Blog Articles

Ray Steiniger, West Allis…born into eternal life September 10, 2022. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Michigan State. Long time owner/operator of Tompkins Velvet Freeze in Racine, WI. He really enjoyed spending time in the woods on his property in Merrill, WI. Ray was an avid sports fan of all Wisconsin teams, especially the Packers and the Brewers.

In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has detected emerald ash borer (EAB) for the first time in Menominee County. County forestry staff detected this ash tree-killing beetle along the roadside right-of-way of non-tribal land in the area of Legend Lake on August 3. The county is unique because it shares coterminous boundaries with the Menominee Indian Reservation.

Ronald Crass, Tomahawk…passed away peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2022.  Ron never stopped “working.” He enjoyed his garden, raising chickens and turkeys, farming, logging, woodworking, beekeeping, making maple syrup, hunting and time spent with the gang at the hunting shack. His biggest enjoyment and pride were his four children and his six grandchildren.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Tomahawk Special Olympics.

Clarence Olson, Madison…died where he was born, October 28, 2020 in Westby, WI.  Clarence joined the UW Dairy Science Dept in 1961 as a leader of educational and training programs for the National Dairy Herd Improvement program.  He was also active in judging county fairs, organized the Dairy Schools for Farm Women, and honored with many state and national awards for his innovative professional work and volunteer work including the Boy Scout National Scoutmaster of…

Robert “Bob” A. Barletta, Sr., Sobieski…was called home by Jesus on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022.  Bob loved to hunt, fish, snowmobile, kayak, and work in his woods.  His favorite hobby was woodworking.  Bob loved making beautiful pieces of furniture and made many for his family and friends.

Gordon Ovan, formerly Redgranite… passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 3, 2022.  After completing his student teaching in Michigan, he returned to Wisconsin where he met his wife and purchased a property near Redgranite. In 1992, he received the “Gift of Life” through a kidney transplant.  This re-energized his tenacious curiosity and sustained his crusade to promote organ donation.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the first of several educational hunting webinars beginning July 28 for members of the public that are new to hunting or hunting curious. The webinar series is in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Becoming an Outdoorswoman. The series is designed for those interested in learning about hunting, fishing and trapping. EVENT DETAILS What: Wanna Go Hunting? Let’s Get Started!

Wisconsin Academy Announces 10 Forestry Recommendations to Fight Climate Change The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters has identified ten key forestry recommendations that will offset the impact of climate change in Wisconsin. The recommendations are outlined in the newly released report, Wisconsin’s Forested Lands: Opportunities for Carbon Sequestration and Storage. This report is part of the Wisconsin Academy’s Climate-Critical Lands project, a research initiative which looks at the potential for carbon storage in Wisconsin landscapes.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Division of Forestry’s Strategic Direction is a five-year plan that builds off of the Wisconsin forestry community’s 10-year Statewide Forest Action Plan. It allows us to connect our vision for the future using tangible strategies and actions.

Gregory Deering, Kaukauna…died Friday, April 29, 2022 with his wife at his side, after a 1½ year battle with Sarcoma Cancer.  He owned a cabin in Mountain, WI, where he loved spending time in the woods with his dog Maple, sitting by the fire, renovating the cabin, making Maple Syrup, hunting, and woodworking. A memorial is being established.