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Property Owners Can Help with Pollinator Habitats Published on 06/23/2023 under News

Pollinator week is wrapping up, but officials hope efforts continue throughout the year.

All week long, we've been highlighting the importance that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can do their part as well.

Caitlin Williamson is director of conservation programs for the Natural Resources Foundation. She notes, "The great thing about pollinators is that everyone can do something to help them, from individuals to schools to businesses to farmers." Adding, "Our small actions, combined together, can make a big difference."

Property owners can attract and provide habitat with little effort by simply leaving a portion of their yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris will serve as homes to pollinators. Avoid using insecticides.

For those with a green thumb, a diverse selection of plants that bloom throughout the summer can be beneficial. When choosing those plants, try to focus on native species. The Natural Resources Foundation has a guide on how to plan a pollinator habitat.

Other opportunities include participating in citizen science efforts such as the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, or consider donating to organizations like the Wisconsin Pollinator Protection fund.

Williamson says, "I have hope that if we all work on this together, we'll all see more butterflies and other pollinators in our park properties and home yards in the future." She added, "Pollinator Week is a great time to get started."

In Other News

Merrill Home a Loss Following Weekend Fire

Published on 03/16/2026 under News A home in Lincoln County is a total loss following a fire Sunday afternoon. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the fire was reported around 3:30pm at a residence along County Road K in the Town of Merrill. The homeowner called 911 and told dispatchers the house was on fire, but no one was inside at the time. No injuries were reported, but officials say the home appears to be a complete loss. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Multiple agencies responded, including the Corning and Russell Fire Departments, the Merrill Fire Department, Tomahawk EMS, Wisconsin Public Service, deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, and officers from the Merrill Police Department.

Published on 03/16/2026 under News Turkey hunters looking for additional tags, or those who missed the original drawing, have another chance ahead of the spring season. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is releasing bonus harvest authorizations for the upcoming spring turkey season this week. Wisconsin's spring turkey hunt is divided into seven zones and six week-long hunting periods. Most of the initial permits were distributed through a drawing held in December. According to the DNR, nearly 100,000 bonus turkey harvest authorizations statewide, though the number here in the Northwoods zones are limited. Bonus authorizations are being released on a daily schedule this week, beginning with Zone 1 on Monday and continuing through Friday, when tags for Zones 5-7 will be available. Each morning at 9:45, hunters can enter a queue through the DNR's Go Wild online licensing system. This year's turkey season begins with the youth hunt weekend on April 11th and 12th, with the regular season opening the following Wednesday.

Published on 03/16/2026 under News The recent winter weather will allow snowmobilers in far northern Wisconsin another chance to get on their sleds. While we're typically announcing snowmobile closures at this time of year, we've got a re-opening to pass along. According to Vilas County Forest, Recreation, and Land, the trails in Vilas County were able to open back up over the weekend. Riders are encouraged to use a little extra caution. In the announcement, they noted that some trail segments may remain closed or have been re-routed due to open waters or other hazards. There are also segments the groomers are no longer able to reach. They credited the local snowmobile clubs and their efforts in preparing the trails to allow for this extended season.

Published on 03/16/2026 under News Wisconsin's outdoor recreation industry reached another milestone last year, and Northwoods recreation played a big role. Governor Tony Evers says new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows outdoor recreation contributed more than 12 billion dollars to Wisconsin's economy in 2024, setting a new record and topping the previous high set in 2023. The report also found the industry supports more than 100,000 jobs statewide and generated nearly 5.7 billion dollars in wages. State tourism officials say the numbers reflect Wisconsin's strong outdoor culture from boating and fishing to ATV riding and camping. Those activities are especially important in Northern Wisconsin, where lakes, forests, and trail systems attract visitors year-round. The latest data re-enforces the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Economic Impact Program reports released earlier this year which included both Oneida and Vilas County. According to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, outdoor recreation continues to be one of the main reasons travelers visit the state, helping support small businesses, guides, outfitters, and communities throughout the Northwoods. Officials say with spring and summer approaching, the region's outdoor opportunities will again play a key role in driving tourism and local economic activity.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News From plow drivers to utility workers, crews are preparing for potential record-setting winter storms expected to move across northern Wisconsin this weekend. Wisconsin Public Service says strong winds and heavy snow could lead to scattered power outages across their service area. WPS says it is monitoring forecasts has their line workers, forestry crews, and support staff on stand by and ready to respond if any outages occur. The first round of winter weather arrived overnight and will continue into Friday morning. Round two is expected to arrive Saturday night and continue through early Monday morning. Forecasters say most of the region will receive at least a foot of snow. Some areas could receive up to two feet. Utility officials say strong winds can knock trees and branches onto power lines. Heavy snow can weigh down lines and add weight and stress to electrical equipment. The utility is also encouraging residents to prepare by charging phones, gather light sources, and have enough food and water. A couple of other quick reminders they offered...if you use a generator during an outage, do so safely. When clearing snow, be mindful of blocking vents and covering electric meters. Report outages through the company's website, mobile app, or outage hotline. If you come across a downed power line, stay at least 25 feet away.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News A longtime youth fishing tradition in Tomahawk may soon return with help from the community. The Tomahawk VFW Post 2687 is working to revive the local Kids Fishing Contest that was previously organized by Tomahawk Fishing Unlimited. Organizers say the event ended after the group dissolved and its fishing equipment was dispersed To bring the contest back, the VFW is now asking community members to donate gently used fishing gear. Items being requested include closed-bale reels, fishing rods and poles, minnow buckets, tackle boxes, hooks, bobbers, and sinkers. Donations can be dropped off at the VFW post on South Fourth Street in the evenings while the bar is open. Organizers ask that equipment be clean and in good working condition. In addition to the equipment, they're also looking for any community members interested in helping organize the contest. The group hopes to hold the contest during the DNR's Free Fishing Weekend which would allow adults helping the young anglers to do so without having to purchase a license.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News Easter is still a few weeks away, but Tomahawk Main Street is hopping into the holiday a little early. Despite the winter weather, Saturday marks the return of the Downtown SpringFest and Easter Egg-Stravaganza. It's the fifth year for the celebration, and organizers made a few changes, most notably on the calendar. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz says the day will be filled with Easter and Spring-themed activities like games, crafts, contests, and fun adventures with a number of businesses hosting. Of course, the Easter Bunny is expected to be on hand for pictures. In addition to the fun activities; Turkiewicz noted another goal is get people into downtown businesses. She says, "If we get people into our stores, checking out our businesses and services, they might realize what they need for Easter is available right here in our community." Traditionally, the festivities were held the day before Easter, after most families have completed their holiday shopping. By moving it earlier, they hope to give shoppers some extra time to look local. The earlier date also coincides with the kick-off to the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt rather than the conclusion. This year, Turkiewicz says 22 downtown businesses have hidden an Easter egg. Kids track down the egg, show the staff and get a stamp on their map. Prizes levels are based on the number of eggs located. The deadline is April 4. Information is available at participating businesses, or the Main Street Office and their Socials.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News The Langlade County Health Department is looking to make it easier to find resources for substance use by including them on a newly released interactive map. The map provides a centralized, user-friendly tool that identifies services across the continuum of care, including Prevention, Treatment, Intervention, and Recovery Support. By organizing these resources in one accessible location, the Health Department aims to reduce barriers to care and improve community awareness of available support not only in Langlade County but Northern Wisconsin. Donna Wiergert is the Public Health Nurse in Langlade County. She says, "Access to timely information can save lives. This map strengthens our community response by making it easier for individuals and families to find the help they need." The map is part of an ongoing collaboration involving healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, and recovery partners. Residents can explore the map on the Health Department's website.

Published on 03/13/2026 under News Price County has a new district attorney. Governor Tony Evers announced the appointment of Alexis Nash as Price County District Attorney, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of former DA Matthew McElroy. Nash will complete the remainder of the term, which runs through January 2029. Nash has worked as an assistant district attorney with the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office since 2023, where she handled a wide range of cases while also working with the Family Drug Treatment Court program. Before becoming a prosecutor, Nash practiced family law and worked in financial services. She has also served as the volunteer executive director of Impact Coalition for Families, a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on preventing domestic and community violence. Nash says she's honored by the appointment and plans to work closely with law enforcement while ensuring the justice system serves the community with fairness and integrity. According to the announcement, Nash has already relocated to Price County to begin the role.

Published on 03/12/2026 under News Tomorrow is Friday the 13th, and Downtown Tomahawk will embrace the spooky spirit. Tomahawk Main Street and the Tomahawk Historical Society are teaming up to host a Ghost Walk. We caught up with Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz and Historical Society president Pat Pietila to discuss the partnership and tomorrow's event. The Ghost Walk is a spooky spin on the Toma-Walk, a historical walking tour through the district. Turkiewicz noted during their research they heard a lot of stories about the supernatural. They reached out to the community and received plenty of feedback. The inaugural edition of the Ghost Walk will feature four stops within the Main Street District with a guided tour, discussions, and even the use of some paranormal equipment. They noted during a trial run, the detectors had some unusual readings. The event concludes at Sideways with an opportunity for participants to share their own campfire ghost stories. The Ghost Walk is a part of a growing partnership between the two organizations. It serves as a fundraiser for their planned Downtown Tomahawk Historical Marker. Pietila explained that once approved by state officials, would go in the boulevard on the north side of the intersection at Wisconsin and Tomahawk. In fact, they teased two additional fundraising events in the works, that they will be announcing shortly. As for the Ghost Walk, that's coming up Friday evening. Registration will take place at the Tomahawk Main Street Office at 4:30. It is an adult-focused event, and the ticket includes a drink at Sideways as well. Tickets are $15. The Ghost Walk is the first of two weekend events in Tomahawk Main Street. Saturday marks the return of the Easter Egg-stravaganza. We'll offer a preview of the kids activities on the Friday morning show.

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