Despite tough economic times, Vilas and Oneida counties both saw an increase in tourism spending during 2012, according to economic impact figures released by the state Friday.

Vilas County saw direct visitor spending increase 10.25% to $196.4 million in 2012. The nearly $200 million in tourism spending ranked 13th in the state.

Meanwhile, Oneida County experienced $185.9 million in visitor spending in 2012, an increase of 5.59%. Overall, Oneida County ranked 16th in the state.

Statewide, tourism had a total impact

Lay’s potato chips announced Monday that Karen Weber-Mendham of Land O’ Lakes has won the grand prize in the “Do Us A Flavor” contest, which has earned her at least $1 million.

If 1% of the net sales of her flavor — Cheesy Garlic Bread — exceeds $1 million in 2013, she will earn that instead.

Weber-Mendham was crowned the winner by famed actress Eva Longoria at Beso Restaurant in Hollywood.

Three flavors were chosen as finalists, including Cheesy Garlic Bread,

A former Three Lakes town chairman who had access to three separate email accounts for town business has been asked to transmit all electronic correspondence during his term back to the town clerk, as the emails constitute official records of the town.

Because the town must comply with the state’s open records law and possible open records requests, the town  requested that former Chairman Don Sidlowski, who was chairman from April 2009 through April 16, 2013,  return all emails to Town Clerk Sue Harris.

The town made the request to Sidlowski in a letter sent by town attorney Gregory J. Harrold April 16, the date his term ended. Since that time, Harris said Sidlowski has complied with the request, though he has returned the emails via paper format instead of through electronic files.

“He has complied, bringing hundreds,

A standing-room-only crowd at the Washington Town Hall Monday firmly advised the town board not to allow all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on town roads or town property.

Nicolet ATV Club of Three Lakes requested use of four miles of town road, on Dam, Nine Mile and Military roads, to connect with routes in Forest County.

The vote by secret ballot of registered Washington electors was 76-41 to prohibit ATV use on all town roads and property. A second vote was 34-70 to allow use of four miles of Dam, Nine Mile and Military roads for ATV travel.

Town Chairman Jim Spring told the gathering

More than 800 runners from across the Midwest have already registered for the 17th annual Journeys Marathon on a scenic racecourse through Vilas County this Saturday, May 11.

“We are at 807 runners and walkers right now, which is above the 765 registered participants at this time last year,” said Kim Emerson, events coordinator for the sponsoring Eagle River Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.

Last year’s Journeys — including the marathon, half-marathon, power walk and 5-kilometer (5K) events — attracted 979 participants. The all-time record is 1,027, which is in sight, according to Emerson.

“We usually register between