The Lakeland Times

12/29/2025

[12/29/25] 5:00 AM
⚠ Travel impacts are expected to linger through the morning commute as strong northwest winds (gusting 35 to 50 mph) result in reduced visibilities from blowing and drifting snow. Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect into this afternoon. Snow then lightens and tapers off through mid-afternoon, though slick travel will remain possible beyond then.

12/28/2025

Rain has already transitioned to snow across much of central and northern WI. That trend will continue east through the rest of the afternoon into the evening. Northwest winds will also strengthen tonight with gusts reaching 35-50 mph, strongest across Door Co. Expected impacts to travel tonight through Monday as roads become slippery and snow covered.

12/28/2025

12/28/2025

5:50PM {12/27/2025)
Strong Winter Storm is expected to move across the region Sunday afternoon through Monday. Precipitation will start as rain or a wintry mix before transitioning to mainly snow my Sunday night. Significant snow accumulations are expected, especially along and north of HWY 8. Strong northwest winds 20-30mph, gusting 35 to 50 mph are also expected, with the strongest winds Monday morning along the lakeshore.

12/26/2025

5:15PM {12/262025}
Confidence is increase for an impactful Winter Storm late Sunday through Monday. Total snow accumulations with this system are still uncertain as rain will be transitioning to snow Sunday night. The greatest chance (60-80%) for greater than 6" of snow is across north-central WI. Along with the snow temperatures are expected to cool rapidly Sunday evening which may cause wet and untreated roads to quickly become slippery. Stay up to date with the latest forecast information, especially if you have travel plans Sunday night or Monday.

12/26/2025

[12/26/25] 5:00 AM
⚠ An ongoing wintry mix is forecast to continue through this morning, creating potential for icy/slippery travel for post-holiday commuters. Precipitation then gradually tapers off as either drizzle or freezing drizzle through the early afternoon. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through noon across portions of north-central and far northeast Wisconsin. Be sure to exercise caution if travelling, and allow extra time to reach your destination.

12/23/2025

ONE DEAD IN IRON COUNTY SNOWMOBILE CRASH

A 58 year-old man is dead as the result of injuries sustained in an Iron County snowmobile crash on Monday, Dec. 22.

Iron County Sheriff Paul Samardich said in a press release the dispatch center received a 911 call at 8:15 p.m. reporting a single snowmobile crash on trail 17 in Oma near Finn Point Road, the reporting party relaying to dispatch the male “crashed his snowmobile and was unconscious and breathing.”

Personnel with Mercer
Snowmobile Rescue and Ambulance and a sheriff’s deputy arrived, the operator became unresponsive, CPR was performed but lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene by Iron County Coroner Bob Barnabo.

Samardich said in the press release preliminary investigation indicated the snowmobiler was southbound, failed to negotiate a curve and struck a tree. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

The fatality is the first of the season for Iron County, which opened its snowmobile trails on Dec. 9. - 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