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CNNF Silent Sports Trails Starting to Open Published on 01/11/2021 under News

Winter recreation trails on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are beginning to open for the season on a case-by-case basis.

The forest offers up numerous activities for silent sports participants including more than 20 cross-country ski trails and loops for skate and classic skiers of all levels. They also offer up areas for sledding, hiking, snowshoeing and fat-tire biking.

Tim Vetter, Recreation, Wilderness and Lands Program Manager says, "As outdoor recreation provides safer opportunities for physical activity, we look forward to continuing to support the record number of visitors we've seen in recent months."

While the forest warming huts remain closed due to the pandemic, the forest is supplying stocked fire rings near the huts. Vetter says, "We hope that the stocked fire rings will provide some needed warmth and help people safely enjoy the trails."

The CNNF website offers information about trail availability and conditions.

In Other News

'Click It or Ticket' Seat Belt Campaign Returns Ahead of Summer Travel Season

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Northwoods law enforcement agencies are joining partners around the state in encouraging motorists to buckle up when hitting the road. This week marks the return of the annual Click-It or Ticket campaign an effort to increase the use of seatbelts. Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan says, "With an influx of travel expected for Memorial Day weekend, the Click It or Ticket campaign is a timely reminder to motorists that wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to protect yourself on the road." Carnahan added, "Whether it's just a quick trip or you're traveling across the state, always make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up." Violators may be cited, but the goal of the campaign is to encourage a long-term change in driver and passenger behavior. In addition to increased enforcement during Click It or Ticket, the DoT will also increase public messaging including through traditional and social media as well as electronic road signs. The annual campaign coincides with Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off the summer travel season. As more vehicles are out on the roads during this holiday and throughout the summer, law enforcement officials are asking all drivers to buckle up, slow down, and remove any distractions behind the wheel. Aerial Enforcement Planned this Week: Speaking of State Patrol Safety campaigns: the agency also announced plans to conduct aerial enforcement around the state this week, watching for speeders and reckless drivers from above. That includes a local patrol heading into the weekend. An eye in the sky above Highway 51 in Oneida County on Friday. We'll have a bit more on these efforts later this week. Tuesday, May 19 · I-94 – Kenosha County Friday, May 22 · WIS 57 – Door County · US 51– Oneida County Sunday, May 24 · I-41 – Outagamie County

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Summer recreation season is right around the corner, and a new video highlights some of the opportunities right here in Lincoln County. In the latest installment of an ongoing partnership with Discover Wisconsin, host Lindsay Hayes takes visitors on tour of several hidden gems of Lincoln County. 'A Family Getaway in Lincoln County', begins in Camp New Wood County Park in Merrill, a scenic sixteen-acre spot right on the Wisconsin River. Thanks to recent county investments, the park now features upgraded electrical campsites, new restrooms, a kayak launch, and direct access to the Ice Age Trail. After a quick round of mini-golf and some food, Hayes heads to the Prairie River for a fly-fishing adventure with local angler Joe Krznarich. Krznarich was featured in a previous Discover Wisconsin short. Over the years, Lincoln County and Discover Wisconsin have teamed up to produce a number of video segments focused on the people, locations, events and activities of Lincoln County. A dog-sled production won a regional Emmy Award last fall. The latest video was released Friday on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel. We'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office is seeking the public's help in an ongoing investigation into a series of copper wire thefts. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, investigators are looking into thefts of copper wire from approximately ten Frontier roadside work sites in Lincoln County over the last few weeks. They noted that similar thefts have been reported outside of the county as well. Detectives are actively investigating the cases and are collaborating with outside law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and identify the suspects. The Sheriff's Office asks the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities near roadside work sites to local law enforcement.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News A 'jiggly junco' outlasted a massive meadowlark, tubby tree swallow, and ginormous goldfinch in the annual Wisconsin Fat Bird Week fan vote. The annual event is put on by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and Save Out Song Birds. But beyond the social media fun and "junc in the trunk" jokes is an important mission. Organizers say the competition aims to raise awareness for Wisconsin's native birds and their diet, critical for their twice-annual migration. They encourage people to help local birds reach champion weight right at home by planting native trees and wildflowers, which provide the high-fat seeds and insects they need. You can also protect them by treating your windows to prevent collisions, or by joining the Great Wisconsin Birdathon. Shelly Torkelson from the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin says, "It can be easy to become overwhelmed and apathetic when you hear about loss of wildlife habitat, invasive species, etc. But Wisconsin Fat Bird Week tries to inspire action through fun and friendly competition." Additional information including all of the photos is available on the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin website.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News It's National EMS Week, and the Pine River First Responders have a major reason to celebrate, and residents will be safer. Thanks to a state grant of over $15,000, the department has purchased critical new equipment including three new AEDs. This means every single first responder in the township, along with several front-line fire vehicles, is now equipped with a lifesaving defibrillator. Formed in 2006, the Pine River First Responders team handles about 75 medical calls a year, and they're looking to invest remaining funds into growing their team through recruitment, training and equipping additional first responders Pine River residents interested in learning more can stop by their monthly meetings, the second Wednesday of each month at 6pm at the fire station.

Published on 05/19/2026 under News Those looking to cast a line this summer in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest may have some new fishing docks. Utilizing funding from the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, Forest Service crews installed new fishing docks on five lakes located within the forest lands. That includes three spots in Price County at Sailor, Round, and Blockhouse lakes in Price County. The upgrades were funded through the CNNF staffer Chris Geidel says, "These improvements help provide safe, reliable, and accessible recreation opportunities for residents and visitors enjoying National Forest lands." The new docks are designed with durable, low-maintenance materials that can stand up to Wisconsin weather while improving safety and accessibility for anglers of all ages and abilities. Recreation leaders say the project not only improves outdoor access, but also supports tourism and rural communities that rely on visitors enjoying the Northwoods experience.

Published on 05/18/2026 under Sports Hatchet Baseball Survives in 7th, Sweep Antigo The Hatchet baseball squad overcame five errors to edge out Great Northern Conference foe Antigo on the road Monday night, winning, 4-3. The win by Tomahawk is their third straight overall and second straight Great Northern Conference victory. Wally Horabik went two for four with two triples. Horabik also picked up the win on the mound, allowing just one run over three innings of relief. Horabik would also score the go-ahead run on an error off a ground ball by Brody Hilgendorf. Nick Arndt also went two for four on the day. Jonah Dickens went four for four with a double and a run scored. Starting pitcher Cash Olsen gave up two runs in four innings of work. The win puts Tomahawk at 8-9 on the season and 6-7 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action against #6 in Division 3 Stratford at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field today. First pitch is at 5:00. Tomahawk Golf Places Third in Mosinee To Wrap Up Regular Season The Hatchet golfers would wrap up their regular season placing third in their final Great Northern Conference meet at Indianhead Golf Course in Mosinee Monday. The Hatchets finished with a team score of 349, tied with Merrill and two strokes ahead of Rhinelander. The top Hatchet golfer was Jake Albert, who placed sixth overall and finished with an 81. Rocco Carew and Brayden Lamer tied for second on the team and 15th overall with an 89. Rounding out the top five were Jaxon Kaiser with a 90 and Oliver Childers with a 96. This concludes the 2026 Hatchet Golf Regular Season. The WIAA Division 2 Golf Meet is next Tuesday at Turtleback Golf Course in Rice Lake. Tee-off is at 9:00.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News As Mental Health Month continues in May, the Langlade County Health Department is working to raise awareness about mental health resources and encourage residents to reach out for support when needed. The department has launched a county-wide awareness campaign featuring informational displays, posters and social media outreach throughout Langlade County including the Health Department, Senior Center, the library, and local business partners. Officials are highlighting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day. They are also promoting CredibleMind, a free online mental health platform which offers articles, videos and tools on topics like stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and building healthy habits. Karen Marten, a public health nurse with Langlade County, said mental health deserves the same attention as physical health. She added, "It is okay to ask for help, and no one should feel alone. Small steps, like talking to someone or using helpful tools, can make a big difference." The Langlade County Health Department encourages residents to check in with loved ones, learn more about available services, and make use of local mental health resources.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News With summer riding season getting underway, the DNR is reminding ATV and UTV operators to make safety a priority before heading out on the trails. That includes taking a safety course and going over new riding rules. The ATV/UTV safety courses are required for operators born in or after 1988, but encouraged about all operators. DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator Lt. Jacob Holsclaw said Wisconsin continues to see a high number of ATV and UTV crashes involving riders who have never taken a safety course. The classes focus on crash prevention and provide practical skills designed to help riders operate safely. Holsclaw compared the safety certification to getting a driver's license. In addition to the safety class, the DNR also highlighted some new regulations related to ATV and UTV operation. That includes a seatbelt requirement for all operators and passengers in a UTV. Operators and passengers are all required to wear a seatbelt in a UTV. Intentionally causing damage with an ATV or UTV can cost you more than a fine – up to three times the cost to repair the damage.ATV or UTV operators may not tow objects bearing any person on a trail or route. Towing persons on ice is limited to 10 mph.UTVs now have window tint restrictions.The DNR will soon release a new regulations pamphlet detailing these updates and more.

Published on 05/18/2026 under News Heading into the weekend, the DNR issued a warning about elevated fire risk. Those conditions kept fire firefighters busy. According to the DNR wildfire tracker, crews responded to 40 wildfires around the state this weekend which burned approximately 51 acres of land. Here in the Northwoods there were four wildfires listed in Vilas County, two in Oneida, and one each in Price, Iron, Forest, and Langlade Counties. Debris burning remains the leading cause of wildfires, accounting for around half Overnight rains in the Northwoods should help improve conditions. The DNR reminds people to check burn restrictions, updated daily at 9am.

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