6/15/2026

MINOCQUA - State officials seized more than $25,000 worth of beer from Minocqua Brewing Co.'s Madison and Minocqua locations as part of an investigation into taxes and permits related to beer imported from Illinois. Owner Kirk Bangstad said he attempted to pay the required Wisconsin excise taxes, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue said it had been working with the company for months to address compliance issues. The department described the matter as an active law enforcement investigation and declined to provide details but cited state laws governing the sale of out-of-state alcohol.  Bangstad suggested the enforcement action may have been politically motivated, while state officials said the inspection was coordinated in advance with the company's legal counsel.

6/15/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Fewer Fish in Wisconsin Lakes This Year? Wisconsin fish stocking has been reduced after funding disputes and staffing shortages led to the closure of the Brule and Osceola hatcheries, shifting production to other facilities. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initially proposed steep cuts to musky and walleye stocking but has since reduced the statewide decrease to about 7%. Some trout will be released early, while the hatcheries remain closed. Anglers and conservation groups warn the reductions could affect Wisconsin's $1 billion recreational fishing industry, while lawmakers and DNR officials continue to dispute responsibility for the funding shortfall. State officials say rising costs, declining license sales, staffing shortages, and uncertain funding continue to challenge Wisconsin's fish and wildlife programs.

6/15/2026

U.P. / N. WISCONSIN - Motorists are paying slightly more at the pump on average to start the week, however gas prices have gone down on the Gogebic Range.   According to Triple A the average cost of gas is up 2 cents from a week ago.  Michigan Motorists are now paying an average of $4.19 in Wisconsin the average is $3.86 for a gallon of regular unleaded.  In the U.P The highest gas prices are in Chippewa County at $4.48, The lowest cost of gas in the U.P can be found in Delta County at $3.82.  Ironwood prices at $4.13, Hurley and Mercer prices are just under $4 at $3.97.  Around the region Mellen $3.99, Minocqua at $3.95, Ashland is at $3.88, Lac Du Flambeau $3.85, Glidden $3.67, The lowest gas price we could find is in Park Falls $3.66.