Initial plans revealed for DOT’s Hwy. 70 west project
Slated for 2030, the project from Morgan Road to County Highway F features new pavement and a new bridge
Representatives with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and a consulting firm involved with a project to improve State Highway 70 from the Vilas County line east to where the road becomes a four-lane roadway near the Morgan Road intersection in Minocqua conducted a public information meeting at the Minocqua public library on July 15.
Lac du Flambeau won’t be joining Northwoods EMS district
Town looking for financial relief from Oneida ambulance contract and may end up going to referendum
The town of Lac du Flambeau won’t be joining the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) anytime soon. That was the update the town board received from town chairman Matt Gaulke during its July 15 meeting.
White Sand Lake Association sues the Lac du Flambeau tribe over boat landing access
The White Sand Lake Association in Lac du Flambeau filed on July 6 a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court’s Western District of Wisconsin against the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
One injured in Arbor Vitae duplex blaze
Fire destroys structure on White Pine Lane; heat from the blaze not the only heat firefighters had to contend with
The owner of an Arbor Vitae duplex on White Pine Lane was injured in a July 11 fire that destroyed the structure. Even before Arbor Vitae fire chief Mike Van Meter arrived at the scene, he activated the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) because of a personnel shortage and the hot and humid conditions.
Fireworks at AV-W school board meeting
District patron calls out a critic of district superintendent Dr. Jocelyn Hardy
For the past several months, Arbor Vitae resident Tiffany Trainor has been conducting a campaign against Dr. Jocelyn Hardy, the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff (AV-W) school district superintendent in an attempt to get her fired or to get her to resign before her current contract expires on July 31, 2027.
Woodruff town board OKs parking ordinance amendment
Changes are in the permit parking section of the ordinance
The Woodruff town board, after the permit parking section of the town’s parking ordinance had been reviewed and received a first approval with amendments at the town board’s June 23 meeting, formally approved the amended ordinance at its July 14 meeting.
Minocqua Fourth of July fireworks location change draws mixed reviews
By many accounts, the change back to the Aqua Bowl for the July 4 fireworks display was a booming success. For years, the fireworks had been fired from a clearing northeast of the town’s water tower and southeast of the mill pond near Save More that town chairman Mark Hartzheim said was privately owned but the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau had been able to use.
Attorney’s fees questions linger in Manitowish Waters
Hanson pledges to make town board aware of consulting with town attorney
A question about attorney’s fees was a topic of discussion during the July 7 meeting of the Manitowish Waters town board. The question was brought up by town board member Doug Zeise, who asked the item be on the agenda; it was a continuation of his inquiry he made at the town board’s June 13 meeting in which Zeise said he wanted to specifically mention for the record he didn’t agree with the attorney’s fees of roughly $2,000 the town had to pay.
Lynne town board approves conflict of interest resolution
Town chairman resigning effective July 31
The Lynne town board, by a vote of 2 to 1, on July 8 approved a resolution establishing standards for conduct of town officials intended to “prevent conflicts of interest and maintain public confidence in town government.”
Phone survey underway for MHLT referendum
Results to be shared with school board on July 20
With the board of education for the Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school district in June deciding to go to an operational referendum in November of this year, the next step is gathering input from the public regarding the issue.
New information presented to Oneida County in Willow Road issue
Town of Lynne maintains at one time, it had been a county road
The town of Lynne, currently with a request submitted to the Oneida County Highway Department to take over Willow Road, has presented information to the county believed to show that at one time, Willow Road had been a county road. Its designation, according to a map discovered by a seasonal resident of Lynne, shows that as of 1939, it was County Highway T.
Manitowish Waters town board questioned about bass tournament
Effect on lakes stressed by wake boat advocate
The position of the town board of Manitowish Waters regarding the use of wake boats was questioned during the public comment portion of the town board’s July 7 meeting. The towns of Manitowish Waters and Boulder Junction had a lawsuit filed against them on June 8 seeking to block enforcement of parallel ordinances the towns have adopted essentially banning wake surfing on the Manitowish chain of lakes.
‘Together for Tomorrow’
$100K fundraiser launches feasibility work on a possible Lakeland YMCA
An effort to look into the possibility for a Lakeland area YMCA got a boost on June 13 from a fundraising event at Firemen’s Park in Arbor Vitae. John Weiss, who with his wife Shelly owns Lakeland Fitness and Golf in Woodruff, said what was done in the time leading up to the June 13 fundraiser was their business was brought together with Generations Senior Center and the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander.
Names of Oneida County deputies released in June 17 Lake Tomahawk shooting
DOJ continues investigation
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office has released the names of two deputies involved in a shooting at a residence on Lumen Lake Drive in Lake Tomahawk on June 17. Terri Hook, chief deputy for the sheriff’s office, confirmed for The Lakeland Times on June 25 the identity of the person who was shot by law enforcement personnel as John Krga, 76.
Minocqua plan commission, town board forward grooming business CUP application
The Minocqua town board, in a very brief special meeting on June 30, forwarded a conditional use permit (CUP) application for a dog grooming business to the Oneida County board’s planning and development committee.
Rhinelander man charged in pickup truck/motorcycle collision
A Rhinelander man has been charged with causing an injury while operating while intoxicated (OWI) as the result of a collision in Pine Lake between the pickup truck he was driving and a motorcycle just after midnight on June 28.
Minocqua plan commission clips Eagle Wings’ ARP over parking concerns
An administrative review permit (ARP) application that would allow for construction of an accessory storage building on a lot behind Eagle Wings in downtown Minocqua was denied by the Minocqua plan commission during its June 30 meeting.
New Winchester town supervisor appointed
In the final step to a restructuring of the Winchester town board that started with the resignation in May of town chairman Joe Discianno, Discianno’s successor as town chairman, Nicholas Newton, town supervisor Robert Silvas and town clerk Luke Huybrecht appointed Daniel Dye to the town board during a brief special meeting on July 2.
Lac du Flambeau eyes EMS breakaway
Town board has expressed interest in possibly joining NEMSD
When the Lac du Flambeau Town Board met in regular session on June 17, members agreed to approach the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) about the possibility of joining the consortium, which currently includes the towns of Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Presque Isle and Winchester.
Name released in Lake Tomahawk officer-involved shooting
Investigation into the June 17 incident continues
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
Individual snowmobile clubs will now have the option to open and close trails
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’
Claire Kafka Duda shares her passion for theater each year at the Campanile Center for the Arts
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
Property intended for short-term housing for prospective county employees
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
Lakeland Baseball Association project a couple of years in development
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.
Vilas County board approves finance director salary increase again
After questions raised about legality, matter placed back on a meeting agenda
For the second time in a month, the Vilas County board Tuesday approved a resolution authorizing a salary increase for county finance director Darcy Smith, who’s been with Vilas County since 2021. The county board had approved a resolution to address Smith’s salary during its May 26 meeting following a 30-minute closed session.
New corporation counsel appointed in Vilas County
Alabama native Joshua Crownover ‘very excited’
Vilas County has a new corporation counsel. The county board at its June 23 meeting approved a resolution appointing Joshua Crownover to the position, which has been vacant since Chad Lynch, the county’s corporation counsel since November, 2023, left in October of 2025 to be Oneida County’s corporation counsel.
Arbor Vitae seat on Vilas County board vacant
Leah Trojan submits resignation
Vilas County board supervisor Leah Trojan, one of Arbor Vitae’s representatives on the county board, has submitted her resignation. She was elected in 2022. County clerk Kim Olkowski read Trojan’s brief letter of resignation to the county board at the start of its June 23 meeting.
Officer-involved shooting in Lake Tomahawk investigated by Wisconsin DCI
Two Oneida County deputies placed on administrative assignment by protocol
An officer-involved shooting death at a residence on Lumen Lake Road in Lake Tomahawk on June 17 is being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
Two people injured in Hazelhurst UTV/pickup truck collision
A Harshaw man was seriously injured late Saturday night as the result of a collision in Hazelhurst of the utility task vehicle (UTV) he was driving and a pickup truck. According to a press release from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, the dispatch center received a call at 11 p.m. from a person reporting the collision near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 51 and Oneida Street.
Lac du Flambeau town board interested in Northwoods EMS District
Board moves to explore regional EMS option
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) will be approached about the possibility of the town of Lac du Flambeau joining the district which currently comprises the towns of Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Presque Isle and Winchester.
Brett La Barge jury trial set for December
Lac du Flambeau man charged with attempted homicide
A 42-year-old Lac du Flambeau man will stand trial in Vilas County court for attempted first degree homicide as the result of an incident that occurred at a residence on Arnold Stock Lane in Lac du Flambeau in December of last year.
Minocqua’s grant application for Hwy. 70 trail denied for 2026
The town of Minocqua has been turned down as part of the selection process by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) in its Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Minocqua director of public works Mark Pertile notified the town board and others in an email on June 18.
Vilas County highway committee OKs bid for County Highway F work
The Vilas County board’s highway committee last week approved a bid for work on a stretch of County Highway F in Lac du Flambeau.
Minocqua town board changes spring cleanup guidelines
Starting in 2027, paper lawn bags to be used for leaves and grass clippings instead of plastic bags
As Minocqua residents prepare for the town’s spring clean up in 2027, they will notice a change in the method of disposal of brush and leaves. That change will be a requirement that instead of plastic bags, paper bags are to be used.
Presque Isle town board moves to talk to Winchester about an administrator
The Presque Isle town board will participate with the town of Winchester in looking at the possibility of establishing the position of town administrator who would oversee day-to-day operations in both towns.
Fundraising for autism awareness and acceptance
Aurora’s Guiding Light Foundation a success in more than one way
Perfect weather on June 14 helped make the fourth annual Autism Acceptance Fundraiser by the Aurora’s Guiding Light Foundation (AGLF) at Bonnie and Clyde’s Gangster Park in Harshaw a memorable event.
Wausau man hit by pickup truck in Woodruff
A 47-year-old Wausau man was injured on June 12 when he was struck by a pickup truck at the intersection of 1st Avenue and Hemlock Street in Woodruff. According to the state accident report filed by the Woodruff police department, Timothy Ives was one of two people crossing the road when he was struck by a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck driven by Gary Wheelock, 67, Oneida.
From Lakeland to the Air Force Academy
Kristiana Clay: ‘I’ve just really always wanted to do this’
A graduate of Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) is headed for the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Kristiana Clay graduated from LUHS in 2025 and spent the past year at the New Mexico Military Institute at Roswell, N.M.
On the road to a resolution? Oneida County weighs 30–mile Lynn–Minocqua takeover
Committee examines costs, feasibility and whether federal grants could help pave the way
The Oneida County board’s highway committee continues to gather information related to requests from the towns of Lynn and Minocqua regarding a jurisdictional transfer request submitted to the highway committee in March. The request is, essentially, asking to transfer Willow Road in Lynn and Pine Lake Road and Squirrel Lake in Minocqua transferred from the town road inventories to the county highway system.
LdF search for Beson continues
Law enforcement personnel from several different agencies were out in force on June 3 and 4 in another round of the search for a missing Lac du Flambeau woman. Melissa Beson was 37 years old at the time of her disappearance; the last time she was reported to authorities as having been seen was March 17, 2025 and on April 3, 2025, an “endangered person alert” was issued by the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Wisconsin Crime Alert Network (WCAN) that included two photos of Beson.
Woman arrested for cemetery vandalism
A 20-year-old Lac du Flambeau woman was formally charged June 4 with criminal damage to a cemetery or mortuary, a Class I felony, in Vilas County court in connection to vandalism and damage at Lac du Flambeau’s Memorial Cemetery.
Winchester, Presque Isle to explore sharing a town administrator
Winchester town board appoints town clerk to shared services committee
Winchester’s town clerk will serve on a joint shared services committee made up of people from the towns of Winchester and Presque Isle. That was the result of a discussion during the Winchester town board’s June 8 meeting at which town chairman Nicholas Newton, who opened the discussion by saying he’d talked to Presque Isle town chairman Al Eschenbauch and that the Presque Isle town board had “addressed a similar topic” at a recent meeting there.
AV-W school board hires a new EL coach
Nearly a month after committing the Arbor Vitae-Woodruff (AV-W) school district to a $44,450 contract with Expeditionary Learning (EL) for the 2026-27 school year, the school board Monday approved the contract for the district’s next EL coach.
Winchester town board to appoint third member June 22
New town chairman begins tenure by scheduling interviews with three applicants for supervisor seat
With Nicholas Newton presiding over his first Winchester town board meeting as town chairman Monday, he and town supervisor Robert Silvis made the decision to appoint a new town supervisor during a special meeting on June 22.
Vilas County public property committee forwards housing resolution
If ultimately approved by the county board, county would own a tri-plex to temporarily house new employees
The Vilas County board’s public property committee Tuesday forwarded a resolution to buy a tri-plex in Eagle River not far from the county courthouse for $650,000. Committee chairman Joe Muelbach said the funding, if ultimately approved by the county board, to purchase the structure with two double bedroom units and a single one bedroom unit would come from the county’s general fund.
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