Kirk Bangstad, who runs Minocqua Brewing Company, is facing harassment charges after what he called a political demonstration at a local newspaper publisher’s office in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The brewery owner was arrested Friday and charged with several offenses, including disorderly conduct and harassment. This is just the latest twist in Bangstad’s long-running battles with local […]

9 People Arrested in Price County Drug Distribution Investigation Yields Major Seizure of Narcotics and Cash. The Price County law enforcement operation was a months-long investigation into drug distribution networks in and around Phillips, Wisconsin. Nine people were arrested in Price County after sheriff’s deputies and local police coordinated their efforts. This investigation kicked off […]

Three students from Phelps High School snagged national recognition at the SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta, Georgia, held June 23-27. Alivia Jones, Raelee Steeno, and Jodie Grasse took first place in the Chapter Display category, putting their small Wisconsin community on the map. Their project? An interactive display built entirely from scratch, all based on the […]

Overview The Town of Minocqua found itself dealing with some unusually tense security concerns during its annual Independence Day celebration this year. Brewery owner Kirk Bangstad had posted online threats hinting at plans to disrupt the festivities, which definitely got the attention of local authorities. Bangstad’s threats followed his arrest on charges like disorderly conduct […]

Sex offender registries are public safety tools. They give communities details about convicted individuals living nearby. These databases list offenders who’ve been required by law to register their personal info and home addresses with local authorities. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office maintains a Sex Offender Registry as a public service. Residents can search for registered […]

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has stepped back from its earlier position in an ongoing land dispute. The tribe recently announced it will not block four contested roads or issue trespassing citations to non-tribal residents using these roads during pending litigation. This marks a shift from January, when tribal officials had […]

On a bright Saturday morning, the Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae buzzed with excitement as it hosted the much-anticipated Young Eagles Day on September 14. Local pilot Bill Stengl took center stage, preparing to guide a group of enthusiastic kids on their first flights, a thrilling experience that promises to ignite a lifelong passion for […]

MINOCQUA, Wis. — A judge has declined a request for an arrest warrant against Kirk Bangstad, owner of Minocqua Brewing Company, related to a 2021 defamation lawsuit. According to WSAU Radio, Bangstad was held in contempt after missing a scheduled court appearance in Rhinelander on Wednesday. The hearing was tied to a defamation case in […]

MINOCQUA, Wis. — Lakeland Union High School was placed under lockdown Friday morning due to a procedural flaw in their security system. The lockdown was initiated after a door malfunctioned, falsely signaling a security breach, according to school officials. The incident occurred at approximately 9 a.m., sending the school into immediate lockdown procedures, although there […]

The Marshfield Clinic Health System, facing significant financial challenges, recently announced a series of service reductions across its northern region. This decision comes in the wake of a failed merger with Essentia Health of Minnesota, a deteriorating financial situation, and a recent credit rating downgrade. Closure of Mercer Center and Other Key Changes Impact Northern […]

On December 14th, a notable transformation took place in the world of automobile dealerships in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Dave Marston Motors, a long-standing name in the industry, transitioned to a new era, rebranding as Northwoods Ford. This change marks a significant shift in the local automotive landscape. The owner, Scott Marston, who has been at the […]

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the passing of Jessica Barry, a 46-year-old woman from Ashland, who tragically lost her life on New Year’s Day while detained at the Vilas County Jail. The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is leading this inquiry. The situation unfolded on the evening of January 1, as detailed in a […]