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DNR Updating Turkey Management Plan; Public Input Session Tuesday in Merrill

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Wisconsin's wild turkey population has made a tremendous recovery, and the public now has an opportunity to help shape its future management. The Department of Natural Resources updates its turkey management plan every decade; and they are currently working on the latest edition. The draft plan focuses on a variety topics including species populations, habitat protection, program funding and hunter satisfaction. Throughout the process, the public has a number of opportunities to get involved. Coming up this week, the DNR is hosting a series of open houses, including one in the Northwoods. An in-person session will take place Tuesday at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with a brief presentation at 6:00 p.m. For those that can't attend, a virtual open house will also take place this Thursday, October 15th. The full draft plan is available on the DNR website, and public comments are open through November 20th.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Halloween is just around the corner, and the Oneida County Health Department is reminding residents that respiratory illness season can turn a trick into a treat. To protect the community before fall illness activity spikes, health officials are launching a festive campaign titled "Say Boo to the Flu." They're encouraging people to get a flu and covid-19 shot before Halloween. Because it takes about two weeks for the body to build full protection, officials emphasize that now is the time to get vaccinated, especially for high-risk individuals, such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions. In addition to weekday walk-in availability at its Rhinelander office, the department is hosting mobile vaccine clinics in communities across Oneida County. This includes a clinic Monday, October 12 at the Nokomis Town Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Beyond vaccination, health officials encourage simple preventive habits—such as frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes—to keep the Northwoods healthy this season.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Rooks and pawns, knights and kings were on display in Antigo over the weekend. The Antigo Community Chess Club partnered with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation to offer an all-day tournament featuring players from ten area schools. The event was held at the NTC-Antigo campus. While the competitors faced-off on the chess board, they also teamed up for a good cause. The theme of this year's tournament was "Checkmate to End Homelessness." Players, families, and spectators were all encouraged to bring donations for William House of Hope, Antigo's local homeless shelter. Shelter board member Nicole Barron says, "Seeing our youth demonstrate such incredible focus, strategic thinking, and genuine sportsmanship was a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve together. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played, supported, and donated to help further our mission at William's House of Hope." There was also some chess to be played on the afternoon. In the end Edgar swept both the open and K-7 team competitions; while Paxton Mueller and Mackenzie Rettinger won their respective individual competitions.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Some additional funding is being made available to non-profits in Vilas County following summer storm damage. While most of the headlines following the severe weather outbreak on July 27 focused on tornado damage in the Fox Valley, the Northwoods was also in the path of the storm. In addition to Winnebago County, the U.S. Small Business Administration has officially designated Vilas County as eligible for low-interest federal disaster assistance. According to the Friday news release, the funding is available to eligible private nonprofits and faith-based organizations impacted by the July 27 storms. Organizations can apply for physical disaster loans to repair or replace damaged property and equipment, or economic injury loans to help cover ongoing operational expenses. The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is December 7th, while economic injury applications are open through July 7th, 2027.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News A plea agreement has been readched for a Lincoln County woman charged in the death of her 5 year-old daughter. At a hearing Friday in Lincoln County Court, 27 year old Katelyn Nardi pleaded guilty to a felony charge of child neglect resulting in death. In exchange, a charge of reckless homicide was dismissed, but will be considered during sentencing. Nardi was arrested following an investigation into the death of her 5 year old daughter last October. Investigators say the child was left unattended in a bathtub as Nardi was preparing the child for bed. The case had been scheduled to go to trial next June. Following the plea agreement, a sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 25.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News A Minnesota man was sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison after traveling to Rhinelander to meet a minor for illicit sexual conduct. Creighton Mithaugen, 38, of Faribault, Minnesota, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 97 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Mithaugen had previously pleaded guilty to the charge on July 13, 2026. According to court records, Mithaugen engaged in online chats from April 2024 through February 2026 with someone he believed to be a 14- or 15-year-old girl. In reality, he was communicating with an undercover law enforcement officer. Mithaugen was arrested in February, after traveling to Rhinelander to meet with the minor. During sentencing, Judge Conley cited Mithaugen's past criminal history including past similar charges.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News A multi-county crime spree ended in a high-speed pursuit and crash yesterday afternoon in Merrill. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, 44-year-old Joshua D. Micke of Antigo led law enforcement on a cross-county chase involving multiple stolen vehicles. The incident began Thursday morning with pursuits in Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties. Authorities say Micke abandoned one stolen vehicle, and later allegedly stole roughly $1,000 in cash from a vehicle in Minocqua before stealing yet another car. Just before 12:30 p.m., a Flock Safety camera alerted Lincoln County deputies that the stolen vehicle had entered southbound US Highway 51. Deputies attempted a traffic stop near Irma, but another pursuit followed. Spike strips were deployed near Highway K, deflating two tires, however the chase continued into the city of Merrill. The vehicle chase eventually ended when a deputy used a PIT maneuver, however Micke briefly fled on foot before being taken into custody. During the incident, the Sheriff's Office says a deputy sustained a serious hand injury that will require surgery. A second person, not involved in the incident, sustained minor injuries after their vehicle was struck during the pursuit. Micke is being held on numerous charges including Fleeing an officer causing bodily harm, recklessly endangering safety and operating a vehicle without consent.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk is gearing up to raise a toast to local tradition as the fourth annual Oktoberfest returns this weekend. Hosted by Tomahawk Main Street, the fall celebration brings authentic Bavarian flair right to the heart of town. Executive Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the event has quickly become a community favorite, tapping into the deep German heritage shared by so many Northwoods residents. The festivities officially kick off at 2:00 p.m. with the ceremonial tapping of the Golden Keg by this year's Fest Master. Attendees can sample 16 seasonal craft beers on tap, alongside traditional favorites like fresh pretzels with beer cheese, German potato salad, and sizzling brats. Festivalgoers can test their skills at classic games like Hammerschlagen and Roll Out the Barrel, all while enjoying live polka music. While costumes aren't required, lederhosen and dirndls are fully encouraged. Most importantly, organizers emphasize that the afternoon is all about bringing the community together and giving a boost to downtown small businesses. They'll take over the usual Farmers Market location on North 3rd Street. Registration opens at 1:00 p.m., with both beer-sampling and general admission ticket packages available on-site.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News The Tomahawk City Council has officially given its final stamp of approval to the city's updated Emergency Management ordinance. The measure was recommended by the Health and Safety Committee last month. Council members voted unanimously and without further discussion at their Tuesday meeting to adopt the measure, which modernizes local disaster response guidelines and cleans up the language in the municipal code. The updated ordinance establishes a clear chain of command during widespread emergencies, naming the Mayor as the city's Local Emergency Management Director. As Police Chief Al Elvins noted during earlier committee discussions, delegating overall direction to the mayor ensures police and fire chiefs can stay focused on hands-on operational duties when disaster strikes. The measure also better defines when and how a local state of emergency can be declared.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Dry conditions and windy weather challenged firefighters during a response in Price County earlier this week. Firefighters from Prentice, Little Rice and the DNR responded to a Christmas tree farm off Richie Road in Brantwood for a fire on Wednesday. Gusty winds on the day likely led to the fire spreading quickly through the property. Firefighters were eventually able to get the blaze under control, but the fire ended up burning approximately 13 acres. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, the fire was likely started by burning debris. This was the largest of nine wildfires across the Northwoods this week. With ongoing drought conditions making things extra dry out there, fire danger remains elevated, and officials are once again reminding people to be mindful of any activities that could cause a spark.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News High school marching bands spend all autumn pumping up Friday night football crowds and marching in local parades, but this weekend, hundreds of student musicians are stepping into the spotlight for an event all their own. Rhinelander High School is hosting the annual Hodag Marching Showcase this Saturday morning at Mike Webster Stadium. Now in its fourth year, the event gives regional student musicians a dedicated stage to perform, fine-tune their routines, and celebrate school spirit. In addition to the host Rhinelander Hodags, marching bands from Lakeland Union, DC Everest, Medford, and Antigo will take the field to perform. The event is free and open to the public. Showcases kick off at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Mike Webster Stadium in Rhinelander. Community members are encouraged to head out and support the Northwoods' young musical talent.

Published on 10/09/2026 under News Some of the state's youngest hunters will head into the field over the next few days in hopes of bagging a buck. This weekend marks the return of the Wisconsin Youth Deer Hunt. According to the DNR, the hunt gives participants aged 15 and under the opportunity to learn from a mentor and gain valuable field experience. Mentorship rules vary depending on the youth's age and whether they have completed a hunter education course, so participants are encouraged to review those guidelines prior to heading out. During last year's youth hunt, participants registered roughly 8,500 deer, an approximate 16% increase over the previous year. The DNR also reminds the public that blaze orange or pink clothing requirements go into effect during any firearm deer season, including the youth hunt. In addition to hunters, other outdoor recreationists are encouraged to wear bright colors as well, particularly when using public lands. In addition to the two-day youth hunt this Saturday and Sunday, the nine-day Hunt for Hunters with Disabilities also wraps up this weekend.

Published on 10/08/2026 under News Yesterday, we highlighted how local firefighters are visiting area schools for Fire Prevention Week. But this year's message isn't just for kids. Local departments are urging everyone to practice safe charging habits at home. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme—"Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower"—focuses on the everyday electronics we rely on. From phones and tablets to power tools and e-bikes, these devices run on powerful lithium-ion batteries. If charged incorrectly or damaged, they can overheat and cause dangerous fires. The Tomahawk Fire Department says prevention comes down to a few simple habits: First, always use the cord and charger approved by the device's manufacturer.Second, charge devices on hard, flat surfaces like tables or desks. Never charge electronics on beds, couches, or under pillows, which trap heat.Third, unplug devices once they're fully charged, and charge larger items like e-bikes and power tools outside and away from exit doors.Finally, if a battery swells, smokes, or feels unusually hot, stop using it immediately and seek a replacement.These tips and more are available on the Fire Prevention Week website at fpw.org. And another reminder the Tomahawk Fire Department will wrap up their week with their annual open house on Saturday with a chance to check out their brand new fire engine.

Published on 10/08/2026 under News As high-speed internet expands across the Northwoods, the need for skilled workers to build and keep those networks running is at an all-time high. To help meet that demand, Nicolet College teamed up with the Sokaogon Chippewa Community and state workforce officials for a special signing ceremony in Rhinelander to launch a new Broadband Service Technician Apprenticeship program. The partnership directly supports major regional projects—including the Sokaogon Chippewa Community's historic investment in the largest off-reservation, tribally owned broadband network in state history. College leaders say the program was built from the ground up to solve local staffing shortages as the digital push grows with more people working from home, using telehealth, and cutting the cord and streaming. With the deal officially sealed, Nicolet College is prepping its hands-on curriculum, and the first group of apprentices will start training in Spring 2027.

Published on 10/08/2026 under News A Merrill man accused of killing his father in March of 2025 has been found competent to stand trial. That trial has also been rescheduled for next summer. 27-year-old Austin Stevenson appeared in Lincoln County Court Wednesday for a competency hearing. Court records show both defense attorneys and state prosecutors agreed with a recent medical report, leading the court to officially rule that Stevenson is now competent to proceed. Stevenson is charged with first-degree intentional homicide and burglary. Authorities say deputies found his father, 48-year-old John Stevenson, deceased from two gunshot wounds during a welfare check at a Lincoln County home. Austin Stevenson was located at the home. Criminal proceedings had been suspended since last October after Stevenson was initially found unfit to stand trial. With his competency restored, the judge moved the case forward to trial set to begin on June 28th, 2027.

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