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Man Arrested in Oneida County Stabbing to Make Initial Appearance Friday Published on 08/21/2025 under News

Charges have been filed, an initial appearance scheduled for a Vilas County man arrested in connection with a stabbing late last week.

Following a brief search, Scott Moxham was taken into custody last Friday morning. Investigators identified the 36 year old as a suspect in a stabbing the previous night. At shortly before midnight last Thursday, responders were paged to a Woodruff property for an injured party following the altercation.

According to court records, Moxham is now facing charges of 1st degree reckless injury, disorderly conduct, and bail jumping. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance in Oneida County Court on Friday.

In Other News

Lincoln County Board Approves Master Plan for Proposed Merrill/Wausau Recreational Trail

Published on 08/21/2025 under News A proposed recreational trail connecting Merrill and Wausau took another small, but important step this week. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board adopted the master plan for this project, which has been in the works for several years now. Partners including Marathon and Lincoln County have worked with engineering firm MSA to develop a plan for the approximately 15.5 mile recreational trail connecting the two communities and counties. The adoption of the Master Plan is considered a critical step in the process, important for the purpose of fundraising and grant applications, and even land acquisition if needed. The trail would primarily be used for hiking and biking. The segment would be one missing link in what could become a much larger trail network. Continued development north towards Tomahawk would link to the Hiawatha and Bearskin Trails and up into the many Northwoods trail systems. At the southern end, the Mountain-Bay trail already connects Rib Mountain and Green Bay. The resolution states it is a long term plan with construction occurring in phases as funding becomes available. Approval of the master plan Tuesday does not commit the County to anything further than planning. Over the past several years, the Lincoln County Board has made a several investments into development and improvement of outdoor recreational amenities at campgrounds, parks, and trails. The partners had previously created a website with information on the project, though it hasn't been recently updated.

Published on 08/21/2025 under News Northwoods hospital campuses typically feature nicely manicured lawns. At many of these facilities, it's not the grounds crew taking care of the mowing duties. Aspirus continues to expand their autonomous lawn mowing program. Aspirus Langlade Hospital in Antigo is the latest to add battery-operated, self propelled mowers. They are now featured at seven Aspirus facilities including Tomahawk, Rhinelander, Merrill, and Wausau. Jason Noskowiak, Manager of Maintenance, Facilities and Environmental Services. He says, "Switching from gas-powered mowers to these autonomous mowers was an easy choice." He added, "The mowers are getting a great response from our patients and employees…" But benefits of the autonomous mowers extend well beyond entertaining onlookers. They reduce air and noise pollution and have no direct emissions. They're lightweight, so they don't compact the soil; and they mulch, returning nutrients the grass. They require minimal maintenance; and they free up Noskowiak and his team for other projects and tasks. The mowers feature navigation, sensors and programming allowing them to mow at a desired height in a desired pattern. They operate rain or shine, night or day. And they even return to the docking station when recharging is needed.

Published on 08/21/2025 under News The Northwoods provides excellent opportunities to view the stars. This weekend, conservationists are encouraging people to take steps to reduce light pollution while celebrating the skies above. It's part of the Northwoods Lights Out! Campaign. During select summer weekends, they're highlighting the importance of minimizing outdoor light overnight, which can impact nocturnal wildlife. To kick off this weekend's outreach, they're teaming up with Nicolet College to host a 'Star Party.' Once the sun sets they'll have some fun activities, viewing opportunities, and some expert speakers including Jim Head, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador from the Northwoods Explorers of Space and Astronomy and Michele Sadauskas, an Oneida County Conservationist. That event gets underway Thursday at 8pm. And as the weekend continues, they're also encouraging people to assess light pollution at their homes and cabins. Revisiting some of the simple steps they shared earlier this summer. Try to close curtains, shades and blinds at night, using energy efficient bulbs in warmer colors, position outdoor lighting so the beams face down, and consider motion sensor lights. The Oneida County Land and Conservation team has additional information on their website.

Published on 08/21/2025 under News Governor Evers made a stop in the Northwoods to highlight state investment into childcare. The recently approved, bipartisan state budget included approximately $110 million for the Child Care Bridge Payment Program. A successor to the Child Care Counts program, it will provide direct monthly payments to Wisconsin child care providers. The first month of payments are being distributed, and more than $3,100 childcare providers will share in the approximately $8.7 million. That includes the YMCA Youth Development Center in Rhinelander which will receive about $5,700. Governor Evers visited the Northwoods Y yesterday where he met with teachers, administrators, providers, and students to learn about their work to implement past grants and how they plan to use the Child Care Bridge Payment grants. These programs are seen as an important investment, especially in rural areas like northern Wisconsin which are considered childcare deserts, lacking enough affordable child care to meet demand. The program is part of a larger focus on children by Governor Evers who declared 2025 'The Year of the Kid.'

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Lincoln County has the preliminary budget balanced, though work is expected to continue on next year's spending plan before final approval. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors received an update on the 2026 budget along with some comments from Finance Director Heather Marheine and Finance Committee Chair Julie DePasse. The finance team was able to close an approximately $1.2 million gap from the first draft of the budget that was presented to the board in June.Among major factors was a reduction in the funding related to Pine Crest for both operations and maintenance. The County agreed to sell the skilled nursing facility to a private provider. DePasse says their work on the budget is ongoing and specifically highlighted the capital improvement fund. The updated spending plan including a large boost for roads. According to the document presented at last night's meeting, the roads fund would jump from $2 million this year to $2.8 million next year. Board Chair Jesse Boyd praised the Finance team for their ongoing work. Last year, the full board didn't receive a balanced budget until October. The final budget is typically approved at the November Board meeting.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News A short, but inconvenient detour for ATV/UTV riders in the Nokomis area will soon be a thing of the past. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board updated the County's ordinance related to UTV routes. The lone change was to open the segment of County L that runs underneath the railroad tressle just north of County N in the Town of Bradley. When the County first opened up roads to ATV/UTV traffic, the segment below the bridge remained closed. This pushed riders onto an alternate route on County N and Heafford Road. With the existing route, there had been some safety concerns, as the riders were forced to exit and re-enter traffic on County L. It was also inconvenient for those utilizing businesses along that corridor. There was minimal discussion before the supervisors approved the ordinance change by voice vote. Once the processing and posting is complete, all of County L in Lincoln and Oneida Counties should be open to ATV/UTVs.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News There's plenty of incentive to head down to WaWui bingo this evening with a special promotion and a growing pot of prize money. First up, it is WJJQ night at bingo. That means our very own Gregg Albert will be on the microphone calling numbers for the evening. Even if you don't score a bingo, you may walk away with some gear from the Big Q. And if that doesn't get you out, WaWui says their Blackout Progressive Game has topped $4,000 if you can cover your card before the assigned number. As always, WaWui bingo proceeds go to support operations and improvements at the SARA Park building. Cards on sale at 6 and games begin at 7pm, all at SARA Park.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News While they didn't claim top spot, a trail accessibility project up in Oneida County was recently recognized by state leaders. The work was on a comprehensive guide of accessible trails in Oneida County that featured GIS data, detailed photos and videos of the trails, amenities, terrain and other features. It was aimed at helping all users, but especially those with mobility concerns feel confident and informed before arriving to utilize the trails. Completing the project was a team effort that included the various Oneida County-based Chambers and Visitors Bureaus, snowmobile and ATV/UTV clubs, law enforcement, and many volunteers. And that partnership was nominated for the Governor's Tandem Award for Collaboration earlier this year. While a runner-up, it was still a project worth celebrating. Jacqui Sharpe doubles as Chair of the Oneida County Tourism Council and Executive Director of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau. She says, "This collaboration blends technology, community energy, and inclusive design to make outdoor recreation in Oneida County more welcoming and sustainable." Sharpe added that their collaboration can serve as a model for other rural areas to elevate their trail system, as it established a new, inclusive standard for how trails are documented, maintained, and promoted. Photo provided by Oneida County Tourism Council: Krystal Westphal of the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau; Jacqui Sharpe of the Three Lakes Area Visitors Bureau; and Lauren Sackett of the Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce celebrate their nomination.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Officials gathered at Lake Wausau Tuesday for a groundbreaking on a project to modernize the century-old Rothschild Dam. According to Domtar Paper Company, the upgrades to the 276 foot Timber Crib Spillway will help the dam continue to serve surrounding communities. Steve Henry, Domtar's president of paper and packaging says, "By modernizing the Rothschild Dam, we support public safety, help preserve Lake Wausau's recreation economy and offer reliable flood control infrastructure for decades." The project will receive $42 million in state funding. Governor Tony Evers and State Senator Mary Felzkowski were among those on hand for the groundbreaking. Henry added, "None of this happens without partnerships, and today is about celebrating the mutual success of Wisconsin's workforce and this wonderful region. " Domtar is expected to invest $100 million in North Central Wisconsin via its Rothschild and Nekoosa manufacturing operations over the next three years. Construction crews have begun their work. It will include the installation of two temporary cofferdams which will allow workers safe and dry access to begin the demolition of the Timber Crib Spillway — is expected to begin soon. The entire project is tentatively scheduled for completion by February 2029. Domtar has a website with information.

Published on 08/20/2025 under News Fall is right around the corner, and a number of hunting seasons in Wisconsin will open. The DNR is reminding those planning on heading out into the field to sign up for a hunter safety course. These courses, required for anyone born after 1973 to hunt in Wisconsin, are credited with greatly improving Wisconsin's safe hunting record. On average, more than 20,000 people complete a Wisconsin hunter education course each year. Over the year's the DNR has expanded the ways that a participant can obtain their certificate. This includes the traditional in-person classes under the guidance of a certified instructor. In recent years they've introduced a hybrid course that includes online classwork paired with an in-person field day. The final method, introduced during the pandemic, is an entirely online offering, which is currently available to adults only. Additional information and courses are available on the DNR website.

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