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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

WPS Foundation Kicks Off Annual Rewarding Responders Grant Tour at Minocqua Fire Department

Published on 08/25/2026 under News First responders across the region will be better equipped during emergency calls thanks to continued support from the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. As part of its Rewarding Responders program, the WPS Foundation is visiting law enforcement, fire, EMS, and rescue agencies throughout the Northwoods this week, delivering a combined $75,000 in grants for crucial equipment, safety gear, and training. One of the first stops was the Minocqua Fire and Rescue Department, where officials unveiled new medical supplies to stock the department's mass-incident emergency response kit. The new gear will allow firefighters to provide lifesaving care if injuries occur during large public events or gatherings. "This grant comes to us at a time when we are facing new challenges in public safety," said Fire Chief Rich Carani. "It means we are able to purchase the equipment we need to respond quickly and treat members of the public when needed." Other local agencies selected to receive funding during this cycle include the Tomahawk Police Department and the Nokomis Fire Department. We will highlight additional grant recipients later this week. With this latest round of funding, the WPS Foundation's Rewarding Responders program has now surpassed $750,000 in total support distributed among 240 agencies.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Atrial fibrillation affects millions of Americans each year, yet the condition often goes undetected and untreated, significantly increasing the risk of serious health issues like stroke. To help raise awareness, the Aspirus Heart Care team is hosting a free community discussion in Minocqua on Thursday. The presentation will be led by cardiothoracic surgeons Dr. John Johnkoski and Dr. Stephen Thorp, alongside electrophysiologist Dr. Andrew Mykytsey. The team has hosted similar discussions in past years, drawing strong turnouts and positive community feedback. Earlier this month, Dr. Johnkoski joined the WJJQ Morning Show to offer a preview of the upcoming event. Recent research shows that A-fib is on the rise among adults under 65. The trend is often attributed to a combination of risk factors, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, hypertension, and sleep apnea. During Thursday's presentation, the medical team will cover the link between A-fib, stroke, and heart failure, as well as both traditional and innovative treatment options. The program is free to attend, but pre-registration is required. Registration is requested by calling 800-847-4707 or visit aspirus.org/classes-events

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Multiple arrests were made following a search warrant execution at a Merrill home last week. According to the Merrill Police Department, officers working alongside the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office executed the warrant in the 800 block of Grand Avenue after learning Nicholas Teal was inside. Teal was wanted on an active warrant for 1st-degree reckless homicide by drug delivery. He was taken into custody and appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Friday facing multiple drug-related charges. An adjourned initial appearance is scheduled for September 4. Several others were also arrested as part of the operation. Jacqueline Terry made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Friday facing six drug-related charges. She is due back in court later this week. Homeowner Edward Duellman is also facing six charges, including maintaining a drug trafficking place. Noting previous drug raids at the property, Lincoln County Circuit Court Judge Galen Bayne-Allison ordered the residence to remain vacant until further notice.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News With the first day of class quickly approaching, campuses across the Northwoods are putting the finishing touches on their back-to-school preparations. Here in Tomahawk, a group of volunteers recently teamed up to ensure the playground at St. Mary's School is safe and ready for young learners ahead of recess. More than a dozen community members turned out to answer the school's call for help spreading fresh wood chips across the playground surface. The chips, donated by the local PCA Mill, provide a softer, safer landing area for students. Following the evening effort, school officials expressed their gratitude, sharing: "Even though there is still work to do, we did a great job working together. The volunteers' time, hard work, and willingness to help made a big difference."

Published on 08/25/2026 under News Wisconsin manufacturers produce a wide array of innovative products, and an annual statewide competition is once again looking to crown the coolest among them. The appropriately named "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" contest officially launched nominations this week. Hosted by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC), the annual contest celebrates state-made products and the workers who produce them, while highlighting manufacturing's vital role in the state's economy. WMC President and CEO Kurt R. Bauer, "For more than a decade, this contest has helped spotlight the innovation and talent that make Wisconsin a manufacturing powerhouse." Over the years, several Northwoods favorites have made deep runs in the competition, including St. Croix Fishing Rods, Minocqua Popcorn, and Thorogood work boots. Members of the public can submit nominations through September 11. Finalists will be announced ahead of public voting later next month, with the overall winner crowned in October during Wisconsin Manufacturing Month.

Published on 08/25/2026 under News With the fall deer season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is looking for experienced outdoor enthusiasts to help train the next generation of hunters across the state. The DNR is actively recruiting volunteer instructors to lead hunter education and practical skills workshops in all regions of Wisconsin. Volunteers work alongside DNR staff and partner organizations, such as Pheasants Forever and the National Deer Association, to teach hands-on topics including basic marksmanship, deer processing, game cooking, and dog training. Beyond the classroom, opportunities are also open for volunteers and landowners to host "Learn to Hunt" mentored events. These classes provide additional instruction and continuing education to hunters of all experience levels. The DNR has additional information on their website.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office K-9 program is adding new recruits thanks to a generous grant. During its meeting last week, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution accepting $35,315 from the Bierman Family Foundation to fund the acquisition and training of two new K-9 officers. The new dogs will replace K-9s Poncho and Nina, who both recently retired after years of service to the county. One of the new dogs has plenty of local experience already. Dasty, who spent five years as a K-9 with the Merrill Police Department, is moving to the Sheriff's Office along with his handler, Josh McCaskill. McCaskill previously worked for the Sheriff's Office in Corrections, prior to his 15 years with the Merrill PD. The Sheriff's Office recently highlighted Deputy McCaskill and Dasty. According to those discussions at the meeting, as part of an inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), $5,000 will be provided to the City of Merrill. Acquiring a new K-9 and training a handler typically costs roughly $30,000. Bringing Dasty on board alongside a second new dog allows the department to rebuild its unit efficiently within the grant's budget—ensuring the program continues with zero impact on local tax levy dollars. The Lincoln County K-9 program was originally reestablished in 2014, also largely funded by a Bierman Family Foundation grant.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News A suspect is in custody following a hit-and-run crash that injured a pedestrian in Lincoln County last weekend. On Friday, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 28-year-old Edgar resident Brandon Karlen. He is charged with Hit and Run–Causing Great Bodily Harm. Early on August 16, responders were called to County Highway K near Lake Pesobic Road in the Town of Merrill, where they discovered a man lying in the road with severe head injuries. The victim was hit by a southbound vehicle while walking along the west side of the road. Rushed to a nearby hospital, he told officers he remembered little about the crash. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene pointing to a truck with passenger-side mirror damage, eventually identifying Karlen as the suspect. According to reporting from WSAW-TV, Karlen is a State Patrol Trooper who was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident. The State Patrol stated he is currently on paid administrative leave. A judge set a $10,000 signature bond during Karlen's initial court appearance on Friday. His bond conditions require absolute sobriety and prohibit driving at night. He is scheduled to return to court for an adjourned initial appearance on September 14.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News Three people were injured following a head-on, two-vehicle collision near Merrill on Friday. According to the Merrill Fire Department, responders were dispatched to County Road K, south of County Road FF in the Town of Scott. Upon arrival, crews found one vehicle blocking the roadway while the second had come to rest in the ditch. The driver of one vehicle was trapped inside and required extrication before being transported to a nearby hospital. Two occupants in the other vehicle were also treated and transported. Fortunately, several off-duty Merrill firefighters stepped up to staff a third ambulance, ensuring all three patients received immediate care both on scene and during transport. The road was closed for about half an hour while crews cleared the scene. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

Published on 08/24/2026 under News With the fall hunting season right around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is sweetening the deal for meat processors participating in the state's long-running Deer Donation Program. Established in 2000, the program has seen hunters contribute over 100,000 deer, supplying Wisconsin food pantries with more than 4 million pounds of ground venison to combat food insecurity. DNR officials credit the program's long-term success to both the hunters in the field and the dedicated meat processors who turn those harvests into meals for neighbors in need. To encourage more local butcher shops and processing facilities to get involved, the DNR announced a $25 increase in reimbursement rates for every donated deer. Processors will now receive $125 per standard deer, and $135 if CWD testing is required. The rate increase aims to boost processor participation ahead of the fall hunt, ensuring even more venison reaches families in need. Hunters and processors interested in participating can find more information on the DNR website.

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