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WPS Provides Tips to Avoid "Scary Bill" Published on 10/29/2020 under News

With Halloween this weekend, Wisconsin Public Service offered a few tips to avoid a scary bill this winter. The utility provided a number of simple steps can keep energy costs down during the heating season.

Be mindful of energy vampires. Plugged in electronics like cellphone chargers consumer power even when not in use. Disconnecting them save more than $100 a year.

They recommend lowering your thermostat a few degrees when out of the home and overnight. If resources allow, a smart thermostat can take care of that for you.

Clear off cobwebs by changing furnace filters. Scheduling a furnace tune-up ensures the unit is not only safe, but also running efficiently.

And those goosebumps may be a sign of a drafty window. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps or cracks around your home to keep the warm air in and the cold air out.

Wisconsin Public Service offers a number of easy to follow energy saving tips via their website.

In Other News

Fall Prevention Month-Checking Medications for Side Effects

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As we close out Falls Prevention Month, local health experts are reminding us that protecting against a dangerous fall involves more than just clearing trip hazards around the house—it also means checking your medicine cabinet. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause hidden side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden drops in blood pressure that throw off your balance. Aspirus pharmacy resident Yinglai Chang notes that taking five or more medications significantly compounds that risk, especially when side effects overlap. Even everyday over-the-counter products like Benadryl, sleep aids, or multi-symptom cold remedies can affect your coordination and alertness without you realizing it. Before starting any new medication, be sure to read the active ingredients and warning labels. Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask your local pharmacist to review your current prescriptions for potential interactions—and never stop taking a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Monthly unemployment estimates in the Northwoods dropped in August, but were up compared to the same time last year. The Department of Workforce Development released its monthly unemployment estimates this past week. It was a mixed bag across the state: rates increased in 10 counties over the month, dropped in 36 counties, and remained unchanged in the remaining 26. Locally, month-over-month estimates show slight improvements. Lincoln County's rate fell from 3.9% in July to 3.8% in August. Oneida County dropped from 3.2% to 3.1%, while Vilas County saw a decrease from 3.6% to 3.5%. All three Northwoods counties along the Highway 51 corridor were up by about half a percentage point compared to August 2025.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers traveled down to Wausau and competed in a double dual with Wausau East and Medford Tuesday night. The Highest a Hatchet placed was third across two different events. Kami Gabrich would take third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:27.85. Gabrich also joined Kaylee Roberts, Sloane Eisenman, and Kourtney Busterud in a third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle relay with a time of 2:11.21. The Hatchets are back in the pool for a GNC Dual Thursday against Medford. Events will begin at 5:30.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Despite fighting back in every set, Tomahawk's volleyball squad would once again fall short in a Great Northern Conference match against Lakeland at the Hatchet House, 25-18, 26-24, 25-22. Tomahawk would fall behind consistently in the first half of each game before coming back and at least tying games two and three. However, the Hatchets would fall short, allowing the T-Birds to pull away in each set. Lauren Reibe had a team-high seven kills and Lexi Palmer had 12 assists. Tomahawk now sits at 5-23 and 0-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action for another Great Northern Conference match Thursday at #1 in Division 2 Mosinee. First Serve is at 7:00.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A marketing strategy to put Lincoln County on the map is paying off in viewers, visitors, and tourism dollars. Over the past three years, the Lincoln County has partnered with Discover Mediaworks to showcase its local gems through television episodes, social media features, and short-form video content. Josh Osterman, Director of Content Strategy and Partnerships at Discover Mediaworks, recently presented a glowing report on the initiative to the Lincoln County Board. Osterman highlighted how taking a "30,000-foot view" of the area has helped draw attention to lesser-known locations alongside long-standing staples, from off-road riding in the Harrison Hills and guided fishing excursions to local dining spots and scenic drives along Highway 107. Broadcast viewership across full episodes, themed specials, and promotional spots on the Discover Wisconsin network surpassed 10 million viewers. Meanwhile, short-form social clips pulled in another 2.5 million views. County leaders earned praise for keeping the area top-of-mind for Upper Midwest travelers, with out-of-state interest surging in major metro markets like Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, and the Twin Cities.Broadcast Viewership: 10,180,174Digital Impressions: 2,106,958Digital Views: 959,521Digital Engagements: 20,100Digital Reach: 2,180,275Podcast Listens: 16,936Podcast Views: 2,514,170Emails Contacted: 330,771Emmy: 1The ultimate goal was to boost the local economy, and state data shows it worked. Figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism show Lincoln County's total economic impact grew 11.6% over the three-year stretch, while direct visitor spending rose more than 12.5%, outpacing several neighboring counties and state tourism hubs. The report also teased upcoming feature topics like local hiking trails, waterfront dining, and adventures along the Wisconsin River.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Vehicle-versus-deer crashes are on the rise across Lincoln County, but over the weekend, a driver's attempt to avoid an animal led to a rollover wreck that left two people injured. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, emergency responders were paged to Highway 8 near Martin Road in the Town of Somo for a single-vehicle crash. The driver, an Olivia, Minnesota man, reported he was traveling eastbound when a deer ran onto the highway. He swerved to avoid hitting the animal, causing his vehicle to enter the south ditch and become airborne before coming to rest. Both the driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries. Deputies reported 12 vehicle-versus-deer collisions on Lincoln County roadways last week, marking a noticeable uptick from recent weeks.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A Merrill man thrown from his vehicle in a rollover spent the night in the ditch before the crash was discovered. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were sent to the area of County G and Alder Road in the Town of Pine River back on September 7 for a rollover crash involving injuries. The driver stated he had been in the ditch since the night before. He told deputies he was heading to his home when he missed a curve and crashed. The man was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and received injuries as a result. No update on his condition was provided.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News The Wisconsin State Patrol and local partners are reminding parents and caregivers to protect their most precious passengers by reviewing their child car seats. The agency named child passenger safety its September Law of the Month, focusing on proper seat selection and installation. According to federal traffic data, approximately half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. State law sets specific minimums based on age and size—starting with newborns in rear-facing car seats, transitioning to forward-facing harnessed seats, and eventually moving to booster seats until a child reaches age eight, eighty pounds, or four feet nine inches in height. State Patrol officials say keeping children in the appropriate seat significantly reduces the risk of injury in a crash. Superintendent Tim Carnahan emphasized that proper installation is a simple way to protect young passengers, adding that adults should set a good example by making it a habit to buckle up themselves on every trip, no matter the distance. Additional safety guidelines and certified inspection locations can be found online at wisconsindot.gov.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News A high school junior from Delavan-Darien High School has taken top honors in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' 2027 State Park and Forest admission pass design contest, while a Northwoods student finished among the top entries. Junior Kiet Tuan Tran won first place out of more than 120 statewide submissions. Tran's winning design captures a rustic camping scene, complete with a tent sporting a fitting cheese-pattern print set beneath a tree canopy shaped like the outline of Wisconsin. Local student Skylarr Martin of Rhinelander High School also earned recognition, receiving an Honorable Mention for their artwork. Now in its 36th year, the DNR-sponsored contest invites high school students from across the state to showcase their artistic talents. "The contest is a great way to get students thinking about our public lands and the different ways they can support the state's natural resources," said Chris Pedretti, DNR Business Operations Section Supervisor. The new vehicle admission passes featuring the winning design will be available for purchase ahead of the 2027 state park season. Contest materials for the 2028 pass design contest are available now, with submissions accepted through April 30, 2027.

Published on 09/29/2026 under News Two Marshfield Clinic AmeriCorps programs are set to receive new grant funding to continue their community outreach missions across the state. Serve Wisconsin recently announced the distribution of $9.2 million in federal AmeriCorps grants to support 17 programs statewide. Through these initiatives, AmeriCorps members will assist with a wide range of local efforts, from conservation projects to after-school youth programming. Marshfield Clinic Health System secured funding for two specific programs. The first grant supports the "Community Corps" program, placing 50 members in non-profits and public health organizations across the region to expand capacity and address community health needs. The second grant funds the "Recovery Corps" program, training 20 members as recovery coaches to assist individuals battling opioid and substance use disorders while delivering community education. "Our AmeriCorps members serving this year are building upon the service legacy of those who have served before them," said Kyle Clower, Executive Director of Serve Wisconsin. In addition to funding the 17 statewide programs, Serve Wisconsin received $354,374 through the federal Volunteer Generation Fund to further support local volunteer initiatives across Wisconsin.

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