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1 month ago

Committee decides to bid County M and proceed with seal coats; G G resurfacing depends on FLAP funds Staff recommended proceeding with bids for County Highway M and moving forward with planned seal coat projects; a larger resurfacing on County G G funded by a FLAP grant remains uncertain pending federal fund release and DOT timing.

Ashland County's highway plans are in limbo as a crucial $2 million resurfacing project hinges on elusive federal funding—will the roads get the upgrade they need?

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureDevelopment #CommunityPlanning

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1 month ago

Board hears program changes: CST discontinued; new Credible Minds Matter resource and social-media strategy discussed Staff told the board the coordinated services team (CST) program will be discontinued because a required county match is no longer allowed; staff also unveiled a Credible Minds Matter resource website and discussed social-media outreach and limits on AI use for casework.

The county is set to discontinue its Coordinated Services Team program, shifting focus to a new mental health resource while addressing the need for better outreach and funding stability.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #MentalHealthResources #CitizenPortal #PublicOutreach

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1 month ago

Ashland County panel presses Xcel on solar siting, transmission upgrades and local opportunities At a Feb. 17 meeting the Ashland County Zoning and Land Committee questioned Xcel Energy about how it selects solar sites, interconnection limits and whether battery storage or county land could be used so more economic benefit stays local. Xcel offered follow-up materials and a December 2025 RFP link.

Ashland County officials are digging deeper into how Xcel Energy chooses solar project sites and how local land can maximize economic benefits for the community.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #EnergyInnovation #CitizenPortal #SustainableSolutions #EconomicDevelopment #AshlandCountySolar

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1 month ago

County health staff: federal termination notice ended local drug court despite later rescission Ashland County public-health staff said a Jan. 13 SAMHSA funding termination led a judge to discharge drug-court participants Jan. 14; although SAMHSA rescinded the termination Jan. 15, staff said the program could not be restored and 11 participants were affected.

A sudden federal funding termination left Ashland County's drug court in disarray, discharging participants just one day before the funding was rescinded.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #SubstanceAbuse #AshlandCountyDrugCourt

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1 month ago

County discusses proactive economic development steps and cautions on solar projects' legacy costs Supervisors discussed zoning guidance, shared-well/septic approaches for clustered development, and solar farm proposals; they urged involving utilities (Xcel) early and requiring bonds or decommissioning protections to address legacy-cost risks.

Ashland County supervisors are paving the way for sustainable development by tackling zoning challenges and ensuring solar projects don't leave a costly legacy behind.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #ZoningGuidance #SolarEnergyLegacy

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1 month ago

Ashland County committee hears proposal for small pressure‑treating post facility in White River area A local resident, Paul 'Pablo' Beachy, told the Zoning and Land Committee he wants county clearance to open a small, enclosed facility to pressure‑treat fence posts with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). Members urged coordination with DATCP and the DNR and flagged storage, disposal and forestry supply questions.

Local entrepreneur Paul “Pablo” Beachy is pushing to launch a pressure-treating facility for red-pine fence posts, but environmental concerns and safety regulations are raising questions from the Ashland County committee.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CommunityRegulations #CitizenPortal

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1 month ago

Committee questions Lightcast demographics and requests updated local data after Northland College closure Members raised concerns that national datasets used in the Lightcast report may not reflect recent local changes — notably the closure of Northland College and federal workforce layoffs — and asked NRPC to incorporate Wisconsin DOA and updated county data before finalizing projections in the comprehensive plan.

Committee members are raising alarms about the reliability of national data in the Lightcast report, questioning how the closure of Northland College and recent layoffs could skew crucial population and labor-force projections.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #WorkforceAnalysis

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1 month ago

Budget preview: county finances steady; $3 million earmark for sheriff radios reported Consultants presented a year-end budget preview showing modestly improved interest income and receivable recovery; administrator reported an expected $3 million federal earmark to fund NextGen radio upgrades for the sheriff and staff described a competitive state 'innovation' grant for joint dispatch.

Ashland County is on track for a promising financial future, bolstered by a $3 million federal earmark for NextGen 911 radio upgrades and potential million-dollar grants on the horizon!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #EmergencyCommunications #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Ashland County committee urges outreach to utility as solar‑farm offers arrive Supervisors discussed an $800/acre lease offer, proximity to high‑voltage lines/substations, and the county’s limited zoning authority for utility‑scale solar; they agreed to invite the local utility (contact Lynn Hall) to explain interconnection, grid capacity and permitting.

Ashland County is on the brink of a solar surge, with $800 per acre lease offers sparking debates about farmland use and future utility needs.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #SustainableDevelopment #ZoningRegulations #AshlandCountyUtilities #RenewableEnergy

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1 month ago

Ashland County accepts $600,000 FLAP design award for County H, aims to expand design coverage County staff said a federal FLAP grant will provide $600,000 for design work on County Highway H; the committee voted to accept the award and staff said they will revise the application to cover up to 15 miles and break construction into phases.

Ashland County is making strides in infrastructure with a $600,000 federal grant to kickstart the design of a major highway project—could this be the beginning of a transformative upgrade?

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #AshlandCountyHighways

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1 month ago

County announces $3.155M federal earmark for radio upgrades; wellness court wound down as federal funding wavered County administrator reported a $3,155,000 earmark for new radio equipment to upgrade emergency communications, receipt of $146,000 from Bad River for law-enforcement services, and that federal funding uncertainty forced winding down the county''s wellness treatment court; the county plans to pursue a state TAG grant to reopen the program.

Ashland County secures a $3.155M federal earmark for crucial radio upgrades but faces challenges as the wellness court program is wound down due to funding uncertainties.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #FundingInitiatives #AshlandCountyEmergencyServices #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Emergency management: hazard plan complete; $3.1 million radio upgrade tied to pending federal action Ashland County emergency management reported a completed hazard mitigation plan, outreach activity, and grant activity. Officials said $3.1 million in congressional direct spending for radio infrastructure is approved by Congress but awaits the president's signature; FEMA/EMPG funding timing is uncertain pending federal appropriations.

Ashland County's emergency management is on the brink of a $3.1 million radio upgrade that could revolutionize local safety, but federal funding uncertainties loom large!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #FederalFunding #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #AshlandCountyEmergencyManagement

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2 months ago

Every Saturday in Ashland, Wisconsin, @ 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM, overlooking beautiful Lake Superior!

#EyesOnIce #ResistAuthoritarianism #AshlandWi #Ice
#NonviolentResistance #JusticeForImmigrants #ActWIS #Actwis.CO #vdlf #VocesdelaFrontera
#Wisconsin #AshlandCounty
#NorthlandCollege

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3 months ago

DNR: Northern elk herd ~367 and rising; county briefed on relocation, lure crops and adaptive management DNR wildlife biologist Josh Beagle told the Ashland County Land Conservation Committee the northern elk population is about 367 animals and growing roughly 5–8% annually, and outlined tools — relocation, lure crops and targeted hunting quotas — the state uses to reduce agricultural damage while supporting recreation and habitat goals.

The northern Wisconsin elk population is booming at an impressive growth rate of 5–8% per year, with innovative strategies in place to manage conflicts and support local agriculture.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #AshlandCountyElk #ConservationStrategies #AgriculturalDamage #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Committee debates PFAS, pollutants and TMDL wording in updated farmland plan Committee members pressed to highlight land 'toxification' (PFAS and other pollutants) and to prioritize impaired waters, while staff cautioned that establishing TMDLs is resource-intensive; the committee agreed to add language to 'explore' implementation mechanisms rather than commit to TMDLs.

Ashland County's Farmland Preservation Committee is taking a bold stand against pollution, pushing for clearer strategies to combat toxic threats like PFAS and heavy metals in local waterways.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #WaterQualityIssues #FarmlandPreservation #AshlandCountyEnvironment

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3 months ago

Ashland County committee forwards updated Farmland Preservation Plan to county board The Ashland County Farmland Preservation Committee voted unanimously to forward its updated Farmland Preservation Plan to the full county board for adoption and public hearing, with a target public hearing in late March and subsequent submission to the Wisconsin DATCP.

The Ashland County Farmland Preservation Committee has taken a significant step towards safeguarding local agriculture by unanimously recommending its updated preservation plan for county board adoption.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CommunityPlanning #AgriculturalPreservation

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3 months ago

Ashland County reports PSAP consolidation, Motorola CAD migration and GIS data releases Staff reported the joint PSAP with Bayfield County went live in July and the county moved to a Motorola CAD system; staff continue data integration for ESINET/NextGen 9-1-1, released tie sheets for free, added voting-district layers, and support departmental GIS adoption.

Ashland County has successfully launched a joint PSAP with Bayfield County, revolutionizing emergency dispatch and enhancing GIS data sharing for the public and departments alike.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #DataIntegration #AshlandCountyGIS #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Committee approves radio‑upgrade grant match and tightens nonprofit funding paperwork; opioid funding request approved The committee approved a resolution to pursue a Wiscom radio upgrade grant (staff said the award would be $40,000 with a $10,000 local match), voted to require nonprofit applicants to submit current board lists, bylaws and most recent IRS Form 990, and approved a LaPointe department funding request proposed to use opioid settlement funds.

Ashland County's finance committee is taking big steps to enhance public safety and transparency by approving a crucial radio upgrade grant and tightening nonprofit funding requirements!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #AshlandCountyPublicSafety #OpioidFunding #TransparencyMeasures

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3 months ago

Ashland County committee zeroes in on construction sector, explores business‑park idea in comp‑plan update Committee members reviewing the 2016 comprehensive plan highlighted construction as a major local employer and discussed creating a business/industrial park near Ashland to support trades, housing infill and farmland preservation; further work and outreach were set for future meetings.

Ashland County is gearing up to transform its economy by focusing on the booming construction sector and a potential new business park to create more quality jobs and protect farmland.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceTraining #HousingInfill

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4 months ago

Housing projects and Enbridge work discussed; committee hears possible campground conversion Committee members reported a 130–150 unit Beazer-area apartment project and discussed Enbridge pipeline work near Marengo that could become a campground or mobile-home park after construction; a court ruling on DNR permits is expected in 30–60 days.

Exciting developments are on the horizon in Ashland County, with plans for a new 150-unit apartment complex and the potential transformation of a construction site into a campground!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #AshlandCountyHousing #CitizenPortal #InfrastructurePlanning

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4 months ago

Committee hears broadband, utilities and energy update; members note limits on county authority Members reviewed the utilities and broadband action items from the 2016 plan, discussed BEAD-driven state broadband implementation and county limitations on permitting and utility siting, and flagged an energy target referenced in 2016: 25% county-facility renewable by 2025.

Ashland County's committee grapples with the reality of limited local authority over broadband expansion and renewable energy goals, raising questions about the future of community-driven initiatives.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #AshlandCountyUtilities

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4 months ago

Ashland County planning committee debates pace of 2016 plan update; chair offers resignation Members of the Ashland County comprehensive planning committee disagreed over how closely to follow consultant-led timelines, data needs for setting priorities, and committee process; Chair George Boussaint said he will resign as chair but will remain on the committee and an election for chair will be placed on the next agenda.

Tension rises in the Ashland County planning committee as members clash over timelines and priorities, all while chair George Boussaint announces his resignation.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #AshlandCountyPlanning #CommunityEngagement #DataTransparency

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4 months ago

Officials: FoodShare restored after federal shutdown; county staff and volunteers stepped in during gap County staff said FoodShare/SNAP benefits were distributed and funding restored; economic-support staff and volunteers described call-center work, a 12-county consortium response, and higher food-shelf and pantry usage during the shutdown.

FoodShare benefits are back on track after the federal shutdown, but community demand has skyrocketed, highlighting the incredible efforts of local staff and volunteers.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FoodSecurity #EconomicResilience

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4 months ago

Public health: immunization clinics, naloxone distribution expand; recovery housing grant awarded but federal oversight uncertain Public health staff reported higher immunization turnout, approval for naloxone direct program allocation and continued vending-machine distribution, and new recovery-housing and contingency-management grants; staff also said a SAMHSA project officerfiring has created uncertainty about long-term federal oversight despite current funding.

Public health initiatives in Ashland County are thriving, with record immunizations, expanded naloxone distribution, and new recovery housing grants—yet uncertainty looms over federal oversight!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #ImmunizationOutreach

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4 months ago

Ashland County committee hires realtor to market tax-delinquent parcels The Ashland County Zoning and Land Committee approved hiring Anthony “Tony” Jennings of Crew Real Estate to list county-held, tax-delinquent properties after staff received one RFP response. Members directed staff to work with corporate counsel and negotiate a compensation structure that protects former owners’ proceeds.

Ashland County is taking bold steps to revitalize its tax-delinquent properties by hiring a new realtor and exploring innovative solutions for low-value parcels!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #TaxDelinquency #CivicAccountability #AshlandCountyProperties #RealEstateMarketing

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5 months ago

Ashland County committee trims, clarifies comprehensive-plan survey; sets January release The Ashland County Board Planning Committee reviewed and revised a draft community survey for the county's comprehensive plan on Oct. 29, 2025, directing Northwest Regional Planning to incorporate wording and structural changes before a planned January release and a 4-to-6-week public comment period.

The Ashland County Board Planning Committee is gearing up to launch a revamped community survey in January, aiming to capture your thoughts on housing, transportation, and local resources!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal #HousingAvailability

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5 months ago

Board backs Landmark Conservancy's grant application to acquire Maxwell property; county to submit coastal grant Landmark Conservancy and Bayfield County asked Ashland County to submit a Wisconsin Coastal Management Program grant to help acquire the 131-acre Maxwell property, which includes about 4,000 linear feet of White River shoreline. The board approved a resolution supporting the project and abstentions were recorded from supervisors who are adjacent to

A bold step towards conservation is underway as Ashland County considers a crucial grant to secure the scenic 131-acre Maxwell property, promising lasting protection for the White River shoreline.

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CoastalManagement #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess

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5 months ago

Board approves conduit financing resolution for Tamarack Health; hospital projects staffing growth The board approved a resolution authorizing a conduit borrowing for Tamarack Health and will consider a follow-up issuance next year to stay within IRS annual limits. Hospital officials said the project is intended to expand primary care access and the buildout would create roughly 2530 staff positions in support roles and up to 15 providers over

Tamarack Health is set to expand with a new financing plan that could create up to 30 new jobs and increase primary care access in Ashland County!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #MentalHealthServices #EconomicDevelopment #AshlandCountyHealth

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5 months ago

Ashland County board adopts 2026 budget, tax levy and approves package of resolutions The Ashland County Board adopted the 2026 budget and tax levy and approved a series of related resolutions, including a debt levy to cover a sheriff's HVAC replacement, authorization to apply for multiple grants, and use of opioid settlement funds for treatment.

Ashland County just approved its 2026 budget, increasing the tax levy while planning for essential projects like a new HVAC for the sheriff's department!

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#AshlandCounty #WI #CitizenPortal #AshlandCountyBudget #CommunityDevelopment #PublicHealth #FiscalResponsibility

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5 months ago

Committee adopts 2026 budget; approves $34,001.53 Trimble purchase from contingency The committee approved the 2026 general fund budget after staff-led cuts; members also authorized using contingency to buy a Trimble surveying unit for land conservation and agreed to pursue a prior-year levy carryover adjustment at the county board.

Ashland County's Finance Committee just approved a $34,001.53 purchase of cutting-edge surveying equipment to boost land conservation efforts while finalizing the 2026 budget!

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