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Radon Awareness Month; Lincoln County Health Dept. Encourages Home Tests

Published on 01/12/2026 under News January is Radon Awareness Month, and local health departments are encouraging residents check their home levels every few years. Radon is a colorless and odorless gas found naturally in soil and rock. It can enter homes through cracks in the foundation or gaps around pipes. The Lincoln County Health Department says radon is actually the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. It occurs in as many as 1 in 10 Wisconsin homes. There are areas of the state that are more susceptible including a pocket in North Central Wisconsin. Lincoln County environmental health specialist Michael Mandli noted "Winter is the ideal time to test your home for radon." He notes, "Homes are sealed tight during winter, allowing radon to accumulate more easily." This allows for more accurate testing. A basic test can be purchased for around $15 at most home improvement stores. Both the state and local health departments have additional information including further testing and mitigation solutions if the readings come back elevated.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News Students from around North Central Wisconsin competed in chess while also supporting a good cause. Edgar hosted an annual chess tournament dubbed 'Checkmate to Homelessness.' In addition to the games on the chess board, the students raised awareness and support for homelessness in the community. The competitors even collected monetary donations and items of need that will be donated to local shelters. Sara Sternberg, Marathon Chess Coach, said, "The turnout was fantastic, and it's exciting to see middle and high school students connecting and cheering each other on." She added, "Students from different schools are meeting, building camaraderie, and demonstrating great sportsmanship." The tournament was held in collaboration with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation and featured students from ten schools around Northern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News The Lincoln County Veterans Service Office announced the continuation of an outreach program in Tomahawk. While their office is located in Merrill, this service provides a convenient location for veterans in the Northern half of the county to meet with the veteran's service officer to receive assistance with benefits and services such as compensation, education and training, healthcare, and housing assistance. According to LCVSO Matthew Pultz, the decision to continue these visits was made in response to overwhelmingly positive feedback from veterans in the community. He says they recognize the importance of making services easily accessible to all veterans. This outreach program is just one way they are working to achieve that goal. The service is hosted at Tomahawk City Hall every other Thursday. The next opportunity is January 22. While they will accommodate walk-ins if time allows, vets are encouraged to call the Veteran's Service Office to schedule an appointment.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Wisconsin teen who killed a prison guard during a fistfight has pleaded guilty to reckless homicide but is claiming he's not responsible for his actions because he was mentally ill. Court records indicate 17-year-old Javarius Hurd entered the plea Friday. He also pleaded guilty to one count of battery by a prisoner. Prosecutors dropped a second battery count in exchange for the pleas. The next step for Hurd is a February jury trial to determine whether he's legally responsible. According to court documents Hurd was an inmate at the state's youth prison when he attacked two counselors in June 2024. One of the counselors fell during the fight and later died.

Published on 01/12/2026 under News Marshfield Clinic has announced some temporary visitation restrictions at their birthing facilities. According to the Friday announcement, this will impact outpatient and inpatient obstetrics, all newborn nurseries across Marshfield Clinic region, and the NICU at Marshfield Children's Hospital. They said, "These measures help protect our most vulnerable patients, infants under 6 months, who face the highest risk-No visitors under age 18 (including siblings) -Labor and Delivery: Up to two support people allowed -Hospitalization: Only two support people (including grandparents) allowedThe Wisconsin Department of Health currently lists both COVID and flu activity high and rising in Northern Wisconsin.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Over the next two weekends, Eagle River will once again be crowning some of the fastest snowmobiles in the world, both modern machines and vintage classics. While the big draw, the World Championship Derby starts next week, the upcoming weekend has been set aside for some souped up sleds of yesteryear. While originally part of the main Derby weekend, vintage sleds go their own dedicated race weekend in 2002, making this the milestone 25th edition. The popularity of the event has continued to grow. With winter recreation slowed due to mild conditions the last two years, it's also a welcome boost to the local hospitality businesses, drawing in racers, their teams, and racing fans. Track efforts at the Derby Complex are ongoing throughout the year, but those crews have been working overtime in recent days to get the frozen oval ready for racing. Registration and practice sessions got underway Thursday with racing through the weekend in various classes and divisions. The Vintage World Championship race is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News A local couple are doing their part to help with cancer research at the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, while tying in their love of classic cars. Last month, Dan and Linda Neve met with more than 100 researchers, physicians and scientists at Marshfield Clinic Research Institute to present a $175,750 check to fund cancer research. That's just the tip of the ice berg. Over the years, they've raised more around $1.5 million for cancer research. Their story actually started in 2010 when Linda was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Dan decided to use passion for cars to fight back, and he launched Cruise for a Cause. Traveling the country in his Mustang Shelby GT 500, they attend car shows, auto races and other events. Chief Research Officer Dr. Jennifer Meece says, "The fight against cancer is taking place in our backyard and Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is a key component." She added,"The latest treatment options for cancer, research studies and clinical trials are being worked on by our physicians and scientists in Marshfield, Weston, Minocqua, Eau Claire, and other communities." In addressing the staff before making this year's donation. Dan said, "It's all of the researchers and scientists who make me and everyone else believe and have hope. Keep doing what you do and one day we'll all be able to say, 'we won'."

Published on 01/09/2026 under News A unique ice skating trail in the Northwoods continues to receive accolades. Last year Boulder Junction introduced the Glide to their growing Winter Park. The approximately mile-long frozen trail weaves through the trees of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest providing ice skaters a scenic setting. This week, the skating ribbon was featured in Midwest Living's list of 22 Magical Places to Ice-Skate This Winter alongside popular locations in larger cities such as Millennium Park in Chicago. They highlight the scenery along the lighted path. It's one of two spots in Wisconsin, along with Tenney Park down in Madison. _____ Speaking of Winter Park, the Friends of Boulder Junction Parks are actually planning a winter festival Saturday known as Illuminations Night. This event is offering an evening of family-friendly winter recreation under the lights including the skating trail. They'll also be brushing off a previously trendy sport with some pick-up broomball games on the hockey rink. According to the announcement, Illuminations Night is designed to celebrate winter, community, and outdoor recreation in true Northwoods fashion. It is free, though donations will be gladly accepted to support ongoing park improvements and programming. It runs from 5pm to 7pm on Saturday. You can visit Boulder at Play on Facebook for more information.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Earlier this week high school students from around the Northwoods flexed their financial know-how in a quiz bowl. Nicolet College hosted the 14th annual Northwoods Regional for the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl. It's part of a statewide competition aimed at increasing and testing the financial literacy of high school students. Teams of four answer questions on topics like taxes, real estate, savings, and investment. The teams are typically coached by personal finance or economics teachers who help students study and prepare, either as part of classroom curriculum or an after-school club. Around two dozen teams competed. In the end, two GNC schools Rhinelander and Northland Pines reached the finals. The Hodags finished on top, though both teams qualified for the state competition down in Madison in May.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News The DNR is updating their Beaver Management Plan, and the public has an opportunity to provide feedback. The plan offers a guide to practices and priorities for management of the state's beaver population. The current plan was adopted in 2015, and is updated every 10 years. Among the goals was beaver populations, habitat management, damage mitigation, along with education and data collection. The Beaver Management Plan Committee, comprised of various stakeholders began meeting last year. This month they are accepting public feedback. An online public input form and supporting information are available on the DNR's Beaver Management Plan webpage for those interested in submitting comments. Later this month, the Committee will host two in-person public hearings, though neither is in our listening area. There is also a virtual hearing that will be held online on January 26. The deadline for comments is January 31.

Published on 01/09/2026 under News Lake Nokomis will be filled with hundreds of anglers for a fun-filled tournament this weekend. Coming up tomorrow AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO club will host it's annual Lake Nokomis Ice Fishing Tourney. Now in it's seventeenth year, the event has continued to grow and they have plenty of family activities in addition to the fishing, with door prizes, raffles, and food. All proceeds go to benefit Northwoods veterans organizations and programs, and they have been quite successful in that mission, typically exceeding $20,000 raised. With an event dedicated to Military members, the organizers continue to cater to veterans. As they traditionally do, they'll provided a heated ice shack, drilled holes and equipment for any participating purple heart recipient. They'll be set up at the Highway N boat landing with same-day registration starting at 6am with fishing from 8am to 2pm.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News For the first time in a decade, Tomahawk will have a new mayor come spring. Tuesday was the deadline for candidates to submit their nomination papers to appear on the ballot for the upcoming elections. Current Tomahawk Mayor Steve Taskay is not seeking re-election after ten years in the office. Taskay was first elected in 2016, emerging from a four-candidate field. He would go on to win four additional elections, three times running unopposed. As for Taskay's successor, two political newcomers to city office will vie for mayor; Michael Habeck and Jeffery Koth both submitted paperwork to run. As for Tomahawk City Council, there are actually five seats up for election, but only three names will appear on the ballot. Starting with the on-cycle, three-year terms... in District 1, Pat Haskin will seek reelection and is running unopposed. In District 2, current alderman Dale Ernst filed non-candidacy papers. Former Councilor Don Nelson submitted paperwork to get back on and will run unopposed. In District 3, Steve Bartz did not submit papers, but may still run as a write-in. There are also two partial terms following a pair of mid-term resignations. In District 1, Bob Soward was appointed this past year, but did not file paperwork. Clerk Amanda Bartz said Soward indicated he would register as a write-in candidate. The other partial-term is an unfilled seat in District 3 following Tadd Wegener's resignation. In a twist, Wegener filed paperwork to run for his old seat and will run unopposed. These races will appear on the April ballot.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News School referendums have become a common occurrence, but the mechanism can also be used by municipalities. Another Northwoods community is exploring the idea. At a special meeting Wednesday, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee discussed asking voters for a levy increase. The idea has been brought up briefly at past meetings, and comes after several consecutive years of difficult budget decisions. The state restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The levy allowance is calculated by a formula largely given by net new construction. Repeatedly brought up during last night's discussion was that costs have outpaced the levy on everything from health insurance to road salt. (Clerk Amanda Bartz noted over the past decade, the allowable increase in levy was 12% while inflation was 35%.) The referendum, if approved by voters, would increase the base-level of the levy moving forward. The Committee discussed five different amounts ranging from 5% to 25%. After discussion, they focused on 20%. That equates to a $276,000. It would result in an increase of $75 for a $100,000 property. Over the past decade, the city has pursued numerous mechanisms to increase the levy. Voters approved a Premier Resort Area Tax or PRAT, however it was never implemented, as it requires approval from the Wisconsin state legislature. They also explored, but never went forward with a transportation utility fee. And over the past year, the Finance Committee has been reviewing and selling property to raise funds. Finance Chair Mickey Loka noted the referendum was always going to be their last option. The City can look north to Minocqua where voters approved a levy referendum in 2024 for $750,000. As they brainstormed, the committee highlighted the importance of communication. If the referendum is officially placed on the ballot, they plan to schedule public informational meetings and other outreach. The meeting packet included an example of a handout that could be distributed to the public outlining the reasons for the request. The Council will take up the resolution at a meeting next week.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News Travelers continue to take advantage of flying here in Northern Wisconsin. The Rhinelander-Oneida County Airport shared their passenger data for 2025. They reported 30,686 passengers flew out of Rhinelander this past year. According to the announcement, this is an 18 year high. In the announcement, they said, "With this momentum, we're ready to fly even higher in 2026. Thanks for being part of the journey." Currently, the Rhinelander-Oneida County airport offers daily service to Minneapolis/St. Paul through Delta. They also offer seasonal flights to Chicago O'Hare on United, expanding their capacity and connection opportunities during the summer months.

Published on 01/08/2026 under News Expect to see plenty of little Henrys and Charlottes running around the Northwoods in the coming years. Those are among the top names selected for babies born at Aspirus in 2025. Over the past year, there were just over 3,200 babies born at Aspirus hospitals. That's up slightly from 2024. As for the names, Henry was the most named boy for a second consecutive year and third time in five. Oliver shared the top spot with Henry; and Theodore rounded out the top three. As for the girl names, Charlotte moved up one spot on the list to claim number 1. That was followed by Eleanor and Nora. Beyond the most popular choices, Aspirus says families also embraced individuality when naming their children. Parents selected 745 different boy names and 864 different girl names, which they said underscores the diversity of families and traditions served by Aspirus hospitals.

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