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Lincoln County Health Hosting Opioid Overdose, Narcan Training in Tomahawk

Published on 05/14/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues to target opioids through education and outreach. Coming up this evening, The Lincoln County Health Department, alongside the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, is hosting another free community training focused on recognizing and responding to an opioid overdose using Naloxone, or Narcan. Narcan can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose within minutes, potentially saving lives. It is most commonly administered as a nasal spray, and can be carried without a prescription. Public Health Nurse Deanna Engel says the goal is simple: to give people the knowledge and confidence to act in a critical moment. They'll walk attendees through how to spot the signs of an overdose and properly administer the medication. Earlier this month, the partners hosted a similar event down in Merrill that was well-received. Tonight they'll be offering a class in Tomahawk, at the Public Library. It begins at 5pm and takes around an hour.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News With construction season now in full swing, another highway project is getting underway in Lincoln County. The Department of Transportation announced a bridge replacement as part of improvements to Highway 17 between Merrill and Rhinelander in the Town of Merrill. Work will include the removal and replacement of the Barnes Creek bridge, with crews installing a new concrete girder bridge. According to the DoT, Sheet Piling Services has been selected for the $870,000 project. During construction, Highway 17 will be closed at the bridge, and traffic will be detoured using County G. Work is scheduled to begin later this month. The project is expected to be completed in August, depending on weather and construction progress.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News An orphaned black bear cub is being cared for thanks to some law enforcement officers and a local animal rehabilitation center. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's office, deputies responded to Highway 29 near Wausau. A bear cub was left alone after the mother was struck by a passing vehicle. With help from Wausau Police, they were able to secure the cub who was turned over to Wild Instincts. The rehabilitators brought the cub back to their Rhinelander facility. In an update, they said the cub is doing well and strong enough to spend time in their outdoor enclosure. Their hope is to eventually return the cub to the wild. And while highlighting this specific situation, the Sheriff's Office also reiterated the Keep Wildlife Wild message. The campaign generally encourages people not to approach young animals in the wild. And if you believe the animal has been abandoned, like this Wausau cub, contact an animal rehabilitation facility for guidance.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News Bird experts are encouraging residents across the Northwoods to turn off unnecessary outdoor lighting during overnight hours this spring to help protect migrating birds as they make their seasonal journey north. Researchers with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Purdue University say Wisconsin sits directly in a major migration corridor, with millions of birds crossing the state on peak migration nights through mid-June. About 80% of migrating birds travel at night, but artificial light can pull them off course into populated areas where they face additional hazards including window collisions. Conservation groups say even small changes such as shutting off porch lights, decorative lighting and unused business signs overnight; can make a significant difference, especially in smaller northern Wisconsin communities surrounded by forests and wetlands that provide critical habitat for migrating birds. The effort is part of the growing Lights Out Wisconsin campaign, which promotes reducing light pollution during peak migration periods to help birds safely navigate the night skies over the Badger State.

Published on 05/14/2026 under News A Northwoods program that encourages young girls to run while building life skills will wrap up their spring session with a special weekend. 'Girls on the Run' is a nationwide program, with a chapter located here in Northern Wisconsin. It's a 10-week, after-school running program for elementary and middle school students. In addition to the physical health benefits, they also help build confidence, social, and emotional skills. The local chapter started in Minocqua around 20 years ago, but they've grown to feature nearly two dozen communities stretching from Manitowish Waters to Mosinee. During that time, the organization says they've had more than 1,500 graduates. Each spring they wrap up the course with a 5k run. The local chapter will hold two this weekend. The first, Saturday, is at Minocqua Winter Park. Then on Sunday, they'll shift south to Wausau and Nine Mile Forest. People can also support these programs by serving as coaches, ambassadors or fundraiser, or even establishing a program in a new community. You can visit their website for more information.

Published on 05/13/2026 under News While small in size, a tick can have a big impact on our health. Local healthcare providers are reminding people about the importance of tick checks and prevention. The Lincoln County Health Department is urging people to take precautions against tick bites as warmer weather increases outdoor activity and, in turn, tick exposure. Ticks are typically most active from May through November, and exposure can happen during everyday activities including gardening, hiking, camping and even spending time in the yard. Lincoln County Public Health Educator Lexi Buntrock says emergency department visits for tick bites have been on the rise. She said simple prevention steps and regular tick checks can greatly reduce the risk of tick-borne illnesses. That includes dressing the part. Consider long sleeves and pants, even tucking them into socks. And lighter colors make ticks easier to spot. A repellent will help deter ticks. When you get home toss the clothes in a hot dryer cycle to eliminate any hidden ticks. Once home, it's also time for a tick check. The Health Department notes that deer ticks can be extremely small, sometimes no larger than a poppy seed. They especially like to hide warm, moist, and hidden areas behind the knees, under arms, groin, ears and scalp. Don't forget a check for pets, and have a conversation with your veterinarian about tick prevention treatments. If you find a tick, consider submitting it to the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute's Tick Inventory project. The Health Department has a supply of the collection kits at their Merrill office.

Published on 05/13/2026 under News It won't be long before home gardeners are putting those plants in the ground, one local effort is encouraging residents to grow a little extra for those in need. Lakeland Pantry is launching its second annual "Grow A Row" initiative, inviting community members to plant an additional row of vegetables in their gardens and donate the harvest to help families facing food insecurity. Organizers say the program had a strong impact in its first year, with more than 2,300 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables donated by local gardeners and community groups. Those contributions helped provide nutritious, homegrown food to dozens of area families throughout the summer. Participating is simple, gardeners are asked to plant an extra row, then bring surplus produce to Lakeland Pantry during designated hours or to partner drop-off locations. Organizers say the effort is rooted in a "neighbors helping neighbors" philosophy, with every donated item, from tomatoes to herbs, helping expand access to healthy food in the community. If you're not in the Lakeland area, reach out to your local pantry to see if they accept similar produce donations.

Published on 05/13/2026 under News The Tomahawk Police Department now has a new tool to help reunite lost pets with their owners. The department recently received a free pet microchip scanner from Lost Dogs of Wisconsin, a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to reconnecting missing dogs with their families. The organization also helps publicize lost and found pets through its Facebook page, which has more than 115,000 followers statewide. The scanner will be used when stray dogs are brought to the Tomahawk Police Department's temporary 'puppy pound'. Pet microchips are small electronic identification implants. When scanned, the chip displays a unique ID number connected to the owner's contact information, helping shelters, veterinarians and law enforcement quickly identify lost animals and return them home.

Published on 05/13/2026 under News Wisconsin Public Service has announced their news-inspired names for the peregrine falcon chicks being hatched at the Weston Power Plant near Wausau. The four chicks are being raised by peregrine falcons Sheldon and an unbanded female. The eggs were laid in early april and began hatching this week, with three eggs and one to go. A record 22,000 votes helped name this year's brood. WPS even extended the contest due to the high interest. The names under consideration were inspired by news anchors in northern Wisconsin and the Fox Valley. Two of the four winners had a wing up, as their anchors spent time in both markets. That includes Feathersoon Lehmann, in honor of Emerson Lehmann currently at WBAY and Jade Egg-schell inspired by WFRV's Jade Henschel. Kyle Prey-zorksi is the namesake of Kyle Pozorski of WAOW. And lastly Matt Tweet from Matt Z on WTAQ. People can follow along on nesting cams. In addition to these WPS birds, WE Energies has three nest boxes. As of Tuesday there were 9 hatched and 4 eggs remaining.

Published on 05/13/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District will be using some additional dollars to improve reading skills at the elementary level. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved a pair of agenda items to utilize the outside funding to invest in two new reading related positions. The first is an AmeriCorps Reading Corps grant to hire an interventionist. This hire would provide direct one on one reading support with students. The second was a two year reimbursement from the Department of Public Instruction or DPI for an early literacy coach. This individual would work with teachers, specifically in K-3. Following the brief presentations, the board approved each unanimously. It was an otherwise routine meeting for the board which included approval of the graduation list and a report from the school resource officer.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Somo Avenue in Tomahawk is one of the roughest stretches of road in the city. In the coming days that will change... for a few blocks at least. Last month, the Tomahawk Board of Public Works approved a project with Lincoln County to remove the top layer of asphalt and apply an overlay on Somo Avenue between the 4-way stop and Tomahawk Avenue. A previous overlay began to peel, leaving behind large potholes that are difficult to fill and maintain. Those repairs are scheduled for this week. As a result, that four block stretch will be temporarily closed today through Thursday. Those looking to access businesses along that stretch should utilize either side streets or the adjacent alley. This project is intended as a temporary measure for that four-block segment. The State of Wisconsin has tentatively scheduled a full reconstruction of Somo Avenue, which doubles as State Rd. 86, for the year 2030. While the closure is scheduled through Thursday; the work, as always dependent on weather and construction progress.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Nearly a year after a life-threatening ATV crash in rural Lincoln County, a Merrill first responder and the man he helped save were reunited during an emotional ceremony. At the first-ever Trauma Survivor's Day ceremony Friday at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, paramedic Dylan Schielke received the hospital's inaugural Golden Hour Award for his actions during a response last summer. Following an ATV crash last July, Brian Brendemuehl suffered critical injuries in that crash near his Pine River home. Schielke, the lead paramedic on the call, was credited with stabilizing the patient before transport to an Aspirus MedEvac helicopter. Aspirus MedEvac flight paramedic Michelle Micke nominated Schielke for the honor, praising his quick thinking, accurate assessment, and professionalism during the emergency response. Micke said she believes Schielke's actions were instrumental in saving Brendemuehl's life and helping preserve his neurological recovery. The award recognizes exemplary emergency medical care during high-acuity, time-sensitive trauma situations. Schielke said he was surprised to learn he won the award. He believed he was simply attending a ceremony to reconnect with Brendemuehl. The Merrill Fire Department thanked Aspirus Wausau Hospital for hosting the ceremony and recognized Schielke for reflecting the department's core values and the work of the Lincoln County–Merrill Ambulance Service.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News A belated Mother's Day gift for a camera friendly peregrine falcon. According to Wisconsin Public Service, the first falcon chick has emerged at the WPS Weston Power Plant nest box near Wausau. Proud parents Sheldon and an unbanded female welcomed the fluffy new addition Monday afternoon. The new chick will soon have siblings. As of yesterday's update, a second egg was starting to hatch with two more remaining. The birds will share themed names, voted on by fans. This year's selections are inspired by local news personalities. According to the announcement, across the four nesting boxes at WPS and WE Energies facilities, there are seven chicks and six eggs as of Monday afternoon. People can continue to watch the young peregrine falcons hatch and grow via the nest box webcams.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News A weekend crash in Lincoln County involving a deer sent two people to the hospital. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, responders were dispatched to an area along Highway 51 near Tomahawk on Saturday for a reported crash with injuries. Deputies determined the vehicle was traveling north on Highway 51 and struck a deer that entered the roadway. Both the driver and passenger reported minor injuries. The patients were transported to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. This comes at a time when officials have been reminding motorists about increased deer activity which typically occurs in the months of May and June.

Published on 05/12/2026 under News Memorial Day weekend typically means a steady influx of people returning to summer homes or cabins here in the Northwoods. But travel experts are expecting a slight drop in traffic next week. Triple A released their annual Memorial Day travel forecast on Monday. According to their estimates, nearly 835,000 Wisconsinites are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home over the holiday weekend. That is down slightly from last year and after several consecutive record breaking years. Most of that travel, approximately 750,000 people, will be on the road. Nick Jarmusz, director of public affairs for AAA says, "Memorial Day travel demand remains strong, but higher fuel prices are slowing the pace of growth in some segments." With an average of $4.40 cents per gallon, gas is up more than a dollar from the same point last year. Jarmusz added, "Some Wisconsinites are taking a more measured approach this year by shortening trips, choosing closer destinations, or making other cost-conscious adjustments." Those looking to avoid traffic next week may want to plan early departures. Northbound traffic is typically heaviest Friday evening, while southbound traffic typically peaks Memorial Day Monday in the afternoon.

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