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DNR Anticipating Elevated Wildfire Risk Again this Weekend Published on 04/19/2024 under News

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) again asks the public to stay vigilant and avoid outdoor burning this weekend, April 20-21, 2024, due to elevated fire danger.

Warm temperatures, low humidity and breezy conditions are in the forecast for this weekend. Although recent rain has improved conditions in some areas, much of the state's vegetation is still dead and dry.

Over the past week, the DNR has responded to 122 wildfires burning nearly 340 acres, the most active week this season. That includes more than two dozen fires here in our Northwoods listening area.

The majority of these recent wildfires have been related to debris burning and powerlines. Other common causes include campfires, equipment, and even trailer chains dragging on pavement

In Other News

Final Lincoln County Community Conversations on Substance Use Wednesday in Tomahawk

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The Lincoln County Health Department continues their efforts and outreach related to substance use. Working with the Lincoln County Opioid Task Force, they Health Department has been hosting community conversations about substance use and the importance of community support. The third and final session will be this evening here in Tomahawk. These talks are part of a larger effort to reduce stigma around substance use and promote harm reduction. Erin Ray, Opioid Grant Coordinator for the Lincoln County Health Department said, "Our community assessment showed that stigma is a major reason people who use substances do not seek treatment in Lincoln County. Ray added, "We can reduce that stigma by having open, respectful conversations that build understanding and support within our communities." Community members are encouraged to attend, share their perspectives, listen and learn. They called these conversations are an opportunity to connect with others and help build a healthier, more supportive community for individuals and families. The discussion gets underway at 6pm at Kinship House in Tomahawk.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News A pair of loons are continuing their migration after a brief layover in central Wisconsin. The two loons were recently treated at the Raptor Education Group in Antigo after weekend rescues. The loons came from Portage and Waushara Counties in Central Wisconsin. These were some of the areas hardest hit by the ice storms that crossed the state late last week. Ahead of the weather event, rescuers had warned about the possible grounding in what is known as 'loon fall out'. Once on the ground, loons are limited in their movement. They also require a larger body of water to take off. We received an update from loon rescuer Linda Grenzer Tuesday. She said the loons got a quick medical check at REGI to ensure they weren't injured. The two birds were then released in Tomahawk near the Kwahamot Bay boat landing Tuesday morning. The Grenzers were thankful for all of those who helped get these birds back on the water to continue on to their final destination.

Published on 04/08/2026 under News The first peregrine falcon eggs of the season have been laid in the nesting box at the Wisconsin Public Service Weston plant. WPS made the egg-citing announcement Tuesday. At the power plant near Wausau, Sheldon and an unbanded female, have laid three eggs so far, part of a growing total across Wisconsin Public Service and We Energies nest boxes. According to WPS spokesman Matt Cullen, 10 eggs have been counted at their facilities around the state. The nesting program dates back to the early 1990s, when utility companies began installing nest boxes at power plants to help restore the once-endangered species. Since then, more than 465 falcons have hatched at these sites. That accounts for about 20 percent of all peregrine falcons born in the state. At Weston, the resident pair will now take turns incubating their eggs over the next several weeks. If conditions cooperate, the first chicks could hatch later this month or early May. People can follow along with the live nest cams as well as WPS social media for updates. The announcement also teased naming contest described as 'newsworthy'.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News It's Election Day in the state of Wisconsin, with voters heading to the polls on a variety of races and questions. Atop the ballot is the lone statewide race. Chris Taylor and Maria Lazar are vying to become Supreme Court Justice. But the spring election also includes non-partisan local races like school boards, town boards, city councils and mayoral races. Here in the City of Tomahawk, voters will elect a new mayor for the first time in a decade. Current mayor Steve Taskay isn't seeking re-election, with first-time candidates Jeff Koth and Michael 'Hob' Habeck facing off. For City Council, due to partial term appointments, there are actually five seats, but just three candidates running. The remaining two will be decided by write-in. As we previewed Monday, the City of Tomahawk is also asking to increase the tax levy. The Tomahawk School Board features two candidates for three seats. A write-in will determine the seat representing the city of Tomahawk. The Lincoln County Board uses an alternate year cycle, and all 22 supervisor seats will be up for election today. Tomahawk isn't the only community with a closely watched mayoral race here in the Northwoods. In Merrill, incumbent Steve Hass is facing a challenge from former mayor Derek Woellner. And in Rhinelander, current mayor Kris Hanus is running against city council member Thomas Barnett. Ballots will differ based on where you live. Visit myvote.wi.gov and enter your address to preview your specific ballot.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News Several Northwoods students will be in Madison, competing in a two-day professional skills competition. The Alliant Energy Center and Madison Area Technical College are co-hosting the 53rd edition of the Skills USA, Wisconsin State Leadership and Skills Conference. The participants qualified through regional competitions earlier this year. In all, more than 1,700 Wisconsin students were invited to participate representing middle school, high school, and technical colleges. This includes students from Tomahawk, Rhinelander, Merrill and NTC. The students will compete in one of more than 75 events based on career-ready fields ranging from aviation maintenance and culinary arts to masonry and video news production. All contests are judged by experts and professionals in each field. The state winners will qualify for the National competition which will be held in Atlanta in June. Wisconsin SkillsUSA was founded in 1973 and continues to grow, with 166 chapters around the state.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News A man injured in a UTV crash last month has died due to his injuries. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Paul Vedder of Hazelhurst died. The 58 year old was initially hospitalized after being involved in a UTV accident back on March 23. Responders were notified of a UTV on the edge of Lake Kaubashine in the Town of Hazelhurst. The call indicated the machine was still running, but no signs of the operator. Upon arrival, responders located Vedder trapped underneath the UTV. The 58 year old was airlifted to a hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. In an update provided by the Sheriff's Office Monday, Vedder died as a result of his injuries. The DNR continues to investigate. There have been seven other fatal ATV/UTV crashes in Wisconsin this year.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News If you're itching to get outside and start spring yard work in the Northwoods, experts say you might swap the rakes for a little patience. According to the DNR, dozens of beneficial insects are still overwintering right now, tucked away in hollow plant stems, leaf litter, and even underground. Rushing into yard cleanup too early could disrupt their life cycle just as they're getting ready to emerge. Instead, experts recommend leaving some areas of your garden natural through early spring. Holding off on raking leaves and trimming stems, at least until overnight temperatures consistently reach about 50 degrees, can help protect native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. For those who do need to tidy up, the DNR suggests leaving behind a few inches of plant stems. Those "stem stubble" areas can serve as nesting spots for native bees. And when it finally comes time for planting, consider native species. It's these simple steps that can make a big difference, helping support pollinators that play a key role in Northwoods ecosystems.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News The past few weeks have shown a good example of Wisconsin's ever changing weather. The National Weather Service is offering another opportunity to learn more, while also playing a key role in citizen reporting. The National Weather Service Green Bay is offering 2026 Skywarn storm spotter training with five virtual sessions available in April. The free training is open to anyone across northern Wisconsin and will focus on severe weather safety and the basics of storm spotting—teaching participants how to safely identify and report things like large hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes. Officials say trained spotters play a critical role, providing real-time ground reports that help meteorologists issue more accurate warnings and keep communities safe. Each class is around an hour and a half, and attendees only need to participate in one. More information and registration details can be found on the National Weather Service Green Bay website.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News An Antigo man is in custody following a vehicle pursuit over the weekend that ended in Lincoln County. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's report, deputies were advised by the Marathon County Sheriff's Office of a chase in progress. They said the suspect was traveling north on Highway 51 into Lincoln County. LISO deputies were able to deploy tire deflation devices, disabling the vehicle. A short distance later, the suspect, Patrick Finnegan of Antigo, stopped his vehicle, but allegedly began walking away. A police K9 was deployed to help take Finnegan into custody. According to court records, he is charged with tampering with a GPS tracking device, fleeing and officer, and bail jumping in Marathon County Court.

Published on 04/07/2026 under News Formal charges have been filed against a Lincoln County man arrested following an investigation into possessing child pornography. According to court records, Patrick Gryskiewicz, made an initial appearance in Lincoln County Court Monday. The 58 year old is facing 10 counts of possessing child pornography. Gryskiewicz was arrested last week after deputies investigated a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. They traced CSAM activity to an IP address connected to his home. A search warrant was executed at the home, where deputies reported recovering multiple child sexual abuse materials. At Monday's hearing, bond was set at $100,000. An adjourned initial appearance was scheduled for May 6.

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