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Aspirus Tick-Borne Illness Center Offers Tips for Ticks Published on 05/25/2023 under News

Spending time outdoors in the Northwoods means you're likely to encounter ticks. Unfortunately, these parasitic bugs can carry a number of diseases including Lyme disease.

Up in Woodruff, Aspirus offers a Tick-Borne Illness Center which focuses on ticks, their diseases, and even educating the public. We were joined on our Wednesday morning conversation by nurse practitioner Ashley Johnson. She says their Tick-Borne Illness Center was established in 2019 thanks to the Howard Young Hospital Foundation.

Wisconsin has three tick species, the wood tick, the deer tick, and the less-common lone star tick. Johnson says that recent mild winters have likely resulted in an increase in the local tick populations. When the snow melts, the ticks become active, and they've treated tick bites from March all the way to November.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness. It's carried by the smaller, brown and burnt orange-colored, deer tick. Johnson notes that Northern Wisconsin is considered a Lyme endemic region, an area where the disease is most prevalent.

Johnson explained that Lyme can be difficult disease to diagnose. The symptoms vary and can show up anywhere from a few days to a month or more after a bite. A bullseye rash is a common sign, but Johnson says it doesn't appear every time. She says prompt and thorough treatment can help avoid chronic Lyme disease.

Tick Prevention

Prevention is the best, and Johnson says people should take some simple steps to enjoy the Northwoods while avoiding ticks. They often attach to people from the ground, so tall boots and tucking your pant legs into your socks can help. So too does using a bug spray with Deet. Once home, change out of your clothes and toss them in a hot dryer.

Perhaps the most important tip to remember is a full-body check when you get home. A through check is important as Johnson notes ticks are adept at finding hiding spots like behind knees, arm pits, and other hard to reach locations.

Tick Removal

Removing a tick can be challenging and there are several options to extract them. Tweezers are effective and it's important that you don't squeeze the body of the tick. Place the tweezers at the head of the tick perpendicular to its body and pull straight up until it releases from the skin.

You can hear that entire conversation in the WJJQ audio center. May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month

In Other News

Marshfield Clinic Researchers Continue Tick Study, Seeking Submissions and Stories

Published on 03/24/2026 under News With spring returning to the Northwoods, tick activity will be picking back up. Researchers are once again asking for the public's help tracking them. The Marshfield Clinic Research Institute is kicking off its third year of the Tick Inventory via Citizen Science, or TICS, encouraging residents to submit ticks they find while working or enjoying the outdoors. Researchers say the data helps them better understand where ticks are found and the risks of tick-borne illnesses. The project has already seen strong participation, with nearly 6,000 ticks collected in each of the first two years. A majority of submissions were identified as the common wood tick, followed by the smaller deer tick, of concern due to carrying Lyme disease and other infections. They've also identified less common species, including some typically found in warmer climates like the lone star tick. Beyond collecting ticks, researchers are expanding the project this year to include personal stories from people impacted by tick-borne illnesses. It is aimed at engaging individuals who have experienced Lyme or another tick-infection to tell their story, and individuals can share as little or as much as they feel comfortable sharing. Collection kits are available through the Research Institute, at various Marshfield Clinic locations, and even partnering with some public parks and recreation areas. Each kit will come with a unique identification number that people can use to look up, via an online dashboard, the species of ticks they submitted. We've already received some listener reports of tick activity in Lincoln County this year. In addition to the TICS project, officials also reminded people about tick prevention including repellents, protective clothing, and tick checks after coming inside after being in wooded or brushy areas.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner and the DoT continues to announce projects, with the latest here in Lincoln County. Governor Tony Evers has approved a $450,000 project for improvements to the Highway 86/County D overpass at Highway 51 in Tomahawk. The project includes resurfacing the bridge, along with the replacement of guardrails and updated drainage. Contractor Zenith Tech, Inc. will handle the project. The work will require a temporary closure of Highway 86 overpass between the US 51 ramps. Drivers will be detoured using County A or County S interchanges. Work is actually set to begin next week. Construction is expected to wrap up by June, though the timeline will depend on weather and overall progress. Information can be found on the DoT project webpage.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News While the Northwoods snowmobile season had a brief return, it didn't last long. The Oneida County Forestry Department announced the closure of the Oneida County snowmobile trail system for the remainder of the season as of 8:00 am Tuesday. Trails had briefly reopened last week following fresh snowfall, giving snowmobilers an extra week of riding. But warming conditions have once again forced the trail closure, now for the season. In the announcement, they thanked local snowmobile clubs and volunteers for their work throughout the season, helping keep trails safe and well maintained. Riders were also thanked for supporting local businesses. As of this morning, no announcement has been made regarding the Vilas County trails, though local clubs reported rapidly deteriorating conditions.

Published on 03/24/2026 under News Tomahawk High School Forensics has traditionally sent a large group of students to the state festival, and this year is no different. The team competed in their district competition over the weekend with a full contingent advancing including ten repeat qualifiers. Poetry-Phoebe Hrdina and Abbigail Doleshal; Farrago-Galen Schmidt and Alena Cerkas; Prose-Lydia Shaney, Maddie Long, and Aubrey Graeber. Four group interpretation teams also qualified, comprised of Avery Suchomel, Avi Kromm, Skye Scheffler, Matilda Van Asten, Gabby Ulrich, Toby Schumacher, Skylar Hernandez, Finn Colburn, Jayden Dellinger, Sadie Ruder, and Payton Loka. The team now turns its attention to the state competition, set for April 17th at University of Wisconsin–Madison. Coaches say they're proud of the group's hard work, dedication, and teamwork, and are excited to see them represent the Tomahawk community on the state stage. Photo provided by Tomahawk Forensics: Back row from left to right, Finn Colburn, Tobias Scott, Galen Schimidt, Phoebe Hrdina, Alena Cerkas, Maddie Long; Middle row from left to right, Skylar Hernandez, Avi Kromm, Avery Suchomel, Skye Scheffler, Matilda Van Asten, Abbigail Doleshal, Aubrey Graeber, Lydia Shaney; Front Row from left to right, Gabby Ulrich, Payton Loka, Jayden Dellinger, Sadie Ruder

Published on 03/24/2026 under News Each spring Wisconsin Conservation Congress and the DNR offer an opportunity for interested parties to weigh in all things outdoors. The annual Fish and Wildlife Spring Hearings are right around the corner, and the partners recently shared some of the details. A familiar format will return with hearings held simultaneously across all 72 counties. Those will all take place on the evening of Monday, April 13. The Lincoln County meeting will be at the Lincoln County Service Center, Oneida County's at James Williams Middle School in Rhinelander. DNR staff and WCC delegates will be on hand at these spring hearings to discuss local issues, answer questions and open dialogue. That same evening, a three-day, online public input survey will go live. The responses are advisory only, and the questions are currently available for review on the DNR website. There are more than 45 yes/no questions, covering a wide variety of topics such as license costs and season structures, updates to the deer harvest registration process, and lake-specific fishing regulations. Another proposal would designate the Hine's emerald dragonfly as the state insect, while redefining the honeybee as the state agricultural insect. We'll offer up a reminder as that date approaches.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Students in the Northwoods now have a new pathway into engineering without leaving the region. Nicolet College has launched a new Associate of Science Engineering Pre-Major program, designed to help students begin their engineering education close to home. The program is offered in partnership with University of Wisconsin–Platteville, allowing students to earn an associate degree locally while working toward a bachelor's degree. Students can focus on fields like mechanical, electrical, or industrial and systems engineering before transferring to complete their four-year degree. College officials say the program expands access to high-demand careers while giving students a more affordable option with flexible scheduling. Student Jesse Schoonover says the partnership makes it possible to pursue engineering without taking on heavy debt, while staying rooted in the Northwoods. Supporting the new program is a familiar face in higher education. Dr. Sharon Anthony has joined Nicolet College as a mathematics and physics instructor, bringing nearly 30 years of teaching experience, including 17 years at Northland College. In addition to engineering, Nicolet continues to expand its pre-major offerings, including programs in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, natural resources, business administration, elementary education, and psychology.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Officials in Lincoln County are reminding residents to prepare for the potential of spring flooding at this time of year. The Lincoln County Emergency Management office says melting snow, spring rain, and the ice break-up can quickly raise water levels, especially along the Wisconsin River but also other local waterways. Emergency Management Director Tyler Verhasselt says the transition into spring is a good time for residents to review emergency plans and update supplies. He says the items people rely on during winter storms may not be the same supplies needed for spring flooding or summer severe weather. Officials encourage residents to prepare emergency kits with essentials like drinking water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, medications, and copies of important documents. Residents are also urged to monitor weather forecasts and river conditions during periods of rapid snowmelt or heavy rain—and to never drive through flooded roadways. Emergency management officials say taking a few simple steps now can help families stay safe and strengthen community preparedness as the spring season begins.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Folks in Tomahawk had the chance to enjoy some of the area's best food and drinks over the weekend. The Tomahawk Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Taste of Tomahawk event Saturday at Inshalla Country Club. This year's celebration marked a milestone, as the event turned 21 with a "21st birthday" theme. The annual gathering featured offerings from around two dozen local restaurants, businesses, breweries, and wineries, giving attendees a chance to sample a wide variety of flavors. Guests also voted for their favorites in several categories. Winners included Stubborn Brothers Brewery for beer and Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe for wine. Top honors for food went to Somo Lake Resort, while Sweet Pies of Mine took home the dessert award.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Amazon recently made a special delivery, not to a customer but a local food pantry to ensure local student aren't hungry at home. The Amazon fulfillment center in Weston recently donated more than 300 backpacks and nearly 80 pounds of snack foods to the Lakeland Pantry. The supplies will support the "Hope in a Backpack" program, which provides weekend meals to students across the Lakeland area. Each week, their team of volunteers fill more than 200 backpacks with easy-to-prepare food. The bags are distributed to students in several local school districts, helping bridge the gap when school meals aren't available. Program organizers say the effort plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity and supporting student well-being and they were grateful for the donation.

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Road construction season is right around the corner, and updates and announcements have been coming quickly. We have a few additional details on a highway project we first told you about earlier this year north of Tomahawk. Construction is set to begin in April on a $2.8 million improvement project along US 51 between US 8 and County L in the towns of Nokomis and Woodboro. The project, announced by Tony Evers, will include concrete repairs, asphalt resurfacing, and bridge work. Chippewa Concrete Services is the prime contractor for the project. Once the project begins next month, that segment of Highway 51 will be closed through Memorial Day. Following that holiday weekend, Highway 51 will remain open while construction continues with flagging operations and single-lane closures during the summer months. The work is scheduled to wrap up by mid-September, weather permitting. Officials noted this project is separate from a proposed roundabout project at Highway 51 and County K, which is currently planned for 2027.___ The DoT is hosting a public informational meeting this evening on the Highway 51 project planned in the Minocqua area this summer. Crews will be working on Hwy 51 between the Lake Minocqua Bridge and Front Street. Before work begins, the public will have a chance to learn more at a construction information meeting next Monday at 6pm at the Minocqua Public Library. That project is set to begin next week and continue through October. ___ And the Oneida County Highway Department announced that seasonal weight limits will take effect at 8am Wednesday. The list of roads impacted can be found on the Oneida County website, Highway Department page. 6 TON/AXLE 18 TONS GROSS CTH "A"...Entire LengthCTH "B"...Entire Length (CTH G to USH 45 posted year round)CTH "D"...CTH E to Prairie RoadCTH "E"...Entire LengthCTH "G"...Germond Rd to USH 45CTH "H"...Entire LengthCTH "M"...Entire LengthWEST CTH "N"...Entire LengthEAST CTH "N"...Crescent Road to USH 8CTH "O"...Entire LengthCTH "Q"...USH 45 to Langlade County LineCTH "W"...Golf Course Road to STH 17CTH "Y"...South County Line - USH 51CTH "Z"...Entire LengthNO POSTING CTH "C"...Entire LengthEAST CTH "D"...Prairie Road to STH 17WEST CTH "D"...USH 51 to CTH ECTH "G"...Germond Rd to Rhinelander city limitsCTH "J"...Entire LengthCTH "K"...Entire LengthCTH "L"...South County Line - JCT USH 51EAST CTH "N"...CTH "K" to Crescent RoadCTH "P"...Entire Length

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