Minocqua town board clarifies food truck policy
Changes to the policy seem likely
The Minocqua town board at its June 2 meeting discussed the town’s food truck policy and will likely modify it at a future meeting. Additionally, the board approved three food truck applications following the lengthy discussion, which centered on clarification of the policy, but also suggestions for it.
Idea to improve Main Street parking brought up in Presque Isle
Presque Isle town chairman Al Eschenbauch brought forward an idea to improve parking on Main Street, or County Highway B, during a June 4 board meeting. He said after speaking with resident Dave Zastrow, a plan was suggested and he thought it was worth bringing to the board for further consideration.
Community garden idea takes root in Hazelhurst
Space on Fuhrman Road to be considered
The location for a community garden in Hazelhurst has yet to be determined. At a May 12 meeting, the board agreed to have a plan created for the garden, which was proposed by resident Mick Toben.
Minocqua Boat Show keeps tradition afloat
Community, classics and a cause return to Torpy Park June 19–20
The Minocqua Antique & Classic Boat Show will dcruise into Lake Minocqua June 19–20, bringing boats of all eras to Torpy Park and its piers. This will be the 35th year of one of the Island City’s most popular summer events.
Minocqua town board favors ATV/UTV trail on south side of Hwy. 70
Board’s vote split 3-2
The Minocqua town board, during its June 2 meeting, approved on a 3-2 vote to plan for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV)/utility task vehicle (UTV) and snowmobile trail to be constructed on the south side of State Highway 70 and a bike/pedestrian trail on the north side.
LdF tribe, state have 1st court date since tribe approved non-member fishing regulations
Regulations would’ve restricted non-members from targeting walleye, muskies on 19 lakes
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians appeared in federal court in Madison on May 29 for the first time since the state of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against it seeking to block fishing regulations it adopted that would apply only to non-tribal members on lakes within the reservation.
A weekend in the kitchen: Fried turkey and jerky
It seems like it’s been awhile since I shared my hunting and fishing endeavors. After a stellar ice fishing season that was highlighted by two successful outings with friends, I was eager for the ice to melt and to hear turkeys gobbling.
Trial rescheduled in Arbor Vitae man’s homicide by negligent driving case
A new trial date has been set in Oneida County court for an Arbor Vitae man being charged with two homicide by negligent operation of vehicle felonies, a negligent operation of motor vehicle misdemeanor and an inattentive driving forfeiture.
Lake Tomahawk Legion to get new name
Flag Day ceremony will honor fallen soldiers Shultz and Jopek at rebuilt Post 318
The American Legion Post in Lake Tomahawk will get its new name soon. What’s currently the Colin F. Shultz American Legion Post 318 will instead be the Colin F. Shultz-Ryan D. Jopek American Legion Post 318.
Headwaters Fisheries Inc. focuses on ‘innovative science and techniques’ to improve fishing in the Northwoods
Members recall the old days, outline plan to build natural reproduction
A new non-profit was formed last year to improve the fishing opportunities in the Northwoods. Headwaters Fisheries Inc. was formed to help solve issues seen in Northwoods fisheries to the benefit of not only anglers who target the fish, but to the communities as a whole.
Evers visits North Lakeland School following collapse of bipartisan budget surplus deal
Governor says deal ‘makes sense,’ it just needs votes in the Senate
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat not seeking re-election for a third term this year, visited North Lakeland School on May 28 to highlight his support for students and in the wake of what was touted as a “blockbuster bipartisan proposal” that would’ve utilized state surplus funds to invest in K-12 schools and more failed.
Wisconsin has strong showing for 2026 spring turkey hunting season
State is becoming one of the best for chasing wild turkeys
Wisconsin’s spring turkey season wrapped up this week. Preliminary numbers by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) show a total of over 47,000 birds were harvested. This year’s season also highlighted 50 years since the turkey had been reintroduced to the state; when in 1976, Wisconsin traded some of its ruffed grouse to Missouri for 29 wild turkeys.
Fishing Has No Boundaries makes impact in Eagle River for over 30 years
Fishing expedition for anglers with disabilities returns June 6-7
Eagle River Fishing Has No Boundaries has been helping those with disabilities get out on the water and have fishing memories to cherish for a lifetime. This year’s event, June 6-7, will mark 31 years of the program being held.
Presque Isle explores shared administrator idea in early regional talks
Concept emerges as the town joins Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and Winchester in studying joint services
The Presque Isle town board had a discussion of what it might look like if the town were to hire an administrator in conjunction with another town during a May 21 board meeting. Town chairman Al Eschenbauch said the discussion the board had was more so to inform the public of the idea because the board members had recent special meetings to discuss it among themselves already.
Boulder Junction holds off on revoking room tax permit
The Boulder Junction town board decided to not take any action on revoking a room tax permit during a May 26 meeting. Town chairman Dennis Reuss told town clerk Dan Driscoll he understood the problem with the room tax permit was being resolved. Driscoll said the permit holders had paid their fourth quarter room tax plus interest and he was told by them they plan to pay their first quarter room tax plus interest by the end of May 27.
Minocqua plan commission forwards zoning permit to town board
The Minocqua plan commission at its May 26 meeting agreed to send an administrative review permit (ARP) application for a commercial storage rental facility to the town board. According to the plan commission’s agenda, the ARP application was submitted by James Rein on behalf of owners Andrew and Madison Alesauskas and the property at 9796 Lee Road would see three storage buildings constructed.
Winchester town board taps town’s attorney on EMS agreement/bylaws issue
May 21 was Discianno’s last meeting
The Winchester town board didn’t take action during its May 21 meeting on anything with regard to the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD), but an extensive discussion lasting nearly an hour-and-a-half took place among board members, the town’s attorney Greg Harrold and members of the public attending the meeting, which included NEMSD president Phil Harris.
Presque Isle wants current NEMSD agreement/bylaws to stay in place
Board feels agreement/bylaws should be amended only by the process laid out in current document
The Presque Isle town board agreed during a May 19 special meeting to deny the proposed changes of the inter-municipal agreement/bylaws of the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD).
Turkeys of North America can differ, hunters track down grand slams
Lakeland local revels in chasing gobblers
If you traveled across the United States, you could see a turkey almost anywhere. There are five subspecies of wild turkeys in the country — those include Eastern turkeys, Rio Grande turkeys, Merriam’s turkeys, Osceola turkeys and Gould’s turkeys.
Capital campaign officially launched for Minocqua area trail expansion
New trails would boost access to and from town’s west side
A capital campaign to support a recreational trail expansion that would allow people more direct access to Minocqua’s downtown from the west has officially launched.
LUHS board has split 5-4 vote to cut two JV sports teams
Savings could be ‘minimal,’ board votes to cut teams without knowing financial impact
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education agreed at its May 18 meeting to discontinue junior varsity (JV) 3 teams, though it wasn’t sure how much money it would actually save the district. District administrator Jamie Koepp said JV 3 involves two sports — girls volleyball and boys basketball.
Pitlik & Wick scores summer road‑bid hat trick in Lake Tomahawk
Final choice a ‘no‑brainer,’ sealing the sweep
The Lake Tomahawk town board at its May 13 meeting agreed to accept bids for 2026 road work this summer season. Town chairman George DeMet presented the bids to the board one at a time, saying he had reviewed them with the town’s road department superintendent Scott Baasch.
It’s tick season now: How to keep them off you and early signs of tick-borne disease
The snow is gone, the weather is warmer and ticks are back! They seem to be everywhere in the woods and the tiny vampires are just waiting to suck the blood of anything that walks by. Unfortunately, with tick bites also comes risk for tick-borne illness, the most notable being Lyme disease.
Lake Tomahawk asks county to shift RV‑shop permit to CUP after resident pushback
Property’s recreational zoning needs only an ARP, but neighbors want deeper scrutiny
The Lake Tomahawk town board on May 13 didn’t recommend approval of an administrative review permit (ARP) application, but instead agreed to send it to the county to see if it should be a conditional use permit (CUP) application.
North Lakeland School board renews health insurance plan with 9% increase
The North Lakeland School board of education agreed to renew the district’s employee health insurance plan during a meeting on May 11. According to district administrator and principal Brent Jelinski, the total cost of the district’s health insurance premiums totals $507,195.
MHLT to convert summer school to community education
Move could save money for district, offer more opportunities
The Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk School (MHLT) board of education agreed during its May 14 meeting to broaden its summer school program and offer a community education program in its place.
St. Germain man convicted of homicide by negligent operation avoids jail time
Victim’s family speaks on behalf of defendant, the two were said to be like brothers
A St. Germain man who pleaded guilty on Feb. 27 to homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and operating with a restricted controlled substance avoided time behind bars when Vilas County judge Daniel Overbey made his ruling in the case on May 11.
Hazelhurst to address Lake Katherine boat launch issue
Cushing: boats used for installing piers and more ‘kind of ruined our boat landing’
The Hazelhurst town board heard during its meeting on May 12 the town’s boat launch at Lake Katherine is being torn apart and town chairman Ted Cushing told The Lakeland Times the board plans to address that at its next meeting.
Manitowish Waters board approves amended NEMSD agreement chairman was pushing
NEMSD president confronts board, says he feels Hanson wants changes because he didn’t get his way
The Manitowish Waters town board approved, with a 2-1 vote, an amended copy of the inter-municipal agreement between the four towns part of the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) during its May 12 meeting.
Presque Isle signs off on bids for culvert repairs and road work while wake‑rule debate resurfaces
The Presque Isle town board agreed to send out road bids at its May 7 meeting. Town chairman Al Eschenbauch recited the bids the town’s road crew requested be addressed.
Presque Isle town chairman comments on NEMSD budget rift
Eschenbauch calls for special board meeting with town’s rep and district’s chief
Presque Isle town chairman Al Eschenbauch went over “procedures” for the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) during a May 7 meeting. He said the services the NEMSD offers are working “real well.”
Northwoods EMS District recognized by American Heart Association
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) has been recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA). The NEMSD was honored with the Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Achievement Award for providing “high-quality, life-saving care for patients experiencing heart attacks and strokes.”
LUHS music has big showing at state solo and ensemble
Richter feels music department is getting stronger every year
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) had a big showing at the Wisconsin School Music Association’s (WSMA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival in Steven Point on May 2. LUHS band director Bill Richter said the school sent six large band ensembles, one vocal quartet, one vocal duet and 19 soloists — in all, over 60 students from the Lakeland area participated.
Anglers take to Northwoods lakes for 2026-27 fishing opener
Report: Mixed bag
The state’s fishing opener on Saturday, May 2, saw a mixed bag of results. Some anglers reported to local sports shops they experienced difficulty, while others said they had success. Kurt Justice, local guide and owner of Kurt’s Island Sports Shop in Minocqua, said walleye fishing success depended on where anglers were.
State files suit against LdF Tribe for restricting non-tribal member anglers on reservation lakes
Federal court halts enforcement of tribe’s regulations day before opener
The state of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians because of fishing regulations the tribe enacted which disallow non-tribal members from targeting walleyes and muskies on nearly 20 lakes within the reservation and banning non-tribal members from using forward trolling and forward facing sonar on all lakes within the reservation.
MHLT board amps up talk of referendum next year
Board says money issues are beyond its control, Smudde warns larger cuts if nothing’s done
The Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk School (MHLT) board of education confronted the inevitability of going to referendum this next year at its April 29 meeting. At the same time, the board approved contract renewals for services such as food service, custodial service and health insurance. It also approved end of year Chromebook purchases for roughly $125,000.
Metrich reflects on last year’s state pheasant stamp win
Lake Tomahawk native talks about his favorite paintings, creative process and more
If you like to hunt pheasants in Wisconsin or are just a collector of stamps, this year’s state pheasant stamp through the Department of Natural Resources features artwork from one of Lakeland’s very own, Caleb Metrich.
LUHS approves 9% health insurance increase, passes off-agenda dental plan for employees
The Lakeland Union High School board of education agreed to approve employee health and dental insurance plans during an April 27 meeting. While the item of health insurance was properly listed on the agenda, the item of dental insurance wasn’t on the agenda at all. The board’s discussion, at times, appeared to generally be about the district’s employee compensation package and wasn’t limited solely to the actual agenda item of health insurance.
Boulder Junction appoints town chairman to EMS district board
Board also agrees to adopt new bylaws, but will wait to see if anymore changes are proposed
The Boulder Junction town board agreed at its April 28 meeting to appoint town chairman Dennis Reuss to the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) board of directors. Reuss said the town’s current representative on the board, Dan Wahlgren, is “retiring from the board.”
St. Germain man charged with possession of child pornography
A St. Germain man is alleged to have been in possession of child pornography and is being charged in Vilas County Court with a class D felony. Eric Williams, 33, was booked into jail on April 22 and, according to court records, a cash bond was set by judge Daniel Overbey for $15,000 with the condition of no internet access on any device.
Minocqua electors authorize raise for chairman, clerk
Increased pay makes up for multiple years of no increases; won’t take effect until after April 2027
Minocqua electors at the town’s April 24 annual meeting authorized pay raises for the town chairman and clerk positions that go into effect after next year’s elections. Town supervisor Brian Fricke first mentioned giving raises to town chairman Mark Hartzheim and town clerk Roben Haggart.
Hazelhurst agrees on 7% pay increase for clerk
Cushing highlights electors for authorizing increase to levy last year
Hazelhurst electors decided to authorize a 7 percent pay increase for town clerk Christy Myshchyshyn during the town’s annual meeting on April 21. Town chairman Ted Cushing said the position hasn’t seen a pay increase in three years.
Minocqua accepts donation of an all‑terrain rescue vehicle
Six‑wheel, winter‑ready UTV aims to speed emergency response in hard‑to‑reach areas
The Minocqua town board during an April 21 meeting agreed to accept a donation from the Howard Young Foundation (HYF) to purchase a utility task vehicle (UTV) that will be used by the town’s fire department for emergency purposes in remote areas.
All areas of town reported on at Manitowish Waters annual meeting
The Manitowish Waters annual town meeting was held on April 21. While anything can be brought up by those in attendance and voted on collectively, that wasn’t so, but regardless, those who attended the meeting heard reports on the town’s operation.
Minocqua town board hears wake boat guidance and education proposal
No action taken by the board, but members were receptive to idea
The Minocqua/Kawaguesaga Lakes Protection Association (MKLPA) president Steve Beckwith presented the Minocqua town board with recommended designated areas for wake boat activity on the chain during a meeting on April 21.
Snowmobile season proves better business in the Northwoods
Sorgel: ‘Nothing but positive feedback (from businesses)’
Area businesses were relieved when snow came to the area around Thanksgiving last year and signaled what would end up being a more normal winter that was able to allow snowmobilers to ride all season long. There was little snow the prior two winters and the trails didn’t even open up for the 2024-25 season.
LdF Tribe adds lakes to walleye, musky non-members fishing ban
Tribe also eliminates use of forward facing sonar by non-members on all lakes within reservation
The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians announced on April 16 it was adding lakes to the list it originally announced March 30 that non-tribal members aren’t allowed to fish walleyes and muskies on.
Presque Isle town supervisor suggests having AI policy
Presque Isle town supervisor Cathy Logan Weber presented the idea of having an artificial intelligence (AI) policy to the town board during an April 16 meeting. She brought a draft to the meeting she said she used AI to create. Weber said town clerk Lori Thomas and her had taken a class with UW-Extension and the Wisconsin Towns Association on AI and how to use it.
Manitowish Waters town board hires water patrol officer
Board also agrees to lower fees associated with enhanced wake ordinance, but extend time of 1st offense reset
The Manitowish Waters town board at its April 14 meeting agreed to hire an additional water patrol officer for the upcoming boating season as well as lower the fees associated with enhanced wake violations. Water patrol administrator Dan Perry said there had been two applications submitted for the position.
Hazelhurst creates plan to fill treasurer position
Cushing: ‘We’re going to miss her’
Hazelhurst town treasurer Carla Murdoff passed away March 29 and the town board discussed what it will need to do to fill the vacancy during an April 14 town board meeting. Town clerk Christy Myschchyshyn said there have been three people who expressed interest to her about being the next treasurer.
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