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Northwoods COPE Hosting Light Up the Night for Recovery Event in Rhinelander Thursday

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Mental health and substance use disorder affect all communities, people, and age groups. A gathering in Rhinelander this evening looks to end stigma and celebrate recovery. Community partners in Oneida County are hosting the now annual, Light Up the Night for Recovery. It coincides with National Recovery Month and serves as a reminder that recovery is for everyone. An important part of recovery is support. That's where the Light Up the Night event comes in. People will be able to celebrate recovery, remember those whose lives were lost, and connect with others for recovery support. The family-friendly evening will include a community resource fair, but also games, refreshments, and a chance for story-sharing. Jenny Chiamulera is helping organizer the event in her role as the Oneida County Community Health Specialist. She says, "Lived experience is valuable and story telling is a powerful tool used to provide information and help us understand what substance use disorder really is." The event's keynote speaker will be the Oneida County circuit judge Mary Sowinski. For those that would like to attend, Light Up the Night will take place at Hodag Park in Rhinelander from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The speakers are scheduled around 6pm.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Last month Lincoln County completed the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home. Now the County Board is looking to use some of the sale proceeds to pay off debt to save the county money in the long term. The supervisors took up that resolution at their meeting Tuesday. The measure addresses two different instances of Pine Crest borrowing that added up to approximately $6.8 million for previous renovations at the skilled nursing facility in Merrill. According to the resolution, by paying off a majority of these loans early, the county expects to save approximately $1.3 million in interest over the period of borrowing, which originally ran through 2036 and 2038 respectively. Last month, Lincoln County finalized the sale of Pine Crest Nursing home to Jack Pines Healthcare LLC, a division of Ensign Group for $9.5 million. They'll utilize a portion of that revenue to fund the loan repayment. After some brief discussions by supervisors, they ultimately approved the resolution by voice vote. _____ It was a report filled Lincoln County Board meeting, including annual updates from the Aging and Disability Resource Center, an audit report from Clifton Larsen Allen, and on the Sheriff Department Budget. Among resolutions approved on the evening: a proclamation recognize the Tomahawk and Merrill Chambers during Chamber of Commerce Recognition Month; an easement for a natural gas line under the Hiawatha Trail; the sale of a property claimed by taxes delinquency; and continued settlements of ongoing opioid lawsuits. The supervisors did take some additional time on discussing a resolution placing the remaining $1.8 million from the Pine Crest sale into the capital improvements fund. Ultimately it was approved with an amendment that the public property and ad-hoc property committee present a capital improvement priorty list to the board by the December meeting.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News The Wisconsin DNR is reliant upon citizen scientists to help monitor populations of animals of all shapes and sizes. Their latest effort focuses on herptiles, better known as snakes, lizards, frogs and salamanders. With the final days of summer upon us, and temperatures will begin to cool, Wisconsin reptiles and amphibians will begin their migration from summer breeding areas and foraging spots to their winter hibernation homes. This often involves the risk of crossing roads or trails. Some may also seek the warmth held in pavement. By reporting sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on and around Wisconsin's roads, drivers can help researchers better understand where their populations occur and save more of them in the future. DNR conservation zoologist Rich Staffen says, "We are trying to minimize this mortality, and the public can help by reporting where they are seeing this happen. By identifying high road mortality areas, we know where we can incorporate mitigation efforts to reduce the threat to crossing animals in those locations." People can report common road or trail crossing locations including live herptiles or those who've unfortunately been struck. The DNR has a reporting form on their website.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Electric vehicle drivers will be able to grab a butter burger and cheese curds while charging their cars thanks to a new Northwoods partnership. Zero 60 is teaming up with FTI and the Rhinelander Culver's location to introduce four high speed charging stations outside of the restaurant. They highlighted the location located along a state-designated Alternative Fuel Corridor. Zero6 Energy, will finance, own and operate the station, while FTI will engineer, design, develop, install and commission the site. Wade Leipold, executive vice president of FTI says, "Partnering with a well-known brand like Culver's gives us a unique opportunity to combine Midwest hospitality with clean, convenient charging." This project was funded, in part, through the Wisconsin DoT Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. According to their website, Zero 60 currently has an expanding network of charging sites in New York, California, Colorado and Wisconsin. Along with Culver's they have partnerships with other popular restaurants including In-N-Out and Chipotle.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News While the summer ice cream season is winding down, Wisconsin 4-H groups can once again play a role in creating a limited edition flavor for next season. Cedar Crest Ice Cream recently launched their annual 4-H Flavor Creation Contest. For the past decade, the Cedarburg-based ice cream maker has invited local 4-H clubs to submit their best flavor ideas. Ultimately, the winning flavor will be sold exclusively in ice cream shops and parlors around the state the following summer. The contest is seen as a way to teach the 4-H'ers about teamwork while showcasing their imagination and creativity. In the announcement, the company noted that judges will weigh in on a combination of fun, unique flavor names and innovative and irresistible flavor combinations Northwoods groups have actually fared well in the competition. The 2024 winner was the Merrill-based Pesobic Pathfinders and their Paul Bunyan themed ice cream. All Wisconsin 4-H clubs are eligible, and they have until mid-November to enter.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News Flu season is right around the corner, and local health departments are hoping to make it easier for residents to get a flu shot. That includes the Lincoln County Health Department which is bringing back their annual Walk-In Wednesday Flu Shot Clinics from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Starting today and through mid-November, their office will provide flu shots. They note that while you may still get the flu after vaccination, it'll likely be a milder case. They also highlighted that a flu shot protects not only yourself, but also loved ones who may be at higher risk of flu complications. This includes the seniors, those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children under 5. The Health Department has additional information on Walk-In Wednesdays on their website.

Published on 09/17/2025 under News The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce didn't have to look far to find their next executive director. As of Monday, Sarah Brooks has taken on the leadership role. It should be a seamless transition. Brooks previously served as the Chamber's Office and Member Engagement Manager, a position she has held since March. Brooks will take over for Clyde Nelson who announced his retirement after 'five years of dedicated leadership' to the organization.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News The Lincoln County Opioid Task Force has released a new report that analyzes substance use in the county while outlining some steps to address the issue. Over the past year, the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force has studied substance use trends, gathered community feedback, and reviewed available resources and where help is needed. The assessment highlighted five takeaways: access and availability; community norms; family disruption; mental health; and stigma. The report will also help guide the county in spending national opioid settlement funds to help improve health and safety. Erin Ray is Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department. She says, "In order to invest opioid funds in impactful ways, it was important to combine community perspectives with the data collected to tell the whole story." She added, "The final assessment does that and provides a nice road map going forward." The next steps for the task force will be in recommendations to invest the settlement funds to support prevention programs and expand peer support services for people in recovery. They noted ongoing community involvement will remain a top priority as plans move forward. There is actually a resolution on tonight's Lincoln County Board agenda authorizing a mini-grant program utilizing opioid settlement dollars. That full report is available on the Lincoln County website.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride has come and gone… the influx of motorcycles kept Lincoln County Deputies busy. They highlighted several of these incidents in this week's Lincoln County Sheriff's Report. A crash involving multiple motorcycles sent several people to the hospital. That crash was reported on Friday along County Road A, just north of Tomahawk. Based on the initial investigation, a group of 15 motorcycles were traveling north when the lead motorcycle slowed down for traffic ahead. This caused a chain reaction crash of following motorcycles. The report indicates one driver lost control and clipped another bike causing that driver to be thrown from his motorcycle. Three other trailing motorcycles were also involved. Several parties were transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital by either ambulance and private auto for treatment of undisclosed injuries. A Tomahawk man was arrested following a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, that crash happened Saturday on County S near Road Lake Road in the Town of Bradley. Preliminary investigation revealed that two motorcycles were traveling together on CTH S when an oncoming vehicle crossed over the center-line. Both motorcycles took evasive action, however one bike entered the ditch and crashed The operator was transported to a local hospital. Following the investigation, the driver of the vehicle was arrested for 2nd offense OWI causing injury. A Stevens Point man was injured following a motorcycle crash on County Road S in the Town of Skanawan. The driver was unable to recall what happened, but the investigation indicated he failed to negotiate a curve and laid the bike down. The man was wearing a helmet at the time. A motorcycle crash Saturday led to an investigation into a stolen motorcycle. Deputies initially responded that crash on County CC. Deputies found the operator, an Appleton man left the roadway on a curve and struck a culvert. He sustained minor injuries. The man was cited for operating without a license and without a motorcycle endorsement. The deputy also learned the motorcycle had been reported as stolen from Waupaca County in 2021. The man said he had purchased the bike. The deputy is continuing to investigate.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News A motorcyclist was arrested after a following an abandoned chase at nearly double the speed limit. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy initially observed the rider on Highway 51 traveling at nearly 100 miles per hour. The deputy radioed to another unit who reported the motorcycle had increased speeds to 117 miles per hour. The deputy briefly pursued, before ending the chase for safety reasons. A short time later, another deputy was able to locate a bike matching the description and conduct a traffic stop. The operator, a Mount Pleasant man, was arrested for 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, resisting, and fleeing an officer along with several traffic violations.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News The Rhinelander District Library Foundation is in the middle of a fundraising campaign to renovate their 128 year old building. The Foundation recently announced they've extended and expanded a match campaign. The project will add more than 7,500 square feet of new space at the library, while modernizing the facility, improving accessibility and efficiency. Back in June, an anonymous donor pledged $120,000 in a match gift that essentially doubles all other donations. And so far, the community has contributed more than $89,000 to that total. The Foundation recently announced the anonymous donor has now increased their pledge to $128,000. That mirrors that the library is 128 years old. They've also extended the match time-frame to run through Giving Tuesday, December 2. As for the overall Capital Campaign, they've raised approximately $1.3 million of their $7 million goal.

Published on 09/16/2025 under News There is an approximately 70,000 acre block of protected lands east of Rhinelander known as the Pelican River Project. That's the topic of a special presentation coming up Wednesday morning as part of Nicolet College's popular Ced Vig Nature Series. The Pelican River Project is comprised of forests, wetlands, and waterways protected forever from development and subdivision, safeguarding what was the largest privately-owned, unprotected block of forest remaining in the state. As part of tomorrow's program, speakers will cover a number of topics related to the Pelican River Project including: varied ecosystems, the iconic species of flora and fauna, and how this conservation project succeeded because of the skills and efforts of many working together. The presentation is free and open to the public at Nicolet College's Lakeside Center Theatre on Wednesday, September 17 at 10 a.m. (additional information)

Published on 09/16/2025 under News A Northwoods man will once again have his artwork featured on a DNR bird stamp next season. Each summer, the agency holds an art competition with the three winning designs featured on the wild turkey, pheasant and waterfowl stamps in the following year. Sales of stamps also bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to help fund habitat restoration and enhancement, along with education and research projects. This past week, the DNR announced this year's winners. That includes Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk who claimed first place in the pheasant category. Metrich is a repeat winner, on several occasions in past years. As for the wild turkey and waterfowl contests, Sam Timm of Wautoma was a double winner. Judging took place last month at the Wisconsin Waterfowl Expo in Oshkosh.

Published on 09/15/2025 under News There is a calm in the air here in Tomahawk, as the community wrapped up another Fall Ride weekend. As quickly as they arrived last week, tens of thousands of motorcycles were back on the road and heading out of town on Sunday. More than 4 decades in, the Fall Ride tradition remains as popular as ever. It's been estimated at 40,000 and 50,000 people attend each year. Because of the de-centralized nature of Fall Ride, it's hard to get an exact count on just how many people attend each year. On Sunday afternoon, as events were wrapping up, we heard from several of the local organizers. The general consensus was that the number of visitors was up when compared to last year. Weather likely played a role...it was sunny and summer-like for most of the weekend. That likely drew in some additional riders who came over for a day, while also encouraging those visiting to get out and explore events and activities. One event that does get an actual head count is the Friday night Thunder Parade. We heard from parade organizer, Roxanne Consolver, who shared that they had approximately 650 bikes take part this year. That's up from last year's count. And with another year in the books, event organizers will take a few days to recover themselves before shifting focus to next year. In the coming days, they'll meet to review this year's Fall Ride and begin planning for next year.

Published on 09/15/2025 under News September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month in Wisconsin, and several local organizations are teaming up to address this challenge of aging. According to the Wisconsin Institute of Healthy Aging, falls are a leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits and EMS medical response calls. Several local providers including the ADRC, Lincoln County Health Department, and Aspirus will host an Improve Your Balance: Prevent Falls Resource Fair in Merrill Tuesday morning. Jennifer Clark with the ADRC says, "There are proven steps individuals can take to help prevent falls and community resources that can help." Amanda Tabin, injury prevention coordinator for Aspirus says, "Our goal is that event attendees will increase awareness of their fall risk factors and turn that awareness into action," Tomorrow's resource fair will feature a fall risk screening, along with an informational booths with topics like balance and strengthening exercises, home safety, and assistive devices. It'll be a walk-in style event from 9:30am to noon on Tuesday at the Merrill Enrichment Center.

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