Brian Jopek
Recent Stories
The next phase of Boathouse reconstruction begins
Nearly a year after the Boathouse’s closure for a major reconstruction, the next phase of the project – the current building’s demolition to make way for a new structure – is proceeding. For the first time since a 1972 fire destroyed what had been the original Bosacki’s Boathouse, the business, purchased by Gage Marine from Minocqua businessman Bill Fricke in 2024, has been closed as the building was prepared for the project.
Lakeland Airport commission takes step toward a new administrator
The Lakeland Airport commission during a special meeting on Sept. 1, last week and following a nearly 45-minute closed session with Lac du Flambeau town clerk Susan Schoonover, voted to pay Schoonover for work she’s done since May after airport administrator Jesse Birginal suddenly resigned.
Lac du Flambeau man sentenced for sixth OWI offense
A Lac du Flambeau man charged for his sixth offense of operating while intoxicated (OWI) was sentenced last week in Vilas County court to a year and a half in prison. Scott A. Smith, Sr., 60, will also be under extended supervision for three and a half years following his release from prison.
Nokomis looks at options to keep Oneida County’s Med 4
In October, 2025, Wendy Smith, the clerk for the town of Nokomis, sent an email to Oneida County sheriff Grady Hartman, town officials for the western portion of Oneida County including Minocqua, Little Rice, Cassian, Hazelhurst and Woodruff as well as Aspirus Health representatives and state legislators.
Rhinelander roundabout work to be complete this month
Construction crews continue work toward completion of single lane roundabouts in Rhinelander, one at the intersection of State Highway 17 and Boyce Drive and the other at the intersection of County Highway G with U.S. Highway 8.
Lac du Flambeau man charged for fentanyl, methamphetamine possession
A 42 year-old Lac du Flambeau man charged for alleged offenses such as driving or operating a vehicle (Polaris all terrain vehicle) without the owner’s consent, battery to a law enforcement officer, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possesion of narcotics (fentanyl) and felony and misdemeanor bail jumping is being held on $10,000 bond in the Vilas County jail.
Funding OK’d for Hwy. 70 maintenance on Minocqua’s west side
With the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) planning a major 2030 paving project for State Highway 70 on Minocqua’s west side from Morgan Road to the Vilas County line, questions have arisen about what’s going to be done to address deteriorating conditions of the heavily traveled road between now and then.
Woodruff town board continues to look for public parking spaces
Woodruff town supervisors heard another update on the town’s search for more public parking space during the town board’s Aug. 25 meeting. Unlike the July 28 town board meeting, there were no fireworks.
Vilas County sets public hearing for data center moratorium ordinance
A draft ordinance for a moratorium on data centers, a major national news item recently, has become something that may soon reach the Vilas County board for its consideration.
