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Snowy Roads Lead to Fatal Langlade County Crash Published on 12/02/2019 under News Investigators say roads were snow-covered at the time of a fatal weekend crash in Langlade County that left one child dead.

That crash happened Saturday morning at around 11:15am on Highway 45. The state patrol says a southbound driver lost control of her vehicle and crossed into the opposite lane of traffic striking a northbound vehicle.

The southbound vehicle had four children under the age of ten. A four year old child died at the scene, while two other children, ages 5 and 10, were hospitalized with what was described as life-threatening injuries.

Three adults were also transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. This includes the driver and lone occupant of the Northbound vehicle. All parties are from Antigo.

According to the State Patrol report, everyone was wearing seat belts at the time. The crash remains under investigation.

In Other News

Lincoln County Receives Grant to Improve Carbon Monoxide Education

Published on 11/04/2025 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is hoping to use a grant to reduce carbon monoxide incidents. The agency received a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health through their Taking Action with Data mini-grant program. Data shows Lincoln County averages 2-3 ER visits related to carbon monoxide each year. Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion of common appliances such as home furnaces, fireplaces, generators, grills and vehicles. Lincoln County Health Officer Shelley Cohrs says, "Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen anywhere — in your home, garage, or even while enjoying activities like hunting, fishing, or boating." She added, "The best way to stay safe is to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly." The Health Department will use the funding to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and prevention efforts while collecting data. This includes: distributing CO detectors and educational materials, participating in outreach events and awareness campaigns, and collaborating with community partners. November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News A new training facility on the NTC campus in Merrill will address emergency situations in public spaces. This past month, Northcentral Technical College unveiled their Community Safety Simulation Center, located at NTC's Public Safety Center of Excellence in Merrill. The facility is designed to prepare individuals to address emerging security threats through immersive scenarios and classroom instruction, with an initial focus on schools, places of worship and healthcare environments. According to NTC, the 3,500 square foot facility features a high tech classroom with 360-degree smart screens designed to immerse participants in custom training scenarios. And through AV capabilities, the participants can review their actions and discussion alternative approaches, allowing for critical reflection and skill refinement. They said this realistic, hands-on experience ensures individuals and teams develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate high-stress situations effectively. The project was made possible through generous donations from the Bierman Family Foundation and Church Mutual CM Cares.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News A teen driver was stopped going more than double the speed limit on a Lincoln County highway. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy observed a vehicle traveling 120 miles per hour in a 55 zone on County K in the Town of Scott. The 19 year old Merrill teen told the deputy he speeding because he was late in getting to his girlfriend's house. As a result, the driver was cited for traveling 65mph over the speed limit, endangering safety, and unreasonable and imprudent speed. According to the report, if convicted on the speeding violation alone the driver will lose his driver's license. _____ A couple of other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report…Two drivers were taken in for operating while intoxicated. A 68 year old Elk Mound man arrested for 2nd offense OWI following a traffic stop for a reckless driving complaint. A 25 year old Merrill man for 1st offense after his vehicle left the roadway.The number of vehicle versus deer crashes dropped this past week with 7 reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News With the archery season ongoing and the gun deer season right around the corner; the DNR is asking hunters as well as other outdoor enthusiasts to keep an eye out for black bear dens this fall and winter and report them. Researchers in the fifth year of the Black Bear Litter and Diet survey. They are studying black bear reproduction levels, while also investigating the connection between human food sources, litter sizes, and cub survival rates. Researchers are looking to record data and collar a sampling of bear across each of the state's management zones. The findings help biologists make better bear population estimates, which in turn support management decision making. The study and process was featured in a recent episode of PBS Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Life" series. People can submit den sightings to the DNR. They are asked to include: GPS coordinates of the den, a photo with surroundings, a description, and any signs of bear activity. -Photo provided by DNR: Cubs cannot yet regulate their temperature and have delicate immune systems, so den survey participants wear protective gear and keep them warm while DNR staff members fit a GPS collar on the mother bear during den surveys.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News The Marshfield Clinic and Security Health have pledged $150,000 to support innovative, community-driven projects to address food insecurity and promote healthier lives. The program is part of the Marshfield Clinic Caring for Communities initiative, and they're currently accepting grant applications for local non-profits and community projects. According to the announcement, the program reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families by supporting access to consistent, nutritious food. Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability says, "Nutritious food is essential to good health, yet many in our communities face food insecurity – lacking reliable access to enough food for a healthy life." Shrader added, "This grant reflects our commitment to supporting local organizations that know their communities best and are working to remove barriers to food access and improve health at its roots." Non-profits and government agencies within the Marshfield Clinic service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $10,000. The deadline to apply is November 24. Recipients will be notified in early December.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News Officials are encouraging people be mindful of elevated wildfire conditions to start this work week. The state generally has two wildfire seasons including the autumn when leaves fall from trees and plants and grasses begin to go dormant ahead of winter. Most of Northern Wisconsin is listed as either abnormally dry or moderate drought. Coupled with relatively low humidity and some breezy conditions, our area of Northwoods is listed in high fire danger. There were 7 wildfires reported in Wisconsin yesterday, including 3 in our listening area. There have been 14 wildfires in the past week according to the DNR tracker. The main cause of wildfires at this time of year is burning brush and leaf piles. Other concern comes from campfires, ash from wood stoves and fireplaces, and burn barrels.

Published on 11/03/2025 under News Some buildings in Lincoln County will be going green this month to recognize Veteran's Day. Led by the local Veteran's Service Office, Lincoln County is once again taking part in an awareness campaign known as Operation Green Light. Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate by simply changing out a traditional light bulb for a green one. It can be an exterior light that neighbors and passersby see, or an interior light that sparks a conversation with friends, family, or visitors. Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz notes that more than 2,000 veterans call Lincoln County home. He says, "Their presence enriches our community, and their stories are an integral part of our shared history." The goal is to highlight the unique challenges faced by veterans and the resources that are available at the county, state, and federal level. At their meeting last month, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution recognizing Operation Green Light. Staffers will be equipping some Lincoln County Buildings such as the Service Center with a green light as well. What started as a week-long campaign coinciding with Veteran's Day, they're now encouraging people shine a green light through the entire month of November. The Lincoln County Veterans Service Office has a limited number of green lights available for residents.

Published on 11/03/2025 under News Last month, law enforcement and health agencies teamed up to host the second of two yearly Drug Take Back events across the state of Wisconsin. Here in Tomahawk, there is a permanent drop-off box located in the police department entryway that gets plenty of use throughout the year. At the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee meeting this past week, Police Chief Al Elvins provided some data. Because the receptacle is available year-round when the lobby is open, the figures he shared are for the entire year. So far in 2025, they've collected approximately 57,000 pills, 1.5 gallons of liquid medications, and nearly 30,000 syringes. Chief Elvins called the drop-off box a great asset to the community. The goal of these efforts is to keep unused and unwanted medications out of the wrong hands, while safely disposing of them. Elvins says the items collected locally are brought to the Wisconsin State Patrol Office in Wausau. They're eventually taken to an incinerator for destruction.

Published on 11/03/2025 under News People have a chance to weigh in on the resource management and public use of DNR-managed properties located in Northern Wisconsin. As part of the public input, they'll be hosting public informational meetings the next two nights. The DNR is working on their Master Plan and Environmental Analysis of the North Central Forest landscape. The affected area is comprised of 250 DNR properties across 20 counties in northern Wisconsin including state forests, parks, recreational areas, natural areas, and trails, approximately 9,500 square miles in all. In the announcement, the DNR highlighted some of the proposals including the expansion and enhancement of state and national trails and water access sites; management of forests; and the Brook Trout Reserves Program to protect cold water streams and trout fisheries. They're also looking to establish boundaries for a proposed new property known as the Grandfather Falls State Ice Age Trail Area. Coming up this evening, they'll be hosting an informational meeting Monday 5pm at Nicolet College in the Northwoods Center. They've got another scheduled Tuesday at the Park Falls Library. The DNR has information on the master plan, the meetings and ways to submit feedback on their website. They'll be accepting comments through December 7.

Published on 11/03/2025 under News Each fall, families in need benefit from the generosity of Wisconsin hunters who contribute venison through a DNR Deer Donation program. With the archery season underway, and the gun deer season quickly approaching, the DNR is encouraging hunters consider donating once again. Since the Wisconsin Deer Donation program began in the year 2000, the DNR says hunters have donated 100,000 deer, totaling over 4 million pounds of venison, to help Wisconsinites in need. DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "Our Deer Donation Program helps provide nutrition-packed options like venison and we are optimistic hunters will continue their role in combating hunger in Wisconsin through this program." The DNR works with a number of partners including county agencies, food pantries, charitable organizations, and meat processors to run the program. For those hunters don't want to donate venison, but still want to support the program, a monetary donation can be made when purchasing a license to help cover program costs. Additional information including participating processing locations is available on the DNR website.

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