My weekly column this week is not a “story”, but rather a review of current events in the world of local history. I recently traveled from my home in southeast Wisconsin back up north to central Wisconsin. While there, I took part as a local historian in various local events and activities as time permitted. My activities, in no particular order, included:

The Schindler funeral at Holy Rosary Church in Owen. Don Schindler was a lifelong resident of the Owen-Withee area. He passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 80. He was a 1964 graduate of Owen-Withee High School and a U.S. Army veteran. He was Town Clerk of Maplehurst for 40 years, American Legion member for over 45 years, Post Commander of Lublin Post #547 for nearly two decades, and much more. I personally paid respect to his widow Theresa and various family members. I also spoke to and shared memories with some of those in attendance, including Lois Greschner, Louise Olszewski, Art & Jane Petersen, Sam Borowski Jr, Pat Stewart Braun, Brian Bredlau, and others.

2026 O-W Business Expo. I attended an annual community social event that is held in Owen at the Old School gym each year in April. A trade show opportunity for local clubs and businesses to showcase their products and opportunities. Exhibitors pay about $150 for each 10 feet of “expo table” desired by the exhibitor. Admission is free to the public. I visited with many in attendance, including Jim Maurina, Grace Dale, Diane Benrud, John Mauel, the Art Petersen family, Bob Wilczek, Dennis Looker, Nancy Abramczak, Gerald Kaiser (River Country Co-op), Craig & Sharon Scheinost, Patrick Fehlman, and others. I was present to see Noel Barteck presented with a special 2026 Golden Blackhawk Award for lifetime achievement.

Hene Supply, rural Withee. Stopped at a Mennonite country store, Hene Supply. Since 1983. Owen-Withee’s most popular, most diverse and friendliest general store.

Riverside Cemetery. Walked and drove the entire cemetery. Riverside is a nearly 40-acre public cemetery located west of Withee, near Black River. Many of my Hodnett and Wolter family ancestors and relatives are buried there. Thank you, Lyle Roe, custodian and caretaker, for managing the cemetery as you would your own homestead.

Nazareth Lutheran Church, Withee. Walked the grounds. A church and cemetery located on the far north end of Withee. Sometimes known as “Danish” Lutheran. The former Wolter’s Corner Lutheran Church (where I was baptized) was merged into this church in 1958. And in 1983, the former Finnish Lutheran Church of Owen was merged with this church. The original 1915 bell from the Owen Church was moved to Withee at that time and is on permanent display on the grounds of Nazareth Lutheran.

Chicken Egg Farms, Withee. An emerging industry to Clark County. Drove down Bruckshlager Road to Mennonite Keith Hoover’s massive chicken farm. Northeast of Withee. I’ll be doing a future story on this fascinating topic.

Woodland Tap Room, Owen. Stopped at the historic Woodland Hotel and Tap Room. Had a nice visit with hotel principals, Larry Hodnett and Dick Petersen. One of Clark County’s oldest businesses.

O-W Sports & Liquor, Owen. Stopped to visit with longtime friend and owner Jackie Reinke (in business since 1979) and a random encounter with longtime Owen business leader, John Mauel (took over the local ice cream business in 1992).

Behind Creekside, Owen. On the south side of County X in Owen, south of the “Mill Pond,” Brick Creek merges into the Popple River. Following a couple weeks of heavy snow and heavy rain, Brick Creek was a raging flood.

SPECIAL NOTE TO HISTORY SERIES READERS: Thank you for all your calls, messages, well wishes, and letters regarding the “news” of my decision to refocus my priorities away from executive leadership at the Owen-Withee Area Historical Society and toward my “retirement.” Thanks to your requests, I plan to continue writing this weekly column about local O-W History topics.