Dr. Kate Museum nominated for Governor’s Tourism Award
The Dr. Kate Museum has been nominated for a 2026 Governor’s Tourism Award in the category of Arts, Culture & Heritage. According to Travel Wisconsin, the Arts, Culture & Heritage category celebrates organizations or destinations showcasing “arts, culture or heritage to enhance the tourism experience and economic well-being of a community.” Last year’s winner of the award was the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Ice is firming up, caution still advised
Fishing should be good if pressure is low this weekend
While ice is still in its early stages of forming on area lakes, it’s getting to the point where people, in general, can ride snowmobiles and fish with less stress of falling through. However, anytime a person ventures onto hardwater, caution should be taken.
Price County snowmobile trails open
Delayed open due to brush cleanup and lack of snow
The Price County snowmobile trail system opened Dec. 24 at 8 a.m. Iron County trails were the first to be open on Dec. 9, followed by Oneida and Vilas county trails 10 days later.
Snowmy is back with a new hat and a different spot
Westfahl: ‘... he’s a winter spectacle that needs to be seen every year and when he’s not here, we’re a little bit sadder for it’
The once viral sensation and winter icon in Minocqua, Snowmy Kromer, a giant 35-foot snowman that dons his own custom Stormy Kromer hat (hence the name) is back for the first time in two years. Last week, Dec. 16-18, Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau president and CEO Krystal Westfahl and volunteers constructed the corn cob pipe smoking snowman at a new location, too — Torpy Park.
Oneida chair ‘totally against’ four-day highway department work week in winter
Cushing: Hwy. 70 issues kick-started ‘good movement’
Oneida County board chairman Scott Holewinski, for the second time in two weeks, attended the county board’s public works and solid waste committee meeting Dec. 18. He told The Lakeland Times on Dec. 19 one of the main reasons he went to the meeting was because of a significant work schedule change for highway department employees made four years ago that he doesn’t believe was made properly or in accordance with county code.
Boulder Junction town board to stick with Wahlgren as EMS district rep
The Boulder Junction town board at a Dec. 16 meeting agreed to reappoint Dan Wahlgren to the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD), a new ambulance service created between four northwest Vilas County towns and besides Boulder Junction, includes Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle and Winchester.
GLITC class teaches everyone how to butcher and can venison
Poupart: ‘Food sovereignty of not just growing food, but the harvesting of different things and preserving them’
A free class was held in Lac du Flambeau the weekend of Dec. 6-7, teaching people how to butcher a deer, properly prepare and can the meat and how to safely store it. The two-day class, at the Old Bingo Hall on Little Pines Road, was put on by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council’s (GLITC) food sovereignty program via Waabigwanii Gitigaanin Garden & Greenhouse.
Oneida County snowmobile trails open today
Vilas County parks and recreation supervisor would like to see more snow
The Oneida County snowmobile trail system opens today at noon. On Dec. 16, the county’s forestry, land and recreation department issued a public service announcement (PSA), after the snowmobile council voted that afternoon, warning that while the trails are set to open, all lake and river trails in the county are considered unsafe and dangerous until clearly marked by the snowmobile clubs.
Minocqua town board hires designer for Hwy. 51 off-road path south to Leary Road
Project isn’t final, town seeking TAP funding
The Minocqua town board at a Dec. 16 special meeting agreed to go with engineering firm Strand Associates to design a multi-use path to be constructed alongside U.S. Highway 51 from Manitou Park Drive to Leary Road. The project would use grant funding through the state Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).
LUHS looking to form new 5-year strategic plan
District seeking between 30 to 40 community members for task force
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) is asking the community for help with creating its new strategic plan for the district. On Dec. 15, it was posted on the LUHS Facebook page that the district was looking to select between 30 to 40 people to serve on a strategic planning task force.
Lake Tomahawk town board formally adopts 2026 budget
$75K set aside for community center upgrade
The Lake Tomahawk town board formally adopted its budget for the upcoming year. Town chairman George DeMet said there wasn’t much change to the budget, which has a property tax levy of $811,914 included, a 1.73 percent increase from the 2025 budget.
Newbold town board reviews enhanced wake ordinance
The Newbold town board at its Dec. 11 meeting reviewed an enhanced wake ordinance it enacted two years ago, which at the time, received overwhelming support from the public.
ATV/UTV survey on the horizon in Manitowish Waters
Town board agrees to help publicize informational meetings
The Manitowish Waters town board, during a Dec. 9 meeting, decided to table any decisions with regard to opening up Tower Road to all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and utility-task vehicle (UTV) use until the Northwoods UTV/ATV Club has had a chance to hold public informational meetings.
Manitowish Waters town chairman reappointed to EMS district board
Hanson says NEMSD is operating better than expected, but voices concerns with board members
Manitowish Waters town chairman John Hanson at a Dec. 9 town board meeting sought his reappointment to the Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) board of directors, but before he was reappointed, he indicated his reason for wanting to continue his work on that board was to straighten some things out.
North Lakeland School improvements project nears end
Final costs came in about $500,000 under budget, board approves ‘medium priority’ improvements
The North Lakeland School district spent significantly less than it expected to on a recent capital improvements project — which ranged from parking lot repairs and a full HVAC replacement to an electrical system upgrade — and additional funding will be used for even more improvements.
Hazelhurst town board adopts road for Bearskin access
Land gifted to town by DOT is part of larger land state is trying to auction off
The Hazelhurst town board at its Dec. 9 meeting adopted a road that will be off of U.S. Highway 51 north and titled Bearskin Trail Access Road. Town chairman Ted Cushing said three-plus years ago the town was approached by the state Department of Transportation (DOT) asking if the town would like roughly five acres south of Raven Lane to create an access road for the Bearskin Trail.
Eagle River man charged with 1st degree sexual assault of a child
An Eagle River man made an initial appearance in Vilas County court on Dec. 2 for being charged with first degree child sexual assault of a child under 16. Shawn M. Briscoe, 37, Eagle River, was alleged to have sexually assaulted a child on various occasions with the use of threat or force and violence over the course of multiple years, according to the criminal complaint.
Presque Isle town chairman: town is eligible for disaster funding
Board members also looking into cyber security grant funding and generator for community center
Presque Isle town chairman Al Eschenbauch informed the town board at its Dec. 4 meeting of the town’s disaster plan and possible funding it could be eligible for following the snow storm the week before.
The penny may be going away, but the World’s Largest Penny is here to stay
Shelter to be constructed, Dr. Kate Museum looking to renovate a piece of Lakeland history
The World’s Largest Penny in Woodruff, on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Hemlock Street, is iconic to the town of Woodruff and its history with Dr. Kate Newcomb, the “Angel on Snowshoes.”
Former Camp Jorn employee pleads guilty to neglecting child felony
A 29-year-old Mercer woman pleaded guilty to a class H felony of neglecting a child with the consequence of bodily harm during a court hearing on Dec. 1 in Vilas County court. According to court records, Alexis Engler, who was a preschool teacher at Camp Jorn in Manitowish Waters, knowingly and voluntarily waived her rights to a jury trial and entered the guilty plea.
Minocqua man pleads guilty in federal court to wire fraud and money laundering charges
Kromray’s conduct resulted in investors losing more than $800,000
A Minocqua man pled guilty on Nov. 7 in federal court to charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Chadwick M. Elgersma, attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Wisconsin, announced on Nov. 24 that Corey Kromray, 40, of Minocqua, entered the guilty pleas in court in Madison.
Park Falls death being investigated as homicide
More details coming ‘in the near future’
The Park Falls Police Department is leading an investigation after officers responded to the 1200 block of Saunders Avenue just before 9 p.m. and “found a deceased adult outside of the residence” on Nov. 24. The state Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Price County Sheriff's Office are assisting with the investigation as well.
Deer rescued from Lost Lake in St. Germain
While most of the time saving wild animals, especially in winter conditions, is difficult and unlikely, it worked out this time for St. Germain first responders and the deer they were able to save after it fell through thin ice on Dec. 2.
Three LUHS musicians hit high notes at state honors
Three Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) students were invited to participate in the Wisconsin School Music Association’s state honors band and choir performances in Madison last month. There were two freshmen, Haily Massignan on trombone and Claire Elbe on clarinet, who made the middle level state honors band. Junior Miranda Schneider made the high school honors choir.
Boulder Junction electors approve tax levy
Town’s total budget decreased by 8%, levy increased by less than 1%
Boulder Junction electors, during an annual town meeting of electors and following a budget hearing on Nov. 20, authorized the town board to adopt the town’s 2026 budget when they voted to approve this year’s levy increase.
Thoughts from deer camp on opening weekend
While my hunting adventures carry on without a buck in hand, I had a little time here at deer camp to provide a quick update. The day before gun season opened last Saturday, Nov. 22, I decided to go sit in the woods and see if I could still fill my bow tag. As luck would have it, an opportunity presented itself to me when the feet of a spike buck appeared 20 yards to my left at around 8 a.m.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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