5/12/2026

HURLEY - Although a jury convicted Montreal resident Charles Maslanka of false imprisonment, battery and disorderly conduct, and acquitted him of a strangulation charge during an April trial in Iron County, his attorney, Joe Rafferty Jr., is now seeking a new trial, alleging juror misconduct during deliberations. Two jurors claim the jury foreman, an Ironwood police officer, told jurors Maslanka had previously served prison time for a similar crime — information the defense says was false and never presented in court. Prosecutors argue the comments were part of normal deliberations and say the split verdict shows jurors carefully considered the evidence. A judge is now expected to decide whether the convictions stand or if a new trial will be ordered.

5/12/2026

HURLEY - The City of Hurley and ICORE have signed a contract to purchase 37 acres of abandoned Soo Line railroad land from Canadian National for a future trail between Hurley and Montreal. The group has raised $70,000 toward the $175,000 purchase price and is working to secure the remaining funds before the planned November 2026 closing. The proposed 3-mile paved walking and biking trail would connect to the existing Iron Belle Trail, linking five communities across the region. ICORE provided a $10,000 deposit on April 15, when the City Council approved the sale contract. 

5/12/2026

N. WISCONSIN - The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts during the 2026 summer recreation season.  Volunteer hosts typically stay on-site at designated campgrounds during the camping season. In exchange, hosts receive a campsite and the chance to spend the summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet while helping support stewardship of public lands.  Hosts support visitor services by greeting campers, sharing information about recreation opportunities, monitoring campground conditions and help maintain and clean sites.