Local Antigo Headlines

Wisconsin Unemployment Rate Remains Low

Wisconsin's unemployment rate is again the lowest since the Great Recession. The statewide seasonally-adjusted jobless rate dropped to four-point-four percent in April -- two-tenths of a point less than in March. The state workforce development agency announced the new figure today. Also, state officials said Wisconsin added 35-thousand-736 private sector jobs throughout all of last year. That's an increase of one-and-a-half percent from the start of 2014 through the end of the year.

Read more: WACD

County Board's Bostwick Resigns From Post

The Langlade County Board of Supervisors have one less board member, following the resignation Tuesday of Willie Bostwick, who served the constituents of Evergreen, Ward 1 of Langlade, and Ward 2 of Wolf River.

Bostwick provided a letter of his resignation to the rest of the board, thanking them for contributing to his experience of serving on local government. He cited incidents in the past week that, "I can not in good faith support what is happening and follow the guidelines required to be a member of government at this level."

Bostwick had pushed for a closed session to discuss an issue in the Highway department that both Board Chair Dave Solin who was absent, and replacement Ron Nye did not agree was necessary.

Read more: WACD

Controlled Buy Results In Two Drug Arrests By Antigo Police

Wednesday morning, the Langalde County Sheriff's Office received a report of a man catching another individual on his property looking at his scrap metal. The residence was on Valley Road. After the man confronted him, the intruder fled in his vehicle. He believed the person would have stolen it.

A controlled buy from the Antigo Police Department led to the arrest of two Antigo Residents. A 41 year old woman and a 45 year old man were both charged with Delivery of a Schedule II substance. The arrests came after a traffic stop at an Antigo gas station.

Thursday morning, another Antigo gas station called police to report a gas drive off of 40 dollars had occurred late last evening around 11PM.

Read more: WACD

18 Wheeler Crashes On Highway 45; Closes Down One Lane

An early Thursday afternoon accident shut down one lane of Highway 45 South. Sheriff's deputies received numerous calls of an 18 wheeler that had flipped onto its side in the ditch, 1 mile south of Antigo. EMS and Fire crews responded along with the Langlade County Sheriff's department. The driver was out of the unit and was walking when officials arrived on scene.

Read more: WACD



Semi flipped on side in Antigo

Third person charged in local drug house investigation

A $1,000 signature bond was continued in Langlade County Circuit Court this week for an Antigo man who law officers allege was involved in the sale of an illegal drug.

Tyler Z. Steckbauer, 20, of 104 Dorr St. is one of three people charged in connection with a March 13 raid of a North Avenue home. It is alleged that methamphetamine was being produced inside the home.

Steckbauer’s charges include a felony count of delivery of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

City offering the Edison Club for sale

The city of Antigo is hoping to breath renewed life into a downtown entertainment venue with a storied past.

The city is requesting proposals for the lease and/or purchase of the Edison Club Event Center, which over the years has hosted everything from big-name country, rock and roll and comedy acts to regional artists, fund-raising balls and too many wedding receptions to count.

The city owns the facility, and after the club’s long-term operator declared bankruptcy earlier this year, entered into a month-by month lease with the present tenants, allowing already scheduled events to continue without interruption. The city also purchased the club’s restaurant equipment, assuring that whomever takes it over will find a totally-equipped facility.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Bostwick unexpectedly resigns from board post

William Bostwick, who has represented the towns of Evergreen; Ward 1 Langlade and Wolf River Ward 2, resigned from the Langlade County Board of Supervisors at the May meeting Tuesday morning.

The action came as a complete surprise to his fellow board members and the gallery.

Bostwick, who resides in Lily, explains to members of the board he had come to gain an understanding and experience of the local level of government.

“I thank you for contributing to my experience as a member of this board and as a member of the committees I served on.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Man en route to prison refuses to leave cell

Langlade County corrections officers were put to a difficult task today.

An inmate scheduled to be transported from the local lockup to a state penetentiary put up a fuss, requiring assistance in his physical removal from his jail cell. Authorities said OC spray, otherwise known as pepper spray, and a Taser were used in the process.

The man was sentenced last week to a three-year term of incarceration on charges linked to a dispute, first with a family member and later with law officers, in November of 2013.

Read more: Antigo Daily Journal

Despite chilly weather, haying nears

Despite the early morning frost—and promise of another blast overnight—Langlade County growers are preparing for haying.

Traditionally, the tractors, choppers and bailers begin appearing in area fields in mid-June, and— with a few lulls to allow the alfalfa, timothy and other grasses to rejuvenate—continue through the growing season.

To the south, the USDA reported that rye was already being harvested for hay this week.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

State hiking season arrives as regional Ice Age Trail honors offered

Decades ago, Langlade County was at the forefront of the creation of the Ice Age Trail that today winds its way across much of Wisconsin.

Today, members continue to be recognized for their efforts.

At the spring meeting of the state’s Ice Age Trail Alliance, four county chapter members were honored for their work in preserving, expanding and promoting usage of the trail.

Read more: Antigo Daily Journal

Wet Spring Aids Farmers In Early Planting

It's been 15 years since Wisconsin farmers planted so much corn so quickly. New federal figures show that 85-percent of the state's corn was in the ground as of Sunday -- the largest percentage planted by May 17th since 2000. Farmers continued to make progress last week, as 12-percent of the year's corn went in despite spotty rain showers and below-normal temperatures. Forty-one percent of the state's corn has emerged from the ground, nine days ahead of the average for the past five years. Half the soybeans were planted as of Sunday -- double the amount from a week ago, and 30-percent ahead of the five-year average. Wisconsin has its largest percentage of soybeans planted by now in over 35 years. Nine-percent of the beans have emerged, much more than the norm of two-percent. Oat planting is also ahead of normal, at 96-percent. Wisconsin's current hay crop is rated 78-percent good-to-excellent, and 70-percent of the winter wheat is good-or-better. Also, top-soil moisture improved from last week.

Read more: WACD

Oneida County Inmate Escapes; Turns Self In After Sheriff's Office Seeks Public Help

Fugitive Ronald Millard turned himself into the Oneida County Sheriff's Office Monday afternoon.

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says the inmate escaped from Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff Monday.

Ronald M. Millard, Jr. 41, of Eagle River, was at the hospital for medical treatment when he left around noon, according to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Millard was in custody for not making a court appearance.

Read more: WACD

County Board Deals With Busy Agenda

The Langlade County Board of Supervisors met for their monthly meeting Tuesday morning. The board heard a presentation from a representative of Robert W. Baird & Co. regarding the county's desire for the sale of approximately $1,075,000 in general obligation refunding bonds. The county should save around $25,000 by doing this. Finance Director Gary Olsen explained that the interest rates would decrease to 1.55% by doing this. He says the decision was an easy one as they would be saving money without extending the payment schedule.

Carol Balwat resigned from the libary board, citing a staute with the board that you can't serve on two governing bodies and still be on. Balwat is on the county board and city council.

Bobbi Damrow, the dean at the Antigo campus of North Central Technical College gave a presentation to the board about the Wood Technology Program which has shown great strides in the past two years, with 4 of 5 graduates of the program finding jobs. She also stated the college has had more than 60 events in the past year to raise awareness about the program.

Read more: WACD

White Lake prom Saturday

Under twinkling lights and framed by glittering swirls of turquoise and white netting, Monica Marsh and Camron Fredrick were crowned queen and king of their royal court at White Lake High School Saturday.

The event, a spring ritual, attracted a dozen couples and an assemblance of prom spectators inside the cozy gymnasium which featured a castle as a backdrop and the theme “Once Upon a Time.”

Attendees emerged from behind colored curtains as their names were called for the grand march which was followed by the official crowning and the placing of sashes on the respective court members.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

County Board to act on finances, personnel case

The Langlade County Board of Supervisors will work on its refinancing program and continue to meet on problems at the Highway Department at a meeting on Tuesday.

The session begins at 9 a.m. on the lower level of the Safety Building.

The resolution dealing with the refinancing will provide for the sale of approximately $1.075 million in general obligation refunding bonds.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Emma, Noah are top baby names, but in Antigo, smiling Brook-Lynn is real winner

Little Brook-Lynn May Edwards entered the world with the smile this week, but her classmates will likely include plenty of Emmas and Noahs.

Brook-Lynn was among the babies born at Langlade Hospital this week, a daughter oif Sabrina Frisch and Keegan Edwards. She happened to arrive at the same time the Social Security Administration released the annual list of top baby names, creating a perfect opportunity for a smiling baby photograph.

On the list, Emma was followed by Olivia, Sophia, Isabella and Ava. Noah was followed by Liam, Mason, Jacob and William.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Food pantry invites public to tour new facility on Sunday afternoon

The Antigo Community Food Pantry is encouraging people to check out its new facility—and perhaps consider volunteering or donating—Sunday.

The pantry, located in the former Welfit facility at 2120 Progress Blvd., will hold an open house on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.

The pantry was created in 2012 by a consolidation of several small, largely church-operated organizations and previously operated out of a downtown location.

Read more: Antigo Daily Journal

Wisconsin Housing Market Rises In April

Wisconsin's housing market continues to improve. State Realtors sold almost 17-percent more existing houses in April than in the same month of 2014. The Wisconsin Realtors Association said 63-hundred-55 homes were sold last month, up from just over 54-hundred in April of last year. It's the largest sales' total for an April since 2010, and the second-largest since 2006 before the Great Recession bit into the market. Sellers are seeing a nice increase in their prices, as well. Realtors said their average selling price was 154-thousand-900 dollars last month, up by almost 11-percent from the same time last year. Realtors' board chairman Dan Kruse said that after a slow start to 2015, the spring housing market has "really come to life."

Read more: WACD

Antigo Man Arrested For OWI While Going To Pick Up Granddaughter From School

On Friday afternoon, shortly after 3PM, the Antigo Police Department received a call about a man who was driving intoxicated. The man's wife was the concerned citizen who notified law enforcement after he left the couple's trailer to pick up his granddaughter from school in the family's van. He had been drinking and was high on oxycotin. The man was stopped before he reached the school, and arrested for OWI 1st offense.

At 6:55PM on Saturday, police received word of a 9 year old boy who had been bitten by a dog while walking on Deliglise Street. The dog was with a boy and a girl, and had a harness but no leash. A man thought to be the dog's owner, told the boy that the dog was caught up with his shots, to clean the wound and not worry about it. Officers talked to the owner but no charges were filed.

On Sunday evening at 9:24 PM, a man on Enterprise Lake Road called sheriff's deputies to report a domestic disturbance happening down the street.

Read more: WACD

Highway 47 bridge project to begin

Motorists traveling through Phlox along Highway 47 will have to look for some alternate routes beginning Monday.

Work to replace the Highway 47 bridge over the Red River at Phlox and extend the box culvert over the West Branch of the Red River is scheduled to begin Monday.

Pheifer Brothers Construction is the prime contractor for the $1.2 million project. Additional improvements include installation of sidewalk on the north side of Highway 47, erosion control, and the construction of a retaining wall.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Officer in jail, cited in teen sex case

Bail was set at $100,000 cash Thursday for a 34-year-old Lincoln County deputy facing allegations he had sex with a teen-age girl.

Zachary Dorr of Wausau stands charged in Marathon County Circuit Court with counts of second degree sexual assault of a child, child enticement and exposing genitals to a child.

Dorr, an employee of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department for four and a half years, has resigned from his position.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

White Lake prom wraps up the season

The White Lake High School junior class will wrap up the spring prom season in Langlade County Saturday with “Once Upon A Time.”

Monica Marsh will reign as queen over the school’s festivities, with Camron Fredrick as king.

Joining them on the court will be Danielle Kubacki and Angelo Barron, princess and prince; Megan Maddix and Patrick Piotrowski, first attendants; and Danielle Peters and Kurt Johnson, second attendants.

Read more: Antigo Daily Journal

Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Sexual Assault; Resigns

A north central Wisconsin sheriff's deputy resigned yesterday, the same day he was charged with having sex with a 15-year-old girl. Thirty-four year old Zachary Dorr of Wausau spent over four years as a deputy in Lincoln County, just north of the county where he lives -- and where he's charged. According to Marathon County prosecutors, Dorr met the girl at a barbeque in early April -- and they admitted having sex that night. An assistant D-A told a judge that Dorr also admitted exchanging nude photos with the youngster, and they had more sexual contact in his car a week later -- and at a May 9th wedding in Rothschild. That was where two Lincoln County deputies got married, and other officers reportedly saw Dorr kissing and giving beer to the teen. Those officers apparently saw a Facebook page which mentioned the girl's age -- and that's what triggered an investigation. Bond was set at 100-thousand dollars.

Read more: WACD

Fun For Kids Planned Saturday At Peaceful Valley Park

On Saturday from 10AM-2PM, Peaceful Valley Park in Antigo will be hosting the 4th annual "Stand Up For Children Day." There will be walking taco salad, water, goodie bags and ice cream while supplies last, and Tom Pease will be holding a concert starting at 1PM.

Many different youth and service groups will have booths, including Peace Lutheran, All Saints, and White Lake Schools. The Antigo Public Library, The Langlade County Health Department, Social Services, UW-Extension and more.

There will be a bike rodeo, sponsored by the Antigo Optimist Club, car seat safety checks, a fire safety house from the Town of Antigo Fire Department, Child Safety with the Antigo Police Department, Farm Safety with Keith Wilson, and youth baseball tips from Dawn and Riley McCann.

Read more: WACD

Police Respond To Burglary At Antigo Food Pantry

On Thursday morning, the Antigo Police Department responded to a complaint from a volunteer at the Antigo Area Community Food Pantry. The person said that while he was dropping off fresh fruit, he noticed that someone had broken in from the back door. The perpetrator had put plastic inside the door so it couldn't lock. The volunteer said the person might have taken food, but they weren't sure at that point. The investigation continues.

At 3:15 PM, a deputy with the Langlade County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop at Highway 45 and County Road G. The deputy said the driver and a passenger's eyes seemed to be constricted. The other passenger in the vehicle stated she believed the two had smoked K2 earlier in the day. Officers found a pipe, but following a consented search, no drugs were found. The driver was cited for operating on a revoked license.

Shortly after 10PM, police received a call from a man who had just gotten off work and noticed his car had been broken into. A threatening note had been left on the windshield.

Read more: WACD

Reserve judges take bench to oversee criminal matters

Reserve Judges Fred Kawalski and Mark Mangerson both took the local bench this week, accepting pleas and issuing rulings in a variety of criminal-related offenses.

Leanna M. Grace, 18, of 1033 Fifth Ave. was placed on probation for two years and sentenced to serve 30 days in jail on counts of burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

She originally pleaded no contest to the crimes in January but judgment was deferred. The order included a stipulation that the counts could be dismissed should she successfully abide by court rules. The order was later revoked and Grace was returned to court. In addition to jail, which has already been completed, Grace is being held responsible for the $500 owed in restitution for a theft at a Hollister area cabin in June of 2014.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Cooperation between city of Antigo, NTC praised as productive

Antigo and Northcentral Technical College have created an outstanding partnership, committed to improving educational opportunities for students and building a stronger workforce for business and industry.

That was the message NTC President Dr. Lori Weyers and Regional Dean Bobbi Damrow brought to the Antigo Common Council Wednesday.

The remarks were among three upbeat presentations to aldermen that also included a favorable audit report, with signs of a declining debt load, and ongoing economic development efforts.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Downtown business program OKed

A new grant program to spur interest in locating businesses in the downtown core won the easy backing of the Antigo Common Council on Wednesday.

At its regular May session, aldermen unanimously approved moving forward with the Entrepreneur’s Grant program, designed to provide incentives for new businesses to locate in the area.

“I would thank you for your support of that,” Mayor Bill Brandt said.

Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Loan Rally

The annual loan rally in Antigo got underway this morning with brisk temperatures personnel from CoVantage Credit Union and vehicle dealers from throughout the Antigo area on hand to speak to potential customers. They all got together to pose for a photograph shortly after 9 a.m. with some of the rows of vehicles behind them. Among the firms with special pricing for the event are Brickner’s of Antigo, Parsons of Antigo, Quinlan Equipment, Langlade Ford and Verne’s Honda.

Read more: Antigo Daily Journal

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