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LCHD-Be Mindful of Blue-Green Algae Blooms; Swimmer's Itch Published on 07/05/2024 under News

One of the benefits of being here in the Northwoods during the dog days of summer... a lake or river is never too far away.

Those looking to take a quick dip in the water should be mindful of some common health concerns. We recently heard from the Lincoln County Health Department about both blue-green algae and swimmer's itch.

Starting with blue-green algae; the name itself can be misleading as it appears in a rainbow of colors. It's typically described as looking like paint spilled on the water surface. It becomes a health concern when in bloom, and exposure can lead to a variety of symptoms from skin irritation and itchy eyes to headaches, ear aches and nausea.

Meanwhile, the Health Department notes that swimmer's itch is caused by a parasite. It typically leads to an allergic reaction and skin rash. It generally doesn't require medical attention, but it may be uncomfortable none-the-less.

Warming temperatures and calm waters can increase the risks. Watch for posted warnings, and assess the water before jumping in. The Health Department offered up a common saying, 'when in doubt, stay out.'

It's always a good idea to rinse off after swimming in a lake or river, and of course, keep pets out of questionable waters as well.

In Other News

Rhinelander Students Unveiling Demos from Game Design and Development Lab Program

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Students in Rhinelander will show off their creativity this evening during a special game design showcase. The Game Design and Development Lab is part of the Culture Tap Artist Residency Program, a local partnership of the district community education program, Nicolet College, and ArtStart. This is the fourth year the district has offered this opportunity. Over the past two months, around two dozen middle and high school students have been meeting after school to design and build their own physical or digital games. Working in teams under the guidance of software engineer Jeremy Nikolai, the students took their initial concepts and created playable demos. Community education coordinator Mike Cheslock says, "It's wonderful that we are able to offer this opportunity to students who are interested in gaming, coding, art, and creativity." Coming up this evening the students will explain and demonstrate their games for the public. That showcase will take place in the Nicolet College Theater from 6pm to 7:30.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Tomahawk High School has plenty of spirit, and that's the focus of a new student club being established. At their meeting Tuesday, the Tomahawk School Board approved the creation of a Tomahawk Spirit Club. The effort has been several years in the making, emerging from previous opportunities including cheer and dance. In introducing the idea, district administrator Wendell Quesinberry noted that it has been growing in participation, with students putting in the time and effort. The Spirit Club is not competition-based; and would largely focus on the fall and winter seasons. Quesinberry added, "More clubs and opportunities we can offer to get more students involved is a goal." District policy involves a two year trial period. After few brief questions from the board, they voted unanimously in favor. _____ It was an otherwise routine Board meeting, A few other quick notes. In consent agenda, the board approved the hire of Brad Potter as the next High School Principal, effective at the start of the new school year. Potter comes from the Merrill School District. The district has been operating with an interim principal since December. We'll have a bit more on that hire in the coming days. The Board approved a staff position consolidation, combining the Community Education Coordinator with the Aquatics Learning Coordinator. Current staff member Megan Backes will take on those new duties. The district also made a couple of minor changes to next year's school calendar.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News The seasonal transition often brings floods to the state, and as spring returns emergency teams are reminding people to be prepared. This week has been declared Flood Safety Awareness Week in Wisconsin. Flooding can happen without warning, whether it's caused by heavy rain or snowmelt and is actually the most common natural disaster in Wisconsin. Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle "Take time now to understand flood risks in your area and learn the steps to take protect yourselves, loved ones and property from floods." While you can't stop rising waters, Ready Wisconsin shared some home tips that can help. That includes cleaning your gutters regularly, direct downspouts away from your home, and improve the grading and landscaping around your home to keep water from flowing away. Inside, store important records and other water prone items in a waterproof container in upper levels rather than the basement. If your home experiences flooding, your health department can provide proper cleaning and disinfection guidelines and other resources. When a flood happens, never drive or walk through the waters. Officials note that as little as six inches of fast-moving water can sweep an adult off their feet, while 12 inches can carry away a small car.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News If you've been feeling a little more tired than usual this week, the recent Daylight Saving Time change could be playing a role, but it could be an underlying health issue. Health experts say shifts in sleep patterns are common as we age. Dakota Lundstrom, a primary care provider with Aspirus Health, says sleep disturbances affect a large number of people whether difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early. Lundstrom says as many as 40 to 50 percent of patients report sleep problems at some point, with Middle-aged adults are among those most likely to notice the effects. Doctors say one key warning sign to watch for is excessive daytime sleepiness. Examples include unintentionally falling asleep, struggling to stay awake even after naps, or having trouble concentrating. Another concern is loud snoring or pauses in breathing during sleep, which can signal sleep apnea. The condition increases the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke if left untreated. Sleep problems can also appear after starting some medications. While some changes in sleep are normal, persistent issues shouldn't be ignored and may warrant a conversation with your provider, especially if they are impacting daily life.

Published on 03/11/2026 under News Northwoods Counties were the largest beneficiary in the annual County Forest Road Aid from the state. The Department of Transportation announced that assistance this past week. Overall, 24 Wisconsin counties will share in a little more $320,000 to maintain and improve public roads in county forests. The County Forest Road Aid is separate from the General Transportation Aid.The qualifying roads meet a number of criteria and cannot be town roads, county or state highways. Statewide, more than 900 miles of roads qualified. Locally, Lincoln County claimed 27 miles, good for about $9,500. Oneida County's 39 miles received a little more than $13,000. Vilas County has around 50 miles which received $17,000. Marinette County, with more than 240 miles of designated roads, received about a quarter of the overall funding. DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman. "WisDOT is proud to work with our county partners to continue to improve these forest roads and make good investments in our local transportation infrastructure." According to the announcement, data shows that county forests around the state generate approximately $40 to 50 million in timber revenues, resulting in approximately 16,000 jobs and $4.6 billion in forest products production.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News With the spring election quickly approaching, a Northwoods organization is encouraging local candidates to share their views with voters through an online guide. The League of Women Voters of the Northwoods is inviting county board supervisor candidates in Lincoln, Oneida, and Vilas counties, along with school board candidates in Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River, Merrill, and Tomahawk, to participate in the nonpartisan voter guide available at VOTE411.org. The guide allows candidates to answer questions about issues important to the community so voters can compare positions ahead of Election Day. Participation is free and candidates' responses appear in their own words. The guide is sponsored statewide by the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and is expected to go live March 15. Organizers say thousands of Wisconsin voters use the site to find unbiased information about candidates and ballot races before heading to the polls. The Wisconsin Spring Election will take place on Tuesday April 7.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk Police Department has brought back a popular fundraiser to support their K9 program. The Tomahawk Police Department recently announced the limited sale of Pipo challenge coins. For those unfamiliar, Pipo is a seven year old yellow lab who has served as the TPD K-9 officer the past five years. The collectible coin is designed in the shape of a paw print and also features the Tomahawk Police Department and K9 logo. This isn't the first collector's item featuring the pup. They sold similar coins last fall, and they've previously sold Pipo-inspired plush toys. Since it's launch, the Tomahawk K-9 unit has been funded outside of the department's budget through grants, community contributions, and fundraisers which are used on training, certification, and other program costs. The Pipo Challenge Coins are being sold at the police department front desk.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News Like clockwork, a pairs of camera friendly peregrine falcons have returned to their nesting boxes around the state. Wisconsin Public Service announced that peregrine falcons have started to show up on their nest cams including the Weston Plant near Wausau. For a third year in a row, Sheldon has been joined by an unbanded female at the Weston Plant. Last year they produced three new chicks. For more than three decades, WPS and WE Energies have played a crucial role in the successful recovery of the state's peregrine falcon populations. More than 400 chicks have hatched at these facilities, making up an estimated 20 percent of Wisconsin's current wild peregrine falcon populations. The Weston Plant nest has seen more than 40. Each spring, via webcams, the public has a chance to follow along these birds from egg to first flight. As for the timeline, the eggs are typically laid between late March and Mid-April. They'll hatch about 5 weeks later. The fledglings will be named and banded before they eventually leave the nest.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News A Northwoods business is in the running for a downtown makeover contest. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has announced the three finalists for its annual Main Street Makeover, a program that awards up to $10,000 and professional design help to transform a downtown storefront. Among the finalists is The Brew Station in Three Lakes. The business and gathering spot, owned by Dan and Gina Stehl, has become a destination for both locals and visitors to enjoy craft beers in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. The business actually won a WEDC Outdoor Patio Makeover in 2023. The outdoor space is coupled with a cozy, Northwoods-themed interior. Now they're hoping, if selected, the storefront redesign will better this welcoming atmosphere. If selected, the makeover would focus on upgrades like new signage, lighting, and a redesigned entrance to help draw more people into the business while strengthening the character of downtown Three Lakes. The Brew Station is competing against Christel's Pet Supplies & More in Kiel and Blue Heron Antiques in Waupun. The winner will work with consultants from Studio GWA, Inc. on a renovation plan before a reveal of the storefront transformation later this spring. The winner of the 2026 Main Street Makeover Contest is expected to be announced later this month.

Published on 03/10/2026 under News The Tomahawk STAR Foundation continues to support the community. They recently provided a grant to a program that offers opportunity for those with neurodivergence or autism in the community. Islands of Brilliance is based in Milwaukee, but they've been setting up hubs and regional locations around the state. In 2024, the program was brought to the Tomahawk. They've partnered with the Public Library, which hosts the twice-monthly meetings. They offer creative, technology-based workshops for autistic young adults in the community. It allows them to connect socially with peers and work on interest-driven creative projects. In announcing the grant, the STAR Foundation said, "Programs like IOB are especially meaningful in rural communities where inclusive spaces and resources for neurodivergent young adults are limited." Speaking of the STAR Foundation, their Best Burger in Paradise fundraiser is back. We'll have some board members on the morning conversation coming up on Thursday to discuss this year's promotion, and some of the changes they've made. Cards are currently on sale, and we've got some here at the WJJQ studios.

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