School board talks building plans, new textbooks Sarah Giddings       A start date of mid-August for work on school renovations was confirmed Monday night at the Florence School District Building and Grounds Committee meeting.       Craig Sachs from Miron gave the board an update on plans and on the budget.       “We’re mid-way through the…

School District of Crandon announces 2017 commencement speaker Brig. Gen. Vincent B. Barker is a native of Crandon. He is a former enlisted United States Marine, having served on active duty from 1981-84. He received his commission from the Army ROTC program at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in 1987. He holds a…

Several vehicle accidents in the area Sarah Giddings       One man was injured May 17 when his van crossed the centerline and hit the rear axles of a semi-trailer. The driver of the van, William Nagel, 46, of Carney, Mich. was traveling west on US 2 just west of North Lake Road in Spread Eagle…

Florence students delve into white-nose syndrome Sarah Giddings On May 17, Florence 7th and 8th grade students gave a presentation on the northern long-eared bat at a meeting of the Federal Sustainable Forestry Committee. Administrator Ben Niehaus is part of the committee, which includes representatives from federal, state and local agencies. At a previous meeting,…

Forest County Festival Committee seeks local talent Now accepting entries for Forest County Festival talent show       We all have that one relative or friend who loves to play guitar at family gatherings or who hogs the microphone whenever karaoke is available. Or maybe you know someone who is really good at a certain style…

Sokaogon Chippewa now enforcing Recreational Vehicle Resolution & Ordinance Richard D Ackley, Jr. This past Wednesday, May 17, the Sokaogon Mole Lake Tribal Council enacted its Resolution 05-17E-2017 to improve and enforce recreational vehicle use on federally recognized tribal lands. At two previous Tribal Council Meetings, the Tribal Council discussed information regarding the Recreational Vehicle…

  With temperatures reaching the upper 60s and leaves emerging after a long Northern Wisconsin winter, launching our boats and casting our lines sounds pretty good. The Florence County Clean Boats Clean Water (CBCW) staff couldn’t agree more.       AIS Coordinator, Carolyn Weber-Starling, is back at it again this year getting her crew of seven…

  The ownership of AGI Healthcare in Crandon appears to be at a point where closure and receivership are inevitable according to Mark Ferris Executive Director of the Forest County Economic Development Partnership.  Efforts over the past two weeks to secure a new owner have come to a point where negotiations are seemingly at an…

  Bobbie Samme’       The Niagara School District high school was recently awarded the Wisconsin Title I School of Recognition Award.       Niagara High School was one of six high schools in the CESA-8 district presented with the prestigious award.       Scott Trevillian, principal, and Sherry Petschar, guidance counselor, accepted the award on behalf of Niagara High School from Tony…

  The Florence County UW-Extension office and their partners want to remind parents of summer opportunities available to all area youth. Brochures are available for the Food, Fun & Fitness (FFF) and Outdoor Adventure (OA) Program.       FFF is a four-week day camp held at both Florence Elementary School and the Aurora Hillcrest/NWTC Building. For…