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Lightning Safety Awareness: Staying Safe During Thunderstorms Published on 06/24/2025 under News

Lightning can come in the blink of an eye, and safety officials are reminding everyone, "when thunder roars, head indoors!"

Tuesday is Lightning Safety Awareness Day across Wisconsin. Local emergency management teams are joining Ready Wisconsin to make sure residents and visitors alike know the risks of lightning.

According to the National Lightning Safety Council, around 200 people are struck by lightning in the United States each year. Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle, says "Lightning is not just a seasonal or regional threat. It can occur in any state, at any time of day, and in any season."

Among common activities where lightning strikes occur frequently: fishing, visits to the beach, camping, and farming. If you can't get inside when lightning begins, officials recommend seeking shelter in a vehicle. Ready Wisconsin says hiding under a tree doesn't help, and shelters like gazebos, dugouts, tents or picnic canopies won't offer needed protection.

Lightning can even occur in sunny conditions, known as a 'bolt from the blue.'

Lightning strike victims should be cared for immediately by calling 911 and performing CPR. Don't be afraid to touch a lightning strike victim – the human body does not hold an electrical charge.

In Other News

Tomahawk Kinship Hits Phase 1 Fundraising Goal to Purchase Former Bank Building

Published on 06/24/2025 under News Earlier this year Kinship of Tomahawk launched a fundraising campaign as they look to purchase a larger building. On Monday, the youth mentorship program announced they had reached their first fundraising goal. Back in April, Kinship announced a tentative agreement to purchase the former Bradley Bank building on Main Street. But they had to raise approximately $300,000 by early July. They kicked off a fundraising campaign this spring, and on Monday shared three simple words..."We did it!" Director Patti Hilgendorf was able to share that another big contribution pushed them over the finish line. These donations have come in many forms large and small. Many local partners including businesses, organizations, and events have contributed to the cause making it a true community effort. And while they were able to celebrate this important goal, there is still work, and more fundraising, to be done. Purchasing the building is just phase 1. They'll also have to retrofit the former bank to accommodate Kinship programs and activities. They've established a Facebook page for their fundraising efforts that will include updates, events and opportunities to play a role.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News A group of local high school students got a crash course in law enforcement careers this past week. Nicolet College hosted a Criminal Justice Teen Academy this past week. During the four-day workshop, students learned about the training and requirements, different positions within the field, the functions of different law enforcement agencies, and the tools and equipment they use in the field. Local agencies got involved with demonstrations and hands-on exercises. For example, the Oneida County Sheriff's Office discussed their use of drones, the dive team, special response team and even the dispatch 911 center. With the law enforcement academy wrapped up, Nicolet will host a Fire and EMS Teen Academy this week. Jason Goeldner, associate dean of public safety at Nicolet College. "We need young people who are ready to step up for their communities and summer academies are a great place to start..." Nicolet hosts a number of academies across career fields such as culinary and engineering.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News From a winter ice skating trail to a new disc golf course, Boulder Junction has invested in a number of outdoor recreation projects in recent years. And early next month, they plan to highlight some of those accomplishments. The Parks Board announced the First Annual Boulder Junction Parks & Recreation Celebration Day on Saturday, July 5. Board Chair Laura Bertch says, "This event is all about celebrating the progress we've made in enhancing Boulder Junction's recreational spaces and looking forward to even more exciting opportunities ahead." They plan to specifically highlight four recent projects, starting with an all-inclusive playground. They're planning a ribbon cutting for basketball improvements and a sneak-peak of the Tall Pines disc golf course currently under construction. And they'll also look back at the successful debut of the Glide Ice Skating Ribbon which debuted over the winter. Bertsch says, "We invite everyone to join us for a day of food, fun and community spirit as we recognize these achievements and the people who made them possible." That celebrating will be held on the afternoon of July 5 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Boulder Junction Lion's Club Pavilion, located in the lawn area behind the Community Center.

Published on 06/24/2025 under News Charges have been filed in a two vehicle crash earlier this month in Oneida County that resulted in multiple injures. According to court records, 50 year old Holly Wilson of Hazelhurst is facing a half dozen charges including OWI 6th, 7th or 8th offense with an escalator for having a minor in the vehicle; operating while revoked; and failure to install an ignition interlock device. Wilson appeared in court remotely Friday for an initial appearance where bond was set at $100,000. That crash happened June 9 at the intersection of Highway K and Harshaw Road in the Town of Cassian. In addition to Wilson, three others were treated at area hospitals following the crash. Wilson is expected back in court again today for an adjourned initial appearance.

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 06/23/2025 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.

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.

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