66°F

65°F

63°F

64°F

63°F

63°F

64°F

70°F

63°F
WJFW News

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

Play Video
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:
Home Sales Up Overall for the State Submitted: 05/21/2013

MADISON - Home sales in Wisconsin keep growing.

New numbers show April was the 22nd consecutive month of growth.

Sales were up 9 percent compared to April of last year.

The median price for existing homes rose 8 percent.

For the northern region of the state, sales were up five percent in April.

+ Read More
Man dies in Shawano County Crash Submitted: 05/21/2013

SHAWANO COUNTY - A crash in Shawano County killed a man.

Bonduel police were called to a wreck on north First street shortly after noon yesterday.

A car had slammed into a tree.

A 75 year old man riding in the car was pronounced dead at the Shawano Medical Center.

+ Read More
Wausau Paper Signs Agreement to Sell Submitted: 05/20/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - Wausau Paper today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its specialty paper business to a new company sponsored by KPS Capital Partners L.P. (“KPS”), a New York-based private equity firm with significant experience in the paper industry.

The new company will be known as Expera Specialty Solutions, LLC (“Expera”).

KPS, as previously announced, has also entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the specialty paper business of Packaging Dynamics Corporation

+ Read More
Students Raise Money To Teach Kids In China Submitted: 05/20/2013

MINOCQUA - Most kids like to spend summer break fishing, camping or just hanging out.

But two Northwoods teenagers want to get right back into school in another country.

But they need help.

Two students at Lakeland Union High School only have 24 days left to meet their $6,000 goal.

Nathan Grebe and Steven Zhang are trying to raise money to join a three week summer camp in Beijing, China.

+ Read More
Case Against Alleged Computer Sex Predator Will Move Forward Submitted: 05/20/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - In March, Benjamin Lahti posted on Craigslist he wanted sex.

A girl claiming to be 15 years old responded to the 24-year-old Ironwood man.

They planned to meet in Minocqua.

That's when Lahti was arrested as part of a statewide internet sex predator sting.

+ Read More
Obama, Walker Approved at Identical Rate in Wisconsin Submitted: 05/20/2013

Play Video

WISCONSIN - President Obama and Governor Scott Walker couldn't be much further apart on the political spectrum.

But Wisconsinites seem to like them about the same -- in fact, at exactly the same rate.

The Marquette University Law School came out with a new poll taken earlier this month.

+ Read More
Rhinelander ready for Kemp Street sewer project, some homeowners wishing for more notice Submitted: 05/20/2013

Play Video

RHINELANDER - It often feels like there are two seasons in Wisconsin: Winter and Construction.

Drivers in Rhinelander will head into summer with a brand new construction-related headache to deal with on a major roadway.

"We're hopeful, and we'll work our best to get it to where we want it to be," city engineer Tim Kingman said.

Rhinelander city leaders think that's the mindset to take when it comes to a major construction project on busy Kemp Street. Smaller portions of the project will start in early June. That's on Bruner St. and Boyce Drive.

+ 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: