Wisconsin
Northern Wisconsin roads blocked in homeowners-Native American tribe land dispute
LAC DU FLAMBEAU, Wis. (AP) — Roads have been blocked in northern Wisconsin in a dispute involving homeowners and an Native American tribe.
Leaders of the Lac du Flambeau tribe set up barricades on Jan. 30 after negotiations with property title companies broke down, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported.
The tribe said the roads were illegally built on its reservation without compensation. Leaders insist they are taking care of residents who need food, prescriptions, propane and other services, but some people feel trapped.
“We understand that this is a difficult time for those residents and have tried to show compassion for their predicament,” the tribe said.
David Kievet said officials told him he could drive away but he wouldn’t be allowed back in. He said he’s relying instead on a friend’s snowmobile to travel across a frozen lake.
“From my records, there are 55 affected properties,” Kievet said. “So far, I have enrolled about 25 of the property owners in a community site where we can exchange information.”
Two lawmakers, Sen. Mary Felzkowski, R-Tomahawk, and Rep. Rob Swearingen, R-Rhinelander, have asked Gov. Tony Evers to intervene. The Press-Gazette said he visited the area last weekend.
“It’s imperative that action be taken immediately to ensure the safety of citizens who are not to blame for the current situation,” the lawmakers said.
Steve Pacewicz
February 7, 2023 at 8:56 am
Well, the Senator and Representative maybe oughta be talking to the property owners, the city that that took the tax $$$$ yet did not give the appropriate amount to the Tribe and the tribe.
10 years is a long time to not do the right thing. The Tribe seems to be going above and beyond doing the right thing with patience, compassion and caring all the way around.
It’s way beyond time for the representative and senator to step up to the plate. And besides, it’d be a good thing for you 2 and the city to learn how to act in kind.
After all, it has been 10 years already.