Presque Isle electors authorize over $500,000 levy increase
Initial ask of $1 million-plus scrapped last minute
Nearly 100 Presque Isle electors authorized the town board to exceed the state’s allowable tax levy increase by more than $500,000 following a budget hearing and during a special town meeting of electors on Nov. 20.
LUHS board hears good news on state report card
Administrators say LUHS reached new category and jumped ahead of 49 high schools
The Lakeland Union High School board of education on Nov. 20 heard good news when principal Levi Massey and director of teaching and learning Katie Rein reported on the district’s state Department of Public Instruction (DPI) annual report card scores.
Cassian proposes an Oneida County take over of Swamp Lake Road
Proposal would extend County Highway K
The Oneida County Board’s public works committee on Nov. 20 heard a proposal from the town of Cassian to have the county take over Swamp Lake Road as an extension of County Highway K to County Highway Y.
Hunters can help their local food pantry patrons through state’s deer donation program
With stories surrounding supplemental food benefits in many nationwide headlines lately, it’s notable to point out that the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers a deer donation program this time of year, where hunters who successfully harvest a deer have the option to give their meat to food pantries and support those who face hunger in the state.
Manitowish Waters town board approves budget, electors authorize $100,000-plus levy increase
Zeise says he feels town is ‘refusing’ to pay full EMS district amount
The Manitowish Waters town board approved the town’s 2026 budget during a Nov. 19 regular meeting immediately following the town’s budget hearing and annual meeting of electors. Prior to the board approving the budget, electors, with a hand vote of 39-19, authorized the board to exceed the allowable tax levy increase by $126,610 — a 7.1455 percent increase — during the annual meeting.
Minocqua plan commission recommends extending shipping container moratorium
Hints at big zoning proposals down the line
The Minocqua plan commission had a wide-ranging discussion with regard to zoning related to issues such as shipping containers, short-term rentals and more during a meeting on Nov. 18.
Vilas County law enforcement committee backs tribal/county law enforcement grant
The Vilas County law enforcement and emergency management committee on Nov. 17 approved a resolution to work with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on a law enforcement grant that would assist tribal police.
WINGS Program helps students transition into adulthood
Lakeland Kids Kloset offers a space for students to learn a variety of skills, but they are involved in the community more ways than one
The WINGS (Working Independently ‘N Gaining Self Determination) Program operates Lakeland Kids Kloset, which is a store at 9832 Plaza Drive run by students who are transitioning into adulthood. It sells various items, from nicknacks and home decor to used shoes and clothing.
Didn’t tag out yet? There’s still time
Maybe your approach could be tweaked
While it feels like deer season just started, the best chances of scoring on a big buck are winding down now. That’s according to the state Department of Natural Resources’ deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl, who said he would consider this week the end of the “peak rut” — the time hunters are most likely to see bucks chasing does during the day for breeding purposes.
Veterans Day protest turns fowl: Reporter and combat veteran called ‘chicken,’ ‘turkey’ outside Times office
A group of protesters stood outside The Lakeland Times building for roughly 10 minutes on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, one coming off the road right-of-way to look into the Times building and eventually call Times reporter Brian Jopek a “chicken.” Another protester called him a “turkey” when he went out to take a photograph of the demonstration for the paper.
Hazelhurst town board to submit draft ‘wake boat’ ordinance for Lake Katherine to DNR
The board will now wait 60 days
The Hazelhurst town board agreed at its Nov. 11 to send the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) condition reports of Lake Katherine and a draft “wake boat ordinance” for review. Paul Strong, of the Lake Katherine Association, said the board of directors for that body supported a resolution submitted to the town board establishing its support of “initiating this ordinance proposal.”
Woodruff man sentenced to 3 years in prison, 10 years supervision for two felonies
A Woodruff man, formerly of Rhinelander, pled no contest to two felony charges of second degree sexual assault of an unconscious person and capturing intimate representation during a pre-trial conference on Oct. 27 in Oneida County court.
Thomas is new Presque Isle town clerk
Board holds special meeting with finance committee for $1M levy request presentation
Presque Isle town chairman Al Eschenbauch announced at the town board’s Nov. 6 meeting that a replacement for former town clerk Kim Prott has been found. Prott resigned at the end of September, but continued to serve as town clerk through the month of October.
Trapper of the Northwoods
An interview with trapper Mike Kortenhof
Wisconsin’s trapping season began for most species on Oct. 18. Some trappers read the woods and strategically place traps for fun while, say, at deer camp or during a fall stay at the cabin. Others do it for a little extra cash on the side for the furs they’re able to sell or for property owners who want to manage their lands. And then there’s trappers who do it because they embrace the challenge and truly love doing it.
Notable author comes to Minocqua Nov. 13 promoting new book, ‘Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies’
Margi Preus, an award winning author, will be at the Minocqua Public Library on Nov. 13 to talk about her new children’s book “Snowshoe Kate and the Hospital Built for Pennies,” published Oct. 28.
The Boathouse to get ‘brand new, but familiar’ overhaul under Gage Marine
Fricke: ‘We’re very excited for the future’
At this year’s Beef-a-Rama Festival, The Boathouse, located at 305 West Park Avenue in Minocqua, announced it will close at the end of October for a “comprehensive year-long renovation that will elevate your dining experience!” The announcement culminated in a weekend send-off Packer party.
North Lakeland board of education approves 2026 budget
District administrator says there were minor changes, overall budget increases less than 1%
The North Lakeland School district’s budget and total tax levy was approved by the board of education during a board meeting following its budget hearing and annual meeting on Oct. 28. District administrator and principal Brent Jelinski said the hearing, annual meeting and special meeting lasted a combined total of nearly 20 minutes. He said there was only one member of the community who attended.
MHLT students learn about the Northwoods living experience
Seventh graders participated in a catch and cook with fish, learn how to clean a deer and make meals with venison
Seventh grade students of Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk School (MHLT) have had the opportunity the last two years to take a class about the outdoors and the traditions that come with living in the Northwoods.
Minocqua Winter Farmers Market to debut Nov. 9
Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau
While swimming, boating and walking outside in a T-shirt has gone away with the summer weather, there’s one thing that will be here to stay this winter — that’s Minocqua’s farmers market. The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau has decided to continue the usual summer months only farmers market into the winter this year, dubbing it as the Minocqua Winter Farmers Market.
LUHS reassigns over $3 million in general fund, budget gets approved
Budget is balanced and mill rate decreases 7.4% from last year, but that doesn’t mean taxpayers will see it on their total bill
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education agreed at its Oct. 27 meeting to move $3,473,500 from an assigned account to an unassigned account. At the school board’s Oct. 13 special meeting, district business manager Eric Schley explained that she couldn’t understand when and why that money was designated as “assigned” funding.
Where do you find a Wisconsin ring-neck?
State game bird ecologist shares a little history on pheasants, where to find them and more
The pheasant hunting season in Wisconsin opened on Oct. 18 and, according to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR), approximately 75,000 birds from the state’s game farm will be stocked on over 80 properties statewide. Daily bag limits were one rooster per day the first two days of the season, but now that daily bag limit has increased to two.
Groundbreaking held for 112-unit apartment complex being built in Minocqua
A groundbreaking was held on Oct. 24 for a new apartment complex coming to Minocqua’s west side, just east of Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo and Safari. Aspen Grove Apartments will consist of 112 units over seven two-story buildings with 16 apartments in each and ranging from one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom options.
Boulder Junction town board raises room tax rate by 1.25%
Bertch: ‘It’s reasonable’
The Boulder Junction town board agreed to raise the town’s room tax by 1.25 percent during its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 28. Currently, the room tax rate in the town is 5.5 percent and it will be 6.75 percent starting in 2026. The max allowable room tax rate by the state a town can have is 8 percent.
Presque Isle town board will seek legal advice on who should prepare Times’ record request
Board denies requested $1K fee waiver associated with records
The Presque Isle town board held a special meeting on Oct. 23 to primarily discuss preparing a resolution in order to ask electors to exceed its levy limit by over $1 million dollars. However, board members indicated there will need to be another special meeting to handle that and discussed a few other items instead — such as an open records request made by The Lakeland Times in February that hasn’t been satisfied by the town.
It's BIG: Van Remortel reflects on state record musky caught earlier this year
Van Remortel, from Hazelhurst, caught the 56-inch giant on Green Bay
While the end to musky season is getting closer each day, one memory that won’t soon be forgotten from this season is Jeff Van Remortel’s 56-inch monster caught on Green Bay June 4.
Three injured in two-vehicle collision on Hwy. 51 in Minocqua last week
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 51 near the intersection with Leary Road on Oct. 17.
Towering tab: Vilas County Sheriff’s office seeks $34K to cover late fees on nearly $480K water tower project
Project includes upgrades to communications equipment
A communications project, which Vilas County sheriff Joe Fath has said consisted of removal and replacement of equipment on the Eagle River water tower for painting purposes, that began in April is now complete.
Presque Isle town board is seeking a $1 million plus tax levy increase
Additional funding would pay for town’s share of EMS district, road infrastructure and more
The Presque Isle town board, at its meeting on Oct. 16, decided to hold off on adopting three resolutions — all of which were in order to start the process of asking electors for authorization to exceed the town’s allowable property tax levy increase set by the state.
Hazelhurst board enacts wake restrictions, approves tax levy in swift session
Hazelhurst town chairman Ted Cushing said the town board meeting on Oct. 14 was short, lasting only about 20 minutes. Though short, the board was productive, as it agreed to adopt an ordinance restricting boat equipment used to produce artificial wakes on lakes the town shares boundaries with, a 2025 tax levy payable in 2026 that voters two weeks ago agreed to exceed the state’s allowable increase, and modified the town’s official meeting notice posting sites.
Hammer time: Suspected repeat burglar strikes again in Arbor Vitae
Business offers $500 reward after second break-in
Just about a month after Heart II Bar-N-Grill in Arbor Vitae was broken into and the Wild Turkey was broken into a day after that, Heart II Bar-N-Grill was broken into again last week on Oct. 14. According to a Facebook post by the business, it is believed it’s the same individual who broke into the business the first time.
Trash talk and tight spaces: Minocqua plan commission clears short-term rentals
The Minocqua plan commission approved three administrative review permits (ARPs) for short-term rentals at its meeting Tuesday — one within single family zoning and two others within business zoning on the island.
Plum Lake town board adopts 5-year road plan and prioritizes road projects for state funding
The Plum Lake town board agreed to adopt a comprehensive five-year town road plan and approved the public works committee’s recommendations for the state’s Local Road Improvement Program’s (LRIP) discretionary project plan at its meeting on Tuesday.
Public comments made on ATV/UTV situation in Manitowish Waters
Zeise says he hopes other board members received the message
About five to eight people made public comments at the Manitowish Waters town board meeting on Tuesday mostly in support of having all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) allowed to operate on roads within the town, according to town supervisor Doug Zeise.
Is deer hunting with scents and calls your only option?
The state’s lead deer specialist offers tips on when and what to use
Hunting in the Northwoods is a whole different ball game compared to hunting different parts of the state. It forces hunters to go the extra mile and do things others might not have to deal with, such as scouting in the “big woods” year round to keep tabs on deer habits and movement.
Approved: Hazelhurst electors authorize 112 percent tax levy increase
Cushing: ‘It’s getting more difficult to balance our budget’
Thirty-five Hazelhurst electors authorized the town board on Tuesday to exceed the town’s property tax levy by 112 percent. The reason the board asked electors to exceed the town’s allowable tax levy increase is so it can keep up with road infrastructure and for the fire department to purchase a new engine.
Pike Lake fire puts out Fifield board’s burning questions
Ebert: Turned out to be a ‘non-issue’
The Fifield town board was provided all the information it requested from the Pike Lake fire department at a town board meeting on Tuesday. Town supervisor Dave Ebert explained there was information the board had requested from the fire department, also known as station 2, that hadn’t been given to the board for some time, such as an updated roster, who the second-in-command is and more.
Prott resigns from Presque Isle town clerk position
Board talks options moving forward, shows interest in hiring deputy town clerk too
The Presque Isle town board acknowledged town clerk Kim Prott’s resignation at its Oct. 2 meeting. It also discussed the future of that position and the possibility of having a deputy clerk as well. Prott was appointed by the board in January of 2024. She was serving the remainder of former town clerk Billie Rae Thoma’s term. Thoma served the board for a period of time after former long-time town clerk Lorine Walters decided to run for town chairman in spring of 2023.
Lac du Flambeau tribal police sergeant placed on paid leave
No other info is being shared at this time
Lac du Flambeau tribal police sergeant Jacob Bryner has been placed on paid administrative leave. According to tribal police chief TJ Bill and tribal attorney Jodie Bednar, Bryner was not placed on administrative leave for disciplinary reasons.
Two arrested after Beef-A-Rama brouhaha
Two men were arrested during Beef-A-Rama in Minocqua on Sept. 27 and are being charged in Oneida County court with two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and resisting an officer. Scott Cline, 41 of Lake Tomahawk, and Douglas Fawley, 42 of Arpin, were allegedly involved in verbal altercations, one of which became physical at one point, near a beer garden and live music stage at Torpy Park.
Next court date set for St. Germain man charged in fatal 2024 motorcycle crash
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled in Vilas County court for Chandler Savel, 20, the St. Germain man charged in August with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle in connection with a head-on motorcycle crash on County Highway H near Sundance Trail in Lac du Flambeau the night of Oct. 18, 2024.
Minocqua plan commission approves CSM on Richardson Plat Road for future single family development
The Minocqua plan commission on Tuesday recommended approval of a preliminary one lot certified survey map (CSM) of lands owned N&J Investments near Richardson Plat Road. Before the plan commission took any action, a nearly 50-minute discussion took place among plan commission members and those involved with the CSM. That discussion centered around a stretch of road on the parcel and whether or not the town should abandon it.
Bridging Brighter Smiles coming to LUHS on Oct. 9
Students will have opportunity for free dental work
Bridging Brighter Smiles, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will come to Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) on Oct. 9. The organization, which was founded in 2012 in Dodge County, will be offering free dental services to students throughout the school day.
Ballots, budgets, and a burning need—Hazelhurst electors’ meeting is Oct. 7
Cushing: It’s ‘a big thing’
Hazelhurst town clerk Christy Myshchyshyn, during a Sept. 25 special meeting, went over procedures with the town board for the upcoming electors’ meeting on Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. Electors at the meeting will be asked to authorize the town to exceed its allowable property tax levy increase, which, at a meeting earlier this month, was noted to not be very much money and would pose difficulties in purchasing a new fire truck and keeping up with road work.
Bear down: 13-year-old girl with cerebral palsy has hunt of a lifetime
A young girl has already killed a bear in the Northwoods this year. Sophia Klauck, 13 years old and has cerebral palsy, is from a family that embraces the outdoors. Because of that, when an opportunity for her to be guided to a bear was presented, she took it without hesitation.
Grant-fueled ride rolls in for LUHS WINGS program
Umland steps down from policy committee, looks forward to building committee work
The Lakeland Union High School board of education approved at its Monday meeting the district’s purchasing of a new van. District administrator Jamie Koepp said special education teacher Jeannine Pfeifer applied for a grant in order to pay for the vehicle, which will be used for students involved in the WINGS program.
Boulder Junction at a ‘crossroads’ again with ATVs/UTVs on town roads
Debate’s been going on for 7 years, both sides want it to end, but with different endings
Even though nothing regarding all terrain vehicles (ATVs) or utility task vehicles (UTVs) was listed on the Boulder Junction town board’s Sept. 23 meeting agenda, roughly 50 people showed up to presumably talk about it.
It’s a PRAT: Who in Minocqua will be affected?
‘Tourist’ tax won’t be enacted until July 1, 2026 at the earliest
In July, the state legislature approved the state’s 2025-26 biennial budget, included in it was the authorization for the town of Minocqua to declare itself a premiere resort area and implement a half-percent premiere area resort tax (PRAT).
Hazelhurst town board seeking authorization to exceed tax levy limit
Electors’ meeting scheduled for Oct. 7
The Hazelhurst town board agreed at a special meeting on Sept. 18 to ask electors for authorization to exceed the town’s tax levy limit. The board did so by way of approving a resolution.
Presque Isle town board approves new play structure at Pipke Park
Zoom policy tabled for further review
The Presque Isle town board at its Sept. 18 meeting agreed to allow the addition of a new “play structure” at Pipke Park.
Pro fishermen stop at MHLT to entertain the kids
Major League Fishing holds team event in Minocqua, tournament winds down today
Major League Fishing (MLF), which includes the Bass Pro Tour circuit, held a tournament in Minocqua this week, the Knighten Industries Heritage Cup presented by Bass Boat Technologies. It’s the second of four events in the second year of the Fishing Clash Team Series.
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