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Local Artists Create Designs for Antigo Light Pole Banners

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Downtown Antigo is turning its light poles into a public art gallery, one hand-painted canvas at a time. While many communities use light pole banners to mark seasonal holidays or honor local veterans, downtown Antigo is taking a much more personal approach to its streetscapes. Through a creative collaboration between the City of Antigo and Antigo Visual Arts, custom-designed banners are popping up along 5th Avenue, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork hand-painted by local artists. Each 2.5 by 5-foot canvas covers a wide range of themes from deeply personal local tributes to nature-inspired landscapes. Among the two newest installations is a special memorial piece honoring longtime Antigo Daily Journal publisher and community advocate Fred Berner, capturing his legacy and love for the city. Another is a simple, but elegant monarch butterfly. Organizers say the project is an open-air celebration of community pride, turning everyday utility poles into a vibrant showcase of local storytelling and civic collaboration. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take a stroll or drive down 5th Avenue in Antigo to enjoy the local craftsmanship firsthand.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The first Monday in September marks Labor Day, a long weekend where many workers get a well-deserved day off. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day honors the American labor movement and recognizes the vital contributions of workers. While many in the Northwoods celebrate with cookouts or trips to the cabin, Merrill marks the holiday with two beloved annual community events. Festivities kick off this morning with the annual Labor Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. After winding down near the courthouse, the action shifts to the Merrill Fairgrounds, where the Lions Club is hosting its annual Labor Day Car Show, a tradition still going strong after more than four decades. Organizers say the show typically draws 200 to 250 entries. While classic vehicles from the 1960s and '70s are the most common, attendees can expect to see everything from 1920s models to modern classics. During the event, the city also plans to announce the winner of its summer-long America's 250th Decorating Contest.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Lower-than-normal water levels could create additional challenges for late-summer and early-fall boaters. According to the DNR, ongoing drought conditions across much of the state are causing water bodies to drop below their typical levels. Problems can start right at the boat launch. Officials recommend checking the end of the ramp before backing down, using a spotter, and utilizing your winch instead of powering onto the trailer. Boaters should monitor water levels closely and plan an early or alternate removal if needed. Out on the water, navigators should stay alert, as lower water levels may expose additional hazards. Keep a sharp eye out for submerged stumps, rocks, and sandbars. As for fish and wildlife, the DNR does not anticipate any immediate impacts. Fish may concentrate in smaller areas, but the added stress will likely reduce their appetite. Meanwhile, staff have not observed any widespread negative impacts on wildlife populations, noting that local species are generally adaptable to changing conditions.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Labor Day marks the last hurrah for summer travel, and officials are urging drivers to prioritize safety on area roadways. Here in the Northwoods, traffic is expected to be heaviest heading south on Monday afternoon. For those closing up cabins for the season, hauling extra cargo and trailers is common practice. Officials remind drivers to ensure all loads are properly secured, not only to prevent lost items, but also to protect motorists traveling behind you. Trailer Safety Checklist:Check tires and lights: Inspect tire pressures and lights, especially if the trailer has been in storage all summer.Match the hitch: Ensure the hitch ball and coupler are the exact same size and latched securely.Use safety chains: Crisscross safety chains under the trailer tongue before heading out.Standard rules of the road still apply: obey posted speed limits, buckle up, and avoid distracted driving. Law enforcement is also participating in the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign through Labor Day.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The state's long-term plan to close Lincoln Hills took another step forward as 33 new Department of Corrections staff members graduated from their training academy. They will serve at Milwaukee's new Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth. The $78.4 million, 32-bed Milwaukee center is set to open as the first of three proposed regional facilities designed to replace Lincoln Hills School and Copper Lake School as the state's primary youth correctional facility. The goal is to keep young offenders closer to their families, hometown support networks, and staff who understand their local communities. Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy emphasized that regional care allows family and community resources to integrate directly into youth rehabilitation. Many of the new staff members grew up in the same neighborhoods and navigated the same challenges as the youth they will be caring for. A second site in Dane County is set to break ground, while a third facility may be built at an undetermined location in northern Wisconsin to serve regional youth offenders. Once the transition is fully complete, state plans call for converting the Lincoln County complex into an adult correctional facility.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Governor Evers' planned stop at the Chequamegon School District on Friday was canceled due to nearby threats unrelated to his visit. Price County Dispatch received a call from a man making terroristic threats and expressing suicidal thoughts at a business in the Town of Lake. Multiple agencies responded, taking the man into custody without incident. Around that same time, Gov. Evers was scheduled to visit the Chequamegon School-South Campus. As a precaution during the incident, the school was placed in a secure hold; and the Governor's visit cancelled. Authorities noted that the threats did not appear to be connected to his planned visit. The stop was intended to be part of the governor's annual statewide Back-to-School tour. A former science teacher and school administrator, Gov. Evers is marking his 50th back-to-school season and his final one as governor.

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Sports Headlines

Another Slow Start Dooms Hatchet Football in GNC Opener

Published on 09/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad would fail to shake off another slow start in their Great Northern Conference opener Friday night at Hatchet Field, losing to Wausau East, 23-14. The Hatchets were able to move the ball for three out of the four quarters against Wausau East. Unfortunately, Tomahawk was unable to overcome an early 16-0 deficit behind two first-half touchdowns from the Lumberjacks' Xander Klein. The Hatchets rushed for a season-high 183 yards on 40 carries. Max Larson led the way with 69 yards and a touchdown. Henry Nieman finished with a receiving touchdown and an interception. Tomahawk falls to 0-3 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at Hatchet Field next week to welcome Antigo. The Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin begins at 6:15 and kickoff is at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth. Other Northwoods Football Scores: 11-Player Football: Coleman 28, Northland Pines 16 Marathon 19, Crandon 0 Mosinee 33, Antigo 14 Merrill 42, Lakeland 13 Medford 62, Rhinelander 20 Regis 42, Abbotsford 0 8-Player Football: Suring 56, Goodman-Pembine 6 Hurley 22, Phillips 6 Laona-Wabeno 44, Rib Lake 6 Three Lakes/Phelps 64, Chequamegon 0

Published on 09/03/2026 under Sports The Hatchet female swimmers went 0-2 in their home double dual with Mosinee and Lakeland Thursday night. Tomahawk would fall to Lakeland, 134-27 and to Mosinee, 80-57. The top finish for Tomahawk came in the 400 yard freestyle as the team of Kaylee Roberts, Kurtney Busterud, Kami Gabrich, and Aubrey Tollefson placed second with a time of 4:42. Kaylee Roberts placed third in the 100 backstroke with a time of 1:17.14. Tollefson placed third in the 100 yard breaststroke with a time of 1:25.63. The Hatchets will have their next double dual next Thursday in Colby with the host and Rhinelander. Events begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/03/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad would fight tooth and nail, but come up short at Raider Hall in Medford Thursday night, losing, 25-16, 25-23, 26-24. The Hatchets would build leads in Games Two and Three, but Medford relied on the heavy hitters of Taylor Klingbeil and Kayla Baumgartner to come back and get the victory. Lauren Reibe finished with six kills and six aces in the victory. Lexi Palmer and Shelby Borowski combined for 19 of Tomahawk's 21 assists. The loss drops Tomahawk to 1-6 on the season and 0-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Saturday for the next invite at DC Everest. Their first match will be at 9:00 against Edgar.

Published on 08/29/2026 under Sports The Hatchet volleyball squad stumbled out of the gate to begin 2026, going 1-5 in their opening matches at the Just A Game Fieldhouse Friendship Tournament in the Wisconsin Dells over the weekend. Tomahawk went 0-4 Friday, losing to Wausau West, Wisconsin Dells, Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau, and Oshkosh North. Saturday, the Hatchets started the day with getting swept by Cashton. The Hatchets would leave the Dells with a victory after sweeping Rio. Tomahawk begins Great Northern Conference play Thursday night at Medford. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ app, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show will begin at 6:35 with opening serve at 7:00. Matt Theiler and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth from Medford Thursday night.

Published on 08/28/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad's offensive struggles would continue Friday night as they would lose at Charger Field to Wittenberg-Birnamwood, 23-6. The Hatchets would fail to crack 100 yards rushing for the second consecutive game. Tomahawk would allow 305 yards on the ground to the Chargers, including 171 in the second half. Max Larson led the way for the Hatchets with 99 yards and an 11-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Hatchets would force three turnovers, but mustered only six points off of those takeaways. Tomahawk falls to 0-2 on the season and will begin Great Northern Conference Play against Wausau East next Friday. Tune in for the broadcast on the WJJQ App, online at wjjq.com, and on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. Keith Hanse and Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth from Hatchet Field next week. Other Northwoods Week 2 Football Scores: 11-Player Football: New London 13, Antigo 0 Shawano 16, Lakeland 15 Onalaska 20, Medford 0 Merrill 27, Crandon 14 Menasha 46, Mosinee 20 Ashland 26, Northland Pines 23 Rhinelander 49, Hayward 12 La Crosse Logan 37, Wausau East 0 Colby 33, Abbotsford 13 8-Player Football: Chequamegon 58, Cornell 30 Hurley 20, Laona-Wabeno 14 (OT) Ironwood (MI) 52, Florence 15 Lena/St. Thomas Aquinas 47, Goodman-Pembine 6 De Soto 62, Rib Lake 26 Gilman 50, Athens 0

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