Lights of Northwoods Returns for 8th Season
Published on 12/02/2024 under News
With the calendar turned to December, the holiday season is in full swing. That includes an impressive light display in Rhinelander that switched on over the weekend. Entering an 8th season, Lights of the Northwoods continues to grow each year, now featuring more than a quarter million lights and displays along the path through Hodag Park. Over the past few weeks, organizers have been putting the final touches on the festive Christmas light tour which kicked off Sunday. Attendees have two options, a slow drive through the park, or if the weather allows, a walking tour. The organizers also invite revelers to give back to the community and help area non-profits. Last year they collected more than $12,000 and 4,600 pounds of food which were distributed to area food pantries and non-profits. The first few years, the event took place in the week around Christmas. Due to popularity, they now welcome visitors throughout the month of December. While the lights are nightly, organizers have special activities on weekends including bonfires, visits from Santa, and snacks and cold weather refreshments. The full calendar is available on the Lights of the Northwoods website. Like year's past, they'll also wrap up Lights of the Northwoods with a January 1 fireworks display.
+ Read More
Lincoln County Launches Community Opioid Survey
Published on 12/02/2024 under News
Through a series of nationwide lawsuits with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, Lincoln County has received around a half million dollars in settlement payments. Now they're looking for some input from the community on how those dollars should be spent. These settlements come with spending restrictions; the funds are earmarked for opioid remediation through prevention, awareness, or treatment. The Lincoln County Board previously created an Opioid Task Force who will develop a spending plan. This past week, the task force launched a community survey to gather information on community perceptions, usage, and barriers to treatment of substance abuse. Erin Ray, opioid Grant Coordinator, explained that community feedback is an important part of the process. She says, "In order to develop a plan to combat the opioid crisis that is specific to our residents, we need to hear from (them) about the challenges facing our county." The survey is part of a larger assessment that will also incorporate listening sessions, interviews, and data analysis. As for the survey, Lincoln County residents can complete it online. We'll include the link. The survey is confidential and takes about 5-10 minutes to complete. The deadline is January 8.
+ Read More
Rhinelander Chamber Kicks Off 'Big Bundle Up' Winter Clothing Collection
Published on 12/02/2024 under News
As the temperatures begin to fall, the Rhinelander Chamber is kicking off a campaign to ensure community members stay warm this winter. The Chamber announced the return of their Big Bundle Up campaign. If the name sounds familiar, the Big Bundle Up used to be a statewide collection effort. While the state program came to an end, the Rhinelander Chamber has kept it active locally. They're inviting residents to drop off new or gently used warm weather gear like coats, hats, mittens, and sweaters. Items donated will be given to Warm for Winter Clothing Pantry which holds twice monthly distribution events. In announcing the new campaign, the Chamber says, "Donating warm winter items is the perfect way to give to local families in need as the holiday giving season approaches." In addition to the Rhinelander Chamber, the Hodag10s and Northland Insurance Agency are also serving as collection sites for the Big Bundle Up. The collection kicks off Monday and will run through December 30.
+ Read More
Safe Shopping Cyber Monday
Published on 12/02/2024 under News
After Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday, today marks the third in a holiday shopping trio...Cyber Monday. The Better Business Bureau is reminding online consumers to shop safe and shop smart. Over the years, more and more consumers have shifted to online shopping for at least a portion of their holiday purchases. The Bureau says a little bit of extra research can held avoid these Grinches and their holiday scams. First make sure your browser and anti-virus software is up-to-date. •Watch for misleading advertisements, lookalike websites, and untrustworthy sellers. •Be wary of unsolicited offers and those that appear 'too good to be true.' •Before clicking 'buy' double check shipping and return policies and read all fine print. •Finally, keep a paper trail and monitor your bank and credit card statements throughout the holiday season.
+ Read More
Tomahawk 'Kick Off to Christmas' Coming Saturday
Published on 11/29/2024 under News
With Thanksgiving now behind us, the Tomahawk Community is wasting little time in transitioning to Christmas. Coming up Saturday, the community is hosting the annual Kick Off to Christmas, the first of several weekends of festive activities in Downtown Tomahawk.The events are organized by a group of volunteers known as Tomahawk Hometown Christmas. They set out a few years ago to revitalize the holiday festivities of yesteryear. Earlier this week, we were joined by three lead organizers Roxanne Consolver, Dalpha Halverson and Michelle Arnott. The theme of this celebration is 'Presents or Presence.' Halverson explained the play on words, both memories of gifts, as well as being in the moment with family or community. Consolver offered a quick rundown of tomorrow's activities including photos with Santa, Christmas story time, and wagon rides. Those events will be based out of the VFW during the afternoon. Action will then shift down town for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the boulevard at the east end of Main Street at 5pm. Halverson noted the tree was donated by the Swanson family in memory of Ken Swanson and Tammy Swanson Lundberg. The upcoming weekend activities are just an appetizer for the companion Hometown Christmas celebration on December 13 which includes the parade, live window displays and caroling. Arnott, owner of Diamond Rock Glass Studio, noted that Hometown Christmas is an event that everyone in the downtown district looks forward to each year. She says she spends time throughout the year planning for her displays. In addition to organizing these activities, the Hometown Christmas group has assisted other groups, fundraisers, and sponsors in many of the new holiday decorations around the community such as the stars on the light poles on Veterans Memorial Bridge. You can visit the Hometown Christmas Facebook page for more information and we've got that conversation in the WJJQ audio center.
+ Read More
Tomahawk Main Street Prepares for Shop Small Saturday
Published on 11/29/2024 under News
While there are deals aplenty from big box stores on Black Friday, a promotion focused on local businesses is in store for tomorrow. That campaign is known as Shop Small Saturday, which launched back in 2010 encouraging people to check out locally-owned businesses. Earlier this week I spoke with Tomahawk Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz. Here in Tomahawk, businesses combine their shop local campaigns with this weekend's Kickoff to Christmas. Businesses throughout the North 4th and Main Street corridors will offer deals to get Christmas shopping underway. While it is Shop Small Saturday, many local businesses will be open today with Black Friday deals. Turkiewicz notes that shopping local has many benefits. For the shopper it offers more unique and personal selections. But it also keeps money in the community, supporting local business owners who, in turn, often support the community. And the Tomahawk Main Street office is even getting in on the sales this year with a pop-up Shop Small Small's Shop. They'll offer some lower price gift options for little ones so they can Shop Small for their family members. Before making any purchases, Turkiewicz reminds shoppers to pick up a Shop Small Bingo card. They're partnering with the Tomahawk Chamber and dozens of businesses to host the holiday shopping challenge. Cards completed by January 4 will be entered into drawings for prizes.
+ Read More
DNR Offers Christmas Tree Permits at Some Northern State Forests
Published on 11/29/2024 under News
There's no shortage of places to get a Christmas tree here in the Northwoods. That includes a number of state forest properties in Northern Wisconsin. The DNR offered up a reminder and a few tips for those looking to seek out and cut their own tree. Teague Prichard, Wisconsin DNR state lands specialist says, "We know people enjoy our northern state forests throughout the year, and the opportunity to find that special holiday tree or bring home some fresh-scented evergreen boughs provides another great reason to visit these properties." The cost for a permit varies by property, but most are $5. People can also harvest some evergreen boughs for wreaths and other decorations with a permit. A popular state forest for finding a Christmas tree is the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest near Minocqua. There are some other rules, harvesting is prohibited within 100 feet or visual distance of roads, trails and waterways, and not allowed at campgrounds or day-use areas. Trees can be cut down in the Brule River, Flambeau River, Governor Earl Peshtigo River, Governor Knowles and Northern Highland-American Legion state forests. Details are available on the DNR website.
+ Read More
Marshfield Clinic Children's Hospital Welcomes Dolly, Facility Dog
Published on 11/29/2024 under News
Marshfield Children's Hospital recently introduced a furry new staff member who will help patients during their stay. Earlier this week, the hospital welcomed Dolly, is a specially educated facility dog who will assist her Child Life handler helping pediatric patients cope while at a medical appointment, procedure or during a hospital stay. This animal-assisted therapy can help patients feel more comfortable and less anxious. Different than pet therapy, Dolly and Child Life are following a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and achieve treatment goals. As Child Life works with patients, they will assess if a child's care plan would benefit by assistance from Dolly. Dolly underwent specialized training at Children's Hospital of Atlanta before moving north. She'll be treated like a human employee with her three human handlers. Dolly is going through orientation. She's also required to take breaks and is only allowed to work 40 hours a week. Handler Heidi Giese says, "When Dolly's leash is on, she is working." Marshfield Children's was able to fund Dolly through their Christmas in July program. Marshfield Children's Hospital is one of only two children's hospitals in Wisconsin to have a facility dog.
+ Read More
Lincoln County Health Donates Youth Books on Mental Health
Published on 11/29/2024 under News
Youth in Lincoln County will have access to some additional books dealing with mental health. Earlier this month, the Lincoln County Health Department, with support from the Lincoln County Healthy Minds Coalition, donated a selection of books on mental health to the Merrill and Tomahawk School Districts, along with the Tomahawk Public Library and the TB Scott Free Library. They said the goal is to empower youth by providing them with resources to help them build skills and better manage their mental health. The Health Department also noted that is especially important for youth who may not have access mental health services. The books cover a broad range of topics including social anxiety, OCD, self-esteem and coping, and they are written with youth readers in mind. They were recommended by Dr. Gabriella Hangiandreou, a child/adolescent psychiatrist who is also member of the Healthy Minds group.
+ Read More
Tomahawk Community Hosting Annual Thanksgiving Lunch
Published on 11/28/2024 under News
Volunteers around the Northwoods are spending a portion of their Thanksgiving holiday making sure that others in their community enjoy a holiday meal with some company. Here in Tomahawk, St. Mary's is once again organizing the Community Thanksgiving Luncheon. It's an annual tradition that allows community members to enjoy their meal with family and friends. Volunteers have spent the past few days prepping for the feast which includes turkey and all of the fixings. They were back in the kitchen early this morning for the final touches. Organizers note the meal is a way to give back to the community, while also providing an opportunity for those who may otherwise spend Thanksgiving alone. The same volunteers will also spend the morning delivering prepared meals for those unable to make it to the Corpus Christi Center. That's where people can go for the dine-in option which runs from 11am to 1pm.
+ Read More
Thanksgiving Leading Day for Home Fires
Published on 11/28/2024 under News
Today is traditionally one of the busiest days in the kitchen, unfortunately it's also one of the busiest for firefighters. Before those meals are prepared local fire fighters are encouraging safety so everyone can enjoy their holiday feast. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the number one day for home fires, three times the daily average. That's followed by Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The three upcoming holidays have similar traditions with family gatherings around large meals. Lorraine Carli with the NFPA says, "Keeping a close eye on what's cooking and minimizing the likelihood of getting distracted can greatly reduce the risk of cooking fires." She says, "As simple as these preventative measures may sound, they truly can help ensure that everyone enjoys a festive, fire-free holiday." They also offered up a few reminders to remember in the kitchen...Unattended cooking is the leading cause of these fires, so make sure to keep a close eye on food on the stove, oven, or grill. Take advantage of slow cookers, and smart devices to simplify meal prep. Try to limit the amount of people and pets in the kitchen to those preparing the meal. Keep flammable items like hot pads, wooden or plastic utensils and food packaging away from the burners, and pan handles should be turned towards the middle or the back of the stove.And before you even start, make sure you have a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher.
+ Read More
Rhinelander Skate Park Organizers Discuss Planning at National Conference
Published on 11/28/2024 under News
The future Rhinelander Skate Park was presented at a recent national conference, showcasing youth engagement. The City of Rhinelander and ArtStart have been leading the way on this project. Earlier this month, Melinda Childs, ArtStart's Community Cultural Development Director and City Council member Carrie Mikalauski traveled to Tampa to attend the National League of Cities conference. The pair participated in a panel on the importance of arts participation in local government. They were able to highlight the role that local youth have played in the efforts to build the new skate park. Childs says, "It's been such a privilege to be able to share our story and learn from others doing similar work." And speaking of that skate park...one week from today ArtStart will host the design firm as they present the preliminary skatepark layout and gather input from community members. That'll be at 5:30 on Thursday December 5 at ArtStart in Rhinelander.
+ Read More
Food for Kidz Packing Event in Lakeland Sets Records
Published on 11/28/2024 under News
Late last month hundreds of volunteers came together at Lakeland High School for the annual Food for Kidz food packing event. Now that the organizers have had a time to recoup, they took some time to reflect. The annual event is sponsored and organized by the local Lion's Club and Laura Bertch provided a quick recap. Each fall, for a half a day, volunteers package bulk food supplies such as oatmeal, beans, and rice into nutritious meal-size packets for families. This year they had a record 661 volunteers some traveling more than an hour to lend a hand. During those four short hours, they packaged more than 271,000 meals, another record. About half of the cases will remain here in the Northwoods where they will be distributed to local food pantries. The rest will be distributed to areas in need, both in the US and around the globe. Bertsch called it a 'feel good moment' and highlighted that these volunteers are helping children and families that they've never met. This is their 16th year, and the reached a milestone by packing more than 2.5 million meals. And they've already turned their focus to next October.
+ Read More
Several Aspirus Hospitals Receive Rural Health Awards
Published on 11/28/2024 under News
Aspirus Health serves many rural communities across their network; the health system recently received several awards for their work in smaller communities. In conjunction with National Rural Health Day, Chartis Center for Rural Health announced their 2024 Performance Leadership Awards. The goal is to honor rural hospitals for their exceptional achievements in quality, outcomes, and patient perspective. Aspirus Eagle River Hospital was a double winner, earning awards in both Quality and Patient Perspectives. Four Aspirus hospitals were recognized in the Outcomes category:Aspirus Langlade, Merrill, Rhinelander, and Howard Young. Aspirus Vice President – System Nursing Operations Lisa Rowe-Peplinski says they are honored to receive the recognition. She says, "These awards reflect the hard work, commitment, and compassion of our teams who strive every day to provide outstanding care to our patients. We are grateful for the trust our communities place in us and remain dedicated to maintaining this high standard of excellence."
+ Read More
DNR Opening Weekend Wrap: Harvest Totals Down, Tag Sales up, No Firearm Incidents
Published on 11/27/2024 under News
Opening weekend of the hunting season has come and gone, and hunter success was down both locally and around the state. The DNR released the preliminary figures for the first two days of the nine-day gun deer season. Hunters registered just over 89,200 deer opening weekend. That's down approximately 1.8% compared to last year and 4.7% below the five year average. The Northern Forest Zone saw a more significant drop. Across the 19 county region, opening weekend registration was down 14% compared to last year and 20% below the five year average. Here in Lincoln County there were 691 deer registered opening weekend, down from 858 last year. That includes 464 bucks and 227 antlerless deer. It was down 19.5% from last year and 16.7% from the five year average. In Oneida County opening weekend harvest fell from 814 to 643 and Vilas County went from 555 to 452. County2024 Opening Weekend Harvest 2023 Opening Weekend Harvest Change from Last Season Change from 5-Year Average Lincoln 691 858 -19.5% -16.7% Oneida 683 814 -16.1% -11.3% Vilas 452 555 -18.6% -25.1% Langlade 942 1,178 -20% -14.2% Price 633 732 -13.5% -23.8% Taylor 1,001 1,283 -22% -19.6% Biologist Jeff Pritzl provided a bit a mix bag from the field noting some hunters found good deer activity, while others reported little to no daytime movement. The timing of the season likely played a role. November 23 is the latest a season can start, at the tail end of the breeding when deer are most active. A little optimism for the second part of this week. The new snow should provide offer better deer visibility with the white backdrop. The gun-deer season continues through Sunday. Tag Sales Up While the number of deer registered was down, the number of hunters may have been up slightly. According to the DNR, the number of tags sold through opening weekend was 778,000, that's up a half a percent from the same point last year. It reverses a recent slow and steady downward trend in recent years. That total includes all deer hunting licenses purchased and includes archery, crossbow, conservation patron, and sports licenses. For the gun/deer season specifically, there were 541,000 tags sold. Final license sales data will be available in January and the DNR noted that will also include an analysis of the figures. No Firearm Incidents Opening Weekend In a case of no news is good news, it was a safe opening weekend for hunters. As of yesterday, the DNR has no firearm-involved hunting incidents to report during the opening weekend of the 2024 gun deer season. During the opening weekend of the 2023 season, the DNR reported two firearm-involved hunting incidents.
+ Read More
|
|