Retro Rides Rule at SnoFest

Vern Wagner, left, and Craig Norlin check out the vintage sleds on display during the Cross Country Cruisers SnoFest and Vintage Show on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Cross Country Cruisers barn in Arbor Vitae.

WinMan Trails survey shows silent sports draw visitors, provide economic boost

WinMan Trails, a destination for many traveling to the Northwoods, recently released their economic impact report. There is no doubt that outdoor recreation is a large economic driver in the Northwoods specifically. This impact has grown exponentially sine the Covid pandemic. In fact that impact in 2021 was up 14 …

Select Lakeland Nordic skiers take part in second Junior National Qualifier

Several Lakeland Nordic skiers braved the cold to take part in a Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) last weekend. Lakeland traveled to Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion for the Ariens Nordic Central Collegiate Ski Association (CCSA) Invite on Saturday and Sunday.

7th annual firehouse chili feed in Minocqua Feb. 22

Get ready for some fiery competition as local fire departments go head-to-head to claim the title of “Best Chili in Town” at the 7th Annual Firehouse Chili Feed Challenge at the Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, Station 1 9589 West Clawson Drive, on Feb. 22.

Minocqua town board to hold public meeting on new paid parking plan

The Minocqua town board’s November decision to enact a seasonal paid parking plan using quick-response (QR) code technology in the entire downtown area and the rest of what is known as “the island” hasn’t been the most popular.

Citizen proposals for spring hearings due Feb. 24

Every year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds their annual spring hearings. The spring hearings are an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsinites. It gives the public a chance to have a direct influence on the natural resources policies in the …

Three Lakes Brule River Trails Chicken Soup Cluck Off

Slurp your way to happiness with a warm bowl of soup at the Three Lakes Brule River Trails Chicken Soup Cluck Off and Meat Raffle. $8 gets you a chance to try any or all the delicious homemade chicken soups from local businesses and you be the judge by placing …

Use of ATVs and UTVs on all Vilas County roads heads to the county board

The stage is now set for a decision next week from the Vilas County board regarding all terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) use on all county roads. Tuesday, the county board’s highway committee voted 4 to 1 to send a draft resolution containing a proposed amendment to …

WFCA seeking change to playoff qualification model

For years the path to the WIAA football playoffs was simple — post a .500 or better record in your conference and essentially be assured of a spot in the WIAA tournament.

Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program still going strong after 20th year

At this month’s Oneida County land and water conservation committee program, aquatic invasive species (AIS) coordinator and conservation technician Stephanie Boismenue updated committee members on the AIS work that has been going on in the county over the last year. Part of that update included the Clean Boats, Clean Waters …

Movie Review: ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ lacks emotional punch

I have no issue with the Walt Disney Studios’ live-action remakes, as long as there’s a good idea and story behind them. For “Mufasa: The Lion King,” it was a mixed bag.

Mercer looks to have ambulance service up and running soon

The town of Mercer is close to having an ambulance service back up and running, according to town chairman Eric Snow. Speaking to The Lakeland Times on Tuesday, Snow said the town is “very close” to obtaining a state license to operate an ambulance service.

‘This one stings’

A missing starter hurt the Mercer girls’ basketball team in a home loss to a conference opponent last week. The Tigers fell 40-38 to Bayfield (2-11, 1-8 Northern Lights) on Friday, Jan. 17.

High-scoring Bayfield boys’ basketball team beats Mercer

The Bayfield boys’ basketball team showed off their scoring prowess with a big win over the Tigers in Mercer. The Trollers (9-4, 7-2 Northern Lights) beat Mercer 99-35 on Friday, Jan. 17. Two Trollers got Bayfield out to a big halftime lead.

Pitlik’s Resort to host third annual Winter Regatta

Pitlik’s Winter Regatta, hosted by the Sand Beach Resort in Sugar Camp, will take place on Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25. The Regatta plays host to the “Northwoods’ largest outdoor winter cornhole tournament,” which begins at 11 a.m.

Oneida board approves reclassifications, new positions for Human Service Department

Oneida County’s new Human Service Department is off and running, and this week the Oneida County board of supervisors approved position reclassifications as well as new positions for the agency, which will now provide services in-house that were once provided by the now-defunct Human Service Center.

The Lake Where You Live

For me the annual Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is a bit like the wintertime outdoors exhibitions I like to attend. At the Central Wisconsin Sports Show in Wausau and similar events, I can forget for a while that it’s snowing outside and stroll through aisles of exhibits with all …

American Pond Hockey returns Feb. 7-8, 14-15

The American Pond Hockey Tournament returns to Minocqua this February for two weekends of thrilling outdoor hockey at the iconic Aqua Bowl. The invitational, happening Feb. 7-8, will feature elite teams from around the world, while the sequel, Feb. 14-15, offers a more casual competition for local and visiting players …

Oneida County launches study of ongoing HSC facility costs

The Oneida County executive committee has authorized county board chairman Scott Holewinski to execute a work agreement with the county’s municipal advisor to study costs associated with operating the building the now-defunct Human Service Center (HSC) used to provide its services.

Fish Like a GIRL

A few weeks back I wrote a column about gifts for adventurers. For instance, what would a person need if they were out in the woods and could not get back to the trail head for longer than they expected.