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Forest Officials Encourage State-Grown Holiday Evergreen Decorations Published on 11/24/2021 under News

Forest officials are encouraging shoppers to look for Wisconsin-grown evergreens for their holiday decorations.

This is to avoid the spread of the elongate hemlock scale. In previous years, plant health inspectors have intercepted evergreen decorations infested with invasive insects hitching a ride into Wisconsin from other states.

According to the Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection, EHS is a threat to Wisconsin's Christmas trees farms, as well native hemlock, and balsam fir forests. Brian Kuhn is the agency's Bureau of Plant Industry director. He says "Since pests like EHS have never been found on the landscape in Wisconsin, the best way to avoid these invasive pests is to make sure your tree or wreath was grown in a state without EHS."

Wisconsin is home to more than 850 Christmas tree farms that sell trees, garlands, and wreaths.

To check for for EHS, look for discolored needles and small brown oblong scale insects on the underside of needles(see photo). If you suspect a tree or decoration you purchased has EHS, contact the DATCP for proper disposal recommendation and tracing.

-Photo provided by Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection: Needles infected by the elongate hemlock scale-

In Other News

Tomahawk Hosting Wisconsin Small Community Forum Tuesday

Published on 10/13/2026 under News Local leaders, business owners, and community members from across the region are gathering in Tomahawk Tuesday to discuss ways to shape the future of rural Wisconsin. Lincoln County was selected as one of just two statewide host sites for the 2026 Wisconsin Small Community Forums. The goal of the half-day event is to focus on the unique economic and civic opportunities and challenges facing small towns. Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Sara Guild discussed the event when she joined our morning conversation last week, calling it an exciting opportunity to be selected as a host and sever as a model for other communities. She highlighted some of the recent local developments including the Washington Square 'Dream Park', several downtown revitalization projects, and the groundbreaking for a new, and much-needed 72-unit apartment complex. Those are actually a few of the discussion topics on a crowded agenda that also includes interactive round-tables and focused discussions on key issues impacting smaller municipalities. Dunn County was the other host community; their forum took place last month in Colfax.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News An Antigo man has been formally charged in Lincoln County following a multi-county police chase last week. Forty-four-year-old Joshua D. Micke made his initial appearance in Lincoln County Circuit Court on Monday. He faces six charges, including first-degree recklessly endangering safety, fleeing an officer causing bodily harm, operating a motor vehicle without consent, and resisting an officer. Court records indicate that charges have also been filed in Shawano County, and additional counties may also file charges. Authorities say Micke led officers on pursuits across Shawano, Menominee, and Langlade counties in multiple stolen vehicles last Thursday. Upon entering Lincoln County, the chase ended in Merrill when deputies deployed spike strips and executed a PIT maneuver to disable the vehicle. Micke was taken into custody after a brief foot chase. During Monday's hearing, the judge set cash bond at $100,000 and ordered a competency evaluation. A scheduling hearing is set for November 5.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, including hundreds of miles crossing the Northwoods. The Ice Age Trail Alliance is encouraging residents and visitors to get outside and explore this month. October marks the return of the annual Mammoth Hike Challenge. Hikers, walkers, runners, and backpackers are tasked with covering 46 miles along the trail during the month, commemorating the 46th anniversary of the designation as a National Scenic Trail. Alliance organizers highlight fall as one of the best times to experience the trail, offering vibrant autumn colors and cooler, more comfortable hiking temperatures. The challenge also makes it easy to discover the small communities nestled along the route. For those who find 46 miles daunting, participants can earn bonus miles by visiting designated Ice Age Trail Communities, which includes Antigo, Merrill, Rib Lake, and Wausau. Each Trail Community has identified a "Hometown Highlight" such as a local mural, sculpture, historic landmark, or cultural attraction to visit. Registration is available on the Ice Age Trail Alliance website where they've also created itineraries to help plan hikes with maps and points of interest along the trails. Anyone who completes the challenge by the end of October will receive a certificate and a limited-edition patch, which features a new custom design each year.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News The Rhinelander Police Department has a new tool to build stronger bridges with local residents—and it's rolling right into neighborhood events. Thanks to more than $300,000 in federal Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program grant funding awarded last year, the department recently unveiled its new Community Outreach Trailer. The mobile unit made its official debut at last month's "Light Up the Night for Recovery" event, giving officers and the department's Peer Recovery Support Services Team a central hub to meet residents and share vital local resources. Rhinelander Police Chief Josh Chiamulera says the trailer gives officers another way to meet people where they are, aiming to foster positive interactions and strengthen safety across the area. In addition to the outreach trailer, the grant funding fully supports a full-time recovery coach, a part-time outreach coordinator, patrol bicycles, and specialized mental health and substance use training for officers. Look for the trailer at upcoming school gatherings, educational programs, and community events throughout Rhinelander.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News As the Milwaukee Brewers push toward the postseason, state consumer protection officials are reminding baseball fans to stay vigilant against ticket scams. High demand for playoff games and sold-out events routinely creates prime opportunities for fraudsters peddling fake or counterfeit tickets. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Secretary Randy Romanski says, "When there is demand for playoff tickets, scammers come out of the woodwork to rip off excited sports fans." To protect buyers, state officials recommend sticking to reputable ticket sources, starting directly with the team or trusted vendors like SeatGeek, which serves as the official MLB fan resale marketplace. When purchasing, fans should always use a credit card for maximum fraud protection while avoiding wire transfers, gift cards, or peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo and Cash App. Buyers should also insist on official in-app ticket transfers, as static PDFs, screenshots, and paper printouts are primary tools used by scammers. Finally, officials advise fans to watch for common scam red flags, including unrealistically low prices, high-pressure sales tactics, and social media offers from unverified accounts.

Published on 10/13/2026 under News A major federal grant is aimed at helping address growing mental health needs across northern and central Wisconsin. Marshfield Clinic was awarded the three-year, $580,000 grant by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The funds will support mental health training, outreach, and early intervention programs across the region, with additional focus on several local counties including Vilas, Oneida, and Price. Many communities in the region face significant shortages of behavioral health professionals, creating steep hurdles for residents seeking care. Over the next three years, Marshfield Clinic will use the funding to train staff and community members to recognize mental health red flags and respond to crises, particularly among youth and young adults. The funding will also support a dedicated behavioral health navigator and build clearer pathways to connect local residents with local crisis and recovery services. Marshfield Clinic leaders say the grant will expand critical support services in rural areas hit hardest by provider shortages, transportation barriers, and rising mental health challenges.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Wisconsin's wild turkey population has made a tremendous recovery, and the public now has an opportunity to help shape its future management. The Department of Natural Resources updates its turkey management plan every decade; and they are currently working on the latest edition. The draft plan focuses on a variety topics including species populations, habitat protection, program funding and hunter satisfaction. Throughout the process, the public has a number of opportunities to get involved. Coming up this week, the DNR is hosting a series of open houses, including one in the Northwoods. An in-person session will take place Tuesday at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with a brief presentation at 6:00 p.m. For those that can't attend, a virtual open house will also take place this Thursday, October 15th. The full draft plan is available on the DNR website, and public comments are open through November 20th.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Halloween is just around the corner, and the Oneida County Health Department is reminding residents that respiratory illness season can turn a trick into a treat. To protect the community before fall illness activity spikes, health officials are launching a festive campaign titled "Say Boo to the Flu." They're encouraging people to get a flu and covid-19 shot before Halloween. Because it takes about two weeks for the body to build full protection, officials emphasize that now is the time to get vaccinated, especially for high-risk individuals, such as seniors and those with chronic medical conditions. In addition to weekday walk-in availability at its Rhinelander office, the department is hosting mobile vaccine clinics in communities across Oneida County. This includes a clinic Monday, October 12 at the Nokomis Town Hall from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Beyond vaccination, health officials encourage simple preventive habits—such as frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes—to keep the Northwoods healthy this season.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Rooks and pawns, knights and kings were on display in Antigo over the weekend. The Antigo Community Chess Club partnered with the Wisconsin Scholastic Chess Federation to offer an all-day tournament featuring players from ten area schools. The event was held at the NTC-Antigo campus. While the competitors faced-off on the chess board, they also teamed up for a good cause. The theme of this year's tournament was "Checkmate to End Homelessness." Players, families, and spectators were all encouraged to bring donations for William House of Hope, Antigo's local homeless shelter. Shelter board member Nicole Barron says, "Seeing our youth demonstrate such incredible focus, strategic thinking, and genuine sportsmanship was a powerful reminder of what our community can achieve together. We are deeply grateful to everyone who played, supported, and donated to help further our mission at William's House of Hope." There was also some chess to be played on the afternoon. In the end Edgar swept both the open and K-7 team competitions; while Paxton Mueller and Mackenzie Rettinger won their respective individual competitions.

Published on 10/12/2026 under News Some additional funding is being made available to non-profits in Vilas County following summer storm damage. While most of the headlines following the severe weather outbreak on July 27 focused on tornado damage in the Fox Valley, the Northwoods was also in the path of the storm. In addition to Winnebago County, the U.S. Small Business Administration has officially designated Vilas County as eligible for low-interest federal disaster assistance. According to the Friday news release, the funding is available to eligible private nonprofits and faith-based organizations impacted by the July 27 storms. Organizations can apply for physical disaster loans to repair or replace damaged property and equipment, or economic injury loans to help cover ongoing operational expenses. The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is December 7th, while economic injury applications are open through July 7th, 2027.

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