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.
Oneida forestry schedules special meeting to make final say on trail opening
Snowmobile council voted 6-4 to open, but 7-vote threshold not met
The Oneida County board’s forestry land and recreation committee issued an agenda on Jan. 24 to hold a meeting Monday in order to make a decision overriding the county forestry department’s and Oneida County Snowmobile Council’s decision not to open the trail system earlier that same day.
LUHS students shine at all-state choir event
Bridgwater and Pitzer close out the night with state treble choir
Two Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) students traveled to Appleton Jan. 10-11 to perform in one of seven Wisconsin Choral Directors Associations’ all-state choirs. According to LUHS vocal music director Briannah Wanca, seniors Samantha Bridgwater and Sydney Pitzer were among the 637 students who participated in the event at Lawrence University.
Mercer looks to have ambulance service up and running soon
Town chairman says town is close to getting state license, next step is for DOT to inspect vehicles
The town of Mercer is close to having an ambulance service back up and running, according to town chairman Eric Snow. Speaking to The Lakeland Times on Tuesday, Snow said the town is “very close” to obtaining a state license to operate an ambulance service.
LUHS board approves gymnastics co-op with Northland Pines
Northland Pines school board to consider agreement Monday
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education on Monday agreed to approve a co-op agreement for the school’s gymnastics team next year. This year, due to low participation, the school didn’t have a team.
LUHS board to consider upgrading videotaping of meetings
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) interim district administrator Steve Kolden, in his report to the board of education during a Monday meeting, indicated he was wondering what the board would want to do with regard to recording board meetings.
LUHS board talks policy change for facility use by organizations
Depending on intentions of use, parties could be charged
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education at its Monday meeting approved a number of policy updates as recommended by its policy committee. One policy it reviewed more in-depth, however, was with regard to setting prices for those wanting to use the district’s facilities.
Four-town EMS district comes to life
First call on Jan. 16 went ‘perfectly’
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) is officially up and running. On Jan. 16, NEMSD paged out for the first time at 8:46 a.m. for a medical emergency in Winchester. NEMSD first responders were en route at 8:48 a.m.
Manitowish Waters town supervisors split on wake ordinance
Town chairman makes decision to send draft of ‘total ban ... of wake surfing’ to DNR
Manitowish Waters town supervisors Lynn Schroeder and Doug Zeise were on opposite sides of the decision to send a draft ordinance to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) during a town board meeting on Jan. 14.
Manitowish Waters town board gives initial go-ahead to wake ordinance
Proposed ordinance would ban activity on all town lakes
The Manitowish Waters town board on Tuesday took the first step in creating an “ordinance controlling wake surfing.”
Dr. Richards and emergency medicine
Emergencies are unavoidable and happen all too often. So what happens when a person or family does encounter a medical emergency? For starters, it’s critical an emergency room with qualified staff is in a community to be there to help.
Egg prices are high and could continue throughout the year
WGA president optimistic supply will rebound, prices will ease
Eating omelets for breakfast or baking a lot? If so, then you’ve probably noticed the higher prices on all those eggs you buy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), egg prices increased over the course of 2024 and could continue to increase if an avian flu persists in flocks across the country.
The Little Forest School aims to start serving North Lakeland community by March
Childcare center works to bridge gap left by October closure
A new childcare facility is in the works for residents of Manitowish Waters and the greater North Lakeland area. What’s being called the “Little Forest School” is being created to fill in the gap left by the previous childcare facility housed at Camp Jorn.
Focus groups held at LUHS for district administrator search
Board: Ideal candidate will be collaborative, but decisive
Board: Ideal candidate will be collaborative, but decisive
Presque Isle town board agrees to bring computers investigation to an end
Info on investigation town chairman compiled to be posted to town website
Presque Isle town chairman John MacLean at the town board’s Jan. 7 meeting read a report he prepared with what he said were the findings of the Special Investigations and Forensic Technologies (SIFT) company the town hired in the spring of 2023.
Lake Tomahawk town board adopts resolution opposing mining in county
The Lake Tomahawk town board unanimously agreed at its Jan. 8 meeting to adopt a resolution signifying the town doesn’t support mining in Oneida County. Town chairman George DeMet said he placed the resolution item on the agenda for the board to vote on.
Snowmobiling biggest winter draw, but no snow yet
Business owners cautiously optimistic
The Lakeland area thrives on up-north fun year-round. During the warmer months, the streets are bustling with out-of-towners exploring downtown shops or dining at local restaurants, and the lakes are teeming with activity. But when winter arrives, the local economy depends on winter sport enthusiasts: ice fishermen, fat tire bikers, snowshoers, and, most notably, snowmobilers.
More than 400 attend annual Northwoods Deer Hunt Challenge banquet
Strasburg: This year ‘went really well’ with lots of new faces, new hunters
The Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge has been unique to the area for just over two decades now. Each year, young hunters who are licensed from ages 10 to 18 years old (as long as they’re a senior in high school) can participate by signing up for the fall deer hunting seasons.
Mercer Area Ambulance ceases services to town
Joustra says town ‘made the decision’ and Mercer Area Ambulance and Rescue ‘did not’
Mercer Area Ambulance and Rescue notified the town on New Year’s Eve it would not be servicing the town and surrounding communities effective immediately at the start of 2025, according to a press release issued by town chairman Eric Snow.
Northwoods Wildlife Center urges aluminum donors to follow sorting guidelines amid recycling issues
The Northwoods Wildlife Center, a Minocqua-based non-profit focused “to provide a better future for wildlife through rehabilitation, education and research,” accepts aluminum donations which are taken to a recycling center in order to financially assist the organization.
Cross Country Cruisers celebrate 55 years
Snowmobile club’s biggest fundraiser in Arbor Vitae Jan. 17-18
The Cross Country Cruisers Snowmobile Club (CCC), based out of Arbor Vitae, is turning 55 years old this year. One of the state’s oldest and largest clubs, it’s looking forward to celebrating with its biggest fundraiser of the year, SnoFest, Jan. 17-18.
Minocqua plan commission approves rental for Oakfire Properties
New restaurant proposal possible for space that formerly housed Oakfire Pizza
The Minocqua plan commission on Monday approved an administrative review permit (ARP) application submitted by David Scotney, owner of Oakfire Properties Minocqua LLC, to convert the second floor of the building that formerly housed Oakfire Pizza into a tourist rooming house for rentals of no less than 30 consecutive days.
Local snowmobile clubs remind riders trails are still closed
Riding on closed trails could be detrimental to the trail system
Snowmobile trails in Oneida and Vilas counties aren’t open yet. According to Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club president Jerry Wakefield, trails, on average, aren’t opened up until after the first of the new year. He said that was shown in a study done “a couple years ago.”
NEMSD agrees to send out 12 full-time job offers
Four town EMS district in Vilas County on track to be operational middle to late January
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) is on track to begin its operations as planned by middle to late January of 2025. NEMSD board of directors, following a closed session portion of its Dec. 23 meeting, agreed to have its chief, Jason Joling, send out offers to 12 different applicants for full-time positions “within the pay-plans that we already approved.”
Ducks Unlimited Lakeland area chapter to hold inaugural banquet
Money raised to help with waterfowl conservation
A Ducks Unlimited Lakeland area chapter was created this year in order to fundraise and support the nationally renowned nonprofit whose mission is to support waterfowl hunting by way of conservation, as well as being a voice for duck hunters in Washington D.C.
Fifield residents sound off over increased taxes
Board says 27% increase is paying town’s debt
Two Fifield residents raised concerns at a Dec. 17 town board meeting about tax bills recently received. While the topic of tax bills wasn’t on the board’s meeting agenda, a discussion between town officials and residents Tom Birchell and Robert Lobermeier occurred at the beginning of the meeting in public comment.
Oneida County public works committee considers highway department upgrades
The Oneida County public works and solid waste committee met on Dec. 19 and reviewed next steps for potential renovations for the county’s highway department in Rhinelander.
LUHS improves on district report card from last year
District hard to compare with others in Wisconsin
Lakeland Union High School’s (LUHS) district report card showed improvement this year with an overall score of 53.8. That’s a step up from last year’s score of 48.6, which was deemed at the time by former district administrator Bob Smudde as the lowest score in the state.
LUHS board gets recap of facilties task team’s first meeting
Kolden: List of priorities should be created first
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education received an update on a facilities task team committee created last month to consider the district’s facilities and create a plan for the future in order to address any needed upgrades.
Minocqua town board approves concept for turn lane onto Blue Lake Road
Fried: It’s a ‘safety project’
The Minocqua town board during its meeting Tuesday approved the concept of installing a turn lane off of U.S. Highway 51 S. onto Blue Lake Road for an estimated cost of $60,000.
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