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Aspirus Tick-borne Illness Center Hosting Open House Published on 09/25/2024 under News

Living in the Northwoods, we deal with ticks. Fortunately, there's a special medical facility right in our back yard that is focused on the many diseases that ticks can spread.

It's been five years since the opening of the Tick Borne Illness Center on the Aspirus Howard Young campus in Woodruff. Coming up this evening they're hosting an open house to celebrate the anniversary, showcase the facility, and raise awareness.

Ahead of the event we were joined by Dr. James Thatcher. He's been at the Tick Center, and here in the Northwoods, for just under a year. He came via New York, another tick hot-spot. Perhaps the most well-known tick-borne disease, Lyme, was first diagnosed in nearby Connecticut. A common symptom of Lyme is the distinct rash. Thatcher says, "I've never seen as many bullseye as I've seen this summer."

With limited testing options, often delayed onset and a wide range of symptoms, Thatcher noted that tick-borne disease can be difficult to diagnose. Yet early anti-biotic treatments can be highly effective. As a facility dedicated to tick-borne Illness, they may be better suited for diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic conditions.

Thatcher also gave a quick reminder for those enjoying the outdoors this fall. He encouraged post-activity tick checks, appropriate clothing, and a repellent. While many may reach for products with DEET, others may be hesitant with the chemicals. Thatcher acknowledged that concern and added that natural products featuring ingredients like lavender, rosemary and lemon grass may offer some protection.

As for this evening, Thatcher and his colleagues will be talking about the history of the Tick Center and what they've seen over the past five years, while also sharing their vision for the future. It gets underway at 5pm.

In Other News

DNR Releases CWD Sampling Results from 2024 Fall Season

Published on 04/29/2025 under News While chronic wasting disease remains prevalent in southeastern Wisconsin, there were few cases detected in the Northwoods during last fall's sampling efforts. The DNR released the results of testing from last deer season. They had statewide sampling of wild deer, while also focusing on several priority areas. The goal was to help the agency better understand disease levels and distribution in areas where recent detections were recorded. Looking at the state numbers first, around 17,400 deer were sampled, with about 1,800 testing positive. The data shows 89% of positive tests were located in the southern farmland zone primarily Sauk, Richland, and Iowa Counties. Here in the Northern Forest Zone, there were nearly 1,900 deer tested, with five coming back positive for CWD. The news release states that Vilas County had it's second wild deer test positive. In Oneida County, three additional positives deer were detected in the eastern portion of the county. Erin Larson, DNR deer herd health specialist says, "Although we have detected CWD in new areas of the state in recent years, many of these areas are at a low prevalence rate, and opportunities still remain to slow the spread and growth of the disease statewide." The DNR thanked all the hunters who submitted a samples, business owners who managed sampling sites and those who participated in the Adopt-a-Kiosk program. Those interested can find more information on the DNR website.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News An ongoing, annual process to establish the framework for the fall deer hunting season is in full swing. Throughout last week and this week, County Deer Advisory Councils are meeting across all 72 counties. The CDACs provide recommendations on harvest quotas and tag availability. Coming up this evening the CDAC meetings for Oneida County (at the Woodruff Town Hall) and Vilas Counties (Boulder Junction Town Hall) are scheduled for 6pm. The Lincoln County meeting is coming up on Thursday at 7pm at the Lincoln County Service Center.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News Spring and summer bring plenty of outdoor projects, and residents and professionals alike are reminded to always use Digger's Hotline before breaking ground. April is recognized as National Safe Digging Month. The goal is to serve as a reminder to call 811 before every digging project, large or small. Officials say this will prevent injuries, while avoiding repair costs and potential fines that occur when underground gas, electric, communications, water or sewer lines are damaged. While major projects may be obvious, Diggers Hotline should also be used for smaller work such as installing a fence, a mailbox, a patio, trees or hedges. They recommend a call 811 or schedule an appointment online at diggershotline.com three days before you begin your work.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News With the fishing opener this weekend, and the summer boating season right around the corner; a call to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office this past week serves as a reminder to always use caution when launching a boat. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, deputies were dispatched to the Lokemoen boat landing for what they described as an angler's worst nightmare. They found a vehicle, boat, and trailer submerged in the Wisconsin River. According to the deputy, the boat's owner, a 58 year old Black Creek man, was attempting to launch the boat when he backed up a little too far. A slippery spot on the landing prevented his vehicle from gaining the traction needed to get back out. As a result, a wrecker was called to recover the vehicle, boat, and trailer. No injuries were reported. A few other quick notes from the Sheriff's Report... •A traffic stop led to a first offense OWI arrest for a 17 year old Merrill girl. •A 26 year old Merrill woman was arrested for second offense OWI after deputies responded to a vehicle in the ditch. •Deputies investigated a truck that left the road and struck a tree. The driver, a 63 year old Gleason man, was arrested for first offense OWI. •And the number of vehicle vs. deer crashes on Lincoln County roadways remains steady with another 5 reported this past week.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News A soggy start to spring means some local ATV trails will get a delayed start. The Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department announced that the county's summer ATV trails will not be opening on May 1 as originally planned. They attributed the delay to wet conditions, along with some frost still working its way out of the ground. They didn't have an estimate on when the trails will open. People can visit their website or call the trail hotline for the latest information. We'll pass along any announcements we receive.

Published on 04/29/2025 under News We saw some bumpy weather throughout the day Monday, and that led to some power outages around the region. The strongest line of storms arrived last night with reports of lightning, hail, and gusty winds, coupled with 1-2 inches of rainfall over the past 24 hours. According to Wisconsin Public Service's tracker, outages peaked with around 15,000 customers without power last night. Crews worked through the night. By daybreak there were just 1,200 outages remaining. About half, 600, were located in Vilas County, another 300 in Oneida County. Those numbers were steadily dropping through the morning hours. WPS also offered a reminder to stay at least 25 feet from any downed power lines. Downed lines and outages should be reported to WPS.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News It's that time of year when bears will be emerging from their winter slumber. The DNR is encouraging folks to 'Be Bear Aware' to avoid conflicts. Every spring, Wisconsin's estimated 24,000 black bears emerge from their winter torpor, leaving their dens in search of food and potentially new territory. The 'Be Bear Aware' campaign encourages people to limit attractants that may draw bears in to unwanted locations. According to the DNR, black bears are known for returning to spots where they've found good food sources. They are often attracted to food and food scents.Prevention is the best tactic, and they added a few quick reminders...•Make sure garbage and recycling containers are secured, rinse them out occasionally •Remove bird feeders when bears are active •Store pet food inside and bring their food dishes in after feeding •Regularly clean grills, smokers, and picnic areas If you do encounter a bear in your backyard, the DNR recommends trying to scare it away with loud noises after ensuring it has a clear escape route. If you encounter a bear in the woods, stay calm and make your self big while slowly backing away. Try to stay calm and do not run.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News Nicolet College will be offering high school students an opportunity to learn what it takes to become a first responder. Many public safety agencies have seen a shortage in younger people pursuing these careers, especially in rural areas. Coming up this summer, Nicolet College will be offering two free academies, one focused on criminal justice and law enforcement, the other on fire and EMS. Jason Goeldner, associate dean of public safety at Nicolet College. He says, "These careers attract people who want to make a difference in their communities and keep their families and friends safe and healthy." Goeldner added, "We need young people who are ready to step up for their communities and summer academies are a great place to start to see if they have what it takes." Each academy is three days and is designed for teens age 16-18. They include an introduction, classroom work and hands-on activities on topics such as first aid, search and rescue, k9 demonstrations, and training scenarios. They've also arranged to visit some local departments. The Criminal Justice Academy is June 16-19; the Fire and EMS the following week June 24-26. The academies are free, space is limited, and registration is required. Those interested can sign up on the Nicolet website. For more information about the criminal justice academy, contact Tim Gerdmann at 715-365-4535 or tgerdmann@nicoletcollege.edu. For more information about the fire and emergency medical services academy, contact Ray Lemke at 715-365-4453 or rlemke@nicoletcollege.edu.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News Friday was Arbor Day, and the Aspirus facilities in the region were recognized for their efforts when it comes to trees. The Arbor Day Foundation recently named all 18 Aspirus Health hospitals as 2024 Tree Campus institutions. That becomes even more impressive considering only 59 hospitals in the nation are designated as Tree Campus institutions. The program recognizes healthcare facilities, along with schools and universities for their dedication to enhancing community well-being through tree investment, education and community engagement. According to the announcement, trees and green spaces are proven to improve health outcomes and reduce stress for both patients and caretakers. Andrew Miller, Director of System Facilities Management and Security, says, "As a health system, we recognize the critical importance trees play in the health of individuals and communities." He added, "We believe planting and caring for trees is the right thing to do and aligns to our mission of healing people, promoting health and strengthening communities." There are certain criteria facilities must meet to receive the recognition. That includes maintaining a tree advisory committee, investigating in a tree campus program, and completing a community forestry project.

Published on 04/28/2025 under News Earlier this month we told you about the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program. It's an annual effort to keep the state highways clear of litter. The Oneida County Highway Department offers a similar program at a local level, and they recently highlighted the efforts of these volunteers. Oneida County currently has 37 groups who have adopted highway segments. They are encouraged to clean-up those segments two to three times per year. The Highway Department says, "These dedicated individuals and groups provide a great service for our beautiful Northwoods." Spring is a common pick-up time, and the Highway Department noted that many of these groups have been out or are making plans to do so. They are encouraging drivers to be aware of these volunteers. When approaching slow down and give them plenty of space. They also noted that there are still segments available for adoption. Interested individuals or groups can contact the Highway Department to learn more.

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