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Marshfield Clinic Research Receives Grant for Rural Covid-19 Study Published on 10/15/2020 under News

Researchers at Marshfield Clinic will continue a partnership with the CDC by studying the occurrence and impact of Covid-19 in rural communities.

The study will actively recruit and follow up to 1,500 people of all ages who live in Marshfield and surrounding areas. Participants will be followed weekly for one year to identify new COVID-19 infections, assess risk factors for infection, and describe the spectrum of COVID-19 illness across the lifespan.

Research Scientist Dr. Huong McLean says, "The findings will contribute to a more effective public health response, not only in central Wisconsin, but also potentially in rural communities elsewhere,"

The goal is to estimate the rate of coronavirus infection in a rural community; understanding infection risk among different age groups, comparing immune response in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, and learning about behaviors that lead to infection.

To help fund the study, the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute received a $4million grant.

In Other News

Aspirus Counselor Discusses World Teen Mental Wellness Day

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, and behavioral health professionals at Aspirus are highlighting some of the challenges impacting youth and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a key indicator of depression. Aspirus behavioral health and employee assistance program counselor Tisha Sleiter says this can come from academic expectations, peer dynamics, and constant digital exposure of social media, while some challenges still stem from impacts of the pandemic. According to the announcement, those struggles are unfolding during a critical stage of emotional and neurological development. The prefrontal cortex, which supports emotional regulation and decision-making, continues to mature throughout the teenage years. Prolonged stress during that time can influence how young people respond to pressure and build coping skills. Some early signs of emotional distress can include social withdrawal, declining engagement, increased anxiety and behavioral changes. Starting the conversation early and working with a primary care provider can help teens. Leiter says, "The best thing we can do is ask how they're doing. Form connection, provide space, and when they ask for help, guide them toward the support they need."

Published on 03/02/2026 under News While most people bundle up when heading out on a snowmobile, some riders stripped down for a good cause earlier this year. In late January, during our coldest stretch of the year, LaCannes Resort teamed up with Ties That Bind Us, a local cancer support group, for a Bikini Run during their during their Swamp Lake Shoot Out. They recently announced an impressive contribution. In the end, fundraising totals came in at just over $13,000. Founded in 2012, the Ties That Bind Us provides support network for those diagnosed with cancer to ensure no one goes through the journey alone. In making the announcement, Ties That Bind Us wrote, "We are so thankful for the girls who braved the -30 degree day, their sponsors, the community and LaCannes for hosting this great event!!!"

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Wildlife artists have another opportunity to have their artwork featured on the state's series of bird stamps. The DNR recently launched their annual art competition. Winning entries will appear on next year's wild turkey, pheasant or waterfowl stamps. The DNR says the contest offers a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting wildlife management. Funds raised through the sale of these stamps help support species management like habitat restoration, education and research projects. Over the years, Northwoods artists have fared quite well in the competition, winning on numerous occasions. That includes Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, who won last year's Pheasant stamp. Rules for this year's contest are available on the DNR website.

Published on 03/01/2026 under Sports At the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, both Hatchet wrestlers would bow out in the consolation brackets. Kylie Peissig would bow out in the consolation quarterfinals to Wausau West's Aleeah Le. Peissig started off the tournament losing by fall to Winneconne's Addison Brown Thursday. Peissig would win her first consolation match of Horicon's Keleigh Holl. Kami Gabrich would go winless at the State Tournament. Gabrich lost in the first round to Janesville Parker's Katie Kent. She then would lose to Holmen's Avalee Euler in the first round of the consolation brackets.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News Invasive species impact public lands and waterways, and officials are using this week to highlight some of the ways people can minimize the spread. It's National Invasive Species Awareness week. The DNR is taking part and encouraging others to get involved. This is a great time to remind the public of how they can help prevent the spread of invasive species year-round. The event is dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. The good news is that the public can help by taking steps toward basic care to greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that they love. The DNR highlighted some of those steps including cleaning outdoor gear and equipment between outings and buy local for firewood, plants, and bait. There are also volunteer opportunities from removal to education and outreach. The DNR's Invasive Species webpage offers plenty of information on what invasive species are and why it's important to control them.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry (RAFP) is challenging local residents to contribute to the Annual Spring Challenge. Two local families, who wish to remain anonymous, have agreed once again to make a partial match for all donations or pledges received from March 1st through April 30th. The 2026 Spring Challenge marks the 21st Anniversary of RAFP and over 10 million pounds of food distributed to our community. RAFP currently serves over 1,100 households and in the past year provided 37,000 meals to children in our community. Donations can be lower during this time of year, so your help is greatly appreciated. To help the Food Pantry with the Annual RAFP Spring Challenge, monetary donations can be made to Rhinelander Area Food Pantry PO Box 1306, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Food items may be dropped off at the Food Pantry at 627 Coon Street from 9 am to 12pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org or call 715-369-7237.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. "Those who advocate for and work toward improving Wisconsin's urban forests can often go overlooked," said Linda Cadotte, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Chair. "With these awards, we aim to highlight just a few of the dedicated leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to urban forestry today to help ensure a healthy and resilient tree canopy tomorrow." This year's recipients were announced at the 2026 Wisconsin Arborist Association – DNR Urban Forestry Conference and will be recognized at an event of their choosing in their community. This year, there were five winners in four categories and a Rhinelander area man was awarded the Leadership Award. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual or elected official at the county or local level of government who has made an outstanding recent contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin. • Tom Jerow has served as the Rhinelander City Forester for several years. Among his many accomplishments, highlights include establishing and chairing an Urban Forestry Tree Board, securing over $300,000 in urban forestry grants and donations, establishing a cost-sharing program for private property plantings and leading numerous education and outreach events. These accomplishments would be impressive for any full-time employee, but Tom has done all of this as an unpaid volunteer.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced nine businesses and organizations in eight Wisconsin counties across the state will collectively receive $250,000 in commercial driver training grants. These grants are part of the Commercial Driver Training Grant program and work to support businesses and organizations that offer training for trainees to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the goal of bolstering Wisconsin's driving workforce, such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and more. This round of grant awards will help 190 trainees obtain a CDL and grow their earning potential, all while helping to meet the demands for one of the state's most in-demand occupations. In our area, Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County received grant funding of $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training for 30 individuals. Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD's Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Individuals interested in a professional truck driver career can find more information on the Job Center of Wisconsin website and CDL Apprenticeship opportunities.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News The Rhinelander High School Drama Department will be taking audiences on a trip to Neverland. The students will be performing Peter and the Starcatcher, based on the characters of Peter Pan. But rather than the traditional story we grew up with fast-paced and imaginative play reveals the origins of beloved characters from Peter Pan, including Peter Pan himself, Captain Hook, and the fantastical world of Neverland. In previewing the production they said, "Packed with humor, adventure, flamboyant pirates, and enchanting mermaids, the story celebrates friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination." Peter and the Starcatcher is perfect for audiences of all ages, offering high-energy storytelling and plenty of laughs for the whole family. They'll be offering four public performances Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm with a Sunday matinee at 1pm. Admission is free.

Published on 02/25/2026 under News The countdown is on for an unforgettable milestone as Fall Ride prepares to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of this annual Northwoods tradition. For more than four decades, the event has brought together riders and music lovers from across the Midwest with a weekend filled with chrome, community, and charitable impact. Tomahawk Main Street is proud to be at the center of it all. What began as a small street dance at the corner of Wisconsin and North 4th Street has become an event that now spans the entire length of the business district in downtown Tomahawk. The Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride Committee is planning the biggest celebration yet, and they need your help. The committee has the opportunity to secure a nostalgic, national metal band to headline the iconic Saturday night street dance. This is more than just another year," said Jennifer Turkiewicz, Tomahawk Main Street Executive Director. "The 45th Anniversary deserves something extraordinary, and we want to give our visitors and community something memorable." Bringing a national act requires raising more money and securing more sponsors. "This event is fully funded by sponsors and four beer tents that we set up during the weekend. The expense associated with the security, insurance, and outdoor facilities to accommodate 40,000 plus visitors to our street is tens of thousands of dollars and that does not include the expenses of staging and hosting large bands. The event is not a money maker for our organization, but it is a money maker for our whole community, and that's why we are proud to make it bigger and better every year," Turkiewicz noted. To help bring the dream to life Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride is launching a Big Anniversary Raffle where they will give away $4,500.00 for the 45th year. A very limited number of tickets will be sold for $100.00 each, and prizes will include two VIP Meet and Greet passes with the Headliner, a second-place prize of $500.00, and the Grand Prize of $4,000.00. Winners and our full Tomahawk Main Street Fall Ride music lineup will be announced at a Kick-Off Party on Friday, April 24th at 6:30pm at Strikers in Tomahawk. Tickets can be purchased at the Tomahawk Main Street Office (located at 223 W. Wisconsin Avenue) or Honeycomb L.O.F.T., What's Brewin', Sideways Wine and Craft Beer, Crossbridge Community Bank, or Calhoun Insurance.

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