Special Project Award - Dec. 26, 2012

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Judged as Wisconsin’s

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VILAS COUNTY

NEWS-REVIEW

Wisconsin Newspaper Association 2012 Large Weekly Division

EAGLE RIVER, WI 54521 • (715) 479-4421 • vcnewsreview.com

VOL. 127, NO. 41

$1.25

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 26, 2012

Snomo trails open, but caution urged More snow needed to help holiday business ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR

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For the eighth time in the past 12 years, a December thaw or the lack of snow during the holidays has resulted in marginal snowmobiling conditions in the North Woods and a potential slow start to the winter tourism industry. This time, poor snow conditions across most of the North Woods has resulted in poor trail conditions, though a major winter storm that hit other parts of the state dropped just 3 to 5 inches of snow in the area last Thursday. Vilas and Oneida county snowmobile trails are open, but considered to be in poor early-season riding condi-

tion. Eric Rady, Oneida County recreation coordinator, announced the Oneida snowmobile trail system opened at 8 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22. He said snowmobilers should contact individual clubs or chambers of commerce for local trail conditions. “As always, the Oneida County Forestry, Land & Recreation Department recommends staying on clearly marked trails,” he said. “Always exercise caution when riding a snowmobile. The trails can be in rough, early season condition.” Last year, the North Woods had just 2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground at this time, ruining the anticipated business boost from snowmobilers between Christmas and New Year’s.

While Vilas County trails have been open since Dec. 10, lake crossings have not been marked due to marginal ice. With only 6 to 8 inches of ice on most lakes, trail officials are warning snowmobilers to stay off the lakes until clubs and businesses have marked the trails. Tom Tomlanovich, trail boss for the Sno-Eagles Snowmobile Club, said trail groomers were out Friday, panning the fresh 3 inches of snow in the Eagle River area. “We had three groomers out panning on Friday, trying to get a good base before the cold and more snow arrives,” said Tomlanovich. “There is a ice base under the snow, which is good.” It’s the business owners To TRAILS, Pg. 2A

With 3 to 5 inches of snow on the ground across the North Woods, snowmobile trail groomers

were out panning the trails near Eagle River and Three Lakes last Friday. —STAFF PHOTO

Three Lakes, Pines among lowest rates, tax report shows Part of ranking attributed to high property values ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR

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The best drivers in professional snowmobile racing will return to Eagle River Jan. 17-20 for the 50th anniversary of the

AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby. Track officials are busy preparing for the historic event.

Famous track taking shape They’re making ice, snow for 50th anniversary Derby ___________ BY GARY RIDDERBUSCH

Three Lakes and Northland Pines school districts are among the lowest taxing K-12 school districts in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance (WISTAX). The report showed that Three Lakes’ rate for the 2012-’13 school year is $4.94 per $1,000 of assessed value, the fifth lowest in the state. Out of 367 K-12 districts in the state, WISTAX says Three Lakes ranks 363rd for lowest taxing districts. Northland Pines is ranked 361st, or seventh lowest in the state, with a tax rate of $5.10. In addition to Three Lakes and Northland Pines, the Phelps School District also was among the 25 lowest (17th) taxing K-12 school district in the state, ranked 351st with a tax rate of $6.88.

While some of the low tax rates at school districts here are attributed to high property values in this lake region, Three Lakes District Administrator George Karling said the report is still good news for taxpayers in all three area school districts. “At Three Lakes, we’ve had a tight budget and we have had to make cuts as a result of levy limits and declining enrollment,” said Karling. “We’ve lost over $3 million in levying authority as a result of declining enrollment.” Due to the dropping revenues, Karling said the school district has had to keep a close eye on the budget, reducing the number of tracks in the elementary schools, and cutting or combining staff and administraTo TAX RATE, Pg. 4A

NEWS-REVIEW EDITOR

___________

While the snowmobile season has been a bust to this point due to a lack of snow, track officials say weather this week has been excellent for creating an ice oval and Sno-Cross course for the 50th running of the AMSOIL World Championship Snowmobile Derby in Eagle River Jan. 17-20. Often called the “Indy 500” of snowmobile racing, the Derby is the oldest and grandest event in snowmobile racing history, drawing the best racers from the United States and Canada. Because of the 50th anniversary, this year’s event will have additional pageantry for the spectators and the largest prize purse ever for the racers. Track makeup has evolved from snow and an ice-sawdust mix to a slate of pure ice, at least 1 foot thick, to withstand a long weekend of high-speed laps and grueling corners on the banked oval. “It’s not going too bad," said track manager Todd Achterberg from a cell phone as he plowed the track Friday following a fresh 4 inches of snow in Eagle River. “We’re doing pretty well. Have a great crew down there. We will have two guys going strong on the track for the next 10 days making ice and snow.” Achterberg said the Derby staff makes snow for the Sno-Cross course when the

Charter school ready to accept applications ___________ BY KEN ANDERSON NEWS CORRESPONDENT

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Applications to enroll in the new Northland Pines School District charter School of Options & Applied Research (SOAR) will be accepted starting Jan. 2, according to District Administrator Mike Richie. The SOAR charter school will be a “school within a school” housed at the current Land O’ Lakes Elementary School. “Think of it as another school building in our district,” Richie said. “We are accepting applicants for grades five through seven, with a goal of 45 students and growing that to 75 students within five years. Grade eight will be included AMSOIL Derby Track officials say the most famous track in snowmobiling will be ready for

temperature is about 10 degrees up to about 18 or 20. Meanwhile, a 4,000-gallon tanker truck is used to spray water on the oval, spilling more than 2 million gallons of water on frigid nights. “The colder weather forecast for this week should allow us to make additional snow and ice,” said Achertberg. “It’s going to be awe-

the 50th anniversary event. A worker plowed snow off the ice Friday. —STAFF PHOTOS

some.” What started with a cross-country race on Dollar Lake in 1964 is now a stadium-style spectacle, as thousands of race fans pack into the only racing facility in the world that is dedicated exclusively to snowmobile racing — complete with corporate suites and indoor “hot seats” for those who favor comfortable viewing.

As if world-class Oval racing and high-flying SnoCross battles weren’t enough of a draw, Derby officials came up with the first and best under-thelights show — Friday Night Thunder. Chuck Decker, AMSOIL Derby Track owner, said he can’t believe the Derby has To DERBY, Pg. 8A

after the first year.” Between Jan. 2 and Jan. 31, only applications from students within the Northland Pines School District will be accepted, If 45 applications are received, enrollment will be closed. Preference will be given to siblings of current SOAR students and will be exempt from any lottery if more applications are received than openings. Richie said a waiting list will be maintained in order of student names drawn in the lottery should applications exceed 45. This waiting list will not roll over from year to year. Students not admitted To CHARTER, Pg. 2A

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Phelps to host hoops tourney n Phelps will host a basketball tourney for the smallest schools this week. Pg. 10A


8A

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 26, 2012

VILAS COUNTY NEWS-REVIEW/THE THREE LAKES NEWS

NEWS

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS The real estate transactions listed below are being published at the request of many of our readers. The information is public record and reflects an index of each week’s transactions. Property transactions exceeding $10,000 recorded at the Vilas County Courthouse the past week and the transfer fee:

WPPI GRANTS — Wisconsin Public Power Inc. (WPPI) grants of $275 each, through Eagle River Light & Water Department, were presented to the Eagle River Revitalization Program and Vilas Food Pantry. Taking part in the check presentation were, from left,

John Seward of the revitalization program, Gary Fawcett of the Light & Water Commission, Betsy Spencer of the food pantry, and Pat Weber of Eagle River Light & Water. —Staff Photo By GARY RIDDERBUSCH

Dec. 17, 2012 Estate of Ruth Davis to John Hambrook and wife, lot 39 of plat 27 in Birchwood Subd 30-40-11, $579 Jeanette Zimmermann Trustee and Boettcher Living Trust 7/18/00 to Red Eye LLC, lot 18 of plat 201 in Morey’s Plat, gov lot 3,5,6, $1,090.50 William J. Trickel and wife to Michael W. Carter and wife, prt SE SW in 2441-9, $285 John J. Sarama and wife to Lee A. Popovich and wife, prt SE NW in 34-43-10, gov lot 3, prt NE SW in 34-43-10, prt SW NW in 34-43-10, gov lot 4, $60 Dec. 18, 2012 Nancy C. Kruc to Craig R. Smith and wife, prt NE SE in 34-40-8, gov lot 8, $1,125 Prohaska Revocable Trust to Kidd Ranch LLC, prt NE SW in 34-40-6, $450 Lisa M. Salisbury to Tamara L. Furman, prt SE NW in 26-41-10, $187.50 Estate of Maxine E. Hendrickson to James Freeman, prt NE SE in 11-40-5, gov lot 3, $810 Dec. 19, 2012 Robert R. Preisler and wife to Charles G. Fioravanti and wife, prt SE SW in 2140-8, gov lot 4, $621.90 Laurel L. Rose to Lance S.

Derby: past champs, queens to attend FROM PAGE 1A hit 50 years. “There have been so many people involved in making this race,” said Decker. “It really isn’t our race, it a community deal.” Anniversary plans Achterberg said the 50th anniversary will feature spectacle attractions for the fans, many of whom have come to the Derby for decades. “The 2013 Derby will have a large number of past world champions returning to meet and greet their fans," said Achterberg. “Their actual winning sled or detailed replicas will be here to be seen both on display and on the track that made them famous.” All the past Derby Queens have been invited and will be appearing with the former champs to visit with race fans. “Opportunities to meet past and current race drivers will be a big part of the weekend with a large heated VIP tent and an expanded Expo Hall loft,” said Achterberg. “The loft will be the site of the Saturday night Top Ten ring presentation, open to all fans.” There also will be visiting celebrities from the auto racing world, including threetime Indy 500 champion Bobby Unser and Paul Page, known as the “Voice of Indy 500.” Vintage first Achterberg said the 2013 event will actually be a 10day show that opens Jan. 1113 with the Woody’s Vintage World Championships. “For the last 10 years, the venerable machines of yesteryear have started the season with their own weekend of classic racing," said Achterberg. He said race officials expect to register more than 900 entries for the Vintage weekend. “Vintage racing is stronger than ever and just continues to grow,” said Achterberg. He said vintage race fans get to relive a bygone era by watching races that pit sleds from six, seven and even eight different manufacturers. “The iron you’ll see on the ice oval is superbly restored and, in many cases, handbuilt,” said Achterberg. “Vintage racing just continues to grow in popularity.” Big prize purse The 50th anniversary Derby will feature the event’s richest prize, according to Achterberg. Jimmy John’s Gourmet

One of the highlights of the Derby, Friday Night Thunder, will return for the 50th anniversary event and will include big bore motorcycles racing on ice. —STAFF PHOTO

Sandwiches, a past Derby sponsor, has put up $50,000 for the winner of the title race. But there's more for the winner. “The winner will take home another $10,000 from the AMSOIL Derby Track for a total of $60,000 to the winner,” he said. For the title event racers, Jimmy John’s also is putting up another $10,000 for the “Jimmy John's Freaky Fast Challenge,” which will be split up among the top four drivers in the championship race at the mandatory pit stop caution. The leader at lap 10 of the 30-lap feature will pocket $5,000, with second getting $3,000, while third and fourth will each get $1,000. The big payday at the AMSOIL World Championship will continue to be spread out across the top 12 finishers when the final checkered flag falls and the ice dust settles. Achterberg said there is an additional $11,600 being paid out by the AMSOIL Derby Track. Achterberg said the total payout of $81,600 for the championship race will make it the richest payout in the history of modern day snowmobile racing. Who will win? The big question this year is whether 2012 winner Nicholas Van Strydonk of Tomahawk can win a second straight title on Polaris. For the third straight year, the 2013 championship race Sunday afternoon will be a 30-lap event with a mandatory pit stop after 10 laps. Last year, the midrace champ was Matt Schulz Wausau on a Ski-Doo. He collected a $2,500 payout from Jimmy John’s. All eyes also will be on P.J. Wanderscheid of Sauk Centre,

Minn., as he attempts to win a fifth championship after his record-setting fourth title in 2011 on an Arctic Cat. The 2012 Derby promises to be another battle of the greats, as the field will include Van Strydonk, Wanderscheid and two-time champion Gary Moyle of Houghton, Mich. “The top 10 field is so incredibly competitive and even then, it is impossible to predict who might emerge as the new world champion," said Achterberg. “It could be any of the racers who made it to the final last year and we saw several new, young faces.” The big weekend But the event that put Eagle River and even Wisconsin on the international map will start Thursday, Jan. 17, with all-day practice sessions for both Oval and SnoCross racers. Time trials for the Oval world championship class will be run under the lights Thursday night. After a full day of qualification racing Friday in both Oval and Sno-Cross, fans will pack the Derby grounds Friday night for the most progressive and most popular event — the Parts Unlimited Friday Night Thunder show. In what Achterberg calls “undisputedly” the best show in snowmobile racing, the under-the-lights show features races in Sno-Cross and Oval classes. Past events have rocked the city with blasting music and an enormous fireworks display. Returning, by popular demand is the Sweet Sixteen event where the top world championship qualifiers go head-to-head under the lights to determine who will sit the pole in Sunday's championship race. “The winner is automati-

cally qualified in the top 10 and will sit the pole position,” said Achterberg. “The winner won’t have to gruel it out in qualifications Saturday afternoon." Saturday will bring both class finals and qualifying in the morning, with the entire afternoon dedicated to qualifying the top 10 finalists for Sunday’s 3 p.m. world championship event. Sunday, championship day, means finals in the most competitive classes. The biggest races will be a Pro Open Sno-Cross championship at 2:30 p.m. and the Oval championship at 3 p.m. “The title race with Champ 440 sleds is, by all measures, the single most important snowmobile race of the year,” said Achterberg. For the seventh year in a row, AMSOIL has emerged as the sponsor of both the famed Derby Track and the World Championship itself. Hot seats, exhibits Construction at the Derby grounds the past two decades has produced thousands of indoor hot seats for race fans, an enormous exhibit building and an imposing viewing stand on the front straightaway. The viewing stand accommodates VIPs, manufacturers and race fans. It is in addition to the 17 indoor suites that have been built since 1993. Trackside motor home parking is one of the most comfortable ways to watch races at the track. There are dozens of parking spots positioned between corners three and four. Electricity and closed-circuit television are included. Ticket prices are $15 daily for the Vintage weekend or $35 for all three days. For Derby weekend, tickets are $15 for Thursday, $30 for Friday (day and evening), $25 for Saturday and $30 for Sunday. A four-day Derby pass costs $65, a savings of $35. Admission for children 10 and younger is free. Hot seats are priced at $225 for all four days Jan. 1720 or can be obtained separately on a daily basis. The hot seats include a superticket that is good for all four days. Achterberg said the Derby is designating Saturday as family day, when two adults and up to three children get in for $65. Tickets can be purchased at the Derby office. Race fans also can get information on advance ticket sales and motor home parking by going to derbytrack.com or by calling (715) 479-4424.

Wirth, lot 7 of plat 785 in Golden Retreat Estates, $57 Jaquelin Silverthorne Reed to John Hellyer Silverthorne Reed, prt SE NE in 642-8, gov lot 2, omitted lands plat 890 in 6-42-8, $381.60 Shirley M. Kaminski Trust to Thomas E. Kaminski, prt SW SW in 18-40-11, $184.50 Robert D. Ohlsson et al, Betty Ann Uhan et al and Kelly Sue Ferg et al to John M. Dougherty and wife, prt NE SE in 9-42-7, prt NW SW in 10-42-7, $510 Louis Bruette to Patrick Rolain and wife, lot 37 of block 9 of plat 351 in Turtle Lake Resort Plat C, $126 Plum Creek Timberlands LP to Red Stone River LLC, prt SE SW, prt NE SW in 2143-5, $336 Plum Creek Timberlands LP to Rest LLC, prt SW SE in 21-43-5, $168 Plum Creek Timberlands LP to Win-Man Trails LLC, prt NW SW, prt SW SW in 21-43-5, $314.40 Dec. 20, 2012 Aul Revocable Living Trust to Roy J. Ebert, prt NE NW in 34-42-7, $294 Robert J. Nash and wife to Deborah A. Wilson, prt NW NE in 11-40-6, gov lot 2, prt SW NE in 11-40-6, gov lot 3, $1,245 Northside Community Bank to Scott H. Pickering, prt NE SW, prt SW NW, prt NW SW, prt SE NW in 32-405, prt NE NE, prt SE NE in 31-40-5, $51 Dec. 21, 2012 J. Schuette Revocable Living Trust to Jeffrey A. Reynolds and wife, prt SW SE in 2-40-6, gov lot 5, prt NE SE in 2-40-6, gov lot 6, $570

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