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Avoiding RSV and Other Respiratory Illnesses Over Holidays Published on 11/20/2023 under News

Holiday season is quickly approaching. Local health officials are hoping people spread joy and not germs.

Beyond the flu, the cold and covid, Other viruses can also be spread at holiday gatherings including respiratory syncytial virus or RSV. While nothing new, the state health department has noted an increase in cases of RSV this fall.

According to the Oneida County Health department, RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness that affects those of all ages. While RSV affects everyone differently, most experience cold-like symptoms that last around a week. People typically recover without any treatment other than to relieve symptoms.

The Oneida County Health Department also shared a few tips to avoid the spread of RSV this holiday season, and they'll sound quite familiar. This includes: frequent hand-washing, avoid touching your face, cover coughs and sneezes, clean surfaces frequently, and stay home when sick.

They also encouraged a flu shot and make sure you are up-to-date on Covid boosters.

In Other News

Nicolet Announces New Engineering ‘Pre-Major’ Transfer Program

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

Published on 03/23/2026 under News Energy customers in the Northwoods could see long-term benefits following approval of a new solar project in southern Wisconsin. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin unanimously approved a plan for Wisconsin Public Service to purchase a portion of the Dawn Harvest Solar Energy Center in Rock County. The solar facility will be developed by Invenergy, co-owned by WPS, We Energies and Madison Gas and Electric. Under the plan, WPS will own 15 megawatts of solar generation, enough to power more than 4,500 homes. Utility officials say the project is part of a broader effort to maintain reliable service while diversifying energy sources, while helping reduce fuel costs and keeping energy rates more stable. Construction and testing are expected over the next few years, with the project scheduled to begin serving customers in 2028.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News Like other communities here in the Northwoods, the Tomahawk area has plenty of good food and drinks. Coming up this weekend, the Chamber will highlight the local offerings with the return of the Taste of Tomahawk. As the name implies, Taste of Tomahawk offers participants a chance to sample foods and drinks with a focus on local. Over the past few weeks, the Chamber has been using their Facebook page to highlight the nearly two dozen participants. Taste celebrates local cuisine from apps to entrees to desserts along with Wisconsin based breweries and wineries". It is described as "a great event to sip, snack, and socialize." It's also a good way for people to get out after being cooped up during the winter months, essentially 'a cabin fever reliever.' Those who've attended in the past know that there is typically a theme, and this year is no different. It's actually a birthday celebration with Taste of Tomahawk turning 21. It also happens to fall on the March 21st making it a golden birthday. As of Friday Morning, they had a few tickets remaining, which can be purchased Friday at Trig's or the Chamber. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door. Doors open Saturday at 1pm at Inshalla.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News The Lincoln County Board is calling on state leaders to take action on transportation funding. Supervisors unanimously approved a resolution at their meeting Tuesday urging the state legislature to adopt a long-term, sustainable funding plan for roads and bridges. The resolution states that local governments maintain about 90 percent of Wisconsin's roads, but state aid has not kept up with inflation and rising construction costs, leaving many counties and municipalities struggling to handle improvements or even basic maintenance. The resolution also highlights concerns about aging infrastructure, including thousands of small bridges across the state, and warns that without stable funding, communities may be forced to borrow more or delay critical projects. Supervisors are now asking the state to create a reliable funding system that supports long-term planning and keeps Wisconsin's transportation network safe and competitive. The measure passed by voice vote with little discussion and will be sent to state officials including the Governor and legislators representing Lincoln County down in Madison.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News In Wisconsin, the return of spring also means one thing—orange barrels and road construction season aren't far behind. Governor Tony Evers announced upgrades to a stretch of US 8 near Rhinelander. Crews will be working on Highway 8 between Highway 47 and Highway 17 North. Musson Brothers has been selected as the primary contractor for the $6.2 million project. The project will include new asphalt, along with the installation of centerline rumble strips to improve safety. Two key intersections along the corridor, Highway 17 South at County G and WD Boyce Drive, will be reconstructed into single-lane roundabouts. Drivers should plan for significant impacts. The segment of US 8 will be closed during construction, with traffic detoured along Highway 17 North through city streets in Rhinelander. Temporary pavement and signals will also be installed at some intersections. Construction is scheduled to begin in April and run through November. Before work begins they will have a public informational meeting. That's scheduled for 5pm, April 2 at Rhinelander City Hall. Or you can visit the DoT project website.

Published on 03/20/2026 under News With spring planting season approaching in northern Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is encouraging residents to consider adding native plants to their yards and gardens. DNR officials say native plants play an important role in supporting local ecosystems by providing food and habitat for pollinators like butterflies, bees, and birds. They're also well adapted to Wisconsin's climate, making them a good fit for home gardens across the Northwoods. DNR conservation biologist Amy Staffen says introducing native plants to a yard is an easy way for both beginner and experienced gardeners to help wildlife thrive. The DNR maintains a statewide list of native plant sales and a directory of native plant nurseries on its Native Plants webpage, along with information on pollinator gardens, rain gardens, and planting guides.

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