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Lincoln County Voter Turnout Tops 37% Published on 08/19/2024 under News

Voter participation was up slightly in Lincoln County this past week, both in the number of votes and the percentage of registered voters who cast a ballot.

According to the preliminary results, Lincoln County saw a 39% turnout in last Tuesday's primary. That is compared to 37% in the 2022 fall primary. That's well above the statewide average of 26% which was also up from past years.

As for the actual number of votes, there were 6,500 ballots last week, up from about 6,400 two years ago.

It was a partisan primary, so voters had to choose which party. As expected with more Republican races on the ballot and a county that has shifted red in recent years, approximately 2 out of every 3 votes were made on the Republican ticket.

Winners from Tuesday's primary will appear on the November ballot which could see 75% turnout based on the last presidential election.

In Other News

Lincoln County Board to Consider Placing Pine Crest Referendum on November Ballot

Published on 08/20/2024 under News The Lincoln County Board will consider asking residents to contribute more funding for Pine Crest nursing home. At their meeting Tuesday evening, the supervisors will take up a resolution that would place a Pine Crest funding referendum question on the November ballot. The item came out of a special joint committee meeting earlier this month comprised of the Administrative and Legislative Committee and the Finance Committee. After discussion, the committee members settled on five years at $5 million per year to cover potential costs of operation, maintenance and debt service at the skilled nursing home facility in Merrill. The amount and/or length of the referendum could still be amended by the full county board when they take up the resolution this evening. Earlier this year, the County was in the process of selling Pine Crest. That deal fell through when the potential purchaser cited a pending lawsuit filed against the county related to the sale. In order to meet the deadline to get the referendum on the November ballot as planned, the supervisors need to approve the resolution by the end of this month.

Published on 08/20/2024 under News Back in January, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee began an effort to review all city-owned properties. In what is expected to be a year-long process, the committee is considering whether each piece of land is most beneficial to the city or would be of better use in the private sector. Among the goals in divesting select properties is to get them back on the tax roll while helping spur community growth. The committee discussed around two dozen properties Monday including the former Lincoln Industries building on Kaphaem Road and the former Fuzzy's Auto on South Tomahawk Avenue. The city acquired the Kaphaem Road property from the county in order to build a new public safety building, a plan that has been abandoned. As for the South Tomahawk Avenue property, the city received it due to tax delinquency. Several members of the public have expressed interest in these properties including at past committee meetings. The Finance Committee is planning to entertain RFP's or requests for proposal. They've done the same for similar transactions in the past. Once details are finalized they'll ask developers to submit an purchase offer as well as a site development plan. The committee will consider those proposals to determine the 'most advantageous to the city and its tax payers.' Based on last night's discussion, a third property could also go to RFP. The city owns a larger piece of land on Kaphaem Road at the CESA 9 building that could be subdivided with the undeveloped portion made available. The committee also briefly revisited to properties that previously went to RFP, Cover 2 Cover books on Main Street and a burned out home on Somo Avenue. Both development projects fell through with the properties reverting to the city. Because they've already gone through the RFP process, city officials will reach out to past parties that have shown interest. Several other lots, likely to be used for housing, could also be put out for bid. These discussions will continue at another special meeting scheduled Monday, August 26.

Published on 08/20/2024 under News It won't be long before students head back to class. That means back to school shopping, and with growing costs, a little extra planning can help avoid breaking the bank. According to the National Retail Foundation, parents expect to pay around $875 for all of their back to school needs including supplies, clothing and electronics. That would actually be down slightly from last year's all-time high.Even without the electronics, the survey indicates $253.29 for clothing and accessories and $141.62 for school supplies. But by shopping smart, experts say parents can still find savings. It all starts with a shopping list, and more importantly sticking to it. Try to stick to a classroom supply list and essentials. Before you even head to the store, consider 'shopping' at home. Items leftover from previous school years can be reused including pens and pencils, folders, and rulers. Another creative solution is to team up with relatives, neighbors or classmates to buy supplies in bulk; then divide up the supplies and share the savings. They recommend watching for back-to-school sales and close out deals. While you may have to make extra stops, they note those saving can add up. And finally, take advantage of local organizations and community groups that host school supply drives, distribution events, and back-to-school picnics to offer assistance.

Published on 08/20/2024 under News A motorcyclist was injured in a crash in Lincoln County this past week after attempting to avoid a collision with a deer. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, that crash was reported last Wednesday near County M and Forks Road in the Town of Corning. The operator, a 64 year old Merrill man told deputies he was negotiating a curve when a deer ran out in front of him. He attempted to avoid hitting the animal, causing him to lose control of the bike. The motorcycle entered the ditch, where it appears the driver struck his head on a delineator post. He was not wearing a helmet at the time. The man was brought to Aspirus Merrill Hospital via ambulance. No update on his condition was provided.

Published on 08/20/2024 under News Some of the top golfers in the state and around the country are in the Northwoods this week for a prestigious tournament. Minocqua Country Club was selected as the host of this year's Wisconsin State Open golf tournament. Dating back to the year 1919, this is the 104th edition of the event, which rotates hosts each year, including some of the most well-known courses around the state. This is the first time the event is being held in the area, providing the Minocqua Country Club a chance to showcase the quality courses here in the Northwoods. More than 150 players earned a spot in the event through regional qualifiers earlier this summer. After the opening round Monday, players will be back on the course today. At the conclusion of today's play, the top 60 players will play a 36 hole final on Wednesday to determine the 2024 Wisconsin State Open champion.

Published on 08/19/2024 under News Each summer, the city of Merrill celebrates the community and all it has to offer with a special night. On Tuesday evening, the annual Merrill Community Night Out is back for a twelfth year. Organizers note it gives residents a chance to learn more about services and interact with personnel. As in the past, they've got a lengthy list of professionals and organizations scheduled to attend including first responders who'll have their staff and some of their equipment on site. Merrill-Go-Round transit, NTC, the TB Scott Free Library and Friends of the River Bend Trail will also be on hand. Even the location, at the Merrill Festival Grounds, offers a community highlight. They'll be set up from 4pm to 7pm Tuesday evening. They'll also have food, activities and entertainment, and they encourage folks to bring their families for Merrill Community Night Out.

Published on 08/19/2024 under News An organization in Lincoln County is hoping to address transportation issues, and they're currently seeking public input. Live Well Lincoln's mission is to promote partnerships within the community to improve health in a variety of ways. They have identified transportation as one area in need of improvement. In order to address the issues related to transportation for Lincoln County residents, they first want to increase their understanding. This past week, they launched a short community survey, with many of the questions focused on those that may need transportation support. It includes topics related to hurdles in accessing transportation, when assistance is needed, and knowledge of current transportation programs available in the area. The anonymous survey is currently available on the Lincoln County website, with a banner across the top of the home page. They'll accept responses through the end of August. The next Live Well Lincoln Transportation Community Planning Partner meeting is scheduled for October when they're expected to review the survey information.

Published on 08/19/2024 under News As we continue the second half of road construction season, a new project is set to begin on a major highway entering the Northwoods. Crews will began an improvement project on Highway 51 between Wausau and Merrill. The work zone is an approximately 10 mile stretch between Decatur Drive in the village of Maine and the Lincoln County line. Governor Evers announced the $5.8 million project this past week. American Asphalt was selected as the contractor. Among the planned improvements are a resurfacing, installation of shoulder rumble strips, and some culvert work. According to the project announcement, at least one lane of traffic will be maintained in each direction at all times. Construction is set to begin Monday, August 19, with work scheduled to run into November. Additional information is available on the DoT project website.

Published on 08/19/2024 under News Musky hunters converged in Eagle River this past weekend for one of the largest-of-its-kind Musky tournaments. Over the past three days, the Eagle River Chamber along with the Musky Clubs Alliance of Wisconsin hosted the 38th annual National Championship Musky Open. The event takes place on seven lake chains in the Eagle River Area. That space was useful with more 1,129 anglers registered. They represented not only the Northwoods and the State of Wisconsin, but 16 states overall. The tournament is catch-and-release, and participants landed 162 muskies this year. The largest, a 51.5 incher was caught by Cindy Wilson of Reedsberg. As the largest fish, she'll receive a replica which will be presented at next year's Open. The overall winner was Forrest Grassel of Seymour, who boated 4 muskies totaling 144 inches. (He doubled as the youth winner) In addition to the fishing, a tournament entry also provides a ticket for a drawing to win a 2024-895 DC Recon tournament boat. Pete LaBorde of Stratford, WI held that lucky ticket. Organizers called this year's tournament a success and said they're already looking forward to the 2025 event next summer.-Photo provided by Eagle River Chamber: Forrest Grassel of Seymour was the overall winner and the youth winner of the 2024 National Championship Musky Open

Published on 08/19/2024 under News A new TJ Maxx store opened recently in Rhinelander, and they introduced themselves to the community with a generous contribution. As part of their opening celebration last weekend, the TJ Maxx Foundation presented the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry with a check for $10,000. Members of the Food Pantry Board of Directors met with store representatives for the ceremony ahead of the store opening. RAFP director Courtney Smith welcomed the store to the area and expressed the Food Pantry's appreciation for the generous donation. She says the money will be used to purchase food for area families in need. The new store is open in the Trig's Mall location in Rhinelander off South Courtney Street.

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