8/18/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Several northern counties in Wisconsin including Iron, Ashland, Bayfield, and Price Counties are experiencing droughts and dry conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.  One of the impacts people may be noticing in the region is lower lake levels in the region.  The Gile flowage water levels are low, that’s very noticeable along highway 51 just south of Hurley.  Experts say this drought is occurring as a part of a natural cycle where water levels rise and drop over 10-15 year periods.  On a scale ranging from D0 to D5 with D5 considered an Exceptional Drought.  Northern Wisconsin is at a D2 which is considered a Severe Drought.  Drought conditions ease some south of Highway 8 into central and Southern Wisconsin. 

8/18/2026

BAYFIELD COUNTY - A significant crash involving a trailer carrying dragon boats happened Sunday evening in Iron River, in Bayfield County. The trailer overturned around 6 p.m. at U.S. 2 and Wayside Road, with photos showing a heavily damaged pickup truck. An eyewitness said a black truck was pulling the trailer. There was no word on injuries. The crash came just days before the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival in Superior on Friday and Saturday. It’s unclear whether the boats were headed to the festival or whether they were able to compete.

8/18/2026

VILAS COUNTY – The Natural Resources Board signs off on a 1200-acre conservation easement in Vilas County. The 1,252-acre Border Lakes easement includes two forested tracts, wetlands, meadows, Emil Lake, and nearly three miles of the Land O’ Lakes trail. The easement cost just over $900,000, with $600,000 coming from a federal Forest Legacy grant and the remainder from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The land will remain open for hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and cross-country skiing. The governor must still approve the plan.