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Some Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Roads/Trails Closed during Spring Published on 04/06/2021 under News

Officials with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest are reminding motorists to use caution and watch for local road closures on their grounds this spring.

They noted in a news release that driving on saturated roads during the spring thaw can cause road damage and soil erosion. There's also an increased risk of vehicles getting stuck.

As a result, local authorities often close forest roads to prevent surface damage and reduce risks to drivers. Mark Koshak, civil engineer technician for the Medford-Park Falls Ranger District said, "It's usually around mid-May when these roads reopen for safe travel."

At this time, trails on the national forest are also closed to motorized vehicles, bicycles, and horses to prevent rutting and erosion. They anticipate these trails will re-open for such uses on May 1 or as conditions allow. You can visit the forest website for updates on trail conditions and closures.

In Other News

Aspirus MedEvac Crew Member named National Paramedic of the Year

Published on 11/06/2025 under News When an emergency strikes in the Northwoods, patients are in good hands. And now one local paramedic was recognized by his peers as one of the best of the best. At the EMS World Expo in Indianapolis, Jason Wyland was named as the 2025 National Paramedic of the Year by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Wyland currently works as a flight nurse and flight paramedic with the Aspirus MedEvac Air-1 team based at Howard Young in Woodruff. This prestigious honor recognizes Wyland's exceptional clinical skills, leadership, and unwavering commitment to high-quality patient care. Wyland called the recognition incredibly humbling. He said, "I'm proud to serve alongside the Air-1 crew—this isn't just a job, it's a family. Every day we have the opportunity to make someone's very worst moment a little better. That's why we do what we do." Throughout his nearly three decade career, they said Wyland has been described as a humble leader, a mentor to new providers, and a dedicated patient advocate who brings both clinical excellence and compassion to every mission. They note even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2015, he has continued to expand his knowledge and skills to remain actively involved in patient care. Charlie Kotke, Manager, Aspirus MedEvac. "His expertise, resilience, and compassion have made a profound difference in the lives of countless patients. We are thrilled to see him recognized on a national stage for the excellence we are fortunate to witness every day." He actually began his full-time EMS career with the Merrill Fire Department in 2001 as a Firefighter/EMT-Intermediate. Just a few years later, he helped lead a milestone initiative to raise $110,000 to elevate the department's emergency medical service to the paramedic level—strengthening care for the communities they served.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News A Tomahawk Committee is looking for developers to submit proposals for another property in the community. Last year, the City of Tomahawk Finance Committee took up the task of taking inventory of all parcels owned by the city to determine if they would be better off in the private sector. The goal was to generate revenue, get properties back on the tax role, and spur some growth and development. At their meeting last night, the Committee voted to put out a Request for Proposal or RFP for the remainder of the former Lincoln Industries property on Kaphaem Road. Earlier this year, the city split the parcel. They sold the first parcel, including the building, to the Rock Church this spring. Now, the committee is looking to sell the other 16 acres. The city has utilized the RFP process on several occasions to sell properties while ensuring the purchaser has a plan for use. For this property specifically, the Committee put some parameters including a $75,000 minimum bid. They also set some priorities: first and foremost they are looking for someone interested in developing housing; the second is other types of developments that would generate tax revenue for the city. Speaking of taxes, in order to get the property on next year's tax role, they hope to close the deal prior to December 31. The RFP process was approved unanimously. The city should get the details posted in the coming days.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News Being prepared for an emergency requires proper training. Coming up on Friday morning, Lincoln County is conducting an active threat training exercise at the Court House. As a result, the Court House will be closed and people are encouraged to plan accordingly. The scenarios will be led by Lincoln County Emergency Management and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office. The goal is to equip county staff with the skills and confidence need to respond effectively during a potential threat emergency. According to emergency management director Tyler Verhassalt, the training will feature realistic scenarios and the use of blank ammunition to simulate an active threat. He says people may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in and around the court house. They want they public to be aware that this is a planned training exercise. This training will also affect services at the courthouse from 8am to noon Friday. Members of the public with business at the courthouse may want to adjust their schedules.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Lakeland area is teaming up to fight hunger in the Northwoods this fall. That includes a daylong community food drive this weekend. The four fire departments that serve their region will serve as drop-off locations. Coming up Saturday morning they'll be collecting non-perishable food donations. That includes the Arbor Vitae Fire Department. Chief Mike Van Meter says, "As firefighters, our mission is to serve and protect our neighbors—whether that's during a fire, an accident, or by helping make sure no one goes hungry." He added, "When the community comes together like this, it shows the strength and compassion that make the Northwoods such a special place to live." They've also recruited some help from local high school students. Members of the Wings Program at Lakeland Union High School will be collecting the donations, sorting them, and distributing them to the food pantry. Pamela Carroll, Arbor Vitae Town Board Supervisor says, "Helping feed our neighbors is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back. We encourage everyone to join us and make a difference—every can counts!" For those interested in donating, the Lakeland Area Food Drive is Saturday November 8 from 9am to Noon at the Hazelhurst, Minocqua, Woodruff and Arbor Vitae Fire Departments.

Published on 11/06/2025 under News The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has launched an official online merchandise store, featuring a variety of items celebrating the state's fish, wildlife, plants, public lands and recreation traditions. DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "Everyone in the state interacts with the environment in some way, and we're excited to offer this new opportunity for all Wisconsinites to participate in supporting the mission of the DNR." Proceeds from DNR merchandise sales directly support conservation and environmental education and outreach initiatives across Wisconsin. The initial run of items includes t-shirts, mugs, posters and Christmas ornaments featuring state parks, animals, and even Smokey Bear. They launched the store in time for the holiday shopping season and plan to update the store front with new items in the coming weeks and months.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News For military members serving overseas, the holiday season can be a challenging time. The Tomahawk American Legion Auxiliary is hoping to provide a little comfort and a small taste of home. Members of the local auxiliary are hoping to expand a program where they send a small holiday care package to those serving overseas and won't be home for Christmas this year. The small gift packages will include items that may not be readily available where they're stationed, but would offer a reminder of the Northwoods. They used examples of local snack sticks, candies and other treats, along with some other small items of need. Using proceeds from their poppy sales, the Auxiliary members will take care of all of the purchasing, packaging, and mailing. The do have one ask of the community, the names of military members with ties to the Tomahawk area who are currently stationed overseas. While Christmas is still two months away, the effort will take some time. They are asking that people get those submissions in by the end of this week. WJJQ is serving as the lone drop-off location. Names and the overseas address should be neatly printed and placed in the drop box on the desk in our front lobby.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk took another step as they explore building a treatment facility to address elevated levels of PFAs in the city water supply. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. City officials have been researching mitigation steps, and earlier this year hired engineering firm MSA to conduct a feasibility study. The full City Council took up the topic Tuesday. The city has been focusing on the construction of a treatment facility that would filter the water before it reaches the public. From a half dozen options presented by MSA, the Council selected a 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility. It was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. There are funding sources available that could cover up to half the construction costs through the state's Safe Drinking Water Loan program. With more stringent testing and PFAs standards likely on the way, the Board members wanted to be proactive, making it more likely to be awarded funding. Their reasoning: as new regulations are put in place, more communities would look to build treatment facilities, making the funding more competitive. Council Member Will Garske said, "We want to be at the forefront." To apply by next June's deadline, there are design work and pilot testing requirements. At their meeting last night, the Council unanimously approved a contract with MSA to begin that design work.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News With FoodShare benefits being delayed, local agencies are looking to assist those impacted. The Lincoln County Health Department is sharing information for those who might night a little extra help. The lapse in FoodShare payments by the federal government during the shutdown is expected to affect around 700,000 people in Wisconsin. According to the public health educator Lexi Buntrock, this includes just over 3,000 Lincoln County residents. The Health Department offers numerous resource guides. They recently updated their Food Resource guide with the latest information. It covers topics including the four Lincoln County-based food pantries, along with community meal opportunities and senior dining options. The Health Department also encouraged people to consider helping their neighbors. This can include donating food, money, or time to a local pantry, or consider organizing food drives at your local school, business, community group or church. The Oneida County Health Department offered a similar message last week.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to support locally-owned businesses. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber will work with community partners to bring back their 'Loyal to Local' campaign. After previously offering the campaign in the summer, they shifted to November last year to focus on local spending during the holidays. Throughout November, RACC will share special posts, videos, and community highlights on its social media channels, all focused on what it means to be Loyal to Local. The goal is to celebrate the businesses, restaurants, and people that make Rhinelander a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Each week is further broken down into themes. For example, this week is tabbed Explore Local. That's be followed by Eat Local, Shop Local; and Be Local. The effort culminates with the nationwide Small Business Saturday which falls on November 29.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News Early season deer hunters have seen success ahead of the gun-deer opener later this month. On Tuesday, DNR staffers took part in a media call for their annual season preview. They covered a wide range of topics from recapping the archery and youth hunts to discussions on the season outlook and safety. As of Tuesday, hunters had registered 22,473 during the archery season and 36,617 deer with crossbow. These numbers are higher than the same point in the season last year. The state's youngest hunters were also successful. During the Youth Deer Hunt weekend, there were 8,446 deer registered. Last year there were approximately 7,000 registered. Whether that translates into the field remains to be seen. They noted the season will fall relatively late on the calendar this year, as deer movement begins to slow. Other factors such as the weather are too far out to predict. As for license sales, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only. Those numbers typically surge as the season draws closer. And the DNR did offer a reminder for hunters here in northern Wisconsin specifically. Based on hunter feedback and in an effort to improve deer management, the have changed the management zone structure in the Northern Forest Zone. They are returning the use of habit-base units rather than county-based boundaries. And of course safety should always be the top priority during the hunting season. The gun deer season opens on November 22, and we'll have more coverage as that date draws closer.

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