Brian Jopek
Recent Stories
Two day search for Whitefish Lake drowning victim ends Saturday
A body of a 45-year-old Lake Geneva man who search and rescue personnel had been searching Lac du Flambeau’s Whitefish Lake since Thursday night was recovered from the lake Saturday. In a press release issued by T.J. Bill, chief of the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, Kyle Ascheman was vacationing with his family on Whitefish Lake when he disappeared.
Arbor Vitae woman facing theft charges in Oneida County
An Arbor Vitae woman is scheduled to be in Oneida County court later this summer in connection with retail theft charges from 2024. According to the complaint against Alicia Mahler, 38, she was “a party to a crime” and intentionally took merchandise from the Walmart in Minocqua between April 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024.
Woodruff town board takes no action on Hasbrook Lake Association request
Nearly a year after taking no action on a request from the Hasbrook Lake Association (HLA) regarding a possible amendment to the town boating ordinance addressing enhanced wake restrictions, the Woodruff town board, at its May 26 meeting, maintained that stance.
Rice Lake man drowns in Spring Lake
The body of a Rice Lake man was removed by law enforcement from Spring Lake south of Eagle River on May 27. According to a press release from the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, the dispatch center received a 911 call shortly after 8 p.m. reporting a boat near the Spring Lake shore partially submerged in the water with the man, identified as Allan Gabriel, 76, floating face down nearby.
Vilas County tables ‘Beautification’ council; critics say title is a misnomer
A resolution that outlines the formation of what would be named the Vilas County Natural Beauty Advisory Council was tabled by the Vilas County board during its May 26 meeting. The idea for the council was first raised by Vilas County Board Chairman Jerry Burkett at the board’s Jan. 27 meeting. Burkett had previously introduced the possibility of selling the Riverside Park property in May 2024.
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.
