2/06/2026

LAND O’LAKES - The Three Bear Sled Dog Races return to the Land O’ Lakes town hall grounds tomorrow & Sunday after a two-year break. Races start Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Organizers say the “best possible” trails for the Wisconsin Trailblazers Sled Dog Club event have been prepared, which includes dog-team races, skijoring, and junior classes. Kids Mutt Races are Saturday at noon (register 11 a.m.) and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. (register 10:30 a.m.) and there are other kids’ activities. A veterinarian will be on site; no other pets are permitted. The free event features an ice bar, food, ice skating, a Saturday Frosty Snowmobile Club bonfire from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and hot pasties for sale. The Musher’s Ball, with live music from Pentatonic, is Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Gateway Lodge. Find full info and updates are on the threebearsleddograces Facebook page.

2/05/2026

LAC DU FLAMBEAU - A federal appeals court dismissed a Department of Justice appeal that upheld U.S. District Judge William Conley’s August 2025 ruling granting Lac du Flambeau-area homeowners an “implied easement” to use four roads on tribal lands.

The dispute began in 2023 when the tribe barricaded the roads over expired easements. A temporary agreement required the town to pay nearly $600,000 in monthly permit fees until October 2024. Despite the tribe reopening the roads, the DOJ sued the town for trespassing, leading to Conley’s decision. The court granted the DOJ’s motion to dismiss its own appeal after canceled mediation.

2/05/2026

IRONWOOD - Matthew Sterbenz, a 24-year veteran of Ironwood Public Safety and former assistant director, is the new Ironwood Public Safety Department director, succeeding the retired Andrew DiGiorgio, who served since 2011. Sterbenz is a Gogebic Community College graduate and L’Anse native, and lives in Ironwood with his wife, Katie, and four children. He reported a “very busy” start to his new position, focused on hiring and budgeting and resigned as GIANT board leader. DiGiorgio, who prioritized community engagement and initiatives like establishing a school resource officer, is returning to his earlier career as a respiratory therapist at Aspirus Ironwood. Both men expressed gratitude to the community and confidence in the transition.