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Two Price County Communities Receive BCPL State Trust Fund Loans Published on 11/24/2017 under News

Earlier this week, state loans were approved for two rural Price County communities for a combined municipal project.

Those investments were announced by the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands. According to the news release both the Village of Catawba and the Village of Kennan were granted $25,000 State Trust Fund loans to help finance a sewer project.

Overall, the board provided $5 million to 6 municipalities around the state in this cycle. Of the three member board, state treasurer Matt Adamczyk voted against the loans.

The low interest loans are funded entirely on program revenue. The board has also provided more than $32 million to public school library materials around the state.

In Other News

DNR Anticipating Elevated Wildfire Risk Again this Weekend

Published on 04/19/2024 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) again asks the public to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning this weekend, April 20-21, 2024, due to elevated fire danger. Warm temperatures, low humidity and breezy conditions are in the forecast for this weekend. Although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state's vegetation is still dead and dry. Over the past week, the DNR has responded to 122 wildfires burning nearly 340 acres, the most active week this season. That includes more than two dozen fires here in our Northwoods listening area. The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning and powerlines. Other common causes include campfires, equipment, and even trailer chains dragging on pavement

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A Northwoods police department will receive a state grant funded by the larger opioid settlement. Overall, Wisconsin is set to receive more than $750 million over the next 15 years through that settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors. A portion of that payout goes to the Department of Health Services which further set aside $3 million for law enforcement programs addressing opioids such as community drug disposal options, staff education and training, and treatment for jail residents with an opioid addiction. The Rhinelander Police Department was selected to receive a $23,000 grant earmarked for programs to assist those with opioid use disorder. Overall, 12 agencies will share in $1.9 million including municipal and tribal police departments and sheriff's offices. DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson said in the announcement, "The projects funded by these grants will save lives," She added, "We're pleased to partner with these law enforcement agencies to support efforts to address the health and safety needs of their communities."

Published on 04/19/2024 under News A local nurse recently received a prestigious honor. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital honored Amy Bormann with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses in recognition for commitment and patient-centered approach to care. Bormann works in the Birthing Center at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital and was nominated for the DAISY Award by a patient. The mom called Bormann a 'total rock star' during the recent birth of her child, a delivery that happened within just a few minutes. That was actually Bormann's second deliver for this family family. The nomination highlighted Bormann for her 'positive energy, comfort & encouragement.' As a Daisy recipient, Bormann received a honoree pin and a Shona Tribe sculpture known as A Healer's Touch. The staff were also treated to cinnamon rolls, another symbol from the Daisy Awards. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News An Athens man found responsible for a fatal Taylor County explosion last winter received a five year prison sentence. Matthew Zarins was back in Taylor County court on Thursday for a sentencing hearing. The 51 year old was charged following an investigation into an explosion and fire at a property in the town of Maplehurst in southern Taylor County in January of 2023. A 51 year old Stanley woman sustained life-threatening burns in the explosion, and died the following day. Investigators determined the location was likely being used to manufacture methamphetamine. In February, Zarins pleaded no contest to two charges: homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and maintaining a drug trafficking place. At yesterday's sentencing, Judge Barbara Knox Bauer ordered Zarins serve 5 years of initial confinement followed by five years of extended supervision. Court records show that matched the request made by the prosecution. Zarins was credited with 351 days of time served.

Published on 04/19/2024 under News Spring is upon us and wildlife officials are offering their yearly reminder to leave animals and their newborns alone. It's part of the annual Keep Wildlife Wild campaign. All too often a well-meaning person will come across a fledgling bird, baby rabbit or newborn fawn. While the animal may appear abandoned, the DNR says more likely than not, the mother is nearby or will return soon. Using the example of a fawn,they explained that natural behavior is to keep still and quiet. This keeps them safe from predators while their mothers forage for food. Drawing attention to a fawn's location can tip-off predators and also keep the mother away longer than expected. If you do come across a young animal that appears sick or you feel may be truly abandoned, they instead recommend taking a picture, video and some notes. Share that information with the DNR or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They'll be able to provide further guidance based on the information your provide.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News While their work is often behind the scenes, dispatchers play a crucial role in emergency response, and this week is set aside to recognize their efforts. Over the past few days, local law enforcement agencies have been taking the time to observe National Telecommunicators Week by recognizing their dispatch staff. That includes the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office which referred to the telecommunicators as the 'first, First Responders. Their 9-member 911 center handled nearly 6,300 calls last year. They dispatch for not only the Sheriff's Office but two police departments, two ambulance services, one full-time fire department, and four volunteer fire departments. The Sheriff's Office said, "When you experience a critical incident, they are the first voices that help calm the chaos. They not only take phone calls regarding emergency and non-emergency situations, but they also coordinate resources to get help to those in need; they truly are the first, First Responders." It's a similar story in Oneida County. The Sheriff's Office says their 13-member 911 center works with 17 fire departments, 5 ambulance services, 10 first responder groups and 3 law enforcement agencies.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News A Northwoods teacher has been selected for a state award for her efforts to immerse students in different cultures. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction named Crandon High School Spanish teacher Jodi Resch Brownell as their Global Educator of the Year. According to the announcement, "With three decades of experience as a teacher, Resch Brownell has instilled a love of learning about other cultures and the world among students." She's credited with bring the Global Scholars Program to the school. Students are able to learn about the world, explore diverse perspectives, engage in intercultural communication, and collaborate to address global issues. With that inspiration, the students created book and film clubs on those topics. State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly said. "From helping her students learn about the world and diverse experiences in unique ways, to going out of her way to create opportunities for colleagues and the surrounding community to grow as individuals, Ms. Resch Brownell is so deserving of this honor In addition to helping students understand other cultures and languages through field trips and virtual exchange, Resch Brownell created a Global Learning Guide for staff, and sustains lifelong learning through travel and professional development. As this year's recipient, Council on International Educational Exchange scholarship to represent Wisconsin on a visit to a site.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Tomahawk Public Library is more that just books...and their latest effort is all about the birds. This week kicked off the Great Wisconsin Birdathon and the local library is taking part. The statewide effort is organized by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and participants include not only libraries, but schools, classes, bird organizations or simply interested individuals. Last year, they had 72 teams which registered 274 species of birds. There are two parts to the Birdathon...Between April 15 and June 15th, they're encouraging people to break out binoculars to spot and record as many bird species as possible. They described it like a walk-a-thon, but instead of logging miles, participants log bird sightings. Participants can search anywhere in the state, and organizers noted there are no shortage of birding opportunities and habitat here in the Northwoods. They're also collecting pledges for sightings, with a statewide collection goal is $125,000. They're on their way, already reaching $19,000. We'll include all the links in the online version of the story, or visit the TPL Facebook.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News Northcentral Technical College announced the grand opening of a new program and facility to offer training and certification for meat processing. Known as the Pasture to Plate Butchery program, the school says the certificate is designed to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in every aspect of the meat production process, from sourcing livestock to humane harvest to preparing cuts for consumption to retail sales. They'll utilize a combination of classroom instruction, practical training and field experiences working with local farms as well as the NTC Agriculture Center of Excellence. Culinary Arts Faculty Chef Travis Teska, "As the demand for locally sourced, high-quality meats continues to grow, NTC is leading the way in preparing skilled professionals who can meet this demand while promoting ethical and sustainable practices." A key feature of the program is its emphasis on farm-to-table principles, which ensures that students understand the entire supply chain. Teska says, "The Pasture to Plate Butchery program exemplifies our dedication to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern meat industry while upholding the highest standards of ethics and sustainability." NTC is currently accepting applications for the program.

Published on 04/18/2024 under News The Rhinelander Chamber has officially announced the return of the Hodag Heritage Festival, and the week-long celebration is just under a month away. For more than a century the Hodag has been synonymous with Rhinelander. Back in 2021, the Chamber and their partners established the Hodag Heritage Festival. It was a way to celebrate not only the connection to the mythical beast, but also the city's history and community. This will be the fourth edition of the Hodag Heritage Festival and the event continues to grow. Rhinelander Chamber event and program coordinator Rachel Bohlen says, "We have more Hodag & cryptid vendors, food trucks, and activities than ever before. There truly is something for everyone!" She teased a few events including a hodag calling contest, historical bus tours, a city-wide scavenger hunt and the re-dedication of the Hodag Historical marker. The Chamber has a schedule of events on their website. Some of the week-long activities will kick-off May 12, while the main celebration on Saturday May 18.

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