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Lunar Eclipse Crosses Northwoods Early Friday Published on 03/13/2025 under News

Over the past year the Northern Lights have provided some impressive shows in the night skies here in the Northwoods. There's another reason to look up tonight...a full lunar eclipse.

Remembering back to science classes, a lunar eclipse happens when the earth comes directly between the sun and the moon.

The experts at NASA provided a few facts and tips for viewing. While the moon won't disappear entirely, it will appear orange or red, a similar phenomenon to a sunset. NASA says this is because any sunlight that's not blocked by earth is filtered through the atmosphere on its way to the lunar surface. They describe it as if all of the sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon.

They said you won't need any special equipment to observe a lunar eclipse, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view. Unlike a solar eclipse, there's no need for eclipse glasses, you can look directly at the moon.

A dark environment away from bright lights makes for the best viewing conditions. During the eclipse, they noted that constellations may also be easier to spot with the moon's glow dimmed.

As for the timing here in the Northwoods, the eclipse should begin around midnight, totality around 2am and ending a little before four pm. As we heard from meteorologist Tony Schumacher, we can expect partly cloudy skies for tonight.

In Other News

Local Health Officials Warn of Blue-Green Algae Blooms During Summer Months

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Health officials are reminding Northwoods residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae blooms as warmer summer weather returns to area lakes and waterways. The Lincoln County Health Department says blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally present in many Wisconsin waters but can rapidly multiply under the right conditions. Warm temperatures, sunlight, calm water, and nutrient runoff can all contribute to blooms, which are most common from mid-June through mid-September. Environmental Health Specialist Mike Mandli says people should stay out of any water that resembles split-pea soup or spilled paint. Despite its name, blue-green algae can also appear white, red, or brown. Exposure or ingestion can lead to illness, including skin irritation, rashes, headaches, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues. In addition to humans, pets can also be affected. The Health Department recommends showering or rinsing off immediately if you have been in affected waters. Eating fish caught in areas where a bloom is present should also be avoided. While some popular swimming areas like beaches may be monitored for algal blooms, it is typically up to swimmers to be on the lookout. The Health Department campaign uses the slogan, "When in doubt, stay out!"

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Lightning can strike in the blink of an eye, prompting safety officials to remind everyone: "When thunder roars, head indoors!" Tuesday marks Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining ReadyWisconsin to ensure residents and visitors alike understand the risks of lightning. According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Tragically, Wisconsin experienced a fatal lightning strike this past April in Waukesha. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle emphasized that lightning is both unpredictable and dangerous. However, he noted, "The good news is lightning-related injuries and deaths are preventable when people know the risks and how to take action during storms." Officials recommend remembering the 30-30 rule: If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately, and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. Additionally, lightning can strike even under seemingly sunny conditions, a phenomenon known as a "bolt from the blue." Lightning strikes frequently occur during common outdoor activities such as fishing, visiting the beach, camping, and farming. If you cannot get inside a sturdy building when a storm begins, officials recommend seeking shelter inside a hard-topped vehicle. ReadyWisconsin warns that hiding under a tree is incredibly dangerous, and open structures like gazebos, baseball dugouts, tents, or picnic canopies do not offer adequate protection. If someone is struck by lightning, they need immediate medical care. Call 911 and perform CPR right away if necessary. Do not be afraid to touch a lightning victim; the human body does not hold an electrical charge, and delaying help can be fatal.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News In addition to a full agenda, last week's Lincoln County Board meeting included an early discussion on priorities supervisors may pursue over the next two years. During an agenda item titled "County Board Strategic Goals," supervisors shared ideas for issues they would like to address during the current term. The 22-member board is elected every two years. Among the topics raised was the growing issue of data centers, which has become a subject of discussion in communities across Wisconsin as developers look for potential sites. Supervisors also identified several long-standing priorities, including expanding broadband access, increasing housing opportunities, and improving roads and infrastructure throughout the county. Board members further suggested continuing efforts to promote Lincoln County as a destination for tourism and recreation. County leaders noted that similar initiatives in recent years have contributed to increased visitor spending and tourism activity. Board Chairman Don Friske pointed out that the county board's two-year election cycle provides just 24 regularly scheduled meetings to accomplish its goals, with 21 meetings remaining in the current term. The discussion remained at a broad, brainstorming level, with few specifics on how the priorities would be pursued. Supervisors did not discuss whether the topics would be assigned to existing committees or handled through the creation of special ad hoc committees.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Northwoods residents are being asked to share their experiences with health care access as part of a new survey being conducted by the NAMI Northwoods. The organization, a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is gathering feedback from residents in Lincoln, Langlade, Marathon, Taylor, and Price counties about their experiences accessing physical health care, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Survey organizers say they want to learn more about what is working well and where improvements may be needed. Topics include appointment availability, travel distances for care, telehealth services, and experiences with local providers. NAMI Northwoods is encouraging residents to participate regardless of whether their experiences have been positive, negative, or somewhere in between. The information collected will help the organization better understand health care access challenges and opportunities across the region. The survey is available online through the NAMI Northwoods Facebook Page or we'll include a link at NAMI Northwoods Health Care Access Survey.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Known throughout the winter as one of the Midwest's premier cross-country ski destinations, Minocqua Winter Park is proving there's plenty to do on Squirrel Hill during the summer months as well. The park has announced the return of their Northwoods speaker series known as 'Walk on the Wildside' featuring free presentations on wildlife, fisheries, conservation and natural history. The programs will be held inside the chalet and are designed for all ages, combining science, storytelling and hands-on learning. Topics include the secret lives of Northwoods fish, aquatic organisms hidden beneath lake surfaces, efforts to reduce lead poisoning in wildlife, wolf ecology, deer behavior and the remarkable comeback of sandhill cranes. The series begins this Saturday, June 28 with a presentation by fisheries researcher Stephanie Shaw. She'll discuss fish research, reproduction, and life cycles including how fish survive winters in the chilly Northwoods. Those interested can visit the Minocqua Winter Park website for the full schedule and registration which is encouraged, but not required.

Published on 06/23/2026 under News Marathon County could become eligible for federal disaster assistance following this spring's severe storms and flooding. Governor Tony Evers has asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to issue a Rapid Disaster Declaration for Marathon County and three other counties that experienced significant storm damage. If approved, low-interest disaster loans would be available to affected homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in Marathon County and neighboring counties. The request follows joint damage assessments conducted by federal, state, county, and local officials. Evers said the state is working to ensure communities and small businesses have access to recovery resources following the spring storms which included a tornado.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Rhinelander Area Food Pantry is expanding its successful summer meal program this year, bringing the Hodag Food Wagon to new communities. This expansion includes a partnership with Kinship of Tomahawk aimed at supporting local youth and families. Last summer, the program provided 12,760 meals to children and teens over an eight-week period. Executive Director Courtney Smith emphasized the impact, stating, "This is a program that benefits kids. We're all about full bellies, and we want to support those working households with kids." The Hodag Food Wagon will return to Rhinelander after the Fourth of July holiday, offering free weekly meal bags that contain seven breakfasts and seven lunches for children ages 18 and under. In addition to meal distribution, the Rhinelander site will feature weekly activities, nutrition education, community resource visits, and hands-on programs through its Healthy Hodag Adventure series. Building on its local success, the pantry is taking the program on the road with two new locations. The first, dubbed the Hornet Food Truck, is a partnership with the Elcho Area Community Food Pantry. The second is right here in Tomahawk, in collaboration with Kinship of Tomahawk. Smith noted that the Tomahawk site will operate under closed enrollment, focusing specifically on providing weekly meal bags to "Kinskids" and their families. These distributions will take place on Thursdays following their regular mentoring activities. According to Smith, strong community support was vital to making this year's expansion possible. With the addition of Elcho and Tomahawk, the Rhinelander Area Food Pantry anticipates providing more than 33,000 meals to children and teens during the eight-week summer program.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News A Harshaw man sustained life-threatening injuries following a weekend UTV crash in Oneida County. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, emergency crews were dispatched to the intersection of Highway 51 and Oneida Street in Hazelhurst at approximately 11:00 PM Saturday night. A preliminary investigation indicates the operator of the UTV, a 69-year-old man, was traveling on Oneida Street when he failed to stop at the Highway 51 stop sign. The UTV then struck the side of a southbound pickup truck. The UTV operator was rushed from the scene with life-threatening injuries. There is currently no update on his condition. The driver of the truck was uninjured, while a passenger in the truck was treated for minor injuries. The accident report is being completed by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News The Tomahawk School District is among a select group of schools receiving funding from Marshfield Clinic to support student mental and behavioral health programs. Marshfield Clinic recently announced 60 total grants for both its b.e.s.t. Universal Screening program (33 grants) and its Life Tools program (27). Tomahawk was one of only a handful of districts selected to receive funding for both initiatives. The b.e.s.t. program is an online screening tool that helps educators identify students who may need behavioral health support while providing strategies to promote emotional well-being in the classroom. Life Tools is an early-intervention program that helps students build coping, communication and social-emotional skills through structured group sessions. Jay Shrader, Marshfield Clinic's vice president of Community Impact, says the programs help schools and families bridge gaps in care and ensure young people have the support they need to stay healthy, connected and ready to learn. This marks the 12th year Marshfield Clinic has offered b.e.s.t. grants and the seventh year for Life Tools. Since their launch, the programs have supported hundreds of thousands of student screenings and helped more than 1,000 students through targeted intervention services.

Published on 06/22/2026 under News While catching a glimpse of a bald eagle is a standard part of daily life in the Northwoods today, it wasn't always that way. This past Saturday marked National Eagle Day, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources used the opportunity to highlight the bird's dramatic comeback from the brink of extinction as one of the state's greatest conservation triumphs. According to the DNR, a survey in 1974 found only a small number of bald eagle nests, all located in northern Wisconsin. At the time, the species was listed as endangered and faced significant challenges across the country. Over the following decades, a combination of factors helped the population rebound, including the nationwide ban on the pesticide DDT, federal and state protections, cleaner waterways, and nest monitoring efforts led by the DNR and conservation partners. By 2019, the last year the DNR conducted a statewide survey, bald eagle nests were found in every Wisconsin county. DNR Natural Heritage Conservation Director Drew Feldkirchner calls the bald eagle an iconic Wisconsin conservation success story and says the recovery demonstrates what can be accomplished through long-term habitat protection and wildlife management efforts. The DNR notes that residents can support ongoing recovery efforts for other rare and endangered species through Wisconsin's Endangered Resources license plate program, which helps fund conservation work across the state.

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