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Former Lincoln County Jail Staffer Facing Assault Charges following Inmate Injuries Published on 03/11/2025 under News

A former staffer at the Lincoln County Jail has now been charged after allegedly injuring an inmate.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation announced Jason Meister of Pearson is facing charges of abuse of a resident of a penal facility and substantial battery. Court records show the 44 year old made an initial appearance in court Monday. Future court dates weren't scheduled.

The charges were the result of an incident on February 28 at the Lincoln County Jail where Meister worked as a correctional sergeant. According to the criminal complaint, Meister physically assaulted the inmate in their cell. The inmate sustained two broken ribs and a laceration above their eye that required stitches. The incident was captured by surveillance video.

As a result of an internal investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office fired Meister. The DoJ is leading the investigation and said that the Sheriff's Office is cooperating fully.

In Other News

Human Remains Located During Fire Response in Lincoln County

Published on 03/21/2025 under News Human remains were discovered as crews put out a fire in Lincoln County Thursday morning. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, responders were paged to a structure fire at around 6am Thursday morning at a home in the Town of Bradley. Crews arrived to find the residence fully engulfed. While the fire was being extinguished, they said human remains were located inside. At this time, the identity of the victim is not being released. According to the Sheriff's Office, the cause of fire and the manner of death have not been identified. The incident remains under investigation with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, the state Fire Marshal Office, and the DoJ-Division of Criminal Investigation. The Tomahawk, Nokomis, and Cassian Fire Departments all responded to the fire call.

Published on 03/21/2025 under News Focusing on leaks during spring maintenance projects can ensure that homeowners aren't sending money down the drain. Last week's focus was on groundwater, now it's Fix-a-Leak week. A number of local and state partners are taking part in the awareness campaign, noting that leaks can lead to higher water bills and a waste of valuable resources. While rates vary from community to community, a common leak can cost upwards of $100 per year. To determine if a home has a water leak, the officials recommends customers check their water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used in the home. If the meter number has changed, a leak is likely present. Those numbers can add up quickly. A leaky faucet dripping once per second adds up to 3,000 gallons per year. Other common culprits include: worn toilet flappers, shower heads, garden hose connections, and in-ground irrigation systems. Both the DNR and EPA have additional tips on locating and eliminating leaks on their website.

Published on 03/21/2025 under News Lincoln County will be adding a new position aimed at soil and water conservation efforts. At Tuesday's Lincoln County Board meeting, the supervisors approved a proposal to create a conservation specialist role in the Land Services Department. Land Services Administrator Mike Huth and Conservation Program Manager Tom Boisvert offered a brief overview before the vote. The position would work on enhancing conservation programs, particularly those that focus on sustainable agriculture. This includes initiatives and education for farmers such as managed grazing, nutrient management planning, soil health improvements, cover cropping and reduced tillage systems. The resolution says this is a strategic investment in the long-term environmental and economic health of Lincoln County. But it shouldn't impact the budget, Boisvert noting that the position would be paid for entirely through grants. The creation would be contingent upon receiving external funding. Information provided at the meeting indicated that the creation of the position could even increase opportunities for additional grants for programs coordinated by the specialist. There was minimal discussion before the request was approved by voice vote.

Published on 03/21/2025 under News With below average precipitation over the winter, much of Northern Wisconsin enters spring with extremely dry conditions. The US Drought Monitor released their latest report yesterday which showed 81% classified as either abnormally dry or in the first stage of drought or D-1. More than 95% of Vilas, Forest, Oneida, Price and Langlade Counties are in moderate drought. Lincoln County was classified as 25% D-1; with the rest of the county classified as abnormally dry. The dry conditions are of immediate concern with the start of wildfire season in Wisconsin. According to the DNR, crews have already investigated more than 230 wildfires around the state this year, including 34 this week.

Published on 03/21/2025 under News Local artists are being showcased in the latest exhibit at the Antigo Visual Arts Gallery. The AVA was selected to host this year's Wisconsin Regional Art Program or WRAP exhibit this spring. They recently held their opening reception and awards ceremony, with six pieces selected as best in show and advancing to the state awards. Award-Winning Works: The following pieces were selected for state awards: • "Chuck" by Vicki Eldridge (featured in accompanied photo) • "A Hard Day's A-Comin" by Rosemary Bauknecht • "Checked Still Life" by Karen Now-Stimac • "Welcome" by Jean Adams • "1..2..3..4" by Hans Schmitt • "Blue Heron" by Nancy LederIn sharing the results, the AVA says this is a celebration the creativity of rural Wisconsin artists, while drawing a crowd of art lovers, community members, and local creatives. That included Sherry Light, a local resident who attended. She said, "It was an amazing opportunity for the residents of our town. The diversity of art and artists was amazing. AVA is an amazing organization for a small town." This exhibit will remain in Antigo through mid-May. The gallery is located on the second floor of the Langalde County Historical Museum. In addition to the WRAP Regional exhibit, Antigo Visual Arts will also host the WRAP-Teen exhibit for youth artists later this year.

Published on 03/21/2025 under News The Northwoods was well represented at the 34th annual Wisconsin Main Street Awards held in Menomonie last weekend. Throughout the week, we've been sharing some of the award winners including here in Tomahawk, and up in Eagle River, which was selected as the 'Main Street of the Year.' But that isn't the only award heading back to the Vilas County community. Andy's Pontoon Saloon was selected as the 'Best New Business.' They said the establishment "has quickly become a cornerstone of downtown Eagle River, bringing energy, community engagement, and economic impact to the area...creating a destination that mirrors the area's lakeside culture." The ceremony also honored volunteers Community Champions including Nancy Schuller of Eagle River. Jacqui Sharpe of Three Lakes was also recognized. And finally, Shepherd and Schaller in Wausau was named Best Business Success Story as they celebrated their 75th anniversary and effort to adapt over the years. Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation said, "Our downtowns represent the heart and soul of our communities – and this year's Main Street Award winners represent the very best our state has to offer."

Published on 03/20/2025 under News It'll be chilly Wednesday, but that's not expected to stop the Tomahawk community from spreading a little 'Sunshine in the Street' this afternoon. Now in its ninth year, Sunshine in the Street is a simple concept with a goal of bringing a positive impact to the community on the first full day of spring. During today's lunch break, people are encouraged to head to the sidewalks bringing signs decorated with words of encouragement. This event is held to spread positive messages, motivation, and sunshine to the community. It all started in 2017, an idea from the late Dr. Bobbi Voermans and the staff at Hometown Chiropractic in Tomahawk. That legacy has carried on over the years, and signs carrying her famous phrase 'Have your best day' still appear around the community. A growing number of businesses, community members, and even students now participate. The staff at Hometown Chiropractic encourage people to join in, adding "We are so excited to ring in spring with sunshine, signs, and smiles!" They also invite participants email photos or tag them on social media so they are able to spread the message online as well.

Published on 03/20/2025 under News Several recent, public-private conservation projects in Lincoln County have taken aim at protecting shorelines. The Lincoln County Land Services Department recently highlighted a success story, while noting that funding may be available for additional property owners through the Soil and Water Resource Management Program. Each county in Wisconsin receives funding to implement projects with a goal of protecting and preserving Wisconsin's soil and water resources. Staffers work with landowners and local contractors to develop and implement site-specific plans. Funding is made available to share project costs. Shoreline erosion is one category, and this past year, several projects were completed in Lincoln County on Lake Nokomis, Lake Mohawksin, and Lake Alice. That includes Troy Christianson, whose Lake Nokomis property experienced significant erosion. In fact, an analysis showed he has lost nearly 8 feet of lost shoreline. He worked with experts to develop a plan that included installing rock riprap, geotextile bag walls, and native plantings to stabilize the shoreline. Over time, the bags will integrate with native vegetation, which is planted within the structure. As the plants grow, their roots will reinforce the fabric and stabilize the area, helping to secure the soil and prevent future erosion. He says, "The staff at the Lincoln County Land Services Department put together a detailed report and managed the bidding process. Once the bids came in, we chose Marquardt Excavating and Construction, and we couldn't be happier with the outcome." Christianson added, "We wouldn't have been able to complete this project without the support of the Lincoln County Land Services Department and the cost-share assistance available." Depending on the project and available funds, landowners may be eligible for half and up to 90% of project costs. And while they highlighted shoreline restoration, the department says other properties may be eligible including projects for farmers with field erosion, grazing systems, decommissioning wells, and stream crossings.

Published on 03/20/2025 under News It won't be long before youth baseball and softball players hit the diamond. And thanks to a partnership with Heritage Chevrolet, the Tomahawk-based teams will have some new gear when they take the field. The local dealership announced through the Chevrolet Youth Baseball & Softball program, they'll provide new equipment, along with a financial donation, and opportunities for the players to attend free instructional clinics. Renee Merrigan, Business Manager for Heritage says, "Playing baseball and softball helps kids develop skills like leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship while bringing families and communities together to show their support." As for the giving, Heritage is providing the two local programs with that equipment which also includes bags, first-aid kits, scorebooks and ball buckets. According to the announcement, Heritage will also present a financial contribution to Tomahawk Youth Baseball and Tomahawk Youth Softball. There will also be opportunities for the players to attend youth clinics featuring current and former MLB/MiLB players and coaches, or instructors from MLBPAA. This is part of a nationwide campaign by Chevrolet. Since it's launch twenty years ago, more than 10 million youth ball players have benefited.

Published on 03/20/2025 under News Unemployment estimates in the Northwoods jumped in January after several months with little movement. The Department of Workforce Development released their first month jobs data this week. It was a statewide trend, with 71 of the state's 72 counties increased in January when compared to December. Taking a look at the local numbers, Lincoln County rose from 3.1% in December to 4.5% in January. Oneida County went from 3.4% to 4.7%. Vilas County from 3.7% to 5.1%. Past trends have shown a typical rise of unemployment estimates during the winter months. While there was a large increase in the month-over-month comparisons, the numbers are only slightly up from the figures in January of last year.

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