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Deer Activity on the Rise; Motorists Reminded to be on the Lookout

Published on 11/02/2026 under News It's that time of year when deer become more active, and safety officials are reminding motorists to use extra caution on the road. While hunters love seeing a big buck cross their path in the field, hitting one behind the wheel is a different story. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, deer-vehicle crashes spike sharply during the fall as days shorten and bucks pursue potential mates. WisDOT statistics show there were more than 17,000 deer-vehicle crashes in the state last year, with about a third occurring in October and November. Locally, deer collisions are also climbing. Over the past four weeks alone, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reported more than 60 deer-related crashes on county roadways. Safety officials remind drivers to buckle up, slow down, and scan the road ahead—particularly at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Because deer often travel in groups, seeing one cross the road usually means others are close behind. If a collision is unavoidable, experts recommend braking firmly while remaining in your lane. Swerving should be avoided, as it can cause you to lose control, leave the roadway, or collide with oncoming traffic, leading to a far more severe crash. If you do strike a deer, safely pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights, and remain in your vehicle while waiting for assistance to arrive.

Published on 11/02/2026 under News Multiple people were injured Thursday evening after a fleeing driver struck a deputy squad and a civilian car in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received multiple calls shortly after 7:00 p.m. regarding a wrong-way driver traveling southbound in the northbound lane of Highway 51, heading from Oneida County into Lincoln County. A deputy located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver failed to pull over despite the patrol car's emergency lights and siren being activated. Rather than conducting a PIT maneuver, out of concern for safety, a patrol lieutenant maneuvered his squad into the path of the oncoming vehicle. The suspect's vehicle struck the occupied patrol car as well as a civilian vehicle. Both the driver of the civilian car and the patrol lieutenant sustained suspected injuries in the crash. The suspect, identified as 80-year-old Rory Hofmann of Grafton, Wisconsin, was taken into custody on numerous charges including second-offense OWI causing injury, first-degree recklessly endangering safety, and fleeing or failing to stop. He's scheduled for an initial appearance in court today. The Wisconsin State Patrol is handling the investigation.

Published on 11/02/2026 under News A teenager charged in connection with an altercation at Lincoln Hills that led to the death of a staff member was sentenced to three years in prison. Javarius Hurd returned to Lincoln County Circuit Court on Friday for his sentencing hearing. Earlier in the week, a jury returned a split verdict following a six-day trial into the 2024 death of Corey Proulx at the juvenile correctional facility. While Hurd was acquitted of the most serious charge—reckless homicide—he was convicted of one count of battery by a prisoner. At Friday's hearing, the judge sentenced Hurd to three years in prison, followed by three years of extended supervision. He was also ordered to have no contact with Lincoln Hills or the other counselor involved in the incident. Hurd was granted 858 days of credit for time already served.

Published on 11/02/2026 under News If you grew up in the Northwoods, chances are you've taken a field trip to Trees for Tomorrow. To make sure future students get that same opportunity, the Eagle River center is launching a new fundraising drive." Trees For Tomorrow announced its year-end initiative, titled TFT4All: Fueling Our Growth. The nonprofit is seeking to raise 250 thousand dollars to fund student scholarships and offset rising operational costs for visiting K-12 school districts. To help reach that goal, a group of donors has established an 85 thousand dollar matching challenge, doubling all contributions dollar-for-dollar through the end of the year. For more than 80 years, the Eagle River campus has hosted field-based science programs, serving roughly 14 thousand youth and adults annually. Center leadership notes that tight school budgets and increasing expenses have made financial support critical for families relying on scholarship assistance for field trips. Organizers say funds raised will directly cover student program fees, maintain campus infrastructure, and upgrade gear used for outdoor conservation science.

Published on 11/02/2026 under News Wisconsin Public Service employees continue to give back to community organizations thanks to their on-the-job safety. The latest contribution goes to a well-known organization that helps fufill dreams for sick children...Wisconsin Make-A-Wish. The $5,000 donation is part of the WPS Safety Charity Challenge. It's a company-wide initiative to encourage employees to live and work safely while positively impacting their local communities. Each quarter, employees who meet safety goals are able to select an organization or program to receive a contribution from the WPS Foundation. Last year alone, Make-A-Wish Wisconsin granted wishes for more than 400 children across the state, and over the years more than 9,000 wishes.

Published on 11/02/2026 under News Severe weather in Wisconsin changes with the seasons, and the National Weather Service is offering an opportunity to learn more about winter storms before the snow begins to fall. The NWS office in Green Bay is rolling out specialized winter sessions of their SKYWARN Storm Spotter classes in the coming weeks. These upcoming classes will focus on winter-specific hazards, including severe snow events, subzero cold weather warnings, and other winter conditions that directly impact Northwoods residents. Storm spotters provide a critical link to NWS meteorologists by serving as an extra set of eyes on the ground during severe weather events. The agency also provides courses in the spring. There are four class opportunities in November and one in December, with the first session scheduled for tomorrow evening. Because each session covers roughly the same material, participants only need to attend one. The online classes are free and open to the public. Registration links are available on our website.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Fall Fest is returning to downtown Tomahawk this Saturday, and organizers are preparing for a major Halloween weekend turnout. In addition to offering family fun, the event provides a welcome boost to local business owners. While Fall Fest is free for attendees, local shop owners invest significant off-hours time and purchase their own candy and decorations. Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz highlights that this investment pays off by introducing new customers to local storefronts. "The exposure for our businesses and giving them that opportunity to shine really is why we keep doing these events," Turkiewicz said. It is not just out-of-town visitors discovering these downtown shops; Turkiewicz notes it is common for local residents to discover stores they do not normally visit. Because Fall Fest falls directly on Halloween this year, Turkiewicz expects an extra surge in foot traffic as families incorporate downtown festivities into citywide trick-or-treating. The event typically draws between 600 and 1,000 people. Turkiewicz encourages everyone to come down and enjoy the fun, festive atmosphere, noting that family-themed costumes are one of her favorite parts of the day. Full schedules and details on participating businesses can be found on the Tomahawk Main Street Facebook page.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Students at Tomahawk High School are getting a real-world look at the skilled trades, swapping traditional classroom time for heavy machinery and hands-on concrete work. Members of the school's Technology Education program recently visited the CASE Construction Equipment Proving Grounds right here in Tomahawk. Students got behind the controls of bulldozers, tractor loaders, and excavators, gaining a firsthand look at the equipment, technology, and career pathways available in the construction industry. Back on campus, students applied their skills to pour a brand-new sidewalk in front of the high school, gaining practical experience in concrete preparation, placement, and finishing. It's a project they will be reminded of every time they enter the building. School district officials say these hands-on experiences highlight the immense value of technical education and the importance of connecting students with local industry partners. By completing real-world projects alongside local businesses, students leave with practical skills and a clearer path toward careers in the skilled trades.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Downtown Rhinelander has a brand-new, colorful backdrop celebrating local pride, and leaders say it's only the first step in a broader push to revamp the area's visual landscape. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce officially unveiled the completed "Greetings from Rhinelander" mural at 2 North Brown Street earlier this week. Commissioned by the Chamber and painted by artist Alixandra Jade, the project aims to build community identity, drive foot traffic downtown, and create a signature photo spot for residents and visitors alike. Beyond painting the wall, Jade also spent time working with local high school art students. Chamber officials view the new artwork as a catalyst for economic vitality and local connection, and they're already looking to keep the momentum going with plans for additional public art installations across Rhinelander in 2027.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Daylight savings comes to an end this weekend. When setting your clock back, local emergency officials are encouraging people to check home safety. In addition to enjoy an extra hour of rest Sunday morning, it's time once again to check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Statistics show around 350 people are treated for carbon monoxide poisoning in Wisconsin emergency rooms each year. With furnaces and home heating, these incidents occur most frequently in the winter months. In addition to checking batteries, make sure the units are in-date. Carbon monoxide detectors are typically good for five years, while smoke alarms are recommended for 10 years. And heading into the winter months, it's also a good reminder to check home emergency kits this weekend. Look for expired products or items that may have been borrowed and need to be replaced.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News Halloween is coming up this weekend, and children across the Northwoods are gearing up for a big night of trick-or-treating. But before kids set out in search of sweet treats, state and local officials are reminding parents to keep safety top of mind." First and foremost, officials urge families to "know before you go." That means double-checking the exact dates and times for trick-or-treating in your specific community. With Halloween on a weekend this year, most communities will be holding their trick-or-treating on Saturday. When heading out, keep these key safety guidelines in mind:Supervision: Children under 12 should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. Regardless of age, kids should trick-or-treat in groups, and parents should always know the planned route and expected return time.Costumes: Choose flame-resistant fabrics, avoid long trailing material that could cause trips, and make sure masks don't block vision.Visibility: Equip kids with flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective tape so drivers can easily see them in the dark.Unfortunately Halloween is a day when crashes involving pedestrians spikes. Drivers are urged to exercise extra caution on the roads. Expect a significant increase in foot traffic.

Published on 10/30/2026 under News If you live in a rural area, reaching a hospital during an emergency can take time—and when it comes to a stroke, every single minute counts. On World Stroke Day, Aspirus Health is reminding rural residents that recognizing the early warning signs can help bridge that crucial gap. When a stroke strikes, brain tissue dies by the minute, making rapid action essential for those living farther from specialized medical centers. Aspirus Interventional Neurologist Dr. Divyajot Sandhu stresses that knowing what to look for can save lives. Health professionals use the acronym BE FAST to spot the signs: B for sudden loss of BalanceE for Eye or vision changesF for Face droopingA for Arm weaknessS for slurred Speech T for Time to call 911 immediatelyDr. Sandhu warns against driving yourself or a loved one to the emergency room. Calling 911 allows EMS teams to start care immediately and notify the receiving hospital so stroke specialists are prepared before the ambulance arrives. Through telestroke consultations, advanced imaging, and clot-busting medications, rural patients can now access life-saving care faster than ever. While rapid emergency response is vital, doctors emphasize that prevention remains the best defense. Managing blood pressure, staying physically active, and avoiding tobacco significantly reduce the risk of a stroke occurring in the first place.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board has finalized the district's budget and tax levy for the 2026–27 school year. The board held a special meeting Tuesday to approve the spending plan after finalizing student enrollment and state aid figures. The newly approved tax levy stands at 15.3 million dollars, approximately 250,000 dollars below the maximum allowed under state levy limits. District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that over the past five budget cycles, the board's decision to consistently underlevy has saved local taxpayers roughly 1.7 million dollars. As a result, Tomahawk's equalized tax rate drops to 5 dollars and 15 cents per thousand dollars of property value, the lowest rate in district history. Quesinberry says, "We believe the approved budget strikes an appropriate balance between supporting the educational needs of our students, maintaining a strong and competitive workforce, and remaining mindful of the financial responsibility placed on our local taxpayers." The board achieved those tax savings despite continued challenges. State-required payments for students attending private schools through Wisconsin's voucher program jumped nearly 33 percent, costing local taxpayers over 323,000 dollars. Additionally, the district continues to see a 15% annual decline in general state aid,another $225,000 drop from last year. Budget season continues across the Northwoods as municipalities and counties work to finalize their spending plans for the upcoming year.

Published on 10/29/2026 under News As communities across Northern Wisconsin work to expand their trail networks, a new state grant is helping showcase the Minocqua area as a year-round destination for bicyclists. The Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau received a $39,550 marketing grant from Travel Wisconsin. The state funding kicks off a three-year plan to connect and promote the area's many biking options including paved paths, gravel routes, mountain bike trails, and winter fat-tire biking. The project aims to connect trail networks in Minocqua, Arbor Vitae, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff directly to downtown business districts, hotels, and local restaurants. "Outdoor recreation has always been at the heart of what makes the Minocqua area such a special destination," said Visitors Bureau President Krystal Westfahl. She noted that the goal is to build on existing trails while finding ways to grow and make improvements. First-year efforts will focus on studying trail traffic to guide future efforts, updating local trail signs and maps, and launching a marketing campaign to promote the Minocqua area as a top cycling spot in all four seasons.Photo left to right: Melissa Doering, Managing Director; Chris Jennings, Regional Tourism Specialist, Travel WI; and Kailey Barutha, Marketing Director

Published on 10/29/2026 under News Election Day is less than a week away, but students at Rhinelander High School just got a hands-on look at what it actually takes to run an election behind the scenes. Yesterday, the high school transformed its social studies classes into a full simulated polling place in partnership with the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods. Rather than just learning about government from a textbook, students stepped into every role of the voting process. Trained student volunteers ran the election under the guidance of League mentors; working check-in stations, handing out ballots, and overseeing voting booths for their classmates. While their votes cast Wednesday won't count in the actual election, the mock ballot featured major real-world races. League President Debra Durchslag noted that giving young people a peek behind the curtain helps demystify the voting process. Organizers hope this nonpartisan experience builds civic confidence and inspires students to become active, lifelong voters once they become voting age.

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