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DNR Encourages Successful Deer Hunters Get Harvest Tested for CWD Published on 09/22/2025 under News

With archery season underway, the DNR is encouraging hunters to have their deer tested for chronic wasting disease.

Testing for CWD provides information for both the successful hunter, but also researchers studying CWD. The DNR is especially interested in receiving more samples from the 2025 Fall Priority Areas. This includes Lincoln, Oneida, Vilas, Langlade, and Marathon Counties.

There are a number of ways to test: the DNR has numerous self-service kiosks around the state; hunters can make an appointment with a DNR staffer; there are at-home lymph node collection kits available; and some meat processors can facilitate sampling.

Locally, the DNR Service Center in Tomahawk has a self-service kiosk, along with a carcass disposal bin.

While there have been no reported cases of CWD in humans, experts advise against consuming venison from a deer that has tested positive. Hunters who do harvest an infected deer can apply for a replacement tag that is valid for the remainder of the current season as well as the following season.

The DNR has additional information on their website, including an interactive map with testing and carcass disposal locations.

In Other News

53rd Mission of the Never Forgotten Honor Flight Heads to Washington

Published on 09/22/2025 under News Another group of Northwoods veterans are in Washington DC Monday visiting monuments and memorials in the nation's capital. The return of fall means two more missions for the Never Forgotten Honor Flight. Today's flight features 99 participants: 98 Vietnam Era vets, and one from Korea. It's the 53rd mission overall for the Northwoods chapter of the Honor Flight. Back in spring, they crossed an impressive milestone with 5,000 participants. Today's flight pushes the total to 5,119. But organizers note this is only around 50% of eligible veterans in the area. They once again encourage any area veteran who served prior to May 7, 1975 and hasn't participated in the Honor Flight to get on their waiting list. Back to today's mission...the public, as usual, is invited to welcome the veterans home this evening. Officials recommend arriving at Central Wisconsin Airport no later than 8:30pm.

Published on 09/22/2025 under News With the new school year underway, the Lincoln County Health Department is continuing to offer programs that help students share a healthy smile. Wisconsin Seal-A-Smile allows participating families to have their children receive some basic dental care performed at school, by a registered dental hygienist, at no cost to the family. It typically includes an oral exam, dental sealants and a fluoride varnish. The Lincoln County Health Department facilitates the program locally. Community Health Educator Lexi Buntrock says, "By providing this program to students, we hope we can foster life-long healthy dental habits, prevent urgent dental needs in the future, and connect families to available resources". Last school year, Buntrock says they provided approximately $80,000 in preventative dental care to families in Lincoln County. This is the 14th year that the Lincoln County Health Department has participated in the Seal-a-Smile program. Students also receive a dental care kit, and information on dental resources available for families.

Published on 09/22/2025 under News Those utilizing their local libraries here in the Northwoods may want to make alternative plans for Tuesday. Most libraries in our region are part of what is known as the Wisconsin Valley Library Service or WVLS. Coming up tomorrow, these libraries in that network will be affected by a system wide upgrade. During this project, many online services will be impacted including the online library catalog; Ebooks and digital audio books; holds, checkouts, and renewals on Libby/Overdrive; and other online resources. Some libraries including Rhinelander will be closed for a staff service day; others like Tomahawk and Merrill will be open with limited services. Patrons are advised to check with their local library about the availability. They hope to complete all the work on Tuesday and resume regular library services by Wednesday.

Published on 09/22/2025 under News More than 1,300 Oneida County residents are living with dementia. Some of those individuals, their friends and families came together to show their support. Rhinelander hosted their annual Walk to End Alzheimer's event at the Hodag Dome on Saturday morning. Dave Grams is Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter. He called the event 'nothing short of extraordinary.' He says, "To see thousands of people come together, each with their own story and their own reason to walk, was incredibly moving." According to event organizers, they had nearly 400 walkers, and the event is expected to raise more than $170,000. That number could still grow, as they will continue to accept donations through the end of the year. In addition to critical research, these funds also support local families through education, resources, and support services.

Published on 09/22/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's football squad became the first team to clinch a playoff spot in the Great Northern Conference with a dominating performance, crushing Rhinelander Friday night, 49-7. The Hatchets rushed for 254 yards and gained 397 total yards of offense, constantly gashing the Hodag defense. Defensively, the Hatchets held Rhinelander to just 68 yards rushing and sacked quarterback Abe Gretzinger nine times. Jonah Dickens scored on both sides of the ball with a 66-yard Pick-Six and a 44-yard touchdown catch. Cash Olsen finished with 210 total yards and four scores. Tiegan Sarazin led the way on the ground, rushing for 131 yards. Hudson Evans finished with 3.5 of Tomahawk's nine sacks, helping the Hatchets to their first 5-0 start since 1969. The Hatchets also stand in first place outright in the Great Northern Conference after Lakeland lost to Medford Thursday night. Tomahawk will go for its first 6-0 start in school history next week when it welcomes Mosinee to Hatchet Field for Homecoming Night. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Kickoff Cabin at 6:10 and the opening kick at 7:00. Alex Koch and Jon Long will be in the broadcast booth.

Published on 09/19/2025 under News While the Rhinelander community typically embraces the color green, the Hodag Dome will be turning purple this weekend as people raise money and awareness for Alzheimer's. Organizers are putting the final touches on the Walk to End Alzheimer's in Rhinelander Saturday morning. Jim Brust is chair of the local event. He says they're excited to bring the community together, united for shared purpose. He says, "When we walk together, we remind each other that no one is facing this disease alone. This event is proof that our collective strength can create real change." Locally, they're off to a strong start with more than 350 people registered. The fifty plus teams have already pledged more than $125,000. That's more than 75% of their target goal. Funds go towards the Alzheimer's Association to provide care and support to families affected by the disease while also helping advance critical research towards treatment and prevention. Among the highlights, the inspiring Promise Garden Ceremony. This is where participants carry colorful flowers, each color represents a personal connection to Alzheimer's whether living with the disease, caring for someone is, or in honor of someone they've lost. In addition to the Rhinelander Walk to End Alzheimer's event, there is another in Antigo, while Wausau has one next weekend.

Published on 09/19/2025 under News After more than four decades in law enforcement, Vilas County Sheriff Joseph Fath is retiring. Now the search is on for his successor. Governor Evers announced the opening of the application period for the next Vilas County Sheriff is now open. Earlier this summer, Fath announced his retirement plans, wrapping up a career that began back in 1981. Fath has served the past 12 years in his role as Sheriff. Coincidentally, he too was appointed, by then-Governor Scott Walker. Fath's retirement is effective December 1. According to the announcement, his successor will serve the remainder of his unexpired term which runs through January 2027. The application deadline is October 6.

Published on 09/19/2025 under News Two funeral homes in Lincoln County teamed up for a generous gift to restock local food pantries. In a heartfelt effort to give back to the community, Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation and Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services announced they will donate a locally-raised steer to the Tomahawk and Merrill Food pantries. The steer was purchased at the animal market sale at this year's Lincoln County Fair. They said the donations will provide hundreds of pounds of ground beef and roasts, all processed locally and delivered directly to the food pantry, by the staff of both funeral homes. Anna Winningham, manager of Taylor-Stine-Waid said, "Donating this beef is just one small way we can show our appreciation and help our neighbors and community." Jamie Nimsgern added, "We value our long-standing connection to this community and give back when we can to support those in need." In addition to the beef, the also provided a monetary donation which the food pantry volunteers can utilize where most needed.

Published on 09/19/2025 under News We regularly talk safety when it comes to both hunting and boating. When you combine the two, it bring some additional hazards. With many waterfowl seasons opening in September, the DNR provided some quick reminders for hunters on the water. Major April Dombrowski, DNR Recreational Safety and Outdoor Skills Bureau director says, "Waterfowl hunting is a cherished tradition in Wisconsin, and the DNR wants every hunter to enjoy the season safely." And safety starts while still on land, as overloading a boat can lead to instability and capsizing. It's also important to make sure the weight in the boat is evenly distributed. And when loading be sure not to obscure navigational lights. They recommend wearing a life jacket when on the water because accidents are unpredictable. It's also important to be on the lookout for elements outside of your control, such as changing weather, or submerged hazards. The Youth waterfowl hunt is coming up this weekend, the duck season opens next weekend.

Published on 09/19/2025 under Sports Tomahawk's volleyball squad fought valiantly, but came up short to #7 in Division 3 Stratford in five sets, 13-25, 25-20, 25-15, 15-25, 15-17. The Hatchets got outstanding production from their middle hitters, but were unable to put the Tigers away in sets four and five. Siennah Calkins finished with 17 kills on the night. Freya Alberg had nine kills, six blocks, and three aces. Shelby Borowski had a season-high 31 assists, but it wasn't enough as the Hatchets fell to 10-9 on the season. Tomahawk resumes Great Northern Conference play Tuesday up in Minocqua against Lakeland. Tune in for the Fehrman Orthodontics Radio Prematch Show at 6:35 and first serve at 7:00 on Northwoods 92.5 WJJQ. Alex Koch and Matt Theiler will be in the broadcast booth.

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