Business – New, Expansion, Successes
‘Mr. Neon’ still going strong after seven decades
Antigo’s Dean Blazek spent his seven-decade career in the neon industry buying, selling, and restoring vintage signs. A new book, “Follow the Signs,” traces his journey from watching a neighborhood sign-maker at work to becoming a globally recognized figure in the neon industry.
Read MoreCharlie’s Bike Shop: Goodwill and Community
Manda and Charlie Morrison have grown their bike shop to include ski and snowboard services as well.
Read MoreBe-YOU-tiful by Bren Success Contributed to ETP Class
Brenna Osborne attributes her photography business, Be-YOU-tiful by Bren, success to taking the entrepreneurial training program (ETP) class through Langlade County Economic Development Corporation and SBDC.
Read MoreNorthstar Lanes to hit the road with food truck business
Source: Judith Mason on The Business News ANTIGO – Northstar Lanes is bringing the flavor to the lanes. The Antigo bowling alley has acquired All Sauced Up – a food truck famed for its award-winning barbecue – as Co-owner and General Manager Brian Mattmiller said it pivots to a “food-first” entertainment destination. Mattmiller said the…
Read MoreBaldwin visits Boys and Girls Club of the Northwoods
ANTIGO — Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) toured the Boys and Girls Club of the Northwoods Wednesday afternoon after recently securing $1 million in funding to expand its facilities. In February it was announced that $1 million in congressional direct funding was awarded to the club to aid in the development of a new facility.…
Read MoreHeart of the Game – How Brian Mattmiller Built A Bowling Community in Wisconsin
by Pat Brettingen, originally published in ProShop Operation magazine, January 2026. When you enter Northstar Lanes, you quickly realize it’s more than just a place to bowl. With leagues and open bowling, lively activity in the kitchen, bar, banquet center and pro shop, the 16-lane bowling center feels like home. At the center of the…
Read MoreAntigo’s Sawmill Surplus relocating to newer, bigger building
To better serve its customers and gain more space, Owner Jason Swartz said Sawmill Surplus in Antigo is relocating from 119 Superior St. to 2906 Highway 45. Swartz said he expects the move to be completed sometime in January. “Right now, in our current location, we have about an 8,500 square-foot, cold-storage warehouse,” he said.…
Read MoreProviding everything building contractors, homeowners need under one roof – Builders Service Inc. has served the Elcho area for 70 years
For nearly 70 years, Owners Dave and Todd Visser said Builders Service Inc. has been a mainstay in Elcho, providing building materials for contractors and do-it-yourselfers alike. From lumber, siding and insulation to doors, windows, hardware and roofing, the Visser brothers said Builders Service Inc. either carries it in stock or can get it in…
Read MoreCanopy Gardens enters second generation of hydroponic farming
According to Owners Andrew and Heather Augustyn, every season is growing season at Canopy Gardens, and every day is warm and sunny. The couple said the hydroponic greenhouse and farm market – which is located five miles east of Antigo off Highway F – was established in 1995 by Pam and Pete Augustyn, Andrew’s parents.…
Read MoreBeyond Caretaking: The Business of Child Care in Langlade County
Sustainable child care is a challenge, especially Langlade County, but the Langlade County Dream Up! Taskforce is consistently finding innovative ways to support the essential providers. A recent initiative saw three of Antigo’s child care centers participate in an in-depth business review with Business of Childcare.
Read MoreThree Child Care Centers, One Mission
Langlade County is fortunate to have a unique story of resourcefulness and collaboration to help parents find reliable, affordable care, so they can join the workforce, leaving critical jobs filled.
Read MoreA new era takes off at Langlade County Airport
When Northwoods Gateway Aviation took over field operations at Langlade County Airport four years ago, Director of Operations Alan Horzewski said things were quiet – too quiet. Horzewski said there was no flight training available and aircraft maintenance on the field was minimal. The team quickly stepped in to change that, he said, bringing much-needed…
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