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Rhinelander Police Receives State Opioid Grant from DHS Published on 04/19/2024 under News

A Northwoods police department will receive a state grant funded by the larger opioid settlement.

Overall, Wisconsin is set to receive more than $750 million over the next 15 years through that settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors.

A portion of that payout goes to the Department of Health Services which further set aside $3 million for law enforcement programs addressing opioids such as community drug disposal options, staff education and training, and treatment for jail residents with an opioid addiction.

The Rhinelander Police Department was selected to receive a $23,000 grant earmarked for programs to assist those with opioid use disorder.

Overall, 12 agencies will share in $1.9 million including municipal and tribal police departments and sheriff's offices.

DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson said in the announcement, "The projects funded by these grants will save lives," She added, "We're pleased to partner with these law enforcement agencies to support efforts to address the health and safety needs of their communities."

In Other News

Tomahawk Police Officer Recognized by VFW

Published on 05/03/2024 under News A Tomahawk Police Officer was recently recognized for her work in the community. At a small ceremony, the Tomahawk VFW Post, in conjunction with the Tomahawk Police Department presented Officer Alysia Watruba with the Community Service Award while noting her many positive attribute and calling her an asset to the department and the community. Watruba was presented with a plaque that read, in part, "For over a decade, Officer Watruba has served the residents of Tomahawk with empathy and compassion. She has demonstrated a high proficiency in her work duties and completes her patrol assignments with accuracy and precision." They said, "Officer Watruba's commitment to upholding the values of honor, duty, and service embodies the spirit of the Veterans of Foreign Wars."

Published on 05/03/2024 under News Anglers on one area chain will have something extra to look forward to, in addition to this weekend's fishing opener. At a special meeting held virtually on Thursday, the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board established an emergency rule that will allow anglers to harvest walleye on the Minocqua Chain of Lakes, pausing a nearly decade-long catch-and release period. As proposed, the emergency rule establishes a daily bag limit of one walleye on the Minocqua chain. And to maintain healthy, breeding populations, there are additional size regulations. Harvested fish must be larger than 18 inches, but not between 22 and 28 inches. Ahead of the meeting the DNR said, "This regulation will allow a moderate level of walleye harvest while preserving the quality-size fish that were built up during the past nine years of harvest closure." The vote to establish the emergency rule was unanimous.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News The countdown to the fishing opener is on, and local ER staffers are reminding anglers to use a little caution with hooks to ensure they aren't trading time on the lake for a visit to the hospital as part of what they playfully call the 'People Catcher's Club.' Earlier this week we heard from the emergency departments at Aspirus Eagle River Hospital and Howard Young in Woodruff. Serving an area well-known as a fishing destination, they've removed hundreds of fishing hooks and lures over the years. In fact, they've actually created a display showcasing the various hooks over the past three decades. The original idea came from MedEvac Paramedic Dan Halverson. He said, "I started collecting them, created the cabinet for the hooks, and even more people were willing to leave them for the display." While the People Catcher's display is in good fun, a hooked angler can be serious. Barbs on the hook make self-removal difficult, the wound from a dirty hook also risks infection. That's why the Aspirus staffers have plenty of training on the various methods of hook removal based on the situation. Howard Young ER nurse Wendy Lizak added, "We always tell (the hooked anglers) you are not the first one, you won't be the last..." The reminder also provided a chance to recount the legend of the twice-hooked angler. He arrived at Howard Young and had a musky lure removed. Rather that contributed the artificial bait to the display he decided to take it with him. Unfortunately, as he got into his vehicle, he managed to snag himself a second time. After a second removal he left the cursed lure for the display. In exchange for the lures, the Anglers are presented with a bobber-shaped stress ball, and an official membership card in the People Catchers Club. Halverson noted that most also get the photo taken as they add the lure to the display cabinet. Photo contributed by Aspirus-People Catchers Club lures on display at Aspirus Howard Young Emergency Department

Published on 05/02/2024 under News They say "It takes a village to raise a child." Here in Lincoln County several groups are teaming up to ensure new parents are ready when their littlest ones come home for the first time. Last fall the Lincoln County Health Department hosted a Community Baby Shower down in Merrill. Based on that success, they're expanding to Tomahawk later this month. Yesterday we spoke with Lexi Buntrock, who serves as the Lincoln County Public Health Educator. She explained that the Community Baby Shower is a way to get information to parents on a wide variety of topics through informational booths and demonstrations. They've already got more than a dozen set to attend the event here in Tomahawk. She gave a quick sampling of the topics: a CPR/Choking demo, safe sleep, breast feeding, early literacy, as well as support for childcare, housing, and even mental health for new moms and dads. It's is geared for those with little ones 0-18 months, the Merrill event last fall had around 45 families attend. It was convenient timing for Buntrock, a new mother herself at the time. Even though she was an organizer, she said was able to learn some new things. A participant survey showed overwhelming positive feed back, which led them to expand to northern Lincoln County. For those that would like to attend, mark your calendar for May 30, 3pm-5pm. It'll be at the St. Mary's Corpus Christi Center. We'll follow up as that approaches as well. You can hear that conversation with Lexi in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past decade, the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation has awarded more than a half million dollars in grants to first responders across their service footprint. Those agencies have another opportunity to apply. Known as 'Rewarding Responders', the WPS Foundation provides a series of grants each summer to help with the purchase of lifesaving equipment and fund training for first responders across Northern and Northeastern Wisconsin. Dating back to 2014, spokesman Matt Cullen says they've now awarded $500,000 in Rewarding Responders grants have been distributed to 202 public safety agencies. Over the years local grants have gone towards items such as coldwater rescue gear, thermal imaging, and AED units. Last year's recipients included Eagle River Police, the Langlade County Sheriff's Office, and fire departments in Antigo, Merrill, Minocqua and Pine Lake. In celebrating the 10th anniversary of the program last year, the Foundation increased the annual funding pool to $75,000. Eligible departments can begin applying for the new cycle. Recipients will be announced this summer.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Earlier this year, the Wisconsin Beef Council set out to find the state's best burger. The winner is from right here in the Northwoods. Among eight finalists, it was the All-American Burger from Pickles Bar and Grill in Hazelhurst that reigned supreme. The classic cheeseburger stood out with a craft blend of brisket, short rib, and chuck, and a house blend seasoning. Co-owner Justin Koshak says they were honored to be named the winner especially as the lone finalist from Northern Wisconsin. He said, "We are happy to represent what the Northwoods has to offer when it comes to restaurants, taverns and grills. There are so many great spots up here that showcase great menus and fantastic food." Rather than a fan vote and popularity contest, the decision was made by a panel of judges who stopped at each restaurant for a surprise visit last month. Most of the judging was based on the burger itself: taste, presentation, proper cooking, and overall enjoyment; though a few bonus points were available for the restaurant and atmosphere. The contest announcement comes as the state celebrates Wisconsin Beef Month in May. Tammy Vaassen, executive director of the Wisconsin Beef Council says they were thrilled with the overwhelming response to the contest. They're looking forward to bringing back and growing the contest for next year. -Photo provided by Wisconsin Beef Council: (from L-R) Pickles Co-Owner Justin Koshak, Wisconsin Beef Council Executive Director Tammy Vaassen, and Pickles Co-Owner Dan Linscott (aka, "Pickles") Best Burger Finalists: ● Brazen Head Pub, 147 N Main St, West Bend ● Crafty Cow, 2675 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee ● Dog House Bar & Grill, 117 S 1st St, Mt. Horeb ● Ferry Xing Bar & Grill, 306 Main St, Merrimac ● Pickles Bar & Grill, 5507 Co Rd Y, Hazelhurst ● Skippy's Burger Bar, 113 Green Bay Rd, Thiensville ● Straight Home Bar & Grill, 184060 WI-153, Eland ● The Dump Bar & Grill, 105 W Edgewater St, Cambria

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Over the past two weeks, County Deer Advisory Councils have been meeting around the state, proposing deer herd management and season structures for the upcoming season. Coming up this evening folks in Lincoln and Oneida County can participate. Each county in Wisconsin has its own CDAC, and each spring develop recommendations for antlerless harvest goals, tag availability and season options for their respective counties. CDAC recommendations are reviewed and set each year so they can be adjusted in response to the previous year's deer harvest, winter severity and other population factors. Coming up this evening, both Oneida and Lincoln County CDAC's will meet. The Oneida County meeting gets underway at 6pm at the Woodruff Town Hall. Lincoln County's meeting is set for 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center. Once each county has made their recommendations, they'll be sent on to the Natural Resources Board for their final approval which typically takes place at their May or June or meeting.

Published on 05/02/2024 under News Today is the National Day of Prayer and several Northwoods groups are among those hosting events today. The formal observance of a National Day of Prayer came from President Harry Truman in 1952. Thirty years later, the first Thursday of May was officially established as the annual date. The goal is to allow participants, regardless of faith or denomination to bring unity and share a common focus. National organizers estimate some 30,000 observances around the country will be held today. In recent years, the Associated Clergy of Tomahawk have teamed up to revitalize the National Day of Prayer Ceremony. They will be in a different location this year, with the event scheduled for Veteran's Memorial Park at 10:30am. Among the guests will be the American Legion Color Guard and the St. Mary's Children's Choir. Rhinelander is holding a similar event outside the Oneida County Courthouse at noon. This year's theme is "lift up the word – light up the world"

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Officials in Oneida County are looking to reduce roadside garbage, with focus on one stretch in particular. The effort was prompted by an uptick in litter and other debris along County Highway K this spring. That is in part, due to the location of the Oneida County Transfer Station and Recycling Center on Cty K west of Rhinelander. To help address that issue, they're looking to combine education, enforcement, and a little community involvement. Lisa Bauknecht, Oneida County Solid Waste Director, explained that the county ordinance states that transporting solid waste without a secured covering is prohibited and violators could be cited. This spring, the Solid Waste Department has been monitoring vehicles entering the facility without a cover and issuing warnings. They may notify the Sheriff's Office of repeat violators. They'll also be updating and replacing the roads signs signifying the rules. Bauknecht says, "We value our customers and ask that they respect facility neighbors as well as our beautiful Northwoods by kindly covering and securing loads before driving to the facility..." As for the debris already along that stretch of highway, community volunteers are planning a roadside clean-up day this weekend. Rachel Boehlen is helping organize the effort, she says they'll be gathering Saturday morning at 8am at the Cassian Cross Country Ski Trailhead. She invited community members to lend a helping hand. They also used the opportunity to promote the County's Adopt-a-Highway program, in which groups pledge to maintain a segment of highway. Currently just four the fourteen miles of County K are spoken for.

Published on 05/01/2024 under News Here in the Northwoods, it's not unusual for a few extra days tacked on to the end of the school year. In Tomahawk, this year, the reverse is true. In a letter to parents, District Administrator Wendell Quesinberry announced that they will actually wrap up the school year a few days earlier than planned. Most local schools build in a few extra instructional days to offset any potential snow days during the winter. Tomahawk does the same, however the mild winter meant those days weren't used. As a result, Quesinberry says they were able to move up the final day of class to Friday May 31 rather than June 5 as originally scheduled. The summer school start date won't change, and remains June 10. While students get an early start to summer vacation, the staff will still be on campus. Quesinberry says they'll use the time for various in-service and training days. The custodial and grounds team will also use the extra time without students to get a head start on maintenance and summer projects.

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