The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received an exploration license application last week from Gogebic Taconite LLC for mining activities related to the Penokee/Gogebic deposit located in Ashland and Iron counties.

According to Ann Coakley, DNR Waste and Materials Management Program director, the agency will review and make a decision regarding the application within  10 business days, per the new mining law passed earlier this year by the State Legislature.

The Penokee/Gogebic deposit is generally defined as the 21-mile western end of the 60-mile long Gogebic Iron Range, which stretches east to west from Lake Gogebic, Mich., to Mineral Lake in Wisconsin.

Gogebic Taconite successfully pushed major changes in the state’s iron mining laws after Republicans took over the majority in the State Senate and Assembly.

Gov. Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 1 into law in March,

Winning Lay’s contest still sinking in for Weber-Mendham

The past week has been a whirlwind for Karen Weber-Mendham of Land O’ Lakes, who just nine days ago was named the winner of Lay’s  “Do Us A Flavor” contest.

Since it was announced that she won the contest with her Cheesy Garlic Bread0-flavored potato chips, Weber-Mendham has done dozens of interviews with newspaper writers, television show hosts and radio personalities.

The dramatic reveal took place at actress and restaurateur Eva Longoria’s Beso Restaurant in Hollywood, where Longoria joined the Lay’s brand in crowning  Weber-Mendham as the grand prize winner.

For her winning idea,  Weber-Mendham

A proposal for a public works committee that would combine highway and public property management responsibilities was discussed by the Vilas County Legislative and Judicial Committee last week, after the first draft that grouped up to six county functions was rejected April 30.

Supervisor Jim Behling, who put forth the April grouping of public works committee functions, expressed disappointment in what happened after that meeting adjourned.

“We spent a lot of time April 30 and since that time some committee chairmen have been going around saying it won’t work,” Behling charged. “We need to get a stronger commitment from chairs and vice chairs.”

County Clerk Dave Alleman, spokesman for the courthouse administrative team,

Area emergency management departments and the National Weather Service will sponsor a storm spotter class Wednesday, May 22, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Oneida County Law Enforcement Center Community Room.

The center is located at 2000 E. Winnebago St. in Rhinelander.

Attendees will learn about cloud formations, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and flash flooding.

There is no charge to attend, but event organizers request that participants register for the class. For more information or to register, contact Dawn Robinson, Oneida County Emergency Management Department at (715) 361-5167.