Brian Jopek
Recent Stories
Large law enforcement response to reports of weapons
A Lac du Flambeau man was taken into custody Sunday evening following an incident in Lac du Flambeau. According to a press release from TJ Bill, chief of the Lac Du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, tribal police and the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department received a request for assistance from a homeowner on State Highway 70 who reported that Bert LaBarge, Jr., 50, was threatening the homeowner’s family members in her residence and refusing to leave the residence.
Vilas County board approves salary increase for finance director
The Vilas County board Tuesday approved a resolution calling for a salary increase for county finance director Darcy Smith. The resolution states that under the county’s existing compensation policy, “a market adjustment can be made when required.”
St. Germain man dies in head-on crash on Hwy. 155
A St. Germain man died in a head-on crash the evening of Memorial Day. According to a press release from the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, the dispatch center received a 911 call just after 7 p.m. reporting a head on collision between a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and a motorcycle on State Highway 155 just south of South Lost Lake Drive in St. Germain. The caller reported the operator of the motorcycle, later identified as Eric Powell, 64, was not alert.
Single-engine aircraft damaged during landing at Lakeland Airport
There were no injuries Saturday in an incident involving a four-seat, single-engine Commander 114TC at Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae. Arbor Vitae fire chief Mike Van Meter said the aircraft, piloted by Kenneth Matson of Highland Park, Ill., was attempting to land from the east.
LdF tribal council member arrested for OWI
A member of the tribal council for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians had a cash bond of $1,000 set by Vilas County judge Martha Milanowski Tuesday.
LdF town board briefed on early talks for ambulance staging at tribal health center
The possibility of getting a full-time ambulance service established for Lac du Flambeau, something town chairman Matt Gaulke has publicly stated on more than one occasion is a goal of his, came up during the town board’s May 20 meeting.
Lakeland Airport Commission moves to keep operations aloft
The Lakeland Airport Commission (LAC) during a May 21 meeting lasting nearly 90 minutes accepted the resignation letter of airport administrator Jesse Birginal. Hired in June of 2025, he had submitted his resignation via email the week before on May 14 prior to a brief special meeting of the LAC.
Oneida County board of adjustment upholds zoning department permit decision
The Oneida County board of adjustment (BOA) on May 14 upheld a decision by the Oneida County planning and zoning department to issue a home occupation permit to Minocqua resident David Hermes.
Arbor Vitae town board sets road crew starting wage
The Arbor Vitae town board is looking for a new member of the town’s road crew. The resignation of Luke Steffes, who began work with the town in late February of 2025, was accepted by the town board toward the conclusion of its May 20 meeting.
