Concerns regarding business access and safety on local roadways were at the forefront during a recent government meeting. A local official expressed worries about the impact of current conditions on businesses located on the south side of the flowage, indicating plans to meet with the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) tribe to discuss potential solutions.

The official also highlighted the importance of safety messaging from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which has been actively shared across social media platforms. As of the latest report, Wisconsin has recorded 29 ATV fatalities in 2024, with incidents occurring in various locations: 2 on frozen water, 17 on roads, 2 on trails, and 8 on private land. This marks a notable decrease from 2021, which saw 47 fatalities, while 2022 had 21 and 2023 recorded 32.

In addition to ATV-related fatalities, the official provided a broader context of roadway safety, referencing data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. As of last weekend, the state has seen 3 bicyclist deaths, 252 automobile driver and passenger fatalities, 72 motorcyclist deaths, and 36 pedestrian fatalities in 2024. The official emphasized the need to consider these statistics collectively, including the 17 ATV fatalities on roads, to better understand the overall safety landscape on Wisconsin roadways.