The October issue of The Northwoods Ledger is now live!
This month, we cover local town board decisions across Vilas County, how cranberry bogs are harvested, and the hard routes traveled by early mail carriers on snowshoes.
Local Government & Town Board News
Eagle River to Vote on Term Limits This November: Eagle River residents will vote this fall on whether to set term limits for elected city officials. We break down the ballot question, what state law allows for local limits, and how the rules would affect future council races.
Winchester and Presque Isle Weigh Shared Town Manager: Rising costs and state paperwork have prompted Winchester and Presque Isle to look at hiring one manager for both towns. We outline how the towns would split costs, divide weekly hours, and address local control concerns.
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Field Notes, Wildlife & Traditions
Northwoods Mushroom Guide: Tips for spotting fall mushrooms, finding the right host trees, and timing late flushes before the ground freezes.
October in the Northwoods: Deer scraping trees ahead of the rut, ducks moving across wetlands, and bears looking for food before denning up.
Why Cranberries Grow in Water: How farmers flood bogs each fall to float the harvest, and how extra water shields berry vines from freezing ground temps.
Watching the Northern Lights: The best high ground, clear-sky setups, and dark lakes for catching the aurora borealis this season.
Local History & Camp Fare
When Mail Came by Snowshoe: In the early 1900s, contract carriers walked 30 miles between Sayner, Lac du Flambeau, Boulder Junction, and St. Germain. On bentwood snowshoes and with dry-wrapped sacks, they kept remote lines open through heavy winter storms.
Community Cider Presses: How neighbors brought autumn apple baskets to shared farmhouse presses to make cider before winter set in.
Campfire Venison Stew: A slow braise with browned venison, bacon fat, root vegetables, and stock.
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