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Snowmobile Riders Waiting for Snow, Trails Published on 01/11/2021 under News

The waiting game continues for most snowmobile trails in the Northwoods.

After initially announcing that the Oneida County snowmobile trails would open this past weekend, the snowmobile council reversed course and the trails remain closed. That announcement came late Friday afternoon, less than 24 hours before the trails were set to open. In the announcement, they apologized for the inconvenience, but noted they believe it is the right decision to make.

The Council wrote that the trail openings will be determined at a later date.

The Northwoods has received less than 10 inches of snow this winter with just a thin cover remaining on the ground. Many areas along the trails are already bare.

The trails in Vilas County remain open, but were listed in "fair to poor" condition.

In Other News

Two Suffer Burn Injuries in Boat Fire on Lake Minocqua

Published on 08/03/2026 under News Two people suffered minor burns Sunday evening after a boat caught fire on Lake Minocqua. At approximately 5:45 p.m., the Minocqua Police Department Dispatch Center received multiple 911 calls regarding a boat on fire near the East Park Lot J boat landing. When police and fire crews arrived on the scene, the boat was fully engulfed in flames. First responders treated two victims, a 36-year-old male and a 17-year-old female, for burn injuries, and both were subsequently transported to the hospital. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is leading the ongoing investigation. Several neighboring agencies provided assistance on the scene.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News The Oneida County District Attorney has determined a sheriff's deputy was legally justified in using deadly force during an officer-involved shooting in the Town of Lake Tomahawk earlier this year. District Attorney Jillian Pfeifer announced that, after reviewing an independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, she concluded Deputy Justin Orth acted lawfully during the June 17 incident. According to the report, two deputies went to a home on Lumen Lake Drive to arrest 48-year-old John Krga on child sexual assault allegations. Investigators say Krga resisted arrest, produced a handgun during a struggle on the front porch, ignored repeated commands to drop the weapon, and fired a shot. Deputy Orth returned fire, striking Krga multiple times. Krga was pronounced dead at the scene. Wisconsin state law mandates an independent investigation for all officer-involved deaths. Following her review of the evidence, District Attorney Pfeifer concluded there is no basis to prosecute Deputy Orth. The second officer, Deputy Alyssa Knabenbauer, did not fire her weapon out of concern that she might hit Deputy Orth during the physical struggle.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News One person is dead following a multi-vehicle crash in Langlade County over the weekend. According to the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to the intersection of Highway 45 and County B in the Town of Upham, north of Antigo on Saturday evening. The call, which came in at shortly after 5pm indicated three vehicles were involved. According to the report, a 61 year old Tigerton man was pronounced dead at the scene. Four other vehicle occupants were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of undisclosed injuries. No other information was provided. The crash remains under investigation.

Published on 08/03/2026 under News With the school year right around the corner, Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) is kicking off its 7th annual CashFORKids fundraiser to ensure area students have the nutritional support they need both inside and outside the classroom. Funds raised during the campaign directly support FORK's core nutritional programs across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps school districts: FORK NOW: Provides emergency nutritional assistance to families experiencing sudden changes in food security.FORK Cares: Delivers food support during school breaks and weekends when traditional school meals aren't available.FORK Pantry: Operates 12 area food pantries to give school staff, guardians, and parents immediate access to nutritional resources for students.FORK Extra: Provides bonus food benefits to help local pantries welcome and assist first-time visiting families with children.To make donating easy during the August collection, FORK has teamed up with eight financial institutions across their service area to accept in-person contributions. They said, "This type of collaboration between competitors sends a powerful message to the community about the importance of helping children from food-insecure homes." (Community members can drop off donations at any Eagle River location of Great North Bank, BMO Harris, Associated Bank, Peoples State Bank, Nicolet National Bank, Incredible Bank, or Ripco Credit Union, as well as Forward Bank locations in St. Germain and Three Lakes.)

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Downtown Tomahawk transforms into "Rib Town" this weekend as the annual Thrilla on the Grilla returns for its 16th year. Organized by the Tomahawk Lions Club, the popular rib cook-off brings together nine teams of grill masters from local restaurants, businesses, and community organizations. The competitive field includes defending champion LP Building Solutions, which swept all four competition categories in 2025. Among this year's top challengers is Winding Trail Grill and Bar, fresh off its recent "Best Burger in Paradise" title. Teams will spend hours tending smokers and perfecting their recipes to serve up hundreds of racks of mouthwatering ribs. In addition to the main event, pitmasters will battle in a side dish category, where past entries have featured everything from specialty potato salads and gourmet mac and cheese to unique twists on classic cookout fare. While bragging rights are on the line, the event is ultimately about great food and giving back. Thrilla on the Grilla serves as a major fundraiser for the Tomahawk Lions Club, supporting year-round community initiatives, including the annual Pow Wow Days Fourth of July celebration. Thrilla on the Grilla runs from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. this Saturday in downtown Tomahawk. Any remaining tasting tickets will be available for purchase at the event, while supplies last.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News A Nicolet College staffer and veteran will use her experiences to help others who've served following her appointment to a state legislative committee. Casey Lehmann, financial aid manager and Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official at Nicolet, has been named a Public Member of the Legislative Council Study Committee on State Veterans' Benefits. Nominated by the college, Lehmann joins a bipartisan panel made up of five state lawmakers and four other public members from across Wisconsin. Meeting this summer and fall, the committee is tasked with reviewing state veteran laws and legislative proposals to improve benefits for former service members. Lehmann says, "Supporting veterans in the Northwoods is a cornerstone of my life. I'm excited to serve on the committee and ensure Wisconsin is honoring their service, sacrifice, and resilience. A Tomahawk native and six-year veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, Lehmann deployed to Iraq in 2003–2004 and later supported military families through the Guard's civilian family program. For the past eight years, she has served as Nicolet College's Veterans Affairs School Certifying Official, helping student veterans and their families navigate education benefits. Lehmann also remains deeply engaged in local veteran advocacy, actively participating in AMVETS Post 724 and the NCO Club of Tomahawk and Rhinelander, and was a key figure in bringing the traveling Vietnam War Memorial known as "The Wall That Heals" to Nicolet in 2023.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News An initiative in Lincoln County is working to put life-saving tools directly into the hands of local residents. The Lincoln County Health Department is launching a community outreach effort funded by national opioid settlement dollars, offering free emergency Narcan kits to community members. We spoke with Public Health Nurse Deanna Engle earlier this week. She says the campaign aims to break down barriers and remove the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. The free overdose kits contain two doses of the naloxone nasal spray, along with simple step-by-step instructions. Engle notes that no prescription, certification, or formal training is required to carry or administer Narcan in Wisconsin, and it is completely safe and simple to use. Health officials encourage anyone taking prescription pain medications, living with someone who uses opioids, or, those who simply wanting to be prepared in an emergency to keep a kit on hand, as Engle says she carries herself. Visit the Lincoln County Health Department website for more information. Residents can pick up a free kit at the Lincoln County Health Department during their regular hours. Public health nurses are also available to give one-on-one demonstrations and answer questions.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Just weeks after country music echoed across the Hodag grounds, the skyline is taking center stage as vibrant hot air balloons prepare to launch into the Northwoods skies. The second annual Saluting Heroes Balloon Rally kicks off tonight and runs through Saturday, bringing two days of high-flying, family-friendly fun. More than 20 colorful and uniquely shaped hot air balloons will take flight ranging from patriotic designs to crowd favorites like a giant octopus and Nemo. Attendees can take to the skies themselves during tethered rides, while each evening concludes with a signature musical balloon glow at dusk. (weather permitting) While the festival offers a welcome summer boost to local businesses, its primary mission is honoring those who serve. All proceeds directly support active military members, veterans, and first responders. Organizers are hoping to build on the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural event, which raised more than $38,000 for local causes, including a $30,000 donation to Camp American Legion. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. both today and Saturday, with activities running until 10:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, free for children ages four and under, and parking is $5.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News Another week of minimal rainfall has pushed drought conditions further across the Northwoods. According to the latest update from the U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly the entire region north of Highway 64 is now officially classified in a drought. Here in Lincoln County 82% has now slipped from "abnormally dry" into full drought status. Conditions are worse further north, a pocket of D2 or severe drought is growing in northern Oneida, southern Vilas, and the majority of Iron and Price counties. Statewide, 92% of Wisconsin is currently experiencing drier-than-normal conditions, with 40% of the state meeting the threshold for official drought. The prolonged dry spell continues to pose significant challenges for home gardeners, local farmers, and wildfire crews. A little bit of relief could be on the way, local forecasters are calling on some much-needed rainfall on Friday.

Published on 07/31/2026 under News As the Northwoods enters the second half of the summer boating season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to do their part to keep the state's lakes and rivers safe. With anglers, paddlers, swimmers, and motorboats all sharing the same water, obeying the law is also good boater etiquette. DNR Boating Law Administrator Lt. John Sinclair says boaters must stay mindful of their speed and the size of their wake. He notes that large wakes create hazardous conditions for everyone on the water, especially kayakers and canoeists, adding that a little courtesy goes a long way toward preventing accidents. The reminder comes as state officials report 17 boating-related fatalities in Wisconsin so far this year. The DNR also reminds boaters to wear a life jacket, never operate under the influence, reduce speeds in congested areas, and respect no-wake zones. Officials say those simple steps can help ensure everyone enjoys the rest of the summer safely on the water.

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