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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

Christmas Spirit Lincoln County Preparing for Annual Holiday Gift Distribution

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.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News A Tomahawk woman accused of fatally stabbing her husband in January 2025 has reached a plea agreement in Lincoln County Court. Michelle Sanderson entered a plea of no contest on Thursday to an amended charge of first-degree reckless injury and a misdemeanor count of obstructing an officer. As part of the agreement, two additional charges were dismissed, but will be considered during sentencing. The charges stem from the January 2025 death of 50-year-old Richard "Ricky" Sanderson. Authorities were contacted after he was brought to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital with a severe chest wound and later died. Investigators filed charges after a witness reported seeing Michelle stab her husband with a steak knife inside their residence following an argument. The case was originally set to go to trial early next year. Now Sanderson, who remains jailed, will be sentenced February 15.

Published on 09/25/2026 under News "See Tracks, Think Train." It's a simple message, but a vital reminder to use caution near any railroad crossing. This week, local railroads, law enforcement agencies, and safety organizations like Operation Lifesaver are partnering to raise awareness about the inherent risks of rail lines. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the state features more than 3,300 miles of active train tracks and over 4,000 public crossings including several right here in Tomahawk. Wisconsin averages around a dozen train-related injuries or fatalities each year, most of which are entirely preventable. Safety officials emphasize that modern trains are much quieter than older models, meaning you may not hear an approaching train until it is too close. Additionally, a train traveling at speed can take up to a mile or more to come to a complete stop, making extra caution important for both motorists and pedestrians. Drivers and pedestrians should always stick to designated crossings and obey all posted signals, gates, and flashing lights. When warning devices activate, stop at least 15 feet back from the nearest rail. At un-gated crossings, always look both ways before proceeding, even if no warning lights are present. Finally, never stop or linger with a vehicle on the tracks, even if there is no train in sight.

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