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Local EMS Providers Receive EMS Flex Grants Published on 09/22/2022 under News

A number of Northwoods Emergency Medical Service providers will benefit from funding announced by the state this week.

On Tuesday, Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced $32 million in EMS Flex Grants. The funding will help providers — especially in rural communities — with staffing support and recruitment, training for first responders, and the purchasing of new supplies, medical equipment and response vehicles.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars will go to various agencies here in our listening area.

Just a small sample include: Lincoln County EMS awarded $66,000; Nokomis Fire and First Responders received $48,000; Little Rice Fire and Rescue got $33,000; and Howard Young Ambulance $113,000. (Additional recipients below)

The $32 million allotment is more than double the $12 million initially proposed. It comes after 400 providers requested more than $63 million in applications. The funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Northwoods Recipients:

Lincoln County EMS: $66,320
Nokomis Fire Department First Responders: $48,450
Howard Young Memorial Center Ambulance: $113,390
Marshfield Clinic Health System (Minocqua): $7,920
Hiles Volunteer Fire Department (Station B): $32,870
Little Rice Fire Department First Responders: $33,500
Oneida County Ambulance: $112,960
Rhinelander Fire Department: $85,570
Arbor Vitae First Responders: $27,250
Boulder Junction Volunteer Fire Department: $24,730
Eagle River Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service: $110,390
Manitowish Waters Fire Company: $54,700
Phelps Area Emergency Medical Service: $19,040
Plum Lake Ambulance Service: $17,340
Presque Isle Volunteer Fire Department: $6,190
St. Germain Fire/Rescue Ambulance Service: $61,460
Winchester Volunteer Ambulance Service: $94,120

In Other News

Walmart Donation Funds New Rhinelander Food Pantry Truck

Published on 11/26/2025 under News While the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry typically receives contributions of food or cash, the latest donation has an engine and wheels. The pantry, serving the greater Rhinelander area, announced they received a new refrigerated, transport truck. The truck was purchased through a much larger donation Walmart made to the Feeding America Network to improve food rescue and distribution. It will allow the Rhinelander volunteers to pick up larger food donations safely, thanks to the refrigeration unit. Currently, most pick ups are made with their own personal vehicles and coolers. Large donations may require multiple trips. According to the announcement, RAFP recovered 420,000 pounds of food from local grocery retailers and businesses. In addition to the gift of the transport truck, the pantry also received $10,000 for costs associated with the vehicle. It comes at a time when the amount of food insecurity has been on the rise and more people have turned to their local food pantry.

Published on 11/26/2025 under News As Thanksgiving travel picks up, officials are sharing their recipe for safe holiday season on the roads. According to AAA, more than 1.6 million Wisconsinites will travel at least 50 miles to their destinations this week. As a result, the DoT is encouraging drivers to follow the rules of the road: sober driving, seat belts, patience, and courtesy for fellow drivers. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "Whether you're traveling across the state or across town, we all play a role in making Wisconsin's roads safe for the holidays." She added, "...plan ahead, allow extra travel time, slow down, and avoid distractions. Safe driving choices save lives." Boardman also used Thanksgiving to give thanks to those who ensure our roads are safe including emergency responders, highway workers and road crews. As for peak travel times, this afternoon and evening as well as Sunday afternoon are expected to be busiest. Motorists may want to leave early to avoid traffic, as mornings are typically less busy. And pay attention to weather forecasts and keep a winter emergency driving kit in the vehicle.

Published on 11/26/2025 under News As we feast on turkey and fixins, experts are offering some tips to keep heart burn off the menu. Natalie Wilkin is an Aspirus Pharmacy Resident. She says, "Heartburn becomes more prevalent during the holiday season, most likely due to the increasing intake of rich, fatty, or spicy foods." This is often coupled with an increase in alcohol or caffeine, along with the stress of the season." To help prevent heartburn from interrupting your celebrations, Wilkin recommends paying attention to what and how much you eat and avoiding known triggers when possible. Wilkin says over-the-counter medications can help. Antacids like Tums are best taken at the first signs of symptoms, while a histamine antagonist like Pepcid should be taken ahead of a meal believed to trigger heartburn. But Wilkin cautioned these OTC meds can interact with prescriptions. If heartburn is a chronic issue, Wilkin encourages a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Published on 11/26/2025 under News It's that time of year where summer recreation opportunities are winding down. The latest closure comes from Oneida County. They announced that their summer ATV/UTV trail system will be closing as of Tuesday, December 2 at 8am. In addition to the trails, the closure will also include the Enterprise Campground. The Oneida County Forestry Department also thanked all volunteers and the ATV/UTV clubs for their work throughout the season. According to the announcement, the trail system is tentatively scheduled to re-open in May. The official opening will depend on the winter and spring conditions.

Published on 11/25/2025 under News A new mini-grant program is being created in Lincoln County to address substance use through funds received from opioid lawsuit settlements. Over the past several years, Lincoln County has received more than a half million dollars through nationwide opioid lawsuit settlements. The funds do come with spending restrictions; typically earmarked for opioid remediation through prevention, awareness, or treatment. The Lincoln County Board previously set up an Opioid Settlement Task Force to make recommendations on how the money would best be spent. Among their recommendations was to use a portion of the funds to establish a mini-grant program for community organizations serving Lincoln County. The County Board approved setting aside $50,000 for these mini-grants at their September meeting. Erin Ray serves as the Opioid Settlement Task Force Coordinator. She says, "We believe that the best ideas will come from our local community." Ray added, "We are eager to see the creative projects organizations propose to help our residents and make a real impact with this funding." They identified community groups, non-profits, government agencies, schools, and youth and family organizations in Lincoln County as potential applicants. The application deadline is February 20. Additional information is available on the Lincoln County website.

Published on 11/25/2025 under News The next Vilas County Sheriff is plenty familiar with the community and the office. On Monday, Governor Evers appointed Gerard Ritter to fill the remainder of the term of retiring Sheriff Joseph Fath. While the agency will lose more than four decades of experience when Fath retires in December; Ritter has nearly 25 years himself, joining the Vilas County Sheriff's Office in 2001. He's served a number of positions, most recently administrative patrol captain. He also created a citizens academy and played a role in the Readiness for Recovery program in the jail. And in the community, he created a 'Reading Heroes' program encouraging elementary students to read more. In announcing the appointment, Governor Evers said, "With decades of experience in law enforcement in Vilas County, Ritter has built strong relationships in the community and has a vision to move the office forward." Ritter said, "I have protected and served community members of Vilas County for the past 24 years and look forward to continuing to do so in my new role as sheriff. I strongly believe in 'servant leadership' and will continue to build stronger bonds with the community and local law enforcement agencies." Ritter's appointment will run through the remainder of Fath's unexpired term in January 2027. The position will appear on the next November's ballot.

Published on 11/25/2025 under News Aspirus is encouraging heart health over the holidays. Research shows that heart-related emergencies rise during the holiday season due to a variety of factors including travel, stress, and changes in habits. Megan Johnson APNP with Aspirus Cardiology says, "The two biggest risks we see are increased alcohol intake, which can trigger 'holiday heart syndrome' characterized by abnormal heart rhythms and missed doses of critical medications, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, strokes, or other complications." Johnson encourages mindful eating during holiday gatherings, emphasizing moderation. She says, "Enjoy the festivities and the special foods but try to eat a healthy snack beforehand and choose options that include fruits, vegetables, and proteins." When traveling, Johnson suggests bringing along an adequate supply of prescription medications, and try to maintain routine when taking the meds. If you'll be sitting in a car or plane for a long period of time, try and take breaks to get up and stretch. It's also important to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and engage in light exercise during the season. And if you experience heart-related symptoms, seek medical attention.

Published on 11/25/2025 under News We have additional information on two fatal crashes in Northern Wisconsin over the weekend. In Vilas County, officials released the name of the driver involved in a single vehicle rollover on Highway 45 in the Town of Conover Saturday evening. The driver, pronounced dead at the scene has been identified as 49 year old Jansan Murray of Leesburg, Florida. Officials had previously indicated that slippery roads may have been a factor. Meanwhile, a Rhinelander man died in a single vehicle crash north of Wausau Saturday evening. According to the Marathon County Sheriff's Office, that crash happened at the intersection of County Road W and Alamo Road in the Town of Texas. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He has been identified as 72 year old William Kibler of Rhinelander.

Published on 11/25/2025 under News Earlier this month, the Lakeland Pantry held a series of food and fundraising drives. They recently received a boost from a local grocer. The Lakeland Pantry announced that Trig's in Minocqua donated $3,000 in gift cards which they said will directly benefit pantry customers and help local families facing food insecurity. Lorna Springate Lakeland Pantry Director says, "The generosity of Trig's and our other partners truly help us fulfill our mission. We're deeply appreciative of everyone who contributes to making a positive impact." The gift cards will provide families with the flexibility to purchase fresh food and other necessities. They said the support is especially meaningful as the holidays approach, a time when the need for assistance is often even greater.

Published on 11/24/2025 under News The City of Merrill continues to recognize citizens who left an indelible mark on the community. Today they'll honor a resident who became an advocate for the elderly, while also planting the seeds for what became the Merrill-Go-Round bus service and local Meals on Wheels program. Three years ago, the Merrill Historic Preservation Committee began a Memorial Street Sign program. Each year they select a small number of citizens by dedicating a street segment in their honor. At a ceremony this morning they'll unveil a sign honoring Dolores Kelly. The Committee offered some of her accomplishments. In 1970, Kelly joined the city's Committee on Aging where they focused on housing, nutrition, legal services and most importantly transportation for the senior community. That led to the Dial-A-Bus program in 1973, the predecessor to the Merrill-Go-Round. That led to Kelly's recognition as the 1975 Merrill 'Woman of the Year.' The street segment being marked today is outside former Merrill City Hall at the corner of 2nd and Cleveland. The family chose this location, as it was where the first Dial-A-Bus ride launched. The sign unveiling will take place at 11am with members of the Kelly family, city officials and a Merrill-Go-Round bus. This is the fourth of five signs being dedicated this year.

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