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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

City of Tomahawk to Host Referendum Informational Sessions in March

Published on 03/02/2026 under News In just over a month, voters in the city of Tomahawk will decide on a levy referendum. In the lead up to the vote, city leaders will be reaching out to the public, an effort that begins this week. The state largely restricts the ability of municipalities to increase their tax levy without voter approval. The Tomahawk City Council is looking for a 20% increase to the base levy going forward, approximately $276,000. If approved, it would result in an increase of around $75 for a $100,000 property. Currently, the Tomahawk City Council scheduled three public informational meetings in March. The goal of the meetings will be to explain why the city is requesting additional funding. At these informational sessions, they plan to review some of the cuts they've made in recent years to balance the budget, as well as services that could be impacted in the future. In addition to the City Council members, department heads have also been asked to participate. In order to reach as many people as possible, the Council attempted to cover different times to schedule the meetings. The first is coming up at 1pm on Wednesday, March 4. Another has been scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 10am. The final session will take place the evening of March 19. They will take place at SARA Park. In addition to the meetings, they also plan to include a fact sheet in utility bills as well as traditional and social media. Voters will decide on the referendum April 7.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Most people will never travel to Antarctica. A local teacher recently made the trip to the frozen continent and will be talking about the trip Monday evening. Breanne Kanak is described as an artist, adventurer and teacher. She was able to participate in a 10-day expedition to Antarctica. It was a unique opportunity, and she has been able to bring those lessons back to the classroom in Wabeno where she teaches. Now she'll be sharing her adventure with the community as well. Coming up this evening, Kanak is partnering with Nicolet College to host this program. Through her stories, photos, and videos. Kanak will cover topics like conservation, mindful eco-tourism, and the joys and challenges of teaching from one of Earth's most remote places. The discussion will get underway at 6pm this evening. Prior to the conversation, artwork from Kanak's expedition is on display at Nicolet College's Lakeside Center. The program is free.

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Today is World Teen Mental Wellness Day, and behavioral health professionals at Aspirus are highlighting some of the challenges impacting youth and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in three high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a key indicator of depression. Aspirus behavioral health and employee assistance program counselor Tisha Sleiter says this can come from academic expectations, peer dynamics, and constant digital exposure of social media, while some challenges still stem from impacts of the pandemic. According to the announcement, those struggles are unfolding during a critical stage of emotional and neurological development. The prefrontal cortex, which supports emotional regulation and decision-making, continues to mature throughout the teenage years. Prolonged stress during that time can influence how young people respond to pressure and build coping skills. Some early signs of emotional distress can include social withdrawal, declining engagement, increased anxiety and behavioral changes. Starting the conversation early and working with a primary care provider can help teens. Leiter says, "The best thing we can do is ask how they're doing. Form connection, provide space, and when they ask for help, guide them toward the support they need."

Published on 03/02/2026 under News While most people bundle up when heading out on a snowmobile, some riders stripped down for a good cause earlier this year. In late January, during our coldest stretch of the year, LaCannes Resort teamed up with Ties That Bind Us, a local cancer support group, for a Bikini Run during their during their Swamp Lake Shoot Out. They recently announced an impressive contribution. In the end, fundraising totals came in at just over $13,000. Founded in 2012, the Ties That Bind Us provides support network for those diagnosed with cancer to ensure no one goes through the journey alone. In making the announcement, Ties That Bind Us wrote, "We are so thankful for the girls who braved the -30 degree day, their sponsors, the community and LaCannes for hosting this great event!!!"

Published on 03/02/2026 under News Wildlife artists have another opportunity to have their artwork featured on the state's series of bird stamps. The DNR recently launched their annual art competition. Winning entries will appear on next year's wild turkey, pheasant or waterfowl stamps. The DNR says the contest offers a unique opportunity for Wisconsin artists to showcase their artwork statewide while also promoting wildlife management. Funds raised through the sale of these stamps help support species management like habitat restoration, education and research projects. Over the years, Northwoods artists have fared quite well in the competition, winning on numerous occasions. That includes Caleb Metrich of Lake Tomahawk, who won last year's Pheasant stamp. Rules for this year's contest are available on the DNR website.

Published on 03/01/2026 under Sports At the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament at the Kohl Center in Madison, both Hatchet wrestlers would bow out in the consolation brackets. Kylie Peissig would bow out in the consolation quarterfinals to Wausau West's Aleeah Le. Peissig started off the tournament losing by fall to Winneconne's Addison Brown Thursday. Peissig would win her first consolation match of Horicon's Keleigh Holl. Kami Gabrich would go winless at the State Tournament. Gabrich lost in the first round to Janesville Parker's Katie Kent. She then would lose to Holmen's Avalee Euler in the first round of the consolation brackets.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News Invasive species impact public lands and waterways, and officials are using this week to highlight some of the ways people can minimize the spread. It's National Invasive Species Awareness week. The DNR is taking part and encouraging others to get involved. This is a great time to remind the public of how they can help prevent the spread of invasive species year-round. The event is dedicated to raising awareness about invasive species, the threats they pose and the actions that can be taken to prevent their spread. The good news is that the public can help by taking steps toward basic care to greatly reduce the risk of spreading invasive species to the places that they love. The DNR highlighted some of those steps including cleaning outdoor gear and equipment between outings and buy local for firewood, plants, and bait. There are also volunteer opportunities from removal to education and outreach. The DNR's Invasive Species webpage offers plenty of information on what invasive species are and why it's important to control them.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry (RAFP) is challenging local residents to contribute to the Annual Spring Challenge. Two local families, who wish to remain anonymous, have agreed once again to make a partial match for all donations or pledges received from March 1st through April 30th. The 2026 Spring Challenge marks the 21st Anniversary of RAFP and over 10 million pounds of food distributed to our community. RAFP currently serves over 1,100 households and in the past year provided 37,000 meals to children in our community. Donations can be lower during this time of year, so your help is greatly appreciated. To help the Food Pantry with the Annual RAFP Spring Challenge, monetary donations can be made to Rhinelander Area Food Pantry PO Box 1306, Rhinelander, WI 54501. Food items may be dropped off at the Food Pantry at 627 Coon Street from 9 am to 12pm, Monday through Friday. For more information, go to www.rhinelanderareafoodpantry.org or call 715-369-7237.

Published on 02/27/2026 under News The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state. "Those who advocate for and work toward improving Wisconsin's urban forests can often go overlooked," said Linda Cadotte, Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council Chair. "With these awards, we aim to highlight just a few of the dedicated leaders who have made an outstanding contribution to urban forestry today to help ensure a healthy and resilient tree canopy tomorrow." This year's recipients were announced at the 2026 Wisconsin Arborist Association – DNR Urban Forestry Conference and will be recognized at an event of their choosing in their community. This year, there were five winners in four categories and a Rhinelander area man was awarded the Leadership Award. The Leadership Award recognizes an individual or elected official at the county or local level of government who has made an outstanding recent contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin. • Tom Jerow has served as the Rhinelander City Forester for several years. Among his many accomplishments, highlights include establishing and chairing an Urban Forestry Tree Board, securing over $300,000 in urban forestry grants and donations, establishing a cost-sharing program for private property plantings and leading numerous education and outreach events. These accomplishments would be impressive for any full-time employee, but Tom has done all of this as an unpaid volunteer.

Published on 02/26/2026 under News Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD), announced nine businesses and organizations in eight Wisconsin counties across the state will collectively receive $250,000 in commercial driver training grants. These grants are part of the Commercial Driver Training Grant program and work to support businesses and organizations that offer training for trainees to obtain their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with the goal of bolstering Wisconsin's driving workforce, such as school bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and more. This round of grant awards will help 190 trainees obtain a CDL and grow their earning potential, all while helping to meet the demands for one of the state's most in-demand occupations. In our area, Northcentral Technical College in Marathon County received grant funding of $30,000 to provide Class A CDL training for 30 individuals. Interested businesses are encouraged to learn more about other worker training programs available through DWD's Office of Skill Development, including the Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program. Individuals interested in a professional truck driver career can find more information on the Job Center of Wisconsin website and CDL Apprenticeship opportunities.

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