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Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Will summer be the season for student recovery?

Will summer be the season for student recovery?

Wisconsin Policy Forum, Contributor April 10, 2022

At a time when many Wisconsin students need additional support, statewide summer school enrollment plunged in the early months of the pandemic and did not fully recover last summer. The initial decline...

This bear sow and her two yearling cubs came out of hibernation near Black River Falls in good shape. (Photo courtesy of Bill Quakenbush.)

Bears awaking a sign of spring

Chris Hardie, Contributor April 3, 2022

Even when the icy grip of winter keeps holding on, there are signs of spring around us. One sure sign for me was when my animal waterer that froze at the end of January finally thawed. It’s a relief...

In hot housing market, real estate transfer revenues near all-time high

In hot housing market, real estate transfer revenues near all-time high

Wisconsin Policy Forum, Contributor April 3, 2022

Revenues from fees on transfers of real estate in Wisconsin increased 37% in fiscal year 2021, the largest annual increase in nearly four decades. This was driven by robust increases in real estate sales...

Little Creek during the last few hours of winter. The stream is fed by dozens of springs along the valley on Chris Hardie’s farm. (Chris Hardie photo)

A moment of reflection as spring arrives

Chris Hardie, Contributor March 27, 2022

I said goodbye to winter on a bright and crisp morning with the sounds of geese flying overhead. Life seems to be a series of busy moments linked together by the relentless onslaught of time. It’s...

Farmers face challenging season ahead

Farmers face challenging season ahead

Chris Hardie, Contributor March 27, 2022

The coming spring always brings fresh hope and optimism, but with planting season just around the corner, there are plenty of challenges facing farmers. A continued dry stretch still impacts parts of...

Threadbare might be one way to describe Chris Hardie’s t-shirt from June Dairy Days 1994. (Chris Hardie photo)

‘He doesn’t throw anything away’: Frugal fashion fans respond to Hardie column

Chris Hardie, Contributor March 13, 2022

Ralph Lauren needn’t be concerned, but it appears my predilection for old clothes is a fashion trend shared by others. My recent column about wearing clothes until they fall apart found favor with...

The fight over chronic Lyme disease in Wisconsin

The fight over chronic Lyme disease in Wisconsin

Zhen Wang, Contributor March 13, 2022

If life had gone as planned, Maria Alice Lima Freitas would be in medical school, inspired by the career of her father, a surgeon who practiced in Brazil. But instead of changing careers, the 49-year-old...

This icicle was created by a dripping rain gutter outside Chris Hardie’s back door.

Appreciating the science and beauty of icicles

Chris Hardie, Contributer March 6, 2022

There are marvels all over the world, but sometimes one need only look out your back door to find new ones. In my case, it is literally outside my back door where a section of rain gutter was dislodged...

Census changes help correct historic undercount of Wisconsin’s Indigenous population

Census changes help correct historic undercount of Wisconsin’s Indigenous population

NEW News Lab, Contributer March 6, 2022

This piece was produced for the NEW News Lab, a local news collaboration in northeastern Wisconsin. This story originally appeared in the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Microsoft is providing financial...

A Wisconsin historical marker on a wayside south of the peak tells the story. (Chris Hardie photo)

Story of Decorah Peak reveals rich history

Chris Hardie, Contributor February 27, 2022

History and geology sometimes come together to tell fascinating stories, such as the rocky outcrop just outside of Galesville known as Decorah Peak. Standing 1,161 feet above sea level, Decorah Peak...

A sign marking where people taking road tests should park is seen outside the Wisconsin Division of Motor Vehicles Milwaukee-Central service center. (Photo: Edgar Mendez / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service)

Milwaukee eyes driver education to combat reckless driving crisis

Edgar Mendez, Contributor February 27, 2022

Monique Meese is worried about reckless driving in Milwaukee — a deadly threat that Acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson has declared a public health crisis. Yet she feels hopeful for the next generation of...

Chris Hardie dons a shirt worn in his youth that he still wears today.

Don’t throw it out, wear it out

Chris Hardie, Contributor February 20, 2022

I pulled some old clothes from the closet the other day because I had some chores to do. Chore clothes have always been old clothes to me. Once I’ve put a T-shirt, shirt or a pair of pants through...

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