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Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Supports Evers Budget Published on 02/22/2021 under News

Governor Evers' budget proposal has received support from a group focused on rural schools in the state.

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance released a statement Friday praising the spending proposal, specifically highlighting the focus on education and broadband expansion. In addition to a general increase in state aid to schools, Evers' also proposed a boost to funding in categories such as sparsity aid which benefit smaller, rural schools.

The alliance wrote, "We commend the Governor's proposal and ask the legislature to take the time to review this closely and see how many of the points clearly aligns with many bi-partisan initiatives already being discussed."

They also encouraged legislators to meet with local school leaders, teachers students and school boards to see how the proposal will positively impact all children.

The state school funding formula has led to numerous Northwoods school districts operating under referendums including Rhinelander, Merrill, and Northland Pines. Tomahawk is also utilizing a referendum set to expire this year. They've made another spending request which will appear on the April ballot.

The Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance was created to address the unique issues affecting rural schools in Wisconsin.

In Other News

Dry Conditions Fuel Field Fire Near Eagle River

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Extremely dry conditions helped fuel a field fire near Eagle River Monday evening. The Eagle River Area Fire Department was called out around 5 p.m. after a combine sparked a fire in dry, cut hay. The fire spread quickly through the field. The department worked alongside the Eagle River DNR Wildland Firefighting Crew and farm workers. Crews were able to get the flames under control. A department drone equipped with thermal imaging was also used to help locate any remaining hotspots from above.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News A Northwoods attraction is teaming up with a local nonprofit this evening, using a pirate-themed fundraiser to tackle childhood food insecurity in Vilas and Oneida counties. Pirates Hideaway in Eagle River is hosting the "Pirates FOR Kids" event from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., donating proceeds to the organization Feed Our Rural Kids, or FORK. Organizers say the goal is simple: helping the nonprofit protect what they call the community's "real treasure," its youth. Ticket sales from Captain Steve's pirate ship cruises on the Eagle River Chain, as well as a portion of food and drink sales, will directly fund meal programs for area children. The event features live music, food sales, and raffles. All funds raised will support FORK's nutrition initiatives across the Northland Pines, Three Lakes, and Phelps school districts.

Published on 08/18/2026 under News Each summer, the city of Merrill celebrates its local area and all it has to offer with a special community gathering. On Tuesday evening, the annual Merrill Community Night Out returns for its 14th year. The event is inspired by the nationwide National Night Out initiative, the later date is due to timing with the Lincoln County Fair. Organizers note the event gives residents a chance to learn more about local services while meeting the people who make those programs possible. As in years past, a lengthy list of local professionals and organizations are scheduled to attend. Local First Responders will be on site to give kids an up-close look at emergency equipment. Other scheduled participants include Merrill-Go-Round transit, Northcentral Technical College, the T.B. Scott Free Library, and Lincoln County Crime Stoppers. The event will be held at the Merrill Festival Grounds inside the Expo Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Featuring food, activities, and live entertainment, organizers encourage residents to bring the whole family out.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News A teenager sustained life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Tomahawk late last week. The incident occurred late Thursday morning near SARA Park. According to reports, the teen was walking in a group when she was hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to another facility for additional treatment. Court records indicate that a 17-year-old female driver is facing multiple charges including reckless injury and recklessly endangering safety. She made an initial court appearance on Friday, where bond was set at $5,000. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for August 24.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News Voter participation in Lincoln County increased slightly during last week's Fall Primary, both in total votes cast and the percentage of registered voters who participated. According to preliminary results, turnout reached 41%, up from 39% in the 2024 fall primary. A total of 7,360 ballots were cast, an increase over the roughly 6,500 cast in 2024. Voter turnout was likely driven by several high-profile primary contests on both the Republican and Democratic side. The breakdown included approximately 4,200 Republican ballots, 2,600 Democratic ballots, and 10 ballots cast for third-party candidates, including the Green, Constitution, and Libertarian parties. Lincoln County results mirrored overall totals in most top-of-ticket races: Tom Tiffany-Republican Governor nomination; David Crowley-Democratic Governor nomination; and Michael Alfonso-Republican 7th congressional district nomination. There was an exception in the 7th congressional district Democratic nomination. While Ginger Murray received the most in Lincoln County, Fred Clark scored more votes district-wide to win the nomination. Voter turnout typically increases in the Fall General Election, the first Tuesday in November.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News The City of Merrill officially dedicated its new maintenance hangar at the Merrill Airport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday. The 100-by-100-foot hangar, located next to the airport's new terminal, is home to Park City Aviation and serves as a hub for aircraft maintenance and repairs. Airport Commission Chair Gary Schwartz says having an aviation maintenance and repair facility makes Merrill a destination for pilots from across the region, while also providing an opportunity to train the next generation of aircraft mechanics. Airport Manager Rich McCullough also uses the facility as a training site for apprentice students learning aircraft repair through the Youth Apprentice Program, which includes students from Merrill-area high schools. The three-million-dollar project was funded through federal and state funding, along with local tax increment financing. Mayor Steve Hass says the funding sources helped keep the cost to local taxpayers to a minimum. Additionally, proceeds from the planned sale of the former terminal will also help offset the project's cost. The new hangar is located immediately north of the NTC Public Safety Center of Excellence.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News A river cleanup effort turned into a community celebration last week when popular social media personality "Ed the Diver" and his partner, Christie B (known to followers as his "Mermaid"), made a special stop in Merrill to clean up a stretch of the Prairie River. Nearly 100 residents turned out to welcome the diving duo with some fans driving nearly three hours just to attend. Among the crowd were local firefighters from the Merrill Fire Department and Mayor Steve Hass, who stopped by to support the river restoration effort. The event was organized by Jeremy Gunther of American Legion Post 46. Ed and Christie delivered plenty of excitement for the crowd who cheered and reacted to each pull from beneath the bridge. Just a few of the sunken treasures include: a Mustang hubcap, a bike, two scooters, an antique stoneware jug, and fittingly a golf ball, inscribed "Hi Ed." The pair spent hours taking photos with fans, handing out stickers and postcards, and answering questions from curious onlookers. In a generous surprise, local resident Bryan Winchell gifted a large collection of fishing rods, reels, and lures to children. You can check out Ed the Diver's Facebook page for a full recap of the effort.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News An Antigo man was sentenced to six and a half years in prison on drug distribution charges. Brady Mevis appeared in Langlade County Court on Friday for his sentencing hearing. Mevis was arrested in August 2023 after first responders were called to a home where the 27 year-old had been shot in the shoulder. During the subsequent investigation, law enforcement officers recovered THC, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia inside the residence. Earlier this year, Mevis pleaded no contest to three charges: maintaining a drug trafficking place, conspiracy to commit delivery of methamphetamine, and possession of THC with intent to deliver as party to a crime. Two additional charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. According to sentencing records, with concurrent sentencing, Mevis received 6.5 years of prison time followed by six years of extended supervision. Having been held in jail since his arrest, he received 980 days of sentence credit.

Published on 08/17/2026 under News The University of Wisconsin–Madison's Kemp Natural Resources Station will host its annual Fungi Fest on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, August 22, offering the public an educational look at the world of wild mushrooms and mycology. The two-day open house features field excursions, research presentations, and interactive demonstrations led by professional mycologists. Events begin Friday afternoon with two hands-on fungi cooking and tasting sessions, followed by an introductory presentation on mushroom biology and current research. On Saturday morning, attendees can participate in guided mushroom foraging walks through the surrounding forest, view high-powered microscopy displays, and discuss native species with experts. While the event is free and open to the public, advance registration is required for the Friday cooking demonstrations due to limited seating. Detailed event schedules and registration information are available on the Kemp Natural Resources Station Website.

Published on 08/14/2026 under News As another successful summer season winds down in Tomahawk, local businesses are celebrating strong crowds with a refreshed downtown event. "Main Street Mania," a newly rebranded celebration that kicked off Thursday and runs through Saturday, combines the town's traditional sidewalk sales and annual customer appreciation day into a single three-day festival. Throughout the weekend, downtown merchants are featuring outdoor sidewalk sales, vendor meet-and-greets, and exclusive store specials. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz notes that downtown foot traffic remained strong all summer, with both locals and visitors filling the district. For organizers, Main Street Mania is both a celebration of a successful season and an open invitation for newcomers to discover what the historic district has to offer. Turkiewicz says, "We want to say thank you for helping keep our downtown vibrant. And for folks who aren't familiar with our downtown, what an amazing opportunity to come take a walk around and see what we have to offer." Today is an ideal day to attend, as organizers are hosting a community picnic and family activities from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. As Turkiewicz puts it, "There's a little something for everybody."

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