[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6463431,"mediaKeyId","5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473","parentId",5785556,"title","Votes at a glance: county board approves resolutions on opioids, subdivision, forestry, snowmobile funding and lake monitoring","audioSeconds",294,"startMs",1811000,"endMs",2105000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473&start=1811&end=2105","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473/thumbnail_1811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6463431/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Votes-at-a-glance-county-board-approves-resolutions-on-opioids-subdivision-forestry-snowmobile-funding-and-lake-monitoring","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463431-c924f42d908475a1997e4a3fd5408fde/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218473&Signature=XTZXtD0kLZ70lcV3dh6yhkq1JTrTrG0YJLE89LL7IkQIQ0NIhA3XpPS3nFsRIL50FKXgPtX8F3GfdWbeEqabSpYcnn4A7kB0efcJ1EJL5sBOlFVNHByNLYju0U6yJ27V1xLWDK-TyVTybq5~W3tqraMsulx9P95b4bUrORK6UMO3qT7iCeA2gptRzlyaY14oLnUMB0yicWIfgah5qWqgaufHFG3PMy0AdAf1IHFYfzb80AxVmCQ02qR2JYI2h~aNJBY3MQSeo3Vv1vjg-bAnF~MKq0vQGxMppK7y-vdCPlJofnwbGQkFnxsJXfpBfM9YrPdCS-xfJ9rZh7yxAJteiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ashland County, WI ","date","2025-09-17T04:45:02.67Z","article","The Ashland County Board of Supervisors recorded multiple motions and unanimous or voice votes during the meeting. The transcript records the motions and that each was carried by voice vote; individual member vote tallies were not recorded in the public transcript. Where movers or seconders were identified in the meeting transcript, they are noted below.

Summary of actions (motions moved, seconded and carried by voice vote as recorded in the meeting):

- Opioid settlement authorization (Resolution R09‑2025‑1511): Motion to authorize the county administrator, with chair approval, to sign settlement documents and accept opioid settlement funds as they become available. Moved: Supervisor Fanick. Second: Pat (last name not specified). Outcome: approved (voice vote). Note in discussion: individual settlement amounts vary by agreement; staff recommended authority for administrator to sign and later develop a plan for fund use.

- Raspberry Field subdivision (Town of LaPointe): Motion to approve proposed Raspberry Field subdivision (roughly a dozen lots; described as affordable housing when infrastructure is added). Moved: Will Harm (mover listed as \"Will Harm will make a motion\"). Second: Blake (named as second). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Hazard mitigation plan approval (five‑year plan): Motion to approve the plan with an amendment authorizing emergency management to adjust hydrology language and numbers related to lakes/streams if beneficial. Moved: (motion introduced by county staff/committee; amendment proposed on record and accepted). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Minutes approval (07/22/2025 county board meeting minutes): Motion to approve minutes. Moved: Mister Bassay. Second: Mister Messinger. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Forestry annual report: Motion to approve forestry annual report as presented (committee reviewed). Moved: committee chair or designee; second recorded. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- 2026 Forestry work plan: Motion to approve 2026 forestry work plan (annual item). Moved: Mitch Hoover. Second: Laura. Outcome: approved (voice vote). Two supervisors recorded abstentions on this item (Brad Ray and George Bisset recorded as abstaining during the vote on the work plan).

- County Forest Variable Acreage Share payment resolution (R09‑2025‑1513): Motion to approve annual payment resolution. Moved: Mr. Huber. Second: Mr. Ader. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Snowmobile trail maintenance projects resolution (R09‑2025‑1514): Motion to approve annual resolution to allow grant funding for trail maintenance. Moved: Mr. Betsinger. Second: Laura. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- SNAP (food share) funding resolution (R09‑2825‑1512): Motion to approve a resolution, requested by the Wisconsin Counties Association, expressing county concern that changes in the state or federal budget will shift SNAP food share costs to counties. Moved: Mr. Campbell. Second: (record shows a second). Outcome: approved (voice vote).

- Ashland County Conservation Lake Monitoring and Protection Network resolution (R09‑2025‑1515): Motion to approve support for the county’s lake monitoring and protection network. Moved: Mr. Posey. Second: Mr. Mineville. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Many votes were carried by voice with roll call showing the board present count earlier in the meeting as “18 present, 1 excused.” Individual yes/no tallies were not listed in the transcript for these motions; several items recorded named movers and seconds for the record. Where the transcript recorded abstentions for a specific item (the forestry work plan), those abstentions are noted above.

Actions recorded in the meeting minutes should be referenced for exact vote tallies and any recorded dissent beyond voice votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ashland County Board of Supervisors","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the Ashland County Board approved a series of resolutions and routine annual plans, including authorization to accept opioid settlements, approval of the Raspberry Field subdivision in LaPointe, the five‑year hazard mitigation plan, forestry reports and several grant‑related resolutions.","taxTitle","Ashland County, Wisconsin","taxId",72843,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6463437,"County board approves five‑year hazard mitigation plan, allows emergency management to clarify hydrology language",856,2104000,2960000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473&start=2104&end=2960","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473/thumbnail_2104000.jpg","/articles/6463437/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/County-board-approves-fiveyear-hazard-mitigation-plan-allows-emergency-management-to-clarify-hydrology-language","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463437-0e5ed309746d8a6375b7e3db0b825faa/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218473&Signature=j~qmiWHqjfbQTKqfLS~XndQUNFtCT2Jfy8pJSezzMCOj3t5UHzlypUI5re8cKFgu7Kv4KBgYqm82haCVst5-EjW0yFATYuJIyRxKhNTG9-K7xmrDgsZVk4SVz2ckcvBXraP~lt3mLXGCLNpBmhArQyl01onX~rFCXvtobQwsFKtn3wXrUnPmX1GfMm1Fmgt2llllJMbRDcnuS-y85eKsb0UMMz5LQSpi1~dSiTpoOYM8mFUX9ZkczSZ1XBc~tzGc8aS~ChKxbxi2odUroMLfciLNzsfaoZJMJHCYtahD33Op8nNTstsVi3nzIhAlOJErMd4k6xOcj9EH~T78sS1YLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Ashland County Board of Supervisors approved the county’s five‑year hazard mitigation plan with a motion that permits emergency management to modify hydrology language and numbers for clarity.

Supervisor questions flagged discrepancies between counts in the plan—where the hydrology section lists 85 lakes, 96 flowages and 548.1 miles of stream—and figures shown later in the agenda and other materials that list 157 lakes and roughly 1,700 miles of streams. Supervisors asked whether differences reflected varying data sources or differing definitions (for example, whether dry creek beds or small tributaries are counted as streams). Board members suggested clarifying terms such as “navigable” or otherwise describing categorization methods.

The plan’s authors (the Northwest Regional Planning Commission) were identified by staff as the source of the plan’s compiled hydrology data; emergency management staff said the plan itself resulted from meetings that included highway, city, county and other partners and that the plan’s actions were assigned to departments for follow‑up. After discussion, the board amended the motion to approve the plan while authorizing emergency management to adjust hydrology numbers or wording if additional clarifying language benefited the county.

Emergency management staff explained that the hazard mitigation plan is intended to cover natural hazard preparedness and response—planning, emergency notifications, and actions such as culvert upsizing and wetland restoration to reduce flood risks. Supervisors discussed specific mitigation work already underway, including culvert upsizing projects funded by grants and collaboration with federal programs and private landowners to restore wetlands and increase water storage capacity.

The plan was approved by voice vote after the board confirmed the amendment allowing emergency management limited editorial flexibility in the hydrology section; meeting minutes show the motion carried.","After questions about differing lake and stream counts, the board approved the five‑year hazard mitigation plan and granted emergency management the flexibility to revise hydrology language or numeric categorizations for clarity.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6463442,"U.S. Postal Service withdraws interest in Highbridge/Marengo site; county reports about $30,000 invested",350,3038000,3388000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473&start=3038&end=3388","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473/thumbnail_3038000.jpg","/articles/6463442/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/US-Postal-Service-withdraws-interest-in-HighbridgeMarengo-site-county-reports-about-30000-invested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463442-f4f9bb63d6274f6cf5dbaac47e339579/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218473&Signature=Hzwth5XTo4TqakFKIvfYR2twSZOuctx5mStw0Y9SSjfXQNspUXrHOdx1iHmJfatZJVgCJmpGdQQv~BEOw1tR52pfjcLSPAll-koU8EposoGy9m6sYrt-pxgVVWIOubYN9Cf6Dl6nqeCXzG0xd40NhzIJdL-mwwv7wCL8P7bNCnHUnL6Jy5rYHLSOb2o4LQxKrFenO2mI8gk~V-Suf1r6is60CcpTT4GeXNJO~Npf8yLGvNDiAFXXGbQIWRywR~C1VqBC4UzsrKbpy3lunUCkagWgqod3AKBBOXu2xzrMWLe6wFgBboLbB~1a2O~l8EOJz0dNjxMYuvCZB4WUtXBNqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff updated the board that the U.S. Postal Service has decided not to proceed with a lease for a Highbridge/Marengo parcel that had been under consideration for a new postal facility. County staff told supervisors the USPS relied on older orthophotos that suggested water drained onto the parcel; the county said the pipe has since been moved and water now goes to the culvert, but the postal service did not reexamine the site and canceled its interest.

County administrators said the site still has power but that an electrical box was removed to avoid ongoing fees after the USPS withdrew. The county reported it had invested “about $30,000” in the parcel in anticipation of the USPS facility and said it is unclear whether the agency will pursue another location; the county said the USPS appears to be reorganizing and may continue to use the Mellon location for the time being.

Board members questioned why work proceeded before a signed USPS lease. County staff responded that the parcel had been under multi‑year discussions with USPS requests for utilities (water, electric, sewer) and that steps were taken by county departments in expectation of a lease. The county reported the USPS never signed the final contract and that negotiation and coordination spanned roughly two years.

Supervisors warned residents and towns considering arrangements with the postal service to review contracts carefully and to avoid taking financial risk before a fully executed agreement. No formal action was taken by the board on the parcel during the meeting; the report was informational.","County highway and administration staff told the board the U.S. Postal Service declined to proceed with a planned lease for a Marengo/Highbridge parcel after reviewing old parcel maps; county staff said roughly $30,000 has already been spent on the site.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6463446,"Ashland County tourism office outlines new brand and GEM grant plan to boost visitor spending",1047,328000,1375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473&start=328&end=1375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5785556-37d106ca6ca10d2cc27dcba695e76473/thumbnail_328000.jpg","/articles/6463446/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Ashland-County-tourism-office-outlines-new-brand-and-GEM-grant-plan-to-boost-visitor-spending","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6463446-904001abf0bb5d21496acc0b413d0fe5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775218473&Signature=aj1B1VDpXTddlCDPHaJPG~dfemaH7Nr0gDbj0CdZ8XQGRppT09NiU~K53frHLdWfRRn6wC7S4uq5VkBC1-jVpH1ZNf1i7AmL5LJi77bbWQe4VE~OkFHSE-~0HREX-Nvz0ZyTSKMG5XcNSgTyLih3oIrI7zjJ7Zl1FC7HWPkJvzQy2ZcskNjkf4U8mfRG~UPNTexvX-Rx~8V0LwdrTDUmEfcbP6aCuCHJHGGHlMTio~-lUrHxdwTEREbKqZf3Z80OnuCs8JT3A80YuDtLCSM3mvciJ73wRBtkmik0LBMgktm2xPdKmwaOKZCIH9~nk~npI763n~6ojky4vpFChsSd4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mary (name given in meeting packet) and marketing consultant Teresa Smith of Pilch and Barnett presented Ashland County’s 2025 tourism report during the county board meeting, describing a new county brand and use of a $39,500 GEM (grant) award from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to increase visitor spending.

The presentation said direct visitor spending in Ashland County was roughly $42 million and total economic impact, after indirect and employee spending multipliers, was about $65 million. Mary and Pilch and Barnett said the county’s marketing work aims to encourage multi-night stays and to spread visitor activity beyond the city of Ashland, promoting assets from Madeline Island in the north to Butternut in the south.

The consultants said the year‑one GEM grant (25% match required) funded research, a new brand and strategic planning with multiple community partners, including chambers and local business groups. Pilch and Barnett described brand work that emphasizes countywide access to Lake Superior, federal forests, ATV/UTV trails, waterfalls and Copper Falls State Park. Examples shown to the board included a logo mark and an “attractions badge” concept for the website and collateral.

Officials said they plan to reprint an “auto tour” brochure that highlights scenic paved roads for motorcycles and cars; that printed piece would be used as in‑kind match for grant requirements. The presenters described planned website work—flowcharts and content that would feature scenic drives, itineraries, four‑season recreation, accessibility information (including disabled access), EV charging locations and community events—to help visitors move among communities throughout the county.

Speakers noted the county applied for a second year of the GEM grant with similar funding requests (the packet referenced another $39,500 request) and described match levels rising across years (the packet shows 25% the first year, a county match plan described as $50,000 for year two and a higher match percentage in year three). The presenters said match may include non‑cash items such as partner marketing and printed materials.

During public comment and board questions, residents and supervisors raised related topics: whether the county budget devotes sufficient funds to parks and recreation; interest in including EV charging locations in tourism materials; ideas for arts and music events to broaden visitor appeal; and a suggestion to emphasize “microtourism” opportunities for local residents. Mary and the consultant said accessibility features (including disabled‑access information) will be prioritized on the new site and that the county will solicit community assets to populate itineraries.

The presenters listed numerous participating partners in the strategic process, including local chambers, the Ashland County Snowmobile Club Alliance, town governments and business groups. They said the county will start collecting digital assets from communities if the grant is awarded and proceed with website development.

Board members and the consultant repeatedly emphasized that the marketing work’s goal is to spread visitor economic benefits throughout the county rather than concentrating them solely in the city of Ashland.

The presentation concluded with an opportunity for board members to ask questions; none of the board took a formal vote on the presentation itself.","County tourism officials and a contracted marketing firm described a new county brand, a $39,500 GEM grant award and plans for a reprinted auto tour brochure, website redesign and itineraries aimed at increasing overnight stays and countywide visitation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: county board approves resolutions on opioids, subdivision, forestry, snowmobile funding and lake monitoring

County board approves five‑year hazard mitigation plan, allows emergency management to clarify hydrology language

U.S. Postal Service withdraws interest in Highbridge/Marengo site; county reports about $30,000 invested

Ashland County tourism office outlines new brand and GEM grant plan to boost visitor spending