Lakeland Area Bus Service responds to concerns over new bus routes
MHLT school board hosting special meeting tonight for community input
Lakeland Area Bus Service responded to concerns from parents and school administrators about new bus routes established this school year for Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) and the Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school district.
Boulder Junction voters decide fate of additional $719,688 in broadband funds
During special meeting of electors, town decides to retain, reinvest extra cash
At a special town meeting of the electors on Sept. 10, the town of Boulder Junction decided to retain and reinvest surplus funds of over $700,000 left over from the town’s broadband project. Boulder Junction resident Scott Weber was the first person to put forward a motion on what to do with the leftover money.
Lake Tomahawk town board asked to take stance on proposed lake district
The Friends of Tomahawk Lake asked the Lake Tomahawk town board to take a stance on the Tomahawk Lake Association’s (TLA) proposed lake district at its Sept. 9 meeting.
Minocqua plan commission advances conditional use permit
Business at 8694 State Highway 47 wants to add display area for golf cars
The Minocqua plan commission advanced a conditional use permit (CUP) for 8694 Wisconsin State Highway 47 to the town board level at its Sept. 8 meeting. Rick Umhoefer applied for the CUP for the property, which is owned by Gregory Meyer, to add outdoor display areas to an existing golf car business.
Lac du Flambeau man held on $15,000 cash bond
Curtis Hagen facing charges of felony bail jumping, possession of THC, delivery of fentanyl
A Lac du Flambeau man is being held on a $15,000 cash bond at the Vilas County Jail after he was arrested on Aug. 28 on four separate charges of felony bail jumping, possession of THC and delivery of fentanyl.
Hazelhurst residents, town board left in the dark
Board listens to issues arising after Frontier Communication’s decision to end copper-based services
Residents of Hazelhurst discussed their concerns with Frontier Communications ending copper-based phone and internet services in the area with members of the town board on Sept. 8.
Parents, MHLT staff looking towards bus company for answers
Smudde says Lakeland Area Bus Services has not provided readable maps, parents say students have to walk miles for bus pick-up
Parents and Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk school district (MHLT) administrators are still confused about new routes put together by Lakeland Area Bus Services. MHLT district administrator Robert Smudde said part of the problem is that the district doesn’t have readable bus route maps, something which parents don’t even have access to.
Presque Isle residents unhappy with new LUHS bus routes
Kids either have to travel to North Lakeland or Winchester library to be picked up
Despite not being an agenda item, bus route changes for Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) students became a topic of discussion at Presque Isle’s Sept. 3 town board meeting. During the public comment section of the board meeting, Presque Isle resident Doug Wolter said when LUHS renegotiated its contract with Lakeland Area Bus Services, they eliminated a route to pick up kids in Presque Isle.
Minocqua looks to replace Squirrel River culvert
Public works department to receive $652,500 grant from state to help pay for project
The Minocqua public works department will be receiving a grant of $652,500 from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to replace the Squirrel River culvert on Scotchman Lake Road. Minocqua director of public works Mark Pertile said the grant provides a substantial amount of money for the replacement project.
Minocqua town board debates cell tower fall zone
Proposed certified survey map on Timber Ridge Road sent to county after no decision
The Minocqua town board, during its Sept. 1 meeting, approved one certified survey map, took no action on another, and agreed to allow both camping and liquor sales at the Minocqua Winter Park for the Dirty Squirrel Gravel Grind.
Lac du Flambeau man makes initial appearance in 2025 sexual assault
Over a year after 66-year-old Duane Poupart was arrested for fourth degree sexual assault and disorderly conduct, he finally made an initial appearance in Oneida County court on Aug. 26. Poupart, a resident of Lac du Flambeau, was arrested on Aug. 18, 2025, at the Marshfield Medical Center in Minocqua after he allegedly grabbed a nurse’s breast.
50-year grocery career ends on a high note
Robert Jaskolski, CEO of Trig’s, to retire Sept. 14
Robert Jaskolski has worked for over 50 years in the grocery industry across the Midwest, but his time working in the Northwoods as CEO of T.A. Solberg Co., Inc. holds a special place in his heart.
MHLT alters bus routes to save money
District eliminates shared routes with high school
Bus route changes for the Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk school district (MHLT) have generated dozens of phone calls from parents to school administrators. MHLT district administrator Robert Smudde said the biggest change is that the district is no longer sharing bus routes with Lakeland Union High School.
Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction facing $4.8 million lawsuit for wake boat ordinances
Towns asking judge to dismiss case
A decision in the $4.8 million lawsuit against the towns of Manitowish Waters and Boulder Junction for wake boat ordinances may be coming within the next two months. At the Aug. 25 meeting of the Boulder Junction town board, town clerk Dan Driscoll said an answer from the court was probably 60 days out.
Owners of Reuland’s Catering to retire after 30 years in the Northwoods
Dan Reuland bids farwell to his lifelong catering career
For almost his entire life, Dan Reuland has worked in the restaurant and catering industry. From growing up working at his family’s delicatessen in Aurora, Illinois, to running his own catering business for the past 30 years in the Northwoods, Reuland has decided that it’s time to step away and retire.
Minocqua welcomes state’s first electronic Smokey Bear sign
Fire and rescue department becomes the first in Wisconsin to unveil web-based fire danger sign
The Minocqua fire and rescue department unveiled its new digital Smokey Bear fire danger sign outside of the fire station on Aug. 27, becoming the first department in Wisconsin to transition to a web-based fire danger video board.
LUHS sees slight improvement in attendance rate
Board also hears update on voyager program
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) staff reported at a school board meeting Aug. 25 that they saw an increase in the attendance rate during the 2025-26 school year.
Boulder Junction to host public hearing on ATV traffic
Reuss updates board on his meeting with DNR
The Boulder Junction town board, at its Aug. 25 meeting, agreed to schedule a public hearing on Sept. 29 to discuss the possibility of opening up certain roads to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) traffic. Even before town chairman Dennis Reuss provided an update on a meeting he had with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the issue, residents asked the board for the opportunity to have their voices heard.
Minocqua plan commission approves two survey maps, ARP and sign permit
The Minocqua plan commission approved two sets of certified survey maps, an administrative review permit (ARP) and a sign permit at its Aug. 25 meeting. The commission granted the ARP to Zachary Troyer to operate a therapy clinic at 8566 U.S. Highway 51 in the town of Minocqua.
Campanile Center for the Arts celebrates 20 years
Group maintains long history of art organizations in the Lakeland area
The Campanile Center for the Arts in Minocqua celebrated its 20th anniversary on Aug. 19 with a legacy and donor appreciation dinner. While the Campanile first opened its doors in 2006, it draws inspiration from art programs in Minocqua dating back to 1982, with the creation of the Lakeland Children’s Art Program (LCAP).
No phone, no internet, plenty of problems
Oneida County residents searching for options after being told they’ll lose copper based services
Residents across Oneida County are still searching for answers after receiving letters from Frontier Communications that the company will be cutting copper-based phone and internet services.
Randall looks to hit the ground running
Iron County sheriff nominee leans on advice from current sheriff Samardich
After winning the Republican primary in the Iron County sheriff’s race, essentially earning the position with no Democrats on the ballot, Mike Randall is trying to learn all he can before he takes office.
Presque Isle approves second half payment for Northwoods EMS District
The Presque Isle town board approved the town’s second half payment for $276,691 to the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) at its Aug. 20 board meeting. Town chair Al Eschenbauch said residents overwhelmingly supported raising the tax levy last fall in order to fund NEMSD, which consists of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle and Winchester.
MHLT referendum funding said to be used for facilities, health insurance, staffing and more
Administration waits for board direction before budget can be developed
The Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school board is still working with administrators to create a detailed budget for how it would use funds from a $3.5 million referendum, which was officially placed on the Nov. 3 general election ballot after an Aug. 17 board meeting.
Bone dry: Parts of Oneida and Vilas experiencing severe drought conditions
Meteorologist says there could be cause for concern if drought continues
Drought conditions across the Northwoods have intensified over the course of August, forcing the National Weather Service to classify drought conditions as severe in northern Oneida County and southern Vilas County.
State ban on phone usage in schools takes effect
Districts say their phone policies remain mostly unchanged for new school year
For most schools in the Northwoods, the new state law that took effect July 1 banning cell phones during instructional time is nothing new. Principals and administrators at Lakeland Union High School (LUHS), Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk school district (MHLT) and the school district of Rhinelander have already had “no phone” policies in place over the past few years.
Lac du Flambeau woman facing count of possession of meth, felony bail jumping
Lac du Flambeau police arrested 32-year-old Shawnee Chapman Aug. 13 on five different charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, trespassing and bail jumping.
Airport commission still discussing next steps for filling airport administrator vacancy
The Lakeland Airport Commission is still figuring out its next steps in filling its airport administrator vacancy. At an Aug. 18 meeting, the commission decided to review the previous job description used to hire former airport administrator Jesse Birginal. Birginal resigned from the position on May 14, citing internal turbulence within the commission.
Church raises $200,000 in under a month for grotto
Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff looks to add a place of solitude
Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff is fundraising for a grotto, and members of the church have already raised about $200,000 in less than a month. The Rev. Gerald Hagen said the community has been enthusiastic about the campaign for a grotto.
Lake Tomahawk board approves Two Lakes Road upgrades
DeMet: ‘So, we’ve got a clear winner’
The Lake Tomahawk town board agreed at its Aug. 12 regular board meeting to approve a bid from Musson Brothers Inc. of Rhinelander to renovate 3,895 feet of Two Lakes Road for $164,054.30.
MHLT board moves forward with $3.5 million recurring referendum to fund up to $5.5 million in projects
The Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school board, during a special meeting Tuesday night, unanimously passed a motion to approve specific language that will be used to draft a referendum question.
LUHS teachers voice opinions on compensation, benefits packages
Staff at Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) were split on their opinions of the district’s compensation plan at the committee of the whole board meeting Monday afternoon. District administrator Jamie Koepp said the meeting was called by a few board members that wanted to listen to staff and hear what they had to say about their compensation and benefits.
Hazelhurst still searching for community garden site
The town of Hazelhurst has not come any closer to establishing a community garden, but residents are still hopeful that it can become a reality in the next few months. At Monday night’s town board meeting, Hazelhurst resident Mick Toben said that the steering committee for the garden has increased to five members, but the group still has not found a viable location.
OCEDC looks for answers after Frontier Communications announces it’s cutting landlines
The Oneida County Economic Development Corporation (OCEDC) has become involved with Frontier Communications’ decision to end landline phone service in Hazelhurst on County Highway Y. Tony Pharo, the executive director of the OCEDC, said he had received messages from Hazelhurst residents about the issue.
North Lakeland prepares to open its doors Sept. 1
The North Lakeland School District updated the community on its ongoing projects and what parents need to know before school starts on Sept. 1 at its board meeting Monday night. District administrator Brent Jelinski said the biggest adjustment for parents going into the new school year will be the state’s policy banning phone usage in schools, which was signed into law last October.
Boulder Junction resident receives Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Rising Star Award
Dennis Duke recognized for shaping outdoor recreation in the area
For his efforts in shaping future outdoor recreation in Boulder Junction, Dennis Duke received the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Rising Star Award July 30 at the Tall Pines Disc Golf Course, a complex which he helped create.
Frontier Communications said to be ending landline service down Hwy. Y in Hazelhurst
Residents in Hazelhurst on County Highway Y are reporting that they will be losing their landline phone service through Frontier Communications in the coming months. Town of Hazelhurst chairman Ted Cushing said he received two phone calls from residents about the issue.
Lac du Flambeau town board approves repairs to West Lane
Town gets $390 bill for fire truck, though fire department said to be ‘thousands of dollars’ over budget
The Lac du Flambeau town board approved a motion to repair 600 feet of roadway on West Lane near Fence Lake at its Aug. 5 meeting. The board received bids from Pitlik and Wick Inc. on five total projects, choosing to move forward with the one on West Lane that will cost $40,112.
Presque Isle town board pauses Maple Road abandonment
The Presque Isle town board announced at its Aug. 6 meeting that it is pausing its abandonment procedure for Maple Road after it received a written objection from residents that live in the area.
Howard Young Medical Center nurse celebrates 50 years
Grambow: ‘I feel like it’s home’
Since she was a little girl, Sandy Grambow’s dream job has always been to be a nurse. A half-century later, and thousands of patients served as a registered nurse at Howard Young Medical Center, she shows no signs of stopping.
Lake Tomahawk officer-involved shooting determined by District attorney to be justified
Oneida County district attorney Jillian Pfeifer determined that a sheriff’s deputy was justified to use lethal force in a June 17 officer-involved shooting in the town of Lake Tomahawk. Pfeifer said in a press release on Saturday that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) should be commended for its work investigating the shooting.
Lakeland area tourism holds strong
Hotels, resorts say they’re just as busy as ever
The tourism industry has remained strong this summer throughout the Lakeland area, with multiple hotels and resorts reporting an increase in visitors compared to last year. Jen Stough, the general manager of The Pointe Hotel and Suites, said she thinks business has been up.
Lakeland Airport Commission prepares to acquire North Farming Road property
The Lakeland Airport Commission conducted a walkthrough of its future property on North Farming Road in Arbor Vitae during a special meeting Tuesday night, days before the group officially acquires the land from Donna Klenk on Friday at 2:30 p.m.
Community Church of Boulder Junction unveils Gathering Place Pavilion
New space for people in town to create relationships outside of Sunday service
After standing for almost 80 years, the parsonage next to the Community Church of Boulder Junction has become a space for all. The church officially unveiled its new Gathering Place Pavilion, an outdoor covered shelter, during an outdoor worship at the church on July 26.
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis gives mid-year update
Northwoods included in District 9
Federal Reserve District nine, which covers northern Wisconsin and five other states, is seeing a generally resilient economy, according to a mid-year update by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on July 17.
New documentary follows Plum Ski-ters on their quest to defend state title
A new documentary on the Plum Ski-ters water ski team from Sayner is hoping to bring attention to the program’s ongoing fight over land owned by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Dahlbacka, Randall face off in Iron County sheriff race
The race for Iron County sheriff will feature two Republicans vying for their party’s nomination, and essentially clinch the position, when voters hit the poles for the primary election on Aug. 11. Current Iron County sheriff Paul Samardich’s decision to retire, announced in April, leaves Republican candidates Logan Dahlbacka and Mike Randall as the only two campaigning for sheriff, meaning whoever wins the primary will win the job.
MHLT board reviews referendum survey data
Board also approves 5-year strategic plan
Initial polling from the Morris Leatherman Company shows that residents in the Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) School District are split on support of an operational referendum in November.
Sunshine Bear Boutique takes family-friendly approach to children’s clothing
Down a row of lamp posts inside Gaslight Square Mall in downtown Minocqua sits Sunshine Bear Boutique, a recently established business that specializes in children’s clothing and accessories.
Presque Isle to borrow $378,693 for road repairs
Eschenbauch reports on fire department’s roof, says it could cost $100,000
The Presque Isle town board voted unanimously to borrow $378,693 from Headwaters State Bank to cover road work costs at Thursday night’s meeting. “Now, in talking to a couple of people on the finance committee tonight ... they recommended the 10-year (loan) as the best option for us to consider,” town supervisor Cathy Logan Weber said.
Prev Next