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DNR Encourages Safety for Waterfowl Hunters

Published on 09/20/2024 under News Many hunters are heading out onto the waters for waterfowl, the DNR is encouraging safe boating. Around 75,000 hunters take part in the duck and goose seasons in Wisconsin. In addition to the common boating safety advice, they note that hunting at this time of year brings some additional hazards. That all starts while still on land, as overloading a boat can lead to instability and capsizing. Lt. Darren Kuhn says, "A balanced boat is a stable boat.." It's also important to make sure the weight in the boat is evenly distributed. And when loading be sure not to obscure navigational lights. Kuhn also noted a life jacket is the best defense against unexpected mishaps, adding,"Prioritize safety so you can focus on the thrill of the hunt and the beauty of nature." A few other quick tips: Be on the lookout for elements outside of your control, such as changing weather, or a slightly submerged hazards like stumps, rocks, sandbars or floating debris. And like any outdoor recreation, it's advised to bring a cell phone and let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

Published on 09/20/2024 under News After a soggy start to the spring and summer, we've actually been in a dry stretch for several weeks now. Several regions of the state are nearing or are back in drought classification. In the latest report from the US Drought Monitor, released Thursday, approximately a third of the state is listed as abnormally dry, while 16% is D-1 or moderate drought. One of those dry regions is here in northern Wisconsin. Eastern Oneida County is now classified D-1, while Vilas County, western Oneida County, and Northern Lincoln County have been moved to abnormally dry. The late summer dry spell reverses the above normal rainfall we experienced in late spring and early summer. Much of the state also dealt with drought last fall and into the winter.

Published on 09/20/2024 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. These settlements do come with spending restrictions; the funds are typically earmarked for opioid remediation through prevention, awareness, or treatment. The Lincoln County Board previously created an Opioid Task to form a proposal on how the money would best be spent. At their meeting Tuesday, the supervisors allocated a portion of the funding, $30,000, to complete a Community Substance Abuse Needs Assessment by hiring Impact Community Planning Group LLC. Erin Ray is the opioid grant coordinator. She explained that they will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research through data collection and focus groups, as well as an assessment of current services and resources. Ray noted that the county has received approximately $470,000 through the various litigation settlements so far.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News The City of Tomahawk has plenty of history. A documentary is in the works that looks to capture that story on screen. Earlier this summer, we told you about a new film project titled "Tomahawk:The Story of a City Among the Pines." Tomahawk native Clay Schmit is the visionary, and he's working with an award-winning filmmaker John Newcombe. The two stopped by the WJJQ studios Wednesday to provide an update. While Schmit is from Tomahawk, Newcombe has been bouncing back and forth between the Northwoods and his home-base in California to work on the project. Over the years, the duo have worked on several other film project. With Schmit retired back to his hometown, he realized the community had a wide-sweeping story to tell. He joked that it took Newcombe about two minutes to join on following his pitch. Newcombe said his projects look to tell an entire story rather of a location rather than simply producing a puff piece. While the city is more than 130 years old, the history dates back even further, from Native American settlements to lumber barons, a transition to farm and industry, and now tourism and recreation. They discovered interesting stories from fires to bank robberies along with many familiar Tomahawk names like Theiler and Bradley. One topic that captured Newcombe's interest was the personality and character of the loggers that worked the land. As for what's next, they'll continue to gather that archival material, while also fundraising to offset some of the production costs. If all goes according to schedule, they'll be back next year for a community premiere. You can hear that entire conversation in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News Throughout the summer, the Tomahawk Historical Society has been collecting shoes and put out a final call. The shoe drive is part of the Historical Society's campaign to raise money for an expansion project. The new building will house upcoming exhibits on antique printing equipment as well as a display on the Tomahawk Boat Manufacturing Company. They've partnered with an international organization that distributes shoes to those in developing countries. In exchange, the Historical Society will receive a financial donation for collecting shoes. The drive was originally set to end in August. The effort was so successful they actually need to arrange a second transport vehicle. That allowed the Historical Society to extend their collection efforts by another month. The finally pick-up will now take place on Saturday morning. Organizer Kathy Tobin said they've already got more than 4,600 pairs. Anyone still interested in donating footwear can still do so on Thursday and Friday by dropping them off at the collection box at the Trig's Service Center.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News Back in 2018, the Tomahawk School District approved a school resource officer. At their meeting last week, the Tomahawk School Board heard a presentation on the position seven years in. Officer Brett Susa was the district's first, and remains the only SRO to serve the district. He explained his role is to create a safe learning environment. In his report, Susa touched on what he referred to as 'positive interactions' with the students which builds trust with the students. This can be beneficial in preventing issues before they occur. As an on campus officer, Susa also works on violations such as truancy or substance use. Beyond law enforcement, Susa wears many other hats. This includes classroom education using the example of an upcoming presentation in a high school class on the topic of healthy relationships. He also works with buildings and grounds supervisor Arland Wingate to discuss and address any safety issues around campus. When school is not in session, Susa works with the Tomahawk Police Department.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News While the Rhinelander community embraces the color green ,the Hodag Dome will be turning purple this weekend as people raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's. Organizers are putting the final touches on the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Rhinelander Saturday morning. Jim Brust is chair of the local event. He says they're excited to bring the community together, united for shared purpose. Funds go towards the Alzheimer's Association to provide care and support to families affected by the disease while also helping advance critical research towards treatment and prevention. Brust says, "Every step we take brings us closer to a world without Alzheimer's, and together, we can make a lasting impact." Locally, they're off to a strong start with more than 280 people registered. The fifty plus teams have already pledged nearly $100,000. The event starts at 8:30am Saturday in the Hodag Dome. Down in Wausau, they'll be hosting an event as well.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News With fall upon us, hunting season is ramping up. Those heading out onto area waterways to hunt ducks or geese can help play a role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. Monday was the goose opener, while the northern zone duck season opens this weekend. The DNR is reminding hunters to check for these hitchhikers and take some simple steps to avoid transporting them to lakes, rivers, and streams. According to the DNR, invasive species are quite good at finding tiny places to hide. Just a few examples they provided: mud on anchors, props, tires, and boots can conceal eggs and seeds. They may also be carried in water in boats and trailers. Hunting gear like decoys and waders should also be inspected. And if you're bringing along a hunting dog, the pup and their accessories should also be checked and rinsed. The DNR says "Just a few minutes of preventative action can protect our hunting tradition for generations to come." Throughout the hunting season, staff, volunteers are other stakeholders will be visiting boat launches to offer on-the-spot education, boat towels and boot brushes.

Published on 09/19/2024 under News The Lincoln County Board has assigned the remainder of their American Rescue Plan Act funds. With approximately $337,000 remaining in the account, and an end-of-year spending deadline, the supervisors, at their meeting Tuesday, approved a resolution placing those funds with the Highway Department. They are earmarked to cover a portion of a County Highway A project scheduled for next year. The total price tag for the work is approximately $1.2 million. This is expected to help offset the overall budget gap as the Finance Committee works to finalize next year's spending plan. The County initially received around $5.3 million ARPA funds through payments in 2021 and 2022 with some additional interest earned over the past three years. The funds came with some restrictions on how they could be spent, and the county established some additional guidelines. A large portion of the money went towards projects to improve outdoor recreational opportunities and marketing efforts. The goal was to attract visitors to the County. The resolution highlighted an approximately 4.3 percent increase in sales tax collection this year when compared to last.

Published on 09/18/2024 under News It's déjà vu all over again, as the Lincoln County Board will renew their efforts to explore the sale of Pine Crest Nursing Home. The Lincoln County supervisors spent nearly half of their three hour meeting Tuesday discussing the county-owned, skilled nursing facility in Merrill. It's the continuation of a process that began all the way back in June of 2022 when an ad-hoc committee was formed to explore the future of the facility amid financial concerns. The resolution, approved by the board Tuesday directs the Administrative and Legislative Committee to pursue the potential sale of the facility, including, but not limited to: renewing negotiations with a previously identified buyer, soliciting requests for proposal to hire a broker to facilitate a sale, or engaging in negotiations with interested buyers who contact the county directly. Earlier this year, the board was in the process of selling the facility to Merrill Campus LLC and Senior Management. A sale agreement was reached, but buyer ended negotiations in early July citing a pending lawsuit related to the sale. That litigation has been withdrawn and dismissed. Last month, the County Board members considered, and then rejected a resolution that would have placed a Pine Crest funding referendum on the November ballot, sending the supervisors back to the drawing board. Among the sticking points that continue to be debated is the amount of funding necessary for not only operations, but also building maintenance and debt service. Those projections are based on variables such as the number of residents, reimbursement levels, and supplemental grants along with outside factors such as inflation affecting construction costs. As has been the case throughout this lengthy process a citizen group known as People for Pinecrest filled the board room again Tuesday, utilizing the public comment portion of the meeting to express their desires to find a solution that would maintain county ownership of the facility. One resident did utilize public comment to support the sale. Last night's vote was 14-8 with supervisors agreeing to pursue the sale. No timeline has been provided. Any potential sale would still need to come back before the full county board for final approval. A brief timeline of County Board Actions Related to Pine Crest: •June 2022-An ad-hoc committee of the Lincoln County Board is formed to study the future of Pine Crest •March 2023-The ad-hoc committee reports on their findings; offering a number of options including the sale of the facility or pursuing a funding referendum •May 2023-The County Board approves a resolution directing the A&L Committee to pursue sale of Pine Crest •July 2023-The A&L Committee hires broker to facilitate the sale process •August 2023-The County Board rejects a resolution to place a funding referendum on the ballot •February 2024-The County Board approves a purchase agreement to sell Pine Crest to private operator •June 2024-The County Board approves a request to extend closing date for the sale by 3 months •July 2024-The County Board is notified the buyer is ending the potential purchase due to lawsuit related to the sale •August 2024-The County Board rejects resolution placing a funding referendum on November ballot •September 2024-County Board approves a resolution to renew efforts to sell Pine Crest

Published on 09/18/2024 under News One of the hidden gems of Lincoln County is the network of hiking and biking trails. A new short documentary by Uniquely Wisconsin is focused on a key figure in local trail development. A goal of the Uniquely Wisconsin series is to tell the story of a location through its people. The latest episode, which debuted Tuesday, is called, "From Vision to Reality: The Impact of Chris Schotz on Lincoln County Trails." In his introduction, Schotz jokes that he is often known as 'The Trail Guy,' but that's an accurate nickname. He's spent decades of his life helping to develop and improve the trail systems in Lincoln County, particularly the Underdown and Ice Age Trails. He's following in the footsteps of his father Herb. The scenic beauty of the trails and the local landscape are featured prominently throughout the seven minute film. Those shots are interwoven with interviews with Schotz, his family and friends, and a handful of local trail users. The process of developing a trail is a combination of art and science, with plenty of hard work. It's also a mindset with Schotz adding, "I see trails everywhere I go, Even if they aren't there." Last year, the Lincoln County Board invested ARPA funds into this partnership with Uniquely Wisconsin as part of a larger effort to promote the area as a destination. These funds have also been invested into improving various outdoor recreation opportunities. As for Uniquely Wisconsin, Season 3 features stories from Ashland, Calumet, Jefferson, Lincoln and Oconto Counties. The episodes will be released through the rest of the year including their YouTube channel.

Published on 09/18/2024 under News The Wisconsin DNR is reliant upon citizen scientists to help monitor populations of animals of all sizes by reporting their observations. Their latest effort is for herptiles, though you may better known them as snakes, lizards, frogs and salamanders. With final days of summer upon us, and temperatures likely to begin cooling, these reptiles and amphibians will begin their migration from summer breeding and foraging spots to their winter hibernation homes. This often involves the risk of crossing roads or trails, while others may simply be seeking the warmth held in the pavement. By reporting sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on and around Wisconsin's roads, drivers can help researchers better understand where their populations occur and save more of them in the future. Rich Staffen is a DNR conservation zoologist. He says, "Our goal is to fill in gaps of where these animals are found in Wisconsin and how they're doing in the state so we can better protect them." People can report common road or trail crossing locations including live herptiles or those who've unfortunately been struck. The DNR has a reporting form on their website.

Published on 09/18/2024 under News Upper-level high school students are encouraged to apply for a unique learning experience offered by the Wisconsin State Senate. Thirty-three students will be selected for the Wisconsin Senate Scholar program, one for each of state's senate districts. The students will travel to Madison for a week-long immersive curriculum on the legislative process. That will include classroom instruction, participation in a mock legislative session with other students, and attend an actual floor session of the Wisconsin State Senate. State Senator Mary Felzkowski sponsors the 12th district candidate. She called it a very special and unique learning opportunity, adding "Whether (students are) interested in getting involved with the government, or they just want to have a better grasp on the state legislative process, it's truly a fun, educational experience." High school juniors and seniors are eligible. Applications are available online at senatescholar.com. The application deadline is November 15.

Published on 09/17/2024 under News A brand new field of sunflowers stretch to the skies at the Tranquil Acres farm near Tomahawk. Beyond the beauty, those flowers hold a special meaning, planted in memory of Jayna Kelley. The newest addition to Tranquil Acres has been named Sunny Skye Field. While 9 year old Jayna Kelley was from western Wisconsin, her Tomahawk area family includes Brent, Keri, and Jordan Kelley, regular visitors to the garden. Last fall, Tranquil Acres received a grant from the Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation. Owners Bill and Heather Smith utilized the funds to help purchase an irrigation system, an investment they called life-changing. Prior to this summer, they had been using a homemade boom system, spending multiple hours each day watering their fields. As a thank you, the new sunflower field was established. Currently in full bloom, visitors can walk through the rows of flowers, or simply sit in the open spaces in between. And while the view from the ground is inspiring; the view from above is impressive. The thousands of flowers are actually planted into the shape of Jayna's initials which can only be realized from the skies above. That was something even the Smiths weren't able to fully appreciate until observing the drone footage shot by Brent. According to the Jayna Kelley Memorial Foundation website, twelve grant recipients around the state shared in more than $80,000 last year. It's a mission of giving that continues. For those that would like to check out the new sunflower field, and all of their other offerings at Tranquil Acres, their regular hours of 10am to 6pm Thursdays through Sundays, as well as their Special Mondays program by appointment. Photo contributed by Tranquil Acres and taken by Brent Kelley Photo: Signs to be hung at Sunny Skye Field at Tranquil Acres

Published on 09/17/2024 under News People who utilize wells for their drinking water are encouraged to test their water annually for contaminates. Earlier this summer, the Lincoln County Health Department launched a new program offering low-income families a chance to get a free well testing kit. Now they're expanding the program. In an recent announcement, the Health Department says that they will offer a one-time free kit to those who are immuno-compromised, as well. The Health Department has an eligibility survey on their website. A limited number of testing kits are available through this free program. Residents on well water who don't qualify for the free kit are still encouraged to test water on an annual basis for contaminants including nitrates and bacteria. The Health Department has a certified water lab. You can contact their office or visit their website for additional information. *This program is not for business or those who use city water.

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