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Aspirus Recognizes Northwoods EMS Past and Present Published on 05/26/2023 under News

This week has been set aside to recognize those in the emergency medical services field. In addition to recognizing their current providers, Aspirus is also looking back at those who have influenced EMS over the years right here in Northern Wisconsin.

In a news release, Aspirus notes that the state of Wisconsin, and the Northwoods in particular, has a proud history in the evolution of EMS. They specifically highlighted Dr. JD "Deke" Farrington, a former physician at Lakeland Memorial Hospital and Howard Young Medical Center. He has been referred to as "The Father of Modern EMS" due to the integral role he played in the development of emergency medical services dating back to the 1950's.

Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Farrington coordinated the first nationally recognized EMT course. It was held in Wausau in 1969. He is also credited with inventing the spine board and promoted the use of extrication and part of board that established industry standards. He even took part of the development of the 'Star of Life' as auniversally-recognized EMS symbol.

Dr. Michael Clark currently serves as an emergency medicine physician and EMS medical director at Asprius. He says, "The Northwoods is proud to have such a rich history in the development of these techniques and trainings that continue to save countless lives today." He added that, "Dr. Farrington understood the importance of emergency medical care and had the foresight to see how he could improve it."

Today Aspirus MedEvac has a team of more than 250, operating two air units and 35 ground ambulances at 13 base locations in northern Wisconsin and Michigan's UP.

In Other News

One Dead, One in Custody in ‘Accidental Shooting’ in Taylor County

Published on 04/29/2026 under News One person is dead, another person in custody following an unintentional shooting in Taylor County. According to a news release from the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the incident happened Tuesday evening at shortly before 9pm. Responders were called to a home in the Town of Little Black for what was described as an accidental gun-shot injury. Upon arrival, deputies located the man lying in the yard, unresponsive. They immediately began life-saving measures, however he was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the preliminary investigation, an adult male was arrested and brought to the Taylor county Jail. No other information on the incident has been released at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News Somo Avenue in Tomahawk is one of the roughest stretches of road in the city. While officials await a long-term fix, the city is teaming up with the county on a temporary solution. And that could come next month. At Tuesday's meeting, the Board of Public Works approved a plan to wedge the top layer of asphalt and apply an overlay on Somo Avenue between the 4-way stop and Tomahawk Avenue. A previous overlay began to peel, leaving behind large potholes that are difficult to fill and maintain. This project is intended as a temporary measure for that four-block segment, expected to last around 5 years. The State of Wisconsin has tentatively scheduled a full reconstruction of Somo Avenue, which doubles as State Rd. 86 for the year 2030. Street Lead Nick Rosenmeier briefly discussed the plan ahead of the vote. Repairs are tentatively scheduled for the week before Memorial Day weekend, and Rosenmeier anticipates a closure of that four block stretch for two to three days. The Board discussed project logistics, including the temporary detour and ensuring access for the police department. Ultimately, the project was approved unanimously. _____ A few other quick notes from Tuesday's lengthy Public Works meeting… The Board approved an updated request from Tomahawk Main Street for their downtown historical marker in the boulevard outside the Bradley mural on the side of Walker's General Store. Tomahawk Main Street also requested permission to pursue a streetscape redesign project. We'll have a bit more on those efforts in the coming days. The Board continues to discuss ongoing issues with lift station at the Esker Heights subdivision due to flushing of improper materials. The city is exploring various options including advisories and service call surcharges. They are reaching out to neighboring communities to see how they have addressed similar issues. The board also approved routine maintenance to paint the city's fire hydrants. They will be painted red and include industry standard indicators marking water flow rates. Street Lead Nick Rosenmeier clarified for people inquiring about street sweeping delays. They have been awaiting a repair part that was initially back-ordered, then incorrectly sized. He hoped to have the street sweeper up and running this week.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News Expecting parents and families with little ones will have a chance to gather helpful resources, ask questions, and connect with local experts at an upcoming community event in Tomahawk. The Lincoln County Health Department and their partners are hosting the 4th annual Lincoln County Community Baby Shower Wednesdayafternoon. Organizers say the free, come-and-go event is designed for families expecting a baby, as well as parents, caregivers, and family members of children up to 18 months old. They note that kids are welcome as well. Public Health Educator Lexi Buntrock says, "We are excited to be able to offer this one-stop-shop experience again that connects expecting families, and those with young children, with local resources and education." The baby shower will feature a wide range of local agencies and services, offering information on topics such as safe sleep practices, child development, nutrition, mental health, and early literacy. They'll have demonstrations like CPR and car seat checks. Buntrock says, "We are excited to welcome back many of our returning agencies and resources, as well as introduce some new ones this year. Thanks to a grant from the Tomahawk Community Thrift Shop, they have a limited number of care packages with baby essentials and educational materials. Buntrock says, "We frequently see families returning to the event annually..." No registration is required. They'll be set up at St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center in Tomahawk this afternoon from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News Students at Tomahawk Middle School are stepping out of the classroom and into the community for a day of service. The annual Community Service Day will send middle school students across the greater Tomahawk area to take part in a wide range of service projects like cleaning up grounds, reading to younger students, helping at nursing homes and assisting community organizations. A new addition this year includes a fundraiser at the Trig's Brat Hut from 11 am to 2 pm, where students will serve lunch to raise money for the Salvation Army Backpack Program which offers snacks and food vouchers for students dealing with food insecurity. Ahead of the effort, we spoke with Middle School Principal Stacey Bolder. She says the day is about more than just volunteering it's about building pride, connections, and lifelong values. She noted, "By the time a student leave Tomahawk Middle School in eighth grade, you know they're going to have done quite a bit of community service, something that we want to instill in (our students). Community members are encouraged to stop by the brat stand to support the cause and see the students' efforts in action.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News Officials have provided some additional details into a fatal incident following a traffic stop near Tomahawk late last week. That incident happened Friday, at shortly before 5pm on Highway 51 north of County A. The initial report indicated a state trooper conducted a traffic stop, the driver drove away, and suffered a fatal, self-inflicted injury. In an update provided by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday, they identified the subject as 36 year old Wade Johnson of Minocqua. They clarified the initial traffic stop was for an equipment violation. After briefly stopping for the trooper, they said Johnson fled in the vehicle, traveled an approximately quarter mile, entered the ditch before the vehicle came to rest. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene of a self-inflicted injury. According to the update, life saving measures were not attempted due to the extend of injuries. The Sheriff's Office said no law enforcement officers fired their weapons, and no officers injured during the incident.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News Earlier this month the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress invited people to weigh in on all things outdoors, and thousands of people responded. The results of 2026 of the survey have now been posted. Just over 6,800 people responded to the questionnaire either in person after attending the spring hearing, or online. That's actually down slightly from last year. Conservation Congress Chair Rob Bohmann says, "It is wonderful to see the public invested in this important process and it tells us how much they value resource management in Wisconsin," The survey included around 45 yes/no questions on a variety of topics. For example, people overwhelming supported designating the Hine's Emerald Dragonfly as the state insect, but overwhelming opposed requiring registration of non-motorized watercrafts like kayaks and paddleboards. The results of these surveys are advisory, however they are presented at the Conservation Congress annual meeting and will be sent to the DNR and Natural Resources Board. The results are also available on the DNR website.

Published on 04/29/2026 under News One seat remains open on the Merrill School Board after the winner of a write-in declined the position. The Merrill Board of Education had three seats on the April ballot, but just two candidates. That left the final spot to be determined by write-in. The winner of the write-in was Lin Kautza, however she officially declined the nomination ahead of this week's deadline. In a letter to Superintendent Shannon Murray, Kautza expressed gratitude to the voters. She noted that while education has been her life's work, after conversations and consideration, she ultimately would decline. The next steps for the district is to fill the vacancy by appointment. Board members are scheduled to meet on May 6 to determine the process.

Published on 04/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad hung on for a key non-conference victory Tuesday night on the road, edging out the Athens Blue Jays, 6-5. The Hatchets took a four-run lead into the bottom of the seventh before Athens cut the deficit to one. However, pitcher Camryn Kraklow would slam the door shut on a complete game victory. Kraklow gave up just one earned run and struck out eight. Autumn Merrigan had an RBI double. Ella Peissig finished two for four with an RBI. The win puts Tomahawk at 5-7 on the season and 3-5 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets return to their home field for a GNC showdown Thursday evening against Rhinelander. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will have the broadcast with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00 on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ.

Published on 04/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad took fourth in their second Great Northern Conference meet of the season at Inshalla Country Club. Tomahawk finished with a 343, eight strokes behind Mosinee and three ahead of Merrill. The Top Hatchet golfer was Jake Albert, who placed seventh overall with an 81. Albert's scored tied Rhinelander's Blake Petroff. Jaxon Kaiser finished tied with Lakeland's Jaydan Schilling for tenth with an 83. Tomahawk's next GNC Meet is at Northwoods Golf Club in Rhinelander Friday. Tee-off is at 3:00.

Published on 04/29/2026 under Sports The Hatchet baseball squad had a rough day in the field Tuesday night in Eagle River, losing to Northland Pines, 6-1. The Hatchets committed five errors on the day, which allowed the Eagles to score two unearned runs. Offensively, Tomahawk mustered just one run on three hits. The lone run was scored on a third-inning two-run double from Wally Horabik. The Hatchet senior finished two for three. The loss drops Tomahawk to 4-4 on the season and 4-2 in Great Northern Conference play. Tomahawk will take on conference leader Rhinelander at TK Field Thursday afternoon. First pitch is at 4:00.

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