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National Forest Offering Balsam Bough Harvest Permits Published on 09/13/2021 under News

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is again opening the land to bough harvesting.

As we transition from summer to fall, people will begin harvesting balsam boughs which are traditionally utilized in holiday decorations such as wreaths. As of Monday, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will begin issuing seasonal harvest permits.

The district offers personal use permits for free, while commercial bough permits are sold for $80 per two tons of material.

Those seeking boughs are encouraged to protect trees by removing only from branches on the lower half of trees, and taking no more than 1/3 of greens on any given branch.

Individuals interested in obtaining a bough harvesting permit should call the district office nearest their harvesting activities to confirm hours and availability before seeking a permit.

Additional information is available on the CNNF website.

In Other News

Wisconsin Summer Cookout Average Cost Up ~7.5%

Published on 06/29/2026 under News A Fourth of July cookout in Wisconsin is expected to cost a little more this summer, according to the annual Wisconsin Farm Bureau Market Basket Survey released this past week. To determine the average cost, the survey tracks the prices of a dozen cookout essentials—including burgers, hot dogs, buns, and sides—at a sample of grocery stores across 20 communities statewide. This year, the survey found that the average cost to host a typical summer cookout for ten people is around $75.50, a 7.5% increase from last year. This total is roughly two dollars higher than the national average and marks the highest cost since the survey was established in 2013. Farm Bureau spokesperson Cassie Sonnentag says, "From availability to inflation, we are seeing increases across many of the food items on the shopping list." This includes supply chain issues and rising fuel costs. The largest jump was in ground beef, up 23% from last year. The spike is driven largely by the cost of ground beef, which is up more than 23% from last year due to supply chain price increases, particularly rising fuel costs. However, there are still ways to save. Sonnentag noted that identifying local brands, taking advantage of sale prices, buying in bulk, and shopping in season can significantly reduce overall spending. Other cookout tips include creating a menu beforehand, sticking to your grocery list, and spreading the cost by inviting guests to bring a dish to pass. In addition to its summer cookout report, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau also conducts an annual Thanksgiving dinner survey.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News Two people were found dead in a Lac du Flambeau home on Saturday evening. Responders were called to the residence at around 9:00 p.m., where they discovered a man lying on the garage floor and a woman inside the home. The male subject, identified as Gilbert "Barney" Chapman, was already deceased. Life-saving efforts were attempted on the woman, identified as Natalie Poupart, but were ultimately unsuccessful. In a statement, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police said, "While the causes of death are unknown at this point, there is no indication that either victim sustained any sort of physical injury, nor is there any indication that there is any threat to the community." Autopsies will be performed, and the investigation is ongoing.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News One person was injured in a motorcycle and truck crash in Oneida County over the weekend. According to the Pine Lake Fire Department, responders were dispatched to that crash on River Road near Forest Point Drive. The call came in early Sunday morning at shortly after midnight. Officials say the operator of the motorcycle was transported by ambulance to Aspirus Hospital for injuries sustained from the accident. The driver of the truck was not injured. No other information was provided, crews were on the scene for around an hour.

Published on 06/29/2026 under News With action picking up on area waterways, a popular awareness campaign returns to remind boaters about simple steps to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species. The DNR will team up with local volunteers and lake organizations for the annual Great Lakes Landing Blitz. It's a regional collaboration that includes all Great Lakes states and provinces. Here in Wisconsin, the Clean Boats, Clean Waters teams will be offering tips during boat landing inspections to help keep our waterways clean. Many Northwoods boaters are already familiar with these volunteers at local landings during the boating season. Erin McFarlane is a Clean Boats, Clean Waters coordinator. She says, "With so many people hitting the water over the Fourth of July, we have a major opportunity to practice good stewardship." She added, "The Great Lakes Landing Blitz is a great reminder that small actions – like draining a livewell or removing plants from a boat trailer – add up to a massive positive impact for our shared environment." The two-week Landing Blitz kicks off today and runs through July 12.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News The Tomahawk Fall Ride is still a few months away, but the milestone event officially has its new look. Earlier this year, the Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce held a logo design contest to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the annual motorcycle rally, which brings tens of thousands of riders to the Northwoods each fall. After considering all of the submissions, the chamber selected the winning entry from John Rogers and Dylan Turpanjian. According to Chamber Executive Director Charis Lau, the winning logo captures the heart of the Fall Ride by highlighting themes of Wisconsin pride, patriotism, Northwoods beauty, and a tradition that has remained "rolling strong" for 45 years. The design is packed with local symbolism. The background features an outline of Wisconsin in green and gold, a nod to the Packers,divided by a red Fall Ride ribbon representing the Badgers. The southern half of the state includes an American flag, while the northern half showcases Northwoods trees and a soaring eagle. Right in the center is a motorcycle wheel, which the artists say symbolizes the enduring legacy of the event. Rogers and Turpanjian drew inspiration for the piece after participating in past Fall Ride events, including last year's Thunder Parade. They wrote in the submission, "The genuine sense of community and the good-old-days is present everywhere in Tomahawk from the very personable WJJQ DJs broadcasting local happenings to the welcoming Chamber representatives and small business owners all over town and throughout the surrounding hamlets of the Northwoods." In its announcement, the Chamber stated that the enthusiastic response to the contest showcased the creativity and passion that have helped make the Fall Ride a beloved Northwoods tradition for generations. The new logo will be featured on everything from event signage to commemorative merchandise this September.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Summer is officially ice cream season, and a new limited-edition flavor dreamed up by local kids is starting to roll out across the state. Each year, Wisconsin-based Cedar Crest Ice Cream partners with the Wisconsin 4-H Foundation to host a flavor creation contest. The competition challenges 4-H clubs from all over Wisconsin to come up with a unique theme and flavor profile. The winning entry is then manufactured by Cedar Crest and sold throughout July to celebrate National Ice Cream Month. This year's winning flavor was created by the Pesobic Pathfinders 4-H Club out of Merrill. Remarkably, this marks the second time in three years that the local club has won the statewide contest. Their creation, "Hold Your Horses," features espresso-flavored ice cream packed with chocolate-covered toffee pieces and a rich caramel ribbon. "Hold Your Horses" is beginning to arrive at ice cream parlors and scoop shops around the state. The Windmill Ice Cream Shoppe in Nokomis teased the arrival of the new flavor in its latest shipment. They typically post their daily ice cream selections on Facebook, so locals can keep an eye out for when the new flavor enters the regular rotation. While the winning 4-H flavor is typically a July exclusive, Cedar Crest has been known to make popular winners permanent additions to their lineup. In fact, the Pesobic Pathfinders' previous winning creation, "Paul Bunyan," was so well-received that it is now a permanent Cedar Crest flavor.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Pollinator Week is wrapping up, but officials hope local efforts will continue and inspire people to take action throughout the year. All week long, we've been highlighting the important role that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can easily do their part, and getting started may be simpler than it seems. The Department of Natural Resources notes that property owners can attract pollinators and provide crucial habitat with very little effort—simply by leaving a portion of their yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris all serve as homes for various pollinating insects. Providing a small, shallow water source can also make a yard much more welcoming. For those with a green thumb, planting a diverse selection of flowers that bloom at different times throughout the summer is highly beneficial. When choosing what to plant, try to focus on native species. Even if you don't have a lot of yard space, officials note that a few potted plants on a porch or patio can still make a meaningful difference. For more tips and step-by-step instructions, the DNR offers comprehensive guides on creating pollinator habitats on its website.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News A man wanted in connection with a Milwaukee homicide has been arrested after being spotted in the Northwoods. On Thursday, the Vilas County Sheriff's Office asked the public for assistance in locating the suspect, Michael Garcia Carroll. According to the initial news release, deputies from Vilas and Oneida counties made contact with Carroll at a gas station in Arbor Vitae earlier that day. Authorities said he initially fled on foot and was able to elude law enforcement. In an update provided Thursday evening, the Sheriff's Office announced that Carroll had been apprehended and is now in custody. No further details regarding the arrest have been released at this time. The Milwaukee Police Department had been seeking Carroll for his alleged connection to a homicide that occurred in the city on June 18.

Published on 06/26/2026 under News Two Northwoods outdoor recreation advocates are being recognized with statewide honors for helping connect people to Wisconsin's great outdoors. The Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation has announced that Tim White of Visit Wausau and Dennis Duke of the Boulder Junction Parks Board are among the recipients of the 2026 Wisconsin Governor's Outdoor Industry Awards. White received the Trailblazer Award for his work bringing together outdoor recreation, tourism, and economic development in the greater Wausau area. Meanwhile, Duke was honored with the Rising Star Award for his volunteer leadership on several local projects. His efforts include the development of an all-inclusive playground, a brand-new 18-hole disc golf course, and the popular Glide outdoor ice-skating ribbon. Notably, the Glide trail won an innovation award during last year's inaugural ceremony. Governor Tony Evers praised the recipients, stating that they are helping ensure Wisconsin remains a premier destination for outdoor recreation while supporting local communities and the state's growing outdoor economy. The awards, now in their second year, recognize the individuals, businesses, destinations, and organizations shaping the future of outdoor recreation across Wisconsin. We'll have a more detailed look at the awards and the recipients next week.

Published on 06/25/2026 under News A summer gathering in Lincoln County this weekend is designed to do more than just provide food and entertainment for local veterans. The Lincoln County Veterans Council will host its Summer Picnic and Family Fair this Sunday. Organizers hope the event will help strengthen local veterans' organizations and connect younger veterans with crucial resources, support, and fellow service members. The event comes at a critical time, as veterans' organizations face declining membership and aging ranks. American Legion Post 46 Commander Jeremy Gunther said local groups are working to adapt and better serve veterans returning to civilian life, particularly those from more recent conflicts. He noted that many younger veterans are currently balancing careers and raising families, making it difficult to participate in traditional organization activities. To bridge this gap, the family-friendly picnic is intended to introduce veterans and their families to available local services in a relaxed, fun setting. Gunther highlighted a few key features of the afternoon, including: • A presentation by Operation Horses Heal, an organization providing equine therapy for veterans. • A visit from the American Legion Riders during their statewide Cruise for a Cause. Gunther emphasized that the event is open to the general public as well as veterans, noting that community support in the Northwoods has always been tremendous. The Lincoln County Veterans Council Summer Picnic and Family Fair is Sunday from 1-5 at the Northwoods Veteran's Post in Merrill. While admission is free, organizers are requesting a $2.50 goodwill donation from non-veterans to help cover event costs, a nod to America's upcoming 250th anniversary celebration. For planning purposes, attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing AmericanLegionMerrill@gmail.com.

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