LUHS board chooses school board association for administrator search
Facilities committee formally approved
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education on Monday decided to go with the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) to conduct its district administrator search. The decision to go with WASB over CESA 12 and Howard, Young, Attea (HYA) Associates came after a closed session discussion at the end of the board’s regular monthly meeting.
14-year-old gets his biggest buck yet
The Smuddes reflect on their successful youth hunt this year
Lakeland area youth Drake Smudde, 14, is no stranger to putting bucks on the wall. In fact, this year during the state’s youth hunt, Oct. 5-6, he harvested his biggest buck yet — a nice, healthy 8-pointer.
Kramer has a ‘blast’ while being guided to monster buck
Kramer: Forest of Antlers was ‘totally accommodating to my disability’
Jim Kramer, 48, was given a guided hunt by his uncle Chuck Kramer after Chuck won an auction attending the Minocqua Lions Club Sportsman’s Night on Oct. 10.
Lakeland STAR welcomes special guest speaker
Magro encourages students to specialize in their interests, advocates against bullying
The Lakeland STAR School/Academy welcomed a special guest speaker on Nov. 14. Kerry Magro is an award winning speaker and is on the autism spectrum himself. He’s well-accomplished in his professional life and emphasized to the students he spoke with to find a way to specialize in their interests He also encouraged them to research their disabilities.
Lake Tomahawk board approves boat signs and cleaning equipment
2025 budget and tax levy also adopted
The Lake Tomahawk town board adopted a resolution at its Nov. 13 meeting to enter into a land use agreement with Tomahawk Lake Association so two signs can be erected at the Tomahawk Lake boat landing near downtown along with boat cleaning tools.
Minocqua town clerk accepts statewide award for government transparency
Haggart: ‘It was nice to be appreciated’
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) awarded Minocqua town clerk Roben Haggart with its Sunshine in Government Award during a ceremony at the Madison Club in downtown Madison on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Benbenek decides to serve as interim police chief in Minocqua
Town board met Wednesday to start finding Jaeger’s replacement
The plan was to have lieutenant Jason Benbenek succeed Minocqua police chief Dave Jaeger once Jaeger retires at the start of 2025.
Minocqua town board reserves liquor license for proposed wine lounge
The Brills look to bring high-end establishment to old Ann Marie’s building
The Minocqua town board at its Nov. 6 meeting agreed to reserve a $10,000 liquor license for a potential wine lounge; the name of the establishment being planned to be called The Sapphire Lounge.
LUHS board gets three proposals for district administrator search
Kolden updates board on facilities task team, says committee should be diverse
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education on Monday listened to three different presentations during its committee of the whole meeting from firms or organizations willing to help the district in its search for a new district administrator.
Presque Isle town supervisor takes issue with $5,000 bill
Weber asserts board agreed not to spend ‘another penny more’ on computers investigation
Before the Presque Isle town board’s Nov. 7 meeting adjourned, town supervisor Carl Wolter made a motion to approve 48 voucher payments. Town supervisor Cathy Logan Weber asked about one of the vouchers.
Minocqua town board approves pond hockey request
Rocky Reef to resubmit retail permit for events’ official beer
The Minocqua town board at its Nov. 6 meeting approved a request by Will Jeffery and American Pond Hockey to use town facilities of the Aqua Bowl and parking lot of the Campanile Center for the Arts two weekends, Feb. 7-8 and Feb. 14-15, for a total of $800.
LUHS’ Ernst sings with state honors concert for third straight year
AV-W’s Thielman plays french horn at state honors middle-level band
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) senior Ada Ernst performed at the Overture Center in Madison with the state honors choir on Oct. 24. This was the third time in a row Ernst was recognized statewide for her singing and LUHS music teacher Briannah Wanca indicated that’s a rare feat.
Alleged deer poaching near Sugar Camp results in two arrests
Case still being investigated by Oneida County Sheriff’s Office
Deputies with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an alleged deer poaching near the town of Sugar Camp in the early morning hours of Oct. 19. Deputy Walker Hartman and deputy Ian Conkey were notified by dispatch of the incident just before 4 a.m. after the reporting party indicated he saw someone take a shot with a light out of a black pickup truck.
New rural health care network and non-profit to be introduced in Winchester Nov. 13
Peterson: ‘We want to increase the efficiency of the health care system here’
There’s a meeting scheduled for Nov. 13 to introduce a new health care network referred to as the Gogebic Iron Vilas Network (GIVN). The meeting is planned to take place at the Winchester town hall and some of those expected to speak are Dan Peterson, Richard Logan and Jason Joling, among others.
Two LUHS seniors compete at state cross country meet
Hartzheim: ‘We will miss both of these athletes tremendously’
Lakeland Union High School seniors Ashton Bremer and Stella Meza competed at State Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country Championships at the Ridges Golf Course in Wisconsin Rapids on Nov. 2.
MHLT sets tax levy, budget for fiscal year 2025
Ellis hopes district’s enrollment can rebound
The Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk School board of education set the district’s tax levy and budget for this fiscal year following a budget hearing and an annual meeting on Oct. 30.
Four-town EMS district finalizes its first budget
Towns to present budget to taxpayers, get authorization for each appropriation
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) finalized its 2025 budget during an Oct. 30 meeting, which lasted roughly three hours.
LUHS board appoints Justice to fill Carroll’s seat
Board full again at nine members
Kurt Justice is the newest member of Lakeland Union High School’s (LUHS) board of education. He was sworn in by board member Heidi Fink during an Oct. 28 meeting, following the district’s budget hearing and annual meeting.
Manitowish Waters bike trail extension gets underway
1.5-mile trail set to run from Powell Road to Manitowish and Deer Path roads
Construction has begun for a bike trail extension in Manitowish Waters. The trail, which has been a project for roughly almost two years now, runs along U.S. Highway 51 from Powell Road to Manitowish and Deer Path roads.
LUHS board to consider ‘facilties task team’
District’s 2025 budget approved, includes tax levy of $12,451,366
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education on Monday was introduced by interim district administrator Steven Kolden to the idea of creating a “facilities task team,” which would include not only board members, but community members and school staff.
Let’s Minocqua awards $43,000 in grants to enhance community tourism draw
A mix of public, non-profit and business entities are 2024 recipients
The Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau announced Oct. 22 five entities were awarded grants through its Room Tax Grant allocation program. “Successful awardees demonstrated that they would be utilizing funds for tourism development and promotion in the Minocqua area,” the Let’s Minocqua press release said.
‘The Mikinaak’ sets sail in Lac du Flambeau, wrapping two-year school project
Dugout canoe was first for Valliere; it will be displayed in the school moving forward
Almost all the students at Lac du Flambeau Public School played a role over the last two years in helping Ojibwe language teacher Wayne Valliere build a dugout canoe. The project reached its peak when students gathered at the Thorofare and Fence Lake boat launch area on Tuesday, Oct. 15, to see the boat set sail.
Minocqua town clerk to receive statewide award for government transparency
Walker: ‘Every once in a while a clerk comes along whose work is stellar and deserving of recognition’
The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) announced on Oct. 18 that its Sunshine in Government Award, which was introduced by the WNA Board of Directors in 2022, will go to Minocqua town clerk Roben Haggart.
Dr. Brusch and physical medicine and rehabilitation
Different pains that sometimes seem to come out of nowhere in the neck or back, or even sometimes a person’s hips or knees can be serious. Those types of nerve or muscle related injuries can greatly decrease a person’s quality of life.
Woodruff town board considers stop signs on Spruce Street
Board decides to remove one near the road’s intersection with 4th Avenue
The Woodruff town board at its Tuesday meeting agreed to take steps to eliminate a stop sign on Spruce Street where the road intersects with 4th Avenue. All stop signs were considered by the board throughout the discussion, though, and it was agreed that the stop sign at the intersection of Spruce Street and Chestnut Street should stay.
MHLT school board gets update on superintendent search
Ellis shares ‘3rd Friday Count’ and predicts referendum in year or two
The Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school district’s board received an update on its superintendent search from Scott Winch of Hazard, Young, Attea and Associates (HYAA) during a meeting on Monday.
Presque Isle town board gives nod to move forward on boat cleaning equipment grant
Weber wants to make sure town checks all its boxes legally
The Presque Isle town board agreed to pass a resolution in order to apply for a state grant and get funding for “portable boat cleaning equipment” at its Oct. 17 meeting. What was originally referred to as a boat wash is now being referred to as boat cleaning equipment because, according to Otto Novak and others at the meeting, that’s a more accurate description.
WinMan ready to develop property to host its visitors
Non-profit’s hope is to start taking reservations fall of next year
WinMan Trails, between Winchester and Manitowish Waters near Highway W, is set to expand everything it already has to offer. The non-profit trail system, which hosts hikers, bikers, skiers and more year-round, recently announced its plans to develop on-site lodging “to enhance trail experiences and create a sustainable revenue stream for maintenance and growth.”
LUHS board to consider three firms in district administrator search
Kolden: District going to referendum in 2025 seems unlikely based on board’s discussion
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education on Monday discussed its next steps in the process of finding a new district administrator, a position currently occupied by former Colby school district administrator Steven Kolden.
Chimney fire in Winchester Tuesday
A structure fire in Winchester on Tuesday made its way from the chimney of a building to its attic. A structure fire in Winchester on Tuesday made its way from the chimney of a building to its attic.
North Lakeland school board hears transportation update
Consortium’s bus contract in its final year
The North Lakeland school board Monday received an update by superintendent Brent Jelinski with regard to the district’s transportation situation. Jelinski told The Lakeland Times Tuesday the update noted the “continued lack of drivers” which results in the district having to continue to limit extracurricular routes it may have been able to offer in the past.
Manitowish Waters referendum will decide if board can appoint clerk/treasurer
Hilbert to retire in December; election would require her replacement to be resident
There were only two people from the public who attended the Oct. 10 Manitowish Waters town board meeting, where the board explained the reason for the referendum question that will be on the town’s Nov. 5 ballot. The resolution to place the question on the ballot was passed by the board earlier this summer.
Crescent town board to form enhanced wake committee
Appointments to come at November meeting, Jensen says hope is to have recommendation by ice-out
The Crescent town board has decided this summer to take up the issue of enhanced wakes and possibly create an ordinance to regulate them. No action was taken at the board’s Oct. 9 meeting, but the item of forming an enhanced wake ad hoc committee was on the agenda.
Movie Review: ‘Gladiator’: A tale of power, vengeance and family
‘Gladiator II’ coming to theaters next month
It’s been 24 years since Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” was released to the masses and enjoyed by so many. Friends of mine have told me “Gladiator,” which stars Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix, is their favorite movie. You see references to certain scenes in pop culture often (“Are you not entertained?”).
Presque Isle town board inches closer to making financial audit a reality
Town boat wash expected to be on upcoming agenda again
The Presque Isle town board decided the town’s finances need an audit, which, according to what town officials have indicated in the past, is typical after elections. Though having an audit done has been talked about for awhile, one still hasn’t happened.
Minocqua plan commission talks parking for tattoo studio relocation
The Minocqua plan commission, at its Oct. 8 meeting, approved an administrative review permit (ARP) application submitted by Megan Hunt and business owner Bella Trova LLC in order for a downtown tattoo studio to move north to the Boardwalk Shoppes off of U.S. Highway 51 near Rodgers Drive.
Hazelhurst town board considers beach repairs, hot mix trailer
Cushing comments on town’s budget, hints at asking electors for tax levy increase in future
The Hazelhurst town board reviewed a request by a resident at its meeting on Tuesday with regard to making repairs at the Lake Katherine beach. The board discussion was roughly five minutes and no decisions were made.
Oneida BOA postpones Yacht Club appeal
Business being asked by planning and zoning to remove bar from its boathouse
The Oneida County board of adjustment (BOA) decided to postpone a public hearing and vote on an appeal filed by Minocqua Hospitality Holdings LLC, which includes the Yacht Club, during an Oct. 3 meeting as it relates to the business’s zoning permits and its boathouse.
Presque Isle town board approves NEMSD funding
The Presque Isle town board on Oct. 3 agreed to accept the Northwoods Emergency Medical Service District’s (NEMSD) budget as proposed. The cost to the town will be $469,000 for 2025. NEMSD is a consolidated four-town emergency medical services district between the towns’ volunteer services of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle and Winchester. As it has begun to get up and running, its board of directors are entering one of the district’s first actual budget years and have requested funding from each of the towns involved.
Beef-A-Rama steaks its claim as Minocqua’s hottest event
Wrap-up meeting at month’s end will consider Beef-A-Rama’s 60-year milestone and beyond
Beef-A-Rama was yet another success for the Island City. The 59th edition of the event wrapped up after event-goers spent a warm fall day in the sun, listening to music, enjoying drinks and, of course, eating plenty of beef.
Gunpower and Lead
Mother-daughter bear hunt ends on high note
You hear a lot of times about father-son hunts, but not too often do you hear stories of mother-daughter hunts. Recently, on Sept. 22 in Minocqua, Balie Strasburg and her 12-year-old daughter Tess undertook an 11-day bear hunt and endured many ups and downs.
Back-to-back Bucks
An early bow-season whitetail comes right after a dandy mule deer
Trig Solberg doesn’t miss a shot often, and he proved that much recently when he nailed two nice bucks within a week last month. His first buck came in South Dakota on a Monday when he was hunting mule deer. Later in the week on Saturday, once he returned home to the Northwoods, he put down a 7-year-old whitetail he’s seen on his trail cam from when it was just a young buck.
Minocqua plan commission forwards two land divisions to town board
The Minocqua plan commission recommended to the town board approvals of two certified survey maps (CSM) during a Sept. 24 meeting. The first CSM was for lands owned by Jansen Real Estate Investment Limited Partnership and the application was submitted by Maines and Associates. The land division is at 7905 South Jansen Road and near Squirrel Lake.
Boulder Junction town board gives 100 year anniversary committee go-ahead
The Boulder Junction town board at its Sept. 24 meeting agreed to form a planning committee to help orchestrate the town’s 100-year celebration in 2027.
High food prices are here to stay, although USDA expects price increases to be less drastic
Independent grocers struggle with rising costs and razor-thin margins
Food prices have been rising rather quickly in the last five years since 2019. In fact, in 2022, and according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), food prices grew at the fastest rate since 1979, which was an overall increase of 9.9 percent.
Trial for MHLT teacher allegedly possessing child pornography rescheduled for 2025
A former fourth-grade math teacher with the Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk school district was first set to stand trial next month in Vilas County court, but what’s expected to be a three-day jury trial has since been rescheduled for Feb. 18-20, 2025.
Vilas supervisor asks Presque Isle board to rescind Winchester ATV/UTV request
In June, the Presque Isle town board, on a 2-1 vote, agreed to send a request to Vilas County for the opening of county highways W and J in Winchester for all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility task vehicle (UTV) use.
NEMSD continues to sort out facility situations as district is in beginning stages
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) board of directors met Monday to discuss temporary housing for staff and potential construction sites and plans of a permanent facility.
LUHS district administrator search to begin
Finding a permanent district administrator will cost money and take time
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education members, during a meeting Monday, requested interim district administrator Dr. Steven Kolden bring three search firm options to its next meeting in order to make a decision and get the process of hiring a new district administrator underway.
Massey reviews active shooter false alarm at board meeting
Principal also recaps Sept. 11 community meeting with parents
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) principal Levi Massey shared with the board of education at its Monday meeting a review of an active shooter false alarm, which abruptly caused panic among the community and drew over 40 law enforcement officers to the campus on Sept. 6.
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