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National Guard Wraps Up Testing in Oneida County Published on 05/22/2020 under News

Hundreds of Northwoods residents have been tested for Covid-19 this week with the help of the Wisconsin National Guard.

Yesterday, the guard wrapped up a two day testing event in Oneida County. While based in there, the collaboration included Health Departments in Forest, Vilas, Iron, Lincoln and Price Counties.

On Wednesday, the guard confirmed testing more than 140 samples at a mobile testing in Minocqua. Yesterday, they were at James Williams Middle School in Rhinelander for a similar effort. The number of people tested on Thursday hasn't been announced.

These free drive-up testing events were for people experiencing specific symptoms of Covid-19. Those who are tested should know the results early next week. The samples are sent to a state lab for analysis and typically take 3-5 days to process.

Since the effort began, the guard has collected more than 58,000 samples around the state.

(Photo of Minocqua testing event provided by Wisconsin National Guard)

In Other News

DNR Unveils Winning Park Pass Sticker Design; Local Student Receives Honorable Mention

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A high school junior from Delavan-Darien High School has taken top honors in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' 2027 State Park and Forest admission pass design contest, while a Northwoods student finished among the top entries. Junior Kiet Tuan Tran won first place out of more than 120 statewide submissions. Tran's winning design captures a rustic camping scene, complete with a tent sporting a fitting cheese-pattern print set beneath a tree canopy shaped like the outline of Wisconsin. Local student Skylarr Martin of Rhinelander High School also earned recognition, receiving an Honorable Mention for their artwork. Now in its 36th year, the DNR-sponsored contest invites high school students from across the state to showcase their artistic talents. "The contest is a great way to get students thinking about our public lands and the different ways they can support the state's natural resources," said Chris Pedretti, DNR Business Operations Section Supervisor. The new vehicle admission passes featuring the winning design will be available for purchase ahead of the 2027 state park season. Contest materials for the 2028 pass design contest are available now, with submissions accepted through April 30, 2027.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Two Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps programs are set to receive new grant funding to continue their community outreach missions across the state. Serve Wisconsin recently announced the distribution of $9.2 million in federal AmeriCorps grants to support 17 programs statewide. Through these initiatives, AmeriCorps members will assist with a wide range of local efforts, from conservation projects to after-school youth programming. Marshfield Clinic Health System secured funding for two specific programs. The first grant supports the "Community Corps" program, placing 50 members in non-profits and public health organizations across the region to expand capacity and address community health needs. The second grant funds the "Recovery Corps" program, training 20 members as recovery coaches to assist individuals battling opioid and substance use disorders while delivering community education. "Our AmeriCorps members serving this year are building upon the service legacy of those who have served before them," said Kyle Clower, Executive Director of Serve Wisconsin. In addition to funding the 17 statewide programs, Serve Wisconsin received $354,374 through the federal Volunteer Generation Fund to further support local volunteer initiatives across Wisconsin.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News We are still three months away from Christmas, but a Lincoln County group is already preparing its annual holiday gift distribution for families in need. Christmas Spirit Lincoln County works with local partners each holiday season to ensure a Merry Christmas for children across Tomahawk, Merrill, and surrounding areas. The non-profit's mission is to fulfill gift requests for parents and guardians who are struggling financially and may otherwise be unable to provide presents for their kids. Volunteer Chris Copiskey says the group helped more than 150 families and nearly 400 children last year. In addition to traditional toys and gifts, they also focus on providing essential items like winter coats, hygiene products, and bedding. Calling the effort "a heartwarming and humbling process," Copiskey noted that community generosity is always unbelievable. The first phase of the mission is already underway: collecting applications and wish lists. Although the deadline is October 31st, participating parents are encouraged to submit their paperwork as soon as possible. Applications are available at WJJQ in Tomahawk, as well as the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce and the Merrill Fire Department. Once requests are gathered, individual gift tags will be placed on community Giving Trees, allowing local residents to pick a tag and purchase items. In early December, volunteers will organize and distribute the gifts—an experience organizers call one of the most rewarding parts of the project.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News Artificial intelligence is rapidly expanding across health care, but local experts say human judgment must remain at the center of patient care. Erica Neilitz, simulation coordinator at Nicolet College, recently brought that message to the state capitol. Neilitz testified before the legislative Study Committee on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care, presenting alongside representatives from the UW-Madison School of Medicine and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Drawing on 26 years of nursing experience, Neilitz offered legislators insight into how AI is shaping both nursing education and the workforce. At Nicolet College, Neilitz uses hands-on simulations to prepare students for real-world medical settings, honing their decision-making and critical thinking. While AI offers promising new capabilities for health care, she emphasized to lawmakers that technology can never replace core nursing values. "There is significant value in artificial intelligence in health care, but it has to remain a tool that humans use responsibly," Neilitz stated. "As AI becomes more integrated into practice, we need to make sure nurses are prepared to use it without losing the clinical judgment, critical thinking, and caring that are foundational to nursing." Lawmakers on the study committee focused their questions on responsible student AI use, AI literacy, and recommendations for future state policy. Neilitz hopes her testimony will help ensure upcoming regulations support innovation while keeping human-centered care the top priority.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News Last Monday, another group of Northwoods veterans traveled to Washington, D.C., aboard the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, and local organizers are continuing their push to get more eligible veterans on the waiting list. As part of that effort, officials are working to dispel some of the most common reasons veterans hesitate to sign up. Many veterans believe they shouldn't apply because they didn't see combat, while others worry about health or mobility issues. Organizers stress that any military member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard, who served prior to May 7, 1975, qualifies for the trip. Full medical support and personal assistance are provided throughout the entire day if needed. Other veterans say they have already been to Washington or fear reliving difficult memories. Honor Flight officials emphasize that traveling alongside fellow service members offers a unique experience—one that often brings long-overdue closure and healing. Since the local hub was founded in 2010, the program has flown more than 5,400 area veterans to the nation's capital. The local chapter typically takes 4 missions per year, with one more on the schedule this fall.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News The Town of Boulder Junction is gearing up for a milestone celebration in 2027, marking 100 years since its founding—and local organizers want the community's personal stories to help bring that history to life. The town's Centennial Committee is planning a full lineup of anniversary events, including commemorative plaques, a town-wide birthday party, a historical theatrical performance, and a summer art installation. To help preserve Boulder Junction's rich heritage, the committee is gathering written, audio, and video stories from residents, past visitors, and families. Submissions may be featured in the upcoming centennial booklet, theatrical performance, or on the town's historical website. We'll include all contact info online.They note that no memory is too small, and stories can span any topic or era in the town's past. There are a number of opportunities for community members to share their story. Community members can participate in video or audio recording sessions at the Boulder Junction Community Center on three upcoming Thursdays: October 1st, 8th, and 15th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Wendi Neupert at 715-574-3850 or Cherie Sanderson at 715-892-0761. Stories and photos can be submitted via email (boulderjunctionwicentennial@gmail.com) or via the BoulderJunctionHistory.org website.

Published on 09/28/2026 under News A high-caliber musical experience is heading to Northwoods as a world-class orchestra makes its long-awaited return. For the first time in nearly a decade, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is coming to the region for a two-day community residency in Rhinelander this week. The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra has been ranked among finest in the nation since it's founding back in 1959. Organizers note the visit was made possible through a collaboration between local arts groups, community foundations, schools, and civic organizations. During the visit, MSO musicians will share that expertise, working directly with local students, performing for elementary, middle, and high schoolers, while also leading workshops for high school band members to explore careers in professional music. The public will have two opportunities to hear the orchestra perform. Coming up Tuesday evening, the full symphony orchestra will perform a community concert at Rhinelander High School. Then on Wednesday afternoon, an intimate chamber concert featuring four ensembles is scheduled for Nicolet College.

Published on 09/27/2026 under Sports Hatchet Volleyball was unable to overcome being shorthanded Saturday in Abbotsford, going 0-5 in their invite. Tomahawk played most of the invite without Sophia Lacina, Lexi Palmer, and Lauren Reibe. The Hatchets would get swept by Mondovi, Adams-Friendship, Spencer, and Rosholt. Tomahawk's lone set win came against the host Abbotsford. The losses drop Tomahawk to 5-21 on the season and 0-4 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back on the court Tuesday for a GNC Match against Lakeland. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Prematch Show at 6:35 and first serve at 7:00 on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the call.

Published on 09/25/2026 under Sports Make it three wins in a row for Tomahawk Football as they would travel to Mike Webster Stadium and upend the Rhinelander Hodags Friday night, 28-14. After the two teams traded touchdown drives in the first five minutes, the Hatchet defense bent but did not break against the Hodag aerial attack. Tomahawk would force three turnovers, including the first interception of the season for Rhinelander quarterback Abe Gretzinger. Colin Black filled in a quarterback after Jack Reilly left the game after the first quarter due to injury. Black had 40 yards passing and 20 yards receiving. Miles McGowan finished with an interception, a fumble recovery, a 20-yard passing touchdown, and a two-point conversion. Max Lason found the end zone twice, and Zander Zehner scored his first touchdown of the season. The Hatchets now sit at 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk returns home for the Homecoming Game next Friday against Medford. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be on the call with the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:15 and kickoff at 7:00. 11-Player Football: Wausau East 19, Mosinee 0 Medford 37, Lakeland 0 Merrill 32, Antigo 27 Crivitz 35, Northland Pines 14 Manawa 36, Crandon 8 8-Player Football: Hurley 58, Chequamegon 8 Rib Lake 28, Three Lakes/Phelps 20 Athens 26, Alma Center Lincoln 24 Niagara 47, Goodman-Pembine 16

Published on 09/25/2026 under News Ceremonial shovels hit dirt in Tomahawk yesterday to kick off a major construction project aimed at addressing a community housing. Local officials, community partners, and representatives from real estate developer S.C. Swiderski gathered Thursday morning in a celebratory atmosphere to officially break ground on a new 72-unit apartment complex located off Comfort Drive. Before the photo op, speakers briefly addressed the crowd, highlighting that projects of this scale do not happen overnight and require significant time, planning, and teamwork from instrumental community partners. The speakers emphasized two central themes for the project: an investment in Tomahawk's long-term future and opportunity for individuals and families looking to make the city their home. And with year's of work behind the scenes, some local project planners were excited to see dirt finally being moved. The development aims to relieve pressure on Tomahawk's rental housing inventory. The Mosinee-based developer worked closely alongside the City of Tomahawk and the Community Development Authority to secure the property and reach a developer's agreement with tax revenue-generated incentives. When finished, the completed complex will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. S.C. Swiderski currently manages residential property holdings in more than 30 communities across Wisconsin, including Athens, Eagle River, Merrill, Medford, and Wausau.

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