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'Click It or Ticket' Seat Belt Campaign Returns Ahead of Summer Travel Season

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Northwoods law enforcement agencies are joining partners around the state in encouraging motorists to buckle up when hitting the road. This week marks the return of the annual Click-It or Ticket campaign an effort to increase the use of seatbelts. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "With an influx of travel expected for Memorial Day weekend, the Click It or Ticket campaign is a timely reminder to motorists that wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the road." Carnahan added, "Whether it's just a quick trip or you're traveling across the state, always make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up." Violators may be cited, but the goal of the campaign is to encourage a long-term change in driver and passenger behavior. In addition to increased enforcement during Click It or Ticket, the DoT will also increase public messaging including through traditional and social media as well as electronic road signs. The annual campaign coincides with Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off the summer travel season. As more vehicles are out on the roads during this holiday and throughout the summer, law enforcement officials are asking all drivers to buckle up, slow down, and remove any distractions behind the wheel. Aerial Enforcement Planned this Week: Speaking of State Patrol Safety campaigns: the agency also announced plans to conduct aerial enforcement around the state this week, watching for speeders and reckless drivers from above. That includes a local patrol heading into the weekend. An eye in the sky above Highway 51 in Oneida County on Friday. We'll have a bit more on these efforts later this week. Tuesday, May 19 · I-94 – Kenosha County Friday, May 22 · WIS 57 – Door County · US 51– Oneida County Sunday, May 24 · I-41 – Outagamie County

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Summer recreation season is right around the corner, and a new video highlights some of the opportunities right here in Lincoln County. In the latest installment of an ongoing partnership with Discover Wisconsin, host Lindsay Hayes takes visitors on tour of several hidden gems of Lincoln County. 'A Family Getaway in Lincoln County', begins in Camp New Wood County Park in Merrill, a scenic sixteen-acre spot right on the Wisconsin River. Thanks to recent county investments, the park now features upgraded electrical campsites, new restrooms, a kayak launch, and direct access to the Ice Age Trail. After a quick round of mini-golf and some food, Hayes heads to the Prairie River for a fly-fishing adventure with local angler Joe Krznarich. Krznarich was featured in a previous Discover Wisconsin short. Over the years, Lincoln County and Discover Wisconsin have teamed up to produce a number of video segments focused on the people, locations, events and activities of Lincoln County. A dog-sled production won a regional Emmy Award last fall. The latest video was released Friday on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in an ongoing investigation into a series of copper wire thefts. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, investigators are looking into thefts of copper wire from approximately ten Frontier roadside work sites in Lincoln County over the last few weeks. They noted that similar thefts have been reported outside of the county as well. Detectives are actively investigating the cases and are collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify the suspects. The Sheriff's Office asks the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities near roadside work sites to local law enforcement.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News A 'jiggly junco' outlasted a massive meadowlark, tubby tree swallow, and ginormous goldfinch in the annual Wisconsin Fat Bird Week fan vote. The annual event is put on by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Save Out Song Birds. But beyond the social media fun and "junc in the trunk" jokes is an important mission. Organizers say the competition aims to raise awareness for Wisconsin's native birds and their diet, critical for their twice-annual migration. They encourage people to help local birds reach champion weight right at home by planting native trees and wildflowers, which provide the high-fat seeds and insects they need. You can also protect them by treating your windows to prevent collisions, or by joining the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Shelly Torkelson from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin says, "It can be easy to become overwhelmed and apathetic when you hear about loss of wildlife habitat, invasive species, etc. But Wisconsin Fat Bird Week tries to inspire action through fun and friendly competition." Additional information including all of the photos is available on the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News It's National EMS Week, and the Pine River First Responders have a major reason to celebrate, and residents will be safer. Thanks to a state grant of over $15,000, the department has purchased critical new equipment including three new AEDs. This means every single first responder in the township, along with several front-line fire vehicles, is now equipped with a lifesaving defibrillator. Formed in 2006, the Pine River First Responders team handles about 75 medical calls a year, and they're looking to invest remaining funds into growing their team through recruitment, training and equipping additional first responders Pine River residents interested in learning more can stop by their monthly meetings, the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm at the fire station.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Those looking to cast a line this summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest may have some new fishing docks. Utilizing funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Forest Service crews installed new fishing docks on five lakes located within the forest lands. That includes three spots in Price County at Sailor, Round, and Blockhouse lakes in Price County. The upgrades were funded through the CNNF staffer Chris Geidel says, "These improvements help provide safe, reliable, and accessible recreation opportunities for residents and visitors enjoying National Forest lands." The new docks are designed with durable, low-maintenance materials that can stand up to Wisconsin weather while improving safety and accessibility for anglers of all ages and abilities. Recreation leaders say the project not only improves outdoor access, but also supports tourism and rural communities that rely on visitors enjoying the Northwoods experience.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News As Mental Health Month continues in May, the Langlade County Health Department is working to raise awareness about mental health resources and encourage residents to reach out for support when needed. The department has launched a county-wide awareness campaign featuring informational displays, posters and social media outreach throughout Langlade County including the Health Department, Senior Center, the library, and local business partners. Officials are highlighting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. They are also promoting CredibleMind, a free online mental health platform which offers articles, videos and tools on topics like stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and building healthy habits. Karen Marten, a public health nurse with Langlade County, said mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. She added, "It is okay to ask for help, and no one should feel alone. Small steps, like talking to someone or using helpful tools, can make a big difference." The Langlade County Health Department encourages residents to check in with loved ones, learn more about available services, and make use of local mental health resources.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News With summer riding season getting underway, the DNR is reminding ATV and UTV operators to make safety a priority before heading out on the trails. That includes taking a safety course and going over new riding rules. The ATV/UTV safety courses are required for operators born in or after 1988, but encouraged about all operators. DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw said Wisconsin continues to see a high number of ATV and UTV crashes involving riders who have never taken a safety course. The classes focus on crash prevention and provide practical skills designed to help riders operate safely. Holsclaw compared the safety certification to getting a driver's license. In addition to the safety class, the DNR also highlighted some new regulations related to ATV and UTV operation. That includes a seatbelt requirement for all operators and passengers in a UTV. Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV. Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine – up to three times the cost to repair the damage.ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.UTVs now have window tint restrictions.The DNR will soon release a new regulations pamphlet detailing these updates and more.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News Heading into the weekend, the DNR issued a warning about elevated fire risk. Those conditions kept fire firefighters busy. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, crews responded to 40 wildfires around the state this weekend which burned approximately 51 acres of land. Here in the Northwoods there were four wildfires listed in Vilas County, two in Oneida, and one each in Price, Iron, Forest, and Langlade Counties. Debris burning remains the leading cause of wildfires, accounting for around half Overnight rains in the Northwoods should help improve conditions. The DNR reminds people to check burn restrictions, updated daily at 9am.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News Back in 2024, the Tomahawk School District unveiled the Wall of Honor to recognize students who went on to serve in the military. Now they're inspiring other districts to do the same. The Medford School District recently announced plans to create their own Wall of Honor, citing the Tomahawk School District in the announcement. The concept includes emblems of each service branch, above the names of each student who served. Local veterans including Bill Vach, are working with the district's social studies department to bring the concept to life. That includes securing donations to help fund the project as well as identifying the names of Medford graduates who served. Their goal is to dedicate the Honor Wall during the school's Veterans Day ceremony in November.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News While bicycling is typically a solo sport, Wausau hosted a rally this weekend for those who ride bicycles built for two. And an even larger event is on the schedule for next year. This past weekend, the Couples on Wheels-Wisconsin Tandem Bicycle Club hosted its annual Spring Rally in the Wausau area. Nearly 90 tandem riders were able explore routes around Rib Mountain, downtown Wausau, Lake DuBay and the Big Eau Pleine River area. Next Fall, over Labor Day weekend, Wausau has been selected as the location for the 2027 Midwest Tandem Rally. The four-day event is the largest of it's kind in North America; and is expected to bring more than 400 tandem bicyclists to Northern Wisconsin. Visit Wausau was recently awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism to support the event. Visit Wausau Executive Director Tim White said the event will help showcase the region as a growing outdoor recreation destination, while also generating overnight stays and tourism spending. Activities will include daily rides, educational sessions, vendor exhibits and social events.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News A quick update on some local road construction here in the Tomahawk area. Starting with the newest project to the list, work on a bridge replacement on Highway 17 in the Town of Merrill. Crews will remove and replace the existing Barnes Creek bridge with a new concrete girder bridge. Highway 17 will be closed at the bridge with traffic detoured onto County G. Work is scheduled through July 24. A bit further north, work continues on Highway 51 between US Highway 8 and the north end of Oneida County L. That segment remains closed and detoured through noon on Thursday. After the Memorial Day holiday, they will resume work, but Highway 51 will be open to traffic. This project is scheduled to run into mid-June. The Lincoln County Highway Department also has a project on County YY. Crews are working on culverts on the north side of Squaw Creek Avenue this week. This requires a closure at the construction site and no through traffic. Following Memorial Day, they'll be pulverizing and paving, this portion of the project will be local traffic only. Elsewhere in the Northwoods... Up in Minocqua, crews are working on Highway 51 between the Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. They will maintain at least one lane of traffic in each direction throughout the work. They'll continue to work through June 18; then resume Sept. 8. And a project in Rhinelander, they are working Highway 8 between Highway 47 and 17 North. During construction, traffic will be detoured through Rhinelander. Work is schedule to run into September.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The popularity of food trucks has exploded in recent years with these mobile restaurants now present in most Northwoods communities. Many are heading to Merrill this weekend for the third annual 'Food Truck-a-Palooza.' Organizers said, "The event continues to grow each year and provides a fun opportunity for residents and visitors to experience everything Merrill has to offer." Back in 2024 the city put out a call for food trucks to park at the Merrill Festival Grounds for a day-long smorgasbord. They had around a dozen participants in that first year, doubled in size last year. Now, the third edition, 35 food trucks signed up. Many of the Lincoln County-based trucks will be in attendance, while other chefs will be putting on the miles, coming from the Northwoods, central Wisconsin and even the Fox Valley. Whether you like Mexican, Asian or American classics like burgers and BBQ they'll have something for everyone including drinks and desserts focused-trucks. Between bites, attendees can burn off a few calories by walking through the Merrill Festival Grounds for a craft and vendor show, live entertainment, and other fun activities. The third Annual Food Truck-a-Palooza runs from 11am to 6pm.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The Tomahawk School Board received an update this week on the district's School Resource Officer (SRO) program, which was first approved in 2018. Now eight years into the initiative, the board heard a presentation from Officer Brett Susa, who served as the district's first SRO and remains the only officer in the role. Susa explained that his mission is to foster a safe learning environment through a three-pronged approach: law enforcement, mentoring, and teaching. In his capacity as an on-campus officer, Susa handles student violations such as truancy and substance use. He shared the positive news that the number of referrals and citations has decreased this year compared to last. Beyond enforcement, Susa's report emphasized the importance of "positive interactions" to build trust with the student body, which he noted is essential for preventing issues before they arise. He highlighted several examples of these efforts, including providing classroom education and participating in a "lunch buddy" program at the elementary school. In addition to his work with students, Susa collaborates with the buildings and grounds crew to assess and address safety concerns across the campus. When school is not in session, he continues his service by working directly with the Tomahawk Police Department.

Published on 05/15/2026 under News The DNR is encouraging fire safety as Northern Wisconsin contends with elevated wildfire conditions through the weekend. Officials say ongoing dry vegetation, low humidity, warm temperatures, and strong winds are all contributing to the increased risk, particularly in Northern and Western Wisconsin. Twelve counties are listed in extreme fire danger as of Friday morning. Crews have already responded to 69 wildfires around the state this week. In coordination with the National Weather Service, a Red Flag Warning has been issued for Friday afternoon and evening in several northern counties, including Vilas and Iron Counties in our listening area. The DNR has already suspended burning permits in 31 counties and says additional restrictions are possible if conditions worsen. People are being asked to avoid debris burning, which is traditionally the cause of half of all wildfires in the state. Officials also ask for caution with other common activities that can lead to sparks, such as using tools like chainsaws and lawnmowers; recreational activities like camping, grilling, and operating ATVs or UTVs; and even ensuring trailer chains are not dragging on pavement. The elevated wildfire conditions are expected to continue through Saturday evening.

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