12/30/2025

N. WISCONSIN - The House of Representatives passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act back on December 18, which would de-list the gray wolf from the endangered species list. Proponents of the bill, like co-sponsor Tom Tiffany, say that it would give the Wisconsin DNR more authority in dealing with escalating human-wolf conflict.  The gray wolf was placed on the endangered species list on February 10, 2022, following a federal court ruling. However, Randy Johnson of the DNR says, “The wolf population in Wisconsin by all measures has biologically recovered and is secure.”  Wisconsin is unique because current state law directs the DNR to “allow the hunting and trapping of wolves,” whenever they are not federally or state listed. Johnson says the bill would, “give the state authority to lethally remove wolves involved in conflict situations as deemed necessary…”  Wisconsin has conducted wolf hunts as recently as February of 2021, killing 218 wolves in just under three days.

12/30/2025

VILAS COUNTY - Vilas County has boosted snowmobile safety with the installation of highly visible, flashing red, white, and green beacons at lake crossings, visible for two nautical miles. The beacons will be placed on both shorelines of the lake crossings to clearly mark safe routes and exit points, supplementing existing markers. Additionally, signs enforcing the 55 MPH night speed limit -Wisconsin State law, will be installed at lake & trail access points. Riders are urged to operate responsibly, warned that off-trail riding is trespassing with potential fines and trail closure, and reminded to only use officially marked lake and water crossings.

12/30/2025

BESSEMER - The Western Upper Peninsula will be represented at a premier semi quincentennial event next year The Marty’s Goldenaires Drum and Bugle Corp from Bessemer has accepted an invitation to march in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C. The group, a familiar performer in the U.P. and northern Wisconsin, was founded in 1950 by local band director and Navy veteran “Marty” Lamoreux. Operations ceased after Lamoreux’s death in 1968 but were revived for the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 and have continued since. Past highlights include performances at the National American Legion Convention, the Michigan state capitol, and Lambeau Field.