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Nokomis Considering Paramedic Living Area at Fire Station; Public Info Meeting Thursday

Published on 09/09/2026 under News The Town of Nokomis is considering expanding its fire station to provide living quarters for the 24/7 ambulance crew housed at the facility. Coming up on Thursday, they'll be hosting another public information meeting. Earlier this week, we had Firefighter Russ Berg and Town Supervisor Bette Stillman on the Morning Conversation to provide some background and status. Built in 2002, the Nokomis Fire Station expanded to include EMS services in 2009. In recent years, paramedic shift rotations shifted from 12-hour to 24-hour schedules. Currently, the Medic 4 crew relies on cots or air mattresses in a non-code-compliant area. Due to safety regulations, at least one crew member must remain awake at all times under the current setup. To provide suitable accommodations, a town committee recommended building a station addition that would feature dedicated bedrooms, office space, and a shared living area. While the 24/7 staffing model has successfully reduced local ambulance response times, some residents have voiced concerns regarding the project's overall cost. If approved, the town plans to offset expenses by pursuing USDA Rural Development loans, grants, and community fundraising. Thursday's session marks the town's second public information meeting following an initial gathering last month. The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at the Nokomis Fire Station and will feature a formal presentation followed by a Q&A segment for residents. No official decisions or votes will take place during the meeting. And we've got that conversation with Russ and Bette posted in the WJJQ Audio Center.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News Science education is getting a competitive boost in Tomahawk. On Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board voted unanimously to approve a new high school Science Olympiad Club, opening up fresh hands-on opportunities for local STEM students. The initiative was introduced by Heather Goldberg, an Alternative Education teacher new to the district who previously built a successful Science Olympiad program at Lakeland Union High School. Goldberg pitched the program as a "track meet for academics," where students compete across 23 distinct events. Competitions fall into three main categories: written academic tests, hands-on lab experiments, and engineering design challenges. Past building events have tasked students with constructing efficient balsa wood towers engineered for load-bearing tests or crafting rubber-band-powered flight devices. Students will prepare using weekly resource periods, independent study groups, and after-school practice sessions. Beyond the academic challenge, Goldberg emphasized that the club gives non-traditional student-athletes a place to belong, build teamwork skills, and explore potential career paths. Startup costs for the district are minimal, with additional expenses to be covered through local grants and student fundraisers. Following Goldberg's presentation, the board gave the official green light for team formation and recruitment to begin.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News September marks National Suicide Prevention Month; a dedicated effort to raise awareness, end stigmas, and connect individuals with life-saving resources if needed. On September 8, local mental health organizations joined national voices to highlight the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides free, confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988. This year's national campaign theme, "988 Reasons: Your reason is reason enough," delivers a powerful message: you do not need to reach a breaking point to ask for help. Whether navigating severe emotional distress, substance use challenges, grief, anxiety, or general life stressors, compassionate support is readily available. Since transitioning from its original ten-digit hotline to the streamlined, three-digit 988 code, the lifeline has expanded rapidly, successfully answering millions of calls, texts, and online chats nationwide. Throughout the remainder of September, local advocacy groups will continue sharing educational resources and hosting events to promote these critical services. Together, these efforts ensure that everyone in the community knows help is always just three digits away.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, so does the demand for a reliable charging network. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) recently announced a new round of grant funding to construct fast-charging stations across the state, including several key locations in the Northwoods. The funding is provided through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. According to WisDOT, the new fast-charging stations will help ensure residents and tourists alike have dependable infrastructure to travel seamlessly throughout Wisconsin. In total, 42 locations will share $25 million in funding. Northwoods additions include new stations in Eagle River and Wausau, which will be housed at Days Inn locations off Highway 45 and Highway 51/I-39, respectively. These build upon grants awarded last year for charging infrastructure in Arbor Vitae, Prentice, and Merrill. The stations are positioned along Wisconsin's designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, typically partnering with gas stations, restaurants, or lodging to support more than 43,000 registered Wisconsin EVs alongside out-of-state travelers. A complete map of all existing and planned charging locations is available on WisDOT's interactive EV dashboard online.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News With the calendar now turned to September, fall hunting openers are fast approaching. Today marks the official start of Wisconsin's black bear season. According to a preview from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state is home to roughly 24,000 black bears. While populations remain most concentrated in forested northern regions, bears have continually expanded their range southward in recent years. Last year, hunters registered approximately 3,700 bears. That's a drop from a highly productive 2024 harvest, but right on par with the state's five-year average. Demand for licenses remains high. This year, more than 34,000 applicants vied for one of the 15,245 available bear licenses, while another 106,000 people opted to purchase a preference point to boost their drawing odds in future lotteries. DNR officials remind hunters to verify their specific management zone and review all applicable regulations prior to heading into the field, as rules vary by region and date regarding the use of hunting aids like bait and dogs. Under Wisconsin's current management plan, the state is split into six zones. Three Zones, A, B, and C, intersect right here in Lincoln County.

Published on 09/09/2026 under News Tiny mushrooms, a patient angler, a dock extending into the morning fog, and a deer appearing to walk on water were among the top winning subjects in a local photography competition. Each summer, the Friends of Council Grounds State Park hosts its annual amateur photo contest, inviting submissions from park visitors near and far. After drawing more than 30 initial entries, organizers narrowed down the field, and community members cast nearly 1,300 ballots in the final round of public voting. Lydia Lehnertz of Eau Claire won the plants category with a detailed shot of green elf cup fungi growing on a log, while Allison Heckendorf of Merrill took top honors in the "People Using the Park" category with a portrait of a angler at work. Melissa Tremaine won the landscape division with her scenic submission titled "Foggy Morn," and Daniel Hinz claimed first in wildlife with a photo capturing a deer wading through a shallow section of the river. The Friends group expressed its appreciation to everyone who entered and supported this year's contest. Organizers encourage future park visitors to keep their cameras ready during upcoming trips to capture moments for next year's competition. The finalist photos are available for viewing on the official Friends of Council Grounds Facebook page.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News Halloween is still a few weeks away, but a new video short is shining a light on some of Lincoln County's haunted history. As part of an ongoing partnership with Discover Wisconsin, Lincoln County is first location featured in a new series titled "Dare to Discover-Paranormal Wisconsin." Host Andrea Boehlke recently visited the Merrill area to explore three local ghost stories passed down through generations. The segment highlights the chilling tale of Jenny Hill, the spooky history of the former Haunted Sawmill, and the legend of the headless horseman of the Merrill School Forest, Heinrich 'Boomdecker' Becker. During her trip, Boehlke also takes a look at popular seasonal fall activities in the region. Over the years, Lincoln County and Discover Wisconsin have teamed up to spotlight local people, places, and events, including a dog-sledding production that took home a regional Emmy Award last year. The latest episode was released over the weekend on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube channel, and a link is available in the online version of this story.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News September is National Preparedness Month, and the Lincoln County Emergency Management team is encouraging residents take action. This year's theme, "Americans Stand Ready," focuses on ensuring people have the knowledge, plans, supplies, and skills needed to protect themselves and their loved ones when the unexpected strikes. Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt and his team are sharing 21 practical preparedness actions throughout the month, one for every weekday in September. Designed to help residents better understand local risks, prepare their households, and strengthen community resilience, some tasks take just a few minutes, while others may take some long term planning. In week one, the team has encouraged residents to sign up for Lincoln County's newly launched Emergency Alerts system, identify common household hazards, and start open conversations about emergency plans at home. You can follow along with daily updates, tips, and activities on the Lincoln County Emergency Management Facebook page. We'll also have more coverage on preparedness as the month goes on.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News Kids across the Northwoods have returned to campus, and now some older learners are heading back to class as well. Nicolet College is launching its popular Learning in Retirement (LIR) program on Wednesday with a Fall Kickoff and orientation on campus. Proving that learning never retires, the annual program gives adults ages 50 and older the chance to try new hobbies, explore fresh topics, and make new friends. Described as "learning for the pure pleasure of learning," there are no grades, tests, or required attendance. The program currently boasts a membership of more than 250 active learners. This fall semester features over 30 classes and excursions spanning a wide range of topics, including art, health, food, and nature. A few highlights on the upcoming schedule include a local presentation by "Ed the Diver," a culinary history class on "Foods from the Great Gatsby Era," and an expert-led session on local loon rescues. An annual membership costs $50 and covers LIR classes for both the fall semester and the entire academic year. The course catalog and registration details are available on the Nicolet College website.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News Northwoods locals gave summer travelers a warm send-off on Labor Day, carrying on a decades-old tradition to thank departing visitors. Positioned along the Highway 51 corridor through Minocqua, Hazelhurst, and Woodruff, residents gathered to wave at southbound seasonal community members and tourists heading home. Often referred to as the "Wave Line" or "Wave Parade," the simple gesture serves as an annual token of gratitude for the visitors who fuel the region's economy. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, in Oneida County, visitor economic impact reached a record $408 million last year. What originally began as an informal gathering has evolved into a cherished tradition. At landmark spots like Whitman's, locals have been lining the roadside to wave goodbye to summer for over half a century.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News Wisconsin's deer season officially kicks off this Saturday with the opening of the archery and crossbow hunt, and state safety officials are urging hunters to take extra precautions before climbing up into the trees. Surveys from the Department of Natural Resources show that one in four bowhunters has experienced a fall or near-fall from an elevated stand. Despite those odds, less than half say they wear a safety harness while climbing. The DNR says simple habits can save lives: inspect your gear and your stand before every hunt, keep three points of contact while climbing, and always use a haul line to raise and lower your bow or firearm. Officials also warn hunters to avoid setting up stands in ash trees, which may be weakened and structurally unsafe due to emerald ash borer damage. The Treestand Manufacturers Association offers a free 15-minute safety refresher online. The archery season runs from Saturday through early January.

Published on 09/08/2026 under News After a summer break, a road construction project is scheduled to resume this week. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced that crews will return to Minocqua to resume work on Highway 51 between Front Street and the Lake Minocqua Bridge. Work on the project originally started this spring and paused in early June to accommodate the summer tourism season. Now they are getting back to work. According to the announcement, they've got about six weeks left with a target completion date on October 20. Single-lane closures will be in effect through downtown Minocqua during active construction. Crews do plan one more temporary pause. They'll remove traffic controls for the annual Beef-A-Rama celebration the weekend of Sept. 26.(A full list of state project updates can be found on the DoT website)As for ongoing road construction impacting local traffic, according to the weekly Department of Transportation report... In Lincoln County, Highway 17 remains closed to through traffic between Highway 64 and Big Hay Meadow Creek for a two phase project. Crews will be working on the paving project during the fall construction season, pause for the winter, and then resume next spring. The posted detour uses Highways 64, 51, and 8. Local access to homes and businesses along the construction corridor will be maintained. In Lincoln County, WIS 107 remains closed to through traffic between Wilderness Drive and County S as crews continue culvert work and roadway restoration. The project is scheduled to continue through mid-October. In Oneida County, paving work continues on U.S. 8 between WIS 47 and WIS 17 North in the Rhinelander area. This segment of Highway 8 remains closed and detoured. This project is in it's final few weeks. In Oneida County, crews continue asphalt paving on U.S. 45 between U.S. 8 and WIS 32 near Three Lakes. Motorists should expect single-lane closures controlled by flaggers. Work is expected into early-October.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Downtown Antigo is turning its light poles into a public art gallery, one hand-painted canvas at a time. While many communities use light pole banners to mark seasonal holidays or honor local veterans, downtown Antigo is taking a much more personal approach to its streetscapes. Through a creative collaboration between the City of Antigo and Antigo Visual Arts, custom-designed banners are popping up along 5th Avenue, featuring one-of-a-kind artwork hand-painted by local artists. Each 2.5 by 5-foot canvas covers a wide range of themes from deeply personal local tributes to nature-inspired landscapes. Among the two newest installations is a special memorial piece honoring longtime Antigo Daily Journal publisher and community advocate Fred Berner, capturing his legacy and love for the city. Another is a simple, but elegant monarch butterfly. Organizers say the project is an open-air celebration of community pride, turning everyday utility poles into a vibrant showcase of local storytelling and civic collaboration. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to take a stroll or drive down 5th Avenue in Antigo to enjoy the local craftsmanship firsthand.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News The first Monday in September marks Labor Day, a long weekend where many workers get a well-deserved day off. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day honors the American labor movement and recognizes the vital contributions of workers. While many in the Northwoods celebrate with cookouts or trips to the cabin, Merrill marks the holiday with two beloved annual community events. Festivities kick off this morning with the annual Labor Day Parade at 10:00 a.m. After winding down near the courthouse, the action shifts to the Merrill Fairgrounds, where the Lions Club is hosting its annual Labor Day Car Show, a tradition still going strong after more than four decades. Organizers say the show typically draws 200 to 250 entries. While classic vehicles from the 1960s and '70s are the most common, attendees can expect to see everything from 1920s models to modern classics. During the event, the city also plans to announce the winner of its summer-long America's 250th Decorating Contest.

Published on 09/07/2026 under News Lower-than-normal water levels could create additional challenges for late-summer and early-fall boaters. According to the DNR, ongoing drought conditions across much of the state are causing water bodies to drop below their typical levels. Problems can start right at the boat launch. Officials recommend checking the end of the ramp before backing down, using a spotter, and utilizing your winch instead of powering onto the trailer. Boaters should monitor water levels closely and plan an early or alternate removal if needed. Out on the water, navigators should stay alert, as lower water levels may expose additional hazards. Keep a sharp eye out for submerged stumps, rocks, and sandbars. As for fish and wildlife, the DNR does not anticipate any immediate impacts. Fish may concentrate in smaller areas, but the added stress will likely reduce their appetite. Meanwhile, staff have not observed any widespread negative impacts on wildlife populations, noting that local species are generally adaptable to changing conditions.

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