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Langlade Board Opposes Mining Activity Near Wolf River, Declares Virus Emergency

Dan Dumas/Kim Swisher Communications

On Tuesday, the Langlade County Board called on lawmakers to protect the Wolf River watershed from metallic sulfide mining pollution.

Although exploration for a possible mine by Badger Minerals would be in southern Oneida County, just north of Langlade County, the concern is the possible pollution of the Wolf River, which runs through Langlade County and eventually empties into Lake Michigan.

The resolution calls upon the State Legislature and Governor to repeal Wisconsin Act 134, which streamlined the mining permitting process.

In a second resolution, the board unanimously passed a declaration of a state of emergency in Langlade County in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The declaration suspends governing rules and gives authority to a “Unified Command,” which includes the County Board Chairman, the County Manager, and the Public Health Director.

The resolution states that the Unified Command is authorized to do whatever is necessary for the health, safety and protection of the county’s citizens in coordination with State and Federal authorities.

James M. Skibo is Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Anthropology at Illinois State University. He is the author of five books, including two written for the general audience, Ants for Breakfast, and Bear Cave Hill. In 2021 James moved to the Madison area and is now the State Archeologist.
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