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Two Northwoods Hunters Sustain Firearm Injuries Opening Weekend Published on 11/23/2022 under News

Unfortunately, two Northwoods hunters were among those injured by firearm accidents during opening weekend of the hunting season.

In their opening weekend recap, the DNR provided preliminary summaries of each of the six incidents investigated over the weekend. We previous reported on a fatal accident in Green Lake County involving an 11 year old boy. There were also two self-inflicted accidents in Oneida and Forest Counties.

The Oneida County incident happened opening day. A 24 year old male was hunting in the town of Little Rice. While repairing his rifle sling the man said his hand briefly froze to the gun. When removing it, he accidentally brushed the trigger. The man sustained a gunshot wound to the foot.

On Sunday afternoon, in Forest County, a 33 year old sustained a wound to his hand. While handling a handgun, the man unintentional discharged the weapon, striking his pinkie finger. That was in the Town of Hiles.

The six firearm incidents around the state, matching last year's total for the entire 9-day gun deer season. It's also in line with recent averages.

Other Hunting Accidents Reported Opening Weekend:

•Sauk County, Woodland Township: On Nov. 19, 2022, at approximately 11:10 a.m., a 22-year-old male was the victim of a gunshot wound to the thigh. During a deer drive, a 20-year-old male shooter, who was a driver in the hunting party, shot at a running deer, striking the victim, who was a stander in the hunting party. The victim was transported to the hospital and treated.

•Marquette County, Mecan Township: On Nov. 19, 2022, at approximately noon, while in a ground blind in a field, a 69-year-old female was the victim of a gunshot wound to the thigh. A 16-year-old male shooter was hunting from his ground blind in an open field, separated by a pond from the victim, when he shot at a deer, striking the victim. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital and treated. The shooter and victim were members of same hunting party.

•Iowa County, Mifflin Township: On Nov. 19, 2022, at the close of hunting hours, a 15-year-old male suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the foot. The victim was unloading his firearm while sitting in the passenger seat of a truck when the firearm discharged. The victim was transported to a local hospital and treated.

•Green Lake County, Seneca Township: On Nov. 20, 2022, shortly after 9 a.m., an 11-year-old male was the victim of a gunshot wound to the chest. A 41-year-old male shooter attempted to unload his firearm while the firearm was placed in the backseat of a vehicle. The firearm discharged, striking the victim. The victim was flown via Med Flight to a hospital where he died. The shooter and victim were members of same hunting party.

In Other News

Felzkowski Staying in State Senate; Won't Seek Higher Office in 2026

Published on 10/14/2025 under News After considering several open races, a local elected official will stay in her current position. Wisconsin Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) announced she will not seek higher office in the 2026 midterm elections and will instead remain as the Senator for Wisconsin's 12th Senate District. Felzkowski's name had been mentioned for both the Wisconsin governor race as well as US Congressional seat in the 7th district. Felzkowski said in her announcement, "This is not the right time for my family, and besides, I love representing my constituents in Madison as a State Senator. There's a lot of work still to be done in Wisconsin, and I look forward to continuing to fight for a brighter future in our state."(full statement below) Felzkowski has spent more than a decade representing the Northwoods in Madison, first in the state assembly and now the senate where she began her second four year term this year. Full statement from Mary Felzkowski on decision not to run for higher office in 2026...I have spent my entire life in Wisconsin's Northwoods, growing up working on my family's Christmas tree farm, raising my children, and running a small business. I love the Northwoods, and representing the people of Northern Wisconsin in Madison is a true honor. After months of thought, prayer, and discussions with my husband, I have decided to not seek higher office. This is not the right time for my family, and besides, I love representing my constituents in Madison as a State Senator. There's a lot of work still to be done in Wisconsin, and I look forward to continuing to fight for a brighter future in our state. I am truly grateful for all those who have reached out with words of encouragement and support over the last several months, and I make this decision knowing that the Northwoods will continue to have strong representation in both Washington, D.C., and Madison.

Published on 10/14/2025 under News As road construction season winds down for the summer, the DoT continues to plan for future projects. On the docket for 2027, is the intersection at Highway 51 and County K/Swamp Lake Road in Oneida County. Coming up this evening, the DoT will host a public involvement meeting to discuss current plans for the project. After studying several options, the proposed improvements would include reconstructing the intersection as a single-lane roundabout, which the DoT says is aimed at reducing the number of severe crashes at the intersection and maintain traffic operations. Tonight's meeting will be held just down the road from the intersection at the Northwoods Community Elementary School in Harshaw. A brief presentation is scheduled to begin at 5 pm with the remainder of the meeting to follow an open-house format.

Published on 10/14/2025 under News Students in the Northwoods are fortunate to live and learn with nature. They'll once again be able to showcase that knowledge and a little creativity. The Lincoln County Conservation Program announced the return of their annual Conservation Contests which includes both a poster category and a speech category replacing the previous essay contest. Each edition has a theme, and this year they'll look beneath their feet. It's "Soil. Where it all Begins' The contest is described as a way for students to expand their appreciation and get involved with the environment and conservation. It also serves as an opportunity for teachers to incorporate the topic into their classroom lessons. It is open to public, private, and home-school students. Participants will be judged based on grade-level groupings. Winners will advance to regional, state, and ultimately a national contest. Lincoln County Conservation has additional information on their website.

Published on 10/14/2025 under News A La Crosse County woman convicted of supplying drugs to a Rhinelander man who overdosed has been sentenced. Andrea Walker of Bangor Wisconsin was back in Oneida County Court for a sentencing hearing Friday. Back in August, the 44 year old was found guilty of reckless homicide as party to a crime following a week-long jury trial. Investigators said a 45 year old Rhinelander man obtained drugs from Walker shortly before his death in January of 2023 from a mix of methamphetamine and fentanyl. At Friday's hearing, Judge Mary Sowinski ordered Walker serve seven years in prison followed by five years of extended supervision.

Published on 10/14/2025 under News As commonly happens in the fall, the number of vehicle versus deer collisions is on the rise. Drivers are reminded to be alert. The number of accidents involving deer spiked this past week on Lincoln County roadways. According to the latest Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, nineteen drivers reported striking deer. A few other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report... A collision with a deer led to an OWI arrest for a driver in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy came across a traffic crash in the southbound lanes of Highway 51 near the Town of Rock Falls. The driver, a 43 year old Wind Lake woman, told the deputy she had struck a deer. The deputy noted damage consistent with an animal collision. As the deputy noticed signs of impairment when speaking with the woman Following field sobriety tests, she was arrested for first offense OWI and possession of drug paraphernalia. A speeding stop Sunday led to a first offense OWI arrest for a 39 year old Merrill man.

Published on 10/14/2025 under News A local organization is challenging people to track down unused electronics in their home for proper disposal through recycling. Today is International E-Waste Day, and the Good News Project in Wausau is taking part. This year's theme is "Join the e-waste hunt - retrieve, recycle, revive!" The campaign emphasizes the importance of reclaiming unused electronics which contain valuable materials that can be recycled while also keeping these items out of landfills. GNP Executive Director Christine Daniels says they are excited to be part of this global effort. She added, "Many people don't realize that their unused electronics hold materials that can be reused. By participating in this e-waste hunt in our own homes and businesses, our community members can help recover these resources and promote sustainability." As part of the effort, the Good News Project will be hosting an E-Cycling collection event today from 9-4 at their location on N. 5th Street in Wausau. There is a $0.45 per pound fee to cover recycling costs.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and a new Marshfield Clinic facility in the Wausau area focused on women's health held a grand opening celebration this past week. Marshfield Medical Center-Weston hosted a ribbon-cutting and offered tours at their new Women's Health and Imaging Center. The goal of the facility is to streamline services and offer them at one central location including oncology, radiation therapy and surgical services. The Center recently became first Wisconsin location to offer Contrast Enhanced Mammography. Dr. Sarah Nielson explained CEM is like a regular mammogram, but the patient is injected with an iodine-based dye making it easier to spot hyperactive cancer growth. Nielson called it an exciting addition to their services, adding, "Patients can now access the most advanced medical care available nationwide – right in their own community." The Center also offers screening mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasound, breast biopsy, MRI and bone density screening.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News Middle School students from around the Northwoods got to experience some of the college opportunities right in their own back yard. On Friday, Nicolet College hosted their annual College and Career Day. More than 350 8th grade students from schools around the region made the trip to Rhinelander campus to learn about the different programs and pathways available to them in just a few years. During their visit the students embarked on campus tours and several academic program demos, including Public Safety, Aviation, Welding, and Culinary. For some students, it was also their first time experiencing a college campus. The College and Career Day has been a longtime opportunity and another part of the collaboration between Nicolet College and the schools and students within their region.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News A fire at a silo on a Merrill area farm late last week was contained. According to the Merrill Fire Department, crews were paged to a farm on Joe Snow Road in the Town of Scott on Thursday evening. The initial call indicated a silo that was smoldering. Upon arrival, MFD personnel met with owner and confirmed the fire was caused by some old silage. Firefighters were able to use thermal imaging camera to detect the hot spots, cooling the silo with about 4,000 gallons of water. No injuries were reported and the owner was advised to continue removing the remaining silage. -Image from Merrill Fire Department shows thermal imaging camera to identify hot spots in silo fire.

Published on 10/13/2025 under News The DNR is encouraging fall campers and hunters to leave firewood behind, and instead 'buy local, burn local.' October is National Firewood Month. It's part of a campaign to prevent invasive species from hitching a ride. Insects and fungi can often hide in or on firewood and spread to new locations when transported. This may include the spongy moth, emerald ash borer, and the fungus that causes oak wilt. Instead of transporting firewood, officials with the DNR encourage it be obtained within ten miles of the intended burn location. Another option is to use treated and certified wood. For many destinations it's the law. Non-certified firewood from more than 10 miles away is prohibited at state parks, state forests and other DNR properties, while many county, federal, and private campgrounds may have similar restrictions. The same 'closer is better' guidelines apply to wood-heated cottages or hunting cabins. And when your excursion is complete, officials recommend leaving un-burned wood behind rather that bringing it home and potentially introducing invasives to your own property.

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