Lakeland-2 falls to Rhinelander in Babe Ruth league play
Lakeland-2 fell to Rhinelander Monday night at home in Babe Ruth league play 19-6. However, due to a power outage towards the end of the game at the Minocqua Park Complex off of Highway 70 West, coach Josh Smith said it was hard to keep score.
Rhinelander man charged with lewd behavior, 4th-degree sexual assault
A Rhinelander man was arrested on June 24 for allegedly approaching a woman in the public with his genitals exposed and touching her inappropriately.
Schroeder reappointed to Manitowish Waters town board
Town supervisor reconsidered his decision to resign after outpouring of support
Last Friday, June 27, the Manitowish Waters town board met in special session to review applicants for a vacant town supervisor seat and make an appointment. Manitowish Waters town supervisor Lynn Schroeder resigned from the board following a June 10 meeting where the board, on a 2-1 vote, adopted an ordinance to ban boating equipment that produces artificially enhanced wakes on lakes within the town. He told The Lakeland Times he resigned because he was receiving “disparaging remarks” from people due to his support for the ordinance. Schroeder said that he “couldn’t even go out to dinner anymore.”
LUHS students write letters to the editor for advocacy project
One project that engages and excites students
Some Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) students in civics class this last school year wrote letters to the editor. It was one option of an advocacy project that teachers assigned to students in order for them to engage in some sort of issue by writing letters stating their position.
Newbold town board tables utility ordinance
Hess wasn’t sure why town didn’t have one on the books, said most towns have one already
The Newbold town board at its June 26 meeting decided to table any action with regard to a proposed town ordinance establishing a utility permit policy. Director of public works Mark Fetzer said the proposed ordinance he drafted was done by comparing ordinances from other nearby municipalities.
Feathers, fumbles and firsts; I now realize turkeys are smarter than they look
This year was a first for me in the turkey woods. My family never hunted turkeys before, though we’d see them stroll through the deer woods every now and then. Looking back, I wish I was into hunting these elusive birds that, at first, appear to be dumber than a box of rocks, but after pursuing them, you learn why they’re able to survive so well.
Harshaw Sports Club looks to continuing building facilities, membership and volunteers
Club hosts Northwoods’ biggest scholastic shoot, draws students from around the state
The Harshaw Sports Club has gained quite the reputation around the Northwoods, and with events like the Scholastic Clay Target Program it hosted in May, it’s gaining respect around the state too.
Kolden bids farewell to LUHS at his last board meeting
A board facilties committee is created
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) interim district administrator Steve Kolden bid farewell during the school board’s monthly meeting Monday. The board recognized Kolden with a gift and a round of applause in appreciation of his work over the past year.
Minocqua plan commission approves ARP for Lions Club storage and meeting building
The Minocqua plan commission on Tuesday approved an administrative review permit (ARP) application submitted by James Rein and CODOJP LLC, owner, to construct a storage building and meeting space for the Minocqua Lions Club off of Jahnke Road south of downtown.
LUHS board hires new district business manager
Board discusses Schley’s hire in closed session before making it official
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education during its meeting Monday agreed to hire a new district business manager. Former Flambeau school district superintendent Erica Schley will replace Eddie Then Jr., who resigned and has since been hired as the district business manager of Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk school district, a K-8 LUHS feeder district.
Bridge closure limits ATV traffic to Pike Lake business
Witte: U.S. Forest Service says DOGE is to blame for not having funding
A bridge over Riley Creek on ATV/UTV Trail 101 in Pike Lake was closed at the start of the season when the U.S. Forest Service said it needed repairs. Though the trail was closed, the repairs are yet to be made, and at least one business on the east side of the bridge is being negatively affected by the indefinite closure.
Wake turbulence rocks Manitowish Waters as supervisor reconsiders resignation
The Manitowish Waters town board on June 20 met in special session to formally go forward and solicit applicants to fill town supervisor Lynn Schroeder’s seat, which is now vacant after Schroeder resigned following a June 10 meeting where the board, on a 2-1 vote, adopted an ordinance to ban boating equipment that produces artificially enhanced wakes on lakes within the town.
Presque Isle town board reaffirms its relationship with town lakes committee
Weber wants PITLC to prioritize prevention
The Presque Isle town board at its June 19 meeting discussed a resolution recognizing the Presque Isle town lakes committee (PITLC). Last summer, former town chairman John MacLean attempted to reconfigure PITLC — as part of a larger effort to overhaul committees — which he said at the time consisted of too many members and members who assumed what he described as life-time appointments. PITLC consists of roughly 30 members, as there are representatives from each of the town’s lakes associations.
Manitowish Waters town supervisor resigns after wake ordinance is adopted
Schroeder says ‘disparaging remarks’ targeted at him were from ‘six or eight wake boaters’
Manitowish Waters town supervisor Lynn Schroeder resigned effective immediately from the town board last week, June 13, after a meeting on June 10 where he supported the adoption of an ordinance regulating enhanced wakes on all lakes within the town.
Northwoods housing gap strains job market
Oneida County study projects 1,358 new housing units by 2030 amid builder delays and zoning hurdles
It’s no secret the Northwoods is grappling with housing and workforce challenges, and on June 9, the Oneida County Economic and Development Corporation (OCEDC) released the results of its housing study. OCEDC partnered with the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission for the study in order to identify types of housing needed and how to meet those demands.
Larson’s last high school acting performance as Rapunzel for ‘Into the Woods’ in Wausau June 20-22
Rhinelander High School senior Elena Larson is closing out her high school acting career by playing the iconic role of Rapunzel, in Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” which will be presented by the Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre on Friday, June 20 at 7 p.m., Saturday June 21 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m.
Schoemann visits Northwoods, stops by the Times
First Republican to announce gubernatorial bid for 2026, Washington County executive confident he can turn the tide in state-wide elections
Washington County executive Josh Schoemann, Republican, visited the Northwoods last week. He attended meet and greet events in Rhinelander and Eagle River before stopping by The Lakeland Times to further introduce himself and argue why he should be the voters’ choice in the gubernatorial election in 2026.
Presque Isle town board works on explaining tax levy debacle to taxpayers
The Presque Isle town board met for a special meeting on June 10 to work on a letter explaining to taxpayers the reason property owners may be receiving a partial refund. In 2024, the town agreed to join a four-town emergency medical services district (EMS) consisting of the other three towns of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Winchester, and formally known as the Northwoods EMS District.
Sugar Camp man arrested for allegedly working with kids at elementary school
Will Nicoletti, 48, Sugar Camp, was arrested on June 5 after it was reported to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office he had been volunteering at an event put on by Sugar Camp Elementary School and was working with children four to 12 years old on June 4.
Manitowish Waters adopts ordinance to ban enhanced wakes on town lakes
Hanson indicates ordinance could be temporary, still wants compromise
Each time the Manitowish Waters town board has had the topic of enhanced wakes on its agenda, the town hall is packed with members of the public and Tuesday night was no different.
LUHS board reviews facilities committee work, asks for list of upgrades considered urgent
District could go to referendum in 2026, but decision is complicated
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education at a committee of the whole meeting Monday reviewed the progress of its facilities task team committee. What initially consisted of roughly 30 people from a variety of stakeholder groups, the committee was created in November of 2024 to review a report from Nexus Solutions — a company the district hired in 2023 to create a wide-ranging report examining the district’s facilities.
Former golf pro busted in human trafficking sting
Dan Buckley, 71, Rhinelander, was arrested on June 5 by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and is being charged with a class A misdemeanor for soliciting prostitution for sexual gratification. Court records show Buckley, a local realtor and former golf professional of Northwood Golf Club, appeared in Oneida County court on Monday for an initial appearance and Judge Michael Schiek ordered a $500 signature bond for him.
Two single-vehicle accidents, one fatal, back-to-back in Lakeland area on June 5
Two single-vehicle accidents occurred in the Lakeland area on June 5, one right before the other. The first accident was in Woodruff on County Highway J near the Carrol Lake Campground at approximately 11 a.m.
Presque Isle town board sheds light on $377K tax refund process
Special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. to continue discussions
The Presque Isle town board on June 5 received an update on the process of refunding taxpayers $377,191, which was the amount electors agreed to exceed the town’s levy limit by, though the board failed to take proper procedure and a subsequent audit by the state required the town to make a decision. That decision was to either refund taxpayers or keep the money, but have state funding withheld from the town for six years equal to the amount it exceeded the levy limit by.
Lac du Flambeau town board requesting speed limit change on Hwy. 47
Board agrees to increase ambulance fees
The Lac du Flambeau town board on June 4 agreed unanimously to request a speed limit change from 55 miles-per-hour (mph) to 35 mph for the stretch of State Highway 47 from Raven Lake Road to the existing school zone near downtown.
LUHS choir student recognized for state solo and ensemble performance
Schneider, a sophomore, also admitted to state honors choir
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) sophomore Miranda Schneider was awarded the Exemplary Performance award for a soprano solo, “Du Bist Di Rue,” which she performed for state solo and ensemble festivals coordinated by the Wisconsin School Music Association on May 3.
LUHS district doubles down on commencement speech in wake of criticism
Kolden: ‘I have no issues with her commencement speech’
The commencement speech given on Sunday by the valedictorian of Lakeland Union High School’s 2025 graduating class caused a stir in the community. At least two videos of the speech were posted to two separate Facebook groups with multiple comments in favor of and against what was said. The video was deleted from those facebook groups, but the commencement ceremony in its entirety remains on the district’s YouTube page.
Lakeland Trap Team recaps successful regular season at end-of-the-year family shoot
The Lakeland Trap Team had a very successful season this year, going 9-0 in conference and having one of the best shooters in senior Ethan Schumacher score a conference high overall for a second consecutive year.
Minocqua is re-advertising for new police chief
Board agrees to raise advertised salary as well
According to town supervisor Brian Fricke, the Minocqua town board on Tuesday didn’t take any action following an approximately half-hour closed session discussion related to hiring a new police chief.
Minocqua town board amending piers ordinance
With little discussion, the Minocqua town board on Tuesday agreed to waive the first reading of amendments to an ordinance that regulates piers or related structures extending from town right-of-way.
Meet Winchester’s new librarian
Huybrecht serving the community she’s from
A new library director began working at the Winchester Public Library this month. Adeline Huybrecht, 21, is a Winchester-native and Mercer High School graduate who recently finished college. She will replace assistant library director Blaze Burton who served as an interim director for the first half of the year after the passing of library director Betty Forster on Dec. 4, 2024.
‘That’s ridiculous’: Fifield assessor apologizes to Birchell amid lawsuit over targeted tax roll
An assessor who’s named in a lawsuit against a Fifield resident apologized to that resident during the town’s annual board of review meeting on May 20.
RHI celebrates inaugural United Express flight from Chicago O’Hare
Sackett: ‘It’s going to provide a ton of opportunities’
The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport (RHI) held a ceremony and ribbon cutting to celebrate the inaugural United Express flight touching down on May 22. The airport is now offering United Express flights to and from Chicago O’Hare International Airport on a seasonal basis.
Price County addresses ‘porno’ at committee meeting, implements safeguards
The Price County board addressed during its May 20 meeting a recent incident that took place at one of its committee meetings earlier this month. Prior to the county board meeting, county sheriff Brian Schmidt issued a press release May 13 on the matter.
Musky opener is tomorrow, get your bucktails ready
Oele: Over 750 musky waters offers a little something for everyone
The Wisconsin musky season for the Northern Zone opens tomorrow, which means anglers will have an opportunity to catch one of the most elusive freshwater fish around until the season ends Dec. 31. Daniel Oele, who co-leads the state Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) musky team with Zach Lawson, has been targeting and studying muskies for about 15 years.
Minocqua town board reserves liquor license for West Chicago Avenue property
Town left with one liquor license after Tuesday’s meeting
The Minocqua town board at its Tuesday meeting agreed to reserve a liquor license for what the owner of the property on 201 West Chicago Avenue indicated is a work in progress and a ways away from being opened for business.
Presque Isle town board will continue to work with SIFT to satisfy Times’ records request
Information from special investigations company is with regard to Walters and computers issue
The Presque Isle town board on May 15 made multiple decisions with regard to obtaining a report from Madison-based Special Investigations & Forensic Technologies (SIFT) and a records request submitted by The Lakeland Times, which would include the town providing the newspaper with the SIFT report.
Swarmed with ticks
Two personal experiences with the nasty little parasites and my hope that others will take caution
From everything I’ve learned about ticks these past few years, the last thing I’d want is to have a swath of them on me, let alone one. From everything I’ve learned about ticks these past few years, the last thing I’d want is to have a swath of them on me, let alone one.
Minocqua man charged with wire fraud and money laundering in federal court
A 39-year-old Minocqua man has been charged with eight counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Enhanced wake debate going on ‘4 years’ now in Manitowish Waters
Board tables draft ordinance, Hanson in favor of 1-year ban, eager to see what state does
The Manitowish Waters town board has been discussing and debating the hot button issue of enhanced wake for roughly four years. On May 13, the board had a quite lengthy discussion among itself during a meeting it had following a half-hour public hearing.
Mental health summit in LdF highlights services in rural Wisconsin
Event sees high turnout, with 150 mental health professionals, health care providers and more attending
The Frank B. Koller Biennial Mental Health Summit was held in Lac du Flambeau on May 15. Roughly 150 mental health professionals, health care providers, educators and members of the community attended, which, according to one of the event’s lead organizers, Jessica Schiek, was a near record number.
Presque Isle struggles to satisfy Times’ records request
Vilas County Sheriff’s Office notifies town of complaint against them, board has trouble getting SIFT report
The Presque Isle town board addressed an open records request submitted by The Lakeland Times which includes a report from Madison-based Special Investigations & Forensic Technologies (SIFT) during a meeting on May 15.
LUHS teacher reprimanded after students clean his pontoon
District staff has ‘oral conference’ with Bachinski, who apologized
A Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) teacher asked his students “to clean and set up his personal watercraft” on May 6. Career and technical education teacher Jeff Bachinski, according to a summary of a subsequent “oral conference” the teacher had with interim district administrator Steve Kolden and assistant principal David Wineburner, said his second hour students “agreed to help.”
Sentencing hearing for Collins scheduled for Sept. 5
A sentencing hearing for Jacob Collins, 22 of Minocqua, was scheduled for Sept. 5 in Oneida County court at 1 p.m.
LUHS board approves summer school program
Thunderbird Fitness only course, trimester schedule helped with credit recovery during school year
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education approved on Monday the district’s summer school program. Interim district administrator Steve Kolden told board members the program would consist of only using the weight room.
Minocqua plan commission approves permits for new home decor business downtown
The Minocqua plan commission on Tuesday approved an administrative review permit (ARP) application and two sign permit applications for a new downtown business, Wild Embers Home Decor. As noted during the plan commission’s meeting, the location of the new business, 507 Oneida Street, was previously home to A Step Up, a different home decor business which moved to a new building.
Food truck debate heats up in Hazelhurst
Listening session draws crowd, board to consider proposal at June 10 meeting
Food trucks were a hot button topic in Hazelhurst last week. About 25 members of the public attended the town board’s May 7 meeting. Roughly half of those people provided the board with input — some were against letting food trucks operate in town, some were for.
Newbold town board declines to change speeds, post signs on Black Lake Road and others
Hess to contact sheriff’s office as first step instead
The Newbold town board had no opposition to town chairman Dan Hess saying he can contact the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office for additional presence on Black Lake Road and surrounding roads, as well as request a radar speed sign on that road.
Plastered with problems: Oneida County facilities committee tours courthouse
Chairman: Overheated judge’s chambers ‘unacceptable’
The Oneida County board’s county facilities committee met on Monday to tour the courthouse. Committee chairman Russ Fisher said the tour spanned nearly 40 minutes.
Vilas forestry committee going to bid spring timber sale
Sale consists of just over 1,000 acres with minimum value of $466,000
The Vilas County forestry, recreation and land committee approved at its May 6 meeting a 2025 spring timber sale prospectus. Forest administrator Chad Keranen said bids for the timber sale will be opened sometime early next month.
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