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National Forest Offering Balsam Bough Harvest Permits Published on 09/18/2023 under News

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is again opening the land to bough harvesting.

As we transition from summer to fall, people will begin harvesting balsam boughs which are traditionally utilized in holiday decorations such as wreaths. As of Monday, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest will begin issuing seasonal harvest permits.

The district offers personal-use permits for free, while commercial bough permits can be purchased.

Individuals interested in obtaining a bough harvesting permit for National Forest lands should call the district office nearest their harvesting activities to confirm hours and availability before seeking a permit.

Those seeking boughs, in general, are encouraged to protect trees by removing only from branches on the lower half of trees, and taking no more than 1/3 of greens on any given branch.

In Other News

Local 911 Centers Recognized for National Telecommunicators Week

Published on 04/17/2026 under News While their work is often behind the scenes, dispatchers play a crucial role in emergency response, and this week is set aside to recognize their efforts. Over the past few days, local law enforcement agencies have been taking the time to observe National Telecommunicators Week by recognizing their dispatch staff. That includes the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office which referred to the telecommunicators as the 'first, First Responders.' They dispatch for not only the Sheriff's Office but two police departments, two ambulance services, one full-time fire department, and four volunteer fire departments. It's a similar story in Oneida County where their 911 center works with 17 fire departments, 5 ambulance services, 10 first responder groups and 3 law enforcement agencies. They handled around 39,000 calls last year. Jake Simkins, Captain of Emergency Services said, "You won't find a more dedicated group of people who are ready to assist their emergency services family and the citizens of Oneida County." They not only take phone calls regarding emergency and non-emergency situations, but they also coordinate resources to get help to those in need. Oneida County Sheriff Grady Hartman added, "They are the first people that citizens reach out to when they need help. This week, we honor them for their commitment, devotion and hard work."

Published on 04/17/2026 under News So far during Severe Weather Awareness week, we've talked about tornadoes and flooding...today we turn our attention to the skies and lightning. Lightning can come in the blink of an eye, and safety officials remind people, "when thunder roars, head indoors!" According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning each year. Unfortunately, a man was killed in a fatal lightning strike in Waukesha County this week. Among common activities where lightning strikes occur frequently: fishing, visits to the beach, camping, and farming. Ready Wisconsin says the safest place to seek shelter is indoors. Even the inside of a car is safer than being out in the open during a thunderstorm. You should never seek cover under a tree or think you are safe by being low to the ground. They also note that while lightning is associated with rain, it can strike from as far away as 10 miles, even instances of sunny skies. These are commonly referred to as 'bolts from the blue.' Lightning strike victims can, and should be cared for immediately by calling 911 and performing CPR. Don't be afraid to touch the victim, as the human body does not hold an electrical charge following a lightning strike.

Published on 04/17/2026 under News Earlier this week, we reported a tornado in northwestern Taylor County. The National Weather Service provided some additional information. The tornado touched down near Gilman Monday evening at 5:38pm. It was on the ground for about 10 minutes and traveled approximately 3.5 miles. It was approximately 20 yards width, with peak wind speeds estimated at 80 miles per hour, classified as an EF0. Officials say the tornado caused only minor damage to trees and outbuildings along its path, with no injuries or fatalities reported. Emergency management crews assisted in the damage survey. A second location near Chelsea was also investigated, bu no tornado confirmed. The tornado near Gilman was the first in the state this year, though six additional tornadoes have been confirmed in southern Wisconsin this week. It was also the first tornado ever recorded in the month of April in Taylor County.

Published on 04/17/2026 under News Aspirus Health is hosting a program next month focused on mental health and student athletes, and they're bringing in a Packer legend to participate in that conversation. Aspirus Health is hosting "Beyond the Game," a mental health summit focused on the well-being of athletes. It is coming up Thursday, May 14th at the Jefferson Street Inn in Wausau. The one-day event will feature a strong connection to the Green Bay Packers, including appearances by Pro Football Hall of Famer LeRoy Butler and the team's director of performance psychology, Dr. Chris Carr. Organizers say their involvement brings a powerful perspective on the mental and emotional challenges athletes face at every level. The summit will also include local and national speakers discussing how to better support student-athletes, coaches, and families, with a focus on mental health, resilience, and prevention. Heidi Pritzl, Suicide Prevention Coordinator for Aspirus Health, says, "This summit is about hope, connection, and prevention for the young people in our communities. Prtizl added, "My hope is that attendees leave knowing how to help athletes feel seen, supported, and never alone during difficult moments." The event run is free to attend, and open to the public, though registration is required. Coaches, educators, health care professionals, parents, and community members are encouraged to attend and take part in the conversation.

Published on 04/17/2026 under News An ongoing investigation in Minocqua led to a search warrant at a local business. The Minocqua Police Department says officers executed the warrant early Thursday morning at Relentless Precision, a gunsmith shop located along Highway 70 in the Town of Minocqua. Authorities say the warrant is tied to an active criminal investigation involving alleged property crimes. Officials emphasize there is no danger to the community. Investigators report at least 12 potential victims connected to the case so far. Anyone who recently did business with Relentless Precision and believes property may be missing is encouraged to contact police with a detailed description, including serial numbers if possible. Because the investigation is ongoing, no other information has been provided at this time. Officials say additional details will be released as they become available. The Minocqua Police Department is being assisted by the Woodruff Police Department and the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.

Published on 04/17/2026 under News We've already received more than 4.5 inches of rainfall this month. And while April showers may have slowed our spring yard work, but it's been good for our ongoing drought conditions and reservoir levels. Taking a quick look at those two reports, starting with the weekly US Drought monitor released Thursday. While a small pocket in northwestern Wisconsin is still classified as either abnormally dry or moderate drought, areas of the Northwoods are no longer classified. That is an improvement from March and early April when much of Northern Wisconsin was classified. It comes at a good time to improve conditions for the spring planting season as well as wildfire season. As for area reservoir levels, the usual spring fill-up continues. According to WVIC data: the Eau Pleine is a half foot below full, the Spirit just inside of a foot down. Nokomis and the Rainbow are around 1.5 feet below full; the Willow is about 4 feet down.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's track and field squads would each finish in the top four of their first outdoor invite of the season in Marathon Thursday. The Hatchet girls would finish second with 114.5 points only to Great Northern Conference foe Rhinelander. Elise Gibeault dominated, placing first in the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, and High Jump. Gibeault was also the third leg of the Tomahawk 4x200 Relay Team, joining Ellie Micke, Alicia Voermans, and Siennah Caulkins. The 4x400 Relay Team of Voermans, Faith Derleth, Lydia Shaney, and Abbie Rosenmeier also placed first. For the Boys, they placed fourth as a team, placing behind Rhinelander, Marathon, and Edgar. The Hatchets' lone first place finish came in the 400 meter dash from Beau Stromberg. The Hatchets' next outdoor invite is next Thursday in Medford. Events begin at 4:30.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's golf squad came in second in their first triangular of the season at Inshalla Country Club Thursday. The Hatchets finished with a score of 211, six strokes behind Three Lakes and 53 ahead of Mellen. Junior Oliver Childers won the triangular individually with a score of 35. Jaxon Kaiser placed second on the Hatchets and fourth overall with a 42. Tomahawk heads on the road for the first time today when they travel down to Reedsburg for an invite. Tee-off is at 9:00 AM.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's baseball squad would suffer their second straight loss, losing at Medford Thursday night, 5-3. Cash Olsen took the loss on the mound, allowing four runs in five innings of work. Olsen also went two for three with two RBI. Colin Black, Wally Horabik, and Jonah Dickens each came away with a hit. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-3 on the season and 2-1 in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back at TK Field for another GNC Showdown, this time with Rhinelander. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ. The Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show will begin at 4:35 and first pitch is at 5:00. Alex Koch will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 04/17/2026 under Sports The Hatchet softball squad would suffer their second Great Northern Conference defeat of the season Thursday at Hatchet Field, losing to the Medford Raiders, 6-0. Tomahawk would muster just two hits against Medford pitcher Rylee Hraby, while striking out ten times. Camryn Kraklow would take the loss, allowing six runs on ten hits. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-2 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets have their first non-conference game of the season today against Wittenberg-Birnamwood. First pitch is at 5:00.

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