Brian Jopek

Recent Stories

Name released in Lake Tomahawk officer-involved shooting

As the investigation into an officer-involved shooting at a residence on Lumen Lake Drive in Lake Tomahawk on June 17 continues, the Oneida County Sheriff’s has confirmed the identity of the person who was shot by law enforcement personnel.

Authorities investigating Lac du Flambeau deaths

Authorities are investigating the deaths of two members of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on June 27. According to a press release from the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 9 p.m., the caller advising the Vilas County dispatch center “that two individuals were believed to be deceased at a Lac du Flambeau residence.”

No serious injuries in Woodruff collision

A one-block section of southbound U.S. Highway 51 in Woodruff was temporarily closed Monday morning following a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Hwy. 51 and Third Avenue.

Vilas County board amends county’s motorized recreational trail ordinance

The Vilas County board at its June 23 meeting approved a resolution amending chapter 26 of the county’s motorized recreational trails and routes ordinance pertaining to opening and closing procedures of snowmobile trails.

Riverside Park issue in Eagle River expected to return to Vilas County board in August

The Vilas County board received an update from assistant county corporation counsel Nicholas George regarding the county-owned Riverside Park in Eagle River. Nearly a month before, at its May 26 meeting, a resolution that outlines the formation of what would be named the Vilas County Natural Beauty Advisory Council was tabled by the county board.

‘So much learning to be done through theater’

Eleven Lakeland area middle school-age students participated in the 2026 edition of the Summer Youth Theater’s skills camp at the Campanile Center for the Arts the week of June 15. The Campanile theater program’s director, Claire Kafka Duda, is a special education teacher at Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) and also directs the fall play and spring musical there.

Milwaukee homicide suspect arrested in Arbor Vitae

Lakeland area law enforcement personnel were engaged in a manhunt on Thursday, June 25, the man they were looking for wanted by authorities alleged to have been involved in a Milwaukee homicide. According to a press release issued by the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office Thursday morning, authorities were “asking for public assistance locating a wanted individual who may be in Vilas or Oneida County.”

Minocqua to close a portion of West Park Avenue for the Fourth of July

The location change of the Fourth of July fireworks display to the Aqua Bowl in Minocqua prompted action by the town board during a special meeting on June 23 to close West Park Avenue for a time on July 4.

Vilas County board authorizes tri-plex purchase

After a lengthy discussion during its June 23 meeting, the Vilas County board approved a resolution authorizing the purchase of a tri-plex within walking distance of the Vilas County Courthouse and downtown Eagle River.

Minocqua town board signs off on baseball training facility

The Minocqua town board formally approved during a June 23 special meeting a proposed indoor baseball facility to be built at the Minocqua Park Complex. During the town of Minocqua’s April, 2024, annual meeting, voters approved construction of a 6,400 square foot practice facility on town property, that being the park complex.