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Scammers Using Online Tollway Payments in Latest Schemes Published on 03/31/2025 under News

With many folks returning from Spring Break last week, another quick reminder of a tollway scam that continues to pop up here in the Northwoods.

Over the past few weeks, we have received numerous reports from our listeners who have received these text messages once again. The scammers are posing as collection services and trying to trick people into paying fake fees.

Just quickly bringing back our original story to keep listeners aware...

While Wisconsin doesn't have toll roads, many popular travel destinations and neighboring states do. The modern toll system allows motorists to pay online using your license plate for your contact information.

Scammers have been posing as these services by sending unsolicited text or email messages claiming the recipient has an outstanding toll and a quickly approaching late fee. In addition to seeking payment, they may also provide a link where you'll be prompted to provide personal information.

The first step to avoid these scams is awareness. If you are unsure of a possible toll, verify with the toll service's actual website. Don't utilize the links or contact information included in the suspicious message.

In Other News

Tomahawk City Council Continues Levy Referendum Discussions, Eyeing February Ballot

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council continues to explore a levy referendum, but voters wouldn't see a ballot question until next year at the earliest. A levy referendum, if approved by voters, would allow the city to exceed state-imposed levy limits. The City of Tomahawk Finance Committee introduced the topic at their meeting last week, as part of a larger discussion on their ongoing budget challenges. Those conversations continued at a special meeting last night. When they left off last week, the Committee had suggested the possibility of a special election this fall. In further research, they learned that special elections for a levy referendum are not allowed by the state. That means the next opportunity to place a levy referendum on the ballot is next February. Even if approved by voters, a levy increase wouldn't go into effect until 2027. This still leaves the 2026 budget, which the committee members acknowledged will be another difficult challenge. They do hope to begin the process a bit earlier in the calendar this year. At last night's meeting, the committee directed department heads to submit their preliminary budgets by the end of July. As for the levy referendum, the Committee voted to continue down that road. They'll still have to settle on the length and dollar amount, the timeline, and public outreach. They'll also continue to explore other tools to help balance the budget.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The first Wednesday of June is Heat Awareness Day in the State of Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams and health departments are reminding residents and visitors alike to take some time to know how to 'beat the heat.' Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reported 2 heat-related deaths, and nearly 700 people were treated at hospitals for heat-related illness around the state. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle notes that heat-related illnesses are preventable. He says, "It's important to stay alert to weather conditions and take the steps necessary to keep yourself, your families and pets safe throughout these upcoming warmer months." DHS and ReadyWisconsin shared a few simple reminders. One of the simplest tips, is staying hydrated. They recommend drinking water throughout the day before thirst sets in.During the hottest portions of the day, they recommend avoiding strenuous activities. If you are out and active at these times, take plenty of breaks, seek shade, and dress in loose-fitting and light-colored clothing. We also went over the Lincoln County Cooling Centers earlier this week.Don't forget sunscreen when spending time outdoorsIdentify signs of heat-related illness and get people out of the heat early if they show symptoms like weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps. If these problems persist seek medical attention.It's also important to check on vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk is seeking candidates to fill a vacant city council seat. The Council approved the appointment process at Tuesday's meeting. Alderman Ed Nystrom submitted a letter of resignation this past week, effective immediately. The process will begin with an application period for potential candidates in the first district. Mayor Steve Taskay along with the two other alders from that district, Mickey Loka and Pat Haskin, will review the candidates and make a recommendation to the full city council for approval. The appointment runs through next April, at which time a special election will be held to fill the remainder of the term through 2027. Additional details on the appointment will be posted by the city this week.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News The newest peregrine falcon chicks, hatched in north central Wisconsin this spring, finally have names. On Tuesday morning, Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) named and banded the three chicks that have been nesting at their Weston Power Plant near Wausau. This year's brood were named after prolific peregrines of years past, dubbed 'founding feathers.' The selections honor those birds that have played a key role in the peregrine falcon recovery program over the past three decades. The three chicks from Weston will be known as Flaps, Lee, and Hercules. WPS provided a little background on their namesakes: Flaps — Flaps was born in Green Bay in 1998. She produced 23 chicks in Port Washington from 2000 to 2006 Lee (in honor of Rosalee) — Rosalee settled at the Weston Power Plant. She raised 19 chicks between 2016 and 2021 Hercules — Hercules was born in 2011 in Milwaukee. He nested at the Valley Power Plant from 2014 to 2023 and raised 23 chicksWhile currently looking like fuzz balls with beaks and talons, these chicks will eventually become the some of fastest animals on the planet. People can continue to follow their growth until the leave the nest via steaming cams. Including this year and dating back to the early 1990's, 465 peregrine falcons have hatched at WPS and We Energies facilities — that's an estimated 20% of all peregrine falcons born in Wisconsin.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News Canadian wildfire smoke continues to spill into Wisconsin, and we're under another air quality alert. Vulnerable populations are encouraged to limit time outdoors and reduce exertion with any outdoor activities. The same applies to anyone feeling the effects of the smokey conditions. As part of their latest advisory, the DNR offered a few additional tips to minimize the impact of smoke. Of course, try and keep the windows and doors of your home closed when smoke conditions are elevated. If you haven't done so recently, check home air filters. They also recommend avoiding activities that may increase indoor air pollution such as vacuuming, frying food, burning candles or using gas-powered appliances. The DNR expects lingering smoke through the week, and unfortunately wildfire smoke has been recurring concern in recent summers. Unfortunately, wildfire smoke has been a recurring concern in recent summers that is expected to continue. They encourage the public to stay vigilant.

Published on 06/04/2025 under News Price County is looking for candidates for a new District Attorney. Governor Evers announced the state is accepting applicants for the position. The appointment will fill a vacancy being created by District Attorney Matthew McElroy's resignation, effective July 7. The new district attorney will serve for the remainder of the unexpired term that ends January 2029. The application period will run through June 27, 2025.

Published on 06/03/2025 under News The Tomahawk Lion's Club is known for their Powwow Days celebrations. Ahead of the Fourth of July festivities they've brought back their community-wide scavenger hunt. The treasure hunt debuted last year as a way to get people excited for the annual Powwow Days celebration. Year one was popular with the people, and the Lion's wanted to bring it back for a year two. As for what people are looking for, it's the official Tomahawk Lions Club pins. They're about two inches by two inches and feature a pair of crossed hatchets above a red canoe forming a triangle. There are ten in all, and the Lions teased that they could be in parks, businesses, and other creative locations around town, but noted that they should be visible. Those who track a pin down, will receive a cash prize. They also hope to gather all the lucky finders during the Powwow Days festivities for a group photo in front of the classic Lion's truck. The contest began over the weekend and will continue until they've all been located. You can visit the Lion's Club Facebook page for additional information.

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Summer concerts are growing in popularity around the Northwoods, and the Village of Rib Lake is looking to build a new band shell to serve as a hub for music and other entertainment. Earlier this year, the Village was awarded a ($50,000) Vibrant Spaces Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation that will help support the construction of a new band shell and accompanying improvements at Ice Age Park. WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes made a stop to location this past week. She says, "The Vibrant Spaces project in Rib Lake is a great example of how rural communities can turn creativity and community vibrancy into a lasting impact." The village plans to install a permanent bandshell with a retractable screen and projector, improved lighting, walking paths, benches, and signage. The improvements will allow the park to host concerts, movie nights, community events, and local festivals. The project will also connect the park to other attractions via ADA accessible paths. Located just steps from Rib Lake's Main Street, the enhanced amenities and increased programming at the new park are expected to draw more foot traffic to nearby downtown businesses. Kristen Lueck, Rib Lake Village Clerk and Treasurer says, "With the park so close to downtown, we're hoping it becomes a natural spot for visitors and residents to visit."

Published on 06/03/2025 under News With summer right around the corner, local health officials used the opportunity to talk about staying cool and safe during the coming months. Lincoln County Public Health Educator Kristin Bath offered a reminder that Lincoln County partners with a dozen locations in Tomahawk, Merrill and Gleason to serve as designated cooling centers. These are air-conditioned facilities where residents and visitors can get relief from extreme heat during the summer. Here in the Tomahawk, designated cooling centers once again include Tomahawk City Hall, the Tomahawk Public Library, Tomahawk Senior Center, and Strikers Tomahawk Bowl. They are typically open during their regular hours.We'll include the full list of all Lincoln County Cooling Centers including those in the southern half of the county in the online version of the story. And any facilities interested in becoming cooling centers can also contact the Lincoln County Health Department. They also offered a few other summer heat reminders: stay hydrated; minimize strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day; and monitor for heat-related illness, not only for yourself, but vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. Gleason Bowling Center N4878 Hwy 17, Gleason, (715) 873-4588 Monday, 11 am—close, Wednesday —Saturday, 11 am—close, Sunday, 11 am—9 pm Les & Jim's Lincoln Lanes 1208 N. Center Avenue, Merrill , (715) 536-9405 Monday —Thursday, 11 am —9pm, Friday, 11 am —11 pm, Saturday, 3 —11pm Lincoln County Service Center 801 N. Sales Street, Merrill Monday —Thursday, 8 am —4:30 pm, Friday, 8 am—1 pm Merrill Enrichment Center 303 N. Sales Street, Merrill, (715) 536-4226 Monday —Thursday, 8 am—4:30 pm Riverside Athletic Club 500 S. Center Avenue, Merrill , (715) 536-2481 Monday —Thursday, 6 am —8 pm Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC) 1100 Marc Drive, Merrill, (715) 536-7313 Monday —Friday, 7:30 am—4pmStrikers Tomahawk Bowl 309 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-3245 Wednesday—Sunday 12pm—11pm (hours may vary) T.B. Scott Free Library 106 W. First Street, Merrill, (715) 536-7191 Monday—Thursday, 10 am —7 pm, Friday, 10 am 5 pm, Saturday, 10 am —1 pm Tomahawk City Hall 23 N. 2nd Street, Tomahawk, (715) 453-4040 Monday—Friday, 8 am—12 pm, 1— 5pm Tomahawk Public Library 300 W. Lincoln Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-2455 Monday —Thursday, 10 am —7 pm, Friday, 10 am —5 pm, Saturday, 10 am —1 pm Tomahawk Senior Center 113 S. Tomahawk Avenue, Tomahawk, (715) 453-5757 Monday—Friday, 9 am —3 pm Wal-Mart 505 S. Pine Ridge Avenue, Merrill, (715) 536-2414 Monday —Sunday, 6 am —11 pm

Published on 06/03/2025 under News Bug bites and stings are a routine part of summer, especially during outdoor activities like hiking, gardening, or spending time in the backyard. While most afflictions can be treated at home, others may need professional medical care. Olivia Bishop is an Aspirus pharmacy resident. She says, "There are many different bugs you might encounter during the summer, such as mosquitoes, bees, ticks, and spiders." She added, "Each one can bite or sting in its own way, and the symptoms can vary." For mild reactions with itchiness, she suggests an over-the-counter topical treatment like hydrocortisone or calamine lotion. Oral allergy medications can also help with widespread itching. Ice can be useful for swelling and ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain. But serious cases may require a doctor's visit. Bishop noted swelling around your face, eyes or lips or symptoms like hives, nausea, vomiting or trouble breathing can be signs of anaphylaxis and a trip to urgent care is recommended. You should follow up with your provider if a bite or sting is not healing.

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