News Home
Local News
2026
Local Dems and friends march in mighty Radisson parade
Nearly 200 enjoy a Saturday in the park with Dem candidates
Scenes from our Dem booth at LCO powwow: Visitors happy for our presence
Dems march before big crowd at July Jubilee parade in Winter
Volunteers proclaim marching in Musky Fest parade ‘‘fun and rewarding’
Flag Day rallygoers in Hayward stand up for democracy
Local Dems open new office in this important election year
Take action: Show your respect for veterans
May Day rallygoers celebrate workers
Strong slate of Dem candidates address 7th CD convention
Now you can donate directly to Sawyer County and LCO Dems
Nearly 450 join March 28 No Kings rally in Hayward
Local party passes resolution calling for end of ICE, CPB abuses
Hayward joins in ‘ICE Out of Everywhere’ movement
Some 125 people brave cold at Free America Walkout rally in Hayward
Local Dems and friends march in mighty Radisson parade
August 13, 2026
Report from Barb Czarnecki and Joan Cervenka
Note: The parade was held on Sunday, August 9.
Radisson Harvest Fest may be small but it’s mighty! Local businesses and schools participated in the parade along with many political hopefuls running for office in the [August 11] primary.
The Democratic Party was well represented by Ginger Murray, Fred Clark, and representatives for Chris Armstrong [7th CD candidates for the U.S. House]. Members and friends of our Sawyer County and LCO Reservation Democratic Party marched.
It was so fun to see everyone at the parade. Thanks to Louise Ladenthin and her grandchildren for passing out fans and candy. Thanks to Len Ladenthin for pulling the float with our inflatable friendly donkey with a blue wave background, celebrating "250 Years of Democracy – Don’t Give Up the Ship." And thanks to all the volunteers who marched with us.
We were joined by Allison Claussen from Loretta and Lynne Bishop from Spooner. Lynne brought her sweet pup and lots of candy. She led us in singing patriotic anthems and folk songs like Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” as we marched.
Lynne has a beautiful voice. We should sing more often! We got some great cheers and clapping. We [Barb and Joan] helped carry our county party banner, keeping us centered on the double yellow line! It was a great day for a parade.
Barb Czarnecki is secretary and Joan Cervenka is treasurer with the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party
Our inflatable Dem donkey got ready to make his entrance at the Radisson Harvest Fest Parade.
Nearly 200 enjoy a Saturday in the park with Democratic candidates
August 13, 2026
Report from Mary Vitcenda
Photos by Mary Vitcenda and Nancy Stencil
Editor’s Note: The primary election is done and dusted, but we still think it’s worth sharing photos and information from the “Heart of the North” candidate picnic.
Nearly 200 people enjoyed good food for body and soul at the Heart of the North Democratic candidate picnic on Saturday, August 8, in Ojibwe Park.
Under sunny skies, eight candidates on the August 11 primary ballot addressed the group. Speakers included gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys and 7th Congressional District candidates Fred Clark and Ginger Murray. 7th CD candidate Chris Armstrong delivered an audio address because he was attending his niece’s wedding in Milwaukee.
Mike Wiggins, advocate for natural resources and environmental stewardship, gave the keynote address to the group. He noted both the environmental and economic benefits of protecting the North Woods from pollution.
Paul DeMain, co-chair of the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party, which co-sponsored the event with the Wisconsin 7th CD Democrats, told KBJR TV of Duluth that the event is designed to let voters see and hear candidates in person.
“Having the candidates on site is a good chance for people to rub elbows with them, to talk to them on a one-to-one basis in some cases and get to know each other,” Paul said.
KBJR reporter Maggie Franzen also interviewed local party member JoAn Moncel. JoAn said the event helps voters evaluate where candidates stand on the issues that matter to them.
“So the things that are really important to you, you can gauge: what is their value on that?” JoAn said. “What do they feel can be done about those things? And so I have found that tremendously invaluable,” she added.
JoAn also said the gathering strengthened community ties. “This is the kind of thing that actually forms community, because we are out here — we’re meeting people that live close by — they live in our districts, but we’ve never met them before, and we find out there’s commonalities,” she said.
One thing that helps form community is good food, and besides the brats and hot dogs provided by the sponsors, attendees enjoyed an abundant array of potluck dishes provided by participants. They also enjoyed music by Hayward musician Eric Schubring, who entertained the group with politically inspired songs by artists such as Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Legislative candidates addressing the group were:
· Wisconsin Senate candidates Charly Ray, Senate District 25; Richard Pulcher and Jeff Foster, Senate District 2; and
· Wisconsin Assembly candidate Paul Johnson, Assembly District 74.
In his interview with KBJR, Paul also noted Sawyer County’s specific place in Wisconsin political dynamics. “Sawyer County is a purple county — it can float to the right or to the left — depending on what’s going on in the political arena — and it makes us important,” he said.
Watch KBJR’s coverage of the Heart of the North candidate picnic, including interviews with Paul DeMain and JoAn Moncel: Wisconsin Democrats host ‘Heart of the North’ candidate potluck
A special “thank you” goes out to all the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party members and 7th CD Democrats who helped plan and organize the event, as well as everyone who helped on the day of the event. Following are photos from the picnic.
Mary Vitcenda is a vice chair with the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party. Nancy Stencil is chair of the 7th CD Democratic Party.
Fred Clark, 7th CD candidate for the U.S. House spoke at the picnic. Clark won the primary on August 11.
Attendees at the Heart of the North Democratic candidate picnic gathered on the lawn to hear presentations.
Local party member JoAn Moncel pictured earlier this year.
Gubernatorial candidate Kelda Roys presented her platform to the crowd.
Charly Ray, candidate for the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat, talked to the group.
Sawyer County and LCO Dems tables at the picnic
Local party member Gayle Johnson oversaw the potluck lunch at the picnic.
Speakers made presentations under a canopy next to the food building.
74th District candidate for the Wisconsin Assembly Paul Johnson spoke to picnic attendees.
Environmental activist Mike Wiggins delivered the keynote address.
Folk singer Eric Schubring entertained the crowd.
Our friendly inflatable Dem donkey oversaw picnic proceedings.
7th CD U.S. House candidate Ginger Murray addressed the crowd.
Signs line a wall at the picnic.
State Treasurer candidate Yee Leng Xiong presented his credentials at the picnic.
Scenes from our Dem booth at the LCO powwow: Visitors happy for our presence
July 23, 2026
Reporting by Mary Vitcenda and Joan Cervenka
Photos by Mary Vitcenda, unless otherwise credited
Before memories fade, here are some scenes from the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party booth at the 2026 LCO Honor the Earth Powwow, held July 17-19 at the Powwow Grounds in Hayward. Visitors were excited to see us there.
Volunteers chatted with powwow visitors to our booth and shared information and literature about Democratic candidates on the August 11 primary ballot. Volunteers also handed out sweet treats to the kids and fans to everyone needing some relief from the heat.
Volunteers observed that visitors to our booth were excited to see us and happy to know about a local Democratic Party group. What's more, a fair number of people who didn’t stop at our booth waved and said “thank you for being here” as they passed by.
Democratic candidates who stopped by the booth included three seeking the 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House: Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark, and Ginger Murray. Charly Ray, who’s running the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat, also visited our booth.
The Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party booth had a prominent place at the entrance to the Powwow Grounds.
Demmy Donkey was a kids’ favorite at the booth.
25th District Wisconsin Senate seat candidate Charly Ray visited powwow attendees at our booth and around the grounds.
7th District Congressional candidate Ginger Murray, right, chats with a visitor to our booth.
7th District Congressional candidate Chris Armstrong, left, chats with local party co-chair Paul DeMain at our booth.
Some signs at our local party booth.
Dems march before big crowd at July Jubilee parade in Winter
July 6, 2026
The July Jubilee parade in Winter drew what may have been a record-breaking crowd on July 4th, and our Sawyer County and LCO float and marchers were part of the event. Volunteers handed out sweet treats and fans, which were greatly appreciated on the sweltering day.
Marching behind the float were bout 20 volunteers, including party members and friends from Sawyer County, as well as locales further away—including Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and San Francisco. Volunteers supporting Democratic candidates Fred Clark and Charly Ray also marched with Sawyer County and LCO Democrats. If you missed the Winter parade, more chances to volunteer at community events with Dems are coming up. See our Volunteer page for details: See our Volunteer page for details.
Scenes from the July Jubilee parade
Kids carried the banner at the July Jubilee parade.
A volunteer with sign quoting the late Minnesota Sen. Paul Wellstone.
A slice of the big crowd at the July Jubilee parade
Our float, shown here at the Musky Fest parade in June, made its second appearance at the July Jubilee parade.
7th District Congressional candidate Fred Clark greeted visitors to the powwow.
Photo from Fred Clark campaign
Volunteers proclaim marching in Musky Fest parade ‘fun and rewarding’
Reporting by Mary Vitcenda
“Fun.” “A good time.” “Rewarding.” That’s how volunteers described their experience marching in the 2026 Musky Fest Grand Parade on Sunday, June 28, in Hayward. Joining volunteers handing out sweet treats and fans to onlookers were Democratic candidates Fred Clark, Ginger Murray, Charly Ray, and Paul Johnson.
The Democratic float featured a friendly looking inflatable donkey and the message: “250 years of Democracy: Don’t Give Up the Ship.” Candidates followed behind the float in vehicles bedecked with campaign signage. Of course, candidates asked for votes as they shook hands with parade goers.
Fred Clark and Ginger Murray are running in the August 11 partisan primary for the 7th District U.S. House seat. Charly Ray is running for the 25th District Wisconsin Senate seat, and Paul Johnson is running for the 74th District Wisconsin Assembly seat. They are unopposed in the primary, but they will be on the August 11 ballot.
Applause and thumbs up along the way
Marchers were met with applause and thumbs up from onlookers all along the route. Most onlookers happily accepted treats and Democratic-branded fans; as usual, the fans were a big hit. Especially with youngsters.
One group of teens who loved the fans were international visitors from England, Scotland, New Zealand, and Africa. They were staying at the North Star Camp for Boys near Hayward. I gave them a hearty welcome to Hayward—and America.
Lining up before the parade
Our local party float featuring friendly Donkey Dem
25th District Wisconsin Senate Democratic candidate Charly Ray, right, and volunteer get ready for the parade.
74th District Wisconsin Assembly Democratic candidate Paul Johnson, center, joins volunteers before the parade.
7th CD Democratic candidate Fred Clark, right, rallies his supporters before the parade.
7th CD Democratic candidate Ginger Murray paused after helping volunteers set up our local party float.
Flag Day rallygoers in Hayward stand up for democracy
Reporting by Barb Czarnecki
Posted June 20, 2026
A mild but windy day brought over 90 people standing together to support democracy on Flag Day, June 14, in Hayward. In a fitting salute to the day, sidewalk rally attendees brought flags and waved them enthusiastically to passing vehicles.
Local guitarist Dave Neuswanger sang and strummed a mix of ‘70s and social justice-themed songs. Rallygoers enjoyed lots of honks and waves of support from passing traffic.
Sign-in sheet comments reflected strong dissatisfaction with the Trump regime. Many people asked, “When’s the next event?” To be determined.
Local party treasurer Joan Cervenka hands out fans to parade goers.
Donkey Dem wishes ‘Happy 250th’ to the USA.
7th CD candidate Fred Clark shakes hands with a young parade goer.
Local Dems open new office in this important election year
May 30, 2026
Reporting by Mary Vitcenda and Barb Czarnecki
The Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party officially opened its new office on Wednesday, May 27 in Hayward, providing a hub for critical activities in this important election year.
More than 40 people attended an open house and ribbon cutting at the new office, located between Koobie’s Coffee Shop and the LCO Credit Union at the intersection of Highway K and Highway B. The address is 13827 County Highway B in Hayward 54843.
Guests socialized and enjoyed snacks, picked up relevant literature, and heard from three Democratic candidates who addressed the group: Paul Johnson, who’s running for the 74th Wisconsin Assembly seat; Charly Ray, who’s running for the 25th Wisconsin Senate seat; and Ginger Murray, who’s running for the 7th Congressional District seat in the U.S. House. Sawyer County is in all three districts.
Karen Berg from the League of Women Voters was also there to show voters how to ensure their voter registration is current by checking www.myvote.wi.gov and how to apply for an absentee ballot, if they wish.
Voting by absentee ballot gives you time to research candidates in advance and learn about any other issues going before voters, such as the Wisconsin Constitutional Amendments that will be on the November ballot. Two elections are coming up in 2026: A partisan primary election on August 11 and the general election on November 3.
“We’re excited to open this office, which will give the public a place to learn about Democratic candidates and the high stakes in this midterm election,” said Paul DeMain, co-chair of the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party. Louise Ladenthin, local party co-chair, added, "We're proud of our new office and welcome visitors. Please stop by!"
The office will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Additional hours and days will be added later. To volunteer to staff the office, please email sc.lco.dems@gmail.com
Local party co-chairs Paul DeMain and Louise Ladenthin, center front, lead cheers for visitors to the grand opening of the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party office.
State Assembly candidate Paul Johnson, center in red shirt, talks to visitors at the office grand opening.
The Dem donkey made an appearance at the office opening.
State Assembly candidate Paul Johnson addresses group.
Congressional candidate Ginger Murray, left, converses with Karen Berg of the League of Women Voters.
State Senate candidate Charly Ray addresses group.
Take action: Show your respect for veterans
May 18, 2026
Reporting by Joan Cervenka
Flag Day. Armed Forces Day. Independence Day. As Americans, we celebrate dozens of patriotic holidays throughout the year. However, Memorial Day and Veterans Day are often confused for the other and can be easily misunderstood.
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and honors all those who have served in the military. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and honors service members who have died in military service to the nation.
This year Memorial Day is on Monday, May 25. The holiday has roots dating back to the post-Civil War era, when citizens would informally place spring flower memorials on the graves of fallen soldiers.
Memorial Day is often associated with the start of summer, discount sales and cookouts with friends and family. But you have the power to educate those around you and take a few moments to pay tribute to the fallen while still enjoying the sunshine and outdoors.
It is important to remember the true reason behind the holiday weekend. Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the lives of the men and women of this country who were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our freedoms.
In observance of Memorial Day 2026, the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party encourages you to honor and reflect on fallen members of the military and the deep meaning of the day. Here are a few ideas:
1) Participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time everywhere across the country.
2) Attend a Memorial Day service in your community and shake some veterans' hands with your thanks.
3) Visit a military cemetery or memorial near you.
4) Display the U.S. flag at your home.
5) Participate in your local veterans organization activities.
6) Advocate for fair treatment of veterans with your elected officials.
Some of this information is from: https://www.uso.org/stories/2522-understanding-the-difference-of-memorial-day-vs-veterans-day
“I’m concerned for the direction our country is going. The more people that know we do not agree with this, the better it is. You just have to show up.”
May Day rallygoers celebrate workers, oppose policies favoring the ultra rich
May 4, 2026
By Barb Czarnecki and Mary Vitcenda
Sixty some rallygoers showed up on May 1 in Hayward to support workers’ rights
and oppose administration policies and actions that favor the ultra rich over
everyone else. May 1, commonly called May Day, is celebrated as a traditional
spring festival and as International Workers’ Day.
The rally was held on Democracy Corner at the junction of U.S. Highway 63 and
Wisconsin Highway 27 in downtown Hayward. The event also raised $120 for the
Northwoods Community Food Shelf.
Attendance was lighter than at recent rallies, but onlookers’ support was as strong
as ever. Many drivers honked and gave a thumbs up as they passed by rallygoers
on the sidewalk. Traffic was heavy, probably due to the influx of visitors preparing
for the fishing opener on May 2.
Chris Armstrong and Fred Clark, candidates for the 7th CD U.S. House seat now held
by Tom Tiffany, stopped by the rally to greet and converse with rallygoers. Check out
their websites for more information on their values and positions on issues.
The rally was sponsored by Up North Engaged and the Democratic Party of Sawyer County and Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation. The local Democratic party office will open soon between Koobies Coffee and the LCO Credit Union at the intersection of Hwy K and Hwy B.
We asked rallygoers why they showed up. Here’s what some of them said.
Matt, a rallygoer from Hayward, noted the historical connection of unions and May Day. “Unions are needed,” he said, adding that “the corporate structure is a collective thing, not one on one. It’s owner vs. employee; the system is rigged against employees.”
Natalie of Hayward said she came to the rally “because the current administration has completely taken our Constitution and what I thought was our way of life and making it unrecognizable for many Americans. I have two daughters that I want to make sure they have a future, and this is not the future they are supposed to have.”
She also sounded off about Republicans who said voting for Kamala Harris in 2024 would bring war with Iran, higher gas prices, and higher grocery prices. “I did vote for Kamala,” she said, “and the Republicans were right. We’re at war with Iran; gas prices are over $4.30 a gallon nationwide; and look at our grocery bills. They’re crazy expensive.”
Peggy from Hayward said: “I’m concerned for the direction our country is going. The more people that know we do not agree with this, the better it is. You just have to show up.”
She also said she participates in demonstrations every Wednesday at the federal building in Eau Claire. “We have groups drumming, singing, and chanting. It’s very strong. The Chippewa Valley Indivisible is part of it. They’re a great organization. We’ve done a lot. I’m proud of it.”
Frank from Barnes expressed disgust with too many Supreme Court rulings affirming Trump’s authoritarianism and undermining the Constitution. “The lower courts have done relatively well, but the Supreme Court is ruling in case after case after case after case as if there’s no Constitution.” Too many Supreme Court justices are not fulfilling their pledge to uphold the Constitution, he said.
Chris and Steve from Hayward said they came because they don’t support the actions of the current administration. “We believe there should be more equality in the world and that people should be able to have a good living and be paid appropriately to have a good living. It shouldn’t be just money going to the rich,” Chris said.
Steve added that Trump is stealing tax dollars for himself and his rich friends. “We have a criminal in the White House. Stone cold criminal. It’s just theft.”
Chris Armstrong, left, and Fred Clark, candidates for the 7th CD U.S. House seat, came to the rally.
Chris Armstrong talks with rallygoer.
Fred Clark in conversation with rallygoers.
Rallygoers display banner on Democracy Corner during May Day rally in Hayward.
Strong slate of Dem candidates address 7th CD convention
Updated April 29, 2026
An impressive array of Democratic candidates addressed delegates to the 7th CD Democratic convention on April 25 in Rothschild. Key topics included the urgent need for adequate funding for health care and public schools in the state. A total of 141 delegates and friends attended the event, including delegates from Sawyer County and LCO Dems (SC/LCO Dems) and Chequamegon Dems (CheqDems).
Besides hearing from candidates and local party officials, delegates discussed resolutions submitted by county parties throughout the district. Ten resolutions were selected to submit to WisDems for inclusion in the state party platform. One resolution from SC/LCO Dems made the cut: Support of Green Energy Jobs.
Local delegates attended
Delegates from Sawyer County and LCO Dems attending the convention were David Axt, Rhonda Bender, Barb Czarnecki, Paul DeMain, Gayle Johnson, Louise Ladenthin, Elizabeth Stubblefield, and Mary Vitcenda. DeMain, co-chair of SC/LCO Dems, delivered a land acknowledgement statement honoring the history and presence of indigenous people on the land we occupy in northwest Wisconsin.
Delegates from Chequamegon Dems were Kathleen Adee, Ellen Lafans, Jeremy Oswald, Mike Radtke, Sandy Raspotnik, and Gayle Syverud.
Governor candidates among speakers
Ben Caminos, host of the “Outside the Box” radio show on WHBY serving the Green Bay, Appleton, and Oshkosh areas, gave the keynote address. The convention also featured remarks by governor candidates Mandela Barnes, Joel Brennan, David Crowley, Francesca Hong, Missy Hughes, Sara Rodriguez, and Kelda Roys.
7th CD House candidates spoke
Other speakers included Chris Armstrong, Fred Clark, and Ginger Murray, who are seeking the 7th CD U.S. House seat. Also speaking was Paul Johnson, newly announced candidate for State Assembly District 74, which includes Sawyer County.
Just a reminder that there are two important election dates coming up this year in Wisconsin:
—August 11: Partisan primary
—November 3: General election
Register to vote, check what’s on your ballot and more at https://myvote.wi.gov
Here are some photos from the convention by Jeremy Oswald of CheqDems and Mary Vitcenda of SC/LCO Dems.
Paul DeMain, Sawyer County and LCO Democratic party co-chair, addresses the convention. Photo: JO
Local party sign at convention Photo MV
Chris Armstrong, 7th CD House candidate, addresses the convention. Photo JO
Ginger Murray, 7th CD House candidate, addresses the convention. Photo MV
Sawyer County and LCO Dems sent eight delegates to the convention; see names in article. (Seven pictured.) Photo: MV
7th CD Dems Chair Nancy Stencil addresses group. Photo JO
Fred Clark, 7th CD House candidate, addresses the crowd. Photo JO
Paul Johnson, candidate for the 74th District Assembly seat, speaks to delegates. Photo JO
Gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, looking purposeful. Photo JO
Missy Hughes, candidate for governor, at the podium. Photo JO
Paul DeMain talks to Kelda Roys, gubernatorial candidate. Photo JO
David Crowley, candidate for governor, addresses delegates. Photo JO
State treasurer candidate Dylan Helmenstine speaks at the convention. Photo JO
Delegates listen to presentations. Photo JO
Delegates listen to speakers. Photo JO
Keynote speaker Ben Caminos Photo JO
CheqDems delegates and friends gather at the convention. See delegate names in article. Photo JO
Gubernatorial candidate Mandela Barnes at the podium. Photo JO
Sara Rodriguez, candidate for governor, chats with delegates. Photo JO
Now you can donate directly to Sawyer County and LCO Dems
April 16, 2026
Thanks to improvements in our local party electronic accounting systems, you can now give directly to the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party online. You may also sign in to your ActBlue account to donate faster. Follow the link below now or access the donation info via a button near the top of our local party home page.
Sawyer County and LCO Dems donation page: The Democratic Party of Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation — Donate via ActBlue
Note: You can still give to the state Democratic party via a button on our home page, too. Remember our home page address: https://sclcodems.org
Thank you so much for your support!
Yee Leng Xiong, candidate for state treasurer addresses the convention. Photo JO
Nearly 450 join March 28 No Kings rally in Hayward
Reporting by Mary Vitcenda and Barb Czarnecki
March 31, 2026
“No Kings, No ICE, No Wars.” Those words on a sign sum up the major sentiments of the nearly 450 people who joined in a No Kings rally in Hayward on Saturday, March 28.
Participants gathered on the sidewalks of all four corners of U.S. 63 and Wisconsin 27 to express their support for democracy and rule of law and their opposition to the cruel, corrupt policies of the Trump administration.
The Hayward rally was one of about 3,300 No Kings events held worldwide on Saturday. That total includes more than 75 such events in Wisconsin. National organizers estimate about 8 million people participated in this third No Kings rally. That’s 1 million more than participated in the second No Kings rally on Oct. 18, 2025.
In Hayward, rallygoers with signs and flags were met with supportive honks and cheers from passing vehicles on the 28th. Speeding and spewing black oil smoke, a red truck drove past demonstrators multiple times attempting to disrupt the event, but rallygoers stuck to their commitment to peaceful protest and ignored the truck.
Mostly local crowd
Saturday’s crowd consisted of residents mainly from the Hayward area and neighboring towns, including Cable, Stone Lake, Ojibwa, Winter, and Exeland. This is a shift to higher local attendance than the first No Kings rally held June 14, 2025, when more tourists attended.
While organizers said they welcome participants wherever they’re from, they’re pleased with growing local participation, which reflects more local concern about governance. It also says something that the March 28 crowd count nearly matched the 500 who attended the June 14 event.
Event included food drive
Saturday’s rally was sponsored by Up North Engaged, an Indivisible group, and the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party, which also held a food drive during the gathering. Rallygoers contributed over $400 in cash and 125 pounds of food to the Hayward Community Food Shelf.
A volunteer from the League of Women Voters also hosted a table to show people how easy it is to check their voter registration status at https://www.myvote.wi.gov
As usual, many attendees expressed their feelings in creative signs (see photos). Some also voiced their thoughts to organizers who asked for their comments. Here’s a taste of what they said:
Thoughts from rally participants
“I’m tired of these people thinking they can steal our future.”
Kara, Hayward
“This administration is focused on all the wrong things. And they’re going after the most vulnerable and terrorizing people—minorities, people of color, queer people—instead of going after the billionaires, curbing climate change, getting rid of the wealth gap.”
Ellie, Hayward
“Hate is not the answer. Love is the answer. And truth. I never thought that we’d live in this world, and I don’t want this era to be what sticks. We have to protect the truth and kindness and compassion.”
Tina, Seeley
“I’m here to support people. I’m not happy with the way the government is being run right now. I feel like this is my way to give back to get the word out.”
Hayward resident
“I’m here with John, my husband, and both of us are dismayed by the incompetence and corruption of the entire Trump regime. It starts from the head, and it goes all the way through. . . .We got rid of Noem. Now we gotta work on the rest. Miller is absolutely the worst. And he’s not even an elected official. There should be nothing protecting him in that role. Trump and everyone [around him] belong in jail. They don’t represent us. We’ve been honest, hardworking people all of our lives for our retirement to be put in jeopardy to line the pockets of corrupt politicians and billionaires. The taxes that they are evading could do so much good.”
Nina, Cable
“Instead of having my blood pressure go up, I feel I have to express [my thoughts] to somebody. And hence the sign. I couldn’t focus on just one or two things, because it’s so many things. It’s just caused so much trouble in our country.”
Hayward resident
“I’m here to support our country, and I hope we can get on the right track.”
Hayward resident
“We’re here because we just feel like you have to stand up to this. If you stay quiet, they win. If we make noise, at least they know that a lot of people don’t want this. Otherwise they assume that everybody wants it . . . There's a story that's stuck with me: A guy stood outside the White House with a candle every night for years during the Vietnam War. And someone said, ‘What do you think you’re going to change by doing this?’ He said, ‘I don’t think they’re gonna change. I just do this to make sure I don’t change who I am.’ That’s how I feel, too.”
Maria, St. Paul
Photos from March 28 No Kings rally in Hayward
Photos by Mary Vitcenda, unless otherwise credited
Photo by Barron County Democrats
Photo by Mary Manthei
Facebook photo from Washington, MO
Attendee at March 28 No Kings rally in Hayward
“Hate is not the answer. Love is the answer. And truth. I never thought that we’d live in this world, and I don’t want this era to be what sticks. We have to protect the truth and kindness and compassion.”
Local Party Passes Resolution Calling for End of ICE, CPB Abuses
Resolution of the Democratic Party of Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation
Hayward, Wis.
Approved January 27, 2026
Whereas: The Democratic Party of Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation do hereby oppose the use of ICE and Homeland Security in its current manner and call on Congress to end all funding to these institutions until the following:
ICE and CBP leave Minneapolis and stops terrorizing American cities.
The country gets a full, independent investigation into ICE killings.
No more detaining and deportation of U.S. citizens.
Masking comes off.
Mass arrests quotas and warrantless arrests end.
Therefore, be it resolved: The Democratic Party of Sawyer County and the Lac Courte Oreilles Reservation do hereby adopt this resolution on January 27th, 2026.
Posted Feb. 9, 2026
Hayward Joins in ‘ICE Out of Everywhere’ Movement
Posted Feb. 1, 2026
The 50501 movement held “ICE Out of Everywhere” events in towns and cities across the nation on January 31, and Hayward was one of them. A total of 105 people braved the cold to join the sidewalk rally at the intersection of U.S. 63 and Wisconsin 27. Not bad for an event announced just three days before.
Participants carried signs showing solidarity with Minnesota in its stand against brutal ICE and CBP tactics that have resulted in two deaths in Minneapolis. Signs also showed support for Americans’ Constitutional rights, including free speech, free press, free assembly, and due process.
Clean water activist Paul DeMain worked the megaphone to keep participants energized and to thank passing motorists for their honks and waves in support of demonstrators.
The rally was hosted by the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party and Up North Engaged. As usual, the rally included a collection for area food pantries. This time, participants donated 20 pounds of food and $110 in cash for the food pantry at the WALDO Community Center in Winter.
As usual, participants brought high spirits and creative signs to the rally. Photos show a few of those people and signs.
Paul DeMain manned the megaphone to energize rallygoers.
Rallygoers lined the snowy sidewalks.
Liam Conejo Ramos and his father are back in Minnesota following a judge’s order for their release.
Some 125 People Brave Cold at Free America Walkout Rally in Hayward
Posted Jan. 22, 2026
Despite frigid conditions, 125 people showed up at the Free America Walkout rally in Hayward on Jan. 20. Most of them stayed for a full hour, braving a temperature of only 6 degrees F and a steady wind that made it feel colder.
People came to the rally to proclaim their support for democracy and their opposition to the autocracy perpetrated by the Trump regime. Rallygoers brought signs focusing on critical threats to civil society, including the occupation of Minneapolis by rogue ICE agents operating outside the law.
Many signs referenced the unjustified killing of Renee Good on Jan. 7 by one of these rogue ICE agents, with one sign reading, “Stand Up for Good.”
Besides signs and warm clothes, rallygoers brought the spirit of local activist Paul DeMain who, when asked why he was there, quipped “Because it’s such a perfect day to protect democracy.” The majority of passing motorists honked and waved in support of demonstrators.
The Jan. 20 rally was organized by Up North Engaged as part of a national movement sponsored by the Women’s March and other groups. The rally featured a drive for the LCO Food Shelf at 13878 N Agency Road in Stone Lake.
Almost 35 pounds of food items and $119 were collected in the drive, which was organized by the Sawyer County and LCO Democratic Party.
Here are some scenes from the rally in Hayward.
Profound truth in signage
Video: Rallygoer displays “Stand Up for Good” sign
Video: Rallygoer says “Only you can prevent fascist liars”
Video: Rallygoers lined the sidewalk with many messages, including “Resist the Regime”
Video: Rallygoer displays “Free America, Fight Fascism” sign