Vandals have taken some of the joy out of a new school year.

Newly crowned Pepper Fest princess Amanda Spainhour, second from left, and Pepper Fest Queen Jamee Gifford, right, receive hugs from last year's princesses Carlie Andrews, left, and Melinda Gullixson, second from right.

The town of Hudson and city of Hudson are among the fastest growing municipalities in the county and the two continue to lead the pace as the latest estimated population figures were released by the Wisconsin Department of Administration.

Timothy Schreiner

Hudson now has its own technical college. Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College, based in New Richmond, opened a Hudson location this week at 944 O'Keefe Rd., part of the old Furniture World building.

The developers of 26 acres south of Vine Street and east of Wisconsin Street are headed for a showdown with some of their would-be neighbors.

A grand opening at WITC, 944 O'Keefe Rd., including refreshments, tours and an opportunity to meet the staff, is Tuesday, 2 to 7 p.m.

White Eagle Golf Club, currently under construction near the intersection of County Rd. V and E north of Hudson, is scheduled for completion in July 2000. The 18-hole layout will include four holes to the west of County Road V, above left, and 14 holes on the east side with a 618-yard par-5. Before freeze up Crews are in the process of completing a tunnel under Country Road V to connect the two sides of the course and completing seeding. The 350-acre setup will include 13 wetland areas and three ponds.