Outdoors - Stanley Republican

Friends Tyler Reynolds, Mikey Karlen, Cooper Nichols, and Brady Potaczek head out on Otter Lake Saturday for the adult ice fishing contest.

Otter Lake Ice Fishing Contest a success

The annual Otter Lake Ice Fishing Contest took place Saturday, Jan. 17 at Otter Lake. Divided into children’s and adult contests, the contest saw people turn out from across the area. The free … more

By Joseph Back | 1/23/26

Otter Lake to host Family Fishing Contest

A family fishing contest will take place Saturday, Jan. 17 on Otter Lake, north of Stanley. The contest, involving a free fishing weekend with no license needed, is being put on by the Otter Lake … more

By Joseph Back | 1/14/26

Open water on Chapman!

Helping prevent winter fish kills from low oxygen but also posing a hazard to be aware of, the aerators are operating on Chapman Lake just south of the campground. Aerators are active as well on … more

Photo by Joseph Back. | 1/7/26

Crew photograph included in slideshow portion of exhibition.

The Highground unveils ‘WWII Bomb Crews & Atomic Veterans’ Exhibit

The Highground Museum is highlighting the stories they care for within their collection – donated by veterans and their loved ones. They realized they had stories and artifacts that provided a … more

12/30/25

Shown before the snow, Abe Koegel and partner Jenna have taken over the Otter Lake Bait Shop at 16488 Highway H north of Stanley.

Otter Lake Bait Shop announces new chapter

Otter Lake Bait Shop has some new faces behind the counter. Abe Koegel and partner Jenna have been announced as the new owners of the business located at 16488 County Highway H. The couple hails from … more

By Joseph Back | 12/13/25

A car crash just south of Thorp Wednesday, Sept. 10 resulted in suspected minor injury and towing of both vehicles from the scene.

Crash south of Thorp results in injury, disabling vehicle damage

A crash south of Thorp on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 9:01 a.m. has resulted in injury and vehicle damage, but no fatalities. Clark County responded to the scene, with further details contained in the … more

By Joseph Back | 9/25/25

Families gather for a lively puppet show, one of the many attractions at the Kickoff Carnival. Photo by Danielle Boos

Faith Evangelical Free launches fall youth ministry with community event

Faith Evangelical Free Church welcomed families to its annual Kickoff Carnival on Tuesday, August 27, at 6 p.m., celebrating the start of its fall youth programs. The evening offered a variety of … more

By Danielle Boos | 9/3/25

New dog waste stations at Lotz Park

Lotz Park at Boyd has new dog cleanup waste stations. Made possible in part with a $300 donation from McQuillan Plumbing alongside village funds, the three new dog waste stations are located near … more

By Joseph Back | 8/27/25

Shown left to right, Lorraine Seichter, Lorrie Sonnentag, and Laurie McQuillan were on hand with popcorn from the All Saints Parish Council of Catholic Women.

Boyd Chamber hosts Annual Corn Feed and Street Dance

A great crowd was on hand Friday evening, August 15 for the annual Boyd Corn Feed and Street Dance. Starting about 4pm, East Murray Street was closed off from North Adams Street to North Clark Street … more

By Kris Bremness | 8/20/25

The completed 1,800-square-foot Depot Pavilion is now open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering public restrooms and a gathering space at Soo Line Park in Stanley. The building replaces the historic depot lost to tornado damage in 2021.

Stanley’s Depot Pavilion officially opens to the public

After nearly four years of planning and reconstruction, the Depot Pavilion in Stanley is officially open for public use as of August 11. The new structure stands as both a functional community space … more

By Danielle Boos | 8/20/25

Shoppers explore a variety of local vendors and food trucks at The Market at Broadway, held every other Thursday in the Broadway Boutique parking lot. Featured in the photo are Boone’s Co Farmstead, Whiskey River Metal Art, and Derks Farms Meats.

Community comes together at The Market at Broadway

The Market at Broadway brought local flavor and small business charm to the Broadway Boutique parking lot on Thursday, August 7. Held every other Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m., the market continues to … more

By Danielle Boos | 8/13/25

Bull frog hunting on Mark Walters' pond happens after dark for this highly destructive species.

Bullfrogs, to Croak is to Croak

Hello friends, After I hit send on this column, I am getting in my truck which is hooked to a trailer with my ATV in it and heading to Salmon, Idaho for the start of a 14-day adventure. First, I am … more

By Mark Walters | 8/8/25

Above, the home site as it appears today looking towards Copenhaver Avenue. Photo by Joseph Back obtained with permission. A farm silo amidst the trees remains the sole recognizable feature of human presence at Fernwold from the air today, shown in May. Photo by Joseph Back obtained with permission.

Reclaimed by nature off Copenhaver

It stands in a far off wood, not that far away, bearing silent witness to a fire and tragedy which took place some 90 years ago. What stands you ask? The ruin of Fernwold, farm and homestead of … more

By Joseph Back | 8/6/25

Otter Lake Booster Club Charcoal Chicken Dinner raises over $10,000

The 44th Annual Otter Lake Booster Club Benefit July 20 raised just over $10,000 for Otter Lake Improvements. A total of 507 meals were served, with 56 volunteers working to set up the event … more

7/30/25

13th Annual Watermelon Fest 5k Run/Walk

Stanley, WI—The 13th annual Watermelon Fest 5k run and walk was held as part of the annual Stanley Lion’s Watermelon Festival held July 27th at Chapman Park. A very warm and humid day … more

7/30/25

Taking a Picture with the Lion!

The 13th annual Stanley Lions Water Fest 5K was a success! Shown above from left to right are Ashley Nickel, Aubrey Willkom, Maddy Vantassel, Scott Barth, Little Miss Stanley Vivienne Sikora, Tim … more

Photo by Joseph Back | 7/30/25

The Stanley Lions Charcoal Chicken serving staff. Shown above from left to right are (front row) Dave Jankoski (back row) Dorothy Goodman, Dan Plombon, Betty Stopka, and Pat Jankoski.

Pictures from the 51st Annual Stanley Lions Watermelon Fest at Chapman Park

Photos by Joseph Back | 7/30/25

51st Annual Stanley Lions Watermelon Fest a success

The Stanley Lions held their 51 Annual Watermelon Fest Sunday, July 21 at Chapman Park in Stanley. Included in the day’s fun were a 5K Run walk, vendor booths, cake walk, prize raffle, cake … more

7/30/25

Campsites are available through the city.

Campground sites available at Chapman

Sites are still open at Chapman Park Campground. Rates for a campground stay at Chapman Park Campground this year are $35 per night, $175 per week, $300 for two weeks, and $500 per month. Campers … more

By Joseph Back | 7/24/25

The Boyd Village Board passed an ordinance allowing for dogs at Lotz Park in Boyd at its regular meeting on Monday, July 14. Above from left are Trustee Dale Isaacs, Clerk Sandi Isaacs, Deputy Clerk Jayne Geist, Village President Bob Geist, and Trustees Josh Walters, Michael Eslinger, and Casey Dorn.

Dogs allowed at Lotz Park in Boyd

Man’s best friend is officially allowed at Lotz Park in Boyd—with some conditions. Moving to approve the new ordinance at its Monday meeting after adding the item to the agenda following … more

By Joseph Back | 7/24/25