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DoT Encourages Road Safety as Thanksgiving Travel Picks Up Published on 11/27/2024 under News

As Thanksgiving travel picks up, officials are encouraging motorists to think safety.

According to AAA, nearly 1.6 million Wisconsinites will travel to their destinations this holiday. As a result, the DoT is encouraging drivers to follow the rules of the road.

DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman says, "Let's work together on safe, responsible driving behaviors so we can all make it our destinations safely this holiday season. Please put the phone down, buckle up, drive sober and check 511 Wisconsin to 'know before you go'."

As for peak travel times, this afternoon and evening as well as Sunday afternoon are expected to be busiest. Motorists may want to leave early to avoid traffic, as mornings are typically less busy.

Boardman also used Thanksgiving to give thanks to those who ensure our roads are safe from emergency responders to highway workers and road crews.

In Other News

$100,000 Winning All or Nothing Lotto Ticket Sold in Tomahawk

Published on 10/01/2026 under News A lotto player in Tomahawk will receive a six-figure payout, even though they didn't match a single number on their ticket. The Wisconsin Lottery's "All or Nothing" game is unique because, as the name implies, a grand prize winner can either match every drawn number or none of them. Players choose 11 numbers from a pool of 22, making the odds of matching 0 or 11 identical. In Tuesday's drawing, a winning ticket was sold at the Tomahawk Kwik Trip store. The ticket holder matched zero numbers to secure the $100,000 grand prize. In fact, according to the Wisconsin Lottery, six of the nine grand prize winners in the game this year have won by matching zero numbers. The winner has 180 days from the draw date to claim their prize.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Patients in the Northwoods struggling with sleep apnea have a new treatment option locally. Sleep apnea is a common disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor rest and low blood oxygen levels. Aspirus Rhinelander Clinic is now offering Inspire V, the latest generation of an implantable therapy designed for adults with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea who can't tolerate traditional CPAP machines. Dr. Ryan Black says, "Sleep apnea can have a profound impact on a person's overall health, energy levels, and quality of life." Functioning similarly to a pacemaker, the small system works by delivering gentle stimulation to key airway muscles, keeping breathing open and natural during sleep. Dr. Black called the updated technology a "continued evolution of sleep apnea treatment." With clinical studies showing a 90 percent satisfaction rate, clinic officials say it offers an effective path to better rest. Those interested can discuss the treatment with their provider to see if they qualify.

Published on 10/01/2026 under News Unfortunately, there won't be any Northwoods entries in this year's "Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin" bracket. Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce announced the top 16 finalists following a preliminary round of voting that narrowed down an initial field of 107 products. Among those original contenders was Crandon-based Hometown Manufacturing with its trackless trolley buses, a modern take designed to mimic classic 19th-century streetcars. The annual contest showcases a wide array of state manufacturing. The final field includes everything from chocolates and health supplies to privacy glass and heavy excavation equipment. Voting now shifts to a head-to-head, bracket-style tournament, continuing until the ultimate winner is crowned on October 27. To view the bracket and cast a vote, visit madeinwis.com. 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin Top 16:#1 4800XPC Electric Rope Shovel by Komatsu | Milwaukee #2 Comfort Unite Back Support by Permobil Inc | New Berlin #3 Gravely ZT HD STEALTH 60 by AriensCo | Brillion #4 CliC Smart Privacy Glass by Cardinal IG | Tomah #5 ORION Cellular Endpoint by Badger Meter | Racine #6 Meltaway Candy Bars by Seroogy's Chocolates | De Pere #7 4-Post FreeSpan Shelving by Spacesaver Corporation | Fort Atkinson #8 LU-Series Lightweight Electric Torque Pump by Enerpac Tool Group | Milwaukee #9 Giddings & Lewis Vertical Turning Centers by Fives Giddings & Lewis | Fond du Lac #10 Aspex Printed Wall Protection / GrooveLine by Inpro | Muskego #11 Barrel Collection by Muza Sheet Metal Co. | Oshkosh #12 Custom Pool Cues by Jacoby Custom Cues | Nekoosa #13 Scag Turf Tiger by Metalcraft of Mayville | Mayville #14 Carmex by Carma Laboratories, Inc. | Franklin #15 M157 Small Arms Fire Control by Vortex | Barneveld #16 Help Alert Staff Protection Pendant by RF Technologies | Brookfield

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Instead of candy bars or soft drinks, Oneida County's newest vending machine is stocked with valuable health supplies, free to those who need them. The Oneida County Health Department has launched its very first Public Health Vending Machine this week. Positioned right outside the Health Department and ADRC building on Keenan Street in Rhinelander; it's accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The machine is stocked with essential items like hygiene and dental kits, first aid supplies, laundry kits, and even tick removal packs. They've also stocked some critical safety gear like drug deactivation bags and gunlocks, which were donated by the Rhinelander Police Department and Iron Mountain VA. Local health officials say removing the price tag eliminates barriers for families who might otherwise struggle to afford basic care items, all while offering a private and convenient way to get help. Public health vending machines are catching on across Wisconsin, and community donations are helping keep this one stocked year-round.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As fall foliage peaks across Northern Wisconsin, more families are trading typical weekend getaways for a day on the farm. Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed September and October as Wisconsin's Agricultural Tourism Fall Season. Agritourism, where farms open their doors to the public for entertainment, education, and fresh local food is a growing industry, both statewide and locally. Common attractions at this time of year include: apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and farmstead pizza. With less than two percent of Americans working directly in agriculture, industry experts say these visits help bridge the gap—giving people a chance to learn where their food comes from while supporting local family farms. In turn, it gives hardworking farmers an opportunity to showcase their operations and supplement their income. To help travelers plan an autumn trip, the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association recently launched a new online directory featuring interactive maps, digital discounts, and interactive games with prizes, such as "Fall on the Farm Bingo" and a "Fall Maze Challenge." To learn more or plan your visit, go to wiagritourism.com.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Fittingly, as National Preparedness Month wraps up, the Tomahawk Health and Safety Committee is moving forward with an updated Emergency Management ordinance. The proposal outlines critical response procedures and establishes a clear chain of command during a widespread disaster, while also cleaning up some of the language of the existing ordinance. While officials hope to never use it, having an updated plan ready is essential. Under the ordinance, the Mayor, as the city's highest elected official, serves as the Local Emergency Management Director. Police Chief Al Elvins noted during the meeting that during a disaster, both he and the fire chief are typically tied up managing their department's operational duties. The plan also sets specific guidelines for declaring a local state of emergency. After brief discussion, committee members voted unanimously to send the updated ordinance to the full City Council for approval.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News With winter a few months away, Boulder Junction is preparing for the upcoming season at Winter Park following a strong 2025–26 winter. The park recorded more than 20,000 visits during its eight-week season at The Glide, nearly doubling its inaugural figures. An analysis by the town's Economic Development Committee estimates that these visitors generated approximately $1.2 million in direct local spending. Winter Park's initial infrastructure relied on temporary solutions to operationalize the park quickly and evaluate usage patterns. With two successful seasons completed, the town now possesses a clear understanding of park functionality, necessary improvements, and high-impact long-term investments. To support future growth, the Town of Boulder Junction is launching a $110,000 improvement campaign to construct permanent facilities. Planned upgrades include heated winter pit toilets, pavilion improvements, new seating, and updated signage. Partnering with the Boulder Junction Community Foundation to raise the remaining funds, the town has committed $55,000 from room tax revenues to cover half the cost. To learn more or donate, visit boulderatplay.com or boulderjunctioncf.org.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News As we close out Falls Prevention Month, local health experts are reminding us that protecting against a dangerous fall involves more than just clearing trip hazards around the house—it also means checking your medicine cabinet. Certain prescription and over-the-counter drugs can cause hidden side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden drops in blood pressure that throw off your balance. Aspirus pharmacy resident Yinglai Chang notes that taking five or more medications significantly compounds that risk, especially when side effects overlap. Even everyday over-the-counter products like Benadryl, sleep aids, or multi-symptom cold remedies can affect your coordination and alertness without you realizing it. Before starting any new medication, be sure to read the active ingredients and warning labels. Most importantly, don't hesitate to ask your local pharmacist to review your current prescriptions for potential interactions—and never stop taking a prescribed medication without talking to your doctor first.

Published on 09/30/2026 under News Monthly unemployment estimates in the Northwoods dropped in August, but were up compared to the same time last year. The Department of Workforce Development released its monthly unemployment estimates this past week. It was a mixed bag across the state: rates increased in 10 counties over the month, dropped in 36 counties, and remained unchanged in the remaining 26. Locally, month-over-month estimates show slight improvements. Lincoln County's rate fell from 3.9% in July to 3.8% in August. Oneida County dropped from 3.2% to 3.1%, while Vilas County saw a decrease from 3.6% to 3.5%. All three Northwoods counties along the Highway 51 corridor were up by about half a percentage point compared to August 2025.

Published on 09/29/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's girls swimmers traveled down to Wausau and competed in a double dual with Wausau East and Medford Tuesday night. The Highest a Hatchet placed was third across two different events. Kami Gabrich would take third in the 200 freestyle with a time of 2:27.85. Gabrich also joined Kaylee Roberts, Sloane Eisenman, and Kourtney Busterud in a third-place finish in the 200 yard freestyle relay with a time of 2:11.21. The Hatchets are back in the pool for a GNC Dual Thursday against Medford. Events will begin at 5:30.

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