5/13/2026

VILAS COUNTY - 42-year-old Brett La Barge appeared in court in Vilas County on Monday in connection with an attempted murder case stemming from a December hammer attack in Lac du Flambeau. Prosecutors say La Barge allegedly attacked a woman while she was sleeping and later told investigators voices instructed him to commit the assault. His initial appearance has been delayed six times, but a public defender has now been appointed for La Barge, and the case is moving forward. La Barge remains jailed on a $300,000 cash bond as he awaits his next court appearance.

5/13/2026

WAKEFIELD - The Wakefield Historical Society in Wakefield has received a rather interesting donation.  Marvin Suomi donated the former Wakefield Memorial Community Building's stained-glass windows from the demolished theater, which have been missing for almost 20 years and were believed to have been scrapped and disposed of many years ago.  The Wakefield Historical Society plans to fundraise to have the windows restored and eventually have them on public display.  If you would like to donate to the window restoration project you can contact the Wakefield Historical Society.  https://www.wakefieldmihistoricalsociety.org/

5/13/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Snowmobilers on the Gogebic Range and throughout Michigan will pay more for trail permits beginning this year. The cost of a snowmobile trail permit is increasing to $65, up from $52 last year.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the increase follows a state law requiring permit fees to be adjusted every five years based on the consumer price index to keep funding in line with inflation.  Snowmobile trail permits go on sale Sept. 1.