Iola-Scandinavia, Wisconsin, local news source
The Thirsty Perch, a longtime restaurant and bar in Iola, Wisconsin, that lost its Class B liquor license, has accused village officials of unfair treatment, selective enforcement, and personal bias during its effort to obtain a new license. The village board voted unanimously in June 2025 not to renew the license following complaints and a […]
Iola’s historic Iola Mill is set to welcome a true Wisconsin music treasure on Saturday, May 30. Singer-songwriter and guitarist Willy Porter returns to his home-state roots for an intimate evening of guitar-driven grit, soul, silence, and muscle that has captivated audiences for more than three decades. Born on Oct. 4, 1964, in Mequon, Wisconsin, […]
Owners of The Thirsty Perch, a longtime gathering spot at 195 Water Street in downtown Iola, submitted a new application for a Class B liquor license as their legal battle over the prior denial continues in court. The business, operated by Sherri Miller and Steve Steeber, lost its liquor license last year after the Village […]
The Person of the Year, Business of the Year, and Spark Plug award winners received plaques at the 28th annual Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce Awards Night. About 30 people attended the event on Wednesday, May 20, at Iola Mills. “We are very blessed to have so many great people and organizations plus unique businesses in […]
A new Wisconsin specialty license plate celebrating the Iola Car Show will officially become available June 9, 2026, through the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles’ Special License Plate program. Organizers said the plate was developed with input from Iola fans and car enthusiasts, making it a community-driven tribute to one of the state’s best-known automotive […]
Iola Mills at 300 North Main Street will host five musicians for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence program. They are: Will Keizer on Saturday, May 23; Edward David Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire on Saturday, June 13; Bruce Humphries on Saturday, July 11; Steph Wilder on Saturday, July 25; and Jesus Villas on Sunday, Aug. 23. All […]
AMHERST – The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) announces the return of the Grow Solar Central Wisconsin program for 2026, marking its ninth year. The program helps residents and small businesses in Portage, Marathon, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood, and Lincoln counties purchase solar systems at below-market prices. The initiative partners with the cities of Stevens Point […]
The Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce has announced the nominees for the 2026 Chamber Awards, highlighting outstanding individuals and businesses in the community. The nominees will be formally introduced, and winners revealed during the Chamber’s Annual Awards Night, which is scheduled for May 20 at Iola Mills. Those vying for the Outstanding Person of the Year […]
By Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce The Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 30 local businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, for its 16th Annual Chamber Roundtable in Iola, where community leaders shared updates, outlined 2026 plans, and emphasized collaboration as a driving force for local growth. The event […]
By Judy Bolier When times get tough, this little town has always taken care of its own. With the government shutdown affecting so many, I wanted to offer a small way to help. So, starting Wednesday, Nov. 5th, and until the shutdown ends, the Crystal Café will be offering a free dine-in meal through something […]
