6/18/2026

ONEIDA COUNTY - The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting death in the Town of Lake Tomahawk yesterday morning. According to a news release from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), at 10:30 a.m. yesterday, two Oneida County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at a home in the 5000 block of Lumen Lake Drive to arrest a man regarding a felony investigation. When officers arrived, the subject allegedly discharged a firearm, which drew returning fire from the deputies of which deputies that hit and killed the subject.  both officers have been placed on administrative assignment.  DCI is leading the investigation.

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.