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Officials Remind Drivers of Snowplow Safety after Uptick in Accidents

Published on 02/05/2026 under News As winter begins to wind down, officials are once again reminding drivers about snowplow safety. The message comes after 13 separate accidents involving vehicles and county snowplows around the state this winter. These crashes resulted in vehicle damage and forced several plows out of service, temporarily reducing highway department abilities to clear roads efficiently. The DoT and the Wisconsin County Highway Association teamed up to share this message. In many cases, they note snowplows have been struck from behind, highlighting the need for drivers to remain alert and adjust their driving behavior in winter conditions. WCHA Executive Director Patrick Vander Sanden says, "Every time a snowplow is hit, it puts operators at risk and takes critical equipment off the road. Drivers need to slow down, stay back and be patient." They note that snowplows will travel at slower speeds to more effectively apply liquid brine or road salts. Following too closely or attempting to pass an active plow puts everyone at risk. Snowplows have flashing amber or green warning lights to increase safety, enhance driver awareness and improve visibility of maintenance vehicles.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News Earlier this week, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry released their annual impact report which showed just how instrumental they are in the community. According to the report, they were able to distribute more than 940,000 pounds of food providing food assistance to more than 2,300 neighbors experiencing food insecurity. In addition to shopping at the food pantry, they also provide nutrition through their Hodag Monster Meals, the summer Hodag Food Wagon, and monthly Senior Stock Boxes. Even some 90,000 pounds of food they weren't able to distribute was redirected to local animal rescues like Wild Instincts or farmers. Their mission is only possible through the community. They note that 75% of their funding comes from donations and fundraisers. As for volunteers, more than 350 people provided approximately 19,600 volunteer hours. Executive Director Courtney Smith says, "We are inspired by what is possible when a community comes together with purpose and compassion. Your generosity and commitment fuel our mission." The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry turned twenty years old in 2025.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk is seeking some outside funding to help as they continue to plan for a PFAs treatment facility. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved an agreement with engineering firm MSA to submit an application for the state's Safe Drinking Water program. The city has already been working with MSA on this project. Applications do require pilot studies which are also currently ongoing. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. With tightening regulations, the city has been exploring a treatment facility. A 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. The Safe Drinking Water program could cover up to half the construction costs of the project. The deadline to apply for the current cycle of the Safe Drinking Water program is in June.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News The Lincoln County Humane Society worked with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office for an unusual animal rescue this week. The teams were called to a property after the owners had moved, leaving behind 28 chickens and a turkey. Fortunately the Lincoln County Humane Society has already been able to re-home the birds. They did use this situation as a good example to seek help if you can't care for your animals. They said, "If the owners had reached out... it's possible we could have assisted with finding homes for (the birds) before they were left in such extreme outdoor conditions, with little protection from the elements." Even if you have an animal that LCHS can't easily house like farm animals or exotic pets, they do have connections and contacts to other rescues or resources that may be of assistance. They noted that Lincoln County residents are not charged a surrender fee.

Published on 02/05/2026 under News Many skaters begin with pond hockey, playing on frozen waterways large and small. Coming up this weekend, the Minocqua community is bringing the game back to basics. The American Pond Hockey Invitational returns to the Northwoods with three days of play on Lake Minocqua. The event began in 2022 when a group of Min-Aqua Bats alumni saw the frozen Aqua Bowl as a perfect setting to celebrate the game, the community, and winter in the Northwoods. Now in it's fourth year, the event has grown to feature six rinks and plenty of other attractions, both onsite and around the community. (Visitor's Guide) Through these collaborations, American Pond Hockey has become both a winter tradition and a catalyst for positive local impact, a reminder that the coldest months can bring the community closer together. That includes a public skating initiative, local partnerships with businesses to promote the region as a destination, as well as community fundraising opportunities impacting dozens of local groups and organizations. It is free for spectators. Games get underway on Friday and will continue through the championship rounds on Sunday morning. The event comes right on the heels of another successful pond hockey tournament up in Eagle River last weekend.

Published on 02/04/2026 under News Last month the Tomahawk City Council voted to place a levy referendum on the April ballot. In the lead up to the vote, city leaders will be reaching out to the public. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council scheduled three public informational meetings at SARA Park in March. The goal of the meetings will be to explain why the city is requesting additional funding. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The Council is looking for a 20% increase to the base levy going forward, approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of around $75 for a $100,000 property. The decision in Tomahawk comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. At the informational sessions, they plan to review some of the previous cuts, as well as services that could be impacted in the future. In addition to the City Council members, they have also asked department heads to participate. In order to reach as many people as possible, the Council attempted to cover different times and days when scheduling the meetings. They are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday March 4 at 1pm; Saturday March 7 at 10am; and Thursday, March 19 at 6pm. (Dates and times are subject to change, we'll offer a reminder as those dates are confirmed.) In addition to the meetings, they also plan to include a fact sheet in utility bills as well as traditional and social media. Voters will decide on the referendum April 7.

Published on 02/04/2026 under News Aspirus Health Foundation has officially launched the $1 million Building a Healthier Future capital campaign in support of the $40 million renovation of Aspirus Merrill Hospital. As part of the fundraising, they received a $275,000 cornerstone gift from the Bierman Family Foundation. The $40 million renovation project at Aspirus Merrill Hospital is designed to: • Expand facilities to better serve a growing patient population • Modernize technology to support advanced medical care • Enhance patient environments to promote healing and comfort • Increase operational efficiency to deliver faster, more effective services The Bierman Family Foundation's investment brings the momentum needed to launch the Building a Healthier Future campaign. Jane Bentz, is the donor engagement and development specialist with Aspirus Health Foundation. "Their gift will inspire others to come together to support local health care and the community members Aspirus will serve for generations to come." As part of the campaign, Aspirus Health Foundation is offering naming opportunities that allow donors to leave a lasting legacy within Aspirus Merrill Hospital. These named spaces will recognize philanthropic support while reinforcing the hospital's role as a community-centered place of care. Bentz says, "Each named space reflects the heart of Merrill, where neighbors uplift one another, and local businesses invest in the well-being and future of their community."

Published on 02/04/2026 under News Good ice plays a key role in skating experience. The crews up in Boulder Junction have a new tool to help maintain the ice at Winter Park including the Glide Ribbon and the skating rink on site. The Town recently acquired a Kubota tractor equipped with a power broom to help with snow removal and ice preparation efforts. The new equipment will be paired with their pull-behind Zamboni system, allowing the volunteers to maintain a consistent skating surface. Town Chairman, Dennis Reuss said, "This new equipment is an important investment in the success of the Winter Park." He added, "With the continued growth in usage of the Glide, it made sense for the Town to step up and provide tools that help deliver a higher-quality experience for park users while also protecting our volunteers." The Glide debuted last year to great success, even winning awards and national exposure. This year, the team of volunteers have spent significantly more time on ice maintenance according to volunteer coordinator and park board member Steve Weber. The Glide is opening daily from 10am to 10pm when conditions allow. Visitors are encouraged to check Boulder at Play on Facebook for conditions.

Published on 02/04/2026 under News Tax season is upon us, and a local partnership will once again provide free filing assistance in the Northwoods. The ADRC of Oneida County is helping organize the effort in Rhinelander in collaboration with the IRS and AARP. They'll have trained and certified volunteers, with the site volunteers offering more than 100 years of combined Tax Aide experience. According to organizers, the target group for this service is people with low to moderate income, with an emphasis for those 60 and older. The Rhinelander site expects to prepare and e-file approximately 600 returns. The services began this week and will continue through the April filing deadline. They'll be set up at the ADRC of Oneida County on Mondays and Wednesdays. Similar programs will be set up in Eagle River and Minocqua. Those utilizing this assistance need to schedule an appointment. Rhinelander at the ADRC Office- 715-369-6170Eagle River at the Ohlson Public Library on Wednesdays- 715-479-3727 Minocqua Public Library on Fridays- 715-356-4437

Published on 02/04/2026 under News The Super Bowl will be full of ceremony and tradition. A Navy pilot from the Wausau area will be taking part. During the national anthem performance at Sunday's game, members of four U.S. Navy tactical squadrons will join the Air Force for a unified flyover over Levi's Stadium. That includes Lt. Darren Sanchez originally from Weston. Sanchez serves as a pilot assigned to the "Warhawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron 97 and will represent the Navy in the F-35C. Sanchez said of the opportunity, "To participate in the flyover for the Super Bowl is an unbelievable feeling because I've been watching football my entire life." According to the announcement, Sanchez graduated from D.C. Everest in 2015, and earned a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from the UW-Madison in 2019. He joined the Navy six years ago.

Published on 02/04/2026 under News The Tomahawk Main Street calendar is starting to fill in for the new year. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk City Council approved a half dozen special events, each sponsored by Tomahawk Main Street. The applications all came through the city's Health and Safety Committee. And like the committee meeting, it was a quick process, with all of these events already well-established. The first on the docket was the Wine Walk on May 8. There's also the Main Street Memories Car Show-May 24, Oktoberfest-October 10, and Main Street Memories Christmas December 11. While Main Street Mania may sound new, Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz explained it is an updated version of their Customer Appreciation Day and Sidewalk Sale which will take place August 13-15. In addition to the one-off events throughout the year, the Committee also approved the weekly downtown Farmer's Market which will begin in June and continue through the growing season. Due to the larger scale and planning, the Main Street Fall Ride application will be submitted at a later date. Each of the applications was approved unanimously.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News The Harrison Hills trails are a popular attraction in Lincoln County. The ATV/UTV trail system is the focus of another new video promoting the region. Over the past two years, Lincoln County has worked with Discover MediaWorks to produce a series of videos. The current chapter is titled What's Behind the Trees. On Monday, they released a new video short focused Harrison Hills and recreation vehicles. Host Lindsey Hayes spend a fall day riding with a local group to experience what the 60-plus mile trail system has to offer. She highlights the diverse terrain and natural scenery of riding in the Harrison Hills, along with trail access to various amenities including campgrounds, bars and restaurants, and parking areas and gathering spaces. And like many of the videos in the series, it showcases the people behind the place. This video is part of a growing catalog of segments and features on Lincoln County. One of the segments produced last year on sled dogs was selected as the winner of a regional Emmy Award. Many of these videos focus on outdoor recreation, playing on the Lincoln County slogan, "Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins." In fact Hayes repeats the line as the latest segment closes. The video is available on Discover Wisconsin's YouTube channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News While storms and downed trees cause most wide spread power outages, a common backyard critter is another frequent culprit. According to Wisconsin Public Service, squirrels caused power outages to an estimated 5,000 customers this past year. The utility recently highlighted some of the proactive measures they've been taking to help prevent animal-related outages. Their crews add a special coating to some equipment that makes it harder for the squirrels and other animals to climb and gnaw at wires. Transformers and substations are another location for nesting and food storage. WPS places special covers on transformers to prevent access, while adding extra insulation to prevent animals from entering and causing a damage. Although squirrels are the most common wildlife pest, they are not alone. WPS notes that birds, raccoons, snakes and other rodents have all been known to cause power interruptions.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in the Wisconsin Technical College System. Northwoods residents have a pair of tech schools in our back yard with Northcentral Technical College in Wausau and Nicolet College in Rhinelander. A recent survey published in January showed approximately two-thirds of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable opinion of the system and its colleges. That's up from 52% in a similar survey from 2022. Residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability. System President Layla Merrifield says, "Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike." Merrifield added, "As we look ahead, WTCS remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships with employers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Published on 02/03/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation, often called AFib, is a common and treatable heart rhythm condition. For some patients, medications alone are not enough to manage symptoms, but there are other options. February is American Heart Month and Aspirus provided some information on Afib while highlighting a relatively new treatment known as Pulse Field Ablation. Dr. Ronnie Ortiz is a cardiac electro-physiologist with Aspirus Heart Care. He explained that atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart beat, where people may notice palpitations, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and most commonly feeling tired. When medications are not effective, physicians may recommend an ablation procedure. Ablation targets areas of heart tissue that contribute to the abnormal rhythm. Pulse field ablation uses targeted electrical energy, allowing physicians to treat the heart more efficiently. Compared to traditional ablation, Ortiz says, "What's different is that it reduces the risk of collateral damage to nearby structures, which is an important benefit for patients." It also reduces the time of the procedure and recovery. Ortiz also emphasized the importance of seeking care when symptoms appear. He says, "The longer atrial fibrillation goes untreated, the more challenging it can be to manage."

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