42°F

46°F

52°F

44°F

52°F

49°F

41°F

47°F

52°F
WJFW News

World Championship Snowmobile Derby Finale Submitted: 01/20/2013

EAGLE RIVER - A lot has changed since the first World Championship Snowmobile Derby kicked off in 1964. One thing that's always been constant is plenty of fan support.

To say this race is important to the Northwoods...could be the understatement of the century or half century, as it's celebrating its 50th anniversary. And another understatement--it was cold. But that didn't stop fans from bringing the energy.

"It's just adrenaline rushing, it's just exciting to see them go around that track at over 90-miles an hour. See them go over that table top." Proclaimed derby enthusiast, Nicole Musial.


“My favorite part is the snow cross but I love the ice oval too." Said Rhinelander’s Max Beck.

This race is action-packed. That's a reason it's been around for half a century. So in all that time, there's got to be plenty of memories to go around.

"Probably my first in 1978. I wanted to come a few years before that. But once I turned eighteen-- that's when I started coming." Said Bill Dickmann--who made Sunday his 26th straight derby.

Jeff Fechter and Anita Nygren story is unique. Their love for the derby brought them together.

“(Anita) Yep, we met here. “(Jeff) We just met at a bar. (Anita) I didn't even know his name for a few years. He got ahold of me, found out I was single and we've been going ever since.”

Jennifer Kennedy isn’t just a fan—-her favorite memory was a royal honor.

“I was derby queen in 2009. That was a pretty neat experience.”

Nicole Musial was mentioned before. It’s obvious that she digs derby tradition.

“I love the sound and the smell of the snowmobiles. That's my all-time favorite sound and smell. Snowmobile exhaust. Best moment ever!"

With all the derby pride here in Eagle River, most had no problem explaining why it'll be around for years to come.

“In any kind of racing sport that sticks around for that many years, there's a lot of tradition behind it. You look at businesses--how many (businesses) stick around for 50-years?” Said Vintage Snowmobile racer ,Chris Krzewnia.



Story By: Ryan Abney

Text Size: + Increase | Decrease -
 Print Story Print Story | Email Story Email Story
Sponsored in part by HodagSports.com
 In Other News:
Eagle River library presents new design Submitted: 06/18/2013

Play Video

EAGLE RIVER - You can put songs, books and even movies on a device smaller than your hand.

With that kind of technology, you wouldn't think real, brick-and-mortar libraries would be as busy or need as much space.

But in Eagle River, the Olson Library is busier than ever.

The library's foundation started planning for expansion in 2007.

It held an open house to begin its next step in fundraising Tuesday.

+ Read More
Kemp Street construction pushed back to July 8 Submitted: 06/18/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - Independence Day always brings a flood of visitors to the Northwoods.

Closing one of Rhinelander's major streets could create a big headache.

But we learned today that major construction on Kemp Street won't start until after July 4th.

The city and contractors decided today to start the Kemp Street part of their sewer project during the week of July 8th.

+ Read More
Antigo looks to Langlade Hospital to take over ambulance service Submitted: 06/18/2013

Play Video

ANTIGO - The city of Antigo doesn't want to run an ambulance service anymore. It's just too expensive. Instead, the city's new hospital may take over.

"We have a great ambulance service now and that's our biggest concern here is being able to maintain that... As with a lot of people our problem is financial," said City of Antigo’s Mayor, Bill Brandt.

Each year it costs around 2 million dollars to run the ambulance service for Antigo and 10 surrounding townships.

About half of that is paid by the city and county through taxes... The other half is paid by the user fees.

+ Read More
Chrysler recalls nearly three million vehicles Submitted: 06/18/2013

NATIONWIDE - Chrysler is recalling nearly three million vehicles.

The recall covers 1993 through 2004 Grand Cherokees and Libertys from 2002 through 2007.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requested the recalls.

It says fuel tanks in those models are located in a dangerous spot. They could rupture and start on fire in a rear-end crash.

Chrysler insists the SUVs are not defective. At first, the company refused to recall the vehicles.

But now, dealers will inspect the recalled vehicles. If necessary, they can can upgrade the rear structure to better handle low-speed crashes.

+ Read More
Rhinelander Planning Committee makes organizing big events easier Submitted: 06/18/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - Not many people plan big events.

But in a tourist town like Rhinelander, parades, car shows and festivals are a big part of the economy.

Those big events need a lot of preparation.

That's why Rhinelander's Planning Committee wants to make events easier to organize.

The city's Protection of Persons and Property Committee is working on a new special event packet.

+ Read More
Black bear attacks man in Burnett County Submitted: 06/18/2013

BURNETT COUNTY - A man survived a bear attack in Northwestern Wisconsin yesterday.

He's now recovering at a hospital in the Twin Cities.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says a black bear attacked the man in his yard.

It happened near Shell Lake in Burnett County last night around 9:30 p.m.

DNR carnivore specialist David MacFarland says the man's dog apparently had initiated contact with the bear before the man was attacked.


+ Read More
Rhinelander again welcomes American flag downtown Submitted: 06/18/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - A huge American flag flying over Rhinelander fills most of us with pride.

Last year, city leaders tried to put a flag up on the AT&T tower in downtown Rhinelander.

But it was too big.

AT&T is hoping this 15x25 foot flag will be a better fit.

Today was the third attempt to get a flag to fly on the downtown cell tower.

+ Read More
+ More General News
Search: 


Click Here
Home | Program Schedule | News | Weather | Sports | WJFW Deals | General Information | Site Map | Closed Caption Concerns | Contact WJFW | EEO Reports | Quarterly FCC DTV Reports

Copyright© 2013 Rockfleet Broadcasting / Northland Television, Inc.
WJFW is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
Neither Rockfleet Broadcasting / Northland Television, Inc. nor By Request Web Designs shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, or misprints.

Site Design By: