Spooner, Wisconsin

Spooner is a city in Washburn County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,653 at the 2000 census. The city is located mostly within the southwest corner of the IATown of Spooner. Small portions extend into the Town of Beaver Brook on the south, the Town of Bashaw on the southwest, and the Town of Evergreen on the west. The city's slogan is "Crossroads of the North", a reference to the fact that two US highways, 53 and 63, and State Highway 70 junction there. Named after Senator John Coit Spooner, Spooner's economy was once centered on the railroad and the two main lines that junctioned there. After passenger service ended in the early 1960s and freight service was discontinued 30 years later, railroading in Spooner became a tourist attraction, first with a highly regarded railroad history museum in the railroad's old depot and then with a popular excursion train. Although the county seat is Shell Lake, Spooner has a larger population.

Geography

Spooner is located at coor dms|45|49|33|N|91|53|28|W|city (45.825941, -91.891116)GR|1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²), of which, 3.0 square miles (7.8 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (2.26%) is water.

Local events

Heart of the North Rodeo - Since 1954, each summer in July, Spooner has hosted professional rodeo performances, which annually draws thousands of fans to the area. The community goes all out to make the weekend enjoyable for all ages. In addition to the rodeo each evening, there is a huge Saturday afternoon parade, live music every night, and the popular Cowboy Church Service on Sunday morning, held outdoors at the rodeo arena.

[http://www.jackpinesavagedays.com Jack Pine Savage Days] - This local festival features live bands, annual fun run, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, horseshoe tournament, as well as a volleyball tournament. Spooner sees a large jump in its economy from this festival, as it attracts people from all over the area, and it is anticipated by many throughout the year.

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 2,653 people, 1,148 households, and 662 families residing in the city. The population density was 875.9 people per square mile (338.1/km²). There were 1,249 housing units at an average density of 412.4/sq mi (159.2/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 95.97% White, 0.41% Black or African American, 2.04% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.38% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. 1.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,148 households out of which 27.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 37.8% 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 2.22 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the city the population was spread out with 24.0% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 85.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.8 males. For every 100 members of citizenry, there are .8 police officers.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,768, and the median income for a family was $39,677. Males had a median income of $31,133 versus $18,167 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,390. About 7.6% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over.

History

Spooner was once the hub of the Omaha Railroad Line. Today, it is the home of Railroad Memories Museum. The city was the location of the Robert Zemelsky Musky Heist.

Chemical plant explosion

On March 18, 2008, an explosion at the Cortec chemical plant in Spooner released noxious chemical vapors into the air. [ [http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/news/local/16977191.html 2 Men Injured In Spooner Explosion Remain Hospitalized | Northland's NewsCenter NBC 6, CBS 3, My 9, Northland CW, and Weather Plus for Duluth MN / Superior WI | Local News ] ]

The Cortec plant produces anti-corrosion and aerosol sprays. A mushroom cloud of chemicals rose into the air after the explosion. People in local homes and businesses and at Spooner Middle/High School heard the blast.

The day after the incident, representatives of OSHA arrived on the scene to further investigate the cause of the explosion.

Two men working in the plant were the only ones injured. One is currently in a coma with second-degree burns and the other received first-degree burns. Seven employees were in the plant at the time, which had not started production for the day.

References

External links

* [http://www.cityofspooner.org/cms/ Spooner, Wisconsin]