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1 week ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
ST. GERMAIN, Wis (WJFW) - At the intersection of Highways 70 and 155 in Wisconsin’s Northwoods, a tall figure stands with arms folded across his chest, stoic, strong, and unforgettable. For generations, the “Chief St. Germain” statue has greeted visitors to the town that shares his name. Though not based on a historical person, the statue has become a cultural landmark that embodies a deeper story: one of blended heritage, artistic passion, and the enduring spirit of a small Northwoods community.
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1 month ago | 
wxpr.org | Kerry Bloedorn
In the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods, a tale as legendary as the creature itself came to life in September 1985, when a couple of Hodags got married. What began as a whimsical marketing campaign by the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce transformed into a memorable community celebration of local culture. The mythical Hodag, first “discovered” by lumberman Gene Shepard in 1893, had long been a beloved symbol of Rhinelander.
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1 month ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
PARK FALLS, Wis. (WJFW) — The Chequamegon High School track at the Park Falls Athletic Complex hasn’t been resurfaced since 2000. Years of wear, poor drainage and sinking ground have left it unsafe for competition, especially in the northwest corner. Now, the district is hoping the community can help fix it. “That northwest corner of the track is in really rough shape," said Kyle Cronan, Park Falls superintendent.
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1 month ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
PARK FALLS, Wis. (WJFW) — The Chequamegon High School track at the Park Falls Athletic Complex hasn’t been resurfaced since 2000. Years of wear, poor drainage and sinking ground have left it unsafe for competition, especially in the northwest corner. Now, the district is hoping the community can help fix it. “That northwest corner of the track is in really rough shape," said Kyle Cronan, Park Falls superintendent.
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1 month ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
RHINELANDER (WJFW) - John William Heisman is a name etched into the foundation of football history. A true innovator, Heisman helped reshape the sport with game-changing ideas like the center snap, the forward pass and even the scoreboard. His legacy lives on through the Heisman Trophy, awarded annually to college football’s most outstanding player, many of whom go on to hear their names called early in the NFL Draft.
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1 month ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
WAUSAU, Wis. (WJFW) — A powerful lesson in living history came to life Thursday morning in Wausau, where hundreds of students from six central Wisconsin high schools filled the Grand Theater to hear unforgettable stories of Holocaust survivors. Facilitated by Milwaukee’s Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center, known as HERC, the multi-school gathering aimed to deepen understanding and inspire empathy in a generation that may be the last to hear these stories firsthand.
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1 month ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
PARK FALLS, Wis (WJFW) - The Park Falls Public Library welcomed author John Armbruster to speak with its adult book club Tuesday evening about his acclaimed book “Tailspin”. The room was full as attendees gathered to hear about the incredible life of Wisconsin native Eugene “Gene” Moran, whose story is at the heart of the book. Moran, a B-17 tail gunner during World War II, survived being shot down over Germany despite a four-mile fall without a parachute.
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2 months ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
RHINELANDER (WJFW) - The Rhinelander School District kicked off a major renovation to its technical education spaces with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the high school on Monday. The project was made possible thanks to community support, a $26 million referendum passed last April and both the high school and middle school will see updates. District Tech-Ed teachers praised the teamwork involved in the planning process.
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2 months ago | 
wjfw.com | Kerry Bloedorn
MERCER, Wis. (WJFW) — Teachers hold a special place in our communities, especially kindergarten teachers, who nurture young minds with patience and care. For more than 30 years, Mary Fitzgerald has done just that at Mercer Public School. As she prepares to retire, she leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and joy that her students — and their parents — will never forget. I had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Fitzgerald about her journey, the lessons she’s taught, and also lessons learned.
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2 months ago | 
wxpr.org | Kerry Bloedorn
The Northwoods is no stranger to winter weather, and ice storms have historically been among the most destructive. But even by Wisconsin standards, the most recent ice storm that slammed northern Wisconsin March 29th and 30th, 2025 was one for the books. Thousands of Northwoods residents have found themselves in an impromptu off-grid survival challenge, shivering in the dark while trees could be heard snapping under the weight of the ice.
