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DNR Reports Increased Bear Activity in Early Summer Published on 06/22/2022 under News

Following several recent black bear sightings across the state, the DNR is reminding the public to take precautions to avoid potential conflicts this summer.

Throughout the year, there are periods when bear activity picks up including the early summer. At this time of year, the DNR notes that young bears are striking out on their own for the first time. Breeding season is also getting underway and adult bears will be on the move in search of a mate.

Bears have a strong sense of smell, and food sources will often draw bears in to a property. To avoid that attraction, property owners should look to limit food sources such as bird feeders, unsecured garbage containers, even scraps in your fire pit or grill.

If a bear enters your property or you encounter a bear out in nature, officials recommend remaining calm and backing away slowly. You can likely scare the animal away, but be sure the bear has a clear escape route before startling it.

If bear problems persist on your property, you can contact the DNR. Each year, with their partners, the DNR responds to around 800 bear-related complaints.

In Other News

Rhinelander Church Collecting Unused Wheel Chairs for Global Distribution

Published on 10/28/2025 under News Throughout this week, a Rhinelander area church is collecting unused wheelchairs and other mobility assistance to distribute to developing nations. For those with limited mobility, a wheel chair is an important tool, but it's something that many take for granted. Wheels for the World is hoping to change that, and they're partnering with Calvary Baptist Church in Rhinelander for a local collection effort. We heard from Pastor Rod Ankrom about the mission. They take used wheel chairs and attempt to restore them to like-new conditions. They're then distributed to those in developing nations. Ankrom noted that those with limited mobility can often be excluded because they have no way of getting around. In addition to wheelchairs, they'll also be accepting crutches, canes, and wheel chair parts that may be of use in the refurbishment process. The drop off will be at Calvary Baptist Church on Lincoln Street in Rhinelander from 9am to 2pm today through Friday. They'll also have collection Saturday morning from 9-noon. If those times don't work, a drop-off can be arranged by calling the church.

Published on 10/28/2025 under News Lincoln County is home to more than 700 lakes and 650 miles of rivers and streams. At their meeting this past week, the Lincoln County Board approved a seven resolutions related to grant funding and donations to help protect these water ways. The grants include funding for Clean Boats, Clean Waters; Lake Monitoring and Protection Network, Surface Water Planning, Surface Water Restoration, and Healthy Lakes and Rivers programs. The additional dollars would be available to expand current educational and outreach programs as well as some restoration and improvement projects. In addition to the grant applications, the series of resolutions also included pledges from local stakeholders to provide the county with the match requirements. Among groups contributing: the Lake Nokomis Lake District, Friends of Lake Mohawksin, the Spirit Reservoir Association, and Trouts Unlimited. Each of the resolutions was approved by a unanimous voice vote with minimal discussion from the supervisors. If all grants are awarded to the county at the maximum amounts, more than $50,000 would be accessible for ongoing or new efforts.

Published on 10/28/2025 under News The DNR is asking the public to check fire danger before conducting any outdoor burning activities, as the fall fire season is underway. The state is typically vulnerable at this time of year, as the leaves have fallen from trees and the plants and grasses begin to go dormant ahead of winter. Crews have responded to more than 50 wildfires around the state this month. Though small in size, the agency notes that nearly all of these fires were human-caused and preventable. Debris burning is the leading cause of fire including brush and leaf piles. Other common causes: sparks from recreational equipment, campfires, and hot ashes from fireplaces and grills. Exacerbating the situation, is a relative lack of rainfall. The latest report from the US Drought Monitor shows much of northern Wisconsin in either abnormally dry or early drought classifications. The DNR will be staffing fire equipment as needed. They ask that people use caution if planning any burning, or better yet, wait until the ground is snow-covered.

Published on 10/28/2025 under News Aspirus Health has announced that their cardiology clinic in Rhinelander has moved into it's new location, now inside Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. According to the announcement, the expanded space includes nine exam rooms, a new registration area, and convenient proximity to key hospital services such as imaging, laboratory, emergency care and urgent care. Teri Theiler, President, Aspirus Health's North Division says, "This move represents an important step forward in providing comprehensive heart care for the Northwoods community." Theiler added, "By bringing our cardiology team into the hospital, patients will benefit from a more connected experience, with immediate access to additional diagnostic and specialty resources." Dr. Michael Zevitz echoed those sentiments, adding, "That teamwork helps ensure patients receive timely, coordinated, and efficient care—all in one convenient location." This is part of a larger renovation and expansion project at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital which also includes their Inpatient Behavioral Health Department and a new CT scanner. According to an update provided earlier this month, each is expected to be completed this fall.

Published on 10/28/2025 under News In just under a month, the west end of Tomahawk's Main Street will once again be filled with hungry hunters seeking a bite to eat before the deer season. The organizers of the event have put out their annual call for donations of venison. That tradition is, of course, the Tomahawk Venison Feed, hosted by the Tomahawk Chamber. This year marks the milestone 60th overall. During her visit to the WJJQ studios this past week week, Chamber director Charis Lau noted they are currently accepting donations of cleaned and de-boned venison. They'll once again partner with Geiss Meats who processes the 1,500 venison burgers that will be served up on Friday, November 21. Lau says the donations can be dropped off at the Chamber during their regular hours.

Published on 10/28/2025 under News Air travelers will have another option when flying out of the area starting next spring. United Airlines is set to return to Central Wisconsin Airport in Mosinee. The company announced that it would be resuming their flights to Chicago's O'Hare Airport. According to the announcement, United will offer three flights daily between the two cities, starting May 21st. Passengers can already begin purchasing tickets. The return of the United flights, along with Delta and American; there will once again be three major carriers serving CWA, allowing travelers access to not only Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul, but connections to destinations around the world.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans are in Washington DC Monday to visit the monuments and memorials built in their honor. This is the fourth and final mission of the year for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Today's flight features 99 veterans including five from the Tomahawk area. All vets on this flight served during the Vietnam era. Today's flight has been named the 'Arthur B. Riiser Memorial Flight' in honor of the WWI veteran after his family made a generous donation to sponsor all participants on today's mission. It's the 54th mission overall for the Northwoods chapter of the Honor Flight. Since it's founding 20 years ago, they've now transported more than 5,200 vets to the nation's capital. But organizers note this is only around 50% of eligible veterans in the area. They once again encourage any area veteran who served prior to May 7, 1975 and hasn't participated in the Honor Flight to get on their waiting list. Back to today's mission...the public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News A Northwoods hospital has been recognized for their efforts to promote the gift of sight through eye donations. Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital was the recipient of the 2025 Crystal Vision Award by the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Each year the Crystal Vision Awards have honored champions who go above and beyond to bring hope and healing through the gift of sight. Past recipients have included hospitals, surgeons, funeral homes, and community leaders. Robert Towne, BSN, RN, is manager of the Emergency Department at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital. He called the award a profound honor for their team. He says, "It reflects the compassion and dedication our caregivers bring to every patient interaction, especially in moments that involve the gift of life and sight." Last year, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital had 29 referrals and 11 were medically suitable to donate. It was part of a larger mission of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin which supported more than 1,200 donor heroes, restoring sight for 882 people across 40 countries. Michael Katz, with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin says, "Behind every number is a story — a person who can now see their loved ones again, a student who can continue their education, a grandparent who can watch a grandchild grow. Your impact reaches further than you may ever know."

Published on 10/27/2025 under News Bats and Halloween go hand in hand, and throughout this week wildlife officials are celebrating the flying mammals and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. The week leading up to Halloween is International Bat Week. According to the DNR, Wisconsin is home to eight bat species, though four are considered a threatened in the state. Bats are, of course, known for their voracious appetite and ability to control bug populations. Experts note a single, adult bat can eat up to a thousand mosquito-sized insects an hour. Wisconsin's bat populations had been on the decline to factors including habitat loss and white-nose syndrome, a fatal fungus that affects hibernating bats. In a bit of good news, DNR conservation Biologist Jennifer Redell noted that hibernation surveys over the past three years have show a small rebound in bat population numbers, but she noted there's still a long way to go. People can make a few small improvements around their yard to make it more bat friendly. Consider hanging a bat house, plant native plants, and limit the use of insecticides and pesticides. There are also opportunities for both education and citizen science monitoring through the Wisconsin Bat Program. We'll include a link with additional information.

Published on 10/27/2025 under News The Oneida County Health Department has been making it easier for people to stay protected from the flu. Over the past month, has been offering a mobile flu shot clinic, making more than a dozen stops at community locations including schools, senior centers, libraries and other public spaces. That effort wraps up today with a visit to the Nokomis Town Hall, where they'll be set up from noon to 1pm. Flu season typically runs from October to May, with peak activity between December and February. Oneida County residents who missed out on the traveling flu clinics, the Oneida County Health Department also offers walk-ins with no appointment needed on weekdays from 8:30am to 4pm

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