Columbus
Spooner Advocate
Chicog Funfest set for Aug. 17
CHICOG — Come to the Chicog Funfest on Saturday, Aug. 17, from noon to 9 p.m. at the Chicog Town Hall. There will be a cook-off for best ribs, chili and apple pie and fun for everyone, including a dunk tank, bean bag tournament, three-legged race, a balloon race, minnow race, egg race and piñatas. Games start at 1 p.m. and run until 5:30 p.m., with two groups: kids and adults. ...
Most common forms of identification to show at voting polls: Wisconsin DMV’s driver license or ID
MADISON - The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds voters to check and be sure that they have the proper identification needed to vote in next month’s Fall Primary Election (Aug. 13). Wisconsin driver licenses or IDs are the most common form of identification used for voting purposes. There is no separate “voter ID.” A federally compliant REAL ID card is not required to show at the polls. The Wisconsin Elections Commission notes other forms of identification are valid for...
WisDOT showcases initiatives to improve safety on Wisconsin roads
MADISON - Community members and transportation partners joined the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) for a special event Tuesday, July 30, in Madison showcasing the partnerships and programs designed to improve safety throughout Wisconsin’s transportation system. The Safer Together – Summer Safety Event features children’s activities, educational booths and demonstrations to give attendees a first-hand look at WisDOT’s safety initiatives in all modes of transportation. “Safety is at the center...
Road work starting in area townships
SPOONER — The Washburn County Highway Department has multiple road closures scheduled over the next couple of weeks for pulverizing. For all projects, the roadway will be closed to through traffic from 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 a.m. Access will be maintained to local residents. Dates are approximate. When one project is completed, work will start on the next. Roadway No. 1 ...
Protect wildlife from lead poisoning
Hearing about the death of a loon is sad, especially where they are limited in number and the death is avoidable. In early July, one of the only pair of loons on Mack Lake this year died from lead poisoning from lead fishing tackle. As longtime Mack Lake resident Char Young explained, “I can’t remember a time that there haven’t been loons on the lake and being able to look forward to baby loonlets.” What happened?Young noticed the loon on the south shore, hiding behind...
Down on the Farm: Meeting her majesty
No, it wasn’t at Buckingham Palace or at Windsor Castle. Her name wasn’t Elizabeth, though I’m not sure she would have even told me her name if I had asked. It was, instead, in the blooming oregano patch on the west side of Farmstead Creamery. The sun was still shining, though the air had grown quite chilly — too cold for flying anymore that night. For some unexpected reason, our blooming oregano has always been a favorite for the bees — both the honeybees over...
DNR reminds boaters to control their speed
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds all boaters to monitor their speed and control their wake while underway, as it can negatively affect other boaters and aquatic ecosystems and cause shoreline erosion. “Wake responsibility is not just about safety; it’s about respect for our beautiful natural resources and fellow water enthusiasts,” Lt. Darren Kuhn, DNR Boating Law administrator, said. “We urge boaters to be mindful of their speed and wake size, especially in crowded or sensitive areas.” ...
Bill would make Apostle Islands Wisconsin’s first National Park
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On July 25, Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) introduced the Apostle Islands National Park and Preserve Act. This legislation will re-designate the Apostle Islands from a National Lakeshore to a National Park. Friday, July 26, the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing on this legislation. “The Apostle Islands are one of Wisconsin’s true crown jewels and deserve to be recognized as the state’s first National Park. This prestigious designation would not only strengthen conservation efforts, bolster the local economy...
Chip sealing completed
SPOONER - All 2024 chip seals are complete, according to the Washburn County Highway Department. Weather delayed the completion of fog sealing on all county highways. Roads yet to be worked on include: County Highway I from Highway 77 to Big Sand Road. County Highway G from Highway 77 to the Douglas County line. ...
Art Crawl set for Aug. 9-11
HAYWARD — Kelly “Zhaawan” Martinson is a mixed media artist focusing on acrylic paintings. Inspired by the imagery and memories of being raised in northern Wisconsin, Martinson utilizes the natural surroundings to create dream-like compositions. Martinson is a member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe, where she received an associate of arts degree in Native American studies with an emphasis on Ojibwe language in Native American studies at the Lac Courte Orielles Ojibwe Community College. ...
Community invited to ‘Enjoying Excellence’
SHELL LAKE — In today’s world, sometimes it is easy to get into a rut and feel like things are dull. However, that feeling has more to do with our attitude than with reality. Dr. Earl Suttle pushes his audience to be in the moment and engage fully. “It isn’t about doing the same things. It is about how we do them and how we can be present and engaged,”...
‘American Pickers’ to film in Wisconsin
NEW YORK — The “American Pickers” are returning to Wisconsin. They plan to film episodes of the History Channel hit television series throughout the area in September. “American Pickers” is a documentary series that explores the world of antique “picking” on the History Channel. The show follows skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable characters and their collections. ...
Shell Lake Football Camp: Early drills, instruction kick off new year
SHELL LAKE — The Shell Lake Football Camp welcomed players back to the practices field this week, knocking off some rust and getting players ready for the upcoming team practices and the new season. Coach Joe Johnson and his staff led his players through some light drills and stressed basics during the Football Camp, which ran July 22-26 for varsity players. There was also a Middle School Camp for younger players. ...
ATV ‘Girlie Ride’
On Monday, July 22, approximately 70 women from the local area, as well as far away as Duluth, Minn., and Beloit completed the first-ever “Girlie Ride.” Organized by club member Charleen Shakman with her husband, Ben, providing backup support if needed, the women left Birchwood on 38 ATVs and UTVs and completed the 50-mile Birchwood loop in under six hours. Leaving from the Synergy Store in Birchwood, the riders made stops at both the Chit Chat Bar and Grill and Spider Lake Saloon before ending the ride at Mary’s Bluegill in Birchwood. Given the success of the event, another ride is likely in the offing.
DNR accepting wild turkey, pheasant, waterfowl stamp artwork contest entries
MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is still accepting artwork entries for the Wild Turkey, Pheasant and Waterfowl Stamp design contests. The winning designs will appear on the 2025 collection of stamps. Each year, local artists from around Wisconsin compete for an opportunity to have their artwork commemorated in a historic way on the wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamps. Sales of these three stamps bring in...
Pete Schroeder new principal at SHS
SPOONER — Spooner High School has a new principal, and he is anxious for the 2024-25 school year. Pete Schroeder has been hired to be the high school principal in the Spooner Area School District. A native of Ladysmith, he is no stranger to the Northwoods and is happy to be here. Schroeder previously taught in Winter and served as middle school principal at Boscobel. ...
115 compete in Lions Triathlon
SHELL LAKE — The annual Shell Lake Lions Triathlon was held over the weekend and once again, the 115 participants complimented both the race venue and those sponsoring it. A frequent comment from the swimmers was how much they enjoyed swimming in the clean and clear waters of the lake. The event features a traditional triathlon with a one-third—mile swim, 15-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run and a duathlon featuring a 2-mile run instead of a swim, 15-mile bike ride and a 3.4-mile run. ...
Scott Fire Dept. Fundraiser is Saturday
TOWN OF SCOTT – The Town of Scott Fire Department’s 29th-annual Community Fundraiser & 50/50 and Gun Raffles will be held at the Town of Scott Fire Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3. The Fire Hall is located at 28390 Coty. Hwy. H, Spooner. Enjoy brats, hot dogs and hamburgers, all for a free-will offering. The will be a 50/50 raffle. The Gun Raffle will...
Livestock Show & Sale at Washburn County Fair
SPOONER — Young livestock producers in FFA and area 4-H clubs work hard all year to raise and produce top-quality animals for sale at the Washburn County Fair. Supporting the youth and helping make the sale a huge annual success are individuals and businesses to bid on the animals. To show appreciation to the buyers, the youth and their families hold the Buyer’s Appreciation Picnic each year at the Washburn County Fairgrounds.
Events at the library
SHELL LAKE — A cartographer is someone who makes, draws or creates maps. Join us at Shell Lake Public Library Monday, Aug. 5, from 3 to 5 p.m. for a drop-in craft of making maps. Whether it’s your favorite town, a place you created or from your favorite book, we will have all of the necessary supplies. We will have both white and brown paper, markers, crayons and colored pencils available. Shell Lake Public Library is excited to host Story Hour with Embrace. Story Hour...
Spooner Advocate
663+
Posts
1M+
Views
The Spooner Advocate, founded in 1901, is Washburn County's leading source of advertising, news, and other information. Located at 251 E. Maple Street, the Spooner Advocate and its companion Total Market Coverage (TMC) product, The Weekender, serve all of Washburn County and parts of Burnett County, with a combined circulation of nearly 20,000 and a penetration rate of 99 percent of households in the area (Pulse Research Survey). Published each week on Thursday, the Spooner Advocate has consistently earned awards from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association for editorial, news, and advertising excellence. The Advocate also publishes several special-interest magazines and products throughout the year, including The Source of Washburn County, Burnett County Almanac, Barron County Today, the Summer Fun Guide, and the Real Estate Buyer's Guide, to name a few.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.