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Verso Shutdown Could Affect County Forest Lands Published on 07/09/2020 under News

The Verso paper mill shutdowns in Wisconsin Rapids and Duluth could have a ripple effect on the Northwoods forest industry.

The Verso closures were announced last month and will directly affect more than 1,000 mill workers. We recently heard from the Wisconsin County Forests Association. The Rhinelander-based group includes 29 member counties.

They noted that the two Verso mills consume roughly 25% of the total raw material harvested in Wisconsin, much of which comes off of county forest lands. They said, losing this market also puts sustainable forest management, including the viability of our healthy forests, in jeopardy. The harvest also provides much needed revenue to county budgets.

Association Board president Norman Bickford says, "This has the potential to negatively alter the course of forest management in Wisconsin and all the abundant benefits our healthy forests provide."

He added, "WCFA stands ready to assist and support emerging efforts to keep timber markets intact, operational and viable in the State of Wisconsin."

In Other News

Tomahawk Lions Club Bring Back Powwow Days Pin Scavenger Hunt

Published on 06/02/2026 under News The Tomahawk Lions Club is well known for its annual Powwow Days celebrations, and ahead of this year's Fourth of July festivities, the group has brought back its community-wide scavenger hunt. The treasure hunt debuted in 2024 as a way to build excitement for the holiday weekend. This year, hunters are searching for official Tomahawk Lions Club pins, which feature a fitting design for the city: a hatchet with the Lions logo stamped on the blade. There are 10 pins hidden in all. The Lions teased that they could be tucked away in local parks, businesses, and other creative spots around town, though they noted that all pins will be visible. Those lucky enough to track a pin down will win a cash prize. The club also hopes to gather all the winners during the Powwow Days festivities for a group photo in front of the classic Lions truck. The contest kicked off over the weekend and will continue until all 10 pins have been located. For clues and additional information, updates are available on the Tomahawk Lions Club Facebook page.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News Lincoln County residents in financial need can now protect their homes from carbon monoxide for free, thanks to a limited-time program by the local health department. Through a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Lincoln County Health Department is offering free carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to local households. The program specifically targets individuals and families with financial need who currently lack a working detector or have one that needs to be replaced. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas produced whenever fuels like gas, propane, charcoal, or wood are burned. In the home, common sources include gas appliances, wood stoves, and portable generators. (CO risks also extend to recreational activities like camping, boating, and riding UTVs.) Because the gas is undetectable by human senses, recognizing the symptoms of CO poisoning is critical. Health officials warn that early signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Severe or prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness or death. To keep your household safe, safety experts recommend installing a detector on every level of your home, testing the alarms monthly, and replacing the units every five years (or according to manufacturer guidelines). The free detectors are available while supplies last and can be picked up during regular business hours at the Lincoln County Health Department in Merrill by qualifying residents.

Published on 06/02/2026 under News A Mosinee man facing burglary charges in Lincoln County will avoid jail time. According to court records, 60-year-old Todd Schifelbine was back in court this past week for a plea hearing. Schifelbine was arrested in January after Lincoln County deputies investigated a vehicle crash in the Town of Somo. The caller who reported the crash also noted that the driver had broken into a building on the property. During their investigation, deputies located footprints in the snow leading from Schifelbine's vehicle to the building, which showed signs of forced entry. Deputies also found items allegedly stolen from the building scattered around the vehicle. Schifelbine was initially facing four charges. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded no contest to one count of burglary and one count of bail jumping. In exchange, two other charges were dismissed but read in and considered during sentencing. Schifelbine received a two-year withheld sentence with probation. As a condition of his probation, he must maintain absolute sobriety and either secure employment or pursue education.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans is traveling to the nation's capital on Monday to visit the monuments built in their honor. The Never Forgotten Honor Flight is embarking on the second of four planned missions to Washington, D.C., this year. Organizers expect 96 veterans to take part, including 95 from the Vietnam era and one from the Korean War. They are hoping for better travel luck than last month's flight, which experienced a few mechanical delays. Today's mission marks the 56th flight for the local hub since its founding in 2010. Over that time, nearly 5,400 local veterans have participated in the program. Organizers continue to encourage veterans who served in any location prior to June 7, 1975, to sign up if they haven't already taken part. The public is invited to give the veterans a warm welcome home at the end of their journey this evening. Honor Flight officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30 p.m.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News A tragic end to the search for a missing boater in Lac du Flambeau late last week. Officials say the body of Kyle Ascheman, 45, of Lake Geneva, was recovered from Whitefish Lake over the weekend. Ascheman was reportedly vacationing with his family in Lac du Flambeau at the time of his disappearance. The search began Thursday evening after a concerned citizen reported an unoccupied boat circling on the water. Authorities identified Ascheman as the boat's owner and contacted his family, who confirmed he was missing. A multi-agency search was launched Thursday night, continuing through Friday and into Saturday morning. First responders noted that difficult lake bed conditions and poor visibility impeded their efforts. Crews utilized specialized equipment, including aerial and underwater drones, sonar, and search dogs. On Saturday, a dive team located and recovered Ascheman's body in approximately 38 feet of water. The incident remains under investigation.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Tomahawk residents may notice some changes to their water this week as the City of Tomahawk Water Department conducts its annual water main and hydrant flushing program. The Water Department says this annual flushing program is an essential part of maintaining a safe, clean, and reliable water system for the community. During the flushing process, residents may experience temporary drops in water pressure and occasional water discoloration caused by sediment being cleared from the system. City officials say this discoloration is normal and can usually be resolved by running a cold water tap for one to two minutes until it runs clear. As a precaution, residents are advised to avoid washing white or light-colored laundry while crews are working in their immediate area. Motorists should also use caution around work crews and watch for standing water on roadways. Crews will begin today and work through Friday in designated zones across the city.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News Wisconsin trail riders will need to double check ATV/UTV rules, as the new off-road vehicle regulations officially take effect today, June 1. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is rolling out the updated rules to bolster safety across the state's trail systems. Among the most notable updates is a seatbelt mandate for all UTV operators and passengers. Additionally, anyone riding in a vehicle without a windshield is now required to wear goggles, glasses, or a face shield. The regulations crack down on excessive noise, unnecessary tire spinning, and reckless operation on both trails and public roads, introducing stiffer penalties for property damage. UTV drivers will also have to comply with new window tint standards and strict limitations on towing individuals on sleds or trailers. On the mechanical side, the maximum allowable weight for UTVs has been increased to 3,500 pounds, and all UTVs must now be equipped with two functioning tail lights. With summer riding season kicking into high gear, the DNR is urging riders to thoroughly review the comprehensive, updated 60-page regulations booklet, which is currently available for download on their website. Beyond the new changes, DNR officials are reminding riders that foundational safety habits remain as critical as ever. "As always, ride safe by wearing your helmets and seatbelts, knowing the rules, and riding sober," said DNR Lt. Jacob Holsclaw.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News A state agency will once again be tracking spongy moths this summer across the western half of Wisconsin. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced it will set more than 6,500 spongy moth traps across 36 counties, including Lincoln, Vilas, Oneida, Price, and Taylor. Program coordinator Amanda Miller noted that the traps serve a dual purpose: monitoring existing populations and catching new ones early. Miller says, "Even though spongy moth populations drastically decreased across the state again last season, there are still new outlier populations developing." The traps themselves are small, green, tent-shaped boxes tied to tree branches. Infused with the scent of a female spongy moth, the traps are completely undetectable to other insects but highly attractive to male spongy moths. State crews will monitor the traps through August, which is typically when the male moths stop flying for the season. Once the flight period ends, the traps will be removed. Property owners may spot agency staff tending to the sites over the summer. Those monitoring the traps will wear fluorescent safety vests and carry official identification cards. Each trap is clearly labeled with a phone number and a QR code that residents can use if they have questions or concerns.

Published on 06/01/2026 under News The Eagle River Area Fire Department turned a planned barn demolition into a valuable training opportunity. Firefighters and other first responders spent Saturday at the Northwoods Assembly of God Church. Before a controlled burn of an old barn, firefighters spent the morning conducting a variety of training exercises focused on emergency response skills in simulated smoke conditions and live-fire scenarios. As the day progressed, they then moved on to a controlled burn of the entire barn. The agency said the controlled burn was completed successfully with no fire spread to nearby structures and no spot fires reported. Fire officials say realistic training exercises like this provide hands-on experience that helps firefighters better protect the communities they serve. Several neighboring agencies and partners took part.

Published on 05/29/2026 under Sports Junior Athlete Elise Gibeault and Sophomore Athlete Ellie Micke would become the only Hatchets to qualify for the WIAA Division 2 State Track & Field Meet at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse next weekend. Gibeault would finish second in both the 200 and 400 meter dashes. Gibeault would re-set personal bests and school records in both events. The Junior finished with a run of 25.74 seconds in the 200 meter dash and a run of 56.39 seconds in the 400 meter dash. Gibeault would place behind only Hayward's Harper Sheehan in both events. As for Micke, she was the last qualifier in the field in the High Jump. Micke tied for the 4th spot in the sectional and would advance by way of tiebreaker. Micke's leap in the High Jump was 5'3". Gibeault and Micke will compete in the WIAA Division 2 State Meet in La Crosse Friday. Field Events begin at 3:00 PM. Running events begin at 3:30 PM.

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