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Lincoln County Sheriff's Report Published on 01/22/2018 under News

The Town of Russell Fire Department along with deputies responded last Saturday for a report of a possible structure fire. Heavy smoke was coming from the chimney of an unoccupied home on Town Hall Rd in the Town of Russell as a result of a chimney fire. No damage occurred as a result of the fire.

A propane truck rolled over on Tuesday afternoon in the Town of Bradley on Tannery Rd at Red Pine Rd at 2:15 PM. It took until after 5:00 PM for the vehicle to be up-righted and removed.

Last Thursday a 25 year old Merrill man was injured after the commercial vehicle he was driving rolled over on US Hwy 8 outside of Tripoli. That crash was reported just before 8:30 AM. The driver was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Tomahawk Firefighters assisted deputies on the scene for about an hour as traffic was restricted on the highway.

A 43 year old Lac Du Flambeau woman was arrested Friday morning on a warrant charge. A deputy checked on a disabled vehicle on US Hwy 51 near US Hwy 8. When a check was done on the passenger it was found she was wanted by the Rothschild Police Department for contempt of court.

A man was arrested over the weekend after his snowmobile fell off the trailer during transport. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office was called to Highway 51 near County K on Saturday evening for a sled in the roadway. As deputies were on the scene, the owner arrived back on the scene. Deputies noted the man showed signs of impairment and was taken into custody. He'll be cited for operating while intoxicated.

A 49 year old Tomahawk man was taken into custody late Saturday evening after a traffic stop in the Town of Bradley. A deputy stopped the man on County Rd E near West Kraft Rd after he observed him crossing the center line. The man was cited for a first offense of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

An 18 year old Tomahawk man was arrested Sunday afternoon after a disturbance was reported in the Town of Bradley. Deputies responded to the home after 1:00 PM. The man was arrested on charge of disorderly conduct.

The number of car deer crashes remains high with twelve being reported this past week. A Rhinelander man struck a coyote last Saturday evening on US Hwy 51 just north of County Rd C. Deputies investigated over thirty crashes and almost three dozen slide offs during and after the last two snow events.

In Other News

Wisconsin State Patrol Emphasizes Vehicles/Bicycles Share the Road

Published on 05/20/2024 under News As we transition to summer more people will head out on bicycles, and the Wisconsin State Patrol is reminding drivers and pedalers share the road. The State Patrol 'May Law of the Month' is focused on bicycle safety. In Wisconsin, bicycles are considered vehicles on the road, so they have the same rights and should obey the same laws as motorists. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "We want bicyclists to be able to enjoy the nice weather and take in the beauty of our state without fear of a crash." He notes that both motorists and bicyclists share that responsibility. Last year, there were 7 fatal crashes involving bicycles while nearly 700 cyclists were injured in crashes involving vehicles. For those behind the wheel, state law says drivers must provide at least three feet for bicycles. Where bike lanes are present, motor vehicles should stay out unless turning into a driveway, parking space, or intersection. It's also important to remember that bicycles have a smaller profile so it may be harder to judge their speed and distance. For bicyclists, the State Patrol recommends a helmet, high visibility clothing, and lights. Always signal when turning or stopping, either with hand signals or lights. And pay attention to surroundings including opening car doors and vehicle blind spots. Carnahan says, "Both motorists and bicyclists need to use extra caution and share the responsibility of creating safe roads for everyone to use." The State Patrol had additional tips and reminders online.

Published on 05/20/2024 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans are in Washington DC today to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is completing their second mission of the year, with 106 veterans expected to take part. This includes: 103 Vietnam Era vets, two from Korea and a single World War II vet. Following the two spring flights, they have two more planned for the fall. This flight is actually sponsored, with O'so Brewing Company and Helen Haydock picking up the tab. This is the 48th mission overall for the Northwoods chapter of the Honor Flight network. Over the past decade they've take more than 4,600 veterans to the nation's capital. That includes: 1,046 WWII era vets; 1,260 Korea-era vets; and 2,304 from the Vietnam era. They encourage any area vet who served prior to May 7, 1975 and hasn't participated in the Honor Flight to get on their waiting list. Back to today's flight, the public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm.

Published on 05/20/2024 under News They say you have to spend money to make money...a new promotion in Tomahawk is providing that option for some lucky shoppers. The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce and Tomahawk Main Street are teaming up on the latest contest dubbed Lean Local. In an effort to get people to spend money at local businesses, they're offering up an incentive. People who spend at least $25 at a participating business and submit their receipt will be entered into a drawing to win either Chamber Bucks or Main Street money.This can be a product, service or experience. And with both organizations partnering, there is no shortage of options. We've seen a number of area Chambers offering similar promotions, and the local organizers were excited to bring it to Tomahawk, especially after the slow winter tourism season. The Tomahawk contest runs through June 3, so there are still a few weeks left to enter. You can visit the Chamber website for additional details.

Published on 05/20/2024 under News When the Tomahawk Schools wrap up class in the next two weeks, the campus won't go quiet. That's because the district's Summer School program continues to grow. During his visit this past week, District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry provided a brief update on the upcoming summer session which begins the second week of June. As of last week, more than 400 students had enrolled, with most of the participants in the elementary. The students have more than 50 classes to choose from. Beyond traditional enrichment classes like reading and math, they continue to offer exciting and special interest classes that blend learning with a fun setting. Quesinberry says the summer school program has far surpassed what they've been able to do in the past. It has grown due to a grant, which is expiring soon. But based on the recent growth, Quesinberry says they'll look for ways to continue to providing the robust summer school curriculum going forward. This year's Tomahawk Summer School session runs for three weeks; June 10 through the 27.

Published on 05/20/2024 under News A pair of student artists from Prentice High School were recognized in a regional contest. For more than 4 decades, the Congressional Art Competition has offered a chance for students to submit artwork in their respective congressional boundaries. Each year the winning entries will be on display in the US Capital building. This year's theme was A Day in the Life of Wisconsin. Congressman Tom Tiffany recently announced the winners of the 7th district competition here in Northern Wisconsin. He congratulated all of the students who submitted work this year, adding,"Every year, I am amazed by the talented young artists in the Seventh District." The third place entry was submitted by Nicolas Gonzalez of Prentice High School. His piece(top photo), titled 'Revaluation of a John Deere,' features a patchwork collage of modern and classic tractors. As a runner up, his artwork will be on display in Tiffany's Wausau Office. His classmate at Prentice, Matthew Schmidt, earned honorable mention for 'The Beauty of New Life' featuring a newborn calf.(bottom photo) The overall winner was Aila Laakso of Superior, and her outdoor nature scene contained within the outline of the state of Wisconsin. Her piece will be displayed in the Capital building and she'll be invited to a reception in Washington DC._____ Speaking of Rep. Tiffany, he's got mobile office hours across his district. On Monday that includes: Vilas CountyLocation: Plum Lake Library8789 Peterson Street Sayner, WI 54560 Time: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Oneida CountyLocation: Three Lakes Public Library 6961 West School Street Three Lakes, WI 54562 Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Published on 05/17/2024 under News Rhinelander and the Hodag are somewhat synonymous. This week has been set aside to celebrate the mythical creature. It's time once again for the Hodag Heritage Festival, the fourth edition. The Rhinelander Chamber and their many partner businesses, organizations and volunteers have been busy preparing for the day-long celebration on Saturday. Over the past few days, they've had some scavenger hunts and art competitions. This evening, they'll re-dedicate the Hodag Historical Marker at Hodag Park. The small monument was recently refurbished and they'll host an unveiling at 6:30 Friday. It all leads into Saturday. Chamber Director of Events Rachel Boehlen says they've arranged more attractions than ever before, adding, "There is truly something for everyone." The defining link are the themes of hodag and community. An action packed Saturday will include the Hodag History Bus Tours, guest speakers, family friendly activities, food and entertainment, even a hodag calling contest. And while these events are centered around Rhinelander, the hodag will be recognized around the entire state. Govern Evers has once again declared Saturday as Hodag Day in Wisconsin. A full schedule of Saturday's events is available on the Chamber website, and they've also created a Hodag Heritage Festival Facebook page.

Published on 05/17/2024 under News The Tomahawk High School Drama Department will take to the stage one last time this school year with a twist on some classic tales. For their annual spring Children's Play, the THS students will present 'A Bagful of Fables'. We heard from director Michele Balda ahead of this evening's public performance. This year's production is a spin on the works of the man most associated with fables, Aesop. Four of his many tales be featured: The Fox and the Crow; The Fox and the Grapes; The Tortoise and the Hare; and The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing. More than a dozen THS students will take to to the stage. Balda highlighted a trio of outgoing seniors in their final high school production: AJ Schertz, Xan Sutton, and Murphy Koth, the latter taking on the role of Aesop. Throughout the school day, they'll perform for St. Marys, Tomahawk Elementary, and Tomahawk Middle School. Then tonight it's a public performance at 7pm. Admission is free, but a goodwill donation is welcome. After the play, the THS Fine Arts Awards will take place recognizing the drama and forensics students for their efforts this school year.

Published on 05/17/2024 under News Bonnie Blair won five Olympic gold medals, now the champion-speedskater has inspired another winner...the name of a new peregrine falcon chick. It's all part of the annual naming contest, held each spring for the peregrine falcons hatched in nesting boxes at Wisconsin Public Service and WeEnergies facilities around the state. Each year the utilities hold naming contests, offering the public a chance to select the monikers for the new clutch. With the summer Olympic games right around the corner, the theme was Olympians with Wisconsin ties. They received more than 10,000 votes with 'Birdie Blair' in the top spot. In addition to the names, WPS also provided an update on the peregrine falcon eggs. Eight of the ten have actually hatched, with the two remaining from the northern birds, utilizing the Weston Power Plant nesting box near Wausau. Those eggs were only recently laid and have another month or so before hatching. Overall ten names were selected: •Birdie Blair — in honor of five-time gold-medal speedskater and Wisconsin resident Bonnie Blair-Cruikshank. •Hero — in honor of Wisconsin's Special Olympics Athletes. •Warrior — in honor of Wisconsin's Paralympic athletes. •Trapper — in honor of sportshooter and Waterford native Madelynn Bernau. •Fitz — in honor of Casey FitzRandolph, a Verona native who won gold in speedskating at the 2002 Winter Games. •Khash — in honor of gold-medal and NBA championship-winning basketball star Khris Middleton. •Miracle — in honor of the Wisconsinites on the 1980 men's hockey team. •Puck — in honor of the many UW grads who have played on the women's national hockey team. •Champ — in honor of gold-medal winning speedskater and West Allis native Dan Jansen. •Glider — in honor of speedskater and Milwaukee resident Brian Hansen.

Published on 05/17/2024 under News The case will move forward for a Langlade County man charged with taking funds from his township and fire service where he served as treasurer. Gary Kieper was back in Langlade County Court Thursday for a preliminary hearing and arraignment. The 69 year old is facing 9 felonies including multiple counts of theft in a business setting and misconduct in public office. Kieper was arrested in March following an investigation by the Langlade County Sheriff's Office. They were asked to look into the mishandling of money from the Town of Ackley and the Rural Fire Control. Detectives said they found more than $300,000 had been transferred for those accounts and into personal accounts belonging to Kieper. At yesterday's hearing, the judge ruled there is enough evidence for the case to proceed and Kieper entered pleas of 'not guilty' A status hearing has been scheduled for July 26.

Published on 05/17/2024 under News Unfortunately, the spongy moth and its hungry caterpillars have established a foothold across much of Wisconsin. The state recently launched a new, updated website providing information on the invasive insect. Known as the Spongy Moth Resource Center, the website is a collaborative effort between the DNR, the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and the UW-Extension. According to the DNR, visitors will be able to learn about identifying spongy moth caterpillars versus native species; control or treatment options for landowners; available granting funding; quarantine zones and aerial treatment schedules. In the announcement, the DNR says experts anticipate another busy spring and summer of spongy moth caterpillar activity. Formerly known as the gypsy moth, the caterpillars are known to strip shrubs and trees of their foliage, which can eventually kill the infested plants. The state agencies will also continue operating the Wisconsin Spongy Moth Hotline, and we'll include a link to their new informational website.

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