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Lincoln County Applying for Grants to Address Invasive Species Published on 09/22/2022 under News

Lincoln County continues to battle invasive species both on land and water. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved a pair of resolutions seeking grant funding to help address these harmful invaders.

The first resolution is a Clean Boats, Clean Waters grant through the DNR. The well-established statewide program deals with aquatic invasive species specifically. The resolution highlights Lincoln County's abundant water resources, home to more than 700 lakes and 650 miles of rivers and streams.

While the grant requires a partial match, local stakeholders will cover the cost. The Lake Nokomis Lake District and the Friends of Lake Mohawksin have pledged to donate a combined $2,000 required as a match. The additional funds would be available to expand programs such as AIS education and outreach efforts at area boat landings.

A separate resolution and grant would be focused on garlic mustard and other invasive plant treatments. Over the past 15 years, garlic mustard has been spreading in county forests despite treatment efforts. The county could potentially utilize those already assigned funds to seek a match grant through the Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development Council to increase their resources.

Earlier this month we shared additional efforts for Lincoln County to address invasive species in forest lands through their educational signs and boot cleaning stations.

Both resolutions were approved unanimously.

In Other News

Aspirus MedEvac Director Named Wisconsin EMS Director of the Year

Published on 02/11/2026 under News If you need emergency transport in Northern Wisconsin, you're in good hands and that all starts at the top. The Wisconsin EMS Association has named Bob Kirkley as their 2025 Director of the Year recognizes exceptional leadership and lasting impact on the emergency medical services (EMS) profession. Kirkley serves as director of Emergency Medical Services for Aspirus MedEvac. With more than 35 years of experience in EMS, Kirkley has become a defining force in EMS administration, known for innovation, operational excellence, and a leadership style that strengthens both people and systems. While now in a leadership role, Kirkley actually began his career as a frontline paramedic back in 1990. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to learning, teaching, and continuously improving EMS delivery for patients and providers alike. Under Kirkley's leadership, Aspirus MedEvac has implemented new technologies, modernized scheduling systems, streamlined documentation practices, and adopted data-driven strategies that directly enhance patient care and system sustainability. Kirkley accepted the 2025 Director of the Year Award during WEMSA's 40th Annual Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Conference and Expo in Green Bay.

Published on 02/11/2026 under News Tax season is upon us. For those utilizing a tax preparer, officials are reminding filers to do a little research. The Better Business Bureau of Wisconsin recently shared a few tips on finding someone you can trust with your finances and other sensitive personal information. They note that when it comes to choosing the right kind of tax preparer, much will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. That can include non-credentialed preparers, enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys. The Bureau recommends asking about fees ahead of time, and make sure there are no hidden costs. It's also wise to ask about availability, both during the tax season and also if any situations arise after filing. Be wary of spectacular promises on larger-than-usual refunds, as well as those offering refund anticipation loans. Like many services, referrals from friends and family are one of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer.

Published on 02/11/2026 under Sports The Hatchet hockey squad capped off Senior Night and their home portion of the 2025-26 season with their sixth shutout victory of the year, routing East-Merrill United, 9-0. Tomahawk got goals from five different players and scored four goals in each of the first two periods. Jonah Dickens finished with four total points, including a hat trick. The three goals by Dickens make him the all-time leading goal scorer across regular and postseason in Wisconsin State Hockey history, surpassing Oregon alumnus and current Iowa State defenseman Andrew Jicha. Dickens' assist also put him into a tie with former Antigo forward Eli Kassler for second-place all-time with most career regular and postseason points in Wisconsin State Hockey History. The Hatchets also got two goals from Jett Reilly and a goal and two assists from Mason Jaecks. Tomahawk's record now stands at 20-3 on the season, their second consecutive 20-win season. The Hatchets wrap up the regular season Thursday night in Waunakee. Puck drop is at 7:15.

Published on 02/11/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's basketball squads were swept in their doubleheader Tuesday night at the Hatchet House against Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander. The Hatchet boys started off the night with a 74-35 defeat to the Hodags, their 12th consecutive defeat. Tomahawk's girls were unable to avoid early foul trouble in the first half, losing to Rhinelander, 81-45. Freya Alberg led the way for the Hatchets with 27 points. The boys now stand at 2-18 on the season and 0-11 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk's girls fall to 12-10 on the season and 6-6 in Great Northern Conference play. Both teams will be back in action Friday night for another Great Northern Conference battle with Lakeland. The girls will be on the road and the boys are at home. Tip off is at 7:15 for both games.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Wisconsin Historical Society is visiting the Northwoods in the coming months as part of its History Makers Tour. The initiative launched in 2023, aiming to connect people of all ages with compelling stories, people and places that have shaped Wisconsin's past through a lineup of engaging events, exhibits, pop-up displays and community programs. Sara Batkie, Statewide Engagement Coordinator for the Wisconsin Historical Society, explained, "The History Makers Tour gives communities across Wisconsin unique opportunities to explore and celebrate the diverse histories that make our state special." The Northwoods leg of the Tour includes Antigo, Eagle River, Merrill, Park Falls, Rhinelander and Wausau where they partner with local parks, libraries and community spaces. Batkie says, "We are excited to bring a slate of special events and experiences to the north central region this year and look forward to engaging residents and visitors alike in discovering more about the people and stories that helped shape Wisconsin history." Some exhibits are long-term, others are signature, one-time events. For example, in May, during Rhinelander's Hodag Heritage Days, they'll feature a program called, "Wisconsin Whoppers: Sensationalistic Storytelling, Tall Tale Tourism, and Cryptid Currency in the Badger State." Other topics of exhibits during the tour include winter sports, vintage gas stations, the Tommy Bartlett water ski show, and single room school houses. You can visit the Wisconsin Historical Society website for a full schedule.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News An elementary school in Rhinelander was temporarily placed on lockdown Monday. According to a news release from the district, during recess, school staff at Crescent School reported hearing what they believed to be a gunshot to the north of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was immediately notified, and the school was placed into lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff. The Oneida County Sheriff's Office conducted a thorough search of the surrounding area including the use of a thermal imaging drone and discussions with nearby residents. They did not identify any evidence of suspicious individuals or activity. After confirming there was no apparent threat, law enforcement cleared the scene, and the school safely returned to normal activities approximately 45 minutes later. The district says, at no time was there evidence indicating a risk to the safety of students or staff. The school appreciates the swift response of law enforcement and the cooperation of students, staff, and families during this precautionary measure.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News The Aspirus Scholars Program is a collaboration aimed at addressing the national physician shortage, particularly rural areas like north central Wisconsin and Michigan's UP. At a special signing ceremony this past week, the Aspirus Health Foundation welcomed five new medical students to the program, committing $875,000 to students attending the Medical College of Wisconsin-Central Wisconsin Campus. As part of the arrangement, the students commit to employment at Aspirus upon graduation. Lanna Scannell, Aspirus Vice President, System Philanthropy says, "The Aspirus Scholars Program is about investing early in individuals who are committed to serving our region and strengthening access to care for the long term. Scannell added, "These scholars bring a strong sense of purpose and connection to our communities, and we are proud to support them as they prepare for careers that will make a lasting impact on patients and families across the region." This is the tenth class of the program, which now features 36 Aspirus Scholars.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A teen driver was arrested after fleeing the scene of a crash in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, dispatch received a call of a hit and run crash on Highway 51 in the Town of Scott Thursday. The caller reported a northbound vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and struck another vehicle from behind, and failed to stop. A short time later, a deputy located the suspected vehicle and made contact with the driver, a 19 year old Birnamwood man. The driver told the deputy he left the scene because he got scared. The deputies observed signs of impairment and requested field sobriety tests, which they said the driver refused. He was taken into custody for first offense OWI and two counts of bail jumping. His name was not included in the report._____ One other quick note from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report...the number of vehicle versus deer collisions dropped with just three being reported this past week on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News While the Christmas decorations have been put away for the year, the season of giving continues up in Minocqua. The Lakeland Pantry recently received a $2,700 donation thanks to the 2nd annual Festival of Trees. The 2025 Festival of Trees featured a dazzling display of 56 trees hosted at the Bottled Bean, each uniquely decorated by Northwoods businesses and organizations throughout the month of December. Community members played an active role in the event by purchasing tickets and casting votes for their favorite decorated tree with proceeds going towards the Pantry. Director Lorna Springate said in the announcement, "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the Festival of Trees and the entire Northwoods community. This generous donation will help us continue to serve families in need and demonstrates the remarkable spirit of giving that defines our area." The organization offered a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved and look forward to next year's event.

Published on 02/10/2026 under News A city of Tomahawk committee continues to discuss the regulation of boats that produce enhanced wakes. These preliminary conversations are under the purview of the Tomahawk Park and Rec Committee. The topic is back on the agenda for their Tuesday meeting, with a proposed ordinance included in the meeting packet that would impact wakeboats on Lake Mohawksin. Wakeboats typically utilize a ballast system that creates a larger wake for the purpose of surfing behind. Those seeking regulations cite the environmental impacts these boats cause to the lake bed and shoreline, the potential introduction of invasive species in the ballast water, and safety concerns for others on the lake. The ordinance included for discussion tonight would prohibit the use of ballast tanks, ballast bags, or fins to cause a boat to operate in a bow-high manner. First time violators would be subject to a $500 fine. Any ordinance would need approval by the Tomahawk City Council. The Council has yet to discuss the topic. Because Lake Mohawksin includes multiple jurisdictions, an identical ordinance would need approval by the Town of Bradley. Legislation regarding wakeboat regulation is also being discussed at the state level.

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