Much of the 1.5 million acres of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) has experienced more snowfall than normal, which will likely delay the opening of 53 developed campgrounds and recreation trails, according to forest officials.

“We recognize this is an issue for visitors and work will be done to get the campgrounds open as soon as possible,” said CNNF?Supervisor Pail Strong.

Recreational trails across the CNNF will also be opening later than usual, he said. All trails will be closed due to the snowpack and wet conditions until approximately May 17.

Trails on the Lakewood-Laona

Over the last three years, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF), in cooperation with interagency enforcement agencies, has eradicated numerous marijuana grows that were cultivated by large drug trafficking organizations.

These grow sites were located on the Nicolet land base (2010 and 2012) and the Chequamegon land base (2011), and all were first reported by hunters and fishermen, according to Forest Service officials.

The illegal activity of growing and harvesting marijuana on public lands is expected to continue, according to forest Public Affairs Officer Suzanne Flory.

“The safety of the public and employees is the top priority for the U.S Forest Service,”

Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartman recently announced that Sandra La Du-Ives has been hired as the new Oneida County jail administrator.

La Du-Ives is a graduate of Nicolet Area Technical College and has served as the assistant jail administrator for the past four years.  Prior to that, La Du-Ives worked as a corrections officer for Oneida County for nine years.

In February, La Du-Ives assumed the role as interim jail administrator after the loss of 19-year veteran Kaye Juel.  Sheriff Hartman stated,

“Sandra has been involved with the management team

The Northwoods Restorative Justice Inc.’s Victim Impact Panel presented a program to the students of Three Lakes High School last Thursday.

With junior prom set for last Saturday night and graduation just around the corner, the program was designed to show the students the effects of drinking and driving.

Three Lakes Elementary School Guidance Counselor, Kirsten Margitan arranged the program.

“We are aware of the availability of alcohol.

The Oneida County Land and Water Department and the UW-Extension will offer two free Clean Boats, Clean Waters (CBCW) workshops in May.

The workshops, scheduled for May 2 and May 21, will be  sponsored by the Wisconsin Lakes Partnership.

The CBCW program provides an opportunity to learn how and why educational awareness is critical in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS), according to Oneida County AIS Coordinator Michele Sadaus­kas.

“The workshops will have speakers from multiple resource agencies,” she said. “Participants will

Martin Atkins, a leading expert on social media and Kickstarter, is slated to speak at a free lunch hour seminar at Eagle Waters Resort Friday, May 17, at noon.

The event is for local businesses, their employees, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in starting a new business that wants to use social media or crowd funding.

Atkins will speak specifically about current issues related to social media in the business world and using Kickstarter or crowd funding to raise capital.

He has 30-plus years of experience

The Northland Pines boys hockey team’s varsity reserve program during the 2012-’13 season was discussed by the recently-formed Activities Committee last week, with head coach Charlie DePuydt and assistant coach Don Czarapata answering questions about the system.

Committee Chairman Mark Vander Bloomen said district officials were confused if the team had a junior varsity team or what were called varsity reserve players after a parent brought the issue to the attention of the school board when players were cut prior to the season.

“If we don’t have a junior varsity

Preparation of a refinancing package for city debt and specific projects was approved by the Eagle River City Council last week, with final action scheduled for the July 9 council meeting.

Brad Viegut of R.W. Baird presented a number of financing options during a joint meeting of the council and Light & Water Commission. The city has a Note Anticipation Note (NAN) due Sept. 1 that will include repayment of $2.46 million and will include $401,000 in new borrowing.

“We looked at about five different scenarios

Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) recently issued a statement urging area residents to be safe while fishing around dams and hydroelectric facilities.

The message is part of Dam Safety Week from April 29 to May 4, as declared statewide by Gov. Scott Walker and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

With the start of inland waterways fishing season, the week’s purpose is to emphasize the importance of safety near dams and on waterways to help prevent accidents.

Many of the accidents and fatalities that occur near dams could be prevented