Local Antigo Headlines

Interesting school board election takes shape here

The five candidates for three seats on the Antigo school board agree more than dissent on major school issues.

That was the conclusion followed an hour-long forum held Thursday evening at the high school’s Volm Theater.

Three seats are open on the board of education and at least one new member is assured with the decision of Gary Jaje not to seek re-election. Incumbents are Mike Boldig, who currently serves as president, and Jeanne Long, elected in 2014 to fill a one-year vacancy. Challengers are also familiar, and include former board member Andy Merry, Karin Koeppel, who finished fifth in balloting in 2014, and Tom Zatloukal, who has never sought a seat but who has been active for decades in school affairs.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Future of Edison Club to be aired at meeting on Tuesday

New management for The Edison Club, a downtown dining and banquet facility, will be discussed when the Antigo Common Council convenes in special session on Tuesday.

Aldermen will meet at 6 p.m. in the chambers at City Hall.

The agenda includes the usual time for citizen comments followed by two items both related to the future of the club, which is owned by the city of Antigo.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Boys and Girls Club of Langlade County Wins National Competition

The Boys and Girls Club of Langlade County has announced they have won a national competition sponsored by Lowes, in which they will receive $5,000 for club improvements. Participating clubs had to create a mural on the door of the most important room in their club. The Langlade County club decided on the learning center, where kids do homework and receive extra tutoring.

Read more: WACD

Fon Du Lac Police File Charges In Cold Case Murder

A man arrested last Friday for the 1990 strangling death of Berit Beck was charged this morning. Sixty-one year old Dennis Brantner of Kenosha has an initial appearance scheduled at 3:30 this afternoon in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court. He's charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of the 18-year-old Beck. Authorities said she was strangled in July of 1990, after she was kidnapped while heading from her Racine County home to a computer class in Appleton. Her van was found in a Fond du Lac parking lot two days after she was reported missing, and her body was found six weeks later in rural Fond du Lac County. Court records from last fall showed that Brantner's fingerprints were found on several items in Beck's van. Prosecutors said investigators found more of his prints on March 6th. Also, a person who told police that another man confessed to killing Beck has recanted the story. Officials said Brantner denied killing Beck, but admitted at other times that he couldn't remember what happened. The criminal complaint also lists some of his previous offenses.

Read more: WACD

Gas Prices In Wisconsin Remain Steady

Wisconsin gasoline prices have been relatively steady over the past week. The state's Triple-"A" says the average price for today is 2.46-point-five for a gallon of regular unleaded. That's down three-tenths of a penny from yesterday, and up eight-tenths of a cent from last Monday. Wisconsin's average price is four-and-a-half cents more than the national Triple-"A" average of 2.42 for today. As March ends, Wisconsin's fuel is about 14-cents higher than a month ago.

Read more: WACD

Law Enforcement Activity For Weekend

On Friday afternoon, shortly after 3:30, the Langlade County Dispatch Center received several calls about a fight that witnesses described as gang like on Fred Street in Antigo. People in the area also said they saw a black car and a red truck flee the scene. The red truck was pulled over a short time later at the intersection of Clermont Street and 9th Avenue. Police charged one 17 year old with disorderly conduct, and referred another for the same charge. At least six individuals were involved in the fight.

On Saturday afternoon, Langlade Hospital called sheriffs deputies to report that a woman who was denied narcotics was being verbally abusive to staff. They said she was yelling in front of her children, and was currently in her car, throwing a fit. Police warned the woman about her behavior, and DSS was notified of the incident as well.

On Sunday evening an Antigo woman on 5th Avenue requested officers patrol the back of her house around bar close, because she feared there was a peeping tom lurking around.

Read more: WACD

AHS marching band was a star at Disney Thursday

Members of Antigo High School Marching Band became stars of their own Disney show on Thursday when they entertained resort guests at the Magic Kingdom Park. The group traveled over 1,400 miles from Antigo to the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida to take part in the Disney Performing Arts Program.

The marching band, under the direction of Jeff Dewey, entertained hundreds of Magic Kingdom Park guests as they marched through Frontierland and around Cinderella Castle onto Main Street, U.S.A. before the “Festival of Fantasy Parade.”

This was the group’s fourth visit to the resort with the Disney Performing Arts Program.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Judicial candidates meet at forum, they stress diversity, experience

Years of courtroom experience versus the diversity of legal practice weighed large in a discussion between two judicial candidates who participated in an electoral forum at Volm Theater Thursday.

Attorneys Ralph Uttke and John Rhode are both in the running for a seat as Langlade County’s circuit court judge. The position, which carries a six-year term, will be decided by voters in the April 7 election.

The forum was hosted by the Langlade County Bar Association. Antigo High School provided the student moderator, Nadia Voytovich and panelist Montana Aiuppy, who are both involved in forensics. Other questioners were Drew Kelly of Results Broadcasting and Lisa Haefs of the Antigo Daily Journal.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Jobless rates unchanged here, up in other areas of Wisconsin

Unemployment levels remained unchanged in Langlade County between January and February, but were up in most cities and counties.

The state Department of Workforce Development reported that preliminary unemployment rates increased in 20 of the 32 largest cities and in 52 of 72 counties. The department says it is not unusual to see an increase in the local unemployment rates in the winter months because the numbers are not adjusted for seasonal variances.

Last year between January and February nearly all cities and counties saw a spike in unemployment rates as well.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Marshfield Man Pleads Not Guilty In Packer Ticket Scam

A Marshfield man has pleaded innocent to allegations that he stole 46-thousand dollars from local businesses by promising Packer tickets he didn't deliver. Thirty-seven year old Patrick Blachut is charged in Wood County with seven felony counts of theft-by-fraud, and eight similar misdemeanor counts. He's also scheduled to enter a plea next Thursday to a similar felony charge in Eau Claire County. Wood County prosecutors said Blachut told at least 15 business owners he could get Green Bay tickets for them on-or-near the 50-yard line, through past connections with present-and-former Packer players. Authorities said they found some previous connections he had with the team, but no current ones.

Read more: WACD

Judge Candidates Put Resumes In Front Of Voters In Thursday Debate

On Thursday night, Langlade County Judge candidates John Rhode, an attorney in Antigo, and Langlade County District Attorney Ralph Uttke met for their third debate of the election season. This debate was sponsored by the Langlade County Bar Association.

Uttke touted his experience with the law, spanning from California and Wisconsin. He has been the Langlade County DA since 1990, when he was appointed by Governor Tommy Thompson. Uttke said his time watching Judge Fred Kawalski has taught him what it means to be a good judge. Uttke stated that a judge needs to be able to listen to all sides and make an objective ruling on the facts, but more importantly, a judge needs to know the law.

John Rhode is a lawyer with the firm Sommer, Olk & Payant in Antigo. Rhode said his diverse knowledge of all kinds of law is a strength of his over Uttke. He has worked in family law, criminal defense, business law, and more. Rhode says if elected, he will be fair and honest, and promises to put in the hours necessary to serve the citizens of Langlade County.

Read more: WACD

Police arrest ear bite suspect

A suspect in an ear bite attack at an Antigo tavern earlier this week has been arrested.

Police took the 26-year-old into custody at a Superior Street home Wednesday afternoon. He is scheduled to make an appearance in Langlade County Circuit Court later today on various criminal charges including a felony count of battery.

A second male at the residence was also arrested on a charge of obstructing an officer for lying to police about the suspect’s whereabouts.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Incumbent Bill Brandt, will face Roger Bricko in mayor's race

An incumbent with a history of public service is facing a longtime resident who promises to be “the people’s mayor” in the race for top job in the city of Antigo.

Mayor Bill Brandt is being challenged for his position by Roger Bricko. The election will be part of the regular spring ballot on Tuesday, April 7.

Bill Brandt, 718 Willard Ave., has served as Antigo’s mayor since 2009, moving to the job after retiring as chief of police. He was re-elected to the position in 2011 and 2013 without opposition.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Unique Professions building mixes spa, salon-type services downtown

A longtime downtown professional building is being reinvigorated, and those using the services it houses may soon feel the same.

Stefanie Tatro and her husband, Joe, have purchased the former Clermont Centre at 612 Clermont St., remodeled it to attract new clients, and renamed it Unique Professions.

“Ideally I would like to enhance the salon/spa type services available,” she said. “Although I welcome any business that would be interested in renting a space. We still have several rooms available and this is a great location for small businesses of any size.”

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Winter Weather Will Stick Around In Northern Wisconsin

Keep that winter coat out for awhile. The National Weather Service says parts of far northern Wisconsin will drop down to the single digits above zero tomorrow and Saturday mornings. A high-pressure system is expected to pass through the Upper Midwest tonight through Saturday, giving us clear skies and cold temperatures at least through Saturday afternoon -- when a cold front will bring more light rain-and-snow and warmer conditions. Highs today and tomorrow are supposed to be in the 30's, with light snow showers possible through tonight in the far north.

Read more: WACD

Weston Man Charged With Intentionally Burning Child's Face

A 22-year-old Weston man is expected to be charged Thursday with child abuse after a 16-month-old child required medical care for second degree burns to his face.

According to a news release from the Everest Metro Police Department, police responded to a Weston hospital for a child that had significant burns to his face from hot water.

Investigators said the child's burns are consistent with intentional immersion of the child's face into hot water.

Read more: WACD

Judge And School Board Debate Held Thursday Night

Thursday evening beginning at 6PM, the Langlade County Judges will be having their final debate of the election season before April 7th. The debate will take place in the Volm Theatre at the Antigo High School. Candidates are John Rhode, an attorney in Antigo, as well as Langlade County DA Ralph Uttke. The two men are fighting to replace long time judge Fred Kawalski, who retired last year. Candidates will get five minutes for opening and closing statements, and two minutes to answer questions.

Following the judge debate, the Antigo School Board debate will begin at 7PM. Candidates are incumbents Mike Boldig and Jeanne Long, former board member Andy Merry, Karin Koeppel who ran for the board last year, and Tom Zatloukal. Candidates will get two minutes for questions and two minutes for opening and closing statements.

Read more: WACD

Elderly Townsend Woman Struggles Operating IID Device

On Wednesday evening the Langlade County Sheriffs Office received a call about a van that was parked on the side of the road on Highway 64. A deputy approached the vehicle and encountered a woman having trouble with her interlock ignition device, given to people convicted of drunk driving. The 73 year old said she was having problems with the vehicle and pulled it to the side of the road and shut off the engine. She then couldnt pass the test to make it start again. She told the officer she had been stranded for two hours.

Read more: WACD

Second person charged in raid of drug house

A second person has been charged in connection with the raid of a suspected drug house on Antigo’s north side earlier this month.

Daniel R. Darling, 37, of 318 North Ave. was ordered held on a $5,000 cash bond following a local courtroom appearance where he stood accused of possession of methamphetamine and the purchase of pseudoephedrine on behalf of another with intent to manufacture methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Darling was initially arrested on a probation hold after he admitted to ingesting methamphetamine approximately two weeks following his release from prison in February.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Man loses part of ear in fight at Antigo tavern

An Antigo man is missing a part of his ear as a result of a fight at a downtown tavern late Tuesday.

The 31-year-old also suffered a broken tooth in the assault and was treated at Langlade Hospital.

The suspect in the attack, a 26-year-old Antigo man, left the scene and as of this morning had not been arrested. He is being referred to the district attorney’s office on multiple charges including inciting mayhem, battery, disorderly conduct, causing criminal damage to property and bail jumping.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Scotty McCreery will bring his music to North

Country music sensation Scotty McCreery, American Idol’s tenth season winner and producer of three albums since 2011, will be performing at North Star Casino in Bowler on Saturday night. McCreery’s return to Wisconsin will be met with success-building nostalgia for the young star.

“Wisconsin definitely holds a special place for me,” McCreery said. “I eventually auditioned in Milwaukee (for Idol). You just don’t know how things are going to go or if you are going to win, but after deciding to go to Milwaukee and how everything worked out I love Wisconsin.”

McCreery is currently working on a new album while in the midst of touring, and notes how much he has matured since that fateful day in Milwaukee four years ago.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

School board may limit staff cuts hinted in budget

The Antigo school board Tuesday shuffled some budget numbers and, bowing to public concerns, delayed action on any potential cutbacks in the school music program.

The board convened in the high school’s media tech room, a space designed to hold 890 people but overflowing with teachers, parents and students supporting the elementary music program.

The focus of their concerns was the retirement of elementary band director Carol Schafer, and an administrative recommendation not to refill the position as a cost-saving move.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Are they worth it? Cost of updating older schools here over $3 million

Repairs to the heating and ventilation systems at the Antigo school district’s seven elementary schools will cost upwards of $3 million, and it’s not clear if the projects are worth the cost.

That was the message that electrical engineer Randy All, president and co-owner of Fredericksen Engineering brought to the Antigo school board Tuesday, which is wrestling with how to bring the schools up to code, enhance energy efficiency and mold modern educational plants from mid-20th century buildings.

All noted that his Mequon-based company has worked at hundreds of schools across Wisconsin and northern Illinois, bringing a depth of experience to meeting the needs of districts and students.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Community Fills School Board Room Upon Consideration Of Eliminating 5th Grade Band Teacher

The Antigo School Board held their meeting Tuesday night in front of a full crowd, as dozens came to discourage the board from eliminating the 5th grade band teacher position.

Seven people spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, including students, parents, and band teacher Janet Waterhouse. Carol Schafer will be retiring at the end of the year, and the recommendation by district leaders was to not replace her, and possibly offer the 5th grade band program as an after school activity.

Speakers brought up the success and pride the music program has brought to Antigo, and lamented the feeling that the art programs are always on the cutting block when money needs to be saved. District Administrator Dr. Don Childs stated this move would only change the way the program is run, and not have the dire consequences that were feared by the group.

Read more: WACD

Two Separate Fights Lead To Charges For Langlade County Men

Yesterday, a man on Forrest Avenue called Langlade County Sheriffs Deputies to report that his neighbor once again was doing things near the property line. The dispute of the line has gone on for several years. Dispatch told him all deputies were busy at the time, and they would put the incident on file. Just 6 minutes later, he called back stating his neighbor tried to strike him with a wire, so he pepper sprayed him. They were warned that any further visits by deputies would result in arrests. The caller is being referred for violating a restraining order and battery.

Later that evening, just after 11:30, a bartender from a downtown Antigo bar called to report a fight had just occurred. One patron got into a fight with another while the victim was talking to a female. The 26 year old punched the victim in the face, breaking a tooth, and also bit off a large chunk of his ear.

Read More: WACD

Public Health Department Hosts Immunization Clinic

The Langlade County Health Department will host an immunization clinic from 9AM-4PM on Wednesday. Immunization clinics are available to provide childhood immunizations and adult vaccinations. The vaccinations are free to children 2 months - 18 years of age if you have Medical Assistance or no insurance. Adult vaccinations are available some with a minimal fee or FREE if you have Medicare or Badger Care.

Read more: WACD

Naptime ends in citation for Antigo man

An Antigo man was cited for driving with a suspended license after found sleeping in his vehicle parked at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Hudson Street just after midnight today.

Police were told that the man had been parked there for approximately a half hour and the vehicle’s high beams were shining at homes in the residential district.

The 29-year-old explained that he recently had surgery, his medication made him drowsy and he needed to take a nap.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Local musicians join Kids from Wisconsin

Doug Benishek and Isaac Cuellar, who just struck the set on Antigo High School’s spring musical, “Camelot,” are moving to a far larger stage this summer.

The two exceptional performers have been chosen for the 2015 Kids From Wisconsin, the state’s acclaimed musical ambassadors.

They will be performing in Antigo on Tuesday, July 14 as part of a whirlwind summer tour capped by daily appearances at the Wisconsin State Fair in early August. The local shows are slated for 2 and 7 p.m.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

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