Blog Articles

Marvin Lansing, Knapp and Eau Claire…age 92, died peacefully on March 5, 2025, surrounded by family in his assisted living apartment at Caretta Senior Living in Eau Claire. Marvin was an educator, school administrator, and then became superintendent of schools in the Eau Claire School District. He began his 21-year tenure there in 1967.

The Wisconsin legislature’s budget-writing committee announced state budget public hearings. The hearings give people an opportunity to share what they’d like to see prioritized in the next state budget.

Janet Samsel, Hancock… age 90,  a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Hancock on April 1, 2025. When Janet and her husband, Clyde, moved from Racine to Hancock to start Samsel Sawmill & Millwork, Janet became the office manager. She continued to dedicate herself to the family business until only days before her death. Her primary vocation, however, was being an exceptional mom, homemaker, and wife.

As of this morning (April 2, 2025), there are still more than 10,000 homes and businesses without power in the Northwoods from Saturday night’s storms. In the coming days and weeks, woodland owners with property in Northern Wisconsin should contact their forester, northern neighbors, or plan to travel north to check on their woodlands. Significant damage to forests in some areas has occurred.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2025 Contact: Dan Richter, Public Information Officer, (608) 419-5352, dan.richter@wisconsin.gov MADISON, Wis. – Trapping data collected by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) indicates that the spongy moth, an invasive insect from Europe that feeds on the leaves of more than 300 tree species, is now established in La Crosse County.

John M. Shank Jr., Milwaukee… age 80, passed away on March 25, 2024. Beloved husband and constant companion of Jen Shank for over 58 years. Loving father of Christopher Shank, Peter (Deneen) Shank, and Robin Shank Sanderson. Private services will be held.

The 750-acre Big Island Fire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County is now 100% contained. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the 750-acre Big Island Fire in the White River Marsh State Wildlife Area in Green Lake County is now 100% contained as of midnight. The fire broke out at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 17.

MFL bill to open land for Vehicles Dead for Now, could resurface?

DATCP to Host Public Meetings on 2025 Spongy Moth Treatment Plans Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection DATCP to Host Public Meetings on 2025 Spongy Moth Treatment Plans FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2025 Contact: Dan Richter, Public Information Officer, (608) 419-5352, dan.richter@wisconsin.gov MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is accepting public comment on its planned 2025 spongy moth aerial treatment plans.

Herman Kafura, Green Bay… age 83, passed away on January 12, 2025.  He was born of German immigrant parents who came to the United States in the early 1920s. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and then continued his education with a M.A. graduate program in Russian Studies.