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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

Rennes Makes $50,000 Contribution to Hodag Park All-Inclusive Playground Fundraiser

Published on 07/23/2026 under News A major community partnership is bringing generations together in Rhinelander to complete an accessible playground project. Rennes Health & Rehab Center has pledged a $50,000 donation to the Rhinelander Kiwanis Playground Project at Hodag Park. While Rennes primarily serves local seniors through skilled nursing and assisted living care, its leadership is investing directly in the youth of the Northwoods. The contribution supports Phase 2 of the broader initiative: constructing a fully inclusive playground where children of all abilities can play side by side. The new playground will complement the Hodag Park splash pad that opened earlier this year, expanding a central gathering space where grandparents, parents, and kids can make memories together. Kerry Brekke, President of the Rhinelander Kiwanis Club says, "We are incredibly grateful to Rennes of Rhinelander for their generosity and commitment to our community. Their investment will have a lasting impact on local families and visitors for generations to come." Kiwanis leaders note that fundraising for the project is still underway. To learn how to contribute, search for the Rhinelander Kiwanis Foundation on Facebook. Photo provided by Rhinelander Kiwanis (left to right) Brandon Karaba – Kiwanis Club Board Member; Anna Klemann – Rennes Administrator; and Amanda Aylesworth – Director of Marketing at Rennes

Published on 07/23/2026 under News While stormy weather is usually to blame for power outages, a brief blackout in Tomahawk on Wednesday morning was triggered by a different force of nature. According to a nearby resident affected by the outage, a sandhill crane flew into a power line near Somo Avenue on the city's west side. The impact cut power to local customers. It also sparked a small fire, which was quickly contained by Tomahawk police and fire crews stationed just a few blocks away. Power was restored shortly after. Unfortunately, the bird did not survive the incident.

Published on 07/23/2026 under News A construction accident in the Town of Merrill sent one worker to the hospital Tuesday after roof trusses collapsed during installation. According to Merrill Fire and EMS, emergency crews responded to a reported building collapse on Hemlock Lane. First responders discovered that a set of roof trusses shifted and toppled onto a crew of construction workers. One worker was briefly trapped under the wreckage before managing to free themselves. First responders evaluated three workers at the scene, with one individual transported to Aspirus Wausau Hospital for further treatment. No update on their condition was provided. First responders noted that the department was stretched thin during the emergency, handling three other simultaneous ambulance calls at the time.

Published on 07/23/2026 under News Lincoln County will have a new finance director during one of the busiest times of the year. At its meeting on Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board filled the newly vacated position following the resignation of Heather Marheine, who stepped down after two years in the role. Based on a recommendation from the Finance Committee, the full board unanimously approved Korey Bloch to take over effective August 17. Board Chair Don Friske highlighted that Bloch is from Merrill with financial experience at a large, local business. Friske then introduced Bloch, who was in attendance, who received a brief welcome and round of applause. Bloch's appointment comes as the county works to craft its 2027 budget. The board typically receives a preliminary spending plan in August or September, reviews it in October, and votes on final approval in November.

Published on 07/23/2026 under News While summer schedules are packed with vacations and outdoor fun, the need for blood donations never takes a day off. Today, The Community Blood Center is stopping in Rhinelander as part of its annual "STAT" (Summer Tour for All Types) blood drive. Summer is one of the most challenging times of year for blood collection, as donations drop while hospitals' needs for routine treatments and emergency care remain constant. Organizers emphasize that every donation helps maintain a reliable supply for local patients. The STAT drive is a rebranding of the former MASH-themed blood drives. While the name and look were updated last year, organizers emphasize that the mission remains the same: saving lives. After today's stop in Rhinelander, the STAT tour will move on to Merrill and Wausau in the coming weeks. Donations are being accepted today from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rhinelander High School Commons Area. Donors will receive snacks and a limited-edition STAT t-shirt that reads, "I Saved Someone's Summer."

Published on 07/23/2026 under News While The Odyssey dominates the box office, independent cinema is taking center stage in Northern Wisconsin as Northcentral Technical College (NTC) and its partners host the Film, Farm, & Culture Fest of Wausau. Kicking off tonight at the Woodson History Center, the annual summer festival brings together audiences and emerging filmmakers. According to NTC faculty member Jila Nikpay, "This year's event will showcase six entertaining and thought-provoking films from around the world." The lineup features both fiction and documentary films exploring the rich relationships between farming, land, and rural life, stretching from the French Pyrenees to the Brazilian Amazon. In conjunction with the festival, NTC has been offering summer workshops for aspiring filmmakers to learn the ins and outs of writing, shooting, and editing short films at Studio 7, NTC's state-of-the-art video production facility. Screenings run Thursday through Saturday this week and next. The full lineup is available on the Festival website.

Published on 07/23/2026 under News The Loop Hole Bar & Grill is warning customers and local residents about unauthorized promotional mailers currently circulating in the community. The mailers advertise an upcoming seminar or promotional event at the restaurant next month hosted by MASA Medical Air Services. However, management clarified that they have not authorized, scheduled, or partnered with the group for any such event and are actively investigating why the business was listed. The restaurant urges anyone who received the flyer to avoid making plans, reservations, or financial commitments. An image of the unauthorized mailer has been posted on The Loop Hole's Facebook page for reference.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News While many insects help our gardens by pollinating flowers, one invasive beetle continues to give Northwoods gardeners plenty of headaches. Japanese beetles have been busy and hungry across Northern Wisconsin in recent weeks. According to UW Extension, the metallic green and copper-colored beetles feed on the leaves of more than 350 plant species. Their feeding leaves behind a distinctive lace-like skeleton of the leaf, weakening plants and making them more susceptible to disease and other stresses. Homeowners have several options to help protect their plants each with advantages and disadvantages. The simplest is through frequent plant checks, knocking the beetles into a bucket of soapy water. Commercial insecticides can also be effective, but may harm beneficial insects. Pheromone traps are available as well, but experts caution they can actually draw more beetles into your yard. Fortunately, Mother Nature may also lend a helping hand with a parasitic control. According to the University of Minnesota, the Winsome fly lays its eggs on the backs of Japanese beetles. When the larvae hatch, they feed on the beetle, eventually killing it within a few days. There is evidence of the Winsome fly eggs on beetles here in the Northwoods. So if you spot a Japanese beetle with these small white eggs on its back, you may want to let nature take its course.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News Community members and local growers can get an up-close look at the state's latest potato research during the Rhinelander Agricultural Research Station's annual Summer Field Day this Thursday. The free event invites attendees to explore the station and see agricultural science in action. Station Superintendent Becky Eddy and university scientists will lead field wagon tours showcasing current crop research. Expert speakers will also share updates on UW–Madison potato projects, including the use of remote-sensing technology and the latest strategies for managing potato insects and plant pathology. A major highlight of the day is "Potato 2.0", a newly funded $3.8 million USDA project aimed at streamlining the potato breeding process using techniques similar to modern corn production. In addition to field demonstrations, the "Spudmobile" mobile education center will be onsite, making it a great event for families. The event runs from 9am to 1pm tomorrow at the Research station located on Camp Bryn Afon Road. Additional information and a schedule is available on their website.

Published on 07/22/2026 under News It's a summer Wednesday in Tomahawk, and that means another opportunity to enjoy live music. Tomahawk Music on the River enters the back half of its summer concert series tonight with week five of seven. Now in its nineteenth season, the series brings back another fan, and Jeff in the Morning, favorite. The Jimmys have become regulars here in Tomahawk, known for high-energy shows powered by a full horn section and keys. While most performers stick to the pavilion, members of the Jimmys have even been known to hop aboard a pontoon to literally play music on the river during past visits. The band comes highly decorated, boasting a lengthy list of Wisconsin Area Music Industry honors. After a summer spent dodging rain and wildfire smoke, the forecast is finally looking like a beautiful evening. The music kicks off at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Park in Tomahawk.

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