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Aspirus Announces $227 Million Expansion at Wausau Hospital Published on 01/22/2025 under News

Aspirus Health is planning a major expansion to their Wausau Hospital facility.

The regional health care provider announced the $227 million project on Tuesday. Matt Heywood, Aspirus President and CEO says, "This expansion positions Aspirus Wausau Hospital as the destination for specialized health care in Northcentral Wisconsin."

Heywood added, "By providing better tools and resources, we are empowering our staff to deliver the highest level of care efficiently and effectively." "It is a direct response to the growing needs of our patients and communities.

Among the highlights:

Increased Capacity: 48 intermediate care beds and a 16-bed observation unit to address growing patient needs, with provisions for future Intensive Care Unit expansion.

Advanced Diagnostics: A new fixed PET/CT scanner to improve cancer services and minimize patient travel for critical imaging.

Specialized Care Units: Redesigned spaces to better support care teams and deliver exceptional patient outcomes.

Expanded Surgical Facilities: Upgraded spaces to meet rising patient demand and improve operational efficiency.

According to the announcement, this is the largest single investment project in Aspirus history.

Heywood added,"By increasing capacity and access to advanced technology, we are ensuring timely care and creating efficiencies that benefit everyone."

A specific timeline wasn't provided, through it was described as a multi-phase project. The goal is to minimize disruptions to current services. Work is expected to begin later this year.

In Other News

Camper Destroyed in Fire near Merrill

Published on 01/22/2025 under News A camper was destroyed in a fire yesterday in Lincoln County. According to the Merrill Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 3pm to what was initially reported as a grass fire off of Highway 107. Upon arrival they discovered the smoke was actually coming from a large camper that was on fire and already mostly consumed. Crews battled not only the blaze, but the frigid temperatures several degrees below zero. They were able to get the fire out quickly. The camper was not occupied at the time. When the owner returned, he said he had just stoked the wood furnace prior to leaving. According to the Fire Department, the official cause of the fire is undetermined, but likely attributed to the wood furnace. The owner/occupant was put up for the night at the AmericInn through the Merrill Firefighters' Charities.

Published on 01/22/2025 under News After discussing a future bridge reconstruction in Merrill last night, the DoT shifts further north for a public informational meeting for a busy and occasionally dangerous intersection in the Northwoods. That intersection is located just north of Tomahawk on Highway 51 and County K/ Swamp Lake Road. Over the years there have been a number of serious crashes at that intersection. As part of a construction project planned for 2027, the DoT is looking at several different intersection alignments to help reduce the number and severity of crashes. Perhaps the most drastic proposal is a multi-lane roundabout. The busier north/south directions would have two approach lanes, and single lane approaches for crossing County K and Swamp Lake Road. The other two options are variants that would add additional turn lanes off of Highway 51. That public informational meeting will be held on Wednesday January 22, at Northwoods Community Elementary, which is just down the road from that intersection on County K in Harshaw. They'll have a short presentation at 5pm followed by an open house format. The project design is available for review on the DoT website. Comments on the proposed project are being accepted through Feb. 19.

Published on 01/22/2025 under News Simulators can be used in a number of professional settings to offer realistic training. Officers with the Tomahawk Police Department recently got to work with a firearms training simulator. Police Chief Al Elvins offered a few details in his monthly report to the city's Health and Safety Committee. They were able to utilize a training aid that simulates deadly force encounters. Elvins explained, "This training is an excellent way to provide the officers with a stressful, "shoot or don't shoot" scenario in a controlled environment." All sworn members of the department attended the training course late last year. The simulator was brought in at no cost to the city or the department by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. Elvins wrote, "We are committed to providing the officers with the best possible training to effectively respond to the emerging threats while maintaining cost effective results." Chief Elvins anticipated another simulator training opportunity for officers this summer.

Published on 01/22/2025 under News Lincoln County has a number of county forest lands and trails which have been a recent focus of the County Board. At their meeting Tuesday, the supervisors updated the county's ordinance that covers those popular recreation destinations. Supervisor Ken Wickham offered a few brief comments in introducing the amendments. Many of the changes will improve definitions to better reflect the evolving recreational options. A simple example of that: the ordinance now defines three classifications of electric bicycles and where they are or not allowed. It also officially defines a UTV. Another change Wickham highlighted relates to the length of the ATV seasons. The amendment allows the forest administrator, at their discretion, to extend the season. This would have been useful the past two years with mild fall/early winter conditions. One area the supervisors did briefly discuss was a requirement for organizers of large events at these recreational properties to obtain a permit. An example provided at the meeting was a bike race on the Underdown Trails. Other amendments further defined the use of hunting blinds, tree stands, and campers collection of firewood. After a few clarifications, the supervisors approved all of the changes with a single, unanimous vote. _____ A few other quick notes from the meeting... during the monthly budget update, the supervisors briefly discussed the growing revenue deficit in the Sheriff's Department. And the only resolution on the agenda was the acceptance of a nearly $10,000 donation from Aspirus for several health-related programs run by the county.

Published on 01/22/2025 under News The Raptor Education Group is known for their efforts in caring for birds here in the Northwoods. They recently hit the road to Southern Wisconsin for a special celebration. The Sauk Prairie area hosted their annual Bald Eagle Watching Days over the weekend. REGI staffers played a role in those festivities. The cities of Prairie du Sac and Sauk City are known as a popular bald eagle gathering destination in the winter months due to their location along the Wisconsin River. REGI was actually in that same spot a few weeks back to release four rehabilitated Bald Eagles. As part of this past weekend's Bald Eagle Days, the REGI team visited several schools and a senior center to discuss their work and showcase some live birds. Executive Director Marge Gibson hosted a Q and A. They also screened a video featuring those eagle releases. The short film is available on the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council YouTube Channel for viewing.

Published on 01/22/2025 under News Each spring, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress offers an opportunity for people to weigh in on various topics related to the state's natural resources. The WCC is an independent organization made up of citizens. Their efforts help advise the DNR and Natural Resources Board. One way do they do so is their annual spring hearing. The now-online survey gauges public opinion on a wide range to topics. Just a few examples last year included bear baiting, wake boat regulations, and underwater cameras as fishing aids. The WCC is currently accepting resolution proposals. Among the criteria for the resolutions: they must be of statewide impact; they must be practical, achievable, and reasonable; and they must be within the mission and vision of the WCC. People are allowed to submit up to two resolutions and can work with their WCC County Chair for guidance. They can be submitted through February 24. As for the spring surveys, those will take place in mid-April. The DNR has a WCC website with additional information.

Published on 01/21/2025 under News Girls high school wrestling has exploded in popularity over the past few years. As the WIAA continues to establish the sport in Wisconsin, Tomahawk will be at the forefront. At their meeting this past week, the Tomahawk School Board voted to establish an official girl's high school wrestling team starting next year. It shouldn't be much of a challenge with nearly 30 girls already part of the co-ed program. Ahead of the vote, athletic director Ryan Flynn offered a brief presentation. He says two years ago they had around 18 girls out for wrestling; this year that jumped to 28. State numbers show similar growth trends. Flynn also highlighted the importance of district students participating in co-curricular activities, and for eight members of the program, this is their only co-curricular. The approval in Tomahawk comes ahead of a February 1 WIAA deadline to declare a girl's wrestling program. Most girl's wrestling programs currently operate as an off-shoot of the boy's team. The WIAA has already hosted three individual state tournaments for girls, and are planning to have a stand-alone team tournament in time for the 2026-27. The Tomahawk School District has a rich history of wrestling. That includes Alyssa Lampe who became the first girl to qualify for the boy's state wrestling tournament, and made three trips to Madison during her career. Flynn noted that Lampe has been helping coach this season. Flynn envisioned structuring the wrestling programs like the track and cross country programs. With much of the groundwork already established, it will come with minimal start-up cost and was considered well worth the investment. As for area opponents, Flynn identified Merrill, Lakeland, Wausau West and SPASH as schools with strong numbers. After some brief conversations, the Board gave unanimous approval for the establishment of the team.

Published on 01/21/2025 under News While it's dangerously cold outside, it's important to remember some indoor safety when it comes to heating. Items items like space heaters and electric blankets can offer a bit of warmth, but they also carry some fire risk if not used properly. Wisconsin Public Service recently offered up a few tips for using these heating appliances. When it comes to space heaters, newer models are better as they have added safety features such as automatic shut-off. When setting up a space heater, ensure it's on a flat surface and at least 6 feet away from anything flammable. Perhaps most importantly, plug them directly into the wall. Skip power strips and extension cords which can overheat, melt, and start a fire. As for electric blankets, WPS says they should be turned off when not in use. Keep pets away as their teeth and claws can puncture the wire insulation. A few other quick tips they offered, never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Not only is it inefficient, it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Along those same lines, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. And if you're utilizing a generator, make sure its outdoors and a safe distance away from the home.

Published on 01/21/2025 under News Nicolet College frequently works with stakeholders and partners, and now they're looking for community input. Earlier this month Nicolet launched a community survey with a goal of improving its services and programs for current and prospective students as well as potential employers. According to the most recent Wisconsin Technical College System graduate outcome data, more than half of Nicolet graduates go on to work within the district. The Nicolet district includes all or portions of six Northwoods counties. President Kate Ferrel says, "Each community in our district is unique, because each community has different educational, economic and workforce needs. That's why we want to hear from everyone." Ferrel says, "For almost sixty years, Nicolet College has partnered with our communities to drive forward their vision for the future through education. This survey represents a new cycle of listening, innovating and evolving." After the survey, Nicolet College will host community listening sessions throughout their district in the spring. The survey will be open until February 16, and participants can enter into a drawing to win a $100 Amazon gift card. It'll take around 15 minutes to complete. Link to Survey

Published on 01/21/2025 under News The DoT is planning a bridge reconstruction project in the City of Merrill, and people have an opportunity to learn more this evening at a public informational meeting. According to the DoT, the Highway 64 bridge over the Wisconsin River in Merrill is nearing the end of its service life. The bridge was built back in 1927. They currently plan to work on this project in 2028, though it could be moved up by a year based on funding availability. While they will limit traffic on Highway 64 within the work zone to through-traffic; their goal is to maintain business access and navigation of the river below. They'll be hosting a public informational meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 21. It'll take place at 5pm at the Merrill City Hall. They've also established a website with project information. And just a head's up for Wednesday, the DoT is hosting an informational meeting on proposals for an intersection reconstruction at County K and Highway 51 in Oneida County. That'll be Wednesday at 5pm at Northwoods Community Elementary.

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