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Local Health Officials Warn of Blue-Green Algae Blooms During Summer Months

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Health officials are reminding Northwoods residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae blooms as warmer summer weather returns to area lakes and waterways. The Lincoln County Health Department says blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in many Wisconsin waters but can rapidly multiply under the right conditions. Warm temperatures, sunlight, calm water, and nutrient runoff can all contribute to blooms, which are most common from mid-June through mid-September. Environmental Health Specialist Mike Mandli says people should stay out of any water that resembles split-pea soup or spilled paint. Despite its name, blue-green algae can also appear white, red, or brown. Exposure or ingestion can lead to illness, including skin irritation, rashes, headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off immediately if you have been in affected waters. Eating fish caught in areas where a bloom is present should also be avoided. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored for algal blooms, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout. The Health Department campaign uses the slogan, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Lightning can strike in the blink of an eye, prompting safety officials to remind everyone: "When thunder roars, head indoors!" Tuesday marks Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining ReadyWisconsin to ensure residents and visitors alike understand the risks of lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Tragically, Wisconsin experienced a fatal lightning strike this past April in Waukesha. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle emphasized that lightning is both unpredictable and dangerous. However, he noted, "The good news is lightning-related injuries and deaths are preventable when people know the risks and how to take action during storms." Officials recommend remembering the 30-30 rule: If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately, and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Additionally, lightning can strike even under seemingly sunny conditions, a phenomenon known as a "bolt from the blue." Lightning strikes frequently occur during common outdoor activities such as fishing, visiting the beach, camping, and farming. If you cannot get inside a sturdy building when a storm begins, officials recommend seeking shelter inside a hard-topped vehicle. ReadyWisconsin warns that hiding under a tree is incredibly dangerous, and open structures like gazebos, baseball dugouts, tents, or picnic canopies do not offer adequate protection. If someone is struck by lightning, they need immediate medical care. Call 911 and perform CPR right away if necessary. Do not be afraid to touch a lightning victim; the human body does not hold an electrical charge, and delaying help can be fatal.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News In addition to a full agenda, last week's Lincoln County Board meeting included an early discussion on priorities supervisors may pursue over the next two years. During an agenda item titled "County Board Strategic Goals," supervisors shared ideas for issues they would like to address during the current term. The 22-member board is elected every two years. Among the topics raised was the growing issue of data centers, which has become a subject of discussion in communities across Wisconsin as developers look for potential sites. Supervisors also identified several long-standing priorities, including expanding broadband access, increasing housing opportunities, and improving roads and infrastructure throughout the county. Board members further suggested continuing efforts to promote Lincoln County as a destination for tourism and recreation. County leaders noted that similar initiatives in recent years have contributed to increased visitor spending and tourism activity. Board Chairman Don Friske pointed out that the county board's two-year election cycle provides just 24 regularly scheduled meetings to accomplish its goals, with 21 meetings remaining in the current term. The discussion remained at a broad, brainstorming level, with few specifics on how the priorities would be pursued. Supervisors did not discuss whether the topics would be assigned to existing committees or handled through the creation of special ad hoc committees.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Northwoods residents are being asked to share their experiences with health care access as part of a new survey being conducted by the NAMI Northwoods. The organization, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is gathering feedback from residents in Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Taylor, and Price counties about their experiences accessing physical health care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Survey organizers say they want to learn more about what is working well and where improvements may be needed. Topics include appointment availability, travel distances for care, telehealth services, and experiences with local providers. NAMI Northwoods is encouraging residents to participate regardless of whether their experiences have been positive, negative, or somewhere in between. The information collected will help the organization better understand health care access challenges and opportunities across the region. The survey is available online through the NAMI Northwoods Facebook Page or we'll include a link at NAMI Northwoods Health Care Access Survey.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Known throughout the winter as one of the Midwest's premier cross-country ski destinations, Minocqua Winter Park is proving there's plenty to do on Squirrel Hill during the summer months as well. The park has announced the return of their Northwoods speaker series known as 'Walk on the Wildside' featuring free presentations on wildlife, fisheries, conservation and natural history. The programs will be held inside the chalet and are designed for all ages, combining science, storytelling and hands-on learning. Topics include the secret lives of Northwoods fish, aquatic organisms hidden beneath lake surfaces, efforts to reduce lead poisoning in wildlife, wolf ecology, deer behavior and the remarkable comeback of sandhill cranes. The series begins this Saturday, June 28 with a presentation by fisheries researcher Stephanie Shaw. She'll discuss fish research, reproduction, and life cycles including how fish survive winters in the chilly Northwoods. Those interested can visit the Minocqua Winter Park website for the full schedule and registration which is encouraged, but not required.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Marathon County could become eligible for federal disaster assistance following this spring's severe storms and flooding. Governor Tony Evers has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue a Rapid Disaster Declaration for Marathon County and three other counties that experienced significant storm damage. If approved, low-interest disaster loans would be available to affected homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Marathon County and neighboring counties. The request follows joint damage assessments conducted by federal, state, county, and local officials. Evers said the state is working to ensure communities and small businesses have access to recovery resources following the spring storms which included a tornado.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is expanding its successful summer meal program this year, bringing the Hodag Food Wagon to new communities. This expansion includes a partnership with Kinship of Tomahawk aimed at supporting local youth and families. Last summer, the program provided 12,760 meals to children and teens over an eight-week period. Executive Director Courtney Smith emphasized the impact, stating, "This is a program that benefits kids. We're all about full bellies, and we want to support those working households with kids." The Hodag Food Wagon will return to Rhinelander after the Fourth of July holiday, offering free weekly meal bags that contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches for children ages 18 and under. In addition to meal distribution, the Rhinelander site will feature weekly activities, nutrition education, community resource visits, and hands-on programs through its Healthy Hodag Adventure series. Building on its local success, the pantry is taking the program on the road with two new locations. The first, dubbed the Hornet Food Truck, is a partnership with the Elcho Area Community Food Pantry. The second is right here in Tomahawk, in collaboration with Kinship of Tomahawk. Smith noted that the Tomahawk site will operate under closed enrollment, focusing specifically on providing weekly meal bags to "Kinskids" and their families. These distributions will take place on Thursdays following their regular mentoring activities. According to Smith, strong community support was vital to making this year's expansion possible. With the addition of Elcho and Tomahawk, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry anticipates providing more than 33,000 meals to children and teens during the eight-week summer program.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News A Harshaw man sustained life-threatening injuries following a weekend UTV crash in Oneida County. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 51 and Oneida Street in Hazelhurst at approximately 11:00 PM Saturday night. A preliminary investigation indicates the operator of the UTV, a 69-year-old man, was traveling on Oneida Street when he failed to stop at the Highway 51 stop sign. The UTV then struck the side of a southbound pickup truck. The UTV operator was rushed from the scene with life-threatening injuries. There is currently no update on his condition. The driver of the truck was uninjured, while a passenger in the truck was treated for minor injuries. The accident report is being completed by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District is among a select group of schools receiving funding from Marshfield Clinic to support student mental and behavioral health programs. Marshfield Clinic recently announced 60 total grants for both its b.e.s.t. Universal Screening program (33 grants) and its Life Tools program (27). Tomahawk was one of only a handful of districts selected to receive funding for both initiatives. The b.e.s.t. program is an online screening tool that helps educators identify students who may need behavioral health support while providing strategies to promote emotional well-being in the classroom. Life Tools is an early-intervention program that helps students build coping, communication and social-emotional skills through structured group sessions. Jay Shrader, Marshfield Clinic's vice president of Community Impact, says the programs help schools and families bridge gaps in care and ensure young people have the support they need to stay healthy, connected and ready to learn. This marks the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered b.e.s.t. grants and the seventh year for Life Tools. Since their launch, the programs have supported hundreds of thousands of student screenings and helped more than 1,000 students through targeted intervention services.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News While catching a glimpse of a bald eagle is a standard part of daily life in the Northwoods today, it wasn't always that way. This past Saturday marked National Eagle Day, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources used the opportunity to highlight the bird's dramatic comeback from the brink of extinction as one of the state's greatest conservation triumphs. According to the DNR, a survey in 1974 found only a small number of bald eagle nests, all located in northern Wisconsin. At the time, the species was listed as endangered and faced significant challenges across the country. Over the following decades, a combination of factors helped the population rebound, including the nationwide ban on the pesticide DDT, federal and state protections, cleaner waterways, and nest monitoring efforts led by the DNR and conservation partners. By 2019, the last year the DNR conducted a statewide survey, bald eagle nests were found in every Wisconsin county. DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director Drew Feldkirchner calls the bald eagle an iconic Wisconsin conservation success story and says the recovery demonstrates what can be accomplished through long-term habitat protection and wildlife management efforts. The DNR notes that residents can support ongoing recovery efforts for other rare and endangered species through Wisconsin's Endangered Resources license plate program, which helps fund conservation work across the state.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News With summer officially underway and more people spending time outdoors, health experts are reminding residents that some medications can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. According to Aspirus pharmacy resident Marissa Harle, a side effect known as photosensitivity can cause redness, burning, tingling, or rash-like irritation after sun exposure. Certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and other skin-care products are among the medications most commonly linked to the condition. Some allergy medications, antifungals, and pain relievers may also increase sun sensitivity. Harle says patients should check prescription labels for warnings and talk with their pharmacist if they have questions about potential side effects. While photosensitivity doesn't mean people need to avoid outdoor activities, Harle recommends wearing sunscreen, covering exposed skin, and limiting time in direct sunlight during peak hours. Anyone experiencing severe sunburn, swelling, spreading redness, or worsening symptoms after sun exposure should contact a pharmacist or health care provider.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Bulls and broncs, cowboys and cowgirls will once again take center stage as the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo returns to the Merrill Festival Grounds this weekend. The three-day event, now in its 37th year, attracts competitors and spectators from across the Midwest and remains one of Lincoln County's largest summer traditions. Rodeo Vice President Brian Moody notes that the weekend provides a major economic boost for Merrill and the surrounding area, drawing visitors who pack local hotels, restaurants, and businesses. This year's rodeo features all the fan-favorite events, including bull riding, barrel racing, tie-down roping, and steer wrestling. Earlier this week, trick rider Spencer Rose stopped by the WJJQ studios to preview the rodeo, and talk about the acrobatic stunts she performs on horseback between events. She was joined by her young daughters, Lottie and Dolly, who are already becoming crowd favorites with their own riding routines. There's also plenty of other food, vendors, and entertainment on the grounds throughout the weekend. Each performance features a unique theme:Friday: Military Appreciation Night and WJJQ Night: While our station staff won't be on horseback, we will be down at the festival grounds greeting listeners, meeting rodeo fans, and giving away WJJQ prizes.Saturday: "Tough Enough to Wear Pink" Night, dedicated to raising cancer awareness and supporting researchSunday afternoon: Family Day to close out the weekend

Published on 06/19/2026 under News Time may have stopped temporarily, but help is on the way for one of Lincoln County's most recognizable landmarks. The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved accepting a $99,000 grant from the Bierman Family Foundation to restore the historic clock atop the Lincoln County Courthouse. The courthouse clock, which recently stopped working, is one of the most recognizable features in the county, so closely tied to local identity that it is prominently featured in the county's official logo. Built in 1903, the courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That means any repairs must preserve the clock's original historic character, and requires special expertise. The restoration work will be performed by Wind Me Up Clock Shop of Rhinelander in partnership with The Tower Clock Company of Ohio. Supervisors unanimously approved the resolution, accepting the foundation funding to move forward with the restoration project. Once completed, the repairs are expected to return the iconic timepiece to working order while preserving a piece of Lincoln County history for future generations. A repair timeline wasn't immediately provided.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News A Tomahawk family is creating a new gathering place centered around good food and community connection to honor the memory of their daughter. Jim and Diane Alber are preparing to launch Kelly's Farm to Table, a new event venue and wood-fired pizza destination on their family farm southwest of Tomahawk. The venture is named in honor of their daughter, Kelly, who passed away five years ago at the age of 36. Diane shares that Kelly was known for her kindness, generosity, and joyful outlook on life. By building a welcoming space where people can come together, the family hopes to continue her legacy. The farm has been in the Alber family since 1917, and Jim notes that Kelly's Farm to Table is a wonderful way to share their deep family heritage with the community while honoring their daughter. The Albers envision hosting community events, family gatherings, and special occasions featuring wood-fired pizzas and other menu items. The farm boasts a large outdoor gathering area, deck seating, an indoor event space, and a custom brick pizza oven. The project has been a year in the making, and the Albers have been receiving guidance along the way from family friends who are local restaurateurs. They will be offering a special preview this weekend with an open house on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the property, learn more about the new venture, and meet the family behind the project. Listen In: You can hear the full conversation with the Albers in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 06/19/2026 under News As Northwoods residents head outdoors to enjoy the first weekend of summer, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is encouraging everyone to keep an eye out for invasive species. It is Wisconsin Invasive Species Awareness Weekend, and the DNR, along with its partners, is hosting more than 30 events across the state. These programs are all aimed at educating the public about the invasive plants, animals, and diseases that threaten the state's natural resources. Activities include guided hikes, educational programs, invasive species control workshops, and volunteer field projects. Many of these events are designed for all ages, offering hands-on opportunities to learn how invasive species spread and what can be done to stop them. A full list of events is available on the DNR website. Even if you don't attend an organized event, the DNR reminds outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of transporting invasive species, both this weekend and throughout the year. Often referred to as "hitchhikers," these pests can cling to everything from boots to boats. To help protect our woods and waters, it is always a good idea to inspect and clean your clothing, gear, equipment, and pets before and after any outdoor outing.

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