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Ashland, Wisconsin

Ashland is a city in Ashland and Bayfield counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is the county seat of Ashland County. The city is a port on Lake Superior, near the head of Chequamegon Bay. The population was 7,908 at the 2020 census, all of whom resided in the Ashland County portion of the city. The unpopulated Bayfield County portion is in the city's southwest, bordered by the easternmost part of the Town of Eileen.

The junction of US Highway 2 (US 2) and Wisconsin Highway 13 (WIS 13) is located at this city. It is the home of Northland College, Northwood Technical College, and the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute.

Pre-settlement
Eight Native American nations have lived on Chequamegon Bay. Later settlers included European explorers, missionaries and fur traders, and more recently, Yankees from the eastern United States who platted and developed the lands, railroaders, shippers, loggers, entrepreneurs, and other settlers. Four flags have flown over the area around Ashland from colonial to contemporary times: Spanish, French, English and American.

The area was part of the United States' Northwest Territory. This region was divided into four successive territories for administration before becoming part of the state of Wisconsin: Indiana Territory, Michigan Territory, Illinois Territory, and Wisconsin Territory.

About the time Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World in the late 15th century, the Ojibwe people came to the land they called Sha-ga-waun-il-ong. This term has been translated numerous ways: "lowlands", the "needle", "the region of shallow water", and where "there are large extended breakers". Each is descriptive and suitably accurate. The Ojibwe stayed on Chequamegon Point for nearly a century before leaving. They settled first on Madeline Island and then moved to the Sault Ste. Marie region.

French fur traders Pierre d'Esprit, le Sieur Radisson and Medard Chouart, le Sieur des Groseillers were the first Europeans of record to visit Chequamegon Bay. They arrived in 1659 and built what has been called the first European dwelling place in what is now Wisconsin. A historical marker noting this is located at Maslowski Beach on US 2 on the west end of Ashland. The monument was erected in 1929 by the Old Settlers Club.

The Ojibwe heartily welcomed the Frenchmen. Five years later, Father Claude-Jean Allouez arrived. A Jesuit missionary, he brought the first word of Christianity to Wisconsin's shores. Allouez built a chapel not far from the stockade erected by Radisson and Groseillier; he worked and lived at the Bay until 1669.

Settlement
In 1854, Ohioans Asaph Whittlesey and George Kilborn set out from La Pointe to explore the head of Chequamegon Bay. Whittlesey built a 10 ft × 14 ft cabin in Ashland. His wife, Lucy, and daughter, Eugenia, joined him in August and prepared to winter in their new home. Signs of settlement soon began to take place. The first community dance was held at their house. The Reverend L.H. Wheeler preached the first sermon on the first Independence Day that was observed there. This village was the location of the first post office and polling place for county offices. Sunday school was also conducted on the premises.

The Milwaukee, Lakeshore and Western Railroad platted the city in 1885, as railroad construction moved westward. Local landowner Martin Beaser named the settlement Ashland after Kentucky statesman Henry Clay’s residence. Previous names for the area included Bay City, Saint Mark (for Saint Mark's Basilica), and Whittlesey, the latter in honor of initial postmaster Adolph Whittlesey.

In the nineteenth century, immigrants to the area included many individuals and families from Germany and northern Europe, as shown by the numerous Lutheran churches in town. Some were initially attracted to agriculture or jobs in the mining industry.

Tar and feather attacks during World War I
During the last year of World War I, from March–October 1918, six recorded incidents of vigilantism took place in the Ashland area, committed against men of German descent, who were suspected of pro-German sympathies.

In Ashland mobs of masked men abducted individuals at night from their homes, driving each to secluded areas where the men were tarred and feathered. A group identifying as the Knights of Liberty claimed responsibility for the attacks, saying in a letter to a local paper, "We have no purpose to do injustice to any man, but we do feel that any treasonable and seditious acts, or utterances, demand prompt punishment. These cases must not be allowed to run indefinitely, without anything being done. We want action and we want it now."

Victims included:
 * Professor E. A. Schimler, abducted, tarred and feathered on March 31, 1918. Born in Germany, Schimler taught French at local Northland College. He was unable to identify any of his assailants.
 * Bartender Adolph Anton, taken from his home on April 9, and stripped, tarred and feathered for his suspected "pro-Germanism". Anton claimed to recognize two of the men, Ephraim Gay and George Buchanan, who were arrested, pleaded not guilty, and released on their own recognizance. A municipal judge dismissed the cases at the preliminary hearing in July. Anton left Ashland, moving to Gary, Indiana.
 * William Landraint, 62, was seized in front of a downtown hotel by a mob of fifty men who put a bag over his head, handcuffed him, and drove him to the country, where he was tarred and feathered. Of German birth, Landraint was a deputy tax assessor who had been forced out of his job because of prejudice and suspected disloyalty. Despite dozens of witnesses to the kidnapping by unmasked men, none claimed to know any of the participants. Landraint later asked for police protection after receiving a threatening letter. He soon left town for St. Paul, Minnesota.
 * In early June 1918 Emil Kunze went to Ashland police headquarters to report hearing men outside his home conspiring to tar and feather him for his alleged pro-Germanism. He asked for permission to sleep in the jail. He later quit his truck driving job and left town.
 * In early July 1918 farmer Martin Johnson of nearby Sweden, Wisconsin, was visited at his home by men asking assistance in locating a nearby fishing stream. Once away from the house, they drove Johnson to a secluded area, and stripped, tarred and feathered him.
 * On October 25, 1918, John Oestrycher, a farmer living eight miles outside Ashland, was tarred and feathered for not buying Liberty Bonds and for being "pro-German".

Governor Emanuel Philipp expressed his indignation over these incidents, as well as reports of local ethnic Germans receiving threatening letters. He directed state Attorney General Spencer Haven to launch an inquiry. His investigator found the local citizenry uncooperative, including John C. Chapple, editor of the Ashland Daily Press and campaign manager for Roy P. Wilcox, a Republican candidate for governor proclaiming his own patriotism. The inquiry found the community generally satisfied with the treatment of the first victims. Haven expressed frustration at the local court, which refused to adjourn to allow the securing of evidence, and at the district attorney, who dismissed the first two cases for lack of said evidence. Haven threatened to send a company of the state guard to maintain law and order in the area. Ultimately no one was convicted for any of the attacks. Two months after the world war ended, newspapers reported that the local Knights of Liberty had disbanded. The Milwaukee Journal reported that more than 800 men in Ashland County belonged to the order.

Dates of note

 * 1856 — First plat of Ashland registered
 * 1870 — First Ashland brownstone quarried and shipped
 * 1872 — First sawmill built by W.R. Sutherland
 * 1872 — The Ashland Weekly Press is founded by Sam Fifield. It became a daily paper more than a decade later. The first issue of the Ashland Daily Press was March 5, 1888.
 * 1874 — First brewery built, Ashland Brewing Company
 * 1877 — Wisconsin Central Railroad connected Ashland to Chicago
 * 1877 — Chequamegon Hotel opened, one block from current hotel
 * 1887 — State legislature incorporated the City of Ashland
 * 1889 — Wisconsin Central Depot constructed
 * 1892 — Northern Wisconsin Academy opened (now Northland College)
 * 1892 — Ashland Post Office built
 * 1904 — Ashland High School opened
 * 1918 – During the last year of the war, at least six men were individually attacked by vigilante groups acting against ethnic Germans
 * 1929 — First airport opened
 * 1940 — WATW radio went on the air
 * 1970 — Establishment of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
 * 1972 — Memorial Medical Center opened
 * 1979 — The Union Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * 1984 — The West Second Street Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Second Street was later renamed Main Street.
 * 1998 — Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is built
 * 2009 — Ore dock slated for demolition. Attempts by community members to preserve the historic structure were not successful.
 * 2014 — The Chapple and MacArthur Avenues Residential Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * 2016 — New fire hall dedicated, replacing the historic, century-old Ellis Fire Station.
 * 2016 — From July 11 until August, Ashland suffered one of the worst storm seasons in its history. Highways going to Ironwood and Marengo were severely damaged, as were portions of infrastructure at Saxon Harbor. Residents reported flooding of many basements by lake and rain waters. Three deaths were reported.

Ore dock
The harbor of Ashland was dominated by the massive Wisconsin Central Railway (later Soo Line) ore dock, built in 1916 to load iron ore mined in the area into freighters bound for industrial ports in the Midwest, such as Ashtabula, Ohio, where steel was produced. The last of what had once been many such docks, the concrete structure is 80 ft high and 75 ft wide. In 1925 the dock was extended to 1800 ft; it was last used to ship ore in 1965.

In 2007 the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of the "10 most endangered historic buildings in Wisconsin", a list intended to stir preservation efforts. The main concrete structure and trestle had slowly deteriorated since the early 1970s because of lack of maintenance and the effects of the environment. A structural inspection completed in 2006 and 2007 concluded that the ore dock had become structurally unsafe and was an imminent safety hazard. On May 14, 2009, the Ashland Planning Commission granted Canadian National Railway approval for demolition of the dock. All material on the ore dock was removed, down to the concrete base. This was completed in 2013.

The base of the ore dock remains. The city took ownership of it from Canadian National Railway in May 2014. It is working with a consultant group to design a redevelopment plan for the base of the dock.

Geography
Ashland is located along the south shore of Chequamegon Bay. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.70 sqmi, of which 13.42 sqmi is land and 0.28 sqmi is water.

Climate
Ashland has a humid continental climate (Koppen: Dfb) with four distinct seasons and notably cold winters. Due to the city's proximity to Lake Superior, it sometimes has lake effect snow storms, with high amounts of snow recorded.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, the population was 7,908. The population density was 591.7 PD/sqmi. There were 3,860 housing units at an average density of 288.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 80.5% White, 10.0% Native American, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.4% from other races, and 7.2% from two or more races. Ethnically, the population was 2.8% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,216 people, 3,516 households, and 1,942 families residing in the city. The population density was 612.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,864 housing units at an average density of 287.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 87.0% White, 0.5% African American, 7.5% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 3,516 households, of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.8% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.81.

The median age in the city was 38.6 years. 21% of residents were under the age of 18; 13% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.2% male and 51.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,620 people, 3,513 households, and 2,027 families residing in the city. The population density was 643.3 people per square mile (248.4/km2). There were 3,777 housing units at an average density of 108.8 persons/km2 (281.9 persons/sq mi). The racial makeup of the city was 90.17% White, 0.32% African American, 6.30% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 2.23% from two or more races. 1.37% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,513 households, out of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 11.7% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 42.3% were non-families. 35.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 15.4% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,853, and the median income for a family was $40,549. Males had a median income of $30,122 versus $20,926 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,330. About 7.5% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under the age of 18 and 10.0% ages 65 or older.:)

Government
Ashland has a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected at-large. In 2014, Debra Lewis was the first woman elected as mayor. The city's 11 wards are each represented by an elected alderperson (or councilor), elected from single-member districts. City council meetings are held on the second and last Tuesday of the month. Meetings are open to the public, although on occasion the Council may meet in closed session. One of the recent members, Wahsayah Whitebird, was one of only two members of the Communist Party USA in elected office during his tenure.

Ashland City Hall is housed in the city's first post office, built by the federal government in 1893. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Old Ashland Post Office". The County Courthouse is also located in the city.

In the Wisconsin State Legislature, Ashland is located in the 74th Assembly District, and the 25th Senate District, represented by Assembly Representative Beth Meyers and State Senator Janet Bewley.

In the United States House of Representatives, Ashland is part of Wisconsin's 7th congressional district. The seat is currently held by Tom Tiffany ®.

Economy
A few of the largest manufacturers in the community include:
 * Bretting Manufacturing, a manufacturer of paper folding machines
 * Larson-Juhl, manufacturer of picture frames, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway
 * H Windows, window manufacturer

Many small businesses also make up a large portion of the local economy. Tourism is an important part of the area's commerce. The summer season attracts tourists for activities on the Great Lakes.

Public schools

 * Lake Superior Primary/Intermediate/Charter School
 * Marengo Valley Elementary School
 * Ashland Middle School
 * Ashland High School

Private schools

 * Ashland Seventh-day Adventist School
 * Celebration Christian Academy
 * Our Lady of the Lake School
 * Zion Lutheran Christian School

Colleges

 * Northland College
 * Northwood Technical College

News media

 * Ashland Daily Press, local daily print publication
 * Bottom Line News and Views
 * Lake Superior Sounder (closed in January 2008)

Radio

 * WATW 1400 AM – Conservative talk radio
 * WUWS 90.9 FM — Ideas network of Wisconsin Public Radio
 * K210CG FM 91.9, Simulcasting Duluth's Contemporary Christian KDNW, owned by the University of Northwestern – St Paul
 * WBSZ 93.3 FM – Country music
 * WWMD-LP 95.3FM – Christian talk radio (Catholic)
 * WJJH 96.7 FM – Rock music
 * WIMI 99.7 FM – Adult Contemporary music (Broadcast from Ironwood, MI)
 * W284AN 104.7 FM – News and Classical Musical network of Wisconsin Public Radio
 * WEGZ 105.9 FM – Christian talk radio (broadcast from Washburn, WI)
 * WNXR 107.3 FM – Oldies (broadcast from Iron River, WI)

Television
Stations serving Ashland come from the Duluth market:
 * 3 KDLH (CBS)
 * 6 KBJR (NBC)
 * 8 WDSE (PBS)
 * 10 WDIO (ABC)
 * 21 KQDS (Fox)

Transportation
The two major highways in the city are US 2 and WIS 13.

Railroads
The city is one of the northern termini in Wisconsin for the Canadian National Railway (CN), parent company of the former Wisconsin Central Ltd. It took over the former Soo Line tracks in 1987. However, after flooding in 2016 caused substantial damage to bridges south of town, CN discontinued service to Ashland (trains now reach only as far north as Park Falls).

While Ashland has not had passenger train service since 1971, both Union Depot and the Soo Line Depot survive and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Airports
Airports certified for commercial carrier operations near Ashland:
 * Gogebic-Iron County Airport (about 54 mi; Ironwood, Michigan)
 * Duluth International Airport (about 92 mi; Duluth, Minnesota)
 * Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (KRHI) (about 119 mi; Rhinelander, Wisconsin)

Other public use airports near Ashland:
 * John F. Kennedy Memorial Airport (KASX) (about 2 mi; Ashland, Wisconsin)
 * Madeline Island Airport (about 17 mi; La Pointe, Wisconsin)
 * Cable Union Airport (about 37 mi; Cable, Wisconsin)
 * Park Falls Municipal Airport (KPKF) (about 58 mi; Park Falls, Wisconsin)

Public transit
Local transportation is provided by the non-profit Bay Area Rural Transit (BART) system, which has bus stops throughout the community. Headquartered in Ashland's Industrial Park, BART also provides transportation to and from other communities in the Chequamegon Bay region, including Washburn, and Bayfield.

Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Indian Trails.

Northern Towns Transport is a regional car service and shuttle provider, connecting Ashland and the Chequamegon Bay area with downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; as well as the Twin Ports of Superior, Wisconsin / Duluth, Minnesota and Duluth International Airport.

Churches

 * Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
 * Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Community
 * Chequamegon Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
 * Saron Lutheran Church
 * Good Shepard Lutheran Church
 * Zion Lutheran Church
 * First English Lutheran Church
 * Salem Baptist Church
 * Lighthouse Baptist Church
 * Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
 * Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses
 * First Assembly of God Church
 * Seventh-day Adventist Church
 * United Methodist Church
 * First Covenant Church
 * Calvary Tabernacle United Pentecostal
 * Celebration Fellowship
 * United Presbyterian Congregational Church

Arts and culture
The region is served by the Chequamegon Bay Arts Council, a non-profit organization promoting the arts in northern Wisconsin.

The Ashland Chamber Music Society is a volunteer organization that provides a venue for local and regional musicians to perform chamber music in the Ashland area.

The Bay Area Film Society is a group of film enthusiasts who sponsor the screening of classic films.

The Chequamegon Symphony Orchestra (CSO) provides orchestral concerts to the residents of northern Wisconsin.

Recreation
Natural places in the vicinity include Lake Superior, the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge, and the nearby Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Parks

 * Bayview Park, also known as Pamida Beach, contains a swimming beach, bathrooms, fishing pier, picnic area and playground. The 10-mile walking trail that loops Ashland connects to the park. Bayview Park is the only swim front in Ashland that provides lifeguards in the summer.
 * Beaser Park
 * Kreher Park, also known as Sunset Park, contains 33 RV campsites on lake Superior. The park has a swimming beach, playground, showers, dumping station, and firewood. The park connect to the Ashland Waterfront trail.
 * Maslowski Beach features a shallow, sandy swimming beach, playground, pavilion, bathrooms, changing rooms, pay phone and artesian well. There is also access to Ashland's Lake Front Trail along Chequamegon Bay.
 * Memorial Park contains a band shell.
 * Menard Park
 * Prentice Park is the largest of Ashland's 12 parks, at approximately 100 acres. It is a natural habitat for migrating birds, a nesting ground for mute swans, with hiking trails, artesian wells, a picnic area, a children's playground, and tent camping. Prentice park at one point had a deer herd that was domesticated.

Hiking and biking trails

 * Tri-County Corridor
 * Lakefront Trail, along Lake Superior
 * A recreational trail loops around the entire city.
 * North Country Trail

Boating

 * Ashland Marina, located behind the Hotel Chequamegon

Camping

 * RV camping is available at Prentice park, and Kreher Park.
 * Tent camping is available at Prentice Park.

Local attractions

 * Ashland Historical Museum
 * Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center – a regional information center with natural history exhibits. A branch office of the Wisconsin Historical Society is located upstairs.
 * The Chequamegon Theatre Association is located in the historic Rhinehart Theatre.
 * Ashland Chequamegon Bay Golf Course

Events

 * Bay Days is Ashland's annual community festival, held in the middle of July. In addition to street vendors and live outdoor music, it includes a "Strongest Man in the Bay Contest" and a Sprint Triathlon.
 * The Book Across the Bay ski race is held every year in February. The course for the race crosses the frozen Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior, starting in Ashland, and ending in Washburn.
 * The WhistleStop Marathon and half-marathon is held every fall, and draws athletes from surrounding regions. The before-race events include a pasta feed, and live music that night.
 * Live chamber music concerts performed by the Ashland Chamber Music Society
 * The annual Red Clay Classics car race held at ABC Raceway
 * The Ashland Area Farmer's Market is held weekly in the summer on Saturday mornings.
 * Holiday parades include a Fourth of July parade, a Christmas parade, and a Homecoming parade.
 * The Ashland County Fair is usually held in September at the fairgrounds in Marengo.
 * The Chequamegon Bay Bird & Nature Festival is held in May.
 * The Superior Vistas Bike Tour is held in June.
 * Garland City Women's Expo is held in November.
 * Chick-uamegon 5k & 10k run

Notable people

 * Ove H. Berg, Wisconsin state representative
 * Janet Bewley, member of the Wisconsin Legislature
 * Abe L. Biglow, Wisconsin state representative
 * Bob Blake, NHL player
 * Bob Brevak, racing driver
 * F. Taylor Brown, U.S. Navy admiral
 * Ray Callahan, MLB pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
 * John C. Chapple, Wisconsin state representative and newspaper editor
 * Moose Cochran, NFL player
 * Norm DeBriyn, former head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team
 * Sean Duffy, U.S. congressman
 * Sam Fifield, 14th lieutenant governor of Wisconsin, and noted businessman
 * Moose Gardner, professional football player
 * Bernard E. Gehrmann, Wisconsin state representative
 * Jack Hall, labor organizer and trade unionist
 * Morgan Hamm, Olympic medalist
 * Paul Hamm, world champion gymnast, Olympic gold medalist
 * Everis A. Hayes, U.S. representative from California
 * Andrew R. Johnson (1856–1933), Louisiana state senator from 1916 to 1924 and mayor of Homer, Louisiana, lived in Ashland while working in the 1890s for the United States Land Office. In 1901, he named the village of Ashland, Louisiana, for Ashland, Wisconsin.
 * John Kingston, Jr., Wisconsin state senator
 * Jim Kisselburgh, football player
 * Clarence A. Lamoreux, Wisconsin state senator
 * Lawrence A. Lamoreux, Wisconsin state representative
 * William D. Leahy, U.S. Navy Fleet Admiral, first military officer to reach a five-star rank; Chief of Naval Operations; governor of Puerto Rico; U.S. ambassador to France; White House Chief of Staff for Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman
 * Michael A. McAuliffe, U.S. Air Force brigadier general
 * Robert Bruce McCoy, U.S. National Guard major general
 * George F. Merrill, Wisconsin state senator
 * Jennifer Ouellette, science writer
 * Sigurd F. Olson, author
 * William Plizka, member of the Wisconsin Legislature
 * Joe Rogalski, MLB player
 * Albert W. Sanborn, Wisconsin state senator
 * Fritz Scholder, Native American artist
 * John C. Sibbald, Wisconsin state representative
 * John W. Slaby, Wisconsin state representative
 * Dave Suminski, NFL player
 * John Szarkowski, photographer
 * Daniel Theno, Wisconsin state senator, Ashland mayor
 * A. Pearce Tomkins, Wisconsin state senator
 * Harry P. Van Guilder, Wisconsin state representative

title: Ashland, Wisconsin


text:
Almena, Wisconsin

Almena is a village in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 677 at the 2010 census.

History
A post office called Almena has been in operation since 1888. The village's name is an amalgamation of Albert and Wilhelmina, the names of a first settler and his wife. Almena was platted in 1891. The name Almena came about after the federal government rejected the name "Lightning City" for a post office, which was derived from the nearby Lightning Creek.

Geography
Almena is located on the boundary between the Town of Almena and the Town of Clinton, about 82 mi northeast of Minneapolis.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.14 sqmi, all of it land.

Almena is located along U.S. Highway 8 and County Road P.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 677 people, 297 households, and 178 families living in the village. The population density was 593.9 PD/sqmi. There were 337 housing units at an average density of 295.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.2% White, 0.1% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.7% of the population.

There were 297 households, of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.1% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the village was 39.3 years. 23.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 720 people, 295 households, and 182 families living in the village. The population density was 720 people per square mile (278/km2). There were 308 housing units at an average density of 308 per square mile (118.9/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 97.08% White, 0.14% Black or African American, 1.25% Native American, 0.83% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.53% of the population.

There were 295 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.7% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.3% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.9% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 100 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $34,028. Males had a median income of $25,833 versus $20,278 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,928. About 10.8% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Almena, Wisconsin


text:
Almena (town), Wisconsin

The Town of Almena is in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 858 at the 2010 census. The Village of Almena is partially located within the town.

Geography
The town is located along the western edge of Barron County; its western border is the Polk County line. The village of Almena is located along the eastern edge of the town, and the village of Turtle Lake is in the southwest corner.

U.S. Route 8 crosses the town from east to west through the villages of Almena and Turtle Lake. It is 10 mi east to Barron and 26 mi west to St. Croix Falls. U.S. Route 63 crosses the town diagonally from Turtle Lake in the southwest to the northern border; the highway leads 7 mi northeast to Cumberland and 13 mi southwest to Clear Lake.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 83.8 sqkm, of which 78.9 sqkm is land and 4.9 sqkm, or 5.88%, is water. Upper and Lower Turtle Lakes are the largest water bodies in the town, followed by Echo Lake and the eastern end of Horseshoe Lake.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 910 people, 355 households, and 301 families residing in the town. The population density was 29.7 people per square mile (11.5/km2). There were 662 housing units at an average density of 21.6 per square mile (8.3/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.78% White, 0.11% Native American, and 0.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.33% of the population.

There were 355 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 3.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.2% were non-families. 13.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 30.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.7 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 115.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $42,833, and the median income for a family was $45,833. Males had a median income of $30,278 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,211. About 6.3% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those aged 65 or over.

title: Almena (town), Wisconsin


text:
Barron (town), Wisconsin

Barron is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 873 at the 2010 census. The town surrounds the City of Barron.

Geography
Barron is located in the center of Barron County. The Yellow River, a tributary of the Red Cedar River, crosses the town from northwest to southeast, passing through the city of Barron. U.S. Route 8 crosses the town from east to west, leading east 5 mi to Cameron and west 14 mi to Turtle Lake. Wisconsin Highway 25 crosses the town from north to south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 85.3 sqkm, of which 85.1 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.2%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,014 people, 319 households, and 267 families residing in the town. The population density was 30.7 people per square mile (11.9/km2). There were 323 housing units at an average density of 9.8 per square mile (3.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 97.93% White, 0.59% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.59% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 319 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.3% were non-families. 10.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 24% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $46,500, and the median income for a family was $48,558. Males had a median income of $30,789 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,776. About 4% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.5% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Barron (town), Wisconsin


text:
Barron, Wisconsin

Barron is a city in Barron County (of which it is the county seat), in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 3,733 at the 2020 census. The city is surrounded by the Town of Barron.

History
Originally named Quaderer's Camp after local lumber foreman John Quaderer, the name was changed to Barron in honor of Henry D. Barron after the location became the county seat of Barron County, besting Rice Lake.

Geography
Barron is located at 45.40028°N, -91.84778°W (45.400527, -91.847948).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.00 sqmi, of which, 2.92 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi is water.

Barron is located along U.S. Highway 8 and Wisconsin Highway 25.

2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 3,423 people, 1,422 households and 829 families living in the city. The population density was 1188.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,526 housing units at an average density of 529.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 87.2% White, 8.8% African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.8% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3% of the population.

There were 1,422 households, of which 28.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.7% were non-families. 33.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age was 39.1 years. 21.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.7% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 18.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup was 50.9% male and 49.1% female.

2000 census
At the 2000 census, there were 3,248 people, 1,389 households and 837 families living in the city. The population density was 1,176.7 per square mile (454.4/km$2$). There were 1,442 housing units at an average density of 522.4 per square mile (201.7/km$2$). The racial makeup was 96.92% White, 0.62% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 1.05% from other races, and 0.86% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.88% of the population.

There were 1,389 households, of which 28% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.2% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 33.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.83.

23.5% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median household income was $33,281 and the median family income was $40,401. Males had a median income of $29,487 and females $19,926. The per capita income was $18,485. About 5.6% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * John Anderson, Wisconsin state senator
 * James R. Beckwith, Wisconsin state legislator and farmer
 * Ray R. Clark, former mayor of Long Beach, California
 * Jayme Closs, abduction victim and advocate for missing and exploited children
 * Clarence Clinton Coe, Wisconsin state legislator
 * Mark Hallberg, baseball player and coach
 * Wallace Jerome, turkey industry innovator
 * Chris Kroeze, runner-up on season 15 of The Voice
 * Ben Hur Lampman, journalist who primarily worked in Oregon
 * Charles C. McDonald, general in the United States Air Force
 * Tom Sawyer, American football player and coach
 * Norman C. Skogstad, flying ace of the United States Army Air Forces
 * Jonathan J. Smith, Wisconsin state legislator and mayor of Barron
 * Charles Simeon Taylor, Wisconsin state legislator and lawyer

title: Barron, Wisconsin


text:
Colombo Plan

The Colombo Plan is a regional intergovernmental organization that began operations on 1 July 1951. The organization was conceived at an international conference, The Commonwealth Conference on Foreign Affairs held in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in January 1950, and was attended by the finance ministers of Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Ceylon, Pakistan and New Zealand, and the prime ministers of Ceylon and India. Membership has expanded significantly over the years to the current 28 governments.

The primary focus of its work is on the development of human resources in the south and southeast regions of Asia. Aid to education 1950 to 1983 came to $72 billion, of which $41 billion came from the United States.

Host country of the Colombo Plan
The Colombo Plan enjoys a host country agreement with the Government of Sri Lanka in the form of a memorandum of understanding with privileges and immunities that are afforded by the Government of Sri Lanka.

In a speech made in Colombo on 5 July 2010, the 4th Secretary-General Dato' Patricia Yoon-Moi Chia said: "The gearing up of the level of our activities is made possible through the voluntary contributions of member countries and international agencies such as OPEC fund. Last year our programming was over US$10 million and we expect a more than US$12 million programming this year with almost another US$2 million in terms of cost-sharing from our member countries. With funding from the United States Government and 13 other member countries, the Colombo Plan is now the biggest stakeholder in drug demand reduction in the Asia-Pacific, with a special initiative in Afghanistan."

Programmes
The Colombo Plan has four programmes:
 * Drug Advisory Programme (DAP, estd: 1973)
 * Gender Affairs Programme (GAP, estd: 2014)
 * Programme for Environment & Climate Change (ENV, estd: 2016)
 * Capacity Building Programme (CBP)

Past Programmes

 * Long-Term Scholarships Programme (LTSP, estd: 1951)
 * Programme for Private Sector Development (PPSD, estd: 1995)
 * Programme for Public Administration & Environment (PPA, estd: 1995)

The Plan now
Over the years, while adhering to the concept of human resource development and South-South Cooperation in addressing issues of economic and social development, the programme content of the Colombo Plan has been changing to take account of the needs of member countries in a fast changing world economic environment. In the early years, the training programmes were more of a long-term nature, while recent programmes have been focusing on providing advanced skills and experience sharing aimed at arriving at the best practices in different fields of economic and social activities as a means of good policy making and governance. The current programmes of the Colombo Plan are in the areas of public policy formulation in an environment of globalisation and market economy, private sector development as a prime mover for growth, drug use and dependence prevention and treatment in member countries and addressing gender issues. The Colombo Plan Staff College for Technician Education located in Manila also provides skill development opportunities for technicians in middle level.

In her 2010 speech, Dato' Patricia Yoon-Moi Chia states: "The current Colombo Plan looks very different since our restructuring and revitalisation in 1995. As we continue to build upon our past successes, the new Colombo Plan uses cooperation among developing member countries or South-south Cooperation between the developed member countries and developing member countries, to underpin all our activities. Since our restructuring in 1995, we have now provided 16,082 scholarships to 23 member countries for both long-term and short-term training programmes."

Past secretaries-general
The Colombo Plan underwent an organisational transformation and renewal in 1995, and the Colombo Plan Bureau became the Colombo Plan Secretariat to be headed by the Secretary-General, instead of a Director. The first Secretary-General was Dr. Kim Hak-su from Korea (January 1995 – March 1999) who was succeeded by Dr. Sarat Chandran, India (April 1999 – June 2003), Mr. Kittipan Kanjanapitkul from Thailand (June 2003 – August 2007), Dato' Patricia Yoon-Moi Chia from Malaysia (August 2007 – August 2011), the first Asian woman to hold this position, Mr. Adam Maniku from Maldives (15 August 2011 – November 2013), Mr. Kinley Dorji from Bhutan (May 2014 – April 2018) and, Ambassador Phan Kieu Thu (May 2018 - December 2021).The incumbent Secretary-General, Dr. Benjamin P. Reyes from The Philippines assumed duties on 1 May 2022 as the organisation's 8th Secretary-General.

Notable Colombo Plan scholars

 * Dr Sanduk Ruit (Nepal), founder, Himalayan Cataract Project and Tilganga Eye Hospital, Kathmandu.
 * Dr. Baburam Bhattarai (Nepal), former Maoist rebel and Prime Minister of Nepal.
 * Ong Teng Cheong (Singapore), fifth President of Singapore, former Deputy Prime Minister in Singapore.
 * Karunasena Kodituwakku (Sri Lanka ), former Cabinet Minister of Sri Lanka, Former Ambassador of Sri Lanka.
 * Khaw Boon Wan (Singapore), former Cabinet Minister in Singapore.
 * Raymond Lim (Singapore), former Cabinet Minister in Singapore.
 * Yeo Cheow Tong (Singapore), former Cabinet Minister in Singapore.
 * S. Iswaran (Singapore), former Cabinet Minister in Singapore.
 * Mah Bow Tan (Singapore), former Cabinet Minister in Singapore.
 * Dato' Hajji Abdul Ghani Bin Othman (Malaysia), former Chief Minister of Johor state in Malaysia.
 * Prof. Datuk Dr. Mazlan Othman, astrophysicist, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs.
 * Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan (Malaysia), Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Rural Development of Sabah.
 * Dr. K.V. Thiruvengadam (India), Indian physician and medical teacher.
 * Mapatunage James "M. J." Perera (Sri Lanka), he made broadcasting history by being the first Ceylonese Director General of Radio Ceylon, the oldest radio station in South Asia, taking over the helm from John Lampson of the BBC.
 * Livy Wijemanne (Sri Lanka), pioneer of Radio Ceylon.
 * J. Soedjati Djiwandono, Indonesian political scientist and founder of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Jakarta.
 * Chellapilla Venkata Rao, (1910–1971) Indian botanist, who worked extensively on Proteaceae, and plant embryology. He taught and worked at Andhra University. (Colombo plan scholar at University of Tasmania from 1955 to 1957).
 * Dr. Khai Yuen Tang (Malaysia), Medical Practitioner, Colombo plan scholar at The Alfred Hospital, Department of Pathology from 1966 to 1969.
 * Boediono (Indonesia), 11th Indonesia Vice President.
 * Pehin Sri Adenan Bin Haji Satem (Malaysia), former Chief Minister of Sarawak
 * Ananda Krishnan, Malaysian-Tamil businessman
 * Dr. Ismail Mohamad /Ishmael Mohamed (Malaysia). General Surgeon/ medical practitioner, Winnipeg Canada.

Early criticism
The Plan has been criticised on various grounds. Some Asians see in it only the hand of British imperialism, especially as it is not aimed at developing national self-sufficiency. It offers an almost exclusively economic solution for problems which are also political and social. Dangerous issues such as landlordism and the organisation of labour, which invite Communist exploitation, are barely touched on, doubtless because it seemed politically inexpedient to raise such questions.

Present members
The Colombo Plan currently has 28 members.

Past members
There have been four past members of the Colombo Plan including two founding members in 1950, Canada and the United Kingdom. South Vietnam and Cambodia joined together in 1951. On 2 Jul 1976 South Vietnam was succeeded by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam which withdrew in 1978. Vietnam was a provisional member from 5 Nov 2001 to 18 Nov 2003 until it was accepted as a full member in 2004.

title: Colombo Plan


text:
Chetek (town), Wisconsin

Chetek is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 1,644 at the 2010 census. The City of Chetek is located partially within the town.

History
Some of the early European Americans to walk the six mile square that would become Chetek were the U.S. government's surveyors. In 1852 they surveyed the outline of the township on foot with chain and compass. Then others returned in 1854 to survey all the section lines. When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description: "Contin? their course again at the mouth of the Lake in section 30 and form a large stream which flows in a S.E. direction - with a smooth, gentle current - until it leaves the Township in section 31. Louis Montra has built a house and improved land in the fractional N.W. 1/4 of the N.W. 1/4 of section 29, which is all the settlement there is in the Township."

Geography
The town of Chetek is in southeastern Barron County; the eastern border of the town is the border with Rusk County to the east. Lake Chetek is in the southwestern part of the town. The lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet and mean depth of 13 feet. The most common fish include panfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, with smallmouth bass also present. The city of Chetek occupies the western portion of the lake, while the town of Chetek covers the rest of the lake. Pokegama Lake and Mud Lake, two connected lakes forming a single arm of Lake Chetek, extend north towards the geographic center of the town.

U.S. Route 53, a four-lane expressway, crosses the southwest corner of the town, with access from Exit 126.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 86.9 sqkm, of which 78.8 sqkm is land and 8.1 sqkm, or 9.27%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,686 people, 707 households, and 542 families residing in the town. The population density was 55.4 people per square mile (21.4/km2). There were 1,073 housing units at an average density of 35.2 per square mile (13.6/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.64% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.06% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.53% of the population.

There were 707 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.3% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 19.2% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 33.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,125, and the median income for a family was $42,604. Males had a median income of $34,091 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,273. About 5.1% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Chetek (town), Wisconsin


text:
Chetek, Wisconsin

Chetek is a city in Barron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,172 at the 2020 census, down from 2,221 at the 2010 census. The city is located partially within the Town of Chetek.

History
The original inhabitants of the area were the Ojibwa Indians, who referred to the area as zhedeg, meaning "pelicans". This was translated into various spellings, such as "Sheetak", "Shetak", "Shetuk", and "Chetack", until the first post office was opened in 1872. The spelling was then standardized to "Chetek."

In 1872, the Omaha Railroad began service to Chetek, the Knapp-Stout logging camp was established, and the first log schoolhouse was built.

Other important dates:
 * 1881 – Medical care became available.
 * 1882 – The Chetek Alert began publication, a newspaper still serving the area.
 * 1891 – Chetek became a city.
 * 1903 – Telephone service was introduced.
 * 1904 – The fire department began.
 * 1960 – Roselawn Elementary opened.
 * 2010 – School District of Chetek consolidated with Weyerhaeuser School District.
 * 2017 – An EF3 tornado swept through the town, killing one and injuring 25, as well as damaging and destroying structures.

Geography
Chetek is located at 45.31861°N, -91.65444°W (45.318656, -91.65447).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.13 sqmi, of which 2.42 sqmi is land and 0.71 sqmi is water.

Chetek is located along U.S. Highway 53, as well as County Roads I and SS.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,221 people, 951 households, and 564 families living in the city. The population density was 917.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,104 housing units at an average density of 456.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.4% White, 0.2% African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 951 households, of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.7% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.82.

The median age in the city was 44.7 years. 21.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.6% were from 25 to 44; 24.7% were from 45 to 64; and 25% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.9% male and 54.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,180 people, 939 households, and 568 families living in the city. The population density was 925.7 people per square mile (358.2/km2). There were 1,052 housing units at an average density of 446.7 per square mile (172.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.62% White, 0.09% Black or African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 939 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.5% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 25.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,270, and the median income for a family was $40,114. Males had a median income of $28,375 versus $18,906 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,922. About 9.0% of families and 12.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Chetek Municipal–Southworth Airport (Y23) serves the city and surrounding communities.

Notable people

 * Leona E. Tyler, psychologist and President of the American Psychological Association
 * J. B. Van Hollen, Wisconsin Attorney General
 * John C. Van Hollen, Wisconsin realtor and politician

title: Chetek, Wisconsin


text:
Cumberland (town), Wisconsin

Cumberland is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 876 at the 2010 census. The City of Cumberland is located partially within the town.

Geography
The town of Cumberland is located northwest of the center of Barron County. The city of Cumberland takes up what would have been the northwest corner of the town, at the southeast end of Beaver Dam Lake. The easternmost end of the lake extends into the town of Cumberland. The lake is the source of the Hay River, which flows south across Cumberland into the town of Clinton on its way to the Red Cedar River.

Wisconsin Highway 48 runs across the northern part of the town, connecting the city of Cumberland to the west with Rice Lake to the east.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town of Cumberland has a total area of 85.3 sqkm, of which 82.8 sqkm is land and 2.5 sqkm, or 2.88%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 942 people, 360 households, and 288 families residing in the town. The population density was 29.3 people per square mile (11.3/km2). There were 425 housing units at an average density of 13.2 per square mile (5.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.47% White, 0.11% Black or African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.11% from other races, and 0.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.64% of the population.

There were 360 households, out of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.7% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.0% were non-families. 15.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 25.2% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.0 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,521, and the median income for a family was $42,125. Males had a median income of $30,893 versus $24,844 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,061. About 6.3% of families and 8.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cumberland (town), Wisconsin


text:
Cumberland, Wisconsin

Cumberland is a city in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 2,170 at the 2010 census. The city is located partially within the Town of Cumberland. It was incorporated in 1885.

History
Cumberland is often called the "Island City". The main part of the city, including the original settlement, is located on land surrounded by Beaver Dam Lake, originally settled by the Chippewa Indian tribe. Beaver Dam Lake was referred to as Che-wa-cum-ma-towangok or "Lake Made by the Beavers" by the local tribe. The Chief of the Chippewa tribe was Pon-gee Rau-gen, or "Little Pipe". He continued to live in the area even after it was settled by European settlers, and drowned in a canoe on Beaver Dam Lake in 1895.

In 1874, A. Ritan and R. H. Clothier explored the area with the intention of settling in there. While exploring, they came across surveyors who informed them of the upcoming railroad line that the North Wisconsin Railway Company planned to lay in the area. A. Ritan, who lived near what is today Turtle Lake, and the Dahlby family, originally of Norwegian descent, from the town of New Richmond, both filed a homestead near the proposed railroad and built two log cabins 300 feet north of the present high school location.

In 1878, the North Wisconsin Railroad Company extended the rail lines through the area. Prior to the railroad, settlers were required to get provisions in Rice Lake, Barron or Clayton. In 1880, the Dahlby family sold their cabin, moved to Chandler (now known as Spooner), and opened a store. A. Ritan, also originally from Norway, lived in Cumberland for many years and helped develop the city before moving to Portland, Oregon. R. H. Clothier also took a homestead and built a farm in 1875.

On December 30, 1875, the town of Lakeside was organized, encompassing what is now Lakeland Township, Almena Township, Crystal Lake Township and Maple Plain Township. During the winter of 1876, Bonett Bridge was built off the island. Soon a school was located on the mainland area near the bridge with Miss Ida Schofield as the original teacher. She was soon replaced by Miss Carrie Fay, who arrived from nearby Prairie Farm. On January 1, 1880, the name was changed to Cumberland at the request of John Humbird, who arrived in the area from Cumberland, Maryland. Almena Township joined the Turtle Lake Township a couple of months later, and on November 12, 1902, Crystal Lake became its own township. In early 1876 a post office, originally called Lakeland, was established three miles east of the city, with L.I. Gunderson as postmaster. On September 10, 1876, Mae Jenet Hodgkin became the first white person born on the island. The first grocery store was opened by David Ingle, and Elmer Wisner of Clear Lake opened the first blacksmith shop in 1878. In the winter of 1879 the name was changed to Cumberland. In July 1880, Dr. William Hopkins arrived from Maine and set up a practice. At the time, it was the only practice between Clear Lake, Wisconsin and Lake Superior. Also around this time, a steam sawmill was set up in northern Cumberland, in what is now the "Mill Hill" area and operated for a few years until it was destroyed by fire on August 15, 1884. The Lakeside Cemetery was established in 1880. In 1881, the first newspaper, the Cumberland Herald (later the Cumberland Advocate) began printing. The first bank, the Bank of Cumberland, began operation on October 8, 1883. After the railroad begin to operate, settlers quickly arrived in the area, and by 1884 there were 24 saloons located in the area. In 1885 a jail and fire department, with N. D. Richards as Fire Chief, were established. By the late 1880s the first hotel was kept by Jack Collingwood, followed by several other hotels. Soon the Elm Street Bridge was completed and the fire department moved from its Lake Street location to its present location. In February 1893, the state board of health sent a representative to set up a quarantine on the Italian settlement due to unsanitary conditions. On August 1, 1884 the city borrowed $5,900 via bond issue to establish a system of waterworks which was constructed by Fairbanks, Morse and Company in February 1895. In April of the same year, telephone lines were also erected in the city limits. On September 14, 1895, the newly built water tank burst and damaged several nearby properties. On November 20, 1897 the city approved a resolution for street lighting of all public grounds by electricity. In 1903 the Uecke's Opera House was opened. The same year, a large school was constructed on the island on the present location of the Cumberland Elementary School. On March 15, 1905, a $10,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie established a Carnegie Library in Cumberland. In 1914 the Island City Hospital was created by Dr. George Grinde and included a 20-bed hospital and X-ray facilities.

Geography
Cumberland is located at 45.53583°N, -92.02333°W (45.535892, −92.023389), along Beaver Dam Lake at the beginning of the Hay River.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.04 sqmi, of which, 3.45 sqmi is land and 0.59 sqmi is water.

Cumberland is along U.S. Highway 63 and Wisconsin Highway 48.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,170 people, 994 households, and 570 families residing in the city. The population density was 629.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,207 housing units at an average density of 349.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.9% White, 0.5% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.4% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.5% of the population.

There were 994 households, of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.0% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.7% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.76.

The median age in the city was 47.2 years. 20.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 27% were from 45 to 64; and 24.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.3% male and 53.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,280 people, 1,013 households, and 607 families residing in the city. The population density was 671.5 people per square mile (258.9/km2). There were 1,134 housing units at an average density of 334.0 per square mile (128.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 97.54% White, 0.09% Black or African American, 1.10% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.75% of the population.

The ancestral makeup of the population were 34.2% German, 24.7% Norwegian, 14.1% Italian, 10.3% Irish, 9.6% Swedish and 8.2% English.

There were 1,013 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.7% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.18 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 23.0% from 25 to 44, 22.9% from 45 to 64, and 24.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,661, and the median income for a family was $41,612. Males had a median income of $34,519 versus $21,304 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,688. About 9.5% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.6% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Cumberland Municipal Airport (KUBE) is located three miles south of Cumberland.

Recreation
Cumberland is known as "The Island City" because it is nearly surrounded by the waters of Beaver Dam Lake.

Cumberland hosts the "Rutabaga Festival" annually on the weekend preceding Labor Day weekend. The festival features live music, carnival rides, food, a parade, and other events.

Notable people

 * Jules Alfonse – NFL Player
 * Henry C. Doolittle – Wisconsin State Representative
 * David Hanson – NHL Player
 * Fred J. Moser – Wisconsin State Representative, Educator
 * Ben Peterson – Olympic Gold Medalist
 * John Peterson – Olympic Gold Medalist
 * Thomas St. Angelo – Wisconsin State Representative
 * Sister M. Madeleva Wolff – Poet, College President
 * Roger A Towberman - Chief Master Sergeant, United States Space Force

title: Cumberland, Wisconsin


text:
Dallas, Wisconsin

Dallas is a village in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 409 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Dallas.

Geography
Dallas is located at 45.25944°N, -91.81611°W (45.259667, −91.816243).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.49 sqmi, of which, 1.45 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi is water.

The Village of Dallas is located along County Roads A and U.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 409 people, 156 households, and 94 families living in the village. The population density was 282.1 PD/sqmi. There were 173 housing units at an average density of 119.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.3% White, 0.2% Native American, 1% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2% of the population.

There were 156 households, of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.7% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.85.

The median age in the village was 43.7 years. 19.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 23.7% were from 45 to 64; and 25.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 356 people, 146 households, and 83 families living in the village. The population density was 244.8 people per square mile (94.8/km2). There were 169 housing units at an average density of 116.2 per square mile (45.0/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 97.75% White, 1.12% Native American, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 24% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.5% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,833, and the median income for a family was $37,750. Males had a median income of $32,500 versus $22,361 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,665. About 7.9% of families and 11.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.8% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dallas, Wisconsin


text:
Dallas (town), Wisconsin

Dallas is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of the 2010 census, the town had a population of 565. The Village of Dallas is within the town.

Geography
Dallas is located along the southern border of Barron County, with Dunn County to the south. The village of Dallas, northeast of the geographic center of the town, is surrounded by the town of Dallas but is separate from it.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 87.48 sqkm, of which 87.46 sqkm is land and 0.02 sqkm, or 0.02%, is water.

The town of Dallas is located along Wisconsin Highway 25.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 604 people, 217 households, and 174 families residing in the town. The population density was 17.8 people per square mile (6.9/km2). There were 235 housing units at an average density of 6.9 per square mile (2.7/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99.83% White and 0.17% Asian. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.16% of the population.

There were 217 households, out of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. 14.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $40,521, and the median income for a family was $43,125. Males had a median income of $32,222 versus $20,556 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,069. Approximately 1.9% of families and 2.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dallas (town), Wisconsin


text:
Prairie Farm, Wisconsin

Prairie Farm is a village in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 473 at the 2010 census. The village is located within the Town of Prairie Farm, on eastern shore of the Prairie Farm Flowage, a reservoir on the Hay River.

Geography
Prairie Farm is located at 45.23833°N, -91.98056°W (45.238443, -91.980591).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, of which, 0.97 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi is water.

Prairie Farm is located along County Roads A and F.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 473 people, 201 households, and 114 families living in the village. The population density was 487.6 PD/sqmi. There were 227 housing units at an average density of 234.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.5% White, 0.2% Native American, 0.8% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 201 households, of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.3% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.83.

The median age in the village was 44.9 years. 21.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 23.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 45.9% male and 54.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 508 people, 199 households, and 119 families living in the village. The population density was 524.1 people per square mile (202.2/km2). There were 208 housing units at an average density of 214.6 per square mile (82.8/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 99.41% White, 0.39% Native American, and 0.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 3.15% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.3% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,000, and the median income for a family was $41,667. Males had a median income of $27,206 versus $21,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,638. About 5.8% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.6% of those under age 18 and 15.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Prairie Farm, Wisconsin


text:
Prairie Farm (town), Wisconsin

Prairie Farm is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 573 at the 2010 census. The village of Prairie Farm is surrounded by the town.

Geography
The town of Prairie Farm is located in southwestern Barron County, with its southern side bordered by Dunn County. The village of Prairie Farm is located south of the geographic center of the town and is a separate entity from the town. The Hay River, a tributary of the Red Cedar River, flows from north to south through the town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 89.3 sqkm, all of it land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 603 people, 204 households, and 165 families residing in the town. The population density was 17.5 people per square mile (6.8/km2). There were 222 housing units at an average density of 6.5 per square mile (2.5/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 99% White, 0.5% Asian, and 0.5% from two or more races.

There were 204 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.1% were non-families. 14.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.96 and the average family size was 3.31.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.3% under the age of 18, 6% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,417, and the median income for a family was $53,000. Males had a median income of $31,125 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,295. None of the families and 2.7% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 18.6% of those over 64.

Notable people

 * Frank Roemhild, Wisconsin State Representative, farmer, and businessman, lived in the town

title: Prairie Farm (town), Wisconsin


text:
Rice Lake (town), Wisconsin

Rice Lake is a town in Barron County in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 3,041 at the 2010 census. The City of Rice Lake is located mostly within the town. The unincorporated communities of Campia and Dobie are located partially in the town.

Geography
The town of Rice Lake is located northeast of the center of Barron County and surrounds the city of Rice Lake on the west, north, and east. The waterbody of Rice Lake is located primarily in the city but extends north into the town. A few small arms of the lake at its south end also extend east into the town. The Red Cedar River enters the town near its northeast corner, flows southwest into Rice Lake (the lake and the city), then continues southward from the lake, forming a boundary between the city and the town.

U.S. Route 53, a four-lane expressway, runs north-south through the town to the west of the city of Rice Lake, with access from Exits 140 and 143. Wisconsin Highway 48 crosses US-53 at Exit 143 and passes through the town both east and west of Rice Lake city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 71.2 sqkm, of which 68.2 sqkm is land and 3.0 sqkm, or 4.21%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,026 people, 1,139 households, and 877 families residing in the town. The population density was 114.7 people per square mile (44.3/km2). There were 1,216 housing units at an average density of 46.1 per square mile (17.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.25% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 1,139 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.3% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.0% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,649, and the median income for a family was $49,865. Males had a median income of $34,340 versus $20,992 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,835. About 2.8% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.0% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George Mireau, farmer and politician

title: Rice Lake (town), Wisconsin


text:
Rice Lake, Wisconsin

Rice Lake is a city in Barron County in northwest Wisconsin, United States, on the shore of the lake with the same name. The city is a commercial and tourist center for the surrounding rural areas. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 9,040. The city is located mostly within the Town of Rice Lake.

History

American Indians lived around Rice Lake for millennia, some of whom made mounds like those that remain in Indian Mounds Park along the shore of the lake. In later years before white settlers, Chippewa people occupied the area, and they had a strong cultural attachment to the wild rice that grew on the lake.

In the mid-1860s Knapp, Stout & Co., the growing lumber company downstream at Menomonie, bought tracts of forest around Rice Lake. Around 1868 the company started a logging camp in the area and in 1870 the company dammed the Red Cedar to raise the level of Rice Lake to make a better holding pond for their logs. The higher water disrupted the existing wild rice beds, angering the Chippewa. As compensation, Knapp-Stout gave them food, but it was settlers' food like pork and flour - not wild rice.

Knapp-Stout platted the village in 1870, naming it for the lake, and naming many streets after officers of the company, including Knapp, Stout, Tainter and Wilson. The company built a small water-powered sawmill for sawing local lumber and a gristmill. Permanent settlers began arriving about that time. The first houses were built around 1874. Saloons and hotels followed. Rice Lake's first school opened in a Knapp-Stout building in 1874. Regular mail service began that year, with the mail arriving by stage from Menomonie and Chippewa Falls, initially once a week. The first newspaper, the Chronotype, started the same year.

Many employees of the early Knapp-Stout were Norwegian and in 1875 a Norwegian Lutheran congregation was organized. A local brewery was also started in 1875. Episcopalian families began worshiping intermittently in 1879. Roman Catholics began meeting the following year, building a church the same year - the first brick building in the village. Knapp-Stout added a flour mill in 1879. A Methodist Episcopal congregation also formed in 1880, and a Presbyterian congregation in 1882.

In 1882 the first railroad reached Rice Lake - the Chippewa Falls and Northern Railroad, and the four-year high school was started. The following year the first bank opened - the Barron County Bank. A barrel factory opened in 1885, employing 40 men, and a hub and spoke factory in 1886, employing 50 in summer and 125 during logging season. In 1887 the Rice Lake Lumber Company opened, owned by Orrin Henry Ingram of Eau Claire. It expanded Knapp-Stout's sawmill, added two planing mills, and employed 200.

Rice Lake incorporated as a city in 1887. A volunteer fire department was formed in 1889, which was equipped with a hook and ladder wagon, a hand hose cart, and 1,300 feet of hose. The city's population was 2,130 in the 1890 census. A city library opened in 1897. The lumber companies set up electric lights and a water utility in 1892, which were taken over by the city in 1910.

In 1907 the Barron County Normal School opened. In 1938 WJMC, the area's first radio station, began broadcasting. In 1940 the forerunner of Indianhead Tech College was established. In 1966 UW-Stout opened a branch campus in Barron County, which has since developed into UW-Eau Claire - Barron County.

Geography
Rice Lake is located at 45.49833°N, -91.73889°W (45.498408, -91.738844).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 9.70 sqmi, of which, 8.60 sqmi is land and 1.10 sqmi is water.

Rice Lake is along the Red Cedar River.

Demographics
As of 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $34,637, and the median income for a family was $53,056. Males had a median income of $40,450 versus $30,211 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,354. About 6.9% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under age 18 and 13.1% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 8,438 people, 3,936 households, and 2,065 families residing in the city. The population density was 981.2 PD/sqmi. There were 4,239 housing units at an average density of 492.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.2% White, 0.3% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 3,936 households, of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.6% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.5% were non-families. 39.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.79.

The median age in the city was 41.2 years. 20.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.5% were from 25 to 44; 24.5% were from 45 to 64; and 21.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.

Infrastructure
U.S. Highway 53, Wisconsin Highway 48, County Road SS (Main Street), and County Road O (South Access Road) are the main routes in the city.

The area is served by Rice Lake Regional Airport - Carl's Field (KRPD), which is located south of Rice Lake.

Rice Lake formerly had passenger rail service at the Rice Lake station.

The town spends $325,000 annually on infrastructure.

Public schools
Rice Lake Area School District operates public schools:
 * Rice Lake High School
 * Northern Lakes Regional Academy
 * Rice Lake Middle School
 * Haugen Elementary
 * Hilltop Elementary
 * Tainter Elementary

Private schools

 * Redeemer Lutheran School
 * St. Joseph School

Post-secondary education

 * University of Wisconsin–Barron County
 * Northwood Technical College (formerly Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College) - Rice Lake Campus

Economy
Rice Lake serves as a shopping, industrial, educational, and medical hub for the surrounding rural communities of Barron, Cameron, Chetek, Shell Lake, Cumberland, Spooner, and Ladysmith.

The annual city budget is $915,000. The largest source of revenue for the city is property taxes, with $430,000 of income. The largest expenditure of the city is infrastructure, the town budget for which was $325,000 in 2022.

Notable people

 * Kenny Bednarek - sprinter
 * John G. Blystone - film director
 * Edward R. Brunner - justice of Wisconsin Court of Appeals
 * Howard W. Cameron - Wisconsin State Senator
 * William M. Conley - federal judge
 * William Henry Dietz - college and NFL head coach
 * Henry Ellenson - professional basketball player for the New York Knicks
 * Foster Friess - businessman
 * Eric G. Gibson - Medal of Honor recipient
 * Hal Kolstad - MLB player
 * Isaac J. Kvam - Wisconsin State Representative
 * Dick Lane - announcer, film and television actor
 * James P. Leary - folklorist
 * Warren D. Leary - Wisconsin State Representative
 * Michael A. Lehman - Wisconsin State Representative
 * Pug Lund - football player
 * Harold Olsen - head coach of Ohio State, Northwestern and NBA's Chicago Stags, member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Clay Perry - MLB player
 * Romaine Quinn - youngest mayor to serve in Rice Lake history
 * Jason Rae - Secretary of Democratic National Committee
 * Kapp Rasmussen - Wisconsin State Representative and lawyer
 * Fred Thomas - MLB player
 * John W. Vaudreuil - U.S. Attorney

Sister cities
Rice Lake has two sister cities:
 * 🇯🇵 Miharu, Japan
 * 🇨🇿 Žamberk, Czech Republic

Local media

 * WAQE (AM) 1090, Talk & Sports
 * WAQE-FM 97.7, All the Stars, All the Time
 * WJMC (AM) 1240, Good Friends and Great Information
 * WJMC-FM 96.1, The Best Country Station, Number One
 * WKFX FM 99.1, Classic Hits
 * WWJP-LP FM 101.7, 3ABN Radio, Christian
 * WYRL-LP FM 105.5, Eclectic Music, Local Government Discussion

title: Rice Lake, Wisconsin


text:
Turtle Lake (town), Wisconsin

Turtle Lake is a town in Barron County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 624 at the 2010 census. The Village of Turtle Lake is located just north of the town. The unincorporated community of Twin Town is located partially in the town.

Geography
Turtle Lake is located in southwestern Barron County, with its western border following the Polk County line. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 92.2 sqkm, of which 91.1 sqkm is land and 1.1 sqkm, or 1.22%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 622 people, 224 households, and 168 families residing in the town. The population density was 17.7 people per square mile (6.8/km2). There were 283 housing units at an average density of 8.0 per square mile (3.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 98.23% White, 1.13% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, and 0.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 0.16% of the population.

There were 224 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.4% were married couples living together, 5.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.6% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $44,375, and the median income for a family was $47,578. Males had a median income of $26,333 versus $19,688 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,151. About 4.8% of families and 9.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.0% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Turtle Lake (town), Wisconsin


text:
Turtle Lake, Wisconsin

Turtle Lake is a village in Barron and Polk counties in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Its population was 1,064 at the 2010 census. Of these, 972 were in Barron County and 93 were in Polk County. The village is located between the towns of Almena, in Barron County, and Beaver, in Polk County.

Geography
Turtle Lake is located at 45.39639°N, -92.14694°W (45.396604, -92.146974).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.01 sqmi, of which 0.14 sqmi is covered by water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, 1,050 people, 492 households, and 256 families were living in the village. The population density was 365.9 PD/sqmi. The 535 housing units had an average density of 186.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.4% White, 0.2% African American, 4.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.7% of the population.

Of the 492 households, 26.2% had children under 18 living with them, 33.1% were married couples living together, 14.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.0% were not families. About 40.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.13, and the average family size was 2.86.

The median age in the village was 38.9 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 26.2% were from 45 to 64; and 17.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, 1,065 people, 475 households, and 268 families resided in the village. The population density was 380.7 people per square mile (146.9/km2). The 508 housing units had an average density of 181.6 per square mile (70.1/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 94.37% White, 4.51% Native American, 0.28% Asian, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino persons of any race were 1.03% of the population.

Of the 475 households, 30.7% had children under 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were not families. About 38.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.24, and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, age distribution was 26.1% under 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $29,485, and for a family was $36,875. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $19,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,591. About 12.9% of families and 16.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.5% of those under 18 and 21.0% of those 65 or over.

Transportation
U.S. Highway 8 and U.S. Highway 63 intersect in Turtle Lake.
 * [[Image:US 8.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 8
 * [[Image:US 63.svg|20px]] U.S. Highway 63

The nearest commercial airline services are offered by the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Entertainment
Turtle Lake is home to the St. Croix Casino Turtle Lake. Guests can gamble on over 1,100 slots, craps, roulette, live poker, and blackjack games. The casino is host to multiple restaurants and an events center that has many events year-round. The casino also offers a shuttle service to most places of interest throughout the Village of Turtle Lake.

Festivals
The Turtle Lake Inter County Fair is held annually the second weekend in July. The fair is held from Friday-Sunday. Events include horse, truck, and tractor pulls, carnival rides, live bands, foot races, pedal pulls, cattle and dairy shows, a turtle derby, and a grand parade. The fair offers free admission.

Media
The Turtle Lake Times provides newspaper services for Turtle Lake and the surrounding area.

Education
The School District of Turtle Lake is the area school, providing education from kindergarten through grade 12. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College-Rice Lake and UW-Barron County, which both provide higher education for the area, are located in nearby Rice Lake.

In popular culture
Parts of the film Clear Lake, WI, starring Michael Madsen, were filmed in Turtle Lake.

title: Turtle Lake, Wisconsin


text:
Bayfield (town), Wisconsin

Bayfield is a town in Bayfield County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 680 at the 2010 census. The unincorporated communities of Pureair and Salmo are located in the town, as are Eagle Island and Sand Island of the Apostle Islands.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 347.0 sqkm, of which 230.9 sqkm is land and 116.1 sqkm, or 33.45%, is water.

The town of Bayfield has the shape of a capital "L", extending north into the main body of Lake Superior and east into a channel of the lake between the mainland and Madeline Island. The city of Bayfield is located on the shore of Lake Superior and is surrounded by the eastern leg of the town of Bayfield.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 625 people, 261 households, and 194 families residing in the town. The population density was 7.0 people per square mile (2.7/km2). There were 491 housing units at an average density of 5.5 per square mile (2.1/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 79.52% White, 14.72% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 5.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 261 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.67.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 35.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $39,342, and the median income for a family was $42,750. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $25,179 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,890. About 6.6% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Wisconsin Highway 13, County Road I, and County Road J are the main routes in the town of Bayfield.

title: Bayfield (town), Wisconsin