurred. So far the state has 12 AEAs they established last year, with five more being proposed this year.

The Antigo Flats, which encompasses parts of seven townships in Langlade County, is the largest in the state at over 62,000 acres of possible land that could receive credits.

The state Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection still needs to approve the expansion before it takes effect and there is no word currently when they may do this.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Zane Waldvogel Benefit Set For This Evening -

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

This evening will be a chance for area residence to help an area family pay for medical costs for their son and former area youth hockey player. A benefit for Zane Waldvogel will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Antigo starting at 5 p.m.

Back on January 19 Waldvogel suffered critical injuries due to an accident west of Antigo near the intersection where the Highway 64 bypass begins and the old highway continues eastward. Waldvogel has been treated at a hospital in the Milwaukee area and has been recovering there until earlier this week when he got well enough to be transferred to a different facility in Dodge County.

The benefit has been in the work for the past weeks with people who are part of the unofficial "Antigo Hockey Family" putting it together. One of those people is Lisa Sennholz, who spoke of the benefit during Thursday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

Sennholz has been in charge of getting items for silent auctions at the event, and she ran down some of the items that people can win. "We've got an ice auger, which is a Jiffy Stealth STX eight-inch hole. We have a gun, which is a Henry-lover action 22-range. We've have a two-night stay at Eagle Waters Resorts in Eagle River. We've got a gas grill. We've got a 42-inch TV, Milwaukee Brewer and Packer tickets. We've got a power washer, two passes to Fuddfest, Packer and Budweiser neon lights, and a Mole Lake hotel and casino one-night stay that include Crandon race passes for Memorial Day weekend, and their even throwing in a $25 gas card." Also up for a silent auction item is a timeshare in the Orlando area.

In addition to these items, Sennholz said that there will also be a raffle held with three prizes available. "The first prize is a hand-crafted king size cedar log bed, and that's got a $2,300 value. Our second prize is a Matthews-Halley M Bow, which is a $900 value. And the third prize is 500-dollars in cash." Tickets for the raffle are $10 each or $25 for three, and they can be purchased in advance at CoVantage Credit Union in Antigo or at the event.

Sennholz also added that the response from people in the area has been overwhelming to help support the Waldvogel family. "The community has just been fantastic with donations. Everywhere we've went people have been more than willing to donate."

This evening's event is not the only time area residents can assist the Waldvogels. Sennholz said that Jay's Archery in Antigo, owned by Zane's uncle, is planning a special bow shoot on Saturday with prizes for participants and all proceeds going to help the family.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Bids awarded for White Lake School project

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

Preparation for the White Lake School District building expansion project is one step closer to completion. The district's Board of Education awarded over two-million dollars worth of bids for its construction during a special meeting Tuesday afternoon.

The project, approved by a voter referendum in November, will build a new gymnasium, fitness room and community meeting place as well as improve the current tech education and locker room areas.

Approved bids include various aspects of the project such as the asphalt paving for a new parking lot, electrical, steel frame, masonry, painting, lockers and gymnasium seating. Despite a lower turnout from contractors that what was anticipated, the bids will allow several add-ons to be included in the project. This includes additional storage areas in the gymnasium and separate paint and welding rooms in the tech education area.

Some of the bids for the project were not approved Tuesday, such as roofing and epoxy flooring, mostly due to bids coming in over their expected budget. They are planned to be approved during the board's March meeting in two weeks. Also, an easement issue for one entrance area will be taken up by the Village of White Lake in early April.

According to school board President Scott Popelka, the entire project is expected to stay under the $3.58-million budget that voters approved.

As of now, the plan is to start building in April and be completed by late October.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Sartori In The Thick Of Cheese Contest

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 CST

Sartori Cheese has taken two best-of-class awards at the World Championship Cheese Contest in Madison for its high-end Parmesan.

Following judging on Tuesday, Gary Domke took best-of-class in the hard cheese division with his Sartori Reserve Extra Aged Asiago, produced in Antigo.

And Team Sartori Whey of Plymouth earned best of class in the shredded cheese division for its Sartori Reserve Shredded SarVecchio Parmesan.

The awards were announced as judges and the public prepare for tonight’s finals, where 16 best-of-class winners will complete for the grand prize.

This is the first year the international contest has charged admission to its finals, which historically have been low-key affairs attended by just a handful of spectators and reporters. But with a growing number of foodies seeking to outdo each other in their pursuit of local, sustainable, organic and handcrafted fare, the artisan cheese competition has become a hot ticket among those looking to get their gouda on.

The contest held every two years in Madison typically draws more than 2,000 entries from nearly two dozen nations. Usually, only the judges taste the cheese, but this year 400 ticketholders will be able to sample 15 of the top entries, mingle with Wisconsin cheesemakers and meet the international panel of judges. The event is sold out.

“In the past, unless you were a super cheese geek, this is not something you went to,” said Jeanne Carpenter, executive director of Wisconsin Cheese Originals, an organization of artisan cheese fans. “But getting to try 15 different cheeses from 15 different countries, plus meeting the best of Wisconsin’s cheesemakers, people love that.”

Experts compare specialty cheeses to wines: Both have subtle variations based on their region of origin, year of creation and the techniques employed by master craftsmen.

Judging in cheese and wine contests is similar as well. Judges roll entries in their mouths, search for nuanced characteristics and then discard the samples.

The three-day contest began Monday with judges grading 2,500 entries in 82 cheese and butter classes on flavor, texture, body and color. The winner in each class advanced to the semifinals, where the top 16 were chosen for tonight’s night’s competition.

Being chosen best in show can mean big business. Some previous winners have talked about a crush of demand for their cheese following the announcement. After Swiss cheesemaker Christian Wuethrich won in 2006 with an Emmentaler, he raised its price more than 10 percent, from $8 to $9 per pound.

Switzerland has dominated recent championships, taking top honors in each of the past three contests. Wisconsin consistently outperforms other U.S. states. The Dairy State won 21 of the 79 categories in 2010, while second-place New York had six wins.

In division judging, Domke’s aged Asiago scored 99.55, narrowly edging two Austria entries which scored 99.45 and 99.35.

Antigo’s Sartori plant was well-represented in the division, with Aaron Quick of Antigo entering a Reserve Extra Aged Fontina and a Classic Fontina and Domke bringing a Classic Romano. Joe Pagel of Antigo entered a Classic Asiago and Mike Matucheski an Extra Aged Classic and a Reserve BellaVitano Gold.

In the shredded cheese category, the score was even closer, with Sartori receiving 97.60 to 97.55 for a colored cheddar/Monterrey offered by Jerome Cheese Company based in Idaho. Sartori Team Whey also brought a Reserve Shredded Merlot BellaVitano, a Reserve Shredded Black Pepper BellaVitano and a Reserve Shredded Salsa Asiago.

Other Sartori entries included:

—Hard mixed milk cheese: Mike Matucheski, Limited Edition Pastorale Bend, second with 97.15. Winner was Central Coast Creamery of California, 98.70 for a cheese it labeled Seascape.

Matucheski also entered a Limited Edition Mixed Milk Blend

—Flavored cheese with sweet condiments: Mike Matucheski, Reserve Merlot BellaVitano and Limited Edition Cognac BellaVitano. The division was won by a Quebec entry.

—Flavored hard cheeses: Mike Matucheski, Reserve Espresso BellaVitano, Reserve Basil and Olive Oil Asiago, Reseve Black Pepper BellaVitano, Reserve Rosemary and Olive Oil Asiago, Reserve Mediterraneain Fontina, BellaVitano T, Reserve Salsa Asiago, Reserve Balsamic BellaVitano, and Limited Edition Cannella BellaVitano. A cheese from Switzerland was the winner.

—Parmesan: John Griffiths, Antigo, Reserve SarVecchio Parmesan; Gary Domke, Classic Parmesan; Mike Matucheski, Natural Rind Parmesan. BelGioioso Cheese of Pulaski’s Parmesan was the winner.

Regional Economic Development Organizations Collaborate To Support Manufacturing In Wisconsin

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Joni Geroux
February 20, 2012 Phone: (715) 232-5222
Email: gerouxj@uwstout.edu

Menomonie, WI — The Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center (NWMOC) at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in collaboration with Grow North, Centergy, Nicolet College, Langlade County Economic Development Corporation and Northcentral Technical College will offer an opportunity for manufacturers to gain insights and collaborate with their peers and economic development resources on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in Antigo, WI.

The NWMOC, along with its trade association, the American Small Manufacturers Coalition, recently released the results of its 2011 Next Generation Manufacturing (NGM) Study, identifying key trends affecting the industry and steps U.S. manufacturers can take now to be successful in the next generation. The study, conducted by the Manufacturing Performance Institute, finds that this is a critical point in time for U.S. manufacturing, and manufacturers must assess whether they have the workforce, business systems, equipment and strategies in place to successfully compete in the future. While external factors like the economic downturn present challenges, manufacturers can remain competitive by focusing on six strategies assessed by the NGM Study as a blueprint for success. Manufacturers can discover and identify where they are relative to the survey results, where they need to go and how they can get there. Lunch and NGM activities will be held Noon – 3:00 p.m.

Grow North Regional Economic Development Corporation will host their Manufacturers’ Professional Group Winter Dinner meeting activities from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. beginning with a tour of local manufacturer, Zelazoski Wood Products. Guest speaker, Brad Schneider will present “The International Opportunity: the Importance & Imperative for Wisconsin Manufacturers to Become Engaged”. Schneider is the Export Development Manager for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

For more information and to register, call 800.544.3039 extension 4905 or workforcedevelopment@nicoletcollege.edu.

The NWMOC, under the Discovery Center umbrella at UW-Stout, is part of a nationwide network of federally supported Manufacturing Extension Partnerships. The NWMOC provides services to small and midsized manufacturers in 33 counties in northern and western Wisconsin to help them compete in a global economy. In partnership with Chippewa Valley, Northcentral, Nicolet Area, Western and Wisconsin Indianhead technical colleges and UW-Stout, the NWMOC delivers training and technical assistance needed to improve and grow manufacturing businesses.

Last year NWMOC’s clients reported, through third-party independent surveying, $28 million in impacts, 135 jobs created and 179 jobs saved as a result of NWMOC services. Clients gave NWMOC an 8.44 customer satisfaction rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest possible rating.

Nice Weather Spurs Parsons' Project

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The men working for Spiegl Construction are enjoying the sun and mild February temperatures as they piece together the body shop at Parsons of Antigo, a new facility just west of the dealership located at Highway 45 and Amron Avenue.

And the Parsons family is pleased, too, as the project announced during late 2011 is taking shape.

Curt Parsons explained that the goal is to have the new body shop in operation by early June and then remodeling of the existing Highway 45 structure will go into full swing.

General Motors has a plan on the appearance of its major dealerships and there are certain codes that the projects must meet.

Parsons said the showroom for vehicles and sales offices will occupy the area now used as the body shop, and the current offices will become an expanded customer lounge. The present show floor will serve as an area for customers to learn about the vehicles they have purchased and drive them away.

“Our display area will grow from two vehicles to eight,” Parsons said, noting that they will have excellent exposure on busy Highway 45.

“The project should be seamless,” he added, since the Spiegl organization, the general contractor, is erecting the new building away from the busy dealership. When the remodeling begins it will start in the area of the body shop, which is sealed from the offices and current display area, so that can be completed without serious disruption.

And then when the remodeling is done, the business can move to the new quarters and the current offices and display floor can be changed.

Parsons said it is a major project, dramatically expanding the body shop with two the latest down-draft paint booths. Those booths, manufactured by Global Finishing Solutions, are produced in Wisconsin, Parsons stressed.

The dealership is busy and growing and Parsons said it was time to expand for its customers.