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WPS Power Restoration Update: 95,000 Restored, Efforts Ongoing Published on 04/01/2025 under News

Restoration efforts continue across the Northwoods following a weekend ice storm which left tens of thousands without power.

Wisconsin Public Service provided another update Monday evening. In that report, they said they had restored power to more than 108,000 customers across their region. As of Tuesday morning, their outage tracker showed approximately 30,000 customers without power, and that number has been dropping through the morning hours.

Crews are working around the clock, and the company has also brought in line workers from elsewhere in Wisconsin and neighboring states to help in the massive effort to repair snapped utility poles, downed power lines and damaged electric equipment. According to the report, there have been more than 1,600 outage locations.

While final details are still being gathered, WPS believes this response will be one of the largest restoration efforts in company history.

As for restoration timelines, their goal is to restore power to more than 90% of affected customers by the end of Tuesday.

In Other News

Fall Fest Returns to Tomahawk Main Street Saturday

Published on 10/24/2025 under News Downtown Tomahawk will be celebrating the season with the return of the annual Tomahawk Main Street Fall Fest on Saturday. The district has been decorated with scarecrows, pumpkins and cornstalks in the lead up to the award-winning October celebration. While they try to offer something for everyone, the event is certainly geared towards families. Main Street Director Jennifer Turkiewicz noted Fall Fest is just another way for the district to give back to the people who support their businesses throughout the year. She says, "Fall Fest provides families and friends an opportunity to get together, make memories and enjoy our beautiful downtown." And people turn out...Turkiewicz estimated more than 1,000 people attend Fall Fest each year. More than a dozen businesses are either hosting or sponsoring activities like pumpkin decorating, crafts, and plenty of fall-themed treats. This year Tomahawk Main Street set up a seasonal photo setting in the pocket park next to their office. Fall Fest not only celebrates fall, but also Halloween. After a few year absence, they're bringing back the costume parade to start the day, and participating businesses will host trick-or-treating into the afternoon. Turkiewicz says seeing all of the costumes is one of her favorite parts of the day. In recent years, she say more families have been wearing themed costumes including one that dressed as the Incredibles family. Line-up for the costume parade begins at 10:45am. Events continue until 3pm. Tomahawk Main Street has a full list of activities, locations and sponsors on their Facebook Page.

Published on 10/24/2025 under News A Northwoods grocery leader was recently recognized by his peers. Bob Jaskolski, current president and CEO of Trig's was the first ever recipient of the Wisconsin Grocer's Association-Lifetime Achievement Award. He was presented with the award at the WGA Innovation Expo. According to the announcement, the honor celebrates a career serving with excellence, innovation, and service to those who made a lasting contribution to the grocery industry and their communities. Jaskolski has more than 40 years of experience between his time at Trigs and previously SuperValu. They highlighted his efforts both in store and in the community particularly programs that tackle food insecurity. They wrote "His strategic vision has helped Trig's stay ahead of industry trends, developing innovative shopping experiences, and unique programs for guests." Mike Semmann, WGA CEO/President says, "Bob's leadership has strengthened not only Trig's and the stores he has worked with, but the Wisconsin grocery industry and the Wisconsin Grocers Association. Back in 2020, Jaskolski was also recognized as the WGA Grocer of the Year.

Published on 10/24/2025 under News The Wisconsin State Patrol is hoping to reduce the number of crashes involving new drivers. Data shows there were more than 19,000 crashes involving teen drivers on Wisconsin roadways last year. Inexperience, distractions and speed often contribute to these crashes. As part of their October 'Law of the Month' the State Patrol is encouraging parents to communicate with their teen drivers before handing over the keys. State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan, "Ongoing conversations about safe driving can go a long way in preparing teen drivers to take the wheel." He notes that these conversations can begin when kids are still in the back seat and also encouraged parents to set a good example. That includes buckling up, putting down discussions, and driving the speed limit. The Wisconsin DMV has a teen portal that provides resources for parents and sponsors of teen drivers

Published on 10/24/2025 under News Coming up Saturday, law enforcement agencies around the state will work with health departments and other partners to collect unwanted prescription medications. It's time once again for the semi-annual Drug Take Back event. Throughout the day Saturday, special drop-off locations will be set up around the state. These drug take back events serve several purposes. They keep prescriptions out of landfills and municipal water systems, but they also keep them in safe hands. Residents here in Lincoln County are fortunate to have a number of permanent drop-off locations. That includes both the Tomahawk and Merrill Police Departments. While they are available for use year-round, the statewide collection events serve as a good reminder to utilize the service. For these needing to locate a prescription drug disposal location, the state health department has an interactive map allowing users to search for both temporary and permanent drop-off sites.

Published on 10/24/2025 under News The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office has been participating in a trial use of a law enforcement camera system, and now a grant will allow them to continue using the cameras. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution accepting a $184,000 donation from the Bierman Family Foundation to implement and maintain the Flock LPR camera system program for 10 years. Sheriff Ken Schneider was on hand at the meeting to discuss how the agency has utilized the program during the trial period. They utilize six small, solar-powered cameras that are strategically placed along roads. The cameras are programmed to look for previously flagged vehicles as part of open investigations by identifying car makes and models and reading license plates. Scheider noted the system is especially valuable in a number of areas such as locating missing persons, specifically highlighting a Silver Alert when a senior driver was unaccounted for. Flock cameras have also allowed deputies to seek vehicles involved in pursuits. During the brief discussion, a few supervisors did raise some privacy concerns, however the resolution was approved by voice vote.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is hoping to use a grant to reduce carbon monoxide incidents. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution accepting a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health through their Taking Action with Data mini-grant program. Data shows Lincoln County has seen higher rates of emergency department visits related to carbon monoxide over the past five years when compared to the State of Wisconsin as a whole. Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion of common appliances such as home furnaces, fireplaces, generators, grills and vehicles. Exposure can happen when these appliances are used in enclosed spaces without proper venting. The goal of this project is to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and prevention by distributing CO detectors and educational materials, participating in outreach events, and collaborating with community partners. November is actually Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, when we'll have a bit more on carbon monoxide safety and awareness.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News It's Forest Products Week in the state of Wisconsin, and a group of stakeholders are teaming up to discuss a statewide strategic plan for the state's forest industry. Wisconsin Forests FIRST (Forest Industry Roadmap and Strategies for Tomorrow)is a statewide initiative created to develop a strategic plan and road map to support and promote a resilient, sustainable, and competitive forest products industry while keeping Wisconsin's forest lands healthy for future generations. Rhinelander-based Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association was awarded a state grant to lead the project. They'll partner with the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) and the Council on Forestry. They'll meet with other industry stakeholders to examine Wisconsin's forest products industry and its role to support and enhance the state's ecological, social and economic well- being. That includes studying new industry challenges and innovations. In the announcement, they noted other states are already moving to attract new investment and develop long term strategies for their forest sectors. They say Wisconsin Forests FIRST will ensure that Wisconsin remains competitive. The project is scheduled to be completed by December of 2027. They plan to develop a website to provide updates during the process.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News There are podcasts focused on just about everything. And now one Northwoods community will be the focus of a new series. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of its new monthly podcast highlighting the people, businesses, and organizations shaping the community. It'll be called Real Rhinelander. Chamber CEO Lauren Sackett will serve as the host. She says, "Every day, someone in our community is making Rhinelander a better place. This podcast helps us celebrate them and inspire others to do the same." According to the announcement, each episode features candid conversations with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who share their stories, challenges, and visions for Rhinelander's future. Listeners will gain insight into what makes this Northwoods community such a special place to live, work, and grow. Real Rhinelander will be released monthly and available on major podcast platforms, the Chamber website, YouTube and other social media channels. They've already produced two episodes.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News The Governor has signed a bipartisan bill aimed at helping with a shortage of first responders in the Northwoods and around the state. The legislation establishes a reimbursement program to offset the costs of tuition and classroom materials for those pursing an education in emergency medical service at a Wisconsin Technical College. Students can apply for reimbursement funds once they complete their certification or license. This bill also provides grants to technical colleges in Wisconsin to support and expand student enrollment access to EMS programs. The Governor said, "I'm glad to be signing these bipartisan bills that will help get more folks into this critical profession by reducing financial burdens for the training and education they need... He added, "We must continue to invest in and support Wisconsin's EMS professionals and providers and ensure every community has the services they need to respond when Wisconsinites need them the most."

Published on 10/23/2025 under News North Central Health Care is on the search for a new executive director with their current leader set to retire at the end of the year. North Central Health Care is a tri-county partnership of Lincoln, Langalde and Marathon Counties. They provide a wide range of services including mental and behavioral health, addiction treatment, and rehab. Gary Olsen has served as executive director of NCHC since January of 2023. He plans to retire effective on January 2. Deputy Director Jason Hake will serve as interim CEO, working with Olsen in the coming months. Hake is no stranger to Lincoln County, previously serving as administrative coordinator from 2018 to 2020. Both men were in attendance at Tuesday's Lincoln County Board meeting to discussion the succession plan along with their regular reports to the board. Olsen mentioned his close working relations with Lincoln County specifically due to the management arrangement of Pine Crest nursing home. Board Chair Jesse Boyd praised the work of Olsen and wished him well in retirement, while the Board members offered him a round of applause.

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