Opinion Posted on December 25, 2019 Posted on December 25, 2019 Star News Quotes of theYear: “I don’t think I will make it to spring.”— Mark Carlson of the struggles of being homeless. Read the printed article... LATEST NEWS Opinion Wisconsin single-family new home permits increase in fourth quarter, end 2025 on positive note Single-family new home permit activity across Wisconsin increased in the fourth quarter of 2025, contributing to modest overall growth for the year, and signaling continued demand for new housing in many areas of the state.According to data compiled from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), 2,936 single-family housing permits were issued statewide from October throu... Posted on February 11, 2026 Opinion State and federal action needed on spiraling fire truck costs If you had $10,000 for every time the word unsustainable was used during last week’s meeting of the Medford Area Fire Commission, you would have enough to purchase a decent home in the community, but only a fraction of what would be needed to purchase a new fire truck. Firefighting vehicles and equipment have nearly doubled in price in recent years and the increases aren’t expected to slow ... Posted on June 25, 2025 Opinion Senate bill is an attack on fundamental freedoms “The right of the people peaceably to assemble, to consult for the common good, and to petition the government, or any department thereof, shall never be abridged.” — Article 1, Section 4 of the Wisconsin State Constitution The language is clear and unambiguous. The people have a right to gather and be heard, even if, as a government official, you don’t like what they are saying, or find t... Posted on June 25, 2025 Opinion Backing up Wouldn't It Be Nice…... Posted on June 25, 2025 Opinion Is the United States becoming a police state? Vox Pop... Posted on June 25, 2025 Opinion A Mother’s Plea: The urgent need for productive conversations about gun violence When I bought my 14-year-old son a crisp, navy suit with a yellow bowtie for his upcoming spring formal, I never imagined that I'd have to bury him in it just days later. My radiant, joyful boy went over to a family member's house, where he and his cousin found an unsecured gun in a drawer, hidden beneath a t-shirt. They started playing with it, not realizing it was loaded. Minutes later, JaJua... Posted on June 25, 2025 E-Edition Buy/Subscribe Local Weather Report View Current Print Ads