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Newly Appointed Oneida County Judge Announces Election Campaign Published on 11/15/2022 under News

A recently appointed Northwoods judge plans to seek a full term.

With last week's election now behind us, the next slate of candidates are preparing for the spring elections. That will include current Oneida County Circuit Court Judge Mary Burns.

Back in August, Governor Evers appointed Burns to the bench to fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Patrick O'Melia. That term runs through July of 2023.

In her announcement, Burns says, "I am excited to announce my campaign for a full term on the Court. I look forward to running a positive race focused on my record as a tough and fair Judge and on my qualifications for this very important job."

The spring election is non-partisan. Any potential primary would take place in February, with the general election in April.

In Other News

Short Trailer Released for Tomahawk: City in the Pines Documentary

Published on 06/16/2025 under News A documentary telling the story of the city of Tomahawk is in the works, and recently took another step with the release of a short trailer video. Last summer we introduced you to this film project titled: Tomahawk: City in the pines. Tomahawk native Clay Schmit is the visionary and local tie, and he's working with friend and award-winning filmmaker John Newcombe. Over the weekend, followers got a sneak peak at their progress. Newcombe released a two minute teaser trailer on his Youtube channel. This short clip focuses primarily on the logging aspect as the region was settled. At the end, there is a quick transition to the modern day tourism and recreational focus. It includes a narration over old photographs, video and drone footage. As for what's comes next, they'll continue working on the film, while also fundraising to offset some of the production costs. A timeline on the full film release was not provided. That teaser trailer is available on Youtube, we'll include a link in the online version of the story.

Published on 06/16/2025 under News Marshfield Clinic is part of a long-term, nationwide cancer prevention study, and they are currently recruiting participants in the Merrill area. Known as Connect, the Connection for Cancer Prevention Study is being led by the National Cancer Institute. Marshfield Clinic is one of several health care systems across the country participating in this cutting-edge research. Marshfield Clinic Senior Research Scientist Dr. Robert Greenlee says, "Connect will create a platform of research for years to come that we expect will reduce this burden by uncovering ways to prevent cancer, detect it earlier when it's more treatable, and improve the health of cancer survivors." It is a long-term study and participants will be asked to complete online health surveys a few times a year, while also submitting blood, urine, and saliva samples every two to three years. As of June 1, Marshfield Clinic has enrolled more than 5,000 participants in Connect. Their goal is recruit 11,000 patients according to Greenlee. As they focus on the Merrill area, people can learn more at an upcoming enrollment session 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 24-25 and July 30-31 at Marshfield Clinic Merrill Center, 1205 O'Day St. Enrollment sessions at other Marshfield Clinic locations will be scheduled periodically. To learn more about Connect, visit cancer.gov/connectstudy.

Published on 06/16/2025 under News Over the past week, we've been looking at the tourism impact numbers along the Highway 51 corridor. Our last stop is up in Vilas County... small in population, but large in tourism. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released record setting data for both the state and counties last week. Up in Vilas County, they estimate visitors impact at just shy of $303 million last year. That's up slightly from the previous year, and ranks just behind Oneida County for tops in the Northwoods. Collette Sorgel, Director of Vilas County Tourism & Publicity. She says, ""We're always looking for new ways to reach potential visitors, especially the younger generations who may just be learning about the magic of the Northwoods." Tourism is Vilas County's largest industry, supporting 2,105 jobs. Visitor spending in the county accounted for $25.9 million in state and local sales tax revenue last year. Sorgel says,"From generations of families returning to Vilas County to the new faces we're so glad to welcome, we are incredibly thankful for our visitors."

Published on 06/16/2025 under News In the Northwoods, tourism season and road construction season overlap. One project in the Minocqua area is hoping to balance the two interests with a two phase project with summer hiatus. Earlier this year, crews began work on Highway 51 in Minocqua between Front Street and Third Avenue. That road is a main thoroughfare through the community and into the rest of the Northwoods region. To minimize the impact, they're splitting the work and will pause during the busy summer season. According to the latest DoT construction report, Friday was the last scheduled day of work for now. The plan is to return on September 1 to resume and complete the project. In the meantime, they will remove the temporary traffic controls, and all lanes of traffic are expected to remain open. Road Construction Continues:A few other workzones including in the DoT work that may impact local travel...additional information on these and all DoT road construction projects can be found on their website.Crews continue to work on Highway 8 between County L and McCord Road north of Tomahawk. Drivers may encounter closed shoulders and temporary flaggers.A project on Highway 64 east of Antigo begins this week.There are three ongoing DoT projects in Marathon County including Highway 51 between Wausau and Mosinee and two projects on Highway 29 in western Marathon County (Purple Martin Lane to Little Rib River and Clark County Line to County E South)

Published on 06/16/2025 under News A dam project in Marathon County could impact an endangered fish. The DNR is currently considering a permit from Domtar to remove and replace the deteriorating timber section of their hydroelectric facility at the Rothschild Dam. The presence of the state endangered black redhorse is confirmed in the vicinity of the project site. DNR staff estimates 1.1 acres of suitable habitat will be impacted by this project. They concluded the proposed project is not likely appreciably impact the black redhorse fish. The DNR is currently accepting comments on that permit. Additional information. The project is anticipated to commence construction in the summer of 2025 and be substantially complete by January 2029, with the final restoration completed in the summer of 2029.

Published on 06/13/2025 under News It's Friday, and that means a steady stream of visitors are bound for the Northwoods. For many, their destination is Oneida County, which once again saw record setting tourism numbers. Throughout this week, we've been exploring the recent tourism impact data released by the state. Oneida County saw an impressive $303 million in tourism spending. That was up approximately $11 million from 2023, the previous record. Jacqui Sharpe serves as chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council. She says, "Our bustling communities, trails and lakes, beautiful lodging properties, and delicious restaurants are the reason families return year after year. We love welcoming them back and can't thank them enough for their continued support." Sharpe called outdoor recreation the area's 'bread and butter'. She acknowledged that two consecutive mild winters and minimal snow has left an impact. Fortunately, she noted that attractions like the Hodag Dome have been beneficial. The area has also benefited from the growth of ATV and UTV recreation. To serve travelers, there are an estimated 2,200 tourism related jobs supported in the county. Oneida County also collected $24.5 million in state and local sales taxes in 2024. Sharpe closed by saying, "With so many options for where to spend your hard-earned money and time, we feel incredibly grateful that people continue to choose Oneida County. It makes all the difference in our communities!"

Published on 06/13/2025 under News The Tomahawk Kinship team is busy raising money in their efforts to purchase the Historical Bradley Bank building. And this weekend they're teaming up with the Tomahawk Farm and Flea market to put the fun in fundraiser. The two groups will be hosting a mini carnival during Saturday's market. Earlier this week, we heard from Sue Stefanich who has played a key role in connection the two groups. She says the partnership began when the Farm and Flea Market selected Kinship as their monthly benefactor. And since the program benefits kids they came up with a carnival. In just a few weeks, they organized to have games, activities, face painting and live music. Stefanich encouraged regular shoppers to bring their kids and grandkids along for the fun. Stefanich is not only helping organize, she's also the purveyor of Sue's Sourdough. She has also pledged to donate the proceeds from the sales of her popular crackers to the cause. And throughout the month of June the Farm and Flea Market is contributing a portion of vendor fees and onsite donations to the effort. As for the overall Kinship Fundraiser, they're looking to raise approximately $300,000 to purchase the bank building on the corner of South Tomahawk and Wisconsin Avenues. They only have until early July to reach their goal. Then phase two will be re-purposing the bank to better suit their needs as a mentorship program. They've created a GoFundMe and a Facebook page for people to stay up to date on other support opportunities.

Published on 06/13/2025 under News Not only did the traditional school year come to end this past week, the first year of the new Tomahawk Community Education Program also wrapped up. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board heard an update from Taylor Remington, who was tasked with establishing the program from the ground up. The initial goal better utilize the campus and resources with the public, as they often highlight it being the 'community's school.' They offered a wide variety of courses in areas like arts and crafts, fitness, hobbies, personal growth and general interest. While catering to adults, they also have classes that may suit kids like babysitting. Some are single session, others recurring. Remington says they had more than 120 registrants during the spring session. And they had more than 400 participants overall in the first year. And while a success, they're hoping to improve and grow the program. As for the summer, Remington will be compiling survey and feedback data offered by this year's participants. She's also working on the course catalog for next fall. The variety of classes is reliant upon the instructions, and she once again put out a call for anyone interested in doing so. The district has a Community Education Program website with additional information.

Published on 06/13/2025 under News The Langlade County Health Department is launching a new campaign to reduce and prevent substance use. They are partnering with the State Department of Health and the Department of Justice on the Real Talks Wisconsin campaign. Donna Wiegert is a public health nurse in Langlade County. She says, "Substance use is a reality in our community, yet it often goes unspoken or is dismissed due to shame and stigma." That can be a barrier in the individual seeking help. Weigert says, "We have the power to create supportive, stigma-free spaces centered on hope and healing. It starts with open, honest conversations." According to the announcement, Real Talks Wisconsin isn't focused on any specific substance. Instead, the effort is built around strategies that can be used to prevent or reduce any type of drug use. Weigert says, "We all have a role in breaking the stigma surrounding substance use disorder," said Donna. "By educating ourselves on addiction, we can foster understanding, ask thoughtful questions, show empathy, and work toward solutions that support those affected."

Published on 06/13/2025 under News The DNR and the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council recognized fifteen people and one organization for their efforts in keeping our natural resources free of invasive species. Earlier this week we told you about two Northwoods professionals who have made an impact. But conservation also needs volunteers. Two Vilas County men were among these honorees. That includes Dave Mueller. He has spent nearly two decades focused on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes. They highlighted his efforts to combat Eurasian water milfoil. What started as a 300-acre problem has turned into just 33 acres of manual removal annually. Kenneth Frauenhoffer was also honored. His focus has been on the Clean Boats Clean Waters program, specifically on Fence Lake. He educates staff, volunteers, boaters and landowners about AIS, playing an important role in keeping Fence Lake free Eurasian Water milfoil and spiny water flea. The DNR says the winners represent all regions of Wisconsin. They used many different approaches in their efforts, but each winner is united in putting in long hours in the ongoing work against the spread of invasive species. They were recognized at a ceremony earlier this month.

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