Johnson charged with 1st degree murder
Bond set at $1 million
A St. Germain man accused of first-degree intentional homicide made his initial court appearance Monday.
Wild cougar cubs spotted in the UP
Natural reproduction could mean rebound for species, human interference not ruled out
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced on March 13 that for the first time in 100 years, cougar cubs were spotted living in the wild. State biologists, the Michigan DNR said, confirmed the felines caught on camera were indeed cougar cubs. The infant animals were seen on private land in Ontonagon County, which is on the Upper Peninsula’s northwest side.
Movie Review: Western Month
‘Maverick’ brings comedy to a classic western tale
Western month is in full swing and readers have seen reviews so far including movies with western greats like John Wayne and Lee Van Cleef. The western I watched recently is a stark contrast from movies like “The Shootist” or “Death Rides a Horse.” Instead, it’s the most contemporary film reviewed so far and it provides plenty of laughs. It also stars an unlikely western actor in Mel Gibson.
Evers holds roundtable at Nicolet College highlighting budget proposals for child care
Flanigan: ‘It’s a need, a huge need’
Just a week after visiting Lake Tomahawk and making a stop at the Camp American Legion to highlight proposed budget investments he’s made in his 2025-27 executive budget, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers attended a roundtable discussion at Nicolet College in Rhinelander on Tuesday to highlight proposed budget investments in his executive budget for child care.
LUHS leadership in limbo
District administrator contract remains unsigned
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education met in special session on March 19, however, nothing came out of the closed session meeting which was with regard to a contract for a new district administrator. On March 14, the board agreed to offer Watertown assistant principal, athletic director and summer school director James Koepp the open district administrator position.
Vilas County user permits go into effect May 1, can be purchased April 1
Second full year of new permit program; revenues to be invested back into public facilities
The Vilas County forestry, recreation and land department’s park user permits go on sale April 1 and there’s an updated fee schedule. According to an announcement the county released on March 18, the user access fees, which were implemented in 2023, will go into effect for the season on May 1 and expire Oct. 31.
Fifield town supervisor pushing for agreement between fire department and snowmobile club
Fish Trap Road speed limit reduced
The Fifield town board at its March 18 meeting decided to table a discussion involving the Fifield Sno Drovers Snowmobile Club and the Pike Lake Fire Department. Town chairman Bill Felch said the situation stems from “years ago” when the Pike Lake Fire Department’s station, on Shady Knoll Road, was built.
Lake Tomahawk to seek authorization to negotiate sale of legion building
Board supports Knowles Nelson Stewardship, will solicit bids for 2025 road projects
The Lake Tomahawk town board will seek authorization from electors to sell the property currently home to Colin F. Schultz American Legion Post 318 at the town’s annual meeting next month.
Communication fix hits turbulence
Project entails over $400,000 move of equipment for Eagle River water tower repainting
Vilas County sheriff Joe Fath said not much happened at the county board’s law enforcement and emergency management committee meeting on Monday, but did note a resolution will be sent by the committee to the county board for consideration at its next meeting with regard to a communications project.
Boulder Junction town board to solicit 2025 road project bids
Road work near High Lake and Fish Trap Lake roads
The Boulder Junction town board at a special meeting on Monday agreed with the recommendation of the board’s road committee to solicit bids for 2025 town road projects. Town chairman Dennis Reuss said work for this year will be done near High Lake and Fish Trap Lake roads. He referred to an advertisement for bids with regard to details.
LUHS board makes offer to district administrator candidate
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education following a closed session meeting on Monday agreed to offer one of two candidates the district administrator position. And ultimately, Watertown school district assistant principal, athletic director and summer school director James Koepp was the candidate an offer was made to.
Presque Isle town board DOR tax levy ‘debacle’ update
Deadline for board to make decision is early May
The Presque Isle town board on March 6 discussed the situation involving the town not taking proper procedure in exceeding its levy limit in November of 2024 by a total of $377,191 to pay for the town’s share of the four-town emergency medical services (EMS) district, which resulted in the town being fined by the state.
‘Death Rides a Horse’ is a film about revenge and mercy
The 1967 spaghetti western is a deep cut satisfactory for western lovers
It’s been a little while since I watched a spaghetti western movie. That changed, though, when over the weekend I saw “Death Rides a Horse,” directed by Giulio Petroni and featured actors Lee Van Cleef and John Phillip Law.
Hazelhurst town website to be updated
The two-person Hazelhurst town board agreed on Tuesday to update its town website at the suggestion of town clerk Christy Myshchyshyn. Myshchyshyn said she contacted the company that hosts the town’s website about wanting to change the organization of the website. However, she said, a representative with the company — By Request Digital Media — suggested the town upgrade it.
Manitowish Waters town board sends draft wake ordinance for border lakes to DNR
The Manitowish Waters town board on March 4 agreed to send a draft copy of an ordinance regulating enhanced wakes on lakes it shares boundaries with the town of Boulder Junction to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review.
Fifield town board to explore short-term rental ordinance
The Fifield town board on March 4 came to the consensus that it will look into creating an ordinance to keep tabs on short-term tourist rooming house rentals in town, according to town supervisor John Schroeder.
3rd annual Up North Community Expo has biggest turnout yet
Hodag Dome allows event to continue to grow
The Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce hosted the third annual Up North Community Expo on March 6. Lauren Sackett, CEO of the chamber, said this year’s turnout was the biggest yet.
New-Tom Sno Fleas have ‘best year ever’ for vintage show
Club’s next fundraiser March 29
The New-Tom Sno Fleas Snowmobile Club held its biggest fundraiser of the year on Saturday, Feb. 22, in downtown Lake Tomahawk. Club president Kevin Krueger said the turnout for the vintage snowmobile show was better than expected and the club already can’t wait for next year.
LUHS board narrows district administrator search to 2
Will bring in candidates for second interviews Monday
The Lakeland Union High School board of education, after a marathon meeting Tuesday, narrowed its search for a new district administrator down to two candidates. Lisa Kennedy, secretary to the board and district administrator, told The Lakeland Times the meeting, which started at 4 p.m., went until about 9:15 p.m.
Woman accused of stealing more than $100,000 from Manitowish Waters employer in court again March 31
A 33-year-old Hurley woman has an adjourned initial appearance scheduled in Vilas County circuit court on March 31. Alesha Swanson is being charged with two felonies related to her being accused of forgery and theft in a business setting over $100,000 while working for a Manitowish Waters-based business.
Minocqua plan commission recommends rezone approval near Sutton Road
The Minocqua plan commission on Feb. 25 recommended approval of a rezone petition submitted by Gerald Kozey in order to rezone land east of Sutton Road rural residential from forestry 1-A.
Sign of relief: Newbold town shop to get identifiable sign
Newbold town chairman Dan Hess said during a town board meeting on Feb. 27 people have been requesting the town shop have some sort of signage added to help identify the building off of Bridge Road.
Jake Van Hefty gone too soon, but won’t be forgotten
‘He was a King’
On Feb. 20, the Lakeland community lost Jake Van Hefty too soon. The 22-year-old passed away with his family by his side after sustaining injuries from a snowmobile accident in Hazelhurst the evening of Feb. 10.
Presque Isle fined by state for procedural error while exceeding levy
Four-town EMS district could be at risk
Because proper procedure wasn’t followed by the Presque Isle town board after electors overwhelmingly agreed to allow the town to exceed its levy limit in November of 2024, a fine being imposed by the state is putting a four-town emergency medical services district the town is a part of at risk.
District donation drama
LUHS board revisits donor recognition decision
In August of last year, the Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education agreed to accept a donation of nearly $117,000 from the LUHS District Foundation to complete campus upgrade work including the additions of a new ticket booth, fencing and walkway near the football field.
Oneida County snowmobile trails close
Vilas, Iron trails close too
Less than a month after the Oneida County snowmobile trail system opened, warm weather has led to its closure. On Monday, the Oneida County forestry, land and recreation department issued a press release saying all trails, state and club funded, were to close Wednesday at 8 a.m.
Minocqua town board amends watercraft launching fees ordinance
Pertile suggests way to save money at Minocqua Park Complex
The Minocqua town board on Feb. 19 adopted an amended ordinance dealing with watercraft launching fees. It was the board’s second reading of the amendment at the Feb. 19 meeting, the first occurring at the board’s previous regular meeting on Jan. 21.
Baldwin holds Northern Wisconsin virtual town hall
U.S. Senator critical of Trump administration, addresses worries of federal funding freezes and more
Wisconsin U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin held a Northern Wisconsin virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13. Baldwin, during the first half of the nearly 45 minute meeting, gave an update on her work in Washington D.C.
Aspirus MedEvac holds emergency patient transporting training at Howard Young
Aspirus MedEvac workers participated in a training at Howard Young Medical Center’s aircraft hangar on Feb. 18.
LUHS drama presents Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical
First musical for director Duda
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) Theatre Arts will present the musical “Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” from Feb. 27 to March 1. The production, directed by Claire Kafka Duda, features a script by Joe Tracz and music by Rob Rokicki, adapted from Rick Riordan's book “The Lightning Thief.”
The Howard Young Foundation donates $1 million to improve speech therapy for students
Funding will support 4 more therapists at consortium schools
The Howard Young Foundation (HYF) recently made a $1 million donation to Lakeland STAR School/Academy and the Lakeland consortium schools in order to hire four more speech therapists. Gregg Walker, Lakeland STAR School/Academy president and Lakeland Times publisher, highlighted the need for additional speech therapists in the area and the importance of the $1 million donation.
Let’s Minocqua now Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
A press conference was held on Monday to announce the rebrand of what was formerly referred to as the Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau to now the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau. Krystal Westfahl, president and CEO of the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, told The Lakeland Times the rebrand was triggered by the inclusion of Hazelhurst to the towns the chamber entity represents.
Baldwin holds Northern Wisconsin virtual town hall
U.S. Senator critical of Trump administration, addresses worries of federal funding freezes and more
Wisconsin U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin held a Northern Wisconsin virtual town hall meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13. Baldwin, during the first half of the nearly 45 minute meeting, gave an update on her work in Washington D.C.
Manitowish Waters town board adopts temporary ordinance
Ordinance will limit river traffic during Manitowish River Bridge project in 2027
The Manitowish Waters town board on Feb. 11 agreed to adopt a temporary ordinance with regard to a bridge reconstruction project on Highway 51 and just north of County Highway W in summer of 2027.
Temporary fix for ‘Welcome to Hazelhurst’ sign coming
Town board to consider different long-term options in spring
The Hazelhurst town board, according to town chairman Ted Cushing, agreed during its Feb. 11 meeting to temporarily fix the town’s “Welcome to Hazelhurst” sign for now and consider completely replacing the sign come spring.
Jake Van Hefty in ‘stable’ condition as of Feb. 13
Mother says son was removed from sedation and has shown movement
Jake Van Hefty, the 22-year-old Minocqua man seriously injured in a snowmobile accident in Hazelhurst the night of Feb. 10, has been removed from sedation while in the care of medical professionals at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, according to his mother Heather Van Hefty on Feb. 14.
Event permits to be required for Manitowish Waters lake usage
Permits applications to be ‘simple’ and free to apply
The Manitowish Waters town board agreed on Feb. 11 to require permits for events held on the chain of lakes. Town supervisor Lynn Schroeder said “there’s a number of reasons” for why permits should be required for lake events.
Vintage Day
Minocqua Forest Riders Inaugural Vintage show and radar runs at Area 31 on Minocqua’s west side
The Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club is holding an inaugural vintage day snowmobile fundraiser at Area 31, 13050 Gilbertson Road, on Saturday, Feb. 22, in Minocqua. This is the first public event to be held at the former top secret Yamaha test facility.
DU’s work is far reaching, conserving 1 million acres of duck habitat in 2024
Ducks Unlimited’s (DU) work ranges far and wide, but the non-profit’s priority first and foremost focuses on conserving and rehabilitating duck habitat across North America. Before Joe Genzel worked for DU, he wrote for community newspapers and a number of outdoor publications, including Outdoor Life and MeatEater. For DU, he’s a regional communications coordinator and covers over 20 states in the Great Lakes and Atlantic regions.
SIFTing through Presque Isle’s transparency troubles
Resident criticizes town’s investigative inconsistencies and undocumented expenses
At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Presque Isle town board indicated it was done discussing or moving forward with an investigation into former town clerk Lorine Walters and her son Jim Walters regarding town computers and allegations of destroying town records and property. However, resident Dave Bogan brought up the issue again during the public comment portion of the board’s Feb. 6 meeting.
Minocqua’s fireworks budget goes up in smoke
Town board looks to spark community effort for July 4th celebration
The Minocqua town board made cuts to the 2025 budget last year, one of those cuts being money the town board allocated for fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Lakeland Sanitary distributes EPA required notice of potential lead in water
Sanitary district assures water safety amid compliance issues
Lakeland Sanitary District No. 1 distributed a letter on Jan. 31 with “important information about your drinking water.” However, while the letter goes into detail about customers potentially having lead in their water, sanitary district office manager Julie Benson indicated customers shouldn’t worry too much.
Presque Isle town board speaks to ATV/UTV use on county roads once more
Wolter: Other towns wouldn’t need to ‘suffer’ if county approved initial request
At least two Presque Isle town supervisors got what they wanted when the Vilas County board on Jan. 28 decided to open all county roads to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) use.
Wisconsin movie project touring the state, coming to Lakeland area Feb. 19
Writer/director pushes for state legislation incentivizing movie-making in the Badger State
Wisconsin native Nathan Deming started Monday touring around the state to promote his new film “February,” the second film in a year-long film project he’s dubbed the “Year Project.” A screening of Deming’s film is scheduled for Feb. 19 in Woodruff.
Oneida County snowmobile trails to open today
A public service announcement (PSA) was issued by the Oneida County forestry department on Tuesday advising the public that the county’s snowmobile trail system will open at 8 a.m.
Meeting held for Dam Bridge reconstruction project in Manitowish Waters
Work scheduled to begin in 2027, but could be pushed to 2028 because of Manitowish River Bridge project
A meeting involving the state Department of Transportation (DOT), the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Vilas County and the town of Manitowish Waters occurred on Jan. 30 with regard to a reconstruction project for what's referred to as the Dam Bridge downtown on County Highway W.
Newbold town board sets public hearing date for tourist rooming house ordinance
The Newbold town board at its Jan. 30 meeting agreed to set a public hearing date in order to gather input and as a next step in adopting an ordinance regulating tourist rooming houses.
Oneida forestry committee’s vote to open trails now in question
Oneida County corp counsel questions committee chair’s comments at meeting Monday
After a Monday meeting where the Oneida County forestry land and recreation committee voted 3-1 to override the Oneida County Snowmobile Council’s decision to open the trail system — with snowmobile clubs having the option to opt their trails out from opening — questions of legality regarding who actually has the say in if the trails open or not have arised.
Popeyes to be in former Burger King on Hwy. 51
Plan commission also recommends approval of CUP for new child care center
The Minocqua plan commission on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to an administrative review permit (ARP) for a Popeyes to replace the former Burger King at 8733 U.S. Highway 51. According to Brian Fricke, a corporate project manager for the LDF Business Development Corporation — the entity who owns the building — August is targeted for the Popeyes to open.
DOT holds meeting for Hwy. 51 bridge reconstruction in Manitowish Waters
Completion of Manitowish River Bridge project targeted for 2027
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) on Jan. 22 held a meeting to inform the public and seek input on a reconstruction project of what’s referred to as the Manitowish River Bridge on U.S. Highway 51 just north of County Highway W.
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