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Oneida County Sheriff Warns of Bear in Pelican after Dog Interaction Published on 05/03/2021 under News

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office put out a warning for Pelican residents about a troublesome bear.

The Sheriff's Office took to their social media Sunday, saying the bear killed a dog near County Road P and Riopel Road in the town of Pelican. After that dog incident, the bear also pawed at a residential door.

The Sheriff's Office says the bear doesn't appear to be afraid of humans. It's a smaller bear, about 150 pounds, approximately the size of a husky.

They wrote, "These bears are waking up hungry and confused. Most only threaten garbage left out, and bird feeders, and will walk away with a simple yell or whistle."

They are asking people call in if the bears are exhibiting threatening behavior. Their deputies will work with the DNR to handle these situations.

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Earlier this spring we heard from the DNR regarding bear interactions and they offered a number of tips to avoid attracting bears.

Remove bird feeders and clean up the spilled seeds below.
Store pet food inside and keep food dishes indoors.
Rinse cans and food containers before discarding them and keep meat scraps in your freezer until garbage day.
Keep outdoor eating areas clean including grills, campfires, patios and picnic areas.

In Other News

Tomahawk HS Innovation Lab Receives Generous Donation from CNH Industrial Case Construction

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Tomahawk High School is expanding hands-on, high-tech learning opportunities thanks to an ongoing partnership with a local manufacturer. The Tomahawk School District has received $16,989 from CNH Industrial and CASE Construction Equipment, helping upgrade several pieces of advanced manufacturing equipment in the Hatchet Innovation Lab, the district's version of a Fab Lab. The latest funding allowed the lab to add a new 3D printer, a large-format laminator and cutter, and embroidery and grommet machines. Teacher Andy Peissig says, "Over the past several years, our Innovation Lab has grown into a dynamic space where students design, prototype, manufacture, and market real products using professional-grade equipment." The investment strengthens the connection between classroom learning and careers in advanced manufacturing and entrepreneurship. The tools in the lab mirror the processes used in advanced manufacturing facilities, providing students with authentic, career-ready experiences before they graduate. Peissig says it has become a "place where creativity meets technology, where ideas become products, and where students build the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world." The district says, "By investing in our Innovation Lab, CNH Industrial/CASE Construction Equipment is investing directly in the future workforce of our community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and belief in our students."

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday. When setting your clocks forward, local emergency teams are also suggesting people check off other emergency tasks around the home. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle says, "Daylight saving time is more than adjusting a clock, it's an opportunity to be prepared. Emergencies can happen at any time and springing into action now can keep our loved ones and property safe." Of course the most common reminder is to change out the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The units should also be tested as they do have recommended expiration dates. The Lincoln County Health Department noted that over the past five years, Lincoln County has had a higher rate of ER visits due to carbon monoxide poisoning than the state as a whole. In addition to smoke and carbon monoxide batteries, Ready Wisconsin also provided some additional tips around the home. They recommend creating a home emergency kit, or if you already have one, review the items. It should include food and water to last three days, a battery-powered radio and light source, a supply of batteries, and a first aid kit. And as we change seasons in the coming weeks, a quick outdoor home inspection helps. Check on gutters and drainage to prevent home flooding, as well as any trees and branches that could become hazards during spring and summer storms.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News Mild temperatures and rain have likely put an end to another local snowmobile season. Oneida County is the latest to announce a trail closures, effective as of 8am this morning. They also remind riders that operating a closed trail is prohibited. According to the announcement, at this time, it is a temporary closure and the trails may reopen when/if weather and trail conditions improve. Oneida County riders had about ten weeks of riding this year, the trails opened just ahead of Christmas. Those looking to get in one last weekend of riding will have to head further north. As of Friday morning, the trails in Vilas and Iron Counties do remain open. Earlier this week, Lincoln County announced trail closures for the remainder of the year, regardless of any additional snowfall.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News While the riding season has come to a close here in Lincoln County, a local snowmobile club tasked with maintaining the system received a boost. Earlier this week, the Tomahawk STAR Foundation awarded the Knight Owls Snowmobile Club with a $2,000 grant for the purchase of trail maintenance equipment. The Knight Owls maintain the snowmobile trails in and around the greater Tomahawk area. This isn't the first time the two organizations linked up recently. At the start of the new year, Nancy Swan, on behalf of the Knight Owls, participated in the STAR Foundation STAR Splash. In fact, the Knight Owls were the leading fundraiser in that effort as well. Speaking of STAR Foundation fundraisers, they also teased the return of the Best Burger in Paradise Contest, which kicks off April 1.

Published on 03/06/2026 under News With the spring thaw well underway, the DNR is reminding anglers of the ice shanty removal deadlines including one coming up this weekend. Officials note the deadlines to remove shelters help eliminate spring shoreline litter and boating dangers this spring. For most inland waterways, the state is divided into a Northern and Southern Zone separated in this area by Highway 64. Starting on Sunday, shelters must be removed from waters in the southern zone. Anglers in the Northern zone get an extra two weeks with the deadline on March 15. With the current forecast and deteriorating ice conditions, it may be of benefit to begin planning removal of these ice shelters as well. Once the removal deadline passes, anglers can continue to use portable ice fishing shelters as long as they are removed daily when not in use. The DNR also reminds everyone considering heading onto the ice at this time of year to use extra caution do to rapidly changing conditions.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News Food trucks have grown in popularity in recent years, with these mobile restaurants now operating in most Northwoods communities. As their presence grows, some communities are updating local rules to address them. In Tomahawk, several food trucks operate within city limits at any given time, and the Tomahawk City Council is considering a new ordinance that would regulate "outdoor food stands and mobile food units" while also establishing a $125 annual license. The proposal came out of the city's Health and Safety Committee. The ordinance outlines a variety of requirements for vendors. Among them are rules aimed at preventing congestion on roads and sidewalks, providing trash receptacles for customers, and restricting sales withing 100 feet of an existing restaurant without permission. The vendor must also display their license, name and phone number during operation. The proposal includes some exemptions who would not be required to obtain the license. This includes charitable organizations operating occasional food stands or bake sales; those operating at a farmer's market or flea market; and youth lemonade stands or similar fundraisers. The ordinance was introduced at Tuesday's City Council meeting. It will be back on the April agenda for consideration. Council members did not discuss the proposal during Tuesday's meeting.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News As clocks "spring forward" this weekend for daylight saving time, sleep experts say many people may feel the effects of the time change. As a registered polysomnographic technologist at Asprius, Jessica Harris specializes in sleep. She says the time shift can disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. She explains that longer daylight in the evening can delay the release of melatonin, the hormone that signals the body it's time to sleep. That disruption can make it harder to fall asleep and wake up, especially for night shift workers, teenagers, and people who struggle with insomnia. Harris says the loss of sleep can lead to fatigue, trouble concentrating at school or work, and may even contribute to an increase in car accidents, brain fog, and depression during the first week after the time change. Experts recommend preparing for the time shift by gradually adjusting sleep schedules. Try going to bed and waking up 15 to 20 minutes earlier over the next few days. Getting plenty of morning sunlight in the days that follow, can also help the body adapt. For people with ongoing sleep problems, Aspirus Health offers diagnostic sleep studies that monitor sleep stages, breathing, and heart function to help identify possible sleep disorders.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News While cases of Chronic Wasting Disease remain low in the Northwoods, targeted sampling in Oneida County did turn up some positive results this past hunting season. The Wisconsin DNR released their 2025 CWD sampling summary on Wednesday. The goal was to help the agency better understand disease levels and distribution in areas where recent detections were recorded. Looking at the big picture first, statewide nearly 18,000 deer were sampled, with around 2,000 positive tests for chronic wasting disease. Nearly all of the cases were in southwestern and south central Wisconsin. Here in the Northwoods, an area of Oneida County was selected as a priority sampling area, with 437 submissions. Five of those tests came back positive, According to the DNR one positive sample came from the northwestern portion of the county, far removed from past detections. Elsewhere in the Northwoods, it was good results overall. Between Lincoln, Vilas, Price and Langlade Counties more nearly 600 samples came back clean. The DNR thanked all the hunters who submitted a samples, business owners who managed sampling sites and those who participated in the Adopt-a-Kiosk program. Across the state there were 242 CWD sampling locations available. Those interested can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News While scammers can strike at any time, officials are highlighting those risks today as part of an awareness campaign. Each March, partners including banks, law enforcement, and the Social Security Administration take part in 'Slam the Scam' Day with a goal of raising awareness to cut down on those victimized by scammers. Scammers utilize various channels: phone calls, emails, texts, letters, and social media messages. Some scammers use deadlines or threats to scare their victims into a decision, while others may play a long game, attempting to gain your trust before striking. Even though their methods differ, they are typically seeking either a payment or personal information like banking numbers, passwords, or social security numbers. A few common scams at this time of the year are related to tax filing and fake spring break emergencies. Some of the most effective tools are caution and awareness. It's also a good idea to share these conversations with friends, family and neighbors. If you believe you've fallen victim, report them promptly.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News A close call involving a police officer in Wausau has the agency warning drivers to be alert for pedestrians at crossings. The agency highlighted the incident and passed along this safety message on their social media this week. It came after a resident initially contacted police regarding crosswalks and speeding vehicles near Marathon Park. A lieutenant was sent out the area to monitor the crosswalk. As he exited the vehicle, he saw, first-hand, those safety concerns. A vehicle sped through the crosswalk near where the officer was walking. The incident was captured on video. The Department wrote, "If you're not seeing a large uniformed police officer, are you seeing someone walking a dog, an elder or a child?" They noted while pedestrians do have a responsibility, vehicle drivers need to yield the right-of-way when a pedestrian is in an uncontrolled crosswalk. And while this incident happened in Wausau, it's a safety message that resonates in communities around the Northwoods. And with warming weather, there will be more pedestrians and bicyclists out and about in the coming weeks and months.

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