3/10/2026

N. SHORE, MN - The man accused of burning down the historic Lutsen Lodge had a hearing in court on Monday.  Bryce Campbell, appeared in court on charges of both arson and insurance fraud in connection with a fire that destroyed the Lutsen Lodge in 2024.  The judge overseeing the case agreed to give both sides more time, after prosecutors and defense attorneys said they’re still waiting on key evidence from several agencies.  They’re looking for recordings from a parallel insurance investigation, updated findings from the State Fire Marshal, and additional documents from the ATF, all of which they say are coming in slowly and in pieces.  The next hearing is set for June 15 on Zoom, but his attorneys say that’s really just a placeholder. Once they finally have everything, they expect to file motions and move toward an in‑person contested hearing.

3/10/2026

N. WISCONSIN - The Wisconsin DNR’s “Sled Safe” weekends held Jan. 30-Feb. 1 and Feb. 6-8, targeted snowmobile crashes, largely caused by alcohol and speed.  The numbers are in. Wardens covered 3,658 miles across 34 counties, issuing over 100 citations, 300 warnings, three OWI arrests, and three drug arrests. With 12 winter fatalities, Lt. Jacob Holsclaw urged safety: avoid impairment, reduce speed, stay within limits, obey signs, check roads before crossing, avoid ice, and use marked trails with others. Holsclaw also warned of late-season ice, advising riders to check local conditions, wear warm clothes/flotation, inform others of plans, bring dry spares, waterproof phones, and use a spud bar to check ice thickness.

3/10/2026

VILAS COUNTY - The Town of Plum Lake in Vilas County will hold a special town meeting this evening at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Qualified electors will vote on whether to make the clerk and treasurer positions elected or appointed.  Elected officials must live in town and are chosen by ballot; performance oversight is limited until the next election. Appointed officials are hired by the town board based on qualifications, regardless of residency. This performance-based hiring allows for ongoing oversight and prompt addressing of concerns. Job duties, public record laws, open meeting laws, audits, and financial controls remain the same either way. Electors retain authority through town meetings and elections. Voting is in-person only for qualified electors.