Local Antigo Headlines

The Langlade County Board of Supervisors will have a few new faces after the Tuesday election. Missing will be one of the true board veterans, Gene Kamps, representing District 12 for 30 years, and Jerrold Burns of Post Lake. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Local elections are typically not barn-burners, but a hotly-contested election for four seats on the Antigo school board is sparking voters in higher-than-expected numbers today. As of the the Journal’s traditional noontime poll count 617 city of Antigo voters had cast their ballots to help decide the four board of education positions. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

The race for Antigo school board is one to remember. Eight candidates—including only one incumbent—are seeking to fill four seats on the board of education, and the results could shift the balance of power on the panel, which currently deadlocks 4-4 on many major issues, with an open seat Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

ANTIGO - The connection between smoking and poverty may seem backward. If people have less money to spend, why should more of it go to cigarettes? But instead, the link between lower incomes and higher rates of smoking seems to be strong. Full story: WJFW

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) reports that as of the end of February, nearly 26,000 of its customers were four months or more behind on their utility bills. They could face disconnection of utility service after April 15 unless they make prior payments or arrangements. State law bars utilities from disconnecting residential service from Nov. 1 to April 15 annually. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

A Langlade tavern operator and bartender have both been formally charged in connection with an undercover drug investigation involving alleged acts of marijuana sales. Bail originally set at $20,000 was reduced to $5,000 in Langlade County Circuit Court Wednesday for both Jeremy Walters, 32, of N4495 Highway 55 at White Lake and Amanda M. Walrath, 27, of 313 Field St. in Antigo. Read more: Antigo Daily Journal
Related Blog: Bonds lowered in tavern drug sale cases

The race for District 15 on the Langlade County Board has turned into a bit of a non-event. In January, it appeared as though incumbent supervisor Gary Johnson and former board member Richard Schuh would face off for the seat, and both men returned their nomination papers. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Two people have been arrested and are currently being held on cash bail of $20,000 each on allegations of drug-related activity as the result of an investigation which centered on an eastern Langlade County business. Formal charges are expected to be filed later today against the pair, a 31-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman, who were taken into custody late Monday after sheriff’s officials executed a search warrant at the location. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal Related Blog: Bonds lowered in tavern drug sale cases

ANTIGO - Teaching kids who can’t talk can be challenging. Wendy Simonis has taught special education at West Elementary in Antigo for six years. “You can make an impact on them and show everybody else what those kids can do," says Simonis. Full story: WJFW

One thing became clear following Monday’s forum involving seven of the eight candidates for Antigo school board. The days of planning for a “mega-school” are gone. “The voters have spoken, the mega-school is dead,” Dr. Patrick McKenna said. “We must move on from that point.” Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Three Antigo residents are facing criminal charges after law officers seized more than four pounds of marijuana during execution of a search warrant at a city home Friday. The drugs had an estimated street value between $14,000 and $20,000. The men were taken into custody and are awaiting a court appearance later today where they are expected to face a slew of allegations including possession of the drug as well as having the intent to sell it. A firearm was also seized in the raid. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

An Antigo school district elementary instructor is one of only 100 statewide honored for excellence in education. Wendy Simonis, who teaches cross categorical special education and program support at West Elementary School, has received a Fellowship award from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Inc. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

Students attending Antigo Middle School got an unexpected vacation today. A water main that serves the school just south of the city’s downtown area ruptured making a mess out of the 800 block of Seventh Avenue and cutting water to the school’s fire protection systems, rest rooms, food services and more. Full story: Antigo Daily Journal

ANTIGO - Every now and then we meet people in the Northwoods who intrigue us. These people might be coworkers, teammates, family members, or just about anybody. An Antigo viewer told Newswatch 12 he wanted to learn more about his doctor. Full story: WJFW