6/18/2026

VILAS COUNTY - Four Vilas County towns — Manitowish Waters, Boulder Junction, Presque Isle, and Winchester have combined resources to create the Northwoods EMS District, replacing volunteer-only coverage with a fully staffed service in 2025. The district now employs 14 full-time EMTs and paramedics, cutting average ambulance response times from about 40 minutes to 13 minutes. The collaboration, developed with assistance from the Wisconsin Office of Rural Health, is being promoted as a model for other rural communities facing EMS staffing shortages. Officials say the taxpayer-funded partnership provides faster emergency care while ensuring reliable service for residents across the region.

6/18/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Northern Initiatives has been named the Michigan SBA Microlender of the Year for its work helping underserved entrepreneurs access small-business financing. Since 1994, the nonprofit has issued 615 SBA microloans totaling more than $13 million, including 22 loans worth $580,245 in 2025. One recipient, Jacquart Fabric Products of Ironwood, used an SBA microloan to grow the Stormy Kromer brand and now employs more than 150 people. Since its founding, Northern Initiatives has loaned more than $120 million to Michigan entrepreneurs.

6/18/2026

N. WISCONSIN – The DNR looking for landowners to host opportunities for hunters with disabilities.  For 30 years, the DNR has been organizing the Gun Deer Hunt for People with Disabilities. They do this through landowners who generously open up their property. It gives an opportunity for those with mobility challenges to participate in one of Wisconsin’s great traditions.  Landowners who have at least 60 acres of property are eligible to open up their land for hunters with disabilities. Landowners that live close can join the properties together to reach 60 acres if needed.  If interested in hosting hunters, you must fill out an application on the DNR’s website. The deadline to apply is July 1. If you wish to be a hunter, you must have a disability permit from the DNR.  Hunters will be able to select which property they want to hunt on. Hunters must contact the landowners, and they have from July 15 to September 15 to sign up.