Wisconsin Newspaper Association

5 days ago | wnanews.com | Bill Barth |Stephanie Klett

Download this column as a Word documentDownload photos accompanying this columnDownload headshotsBy Bill Barth and Stephanie KlettSome things can only be experienced. The majesty of mountains. The sound of an ocean wave. The solitude of a walk in the Northwoods. Here’s another: Seeing your grandkids ignite with joy and laughter as they come literally face-to-face with some of the planet’s most unusual animals. We had the pleasure recently at Safari Lake Geneva.

1 week ago | wnanews.com | Chris Hardie

Back Home by Chris HardieDownload columnDownload the photo that accompanies this storyChris Hardie’s headshot Time has an uncanny and relentless way of simultaneously sneaking up on you and passing you by. What seems like yesterday becomes years in a flash. May 9, 1975 was a warm and sunny spring day when I boarded the bus on a Friday afternoon at Melrose Elementary School. I was 11 and within weeks of finishing fifth grade. The bus turned north on Highway 54 and started to leave the village.

2 weeks ago | wnanews.com | Bill Barth

By Bill BarthDownload this column as a Word documentDownload headshotI have visited Benjamin Franklin’s grave at the Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Old Ben must be spinning in it right now, his supply of brotherly love seriously tested. The U.S. Postal Service he founded has become – let’s try to say this without profanity – a stumbling mess.

3 weeks ago | wnanews.com | Chris Hardie

Back Home by Chris HardieDownload columnDownload the photos that accompany this storyChris Hardie’s headshot I’ve done many jobs and traveled many places, but one thing I will always be – a proud Wisconsinite. Don’t get me wrong – I have nothing but deep respect for my nearby Iowa and Minnesota neighbors as I frequently work with them in my day job as CEO of the 7 Rivers Alliance, a regional economic development organization that serves part of the tri-state region.

1 month ago | wnanews.com | Chris Hardie

Back Home by Chris HardieDownload columnDownload the photos that accompany this storyChris Hardie’s headshot The calendar may say we are nearly a month into spring, but for me it doesn’t really arrive until I start digging in the dirt. Turning over the soil and beginning to plant is the act of faith that says warmer days are ahead. The earth is still cold but it too welcomes the longer days and the growing strength of the sun.