The Lakeland Times

12/20/2025

A clipper system will bring another round of light snow to northern WI late this evening into Sat AM. Forecast snow amounts range from around 2-inches in far north-central Wisconsin, with a dusting to 1-inch elsewhere. Widespread impacts are not expected, but slippery spots can be expected later tonight into Sat AM.

12/18/2025

VILAS COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAILS TO OPEN FRIDAY

The Vilas County snowmobile trails are scheduled to open for the season at 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19.

According to a public service announcement (PSA) issued by the county’s forestry, recreation and land department on Wednesday, Dec. 17, snowmobile clubs “have all been out panning and packing a base on the trails."

The PSA cautions riders to be careful by watching their speed and staying on the right, as trails are in early season condition.

“It is imperative that riders stay on the marked trails, routes and lake crossings,” the PSA states. “Most riders do not know where public land and private property lines are and we ask that when out on the trails, assume that all the trails are on private property. We hope you enjoy the 500 plus miles of state funded and club funded trails in Vilas County and thank you for supporting the economy of Vilas County.”

Lastly, the PSA notes, off trail riding is trespassing and could result in closure/loss of trails and fines for those who violate. Lakes and river trails are considered unsafe, too, at this point, until clearly marked by snowmobile clubs.-The Lakeland Times

12/17/2025

LAC DU FLAMBEAU MAN CHARGED IN ASSAULT

A Lac du Flambeau man has been charged with first degree attempted intentional homicide in connection with an attack of a woman in Lac du Flambeau on Saturday, Dec. 13.
According to a press release from the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, tribal police officers and deputies with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of a possible homicide in Lac du Flambeau.
“Upon their arrival at the scene, the officers apprehended a suspect and found an unconscious victim suffering from severe head trauma,” the press release said. “Officers immediately rendered aid to the victim and summoned ambulance personnel and a medevac helicopter.”
The press release stated the attack was targeted and was “perpetrated by a lone assailant who is in secure custody.”
Tuesday, tribal police chief T.J. Bill, who has spent several hours with the victim’s family, confirmed for The Lakeland Times the victim at that time had been making improvement at the medical facility she was taken to, going so far, he said, as being able to give a thumbs up to a caregiver when asked.
“That was really good news,” Bill said. “She’s doing better but definitely not out of the woods yet.”
George Hopfensberger, a detective with the tribal police department, told the Times on Dec. 17 the suspect in custody and charged in the attack is Brett Douglas La Barge, Sr., 42.
The name of the victim has not been released at this time pending the completion of the notification of family members. - The Lakeland Times

12/16/2025

ONEIDA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE TRAILS TO OPEN FRIDAY

Oneida County snowmobile trails are scheduled to open for the season at noon on Friday, Dec. 19.

“All trails in the Oneida County Funded Snowmobile Trail System (as administered by the Oneida County Forestry, Land, & Recreation Department) will officially open for the winter season at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 19, 2025,” a public service announcement issued on Tuesday, Dec. 16, states. “Northwoods Passage Snowmobile club trail 51B will remain closed until further notice.”

The announcement adds that all lakes and river trails, until clearly marked, remain “unsafe” and “dangerous” at this time.

The announcement warns riders to stay on marked trails.

“Off trail riding is trespassing and could result in closure or loss of trails and citations and fines for those who participate,” the announcement states. “Always exercise caution when riding a snowmobile. The trails are in rough, early season condition.”

Those who have questions regarding specific trail conditions are advised to contact their local snowmobile club. -The Lakeland Times

12/15/2025

ONE PERSON IN CUSTODY IN LAC DU FLAMBEAU INCIDENT

One person is in custody in what authorities are referring to as a “possible homicide” in Lac du Flambeau on Dec. 13. According to a press release from the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police Department, tribal police officers and deputies with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Department responded to the report of a possible homicide in Lac du Flambeau.
“Upon their arrival at the scene, the officers apprehended a suspect and found an unconscious victim suffering from severe head trauma,” the press release said. “Officers immediately rendered aid to the victim and summoned ambulance personnel and a medivac helicopter. The victim was transported via helicopter to a medical facility.”
The press release said no additional information is being released at this time “because the investigation of the matter is ongoing.”
“The attack upon the victim was targeted, and was perpetrated by a lone assailant who is in secure custody,” the tribal police press release said. “The public is assured that there is no related danger to the community at this time.” - The Lakeland Times

12/04/2025

CLOVERLAND HOME DESTROYED IN EARLY MORNING FIRE

A home in the town of Cloverland was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Dec. 4.
According to a press release from the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, the dispatch center received a 911 call at around 4:30 from a residence owned by Lisa and Eric Eggman on Towering Oaks Lane reporting “they were awakened by a fire in the attached garage to the residence.”
By the time firefighters arrived, the house itself was fully engulfed in flames.
“All occupants were safely able to escape the residence and there are no reported injuries,” the press release said. “The structure is a total loss.”
In addition to deputies with the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters and equipment responding to the scene were from the Eagle River, Conover, Plum Lake, St Germain and Three Lakes fire departments.
Also responding were personnel with Aspirus Eagle River Ambulance, Wisconsin Public Service and the Vilas County highway department. - The Lakeland Times

11/30/2025

11/29/2025

11/28/2025

ONE MAN DEAD IN PRESQUE ISLE FIRE

A structure fire in the early morning hours of Nov. 28 destroyed a home in Presque Isle. According to a press release from the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, the dispatch center received a 911 call at 6:25 a.m. reporting a structure fire on Crab Lake Road. “The home was fully engulfed when emergency crews arrived on scene,” stated the press release. “The home was occupied by the owner at the time of the fire.”
Dean Lea, 67, was found dead inside by authorities and emergency personnel.
The press release said the home is a complete loss and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. - The Lakeland Times

11/28/2025

Snow is expected to overspread the area on Saturday with snow continuing Saturday night. Based on the latest information, 6 inches or more snow is expected south and east of Wisconsin Rapids to Marinette line. A Winter Storm Watch has been issued for portions of central and northeast WI from 9 AM Saturday to 6 AM Sunday.

11/28/2025

09/01/2025

ONE DEAD IN VILAS COUNTY MOTORCYCLE CRASH

A 33 year-old Arbor Vitae man died of injuries sustained in an early Sunday morning motorcycle crash in Arbor Vitae.
According to a press release from the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, the dispatch center received a 911 call just after midnight reporting a motorcycle crash in the area of Gross Road and Milton Lane.
"The caller reported the motorcycle was warm to the touch and no one was around," the press release said.
Upon arrival, the Vilas County deputy began checking the area and found the operator.
"Once located, it was determined the operator and sole occupant had succumbed to their injuries sustained during the crash," the press release said.
The man's name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. - The Lakeland Times