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Sentence in November Oneida County Chase Published on 08/06/2025 under News A man involved in a high speed chase through Oneida County last fall will serve a year in prison.

Daniel Thunder of Neopit was back in Oneida County Court yesterday for a sentencing hearing. Last month the 51 year old pleaded guilty to three charges including fleeing an officer, operating a vehicle without consent, and physical abuse of an elder person. Four other charges were dismissed.

Thunder was arrested last November. Deputies initially responded to a report of a two vehicle accident near Rhinelander. As they arrived on the scene, they said Thunder fled in his vehicle, at times reach speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. He was eventually stopped and taken into custody.

At yesterday's hearing, Thunder will serve one year initial confinement followed by two years extended supervision. He was also ordered to pay more than $5,000 in restitution.

In Other News

Progress Continues on Tomahawk Documentary, Eyeing Premiere Next Summer

Published on 08/08/2025 under News The Tomahawk Community has rich history, and that story is being told in a movie made by an award winning documentarian. Last summer we introduced you to this film project titled: Tomahawk: A city in the pines. Tomahawk native Clay Schmit is the visionary, producer, and local tie. He's working with friend and Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Newcombe. The duo have been frequent guests on our morning conversation providing updates. They were back again on Thursday, and brought along another guest in John Pietrowski from PCA. Newcombe visited Tomahawk at the urging of Schmit and said he fell in love with the community. And that planted the seeds for the film. He says they take a deep dive into the history of the community, the people, and their impacts. That includes the timber industry which has played an integral role in the area's prosperity. PCA and John Pietrowski, who also joined the conversation, has become a valuable resource of information on the local mill that has been around for more than a century. Schmit says they've completed most of the research and filming that will be utilized. They're now putting those pieces into what will become an approximately one hour film. And they're eyeing a debut next June. Their goal is to actually work with the movie theater on Main Street which is undergoing some major renovations, to host a red carpet premiere event. Other opportunities include an airing on PBS as well as entries into various Midwest film festivals. Earlier this summer they did release a teaser trailer on YouTube. They are also still raising funds to help with production costs. You can hear that entire conversation in the WJJQ audio center.

Published on 08/08/2025 under News With gardens flourishing and harvest season right around the corner, Aspirus has brought back a program that will see patients getting prescriptions filled at farmer's markets rather than pharmacies. This week is National Farmer's Market week, and Aspirus is highlighting another year of their Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program. It helps provide patients with access to fresh produce via vouchers which can be redeemed at participating farmer's markets in more than 30 communities, including the Tomahawk Main Street Farmer's Market. Recipients are selected based on economic or medical need. As a Community Health Improvement specialist with Aspirus, Kari Due says, "We know that a diet that's rich in fruits and veggies is healthy for us, but not everyone has the same access to these items." She says, "This program is designed to place nutritious foods in the hands of more families in our communities and as a bonus, buying them at a farmers market is a fantastic opportunity to support our local farmers." The markets may also offer unique heirloom varieties not available in a retail location. The Asprius Produce Prescription Program is now in its 9th year. They continue to partner with additional farmer's markets across their foot print as their continue to grow in popularity.

Published on 08/08/2025 under News Volunteers in the Northwoods will join teams across the state in monitoring for aquatic invasive species this weekend. Saturday marks the returns of the annual AIS Snapshot Day, now in its 12th year. Snapshot is a citizen-science event focused locating and identifying aquatic invasive species on Wisconsin waterways. The effort allows stakeholders a chance to get out in front of an AIS issue early and hopefully reduce the impact. Once verified, new AIS locations are cataloged and used to guide species removal efforts and conservation plans. Stephanie Boismenue is the aquatic invasive species coordinator in Oneida County. She says Snapshot Day offers a hands-on, community-driven approach to science, allowing volunteers to directly contribute to preserving Wisconsin's water health. She added, "Snapshot Day not only helps monitor aquatic invasive species, but also strengthens our connection to the natural world. By understanding and protecting Wisconsin's valuable water resources, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the same natural world we cherish today." There are twenty locations around the state including several here in the Northwoods. Boismenue and her Oneida County volunteers will be at Newbold Memorial Park in Lake Tomahawk. Here in Lincoln County at Wayside Park near Tomahawk, Post Lake in Elcho and Rest Lake Park Pavillion in Manitowish Waters. They ask people to register to allow site leaders to plan assignments.

Published on 08/08/2025 under News A professional fishing tournament is coming to the Northwoods this fall. The Greater Minocqua Area Visitor's Bureau announced the community has been selected as the second stop of the Major League Fishing Team Series next month. It will feature twelve 2-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers who will compete for more than a half million dollars in prize money. Sherry Hulett, Sports & Group Travel Director at the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau says they are thrilled to host. She says, "...this professional team-based event not only highlights our beautiful fisheries but also brings significant economic impact to our local businesses. It's a tremendous opportunity to showcase Minocqua as a premier destination for competitive fishing and outdoor recreation." As for the format, individual lakes to be fished will be disclosed to the teams each morning of the competition. And to prevent early scouting, all fishable waters within 60 miles of Minocqua will be off-limits to the competitors. The Knighten Industries Heritage Cup will be held September 14-19.

Published on 08/08/2025 under News There's plenty of photo opportunities and interesting sights around Council Grounds. A special program this evening will have people looking up to the skies. The Friends of Council Grounds and Badger Talks are teaming up to host Universe in the Park. The program will include an astronomy discussion led by Jodie Kiyokawa, and weather permitting they'll have some telescope viewing opportunities as well. Kiyokawa knows a thing or two about space. She is a graduate student at the UW astronomy PhD program, and her current focus is on studying supermassive blackholes through both ground and space-based telescopes. In addition to her research she participates in science outreach efforts and helps mentor the next generation of scientists. Organizers note the program is a fun learning opportunity for both kids and adults. The program is free and no registration is retired. The discussion is set to begin around sunset 8:30, and the telescope viewing once dark about an hour later.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A popular blood drive in Merrill is back with a new theme, but the same life-saving mission. During the summer months we regularly talk about the importance of blood donations. It comes at a time when busy schedules and summer vacations may lead to fewer donations, but the demand doesn't slow. That's why the Community Blood Center re-branded their MASH-themed blood drives into the Summer Tour of All Types or STAT collection, emphasizing the need for donations of all blood types. John Hagins, President & CEO, The Community Blood Center. "Generous STAT donors help maintain a reliable blood supply for local hospital patients. Whether you're returning or donating for the very first time, you make a huge impact in your community." The collection is taking place at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill. Keeping another MASH tradition alive, the CBC is still making a monetary donation to the group of veterans organizations for every unit collected during Merrill STAT. As usual, they'll have some donor incentives as well including an exclusive STAT t-shirt and a meal. First time donors will also receive a gift card. They'll be set up at the Northwoods Veterans Post in Merrill on Thursday until 4:30pm. They've got another STAT collection in Wausau next week, August 12 at NTC.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News The Tomahawk City Council filled one open seat, but they've got new vacancy to fill. The Tomahawk City Council held their August meeting Tuesday. One of the first items on the agenda was the appointment of Bob Soward to fill a vacancy in district 1. Soward was one of two interested applicants and was chosen by a selection committee. He'll succeed Ed Nystrom who stepped down earlier this year. After taking his oath of office, Soward joined the other alders for the remainder of the meeting. He'll serve until the next municipal election, next April. But the Council remains one member down. The final item on the agenda was the resignation of Tadd Wegener. The Council will utilize the same process to fill his seat. The seat will be posted for applicants. A selection committee, comprised of the mayor and the two other representatives from the vacant district, in this case 'Ding' Bartz and Mike Loka, will make an recommendation for appointment.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A motorcycle operator was arrested after traveling on a Lincoln County highway at more than twice the speed limit and fleeing the deputy. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy observed two motorcycles speeding on County C in the Town of Merrill. A radar reading showed nearly 120 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone. The deputy attempted a traffic stop, but one of the operators failed to pull over. A brief pursuit followed, before the deputy the chase ended for safety reasons. In investigating, the deputy was able to identify the operator as a 22 year old Mosinee man. The man's name was not included in the weekly report. With assistance of a Mosinee Police Officer, the man was arrested at his residence. He was brought to the Lincoln County Jail for fleeing an officer.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News The DNR is again asking the public to participate in a wildlife survey. Operation Deer Watch is an opportunity to help collect information on the state deer population. Whether in the woods, on the road, or other outdoor locations, participants are asked to record all buck, doe, and fawn sightings. The data provides biologists insight into the reproductive status of the herd and helps shape deer management in the state. Paul Frater is the DNR surveys coordinator. He says, "Wherever you are in Wisconsin, you can help the DNR manage wildlife by collecting data in your area." He added, "The DNR encourages everyone interested in wildlife – from hunters and trappers to outdoor enthusiasts – to take part." In addition to Operation Deer Watch, which runs through September 30, the DNR also has another ongoing survey for game bird broods. More information is available on the DNR website.

Published on 08/07/2025 under News A teen charged for his role in the lead-up to a fatal attack at Lincoln Hills will serve 5 years in prison. Rian Nyblom was back in Lincoln County Court Wednesday for a sentencing hearing. Earlier this year, the 18 year old pleaded guilty to amended charges, two counts of battery by a prisoner as party to a crime. Nyblom was one of two teens housed at Lincoln Hills charged in connection with the fatal attack last June that left one staff member injured and another dead. Nyblom was allegedly asked by another inmate, Javarius Hurd, to provide soap that would be used in an attack on a female staff member at the youth correctional facility. Counselor Corey Proulx intervened in the initial altercation and sustained fatal injuries. Nyblom was ordered to serve five years of initial confinement followed by five years on extended supervision. He must also pay more than $1,100 in restitution. Hurd is facing separate charges. His jury trial is scheduled for February.

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