3/09/2026

N. WISCONSIN - The Wisconsin DNR is accepting artwork entries for the 2027 Wild Turkey, Pheasant, and Waterfowl Stamp Design Contests. Wisconsin artists compete to support wildlife conservation; stamp sales fund species management, habitat work, education, and research, generating hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Entries must be received or postmarked by August 1. Judging is August 22 at the Waterfowl Hunters Expo in Oshkosh. Applicants must review rules, technical requirements, and submission details on the DNR’s Wildlife Stamp Funding and Stamp Design Contest webpage.

3/06/2026

ASHLAND – More information released following a police standoff earlier this week in Ashland. Convicted felon Cory Sutarik was arrested March 4 in Ashland after a standoff at a residence on 13th Ave. E.  Police found Sutarik barricaded inside, allegedly armed with a shotgun, following an assault and firing a shot. With the Bayfield County Emergency Response Team's assistance, Sutarik was arrested nearby without incident. A search recovered a short-barreled shotgun and evidence of assault and property damage. Sutarik faces multiple charges, including felon in possession of a firearm and domestic battery. Officials safely managed nearby student drop-offs, and the Ashland Police Department thanked assisting agencies.

3/06/2026

ASHLAND - Enbridge will without limit will reimburse Wisconsin law enforcement for policing protests against its controversial 41-mile Line 5 reroute. The Public Safety Expense Reimbursement Agreement, negotiated between Enbridge and the Wisconsin Counties Association, uses Enbridge-paid escrow funds to cover protest-related costs, like patrols and crowd control. Critics call it a "blatant conflict of interest," turning public service into "private security," and raise concerns about policing bias. Supporters favor it to avoid taxpayer costs, which one lawyer estimated could reach "millions."  Ashland and Iron counties have approved the deal, but Bayfield County has rejected it. The agreement has a highly confidential communications clause that the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council believes undermines public records laws. Enbridge calls the arrangement a "constructive solution" to prevent local taxpayers from being "saddled with these extra costs."