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511 Wisconsin Updates Winter Driving Condition Categories Published on 12/18/2024 under News

So far this season, winter driving conditions have been relatively good. But when the snow begins to fly or icy roads pop up, drivers will find some simplified categories on 511Wisconsin, the state's road condition tracker.

In announcing the update, the DoT says the goat is to streamline the information to make it easier for motorists. When a report is available, the roads will be listed as normal, partially covered, completely covered, and travel not advised.

WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman explained, "We continually look for ways to enhance our 511 Wisconsin traveler information service," She says, "We're confident the updated winter road condition categories will help drivers make informed travel decisions this winter and beyond."

511 Wisconsin launched 15 years ago and includes web and smartphone capabilities. In provides road conditions for more than 14,000 miles of roadway along with live visuals via traffic cameras located around the state.

In Other News

WPS Foundation Kicks Off Rewarding Responders with Grant to Life Link Helicopter

Published on 08/26/2025 under News First responders across the region will be better equipped during calls thanks to the continued support of the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. As part of their Rewarding Responders program, the WPS Foundation will be visiting law enforcement, fire, EMS and rescue agencies around the Northwoods this week providing grants for crucial equipment, safety gear, and training. One of their first stops was at the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport where they met up with the crew of Life Link III medical helicopter. WPS Foundation contributed funds to help purchase what is known as a sapphire pump. Josh Howell CEO of Life Link III explained the new infusion pump plays a vital role in ensuring safe and accurate medication to patients during air medical transport. He says they are honored to receive the generous grant and the investment will directly enhance their ability to provide high quality care. Coming up later this week, we'll take a look at some of the other Northwoods agencies receiving funding this cycle. Including this year, the WPS Foundation Rewarding Responders grants have now surpassed $675,000. Beth Straka, president of WPS foundation says, "We are honored to continue our support of public safety agencies and the invaluable impact they make in our communities every day."

Published on 08/26/2025 under News A Wisconsin Rapids man is facing numerous charges in Lincoln County after deputies investigated a suspicious vehicle this past week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, a woman initially reported that a vehicle was tailgating her and possibly following her while she drove near Tomahawk. The woman told deputies she had even pulled over at one point in an attempt to allow the other car to pass, however the other driver stopped behind her. The deputy responded to the area and attempted a traffic stop, but the suspected woman continued to follow the woman's vehicle including after she pulled into a private driveway. The deputy also pulled into the driveway. According to the report, the driver, identified as 32 year old Brandon Banuelos of Wisconsin Rapids, was non-compliant and refused field sobriety tests. He was taken into custody and brought to the jail. The reporting party told the deputy she had no idea why Banuelos was following her. Court records show Banuelos has been charged with 5th offense OWI, resisting, failure to stop, and bail jumping. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for September 2.

Published on 08/26/2025 under News An individual was rescued from a house fire in Vilas County. Responders were paged to a house fire on Peace Pipe Road in Lac du Flambeau at shortly before 7pm Monday evening. The homeowner reported they had fallen in the kitchen and wasn't able to evacuate the home. Lac du Flambeau Tribal Police were first on the scene. They reported flames at the back of the structure with the entire home filled with smoke. They were able to help the homeowner get out of the home. The individual brought to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Two pets were also rescued. Fire crews were able to contain the fire. As of the update, they were still assessing damage. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Published on 08/26/2025 under News It's back to school season; not just for students, but educators as well. Up in Rhinelander, the district held a special orientation day on Monday for around two dozen new staff members which included an introduction to the community. The event was organized by the school district, Rhinelander Partners in Education and the Rhinelander Chamber. Following some on-campus sessions in the morning, the group hopped on a bus for a "Welcome to Rhinelander Tour, " checking out notable spots around the community. That included a visit to the Chamber, where the staff gathered for a group photo in front of the iconic hodag statue. The Chamber also had some welcome bags, a reminder of the community spirit that defines Rhinelander. The day wrapped up at CAVOC, the district's outdoor classroom, for lunch and another session. Local leaders shared additional information about businesses and organizations and potential partnerships to help connect community and classroom.

Published on 08/26/2025 under News Wisconsin manufactures make a lot of really interesting products. A friendly competition held each fall looks to identify the coolest, and they're currently accepting nominations. The appropriately named Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin launched this week. The contest, now in it's tenth year, is an initiative of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce to celebrate the products and the workers, while highlighting the important role the industry plays in the state economy. Kurt R. Bauer, President & CEO of WMC says, "Wisconsin has the best manufacturers in the world, and it's always our pleasure to highlight the fantastic – and truly cool – products they make." Over the years we've tracked a number of Northwoods entries as they've made their way through the competition including St. Croix Fishing Rods, Thorogood work boots, Minocqua Popcorn, and Samuel Pressure Group tanks made in Tomahawk. People can submit nominees through September 12. The finalists will be announced ahead of the start of voting the following week. The winner is announced in October, coinciding with Wisconsin Manufacturing month.

Published on 08/26/2025 under News A two-part road construction project in the Minocqua area will pick back up this fall, and officials will be holding an informational meeting on the schedule ahead of that work. Earlier this year, the DoT began work on Highway 51 between Front Street and 3rd Avenue. In June, they paused work to accommodate the busy, summer tourism in the greater Minocqua area. With that season winding down, construction will be restarted in the coming weeks. The DoT will be hosting an informational meeting this evening to provide some updates, expected traffic impacts and work timelines. That meeting will be held this evening at 6 pm at the Minocqua Public Library.

Published on 08/26/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad opened up the 2025 season in dominating fashion, overwhelming the Crandon Cardinals at Hatchet Field Friday night, 42-6. The Hatchets dominated from opening kickoff all the way to the final whistle stuffing the Cardinals' rush offense and leaving them dazed and confused defensively. The Hatchets outrushed Crandon 194-120 despite allowing a 65-yard scoring run from Cruz Palubicki. Sophomore Running Back Max Larson rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on just five carries. Cash Olsen threw his first career passing touchdown, a 25-yard strike to Jonah Dickens in the second quarter. Rex Reilly also rushed for two scores while also consistently making plays on the defensive side of the ball. The 42 points scored by Tomahawk is also the most they put in a game since scoring 65 against Goodman-Pembine in 2021. The win puts Tomahawk at 1-0 on the season. It is also the third time in the last four years the Hatchets won their season opener. Tomahawk will look for their first 2-0 start since 2022 next week against Wittenberg-Birnamwood. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and opening kick at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 08/25/2025 under News Several segments of the Ice Age Trail in Lincoln County got some maintenance thanks to a group of volunteers. Earlier this month, members of the local Northwoods Chapter of Ice Age Trail Alliance teamed up with a group of Alliance volunteers from other communities. The goal was to improve hiker experience on three Ice Age Trail segments in Lincoln County: Alta Junction, Averill-Kelly Creek Wilderness, and Harrison Hills. Chad DuChateau, Field Project Manager for the Alliance says, "There's always such good energy when Trailwide volunteers mingle with local volunteers. That sense of appreciation for each other, and for the support of Alliance staff, is what makes Maintenance Sweep events so meaningful." In all, the 15 member crew contributed more than 240 hours of work. This included: The Alta Junction Segment had one of its structures modified with chicken wire to make the surface less slick. The Averill-Kelly Creek Wilderness Segment received a minor bridge upgrade and half a mile of corridor clearing. Along the Harrison Hills Segment:Cleared corridor and removed downed treesWidened and repaired tread, alleviating water issuesRerouted the Trail (short!) to avoid a steep crossing of an ATV trail Modified a few existing structures with chicken wire to increase tractionThey tackled various projects including clearing and widening trails, upgrading a bridge, addressed some low traction areas, and other improvements. During their downtime, the volunteers even got into the Northwoods spirit, setting up camp at Council Grounds. And as quickly as they arrived, the traveling volunteers have already moved on. They've got several additional volunteer projects along the Ice Age Trail in the coming weeks. The Ice Age Trail stretches approximately 1,200 miles across Wisconsin, starting near the Minnesota border and ending near Green Bay. Locally it crosses Taylor, Lincoln, Langlade, and Marathon Counties.

Published on 08/25/2025 under News A summer-long, art scavenger hunt in Antigo has wrapped up, and organizers have deemed it a success. Antigo Visual Arts coordinated the inaugural effort, bringing together local artists and community businesses. The event featured 33 original pieces of art. That included paitings, carvings, and sculpture, all inspired by Wisconsin's birds, animals and native flowers. Each was displayed in or on a participating business turning the downtown Antigo district into a gallery of sorts. Angela Wildman of Wildman Arts says, "As a business, we loved seeing so many different works of art being showcased and interacting with customers who may not have been as familiar with our offerings." In all 76 people completed the scavenger hunt with drawings for prizes. The public was also able to vote for their favorite pieces. And at the wrap up celebration earlier this month, several of the featured pieces were sold through a silent auctions. With enthusiastic community feedback and strong participation, AVA says they plan to make the Downtown Art Scavenger Hunt an annual tradition, and they are hoping to expand in scope and impact in 2026. Photo provided by AVA: Vicki Eldridge posing in front of Tree Solutions below her Snail artwork.

Published on 08/25/2025 under News An Oneida County group addressing childcare in the area is looking for input from the public. The Oneida County Childcare Coalition is currently conducting their annual survey. This initiative aims to assess the child care needs across the county. The Coalition says data collected will guide future projects aimed at enhancing access to quality, affordable child care in the area. There are actually two different surveys being conducted. One is for parents and the general public; the other is focused on businesses and employers. The questions cover a variety of topics including some general questions on childcare access, how childcare challenges impact employment, and where improvements came be made. The Northwoods is in what is considered a childcare desert, meaning there are not enough affordable childcare options available to meet the demand. The survey opened last month, and the period is winding down this week. It's available on the coalition website.

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