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Cult-classic filmed in central Wisconsin returns to big screen, with enhancements, this weekend

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Cult-classic filmed in central Wisconsin returns to big screen, with enhancements, this weekend


STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAW) – A giant spider isn’t actually invading central Wisconsin this weekend.

But an enhanced, big-screen version of the cult-classic 1975 film The Giant Spider Invasion is crawling back into local theaters — and it’s bringing some central Wisconsin nostalgia with it.

The movie was famously filmed in Merrill and Stevens Point, and the updated 2026 release adds enhancements designed for a modern theatrical experience.

What’s new in the 2026 enhanced version?

Executive Producer J.B. Thompson says the team took the original 1975 film and enhanced it for the big screen in 2026, giving audiences a refreshed way to experience a movie that’s long been a Wisconsin oddity — and a point of pride.

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Actor and Producer Dan Davies is featured in newly filmed scenes created specifically for this updated release.

Stevens Point’s role in the original film

While much of the film is associated with Merrill, Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza says Point also played a major role in the production — another reason the film’s return matters to local history buffs and movie fans alike.

Why does this movie still capture attention 50 years later?

Whether it’s the over-the-top creature feature story, the uniquely Wisconsin filming locations, or the nostalgia of seeing familiar places on screen, the group says the film’s staying power is real — even five decades later.

Screenings this weekend

The enhanced version of The Giant Spider Invasion is set for local screenings this weekend in Central and North Central Wisconsin. To purchase tickets for showings in Stevens Point, Marshfield or Waupaca, click here.

Click here to download the WSAW news app or WSAW First Alert weather app.

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Copyright 2026 WSAW. All rights reserved.



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Wisconsin man arrested in Colorado in connection with deadly hit-and-run in north suburbs

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Wisconsin man arrested in Colorado in connection with deadly hit-and-run in north suburbs


A Wisconsin man has been arrested in Colorado in connection with a fatal north suburban hit-and-run earlier this year that left a 50-year-old woman killed.

According to the Winthrop Harbor Police Department, Travis Kern, 35, of Pleasant Prairie, turned himself into police in Lakewood Colorado on an arrest warrant. Kern was charged with two felonies, police said, and remains in custody in Colorado pending extradition proceedings.

About 11:10 p.m. on February 26, a pedestrian was struck in the 1400 block of Sheridan Road in Winthrop Harbor by a driver of a vehicle heading northbound. The vehicle then fled the scene, police said.

The pedestrian, later identified as Shanna White, 50, of Waukegan, was transported to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead.

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According to court documents, Kern’s next scheduled court date is set for July 22.



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TOUR KICKS OFF: Kids from Wisconsin begins 56th annual tour Thursday in Whitewater

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TOUR KICKS OFF: Kids from Wisconsin begins 56th annual tour Thursday in Whitewater


WHITEWATER, Wis. (WMTV) – The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.

Kids from Wisconsin is a traveling show with 22 singer-dancers and 14 band members. The troupe performs across Wisconsin, hosting workshops for kids and helping fundraise for youth arts programs.

The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.(Bree Loushine/WMTV)

This year’s theme is “America’s Soundtrack: The Pulse of a Nation.” The theme honors the 250th anniversary of America and features music by all-American composers, bands and performers.

Kids from Wisconsin bassist and student leader Alex Coller said that range is what makes this year’s tour stand out.

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“The theme is really just celebrating American music. And I think it’s definitely one of the most cohesive and like diverse shows I have played with this organization,” Coller said. “Even though its just American music it’s really cool to see. Anyone no matter who you are, or what your musical background is, or whether you like music or not, there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”

The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.
The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.(Bree Loushine/WMTV)

Kids from Wisconsin’s artistic and choral director, Taras Nahirniak, said audiences won’t want to miss it.

“Find a show near you, you are not going to want to miss this show. It’s just spectacular, the kids are so talented,” Nahirniak said. “We are just finishing up our camp right now, and they are just working their tails off. To really go around the state and show the state what they have.”

The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.
The Kids from Wisconsin troupe is kicking off its 56th annual tour this week.(Bree Loushine/WMTV)

The tour premieres Thursday night at Young Auditorium in Whitewater. For tickets, tour dates or to find a show, visit kidsfromwi.org.

Click here to download the WMTV15 News app or our WMTV15 First Alert weather app.

Copyright 2026 WMTV. All rights reserved.



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Democrat Missy Hughes drops out of Wisconsin governor race

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Democrat Missy Hughes drops out of Wisconsin governor race


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MADISON – Former Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. CEO Missy Hughes is dropping out of the Democratic primary race for governor and endorsing Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez.

Hughes, who was the most moderate candidate in the Democratic field for governor, suspended her campaign days after placing last in a straw poll of party delegates at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin state convention in Madison.

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Her endorsement of Rodriguez comes as some Democrats are eyeing an alternative to state Rep. Francesca Hong, a democratic socialist, and former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, who leans further left than current Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Hong and Barnes are considered frontrunners in the primary race.

In a statement, Hughes flicked at the approach of Hong and other candidates to her left who have proposed significant changes to state government.

“I believe there is great hope in these small efforts to find common ground. I wanted to make sure that Wisconsinites understand we have created something valuable and that investing in ourselves and our communities is well-deserved,” Hughes said. “We do not need to tear it all down, and there is real and important work to do to improve what we already have.”

Hughes suggested Rodriguez would make more reasonable decisions as governor than her primary opponents.

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“This job is about running the state, and getting things done. As you consider what is important to you, I urge you to look beyond the talking points, social media posts, and gilded promises and consider what you think is essential to do the job,” she said. “Stop asking, ‘Who will win?’ and start asking who you trust to make big decisions that impact our families and the wellbeing of our loved ones, neighbors and communities.”

This developing story will be updated.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.



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