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Vilas, Iron Counties Announce Snowmbile Trail Closures Tuesday Published on 03/11/2025 under News

After a brief reprieve, it appears the Northwoods snowmobile season is once again concluding with Iron and Vilas Counties announcing the closure of their trail system Tuesday morning.

This comes after Oneida County closed their trails on Monday. Snowmobilers got an extra weekend of riding after last week's winter snow event. But a warm-up followed, leaving many trail segments deteriorating.

This abbreviated season got a late start, and follows last winter when the trails never opened due to a lack of snow.

In Other News

Tomahawk Main Street Unveils New Logo, Branding

Published on 03/11/2025 under News Spring is often seen as a time of change and rebirth, and the Tomahawk Main Street organization recently unveiled a new look. At their annual meeting, Tomahawk Main Street officially unveiled their updated branding, highlighted by a new logo. For those that haven't seen it, the focal point is streetlight and wordmark that utilizes a blue, yellow, and green palette. We talked with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz about the reasons for the change, along with the process, and what comes next. She noted that while Tomahawk Main Street was founded in 2008, the inspiration for the original logo was even older; it was based off the former Tomahawk Business Council design. Turkiewicz added that they wanted to keep up with times and establish a new and refreshing look for the organization and the district. They were able to receive assistance from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to work with a marketing and design specialist. Over the past year, they were able to identify key traits and design elements, collaborating with focus groups, business owners, and community members to finalize they design. While the logo is the most visual element, the re-branding also included new vision, mission and belief statements. Turkiewicz also teased the work of their new streetscape committee as well. They're beginning to implement the new design elements as the busy spring and summer seasons approach. That includes their online presence and promotional materials and eventually coming to their windows, banners and Main Street Office. Later this week, we'll have a bit more on the meaning behind the logo specifically including the meaning behind some of the design elements in in the artwork.

Published on 03/11/2025 under News A former staffer at the Lincoln County Jail has now been charged after allegedly injuring an inmate. The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation announced Jason Meister of Pearson is facing charges of abuse of a resident of a penal facility and substantial battery. Court records show the 44 year old made an initial appearance in court Monday. Future court dates weren't scheduled. The charges were the result of an incident on February 28 at the Lincoln County Jail where Meister worked as a correctional sergeant. According to the criminal complaint, Meister physically assaulted the inmate in their cell. The inmate sustained two broken ribs and a laceration above their eye that required stitches. The incident was captured by surveillance video. As a result of an internal investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office fired Meister. The DoJ is leading the investigation and said that the Sheriff's Office is cooperating fully.

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Published on 03/11/2025 under News No injuries were reported following a fire early this morning in Vilas County. According to the Vilas County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call from the home owner at around 4am Tuesday morning. They indicated the roof of their home was on fire, and began to spread into the lower level of the home.. Responders were paged to Witches Lake Road in Arbor Vitae. Upon arrival, they found heavy smoke coming from the residence with the fire appearing to come from the attic. All of the occupants were able to evacuate the home safely; one firefighter was treated on the scene after sustaining a leg injury. The Arbor Vitae Fire Department was able to contain and quickly extinguish the fire. According to an update provided by the Fire Department, they believe the fire originated in an electrical box. They did have smoke alarms, and the release highlighted the importance.

Published on 03/11/2025 under News Each March, when we set our clocks forward, it brings conversations about sleep. In fact, the week after daylight savings is Sleep Awareness Week, and we heard from Asprius about the importance of healthy sleep habits. They noted that consistent, high-quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. Rebecca Wagner works as a Polysomnographic Technologist in the Aspirus Sleep Lab. She says, "Sleep is foundational to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being." She added, "Insufficient sleep can lead to memory problems, increased anxiety, depression, and additional strain on bodily functions." For those who struggle with persistent sleep difficulties, a professional sleep study might provide answers. There, they monitor vital signs, oxygen levels, and sleep patterns to diagnose conditions like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorders, insomnia, and narcolepsy. But Wagner notes that people can practice good sleep hygiene on their own. She says you shouldn't use naps as a way to make up for sleep loss. She also recommends steps to wind down before heading to bed including avoiding rigorous activities and limiting screen time.

Published on 03/11/2025 under News A Merrill man is facing multiple charges including OWI as a repeat offender following a crash last week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a deputy responded to Highway 64 in the Town of Pine River for a single vehicle crash. The deputy located an unoccupied vehicle in the ditch, and attempted to locate the vehicle owner at his last known address. While the deputy was searching away from the scene, the man allegedly returned a tractor and pulled the vehicle out of the ditch. A short time later the deputy observed the vehicle traveling on Poplar Road. During the traffic stop, the deputy says the man pulled into a driveway and attempted to flee on foot before eventually complying. According to the Sheriff's Report, the 53 year old was brought to the jail for 4th offense OWI, resisting or obstructing, and fleeing an officer. Other notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report: It was a relatively short sheriff's report which including another repeat OWI offense. The deputy responded to a complaint of a reckless driver on southbound Highway 51 on Saturday. The vehicle was located, with deputies observing similar erratic driving. The driver, a 55 year old Hatley man, was asked to perform a field sobriety test. As a result he was book in the jail for second offense OWI and resisting. The number of vehicle deer crashes was back up slightly with 5 reported on Lincoln County roadways. Drivers also reported a collision with a bird and an unknown animal, in accidents that caused reportable damage.

Published on 03/10/2025 under News The Northwoods Children's Museum in Eagle River is making it easier for those in need to get personal care products. They recently unveiled a new personal hygiene pantry which is stocked with items like toothbrushes and toothpastes; soap and shampoo; and deodorant—that are available for those in need, no questions asked. NCM Executive Director Danielle Larsen. "When families are facing food insecurity, every dollar is prioritized for essentials like rent and utilities—often leaving personal care items out of reach. Unlike clothing or household goods that can be borrowed or thrifted, hygiene products must be purchased, making them an overlooked but critical need." They were able to start the program through the generosity of an anonymous donor, along with a SMILE grant. They hope to keep the pantry well-stocked through community donations. The personal hygiene pantry builds on the museums partnership with Feed Our Rural Kids or Fork. They established a supplemental food pantry inside the museum last year. Larsen added, "The addition of a personal hygiene pantry was a natural next step... By providing these items alongside food, we hope to ease some of the financial strain and ensure families have access to both nourishment and basic self-care necessities." Both pantries are available during museum hours. -Photo provided by Northwoods Children's Museum

Published on 03/10/2025 under News Water plays a vital role in life across Wisconsin. All week long stakeholders including health departments and environmental agencies are celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week. Throughout the campaign the groups are educating the public, collaborating through seminars and outreach efforts. According to the Oneida County Health Department, one in three Wisconsinites utilize private wells for their drinking water. They're using this week to encourage people to have their private wells tested. They'll also be providing outreach on conserving water and reducing the waste through steps such as fixing leaks. Meanwhile public and non-profit groups are taking part in seminars and meetings focused on various topics related to Wisconsin waters. We'll have more coverage on Groundwater Awareness Week as well.

Published on 03/10/2025 under News Two area fire departments got in some specialized training over the weekend that's especially valuable as winter turns to spring. The Pine Lake Fire Department and Newbold Fire Department teamed up to familiarize with airboats and rescue efforts. These special boats are able to travel across different surfaces like water and ice. That comes in handy at this time of year to keep responders safe when performing ice water rescues. Pine Lake FD has an air-boat in their fleet; the exercise also utilized the county's airboat to double the training opportunities. The instructors laid out various courses utilizing cones out on Boom Lake including serpentine routes and a segment working on safely stopping an airboat which can be a challenge. In sharing the training, the Pine Lake Fire Department posted, "These types of training are a very good way for the operators to come familiar on how the boat reacts to ice, snow and water."

Published on 03/10/2025 under News Throughout the year, the DNR leans on citizen scientists to be their eyes and ears in the outdoors, tracking everything from deer to aquatic invasive species. Now they've put out a call for volunteers to be on the look out for rare plants. It's part of their Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, which provides their largest source of rare plant data. Jessica Ross is the coordinator. She says, "Whether you have botanical knowledge, a commitment to conservation or are just passionate about plants, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference." Ross says their volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, however their efforts all play a significant role in understanding the state of rare plants on how to conserve them. Over the past decade, volunteers have covered nearly every county in the state. Last year, more than 70 trained volunteers from around the state submitted 224 reports of rare plants, including 59 populations in areas of Wisconsin where they had not been documented before. They've got some training opportunities which help volunteers in surveying, estimates, habitats, and establishing GPS coordinates.. Although formal plant identification training isn't required or included, successful volunteers often have previous experience. Additional information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 03/10/2025 under News It's been a busy stretch for Tomahawk High School Fine Arts. Dozens of student musicians traveled to Northland Pines for the district Solo and Ensemble Festival. Instructor Corey Colburn noted that Tomahawk performed in 25 events throughout the day with some exceptional performances recognized by the judges including dozens of medalists. The best of the best earn a spot at the state competition. Five bids came in the category of art song vocal solos: Cedar Hoffman, Ella Hilgendorf, Sadie Ruder, Greta Kurth and Galen Schmidt. Two vocal duets qualified: Julia Fries and Madeline Long and Scarlet McKenzie and Ella Hilgendorf. And Hilgendorf also made it for her musical theater performance. The State Music Festival will be held on Saturday, May 3 at UW-Stevens Point. As for other medalists: Gold medals were earned by Scarlet McKenzie, saxophone solo; Kaylee Roberts, vocal solo, Ayla Lewison, vocal solo; Dorian Stefan, vocal solo; and the soprano-alto ensemble of Ryu Fuszard, Greta Kurth, Ella Hilgendorf, Cedar Hoffman, Dorian Stefan, Ayla Lewison, Audrey Sneed, Naomi Nelson, Sadie Ruder, Aubrey Graeber and Julia McGovern. In Class A, silver medals were earned by Sarah Kallerud, clarinet solo; Elliot O'Connor, jazz improv solo; Tamara Stenberg, xylophone solo; Greta Kurth, musical theater; Julia McGovern, vocal solo; Sadie Ruder & Greta Kurth, vocal duet; the tenor-bass ensemble of LJ Plantenberg, Elliot O'Connor, Galen Schmidt, Finn Colburn, Dominic Boos, & Damian Ramirez; and the soprano-alto ensemble of Aliyah Nelson, Kaylee Roberts, Julia Fries, Emma Schiltz, Kami Gabrich, Madeline Long, & Phoebe Hrdina. In Class B, Toby Scott and Brock Fischer earned a bronze medal on their brass duet, Jozlyn Bills and Cheyenne Sakowicz took a Silver on their flute-clarinet duet, and gold medals were earned by LJ Plantenberg & Elliot O'Connor on a saxophone duet and by Dixie Foster on a trumpet solo. -Photo provided by Tomahawk School District-

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