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Man Sentenced for 6th Offense OWI in Vilas County Published on 01/09/2025 under News

A Milwaukee man received a two year prison sentence following a sixth offense of operating under the influence in Northern Wisconsin.

According to court records, 42 year old Joshua Groth appeared in Vilas County Court Wednesday via video for the hearing.

Groth was arrested May 28 after a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol observed a vehicle driven by Groth cross over the center-line on Highway 51 in Boulder Junction. As a result, Groth was arrested for operating under the influence 6th offense.

He pleaded guilty to that charge at yesterday's hearing.

According to sentencing records, Groth received two years of prison followed by three years of extended supervision. He is already serving time from a separate charge, and this sentence will run concurrently. He was also ordered to pay more than $2,700, will have his driver's license revoked for 3 years and 3 years with an ignition interlock device.

In Other News

Earth Day: Simple Changes Around the Home

Published on 04/22/2026 under News Earth Day has special meaning here in Wisconsin. Former Governor and Senator Gaylord Nelson was instrumental in creating the worldwide movement. People are encouraged to use the day as inspiration to protect the planet all year long. Simple actions around the home can make a difference. The DNR offered up a few tips for people looking to reduce their environmental footprint with a few changes around the home. It can be as simple as reducing food waste by shopping smarter, composting, and recycle. Check for leaks around the home to conserve water. And around your property, focus on native plants and trees while leaving a natural space to improve habitat for wildlife including pollinators. And throughout the month of April the DNR and the 'Friends' groups who volunteer at state park properties will be hosting Work, Play, Earth Day opportunities for chores and upkeep like raking, litter clean-up invasive plant removal, and installing benches and picnic tables.

Published on 04/22/2026 under News Deputies are investigating a hit and run resulting in injuries in Oneida County yesterday morning. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, a 59 year old woman reported being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Kelly Fire Lane and Rozell Road in the town of Little Rice. That call came in at shortly before 8am. According to the release, the initial investigation showed that a vehicle operated by 59-year old, Robert R. Cookson of Little Rice, struck the victim and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. Oneida County Sheriff's Deputies located Cookson's vehicle and conducted a traffic stop a short time later. The woman was transported to an area hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad bounced back Tuesday afternoon at Hatchet Field with a big Great Northern Conference win over Merrill, 4-1. The Hatchets got a complete game victory from Cameron Kraklow, who allowed just one run on seven hits. Averi Petta finished with an RBI triple and a run scored. Autumn Merrigan provided the clutch hit, knocking in a two-run single in the bottom of the fifth to put the Hatchets up 4-0. The win puts Tomahawk at 3-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets go back on the road for a GNC Doubleheader against Antigo Thursday. Game One is at 4:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News A lasting tribute to Vietnam veterans will soon have a permanent home in the Northwoods. Nicolet College is set to dedicate a retired wall panel from The Wall That Heals, a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Nicolet College hosted The Wall That Heals in May 2023, serving as one of just 31 sites nationwide selected for the traveling exhibit, which honors the more than three million Americans who served during the Vietnam War. College officials say that sense of connection is part of what makes the permanent display so significant. Specialist Casey Lehmann, an Army veteran and Nicolet College employee who helped coordinate the visit, says the exhibit brought people together in remembrance and gratitude for those who served and sacrificed. The wall panel was gifted to Nicolet College by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund in appreciation for hosting the exhibit. It will be mounted on a custom steel base created by veterans participating in a Nicolet College community education welding class. To commemorate the arrival, Nicolet will be hosting a ceremony a week from Thursday (April 30) at 1pm at the Lakeside Center Patio.

Published on 04/21/2026 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. PSC Chair Summer Strand says, "No matter the size of a project, a free call to 8-1-1 before digging can keep our communities safe and connected." 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 or schedule an appointment online at diggershotline.com three days before you begin.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Just a heads up from the Lincoln County Veterans Service Office, they will be closed next week. Staff will be attending a training session, which they noted is essential for professional development and required for continuing education. Veterans Service Officer Matthew Pultz says, "These efforts ensure we continue to provide the highest level of service and expertise to our local veterans." For urgent matters, vets can use online resources provided by the WDVA or VA. Non-urgent inquiries can be submitted via email or voicemail and will be addressed promptly when staff returns. The office will resume regular hours on Monday, May 4.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News We're in spring wildfire season in Wisconsin, the DNR is urging residents to use caution with outdoor burning, especially after a week of severe storms. Despite recent heavy rain, officials say more than 50 wildfires were reported across the state last week. A dry forecast this week, combined with low humidity, breezy conditions, and an increase in downed trees and debris from recent severe weather, will likely lead to elevated fire danger. As of Tuesday, the entire state is listed either moderate or high fire danger. The DNR says light vegetation can dry out quickly, making it easy for fires to spread, particularly when storm debris is burned. Instead of burning, consider safer alternatives such as community yard waste collection or brush drop-off sites. (The City of Tomahawk will be conducting their annual spring curbside pick up next week). Storm debris can also be piled to create natural wildlife habitat. For property owners that plan to burn, the DNR encourages checking current fire danger levels and burn restrictions. It may also help to wait a few weeks until plant life greens up.

Published on 04/21/2026 under News Throughout the year, the DNR leans on citizen scientists to be their eyes and ears in the outdoors, tracking everything from deer to aquatic invasive species. Now they've put out a call for volunteers to be on the look out for rare plants. It's part of their Wisconsin Rare Plant Monitoring Program, which provides their largest source of rare plant data. Jessica Ross is the coordinator. She says, "Whether you have botanical knowledge, a commitment to conservation or are just passionate about plants, this is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while making a difference." Over the past decade, volunteers have covered nearly every county in the state. In 2025, nearly 100 trained volunteers from around the state submitted 427 reports of rare plants, including 74 new populations. Ross says their volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, however their efforts all play a significant role in understanding the state of rare plants on how to conserve them. Although formal plant identification training isn't required or included, successful volunteers often have previous experience. They've got some training opportunities which help volunteers in surveying, estimates, habitats, and establishing GPS coordinates.. That includes a session at the North Lakeland Discovery Center May 2. Additional information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports The Hatchet Baseball team would win of the wildest games in recent memory Monday night at Athletic Park in Merrill, coming from behind to defeat the Blue Jays, 18-13. After surrendering eight runs in the third inning and falling behind, 10-2, the Hatchets rolled off ten runs in the fifth inning, capitalizing on mistakes by Merrill pitching. Cash Olsen finished three for four with two doubles and four runs scored. The go-ahead hit was a two-out, two-run double by Brody Hilgendorf to complete the comeback. Hunter Hilgendorf picked up his first win of the season on the mound while Olsen nailed down his second save. Tomahawk improves their record to 3-3 on the season and 3-1 in Great Northern Conference Play. The Hatchets hit the diamond Thursday back at TK Field against Antigo. First pitch is at 5:00.

Published on 04/21/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's softball squad suffered their second straight GNC defeat Monday night on the road in extra innings, losing to the Rhinelander Hodags, 5-4. The Hatchets led 4-2 heading into the seventh inning before Rhinelander's Ruby Pramann tied the game with a two-run double. Pramann would then deliver the walk-off RBI double in the bottom of the ninth to seal the victory. Anita Ziert finished two for four with a couple of singles. The Hatchets' lone extra-base hit came on a first-inning double from Averi Petta. The loss drops Tomahawk to 2-3 on the season and in Great Northern Conference play. The Hatchets are back in action Tuesday for another GNC showdown, this time at home against Merrill. Tune in for the broadcast on Sports Talk 810 AM/97.7 FM WJJQ with the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Pregame Show at 4:35 and first pitch at 5:00. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

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