News Staff Ashland school officials are demanding transparency regarding property tax funding for private school vouchers, arguing those public funds are benefiting private institutions. Superintendent Rob Prater stated that approximately $870,000 (11% of Ashland’s $7.8 million levy) funds vouchers for about 7% of its students. Leaders want the public to understand the program’s impact, especially after a … Read more
On Nov. 26, the Lake Superior Band of Chippewa hosted members of the University of Hawai’i Maui College to share knowledge on proper deer harvesting, tanning, and cultural practices. This exchange, led by Tribal Elder Wayne Valliere, repaid a favor to Ikaika Nakahashi, an ethnobotany lecturer, for annually hosting University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point students. The … Read more
An Eagle River man has been charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child under 16 and made an initial appearance in Vilas County court on Dec. 2. The criminal complaint alleges Shawn M. Briscoe, 37, sexually assaulted a child on multiple occasions over several years, using threat or force. Investigators were also told Briscoe … Read more
On December 2, Vilas County filed a lawsuit against R&N Real Estate Holdings, owned by Richard and Nick Trapp. The suit concerns unpermitted land clearing and the removal of topsoil near Arbor Vitae, an action that followed complaints from residents. The unauthorized clearing, which included heavy truck traffic associated with High Point Sand & Gravel, … Read more
Hours before Ashland’s annual Christmas tree lighting on Saturday, vandals damaged decorations at Pearson Plaza, slashing inflatables and Santa’s tent. TheDailyPress reports, undaunted, Community Events Director Jen Fanucci and a coworker quickly bought replacements. With resident help, they redecorated and strung lights on Santa’s house. Fanucci, initially “defeated,” ended the day “truly grateful.” Following the … Read more
Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Elementary, 15 miles from the Lac Du Flambeau reservation, recently hosted a student-led powwow, designed to foster cultural understanding. The school has hosted powwows in the past, but this year featured the school’s own brand new, handcrafted drum. After-school sessions were open to all students, teaching them Native culture, drumming, and songs honoring … Read more
A Glidden man, faces numerous sexual assault and child pornography charges across Ashland, Bayfield, and Douglas counties. TheDailyPress reports Jack McCarty, 27, allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl he met online in late 2024, knowing her age and urging her to take the Plan B morning after pills. Ashland County charges include first-degree sexual assault … Read more
The holiday season marks a critical time for the need for blood donations, with the American Red Cross specifically calling for types O- and B- donors now and in the coming weeks. The Red Cross is hosting donation drives across Delta, Dickinson, Gogebic, and Menominee Counties. Donors who participate during certain timeframes can receive incentives, … Read more
A federal jury convicted 45-year-old Kyle Lee Dean of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury for a violent knife attack on the L’Anse Reservation on January 20, 2024. Dean stabbed the victim nearly a dozen times at a Keweenaw Bay Indian Community home; rapid medical intervention saved the victim’s … Read more
The Wisconsin Department Of Transportation has announced announced Price County’s construction projects for 2026 at its most recent meeting of the county Traffic Safety Commission. . Projects include a 10.3-mile safety upgrade on County Road D due to begin in May 2026 and run through November of 2027 with single-lane closures for curve reconstruction and … Read more