Langlade County Tourism

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.

Weather Cancels Dog Racing Here In Langlade County

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Lack of snow has forced the cancellation of Langlade County Culver’s Trailblazer Challenge Sled Dog Races slated this weekend.

The event, hosted by the Langlade County/Antigo Chamber of Commerce and managed by the Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog Club, was originally planned for Jan. 22 and 23 but was postponed to this weekend in hopes of adequate racing conditions.

“We are all disappointed in the weather,” Jan Bootz-Dittmar, president of the Wisconsin Trailblazers, said. “Sled dog racers appreciate the efforts of the Langlade County/ Antigo Chamber and their willingness to be flexible in making the race happen. Thank you to Deena Grabowsky and her staff at the Chamber for their assistance and determination.”

This marks the second year in a row that a lack of snow forced the races to be canceled.

“We are moving forward to try again next year to host sled dog racing in Antigo,” Grabowsky, the chamber’s executive director, said. “I have received positive comments about the benefits a winter event such as this will bring to our community. Thank you to members of the Wisconsin Trailblazers, county and city agencies, and the private land owners for their cooperation and to the local business community for their financial support. Each is instrumental in making the races happen.”

In January, 2010, the Langlade County event drew 92 entries from across seven states. Hundreds of spectators were on-hand to watch the races and the International Sled Dog Racing Association’s Dog and Driver ranked the races in the top three for three of the eight categories.

The lack of snow has played havoc on the circuit of sprint races organized by the Wisconsin Trailblazers this year, with Land O’Lakes being the only event successfully completed. The race planned for Merrill was also canceled. There is still a possibility for a race next weekend near Brokaw although chances of sufficient snow conditions seem slim.

Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Say goodbye to the same old, same old retail Job and say hello to a career with goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin. Work in a culture which revolves around selling donated and new merchandise while focusing on making our number one core value--Putting People First-come to life each day in everything we do to change the lives of the people in our communities. Our organization is helping change lives every day, and we need an organized, energetic, and creative Store Team Leader for our Antigo area Goodwill Retail Store and Training Center.

Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County Gets Technical Boost

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County has received a technological boost, courtesy of a long-standing local foundation.

Jean Lucht of the Remington Foundation was on hand for the unveiling of “The Remington Foundation Computer Center” carved out of a classroom in the club, which is located in what was once the Langlade County Normal School.

“We would like to thank the Remington Foundation board for helping our Boys & Girls Club improve the daily education programs we offer our club members,” Nick Sanchez, the club’s executive director, said. “Their generous donation will help over 600 club members a year and more importantly has brought our youth development organization to the forefront of technology in our county.”

The club purchased the latest in computer equipment—a must in an ever-expanding technological world—with assistance for a $5,000 grant from the foundation, which was established by the late E.L. Remington, a longtime advocate for local organizations and especially youth.

“The goal is to integrate today's technology with children from the great northwoods,” Sanchez explained. “Our belief is if we can make reading and writing more enjoyable our club members would participate in more practice time with our skilled program staff.”

Ten HP laptops were purchased to upgrade the computers where club members complete their homework on a daily basis.

“In addition to homework being completed, the computers are a great tool to have when reaching out to teens and their needs,” Sanchez said.

The club also purchased eight colored Nooks, seven-inch tablets with full-color multi-touch touch screen input. The devices are designed for full-color viewing of books, newspapers, magazines, and children's picture books. The Nook Color also includes interactive animation and the option to have a professional voice actor read aloud to the club members.

“Education and career development is one of the five core areas of the Boys & Girls Club,” Sanchez said. “The Remington Foundation with its gracious award has helped our professional staff be prepared to handle any homework assignment, class project or research work students may bring.”

Scott Lutz from The Northwoods Computer Guy assisted in locating the hardware and new computer equipment at a reasonable price as well as networking the entire tech lab and getting it up and running.

New Langlade Hospital Taking Shape Quickly

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Patients at the new Langlade Hospital, scheduled to open in mid-May, may feel more like guests at a Marriott Hotel rather than a high-tech health care facility.

The $45 million, 97,000 square feet facility is scheduled to be turned over to the hospital on April 4—now just eight weeks away—and crews under the direction of Miron Construction are working at a fever pitch.

Hospital Administrator Dave Schneider said today that the second floor, which features patient rooms, intensive care and the birthing center is nearly complete and work is advancing quickly on the main level, which includes outpatient and surgical services along with administrative area.

The project, a joint effort between the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph and Aspirus, will include some very personal and visible touches.

The bright and airy entryway, which will eventually also be the entrance to the adjoining General Clinic, has a soaring two-story stone fireplace.

The chapel, now in an out-of-the-way third-story corner, is being relocated just behind the main registration desk, easily accessible to the public. Stained glass windows salvaged from the present chapel will show the way. Artisan Tom Gallenberg is using wood from a black cherry tree from the original LeRoyer Walkway, which had to be dismantled for the new facility, for the altar, lectern and wooden accents.

“It’s designed to be welcoming,” Heather Stoffel, the project manager, said on a recent tour.

The hospital’s features “front of house,” the public areas, and “back of house,” corridors 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.

When completed, the hospital will include 23 patient beds, three surgical rooms, imaging laboratory, emergency department, walk-in clinic and the chapel.

There will also be a gift shop, cafe for patients, guests and employees and concierge service.

The May 13 planned opening date will ring in another phase of the project. The existing hospital, which comes literally within inches of the new hospital, will be razed, allowing completion of the entrance canopy. The General Clinic must also be retrofitted for main access from the new entrance.

The hospital 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.

The hospital was designed with the help of Sg2, an international health care think tank, with unprecedented input from staff on everything from the placement of sinks and electrical outlets to hand-washing stations and patient traffic flow.

The building was designed by Eppstein Uhen, a nationally-recognized architectural firm that specializes in health care facilities.

Snowbiking ComesTo Langlade County This Weekend

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Whoever said cycling is a warm-weather sport might want to venture into Langlade County this coming weekend.

Bear Paw Outdoors will host its inaugural Growlers Snowbike Saturday, kicking off a new outdoor activity in the County of Trails.

“Once riders experience the diverse terrain of Langlade County they’ll be sure to return in years to come,” Chris Berry, who is one of the event coordinator, said. “This event not only showcases our great trails in the northeastern Langlade County, but because of lack of snow, really helps the businesses in the area.”

Berry explained that snow bikes or “fat bikes” are they are sometimes called, are rapidly gaining traction in the Midwest as another form of recreation, and the northeastern side of the county is capitalizing on this momentum.

Since the sport is new, organizers understand that equipment is limited and have created a rider pool. Teams can share a bike or ride their own.

Teams will be formed the day of the race or participants can bring their own. Riders who bring a snow bike sign up as team captains or be part of the rider pool. Team captains pick riders from the pool to form a team with a three-person minimum. Teams will race for three hours and the group with the most laps wins.

Entry fee is $25 per rider and helmets are required.

There will be chili, beverages from O’so Brewery, awards, prizes and a bonfire.

The race is sponsored by O’so Brewing Company, Surly bikes, 45 North, Dean Distributing, Fatbikes.com, Langlade Area Mountain Bike Association, and Bear Paw Outdoors.

For more information on this event or a registration form, please contact bearpawoutdoors.com or call 715-882-3502.

Good News For Area 2011 Red Kettle Drives -

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Antigo community led the Northwoods when it came to donations to red kettles last year. The Salvation Army recently released information regarding how much money their annual drive collected in communities in northern Wisconsin.

Antigo, which does include all of Langlade County, saw bell ringers and kettles collect $70,100 over the Christmas season last year. This is a new record for the local chapter, and the third straight year they have gotten a record amount.

As for other communities in and near our listening area, the next highest collected amount was in Rhinelander. Their collection total of $35,153 well exceeded their $30,000 goal. Other community totals reported included Tomahawk at $33,741, Merrill at $20,500, and Crandon at $4,655.

As for the entire country, the Salvation Army said all chapters collected $147.6-million. That is up 3.4-percent from last year's record amount.

The Red Kettle Drive is the main fundraiser for the Salvation Army, and each community chapter gets to keep most of the money they collect to help fund the services they provide throughout the year.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Work Towards New Cattle Barn on Langlade County Fairgrounds Continues

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

It is looking more likely that a new cattle barn will be built on the Langlade County Fairgrounds this year. The county's Public Property Committee discussed the issue during their monthly meeting Monday evening.

The only action the committee took was to approve a bid for the demolition of the current barn. The winning bid will allow the county to get rid of the decades-old structure without costing them anything as two businesses pledged to take care of this matter as a donation towards the new barn.

The bid will result in the entire barn being demolished, something that will go against the wishes of a group of people that have recently gotten vocal on trying to save a portion of the current barn. This group was interested in saving the center ring and cupola with the intent to move it to another portion of the fairgrounds for historic viewing and possible future use. However, the committee said questions on the current barn's condition, the ability for just the center ring to stand on its own and the timetable towards building a new barn forced them not to pursue this request.

As for the new structure, county Maintenance Director Nathan Heuss provided committee members an updated look on plans for it as work is being done by a steering committee towards its design. While the cost of the new structure is looking to be at least $500,000, it looks likely the money will be there to pay for it before construction begins.

A steering committee member said fundraising towards the project, whether it is naming rights or donations of materials and man power, have resulted in current money on hand to be around $426,000, which includes county funds allocated to the project. Expectations are also high that more funds will be raised over the next weeks to at least reach the half-million mark.

If a bid towards a new barn is approved over the next few months, then the plan is to have the current barn demolished in early spring and a new barn up and functional for this year's Langlade County Youth Fair in late July.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Family Dollar Highlights A Quiet Building Season

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Family Dollar is moving, but only a few dozen yards.

The store, a downtown mainstay for years, is relocating slightly to the east, taking over a vacant space next to the Antigo Country Store at 717 Superior St.

The project is among the highlights of a quiet building season, according to City Building Inspector-Assessor Jerry Wilhelm.

In his monthly report to the Common Council, Wilhelm listed several commercial projects underway, led by the Family Dollar work.

The largest and most ambitious continues to be the ongoing construction of the new Langlade Hospital, which is moving at a rapid pace. The hospital plans to move into the facility in April.

Merit Gear continues to work on its new office area on the east side of the manufacturing plant. The area has been closed in and work is starting within the existing building.

Parsons of Antigo has started work on a new body shop on the west side of the automotive dealership. State plans have been approved and concrete work had been completed.

A much-anticipated project that is waiting for spring is the outdoor splash pad adjacent to the Clara R. McKenna Aquatic Center. Plans have been approved and bidding is underway.

Several businesses are also taking advantage of the facade grant program and sprucing up their exteriors. The latest is the new Cirrinity office, formerly home to Computer Frontier, at 718 Fifth Ave. City Gas is also seeking grant approval.

One project that has ground to a halt is the Stellar Development office complex slated for the corner of Superior Street and Sixth Avenue. Wilhelm said there is nothing to report.

Johnson Electric Coil Brings Jobs Home

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

A well-educated workforce is bringing manufacturing—and jobs—back to Antigo from China.

Due in part to a renewed commitment to the latest in employee training, Johnson Electric Coil has regained a large transformer contract from one of its key customers and is returning that production to its Antigo plant.

Appleton-based Miller Electric Mfg. Co., which has been doing business with the locally-based company for years, decided late last year to have Johnson Coil once again build the components that it had outsourced to China several years ago.

Miller is the world’s largest manufacturer of arc welding and cutting equipment designed for manufacturing, fabrication, construction, aviation, motorsports, education, agriculture and marine applications. Its trademark tagline, “The Power of Blue” is inspired by the color of its equipment

Johnson Coil President Bill Bockes explained that Miller switched to Chinese-made transformers in 2007, but returned the contract, which he termed as “significant,” here in December after Johnson Coil made a number of significant advancements in its plant and employee training.

“This represents a sizable portion of business and they wanted to bring it back to the United States,” Bockes said.

It’s one of a series of positive signs for the company, which relocated to Antigo from Illinois in the early 1970s. Bockes said that production is up 30 percent and the fiscal year that concluded on Sept. 30 was the most successful in Johnson Coil’s history.

Between 2009 and 2012, Johnson Coil has added 28 jobs and $600,000 in new equipment, It has also made over $200,000 in building improvements.

“We really have transformed physically and culturally,” Bockes said. “It’s all about making continual improvements.”

“In these economic times, we had to change to be more competitive,” Julie Berndt, Johnson Coil’s operation’s manager, added. “It’s a new way of thinking.”

There are many reasons for the resurgence in business at the long-established manufacturer, including its involvement in a series of training programs focused on the latest in lean manufacturing skills.

Last week, Johnson Coil held an appreciation luncheon for the employees who completed two of the most ambitious programs, the SPARK program through Northcentral Technical College and training through the Northwest Wisconsin Manufacturing Outreach Center. Both are federally funded.

“It’s a big commitment for these employees to go back to school,” Berndt said, adding that the presentation acknowledged that work.

SPARK is designed to recruit and retain individuals for manufacturing careers, with advanced opportunities to work on industry-specific skills in welding, machine tool or wood technology.

Johnson Coil employees earned certification in three areas: critical core manufacturing skills, quality manufacturing skills and manufacturing fundamentals. Students learned critical skills as well as specific study in areas such as precision measuring, quality standards, process improvement, lean manufacturing, production design, process planning and even plant layout.

The on-site outreach program focuses on transforming the manufacturing practices in small and medium-sized industries. Its goals are to improves company cultures and employee involvement, reduce lead time, enhance the bottom line and grow the top line.

Wolfman 2012 Triathlon Registration Is Now Open

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

Wolfman Triathlon 2012
Registration Opens

Registration time again for the 2012 Wolfman Triathlon!

Join them for their 18th year for this very exciting off road triathlon in the beautiful Wolf River area of Northeast Wisconsin. This race consists of 3 segments.

3 mile river race on class 1 and 2 whitewater of the wild and scenic Wolf River
12 mile mountain bike ride on single and double track course on the Nicolet-Roche trail system and the Bear Paw system with a fun and splashy river crossing
3 mile trail run on the banks of the Wolf.

Join in the post race party at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort with a pig roast, awards and prizes!

This year they have changed the registration process by moving to an online system.
Registration opens on:
February 1 2012 at 7:00 a.m.

Simply visit our website at www.wolfmantriathlon.org
Then click on the 2012 Registration link and follow the instructions.

They are really excited about this years race. We hope you will plan to participate in the event this year!

Contact us by email at

www.wolfmantriathlon.org
info@wolfmantriathlon.org

Or by mail at
Wolfman Triathlon
N3494 Hwy 55
White Lake, WI 54491

Wolfman Race Committee members 2012

Pat McCabe
Karen Taras
Scott Berry
Jamee Peters
Raquel Strayer

Saving Langlade County Fairgrounds Show Ring Studied

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Just weeks after the Langlade County Board of Supervisors doomed the 1924 livestock building at the fairgrounds, people who want to save a least part of it are working at a hectic pace.

The county decided in late 2011 that the livestock building needed to be replaced with a new structure using a blend of private funding, cash-on-hand and insurance settlements. Now the wheels are turning with hopes of having it standing on the north end of the fairgrounds when the 2012 exposition opens in late July.

But that torrid pace means that the old livestock building must be razed, and some members of the Langlade County 4-H program and its friends who have great memories inside those walls want to save at least part of the structure.

In the past few days a plan to remove the four wings from the barn and then move the center show ring to the northwest corner of the grounds has been proposed.

A representative of Schuette Movers of Wausau was here Thursday afternoon to prepare a preliminary cost estimate on moving the huge and heavy building a few hundred feet northwest of the current location.

Nick Salm, who has been working on the relocation and restoration project, said he met with Schuette representative and the center ring of the building is — indeed — large.

It is estimated that the center of the building is 45 high and octogon-shaped base is 65 feet wide.

Frank Pearson from Schuette’s said it was possible to move the structure and the only impediment in the shift is a power line.

Salm said he met with the Fairgrounds Advisory Committee Thursday afternoon to explain plans to save the building.

Salm was concerned that the county may have already made an agreement to demolish the livestock building, and that deal would need to be put on hold during the accelerated planning and fundraising phase.

He said that based on an review and testing, it is likely a very “restorable building.”

“The building will need a new roof and some structural work along with tender loving care to make it a showcase of history at the fairgrounds,” he added.

“There is a great deal of sentimental value for the building by lots of families,” he said. “It reminds me of the bandstand when we first started the restoration project and many people said it wasn’t worth saving. With involvement of many citizens, it is now a community showplace.”

Armed with an air of confidence, Salm is doing the groundwork to see if the dairy show arena restoration is possible.

Up-Coming NTC Class at NTC-Antigo

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Legal Issues For Supervisors (Class #62088)
This class will cover the most common legal issues facing supervisory and management personnel today, including:

Employment Law
How to Respond to Legal Charges
Hiring/Firing Practices
Documenting Employee Issues
Discrimination & Harrassment Law
Privacy Issues, and More!

Instructor: Mick Macklem

Class meets on Wednesdays, 4-7 pm starting February 1-March 21, 2012

How Are Area Winter Trails In Langlade County Right Now?

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Winter may be a third of the way through on the calendar, but for some locations the season has not even started in regards to outdoor winter activities. The effects of the weather during the start of the season, which saw little snow and at times record high temperatures, continue to keep some counties from keeping trails open.

Things have changed over the past few weeks as more common weather has occurred for this area of the state. Langlade County Recreation Director Tammy Kubiaczyk provided an update on how the recent weather has been a positive for outdoor enthusiast when she appeared on the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

She said the snowfall on Monday, which averaged around four-inches in Antigo, will go a long way. "Yesterday was a good snow; snow that we wanted to get because it was wet and it was heavy and it's the kind of base that we need to keep the trail consistent so we can...so we can get riders out there."

As of now, Langlade County only has trails open in the portion known as section A, which is north and east of Antigo. Even then there are some restrictions as to what trails are open in this region. Kubiaczyk said that it will take a few days to see if the Monday snowfall will affect any other trails, but she is optimistic. "We're looking at trying to get part of that, where the restrictions are open before the weekend. We're waiting to see. We haven't quite assessed all the trails yet. Not too sure how the south half is going to look just yet and I guess we'll just have to wait and see."

Having good trails in the county will be important, but not necessary, this weekend as the various snowmobile clubs in Langlade County will hold their county trail ride this Saturday. Activities are planned in the Lily area, and Kubiaczyk said it is intended to be a thank you to those who choose to ride on their trails. "It's mostly, in a sense, the clubs giving back to the community. It's there appreciation for the sport, and they want to say thank you, thank you, you know, for giving the opportunity to provide the trails for them. You know these volunteers, they take great pride in getting out there, and they have fun doing it."

As for snowmobile trails across the listening area, no changes have taken place. They still remain closed in southern Lincoln and all of Marathon and Shawano counties, while they are open in Forest, northern Lincoln, northern Oconto and Oneida counties ranging in condition from poor to very good.

by Rusty Mehlberg

'Be Great' youth art exhibit is looking to future at local museum

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

A museum devoted to Langlade County’s past is now filled with artwork representing its future.

The Boys & Girls Club, in conjunction with Antigo Visual Arts Association, is hosting the “Be Great” youth art exhibit now through the end of February at the AVA Art Gallery located inside the museum.

The arts group and youth club are collaborating to showcase artwork created by youth members of the Boys and Girls Club under the leadership of Alex Cmaylo, cultural enrichment director for the club.

Gallery hours are Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and the exhibit will end on Feb. 24 with a closing reception pizza party from 5 to 7 p.m.

Among the work featured are individual youth artist Zen paintings, crisply patterned black and white abstract ink-brush paintings, and colorful sticker paintings.

Also on display are works created as group endeavors where the club members worked together on large scale paintings.

“The children are learning and beginning to understand the dynamics of working as a collective with the creation of future public works throughout the community in mind,” Cmaylo said. “Art has the incredible power to in turn empower these children, convince them of the innumerable possibilities available to them, and to encourage them to participate in something truly American.”

As an added bonus, Cmaylo’s own paintings are on display alongside the youth art.

“It is my sincere pleasure to teach and mentor all of our aspiring ‘makers.’ Their enthusiasm and passion is unparalleled, their inventiveness and creativity is truly inspirational, and their interest and enthusiasm is an example for us all,” Cmaylo said. “These are our adult artists of the future.”

The local club is joining more than 4,000 facilities across the country in a search to identify talented young artists as is part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s National Fine Arts Exhibit program. The program promotes creativity and encourages members to develop their artistic skills and experience cultural enrichment.

Selected individual artwork will be screened at the local and regional levels and will be eligible for judging at the Boys and Girls Club of America’s Atlanta national headquarters. Thirty-seven national winners will be named and their artwork displayed at special events throughout the year.

AVA director Bette Ebel encouraged the families of these young artists and all community members to view the “Be Great” exhibit.

“This show is vibrant and full of the spontaneity that makes youth art so enjoyable,” Ebel said. “ We can certainly see the inspiration taken from Cmaylo’s own paintings that motivated the club members to paint freely and enjoy the painting process. Children and painting are a wonderful combination, resulting in total enjoyment for the art creators and for the viewers of the work.

“AVA is pleased to collaborate with the Boys and Girls Club to host this bright and naïve yet sophisticated collection of youth art,” Ebel added. “We are happy to provide the opportunity for the young artists to become active members of the local art community and to display their art in a formal gallery setting.”

The art association plans on future collaborative exhibits through partnering with a variety of community resources, Ebel said, with a gallery calendar full of exhibits scheduled into 2013. It will include a series of “Undiscovered Area Artists” exhibits in the near future.

Economic Development Corporation to hold Lunch and Learn event

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Next week Tuesday the Langlade County Economic Development Corporation will be holding a Lunch and Learn event to help businesses in the county get information out about them better online. Corporation Executive Director Christine Berry talked about the event during Thursday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

Berry said the event will have two focuses. The first will be a presentation by Brad Gegare from DMiNTERACTIVE to showcase what can be done online in the form of advertising. "It's to introduce all the wonderful high tech, technological marketing tools that are out there for businesses to utilize."

Berry said the other purpose of the event will be to reintroduce the corporation to businesses. The corporation has made a few changes over the past year with a new location and new name, but the same focus is there. "One of our missions is to market Langlade County as a destination; whether that be business, tourism, workforce, ag, education, health care, you name it. We want to market Langlade County as a destination...not to point a cliche, but to live, work and play."

The free event will be held at the corporation's location at the Antigo Northcentral Technical College and start at noon. More information on the event and how to register can be found online at langladecounty.org or calling 715-623-2085.

by Rusty Mehlberg

School District of Antigo Plans Another Vote On New Elementary Complex April 3

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

The Antigo school board, on a very close vote, will try again to construct a central elementary school.

At a special meeting Tuesday, the board voted 4-3 to repeat its $24 million school referendum in conjunction with the spring general election on April 3.

In favor were Board President Gary Kieper, who broke a 3-3 tie, Sally Cahak, Roseann Hoffman and Miles Stanke.

“I think the best chance of passing this is running it right away,” Kieper said, stressing it was a difficult decision.

Opposed were Beth Bockes, Mike Boldig and Joe Kretz, who suggested the board should take more time before repeating the attempt.

Dr. Gary Hegranes and Andy Merry were absent.

The board will hold a special meeting next Monday evening to begin the legal paperwork process to get the issue on the ballot.

“It’s what should be done for the good of the Antigo school district and the children of the school district,” Kieper said.

The $24 million elementary building plan lost by just 56 votes in November, prompting supporters attending a board meeting a few weeks later to urge another try.

“It’s much too important an issue to shut the door and walk away from,” former board member Joe Schroeder said at the board’s Nov. 22 meeting. “It’s the right thing to do for our community.”

Other agreed.

“We came really close,” Matt Shinners said, suggesting that if the board repeated the referendum, more people—including college-age students eligible to vote through absentee ballots—might hit the polls.

“There is the potential of putting more people out there to vote, and they would vote yes,” he said. “It would take more effort.”

Kieper said that, with Tuesday’s decision, it is time for those parents of school-age children to promote the plan, calling it key to any success.

At that time, parents said there was also a feeling that some rural residents voted against the referendum because they felt the board was bluffing when it warned of the dramatic grade shifts that would result if it failed.

Kieper said that planning for those shifts will continue.

The consolidation option calls for melding the district’s seven elementary facilities into the city’s North, West and East Elementary Schools. Each building will house students in pre-kindergarten through grade three with an average class size of 26 students. The Middle School will be reconfigured for grades four through seven, from its current grade six to eight setup. The high school will be expanded to include grade eight.

The referendum plan seeks $24 million to replace all seven small elementary schools with one central facility that would be constructed near the present high school.

Board officials have repeatedly stressed that the new school would assure all students in the district equal educational opportunities, ending the days, for example of fifth grade music classes nudged in the corners of gymnasiums or art programs operated out of storerooms. It will also offer vastly improved facilities, including access to the Clara R. McKenna indoor aquatic center.

The central site near the high school would also allow consolidation of staff and resources, bringing operational savings of $1.3 million a year, a savings that officials said is vital to the future economic health of the school district.

Although some tweaking of the final design is possible, the proposed school would be a 150,340 square foot building, with 160 to 240 students per grade level and a total capacity of 960 to 1,440. It would be divided into sections, or pods, based on the various grades, with 10 classrooms per section.

If the referendum is successful, the facility would be opened in fall, 2014.

Skiers, Snowmobilers Wait For Snow

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Two words are on the lips of every skier and snowmobiler in Langlade County, and across much of the northwoods.

“THINK SNOW.”

A lack of significant snow has put the brakes on many outdoor activities. And while couch potatoes are loving the moderate to mild temperatures, winter enthusiasts are hoping for some cold and snow to heat the sports action.

“We know people are anxious to ride,” Tammy Kubiaczyk, the Langlade County Forestry Department’s recreation coordinator, said. “But there’s just not enough snow.”

Kubiaczyk said that snowmobile clubs have been packing and padding the trails with the snow that is there, but several more inches are needed to make for a safe and pleasurable ride.

And she stressed that snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and four-wheel drive trucks are not allowed on closed trails under county ordinance, although a few find there way onto the closed systems, often doing significant damage, every year.

“We’re asking everyone to stay off those trails,” she said.

For silent sports enthusiasts, the news is only slightly better.

The Moccasin Lake ski trail, located west of Elcho off Moccasin Lake Road, is open, groomed and tracked, and Chuck Wetzel of the Elcho Cross Country Ski Club reported “good to very good” conditions for both classical and skate skiers.

The trail is located in a heavily wooded highland and traditionally holds its snow a bit better than those closer to Antigo.

Closer to town, the Jack Lake system has been packed but not track set, something that may happen later this week depending on weather conditions. Tom Lazers, who handles the grooming there for the forestry department, said it is “skiable but not in good condition.”

“It’s a start,” he said.

And to the east, at Gartzke Flowage, Mike Winski of the Antigo Bike and Ski Club reported that the trail is packed but no tracks have been set.

“The best trails will be in the grass areas and swamp areas are still quite rough,” he said.

Trails at Bear Paw Outdoor Recreation Resort, Silver Birch Ranch and in the city of Antigo are all awaiting more snow.

Those anxious to hit the slopes at Kettlebowl are also waiting, although Gordie Schofield of the Antigo Ski Club, which maintains the hill northeast of Antigo, said it is not uncommon for the recreational area to still be closed.”

“We’ve had this before,” Schofield said. “We’ve had many years where we haven’t opened until well into January.”

Schofield said that with Kettlebowl’s limited base, snowboarders and skiers would be running on dirt after just a few hours, and that would be unsafe as well as lacking in fun.

“We just don’t have the base yet,” he said. “We need another four to six inches of snow before we can even think about opening.”

There are winter sports opportunities for those willing to travel.

Snowmobiles trails are open, although certainly not in ideal condition, in Oneida, Vilas, Iron and Price counties and Lincoln plans to open the gates on a portion of its system north of highways J and 86, on Thursday.

Winter lovers are adapting.

The Antigo Bike and Ski Club went ahead with its breakfast at Gartzke Flowage over the weekend, encouraging those wearing hiking boots rather than snowshoes or skis to enjoy the trails.

And the Department of Natural Resources to make some changes to upcoming candlelight ski events scheduled in January and February at state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas, beginning with five events Saturday. The DNR said if there isn’t enough snow the events will be held as candlelight hikes or may be canceled if frozen ground is hazardous to hiking.

The forecast is not promising. A January thaw is predicted over the next couple days, with the mercury approaching 40 degrees by Friday. It will stay fairly warm as well, with temperatures in the 30s well into next week. As for snow, nary a flake.

But this is northern Wisconsin, so stay tuned.

Antigo Bike and Ski Club to hold breakfast event on Saturday

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

It is not expected that any snow that will fall this Thursday will be enough to open area winter trails for snowmobiles and cross county skiers anytime soon. No matter what the conditions are outside this weekend, the Antigo Bike and Ski Club will be holding their second-annual "Breakfast at Gartzke" event on Saturday morning. Club member Joe Hermolin talked about the event and the club during Wednesday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club.

The lack of snow may not be good for the recreation lover, but Hermolin says it does give the club plenty of time to ensure the trails at Gartzke Flowage, located in the Town of Polar, are ready for when the snow falls. "Mowing, because it is available for hiking on the trails, and every fall and in the spring we do some major trail work. So were ready for the snow."

As for the event, the club did it for the first time last year and got a good result with around 60 people showing up. Hermolin is hopeful that it is just as popular this year, which starts at 8 a.m. "We'll have waffles, sausages, people can bring if they have their favorite toppings. We'll have coffee and hot chocolate all at the shelter. There is a shelter...cozy little building; we have a fireplace there, it will be warm, picnic benches."

Hermolin adds that the event is intended for both club members and non-members as it is a way for the Antigo Bike and Ski Club to get more information out about them and see if they can get new members to join. "We want to introduce people, and I should say families too. We try to be a children friendly group. I hope that families with little kids come and introduce the kids to these kind of activities. And it is for members and non-members, particularly non-members, like to get them all involve in some sort of outdoor activity."

More information about the club can be found online at antigobikeandskiclub.com.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Fundraising Underway For New Cattle Barn on Langlade County Fairgrounds

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Last week, the Langlade County Board of Supervisors approved to have the current cattle barn on the county fairgrounds be replaced by a new building. The county is putting forward $245,000 towards the project. However, with the cost estimated to be up to $430,000 the rest of the money needs to be fundraised. This is where a recently-created steering committee comes in.

Chairperson Dennis Mattmiller talked about their fundraising efforts during Tuesday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club. He says that the end of use for the current cattle barn, which has been around for decades, can be tough to swallow but is needed. "We hate to see it be torn down, but it's just not feasible to fix it anymore. There's so much problems with it, and you're just putting good money towards bad. So it doesn't pay to do that."

The new building is currently designed to have three wings for housing animals, with a center ring area and seating for show events. Additional accommodations are also in the works such as a milking parlor and meeting spaces.

As for the fundraising, the committee has come up with several ideas to help raise the needed funds. Mattmiller details one that is currently underway. "And what we came up with is to sell a stall for $1,000, so that will bring us $180,000. And basically that's what we need is 180,000 to start the project."

Mattmiller says that the committee has already raised $75,000 towards the project prior to the county board's decision, with some of it going towards other work for the project. "We've got some excavation work that's been donated to get the barn torn down and get the site ready. So that's been donated, which is going to save us about $15,000. So everything is taking place, we've just got to finish it."

Overall, the purpose for the building is to create a structure that will be around for decades and provide quality space for youth showing off cattle, pigs, sheep and other animals during the Langlade County Youth Fair. Mattmiller says the new structure can also bring events to Langlade County for the youth all year round. "They have 4-H deals all over the state of Wisconsin, and because of our facility we can't host any of them. So everybody's traveling all over to do that, and we're hoping that we can bring one of those events to Antigo."

Those who want more information on the project or are willing to donate to it, you can contact Mattmiller at 715-219-0942.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Wittenberg-Based Communications Company Buys Antigo Business

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

An area communications company is expanding its presence in Antigo after purchasing a local computer business. Wittenberg Telephone Company announced Wednesday it has purchased Computer Frontier, and the company will be operating under the new name Cirrinity.

Wittenberg Telephone is no stranger to Antigo after it bought the city's broadband utility back in June of 2010.

In a press release on the acquisition, Wittenberg Telephone CEO Al Mahnke said that they are committed to providing their services to the City of Antigo. He continues "we know the community will benefit, and we anticipate this will further attract businesses to the area."

Computer Frontier, which had been around since 1997, provided computer sales and services along with wireless internet service. Former owner Brice Widener has been hired by Wittenberg Telephone to serve customers in the Antigo area.

Mahnke also said in the press release that current customers of Computer Frontier will not experience any interruptions in their service during the transition. Anyone with questions about the new company can call 888-999-0334.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Prep Work Underway For White Lake School Building Project

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

While construction will not begin until spring, preparation work is in full swing for the addition project to the While Lake School building. The district's Board of Education approved the first recommendations towards the project during their December meeting Tuesday evening.

Representatives from the building firm EDS provided details on what a community-based building task force decided on regarding what materials and colors will be used for the project. The board also got a more detailed plan on what the project will look like; which will include a new gymnasium, exercise room and meeting place along with improvements to the current locker rooms and tech ed areas.

As for the financing for the project, a representative from Robert W. Baired financial group provided details on how the bond for the project will be issued. The plan is to have the sale of the bond take place in January with it finalized by early February. The representative provided more details on how the bond will be issued, including the plan to pay it back. The rep said that payback will take no more than 16 years and it will be done within the levy limit proposed in the recently passed referendum.

Other actions items taken by the board at their meeting included approval of the senior class trip for the school year, approved amendments to their budget to reflect the referendum, approved the audit report for the districts 2010/2011 budget, and approved a voting representative for the upcoming WASB convention.

Information items the board got at their meeting included an update on the NDEN program and what could be done if it is discontinued, a review of new policies related to head lice control and prevention, and the possibility of a logo design contest in the near future for a new look to the Lakers symbol. The board also met in closed session to discuss staffing and current negotiations.

by Rusty Mehlberg

PHOTO CAPTION: (top) Representatives from EDS show the school board some of the materials that will be used to build the addition to the White Lake School building. (bottom) A view of the detailed plans for the addition.

County Board Races Taking Shape

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

With two weeks until the filing deadline, several races are shaping for seats on the Langlade County Board of Supervisors.

Supervisors in all 21 districts face re-election this year, and candidates and incumbents have until Tuesday, Jan. 3 to file nomination papers. Incumbents who have decided not to seek re-election are asked to file declarations of non-candidacy by Tuesday, Dec. 27, an extended deadline due to the Christmas holiday and shortened office hours.

As of today, races are shaping in three districts and more could certainly develop.

In District 6, which encompasses the city’s Sixth Ward, Larry Poltrock has taken out nomination papers to challenge incumbent George Bornemann, who has not filed any paperwork to date.

In District 13, which includes the town of Antigo Ward 1, incumbent Jeffrey Zalewski will be challenged by Dan Schremp, the county’s former maintenance director. Both have returned their nomination papers.

In District 19, the town of Polar Ward 1 and town of Price Ward 2, incumbent Thomas Schultz has filed his nomination papers. Holly Matucheski, who has just retired as director of the Langlade County Health Department, has taken out papers, but not returned them.

The status of other seats include:

—District 1, Antigo’s First Ward: Incumbent Robert Benishek has taken out papers.

—District 2, Antigo’s Second Ward: Incumbent Judy Karpf has taken out papers.

—District 3, Antigo’s Third Ward: Incumbent Richard Hurlbert has filed his nomination papers.

—District 4, Antigo’s Fourth Ward: Incumbent Douglas Nonnenmacher has taken out nomination papers.

—District 5, Antigo Fifth Ward: Incumbent David Morse has not yet taken out papers.

—District 7, Antigo’s Seventh Ward: Incumbent Vern Cahak has filed his nomination papers.

—District 8, Antigo’s Eighth Ward: Incumbent Patricia McKinney-Rice has taken out nomination papers,

—District 9, Antigo’s Ninth Ward: Incumbent Dale Dahms has filed his nomination papers.

—District 10, town of Antigo Ward 2 and town of Rolling Ward 1: Incumbent Arlene Bonacci has filed nomination papers,

—District 11, town of Rolling Ward 2: Incumbent Ron Nye has filed nomination papers.

—District 12, town of Norwood and town of Polar Ward 2: Incumbent Gene Kamps has filed nomination papers.

—District 14, the towns of Ackley, Parrish, Summit and Vilas: Incumbent Rick Bina has filed nomination papers.

—District 15, town of Elcho Ward 1: Incumbent Richard Olsen has filed nomination papers.

—District 16, town of Ainsworth, town of Elcho Ward 2 and town of Langlade Ward 2: Incumbent Jerrold Burns has filed his nomination papers.

—District 17, town of Evergreen, town of Langlade Ward 1 and town of Wolf River Ward 2: Incumbent William Bostwick has taken out nomination papers.

—District 18, town of Wolf River Ward 1 and village of White Lake: Incumbent Michael Klimoski has filed nomination papers.

—District 20, town of Neva and town of Price Ward 1: Incumbent David Solin, the board chairman, has taken out nomination papers.

—District 21, towns of Peck and Upham: Incumbent Jim Jansen has filed nomination papers.

Antigo/Langlade County Community Event Calendar

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

A great number of community-oriented people are pooling their resources to develop a one-stop calendar for residents and visitors to Langlade County. Check out this awesome new activity, program and event resource. it's just a click away, and available on your favorite community websites. Find out about big events that will be in the area, or get information on local sporting events, swim lessons, library activities, family programming, or various meetings and announcements. This calendar will grow with the community and we welcome your feedback and input as the calendar is developing.

This calendar is made possible through cooperative efforts from a number of groups, individuals and organizations within Langlade County.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce
Antigo Public Library
Boys & Girls Club of Langlade County
City of Antigo
Family Corner Resource Center
Langlade County Economic Development Corporation
Langlade County Health Department
UW-Extension
Unified School District of Antigo

Cityof Antigo Moves Ahead With Resolution To Condemn Blighted Convenience Store

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

A blighted downtown convenience store must be either cleaned up or it will be torn down at its owner’s expense under a resolution approved by the Antigo Common Council Wednesday.

At its regular monthly meeting, aldermen voted unanimously to commence condemnation proceedings on 803 Superior St., the former SuperAmerica gas station and convenience store, and directed the city attorney to begin the legal action if the property is not brought up to current building codes.

“This is to start the procedure, not to complete it,” Director of Administrative Services Dale Soumis said. “This is the first step.”

Soumis explained that under the terms of the resolution, the property owner must make repairs to the exterior and remove the deteriorated pumps and light fixtures.

If the work is not done in a timely manner, the city could move in and demolish the property as an “attractive nuisance,” meaning it is ripe for vandalism, illegal activities and creates general health hazards. The cost of the process would be charged back to the property owner on the tax bill.

Renting the city-owned Edison Club will become a bit less cumbersome under a resolution that won easy approval by aldermen. It grants authority to rent the building to the Economic Development Committee, rather than requiring action by the full council.

The building has flickered back to life as a large entertainment venue in recent weeks and the city is in the process of developing plans to offer it for sale and return it to private hands. But renting it has required approval by the full common council, which has created some scheduling setbacks and, in one case, forced a quick special meeting almost on the eve of a planned event.

In a related move aldermen accepted a proposal from Kulp’s of Stratford LLC to put a new roof on the structure for $46,800, plus $1,200 to purchase the additional manufacturer’s 15-year warranty. Dollars will be taken from the public improvement fund.

Aldermen took action to begin building a reserve fund for the reconstruction of Fifth Avenue through downtown, a project that has been pushed back to about 2015. The council unanimously backed a resolution placing repayments from tax incremental finance districts into a special reserve fund to help cover the $3 million estimated cost.

The city has been making up TIF bond payments through its general fund for years as the districts struggled but the areas are beginning to generate sufficient tax dollars to begin repaying the amounts. The approved resolution noted that the city’s general fund “is currently in good financial condition” and redirected the money to the major reconstruction project.

The city’s reconfiguration of its police and fire departments, a move started as a cost-saving measure at budget time, formally has a director following council action.

The council ratified Mayor Bill Brandt’s appointment of Police Chief Eric Roller to the new position as of Jan. 1.

Related resolutions set the public safety director’s annual salary at $82,075 while keeping the fire chief’s salary, which will becomes subordinate position frozen at its current level for four years to establish parity. The position of police captain was adjusted.

In other matters, aldermen:

—approved 2012 health and dental insurance rates through its self-funded plan. Monthly health premiums range from $1,589 for family to $593 for single coverage. Dental starts at $26 for single and tops out at $93.60 for family coverage.

—inked a series of utility budgets for 2012 pending formal action to raise water and sewer rates sometime next year.

—entered into an agreement with Eastview Medical and Rehabilitation Center that will pay the city ambulance service $201 for non-emergency transports of patients from Langlade Hospital to the nursing facility.

—accepted bids for gasoline and diesel fuel purchases and squad car service. Draeger Oil Company won the fuel bid for 10.3 cents off the pump price plus the BP gas card rebate of an additional 3 percent off the pump price. Marty’s Shell will service squad cars for $39.95 per month per vehicle.

—purchased a ground thawer and generator costing up to $3,000 for winter grave openings.

—authorized the Police Department to buy a digital SLR camera costing up to $3,500 to assist in evidence collection.

—and adjusted guidelines to the popular facade grant program to reflect that work done prior to 30 days of the application’s approval is not eligible for reimbursement. A related resolution appropriated an additional $20,000 to the program.

AmeriGas Buys Assets of Antigo's Master Gas, Settles in on Neva Road

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

The telephones at the AmeriGas offices on Neva Road are being answered with a salutation that tells callers that the firm is the “proud new owner of Master Gas.”

One of Antigo’s family-owned firms was sold to the national organization earlier this month capping more than 62 years in business delivering propane fuel and marketing and serving a wide range of heating and air conditioning equipment across the northwoods.

Tina Jones, who serves as sales and service manager for the Antigo and Rhinelander AmeriGas operations, said the firm is pleased to expand its services here.

“We have retained all of the Master Gas personnel,” she said this morning.

Jones explained that AmeriGas has been in Antigo for a number of years and when the opportunity arose to acquire the Master Gas firm it seemed to be a “perfect fit.”

“We offer the customers of Master Gas Service Co. the most sincere welcome to the AmeriGas family,” Jones said. “You have our commitment to provide you reliable, safe and responsible propane service.”

She added that during the transition of the two firms there will be no disruption or changes in service.

“All of the Master Gas Service Co. employees came with us,” Jones said, adding that she and AmeriGas were delighted to have them on board.

Jerry Rice, who with his wife, Eunice owned Master Gas, explained that the company was developed by the owners of City Gas in 1949 to provide propane fuel resources while the firm worked to bring the natural gas pipeline to the area in 1960.

“It was developed into a very good business,” Rice said, adding that the decision was made to sell it for a number of internal reasons.

Jones explained that the AmeriGas organization has been offering service since 1959, and currently has more than 1.3 million customers in nearly all of the 50 states.

“That has made us America’s largest marketer of propane,” she added, “we use the size of our organization to put customers at an advantage every day.”

She stressed that the combination of Master Gas Service Co. and AmeriGas will be virtually seamless, because the combination of Master Gas Service Co. and AmeriGas employees brings together many years of experience that all customers will be able to drawn from.

Jones and Rice are confident that the joining of the businesses will be a positive situation for all involved.

Ice Fishing A Growing Activity

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

The unseasonably warm and rainy weather means that “hard water” anglers won’t be hitting their favorite holes anytime soon, but when the season opens record number of anglers are expected.

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, a national recreational survey found that over 110,000 more Wisconsinites are ice fishing these days than a decade ago

"Clearly more people are getting interested in ice fishing in Wisconsin, which is great," Mike Staggs, Wisconsin's fisheries director, said. "It's a low cost way to try fishing or to extend your season if you're a veteran open water angler. It's as easy as drilling a hole—or finding a hole someone else left behind—and using some basic equipment to catch some fish for dinner."

An estimated 590,700 Wisconsin residents 16 and over report they ice fish, up from 479,900 in 2000, according to the most recent National Survey on Recreation and the Environment. Department of Natural Resources staff are using results from the federally funded survey and other studies to develop its 2011-2016 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

Terry Margenau, a DNR fish supervisor in Spooner and an avid ice angler, credited the sport's growing popularity to several factors, perhaps primarily to the development of specialized ice fishing gear.

"I'm not talking just about the basics, but more on the creature comforts side and, of course, technology," he says. "I have never been one to freeze my buns off for a fish, so have always traveled with a shelter and a heater.

"But now shelters have evolved drastically to be light and made of high quality fabric, heaters are better and safer, and take your pick on sleds to transport your gear. Not to mention the apparel now available to keep you warm. Anglers are equipped to catch fish and be comfortable while doing it."

Margenau added that more people are ice fishing because it provides angling opportunities that don't require a boat. And more second-home owners from the Twin Cities, Milwaukee and Madison metro areas seem to be spending more of their winters in the Northwoods as the internet makes it easier to set up a home office anywhere.

"Tag returns from fish tagging we have done supports the contention that historically the winter is dominated by residents," he says.

Skip Sommerfeldt, a DNR fish biologist based in Park Falls and an avid angler, added a few other reasons for the growing popularity, including increased media coverage and the popularity of recreational television shows, the milder winter temperatures and lower snow totals than in past years, which make it more comfortable to be outside, and an increase in the amount of leisure time, whether through the growing ranks of retired Wisconsin citizens and a higher unemployment rate that makes more 'fishing time' available to some.

"And to toot our own horn—the success of Wisconsin's fisheries management program," Sommerfeldt said. "Season limitations, size regulation and various management activities have ensured that there is an abundance of sport fishing opportunities all throughout Wisconsin."

Sommerfeldt ice fished 93 of 96 possible days last year and recorded both a record number of flags and fish caught.

“It's just plain fun,” he said. “There's nothing like watching the slow steady turn on the spindle of your tip-up and knowing that there's a big fish on the end of the line ...and then seeing that fish fill the hole as you slide it out onto the ice."

Moderate temperatures this fall—against a backdrop of rising temperatures statewide over the last 50 years—are conspiring to push the hard water season back. While there's some ice formation in northern Wisconsin, it's behind normal, fish biologists are reporting, and all but the smallest southern waters are wide open, they say.

According to DNR statistics, ice fishing trails only sledding, snowmobiling and ice skating outdoors as the most popular of outdoor winter ice and snow sports.

Anglers spent 11 million hours ice fishing in 2006, the most recent year for which statistics are available. That's 21 percent of the total 52 million hours spent fishing across all of the 2006-2007 license year.

Anglers reported catching 14 million fish while ice fishing, and keeping 6.6 million of them, or less than half. During the open water season, about one-third of all fish caught are kept. Panfish, northern pike and walleye, are the top species caught, in order, with 11.7 million, 866,000, and 750,000, respectively.

In 2011 there were 122 ice fishing tournaments held in the state. For 2012 so far there are 56 approved permits, with likely many more to come in as folks continue to submit applications.

Langlade Hosptial's New Building Has Opening Date Set

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

Langlade Hospital of Antigo has set their official opening date for their new facility.

Hospital Administrator Dave Schneider made the announcement during Thursday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club. "I think we can announce publicly for the first time that we will be open for business, the new Langlade Hospital, on Sunday May 13, Mothers Day, next year."

The new $45 million hospital facility has been under construction since November of 2010, and is being built just north of their current facility that it will replace, which has been in use for eight decades.

Schneider said that the opening date came after recent meetings with the project's chief construction company Miron. "It looked like the building will be actually completed in March give us time to train and orient and make sure all the systems are operating properly. But they told us that we would be good to go, moving in, that first week in May and completing our move and opening our doors officially on Sunday, May 13."

Past hospital announcements about the facility say that it is designed for the future of medical needs in the area, with more of a focus on outpatient care.

Schneider said that the staff of the hospital and general clinic have been given tours of the new facility over the recent weeks, and have a positive outlook on what it will mean to the community. "I can say that in talking with many of the employees they do feel a sense of ownership. They feel a real pride about the facility; physicians, other providers, employees, volunteers, so many people associated with the hospital."

After the new facility opens for use, the next several months will be used to tear down the current hospital building to create parking space and finish the exterior look of the new building. Schneider said an official open house will be done in the fall when all project work is completed.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Tech School and Local Company Partering Again To Find And Train Local Workers

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

For a second straight year a local manufacturing business and education provider will be giving five people a chance to get a job and proper training for it. Northcentral Technical College Antigo campus and Waukesha Bearings will be partnering up again to help the manufacturer find local people willing to work for them.

NTC Antigo Dean Larry Kind spoke of the program last December during the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club, which has not changed much for this year. "They will select five of the people that we start in our January program, and they will pay them all of their school expenses. They will hire them to work at Waukesha Bearings, with benefits, after a one or two month qualifying period, which is normal for any employer." All those selected will sign a three-year contract to work with Waukesha Bearings.

To be eligible, a person must be a registered participant in NTC's Machine Tool Operator program in Antigo for next spring and take the proper testing on December 22. Based on test results, Waukesha Bearings will then conduct interviews of select individuals they think will be a good fit for the company. Those five that will be selected to take part in the program will be notified by January 9.

Those interested in possibly taking part in the partnership must contact NTC at 715-623-7601, extension 7308 to register for the test.

Kind says that due to the high demand for machinists in north central Wisconsin, those not selected to work with Waukesha Bearings can still be a part of the spring education program to possibly get work elsewhere. He adds that the tech school is willing to work with individuals to apply for financial aid and scholarships to help pay for the course.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Award-Winning Designer Offers His Help, Support For Theater Project

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Why is an award-winning international designer who is based in the New York City area spending so much time in Antigo?

Well, one might say, he has a stake in the people and the place. How much of a stake? More than 130 years ago his great-grandparents moved here from Canada. So, as a third generation born in the Antigo area, Jeremy Doucette, proudly claims his heritage and his devotion to the town he calls home.

His father Ken, and mother Lynne Doucette still live in the area as do his brother, Joshua and sister, Jamee.

While carving out a career on the East Coast for more than 14 years Doucette would visit Antigo during the holidays to spend time with the family and partake in local festivities and, of course, Packer games.

Now his visits are about connecting with family and building an artistic home for the community at large.

As Michelangelo said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.”

Doucette, like Michelangelo, sees the immense possibilities in the project that, to date, he is most passionate about: Langlade Area Arts (L.A. Arts), which is slated to be housed in Antigo’s historic Home Theater.

Nearing the midway point of a five-year development plan he works steadily on staying true to the mission of L.A. Arts. The goal: To promote and celebrate local artists and to create a place where local community members will enjoy, learn, and discover. L.A. Arts will be a workplace of inclusion and respect, with a focus on the development of creativity and ideas that celebrate the community.

Since receiving a master of fine arts in design from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Jersey, Doucette has made his home in the New York area. His design work has been seen there, across the country, and as far away as Beijing, China. But, for Doucette, there is no place like home.

That’s why he, along with Mary Ann Kamps, The L.A. Arts Steering Committee and a whole host of other local arts organizations and businesses are gathering together to do nothing less than bring an already strong community even closer together by creating one solid roof over a local historical gem of a building.

Doucette is on a quest to empower local artists to do their best work, see their angel, and set him free. A feeling that Doucette still carries with him as he fondly remembers the people (and the place) who taught him the power of art, creative thinking and the importance of live theatre for any community worthwhile.

He will be home for the L.A. Arts Snow Ball program Dec. 9 to visit with friends and explain plans to bring the Home Theater, which has been dark for artistic purposes for just over five decades, back to life.

The Snow Ball will be held at the Edison Club from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Edison Club . Music will be by Rebecca R and The Northernaires and hors d’oeuvrers and desserts will be prepared by chef Heather Jones. There will be dancing and a cash bar.

Tickets are available at The Blue Awning, Antigo Daily Journal and Neve’s Floors to Go and Furniture or at the door.

Terry Berliner is a New York-based freelance writer and director who specializes in developing and directing new plays and musicals. Ms. Berliner writes for American Theatre and Theatre Bay Area magazines. She is a member of the Lucille Lortel Voting Committee and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

High-end Sartori Cheese Made Here Goes On Sale, Infused With Cognac

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Sartori Company will be releasing a very restricted quantity of its highly anticipated Limited Edition Cognac BellaVitano, which is produced at its plant in Antigo, for the 2011 holiday season.

Each finished wheel of the exceptional premium cheese, which will carry a suggested retail price of $75 per pound, will be hand signed and numbered by Master Cheesemaker Mike Matucheski and only 20 wheels will be produced.

The first two 20-pound wheels will be sold at auction via E-Bay with proceeds donated to local food banks.

“This is a challenging time of year for some members of our community,” Jim Sartori, company CEO, said. “We will be donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the food banks to help out families in need. We expect the auction to be very successful.”

The auction for wheel no. 1 began on Monday and Wheel no. 2 goes up for bid today with each auction running 10 days.

Sartori will sell the remaining wheels more conventionally by partnering with a very limited number of specialty retailers. Additionally, a limited supply of 4 ounce wedges will be available for sale on the company website, www.sartoricheese.com. This will give people who do not live within driving distance of a retailer carrying the item the opportunity to buy and share this unique cheese.

“We are very excited to share this amazing hand-crafted cheese,” Sartori said. “I hope it’s passed around many tables this holiday season and brightens the day of our customers, their families and friends.”

Cognac BellaVitano is an extension of the company’s celebrated and award-winning line of BellaVitano Cheese varieties, a unique, creamy, fruity cheese that finishes with a sweet, tangy bite and pairs well with other flavors. Sartori master cheesemakers, including Matucheski and Larry Steckbauer soak and hand rub the rind of BellaVitano Gold with unique spices and liquids including hand crushed black peppercorn, aged European balsamic vinegar, merlot wine, and roasted espresso beans. These treatments add an additional layer of complexity to the base flavor of the BellaVitano Gold cheese.

The process to create Cognac BellaVitano goes even further. The cheese itself is extra aged, maturing for at least 18 months. After the aging process, it is submerged in a premium Cognac and is only removed when the cheesemakers believe it is just right. The end result is unique and complex celebration of smoky, nutty, oaky flavors with toasted notes of vanilla and caramel from the Cognac.

Merit Gear Breaks Ground For Office

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Merit Gear, one of Antigo’s most durable industries, is on target to post record sales and has broken ground on a new office complex at its Hudson Street facilities.

The precision gearing manufacturer has realigned its business to focus on booming oil drilling and mining operations, according to Vice-President of Sales & Marketing Larry Steffens, and the move is paying off.

“The company is posting a record year,” Steffens said. “We are doing very well, largely because of our excellent employees.”

In a very visible sign of that progress, Company President Tom Rouse and other senior officials turned a ceremonial shovel to mark the start of a construction project that will consolidate offices now scattered throughout the manufacturing plant into one central area.

“We believe the design and layout of the new office space will be functional and a significant improvement over our current facilities,” Rouse said.

The two-story addition will extend about 15 feet toward Hudson Street and will also involve remodeling about 20 feet of the interior of the plant. Rouse said it will offer several benefits, including placing most administrative personnel in one central area, rather than scattered throughout the plant and eliminate some safety concerns with the current office arrangements, which require visitors to move through production areas.

“It will also give a more positive perception of the company to visitors, including customers, vendors and those in the community,” he said.

The addition will include a reception area, restrooms, conference room and lunchroom in addition to the office space.

General contractor is McNeil West Construction of Antigo.

The project comes three years after the company completed a major expansion, with assistance from the city of Antigo and state and federal sources, to improve infrastructure and add capacity.

At that time, the focus was shifting toward producing gears for wind turbines, an area that has not seen the robust growth initially anticipated.

Instead, Steffens said the new wing has become home to manufacturing and inspection processes that focus on the high-precision and massive gears and gear boxes used in mining, oil drilling, and the transportation industry, including the New York City subway system and Chicago’s Metra.

“That investment is the reason we are booming,” Steffens said. “Our gears are all over the world.”

Always looking for opportunities, Merit is also remaining active in the wind turbine industry, and is ready to play a role as “green” energy becomes more mainstream and robust.

“We have more orders now that we’ve ever had for the wind turbine business,” Steffens said, a number that is expected to double again next year. “We’re proud to be associated with environmentally friendly technologies that are driving us closer to a more sustainable future.”

Merit Gear and Machine Company was formed in Antigo in 1952 by two Chicago partners who understood that they could combine their knowledge and experience with the hard-working labor forces of northern Wisconsin.

Merit’s first gears were for the tractor replacement market and general machine applications, gradually growing and moving toward the high-precision equipment of today. It moved to its Hudson Street location in 1979 and has greatly expanded since.

The company is owned by One Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on leveraged buyout and growth capital investments in middle-market companies across a range of industries. The firm, which is based in New York City and Chicago, is the investment arm of JPMorgan Chase.

Steffens said One Equity Partners has invested $22 million in Merit Gear and it has proven to be an excellent fit.

“We’re on a solid foundation and we’re growing,” he said. “We’re anticipating a bright future.”

Parsons of Antigo Launches Expansion

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

One of the community’s most durable businesses, Parsons of Antigo, is in the process of making big and positive changes.

Curt Parsons explained today the Chevrolet and Buick dealership on the city’s north side broke ground last week for a new body shop complex that will lead to reconfiguration of the existing building at Amron Avenue and Highway 45.

Parsons started building a 78 by 116 foot body shop on Amron Avenue west of the main garage and that will allow the changes in the main building to display automobiles and offer customers additional services.

“The inside display area will go from two vehicles to seven,” Parsons said, and it will add an indoor site for customers to pick up new automobiles away from the sometime harsh northern Wisconsin elements.

“We are doing this with our customers in mind,” Parsons said, explaining that the lounge will be tripled to about 650 square feet and will feature amenities including a large flat-screen television, a laptop computer work area and coffee bar.

“The facility will also be upgraded to General Motor’s newest standards including the ‘GM Blue’ entry element as well as specific color schemes.

“This is already a great place to shop for a truck or an automobile,” Parsons said, “and it is about to get even better.”

He said that the project will be bid locally and is following General Motors’ timeline for the improvements.

The entire east side of the building will be showroom, offices, the customer lounge and the vehicle delivery area.

“Our people and products will be fronting Highway 45, where the traffic is,” Parsons said.

The Parsons organization has been part of Langlade County for more than 76 years, starting in the town of Price by Max and Adeline Parsons as the Bryant Garage.

It is a true family operation shifting to their son David and his wife Sherri and now to their children, Curt and Jenny Gretzinger. The firm also has facilities in Crandon and Eagle River.

The family is upbeat about the Antigo project.

“By moving the body shop to the new site it allows the expansion of the customer and display areas, keeping the dealership among the most competitive in northern Wisconsin,” Parsons said.

Study Shows Bicycling Benefits

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

A new study claims that making fifty percent of short trips by car could save billions of dollars a year in reduced mortality and health care costs, and advocates say that's a good argument for restoring state funding cuts for bicycle infrastructure. "Investing in more bicycling can save lives, reduce health costs, traffic and air pollution," said State Representative Brett Hulsey of Madison.

Governor Scott Walker's budget zeroed out bicycle programs in the state budget, although lawmakers were able to restore two million dollars. Dr. Jonathan Patz of the University of Wisconsin says the study shows how making fifty percent of short trips by car could save billions of dollars a year in reduced mortality and health care costs. "Overweight and obesity are our number one epidemic in this country," said Patz. "It's estimated that two thirds of our citizens are overweight, and fifty percent of Americans do not meet our recommended level of exercise."

Bob Hague, Wisconsin Radio Network

Senator Kohl's Representative to be in Elcho this Wednesday

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

U.S. Senator Herb Kohl's regional representative will be making a visit to northern Langlade County this week. Bryce Luchterhand will be holding office hours at the Elcho Town Hall on Wednesday, November 16, from noon to 1 p.m.

This will be a chance to get in contact with Kohl's office and share any problems you may be having with a federal program or agency. You can also use the time to share an opinion on an issue currently being discussed in Congress.

No appointment is necessary, and you can contact the regional office at 715-832-8424 if you have any questions on the visit.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Initiative (PSI) Phase 2

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Below is a link to the second round of possible funding through the Wisconsin Profitable Sustainability Initiative (PSI). Some of you have already taken advantage of this program and it's proven quite successful for you. For those that might not be familiar, this program is used to assist small to midsize manufacturers (<500 employees) in the funding component for evaluating current sustainability practices, identifying opportunities for improvement and assessing cost, benefits and feasibility of potential projects to provide a roadmap for implementation.

Through the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC-formally Dept of Commerce) up to an additional 30 companies will be chosen to participate. If you are interested, please check out the link below. or please give Chris Berry a call at 715-623-5123 or email her at cberry@co.langlade.wi.us. to help. Also, please don't let the November 18 deadline curtail you if you are interested. That's also where our office (Langlade County Economic Development Corporation) can be of assistance if you need it.

Community Garden Produced Tons Of Food, Had More Growers During 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

Forty-one busy gardeners grew over two tons of fresh fruits and vegetables in the Antigo Community Garden this year, doubling the 2010 harvest.

The number of plots also increased from 37 in 2010 to 46 in 2011.

“People are realizing the great benefits from participating in the community garden,” Barb McIlquham, garden coordinator, said. “Not only do gardeners receive a plot at a minimal cost, they also receive free use of garden tools, water access, free seeds and guidance on how to achieve success in gardening.”

The Antigo Community Garden, located behind the Antigo United Methodist Church, started in 2009 with 11 plots. Through various partnerships, organizers were able to obtain grants and donations to expand the garden to include new water lines, tool shed, washing station, information kiosk and other amenities to help even a novice gardener achieve success.

Gardening advice and classes on how to preserve your summer harvest were offered through a partnership with the Langlade County University of Wisconsin-Extension.

Gardeners were also encouraged to donate any extra produce they couldn’t use to local food pantries. About 150 pounds of produce were donated to area food pantries.

“Besides benefiting from an endless array of fresh, great-tasting produce, there are many other advantages to gardening,” McIlquham said. “One of the greatest advantages to gardening is the nutritional benefits. Creating a vegetable garden is a great way of ensuring that you are consuming the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals. With all the supplies that are provided by the community garden, it also makes eating healthy very economical.”

McIlquham noted that gardening is also a great workout, as it involves a number of different kinds of exercises, including stretching, weightlifting and moderate cardiovascular activity.

“Gardening is also a great stress reliever,” she said. “With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many people forget to take time to relax and participate in activities that they enjoy. Planning and caring for a garden can be a simple and inexpensive way to relax and enjoy time by yourself or with family members.”

The coordinator added that the community garden is a great opportunity for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about gardening, and is available to those who do not have the tools or space to garden.

“It’s also a great way to meet new people and enjoy the great outdoors,” she said. “We hope to expand again next year and increase the number of people gardening in our community.”

If you are interested and would like to learn more about the garden, contact McIlquham at (715) 219-3436 or Kari Lazers, Wisconsin nutrition education program coordinator at (715) 627-6236.

Both Langlade Hospital Awards Are On National Level

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

The two awards Langlade Hospital received recently were impressive, both of them on the national scale.

One of them is called the “Top Performer on Key Quality Measures”, a recognition from what is known as The Joint Commission.

The commission based its citation on evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve for certain conditions, including heart attack heart failure, pneumonia, surgical care and children’s asthma.

The commission said that Langlade Hospital is one of 405 U.S. hospitals and critical care access hospitals earning the award for attaining and sustaining excellence.

To be recognized as a top performer on key quality measures the hospital must meet two 95 percent performance thresholds, which the facility passed in the areas of pneumonia and surgical care.

The second is a Hospital Strength Index citation, the first time Langlade Hospital has been in the running for the award.

The index is a scorecard designed to reflect the complexity of the health care industry and then simplify the data into an easy-to-use scoring system.

It is designed to provide hospitals with an assessment of their performance in a way to uniformly rate and discuss quality using 56 different areas of performance.

There were nine hospitals cited for the strength award in the state of Wisconsin, and Langlade Hospital was among 100 across the United States.

It is designed to address the strengths of critical access hospitals.

600 Block of Fifth Avenue Gets New Look

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

A very visible sign of Antigo’s downtown redevelopment emerged this morning, amid a cloud of dust and rubble.

City crews and equipment hammered down three decrepit buildings along the 600 block of Fifth Avenue, creating the first visible view in decades of Spring Brook as it begins to flow south from the downtown.

The work began shortly after 8 a.m., and by noon, the buildings that most recently housed Koeppel Printing, the Fifth Precinct Tavern and a dilapidated trinket shop were little more than a pile of debris. Hauling will take much of the rest of the week and then the area will likely be secured in some way for the winter months.

The work is part of the city’s overall Peaceful Valley redevelopment project, a keystone to what city officials hope will be a revitalization of the downtown area.

The work, mixing public and private endeavors, involves removing blighted buildings and capping or containing underground contamination that dates to the years when the area was home to the a railway beltline and a host of heavy industries.

It includes construction of the Stellar Development office building at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Superior Street. The project is funded partially through a city loan along with private dollars.

The builders have indicated that several of the office suites are already rented and the structure may draw on a mix of professions related to the new Langlade Hospital now under construction a few blocks to the northeast.

Work slated for next spring and summer includes constructing a parking lot on the east side of Spring Brook to cap a contaminated area left behind by the old Antigo Co-op Oil Association. The area will also have lighting, landscaping, a bike path and sidewalk as it is incorporated into a festival/recreation area.

Plans also call for construction of a bike path between Fifth and Sixth avenues extending through the opening creating by the removal of the buildings.

The work is being funded partially through a $153,000 Brownfield Grant from the Department of Commerce as well as tax incremental finance district funds.

Some of the redevelopment has already been completed. Derelict buildings between Sixth and Seventh avenues have been removed and the area is now home to the Peaceful Valley park, with a community-built playground, substantial warming house and, in winter, ice skating facility.

The city has also taken ownership of shoreland along the creek south of Seventh Avenue and cleared a disused building.

RockBats

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

MONONA — Roland Hernandez didn't grow up playing baseball and isn't a skilled woodworker.

Instead, the Texas native, who has called the Madison area home since 1990, is a wood scientist.

That background has helped him turn a hobby of selling wood and making a few hundred baseball bats a year into a full-time Internet-based business known as RockBats.

Hernandez, who spent 17 years at the U.S. Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, owns the Monona company with eight others who have experience in woodworking, baseball and business. They are combining their efforts to grow RockBats into a company that could someday make 15,000 maple bats a year at a mill in Antigo, about 180 miles north of Madison.

Hernandez is working to get his bats into the hands of more Major League Baseball players, capitalizing on his understanding of wood properties and creating a product that has the right feel for finicky users. Because he uses maple with only the straightest grains, he says his bats don't break as often as other wood baseball bats.

"A lot of (bat companies) have to start at the bottom and get minor leaguers to use their bats," Hernandez said. "Ours is an oddball business model. We're actually under the radar of a lot of minor league players."

But Hernandez is no oddball.

Between 2002 and 2005, he introduced slope-of-grain grading to help determine the strength of a bat and he labeled bats so players would orient the bats to hit a ball on the flat-grain side, which is stronger than the edge grain.

In 2009, MLB adopted a nine-step program to reduce the number of bats breaking in two pieces. The steps included flat-grain contact for maple bats and slope-of-grain grading criteria for all bats.

There are about 150 bat manufacturers in the country but only 32, including RockBats, were certified by MLB in 2010.

"It's a hobby that went out of control," Hernandez said of his wood projects.

A typical MLB player goes through 12 to 14 dozen bats in a season. Corey Hart of the Milwaukee Brewers has used RockBats since 2010 and went through only about four dozen bats this season, Hernandez said.

Brad Woodall pitched for the Atlanta Braves, Brewers and Chicago Cubs and has his own baseball instruction company in Madison. He also runs a fall youth league that uses only wood bats.

"It's very important for them to have consistency in the bats they use," Woodall said. "If you hit a home run with a bat, you want to keep it in your hand as long as possible."

Players are eager to try new products because "they are always looking for ways to get better," Woodall said. But with bats, many players are locked into contracts that force them to only use a certain brand during games, he said.

Hernandez has been patient with his company.

In 2000, while at FPL, known for its comprehensive research on wood, he started a side business selling high-quality lumber to wood workers. A year later, he began selling 3-inch-square, 36-inch-long billets, also known as blanks, to various baseball bat manufacturers. Two of the companies became certified by MLB and the demand grew to about 3,000 billets a month. Feedback from players on the quality of the wood persuaded him in 2002 to begin making his own bats, which he sold online and in a few specialty baseball shops.

Hernandez got his foot in the door with the Brewers in 2009 when he offered to grade and rate all their bats. It resulted in the Brewers having the fewest two-piece broken bats in the league.

In 2010, after approval from MLB, 12 Brewers used RockBats at various times in the season. This year, 10 players with the Colorado Rockies used the bats, including Troy Tulowitzki, Jason Giambi and Todd Helton.

In the spring, Hernandez plans to focus on the American League champion Texas Rangers and incrementally add teams. He doesn't want to grow too fast.

"Companies get too big, too fast," Hernandez said. "They offer great wood quality early, and when too many players start using their bats, their wood quality plummets across the board."

While the company is run out of Hernandez's home in Monona, the bats are manufactured at Zelazoski Wood Products in Antigo. The company, founded in 1924, began making agricultural products and then blocks for the brush and broom industry. The company employs 18 people and also makes cutlery racks, furniture parts, fishing lure bodies and turkey calls in a more than 35,000-sqaure-foot facility..

Mill owners Ben Zelazoski, and his brothers Mike and Charlie are among the owners of RockBats. The mill used to employ 45 people but the addition of bats will help retain employees and maybe even add a few as demand increases.

Ben Zelazoski, 61, said his mill has the capacity to make 200 to 300 bats a day using computerized lathes.

The partnership has improved the mill.

"We have a better understanding of wood," Zelazoski said. "We try to supply the best bat that we can. Because it's Roland's baby, he wants to make sure it's good wood going out."

Pieces of maple, 234 inches in diameter and 37 inches long, come from mills throughout Wisconsin but also New York, Vermont and Canada. Hernandez travels to Antigo to grade each one but ultimately wants to create a network of mills in Wisconsin that are constantly on the lookout for maple logs with the straightest grains. After a bat is turned on a lathe, mill workers put an ink spot on the bat to better show the slope of the grain and use a small hammer to check for the sweet spot, which is then marked on all bats, except those going to the big leagues.

"We're never going to get to the Louisville Slugger status and I don't think I would want to be up there," Zelazoski said. "I think we'll branch out as we get a little more notoriety and we start to show the numbers (of bats) Corey goes through compared to others."

Read more: http://host.madison.com/wsj/business/article_515d8e76-fe6b-11e0-902b-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1bpVOeQxx

Ready For The Season

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

Members of the Antigo Bike and Ski Club, look over the trail maps and decide assignments for Saturday’s cleanup at Gartzke Flowage located eight miles east of Antigo on Hwy. F. By the end of the day, the trails were clean, wood was stacked for gatherings, windows were washed and floors cleaned in the lodge for individuals and groups to use for fall outings and winter skiing and snowshoeing. The trails, lodge and woodpile are open to everyone who enjoys hiking, skiing and snowshoeing activities all year long.

Update on Highway 64 Bypass Project As Work Nears An End

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

Work on the Highway 64 bypass project in and around Antigo will be one step closer to completion this week.

Two weeks ago the bypass, which makes it way northwest of the city, opened up to traffic for the first time as work got underway on the intersection between the old highway and the bypass in the Town of Ackley. This allowed the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to move the Highway 64 designation onto the new bypass and close off the old highway from the bypass intersection to Western Avenue.

Sometime in the next few days that intersection will be complete and that section of the old highway, now known as Fifth Avenue, will be open to traffic.

The new bypass will still have construction being done on it, mostly focused on shoulder work, painting of traffic lines and putting up the proper signage. This will keep the speed limit of the new bypass down to 30 miles-per-hour, with a speed limit of 25 miles-per-hour on the portion formerly known as Century Avenue.

The DOT estimates the bypass to be fully completed sometime in early November.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Local Companies Solve Problem Together

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

Johnson Electric Coil Co. needed a solution.

To find its answer, it looked no farther than a few blocks west.

The longtime Antigo manufacturer recently purchased a new cardboard baler from Ace Equipment Company, ending decades of handling the product manually and paying for its disposal.

“It’s worked out very well for everyone,” Julie Berndt, operations coordinator for Johnson Electric Coil, said. “Instead of paying to get the cardboard hauled away, we’re getting paid for it.”

“It’s wonderful,” Eric Fuller, owner of Ace, said. He explained that the company is accustomed to shipping its compacting and baling equipment across the United States. and “you never dream of selling something locally.”

Johnson Electric Coil specializes in creating transformers used in industrial equipment and that’s where Berndt said it wants its manpower to focus, not on getting rid of waste products.

Toward that end, Johnson Electric Coil has embraced the concept of lean manufacturing, which focuses on making work cells and other systems more efficient.

At the time, the company was renting a large dumpster to store its waste cardboard and paying for its disposal. The idea of turning it into a modest revenue stream was attractive.

“We saw the need for the equipment just by the mounds of boxes we had,” Berndt said. “It fit in very well with our lean initiative.”

Judy Quirk, purchaser, was tasked with finding the machinery to bale the cardboard and, on an Internet search, Ace was among the companies listed.

That 627 prefix was the first one that she called.

“I liked the idea that they were local,” she said. “The product was competitive and the delivery was excellent.”

Johnson Electric Coil staffers went to Ace and examined the equipment, and even got an extended tour of the shop,

“It was nice to see what others are doing in the community,” she said.

The purchase also fits in well with Johnson Electric Coil’s philosophy of buying locally whenever possible. And service has been outstanding, she added.

The first bale was produced this week, and soon Commercial Recycling Corporation of Medford picked it up for reuse.

The Johnson Electric Coil-Ace Equipment deal is only one example of a growing interconnection between local and regional businesses, the manufacturers said.

“It just makes good sense, helping out another local business,” Quirk said.

Ace buys supplies from businesses as diverse as Servo, Marathon Electric and Wausau Steel, and also has its equipment in place at Fleet Farm and Menards through a multi-store contract with the companies.

Johnson Electric Coil uses suppliers such as Lakeside Grocery, Clermont Printing, World of Wood and Fastenal, and its customers include TSI Power. And Fuller has asked for a quote on a transformer for Ace Equipment.

“It’s so convenient,” Berndt added. “You feel like you’re all together in this in the community.”

New Antigo McDonald's Opens!

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

A ribbon stacked with dollar bills was cut by Steve Killian Sr. Thursday evening marking the unofficial opening of the firm’s new Antigo McDonald’s restaurant.

“We love Antigo,” Killian, and his son, Steve Jr. told a crowd gathered at a reception for the new restaurant at the intersection of Highways 45 and 64 on the city’s north side.

The new facility replaces an aging site in the 300 block of Superior Street that closed Monday evening to allow for the shift to the busy location in the North Town Centre complex.

Steve Killian Jr. who partners with his father, Steve, in the West Bend-based firm that operates a number of McDonald’s across the state of Wisconsin, thanked the Antigo and Langlade County community for their support adding that he thinks this was the one of the quickest construction projects on record.

The new restaurant is a very modern facility with drive-up lanes and inside counter and seating opportunities.

The Killians explained that the older restaurant in the 300 block of Superior Street needed to either have extensive remodeling or replacement — and the replacement option was more cost-efficient.

Then there was the question where the replacement would be placed, at the old site or a new location.

“The decision was difficult,” the Killians said, adding that the new complex brings all of the very latest technologies in restaurant design while maintaining the tradition of tasty food and value.

A ceremony was held with the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce using a ribbon formed with dollar bills, and after the Killians clipped it, the money was donated to the Community Health Foundation.

And after the ribbon ceremony, the Killians presented another $1,000 check to the foundation as a salute to Jenny Schlundt, who with her husband previously operated the Antigo McDonald’s. She is now associated with Langlade Hospital’s fundraising division.

The opening came just hours before McDonald’s Corporation said its third-quarter net income rose by 9 percent to $1.51 billion, its ninth straight quarter of earnings gains.

Crowd Hears White Lake School Details

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

White Lake voters arrived in the school cafeteria Tuesday hungry for information about the school’s upcoming building and spending referendum.

They got platefuls, which they must now digest prior to the Nov. 8 vote.

About 75 people crowded into the school for the first large-scale public presentation on the two-pronged plan. It includes a $2.995 million building component and would also authorize the district to spend $200,000 annually above state-imposed limits for the next three years to cover operational expenses.

“It’s great to see such a fantastic turnout,” Board President Scott Popelka said.

The session was held in conjunction with the district’s annual meeting, which typically draws only a handful.

“It’s every superintendent’s wish to have an annual meeting and have this many people show up,” District Administrator Bill Fisher said.

Fisher walked the crowd through a “virtual tour” of the school’s seven-decades-old gymnasium, technical education area, restrooms and locker facilities, which he called woefully inadequate.

“Space is the re-occurring theme,” he said. “This was designed 73 years ago, and it stands to reason things have changed.”

The administrator said that the plan, developed by an ad hoc referendum committee, addresses the district’s most pressing facility needs, and may help the district retain and perhaps even grow enrollments.

“Programs and facilities determine numbers,” he said.

Engineer Doc Smith of EDS Builders noted that the district has made a concentrated effort over the past several years to update the facilities, heating and ventilation units and improve energy efficiency, including demolition this past summer of the 1918 building that stood at the core of the complex. It’s now the gymnasium’s turn, he said.

“It’s the greatest need now because they have already corrected the other problems methodically,” Smith said.

Lisa Voisin of Robert W. Baird & Co., the district’s financial consultant, said the district has a unique “window of opportunity” to correct glaring facility needs at no additional tax impact to residents.

She explained that, if the building and spending questions are both successful, property owners will pay $11.85 per $1,000 of equalized valuation in taxes, which is still 14 cents lower than now.

That lack of impact is due to a dramatic drop in school spending, propelled in part of reductions at the state level. Without the referendum, the rate would tumble $2.78, to $9.21 per $1,000.

“This is a no-impact referendum,” she said. “The taxes ultimately go down even with a successful vote. They would go down even more without the referendum.”

When the board earlier this year approved moving forward with the vote, officials stressed that it was due to the ability to get the improvements made without increasing taxes beyond current levels.

Voisin added that the stagnant economy also has created bargain interest rates, which she anticipated would be between 3 and 4 percent over the 20-year life of the bond.

The referendum includes two separate questions. The first will ask voters to approve bonding $2.995 million for the building addition and community recreation center. The second authorizes the district to spend $200,000 annually above and beyond state-improved revenue limits for the next three years. That would replace a voter-approved revenue cap override of $250,000 annually for five years that has just expired.

The actual building carries a price tag of $3.58 million, with the balance of the project financed through the district’s fund balance, a move that will save $325,000 in interest and reduce the tax impact.

It includes a community recreational center, complete with exercise room, a central commons area, locker rooms, concessions and a new gymnasium. There would also be remodeling of the existing locker room and shop areas, parking and playground improvements and exterior sidewalks.

The new area would extend from the existing gymnasium along Center Street.

Mike Wild, a member of the ad hoc referendum committee, said it is time for the voters to make an investment in the school, which serves as the hub of the entire community.

“I have to ask, ‘can I stay here if my kids don’t have the same quality as other kids in other schools?’ I don’t want to leave,” he said. “We have the best people in place. We have the best administrator and the best staff. We can’t do any better than this. Why would be quit now?”

The remark drew extended applause.

Another Great Summer For Local Farm Market

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

The Antigo Farmers Market Association is passing out a thank you to the patrons of its summer program, calling it “another great success.”

Alex Crockford, the University of Wisconsin Extension agricultural agent serving Langlade County, explained that the market ran from June 4 to Oct. 1 and hosted 39 vendors selling everything from plants, produce, meat, fish, maple syrup and products from local artisans.

“Despite a slow start to the growing season, by mid-summer there was a bounty of produce of all kinds,” Crockford added.

He explained that the local community is by far the biggest supporter of the market with Antigo and Langlade County residents making up the the bulk of customers.

“So the growers tip their hats to you for another year,” he said. “We are proud of the many activities that made for special Saturdays that included cooking demonstrations, a Pumpkin Fest and Packer Day.”

Crockford said that vendors who would like information for the 2012 season should contact Dawn Justman at 715-305-8444, dawnjustman@live.com, and visit online at http://www.antigomarket.com.

The Antigo Farmers’ Market was organized in June of 2008, opening for business on Aug. 2, 2008. It quickly grew to 15 to 20 vendors each week with a diversity of produce.

City of Antigo Approve Loan For New Downtown Office Building

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

The City of Antigo will provide money to help build a new office building in the downtown area. The city's Common Council approved a Public Improvement Fund Loan to Stellar Center Antigo-LLC during their October meeting Wednesday evening.

By a six to one vote, the council approved a $360,000 loan to be given to the construction of the building at the corner of Superior Street and Sixth Avenue. The money does not give the city any ownership of the building, and the money will be paid back over a 12-year period with interest by its owner. The agreement that goes with the loan details what Stellar Center must do, including when to have the building constructed and what reports the city must receive from them, in order to ensure they keep the loan in good shape. Construction of the building is expected to get started by the start of November.

The agenda item the council spent the most time in discussion dealt with an ordinance change on how to discipline truancy offenders. By a five to two vote, the council approved adding a clause to an ordinance that would give authorities the right to seize items such as cell phones, MP3 players and video games systems for up to 60 days. Those who support the change say the clauses intent is to ensure there is an actual consequence that will affect them for being a habitual truant and encourage them to go to school. Those who oppose the change say the added power is an over reach and do not think the change will have the desired effect.

Other actions the council unanimously took at their meeting included the sale of two properties in the city's Industrial Park, approved a buyout of a block grant from CoVantage, approved a request from the Antigo Housing Authority to continue to adjust payment as they apply for tax credits, approve a new grievance procedure policy and approved police power to conduct sidewalk replacement for certain properties in the city.

by Rusty Mehlberg

LANGLADE HOSPITAL STARS IN THEIR OWN PINK GLOVE DANCE VIDEO

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

LANGLADE HOSPITAL STARS IN THEIR OWN PINK GLOVE DANCE VIDEO
TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Video entered in national competition to determine best Pink Glove Dance Video

Antigo, WI, October 3, 2011-- The Pink Glove Dance is spreading…to Langlade Hospital. More than 447 staff
members at Langlade Hospital, Clinics, Daycare and Assisted Living are starring in their own Pink Glove Dance video to
help spread the word about breast cancer awareness and prevention. The video was submitted to a national competition to
determine the best Pink Glove Dance video. The competition is sponsored by Medline Industries, Inc., manufacturer of
the gloves and producer of the original Pink Glove Dance video.

As part of the contest, Langlade Hospital’s video will be posted on www.pinkglovedance.com on October 3 along
with the videos of the other participants to be viewed by the public. Viewers can then vote on their favorite video (voting
requires a Facebook® account). The top three winners receive a donation in their name to the breast cancer charity of their
choice, such as the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The winners will be announced October 28 on
pinkglovedance.com.

“The opportunity to participate in what has become a national phenomenon for a great cause not only brought our
entire workforce together but unites us with others across the country that care and want to make a difference.” said Dave
Schneider, Executive Director for Langlade Hospital. “Success in addressing breast cancer requires a commitment from
each of us and all of us. Once again, this project proves that having a common cause for something good can do wonders
for bringing people together.”

The song used in Langlade Hospital’s video was Firework by Katy Perry. An interesting side note is that the artist
gave permission to use this song specifically for the Pink Glove Dance competition.

The original Pink Glove Dance video premiered in November 2009 and featured 200 Portland, Ore. hospital
workers wearing pink gloves and dancing in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention. Today the video has more
than 13 million views on YouTube® and has spawned hundreds of pink glove dance videos and breast cancer awareness
events across the country. A sequel was produced last October featuring 4,000 healthcare workers and breast cancer
survivors throughout North America.

Medline filmed the original Pink Glove Dance video at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Ore.,
which quickly generated thousands of responses, letters and e-mails from survivors, family and friends. It has entertained
and inspired laughter and, for many, it has evoked memories of their own battle with breast cancer or experiences faced
by loved ones.

“As a way to extend our breast cancer awareness campaign, we developed a pink glove called Generation
Pink™,” said Andy Mills, president of Medline. “Gloves are also the first point of contact between the healthcare worker
and the patient. And, because the glove is pink, we hoped it would get people talking about breast cancer.”
Medline is donating a portion of each sale of the pink gloves to the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
To date, Medline has donated more than $800,000 to the NBCF to fund mammograms for individuals who cannot afford
them.

Why a Pink Glove Video Contest?
As a result of the original Pink Glove Dance video and the sequel videos, Medline has received hundreds of calls
from healthcare facilities, breast cancer survivor groups, schools and other organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada
inquiring about participating in another video.

“The response we received has been overwhelming and heartwarming,” said Sue MacInnes, Medline’s chief
marketing officer. “We were flooded with calls, e-mails and letters about the joy the videos have brought, and people
were asking if they could participate in another video. We didn’t want to leave anyone out who wanted to be in a Pink
Glove Dance video, so we thought a competition could include everyone who wanted to participate. All these videos from
the competition will help bring attention to breast cancer awareness and prevention.”

As the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, Medline is focused on
helping to improve the quality of care for patients and residents. Breast cancer awareness is a natural extension of
Medline’s corporate mission to help save lives through the early detection of breast cancer. (Visit
www.medline.com/breast-cancer-awareness for details). Based in Mundelein, Ill., Medline manufactures and distributes
more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and
other markets.
# # #

Antigo Company Helping Brewers Playoff Run

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CST

For the Brewers to win Game 5 versus the Diamondbacks Friday night, they'll have to come up with some big hits. An Antigo company is helping them do just that.

Zelazoski Wood Products, known mostly for their work in the broom and brush industry, began making bats about 6 years ago.

They're sold through a company called "Rockbats".

Last season, several Brewers, including Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun were swinging the bats, even some Colorado Rockies players were using them.

This season, Corey Hart is the only player swinging the "Rockbat", but he's put up some big stats.

"The owner of the company worked with him and came up with a bat he really liked. A couple of the players were liking them pretty well, a lot of them use several bats. Corey Hart is the only one who continues to use the Rockbat", said Ben Zelazoski, Corporate Secretary for Zelazoski Wood Products.

When you're watching the game Friday night, take a close look, because the bat Hart's holding was proudly made in Antigo.

Latest Highway 64 Bypass Project Update

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Work on the Highway 64 bypass begins to see its primary focus shift west this week. The project, which will relocate the state highway to the northwest of the City of Antigo, has had its biggest impact on traffic along Century Avenue on the city's northside over the past two months.

In her latest update, project engineer Barbara Heth said road crews will be paving the intersection of Century Avenue and Saratoga Street in the first few days of the work week. Once that is completed, they will shift the paving to the new highway west of Saratoga, focusing on the section between Hogan Street westward to Western Avenue. That is expected to continue for at least one week, two weeks at most.

As for traffic restrictions, no traffic will be allowed on Century Avenue between Saratoga and Hogan as the DOT does not want any traffic disturbing the graded gravel.

Work will also be picking up on the new highway at its intersection with the current highway in the Town of Ackley. The DOT expects to start flagging operations at that intersection in the near future to control traffic.

The project is still on scheduled to be completed sometime in November.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Downtown Antigo Facade Grants Still Available

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Attractive building facades support and encourage local businesses. They have a large effect on the attractiveness and marketability of the surrounding area. The Downtown Antigo Façade Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide financial assistance to property owners or tenants looking to improve or restore the original historic features of the physical external appearance exclusively of the front and rear of commercial businesses ultimately enhancing Downtown Antigo. The $20,000 Grant fund is made available through Tax Incremental Financing District Four (TIF 4).

The goals of this program are to reduce renovation costs to the business owner, and help to reduce associated financing costs and coordinate commercial renovations with the planned street reconstruction Fifth Avenue. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and based on meeting the Evaluation Criteria guidelines. This is a reimbursable program. For every $3 that the applicant spends, they can be reimbursed $1 of grant funding to a maximum of $3000 per applicant.

Funded improvements could include façade rehabilitation, door and window repair or replacement, exterior painting, masonry cleaning and/or repair, awnings, lighting, shutters, gutters, hardscapes (decks, fountins, etc) or signage.

Completed application packets must include cost estimates, contracts and design drawings (if applicable); copy of lease, land contract or deed; and written authorization from landowner if tennant is the applicant. Return completed applications to the Community Development Corporation. Plans and specifications will be reviewed by the City’s Economic Development Committee on the first Monday of each month. Applicants will be notified of the project acceptance and grant determination within a reasonable period of time.
Improving the appearance and integrity of a neighborhood business district through facade improvements has many potential benefits:

• People prefer to move to communities with strong commercial districts.
• Businesses improve sales when local households support their commercial district.
• Appropriate and consistent maintenance protects investments in businesses and property.

Benefits to merchants
• Sales increase when customers enjoy the shopping experience.
• Improvements encourage neighboring businesses to improve their buildings as well.
• A new look that catches people's attention provides free advertising.
• Facade improvement is an investment in the business.

Benefits to property owners
• Building upgrades increase the value of a building and stabilizes property values within a neighborhood.
• Cleaned-up vacant spaces lure better retail prospects.
• Facade improvement protects the sales of the lessee (or commands better lease terms).

Benefits to community
• Residents feel that that they are part of a positive local activity.
• Local organizations want to protect locally owned businesses.
• Residents recognize the importance of individual businesses retaining the feeling and character of the community.
• Facade improvements are a community stabilizer;

For all inquiries or to obtain an application and program guidelines, contact the Economic Development Corporation, 312 Forrest Avenue, 715-623-5123 or visit langladecounty.org.

Jack Lake Mural Will Add Veteran Tributes

Sat, 10 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

It’s a coincidence, but rather fitting that the Veterans Memorial Park monument to the nation’s veterans is nearing completion on the anniversary of 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Andy Goretski of Tomahawk’s Custom Murals and a couple buddies, Dave Petri of Green Bay and Dale Knaak of Sheboygan, have nearly completed painting the reverse side of the veterans memorial that welcomes people to the popular park located at Jack Lake.

“Veterans created areas like Jack Lake,” Tom Lazers, the caretaker of the park, said. “It’s fitting that the monument celebrates what they have done for our nation.”

Goretski painted the original mural, financed by a donation by Ed and Martha Stasek, and brought his friends, members of an informal painting group known as the wall dogs” to help this time around.

They have crafted a true tribute, including a scenic vista of the actual park, complete with an eagle, campers and picnickers, along with scenes reminiscent of World War II.

Also included are gold squares waiting to contain memorials to friends, family or others along with spaces along the sides of the monument for plaques honoring veterans.

Lazers said the squares and plaques will be sold for $20 and $100 each to help finance the cost of the completed monuments. He said a fund-raising campaign will start soon.

“I think it’s going to go rather well,” he said of the project. “People always comment on the uniqueness of the memorial. And Langlade county doesn’t have any other place like this to honor individual veterans.”

Junior Achievement Lunch & Learn

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CST

Learn about your local Junior Achievement Program while enjoying lunch on us.

Plan on attending and finding out how you can help empower our young people to own their economic success while building a stronger connection between our businesses and educational system.

Registration Required. Email aclose@co.langlade.wi.us by Monday, September 19, 2011 or call 715-623-2085.

Date: Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Time: 12PM-1PM

Location: The Wood Technology Center of Excellence

Antigo Farmer's Market Hits Peak Season

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

As the summer season begins to wind down, the harvest season begins to pick up for area gardeners. That means the Antigo Farmer's Market is nearing its peak season for items up for sale.

During the WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club program this week, market board President Renate Bromberg talked about the market and the added attraction for this Saturday. "We have Bonnie Hessedal from Langlade Hospital. She's a dietician at the hospital, and she is returning to the market as a very welcomed guest. And she's going to be preparing grilled pizza."

The presentation is all part of the market's effort to show off what people can do with locally grown produce. Bromberg said that they also do this with a collection of recipes that they give out during the market, along with a newsletter and on their website. "We try to keep the recipes fairly simple, and try to include as many vegetables and fruits of the market in the recipes. So people can see those, go to the market, buy their stuff and try those recipes."

The market has been going on each Saturday morning in downtown Antigo since June. Bromberg said the start of the market was a slow one, mostly due to the late start to the growing season, but with better growing conditions through the summer the market has gotten busier thanks to more people selling their produce and handmade items. "Now the market is at its peak, and we have filled almost all of the vendor spaces. So if you haven't been to the market this year now is the time to come."

The market has also had special attractions to try to get more people to come. These range from live music to food prepared on site to educational materials. This continues through the rest of their season, which concludes on October 1 with their traditional Pumpkin fest.

Bromberg said activities during the fest will be a Halloween costume contest, a guess the weight of a large pumpkin and the popular pumpkin roll. "Where they roll the pumpkin through the parking lot. It's not quite easy to determine who the winner is because those pumpkins have their own way of rolling, and some of them end up underneath the market stands, but everybody is having a great time and they get to take this pumpkin home with them that they rolled across the parking lot. And there are little prizes for the kids."

For more information on the market, you can go online to antigomarket.com

by Rusty Mehlberg

Work Ccontinues On HWY 64 Project

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

The dump trucks, graders and surveyors are putting their touches on the Highway 64 loop around the north side of Antigo this week, getting very close to the end of the project in about 60 days.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation launched the project to skirt downtown Antigo with the road over existing routes at Highway 45 and 64 on the north side of the city and then at North Hogan Street, started a cross-country jaunt to Highway 64 in the area of Zima Road west of the city.

It is one of the few completely new roads constructed in this area for decades, cutting across farm fields in the town of Ackley.

The portion of the route just west of the Highway 45 and 64 intersection has been paved in a heavily-used business district, and the blacktop works its way west but the gravel trucks are still hauling and the graders are shaping the new road.

Charley Brinkmeier, who handles technical aspects of the city’s public works projects, said this morning the work is progressing well despite weather-related difficulties earlier this summer.

The Department of Transportation is holding to its October completion on the bypass, that is projected to cost $2.6 million.

Sartori Parmesan wins more top honors

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

Sartori’s Classic Parmesan cheese, provided at the Antigo plant, was awarded a first place blue ribbon at the prestigious American Cheese Society competition in Montreal. This follows a runner-up performance at the US Cheese Championship this past summer for the Classic Parmesan.

“Our team is extremely proud of our heritage in making world class and award-winning Parmesan Cheese” Master Cheesemaker Larry Steckbauer, who specializes in parmesan cheese making, said. “It is wonderful to be recognized for making a great Parmesan, and to be recognized by the American Cheese Society judges is very special.”

“One of our core strengths is our Parmesan cheesemaking” third generation owner Jim Sartori said. “Sartori SarVecchio® is the most decorated Parmesan, with over 20 awards in the past few years including ‘The Best Cheese in the US / Grand Champion’ at the 2009 US Cheese Championship, as well as numerous awards at the World Cheese Awards and other prestigious international competitions. We are really proud of the fact that SarVecchio has won the Parmesan category at the US Cheese Championship three times running – it shows consistency and the dedication to quality from our entire team.”

For the second year in a row, the judges at the ACS awarded Sartori Black Pepper BellaVitano® with a first place Blue Ribbon. BellaVitano Gold, Merlot BellaVitano, Espresso BellaVitano and Pastorale Blend® were all awarded white third place ribbons bringing the total for the competition to six for Sartori.

All are made in Antigo.

In total, Wisconsin cheesemakers captured 78 ribbons at the recent American Cheese Society Competition. Of the record 1,676 total entries, state cheesemakers claimed 23 percent of all awards, winning more than any other state or country for the seventh year in a row.

America's Dairyland's 78 awards included a tie for second place in the prestigious Best of Show category, as well as 22 firsts, 24 seconds and 31 third places.

Carr Valley Cheese, which landed 13 ribbons, including a Best of Show second place for Cave Aged Marisa. Hidden Springs Creamery captured the second most ribbons for Wisconsin, with a total of seven awards.

In addition to Sartori, first place ribbons went to:

—Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese, Waterloo: Mascarpone

—Klondike Cheese Co., Monroe: Brick, Tomato & Basil Feta

—Burnett Dairy Co-op, Grantsburg: Monterey Jack

—Carr Valley Cheese Co., Inc., LaValle: Cocoa Cardona, Cave Aged Mellage, Casa Bolo Mellage, Cave Aged Marisa

—Holland’s Family Cheese, Thorp: Marieke Gouda Cumin, Marieke Gouda Smoked Cumin

—Saputo Cheese USA, Inc., Black Creek: Blue Cheese

—Hook’s Cheese Company, Inc., Mineral Point: Little Boy Blue

—Emmi Roth USA Inc., Monroe: Gran Queso Reserve

—BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Denmark: Fresh Mozzarella Thermoform, Burrata

—Hidden Springs Creamery, Westby: Farmstead Feta, Driftless - Cranberry

—LaClare Farms Specialties LLC, Chilton: Evalon with Fenugreek, Evalon

—Uplands Cheese, Dodgeville: Pleasant Ridge Reserve

In addition to landing the most first place awards, Wisconsin cheesemakers swept four categories: Flavor-Added Dutch Style, Parmesan – all milks, Rindless Blue-veined made from cow’s milk and Flavor-Added made with fresh sheep’s milk. Wisconsin also took top honors in the number of awards for cow’s milk cheeses (including mixed milk) with 57 awards.

Sartori has been producing artisan and premium cheese for seven decades for specialty, retail, ingredient, restaurant and food service markets.

Highway 64 Bypass Construction Update Regarding Century Avenue

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

For nearly two months those who run or frequently patronize businesses on Century Avenue just west of the road's intersection with Highway 45 have dealt with construction on the road due to the Highway 64 bypass project. That work will soon be coming to an end, but not before one final major headache this week.

According to project manager Jennifer Heth, road crews are scheduled to finalize the gravel grading this Monday. This Tuesday and Wednesday is when asphalt will be paved on.

When this work goes on, they will be closing off that section of the road along with removing the gravel ramps from the various driveways and existing roadways on Century Avenue. Even if the road would stay open, travel to and from businesses and roads would be difficult since there will be a six-inch drop off from the gravel ramp removal and could cause damage to vehicles. The DOT recommends taking an alternative route to get to these destinations.

Once the asphalt is laid the work on this portion of the road will start to wind down and focus will shift farther west on Century Avenue. Road access to that portion of the road has been shut down for over a month as work goes on.

The expected end date of the new Highway 64 bypass will be sometime in November.

by Rusty Mehlberg

City of Antigo Borrows Funds, Gets Good News

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 00:00:00 CST

Worries over the nation’s debt and credit downgrade slipped over to the Antigo Common Council Wednesday.

At its regular August session, aldermen approved $2.725 million in bonding for a series of new projects and some refinancing of existing debt, but not before quizzing financial advisor Jeff Belongia on a few of the details.

“You’ve managed your debt quite well,” Belongia said, explaining that the city has seen its credit rating rise to A1 on the Moody’s scale and A-plus by Standard and Poor’s, the agency that just downgraded the nation’s credit worthiness a notch.

He said the city is also “insulated” from the national downgrade, citing a variety of reasons including its statutory ability to levy enough taxes to always cover debt payments without the danger of default and that the city is not overly-reliant on federal government aid.

“You’re a strong, strong A-plus,” he said.

Belongia credited city staff with doing an excellent job in crunching the financial numbers and managing city debt and interest payments.

The borrowing, $50,000 less than initially called for in the resolution, will cover $1.3 million in restructuring of existing debt for previous work in the north-side industrial park at an attractive interest rate of 2 1/2 percent. The city had previously been paying over 4 percent on those bonds.

“It was good timing,” Belongia said.

Funds will also cover the cost of the Deleglise Street sanitary sewer extension project nearing completion on the city’s northeast side, a portion of the revitalization efforts in downtown’s Peaceful Valley, including lighting, landscaping, sidewalk and parking areas, and sewer system improvements on Field Street.

Belongia will be back in November with a similar refinancing of a taxable bond issue, and said he anticipated the city will see a 3 point reduction in interest costs on those notes.

The bonding was approved without dissent. Alderman Maggie Turnbull was absent.

In a related matter, the council authorized the Public Works Committee to approve bids to construct the sanitary sewer main from the Fifth Avenue lift station to the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Milton Street and alleviate some maintenance problems in the area.

The power to act was granted to allow the work, expected to cost about $100,000, to begin quickly and be completed this fall, prior to Peaceful Valley parking and street improvements that are slated to begin next spring. The force main will be built along the route of the proposed bike path to be constructed in Peaceful Valley next summer.

On a 6-2 vote, aldermen approved a resolution that could trim the Antigo Public Library’s budget upwards of $20,000, due in part to changes at the state level. Glenn Bugni and Tom Bauknecht were opposed.

The library is funded jointly by the city and county and under previous state law, funding had to be maintained at certain levels in order for the facility to remain part of the Wisconsin Valley Library Service, a status known as maintenance of effort. The new state budget deletes that requirement.

The city, facing cuts in state aid and a zero percent allowable levy increase, is seeking to pare $10,000 in its 2012 library appropriation. The change would require Langlade County to also reduce its library appropriation by a similar amount.

Prior to the vote, Library Director Cynthia Taylor addressed aldermen, saying she understood the need for fiscal restraint but warning that the library faced a series of major capital expenditures, including the need for a new roof, carpeting, and heating and ventilation control repairs.

“I just want to make sure you are aware,” she said.

Mayor Bill Brandt pointed out that the facility operates with a budget in excess of $600,000 and a “20,000 cutback between the city and county “is not a killer of any sort.”

In other matters, aldermen:

—heard from Deb Gallenberg and Debi McGregor of Family Corner Resource Center, who provided an update on operations and requested $2500 in continued funding for 2012. “I truly believe we are keeping kids safe through good parenting,” Gallenberg said.

—approved new aldermanic districts, which have been redrawn slightly to reflect changing populations and to match the new county board districts. The ordinance keeps the nine district, nine alderman standard currently in place. There are approximately 915 residents in each ward.

—and formally adopted an ordinance approving the already-in-place three-way stop at East Fifth Avenue and Highway F.

City Moving Ahead With Major Projects

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

The city of Antigo plans almost three-quarters of a million dollars in upgrades to the city’s water and wastewater plants, funded through higher water and sewer rates.

Common Council members Wednesday agreed to move forward with a series of costly repairs to the plants totaling $727,950.

The funding—through substantial increases in water and sewer rates—will be decided in August. Initial predictions indicate that the bills could rise 30 percent or more.

The resolution, which was approved on a unanimous vote, noted that the systems are at least 30 years old and “are on the verge of failure.” Work will be done in-house under the guidance and assistance of Infrastructure Alternatives, which operates the utilities on a contractual basis.

Engineer Kent Trierweiler of Infrastructure Alternatives reviewed the projects with aldermen in June.

Work at the water plant will total $375,000 and will include replacement of the backwash system.

The four multi-media gravity filters are fouled with scale, according to the report, and there is inadequate backwash flow, decreasing plant efficiency and increasing operating hours.

The plan calls for removing the filter media and backwash piping and installing new media, backwash laterals and header piping for air/water backwash capability, with a new blower and air piping.

The wastewater plant needs $352,950 in repairs, including replacement of the ultra-violet disinfection system and the 32-year-old center drive tank sludge thickener.

Trierweiler said that replacement of the center drive will allow smoother operation with less power consumption and avoid catastrophic failure of the unit.

The entire disinfection system must be replaced, Trierweiler said, because it has reached the end of its usable life and the manufacturer is out of business. The cost to repair and replace failing parts and equipment is excessively expensive since they must all be specially fabricated.

In his report, Trierweiler stressed that if the system is not replaced, it could mean that the plant violates its discharge permit limitations, possibly resulting in legal action and fines.

The effect on utility users will become clear next month when the council moves forward with the higher rates. There are indications that water utility increases of 30 percent or more, and sewer hikes of 13 to 15 percent, are likely.

In June the Finance, Personnel and Legislative Committee voted to move forward with development of the higher rates in conjunction with the Public Service Commission, which will look at the expense to run the utility as well as the rate of return when determining the amount of increase.

Trash Becomes Treasure at Ace Equipment

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CST

Eric Fuller is turning trash into treasure.

Over the past decade, Fuller’s Ace Equipment Company has quietly grown from a three-person operation tucked into a corner of the old city shop building on Smith Avenue into a substantial manufacturer of high tech trash compactors and balers, with almost five times the number of employees.

“It has been very positive,” Fuller said. “We have grown substantially in employees and sales volume and this will be our biggest year by far.”

Ace recently celebrated a benchmark by sending out a massive compactor, the largest it has ever made, to a Grainger distribution center in Patterson, Calif.

“It was kind of unique and special to us,” Fuller said of the custom project.

The big compactor even has an automated cellular telephone system which can be used to check the level of trash in the unit. That allows the company to empty it only when necessary, saving on disposal costs.

“It talks to you,” Fuller said, joking that he hopes it doesn’t “phone home” to Wisconsin too often.

The project was guided by Bob Robinson, Ace’s plant supervisor, who came to the business after years in the automotive and metal-working field.

“He brings a lot of experience to the company,” Fuller said, explaining that Ace’s success is due to its great line-up of employees.

The custom work is a bonus but Ace’s bread and butter remains its line of compactors and balers, constructed one at a time, and all carrying the “Built Tuff” logo.

“We take great pride in every piece of equipment and are constantly developing new products,” Fuller said.

Units range from small compactors perfect for apartment complexes to six cubic yard machines designed to make short work of waste from supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals and schools to the big 40-yard octagonal compactor built for industrial, commercial, municipal and recycling operations. There are also vertical balers that will compress loads of cardboard into 60 x 30 x 48 inch bales weighing 4,850 pounds.

From its start in 1997 in an Aniwa shop, through its relocation to the city in 2000 and continued growth today, Fuller said the key to Ace’s success has been careful expansion and a conservative business attitude.

“There are a lot of positive things happening,” he said.

WPS Offering Energy Saving Grants For Organizations

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

One of the utilities that provide services to our listening area is offering community service clubs a chance to earn a $1,000 grant for performing energy saving steps.

Wisconsin Public Service is challenging the clubs in their 19-county customer service area to compete in the first ever "Service Club Energy Challenge". Up to 20 selected clubs will receive the money if they are able to perform three energy saving tasks.

Those tasks include:
-installing ten home weatherization kits from WPS to residences in their community
-host an energy conservation presenter at one of their club meetings
-and have ten club members pledge to reduce their energy consumption by five-percent in the months of September, October and November of 2011 compared to those months in 2010.

The utility will be reviewing the results of the clubs' work in December and will award the grants to those who comply by the end of January, 2012.

The deadline for clubs to register for being selected to take part in the program is July 8, and they will know by July 29 if they have been selected. For more information and registration forms, go to WPS' website to find the link for this information.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Meetings Set For Changes To Shoreland Zoning In Langlade County

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

Residents and land owners who live or own property next to any body of water in Langlade County are asked to attend one of two meetings next week that will inform them on changes to shoreland zoning.

The Langlade County Land Records and Regulations Department and the Water and Land Use Planning Committee are co-running the open house meetings July 8 and 9. The one on July 8 will be at the Town of Wolf River Town Hall from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for eastern Langlade County residence. The one on July 9 will be at the Elcho School Gymnasium from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. for northern Langlade County residence.

The state made changes to the minimum shoreland zoning rules and has asked all counties to make updates to their respected plan by February, 2012. Langlade County officials have been doing their updating for months, and have now prepared their plan for public viewing.

Residents with property along rivers and lakes are advised to come, especially if you live or use land within 300 feet of water. The same information will be provided at each meeting and public comments and questions will be welcomed.

A similar meeting will be set up for Antigo-area residents sometime in August.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Langlade County Community Development Corporation Has A New Name and New Location

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

Our name has changed, or location has changed, and our numbers have changed, but our superior service remains the same.

As of June 24, 2011, our new name is Langlade County Economic Development Corporation and we are located at the new Wood Technology of Excellence Building located on Northcentral Technical College's Antigo Campus.

This new location complements Langlade County Economic Development and we look forward on continuing our efforts on making Langlade County prosper.

Langlade County Economic Development Corporation
312 Forrest Avenue
Antigo WI 54409
www.langladecounty.org

Chris Berry, Director- (715) 623-5123; cberry@co.langlade.wi.us

Antigo Close, Operations Manager- (715) 623-2085; aclose@co.langlade.wi.us

Flooding Now a Threat In The Area

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

Residents in the listening area will have to be on flood alert over the next few days.

The rainfall since this past weekend is the cause of the flooding concerns. The National Weather Service office in Green Bay says most locations across the area have gotten at least two inches of rain since Saturday night, with a few receiving over five inches. What does not seep in the ground will flow down the rivers and streams across the area.

The biggest flooding threat is for the Wolf River, which is why the NWS has issued a Flood Advisory for locations near the river in Langlade and Menominee County. The river's measuring devise near Langlade has the current height of the river around 9.4 feet, which is very near bank full.

The NWS says the river is expected to reach a top height there of 9.8 feet by Friday morning. This means locations along the river will experience minor flooding. People are advised to be careful if they walk by the rivers banks due to the flooding. The advisory will expire Saturday morning as the river will drop below bank full by then.

Other area locations do have to bee on alert for flooding this Thursday, as the NWS has issued a Flood Watch for Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Menominee, Oconto and Shawano counties until 1 p.m. Rainfall forecast for this day will continue to flow into area rivers and streams, increasing their height and can cause some minor flooding in prone locations.

The good news is that the rain will be lighter this Thursday compared to the past few days. Drier conditions are expected to begin on Friday and continue through the weekend.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Sartori Finds High-End Niche With Antigo Cheeses

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CST

Quietly, Sartori Company has become a leader in producing high-end specialty cheeses, and that’s translating to increased employment and investment in Antigo.

Sartori’s trademarked “SarVecchio” Parmesan, “BellaVitano” and a long list of classic, limited edition and specialty cheeses flavored with everything from Merlot and raspberries to basil and rosemary are all produced here—and only here.

That means that the facility that got its start nine decades ago as a J.L. Kraft plant is key to the company’s long-term ambitions in the specialty foods market.

“Our strength here is that we make great cheese, with great cheesemakers,” Jon Gougar, plant manager, said. “This plant is contributing to the popularity of artisan-type cheeses.”

With increased demand, Sartori has increased its retail sales staff, which in turn has fueled its plans to increase local cheese production substantially this month. The acclaimed Sartori Reserve line, which includes the artisan SarVecchio Parmesan, basil and olive oil Asiago, Merlot BellaVitano, extra-aged Fontina and other varieties, is growing at a quick pace as well.

“The only thing that is holding us back is the time it will take to plan general infrastructure improvements,” Gougar said, explaining that the work will include a general overhaul and upgrade of Sartori’s whey plant and water treatment systems.

Increased production also brings a need for more employees.

Gougar said Sartori, which runs two shifts, is adding additional team members this month.

The jobs, both full and part-time, include hoop filling, pressing, turning, piling and trimming of cheese wheels as well as all aspects of cleaning and sanitizing the drain table, brine, hauling, green packaging areas and all related equipment.

“As time goes on, there will be further increases as we develop and expand,” Gougar said.

“These are good jobs,” Gougar stressed, with an attractive compensation and benefit package including health, dental, vision, disability and flex plans, life insurance, generous bonus program, 401(k), paid holidays, vacation and personal days.

Cheesemaker Mike Matucheski noted that with the increases, Sartori in Antigo will have nearly equal the number of employees as Antigo Cheese at its peak.

“At our peak as Antigo Cheese, we had 120 people here,” Matucheski said. “To be able to bring it back up to somewhat near those levels, with no packaging department, is a big deal.”

Matucheski, and fellow master cheesemaker Larry Steckbauer, said the quality of the cheese historically produced here, under the Kraft, Antigo Cheese and now Sartori banner, is key.

When it purchased Antigo Cheese in 2006, Sartori was primarily known as a food service supplier and Antigo seemed a clumsy fit.

Under the Antigo Cheese banner, Matucheski, Steckbauer and the other masters of their craft had already amassed a trophy room of honors, including the “best in the world” title for what was then known as Stravecchio Parmesan at the American Cheese Society’s 22nd annual competition in 2005.

Sartori, similar in size to Antigo Cheese at the time, wanted to increase its retail presence. Instead of simply folding Antigo Cheese production into its Plymouth-based plant, management let the cheesemakers loose.

They started with four varieties, tailored around the existing parmesan, and “that was it,” Matucheski said. “We were very fortunate to be able to go out and play and become very successful.”

Awards quickly followed.

At the 2011 World Championship Cheese Contest, SarVecchio Parmesan earned best of class and grand champion runner-up honors, continuing a string of awards that started in 2007 when it was named “the best Parmesan in the U.S.A,” winning the category at every U.S. cheese championship in that time frame.

In 2006, the same year as the purchase, the now-named SarVecchio Parmesan was featured in a Businessweek article among “products that rival Europe’s best.”

CEO Jim Sartori won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2007 and by 2010 Sartori Foods had won its 100th award for Sartori Reserve cheese.

With the awards came acclaim from chefs and “with that, came success in retail,” Matucheski said.

The Classic, Reserve and Limited Edition retail collection, with elegant new packaging, was launched early this year and today, SarVecchio has been called “the most decorated Parmesan made in America.”

In an age where “artisan” is a buzzword, Sartori in Antigo has filled a niche.

“A lot of things have come together,” Matucheski said. “The demand for the product is there...and we’re growing.”

Marketing Efforts Show Signs of Success

Sat, 28 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Quietly, Langlade County's investments in tourism promotion appear to be paying off.

While still lagging the northwoods powerhouses of Vilas and Oneida counties, state Department of Tourism numbers show a steady gain in the number of visitors and dollars spent here.

The most recent state report shows that visitors spent $43.6 million in Langlade County in 2010, up $3 million, or 7.2 percent, from 2009.

"It is awesome that we increased and I think it's a reflection on the promotion and hard work on the part of everyone working in and for the recreation industry locally," Chris Berry, director of the Community Development Corporation said. "Our next goal is to move up in the rankings."

That increase comes at a time when tourism overall was stagnant, with only a 1.8 percent increase statewide.

Tourism dollars actually fell 1.46 percent in Oneida County and only rose 1.29 percent in Vilas County, but those areas still lead the region dramatically overall. Oneida saw tourism revenues of $202 million in 2010 while Vilas posted figures of $255 million.

According to the report released by the Department of Tourism, signs of recovery in the tourism industry actually began in spring 2010. As the year went on, consumer confidence gained traction and traveler spending showed greater increases each season.

Locally, Langlade County saw across-the-board increases, with winter numbers improving 5 percent, spring receipts by 3.67 percent, summer by 8.33 percent and fall up 9.7 percent.

“Tourism is part of Wisconsin’s economic foundation and its continued growth is a priority for my administration because of the nearly 300,000 jobs it supports, the tax revenues it generates and the positive image it projects for the state," Governor Scott Walker said. "Even after a difficult economic recession where family budgets remained tight, travelers continued to choose Wisconsin for fun and relaxation.”

The study noted that tourism supported 291,964 full-time equivalent jobs in 2010, gaining 5,500 jobs over 2009. Langlade County tourism accounted for 1,030 full-time equivalent jobs, up 9.11 percent.

Tourism also added $1.37 billion to state coffers in tax revenues. Local tax revenues for Langlade County topped $2 million, up 7.77 percent.

“The Tourism Department will support this recovery by remaining focused on our primary mission to promote the state through effective marketing and supporting the work of our statewide tourism partners,” Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett said. “We know from new research that for every dollar spent on our summer and fall 2010 advertising campaign Wisconsin received $7 in state and local taxes from incremental traveler spending. This return on investment makes a strong case for the role of effective marketing to grow the state’s tourism economy and create jobs for our residents.”

Berry said that as spring advances, more and more people are out riding all-terrain vehicles, kayaking, biking and taking advantage of what the "County of Trails" has to offer.

"I think we'll have a pretty good summer up here," she said. "With the fuel prices, our radius of where visitors travel from may get a little smaller, but people will still travel to relax and recreate."

White Lake Area Clinic Plans Advance

Thu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Plans for a medical clinic in the White Lake are advancing, with a meeting slated later this summer to determine the scope of the work.

Northern Health Centers, Inc. of Lakewood and Langlade Hospital in Antigo with the assistance from the Langlade County Community Development Corporation and members of the White Lake area have been working on preliminary plans for a medical facility for months and plan to unveil options within a few weeks.

Currently, there are approximately 4,000 residents that live in the potential service area who travel on average 15 to 30 miles for health care. Based on the response to a survey that was sent to approximately 1,300 homes, 86 percent will likely use a clinic if placed in the White Lake area.

Because of that positive response rate, progress to date includes creating a budget and presenting that budget to each of the boards of Langlade Hospital and Northern Health Centers, Inc. for adoption and site selection.

Once the respective budgets are passed, another informational meeting will be scheduled for mid-August detailing the scope of work. This will include steps to secure a site along with working out the details as far as staffing, equipping and hours of operation.

Northern Health Centers and Langlade Hospital began discussions about 24 months ago concerning ways to improve access to health care services in eastern Langlade County. The benefits of the hospital and health center working together is sharing best practices in quality care and focusing on reducing costs.

Langlade Hospital would support the effort through assistance with development of the facility, providing recruitment and providing mobile medical services in the future.

"Approximately 75 percent of the residents in the communities In the eastern portion of the county do currently utilize the hospital's services," Dave Schneider, the hospital's executive director, said. "This is a way for the hospital to expand services while making it more convenient for residents to seek medical attention.'

Judy Peterson, project committee volunteer said that plan not only fills a medical need but also adds to the communities' attractiveness for new residents and possibly new businesses.

Antigo Downtown Facade Grants Ready For Distribution

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Earlier this month the City of Antigo Common Council approved the creation of a downtown faade grant program. The program is a joint effort between the city and the Langlade County Community Development Corporation.

Corporation Director Chris Berry provided more details on the program during Tuesday's WATK-AM 900 Arby's Breakfast Club. Berry said it is all about improving the look of the downtown area as changes to Fifth Avenue are made in the near future. "It's mainly an incentive for business owners and tenants to fix up their front or rear entrances of their building...awnings, signage, painting, basically any kind of improvements. And I have a whole set of guidelines that you can download at langladecounty.org along with an application."

The program will provide reimbursement to building owners up to $3,000 to reduce the costs regarding renovations. It is a matching grant, which means for every $3 spent by the building owner they can get $1 in grant money.

Berry said the money is being provided by the city. "It's funded through the city's TIF district, TIF number 4, which encompasses the downtown area. So that is where the $20,000 grant fund has come from so it's not state level. It's nice when it is local. It's a little more flexible."

In a press release regarding the program, Berry mentions that the changes to how the downtown looks will be a boost to businesses, property owners and the community in general.

Those interested in applying will have to have cost estimates, contracts and design drawings, a copy of the lease or deed, and written authorization from landowner is necessary. All decisions for grant money will be made by the City of Antigo Economic Development Committee, which meets on the first Monday of each month.

by Rusty Mehlberg

New McDonald's Takes Shape Quickly

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

McDonald’s may be synonymous with fast food, but how about fast buildings?

The firm constructing a new McDonald’s restaurant in the North Town Centre on Antigo’s north side has been working on the footings, plumbing and other infrastructure elements for the business just south of the Highway 45 and 64 intersection for a number of weeks.

But on Monday the project took an entire new complexion — the contractors arrived and they were ready to go.

Antigo’s building inspector, Jerry Wilhelm, said the crew brought what is called a “panelized” restaurant with them, and this morning the last of the walls were already in place and they were ready to start on the roof.

“It goes up quickly,” Wilhem said.

He explained that the entire structure will take about a week to build, and then attention turns to the interior, which will take more time. He added that “it should be up and running in no time.”

In a report to the mayor and city council, Wilhelm said that as soon as the building is substantially complete, the existing facility in the 300 block of Superior Street will be shut down and prepared for demolition.

Before that happens, some of the equipment from the Superior Street restaurant will be moved to the new site.

He estimated that the new building will cost about $750,000, and when the entire project is completed the total will cap $1 million.

A number of other projects continue to advance here including the most costly in the community’s history, replacement of Langlade Hospital. The brick facing is installed in many areas and where areas are enclosed there is work on the mechanical items including electrical, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning.

Work is also continuing on an expansion at Amron Corporation’s facilities to provide office space.

New McDonald's Takes Shape Quickly

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Highway 64 Bypass Begins Construction

Mon, 16 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

This Monday is the scheduled first day of construction for the Highway 64 bypass project in Langlade County.

The $2.6-million project, being paid in full by the state, will result in a new two-lane highway that Highway 64 will take northwest of the city of Antigo between Zima Road and the highway's current intersection with Highway 45 on the city's north side.

The first stage of construction will begin out in area farm fields west of the city. The first impact on area drivers will be on West First Avenue west of Antigo. The plan is to change the road where the new highway will pass through by putting in culverts, ending the thruway. This is expected to take place before the end of May.

Once the new roadway is built in the fields, stage two of the project will begin. This will focus on updating current roadways and underground infrastructure on the city's northwest side such as Century Avenue, Deleglise Street and Center Street. This will result in closures of intersections on this route for up to two weeks at times this summer.

The project is scheduled to be completed by October. Once it is, the current roadways under Highway 64 classification will no longer be that. This includes portions of Fifth Avenue, Superior Street and Neva Road.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Recap of City of Antigo Common Council Meeting

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Downtown Antigo business and building owners will have some money available to them to help improve how they look to the public. The Antigo City Council unanimously approved a faade grant program during their May meeting Wednesday evening.

The program, which will be overseen by the city's Economic Development Committee, will have an initial $20,000 made available, through TIF 4 funds, for building owners to apply for up to $3,000 grants. The grants work as such that for every three dollars spent by building owners for improving their exterior looks they can get one-dollar in grant money.

The intent of the program is to improve the overall look of downtown Antigo to bring in more people and businesses to this area of the city. Applications can be found on the citys website.

Other actions the council took during their meeting included approving a renting of the Edison Club building for a ZUMBA class, approved a request to waive insurance requirements for an event being put on by the Raptor Education Group Inc. at the Antigo City Hall, and approved several dozen license requests, most being renewals.

The majority of the meeting was spent by the council hearing two presentations. One was by Michelle Arrowood regarding AVAIL services provided to the area in 2010. The other was by Antigo Fire Department Chief Jon Petroskey who gave an overview of their 2010 activities.

Petroskey said their EMS calls were down about nine-percent compared to 2009. "In 2010 we'd seen a decrease in our response call numbers, which was somewhat similar throughout the area. I'm not sure if the economy had something to do with that, or people losing health insurance. I really don't know the need for it, but there was somewhat of a decrease."

He added that calls in 2011 are on pace to meet or surpass 2009 levels, which was the busiest year on record for the department.

by Rusty Mehlberg

How Area Counties Fared In Tourism In 2010

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County saw the greatest improvement in their tourism business in 2010 compared to other listening area counties.

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released the figures regarding last year's tourism industry last week. Statewide, over $12.3-billion was spent by people from in-state and out of state on tourist attractions and businesses associated with the industry. That is up $211-million from 2009, or a 1.75-percent increase.

The increase was expected due to the slowly improving economy over the past year, which was evident when tourism dollars was greater than 2009 figures over the latter half of the year.

As for the eight-county listening area, Langlade and Menominee County were the only two counties that saw money spent on tourism increase in 2010. Langlade County was up just under $3-million, or 7.2-percent, while Menominee saw an increase of around $512,000, or 4.4-percent.

The other six counties saw a slight decrease ranging from 0.03 to 1.55-percent.

Tourism played a big factor when it comes to employment and money going towards incomes and revenues for state and local governments. All of these factors grew between 1.5 and 1.94-percent in 2010 statewide.

by Rusty Mehlberg

TOURISM DOLLARS SPENT IN EACH COUNTY IN 2010 COMPARED TO 2009
-Forest: $44,782,432, down $357,908 or 0.79-percent
-Langlade: $43,624,744, up $2,929,446 or 7.2-percent
-Lincoln: $56,238,744, down $24,969 or 0.03-percent
-Marathon: $247,593,607, down $3,062,780 or 1.22-percent
-Menominee: $12,148,235, up $512,093 or 4.4-percent
-Oconto: $65,322,203, down $1,025,167 or 1.55-percent
-Oneida: $202,029,906, down $2,994,832 or 1.46-percent
-Shawano: $79,373,477, down $793,412 or 0.99-percent

Langlade County Spring/Summer/Fall ATV Trails

Tue, 10 May 2011 00:00:00 CST

NOTICE ATV’ers

The Spring/Summer/Fall ATV trails in Langlade County will open on Saturday, May 14, 2011. Also, due to extensive storm damage in the Parrish area, the trail from intersections 10-11, intersection 12 to the Highway H parking lot, and the loop north of the shelter will be closed until further notice.
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

Bicycling Not To Be Forgotten By State Tourist Secretary.

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Although the governor wants to scrap funding for bicycle paths, Wisconsin's tourism secretary says cycling will not be forgotten as a tourist attraction. Stephanie Klett made that promise at the state's Bike Summit held in Madison recently.

Klett promised to include cycling in the state's tourist advertising, which would get boost under Governor Scott Walker's budget for the next two years. Walker wants to increase tourist advertising from $13 million this year to 14-million in the next fiscal year, and almost 16.5-million the year after that.

Klett said she cannot remember a Wisconsin tourist ad that featured bicycling, and she vowed to change that. Walker's budget plan would also eliminate $2.5 million set aside by Democrats two years ago for bike and pedestrian trails.

Many of the bicycling enthusiasts at the summit were planning to ask their legislators to restore that funding, and to create tougher penalties for motor vehicle drivers who kill bicyclists in traffic accidents.

Wheeler News Wire

State Budget Listening Session in Antigo.

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

This afternoon will be a chance for area residents to get their voice heard regarding Governor Scott Walker's proposed biannual budget.

Area state senator Jim Holperin will be hosting the event at the Volm Theater in the Antigo High School, which will run from 3 to 6 p.m.

The hearing is part of over a dozen different listening sessions put on by state Democrat lawmakers throughout Wisconsin in response to the four official hearings the state's Joint Finance Committee, with its majority-Republican setup, held earlier this month across the state. Democrats felt the number of JFC hearings were too few and did not allow residents in some sections of the state an equal chance to speak on the budget.

Holperin, who jointly held a similar event in Rhinelander earlier this month, said the hearing will allow northwoods residents tell him what impact the proposed budget will have on them. Holperin said anyone in the area, from locally elected officials to general public, can provide their reactions, opinions and advise on the budget.

Other area legislators may be at the hearing as well to gather information as they have been invited.

by Rusty Mehlberg

Langlade County Spring/Summer/Fall ATV Trails

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

NOTICE ATV’ers

The Spring/Summer/Fall ATV trails in Langlade County will not open as scheduled on May 1, 2011, but is tentatively scheduled to open May 14, 2011. Also, due to extensive storm damage in the Parrish area the trail from intersections 10-11, intersection 12 to the Highway H parking lot, and the loop north of the shelter will be closed until further notice.

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

County Jobless Rate Dips, One of Best in the North

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County posted the lowest jobless rate in the region during March, improving over 2 percent from a year ago.

New data from state labor officials shows unemployment fell in 68 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties between March and February, with Langlade County leading the northwoods.

The numbers are not stellar, with the 10.3 percent of the county workforce jobless, but it is far better from the March, 2010 numbers of 12.5 percent and a half-a-percent lower than February, at 10.8 percent.

“It’s a reflection of our strategies of building our local economy from within,” Antigo Director of Administrative Services Dale Soumis said. “We have focused on helping existing industries retain and expand their businesses.”

Soumis said the improving numbers also point to the diversification of local industries rather than a reliance on one or two large employers.

“It takes a long time for the payback to come, but eventually it does happen,” he said.

According to the state Department of Workforce Development, Florence, Iron and Vilas counties saw their rates increase while the rate in Lincoln County remained unchanged.

Lincoln County’s rate of 11.8 percent was still a vast improvement from a year ago, when it hovered at 15.7 percent. Iron County’s rate rose to 12.5 percent, up .8 percent, but was down from 15 percent a year earlier.

Vilas County rose .2 percent, to 13.5 percent. That was down from 14.9 percent in March, 2010 but still the highest unemployment rate in the northwoods.

Other surrounding counties included:

—Oneida: 11.7 percent, down .3 percent from February. The March, 2010 rate was 13.3 percent.

—Forest: 11.1 percent, down .7 percent from February. The March, 2010 rate was 13.3 percent.

—Ashland: 10.9 percent, down .1 percent from February. The March, 2010 rate was 12.8 percent.

Chris Berry, director of the Community Development Corporation, said her surveys of businesses and industry point to an improving economic climate and outlook.

“We’re seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” she said. “Some of these businesses have shifted their focus from just holding on to possible expansions.”

Berry pointed to the ongoing construction of Langlade Hospital and the completion of the Wood Technology Center at Northcentral Technical College as positive signs.

“I think these projects are really going to spur new growth throughout the county,” she said.

Deena Grabowsky, director of the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce was pleased with the numbers, too.

She said they reflect an excellent effort by the local community, especially when compared to the data from a year ago and from others in the region.

“We have been working hard,” she said, adding that the efforts of many people are paying off.

At the state level, the Madison area had the lowest unemployment rate at 5.7 percent, down from 6 percent in March. The Janesville area had the highest unemployment rate at 10.2 percent, down from 10.7 percent in February. All the metro areas’ unemployment rates dropped from the same time a year ago.

“Under Governor Walker’s leadership, businesses are clearly gaining confidence in the economy and participating in Wisconsin’s annual hiring cycle,” Department of Workforce Development Manny Perez said.

The state as a whole added 12,300 jobs in March.

Joe Jopek Honored For Trail Efforts

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Antigo’s Joe Jopek is as much a symbol of the Ice Age Trail as the iconic mastodon that serves as its’ mascot.

Jopek, who has devoted much of his life toward creating and expanding the 1,200 mile footpath, has received The George and Helen Hartzog Award for lifetime achievement, among the highest honors that can be presented by the National Park Service.

The plaque was presented at the 2011 annual conference and membership meeting of the Ice Age Trail Alliance held over the weekend in Wausau.

Other award recipients included the Antigo Daily Journal, cited for its support of the Ice Age Trail program in Langlade County since its inception in 1973.

Mike Wollmer, executive director for the alliance, presented an award for media publicity to the Antigo Daily Journal, which was nominated for the honor by Jopek, who had prepared a book with clippings and data on the trail and work on its Langlade County segment dating to 1958 — long before the trail became a reality.

Jopek’s award was presented by Dan Watson, volunteer coordinator for the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, who originally nominated him for the honor.

Watson said that Jopek has provided a level of commitment and service to the Ice Age Trail that is unmatched and, until now, largely unheralded.

“Like the glaciers before him, Joe has left an impressive mark along the trail and the people who use it,” Watson said. “Like the glaciers, Joe’s influence on the area and his presence throughout the story of the trail, dates back many years.

Watson cited Jopek’s involvement in the Langlade County chapter as well as his work in the establishment and evolution of the entire trail system, calling it “nearly four decades of visionary influence and day-to-day toils on behalf of this great addition to the National Trails System.”

Jopek’s involvement in the rail system dates to his career as a community resource development agent with the Langlade County University of Wisconsin-Extension.

In 1973 he participated in the first tri-county organizational meeting which sought ways of establishing an Ice Age Trail prior to either state or federal designation.

A year later Jopek was instrumental in establishing the oval chapter and pushed through a Langlade County Board resolution allowing the trail to be constructed through county-owned lands and encouraging private landowners to cooperate with the projects.

On Jan. 11, 1977 Secretary of the Interior Thomas S. Kleppe designated four segments of the Ice Age Trail in Langlade County—Kettle Bowl, Lumber Camp, Old Railroad and Parrish Hills—as National Recreation Trail components.

“Joe Jopek and his Langlade County volunteers had personally built each of these segments,” Watson said.

His work has continued unabated in the years since, maintaining and supporting new trail segments, leading hikes and promotion and interpreting the area’s glacial geology, land use, resource management and history.

“From the very early stages of what was once merely a collective dream of a few trail pioneers, through the difficult challenges of instilling enthusiasm and organizing the resources to get the job done, and the eventual satisfaction of seeing 37 years of dedication pay off, Joe Jopek has most certainly provided ‘enduring service’ on behalf of the Ice Age National scenic Trail,” Watson said.

Watson concluded “a gentleman of such unassuming yet remarkable achievements deserves to be recognized in such a fitting way.”

Accepting the award for the Antigo Daily Jurnal were Fred Berner and Kay Schroeder.

Berner thanked the alliance for the award adding that watching the development of the system over the years was a pleasure.

Wollmer told the crowd that it was the largest annual conference in the history of the alliance, and credited the central location in Wausau as helping fuel the interest.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a 1,200 mile footpath that will one day span the entire width of Wisconsin. Fifty-three miles of continuous trail exist across Langlade County, with only a stretch from Antigo southwest to Marathon County remaining in the planning stages.

The route follows the edge of the last glacial advance dating back more than 10,000 years. The glaciers left an impressive array of geologic marks upon the land in the form of kettles, moraines, eskers, drumlins and kames that are so unique that at one time there were efforts made to create a national park along the route.

City of Antigo Approves Steps Towards Latest Downtown Revitalization Project

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

The City of Antigo has taken the first step towards their latest downtown revitalization project. The city's council, meeting as a Committee of the Whole Wednesday evening, voted six to three to take the necessary steps to complete the project.

The most important step would focus on a new 10,000 square foot office building to be built where the current Musloff building is at the northeast corner of Superior Street and Sixth Avenue. According to building developer Bill Sauve, the location will be the new home for Wittenberg Wireless, with interest from outside businesses and professionals moving in to it as well.

As part of the project, Sauve is asking for city assistance for several factors in the $1.5-million project through a developers agreement. Factors in the agreement the city would comply to include demolish the current structure and prep the site for construction, try to purchase a portion of the Heinzen property next to Spring Brook to assist with office parking, assist with 30-percent of the project's overall cost, and continue to develop the Peaceful Valley area to the east.

The Peaceful Valley portion of the overall city revitalization project would be to remove several buildings on Fifth Avenue where Spring Brook flows under for beautification purposes, along with developing the 600 block of Sixth Avenue for a town square and parking spaces.

The cost of the city's involvement in all this would be over $1.2-million. However, City Administrator Dale Soumis said at the meeting that with current work done in the area, plus the high possibility of the city receiving a Community Development Block Grant from the state, the remaining cost on the project is under $500,000, which would most likely be covered by the city's TIF 4 district.

Soumis, along with the six council members who approve of the project, said it is a good step towards the citys overall goal to improve the downtown area. Council members Kapusta, Cahak and Turnbull votes against the project, with Turnbull being the most vocal due to the way the project was presented to her and questioned if the city should be getting financially involved in the proposed way with the office building.

With the committee's approval, city attorney Mike Winter will work on the official developer's agreement and have it ready for council approval in the next several weeks.

by Rusty Mehlberg

How Area Counties Voted In The Supreme Court Race

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

A recount of the state Supreme Court race between Justice David Prosser and challenger Joanne Kloppenburg is most likely coming. After all the votes in the state's 3,630 districts were counted, Kloppenburg has an unofficial lead of 204 votes, or a 0.007-percent lead over Prosser. This number is expected to change as votes are canvassed and errors are resolved.

When taking a closer look at how local voters cast their ballots for this race, it showed a strong support for the current justice. In our eight county listening area, 75,829 votes were cast for this specific election on Tuesday. 54.9-percent of those were for Prosser, with the other 45.1-percent for Kloppenburg.

Only one of the eight counties had a majority of voters vote for the challenger, which was Menominee County with 63.1-percent. The remaining seven went for Prosser, ranging from 50.2-percent in Lincoln County to 60.9-percent in Shawano County. A full list of how each county in our listening area voted is posted below.

One factor that comes up when considering the vote results is the higher than expected voter turnout on Tuesday. City of Antigo Clerk/Treasurer Kaye Matucheski said around 30-percent of Antigo eligible voters cast a ballot on Tuesday, well above her expectations. Voter turnout in our area counties ranged from 20 to 40-percent. According to the Government Accountability Board, voter turnout statewide was around 33-percent, well above their 20-percent prediction made last week.

by Rusty Mehlberg

HOW AREA COUNTIES VOTED FOR SUPREME COURT RACE
-Forest: Prosser: 1,531, Kloppenburg: 1,196
-Langlade: Prosser: 2,668, Kloppenburg: 1,895
-Lincoln: Prosser: 3,575, Kloppenburg: 3.542
-Marathon: Prosser: 17,131, Kloppenburg: 14,823
-Menominee: Kloppenburg: 241, Prosser: 141
-Oconto: Prosser: 5,199, Kloppenburg: 3,852
-Oneida: Prosser: 5,515, Kloppenburg: 5,135
-Shawano: Prosser: 5,535, Kloppenburg: 3,550

Rundown Of Area Spring Elections Taking Place

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Spring elections in Wisconsin will be taking place this Tuesday. Voters will have the chance to decide on the various statewide, county, city, village and township elections taking place. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. across the listening area.

We take a closer look at the elections scheduled to be held in our listening area. The majority of the competitive election in our area will be at the township level. For example, eight of Langlade County's 17 townships; Ackley, Elcho, Neva, Peck, Rolling, Summit, Upham and Wolf River will have competitive elections for town chairman and/or supervisor positions. All other townships will be non-competitive, meaning only one person is running for each position up for election.

As for cities and villages, the most competitive will be in the village of Wittenberg. Village President Westley Messier is being challenged by Paul Yeager. Yeager is also one of five people running for three trustee positions on the village board. Also running for a trustee spot include incumbents Dean Anderson, Mary Zillman and James Sterk and challenger Cindy Yeager. The village of White Lake also had a competitive election for a one-year trustee position between John Pomsal and Carol Blawat.

The City of Antigo, usually a spot for competitive elections, will not have any challengers for its elections. Mayor Bill Brandt is running unopposed, while three of the five ward alderperson seats have no challenger for the incumbents. They include first ward Joe Kapusta, second ward Jim Darling and ninth ward Margaret Turnbull. The fifth and seventh ward alderperson positions are up for election, but no names will be on the ballot for those posts. There are several people running for those positions as a write-in, but if they do not take place, those two seats will be appointed for the two-year term.

Area school districts board elections will be relatively quiet for this spring. The three school districts in Langlade County will have enough seats for all the candidates running to get on their respected board. They include incumbents Beth Bockes and Joe Kretz with challenger Miles Stanke in Antigo, incumbents Bob Jensen and Dave Visser in Elcho, and incumbents Carol Blawat and Lewis Bowman with challenger Leonard Schneider in White Lake.

As for county judgeships, Langlade County's Fred Kawalski is running unopposed for another six-year term for that circuit court seat. The lone competitive area judge race is in Marathon County as Mike Moran and Sandra Marcus are both challenging for the county's 5th Branch circuit court seat. All area counties will also be voting for a judge on the state's 3rd District Court of Appeals, which has only incumbent Gregory Peterson running for re-election.

There is also the state Supreme Court race for the entire state to decide on. Incumbent David Prosser is being challenged by state assistant attorney general Joanne Kloppenburg for a ten-year term on the state's highest court.

We hope to have the results of the area elections by Wednesday morning and report of them during those news updates.

by Rusty Mehlberg

A Check On February Unemployment Rates In The Area

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 CST

Unemployment numbers for all area counties rose for a second straight month in 2011. The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released February rates for counties and major municipalities and metro areas in the state this week.

For our eight county listening area, the rates jumped 0.3-percent in Marathon and Shawano County, 0.5-percent in Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Oconto and Oneida County, and 1.4-percent in Menominee County. The rates in February ranged between 8.5-percent in Marathon to 13.7-percent in Menominee. These rates are 0.6 to 2.7-percent lower than what they were in 2010 for the month of February.

Compared to all Wisconsin counties, Menominee has the second highest rate behind Door. Oneida, Forest and Lincoln ranked eights, ninth and tenth respectfully in the listings.

As for the state as a whole, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stayed steady at 7.4-percent, despite the state seeing job growth of 5,200 for the month. Secretary Manny Perez said in a statement with the release that they are continue to stay optimistic for job growth for the year and hope those seeking jobs will be looking at all employment opportunities in the state.

by Rusty Mehlberg

AREA COUNTIES FEBRUARY 2011 UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
-Forest: 11.8-percent, up 0.5, ranked 9
-Langlade: 10.8-percent, up 0.5, ranked 20
-Lincoln: 11.8-percent, up 0.5, ranked 10
-Marathon: 8.5-percent, up 0.3, ranked 47
-Menominee: 13.7-percent, up 1.4, ranked 2
-Oconto: 10.9-percent, up 0.5, ranked 19
-Oneida: 12.0-percent, up 0.5, ranked 8
-Shawano: 10.0-percent, up 0.3, ranked 29

Eight Langlade County Towns & Village of White Lake Have Contests

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

Eight Langlade County towns, plus the village of White Lake, will have contested contests for municipal office in Tuesday’s spring election.

Chairman contests are scheduled in the towns of Ackley, Elcho and Summit. There will be contests for one or both supervisor positions in Elcho, Neva, Peck, Rolling, Summit, Upham and Wolf River.

There is also one contested race for village of White Lake trustees.

Contested races

Ackley: There will be a race for chairman, where incumbent Michael Kennedy is being challenged by Marshall Wirz.

Running unopposed for re-election are supervisors Don Incha Sr. and Charles Noskowiak; Amy Meeks, clerk; and Gary Kieper, treasurer.

Elcho: Incumbent chairman Richard Olsen will be challenged by Ryan Siemers, who also filed papers for supervisor. Supervisor candidates are incumbent Jeff McKinney, Siemers and Mike Rustick. Incumbent Phil Migas is not seeking re-election.

Melissa Bloechl is running unopposed for clerk/treasurer.

Neva: There will be a race for the two town supervisor positions. Incumbent John Mattek will be joined on the ballot by Jerry Aulik and Tony Koss.

Running unopposed are incumbents David Solin, chairman, Charlene Bauknecht, clerk, and Kathleen Resch, treasurer.

Peck: Supervisors David Gregurich and David Frisch will be joined on the ballot by Kenneth Zupon and Ted Hofrichter.

Dan Walrath will run unopposed for a new term as chairman. Katie Hovland-Frisch, clerk, and Cynthia Walrath, treasurer, are also seeking re-election without opposition.

Rolling: There will be a race for the two supervisor positions. Incumbents Ron Nye and Leslie Rasmussen will be joined on the ballot by Sheldon Damos and Dave Kautza.

Running unopposed are Norman Cejka, chairman; Peg Schroepfer, clerk; and Jean Andraschko, treasurer.

Summit: Voters in the town of Summit will decided between incumbent Donald King Jr. and challenger Michael Parizek for chairman. For supervisor 2, Dan Szitta is being challenged by Jeremy Chapin.

Running unopposed are incumbents Brian Parizek, supervisor 1; Deborah Burkhart, clerk; and Dianne King, treasurer.

Upham: Incumbent supervisors Roger Henke and James Jansen will be joined on the ballot by Pat Raith.

Running unopposed are Larry Anderson, chairman, Leah Antoniewicz, clerk; and Tim Murphy, treasurer.

Wolf River: Three candidates are seeking two town supervisor positions. Incumbents William Majest and Susan Hawley, will be joined on the ballot by Chris Berry.

Running unopposed are incumbents Casper Buettner, chairman; Mary Lee Heise, clerk; and Linda Frank, treasurer.

Village of White Lake: There will be a race to fill a one-year term as trustee between John Pomasl and Carol Blawat.

Running unopposed are Joe Edelman, president; and Mary Schiefelbein, trustee.

Uncontested races:

Ainsworth: Incumbents are running unopposed. They are Richard Guenther, chairman; Theodore Jacobsen Sr. and Patricia Girtz, supervisors; Kay Koller, clerk; and Mimi Wreczycki, treasurer.

Antigo: All incumbents are running unopposed. They are Richard Parilek, chairman; Jon Petroskey and Wayne Schroeder, supervisors; Rosemary Servi, clerk; and Cindy Igl, treasurer. Daryl Rasmussen is constable.

Evergreen: Incumbents are running unopposed. They are Gerald McGee, chairman; Thomas Muraski and Scott Clark, supervisors; Mary Mauk, treasurer; and Vondalee Straley, clerk.

Langlade: There will be some changes on the Langlade town board, but all candidates are running unopposed. Cathy St. John will move from supervisor to chairman, replacing Gary Stith Sr., who is not seeking re-election. Incumbent supervisor Doran Arrowood will be joined by Greg Steenweg.

Also running unopposed are incumbents Claudia Clark, clerk, and Sandra Steenweg, treasurer.

Norwood: Incumbents are running unopposed. They are Craig Wilhelm, chairman; Greg Verhasselt and David Dahms, supervisors; Paula Resch, clerk; and Kim Bissonette, treasurer.

Parrish: Incumbents Tim Newman, chairman; Kurt Nierode and Jeremy Fisher, supervisors, are running unopposed. The jobs of clerk and treasurer are appointed.

Polar: Incumbents William Walton, chairman; Craig Walters and Paul Schuman, supervisors, are running unopposed. Also running without opposition are Lisa Kuenzli, clerk, and Carol Estreen, treasurer.

Price: Incumbents are running unopposed for re-election. They are Richard Hafner, chairman; Greg Schroepfer and Carl Thiede, supervisors; Jennifer Sieghold, clerk; and Dena Burkhart, treasurer.

Vilas: There will be a new chairman, with David Nicholson running unopposed for the position. Dawn Moller is also seeking the job of town clerk without opposition.

Current chairman Louis Krivoshein and incumbent James Cole are running without opposition for the supervisor slots. Incumbent Debra Marshall has no opposition for treasurer.

Langlade County Community Development Corporation launches new and improved Website!

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

Recognizing the importance of a quality website to promote Langlade County Tourism and Community Development programs, Langlade County has joined forces with DMiNTERACTIVE, an interactive agency based in Green Bay, WI, to create a more appealing, informative and user friendly website.

Langlade County Community Development Corporation Is Moving...

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 CST

Langlade County Community Development Corporation will be moving their offices to the new Wood Technology Center of Excellence, located at the Northcentral Technical College in Antigo.