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Merrill Fire Department Brings Back Hydrant Heroes Spotlight Published on 02/11/2025 under News
During winter months, residents are typically responsible for clearing snow from fire hydrants. The Merrill Fire Department is bringing back a winter safety initiative to highlight the importance.

The Hydrant Heroes program was created around five years ago as a way for the Merrill Fire Department to remind residents of this task and also celebrate those who've taken responsibility. Over the years they've highlighted those individuals on their social media accounts and offered t-shirts and other prizes.

They encourage residents to take a look around the neighborhood for any buried hydrants. They said, "Ideally a 3'x3' space around them will give us enough room to use the hydrant if needed."

In general, following a snow event resident are typically reminded to clear not only hydrants, but also mail boxes, sidewalks, address markers, and electric and gas meters.

In Other News

Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck by Vehicle near Merrill
Published on 02/11/2025 under News A pedestrian is dead after being struck by a vehicle in Lincoln County Monday evening. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on State Road 107 near Snow Road northwest of Merrill. That call came in at shortly before 9pm. Members of the Sheriff's Office and the Merrill Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. According to a news release, responders attempted life-saving measures upon arrival, however the pedestrian died of his injuries. The victim is described as a 30 year old Merrill man. His name is being withheld at this time. The Sheriff's Office did not provide any information on driver of the vehicle or additional details on the incident. State Road 107 was closed for approximately five hours as crews cleared the scene.
+ Read More Snowmobile Trails Opening Wednesday in Lincoln/Langlade County; Marathon County Partial Opening
Published on 02/11/2025 under News Snowmobilers in the area continue to receive good news, with some additional trail opening announcements this week. Starting right here in Lincoln County, the Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced the Lincoln County trails will open tomorrow (Wednesday, February 11) at 8am. Previously, only the Hiawatha Trail was open. Likewise, the Langlade County Forestry Department announced their trail system will also open on Wednesday morning as well. Down in Marathon County it's a partial opening Tuesday for all of Zone 1, as well as Mountain Bay Trail in Zone 3. All other trails in Marathon County remain closed at this time. These announcements come after a Saturday snow that left anywhere from 4 inches up to a foot of snow in North Central Wisconsin with some of the highest totals along the Highways 10 and 29 corridor. As always riders across all trail systems are encouraged to use caution, especially when operating on newly opened trail systems. Be aware of any trail closure signs, stay on marked trails and respect private lands.
+ Read More New YMCA Facility in Park Falls Opening April 16
Published on 02/11/2025 under News After more than two years of planning and construction, the new YMCA facility in Park Falls is nearing the finish line. They've set a tentative opening date of April 16. Executive Director Scott Schultz hopped on Facebook Live for the announcement. He said, "We're very, very excited. To think about how far we've come since February 2022 when the announcement came out, to today being able to share an opening date." The YMCA project has been part of a revitalization of the downtown Park Falls area, they've been re-purposing the former City Hall building into a Y facility. Schultz also provided some project updates, noting they'll be wrapping up major construction work over the next two to three weeks. They'll then transition to finishing tasks like bringing in furniture and equipment. They've also begun the hiring staff. For those looking to sign up, Schultz says they'll begin a charter membership drive on March 1 which will continue up until the opening. Schultz also briefly addressed the much anticipated and needed childcare center. He expected that to open mid-summer. It will initially have a capacity of 40 youth, and they've already got a wait list. The Flambeau River YMCA will be affiliated with the YMCA of the Northwoods in Rhinelander. The multi-phase project will include a gym and wellness center, a child care center, and community space.
+ Read More DNR Planning Controlled Burns this Winter
Published on 02/11/2025 under News The DNR will be taking advantage of the winter conditions by conducting some controlled burns around the state in the coming weeks. According to the DNR, prescribed burns mimic the benefits that natural wildfires have historically provided. This includes removing dead vegetation that can fuel unplanned fires during the summer months, while the resulting ash also returns nutrients to the soil. Prescribed burns also improve habitat for animals and stimulates native plant growth, while reducing non-native species. Winter burns typically begin with cattail marshes, wetlands and wet prairies. The DNR notes that cattail wildfires can be challenging to suppress during the summer months. Controlled burns also help open up waterways to be utilized by waterfowl for feeding and nesting. DNR staff research locations thoroughly and monitor weather and site conditions right up until the time of the burn. When burns impact roads, trails or recreation areas additional signage will be posted to notify the public.-Photo provided by Wisconsin DNR: Current ice conditions provide greater access for crews to safely and efficiently conduct prescribed burns.
+ Read More Aspirus: Check Meds with Doctors Prior to Surgery
Published on 02/11/2025 under News A medical procedure can already be a stressful time for a patient, but it's important to check on all medications before a surgery. According to Aspirus Health, proactively discussing your medications with your health care team is one of the best ways to ensure a safe and smooth surgical experience. Oliva Bishop is a pharmacy resident at Aspirus. She explained, "Medications can alter how your body works and increase your risk of complications during surgery. That's why it's so important to know which medications to stop and when." She provided a few examples. Diabetes and weight loss drugs can impact typical and important fasting periods in the lead up to a surgery; while blood thinners can heighten the risk of excessive bleeding during and after a procedure. And it's not only prescriptions...even herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications can risk complications. While some medications can be stopped, typically two weeks prior to surgery; others are better to be tapered. Bishop notes "It's always better to ask your surgeon or health care provider and get clear guidance."
+ Read More Hatchet Girls Basketball Team Wins Non-Conference Game
Published on 02/11/2025 under Sports The Hatchet girls' basketball squad notched their 11th win of the season with a 38-24 at Marion Monday night. Tomahawk's defensive effort held the Marion Mustangs to just five points in the first half.  Freya Alberg led the way with 17 for the Hatchets, including 12 in the second half. Claire Albert was second on the team in scoring with 15.  The win puts Tomahawk at 11-9 on the season and 4-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action for a Great Northern Conference showdown against Lakeland tonight. Tip is at 7:15.
+ Read More Hatchet Boys Basketball Team Loses at Merrill
Published on 02/11/2025 under Sports The Hatchet boys' basketball squad lost in Merrill in the battle for Lincoln County Monday night, 85-24. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-15 on the season and 0-8 in Great Northern Conference play.  The Hatchets are back in action tonight for a Great Northern Conference battle in Minocqua against Lakeland. Tip is at 7:15.
+ Read More New Northwoods Support Group for Parkinson’s
Published on 02/10/2025 under News There are an estimated 15,000 people living with Parkinson's in Wisconsin, and a new group in the Northwoods is hoping to help those individuals and their support network. The Wisconsin Parkinson Association, in partnership with the YMCA of the Northwoods, is launching a new Parkinson's Support Group to provide community, resources, and encouragement for individuals living with the disease, as well as their caregivers and family members. Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disorder with no known cure. The WPA's mission is to offer hope, community support, and resources to those affected. Participants are encouraged to bring questions and concerns to the group, where they can connect with others facing similar challenges. They said, "While we may not have all the answers, we are committed to guiding and supporting each other through this journey." The group will meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 3:00 PM at the YMCA of the Northwoods, with the first meeting scheduled for February 11th in the Dale and Gale Willcox Gathering Room.
+ Read More Rhinelander PIE-Academy and Pathways Program Selected to Participate in Legislative Workshop
Published on 02/10/2025 under News A career opportunity program with the Rhinelander School District has been selected to take part in a discussion with Wisconsin state legislators later this month. Representatives from the Rhinelander Partners in Education-Academy and Pathways programs were invited to attend the workshop in Madison. Among the goals is to showcase how these school-based career programs provide opportunities for students while helping develop the future workforce. They are one of five career-oriented model programs invited to attend along with the Whitehall School District, Elmbrook, the LaCrosse School District, and the Southwest Milwaukee Consortium. The half-day workshop is co-sponsored by several school-related organizations including the Wisconsin Association of School Boards and the Rural Schools Alliance. In addition to highlighting these successful career programs and partnerships, they also hope to cultivate relationships between schools and legislators and also discuss school funding. The event will take place on Thursday February 27.
+ Read More Tomahawk Fire Department Hosts Annual Awards Banquet
Published on 02/10/2025 under News The Tomahawk Fire Department is made up of a dedicated group of volunteers. They recently took a night to celebrate and look back at the past year including one impressive milestone. The Tomahawk Fire Department recently held their annual awards banquet which was described as a night to honor dedication, service, and excellence in the department. As part of the awards, the department recognizes service milestones. This year, that included Mike Loka. He was honored for his commitment to the Tomahawk Fire Department for 50 years. Two others also received service recognition, Ron Morren at 30 years and Taylor Randall for 15 years. Another annual award they present is Firefighter of the Year. This year it was presented to Kevin Kind for for his outstanding commitment and service to the community. The Department says, "Thank you to all our firefighters for your dedication, and to our families and community for your continued support. Here's to another year of serving and protecting the Tomahawk Community!" Photos provided by Tomahawk Fire Department: Ron Morren and Taylor Randall (above) were recognized for service recognition. Kevin Kind (below) was awarded 2024 Firefighter of the Year.
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