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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

Tomahawk Area Veteran’s Day Pool Tournament Raises ~$20,000 for Honor Flight

Published on 11/09/2026 under News From the opening break to the final pocketed ball, Tomahawk's 3rd Annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament was a tremendous success, raising over $20,000 to send local veterans to Washington, D.C to visit the Memorials built in their honor. Much like a clean table run, a local pool tournament in Tomahawk over the weekend was a resounding success, raising over $20,000 for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. The 3rd Annual Veterans Day Pool Tournament brought together nearly 100 players, some of whom traveled more than two hours to participate. Around a dozen local establishments hosted matches, while organizers assembled over 80 raffle baskets thanks to generous community donations. Lead organizer Misty Bergsrud, a veteran herself, expressed deep gratitude for everyone involved. She shared, "It takes an army to run an event of this size...I'll never be able to repay everyone who helped." With several tournament winners even donating their prize money back towards the cause, this year's event officially became the most successful in its three-year history. It costs roughly $500 per veteran to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. This weekend's effort will fully cover the trip for more than 40 local heroes on upcoming flights to the nation's capital. With Veterans Day just around the corner, the event's overwhelming success serves as a powerful reminder of the Northwoods' dedication to honoring its military service members.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Volunteers gathered in Taylor County last month for a five-day trail effort, completing a major milestone along the Ice Age Trail. Dubbed the "Buzz Bash," the event honored the late Gerald "Buzz" Meyer, a longtime Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteer from Medford. Over four days of field work, dedicated volunteer crews painted more than 4,000 fresh yellow blazes across 60 miles of trail throughout Taylor County. The final blaze was symbolically painted by Meyer's siblings, Ann and David. Organizers credited months of advance preparation by Alliance signage specialists for laying the groundwork, allowing crews to reblaze nearly the entire Taylor County segment to official standards in record time—ensuring a clear path for hikers for years to come. The project capped off a busy season for the Ice Age Trail in northern Wisconsin. Across several summer volunteer efforts, crews worked on trail maintenance, corridor clearing and infrastructure upgrades in Lincoln and Langlade Counties. The Ice Age Trail spans more than 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, crossing 30 counties.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News High-speed internet is expanding across the Northwoods following a major state funding announcement last week. Governor Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin awarded nearly $58 million through the State Broadband Expansion Grant Program, aiming to connect more than 18,000 unserved homes and businesses statewide. Locally, more than $3 million will go toward multiple broadband projects spanning Iron, Vilas, and Price Counties. Partnering with providers including Brightspeed, GogebicRangeNet, and Norvado, the buildout is expected to bring high-speed connections to more than 900 locations in the region. Governor Evers emphasized that internet access is a necessity, not a luxury. Since 2019, state administration grants have helped deliver new or improved service to over 428,000 Wisconsin locations. The applications requests continue to exceed available funding. Officials noted this could be the final round of grants, unless state lawmakers authorize additional resources to the program.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Classroom learning and local industry are coming together in Rhinelander following a major community investment. The School District of Rhinelander has announced a growing partnership with AirPro Fan & Blower Company, highlighted by a $10,000 donation to the district's Technical Education Department. School representatives recently met with the AirPro team to develop ways to expand hands-on technical learning, career exploration, and real-world skills designed to prepare students directly for the regional workforce. Superintendent Eric Burke says, "This is exactly the type of partnership that benefits our students, our local businesses, and our entire Northwoods community." He added, "Working alongside businesses like AirPro allows us to connect what students are learning in the classroom with the opportunities and needs of our regional workforce." In recognition of the gift, AirPro's support will be honored on the Dr. Lee Swank Wall of Honor located inside the new Technical Education wing at Rhinelander High School. The wall recognizes community partners whose contributions create lasting opportunities for Hodag students.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News State and local health officials are investigating a potential measles exposure at the Marshfield Medical Center emergency department in Weston. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the Marathon County Health Department report that an individual with confirmed measles visited the ER on Ministry Parkway while contagious on Thursday, November 5th, between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Anyone at the emergency department during that window should immediately check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms. This exposure also serves as a good reminder. If you develop symptoms of measles, stay home and call your provider before seeking care so hospital staff can take precautions against further spread. According to the latest DHS update, there have been more than 450 measles cases in Wisconsin since July. Further updates on public exposure sites will be posted on the Wisconsin DHS website.

Published on 11/09/2026 under News Authorities are investigating a workplace accident in Marathon County last week that claimed the life of a 47-year-old worker. Responders in Kronenwetter were called to American Asphalt on Happy Hollow Road Wednesday morning at shortly after 10am. The initial call indicated an employee trapped in a silo gate. Upon arrival crews provided immediate care on scene. The man was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. The man's name was not immediately released. Based on the preliminary investigation, the worker was checking conditions inside a silo when he became stuck between the gate doors. There are no signs of criminal activity. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was notified and is investigating.

Published on 11/09/2026 under Sports The Hatchet girls' swim season would end at the WIAA Division 2 Sectional Meet in Rice Lake Saturday afternoon. As a team, the Hatchets would finish 10th out 12 teams, ahead of Mosinee and Colby/Abbotsford. The top finisher for the Hatchets in the meet was Kaylee Roberts, placing seventh in the 100 yard backstroke with a time of 1:11.83. Aubrey Tollefson placed tenth in the 100 yard breaststroke, clocking in at 1:21.62. Tollefson, Roberts, Kortney Busterud, and Sloane Eisenman would finish ninth in the 200 medley relay with a time of 2:21.31. This concludes the Hatchet girls' swim season.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News If you notice green lights shining in the Northwoods this November, it may be a message of support for veterans. Operation Green Light is a national effort to salute local veterans and support them as they transition back to civilian life. For the past four years, the Lincoln County Board has approved a resolution backing the initiative. In addition to turning select lights on county buildings green, it encourages residents and local businesses to participate by replacing a traditional bulb with a green light, either outside where neighbors can see it, or inside to spark conversation. The goal is to shine a light on the unique challenges service members face when transitioning to civilian life while raising awareness for local, state, and federal resources. Lincoln County Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz, who drafted the resolution, noted that more than 2,000 veterans call Lincoln County home. The resolution states, in part, that the contributions and sacrifices of those who served have been vital in maintaining our freedoms and way of life. Studies show nearly three-quarters of service members experience high stress during their first year back in civilian life. While Operation Green Light originally centered around Veterans Day week, organizers are encouraging community members to keep their green lights burning through the entire month of November.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News With Wisconsin's nine-day gun deer season opener just two weeks away, hunters across the state are preparing to head into the woods. However, health experts at Aspirus Health remind hunters that preparing their hearts is just as vital as sighting in their scopes. Cardiologists warn that jumping from a mostly sedentary routine into a week of intense outdoor activity creates a sharp spike in heart rate and blood pressure. This includes strenuous tasks like hiking to a tree stand, climbing up, the surge of excitement after bagging a buck, and dragging the deer out of the woods. Aspirus Cardiologist Dr. Daniel Krause compares the season to a new workout routine. "You wouldn't walk into a gym and immediately try to bench 400 pounds," Dr. Krause says. "You start slowly and gradually increase your activity level." According to the CDC, roughly 5% of American adults over 20 have coronary artery disease—a condition that restricts blood flow and can trigger heart attacks under sudden strain. Cold temperatures only add to that cardiovascular stress. Doctors urge hunters to know their physical limits, eat well, dress appropriately for cold weather, and listen to their bodies. Anyone experiencing chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, or dizziness in the field should stop immediately and seek medical help.

Published on 11/06/2026 under News Local politics in many communities is defined by familiar faces; long-serving leaders holding municipal seats. But in Eagle River, that's set to change. On Tuesday night, Eagle River residents voted overwhelmingly in favor of a local term limits referendum, passing the measure with nearly three quarters of the 685 votes cast. The vote officially adopts a city ordinance capping consecutive service for both the Mayor and Alderpersons to four two-year terms: an eight-year total limit. Once a city leader completes those four consecutive terms, they must sit out six-years before running for the office again. And for current leaders, the clock is already ticking, the ordinance explicitly counts all past terms served prior to Tuesday's election toward the new limit.

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