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Experts Offer Tips When You Get a Tick Bite

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Tick season is ramping up in Wisconsin. While reducing exposure is key, experts are reminding residents that what you do after a tick bite can make a difference. Because those enjoying the outdoors will likely encounter ticks at some point, the Marshfield Clinic provided specific steps to minimize risk when finding an embedded tick. It all starts with a thorough tick check after spending time in tick friendly areas. Pay special attention for deer ticks which are much smaller than the more common wood tick. Doctors say if you find a tick attached, remove it as soon as possible using tweezers. They recommended grabbing the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting or squeezing. If possible, save the tick in a plastic bag and bring it to your healthcare provider. After removal, watch closely for symptoms of tick-borne illness, which can include fever, chills, fatigue, and joint pain. While a "bullseye" rash is a classic indicator, experts warn that Lyme disease does not always cause this well-known symptom. Dr. Thomas Boyce with Marshfield Clinic says early testing and treatment are highly effective, and in some cases, a single dose of antibiotics after a deer tick bite can greatly reduce the risk of Lyme disease. Data shows Lyme disease cases have been on the rise in Wisconsin. Earlier this month, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute released some preliminary findings from its ongoing TICS study showing nearly half of deer ticks tested carried the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. (They did note this does not mean a 50% chance at getting Lyme as other factors also affect transmission.) May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee kicked off their 2027 budget work by approving the proposed spending plan for the Tomahawk Public Library. Because the Tomahawk Library is funded by several entities including not only the city, but Lincoln County, their budget typically goes through this process before other departments. Ahead of the vote, director Heidi O'Hare provided a brief overview. The entire Tomahawk Library budget request is just over $500,000 with the city responsible for $213,500. That's identical to last year. O'Hare noted that the library benefits from what are known as cross-county reimbursements. These funds are calculated through a formula and based on usage from residents of neighboring counties. Approximately $57,000 comes from Oneida, Price, Langlade and Taylor Counties. O'Hare also highlighted the generosity of community members through grants and donations, including some funds coming as a result of children's birthday contributions. The committee did forward the budget request to the full City Council with the caveat that there could be some changes come fall as they begin to tackle the city budget as a whole.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Three popular summer celebrations in Tomahawk are set to return in the coming weeks and months after organizers received special event application approval. At its regular May meeting on Tuesday, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee took up special event applications for Tomahawk Music on the River, the Powwow Days Fourth of July celebration, and the Antique Outboard Motor Show. Music on the River, a seven-week, Wednesday evening concert series held in the Veterans Memorial Park Pavilion, was approved without discussion. The first show is scheduled for June 17. Likewise, the Antique Outboard Motor Show at SARA Park was recommended without additional conversation for August 3–8. The committee did, however, spend a few extra minutes discussing the timing of the Powwow Days application. Because the event impacts State Highway 86/South Tomahawk Avenue, the city must apply for a waiver with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Committee members also briefly discussed bathroom availability during the event's Fun Run. All three events will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval next week. Additionally, the Health and Safety Committee approved a request from Tomahawk Main Street to utilize a city-owned lot at the four-way stop for extra vendor space during the Fall Ride festivities. While the committee noted it may consider using that lot for city purposes in future years, members granted the Tomahawk Main Street request for this September.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News If you're feeling stressed,the DNR says the answer might just be rooted in the trees around you. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the DNR is highlighting growing research showing trees do more than provide shade, they can also boost your mood, lower stress, and even improve memory and focus. Researchers say living near trees can lower rates of depression, while walks through green spaces can sharpen attention spans and cognitive function. Even climbing trees got a mention for helping learning and reasoning skills. One recent study found that not only does spending time around trees help mental health, but actually planting trees can improve emotional well-being and reduce negative feelings. So this month and throughout the year, officials encourage Wisconsinites to branch out a little , whether it's planting a tree, taking a walk in the woods, or simply relaxing under a leafy canopy.

Published on 05/27/2026 under News Park City Credit Union continues to grow their footprint here in Northern Wisconsin by setting up shop in Wausau. On Tuesday, Park City officially opened the doors to its new full-service branch on Stewart Avenue. The Wausau branch marks Park City Credit Union's sixth location in north central Wisconsin. Officials say the expansion is part of their mission to bring accessible banking and community involvement to more areas. Val Mindak, President/CEO of Park City Credit Union says, "Our expansion into Wausau reinforces our promise to meet members where they are by providing accessible banking solutions." To celebrate the grand opening, the credit union is launching "30 Days of Share the Care," featuring random acts of kindness throughout the Wausau community, along with giveaways and special promotions for members.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Two northern Wisconsin hospitals are being recognized among the best in the nation for patient satisfaction. Aspirus Medford Hospital and Clinics and Howard Young Medical Center in Woodruff were both named to Becker's Hospital Review's list of hospitals patients would recommend to family and friends. The rankings are based on patient survey data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the national survey program. Aspirus Health officials say the recognition reflects the compassionate, high-quality care provided by staff and the organization's focus on patient experience. Aspirus North Division President Teri Theiler says, "Being named among the hospitals patients would recommend is especially meaningful because it comes directly from the voices of those we serve." Wisconsin also stood out nationally, with 41 hospitals making the list, highlighting the state's strong performance in patient-centered care, especially in rural communities.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News A Lincoln County woman accused of sexually assaulting residents at an assisted living facility is facing new charges. Jessica Wickersham was back in Lincoln County Court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. The 37 year old was arrested in March and charged with four counts including three for second degree sexual assault. Additional charges have now been filed. Court records show Wickersham is now facing 12 charges including: causing a child to view sexual activity, bestiality, and child sexual exploitation Online court records show Wickersham waived the preliminary hearing allowing the case to move forward. Wickersham then entered 'not guilty' pleas during the arraignment. Wickersham remains jailed on $150,000 bond. Future proceedings weren't immediately scheduled.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Wisconsin is home to eleven species of turtles...Biologists and conservationists are asking drivers to give them a brake at turtle crossings. Each spring, the DNR works with partners such as the Turtle Conservation Program to raise awareness of Wisconsin's turtles. They typically lay their eggs in late May and early June. DNR Conservation Biologist Andrew Badje says that Nesting season is an important but risky time for turtles. To reach ideal nesting locations, turtles often attempt to cross roads where they are at risk of being hit by vehicles. If you come across a turtle in the road, you can help it on it's journey. First and foremost, make sure it is safe to park and get out of your vehicle. They recommend bringing the turtle to the shoulder of the road in the direction it was heading. For snappers, a safe option is to ferry the turtle by pulling it on a shovel, a sheet, or even your car's floor mat. Other species can simply be picked up by two hands on either side of the shell. Never pull a turtle's tail. The Turtle Conservation Program also tracks turtle sightings and frequent crossing locations. When 'hot spots' are identified they'll sign the location or even explore additional protections. Beyond vehicles, turtle nests are also at risk of predators such as raccoons, coyotes, and skunks. The Turtle Conservation Program has additional information on nesting cages and other resources. Badje, "Protecting adult females and turtle nests in the wild is essential for conserving Wisconsin turtle populations."

Published on 05/26/2026 under News There's typically an increase in vehicle-versus-deer collisions at this time of year, regardless of the type of vehicle. Over the weekend in Lincoln County, drivers of a motorcycle and an ATV struck deer in separate crashes. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, both incidents happened Sunday. The motorcycle-versus-deer crash happened on State Highway 64/107 in the Town of Scott. Deputies say the collision caused the operator to lose control and put the bike down. The driver suffered minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The same day, deputies were also sent to the area of STH 107 and Hillcrest Road in the Town of Bradley for an ATV-versus-deer crash with injuries. After striking the deer, deputies said the southbound ATV rolled and came to rest in the ditch. The driver was brought to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The Sheriff's Office says both drivers were wearing helmets. For the week, the Sheriff's Office reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions in Lincoln County, along with crashes involving a bear and an eagle.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News One person is dead, another hospitalized following a crash in Vilas County involving a car and a motorcycle over the holiday weekend. According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, that collision happened Monday evening on State Highway 155 in the Town of St. Germain. At shortly after 7pm dispatch received a call reporting the crash. The caller indicated the motorcycle operator was unresponsive. Upon arrival, responders determined the 64 year old man died from his injuries. His name was not immediately released. The driver of the vehicle was brought to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Based on the preliminary investigation, officials believe the northbound motorcycle crossed over the center-line while negotiating a curve and struck the vehicle head-on. The Wisconsin State Patrol handling the investigation.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Lincoln County is seeking some additional funding to help develop a new recreational trail. At their meeting this past week, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution authorizing the Forestry Department to apply for a grant for improvements to the Trout Capital Trail project through the American Trails 2026 Trail Fund. The project focuses on a newly established ½ mile recreational trail segment near Prairie Dells Road. It connects to the recently constructed bridge spanning the Prairie River and links with trails on the opposite side of the river. County officials say the current trail surface is often soft and muddy, limiting usability and creating maintenance concerns. Funding from the grant program would help provide a more stable and sustainable trail surface while improving trail connectivity. According to the resolution, Lincoln County would contribute in-kind support for the project through Forestry Department staff, equipment and resources. The resolution was described as self-explanatory during introduction. Supervisors did not have any further discussion before approving it unanimously by voice vote.

Published on 05/26/2026 under News Road construction season is in full swing, and a pair of new, Northwoods projects are set to begin this week. According to the Department of Transportation, crews will begin a two month project on Highway 107 in Lincoln County. Work includes culvert replacement and repaving the stretch of Highway 107 between Wilderness Drive and County S. The road will be closed to through traffic during construction. Meanwhile, work also begins in Oneida County on Highway 45 between Monico and Three Lakes. This project includes resurfacing, the replacement of 22 culverts, as well as additional safety improvements. Motorists will encounter single-lane closures, with work scheduled to run into early October. And after pausing for Memorial Day weekend several ongoing projects will resume. Here in the Tomahawk area, crews will continue work on Highway 51 between Highway 8 and County L. For this phase of the project, the road will be open with single lane closures. They've got approximately a month left according to the DoT update. Work also continues on the Barnes Creek Bridge on Highway 17 in the Town of Merrill (closed at the bridge), Highway 8 near Rhinelander (detoured), Highway 51 in Minocqua (open with lane closures). The DoT has information on all of their projects on their 511 road construction website.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News It is Memorial Day and local groups and communities will honor those who gave their lives in service to the country. While many are enjoying camping and cookouts today, local veteran groups want people to also remember the reason for Memorial Day. That's honor, mourn, and pay tribute the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The origins of the holiday date back to the 1860's and began with states observing those fallen during the Civil War. The current designation of Memorial Day on the last Monday of May was established in 1971. Here in the Northwoods, the practice of marking the graves of veterans has been completed. Tomahawk Main Street continued their tradition of hanging Honor Banners on downtown light poles. It all leads up to the observance ceremonies around the area. We've got other programs listed in the WJJQ Community Calendar. Here in Tomahawk, the community program will be held at Veteran's Memorial Park with a Time of Reflection at 9am and the program at 9:30am. Merrill and Rhinelander programs both get underway at 10:30. The Merrill program at the City Cemetery Veterans Memorial; Rhinelander's at the High School Performing Arts Center. And Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw will host a ceremony at 2:30pm.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News The Tomahawk High School Class of 2026 received their diplomas Friday evening. But first, they took a literal walk down memory lane. As part of the annual graduation festivities, the Tomahawk School District continued the Graduate Celebration Walk. For most THS students, their educational years are spent on the same campus and under one shared roof, K-12. On their final day of class, the soon-to-be graduates, in cap and gown, took part in a mini-parade through the entire campus where they were celebrated by staff and students in the elementary, middle and high schools. Students who attended St. Marys made their way across town to visit that school. The Walk was established a few years ago as a way to promote the camaraderie and progress these students have made, while, allowing them an opportunity to inspire younger students and even reconnect with past teachers and staff members who have contributed to their educational journey. Speaking of Friday night's THS graduation, that ceremony was recorded and is now available for viewing on the Tomahawk School District YouTube channel.

Published on 05/25/2026 under News Four people were taken into custody following a high speed chase in Rhinelander after officers responded to gun shots. According to the Rhinelander Police Department, officers were called to Hodag Park Friday afternoon at shortly before 2pm for reports of several males firing a gun over Boom Lake. Police say the suspects fled the scene in a vehicle, leading officers on multiple pursuits through the city and surrounding highways. Authorities say officers temporarily ended the chase several times in the interest of public safety as the vehicle traveled through downtown Rhinelander and other populated areas. During the pursuit, police report shots were fired from the suspect vehicle at law enforcement officers. The chase continued east on Highway 8, where officers eventually used a PIT maneuver near Beaver Creek Road to stop the vehicle. Four suspects were taken into custody without incident. Their names were not immediately released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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