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Aspirus Opens New Obstetric Emergency Department at Wausau Hospital Birthing Center Published on 10/23/2025 under News

Aspirus Health announced the opening of a new Obstetric Emergency Department that will provide specialized care to expecting and postpartum mothers facing an emergency.

The OBED is located at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Birthing Center and will be staffed 24/7 by board-certified OB/Gyns. That includes Dr. Dennis McFadden. He says, "(The facility) will help patients in a more expert manner, improving patient safety and quality of care. And that's really what's going to improve outcomes overall."

According to the announcement, the department is equipped to handle all types of pregnancy-related emergencies — from early complications to post-delivery concerns.

It includes five new rooms dedicated to the OBED, and they noted the architects thoughtfully designed the space to be calming, comforting, and soothing.

This is part of a larger expansion project at the hospital.

In Other News

Lincoln County Receives Grant to Improve Carbon Monoxide Education

Published on 10/23/2025 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is hoping to use a grant to reduce carbon monoxide incidents. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board approved a resolution accepting a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health through their Taking Action with Data mini-grant program. Data shows Lincoln County has seen higher rates of emergency department visits related to carbon monoxide over the past five years when compared to the State of Wisconsin as a whole. Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion of common appliances such as home furnaces, fireplaces, generators, grills and vehicles. Exposure can happen when these appliances are used in enclosed spaces without proper venting. The goal of this project is to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and prevention by distributing CO detectors and educational materials, participating in outreach events, and collaborating with community partners. November is actually Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, when we'll have a bit more on carbon monoxide safety and awareness.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News It's Forest Products Week in the state of Wisconsin, and a group of stakeholders are teaming up to discuss a statewide strategic plan for the state's forest industry. Wisconsin Forests FIRST (Forest Industry Roadmap and Strategies for Tomorrow)is a statewide initiative created to develop a strategic plan and road map to support and promote a resilient, sustainable, and competitive forest products industry while keeping Wisconsin's forest lands healthy for future generations. Rhinelander-based Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association was awarded a state grant to lead the project. They'll partner with the Wisconsin Paper Council (WPC) and the Council on Forestry. They'll meet with other industry stakeholders to examine Wisconsin's forest products industry and its role to support and enhance the state's ecological, social and economic well- being. That includes studying new industry challenges and innovations. In the announcement, they noted other states are already moving to attract new investment and develop long term strategies for their forest sectors. They say Wisconsin Forests FIRST will ensure that Wisconsin remains competitive. The project is scheduled to be completed by December of 2027. They plan to develop a website to provide updates during the process.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News There are podcasts focused on just about everything. And now one Northwoods community will be the focus of a new series. The Rhinelander Area Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of its new monthly podcast highlighting the people, businesses, and organizations shaping the community. It'll be called Real Rhinelander. Chamber CEO Lauren Sackett will serve as the host. She says, "Every day, someone in our community is making Rhinelander a better place. This podcast helps us celebrate them and inspire others to do the same." According to the announcement, each episode features candid conversations with local professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who share their stories, challenges, and visions for Rhinelander's future. Listeners will gain insight into what makes this Northwoods community such a special place to live, work, and grow. Real Rhinelander will be released monthly and available on major podcast platforms, the Chamber website, YouTube and other social media channels. They've already produced two episodes.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News The Governor has signed a bipartisan bill aimed at helping with a shortage of first responders in the Northwoods and around the state. The legislation establishes a reimbursement program to offset the costs of tuition and classroom materials for those pursing an education in emergency medical service at a Wisconsin Technical College. Students can apply for reimbursement funds once they complete their certification or license. This bill also provides grants to technical colleges in Wisconsin to support and expand student enrollment access to EMS programs. The Governor said, "I'm glad to be signing these bipartisan bills that will help get more folks into this critical profession by reducing financial burdens for the training and education they need... He added, "We must continue to invest in and support Wisconsin's EMS professionals and providers and ensure every community has the services they need to respond when Wisconsinites need them the most."

Published on 10/23/2025 under News North Central Health Care is on the search for a new executive director with their current leader set to retire at the end of the year. North Central Health Care is a tri-county partnership of Lincoln, Langalde and Marathon Counties. They provide a wide range of services including mental and behavioral health, addiction treatment, and rehab. Gary Olsen has served as executive director of NCHC since January of 2023. He plans to retire effective on January 2. Deputy Director Jason Hake will serve as interim CEO, working with Olsen in the coming months. Hake is no stranger to Lincoln County, previously serving as administrative coordinator from 2018 to 2020. Both men were in attendance at Tuesday's Lincoln County Board meeting to discussion the succession plan along with their regular reports to the board. Olsen mentioned his close working relations with Lincoln County specifically due to the management arrangement of Pine Crest nursing home. Board Chair Jesse Boyd praised the work of Olsen and wished him well in retirement, while the Board members offered him a round of applause.

Published on 10/23/2025 under News Across the Northwoods, communities have been developing a network of trail systems, often utilizing former rail corridors. A plan is underway in Iron County, and they're seeking through a state program. According to the DNR, the city of Hurley has applied for a 50% matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The grant will assist with purchasing about 30 acres of former railroad corridor. The plan is to develop a 2.7-mile trail between the cities of Hurley and Montreal. It would also link up with Michigan's Iron Belle Trail which begins in Ironwood. They anticipate the proposed trail would serve a variety of recreational activities will include hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, bird-watching, wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. The DNR is currently accepting public comments on the proposed acquisition through Nov. 12, 2025.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News Here in the Northwoods, the fall colors have come and gone, and we're left to rake them up. Those looking to get some yard work done over the weekend are encouraged to re-purpose leaves around the home. While burning yard waste may be convenient, it also creates air pollution and runs the risk spreading into a wildfire. Instead, a little extra work and some creativity can re-purpose yard waste instead. First and foremost, consider leaving at least a portion of your yard natural. Many insects, including important pollinators will winter in or under fallen leaves. Officials note that leaves are packed with nutrients and minerals which will benefit your plants and lawn next summer. Speed up the process by breaking down the leaves with a shredder or mulching lawn mower. Similarly, dried leaves can also serve as a key component of your compost pile. They recommend a 2:1 mix of brown waste like dry leaves to green waste such as plant-based kitchen scraps and grass clippings. And if you don't have much use for yard waste at home, many municipalities do have disposal, either a pick-up service or drop-off location. Just a reminder for our city of Tomahawk residents specifically, that pick-up will take place next week.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News The Lincoln County Board now has a balanced spending plan to consider for their next meeting. At their meeting Tuesday, the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors was presented with an updated 2026 budget from Finance Director Heather Marheine. The levy came in at $13.3 million; that's up about 2.9% from last year. According to the document, the county's portion of the mil rate averages $3.50, down approximately 4.9%. The County received a boost in both equalized value and net new construction, while also projecting an increase in sales tax revenue. The finance team was able to close an approximately $1.2 million gap from the first version of the budget presented in June. That included approximately $800,000 in savings from the sale of Pine Crest in both operations and maintenance. The County agreed to sell the skilled nursing facility to a private provider over the summer. The spending plan included a big boost for roads, from just over $2 million this year to $3.1 million next year. Marheine did share some future challenges for the county going forward including the capital improvements budget, employee recruitment and retention, and decreasing timber sale proceeds. The final Lincoln County budget will be back before the board for approval in November. Local schools, towns, and cities are also finishing up their budgets at this time of year.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News One person is in custody following a fatal crash in Taylor County early Monday morning. According to the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, responders were called to a single vehicle rollover at around 2am Monday. The incident happened on County Road C near Wood Lake Avenue in the town of Rib Lake. Crews arrived to find an SUV on its side in the ditch after leaving the roadway and striking several trees. A female passenger was removed from the vehicle and brought to an area hospital where she died of her injuries. She has been identified as 49 year old Sharon Kaplon of Ogema. The driver, 49 year old Stephen Kaplon, was taken into custody on charges of homicide by intoxicated use of a motor vehicle. He is being held in the Taylor County Jail on a $200,000 cash bond while awaiting charges.

Published on 10/22/2025 under News A bill under consideration in Madison aimed at boosting the Northwoods forest industry received a stamp of approval from the Lincoln County Board. At their meeting last night, the Lincoln County supervisors approved a resolution offering support for the Forestry Revitalization Act. The legislation, introduced earlier this month, would provide financial incentives for the construction of a plant in Hayward that would produce aviation biofuels through from forest products. The industry has taken a hit in recent years due to the closure of a number of mills in the region including Wisconsin Rapids, Duluth, and Park Falls. They are hoping the biofuel plant can fill or exceed that demand. The forest products industry is among the leading employers in Lincoln County. Even the county itself benefits from the sale of timber from county forest lands. Wisconsin is among several states vying for the mill. The Lincoln County Board endorsement will be sent to state officials encouraging them to support the bill.

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