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DoT Road Construction Includes Week-Long Highway 8 Detour Published on 06/23/2025 under News

The Department of Transportation sent out their weekly road construction update. While there aren't any new projects on the list, work continues on a number of summer-long projects.

That includes a temporary detour on Highway 8 in Lincoln County. Crews have been working on Highway 8 from just west of County L to McCord.

Road near the Price County line. According to the update they are scheduled to work on the railroad crossing this week. As a result, traffic will be detoured utilizing Highway 51 to Highway 86 and Highway 13. The detour is scheduled from Monday through Friday.

The project, as a whole, is scheduled through October.

A couple of other quick reminders on projects we've been following over the past few months...

The Highway 51 project in Minocqua is paused for the summer tourism season. Work will resume in September.

And there are several ongoing projects in Marathon County. Crews are working on Highway 51 between Wausau and Mosinee, and Highway 29 west of Wausau. Motorists will encounter reduced lanes and speed limits.

The DoT has additional information on these and all of their ongoing projects on their website.

In Other News

Lincoln County Hosting Threat Training at Service Center; Services Limited Monday

Published on 06/23/2025 under News Lincoln County is hosting a day-long training exercise at the Service Center on Monday. The scenarios will be led by Lincoln County Emergency Management and the Lincoln County Sheriff's office. The goal is to equip county staff with the skills and confidence need to respond effectively during a potential threat emergency. According to emergency management director Tyler Verhassalt, "These simulations are carefully designed to reinforce communication, coordination, and rapid response under pressure." Verhassalt says the training will feature realistic scenarios and the use of blank ammunition. People may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in and around the Service Center. They want they public to be aware that this is a planned training exercise and there is no threat to the public. This training will also affect on-site Lincoln County Services throughout the day. Members of the public with business at the service center may want to adjust their schedules. From 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM the second floor will be closed to the public for the first training exercise affecting the offices of County Clerk, Treasurer, Finance, Administration/HR, and Information Technology. From 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM the first floor will be closed to the public impacting Register of Deeds, Forestry Land and Parks, Land Services, Maintenance, Veterans Service's, and the UW-Extension's 4-H Office.

Published on 06/23/2025 under News The City of Merrill continues to recognize citizens who left an indelible mark on the community. On Monday, they'll honor a resident who gave his life in service to the country. Three years ago, the Merrill Historic Preservation Committee began a Memorial Street Sign program. Each year they select a small number of citizens by dedicating a street segment in their honor. The first street sign dedication of 2025 will honor Sgt. Carl Schenzel. Schenzel was serving in World War II when his bomber went down over the Philippines on January 6, 1945. All six crew members died; their bodies never recovered. Schenzel, who was just 26 years old, was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart. He is the only known service member from Merrill to be considered MIA from World War II in the Pacific Theatre. The road segment being dedicated this afternoon is at the intersection of Merrill Street and East Street. It is located near Schenzel's boyhood home. The committee noted the spot is likely one of Schenzel's last images of his hometown before leaving. The community will hold a small dedication ceremony at 2:30pm this afternoon. Members of the Schenzel family are expected to be on hand.

Published on 06/23/2025 under News Over the last year or so, Lincoln County partners have teamed up with Discover Wisconsin and Uniquely Wisconsin to produce a series of video segments on the county. Discover Wisconsin released another video short focused on Lincoln County on Friday afternoon. Fitting for the first day of summer, the segment features some of the many attractions during the season. The video begins with a play on 'Lincoln County rocks!' It features clips of the two summer concert series Music on the River and Gazebo Nights. They they continue the theme with the rock structures located along the Ice Age Trail and finally the rocks along the many rivers and streams used by paddlers. Throughout the two minute feature they highlight various other seasonal activities and events including the Kwahamots, the Fall Ride, apple orchards and Merrill's unique Three Arch Bridge. That video is available for viewing on the Discover Wisconsin YouTube Channel.

Published on 06/23/2025 under News An Oneida County Sheriff's Deputy has been making sure the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts are a little safer. The Oneida County Sheriff's Department regularly partners with the DNR and local schools to host safety courses. In the month of June they hosted classes for hunter education, boater safety, and ATV/UTV safety with Deputy Michael Baran teaching all three sections. The Sheriff's Office noted that Deputy Baran trained and graduated 77 students through these three courses alone. ensuring everyone is safer when out and enjoying Wisconsin's many outdoor opportunities. The Sheriff's Office wanted to highlight Deputy Baran for his commitment to recreational safety in Oneida County. For those that missed out, the Sheriff's Office hosts courses throughout the year. They're planning another hunter safety course in October and a snowmobile safety in early December.

Published on 06/20/2025 under News Just in time for the first day of summer, a heat wave is expected to hit the Northwoods. Forecasters are calling for temperatures to surge into the 90's over the weekend and the National Weather Service has issued warning for elevated heat risk. Local officials are reminding people to take simple steps to stay safe as the temperatures climb. We went over a number of tips to beat the heat earlier this month. That all starts with staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. If you'll be outside, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest portions of the day, and try to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Watch for symptoms of heat-related illness, and check on vulnerable populations like small children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. It's also a good idea to keep an eye on our four-legged friends as well. And finally, never leave little ones or pets in an unattended vehicle. With outside temperatures in the 90's, the interior of a vehicle in the sun can jump to more than 120 degrees in just 15 minutes.

Published on 06/20/2025 under News Pollinator week is wrapping up, but officials hope efforts continue and people are inspired to act throughout the year. All week long, we've been highlighting the important roll that pollinators play in our everyday lives. Property owners can do their part as well, and it may be easier than it seems. The DNR notes that property owners can attract pollinators and provide habitat with very little effort by simply leaving a portion of the yard natural. Uncut grass, brush, and woody debris serve as homes to various pollinators. A welcome host may also provide a small area of water. For those with a green thumb, a diverse selection of plants that bloom throughout the summer can be beneficial. When choosing those plants, try to focus on native species. Many butterflies depend on specific plants for their lifecycles, like milkweeds (monarchs), violets (meadow fritillary) or dill, fennel and parsley (black swallowtails). Even if you don't have a lot of space, officials note a few potted plants can still make a difference. The DNR has guides on pollinator habitats and other resources on their website.

Published on 06/20/2025 under News A motorist sustained serious injuries in a crash in Oneida County this week. According to the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, the call came in at shortly before 9pm Wednesday evening. Responders were paged to a single vehicle accident at the intersection of County Highway K and Mitchell Lane. According to the preliminary investigation, they found a 1986 Chevy Corvette, operated by a 20 year old Rhinelander man, was traveling west on Highway K. Other motorists stated they were passed by the Corvette at a high rate of speed. According to the release, investigators determined the driver lost control of the vehicle which entered the northern ditch, went airborne, and rolled several times. The driver was thrown from the vehicle. He was brought to Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital and later airlifted to Aspirus Wausau Hospital. No update on his condition was provided. The investigation is ongoing with the Wisconsin State Patrol and Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

Published on 06/20/2025 under News While their budget isn't typically approved until fall, the Lincoln County Board-Finance Committee has been busy working next year's spending plan. At their meeting Tuesday, the full Lincoln County Board got their first look at the preliminary budget with Finance Director Heather Marhine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse offering a quick overview. The first draft typically comes in well over the levy limits, and will serve as a starting point for the work to come. The 2026 operating levy presented at Tuesday's meeting was $14.2 million, approximately $1.2 million above the $13 million levy limit imposed by the state. The preliminary budget does include costs associated with Pine Crest. Later in Tuesday's meeting, the Board approved a sale agreement on the skilled nursing facility that would tentatively close in August. Other variables include equalized value and net new construction. As these numbers increase, so does the levy. Those figures are typically released in late July. Based on the timeline in recent years, the board typically has a balanced budget presented in September. They consider any changes and amendments in October, before formally approving the budget in November.

Published on 06/20/2025 under News Northwoods shoppers got to enjoy some tasty treats while supporting a good cause. Over Memorial Day weekend, Trig's stores across the Northwoods brought back their Cupcakes for Veterans fundraiser. They contributed proceeds from the six pack cupcake sales to veteran's organizations in their local communities. Here in Tomahawk, they were able to raise $1,200. Earlier this week, they shared the check presentations with the American Legion and VFW Posts here in Tomahawk splitting the donation, receiving $600 checks. In sharing the announcement on social media, Trig's wrote, "We appreciate our Vets and the service they gave to keep our country safe; supporting them is an honor. We thank you, our guests, for helping us support them too."

Published on 06/20/2025 under News Temperatures could flirt with 90 degrees this weekend, and that could lead to pavement buckling on roadways. According to the Department of Transportation, when temperatures go from cool to hot conditions in a short time, pavement slabs expand and press against adjacent sections. When the pressure builds high enough, it can cause the pavement to buckle resulting in unexpected bumps or dips. The DoT says it is difficult to predict if or where buckling may occur. They're asking motorists to slow down, wear a seat belt, and focus on the roadway ahead. Watch for any roadside workers including highway crews repairing damaged pavement. Report buckled pavement by contacting your local law enforcement agency.

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