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Northwoods Cases of Covid-19 Continue to Rise Published on 07/09/2020 under News

Cases of Covid-19 continue to rise here in the Northwoods.

In Lincoln County, the Health Department reported two additional cases on Wednesday. The individuals are in their 20's and 50's, respectively, and both are currently isolating.

We spoke with Lincoln County Health Director Shelley Hersil, who says that Lincoln County cases have doubled since July 1. She says they are seeing more cases spread through family gatherings and celebrations. She also noted that they have seen positive tests from those showing no symptoms to those she described as "pretty sick" and having difficulty breathing.

Oneida County reported two additional cases Wednesday bringing their total 27 cases.

Forest County reported 4 positive tests bringing their total to four. Nine people are in isolation and two remain hospitalized.

One of the lowest totals in the state, Price County Public Health announced two additional cases bringing their total to four.

In Other News

Hatchet Hub Provides Students with Essential Resources Like Hygiene Products, Clothing, and Food

Published on 10/16/2026 under News A new initiative at the Tomahawk School District is breaking down barriers for local students and helping them stay focused on learning. With the start of the new school year, the district launched the Hatchet Hub, an essential resource pantry located across all three campus school buildings. The program was introduced by district social worker Mickala Ferge, whose position was brought back to the district through funding shared with a grant from the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force. Ferge joined WJJQ's Thursday Conversation to discuss the project, explaining that the Hub provides crucial support for students in need. It is stocked with basic essentials, including food, hygiene products, clothing, and occasionally gift certificates for services like haircuts. To eliminate any potential stigma, items are distributed confidentially through school staff or directly out of Ferge's office. With winter fast approaching, the Hub is currently seeking community donations of winter gear alongside regularly needed items like non-perishable snacks and hygiene basics. That conversation is available in the WJJQ Audio Center. To learn more or support Tomahawk students through the Hatchet Hub, contact the Tomahawk School District.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News There's no major snow in the forecast yet, but local snowmobile clubs are already gearing up for the upcoming season. The Northwoods is home to some of the best trails in the state, but keeping them in top shape requires year-round effort. This Saturday, October 17th, the Northwoods Riders and Northwoods Passage Snowmobile Clubs will host their annual trail brushing and maintenance day. Volunteers will head out to clear brush, downed trees, and other debris that accumulated since the trails closed last winter. With hundreds of miles of trails north of Tomahawk to maintain, organizers are calling on community members for a helping hand. The event is open to everyone—not just club members. Organizers highlight it as a great opportunity for riders to get involved, meet local club members, and see firsthand the dedication required to maintain the trail network. Volunteers will gather at the Northwoods Riders Garage on County Highway L in Nokomis at 9:00 AM on Saturday to receive trail assignments. Participants are encouraged to bring helpful tools such as saws, loppers, work gloves, safety glasses, and an ATV or UTV if available. After the trail work is finished, volunteers will head back to the garage for a "thank you" gathering featuring food, refreshments, and music.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News In coordination with National Move Over Day on Saturday, law enforcement officers across Wisconsin are sharing an important safety reminder to leave a lane of space when passing roadside workers and stopped vehicles. Throughout the week, Wisconsin State Patrol troopers are stepping up enforcement of the state's Move Over Law while handing out educational flyers to motorists stopped for violations. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized the danger of roadside stops, saying, "Stopping alongside the road can be very dangerous... Our officers will be working to educate motorists about the law and remind them that moving over or slowing down can protect lives." Over the past five years, roadside incidents in Wisconsin have injured 128 people and claimed six lives. The original Move Over Law focused on emergency, utility, and maintenance vehicles with active warning lights, but it was later expanded to protect any disabled vehicle using hazard lights or flares, or with visible occupants nearby. Drivers on multi-lane roads are required to shift out of the lane closest to stopped vehicles—or slow down if changing lanes isn't safely possible. Violators face fines of up to $300, with far steeper penalties if a crash or injury occurs.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News Aspirus Health has announced it will sunset hospice care at the eight-bed Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff, transitioning services directly into homes and assisted living facilities across the Northwoods. According to the announcement, the decision follows an evaluation of patient needs, staffing requirements, and long-term sustainability. Seasons of Life currently averages four patients daily while requiring round-the-clock staffing. Sustained low demand, high staffing needs, and rising costs made the dedicated facility model difficult to maintain, reflecting a national trend where hospice care overwhelmingly occurs in home or residential settings. Tom Kaster, VP of Home Health, Hospice and Home Medical Equipment for Aspirus Health, says, "Hospice care is not ending in the Northwoods. We are directing our resources toward a model that can reach more patients across a wider area while preserving compassionate support." Aspirus at Home–Home Care & Hospice expanded its Northwoods capabilities in July, including an improved on-call process and a broader service area. The team now supports patients in communities including Arbor Vitae, Eagle River, Three Lakes, Mercer, Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction and Crandon. The Aspirus at Home Hospice team will create personalized transition plans for current patients at Seasons of Life. A final service date will depend on the patient census, and Aspirus is supporting the 11 affected team members with role options across the health system.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News Student actors from across the Northwoods will take the stage in Tomahawk this weekend. Tomahawk High School is hosting the District Fall One-Act Play Competition on Saturday. The host Hatchets will kick off the performances at 9:00 AM with their production of "Lost in the Woods" by Stephen Murray. The play follows a group of tech-free wilderness campers who get lost and encounter mysterious forest creatures and an eccentric counselor before help arrives. Tomahawk is aiming to secure its 11th consecutive trip to the state festival next month. Following Tomahawk's opening act, productions from Crandon, Northland Pines, and Oconto Falls will take the stage at the top of each hour. All performances are free and open to the public.

Published on 10/16/2026 under News Excitement is building across the state as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources prepares to launch its ninth official elk hunting season this Saturday, October 17. The reintroduction of elk to Wisconsin began in 1995 and has been a tremendous success. The Northern Elk Herd—roaming across Price, Ashland, Bayfield, Sawyer, and Rusk counties—has grown to an estimated 383 animals as of this summer. Meanwhile, the Central Herd in Jackson and Monroe counties stands at an estimated 225 elk. New this year, tags are unit-specific, allowing wildlife managers to focus harvest pressure in areas with higher human-elk conflicts while helping the rest of the herd continue to grow. Even before the challenge of the hunt itself, winning a license is a rare feat. Out of more than 34,000 applicants statewide, just 16 state licenses were drawn. In the Northern Zone, an eight-bull quota is split evenly between four state hunters and four tribal members. In the Central Zone, 12 state licenses were awarded, split between six bulls and six antlerless elk. The season runs through December 13. Hunters are reminded to always positively identify their target and know the distinct differences between deer and elk before taking a shot.-Photo provide by Wisconsin DNR

Published on 10/15/2026 under News An emergency fundraising effort to keep Rhinelander's temporary housing shelter heated has reached its goal in less than a day thanks to community generosity. When the commercial boiler at Frederick Place failed Tuesday evening, staff were left scrambling to heat the building with cooler temperatures quickly approaching. Due to the age of the equipment, replacement parts were unavailable, requiring the non-profit to secure quotes and select a vendor for an immediate system replacement with a $20,000 price tag. Northwoods Alliance for Temporary Housing which operates the facility put a call out for public help via social media Tuesday evening. The post was shared hundred of times and within 22 hours three anonymous donors fully funded their target. According to NATH, contracts for the new boiler are currently under review, and installation is scheduled to begin shortly. Shelter operators anticipate only a minor disruption of a day or two during the installation, ensuring heat remains restored for residents ahead of the fall and winter season.

Published on 10/15/2026 under News State officials have taken a major step toward closing the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth facilities in Lincoln County. Governor Tony Evers and Department of Corrections (DOC) leadership recently celebrated the opening of the new Southeast Regional Care Center for Youth in Milwaukee. The 32-bed facility is designed to move young offenders out of Northern Wisconsin and closer to their families and support systems in the southern part of the state. Youth inmates are expected to begin arriving at the new center next month. DOC Secretary Jared Hoy noted, "The design supports what we now know about adolescent development, and the programming offered here will follow suit, with staff using evidence-based techniques to help youth make better choices and support rehabilitation." Designed around both education and treatment, the facility features a school with a music studio, welding and woodworking workshops, a health services unit, and a psychological services unit. The center is also partly powered by a rooftop solar array. The opening marks the first phase of a long-standing state plan to phase out juvenile operations at the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake campus campus by spring of 2029. Once additional regional centers, including one currently under construction in Dane County, are operational, the state plans to convert the 500-bed campus in Irma into an adult male correctional facility.

Published on 10/15/2026 under News It's not Halloween yet, but Christmas light displays are being readied in Rhinelander. Volunteers are officially kicking off preparations for the annual Lights of the Northwoods display at Hodag Park, as they look to celebrate their tenth season this December. With more than a quarter million lights, turning the park along Boom Lake into a winter wonderland takes plenty of hard work. Organizers are asking community members to lend a hand with less than 50 days until opening night. Each Saturday in October and November, the build teams will be working and volunteers of all skill levels are welcome to help string lights, move equipment, and set up displays. Those interested can meet at the Little League building, with two work shifts at 9:00 a.m. and noon. Beyond creating a local holiday tradition, the Lights of the Northwoods gives back with collections of non-perishable food and monetary donations to stock not only the Rhinelander Food Pantry, but neighboring communities as well. And for those marking their calendars, the December 1 kickoff is just 47 days away.

Published on 10/15/2026 under News WaWui Bingo in Tomahawk closed out its regular season with a major jackpot winner. More than 130 players attended the final session of the year, with their eyes on a growing prize. Without a progressive jackpot winner since July, the top prize had climbed to an impressive $5,263. By the 58th number called, frequent player Michelle Quade filled her entire card to claim the grand prize. The payout marked the end of a successful season for WaWui Bingo. Over the course of the year, the progressive game alone awarded three jackpots totaling more than $14,000 in payouts. Proceeds from WaWui Bingo directly support operations and facility improvements at SARA Park in Tomahawk. The progressive jackpot will reset when regular play resumes next May, though organizers note that special winter sessions are occasionally scheduled throughout the off-season.

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