Fifield town board announces recall election
Sloane: ‘Do you believe that this was the right thing to do?’
Fifield town supervisor John Smith made a motion during a special meeting on Monday to “proceed with (a) recall election” with regard to town supervisor Ann Sloane’s seat, which was seconded by town chairman Bill Felch, though a call for the vote never occurred.
Carroll resigns from LUHS board of education
Board continues discussion of downsizing from nine members
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education member Pamela Carroll resigned from her Woodruff J1 area seat on the board. Her resignation went into effect July 1 and the board, “with regret,” acknowledged her resignation at its meeting on Monday.
Election date set for recall of Fifield town supervisor
Town clerk certified 187 of 196 signatures, only 139 were needed
A recall election date of Aug. 27 has been set to determine if Fifield town supervisor Ann Sloane will be voted off of the town board.
Fifield town board forwards situation involving Sloane’s husband to attorney
Fifield town supervisor John Smith confirmed with The Lakeland Times July 18, the town board, at its July 16 meeting, discussed in closed session another situation involving Mike Sloane, Pike Lake first responder and husband of town supervisor Ann Sloane.
MacLean’s PITLC overhaul attempt hits pause
Board tables discussion, advances draft committee ordinance to ordinance committee
The Presque Isle town board again postponed any decision with regard to the Presque Isle town lakes committee (PITLC), otherwise known as the aquatic invasive species and lake studies committee.
Dr. Thatcher and tick-borne illness
Part 2 of a series with HYMC
Ticks are everywhere in the Northwoods. While lyme disease is the most popular tick-borne illness people hear about, there are a number of others a person can contract from tick bites — from anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-spread illness in Wisconsin, to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a less common illness for people in Wisconsin yet one of the most serious.
Northwoods lawmakers, sheriffs react to Trump assassination attempt
Former President Donald Trump was nearly shot dead on July 13 in the midst of a campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, just north of Pittsburgh.
MHLT superintendent comments on retention
Parent claims there’s a ‘toxic environment’
Minocqua Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) School superintendent Dr. Jim Ellis, in his report to the board of education during a meeting on Monday, commented on an evolving issue regarding retention of the district’s employees.
Wake ordinance committee created by Manitowish Waters town board
Six-member committee tasked with developing recommendation
The Manitowish Waters town board on July 9 agreed to create a six-member committee in order to develop an enhanced wake ordinance. Members of the committee, according to members of the board, are split evenly with regard to their feelings on the matter — meaning three of the members are wake boat advocates and the other three members oppose what’s been referred to as hazardous wakes those types of boats produce.
Pickleballers serve up trouble in Hazelhurst
Court crackdown costs town
Hazelhurst town chairman Ted Cushing said there’s an issue between pickleball and tennis players in town currently.
Minocqua plan commission approves permit for Ripco Credit Union
3 lot land division sparks forestry 1A zoning discussion
The Minocqua plan commission on Tuesday approved a sign permit application submitted by Don Kuechler and Real Estate Ent., LLC in order to display the logo of Ripco Credit Union, which will be housed in the strip mall building at 8744 U.S. Highway 51 and adjacent to Domino’s Pizza.
LUHS asking for community input to help paint a ‘Portrait of a Graduate’
Administration looks to develop vision statement to guide decision-making and help students succeed
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) administrators, until July 19, are seeking input from the community in order to develop an idea of characteristics and skill sets students should have upon their completion at LUHS.
Snowhawks provide the fireworks in walk-off win over Chicago All-Stars
Morien’s two-out, ninth-inning hit propels Lake Tomahawk to dramatic, come-from-behind victory
The Lake Tomahawk Snowhawks beat the Chicago All-Stars for the second straight year, which is a matchup traditionally played on the Fourth of July.
Presque Isle town board continues debate over town lakes committee
PITLC stays with two-members for now
The Presque Isle town board at its July 2 meeting continued to debate what to do, if anything, with the Presque Isle town lakes committee (PITLC).
Kleinschmidt provides update on Fifield town supervisor recall effort
Board continues facing questions regarding June 26, 2023 incident
Fifield deputy town clerk Kelly Kleinschmidt at the town board’s July 2 meeting briefly spoke to the recall effort of town supervisor Ann Sloane.
Dr. Jast and family medicine
It’s no secret that health care is struggling, especially in rural Wisconsin. In rural communities, health care facilities play extremely important roles.
Fifield town supervisor will challenge recall petition
Sloane’s attorney: Ebert checked wrong box, reasons given for recall are ‘vague’
Fifield town supervisor Ann Sloane has filed a challenge to the petition to recall her which was submitted to town clerk Cystal Cowling and deputy town clerk Kelly Kleinschmidt at the beginning of a June 18 town board meeting.
Lakeland local lands 52-inch musky
Sauvola hopes to catch another one, but feels it’s a fish of a lifetime
Northwoods-native Tyler Sauvola landed a monster 52-inch musky on his first cast recently.
LUHS board OKs $38,280 cybersecurity package post-hack
Unanimous vote bolsters district’s cybersecurity, recognizing the growing complexity of digital threats
The Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education agreed for the district to purchase a cybersecurity package for a total of $38,280.
Woodruff town board authorizes Timmons to accept 2024 road bids
The Woodruff town board at its June 25 meeting authorized town chairman Mike Timmons to accept three road work bids for 2024 after town road chief Dave Meier and him review them.
Minocqua plan commission approves 12-lot county plat land division
The Minocqua plan commission on June 25 recommended approval to the town board of a preliminary 12-lot county plat and two-outlot county plat of land off of Cator Drive, near State Highway 70 west.
Hunt resigns from LUHS board of education
Massey provides end of school year data, including 98% graduation rate
Lakeland Union High School (LUHS) board of education member Ann Hunt resigned from her at-large seat on the board. The board “regretfully” accepted the resignation of Hunt during its meeting on Monday.
Lakeland pilot offers inside look on flight instruction
Lakeland Airport spotlights services during fly-in, communicates Lakeland Aviation’s dedication to the community
Lakeland Airport in Arbor Vitae was on full display June 20 when it hosted a hamburger social fly-in event for the second year in a row.
Recall petition for Fifield town supervisor submitted again
Town clerks: Sloane has 10 days to challenge, election date will be set once certified
Fifield resident David Ebert submitted a recall petition with 197 signatures to town clerk Crystal Cowling and deputy town clerk Kelly Kleinschmidt at the outset of a June 18 town board meeting.
Presque Isle town board approves amendment to wake ordinance for Oxbow Lake
Amendment now heads to town’s attorney and DNR for review
The Presque Isle town board, during a June 20 meeting lasting over three hours, agreed by a vote of 2-1 to amend its wake ordinance, ordinance 507, in order to eliminate an original “carveout” of Oxbow Lake, but first have it reviewed by town attorney Steve Garbowicz and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Town chairman John MacLean was the dissenting vote.
MHLT board tackles controversy over same-sex relationship books read to 3rd-graders
Committee of whole may be formed, staff retention becoming an issue
At a Monday meeting, the Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) elementary school district’s board of education discussed a situation involving two books dealing with same-sex relationships recently read to a third-grade class.
MHLT school board accepts superintendent resignation
Ellis: ‘I have many great memories of working here’
Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school district superintendent Dr. Jim Ellis submitted his letter of resignation on June 13.
Manitowish Waters town board talks ATVs/UTVs again after Times article alleges open meetings violation
Hajt questions outcome if survey results come back in favor
The Manitowish Waters town board had all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) being allowed on town roads again on its meeting agenda for June 11.
Lake Tomahawk residents disagree with board on buoys being placed on North Two Lakes
Proposed CUP for ‘Garden Lodge’ near Larken Road gets denied
On June 12, the Lake Tomahawk town board agreed to create an ordinance for placing slow-no-wake buoys in a bay on North Two Lakes.
Manitowish Waters town board continues ‘excessive wake’ discussion
Committee meetings between both sides to continue, public can sign up for survey at town’s website
Manitowish Waters town chairman John Hanson and town supervisor Lynn Schroeder decided to hold off on making any decisions with regard to a possible draft ordinance addressing “excessive wake” during a June 11 meeting.
Controversy arises over same-sex relationship books read to MHLT third-graders
Situation will likely be discussed at a future board meeting
Parents of third-grade students in the Minocqua-Hazelhurst-Lake Tomahawk (MHLT) school district contacted The Lakeland Times after discovering that two books addressing same-sex relationships were read to their children.
Presque Isle town board tackles committee issue head-on
Lakes committee left with two members for now
During the June 5 Presque Isle town board meeting, town chairman John MacLean brought forth to the board his committee appointments to be approved.
Presque Isle town board agrees to send joint Papoose Lake ordinance to DNR
Board also agrees to send letter to county to open Winchester road up to ATV/UTV use
Paul Lewandoski, who presented a similar ordinance to the Winchester town board on June 3, presented the Presque Isle town board with an ordinance to regulate hazardous wakes on Papoose Lake during a June 5 meeting. The two ordinances make a joint ordinance between the towns, not the first of its kind, and is being referred to as subchapter 508.
Presque Isle town supervisors question $1,300 bill from attorney
Weber suggests MacLean pay it
The Presque Isle town board agreed to hire accountant and attorney Fritz Schellgell during a meeting last November in order for him to assist with the town’s budget, which town chairman John MacLean at the time indicated was lacking due to an election appeal that took him off the board for roughly six months.
Seminar focusing on state’s electoral process held in Woodruff
Voters urged to know their local clerks, understand how elections work
Keep Our Republic (KOR), a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit, conducted a community engagement seminar in Woodruff on June 7. The organization, which focuses on the integrity of the electoral system and educating citizens about threats to democratic values, stated it aims to safeguard the republic for future generations.
Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau hires new sports and group travel director
Hulett excited to work in Lakeland area
The Let’s Minocqua Visitors Bureau recently hired a new sports and group travel director.
Winchester town board rescinds one wake ordinance, forwards joint one to DNR
Board continues to be questioned about enforcement
The Winchester town board on Monday during a meeting discussed briefly three different items pertaining to hazardous wake and ordinances to regulate it on town lakes.
NEMSD provides update on search for service directors
Hanson feels formation of four-town EMS has been going better than expected
The Northwoods Emergency Medical Services District (NEMSD) is in the process of hiring a service director, or two service directors, to operate the newly formed district comprising the four northwest Vilas County towns of Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters, Presque Isle and Winchester.
Minocqua plan commission approves permit for makeup tattoo studio
Plan commission also approves two tourist rooming houses, one within single family zoning
The Minocqua plan commission Tuesday approved an administrative review permit (ARP) submitted by applicant Kelsey Hinterleinter for a makeup tattoo studio to operate in an existing commercial building at 8532 U.S. Highway 51 — business space in what’s referred to as the Boardwalk Shoppes.
STAR students shine bright for Temple Grandin
Grandin stresses trades and importance of students learning through work at young age
Dr. Temple Grandin had a packed day on Friday, May 24, when she took tours and met with students and staff of STAR School/Academy, the school’s PAES Lab, Rising STAR Transition Center and more.
Temple Grandin rides into Winchester and leaves lasting impact
Grandin: ‘It’s the little people who get things done’
Dr. Temple Grandin spent Thursday, May 23, at the Scholl Community Impact Group.
Presque Isle town lakes committee wonders what its status is
Williams mentions plan to solicit donations among lake associations to supplement town legal fees if sued
The Presque Isle town lakes committee (PITLC) met May 21 and discussed a couple of items with regard to a wake ordinance the town board agreed to adopt at its May 16 meeting, and also took a stance on its status while referring to an announcement town chairman John MacLean made May 2 which called for all town committee activities to cease until appointed with new members.
Ever hear the story of the 102-pound musky netted in Lake Minocqua more than 100 years ago?
Beware! These waters are infested with musky
People have heard of Jaws, the shark that terrorized the waters of the Jersey Shore and said to be over 25 feet in length. Or there’s the Loch Ness monster, a legendary creature from Scotland said to have bit a swimmer in 565 AD and believed to be over 20 feet as well. But has anyone ever heard of the 102-pound musky referred to as the “Loch Ness monster of the North?”
Year three stocking efforts on Minocqua chain a success for Walleyes for Tomorrow
The Walleyes for Tomorrow Headwaters Chapter’s efforts on the Minocqua chain this year were successful. The volunteer-based group was able to stock the chain with the most fry yet, as it’s estimated 3.5 to 3.9 million just hatched fish were released into the waters.
LUHS has 25 resignations and retirements, Smudde says available housing an issue
Administration gets go-ahead to hire additional assistant principal in place of dean of students
Lakeland Union High School’s (LUHS) board of education on Monday approved 15 resignations and four retirements.
Minocqua Antique and Classic Boat Show looking to make a splash for 33rd year
What’s become a staple event will be held June 14-15
The shores near Torpy Park will be overrun with an impressive display of antique, classic and newer wooden boats on Friday, June 14, and Saturday, June 15, when the Minocqua Antique and Classic Boat Show occurs for its 33rd year.
LUHS students engage in advocacy project
Teachers: Students wrote about issues that genuinely interest them
Some Lakeland Union High School students who took civics this year with teachers Jeremy Seehafer and Matt Roeder wrote letters to the editor.
Jopek Stetson awarded to newly enlisted cavalry soldiers in honor of Ryan Jopek
Specialist Marlee Strysiek gets the Jopek Stetson for ‘selfless dedication’ and ‘willingness to go above and beyond’
The Jopek Stetson is an award given annually to a newly enlisted member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 105th Cavalry Regiment.
Presque Isle approves controversial hazardous wake ordinance amid heated debate
Tensions flare over committee appointments in the aftermath of the ordinance’s passage
The Presque Isle town board on May 16 agreed to adopt ordinance 2024-1, subchapter 507 as submitted by the ordinance committee. The ordinance is with regard to regulating hazardous or enhanced wakes on town lakes and it’s been a contentious issue the town has been dealing with for the last few years.
Boulder Junction Shooting Range has plenty to offer
Club gets donation in memory of long-time member Mike Manske
The Boulder Junction Shooting Range is a non-profit organization working in cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources and is open to everyone. It’s occupied the land it sits on, 10449 Nebish Road, since 1975.