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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.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Local health and law enforcement agencies are teaming up this September to make homes across Lincoln County safer by providing free firearm safety resources to the public. In recognition of National Preparedness Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, the Lincoln County Health Department, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the T.B. Scott Free Library in Merrill, and the Tomahawk Public Library are distributing free gun locks, firearm safety information, and crisis prevention materials. Officials note,"Safe storage doesn't have to be complicated or expensive." They said secure storage is a critical, low-cost step toward preventing accidental shootings, unauthorized access by children, and access to lethal means during a mental health crisis. Residents can pick up a free cable lock and safety packet during normal business hours throughout September at the Sheriff's Office Lobby, the Health Department, or either of the two public libraries. Supplies are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Community members are encouraged to stop by any participating location to grab a lock and take an easy step toward protecting their homes and families.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News Facility renovations will force the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office to temporarily relocate later this month. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says that the updates are designed to enhance facilities for local veterans and their families. The project is expected to begin September 14. During the renovation period, public operations will move down the road to the Lincoln County Human Services Building. Directional signage will be posted at both buildings to guide visitors. Office hours will stay the same. Upon arrival at the temporary location, visitors should check in at the front desk and wait in the lobby for the Veteran Service Officer or Deputy VSO. Officials appreciate the community's patience and encourage veterans to plan their service needs around the transition. We'll offer another reminder as the project gets underway, once again planned to begin September 14. A completion date wasn't provided.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News One person is dead following a UTV crash in Price County earlier this week. According to a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) incident report, the crash occurred Wednesday in the Town of Emery, east of Phillips. A 72-year-old man was driving along an established road route when he veered off the roadway, causing the machine to roll over. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released his name. This marks Wisconsin's 33rd fatal ATV/UTV crash this year. As we covered earlier this week, the DNR and local recreation deputies are conducting their "Think Smart Before You Start" ATV/UTV safety and enforcement campaign through the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News The summer is quickly winding down, and in the coming weeks folks will be closing up cabins, camps, and resorts for the winter. Local food pantries are encouraging people to check for any food can be donated rather than discarded. Food insecurity is an ongoing problem in the Northwoods and any help the local food pantries and other food distribution programs receive is greatly appreciated. Whether closing up over the Labor Day holiday or a bit later this fall, they're asking seasonal property owners to review food and consider donating to an outreach organization to help restock their shelves heading to the fall and winter. Non-perishables are always needed, but make sure they are unopened and in-date. Food pantries may have different policies for refrigerated and frozen foods, along with fresh produce. It's best to reach out to your local pantry to see if they accept these items.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News State officials are urging caution on Wisconsin's lakes and rivers this Labor Day weekend. With the holiday marking the summer's final major boating weekend, the Department of Natural Resources expects high traffic on area waterways. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lieutenant John Sinclair reminds boaters that operating a boat requires a different skill set than driving a car, emphasizing the need to know your equipment, abilities, and state laws. Warden patrols have already investigated 21 fatal boating incidents in Wisconsin this year, with most victims not wearing life jackets. Officials remind boaters to wear life jackets, stay sober, and obey speed limits. Boaters are also reminded to drain all water and remove aquatic plants or mud from boats and trailers before leaving launches to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Published on 09/04/2026 under News We've been talking about back to school all week, but sometimes students need to stay home when feeling ill—and health experts at Aspirus are sharing key guidelines for parents as young learners return to class. Being in close proximity with other students in the classroom encountering germs is inevitable. Studies show children average two to three colds each year, However, knowing when to keep a child home is vital to stopping the spread of illness. According to Ashley Schuelke, a nurse practitioner with Aspirus, students should stay home if they have a fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or are simply too sick to participate in learning. Mild cold symptoms alone don't require staying home, provided the child feels well enough for class activities. Schuelke says that parents should "trust their instincts," but added, "It is important to keep a sick child home from school to prevent the spread to other classmates and staff." Children can return to school once they feel well and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Parents should contact a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen, breathing becomes difficult, or dehydration is a concern.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Tomahawk city leaders are retooling their strategy for a possible spring levy referendum. Members of the Tomahawk Finance Committee held a special meeting Wednesday night to brainstorm strategies for winning over voters if they make another funding request. In April 2026, the City Council asked residents to increase the base levy by 20%—a boost of up to $276,000. Voters rejected the proposal, with 56% opposing the increase. Because the deadline to place a measure on the upcoming November ballot has passed, the committee is targeting the April spring election instead. They have not yet finalized the referendum question or dollar amount. Much of the session Wednesday centered on outreach, education, and messaging. Acknowledging that number-heavy spreadsheets can overwhelm voters, the committee plans to highlight tangible impacts. Moving forward, they will detail the exact municipal services at risk after years of cumulative budget cuts. This could be snow plow policies, reduced times for the splash pad, the yard waste site, and Fall Ride expenditures. Finance Chair Mickey Loka emphasized that city leaders must do a better job of making their case, stating that they need to "sell our need" and take the facts directly to the public. To ensure the message lands, the city is preparing a multi-pronged outreach strategy combining public informational sessions, online updates, traditional media coverage, and even door-to-door visits by local alders. A successful vote next spring would not affect the city's bottom line until the 2028 fiscal year. In the meantime, committee members will ramp up work on the 2027 budget over the coming weeks.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Vilas County's trail network continues to expand, thanks to new grant funding for a major local project. The Town of Cloverland, west of Eagle River, secured nearly $1.3 million through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to launch the River Trail project. (additional information on the trail project) Phase 1 will construct a 1.9-mile multi-use, off-road paved trail stretching from Old Highway 70 Road to Wilderness Trail, complete with wayfinding and bike route signage. This segment will connect to the St. Germain Trail and the popular 55-mile Heart of Vilas Bike Trail System. The effort is a partnership between the City of Eagle River, the Towns of Cloverland and St. Germain, and the Great Headwaters Trails Foundation, which committed nearly $500,000 to cover required local matching funds, engineering design work, and project administration. With funding secured, local leaders are ready to advance Phase 1, though a project timeline was not immediately available. When fully complete across future phases, the proposed 10-mile River Trail will connect Eagle River to St. Germain and link up with the Three Eagle Trail. The River Trail segment is one of 49 bicycle and pedestrian projects receiving funding through this TAP grant cycle.

Published on 09/03/2026 under News Riders heading out on ATVs or UTVs this holiday weekend should be on their best behavior. As part of the state's "Think Smart Before You Start" safety campaign, Department of Natural Resources wardens are joining forces with county recreation deputies to increase patrols along local trails and routes. Their goal is to crack down on risky driving while providing operators with safety tips. The effort comes during a dangerous year on Wisconsin trails, with 31 fatal ATV/UTV crashes reported statewide. DNR Lt. Jake Holsclaw noted that crash numbers have been trending in the wrong direction. "A large percentage of injury and fatal crashes involve riders not wearing helmets or seatbelts, operating without completing a safety course, or driving with some level of impairment." During the weekend patrol, wardens and deputies will be actively looking for operating while intoxicated (OWI), speeding, careless operation, and violations of helmet and seatbelt laws. While the extra enforcement is focused on the holiday weekend, officials hope the message inspires safe driving habits year-round.

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