Wisconsin Mixed Bag: Spellman’s Marina merges with Pioneer Marina

Oshkosh, Wis. — Spellman’s Marina, a longtime staple of the Oshkosh boating community, has merged with Pioneer Marina. Situated south of the Oshkosh Avenue bridge on the Fox River, Spellman’s was sold in March to a group of local developers: Art Dumke, Matthew Vaughan, Bob Walter, and Jason Hirschberg.

The team also owns Pioneer Marina and Sometimes, a family-friendly outdoor bar located on Pioneer Island adjacent to the marina on Lake Winnebago.

The pairing of both marinas aims to benefit area boaters through the combined services and amenities offered by both waterfront operations. The new ownership looks to continue the service-driven, family-oriented practices established by the previous owners, Cheryl and Tim Doberstein.

For the Pioneer team, the purchase also reflects a broader mission centered on nature and getting people outside.

“We’ve always believed in the healing power of the outdoors,” Dumke said. “Time on the water helps people disconnect from screens and reconnect with each other. That’s something worth investing in.”

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NRB to Meet June 25 at UW-Parkside

Madison — The Natural Resources Board (NRB) will meet in-person for the June meeting to consider proposed rulemaking documents and other matters at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at the University of Wisconsin–Parkside student center, 900 Wood Road, Kenosha. The board will act on items 1-4 and 7 as listed on the agenda. The public may watch the June meeting via YouTube.

The board will be considering: proposed rules affecting chapters NR 10 (2025 wildlife management spring hearing rule) and proposed rules affecting chapters NR 20 and 21 relating to changes to fishing regulations on inland, outlying and boundary waters (2025 fish management spring hearing rule). The board will also receive a report on the Conservation Congress spring hearing advisory questions and convention, a briefing on the 125th anniversary of the state park system, and an overview of the DNR’s boating safety program, wake boats, and aquatic invasive species.

The full agenda is posted on the DNR website.

Work Under Way to Improve Fish Habitat at Sam Gordy’s Slough in Buffalo County

Madison — The DNR began construction activities at Sam Gordy’s Slough earlier this month on a project that will improve fish habitat by restoring flow with the main Mississippi River channel. Boaters may have to avoid the main project area during construction, but access is not anticipated to be impacted.

Sam Gordy’s Backwater Complex, commonly known as Sam Gordy’s Slough, is approximately 350 acres on the Wisconsin bank of Pool 6 of the Mississippi River in Buffalo County. The DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are sponsoring the project, with work contracted through Schafer’s Marine Services.

“The river inlet at Sam Gordy’s Slough is blocked by sediment during normal and low flow conditions,” said Shawn Giblin, DNR Mississippi River specialist. “Once this project is completed, the area will be better suited for fish production and provide a valuable recreational asset for the public.”

A rock deflector will be constructed at the river inlet to prevent sand from being deposited in the backwaters, while still allowing for high-oxygen river water to enter the complex. This design has been used successfully on other Mississippi River habitat projects. The downstream riverbank will be armored with riprap and the accumulated sand in the aeration channel will be dredged.

Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 1.

DNR Investigating Waukesha County Boating Accident that Resulted in Fatality

Muskego, Wis. — The DNR is investigating a fatal boating accident in Waukesha County. At approximately 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7, the Muskego Police Department and Tess Corners Fire Department responded to a boat accident at Idle Isle Park on Little Muskego Lake in Muskego.

A 10-year-old was injured in the accident. Immediate care was provided at the scene before the child was transported to a local hospital. The child succumbed to injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest a boat operated by a 74-yearold man with one other person on board struck a stationary boat with three people on board, including the child. No other significant injuries were reported.

The accident remains under investigation by the DNR with assistance from the Muskego Police Department. No further information is available at this time. Anyone with information may contact the DNR’s hotline online or by calling (800) 847-9367, or contact the Muskego Police Department at (262) 679-4130.

Landowners Sought to Host Annual Deer Hunt for Disabled Hunters

Madison — The DNR is looking for landowners to host deer hunters with disabilities for the annual hunt that will take place Oct. 4-12. Landowners must have at least 60 acres available, be able to host at least three hunters and complete an online application by July 1. About 400 hunters participate each year.

“This special hunt has been providing hunters with disabilities accessible opportunities to deer hunt since 1992,” said Brooke VanHandel, DNR assistant deer and elk specialist. “This hunt is only possible through our landowner sponsors. Their willingness to open their properties each year allows more individuals the opportunity to participate in Wisconsin’s deer hunting tradition.”