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Aspirus, Marshfield Clinic Receive Grants to Increase Rural Coverage Published on 09/10/2019 under News

Several local healthcare providers will benefit from state grants aimed at increasing coverage in rural areas.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced the grants last week which seek to expand education and training for health professionals. Eight grants were awarded in two separate categories. Combined they total more than $750,000 over a two year period.

The Advanced Practice Clinician Grants will help rural health care providers increase the number of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses by supporting clinical training sites. Locally, both Aspirus and Marshfield Clinic were among the four providers selected to receive an APC grant.

The Allied Health Professionals Education and Training Grants are intended to assist rural hospitals in filling "high need, high demand" positions that are not doctors or nurses. This includes medical assistants, mental health counselors, and nursing assistants. Again, there were four grants, and once again Marshfield Clinic was selected.

Both grants were authorized in the 2017 state budget.

In Other News

Hatchet Hockey Team Loses in Regional Final

Published on 02/20/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's Hockey squad's season would end Thursday night in the WIAA Division 1 Regional Final at Karen Drewinek Ice Arena in Hudson, losing, 8-6. The Hatchets would fight back from down three late in the second period to take the lead with under ten minutes remaining. However, the Raiders would respond with three goals in the final three minutes to advance to the Sectional round. In his final high school hockey game, Jonah Dickens would finish with a hat trick. The Hatchets also got goals from Jett Reilly, Brayden Lamer, and Cole Peterson. Tomahawk's season will end with a 22-4 overall record and a third straight Great Northern Conference Championship. The Hatchets graduate from the program Dickens, Brody Hilgendorf, Rex Reilly, Beau Stromberg, Caiden Reichelt, Landyn Seymour, and Michael Samundsen.

Published on 02/20/2026 under News A new grant program is being created in Langlade County to address substance abuse use through funds received from opioid lawsuit settlements. The Langlade County Opioid Taskforce is announcing a new funding opportunity to support local efforts aimed at preventing, reducing, and responding to the impacts of opioid use in their community. Funding priorities are based on community input. These priorities are outlined in the Community Impact Report. In announcing the program, the taskforce said, "We are committed to supporting initiatives that reflect the needs and voices of our community. This funding opportunity is designed to help local partners create meaningful, sustainable impact." Details about the funding opportunity, eligibility, and application materials can be found on the Langlade County Health Department website at: the deadline to apply is April 1st.

Published on 02/20/2026 under News A Northwoods grocer is being recognized by a national trade publication. Trig's was among 17 grocery retailers selected as Progressive Grocer's 2026 Outstanding Independents. In showcasing the winners, they note they all have 'two key things in common: a deep passion for and connection to the communities that they call home.' They said noted these factors help them compete in a world with multi-state chains. For Trig's specifically, they wrote, 'is more than a grocery store chain – its locations are the hubs of their local communities.' They mentioned local sourcing initiatives, Love it Local, efforts to introduce specialty products often unavailable in rural markets to create connections between people and food in meaningful ways. They also highlighted efforts for food donation partnerships and outreach to address food insecurity. Trig's was the only Wisconsin grocer to make the list.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News Discover Wisconsin is kicking off a new season of their popular show, and another Northwoods community will be the focus of the first episode. The 39th season of Discover Wisconsin premieres this weekend with an episode on Rhinelander. In the episode, titled Rhinelander-It's Legendary, hosts Andrea Boehlke and Eric Paulsen follow the trail of the hodag, the mythical beast that's become a symbol of the community's creativity and charm. The episode was a year in the making, showcasing all four season. It was done in partnership with the Rhinelander Chamber. And while the hodag is featured prominently, they also showcase local destinations, eateries, outdoor recreation and popular events such as the Hodag Country Festival and Lights of the Northwoods. The Rhinelander Chamber actually held a special screening of the episode earlier this month. It debuted on Discover Wisconsin YouTube channel Wednesday, and will air on Discover Wisconsin TV affiliates this weekend.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News While many students attending Nicolet College are preparing for careers, the school also offers courses and opportunities for learning, experience, and connection. Nicolet recently unveiled their new spring and summer arts and enrichment line up. They said the new season of classes, events and exhibits will inspire creativity, well-being and connection through a busy season at the theatre, gallery, and classroom or beyond. Starting in the Theater, they have two productions planned, Fahrenheit 451 and Cinderella. They also host concerts, author talks and artists. Speaking of the art, the Nicolet Gallery will have three exhibits including the 39th Northern National Art Competition. And inside and outside of the classroom, more than 30 courses are being offered in a wide range of creative and practical skills related to nature, cooking, health, and gardening. A few they highlighted include culinary ceramics, knife sharpening, fly fishing, yoga, and a loon paddle. Many of the classes are free, or a small fee to cover course materials. Those interested can visit the Nicolet website for more information.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News Law enforcement partners are looking to shed some light on safe driving. The Wisconsin State Patrol law of the month in February is focused on headlights...that they're being used in limited visibility conditions, and that they're working properly. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "When visibility is reduced, drivers have less time to react to others on the road. Headlights help everyone stay safe. Headlights not only helps a driver see what is ahead of their vehicle; it also allows other drivers to see your vehicle. State law requires driver use their headlights during hours of darkness as well as times when there is insufficient natural light to clearly see 500 feet. This includes fog, rain, or snow, when drivers may need to manually turn on lights, even if the vehicle is equipped with automatic lights. Carnahan also reminded drivers to make sure headlights are clean, checking for snow, ice, or other debris. According to the release, high beams help drivers see clearly in good weather conditions, but remember to always dim your lights within 500 feet of approaching or following another vehicle, even on a divided highway.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News Lincoln County will look to use a portion of opioid response funding from the state to keep medications out of the wrong hands. The Lincoln County Health Department is eligible to receive up to $4,500 in state opioid response funding through the Northwoods Coalition. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board unanimously approved a resolution accepting the grant. The funds will be earmarked for drug security and disposal. This includes providing community members with drug deactivation units as well as medication lock boxes or lock bags. The goal is to ensure that medications are being used properly and by people they have been prescribed to. The County also has an Opioid Task Force which has provided leadership and guidance in investing settlement dollars the county has received over the years.

Published on 02/19/2026 under News It won't be long before state campgrounds are buzzing once again. The DNR is recruiting people to serve as volunteer campground hosts during the season. Hosts stay in a campsite at the campground and volunteer a few hours per day. Tasks include greeting and assisting fellow campers about the park and facilities, assisting in daily operations, cleaning and maintenance. The DNR notes that volunteers are an integral part of the programming, operations and management services of Wisconsin's state parks, forests, recreation areas and trails. Opportunities are available at DNR properties in all parts of the state from May through November, with dates varying by property. A 1- to 2-month service period is preferred.

Published on 02/18/2026 under News Council Grounds is a hidden gem here in the Northwoods. And now park-goers have a more convenient option to purchase their park passes. Friends of Council Grounds, a volunteer group who support, assist, and promote the state park property here in Lincoln County, recently unveiled a brand-new, electronic park pass sales kiosk. The kiosk offers both daily passes and the year-long passes for residents, seniors, and non-residents. The convenience allows purchase outside of park office hours, or having to deal with mailing or online purchases. The funding to purchase the kiosk came from two sources. The Friends group was awarded a Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant. The Friends matched with money raised through merchandise sales, watercraft rental fees, and sales of firewood harvested and processed by their Wood Team volunteers. Council Grounds near Merrill is approximately 500 acres, located right along the Wisconsin River.

Published on 02/18/2026 under News At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved future compensation packages for three elected offices. The positions impacted by the resolution include the Clerk of Courts, the Coroner, and the Sheriff. The compensation is for the years 2027-2030 and features a 3% annual increase. Ahead of the vote, Board Chair Jesse Boyd noted that, based on preliminary numbers from other counties, the Lincoln County Sheriff position would be below the state average. It ranges from $98,000 next year to $107,000 in 2030. Ultimately, no changes were made to the initial resolution, which was approved unanimously. This process to set compensation must be completed prior to the earliest time nomination papers can be filed. These positions will all appear on the November ballot. Elected Office2027202820292030Clerk of Courts $75,7777.66$78,050.99$80,392.52$82,804.29Sheriff$98,424.89$101,377.64$104,418.97$107,551.54Coroner (1,040 Hours)$33,143.90$34,138.21$35,162.36$36,217.23

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