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Lincoln County Health Department Provides Guidance on Food Insecurity Published on 11/05/2025 under News

With FoodShare benefits being delayed, local agencies are looking to assist those impacted. The Lincoln County Health Department is sharing information for those who might night a little extra help.

The lapse in FoodShare payments by the federal government during the shutdown is expected to affect around 700,000 people in Wisconsin. According to the public health educator Lexi Buntrock, this includes just over 3,000 Lincoln County residents.

The Health Department offers numerous resource guides. They recently updated their Food Resource guide with the latest information. It covers topics including the four Lincoln County-based food pantries, along with community meal opportunities and senior dining options.

The Health Department also encouraged people to consider helping their neighbors. This can include donating food, money, or time to a local pantry, or consider organizing food drives at your local school, business, community group or church.

The Oneida County Health Department offered a similar message last week.

In Other News

Tomahawk Legion Auxiliary Preparing Holiday Packages for Overseas Military, Seeking Service Members

Published on 11/05/2025 under News For military members serving overseas, the holiday season can be a challenging time. The Tomahawk American Legion Auxiliary is hoping to provide a little comfort and a small taste of home. Members of the local auxiliary are hoping to expand a program where they send a small holiday care package to those serving overseas and won't be home for Christmas this year. The small gift packages will include items that may not be readily available where they're stationed, but would offer a reminder of the Northwoods. They used examples of local snack sticks, candies and other treats, along with some other small items of need. Using proceeds from their poppy sales, the Auxiliary members will take care of all of the purchasing, packaging, and mailing. The do have one ask of the community, the names of military members with ties to the Tomahawk area who are currently stationed overseas. While Christmas is still two months away, the effort will take some time. They are asking that people get those submissions in by the end of this week. WJJQ is serving as the lone drop-off location. Names and the overseas address should be neatly printed and placed in the drop box on the desk in our front lobby.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News The City of Tomahawk took another step as they explore building a treatment facility to address elevated levels of PFAs in the city water supply. Back in 2023, routine testing of the city water in Tomahawk came back just over the PFAS threshold which required advisories be sent to residents. City officials have been researching mitigation steps, and earlier this year hired engineering firm MSA to conduct a feasibility study. The full City Council took up the topic Tuesday. The city has been focusing on the construction of a treatment facility that would filter the water before it reaches the public. From a half dozen options presented by MSA, the Council selected a 1,000 gallon per minute Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC facility. It was identified as the most cost efficient option that would meet the city's typical water demands. It still carries a hefty price tag, more than $6.2 million. There are funding sources available that could cover up to half the construction costs through the state's Safe Drinking Water Loan program. With more stringent testing and PFAs standards likely on the way, the Board members wanted to be proactive, making it more likely to be awarded funding. Their reasoning: as new regulations are put in place, more communities would look to build treatment facilities, making the funding more competitive. Council Member Will Garske said, "We want to be at the forefront." To apply by next June's deadline, there are design work and pilot testing requirements. At their meeting last night, the Council unanimously approved a contract with MSA to begin that design work.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News With the holiday shopping season right around the corner, the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce is encouraging people to support locally-owned businesses. Throughout the month of November, the Chamber will work with community partners to bring back their 'Loyal to Local' campaign. After previously offering the campaign in the summer, they shifted to November last year to focus on local spending during the holidays. Throughout November, RACC will share special posts, videos, and community highlights on its social media channels, all focused on what it means to be Loyal to Local. The goal is to celebrate the businesses, restaurants, and people that make Rhinelander a vibrant place to live, work, and visit. Each week is further broken down into themes. For example, this week is tabbed Explore Local. That's be followed by Eat Local, Shop Local; and Be Local. The effort culminates with the nationwide Small Business Saturday which falls on November 29.

Published on 11/05/2025 under News Early season deer hunters have seen success ahead of the gun-deer opener later this month. On Tuesday, DNR staffers took part in a media call for their annual season preview. They covered a wide range of topics from recapping the archery and youth hunts to discussions on the season outlook and safety. As of Tuesday, hunters had registered 22,473 during the archery season and 36,617 deer with crossbow. These numbers are higher than the same point in the season last year. The state's youngest hunters were also successful. During the Youth Deer Hunt weekend, there were 8,446 deer registered. Last year there were approximately 7,000 registered. Whether that translates into the field remains to be seen. They noted the season will fall relatively late on the calendar this year, as deer movement begins to slow. Other factors such as the weather are too far out to predict. As for license sales, year-to-date sales for gun, bow, crossbow, sports and patron licenses reached 463,983. Of that total, 137,394 are for gun privileges only. Those numbers typically surge as the season draws closer. And the DNR did offer a reminder for hunters here in northern Wisconsin specifically. Based on hunter feedback and in an effort to improve deer management, the have changed the management zone structure in the Northern Forest Zone. They are returning the use of habit-base units rather than county-based boundaries. And of course safety should always be the top priority during the hunting season. The gun deer season opens on November 22, and we'll have more coverage as that date draws closer.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News The Lincoln County Health Department is hoping to use a grant to reduce carbon monoxide incidents. The agency received a $10,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health through their Taking Action with Data mini-grant program. Data shows Lincoln County averages 2-3 ER visits related to carbon monoxide each year. Carbon monoxide is produced during combustion of common appliances such as home furnaces, fireplaces, generators, grills and vehicles. Lincoln County Health Officer Shelley Cohrs says, "Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen anywhere — in your home, garage, or even while enjoying activities like hunting, fishing, or boating." She added, "The best way to stay safe is to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly." The Health Department will use the funding to raise awareness of carbon monoxide dangers and prevention efforts while collecting data. This includes: distributing CO detectors and educational materials, participating in outreach events and awareness campaigns, and collaborating with community partners. November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News A new training facility on the NTC campus in Merrill will address emergency situations in public spaces. This past month, Northcentral Technical College unveiled their Community Safety Simulation Center, located at NTC's Public Safety Center of Excellence in Merrill. The facility is designed to prepare individuals to address emerging security threats through immersive scenarios and classroom instruction, with an initial focus on schools, places of worship and healthcare environments. According to NTC, the 3,500 square foot facility features a high tech classroom with 360-degree smart screens designed to immerse participants in custom training scenarios. And through AV capabilities, the participants can review their actions and discussion alternative approaches, allowing for critical reflection and skill refinement. They said this realistic, hands-on experience ensures individuals and teams develop the critical thinking, communication and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate high-stress situations effectively. The project was made possible through generous donations from the Bierman Family Foundation and Church Mutual CM Cares.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News A teen driver was stopped going more than double the speed limit on a Lincoln County highway. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report, a patrol deputy observed a vehicle traveling 120 miles per hour in a 55 zone on County K in the Town of Scott. The 19 year old Merrill teen told the deputy he speeding because he was late in getting to his girlfriend's house. As a result, the driver was cited for traveling 65mph over the speed limit, endangering safety, and unreasonable and imprudent speed. According to the report, if convicted on the speeding violation alone the driver will lose his driver's license. _____ A couple of other quick notes from the Lincoln County Sheriff's Report…Two drivers were taken in for operating while intoxicated. A 68 year old Elk Mound man arrested for 2nd offense OWI following a traffic stop for a reckless driving complaint. A 25 year old Merrill man for 1st offense after his vehicle left the roadway.The number of vehicle versus deer crashes dropped this past week with 7 reported on Lincoln County roadways.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News With the archery season ongoing and the gun deer season right around the corner; the DNR is asking hunters as well as other outdoor enthusiasts to keep an eye out for black bear dens this fall and winter and report them. Researchers in the fifth year of the Black Bear Litter and Diet survey. They are studying black bear reproduction levels, while also investigating the connection between human food sources, litter sizes, and cub survival rates. Researchers are looking to record data and collar a sampling of bear across each of the state's management zones. The findings help biologists make better bear population estimates, which in turn support management decision making. The study and process was featured in a recent episode of PBS Wisconsin's "Wisconsin Life" series. People can submit den sightings to the DNR. They are asked to include: GPS coordinates of the den, a photo with surroundings, a description, and any signs of bear activity. -Photo provided by DNR: Cubs cannot yet regulate their temperature and have delicate immune systems, so den survey participants wear protective gear and keep them warm while DNR staff members fit a GPS collar on the mother bear during den surveys.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News The Marshfield Clinic and Security Health have pledged $150,000 to support innovative, community-driven projects to address food insecurity and promote healthier lives. The program is part of the Marshfield Clinic Caring for Communities initiative, and they're currently accepting grant applications for local non-profits and community projects. According to the announcement, the program reflects a shared commitment to improving the well-being of individuals and families by supporting access to consistent, nutritious food. Jay Shrader, vice president of Community Impact and Social Accountability says, "Nutritious food is essential to good health, yet many in our communities face food insecurity – lacking reliable access to enough food for a healthy life." Shrader added, "This grant reflects our commitment to supporting local organizations that know their communities best and are working to remove barriers to food access and improve health at its roots." Non-profits and government agencies within the Marshfield Clinic service area are eligible to apply for a grant of up to $10,000. The deadline to apply is November 24. Recipients will be notified in early December.

Published on 11/04/2025 under News Officials are encouraging people be mindful of elevated wildfire conditions to start this work week. The state generally has two wildfire seasons including the autumn when leaves fall from trees and plants and grasses begin to go dormant ahead of winter. Most of Northern Wisconsin is listed as either abnormally dry or moderate drought. Coupled with relatively low humidity and some breezy conditions, our area of Northwoods is listed in high fire danger. There were 7 wildfires reported in Wisconsin yesterday, including 3 in our listening area. There have been 14 wildfires in the past week according to the DNR tracker. The main cause of wildfires at this time of year is burning brush and leaf piles. Other concern comes from campfires, ash from wood stoves and fireplaces, and burn barrels.

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