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Safety Encouraged Ahead of Gun Deer Season Opener Published on 11/19/2020 under News

Tens of thousands of hunters will be out looking to bag a buck this weekend, and the DNR is reminding hunters to use proper practices to continue Wisconsin's safe hunting tradition.

The DNR has often credited Wisconsin's safe reputation to hunters themselves, as well as a strong corps of volunteer hunter education instructors. The hunter's safety program was created as a voluntary program in 1967 and is now required of all hunters born after 1973.

Last year, Wisconsin had just 4 firearm injuries during the gun/deer season, none of which were fatal. Two of those incidents occurred in Northern Wisconsin on opening day. Both involved self-inflicted wounds following unintentional firing of the gun.

Hunters should use caution when getting into and out of stands, treat all firearms as if it is loaded, and know your target and what is beyond. This season, the DNR is also asking hunters to take covid precautions; reduce travel; and minimize the number of households in your hunting party.

And a reminder for non-hunting outdoor enthusiasts, you should also wear blaze orange to avoid any tragic accidents.

In Other News

Man Reaches Plea Deal in Lincoln County Child Neglect Case

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A man facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, 43-year-old Wilbur Copeland III, appeared in Lincoln County Court on Monday. He pleaded no contest to three counts of child neglect and one count of THC possession. In exchange, eight other charges were dismissed, and a single count of witness intimidation received deferred prosecution. Copeland was arrested last December following a welfare check on an RV in the Town of Bradley, where he was living with his partner, Megan Cis, and eight children. During the investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and signs of physical abuse. They also found drugs in the vehicle that were potentially accessible to the children. Following the plea deal, the court moved directly to sentencing. Copeland will avoid jail time and instead serve two years of probation. Cis reached a similar plea deal and sentence last week.

Published on 10/06/2026 under News A Silver Alert issued early this morning for a Wausau man has been cancelled. The Wausau Police Department issued the statewide search for 79 year old Steven Kolubako after he failed to return home following a visit to the doctor. According to the initial report, Kolubako was discharged from Aspirus Wausau Hospital at around 10pm, and was observed on security camera walking on North 32nd Avenue and Madonna Drive. According to the Silver Alert, Kolubako has early on-set dementia and additional medical concerns. According to the Silver Alert Cancellation, Kolubako was located safe. No other information was provided._____ The Wausau Police Department is searching for a elderly man who went missing last evening following a doctor's appointment. A Silver Alert was issued early this morning for 79 year old Steven Kolubako. According to the Wausau Police Department, Kolubako was discharged from Aspirus Wausau Hospital at approximately 10pm. He was observed by security camera walking on North 32nd Avenue and Madonna Drive. According to the Silver Alert, Kolubako has early on-set dementia and additional medical concerns. He is described as 5'4"; 200 pounds with long blonde hair and a white beard. He was last seen wearing dark jeans, a long sleeved dark grey shirt and a red lanyard. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Wausau Police Department.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Fall colors are on full display in the Northwoods, and there is no shortage of viewing opportunities especially if you're into silent sports. While an afternoon drive may be the simplest way to check out the fall leaves; local chambers, tourism organizations, and silent sports clubs are encouraging people to park the car and consider exploring by foot, bike, or boat. They offered a few ideas… A hike through a county forest or state park is a simple and affordable way to get an up-close view while also getting some fresh air and exercise. To cover a bit more ground, hop onto a local bike trail. Highlighted routes include the Hiawatha and Bearskin near Tomahawk and the growing network of trails in Oneida and Vilas Counties. If you'd rather paddle than pedal, a kayak or canoe excursion is another opportunity for picturesque viewing. As a bonus, the reflections of the leaves on calm waters can double the viewing experience. Local organizations have been enhancing kayak and canoe launches and designating water trails in the area. And if you'd like to check out the fall colors from a different perspective, there are some unique aerial opportunities, as well. Timm's Hill, the highest point in the state, is right in our back yard and frequently cited as one of the best viewing spots in the state. And down in the Wausau area, Granite Peak offers rides to the top of Rib Mountain via their ski lifts.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Firefighters across Lincoln County will be better protected during emergency calls thanks to a major local grant. The county's five fire departments teamed up to apply for funding from the Bierman Foundation to upgrade critical safety gear, including new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units. At a recent Tomahawk Health and Safety meeting, Tomahawk Fire Chief Paul Winter announced that their joint application was selected for funding. Chief Winter shared that Tomahawk's portion of the grant totals approximately $550,000. The funds will cover 24 new SCBA units with face masks, 48 air cylinders, three Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) packs, and a gear extractor. Winter described it as a specialized heavy-duty washing machine built to decontaminate firefighter's personal protective gear including items that can't be cleaned in a traditional unit. Winter called the grant "a really big deal for us," noting that the funds are expected to arrive in January. It caps off an exciting stretch for the Tomahawk Fire Department, which also took delivery of a brand-new fire truck recently, just in time as the department observes National Fire Prevention Week.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander are experiencing an immersive Mexican art opportunity with some special guest instructors. The School District of Rhinelander Community Education Program, ArtStart and the Mexican Folk Art Collective are hosting a group Mexican folk artists as part of the Culture Tap artist residency program, now in its fifth year. Over the next two school days, these guests will be working with the district's elementary students. They'll take part in activities such as making alebrijes, which are brightly decorated clay statues, traditional Mexican dancing, and other games and lessons while sharing culture, language and vocabulary. These activities tie in with a book the students are reading titled Esperanza Rising. In addition to the daytime programs for students at the schools, they'll also host a community fiesta this evening at 6pm at Nacho's Mexican Grill in Rhinelander, where the artists will present traditional folk dancing as well as games and other activities.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A quick heads-up for Tomahawk residents for some road construction planned this week that may cause some brief travel disruptions, or residents that may need to make temporary arrangements. First up is a weeklong project on East Lincoln Avenue. From today through Thursday, East Lincoln between 4th and 6th Streets will be closed to through traffic. Final paving is scheduled for Thursday, which may temporarily limit driveway access for property owners along that stretch. The city notes that Washington Square Park will be accessible via the alley. Crews also have two single-day projects planned for Wednesday:• Leather Avenue / County Highway CC: Paving between Collins Street and the recreational trail will reduce traffic to a single lane. • Henry Street: The road will be closed for a pavement overlay. Residents who need to use their vehicles on Wednesday are asked to park on an alternate street by 7:00 AM.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News The Merrill Fire Department called in some mutual aid Friday; not for an emergency, but to settle a friendly wager on a local high school football game. The Merrill Blue Jays and the Antigo Red Robins renewed their Great Northern Conference rivalry this past week. For each of the past four years, Merrill Fire Chief Josh Klug and Antigo Fire Chief Corey Smith have placed a friendly bet on the outcome of the game, dubbed the "War on 64" in reference to the highway connecting the two communities. The annual wager supports their respective hometown teams while raising community awareness for both fire departments. After Antigo won the inaugural bet in 2023, Merrill responded with three straight victories, including last week's matchup. As a result, Chief Smith made the drive over to Merrill Friday morning to serve lunch and wash a Merrill ambulance.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News E-bikes are exploding in popularity, and local law enforcement continue to deal with unsafe operation, including the use of electric motorcycles. According to the Wausau Police Department, there is a difference between the two-wheel offerings. Standard e-bikes have pedals and low top speeds, making them legal for neighborhood rides. High-powered e-motos function as lightweight motorcycles, hitting high speeds without pedals or basic safety gear like turn signals and side mirrors. Police say unlicensed minors are taking these unregistered vehicles onto public roads, riding through stop signs, speeding, and operating into oncoming traffic. Officers apprehended one repeat offender this past week and impound his e-moto. The Department said they had received multiple complaints about the juvenile's driving behavior. He had also fled from police several times including earlier that same day. With crashes involving teens on e-motos rising statewide, police are urging parents to step in and keep non-street-legal rides off public roads.

Published on 10/05/2026 under News A woman facing child neglect charges in Lincoln County has taken a plea deal. According to court records, at a hearing Thursday, 33-year-old Megan Cis pleaded guilty to amended misdemeanor charges of victim intimidation, battery, and drug possession. Nine additional counts were dismissed. The charges stem from a December welfare check at a property in Bradley, north of Tomahawk, where Cis, her partner Wilber Copeland III, and eight children were living in an RV. The Sheriff's Office began their investigation after one of the children was left alone and sought food from a neighbor. During their investigation, deputies discovered inadequate heat during freezing temperatures, a lack of food, and physical abuse. They also located drugs in the home, potentially accessible to the children. The sentencing hearing followed immediately. Cis will avoid additional jail time by completing two years of probation. Copeland is also facing charges. He is scheduled in court Monday.

Published on 10/02/2026 under News A woman listed as missing and endangered in Langlade County was located. On Friday morning, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office issued a media release in their effort to locate 36 year old Brittany Marvin, who was last seen walking away from a family residence in Elcho on September 26. While at the residence for less than an hour, the family reported she was not acting normally. It was unclear how she arrived or left the residence. Fortunately, several hours after the initial announcement, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office cancelled the search, announcing that Marvin had been located safe. No other information was provided.

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