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Aspirus North Division Welcomes New Member of Leadership Team Published on 01/10/2025 under News

Some of the Northern most Aspirus facilities will have some new leadership.

The provider announced that Chris Blair has joined Aspirus Health as the new Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the North WI Division. In this role, he will serve as a senior executive at Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital and Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital.

According to the announcement, "(Chris) is a dedicated leader and Navy veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the health care field." A Hospital Corpsman and registered nurse by training, Blair most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer for Northwest Medical Center in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Blair says he is eager to join Aspirus and the Rhinelander and Tomahawk communities.

Teri Theiler, Aspirus North WI Division President says, "We're thrilled that Chris brings extensive experience in rural health care operations, financial management, and provider relations, which will be instrumental in driving our continued growth." Theiler added, "Having a strong, visible leader in our communities is crucial, and I'm excited that he has joined our dedicated team."

In Other News

Raising Awareness during 'Slam the Scam' Day

Published on 03/05/2026 under News While scammers can strike at any time, officials are highlighting those risks today as part of an awareness campaign. Each March, partners including banks, law enforcement, and the Social Security Administration take part in 'Slam the Scam' Day with a goal of raising awareness to cut down on those victimized by scammers. Scammers utilize various channels: phone calls, emails, texts, letters, and social media messages. Some scammers use deadlines or threats to scare their victims into a decision, while others may play a long game, attempting to gain your trust before striking. Even though their methods differ, they are typically seeking either a payment or personal information like banking numbers, passwords, or social security numbers. A few common scams at this time of the year are related to tax filing and fake spring break emergencies. Some of the most effective tools are caution and awareness. It's also a good idea to share these conversations with friends, family and neighbors. If you believe you've fallen victim, report them promptly.

Published on 03/05/2026 under News A close call involving a police officer in Wausau has the agency warning drivers to be alert for pedestrians at crossings. The agency highlighted the incident and passed along this safety message on their social media this week. It came after a resident initially contacted police regarding crosswalks and speeding vehicles near Marathon Park. A lieutenant was sent out the area to monitor the crosswalk. As he exited the vehicle, he saw, first-hand, those safety concerns. A vehicle sped through the crosswalk near where the officer was walking. The incident was captured on video. The Department wrote, "If you're not seeing a large uniformed police officer, are you seeing someone walking a dog, an elder or a child?" They noted while pedestrians do have a responsibility, vehicle drivers need to yield the right-of-way when a pedestrian is in an uncontrolled crosswalk. And while this incident happened in Wausau, it's a safety message that resonates in communities around the Northwoods. And with warming weather, there will be more pedestrians and bicyclists out and about in the coming weeks and months.

Published on 03/04/2026 under News With the spring thaw underway, local road crews are beginning to announce the spring weight limits. The seasonal weight limits are temporary restrictions, generally put on local roads by townships and counties in their respective jurisdictions. This is because roads become more susceptible to damage from heavy weights as the frost leaves the ground. While some municipalities may offer an emergency exemption, residents are encouraged to take care of any overweight deliveries or pick-ups before they are put in place. Lincoln County Highway Department announced the temporary weight restrictions will take effect on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. The Town of Bradley announced the same. Meanwhile, Oneida County Highway Department says that spring weight limits 'may be going on soon,' but they have not provided a specific date at this time. We'll share that and any other announcements as we receive them.

Published on 03/04/2026 under News For the first time in a decade, Tomahawk will have a new mayor come spring. An event this evening will allow people to get to know his potential successors. Current Tomahawk Mayor Steve Taskay is not seeking re-election after ten years in the office. Two political newcomers to city office will vie for mayor: Michael Habeck and Jeffery Koth. The Tomahawk VFW has organized a Mayoral Candidate Meet and Greet this evening at 7pm. According to the announcement, they will allow both candidates a chance for introduction, followed by a Q and A with community members able to submit questions. The meet and greet will then conclude with closing statements. That election will take place April 7.

Published on 03/04/2026 under News The City of Tomahawk has a number of purchases and projects on the horizon. At their meeting Tuesday, the City Council approved the needed borrowing. The March Council meeting included four borrowing resolutions for previously approved spending items, as a result, they were approved with minimal discussion. Combined the four resolutions totaled just over $2.5 million from the State Trust Fund. Half of the borrowing, $1.2 million was to cover the purchase of the new Tomahawk Fire Department fire engine, approved in January 2025 and currently being built. A half million dollars will go towards the ongoing PFAS Treatment Facility design and testing work; $436,000 for road work projects. The remainder is for the purchase of Public Works equipment including a loader, chipper, and truck. With these purchases and projects already in the plans, there was minimal discussion. Each was approved unanimously. In addition to these borrowing resolutions, the Council also approved a Community Block Grant Application for the upcoming Nelson Lane/Division Street project.

Published on 03/04/2026 under News Wisconsin Valley Improvement will restart their aerator system on a segment of the Eau Pleine reservoir, which will create unsafe ice conditions nearby. Typically, the aerator is often used in late winter or early spring to help maintain adequate oxygen levels in the water for the fishery. According to the announcement, current oxygen levels do not necessitate aeration, they will run the system to test functionality and establish operating procedures for newly installed components. The aerator is located in a narrow stretch of the reservoir adjacent to the Big Eau Pleine County Park. They are cautioning anglers or others traveling on the ice that the operation will create unsafe ice conditions and open water. They have installed rope barriers, warning flags , and signs as a precaution. The Eau Pleine is a 7,000 acre reservoir located in Marathon County.

Published on 03/04/2026 under News The DNR is accepting comments on migratory game bird seasons through the end of the week. Historically, waterfowl and migratory bird season frameworks were developed on an annual basis. However, with near-unanimous support from conservation organizations and the public, a new process was developed to set season structures for multiple years at a time. This year is the first time the DNR is doing so. The rules would run through the 2030 season. Comments regarding the migratory game bird season structure should be submitted through the Online Input Tool, email or mail by Friday. Additional information can be found on the DNR Waterfowl Hunting webpage. There is also an upcoming virtual hearing this evening via zoom.

Published on 03/04/2026 under Sports Tomahawk's boys' basketball squad's season would come to an end Tuesday night in the WIAA Division 3 Regional Playoffs, losing at Peshtigo, 81-43. The Hatchets would surrender 45 first half points and had a hard time slowing down the dynamic duo of Dominic Baxter and Levi Hodgins. Colton Seslar and Ryan Montag tied for the team lead in scoring with ten points a piece. Logan Norman would finish with eight points for the Hatchets. Tomahawk finishes the 2025-26 season with a 2-23 record and an 0-14 Great Northern Conference record. The Hatchets graduate six seniors from their roster. They are Seslar, Norman, Jerry Johnson, Jason Watkins, Edwin Riese, and Niklas Nelson.

Published on 03/03/2026 under News Mild weather and deteriorating conditions will bring an end to the snowmobile riding season here in Lincoln County. The Lincoln County Forestry Land and Parks Department announced the closure of all snowmobile trails effective at 4pm today (Tuesday, March 3). Trails in Lincoln County opened a few days before the new year, marking around 60 days of riding. After two consecutive seasons with poor conditions, this winter brought snow and kept trails busy. Recreation Forester Nick Behrens says, "Lincoln County would like to extend our gratitude to our local snowmobile clubs for their hard work in preparing and maintaining these trails throughout this season. We truly appreciate your dedication and efforts. Without the ongoing work of these clubs, our trail network would not be possible." According to the announcement, the closure will remain in effect even if there is additional snowfall in the coming weeks. As of Tuesday morning, trail systems to the north, in Oneida and Vilas County remain open. We'll continue to share any additional closure announcements as we receive them.

Published on 03/03/2026 under News Over the past few years, Lincoln County has been making an effort to highlight and develop outdoor recreation, embracing the slogan, "Where the Northwoods Start and Your Adventure Begins." They're currently seeking some public feedback on current and future opportunities within the Lincoln County. Earlier this month, the County launched an Outdoor Recreation Survey. This survey is used in setting the county's recreational direction over the next five years, and may also be used to support future grant funding. The survey includes a variety of topics such as types of outdoor recreation participation and activities and amenities that should be developed. There are questions on use and satisfaction of county parks, campgrounds, and trail use; as well as activity-specific questions. The survey takes about ten minutes and can be completed online. It is available on the county website. The deadline is April 12.

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