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Sen. Felzkowski Praises Joint Finance Actions on Dental Health Access Published on 05/08/2024 under News

The state's Joint Finance Committee approved a plan aimed at expanding the state's oral healthcare workforce and includes an investment at Northcentral Technical College.

In the most recent legislative session, State Senator Mary Felzkowski of Tomahawk, authored a package of bills to address rural dental health access. She says, "For some reason, in public policy discussions, we still undervalue the fact that oral healthcare is healthcare. A child with a toothache can't focus in school, and an adult with debilitating oral pain can't function healthily in their daily life."

Yesterday's action by the JFC continued those efforts, releasing $20 million to the Wisconsin Technical College System for dental pathways. NTC in Wausau will receive $2 million which will help establish an Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary program and a Dental Therapy program.

Felzkowski worked with NTC to establish dental therapy in Wisconsin. Dental therapists, as proposed, would serve under the supervision of a dentist to cover limited dental work such as fillings. She says, " NTC has been an invaluable partner over these last 8 years as we have worked together to bring dental therapy to Wisconsin. I'm tremendously proud that they will now get to lead the way in educating our state's first dental therapists."

She added, "Putting these dollars into the workforce pipeline is the most effective way to target the oral healthcare access crisis in our state."

In Other News

Wisconsin State Patrol Aerial Enforcement and Trooper in a Truck Return this Week

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Wisconsin drivers should be on their best behavior this week, as state troopers will be watching from some very unusual vantage points. The Wisconsin State Patrol announced the return of two enforcement campaigns this week: its aerial enforcement initiative and the "Trooper in a Truck" program. State Patrol pilots are scheduled to spend today high above Oneida County, tracking aggressive drivers and speeders on US Highway 51 from a bird's-eye view. The aerial crews then communicate with cruisers on the ground to initiate traffic stops. Officials say the goal is not just to hand out tickets; by announcing the campaign publicly, they hope to encourage drivers to voluntarily follow the rules of the road. But the State Patrol's creative tactics do not stop in the sky. Troopers will also be swapping their squads for semis this week. The "Trooper in a Truck" campaign pairs officers with commercial truck drivers, giving law enforcement an elevated vantage point to spot distracted or reckless drivers. They'll be working in regions around the state all week long, focusing on Northwoods highways on Friday.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News A person was airlifted to a Madison burn unit after escaping a duplex fire over the weekend in Vilas County. Arbor Vitae Fire/Rescue was dispatched just after noon on Saturday to a structure fire on White Pine Lane. While crews were still en route, leadership requested mutual aid after the first responders on the scene reported that the split-level duplex was already heavily engulfed. Upon arrival, crews battled intense heat, heavy flames, and weakened floors as they attacked the fire and searched the units. The lone occupant managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived. The individual was taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to a Madison burn center, and fire officials say they are expected to recover. No firefighters were injured. A preliminary investigation indicates the fire started in a lower-level room where ammunition reloading was taking place. Investigators believe a round discharged, igniting gunpowder and causing the fire to spread rapidly throughout the duplex. The building is considered a total loss. More than a dozen agencies from throughout Oneida and Vilas counties ultimately responded to assist at the scene.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News There is a new Hodag in Rhinelander, but this one is made of metal and helps tell the story of the city. Community members gathered in downtown Rhinelander on Friday morning for the unveiling of the new Iron Hodag. The public art sculpture was created by Wisconsin artist Don Gaber. Built from reclaimed metal donated by local businesses and residents, the approximately eight-foot-tall sculpture incorporates pieces of Rhinelander's history, including salvaged industrial materials and other artifacts that helped shape the community. According to the Rhinelander Chamber, this project celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and community pride that define Rhinelander. The sculpture was commissioned by former Rhinelander residents Ron and Elsie Gaber, whose philanthropic support has funded several community projects through the Rhinelander Community Foundation. Organizers say the Iron Hodag adds a new chapter to the city's legendary Hodag tradition while creating another destination for residents and visitors exploring downtown. The dedication plaque reads, in part: "The Iron Hodag, Guardian of the Northwoods, A Rhinelander Legend." The Iron Hodag is located in downtown Rhinelander at the pocket park on the corner of Brown and Anderson Streets. The project was a collaborative effort between the Gabers, the City of Rhinelander, the Chamber, and ArtStart.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Lake Tomahawk's famous summer snowshoe baseball tradition is serving up more than just athletic feats tonight—it is also looking to strike out local hunger. This evening, the Lake Tomahawk Snow Hawks will host Lakeland Food Pantry Night at the ballpark, inviting fans and community members to support neighbors facing food insecurity by bringing non-perishable food items or monetary donations. "It's all about neighbors helping neighbors," the Snow Hawks said in a statement. "By hosting Lakeland Pantry Night, we hope to bring our community together for a fun night at the ballpark while helping fight hunger right here at home." Spectators are encouraged to arrive early to drop off their donations and grab a seat. A variety of food will be available for purchase at the park, including the Snow Hawks' famous signature pies. Representatives from the Lakeland Food Pantry will be on-site to collect donations starting at 5:00 p.m., with the first pitch scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Young artists got a chance to showcase their creativity through a unique opportunity in Antigo over the weekend. On Saturday, the Antigo Visual Arts Center hosted northern Wisconsin's very first WRAP-Kids event. Led by Kim Schoenrock, the hands-on, mixed-media workshop was designed specifically for elementary-aged artists. The project featured the use of a unique tool: a specialty "ChompSaw," which allowed the kids to safely slice through cardboard and elevate their flat paintings into elaborate, three-dimensional sculptures. While Wisconsin Regional Art Program (WRAP) youth events are regularly held in the southern half of the state, this weekend marked a first for the Northwoods region. Art created at the workshop will be showcased at the Antigo Public Library over the next two weeks. A special public reception will be held this Friday evening, giving the community a chance to meet the young artists and discuss their work. Standout pieces from the local display will also be selected to represent the region at the WRAP State Exhibit in Madison next month.-Photo provided by Antigo Visual Arts Center

Published on 07/13/2026 under News Turns out, horseshoes aren't just for backyard barbecues. More than 800 of the world's top horseshoe players are in the Wausau area as the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Championships get underway at the Greenheck Turner Community Center in Weston. The fieldhouse has been converted with more than 50 horseshoe pits. The two-week tournament runs through July 26 and is expected to bring thousands of athletes, families, and fans to north central Wisconsin. Visit Wausau director Tim White says they're excited to host the event, noting the championships could generate between $2 million and $4 million in local spending. The Wausau area beat out cities including Tulsa and Las Vegas to land this year's event and will welcome it back again in 2029. Competition is free to attend, with parking available at D.C. Everest High School.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Public Library took a trip back in time Thursday morning, as local youngsters got an opportunity to see what life may have been like during the Ice Age. Families packed the library lawn for a hands-on presentation by Sean Sullivan, a Wausau-based primitive skills expert known as "The Mammoth Hunter." The interactive session brought Wisconsin's prehistoric past to life using museum-quality fossils and replicas Sullivan crafted himself based on archaeological evidence dating back 15,000 years. Sullivan doesn't just display tools, he demonstrates how to use them through live demonstrations of primitive survival skills from fire starting to hunting. Sullivan uses a method called experiential archaeology, learning about the past by actively recreating and testing ancient technology. He even dresses the part during his presentations. Yesterday's event was part of the Tomahawk Public Library's ongoing and always popular summer programming. This year's theme is Unearth a Story, fitting for Thursday's archeological discussion. The series is made possible through funding from the Tomahawk Public Library Natural Resources Fund.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News Voters in Wisconsin's Seventh Congressional District have a crowded ballot to sort through before the August 11th primary. It's an open seat featuring eight candidates including several relatively unknown political newcomers. To help bridge the geographic divide of the state's largest district by area, the League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is offering a unique opportunity and shared community event to get to know the candidates. All candidates on the ballot have been invited to participate in a forum on July 21 in Wausau. That will be broadcast to local hubs allowing Northwoods residents to gather, watch the debate together, and evaluate their options. The Northwoods chapter will host watch parties at two locations: Rhinelander and Eagle River. League President Debra Durchslag says democracy works best when voters can hear directly from the candidates. The watch locations are open to everyone, regardless of political leanings. We will share specific details and final candidate lineups as the event draws closer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News As temperatures climb and more people head to Northwoods lakes to cool off, the Oneida County Health Department is reminding swimmers to watch out for an unwelcome summer nuisance: swimmer's itch. The itchy skin rash can develop after swimming in freshwater lakes. Health officials say it is caused by tiny parasites found in some waters. Fortunately, it is not contagious, isn't an infection, and typically clears up on its own within a few days. While it may be difficult, try to avoid scratching. Instead, opt for an anti-itch cream or a cool compress. To reduce the chances of developing swimmer's itch, the health department recommends showering as soon as possible after swimming, drying off thoroughly with a towel, and changing out of wet swimsuits right away. Swimmers are also encouraged to choose areas with moving water and avoid shallow, weedy spots when possible. According to the CDC, the parasites frequently travel on waterfowl, so beachgoers should avoid feeding ducks near popular swimming locations. The reminder is part of Healthy Adventure Week, an initiative by the Oneida County Health Department encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy the Northwoods safely throughout the summer.

Published on 07/10/2026 under News State wildlife officials are asking boaters to ease off the throttle on northern Wisconsin waterways to protect a highly vulnerable and culturally significant native grain. The Department of Natural Resources warns that wild rice plants, known as manoomin by the Ojibwe people, are entering a fragile growth stage. Right now, the young plants look like bright green grass emerging just above the water's surface, making them incredibly easy to uproot. Large wakes and waves from passing boats can completely tear the young rice from the lake bed before it has a chance to mature. Boaters can help protect the crop by maintaining a strict slow-no-wake speed in shallow areas, particularly in bays, backwaters, and near stream inlets where the rice is most abundant. Boaters can check known rice waters before launching by utilizing the DNR's online Surface Water Data Viewer. Wild rice has faced a steep decline over the last few decades due to a variety of factors including warming temperatures and water quality. The annual aquatic plant is not only a critical ecosystem indicator , but it also provides crucial food and habitat for regional waterfowl and wildlife. The plants won't become sturdy enough to support their prized seed stalks until closer to Labor Day, with the Wisconsin wild rice harvest usually taking place in September.

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