Investigative Reporter
Recent Stories
Oneida County approves shoreland zoning overhaul
Supervisors reject new restrictions on clearcutting, viewing corridor landscaping
The Oneida County Board of Supervisors approved a major rewrite of its shoreland zoning ordinance this week, voting 14-4 with one abstention and two absences to adopt revisions developed over nearly five years of work, following extensive negotiations with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Northwoods population stagnates, rest of Wisconsin grows
Population numbers raise questions about public lands, development opportunities
New population estimates released by the Wisconsin Department of Administration reveal a gaping disparity between northern Wisconsin and the rest of the state, with seven Northwoods counties together adding fewer than 1,000 residents between the 2020 census and Jan. 1, while elsewhere population grew at a healthier clip.
City council scales back sidewalks in road project, tables final decision on Hemlock St.
The Rhinelander Common Council approved on Monday reconstruction plans for seven streets in the city’s neighborhood project, mostly favoring wider roadways while rebuffing recommendations for new sidewalks on several streets.
Autism advocates blast Evers over federal education tax credit
New IRS rules: Public and private school students could benefit
New federal regulations for a nationwide education tax credit have refueled a debate over school choice in Wisconsin, with an autism advocacy organization criticizing Gov. Tony Evers for opposing a program that could provide millions of dollars in educational assistance to students, including those with special needs.
Oneida County libraries survive first round of county budget talks
Oneida County’s three public libraries survived their first major test of the 2027 budget season Monday, with the county executive committee voting 6-1 to advance the libraries’ requested funding after a lengthy debate over how library costs are calculated, who pays them, and whether the county should continue funding libraries at more than the state’s calculated full reimbursement.
One month out, governor’s race in a dead heat
Warning bells for Crowley in regional numbers and independents
The latest Marquette Law School Poll provides a snapshot of the race for Wisconsin governor as an “ahead-by-a-nose” race that will go down to the wire, with Democrat David Crowley clinging to a slim three-point lead among likely voters over Republican Tom Tiffany — well within the poll’s margin of error.
Wisconsin economy sends conflicting signals
Low unemployment, record farm exports contrast with worsening housing
Wisconsin’s latest economic numbers offer a mixed picture heading into the fall elections, with unemployment remaining low and agricultural exports reaching a record high, but the housing market isn’t sharing those positive vibes as mortgage rates have risen since February and housing inventory remains constricted.
City council puts off sidewalk construction decision
The Rhinelander Common Council on Monday postponed a decision about whether sidewalks should be added as part of a major street reconstruction project, instead directing its engineer to return at the next council meeting with conceptual plans for two alternatives proposed by mayor Kris Hanus.
$1.25M settlement with tribal member ends lawsuit over 2024 arrest
Hartman says sheriff’s department wanted its day in court
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will pay Lac du Flambeau tribal member Thomas Maulson $1.25 million to settle a federal civil-rights lawsuit stemming from a March 2024 encounter in a Rhinelander Walmart parking lot that left Maulson bloodied and requiring 13 stitches.
Oneida County pulls plug on Flock cameras
Sheriff cites public opposition, potential for abuse as statewide backlash grows
Oneida County sheriff Grady Hartman has ended his department’s use of Flock automated license-plate readers and ordered the cameras’ removal, making the county the latest Wisconsin local government to abandon the surveillance technology.