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Election Day Preview: Local Races on the Ballot Published on 11/05/2024 under News

It's a rainy Election Day here in the state of Wisconsin...

After months of candidates campaigning, it's time for voters to weigh in. Many didn't wait for Election Day. According to the Wisconsin Elections Commission, more than 1.5 million early or absentee ballots have already been cast. That's approximately 41% of active, registered voters.

As for what's at stake, there are a pair of high profile and hotly contested races at the top of the ballot. The presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and the US Senate race between Tammy Baldwin and Eric Hovde.

Down ballot there are additional races. For the US House-District 7 Republican Congressman Tom Tiffany is seeking another term, facing Democratic challenger Kyle Kilbourn.

In the state legislature, a trio of Republicans are looking to remain in office. Mary Felzkowski serves northeastern Wisconsin in the 12th State Senate district. She faces Andi Rich. In the 34th Assembly, most of Oneida and Vilas Counties, Rob Swearingen faces Dennis Nitzel. While the 35th, mostly Lincoln and Langlade Counties, Calvin Callahan is matched up with Elizabeth McCrank.

Both Lincoln and Oneida Counties have some county level races, but each is uncontested. And depending on your voting local, there may also be a school referendum on your ballot. That includes voters in Antigo, Medford, and Prentice.

Voters can visit MyVote.Wi.Gov to view their specific ballot.

In Other News

Election: Republican Incumbents Prevails; School Referendum Results

Published on 11/06/2024 under News Tuesday was election day, and that means Wednesday is election results day. Taking a look at some of the races here in the Northwoods; it was a good night for the Republican incumbents. In the US House of Representatives, congressman Tom Tiffany cruised to victory over his Democratic challenger Kyle Kilbourn by collecting 64% of the vote. Meanwhile, Mary Felzkowski secured another term in Madison. The 12th district state senator received two out of every three votes against Andi Rich. And in the State Assembly, Rob Swearingen topped Dennis Nitzel in the 34th and Calvin Callahan outpaced Elizabeth McCrank in the 35th. Both winners received more than 64% of the vote. Election: School Referendum Results:Several area school districts asked for additional dollars via referendum. It was good news for districts that are part of the Great Northern Conference. Antigo voters supported their $54 million referendum, which includes funds to construct a new elementary school Medford voters approved a $22.6 million referendum for campus improvements including upgrades to their tech ed facilities. And down in Mosinee, funding a $20 million middle and high school modernization easily passed. For one district, however, it looks like it's back to the drawing board. Preliminary results show the operational referendum in Prentice was narrowly defeated. They were asking for $1.2 million each of the next four years.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News Officials have identified the man arrested after a high speed chase in Oneida County earlier this week. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, 51 year old Daniel Thunder of Neopit is being held in the Oneida County Jail. They are recommending 20 charges and citations including 2nd degree reckless endangerment, 1st offense OWI, hit-and-run, and fleeing. The incident began Monday afternoon on Highway 17 north of Rhinelander. The reporting party indicated their vehicle had been struck by another vehicle attempting to overtake in a no passing zone. They said their vehicle was struck a second time while attempting to pull over, and the other driver was escalating the situation. As deputies arrived on the scene, they said Thunder fled in his vehicle,at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. They said he led them on a chase through the City of Rhinelander. Deputies attempted several maneuvers to disable the vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle proceeded east out of Rhinelander to County C and down a small logging road. Eventually, Thunder surrendered without further incident. A date for an initial court appearance wasn't immediately available.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News The Price County Sheriff's Office offered a few more details on a suspicious death investigation, while putting out a call for any clues or tips from the public. According to the Sheriff's Office, a body was recovered along State Highway 13 near the intersection of Whitby Road in the Town of Hackett. That's just north of Prentice. The body was located Sunday evening at shortly before 9pm. In the update, Sheriff Brian Schmidt is looking for any motorists traveling in the area between 8pm and 9pm who may have noticed anything suspicious. They're also locating for anyone whose vehicle is equipped with a dash cam. Those with information can contact the Sheriff's Office. No information on the victim or manner of death is being provided at this time. Officials indicated there is no threat to the public.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News An inmate in the Lincoln County jail will likely face additional charges after an altercation with another inmate. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, that incident happened on Thursday. According to the investigation, the two inmates were having a discussion that eventually turned into a physical fight. During the course of the fight, several punches were thrown before corrections officers were able to intervene. Both of the involved men are from Wausau, ages 40 and 20. According to the report, the investigating deputy spoke with the older of the two men, while the younger described as the primary aggressor chose not to speak with the deputy. According to the report, charges of battery, disorderly conduct, and strangulation along with bail jumping are being recommended for the 20 year old. ____ A couple of other notes from the Sheriff's Office...a 20 year old Gleason man was booked on several charges including 1st offense OWI following a traffic stop. The number of vehicle/deer crashes remains elevated, another 14 were reported on Lincoln County roadways this past week.

Published on 11/06/2024 under News The Rhinelander Food Pantry is better stocked thanks to a group of students, and the generosity of the community. Ahead of Halloween, the student members of the Rhinelander High School FBLA/DECA participated in their annual Trick-or-Can food drive. Instead of the traditional Food Drive where students sit at a table and wait for the community to bring the food to them, Trick or Can brings the food drive to the community's door, while also raising awareness for an issue in our community. The students distributed collection bags in select neighborhoods around the community. Then the day before Halloween, around a dozen students went door-to-door to collect. They weren't after candy, but non-perishable food items. In the end the students were able to deliver around 550 items to the Rhinelander Food Pantry. Trick-or-Can is actually a statewide campaign, and the Rhinelander students were once again near the top of collections in Wisconsin. They hope to get more people and neighborhoods involved next October.-Photo provided by the Rhinelander School District-

Published on 11/06/2024 under News It's that time of year when millions of people are signing up for health insurance in the marketplace. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin is reminding consumers to be aware of scammers during open enrollment. Scammers are opportunistic, and they often use real events or deadlines to target their victims. The health insurance sign up period is one of those opportunities. They'll typically portray an agent looking to assist in the enrollment process. They may try to entice you by offering cheap plans, or plans with better benefits. However, they're typically just looking for your personal information. A few red flags to look for...Unsolicited calls as legitimate navigators or assistants cannot initiate the assistance. They're also not able to charge for services. Be wary of gift offers. And if going online, make sure to use the .gov suffix; medicare.gov and healthcare.gov As for key dates ...open enrollment began November 1. December 15 is the deadline to enroll or change plans in order to begin coverage in the new year.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News While awaiting the election results over what could be the next few days, mental health experts are reminding people to take care of themselves as well. The election isn't the only stressor impacting our mental health, but also the 24/7 news cycle and social media. For some that can create a sense of anxiety. Data from the American Psychiatric Association backs that up, with recent surveys showing 43 percent of adults feeling more anxious than last year. Janet Wimmer is a clinical therapist at Aspirus. She notes these stressors can increase people's fears and leads to a feeling of loss of control. She did offer a few tips to improve mental health. It also starts with limiting news consumption. You don't have to avoid news entirely, but rather set a specific times to check rather than constant exposure. The same goes for social media and what can lead to 'doom scrolling' on certain topics. Wimmer also noted that physical health can impact mental health. She recommends focusing on a balanced diet, hydration and quality sleep. Try and get outside to connect with nature with a hobby or activity. Not only is the physical exertion healthy, spending time outdoors has been known to improve moods and reduce stress. Seek socialization with friends, family, and loved ones. Lastly if you become overwhelmed, don't be afraid to seek help.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News A driver was arrested after a high speed chase in Oneida County that passed through Rhinelander. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, deputies initially responded to a two vehicle accident on Highway 17 north of Rhinelander. The reporting party indicated their vehicle was struck by another vehicle attempting to pass in a no passing zone. They said their vehicle was hit a second time while pulling over and that the other operator was escalating the situation. As deputies arrived at the scene, they said the suspect vehicle fled and pursuit followed reaching speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. The chase continued into the City of Rhinelander where officials noted the driver failed to observe traffic signs and signals while driving recklessly. During the chase, deputies attempted several maneuvers to disable the vehicle. Eventually the vehicle proceeded east out of Rhinelander on Timber Drive to County C and down a small logging road. The driver then surrendered without further incident. The name of the individual was not immediately released.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News Severe weather in Wisconsin changes with the season, and the National Weather Service is offering an opportunity to learn more about winter storms before the snow begins to fly. Known as Skywarn Storm Spotter classes, they are typically offered in the spring and focus on thunder storms, lightning and tornadoes. Our NWS office in Green Bay will be offering three winter versions in the coming weeks. They said the main focus will be on cold weather headlines, changes, as well as snow squalls. Storm spotters provide a valuable link to the meteorologists at the National Weather Service by offering an 'eye to the sky' during severe weather events. As for the upcoming class, there are three opportunities, the morning of November 19, that's a Tuesday, then evening sessions on November 22 and 23. They'll take place online and take less than an hour. We'll include a link for those interested in signing up.

Published on 11/05/2024 under News Two forest properties in Vilas County are among those that will be conserved through an investment by the US Forest Service. This past week, the agency announced approximately 2,500 acres of land will be protected in the latest round of Forest Legacy Program funding, allowing them to continue providing benefits to communities. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore says, "Forests provide innumerable benefits to people and communities, and for nearly 35 years the Forest Legacy Program has allowed us to support States and landowners in their efforts to conserve important forestlands." The agency works with tribes, local communities, and landowners to identify important private forestlands and develop proposals to conserve these lands. All three properties in this cycle are in Northern Wisconsin including two in Vilas County and Land O'Lakes specifically. The Border Lakes Area is approximately 1,300 acres of mixed northern hardwood and old growth, home to rare bird and plant species and contributes to surface and ground water protection. The second, the Upper Wisconsin River Forest is a 191 acre easement at the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, described as some of the state's most scenic and important complexes. It was also described as an important strategic protection of an existing1,000+ acre, state-funded, conservation easement. The third is State Line Forest in Iron County. According to the announcement, it will protect 998 acres of forest and surrounding uplands that harbor high quality forest complexes of mixed northern hardwood which provide important habitat for the American marten, Wisconsin's only endangered mammal. It will also link two county-owned forests located in Wisconsin and Michigan.

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